Meaningful Ideas on the Parsha

101

Vayikra - The Yesod of Karbanos

Mar 22, 2024

7:16

Why do we bring Karbanos, and what we can learn from them? Why are they one of the three pillars of the world, what can they teach us? Rabbeinu Bechayai and the Chinuch connect it to Kaparah and how it can bring us to Teshuva. The Rosh connects it to keeping us in a good place emotionally and not losing hope.

102

Purim - Salvation In Times of Hester

Mar 21, 2024

13:35

What did Purim teach us about the way Hashem runs the world in times of concealment? How did Haman convince all the nations to agree to kill the Jews? Why did Purim lead to a new reacceptance of the Torah? Understanding the Chiddush of Purim, and why this salvation was worthy of a new Holiday. A Freilichen Purim

103

Pekudei - Building It To Last

Mar 14, 2024

9:09

The Seforno explores four components involved in the construction of the Mishkan that ensured it would last eternally. Some thoughts on the importance if doing things right, and how it affects the holiness and long term impact of the mitzvos we do. Have a good Shabbos

104

Rabbi Baruch Gore - Vayakhel - The Chashivus of Being Careful with Hotzaah

Mar 7, 2024

9:32

It's an honor to share with you a special guest lecture by my good friend Rabbi Baruch Gore. Chazal learn the Issur to carry on Shabbos from this weeks parsha, so it's an appropriate week to share an idea on the topic. Rabbi Gore is the founder of the National Eruv Initiative and works to improve the quality of Eruvin across the country. You can learn more about his work at www.Eruvinitiative.org as well as listen to clips from the OU Eruv Conference. Have a good Shabbos.

105

Vayakhel - The Hashraas HaShechina of Shabbos

Mar 6, 2024

8:42

Moshe assembled all the people and taught them about Shabbos and about donating to and building the Mishkan. Why were the instructions about the Mishkan preceded by instructing us about Shabbos? What is the connection between the relationship we have with Hashem through Shabbos, and the relationship we have through the Mishkan? Have a wonderful Shabbos

106

Ki Sisah - The Double Edged Sword of Wealth

Feb 28, 2024

9:24

Chazal teach us that Moshe and the Avos were blessed with tremendous wealth. Yet they also teach us about the dangers of excess wealth, and how it helped lead to the downfall of Korach and Haman, and helped bring about the Chet Haegel. Is wealth a Bracha or a danger? Some perspectives on the double edged sword of money. Have a good Shabbos.

107

Tetzaveh - The Missing Kaparah

Feb 22, 2024

8:48

Chazal tell us the bigdei kehuna provided Kaparah for the Aveiros of the Jewish people. Was this a kaparah for the community, or was it a kaparah for every individual's sins? Some insights on what we lost with the cessation of the Avodah. Have a good Shabbos

108

Terumah - Connecting to the Cedar Trees

Feb 16, 2024

9:19

Chazal tell us the cedar trees they used to build the Mishkan were originally planted by Avraham Avinu, and transplanted to Mitzrayim by Yaakov Avinu. Why did we need wood that connected us to the Avos, and what can it teach us about hoping for the Geulah? Have a good Shabbos

109

Mishpatim - Wisdom in Mishpatei Hezek

Feb 9, 2024

7:15

Someone broke into a car, found a passed out child in the back and saved their life. Someone else crashed into a car, caused the other party to miss their flight, which ended up crashing into the sea. Is the Mazik obligated to pay in those cases, or does the good result patur him? Some interesting examples in the Torah's wisdom in Dinei Mishpat. Have a good Shabbos

110

Yisro - Giving Thanks Beyond Praise

Jan 31, 2024

9:37

Chazal say Yisro was the first one to thank Hashem for saving us from the Mitzriyim. Didn't they sing Shirah, why wasn't that good enough? An idea in the Importance of thanking Hashem for everything He does for us. Have a wonderful Shabbos

111

Beshalach - The Ultimate Caretaker

Jan 26, 2024

8:11

Normally servants take care of their master, but Hashem took us to be His servants and then took care us. Onkeles converted soldiers sent to abduct him by giving over this concept. How can we connect with it? Have a good Shabbos

112

Bo - Those Who Didn't Want To Leave

Jan 18, 2024

8:38

Chazal tell us that only one-fifth of the Jewish people left Mitzrayim, the other four-fifths perished during Makkas Choshech. Why did they deserve to die, and what can we learn from the story? Have a good Shabbos

113

Va'eira - The Destructive Nature of Ingratitude

Jan 11, 2024

8:43

Chazal say Pharaoh worked to ignore all the good Yosef had done for him, and it led to his denying Hashem. How does being a Kafui Tov lead to one being a Kofer? Can succumbing to the Yetzer Hara really take us down in such a dangerous downard spiral? Some ideas in the self-destructive nature of middas raos.

114

Shemos - Bearing the Burden With Others

Jan 4, 2024

10:19

In our introduction to Moshe Rabeinu, basically all the Torah tells us about the first 80 years of his life is that he was Noseh B'ol with others. Why was this Middah his biggest zechus to become the leader of the Jewish people? How does it differ from empathy and kindness? A little longer this week as I added a small message in honor of the Mashgiach Rav Matisyahu Salomon Zt"l, whose levaya was today. May we hear Besuros Tovos, and may the Mashgiach be a Meilitz Yosher for us all. Have a good Shabbos

115

Vayechi - Sharing and Transferring Mitzvos

Dec 27, 2023

9:41

Yaakov Avinu's brachos to Yissachar and Zevulun reference the partnership they have between them. Is Yissachar giving up a portion of his learning, can one buy another's zechusim? What about selling one's aveiros? Some insights into how one can gain a share inthe zechusim of another, and the greatness of supporting Torah. Hope you enjoy. Feel free to reach out for the Marei Mekomos. Have a good Shabbos

116

Vayigash - When We Fight Back & When We Don't

Dec 21, 2023

9:29

At the end of Parshas Miketz, the brothers are submissive with Yosef and prepared to stay as his slaves. However, at the beginning of Vayigash, Yehuda is threatening Yosef with war and destruction if he tries to keep Binyamin. What caused the change in approach? An approach based on the Ohr Hachaim, Lev Eliyahu, and the Kovetz Hearos to the topic of when we fight back, and when we don't. May this dvar torah be a zechus for refuah for Erez ben Hadas and Eitan ben Batsheva among the other hostages, and for refuah for Chaim Dov ben Minah Rachel and Avraham Nechemia ben Braynah among the rest of the Cholei Yisrael. Have a good Shabbos.

117

Miketz - Limiting The Suffering of Tzaddikim

Dec 15, 2023

9:53

Chazal tell us that Hashem often prevents Tzaddikim from suffering for more than 3 days. Fascinating applications Chazal make to Yosef's brothers going to jail, Yonah, Matan Torah, and the Akeidah. May this week's Dvar Torah be a zechus for a Refuah Shelaimah for Eitan ben Batsheva Yahalomi, among the rest of the Shevuyim. Have a good Shabbos

118

Vayeishev & Chanukah - The Refuah Before The Makkah

Dec 8, 2023

9:20

Chazal tell us Hashem caused Yehuda to give birth to the ancestor ofMashiach before they even went down to Mitzrayim. Why was that neccessary at this time? Some insights into the light of Hashgacha Pratis Hashem provides even in times of darkness. Have a good Shabbos and a Freilichen Chanukah.

119

Vayishlach - Seeing The Captors For Who They Are

Nov 30, 2023

9:57

The Torah tells us of all the kindness Yaakov provided for the city of Shechem, and how they then abducted and abused Dinah. Some thoughts on those who only seek to harm us, and how to approach them. May this Dvar Torah be a zechus for Erez and Sohar Kalderon, and Yagil and Or Yaakov, to have a full Refuah Shelaima, together with the other released hostages. Have a good Shabbos

120

Vayeitzei - Like The Dust Of The Earth

Nov 23, 2023

9:21

Yaakov was given a Beracha to be like the dust of the earth. The Medrash says a pshat it's a Beracha relating to the anti-semitism we will face in Galus. Some Chizuk in the face of the challenges we are facing today.

121

Toldos - Those Who Bless Us & Those Who Curse Us

Nov 16, 2023

9:24

Yitzchak blessed Yaakov, those who curse us will be cursed, and those who bless us will be blessed. What the Yerushalmi teaches about how we should react to the way they treat us, and what the Medrash teaches about the difficult times in our history.

122

Chayei Sarah - Handling Insulting Behavior

Nov 9, 2023

9:59

Chazal warn us not to daven to Hashem to punish our fellow Jews, even if they wrong us. They praise one who is able to be Ma'avor Al Midosov and take things in stride. Some insights from the Chofetz Chaim and the Tomer Devorah on how we can achieve such heights. May this Dvar Torah be a Zechus for Erez ben Hadas (Kalderon) to be rescued, together with the other hostages in Gaza. You can find a list of the names for Tehillim at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q6IU209js8fYUrFRoYBK3rKa9WLpuFjl/view and pictures of them at https://www.kidnappedfromisrael.com Have a wonderful Shabbos

123

Chayei Sarah - Handling Insulting Behavior

Nov 8, 2023

9:59

Chazal warn us not to daven to Hashem to punish our fellow Jews, even if they wrong us. They praise one who is able to be Ma'avor Al Midosov and take things in stride. Some insights from the Chofetz Chaim and the Tomer Devorah on how we can achieve such heights. May this Dvar Torah be a Zechus for Erez ben Hadas (Kalderon) to be rescued, together with the other hostages in Gaza. You can find a list of the names for Tehillim at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q6IU209js8fYUrFRoYBK3rKa9WLpuFjl/view and pictures of them at https://www.kidnappedfromisrael.com Have a wonderful Shabbos

124

Vayeira - Marching Past Our Doubts

Nov 1, 2023

9:39

When Avraham went to do the Akeidah, the Yetzer Hara tried to convince him he'd misunderstood what Hashem wanted. To some of the challenges, Avraham and Yitzchak said Al Minas Kein, we will do it regardless. Why did they respond that way, instead of defending their position? The Rosh Yeshiva's famous Shmuess in how to best fight those nagging doubts. Have a wonderful Shabbos

125

Lech Lecha - Learning How To Give

Oct 25, 2023

9:43

The Alter of Slobodka said one cannot be a Baal Chesed without serving Hashem, and one cannot serve Hashem without being a Baal Chesed. How does our relationship with Hashem help us be a bigger Baal Chesed? How can we learn how to do more? May we find more ways to bring zechusim for the sake of Acheinu Bnei Yisrael. Have a Good Shabbos

126

Lech Lecha - Learning How To Give

Oct 25, 2023

9:43

The Alter of Slobodka said one cannot be a Baal Chesed without serving Hashem, and one cannot serve Hashem without being a Baal Chesed. How does our relationship with Hashem help us be a bigger Baal Chesed? How can we learn how to do more? May we find more ways to bring zechusim for the sake of Acheinu Bnei Yisrael. Have a Good Shabbos

127

Noach - Lessons in Chesed From the Teivah

Oct 18, 2023

9:38

In these times my Rabbeim are advising that we increase in our Achdus and Chesed as a Zechus for Acheinu Bnei Yisrael. Perspectives on Chesed from the Alter of Slabodka, and lessons to learn from Noach's Chesed in the Teivah. See the greatness of devotion to Chesed, Chazal even tell us lessons Avraham Avinu took from Noach's behavior in the Teivah. May it inspire us to follow in their ways. Besuros Tovos and a meaningful Shabbos

128

Bereishis - Punishing the Inciters

Oct 11, 2023

9:36

The snake was not given a chance to defend it self, because it had incited others to the worst evils. Thoughts on how the Torah views such things, in light of the situation in Eretz Yisrael. May Hashem send us Besuros Tovos. Have a good Shabbos.

129

V'zos HaBracha and Sof Moadim - Appreciating the Love for Us

Oct 4, 2023

6:37

The Ohr Hachaim points out the greatness of Moshe Rabbeinu in blessing us before his death, even though we helped cause it to happen at this time. We can extend that to appreciate the Love Hashem has for us, as manifested in Hoshana Rabah and Shemini Atzeres. Thanks again as we come to an end of season 3, appreciate your being a listener. Have a Chag Kasher V'sameach.

130

Sukkos - Binding Ourselves Together

Sep 27, 2023

9:07

Chazal tell us that the 4 species we take on Sukkos represent 4 different types of Jews. Who is part of that group and is worthy of being bound together, and who is not? Have a Chag Kasher V'Sameach

131

Shabbos Shuva - Finding Our Weak Spots

Sep 20, 2023

9:04

It's a time for personal change, but Chazal tell us a person has a hard time seeing his own flaws. Some suggestions for gaining greater insight. Based on ideas from Mishlei, Rav Yisrael Salanter, the Baal Shem Tov, and Rav Mendel Kaplan. Gmar Chasimah Tovah

132

Rosh Hashana - Bringing Honor to the King

Sep 13, 2023

7:31

Rosh Hashana is the first of the Aseres Yamei Teshuva, yet we speak about Hashem's Malchus, not about our actions. How can we use the focus on Malchus to transform us and help us do Teshuva? As we come to near the end of 3 years of these shiurim, want to thank you for being a listener who helps keep them going strong. Have a K'sivah V'chasimah Tovah and a Gut G'bentched Yor.

133

Nitzavim - Feeling Healthy Shame For Our Aveiros

Sep 7, 2023

9:43

Chazal teach us that Klal Yisrael needed a new Bris with Hashem, due to their shame from the Chet HaEgel. How can we approach shame from our Aveiros in a healthy way, as opposed to an unhealthy way? Based on ideas in the Chiddushei HaLev and the book From Boys to Men Have a Good Shabbos and a Kesivah Vachasimah Tovah

134

Ki Savo - Upholding Every Single One

Aug 31, 2023

8:14

The Jewish People accepted a curse on one who doesn't uphold the words of the Torah. Rabbeinu Yonah and Ramban explain it means one who doesn't accept all the Mitzvos of the Torah and chooses to ignore one. Who does that include, and how do we approach it?

135

Rabbi Luban - The Purpose of a Shmuess

Aug 25, 2023

9:40

Wanted to share with you a special clip someone sent me from my Rebbe Rav Binyamin Luban Shlita. He really articulates the approach which is one of the foundations for what I am trying to do on the podcast. His ideas of how to show people how the Torah speaks directly to them in a meaningful way have formed the foundation of what I do here, even though I rarely do Chofetz Chaim style shmuessim. Hope you enjoy this special episode.

136

Ki Seitzei - Choosing Our Challenges

Aug 24, 2023

9:10

In the topic of fencing in a roof, Rabbeinu Bechayai teaches that we all signed up for our life situations during the original 6 days of creation. Explore some philosophical and practical applications of this idea. Have a good Shabbos.

137

Shoftim - The Essence of Chinuch

Aug 16, 2023

9:26

Rashi says the language of חנוכת הבית found in the parsha is the same language as חנוך לנער. You don't educate a house, what does chinuch actually mean? Some ideas and perspectives based on the Piaseczna Rebbe's elaboration of Rashi's idea in his Chovas Hatalmidim. Have a great Shabbos

138

Re'eh - Clinging to Hashem in Our Minds

Aug 10, 2023

8:48

The Torah tells us a Mitzvah to cling to Hashem in our minds. How can we develop the mindfulness to do that? Some ideas based on the Chayei Adam and others, that have the ability to enrich our lives. Wishing you a good Shabbos

139

Eikev - Loving The Ger

Aug 4, 2023

9:26

The Torah warns in 36 places that we must treat a ger with proper sensitivity. Here the Torah tells us a special Mitzvah to love a Ger. There are beautiful lessons in sensitivity and perspective in how the Rambam explains it, may we be zoche to able to learn from them. Thanks for being a listener. Have a good Shabbos

140

Vaeschanan - Paths To Loving Hashem

Jul 30, 2023

9:28

In Kriyas Shema we have the mitzvah to love Hashem. Exploring two approaches in the Rambam to how we can come to have more Ahavas Hashem, one based on Kriyas Shema.

141

Devarim - Dangers of Negativity

Jul 20, 2023

7:34

How could Bnei Yisrael have said a language that being taken to E"Y was B'Sinas Hashem? Ideas from Rabbeinu Yonah on the dangers of Narganus/negativity.

142

Tisha B'av - Understanding Sinas Chinam - Double Episode

Jul 19, 2023

18:47

The 2nd Mikdash was destroyed because of Sinas Chinam. What causes us to hate others, and how can we work on it? What are the parameters of Sinas Chinam, who are we obligated to forgive? Why is the Bar Kamtza story more an example of Sinas Chinam and concealed hatred then any of the other stories of cruelty and machlokes in that time? One of the most thought out shiurim I have prepared so far. It was a lot of material, so I split it into two clips. I think it's essential to think about, and I hope you find it meaningful. Thanks to all the people who helped with fleshing out this material, including Rabbi Yehuda Shmuelevitz, Rabbi Natan Lindell, Maor, Daniel, Dovid Tzvi, and the Kamin Kiddush Chaburah. Hope you have a meaningful fast. May we be zoche to the Binyan Hamikdash with the Bias Goel Tzedek Bimheirah Biyameinu Amen. This Episode is dedicated as a zechus for a Refuah Shelaimah for Yehuda Leib ben Rachel Chana

143

Masai - Emunah From Our Travels

Jul 13, 2023

9:16

The Ramban says the Torah lists the 42 places the Jews encamped in the worldness so we can see where they are to increase our Emunah. Don't we believe the Chumash that they lived on miracles, what does looking at a map add? An idea from the Ohr Yechezkel about making our Emunah real and being able to feel Hashem in our lives. Have a Good Shabbos

144

Pinchas - Humility and Bnos Tzelafchad

Jul 6, 2023

8:54

The Torah tells us Moshe brought the claims of the Bnos Tzelafchad before Hashem. Why didn't he answer the question himself? Two approaches of the Midrash in the importance of humility. Hope you enjoy. Have a good Shabbos

145

Chukas Balak - Rewards for a Mitzvah

Jun 28, 2023

9:46

Chiddushim in the rewards Og and Balak recieved for their actions. A famous Chofetz Chaim shmuess about Og and my own shmuess about Balak. Never discount the value of a Mitzvah. (Although it's a chiddush Balak counts as a mitzvah, but seems to me this is so.) Have a great Shabbos

146

Korach - When Great Men Fall

Jun 22, 2023

9:12

Chazal tell us that Korach was a great person, and are surprised he succumbed to this Nisayon. They also tell us that some of our other famous great ancestors were involved in this movement. Some ideas about how the Yetzer Hara can pose a risk to even the greatest of people, and how to judge such situations. Have a good Shabbos.

147

Shelach - The Dangers of Lashon Hara

Jun 15, 2023

9:35

Chazal tell us the Meraglim, and that whole generation, were killed out because they spoke Lashon Hara about Eretz Yisrael. Why was it the Aveirah of Lashon Hara, as opposed to the lack of Emunah and the Chillul Hashem? Some thoughts about Lashon Hara and the humility we need to develop to overcome it. May you have a wonderful Shabbos.

148

Behaaloscha - Shavings of the Leviim

Jun 9, 2023

9:57

The Torah tells us about 3 who had a Mitzvah to shave their hair, one being the Leviim at their inauguration. Why did they shave their hair and what can it teach us about confidence? Hope you enjoy. Have a good Shabbos.

149

Naso - Sheep of Integrity

Jun 2, 2023

9:32

The Inaugural Karbanos of the Nesiim all came with tremendous symbolism unique to their shevet. Yissacher brought a sheep to represent the integrity of Yaakov with the sheep of Lavan. Why is that what's chosen as the aspect of Yaakov to tap into here? Hope you have a great Shabbos.

150

Shavuos - The Connectedness of Everything in Torah

May 21, 2023

9:38

Why do Chazal talk about 613 Mitzvos, when there are clearly thousands of Mitzvos? An idea from the Maalos HaTorah about the connectedness of everything in Torah. This idea has always spoken to me, hope you find it helpful. May you have a meaningful Shavuos. Please make sure to listen to our other shiurim about Shavuos, and please rate us 5 stars to help others find the podcast.