Vzos Habracha-Succos - Receiving Blessings

What is the concept of blessings? Why do the major blessings of the Torah, first given by the Patriarchs, and then by Moshe, have a certain level of continuity? How are the blessings connected to the praises embodied in the Psalms of David? What is the concept of the Succah and how does it relate to the mitzvah of the four species?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 23:06

Ha'azinu - Defying Nature

What does the verse mean when it says that nothing can be added to Hashem's creation? Why does Hashem sometimes change the order of creation? Why is it sometimes done for a righteous individual? Why does one midrash seem to indicate that it is done in order to impart a sense of awe, while another seems to indicate that it is done out of love? Why does Moshe ask the heavens to stop singing their song in order that he have a chance to sing his own song - the song of Haazinu?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 22:06

Vayelech-Yom Kippur - Lengthening Lifespans

Is it possible to live longer than was decreed for a person at birth? How does one merit to live long, and how does one lose that merit? Why was the Angel of Death upset when he spoke to R' Shimon ben Chalafta? How does one change the decree of Rosh Hashana and make it into a good one? What is the judgment about during this time?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 20:14