Yisro - Hearing Hashem's Voice

What is the difference between Moshe's experience of the revelation at Sinai as opposed to the entire Jewish people's experience? Why is his experience described as 'seeing' as opposed to the Jewish people's which is described as 'hearing the voice?' Why does the Torah use the name of Hashem in the interactions with Moshe, as opposed to Elokim, which is used for the Jewish people? What are the 'seven voices' that were heard at Sinai? What is the idea that Sinai is the source of all prophecy and wisdom?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 26:39

Shemos - Voices of Redemption

What was special about the brotherly relationship between Moshe and Aharon? How did that parallel that of Binyomin and Yosef? Why does the midrash stress that Binyomin and Yosef 'suckled from the same milk?' What is the significance of the kiss of Moshe and Aharon? What is the idea behind the 'voice of Hashem' that is one voice, and yet is heard by different people in different ways? How does one prepare oneself to 'hear the voice?' Why does Hashem's voice come from many different directions? Why does the voice come from a different direction each time the Jewish people run to receive it in the place they've heard it?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 26:30

Lech Lecha - Find Your Voice!

Why does Hashem use such an usual instruction which literally means 'go to you' when instructing Abraham to go to Israel? What is the unique point of truth that resides in every person? Why must Abraham leave 'his land, the place of his birth, and his father's home?' What are the tools one can employ to find one's special God-given role in the world?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 19:36

Fields of Judah

Fields of Judah, sing your song
As the sun sets and its rays cast long shadows
across the stalks lazily waving
In the soft breeze
voices whispering as they sing
Trust, just trust
for Hashem is all you need
He's with you at every turn
even as we sway to and fro
He's with us, too
For all the fear melts away
With trust.

There's no experience like being out in the field, talking to Hashem for a while, then pausing for a bit to listen for His response.

Hashem's voice sings quietly. It can't be heard above the noise. I must quiet all the busy voices if I want to hear Him.

But once I hear that soothing voice, something changes in me.

Because I can't be the same once I've heard the voice of truth.

And there are many 'voices of truth,' or, more accurately, voices that claim to be the voice of truth.

But there is only one real voice of truth. Or perhaps one voice of real truth. Is 'real truth' redundant? It would be redundant, I guess, if there were no other voices claiming to be that voice.

Once I've tasted that subtle sweetness, though, something has changed permanently. And even if I ignore it for a while, that taste of realness now discolors all of the other sweetnesses. Because they are only superficially sweet. When you taste the real thing, there is no turning back. At least not without pain.

I need to return to that truth. When I am there, I know it, because it just resonates at some place deep inside of me. It's not in my mind. It's in the same place where I laugh and cry. That place that is beyond explanation. I couldn't take you there unless you've been there. But maybe I could help you find it yourself.

People ask where Hashem is. And I recently heard that people really need to ask something else - where they are.

And I couldn't help but think that the two questions are not really two questions at all.

And is there an answer to that question?

But it is good to ask.

And if you ask me why I'm laughing, can I answer?

And if you ask why I'm crying?

But it is good to ask.