What is the idea of Hashem counting the Jewish people? What is behind the analogy of the Jewish people being compared to wheat/seeds? Why does a farmer count his seeds before planting, and then count again after he sees the full yield? What is the argument between the wheat, the chaff and straw all about? How does this parallel the conversation between the Jewish nation and the nations of the world?
Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.
Running time: 26:46
We talk about two different stories where one can see in hindsight that the Bitachon 'worked,' or that the challenge was really a good thing. We also continue in the Beis Halevi who talks about what drives a person to use illegal means or means that are antithetical to the Torah's teaching, and how it is rooted in a lack of Bitachon.
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Running time: 20:00
How does the pure olive oil of the Mishkan-Tabernacle correspond to the essence of the Jewish people? What is unique about the process of creating the olive oil, as opposed to other fruits, and how does it relate to the process the Jewish people go through in exile? What is unique about the properties of oil as opposed to other liquids, and how does that relate to the uniqueness of the Jewish people? What is the power of the Mishkan and Beis Hamikdash that purifies a person and allows one's light to shine out? Why do the nations of the world all acknowledge the beauty and light of Jerusalem and the Beis Hamikdash, and follow that very light which shines from the Jewish people?
Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.
Running time: 21:03
The Beis Halevi says an unbelievable idea, which is that the seeming cause of our success is not at all the cause - the success was decreed by Hashem, and that was what brought us the opportunity which seems to have brought the success. Ultimately, it's not us, it's only Hashem.
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running time: 15:51
What is the concept behind 'taking' in relationship to the giving of contributions to the Mishkan-tabernacle? What are the amazing properties of the Torah, which is likened to a 'purchase' which is greater than silver and gold? What is the incredible value of the Torah, as indicated by the light of Moshe's face? What is the idea behind the statement of the Midrash that when we acquire the Torah, Hashem Himself, as it were, comes along with it?
Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.
Running time: 20:44
The Beis Halevi explains the idea behind the concept of hishtadlus-efforts - why we have the necessity at all, and what the proper approach is when we are doing hishtadlus. Ultimately, the results are not related to our efforts, and the truth is that one can be in a state that does not require efforts at all, where his needs are provided for miraculously.
What is the idea of 'giving the strength to Hashem?' What is the contrast between Nevuchadnetzar, king of Babylonia, versus King David, and their approach to honor and power? Why does Hashem give the power of true Justice to the Jewish people, as represented by the mishpatim-laws of our parsha? Why does Hashem ask the Jewish people to wait until the End of Time in order to see the Justice that will be meted out on the world of Edom and those who miscarried Justice on the Jewish people? Why is it that only King David can lead the Birkas Hamozon (Grace after Meals) in the great meal for the righteous in the End of Time? What is the concept of the Cup of Retribution which is used in this Midrash and in the Pesach Seder?
Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.
Running time: 27:01
We continue in the Beis Halevi who tells us about the negative impact of trusting in human beings and the great reward - in this world and the next - when we put our trust and faith in Hashem.
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What is the fundamental difference between Yisro and Esav? Why are we instructed to attach to Hashem, our 'Friend,' and to veer away from our 'brother?' What is at the root of the many contrasts between the friendship of Yisro and the hatred of Esav toward the Jewish people? Why is Esav's gift for Moshiach rejected in the end of time? How can we join in the joy of others and steer away from antagonism?
Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.
We explore the idea of the Beis Halevi that we need to look beyond the immediate challenge or the human being who seems to be causing us difficulty, and instead look to the real Source - Hashem, and know that everything is from Him. Secondly, just as the Mon (manna) was given to us and no matter how much efforts we put in or how much we collected, we always ended up with the same amount, so it is with hishtadlus-efforts - we receive only what was decreed upon us by Hashem.
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