Podcasts about meraglim

The pasuk in this week's Parashat Shelach tells us that the Meraglim (spies) came to a place called נחל אשכול , the Valley of the Cluster, and there they removed a massive cluster of grapes. This enormous cluster was later used to frighten the Jewish people, as the spies described the giants who inhabited the land and implied that Bnei Yisrael had no chance of conquering it. Then the pasuk says the place was named אשכול —"Cluster"—because of the cluster they took. But the Sefer Minchat Ani asks an important question: it seems the place was already called נחל אשכול before the cluster was taken, as the Torah says they arrived at the Valley of Eshkol before picking the grapes. The Midrash resolves this by explaining that the place was already called Eshkol, all the way back to the time of Avraham Avinu. The Midrash quotes the pasuk " מגיד מראשית אחרית "—Hashem reveals the end from the beginning—and teaches us that Hashem sees the past, present, and future all at once. One of Avraham's close companions was named Eshkol, and Hashem placed that name in the minds of Eshkol's parents because of the future cluster that would be taken by the Meraglim in that very location. But this raises an obvious question: why? Why would Hashem cause a man to be named "Eshkol" because of an event that would occur hundreds of years later? The Minchat Ani brings another Midrash that sheds light on this. When Avraham was commanded to perform a brit milah , he consulted his three friends. Aner told him not to do it—he was too old to harm himself. Eshkol warned that if he did it, he would be weakened and vulnerable to attack. But the third friend, Mamre, encouraged him, saying: "The same Hashem who saved you from the fiery furnace, from the four kings, from famine—He is now commanding you. He will protect you." This powerful moment became a lesson passed down through generations. Every Jewish child would grow up learning how Avraham courageously performed the brit milah , how Mamre showed emunah , and how Aner and Eshkol doubted. And now, centuries later, that same test returned. The Meraglim echoed the voices of Aner and Eshkol, casting doubt on Hashem's power to bring them safely into Eretz Yisrael. They cut the Eshkol—the very cluster that symbolized the mistake of the man Eshkol from generations before. And just like Mamre, Caleb stood up and proclaimed his emunah , telling the people that Hashem, who had always protected them, would continue to do so. Hashem arranged it all—placing the Meraglim at the same site as Eshkol's legacy, giving them a chance to correct the mistake of the past. This wasn't random. Their test had been developing for centuries. Nothing in this world happens by chance. Every test a person faces is custom-designed by Hashem, planned with precision before that person even enters the world. We have no idea how much our actions matter, how intentional each situation is, and how carefully Hashem prepares our challenges. In the case of the Meraglim , Hashem gave them every opportunity to succeed. He placed them at Nachal Eshkol , at the exact site where history had already taught the lesson they needed to learn. But they failed. Still, the message for us remains: Tests are given to make us great. Hashem not only gives us challenges, but also provides us with the strength, wisdom, and circumstances to overcome them. Every test we face is hand-tailored to help us grow, elevate ourselves, and earn eternal reward. If we internalize this, we'll face our own tests with clarity and strength. And with Hashem's help, we'll overcome them—and fulfill our unique mission in this world. Shabbat Shalom.

Perspective, the key to success in your life's mission.

Shelach | Bamidbar 15: Why Now, Why Here? by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom Why are the mitzvot of Nesakhim, Challa, Tzitzit and more presented in the aftermath of the story of the "Meraglim"?

In this shiur, delivered at Yeshivat HaKotel, Rav Burg explains the desire of the Meraglim, the mistake kfof the Maapilim and why adding a Yud to Yehoshua's name made all the difference. Are we guests in Hashem's home or are we the owners? How we show up to Eretz Yisrael means everything.

This morning we connect two seemingly disparate passages, the terrible narrative of the Meraglim (spies) in our Torah portion, Shelach, and a Mitzvah in Devarim (Deuteronomy) which is actually its antidote, based on an essay by Abe Mezrich. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at McGill University Faculty of Law. ADATH is a modern orthodox synagogue community in suburban Montreal, providing Judaism for the next generation. We take great pleasure in welcoming everyone with a warm smile, while sharing inspiration through prayer, study, and friendship. Rabbi Whitman shares his thoughts and inspirations through online lectures and shiurim, which are available on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5FLcsC6xz5TmkirT1qObkA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adathmichael/ Podcast - Mining the Riches of the Parsha: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/mining-the-riches-of-the-parsha/id1479615142?fbclid=IwAR1c6YygRR6pvAKFvEmMGCcs0Y6hpmK8tXzPinbum8drqw2zLIo7c9SR-jc Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3hWYhCG5GR8zygw4ZNsSmO Please contact Rabbi Whitman (rabbi@adath.ca) with any questions or feedback, or to receive a daily email, "Study with Rabbi Whitman Today," with current and past insights for that day, video, and audio, all in one short email sent directly to your inbox.

This morning, first I share my mother's insight after Shabbat on events from Jerusalem. Then we discuss how two people or groups can see the same thing and arrive at opposite conclusions (related to the Meraglim, the spies), demonstrated with a wonderful story about the Kozntizer Maggid. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at McGill University Faculty of Law. ADATH is a modern orthodox synagogue community in suburban Montreal, providing Judaism for the next generation. We take great pleasure in welcoming everyone with a warm smile, while sharing inspiration through prayer, study, and friendship. Rabbi Whitman shares his thoughts and inspirations through online lectures and shiurim, which are available on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5FLcsC6xz5TmkirT1qObkA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adathmichael/ Podcast - Mining the Riches of the Parsha: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/mining-the-riches-of-the-parsha/id1479615142?fbclid=IwAR1c6YygRR6pvAKFvEmMGCcs0Y6hpmK8tXzPinbum8drqw2zLIo7c9SR-jc Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3hWYhCG5GR8zygw4ZNsSmO Please contact Rabbi Whitman (rabbi@adath.ca) with any questions or feedback, or to receive a daily email, "Study with Rabbi Whitman Today," with current and past insights for that day, video, and audio, all in one short email sent directly to your inbox.

The connection.Source Sheet: https://res.cloudinary.com/ouinternal/image/upload/outorah%20pdf/wyauv2fp5xg760awrwyj.pdf

Halachah From The Parshah Series: Parshas Shelach - The Meraglim and the Sin of Lashon Ha'Rah 06/16/2020

06/19/2022

Ramban on the Torah | 54 | Devarim, by Rav Eli Weber Why are some mitzvot only written down in Sefer Devarim? What do the Meraglim have to do with Moshe not entering Eretz Israel? Why does Hashem make the goyim fear Am Israel?

Yahrtzeit Yomi #1099!! כט סיון Moshe Sends Meraglim וישלח אתם משה לתור את ארץ כנען (במדבר יג:יז) בכ״ט בסיון שלח משה מרגלים (תענית כט.) ---------------------------------------------------- Yahrtzeit Yomi for the final week of Sivan is dedicated לעילוי נשמת רב יעקב בן ר׳ אברהם ז״ל ת.נ.צ.ב.ה. ---------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------- Share the Yahrtzeit Yomi link with your contacts!! https://chat.whatsapp.com/JimbwNtBaX31vmRDdnO3yk --------------------------------------------------- To dedicate or sponsor, please contact 917-841-5059. 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. The cost to request and sponsor a specific Tzaddik (unlisted on the Yahrtzeit Yomi schedule) is $180. MAY THE ZECHUS OF ALL THE TZADDIKIM PROTECT US FROM ALL TZAROS, AND MAY HASHEM GRANT US, AND ALL OF KLAL YISROEL, A MONTH OF YESHUOS, NECHAMOS AND BESUROS TOVOS!!! --------------------------------------------------- Remaining Sivan Yahrtzeits!! 26. Rabi Yonasan ben Uziel/Rabi Yosi ben Kisma 27. Rav Dovid Trenk 28. Rav Gustman 29. Shlichas Meraglim 30. Rav Shlomo Kluger

Send us a Text Message.In this sermon, Rabbi Bernath delves into the lesser-known story of the Maapilim, a group of Israelites who, against G-d's decree, attempted to enter the Promised Land after repenting for their initial refusal. Despite their newfound determination, their efforts were met with failure. Through this narrative, Rabbi Bernath explores the themes of repentance, unity, and the importance of collective action in achieving spiritual goals. He draws a parallel to the story of Elisha Ben Avuya, emphasizing that true repentance requires perseverance and collective commitment.Takeaways:Repentance and Timing: True repentance must align with G-d's will and timing. The Maapilim's attempt was sincere but mistimed.Unity in Action: Spiritual success requires collective effort. Individual zeal must be matched by communal support and readiness.Perseverance in Teshuvah: The story of Elisha Ben Avuya teaches that one must persist in repentance, even when it seems G-d has closed the door.Family and Community: Spiritual journeys are most successful when they involve and uplift the entire family and community.Full Summary:Introduction:Introduction to the concept of Maapilim.Connection to this week's Parshah, mentioning the Meraglim (spies).Main Story:Recap of the Meraglim and the Israelites' initial refusal to enter the Promised Land.G-d's decree that the current generation would perish in the desert.The Israelites' repentance and the emergence of the Maapilim.The Maapilim's attempt to enter the Promised Land and their defeat.Analysis:The Rebbe's question: Why was the Maapilim's repentance not accepted?The principle that “Nothing stands in the way of teshuvah.”Comparison to the story of Elisha Ben Avuya.Elisha's story and his perceived exclusion from repentance.Rabbi Meir's attempt to bring Elisha back to Judaism.Lessons and Insights:The importance of timing and alignment with G-d's will in repentance.The necessity of unity and collective effort in achieving spiritual goals.The role of family and community in supporting individual spiritual journeys.Conclusion:The importance of ensuring that our spiritual aspirations include and uplift those around us.Encouragement to pursue repentance and spiritual growth with perseverance and communal support.Support the Show.Please partner with us by purchasing a ticket in our raffle. It would really mean a lot to me and you can win some great prizes. https://www.charidy.com/ndgraffle/

Shelach- The Meraglim & The Test of The Akeidah by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky

In this week's Parasha, Shelach, we read about the lack of emunah the Jewish people had in Hashem, which caused them to have to wander in the desert for 40 years before they could finally enter Eretz Yisrael. The Mefarshim tell us that the sins of the ז' עממין , the seven nations who occupied Israel at that time, did not yet reach the level that would warrant them to be expelled from the land. They still had 40 years left until that time would come. So it appears that the Jews would've had to wait 40 years either way to enter the land. Based on this, the Arugat Habosem asked why Hashem took them out of Mizraim at this specific time, knowing they wouldn't be able to enter the land anyway for 40 more years. The Rabbi answered, when it comes to reward and punishment, things can always change. There are numerous factors involved. Before Hashem revealed himself to the world with the ten makkot and kriyat Yam Suf, the sins of the seven nations were considered to be a smaller infraction because they weren't expected as much to follow Hashem's rules. Afterwards,however, He clearly showed them that He runs the world, and yet they still continued with their corrupt and immoral behavior. Then, their sins did reach the level that obligated them to be expelled from the land. However, everything in the world happens based on the way we act. If the Jewish people would've fully believed in Hashem's abilities to conquer the giants who occupied the land, they would've gone in immediately. But since they were afraid and they were not confident in Hashem's powers, the claim against the seven nations became smaller. After all, if the children of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov were not believing in Hashem, how could the seven nations be expected to believe in him? It was our lack of emunah that let the seven nations off the hook and gave them back the 40 years that they had lost. Rabbi Manasseh Reizman brought this lesson closer to home. We are also waiting for the time when the nations of the world who persecute us will deserve to be destroyed. They see the sun rise and set every single day, and they believe that happens on its own. If we want that to be held against them, then we ourselves have to believe that Hashem is actively involved in every single act of nature that takes place every minute of the day. We say in the Tefillah, גולל אור מפני חושך וחושך מפני אור . Hashem brings on the night, and then the day, and then once again the night. Nothing happens on its own. If our emunah would be the way it's supposed to be, then they would be held accountable for their lack of emunah. We have opportunities to show our emunah every day of our lives. When things happen that threaten to disturb our peace of mind, we can either lose ourselves and feel hopeless, or we can say, "Hashem is behind this. I know it happened for my best, and I know going forward Hashem can help me get out of it in an instant." If the Jewish people would've known what was at stake when they were tested with the Meraglim, they would've easily passed that test. We must remember, each challenge we have is also a test, and there is so much we could accomplish when we have emunah during those challenges. If we can strengthen our emunah, we are not only going to enjoy our lives better, and not only going to get closer to Hashem, and not only be earning eternity, we will also be helping the entire klal Yisrael. This is the zechut we need to attain our final ge'ula which we are yearning so much for. It will come when we collectively raise our level of emunah, and that will happen when each person takes it upon himself to improve in his own personal life in emunah. Shabbat Shalom.

Rabbi Stark discusses how many times our perception of what we're seeing is totally incorrect and may be the cause of a lot of our issues and suffering.

Turning Earth into Heaven We read the various explanations discussing their intent, but something was still missing for me. If we look at Rashi, we see that at first, he praises the Meraglim quoting the Torah's description of them as anashim - men and telling how important each and everyone of them in fact was. The rabbis tell us that the Torah lists their names inorder of importance, and we don't find Joshua or Caleb until the middle of thelist. We have to ask, if these guys were so special, how did they mess up? So, when did they go from important,honorable, righteous people to people who went in with this evil intent? I don't think that anyone goes in withthe intent to derail a mission unless they think that they are totallyjustified and righteous in what they are doing. These ten must have thoughtthat they were doing the most beneficial thing for Benai Yisrael. Caleb tells them that we can surely goup and inherit the land because Hashem gives us the ability. We explained inthe class based on the Talmud in Sotah that he saying that even if you gave usladders, we could climb into heaven provided we have Hashem‘s assistance. Whenthey are afraid and the strength of those in the land. Joshua tells them:'Have no fear of the people of the country, for they are our prey: theirprotection has departed from them, but the Lord is with us' (14:9). If we say that they were righteous andsuddenly everything changed when they were ready to go into the land, thensomething happens at the time of their appointment. Perhaps until then theydidn't feel a responsibility for the nation as a whole, but at this point, asleaders, they became responsible and with that responsibility, tremendous feartakes hold. In our class on Shabbat, we quoted abeautiful thought of the Shvilei Pinchas who suggests that the first luchot -tablets were associated with the Etz HaChaim – The tree of life in the gardenof Eden. Those tablets were pure and the Torah within them was pure. Thosetables relate to Adam HaRishon before the sin. Just as Adam fell, we fell through theegel hazah, the golden calf, and the second tablets relate to the tree ofknowledge of good and evil which Adam ate from. Within the second set of luchotare good and evil. There is a mixture and with that the confusion it brings. After man's fall through the calf, thismixture of good and evil requires man to delve through and struggle in theTorah to bring out the truth relative to us. They could have and should have simplyrelied on Moses. Moses sent them as we discussed in the last class and it wasto Moses whom they should've reported to and Moses could have shown them theerror of their ways. Moses still had the direct connect. Perhaps theirappointments changed them. We say that power corrupts, and perhaps at the timeof the appointment, pride went to their heads and they felt that they couldindependently make decisions without Moses There are those that suggest that theydidn't want to lose their position. But let us not forget, that with theirtestimony, they not only quickly lose their position, they also lose theirlives in a most horrendous manner. They understood that in the desert theylived under a divine light and divine protection. Everything about theirexistence, from the moment the first plague descended on the waters of Egyptthrough the death of the first born was an entire year of miracles. Thiscontinued in an even greater revelation through the Exodus, the splitting ofthe sea and the Revelation at Har Sinai. The entire year in the desert was oneof miracles as we noted, maan, water, clouds, Moses and even defendingthemselves from attack. And I believe this was their fear. Theywere afraid that not only would they no longer be living a miraculous life, butthey would be completely on their own I believe their misunderstanding couldbe compared to the misunderstanding of the generation of Enoch. After creation,man knew Hashem was the Boreh, the creator, but they assumed he stepped backand did not realize Hashem is also the manhig – the one constantly running theshow. The meraglim appear to have assumed that Hashem would step back once theycrossed the border and they would have to deal with things on their own. believekochi VeOsem Yadi, that we are really doing things on our own. We too have toremember that Hashem promises us that a blessing will be on the work of ourhands. We have to make an effort, we have to turn on the switch below, but wehave to remember that there is no success without Hashem joining us. I think the big lesson of the spies isthat Hashem puts us here to work the land as he told Adam and the illusion isthat we are doing things on our own, but the lesson is that without Hashem wecannot succeed. We must have Emunah and Bitachon and partner with Hashem andknow that if we reach out, Hashem is never abandoning us. We see this allthroughout history. All of our victories are miraculous because Hashem is withus The failure of the spies was not beingable to see that their job was to take the physical and raise it to aspiritual. When later after entering the land an encountering our first battle,we circled Jericho, we blew horns, we were dressed for battle, when in fact, itwas Hashem who went in front of us and led us to a miraculous victory. They forgot the avot who made the rffortbut realized they were junior partners and it was Hashem who did the real work. May we all learn the lesson of thespies. May we remember Lo Yanum VeLo Yishan – Hashem neither slumbers norsleeps. Hashem watches over us and is with us. If we believe in hashem, Hashemwill believe in us! David Bibi

The error of the Meraglim can in part be attributed to a lack in Bitachon that Hashem would help them conquer Eretz Yisrael. Should we be worried that our flaws will prevent Hashem from helping us at times? Does Bitachon dictate being an optimist who expects the best, or just that we learn to roll with the punches knowing He is in charge? Built upon ideas from the Sum Derech and Sefer HaBoteach. Have a wonderful Shabbos

Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Length of the article: 1 pageLength of the audio: 4 minutesSynopsis: This is the audio version of the 1-page article I originally published on rabbischneeweiss.substack.com/ on 6/24/22, which I've edited and republished on 6/27/24, entitled: Shelach: Challah as a Consequence of the Cheit ha'Meraglim. Why does the Torah introduce the mitzvah of separating challah after the account of the Sin of the Spies? What does one have to do with the other? Sforno and Ralbag provide an answer.I hope to write a NEW article and publish it before Shabbos, but I decided to re-issue this one because I got off to a late start with my writing this week.-----The Torah content for this week has been sponsored by Meir Areman, l'zeicher nishmas Zelda bas Ziesel, his grandmother, whose yahrzeit is on the 21st of Sivan.-----If you've gained from what you've learned here, please consider contributing to my Patreon at www.patreon.com/rabbischneeweiss. Alternatively, if you would like to make a direct contribution to the "Rabbi Schneeweiss Torah Content Fund," my Venmo is @Matt-Schneeweiss, and my Zelle and PayPal are mattschneeweiss at gmail. Even a small contribution goes a long way to covering the costs of my podcasts, and will provide me with the financial freedom to produce even more Torah content for you.If you would like to sponsor a day's or a week's worth of content, or if you are interested in enlisting my services as a teacher or tutor, you can reach me at rabbischneeweiss at gmail. Thank you to my listeners for listening, thank you to my readers for reading, and thank you to my supporters for supporting my efforts to make Torah ideas available and accessible to everyone.-----Substack: rabbischneeweiss.substack.com/Patreon: patreon.com/rabbischneeweissYouTube Channel: youtube.com/rabbischneeweissInstagram: instagram.com/rabbischneeweiss/"The Stoic Jew" Podcast: thestoicjew.buzzsprout.com"Machshavah Lab" Podcast: machshavahlab.buzzsprout.com"The Mishlei Podcast": mishlei.buzzsprout.com"Rambam Bekius" Podcast: rambambekius.buzzsprout.com"The Tefilah Podcast": tefilah.buzzsprout.comOld Blog: kolhaseridim.blogspot.com/WhatsApp Content Hub (where I post all my content and announce my public classes): https://chat.whatsapp.com/GEB1EPIAarsELfHWuI2k0HAmazon Wishlist: amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/Y72CSP86S24W?ref_=wl_sharel

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 02: The Meraglim, Moshe, and Kedushas Haaretz by Shapell's Rabbeim

Understanding the Parsha of the Meraglim (Shlach 5784)

The Shmuze - Rabbi Schoonmaker - The Midbar, The Meraglim, And Tzion Beit Chayeinu by Shapell's Rabbeim

When the Meraglim all came with their complaints, Kalev was able to quiet them all down and strengthen them. We need to dig deep and recognize the yetzer hora for who he is, an expert at his job - and grow and accomplish and do our lifes shlichus. We have the Rebbe and we are more than able to do what we need to do! (Likkutei Sichos Chelek Ches, page 82)

In this shiur, delivered in NCSY Kollel at Mishmar, Rav Burg explains (based on a sicha from the Lubavitcher Rebbe) why Hashem allowed Klal to make the totally free choice to send Meraglim to spy out Eretz Canaan. We are naturally pulled to do a Mitzvah but when given an option we are totally free to do as we please. In this way we can truly invite Hashem into our lives.

Moshe continues the rebuke with the incident of the Meraglim...

Chukat | The Decree Against Moshe Revisited, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom The story of Moshe's striking the rock and the subsequent Divine decree, relieving him of his role as the leader, is a challenging one, both as far as the nature of the violation as well as the severity of the punishment relative to a seemingly "trivial" violation. We explore the unusual wording, repeated 3+1 time (thrice in command, once in fulfillment) of Moshe's death and propose a reevaluation of the commands and narrative of the "Meraglim" episode in Bamidbar 13. In comparing Hashem's command to Moshe, his directive to the scouts and their actions, it appears that every party acted differently than commanded; this helps to clarify a number of anomalies in the text as well as the larger question of the decree against Moshe Rabbenu. Source sheet >>

Parashat Shelach 2023 - The Spies and the Nation's ResponseThanks for listening! Please subscribe to the podcast and the YouTube channel for more content:https://www.youtube.com/@adamstorah

SHELACH AMAZING LIFE, Childhood Trauma, COMMUNITY BOYCOTT, 15 Min Learning - Stump The Rabbi (168) https://youtu.be/QfZ3YIaZXPA Parashat Shelach tells us how the Meraglim and Tzlofchad lost way and were punished accordingly. While the basic lessons are obvious to some, the deeper lessons require introspection by many. Dig In Deeper with us today to the depths our hearts to see what we can all find and see if its what we thought it was before today. After that we'll be taking live questions from the online crowd around the world to see what's bothering some of us and how all of the dots of Divine Torah connect perfectly. Be Holy.

Chazal tell us the Meraglim, and that whole generation, were killed out because they spoke Lashon Hara about Eretz Yisrael. Why was it the Aveirah of Lashon Hara, as opposed to the lack of Emunah and the Chillul Hashem? Some thoughts about Lashon Hara and the humility we need to develop to overcome it. May you have a wonderful Shabbos.

One might ask why it was necessary for them to wander for forty years. Rabbi Abittan would tell us time and again that the test of this generation is bitahon. Many things have happened in the latter part of the twentieth century, continue to happen in this century and will happen in the world that will challenge us to see if we fully and unconditionally rely only on Hashem and on nothing else, and our level of bitahon will play a major role in determining how soon we will be redeemed. Some of you will remember 4:11 P.M. on August 14, 2003. I do. On that notoriously hot and muggy day, more than fifty million people in the northeast of the United States were left without power in a huge blackout that abruptly halted the subway system and darkened homes, offices and businesses. A shopper walking down the frozen food aisle of any kosher supermarket will see Klein's and Mehadrin ice cream displayed side by side. One might think the two companies are rivals, unless, of course, he knows the rest of the story…(For Goodness' Sake)

HaRav Noach Shafran discusses the mitzvah of nesinas terumah and explains why the Torah calls the cheit of the meraglim znus.

Yehoshua and Kalev both stand up against the negative report of the Meraglim. However, they come from very different places.

How the concept of Tzitzis is a direct result of the story of the Meraglim and their lack of aspirations. 

Meraglim traverse the land and return, say negative report and people begin to become hysterical, attempts to assuage the situation are futile and people want to abandon mission

Send us a Text Message.A lesson from the Meraglim

D'var Torah on the Weekly Parsha from HaGaon Rav Asher Weiss shlit"a Parshas Shelach 5783 This shiur is in: English To sponsor a weekly shiur click here To make a donation to the Minchas Asher Foundation click here To subscribe to the Minchas Asher mailing list click here For the entire online collection of shiurim from HaGaon Rav Asher Weiss shlit"a please visit www.minchasasher.com

(Part 2 of 2) Are tzitzit supposed to “mean” something? Most people who wear tzitzit probably don't find it especially objectionable or burdensome, but how many people can honestly say that wearing tzitzit is a deeply meaningful spiritual practice? That it helps them to be a better Jew, a better person, to feel closer to God? Probably not so many. For everyone else, tzitzit is, at best, a testament to one's commitment to following the Torah but without any unique meaning or character, and at worst, a ritual, performed by rote, simply because everyone else seems to be doing it, devoid of any meaning at all.Is there a reason that God commands us to wear these funny tassels? The Torah tells us that tzitzit are supposed to remind us of God and mitzvot, they're supposed to make us holy. But how exactly does that work? God could have asked us to tie a string around our finger to remember the mitzvot, or asked us to only wear shirts with the words “Remember God! Be holy!” printed on them. But instead we get this mitzvah about having fringes hanging down from the corners of our clothes. If God wants us to wear something that will remind us not to sin, tzitzit seems like a very random choice. In this episode, Imu Shalev and Daniel Loewenstein tackle these questions and search for the spiritual meaning of tzitzit, diving deep into the Torah's verses that describe the mitzvah. Their journey leads them to a host of surprising and thrilling destinations and, ultimately, to a whole new understanding of the message behind this commandment. Check out our new YouTube channel: Meaningful Judaism. Meaningful Judaism is a project of Aleph Beta Labs. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide. For our full library of over 1,000 videos and podcasts, please visit www.alephbeta.org.To support this podcast, subscribe to Aleph Beta.

(Part 1 of 2) Are tzitzit supposed to “mean” something? Most people who wear tzitzit probably don't find it especially objectionable or burdensome, but how many people can honestly say that wearing tzitzit is a deeply meaningful spiritual practice? That it helps them to be a better Jew, a better person, to feel closer to God? Probably not so many. For everyone else, tzitzit is, at best, a testament to one's commitment to following the Torah but without any unique meaning or character, and at worst, a ritual, performed by rote, simply because everyone else seems to be doing it, devoid of any meaning at all.Is there a reason that God commands us to wear these funny tassels? The Torah tells us that tzitzit are supposed to remind us of God and mitzvot, they're supposed to make us holy. But how exactly does that work? God could have asked us to tie a string around our finger to remember the mitzvot, or asked us to only wear shirts with the words “Remember God! Be holy!” printed on them. But instead we get this mitzvah about having fringes hanging down from the corners of our clothes. If God wants us to wear something that will remind us not to sin, tzitzit seems like a very random choice. In this episode, Imu Shalev and Daniel Loewenstein tackle these questions and search for the spiritual meaning of tzitzit, diving deep into the Torah's verses that describe the mitzvah. Their journey leads them to a host of surprising and thrilling destinations and, ultimately, to a whole new understanding of the message behind this commandment. Check out our new YouTube channel: Meaningful Judaism. Meaningful Judaism is a project of Aleph Beta Labs. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide. For our full library of over 1,000 videos and podcasts, please visit www.alephbeta.org.To support this podcast, subscribe to Aleph Beta.

Teshuva is the greatest favor of all - we can undo the past!_

Would you like to sponsor an episode? A series?   We'd love to hear from you : podcasts@ohr.edu   Subscribe to Ohr Somayach!    https://podcasts.ohr.edu/   00:00 Rav address two sent it questions, regarding anistanus and talmud Torah    08:30 It is said that if someone makes 3 shidduchim, they are guaranteed Olami Habo—how does this work?    13:42 Where do the traditions for tefillin designs and wrapping techniques come from?   21:37 What are the pleasures of this world that we are essentially obligated to enjoy according to the Yerushalmi?   27:52 If Judaism is meant to be authentic, why is it that in Kiruv, we offer so many fancy trips and gourmet food?   33:09 In terms of the sun being stopped for Moshe and Joshua, it says it never happened before by Joshua—how do we understand this?   35:30 What are the different opinions of taking early Shabbos?   45:03 These days, there are often discounts given by insurance companies to women and the gender is defined by what the insured person states. Would it be mutar for a biological man to say he identifies as a woman in order to pay a smaller premium?   49:57 How could two opposite statement be true?   52:38 In terms of Tu B'Av, how do we understand the gemara's reasons for a public shidduch day so to speak and how did times change?   58:56 How is it that Targum Onkelos was min HaShamyim?   1:02:29 Do we make Yam Hagadol bracha on the Pacific Ocean?   1:03:24 Why wouldn't the whole world be made Jewish such that everyone would have the maximum opportunity for closeness to Hashem?   1:07:02 if the Talmud discusses 8 genders of Judaism, what does that mean?   1:08:37 Why do we accept Kabbalah today in Halacha?   1:13:09 If I can't finish slichos, tachanun, general tefillah or the like, am I'm missing out on certain forgiveness capacity?   1:16:43 How do we relate to the destruction of the Temple if we never experienced it and why would our lowly generation be fortunate enough to have it rebuilt?    1:22:53 Why do Ashkenazim and Sephardim differ in the way they cover their eyes in Shema?   1:24:50 Kesubos is the current masechta in Daf Yomi cycle. A lot of the material discussed is about rape and other material that some may find disturbing. Can the Rav share some advice on how to approach this masechta with the right perspective. Alternatively, if learning this masechta will bother or discourage someone everyday, is it better to just learn something else?   1:30:16 How does it work that Torah is the ultimate healer but the Rambam states that one needs other outlets?   1:32:30 Why do we follow certain halachos today that some rabbanim wouldn't have approved of?   1:36:25 Rashi in Moed Katon explains the practice of the Beis Din placing a stone on someone's coffin as a זכר בעלמא of stoning someone who died while excommunicated.  If so, why do we place stones on graves today?   1:37:32 Why didn't Avraham get punished for asking for a guarantee for Israel's quality while the Meraglim did?   1:39:36 How do we view the seemingly vain descriptions of women in Ta'anis?   1:41:31 If creative acts are forbidden on Shabbos (melachos) why is intimacy permitted, isn't that the most creative act?   1:43:47 What messages was Hashem trying to convey to Eliyahu during Har HaCarmel events?     Visit us @ ohr.edu     

Shelach | Of Spies and Scouts, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom The central story in Parashat Shelach is the "Meraglim" - even though they are never called "spies" in the narrative. Their job, to "scout" (לתור) the land, the selection of important people and the representative nature of the mission (one from each "civilian" tribe) indicates that the mission was not intended for military reconnaissance; yet in Moshe's retelling in Devarim (ch. 1) he uses the verb ויחפרו (to spy) and presents the mission quite differently. We explore these differences and the broader context of the beginning of Devarim and suggest a more subtle yet impactful lesson that Moshe is imparting to Yehoshua - which he clearly takes to heart, as evidenced by the "real" spy mission that he directs before entering the Land. Sourcesheet >>