Rav Dessler Parshah Podcast Series 2

1

Can a bad environment make you holy?

Jul 12, 2026

11:20

G-d could have placed Ruth in a righteous home — so why was she born into Moab? In this episode, we explore how a negative environment can sometimes spark the strongest desire for truth. And how the same force can pull both ways.

2

Why exile?

Jul 12, 2026

15:57

In this episode, we explore what exile really achieves — and what it reveals about the soul after death. What happens to a person when they die? Who are they without a body? The Torah’s choice of exile holds a deep answer to these questions.

3

Why settle outside of israel?

Jul 12, 2026

16:21

Why did the tribes of Reuven and Gad choose land outside of Israel — and why for their sheep? In this episode, we dig beneath the surface and uncover a deeper spiritual mission: the responsibility to uplift sparks of holiness hidden in the physical world. And yes — even sheep have a role to play.

4

Show me your leader and I'll show you your soul

Jul 2, 2026

14:15

When Moshe asks for a successor, God chooses Yehoshua — and the shift speaks volumes. In this episode, we explore how the leaders of each generation reveal the soul of their people. Looking at the arc of history, we uncover a deeper pattern: some generations are led by the mind, others by the heart — and their leaders reflect exactly that.

5

How to make an idol work - and why you shouldn't

Jun 23, 2026

10:04

Why did people worship idols — and why was it so compelling? In this episode, we explore what made avodah zarah so attractive, how it actually worked, and what that reveals about the deepest question of all: are we serving Hashem… or just serving ourselves?

6

The rebbe, the student and the space inbetween

Jun 23, 2026

13:13

A rebbe isn’t just a wise person — he’s a vessel through which messages flow. In this episode, we explore why we need a rebbe to help us interpret life, and what happens when that relationship breaks down.

7

Sight vs insight - what glasses are you wearing?

Jun 22, 2026

11:09

How we see life makes all the difference. From the story of Dasan and Aviram’s perspective on Egypt to understanding the deeper meaning behind current events, this episode invites you to look beyond the surface and discover the hidden layers of meaning in everything around us.

8

Strings attached: wgar tzitzis are really saying

Jun 11, 2026

14:11

Tzitzis aren’t just ritual strings — they’re part of the Shema, part of our identity, and part of our spiritual memory. In this episode, we explore the third paragraph of Shema, what it’s doing there, and how those little threads are trying to keep us from unravelling.

9

Humble and the greatest

Jun 2, 2026

14:43

Moshe knew he was the greatest leader in history — and yet the Torah calls him the most humble. In this episode, we explore what real humility looks like, and how it can coexist with absolute greatness.

10

Is The Nazir Holy For Abstaining

May 21, 2026

16:59

Is the Nazir holy for abstaining — or flawed for pulling away? This episode explores a deeper, more analytical question: when we do something non-ideal for a higher purpose, is it still a blemish, or does the goal transform the act completely? A more nuanced discussion this week — come thinking.

11

A relationship with Hashem or just a transaction?

May 15, 2026

10:20

A relationship with Hashem is meant to be deep and genuine — but it's easy to slip into serving for the sake of reward. In this episode, we reflect on what it means to connect to Hashem not for what we gain, but for who we become.

12

Tzedakah - Who's Really Supporting Whom?

May 4, 2026

14:54

We often think of tzedakah as one person giving and one person taking, however the Torah's view is far more profound. In this episode we explore who truly benefits when we give and how the act of giving can elevate the giver more than the one in need.

13

Eved Kena'ani - A Just System?

May 4, 2026

19:49

How can the Torah permit slavery? In this episode we explore the concept of slavery and uncover the surrounding framework, rooted in justice, dignity and responsibility. Far from the cruelty of historic slavery, the Torah's system challenges our assumptions and reveals a deeper moral structure.

14

Does Kiddsuh Hashem Apply Without An Audience?

Apr 28, 2026

19:31

We normally imagine a kiddush hashem to be a public affair - but is that the full picture? In this episode we delve into the halachos about when one must give up their own life, when not and why sanctifying G-d's name is not limited to grand gestures or public moments.

15

What is love?

Apr 24, 2026

14:55

What does it mean to love your neighbour as yourself? In this episode we explore three levels of love.

16

What does life really mean?

Apr 24, 2026

14:44

The torah promises life for keeping the mitzvos, but what kind of life is it talking about. In this episode, explore the three levels of what life could mean in this episode.

17

Do you really lose your merits through Lashon Hara?

Apr 15, 2026

7:22

Speak Lashon Hara and you hand over all your merits and receive all their averios. Is this really true? Let's unpack this myth and explore Rav Dessler's explanation of what's really happening when we misuse our words.

18

The death of righteous sinners

Apr 14, 2026

12:41

On the one hand Nadav and Avihu died because of wrongdoing, but Moshe says that they were greater than Moshe and Aharon themselves, how could both be true?

19

Warning the tzadik

Mar 24, 2026

9:39

Aharon, the Kohen Gadol, needs a warning to perform a korban eagerly—even though he has no personal stake in it. But why warn the ultimate Tzaddik about enthusiasm? Could he really fall short?

20

Why Does Shabbos Stop Mishkan Building but Allow Korbanos?

Mar 18, 2026

10:32

Explore the deep message behind this surprising halacha and how it reveals the difference between what's just a means and what's truly an end.

21

Logic or Loyalty - What Does Hashem Really Want?

Mar 11, 2026

10:11

The Mishkan’s construction repeatedly says “as Hashem commanded”—but why the emphasis? Does Hashem want obedience over logic? This episode explores the balance between submission and reason in serving Hashem.

22

Shabbos Rest Is More Than Just a Break

Mar 11, 2026

8:15

We know Shabbos is a day of rest, but what does that really mean? Is it just about stopping work, or is there something deeper at play? This episode uncovers a powerful shift in perspective that can transform the way we experience Shabbos—and even our entire week.

23

Ki Sisa: The Golden Calf - What Really Went Wrong?

Mar 4, 2026

14:55

The sin of the Golden Calf is often seen as an outright betrayal of Hashem—but was it really that simple?

24

The Gift that Builds Us

Feb 18, 2026

9:44

Why does Hashem only want donations for the Mishkan from those who give willingly? After all He’s done, why not command it? In this episode, we uncover how this act of giving shapes more than just a sanctuary—it shapes us.

25

Should I Be Disgusted by Bacon?

Feb 10, 2026

12:07

Knowing the difference between a chok and a mishpat is not merely theoretical—it determines the attitude needed when performing a mitzvah. In this week's podcast we will redefine the distinction and explain why knowing which mitzvos fall into each category is essential.

26

Yisro: Love and Respect - Striking the Balance

Feb 5, 2026

9:38

We often navigate between formality and informality—but how do they shape our relationships? In this episode, we explore their dynamic through Yisro’s encounter with Moshe.

27

Beshalach: 123 Magic - Unlocking True Happiness

Jan 28, 2026

10:38

Why do so many people feel stuck after a burst of inspiration? In this episode, we explore the hidden power of the number three and why true happiness is a three-step journey.

28

Bo: Sweet Revenge - The Hidden Kindness of the Ten Plagues

Jan 20, 2026

7:54

Why does Hashem stretch out the downfall of Egypt across ten plagues instead of ending it instantly? Perhaps there is more to Divine justice than meets the eye? This episode uncovers the unexpected kindness hidden within the plagues—and why revenge is sweeter than you think.

29

Shemos: Gratitude and Redemption

Jan 8, 2026

9:26

Must we thank those who act selfishly? Why did Moshe delay redeeming the slaves to ask Yisro’s permission? Could this moment reveal a deeper truth about perfecting the middah of hakaras hatov? Join us as we explore the lessons in gratitude woven into the narrative of redemption and its relevance to our lives today.

30

Va'eira: Why Pharaoh Couldn’t Win – And How You Can

Jan 7, 2026

10:00

Pharaoh’s back-and-forth decisions seem baffling, but they reveal a profound truth about the struggles we all face. Why couldn’t he hold firm, and what does his failure teach us about overcoming our own challenges?

31

Vayigash: Beyond the Flames -Understanding Gehenom

Dec 24, 2025

15:46

Are there really fires in hell, or is the true pain something far deeper? In this podcast, we explore the idea of Gehenom, focusing on how shame serves as a key element in the soul’s reckoning. But what if someone feels no shame? Can Gehenom still impact them?

32

Mikeitz: Effort or Trust? Balancing Hishtadlus and Bitachon

Dec 19, 2025

20:12

33

Vayeishev: To Receive OR Not Receive - THAT is the Question.

Dec 12, 2025

12:23

Yaakov asks Hashem for a break. As a result he is challenged with strife? Why is this so? In this episode, we explore the tension between accepting gifts and feeling deserving of them. Should we gratefully receive blessings, or is there merit in stepping back and saying, "Enough"? Join us as we uncover the deeper meaning of Yaakov's request and what it teaches us about humility, gratitude, and our relationship with Hashem's gifts.

34

Vayishlach: What are angels?

Dec 3, 2025

18:45

Angels: messengers, protectors, spiritual beings. But what are they really? In this episode, we explore the Jewish perspective on angels, peeling back layers of mysticism and diving into their role and their connection to humanity. Are they literal beings? Do they have an ego or are they robots? Join us as we unravel the nature of angels in Jewish thought and kabbalistic wisdom.

35

Vayetzei: The Kabbalistic Workings of a Ladder

Nov 25, 2025

12:56

Ever thought about how a ladder can teach us about life? In this episode, we’re diving into the kabbalistic secrets behind climbing from selfishness to selflessness. Each step up isn’t just a move—it’s a transformation. Let’s explore how to take that next step together.

36

Toldos: Why Pick The Rasha For The Bracha

Nov 19, 2025

12:48

Why did Yitzchak originally want to give the bracha to the wicked Eisav, instead of the Tzaddik Yaakov? Was it all just one big mistake, or was there a deeper plan at play?

37

Chayei Sarah: Is Physical Beauty Only Skin Deep?

Nov 12, 2025

11:09

In the Torah’s eulogy of Sarah, her beauty is highlighted. Why is this detail relevant? Or could it be that physical beauty carries a deeper spiritual significance?

38

Vayeira: How to Fight G-d! (Warning: DO NOT try this at home!)

Nov 4, 2025

10:43

How could Avrohom, a tzaddik, dare challenge Hashem’s plan to destroy the wicked city of Sodom and why argue for mercy on behalf of such a corrupt place?

39

Lech Lecha: How is 'Jewish protexia' fair or even just?

Oct 29, 2025

10:24

Why do we mention our forefathers in the Amidah, seemingly asking Hashem to show us kindness because of their merit? Does this imply favoritism or an unjust form of bias? In this episode, we explore why we invoke the Avos in prayer—does it challenge or uphold divine justice?

40

Noach: Flood Warning: Why Stealing Shattered the World

Oct 20, 2025

8:02

Why did theft become the tipping point for the flood in Noach’s time? In this episode, we explore how one broken value led to the unraveling of an entire society and the unexpected way Noach was tasked with restoring it.

41

Bereishis: How One Bite Changed the Way We See the World

Oct 16, 2025

10:23

After Adam took that infamous bite, everything changed—but what exactly? The world was never the same, and neither are we. In this episode, we explore the hidden transformation that altered humanity's understanding of reality forever.

42

Nitzavim: Will We Have Free Will When Moshiach Comes?

Sep 16, 2025

14:28

If everything will be clear, and the world filled with divine truth, what will happen to our ability to choose? What’s the point of life without choice? In this episode, we explore the nature of free will in the Messianic era — and what that means for us now.

43

Ki Savo: Elul: A Beginning or an End?

Sep 11, 2025

10:53

Bikurim celebrates the first fruits, the power of new beginnings. But Elul comes at the end of the year. Or does it? In this episode, we compare Bikurim to Elul and ask: is Elul the closing chapter of the new year, or the first step toward something new? The answer may change our approach to this month.

44

Ki Seitzei: Number Two Rule for Soldiers

Sep 3, 2025

15:22

Why would the Torah tell a soldier to carry a spade to cover his excrement - even in the middle of a war? In this episode, we delve into the filth itself to uncover its kabbalistic meaning and why we are naturally repelled by it.

45

Shoftim: Why the Killer Goes Free When the Kohen Gadol Dies

Aug 29, 2025

17:23

What’s the link between the negligent killer in exile and the death of the Kohen Gadol? In this episode, we uncover a surprising connection — and how it reveals not just Hashem’s strict justice, but His deep love for every Jew.

46

Re’eh: Am I Allowed to be a Vegetarian?

Aug 29, 2025

18:47

Adam was a vegetarian. Noach was not. In this episode, we take a macro look at history to see how society’s relationship with eating meat has shifted — and whether vegetarianism is ideal, permitted, or discouraged.

47

Eikev: If Hashem Can Do Anything, Why is Fear of Him Up to Us?

Aug 29, 2025

11:26

The sages say everything is in Hashem’s hands — except the fear of Him. But what about love? And if fear is ours alone, why do we pray for help with it? In this episode, we tackle some of the biggest paradoxes about God’s power, and what they mean for our relationship with Him.

48

Va’eschanan: HAYOM -Living Today or Just Coasting?

Aug 29, 2025

16:32

In Shema we say hayom — “today” — even though the Mitzvos were given thousands of years ago. Why? In this episode, we will look into what it means to live fully in the present rather than riding on the ripples of the past. We'll also explore if a mitzvah once hard but now easy still earns the same reward, and discover how growth can continue in the afterlife.

49

Devarim: Can a Bad Environment Make You Holy?

Aug 1, 2025

11:20

G-d could have placed Ruth in a righteous home — so why was she born into Moab? In this episode, we explore how a negative environment can sometimes spark the strongest desire for truth. And how the same force can pull both ways.

50

Pinchas: The potential damage to a Mitzvah!

Jul 17, 2025

14:15

Pinchas did an act of killing to help save Klal Yisroel. But might this action have a negative after effect on his personality?

Rav Dessler Parshah Podcast Series 2

Rav Dessler Parshah Podcast Series 2

More by Avrohom Zeidman