Podcasts about eretz yisrael

The pasuk says in this week's parashat Shemot, וַתֵּתַצַּב אֲחֹתוֹ מֵרָחֹק לְדֵעָה מַה־יֵּעָשֶׂה -לוֹ Simply, this refers to Miriam, Moshe's older sister, who was standing by watching what would happen to him when he was put into the Nile River. Rabbi Menashe Reizman quoted the Midrash which explains that this pasuk is referring to the Shechinah, standing there watching from afar. The Midrash proves from other pesukim how every word in that pasuk is a reference to the Shechinah. The Maharsha, Masechet Sotah, explains the Midrash is teaching us that although Moshe being thrown into the river seemed like an act of destruction, the ways of Hashem are very far from us. Miriam had a prophecy that the savior was going to be born, and this looked like a nullification of that prophecy. However, this was actually the way in which the prophecy became fulfilled. It was through this that Moshe was raised safely in the palace by the daughter of Pharoah. It also teaches us that although this took place when the harshest slavery began, it appeared that Hashem was so distant, but He was right there standing with them. During their darkest time, Hashem was making the greatest miracles—causing the daughter of Pharoah to go down to the Nile at the exact time Moshe was placed there, and then making the miracle of her arm stretching out to reach him. Rabbi Reizman pointed out that the Torah only devotes six pesukim to discussing all of the slavery in Mitzrayim. Right after that, begins the story of the redemption—how Moshe was born and how he became the go'el. Even the pesukim that speak about the throwing of the babies into the Nile mention Miryam and Yocheved, the mother and sister of the go'el. Perhaps one explanation of this is that we are not meant to dwell too much on the difficulties that we are given. It is hard for us to comprehend how pain and suffering could possibly be good for us, and therefore it is incumbent upon us not to analyze the details too deeply, but rather to trust in Hashem. When Hashem called to Moshe from the burning bush, the pasuk says that Moshe was afraid to look. Hashem appeared to Moshe in a thorn bush, symbolizing עִמּוֹ אָנֹכִי בְצָרָה -He was with us during that hard time. Moshe did not see all the harsh slave labor because he was in Midyan. The Mefarshim explain that here Hashem began showing Moshe the suffering that the Jewish people were going through, but Moshe was afraid to look because he did not want to lower his level of emunah and potentially have questions on the way Hashem was dealing with them. One of the harshest decrees was that Pharoah was killing 150 babies every morning and another 150 every evening, bathing in their blood because he had tzara'at. When Moshe heard about this, along with the fact that Jewish babies were being built into the walls as bricks, he asked Hashem what they did to deserve this. Hashem told Moshe that all of those babies were from previous generations and were receiving their tikkun. It was all chesed, meant to purify them. Hashem told Moshe that if he really wanted, he could save one—and Moshe did. That one baby-Micha- brought about the worst destruction. He was the one who took the Shem Hashem that Moshe used to bring Yosef's aron out of the sea, threw it into the fire when the Jews were waiting for Moshe to come down from Har Sinai, and caused the Egel(golden calf) to emerge alive. Until today, we are still suffering from the effects of the Egel. He later made an idol when they entered Eretz Yisrael, causing countless tragedies to befall the Jewish people. He was also known as Nevat, the father of Yeravam, who caused the exile of the Ten Tribes. That destruction came from just one of those babies. The Lev Aryeh writes that all those who perished in Mitzrayim were neshamot from earlier generations that returned for a tikkun—the generations of the Mabul, Dor HaPelagah, and the people of Sedom. The Mishnah says in Pirkei Avot, אַל תִּסְתַּכֵּל בַּקַּנְקָן אֶלָּא בְּמַה שֶּׁיֵּשׁ בּוֹ (Avot 4:20) The Lev Aryeh explains homiletically that this also refers to the tragedies in Mitzrayim. The word קן has the numerical value of 150. Do not look at what happened to the 150 babies in the morning and the 150 babies in the evening; rather, look at who those people really were—resha'im who needed a tikkun. Hashem is always standing near us, but He appears to be afar because His ways are so far beyond our understanding. Everything He does is chesed. We do not have the ability to comprehend His ways in this world, but we do have the ability to trust in Him. We should not dwell excessively on the difficulties; rather, we should believe that everything is chesed done out of love. And if we have that emunah, then we will be considered people who are truly loyal. Shabbat Shalom

There are moments in a person's life when Hashem is calling upon him to elevate himself to true greatness. At times, Hashem will give a person an extremely difficult test, one that requires him to summon every ounce of inner strength to withstand it. Some people fail the test and never realize the tremendous potential that lay within them. Others seize the moment, rise to the challenge, and are catapulted to heights they could never have reached otherwise. The sefer Even Sapir brings a powerful story that illustrates this idea. There was a young man, seventeen years old, named Shalom, from Teiman. He was already a budding Torah scholar and was exceptionally handsome. To earn a living, he worked as a spice merchant, going door to door selling his goods. One day, a non-Jewish woman called out to him and asked him to bring in some spices so she could look at them. Shalom stepped just slightly inside, making sure to leave the door wide open. Suddenly, the woman shut the door and told him that her husband was the head of the city. She threatened him that if he did not sin with her immediately, she would have him put to death. In that moment, Shalom was faced with a test similar to that of Yosef HaTzaddik. He asked the woman if he could use the restroom, and she showed him where it was. The apartment was on the third floor of the building. Inside the bathroom, Shalom noticed an open window. He turned to Hashem and said that he would rather jump out of the window than commit the aveirah. He vowed that if he survived, he would make aliyah to Eretz Yisrael. He jumped. Miraculously, he landed on his feet, unharmed, and immediately began running. From there, his journey took him through India, Baghdad, and Damascus, until he finally arrived in Yerushalayim. Once there, he went to Rav Gedaliah Chayon, the head of Yeshivat Beit El, the great yeshivah for Kabbalah, and asked if he could serve as the caretaker. He asked for nothing in return other than a roof over his head and food to eat. His thirst for Torah was so great that he wanted nothing more than to hear the holy words of Torah spoken by the great chachamim of the yeshivah. As he cleaned the bet midrash and served the rabbis, he listened carefully to the shiurim and absorbed every word. One day, the rosh yeshivah posed an exceptionally difficult question. None of the rabbis in the beit midrash could answer it. There were scholars there in their sixties and seventies who had devoted their lives to Torah, yet no one could offer a satisfactory response. That night, before the rabbis returned to learn at chatzot, Shalom, the caretaker, took out a pen and began writing a detailed teshuvah to answer the rosh yeshivah's question. He quoted numerous sources and wrote a masterful explanation. He quietly placed the paper inside the rosh yeshivah's sefer and returned to his work. When the rosh yeshivah opened his sefer to begin his shiur, he was astonished. After reading the teshuvah, he asked who among them had written it. No one answered. He said that such writing could only have come from a sage of earlier generations—perhaps even from Eliyahu HaNavi. A week later, the same thing happened again. Another brilliant teshuvah appeared. Again, no one claimed authorship. The entire yeshivah buzzed with speculation about the mysterious Torah giant in their midst. The rosh yeshivah lived across from the yeshivah, and his daughter, aware of her father's deep curiosity, began watching the bet midrash late at night. One evening, she saw Shalom, the caretaker, writing a teshuvah. She told her father what she had seen. Rav Gedaliah approached Shalom and demanded the truth. Shalom admitted that he was the one writing the teshuvot. The rosh yeshivah was stunned that someone so young possessed such mastery, especially in the hidden wisdom of Torah. Although Shalom tried to conceal his greatness, it was now revealed. He eventually married the rosh yeshivah's daughter, and when Rav Gedaliah passed away, he appointed Shalom as the new rosh yeshivah—at the age of twenty-seven. This Shalom was none other than Rav Shalom Sharabi, known as the Rashash, one of the greatest mekubalim who ever lived. Rav Chaim Palachi wrote that the Rashash possessed the neshamah of the Arizal. Rav Yitzchak Kaduri said that one who has not learned the writings of the Rashash has not yet entered the true realm of Kabbalah. When Rav Shalom Sharabi was later asked about the source of his extraordinary greatness in Torah, he attributed it to that moment of test with the woman. After overcoming it, he said, his mind opened, and Torah began to flow from him like a wellspring. When Hashem sends a person an especially difficult test, it may very well be His way of calling that person to greatness. The test may feel overwhelming, but if a person perseveres and follows Hashem, he will reap rewards that last for all eternity.

This week's parashah, Vayechi, is known as a parashah setumah —a closed parashah—because there is no space in the Torah between the end of Vayigash and the beginning of Vayechi. Rashi explains that one reason for this is that the eyes and hearts of the Jewish people became "closed" when Yaakov Avinu passed away, from the pain and pressure of the bondage. The mefarshim ask a powerful question. Rashi himself writes elsewhere that the actual slavery in Mitzrayim did not begin until after the last of the Shevatim passed away. If so, how can Rashi say that immediately after Yaakov's passing their hearts became closed because of the slavery? The Be'er HaParashah, citing the Ma'agalei Tzedek, explains this beautifully. We know from other pesukim that the Shevatim originally came down to Mitzrayim only because of the famine. Once Yaakov passed away, and they went back to Eretz Yisrael to bury him in the Me'arat HaMachpelah, the famine was already long over. Logically, they should have stayed in Eretz Yisrael. Yaakov himself had been commanded to go down to Mitzrayim, but his children had not been given such a command. So why did they return to Mitzrayim? The answer must be that Hashem closed their eyes and hearts from even considering the possibility of staying in Eretz Yisrael. Hashem wanted the decree of slavery to unfold, and therefore He guided them back to Mitzrayim in a way that felt natural and unquestioned. It didn't have to make sense to them, because it was Hashem leading them where they needed to be. This, explains the Ma'agalei Tzedek, is what Rashi means when he says that their eyes and hearts became closed. Not that they were already enslaved, but that Hashem closed off certain lines of thought so that the process He willed could move forward. This is a lesson that repeats itself constantly in our lives. Many times, years later, a person looks back and asks himself: Why did I choose that path? From where I stand now, I never would have made that decision. The answer is often that Hashem wanted him led in that direction. Hashem guides us not only through clear signs, but through closed doors, missed opportunities, delays, and distractions. What looks like nature is pure hashgacha. Rabbi Elimelech Biderman shared a remarkable story that illustrates this idea in a very tangible way. In Brooklyn, there is a man named Rabbi Yosef who learns regularly with another Jew who, until about a year ago, was very far from Judaism. They learn together by phone several times a week, and slowly, with siyata d'Shmaya, this man has been growing in his observance. A few weeks ago, on Erev Chanukah, Rabbi Yosef discovered that his learning partner had put on tefillin only once in his entire life. Rabbi Yosef spoke to him about the importance of the mitzvah and encouraged him to start wearing tefillin daily. The man replied that he didn't own his own tefillin. He only had an inherited pair—small tefillin of Rashi and Rabbeinu Tam, as was his family custom to wear both together. But the straps had faded from black to white. Rabbi Yosef immediately understood that the tefillin were almost certainly pasul. At the same time, he knew that this man was not yet ready to hear that he needed to spend a large sum of money on new tefillin. So Rabbi Yosef decided, quietly, that he would try to raise the money himself and buy him proper tefillin according to his custom. The very next day, Rabbi Yosef woke up early, as usual, and learned with a different chavruta by phone at six in the morning. After that, however, a series of unusual delays began. One thing after another went wrong, and he missed his regular minyan. He went to a different shul on the same block, but again encountered obstacles and could not pray with that minyan either. Finally, he walked to another shul a block away, where the minyan was much later than the time he normally prays. As soon as he entered the shul, his eyes were drawn to a small tefillin bag. Attached to it was a sign that read: "Anyone who needs this may take it." He opened the bag and could hardly believe what he saw. Inside were two small pairs of tefillin—Rashi and Rabbeinu Tam. He sent them to a sofer to be checked, and they were found to be completely kosher. At that moment, everything became clear. All the delays, all the missed minyanim, all the frustrations of that morning were not accidents. They were Hashem closing one door after another in order to lead Rabbi Yosef precisely to the place where those tefillin were waiting. Finding tefillin left for the taking is rare enough. Finding two small, kosher pairs of Rashi and Rabbeinu Tam was nothing short of astonishing. It was as if Hashem had prepared them in advance, custom-made for this man, and simply needed Rabbi Yosef to arrive at the right place at the right time. This is the message of the parashah. Hashem is constantly leading us—sometimes by opening our eyes, and sometimes by closing them. Our job is not always to understand in the moment, but to trust that every delay, every detour, and every missed plan is part of a precise Divine guidance. Shabbat Shalom.

The sanctity of the land & air of Eretz Yisrael and Yerushalayim

B"H The Tenth of Tevet marks the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem — the moment that set the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash into motion. Jews fast today not only to remember what was lost, but to recognize how much still needs healing. This day asks us to strengthen our connection to Torah, to Am Yisrael, and to Eretz Yisrael — and to stand openly and responsibly in this moment of Jewish history. #Judaism #Israel #Fasting #Jerusalem #JewishHistory To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H If you want to understand what being a Jew means and feels like at the end of 2025, today matters. The Ninth of Tevet is associated with the passing of Ezra HaSofer, and possibly Nehemiah as well. After the first exile, Jewish life as a land- and Temple-centered reality collapsed. What they led was a renaissance — rebuilding Jewish life through Torah learning and a renewed return to the Land of Israel. Two things changed then, and they define us now. Torah became democratized, meant for every Jew, and Jewish life was once again rooted in Eretz Yisrael. Today, Torah is more accessible than ever, and the Jewish people are back in their land. Let's take advantage of this opportunity — to learn more Torah, strengthen Jewish life, and understand the moment we're actually living in. #Israel #Judaism #JewishPeople #JewishIdentity #Torah To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

When a person is in need of a yeshuah, whether big or small, he must remember one simple truth: Hashem can bring it in an instant, and He has unlimited ways of doing so. Our job is not to pressure the messengers, argue with the intermediaries, or become consumed with how it will happen. Our job is to speak to the Sender. Very often, it is our spiritual hishtadlut that opens doors that once seemed firmly locked. A man related that he was part of a kollel with several learning tracks. Each track had a different style and focus. Once someone committed to a particular track, it was extremely difficult to switch before a certain amount of time passed. This individual chose a track that he soon realized was not right for him. When he discovered another track that felt perfectly suited to his abilities and learning style, he strongly wanted to transfer. He approached the person in charge, but was denied and reminded of the rules. So he continued learning every day, accepting that Hashem had placed him in this situation. He understood that the test was to continue learning Torah even when it was difficult, even when it wasn't in the style that fulfilled his heart's desire. One day, he shared his struggle with a friend. The friend asked him a simple question: "Did you pray to switch?" He realized that he hadn't. Immediately, he began to pray. In addition to mentioning it in his regular tefillot, he began saying Tehillim every day, specifically asking Hashem to help him switch tracks to the one he wanted. Some time later, several people were allowed to switch into that very track. Encouraged, he went back to the person in charge and asked again. Once more, he was denied. This time, instead of becoming frustrated or pleading with the administrator, he made a quiet decision: I'm not going to argue with messengers. I'm going to keep speaking to the One truly in charge. Not long after, one morning on his way to kollel, a man pulled up beside him and offered him a ride. During the conversation, the topic of kollel came up, and he mentioned his desire to switch tracks. When he said the name of the person in charge, the driver replied that he knew him very well and would try to help. Within a few days, the switch was approved. This man didn't waste his energy fighting the messengers. He spoke directly to the Boss, and Hashem sent him exactly the messenger he needed. Another man, an electrician, related that he sat at home for two full days with no work at all. He and his wife sat together, trying to strengthen their emunah, when he received an email from someone asking for help with hachnasat kallah. They spoke it over and decided that tzedakah would be their hishtadlut. They donated $250, in addition to the $118 they had given someone else just an hour earlier. They said that the $368 they had just given would count as the ma'aser for the parnassah that Hashem would send them. The very next day, he received several job calls and earned a total of $3,675—almost exactly the amount that would require the ma'aser they had already given the day before. Hashem can bring the right messengers in a moment. A rabbi told me that a student flew him in from Eretz Yisrael to serve as the mesader kiddushin at his wedding. When the rabbi arrived at the airport, he briefly left his belongings to use the restroom. When he returned, he noticed his hat was gone. He searched everywhere, but it had vanished. The wedding was only hours away, and the city he was in had no stores that sold hats. On the way to the wedding hall, he called a relative who lived in that city and asked what he should do. The relative told him to come to his house immediately. When he arrived, the relative handed him a brand-new hat, still in its box. It was almost identical to the one he had lost and fit him perfectly. The relative explained that seven months earlier, his son had bought a hat in New York and gone straight to the airport afterward. When he got home, he realized the wrong hat had been placed in the box. It didn't fit him, and they had no idea what to do with it. The hat sat unused in their home for months. Now, at the exact moment this rabbi needed a hat, it was waiting for him. Hashem uses His messengers at all times, in all places, often long before we even realize we'll need them. Our main hishtadlut is always with Him.

Chanukah is central to our Jewish Calendar and way of life, but there are many unanswered questions: Why celebrate defeat? What was the real role of Kohanim during the Second Temple? Why was this Yomtov chosen to reflect the ultimate ideal ? Tracing the story from Alexander the Great and Shimon HaTzaddik through the corruption of the Second Temple and the rise of Hellenism, the podcast redefines the central idea of Chanukah - the only festival established by the Sages post-prophecy Connecting the ancient clash of civilizations to the battles which echo down through Russia, America and Eretz Yisrael; It defines Who is a Jew.   Timestamps [0:00:00] Introduction to Greek Exile and Historical Context [0:01:07] Podcast Dedication and Welcome [0:02:05] Setting Up the Hanukkah Discussion [0:04:13] Questioning the Purpose of Hanukkah Celebration [0:14:44] Historical Prequel: Alexander the Great and Shimon HaTzadik [0:22:49] Corruption of the Priesthood [0:26:38] Empire Dynamics After Alexander [0:31:05] Jewish Attraction to Greek Culture [0:40:41] The Spiritual Victory of Hanukkah [0:49:26] Comparing Purim and Hanukkah [0:50:44] Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-up

As we know, shidduchim are from Hashem. Even what appear to be mistakes are all part of the Master Plan. Someone told me that their friend, who is six foot two, became engaged to a girl who is four feet eleven. When the question of her height came up, the initial response was, "almost five feet." Somehow, on the other side, this was heard as five foot three. And based on that, they said yes. Clearly, this was Hashem setting things up so that the meeting would take place and the proper match could come to be. It reminds us that even when details seem unclear or inaccurate, Hashem is orchestrating the outcome. It is important to remember that even when things don't work out, even when the process feels slow, confusing, or painful, it is also from Hashem—and it is for our benefit. A man told me that just before Shavuot, a boy was suggested for his daughter. However, she was scheduled to be out of town until after Shavuot. Then the boy went away. After that, she was leaving for Eretz Yisrael for the summer. The other side initially sounded willing to wait. But when the girl returned in September, they discovered that the boy had already begun dating someone else. A few weeks later, they found out that he was getting engaged to a family friend. The girl's mother was crushed. She felt sure that this boy was perfect for her daughter, and it didn't seem that there were any other options. The father asked their rav to speak to his wife and give her chizuk. The rav told her that in Shamayim, not only is each person's match decided, but there are also several suggestions that a person must hear along the way. Before meeting the right one, a person often has to pass by others who are not meant to be. This process itself brings a person closer to their true zivug. The woman felt comforted and they moved forward. Baruch Hashem, a few months later, another boy was suggested, and this time the shidduch moved quickly to an engagement. The mother later said, "Now that I see the boy she actually got engaged to compared to the previous one, it's so clear that this match is far more compatible for her." We don't know what's truly good for us. Only Hashem does. And therefore, the only logical response is to accept His decisions with trust and happiness. Rabbi Reuven Elbaz shared a powerful story about a young man who had been offered an outstanding shidduch. The girl had wonderful qualities and came from an aristocratic family. After three meetings, however, the girl ended it. The young man was deeply hurt, and because his middot were not refined, he decided to take revenge. He approached a friend he didn't like and suggested this girl to him. The friend took it seriously, looked into her, and reported back that he was interested. The young man then told him that he arranged a meeting for the next night at seven o'clock and gave him the girl's address—without ever asking the girl or her family. The next night, the friend knocked on the door asking for the girl, and the father had no idea what he was talking about. The young man was mortified. The father, realizing something wasn't right, asked who had sent him. When the boy mentioned the young man's name, the father understood immediately what had happened. Rather than sending him away, the father invited the boy to sit for a few minutes to ease his embarrassment. In the course of that short conversation, the father was extremely impressed with him. After looking into him properly, he decided that this young man was suitable for his daughter. Baruch Hashem, they eventually got married. There are no mistakes. Everything is biyad Hashem. And everything He does is for our very best.

This Shiur is dedicated to the Refuah Sheleima of Libby Sara Bat Yehudit SuritThe full video and audio can be found at https://torahanytime.com/lectures/408969We hope you enjoy this shiur. If you would like to sponsor or dedicate any of our shiurim or help with the running costs please do not hesitate to get in contact with us at office@rabbiroodyn.com or WhatsApp +447791221449May Hashem heal the wounded, free the captives and lead our soldiers to a swift and painless victory. #jew #jewish #torah #torahfortoughtimes #rabbiroodyn #bringthemhome #rabbi #torahanytime #Judaism #Israel #shiur #responsetotragictimes #jewishunderstanding

Regarding duchening, especially on Yom Kippur, the Rebbe advises verifying the practice with Chabad kohanim in Eretz Yisrael, relying on inherited tradition—since lived custom outweighs written rulings in such matters. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/016/003/5895

The Rebbe firmly forbids traveling on a Jewish-owned ship that operates on Shabbos, calling it public desecration. He rejects claims of financial benefit for Eretz Yisrael, stressing that true blessing and healing come only through full Shabbos observance. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/016/003/5898

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, we sit down with Rabbi Elchanan Shoff (Los Angeles, USA) and Rabbi Michal Weichbrod (Yehuda, Israel) for a rare, honest, and passionate conversation about one of the most charged topics in the Jewish world today: Do Jews belong in America—or is it time to move to Eretz Yisrael? Together, they dive into:

In this shiur, delivered in Ba'er Miriam, Rav Burg explains why it is specifically Rachel who is buried on the side of the road and why her tears return us to Eretz Yisrael and the ultimate redemption.

Aliyah isn't just a flight and a moving truck.It's a total reset of how you think about parnassah, gashmiyus, bitachon, and what “quality of life” actually means.In this episode, I sit down with Eli Freedman, founder of Cork & Cellar Wine Club, to talk about what it really takes to move to Israel and stay – spiritually, emotionally, and financially.Eli shares how he:Went from Boston → Wall Street → Montreal → Beit ShemeshHad zero interest in Aliyah… until COVID, a grandchild in Israel, and a breaking point in CanadaSold his house and business with no Plan B so he couldn't run backWent through the “Eretz Yisrael car wash” – a painful but powerful reset of his gashmiyus and bitachonRebuilt his career from scratch, launching Cork & Cellar, a boutique Israeli wine club for U.S. customersFound a real rav and kehillah after years of feeling disconnectedBuilt a serious morning learning seder and finished Shas multiple times while running a businessWe also talk about:Why you must come with a realistic parnassah plan – and still expect it to breakThe mindset shift from “keeping up with the Joneses” to “being happy with less but living with more”How living in Eretz Yisrael forces you to actually use your emunah and bitachon, not just talk about themThe balance between enjoying good wine and not turning gashmiyus into your ikarAbout our guest:Eli Freedman is the founder of Cork & Cellar Wine Club, connecting small Israeli wineries with wine lovers in the U.S., and helping boutique winemakers who would never make it to American shelves. He lives in Beit Shemesh with his family.If this episode gave you chizuk or clarity about Aliyah and mindset,please follow Shtark Tank, leave a rating, and share it with a friend who's thinking about moving to Israel.

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

At the beginning of Parashat Chayei Sarah, the Torah goes into great detail regarding Avraham Avinu's purchase of the Me'arat HaMachpelah. The Ramban writes that this story is told at length because it represents one of the greatest tests of Avraham's life. Chazal tell us that when Moshe Rabbeinu questioned Hashem about making the work harder for Benei Yisrael in Miẓrayim, Hashem replied that He missed Avraham and gave an example of Avraham's steadfast emunah. Hashem had promised Avraham the entire land of Eretz Yisrael, yet when he needed a place to bury Sarah Imeinu, he could not find one until he was forced to pay an exorbitant sum — and still, he did not question Hashem. The Mefarshim are bothered, because from the pesukim it seems Avraham easily found a burial site, and the Benei Chet offered it to him free of charge. The Alshich HaKadosh explains that Avraham requested an "Achuzat Kever", a permanent burial place — one in which Sarah would rest until Tichiat HaMetim. However, the Benei Chet were only willing to offer a temporary plot; they did not want Avraham to hold a permanent stake in the land. Avraham then asked to speak directly with Efron Hachiti, offering to purchase the entire property where the Me'arah stood. Efron hinted that it would cost an enormous amount, and Avraham paid it in full, without the slightest complaint or question of Hashem's promise. Think about what Avraham was experiencing at that moment. He had just passed what may have been the greatest test in history — the Akeidat Yitzchak — and upon returning, he learned that his beloved Sarah had suddenly passed away. Wanting only to perform the mitzvah of k'vurah as quickly as possible, he found himself dealing with the most difficult, dishonest people imaginable. He was denied a place to bury his wife in a land that the Creator Himself had promised him as an eternal inheritance. When a person suffers loss and grief, it is natural to be emotionally fragile; to then face new frustration can easily cause one to lose patience or become angry. Yet Avraham Avinu maintained the same calm, pleasant demeanor throughout. He treated the Benei Chet and Efron with the utmost respect and paid an outrageous price — all while knowing that Hashem had already granted him this very land as a gift. This unwavering composure and acceptance were what impressed Hashem so deeply. Hashem was showing Moshe Rabbeinu the greatness of Avraham: that no matter how far Hashem pushed him, he never lost himself; he never let the test diminish his emunah. Whenever a person faces a situation in which he could easily lose control or complain, he must remember: Hashem put him there. Hashem is watching to see if he will rise above it. Avraham accepted everything that came his way with joy, knowing it was the Ratzon Hashem — the will of HaKadosh Baruch Hu. That was what Hashem "bragged" about to Moshe Rabbeinu. A man told me about his daughter who lives in Lakewood. Her brother-in-law asked to borrow her car for a night. She gladly agreed, but he unfortunately totaled it. Just a few days later, her brother asked if he could borrow her other car for the night. After what had just happened, she easily could have refused, saying she needed a break from lending her car. But Hashem was testing the depth of her middat hachesed. She smiled and handed him the keys. That night, he too got into an accident and caused major damage to the second car. She could have become upset, blaming them for carelessness — yet she accepted everything from Hashem with understanding and calmness. A few days later, their name was drawn in a local yeshivah raffle, and they won a brand-new Toyota Sienna worth $40,000. If a person worries about damage to his car, he must remember that Hashem can give him ten cars if He wishes. Our concern should not be about possessions — but about our character, our response to challenges, and how we accept Hashem's will. The harder the test, the greater the potential for growth.

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

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.

This Shiur is dedicated to the Refuah Sheleima of Libby Sara Bat Yehudit SuritThe full video and audio can be found at https://torahanytime.com/lectures/406856We hope you enjoy this shiur. If you would like to sponsor or dedicate any of our shiurim or help with the running costs please do not hesitate to get in contact with us at office@rabbiroodyn.com or WhatsApp +447791221449 May Hashem heal the wounded, free the captives and lead our soldiers to a swift and painless victory. #jew #jewish #torah #torahfortoughtimes #rabbiroodyn #bringthemhome #rabbi #torahanytime #Judaism #Israel #shiur #responsetotragictimes #jewishunderstanding

The Rebbe explains that the custom to use Calabrian esrogim follows rulings of great poskim who forbid grafted esrogim. Helping Eretz Yisrael comes not by using questionable esrogim but by strengthening Torah and mitzvos—true holiness that brings the final redemption. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/016/002/5840

The Rebbe firmly stresses the duty of Chabad rabbis in Eretz Yisrael to found and support true Chabad schools. Without dedicated leadership, institutions lack vitality. He rebukes passive attitudes, urging concrete action—“One deed is better than a thousand sighs.” https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/016/001/5812

By Rabbi Josh WanderThere is a painful and uncomfortable reality that we rarely speak about publicly:Nearly one million Israelis have left Eretz Yisrael to live in the Diaspora.Not because of pogroms.Not because of famine.Not because they were expelled.They chose to leave.They walked away from the one thing that generations before us would have given their lives for: the privilege of living in the Land of Israel.And this can only happen in a vacuum — a vacuum of education, a vacuum of emunah, and a vacuum of understanding the true value of Eretz Yisrael. When someone does not know what something is worth, it becomes very easy to trade away.Creatures of Comfort, Prisoners of ExileMany of these Israelis are “successful” abroad. They live in modern suburbs, earn comfortable salaries, eat in kosher restaurants, and send their children to schools with Hebrew signs on the walls.Some are even “religious.”But spiritually, they have moved from Geula (redemption) to Galut (exile).From light to darkness.From open skies to a tunnel.Choosing exile over Israel is like voluntarily crawling into the spiritual equivalent of a Hamas tunnel — darkness, disorientation, disconnection.It is a self-imposed spiritual prison.They convince themselves that their “spirituality is more uplifting” in New York, Miami, or Los Angeles.What a perversion.How twisted our values have become that we equate kosher supermarkets, valet parking, and kiddush clubs with spirituality.Do We Know Better Than Hashem?Let's ask the only question that matters:If Avraham Avinu and Sara Imeinu were told by Hashem to leave Charan and move to Canaan, would they respond:“Actually, Hashem, our ruchniyut is better here. The housing market is cheaper and the shuls are more comfortable”?Absurd.Yet today, many Jews speak this way.Not explicitly — but this is the core of their argument:“I know Hashem said Eretz Yisrael is our home,but I know better what's best for me and my family.”Chutzpah.Ignorance.Hashem gave us 613 mitzvot. Nearly one-third can only be performed in the Land. How can a thinking, believing Jew read the Torah and still say:“It's better for my neshamah to stay in exile.”The Intellectual Justifications and the Halachic AcrobaticsOf course, excuses always need footnotes.So we hear:* “The Satmar Shitta says the Three Oaths forbid returning before Moshiach.”* “Rav Moshe Feinstein wrote that aliyah isn't obligatory today.”* “Tosafot says due to danger one may stay in exile.”All true — in context.Yet deeply misunderstood and conveniently misused.Even Satmar Chassidim weep over Eretz Yisrael.Even Rav Moshe Feinstein praised the holiness of the Land.None of them said:“Exile is a spiritually superior environment. Stay there for comfort.”For thousands of years, our rabbis begged, prayed, and sacrificed to reach this Land. They endured malaria-infested swamps, starvation, and Ottoman decrees.Not for comfort.For covenant.They understood what we have forgotten:Comfort is not the goal of Judaism. Destiny is.The Real Price: Their ChildrenLet us speak plainly.For the “religious diaspora Jew,” the loss is spiritual blindness.But for the vast majority who leave?It is nothing less than a demographic suicide mission.In Israel:* Intermarriage rate: ~4%In the United States:* Intermarriage rate: 70–90%That means that in America, one generation later,your grandchildren may not be Jewish.Nobody “plans” for assimilation, yet it swallows entire family trees.Leaving Eretz Yisrael puts your children into the currents of history — currents that have erased millions of Jews before them.No Israeli parent moving abroad ever says:“I'm choosing to end my family's Jewish story.”But statistically, that is exactly what they are doing.Kosher-Style Judaism Is Not JudaismThose who leave often say:“We will stay religious abroad. Judaism is not tied to geography.”False.Judaism is born in a place.Rooted in a place.Fulfilled in a place.Eretz Yisrael is not a backdrop.It is a commandment.לא בשמיים היא — It is not in the heavens.It's right here. In the Torah. In every parsha.From Lech Lecha to Ki Tavo.You don't need a PhD to understand the Torah's geography.Only a willingness to listen.The Darkness of Egypt — ReplayedThe Midrash teaches that 80% of Jews never left Egypt.They chose to stay — and they died during the plague of darkness.They disappeared from Jewish destiny.Today, the parallel is clear.We are living in spiritual darkness.Exile is the darkness.Israel is the light.Every Jew today is being asked:Will you join the redemption — or remain behind?Conclusion: The Door Is Still OpenThe tragedy of the yordim is not only that they leave.It's that they don't know what they're leaving.The greatest generation in Jewish history — ours — is living with the opportunity that our ancestors would have given their lives to taste for one hour.The door to redemption is open.The gates of Eretz Yisrael are open.The only question is:Will we walk through them?Or will we choose to remain in the darkness of a self-imposed exile? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit geulamovement.substack.com/subscribe

A man who owns a store in the lobby of a hotel once approached a Gadol in Eretz Yisrael with a question. His store wasn't doing so well, and he wondered if perhaps opening a second store in a different location would bring more blessing. The rabbi told him, "You already opened a pipeline for Hashem to send you berachah. Do you think you need another one?" Then he added a mysterious line: "The Melech Malcheh HaMelachim can send a melech at any moment." The man left confused. The King of Kings can send a king? What does that even mean? But a few weeks later, the meaning became crystal clear. The king of Morocco came to town—and stayed in the very hotel where this man had his store. At one point during his visit, the king walked into the store with his entire entourage and bought two million dollars' worth of merchandise. The man developed a relationship with the king, and they continued doing business afterward as well. In an instant, his financial situation transformed dramatically. We must do something to open a pipeline—but once we do, Hashem can send every penny He wants us to have through that single pipeline. We often become so wrapped up in our hishtadlut that it consumes our lives. We forget what truly matters—because we are too busy worrying about parnasah. A man who learned Torah full-time began dabbling in the stock market. Very quickly, it took over his life. He couldn't concentrate on his learning because he was constantly worried—would the stock go up? Would it go down? Should he sell? Should he buy? He started coming late to shiurim, leaving in the middle, checking his phone in between. Finally, he caught himself. He realized this wasn't living. He pulled out of the volatile investments and moved into something far safer, something that wouldn't take over his mind and heart. Yes, we must open a pipeline—but no, we must not be consumed by it. A powerful segulah for blessing is to know with full certainty that Hashem alone sends parnasah. People, products, markets—they are merely tools, not sources. A man from Israel came to New York to collect money to pay off heavy debts. He heard about a very generous wealthy man and did everything he could to secure a meeting with him. He traveled to one city, only to be told the man spends his summers in another. He chased him there, only to be told that the wealthy man gives his sedaka through a gabbai. He met the gabbai, but the assistance he received was much smaller than he hoped. He still wanted to speak to the wealthy man personally. He went to the shul where the man prayed—but that day he wasn't there. Someone told him he was attending a berit milah at another shul. The man was about to order a car service to rush over when suddenly he stopped himself. He said, "Why am I chasing this one person as if he is the only one who can help me? I've done more than enough hishtadlut with him. I don't want to go beyond what I'm supposed to." At that exact moment, someone pointed out a different wealthy man who happened to be in the same shul—someone this fundraiser knew very well from years earlier. He had no idea that this acquaintance had become wealthy. He approached him, explained his situation, and to his amazement, this man gave him far more than he ever expected—even more than he had hoped to receive from the wealthy man he had been pursuing endlessly. We never need any specific hishtadlut or any specific individual to help us. Hashem can send salvation through anyone, at any moment, through messengers we would never imagine. Our main hishtadlut is always with Him—and Him alone.

B"H udaism isn't just a religion, it's a relationship. A bond that ties us to Hashem and to the land He promised us. Connection is not just through faith, but through a deep, spiritual and physical link to Eretz Yisrael.

The Sefer Emunash Shalema quotes the Sefer Mitzvot Zemaniyot , who teaches that it is incumbent upon us to thank Hashem for everything He created for our benefit—and that this form of service is the most powerful of all the mitzvot. The Midrash on Mishlei says that even though Hashem has millions of malachim singing His praises, all He truly desires are the praises of His children. The Kedushat Levi writes that one of the intentions of David HaMelech in composing Tehillim with such magnificent praises of Hashem was his awareness that thanksgiving and praise have the power to nullify all harsh decrees and transform them into mercy and kindness. Recently, I attended a Pidyon HaBen for the eldest of twin boys. During the seudah, the grandfather of the newborns shared the remarkable story that led to this joyous occasion. He explained that his daughter and son-in-law had been childless for nearly six years, with little reason to hope. Doctors could not agree on what the problem was; there were conflicting diagnoses, and they found themselves at a painful standstill. Then, last year, while living in Eretz Yisrael, the couple was taken to a certain rabbi for a berachah . When they arrived, the rabbi advised them to become people who constantly thank Hashem for everything. He acknowledged how hard it was for them to be happy in their situation, yet he told them how wondrous it is to express gratitude even when it feels impossible. He urged them to spend time every single day thanking Hashem for all their blessings—and even to thank Him for not yet having children. He gave them a sefer on the subject of hakarat ha-tov , and said, "In the merit of your thanking Hashem, you should be blessed with children." At first, it was difficult for them to feel genuine appreciation in their circumstances. But they persevered, practicing gratitude each day until their hearts began to change. Soon they truly felt grateful for everything Hashem had given them. A few months later, the woman called her father in America, her voice bursting with excitement. "It's a miracle!" she exclaimed. "Baruch Hashem, we're expecting!" The family rejoiced, celebrating with tears of happiness. But only three days later, tragedy struck—the pregnancy was lost. The joy turned to heartbreak. Yet in the midst of their pain, the husband gently told his wife, "Maybe this is our test—to see if we'll still be thankful after disappointment. Let's rise to the challenge and keep thanking Hashem, even for this." They continued their daily words of thanks with renewed faith. A few months later, another miracle occurred: she was expecting again. This time, it was double joy—they were told it was twins. Nine months later, she gave birth naturally to two healthy boys, and the family celebrated two berit milot and a Pidyon HaBen . (The earlier miscarriage did not affect the pidyon , since it had occurred very early on.) Thanking Hashem is one of the greatest acts we can perform—especially when it's hard to do. Each of us has so much to appreciate. And when we cultivate hakarat ha-tov , we draw down mercy, kindness, and blessing upon ourselves and the entire world.

This shiur is sponsored as a Refuah Sheleima for Ruchel bas MiriamWe hope you enjoy this shiur. If you would like to sponsor or dedicate any of our shiurim or help with the running costs please do not hesitate to get in contact with us at office@rabbiroodyn.com or WhatsApp +447791221449May Hashem heal the wounded, free the captives and lead our soldiers to a swift and painless victory.#jew #jewish #torah #torahfortoughtimes #rabbiroodyn #bringthemhome #rabbi #torahanytime #Judaism #Israel #shiur #responsetotragictimes #jewishunderstanding

NOACHWhat With The Water?The Flood is a strange story; Let us consider two fundamental questions about the story.First: Why destroy civilization through water?! Why would Hashem choose to bury existence by means of rain? We're used to thinking of rain as a blessing, so why use a tool of blessing for curse?Second: why save Noach through an ark? Would it not have been simpler to transfer him to Eretz Yisrael, where- according to some opinions - the flood did not reach, or to lift him to the heavens for the duration of the flood?

This week we have a very special guest: Robert Malley, a veteran American diplomat and Middle East expert. From advising President Clinton at Camp David to serving as President Obama's top White House official for the Middle East and then as Biden's Special Envoy for Iran, Malley has spent decades at the heart of U.S. diplomacy. Today he joins Shadi Hamid and Damir Marusic to discuss his new book, Tomorrow Is Yesterday: Life, Death, and the Pursuit of Peace in Israel/Palestine.Malley begins the discussion with an arresting suggestion: that the war in Gaza has brought Palestinians and Israelis back to where they were before 1948 — before the twentieth century, even. Looking back at the Oslo Peace Process, Malley argues that liberal peacemaking was too dismissive of those who are motivated by history or faith. Yet it is precisely those attachments — Zionism's pull toward Eretz Yisrael, the Palestinian longing for the right of return — that define the conflict's soul. Any peace plan has to take these deep yearnings into account from the get-go.Shadi insists that resilience itself has become the Palestinians' act of resistance. Their struggle, refracted now through moral discourse and digital mediation, animates the conscience of a younger America. He predicts that one day this generation will alter U.S. policy in a way that may make peace truly possible — by putting significant pressure on Israel to make concessions it has rarely been willing to make. Malley wonders how one persuades a people that their yearning is wrong; Shadi replies that after genocide, there is no moral equivalency between the competing narratives. And Damir reminds everyone that peace without victory is only surrender.Given its timeliness — Israel and Hamas are currently deciding whether to adopt Trump's Gaza peace plan — we are making the episode free for all subscribers. The tail end of the episode has several golden moments: Robert discusses the details of Trump's peace plan; Shadi asks Robert why he thinks that October 7 was “Palestinian to the core”; Robert explains his support for the Abraham Accords; the real problem with the blockade and sanctions on Gaza; Shadi asks what Obama really believes about the conflict; “Obama is a speech that has been cut mid-sentence”; why Obama's presidency hurts Shadi more than Trump's; “Something fundamentally rotten about the foreign policy establishment despite their pretense to morality?”; some Bernie nostalgia; and more!Required Reading:* Robert Malley and Hussein Agha, Tomorrow Is Yesterday: Life, Death, and the Pursuit of Peace in Israel/Palestine (Amazon). * Elliott Abrams, “There Never Will Be a Palestinian State. So What's Next?” (Mosaic). * Damir, “Hamas' Bid for Revolutionary Legitimacy” (WoC). * Shadi, “A Genocide is Happening in Gaza. We Should Say So” (Washington Post). Full video below:Wisdom of Crowds is a platform challenging premises and understanding first principles on politics and culture. Join us! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wisdomofcrowds.live/subscribe

The beginning of Parashat Ha'azinu speaks about the kindnesses that Hashem did for Am Yisrael after they left Mitzrayim. He surrounded them with His Clouds of Glory in the desert. He then brought them into Eretz Yisrael and gave them the most delicious fruits to eat. Hashem took care of them physically in every way. But then the pasuk rebukes the people for not showing the proper gratitude. Instead of becoming more devoted to Hashem, they became worse. The best way to serve Hashem is with feelings of gratitude. We must feel gratitude even for the smallest blessings—how much more so for the countless blessings that Hashem gives us every single day. Even if a person received only a small gift, he is obligated to feel hakarat hatov. Rabbi Menashe Reizman told a story that was related by Rabbi Naftali Halberstam, which happened to him personally. In 1947, while he was learning in a yeshiva in Israel, there was a draft for the army. One day a military jeep pulled up and soldiers demanded their ID cards. Rabbi Naftali and two of his friends did not have any documents of exemption and were arrested. Eventually, they were brought to trial. When the names of the boys were called out before the judge, they announced, "Naftali Halberstam." The judge trembled, turned angrily toward the police, and shouted, "You brought this lunatic here? Send him and his friends away immediately!" Just like that, the boys received their release papers. Years later, Rabbi Naftali was walking down the street and suddenly recognized that judge. He reminded him of what he had done years before and asked his name so he could show proper hakarat hatov. The judge said, "You think you know about gratitude? I'll tell you what gratitude is." He then recalled a story about his father, whom we'll call Yehuda. Yehuda had moved to Israel but was not fond of the charedim. One day a great rebbe came to town and everyone went to get a blessing. Yehuda had no interest, but his friends persuaded him to come along. When it was his turn, the gabbai told him to write down a request and leave a small donation. Yehuda put down two small coins and said he had no requests. The rebbe blessed him, and he left. That year, the rebbe passed away. A few months later, Yehuda saw the rebbe in a dream. The rebbe said, "You showed me kindness by giving me two coins. I have come back to repay you by telling you that both your Rashi and Rabbeinu Tam tefillin are pasul." At first, Yehuda dismissed the dream, but his friends convinced him it couldn't hurt to check. He did, and found that indeed both pairs of tefillin were completely pasul. Yehuda later said, "Years have passed, but that dream saved me from being someone who never wore kosher tefillin." The judge concluded, "That was my father's story. When I heard your name in court, 'Halberstam,' I immediately remembered that rebbe, Rabbi Halberstam of Shinova. I trembled, and I released you at once, pretending you were a lunatic. It was part of the chain of gratitude from the rebbe, who I knew would want you released." If Hashem allowed a rabbi to appear in a dream to repay gratitude for two small coins, imagine how much hakarat hatov we owe Hashem for everything He gives us. Hashem showers us with infinite kindness, and thoughtful people recognize it. Rabbi Avigdor Miller was a master of hakarat hatov. He opened our eyes to see the endless chasadim that Hashem does for us. One of his famous examples was the peel of an apple. Once the peel is removed, the apple rots quickly. Hashem created the peel to keep the apple fresh longer than any man-made container. The apple is full of liquid, and to keep the juices from seeping out, Hashem designed the peel with a slight layer of oil. The peel also prevents rainwater from soaking into the fruit while it is still on the tree. The peel acts as a sign of readiness: its colors shift—red, green, yellow—to signal when the fruit is sweet and edible. Unlike people, whose outward garments often conceal what lies within, the peel truthfully reveals the fruit's state. Hashem even made the peel attractive and fragrant to make the apple more appealing. How does all that sweetness enter the fruit? Through the thin brown stem at the top. From mud and rain below and sunshine absorbed by the leaves, everything passes through that tiny channel into the fruit. No human could design such a delicate conduit. Yet Hashem uses it to bring forth nourishment and delight. Inside, the juice is distributed evenly, refreshing without spilling. The apple can be sliced neatly without mess. When one finishes eating, there is a "coupon" inside for countless more apples—the seeds. It's like a chocolate bar that comes with a voucher for another bar and another, endlessly. Each apple contains the potential for thousands more. Hashem arranged that the flesh around the seeds be tough and inedible, so they would be preserved. Each seed lies in its own perfectly designed chamber, ready to grow into a new tree. This is just part of the kindness contained in one apple. Hashem designed the entire world for our benefit. It is incumbent upon us to recognize this, and to serve Him happily with gratitude, showing that we are capable of being the people He created us to be. Shabbat Shalom.

Following Ulla’s ruling that conveying the blood without moving one’s feet is invalid, the Gemara explores whether such a situation can be rectified if the initial conveying was performed without foot movement. The first attempt to prove that it can be corrected is from the Mishna in Zevachim 32a, but this derivation is ultimately rejected. A definitive proof is then brought from a statement of Ulla in the name of Rabbi Yochanan, establishing that the flaw cannot be corrected. Rav Nachman raises two challenges to Ulla’s position based on rulings in the Mishna (Zevachim 32a and 25a). The first challenge is addressed, though not convincingly, while the second remains unresolved. A new interpretation is proposed regarding the debate between Rabbi Shimon and the Rabbis in our Mishna concerning the act of conveying. According to this view, when Rabbi Shimon rules that improper intention during conveying does not disqualify the sacrifice, he refers specifically to conveying without foot movement. However, this interpretation is mocked by the Rabbis in Eretz Yisrael. Initially, the Gemara explains their ridicule by suggesting that if Rabbi Shimon is correct, there would be no case in the sprinkling of the blood of a bird sin offering where improper intent could disqualify the offering, despite the known principle that intent during sprinkling can indeed disqualify. This explanation is rejected, and a more compelling reason is offered: Rabbi Shimon’s own words in the Mishna indicate that he was discussing conveying by foot. He explains that conveying may be unnecessary because the animal can be slaughtered adjacent to the altar. Only foot-based conveying is deemed unnecessary, since even when slaughtered nearby, the blood still needs to be transferred to the altar by passing by hand. The Gemara then discusses a case where a non-kohen conveys the blood to the altar, and a kohen returns it to its original location before conveying it properly. There is a dispute over whether this sequence validates the offering or disqualifies it. In a reverse scenario, where a kohen conveys the blood, and a non-kohen returns it and then conveys it again, there is disagreement about whether this case parallels the previous one. Rav Shimi bar Ashi links the two cases: the one who permits in the first case forbids in the second, and vice versa, depending on whether the initial or final action is considered decisive. Rava, however, does not connect the cases, asserting that both would disqualify the second scenario. Once the blood is distanced from the altar, it must be returned in a valid manner - specifically, by a kohen. Rav Yirmia quotes Rav Yirmia of Difti, who claims that the question of whether blood that was brought to the altar and then distanced must be returned is itself a dispute between Rabbi Eliezer and the Rabbis in our Mishna. This interpretation is based on Rava’s reading of the Mishna. Abaye challenges this view with a braita and ultimately rejects it, leading Rava to concede to Abaye’s position. The Mishna enumerates various cases in which the handling of blood by someone disqualified from performing Temple service invalidates the sacrifice. The first example is a non-kohen. What is the source for this? One possibility is a derivation from Vayikra 22:2–3, while another is a kal va’chomer from the case of a blemished kohen.

Following Ulla’s ruling that conveying the blood without moving one’s feet is invalid, the Gemara explores whether such a situation can be rectified if the initial conveying was performed without foot movement. The first attempt to prove that it can be corrected is from the Mishna in Zevachim 32a, but this derivation is ultimately rejected. A definitive proof is then brought from a statement of Ulla in the name of Rabbi Yochanan, establishing that the flaw cannot be corrected. Rav Nachman raises two challenges to Ulla’s position based on rulings in the Mishna (Zevachim 32a and 25a). The first challenge is addressed, though not convincingly, while the second remains unresolved. A new interpretation is proposed regarding the debate between Rabbi Shimon and the Rabbis in our Mishna concerning the act of conveying. According to this view, when Rabbi Shimon rules that improper intention during conveying does not disqualify the sacrifice, he refers specifically to conveying without foot movement. However, this interpretation is mocked by the Rabbis in Eretz Yisrael. Initially, the Gemara explains their ridicule by suggesting that if Rabbi Shimon is correct, there would be no case in the sprinkling of the blood of a bird sin offering where improper intent could disqualify the offering, despite the known principle that intent during sprinkling can indeed disqualify. This explanation is rejected, and a more compelling reason is offered: Rabbi Shimon’s own words in the Mishna indicate that he was discussing conveying by foot. He explains that conveying may be unnecessary because the animal can be slaughtered adjacent to the altar. Only foot-based conveying is deemed unnecessary, since even when slaughtered nearby, the blood still needs to be transferred to the altar by passing by hand. The Gemara then discusses a case where a non-kohen conveys the blood to the altar, and a kohen returns it to its original location before conveying it properly. There is a dispute over whether this sequence validates the offering or disqualifies it. In a reverse scenario, where a kohen conveys the blood, and a non-kohen returns it and then conveys it again, there is disagreement about whether this case parallels the previous one. Rav Shimi bar Ashi links the two cases: the one who permits in the first case forbids in the second, and vice versa, depending on whether the initial or final action is considered decisive. Rava, however, does not connect the cases, asserting that both would disqualify the second scenario. Once the blood is distanced from the altar, it must be returned in a valid manner - specifically, by a kohen. Rav Yirmia quotes Rav Yirmia of Difti, who claims that the question of whether blood that was brought to the altar and then distanced must be returned is itself a dispute between Rabbi Eliezer and the Rabbis in our Mishna. This interpretation is based on Rava’s reading of the Mishna. Abaye challenges this view with a braita and ultimately rejects it, leading Rava to concede to Abaye’s position. The Mishna enumerates various cases in which the handling of blood by someone disqualified from performing Temple service invalidates the sacrifice. The first example is a non-kohen. What is the source for this? One possibility is a derivation from Vayikra 22:2–3, while another is a kal va’chomer from the case of a blemished kohen.

In this episode we sit down with Rabbi Shnayor Burton to explore Rambam's view of Mashiach and Redemption. On the surface, the final chapters of Mishneh Torah read like a simple account of the messianic age, but a closer look opens far deeper questions: what truly changes in redemption, how maaseh bereshit and maaseh merkava should be studied, whether kingship can be redeemed from its past failures, and what halakha ultimately trains us toward. Hovering in the background is a parable of Rabbi Akiva—one that never fully discloses its nimshal, yet holds the key to humility and daat Hashem. Drawing on this, Rabbi Burton leads us to a convincing and surprising conclusion about how Rambam understands Mashiach: not as a miracle-worker, but as the leader who creates the conditions for humanity to live wisely under God's kingship.---*This episode is dedicated to the refua shelema of Sarah Miriam bat Tamar, Binyamin ben Zilpa, and our dear friend Yaakov ben Haya Sarah Malakh---• Bio: Rabbi Shnayor Burton is a Torah scholar, teacher, and author. He lectures regularly on Rambam, Chumash, and Jewish thought. He is Senior Editor at ArtScroll Mesorah Publications, where he works on major projects including Kisvei HaRambam. Rabbi Burton has authored several books, most recently Ha'Aretz Asher Areka, on the mitzvah of living in Eretz Yisrael. He also publishes essays and lectures on Substack and other platforms, including his ongoing work Exodus, Exile and Redemption: Decoding the Enigma of Judaism's Shifting Forms.---• Check out the Rabbi's blog here: https://shnayor.substack.com/---• Welcome to JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED: A PODCAST FOR THE PERPLEXED | Co-hosted by Benjy & Benzi | Thank you to...Super Patron: Jordan Karmily, Platinum Patron: Craig Gordon, Rod Ilian, Gold Patrons: Dovidchai Abramchayev, Lazer Cohen, Travis Krueger, Vasili Volkoff, Vasya, Silver Patrons: Ellen Fleischer, Daniel M., Rabbi Pinny Rosenthal, Fred & Antonio, Jeffrey Wasserman, and Jacob Winston! Please SUBSCRIBE to this YouTube Channel and hit the BELL so you can get alerted whenever new clips get posted, thank you for your support!

Jews bring the korban Pesach on 14th of Nissan and begin eating the new grains of Eretz Yisrael on 16th, Malach Michael meets Yehoshua to support him in conquest of the heavily fortified city of Yericho

In 1263 the Ramban was forced to attend a public Disputation and defend the truths of the Talmud against attacks by the Dominicans, who were led by an apostate Jew.   The Ramban would be exiled from Spain as a result and settle in Eretz Yisrael where he described with both pride and pain of the state of the Jewish community.  Using his medical knowledge, the Ramban also authored a central halachic work on healing and consulting doctors for refuah.   Chapters 00:00 The Downfall of Edom and the Church's Influence 02:53 The Ramban's Controversial Letters and Kabbalistic Ideas 06:08 The Disputation of Barcelona: A Turning Point 08:44 The Aftermath of the Disputation and Censorship 11:57 The Ramban's Journey to Eretz Yisrael 14:41 Rebuilding Jerusalem: The Ramban's Legacy 18:03 The Ramban's Medical Insights and Philosophy 21:02 The Ramban's Introduction to the Torah 24:03 The Essence of the Torah and Its Connection to Hashem

In this shiur, the inaugural shiur of the year in Ba'er Miriam, Rav Burg explains the inner meaning of the connection between Bikkurim and entering into Eretz Yisrael.

End of 3 days and the miraculous events of area between poles of Aron containing all the people and the Jordan waters cease allowing people to cross into Eretz Yisrael proper (but Kohanim remain on the east side in the riverbank)

This series is sponsored by Mira and Daniel Stokar.In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we speak with Rachel Tova Ebner, translator of a new volume of the teachings of Rav Kook, about what the spirituality of Rav Kook adds to our Jewish practice and to our understanding of ourselves.As we approach Rav Kook's yahrzeit (3 Elul), we're directing our attention to the spiritual dimension of Yiddishkeit outlined in his works. In this episode we discuss:What does Rav Kook teach us about our yearning for God?What is the role of feelings in our inner work? What does it mean for us to change as the Torah stays the same? Tune in to hear a conversation about the paradox inherent in trying to “change the past” via teshuva. Interview begins at 14:57.Rachel Tova Ebner grew up in Manhattan and made Aliyah to Jerusalem with her family in 1982. She is linguist and lyricist, a teacher and translator, with a Master's degree in Hebrew from the Bernhard Revel Graduate School of Yeshiva University. Her most recent professional endeavor was to participate in the translation of the new Koren Tanach. She has three children and eleven grandchildren.Chapters (Produced by Sofer.AI):Teshuvah 0:14Re‑examining Our Bullseye: The Conceptzia Idea 3:38Lakewood Yeshiva's Future and Community Burnout 6:50Generational Mission Shifts and Klal Yisrael 8:37Introducing Rav Kook's Torah of Tomorrow 11:52Translator Rachel Tova Ebner on Her Father's Influence 15:00Early Memories of Learning with Rabbi Bernstein 16:15Limits on Naming and Speaking About God 21:32The Classic Child's Question: Is God in the Toilet? 22:46Ikveta d'Mishicha: The Era of Messianic Footsteps 25:18Rav Kook's Call for New Spiritual Consciousness 26:18Direct Encounter with God—Beyond Rabbis and Texts 28:01Rav Kook's Historical Context and Practical Inner Work 43:28Compassion and Inner Work with the Soul 45:36Rav Kook on Teshuva and Cosmic Will 47:30Personal Metaforms: Smoking as Spiritual Symbol 50:32Rav Kook's Vision for Secular Israelis 52:32Calling Artists of the Sacred in Modern Times 55:00The Summons to Holy Consciousness Excerpt 57:01Choosing a Rav Kook Translation for Study 62:23Evolution as Cosmic Optimism in Rav Kook 64:13Finding a Spiritual Path Beyond Halacha 67:08Critique of Galut and Return to Eretz Yisrael 68:17Personal Sleep Habits: A Goyish Schedule 70:06Rav Kook's Vision: Renewing the Old, Sanctifying the New 73:27Intuition and Faith in Personal Spiritual Direction 75:09Despair as Catalyst for Renewal in Orot Hateshuva 76:56Closing Remarks and Sponsor Acknowledgments 80:49Traditional Closing Prayer and Song 81:50References:18Forty Podcast: “Rav Judah Mischel: A Change in Progress”The Torah of Tomorrow: OneSong by Rachel Tova EbnerRenewing the Old, Sanctifying the New: The Unique Vision of Rav Kook by Marc B. Shapiro18Forty Podcast: “Marc B. Shapiro: Where Does Orthodox Judaism Come From?”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

Hashem doesn't just hear every word we say — He knows every thought that passes through our minds. Last Friday, I was shopping for Shabbat and noticed that the prices were unusually high. I picked up an item and began debating whether or not to put it back. Just then, a man came over to me and asked, "Is it true that anything we spend for Shabbat doesn't come out of the yearly income Hashem allots for us?" I replied, "Absolutely. It's an explicit Gemara." As soon as I answered, I realized Hashem had sent this man to remind me of that truth. I smiled, thanked Hashem for the immediate correction, and bought the item I had been second-guessing. Hashem is intimately involved in our lives — not just every day, but every second. Just over a month ago, a mother was looking to take her children on outings to keep them entertained before camp started. She tried two different places, but both were completely booked. The children were disappointed, and the mother, trying to soften the letdown, took them for ice cream instead. It was an extremely hot day. As they left the ice cream shop, the children ran ahead and mistakenly opened the door of a car that looked like their own. To their shock, there was a four-month-old baby alone in the back seat. The baby had been forgotten. They ran into various stores searching for the baby's mother. When she saw them holding her child, she burst into tears. "I always double-check!" she cried. "I just forgot this time…" On a hot summer day, R"l, it only takes 10–15 minutes for a tragedy to occur in a car. At that moment, it became clear to the mother and children why their plans had been canceled earlier. Hashem had rerouted them, put the idea of ice cream in their minds, and guided them to open the wrong car door — just in time to save that baby's life. Another remarkable story was shared by Rabbi David Ozeri. Last Thursday night, he received a call from a panicked father — a Rav in Eretz Yisrael. His 17-year-old daughter had landed in Newark on a stopover from Israel, and her connecting flight had been canceled due to weather. She didn't speak English, she was alone in a foreign airport, and it was already 11:00 p.m. Rabbi Ozeri immediately contacted a baal chessed in his community, who answered the phone right away. "Of course she's welcome to stay with us," the man said. "I'll even send an Uber for her." But the father was too nervous to place his daughter in an Uber alone at night. Rabbi Ozeri then thought of a woman in Brooklyn who drove children to school each morning. She was divorced and may have needed some extra income. He called her and asked if she would be willing to drive from Brooklyn to Newark to pick up the girl, bring her all the way to Deal, New Jersey, and then return home. The woman answered immediately, "It would be my pleasure to do the chessed," and added that she didn't want to be paid. But Rabbi Ozeri went to the host's home and gave him an envelope with $450, asking him to give it to the driver when she dropped off the girl. The next morning, the woman texted Rabbi Ozeri thanking him for the opportunity to do the chessed — and for the money. What she shared afterward was incredible. She said it was her turn to host her children for Shabbat, but when she checked her bank account, she had only ten dollars left. She didn't know how she would buy food for her large family. At that moment, she saw a request for tzedakah for a worthy cause. With great Emunah, she donated her last $10 and prayed that in the zechut of that mitzvah, Hashem would help her provide for Shabbat. The very next night, at 11:00 p.m., she received the call from Rabbi Ozeri — and ended up earning more than enough to buy everything she needed. We don't fully understand the ways of Hashem, but it seems like one of the reasons the girl's flight was canceled was so this woman could have the parnassah she had so desperately prayed for. When people heard her story, they were so moved that they voluntarily donated more — and she ended up receiving a total of $6,000. Hashem is involved in every moment of every person's life. He orchestrates everything with precision and purpose. Our job is to build our connection with Him — through our tefillot , through our mitzvot , and through our emunah.

Danielle Renov—best known as the creative force behind “Peas, Love & Carrots”—joins the Meaningful People Podcast not to share recipes, but to open up about something far more raw and real: living through war in Israel as a mother. In this emotionally charged episode, Danielle shares what life is like in Yerushalayim under missile fire, separated from her husband and holding down the home with extraordinary resilience. She opens up about fear, faith, and motherhood in a war zone—describing what it means to remain strong for her children while the world around her is shaking, quite literally. From her roots in the Five Towns to raising a family in Israel, Danielle speaks about the deeper spiritual mission of living in Eretz Yisrael, the complicated emotions surrounding Aliyah, and why she refuses to leave even in the most dangerous moments. This conversation is not just about war—it's about the strength of Jewish mothers, the reality of daily life in Israel, and the unshakable emunah that guides Danielle through it all. Hear how one of the Jewish world's most beloved influencers was navigating some of the most difficult days of her life—with raw honesty, deep faith, and surprising humor.   This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors: ►Blooms Kosher   Bring you the best Kosher products worldwide.   https://bloomskosher.com   ______________________________________ ► PZ Deals - Download the app and never pay full price again! https://app.pz.deals/install/mpp _______________________________________   ► Colel Chabad Pushka App - The easiest way to give Tzedaka    https://pushka.cc/meaningful    _______________________________________   ► Say Kaddish - the Ultimate Sign of Love and Respect   For centuries, we have honored our parents and loved ones who have passed on by reciting Kaddish in their merit. Saying Kaddish serves as a great virtue and does wonders for the soul of the deceased.   https://saykaddish.com/  _______________________________________   ► Toveedo Visit- https://toveedo.com/   Use Promo Code MM10 for 10% off! _______________________________________   ► Lalechet     We're a team of kosher travel experts, here to carry you off to your dream destination swiftly, safely, and seamlessly in an experience you will forever cherish.    https://www.lalechet.com ___________________________________________ ►Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years!   Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH   ____________________________________ ► Growtha - We get you more leads.   https://growtha.com __________________________________________________ ► NRS Pay - Honest, clean credit card processing.   https://nrspay.com   __________________________________________________ ► Town Appliance - Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp     https://www.townappliance.com     https://bit.ly/Townappliance_whatsapp ______________________________________   ► Faith It Till You Make It Join Rabbi Ari Bensoussan's course on Bitachon sponsored by Censible Marketing! Your guide to keeping your faith in today's complicated world! www.Meaningfulminute.org/censible    ____________________________________________________ ► Subscribe to our Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.     https://apple.co/2WALuE2    https://spoti.fi/39bNGnO Or wherever Podcasts are available! Editor: Sruly Saftlas