In this week's Parshas Vayera episode, Reb Asaf Aharon Prisman shares a revolutionary insight from Rav Yitzchak Svei that transforms how we understand both Sarah's test and the spiritual mechanics of Ayin Hara (the evil eye). The key detail everyone misses: Ishmael was hiding in the background, listening to the angel's promise. Discover why Sarah's "laugh" was actually strategic deception, how Ayin Hara really works (it triggers divine judgment by making Hashem ask "Does this person deserve what they have?"), and the one phrase that creates an impenetrable shield: acknowledging that everything we have is undeserved chesed from Hashem. This isn't about superstition—it's about understanding the spiritual cause-and-effect that governs blessing and protection. Learn how humility becomes armor, why feeling deserving is spiritually dangerous, and how the Arizal's teachings on Ayin Hara reveal a life-changing approach to gratitude. Prism of Torah brings deep yeshiva-style Torah learning with practical application for modern Jewish life. Each week, Rabbi Asaf explores the weekly parsha through unconventional questions that reveal transformative insights.

In this week's Torah podcast exploring Parshas Re'eh, we examine a fascinating asymmetry in the Torah's language that troubled both classical commentators and reveals something profound about Hashem's relationship with us. Why does the pasuk say "the blessing that you listen" but "cursed if you don't listen"? What bothered Rashi about this structure, and how does his answer change everything? Through the powerful story of Rav Boyer and a struggling yeshiva student, discover how advance motivation works in both human relationships and our connection with Hashem. Learn why the Yetzer Hara fights hardest during our personal moments of greatest spiritual potential, and how resistance might actually indicate opportunity. This episode connects insights from Rashi, the Ramchal's Mesilas Yesharim, and contemporary Torah wisdom to reveal a transformative perspective on the blessings in our lives. Perfect for anyone seeking deeper understanding of Jewish learning, parsha study, and practical spiritual growth. Keywords: Torah podcast, weekly parsha, Parshas Re'eh, Jewish learning, Rashi commentary, spiritual motivation, blessing and curse, Mesilas Yesharim

Join this week's Torah podcast exploring the deeper mysteries of Parshas Ki Tetzay and the unique commandment to remember Amalek. Why does only Amalek merit a special mitzvah to remember their evil deeds - what about all the other nations that tried to destroy the Jewish people? What does Rashi mean when he explains that Amalek "cooled us down," and why does Chazal tell us that Hashem's throne remains incomplete until Amalek is eliminated from the world? Through the Gemara in Sanhedrin and Reb Chaim Shmulevitz's brilliant analysis, discover the fascinating story of Timnah - the princess who desperately wanted to convert but was rejected by the Avos, leading to Amalek's creation. Explore powerful insights about the ripple effects of our daily interactions, featuring contemporary stories that will transform how you view your relationships and responsibilities. This episode of Jewish learning combines traditional Torah analysis with practical mussar lessons, revealing timeless wisdom for modern living. Perfect for weekly parsha study and spiritual growth. Keywords: Torah podcast, weekly parsha, Parshas Ki Tetzay, Jewish learning, Amalek, Reb Chaim Shmulevitz, mussar, spiritual growth

Ever wonder why the Torah needs to command happiness during the joyful mitzvah of Bikurim? Why does the pasuk emphasize rejoicing "with all the good" when bringing first fruits to Jerusalem? This week's Parshas Ki Savo episode uncovers a profound connection between the Bikurim celebration and the harsh tochacha warnings later in the parsha. Through the dialogue between Yaakov and Esav, and insights from Chazal about what triggers divine punishment, we explore a fundamental principle that determines true wealth versus spiritual poverty. Discover how a little girl's simple statement in an American store and one man's resilience through life's challenges illuminate an ancient Torah secret about perspective and gratitude. This teaching transforms how we view our daily blessings and prepares us for the approaching Yamim Noraim with a mindset shift that can revolutionize your spiritual life. Keywords: Torah podcast, weekly parsha, Parshas Ki Savo, Jewish learning, Bikurim, gratitude, Yamim Noraim, perspective, contentment

Why does Hashem need to explicitly tell us to choose life over death and good over evil in Parshas Nitzavim? Isn't the right choice obvious? And why does the Midrash describe this divine instruction as 'lifnim mishuras hadin' - beyond the call of duty? This week's Torah podcast explores a profound distinction between 'keeping' mitzvos versus simply 'doing' them, based on insights from the son of Rav Zonnenfeld. Through analysis of the word 'lishmor' and its connection to Yaakov's response to Yosef's dream, we discover a fundamental principle about spiritual engagement that transforms how we approach our relationship with Hashem. Perfect timing for Rosh Hashanah preparation, this episode reveals how the concept of 'ba'asher hu sham' - being judged by what's truly in our hearts - connects to the mitzvah of teshuvah and our personal spiritual growth. Join us for insights that will reshape your understanding of conscious spiritual living and authentic Jewish practice. Keywords: Torah podcast, weekly parsha, Parshas Nitzavim, Jewish learning, Rosh Hashanah preparation, teshuvah, spiritual growth

As Yom Kippur approaches, three fundamental questions challenge our understanding of teshuvah: Why does Shemoneh Esrei sequence wisdom, then teshuvah, then forgiveness - shouldn't forgiveness come first? How can Chazal declare teshuvah the "epitome of wisdom" when avoiding sin entirely seems wiser? And how could the Midrash claim Reuven was the first to do teshuvah when Adam HaRishon and Kayin preceded him? Through insights from Rabbeinu Yonah's Shaarei Teshuvah and a profound story about Rav Saadia Gaon, this episode unveils a revolutionary understanding that transforms teshuvah from crisis management into conscious spiritual elevation. Discover why the difference between "diet" and "lifestyle" holds the key to authentic spiritual growth, and learn from a soldier's miraculous discovery in Gush Katif about the power of continuous spiritual commitment. This Yom Kippur preparation will fundamentally reshape how you approach not just the Day of Atonement, but every day of spiritual opportunity. Keywords: Torah podcast, Yom Kippur, teshuvah, Jewish learning, spiritual growth, Shemoneh Esrei, Rabbeinu Yonah

Why does Sukkos alone carry the title "Yom Simchateinu" when we're commanded to rejoice on all the festivals? What distinguishes Sukkos from Pesach, Shavuot, and even from Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur? In this eye-opening Sukkos episode, explore Rav Yitzchak Hutner's framework for understanding the unique simcha of Sukkos. Discover the Midrash's powerful explanation of why we wave the lulav triumphantly - like leaving a court case victorious - and what this reveals about our relationship with Hashem after the Yamim Noraim. Through Rabbi Yisrael of Ruzhin's moving parable about an expensive watch that gets bent but not broken, understand the profound message about the neshama and spiritual repair. Learn why the Ramban connects completion with goodness, and why Sukkos specifically brings double korbanot. This shiur reveals practical insights about never giving up hope and recognizing that what seems damaged can always be straightened. Perfect for anyone seeking deeper understanding of Sukkos, the festivals, and the power of spiritual restoration. Keywords: Torah podcast, Sukkos, Yom Simchateinu, Jewish learning, Yamim Tovim, Shalosh Regalim, arba minim, lulav, Rav Hutner, teshuvah, Yamim Noraim, Simchat Torah

In this week's Torah podcast on Parashas Bereishis, we examine a striking anomaly in the creation narrative: Monday is the only day without "Ki Tov"—it was good—while Tuesday uniquely receives it twice. Why would Hashem design creation this way? Rashi and the Midrash Rabbah explain that the separation of water and land wasn't completed until Tuesday, which is why Monday lacks the declaration of good. But this raises a deeper question: why would Hashem orchestrate such deliberate incompleteness at the foundation of creation? Through the parable of a king's hidden treasure and two sons—one who dismisses an imperfection in the palace wall, another who investigates—we discover that apparent flaws in creation contain intentional wisdom. The Shemen HaTov reveals a transformative principle embedded in this asymmetry: sometimes we cannot see the good in present moments, but delayed blessings often arrive doubled. A real story about a Canadian yeshiva student's disappointing rejection illustrates this timeless teaching. The Chasam Sofer's insight about viewing life backward completes this powerful lesson about divine providence and patient trust. Keywords: Torah podcast, weekly parsha, Parashas Bereishis, creation story, Ki Tov, second day, Rashi, Midrash Rabbah, Shemen HaTov, Chasam Sofer, divine timing, Jewish learning, water and land separation

Parshas Noach Torah portion explores faith and fear in Jewish spirituality through a profound question: How could Noah be called perfectly righteous yet criticized for weak faith? This Torah podcast examines Rashi's commentary on Noah's emunah (faith) and reveals Rabbi Shimshon Pincus's transformative teaching about balancing G-d's mercy with Divine justice. Discover how the idea of fear of G-d as the catalyst for spiritual growth and action, not passivity. Through a powerful story from the Shelah HaKadosh about Tehillim and communal protection, learn why letting fear inspire prayer, repentance, and good deeds is essential for Torah living. This Jewish podcast offers practical wisdom for Orthodox Jews and Torah students seeking to deepen their relationship with Hashem through complete faith - emunah that includes both trust in G-d's kindness and respect for His justice. Perfect for those exploring Jewish values, spiritual development, and meaningful Torah lessons for daily life.