Meaningful Ideas on the Parsha

201

The Beginning and Ending of the Torah - Tapping into Hashem's Kindness

Oct 16, 2022

9:29

Hi, One last idea from the heart, to end off the second season of these Divrei Torah. Chazal tell us that the Torah begins and ends with Chesed. Some thoughts on how we can feel Hashem's Chesed in times of challenge. If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a good rating, as it influences the algorithms and makes it more likely that others will discover it. Have a good Yom Tov and thank you for being a listener.

202

Vzos Habracha - Moshe's Burial and Yosef's Burial

Oct 14, 2022

7:17

The Midrash says Moshe was buried by Hashem Himself, and merited that because he involved himself in the burial of Yosef. Why was that so special, and why did he need that merit in light of all his other mitzvos? If you missed last year's vort on Vzos Habracha about Moshe's petirah, be sure to check it out, as it's one of the most incredible ideas I have seen while doing these Divrei Torah. Midrash discusses Moshe's fight to remain alive. Why would Moshe ask to remain alive as a bird? You can find it by searching the podcast for Vzos Habracha. Thanks for being a listener. Have a good Shabbos and a good Yom Tov. 

203

Haazinu - Heaven and Earth as Witness

Oct 7, 2022

7:59

Chazal say Heaven and Earth are witness to the Shirah, and that we should learn from their faithful service. How can we be compared to the sky, what are Chazal trying to teach us? Have a good Shabbos and a good Yom Tov.

204

Vayeilech - Someone To Rely On

Sep 29, 2022

9:34

Moshe says if the people rebelled even during his lifetime, then Kal Vachomer after his death they would. Maharsha ask from Sanhedrin 37a that we see the Baryonim said the opposite, once Rabbi Zeira was no longer there to daven for them, they had better shape up. Some thoughts on those who daven for us.

205

Nitzavim - Choose Life

Sep 25, 2022

3:20

Short vort on the Mitzvah of UBacharta Bachaim, to choose life. A mitzvah to choose life in this world, and life in the next.

206

Nitzavim and Teshuva - Balance of Pressure

Sep 22, 2022

9:48

Moshe gives Klal Yisrael chizuk amid the klalos, lest they feel overwhelmed. Similarly, we need to balance pushing ourselves and feeling comfortable with where we are. Some thoughts about walking the tightrope.  As the year comes to a close, want to thank you for being a subscriber and giving me chizuk. Hope you gain from these Divrei Torah and enjoy them.  Have a Ksivah Vchasimah Tovah and a Good Gbentched Yior.

207

Ki Savo - Simcha B'Mitzvos

Sep 15, 2022

7:53

The Torah tells us we will be punished for not doing the Mitzvos with the proper simcha. Thoughts about why that is, and how we can develop more Simcha in Mitzvos and in Avodas Hashem.

208

Ki Seitzei - He Helps Those Who Help Themselves

Sep 8, 2022

9:44

Helping one load his animal is only when the owner is involved as well. The Chofetz Chaim's sharf mussar lesson to our own requests for Hashem's help.

209

Shoftim - Temimus and Politics

Sep 1, 2022

3:58

Short bonus clip on a sharp connection between emunah and following politics made by the Shomer Emunim. Gave me a fresh perspective, hope it does for you as well.

210

Shoftim - Mishpat and Murder

Aug 31, 2022

9:12

If Mishpat is so chashuv that the judges can be like partners in creation, why is a Beis Din bloody if it carries out capital punishment too often? Why do we want it to be so hard to execute the law? Thanks as always for being a listener. Have a good Shabbos

211

Re'eh - Knowing Who To Follow

Aug 25, 2022

9:46

The Torah warns against following miracle workers who tell you to worship Avodah Zarah. How do they have such powers if they are not Tzaddikim? Some thoughts on how we know who is chashuv and who to follow. Morahdik Meshech Chachmah this week, speaks for itself. Have a good Shabbos

212

Eikev - What Does Hashem Want From Us?

Aug 19, 2022

8:28

What does Hashem want from us? The Ramchal's elaboration on Moshe Rabbeinu's instructions in this weeks Parsha.

213

Vaeschanan - Comparing Ourselves to Others

Aug 12, 2022

9:27

Some thoughts from Israel about our needs, and what we need when we compare ourselves to others. What needs are driven by Kinah, and what are driven by Kavod.

214

The 9 Days - Appreciating the Punishments

Aug 4, 2022

8:00

Kesubos 66b tells us Ashreichem Yisrael that when we sink, we sink to the lowest depths and the lowliest of nations rule over us. Rav Elyah Lopians pshat in why that is Ashreichem. Don't think this dvar is muttar to listen to on Tisha Ba'av itself. Have a meaningful fast.

215

Devarim - Blessing the Good

Aug 3, 2022

5:29

Why does Moshe bless the Jewish people that they should have great numbers, after mentioning that they have great numbers? A beautiful idea from the Zohar.

216

Masai - The Honor from the Springs

Jul 27, 2022

4:28

Why does the Torah repeat the story of the springs and date palms when summarizing the list of travels in the Midbar? Thoughts about appreciating the honor Hashem bestows upon us.

217

Matos - Using the Gifts Properly

Jul 26, 2022

8:51

Bnei Gad and Reuvain asked to be across the Yardein because of their vast wealth of property. Chazal use this as an example of how wisdom, strength, and wealth can be from the biggest Brachos, or be worthless, depending on how we use them. Thoughts on the Torah approach to the topic.

218

Pinchas - Salvation of the Bnei Korach

Jul 21, 2022

6:14

Chazal tell us the Bnei Korach did Teshuva and survived. What inspired them to do so, and what can we learn from them? Some ideas in Chinuch Hamussar.

219

Balak - The Power of Kriyas Shema

Jul 14, 2022

8:51

Brachos 12b says Chazal wanted to make Birchos Bilaam part of Kriyas Shema. Why would they want to do so? Fascinating insight based on the thoughts of Rav Gershon Ribner into the powers of Kriyas Shema. Hope you enjoy it, always appreciate any feedback. Have a great Shabbos If you enjoy these Divrei Torah, please rate the podcast five stars, as it helps others find it.

220

Chukas - Lessons from The Parah Adumah

Jul 8, 2022

8:54

What is the connection between the Chet Haegel and the Parah Adumah? Why is Parah Adumah praised for being a Chok, don't we connect better with a Mitzvah we understand?

221

Korach - Not Being Machzik in Machlokes

Jun 30, 2022

6:36

Why did Moshe have to reach out to make peace with Dathan and Aviram? Why was it his responsibility? Some thoughts on ending of Machlokes.

222

Shelach - The Power and Significance of Tzitzis

Jun 20, 2022

8:56

Why is Tzitzis such an important and significant Mitzvah? How are they the special badge of honor that bind us to Hashem like no other Mitzvah? Some ideas based on the Reshis Chachmah and the Nesivos Shalom. A special episode produced in honor of the Project Tzitzis Shabbos and the work of www.ProjectTzitzis.Org to help promote the wearing of Kosher Tzitzis and the fulfillment of this special Mitzvah. They will give you a first pair of Tzitzis for free to help you start on the journey of fulfilling this Mitzvah, and are a good resource for questions about this Mitzvah and it's Halachos.

223

Behaaloscha - Giving Up For the Sake of Others

Jun 15, 2022

7:00

Wanted to share an amazing daher about what Rav Chaim Kanievsky gave up for Klal Yisrael. Episode art is a picture of the sefarim to help you appreciate it. Why did Rav Chaim stop working on the Derech Chochmah? Why didn't Yisro stay with Klal Yisrael? Have a great Shabbos

224

Naso - The Sotah and Shalom Bayis

Jun 8, 2022

9:22

How does the Torah frame the Parsha of Sotah as one of bringing peace between husband and wife? Can a marriage survive the trauma of that procedure and that whole experience? For more ideas on Naso be sure to check out Season 1.

225

Naso - Individuality and Uniformity

Jun 8, 2022

3:54

Why does the Torah repeat the Parsha of the Nesiim 12 times? How they brought the same types of offerings while also expressing the uniqueness of each Shevet, and what we can learn from it. For more short ideas on Naso, be sure to check out Season 1.

226

Shavuos - Connecting to Hashem Through His Torah

Jun 3, 2022

5:06

How does learning Torah connect us to Hakadosh Baruch Hu? What is the Yeshiva world approach to spirituality and connecting to Hashem? Some ideas that I personally gain from. Chag Kasher Vsameach.

227

Shavuos - Learning Even When Things Get Hard

Jun 2, 2022

7:58

Before Kabalas HaTorah, we need to focus on how we can grow in learning and in persevering with all of life's challenges. Some ideas from the seforim that I find helpful when the learning gets tough, hope it provides some Chizuk for Kabalas HaTorah. On a personal note, thank you for being listener and thereby helping me and all our listeners in our Avodah in Torah. If you gain from this podcast, please subscribe and rate it on the platform to help others find it and gain from it as well. Always happy to hear from any of you. Have a Chag Kasher V'Sameach.

228

Bamidbar - Being Counted as Part of a Group

Jun 2, 2022

8:48

Why did Shevet Levi need to be counted separately from the rest of the Jewish people? If they were worthy of survival, why would the counting harm them? Some thoughts on the benefits and consequences of being part of the klal, and its connection to Kabalas HaTorah

229

Bechukosai - Eating Bread to Satiation

May 27, 2022

5:46

Why is the Bracha that we should have satiation from eating a minimal amount? Why isn't the Bracha to have abundant food and bounty?

230

Behar - The Bitachon of Shemitah

May 19, 2022

7:19

Pirkei Avos tells us Exile and Plague come from disregard for Shemitah. The 70 years in Bavel corresponded to 70 ignored Shemita's. How can the punishment be so harsh for failing such a difficult test?  

231

Sefirah- Kavod Hatorah and the Aveilus

May 18, 2022

8:07

How is the mourning period we practice, connected to the purpose of the days of Sefirah, which is to prepare us for Kabbalas HaTorah? Three different approaches.

232

Emor - Kiddush Hashem and The Purpose of Creation

May 11, 2022

9:00

Exploring the approach of the Shaarei Teshuva that life is all about being Mekadeish Shem Shamayim. How is it the foundation of everything we do? Why is the main zechus we do for a nifter to say Kaddish? For more on this topic you can check out the work of Rabbi Shraga Freedman, who has devoted his life to spreading this Rabbeinu Yonah and his focus on what Kiddush Hashem is really all about, through his Kiddush Hashem Foundation at https://livingkiddushhashem.org/. 

233

Kedoshim - Taking Revenge and Bearing a Grudge

May 4, 2022

9:25

How can we overcome grudges against those that harm us? Halacha and Hashkafa from the Chofetz Chaim and the Chinuch, and some stories and ideas I personally find helpful.

234

Sefiras HaOmer: The Aveilus of Sefirah and The Joy of Lag Baomer

May 3, 2022

5:45

One of my favorite ideas I have heard from my Mora Diasra Rav Hershel Welcher. Explaining why they were misakein an aveilus for the talmidim of Rabbi Akiva a thousand years after their deaths, and what they wanted us to learn from it. This is my brief synopsis of his shiur, you can Rav Welcher's more detailed versions here: The Aveilut of Sefirah | TorahAnytime.com or here The Essence of Sefirah HaOmer | TorahAnytime.com.  Hope you find as inspiring as I do.

235

Achrei Mos - Living With Mitzvos In This World and The Next

Apr 27, 2022

6:18

Fascinating insight of the Ramban in the Pasuk of Vchai Bahem. How does our relationship with Mitzvos in this world affect our relationship with them in the next world?

236

Pesach - Kriyas Yam Suf, Bitachon, and Parnasah

Apr 21, 2022

9:26

Special Pesach Shiur about Bitachon from Kriyas Yam Suf. What do Chazal mean when they say Parnasah is as difficult as Kriyas Yam Suf? Nothing is difficult for Hashem? The approaches of the Rashbam, Alshich, and the Chofetz Chaim. Touching on a very sensitive topic, I apologize if I offend anyone. I always say things very briefly in these shiurim, if it comes across unclear I request that you reach out to me first so I can clarify exactly what I mean. Have a Chag Kasher Vsameach.

237

Pesach - The Difference between Zechiras Yetzias Mitzrayim and Sippur Yetzias Mitzrayim

Apr 13, 2022

6:45

We have a Mitzvah throughout the year to remember Yetzias Mitzrayim. What is the special Mitzvah that we have on the night of the seder, and how is it different? A beautiful approach from Rav Elya Baruch Finkel. 

238

Metzorah - The Deadliness of Isolation

Apr 7, 2022

8:59

Why does the Gemarah in Nedarim say a Poor person, Metzorah, Blind Person, and a Childless person are considered like they are dead? What do those four have in common? Based on ideas of the Einei Yitzchak and Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz.

239

Pesach - Rabbi Dovid Lederman - Celebrating Geulah While We are in Galus

Apr 6, 2022

8:57

Presenting our first guest lecture, by my good friend Rabbi Dovid Lederman. Exploring how we can celebrate our redemption from slavery, when we are back in the slavery of galus again. Rabbi Lederman was raised in San Diego and is a Musmach of Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim. He is currently a High School Rebbe at the Jewish Institute of Queens, and a Shoel Umeishev in a kollel in Jamaica Estates.

240

Tazria - Being Careful in Our Speech

Mar 30, 2022

6:42

Analyzing the Rambam at the end of Hilchos Tumas Tzaraas. Rambam warns about the progressions in Loshon Harah and in our speech. Thoughts about how we can be normal, and still be careful about Loshon Harah.

241

Pesach - Rav Elyah Baruch Finkel's Pshat in Matzah

Mar 27, 2022

6:56

A little early, but wanted to upload it on his Yartzeit Liluy Neshmaso. Is the Matzah a Zecher for Avdus or a Zecher for Cherius? A beautiful vort on how Matzah is actually both simultaneously.

242

Shemini - Inspiration from the Midas Hadin on Tzaddikim

Mar 23, 2022

8:46

Upon the loss of Rav Shmaryahu Yosef Chaim Kanievsky Zt'l, a dvar Torah about our reactions to the loss of Tzaddikim and the Midas Hadin brought upon Nadav and Avihu. How do we understand the statement of Chazal that seeing it uplifts us and inspires us to fear and praise Hashem?

243

Parshas Tzav (and Purim) - What's In it For Me?

Mar 15, 2022

6:37

A vort on the first Rashi. Why would Aharon need special encouragement for bringing the Olah over the Chatas? Isn't he above Mussar to do G-d's will even when it doesn't make money? Same basics from Rav Elyah Lopian.

244

Vaykira - Individual Sin and Communal Sin

Mar 9, 2022

7:41

Should the community do things to enable people to do their Aveiros in a less forbidden way? Why was the nation of Sedom destroyed, were they so much worse than societies in history?

245

Purim and Ukraine - Hashgachas Hashem Then and Now

Mar 8, 2022

2:56

Beautiful three minute vort from the Chasam Sofer about Hashgachas Hashem and wars. Why does the Megilah end by telling us to look at the history books to see more stories about the greatness of Mordechai and Achashveirosh? Is that really what the pasuk is coming to teach us?

246

Pekudei - Raising Up the Pillars of the Mishkan

Mar 3, 2022

7:45

An idea from the Chiddushei Halev in love for Mitzvos. Why did Hashem want Moshe alone to do it? Why was Moshe so upset that he couldn't help build the Mishkan?

247

Pikudei - The Height of The Mishkan and the Height of the Leviim

Feb 28, 2022

4:40

Interesting Gemarah in Shabbos suggests the whole Shevet Levi may have been ten amos tall, not just Moshe. Rav Chaim Kanievsky explores how they would have walked comfortably around the Mishkan, if it was only ten amos high.

248

Pekudei - Moshe's Height and other Physical Maalos

Feb 27, 2022

7:09

Chazal say in Nedarim 38 that Hashem only gives Nevuah to one who is strong, wise, rich, and humble. We can understand Wisdom and Humility are important traits, but what would physical attributes like strength and wealth have to do with Nevuah? Three fascinating peshatim I have seen, with my own applications. One of my all time favorite Divrei Torah, hope you enjoy!

249

Vayakhel - A Role for Each Soul

Feb 23, 2022

8:06

Deeper then what I normally do, but I hope I was able to break it down enough. An idea based on the Midrash and the Gra about the root of all souls in Adam HaRishon, and how we all fit into the puzzle of what the world needs accomplished.

250

Ki Sisah - Aharon and the Chet Haegel

Feb 16, 2022

7:27

Why did Aharon agree to help with the Chet HaEgel, rather than die Al Kiddush Hashem? Could there be a worse thing than participating in an Avodah Zarah? Based on the Maharsha in Sanhedrin and the Orchos Yosher.