Ekev - Desired Land

What is the difference between the land of Egypt and the land Israel? What is the significance of the land of Israel being sustained by rain? What does it mean when the verse says that Israel is a place that Hashem 'constantly searches,' and that 'His eyes are upon it?' Doesn't Hashem also take care of and protect other lands? How is the concept of 'desire' connected intimately to the land of Israel and the Jewish people?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 24:57

Ki Savo - Rain Revival

What is the connection between the blessings of rain and the revival of the dead? Why is Hashem the only One Who can 'open' the door for them? How is rain connected to the general concept of earning a livelihood? How is it connected to the concept of fish? How does this teaching relate to the idea of 'opening,' 'hand,' and 'song?'

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 24:26

Haazinu - Hashem's Crown of Dew

What is the difference between dew and rain? Why is the Torah referred to in both ways? What is the concept of the verse which refers to Hashem's 'head' as being full of dew? Why does Hashem reference that concept in consoling Moshiach ben Yosef in his difficulties? How do we honestly crown Hashem our king on Rosh Hashana?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 23:39

Let it rain, let it rain, let it rain!

This winter has been terribly dry for us in Israel, as many of you may know. The water levels here are dangerously low, and the drought is having a devastating effect on this year's crops. We have been saying special tefilos for rain every day, and there was even a special fast not too long ago. Boruch Hashem we had a rainy Shabbos last week, and the weather reports were right about today's rain. Please keep us in mind in your tefilos!

Here is a recording I made of the rain today outside of the window of my studio/sealed room. You can hear some thunder, the birds in the tree, a truck passing by... and of course the rain!