Behar-Bechukosai - Facing Redemption with Faith

What is the concept of faith as opposed to 'keri' - happenstance? How does the challenge of faith apply someone who already has faith in Hashem? Why is the punishment for lack of faith worse than just not doing Hashem's will? What is the unique challenge of our times - the lead up to the Messianic age?

 

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

 

Running time: 27:11

Emor - Running and Building

Why does the Jewish people run out of Egypt? Why are we not allowed to have any semblence of Chametz (leavening) in our possession during Pesach? What is the understanding of the aspect of counting to Shavuos? Why when we get to Shavuos are we enjoined to bring an offering that is Chametz? What are the two stages in leaving Egypt? How can we use these lessons in our efforts to leave the power of the Evil Inclination? How can we understand the time of Sefiras Ha'omer?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 26:03

Acharei-Kedoshim - Holy Extremes

Why are the countries of Egypt and Canaan pointed out for their moral decadence in regards to forbidden marital relationships? Why does the Torah seem to indicate that this is true because the Jewish people were there? Why must the Jewish people encounter such moral impurity? What is the net effect on each of the sides - holiness and impurity? What is the lesson for ourselves in the times before Moshiach? How can we defend ourselves from the decadence of our current society?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 26:38

Tazria-Metzora - Love vs Gossip

What can we uncover by looking at the punishment the Torah metes out for the sin of gossip? Why is he sent out of the encampment when he is stricken with spiritual leprosy (tzara'as)? Why does he call out 'impure, impure?' Why are the merits of the one who spoke gossip taken away and transferred to the one he spoke about? What is the depth of the concept of loving one's neighbor as oneself? How does one develop that love?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 29:12

Shmini - Mishkan and Creation

What is the construct of the form through which Hashem creates the world and we create the Mishkan (Tabernacle)? How does this also parallel the way we receive the Torah, and the final war of Armageddon that precedes the construction of the third Temple? What is the aspect of Binah, which is the 8th aspect, and how does it relate to the first seven?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 25:38

Pesach - Seder-Order

Why is the entire body of customs we perform on the first night of Pesach referred to as the Seder (Order)? Why does the goat (that Abba bought for two coins) die and never come back to life if it represents the Jewish people? Why is the building of the Beis Hamikdash (temple) mentioned in Dayeinu if it was not built until 480 years after the exodus? What is the core concept of Pesach and how does it relate to the concept of Moshiach ben Dovid? 

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 23:07

Tzav - Spiritual Honesty

Why does Aharon, who the Torah itself describes as a righteous prophet, require extra encouragement in regards to a sacrifice he brings but does not benefit from? Why do we find this type of approach in regards to other areas as well? Why does the soldier going out to battle, who our sages say is specifically someone without sin, have a process for marrying the beautiful woman on the battle field? What is the correct approach to dealing with our human frailties?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 23:44

Vayikra - Heed the Call

What is the significance of Moshe's not entering the Mishkan when the cloud fills it? Does he do that because he's unable to enter, or because he chooses not to enter? What is the pattern of Moshe's standing back, and why is he chosen for this trait? How can we use this idea in our own lives?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 21:58

Vayakhel-Pekudei - Spiritual Source

Why does the Torah tell us of Betzalel's family origins? What is the significance of the 'intellect, wisdom and knowledge' with which he was endowed? Why was it important that the mishkan (santuary) be built with these aspects? How does it parallel the creation of the world? Why does the Torah stress that Hashem was the source of these powers of Betzalel? How does the mishkan serve to atone for the sin of the Golden Calf? What was the difference between the way the Jews brought their gold for the calf, as opposed to how they brought their gold for the mishkan?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Runing time: 25:01

Ki Sisa - Spiritual Contrasts

What is the meaning of the verse that says that "to You, Hashem, is charity, while we have embarrassment? How does this verse apply in the context of charity? How does charity transform curses into blessings? How does the verse apply to the contrast between how we behave in defiance of God, versus how He treats us?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 20:55