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Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 25:12 - Rebuke as Valuable Adornments (Part 2)נֶזֶם זָהָב וַחֲלִי כָתֶם, מוֹכִיחַ חָכָם עַל אֹזֶן שֹׁמָעַת:Length: 46 minutesSynopsis: This morning (12/25/25), in our Morning Mishlei shiur, we began by reviewing what we covered yesterday. We found support for one of our approaches in the Ralbag. We then resumed working on Metzudas David and came up with a nice idea that built off of the previous pasuk. We then took up Saadia Gaon, which we found insightful but didn't completely understand. We concluded with the Ri Nachmias - a high-quality commentary that we often overlook. Great ideas, as always! We shall return to Mishlei in 2026 (בג"ה).---מקורות:משלי כה:יברלב"גמצודת ציון/דודפירוש רס"גר"י נחמיאשרש"י - ערכין דף טז עמוד ב-----SPECIAL CHANUKAH DISCOUNT—EXTENDED THROUGH JANUARY 2026: I originally offered 50% off my paid Substack subscription for Chanukah ($5 per month, or $50 for a full year). Since I'm still finishing my Chanukah article, which will be behind the paywall, and since I'll be heading off the grid for a solo cabin retreat next week, I've decided to extend the discount through the end of 2025. If the free articles, recordings, and shiurim I've shared this year have added real value to your learning and your life, and you'd consider them worth at least the price of a latte, this is a simple way to say “thank you.” You're welcome to sign up, read, listen, or download whatever you'd like from behind the paywall, and then cancel so there's no ongoing charge. Your support is what allows this work to continue at its current depth and consistency, and for that I'm genuinely grateful.-----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/YU Torah: yutorah.org/teachers/Rabbi-Matt-SchneeweissPatreon: 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 a
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 25:12 - Rebuke as Valuable Adornments (Part 1)נֶזֶם זָהָב וַחֲלִי כָתֶם, מוֹכִיחַ חָכָם עַל אֹזֶן שֹׁמָעַת:Length: 48 minutesSynopsis: This morning (12/24/25), in our Morning Mishlei shiur, we moved on to the next pasuk, which also involves gold and might be a continuation of the previous pasuk. We came up with several really nice approaches on our own. Looking forward to learning the meforshim tomorrow (בג"ה), beginning with Metzudas David.---מקורות:משלי כה:יבמצודת ציון/דודתרגום רס"ג עם הערות הרב יוסף קאפחתרגום כתוביםתרגום אונקלוס - שמות כח:יחRuven Peskinפשיטתאבראשית רבה - בראשית מד:יח (צג:ג)---SPECIAL CHANUKAH DISCOUNT—EXTENDED THROUGH JANUARY 2026: I originally offered 50% off my paid Substack subscription for Chanukah ($5 per month, or $50 for a full year). Since I'm still finishing my Chanukah article, which will be behind the paywall, and since I'll be heading off the grid for a solo cabin retreat next week, I've decided to extend the discount through the end of 2025. If the free articles, recordings, and shiurim I've shared this year have added real value to your learning and your life, and you'd consider them worth at least the price of a latte, this is a simple way to say “thank you.” You're welcome to sign up, read, listen, or download whatever you'd like from behind the paywall, and then cancel so there's no ongoing charge. Your support is what allows this work to continue at its current depth and consistency, and for that I'm genuinely grateful.---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/YUTorah: yutorah.org/teachers/Rabbi-Matt-SchneeweissPatreon: 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
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 17:11 - The Fate of a Rebel Without a Causeאַךְ מְרִי יְבַקֶּשׁ רָע, וּמַלְאָךְ אַכְזָרִי יְשֻׁלַּח בּוֹ :Length: 1 hour 24 minutesSynopsis: This evening (12/22/25), in our Monday Night Mishlei shiur, we learned a pasuk I was NOT very familiar with. Despite an unusually complicated-to-translate first half, we were able to develop several beautiful and practical ideas of our own. We were delighted to see connections to our previous pasuk, and even happier to see some of our ideas echoed in the meforshim. This was a rich pasuk which granted new layers of insight into the rebellious personality.-----מקורות:משלי יז:יאמצודת דוד/ציוןתרגום רס"גRichard Mitchell, "The Gift of Fire"רבינו יונהר' ששת בן יצחק גרונדירמב"ם - פירוש המשניות: סנהדרין, הקדמה לפרק חלק-----SPECIAL CHANUKAH DISCOUNT: For the eight days of Chanukah, I'm offering 50% off my paid Substack subscription, just $5 per month. If the free articles, recordings, and shiurim I've shared this year have added real value to your learning and your life, and you'd consider them worth at least the price of a latte, this is a simple way to say “thank you.” You're welcome to sign up, read, listen, or download whatever you'd like from behind the paywall, and then cancel so there's no ongoing charge. And if you'd like to support my Torah in a more sustained way, you can lock in a full year for $50 at the same 50% discount. Your support is what allows this work to continue at its current depth and consistency, and for that I'm genuinely grateful. Happy Chanukah! -----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/YU Torah: yutorah.org/teachers/Rabbi-Matt-SchneeweissPatreon: 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: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GEB1EPIAarsELfHWuI2k0H
Living Emunah 2867 The Perfect Measure of Hishtadlut The Midrash at the beginning of this week's parashah says: אַשְׁרֵי הַגֶּבֶר אֲשֶׁר שָׂם ה' מִבְטַחוֹ "Fortunate is the man who places his trust in Hashem." This refers to Yosef, who wholeheartedly trusted in Hashem. The Midrash continues: וְלֹא פָנָה אֶל רְהָבִים — "and he did not turn to the arrogant," which also refers to Yosef, who did not rely on the Sar HaMashkim for help when he was in jail. Yet it also says that because Yosef told the Sar HaMashkim, זְכַרְתַּנִי — "remember me," נִתוֹסַף לוֹ שְׁתֵּי שָׁנִים — two more years were added to his sentence. The mefarshim ask: the Midrash seems to contradict itself. On one hand, it praises Yosef for relying only on Hashem and not on the Sar HaMashkim; on the other hand, it says he was punished for asking the Sar HaMashkim to remember him. Furthermore, the word נִתוֹסַף sounds positive — like תּוֹסֶפֶת כְּתֻבָּה — as if staying longer in prison was somehow beneficial. Rav Leib Diskin explained the following. There is a pasuk in Mishlei: בְּטַח אֶל ה' בְּכָל לִבֶּךָ וְאֶל בִּינָתְךָ אַל־תִּשָּׁעֵן "Trust in Hashem with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding." (Mishlei 3:5) The Gaon explains that this pasuk refers to the highest form of bitachon — when a person needs no hishtadlut at all, like Chizkiyahu HaMelekh, when Hashem wiped out 185,000 soldiers while Chizkiyahu slept in his bed. But there is another pasuk: וּבֵרַכְתִּיךָ בְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר תַּעֲשֶׂה "I will bless you in all that you do." (Devarim 15:18) From here we learn that we must act , and then Hashem will bless our efforts. This sounds like full hishtadlut is always required, contradicting the pasuk in Mishlei. Then there is a third pasuk in Tehillim that reconciles the two: גּוֹל אֶל־ה' דַּרְכֶּךָ וּבְטַח עָלָיו וְהוּא יַעֲשֶׂה "Roll your way upon Hashem, and trust in Him, and He will do." (Tehillim 37:5) The word גּוֹל — roll — is the key.: משל למה הדבר דומה ? If someone wants to roll a barrel down a hill, all he must do is give it the initial push — and then it rolls on its own. This is how our hishtadlut must be viewed. We give the minimal beginning effort, showing that we know Hashem is the One accomplishing everything afterward. But if a person keeps checking every second to ensure the barrel rolls exactly as he wants, then he believes that his push is what makes everything happen, and he thinks he must constantly control the outcome. Proper hishtadlut means giving an effort that demonstrates that we recognize that Hashem is the One accomplishing.. That was Yosef's level. It was clear hashgachah that the Sar HaMashkim was placed with Yosef in jail, that Hashem gave him a dream, and that Yosef could interpret it. Yosef did not feel on the level of Chizkiyahu to do nothing, but he also did not want to engage in full hishtadlut. Therefore, he did not plead with the Sar HaMashkim. Instead, he minimally said כי אם זְכַרְתַּנִי — "If you happen to remember this episode, then mention me to Par'oh." He remained calm, composed, and made the smallest gesture that showed he believed his role was merely to begin the process — and Hashem would handle the rest. The Maharil Diskin says: Had Yosef done too much hishtadlut — pushing, begging, strategizing — he might have been released immediately. And perhaps he would have returned to his family. But then Ya'akov and the Shevatim would have had to come to Mitzrayim in chains. Because Yosef made the correct hishtadlut, Hashem allowed him to remain the extra two years — until Par'oh would have the dream that would elevate Yosef to become the viceroy of Egypt. Thus, the Midrash fully praises Yosef for the quality of his hishtadlut. The lesson for us is clear. We must be careful never to overdo our hishtadlut in ways that make us believe we control outcomes. If someone pleads for help in a desperate, panicked tone, he is showing that he thinks the results depend on him. If someone constantly emails a buyer until he gets a response, he thinks it is his pressure that will determine the sale. He may indeed get the response — but had he simply begun the process in the right way, he would have gotten the same outcome without the excess hishtadlut that is against Hashem's will. May Hashem help us realize always that He is the One who accomplishes everything, enabling us to make only the hishtadlut that He desires from us. Shabbat Shalom.
What does it mean to be considered a son of God - and how can we achieve it?
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 25:11 - Golden "Apples" in Silver Filigree (Part 4)תַּפּוּחֵי זָהָב בְּמַשְׂכִּיּוֹת כָּסֶף דָּבָר דָּבֻר עַל אׇפְנָיוLength: 34 minutesSynopsis: This morning (12/18/25), in our Morning Mishlei shiur, we spent one more day on this fundamental pasuk. We began with Metzudas David who (ironically!) we understood through the lens of the Rambam in the hakdamah of the Moreh (albeit different part). After going down a little rabbit hole about Chanukah, we did a quick overview of Saadia Gaon's commentary, just to get the flavor, then learned Ralbag and Malbim. I'm sure there's a lot more to cover in this pasuk, but that'll have to wait until next time.---מקורות:משלי כה:יאמצודת דודמורה הנבוכים - הקדמהפירוש רס"גרמבמ"ן - הקדמהרלב"גמלבי"ם - ביאור הענין-----SPECIAL CHANUKAH DISCOUNT: For the eight days of Chanukah, I'm offering 50% off my paid Substack subscription, just $5 per month. If the free articles, recordings, and shiurim I've shared this year have added real value to your learning and your life, and you'd consider them worth at least the price of a latte, this is a simple way to say “thank you.” You're welcome to sign up, read, listen, or download whatever you'd like from behind the paywall, and then cancel so there's no ongoing charge. And if you'd like to support my Torah in a more sustained way, you can lock in a full year for $50 at the same 50% discount. Your support is what allows this work to continue at its current depth and consistency, and for that I'm genuinely grateful. Happy Chanukah! -----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/YU Torah: yutorah.org/teachers/Rabbi-Matt-SchneeweissPatreon: 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: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GEB1EPIAarsELfHWuI2k0HAmazo
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 25:11 - Golden "Apples" in Silver Filigree (Part 3)תַּפּוּחֵי זָהָב בְּמַשְׂכִּיּוֹת כָּסֶף דָּבָר דָּבֻר עַל אׇפְנָיוLength: 40 minutesSynopsis: This morning (12/17/25), in our Morning Mishlei shiur, we continued our analysis of this fundamental pasuk. We began by reviewing the Rambam we read last time, using a different translation. We gained some additional clarity, but came away with more questions than answers - particularly with our efforts to square the Rambam's words here with reality AND with his statements elsewhere! We concluded by reading the Metzudas David, whose translation of our pasuk differs radically from any of the translations we've been working with.---מקורות:משלי כה:יארמב"ם - מורה הנבוכים: פתיחה, מתורגם ע"י הרב יוחאי מקביליLenn E. Goodman, "The Guide to the Perplexed: A New Translation" (2024)Rashba - Commentary on Aggadah (?)מצודת דוד-----SPECIAL CHANUKAH DISCOUNT: For the eight days of Chanukah, I'm offering 50% off my paid Substack subscription, just $5 per month. If the free articles, recordings, and shiurim I've shared this year have added real value to your learning and your life, and you'd consider them worth at least the price of a latte, this is a simple way to say “thank you.” You're welcome to sign up, read, listen, or download whatever you'd like from behind the paywall, and then cancel so there's no ongoing charge. And if you'd like to support my Torah in a more sustained way, you can lock in a full year for $50 at the same 50% discount. Your support is what allows this work to continue at its current depth and consistency, and for that I'm genuinely grateful. Happy Chanukah! -----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/YU Torah: yutorah.org/teachers/Rabbi-Matt-SchneeweissPatreon: patreon.com/rabbischneeweissYouTube Channel: youtube.com/rabbischneeweissInstagram: instagram.com/rabbischneeweiss/"The Stoic Jew" Podcast: thestoicjew.buzzsprout.com"Machshavah Lab" Podcast: machshavahlab.buzzsprout.com"Rambam Bekius" Podcast: rambambekius.buzzsprout.com"The Tefilah Podcast": tefilah.buzzsprout.comOld Blog: kolhaseridim.blogspot.com/WhatsApp Content Hub: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GEB1EPIAarsELfHWuI2k0H
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 17:10 - Frightening Rebuke and Thorough Beatingsתֵּחַת גְּעָרָה בְמֵבִין מֵהַכּוֹת כְּסִיל מֵאָה:Length: 1 hour 33 minutesSynopsis: This evening (12/15/25), in our Monday Night Mishlei shiur, we learned another pasuk that used to be part of my high school Mishlei curriculum. I knew we'd arrive at some solid ideas; the question was whether we'd see any NEW insights. I'm pleased to report that we did! We developed a few approaches of our own and learned some excellent ideas from the meforshim, including a side-idea on the parashah from R. Avraham ben ha'Rambam! As usual, all the ideas we learned were practical, and accompanied by real-world examples. We might even gain some more insight next week, since many meforshim learn 17:10-11 as a pair. I guess we'll see!-----מקורות:משלי יז:ימצודת ציון/דודתרגום רס"גמלבי"ם - ביאור המילותרש"י - דברים א:יגמשלי א:כ-לגר' אברהם בן הרמב"ם - בראשית מא:לגרבינו יונה - משלי יז:י; יח:ב; יט:כה-----SPECIAL CHANUKAH DISCOUNT: For the eight days of Chanukah, I'm offering 50% off my paid Substack subscription, just $5 per month. If the free articles, recordings, and shiurim I've shared this year have added real value to your learning and your life, and you'd consider them worth at least the price of a latte, this is a simple way to say “thank you.” You're welcome to sign up, read, listen, or download whatever you'd like from behind the paywall, and then cancel so there's no ongoing charge. And if you'd like to support my Torah in a more sustained way, you can lock in a full year for $50 at the same 50% discount. Your support is what allows this work to continue at its current depth and consistency, and for that I'm genuinely grateful. Happy Chanukah!-----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/YUTorah: yutorah.org/teachers/Rabbi-Matt-SchneeweissPatreon: 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
Wisdom affords security and serenity in this world and the next • By striving to discern wisdom about the Creator from His creation one merits to receive Divine Providence
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 25:11 - Golden "Apples" in Silver Filigree (Part 2)תַּפּוּחֵי זָהָב בְּמַשְׂכִּיּוֹת כָּסֶף דָּבָר דָּבֻר עַל אׇפְנָיוLength: 30 minutesSynopsis: This morning (12/11/25), in our shorter-than-usual Morning Mishlei shiur, we spent the first half reviewing and refining yesterday's ideas, and the second half reading through the Rambam's understanding of our pasuk in the introduction to the Moreh ha'Nevuchim. Although we picked up on some nice points over the course of our reading, we didn't have time to analyze it in-depth. That will have to wait until next week (בג"ה).---מקורות:משלי כה:יאLenn E. Goodman, "The Guide to the Perplexed: A New Translation" (2024)-----This week's Torah content is sponsored by Rifka Kaplan-Peck in memory of her grandpa, Izrail Kaplan (a”h), who never forgot to look up above and appreciate another day.-----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/YU Torah: yutorah.org/teachers/Rabbi-Matt-SchneeweissPatreon: 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
It is righteousness and charity that makes a country great, leaders should choose competent officers, and many other words of wisdom from Solomon.
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 25:11 - Golden "Apples" in Silver Filigree (Part 1)תַּפּוּחֵי זָהָב בְּמַשְׂכִּיּוֹת כָּסֶף דָּבָר דָּבֻר עַל אׇפְנָיוLength: 4 minutesSynopsis: This morning (12/10/25), in our Morning Mishlei shiur, we began analyzing what is arguably one of the most important pesukim in Mishlei - at least, according to the Rambam. I've referenced this pasuk dozens of times but haven't yet given a shiur on it. This morning, after a more-extensive-than-usual deep-dive into translation, we began our analysis. We came up with two distinct approaches and didn't even get to the meforshim. Due to the importance of this pasuk, we will likely devote more than one session to it.---מקורות:משלי כה:יאמצודת ציוןתפסיר לרס"גהערות הרב קאפחנוה שלוםתרגום כתוביםרב הירשרמב"ם - מורה הנבוכים: הקדמהLenn E. Goodman, "The Guide to the Perplexed: A New Translation" (2024)מורה הנבוכים - מפעל משנה תורה, מהדורה רביעיתRichard Whitters, "Filigree Angel"Rabbi Pesach Chait, "On Scientific and Halachic Thought"-----This week's Torah content is sponsored by Rifka Kaplan-Peck in memory of her grandpa, Izrail Kaplan (a”h), who never forgot to look up above and appreciate another day.-----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/YU Torah: yutorah.org/teachers/Rabbi-Matt-SchneeweissPatreon: 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
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 17:9 - How to Make, Keep, and Ruin Friendshipsמְכַסֶּה פֶּשַׁע מְבַקֵּשׁ אַהֲבָה וְשֹׁנֶה בְדָבָר מַפְרִיד אַלּוּף:Length: 1 hour 30 minutesSynopsis: This evening (12/8/25), in our Monday Night Mishlei shiur, we took up a pasuk that featured some bizarre wording. Fortunately for us, this one had a lot of "ins" and we quickly developed several of our own approaches before learning two approaches from the meforshim. Unfortunately, we had to end shiur before learning the many other viable approaches the meforshim had to offer. So much Mishlei to learn, and so little time to learn it.-----מקורות:משלי יז:טמצודת ציון/דודתרגום רס"גתרגום כתוביםרמב"ם - משנה תורה: ספר המדע, הלכות תשובה ב:הרמב"ם - משנה תורה: ספר המדע, הלכות דעות ז:ז-חרבינו יונה-----If you'd like to sponsor my Torah content, please let me know! Your support makes it possible for me to give free shiurim, write free articles, and continue producing a steady stream of Torah.-----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/YU Torah: yutorah.org/teachers/Rabbi-Matt-SchneeweissPatreon: 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
Only a person who lived an experience truly understands what he or she feels. A fool will believe anything you tell him. The good person's seeks reward in good itself.
You will be influenced by the company that you keep, a good man is rewarded with more opportunities to do good, and many more wise teachings of Solomon.
All difficulties between people are a result of our arrogance and inability to listen humbly and admit our mistakes. Our suffering will come from the very things we didn't take seriously.
Making ethical choices is good for longevity • The stressful inner turbulence of sin kills • Don't be lured to sin by the external gloss of serenity for the sinful
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 25:9-10 - Why You Shouldn't Fight Dirty (Part 2)(ט) רִיבְךָ רִיב אֶת רֵעֶךָ וְסוֹד אַחֵר אַל תְּגָל. (י) פֶּן יְחַסֶּדְךָ שֹׁמֵעַ וְדִבָּתְךָ לֹא תָשׁוּב:Length: 30 minutesSynopsis: This morning (12/4/25), in our shorter-than-usual Morning Mishlei shiur, we continued reviewing the approaches from yesterday, drawing additional support and nuance from the Rishonim. The only truly new approach we tackled was Saadia Gaon, who begins with a highly structured reading of the pasuk in the nigleh, then turns to the nistar. Since I had not prepared this ahead of time, I may have gotten some points wrong. Still, his approach is intriguing, and there is value in what we covered, even if my presentation was imperfect.---מקורות:משלי כה:ט-יאבן כספי פירוש א' וב'רש"יעמנואל הרומיפירוש רס"ג-----If you'd like to sponsor my Torah content, please let me know! Your support makes it possible for me to give free shiurim, write free articles, and continue producing a steady stream of Torah.-----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/YU Torah: yutorah.org/teachers/Rabbi-Matt-SchneeweissPatreon: 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
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 25:9-10 - Why You Shouldn't Fight Dirty (Part 1)(ט) רִיבְךָ רִיב אֶת רֵעֶךָ וְסוֹד אַחֵר אַל תְּגָל. (י) פֶּן יְחַסֶּדְךָ שֹׁמֵעַ וְדִבָּתְךָ לֹא תָשׁוּב:Length: 46 minutesSynopsis: This morning (12/3/25), in our Morning Mishlei shiur, we learned the sequel to the previous pasuk. First, Mishlei told us not to be quick to get into a fight. Now, Mishlei is telling us what not to do once we're in a fight. We came up with several of our own interpretations today, then learned Metzudas David's. Tomorrow we'll see what the other meforshim have to say (בג"ה).---מקורות:משלי כה:ט-ימצודת ציון/דודתרגום רס"ג - הערות ר' קאפח נוה שלוםNeima Novetsky, Yonah 2:11-----If you'd like to sponsor my Torah content, please let me know! Your support makes it possible for me to give free shiurim, write free articles, and continue producing a steady stream of Torah.-----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/YU Torah: yutorah.org/teachers/Rabbi-Matt-SchneeweissPatreon: 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
The wise person limits his speech, seeks counsel humbly from others, and doesn't broadcast his grievances.
Accepting criticism is the key to growth. One who seeks only reassurance to continue living a life built on lies, will build a house of cards. One who seeks truth, will built something that lasts.
Follow grace and not strength, follow kindness and not cruelty - and you will find true honor and life.
The righteous are honest, careful in their speech, and this guides them to a meaningful and joyous life.
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 25:8 - Don't Be Quick to Quarrel, Or Else (Part 2)אַל תֵּצֵא לָרִב מַהֵר פֶּן מַה תַּעֲשֶׂה בְּאַחֲרִיתָהּ בְּהַכְלִים אֹתְךָ רֵעֶךָ:Length: 46 minutesSynopsis: This morning (11/26/25), in our Morning Mishlei shiur, we continued learning the pasuk we started last week (but were delayed, no thanks to Sigmund Freud and stowaway sardines). After a comprehensive we review, we started learning through meforshim. No MAJOR breakthroughs, but some nice clarifications and further developments of the approaches we touched on in part 1.---מקורות:משלי כה:חתרגום - משלי טו:יחרש"י - בראשית יא:ה; יח:כאמצודת דודר"י נחמיאשמאיריר' ששת בן יצחק גרונדיעמנואל הרומירלב"גמלבי"ם-----This week's Torah content, for the week of Thanksgiving, is sponsored by me with gratitude to all my readers, viewers, and listeners — and most of all, my students. Whether you support my Torah content by engaging with it, contributing to it, or both, I appreciate you and thank you.-----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/YU Torah: yutorah.org/teachers/Rabbi-Matt-SchneeweissPatreon: 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
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 17:8 - The Charm of a Bribeאֶבֶן חֵן הַשֹּׁחַד בְּעֵינֵי בְעָלָיו, אֶל כׇּל אֲשֶׁר יִפְנֶה יַשְׂכִּיל:Length: 1 hour 36 minutesSynopsis: This evening (11/24/25), in our Monday Night Mishlei shiur, we learned a pasuk I've taught dozens of times. Despite its atypical structure, I consider this to be an excellent "starter pasuk" for people new to Mishlei. I knew we'd come up with great ideas. My only question was how many NEW insights we'd gain. Thank God, we came away with several! The analysis, the insights, and the examples were all great, and I'm confident that if we had more time, we'd learn even more. I guess that'll have to wait until next time!-----מקורות:משלי יז:חמצודת דוד/ציוןתרגום ופירוש רס"גמצודת דודרבינו יונהמאיריא' שמואל א:יחדברים י:יזמשלי טו:כזא' מלאכים א:טו-----This week's Torah content, for the week of Thanksgiving, is sponsored by me with gratitude to all my readers, viewers, and listeners — and most of all, my students. Whether you support my Torah content by engaging with it, contributing to it, or both, I appreciate you and thank you.-----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/YU Torah: yutorah.org/teachers/Rabbi-Matt-SchneeweissPatreon: 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
The way of life is to accept criticism, speak with caution, and stay on the path of God.
The path of the wise leads to life, confidence, and is built on honesty. The path of the fool leads to death, destruction and is built on lies.
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 25:8 - Don't Be Quick to Quarrel, Or Else (Part 1)אַל תֵּצֵא לָרִב מַהֵר פֶּן מַה תַּעֲשֶׂה בְּאַחֲרִיתָהּ בְּהַכְלִים אֹתְךָ רֵעֶךָ:Length: 47 minutesSynopsis: This morning (11/20/25), in our Morning Mishlei shiur, we learned another "straight-up advice" pasuk (the genre that seems to pick up in frequency in the final book of Mishlei). Once again, we were pleasantly surprised by how much analysis the pasuk leant itself to, despite being so straightforward. We came up with two approaches today, and I look forward to exploring the meforshim tomorrow (בג"ה).---מקורות:משלי כה:חתרגום כתובים - משלי כה:ח; כא:טתרגום אונקלוס - בראשית יג:ז; שמות כא:יחרמב"ם - משנה תורה: ספר המדע, הלכות דעות ו:הרלב"ג - ויקרא יט:יז-----This week's Torah content is sponsored by Joey and Estee Lichter (and family) in honor of Dovid (their son and my talmid) officially making aliyah!-----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/YU Torah: yutorah.org/teachers/Rabbi-Matt-SchneeweissPatreon: 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
In this episode of the Jewish Inspiration Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues in the Orchot Tzaddikim (Day 105, page 615), summarizing the first 12 daily remembrances—Hashem creating us from nothing, granting health, wisdom, Torah, mercy, repentance, and constant closeness—before introducing four more. The 13th urges recognizing when our wisdom and wealth exceed our deeds: if blessed with intellect or money, we must act accordingly now, not delay with “when I earn more, then I'll give.” Rabbi Wolbe shares a young donor who gave $130,000 already toward a $250,000 goal and a Shabbat table debate on lottery winnings, exposing how the yetzer hara pushes charity to “later.” The 14th teaches greeting everyone with a warm smile (sever panim yafot), as water reflects a face, so does the heart (Mishlei 27:19); his great-grandfather perfected this trait for two years despite personal suffering.The 15th reminds us to prepare for the World to Come like stocking a pantry or travel food—accumulate mitzvot, kindness, and Torah, as we don't know when our time ends. The 16th stresses the soul's purity: strong, healthy people die suddenly because Hashem reclaims His “deposit.” Like collateral or a leased car, life is lent; we must keep the soul pristine, repenting daily “one day before death” (as tomorrow may be it). Rabbi Wolbe likens life's ups and downs to a living EKG—flatlines are dead—urging us to embrace curveballs, swing hard, and turn tough days into home runs.Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on April 7, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on November 18, 2025_____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #Remembrance, #Generosity, #Self-awareness, #Charity, #Scholarship, #Wisdom, #Opportunity, #Giving, #Procrastination, #ActsofKindness, #Spiritual, #Resilience, #Adversity, #Rest, #Productivity, #GoodDeeds, #Urgency ★ Support this podcast ★
In this episode of the Jewish Inspiration Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues in the Orchot Tzaddikim (Day 105, page 615), summarizing the first 12 daily remembrances—Hashem creating us from nothing, granting health, wisdom, Torah, mercy, repentance, and constant closeness—before introducing four more. The 13th urges recognizing when our wisdom and wealth exceed our deeds: if blessed with intellect or money, we must act accordingly now, not delay with “when I earn more, then I'll give.” Rabbi Wolbe shares a young donor who gave $130,000 already toward a $250,000 goal and a Shabbat table debate on lottery winnings, exposing how the yetzer hara pushes charity to “later.” The 14th teaches greeting everyone with a warm smile (sever panim yafot), as water reflects a face, so does the heart (Mishlei 27:19); his great-grandfather perfected this trait for two years despite personal suffering.The 15th reminds us to prepare for the World to Come like stocking a pantry or travel food—accumulate mitzvot, kindness, and Torah, as we don't know when our time ends. The 16th stresses the soul's purity: strong, healthy people die suddenly because Hashem reclaims His “deposit.” Like collateral or a leased car, life is lent; we must keep the soul pristine, repenting daily “one day before death” (as tomorrow may be it). Rabbi Wolbe likens life's ups and downs to a living EKG—flatlines are dead—urging us to embrace curveballs, swing hard, and turn tough days into home runs.Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on April 7, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on November 18, 2025_____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #Remembrance, #Generosity, #Self-awareness, #Charity, #Scholarship, #Wisdom, #Opportunity, #Giving, #Procrastination, #ActsofKindness, #Spiritual, #Resilience, #Adversity, #Rest, #Productivity, #GoodDeeds, #Urgency ★ Support this podcast ★
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 17:7 - Societal Standing and Speech Incongruityעֲטֶרֶת זְקֵנִים בְּנֵי בָנִים וְתִפְאֶרֶת בָּנִים אֲבוֹתָם:Length: 1 hour 41 minutesSynopsis: This evening (11/17/25), in our Monday Night Mishlei shiur, we learned a pasuk with distinct translation crossroads. We came up with several nice approaches on our own, then turned to the meforshim who provided us with refreshingly different approaches! All the ideas were practical, and some in a high-stakes way. Great learning as always, even though we were missing some of our usual crew.-----מקורות:משלי יז:זתרגום כתוביםמלבי"ם ביאור המילותמצודת דודמאירי-----This week's Torah content is sponsored by Joey and Estee Lichter (and family) in honor of Dovid (their son and my talmid) officially making aliyah!-----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/YU Torah: yutorah.org/teachers/Rabbi-Matt-SchneeweissPatreon: 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
Choose which woman to follow, the one who will lead to wisdom and truth, or the one who will lead you to the depths of Hell.
Wisdom is the way of morality, the way of life. It was with Wisdom that god created the universe.
While the path of wickedness entices you from the secretive darkness, Wisdom has nothing to be ashamed of.
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 25:6-7 - Self-Destructive Self-Promotion (Part 2)(ו) אַל תִּתְהַדַּר לִפְנֵי מֶלֶךְ וּבִמְקוֹם גְּדֹלִים אַל תַּעֲמֹד.(ז) כִּי טוֹב אֲמׇר לְךָ עֲלֵה הֵנָּה מֵהַשְׁפִּילְךָ לִפְנֵי נָדִיב אֲשֶׁר רָאוּ עֵינֶיךָ:Length: 29 minutesSynopsis: This morning (11/13/25), in our Morning Mishlei shiur, we continued our analysis of yesterday's pesukim. After a quick review, we learned through four commentaries. Some of these contributed minor nuances whereas others yielded entirely new approaches. I wish we had more time for even more meforshim, but such are the limitations of my typical Thursday schedule this year.---מקורות:משלי כה:ו-זמצודת דודרלב"גמאירימצודת דוד - צפניה ג:אר' ששת בן יצחק גרונדי--------This week's Torah content is sponsored by Joey and Estee Lichter in commemoration of the yahrzeits of Joey's mother, Faiga bas Yehuda, and Estee's father, Yisroel ben R' Moshe.-----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/YU Torah: yutorah.org/teachers/Rabbi-Matt-SchneeweissPatreon: 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
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 25:6-7 - Self-Destructive Self-Promotion (Part 1)(ו) אַל תִּתְהַדַּר לִפְנֵי מֶלֶךְ וּבִמְקוֹם גְּדֹלִים אַל תַּעֲמֹד.(ז) כִּי טוֹב אֲמׇר לְךָ עֲלֵה הֵנָּה מֵהַשְׁפִּילְךָ לִפְנֵי נָדִיב אֲשֶׁר רָאוּ עֵינֶיךָ:Length: 47 minutesSynopsis: This morning (11/12/25), in our Morning Mishlei shiur, we began learning a new genre of Mishlei pesukim which is quite common in Chapters 25-29. I call "straight-up advice." No mashalim, no cryptic wording, no riddles - just proverbs telling you what to do and why. My question going into this was whether there would be any correlation between the style of presentation and the quality or depth of the ideas. Judging by this morning's analysis, the answer seems to be in the negative. We had just as many questions here as we usually do, and the ideas we developed felt completely Mishleic. Tomorrow we'll see what the meforshim have to say (בג"ה).---מקורות:משלי כה:ו-זתרגום רס"גתרגום כתובים-----This week's Torah content is sponsored by Joey and Estee Lichter in commemoration of the yahrzeits of Joey's mother, Faiga bas Yehuda, and Estee's father, Yisroel ben R' Moshe.-----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/YU Torah: yutorah.org/teachers/Rabbi-Matt-SchneeweissPatreon: 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
Her beautiful words entice you, but following her will lead you to death. Take Wisdom as your sister and hold her close, not the woman who leads you astray.
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 17:6 - Mishlei on Intergenerational Pride (and Ibn Kaspi's Rant About Wanting to Have Kids)עֲטֶרֶת זְקֵנִים בְּנֵי בָנִים וְתִפְאֶרֶת בָּנִים אֲבוֹתָם:Length: 1 hour 48 minutesSynopsis: This evening (11/10/25), in our Monday Night Mishlei shiur, we had a WILD RIDE! The pasuk itself was intriguing, and we came up with some nice ideas. But the real shock of the night was one of the most jaw-dropping commentaries I've ever seen from Ibn Kaspi. Even the readers of my substack who are familiar with his acerbic tongue will be flabbergasted by the content and tone of his tirade. I'll say in all seriousness that if you're struggling to have kids, then I honestly don't know whether you SHOULD or SHOULDN'T listen to this shiur. Ditto for those hoping to become grandparents. -----מקורות:משלי יז:ורש"י - ויקרא יט:לבקידושין דף לב עמוד בשמות כח:ב,מ; דברים כו:יטר' יוסף אבן כספיבראשית א:כב,כחרבינו יונה - משלי י:טומצודת ציון - ישעיהו נו:ד-הResponse from a Mamzeret: https://rabbischneeweiss.substack.com/p/righteous-testimony-from-actual-mamzerעמנואל הרומימאירי-----This week's Torah content is sponsored by Joey and Estee Lichter in commemoration of the yahrzeits of Joey's mother, Faiga bas Yehuda, and Estee's father, Yisroel ben R' Moshe.-----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/YU Torah: yutorah.org/teachers/Rabbi-Matt-SchneeweissPatreon: 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
Solomon continues to guide us through life. Though a sin out of desperation can eventually be forgiven, a sin that ruins other people's lives simply for our own pleasure can never truly be erased.
Every meritorious act bears fruits • When do sinful acts bear fruit? • What underlies the asymmetry of their dynamics? • Harmful satiation
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 25:4-5 - The Silver Refining Principle/Fallacy (Part 2)(ד) הָגוֹ סִיגִים מִכָּסֶף וַיֵּצֵא לַצֹּרֵף כֶּלִי.(ה) הָגוֹ רָשָׁע לִפְנֵי מֶלֶךְ וְיִכּוֹן בַּצֶּדֶק כִּסְאוֹ.Length: 30 minutesSynopsis: This morning (11/6/25), in our Morning Mishlei shiur, we analyzed the couplet of pesukim we only barely touched yesterday (no thanks to of Mamdani). That, combined with the fact that we only had 30 minutes, prompted me to keep the pace moving. Still, we came up with several approaches of our own, and learned a few from the meforshim. I also shared my own approach, which is example of an important principle in Mishlei methodology.---מקורות:משלי כה:ד-הפירוש רס"גמצודת דודרבינו יונה - משלי א:ב; י:טואמרי דעת לר' זרחיה חן - משלי כה:ד-----If you're interested in sponsoring my Torah content for one or more weeks this month, please let me know! It's a great way to share a message - whether to raise awareness, celebrate a simchah, or commemorate a yahrzeit - while helping support my ongoing work of publishing free articles and giving free shiurim.-----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/YU Torah: yutorah.org/teachers/Rabbi-Matt-SchneeweissPatreon: 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
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 25:4-5 - The Silver Refining Principle/Fallacy (Part 1)(ד) הָגוֹ סִיגִים מִכָּסֶף וַיֵּצֵא לַצֹּרֵף כֶּלִי.(ה) הָגוֹ רָשָׁע לִפְנֵי מֶלֶךְ וְיִכּוֹן בַּצֶּדֶק כִּסְאוֹ.Length: 10 minutesSynopsis: This morning (11/5/25), in our Morning Mishlei shiur, we only had 10 minutes - since I spent the first 35 minutes giving an impromptu "Mishleic Musings on Mamdani's Mayoral Mandate" shiur (available at https://rabbischneeweiss.substack.com/ for paid subscribers only). We managed to raise all the major questions on our couplet of pesukim. Tomorrow we'll delve into our own ideas and some of the meforshim.---מקורות:משלי כה:ד-המצודת ציון/דודר"י אבן כספי פירוש ב-----If you're interested in sponsoring my Torah content for one or more weeks this month, please let me know! It's a great way to share a message - whether to raise awareness, celebrate a simchah, or commemorate a yahrzeit - while helping support my ongoing work of publishing free articles and giving free shiurim.-----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/YU Torah: yutorah.org/teachers/Rabbi-Matt-SchneeweissPatreon: 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
Take care of yourself and don't take on other people's responsibilities, don't be lazy, and prepare yourself in the good times to be ready for the bad. God hates nothing more than dishonesty and inciting hatred to take advantage of others.
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 17:5 - The Metaphysical Implications of Mocking the Poor and Schadenfreudeלֹעֵג לָרָשׁ חֵרֵף עֹשֵׂהוּ שָׂמֵחַ לְאֵיד לֹא יִנָּקֶה:Length: 1 hours 32 minutesSynopsis: This evening (11/3/25), in our Monday Night Mishlei shiur, we learned an EXTREMELY rich pasuk, overflowing with ideas. After quickly developing our own approaches, we learned through FIVE ideas from the meforshim. So abundant-in-ideas was this pasuk that I'm considering continuing our analysis of it next week. We'll see!-----מקורות:משלי יז:הרמב"ם - משנה תורה: ספר המדע, הלכות תלמוד תורה ז:יגמצודת ציון/דודתרגום כתוביםמאירידברים ח:י-יחרבינו יונה - שם ומשלי כב:בעמנואל הרומיר' ששת בן יצחק גרונדי-----If you're interested in sponsoring my Torah content for one or more weeks this month, please let me know! It's a great way to share a message - whether to raise awareness, celebrate a simchah, or commemorate a yahrzeit - while helping support my ongoing work of publishing free articles and giving free shiurim.-----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/YU Torah: yutorah.org/teachers/Rabbi-Matt-SchneeweissPatreon: 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
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.
Don't stray after enticements of the selfish that only want to take advantage of you. Stay on the path before you, on the path of those who truly love you.
Once you are on the path of wisdom, keep your eye on the goal! Don't veer off or get enticed to leave the path!
Wisdom is about making choices in the present to actualize a superior future, but does not erase the problems of presently compounded follies • A heart imbued with the fear of God enables the sharpening of moral intuition towards Divine Enlightenment through philosophical inquiry • Aversion to adapting oneself underlies a lack of drive to investigate wisdom
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Length: 40 minutesSynopsis: This morning (10/23/25), in lieu of our usual morning Mishlei, we had a Q&A session! We discussed the following three questions: (1) According to the Rambam, if Olam ha'Ba is non-physical, and if our desires only relate to physical enjoyments, how can we desire Olam ha'Ba? (2) What do we mean in the short vidui when we say ti'ta'nu, which some translate as "You have let us go astray"? (3) Should every person strive to attain the "Crown of Torah"? In going over these answers, I also shared my answer to the question of why the Written Torah doesn't mention Olam ha'Ba, as well as an insight I had into Kayin's sin. -----מקורות:רמב"ם - משנה תורה: ספר המדע, הלכות תשובה ח:א,ו-ז; י:א-ברמב"ם - פירוש המשניות: הקדמה לפרק חלקקהלת ג:יט-כאעץ יוסף - וידויתנחומא - נח יטרמב"ם - משנה תורה: ספר המדע, הלכות תלמוד תורה ג:א,ו-----The Torah content for the remainder of October is sponsored by Yael Weiss in honor of her parents, and in celebration of her father's birthday (September 25 / 17 Tishrei). -----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/YU Torah: yutorah.org/teachers/Rabbi-Matt-SchneeweissPatreon: 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
As we get closer to Yom Kippur, the feelings of awe and trembling intensify. We are trying harder and harder to be better, to make teshuvah , but the list of averot is long—many we don't even remember we did. Bittul Torah, Lashon Hara, Onat Devarim —and the list goes on. We are afraid to be judged for our actions, just as we say in Tehillim : אִם־עֲוֹנוֹת תִּשְׁמָר־קהּ ה' מִי יַעֲמֹד "Hashem, if You will take all of our sins into account, who will be able to stand before You?" The pasuk in Mishlei (17:23) says: שֹׁחַד מֵחֵק רָשָׁע יִקָּח לְהַטּוֹת אָרְחוֹת מִשְׁפָּט Rashi explains that this means Hashem, so to speak, accepts "bribery" from the rasha and changes his judgment from bad to good. Similarly, the Midrash Shocher Tov on Tehillim (17) says: Hashem tells us, "My children, while the gates of tefillah are open, do teshuvah , because in this world I will accept bribery. But once I sit in judgment in the future, I will no longer accept it." The Midrash concludes that the time Hashem accepts shochad is right now—during the Aseret Yemei Teshuvah. It sounds like from the Midrash that the bribery Hashem accepts is teshuvah, tefillah, and tzedakah. Whereas in an earthly court, if the person on trial says he's sorry, it doesn't change anything—if he's guilty, he's guilty. But in Hashem's court, if the person says, "I'm sorry," then Hashem lets him off. However, the Chafetz Chaim explains, based on Chazal, that it goes much further than this. The Tomer Devorah says similarly: when a person has mercy on others, even though he was wronged by them, that brings the mercy of Hashem upon him, even though he did wrong to Hashem. When we overcome our evil inclination to take revenge, to bear a grudge, or to hate an individual that harmed us—even though he may deserve it—but instead we forgive, that is the bribery Hashem accepts. He will then give us mercy and blessing, even though we don't deserve it. During the Aseret Yemei Teshuvah we say: המלך המשפט . The Mareh Yechezkel asks seemingly, it would be better for us to say the usual: מלך אוהב צדקה ומשפט . Why would we switch now and only speak about Hashem being the King of mishpat, which is strict justice? The rabbi answered: all year long, we say that Hashem loves both tzedakah and mishpat. He loves giving us tzedakah, but He also loves justice being carried out, and we don't know which one He loves more. Now, during these days, we declare המלך המשפט —Hashem is the King over mishpat. He is the only ruler and decider about how the rules of mishpat will be carried out, and we are hoping that He will override the regular rules and use His power as King to pardon us. But that will depend on whether we give Him, so to speak, the ability to do so. And He told us how: we must overlook and forgive those who wronged us. A couple of hundred years ago in Lithuania, there was a family blessed with four boys who all became outstanding talmidei chachamim, each one a gadol b'Yisrael. The most famous of them was Rabbi Yechiel Michal Heller z"l, author of the sefer Amudei Or. He was a tremendous gaon. Each one of his brothers also wrote sefarim and served as rabbis leading massive congregations. Rabbi Yechiel used to sign his name " העלוב יעקב מיכל בן ר' אהרן "—"the downtrodden or humiliated one, Yechiel the son of Aaron." One of the rabbi's grandchildren related why he signed his name that way. Rabbi Yechiel's grandfather was an extremely wealthy man who traveled from city to city doing business, leaving his daughter in charge of his store. Many unscrupulous people were jealous of his wealth and spread a false rumor that his daughter had committed a terrible sin. When the time came for shidduchim, nobody in the community would marry her. She grew older, and nothing changed. Her father was distraught. They knew the truth—that she had done nothing wrong—but nothing they said could change people's minds. The father couldn't bear to watch his daughter grow older with no hope of a shidduch. He decided to inquire about a young man named Aharon Shmeisser, the son of a wagon driver. Aharon would sit near his father, and when the man who whipped the horse grew tired, Aharon was the backup. He knew no Torah and worked the lowest of jobs. But the wealthy man could not allow his daughter to continue suffering. He told his daughter his plan, and with no better alternative, she agreed. The wealthy man asked the wagon driver if he would allow his son to marry his daughter. At first he hesitated, but after some thought, he agreed, and after just one meeting the wedding date was set. On the day of the wedding, the bride whispered a tefillah to Hashem: "You know the truth that I am completely innocent. I believe this was all orchestrated by You, that this man is my zivug, and that there was no other way my father would have ever agreed to let him marry me. Therefore, I don't hold anyone accountable for this. I will not hate anyone or hold a grudge against them. But please, Hashem, give me children who will be outstanding talmidei chachamim ." Her prayer was answered. She merited to have four sons who became among the greatest chachamim of their time. She overlooked the wrong done to her and believed it was all from Hashem, and that opened the heavens to shower blessing upon her. This is why her son signed his name העלוב —for his mother, the aluvah. It was in her merit that all of his Torah came to be. The power of overlooking and forgiving is wondrous.