Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

In this shmooze, delivered at Mevaseret Mishmar, Rav Burg explains the inner connection between the cutting of the grain and Shavuos. On Shavuos Hashem gives us the Torah but it is up to us to take responsibility for receiving the Torah.

In this shiur, delivered in Tomer Devorah, Rav Burg explains why Shevet Dan had significantly more people than Shevet Binyamin despite the fact that Dan had only one child and Binyamin had ten. When we raise our children, especially those who have challenges, to believe that they are awesome, they can live beyond their natural limitations.

In this shiur, delivered in Ba'er Miriam, Rav Burg explains the inner meaning of the Maamar Chazal that says that Nadav aneand Avihu sinned because they did not have children. When we have an outlet for our creativity, we have a greater capacity for surrender.

In this shiur, delivered in Tomer Devorah, Rav Burg explains the inner connection between Ameilus B'Torah and Shemita.

In this shiur, delivered in Sharfmans, Rav Burg explains why the ultimate punishment is not for our anger with Hashem but with our apathy.

In this shiur, delivered in Ba'er Miriam, Rav Burg explains why when we fail to return someone's greeting we are robbing them of their dignity and sending them on a downwards spiral.

In this shiur, delivered in Aish HaTorah to the Chizuk Mission, Rav Burg explains the inner meaning of Matan Torah. At Matan Torah there was no echo because all of the world revealed itself to be an expression of the Dvar Hashem. Though the world reverted back to its previous state, it years to be its authentic self. Our mission is to reveal the true essence of everything in this world. Though the world in its fragmented state clings to us in a way that we feel drags us down, it does so because it yearns to be connected to Hashem. This is true not only of the material world but even of the broken parts of ourselves.

In this shmooze, delivered at the joint Mevaseret/Shaalvim Lag Ba'Omer event, Rav Burg explains how Rav Akiva was able to begin again even after he lost 24000 talmidim. Rav Shimon Bar Yochai reveals that even unimaginable suffering can be a gift when used correctly.

In this shiur, delivered in Sharfmans, Rav Burg explains the inner meaning of the Kohen Baal Mum. Sometimes we feel like a Kohen, chosen for a greater mission. Sometimes we feel like a Baal Mum, like we are damaged goods. A foreigner, unworthy of doing the Avodah in the Beis HaMikdash. The Kohen Baal Mum asks the question, Hashem why did you make me feel so distant from You?!? The answer to this question lies in the essence of Shavuos.

In this shiur, delivered in Ba'er Miriam, Rav Burg explains the true definition of love. When Hashem created the world, He pulled Himself back to create space for us to exist. In our relationships, we have the opportunity to act like Hashem and pull ourselves back to create space for another. We are often afraid to do so because we lack a deep connection to our infinite Godly souls. When we play the game of life with an infinite amount of "poker chips" we are strong enough to pull back and give ourselves to another.

In this shiur, delivered in Tomer Devorah, Rav Burg explains the inner meaning of Kavod. Kavod does not mean approval, recognition, appreciation or honor. On one level it means the substance of a person. The awareness of the Godliness that resides within each and every one of us. On a deeper level it means the immeasurable preciousness that the Ribono Shel Olam has for every single Jew.

In this shiur, delivered in Tomer Devorah, Rav Burg examines many of the halachos of the Metzora and explains the inner nature of each one. When we take a snapshot of someone, defining them without context by their lowest moments, we fail to capture the full picture of who they are.

In this shmooze, delivered at Mevaseret Mishmar, Rav Burg explains the inner meaning of Sefiras HaOmer and the connection to Shabbos. Only when we find serenity can we dream and only when we can dream can we receive the Torah.

In this shiur, delivered in Ba'er Miriam, Rav Burg explains the inner meaning of the Niddah cycle. The halacha of the mother who gives birth to a baby boy and gives her son a Bris represents the Torah of man. We are not meant to live in a state of Tahara but to achieve a state of Tahara. In this way we rectify the sin of Adam HaRishon.

In this shiur, delivered in Ba'er Miriam, Rav Burg explores the inner nature of the Racham bird. In today's day and age it is popular to put things in "context" in order to find compassion for those who commit atrocities. Ultimately this leads to the development of a cruel society. Similarly, in relationships, while there is often value in being compassionate, we must learn to create healthy boundaries when someone is showing up in ways that are inappropriate and make us feel unsafe. The Racham bird may be compassionate, but it's compassionate even to the cruel.

In this shmooze, delivered at Mevaseret Mishmar, Rav Burg explores three different Torah's around the halachos of Kashrus in animals. The Kli Yakar explains that we must be careful about our surrounding influences. Rav Yisrael Salanter teaches that we can never write off another Jew. The Chida explains that we need to define people by their core positivity. And if this is true about how we relate to others, it is certainly the way we need to relate to ourselves.

In this shiur, delivered in Sharfmans, Rav Burg explains the inner nature of the sin of Nadav and Avihu. What does it mean that they were drunk? Why is Ahron HaKohen told to communicate the issur about being drunk in the Mishkan for all generations? There is a difference between religious and spiritual. Religion is about serving Hashem the way He wants to be served. Spirituality is about serving Hashem with all of our heart. When we combine being religious and spiritual is when we are truly serving Hashem wholeheartedly.

In this shiur, Rav Burg explains (based on a Torah from the Shvilei Pinchas) the secret of the Bnei Ephraim leaving Mitzrayim 30 years too early. What was their thought process? What was their mistake? Why does Hashem say that He will avenge their blood if they made a mistake?

In this shiur, delivered in Ba'er Miriam on Erev Pesach, Rav Burg explains the inner meaning of Ha Lachma Anya. Only through pure Chesed will Klal Yisrael ultimately be redeemed.

In this shiur Rav Burg explains the deeper meaning of the small Aleph at the beginning of Vayikra. When we humble ourselves and the world then we reveal the inner essence of Hashem that the material world is rooted in. Only when we harmonize the physical and the spiritual world are we fulfilling the mission for which we were created.

In this shiur, delivered in Tomer Devorah, Rav Burg explains why Hashem wanted Klal Yisrael to avoid the Pelishtim as they left Mitzrayim, why the first Mitzvah Klal Yisrael received was freeing slaves and why on the precipice of entering Eretz Yisrael, Moshe Rabbeinu reminds Klal Yisrael of the fears they experienced when they left Mitzrayim. To be a slave in Mitzrayim means to lose all sense of dignity and agency over one's life. The process of taking Klal Yisrael out of Mitzrayim is restoring their dignity and giving them a sense of responsibility for their lives.

In this shiur, delivered in Sharfmans, Rav Burg uses several different aspects of the Mishkan to explore how we can build a relationship with Hashem.

In this shiur, delivered in Ba'er Miriam, Rav Burg explains the deeper meaning of Yetzias Mitzrayim. More than just Hashem overpowering Pharaoh, Hashem took Klal Yisrael out from the womb of Mitzrayim and birthed us into a nation.

In this shiur, delivered at Mevaseret Mishmar "Unplugged" (last Mishmar of the Zman), Rav Burg shared a Vort from the Noviminsker Rebbe zt"l who explains why in the Mishkan they collected not only gold and silver but even copper. A Yeshiva is a place where even boys who don't obviously shine are a cherished part of the Yeshiva. Only when we value the copper Talmidim can we be considered a true Mishkan.

In this shiur, delivered in Ba'er Miriam, Rav Burg explains the inner connection between Shabbos and the Mishkan. Our responsibility is to build a vessel and to relinquish control to Hashem that He will fill our vessel with Divine blessings. In this way we let go of the anxiety of taking responsibility for the outcome of Parnasa. At this level even our weekdays take on an element of Shabbos.

In this shiur, delivered in Aish Gesher for Women, Rav Burg explains the inner meaning of why Esther HaMalka insisted that Purim be established as a Yom Tov and Megillas Esther be included in Tanach. When we understand the secret of the Machtzis Hashekel being a coin of fire, that we have a mission for which we are created, that Hashem loves us eternally and that small actions make a big difference, we recognize that we are all writing a Megillah for generations to come.

In this shiur, delivered Motzai Shabbos in the Lubat home in Ramat Beit Shemesh, Rav Burg explains the inner meaning Ora, Simcha, Sasson and Yikar and addresses how we can celebrate Purim amidst all of the tragedy that we have faced and while our war is still ongoing.

In this shmooze, delivered at the pre-Purim / Hilula of Moshe Rabbeinu Mevaseret Mishmar, Rav Burg explains the significance of the fact that Haman rejoiced over the fact that the lottery fell out in Adar, the month when Moshe Rabbeinu passed away. Haman failed to realize that in Yiddishkeit death is just the beginning of new life.

In this shiur, delivered in Sharfmans, Rav Burg explains the inner meaning of the noise that the Kohen Gadol's clothing makes upon entering the Beis HaMikdash. There is a difference between guilt and shame. When we feel shame we feel unworthy of love and connection. When we feel guilt we are tapped into our true self which is essentially connected to Hashem. That bond can never be broken and Hashem always wants to hear from us no matter how far we have strayed.

In this shiur, delivered in Ba'er Miriam, Rav Burg explains (based on a Sicha from the Lubavitcher Rebbe) the inner meaning of why Moshe Rabbeinu's name is missing in this week's parsha. We all carry within our own souls a spark of Moshe Rabbeinu. When we define ourselves by our essential self we tap into that spark and transform our service of Hashem.

In this shiur, delivered in Aish HaTorah to the Chizuk Mission, Rav Burg explains the inner meaning of the halachos of how we read the Megillah, how we roll the Megillah and the tenses of the Brachos. Esther is the bechina of the greatest possible concealment, which is where she discovers her truest self.

In this shiur, delivered to Darchei Binah on the occasion of their 30th day of being social media free, Rav Burg explains the inner meaning of the word Hineini. Hineini means to stand with humility and bravely face the impossible. As we let go of distractions in our lives we become more present in reality and have the capacity to live Hineini lives.

In this shiur, delivered in Sharfmans, Rav Burg explains why this Parsha is named Terumah and not Mishkan. To make a lasting and meaningful change in this world, the transformation needs to come from below. As we become givers, the world becomes a dwelling place for Hashem.

In this shiur, delivered in Tomer Devorah, Rav Burg explains the inner meaning of the Keruvim standing in an intimate embrace as the Beis HaMikdash is being destroyed. The secret of Sinas Chinam is that we only hate because we love.

In this shiur, delivered in Ba'er Miriam, Rav Burg explains (based on the Kedushas Levi) why the Aron containing the Luchos is mentioned twice and why the rods in the Aron were not allowed to be removed. The Luchos represent the essence of our relationship with Hashem. Sometimes our Yiddishkeit can feel disjointed. Mitzvos may feel like they stand alone, separate from our mission to be Davek to Hashem. The Aron must be portable, revealing the essence in every single Mitzvah.

In this shiur, delivered to the Chizuk Mission in Aish HaTorah in Yerushalayim, Rav Burg explores the inner essence of antisemitism and how we claim our Jewish identity in the darkest of times. We have a choice - fulfill the hole we have in ourselves with power or with submission to Hashem. Ultimately, our choice to submit represents a threat to those who seek power.

In this shiur, delivered at the Ramada Hotel to the Daily Giving Learn a Thon, Rav Burg explains how Klal Yisrael is in its essence a nation of Chesed while our enemies seek out new ways to inflict cruelty upon us.

In this shiur, delivered in Ba'er Miriam, Rav Burg explains why in the middle of Kabbalas HaTorah the Torah "interrupts" the narrative to give the civil laws of Parshas Mishpatim. How we engage in our interpersonal relationships is critical to Kabbalas HaTorah and our mission as Jews.

In this shiur, delivered at Stern College, Rav Burg explains the inner connection between being misameach a Chasan and a Kallah and meriting the Five Kolos of Torah.

In this shiur, delivered to the Nshei of KBH in North Woodmere, Rav Burg explores the nature of raising children to feel securely attached.

In this shiur, delivered in the Hirsch home in Los Angeles to the Chizuk Mission, Rav Burg explains why for the last month kf Moshe Rabbeinu's life, Chodesh Shevat, he translated the Torah into seventy languages.

In this shiur, delivered at the Mashiach home in Chicago, Rav Burg explains the inner connection between man being described as a tree in the field and the egla arufa. Our soul expresses itself most deeply when it does a Mitzvah. Self actualization means not only that we are productive people but that our soul is able to fulfill its purpose.

In this shiur, delivered in the Valley in Los Angeles, Rav Burg explains the inner workings of how we can leave our personal Mitzrayim and yet still be stuck before we arrive at our personal Har Sinai. Truth can defeat falsehood but it cannot necessarily overcome apathy. When we don't care we have to move beyond logic and tap into the essence of our soul. This movement becomes the vehicle for achieving our own Kabbalas HaTorah.

In this shiur, delivered in Sharfmans, Rav Burg explains why Klal Yisrael prostrated themselves after hearing the Mitzvah of Korban Pesach. Only when Klal Yisrael has their hope for a future restored can they truly be mekabel on themselves to serve Hashem.

In this shiur, delivered in Mevaseret, Rav Burg explains why only after Makkas Choshech did Pharaoh and Moshe become angry with one another. What was the value in Moshe Rabbeinu slapping Pharaoh in the face? The ten Makkos are meant to rectify the ten dimensions of the soul. In this shiur each Makkah is explored so as to understand why everything changed after Choshech.

In this shiur, delivered in Ba'er Miriam, Rav Burg explains (based on a Sicha from the Lubavitcher Rebbe zt"l) why Makkas Bechoros specifically happens at midnight and why Klal Yisrael needed a special protection during this plague. Hashem chooses Klal Yisrael from the essence of His being. Through the Mitzvah of Bris Mila and Korban Pesach we reveal our own essence thus drawing Hashem's essence into our world.

In this shiur, delivered in Tomer Devorah, Rav Burg explains (based on a Torah from the Lubavitcher Rebbe zt"l) why Rashi reminds us that Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov are the Avos. Moshe Rabbeinu learns that Hashem is trying to communicate His essence to Klal Yisrael and that can only happen as Klal Yisrael discovers their own essence. While the mind will always ask questions, the heart understands what the mind cannot.

In this shmooze, delivered at Mevaseret Mishmar, Rav Burg explains why Moshe Rabbeinu spoke to to Pharoah despite the fact that Pharaoh could not understand him and Ahron HaKohen would be interpreting. In order to overcome our ego it needs to be introduced to Hashem. Only afterwards can we employ our faculty of reason.

In this shiur, delivered in Tomer Devorah, Rav Burg explains (based on a Sicha from the Lubavitcher Rebbe zt"l) why the Torah tells us that Moshe Rabbeinu was afraid despite the fact that it doesn't seem to advance the narrative of the story in any way. The way we perceive the world becomes the reality we live in. When we think good, when we have Bitachon in Hashem, we create a positive reality.

In this shmooze, delivered at Mevaseret Mishmar, Rav Burg explains the inner connection between the death of Yosef HaTzaddik and the Bracha of Moshe Rabbeinu to Yosef thay references Hashem as dwelling in the Sneh. We enter into Golus when we stop taking responsibility for each other and we leave Golus when we feel the pain of our fellow Jew.

In this shmooze, delivered in Mevaseret at the Shnayim Mikra Melava Malka Siyum, Rav Burg explains the inner meaning of why we say the pesukim not just once but twice, why there is a special emphasis on completing Shnayim Mikra with the Tzibbur and why it lengthens our lives.