Podcasts about avraham

This episode discusses an apparent contradiction between two Rashis: In Bereishis 13:7 , he says that Lot had no right to take land in Eretz Yisrael because it wasn't yet given to Avraham. But in Bereishis 23:4, he says that Avraham threatened to rightfully take land in Eretz Yisrael if they didn't sell him a burial spot for Sarah.

Interweaving memoir with Hebrew poetry, Going Out with Knots: My Two Kaddish Years with Hebrew Poetry (Jewish Publication Society, 2025) illluminates author Wendy I. Zierler's literary and personal Jewish mourning journey in the aftermath of unremitting personal loss. She begins with her story: the death of both her parents in one year; the challenges she faced as a woman saying Kaddish in an Orthodox synagogue; and her decision to teach a weekly class on modern Hebrew poems that addressed grief, prayer, and God wrestling. Each subsequent chapter delves into the works of a different modern Hebrew poet—Lea Goldberg, Avraham Ḥalfi, Yehuda Amichai, Rachel Morpurgo, Rachel Bluwstein, Ruhama Weiss, and Amir Gilboa—in the order in which she translated, interpreted, and taught their poems (many translated into English for the first time). Each poet, like Zierler, comes to writing deeply connected to Jewish tradition and yet at odds with it, too. Ultimately, Going Out with Knots reflects on how a woman living in a modern Orthodox community can claim a place in the male-centered rituals that Jewish tradition prescribes for mourning, and how immersion in modern Hebrew poetry can respond deeply to both communal (COVID-19, October 7) as well as personal losses, offering a new form of theology and Torah. Rabbi Dr. Wendy I. Zierler is Sigmund Falk Professor of Modern Jewish Literature and Feminist Studies at Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion in New York and the coeditor of Prooftexts: A Journal of Jewish Literary History. She is the author of Movies and Midrash: Popular Film and Jewish Religious Conversation and And Rachel Stole the Idols: The Emergence of Hebrew Women's Writing and coeditor of These Truths We Hold: Judaism in an Age of Truthiness. Rabbi Marc Katz is the Senior Rabbi of Temple Ner Tamid in Bloomfield, NJ. He is the author of Yochanan's Gamble: Judaism's Pragmatic Approach to Life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Interweaving memoir with Hebrew poetry, Going Out with Knots: My Two Kaddish Years with Hebrew Poetry (Jewish Publication Society, 2025) illluminates author Wendy I. Zierler's literary and personal Jewish mourning journey in the aftermath of unremitting personal loss. She begins with her story: the death of both her parents in one year; the challenges she faced as a woman saying Kaddish in an Orthodox synagogue; and her decision to teach a weekly class on modern Hebrew poems that addressed grief, prayer, and God wrestling. Each subsequent chapter delves into the works of a different modern Hebrew poet—Lea Goldberg, Avraham Ḥalfi, Yehuda Amichai, Rachel Morpurgo, Rachel Bluwstein, Ruhama Weiss, and Amir Gilboa—in the order in which she translated, interpreted, and taught their poems (many translated into English for the first time). Each poet, like Zierler, comes to writing deeply connected to Jewish tradition and yet at odds with it, too. Ultimately, Going Out with Knots reflects on how a woman living in a modern Orthodox community can claim a place in the male-centered rituals that Jewish tradition prescribes for mourning, and how immersion in modern Hebrew poetry can respond deeply to both communal (COVID-19, October 7) as well as personal losses, offering a new form of theology and Torah. Rabbi Dr. Wendy I. Zierler is Sigmund Falk Professor of Modern Jewish Literature and Feminist Studies at Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion in New York and the coeditor of Prooftexts: A Journal of Jewish Literary History. She is the author of Movies and Midrash: Popular Film and Jewish Religious Conversation and And Rachel Stole the Idols: The Emergence of Hebrew Women's Writing and coeditor of These Truths We Hold: Judaism in an Age of Truthiness. Rabbi Marc Katz is the Senior Rabbi of Temple Ner Tamid in Bloomfield, NJ. He is the author of Yochanan's Gamble: Judaism's Pragmatic Approach to Life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/jewish-studies

Having received his Ph.D. in mathematical logic at Brandeis University, Rabbi Dr. Dovid Gottlieb went on to become Professor of Philosophy at Johns Hopkins University. Today he is a senior faculty member at Ohr Somayach in Jerusalem. An accomplished author and lecturer, Rabbi Gottlieb has electrified audiences with his stimulating and energetic presentations on ethical and philosophical issues. In Jewish Philosophy with Rabbi Dr. Gottlieb, we are invited to explore the most fascinating and elemental concepts of Jewish Philosophy. https://podcasts.ohr.edu/ podcasts@ohr.edu

Session 250 of the Land of Israel Fellowship – Chayei Sarah, Faith in Trials & The Struggle for Peace In this week's fellowship, Ari Abramowitz and Jeremy Gimpel dive deep into the Torah portion of Chayei Sarah, exploring its timeless teachings and urgent relevance to the challenges we face in the world today. Ari and Jeremy unpack the story of the death of Sarah, revealing how this moment became yet another profound test for Avraham—a test of faith, resilience, and vision for the future of Israel. We explore how these ancient lessons speak directly to modern times, offering clarity and inspiration for anyone seeking truth, meaning, and connection to the Land of Israel. This session also features a heartfelt dvar Torah by Tehila Gimpel, who illuminates the dramatic relationships between Avraham, Yitzchak, Avimelech, and the wells they fought to preserve. Her insights draw clear parallels between these biblical struggles and the realities we face today as we fight for peace, identity, and spiritual grounding in a turbulent world. If you're seeking uplifting Torah wisdom, Israel-centered inspiration, and teachings that bridge the ancient and the modern, this episode will deeply speak to you. Keywords: Land of Israel Fellowship, Torah portion Chayei Sarah, Ari Abramowitz, Jeremy Gimpel, Tehila Gimpel, dvar Torah, Avraham and Sarah, Isaac and Avimelech, biblical wells, Israel teachings, Jewish inspiration, Torah podcast, faith and trials, modern day Israel, Chayei Sarah insights, Jewish study, Israel spirituality.

Chayei Sara | Ketura and the Sons of the East, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom Why Ketura? As the story of Avraham's life comes to a close, we are informed that at some point (perhaps after Sara died), he took another wife - Ketura and, as the straightforward reading indicates, he also took several concubines. He had children with all of these and sent the sons of his concubines away - to the east - with gifts. We aren't told where he directed Ketura's six sons and their progeny to go. More intriguing is the story itself - why did he marry again, and have so many more children - only to send them away? We explore several points in Avraham's life, informed by the opening charge to him (Bereishit 12:1-3) and how his understanding of this charge evolved over time. Source sheet >>

Rashi and Bereishit Rabba 63:1,2- four explanations (2 from Rashi, 2 from Midrash) for the seemingly redundant emphasis that Avraham produced Yitzchak

We learn weekly from Lessons in Tanya chapter 38 about the hidden love we inherited from Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov Avinu. We all can live with Mesirus Nefesh on the Unity of Hashem. Awaken this deep part of our souls to elevate ourselves from animals to humans in all our Torah Mitzvot. We dedicated our learning to the soldiers of the past 2 years, especially Meir Shimon ben Gavriel, etc... Also, we are dedicated to the Charlie Kirk Legacy - Special Event - "Join us for a powerful occasion honoring *Charlie Kirk*'s memory - Israel, the Sabbath, & Freedom - Official Video - https://youtube.com/live/LE_l1S1kNAA?feature=shareThe evening will feature an in-depth interview with P. Rob McCoy, where he will share his personal journey and relationship with Charlie Kirk. Plus, hear moving personal reflections from *Nissim Black* on the meaning and impact of *Charlie Kirk*'s life and work. - ❤ Book Now #NissimBlack Booking@NissimBlack.com #unitybookings #booknow DM https://unityinspireprojects.com/musicians/ ‪@TheNissimBlackShow‬

Parshas Chayei Sarah: Courage To Begin In tribute to the fifth Yahrzeit of HaRav Ya'akov Tzvi Ben Dovid Sacks, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. Our Parsha begins with loss, love, and a new beginning. Avraham buries Sarah with dignity, then sends Eliezer to find a partner for Yitzchak. Rivkah's kindness at the well reveals her greatness, and when she enters Sarah's tent, the miracles of the first Jewish home return. Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, shows that Avraham's life ends with peace not because he finished the mission, but because he began it with courage. True fulfillment comes from taking the first step, trusting that G-d will complete what we start. In honor of Eretz Yisroel – May G-d protect our brave soldiers, comfort all who grieve, and bring healing to our nation. Dedicated in loving memory of Edward Ben Efraim, Shlomo Ben Edward, and Yirachmiel Daniel Ben Gedalia.

The Mashgiach discusses Avraham's nisayon of Sarah's death, especially because we famously know his final nisayon was Akeidas Yitzchak.

Join as we discuss the physical and spiritual journey of the servant of Avraham. Send any questions, comments, or critiques to podcasts@torahinmotion.orgIf you would like to partner with us to create more thoughtful and accessible jewish content, visit torahinmotion.org/donate, or email us at info@torahinmotion.org.You can find more thoughtful Jewish content at torahinmotion.org 

In Parshas Chayei Sarah we discuss the topic of Chevron and the burying of Sarah. What did this loss mean for Avraham? How did he get up from his loss and move forward? We also discuss Eliezer's mission to find a wife for Yitzchak, the specifics of how this mission is described in the Torah, and what we learn from those words today.

This week, I will share a wonderful surprise with you. That is, according to the Rambam, Eliezer, the servant of Avraham, made a mistake. He was right that God runs the world. But he misunderstood how we, as God's independent creations, need to act in that world. In fact, Eliezer was like a gambler, who flips a coin and wins big. The outcome doesn't prove his method was wise, only that he was lucky. And that contains a central lesson for us, for how we think of Jewish faith in God, and for how we make our decisions.

Parashat Chai Sarah. Why 127 years. Avraham Avinu and purchasing Maarat Hamachpela by Rabbi Benjamin Lavian

Chayei Sarah: Why People Who Want Credit Lose In Life | STUMP THE RABBI (250) https://youtu.be/2zE3UWGBW70The typical person wants to do good, and if they are a religious Jewish they may even look for opportunities to do good. After all the good Avraham Avinu did, we see that in parashat Chayei Sarah, Avraham does not want any credit for all the good he's done. He doesn't want a free cave, nor does he expect his servant Eliezer to just obey him without making a vow. But why? It's not hard to find someone claiming for credit for some good that was done, yet our forefather Avraham is trying to teach us otherwise. Why is this such a valuable lesson, that HaShem put it right in front of our face to read and learn each year? This and much more will be answered, followed by the questions and answers from the live online audience. Enjoy, Learn, Share and Be Holy.#chayeisarah #Praise #ParashatChayeiSarah #Parashat #Judaism #Jewish #Avraham #Credit #RabbiYaronReuven #Shabbat #ShabbatShalom #Torah #OrthodoxJudaism #favors #ungrateful #gratitude

I Live to Give 5 - The Straight & Just Path to Prophecy Discover why prophecy and spiritual experiences are part of our human and Jewish heritage, and why they're still attainable today. Learn how Jewish teachings, especially from the Ramchal, Rabbi Nachman, and the Maharal, guide us toward spiritual growth and connection with the Divine. Explore the story of Avraham and the meaning behind "the straight and just path," highlighting the importance of tzedakah (charity) as the ultimate mitzvah. Uncover why the pursuit of justice and righteousness opens us to Ruach HaKodesh (divine inspiration) and true closeness with Hashem. Find inspiration and practical guidance to reignite your spiritual journey within Judaism – it's your destiny and purpose!

Is your body's experience a threat to your soul's expression? What impact does the body's wellbeing have on the soul? Does the body have any inherent wisdom worth listening to?Today's episode is an exploration of the value of the body's experience within Judaism, why the Zohar explains the deeper meaning of Avraham and Sarah's exchange as being an instruction to "listen to everything the body tells us", how it is possible that in the future "the soul will receive its nourishment from the body" and how to approach our body's cues, resistance and wisdom within the framework of a spiritual life. Based on a talk from the Lubavitcher Rebbe said on Parshas Chayei Sarah, 24 Cheshvan, 5711, recorded in Likkutei Sichos, Volume 1. * * * * * * *To inquire about sponsorship & advertising opportunities, please email us at info@humanandholy.comTo support our work, visit humanandholy.com/sponsor.Find us on Instagram @humanandholy & subscribe to our channel to stay up to date on all our upcoming conversations ✨Human & Holy podcast is available on all podcast streaming platforms. New episodes every Sunday & Wednesday on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.

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A seemingly innocent pact formed between Avimelech and Avraham had severe repercussions.

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B"H The profound significance of Hebron, is one of Judaism's four holy cities, a place rooted in both history and holiness.

Avraham and Sarah as body and soul; "listen to Sarah" means refining the body, the ultimate purpose. Eliezer's miraculous journey teaches us about the nature of redemption from exile. The double telling of Eliezer's journey highlights marriage's sanctity when founded on Torah and mitzvos. What Avraham used his circumcision for an oath. This class, taught by Rabbi Shais Taub, is based on Parshas Lech Lecha in Likkutei Sichos Vol. 1.

This week's Land of Israel Fellowship dives deep into the Torah portion of Vayera, revealing timeless truths that speak directly to the challenges facing Israel and the world today. Jeremy Gimpel explores how the story of Avraham holds a prophetic mirror to our own times, a world struggling with moral confusion, faith, and truth. Ari Abramowitz shares what it truly means to stand with Israel not just in words or politics, but through moral courage, clarity, and unwavering faith in God's promises. As darkness and division spread across the nations, this powerful live session reminds us that the call of Abraham is still alive, to walk in faith, to defend truth, and to bring light from the Land of Israel to the world. Tune in for spiritual insight, inspiration, and real-time connection between biblical prophecy and current events in Israel.

For a 10% discount on Rabbi David Ashear's new book LIVING EMUNAH ON THE PARASHAH 2 click the link below https://www.artscroll.com/ Books/9781422645581.html After one of the angels, appearing in the form of a person, told Avraham that Sarah would have a baby, the pasuk says that Sarah laughed, wondering how she could possibly have a child at such an advanced age. The Chizkuni writes that Sarah did not laugh at the moment she heard the news. The angel had said she would have a baby the following year at the same time they were currently in, which was Pesach. Initially, Sarah believed this would happen. She was filled with emunah that the words of the malach would come true. But when Tishre came around six months later and she was still not pregnant, that is when she began to lose hope. Only six months remained until Pesach, and nothing at all had changed in all that time. She looked at her situation, at her age, at the natural limitations, and it suddenly seemed impossible. It was then that Hashem asked Avraham, "Why did Sarah laugh?" and said, hayi paleh meHashem davar — is anything beyond Hashem? Even though she was so old, and even though only a six-month window remained for pregnancy and childbirth, Hashem still wanted her to believe it could happen. She believed for so long, but the moment it seemed too unlikely, she despaired. Of course, the rebuke was only on her exalted level, but the lesson is deeply applicable to all of us. There are times when we get our hopes up and truly believe in Hashem's salvation. We hold on tightly, convinced that what we want can happen. But as the months and years go by, keeping up that hope becomes harder. Sometimes the situation looks so bleak, so unlikely, that even imagining salvation feels unrealistic. It is precisely for those moments that we must remind ourselves, hayi paleh meHashem davar? Is anything beyond Hashem? It doesn't matter how long it has been. It doesn't matter how unlikely the outcome appears. Hashem can do anything, at any moment, and He wants us to believe that with all our hearts. I once read a story from the days of the Gold Rush. A man bought a plot of land and dug for months. He invested enormous time, money, and energy, but he found nothing. Exhausted and discouraged, he finally gave up and sold the land for pennies. The very next morning, the new owner dug just three feet deeper and struck one of the richest diamond pockets ever discovered. Three feet was the difference between despair and fortune. It is often the final moments before the yeshuah that feel the darkest. Hashem is ready to give; He just wants us to hold on a little longer. I once heard a mashal of a man trapped in a room that was completely dark, with no windows. He tried to chisel his way out through thick cinder blocks. Day after day he worked, but the room remained just as dark as when he started. He saw no progress at all. But what he didn't know was that he had almost reached the outside. A few more chisels would have broken through the wall and flooded the room with brilliant daylight. We can be the same. We pray so much, we put in effort, we do everything we can, and yet nothing appears to change. We don't realize that our tefillot and efforts may already have brought us to the very edge of breakthrough. We must never stop. The hope itself is a tremendous mitzvah. We are in this world to fulfill a spiritual mission, and every bit of hope, every tefillah, every moment we strengthen ourselves, brings us success in Hashem's eyes. The harder it is to keep hoping, the greater the avodah becomes. And if salvation comes, it will be because of those very tefillot and efforts we invested during the struggle. Hashem asks only that we continue hoping, continue believing, even when it seems bleak. If we do that, we have done our part, and we will be considered successful by Hashem.

Raised Baptist, Izzy Avraham never knew his Jewish heritage—until an encounter with the Jewish Jesus transformed his life forever. From depression to deliverance, Izzy's story reveals the supernatural power of Yeshua and how rediscovering His Jewish roots can awaken your own faith!To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.lightsource.com/donate/885/29 To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1489/29?v=20251111

התוכן כמה הוראות ממ"ש בשני דפ' חיי שרה: 1) "ויקם שדה עפרון" וכמ"ש בפרש"י "תקומה היתה לו שיצא מיד הדיוט ליד מלך": כאשר יהודי לוקח דבר גשמי לרשותו ועושה ממנו תשמישי קדושה וכיו"ב פועל בו "תקומה", שיוצא מגדר "מילי דהדיוטא" ונעשה דבר של קדושה השייך לרשותו של ה', מלך העולם. 2) "ואברהם זקן בא בימים" וכמ"ש בזהר שכל ימיו היו מלאים בעניני תומ"צ: שלא יישאר אפי' רגע א' מהיום שאינו מנוצל לעניני תומ"צ. 3) "ואברהם זקן": וההוראה ע"פ מ"ש "זקן ‏–‏ זה שקנה חכמה", שדבר חכמה שלומד צ"ל קנינו ‏–‏ "דם ובשר כבשרו". 4) שליחות אליעזר בקשר לשידוכי יצחק ורבקה, שבזה מתבטא ענין הכללי שבכל המצוות ‏–‏ יחוד מ"ה וב"ן, נשמה וגוף, כוונת ומעשה המצוות.משיחת אור ליום ב' פ' חיי שרה, כ"ף מרחשון ה'תשמ"ו ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=10-11-2025 Synopsis Some lessons from sheini of Chayei Sarah: (1) On the verse, “Ephron's field was confirmed,” Rashi states, “It had a rise, because it passed from the hands of an ordinary person to the hands of a king”: When a Jew takes a physical object into his possession and uses it for holy purposes, such as items used for a mitzvah, this causes it to “rise,” meaning to leave the category of the mundane and to become something holy under the domain of Hashem, the King of the universe. (2) On the verse, “Avraham was old, advanced in days,” the Zohar states that all his days were filled with Torah and mitzvos. The lesson is that not a single moment of the day should be left unused for Torah and mitzvos. (3) “Avraham was old”: The Sages teach that “An ‘elder' is one who has acquired wisdom”; the wisdom one learns must become his own acquisition, “blood and flesh like his flesh.” (4) Eliezer's mission of making the shidduch between Yitzchok and Rivkah represents the general theme underlying all mitzvos: the union of Ma”h and Ba”n, of soul and body, of the intent of the mitzvah and the act of the mitzvah.Excerpt from sichah of Sunday night, parashas Chayei Sarah, 20 MarCheshvan 5746 For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=10-11-2025

Izzy Avraham shares his journey to discovering the REAL Jesus...

How do we transform loss into legacy? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash explore Parshat Chayei Sarah as a meditation on grief, memory, and legacy. They discuss Avraham's careful purchase of the burial cave as the first act of rootedness in the Land of Israel, his need for a physical place to mourn, and how burial transforms loss into continuity. Linking Avraham's mourning for Sarah to today's national and personal mourning in Israel, they reflect on commemoration, legacy, and the power of creating living memorials that carry love and purpose forward.

Bereishit Rabba (Chayey Sarah) 58:5- the trigger for Sarah's passing, the minimal crying, and the content of the eulogy said by Avraham about Sarah

In this rich conversation with Torah scholar and Tanakh author Dr. Nechama Price, we explore the complex closing of David's life in this week's haftorah. How is his end both similar and different from Avraham's final chapter? How can we understand the motives of several secondary characters in this complex narrative? How does Divrei Ha-Yamim present these same events and how do we know which version is correct? A short conversation with Dr. Necham Price is always packed with insightful Torah-Enjoy! This episode is sponsored by Barbara and Joel Rich in commemoration of Barbara's father's 13th yahrtzeit. This year The Matan Podcast is exploring the weekly Haftorah, the prophetic portion read each week as a complement to the parsha.

התוכן מובא במדרש שמערת המכפלה הוא א' מג' מקומות "שאין אומות העולם יכולים להונות את ישראל לומר גזולים הן בידכם, ואלו הן: מערת המכפלה ובית המקדש וקבורתו של יוסף מערת המכפלה דכתיב [בראשון דפ' חיי שרה] וישמע אברהם אל עפרון וישקול אברהם לעפרון גו'...", ועכ"ז רואים היום דבר פלא שההתנגדות הכי קשה של אוה"ע היא דוקא בנוגע לג' מקומות אלו, וזה בא מרגש הנחיתות כלפי אוה"ע והרצון להדמות אליהם וכו', וזוהי גם הסיבה לזה שישנם כאלו הרוצים לחנך את הילדים גם עם לימודי חול ולא חינוך על טהרת הקודש, כסיפור עם א' שנכנס אלי וביקש ממני לשכנע את בנו ללמוד גם לימודי חול בהסבירו "ער דאַרף דאָך זיין אַ 'מענטש'"... ועוד סיפור בקשר לזה.ב' חלקים משיחת מוצש"ק פ' חיי שרה, מבה"ח כסלו ה'תשל"ט ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=09-11-2025 Synopsis The Midrash says that Me'aras HaMachpeilah is one of three places where “the nations of the world cannot antagonize the Jewish people by saying, ‘You stole them' and they are: Me'aras HaMachpeilah, the Beis Hamikdash, and Yosef's burial place. Me'aras HaMachpeilah as it is written [in rishon of parashas Chayei Sarah], ‘Avraham listened to Ephron, and Avraham weighed out for Ephron…'” Nevertheless, today we see a strange thing: the strongest opposition from the gentiles is to Jews coming specifically to these three places. This stems from a sense of inferiority toward the nations and a desire to be like them etc.; this is also why there are those who wish for their children to study secular subjects, like a father who came to me and asked me to convince his son to study secular subjects, explaining that “He needs to be a mentch”….2 excerpts from sichah of Motzaei Shabbos parashas Chayei Sarah 5739 For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=09-11-2025

Parshas Vayeira: Laughter of Redemption Our Parsha tells of Avraham and Sarah, who at one hundred and ninety years old, are blessed with a son, Yitzchak, “he will laugh.” The Rebbe teaches that this name, written in the future tense, reflects not laughter from disbelief, but the joy yet to come, the laughter of redemption.. In honor of Eretz Yisroel – May G-d protect our brave soldiers, comfort all who grieve, and bring healing to our nation. Dedicated in loving memory of Edward Ben Efraim, Shlomo Ben Edward, and Yirachmiel Daniel Ben Gedalia.

Rabbi Stark explains what the tests Hashem challenged Avraham with teach us about Hashem (in addition to what they tell us about Avraham).

The week exploded with joy: a healthy baby boy, hospital runs, school interviews for our four-year-old, and more miles on the Parkway than we can count. In the rush, a harder truth surfaced—our Gemara seat sat empty—and that stung. So we turned to Vayera for clarity and found a verse that hit like a bell: God doesn't single out Avraham for breaking idols, debating kings, or even building a tent of radical hospitality. The love lands here—he teaches his children and his household to keep the way of God.That insight flips the scoreboard most of us carry in our heads. Public greatness is good; parenting is greater. We unpack how Avraham's legacy makes the home the primary beit midrash and why brief, consistent moments with our kids—ten minutes of Torah, a Shabbat table that lives, a nightly story or song—can shape identity more deeply than any speech. We talk about brit milah as a parent's obligation, the danger of outsourcing chinuch, and the quiet power of modeling growth where children can see it and feel it. When kids trust that love guides our choices, they'll walk beside us even on steep paths.You'll hear practical ways to turn family life into lasting learning: questions at dinner that spark wonder, small rituals that stack into memory, check-ins that teach integrity as clearly as halacha. Work matters. Learning matters. But raising a child in God's ways is where love and duty meet, and that conviction can redeem a week that might look “unproductive” on paper. If God loved Avraham for being a father first, we can reorder our homes—and our calendars—to follow suit. If this conversation speaks to you, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review with one family ritual you'll start tonight.Support the showJoin The Motivation Congregation WhatsApp community for daily motivational Torah content!------------------Check out our other Torah Podcasts and content! SUBSCRIBE to The Motivation Congregation Podcast for daily motivational Mussar! Listen on Spotify or 24six! Find all Torah talks and listen to featured episodes on our website, themotivationcongregation.org Questions or Comments? Please email me @ michaelbrooke97@gmail.com

Join as we discuss why God didn't give the Torah to Avraham. Send any questions, comments, or critiques to podcasts@torahinmotion.orgIf you would like to partner with us to create more thoughtful and accessible jewish content, visit torahinmotion.org/donate, or email us at info@torahinmotion.org.You can find more thoughtful Jewish content at torahinmotion.org 

Parasha Vayera and Avraham by Rabbi Benjamin Lavian

Avimelech says he's righteous, Avraham says he's not. God seems to agree with both of them (this is Judaism, after all). So which is it and what should we learn from this moral conundrum?Pictured: Jan de Herdt, 'Abraham and Abimelech'.

Shiur given by Rabbi Yitzy Robinson at Night Seder Thursday Night. Shiur recorded in Yeshivas Ohr Reuven, Monsey, NY.

Shiur given by Rabbi Bezalel Rudinsky on Parshas Vayeira. Shiur recorded in Yeshivas Ohr Reuven, Monsey, NY.

The differing behaviors of Avraham in the stories with Pharaoh and Avimelech highlights when to respond to accusations and when to remain silent.

While praying on behalf of Sedom, Avraham compares himself to dust and ashes in his humility before Hashem. The Gemara says some amazing ideas about the long term significance of this statement, and how it compares to other statements of humility in Tanach. Also discuss the classic Rav Yaakov Emden story about humility before Hashem and humility before people.Have a great Shabbos

In this shiur, delivered in Tomer Devorah, Rav Burg explains the story of Avraham, Sarah and the Malachim as a lesson in how we can make changes that seem impossible.

The childhood story of the Rebbe Rashab crying over his yearning for G-d's revelation provides a powerful lesson for every Jew. The lives of Avraham and Yitzchak serve as contrasting and essential paradigms for achieving our purpose in life.This class, taught by Rabbi Shais Taub, is based on Parshas Lech Lecha in Likkutei Sichos Vol. 1.

This episode discusses various ideas about Avraham's Milah: (1) How and why Hashem helped Avraham do Milah? (2) The purpose of Milah acc to the Ramban; (3) How Milah completed the perfection of the remaining five of Avraham's 248 limbs.

One of the malachim who came to visit Avraham Avinu brought the most beautiful news: "Ka'eit chayah u'lSarah ben" —"At this time next year, Sarah will have a son." But hidden in those words was a second message. The angel wasn't only telling Avraham that he and Sarah would finally have a child. He was also assuring them: Ka'eit chayah —At this time next year, you will both be alive and well to hold that child in your arms. This promise carried an eternal truth. The malach was a messenger of Hashem, and only Hashem can guarantee life. When a person is meant to live, no human, no illness, and no circumstance can shorten that time. Hashem alone is the Guardian of life, watching every one of His children with infinite love and precision. A rabbi related a story that happened at the beginning of the school year. His three-year-old child boarded the van as usual to go to school in the morning. When his wife arrived to pick the child up at 2:30 p.m., the teacher said, "Your child wasn't in school today." Panic. A mother's worst nightmare. They began to search frantically—and to their shock, they found the little boy still inside the van that had brought him that morning. The van had been sitting in the parking lot for hours. The weather that week had been brutally hot. But on that one day , the temperature dropped dramatically, and rain fell steadily. The child was perfectly fine. Hashem had arranged the weather so that this child would be spared. The time of his life had not yet come to an end—so Hashem changed nature itself to preserve it. A few days later, a man from the rabbi's shul approached him. He had heard the story and wanted to sponsor the Shabbat breakfast as a seudat hodah , a thanksgiving meal to Hashem for the rabbi's miracle. The rabbi thanked him but asked that no names be mentioned. "Let it be," he said, "a general hakarat ha'tov to Hashem for always protecting us." The man agreed and called the shul to sponsor the Shabbat kiddush in gratitude to Hashem "for watching over all our children and grandchildren." That evening, when he came home, his wife told him something startling. She had been babysitting a few grandchildren earlier that day. While she prepared something in the kitchen, she left them to play in the den. When she returned, she froze in horror—a toddler was holding a pen and poking it toward the eye of the baby sitting in an infant chair. She rushed to stop him, but there was already blood. Terrified, she called Hatzalah . After thorough testing, the doctors confirmed that, baruch Hashem , the baby's eye was completely unharmed. The poke had missed the pupil entirely. Her husband asked, "What time did that happen?" She said, "Around 4:30." The man was stunned. "That's exactly when I called the shul to sponsor the kiddush thanking Hashem for protecting our grandchildren—just minutes before this happened!" Hashem watches over every life with divine timing and infinite compassion. There are times when a soul's mission in this world is complete and it returns to its home in Gan Eden . But as long as a person is meant to live, no harm can touch him. Ka'eit chayah —Hashem decides the measure of every moment, and His protection never falters.

Join us to learn about this week's haftarah from the book of Melachim. We delve into the story of Elisha and the Shunamit Woman to compare it with the story of Avraham and Sarah in this week's parsha and to gain a different appreciation for the miracle of motherhood. If you enjoy the Toras Chaim Podcast, please help us spread the word! You can share a link on social media, leave a review or rating on your favorite podcast platform, or best of all, discuss what you've learned at the shabbos table!We love to hear from our listeners. Be it comments, questions or critique. You can send an email to Elchonon@thecommunityshul.org or overtimecook@gmail.com or contact us via instagram @OvertimeCook or @Elchonon.

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Mike Feuer explore Parshat Vayera through the story of the Akeidah, reframing it not as Avraham's test, but as Yitzchak's act of awareness and choice. They discuss agency, sacrifice, and what it means to go beyond one's limits in service of something greater. Drawing on Midrash and lived experience, they reflect on courage, commitment, and how moments of surrender can unlock the deepest expressions of faith and purpose.