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The Book of Vayikra or Leviticus concludes with the two part torah parsha, "Behar," and "Bechukotai," (Leviticus chapters 25 through the end of the Book.) Covered first are the concepts of 'sabbath for the land,' and the "Jubilee" year, which Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa explains might be thought of as a big Reset button that has the effect of precluding a societal meltdown and depression otherwise. Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship and the Erev Shabbat reading: https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SSM-5-23-25-Behar-Bechukotai-teaching-podcast-xxx.mp3 The Sabbath Day midrash begins with a bit more background on that Scriptural reset, and what happens when it does NOT. And even though much of the parsha is directed at what happens "in the [promised] land" - and we remain in exile, as also promised - there are indications that we are again on the precipice of the multiplied curses in the latter part of the parsha, that again seem so clearly apropos. Behar-Bechukotai: "The Big Reset Lever - and What Follows" https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SSM-5-23-25-Behar-Bechukotai-THE-Big-Reset-Lever-and-what-follows-podcast-xxx.mp3 The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash:
In the shadow of the tragic murder of two young Israeli diplomats, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, who dedicated their lives to peace, we confront the heart-wrenching questions: Are we still the Chosen People? Can we still believe in humanity when humanity seems to fall apart? This week's Torah portion, Bechukotai, addresses blessings and brutal curses, followed by the surprising laws of erchin, evaluating human worth. From this strange juxtaposition, Chassidic masters draw a powerful truth: even after unspeakable loss, the value of a human soul remains eternal and divine. Through stories of survival and sacred resistance, from Auschwitz to Washington D.C. we rediscover that our calling is not diminished by darkness, but rather revealed by it. This class is dedicated to the memory of Yaron and Sarah, may G-d avenge their blood. Takeaways:The antidote to darkness is dignity. The Torah teaches us that even after curses, we must return to affirming the value of each soul.Giving heals. The symbolic 143 shekel of erchin counters the 143 curses, showing the power of charity and sacred commitment.Pain does not diminish worth. Jewish identity is not dependent on external conditions. We remain chosen not despite suffering, but in how we respond to it.A moral education saves lives. The solution to violence isn't only policy—it's character, conscience, and responsibility to G-d.We rise because we remember. From the bloodied streets of exile to the halls of peace diplomacy, the Jewish soul remembers who it is and why it's here.#YaronLischinsky #SarahMilgrim #Torah #Bible #BibleStudy #TorahLessons #TorahPortion #Bechukotai #MoralResponsibility #Chosen #Kabbalah #Sermon #Israel #Antisemitism #chosenpeople #humanworth Join us for a special evening exploring:• The rise and trials of David HaMelech as told in Tanach• What Kabbalah and classical commentaries reveal behind the scenesRSVP HERE https://ndg.chabadsuite.net/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=77Support the showGot your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.comSingle? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone.Donate and support Rabbi Bernath's work http://www.jewishndg.com/donateFollow Rabbi Bernath's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernathAccess Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi
Send us a textIn the shadow of the tragic murder of two young Israeli diplomats, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, who dedicated their lives to peace, we confront the heart-wrenching questions: Are we still the Chosen People? Can we still believe in humanity when humanity seems to fall apart? This week's Torah portion, Bechukotai, addresses blessings and brutal curses, followed by the surprising laws of erchin, evaluating human worth. From this strange juxtaposition, Chassidic masters draw a powerful truth: even after unspeakable loss, the value of a human soul remains eternal and divine. Through stories of survival and sacred resistance, from Auschwitz to Washington D.C. we rediscover that our calling is not diminished by darkness, but rather revealed by it. This class is dedicated to the memory of Yaron and Sarah, may G-d avenge their blood. Takeaways:The antidote to darkness is dignity. The Torah teaches us that even after curses, we must return to affirming the value of each soul.Giving heals. The symbolic 143 shekel of erchin counters the 143 curses, showing the power of charity and sacred commitment.Pain does not diminish worth. Jewish identity is not dependent on external conditions. We remain chosen not despite suffering, but in how we respond to it.A moral education saves lives. The solution to violence isn't only policy—it's character, conscience, and responsibility to G-d.We rise because we remember. From the bloodied streets of exile to the halls of peace diplomacy, the Jewish soul remembers who it is and why it's here.#YaronLischinsky #SarahMilgrim #Torah #Bible #BibleStudy #TorahLessons #TorahPortion #Bechukotai #MoralResponsibility #Chosen #Kabbalah #Sermon #Israel #Antisemitism #chosenpeople #humanworth While Hollywood may offer drama the real story more profound. A shepherd boy who became a king, a warrior who wrote Psalms, and a flawed soul who never stopped seeking G-d.RSVP HERE https://ndg.chabadsuite.net/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=77Support the showGot your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.comSingle? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone.Donate and support Rabbi Bernath's work http://www.jewishndg.com/donateFollow Rabbi Bernath's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernathAccess Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi
What would Rabbi Sacks say? Here is second part of the two-part series, "Career Advice from Rabbi Sacks", in which Shtark Tank explores the timeless wisdom from Rabbi Jonathan Sacks zt"l and how his teachings can inspire and guide Bnei Torah navigating the modern workforce. Part 2 of the Rabbi Sacks series discusses: * Money and Happiness * Balancing Work and Family * Tzedaka * Hope During Difficult Times Rabbi Sacks was a towering intellectual with a global following, addressing some of the most pressing issues of our time—religious violence, morality, God and science, and more. In honor of his yahrtzeit, we delve into his profound insights, uncovering how they directly relate to the challenges and opportunities of balancing a Torah-centred life with career ambitions. In this episode: (00:00) Intro (01:50) Money and Happiness (21:40) Work and Family (31:07) Tzedaka (39:50) Messages of Hope You will hear personal reflections from Rabbi Sacks's talmidim—those influenced from afar and those privileged to gain access to his inner world. You will also listen to Rabbi Sacks in his own words, thanks to the incredible resources provided by the Rabbi Sacks Legacy website. Whether you're looking for practical career guidance or inspiration for integrating Torah values into your professional life, this series offers a unique perspective from one of the greatest thinkers of our time. Resources Mentioned: - www.RabbiSacks.org (A treasure trove of content, including writings, audio, and video, carefully curated for easy access.) - Facing the Future Without Fear, Together (TedTalk from Rabbi Sacks in 2017) https://rabbisacks.org/videos/facing-the-future-without-fear-together-ted-talk-at-ted2017/ - Restoring the Common Good in Divided Times (A keynote address at the Legatum Institute in 2020) https://rabbisacks.org/videos/restoring-the-common-good-in-divided-times/ - Happiness in the Jewish Perspective (Lecture at Emory University in 2010) https://rabbisacks.org/videos/happiness-in-the-jewish-perspective/ - The Birth of Hope (2019 Covenant and Conversation piece on parashat Bechukotai) https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/bechukotai/the-birth-of-hope/ - Agents of Hope (2003 BBC programme made with Rabbi Sacks) https://rabbisacks.org/videos/bbc-rosh-hashanah-programme-2003/ Guest Bios: Rabbi Jonathan Sacks ZT"L Renowned Jewish thinker, writer, and speaker, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks zt"l served as Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth. His legacy includes profound insights on faith, leadership, and morality that resonate far beyond the Jewish world. Gilles Gade Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Cross River Bank, Gilles Gade is a visionary in the fintech industry, blending innovation with traditional banking to create cutting-edge financial solutions. Alan Sacks is a partner at Herzog Fox & Naaman. Dr. Erica Brown is a scholar, educator, and author, known for her thought-provoking works on Jewish leadership and education. She is the Vice Provost for Values and Leadership at Yeshiva University, and the Director of the Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks-Herenstein Center for Values and Leadership at YU. You can check out her upcoming book Join the Whatsapp Group! If you enjoy Shtark Tank, check out their Quiet WhatsApp group, which includes updates, exclusive bonus content and more. Join the WhatsApp group using this link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/B5jEcBP5umZAHWk2ILBWTS
A dvar Torah on parashat Bechukotai by Agnes Borinsky. With dreaming, New Year's resolutions, heartsickness, restitution, history and waking.
Welcome to Covenant & Conversation essays, Rabbi Sacks' commentary on the weekly Torah portion, explores new ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. You can find both the video and the full written article on Bechukotai available to watch, read, print, and share, by visiting: rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversa…ion-of-rejection/ A new FAMILY EDITION is now also available: rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversa…ion-of-rejection/ For more articles, videos, and other material from Rabbi Sacks, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org and follow @RabbiSacks. The Rabbi Sacks Legacy continues to share weekly inspiration from Rabbi Sacks. This piece was originally written and recorded by Rabbi Sacks in 2011. With thanks to the Schimmel Family for their generous sponsorship of Covenant & Conversation, dedicated in loving memory of Harry (Chaim) Schimmel.
Parsha "Bechukotai" (Leviticus 26:2 through the end of the Book) contains one of the two most dramatic sets of 'blessings and cursings,' but particularly cursings, in all of Scripture. And it is, as Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa demonstrates, utterly relevant now. First, the Erev Shabbat reading: https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SSM-5-31-24-Bechukotai-teaching-podcast-xx.mp3 The Sabbath Day midrash starts with a reminder: We are NOT in the land; we're in exile. But America's Founding Fathers knew that. In August, 1776, Ben Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson were tasked with coming up with a suggested design for the Great Seal of the united States. Both Franklin and Jefferson wanted a depiction of then-Israel from the Exodus. Ben Franklin described a scene from the 'parting of the Red Sea,' with the inscription, later adopted, that "Rebellion to Tyrants is Obedience to God." Yet they also clearly understood what was at the heart of the message of Leviticus chapter 26: "IF you will walk in My statutes, and keep My commandments," you will be blessed. They believed that in this New land, there was a Covenant to be kept. But now, what is beyond doubt is not merely that it has been broken, but that what He says in verse 15 is true: That this has become a nation, and a world, that rejects His statutes, and has a soul which abhors His laws. And, evidently as a direct result, "those that hate you," do "rule over you?" And what, exactly, does it look like when YHVH Himself "appoints terror over you?" Mark Call, of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship, observes that we are about to find out. But do we consent to that "other master?" Bechukotai: The Covenant is clearly broken - so Where Are We in Those Curses?" https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/WT-CooH-6-1-24-Bechukotai-ITs-WAY-too-Late-Unless-podcast-xxxx.mp3 The combined two-part teaching is here:
download the notes here:https://esm.us/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/06.01.24-.2024-Congregation-TM-Notes.pdf____________________________________________Leviticus 26:3 If you walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments,and do them.Leviticus 26:4 Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shallyield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.Leviticus 26:5b-8 And there will be bread in full measure, and you willbe living in your land safely. I will give peace in the land, and you shalllie down, and none shall make you afraid. And I will remove harmfulbeasts from the land, and the sword shall not go through your land. Youshall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword. Fiveof you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall chase tenthousand, and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.
For a 20% discount on Rabbi Ashear's new book on parnassah click the link below https://www.artscroll.com/ Books/9781422640708.html The pasuk says in this week's parashah Bechukotai that if the Jewish people are following the mitzvot properly, then when they go to war, five of us will pursue a hundred of our enemies and a hundred of us will pursue ten thousand enemies. Rashi asks, to conform to the ratio here of five pursuing a hundred, which is one to twenty, it should have said that a hundred will pursue two thousand. Why does it say that a hundred will pursue ten thousand? Rashi answers, you can't compare the zechut of many people following the Torah to a few people following it. The zechut of the many is exponentially greater than the zechut of the few. This example of war is just one of the many places where we see that things happen in this world based on our zechuyot . The more zechuyot we have, the more Heavenly help we get. People who know this are constantly looking for more ways to gain zechuyot . A man told me about six months ago, the doctor saw something of concern in his wife and ordered a retest for this past week. The test was on Tuesday and so he and his wife read the entire Tehillim on Sunday, and then he asked Hashem to please send him an opportunity to get the zechut he needs for everything to be okay with his wife. The next day, on Monday afternoon, a rosh yeshiva came to his office for the first time in his life. He brought his son with him, explaining a very important project that he was working on and asked if he would be interested in partnering with him financially to benefit Klal Yisrael. The man was so happy to get this opportunity. He understood it was sent by Hashem and he agreed to help them. Baruch Hashem, the next day, his wife was declared completely healthy. A rabbi told me, recently his wife's cell phone broke and was completely irreparable. She asked the man in the store if he could at least get her contacts off it. The man said with the issue on her phone it would take a miracle to get the contacts off, but if she wanted, she could pay twenty dollars and leave it there and he would try it. She really needed the contacts, so she said okay. The next day, her husband, the Rabbi, spotted a cell phone in the corner of the coatroom in his yeshiva. It was covered in dust and looked like it had been there for a long time. He saw it as an opportunity to get a zechut and find its owner. He picked up the phone and spent time trying to track down the owner based on the contacts. He finally got in touch with the owner's brother who gave him the number of his wife. When he called the wife's phone and told her he found her husband's phone, she immediately called her husband with excitement and said, “Baruch Hashem, someone found your phone.” It had been lost since before Pesach and because a new phone was so expensive, they were holding out hoping someone would find it. The Rabbi got the zechut of helping someone else with their phone and later that evening, the phone store called and said, it was a miracle, they managed to get all his wife's contacts off her phone. Many times, Hashem wants to give us extra help and the way He does it is by first presenting us with an opportunity to gain the zechut we need. Whether we get something out of it or not, we should always be looking to gain as many zechuyot as possible. Shabbat Shalom.
In this episode, Brayden and Aaron talk about the importance of putting your faith into action and being a doer of the Word and not just a hearer only. As mentioned in this episode, heres a link to the Daily Bread journal https://dailybread.arielmedia.se/ Want to learn more about our ministry? Visit www.loveandpurity.com Intro and outro song: Faith for Salvation (1 Peter 1:3-5) by Brayden & Tali Waller All music rights belong to Love & Purity Ministry
Bechukotai | Rebuke and Memory, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom Why is the rebuke (תוכחה) in Vayikra so much softer than its counterpart in Devarim? Just having "gotten up" from Shiv'a for his beloved sister, שושנה תמר ז"ל, Rav Etshalom shares observations about the תוכחה, contrasting it with the much more severe threats in Devarim 28 (Ki Tavo) and commenting on the role of memory in the process of moving forward from mourning. יהא זכרה ברוך Source sheet >>
In the wake of an extraordinary tweet by the Supreme Leader of Iran, Rabbi Dunner reflects on the troubling alignment between progressive groups in the West and regimes like Iran and terrorist groups like Hamas, which starkly contradict the values these groups claim to uphold. Highlighting the dangerous cognitive dissonance in supporting oppressive movements, he draws on the teachings of Bechukotai to urge progressives to reconsider their alliances and return to their foundational values of justice, freedom, and human dignity.
What does the im, supposedly "if" really mean? The Sages tell us it means something much more meaningful than just "if." This word opens our Torah portion and contains within it so much more. Take three minutes to the Parsha Pick-Me-Up to learn more. Source: Avoda 5a.
Week 33 Bechukotai (In My Statutes) Leviticus 26:3-27:34 https://itsyahushua.com/week-33-bechukotai-in-my-statutes/ Google Sabbath Lounge for more! www.sabbathlounge.com
Rabbi Matt Shapiro explores this week's Torah reading through the lens of Parenting. Special Guest: Rabbi Matt Shapiro.
On this week's episode, Modya and David switch lenses to the trait of Zerizut, or Diligence, and use that as a lens through which to explore parshat Bechukotai, the final Torah portion in the Book of Leviticus (26:3-27:24). In this portion, God delineates the good that will come of following divine laws and commandments -- and the ills that will befall Israel if they turn away. The hosts explore how diligence in following divine will can keep our selves, our communities, and our world in balance. We hope you enjoy! 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
Latest episode of the podcast. Please consider sponsoring a class online in someone's merit, memory or refuah shelemah. You can donate here in the app or send us an email at info@ejsny.org with the dedication you want to make. Thanks! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rabbifarhi/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rabbifarhi/support
Ramban on the Torah | 44 | Bechukotai, by Rav Eli Weber What is the meaning of nature in Ramban's philosophy?
Taking care on stresses and one of my favorite construct forms. Follow along in Vayikra 26:18, 21, 25, 27:30, 32. Provide your feedback or join the WhatsApp group by sending an email to torahreadingpodcast@gmail.com.
More on the light of concealment and tasting the future now.
Sivan Rahav-Meir is a leading Israeli journalist, media personality and Torah scholar. You can sign up for her The Daily Portion WhatsApp group, where Sivan sends small insights about Judaism and current affairs. Check out Liel's new book, How the Talmud Can Change Your Life: Surprisingly Modern Advice from a Very Old Book, available directly from the publisher, or wherever you purchase books. You can find all of Tablet's podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts.
latestLatest episode of the podcast. Please consider sponsoring a class online in someones merit, memory or refuah shelemah. You can donate here in the app or send us an email at info@ejsny.org with the dedication you want to make. Thanks! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rabbifarhi/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rabbifarhi/support
Weekly Torah Portion - Bechukotai 5784
Bechukotai 5784 - Dedicated in memory of Yosef Hirsh z"l on his 21st Yahrzeit by his loving family
Welcome to Covenant & Conversation essays, Rabbi Sacks' commentary on the weekly Torah portion, explores new ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. You can find both the video and the full written article on Bechukotai available to watch, read, print, and share, by visiting: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/bechukotai/the-rejection-of-rejection/ A new FAMILY EDITION is now also available: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation-family-edition/bechukotai/the-rejection-of-rejection/ For more articles, videos, and other material from Rabbi Sacks, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org and follow @RabbiSacks. The Rabbi Sacks Legacy continues to share weekly inspiration from Rabbi Sacks. This piece was originally written and recorded by Rabbi Sacks in 2011. With thanks to the Schimmel Family for their generous sponsorship of Covenant & Conversation, dedicated in loving memory of Harry (Chaim) Schimmel.
latestLatest episode of the podcast. Please consider sponsoring a class online in someones merit, memory or refuah shelemah. You can donate here in the app or send us an email at info@ejsny.org with the dedication you want to make. Thanks! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rabbifarhi/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rabbifarhi/support
אִם־בְּחֻקֹּתַ֖יתֵּלֵ֑כוּ וְאֶת־מִצְוֺתַ֣י תִּשְׁמְר֔וּ וַעֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם אֹתָֽם׃ If youfollow My laws and faithfully observe My commandments, וְנָתַתִּ֥י גִשְׁמֵיכֶ֖םבְּעִתָּ֑ם וְנָתְנָ֤ה הָאָ֙רֶץ֙ יְבוּלָ֔הּ וְעֵ֥ץ הַשָּׂדֶ֖ה יִתֵּ֥ן פִּרְיֽוֹ׃ I will grantyour rains in their season, so that the earth shall yield its produce and thetrees of the field their fruit. וְהִשִּׂ֨יג לָכֶ֥םדַּ֙יִשׁ֙ אֶת־בָּצִ֔יר וּבָצִ֖יר יַשִּׂ֣יג אֶת־זָ֑רַע וַאֲכַלְתֶּ֤ם לַחְמְכֶם֙ לָשֹׂ֔בַעוִֽישַׁבְתֶּ֥ם לָבֶ֖טַח בְּאַרְצְכֶֽם׃ Yourthreshing shall overtake the vintage, and your vintage shall overtake thesowing; you shall eat your fill of bread and dwell securely in your land. וְנָתַתִּ֤י שָׁלוֹם֙בָּאָ֔רֶץ וּשְׁכַבְתֶּ֖ם וְאֵ֣ין מַחֲרִ֑יד׃ I will grantpeace in the land, and you shall lie down untroubled by anyone;
Can we approach the Torah as a rational guide for living wisely while allowing space for genuine emotional and spiritual experiences? In this week’s episode, Rabbi Dr. Elisha Ancselovits and Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield delve into the concept of reward and … Read the rest The post Bechukotai 5784: Between Philosophy and Spirituality first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Bechukotai 5784: Between Philosophy and Spirituality at Elmad Online Learning.
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Is Jewish life supposed to be lived in the land of Israel? Can you live a fulfilling and meaningful life in diaspora? How do we, as liberal Jews, relate to the traditional Jewish notion of "exile?" We explore some midrash on the topic. --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. To support the production of this podcast, visit either www.patreon.com/sevenminutetorah (for per-episode contribution) OR https://laasok.org/support/ (for a tax-deductible one-time or monthly contribution). For info on our weekly Zoom Torah study groups or other learning opportunities go to https://laasok.org/. To join the Seven Minute Torah Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sevenminutetorahgroup Comments or questions? Email me at rabbistreiffer@gmail.com