Meaningful Ideas on the Parsha

151

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

152

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

153

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.

154

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.

155

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

156

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

157

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.

158

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

159

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?

160

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.

161

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.

162

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

163

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

164

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

165

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.

166

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.

167

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

168

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

169

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

170

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

171

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.

172

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.

173

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.

174

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.

175

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.

176

Bamidbar - Valuing Privacy and Dignity

May 18, 2023

9:43

The Midrash says after the building of the Mishkan, Hashem stopped speaking to Moshe in public, because it was more Tznius to do it in the Mishkan. What does publicity have to do with Tznius, when we are dealing with Nevuah or Harbatas Torah? Some thoughts about privacy and dignity, based on the Chiddushei Halev. Hope you enjoy it, and are not offended by anything in this shiur. If you want something clarified, please reach out. Have a wonderful Shabbos.

177

Behar - Ribbis and Jewish Brotherhood

May 12, 2023

9:05

The Torah lists six La'avin on one who lends with Ribbis, and two on one who pays back Ribbis. Why is it wrong for one to make money that way, and why shouldn't the lender express gratitude? Hope you find in thought provoking. Beis Horaah l’Inyanei Ribbis hotline is at (845) 493-8604. Have a good Shabbos.

178

Emor - Uplifting the Kohen Gadol

May 4, 2023

8:59

The Midrash tell us the Kohen Gadol should be the Gadol in beauty, wealth, wisdom, and physical strength. Why are these important for the Kohen Gadol to have? Thanks for listening, Have a good Shabbos

179

Kedoshim - Sensitivity to Others Feelings

Apr 26, 2023

9:35

The Torah warns us not to embarrass other people. How can we be more careful not to hurt others unwittingly? Including some ideas from my Rebbeim Rabbi Tropper Zt"l and Rabbi Scharfman Zt"l. Hope you find it helpful. Have a great Shabbos

180

Tazria - Metzora - What Can You Learn from Tzaraas?

Apr 19, 2023

8:34

What can we learn from Tzaraas today? Lessons in Hashgacha Pratis from the Sefer HaChinuch. Thanks for listening. Have a good Shabbos

181

Shemini - Admitting Our Mistakes

Apr 14, 2023

8:28

Why was it important for Moshe to publicize that he had forgotten a Halacha? Should we share our mistakes when trying to influence others? Have a good Shabbos

182

Pesach - Vehi Sheomda For Our Benefit

Apr 4, 2023

7:14

What is Amda for us so that Hashem should help us in every generation? The understanding of the Netziv in why the dangers are also part of the Havtacha. Have a Chag Kasher V'sameach and a meaningful Pesach

183

Tzav - Changing for the Hotzaah

Mar 30, 2023

7:59

Why did the Kohen have to change from the regular Bigadim for the Hotzaas Hadeshen? Was it a dirtier job than whatever else was done in the Mishkan? Have a good Shabbos and a Chag Kasher V'sameach.

184

Vayikra - Distancing From Theft

Mar 23, 2023

8:35

Why do we burn the stomach of an animal on the Mizbeach, but not the stomach of a bird? Can one redeem himself for his financial shtick by spending some of the money on a Korban?

185

Pekudei - Splitting up the Mitzvos

Mar 14, 2023

5:39

Why does the Parsha keep repeating that Moshe did as Hashem had commanded him? How can we increase the number of Mitzvos in the Mitzvos we do?

186

Vayakhel - Leadership With Consent

Mar 14, 2023

4:57

The Torah makes it clear that Hashem chose Betzalel, yet Chazal say the people were consulted on it. What lessons in Derech Eretz was Hashem teaching us?

187

Ki Sisah - The 13 Middos and Divine Mercy

Mar 10, 2023

8:51

After the Chet Haegel, Moshe was taught the 13 Middos of Rachamim. Some exploration of the Middos of mercy represented by Hashem Hashem.

188

Tetzaveh - The Lev & the Choshen

Mar 3, 2023

6:50

Chazal tell us Aharon was rewarded with the Urim Vetumim on the Lev, partly because he was Sameach with a full Lev when Moshe was made the leader of Yisrael. Some thoughts from Rav Elya Baruch about the concept of Midah Kneged Midah on a specific part of the body. Thank you for listening. Have a wonderful Shabbos and a Freilichen Purim

189

Terumah - Mindsets and Levels in Giving

Feb 22, 2023

8:57

Why does the Torah tell us to give, then what to give, and then what it's for? Shouldn't the order be in reverse? Ideas in our mindset in Tzedakah, based on the Kol Rom of Rav Moshe Feinstein. For last year's shiurim about the lessons in Tznius from the covers of the Mishkan, the Miraculous Height of the Leviim, and the Lessons from the 3 Crowns, please check earlier in the podcast or send me an email. Have a great Shabbos! If you like this podcast, please spread it around and please rate us 5 stars

190

Mishpatim - The Courts of Truth

Feb 16, 2023

9:49

Why does the Torah place such a strong emphasis on only using Torah based courts? How important it is for us to recognize our Aveiros for what they are.

191

Yisro - Self Respect in Our Avodah

Feb 9, 2023

9:47

An incredible perspective on the advice of Yisro to Moshe regarding delgation, and the two sides of that argument. Based on the ideas of Rav Henoch Leibowitz Zt"l. This week marks the start of the 3rd cycle of these Divrei Torah, as Yisro was the first week 3 years ago! 🥳 🥳 Have a good Shabbos.

192

Beshalach - Building up Talmidim

Feb 2, 2023

3:50

A short lesson we can learn from the way Moshe built up Yehoshua. Never underestimate your influence over those who look up to you.

193

Beshalach - Everything Counts

Feb 2, 2023

6:05

Split this week into two shiurim. Ideas in the Shiras HaYam from the aspect of mercifulness shown to the Mitzriyim. Nothing is insignificant by Hakadosh Baruch Hu.

194

Bo - The Power of Kiddush HaChodesh

Jan 26, 2023

9:15

Why was Rosh Chodesh the first Mitzva given to the Jewish people? Some thoughts on our impact on the world, based on the writings of Rav Chaim Friedlander. Thanks for listening and have a wonderful Shabbos.

195

Va'eira - The Power of Perspective

Jan 20, 2023

8:36

The 4th language of Geulah, ולקחתי , the pasuk says that Hashem will take us as a nation when He gives us the Torah, and we will know He took us out of Mitzrayim. Didn't we know that before Matan Torah? And how were the Mitzrayim not influenced by the Makkos? Some thoughts on the power of our framework. Make sure to listen to last year's idea of Bishvili Nivra Haolam and the Alter of Slabodkas yesod of the main lesson of Yetzias Mitzrayim if you missed it. One of the most popular shiurim I have been zoche to give. Thanks for being a listener. Have a good Shabbos

196

Shemos - The Darkness Before the Dawn

Jan 12, 2023

9:39

Why did Hashem increase the suffering of the slavery after sending Moshe the first time? What was the lesson for the Jewish people? Based on the approaches of the Tiferes Tzion and the Chofetz Chaim. If you missed last year's dvar torah about the names Shifra and Puah and why they were chosen, be sure to check it out, as it is one of our classics. Have a good Shabbos.

197

Vayechi - Yosef's Passing and Care in Speech

Jan 5, 2023

9:41

Why did Yosef pass away before his brothers? Three Pshatim in Chazal, and the lessons we can learn from them. Thanks for joining me on a second round through Sefer Breishis. Chazak Chazak V'nitchazek! Have a wonderful Shabbos.

198

Vayigash - Fate of the Deceitful

Dec 29, 2022

7:46

The Torah tells us when the brothers told Yaakov that Yosef was alive, he didn't belive them. Why wouldn't he believe them? An idea from the Avos D'Rabbi Nosson.

199

Mikeitz - The Midah Kneged Midah

Dec 22, 2022

6:31

Some insights on the aspects of the Midah Kneged Midah at play in the story of Yosef and his brothers.

200

Chanukah - Spiritual Celebration

Dec 21, 2022

7:00

Why is there no Mitzvah of Seudah on Chanukah the way there is on Purim? The approaches of the Levush and Bach, and some practical lessons from it.