Meaningful Ideas on the Parsha

201

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.

202

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

203

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?

204

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?  

205

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.

206

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/. 

207

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.

208

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.

209

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?

210

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.

211

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. 

212

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.

213

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.

214

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.

215

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.

216

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?

217

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.

218

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?

219

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?

220

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?

221

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.

222

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!

223

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.

224

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.

225

Tetzaveh - The Bigdei Kehuna and Respect

Feb 10, 2022

9:19

Thoughts on the Bigadim of the Kohanim, the messages our clothing give, and the effects they have. Why did they wear such unique clothing? Was it a glory and Mesiras Nefesh at the same time?

226

Terumah - Tznius from the Covers of the Mishkan

Feb 2, 2022

7:00

Beautiful idea from Rav Simcha Zissel Broide. Why do we have a goat hair cover on top of the woven cover of the Mishkan? Why do Gedolim always try to cover up their greatness?

227

Terumah - The 3 Crowns of the Klei HaMishkan

Feb 1, 2022

5:38

2021 Shiur on Terumah. Beatiful Ramazim of the Kli Yakar, exploring why the Aron Kodesh dimensions all contain fractions, the Shulchan dimensions are all whole numbers (integers), and the Mizbeach Ha-Ola dimensions are a mixture of fractions and whole numbers.

228

Mishpatim - Remembering What We Learn and Building On It

Jan 27, 2022

7:05

Something different this week. Focusing on how we absorb information, gain from it, and integrate it into our worldview. How the right methodology combined with an intellectual curiosity and Teshukas Hachachma helps us approach the Torah differently and remember it better. Do touch on some of the Halachos of the Parsha about Eved Ivri, Nezikin, and Shomrim.

229

Mishpatim - Carrying Sheep and Understanding Sheep

Jan 26, 2022

7:48

The Shiur from 2021. Two Chofetz Chaim Shmuessin on why the one who steals a sheep pays 4, yet one who steals a cow pays 5. Additionally, lessons from the way Moshe Rabeinu cared for sheep, to how we need to care for and approach others. One of my strong opinions about Chinuch.

230

Yisro - Differences in The Two Sets of Luchos

Jan 19, 2022

7:41

Exploring some of the changes in Klal Yisrael and in our relationship with the Torah that occurred when we received the first and second Luchos. How did we change and how did the Torah change? Includes a phenomenal Chiddush from the Bais Halevi in the change in the nature of the Torah Shel Baal Peh.

231

Yisro - The Defense from the Eigel in the Aseres Hadibros

Jan 19, 2022

7:27

The first Dvar Torah I wrote for this series. A beautiful Shmuess on the defense Hashem provided for us from the Chet Haegel within the Aseres Hadibros. How did it make sense, and why did Hashem do it for us? Based on ideas from Rav Elya Meir Bloch, and the Tomer Devorah.

232

Beshalach - Hashem Yimloch L'olam Va'ed

Jan 12, 2022

7:12

Analyzing the pinnacle line of Shiras HaYam. Why was הּ' ימלך לעולם ועד the new Shirah they sang at the Yam Suf? Why does Onkeles translate it in the present tense, as we read in Oz Yashir every day? Isn't it clearly future tense?

233

Bo - The Reality of Darkness

Jan 5, 2022

7:27

Is darkness just the absence of light, or is it it's own reality? How can the same individual express both tremendous light and Chas VaShalom sometimes much darkness as well?

234

Va'eira - Bishvili Nivra Haolam and Yetzias Mitzrayim

Dec 30, 2021

8:28

How did the mechanics of the Makkos work, and what did they teach us about the way the world works? What does Bishvili Nivra Haolam mean for me?  Based on ideas from the Alter of Slobodka in Ohr Hatzafon on the chiddushim in Maaseh Bereishis we learned from Yetzias Mitzrayim.

235

Shemos - Shifra & Puah & Infant Care

Dec 23, 2021

7:59

Why does the Torah name them Shifra and Puah after the way they cared for the babies? Shouldn't they be named after their Mesiras Nefesh and their impact on Klal Yisrael? Some ideas on how true greatness is manifested.

236

Vayechi - The Ketz HaGeulah and Hope

Dec 16, 2021

9:18

Analyzing the first Rashi in the Parsha. Why is it so essential that the time of the redemption be concealed?

237

Vayigash - Yosef's Wagons and Chashivus for Torah

Dec 10, 2021

6:38

Lessons from Yosef's Wagons. What made him choose the wagons as the siman for Yaakov, how did he know that was the best choice to reassure Yaakov?

238

Miketz - The Sar Hamashkim and Understanding the Yetzer Harah

Dec 1, 2021

5:51

Ideas in the understanding the Yetzer Harah, based on the Chiddushei Helev and the Ohr Yisrael. Why did the Sar Hamashkim start bashing Yosef when he referred him to Pharaoh? Is the Yetzer Harah our taavah or a force of tumah? 

239

Chanukah - Schem and Galus Yavan

Dec 1, 2021

7:02

Shiur on Chanukah based on a beautiful piece by Rav Gedaliah Schorr. Parallels between the story of Schem and Dinah, and the Galus Yavan. What differentiates Galus Yavan from the other three?

240

Vayeishev - Yosef and The Brothers

Nov 24, 2021

5:40

Why is the story of Mechiras Yosef written in a way that gives Apikorsim so much ammunition? A vort based on an idea found in the Sefer Shomer Emunim.

241

Vayishlach - The Roots of Amalek

Nov 17, 2021

7:31

Why does the root of all evil come from the best of Eisav's descendants? An amazing Yesod from Rav Tzadok Hakohen.

242

Vayeitzei - Yaakov Choosing Rachel as a Wife

Nov 12, 2021

7:33

Why did Yaakov want to marry Rachel over Leah? The approach of Rav Aharon Kotler to the unique midah of Silence of Rachel Imeinu.

243

Toldos - Nisyonos of the Avos and the Nature of Nisayon

Nov 7, 2021

7:38

This is one of my all time favorite Divrei Torah. I have always taken tremendous Chizuk from it, and hope you will as well. If Yaakov is the Paradigm of Emes, why do most of his stories in the Parsha seem to involve trickery? A perspective of Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky.

244

Chayei Sarah - The Death of Avraham and The Value of Life

Oct 28, 2021

6:23

My own idea this week, dating back to my years in Yeshiva. How could it be a zechus for Avraham to lose five years of life to avoid seeing Eisav go LTarbus Raah? Especially in light of Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz's chiddushim in the preciousness of life?

245

Vayeira - Avraham's Greatness in Hachnasas Orchim

Oct 20, 2021

7:43

The great heights Avraham reached in this Mitzvah and what we can learn from it. Fascinating approach of the Baalei Tosfos.

246

Lech Lecha - The story of Ur Kasdim

Oct 13, 2021

7:46

Why isn't the story of Avraham's first Nisayon, involving Nimrod and the Fiery Furnace, in the Chumash? An approach from Rav Simcha Zissel Broide.

247

Noach - The Power of Our Influence on Our Environment

Oct 6, 2021

7:33

Why did Hashem have to bring a Mabul to destroy the world? Why not just kill the people of the generation? A lesson from Rav Elyah Lopian.

248

Bereishis - His Humilty in Making Man

Oct 1, 2021

7:45

Mussar Lessons to learn from Naaseh Adam. Why does the Torah use a language that could be misleading?

249

Vzos Habracha and Simchas Torah - Moshe's Passing and Kavod Shamayim

Sep 24, 2021

7:55

Found this fascinating Medrash about the מיתה of Moshe. Why would he want to continue life as a bird or an animal? Amazing insight of Rav Shach.

250

Aseres Yamei Teshuva and Haazinu - Finding What's Missing

Sep 13, 2021

7:42

How do we keep a growth mindset in old age? The meaning inherent in everything in Torah, and the need to find it.