Lechteich Parshah Podcast with Don Jarashow

51

Yom Kippur: It's All a Gumball

Sep 28, 2025

5:16

As Yom Kippur draws near, we’re reminded that tefillah is everything—our lifeline, our future, our ultimate connection to Hashem. But what happens when the tefillah feels too small for the enormity of what we’re asking? In this week’s episode, I share a powerful true story that began with a silent baby, a father’s desperate plea, and a seemingly simple kabbalah. The outcome was nothing short of miraculous. This is a story that will make you stop, hold your breath, and realize just how much our tefillos can move Heaven.

52

Rosh Hashana: Our Rich Uncle

Sep 19, 2025

5:25

This past Shabbos, I ran into an old friend who asked me: “What’s your 30-second pitch for Rosh Hashanah?” What could I possibly say in half a minute about the greatest day of the year? Then I remembered a story I’d heard back in yeshiva—about a man who inherited a fortune but had to go on a long, difficult journey to claim it. The lesson? We all have a wealthy relative—HaKadosh Baruch Hu—who left us the ultimate inheritance, filled with blessings, wisdom, and life-changing opportunities. This episode dives into how we can “claim” it, approaching Hashem not just as King, but as our loving, generous uncle, eager to give us everything we need for a truly meaningful life.

53

Rosh Hashana: Divine Upgrade from Basic Economy

Sep 19, 2025

6:32

Two months ago, I made what felt like a simple, proactive move—booking a flight for Sukkos. Everything seemed perfect… until I realized I’d made a huge mistake. Non-refundable tickets, the wrong date, no easy way out. I called rep after rep, hit wall after wall, and felt completely stuck. But then something unexpected happened—a reminder that sometimes, the One in control isn’t on the other end of the phone. This episode is about frustration, faith, and the surprising way everything can shift when you put it in the right hands.

54

Ki Savo: Question #1

Sep 11, 2025

16:15

Elul is slipping away, and the Chafetz Chaim’s words still ring in our ears: What will you answer on the Day of Judgment? In this shiur we hear the chilling story of a frail tzaddik, a pinch of snuff, and the question that shakes us to our core—are we using this world to gather eternity, or are we wasting our lives on trivialities? As Rosh Hashanah approaches, every choice matters.

55

Ki Seitzei: Fencing In the Mindstorm

Sep 4, 2025

19:34

In this week’s parsha, Ki Seitzei, a mitzvah about putting a fence on a roof seems straightforward — until Chazal pull back the curtain. Suddenly it’s not about construction at all, but about the dangerous thoughts that can knock us down before we even realize it.As Elul winds down and Rosh Hashanah approaches, this shiur explores the battle inside our minds — the yetzer hara’s quiet whispers, the urge to overthink, the plans that collapse before they’re even built. Through a powerful mashal of a man and his basket of eggs, we uncover how to build real fences around our thoughts, and how to find the strength to take life one step at a time.

56

Shoftim: No Substitutes – Just the Instructions

Aug 28, 2025

12:17

A crowded hotel lobby. Families rushing in. Frustrated voices—“Didn’t Tati pay enough for this?” And then the realization: no matter how much you pay, there are rules. First come, first served. That moment became a piercing Elul reminder: no shortcuts, no substitutes—just the instructions. With the Kedushas Levi’s reading of “lo sakim lecha matzeivah” and the Dubno Maggid’s mashal of glittering fakes, this shiur exposes the glittering illusions of the Yetzer Hara and the only strategy that truly secures us for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. For only $1 a week, you can sponsor a day of the Elul Mussar shiur—uplifting thousands worldwide. It’s simple, it’s easy, and the zechus is yours. A true no-brainer. https://www.lechteich.org/#/portal/signup/678f020a1e7c8b00083c17f9/monthly

57

Re'eh: Never Fall Apart — Always His Children

Aug 21, 2025

12:39

Even when we feel behind, lost, or disconnected, Hashem never abandons us. This week, we explore the timeless message of בנים אתם לה' אלוקיכם—that we are always His children, always supported, and always capable of renewal. Drawing from Ibn Ezra and the Slonimer, we uncover how even moments of despair are invitations to connect, grow, and embrace our divine inheritance. A call to strengthen our emunah and approach this Elul with courage, clarity, and heartfelt teshuva.

58

Eikev: Faith Through the Flames

Aug 14, 2025

11:39

When Chana lost everything in Auschwitz, she thought her suffering had reached its limit. But years later, standing before the smoldering ruins of her home, she faced a choice that would alter her life—and the lives of generations to come. In this week’s parsha, Moshe Rabbeinu reminds us, “מה ה׳ אלקיך שואל מעמך כי אם ליראה”—to anchor ourselves to Hashem, the Kol Yachol. In our own moments of loss, uncertainty, and fear, that same anchor can carry us through the fire. Chana’s decision to accept her pain with love became the bridge from devastation to renewal, unlocking a miracle no doctor believed possible.

59

Parshas Vaeschanan: Is G-d Actually Part of Your Life

Aug 7, 2025

15:34

The Vilna Gaon shows how Parshas Va’eschanan reveals a deep truth: many seek Hashem, but few truly find Him—because finding requires full heart and soul. The Chafetz Chaim drives it further—bitachon isn't extra credit; it’s core. It's not enough to want; you must live it. Rebbe Leibele Eiger’s transformation in Kotzk teaches the difference between saying and knowing. Hashem isn’t everywhere—He’s wherever you let Him in. Real tefillah, even once, can shift everything. A wake-up call before Elul: the limit of your emunah is where Torah says it only begins.

60

Kinos: We’re Great, But We’re Orphans — And We Don’t Even Remember #2

Aug 3, 2025

18:32

61

Kinos: We’re Great, But We’re Orphans — And We Don’t Even Remember #1

Aug 3, 2025

12:51

62

Parshas Devarim | Shabbos Chazon: Filled with Helium

Aug 1, 2025

17:08

We enter Sefer Devarim and Shabbos Chazon in the shadow of destruction. But hidden in the sorrow is an undeniable lift — a vision of what could be. The Navi doesn’t just warn; he uplifts. Moshe Rabbeinu doesn’t just rebuke; he prepares us to rise.This week’s message is filled with that kind of helium — weighty words that somehow elevate.

63

Tisha B’Av: Bear Hug

Jul 31, 2025

11:04

It looks like destruction. It feels like abandonment. But what if the deepest pain we’ve ever felt… is actually a disguise? Rav Shimshon Dovid Pincus zt”l revealed a hidden dimension of Tisha B’Av that changes everything. In this episode, we confront the darkness—not to escape it, but to discover who’s behind it. Because when we look closer, we realize: it’s not a bear. It’s our Father. And He’s never been closer.

64

Tisha B'Av - Hospitalized Over the Churban

Jul 31, 2025

7:52

65

Tisha B'Av - New Perspective on Darkness

Jul 30, 2025

11:07

66

Matos Masei: Ever-Shifting Puzzle Pieces

Jul 24, 2025

11:17

Parshas Masei reminds us that life’s journey is filled with masos—steps forward, stops, and uncertainty. Like ever-shifting puzzle pieces, we rarely see the full picture, but every move is guided from Above. Through personal stories, the Chasam Sofer’s turning point, and the timeless message of Vayisu Vayachanu, we reflect on what it means to Lechteich Acharai BaMidbar—to follow Hashem through unknowns with trust and courage. This is the heart of Lechteich: moving forward, even when the picture isn’t clear—because the One arranging the pieces sees it all.

67

Pinchas: The Chicken on the Rooftop

Jul 18, 2025

8:38

A deathly ill child. A remote island. An unreachable cure. Rav Akiva Eiger davened—and the impossible arrived on his roof. This week, we uncover a staggering true story, a Sfas Emes on "תשמרו", and the hidden message of Rosh Chodesh’s korbanos: Tefillah isn’t distant. It’s the most real thing we have.

68

Balak: Can’t Rewrite the Script

Jul 10, 2025

16:07

Hashem refused to listen—not just to the curse, but even to its words. Parshas Balak reminds us that no matter the intentions or efforts of others, Hashem’s script is unshakable. With a powerful insight from the Chasam Sofer, a moving story of Rav Elimelech and Rav Zusha, and a deeper reflection on Shechinah b’Galusa, we uncover the boundless love and unwavering loyalty that Hashem shows His people—even in the darkest moments.

69

Chukas: Walk With Me, Not Above Me

Jul 3, 2025

15:36

The mystery of the Parah Adumah teaches that true purity doesn’t come from staying above others, but from being willing to become tamei—stepping into their pain with them. The Baal Shem Tov reveals that growth starts with humility, and healing starts with empathy. A powerful story of the Lubavitcher Rebbe shows how one act of heart can change a life—and that our hearts were placed on the left, not for ourselves, but so we can be closer to someone else’s right side.

70

Korach: Poolside Prayer

Jun 26, 2025

12:02

A slurpee run turns into a powerful question: Does Hashem care where or how we say Tehillim—or just that we say it? Parshas Korach reveals that it’s not just the mitzvah that counts, but the circumstances, the struggle, and the heart behind it. The blossoming of Aharon’s staff teaches us that Hashem cherishes every step, even before the fruit appears. In a world filled with pain and transition, every honest effort matters more than we think. This week’s episode is sponsored by Bsefer Chayim, לעילוי נשמת מינדל בת ר' משולם זאב.Bsefer Chayim is a life insurance awareness initiative dedicated solely to protecting families — with no profit from any policies. Their mission is to raise awareness and make life insurance accessible to every couple.Did you know a young couple can lock in a term life insurance policy at their chasuna for as little as $25/month — less than a cell phone bill?Visit bseferchayim.org for more information. Do it while you're young — and be forever grateful you did.What better gift for a chosson and kallah than a life insurance policy?

71

Shelach: Grasshoppers Don’t Win Wars

Jun 19, 2025

15:27

When the Meraglim saw themselves as grasshoppers, they guaranteed defeat. This week’s shiur explores how self-perception shapes our reality—personally and nationally. We’re not small. We’re Hashem’s children, endowed with infinite power to uplift the world. Grasshoppers don’t win wars—but Yidden with clarity do.

72

Beha'aloscha: One Call, Many Voices

Jun 13, 2025

6:35

Beha’aloscha reminds us that each Jew has a unique path. The trumpets were made only for Moshe—because no two missions are the same. The menorah teaches that every soul is a distinct flame. Our strength lies not in imitation, but in embracing our own role with clarity and courage. In times of threat and confusion, the Torah calls us to cry out, unify, and remember: Hashem fights our battles. One nation. One purpose. Many paths.

73

Beha'aloscha: Flickering Flames of Influence (5784)

Jun 9, 2025

13:52

74

Naso: Power Hitter

Jun 5, 2025

12:41

After the spiritual high of Shavuos, we often crash — feeling like we’re back in the grind, disconnected, and far from Har Sinai. But Parshas Sotah reminds us: even when we feel low, we’re never off the team. Even in the eighth spot, we’re power hitters. Hashem treasures the strength it takes to keep fighting — and that fight brings the greatest brachos.

75

Shavuos: City on Fire

May 29, 2025

14:35

The yetzer hara will set a whole city ablaze just to pull you away from learning. As we prepare to receive the Torah, we face fiery distractions meant to shake us. But we don’t back down—we fight with fire, or we douse it with water. This episode is about resilience, perseverance, and holding your ground when everything around you is burning.

76

Shavuos: A limping Nation (5784)

May 28, 2025

13:06

77

Bamidbar: His Orchestra's Violinists (5784)

May 28, 2025

12:33

78

Parshas Behar-Bechukosai: From Celery to Salary

May 22, 2025

15:58

79

Behar: Big Bucks From the Real Gvir (5784)

May 20, 2025

16:53

80

Purest of Pure Intentions: Parshas Emor

May 16, 2025

12:25

As we celebrate Lag BaOmer with dancing and flames, Parshas Emor reminds us that true kiddush Hashem means surrendering completely to Hashem’s will—without personal cheshbonos, without expecting outcomes. In a time of pain and uncertainty, especially in Eretz Yisrael, the Rashbi’s legacy and the parshah’s message converge: Real greatness and yeshuah come when we let go of control and live purely for Hashem. That’s the fire that never dies.

81

Emor: Preserving the Good for a Rainy Day (5784)

May 11, 2025

15:41

82

Acharei Mos-Kedoshim: The Grass is Greener on the Other Side

May 9, 2025

14:01

A casual lawn chat with a neighbor turns into a powerful mashal about self-worth, spiritual struggle, and how we see others. As we approach Kabbalas HaTorah, we discover the Ohr HaChaim’s life-changing yesod: Even when we feel spiritually barren, Hashem says—Lo siktzor. Don’t cut yourself off. Ever. Keep going… until you reach the greener grass.A heartfelt story of the Vorker Rebbe reminds us: no one is ever too far gone. Not you. Not ever.

83

Tazria: Frozen But Not Solid

May 2, 2025

10:07

84

Tazria-Metzora - And Your People, All of Them Are Righteous (5783)

Apr 28, 2025

13:54

85

Silence That Says Everything: Parshas Shemini

Apr 25, 2025

10:35

86

Pesach: Strength Over Suffering (Bordeaux)

Apr 17, 2025

50:58

Today is the yahrtzeit of my beloved chavrusa, Yisrael Levin z"l. In his memory, I'm sharing a shiur Stregnth Over Suffering - on overcoming challenges, bitachon, and choosing strength over pain.It's personal, deep, and candid - tied to the journey of Lechteich, which began after the loss of Yisrael z"l, his kallah Elisheva a"h, and my brother Noach Raphael z"l.I encourage you to listen especially if you wonder why this topic belongs on the joyous yom tov of Pesach.

87

Pesach: Mah Nishtanah Isn’t Just for 3-Year-Olds

Apr 10, 2025

10:27

The questions of the Mah Nishtanah aren’t a cute performance — they’re a deep invitation to awaken wonder, curiosity, and connection. This Pesach, we explore how the Seder night calls on every Jew, at every age, to ask, to search, and to grow.

88

Everlasting Testimony

Mar 28, 2025

11:38

The Mishkan Ha’edus stands as a powerful testimony that no matter how far we may feel from Hashem, we are never truly lost. It teaches us that through teshuvah, we can always return to Him, no matter our past mistakes. This month of Nissan reminds us that renewal is always within reach, and Hashem is waiting to welcome us back with open arms.

89

Vayakhel: Keep the Janitor's Door Shut

Mar 21, 2025

14:22

We often see ourselves through the lens of our shortcomings, believing we are unworthy of greatness. But Hashem sees things differently. Just as the mirrors in the Mishkan, once perceived as mere tools of vanity, became vessels of holiness, so too can our struggles and imperfections be elevated. In this episode, we explore a powerful story of Rav Shlomo Freifeld and the lesson of the Kiyor—reminding us that no matter our past, Hashem is always ready to lift us higher.

90

Purim 5785: V'nahafoch Hu

Mar 14, 2025

19:07

This shiur was given a week ago at Torah Academy of Philadelphia to Rabbi Picks’ 6th-grade class.Purim is a day of v’nahafoch hu—when everything can turn upside down in an instant. But what does that really mean in our lives? From Donald Trump to a broken sprinkler on a scorching summer day, this shiur uncovers the hidden hand of Hashem in the twists and turns of life. A powerful message on miracles, hashgachah, and the essence of Purim—you won’t want to miss this.

91

Purim 5785: Discovering the Essence of the Day

Mar 13, 2025

9:22

92

Tetzaveh: In The Seat Next Over (5784)

Mar 4, 2025

17:30

93

Teruma: The Keruvim & the Bibas Children

Feb 28, 2025

9:34

In this week's episode, we explore the powerful symbolism of the Keruvim in this week's parsha and their connection to the tragic story of the Bibas children, hy"d. Drawing from the teachings of Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach and Rabbi Shimshon Pincus, we delve into how our relationship with Hashem shapes our reality and how the Keruvim reflect our spiritual alignment. This episode reminds us that no matter how dark the world may seem, our bond with Hashem remains our guiding light.

94

Terumah: Tabernacles Through Sacrifice (5784)

Feb 24, 2025

14:13

95

Unlocking Destiny Through Choice

Feb 20, 2025

6:56

96

Mishpatim: Triumphing Meat's Defeat (5784)

Feb 18, 2025

17:12

Listen to the lesson from a Russian security guard in Siberia in the 1900s that Reb Meir Futerfas has to tell us. It sheds light on the ear-piercing punishment of the eved ivri and has the most acute and applicable applications for us today.

97

Yisro: Panoramic Vision

Feb 14, 2025

14:49

Yisro’s greatness wasn’t just in what he heard—it was in how he saw. He had a panoramic vision, always seeking truth and embracing growth. This week, we explore why the parshah of Matan Torah is named after him and how his perspective teaches us to rise above the momentary and focus on the eternal.

98

Beshalach: Victory Redefined

Feb 7, 2025

14:50

At a recent parlor meeting for a kollel, Rav Avraham Krohn inspired the audience with a powerful insight from Rav Asher Arielli and Rav Michel Yehuda Lefkowitz. Why was Yehoshua, not Moshe Rabbeinu, chosen to lead the battle against Amalek? The answer reveals a profound truth about Torah and avodas Hashem: True greatness lies not in innate brilliance but in relentless effort. In this episode, we explore the depth of this lesson and its relevance in our own struggles, especially during the days of Shovavim.

99

Beshalach (5784): What Rav Chatzkel Would Have Said

Feb 4, 2025

13:45

100

Bo: No plan B

Jan 30, 2025

11:35

A bochur boards a flight, determined to stand by his values—no compromises, no Plan B. What happens next, involving an Oct 7 hostage, is nothing short of remarkable. And in Parshas Bo, Hashem gives Moshe the same message: move forward with absolute resolve. No hesitation. No backup plan. Just unwavering commitment.

Lechteich Parshah Podcast with Don Jarashow

Lechteich Parshah Podcast with Don Jarashow

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