Ki Savo - Commitment to Torah

What are the two aspects in any relationship? What is the idea of fear of Hashem? How do we retain our commitments in our relationships? What is the power of affirmation? What is the idea of 'upholding the Torah?' 

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 20:33

Terumah - Receving Torah, Receiving God

Why is the story of the revelation at Sinai placed immediately before the command to build a Tabernacle for Hashem's presence? Why is the center of the Tabernacle the place that houses the Ark of the Covenant and the Torah that is within it? Why does the Midrash introduce the command of building the Tabernacle with a description of the greatness of Torah? How is the Torah compared to a princess whose father, the king, comes along with it?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 20:48

Va'eschanan - Staying Connected to God

What are the two modes of our relationship with Hashem? What is the path into ecstatic experience of God? How does one find God in the mundane - 'whenever we call out to Him?' Why is God's name 'Elokim' in the plural form? What is the concept of dew?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 24:18

Shoftim - Quiet Protection

What is the concept of the prohibition against extending one's borders into that of one's fellow? How does that apply to the spiritual borders that define a person's purpose in the world? How does that apply to the personal relationship one has with Hashem?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 24:11

Nitsavim - Voices inside, voices outside

Why does the Torah seem to indicate that the main relationship and covenant with Hashem is through the congregation as a whole? Why does the Torah later seem to imply that the relationship is forged within the heart of the individual? What is the resolution of these two seeming opposites? What is the concept of the quorum of ten that is required for prayers? How can someone be brought to repentance by the simple act of someone thinking a positive thought about them?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 20:04

Naso - Love and Respect

Why does the Torah place the concept of the encampments next to the idea of Metzora? The midrash tells us that the Jewish people were cured of this type of ailment at Mount Sinai, and that it returned after the sin of the Golden Calf - Why is this only significant now, almost a year later? Why does the midrash seem to imply that the counting and encampments are the solidification of the relationship of Hashem and Klal Yisrael?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 22:19

Re'eh - Cessation at seven

Why are the festivals all connected to the number seven? What is their connection to the seven of Shabbos? What is the special idea of simcha, joy, in this context? What is the connection to Elul, the loving relationship of the Jewish people with Hashem and the lead up to this joy? How does one access this joy in his life, his service of Hashem and prayer?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 18:52