Torah Sparks with Ori

We discuss the Jewish perspective on a beard. Did Moshe Rabbeinu have a beard? Should we really Fear the Beard? Why do people stroke their beard when in doubt? And so much more!

Since 1908, the secular New Year has been marked by the famous “ball drop”—a moment meant to symbolize a fresh start. Yet the phrase “dropping the ball” has come to mean something very different: missed opportunities, abandoned commitments, and resolutions that don't last.In this shiur, we explore the deeper irony of that image, especially in light of the well-known reality that many New Year's resolutions fade quickly—so much so that the second Friday of January is often called “Quitter's Day.”Drawing on a teaching from Reb Yaakov of Husiatin in the name of the Apter Rav, we examine the idea that January 1st can actually be a day of merit for the Jewish people—not in a spirit of judgment or comparison, but as a revealing contrast of values.While secular culture often marks new beginnings with celebration and levity, Judaism sanctifies beginnings through meaning, commitment, and connection to Hashem. Our life is not about escape from responsibility, but about deeper alignment with who we are meant to become.This shiur is not about “us versus them,” but about understanding what makes Jewish beginnings different—and how those differences can help us build lasting growth, clarity, and spiritual direction. Subscribe and hit the bell to see new videos!!!#newyearseve #JewishTorah #NewBeginnings #JewishPerspective #Emunah #AvodasHashem #PersonalGrowth #TorahThoughts #MeaningfulLiving #JewishValues #SpiritualGrowth#Rabbi #LearnTorah #TorahStudy #Judaism #Jewish #Torah  #Chumash #Parasha #Parsha #Parashat #Gemara #Mussar #Tefilla #Prayer

Asara B'Teves marks the day Nevuchadnezar, King of Bavel, laid siege to Yerushalayim — the beginning of the Churban.But on this very same day is the yahrtzeit of Reb Nosson of Breslov (December 20, 1844), the primary talmid of Rebbe Nachman, the one who revealed and transmitted Rebbe Nachman's redemptive Torah to the world.This is no coincidence.In this shiur, we explore the deep contrast and connection between the beginning of destruction and the beginning of geulah. Rebbe Nachman taught that his Torah is the “beginning of redemption,” and Reb Nosson embodied that message—especially on a day that represents siege, darkness, and concealment.We examine how the siege of Bavel continues today—not only through the outside world of sheker, confusion, and distraction, but through the inner siege of the yetzer hara, which tries to define us by externals, past failures, and despair.Through Breslov teachings, we uncover the nekuda tova—the inner point within every Jew that is untouchable by sin, untouched by exile, and always connected to Hashem.Asara B'Teves is not only about mourning the past—it's about discovering where redemption truly begins.#AsaraBTeves #Breslov #RebbeNachman #RebNosson #Geulah #Churban #JewishTorah #InnerAvodah #NekudaTova #YetzerHara #Emunah #Redemption #TorahThoughts

In this Parshas Vayigash Parsha Prevew shiur, we explore one of the most fundamental ideas in Judaism: our direct relationship with Hashem — without intermediaries, mediators, or go-betweens.The Torah opens Vayigash with the words “Vayigash eilav Yehuda” — Yehuda approaches Yosef directly. Drawing on a powerful teaching from the Kedushas Levi, we learn that when something truly matters, you don't speak through a translator. You go face to face.Judaism teaches that every Jew can approach Hashem directly. He is our Father, and prayer, teshuvah, and connection require no mediator.From there, we explore a fascinating and lesser-known chapter of history:The mysterious legend of Shimon Kippah (also known as St. Peter)Jewish sources that suggest he may have played a role in separating early Christianity from JudaismCensored passages of the Talmud that discuss Yeshu HaNotzriHow Christianity adopted elements from pagan culture, including the origins of December 25thThis shiur is about understanding Jewish belief, Jewish history, and what makes our relationship with Hashem uniquely direct and personal.

In response to the Bondi Beach massacre, I chose to respond not with fear—but with light.I put up a menorah on my car (and no, I'm not Chabad) as a public declaration of Jewish pride. Not to provoke. Not to argue. But to say something simple and eternal:When darkness rises, we do not shrink.We increase light.This is the deeper message of Chanukah:מוֹסִיף וְהוֹלֵךְ — Mosif v'holich.Each night, we don't just keep the flame alive—we add to it.The Greeks tried to extinguish Jewish light.Our enemies today try the same—through violence, intimidation, and fear.But Judaism's answer has never been to hide.Our answer is to shine brighter.This message is for every Jew who feels shaken, unsure, or tempted to dim their identity:Now is not the time to step back.Now is the time to step forward.

Why do we light Chanukah candles in shul—if no one fulfills their obligation with that lighting?A sincere question asked between Mincha and Maariv (from a Yid wearing a Chanukah kippah—so of course it had to be taken seriously

In this week's shiur, we explore one of the most electrifying themes in Torah: the power of yearning.From Yaakov Avinu's inability to be comforted over Yosef, to Rebbe Nachman's legendary teaching of “Never give up hope,” we uncover the spiritual DNA inside every Jew — the part of us that's still a na'ar, still searching, still asking, still alive.Yosef HaTzaddik is called a “na'ar” because he tapped into that inner childlike curiosity — the part of us that refuses to settle, that refuses to stop seeking Hashem. Deep down, Yaakov knew Yosef was alive, because deep down we all know: 

We explore 3 fundamental messages from the first Rashi in Parshas Vayeshev. Here is the Amazon link to my Chanukah book, DOVE TALES: https://a.co/d/aTri2a8Subscribe and hit the bell to see new videos!!!#Rabbi #LearnTorah #TorahStudy #Judaism #Jewish #Torah  #Chumash #Parasha #Parsha #Parashat #Gemara #Mussar #Tefilla #Prayer

In this episode, we ask a daring a question: Are you STILL Jewish?We learn about Avraham Avinu and the Dove and their unique approach in viewing the world as spiritually on fire.We read a segment of my Chanukah book, which you can order on Amazon!Here is the Amazon link to my Chanukah book, DOVE TALES: https://a.co/d/aTri2a8

In this powerful and eye-opening Torah shiur, we uncover the deeper meaning behind the Isur of Gid HaNasheh (the sciatic nerve) and its profound connection to Achdus — Jewish unity.Why was Gid HaNasheh chosen as the very first negative commandment given to Klal Yisrael? How does a mitzvah of not eating create one of the strongest forces of unity among the Jewish people? And what timeless message does this mitzvah carry for our generation?✨ In this shiur, we explore:How not eating the Gid HaNasheh unifies all Jews simultaneouslyThe powerful insight of the Sefer HaChinuch — the nations may hurt us, but they can never destroy usThe deeper meaning behind the words “Gid HaNasheh” — hinting to forgetting achdusWhy the Torah is teaching us that it is forbidden to forget unityThe Ohr HaChaim's insight that the sciatic nerve has no flavor — symbolizing that every Jew brings their own unique “flavor” to the nationA relatable and humorous insight about Jewish cookbooks and why they always seem to sell best

12 Kislev marks the yarhtzeit of the heiliga Bas Ayin, Reb Avrohom Dov Ber of Avritch, who lived from 1765-1840. In this video, we explore the miraculous story of his shul that was saved during the terrible earthquake that rocked Tzefas in 1837. We share Torah from the Bas Ayin and discover the importance of feeling prideful as part of a healthy dose of humility. Subscribe and hit the bell to see new videos!!!#Rabbi #LearnTorah #TorahStudy #Judaism #Jewish #Torah  #Chumash #Parasha #Parsha #Parashat #Gemara #Mussar #Tefilla #Prayer