Shmini - Accessing the Transcendent

What is the depth of the idea of the loss of the students of R' Akiva between Pesach and Shavuos? Why do Nadav and Avihu die during the great joy of the dedication of the Mishkan? What was the significance of the fact that they did not ask Moshe and Aharon for advice? What is the aspect of the eighth day? And the count to fifty? What is the secret aspect of humility that nullifies everything and allows one access to the realm of fifty, the realm of eight, the world of Beriyah, the world of the throne, a world beyond time, a world of love and perfection?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 22:14

Ki Savo - Rejoicing in darkness

Why does the Torah speak at length about the curses, and only cursively about the blessings? Why does this parsha start off with the obligation of bringing the first fruits, which is only an obligation in Israel, only for the seven special species, and only to be brought to the Temple to a Kohen? Why does Rabbi Akiva laugh at the sight of the Temple Mount plowed over? Where is the deepest revelation of Godliness to be found?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 22:56

Shemini - True leadership

What was the sin of Nadav and Avihu? What was their motivation to bring this fire into the holy of holies? Didn't they know this place was only for the Kohen Gadol on Yom Kippur? Why is their death the introduction for the order of the Yom Kippur service? Why was it such a grave sin that they didn't consult with one another before bringing this fire? What is the connection to R' Akiva's students and their deaths?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Shavuos and the light of Moshiach

What is Rebbe Akiva and his students' connection to this time between Pesach and Shavuos? Why did they die then, and why do we mourn it to this day? What are the three times in history that the light of Moshiach was revealed, and how does this connect to Shavuos? What is Rebbe Akiva's role in the Moshiach story? Find out in the special Shavuos Podcast.