Torah Sparks with Ori

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

In this week's shiur on Parshas Vayeitzei, we explore the mysterious episode of the twelve stones under Yaakov Avinu's head—each one declaring, “עָלַי יָנִיחַ צַדִּיק את רֹאשׁוֹ” (“Let the tzaddik rest his head on me!”).What does this teach you about your own spiritual identity?We also dive into the classic parable of the stonecutter who wanted to become everything—a merchant, a king, the sun, the wind—only to end up again as a stonecutter and realize the strength he had all along.Together, these two stories reveal a powerful message: 

Today, we discuss the fascinating science of a compass which always points North, and we show how each of us has an inner moral compass, always pointing to holiness and connection with G-d.My book on Chanukah -- DOVE TALES (VAYISHALACH ES HAYONAH) -- is NOW AVAILABLE on Amazon: https://a.co/d/7BzCpaBSubscribe and hit the bell to see new videos!!!#Rabbi #LearnTorah #TorahStudy #Judaism #Jewish #Torah  #Chumash #Parasha #Parsha #Parashat #Gemara #Mussar #Tefilla #Prayer

Today, we discuss the attitude of Esav vs. the attitude of his brother (Yaakov) and parents (Yitzchak and Rivka). We talk about the importance of seeing each day as an opportunity to further and deepen our connection with the Master of the Universe. Check it out to discover a beautiful story about Rav Yisroel Salanter and the shoemaker who was up late at night.My book on Chanukah -- DOVE TALES (VAYISHALACH ES HAYONAH) -- is NOW AVAILABLE on Amazon: https://a.co/d/7BzCpaBSubscribe and hit the bell to see new videos!!!#Rabbi #LearnTorah #TorahStudy #Judaism #Jewish #Torah  #Chumash #Parasha #Parsha #Parashat #Gemara #Mussar #Tefilla #Prayer

Thursday night shiur at Rabbi Goldberger's Shul in Baltimore, MD.Topic: Bayis V'aliyah al Gabav

You saw the title. That's exactly what this class is about. We explore the trending word "six-seven" that has taken the world by storm, and we provide a sense of meaning to the meaningless fad. We explore the notion of goodness and re-frame how we view G-d and the world in which we live.ALL THE BEST.This class has been generously sponsored by Yehudah Roll as a zechus for ALL YIDDEN.To sponsor a future video/class, feel free to reach out!Subscribe and hit the bell to see new videos!!!#JewishInspiration #TorahThoughts #JewishWisdom #Happiness #PositiveThinking #sixseven #JewishPodcast #SpiritualGrowth #Kindness #Faith #JewishLearning #TorahInsights #RabbiOriStrum #Rabbi #LearnTorah #TorahStudy #Judaism #Jewish #Torah #Chumash #Parasha #Parsha #Parashat #Gemara #Mussar #Tefilla #Prayer

A friend sent me a photo of a sweet potato — but not just any sweet potato. When it was cut open, the inside was completely rotten… except for one thing: the moldy core formed a perfect smiling face.In this shiur/class/episode, we explore what this means — scientifically, psychologically, and spiritually. From the phenomenon of facial pareidolia (seeing faces in random objects) to the Torah's deep insight into Panim (face) and Pnim (inner self), we uncover a powerful lesson about joy, perception, and the soul.Drawing from Avraham Avinu's sever panim yafos, we discuss the true power of a smile — how it can spread like fire, light up another person's world, and even ignite happiness within ourselves. Because our face isn't just ours — it's reshus harabim, a public space that can change someone's day… or their life.