Shlach - Facing Our Fear of Greatness

Why did Hashem cause the leaders throughout the land of Canaan to die as the Israelite spies passed through their land? What was at the root of the spies denial of the Hashgacha Pratis (Divine Providence) of these deaths which was really to create a distraction from their presence? Why did the Jewish people step back from Mount Sinai when Hashem revealed Himself to them, and ask for Moshe to be between them and Hashem instead the direct revelation? Why did the Jewish people look suspiciously at the fact that there was no physical waste when they ate from the Manna in the wilderness? How can we face the higher levels of spirituality Hashem wants to bring to us without turning away in fear?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 29:36

Bitachon 165 - Hope and Hope Again

We continue our study in Tehillim chapter 40 passuk 2, where King David exhorts us to constantly stay connected to the attribute of Tikvah-Hope. Ultimately, he promises that Hashem will lean closer and closer to us as we yearn to be close to Him.

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Running time: 22:53

Behaaloscha - Leading to Hashem's Will

What was the purpose of King David's harp, which would play on its own and wake him up at midnight? What did he mean when he said, 'I will awaken the dawn?' Who joined him in his studies through the night? What was special about the origin of the strings of his harp? What is the significance of the 'sinews of Yitzchak's ram?' What is the proper way of showing honor to our sages and Torah scholars? Why is honoring them 'akin' to honoring Hashem? Why are the Torah scholars among he 13 items Hashem calls 'His?' What is the significance of the gathering together and unity of the Torah scholars? How is this reflected in the unity of the Jewish people, and therefore a foundation upon which Hashem's throne sits? 

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 29:48

Bitachon 164 - Israel's Unending Hope

We continue our study in Tehillim chapter 40 passuk 2, where King David exhorts us to constantly stay connected to the attribute of Tikvah-Hope. Ultimately, he promises that Hashem will lean closer and closer to us and keep His promise of the ultimate redemption for the people of Israel.

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Running time: 22:17

Nasso - Joining the People of Israel

What is the implicit comparison between the Ger-Convert and the Kohen in the law that money owed to a Convert who passed away with no heirs is paid to the Kohen? Why is the Convert to Judaism called a 'returnee' if he is only arriving at this juncture? What is the understanding of the spiritual sustenance of the convert being the Talmud and the Midrash? Why is the convert compared to a grape vine? What is the blessing he receives from Tzion-Jerusalem? Why is the convert and the tzadik compared to a wild deer that joined the King's flock of sheep? What is the special favor that is shown to the convert? What is the special trait of the convert that we are to emulate?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 29:22

Shavuos - Finding Hidden Treasures

What is the idea behind the Midrash's statement that every prophet's prophecy was given to him at Har Sinai? How does this apply to the words of wisdom that would be said by Torah scholars down to our times? What is the 'great Voice that did not end' that echoes through the generations? What is meant by R' Yochanan who says that the single voice splits into seven and then into seventy? What is the 'mighty voice of Hashem?'

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 19:22

Bimidbar - Israel Surrounds the Mishkan

What is the depth behind each of the sides of the Mishkan, which was surrounded by four Levi encampments, and four corresponding Israelite ecampments? What is the significance of the West, as the source of 'snow, sleet, extreme heat and cold? And the South, as the source of rain and dew of blessing? And the North as the source of darkness? And the East as the source of Light? How does each group correspond to these aspects and either enhance or deflect the force found therein?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 30:11

Bitachon 163 - Wanting to Want Spirituality

We continue our study in Tehillim chapter 39 passuk 8, which speaks of our desire to connect to Hashem through Bitachon, as it is expressed in contrast to all the things we could desire that have to do with this world.

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Running time: 19:28