Shows
Rabbi Motti’s MinutePleasant, Not a People Pleaser: Humility, Truth, and Holiness in a Distracting World Pirkei Avot Chapter 3, Mishnayot 10–18In this episode, we explore the delicate balance between being affable and authentic. How do we remain humble and kind without compromising truth? How can we guard our time and energy from what drains us while staying connected to our deepest sense of purpose and holiness?From people-pleasing to people-respecting, from distraction to discipline, these Mishnayot guide us in building a life of integrity and spiritual clarity—rooted in Torah, humility, and inner strength.Join us as we unpack timeless wisdom for navigating the tensions of modern life with grounded joy and intention.
2025-08-0454 minRabbi Motti’s MinuteTorah as Lifeline and the Prerequisites to Wisdom (Pirkei Avot 3:8–9)Why is forgetting Torah seen as so severe? What makes intelligence spiritually risky?In this episode, we explore Torah as our spiritual lifeline, the transformative power of repetition, the origin of the yarmulke, and the true foundation of wisdom: a fear of losing one’s connection with Hashem and the resolve to turn learning into action.
2025-07-2543 minRabbi Motti’s MinuteJewish Leadership and Commitment: Lessons from Parshat PinchasIn this class on Parshat Pinchas, we explore the values Moshe seeks in the next Jewish leader highlighting servant leadership, earned authority, and a deep sense of responsibility. We also reflect on the power of consistency in Jewish life and the enduring qualities that define true leadership.
2025-07-1850 minRabbi Motti’s MinuteWhat’s Yours, What’s His: Ownership, Choice, and Divine Relationship (Pirkei Avot 3:7)In this class, we explore the profound teachings of Pirkei Avot 3:7 on ownership and free will—what Hashem has given us, and what we give back to Him. We also examine the two dimensions of our relationship with Hashem: one expressed through the natural world, and the other accessed through Torah—boundless, infinite, and beyond.
2025-07-1654 minRabbi Motti’s MinuteBilaam: A Gift Can Be a Blessing or a CurseIn this class, we explore the story of the prophet Bilaam — a man with great spiritual power, who stood at a crossroads: would he use his gift to bless or to curse?Through his first blessing to the Jewish people, we reflect on:The two identities of the Jew — the struggler and the masterWhy our being can never be cursed, only our behaviorThe unique calling and solitude of the Jewish nationHow Hashem protects us from external threats — while calling on us to guard ourselves from within
2025-07-1138 minRabbi Motti’s MinuteVulnerability, Servitude, and the Power of Torah Study (Pirkei Avot 3:4–6)In this class, we explore three timeless teachings from Pirkei Avot that help us live with purpose and spiritual clarity:Vulnerability & Focus: Recognizing our moments of emotional or spiritual vulnerability — and choosing to fill that space with Torah and higher thought.Servitude & Service: Understanding that every life involves service — and we can choose whether to serve governments, financial needs, or our higher calling.The Essence of Torah Study: Exploring why both independent and group learning are essential to realizing our mission as a people.
2025-07-0952 minRabbi Motti’s MinuteChukat: The Mystery and History of the Parah AdumahIn this class, we delve into one of the Torah’s most enigmatic commandments — the Parah Adumah, or Red Heifer. Why does contact with death create ritual defilement? And why is the purification process itself so paradoxical? Join us as we explore the deeper meaning behind ritual purity, the spiritual mystery of the Red Heifer, and the historical context and future hope tied to this ancient and powerful mitzvah
2025-07-0432 minRabbi Motti’s MinutePirkei Avot: Living and Dying for Torah Companionship | The Legacy of Rabbi Chananya ben TeradyonIn his teaching, Rabbi Chananya ben Teradyon implores us to see every encounter as an opportunity to “gain a diamond”—a spark of Torah from another soul—and to be humble enough to learn and discuss with anyone, at any time. He does not merely teach this ideal—he gives his life for it.One of the Ten Martyrs executed by the Romans for teaching Torah publicly, Rabbi Chananya’s story invites us to reflect on our values, our encounters, and our commitment to living a life infused with purpose.
2025-07-0348 minRabbi Motti’s MinuteKorach, the Spies, and the Tension of Being JewishThis week’s Torah portion dives into the rebellion of Korach — but beneath the drama lies a timeless tension: How do we live as a people with our feet on the ground and our heads in the clouds?In this episode, we explore the spiritual struggle at the heart of Jewish life — between action and contemplation, between building a better world and staying connected to something higher. From the failure of the Spies to the challenge of Korach, the Torah invites us to live in that tension with purpose.
2025-07-0142 minRabbi Motti’s MinuteEmbracing Our Role: Inspiring Stories and Reflections on the Rebbe’s LeadershipWith a sense of urgency, the Rebbe called upon every Jew to embrace their role as an ambassador of good, a global changemaker, and a beacon of light in the world.Let the stories of an Alaskan girl, a South African prisoner, a Holocaust survivor, and a couple being sent to Oregon inspire you to embrace your role.This keynote address was delivered at Chabad of the East Valley, AZ, in honor of the thirtieth yahrzeit of The Rebbe.
2025-06-3046 minRabbi Motti’s MinuteThe Last Mile Delivery GenerationLast Mile Delivery is not just a logistical challenge; the Kabbalists talk about how the entire cosmos is waiting for us to draw the light in its "last mile."Be inspired and entertained as humor and storytelling help us frame our place in history.This keynote address was delivered at Chabad of Bentonville, AR, on the eve of the Rebbe's twenty-ninth yahrzeit.This Keynote address was delivered in Chabad of Benonville, AR on the eve of The Rebbe's twenty ninth yartziet.
2025-06-3043 minRabbi Motti’s MinuteGood Rabbi Vs. Great RabbiA talk to 11th grade of the central Chabad Girls High School, Bais Rivkah in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn.In my talk titled Good Shliach v. Great Shliach I asked them to become GREAT Jewish leaders by doing the following:1. Live inspired 2.Make Those around you feel they matter 3. Know that the Divine believes in you
2025-06-3016 minRabbi Motti’s MinuteUnclipped Wings: What It Means to Be a Free JewA bird is only free when it can soar. A Jew is only free when they can act Jewishly.Using the imagery of a bird with clipped wings, and stories of Jewish hostages being held in Gaza, we learn that the soul of the Jew innately needs its Jewish connection.From an evening of inspiration, a Farbrengen at the Jewish Community Center – Chabad of Placer County.
2025-06-3014 minRabbi Motti’s MinuteVictimhood to Victory🦁 Rise Like a LionLecture by Rabbi Motti WilhelmWhat does it mean to rise like a lion—not just for Israel, but as a Jew in the world?Join us for a powerful journey through:🕍 A late-night prayer at the Kosel before fighter jets take flight👑 A bold kosher stand at Queen Elizabeth’s royal dinner📜 A Torah scroll, a U.S. president, and the words: “I always wanted one of these.”Courage. Clarity. Jewish pride.This isn’t just history—it’s our mission.
2025-06-2757 minRabbi Motti’s MinuteWhy Pray for the Government? | Rabbi Yossi Sgan Hakohanim (Pirkei Avot 3:2)In this episode, we delve into Pirkei Avot Chapter 3, Mishnah 2, through the lens of *Rabbi Yossi Sgan Hakohanim, the Deputy High Priest of the Second Temple era. His powerful instruction to *pray for the welfare of the government invites us to consider the delicate balance between spiritual aspiration and societal responsibility.We explore:*Yirmiyahu the Prophet’s message* to the Jewish people in exile during the destruction of the First Beit HaMikdash* The enduring story of *Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai* and his final teaching to his students* How sustainable societies require bo...
2025-06-2644 min
Unraveling Religion, Judaic EditionExplorations and Discussions of the Book 'Sacred Insignia: The Spiritual Significance of Brit Milah, Circumcision, and the Sacred Sexual Relationship Between Men and Women': A Talk with Rabbi Jessica Minnen and Rabbi Elihu Moshe GevirtzIn this initial conversation of Rabbi Jessica hosting, Rabbi Jess and Rabbi Elihu Moshe Gevirtz explore the mystical and practical reasons, and implications of circumcision from his book 'Sacred Insignia' and the seven years of research that went into the writing, research, thought, and reflection of the book.
Aspects of the discussions include:
why circumcision?
addressing argument against circumcision
the practical implications and the spiritual implication of circumcision
circumcision as a tribal marker of Israel and Jewish community
how to create a sacred environment for a Brit and why it is important
From a narrative a...
2025-02-171h 04
The Jewish Review PodcastThe Chabad Connection with Rabbi Motti WilhelmOn the occasion of the 30th yahrzeit (anniversary of passing) of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, z"l, known around the world as The Rebbe, host Rockne Roll talks to Chabad of Oregon's Rabbi Motti Wilhelm. They discuss the growth of Chabad, how The Rebbe's vision still shapes Chabad's work today, and the sense of urgency that is integral to everything Chabad does.
2024-07-1730 min
Rambam InsightsSiyum Sefer HaflaaVirtual Siyum organized by www.rambam.today
The siyum featured Rabbi Motti Wilhelm, who discussed the uniqueness of 10 different editions of the Rambam, and their advantages for daily study.
The program was hosted by the popular Rabbi Raleigh Resnick of the Tri-Valley, CA
2021-10-1229 min