Balak - Getting Hashem's Hint

The Parsha Podcast celebrates its 10 year anniversary - 10 years of podcasts every week! How was R' Yochanan able to understand the hint of the angel and go on to greatness? What was the difference between Moshe and Yaakov vs. David and Mordechai when it came to getting the hint? Why did Bilaam get open and subtle hints? How do we recognize Hashem's hints for us?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 25:30

Matos-Masei - Good Subsumes Evil

Why did Joshua only live to be 110 years old as opposed to Moshe who lived until 120? Why did Moshe want to see the 'revenge' of the Jewish people on Midian before his death? What does the word nekama (revenge) really mean? What is the difference between seeing and hearing?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 25:19

Balak - Amalek, Israel and Moshiach - who is Amalek today?

Why is the verse that speaks about the 'tents of Jacob' immediately before the verse that speaks of the destruction of Agag, king of Amalek? What is represented by the number 72? How does Amalek manifest as the counter-force to the Jewish people? Who is Amalek today? How do we 'fight' Amalek in our times?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 26:29

Matos - Fighting for God's Sake

What is the difference between Bilam's use of God's name and Pinchos' use of God's name, especially in light of the fact that they both are able to come before God's throne of Glory? What is the special power of the small army force that Pinchos leads in battle against Midian? What is the significance of the fact that the wealth of the Midian's was given to the tribes of Reuven and Gad?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 22:32

Balak - Threshold Immorality

After 540 years of existence as the Jewish people, why do they face such a great test in licentious behavior just as they are entering Israel? What is parallel to Avraham and his interaction with Sodom as he is about to conceive Isaac? What is the concept of the 'Shittim River' which causes those who drink of it to be involved in licentious behavior? Why was there a special desire for this type of behavior immediately before the rebuilding of the Second Temple?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 25:11

Balak - Forces and Counter-forces

Why is Balak so bent on destroying the Jewish people? Why does his desire for their destruction not wane despite the miracles Hashem performs on their behalf? Why does Hashem give power to those who will wield it for such evil? What is the depth of the nature of Amalek in contrast to the people of Israel?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 22:03

Balak - Truth and Will

Bilam seems to be a good guy. Why do chazal paint him in such a bad light - Bilam Harasha!Why do we have this funny interaction where the donkey knows about the malach even before Bilam? What is the point of the malach standing there if it won't end up killing Bilam anyway? What is Bilam's fundamental character flaw? The midrash stresses that Bilam spoke to Hashem in a dream at night, thus indicating his inferior quality of prophecy. But lemaaseh, he experiences prophetic moments with his poetry during the day - so what is the meaning of it? What is the significance of the comparison between Bilam and Avraham?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 30:05

Balak - Uncovering the still, fine voice

What is Bilam's underlying intention? Does Hashem want him to go with Balak's men or not? What is the understanding of Hashem's approach? What is the concept of the Yetzer Hara before and after? How does one access the still, fine voice that Hashem speaks about with Eliyahu?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 16:27

Balak - The mystery of Bilam

How could Bilam, an evil lowlife, be able to merit such a lofty level of prophecy? Why does his donkey speak? Why is he able to speak about the end of days, which only Yakov and Moshe speak of in the Torah itself? What is the deeper connection between the story of Bilaam and the story of Pinchas?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.