The Rabbi Stark Podcast

We are Torah. And Torah is us.

How and why proper "self-love" is not just healthy but also the path to true emunah in Hashem.

Although widely accepted nowadays, the Zohar's acceptance came along with more controversy than you might expect.

In the classic song of Bar Yochai there is a line which translates to "when Hashem thought to make Man, he envisioned you (Rebbi Shimon)"—what was it about Rebbi Shimon Bar Yochai which made him worthy of such a compliment?

The true definition of the word "kadosh" is "separate" (as opposed to "holy"). This begs the question, whats so special about being separate?

A relationship can be based upon many different things but if you want it to endure there is one thing which reigns supreme.

Why Lashon Hara is one of the only "aveiros" which cause a negative physical response.

The talmidim of Rabbi Akiva seem to have really loved one another, so why was it such a big deal that they didnt respect each other?

Seder night is truly a magical time but how does one overcome any stress and harness that "magic" to connect with their children, their spouse, and Hashem?

During the year there is a set way in which we can grow and improve from one "level" to the next. However, over Pesach Hashem allows us to "skip" levels.

How structure defines one's values and why this is the essence of Torah.

So much of the Mishkan's beauty was totally hidden, this is not accidental but rather intentionally done and there is a major lesson we can learn from it.

Bein Hazmanim is not an "all or nothing" experience. Rabbi Stark explains what a successful Bein Hazmanim actually looks like, and how to achieve one.

The secret to the Jewish people is that Hashem NEEDS us—and we NEED each other.

Taanis Esther is one of many fasts we keep, but something feels different about it compared to all other fasts. Rabbi Stark dives into the mystery of, and reason for, Taanis Esther.

The secret to Hashem's unbridled love for Klal Yisroel is the fact that He is "sameach b'chelki." The Mashgiach explains what that actually means.

A deep dive into Haman's conveniently warped view of the Jews.

Partying, eating meat, and drinking wine is fun and all but true "simcha" is the only thing which can keep one out of a state of deep depression.

The Mashgiach explains how 1 and 10 are really two sides of the same coin and how the journey from 1 to 10 actually bring "everything" full circle.

What was greater, the miracle of Kriyas Yam Suf or Klal Yisroel signing Az Yashir?

Rabbi Stark explains the significance of the number ten and why Hashem brought exactly ten makkos.

Ultimately, being a person who has hakaras hatov brings you closer to Hashem.

During these weeks of Shovavim, the Mashgiach talks about how one can ensure a healthy home for themselves.

The Bnei Yisroel were redeemed from Mitzrayim because they maintained their "Jewish Identity"—but weren't they simultaneously worshipping Avodah Zarah??

Many people fail to recognize the good because they feel doing so negatively effects how they are perceived. Such people could not be more wrong.

Rabbi Stark speaks about the "mehalech" and greatness of his rebbi, Rav Moshe Shapiro.

What the Greeks failed to realize is that everything IS Torah.

The difference between the Avos and the Shevatim.

The mental gymnastics we do just do deny what others do for us.

How Yaakov differentiated himself from everyone (including the rest of the avos)

Hakaras hatov is not about the one being thanked, its about the one DOING the thanking!

Now that we understand how Yaakov is the synthesis of the middos of Avraham and Yitzchak, the questions is how does one practically apply this concept.

More than just recognizing the good, one must also realize how indebted they ought to feel.

Avraham represents chessed and Yitzchak represents din. Yaakov though is the total integration of both of these middos and how they need to be properly balanced.

We have all heard about the concept of Hakaras HaTov but do we know that is is MUCH more than merely saying thanks?

During these parshiyos, where we discuss the avos and their introduction of tefilah, the Mashgiach explains that the connection goes much deeper than you may think.

The idea of Yeshiva is not limited to a physical location but rather it is a way of life.

Yitzchak is mentioned the least of all of the avos in the Torah, but that is precisely the trait which Yitzchak embodied.

We all know what a "Yeshiva" is, but does anyone actually know what "yeshiva" means?

The difference between Chessed and Rachamim and how understanding Avraham's Chessed helps one to know Hashem.

During the long winter is precisely when one needs to understand the value of perseverance and to not quit at the first sight of disinterest.

We are all familiar with Shnayim Mikra v'Echad Targum but have we ever thought about it as a Hachana for Shabbos?

Between Simchas Beis Hashoeva and the mitzvah to visit one's Rebbi over Sukkos, there seems to be a special focus on seeing the faces of tzadikim over this Yom Tov. The Mashgiach explains why.

Sukkos is the synthesis of the things we committed to work on during the Yamim Noraim and how the Ushpizin help us to accomplish them.

We all want to improve but what can we do and where do we even start?

Many of us may experience an emotional rollercoaster over Rosh Hashanah but really it should be a day of "simcha" and rejoicing.

Just like the child who dumps a bowl of meatballs of their face, the "schmutz" makes them cuter. So too we want Hashem to view our sins in a way which endears us to him. 

Just like the child who dumps a bowl of meatballs of their face, the "schmutz" makes them cuter. So too we want Hashem to view our sins in a way which endears us to him. 

How do we reconcile diametrically opposed opinions in the Torah and how does the fact that Torah is not "in the heavens" answer this question?

Especially in Elul, when we are all trying to strive for perfection, it is important to remember it is the journey itself which allows one to truly grow.

The Torah in this week's parsha says that the curses listed in the Tochacha will come if one fails to serve Hashem with "simcha"—what is simcha and aren't there worse sins one can do?