Kerem B'Yavneh Parsha Podcast

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יום כיפור התשפ"ו | Rabbi Meir Finkelstein

Sep 16, 2026

6:31

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Yom Kippur 5787 | Rabbi Zvi Davidson

Sep 16, 2026

5:28

🎬 Watch this shiur on YouTubeAI-Generated Summary (AI can be inaccurate. Check important information):This shiur explores the Maharsha's commentary on a Gemara (Yoma 82b) regarding two pregnant women who experienced intense cravings on Yom Kippur, highlighting the distinction between the physical sense of taste and the spiritual sense of smell. According to the Maharsha, a craving triggered by smell represents a latent yearning of the neshamah rather than a mere bodily need, as evidenced by the mother of Rabbi Yochanan who was able to suppress her hunger upon being reminded of the holy day. The central lesson is that one must learn to reinterpret and channel worldly desires into a higher longing for closeness to HaKadosh Baruch Hu. By elevating our internal motivations toward spirituality, we transform our physical drives into tools for meaningful service and authentic connection to Hashem.1. Smell vs. Taste — The Maharsha explains that while taste relates to physical pleasure, the sense of smell is food for the neshamah.2. Spiritual cravings — Desires that arise through smell on Yom Kippur can often be redirected toward spiritual closeness with HaKadosh Baruch Hu.3. The power of whispering — Reminding a person of the sanctity of the day serves to realign their internal focus from the physical to the ruchniyut behind the craving.4. Different spiritual potentials — The contrast between Rabbi Yochanan and Shabtai reveals how early tendencies in the womb reflect one's future relationship with physical and spiritual desires.5. Channeling our drives — The ultimate goal of the desires HaKadosh Baruch Hu gives us is not mere indulgence, but to be channeled into avodat Hashem.6. Inner vs. Outer Will — Yom Kippur is a time to demonstrate that our deepest ratzon is to do the will of God, even if our external actions have strayed.

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Rosh Hashana 5787 | Rabbi Shlomo Friedman

Sep 9, 2026

6:19

🎬 Watch this shiur on YouTubeAI-Generated Summary (AI can be inaccurate. Check important information):The central question of the shiur explores the meaning of the Gemara’s teaching (Rosh Hashanah 16b) that a year which is "poor" at its beginning becomes "rich" at its end. This concept, derived from the unusual spelling of the word meireishit in Parashat Eikev, emphasizes the necessity of tefillah performed with extreme humility, where one approaches God not with demands but as a pauper relying entirely on Divine mercy. The shiur concludes that this mindset requires acknowledging that nothing can be taken for granted from year to year, yet it also offers the profound hope that because each year begins a new account, even long-standing difficulties can be completely overturned in the year to come.1. Orthographic lesson — The missing alef in the word meireishit (מראשית) in Parashat Eikev hints at the word rash (רש), meaning a poor person.2. Prayer with humility — One must approach Rosh Hashanah like a pauper at the door, relying on mercy rather than making demands based on merit.3. Taking nothing for granted — A "poor person's" davening means recognizing that even things we already possess require new prayers to continue in the coming year.4. The new account — Every year brings a fresh cheshbon (account), meaning that past successes do not guarantee the future, but past suffering does not dictate it either.5. Fresh starts — The story of the Netivot Shalom illustrates that a decree of illness from a previous year can completely expire once the new year begins.6. Sincere intention — Proper kavanah (intention) and humility are the keys to earning a shanah tovah umetukah (a good and sweet year).

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Nitzavim-Vayeilech 5786 | Rabbi Menachem Mendel Blachman

Sep 2, 2026

15:33

🎬 Watch this shiur on YouTube── Shiur Outline ──(0:07) Yahrtzeit Dedication and Opening Remarks(2:00) Ramban vs Rambam on the Teshuva Verse(3:46) Rambam’s Definition of the First Step of Teshuva(5:13) Tanya’s Teaching on Total Commitment in Teshuva(6:48) Understanding Lishmor Through Gemara Yevamot(10:37) Kablas Ol Malchus: The King Analogy and True Teshuva(15:06) Closing Blessings and Wishes for the New YearAI-Generated Summary (AI can be inaccurate. Check important information):The central question of the shiur addresses why most Rishonim do not count the act of teshuva as a specific positive commandment, despite its fundamental role in Jewish life. Drawing from the Rambam and the Tanya, the shiur concludes that teshuva is not merely a list of actions but a total metamorphosis involving the complete removal of sin from one's agenda. True return is defined as kabalas ol malchus shamayim, the re-acceptance of Divine sovereignty, which serves as the essential prerequisite for fulfilling all other decrees. Thus, the work of Rosh Hashanah is to return to a state of constant God-awareness, where one views themselves fundamentally as a servant standing in the presence of the King.1. Repentance as a promise — While some authorities like the Ramban view teshuva as a formal commandment, others, including the Rambam, primarily view the Torah's words as a divine promise (havtacha) that Israel will eventually return to God.2. Beyond simple regret — The essence of teshuva is azeivas hacheit (abandoning the sin), which means reaching a state where the transgression is no longer an option or an agenda item.3. Commitment to sovereignty — True teshuva requires a person to resolve in their heart never to return to such "stupidity," viewing sin as a rebellion against the malchut (sovereignty) of HaKadosh Baruch Hu.4. The definition of Shmira — The concept of lishmor (to guard/heed) implies living with a constant sense of responsibility and kabalat ol (acceptance of the yoke), standing far back from even the possibility of transgression.5. Awe of the Commander — Based on the Gemara in Yevamos (6a), our observance must stem from awe of the One who commanded (mi shetzivah), rather than just the technical mechanics of the mitzvah.6. Acceptance before legislation — As the Mechilta teaches, a king cannot effectively decree laws until the people first accept his sovereignty; similarly, consistent religious life depends on first accepting ol malchus shamayim.7. The goal of Rosh Hashanah — The primary work of the new year is kabalas hamalchus (accepting the Kingship), which serves as the foundational cure for selective observance and spiritual inconsistency.8. Constant Divine Presence — The ultimate teshuva is returning to the principle of Shiviti Hashem lenegdi tamid (placing God before me always), living with an active awareness of standing in the Divine presence.

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Ki Tavo 5786 | Rabbi Dani Zuckerman

Aug 26, 2026

7:10

🎬 Watch this shiur on YouTube── Shiur Outline ──(0:08) Bikkurim and the Specialness of Eretz Yisrael(1:29) Kesef Mishneh on the Mishnah’s Derabbanan Status(3:33) Three Layers of Kedusha in Eretz Yisrael(6:28) Bikkurim as a Personal Offering for All IsraelAI-Generated Summary (AI can be inaccurate. Check important information):The central question of this shiur addresses why the Rambam rules that bringing Bikkurim from the east side of the Jordan River is only a rabbinic obligation, despite the broad national borders of Eretz Yisrael. The speaker suggests that the Rambam identifies three distinct levels of sanctity in the land: agricultural sanctity, national-political status, and Kedushas HaShechinah, which emanates from the Holy of Holies. Because Bikkurim are categorized in the Mishnah alongside the Omer and Shtei HaLechem, they depend specifically on this third level of sanctity, which is restricted to the land west of the Jordan. Consequently, the mitzvah of Bikkurim offers every individual Jew a unique opportunity to connect produce grown within the presence of the Shechinah back to its source in the Beis HaMikdash.1. The scope of Bikkurim — While the Mishnah in Bikkurim records a dispute regarding whether produce from the east side of the Jordan (Ever Hayarden) is eligible for Bikkurim, the Rambam rules that it is only a mi-derabbanan (rabbinic) obligation.2. Three levels of Kedusha — The sanctity of Eretz Yisrael is comprised of three distinct facets: kedushas karka (sanctity of the soil), shem Eretz Yisrael (national/political status), and kedushas HaShechinah (the presence of the Divine).3. National vs. Agricultural borders — Certain mitzvos like Egla Arufa and Semicha depend on the broad national borders of Israel, whereas Bikkurim is uniquely tied to the specific area where the Shechinah rests.4. Concentric circles of holiness — The Mishnah in Kelim describes ten levels of sanctity emanating from the Kodesh Hakodashim (Holy of Holies), identifying Eretz Yisrael as the outermost circle of this Divine radiation.5. The uniqueness of the West Bank — Following the view of the Ramban and others, the Rambam implies that the kedushas HaShechinah—the direct resting of the Divine presence—is primarily manifest on the west side of the Jordan River.6. Bikkurim as a personal connection — Unlike the Omer and Shtei HaLechem which are communal offerings, Bikkurim allows every individual Jew to personally bring produce from the "land of the Shechinah" back to its source in the Beis HaMikdash.

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Ki Teitzei 5786 | Rabbi David Zahtz

Aug 19, 2026

6:08

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Devarim-Chazon 5786 | Rabbi Zvi Davidson

Jul 16, 2026

4:30

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Matot Masei 5786 | Rabbi Meir Finkelstein

Jul 8, 2026

9:06

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Pinchas 5786 | Rabbi Shlomo Friedman

Jul 1, 2026

7:27

🎬 Watch this shiur on YouTube AI-Generated Summary (AI can be inaccurate. Check important information): 1. Meaning behind names — Unlike secular names which may serve as mere labels, a Hebrew shem reflects an underlying essence or shared connotation, as seen in the dual names of Shimon’s son and the Nasi of Gad. 2. Essence and definition — The power of naming was first demonstrated by Adam HaRishon, whose naming of the animals was not random but a result of Divine wisdom identifying each creature's true etzem. 3. Torah as God’s Name — The mitzvah of Talmud Torah is intrinsically linked to the name of HaKadosh Baruch Hu, leading Chazal to derive the obligation of Birkas HaTorah from the verse regarding calling upon the "Name of Hashem." 4. The Ultimate Mashal — According to the Chofetz Chaim and Rav Schechter, the Torah is referred to as Meshal Hakadmoni, acting as a multi-layered mashal that allows us to connect with the infinite Creator. 5. Reverence in study — The Ramchal in Derech Hashem emphasizes that the spiritual influence and bracha brought by Torah study are contingent upon the student maintaining proper yiras shamayim. 6. Torah for its own sake — As Rav Aharon Kotler clarified regarding the mission of Beth Medrash Govoha, while Torah study produces leaders, its primary purpose is the act of connection to God through His wisdom, regardless of external outcomes.

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Chukat 5786 | Rabbi Menachem Mendel Blachman

Jun 24, 2026

12:10

🎬 Watch this shiur on YouTube AI-Generated Summary (AI can be inaccurate. Check important information): 1. Erev Shabbos Chukas — This Friday is identified as a day of historical tragedy and potential din (judgment) due to the burning of the Torah in France. 2. The 24 Wagons — In the year 1242 (5004), twenty-four wagons full of Talmudic manuscripts and halachos were publicly burned in Paris. 3. Decree on the Torah — A shailas chalom (dream inquiry) by the Rishonim revealed that this event was a "decree of the Torah," linked specifically to the Friday of Parshas Chukas. 4. Individual Fasting — Because of the severity of this day, the Magen Avraham records a custom for individuals to fast on the Friday before Shabbos Chukas. 5. Business Caution — In Izmir, as recorded by the Chida and Rav Chaim Palaji, merchants would finish their work on Thursday to avoid the shuk (market) on this Friday. 6. Divine Sacrifice — The Ramchal teaches that the Shchina (Divine Presence) allows its "body," the Torah, to be burned to save Klal Yisrael from harsher decrees. 7. The Kitrug of Neglect — The source of this decree is a kitrug (prosecution) that arises when Jews prioritize hanaos ha'olam (worldly pleasures) over the Torah. 8. Dying in the Tent — The only antidote to this decree is for a person to be meimit atzmo (kill himself) over the Torah by making it the absolute focal point of life. 9. Seasonal Relevance — This Friday often coincides with the start of summer vacation, a time when the temptation to loosen one's limud haTorah (Torah study) is strongest. 10. Increasing Study — The practical response to this day of din is to add extra time to one's daily learning schedule and treat it as a yom iyun (day of intense study).

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Korach 5786 | Rabbi Dani Zuckerman

Jun 17, 2026

10:14

🎬 Watch this shiur on YouTube AI-Generated Summary (AI can be inaccurate. Check important information): 1. Terminology of rebellion — The choice of the word Na'aleh (go up) by Dathan and Abiram reveals the depth and nature of their defiance. 2. Elevated sacred spaces — According to the Ibn Ezra, the term reflects the physical reality that the Mishkan was situated on higher ground than the rest of the camp. 3. Legal jurisdictional refusal — The Rashbam explains that Aliyah refers to appearing before a Beis Din, indicating they rejected Moshe Rabbeinu's judicial authority. 4. Twisted friendly invitation — Rav Hirsch observes that Moshe Rabbeinu's initial call was a peaceful overture for dialogue, which the rebels cynically reinterpreted as an aggressive summons. 5. Self-incriminating prophecy — Rashi cites the Midrash that their own mouths tripped them up (pihem hichshilam), foreshadowing their descent into the earth. 6. Unique supernatural punishment — The earth swallowing the rebels was necessary because this was not a complaint about resources but a challenge to divine appointment. 7. Total authority challenge — Unlike the 250 men, Dathan and Abiram attacked the legitimacy of the Yetzias Mitzrayim itself and Moshe's status as a shaliach. 8. Rejection of the mission — The Ramban notes that by calling Mitzrayim a land of milk and honey, they were committing kefira against the divine plan. 9. Proof of agency — The miracle of the ground opening served as the ultimate proof that Moshe Rabbeinu acted lo milibi (not from his own heart) but as God's messenger. 10. The literary structure — The Rashbam identifies a klal u'prat u'klal structure in their words, emphasizing that their entire grievance was rooted in the exodus from Egypt.

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חקת תשפ"ו | Rabbi Meir Finkelstein

Jun 17, 2026

9:49

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13

Shelach 5786 | Rabbi David Zahtz

Jun 11, 2026

6:06

🎬 Watch this shiur on YouTube AI-Generated Summary (AI can be inaccurate. Check important information): 1. Divine orchestration of history — Every major shift in history, including the failures of the Meraglim and Korach, is directed by Hakadosh Baruch Hu. 2. Shift in national mission — The original plan was for Eretz Yisrael to be the lev laguf (heart of the body), but the sin of the spies forced a change toward galus. 3. Disseminating holiness through exile — When we lost the merit to influence the world from within the Land, our mission shifted to spreading Yediyat Hashem throughout the nations. 4. Purpose in religious movements — The Rambam explains that even the rise of other major world religions was part of the Divine plan to prepare the world for the concept of Mashiach. 5. Navigating modern uncertainty — Just as history shifted in the desert, our current challenges and wars are managed entirely by Hakadosh Baruch Hu toward a specific goal. 6. Ultimate redemption — Despite the dangers of assimilation and the pain of war, the process is leading toward the final tikkun and the arrival of Mashiach.

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Behaalotcha 5786 | Rabbi Zvi Davidson

Jun 3, 2026

5:21

🎬 Watch this shiur on YouTube AI-Generated Summary (AI can be inaccurate. Check important information): 1. Four trumpet functions — The Chatzotzrot (trumpets) served four specific roles: two temporary ones in the Midbar and two permanent ones for all generations. 2. Desert-specific blowings — In the Midbar, the trumpets were used both to gather the congregation together and to signal the time to travel. 3. Sound symbolism — The Ksiv V'HaKabalah explains that a Teki'ah (straight sound) was used for gathering, while a Teru'ah (broken sound) symbolized the movement and picking up of camp. 4. Future generational blowings — For all time, trumpets are required during times of war (Al Hatzar HaTzorer Etchem) and during festive, joyous days (Yom Simchatchem). 5. Rambam's unique categorization — Unlike the two different Mitzvos for Shofar, the Rambam lists both the war-time and joy-time trumpet blowings as a single Mitzvah (Mitzvas Aseh 59). 6. Rav Moshe's resolution — Rav Moshe Feinstein explains that we cannot blow trumpets on fast days today because they must be the exact same trumpets used in the Beis HaMikdash. 7. Connection via values — The inner link between war and joy is Hisromemus HaNefesh (uplifting of the soul), which is the core essence of the Chatzotzrot. 8. Shofar vs. Chatzotzrot — While the Shofar represents Hachna'ah (submission and humility), the trumpet represents greatness and standing tall even in the face of adversity. 9. Strength through purpose — By using the same trumpet for both joy and war, the Torah teaches that our strength in times of challenge comes from being connected to the Shechinah and a higher cause.

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Behaalotcha 5786 | Rabbi Meir Finkelstein

May 27, 2026

7:21

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16

Shavuot 5786 | Rabbi Shlomo Friedman

May 20, 2026

5:17

🎬 Watch this shiur on YouTube AI-Generated Summary (AI can be inaccurate. Check important information): 1. Dual meaning of Ben — The Hebrew word ben refers both to being a child of one's parents and to the measurement of one's years, highlighting a dual identity. 2. The Second Book — The Bahag refers to Sefer Shemot as HaSefer HaSheni, signifying that the story of creation begun in Bereishit is not officially complete without it. 3. Creation requires Torah — As Rashi notes on the "Sixth Day," the physical world remained incomplete until the sixth of Sivan when the Jewish people accepted the Torah. 4. Spiritual vs. Physical creation — While Sefer Bereishit describes the physical beriah, Sefer Shemot represents the vital spiritual completion of the world. 5. Universal and Individual stages — Just as the world underwent physical then spiritual creation, every individual must transition from physical birth to self-directed spiritual development. 6. Intellectual responsibility — The Rambam warns in Moreh Nevuchim that a person who fails to develop their soul and middot tovot can be more dangerous than an animal. 7. Autonomy in growth — Physical birth is a matter of al korchacha (against one's will), but spiritual creation is entirely dependent on an individual's own choices and effort. 8. Maximizing time — To be true banim (children) of Hashem, we must properly utilize our years and dedicate ourselves to Torah study.

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How to Celebrate Yom Yerushalaim 5786 | Rabbi Menachem Mendel Blachman

May 13, 2026

12:26

🎬 Watch this shiur on YouTube AI-Generated Summary (AI can be inaccurate. Check important information): 1. Theological significance — Rather than being a municipal local holiday, Yom Yerushalayim represents a profound theological shift in how the world perceives the eternity of the Jewish people and their covenant. 2. Refuting supersessionism — The return to Biblical heartlands (Judea and Samaria) and the reunification of Jerusalem shattered the Christian theological claim of "supersessionism," which argues the Church replaced Israel. 3. Mashiach ben Yosef — The external restoration of national symbols, including the land, language, and sovereignty, is the stage of Mashiach ben Yosef, as explained by Rav Kook. 4. Geulah in stages — The Jewish redemption unfolds kima kima (bit by bit), with the establishment of the State in 1948 forming the foundation and the victory in 1967 serving as its theological climax. 5. A national identity — The return to Jerusalem and the West Bank proved that Jews are not merely a religious group in the Golah (exile) but a sovereign nation with a living covenant. 6. Lasting covenant — The events of 1967 forced the world, and specifically the Catholic Church, to reconcile with the reality that lo yasur shevet miYehuda (the scepter shall not depart from Judah). 7. Day of Revelation — The speaker suggests viewing the day not just as "Jerusalem Day," but as Yom Gilui HaBrit (the Day of Covenantal Revelation), celebrating God's public confirmation of His promise to the children of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov.

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Behar | Bechukotai 5786 | Rabbi Dani Zuckerman

May 6, 2026

7:12

🎬 Watch this shiur on YouTube AI-Generated Summary (AI can be inaccurate. Check important information): 1. Dual Ona’ah obligations — The Torah in Parshat Behar presents two distinct prohibitions of Ona’ah (oppression): Ona’as Mamon (monetary) and Ona’as Devarim (verbal). 2. The Mishnaic link — The Mishna in Bava Metzia links the two, stating that just as there is a prohibition against overcharging, there is a prohibition against hurtful speech. 3. Defining “Bad Advice” — Rashi explains that Ona’as Devarim includes many forms of belittling, such as giving someone advice that is not proper for them. 4. Distinction from Lifnei Iver — While giving bad advice also violates Lifnei Iver, Ona’as Devarim focuses on the speaker's intent rather than just the listener's potential loss. 5. The Speaker’s Superiority — A central yesod is that Ona’as Devarim reflects the speaker's desire to feel superior by treating another person as if they are worth less. 6. Inner Motivation Matters — Unlike many civil laws, this issur depends on the internal path (lefi darko) and selfish pleasure (hana’aso) of the one giving the advice. 7. The Value of Man — Just as Ona’as Mamon prohibits misrepresenting the value of an object, Ona’as Devarim prohibits misrepresenting the infinite value of a person created B’tzelem Elokim. 8. Beyond Speech Alone — According to the Rishonim, this prohibition can be violated through gestures or any action that demonstrates a person thinks lowly of their fellow. 9. Holiness in Civil Law — Torah civil law is not just about preventing anarchy; it is designed to refine our character and build us into a Goy Kadosh.

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Emor 5786 | Rabbi David Zahtz

Apr 30, 2026

4:43

🎬 Watch this shiur on YouTube AI-Generated Summary (AI can be inaccurate. Check important information): 1. Healing through honor — The tragedy of the 24,000 talmidim of Rabbi Akiva teaches us that the primary work of Sefiras HaOmer is to rectify the sin of failing to show proper kavod to one another. 2. National unity — Beyond the individual obligation of V'ahavta L'reiacha Kamocha, we must strive for the collective unity of Vayichan Sham Yisrael, becoming a single entity before Hakadosh Baruch Hu. 3. Unified soul — As the Baal HaTanya explains, the Jewish people are neshama achas (one soul) despite being gufin chalukin (separate bodies), a concept hinted at by the use of the singular word nefesh regarding Yaakov Avinu's family. 4. The weight of Chillul Hashem — The prohibition of V'lo Techalelu in the parsha teaches that a Chillul Hashem is not only a disgrace to Heaven but a direct pegam (deficiency) in the entire nation of Israel. 5. Torah as atonement — While a Se'ir Izim is brought as a chatas on other festivals, it is omitted on Shavuos because the intensive study of Torah has the unique power to provide kapparah for even the gravest sins. 6. Giving versus receiving — We refer to the holiday as Zeman Matan Toraseinu (the time of the giving of our Torah) because our goal is not just to receive the Torah for ourselves, but to reach a level where we can give it over to others.

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Achrei Kdoshim 5786 | Rabbi Zvi Davidson

Apr 21, 2026

5:45

AI-Generated Summary (AI can be inaccurate. Check important information): 1. *Ma'abarot HaYarden miracle* — Standing at the site of *Ma'abarot HaYarden*, where *Yehoshua* led the nation across the *Yarden*, one fulfills the *halachic* requirement to recite a *beracha* acknowledging the miracles performed for our ancestors. 2. *Yerushat Ha’aretz priority* — The *mitzvah* of conquering and dwelling in *Eretz Yisrael* is parallel in weight to the entire *Torah*, as it establishes the place where the *Shechina* dwells. 3. *Public declaration of sovereignty* — The supernatural rising of the waters into a *ned* (pillar) was a message not only for *Am Yisrael* but for all nations, declaring that *Hakadosh Baruch Hu* was returning His people to their land. 4. *Gratitude vs. Bitachon* — While *Chizkiyahu HaMelech* possessed such immense *bitachon* that he viewed miracles as natural, he was faulted for failing to sing *shira*, teaching us that even expected salvations require explicit praise. 5. *Modern-day Kibbutz Galuyos* — The return of over seven million Jews to *Eretz Yisrael* only eighty years after the Holocaust is a revealed *nes* that demands our recognition and rejoicing. 6. *Averting the trap of complacency* — We must avoid the spiritual pitfall of taking *Hashem's* protection for granted during times of conflict, ensuring we recognize every *yeshuah* as a gift. 7. *Joy brings the Geulah* — When we show *Hakadosh Baruch Hu* that we appreciate the miracles He performs for us, we become *zocheh* to the final stage of the *geulah* and the coming of *Mashiach*.

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Vayikra 5786 | Rav Blachman

Mar 17, 2026

13:52

🎬 Watch this shiur on YouTubeAI-Generated Summary (AI can be inaccurate. Check important information):In **Parshas Vayikra**, the Torah introduces the laws of **Korbanos** (sacrifices), a section known as **Toras Kohanim**. While these laws primarily involve the **Kohanim**, the Torah commands every Jew to become a "kingdom of priests" (**Shemos 19:6**), meaning our entire lives—every action and moment—should be dedicated to serving **Hashem** and increasing **Kvod Shamayim**. Although we currently lack the physical **Beis HaMikdash**, **the Ramchal** explains in his letters that when **Hashem** removes the ability to perform a physical **mitzvah**, He wants us to connect to its inner dimension. By being **osek** (intensely occupied) in these laws, it is as if we have actually offered the sacrifice (**Menachos 110a**).To fulfill this today, we must build a **Mizbeach** (altar) within our own hearts. **The Alter Rebbe** explains in (**Likutey Torah**) that the verse "When a man brings a sacrifice from you" (**Vayikra 1:2**) implies that the sacrifice must come from within the person. We are called to sacrifice our **Nefesh HaBahamis** (animal soul), represented by the "cattle and sheep" mentioned in the verse. Becoming a true servant of **Hashem** requires us to give up our self-centered search for pleasure and obsessive desires.This path of personal sacrifice is the essence of being holy (**Vayikra 19:2**). **The Ramban** (**Vayikra 19:2**) teaches that holiness is achieved by distancing oneself from even permitted physical pleasures. **The Rambam** further clarifies this in (**Sefer HaMitzvos, Lo Sa'asei 47**), explaining that the prohibition of "following after your heart and eyes" (**Bamidbar 15:39**) refers to being drawn after physical cravings and constantly thinking about satiating one's desires. **The Sefer HaChinuch** (**Mitzvah 387**) elaborates that when a person is preoccupied with vanity and pleasure, they lose sight of their ultimate purpose. By letting go of our self-centeredness and "excess baggage," we create the space to truly connect with the Almighty.

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Vayakhel Pkudei 5786 | Rav Shlomo Friedman

Mar 12, 2026

8:50

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23

Ki Tisa 5786 | Rabbi Meir Finkelstein

Mar 5, 2026

5:12

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24

The Hidden Achdus of Megillat Esther | Rav Daniel Zuckerman

Feb 26, 2026

5:36

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25

Truma 5786 | Rav Zvi Davidson

Feb 19, 2026

6:27

🎬 Watch this shiur on YouTube *Parshas Terumah – The Aron & the Shulchan* 🕊️This week we learn about the building of the *Mishkan*, focusing on two keilim: the *Aron HaBris* and the *Shulchan*. The Torah’s wording and measurements reveal a powerful lesson about how to approach *Torah* and *parnassah*.*Plural vs. Singular*By the *Aron* it says *“Ve’asu”* — plural. Everyone is included. *Torah is for all of us.* No one should think it belongs only to great scholars.By the *Shulchan* it says *“Ve’asita”* — singular. Not everyone is guaranteed the same financial success. Do your hishtadlus — and *be satisfied with what Hashem gives you.**Complete vs. Incomplete Measurements* 📏The *Aron’s* dimensions are all halves — teaching us that in *Torah* we are never complete. There is always more to learn, more to grow.The *Shulchan’s* dimensions are mostly whole — in *gashmiyus* we should feel complete and grateful. But its height is a half-measure — because when it comes to using our money for *higher purposes*, we are never finished. There is always room to give more.*The Badim (Poles)* 🚶‍♂️By the *Shulchan*, the poles were removed when they stopped traveling — because *parnassah is a means, not the goal.*By the *Aron*, the Torah says *“Lo yasuru mimenu”* — they may never be removed. *Torah is not something we carry. It carries us.**The takeaway:* In *ruchniyus* — always look higher and keep growing. In *gashmiyus* — look at what you have and feel blessed.Wishing everyone a meaningful and uplifting Shabbos ✨

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Mishpatim 5786 | Rav Zahtz

Feb 11, 2026

4:38

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27

Yitro 5786 | Rav Menachem Mendel Blachman

Feb 5, 2026

12:04

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28

Beshalach 5786 | Rav Shlomo Friedman

Jan 29, 2026

6:15

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29

Bo 5786 | Rabbi Meir Finkelstein

Jan 22, 2026

8:18

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30

Vaera 5786 | Rabbi Zuckerman

Jan 15, 2026

7:06

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31

Shmot 5786 | Rav Zvi Davidson

Jan 8, 2026

4:02

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32

Vayechi 5786 | Rav David Zahtz

Dec 31, 2025

2:53

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33

Vayigash 5786 | Rav Menachem Mendel Blachman

Dec 24, 2025

9:30

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34

Chanuka 5786 | Rav Shlomo Friedman

Dec 18, 2025

8:12

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35

Chanuka 5786 | Rabbi Meir Finkelstein

Dec 10, 2025

6:40

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36

Vayishlach 5786 | Rav Daniel Zuckerman

Dec 3, 2025

4:46

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37

Vayetze 5786 | Rav Zvi Davidson

Nov 27, 2025

5:26

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38

Toldot 5786 | Rav David Zahtz

Nov 20, 2025

2:51

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39

Chayei Sarah 5786 | Rav Shlomo Friedman

Nov 13, 2025

6:01

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40

Vayera 5786 | Rav Menachem Mendel Blachman

Nov 6, 2025

12:44

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41

Lech Lcha 5786 | Rav Zvi Davidson

Oct 30, 2025

6:19

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42

Noach 5786 | Rav Daniel Zuckerman

Oct 23, 2025

7:12

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43

Vayakhel Pkudei 5786 | Rav Shlomo Friedman

Mar 12, 2026

8:50

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44

Ki Tisa 5786 | Rabbi Meir Finkelstein

Mar 5, 2026

5:12

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45

Tetzaveh 5786 | Rav Daniel Zuckerman

Feb 26, 2026

5:36

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46

Truma 5786 | Rav Zvi Davidson

Feb 19, 2026

6:27

*Parshas Terumah – The Aron & the Shulchan* 🕊️This week we learn about the building of the *Mishkan*, focusing on two keilim: the *Aron HaBris* and the *Shulchan*. The Torah’s wording and measurements reveal a powerful lesson about how to approach *Torah* and *parnassah*.*Plural vs. Singular*By the *Aron* it says *“Ve’asu”* — plural. Everyone is included. *Torah is for all of us.* No one should think it belongs only to great scholars.By the *Shulchan* it says *“Ve’asita”* — singular. Not everyone is guaranteed the same financial success. Do your hishtadlus — and *be satisfied with what Hashem gives you.**Complete vs. Incomplete Measurements* 📏The *Aron’s* dimensions are all halves — teaching us that in *Torah* we are never complete. There is always more to learn, more to grow.The *Shulchan’s* dimensions are mostly whole — in *gashmiyus* we should feel complete and grateful. But its height is a half-measure — because when it comes to using our money for *higher purposes*, we are never finished. There is always room to give more.*The Badim (Poles)* 🚶‍♂️By the *Shulchan*, the poles were removed when they stopped traveling — because *parnassah is a means, not the goal.*By the *Aron*, the Torah says *“Lo yasuru mimenu”* — they may never be removed. *Torah is not something we carry. It carries us.**The takeaway:* In *ruchniyus* — always look higher and keep growing. In *gashmiyus* — look at what you have and feel blessed.Wishing everyone a meaningful and uplifting Shabbos ✨

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Mishpatim 5786 | Rav Zahtz

Feb 11, 2026

4:38

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48

Yitro 5786 | Rav Menachem Mendel Blachman

Feb 5, 2026

12:04

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49

Beshalach 5786 | Rav Shlomo Friedman

Jan 29, 2026

6:15

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50

Bo 5786 | Rabbi Meir Finkelstein

Jan 22, 2026

8:18

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