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
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
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
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
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
