Friday, April 26, 2024

Pesach - Israel is Hashem's Song

Why is Shir Hashirim called the greatest of all songs? How do the other books of Shlomo Hamelech (Kong Solomon) - Koheles and Mishlei - have a message for the nations of the world, and yet Shir Hashirim is exclusive to the Jewish people? How does this correspond to Shabbos and the month of Nissan, which are also exclusive to the people of Israel? What is meant by the midrash's statement that the Jewish people was 'made into a song' by Hashem? What are the three aspects of the song, for which the Song of Songs is the greatest song? How do they reflect the purpose of the Jewish people?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 25:37


 

Friday, April 19, 2024

Metzora-Pesach - Hashem Brings Justice and Redemption

Why does the Torah refer to the time that a woman is impure after a flow as 'many days' if it is only a few days? What does Hashem reassure the Jewish people after telling them that they will be in exile for 'many days?' Why is He referred to as the 'G-d of Truth' in the context of their distance from Him during exile? Where does that Truth manifest in the end as He brings about His ultimate Justice? How is this accompanied by a Redemption for the people of Israel? How does this exile and distance from Hashem parallel the distance of the woman who experienced a flow?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 25:29



Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Bitachon 157 - Israel is Guided by Hashem

We continue exploring the passuk in Tehillim ch. 37 passuk 7 where King David says that we are to be quiet and hope to Hashem. This indicates that whatever happens in our life - Hashem is blazing our path and guiding us to the future He envisions for us. We need not put in the greatest of efforts, but rather, we are to trust in His plan for us.

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Running time: 18:31



Friday, April 12, 2024

Tazria - Israel Balances the Stormy Winds

Why does the Torah use the word Adam-Man in reference to the person who has Tzara'as-Leprosy? What is the imbalance in the person who suffers from this spiritual malady? Why was there a threatening 'stormy wind' in the times of Iyov, Yonah and Eliyahu? What is the concept of the souls that need to manifest before the coming of Moshiach? Why did some prophets author one book and others multiple books, while some prophets had only a line or two in Tanach? Why do some people find themselves drawn toward different parts of the Torah, be it Chumash, Mishna, Gemara, Halacha or Midrash?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 26:37



Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Bitachon 156 - Israel's Victory Is In The End

We continue exploring the passuk in Tehillim ch. 37 passuk 7 where King David says that we are to be quiet and hope to Hashem. This indicates that although it seems others are succeeding without depending on Hashem, we need to know that the Jewish people's success comes in the end when we are totally dependent on Hashem.

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Running time: 20:05



Friday, April 5, 2024

Shmini - Why Israel is Despised

Why are there special foods that are permitted and forbidden to the Jewish people to be eaten? What is the 'measuring' that Hashem did to determine who would receive the Torah? How does this parallel the 'measuring' He did of Mount Sinai and the land of Israel, which would be given to the Jewish people? What happened when Hashem 'took away responsibility' for keeping the 7 Noahide laws from the nations and gave that responsibility to the Jewish people? What does the prophet Chavakuk refer to when he says that Hashem will 'appear' in the lands of Teiman-Edom and the lands of Paran-Yishmael in the end of time?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 27:12



Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Bitachon 155 - Israel Needs Torah's Protection

We continue exploring the passuk in Tehillim ch. 37 passuk 6 & 7 where King David says that the one who trusts in Hashem - Hashem will cause their light to come out and shine, and that we are to be quiet and hope to Hashem. Both of these ideas express that we are to leave our physical needs in the hands of Hashem, and to focus as much as we can on our Spiritual pursuits.

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Running time: 23:06



Friday, March 29, 2024

Tzav - Israel's Gift of Peace

Why is the Korban Toda (thanks offering) the only one that will remain in the future time? What is the concept of the korban Shelamim, whose root is related to Shalom-Peace? Why is it the last of the korbanos spoken of in the parsha? How does it bring about peace between all those involved in it? Why is peace the 'end all' of the prayers and blessings? Why does Hashem allow His name to be erased for peace? Why did R' Meir ask a woman who listened to his sermon to spit in his eye? What is the concept of peace in the future if there is no longer an inclination toward evil in the Messianic age?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 28:41



Friday, March 22, 2024

Vayikra-Purim - Rejuvenation of Israel at 75

Why does Moshe 'stand by the side' at each point - at the burning bush, at the splitting of the sea, at Sinai, and at the building of the Mishkan? Why, in each case, does Hashem tell him that only he can do it? How does this parallel Mordechai's instruction to Esther to be the one to approach the king and serve as their redeemer? What is meant by our sages when they compare Esther to Sarah with the number 127, and when they compare her to Avraham who left for Israel at the age of 75? What is meant by the sages when they say that Tamar was the daughter of Shem if she lived so long after Shem? What is the significance of all of this in relationship to current events, which are occurring after 75 years since the Jewish state was founded?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 27:46



Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Bitachon 153 - Always Start Alongside Hashem

We continue exploring the passuk in Tehillim ch. 37 passuk 5 which speaks of the idea to 'roll your ways onto Hashem.' The result is that 'when you trust in Him, he will do it.' This brings to the fore that we must always make sure that our intention in all our deeds is to serve Hashem. Furthermore, the efforts we put in - when we determine that we need efforts of some sort - must never replace our belief that it is always truly Hashem who is doing it for us.

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Running time: 19:37



Friday, March 15, 2024

Pekudei - Israel Gets Past the Tough Times

Why were the Jewish people unable to complete the construction of the Tabernacle? Why was it necessary for both Moshe Rabenu, who completed the Mishkan-Tabernacle, as well as Shlomo Hamelech (King Solomon) to have special spiritual assistance to complete the building? Why did the merchant who came to Jerusalem at first not sell his merchandise at all, but ultimately sold his merchandise very quickly? What is the 'last laugh' that Moshe had on his detractors? Why was he at first not involved in the construction of the mishkan, yet he completed it? Why did R' Shimon bar Yochai instruct his students not to leave Israel and not to strive to acquire wealth? Why is it built into acquiring Israel that in order to do so one must get past tough times?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.



Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Bitachon 152 - Hashem Does For Israel

We explore the passuk in Tehillim ch. 37 passuk 5 which speaks of the idea to 'roll your ways onto Hashem.' The result is that 'when you trust in Him, he will do it.' This brings to the fore that we must always make sure that our intention in all our deeds is to serve Hashem. Furthermore, the efforts we put in - when we determine that we need efforts of some sort - must never replace our belief that it is always truly Hashem who is doing it for us.

CLICK HERE to listen to the audio

Running time: 23:01



Friday, March 8, 2024

Vayakhel - Israel's Source of Light

Why does the Torah refer to the creation of the Ark of the Covenant by Betzalel in the singular, seeming to imply he did it on his own? What was created first - the spiritual light of Creation or the Heavens and the Earth? What was Betzalel able to deduce from the creation of the light first? How does the Aron represent this light? What was the 'additional wisdom' of Noach and how did Betzalel use a similar kind of wisdom in deducing that the Aron should be created first, before the rest of the structure of the Mishkan?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.



Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Bitachon 151 - Israel's Attachment to Hashem

We continue exploring the passuk in Tehillim ch. 37 passuk 4 which continues from our previous study and tells us about the connection to Hashem we experience in a state of Bitachon, which can manifest as an ecstatic state of joy or intense prayer. Either way, when it's real, it gets results!

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Running time: 21:38



Friday, March 1, 2024

Ki Sisa - The Artist's Many Names

Why does Hashem ask Moshe to 'look at the name' of Betzalel? Where was Betzalel's name to be seen? How was it that Betzalel was able to manifest such exquisite artistry if the Jewish people had been slaves and he had no chance to study his art? What is the significance of the 'many names' of Eliyahu and of Betzalel? Why does the Torah sometimes mention the person's name and also his parents' names and the name of his location? What are the many aspects that go into a person's personality and his ultimate purpose in the world? Why does Hashem have Betzalel, from the tribe of Yehuda, work alongside Oholiav, who is from the tribe of Dan?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 30:03



Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Bitachon 150 - All Your Heart's Wishes

We continue exploring the passuk in Tehillim ch. 37 passuk 4 which continues from our previous study and tells us about the connection to Hashem we experience in a state of Bitachon, which we can compare to the feeling we have on Shabbos. The passuk finishes with the fact that all our 'hearts desires' will be fulfilled, hinting to the idea that with Bitachon we can depend on Hashem to obtain more than just our necessities.

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Running time: 22:45



Friday, February 23, 2024

Tetzaveh - Israel's Secret Weapon

Why does the Torah use the word 'davar' - 'thing' or 'matter' in introducing the order of initiating Aharon and his sons into their Kohen service in the Mishkan-Tabernacle? What are the two 'matters' that can be used to atone and bring salvation when we do not have the ability to bring sacrifices? How do words of Torah and heartfelt prayer bring about the revelation of Hashem in the world? Why is Haman referred to as both an oppressor and an enemy? Why does Mordechai return to his sackcloth, fasting and prayer even after he is 'raised up' and clothed with king's garments and rides the king's horse? What is it that ultimately provides atonement for Aharon for having facilitated the sin of the Golden Calf?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 29:42



Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Bitachon 149 - Israel's Source of Peace

We continue exploring the passuk in Tehillim ch. 37 passuk 3 which speaks of Dovid Hamelech's advice to not only trust in Hashem, but also do good. This means that we can not suffice ourselves only with a trusting relationship with Hashem, but His help engenders an obligation to also be honest about our negative actions that require fixing. Additionally, the guarantee is that when we have Bitachon, we can be sure we will be able to live in peace because we are connected to the Source of peace, which is Hashem.

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Running time: 22:11



Friday, February 16, 2024

Terumah - Israel is G-d's Child

How do we 'take an example from Heaven' in the construction of the Tabernacle? What are the many parallels between the 'throne room' of Hashem above, and the place of His Presence here on earth? What do each of these elements represent? What is the significance of Hashem calling the gold and silver of the Mishkan his? How do the Tabernacle and Beis Hamikdash (Temple) manifest the relationship between Hashem and the people of Israel - Shepherd to flock, Watchman to vineyard, and Father to son?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 27:59



Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Bitachon 148 - Fear Not - Israel's Enemies Won't Succeed

We explore the passuk in Tehillim ch. 37 passuk 3 which speaks of Dovid Hamelech's assurance that even if it seems that Israel's enemies are succeeding - heaven forbid - we can rest assured that ultimately, those who truly trust in Hashem will be far more successful.

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Running time 22:06


 

Friday, February 9, 2024

Mishpatim - Creating Angels

Why does the Torah place the concept of the inclined ramp of the altar right next to the concept of the laws? Why is there concern of immodesty walking up the ramp if the Kohanim had undergarments to prevent immodesty? What is the concept of 'walking with small steps' versus 'walking with large steps?' How are angels created from the commandments we perform, and how do they serve to protect us? What is the concept of the order of first creating the angels, then being accompanied by the Shechinah, then having our prayers answered? What is the danger of 'rebelling against the angel' that is involved with the secret of having our prayers answered?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 23:33



Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Bitachon 147 - Bitachon Redeems Us

We continue our study in the passuk in Tehillim chapter 34 passuk 23, which speaks of how Hashem redeems the soul of His servants, and finds no guilt in those who trust in Him. This means that Bitachon has an amazing side effect - that we are judged more favorably by Hashem when we are striving to have a good relationship with Him!

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Running time: 23:24



Friday, February 2, 2024

Yisro - Israel Receives the Torah

Why does it speak of Moshe 'going up' to receive the Torah, if Hashem 'came down' with all His hosts, as it were, to give the Torah? How was Moshe's previous battle with angels now helpful in his current mission, to capture the Torah from the hands of the angels? What was the ultimate merit that Moshe used to bring the Torah to the people of Israel? What is the deeper lesson of the Midrash's teaching that Moshe's faced changed so that he looked like Avraham? Why did the angels need to acquiesce when they saw Avraham's face? How does the merit of our righteous ones and the forefathers help us when we are not righteous?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 29:15



Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Bitachon 146 - Taste Hashem's Goodness

We continue our study of the passuk in Tehillim chapter 34 passuk 9, which speaks about the tangible 'taste' of Hashem's goodness that we can experience when we place our full trust in Him. Doing so involves contemplation of the good, looking for the good, and in developing the state of Bitachon - confidence that Hashem will do good for us - we experience that goodness more directly.

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Running time: 21:19



Friday, January 26, 2024

Beshalach - Israel Has Nowhere to Turn But to Hashem

Why is Egypt compared to a fox, while the four great Kingdoms of Israel's exiles were all compared to great animals? What was Egypt's crafty plan for survival from the growing menace of the Israelite population in their midst? Why did it involve throwing the babies in water, as opposed to using fire or the sword as a means of destruction? Why did Hashem 'bring the Egyptians to the deluge' as opposed to bringing the deluge to the Egyptians? How were the people of Israel able to survive if they, like the Egyptians, were surrounded on four sides by the waters of the sea?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.



Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Bitachon 145 - Taste the Good of Israel's G-d

We look at the passuk in Tehillim chapter 34 passuk 9, which speaks about the tangible 'taste' of Hashem's goodness that we can experience when we place our full trust in Him. Ultimately, this has to do with our ability to focus on the broader picture, and see beyond the challenge of the moment, so that we can indeed get a real feel for His all encompassing kindness.

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Running time: 21:15



Friday, January 19, 2024

Bo - Israel - Miraculous Nation

What is special about the month of Nissan, in which Pesach (Passover) falls? Why has the 'New Year' changed from its original time - in Tishrei (when we celebrate Rosh Hashana) to being in Nissan? What is the depth of the idea that the people of Israel became a miraculous nation with their exodus from Egypt? In what way were they like a prince released from prison? What is meant by the midrash which states that Hashem redeemed Himself, as it were, when He redeemed us from Egypt?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 23:53



Tuesday, January 16, 2024

Bitachon 144 - Israel's Natural is Supernatural

We finish our discussion of the passuk in Tehillim (Psalms) 33, verse 22, which speaks of our recognition that the degree of Hashem's open intervention in our lives corresponds to the degree that we hope to Him for our success. If we trust on the level of the righteous, then we merit to be treated with supernatural care. If we choose to live in a natural space, we are treated naturally. But we learn that the natural state of the people of Israel is to have Hashem's flow coming to us, unless we doubt Hashem.

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Running time: 21:55



Friday, January 12, 2024

Vaera - Signs of Salvation and Justice


What is the meaning of the sign that Moshe gave Pharaoh when the staff was thrown down and turned into a snake? Does Hashem need to prove that 'He is right' or is His ultimate desire that the wicked turn back to Him? Why did the righteous individuals - Noach, Chizkiya, Chananya, Mishael and Azaryah all ask for signs from Hashem, and what did they show? How does this parallel the sign that Pharaoh requested and what is showed? How does Hashem use the Jewish people as a tool for his justice?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Ibur Year - 9 months - Significance of Shvat

In my Moshiach Podcast 17, I spoke about the concept of 9 months of 'pregnancy' of the ibur year (leap year) and how they correspond to the 10 sefiros - 9 months of pregnancy from Av >> Adar Sheni and then the tenth month is Nissan.

Thus: 

Av-Elul-Tishrei are the 'mochin' or hidden sefiros of Keser-Chochma-Binah - here the process was hidden and taking place behind the scenes, only coming out in the open at the end of Tishrei.

Cheshvan-Kislev-Teves are the sefiros of Chesed-Gevurah-Tiferes - Chesed was Cheshvan where the war began and - significantly - in the middle of the month - our troops went into Gaza. The middle of the month is always when the month is at its strongest in spiritual terms. Hence we have Pesach on the 15th and Succos on the 15th (and Purim on the 14th-15th). Gevurah is a holding back and we had the ceasefire in the very middle of the month of Kislev. Tiferes is the month we just finished, Teves, where these two came into a certain balance and the full expression of the the first three months.

As we enter the last trimester, we encounter Shvat-Adar I-Adar II which correspond to Netsach-Hod-Yesod. I don't want to get into all the current events but you can see what's happening and where we are headed if you open your eyes. Netsach-Shvat is the fourth sefirah and corresponds to the fourth day of creation, which is when the Nesirah took place. I won't speak about this here at length, but you can see a lengthy discussion of this in a different context at this blog post. Basically Nesirah is the painful separation of the female aspect from the male aspect, which start off back to back, in order to bring them into a face to face relationship. This process begins today, Rosh Chodesh, and peaks at Tu B'shvat - the middle of the month. The ramifications of it echo through the months of Adar I and Adar II (Hod and Yesod) until we reach the birth at the very end of Adar, around 25th of Adar and leading into Rosh Chodesh Nissan.

There is a lot to be said and understood based on the Sefiros and the way they play out in the months of the ibur year, but an important detail to take into account is that the first three sefiros of the revealed sefiros - chesed-gevurah-tiferes - these are each represented in the upper part of the body - the right hand, left hand and torso. These three are simpler expressions which parallel the individual's ability to do kindness or withhold kindness, etc. The final three - netsach-hod-yesod - are represented by the lower part of the body - netsach and hod are the 'two legs' and they interact with earth that they walk upon. This is indicative of a deeper manifestation of the previous three, and is also indicative of the expansion of what has gone on now from being a localized incident that seems to only affect the Land of Israel, to being an expanded manifestation, which expresses the deeper truth that Israel is a microcosm of the whole world, and whatever happens here in Israel affects the entire globe.

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Bitachon 143 - Israel's Victory is Hashem's

We explore the passuk in Tehillim (Psalms) 33, verse 22, which speaks of our recognition that the degree of Hashem's open intervention in our lives corresponds to the degree that we hope to Him for our success. The people of Israel's unique ability to succeed is ultimately determined solely by their dependence on Hashem's Divine assistance.

CLICK HERE to listen to the audio

Running time: 21:30



Friday, January 5, 2024

Shemos - Israel's Relationship with G-d

What is behind Moshe's (Moses') question to G-d as to what His name is? What is the understanding of Hashem's response in saying 'I will be that I will be?' Why is the language at first doubled, and then singular? What is behind the different names of Hashem in different contexts? What three special times are hinted to in the three mentions of the fact that 'Hashem will be?' What is the difference between the individual and the people of Israel as a whole in regards to how Hashem interacts when they have gone astray?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 28:24



Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Bitachon 142 - Ultimate Happiness

We explore the passuk in Tehillim (Psalms) 33, verse 21, which speaks of the great happiness we experience when we sense that Hashem is guiding us in our lives, which is a perspective we gain as we strengthen our Bitachon-trust in Him.

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Running time: 21:29