Popular Shows by Thank You Hashem טנק יו השם
415 episodes
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201
A game of "Rebbe-Chassid"
A game of "Rebbe-Chassid"
Dec 31, 2022
6:02
TYH Nation Presents Hold on to Shabbos with Stories of Tzadikim with Rav Yussie Zakutinsky / Farbrengable Studios ---- Gut Voch everybody, I’ll tell you a mayseh. One of the Baal Hatanya’s sons, Reb DovBer (who later became the Mitteler Rebbe) was known as not just a genius but a huge eved Hashem. Someone who davened with intense dveykus. The mayseh goes when the future Mitteler Rebbe was young, when he was married he went to his in-laws in a different town for a shabbos. He noticed at shul when he was davening there was a particular yid wasn’t davening with as much kavannah and hislahavus that this jew could have. The Rebbe saw it as part of his avodah to help other yidden so he went over and told this yid we can all work on our tefillah and you too. This yid said I know, I need to work on it and maybe I'll get to the point where I'm doing as good as I can do and maybe even as good as you. Let me tell you why we are different. My parents are simple people. When my parents were having a kid Hashem saw that my parents were trying, simple yidden. So Hashem gave simple parents a simple child. I’m a simple neshama. Not only am I simple, I was raised in a home that was g-d feeling. I went to yeshiva but when I was 14-15 years old I had to go help my father make a parnassah. The years went on, I daven 3 times a day, go to the mikvah I learn whenever I can but that’s as far as my education goes. When it was time to have my own parnassah, my mazal was that I work in the shuk, I sell merchandise. So what do you think I do in my store all day? I’m talking to people and hondling all day, constantly. The truth is, most of my clients are non-jewish farmers. I sell farming equipment and most of the clients are non-jews. When they come and they hondle enough they’re finally ready to pay but they don’t have the money on the. So I have to keep track, write down they’re name and address and it’s a whole process to get the money. These are farmers, they work very early in the morning so I have to get there very early, before sunrise to get to their house. Then when I get there they see me and they know I’m here to collect money so they try to push it off, have me sit down, meet their family and then maybe I’ll get their money. That’s my life. When I come home, I’m already tired and I shlep myself to mincha and Maariv. I will try to open a sefer a mishna. Is my kavannah perfect? No. But it’s the best I can do this is the pekelach I was dealt with. And now he says, let’s turn to you. What about you? Your parents, your father, your mother are the tzadikim of the generation and have big big neshamos. What kind of neshmos did Hashem give them? A big neshama, so you have one too. Now that you have a big neshama, you were raised in the house of the Baal Hatanya. Raised in the house of Tzadikim, to people who are devoting their lives to Avodas Hashem. You don’t have to do anything but sit and learn and devote yourself to avodas Hashem. You have to appreciate where you come from and where I come from. That was the end of the conversation. The Rebbe never ever had a conversation like that. No one ever spoke to him like that. He was mamash shaken up. At the end of the day this yid’s right. What is my entire Avodah’s worth? Everything that I’m committing all my Avodas Hashem maybe is nothing compared to them. It’s true that my davening is greater than his, but based on the background that I have he’s right. He laid out the situation very well. Who knows what my avodah’s worth, maybe it’s worth much less than this yid. He was mamash shaken up to the core like this. He decided after Shabbos was over he’ll go back home to his father, he’s going into yechidus by the Baal Hatanya to work this out. As a side note, by these tzadikim obviously the Baal Hatanya was his father, but he was also his Rebbe. It’s a funny,...
202
I knew he would never leave
I knew he would never leave
Jan 7, 2023
9:21
TYH Nation Presents Hold on to Shabbos with Stories of Tzadikim with Rav Yussie Zakutinsky / Farbrengable Studios ---- Gut Voch everybody, I’ll tell you a mayseh. One of the Baal Hatanya’s sons, Reb DovBer (who later became the Mitteler Rebbe) was known as not just a genius but a huge eved Hashem. Someone who davened with intense dveykus. The mayseh goes when the future Mitteler Rebbe was young, when he was married he went to his in-laws in a different town for a shabbos. He noticed at shul when he was davening there was a particular yid wasn’t davening with as much kavannah and hislahavus that this jew could have. The Rebbe saw it as part of his avodah to help other yidden so he went over and told this yid we can all work on our tefillah and you too. This yid said I know, I need to work on it and maybe I'll get to the point where I'm doing as good as I can do and maybe even as good as you. Let me tell you why we are different. My parents are simple people. When my parents were having a kid Hashem saw that my parents were trying, simple yidden. So Hashem gave simple parents a simple child. I’m a simple neshama. Not only am I simple, I was raised in a home that was g-d feeling. I went to yeshiva but when I was 14-15 years old I had to go help my father make a parnassah. The years went on, I daven 3 times a day, go to the mikvah I learn whenever I can but that’s as far as my education goes. When it was time to have my own parnassah, my mazal was that I work in the shuk, I sell merchandise. So what do you think I do in my store all day? I’m talking to people and hondling all day, constantly. The truth is, most of my clients are non-jewish farmers. I sell farming equipment and most of the clients are non-jews. When they come and they hondle enough they’re finally ready to pay but they don’t have the money on the. So I have to keep track, write down they’re name and address and it’s a whole process to get the money. These are farmers, they work very early in the morning so I have to get there very early, before sunrise to get to their house. Then when I get there they see me and they know I’m here to collect money so they try to push it off, have me sit down, meet their family and then maybe I’ll get their money. That’s my life. When I come home, I’m already tired and I shlep myself to mincha and Maariv. I will try to open a sefer a mishna. Is my kavannah perfect? No. But it’s the best I can do this is the pekelach I was dealt with. And now he says, let’s turn to you. What about you? Your parents, your father, your mother are the tzadikim of the generation and have big big neshamos. What kind of neshmos did Hashem give them? A big neshama, so you have one too. Now that you have a big neshama, you were raised in the house of the Baal Hatanya. Raised in the house of Tzadikim, to people who are devoting their lives to Avodas Hashem. You don’t have to do anything but sit and learn and devote yourself to avodas Hashem. You have to appreciate where you come from and where I come from. That was the end of the conversation. The Rebbe never ever had a conversation like that. No one ever spoke to him like that. He was mamash shaken up. At the end of the day this yid’s right. What is my entire Avodah’s worth? Everything that I’m committing all my Avodas Hashem maybe is nothing compared to them. It’s true that my davening is greater than his, but based on the background that I have he’s right. He laid out the situation very well. Who knows what my avodah’s worth, maybe it’s worth much less than this yid. He was mamash shaken up to the core like this. He decided after Shabbos was over he’ll go back home to his father, he’s going into yechidus by the Baal Hatanya to work this out. As a side note, by these tzadikim obviously the Baal Hatanya was his father, but he was also his Rebbe. It’s a funny,...
203
The Tailor and the Poretz
The Tailor and the Poretz
Jan 21, 2023
6:06
TYH Nation Presents Hold on to Shabbos with Stories of Tzadikim with Rav Yussie Zakutinsky / Farbrengable Studios ---- --- There is a tradition amongst Jews, that on Motzei Shabbos, we get together and share stories of Tzadikim. These tales of holy people, from times long ago, can have a profound effect on our week. On Shabbos we rest from our weekday activities, and we have an opportunity to reconnect with who we really are. The energy and spirit of Shabbos enables the ultimate rendezvous with our true selves and deep moments with our Father in Heaven. And then, right before we re-enter the world of action, we sit together and recall the lives of our exalted Tzadikim, gleaning lessons, morals, and values to carry this spirit of unity forward with us…Until next Shabbos…. ---- Listen on Apple Podcast https://l.tyhnation.com/3nLiuWq Listen on Spotify https://l.tyhnation.com/3PaVGLp
204
Express Emunah in your own way
Express Emunah in your own way
Feb 12, 2023
4:22
TYH Nation Presents Hold on to Shabbos with Stories of Tzadikim with Rav Yussie Zakutinsky / Farbrengable Studios ---- There is a tradition amongst Jews, that on Motzei Shabbos, we get together and share stories of Tzadikim. These tales of holy people, from times long ago, can have a profound effect on our week. On Shabbos we rest from our weekday activities, and we have an opportunity to reconnect with who we really are. The energy and spirit of Shabbos enables the ultimate rendezvous with our true selves and deep moments with our Father in Heaven. And then, right before we re-enter the world of action, we sit together and recall the lives of our exalted Tzadikim, gleaning lessons, morals, and values to carry this spirit of unity forward with us…Until next Shabbos…. ---- Watch on YouTube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa0-NXTiGxS 1Ygf8 Vpvz seEDpU1dF4 Listen on Apple Podcast https://l.tyhnation.com/3nLiuWq Listen on Spotify https://l.tyhnation.com/3PaVGLp
205
Our Physical Presence
Our Physical Presence
Feb 25, 2023
6:52
A gut voch everybody, I’ll tell you a mayseh. You know, tzadikim look like they’re operating on the same plane as we are, they walk through a doorway, they breathe air like we do. But the truth is, Tzadikim and tzidkanios are operating on a different space altogether so i’ll tell you a mayseh about that. Everyone’s heard of the tzadik reb Mendel Rimanover, when he was younger he spent time by Reb Meilech of Lizhensk. One Friday night they were by the tish, with many chassidim and they get up to the soup. The waiter comes out with the soup, takes a bowl and puts it in front of Reb Meilech. Reb Meilech looks at the soup, he takes a bowl and spills it on the floor. As the rebbe spills it on the floor, Reb Mendel Rimanover says rebbe we’re going to go to jail, and Reb Meilech says no no no, we’re here. The whole thing makes no sense, what is he doing spilling the soup, what does the response mean that we’re here? After things calmed down, the chassidim asked the rebbe what happened. So this is the mayseh. Back then the yidden were controlled and somewhat owned by the Porutz, the land-owner. And for the most part the Porutz can do what he wants and it would give tzaros. But there are some things that even the Porutz can’t do and would need permission from the prince or the King. The porutz who owned the shtetl that Reb Meilech was a part of, was a big anti-semite and was always looking for excuses to get rid of yidden. He wasn’t able to fully expel Yidden, he needed permission from the higher-ups, he had to submit an official complaint against the jewish people to his higher-ups and then g-d forbid his plan would be fulfilled to expel the yidden. But in order for this claim to be made it had to be done in a proper way, with documentation and paperwork etc. The story was that Friday night, the porutz was sitting in his office with an official paper and reservoir of ink while the tish is happening. He’s about to fill out this paperwork to file his official complaint and submit it to his higher-ups and it would result in the yidden being expelled. It happens to be that porutz, his personality was an extremely superstitious person. And it happens to be that Reb Meilech knew, that if at that moment while he was filling out the paperwork if something happened that if the porutz saw something happen that was a bad sign he would stop writing the document and drop the idea. So what Reb Meilech was doing was that while he’s by his tish, that’s where his body is. Where his mind is is at the office with the porutz. When Reb meilech picked up the soup and poured ito n the floor, what he was doing in his mind in the room with the porutz was he was taking the ink and poured it on all the papers, and the Porutz stopped it all. Reb Mendel of Rimanover was on the same wavelength, he was by the porutz also, so when he sees reb meilech spilling the ink he says rebbe we’re going to go to jail for this, and Reb meilech says no were here, physically we’re actually here no one sees us there. Tzadikim are operating in a different space. What’s amazing here is you see the different levels of tzadikim, Reb Mendel Rimanover was a tzadik in his own right, he couldn’t identify a part of himself in this world. Reb Meilech was able to be with his mind in one place and to also be down in this world, with the chassidim at the tish. He was able to recognize that and sort of come to terms with that split, being in one place spiritually and one place physically. This is one of the biggest qualities of tzadikim, of being in 2 places at one time. Of being able to identify being involved with physical thing, being involved with people, being fully there but at the same time being fully elsewhere as well. That’s a big...
206
Where is your mishloach monos?
Where is your mishloach monos?
Mar 4, 2023
5:50
A gut Voch everybody, it’s almost Purim so I’ll tell you a Purimdik mayseh. The minhag of the Chozh was, on Purim everyone would come to theRebb, there was a big tish and there was a certain section off to the side where people would leave mishloach manos. No one ever thought that the Rebbe was paying attention to who gives shaloach manos or not. There was a particular year that Moishele came to the Tish, this guy was a little bit of a schlepper, a shlamazel. Never really had hatzlacha, never was matzliach in business he was always a little tzebruchen. With a complaint, things could be better. Moishele comes to the tish, the rebbe looks at him and says where’s the Shaloach manos? Everyone’s surprised the rebbe realized and Moishe shrugs his shoulders, why should I give shaloach manos? I can’t afford anything. The Rebbe says it’s Purim, you have to give. Now the Rebbe is personally asking for shaloach manos. I can’t give a can of corn, a can of peas. I have to do something nice. But he doesn’t have money to get it. So Moshe goes into the store, one of the nicer grocery stores in the area and he says I need the best packaged mishloach manos. The guy looks at him and he’s indicating, you Moishele want the nicest shaloach manos, how will you pay for it? He says today is Purim, give me what I need and I'll pay tomorrow. This was the first time the store-owner saw Moshe had a bit of an edge, a back-bone. He gives and he goes to the rebbe, he says yasher koach, you should have a freilichen Purim. Moshe leaves, he says to himself, you know I just gave the rebbe such a nice shaloach manos, my wife and kids are gonna have a shvach meal at home. So he goes back to the store, takes a whole meal, chicken, meat and the owner says how will you pay for it? He says it’s purim, i’ll deal with it tomorrow. Then he says look at how i’m dressed, how my wife and kids are dressed he goes into the clothing store with the same spiel and asks for the best stuff and we’ll work it out tomorrow. With every addition he’s standing taller, a little more confident, becoming more of a respectable person within himself. Slowly but surely, he gets home and his rebbetzin asks where’d you get all this stuff? He says it’s Purim today we’ll talk about it tomorrow. Slowly but surely the confidence that Moishy built on Purim itself, even after Purim he felt why can’t I start my own business? He goes to a friend of his and he asks for a loan in order to start this new business. His friend is a little confused and he says listen we’ll make it work and he sells the idea. Slowly but surely he builds his business and he becomes one of the wealthier people in the are, all because of the Rebbe’s Mishloach Manos. Sometimes we define ourselves as shlemazals and it’s a self-fulfilling promise. What the rebbe was saying is that you're a somebody, and you have a responsibility to live up as somebody. You have the responsibility and the right to give me mishloach manos, and through that he pulled him out of being a schlemazel. To give him the confidence to become the person he was supposed to become. Hashem should bless us, that we should walk taller with confidence, and strength. To recognize what we have to offer for the world, not to be entitled by that but to be filled with a sense of responsibility, mission and drive in order to accomplish what he has to accomplish. We should have a mazaldik voch, a simchadik voch. We should have a week filled with simcha, b’vias goel tzedek, amen.
207
Saved by the Challah
Saved by the Challah
Mar 11, 2023
6:39
Gut voch everybody, I’ll tell you a mayseh. One of the great tzadikim, was Reb Yitzchak Vorker. He was known for his Ahavas Yisroel, he was known for his overflowing kind heart. It was once an erev shabbos, he was getting ready with his rebbetzin. There was a knock on the door, and it’s a beggar. It’s not a jewish poor person, it’s a non jew who’s begging. Usually when a poor person comes they ask for money, or don’t ask for anything specific. But this beggar asked for something specific, he said that he wants some challah. He said he was hungry and he knew it was before shabbos and every jewish home has challah so he asks specifically for challah. The Rebbetzin is thinking to herself, if it was a jewish beggar it wouldn’t be a question but for a non-jew it’s different. She goes to check what she has and she sees that all she has is the 2 challahs for lechem mishna for them. They were going to have the tish so they only needed 2 challahs at home for 1 meal Friday night. The halacha is even if the Rebbetzin decided to cut a piece the halacha is you need 2 whole loaves in order to fulfill the mitzvah of Lechem Mishna. She says listen, I apologize we don’t have any challahs here and she’ll give some money instead. Reb Yitzchak of Vorke is in the other room and he hears what’s happening he comes over to the rebbetzin and says it’s okay we’ll cut a piece and give him half the challah it’s not going to bleed, no blood will come from it. Okay that’s what the Rebbe said that’s what the Rebbetzin did and that’s it, that was this part of the story. Months go by, years go by and one day Reb Yitzchak Vorke was traveling with a small group of chassidim. In those days, especially in that part of the world, traveling was extremely dangerous and you’d have gangsters going after people and ransoming them to their communities for money. So this is what happened, Reb Yitzchak Vorke is traveling and they’re attacked by a group of bandits. They’re all tied up and brought to the leader of the gand to then be sold for ransom from the Jewish community. They knew the yidden would pay so much money for any yid, especially someone who looks like a rabbinic figure. Once the head gangster is standing there and sees the Rebbe he immediately says let them go. What happened? Reb Yitzchak of Vorke notices this head gangster and after looking at him for a second he realizes he was that poor beggar that years ago came and asked for challah. Eventually he became the head of this gang, when he saw the rebbe, he said this jew saved my life when I needed saving so we’re going to let him go as well. Reb Yitzchak Vorker and the chassidim go on their way and by the time they get home the Rebbe tells his rebbetzin what happened. He says to his rebbetzin, remember years ago there was a situation where a non-jew came on erev shabbos with a funny request and I said cut the challah no blood will come from it. Even when I said that I meant it as a joke, I didn't even know what it meant. It turns out that what I said was true, because we cut the challah and gave it to that poor person, no blood, no damage, no danger is going to come because of that particular mayseh. There’s so many things we can take from that, just the kindness not just to a poor yid, but to a poor goy. To the extent that he sacrificed his lechem mishna for that. We see that the Ribbono shel olam always plants seeds. You never know what yeshua you need years later. The ribono shel olam gives us a mitzvah right now, and we don’t see the immediate schar or how it might change our lives. We have emunah, we plant seeds, we plant chesed then yeshuos come. It might be years later, we might realize it or not but every single act of chesed is planting a seed that produces peros of a...
208
Episode 47
Episode 47
Apr 8, 2023
3:30
Hold on to Shabbos with Stories of Tzadikim with Rav Yussie Zakutinsky There is a tradition amongst Jews, that on Motzei Shabbos, we get together and share stories of Tzadikim. These tales of holy people, from times long ago, can have a profound affect on our week. On Shabbos we rest from our weekday activities, and we have an opportunity to reconnect with who we really are. The energy and spirit of Shabbos enables the ultimate rendezvous with our true selves and deep moments with our Father in Heaven. And then, right before we re-enter the world of action, we sit together and recall the lives of our exalted Tzadikim, gleaning lessons, morals, and values to carry this spirit of unity forward with us…Until next Shabbos….
209
The Middle Matzah
The Middle Matzah
Apr 15, 2023
4:05
Hold on to Shabbos with Stories of Tzadikim with Rav Yussie Zakutinsky There is a tradition amongst Jews, that on Motzei Shabbos, we get together and share stories of Tzadikim. These tales of holy people, from times long ago, can have a profound affect on our week. On Shabbos we rest from our weekday activities, and we have an opportunity to reconnect with who we really are. The energy and spirit of Shabbos enables the ultimate rendezvous with our true selves and deep moments with our Father in Heaven. And then, right before we re-enter the world of action, we sit together and recall the lives of our exalted Tzadikim, gleaning lessons, morals, and values to carry this spirit of unity forward with us…Until next Shabbos….
210
Lag Ba'Omer Story
Lag Ba'Omer Story
May 6, 2023
4:41
TYH Nation Presents Hold on to Shabbos with Stories of Tzadikim with Harav Yussie Zakutinsky / Farbrengable Studios ---- There is a tradition amongst Jews, that on Motzei Shabbos, we get together and share stories of Tzadikim. These tales of holy people, from times long ago, can have a profound effect on our week. On Shabbos we rest from our weekday activities, and we have an opportunity to reconnect with who we really are. The energy and spirit of Shabbos enables the ultimate rendezvous with our true selves and deep moments with our Father in Heaven. And then, right before we re-enter the world of action, we sit together and recall the lives of our exalted Tzadikim, gleaning lessons, morals, and values to carry this spirit of unity forward with us…Until next Shabbos…. ---- Listen on Apple Podcast https://l.tyhnation.com/3nLiuWq Listen on Spotify https://l.tyhnation.com/3PaVGLp
211
Gifts that Shabbos gives us
Gifts that Shabbos gives us
May 20, 2023
6:48
There is a tradition amongst Jews, that on Motzei Shabbos, we get together and share stories of Tzadikim. These tales of holy people, from times long ago, can have a profound effect on our week. On Shabbos we rest from our weekday activities, and we have an opportunity to reconnect with who we really are. The energy and spirit of Shabbos enables the ultimate rendezvous with our true selves and deep moments with our Father in Heaven. And then, right before we re-enter the world of action, we sit together and recall the lives of our exalted Tzadikim, gleaning lessons, morals, and values to carry this spirit of unity forward with us…Until next Shabbos….
212
Keeping Shabbos to the fullest
Keeping Shabbos to the fullest
May 27, 2023
9:32
There is a tradition amongst Jews, that on Motzei Shabbos, we get together and share stories of Tzadikim. These tales of holy people, from times long ago, can have a profound effect on our week. On Shabbos we rest from our weekday activities, and we have an opportunity to reconnect with who we really are. The energy and spirit of Shabbos enables the ultimate rendezvous with our true selves and deep moments with our Father in Heaven. And then, right before we re-enter the world of action, we sit together and recall the lives of our exalted Tzadikim, gleaning lessons, morals, and values to carry this spirit of unity forward with us…Until next Shabbos….
213
Doing something good
Doing something good
Jun 3, 2023
7:45
There is a tradition amongst Jews, that on Motzei Shabbos, we get together and share stories of Tzadikim. These tales of holy people, from times long ago, can have a profound effect on our week. On Shabbos we rest from our weekday activities, and we have an opportunity to reconnect with who we really are. The energy and spirit of Shabbos enables the ultimate rendezvous with our true selves and deep moments with our Father in Heaven. And then, right before we re-enter the world of action, we sit together and recall the lives of our exalted Tzadikim, gleaning lessons, morals, and values to carry this spirit of unity forward with us…Until next Shabbos….
214
Seeing the Value of Our Mitzvos
Seeing the Value of Our Mitzvos
Jun 10, 2023
12:31
There is a tradition amongst Jews, that on Motzei Shabbos, we get together and share stories of Tzadikim. These tales of holy people, from times long ago, can have a profound effect on our week. On Shabbos we rest from our weekday activities, and we have an opportunity to reconnect with who we really are. The energy and spirit of Shabbos enables the ultimate rendezvous with our true selves and deep moments with our Father in Heaven. And then, right before we re-enter the world of action, we sit together and recall the lives of our exalted Tzadikim, gleaning lessons, morals, and values to carry this spirit of unity forward with us…Until next Shabbos….
215
Bnei Yissachar's Lasts Words
Bnei Yissachar's Lasts Words
Jun 24, 2023
6:06
There is a tradition amongst Jews, that on Motzei Shabbos, we get together and share stories of Tzadikim. These tales of holy people, from times long ago, can have a profound effect on our week. On Shabbos we rest from our weekday activities, and we have an opportunity to reconnect with who we really are. The energy and spirit of Shabbos enables the ultimate rendezvous with our true selves and deep moments with our Father in Heaven. And then, right before we re-enter the world of action, we sit together and recall the lives of our exalted Tzadikim, gleaning lessons, morals, and values to carry this spirit of unity forward with us…Until next Shabbos….
216
Hashem Keeps a Record of Everything
Hashem Keeps a Record of Everything
Jul 1, 2023
10:11
There is a tradition amongst Jews, that on Motzei Shabbos, we get together and share stories of Tzadikim. These tales of holy people, from times long ago, can have a profound effect on our week. On Shabbos we rest from our weekday activities, and we have an opportunity to reconnect with who we really are. The energy and spirit of Shabbos enables the ultimate rendezvous with our true selves and deep moments with our Father in Heaven. And then, right before we re-enter the world of action, we sit together and recall the lives of our exalted Tzadikim, gleaning lessons, morals, and values to carry this spirit of unity forward with us…Until next Shabbos….
217
A Memory From My Childhood
A Memory From My Childhood
Jul 8, 2023
7:57
There is a tradition amongst Jews, that on Motzei Shabbos, we get together and share stories of Tzadikim. These tales of holy people, from times long ago, can have a profound effect on our week. On Shabbos we rest from our weekday activities, and we have an opportunity to reconnect with who we really are. The energy and spirit of Shabbos enables the ultimate rendezvous with our true selves and deep moments with our Father in Heaven. And then, right before we re-enter the world of action, we sit together and recall the lives of our exalted Tzadikim, gleaning lessons, morals, and values to carry this spirit of unity forward with us…Until next Shabbos….
218
House of Lev on Finding Orthodox Judaism, Conversion, & Building A Family
House of Lev on Finding Orthodox Judaism, Conversion, & Building A Family
Aug 12, 2023
46:58
LaDerryl & Danielle Hart, AKA House of Lev, have become social media sensations. With over half a million views on YouTube, they’re going viral simply by giving an intimate look inside their marriage, family, & conversion to Orthodox Judaism. They talk to Nissim about struggles with Christianity, the conversion process, and finding G-d. Check out their YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@houseoflev
219
Waiting in the mail for 16 years
Waiting in the mail for 16 years
Feb 5, 2022
7:00
A Gut Voch everybody. There’s a Maiseh that a yid once came to the Baal Shem to give a donation for the Beis Medrash and for any poor people that the Baal shem Tov was involved with. So he gives him the envelope full of money and the Baal shem Tov says it’s so beautiful to donate such an amount, it’ll go to a good cause bezras Hashem, is there anything I can give you in return, do you want a Bracha for anything? The yid says Boruch Hashem I’m good, I don’t really need a bracha for anything, I have everything I need. The Baal Shem Tov says, what about your family, do you want a bracha for nachas from your children and health? The yid answers. “Everyone’s fine, I’m good to go.” The Baal Shem Tov says “You know what, if I can’t give you a bracha, if you don’t need anything like that then maybe you can do me a favor. There’s a letter, if you don’t mind delivering it for me. He says sure. The Baal Shem Tov goes into the other room, he writes a letter, puts it in an envelope and gives it to this yid. He says I want this to be delivered to Mr. Tzadok, who’s the gabbai tzedakah the head of the charity fund in the city of Brodt, one of the neighboring cities. The person doesn’t think twice about it and puts it in his coat pocket. Meanwhile the guy goes back home, forgets about the letter, days, weeks, months even a couple of years go by. Slowly but surely his business takes a turn unfortunately. He begins to lose money to the point where he’s mamash broke. He can’t explain why but things began to unravel. Things are deteriorating more to the point that he has to sell the assets, his home, his silverware he has no choice. To the point where he was literally selling his own clothes. One day he looked in the closet to see if there was anything he could possibly sell. He finds this old coat that was tucked away in the closet. He figures it’ll be worth something, he takes it out to take a look, empties out the pockets and he finds the letter. It hits him like a ton of bricks, remembering what happened 16 years ago when he was by the Baal shem and everything was going amazing. He remembers vividly that moment where the Baal Shem tov offered to give a bracha and this person is thinking about himself that he was so confident in everything he has,m that everything is set in stone that he wouldn’t even take the bracha from the Baal Shem and he’s kicking himself. At the time he didn’t think he needed it but we’re always hanging by a thread with Hashem fully in control. He remembered this letter and decided to try to do it now. He hitchhikes to the city of Brodt, now a beggar he asks around for a Mr. Tzadok, the gabbai tzedakah. People are looking around at each other and saying Really? This Mr. Tzadok was just appointed today as the Gabbai Tzedakah. This yid thinks it’s a coincidence and he asks more about Mr. Tzadok. They tell him that throughout his whole life he was a tailor in the city, nothing major, not wealthy at all but just recently his business began to take a turn in the upside and he became very wealthy and powerful in the city, and just today he was appointed the gabbai tzedakah. This yid goes to Mr. Tzadok and he tells him, you’ll think I’m crazy but 16 years ago the Baal Shem Tov gave me this letter to give to a Mr. Tzadok who is the Gabbai Tzedakah in th city of Brodt. I forgot about it, over the years my mazal turned a lot but now I just remembered this letter and now i'm here. I was told that literally today you became the gabbai tzedakah, here’s the letter. Mr. Tzadok is taken aback, he takes this letter and reads it. This is what was written. I, yisroel Baal Shem Tov am writing to you Mr. Tzadok, and the person I sent as a messenger to deliver this to you is someone who right now is very successful in his business but I’m seeing his mazel is going to turn and he’s going to be in desperate need of help. At the time when he delivers this letter you are
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Between me and Hashem
Between me and Hashem
Feb 26, 2022
3:44
Gut Voch everybody, they say a maaseh that the Baal Shem Tov once said the following story. He said there was once a yid going back a few hundred years before the Baal Shem. This yid lived in Eretz Yisroel, a very simple jew. G-d fearing, good jew, and the Baal shem Tov said that in shamayim there was a huge commotion going on around this person. What was the issue? When this person became bar mitzvah, he did a particular mitzvah that mamash shook up shamayim. And in shamayim the malachim were talking about it for years. As years went on it was forgotten what the mitzvah was, but the residual effect and impact of the fact that this guy was mamash shining with this light he was the talk of the town for years in shamayim, even though they didn’t know exactly what the inyan was. The Baal Shem Tov said Eliyahu Hanavi is in shamayim also and he hears this commotion and sees that this person is mamash the center of the universe. Eliyahu Hanavi tries to do some investigation to figure out what this mitzvah was, what did this person do that he became such an amazing radiant neshama? No one really knows, until Eliyahu Hanavi decides that he’s going to pay this guy a visit and find out for himself. Eliyahu Hanavi shows up to this guy’s house, knocks on the door and introduces himself and proves he’s actually Eliyahu hanavi. He says to this yid that in shamayim they’re mamash talking about you all day, because there’s something you did when you became bar mitzvah and no one knows what it is. “Can you please tell me what it is?” The person answers that he’d rather not say, “it’s between me and the ribono shel olam.” Eliyahu says “listen, I understand and appreciate that, but you know, if you tell me I promise I'll give you brachos, shefa. Hatzlachah and all good things.” The person looks at Eliyahu Hanavi in the eyes and say “listen to me, what I did was between me and the ribono shel olam, you can offer me all things of this world, it doesn’t make a difference to me, things of this world and the next. What I did was for G-d and for Hashem Himself, nobody else.” We live in a generation where everyone is in everyone’s business, we see what everyone else is doing. Sometimes that’s good but very often it’s not. Even if it’s good things, it’s important to have that private relationship with G-d and once in a while do something that is just for Him. Not for anyone else, no one has to know about it, just between me and the Ribono Shel Olam. That’s how the Baal Shem Tov develops, that’s how a big tzadik develops, by having that personal, intimate, privacy between you and the Ribono Shel Olam. You do a mitzvah, no one has to know about it. You have a good thought, say a good word, no one has to know about it except for you and G-d. That’s how you build that relationship. Hashem should bless us with a week that’s full of that, that deep Hiskashrus, personal attachment between us and G-d that comes with being modest and internally pnimiyusdik. Hashem should bless us with a week of Pnimiyus, a week of bracha and hatzlachah, on all madreigos, b’gashmius and b’ruchniyus ad bli dai.
221
It's not too late
It's not too late
Mar 12, 2022
12:38
A Gut Voch everybody, they say a story that there was a particular wedding that was going to take place and everyone was super excited about it. For the usual reason, but this wedding in particular because the Baal Shem Tov was going to be mesader Kiddushin. The Baal Shem Tov knew the family and he was going to be mesader kiddushin. The way chasunas would work in the old country is that they were usually done outside, by the river and the whole town was invited. The day of the chasuna came the whole town was there, everyone was super excited. They waited in anticipation for the Baal Shem Tov and his people to come with the Chassidim. Finally the Baal Shem Tov arrives, the music playing and the chuppah is beginning. It was an unbelievable sight. Meanwhile the Baal Shem Tov is standing under the chuppah going through the process of the chasuna. All of a sudden there’s a wagon that was passing by, because it was outside by the river. All of a sudden a person in that wagon sticks his head out to see what’s going on to see the chasuna a little. The Baal Shem Tov takes notice of that person in the wagon, the Baal Shem Tov turns to the chosson and kallah and says excuse me I have to to take care of something I’ll be one minute. They stop the chasuna and he runs to the wagon, says something to the person in the wagon for 30 seconds. The wagon goes on, the Baal Shem Tov comes back and they continue with the wedding. All the Talmidim of the Baal Shem Tov were confused by this, to interrupt a chasuna it must be that the person in the wagon was one of the 36 hidden tzadikim. The chassidim decide that they want to find this person to get a bracha and hadracha, to connect to another tzaddik. They wait until after the chasuna is over, they start going around the town trying to find that wagon. They can’t find it at all, one day goes by, then another and they keep circling the area. They keep taking walks and rides around the area they can’t find it. About a week or 2 later these chassidim happen to be traveling to a neighboring town and they see that wagon that was by the chasuna in the driveway of a particular house. They get out, they knock on the door and a regular looking jew opens the door. The Chassidim asked him, sorry to bother you, but is that your wagon outside? He says yes, They say let me ask you a question. Were you in that town for a chasuna about a week or 2 ago? The man tries to think but doesn’t recall. They specify that there was a chasuna, maybe you passed by and the Baal Shem Tov came to talk to you? He jogged his memory and he remembers, “Yes, that was actually me.” The chassidim ask “Please give us a Bracha!” He answers, “I’m just a normal guy you don't want my bracha” If the Baal Shem Tov was willing to stop the chasuna and speak to you,clearly you're not just a regular yid. “I’m telling you I'm a nobody and am just a regular guy you don’t want a bracha from me.” “So then if you’re a regular person what’s your story, why would the Baal Shem Tov stop the chasuna what did he tell you?” He begins to blush a little and says he’d rather not talk about it. The chassidim say “We were looking for over a week, we're not leaving until we hear this story. Who are you, what did the Baal Shem Tov say to you?” He says okay if you need to know here’s the story. I have a neighbor across the street. We get along nicely but aren’t the best of friends. The way his business runs is that he’s out for business for 3 to 4 months a year and whatever he brings back in that time is how he supports his family for the rest of the year. It happens to be that a couple of weeks ago I was at home, a day just like today. And it happens to be the day that my neighbor came home from his business trip. I see from my window that this man came back with a big sack with all the money he made on this trip. I see that he puts this bag on the front porch and walks into his house. I assumed that he was
222
Saved by the Challah
Saved by the Challah
Mar 11, 2023
6:39
Gut voch everybody, I’ll tell you a mayseh. One of the great tzadikim, was Reb Yitzchak Vorker. He was known for his Ahavas Yisroel, he was known for his overflowing kind heart. It was once an erev shabbos, he was getting ready with his rebbetzin. There was a knock on the door, and it’s a beggar. It’s not a jewish poor person, it’s a non jew who’s begging. Usually when a poor person comes they ask for money, or don’t ask for anything specific. But this beggar asked for something specific, he said that he wants some challah. He said he was hungry and he knew it was before shabbos and every jewish home has challah so he asks specifically for challah. The Rebbetzin is thinking to herself, if it was a jewish beggar it wouldn’t be a question but for a non-jew it’s different. She goes to check what she has and she sees that all she has is the 2 challahs for lechem mishna for them. They were going to have the tish so they only needed 2 challahs at home for 1 meal Friday night. The halacha is even if the Rebbetzin decided to cut a piece the halacha is you need 2 whole loaves in order to fulfill the mitzvah of Lechem Mishna. She says listen, I apologize we don’t have any challahs here and she’ll give some money instead. Reb Yitzchak of Vorke is in the other room and he hears what’s happening he comes over to the rebbetzin and says it’s okay we’ll cut a piece and give him half the challah it’s not going to bleed, no blood will come from it. Okay that’s what the Rebbe said that’s what the Rebbetzin did and that’s it, that was this part of the story. Months go by, years go by and one day Reb Yitzchak Vorke was traveling with a small group of chassidim. In those days, especially in that part of the world, traveling was extremely dangerous and you’d have gangsters going after people and ransoming them to their communities for money. So this is what happened, Reb Yitzchak Vorke is traveling and they’re attacked by a group of bandits. They’re all tied up and brought to the leader of the gand to then be sold for ransom from the Jewish community. They knew the yidden would pay so much money for any yid, especially someone who looks like a rabbinic figure. Once the head gangster is standing there and sees the Rebbe he immediately says let them go. What happened? Reb Yitzchak of Vorke notices this head gangster and after looking at him for a second he realizes he was that poor beggar that years ago came and asked for challah. Eventually he became the head of this gang, when he saw the rebbe, he said this jew saved my life when I needed saving so we’re going to let him go as well. Reb Yitzchak Vorker and the chassidim go on their way and by the time they get home the Rebbe tells his rebbetzin what happened. He says to his rebbetzin, remember years ago there was a situation where a non-jew came on erev shabbos with a funny request and I said cut the challah no blood will come from it. Even when I said that I meant it as a joke, I didn't even know what it meant. It turns out that what I said was true, because we cut the challah and gave it to that poor person, no blood, no damage, no danger is going to come because of that particular mayseh. There’s so many things we can take from that, just the kindness not just to a poor yid, but to a poor goy. To the extent that he sacrificed his lechem mishna for that. We see that the Ribbono shel olam always plants seeds. You never know what yeshua you need years later. The ribono shel olam gives us a mitzvah right now, and we don’t see the immediate schar or how it might change our lives. We have emunah, we plant seeds, we plant chesed then yeshuos come. It might be years later, we might realize it or not but every single act of chesed is planting a seed that produces peros of a...
223
Hashem Keeps a Record of Everything
Hashem Keeps a Record of Everything
Jul 1, 2023
10:11
There is a tradition amongst Jews, that on Motzei Shabbos, we get together and share stories of Tzadikim. These tales of holy people, from times long ago, can have a profound effect on our week. On Shabbos we rest from our weekday activities, and we have an opportunity to reconnect with who we really are. The energy and spirit of Shabbos enables the ultimate rendezvous with our true selves and deep moments with our Father in Heaven. And then, right before we re-enter the world of action, we sit together and recall the lives of our exalted Tzadikim, gleaning lessons, morals, and values to carry this spirit of unity forward with us…Until next Shabbos….
224
Staying warm through the winter
Staying warm through the winter
Sep 20, 2022
4:39
Gut voch everybody, I’ll tell you a maaseh. One of the great chassidim of the Tzamach Tzedek named Reb Hillel PAritcher and he would repeat this story that happened to him, in this time of Elul. And to him, this brought out what Teshuva and Elul is all about. He was walking on a late winter night in Russia somewhere. Those days, the Czar had a palace that he lived in, but the Czar had many different palaces. Even though the Czar was only in one palace at a time, every palace had to be guarded and respected because it’s still his palace and he coukld theoretically be there. One time, Reb hillel Parithcer was walking by one of these palaces, and he heard a lot of screaming and moaning, it wasn’t normal. He goes in to see what’s going on, he sees a young soldier who’s being beaten mercilessly by his higher ranking officer. It was a strange sight, he goes over and there’s a whole commotion over there. This young soldier was charged with standing guard and watching the place of the Czar. Most likely the Czar wasn’t even there, and unfortunately this young boy fell asleep and his officer cae around to check on him and caught him slacking off from his job. The proper mode of conduct is when the higher ranking officer walks by, he’s supposed to stand up. This young guy fell asleep and his boots froze to the ground, and this is why this kid is being beaten up. While this is happening this kid is begging for his life, please just have compassion on me. It’s so cold, I fell asleep for one minute and my boots froze. It’s so cold and i’m so tired it’s not my fault. The office said I was there 10 years ago when you took an oath to serve the Czar. That oath should keep you warm to this day. Reb Hillel Paritcher said nu, in the Tanya it says every single one of us before we come to the world we take an oath that we will be a tzaddik not a rasha. And even if the whole world is telling you you’re a tzaddik, don’t think your work is done. We take this oath then get sent to the world with all the coldness of the inter, the tough times, our oath has to keep us warm, an inner desire to be able to make sure our boots don’t freeze to the ground. Reb Hillel Paritcher says the avodah of Elul is to remember that oath that we took, Elul will help us dance, to go vaiter and fulfill that oath today, keeping us warm in the cold winter. Hashem should help us, this week as we get closer to the Yomim Noraim we should be zocheh to remember that oath, this is ultimately the secret of Teshuva, to keep us warm with this oath. We should be zocheh to have a week of yeshua and nechamos b’vias goel tzedek b’heirah b’yamenu amen.
225
The Badichever's letter
The Badichever's letter
Aug 27, 2022
5:10
Hold on to Shabbos with Stories of Tzadikim with Rav Yussie Zakutinsky There is a tradition amongst Jews, that on Motzei Shabbos, we get together and share stories of Tzadikim. These tales of holy people, from times long ago, can have a profound affect on our week. On Shabbos we rest from our weekday activities, and we have an opportunity to reconnect with who we really are. The energy and spirit of Shabbos enables the ultimate rendezvous with our true selves and deep moments with our Father in Heaven. And then, right before we re-enter the world of action, we sit together and recall the lives of our exalted Tzadikim, gleaning lessons, morals, and values to carry this spirit of unity forward with us…Until next Shabbos…. ------
226
Carl the janitor says hello
Carl the janitor says hello
Aug 20, 2022
8:32
Hold on to Shabbos with Stories of Tzadikim with Rav Yussie Zakutinsky There is a tradition amongst Jews, that on Motzei Shabbos, we get together and share stories of Tzadikim. These tales of holy people, from times long ago, can have a profound affect on our week. On Shabbos we rest from our weekday activities, and we have an opportunity to reconnect with who we really are. The energy and spirit of Shabbos enables the ultimate rendezvous with our true selves and deep moments with our Father in Heaven. And then, right before we re-enter the world of action, we sit together and recall the lives of our exalted Tzadikim, gleaning lessons, morals, and values to carry this spirit of unity forward with us…Until next Shabbos…. ------
227
That Special Esrog
That Special Esrog
Oct 8, 2022
9:44
TYH Nation Presents Hold on to Shabbos with Stories of Tzadikim with Rav Yussie Zakutinsky ---- A gut voch everybody. You know, bezras Hashem, we’re all getting ready making hachanos for the yuntif of sukkos. One of the biggest hachanos that a person does in this time is to get the nicest lulav and esrog they possibly can. I’ll tell you maaseh about a yid who also cared very much about these mitzvos. There was a yid from a particular shtiebel. Every yid has their itzvah that they make a particular inyan out of. And this yid, wasn’t a rich person but his inyan was to buy the nicest esrog. It was known in the town that he would travel to other towns, to Yaniv and he would spend a fortune on his Esrog and it was known that on sukkos you go to that shul and you get to see Yankel’s esrog. It was one of the social events of the year for him where he gets to show off his esrog. One year he was saving up, he saved 50 Rubles, and he was traveling before Yom kippur, he goes to Yaniv, whatever the location was that he gets his esrogim. On his travels he happens to stop by an inn, a hotel to stay the night. He’s sitting by the bar having supper and he overhears that there’s a yid next to him mamash moaning, crying and kvetching there’s something bothering him. So there’s the bartender there, he asks him what’s on his mind. This yankel is over-hearing this. This yid says what he does for a living, he’s a wagon-driver. People hire him to go from place to place so his whole parnassah depends on his horses. My mazal is one of my horses died. What am I supposed to do? I have no money to buy a horse and I don’t know what to do. This bartender is like a shadchan, he knows everyone's inyan. He wasn’t necessarily the greatest person in the world but he says you know what? I can get you a horse. It’ll cost you 50 Rubles. 50 Rubles? I don’t have that kind of money. The bartender says I’m barely breaking even! It was Hashgacha that this Yankel saved 50 rubles. Yankel overhears this and he says what am I going to do, travel to Yaniv to buy an esrog knowing this yid doesn’t have a parnassah? He goes to the bartender and says listen. Between me and you, what’s the lowest you can do for this horse? He says between me and you 45, but I’m basically losing money. He pulls out 45 rubles, gives it to him, this bartender says to this other yid find this yid over here you’ll get your horse. Thanks so much you mamash saved life. Don’t thank me, thank the ribbono shel olam Yankel says. Meanwhile he’s traveling to Yaniv where the nicest esrogim are but he won’t be able to buy anything there. 5 Rubles can barely get him an esrog in the regular market with that money. Everyone is expecting a huge esrog. He heads back home and on the way he sees someone selling a shvach lulav and esrog and goes back. His wife is expecting to see him all happy, it’s the highlight of his year and he’s all dejected. He tells her the whole story and says maybe for davening i’ll go to the neighboring town to Lizhensk so everyone won’t see my shvach esrog. She says fine, so that’s what he does. Sukkos morning that’s what he does. He's a new person in the shul and he’s in the back shaking his lulav and esrog. Even there he doesn’t want people to see him. Reb Meilech starts davening for the amud, they’re about to bench hallel and all of a sudden Reb Meilech stops and turns around smelling for something. There’s a sniff in his face, it seems like he smells something beautiful and at some point he stops and goes back to his tefillah. Reb Meilech runs over to his brother Reb Zusha, and says did you smell what I smell? HE says of course! We need to find this esrog. Meanwhile they’re trying to find this smell and they get to Yankel. They say we don’t know who you are, you’re new to the shul but tell us the story of your esrog. Because your esrog smells of Gan Eden. He says
228
A thought of teshuva
A thought of teshuva
Jul 23, 2022
4:07
Gut Voch everybody. In the summer months, I can’t call it a minhag but very often what happens in camp late night motzei shabbos whatever it is they tell ghost stories and try to scare each other. Let me tell you a holy ghost story, the intention isn’t to scare anyone, hopefully we'll get some chizzuk. The story goes like this, don’t ask me to explain it, this is the maaseh. The Kotzker Rebbe was once walking with one of his chassidim and as they were passing by a particular area there was a bunch of hoodlums, of goyim. They were standing there, they saw the Kotzker and his talmid and they began to throw rocks at them. Saying anti-semetic things. Immediately the chassid, see these rocks coming so he ducks down behind the bush. But the Rebbe just stands there and continues walking. The chossid turns up and says Rebbe you have to hide, they’re throwing rocks. The Rebbe says Meh, there’s no goyim, there’s no rocks. Let me tell you something, those guys over there they’re not from the living. They’ve already passed on. They don’t realize it yet. They think they’re part of the world, but they’re not really. I’ll prove it to you. Stand up, you’ll see that all these rocks coming your way they’re not going to hit you. They’re not real. When you go close to them you’ll see that they’re wearing clothes of the dead. They go closer and that’s what they're wearing. The Chossid after this experience turns to the Kotzer with an amazing question and says Rebbe, how do I know that I’m alive? Maybe I’m also stuck thinking I’m alive but am not really. The Kotzker says if at any point in your life, you ever had a hirhur Teshuva, you ever had a real thought to becoming a better person that’s a siman that you’re alive. But if a person goes through life without even a moment of thinking or wanting to become better, then it could be that they’re not alive. That’s the siman of life. The siman of life doesn’t mean to be a tzaddik, or to be the person we want to become. But it’s the wanting to be that person. Having a thought of Teshuva of becoming better, that’s called being alive. When Hashem says I’ve placed before you good and bad, life and death choose life He doesn’t say choose good he says choose life. Good is something that comes after you choose life. Life is to want to do good. Now that you’ve chosen life you’ll be good. You have to choose life, and that means to have thoughts of Teshuva and become better people. That itself is making us alive, it’s injecting us with life-force itself. Hashem should help us, this week should be a week of Chayim, chayim amiti’im. True life, of growth, of Cheshek, desire, Hirhur Teshuva. We should be zoche that not just as individuals, all of klal yisroel should have that hirhur teshuva and choose that life and connect to life in a real way, in a pnimiyusdik way. With that be zocheh to the CHay Hachayim B’vias goel tzedek bimherah byamenu amen.
229
Delivering a package
Delivering a package
Nov 3, 2022
7:43
TYH Nation Presents Hold on to Shabbos with Stories of Tzadikim with Rav Yussie Zakutinsky ---- A gut voch everybody. It once happened that there was a group of chassidim of the Tzemach Tzedek, the 3rd Lubavitcher Rebbe. They were sitting amongst themselves and they were talking about stories of mesirus nefesh. Stories about how jews sacrificed their lives, if need be sacrifice their time, their money to help other yidden with mesirus nefesh. So the Tzemach Tzedek was there and he heard what they were talking about and he said obviously any level of self-sacrifice that a jewish person offers, is of great value. But the Rebbe said the truth is, sacrificing your money or your body for Hashem’s sake or for the Jewish people’s sake it’s a big deal but that's not how far reaching mesirus nefesh can be. You want to kn ow what mesirus nefesh really is? I’ll tell you a story about Reb Boruch of Medzbyzh. He was a grandson of the Baal Shem Tov. He was known to be very fiery. It was well-known that it wasn’t so simple to be in his presence; he was very very strong. Only a select few were able to claim the title of being his chassidim. It was a particular shabbos that he was in town leading Tish and there was a guest in the neighborhood for that shabbos. A chossid, but no one knew who he was, he came for shabbos. All of a sudden when this guest walked in Friday night for the Tish, Reb Brouch’l looked at him for a few seconds and saw something. The rest of the night at the Tish he was just making fun of this guy. Talking about his chesronos, his deficiencies, his aveiros, mamash embarrassing him in front of everyone. He was mamash a guest. So that was very odd, chassidim were used to strange things with Reb Boruch’l and his fire but this was something very difficult to hear. To be a part of, And the next day, the same thing repeated itself by shalosh seudos and the whole shabbos Reb Boruch’l is making fun of this yid. Really being mevazeh him. To thi schossid’s credit he didn’t leave, he just stood there and took it but it was very very strange. That shabbos, besides this particular guest that was there there was also a visiting tzaddik that was with Reb Boruch’l the whole time as well and he was also taken aback by this experience until after shabbos was over. This tzaddik went over to Reb Boruch’l, Rebbe if you don’t mind me asking, doesn’t the mishna say that if a person embarrasses another jew in public you lose your portion in the world to come? Reb Boruch’l said I know the mishna. But let me explain. This jew, I never saw him before I don’t know who he is. But when he came, I looked at him and I saw something. What he does for a living, for his parnassah is that he’s a courrier. If a person has to take a product, something of value that has to get to a particular place, they hire this jew as a courier to bring the object or the money whatever it is from point A to point B. This jew he says as a courier right before shabbos he was given a package by a jew to deliver to a particular place. The problem was, he planned on being able to get to the town of Medzbyzh where Reb Boruch’l was with enough time before shabbos to make the proper arrangements to have this package with product was sent and protected in a particular way. The problem was there was traffic, the weather was not good and they ended up coming to town extremely late. They had no time to set up arrangements to make sure this package that was given to him by this yid was going to be safe. So what did he do, he wanted to come to the tish. He was a little bit negligent. He went to the first place he saw, the first inn that he found which was owned and run by a goy. He takes this particular object that this yid gave him to bring to another place, it was of great value and he went to the owner of the hotel, i’m here for the weekend, if you don’t mind keeping...
230
As long as you live
As long as you live
Jul 9, 2022
4:21
Gut voch everybody. The great Rebbe of Radzin, Reb Gershon Henoch was a grandson of the Izhbitzer, Reb Mordechai Yosef of Izhbitz. The story goes like this. Reb Gershon Henoch, even as a tzaddik, an adult was a very fiery, confident, creative personality. People that are like that as adults usually start off like that as children as well. So when you have a child who has a big neshama like Reb Gershon Henoch coupled with that creative, energetic, confident changing the world type of personality it could sometimes become a difficult thing to manage. Reb Gershon Henoch was a little kid and he was walking in the city. In Izhbitz at the time, there was a stream, a river and there was a narrow foot-bridge to cross that stream. The width of the bridge was only wide enough for one person to walk at a time. It happens to be that Reb Gershon Henoch’l as a kid is trying to cross and to his mazel there’s a person walking in front of him. This was an elderly chassid who was walking very slowly. Reb Gershon Henoch’l is getting a little bit antsy so he starts pushing to try to get through. The older chassid turns around and says how dare you push me, do you know how I am? I’m an einekel of the chozeh of Lublin. Reb Gershob Henoch’l on the spot without flinching says so what, the Chozeh is dead. My grandfather is the Rebbe and he’s alive. The old man hears this and is shocked to hear such a thing so disrespectful about the Chozeh. After crossing the bridge the old man goes to tell on the little boy so he goes to the Izhibtzer. He knocks on the door, he goes in and tells the Rebbe what happened, he tried to cut me off and I told him I’m the einekel of the Chozeh and he says who cares the Chozeh is dead and my grandfather is the Rebbe he’s alive. The Izhbitzer was shaken up to hear that, he calls in his grandson and he says, nu is it true that you said that? The kid answers, yes I said it. The Izhbitzer begins to shake, to say such a thing and talk like that about the Chozeh? Who am I compared to the Chozeh. Reb Gershon Henoch’l as a kid begins to get nervous, feels a little bit bad and begins to cry a little. The Izhbitzer then says, but the truth is, the Chozeh is dead and I’m alive. And as long as I’m alive, I can be as great as Rebbe Shimon Bar Yochai. That’s what he said to his grandson. That’s an amazing thing. Of course it goes without saying to respect gedolei hador. But as long as you’re alive, it means that you have a spark of the divine within you and the sky's the limit. Why limit yourself to the Chozeh, you can be as great as Rebbe shimon Bar Yochai. As long as you’re alive. The Chozeh was niftar, the Izhbitzer was niftar. Tzadikim of past generations are no longer here but we’re alive. As long as we’re alive we have to dream and aspire to be great people, if we aspire to be bigger then maybe we’ll become the people that we have to become. Hashem should help us that this week should be filled with Brachos, yeshuos and potential to be actualized. B’vias G’oel Tzedek B’mheirah B’yamenu amen.
231
Motzie Shabbos, Shabbos Teshuva
Motzie Shabbos, Shabbos Teshuva
Oct 1, 2022
9:38
TYH Nation Presents Hold on to Shabbos with Stories of Tzadikim with Rav Yussie Zakutinsky / Farbrengable Studios ---- A gut voch everybody. Motzei Shabbos shuva, everybody’s getting ready for Yom Kippur. I’ll tell you a Yom Kippur’dik Maaseh. It’s always a good thing to say stories of Tzadikim but in this time of year it’s important to say stories of R’ Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev. One Yom Kippur people were gathering in the shul and they were getting ready to start Kol Nidrei. They see in the corner of the room that there was a man clearly drunk and rieked? Of alcohol. People were thinking and talking saying what’s he doing drunk in shul for Kol nidrei? Finally the Rebbe comes in. The gabbaim quickly go open the Aron kodesh and they begin to take the sefer torah out for kol nidrei. Davka at that moment this drunk guy wakes up. He doesn’t even know what’s going on, he thinks it’s simchas Torah he screams 100 Ruble Ata horeisa. Everyone shushes him. The Berditchover turns to them and says let him be. And that’s what happened, that guy in the back was saying Ata Horeisa and dancing and everyone else said Kol Nidrei. Everyone was curious and went to ask the Rebbe why he didn't do anything about the man. The rebbe said, this guy's name is Reb Shmuel. He’s not a drunkard, he’s a good guy. How did it happen that he got drunk for Kol Nidrei? It was erev Yom Kippur, and this Shmuel got a message from one of the surrounding shtetlach that there was a widow who was late on their rent. You had to give rent to a Porutz and oftentimes they were antisemites. This widow with her children owes rent, she was very behind in her payments. This porutz (landlord) decided that he would take advantage of this time of year and on Erev Yom Kippur he threw them in jail. This Reb Shmuel heard about this, and he said how can I go about my day and let this family be in jail for Yom Kippur. So he goes to the Porutz and he says you don’t know who I am, but what’s it going to take to get this family out at least for Yom Kippur. The Porutz says I'm not budging. They’re staying here until I get every single penny they owe. And how much is it? He says 1000 ruble. He says I’ll give what I can give but I don’t have that money. Okay so they’re staying in jail. Reb Shmuel leaves, he’s not a gabbai tzedaka, a fundraiser by profession but I need to step up. I’ll give what I can, and I’ll go knock on doors. The problem is, everyone in the town was poor. The Gabbaim already went around collecting money for the poor people in the community, it was going to be difficult to raise money for a family from another town they don’t know about. He’s struggling to get the funds. After all his efforts in collecting money for Erev Yom Kippur he has 700 Ruble altogether which is an amazing accomplishment but this Porutz isn’t budging. He gave all the money he could, collected from the yidden as much as he could. As he’s walking home thinking of ideas, he sees people in a bar. And he happens to notice amongst all the people there, there was one particular table of young men dressed nicely and classy. He figures you know what, it can’t hurt to try. He goes into the bar, they look at him, they can tell that he needs something. He gives them the whole story with this widow and children who are stuck in jail for the holiday season and that he needs 300 more ruble. They see, hey we can have fun with this guy. They say, if you drink this whole bottle of Vodka we’ll give you a hundred Ruble. He’s not used to drinking, he sits down and starts preparing. He takes it down, they were super shocked and they give him a 100 ruble. They say you know what, if you drink another bottle we’ll give you another 100. He was already losing balance, pushing himself to take down the second. By now he’s already out of...
232
Real Mesirus Nefesh
Real Mesirus Nefesh
Jun 25, 2022
5:53
A gut voch everybody. I’ll tell you a maaseh. The tzemach Tzedek, the third Lubavitcher Rebbe was a tzadik yesod olam, a genius of geniuses in Torah, Nigleh and Nistar on of the gedolei hador on all levels. He was raised in the house of the Baal Hatanya. So the maaseh goes that after the Baal Hatanya passed away, every once in a while the Baal Hatanya would visit his grandson the Tzemach Tzedek in a dream at night. Some questions that the Tzemach Tzedek would have in learning the Baal Hatanya would give answers to. Sometimes they were clear and sometimes not so much. There was a time when Tzemach Tzedek was learning a hard topic and he had many kashyas on it. He davened very much that his grandfather should visit him, no anwer. No one’s answering him, the Baal Hatanya doesn’t answer. It goes on for weeks like this and it’s eating him up inside that for whatever reason the Baal Hatanya isn’t coming anymore. He’s staying with these questions: it is what it is. It happens to be one particular morning the Tzemach Tzedek was walking to shul and it was the shuk. The fair in Lubavitch where businessmen would come and do business. The Tzemach Tzedek is traveling to shul and there was a yid who the Tzemach Tzedek knew. Clearly it seemed like he was preparing himself to get involved with the shuk that day. He comes to the Tzemach Tzedek with an innocent question. I’m sorry to bother. I know you’re very busy, but is there any chance I can borrow 15 Rubles? It would be a huge help. There’s something I’m trying to purchase today. The Tzemach Tzedek said yes sure I’d love to lend it to you, I just don’t have it with me. I’m on my way to shul for shachris after davening I’ll stop at my house and we can meet there and I’ll give you the money. Okay fine, thank you very much and he goes on. The Tzemach Tzedek goes to shul, puts his talis over his shoulder, he's checking his tzitzis and he has this nagging feeling that maybe he did something wrong. This yid who needs the money, he’s trying to make a parnassah and working hard. Maybe by the time I finish davening and meet him, the deals will be missed. Maybe I should’ve taken care of it right away. He says you know what it’s not too late I’ll take care of it now. He takes off his tefillin and runs home, gets the money but he doesn’t know where this yid is. Because they were going to only meet later. But he says, this is the Yetzer Hora trying to prevent me from doing the right thing. And that’s what he does, he takes the money and runs to the shuk. He looks for this yid, and finally after some time he finds him. The yid is so thankful and says, thank you so much you could’ve waited from later. But I very much appreciate having the money now, like the Rebbe thought of and was concerned about. Thank you. The Tzemach Tzedek runs back to go daven, puts his talis on his shoulder, wraps himself with Tallis and tefillin. All of a sudden he has a vision with his grandfather. But this time it’s not when he’s asleep it’s when he is wide awake and he sees clearly. The Baal Hatanya answers all the questions with complete clarity, and gives advice for questions that will arise in the future. It’s mamash one of the greatest visions in his whole life. The Tzemach Tzedek was bothered, why did I merit this extreme nevuah right now? A person can do many mitzvos to open certain gates in shamayim. But the biggest key to open the biggest gates, is doing a Toivah for another yid. Doing a toivah with mesirus nefesh and l’shem shamayim, it opens the biggest doors in shamayim. That key that’s called ahavas yisroel, gemilus chassadim with mesirus nefesh. The Alter Rebbe says, I know how much davening with Kavannah and with a minyan means to you. For you to go out to help this yid and give him the money, was exxtreme mesirus nefesh and opens all the gates. We should be zocheh to be gomlei chassadim like that, we have it in our...
233
What the Baal HaTanya learned by the Maggid
What the Baal HaTanya learned by the Maggid
Jun 16, 2022
7:11
A Gut Voch everybody. The Baal Hatanya the first Lubavitcher Rebbe was a talmid of the Maggid of Mezritch.The maaseh goes that it was during sukkos one year, on Chol Hamoed and the Baal Hatanya found himself traveling for a particular issue was traveling to a certain town. On his way he happened to stop off in a certain shtetel. In those days it wasn’t like his face was so well known like it would be today and he looks like a normal yid. So he goes to shul like everyone else and it happens to be a Friday, about to be Shabbos Chol Hamoed. He finishes, he doesn’t really know where he’s going to stay. The minyan in those days was that there was a corner where people who needed a place would stand and after davening people would come and invite them. So that’s what the Baal Hatanya did. Someone comes up to him and says Reb Yid, do you need a place to stay? So he brings the Baal hatanya home, they bring him into the sukkah and right away this host can tell that this guest is a very special person. The way he davened, the way he just held himself. Then something stranger takes place. They’re in the sukkah and all of a sudden they hear strong thunder, lightning in the entire sky. In a moment they heard the sound of an intense downpour. Despite the fact that it was pouring, there was thunder and lightning and their sukkah was completely dry. The Baal Hatanya wasn’t surprised by this, but the host was mamash shocked. He walks outside and he’s soaking in the rain. A step into the sukkah and he’s completely dry. He knows that it’s not because of him and it’s because of his guest. So what does he do? Nowadays he would take a selfie or something and post it online. He decides to run to tell the Rov, and what type of thing I have here and that he should come over and eat in my sukkah. So he runs over and he tells the Rov what’s going on, that he has this guest who must be a tzadik nistar and it’s not raining in my sukkah. The Rov says come on, it’s not possible. The hose says no I’m telling you, come and see. So the Rov says fine, if you’re telling me you didn’t lose your mind. So he puts on his coat and they head back and he sees no rain in the sukkah. The Rov has an eye for these things and can see that the guest is really a special yid. Yankel (the host) moves to the side and lets the Baal Hatanya and the Rov talk on the side. They’re talking in learning and the Rov is beyond shocked to have such a great person in his midst. In the middle of the conversation the Rov asked why he was traveling. The Baal Hatanya said I was doing something for my Rebbe. The Rov asks, do you have a Rebbe? You’re such an impressive and talented yid! You could be the Rebbe of all of us. The Baal Hatanya answers yes I have a rebbe, The Mezritcher Maggid. The Rov asks, you already know kol hatorah kula, you’re obviously a really big tzaddik. What can you possibly be learning from the Mezritcher Maggid that you don’t already know? The Baal Hatanya doesn’t answer. They continue schmoozing and in passing the Rov says that he has a daughter who’s looking for a shidduch. At that moment the Baal Hatanya notices a jew passing by outside the sukkah, and the Baal Hatanya says, nu how about that yid? Does he have a son? The Rov looks at him and he says he actually does have a son. This Rebbe also has ruach hakodesh. The Baal Hatanya asks, what about him for your daughter? The Rov answers that he doesn’t think it’s shayach. So why not? If you must know, I’m the Rov, and he’s a bagel salesman. He has a push-cart and he walks around selling bagels to the townspeople. It’s not a shidduch. The Rov’s daughter and bagel salesman’s son it’s not kavodik. The Baal Hatanya was taken aback by that. He said, you asked me what I learned from the Mezritcher Maggid. I can’t tell you what I learn from the Maggid. But I could tell you that I learned that I could never say such words about another jew. What I learned is what...
234
a Jew eventually comes home
a Jew eventually comes home
May 28, 2022
6:48
A gut voch everybody, I’ll tell you a maaseh, I think it was in the early 1920’s. The 6th Lubavitcher Rebbe, the rebbe Rayatz made a short trip to Eretz yisroel. There’s an interesting story that took place when he was there. When he was staying in Yerushalayim for about a week or so, he stayed at a particular hotel and that was his home base while there. It happens to be that there was a yid who was living in Yerushalayim in that time who knew the Frierdiker Rebbe. This yid, let’s call him Yankel knew the Rebbe, he grew up in Chabad going to the Tomchei Temimim Yeshivos and at some point something happened in this guy’s life, he took a turn and he was no longer connected at least in an outer way from Torah and Mitzvos. Very far from Yiddishkeit, being a Chassid. But he was in Yerushalayim and he heard that his old Rebbe the Rebbe Rayatz was in town. He had fond memories of him and didn’t have personal issues with him. This jew didn’t want to go visit him, to bring that up again. He was comfortable in his life, just wanting to close the chapter of his old life in Europe and continue on. His mazal was that the street he had to travel by to get to work he would pass by that hotel. He was always concerned that as he passed by, maybe the Gabbaim or the chassidim might recognize him. Or even if they don’t they’d invite him in. What this Yankel does is he dresses in the opposite of his finest. Wearing short shorts, sandals, a tank top trying to be as opposite of a chassidishe yid as possible. To the point that all the chassidim would assume that he doesn’t want to visit the Rebbe. The first day he passed by, went unnoticed and it was great. The second day the same thing happens but he thinks to himself maybe he should go say hi to the Rebbe. The days go by and no one is inviting him in, but he himself is finding a part within him to go to the hotel and say hi to the Rebbe and that’s what he’s fighting, himself. On the last day that the Rebbe is in Eretz Yisroel, as he’s passing by the hotel in his non-chassidish clothes. He knows that since it’s the last day he can’t hold himself back anymore and decides to go see his Rebbe. He goes in, opens the door and all the chassidim see this guy come in without a head-covering or anything pushing to go see the Rebbe. The Rebbe is in the room by himself, despite the gabbaim’s best efforts to hold him back he opens the door and goes in. He sees the Rebbe Rayatz in all his glory. The Rebbe looks at him and has a big smile on his face. He says Ah, Yankel he recognized him. The chassid looks at him and says yes Rebbe, I’m here. The Rebbe looks at him and begins to cry. He says that sometimes we go in circles and circles but eventually we come home. A few years later the Rebbe Rayatz passed away and throughout Eretz Yisroel they all made gatherings to share divrei hesped. There was one particular gathering in Yerushalayim where chassidim got together and out of nowhere this chassid comes out with a beard, a kapote is pushing his way up to the front. He takes the mic, begins to talk and says this story about the israeli guy who passed by the hotel, and saw the Rebbe. He told him we go in circles and circles, but eventually we come home. And that was me. The moment the Rebbe said that sentence, that alone completely changed my life around. That’s why I am who I am now, because of that story. That’s the story of yidden, the story of klal yisroel in Galus, we go around in circles, go like this, go like that and eventually we come home. It’s true for klal yisroel and it’s true for each and every one of us. We know what we're supposed to do, we know who we’re supposed to become, it's a matter of getting there. Of going home to the place we’re supposed to go. Hashem should bless us with a mazaldik voch, a lichtigeh voch a geztuntike voch.
235
Seeing beyond the smack
Seeing beyond the smack
May 21, 2022
5:58
A gut voch everybody, let me tell you a maaseh. There was once a yid who was a chassid of the great Chozeh of Lublin. A custom amongst the chassidm was, that before you undertook any business proposition you would get a bracha from the Rebbe. Not every tzaddik would be willing to give advice when it came to business, some tzadikim were purely focused on ruchniyus of their chassidim. The Chozeh and the entire Shalsheles were comfortable giving eitzahs about gashmiyus as well. So someone goes to the Chozeh about a business deal with a particular on-jewish person and it looks like it should be successful. The chassid is telling me to do it, but I wanted to come to the Rebbe first. The Chozeh looks at him, looks at the Kvittel and says I don’t think you’ll be matzliach. I don't think you should do it? The chassid says really? I’m shocked because it seems like it’s a perfect opportunity and all signs point to hatzlacha. The Chozeh says ya, I don’t see it as being matzliach. But you know, like things in medicine sometimes we need to get a second opinion. The Chozeh was a talmid of the great Noam Elimelech, Reb Meilech of Lizhensk. It happened to be that this chassid was going to Lizhensk soon anyways, so he figured he’ll push off this business venture until he sees Reb Meilech. So the time comes and he goes, he doesn’t tell him about the interaction with the Chozeh. He tells Reb Meilech that he has this opportunity that he thinks will be successful but he wants a bracha from the tzadik and the Rebbe says Bracha Vehatzlacha. He got his heter, finally. After a few months of being involved with this non-jew he saw real signs of how difficult of a person his new business partner was. Not only was his personality overbearing but he wasn’t as honest as he thought he was. Not only that, the business began feeling apart. There weren’t any profits and even many losses. He also began having a lack of hatzlacha in his other business dealings as well. It seemed like the Chozeh of Lublin’s eyes saw the truth and his prediction was correct. This was going on for a couple of months, and this chassid’s whole life was beginning to be affected. Until finally after about half a year, slowly but surely the tide begins to turn and things begin to pick up. After another few months everything goes back to the way it was. He even begins to make greater profits than ever before. There’s a change in personality with this non-jew and that business begins to turn-around as well. Then it seems that Reb Meilech was actually correct, it’s a funny thing. About a year or so later, there was a chasuna where the Noam Elimelech and the Chozeh were at a wedding together and this chassid was invited as well. He was a little bit awkward because he asked both of them for eitzah on the same thing, but to his knowledge they both didn't know that he spoke to the other one. He goes to say hi to both of them. When the tzadikim both look at the yid, they understand what actually happened. The Noam Elimech turns to the Chozeh and tells him that he has very good eyes. But you only saw the difficulty. I saw further, until after the difficult patch. That’s how we have to think about the Ribbono Shel Olam towards us. It’s one thing to see until the difficulty, but we have to work to see beyond it. B’ezras Hashem we should be blessed with no difficulties at all. But if there is, even on any level b’ruchniyus or b’gasgmiyus we should be zocheh to have the eyes of Reb Meilech. To see, to hope and to wait for the menucha and the nechamah that will come after the difficulty. Hashem should bless us to have a mazaldik voch, a geulahdik voch, we should be zoche to celebrate this week with mashiach tzidkeinu bimherah beyamenu amen.
236
A high pain tolerance
A high pain tolerance
May 14, 2022
3:34
A Gut Voch everybody, I’ll tell you a Maaseh. There was a great tzaddik from the town of Hornosteipel. There was one time when the tzaddik was very ill and he needed a procedure done, what doctors would call a minor surgery. The problem was he was at an old age, his medical situation wasn’t great so Anesthesia wasn’t an option for him. The Doctor’s don’t want to operate on him without it, it would be extremely painful but the Rebbe is in danger if he doesn’t get it. The rebbe says it’s okay, I’m used to pain just do what you have to do. They're saying well, a person can’t really tolerate this but the tzadik insists, no I can handle it. The Doctors begin and want to test out if he’ll be able to handle it. First they take a metal rod, they heat it up a little to see his tolerance and the Rebbe doesn’t make a sound. They go a little more painful, still no reaction. Finally they’re confident enough to actually go through the procedure. They do it, and the whole time he was learning, davening without a krechtz, a moan or a cry. After this, the goyish Doctors were very shocked and awed that this person was able to experience such pain. They said, Rabbi, we have determined that it can’t be that you’re a regular human, you must be an angel of some sort. The Rebbe answers, no not at all. I just developed a high-tolerance for pain. How is that possible? What suffering do you have in life that makes you equipped to handle a surgery like this? The tzaddik explains, when Jews come to me everyday with their tzaros, oftentimes I look at the kvittel and there’s nothing I can do. I have to hold in the pain that I’m feeling and give a bracha that Hashem should help, give some kind words and hope because I know that there’s nothing I can do to help. That’s how I learned to withstand pain. That’s the highest madreigah of a tzaddik. Caring so much for other yidden, that seeing their pain and being unable to help hurts them more than having an intense surgery. Hashem should bless us, we shouldn’t have any pain at all, but to feel the life of another yid, feel their pain, feel the simcha of another yid, like it’s mamash ourselves, it’s the biggest madreigah in the world. Hashem should bless us with such a jewish heart. We should be zocheh to have a lichtigeh Voch, a mazal’dik Voch, a Geulahdik Voch.
237
a Jewish game
a Jewish game
Apr 30, 2022
3:37
Gut voch everybody. Let me tell you a Maiseh. One of the great tzadikim was the holy Ruzhyner. Reb Yisroel of Ruzhyn. He was a unique tzadik even since he was a child, the truth even from before he was born. Tzadikim say that when his mother was pregnant with him whenever she would go to a chashuv tzadik, they would stand up for her. The tzadik would say I don’t know who it is that you’re carrying, but whoever you’re carrying is a big neshama. From the time he came to the world he was mamash Kulo Ohr. There’s a Maiseh we have from the Ruzyner from when he was 7 or 8 years old. His father took little Yisroel to the side, and told bhim you’re already 8 years old and very smart. I want to teach you something. He asks what is it? His father says I want to teach you how to play chess. Listen, it’s a really interesting game, it challenges the mind, many tzadikim would play so he wanted to teach his son. Yisroel the little Ruzhyner is sitting next to his father who’s going through the chess-board introducing all the pieces. After Yisroel gets a handle of all the pieces and how they move around, what the objective of the game is, he asks his father a very innocent question. What happens if we’re playing, I make a move and then I pull back and I realize that it was a mistake. Can I go back and undo the move? His father says, Yisroel’ke that’s not how this game works. If your finger is still on the piece you can put it back. But if you took it off then you can’t take it back. Yisroel’ke then says, Tatte with all the respect, I never want to play chess for the rest of my life. Chess is not a jewish game. Such a thing that when a mistake is made you can’t undo it, that’s not a jewish game. A yid shouldn’t be playing such a game. That’s what little Yisroel’ke said. Listen, chess is an okay game to play. But the lesson to learn from that, that a game where we can’t undo a mistake isn’t jewish. The whole tachlis of yiddishkeit is to fix. Moshe Rabbeinu gave us a Torah that was taken from the Malachim. How was he able to take it? BEcause we have challenges, we have taivos, the whole essence of Torah is fixing. If a person realizes he has what to fix then that’s good, that’s exactly why we're alive. As long as we’re alive we’re here to fix something. To think that we can’t fix, it’s the opposite of what it means to be a yid. This week Hashem should bless us that we have a week of fixing, of Tikkunim. As long as we’re here there’s what to fix. We should grow, with tikkunim, shefa bracha Ve’Hatzlachah.
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It's not too late
It's not too late
Mar 12, 2022
12:38
A Gut Voch everybody, they say a story that there was a particular wedding that was going to take place and everyone was super excited about it. For the usual reason, but this wedding in particular because the Baal Shem Tov was going to be mesader Kiddushin. The Baal Shem Tov knew the family and he was going to be mesader kiddushin. The way chasunas would work in the old country is that they were usually done outside, by the river and the whole town was invited. The day of the chasuna came the whole town was there, everyone was super excited. They waited in anticipation for the Baal Shem Tov and his people to come with the Chassidim. Finally the Baal Shem Tov arrives, the music playing and the chuppah is beginning. It was an unbelievable sight. Meanwhile the Baal Shem Tov is standing under the chuppah going through the process of the chasuna. All of a sudden there’s a wagon that was passing by, because it was outside by the river. All of a sudden a person in that wagon sticks his head out to see what’s going on to see the chasuna a little. The Baal Shem Tov takes notice of that person in the wagon, the Baal Shem Tov turns to the chosson and kallah and says excuse me I have to to take care of something I’ll be one minute. They stop the chasuna and he runs to the wagon, says something to the person in the wagon for 30 seconds. The wagon goes on, the Baal Shem Tov comes back and they continue with the wedding. All the Talmidim of the Baal Shem Tov were confused by this, to interrupt a chasuna it must be that the person in the wagon was one of the 36 hidden tzadikim. The chassidim decide that they want to find this person to get a bracha and hadracha, to connect to another tzaddik. They wait until after the chasuna is over, they start going around the town trying to find that wagon. They can’t find it at all, one day goes by, then another and they keep circling the area. They keep taking walks and rides around the area they can’t find it. About a week or 2 later these chassidim happen to be traveling to a neighboring town and they see that wagon that was by the chasuna in the driveway of a particular house. They get out, they knock on the door and a regular looking jew opens the door. The Chassidim asked him, sorry to bother you, but is that your wagon outside? He says yes, They say let me ask you a question. Were you in that town for a chasuna about a week or 2 ago? The man tries to think but doesn’t recall. They specify that there was a chasuna, maybe you passed by and the Baal Shem Tov came to talk to you? He jogged his memory and he remembers, “Yes, that was actually me.” The chassidim ask “Please give us a Bracha!” He answers, “I’m just a normal guy you don't want my bracha” If the Baal Shem Tov was willing to stop the chasuna and speak to you,clearly you're not just a regular yid. “I’m telling you I'm a nobody and am just a regular guy you don’t want a bracha from me.” “So then if you’re a regular person what’s your story, why would the Baal Shem Tov stop the chasuna what did he tell you?” He begins to blush a little and says he’d rather not talk about it. The chassidim say “We were looking for over a week, we're not leaving until we hear this story. Who are you, what did the Baal Shem Tov say to you?” He says okay if you need to know here’s the story. I have a neighbor across the street. We get along nicely but aren’t the best of friends. The way his business runs is that he’s out for business for 3 to 4 months a year and whatever he brings back in that time is how he supports his family for the rest of the year. It happens to be that a couple of weeks ago I was at home, a day just like today. And it happens to be the day that my neighbor came home from his business trip. I see from my window that this man came back with a big sack with all the money he made on this trip. I see that he puts this bag on the front porch and walks into his house. I assumed that he was
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A few candles to fix a soul
A few candles to fix a soul
Mar 5, 2022
5:57
Gut Voch everybody, they say a Maaseh that there was was once a yid that came mamash panic stricken, completely tzebruchen to a particular Rov of his town. And he knocks on the door frantically. The Rov opens and asks What’s the problem? He says I need a tikkun. Can you help me out? So the Rov asks again What’s the problem? He says that this past Shabbos I was away, and I was traveling to a neighboring village for Shabbos. I’ll tell you the truth, maybe it was my fault, I got a late start Friday afternoon. The weather wasn’t good, traffic or whatever and I got stuck on the road in my horse and wagon on erev Shabbos. I drove and broke Shabbos for the first time in my life, I was stuck in a position where I felt it was too dangerous to just stop in the middle of the woods. I had no choice but to move and continue riding. But I still felt like I broke Shabbos, what do I do? How do I fix myself? The Rov looked at him and said I'll tell you the truth. It’s a big problem to desecrate Shabbos, even though you were in a position where you had no choice and your life would be in danger spending Shabbos in the woods like that. But putting yourself in a situation like that is a serious thing you know? I think you should begin to fast Monday and Thursday, say sefer Tehillim everyday, commit yourself to learn more. A whole regiment. The guy is listening to this and he’s thinking to himself, okay you know maybe a second opinion could be helpful. He says thank you very much. Meanwhile this person is looking for a second opinion and a week or two later he finds himself in the audience by the Baal Shem. So he goes to the Baal Shem Tov and doesn’t tell him that he had this whole regiment from the Rov and just tells him the story how he was stuck in the road before Shabbos, and he feels terrible, what can he do now to fix his neshama. The Baal Shem Tov looks at him and he says, you know Shabbos is a very serious thing, it’s a very serious aveirah of having to drive on Shabbos. This guy is thinking to himself, now he’s going to have double the regiment, to say Tehillim twice every day. So the Baal Shem says maybe this Shabbos you could donate the candles for the shul. The guy is like just that? Nothing else? The Baal Shem Tov said if you do that you'll be okay. So this guy goes home, he tells the guy in the shul he wants to donate, he asks how much money it is and gives the money. Meanwhile before he leaves, the Baal Shem Tov says, do me a favor, when you go home tell your Rov that I want him to be my personal guest this Shabbos, he should come to me. The Rov is happy because he’s invited to the Baal Shem Tov’s house for shabbos. The Rov gets on the horse and wagon on Friday, all of a sudden the weather turns, there’s traffic and the Rov is stuck on the road. He has no choice but to drive because it’s dangerous to be in the woods all Shabbos. When he comes to the Baal Shem Tov Friday night he’s mamash beside himself. The first time in his life to break shabbos like that? He comes to the Baal Shem Tov and says “Rebbe, what am I going to do, I broke Shabbos, I can’t sleep, I can’t face myself. The Baal Shem Tov says, I caused you to break Shabbos, I changed the weather, I put the traffic there. Why? Because when that yid came to you a few weeks ago, complaining and bemoaning the fact that he broke Shabbos, you never tasted the bitterness and the guilt, that that jew was feeling over the fact that he broke Shabbos. So to you, you had to give him this big Avodah, davening, Tehillim, Mikvas, fasting, a whole thing. But if you appreciated what he was going through in his own mind, the guilt that he was feeling, then you would’ve realized the guilt itself that he was feeling wiped away four fifths of the aveirah. All that was left was a little inyan that he has to be mistaken, so I told him just to light candles and that will be enough. The truth is even that
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Between me and Hashem
Between me and Hashem
Feb 26, 2022
3:44
Gut Voch everybody, they say a maaseh that the Baal Shem Tov once said the following story. He said there was once a yid going back a few hundred years before the Baal Shem. This yid lived in Eretz Yisroel, a very simple jew. G-d fearing, good jew, and the Baal shem Tov said that in shamayim there was a huge commotion going on around this person. What was the issue? When this person became bar mitzvah, he did a particular mitzvah that mamash shook up shamayim. And in shamayim the malachim were talking about it for years. As years went on it was forgotten what the mitzvah was, but the residual effect and impact of the fact that this guy was mamash shining with this light he was the talk of the town for years in shamayim, even though they didn’t know exactly what the inyan was. The Baal Shem Tov said Eliyahu Hanavi is in shamayim also and he hears this commotion and sees that this person is mamash the center of the universe. Eliyahu Hanavi tries to do some investigation to figure out what this mitzvah was, what did this person do that he became such an amazing radiant neshama? No one really knows, until Eliyahu Hanavi decides that he’s going to pay this guy a visit and find out for himself. Eliyahu Hanavi shows up to this guy’s house, knocks on the door and introduces himself and proves he’s actually Eliyahu hanavi. He says to this yid that in shamayim they’re mamash talking about you all day, because there’s something you did when you became bar mitzvah and no one knows what it is. “Can you please tell me what it is?” The person answers that he’d rather not say, “it’s between me and the ribono shel olam.” Eliyahu says “listen, I understand and appreciate that, but you know, if you tell me I promise I'll give you brachos, shefa. Hatzlachah and all good things.” The person looks at Eliyahu Hanavi in the eyes and say “listen to me, what I did was between me and the ribono shel olam, you can offer me all things of this world, it doesn’t make a difference to me, things of this world and the next. What I did was for G-d and for Hashem Himself, nobody else.” We live in a generation where everyone is in everyone’s business, we see what everyone else is doing. Sometimes that’s good but very often it’s not. Even if it’s good things, it’s important to have that private relationship with G-d and once in a while do something that is just for Him. Not for anyone else, no one has to know about it, just between me and the Ribono Shel Olam. That’s how the Baal Shem Tov develops, that’s how a big tzadik develops, by having that personal, intimate, privacy between you and the Ribono Shel Olam. You do a mitzvah, no one has to know about it. You have a good thought, say a good word, no one has to know about it except for you and G-d. That’s how you build that relationship. Hashem should bless us with a week that’s full of that, that deep Hiskashrus, personal attachment between us and G-d that comes with being modest and internally pnimiyusdik. Hashem should bless us with a week of Pnimiyus, a week of bracha and hatzlachah, on all madreigos, b’gashmius and b’ruchniyus ad bli dai.
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Staying Unfrozen
Staying Unfrozen
Jan 20, 2022
5:58
A Gut Voch Chevra, let me tell you a Maaiseh. The story goes, that the Baal Shem Tov once went to a number of his students in the bais medrash and he said, let’s go on a trip together. This is something he did very often; he would go on these mysterious trips and he would hand-pick particular chassidim for particular trips. One time he comes to a group of them and said we’re going on a trip together. They all get into the wagon, the Baal Shem Tov whispers the destination in the ears of the horse, he sits back and continue on. After a number of hours they find themselves in front of a frozen lake. Now, just to appreciate the scene, this was, the dead of winter in Russia by a frozen lake. The custom was in those days, a particular religious custom that the non-jews had, that in the middle of the winter during the time when they had their holidays in December and January the whole community would come out to the frozen lake, the children would ice-skate and so on. The children would also take sticks and carve crucifixes in the ice, that’s what they would do. then the priests would come, they would have ceremonies there, they’d have Mas there and it was a whole thing. Obviously not the place for a jew, not a place for the Baal Shem Tov, but this is where the wagon ends up in front of the frozen lake while all of this is going on. This is very strange, the students look at the Baal Shem Tov, and say “Maybe we took a wrong turn somewhere.” The Baal Shem Tov sees where they are and all of a sudden he becomes very excited. He jumps out of the wagon, he sees what’s going on, all the children making crucifixes, he sees the priests doing their services over there and the Baal Shem Tov gets even more excited. He puts on his gartel, straightens his shtreimel and walks over there. All the non-jews see this rabbi coming, they’re so shocked by the scene. They’re frozen solid and they didn’t know what to do. The Baal Shem Tov begins to close his eyes, daven and shuckle it’s mamash a whole Avoidah. The students don’t know what is going on over here, first they try to tell him, “Rebbe, this is maybe not the right place for us” but the Baal Shem Tov is completely fixated on this scene, completely in a state of Dveykus. After about half an hour or so, of being in that dimension he would go to and doing his avodah. The Baal Shem Tov says okay, “Ois Gepolt” mission accomplished. He takes off his gartel and they go back to their hometown back to the Beis Medrash. After all this the students go over to the Baal Shem Tov and ask him what in the world was going on?'' The Baal shem Tov says, there’s something in reality, the Ribono Shel Olam created the world in such a way that water is the source of all life. All good things, all delicious things, all holy things come from water. Water can be a mikvah, water sustains vegetation. Life comes from water, it’s unbelievable. But look at this, that lake that we visited is the same water. You see what happens when water freezes over, it can become an avodah zara mamash, it becomes an idol. A crucifix can be etched on the ice. There is such a phenomenon. The Baal shem Tov says I came to the world to try to fix that. There shouldn’t be such a thing that water should turn into a crucifix. What’s the eitzah, how does a person stop this from happening? The Baal Shem Tov says that such a thing could happen, when it’s extremely cold the water turns to ice and it can become mamash a crucifix. What’s the eitzah? Very often the world is cold outside, you can’t snap your fingers and make it summer time. So what can you do? The Baal Shem Tov said even if it’s cold the only reason the water froze is because the water was still, it wasn’t moving. If water is moving then no matter how cold it is outside, moving waters are not going to freeze. The Baal Shem Tov said the eitzah for a jew is you try to stay warm. You try as hard as you can, but sometimes it’s the
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Yehuda Blonder - A rare condition, a rare person
Yehuda Blonder - A rare condition, a rare person
Jan 14, 2023
18:48
TYH Nation Presents Grateful Warriors Hosted by Yossi Hecht Episode 3 Hashem is always in "front" of us Yehudah Blonder ------- Listen one Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grateful-warriors/id1653510715 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3XaxfxVic78fGriBYnZ9m4?si=513ac8e20f5e41ab ------- Welcome back to Episode 3 of Grateful Warriors! Today, we're lucky to have Yehudah Leib. Not only does Yehuda Leib live with the mantra of "Thank you Hashem" at the forefront of his life, but the TYH team is lucky to have him as part of the Chevra! The youngest of 11, Yehuda Leib was born with a rare Jewish genetic disease called familial dysautonomia, with only 350 people in the entire world who have it. Be inspired as Yehudah Leib shares with us his unique challenges and the way he talks about it. ‘Thank you Hashem,’ and ‘Hashem gave me’ are just a few of the phrases that are found in his speech, and are inspiring for us all! Yehudah shares with us why he is grateful for what He gave him, how it changes him as a person, and what keeps him going every day. His beautiful answer is sure to inspire you. Yehudah Blonder can be reached at (347) 603-0033 VENTUREtech Computer Repair LLC https://www.venturetechcomputers.com ------------------------ To learn more about Yossi Hecht and his incredible journey & mission: https://www.ashertotheyatzar.org/ Asset ID: SBA-300554659
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Eliezer Braun - Hashem is always in "front" of us
Eliezer Braun - Hashem is always in "front" of us
Dec 17, 2022
21:45
TYH Nation Presents Grateful Warriors Hosted by Yossi Hecht Episode 2 Hashem is always in "front" of us Eliezer Braun ------- Listen one Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grateful-warriors/id1653510715 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3XaxfxVic78fGriBYnZ9m4?si=513ac8e20f5e41ab ------- "Hashem gave us a whole life of ups and downs. There's ups and there's downs, but it's so important to remember: Hashem is always in" front" of us, even if we don't see Him." Excerpt from this week's episode of Grateful Warrior. Sometimes, life throws at what feels like insurmountable hurdles. What would you do, if nearest what is supposed to be the happiest day of your life, something... Unexpected happens? "Trying to be grateful for what we have and realizing we're in Hashem's hands, watching over and leading us along our way" says Eliezer Braun, today's Grateful Warrior. Welcome back to Episode 2! Today, we're lucky to have a wonderful guest named Eliezer Braun. Eliezer is probably one of the strongest hand cyclers you've ever met. That's because, circumstances that only Hashem could orchestrate, led to Eliezer receiving an amputation that would remove a cancerous tumor from his body. However, this is only the middle of the story. Join us us we discover how Eliezer and his kallah (then wife) faced their trials with admirable courage. Even when more (!) trials came along, Eliezer teaches us that it's all about our mindset to what Hashem put in front of us. ------------------------ To learn more about Yossi Hecht and his incredible journey & mission: https://www.ashertotheyatzar.org/
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Having faith in Hashem
Having faith in Hashem
Nov 19, 2022
3:44
TYH Nation Presents Hold on to Shabbos with Stories of Tzadikim with Rav Yussie Zakutinsky / Farbrengable Studios ---- Gut Voch everybody, I’ll tell you a mayseh. One of the Baal Hatanya’s sons, Reb DovBer (who later became the Mitteler Rebbe) was known as not just a genius but a huge eved Hashem. Someone who davened with intense dveykus. The mayseh goes when the future Mitteler Rebbe was young, when he was married he went to his in-laws in a different town for a shabbos. He noticed at shul when he was davening there was a particular yid wasn’t davening with as much kavannah and hislahavus that this jew could have. The Rebbe saw it as part of his avodah to help other yidden so he went over and told this yid we can all work on our tefillah and you too. This yid said I know, I need to work on it and maybe I'll get to the point where I'm doing as good as I can do and maybe even as good as you. Let me tell you why we are different. My parents are simple people. When my parents were having a kid Hashem saw that my parents were trying, simple yidden. So Hashem gave simple parents a simple child. I’m a simple neshama. Not only am I simple, I was raised in a home that was g-d feeling. I went to yeshiva but when I was 14-15 years old I had to go help my father make a parnassah. The years went on, I daven 3 times a day, go to the mikvah I learn whenever I can but that’s as far as my education goes. When it was time to have my own parnassah, my mazal was that I work in the shuk, I sell merchandise. So what do you think I do in my store all day? I’m talking to people and hondling all day, constantly. The truth is, most of my clients are non-jewish farmers. I sell farming equipment and most of the clients are non-jews. When they come and they hondle enough they’re finally ready to pay but they don’t have the money on the. So I have to keep track, write down they’re name and address and it’s a whole process to get the money. These are farmers, they work very early in the morning so I have to get there very early, before sunrise to get to their house. Then when I get there they see me and they know I’m here to collect money so they try to push it off, have me sit down, meet their family and then maybe I’ll get their money. That’s my life. When I come home, I’m already tired and I shlep myself to mincha and Maariv. I will try to open a sefer a mishna. Is my kavannah perfect? No. But it’s the best I can do this is the pekelach I was dealt with. And now he says, let’s turn to you. What about you? Your parents, your father, your mother are the tzadikim of the generation and have big big neshamos. What kind of neshmos did Hashem give them? A big neshama, so you have one too. Now that you have a big neshama, you were raised in the house of the Baal Hatanya. Raised in the house of Tzadikim, to people who are devoting their lives to Avodas Hashem. You don’t have to do anything but sit and learn and devote yourself to avodas Hashem. You have to appreciate where you come from and where I come from. That was the end of the conversation. The Rebbe never ever had a conversation like that. No one ever spoke to him like that. He was mamash shaken up. At the end of the day this yid’s right. What is my entire Avodah’s worth? Everything that I’m committing all my Avodas Hashem maybe is nothing compared to them. It’s true that my davening is greater than his, but based on the background that I have he’s right. He laid out the situation very well. Who knows what my avodah’s worth, maybe it’s worth much less than this yid. He was mamash shaken up to the core like this. He decided after Shabbos was over he’ll go back home to his father, he’s going into yechidus by the Baal Hatanya to work this out. As a side note, by these tzadikim obviously the Baal Hatanya was his father, but he was also his Rebbe. It’s a funny,...
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The Power of Chicken Soup
The Power of Chicken Soup
Aug 7, 2024
14:51
The Zohar Hakadosh teaches us that Shabbos is the source of all good things. This means everything from our livelihood to our health to our spiritual blessings all flows through the gift of Shabbos. What particular aspect of Shabbos is the source of refuah, good health? Anything a Jew does has significance and should not be taken lightly. Certainly that is the case with matters of halacha and minhag, but this also applies to things we call “culture.” A prime example is the well- known Jewish culture of the “Jewish penicillin” - a.k.a. chicken soup! If chicken soup is what every Yiddishe bobba tells us to eat when we are sick, and it is a well-known and fundamental part of our Shabbos menu, perhaps we have just pinpointed which aspect of Shabbos holds the blessing of healing and good health! But what is it about chicken soup that heals? To answer this, we must understand the two basic needs of every neshamah. The first is the side of the neshamah that wants nothing more than to escape this earthly world and return to where it comes from — our Father in Heaven. A second part of us knows that it has a mission to achieve to make the world a better place, and that even though it entails being a little less heavenly. This mission can only be fulfilled down here, in this world. When a person is hungry or thirsty, we must understand that it is not only a physical experience, but rather a spiritual one as well. What is the neshamah telling us? Eating ties us to this world in a very real way. For example, when we eat, we bend our head down towards the earth; it is a physical act that connects us to this world. While our body is saying that it wants food, our soul is saying that it wants to be part of this world—and it is that part of the soul that is being satisfied when we eat. When we drink, however, we lift our heads to the Heaven. As the passuk says, “Tzamah lecha nafshi”, “My soul thirsts for You.” The body may need water and hydration, but what the soul is saying is that it wants to return to G-d and ascend upwards. When we drink, we are satisfying this other part of the soul; we detach ourselves from this world. Where does sickness come from? The Gemara says that sickness is 1/60th of death, which is the time when the neshamah is most detached from the guf. So sickness means that the guf and neshamah are not entirely separated, but rather they are separated to an unhealthy degree. This can occur when our desire to ascend upwards is so strong and intoxicating that the soul begins to leave the body to connect to Hashem, and when that happens, that causes sickness. The body is sick for body reasons, but on a soul level, the soul is yearning to such a degree that it starts to leave the body. So what is the remedy for this? Chicken soup! Soup is a liquid, but it is eaten like a food. Usually when we tilt our heads down, it is for solids, but soup is the anomaly—it is a liquid that we tilt down for. When we eat soup we are telling our neshamah: I know you want to ascend heavenward to cling to Godliness - but you don't need to lift your head to satisfy that desire! You can “look down” as well because Hashem's honor fills the entire world, and you can quench your thirst by clinging to Him down here as well! This is the secret of the Jewish penicillin called chicken soup, and this is the essence of Shabbos. Everything we do on Shabbos is a mitzvah and holy; eating, drinking, sleeping, all become sanctified on Shabbos. The secret of Shabbos is that there really is no divide between Heaven and Earth. Hashem exists equally down here, and if you want to satisfy that thirst, you don’t need to go anywhere—for even down here, in your home, with your family, Hashem can be found. May Hashem help us to be zocheh to experience this, and may the light of Shabbos bring a refuah to all things, and be the source of all goodness.
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Hashem's Chossid
Hashem's Chossid
Aug 15, 2024
7:28
Harav Yussie Zakutinsky Shlita Welcome to The Inner Light of Shabbos, a podcast Shiur dedicated to delving deeper into the beautiful and familiar aspects of Shabbos. Harav Yussie Zakutinsky invites you to explore the profound significance behind the rituals, traditions, and experiences that shape our weekly celebration. From the serene lighting of the Shabbat candles to the soulful melodies of Zemiros, and from the sanctity of the Kiddush to the reflective moments of Havdalah, we uncover the layers of meaning that can often be overlooked in our routine observance. Take another look at these cherished practices, uncovering the spiritual insights and historical roots that enrich our connection to Shabbos. Tune in to discover the inner light that Shabbos brings to our lives, and how each element of this sacred day can elevate our spirits and bring us closer to Hashem.
247
The Tosefes Shabbos Transition
The Tosefes Shabbos Transition
Aug 22, 2024
6:58
Harav Yussie Zakutinsky Shlita Welcome to The Inner Light of Shabbos, a podcast Shiur dedicated to delving deeper into the beautiful and familiar aspects of Shabbos. Harav Yussie Zakutinsky invites you to explore the profound significance behind the rituals, traditions, and experiences that shape our weekly celebration. From the serene lighting of the Shabbat candles to the soulful melodies of Zemiros, and from the sanctity of the Kiddush to the reflective moments of Havdalah, we uncover the layers of meaning that can often be overlooked in our routine observance. Take another look at these cherished practices, uncovering the spiritual insights and historical roots that enrich our connection to Shabbos. Tune in to discover the inner light that Shabbos brings to our lives, and how each element of this sacred day can elevate our spirits and bring us closer to Hashem.
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Part 1
Part 1
Jul 13, 2023
32:01
Tanya with Faigy Blumstein TYH Nation
249
Part 2
Part 2
Jul 18, 2023
31:58
Tanya with Faigy Blumstein TYH Nation
250
Part 3
Part 3
Jul 26, 2023
56:26
Tanya with Faigy Blumstein TYH Nation
251
Part 4
Part 4
Aug 2, 2023
42:57
Tanya with Faigy Part 4
252
Week 5
Week 5
Aug 9, 2023
54:54
Tanya with Faigy TYH Nation
253
Week 6
Week 6
Aug 16, 2023
53:15
Tanya with Faigy
254
Week 7
Week 7
Aug 23, 2023
53:14
Tanya with Faigy
255
Week 8
Week 8
Sep 13, 2023
50:51
Tanya with Faigy TYH Nation
256
Week 9
Week 9
Sep 14, 2023
1:14:07
Tanya with Faigy
257
Week 10
Week 10
Sep 22, 2023
50:29
Tanya with Faigy Week 10
258
Week 11
Week 11
Oct 12, 2023
47:52
Tanya with Faigy
259
Week 12
Week 12
Oct 16, 2023
39:35
Tanya with Faigy
260
Week 13
Week 13
Nov 3, 2023
50:22
Tanya with Faigy
261
Week 14
Week 14
Nov 3, 2023
47:13
Tanya with Faigy
262
Week 15
Week 15
Nov 12, 2023
44:35
Tanya with Faigy
263
Week 16
Week 16
Nov 21, 2023
45:05
Tanya with Faigy
264
Week 17
Week 17
Nov 24, 2023
1:14:52
Tanys with Faigy
265
Week 18
Week 18
Dec 1, 2023
43:45
Tanya with Faigy
266
Tanya with Faigy: Chanukah edition
Tanya with Faigy: Chanukah edition
Dec 7, 2023
32:47
Tanya with Faigy
267
Week 19
Week 19
Dec 15, 2023
48:23
Tanya with Faigy
268
Week 20
Week 20
Dec 26, 2023
53:50
Any with Faigy
269
Week 21
Week 21
Dec 29, 2023
43:18
Tanya with Faigy
270
Week 22
Week 22
Jan 5, 2024
59:29
Tanya with Faigy
271
Week 23
Week 23
Jan 14, 2024
45:17
Faigy Blumstein
272
Tanya Recap chapters 1-40
Tanya Recap chapters 1-40
Feb 2, 2024
24:47
Tanya with Faigy
273
Week 24
Week 24
Feb 2, 2024
32:44
Tanya with Faigy
274
Week 25
Week 25
Feb 9, 2024
44:20
Tanya with Faigy
275
Week 26
Week 26
Feb 16, 2024
54:28
Tanya with Faigy
276
Week 27
Week 27
Mar 1, 2024
51:53
Tanya with Faigy
277
Tanya with Faigy: 2.0
Tanya with Faigy: 2.0
Mar 8, 2024
44:27
Faigy Blumstein
278
Tanya with Faigy 2.0 class 2
Tanya with Faigy 2.0 class 2
Mar 17, 2024
41:30
Faigy Blumstein
279
Tanya with Faigy 2.0 Class 3
Tanya with Faigy 2.0 Class 3
Mar 22, 2024
55:15
Tanya with Faigy Blumstein
280
Tanya with Faigy 2.0 Class 4
Tanya with Faigy 2.0 Class 4
Mar 29, 2024
1:09:37
Faigy Blumstein
281
Tanya with Faigy 2.0 class 5
Tanya with Faigy 2.0 class 5
Apr 5, 2024
58:20
Faiby Blumstein
282
Tanya with Faigy 2.0 class 6
Tanya with Faigy 2.0 class 6
Apr 12, 2024
50:36
Faigy Blumstein
283
Tanya with Faigy 2.0: part 7
Tanya with Faigy 2.0: part 7
May 10, 2024
46:54
Faigy Blumstein
284
Tanya with Faigy 2.0 part 8
Tanya with Faigy 2.0 part 8
May 17, 2024
1:02:31
Faigy Blumstein
285
Tanya with Faigy 2.0 Class 9
Tanya with Faigy 2.0 Class 9
May 27, 2024
50:25
Faigy Blumstein
286
Tanya with Faigy 2.0 class 10
Tanya with Faigy 2.0 class 10
May 31, 2024
55:22
Faigy Blumstein
287
Tanya with Faigy 2.0 part 11
Tanya with Faigy 2.0 part 11
Jul 2, 2024
51:43
Tany with Faigy Blumstein
288
Tanya with Faigy 2.0 part 12
Tanya with Faigy 2.0 part 12
Jul 9, 2024
47:53
Faiby Blumstein
289
Tanya with Faigy: Tammuz Edition
Tanya with Faigy: Tammuz Edition
Jul 16, 2024
32:53
Faigy Blumstein
290
Tanya with faigy 2.0 class 13
Tanya with faigy 2.0 class 13
Jul 16, 2024
44:18
Faigy Blumstein
291
Tanya with faigy 2.0 class 14
Tanya with faigy 2.0 class 14
Aug 6, 2024
50:49
with Faigy Blumstein
292
Tanya with faigy 2.0 class 15
Tanya with faigy 2.0 class 15
Aug 12, 2024
48:36
Faigy Blumstein
293
Tanya with faigy 2.0 class 16
Tanya with faigy 2.0 class 16
Aug 28, 2024
49:30
Faigy Blumstein
294
Yossi Green - Authenticity and the Power of a Melody
Yossi Green - Authenticity and the Power of a Melody
Feb 18, 2024
1:12:03
About the Guest: Yossi Green (born 1955) is a Hasidic Jewish composer of contemporary Jewish religious music. As of 2013 he had written more than 700 melodies[3] in the genres of pop music, classical music, liturgical music, Hasidic music, and show tunes. His songs have appeared on more than 120 albums and CDs. His clients include most of the superstars of the Orthodox Jewish music world. He has released four greatest hits albums titled Shades of Green, and a solo album, The 8th Note. He regularly performs at charity benefits accompanied by popular Jewish singers under the rubric "Yossi Green & Friends". About the podcast: Dive into the Heart of Jewish Music with Mendy Portnoy: Where Music and Soul Collide. Imagine a young boy, one of nine children, captivated by the melodies of Shabbat prayers. In his mind, the cantor's voice wasn't alone; it soared alongside a full orchestra, transforming the synagogue into a concert hall. That boy, Mendy Portnoy, grew up to become a world-class producer, shaping the very soundscape of Jewish music with TYH Music and Farbrengable Studios. Now, Mendy invites you on a unique journey – not just through hit songs, but into the lives and minds of the people who create them. Join Mendy as he sits down with iconic voices, from soulful singers to talented songwriters and industry insiders. Each episode unveils the stories behind the music, delving into the joys and challenges of the music world, and the individual spark each guest brings to their craft. Peek behind the curtain and discover the fascinating people who shape the music that moves our Jewish community. But Mendy's podcast goes beyond celebrity interviews. Growing up in a vibrant family led by an orchestra conductor-turned-Rabbi, music was always woven into Mendy's experience of Judaism. This podcast is his quest to understand the very essence of "Jewish music" – its origins, influences, and what it means to those who create and embrace it. Whether you're a music aficionado, curious about the industry, or seeking a deeper connection to the melodies that touch your soul, Mendy Portnoy's podcast is your invitation to listen, learn, and be inspired. Join him on this exploration of where music and soul collide, and discover the vibrant heart of Jewish music.
295
Avraham Fried - Soul Music for The Masses
Avraham Fried - Soul Music for The Masses
Mar 3, 2024
41:40
About the Guest: Avraham has been inspiring audiences around the world with his unique blend of Chassidic, contemporary music for over thirty five years. He has released more than twenty five CDs. From NYC’s Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center to London’s Wembley Hall and Tel Aviv’s Heichal Hatarbut, Avraham has performed in front of sold out audiences. Avraham's music is colorful. It is a delightful mix served in Yiddish, Hebrew, and English. There's upbeat music that will make you want to dance, and inspiring, heartfelt ballads that will make you want to pray and connect to something higher. About the podcast: Dive into the Heart of Jewish Music with Mendy Portnoy: Where Music and Soul Collide. Imagine a young boy, one of nine children, captivated by the melodies of Shabbat prayers. In his mind, the cantor's voice wasn't alone; it soared alongside a full orchestra, transforming the synagogue into a concert hall. That boy, Mendy Portnoy, grew up to become a world-class producer, shaping the very soundscape of Jewish music with TYH Music and Farbrengable Studios. Now, Mendy invites you on a unique journey – not just through hit songs, but into the lives and minds of the people who create them. Join Mendy as he sits down with iconic voices, from soulful singers to talented songwriters and industry insiders. Each episode unveils the stories behind the music, delving into the joys and challenges of the music world, and the individual spark each guest brings to their craft. Peek behind the curtain and discover the fascinating people who shape the music that moves our Jewish community. But Mendy's podcast goes beyond celebrity interviews. Growing up in a vibrant family led by an orchestra conductor-turned-Rabbi, music was always woven into Mendy's experience of Judaism. This podcast is his quest to understand the very essence of "Jewish music" – its origins, influences, and what it means to those who create and embrace it. Whether you're a music aficionado, curious about the industry, or seeking a deeper connection to the melodies that touch your soul, Mendy Portnoy's podcast is your invitation to listen, learn, and be inspired. Join him on this exploration of where music and soul collide, and discover the vibrant heart of Jewish music.
296
Danny Flam - The Man Behind The Horns
Danny Flam - The Man Behind The Horns
Mar 10, 2024
52:19
About the Guest: Danny is an Israeli-born horn player whose musical journey spans diverse genres. After making a mark with the Israel Philharmonic and other Israeli music groups, he ventured to America, lending his talents to artists such as JAY-Z, Kanye West, and Elton John, among others. Danny's influence extends beyond mainstream music, with his distinctive horn sound shaping the landscape of Jewish music. His versatile artistry continues to leave an unforgettable imprint on the Jewish music scene. About the podcast: Dive into the Heart of Jewish Music with Mendy Portnoy: Where Music and Soul Collide. Imagine a young boy, one of nine children, captivated by the melodies of Shabbat prayers. In his mind, the cantor's voice wasn't alone; it soared alongside a full orchestra, transforming the synagogue into a concert hall. That boy, Mendy Portnoy, grew up to become a world-class producer, shaping the very soundscape of Jewish music with TYH Music and Farbrengable Studios. Now, Mendy invites you on a unique journey – not just through hit songs, but into the lives and minds of the people who create them. Join Mendy as he sits down with iconic voices, from soulful singers to talented songwriters and industry insiders. Each episode unveils the stories behind the music, delving into the joys and challenges of the music world, and the individual spark each guest brings to their craft. Peek behind the curtain and discover the fascinating people who shape the music that moves our Jewish community. But Mendy's podcast goes beyond celebrity interviews. Growing up in a vibrant family led by an orchestra conductor-turned-Rabbi, music was always woven into Mendy's experience of Judaism. This podcast is his quest to understand the very essence of "Jewish music" – its origins, influences, and what it means to those who create and embrace it. Whether you're a music aficionado, curious about the industry, or seeking a deeper connection to the melodies that touch your soul, Mendy Portnoy's podcast is your invitation to listen, learn, and be inspired. Join him on this exploration of where music and soul collide, and discover the vibrant heart of Jewish music. chapters: 0:00 meeting Avraham Fried 0:56 who's Danny Flam 2:10 early musical inspiration 5:00 early career 8:43 jazz vs. commercial music 9:50 career growth in Israel 11:34 music keeps people young 14:07 coming to America 17:48 studio sessions in Israel 23:25 big career steps 26:20 is Kanye an anti semite? 29:28 celebrities are no big deal 33:44 shaping the sound of jewish music 34:50 working with Dedi 36:14 is Hasidic music mainstream? 38:00 working with producers 38:44 what is Jewish music? 42:14 "I played with Carlebach" 46:00 whats coming up for Danny 46:44 siyum hashas 47:40 kinus hashluchim 48:25 where is jewish music headed? 50:13 live music session
297
Michael Bogart -Tower of Power, the Navy, and Divine Providence
Michael Bogart -Tower of Power, the Navy, and Divine Providence
Mar 17, 2024
57:01
About the Guest: Multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Michael Bogart has deep musical roots which spread through many boundaries as well as a career in music spanning decades. Known primarily for his trumpet and trombone playing, he played the jazz trumpet chair (and conch shell) on the legendary Maynard Ferguson Big Bop Nouveau Big Band in the late 1990's. From 2000-2009 Michael was the lead trumpet, trombonist and background vocalist for soul super group Tower of Power and can be heard on several of their albums, including the critically acclaimed 40th Anniversary: The Fillmore Auditorium. He has also recorded with artists as diverse as Aerosmith, Puff Daddy, and his mothers' favorite, Neil Diamond. After taking a break from touring and recording to retire from the United States Navy, focus on his spiritual path and study jazz at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in London, Michael has been busy composing and recording his own music. His music is an earthy blend of soul influenced-straight ahead jazz and Hasidic Jewish nigunim (melodies). About the Podcast: Dive into the Heart of Jewish Music with Mendy Portnoy: Where Music and Soul Collide. Imagine a young boy, one of nine children, captivated by the melodies of Shabbat prayers. In his mind, the cantor's voice wasn't alone; it soared alongside a full orchestra, transforming the synagogue into a concert hall. That boy, Mendy Portnoy, grew up to become a world-class producer, shaping the very soundscape of Jewish music with TYH Music and Farbrengable Studios. Now, Mendy invites you on a unique journey – not just through hit songs, but into the lives and minds of the people who create them. Join Mendy as he sits down with iconic voices, from soulful singers to talented songwriters and industry insiders. Each episode unveils the stories behind the music, delving into the joys and challenges of the music world, and the individual spark each guest brings to their craft. Peek behind the curtain and discover the fascinating people who shape the music that moves our Jewish community. But Mendy's podcast goes beyond celebrity interviews. Growing up in a vibrant family led by an orchestra conductor-turned-Rabbi, music was always woven into Mendy's experience of Judaism. This podcast is his quest to understand the very essence of "Jewish music" – its origins, influences, and what it means to those who create and embrace it. Whether you're a music aficionado, curious about the industry, or seeking a deeper connection to the melodies that touch your soul, Mendy Portnoy's podcast is your invitation to listen, learn, and be inspired. Join him on this exploration of where music and soul collide, and discover the vibrant heart of Jewish music.
298
Noah Solomon - Moshav, Music, and Mandolins
Noah Solomon - Moshav, Music, and Mandolins
Mar 24, 2024
48:26
About the Guest: Noah Solomon is an Israeli–American musician best known for his roles as the lead singer, guitarist, and mandolinist for the Jewish rock band Soulfarm. Noah's musical journey began in Northern California before his family relocated to Mevo Modi'in, Israel, a communal village founded by musician and spiritual leader Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach. Coming from a family of musicians, with his father, Benzion Solomon, being a founding member of the Diaspora Yeshiva Band, Noah's upbringing was steeped in musical tradition. Noah's passion for music blossomed during his teenage years, leading him to become Carlebach's official guitarist for the last two years before the rabbi's passing in 1994. This experience deeply influenced Noah instilling in him an appreciation for music's ability to uplift and unite. In Soulfarm, Noah showcases his versatile talents, blending rock, folk, and Jewish music to create a captivating and innovative sound that resonates with audiences worldwide. About the podcast: Dive into the Heart of Jewish Music with Mendy Portnoy: Where Music and Soul Collide. Imagine a young boy, one of nine children, captivated by the melodies of Shabbat prayers. In his mind, the cantor's voice wasn't alone; it soared alongside a full orchestra, transforming the synagogue into a concert hall. That boy, Mendy Portnoy, grew up to become a world-class producer, shaping the very soundscape of Jewish music with TYH Music and Farbrengable Studios. Now, Mendy invites you on a unique journey – not just through hit songs, but into the lives and minds of the people who create them. Join Mendy as he sits down with iconic voices, from soulful singers to talented songwriters and industry insiders. Each episode unveils the stories behind the music, delving into the joys and challenges of the music world, and the individual spark each guest brings to their craft. Peek behind the curtain and discover the fascinating people who shape the music that moves our Jewish community. But Mendy's podcast goes beyond celebrity interviews. Growing up in a vibrant family led by an orchestra conductor-turned-Rabbi, music was always woven into Mendy's experience of Judaism. This podcast is his quest to understand the very essence of "Jewish music" – its origins, influences, and what it means to those who create and embrace it. Whether you're a music aficionado, curious about the industry, or seeking a deeper connection to the melodies that touch your soul, Mendy Portnoy's podcast is your invitation to listen, learn, and be inspired. Join him on this exploration of where music and soul collide, and discover the vibrant heart of Jewish music.
299
Mendy Hershkowitz - Living with balance
Mendy Hershkowitz - Living with balance
Apr 8, 2024
1:17:54
About the Guest: According to his website, Mendy Hershkowitz hates bios! That’s understandable because as an arranger, band leader, producer, and music business mogul, it’s difficult to capture all that Mendy is and does. If you are in the loop with Jewish music, you have likely heard Mendy’s productions on popular Jewish albums, or seen him perform with the Mendy Hershkowitz Band onstage. Mendy has learned how to not only tap into the artistic side of music but also the business element. He runs “Sonic Duo,” a music studio equipped with a recording/ production/post-production facility. In addition to this, he has founded websites to make Jewish music and sheet music accessible to everyone. About the podcast: Dive into the Heart of Jewish Music with Mendy Portnoy: Where Music and Soul Collide. Imagine a young boy, one of nine children, captivated by the melodies of Shabbat prayers. In his mind, the cantor's voice wasn't alone; it soared alongside a full orchestra, transforming the synagogue into a concert hall. That boy, Mendy Portnoy, grew up to become a world-class producer, shaping the very soundscape of Jewish music with TYH Music and Farbrengable Studios. Now, Mendy invites you on a unique journey – not just through hit songs, but into the lives and minds of the people who create them. Join Mendy as he sits down with iconic voices, from soulful singers to talented songwriters and industry insiders. Each episode unveils the stories behind the music, delving into the joys and challenges of the music world, and the individual spark each guest brings to their craft. Peek behind the curtain and discover the fascinating people who shape the music that moves our Jewish community. But Mendy's podcast goes beyond celebrity interviews. Growing up in a vibrant family led by an orchestra conductor-turned-Rabbi, music was always woven into Mendy's experience of Judaism. This podcast is his quest to understand the very essence of "Jewish music" – its origins, influences, and what it means to those who create and embrace it. Whether you're a music aficionado, curious about the industry, or seeking a deeper connection to the melodies that touch your soul, Mendy Portnoy's podcast is your invitation to listen, learn, and be inspired. Join him on this exploration of where music and soul collide, and discover the vibrant heart of Jewish music. Chapters: 00:00 who is Mendy Hershkowitz 01:14 Early exposure to music 04:18 Growth in the Monroe community 05:05 rules and restrictions 07:34 “aha moment” listening to a Mona production 11:06 getting starstruck 13:51 Maintaining balance in life 15:35 Music as a career and as a passion 17:17 supportive partners 18:16 Spending time with your children 25:47 importance of melody 28:38 studying music in Monroe 36:06 Who is Marty Laskin 40:03 Importance of learning music with a professional teacher 42:06 Do I need to know sheet music? 45:57 Music is a language 47:57 Being a music innovator vs an imitator 49:36 creating Freilach band 57:09 Respecting who came before you and who will come after 58:01 Sitting in the back of the stage 1:00:54 leaving Freilach band 1:03:19 Moving the keyboard to the front of the stage (metaphorically) 1:04:34 What is Jewish Music? 1:07:54 Who is your clientele 1:09:30 juggling everything 1:13:40 What advice would you give to aspiring musicians? 1:14:58 What is coming up for Mendy Hershkowitz
300
Rabbi Blumstien - Infusing Life with Joy
Rabbi Blumstien - Infusing Life with Joy
Aug 18, 2024
33:20
Rabbi Heshy Blumstein is a dedicated educator and spiritual leader, known for his passion in mentoring young adults and guiding Jews of all ages. He serves as the Rabbi of Yismach Moshe in Woodmere and directs the Executive Learning Program at the Jewish Enrichment Center in NYC. As a teacher at Shulamith School for Girls and the father of the Blumstein brothers, founders of the TYH (Thank You Hashem) movement, his teachings have profoundly influenced the TYH music and its message of faith and gratitude. About the podcast: Dive into the Heart of Jewish Music with Mendy Portnoy: Where Music and Soul Collide. Imagine a young boy, one of nine children, captivated by the melodies of Shabbat prayers. In his mind, the cantor's voice wasn't alone; it soared alongside a full orchestra, transforming the synagogue into a concert hall. That boy, Mendy Portnoy, grew up to become a world-class producer, shaping the very soundscape of Jewish music with TYH Music and Farbrengable Studios. Now, Mendy invites you on a unique journey – not just through hit songs, but into the lives and minds of the people who create them. Join Mendy as he sits down with iconic voices, from soulful singers to talented songwriters and industry insiders. Each episode unveils the stories behind the music, delving into the joys and challenges of the music world, and the individual spark each guest brings to their craft. Peek behind the curtain and discover the fascinating people who shape the music that moves our Jewish community. But Mendy's podcast goes beyond celebrity interviews. Growing up in a vibrant family led by an orchestra conductor-turned-Rabbi, music was always woven into Mendy's experience of Judaism. This podcast is his quest to understand the very essence of "Jewish music" – its origins, influences, and what it means to those who create and embrace it. Whether you're a music aficionado, curious about the industry, or seeking a deeper connection to the melodies that touch your soul, Mendy Portnoy's podcast is your invitation to listen, learn, and be inspired. Join him on this exploration of where music and soul collide, and discover the vibrant heart of Jewish music. Let us know what you think at [email protected]!