Behar-Bechukosai - Activating Hashem's Kindness

What is the concept of the poor person that is 'with you?' Who is the dal-poor individual that we are enjoined by Dovid Hamelech to 'be wise' with? Why is the result of that wisdom that Hashem protects us? What is the 'city' with 'few inhabitants' that is besieged by a 'great king' and saved by a 'weak, wise man?' What is the power of making our Yetzer Tov (good inclination) to be the 'king' over our Yetzer Hara (evil inclination)? How do all of these reflect the concept of activating Hashem's kindness?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 29:47

Bitachon 258 - Ups and Downs of Bitachon

We explore together the pesukim in Divrei Hayamim II perek 16 pesukim 7-9 which describe the weakness of Bitachon experienced by King Asa, who had previously been successful with his Bitachon, and now would suffer the negative consequences of his lack of faith.

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Running time: 22:19

Emor - Speaking With the Dead

What is the connection between the idea of the prohibition of speaking with the dead and the holiness of the Kohanim-priests? Why did Shaul Hamelech (King Saul) not receive a response from the prophets and the Urim VeTumim? What was the implication of his having disguised himself in regular clothes when he approached the woman and asked her to transgress by bringing up Shmuel Hanavi (Samuel the prophet)? Why was he ultimately killed in the battle with the Plishtim alongside his sons? What are the lessons we can take from this tragic story?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 30:04

Bitachon 257 - Victory in Battle

We study together three different pesukim in Divrei Hayamim (Chronicles) which speak of the victory in battle of those who completely place their trust in Hashem, to the point that even when the odds were stacked against them, their Bitachon stood them in good stead.

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Running time: 20:02

Acharei-Kedoshim - Making the Right Investment

Why does the Torah enjoin us to only bring sacrifices in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and not on public altars? What is meant by the altar being 'in front of the sanctuary of Hashem?' What is the use of the things in creation that seem to be useless? Why is the king a servant to those who work the earth? Why is property a better investment than merchandise? What is the best investment in spiritual terms when it comes to learning Torah? How does all this explain the reason why we are to only bring our sacrifices in the Mishkan?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 29:41

Bitachon 256 - There is Hope

We study together the passuk in Iyov perek 11 passuk 18, which speaks of the hope that is possible with bitachon, and the concept of 'digging' and 'sleeping soundly,' which have a few different interpretations.

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Running time: 20:17

Tazria-Metzora - Source of Growth

What is the concept of the rain that is split into separate streams as opposed to a single force which could cause a flood? How does this parallel the concept that each hair has it's own follicle and source of power? Why did the Kohen (priest) want to leave Israel, and how did his wife convince him otherwise, based on his own teaching? Why does a hair turn white when a person has the spiritual disease of Tzara'as (leprosy)? How does this parallel the spiritual disease of egotism and lashon hara (gossip) that precedes the advent of tzara'as?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 29:45

Bitachon 255 - Escaping the Fear Trap

We continue to explore together the passuk in Mishlei perek 29 passuk 25, which speaks of the idea that the fear we have can create a trap and bring the thing we fear, whereas trusting in Hashem brings release.

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Running time: 18:49

Shmini - Going for the Right Goal

What happens to a person whose goal in life is to drink wine? How can we use the nature of goal focus in a positive way? What is the lesson of the drunk who was left in a cemetery and still found wine there - in a miraculous way? What is the function of will and the miracles it creates, and how do we direct it toward Hashem and spiritual goals? How did wine create a rift between Adam and Chava, Noach and his son, and between Aharon and his sons Nadav and Avihu?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 29:21

Bitachon 254 - Fear is The Problem

We explore together the passuk in Mishlei perek 29 passuk 25, which speaks of the idea that the fear we have can create a trap and bring the thing we fear, whereas trusting in Hashem brings release.

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Running time: 19:49