Vayigash - To Make or Not to Make Commitments

What is the danger of making commitments? Why does the Midrash seem to encourage us to steer clear of commitments? What is the idea behind the opposite suggestions, which involve 'peace between man and his fellow?' What was the result of Yehuda's commitment - was it positive or negative? What is the lesson that we can learn in regards to the importance and danger of commitments? How does this relate to the concept of being motivated by less powerful motivations?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 23:48

Bitachon 37 - Strengthening our Resolve

The Alter of Novardok discusses the excuses of the Yetzer Hara in our service of Hashem - in our work on Bitachon and on our middos - in the guise of a secular excuse and the excuse of the 'Talmid Chacham.' The only tool we can employ in response is the strengthening of our resolve.

 

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Running time: 31:47 

Mikeitz-Chanukah - Listening to the Little Light

What is the idea behind the keitz-end? Can the power of evil continue forever? What is the darkness that comes to an end for the Jewish people, nationally, and for Yosef personally? What is the idea behind the verse that encourages us to 'increase sadness' and 'decrease our speech?' What is the great joy in taking on challenges and limiting the 'easy' things in our lives? How does this relate to the subtle light of Chanukah, and the Menorah which represents the Torah?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 25:29

Bitachon 36 - Focusing on Bitachon

The Alter of Novardok brings two different stories which illustrate the mistake of focusing too much efforts on hishtadlus-efforts and how that could take away from a person's spiritual striving both in this world and the next.

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Running time: 20:49

Vayeshev - Chasing Away the Enemy

What was the special power of the ingathering of Yaakov and his sons - both into the Land of Israel, as well as in their unique prayer for protection? What was the reason that Esav and his mighty sons left Israel to settle elsewhere? What is the idea underlying the deal of getting 100 lashes in exchange for 100 golden coins? Why does Esav run away from the challenges? Why does Yaakov embrace those challenges? What is the unique power that we have, as children of Yaakov, to chase away our enemies?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 25:32

Vayishlach - Never Fear

What is the idea behind Hashem's statement to Yaakov that Esav was going on his way until you sent him messengers? What was the fundamental mistake that Yaakov made, which caused his children to eventually be sent into exile? When can a person be confident and have no fear of negative situations? When does Hashem 'get up and show Himself' in order to save? What actions can we take to preclude the necessity of this type of drastic measure?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 22:41

Bitachon 35 - Seeing Deeper

The Alter of Novardok gives us a perspective as to the amount of spiritual input that goes into everything that we see - although we could superficially believe that the 'baker' in front of us made the 'read,' so much more - spiritually - went into it. This is an essential contemplation in order to steer clear of the mistake of believing that we have accomplished anything by ourselves. We must always be aware of the Source - Hashem.

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Running time: 21:32

Bitachon 34 - Putting Your Efforts into Bitachon

In this episode we continue in the Alter of Novardok's discussion of Bitachon, and the power of investing all of one's efforts into Bitachon, in order to avoid the pitfall of starting to believe that we are doing everything ourselves and the accomplishments belong to us instead of the Real One to Whom the credit goes.

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Running time: 19:55

Vayetzei - Spiritual Confidence

Why was Yaakov Avinu confident as he left his parents house to head to Charan to find his wife? Why, on the other hand, was he worried in looking back at the way his father had found his wife? Why did Yaakov leave his home without any wealth to display to his prospective match? What is the power of the Bitachon-trust of Yaakov, and how did it derive from his lack of possessions? How does this promise apply to Yaakov's children, all the way down to our generation?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 20:25

Bitachon 33 - Guidelines to Bitachon

The Alter of Novardok gives clarity as to what is considered Bitachon - specifically, in a situation where it seems likely that a certain individual will provide my needs, it is important to remain aware that Hashem has many ways to send those needs and this person may or may not be His agent for that.

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Running time: 20:28