Va'era - Seeing the Whole Picture

Why does Moshe challenge Hashem by bringing up the difficulty the Jewish people have endured since he spoke to Pharaoh, if Hashem had told him that He would harden Pharaoh's heart? What was the mistake of Shlomo Hemelech (King Solomon) in believing that he could take many wives despite the Torah's command that a king limit the amount of wives he marries? Why does Hashem respond to Moshe at first with judgment and firmness and then switch to compassion and mercy?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 24:02

Bitachon 40 - Complete Bitachon

We begin the final chapter of the section on Bitachon in Sefer Madreigas Ha'adam by the Alter of Novardok, in which he emphasizes that the correct path for someone who truly seeks spiritual greatness, and strives for fear of Heaven and commitment to Torah, is to put one's faith completely in Hashem and not rely on his own efforts at all.

CLICK HERE to listen

Shemos - Clear Boundaries

What was the unique power that Yaakov bequeathed to his children, such that all twelve of them were righteous, and such that they could survive the difficult Egyptian exile? What mistake did Avraham make with his son Yishmael, and what mistake did Yitzchak make with Esav? How can we survive the desperate challenge that surrounds us in the Western world, a world with no boundaries? How can we raise our children with a healthy balance of love and boundaries?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 23:44

Bitachon 39 - Path to Spiritual Greatness

We complete the 12th chapter of the Alter of Novardok's discussion of Bitachon, which ends with a call to renounce the excuses of social pressure and the 'easy' solutions to the problems of life, in order to focus ourselves on doing what's right in the eyes of Hashem, and reinforce our confidence in His constant providential guidance and help.

CLICK HERE to listen.

Vayechi - Revealing the End of Days

Why does the Torah leave no space between the current and previous parsha's? What is the thread that runs through the three different explanations? Why was Yakov unable to reveal the End of Days? What happens when the End is revealed, for example, in the case of Yosef and his brothers? What is the reason for not mentioning a person's own death? When is it appropriate to contemplate the day of death? How does this apply to the revelation of the final redemption and the process we are currently experiencing in the world?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 25:18

Bitachon 38 - Lishma & Bitachon

The Alter of Novardok continues his discussion on the importance of Lishma - acting with pure motives - despite the surrounding culture; and having Bitachon-Faith that all of the answers to life's questions will be answered through our spiritual dedication to Torah.

CLICK HERE to listen

Running time: 21:19

 

Vayigash - To Make or Not to Make Commitments

What is the danger of making commitments? Why does the Midrash seem to encourage us to steer clear of commitments? What is the idea behind the opposite suggestions, which involve 'peace between man and his fellow?' What was the result of Yehuda's commitment - was it positive or negative? What is the lesson that we can learn in regards to the importance and danger of commitments? How does this relate to the concept of being motivated by less powerful motivations?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 23:48

Bitachon 37 - Strengthening our Resolve

The Alter of Novardok discusses the excuses of the Yetzer Hara in our service of Hashem - in our work on Bitachon and on our middos - in the guise of a secular excuse and the excuse of the 'Talmid Chacham.' The only tool we can employ in response is the strengthening of our resolve.

 

CLICK HERE to listen

 

Running time: 31:47 

Mikeitz-Chanukah - Listening to the Little Light

What is the idea behind the keitz-end? Can the power of evil continue forever? What is the darkness that comes to an end for the Jewish people, nationally, and for Yosef personally? What is the idea behind the verse that encourages us to 'increase sadness' and 'decrease our speech?' What is the great joy in taking on challenges and limiting the 'easy' things in our lives? How does this relate to the subtle light of Chanukah, and the Menorah which represents the Torah?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 25:29

Bitachon 36 - Focusing on Bitachon

The Alter of Novardok brings two different stories which illustrate the mistake of focusing too much efforts on hishtadlus-efforts and how that could take away from a person's spiritual striving both in this world and the next.

CLICK HERE to listen

Running time: 20:49

Vayeshev - Chasing Away the Enemy

What was the special power of the ingathering of Yaakov and his sons - both into the Land of Israel, as well as in their unique prayer for protection? What was the reason that Esav and his mighty sons left Israel to settle elsewhere? What is the idea underlying the deal of getting 100 lashes in exchange for 100 golden coins? Why does Esav run away from the challenges? Why does Yaakov embrace those challenges? What is the unique power that we have, as children of Yaakov, to chase away our enemies?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 25:32

Vayishlach - Never Fear

What is the idea behind Hashem's statement to Yaakov that Esav was going on his way until you sent him messengers? What was the fundamental mistake that Yaakov made, which caused his children to eventually be sent into exile? When can a person be confident and have no fear of negative situations? When does Hashem 'get up and show Himself' in order to save? What actions can we take to preclude the necessity of this type of drastic measure?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 22:41

Bitachon 35 - Seeing Deeper

The Alter of Novardok gives us a perspective as to the amount of spiritual input that goes into everything that we see - although we could superficially believe that the 'baker' in front of us made the 'read,' so much more - spiritually - went into it. This is an essential contemplation in order to steer clear of the mistake of believing that we have accomplished anything by ourselves. We must always be aware of the Source - Hashem.

CLICK HERE to listen

Running time: 21:32

Bitachon 34 - Putting Your Efforts into Bitachon

In this episode we continue in the Alter of Novardok's discussion of Bitachon, and the power of investing all of one's efforts into Bitachon, in order to avoid the pitfall of starting to believe that we are doing everything ourselves and the accomplishments belong to us instead of the Real One to Whom the credit goes.

CLICK HERE to take a listen

Running time: 19:55

Vayetzei - Spiritual Confidence

Why was Yaakov Avinu confident as he left his parents house to head to Charan to find his wife? Why, on the other hand, was he worried in looking back at the way his father had found his wife? Why did Yaakov leave his home without any wealth to display to his prospective match? What is the power of the Bitachon-trust of Yaakov, and how did it derive from his lack of possessions? How does this promise apply to Yaakov's children, all the way down to our generation?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 20:25

Bitachon 33 - Guidelines to Bitachon

The Alter of Novardok gives clarity as to what is considered Bitachon - specifically, in a situation where it seems likely that a certain individual will provide my needs, it is important to remain aware that Hashem has many ways to send those needs and this person may or may not be His agent for that.

CLICK HERE to listen!

Running time: 20:28

Toldos - The Secret of Motivation

What is the concept of motivation - what drives us to do the things we do? How can we motivate ourselves to do something that we are not so motivated by? What was the fundamental flaw of Esav, and why was he therefore called 'Edom' - 'Red?' What is the foundational idea of distinguishing between truth and falsehood and being able to properly use the intellect to see beyond the superficial? How does one move from being motivated by things with great attraction to being motivated by things with little or even negative attraction? What is the difference in how one feels after doing each of this types of actions? How does this all connect to the idea of 'Lishma' - doing things for the sake of Heaven?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 27:53

Chayei Sarah - Transforming the Physical

What was so special about the Cave of Machpela that sparked both Avraham and Yaakov to go to such great lengths to acquire? What is the idea behind Avraham discovering the cave while in the midst of performing his kindness toward his guests? Why were Adam and Chava in the cave 'sleeping with a light above them and amidst a beautiful fragrance?' How is it possible to purify the physical body to the point that it shines with the light of the soul? How does the Cave of Machpela parallel this very concept?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 25:32

Vayera - Spreading Revelation

What is unique about the revelation of Hashem to Avraham immediately before Yitzchok is to be born? What is the idea behind the statement of the midrash that Avraham sat and 'Hashem stood?' What was Avraham's concern about the fact that visitors seemed to have stopped coming after he performed the bris? What is the idea behind Hashem's reassurance to Avraham - that He Himself came now? What does Avraham mean in his statement that if not for all the converts who also performed the bris, and if not for his speedy fulfillment of the command to perform the bris on his servants, that Hashem would not have revealed Himself in the same way?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 23:25

Lech Lecha - Through the Fire

Why does Hashem command Avraham in a seemingly reverse order - to leave his country, his family, his father's house? What is the analogy to the burning building which seems to have no one to care for it and douse the flames? What is Hashem's response when Avraham asks if He has forsaken mankind? Why is Avraham sent specifically to the land of Israel? Why was Avraham referred to as 'one who mends the tear?' How did Hashem decide that a nation would be built from him? What is the spiritual power of self sacrifice?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 22:21

Noach - Right Intentions

Why does the Torah speak of the children of Noach in the context of describing him as righteous? Why were the wicked of the generation of the flood so totally destroyed - what was their fundamental flaw? Why are intentions so important and how do they show up in the fruit or product of what one is producing later on? How is this expressed in one's children and the place one has in the World to Come?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 22:57

Breishis - World Foundations

Why does the Torah begin with the word 'Breishis,' which means the beginning of - without telling us the beginning of what it is talking about? What is the idea behind the Torah preceding the world by 2000 years? What are the four levels of it having been hidden and protected by Hashem in that time? What is the depth of the classic concept that Hashem used the Torah as a blueprint for creation? What is the significance of the name of the author of the Midrash, and how it is hinted to in the very first verse quoted in the midrash?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 23:15

Succos - Pesach, Lulav and Hallel

What is the parallel between Pesach and Succos, and between the Pesach sacrifice and the Lulav? What is special about these two mitzvos that engenders a recital of Hallel - the song of praise of Hashem? What month did the exodus take place, and when were the Jewish people actually freed from slavery? What is represented by the 4 species that include the lulav and esrog? What is indicated by the many different explanations of their parallels? How do we know that we have 'won the judgment' when we faced off with the Nations of the World on Rosh Hashana?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 27:04

Haazinu-Succos - Rain of Torah

What is the theme of the period we are entering now from Yom Kippur through Simchas Torah - where we receive the second luchos (tablets) on Yom Kippur, and complete the Torah on Shmini Atzeres? How does this theme of Torah carry through all of Succos, as well? Why is the Torah compared to rain and dew? What is the concept of the Torah as it paralells the Succah in its protection of the Jewish people through our wanderings in galus (exile)?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 23:57

Vayelech-Yom Kippur - The King's Gifts

What is behind Hashem's statement to Moshe that his time has come, and that it is time for the leadership of Yehoshua to begin? Why does the midrash stress the greatness of Moshe - his ability to battle the angels and easily sway Hashem, as it were - and contrast that with his weakness in these areas as he is about to die? What is the take home of this sobering message for us during the 10 days of repentance, navigating from Rosh Hashana to Yom Kippur? What is the correct perspective on the gifts we are endowed with, and the limitations on the impact we can personally have on those around us?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Nitsavim-Rosh Hashana - Prayer and Repentance

What is the concept of prayer, and specifically a prayer for forgiveness? What is the idea behind the statement of the medrash that 'Prayer is very great in front of Hakadosh Baruch Hu (G-d)? What is the idea behind the limitation of the punishment of Kayin (Cain) which split his decree in half through his prayer? Why was his punishment to be a wanderer? What is the idea of Hashem 'carrying our sin?' What is the lesson of the prayer of Chizkiyahu Hamelech (King Hezekiah)?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 25:06

Ki Savo - Affirming Hashem's Reality

What is the concept of the word 'Amen?' What are the three contexts of the use of this word, and the theme of all three? Why is it that if we 'say Amen in this world, we will say Amen in the next?' Why is there a parallel concept in regards to the study of Torah? Why will we 'hear the voice of the bride and groom' with the advent of the age of Moshiach if we 'hear the voice' of the Torah now?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 21:17

Ki Seitze - 'Floating' to Redemption

What is the deeper concept behind the obligation of circumcision? Why is it done on the eighth day? How does this relate to Hashem's compassion? In what way does Hashem show compassion for the animals and the birds? Why do we send away the mother bird when we take the baby birds? How do these two concepts connect? Why is it Tziporah, whose name means 'bird' who does the circumcision of Moshe's son? What is the significance of the root of the word tzipor-bird, which is tzaf, which means to float? Why is the description of the sunrise 'metzaftzefes' - floating, which represents the redemption process? How does this relate to the words letzapos-to wait - which is used in waiting for redemption; and matzpun-conscience?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running Time: 26:42

Shoftim - Foundation of the World

What is the idea behind a father being forbidden from serving as a judge in his son's court case, and vice versa? What is the role of the Kohen as judge? Why is the concept of proper judgment a foundational precept for the entire world's existence? What happens to the social structure when courts do not fulfill their proper role? What is the importance of hierarchy in human interaction and in society as a whole?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 23:38

Re'eh - Preparing for Tishrei

This week's podcast is dedicated l'ilui nishmas Sara bas Yosef; and for the hatzlacha of her children Mimi & Yitzchak Sadowsky.

Thank you to their daughter Elisheva for her contribution to Torah

How does a person merit blessings? What is the singular mitzvah (commandment) that includes all the other ones? Why does that single commandment precede the concept of receiving blessings? What are the negative spiritual forces we need protection from, and how do we get that protection? What is the concept of the sixth and seventh as it relates to Elul (6) and Tishrei (7)? How do we start preparing to make Hashem our King?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 22:27

Ekev - It's All a Miracle

How can we be assured that Hashem will fulfill His promise to give us the land of Israel if we are far from deserving of that? How do we know that we will merit miracles and that Hashem will defeat our enemies in a way that is beyond our natural ability? What is the concept of the blessing on water - that 'all was brought into being with His word?' How does that relate to the many miracles that the Jewish people experienced with water?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 25:27

Vaeschanan - Making Him King

What is the concept of 'Krias Shema' - the reading of Shema? Can we also apply the other meaning of kriah - calling? Why is it important to say the words carefully? Who are we calling to when we say 'Hear O Israel' - ourselves? The people of Israel as a whole? How does this verse represent the concept of proclaiming Hashem as our King? What is the depth behind the midrash's teaching that Hashem prefaced the ten commandments with the words 'Shema Yisrael' - Hear O Israel? What was behind the Jewish people's response that 'Hashem our God, Hashem is One?' Why did Moshe respond to this by saying 'baruch Shem' - 'blessed is the Name?' Why do we say this very line on Yom Kippur when the Kohen Gadol announces Hashem's name in the Beis Hamikdash?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 23:35

Devarim-Tisha B'av - Return from Exile

What is the purpose of exile - how does being sent away from a center of spirituality serve to return us to Hashem? Why is it guaranteed that no matter how far we are from Hashem that we will return? How did the forty years of wandering in the wilderness serve to return us to Hashem and enable us to enter Israel? How did king Menashe end up being saved miraculously after becoming so distant from Hashem and causing the Jewish people to sin grievously with the sin of idolatry?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 29:10

Matos-Masei - Respecting His Name

What is the concept of a vow or oath that involves the name of Hashem? What are the the three characteristics necessary for a person to be able to use the name of Hashem in an oath? Why do these attributes give greater value to the mention of His name? Why can it be so destructive to use Hashem's name in an oath for mundane matters, even if it is a truthful oath? What is the difference between using Hashem's name in an oath versus using His name in a blessing?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 22:03

Pinchas - Finding Peace

What is the idea of Peace? Why is this blessing of peace given to Pinchas? How does his act of killing someone who is publicly desecrating Hashem's name create Peace? What are the 'Torah's paths of Peace?' Why do we ask of a person's peace on his return from a trip? Why is Peace the 'vessel that holds blessings?' How do we find Peace for ourselves? Why do the humble and the righteous receive Peace? How do we deny the Evil Inclination of his 'demands?'

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 28:43

Balak - 14th Anniversary! The Little Things

What is the idea behind the 'little mitzvahs' that provide big protection? How does the 'little' mitzvah of washing one's hands provide long life? Why do we learn this lesson from such seemingly unlikely stories? Why did Bilaam realize he was unable to curse the Jewish people? How do we become partners with Hashem? Where do we see that His name is in our name?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 23:18

Chukas - Purity from Impurity

Why is the formula to purify a person who has come in contact with the dead so full of hints to judgment - red and fire? Why does this purity come about by causing impurity to the Kohen who is performing the process? Why does Avraham, a great righteous individual, come from the wicked Terach? Why do we find similar situations with righteous kings who were sons of wicked kings? Why does the people of Israel find its formation in the womb of the outside world, which is filled with idolatry and false ideology? Why does the tzara'as-leprosy contaminate in a small amount, but is considered pure when it covers the entire body?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 20:13

Korach - Beginning and End

What is the depth behind the sons of Korach who will be raised out of their place in Gehinom in the future? What is the connection between this and the idea of the double letters in Hebrew that have different versions in the middle and end of the word? How do these double letters indicate a concept relating to redemption and Moshiach? How do each of these five letters have to do with the forefathers and the redemption from Egypt and the future redemption? How does this relate to the 40 years that were a punishment for 40 days?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 28:37

2 More Gematrias for 5781

famous passuk ירמיה ל״ג:כ״ה

כה אמר ה׳ אם לא בריתי יומם ולילה חקות שמים וארץ לא שמתי

So says Hashem: If not for my covenant, day and night, I would not have placed the laws of the heavens and earth

לא שמתי = תשפ״א

מלאכי פרק ג פסוקים א-ב

הנני שלח מלאכי ופנה דרך לפני ופתאם יבוא אל היכלו האדון אשר אתם מבקשים ומלאך הברית אשר אתם חפצים הנה בא אמר ה׳ צבאות

ומי מכלכל את יום בואו ומי העמד בהראותו כי הוא כאש מצרף וכברית מכבסים

Behold I am sending my angel/messenger (Eliyahu) and he will clear the path before Me, and suddenly the Master (Hashem) will come to His sanctuary, the One you are seeking, the angel of the covenant (Eliyahu) that you desire is coming, says Hashem, Lord of Hosts.

Who will sustain the day He comes, who will stand when He is revealed, for He is like a forming fire, like a powerful cleansing agent that cleans.

העמד בהראותו כי הוא = תשפ״א

Shlach - Angels and Messengers

What is the essence of a good messenger? Why was Pinchos able to make himself invisible as he was involved in his spying activity? Why were the spies in our parsha viewed negatively (in their perception)? What is the nature of the final messenger (Eliyahu Hanavi) who will be sent immediately before Hashem reveals Himself to the world? How does the desire for Eretz Yisrael constitute the essence of what we are 'sent' to do in our service of Hashem? How can we be true messengers and 'angels' of Hashem?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 27:25

Behaaloscha - Songs for Hashem

What is the concept of the 7 stringed, 8 stringed and 10 stringed instruments of the Levites in the Temple? Why do they correspond to this world, the Messianic age and the World to Come? Why were they assigned by King David and the prophet Samuel? Why do we speak of stringed instruments when there are also monotonal wind instruments? Why are the Levites 'beloved to Hashem?' What is the idea of the unique aspect of the Levites of singing to Hashem?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 21:04

Naso - Protecting Our Land

What is the depth behind the vow of the Nazir who promises not to drink wine? What were the mistakes of the Northern kingdom of Israel and how did it contrast to the mistakes of the Southern kingdom of Judah? Why do the Jewish people lay claim to our great people - wealthy, wise and strong - in the face of the claims of the nations of the world? How do we protect our special and exalted Land of Israel of onslaught, and prevent the exile of our people? What is the message of the Nazir, who protects him or herself from the sins that can come with wine?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 24:42

Bamidbar - Of Mountains and Valleys

Why does the Torah go into such detail in describing the location and specific date that Hashem commanded Moshe to count the Jewish people? What is the idea that righteousness is associated with a mountain, while judgment and wickedness are associated with a pit of darkness? What is the relationship between the darkness that the wicked people seek to cloak their deeds and the darkness of this place of depth? Why does Hashem shroud the date of the destruction of the Temple with vagueness, while in contrast, bringing great detail to the date of the counting, which connotes the greatness of the Jewish people?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 20:27

Some Interesting Gematrias for 5781 (תשפ״א)

I know that you can find gematrias for any year relating to Moshiach.

But we need chizuk now. So I am posting these that I noticed.

כי בא כי בא לשפוט הארץ = תשפ״א

Right after the passuk in this past week's parsha (Bechukosai) that says וזכרתי את בריתי יעקב... the next passuk starts with the two words והארץ תעזב which is gematria תשפ״א (see the Ramban there if you want to be blown away)

Today I came across the passuk in Yeshaya talking about the battle of Yishmael and Esav אמר שמר אתא בוקר - the "Watchman" (Hashem) said that the morning is nigh (referring to geulah). אמר שמר = תשפ״א (See ישעיה פרק כ״א) 

And lastly, it's time to work on Bitachon. I find this song to be helpful. (I'm biased, it's mine...)

Behar-Bechukosai - Share the Wealth

What is so special about the regular talk of the people of Eretz Yisrael (Israel)? What is the unique message of the poor person who was once rich? What is the wrong approach to the poor person? What happens to the rich person who can't share his wealth and belittles the poor man? What is the proper approach when it comes to sharing the Torah and talent that one is blessed with?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 20:18

Emor - Questions and Silence

What is the concept of the 'seventh' month - Tishrei, which hosts the day of Rosh Hashana? How does the word Shevi'i-Seventh relate to the word Shevuah-Oath? Why was an oath necessary when Avraham completed his challenge with the binding of Yitzchak - wasn't that a time of love - why did Hashem make an oath, as it were? What is the idea behind Avraham's silence in the face of Hashem's request to do the unthinkable - sacrifice Yitzchak, and with him, the future of the Jewish people? How does that elicit an oath for Hashem to have compassion on His people even when they sin throughout the generations? What is the concept of the shofar which is blown on the seventh month, and the pause that it brings in our thinking?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 20:36 

Acharei-Kedoshim - Leadership and Responsibility

Why is the command for the service of the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) on Yom Kippur prefaced with the mention of the death of Aharon's sons? Why was this command given six months before it was to be performed? In the order of the parshas, starting with Vayikra, why do we interrupt the description of the sacrifices and dedication of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) with the concept of Tzara'as (spiritual leprosy)? How does one balance the honor received from leadership with the responsibility it brings?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 21:27 

Tazria-Metzora - Transforming Curses to Blessings

What is the idea behind the spiritual disease of Tzara'as-Leprosy? What is the concept of the Tzara'as-infected house? Why does the Torah preface this description with speaking of when the Jewish people enter the land of 'Canaan?' Why was Israel first referred to as the land of Canaan? How was Eliezer, the offspring of Canaan, able to change his cursed status to one of being blessed? How did Hashem thwart the plan of the Canaanites who hid their treasures in the walls of their homes so the Jews would not find them? What does this teach us about finding the treasures in our lives and turning our personal curses into blessings?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 19:29

Shmini - Balancing Vessels and Light

Why did Nadav and Avihu drink wine as they entered the Holy of Holies when the Tabernacle was finally completed? Why did Shlomo Hamelech (King Solomon) marry the daugther of Pharaoh when he completed the building of the Beis Hamikdash (Temple)? Why did he drink wine at that time? What is the depth of the idea that Hashem decided to destroy the Mikdash at that moment when He saw that Shlomo rejoiced more with his marriage to the daughter of Pharaoh than he rejoiced with the building of the Mikdash? What are the 1000 songs that she sang him that night? Why did he wake up late in the morning and cause the daily sacrifice to be brought late?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 28:40

Pesach - Revelation of the Sea

Why are the Jewish people referred to as Yordei Hayam - "Those who went down into the sea?" Why was their revelation greater than that requested by Moshe on Har Sinai? When will we experience that type of revelation again? Why are the angels unable to have the kind of direct experience that we are able to have? Why does Hashem restrict His voice to only be heard from between the Keruvim (Cherubs) on the Aron? Why is a person able to have the full experience of Hashem at his death?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 29:08

Tzav-Pesach - Taste of the Future

Why does the Torah speak in a seemingly repetitious way when speaking about the Korban Olah? What is the relationship of a broken heart to the building of the Beis Hamikdash (Temple) in Jerusalem? Why do we speak on Pesach at the Seder about our return to Eretz Yisrael and the building of the Beis Hamikdash? What is the meaning of Hashem, as it were, saying to us that our Olah offering is not so significant, and our response that we will bring a great 'feast' in the future?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 23:28

Vayikra - Calling From Love

What happened to the prophesy of the nations of the world with the advent of the Mishkan? What is the difference between the prophesy of the Jewish prophets as opposed to the prophets of the nations of the world? Why does the Torah refer to Hashem speaking to Bilam as 'Vayikar' - 'happening' to speak to him? What is the deeper meaning of the word 'vayikra' that the Torah uses when Hashem speaks to Moshe? What is the difference between the approach of the nations of the world as opposed to that of the Jewish people? How does Hashem uniquely call to us with love?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 23:56

Vayakhel-Pekudei - The King's Crown

Why was the final completion of the Mishkan-tabernacle left to Moshe to do? Why did he need to lift it if it was lifted miraculously? What is the concept of the Crown? What is the 'crown that Shlomo's mother crowned him with?' What is behind the reference to the people of Israel first as a daughter, then a sister, then a mother? How can it be that Hashem allows us to motivate Him, as it were, if He is the ultimate Source of His own motivation? What is the depth of the concept that a righteous person 'decrees' and Hashem 'fulfills' that decree?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 26:14

Ki Sisa - Admitting our Mistakes

What is the embarrassment we are to feel within the mitzvah of Tzedakah-Charity? Why was the giving of the Luchos (tablets) accompanied by a grievous sin on the part of the Jewish people? What is the idea behind feeling shame for our sins? What is the idea behind the verse that teaches us that when we give, it creates an expansion in our lives? How do these two ideas of giving charity and admitting to our mistakes parallel each other, and how do they bring about a gift from Above?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 24:06 

Tetzaveh-Purim - He Carries, We Carry

Why does Hashem ask the Kohanim to carry the Aron if He is carrying it Himself? Why did Achashverosh want to wear the clothing of the High Priest? Why does the Midrash stress that the Jewish people have all the talent we need - in leadership, priesthood, war prowess, etc - and that we need not go to the nations of the world? What is the teaching behind Hashem's command to Moshe to appoint his brother as the Kohen Gadol, despite Moshe's own expectation to fulfill that role himself?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 25:23

Terumah - Tabernacle of Torah

Why does the Torah place the concept of the Tabernacle immediately following Moshe's ascension onto Har Sinai? What is the parallel between the Tabernacle and the Torah? What is unique about Torah, in its description as a 'good item' that Hashem has 'sold' us? What do we accomplish in our study of the Torah, and fulfilling its dictates? How do we create a 'home' as it were, for Hashem to enter into our lives? What is the idea that the Torah is a 'morasha' - inheritance?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 18:57

Mishpatim - What's Right is Right

Why does the Torah place the concept of withholding a poor man's collateral next to the prohibition of cursing a judge or leader? Why is that commandment followed by the concept of giving tithes from one's produce in the right time? How does the concept of the tithes then further connect to the concept that follows - redeeming the first born sons? Why are blessings on the crops withheld when one disrespects the judges? Why does one merit to have sons if he gives his tithes in the right order?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast. 

Running time: 25:19

Yisro - The Lion's Roar Revisited

What is the idea behind Hashem being compared to a Lion Roaring as He reveals Himself on Mount Sinai? When is Hashem referred to as the 'King of the Nations?' What is the idea of the continuation of the passuk in relation to the Lion's roar, that when Hashem speaks, all will prophesy? What is the idea behind the analogy of the lender of gold, from whom all are afraid to borrow, lest they have to pay in the end? What is the root of the hatred of the nations of the world for the Jewish people? How do we resonate with the 'Lion's roar' of Hashem, as He spoke on har Sinai, to this very day?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast. 

Running time: 19:52

Beshalach - The Manna, Emunah, and the Miracle

Why do the nations say that the Jewish people will die when they enter the wilderness? How do they see that they are wrong? What is the idea behind the amazing number of 60 cubits, which is how high the Manna piled up as it rained down? What is the idea of the word matar-rain? Why do the nations look on, but are unable to partake of the great feast that the Jewish people enjoy in the future? How does one merit to experience the miraculous expansion in one's life?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 27:03

Bo - The Month, the Moon and the Light

Why are the commandments of Pesach given on the first day of the month of Nissan? What is the connection between the New Moon and the Full Moon? Why do we refer to the night of the 14th of Nissan as 'Ohr' - 'Light?' Why does the Midrash refer to the last 3300 years as the time of our betrothal to Hashem, and the times of Moshiach as the marriage? Why are the Jewish people redeemed at night? What is the concept of the mitzvah of 'hachodesh hazeh lachem' - this is your month? How does this month constitute a full unit?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast. 

Running time: 22:32

Vaera - Moshe, Moshiach and the Downfall of Trump

Why does Moshe begin the redemption process, only to be faced with a setback that seems to makes things worse for the Jewish people? Why does the redemption process need to start with Rachamim-mercy that is clothed in Din-judgment? Why does Hashem have compassion on Moshe despite Moshe's challenge to Him? What is the idea behind the Din-judgment being directed at the Egyptians, and the Rachamim-mercy being directed at the Jewish people? Why does a great friend of the Jewish people have to experience such a downfall? How are we to approach the seemingly positive movement in our times toward a positive recognition of the Jewish people, contrasted with the seemingly impending reversal of all that good? How does the process described in the original redemption parallel how the ultimate redemption will play out?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 26:17

Shemos - Zeh Keili - He Believes In Me

What is behind the future tense of the verse that says 'as per how much they were caused pain, so they will become great and so they will expand?' What was the plan of the Egyptians in raising the quota of the Jews and causing them to sleep in the field? How did Hashem thwart this plan? How were the Jewish babies raised out in the field? Who was the mysterious 'Young Man' who took care of them? When did they 'see' the Young Man again? How do the words 'Zeh Keili' (This is my God) refer to the idea that He believes in me?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 25:41

Vayechi - Forgiveness and Consolation

What is the amazing power of Yosef's forgiveness for his brothers? What is Yosef's consolation to them and how does he explain that he could never and would never want to harm them? How does this parallel the future consolation that Hashem will console the Jewish people before the advent of the age of Moshiach?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 20:26