Meaningful Ideas on the Parsha

In this week's Parsha we have the story of Miriam getting Tzaraas. Thought it would be interesting to share a fascinating Gemara about Miriam and her marriage to Kalev Ben Yefunah, and the lessons we can learn from them.Have a good Shabbos

The Rambam finds the source for the Mitzvah of Viduy in this week's Parsha. Why is Viduy taught from the area of admitting to swearing falsely on a stolen item, and why is it such an essential part of Teshuva?Have a good Shabbos 

Bamidbar begins with the counting of the Bnei Yisrael, which the seforim teach shows the preciousness of our people as a whole, and of every individual as well. Matan Torah is really what gave us that special distinction and made us unique. May Hashem help us appreciate who we are and help us find ways to tap into His precious gift on the Yom Tov of Shavuos.Have a great Shabbos and a wonderful and meaningful Shavuos.

The highest form of giving in Halacha is to help hold someone up before they fall down. Is this only about preventing someone from falling financially, or even from falling apart emotionally? Some ideas based on the Rambam and Chofetz Chaim on being Mechazek those in need.Have a good Shabbos

As we approach Lag Baomer it's a good time to focus on the Korban Omer. Why was the Korban Omer brought and why was the Chodosh crop forbidden until the Korban Omer was brought? What can we learn from it about the importance of Hakaras Hatov?Have a good Shabbos

When there is Tzaraas upon a house, the Torah says one should clean out all their possessions before the Kohen inspects it. Chazal explain this is to protect the owner, out of sensitivity for him losing unkasherable vessels when they become Tamei. Why does the Torah show such sensitivity to one who deserves a public punishment, and what can we learn from it?Have a good Shabbos

Shemini talks about the different Kosher and Unkosher animals. Rabbi Akiva pointed out the wonders of creation, that there are creatures that have so much power in one domain, yet would die very quickly if they switch environments. Some lessons we can learn from this in our own lives.Have a wonderful Shabbos

As we came to the second half of Pesach, we focus on the Shirah at the Yam Suf. The Pinnacle of Yetzias Mitrayim was when we reached the level of Shirah, and the pinnacle of the shirah was the proclaiming of Hashem Yimloch Leolam Vaed. A perspective on the Hakaras Hatov that brought us to that level.Have a wonderful Shabbos and a Chag Kasher V'Sameach.

Chazal tells us that when Aharon and his sons brought the last ram as part of their Kohanite inauguration they celebrated. May we learn from the Zerizus with which they celebrated, and rejoice in our successful preparation for Pesach.A Chag Kasher V'Sameach.

A quick idea in the importance of mindfulness in our speech. Relevant to when we use Hashem's name, even to designate a Karbon. And relevant to an important Halacha in how to speak when buying meat and chicken for Pesach.Have a wonderful Shabbos HaGadol

The Torah details the process by which the Bnei Yisrael pressed gold and cut it into thin threads in order to weave them into the Ephod. What was unique about this process that it is the only creative process the Torah details here? Some ideas in the value of coming up with Chiddushim in our Avodah. (The word Ideation has been used in the place of Innovation, because there are limits to how creative we are allowed to be.)Have a good Shabbos

The Parsha says that Moshe gathered all the Jewish people together to teach them Hilchos Shabbos. What was unique about Shabbos that it was singled out more than the other Mitzvos to be taught in this matter, and what can we learn from it?Have a wonderful Shabbos

Why does Purim have a focus on Bein Adam LaChaveiro Mitzvos, more than we find by other Yomim Tovim?A nice idea as explored by Rav Yeruchem Olshin.

The Navi Yirmiyahu compares Klal Yisrael to the olive tree. How are the Jewish people similar to an olive tree? Some ideas on how we stay separate, and allow our inner greatness to come forth and burn bright.Have a good Shabbos and a Freilichen Purim

Chazal teach us that the Aharon symbolizes the Talmid Chacham and our relationship with the Torah. Some insights in the symbolism of the dimensions and makeup of the Aharon, and the transformations we seek to achieve in Torah.Have a wonderful Shabbos.

If one who strikes his Eved Canaani and knocks out a tooth, the Eved goes free. Rav Zilberstein raises the question, let's say it would be golden teeth, who would have the rights to keep the teeth? A fascinating discussion about the Halachic status of the detached limb of a living eved.Hope you enjoy.Have a wonderful Shabbos 

Chazal say the Jews were told to borrow money from the Mitzriyim so Avraham shouldn't claim the promise of wealth wasn't fulfilled. Wouldn't Hashem fulfill the promise regardless? A perspective from Rav Yeruchem Olshin in when their Redemption was completed. Have a Wonderful Shabbos

The Sefer HaChinuch discusses why we need so many different Mitzvos to remember Yetzias Mitzrayim, and explains it's because our actions influence our hearts, and the more we do, the greater the influence. Exploring this technique in improving our Middos through the eyes of the Sefer HaChinuch and Rav Yechezkel Levenstein. Have a beautiful Shabbos

Hi, The Torah tells us Hashem hardened Pharaoh's heart so he wouldn't send them out during the last five Makkos. Doesn't that go against the basic concept of free will? The approaches of the Rambam, the Seforno, and the Bais Halevi to this problem? Have a wonderful Shabbos

Rabbeinu Bechayai discusses how Moshe experienced seeing a miraculous fire in the bush, then a Malach and then a Nevuah from Hakadosh Baruch Hu. Why was the revelation done in a progression, and how did he grow from examining the fire itself? Have a wonderful Shabbos.

At 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

Serach 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.

We have had many miracles in Jewish History, and many miraculous victories as well. What was unique about Chanukah that they made it into a Holiday? An approach based on the Pnei Yehoshua. Frielichen Chanukah

When Yosef was sold to the House of Potifar, he was blessed with tremendous Siyata Dishmaya, and eventually place in charge of the home. The Torah says Potifar saw Hashem was with Yosef and was impressed by that. How does an Oved Avodah Zarah like Potifar get impressed by Yosef's connection to Hashem? Have a good Shabbos

Shimon 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

Many times we go through challenges, and it can be to believe it's a blessing in disguise. Stories from the Parsha, and how we can extrapolate from them to our own lives. Have a good Shabbos

We 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.

Avraham Aveinu had Eliezer swear before sending him out to find a wife for Yitzchak. Ideas on why he chose this to swear on from the Chiddushei Halev and Rav Elya Baruch Finkel. Have a good Shabbos.

Avraham Avinu was given Ten Nisyonos, among them to chase away Yishmael, and to shecht Yitzchak. How can a loving father do that to his son BiSimcha? Did he do it by suppressing his love for his children, by overriding that love with love of Hashem? An analysis based on the ideas of Rav Simcha Zissel Broide in different approaches to controlling our emotions in the Service of Hashem. Have a good Shabbos.

Hi, BH we had a hiatus for Simchas, now ready to start the 5th season of Shiurim. Avraham Avinu was given the power to give Brachos, a power we all have as Yidden. The Brachos of Malki-Tzedek and the critique are also in this weeks Parsha. Some thoughts on showering others with Bracha and Giving thanks to Hashem. Have a Great Shabbos

We come to judgement day this year on the heels of a complicated year. One of the lessons we see from the differences in the Hamas attack versus the Iran attacks is Hashem's complete control over the world. How can we use it to humble ourselves and focus on His Kingship before the Yom Hadin? Wishing you a K'sivah V'chasimah Tovah and a meaningful and fulfilling year. 

As we approach Rosh Hashana we need to be focused on Teshuva and self-growth. Some insights from Rabbeinu Yona and the Ramban on the Siyatah Dishmaya Hashem provides us when we try to tap into our innate goodness and do Teshuva. Thank you for being a listener again this past year. Appreciate your support. Have a K'Sivah V'chasimah Tovah and a good Shabbos.

Chazal tells us the Mitzvah to Walk in the Ways of Hashem means to emulate Hashem's Middos. How can we learn from Hashem's Chessed and Rachamanus, and try to emulate them? A K'sivah V'chasimah Tovah and a Gut Shabbos

 The Torah warns us to protect our selves from evil during times of war. Some insights into the dangers of our Yetzer Hara in times of pressure. Have a good Shabbos

It's an honor to have my good friend Avi Friedman on the podcast. Avi runs his own time management coaching business called Managed Minds, and has learned a great deal about truly living with Bitachon from his experience with entrepreneurship and the lack of a set paycheck. Hope you enjoy his insights. Have a good Shabbos.

Elul is a time to focus on the fundamentals. The Mishna in Avos says the world stands on judgement, truth and peace. Chazal learn important fundamentals in all three areas from the third pasuk in the Parsha. Have a Ksivah Vchasimah Tovah and a wonderful Shabbos

The Parsha talks about the Halachos of an Ir Hanidachas, and how we should destroy it. How can we destroy a whole city of Jews in Eretz Yisrael without it being harmful to us and to our people?  Have a Wonderful Shabbos

In this week's parsha, we have a Mitzvah to thank Hashem for the good in our lives. We also have a Mitzvah to realize all our challenges in life come from a loving Father. An exploration of how Rabbeinu Yona connects these two Mitzvos. Have a wonderful Shabbos  

Found a beautiful idea in the Midrash Raba about why Moshe is buried in Chutz Laaretz and how it helps us in the current Galus. How it really is for our benefit, and a sign of the love Moshe had for the Jewish people. Hope you enjoy, always appreciate any questions or feedback. Have a great Shabbos.

In honor of the Simcha, wanted to share a vort on how we should react to others Simchas, and how we can bring more Bracha into our lives. May we continue to share in Simchas. Have a wonderful Shabbos.

When we went to fight Midian, we sent 12,000 to fight, 12,000 to guard the supplies, and 12,000 to daven. Why did we need to bring 12,000 soldiers to daven on the battlefield, why couldn't they daven in shul? An idea from Rav Yechezkel Levenstein on one of the fundamentals of prayer. Have a wonderful Shabbos

Chazal tells us people were critical of Pinchas for killing the Nasi of Shevet Shimon for his immoral behavior. With all the miracles that took place, how could they have been critical of Pinchas? An approach from Rav Yechezkel Levenstein on the importance of analyzing and working on our Middos. Have a good Shabbos

Balak 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 Shabbos

This Friday of Parshas Chukas has been proclaimed as a day of Tefilah regarding Gezairos against the Torah, and historically it has been a day of fasting for the 24 cartloads of Sefarim burned in France. An explanation from Rav Simcha Zissel Broide why we have a special significance tied to the Friday of this week, and how the day of a Parsha has a root in the Torah that plays out in the world.

Chazal learn the extent of our obligation to heal machlokes from the way Moshe pursued peace with Dathan and Aviram. Lessons from Moshe's perseverance, and from the positive outcomes it produced. Have a good Shabbos

The error of the Meraglim can in part be attributed to a lack in Bitachon that Hashem would help them conquer Eretz Yisrael. Should we be worried that our flaws will prevent Hashem from helping us at times? Does Bitachon dictate being an optimist who expects the best, or just that we learn to roll with the punches knowing He is in charge? Built upon ideas from the Sum Derech and Sefer HaBoteach. Have a wonderful Shabbos

We find 3 challenges the Jewish people experience in their march toward EY in this weeks parsha. The approach of Rav Simcha Zissel Broide in understanding the subtle nature of the stories and the critiques. Have a wonderful Shabbos

Why does the Torah repeat the offerings of the 12 Nesiim at length, if it seems to be repetition of the same Karbanos? An approach of Rav Henoch Leibowitz Zt'l, to how and why they found a way to express the individuality and uniqueness of each Shevet, while at the same time allowing for uniformity among all the Shevatim. Have a good Shabbos

Shavuos is a day when we try to grow in Torah, and appreciate how it can transform out lives. A small tribute to my Rebbe Zt"l who personified this, and two unique insights I gained from him about the Torah and the human mind. Have a Chag Kasher V'sameach

The Torah counts us and lists our numbers in the Parsha multiple times. Chazal that explain Hashem treasures us and repeatedly counts us with pride. Can we feel Hashem is proud of us, and can that help us in our Avodas Hashem? Have a good Shabbos

Bechukosai is a Parsha where we talk about the importance of working in Torah and developing a life of connection with the Torah. A surprising connection the Sefer HaChinuch makes to Maasar Behaimah, and what we hope to gain from Yerushalayim. Have a good Shabbos