Re'eh - Hearing and Transcending

Why does the Torah speak about 'seeing' and 'hearing' in the context of our free will choices? What do we learn from the 'listening' that Adam did as opposed to Avraham? What is the depth of the concept of voice, sound and hearing? How does it relate to the mitzvah of blowing the shofar on Rosh Hashana?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 26:55

Balak - Final Refinement

Why does Hashem lead the Jewish people to a place where they will sin? What is the significance of the waters of Shittim that the Jews drank of, which was also the spring that the people of Sodom drank from? Why does the midrash seem to make a clear connection to Abraham, sodom and the story of Lot and his daughters? Why does the midrash stress the fact that the Jewish people were at the threshold of Israel, like a princess about to marry?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 28:48

Ki Seitze - Intuition and Transcendence

Why does the Torah only tell us the reward for two out of the 613 commandments? Why does it specifically tell us by honoring parents and sending away the mother bird? What is the deeper understanding of the idea of sending away the mother bird when taking the eggs or chicks? How does one access the light of transcendence without being blinded by its' light? How is the intuitive faculty a reflection of that light? How does this idea manifest in the days of the week?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 25:55

Shemos - Slaying the Snake

When Moshe doubts the Jewish people will believe him, why does Hashem tell him to throw down his staff? What is the symbolism of the staff? What is represented by its transformation into a snake? What is the unique power of the tzadik (which is contained in all of us) which transforms the snake back into a staff?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 16:33

Tazria - Later and Earlier

In describing the birth of a child and the circumcision on the eighth day, why does the Torah bother to tell us about the conception as well as the impurity of the mother for seven days following birth? What is the connection between this verse and the verse in psalms which speaks of God fashioning Man 'later and earlier?' What is the concept of Man being created originally as a composite of both Male and Female? What does it mean that Adam was created in a state where he filled all of reality?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 22:31

Tzav - Oil of transcendence

What is the concept of the oil of anointing? Why was it poured on the head? Why did it consist of specifically twelve measures? Why was it poured on the head? What is the significance of the parallel to Yakov pouring the oil on the rock after his dream with the angels?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Terumah - In and out of reality

What is the deeper concept of donating to and creating the sanctuary specifically for Hashem's name? What does it really mean that the Jewish people create a sanctuary, and then Hashem dwells in the midst of the people? What is the deeper significance of the Aron (ark)? What is being taught when our sages tell us that it took up no physical space, and that it carried those who carried it? What is the deeper connection between the ark and the sanctuary?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.