Popular Shows by Shloime Balsam שלמה בלסם
7551 episodes
#
Name
Release Date
Duration
1201
A Spiritual Ecology
A Spiritual Ecology
Apr 20, 2023
38:38
A Spiritual Ecology
1202
Torah's Eternal Vitality
Torah's Eternal Vitality
Apr 27, 2023
24:41
Torah's Eternal Vitality
1203
Prayer & Femininity - Completing One's Soul
Prayer & Femininity - Completing One's Soul
May 4, 2023
35:34
Prayer & Femininity - Completing One's Soul
1204
Making New Roads for Growth
Making New Roads for Growth
May 11, 2023
37:02
Making New Roads for Growth
1205
Potential for Excellence
Potential for Excellence
May 17, 2023
20:17
Potential for Excellence
1206
A Call to Uniqueness
A Call to Uniqueness
May 24, 2023
31:52
A Call to Uniqueness
1207
Expanding a Finite World
Expanding a Finite World
May 31, 2023
41:26
Expanding a Finite World
1208
Daas - Richness of Intelligence
Daas - Richness of Intelligence
Jun 8, 2023
41:01
Daas - Richness of Intelligence
1209
The Unforgivable Sin
The Unforgivable Sin
Jun 15, 2023
23:26
The Unforgivable Sin
1210
The Oneness of the Jewish People
The Oneness of the Jewish People
Jul 23, 2023
42:05
The Oneness of the Jewish People
1211
The Unforgivable Sin
The Unforgivable Sin
Jul 30, 2023
23:26
The Unforgivable Sin
1212
Q&A Perspectives on Zionism
Q&A Perspectives on Zionism
Aug 6, 2023
29:34
Q&A Perspectives on Zionism
1213
Q&A Preserving Jewish Identity
Q&A Preserving Jewish Identity
Aug 13, 2023
44:17
Q&A Preserving Jewish Identity
1214
Conception of the Soul of Israel
Conception of the Soul of Israel
Aug 20, 2023
36:50
Conception of the Soul of Israel
1215
Revealing the Hidden Light
Revealing the Hidden Light
Aug 27, 2023
28:48
Revealing the Hidden Light
1216
Q&A Living Jewish in the World
Q&A Living Jewish in the World
Aug 31, 2023
32:47
Q&A Living Jewish in the World
1217
Lesson in Divine Providence
Lesson in Divine Providence
Sep 3, 2023
29:49
Lesson in Divine Providence
1218
Q&A Revealing the Torah
Q&A Revealing the Torah
Sep 7, 2023
48:56
Q&A Revealing the Torah
1219
How to Speak
How to Speak
Sep 10, 2023
28:42
How to Speak
1220
Campfire Q&A Tefila, Individuality, Reality
Campfire Q&A Tefila, Individuality, Reality
Sep 14, 2023
36:00
Campfire Q&A Tefila, Individuality, Reality
1221
Krias Shema - Courage to Listen
Krias Shema - Courage to Listen
Sep 17, 2023
30:54
Krias Shema - Courage to Listen
1222
Q&A Great Jews
Q&A Great Jews
Sep 21, 2023
50:54
Q&A Great Jews
1223
Sheves Achim - Just to Sit Together
Sheves Achim - Just to Sit Together
Sep 24, 2023
12:20
Sheves Achim - Just to Sit Together
1224
Siyata D'Shamaya-Beyond Capacities
Siyata D'Shamaya-Beyond Capacities
Sep 28, 2023
34:24
Siyata D'Shamaya-Beyond Capacities
1225
Revealing the Hidden Light
Revealing the Hidden Light
Oct 5, 2023
28:48
Revealing the Hidden Light
1226
Reconstructing Man
Reconstructing Man
Oct 8, 2023
30:43
Reconstructing Man
1227
Parshas Vayishlach
Parshas Vayishlach
Dec 6, 2022
23:42
Parshas Vayishlach 2
1228
Parshas Vayishlach
Parshas Vayishlach
Dec 8, 2022
23:30
Parshas Vayishlach (5779)
1229
Chanukah
Chanukah
Dec 10, 2022
17:02
Chanukah
1230
Chanukah Vaad
Chanukah Vaad
Dec 17, 2022
44:45
Chanukah Vaad
1231
Chanukah Mesibah
Chanukah Mesibah
Dec 20, 2022
10:07
Chanukah Mesibah 5777
1232
Parshas Vayigash (5779)
Parshas Vayigash (5779)
Dec 27, 2022
24:31
Parshas Vayigash (5779)
1233
Parshas Vayechi
Parshas Vayechi
Jan 2, 2023
18:29
Parshas Vayechi
1234
Parshas Shemos (5779)
Parshas Shemos (5779)
Jan 9, 2023
24:47
Parshas Shemos (5779)
1235
Parshas Vaeirah
Parshas Vaeirah
Jan 17, 2023
23:58
Parshas Vaeirah
1236
Parshas Bo
Parshas Bo
Jan 24, 2023
23:43
Parshas Bo
1237
Parshas Bo (5777)
Parshas Bo (5777)
Jan 25, 2023
17:13
Parshas Bo (5777)
1238
Parshas Bo (5779)
Parshas Bo (5779)
Jan 26, 2023
23:27
Parshas Bo (5779)
1239
Parshas Beshalach 5778
Parshas Beshalach 5778
Jan 31, 2023
24:15
Parshas Beshalach 5778
1240
Parshas Beshalach (5779)
Parshas Beshalach (5779)
Feb 1, 2023
25:10
Parshas Beshalach (5779)
1241
Parshas Yisro (5777)
Parshas Yisro (5777)
Feb 7, 2023
16:56
Parshas Yisro (5777)
1242
Parshas Yisro (5778) [Embracing Diffucult Situations]
Parshas Yisro (5778) [Embracing Diffucult Situations]
Feb 8, 2023
22:34
Parshas Yisro (5778) [Embracing Diffucult Situations]
1243
Parshas Mishpatim (5779)
Parshas Mishpatim (5779)
Feb 14, 2023
25:30
Parshas Mishpatim (5779)
1244
Parshas Terumah (5779)
Parshas Terumah (5779)
Feb 21, 2023
25:25
Parshas Terumah (5779)
1245
Parshas Terumah
Parshas Terumah
Feb 22, 2023
24:44
Parshas Terumah
1246
Parshas Tetzaveh (5779)
Parshas Tetzaveh (5779)
Feb 28, 2023
27:48
Parshas Tetzaveh (5779)
1247
Parshas Ki Sisa
Parshas Ki Sisa
Mar 7, 2023
25:05
Parshas Ki Sisa
1248
Parshas Ki Sisa (5779)
Parshas Ki Sisa (5779)
Mar 8, 2023
23:11
Parshas Ki Sisa (5779)
1249
Parshas Vayakhel-Pekudei (Hachodesh)
Parshas Vayakhel-Pekudei (Hachodesh)
Mar 14, 2023
19:18
Parshas Vayakhel-Pekudei (Hachodesh)
1250
Chazara
Chazara
Mar 14, 2023
21:26
Chazara
1251
Darchei Noam - Tefillah
Darchei Noam - Tefillah
Mar 21, 2023
41:00
Darchei Noam - Tefillah
1252
Birchas Hashachar
Birchas Hashachar
Mar 28, 2023
28:07
Birchas Hashachar
1253
Achrai Mos - Kedoshim
Achrai Mos - Kedoshim
May 1, 2023
27:28
Achrai Mos - Kedoshim (5778)
1254
Parshas Emor - Lag Baomer
Parshas Emor - Lag Baomer
May 8, 2023
26:39
Parshas Emor - Lag B'aomer
1255
Parshas Bachukosai
Parshas Bachukosai
May 15, 2023
26:30
Parshas Bachukosai
1256
Parshas Nasso
Parshas Nasso
May 22, 2023
24:16
Parshas Nasso
1257
Parshas Behaloscha (Hischadshus)
Parshas Behaloscha (Hischadshus)
May 29, 2023
25:08
Parshas Behaloscha (Hischadshus)
1258
Parshas Shelach
Parshas Shelach
Jun 5, 2023
26:11
Parshas Shelach (5778)
1259
Parshas Chukas
Parshas Chukas
Jun 19, 2023
23:36
Parshas Chukas
1260
Parshas Balak (5778)
Parshas Balak (5778)
Jun 26, 2023
29:18
Parshas Balak (5778)
1261
Parshas Pinchas
Parshas Pinchas
Jul 3, 2023
26:34
Parshas Pinchas (5778)
1262
Shidduchim Part 1
Shidduchim Part 1
Aug 12, 2023
36:22
Shidduchim Part 1
1263
Shidduchim Part 2
Shidduchim Part 2
Aug 19, 2023
38:10
Shidduchim Part 2
1264
Elul - עניני אלול
Elul - עניני אלול
Aug 22, 2023
40:51
Elul - עניני אלול
1265
Parshas Ki Tetzei
Parshas Ki Tetzei
Aug 22, 2023
26:38
Parshas Ki Tetzei (5778)
1266
Parshas Ki Tetzei (5779)
Parshas Ki Tetzei (5779)
Aug 24, 2023
24:59
Parshas Ki Tetzei (5779)
1267
Shidduchim Part 3
Shidduchim Part 3
Aug 26, 2023
38:13
Shidduchim Part 3
1268
Parshas Ki Savo (Selichos)
Parshas Ki Savo (Selichos)
Aug 28, 2023
26:19
Parshas Ki Savo (Selichos) [5779]
1269
Shidduchim Part 4
Shidduchim Part 4
Sep 2, 2023
38:54
Shidduchim Part 4
1270
וואד ערב ראש השנה
וואד ערב ראש השנה
Sep 3, 2023
41:45
ר׳ סנדלר וואד ערב ראש השנה
1271
כיצד ליצור מקום לגדול-אלול - Making Room To Grow In Elul
כיצד ליצור מקום לגדול-אלול - Making Room To Grow In Elul
Sep 6, 2023
34:50
כיצד ליצור מקום לגדול-אלול - Making Room To Grow In Elul
1272
פרשת נצבים וילך - Nitzavim/Vayelech
פרשת נצבים וילך - Nitzavim/Vayelech
Sep 6, 2023
22:30
פרשת נצבים וילך - Nitzavim/Vayelech
1273
Shidduchim Part 5
Shidduchim Part 5
Sep 9, 2023
40:19
Shidduchim Part 5
1274
Shidduchim Part 6
Shidduchim Part 6
Sep 16, 2023
36:25
Shidduchim Part 6
1275
ר׳ סנדלר עניני יום כיפור - Yom Kippur
ר׳ סנדלר עניני יום כיפור - Yom Kippur
Sep 21, 2023
25:24
ר׳ סנדלר עניני יום כיפור - Yom Kippur
1276
Yehoshua 1
Yehoshua 1
May 2, 2021
44:56
00:00 – The Battle of Yericho (Jericho). The unusual faith of Rachav in protecting the People of Israel shows how a person who comes from the lowest depths can rise to the highest spiritual levels. “There’s no such thing as a person having passed the point of no return.” – Rabbi Zvi Aryeh Rosenfeld z”l. 06:00 – Why didn’t Yehoshua/Joshua have any sons? This was a punishment for having stated a Torah law in front of his teacher, Moshe Rabbeinu. The Zohar, however, says that Yehoshua did no sin. 08:30 – The battle of Ai and the death of a Jewish warrior who was “like” 36 men – Yair ben Menashe, even though Hashem had assured Israel they would be victorious. Why this casualty? 11:00 – The lottery to find the person who disobeyed the commandment not to loot the city of Yericho. 12:30 – “No matter how bad his behavior, a Jew still retains the holy title of Jew.” – Rabbi Zvi ARyeh Rosenfeld z”l. 13:00 – The lottery is arranged because Hashem refuses to speak Loshon Hara (evil report) about a Jew. The culprit – Achan – is found and he confesses. 16:00 – The power of viduy (confession). 17:00 – The strategy against the city of Ai that led to victory was used by the Israeli army in the war of 1967. 18:00 – The importance of establishing and upholding effective judicial system to combat evil. Judges who are too liberal and show mercy when it’s not warranted are themselves criminal. 24:50 – The deception of the inhabitants of Gibeon in offering a false treaty of peace. 29:00 – Yehoshua commands the sun to halt during the battle against Gibeon.
1277
Yehoshua 2
Yehoshua 2
May 9, 2021
44:39
00:00 – After the passing of Yehoshua, the first of Israel’s judges – Osniel ben Kenaz – takes command. As the faith of the new generation weakens, enemies arise and Hashem warns us to be harsh with our oppressors. 09:20 – Moab rises up against the Bnei Yisrael. 13:00 – The heroic deeds of the righteous Ehud against the King of Moab, Eglon.
1278
Shoftim – Lesson 1 – Gidon
Shoftim – Lesson 1 – Gidon
May 16, 2021
43:12
00:00 – Review of the beginning of Sefer Shoftim. 03:00 – “You cannot reach the limit of Hashem’s patience and kindness.” – Rabbi Zvi Aryeh Rosenfeld z”l 04:00 – An angel appears to Gidon ben Yoash, (from the tribe of Menashe). 11:20 – Hashem commands Gidon to destroy an alter to Baal and receives an additional name: Yiru-Baal. He asks and receives Divine proof that he should amass an army against Midian. 18:00 – A selection of soldiers is made by testing them in drinking at a river. Only 300 of 10,000 soldiers didn’t get down on their knees to drink. “At no time should a Jew get down on both knees.” – R’ Rosenfeld. 23:00 – Meaning of the Midianite soldier’s dream about the loaf of oat bread. 26:00 – In panic, the Midianite soldiers destroyed one another. Gidon pursues and kills the two kings of Midian. 30:00 – Gidon refuses to accept kingship over Israel. His half-son Avimelech instigates a rebellion and killed 69 of Gidon’s 70 sons. Only the youngest son, Yosam (Jotham), remained. 38:00 – Yosam tells the parable of the thorn to the people of Shechem who had joined Avimelech’s rebellion. 40:00 – Avimelech is killed and temporary peace for the Jews returned until they fell away from Hashem again. “Each Jew can find himself in the words of the Navi because [like the People of Israel] he [personally] goes through these periods of elevation and descent.” – R” Rosenfeld z”l.
1279
Shoftim – Lesson 2 – Chavos Yair, Yiftach, Boaz, Rus, Mashiach, Intro. to Shimshon
Shoftim – Lesson 2 – Chavos Yair, Yiftach, Boaz, Rus, Mashiach, Intro. to Shimshon
May 23, 2021
40:22
00:00 – Peace in Israel under the leadership of Tolah ben Puah from the tribe of Yissachar. 00:40 – The next leader was Yair HaGiladi of Shevet Menashe (East). He called the villages of his sons “Chavos Yair” to commemorate Yair ben Menashe, who had no children. Why does the Torah mention this? The true offspring of tzaddikim are the Torah and maasim tovim (good deeds) they bring to the world. “Chavos Yair” (gematria is 635: 613 mitzvos plus the 22 letters of the Torah). 05:56 – Jewish emunah (faith) faltered and as a result Hashem allowed the nation of Ammon oppressed them. 07:31 – Hashem refused to help Israel because of their idol worship, but Am Yisrael continued to beg Him to return to them. 08:57 – “Lam’natzeach” in Tehillim alludes to Hashem‘s “defeat” through prayer, teaching us that no one should ever give up hope, no matter what the circumstances. 10:40 – Yiftach, arises from humble beginnings to become a fierce defender of Israel. The Jews are forbidden to make war against Moav because Rus would come from that land. 13:55 – Ammon declares war against the Jews. 17:00 – Sichon, king of Amori and Og, King of Bashan were supernatural giants. They had survived the flood of Noach. Yiftach refuses to give back trans-Jordan and the army of Israel was victorious even though they were greatly outnumbered. 19:52 – Yiftach’s vow to sacrifice the first thing he meets after the battle if he is victorious. 23:14 – Did Yiftach actually sacrifice his only daughter? The Zohar says yes. Because of Yiftach‘s refusal to meet with Pinchas, Kohen Gadol, his daughter lost her life. Both men were punished severely by Hashem for their stubbornness. 28:38 – Civil war with Ephraim. 30:03 – The origin of the term for a password: “shibboleth.” 32:03 – Aftzon/Boaz and Rus and the origin of Mashiach in spiritual purity. 35:36 – Lineage of Shimshon HaGibor (Samson). 37:34 – Elon and Avadon.
1280
Shoftim – Lesson 3 – Birth Of Shimshon Riddle Wars
Shoftim – Lesson 3 – Birth Of Shimshon Riddle Wars
May 30, 2021
39:42
Shoftim – Lesson 3 – Birth Of Shimshon Riddle Wars
1281
Shoftim – Lesson 4 – Shimshon – Trials, Later Incarnations, Ultimate Victory
Shoftim – Lesson 4 – Shimshon – Trials, Later Incarnations, Ultimate Victory
Jun 6, 2021
38:49
Shoftim – The Book of Judges – presented by Rabbi Zvi Aryeh Rosenfeld z”l. 00:00 – Delilah’s attempts to find out the secret of Shimshon‘s strength. 09:15 – Shimshon reveals the truth about his supernatural powers and he is captured by the Plishtim (Philistines). He is blinded and endures many trials but remains a tzaddik. 15:58 – Through his death, Shimshon brings down more enemies of Israel than he did in all his battles against them during his lifetime. 20:57 – Shimshon was a tzaddik and achieved even more through his death than he did through his life. There are two types of gehinnam (hell) – one of fire and one of ice. The antidote for the gehinnam of of ice is hidden in the mitzvos that are done through pairs (e.g. tefillin, two Shabbos loaves at every meal). 27:30 – The powers of a tzaddik to destroy his enemies are even greater after he passes away than they were in his lifetime. 30:16 – The gilgulim (incarnations) of Shimshon, who was, himself, a gilgul of Nadav and Avihu, the sons of Aharon HaKohen. 35:52 – The lesson of Shimshon and his ultimate victory is that a person should strengthen his faith in the tzaddikim and never give up.
1282
Shoftim – Lesson 5 – The Idol of Micah, War Against the Tribe of Benyamin
Shoftim – Lesson 5 – The Idol of Micah, War Against the Tribe of Benyamin
Jun 13, 2021
40:23
Two accounts from Jewish history that illustrate how a small domestic problem can escalate to war. First – the account of Micah‘s idol, second, the account of how and why the tribe of Benyamin was almost completely destroyed by the other tribes of Israel. Text: Shoftim/Judges 17-20.
1283
Shoftim – Lesson 6 – Chana and the Power of a Woman’s Prayer, Shmuel HaNavi’s First Nevuah, Undoing the Curse on the Descendants of Eli HaKohen
Shoftim – Lesson 6 – Chana and the Power of a Woman’s Prayer, Shmuel HaNavi’s First Nevuah, Undoing the Curse on the Descendants of Eli HaKohen
Jun 20, 2021
35:18
00:00 – The story behind the birth of Shmuel HaNavi (Samuel the Prophet). Elkanah, Chana, Penina. 11:45 – Introduction to basic concepts of kabbalah and how Chana’s prayer reached “above Hashem“. She accessed an upper realm called mazal and because of what she achieved, the formation of the Shemoneh Esrei is based on her prayer. *17:50 – True account from the time of Rebbe Nachman illustrating the live-giving power of a Jewish woman’s prayer. 26:32 – The sons of Eli HaKohen. 27:51 – The first nevuah (prophecy) of Shmuel HaNavi. The curse against the house of Eli HaKohen and his descendants and how it was counteracted through Torah study and tzedaka (charity).
1284
Shmuel (Samuel) 1 – Lesson 1
Shmuel (Samuel) 1 – Lesson 1
Jun 27, 2021
41:48
00:00 – In the last story of the Sipurey Masiyos – Rabbi Nachman’s story of The Seven Beggars – the fourth beggar (with a crooked neck) speaks about two birds who have been distanced from one another. The beggar describes his talent as a ventriloquist whereby he throws his voice to imitate the sound of each bird until the two are reunited. This alludes to the way Hashem used His “Voice” the first time He spoke to the prophet Shmuel. 04:31 – The Aron Kodesh (Holy Ark) is captured by the Philistines. This incident relates to a later moment in Jewish history when Dovid Hamelech (King David) defeats the giant Golias (Goliath). 08:46 – The heroism of Shaul (Saul) even before he is made king. He risks his life, alone, to rescue the luchos (tablets of the Torah) from the Aron Kodesh. 13:49 – The death of Eli HaKohen and his sons. 15:34 – The Philistines celebrate their victory in the city of Ashdod but their idol, Dagan (a kind of “merman” figure) is destroyed and a plague breaks out. They move the Aron Kodesh to other locations but the trouble continues until they decide to let oxen pulling the wagon decide to return it to the Jews. 22:11 – Shmuel gives rebuke to Israel. The Philistines are defeated by Hashem through thunder. 25:08 – The People of Israel ask for a King and Shaul is annointed by Shmuel. 29:29 – Why was Shmuel HaNavi angry that the People of Israel asked for a king, when it’s actually a mitzvah in the Torah? The response includes some of the Seven Mitzvos (commandments) of the Bnei Noach (descendants of Noah) as listed in Sanhedrin 58b: 1) Do not murder. 2) Do not steal. 3) Do not worship false gods. 4) Do not commit adultery. 5) Do not eat the limb of a living animal. 6) Do not curse God. 7) Set up courts and bring offenders to justice. 38:32 – King Yeravam Ben Nevat (Jeroboam) threatens the prophet, his hand shrinks (Melachim Aleph – 1 Kings:13). Moral of this incident for today: emunas chochomim.
1285
Shmuel 1 – Lesson 2 – The Reign of Shaul HaMelech
Shmuel 1 – Lesson 2 – The Reign of Shaul HaMelech
Jul 20, 2021
45:32
00:00 – The special qualities of Shaul HaMelech (King Saul) were purity of mind and humility. In pursuit of lost donkeys, he meets the Prophet Shmuel (Samuel). 03:35 – The custom of going to a chassidic Rebbe for advice and donating a gift as expression of respect. (Presentation of a “kvitel“.) 07:00 – Shaul is told that he will be king of Israel. Shmuel instructs him to look up at the sky to strengthen his yiras shemayaim (reverence for Hashem). 10:00 – The meaning of the expression “Shaul is also among the prophets?” Shaul becomes king. A king of Israel may not negate the honor due him. 13:00 – Nachash Kig of Ammon threatens the Jewish community of Yavesh Gilad. Shaul destroys the army of Ammon. 19:00 – Shmuel reprimands the People of Israel for believing in a king instead of believing in Hashem. Shaul leads the People to do teshuvah by praying before defending themselves against the Philistines, but an act of disrespect of Shmuel HaNavi causes him to lose the kingdom. 25:00 – Yonasan, the son of Shaul, succeeds in a valiant and shrewd attack on the enemy. 30:00 – Shaul HaMelech fails to wipe out the entire nation of Amalekbecause he allowed their king, Agog, to live. Shmuel executes Agog. 38:00 – The gemara questions the strictness of this judgment. Couldn’t Shaul HaMelech have done teshuvah and been forgiven? He could have, except he fell into despair and he was therefore not able to do teshuvah. 43:00 – How did the music of Dovid’s harp soothe the despair of Shaul? The story of the Seventh Beggar: the princess and the Castle of Water. 45:00 – A Jew should never lose hope.
1286
Shmuel 1 – Lesson 3 – Shmuel HaNavi Annoints Dovid HaMelech, Defeat of Golias, Who Was Michal?
Shmuel 1 – Lesson 3 – Shmuel HaNavi Annoints Dovid HaMelech, Defeat of Golias, Who Was Michal?
Jul 25, 2021
39:01
Shmuel 1 – Lesson 3 – Shmuel HaNavi Annoints Dovid HaMelech, Defeat of Golias, Who Was Michal?
1287
Shmuel 1 – Lesson 4 – Shaul and Dovid HaMelech Were Both Tzaddikim
Shmuel 1 – Lesson 4 – Shaul and Dovid HaMelech Were Both Tzaddikim
Aug 22, 2021
38:31
Shmuel 1 – Lesson 4 – Shaul and Dovid HaMelech Were Both Tzaddikim
1288
Shmuel 1 – Lesson 5 – Shaul HaMelech Consults the Witch of Endor – His Defeat and Why His Death was Not Suicide
Shmuel 1 – Lesson 5 – Shaul HaMelech Consults the Witch of Endor – His Defeat and Why His Death was Not Suicide
Aug 29, 2021
48:36
05:00 – Shaul HaMelech (King Saul), desperate to know the outcome of an approaching battle against the Plishtim (Philistines), asks a sorceress to summon his teacher, Shmuel HaNavi (Samuel the Prophet), back from the dead. 12:21 – Shmuel HaNavi tells the king that he will die in the battle, but will be with Shmuel in Gan Eden (paradise), indicating the complete righteousness of Shaul. 15:59 – Two Questions: what gave this sorceress the power to accomplish what tzaddikim couldn’t? And why was Shaul forced to receive the answer to his query through such strange circumstances? Rav Noson of Nemirov explains that this was to show the powerful concern of a teacher for his student. 18:16 – Even though in our time apparent sorcery is false and accomplished through fraud and trickery, in those days, true magic existed. Hashem allowed witchcraft to be effective to maintain the freedom of choice between good and evil. 20:56 – Dovid HaMelech returns to Ziklag to find it in ruins and the wives and children of his 600 soldiers taken captive. After consulting the Urim veTumim (prophetic device of the Kohen Gadol) Dovid decides to track down the marauders and learns, along the way, that the enemy is from Amalek. 200 men stay behind while Dovid and 400 of his men rescue the captives and take plunder. Dovid HaMelech insists that the spoils of the battle are shared equally with all 600 men, to show that the outcome was from Hashem, and not a result of the number of people fighting the battle. 25:05 – The three sons of Shaul, including Yonasan, were killed in the battle against the Plishtim (Philistines). Shaul was mortally wounded and asked his servant to kill him. The servant refused so Shaul HaMelech fell upon his own sword and died. 27:12 – The inhabitants of Yovesh-Gilad heroically rescued Shaul Hamelech‘s body from the enemy and gave their king a fitting burial. 28:23 – When Dovid HaMelech heard of Shaul‘s death he commanded the execution of the Amalekite messenger who brought the news. Dovid mourns the King and even mores so the loss of his devoted friend Yonason. 32:38 – Dovid returns to Eretz Yisrael to take over the kingdom, but encounters opposition from Shaul‘s general, Avner, who installs Shaul‘s remaining son as king. 34:12 – The death of Shaul HaMelech is not considered suicide. In contrast: the execution of Rabbi Chanina ben Teradion (2nd century CE): “Since the scroll of the Torah is burning with me, the Power that will avenge this offense against the Torah will also avenge the offense against me.” (Avodah Zarah 17b).
1289
Shmuel 2 – Lesson 1 – Dovid HaMelech Begins His Reign Amidst Strife – Finally Brings the Aron Kodesh to Jerusalem
Shmuel 2 – Lesson 1 – Dovid HaMelech Begins His Reign Amidst Strife – Finally Brings the Aron Kodesh to Jerusalem
Sep 4, 2021
29:34
00:00 – Dovid HaMelech (King David) returns to Hevron to reign as king over the tribe of Yehudah. Ish Boshes, a remaining son of Shaul, is installed by Avner as king over the other tribes. 00:39 – Strife erupts between the armies of Avner (who served Ish Boshes) and Yoav (who served Dovid HaMelech). 04:32 – Ish Boshesh insults Avner, who then abandons Ish Boshes and offers to serve Dovid HaMelech. Dovid demands the release of his wife Michal from Paltiel ben Laish. 06:59 – Yoav kills Avner through deceit. 08:06 – Dovid HaMelech reclaims Jerusalem and attempts to return the Holy Ark there but at first he fails. He didn’t honor the law requiring the Ark to be carried on the shoulders, not on a wagon, whereby “The carriers are carried.” (Shmuel 2, Perek 6.) 13:23 – Dovid HaMelech (King David) brought the Aron Kodesh (Holy Ark) to Jerusalem with great honor and joy. This triumphant moment in Jewish history is relived by each of us when we put all our energy in dancing with the Torah on Simchos Torah. Description of how the Arizal would dance all night on Simchos Torah. 15:33 – Michal sees Dovid HaMelech from the window as he’s dancing and when he returns home she rebukes him for not upholding the dignity of being a king. Hashem punishes her for giving this rebuke by making her childless “until the day she passed away”. There is a possibility that she did have a child but that she passed away in childbirth. 23:42 – The pain of shame and embarrassment over a sin can help remove the damage to the soul caused by having committed the sin. 27:23 – The Tikkunei Zohar explains that above all, Hashem wants us to respect Him and to regret our mistakes. Bereishis (“In the beginning…”) is made up of the letters that form the words yira (respect/fear/awe) and boshes (shame). The rewards of serving Hashem with humility. 29:02 – Rav Avraham Kokhav-Lev brings: The time for the coming of Moshiach is from Rosh Chodesh Nissan through Pesach (Passover).
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Shmuel 2 – Lesson 2 – Dovid HaMelech and Batsheva – 4 Levels of Understanding
Shmuel 2 – Lesson 2 – Dovid HaMelech and Batsheva – 4 Levels of Understanding
Sep 11, 2021
38:57
00:00 – Although usually the Torah advises not getting involved in controversy, there are some disputes that we should enter to defend the truth. The dispute about the righteousness of Dovid HaMelech (King David) is an example of a controversy we are obligated to enter to uphold the testaments of the Torah sages that his intentions and deeds with regard to Batsheva were pure. 01:37 – Everything in the Torah She’Be’Csav (Written Torah) has 4 dimensions: Pshat (literal), Remez (hint, allusion), Drush (deeper explanation), and Soad (secret). The initial letters of these four dimensions spell “PaRDeS” (orchard, paradise). 02:33 – The account of Dovid HaMelech and Batsheva on a literal level. 17:14 – The account of Dovid HaMelech and Batsheva according to the understanding of sages in the Talmud. 19:07 – The rebuke of Nasan HaNavi (Nathan the Prophet) – deeper implications. 21:48 – Shabbos 56a: Uriah divorced his wife Batsheva before going into battle. 25:20 – Shabbos 56a: Uria committed two acts of rebellion against the king for which he incurred the death penalty. 27:32 – Sanhedrin 107a. 35:55 – Avoda Zara 4b-5a and the Zohar – Rabi Shimon Bar Yochai’s defense of Dovid HaMelech in the incident of Batsheva assures every Jew that Hashem can forgive no matter how far a person has fallen.
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Shmuel 2 – Lesson 3 – Proofs from the Zohar HaKodesh that Dovid HaMelech Did Not Sin; Demons; Defeat of Ammon; Shunning Non-Jewish Styles
Shmuel 2 – Lesson 3 – Proofs from the Zohar HaKodesh that Dovid HaMelech Did Not Sin; Demons; Defeat of Ammon; Shunning Non-Jewish Styles
Sep 18, 2021
39:45
00:00 – The angel Dumah is appointed over Gehinnam. He demands the soul of Dovid HaMelech (King David) but Hashem Himself tells him: “Dovid HaMelech did not commit a sin, he is pure.” 05:46 – Another proof of Dovid HaMelech‘s innocence brought in the Zohar HaKodesh is related to the statement made about Avraham Avinu, “bah beyomim” (arriving with his days). The teshuvah of someone returning to Judaism from a distant background proceeds more quickly than the teshuvah of a tzaddik. 16:40 – New shiur begins. Dovid HaMelech yearns to build the Beis HaMikdash (Holy Temple). Hashem tells Nasan HaNavi to tell Dovid that although the kingship of Israel will never be taken away from him and his descendants, even so – the Beis HaMikdash will be built by Dovid’s son, Shlomo (Solomon). 20:14 – Demons are half-human, half-supernatural descendants of Adam. These beings can fly and can turn themselves into different forms. They are born, reproduce, and die. 23:56 – Reference to the story in Gittin about Shlomo HaMelech and Ashmedai. 24:15 – Hashem tells Nasan HaNavi to rush back to Dovid HaMelech. From this we learn the importance of zrizus/enthusiasm, quickness to do a mitzvah. 27:57 – Dovid HaMelech kills the kings of Ammon in retaliation for their treachery in murdering Dovid’s family. 28:46 – Name of King David’s mother is not mentioned in the written Torah but it appears in the Talmud. *30:20 – Shmuel 2 – Perek 10. To disgrace the emissaries of Dovid HaMelech, the son of Ammon orders that their beards should be half shaven off. Here Rabbi Rosenfeld z”l comments on the importance of not following the styles of non-Jewish culture, particularly citing the Torah tradition against allowing the hair on the top and back of a man’s head to grow long. 36:52 – Yoav attacks Ammon but gives the victory to his king, Dovid. 38:08 – Although Dovid HaMelech was victorious in many battles on behalf of Israel, he was not granted peace in this world. Introduction to the rebellion of his son, Avshalom.
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Shmuel 2 – Lesson 4 – Tamar, Amnon, and the Roots of Avshalom’s Rebellion; Dovid HaMelech Excavates the Foundation of the Beis HaMikdash
Shmuel 2 – Lesson 4 – Tamar, Amnon, and the Roots of Avshalom’s Rebellion; Dovid HaMelech Excavates the Foundation of the Beis HaMikdash
Sep 25, 2021
40:03
00:00 – The incident of Tamar, Amnon, and Avshalom. 09:50 – Dovid HaMelech (King David) yearns for his banished son. Father and son are reunited through a ruse orchestrated by the king’s general, Yoav, and a “Wise Woman of Tekoa.” 17:47 – The roots of Avshalom’s rebellion. 22:33 – Dovid HaMelechh is forced to flee from Jerusalem. Shimi ben Gera curses him along the way. 24:09 – Avshalom usurps his father’s throne. *28:18 – While excavating the site of the future Beis HaMikdash (Holy Temple), Dovid HaMelech accidentally dislodged the Even Shesiya (Foundation Stone of the Creation). Subterranean reservoirs of water erupted from the depths, and only with the help of Achitofel was the king able to stop the flood (Sukkah 53a). 37:21 – Statement in Pirkei Avos (Ethics of the Fathers) 6:3 about Dovid HaMelech learning only two things from Achitofel, illustrating the importance of honoring any person from whom one learns Torah. 38:16 – Concluding words about the suffering of Dovid HaMelech.
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Shmuel 2 – Lesson 5 – Death of Avshalom, Loshon Hara (Slander) about Mefiboshes, Rebellion of Sheva ben Bichri
Shmuel 2 – Lesson 5 – Death of Avshalom, Loshon Hara (Slander) about Mefiboshes, Rebellion of Sheva ben Bichri
Oct 2, 2021
39:00
00:00 – Review of Avshalom’s rebellion. 01:10 – Dovid HaMelech (King David) defends his kingdom against the rebellion of his son, Avshalom. The death of Avshalom. 10:15 – Likutey Moharan 69 – destroying an other’s property has consequences that can harm one’s children. 11:14 – Dovid HaMelech (King David) mourned the death of his son with the words, “O’ my son Avshalom, my son, my son Avshalom! Would that I had died in your stead, O’ Avshalom my son, my son!” By using these specific words he rescued his son from the seven levels of gehinnom (eternal punishment after death). 14:56 – The timelessness of the afterlife. *15:54 – Account of how Rabi Yochanan rescues Acher from gehinnom. 17:29 – Rebbe Nachman’s promise to rescue his students from gehinnom if they will give tzedakah (charity) at his grave site in Uman. 18:08 – Through performing good deeds, children have the ability to save their parents from gehinnom, but parents cannot save their children from punishment in the next world. *19:27 – Dovid HaMelech‘s achievement seems to contradict these kabbalistic principles, so the sages of the Talmud explore why and how King David was able to elevate the soul of his rebellious son. 24:01 – Yoav admonishes Dovid HaMelech for mourning his son instead of rejoicing in the victory to save the kingdom. Amasa is invited to replace Yoav. 26:17 – Mefiboshes, the son of Yonasan (Jonathan), is invited to live at the palace of Dovid HaMelech. 31:41 – There are three sins for which a Jew must give his life rather than transgress: idol worship, murder, adultery. Loshon hara (slander) is worse than all three of these sins combined. Because Dovid HaMelech seemed to be acting based on loshon hara about Mefiboshes, he was punished with the division of his kingdom. However in truth, Dovid HaMelech did not sin in this matter. 35:16 – The rebellion of Sheva ben Bichri. Yoav assassinates Amasa. 37:32 – A wise woman saves the city where Sheva ben Bichri is hiding by throwing his head down to the army of Dovid HaMelech. 38:04 – Dovid HaMelech was above the level of Rabi Shimon Bar Yochai. Dovid HaMelech (King David) mourned the death of his son Avshalom with the words, “O’ my son Avshalom, my son, my son Avshalom! Would that I had died in your stead, O’ Avshalom my son, my son!” 01:12 – The sages of the Talmud explain why and how King David was able to elevate the soul of his rebellious son (II Shmuel/Samuel 19, Sotah 10a).
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Shmuel 2 – Lesson 6 – Serach Bas Asher, Qualities of a Soulmate, Dovid HaMelech Captured by Yishbi and Rescued by Avishai
Shmuel 2 – Lesson 6 – Serach Bas Asher, Qualities of a Soulmate, Dovid HaMelech Captured by Yishbi and Rescued by Avishai
Oct 9, 2021
42:48
00:00 – Sheva ben Bichri, a rebel against the monarchy of Dovid HaMelech (King David), takes refuge in the city where Serach bas Asher lives. She saves the city by delivering his head to Yoav, the general of Dovid’s army (II Shmuel/Samuel, 20). 32:38 – Dovid HaMelech is captured and almost killed by the brother of Golias (Goliath), the giant Yishbi beNov. 35:05 – Avishai, on his way to rescue Dovid HaMelech, kills Yishbi’s mother, Orphah (sister of Rus HaMoaviah). 36:50 – Avishai rescues Dovid HaMelech
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Shmuel 2 – Lesson 7 – Dovid HaMelech, Census and Plague, The Power of Sefer Tehillim, Purchase of Beis HaMikdash Site
Shmuel 2 – Lesson 7 – Dovid HaMelech, Census and Plague, The Power of Sefer Tehillim, Purchase of Beis HaMikdash Site
Oct 31, 2021
34:35
05:07 – Benayahu ben Yehoyada – “He went down and killed a lion in a pit on a snowy day” (II Shmuel/Samuel 23:20) – immersions in an ice-covered mikveh. 11:02 – Dovid HaMelech (King David) wishes to taste the water of the Plishtim and his generals risk their lives to get it for him. 16:05 – It is prohibited to count Jews. Taking a census caused a deadly plague during the reign of Dovid HaMelech. The king is given a choice as to what punishment will be given. לְהַגִּיד כִּֽי־יָשָׁ֣ר יְהֹוָ֑ה צ֜וּרִ֗י וְֽלֹא־עַוְלָ֥תָה (כתיב עַלָ֥תָה) בּֽוֹ “…and there is no wickedness in Him” (Tehillim/Psalms 92:16). 20:19 – The prophet Gad confronts Dovid HaMelech about the census and its consequences. 22:59 – The mercy of Hashem is shown in His promise that the Jew will outlast all His “arrows”. *25:59 – When the plague reaches and strikes Jerusalem, Dovid HaMelech prays on behalf of his people. His suffering enables him to compose the universally powerful words of Sefer Tehillim. 28:01 – The ten types of song in Sefer Tehillim. 30:50 – Dovid HaMelech insists on paying money for the site of the future Beis HaMikdash, even though the non-Jewish owner of the land, Aravna, offers to give it for free. 32:53 – The first mishna in Kedushin is about ownership, property, acquisition. Women have more emunah (faith) than men. 33:59 – The death of Avishai.
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Melachim 1 – Lesson 01 – Dovid HaMelech Transfers the Kingship to Shlomo HaMelech
Melachim 1 – Lesson 01 – Dovid HaMelech Transfers the Kingship to Shlomo HaMelech
Nov 7, 2021
39:30
00:00 – In his later years, Dovid HaMelech took Avishag as a concubine. He already had the permitted number of wives but he did not divorce any of his previous wives in order to marry her because 1) the Torah does not favor divorce, although it’s permitted; and 2) this union was not physical. 03:55 – Adam HaRishon gave 70 years of his own life to Dovid HaMelech. Why that number? 07:12 – There are ten sefiros (levels) of kedusha (holiness): three upper levels and seven lower. Adam gave 70 years corresponding to the seven lower sefiros. 08:37 – However, since these 70 years were spiritually incomplete, the tikkun (correction/completion) of these years came from: Avraham Avinu (five years), Yaakov Avinu (28 years), and Yosef HaTzaddik (37 years). Why did Yosef give so many years, while no years were given by Yitzchak? 11:18 – There are two moshiachs (anointed king of Israel): Moshiach ben Yosef and Moshiach ben Dovid. 13:40 – Dovid HaMelech lived 70 years, passing away in the afternoon of his 70th birthday, (Shavuos). 15:18 – On Dovid HaMelech‘s last day, he spoke with his son Shlomo (Solomon) to insure that Adonyahu and Yoav would not be able to take over the kingdom. 16:58 – Nasan HaNavi (Nathan the Prophet) advises Dovid HaMelech‘s wife, Basheva (Batsheva) to intercede on behalf of her son Shlomo. 19:42 – Dovid HaMelech‘s final words and requests. 21:14 – Shlomo HaMelech‘s first acts as king included fulfilling his father’s commands to bring Yoav and Shimi Ben Gera to justice. *23:51 – Yoav fled to the mishkan (tabernacle), but it did not serve as a sanctuary. Dovid HaMelech had placed a curse on Yoav and his family, but that curse eventually plagued the descendants of Dovid. Whoever wishes evil for another endangers himself. It is better to be cursed than to curse. 24:56 – Shmiras HaLoshon (guarding one’s speech) is a central Torah law. Speech has irrevocable power, and misusing it brings serious and far-reaching consequences, even for a tzaddik and his descendants. 31:29 – Adonyahu asks permission to marry Avishag. *39:03 – Shlomo HaMelech (King Solomon) was crowned while his father, Dovid HaMelech (King David), was still alive. A question of Torah law arises when Dovid HaMelech is nistalek (passes away) on Shabbos, when it is forbidden to move a dead body. How the expression “Better to be a live dog than a dead lion” alludes to the fact that tefilas chatzos (the midnight prayer) counteracts negative forces. How Dovid HaMelech‘s histalkus on Shabbos can strengthen our faith that a tzaddik never abandons Am Yisrael (the People of Israel).
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Melachim 1 – Lesson 02 – Shlomo HaMelech Gathers Am Yisroel for Tefilah; Dispute Between Two Mothers; Supernatural Throne
Melachim 1 – Lesson 02 – Shlomo HaMelech Gathers Am Yisroel for Tefilah; Dispute Between Two Mothers; Supernatural Throne
Nov 14, 2021
38:19
05:16 – Hashem offers to grant Shlomo HaMelech (King Solomon) one special request. 08:23 – The days of the week correspond to the sefiros (spiritual levels). 10:23 – Shlomo HaMelech chooses to ask for a “heart that hears/discerns”. Since he chose a wise request, Hashem grants him far more. The king awakens from his dream with the ability to understand the languages of animals, plants, and the natural world. 13:16 – One of Shlomo HaMelech‘s first acts as king was to gather together the People of Israel for tefilah (prayer). *15:17 – Our tefilos today do not rise vertically, they rise horizontally because they need to travel to makom hamikdash (the site of the Holy Temple) before they ascend. This location is the shaar hashamayim (gateway to heaven). 18:46 – The Zohar HaKodesh brings an illustration about how the satan (evil inclination) operates in our generation. 21:35 – Rebbe Nachman emphasizes that Shlomo HaMelech took 700 wives and 300 concubines in order to convert them. 22:45 – Shlomo HaMelech judges between two mothers arguing over the ownership of a child. 32:09 – The throne of Shlomo HaMelech had supernatural qualities that enabled him to elicit the truth from witnesses in disputes. 36:30 – During the reign of Shlomo HaMelech, Israel was at peace. He lived to the age of 62, ruling 40 years. Audio Player
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Melachim 1 – Lesson 03 – The Importance of Shmiras HaLoshon (Guarding Speech), The Kingdom of Israel is Split
Melachim 1 – Lesson 03 – The Importance of Shmiras HaLoshon (Guarding Speech), The Kingdom of Israel is Split
Nov 21, 2021
41:01
00:00 – Why, after centuries of tears and prayers, has the final geulah (redemption) not yet arrived? As long as Am Yisrael lacks unity, the Beis HaMikdash (Holy Temple) cannot be rebuilt. 03:50 – It’s forbidden to speak loshon hara (slander) against Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel). 08:09 – Achieving unity within even a small group of Jews is the key to establishing harmony within the entire People of Israel. The ARIzal tested his students in this unity, and they failed. Disputes between Jews led to the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash. 12:47 – The importance of shmiras haloshon – guarding one’s speech. 14:57 – Midrash brings a moshol (allegory) about how misusing speech can bring about a person’s downfall. “Life and death are within the power of the tongue.” 18:53 – Stories about perfected speech. Rebbe Nachman’s Taanis dibur (not speaking) during the first day of Rosh HaShanah. 22:59 – A recent Breslover chasid who excelled in perfected speech was known as the “Silent Reb Nachman”. He was a close student of Rabbi Avraham (Kokhav-Lev) Sternhartz z”l. He spoke no mundane words for fifty years. 25:46 – To speak against the Land of Israel or its Jewish inhabitants is like speaking against the Shekhina (Divine Presence of Hashem). 26:45 – The confrontation between Shlomo HaMelech (King Solomon) and the king of the demons, Ashmidai. The division of the Kingdom of Israel after the reign of Shlomo HaMelech began when Yeravom ben Nevat (Jeroboam, from the tribe of Ephraim) spoke disrespectfully against Shlomo HaMelech. 29:32 – Achiya HaShiloni, one of the greatest prophets who ever lived, was the teacher of Eliyahu HaNavi (Elijah the Prophet). Foreseeing that the Kingdom of Israel would be split, he offered the rulership of ten of the tribes to Yeravom ben Nevat. 33:21 – After Shlomo HaMelech’s passing, his son Rechavam became king. Yeravom ruled over ten tribes and misled them into idol worship.
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Melachim 1 – Lesson 04 – Addo haNavi and Yeravam ben Navat
Melachim 1 – Lesson 04 – Addo haNavi and Yeravam ben Navat
Nov 28, 2021
40:06
00:00 – Yeravam ben Navat promoted idol worship in Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel). 02:58 – The Zohar HaKodesh ends with the final statements of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai z”l about Yeravam ben Navat. 06:42 – Pirkei Avos – the honor due a talmid chochom. Hashem is more careful about the honor of a tzaddik than He is about His Own Honor. 07:08 – Yeravam asks Addo haNavi to pray for him. 10:35 – Why did a false prophet merit receiving a true prophecy with regard to Addo’s death? He honored the mitzvah of haknassas orchim (hospitality). 14:52 – Why did the lion not attack the mule that Addo had ridden? Why did it not attack the false prophet? 19:11 – The false prophet later merited Divine Protection because he risked his life to rescue the body of Addo HaNavi. This incident took place when Yoshiyahu HaMelech was ridding Eretz Yisrael of idol worship by relocating old burial sites. 22:02 – Hashem Himself tries to bring Yeravam back to teshuvah, out of respect for his great achievements in Torah study. *33:18 – Yeravam asks Hashem “Who will go first?” in Gan Eden (Paradise). What’s the difference between Teshuvah (return to Hashem) out of love vs. for reward? What kind of Baal Teshuvah can “stand where a tzaddik cannot stand”? 35:35 – The Zohar HaKodesh brings another reason why Yeravam didn’t want to accept Hashem’s offer of reward: he didn’t want the shekhina to “walk last”. 39:29 – Closing blessings.
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Melachim 1 – Lesson 05 – Strife Between the Kingdoms of Israel; The Curse of Rebuilding Yericho; Eliyahu HaNavi vs. Achav – The Era of Miracles Begins
Melachim 1 – Lesson 05 – Strife Between the Kingdoms of Israel; The Curse of Rebuilding Yericho; Eliyahu HaNavi vs. Achav – The Era of Miracles Begins
Dec 5, 2021
38:28
Melachim 1 – Lesson 05 – Strife Between the Kingdoms of Israel; The Curse of Rebuilding Yericho; Eliyahu HaNavi vs. Achav – The Era of Miracles Begins