Mikeitz - Waiting for Justice

What is the idea behind all the injustices Yosef must endure, despite his great righteousness? What is the end result of Potifar's treachery to his faithful servant Yosef? Why is Yosef able to recognize his brothers, but they do not recognize him? What is the end result of Yosef's commitment to absolute truth in the face of years of seeming injustice?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 24:03

Vayeshev - Chanukah and Yosef

Why does the Torah repeat the theme of a beautiful person experiencing a challenge as a result of their beauty - be it Sarah, Rivkah, Dina or Yosef? What is the difference between all other cultures in the way that they show their prominence as opposed to the Jewish culture? How does the story of Yosef parallel this idea? What is the idea behind the candles of Chanukah?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 22:42

Vayishlach - Following Examples

Why did Ovadya separate the 100 prophets he was saving into two groups? Why is it important that he followed the example of Yakov in our parsha? Why do we find this theme in a number of places in the Gemara? Why do we find this also in regards to the behavior of the Amoraim and tana'im, where they followed the example set by the Rabbis of previous generations?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 21:23

Vayetzei - Twelve Stones

Why did Yakov take twelve stones and see if they would combine into one? If it was indicative of the fact he would have twelve children, why didn't he take one stone and see if it would separate into twelve? What is the difference between the twelve princes of Yishmael as opposed to the twelve tribes of Israel? What is the concept of the thirteenth aspect and the leap month added to the lunar calendar year? Why did Yakov specifically do this test with a stone?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 24:37

Toldos - Turning Bad into Good

Why was Esav held accountable for his evil behavior if it seems to have stemmed from his nature? What is the idea of turning bad middos (character traits) into good ones? What is the challenge of living among people who are good? How does one overcome this? How does one direct all of his character traits in the proper direction - toward the service of Hashem?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 23:46

Chayei Sarah - Getting Used To It

Why was Avraham able to sacrifice his son, but Sarah died upon hearing about it? What is the idea of slowly getting used to difficult situations? How can we maintain our inspiration and not get used to it when it comes to lowering our guard in spiritual matters?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 26:06

Vayera - Big Challenges, Small Challenges

What was the approach of the Satan in trying to stop Avraham and Yitzchak from their willingness to sacrifice at Hashem's command? If the Satan saw that Yitzchak was willing to give his life, why did he bother him with a little thing like jealousy of Yishmael? Why do the Kohanim need special encouragement in regards to the Olah sacrifice if generally they are 'zerizim'-quick in their service of Hashem? How can one use the small challenges in a positive way? What tool can one use to face off with the 'little challenges?'

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 24:13

Lech Lecha - Bitachon-Trust in Hashem

What is the purpose of the blessings that Hashem promises Avraham - are they just to replace what he loses by following Hashem's command to travel? If Hashem did not specify where Avraham was to go to, how did he know to set out toward the Land of Canaan? What do we learn from Avraham leaving the land of Nimrod and his later encounter with him again? Why was Avraham adamant not to allow the king of Sodom to say that he made Avraham rich? What is the spiritual principle at work when we run after results and the results 'run away from us?'

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 22:52

Noach - Inner Purity

What is the idea behind Noach 'profaning' himself by planting a vineyard? How did Noach fall from being a 'Righteous Man' to being a 'Man of the Earth?' What is the secret of the 'wine protected within its grapes from the six days of creation?' What is the idea of the spiritual reward that 'no eye has seen except for' Hashem? What is the correct approach in facing a challenge in this world, and making use of this world properly in our service of Hashem?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 28:04

Breishis - Start Right

What is the idea that the first verse of the Torah contains the entire Torah, and that the first word and the first letter do the same? Why does the Torah start with the letter 'Beis' and not 'Alef?' What is hinted to in the seven words of the first verse? What is hinted to in the twenty eight letters of the verse? How do we begin the year right?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 21:52

Haazinu-YK-Succos - Love and Judgment

What is the idea of Hashem's judgment and 'charity?' Why does Hashem mention the improper eulogy of Shaul, implying his unrecognized righteousness, alongside mention of his sin with the Givonim? Why are the Keruvim embracing at the destruction of the Temple, indicating Hashem's love for us, if it is the moment of retribution for our sins? Why does the joyous holiday of Succos immediately follow the time of judgment of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 19:06

Moshiach, Return to Adam Harishon, and Rosh Hashana 5780

What is the meaning of the verse that Hashem will remove the walls around our hearts in the times of Moshiach? What does this have to do with Rosh Hashana? How does this connect to Shavuos and the receiving of the Torah? What happened when Hashem placed the mountain over heads? What is the central theme of Rosh Hashana? How are we to relate to crowning Hashem our King? How can we trust that we will be blessed with a sweet new year? What are we to expect for the year 5780?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 26:42

Ki Savo - Thank You Hashem

Why did Moshe Rabbeinu institute the three tefilos (prayers) to replace Bikkurim after the Temple's future destruction? How does prayer serve in place of the Bikkurim, whose main concept is gratitude? Why are we faced with the danger of forgetting Hashem's kindness in the same moment he does that kindness for us? How does gratitude mitigate this problem?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 25:42

Ki Seitze - Great Goals

Why is the situation of the ben sorer umoreh so problematic? Why is he 'judged now for his ultimate end?' What is the concept of Teshuva-return? What is the difference between making change and having a vision? What does it mean to 'return to Hashem' - 'return to His throne?'

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 25:29

Shoftim - Trusting our Sages

What is the idea behind trusting our sages? Why must we not veer from their words neither 'right nor left?' How does trusting them strengthen our trust in Hashem? How can one develop and strengthen their faith both in the sages and lehavdil in Hashem?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 22:49

Reeh - Alacrity and Laziness

What is the idea of blessings and curses that are placed before us? Why does King Solomon speak so much about laziness and alacrity? How does this idea apply to one's physical life, spiritual life and Torah life? How does one 'choose life' in the area of one's character traits? How does one merit a place in the world to come?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 20:16

Ekev - What Does Hashem Ask?

What is the concept of Yiras Shamayim-Fear of Heaven? Why is it the key to all other spiritual attainments? Why does the passuk separate fear of Heaven from the other concepts - Emulating Hashem, serving Him, Loving Him and fulfilling His commandments?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Vaeschanan - Love and Value Spirituality

What is behind the commandment to love Hashem? How does love affect our bechira-free will? How do we develop a love for Hashem and spirituality? What is it that we are supposed to be waiting for with the advent of Moshiach? What does it signify if we properly yearn for those times? What is the idea behind tzitzis and tefillin?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 27:12

Devarim-Tisha B'av - How Did We Get Here?

What is the idea of the word "Eicha-How?" Why does Moshe use this word in speaking of the difficulty in his attempt to carry the nation's problems singlehandedly? What is the idea of "Eicha" in regards to the destruction of Jerusalem and our mourning over it? How does the question become the beginning of the answer? What is the idea behind the statement of our sages that 'whoever mourns over Jerusalem merits to see its rejoicing?'

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 30:26

Matos-Masei - Remember Where We've Been

Why does the Torah detail all of the locations the Jewish people travelled in their sojourn in the wilderness? Why do we need to rehash and review the past? Why is it a good idea to remind ourselves of our mistakes? What was unique about the Jewish people's experience in the wilderness, far from habitation? What is the idea of showing gratitude to the very places that received the Jewish people?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 26:45

Seasons of Redemption

This is a very special new song which contains a mashal about galus and geulah. It moves and inspires me, and I hope it will move and inspire you too!

Get the album on Mostly Music: https://bit.ly/2StBMiD Get it on iTunes: https://apple.co/2Ye5iyY Get Album + bonus tracks here: http://igg.me/at/arigoldwag

Lyrics: Once upon a summer's dream When flowers bloomed on mountain green We took a turn toward destiny As we stood as one together Destination holy land We held perfection close at hand A noble kingdom made a stand That we thought would last forever But summer somehow turned to fall As our sad transgressions came to call Left with just one standing wall We'd no longer take for granted Alive despite diminished glow As winds of exile took their toll The flowers tried their best to grow From the seeds that had been planted Winter came with stormy skies The world grew dark before our eyes Seeking out our cruel demise The petals lay torn and scattered Faith remained and brought us through Survival of a precious few Through it all remaining true To the dream that really mattered Now spring is here, long overdue We lived to see the world renewed For each that perished, many grew Forever undeterred The birds now sing a happy tune As grass grows green and flowers bloom Keep the faith and someday soon Summer will return

Pinchas - Gratitude - 12 Year Anniversary!

12 Year Podcast Anniversary! What is the connection between the plague that killed 24,000 Jews and the counting that was immediately commanded? What was the reason behind the death of so many people? What is the depth of the idea that Hashem 'counts those that are left' after the plague? Why doesn't He ask us to count those that died? What is the power of gratitude? How can we focus on what we have, in stead of what we are missing?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 21:53

Balak - Path to Greatness

What is behind Bilaam's desire to curse the Jewish people? How were chazal able to see that he was evil if he keeps saying that he can't say anything besides for what Hashem's puts in his mouth? Why does Hashem seem to give him permission to go and yet keep stopping him? What is the proper way of doing Hishtadlus-efforts for our needs and livelihood? How do we bring Hashem into our lives and truly seek the path of greatness? Why do the 'ends' not justify the 'means?'

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 23:36

Chukas - Simple Observance

In regards to the Torah's account of Moshe bringing forth water from the rock, why does it first say that 'water will come forth' but actually 'a lot of water' came forth? What is the unique attribute of food that has a spiritual aspect? What was the unique challenge that Moshe faced with the striking of the rock? Why did he feel it necessary to bring forth water from a different rock than the one commanded by Hashem? What is the idea behind the statement of our sages that 'all the rocks poured forth water' when Moshe struck this rock?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 24:39

Korach - Expanding Truth

Why did the sons of Korach describe themselves as 'liars' as opposed to heretics or wicked? What happens to a person who is mired in the sin of lying? How can one overcome one's natural inclination when the intellect does not seem to have the power or sway of the emotions? How does one incorporate the values of Truth and Torah into oneself so that they continuously expand within him?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 25:14

Shlach - Striving Higher

Why did the Torah place the section speaking of the inaugural sacrifices next to the section about lighting the menorah in the Tabernacle? Why is it followed by the priestly blessings? Why was Aharon concerned about his exclusion from the inaugural sacrifices? What was Hashem's reassurance with the command to light the menorah and the priestly blessings? What was the difference between Aharon's inauguration of these commandments and the inauguration of the sacrifices?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 24:39

Behaaloscha - Start Anew!

Why did the Torah place the section speaking of the inaugural sacrifices next to the section about lighting the menorah in the Tabernacle? Why is it followed by the priestly blessings? Why was Aharon concerned about his exclusion from the inaugural sacrifices? What was Hashem's reassurance with the command to light the menorah and the priestly blessings? What was the difference between Aharon's inauguration of these commandments and the inauguration of the sacrifices?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Nasso - Hashem Loves All

Why were the sons of Merari not given the honor of having their 'heads raised up?' Why does the medrash go out of its way to point out the honor of the families of Kehas and Gershon? Why did the family of Merari have significantly more family members between ages 30 and 50? What was their unique job in the transporting of the Mishkan? Why were the Levite families counted separately and then all counted together? What is the significance of the service of the Levites in the Mishkan, which was the song which accompanied the sacrifices? What is the true song as embodied by the Levites?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 22:41

Bamidbar-Shavuos - Torah and Song

What was unique about the family of Kehas, a subdivision of the tribe of Levi? How were they able to remain humble despite their lofty status? What is the idea behind the fact that they all faced the Aron as they carried it? Why did the cows do the same thing, and why did they sing? Why were they given a 'yashar koach?' What does this teach us about the unique approach we take to Torah?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 22:42

Bechukosai - Final Generation's Challenge

What is the idea of going with Hashem with permanence? What is the idea of going with Hashem with 'keri' - impermanence? How is it possible for someone to pray to Hashem for success, and yet still believe in the 'idol' of their own efforts? What is the challenge of the final generation before the coming of Moshiach? How does one maintain faithfullness to Hashem in the face of success that seems 'natural?' What is the connection between Yosef and Tzion (Jerusalem)?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 29:35

Behar - Foundation of Bitachon

What is the foundational idea behind the command of Shemitah? Why is this mitzvah singled out for being mentioned that it was given at Har Sinai? When will a person wonder 'what will we eat in the seventh year?' Why did Yosef have to stay in jail for two extra years when he asked Pharaoh's cupbearer to remember him? Why was it so important for Yosef to completely depend on Hashem and no one else?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 19:13

Emor - Gratitude for our Lot

What was the reason for the curse of the man who was a son of an Israelite woman and an Egyptian man? How can we come to terms with the life that Hashem has given us when it does not meet our expectations? What is the lesson from the brothers of Yosef in regards to the many questions they had and the great reveal that occurred when Yosef said who he was? What tools can we use to not only come to terms with, but to have great joy with our lot in life?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 25:53

Acharei Mos - Levels of Life

What is the idea of 'v'chai bahem' - you shall live in them? What is the unique situation when one can violate a commandment of the Torah? What is the reward for someone who serves Hashem without the right intentions? Why does someone who serves Hashem out of fear receive his reward only in the world to come? Why does someone who serves Hashem out of love receive reward in this world, as well? What is the highest level of serving Hashem?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast?

Running time: 21:47

Pesach - Night of Redemption

What is the idea behind the night of Pesach being a night of protection for all generations? Why do we begin the seder speaking of Hashem redeeming 'our forefathers and us' and then switch to Hashem's redemption of 'ourselves and our forefathers?' How do we actually get redeemed on this night? What is the idea of spiritual freedom? How does the past redemption reflect into the future redemption? How do the plagues of Egypt reflect to the future plagues that accompany the future redemption? How does a 'redemption mindset' bring redemption?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 24:04

Metzora - Enduring Embarrasment

What is the concept of Lashon Hara (gossip)? What can be done to avoid it? What is one of the main triggers of Lashon hara? How can one endure embarrassment? How does the challenge serve to cleanse a person of sin? Why does Hashem overlook our sins if we overlook the sins of others?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 21:30

Tazria - Lashon Hara and Bitachon

What is the idea of Bitachon-trust? How can it help a person to avoid gossip? What happens when a person goes back to Hashem when he has an issue with someone instead of confronting the person himself? How does one 'taste' the goodness of Hashem?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 24:31

Shemini - Purity and Impurity

What is the concept of purity and impurity? Does it apply to non-Jews or only to Jews? How is it connected to Adam and Eve's sin? Why were they not embarrassed before the sin? Why did that change after the sin? What is the dissonance we experience between our spiritual and physical desires? What is the concept of the Mikvah? Why must the waters come from completely natural sources like rain water or spring water? What is the idea that Hashem is the 'mikvah' of the people of Israel?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Tzav - Infuse Physical with Spiritual

What is the concept of the korban Olah? What is signified by the fact it is completely burnt, as opposed to the Shelamim, part of which is eaten? Why does a non-Jew only bring an Olah sacrifice? How can one infuse the physical realm with spirituality? What are the two modes of service of Hashem?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Vayikra - Sacrificing Ego

What is the idea behind the statement that studying the korbanos (sacrifices) is as if we've done them? What is the deeper understanding of the korbanos? What are we coming to rectify by bringing an animal? How do the different parts of the sacrifice correspond to the different aspects of the sin? Why does the korban give 'enjoyment' to Hashem?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 27:30

Pekudei - Ayin Tova and Ayin Hara

Why does the Torah enumerate the vessels of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) so many times? Don't we find our sages say that counting creates a negative spiritual force? Why did Bilaam only give three of the seven blessings he was supposed to? Why was Moshe able to give the other seven? What is the idea of Ayin Hara (Evil Eye)? What is the power and concept of Ayin Tova (Good Eye)? How can one overcome jealousy of others and have an Ayin Tova?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 27:39

Vayakhel - Giving and Taking

How is the concept of giving and taking in the Torah's eyes different from our normal understanding? What is the understanding of the spiritual principle that when we give we actually receive? How does this apply to running toward or away from honor? How does one overcome the issue that when one knows they are running away from honor it follows them - so in essence they are not running away? How does one get to the most inner level of ahava and yiras Hashem?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 25:36

Ki Sisa - Calculated Commitment

What was the state of Adam before the sin? What is the nature of the human being as a result of his sin? How did the Jewish people reach back to Adam's previous state at Mount Sinai? How was the Satan able to cause them to sin if they were on such a high level? What did they do to repent and gain back that level? How can we use this in our own lives?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 31:44

Tetzaveh - From Mind to Heart

Why did the Jewish people need the Divine Presence in order to remember that Hashem took them out of Egypt if they had just experienced it? How does one move the experiences that make an impression intellectually into one that is also felt emotionally? Why did Elijah pray that the Jewish people be affected positively by the miracles they were about to witness? How does the belief in one's teacher help bridge the gap from mind to heart?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 22:53

Terumah - Serving Hashem with Awe and Love

What is the idea behind the two types of donations to the Mishkan-Tabernacle - one being an obligatory amount, the other being open-ended? What is the difference between someone who serves Hashem because they are commanded, versus someone who serves Hashem despite not being commanded? How does this relate to the concepts of serving Hashem out of Love and Awe? Why was the half shekel silver used as part of the foundation of the Tabernacle, as opposed to the open-ended donations being used for the rest?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 27:08

Mishpatim - Can We Understand Mitzvos?

What is the difference between Mishpatim-Laws and Chukim-Statutes? What is the idea of doing a mitzvah because Hashem commanded it, not just because we understand it? What is greater - a righteous person who does what's right because it's natural to him or someone who desires sin, but resolutely turns away from it despite the desire? How does one find the balance between fulfilling the mitzvos because it makes sense to us and fulfilling them because of Hashem's command? How does one strike a balance between emotions and intellect?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 26:41

Yisro - Results Belong to Hashem

What is the essence of the concept of Shabbos? Why is Shabbos so intertwined with the Mon (Manna)? Why is the rest of Shabbos related to the work of the six days of the week? Why is rest a positive creation of Hashem?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 28:06

Beshalach - Glorifying Hashem

What is the concept of the verse, 'this is my God and I will glorify Him? What was special about the revelation of Hashem at the sea? Why does that revelation result in the necessity to 'glorify Him?' What is the idea behind 'beautifying the mitzvos' as an expression of Glorifying Hashem? What is the idea behind 'imitating Hashem's ways' in this vein?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Runing time: 28:09