Shavuos - Combining Heaven and Earth

Why was the Torah specifically given in Sivan and not in Nissan or Iyar? Why did the king in the analogy consider parading his princess first on an elephant, then on a horse, and finally on the shoulders of a human being? What is the concept of the human being who 'talks, claps and dances?' Why did the heavenly hosts cry at the giving of the Torah, while those on earth were joyous? Why did Hashem ask the angel of darkness to step aside in Nissan, when the world was created, then invite him back in Iyar, and finally speak of the human being who could 'see both light and darkness?'

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 29:46

Bitachon 260 - Checking in With Hashem

We study together the pesukim in Divrei Hayamim II perek 20 pesukim 6 and 12. One of the central ideas is that Yehoshaphat, when faced by a great multitude of enemies, turned to Hashem to ask how to proceed - with hishtadlus or without. And Hashem responded and said he need not do anything, Hashem Himself would take care of his enemies.

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Running time: 22:25

Bimidbar - Hashem's Honor Above Mine

How was Elazar the Kohen able to carry so many items at once - the Oil of the Menorah, the incense ingredients, the flour of the daily offering and the oil of anointing? Why did the unlearned man scream out the kedusha prayer? Why did he then go on to become a great dignitary? What was the underlying theme in the contention between Dovid Hamelech and his wife Michal? Why did Dovid dance and 'crow' in front of the Aron Habris (ark of the convenant), and how was it appropriate for a person of his stature?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 30:08

Bitachon 259 - Singing Before Salvation

We study together chapter 20 of Divrei Hayamim II which speaks of the miraculous salvation that King Yehoshaphat and the Jewish people experienced when Amon, Moav and Amalek sought to fight a great battle with them. They prayed for salvation and also sang before the salvation even came. At the time of their singing, their enemies were miraculously vanquished.

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Running time: 20:44

Behar-Bechukosai - Activating Hashem's Kindness

What is the concept of the poor person that is 'with you?' Who is the dal-poor individual that we are enjoined by Dovid Hamelech to 'be wise' with? Why is the result of that wisdom that Hashem protects us? What is the 'city' with 'few inhabitants' that is besieged by a 'great king' and saved by a 'weak, wise man?' What is the power of making our Yetzer Tov (good inclination) to be the 'king' over our Yetzer Hara (evil inclination)? How do all of these reflect the concept of activating Hashem's kindness?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 29:47

Bitachon 258 - Ups and Downs of Bitachon

We explore together the pesukim in Divrei Hayamim II perek 16 pesukim 7-9 which describe the weakness of Bitachon experienced by King Asa, who had previously been successful with his Bitachon, and now would suffer the negative consequences of his lack of faith.

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Running time: 22:19

Emor - Speaking With the Dead

What is the connection between the idea of the prohibition of speaking with the dead and the holiness of the Kohanim-priests? Why did Shaul Hamelech (King Saul) not receive a response from the prophets and the Urim VeTumim? What was the implication of his having disguised himself in regular clothes when he approached the woman and asked her to transgress by bringing up Shmuel Hanavi (Samuel the prophet)? Why was he ultimately killed in the battle with the Plishtim alongside his sons? What are the lessons we can take from this tragic story?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 30:04