Vayakhel-Pekudei - Spiritual Source

Why does the Torah tell us of Betzalel's family origins? What is the significance of the 'intellect, wisdom and knowledge' with which he was endowed? Why was it important that the mishkan (santuary) be built with these aspects? How does it parallel the creation of the world? Why does the Torah stress that Hashem was the source of these powers of Betzalel? How does the mishkan serve to atone for the sin of the Golden Calf? What was the difference between the way the Jews brought their gold for the calf, as opposed to how they brought their gold for the mishkan?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Runing time: 25:01

Ki Sisa - Spiritual Contrasts

What is the meaning of the verse that says that "to You, Hashem, is charity, while we have embarrassment? How does this verse apply in the context of charity? How does charity transform curses into blessings? How does the verse apply to the contrast between how we behave in defiance of God, versus how He treats us?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 20:55

Tetzaveh - Lighting and Oil

What is the concept of Olive Oil? Why does the Torah specifically ask us to use it for the lighting of the Menorah in the sanctuary? Why are the Jewish people compared to an olive? How does this reflect the special nature of the Jewish people as a 'light to the nations?' How does the study of Torah serve to shine that light?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 24:37

Terumah - Excitement vs Joy

What is the difference between the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and the Mikdash (Temple)? Why does one constantly move, while one is only in a single location? What is the difference between the joy of the month of Adar and Purim as opposed to the month of Nissan and Pesach (Passover)? What is the depth behind the two ways people gave to the Mishkan - some from heirlooms passed for generations for this purpose, others from wealth they had just obtained? What is the difference between Moshiach ben Yosef and Moshiach ben Dovid?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 24:20

Mishpatim - Giving out Giving in

What is the idea behind the prohibition of lending with interest? What is the end of result of the rich man who makes his money by lending with interest? Why are we exhorted not to lend with interest, and told that if we do so, the money will end up in the hands of our enemies? Why does one's field produce a greater crop when they give a tithe to charity?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 21:44

Yisro - Lion's Roar

What is the idea behind Hashem being compared to a Lion Roaring as He reveals Himself on Mount Sinai? When is Hashem referred to as the 'King of the Nations?' What is the idea behind the mountain shaking and then the boundaries of the Torah? What is the concept of fear of Hashem? Why are the Jewish people, the Temple and Hashem all referred to as a Lion? What is the concept of rejoicing in trembling? Why was the entire world silent when Hashem said the words, 'I am Hashem your God?' How does this relate to the times of Moshiach?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 28:59

Beshalach - Beloved Dove

Why is the Jewish people sometimes compared to a dove, and other times compared to other animals (Lion, wolf, snake)? Why does the Torah choose the singular form when speaking of the Egyptians chasing after the Jewish people? In what way is the challenge presented by the enemies of Israel greater for them than 100 fasts and prayers? Why does Hashem create a challenging situation after we have already been redeemed?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast. (audio)

Running time: 24:03

Bo - This Month is Yours

What is the analogy of the month in regards to the kings of Israel? What is the significance of King Solomon (Shlomo) being the 15th generation of kings from Avraham Avinu? Why is his throne so similar to the throne of Hashem Himself, as it were? What is the concept of Shalom as it comes into play in this context? What is the depth behind the special mitzvah of sanctifying the moon?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 22:34

Vaera - Recognizing the Source

Why was the Nile and all the water of Egypt struck first with the plague of Blood? Why did Hashem warn them first before the plague? What is the mistaken understanding of reality that is intrinsic to all idol worship? How did the plagues come to rectify that? Why did Moshe need to show gratitude toward the Nile if it was Hashem Himself who had caused the Nile to be calm when he was an infant floating in its waters? What is the idea behind the teaching that all of the waters would turn to blood for the Egyptians unless they paid to buy it from the Israelites?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast. (audio)

Running time: 24:40

Shemos - Redemption and the Mouth

Why does baby Moshe refuse to suckle from the milk of an Egyptian, and only agrees to his own mother's Hebrew milk? Why mustn't the 'mouth that speaks to God drink of impure milk?' What is the significance of Pharaoh and his daughter 'kissing' baby Moshe? Why does Moshe pull off Pharaoh's crown as he sits on his lap? Why does he then become 'heavy of tongue' as a result of putting a hot coal into his mouth? What is the significance of the mouth in all of these contexts? What is the concept of redemption and what does it come to prove?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast (audio).

Running time: 31:57