Tetzaveh-Purim - Power of Prayer

What is the concept behind the special clothes of the Kohanim? What is the Torah referring to when it says 'this is the thing that you shall do to sanctify the Kohanim unto me?' Why did Mordechai return to his fasting, praying and sackcloth even after he saw that the tide was turning and the Jews were soon to be saved? How can we atone for our sins without the sacrifices of the Temple? What is the true power of prayer?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 22:53

Lech Lecha - Fame and Fortune

Why does Hashem stress to Avraham that he will become a great nation and have great fame? Is fame something that is positive from a spiritual perspective? What is the greatness of Hashem's promise to Avraham that he will have a great nation descend from him - didn't Noach have 70 nations descend from him? Why is the event of Sarah and Avraham's youthfulness returning at an advanced age such a pivotal one? What does it mean that that event is depicted on a coin, which subsequently made Avraham and Sarah famous? What is the significance of the coins that were minted for Joshua, David and Mordechai, which made each of them famous as well?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 23:50

Chayei Sarah - Spiritual Roots

Why does Avraham reject the daughters of Aner, Eshkol and Mamrei, even though they are righteous? Why does he send Eliezer back to his own family, if they seem to be far from righteous? What is the concept of Baruch-blessed as opposed to Arur-cursed? Why are Haman and Amalek referred to as cursed if they come from the progeny of Yitzchak and Rivkah?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 18:16

Vayakhel-Pekudei - Prayers of a Lion

Why are Betzalel, from the tribe of Judah, and Oholiab, from Dan, specifically chosen for the building of the tabernacle? Why is the Tabernacle referred to as a lion? What is the concept of the lion? Why is the place of God's presence and our relationship with Him to be found in a place of Gevurah-strength? What is the prayer of the powerful righteous individual that is in the form of judgment? How does it pierce through the forces of evil? What is the understanding of the powerful and fiery relationship that is possible through prayer?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 24:01

Matos - humility and redemption

Why does Moshe forget a law? Why does he give Elazar Hakohen the chance to say the law? Why is it necessary for Elazar to quote Moshe by name? What is the concept of bringing redemption by quoting in someone's name? Why did Esther wait until the second party to cause Haman's downfall? Why was the point of redemption when Mordechai was honored? What is the connection between these two stories?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 22:15