Torah Sparks with Ori

On a snowy day here in Baltimore—shared by millions across the country—we explored a powerful Torah idea hidden within the snow itself.Chazal compare snow to teshuva, teaching that just as snow whitens and covers, teshuva restores us to our truest state. Drawing from Chayei Moharan, siman שלג (333), we uncover a striking teaching: there is a place within every one of us that is already a tzadik. Teshuva is not about becoming someone new—it is about returning to who we already are.We also reflected on a familiar question people ask during a snowfall: “Is it sticking?” Once snow begins to stick, it doesn't stop—it accumulates. This became a metaphor for devekus, the way the tzadik lives with constant attachment to Hashem, and how even a small beginning in avodat Hashem can continue to build and deepen.In this shiur, we explore:The Torah symbolism of snow and teshuvaThe inner tzadik that already exists within every JewHow spiritual growth begins to “stick” and accumulateMay this message help us reconnect to our inner purity and take one step closer to who we truly are.Subscribe and hit the bell to see new videos!!!#snow #tzadik #breslov #rebbenachman #Rabbi #LearnTorah #TorahStudy #Judaism #Jewish #Torah  #Chumash #Parasha #Parsha #Parashat #Gemara #Mussar #Tefilla #Prayer

In this week's Parsha Preview shiur on Parshat Bo, we explore a surprising idea: the Plague of Darkness was not merely the absence of light—but a deeper, hidden form of light itself.

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.