Shows
Meaningful Ideas on the ParshaYisro - The Defense from the Eigel in the Aseres HadibrosThe Aseres Hadibros start off Anochi Hashem Elokecha, shouldn't it Elokeichem if it's talking to the whole Kal Yisrael? Rashi quotes that it's to be a defense for us from the Chet HaEgel, since it's written in the singular form. A pshat in the Yesod from Rav Elyah Meir Bloch, and a Mussar Shmuess I developed on the Rashi..2025-02-1407 min
Meaningful Ideas on the ParshaVayechi - Yesimcha K'Efraim UMenasheAt the end of Yaakov's life, he blessed his 12 sons, Efraim, and Menashe. Efraim and Menashe were blessed that they would be the ones invoked when people bless their children. Why were they chosen, as opposed to blessing our sons they should be like Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov (akin to what we do by daughters)?
Have a good Shabbos
2025-01-1007 min
Meaningful Ideas on the ParshaVayechi - Yesimcha K'Efraim UMenasheAt the end of Yaakov's life, he blessed his 12 sons, Efraim, and Menashe. Efraim and Menashe were blessed that they would be the ones invoked when people bless their children. Why were they chosen, as opposed to blessing our sons they should be like Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov (akin to what we do by daughters)? Have a good Shabbos2025-01-1007 min
Meaningful Ideas on the ParshaVayigash - Serach and the Gift of LifeSerach Bas Asher was the one to tell Yaakov that Yosef was alive and revive his spirits, and she was rewarded with eternal life. Some stories about her life and what we can learn from her. Have a wonderful Shabbos.2025-01-0308 min
Meaningful Ideas on the ParshaVayigash - Serach and the Gift of LifeSerach Bas Asher was the one to tell Yaakov that Yosef was alive and revive his spirits, and she was rewarded with eternal life. Some stories about her life and what we can learn from her.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
2025-01-0308 min
Meaningful Ideas on the ParshaVayishlach - Taking Vengeance on ShechemShimon and Levi took vengeance on the city of Shechem for what was done to their sister. However, Yaakov was upset at them, and they were punished for it when Yaakov gave the Berachos at the end of his life. What was their Heter, why was Yaakov upset at them, and what lessons can we learn from the story?
Have a good Shabbos
2024-12-1209 min
Meaningful Ideas on the ParshaVayishlach - Taking Vengeance on ShechemShimon and Levi took vengeance on the city of Shechem for what was done to their sister. However, Yaakov was upset at them, and they were punished for it when Yaakov gave the Berachos at the end of his life. What was their Heter, why was Yaakov upset at them, and what lessons can we learn from the story? Have a good Shabbos2024-12-1209 min
Meaningful Ideas on the ParshaToldos - The Life and Legacy of Yitzchak AvinuWe find the Torah gives many more details and stories about the lives of Avraham and Yaakov, than it does about Yitzchak. Why is Yitzchak so much less discussed than the other two Avos?
Have a good Shabbos.2024-11-2808 min
Meaningful Ideas on the ParshaToldos - The Life and Legacy of Yitzchak AvinuWe find the Torah gives many more details and stories about the lives of Avraham and Yaakov, than it does about Yitzchak. Why is Yitzchak so much less discussed than the other two Avos? Have a good Shabbos.2024-11-2808 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaBalak - The Beautiful Tents of YaakovBalak was inspired by the Tznius of the tents of Yisrael, they caused him to say Ma Tovu. How could someone as brazenly immoral as Bilaam be impressed by Tznius? Have a good Shabbos2024-07-1807 min
Meaningful Ideas on the ParshaBalak - The Beautiful Tents of YaakovBalak was inspired by the Tznius of the tents of Yisrael, they caused him to say Ma Tovu. How could someone as brazenly immoral as Bilaam be impressed by Tznius?
Have a good Shabbos2024-07-1807 min
Meaningful Ideas on the ParshaTerumah - Connecting to the Cedar TreesChazal tell us the cedar trees they used to build the Mishkan were originally planted by Avraham Avinu, and transplanted to Mitzrayim by Yaakov Avinu. Why did we need wood that connected us to the Avos, and what can it teach us about hoping for the Geulah?
Have a good Shabbos2024-02-1609 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaTerumah - Connecting to the Cedar TreesChazal tell us the cedar trees they used to build the Mishkan were originally planted by Avraham Avinu, and transplanted to Mitzrayim by Yaakov Avinu. Why did we need wood that connected us to the Avos, and what can it teach us about hoping for the Geulah? Have a good Shabbos2024-02-1609 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaVayechi - Sharing and Transferring MitzvosYaakov Avinu's brachos to Yissachar and Zevulun reference the partnership they have between them. Is Yissachar giving up a portion of his learning, can one buy another's zechusim? What about selling one's aveiros? Some insights into how one can gain a share inthe zechusim of another, and the greatness of supporting Torah. Hope you enjoy. Feel free to reach out for the Marei Mekomos. Have a good Shabbos2023-12-2709 min
Meaningful Ideas on the ParshaVayechi - Sharing and Transferring MitzvosYaakov Avinu's brachos to Yissachar and Zevulun reference the partnership they have between them. Is Yissachar giving up a portion of his learning, can one buy another's zechusim? What about selling one's aveiros? Some insights into how one can gain a share inthe zechusim of another, and the greatness of supporting Torah.
Hope you enjoy. Feel free to reach out for the Marei Mekomos.
Have a good Shabbos2023-12-2709 min
Meaningful Ideas on the ParshaVayishlach - Seeing The Captors For Who They AreThe Torah tells us of all the kindness Yaakov provided for the city of Shechem, and how they then abducted and abused Dinah. Some thoughts on those who only seek to harm us, and how to approach them.
May this Dvar Torah be a zechus for Erez and Sohar Kalderon, and Yagil and Or Yaakov, to have a full Refuah Shelaima, together with the other released hostages.
Have a good Shabbos2023-11-3009 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaVayishlach - Seeing The Captors For Who They AreThe Torah tells us of all the kindness Yaakov provided for the city of Shechem, and how they then abducted and abused Dinah. Some thoughts on those who only seek to harm us, and how to approach them. May this Dvar Torah be a zechus for Erez and Sohar Kalderon, and Yagil and Or Yaakov, to have a full Refuah Shelaima, together with the other released hostages. Have a good Shabbos2023-11-3009 min
Meaningful Ideas on the ParshaVayeitzei - Like The Dust Of The EarthYaakov was given a Beracha to be like the dust of the earth. The Medrash says a pshat it's a Beracha relating to the anti-semitism we will face in Galus. Some Chizuk in the face of the challenges we are facing today.2023-11-2309 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaVayeitzei - Like The Dust Of The EarthYaakov was given a Beracha to be like the dust of the earth. The Medrash says a pshat it's a Beracha relating to the anti-semitism we will face in Galus. Some Chizuk in the face of the challenges we are facing today.2023-11-2309 min
Meaningful Ideas on the ParshaToldos - Those Who Bless Us & Those Who Curse UsYitzchak blessed Yaakov, those who curse us will be cursed, and those who bless us will be blessed. What the Yerushalmi teaches about how we should react to the way they treat us, and what the Medrash teaches about the difficult times in our history.2023-11-1609 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaToldos - Those Who Bless Us & Those Who Curse UsYitzchak blessed Yaakov, those who curse us will be cursed, and those who bless us will be blessed. What the Yerushalmi teaches about how we should react to the way they treat us, and what the Medrash teaches about the difficult times in our history.2023-11-1609 min
Meaningful Ideas on the ParshaNaso - Sheep of IntegrityThe Inaugural Karbanos of the Nesiim all came with tremendous symbolism unique to their shevet. Yissacher brought a sheep to represent the integrity of Yaakov with the sheep of Lavan. Why is that what's chosen as the aspect of Yaakov to tap into here? Hope you have a great Shabbos.2023-06-0209 min
Meaningful Ideas on the ParshaNaso - Sheep of IntegrityThe Inaugural Karbanos of the Nesiim all came with tremendous symbolism unique to their shevet. Yissacher brought a sheep to represent the integrity of Yaakov with the sheep of Lavan. Why is that what's chosen as the aspect of Yaakov to tap into here? Based on an idea from Rav Elya Baruch Finkel.
Hope you have a great Shabbos.2023-06-0209 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaVayigash - Fate of the DeceitfulThe Torah tells us when the brothers told Yaakov that Yosef was alive, he didn't belive them. Why wouldn't he believe them? An idea from the Avos D'Rabbi Nosson.2022-12-2907 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaVayigash - Fate of the DeceitfulThe Torah tells us when the brothers told Yaakov that Yosef was alive, he didn't belive them. Why wouldn't he believe them? An idea from the Avos D'Rabbi Nosson.2022-12-2907 min
Meaningful Ideas on the ParshaBehar - The Bitachon of ShemitahPirkei 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?2022-05-1907 min
Meaningful Ideas on the ParshaSefirah- Kavod Hatorah and the AveilusHow 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.2022-05-1808 min
Meaningful Ideas on the ParshaEmor - Kiddush Hashem and The Purpose of CreationExploring 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/. 2022-05-1109 min
Meaningful Ideas on the ParshaKedoshim - Taking Revenge and Bearing a GrudgeHow 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.2022-05-0409 min
Meaningful Ideas on the ParshaSefiras HaOmer: The Aveilus of Sefirah and The Joy of Lag BaomerOne 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.2022-05-0305 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaAchrei Mos - Living With Mitzvos In This World and The NextFascinating 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?2022-04-2806 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaPesach - Kriyas Yam Suf, Bitachon, and ParnasahSpecial 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.2022-04-2109 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaPesach - The Difference between Zechiras Yetzias Mitzrayim and Sippur Yetzias MitzrayimWe 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. 2022-04-1306 min
Meaningful Ideas on the ParshaMetzora - The Deadliness of IsolationWhy 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.2022-04-0708 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaPesach - Rabbi Dovid Lederman - Celebrating Geulah While We are in GalusPresenting 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.2022-04-0608 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaTazria - Being Careful in Our SpeechAnalyzing 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.2022-03-3106 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaPesach - Rav Elyah Baruch Finkel's Pshat in MatzahA 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.2022-03-2706 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaShemini - Inspiration from the Midas Hadin on TzaddikimUpon 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?2022-03-2308 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaParshas Tzav (and Purim) - What's In it For Me?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.2022-03-1606 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaVayikra - Individual Sin and Communal SinShould 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?2022-03-1007 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaPurim and Ukraine - Hashgachas Hashem Then and NowBeautiful 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?2022-03-0902 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaPekudei - Raising Up the Pillars of the MishkanAn 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?2022-03-0307 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaPekudei - The Height of The Mishkan and the Height of the LeviimInteresting 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.2022-02-2804 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaPekudei - Moshe's Height and other Physical MaalosChazal 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!2022-02-2707 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaVayakhel - A Role for Each SoulDeeper 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.2022-02-2308 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaKi Sisah - Aharon and the Chet HaegelWhy 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.2022-02-1607 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaTetzaveh - The Bigdei Kehuna and RespectThoughts 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?2022-02-1009 min
Meaningful Ideas on the ParshaTerumah - Tznius from the Covers of the MishkanBeautiful 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?2022-02-0207 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaTerumah - The 3 Crowns of the Klei HaMishkan2021 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.2022-02-0105 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaMishpatim - Remembering What We Learn and Building On ItSomething 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.2022-01-2707 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaMishpatim - Carrying Sheep and Understanding SheepThe 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.2022-01-2707 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaYisro - Differences in The Two Sets of LuchosExploring 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.2022-01-1907 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaBeshalach - Hashem Yimloch L'olam Va'edAnalyzing 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?2022-01-1207 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaBo - The Reality of DarknessIs 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?2022-01-0507 min
Meaningful Ideas on the ParshaVa'eira - Bishvili Nivra Haolam and Yetzias MitzrayimHow 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.2021-12-3008 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaShemos - Shifra & Puah & Infant CareWhy 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.2021-12-2307 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaVayechi - The Ketz HaGeulah and HopeAnalyzing the first Rashi in the Parsha. Why is it so essential that the time of the redemption be concealed?2021-12-1609 min
Meaningful Ideas on the ParshaVayigash - Yosef's Wagons and Chashivus for TorahLessons 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?2021-12-1006 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaMiketz - The Sar Hamashkim and Understanding the Yetzer HarahIdeas 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? 2021-12-0105 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaChanukah - Schem and Galus YavanShiur 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?2021-12-0107 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaVayeishev - Yosef and The BrothersWhy 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.2021-11-2405 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaVayishlach - The Roots of AmalekWhy does the root of all evil come from the best of Eisav's descendants? An amazing Yesod from Rav Tzadok Hakohen.2021-11-1707 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaVayeitzei - Yaakov Choosing Rachel as a WifeWhy did Yaakov want to marry Rachel over Leah? The approach of Rav Aharon Kotler to the unique midah of Silence of Rachel Imeinu.2021-11-1207 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaToldos - Nisyonos of the Avos and the Nature of NisayonThis 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.2021-11-0707 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaChayei Sarah - The Death of Avraham and The Value of LifeMy 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?2021-10-2806 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaVayeira - Avraham's Greatness in Hachnasas OrchimThe great heights Avraham reached in this Mitzvah and what we can learn from it. Fascinating approach of the Baalei Tosfos.2021-10-2007 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaLech Lecha - The story of Ur KasdimWhy 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.2021-10-1407 min
Meaningful Ideas on the ParshaNoach - The Power of Our Influence on Our EnvironmentWhy 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.2021-10-0707 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaBereishis - His Humilty in Making ManMussar Lessons to learn from Naaseh Adam. Why does the Torah use a language that could be misleading?2021-10-0107 min
Meaningful Ideas on the ParshaVzos Habracha and Simchas Torah - Moshe's Passing and Kavod ShamayimFound 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.2021-09-2407 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaAseres Yamei Teshuva and Haazinu - Finding What's MissingHow do we keep a growth mindset in old age? The meaning inherent in everything in Torah, and the need to find it.2021-09-1307 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaVayeilech - The Happiness of Low ExpectationsHow 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. 2021-09-1005 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaNitzavim - The Bris Moav of Areivim Zeh LazehWhy 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.2021-09-0207 min
Meaningful Ideas on the ParshaKi Savo - Bikkurim and The Purpose of CreationHow 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.2021-08-2607 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaKi Setzei - Shiluach Hakan and the Reasons for MitzvosWhy 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.2021-08-1906 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaShoftim - Eidim Zomemin and Kaasher ZamamWhy do the zomemin loose if it's a two-on-two? Why do they only get punished if the verdict is not executed?2021-08-1207 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaRe'eh - Sensitivity to an Ani and TzedakahInsights into how we judge poor people, and some suprising ideas in Bechira. Why would Tzedakah include giving him a Cadillac?2021-08-0507 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaEikev - Mussar Lessons from the Parsha of ShemaIs 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.2021-07-2907 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaVaeschanan - Moshe's Burial in Chutz LaaretzWhy couldn't Moshe at least be buried in Eretz Yisrael, and how does it affect us?2021-07-2205 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaTisha B'Av and the 10 MartyrsA very powerful medrash about the kinnah Eilah Ezkarah and the 10 Harugei Malchus. Story is somewhat graphic, listener discretion is advised.2021-07-1507 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaDevarim - Judging Big and Small AlikeIs showing favoritism or taking one's financial status into consideration when judging a case ever moral?2021-07-1403 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaParshas Mattos - Nedarim and Respecting HalachaBeautiful 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.2021-07-0807 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaPinchas & The 3 Weeks - Severity of the SinSome 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.2021-07-0107 min
Meaningful Ideas on the ParshaBalak - The Importance of BoundariesThere is a very powerful Gemara about how the Yetzer Harah ensnared the people into sinning with the daughters of Moav on Sanhedrin 106a. What lessons can we learn and apply to our own lives?2021-06-2407 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaChukas - Understanding the Chet of the Mei MerievahAn 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.2021-06-1609 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaKorach - The Reward for the Good Within The BadWhy 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.2021-06-1005 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaKorach - The Achrayus of a LeaderWhat inspired Moshe to keep defending the Jewish people when they kept rebelling against him, and Hashem himself wanted to destroy them?
The important insight of the Ralbag.2021-06-0906 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaShelach - The Meraglim and Klal Yisrael's TeshuvaA very nice idea about the Meraglim and the Teshuva that Yisrael did after the Chet. My own insight.2021-06-0305 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaBehaaloscha - Yisro Being Like Our EyesOne of Moshe's arguments to Yisro to stay with the Jewish people is that he tells him you will be Leinayim. What does that mean, and what can we learn from it? Inspired by a Shiur of Rabbi Noach Light of East Boca Raton.2021-05-2706 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaNaso - Birchas Kohanim - B'ahavaA short from the Nesivos Shalom about why the Beracha is B'ahava. Why is Ahavah an integral part of the Mitzvah of Birchas Kohanim?2021-05-2001 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaNaso - The Individuality of the 12 NesiimAn exploration of how they all brought offerings that expressed their individuality, while maintaining uniformity. Why does the Torah list all 12 offerings if they all seem the same? Why did they all bring the same offerings, and how did that express the individuality of their shevet?2021-05-2004 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaNaso - The Nazir - A Kadosh or a Choteh?An exploration of the Nazir, and the Jewish approach to materialism. Why does the Torah call him both a Kodesh and a Choteh? Features a nice Nesivos Shalom about the Semichos Haparshiyos.
2021-05-1903 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaBamidbar - Counting Every IndividualA beautiful thought on the Ramban about why every individual met with Moshe as part of the counting process. Why was it worth Moshe's time to meet all 603,550 people? He can count them without spending a year meeting them all?2021-05-1302 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaBehar Bechukosai and Shavuos - The connection between Bitachon and Kabalas HaTorahA connection between these two Parshiyos, and the Yom Tov of Shavuos. The connection Chazal make between the development of Bitachon that Klal Yisrael developed through eating of the Manna, and their ability to be the generation to recieve the Torah. Idea is in Ahavah Rabah as well, "because our forefathers trusted in you, you taught them the ways of life."2021-05-0607 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaAchrei Mos - Nadav & Avihu - Causing Pain to OthersChazal say one of the reason Nadav and Avihu were punished was because they never married, and it caused pain to single girls. Is a person responsible for the pain others feel as a result of their actions when they didn't harm them directly? If yes, is that true even when one didn't do anything wrong? The fascinating Machlokes between Rav Henoch Leibowitz and Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz.2021-04-2207 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaMetzora - Lashon Hara and Being PositiveWhy did Hashem command us not to speak Lashon Hara? How do we keep such a hard mitzvah? Which character trait is that supposed to develop within us? A beautiful idea from Rav Avraham Pam about how working on our speech can help us develop an Ayin Tovah.2021-04-1505 min
Meaningful Ideas on the ParshaShemini - Kli Cheres Tumah from the InsideA Keli Cheres (earthenware vessel) can only becomes Tamei from the inside, most keilim can become tamei from the outside as well. Mayanah Shel Torah brings a beautiful pshat from the Kotzker Rebbe why this is so.2021-04-0801 min
Meaningful Ideas on the ParshaVayikra - The Yesod of KarbanosWhy do we bring Karbanos, and what we can learn from them? Why are they one of the three pillars of the world, what can they teach us? Rabbeinu Bechayai and the Chinuch connect it to Kaparah and how it can bring us to Teshuva. The Rosh connects it to keeping us in a good place emotionally and not losing hope.
Hope you enjoy, always appreciate any feedback.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
2021-03-1707 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaWelcome to the PodcastWhat the podcast hopes to accomplish, and an inspirational story of chizuk about starting projects.2021-03-0903 minMeaningful Ideas on the ParshaMeaningful Ideas on the Parsha - A brief IntroWhat the podcast is about and what I hope to accomplish.2021-03-0800 min