Meaningful Ideas on the Parsha

251

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?

252

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.

253

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?

254

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?

255

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?

256

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.

257

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!

258

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.

259

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.

260

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?

261

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?

262

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.

263

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.

264

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.

265

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.

266

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.

267

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?

268

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?

269

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.

270

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.

271

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?

272

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?

273

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? 

274

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?

275

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.

276

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.

277

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.

278

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.

279

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?

280

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.

281

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.

282

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.

283

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?

284

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.

285

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.

286

Vayeilech - The Happiness of Low Expectations

Sep 9, 2021

5:56

How did Moshe telling the people he turned 120 that day make his passing easier for them to handle? An insight from the Chiddushei Halev into the Sforno. 

287

Nitzavim - The Bris Moav of Areivim Zeh Lazeh

Sep 2, 2021

7:48

Why did the Jews need a new bris? Why only now when they entered Eretz Yisrael? Why was Kol Yisrael Areivim Zeh Lazeh introduced at this time? Some amazing insights of the Chiddushei Halev and the Sum Derech.

288

Ki Savo - Bikkurim and The Purpose of Creation

Aug 25, 2021

7:56

How could the Midrash say the world was created for the Mitzvah of Bikkurim? Why do we have such a big event when we bring them to Yerushalayim? Why do we read Arami Oved Avi when we bring them, and why is that the parsha we read at the seder? Two amazing insights into the centrality of what we can learn from this Mitzvah.

289

Ki Setzei - Shiluach Hakan and the Reasons for Mitzvos

Aug 19, 2021

6:49

Why did Hashem give us a Mitzvah of Shiluach Hakan? Different approaches to Shiluach Hakan, the two aspects of mitzvos, and how that relates to Teshuva.

290

Shoftim - Eidim Zomemin and Kaasher Zamam

Aug 12, 2021

7:16

Why do the zomemin loose if it's a two-on-two? Why do they only get punished if the verdict is not executed?

291

Re'eh - Sensitivity to an Ani and Tzedakah

Aug 5, 2021

7:19

Insights into how we judge poor people, and some suprising ideas in Bechira. Why would Tzedakah include giving him a Cadillac?

292

Eikev - Mussar Lessons from the Parsha of Shema

Jul 28, 2021

7:14

Is there a mitzvah in the Torah to reframe challenges in a positive light, or is it just healthy living? Plus two relevant mussar shmuessim on Rashi in the second section of Shema, which I heard in my first year of Bais Medrash and had a powerful effect on me.

293

Vaeschanan - Moshe's Burial in Chutz Laaretz

Jul 22, 2021

5:53

Why couldn't Moshe at least be buried in Eretz Yisrael, and how does it affect us?

294

Tisha B'Av and the 10 Martyrs

Jul 15, 2021

7:40

A very powerful medrash about the kinnah Eilah Ezkarah and the 10 Harugei Malchus. Story is somewhat graphic, listener discretion is advised.

295

Devarim - Judging Big and Small Alike

Jul 14, 2021

3:12

Is showing favoritism or taking one's financial status into consideration when judging a case ever moral?

296

Parshas Mattos - Nedarim and Respecting Halacha

Jul 8, 2021

7:53

Beautiful idea from the Ramban about the importance of Nedarim and taking halacha seriously. Also discusses why Yom Kippur starts with kol nidrei, and the story of Nevuchadnezzar and the rabbit.

297

Pinchas & The 3 Weeks - Severity of the Sin

Jul 1, 2021

7:36

Some thoughts on Parshas Pinchas and on Sinas Chinam. Why was the Maaseh Zimri so chamur, and why is Sinas Chinam so Chamur? Based on the Nesivos Shalom, Rav Elya Baruch, and the Chofetz Chaim.

298

Balak - The Importance of Boundaries

Jun 24, 2021

7:17

Very powerful Gemara about how the Yetzer Harah ensnared the people into sinning with the daughters of Moav from Sanhedrin 106a. What lessons can we learn and apply to our own lives?

299

Chukas - Understanding the Chet of the Mei Merievah

Jun 15, 2021

9:43

An incredible idea from the Ohr HaChaim Hakadosh explaining the Chet, and how this story had such an impact on the future of the Jewish people.

300

Korach - The Reward for the Good Within The Bad

Jun 9, 2021

5:49

Why were the pans the 250 members of Reuvain brought Ketoros on holy? If one does an Averiah with good intentions, do they have any value? Based on a Shmuess of Rav Berish Ganz on the Ramban, as told to me by Rav Aryeh Goldman.