Vayigash - For Hashem's Sake

Why does the verse refer to the fact that Yosef 'appeared' to his father when they finally met after 22 years of separation? What was unique about the focus of Yosef when he reunited with his father? What is the result when a person focuses on his own benefit when performing mitzvos? What is the proper focus? Where do we see the different levels of doing for Hashem's sake in the evolution of Yosef? Why was Pharaoh willing to give Yosef so much power?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Mikeitz - Faith Amid Brokenness

What is unique about the 'hope of Yakov?' Why did Yakov use the word 'shever' to mean food, when usually the word used is 'ochel?' What is the meaning of the word shever/sever? Why does the same word denote both brokenness and hope? What is meant by the midrash when it says that Yakov was aware of Yosef being in Egypt, whereas the brothers did have this awareness? What is the unique 'gift' that we 'give back' to Hashem in our lighting of the candles of Chanukah? What is the message of this lighting that millions of Jews have done for over 2000 years throughout the entire world?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

It's 12:45

 Rosh Chodesh Teves 5781 marks 12:45 on the Cosmic clock on Friday afternoon.

Vayeshev - Chanuka, Yosef and Completion

Why is Yakov afraid when he 'sees the mighty ones of Esav?' Why is he comforted by Yosef in this regard? Why is Yakov referred to as a 'blacksmith' while Yosef is referred to as a 'goldsmith?' What is the idea behind Yosef being the 'reason for all the other offspring of Yakov?' What is the the depth of the idea that the sea split because of Yosef - it 'ran away' just as Yosef 'ran away' from Potifar's wife? What is the significance of his 'running away?' What is the conncection between the essence of Yosef and the essence of Chanukah?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Moshiach comes with... Glowing Butterflies?

As serious as we can be about Moshiach coming... We can also lighten it up a little! I wanted to share with you my new video, in which I tried to bring out the idea of our bitachon-emunah-belief and trust in Hashem - as represented by the caterpillar. And the ecstatic song of redemption - the glowing butterfly. I hope you will enjoy it.

P.S. I do think that the Moshiach process moves along when we are joyous, and hearing a good song with a good video and message certainly can put us in the right mood...

Final Battle of Yakov and Esav

Why does the Torah emphasize the eight kings of Edom that reigned before there was a king in Israel? Why were there no kings in Israel before that point? What happened to the kings of Edom when kings reigned over Israel? Why was Haman (from Esav) demoted and replaced with Mordechai? What is the idea behind the analogy of the chaff, the straw and the wheat arguing about for whom the field was planted? Why do the nations of the world claim their greatness, and how will it turn out on the Final Day? What is the great battle between Esav and Yakov about, and how does it apply to our own personal struggles?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Vayetzei - Ascendent With Moshiach

Why are the Jewish people blessed to be like 'the dust of the earth?' What is the 'water' that causes the growth of the 'dust' of the Jewish people? How are we compared to dust-earth in our relationship with the Nations of the world? Why are we trampled and how do we ultimately triumph? What is the concept of the expansion 'west-east-north-south' that is the result of this? What is the idea of the Shabbos observer being blessed to receive an 'inheritance without borders?' What is the analogy of the story of 'Yosef Mokir Shabbos' who had great regard for the Sabbath?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 28:55

Moshiach Comes With Tears

Why were Yitzchak's eyes clouded over? What was the evil of Esav that he was not meant to see? Why were the angels crying at the binding of Yitzchak? Why did it take almost 80 years for those tears to have an effect and cloud his vision? What is the connection between the Akeida (binding) and Yaakov stealing the blesings? Why do the righteous people cry at the advent of Moshiach, as the ego-Evil Inclination is slaughtered? What do those tears have to do with the tears of the angels?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 25:53

Chayei Sarah - Seeds of Blessing

This week's Podcast is dedicated in the memory of Mazel Tova bas R' Meir Dan. What is the concept of 'planting early and late?' How does it apply to planting, literally? How does it apply to the Torah one learns, the charity one gives, the students one teaches and the children one conceives? What is the idea behind the multiplication that occurs on that which is secondary, as opposed to what seems to be primary? 

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 22:23

Hesech Hada'as before Moshiach

 Why do the angels who visit Avraham - and bring out the Chesed-kindness of their host - also arrive in Sodom and bring out the evil intent of the people there? What is the idea behind the last 25 years of the existence of Sodom and Hashem's attempts to bring them to Teshuva? What is the concept of Hesech Hada'as (pause in thought) and how does it relate to Moshiach, finding a lost item, and getting stung by a scorpion? What brought about the bravery of my Great Grandfather, R' Yosef Yitzchok Streisand, leading him to stop the fire in the Synagogue at the risk of great personal danger?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Lech Lecha - Victory Song

 What is the idea behind Malchizedek's blessing to Avraham Avinu? What did he mean when he said that Hashem was 'Migen' the oppressors of Avraham? How does this word relate to the concept of a wheel and the evil machinations of Avraham's enemies? How does this word relate to the concept of Mangina-song? Why does King David sing his song in the night? Why does Hashem destroy our enemies in the night time? Why was the building burning and how does this relate to Avraham's experience of the world which lead to Hashem revealing Himself to Avraham? From whom does Hashem 'acquire' the world?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 23:16

Noach - Spiritual Cycles

What is the idea behind the Medrash's statement that before the flood, 'they would plant but not harvest?' What is the depth behind the fact that previous to the flood there were no distinct seasons, that people could travel long distances in a moment, and that there was no fear of wild animals? Why did this all change after the flood? Why did the world become a world of cycles and challenges?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast. 

Running time: 19:09

Breishis - Intuiting our Purpose

Why did Hashem consult with the angels before creating the human being? What is the essence of man's advantage over an angel? Why did Hashem ask Adam to name the animals? What is the idea behind the name being related to its essence? Why did man refer to himself as Adam from the word Adama-earth? Why did Adam need to notice that all the other animals had a mate in order to ask for his own mate? What is behind the concept of Hashem wanting us to want?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 29:24

Vzos Habracha-Shmini Atzeres - Alone with Hashem

What is the idea behind Moshe being called a 'Man of God?' How can one be 'a man' - human - and also be Godly? Why is this a prerequisite in order for him to bless the Jewish people? Why does the Torah stress that he is blessing them before his death? What is the depth behind the idea of the Jewish people being an 'Am Levadad' - a lonely nation? How does this correspond to Hashem's oneness? What is the depth of the teaching that Hashem has a special festive meal alone with the Jewish people on the last day of Succos (ie Shmini Atzeres)? Why do the blessings come from this 'loneliness?'

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 24:05

Succos - Shade and Protection

Why do we sit in a Succah on Succos? What is the idea behind the Succah needing to provide shade? Why is the source for this in verse that speaks about Moshiach? What is the idea of the Succah that will be made in the future? Why is the Succah referred to as the 'tzila d'mehemnusa' - the shade of faith? What is the concept of the 'sun that is taken out of its sheath' and the accompanying judgment? How is one protected from this judgment? Why is the root of the word for shade (tzel) the same as the root of the word 'to save' (l'hatzil)?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

 

Yom Kippur-Haazinu - Creating a Legacy

Why does the song of Ha'azinu make reference to the Heavens and the Earth? Why is the idea behind this song and the covenant it represents? Why was the gate into the Beis Hamikdash (Holy Temple) called the Nikanor Gate? Who was Nikanor, and what miracles did he experience? Why did Hashem send a storm to ravage the ship that Nikanor was on as he brought the doors to that very gate to Israel for use in the Temple? How can we approach Yom Kippur with the correct focus and ideas?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Rosh Hashana - Holding on to the Throne

 What is the unique power of Teshuva? How does it help a person to reach Hashem's Throne of Glory? What was the importance of what the angels showed Moshe at each level as he rose through the seven heavens? Why is Teshuva-repentance associated with the seventh level and the throne? How was Moshe able to 'hold on' to the Throne despite its transcendent nature? What is the idea behind the three special blessings we say on Rosh Hashana - Malchiyos (Kingship), Zichronos (rememberances) and Shofaros? How does the Shofar's sound transport us in front of the Throne? How do we 'hold on' to the Throne?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 28:37

Nitsavim-Vayelech - Seeking Completion

 What is the idea behind the severity of the punishment of Yehuda for not completing the mitzvah and bringing Yosef all the way home? Why is a mitzvah considered as if it was done completely by the one who finished it, as opposed to the one who started it? Why are the bones of Yosef 'returned' to Shechem? What is the meaning of the place where the bones are buried? How does this relate to concept of completing a mitzvah?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 23:07

Ki Savo - Hearing the Call

 What is the idea of Moshe 'calling' to all of the people of Israel? Why does this phrase appear in our parsha, in speaking about the miracles of the 40 years in the wilderness, and also in the context of the revelation at Sinai? Why is the word 'kriah' - 'calling' also used in the context of reading from the Torah? Why do the 3 verses read correspond to Avraham, Yitzchak and Yakov; or Moshe, Aharon and Miriam? What is the idea that Hashem only calls to all of the people of Israel, and none can be missing? Why does a teacher need everyone to be there before the class begins? Why did Hashem call to Moshe from the top of the mountain, and why did Moshe emulate this calling, as well?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 23:51

Ki Seitze - Absolute Forgiveness

While praying for his sister Miriam to be healed, why did Moshe Rabeinu imply that if Hashem would not heal her, he would heal her himself? How was Moshe able to pray on her behalf when he was the very one who she had wronged? How did he make use of the fact that he had once had leprosy himself? What is the idea behind the fact that he yelled as he prayed for her? How can we merit that Hashem will pass over our sins and forgive us?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 24:26

Shoftim - Ending the Plague With Peace

Why are we asked to reach out for peace as we go out to war? What ways are we enjoined to seek peace in our personal lives? Why did our sages create a system of who gets honored by being called to the Torah - first Kohen, then Levi, then Yisrael? Why does the Sun never see the Moon's dark side? Why do the constellations face toward their back instead of forward? How was Moshe able to stop a great plague from destroying the Jewish people, thus restoring peace between Hashem and the Jewish people? How can this apply to the current situation we are enduring with the Corona virus?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 25:24

Re'eh - Times of Challenge and Expansion

 What is the idea behind the fact that originally eating meat was completely prohibited unless as part of a korban? Why did Hashem permit it when 'He will expand your borders?" Why would Yosef have been happy enough even if he would have been released without being made into a king? How does this parallel what has happened with the Jewish people? How does it parallel what will be in the future? What is the power of the challenge that, when passed, brings us to a greatly expanded reality?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 24:24

Ekev - Of Horns and Heels

 What is the idea behind the prohibition of assembling the pieces of a candelabra on Shabbos? What is the idea of the first Shabbos that was kept by the entire Jewish people? How does one 'enjoy' the Shabbos? Why do we receive spiritual rewards for physical enjoyment on Shabbos? What does the midrash mean when it says the rewards are 'in the end?' Why is that end also referred to as a 'horn?' Why does Yaakov - whose name is related to the word Ekev-heel - relate both to the concept of beginning and also to the concept of the end?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 23:40

Vaeschanan - With All Your Soul

What is the idea behind the quiet recitation of the second line of Shema - 'baruch shem...' Why is it something that only the angels can say out loud, and that we can also, when we are like angels on Yom Kippur? What is the idea of loving of Hashem with all of our souls? What are the five aspects of the soul? How are we to love Hashem if He is so beyond our comprehension? How can we connect to our soul? When will we ultimately be able to truly connect to our soul?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Moshiach, Tisha B'av and the Fall of Persia (Iran) - Moshiach Podcast 16

Why did Reish Lakish - who lived in Israel - get upset at the Babylonian Rabba bar Bar Chana? Would the Beis Hamikdash have been destroyed if all the Jews returned from Bavel when it was built? What is the prerequisite for the Divine Presence to dwell upon the Holy Temple? Why can't the third Beis Hamikdash be built with the permission of the nations of the world? Why will the Persians be destroyed if they were the ones who allowed the second Temple to be built? Why does the Moshiach ben Yosef process begin with the permission of the Nations, which is not the case with Moshiach ben Dovid? Why did we rebuild in 1948 with the permission of Harry Truman, but in 1967 - we received Judea and Samaria, and the Har Habayis and Jerusalem against the will of the Nations?

We discuss all these things and more in the 16th Moshiach Podcast.

Devarim - Love and Rebuke

Why does Moshe start his final speech with words of rebuke? What is the contrast between how Moshe speaks on behalf of Klal Yisrael in front of Hashem when they have sinned, and how he speaks to the Jews themselves? Why is it that the wicked Bilaam is the one who speaks highly of the Jewish people, while it is Moshe who gives them rebuke? How can we find the proper balance between love and rebuke?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 19:18

Valuing Life Over Economy

What is the idea behind the three gifts - Wisdom, strength and wealth - that if a person has received them from Hashem, he has everything? When is it considered that one has received them from Hashem, and when is it not? What was the mistake of the sons of the tribes of Gad and Reuven? Why did they not follow their brothers and settle the land of Israel? Why were they the first of the tribes to be exiled? What was at the core of their mistake when they put their property before the lives of their children?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 23:10

Gog Umagog Part 3 (World War III) - Moshiach Podcast 15

What is the idea behind the three wars of Gog Umagog? Why is there a gap of 70 years from the first two until the third one? Why hasn't this third war happened yet if the 70 years have already elapsed? What does the initial restored kingdom of the Jewish people look like? Why does the process begin in a natural way (Moshiach ben Yosef) and then switch to the supernatural (Moshiach ben Dovid)? Why does it seem like the Ashkenazic world has taken a stronger leadership role in the Land of Israel in contrast to the Sefardic world? Could this have been foretold by the prophet Yechezkel (Ezekiel)? What is the meaning of the prophecy that Persia-Iran will face of with Edom-The West? Who will be the ultimate victor in that final war? Who is "Aram" in today's world?

Find out in this eye-opening edition of the Moshiach Podcast.

Fall of the 70 Nations

What is the concept of the 70 bulls that are brought as sacrifices on the first seven days of the holiday of Succos? Why does the number of sacrifices steadily decline? Why does it skip from seven down to one? Why do we read about the apocalyptic war of Gog and Magog during the holiday of Succos? What is that war really about? What is unique about the relationship of the Jewish people and Hashem, as opposed to all the other nations?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 22:00

Bitachon 31 - Bitachon Alongside Efforts

We discuss the difference between the opinions of the Chovos Halevavos and the Ramban, as explained by R' Yisroel Salanter. We stress the fact that even according to the Chovos Halevavos, who requires efforts, we still need the focus to be on receiving only from Hashem. Additionally, even the Chovos Halevavos mentions the approach of the Ramban, which is Bitachon without efforts, and assigns it to those who are 'special chosen ones.'

CLICK HERE to hear the podcast.

Balak - Expansion in Constricted Vessels

Why did Hashem offer expanded prophesy, wealth and world dominion in equal proportion to the Jewish people and to the nations of the world? What was the difference between the way that the Jews received it, as opposed to the way the nations received it? What is the difference between the times of Moshiach ben Yosef and the times of Moshiach ben Dovid? What happens when someone tries to access that future world before its time? How can we receive that expansion without our vessels being destroyed?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 21:41

Moshiach Process Coming to a Close - Moshiach Podcast 14

We explore the Yalkut Shimoni in Yeshaya 60 which describes how Moshiach (ben Yosef) stands on the Beis Hamikdash and heralds the redemption, saying, "If you don't believe it, see the light that's shone." One of the main aspects of Moshiach ben Yosef is that the process unfolds before us, and it is almost impossible to discern, much like the story of Yosef with his brothers, where they were unable to recognize him. We explore the statement of the Gra (Vilna Gaon), which places Moshiach ben Yosef corresponding to the world of Esav/The West; and Moshiach ben Dovid corresponding to the world of Yishmael/Arab World. We explore the ramifications of that insofar as the Sefardic and Ashkenazic communities. We also touch on the Chofetz Chaim's prophetic prediction during World War I of a second, more serious war to come 25 years later, and the third one, that is yet to come.

CLICK HERE to hear the audio

For Previous Moshiach Podcasts, Please visit this page: https://arigoldwag.com/understanding-moshiach/

Bitachon 30 - Trusting Makes us Righteous

We explore two concepts - one is the reason why Shmuel Hanavi did not seem to have Bitachon when he was sent to anoint Dovid Hamelech, and said that Shaul might kill him. The second is the idea that when we have Bitachon-Trust in Hashem, we are considered righteous, and the natural result is that good things come to us.

CLICK HERE to hear the audio

Bitachon 29 - Sinners and Bitachon

We discuss the amazing idea of the Ramban that one can have full confidence in Hashem that He will provide for a person's needs, even if that person has done sins against Hashem. Bitachon is not affected by those sins. And yet, the person is enjoined to repent, for although Hashem is patient, He does not simply dismiss the evil done.

CLICK HERE to hear the audio.

Moshiach's Staff and the Fall of the Haughty in the End of Days

Why does Hashem use tiny creatures to punish the haughty? Why is this the tool He uses in the End of Days? What is the concept of the staff of Aharon? What is the significance of it having been used by Yehuda, Moshe, the Kings of Israel, and ultimately by Moshiach? Why are there so many examples of righteous individuals who had wicked parents - Avraham from Terach, Mordechai from Shimi, and many others? Why do we go through so many questions in our process of trying to understand that Hashem is behind it all?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 25:26

Bitachon 28 - Rejoicing in Our Lot

We discuss the idea that a person often sees what others have and thereby feels like they don't have their needs. The solution is to recognize that we indeed have exactly that which Heaven has decreed to be our needs. This is an important part of Bitachon.

CLICK HERE to hear the audio

Bitachon 27 - Spiritual Cause and Effect

We discuss the question of the Officer in the story of Elisha Hanavi, who challenged Elisha's statement that awesome blessings were imminent, despite their dire predicament. He said, "Would Hashem make windows in the Heavens?" He didn't believe in the possibility of such blessings, and the result was as Elisha prophesied, that he would see it, but he would not partake of it. Inherent in being overly involved in Hishtadlus-efforts is the same question of the Officer - would Hashem do this for me without my extensive efforts?

CLICK HERE for the audio

Shlach-Korach - Noticing the Reminders

What is the deeper meaning behind the idea of the Mitzvah of Tzitzis? Why was it this mitzvah that Korach chose to use to challenge Moshe? Why did he also challenge him with the mitzvah of Mezuzah? Why did Hashem give us so many mitzvos for so many different circumstances we find ourselves in? How can we infuse the many mitzvos we are doing with a deeper level of spirituality? What is the idea behind the analogy of the young man who is instructed to 'save his tax receipts?'

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 22:40

Bitachon 26 - Invest in Bitachon

We discuss the idea that we always receive returns on our investments - if we invest in our spiritual connection to Hashem, we will receive a much greater dividend as it manifests in the blessings we receive. If we invest solely in our own efforts, we won't see any more returns than what we've put in. The best investment is in our Trust in Hashem!

CLICK HERE for the audio

Bitachon 25 - Hashem is Our Shadow

We discuss the idea that Hashem interacts with us according to how we interact with Him - if we completely trust that He will perform miracles for us, then He will. If we trust in ourselves or other physical sources, He leaves us to receive from those sources, and we do not experience the promised overabundance of blessings.

Click Here to hear the audio

The time from 20 Sivan to Tisha B'av

What was the mistake of Aharon and Miriam in speaking negatively about Moshe? Why was this story placed by the Torah immediately before the sin of the spies? What is unique about the period of time from the 20th of Sivan until the 9th of Av? How does it parallel the period from Pesach to Shavuos? What is the root of the sin of Lason Hara (gossip)?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 25:08

Naso-Behaaloscha - Guiding Light

What did Aharon see in the sacrifices of the Princes of the tribes that he felt he was missing? Why was he consoled with the fact that he would light the Menorah and that he and his children would bless the people? What is the concept of the Nesi'im-princes? What is the significance of the first sacrifices that were brought? What is the essence of all beginnings? Why does the light of the Menorah and the blessings of the Kohanim continue throughout the exile?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 22:53

Shavuos-Naso

How do we see that there was a greater and lesser revelation within the awesome experience at Sinai? How does it parallel the revelation of Moshe as the redeemer, as well as the future revelation of the Moshiach? How does it also parallel the merit of the Patriarchs and the Matriarchs? What is the idea behind Hashem 'seeking and gathering the prayer and learning' of the Jewish people in order to bless them?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 26:01

Bitachon 24 - Don't Worry About Tomorrow II

We continute our talk about the essential nature of the mitzvah of Shemitah, which is to teach us not to worry about tomorrow, and to expect the miracles that Hashem promises He will bestow on us when we trust in Him.

CLICK HERE for the audio

Running time: 13:12

Bamidbar - Spiritual Centering

What is the concept of the flags of the encampments of the Children of Israel? Why do the nations of the world ask the Jewish people to be their leaders? What is the response of the Jewish people? How does this relate to the encampments? How do we assure that the Tabernacle, which represents our spirituality and our relationship with Hashem, remains the center of our lives? What is the idea behind Jerusalem being a place of Awe and Completion?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 24:58

Behar-Bechukosai - Returning Home

Why does the Torah tell us that Hashem will act with us in a happenstance way even after we've admitted our sins? Why are the names of the avos reversed when Hashem remembers His covenant with them? Which was created first - the Heavens or the Earth? What is the depth of R' Shimon Bar Yochai's statement that they were created at the same time? Why is the order of Moshe and Aharon sometimes reversed?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 25:54

Emor - Sevenfold Joy

What are the seven joyous mitzvahs that give us spritual satiety? Why does the Torah place the mitzvah of the four species between the korbanos chagiga and simcha? What does the joy of Succos celebrate? What are the two types of trees that sing to Hashem, and what do they represent?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 23:24

Bitachon 23 - Don't Worry About Tomorrow

We talk about the essential nature of the mitzvah of Shemitah, which is to teach us not to worry about tomorrow, and to expect the miracles that Hashem promises He will bestow on us when we trust in Him.

CLICK HERE for the audio shiur.

Acharei-Kedoshim - Fighting the Plague

What was the grievous sin that both Egypt and Canaan received judgment for? What was the sin of Sodom and the generation of the flood? When we are enjoined not to commit that sin, why does the Torah repeat the words 'I am Hashem?' What is the sin that brings a plague that affects both the wicked and the righteous? What is the reward for one who is careful in the area of immoral behavior? What tools can we use to lift ourselves out of moral decadence?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 23:38

Tazria-Metzora - Protecting our Health

Why are birds part of the process of recovery for a persona afflicted with Tzaraas? What are we to learn from the Kohanim, who receive 24 gifts and act on our behalf? Why is it that the spiritual affliction is 'in the hands' of the person who comes to purify himself? How do we avoid the spiritual disease that manifests as a physical disease? How do we protect our spiritual and physical health?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 20:21

Shmini - On Wings of the Righteous

Why are the zekenim-elders called to take part in the dedication of the mishkan alongside Moshe, Aharon and his sons? What is the idea behind them being the wings of the Jewish people? What is the idea of a 'young' elder? What is the idea behind their being called in numerous circumstances, including in the future time, at the advent of Moshiach? What is the idea behind the circle they form around Hashem, as it were, and their pointing to Him?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 17:13

Pesach - Spiritual Light and Judgment

Why does the gemara in Rosh Hashana say that all three of the holidays are times of judgment - Pesach, Shavuos, and Succos? Why are they specifically linked to a judgment around our physical sustenance? Why are there special commandments to fulfill for these holidays? Why did the same angels come to inform Avraham of the impending miraculous birth of Yitzchak, and also to destroy Sodom? Why was Sodom destroyed at the same moment in history as the advent of Am Yisrael? Why were the Egyptians decimated by the very same spiritual power that freed the Jewish people from bandage?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 23:40

Tzav - Expansion within Corona's Constriction

How were all of the Jewish people able to fit in the small space in front of the entrance of the Mishkan-Tabernacle? Why specifically at this moment in time was this miraculous experience shown to them? What did Hashem want to teach His people as he did this again when they were entering the land and the entire nation fit between the staves of the ark? How will all the nations of the world gather in the times of the Moshiach to the Throne of Hashem in Jerusalem - where will they fit? What is the depth of the concept that in the spiritual realms something expansive can fit into a constricted place?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Vayikra - Light in the Darkness

What is the idea behind the obligation to testify when a person knows something that could help his fellow? How does one resonate with Hashem in so doing? What is the testimony that we all are obligated to give to the world in response to their idolatrous claims? How do we bring a light into the darkness that we face? Why is Rome a place of darkness and confusion in the end of days?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 20:46

Vayakhel-Pekudei - The Good and the Bad

What is the contradiction between chacham-wise and lev-understanding? What is the contrast between black-negative and beautiful-positive? How do we reconcile the negative and positive actions we've done? How can we view positive in our challenging situations? What is the concept of Knesses Yisroel/Congregation of Israel?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 26:31

Ki Sisa - Faith over Fear

How was the Satan able to cause the Jewish people to sin if they were on such a high level? What is the unique approach of the Evil Inclination in order to cause us to sin? How can we overcome the fear he induces? What is the idea behind the death of Moshiach ben Yosef? Why does Moshiach ben Dovid only ask for life? What is the message Hashem wants us to understand when facing off with difficult cimcumstances?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 24:41

Tetzaveh-Purim - Love and Brotherhood

Why does Hashem ask the Jewish people to bring the special olive oil specifically to Moshe? Why are Aharon and his sons also to be brought specifically to Moshe? What is the unique relationship of Moshe and his brother Aharon? How were they able to have such a deep level of respect and love for each other? How did they use that in their relationship with all of the Jewish people? How does this relate to the special mitzvos we have on the holiday of Purim?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 24:36

Terumah - For Hashem's Sake

Why does the Torah spend so much time talking about the vessels and structure of the Mishkan-Tabernacle? Why did Hashem command that all of its donations be brought 'for His name?' Why is this so important in this process? What is the idea behind the 'nedivus lev' - the self sacrifice involved in bringing the donations? Why are the precious stones enumerated last if they are so expensive? How does this all apply to us?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 14:55

Mishpatim - Accessing the Miraculous

What is the idea behind the mitzvah of Shemitah? Why is it immediately followed by the mitzvah of keeping Shabbos (besides for the obvious 6/7 connection)? Why does miraculous salvation always seem to arrive at the last second? How does one access the miraculous? What is the parallel of each Shabbos we observe to the original Shabbos of creation? Why did Hashem deem it necessary to create the world and then rest on the seventh day?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 25:27

Yisro - With One Heart

What is the depth of the idea that the Jewish people received the Torah at Sinai as 'one person, with one heart?' How does one achieve this level of camaraderie? Where do we see that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts? Why was there a deeper acceptance of the Torah in the time of the story of Purim? How is Purim greater than Yom Kippur? Why does the Torah command a Jew not to give his Jewish slave unnecessary work? Why were the spies punished for the 40 days they traversed Israel and not just for the act of speaking negatively at the end of their journey? How does one properly honor one's parents and ones friends?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 26:10

Moment of Redemption

What is the secret of the three verses in a row that have exactly 72 letters each? What is the idea of the cloud that leads the Jewish people serving as a separation between them and the Egyptian oppresors? Why is there darkness on the side of the Egyptians and light for the Jewish people? Why does a strong wind blow and seem to separate the waters of the Yam Suf? Why do the Egyptians blindly follow after the Jewish people and right into the hands of their own destruction? What is the defining factor of the final moment of redemption?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 22:26

Bo - Exodus and Emunah

Why do we need to constantly remember the Exodus from Egypt? What is behind Chavakuk's statement that the entire Torah comes down to the mitzvah of Emunah-Faith? What is the idea of Emunah as opposed to Bitachon? How does Emunah-Faith translate into action in our lives? Where does Emunah apply in our actual Mitzvah observance?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Va'era - Seize the Moment

What is meant in the verse when it says to command the Israelites to let them out of Egypt? Why are they being commanded at this time for something that will not be practical for another 54 years? Why is the idea of releasing one's Israelite slaves during Shmitah so much more severe because it was commanded at the point of leaving Egypt? How can we take moments of inspiration and hold on to them for ourselves?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Shemos - Appreciating Life

Why did Iyov receive such great difficulties for doing something better than Bilaam, who received a quick death? How can we appreciate the amazing good fortune Hashem bestows upon us in that He gives us life? How can we face our challenges with positivity, and even thank Him for those difficulties? What do our sages mean when they say that a moment in this world doing repentance and good deeds is greater than all the world to come?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 27:47

Vayechi - Exile and Redemption

What is represented by the fact that Yakov is unable to reveal the End Times to his children? Why do they respond by saying 'Shema Yisrael?' Why does the Gemara Berachos begin with the concept of saying Shema? Why specifically does the Torah speak first of saying Shema at night? What is the idea behind the 'roaring' of Hashem in the night, when He laments the exile of his children? How does Shema rectify this? What is the difference between Hashem's lament in the night time as opposed to what He says when the Jewish people gather in synagogues and study halls to praise Him?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Vayigash - Shechina in Exile

What is the idea of Hashem's assurance to Yakov that He will accompany him into the exile? Why does Onkelos uncharacteristically translate Hashem's descent literally, as opposed to referring to Hashem's honor? How do we understand the dichotomy of the exile being a place where Hashem's presence is hidden, and yet the Divine Presence and Providence is increased? What is the idea behind the special Providence that only Yosef received, being the first of the Jewish people to enter exile?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 23:49