Torah Thoughts

B"H As an Orthodox Jewish rabbi, one of my greatest joys and deepest ways to feel Hashem's presence is through swimming. Whether I'm floating, standing still, or snorkeling to explore the underwater world, the experience is both physically and spiritually rejuvenating. In Judaism, the mikvah, a ritual bath, symbolizes hope and the chance to begin again. When I'm in the water, I feel that same renewal… a sense of being alive, connected, and embraced by God's presence. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Once a day of joy and matchmaking in ancient Israel, Tu B'Av is still considered an et ratzon — an auspicious time for finding one's match. To those still searching: don't lose hope. Keep your heart open. Hashem is always working behind the scenes to bring souls together. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Antisemitism isn't new — it evolves, just like Rabbi Sacks called it: a “mutating virus.” But through it all, we hold onto the truth of the Torah. We may not be perfect, but we know the truth is on our side. Praying for the safe return of our hostages, and for the day when Hashem's kindness and presence will be clear to all. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H We ache for the Beit Hamikdash. We long for the Geulah. But in the wait, there's a call for patience, faith, and quiet action. It's not just about crying for what's missing. It's about showing up every day—with hope, with trust, and with the belief that every small deed brings us closer. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Tisha B'Av marks the destruction of the Temple, yet our Sages teach that on this very day, the Messiah is born. We must raise our children with the values and vision to be worthy of his arrival. We must prepare ourselves, through tefillah, teshuvah, and even immersing in the mikveh—to emerge with renewed hope and clarity. May we see mashiach soon, Amen! To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H As Tisha B'Av approaches, we're reminded that prayer isn't just about words, it's about connection. We await the Third Beis Hamikdash, where prayer will transcend boundaries and be open to every soul. May this Tisha B'Av deepen our tefillah and our longing for something greater. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Even though we've never seen the Bais Hamikdash with our own eyes… We still mourn its loss. We still long for its return. The soul still remembers. The heart still yearns. May we merit to see it rebuilt soon. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Can we ever fully live in the present? In many spiritual paths, embracing the present moment is the ultimate goal. But in Judaism, there's a deeper tension, we're called to live fully now, while never forgetting the brokenness of the world. At a Jewish wedding, even in our happiest moment, we break a glass a reminder that Jerusalem is still in ruins. This doesn't diminish the joy. It elevates it. Because true joy in Judaism is incomplete and that's what makes it holy. It's a joy that propels us to action, to healing, to rebuilding. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H How can we become less judgmental? We reflect on the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash and how sinas chinam, baseless hatred—played a role. The solution? Shift your focus.

B"H Every Jewish journey leads to one destination: Eretz Yisrael and the rebuilding of the Beis Hamikdash. Wherever we are in the world, we're not at the end. We're still on the road. Vayisu. Vayachanu. Vayisu again. We travel, we settle, we travel again—until we arrive. This is our journey. This is our hope. This is our destiny. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Love your neighbor as yourself” isn't always easy. The Torah teaches us that to truly love others, we first have to deal with the feelings of anger or resentment we're holding inside. Instead of bottling it up, we're taught to communicate openly and constructively — to address the behavior without attacking the person. This kind of honest conversation can open the door to understanding, healing, and even deeper connection. ❤ ➡ Have you ever experienced a relationship grow stronger after a hard but honest conversation? To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H The Role of Gentiles in the Jewish Homeland

B"H During the Three Weeks, from the 17th of Tammuz to Tisha B'Av, we mourn the destruction of the First and Second Temples and long for the ultimate redemption. It's a time to reflect on the deep spiritual connection our ancestors felt in the Temple and to rebuild that longing in our own hearts. Let's take a few moments each day to pray for peace, unity, and the rebuilding of the Third Temple. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H What do hockey dressing rooms and Shabbos have in common? The most devoted hockey players are the first to arrive and the last to leave. That's the kind of commitment we're meant to bring to Shabbos too. By preparing early and lingering a little longer as Shabbos departs, we can fully embrace its peace, a true taste of the world to come. How do you “add on” to your Shabbos? To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H With deep gratitude for our soldiers self-sacrifice, we pray for the day when the army will no longer need to fight, and peace will fill our land!

B"H As a visible Orthodox Jew and rabbi, I've been thinking deeply about the power of facial expressions. It's not about toxic positivity or forcing a smile 24/7, but about cultivating genuine joy for life and gratitude for being Jewish. As someone who's a walking symbol of Judaism, I know my demeanor leaves an impression. The Torah teaches our faces are “public property,” and the Gemara says that whitening your teeth (smiling!) for a friend is greater than giving them milk to drink. Smiling is an act of kindness. It's spiritual work. And it's part of how I strive to represent Am Yisrael in the world. ✨ What's one way you bring more light into the faces around you? To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H The 17th of Tammuz marks moments of disconnection and division in our history. But this day also holds the potential to transform into one of joy and unity. As Torah learning grows, connection to Hashem deepens, nations support Israel, and our land is protected—we pray for leadership that will unite Am Yisrael across the world. Let's use this day to strengthen our bond with Hashem and with each other.

B"H There's a unique calmness that descends with Shabbat, Menuchah. It's not just rest. It's a deep, spiritual peace the world craves but rarely finds. Without Shabbat, Menuchah is missing. But when you taste it, everything changes. Try Shabbat. Feel the tranquility. Reconnect with the Divine. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Spiritual and emotional growth isn't a quick fix. Just like you can't train for a marathon in one day, you can't transform your character overnight. It's about showing up consistently step by step, day by day. What's one small thing you can do today to grow closer to your best self-and to God? To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Instead of reacting instantly to emotions like anger, pause. Slow down. Feel the feelings fully. Then respond in a way that's calm, thoughtful, and actually addresses the root issue.

B"H Sharing what Canada means to me on a spiritual level even with the growing concerns about antisemitism in our society. This land's natural beauty and the kindness of its people inspire me deeply. There's something about the positive, welcoming spirit of Canadians that gives me hope and connection.

B"H How can Jews stay connected to Eretz Yisrael, even from across the world?

B"H As a psychotherapist and rabbi, I believe real growth starts with honest self-reflection. Where are you thriving? Where is there room to grow? Be your own mentor. Tap into the power of your soul to become better for yourself, for your loved ones, and for your connection with God. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson z”l taught us how he instilled in his students a deep sense of purpose. The Rebbe taught:

B"H Antisemitism isn't new. It's a mutating virus that takes different forms in every generation. We see it as far back as Pharaoh in Egypt—driven by fear, insecurity, and hate. But here's the Jewish response, then and now:

B"H Peace isn't weakness. It's strength with clarity. The prophets dreamed of a world without war But until our enemies let go of their hate, we stand strong and unshakable. True peace comes when they accept Israel's right to exist forever. H To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Tefillin When worn with kavannah (intention), tefillin carry the name of Hashem infusing us with strength, clarity, and divine connection. They remind us who we are. They protect. They inspire awe in the nations. In 1967, prior to the Six Day War, the Lubavitcher Rebbe zt'l started a Tefillin campaign. He said, based on the Talmud, that “When one puts Tefillin on his head, he projects fear over our enemies wherever they are.” To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Those who choose destruction are choosing their own downfall. But there's another path—the path of partnership, coexistence, and blessing. That's the vision of the Abraham Accords—rooted in Avraham Avinu's legacy and alive today for those willing to hear Hashem's call. You don't have to love Israel. But accept that we're here—and we're not going anywhere. Choose cooperation. Choose opportunity. Choose life. Am Yisrael Chai. ✡

B"H To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Jews and Muslims share a common father, Avraham. While history has seen conflict between the children of Yitzchak and Yishmael, Jewish teachings hint at a future of unity. A time when the Ishmaelites will recognize the covenant with Yitzchak… And together, side by side, as family—usher in peace for the world. There's hope. And it's rooted in our shared beginnings. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H An ancient Jewish prophecy tells of a time before the Final Redemption, A regime from Persia (modern-day Iran) will rise and threaten to destroy the world. But Hashem promises — the redemption will come. Not through pain. Not through war. But through light, unity, and divine mercy. Now is the time to act. To pray. To do good. To stand together — and help bring the world to its highest purpose. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H We often talk about motherly love, but what about fatherly love? It's not just about affection. It's about guidance, mentorship, and helping us grow into our potential. Just like a father encourages his child to rise, build, and contribute—so too does God guide us with love and purpose. Both motherly and fatherly love shape who we become. We need both.

B"H Rise like a lion

B"H One of the greatest sins in the world? Public humiliation. The Talmud teaches it's better to throw yourself into a fiery furnace than to embarrass someone. That's how seriously our Torah takes the power of words. Because humiliating someone is like spilling their blood it can kill their spirit.

B"H What makes a friendship truly deep and lasting?

B"H There's a misconception that only rabbis or scholars can teach Torah. But the truth? The Torah was given to every Jewish soul. Each of us carries a unique spark of Torah something that resonates deeply within us and it's not just a privilege to share it, it's a responsibility. This is the essence of Torat Chesed—teaching Torah as an act of love and kindness. The greatest leaders of our people taught: If you know a little, teach a little. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H On Shavuot, we don't just remember, we relive. Every soul stood at Sinai. The revelation wasn't a story it's our story. A forever connection between us and Hashem. We received the Torah as one nation, like one person with one heart. Unity was the vessel for Divine presence then—and it still is now. The Ten Commandments aren't just rules. They're deep calls to live with love, purpose, and connection to Hashem, and to each other. Let's receive the Torah this Shavuot with awareness, unity, and open hearts. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Shavuot is more than a holiday, it's a wedding between us and Hashem. Shavuot is about finding the people who help us access our truest selves and our unique piece of the Torah. ✨ To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Did you know the original Shema once included the Ten Commandments? Why was this format changed? And what does that teach us about the role of the Shema as a gateway to the entire Torah? Tune in for a deeper understanding of one of Judaism's most iconic prayers. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H What's the holiest site in Judaism? It's not where we received the Torah. As we approach Shavuot, we remember Har Sinai — but also realize it was only the beginning. The Torah wasn't meant to stay in the desert. It was meant to be lived, built, and radiated from the Land of Israel. This is the full picture. This is the dream. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H The return of Yerushalayim is not just history; it's a wonder, a sign that Hashem has returned to Zion. The Jewish people being back in Yerushalayim is just the beginning. Our mission? To radiate the light of Torah, goodness, and kindness to the entire world. Yerushalayim belongs to the Jewish people — but its light is meant to shine on all nations. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Our home isn't exile, it's Yerushalayim. There is a deep longing of the Jewish soul for the holy city — a place where spiritual and physical wholeness meet, and the light of holiness shines. Even in the safety of places like North America, we're still in galut. Our hearts remain turned toward Jerusalem. We pray for her peace. For her rebuilding. For a world made whole. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Though the absence of the Beis Hamikdash limits their full expression, our yearning for Divine connection remains powerful. King David danced before God with all his might—reminding us that our bodies, too, are vessels for praise. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Time is a construct—but what if we told you there's a Jewish way to relate to it that changes everything? In Jewish time, there's something called a chalak—a unit of time that lasts just 3.5 seconds. Sounds tiny? It is. But when you learn to use each Chalak intentionally, those tiny moments add up to massive impact. In this reel, we talk about how this ancient concept holds a powerful secret to living a more meaningful, purposeful life—one halak at a time. ✨ To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Not all traits are good or bad. It's all about how you channel them. Judaism teaches that even so-called “negative” traits—like anger or stubbornness can be used for good. The Jewish people are called a stiff-necked nation. It sounds harsh… but that same stubbornness is what helped us survive 2,000 years of exile. Anger? Destructive when uncontrolled but powerful when used to fight injustice or stand up for what's right. Every trait has potential. The question is: how will you use it? To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H What does enlightenment look like in Judaism? It's not about escaping the physical, it's about elevating it. Rebbe Shimon bar Yochai teaches us that true holiness is found in the everyday: in honoring Shabbat, in carrying myrtle, in seeing the sacred within the simple. #judaism #spirituality #shabbat #baryochai #lagbaomer #jewishwisdom To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H The land of Israel isn't just geography ,it's the spiritual heartbeat of Jewish mysticism. From Rebbe Shimon bar Yochai to the Arizal and Rebbe Nachman, the greatest Kabbalists drew their deepest revelations from this sacred soil. On Lag B'Omer, we celebrate that eternal bond between Kabbalah and the land where its light shines brightest. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!