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***CORRECTED TRANSCRIPT*** Welcome to a special edition of Perek Shira. In the introduction to Perek Shira , it says about David Hamelech, that when he finished sefer Tehilim , זחה דעתו עליו/ He became a little proud, and said, Hashem, is there any creature in the world that says more songs than I do? At that moment, a frog appeared, and told David, אל תזוח דעתך עליך , Don't be proud, I say more songs than you do. I'm involved in a great Mitzvah. On the edge of the river, there is a certain creature, and when he's hungry, he eats me, and that's the Mitzvah that I do. That's the basic message of Chazal. Very strange. What exactly is going on over here? The frog is greater than David Hamelech? What does that mean? The Zohar HaKadosh, in Pinchas 232B cites this story as well, but with a different response from the frog, which is, " David, don't be proud. I do more than you, because I was Moser Nefesh on the command of my Creator. When it came to the plague of frogs, I jumped into the ovens, and I was Moser Nefesh ." The frog actually does sing all day, it's croaks all day. It could be that in the merit of his Mesirut Nefesh, he's the ultimate singer. The Mabit , in his commentary, brings this down as well. The Zohar says at that moment, David Hamelech said this song in Tehilim 131,1 lה' לא גבה לבי, לא רמו עיני, My heart is not arrogant, my eyes are not lifted up . So let us understand, what is this great song of the frog? The sefer Imrei Emet on Parashat Vaera brings down from the Tanna D'veh Eliyahu , that the Hebrew word for frog צפרדע Sefardea , is a contraction of two words, ציפור, a bird , that has דעה , that has understanding . It's Bird because the frog is always flying around, but what is his דעת ? The Imrei Emet says that the ultimate level of Da'at , the highest level of intellect, is when a person is Moser Nefesh , when he jumps into the fire. Avraham Avinu was the one that recognized his Creator, and he was the first one to jump into the fire. What does that mean? The Meshech Chochma in Shemot 35,30 explains something fascinating. The chief architect of the Mishkan was Betzalel Ben Ouri, Ben Chur. And what happens to him? Hashem filled him with all knowledge in the world. Why was he zocheh to that? Says the Meshech Chochma, Mesirut Nefesh . When a person jumps into a fiery furnace, it is the ultimate shutting off of one's brain- not thinking, just trusting Hashem. Hashem says it's right, so I'm doing it. Chur was Moser Nefesh at the Chet HaEgel . He made a protest and they killed him. This is not something philosophical. Philosophically, would you say, For this one second, I'm giving up my whole life and all the things that I could do ? No . The Chasid Yaavetz says that in the times of the Spanish Inquisition, those that were tainted by philosophy did not withstand the test and became Moranos. The simpler people jumped in, because with too much philosophy, you're not going to do it. But, says the Meshech Chochma , that is the ultimate Da'at . The ultimate level of understanding is knowing, I don't understand, I'm going to dive in and do what God says . That's why Chur had a great-grandson, Betzalel , who was so full of wisdom. So, ציפור דעה, the message of the frog is, he jumps in and he is Moser Nefesh , and that's the greatest Shira . Furthermore, the sefer Shem M'Shimon quotes from a sefer Baalei Chayim by Rav Klonimus, that says that the frog did something earlier in history that caused it to merit to be the first creature in the plagues, after the blood. When Nimrod threw Avraham into the fiery furnace, the frogs jumped in and squirted water to try to cool down the fire to save Avraham. Additionally, when Chananiah, Mishael and Azariah questioned whether they should jump into the fiery furnace, they said, " If the frogs did it, surely we should do it." So the frogs are the messengers of Moser Nefesh . The chiddush here is that the song of creation is not necessarily the outward , loud song. Mesirut Nefesh, even in privacy, creates a great song. The Midrash tells us that there were two approaches (Bereshit 71,5) The approach of לאה was called פלח הודיה. She took the unit of praise, and out of her came Yehuda who praised, David Hamelech who praised, and Daniel…all of her children were praisers. Rachel, on the other hand, took the unit of being quiet. She didn't say when the signs were given over to Leah. Her child, Binyamin his stone is ישפה ,. יש פה He could have revealed the sale of Yosef, but he didn't. Esther, who comes from Shaul, and Shaul…They're quiet, undercover people. Whose Mesirut Nefesh is greater? Interestingly, when it comes to the splitting of the sea, Nachshon, who comes from Yehuda jumps in and splits the sea. But behind the scenes we know, that it says, the sea saw something and ran . What did it see? It saw the bones of Yosef. It says, the sea ran away because he ran away, and the sea split. So who split the sea? Nachshon, yes, on the outside. But behind the scenes, the quiet, self-control, Mesirut Nefesh of Yosef did it. As the Rambam in Yad Hazaka , in the laws of Yesodeh HaTorah , chapter 5, Halacha 10, says, that when a person does a sin in public, it's called Chillul Hashem B'Rabim. And he says, But קול הפורש מעבירה, someone that stays away from a sin, and does it, not out of fear, not for honor, but only because God said so, like Yosef HaSaddik, that controlled himself from the wife of his master, this is a kiddush Hashem. So there are two types of Kiddush Hashem. There's a Kiddush Hashem in public, and there's a Kiddush Hashem in private. The Mesirut Nefesh that doesn't make the big, loud noise, still does something. That's the message of the frog. Yes, there are great songs that we hear, but there are songs that we don't hear, of those people that just jump into the fiery furnace. There's a great story that is told over, of a man, Joe, who was a very successful Israeli, the son of Holocaust survivors. He rose from a childhood of poverty, in the mid-80s, and built up a huge, successful high-tech company. One day, his wife called, asking to pick up some meat on his way home from the office. He stopped at a trendy take-out place, to order what they called in, Israel Basar Lavan/white meat, which is code for חזיר, pork. As he stood in line, he began to feel uneasy. He began to remember a story he had heard from his parents. He always knew the story, but now it took on a heightened meaning. Joe's maternal grandfather was Rav Shraga Feivel of Hungary. Rav Shraga Feivel was captured by the Nazis, about a year before the war ended, and imprisoned as a slave in a slave labor camp. After a year, Rav Shraga Feivel was about to be freed. The war was over, and the Allied forces were going from camp to camp, liberating the prisoners. They could already see the smoke of the Allied forces marching their way. Freedom was mere hours away. At that moment, the head SS officer gathered the Jewish prisoners together and announced, The war has ended. In a few hours, you'll be free. All but you, he said, pointing to Rav Shraga Feivel. You must pass one more test. You must eat this piece of pig's meat. Only then will you be allowed to go free. Refuse it, and I'll shoot you in the head right here and now. The tension was so thick, you could cut it with a knife. Rav Shraga Feivel had been meticulous all through his days at the camp, not to eat unkosher meat. He didn't even eat soup, which might contain meat. Rav Shraga Feivel proclaimed, I will not eat chazir-flesh /I will not eat pork. A shot rang out, and Rav Shraga Feivel soul was returned to its creator. And now, 40 years later, Rav Shraga Feivel's grandson stood thinking to himself, I'm waiting in line to pay money to eat that which my grandfather gave his life not to consume? All he had to do was eat that one small piece of pork, and he'd be set free! He'd be allowed to return to his family, yet he wouldn't do it. I have everything. I'm free to live with my family. I have anything I want, yet I'm about to purchase this meat?Either my grandfather was crazy, or I'm crazy. And I cannot believe that he was crazy, thought Joe, as he got off the line and went to buy dinner elsewhere. When he got home, he spoke to his wife about his feelings and the emptiness he had been experiencing. They both had to acknowledge that despite all their material prosperity, a certain spiritual emptiness gnawed at him. They were missing something, but never knew exactly what. They spoke for a long time about values and what is important in life. They decided to attend an Arachim seminar. Joe was enthralled by the seminar. It penetrated the murky mysteriousness of God, Torah, and Judaism. It rocked his world and shook his soul. Who was that Joe? That Joe was well known as Yossi Wallis. He eventually became the CEO of the Arachim organization and built it to a huge movement of Baaleh Teshuva. Tens of thousands of Jews have already come back. We ask ourselves, what did this man, Rav Shraga Feivel, accomplish by dying and not living the rest of his life for that moment of Kiddush Hashem, shutting off his brain? He got a grandson full of Da'at and Chochma . And that's the Song of the Frog. *If you're interested in learning more about Yossi Wallis, there's a book written about him written by Rav Nacan Seltzer called Incredible , a bestseller by Artscroll. Have a wonderful day.
The pasuk in this week's parsha states: " ויקרא אל משה וידבר ה' אליו מאהל מועד לאמר " - Hashem called to Moshe, and then Moshe entered to speak with Him. At the end of Parashat Pekudei, it says that Moshe was unable to enter the Ohel Mo'ed because the cloud of Hashem had descended upon it. However, in Parashat Mishpatim, it states that Moshe entered the cloud of Hashem at Har Sinai, which seems to indicate that he was able to enter. The Ohr HaChaim explains that in that instance, it first says " ויקרא אל משה " , meaning Hashem called Moshe in first. A person cannot simply enter a place where the Shechina resides. However, if Hashem calls the person in, then it becomes possible. That is why Parashat Vayikra begins with Hashem calling Moshe to enter the Ohel Mo'ed. What did Moshe do to merit this calling? The Shevet Mussar explains that Moshe did not contribute any donations toward the Mishkan, even though he was in charge of its construction. Specifically because he did not contribute, Moshe was chosen for this role—so that no one could ever claim personal credit for building Hashem's house. The Midrash states that the phrase " כאשר צוה ה' את משה " appears 18 times regarding the Mishkan. It gives a parable of a king who commanded his servant to build him a palace. On each part that the servant built, he wrote the name of the king—on the walls, on the pillars, on every detail of the palace. When the king entered and saw his name everywhere, he said: "My servant has honored me so much, and yet I am inside while he remains outside." Immediately, the king called his servant to enter the palace. Similarly, when Hashem instructed Moshe to construct the Mishkan, Moshe "wrote" on everything " כאשר צוה ה' את משה " . Hashem saw that Moshe had given Him all the honor, while he himself remained outside. In response, Hashem called Moshe inside. The phrase " כאשר צוה ה' את משה " reflects Moshe's complete self-nullification. He did not take any credit for his role; rather, he attributed everything to Hashem. Even though Moshe did not physically build the Mishkan, he stood by the workers, reminding them that their strength and talent came from Hashem. He even reminded Betzalel, despite his wisdom, not to lose focus and to recognize that all his abilities were granted by Hashem. The one who did not physically labor was the one invited in—because he gave Hashem the most honor. Humility, in which a person attributes everything to Hashem, brings Hashem honor. In turn, Hashem honors that person. The letter Aleph in Vayikra is small. The Gemara explains that in Moshe's humility, he wanted it to appear as Vayikar (without the Aleph ), implying that Hashem " ויקר -happened" to appear to him, rather than explicitly calling him. He wrote the Aleph small so it would not seem as though he was exceptionally deserving. In the end, Hashem used the extra ink from the small Aleph to make Moshe's face shine. Moshe's name is absent from the Haggadah because Yetziat Mitzrayim was meant to teach for all generations that Hashem alone controls the world. One of the reasons Moshe was chosen as the leader was because he was willing to remove himself from the story and give all credit to Hashem. His humility allowed him to gain immeasurably. Each day, we have the opportunity to serve Hashem in this way. The more we attribute everything we have and do to HaKadosh Baruch Hu , the more He rests His presence upon us. If we internalize that all success comes solely from Him, we truly honor Hashem—and in that merit, may He call us closer to Him. We all desire closeness with Hashem. The path to achieving it is through humility—by recognizing that everything we have and everything we accomplish is entirely from Him. Shabbat Shalom.
Harav Avraham Tabrikian shares a fascinating chiddush from Pnei Yehoshua regarding the exchange between Moshe and Betzalel, and raises a number of difficulties with it.
The Ramban (Shemos 31:2) explains how Hashem miraculously “made” Betzalel—one man who had the combination of the practical wisdom to make the Mishkan and philosophical wisdom to understand its ideas. This episode explores the significance of this miracle.
This week's Torah portion of Pekudei witnesses the completion of the desert Tabernacle, whose chief artisan was Betzalel. The sages teach that Betzalel - whose name literally means 'in the shadow of God' - possessed a unique wisdom: "He knew how to combine the letters with which heaven and earth were created.' What does that mean? In this week's Jerusalem Lights Podcast, Jim Long returns to join Rabbi Richman in Jerusalem, for a rousing episode that focuses on spiritual energy, science...and the amazing parallels between the seven-day inauguration of the Tabernacle, and the creation of the world. Lovingly Recorded in Ora Studios, Jerusalem Israel________Rabbi Chaim Richman Jerusalem Lights | Torah for Everyone Please support the work of Jerusalem Lights, Inc., a USA recognized 501 ( c ) 3 non-profit organization to enable these productions to continue and grow:PayPal: infojerusalemlights@gmail.com or: https://paypal.me/JerusalemLights?loc...In the USA: Jerusalem Lights Inc. Post Office Box 16886Lubbock Texas 79490In Israel: Tel. 972 54 7000395 Mail: PO Box 23808, Jerusalem IsraelSubscribe to our newsletter at https://www.rabbirichman.comSubscribe to our YouTube channel: / jerusalemlightsrabbichaimrichman Follow us on Facebook: / rabbichaimrichman / 282440396475839
Betzalel Rothstein is a Certified Divorce Coach and Mediator who is highly regarded and has been involved in hundreds of divorce cases over the past 10 years either as Mediator, Coach, Parenting Coordinator or Consultant. He has extensive experience in dealing with difficult topics such as parental alienation, blended families, relocation, and what to do when parents differ about hashkafah. Betzalel has personal experience with many of these topics and he has learned from many of the leading experts in high-conflict divorces. Betzalel's Contact Information: Website: www.shalomfamilymediation.com Email: Betzalel@shalomfamilymediation.com Phone: 646.493.9783 As noted in this episode, we plan to soon do a broad communal survey on the topic of divorce. We are giving all of our listeners the opportunity to chime in on issues they would like us to explore, as well as to sign up to get the survey form as soon as it is released. Just go to this link to participate: http://bit.ly/orthodox-divorce-2025
The pasuk in Parashat Vayakhel states that Hashem filled the hearts of Betzalel and Aholiav with wisdom to carry out the intricate work of constructing the Mishkan . Rav Shach asked: Why were these two individuals chosen over anyone else in Klal Yisrael ? He explained that when the people heard Moshe announce Hashem's command to build the Mishkan , no one wanted to take responsibility for such an overwhelming task. It seemed impossible. But Betzalel and Aholiav stepped forward, not because they already possessed the necessary skills, but because they believed in the mission. They understood that "it is not the capable who do, but rather those who do become capable." They wanted to take on the responsibility, and after Moshe appointed them, Hashem filled their hearts with the wisdom they needed to succeed. Their zechut has benefitted Kelal Yisrael for all generations. After David HaMelech killed Goliat, Goliat's brother sought revenge. A man named Elchanan ben Ya'areh struck Goliath's brother down with a weaving tool before he could cause harm. Rashi explains that Elchanan was a descendant of Betzalel, and in the zechut of Betzalel's weaving of the Parochet in the Mishkan , Hashem gave Elchanan the ability to eliminate this threat with the very same type of tool. Another powerful story is told about the father of Rabbi Aholiav Chiyun. He was 90 years old when his son was born. His wife, much younger than him, desperately wanted a child. She went to pray at the kever of Aholiav ben Achisamach in Sidon, and miraculously, they had a son. They named him Aholiav, attributing his birth to the zechut of Aholiav ben Achisamach. At four years old, however, the boy still had not begun to speak. His mother returned to the kever to pray again, bringing her son with her. Before she even finished her tefilla , he opened his mouth and asked her a question. She was so shocked that she nearly fainted. That boy later grew up to become a gadol b'Yisrael and was a chavruta of Chacham Ovadia Yosef in Yeshivat Porat Yosef . Betzalel and Aholiav stepped forward to do Hashem's will, and He gave them the ability to succeed. Their zechut continues forever. When a person is moser nefesh to do what is right, Hashem grants him special siyata dishmaya to accomplish it. Rabbi Goel Elkarif told a story that he heard directly from the person it happened to. Today, this man is a talmid chacham living in Yerushalayim. When he was in shidduchim , he was introduced to a girl with outstanding middot and deep yirat shamayim . However, no one told him that she suffered from a severe stuttering problem. When they met, he immediately noticed the issue. But because of his sterling character, he wasn't going to reject her solely because of it. They continued seeing each other. She was perfect in every way except for her extreme speech difficulty. With great emunah , he decided to move forward and got engaged to her. Amazingly, the day after their engagement, her stuttering disappeared completely and never returned. She had seen doctors, therapists, and specialists, but nothing had ever helped. Yet the moment she was engaged, the problem vanished. This chatan was moser nefesh to do what he believed was Hashem's will, and in return, Hashem gave him the greatest gift. Hashem can help us with anything. Our role is to do His will, and He will take care of the rest. Shabbat Shalom.
Rashi (Shmos 37:1) explains why the Torah singles out Betzalel's making the Aron: because he devoted himself more fully than all others. This episode discusses the meaning of this Rashi and the lesson we can learn from it.
Rabbi Feiner shiurim
This week's Torah portion is Vayakhel, which is often read together with the following portion, Pekudei. These two portions share a unique connection, as they both recount the building of the Mishkan, the Tabernacle. Previously, in Parshiyot Terumah and Tetzaveh, Hashem commanded the construction of the Mishkan and its vessels. Now, in Vayakhel and Pekudei, we see the actual execution of those instructions.The Mishkan was built under the leadership of two great individuals: Betzalel ben Uri from the tribe of Yehuda and Oholiav ben Achisamach from the tribe of Dan. Rashi explains that Hashem specifically chose leaders from both the highest-ranking tribe (Yehuda) and the lowest-ranking tribe (Dan) to emphasize that the Mishkan belonged to everyone.
This week's conversation with R. David Fohrman, beloved Tanakh teacher and principal educator at Aleph Beta, was a joy. We begin by thinking about the connection between Betzalel and the world's creation. We ponder the wonders of AI and the relationship between the womb and God's contraction (tzimtzum), and then flesh out the fascinating textual and essential relationship between Betzalel and Yosef. Enjoy this magical Biblical tour with a true Tanakh giant. The series asks what axiomatic ideas sit at the root of Israel's national formation, without which we wouldn't be who we are? How might we adjust our current trends in the Jewish world to realign with these principles? This week's episode has been dedicated in memory of David Shmuel ben Yitzchak. To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode, visit the Matan Website's DONATE page: https://www.matan.org.il/en/donatenow/
Shabbat Teaching at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, March 15, 2025, with guest writer/Ziegler Student Jacob Perl. (Youtube/Zoom) Special Guest: Jacob Perl.
Rav Moshe Feinstein asks where we find Betzalel being called to serve as lead architect of the Mishkan construction project.
THE GIFT HORSE This week we will do more work with the gift exchange between the bride and bridegroom. These exchanges occur from the time between their betrothal at Mt. Sinai and when the Bride is drawn into the Cloud of His Presence at the resurrection. To review from last week, the Bride sent gifts to the Groom to build a place for His Presence to dwell. In return, the Groom gifted Betzalel and Oholiav with the Divine ruach to transform those gifts into the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The Bride brought the Bridegroom thirteen items as gifts for the building of the Mishkan: Gold Silver Copper Turquoise wool Purple wool Scarlet wool Linen Goat hair Red-dyed ram skins Tachash skins Acacia wood Shoham stones Stones for the settings This list does not include items that were depletable, such as olive oil and spices for anointment. Then the Bridegroom gave her similar gifts, each mirroring one of her gifts to Him for the preparation of a Mishkan to make a place for His Presence to dwell with her: “I also clothed you with embroidered cloth and put sandals of porpoise skin on your feet; and I wrapped you with fine linen and covered you with silk. I adorned you with ornaments, put bracelets on your hands and a necklace around your neck. I also put a ring in your nostril, earrings in your ears and a beautiful crown on your head. Thus you were adorned with gold and silver, and your dress was of fine linen, silk and embroidered cloth. You ate fine flour, honey and oil; so you were exceedingly beautiful and advanced to royalty. Then your fame went forth among the nations on account of your beauty, for it was perfect because of My splendor which I bestowed on you,” declares the Lord GOD. (Ezekiel 16:10-14) Enumerated for easier reading: Embroidered cloth Tachash (porpoise or badger) sandals Fine linen (priesthood) Silk ("cloud of glory”) Ornaments Bracelets (tablets of Ten Words) Necklace (words of Torah bound around the neck/heart) Nose ring (justice) Earrings (Shma) Crown of beauty (Divine Presence Is 60:19) Gold (purity of Torah) Silver (redemption) Fame (of the Groom's Name) Again, the pattern is that the Bride brings earthly gifts, which the Bridegroom matches with spiritual gifts. The Bride contributes earthly resources, and the Groom mirrors them with Heavenly resources. If she understands that that are two realms, and she understands He is Creator and she is created, she realizes the gifts weren't hers at all. It was because of Adonai that the Hebrews plundered the Egyptians. He redesignated the wealth of the Egyptians to the Hebrews. The gifts Israel gave were His. He created them. It's all His. Adonai puts wealth in our pockets, so we can't think when we contribute something to the congregation that it's coming out of our pockets. It's coming out of His creation. He even gives the ability to earn that money or that gift. Without His giving the ability to earn, we could bring no gift. Lots of people on this earth do not have the ability to earn anything at all. They have disabilities. Some can only earn a little. Simply to be born with the ability to go out and earn, labor, and collect that paycheck is a gift from Heaven. We are brought up to believe we earn our paychecks, but they all originate in His Creation, and Elohim chose to make us able-bodied and healthy so we could give back to Him. He lets you put it in your pocket as if it's yours. But we can't be too sassy because He created both the Bride and the earth that yields its resources to her. That's hard to acknowledge when we associate reward with the work that we do. Yes, you contributed. You contributed your earthly natural resources to that paycheck, and you contributed some of that treasure back to Him. This made it holy. Designated. Just like the Bride. She is holy to the Groom.
Shiur given by Rabbi Bezalel Rudinsky on Dvar Halacha Krias Shema. Shiur recorded in Yeshivas Ohr Reuven, Monsey, NY. Parnes Hayom: Shiur sponsored by R' Yoni Senter & Family L'zecher Nishmas Eugene Schwalb, R' Betzalel ben R' Moshe Dovid A"H.
Welcome to our daily Perek Shira class. Today's class is the song of the sefardea , which is usually translated as frog . The Sefardeah says, בָּרוּךְ שֵׁם כְּבוֹד מַלְכוּתוֹ לְעוֹלַם וָעֶד: Baruch Shem Kevod Malchuto L'Olam Vaed This is an anomaly, as all the other creatures sing songs that are pesukim in the Torah. This is not a pasuk . So where does Baruch Shem Kevod Malchuto L'Olam Vaed come from? From Yaakov Avinu, who told this to his children when they said Shema Yisrael. When they accepted upon themselves the yoke of God's kingdom, he responded, Baruch Shem Kevod Malchuto L'Olam Vaed. For reasons we won't get into now, Moshe Rabbenu did not put it in the Torah and therefore when we say it, we say it quietly. Frogs are famous for the fact that they came as a plague. Interestingly, the Gemara in Peshachim connect this to Chananya, Mishael and Azarya, three people who jumped into the fiery furnace. Tosafot explains there that it was not due to Avodah Zara, as it was a statue of the king that they were told to bow to. So why were they willing to give up their lives if they really didn't need to? The answer is, they learned it from the sefardeim /the frogs, who didn't have die Al kiddush Hashem, and yet they jumped into the ovens and were ready to die anyway (those that jumped in did survive. God miraculously saved them). The Maharil Diskin, in Shemot 7,28 is bothered. Of course the frogs were commanded to die Al kiddush Hashem . God said the frogs had to go in. That was a command. But he says No. There was a command on the frogs in general that they have to go in. But who said which ones specifically had to go into the ovens? Some chose to go into the ovens. And just like the frogs chose to go into the ovens, So too, Chananya, Mishael and Azarya chose to die Al Kiddush Hashem and jumped into the fire. Furthermore, the Yalkut Shemoni in Shemot, chapter 7, remez 182 says that the word צפרדע Sefardea is a contraction of two words, Sipor De'ah/bird with knowledge. Frogs jump, which is like flying, but what exactly was the wisdom of the frogs? The Imrei Emet on Parashat Vaerah says that the ultimate wisdom is Mesirut Nefesh, which is when you recognize God, realize how great God is, know that there is nothing more important than God, and are willing to die die to bring sanctification to God's name . That is the greatest act of knowledge. The Meshech Chochma explains this in Shemot 35 ,30, where the Torah discusses Betzalel, who was the wisest man, who created the Mishkan. God filled him up with all kinds of wisdom. And he is traced back to Chur, who protested against the Golden Calf (Sotah 37) and was killed. Chur therefore merited to have a grandson so full of knowledge. How is that measure for measure? The answer is, because that willingness to sacrifice yourself is the ultimate wisdom. Rabbenu Yona explains that the ultimate wisdom is saying, It doesn't make sense. Why in the world am I dying Al kiddush Hashem? How does it make sense to die for this one moment? Is it really worth never serving Hashem again? And the answer is yes . The ultimate wisdom is making that choice. So we come full circle. These frogs sing a song of Mesirut Nefesh , " Baruch Shem Kevod Malchuto LeOlam Vaed." Why do they sing that? Why isn't their song Shema Yisrael? There's a beautiful thought from the Imrei Emet, in Parashat Vaera, where he quotes the Sfat Emet that we will bring the Geula though Mesirut Nefesh. He cites a pasuk to prove his point. That's what Shema Yisrael is- kabalut ol malchut Shamayim, accepting the yoke of Hashem's Kingdom, which you say with all your heart and all your soul. And at the end of time, when the Geula comes, it's going to be the ultimate perfection- Yechudo Yitbarach/the ultimate Oneness of God's Name , when we will able to look back and see how the Holocaust, the Crusades and everything else makes sense in the larger picture. It's going to be an unbelievable revelation that there is really one big beautiful tapestry of history. At that time, we'll look back and say, Baruch Shem Kevod Malchuto LeOlam Vaed. We will look at God's name, and see how it's forever blessed. What's more, the Sfat Emet tells us that when a person says God's name in vain or by mistake, they say Baruch Shem Kevod Malchuto LeOlam Vaed. That koshers it, because saying God's name in vain indicates a lack of respect for God, and by saying Baruch Shem Kevod Malchuto LeOlam Vaed, we're increasing the respect of God's name. So he says, at the end of time, we're going to say, Baruch Shem Kevod Malchuto LeOlam Vaed, and that will fix all of the things that were seemingly out of place in history. We're going to say Baruch Shem… which he says, will be a part of the Torah at that point. It won't just be whispered, it will be said out loud, like on Yom Kippur. So when Mashiach comes, we'll say Baruch Shem out loud, and it will actually be considered a pasuk in the Torah (whatever that means). Therefore, the frog, like all the other creatures, really is saying a pasuk . But his pasuk has not yet become a pasuk. The original revelation of God's Oneness, started in Mitzrayim. The frog was Moser Nefesh then, and he continues to teach us this lesson throughout history, of Mesirut Nefesh that will eventually bring the ultimate Kavod Shamayim . That's why the Song of the Frog is Baruch Shem Kevod Malchuto LeOlam Vaed. What a fascinating explanation, from a combination of many great rabbis- the Imrei Emet, the Maharil of Diskin, and the Meshech Chochma, all piecing this beautiful little puzzle together.
Yahrteit Yomi #1275!! ל חשון Beis Din Hagadol Rav Betzalel Zolty רב יעקב בצלאל ב״ר אריה לייב זולטי בעל משנת יעבץ (1920 - 1982) Rav Eliezer Waldenberg רב אליעזר יהודה ב״ר יעקב גדליהו וולדנברג בעל ציץ אליעזר (1914 - 2006) PRESENTED BY RENOWNED HISTORIAN REB ELI NADOFF!! ---------------------------------------------------- Share the Yahrtzeit Yomi link with your contacts!! https://chat.whatsapp.com/JimbwNtBaX31vmRDdnO3yk --------------------------------------------------- To dedicate or sponsor, please contact 917-841-5059, or email yahrtzeityomidaily@gmail.com. Sponsorships can be paid by Zelle to the same number. First come, first served. Monthly sponsorships are $540. Weekly sponsorships are $180. Daily sponsorships are as follows: Dedications (l'Zecher Nishmas, Zechus shidduch/refuah/yeshuah, etc.) are $50. Sponsorships (fliers, advertising, promotions, additional links, etc.) are $100.
Delivered in YGW Motzei Shabbos Shoftim 5784 Shiur is sponsored l'eilu nishmas פעסל בת נחמן And l'refuah sheleimah יהודה אריה בן צירל
התוכן מסופר בתחילת פ' שמיני אודות יום השמיני למילואים, היום הראשון להקמת המשכן באופן קבוע (לאחרי הקדמת תקופה ממושכת שבה עסקו בנ"י בהקמתו). אבל גם לאחר שכבר קיימו ציווי הקב"ה לעשות את המשכן, וידעו שהקב"ה משרה שכינתו בתוכם, רצה הקב"ה שהשראת שכינתו בתוכם תהי' באופן הנראה והנגלה לעיני בשר – "וירא כבוד ה' אל כל העם גו' וירא כל העם וגו'". וההוראה מכ"ז לזמנינו: רצונו של הקב"ה הוא שגם בהיות בנ"י "במדבר", בזמן ומצב הגלות, יעשו משכן לו ית' מדברים גשמיים, ועי"ז משרה שכינתו בתוכם. ועאכו"כ שכן הוא בנוגע לעסקנים ציבוריים שבכל דור (ע"ד "בצלאל ואהליאב") שמודגש אצלם הענין ד"ועשו לי מקדש ושכנתי בתוכם". וכאן באה ההוראה, דאין להסתפק שהקב"ה יודע והם בעצמם יודעים מה שפעלו בעשיית מקדש לו ית', אלא זה צ"ל באופן הנראה והנגלה לעין כל. ועוד ועיקר, שה' מוסיף עוד יותר בברכתו להצלחה בעשירות, שמרגישים ורואים בגלוי שיש להם ברכה יתירה מה', שעי"ז יוכלו להוסיף עוד יותר בעניני הצדקה וכו'.משיחת יום ב' פ' שמיני, כ"ף אדר שני ה'תשמ"ט ל להמשתתפים בקרן לטובת "מחנה ישראל" ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=01-04-2024 Synopsis Parashas Shemini begins with discussing the eighth day of the milu'im, the first day the Mishkan was erected permanently (after a prolonged period during which the Jewish people worked on its construction). Even after they had fulfilled Hashem's command to build the Mishkan, and they knew that Hashem's Shechinah dwells among them, Hashem wanted His presence to be openly revealed to the physical eye – “…and the glory of Hashem appeared to all the people…”. The lesson for our times: Hashem wants that even when the Jewish people are “in the desert,” in exile, they should make a Mishkan for Him from physical things, and through this, He dwells among them. And certainly this applies to those in every generation who work on behalf of the community (like Betzalel and Oholiav). And we also learn from here that one should not suffice with the fact that Hashem knows, and that he himself knows what he has accomplished by making a Sanctuary for Him, rather, it must be openly revealed for all to see. And most importantly, Hashem grants additional success and blessing for physical wealth, in a way that Hashem's blessing is openly seen and felt, so that they can continue to do even more tzedakah etc.Top of FormExcerpt from sichah of Monday, Parashas Shemini, 20 Adar Sheini 5749, to supporters of Machne Israel For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=01-04-2024 לע”נ הרב אליעזר בן הרב מרדכי ע"ה ווענגער ליום היארצייט שלו כ"ב אדר שני. ת.נ.צ.ב.ה.נדבת משפחתו שי'לזכות מארייאשא אסתר בת שטערנא שרה שתחי' ליום ההולדת שלה כ"ב אדרלשנת ברכה והצלחה רבה ומופלגה בכל בגו"ר מתוך בריאות נכונה ומנוחת הנפש והגוףנדבת הורי' ר' חיים ברוך ושטערנא שרה שיחיו אלבסקי
Parshas Pekudei, Sanctuary Beyond Structure The Parsha Perspective is in honor of Eretz Yisroel. May G-d protect our brave soldiers. May G-d return all the hostages in Gaza immediately. The Parsha Perspective is in honor of the Refuah Shlema of HaRav Amitai Ben Shoshanna, Hinda Bas Udl and those who need to experience a speedy and complete recovery with G-d's help. This week's Parsha Perspective is in loving memory of Edward Ben Efraim, Shlomo Ben Edward, and Yirachmiel Daniel Ben Gedalia. May their souls be uplifted and their memories a blessing. Click here to listen, watch and connect! Parshaperspective.com Our Parsha begins with Moshe making an accounting of all the gold, silver, and copper that the Jewish nation donated toward the building of the Mishkan. The two foremen in charge of its construction, Betzalel and Aliyev, brought all the completed components to Moshe for inspection. After reviewing each part, he consecrated them with special oil and placed them in their intended place. He sprinkled his brother, Aaron Hakohen, and his four sons with the same oil to initiate them into the covenant of priesthood. We find out the uniqueness of the Mishkan over the Beis Hamikdash. We learn the power of our actions as we speak toward the ultimate redemption!
In this moving conversation with R. Michael Hattin, we explore Betzalel's personality and uniqueness as a paradigm of human creator. Along the way we discuss the meaning of 'melacha' on Shabbat and the unique ability humans possess to harness the world's gifts for their use. This podcast has been sponsored by Eli,David and Judah Seidman in honor of their sister, Dr. Bryna Levy and in memory of Elisheva Yehudit bat Bryna Yocheved and Daniel Alexander. May her memory be a blessing.
Unlock the secrets of success through the lens of Jewish history as we unravel the lives of Bezalel and Oholiab, two emblematic figures who defied their backgrounds to become leaders in building the Mishkan. Get ready to be inspired as we discuss with our esteemed guest the profound implications of their journey from obscurity to prominence. The conversation promises a historical analysis and an exploration of how their legacies offer a blueprint for personal growth and leadership, regardless of one's starting point.This episode is a poignant reminder that in the world of spirituality and contribution, there's no ceiling for those willing to work and believe. We celebrate the resilience and determination exemplified by Bezalel and Oholiab and connect their stories to others who climbed from the depths to touch the skies of achievement. Join us as we share heartening anecdotes and insights, proving that true meritocracy is not just a secular ideal. Still, a cornerstone of Jewish belief, paving the way for anyone to build their sanctuary of purpose and success.Support the showJoin the WhatsApp community for daily motivational Torah content! JOIN HERE ---------------- SUBSCRIBE to The Weekly Parsha for an insightful weekly shiur on the Parsha of the week. Listen on Spotify or the new Jewish music and Podcast streaming platform 24six! Access all Torah talks and listen to featured episodes on our new website, themotivationcongregation.org ---------------- Questions or Comments? Please email me @ michaelbrooke97@gmail.com
In this shiur, delivered in Sharfmans, Rav Burg explains why Betzalel and Ohaliav were equal with regards to building the Mishkan. Klal Yisrael required divine inspiration to build the Mishkan. A nation of slaves lacked the artisanal skills that would be necessary for building. Betzalel inspired those who felt worthy but Ohaliav, with his simple background, inspired the lowest of Jews.
Betzalel is mentioned specifically as the one who built the Aron Hakodesh.
Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbiu Adam Mintz recorded on Clubhouse. According to Rabbinic tradition Moses was shown a paradigm of the Menorah but was uncertain how to translate the vision into reality of the moment. Bezalel had no such reservations and succeeded where Moses failed. We use this tradition to explore the modern concept of Paradigm Shift and wonder whether we are at such an inflection point today. Sefaria Source Sheet: www.sefaria.org/sheets/544480 Transcript on episode web page: https://madlik.com/2024/02/15/paradigm-shift/
One of the basic principles of emunah is that causes are not what bring about events. The events happen because they are what Hashem wants and the causes are just one of the millions of ways that Hashem brings them about. For example, the way it looks is, if someone is late for a meeting, it's because he missed his ride. In reality, however, Hashem wanted this person to be late for his meeting and, therefore, He caused him to miss the ride. If a person tried to sell a house or buy a house and the buyer or purchaser backed out at the last minute, it's not because they backed out that the house wasn't sold. Hashem didn't want the house to be sold, and that's why the person had to back out. This is the way it works with everything in life. If we would be able to truly internalize this fact, it would save us from so much stress and heartache, and would also protect us from ever getting upset at other people for their actions. Rav Elchanan Wasserman, zatzal , once traveled to America to raise funds for his yeshiva. At one of the shuls there, he gave a passionate speech about the value of supporting Torah and the entire congregation was visibly moved. The rabbi of that shul, however, was from a different school of thought and after the speech, he got up and told the congregation, even if they would just give a few dollars, it would be a great zechut . With those words, the crowd went from potentially giving thousands of dollars, to not even giving a hundred dollars. Afterward, the rabbi was worried that Rav Elchanan was angry with him. He went over to the rabbi to apologize. However, Rav Elchanan told him he wasn't the least bit upset. Rav Elchanan proceeded to give him a Devar Torah as follows. “When Hashem commanded Moshe to build the Mishkan , He told him, the actual builder should be a man by the name of Betzalel ben Uri ben Chur from the tribe of Yehuda. Moshe then went to search for this person. He must have gone to the tribe of Yehuda and asked the first person he saw, ‘Are you by any chance Betzalel ben Uri?' If the man said no, Moshe would have gone to another person and asked him if he was Betzalel ben Uri. And if that man said no, Moshe would have continued until he found the person he was looking for. “If those people replied they were not Betzalel, did Moshe get angry at them for not being the person he was looking for? Of course not. Those people were not zocheh to be Betzalel. The same applies here. “I came to America looking for Betzalel ben Uri to help support my yeshiva. There are certain people who will be zocheh to be Betzalels and support the yeshiva, and others who won't. It is clear that the members of your congregation are not from those people who are going to be Betzalel ben Uri. Should I be angry at that?” A person who is able to look at every situation in life and recognize it's always Hashem pulling the strings will have a much easier time dealing with everything. This, besides for the enormous rewards he will receive for having this pure emunah in the hashgacha of Hashem.
Behaviors that extend/shorten person life, certain things Hashem "controls" directly, leadership and brilliance of Betzalel, effects/significance of dreams
4 sections- behaviors that extend/shorten person life, certain things Hashem "controls" directly, leadership and brilliance of Betzalel, effects/significance of dreams
Rav Mike Feuer's annual Hanukkah class in honor of the yarzheit of his father Charles M. Feuer, Betzalel ben Avraham. Also the official launch party of the Jewish Heroism Project (http://www.jewishheroism.com). The class unpacks the meaning of gevurah, what it can teach us about the Maccabean war and our present national struggle.
Rav Mike's annual Hanukkah class in honor of the yarzheit of his father Charles M. Feuer, Betzalel ben Avraham. Also the official launch party of the Jewish Heroism Project - www.jewishheroism.com. The class unpacks the meaning of gevurah, what it can teach us about the Maccabean war and our present national struggle.
In this episode, Franciska explores the reasons for divorce with three frum divorcees, the last guest being anonymous. About Betzalel Rothstein: Betzalel Rothstein is a certified family mediator and a divorce coach, and the Chairman of the New Jersey Chapter of The National Parents Organization. Betzalel has experienced his own divorce after experiencing his parents' divorce and is happily remarried and engaged in advocacy for protecting the interests of children before, during and after a divorce. For more information about Betzalel Rothstein as a mediator visit www.shalomfamilymediation.com, for more information about advocacy visit www.sharedparenting.org. https://www.kosherdivorce.org/betzalel-rothstein About CB: CB is a single Mom to four amazing children. sruli is 19, simcha is 15, ahuva is 12 and Malie is 8. She is the Dorector of Admissions for East Haven Nursing & Rehab Center in the Bronx and also owns her own Laser Hair Removal business in North Woodmere- Let's get Lasered. She is involved in various service organizations and is always trying to give back to her community. www.Instagram.com/Ceeebeel or www.instagram.com/letsgetslasered Facebook is cee bee levovitz Sponsors: OKclarity Find an OKclarity verified professional: https://okclarity.com Become an OKclarity verified professional: https://okclarity.com/for-professionals/ Join OKclarity on WhatsApp status or groups: https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=19174261495&text=Hey!%20I'd%20like%20to%20join%20OKclarity%20on%20WhatsApp.%20(france) Dynamic Motion Pictures - HIRE them for your next Music Video or Video Project! https://www.instagram.com/dynamicmotionpicture/ Would you like to be a SPONSOR? Reach out about new sponsorship opportunities for your brand & organizations - franciskakay@gmail.com Check out www.JewishCoffeeHouse.com for more Jewish Podcasts on our network.
Bill discusses having the wisdom of Betzalel and not giving ear to outside voices. Unlike Solomon, Betzalel persevered in the truth and faithfulness of his calling. Join us for our Shabbat Service with Bill Cloud! If you are enjoying this podcast, PLEASE consider sending in an offering, tithe, or donation to help us continue spread the gospel free from Jacob's Tent. We work hard to make sure this is an enjoyable experience to our online community, but it doesn't come without a price. Give online via the Jacobs Tent app, our website, or text any amount to 84321 to support this ministry. Yahweh bless you and keep you! Shalom.
Hur. Betzalel. The significance of their ancestry.
The Torah makes it clear that Hashem chose Betzalel, yet Chazal say the people were consulted on it. What lessons in Derech Eretz was Hashem teaching us?
It's all in the family on this episode of Hebrew School as our kid contestant, Betzalel, plays three games that are all about family: “Top Ten,” “Prayer or Pop Song?” and “Say My Name.” Our episode also includes the story “The Artists Search” by our Hebrew School storyteller Peninnah Schram, music from Lenny Solomon and our house band Shlock Rock, and wisdom from students from the Ansche Chesed Hebrew School in New York City, who took part in our “Chochmat HaHamonim,” or Wisdom of the Crowd, segment. Want to be a contestant on Hebrew School? Visit tabletm.ag/hebrewschool to apply. If you'd like your school to be featured on our Wisdom of the Crowds segment, email podcasts@tabletmag.com
There's a true tzadik who's the beauty, splendor, and grace of the entire world. And when this tzadik is made famous and revealed in the world, all those who are attached and encompassed within this tzadik have their eyes opened: they are able to see within themselves/whey they are holding in their traits, and they are also able to see the greatness of HASHEM!Rabeinu also teaches us that there are luminaries of light (representing holiness) and luminaries of fire (representing evil). When the luminaries of light are given strength, the luminaries of fire are subdued, and G-d forbid the opposite occurs when the luminaries of fire are given power. It is these luminaries of fire that cause the destruction of the temple…Rabeinu, in connection with all this mentioned above, greatly emphasizes the importance of getting up chatzot/midnight to mourn over the destruction of the temple. And anyone who does so, will truly see G-d “replace for the mourners of Tzion splendor instead of ashes…” Rabeinu connects these ideas with why the Divine Presence cries out at the Western Wall and mourns over the fact that her children are in Exile. Rabeinu also explains this in connection with the tefillin, which is also called splendor, with the 4 mentalities granted to Betzalel, revealing G-d's Name, false leaders, the eulogy when a true tzadik passes away, lamenting over the spilling of Jewish blood, the Ba'al Habayit, the Etrog, the beautiful maiden without eyes (Zohar Mishpatim)…
There's a true tzadik who's the beauty, splendor, and grace of the entire world. And when this tzadik is made famous and revealed in the world, all those who are attached and encompassed within this tzadik have their eyes opened: they are able to see within themselves/whey they are holding in their traits, and they are also able to see the greatness of HASHEM!Rabeinu also teaches us that there are luminaries of light (representing holiness) and luminaries of fire (representing evil). When the luminaries of light are given strength, the luminaries of fire are subdued, and G-d forbid the opposite occurs when the luminaries of fire are given power. It is these luminaries of fire that cause the destruction of the temple…Rabeinu, in connection with all this mentioned above, greatly emphasizes the importance of getting up chatzot/midnight to mourn over the destruction of the temple. And anyone who does so, will truly see G-d “replace for the mourners of Tzion splendor instead of ashes…” Rabeinu connects these ideas with why the Divine Presence cries out at the Western Wall and mourns over the fact that her children are in Exile. Rabeinu also explains this in connection with the tefillin, which is also called splendor, with the 4 mentalities granted to Betzalel, revealing G-d's Name, false leaders, the eulogy when a true tzadik passes away, lamenting over the spilling of Jewish blood, the Ba'al Habayit, the Etrog, the beautiful maiden without eyes (Zohar Mishpatim)…
There's a true tzadik who's the beauty, splendor, and grace of the entire world. And when this tzadik is made famous and revealed in the world, all those who are attached and encompassed within this tzadik have their eyes opened: they are able to see within themselves/whey they are holding in their traits, and they are also able to see the greatness of HASHEM!Rabeinu also teaches us that there are luminaries of light (representing holiness) and luminaries of fire (representing evil). When the luminaries of light are given strength, the luminaries of fire are subdued, and G-d forbid the opposite occurs when the luminaries of fire are given power. It is these luminaries of fire that cause the destruction of the temple…Rabeinu, in connection with all this mentioned above, greatly emphasizes the importance of getting up chatzot/midnight to mourn over the destruction of the temple. And anyone who does so, will truly see G-d “replace for the mourners of Tzion splendor instead of ashes…” Rabeinu connects these ideas with why the Divine Presence cries out at the Western Wall and mourns over the fact that her children are in Exile. Rabeinu also explains this in connection with the tefillin, which is also called splendor, with the 4 mentalities granted to Betzalel, revealing G-d's Name, false leaders, the eulogy when a true tzadik passes away, lamenting over the spilling of Jewish blood, the Ba'al Habayit, the Etrog, the beautiful maiden without eyes (Zohar Mishpatim)…
Story of Kalev Ben Yefuneh. Early Life and Ancestry, Marriage to Miriam, Miriam and Kalev's Children, Chur and the Battle Against Amalek, The Murder of Chur, The Building of the Mishkan by Betzalel, Calev: The Successful Spy for Moshe, Detouring at Chevron, and Spies vs Kalev and Yehoshua. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/torah-heroes/support
Much of the time it feels like we're on a different path than what we hoped for or asked for or dreamed. What can Joseph and Betzalel teach us about the gifts of two very divergent paths? What do we learn from a path that is both short and long?
Tune in for daily food for the soul.
Parshas Pekudei, reflection in the mirror This week's Parsha Perspective is in honor of the Refuah Shlema of HaRav Amitai Ben Shoshanna and Shaul Ben Berta. This week's Parsha Perspective is in loving memory of Edward Ben Efraim, Shlomo Ben Edward, and Yirachmiel Daniel Ben Gedalia. May their souls be uplifted and their memories a blessing. Click here to listen, watch and connect! Parshaperspective.com Our Parsha begins with Moshe doing an accounting of all the gold, silver, and copper that the Jewish nation donated toward the building of the Mishkan. The two foremen in charge of its construction, Betzalel and Aliyev brought all the completed components to Moshe for inspection. We find out what is the Mishkan of testimony. We learn how Hashem matches actions towards Him.