Toldos - Chamber of Exchanges

Why does Yaakov have to trick Esav to give him the spiritual firstborn rights? Why does he have to trick his father Yitzchak to get the blessings? Why didn't Hashem just cause Yaakov to be born first? Why was Yosef a younger brother when he, too, could have been born earlier and avoided the trouble? How could justify 'stealing' the blessings? What is the concept of the 'chamber of exchanges?'

Find out in this week's parsha podcast

Running time: 24:06

Bo - Conserving Spiritual Power

What is the aspect of the 'First Born' as represented by the people of Israel? How is it counteracted by Amalek, which is 'first of the nations?' How does one maintain continuity in the face of what seems to a setback in one's spiritual achievements? Why do we preface our prayers with a mention of the exodus and the destruction of the first borns?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running Time: 18:27

Bo - Keser and Malchus

Why were the first nine plagues performed by Moshe or Ahron, but the plague of the firstborn was done by Hashem Himself? Why did the Jews have to do something active to be excluded from the plague, as opposed to the previous plagues where this was not necessary? What is the significance of the blood being placed on the doorpost? Why did this plague occur precisely at midnight? What is deeper significance of the parallel of the midrash between the Pesach offering and the binding of Yitzchak?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 20:05