Behar - Sharing the Wealth

What is the Torah's approach to charity and 'spreading the wealth?' Why does the midrash place the idea of spiritual wealth beside the concept of material wealth? What are the mechanics of the spiritual principle behind the fact that when I share what I have - both in wisdom and in material matters - I get more myself? How does one deal with the automatic feelings of constriction when approached by a poor person? What does it mean that 'the words of the poor of the land of Israel are spiritual teachings?'

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 25:00

Emor - When the Righteous Err

What is the connection between those who seek the advice of soothsayers and the Kohanim of our parsha? Why was King Saul referred to as a righteous individual despite his many mistakes? Why did Hashem seem to go along with Saul's desire to speak to Samuel (who had already died) if he did it in a way which was against the Torah? Why did King Saul go out to battle with his sons by his side if he knew it was to be his final battle, and both he and his sons would die?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 29:56

Kedoshim - Tzion, Yosef and Kedusha

What is the concept of Kedusha-holiness? Are we to separate ourselves completely from this world? Why does the verse seem to say that we are to be holy because Hashem is holy? Why is the concept of kedusha connected to Tzion, which is Jerusalem and the Temple? Why do the blessings of redemption come from Tzion and Kedusha? How does all of this connect to Yosef and the power he received from Pharaoh?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 26:46

Acharei Mos - Biding the Time

Why is the concept of the Avodah-service of the High Priest on Yom Kippur sandwiched between the death of Nadav and Avihu and the forbidden relationships? What does the midrash mean when it says Nadav and Avihu wanted the 'old guys' to move on so they could take over? What is the concept of 'sustaining the eyes' by viewing a spiritual experience in the wrong time? Why does the midrash use a similar language in talking about what is lost by looking at things forbidden? Why is it that the result of not 'sustaining the eyes' inappropriately is that one receives a revelation of the Divine presence?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.
Running time: 20:43