Podcasts about mitzrayim

One of the ways we bring down all the segulot that come from Birkat HaMazon is by saying it with true feelings of hakarat tov. When a person feels genuine appreciation, the power of his words becomes infinitely greater. When Rabbi Aharon of Belz was younger, he used to stay by a certain butcher. The butcher took such good care of the Rabbi, fulfilling his every request with great joy. Years later, the butcher's daughter suddenly became gravely ill, and the doctors were losing hope. Messages were sent to Gedolim to pray for her, and the butcher specifically asked that a message be sent to Rabbi Aharon of Belz. The messenger arrived by Rabbi Aharon on Erev Yom Tov, when there was already a long line of people waiting to see him. Because the matter was urgent, the messenger was allowed to enter immediately. When the Rabbi heard the news, he was just about to place a cube of sugar into his tea. He stopped, paused what he was doing, and began repeating over and over how much that butcher had taken care of him. He spoke at length about the kindness, the warmth, and the generosity he had experienced. Only when he felt a deep, intense sense of hakarat tov did he give the girl a beracha and pray for her refuah shelema. After Yom Tov, the messenger returned with extraordinary news. The girl had made a complete recovery. He added that they later discovered that at the exact moment the Rabbi had given his beracha, the girl appeared to be in her final moments. But then she related that she had seen, in what seemed like a dream, the Rabbi giving her a piece of sugar to eat while blessing her with the most heartfelt beracha. At that moment, everything changed. Baruch Hashem, she recovered fully. Words said with real hakarat tov are unbelievably powerful. In the first beracha of Birkat HaMazon, we acknowledge that Hashem is the One who gives us our parnasah. We need to understand what that truly means. The Gemara speaks about a Hallel called Hallel HaGadol, the Great Hallel. This is the chapter of Tehillim in which we say "Ki l'olam chasdo" twenty-six times. The Gemara asks why it is called Hallel HaGadol. Rabbi Yochanan answers that it is because it includes the words that Hashem gives food to all of His creations. Hashem, who is exalted beyond all comprehension, who resides in the highest heights, personally comes down and takes care of every single one of His creations, ensuring that they always have what to eat. Hashem does not delegate this responsibility to a messenger. He does it Himself, because He loves us so much. The question is asked: this Hallel mentions so many miracles—creating heaven and earth, the sun and the moon, taking us out of Mitzrayim, splitting the sea, leading us through the desert, defeating Sichon and Og. How can it be that of all these miracles, Hashem giving us food is considered the greatest? The sefer Birkat HaMazon BeKavanah explains that all the other miracles were one-time events. But the miracle of feeding every person and every animal is something Hashem performs every second of every day, from the beginning of time until today and beyond. Hashem is "concerned" that all of His billions and trillions of creations have what they need to live. It is a constant miracle that never stops. They say in the name of the Chafetz Chaim that if a person forgot Al HaNissim in the Amidah, the tefillah still counts. But if he did not say in Modim ועל ניסך שבכל יום…שבכל עת , the Amidah does not count. Missing a miracle that happened once can be excused, but failing to recognize the miracles that occur every single day cannot. Hashem is personally taking care of us at every moment. That is why we emphasize in Birkat HaMazon that Hashem has never made us lacking and will never make us lacking. Once we truly recognize this, only then are we ready to say נודה לך -thank You. Only then can our words of gratitude come from the heart. And the more sincerely we feel that thank You, the more powerful it becomes—and the more blessing it draws down into our lives.

Chelek Chof Hey pg 270. Hashem, lift me out of here!This week's Sicha learning is honor of:*Esty Tsap, in honor of her birthday today, Yud Beis Teves!*Brochie Altabe, in honor of her birthday, Vav Teves, and wishing arichus yamim and good health to her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Hecht. With gratitude to Etty & Mrs. Shapiro for making Chassidus so accessible to women, bringing Moshiach now! *A quick and smooth Refuah sheleima for Yehuda Leib ben Manya, we are all davening for you!Yaakov asked Yosef not to leave him in Mitzrayim, and Yosef promised he wouldn't. Then Yaakov said, “Swear to me,” and Yosef made a shvua. Why both a promise and a shvua? A promise means “I'll do it when I can,” but a shvua makes it front and center - something you live with constantly. On a deeper level, a shvua means commitment beyond logic: even if it doesn't make sense, I'll still do it. Yosef's mission was to bring Hashem into the golus and uplift it. He could have reasoned that Yaakov - with all his holiness - should stay in Mitzrayim to help elevate it. But Yaakov said no - “Swear to me you'll take me out.” Yaakov's role was to remain above the golus, like the person standing outside a cave holding the rope to lift the one inside. Yosef and Yaakov represent two roles: Yosef transforms the darkness from within; Yaakov stays above and pulls us toward Geulah.Our takeaway: In our own “golus moments,” be a Yosef - bring Hashem into whatever you're facing and ask, “What does Hashem want from me here?” But also be a Yaakov - never get comfortable in the darkness. Stay mindful, keep striving, and cry out, “Hashem, lift me up out of this golus!”

If a man is betrayed by someone he trusted, the pain can be overwhelming. Imagine he is told about a great business opportunity, and with complete trust he invests most of his life savings. Later, he discovers that it was all a lie. He was cheated. The money is gone, with no way to recover it. Beyond the financial loss, the deeper pain sets in. How could such injustice take place? It seems as if the thieves live happily ever after, while the innocent, unassuming person is left to suffer for nothing. But we know this is never the full story. Hashem is always in charge. No one can take a single dollar from a person unless it was meant for him to lose it, and no one can keep a dollar unless it was meant for him to have it. Hashem is the perfect Judge. No one ever gets away with anything in this world. It may look like evil prospers, but that appearance itself is part of the test. Every single action a person does is accounted for. Nothing slips through the cracks. When Titus HaRasha stabbed the parochet at the time of the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash and blood appeared to flow from it, he believed he had overpowered Hashem. It looked like evil had triumphed. But in the end, Hashem sent the smallest creature—a gnat—to eat away at Titus's brain until he died. Justice was exact, measured, and unavoidable. The Mitzrim seemed to have their way with the Jewish people in Mitzrayim for generations. It appeared as if cruelty and oppression ruled unchecked. Yet when the time for retribution came, every Mitzri received exactly what he deserved. Even those who drowned in the Yam Suf did not all die the same way. Some sank like lead, some like stone, and some like straw. Each death was calibrated precisely according to what that person deserved. Hashem's justice is exact down to the smallest detail. Every single thing that happens to a person, every minute of the day, is calculated with perfect precision based on his deeds. It is almost never obvious that something is happening because of what a person did. We label events as "natural," but those who understand know there is nothing natural about life. Everything is Hashem. The Yerushalmi relates that one Leil Shabbat, Rabbi Chanina ben Dosa was eating his Shabbat seudah when suddenly his table collapsed. He did not ask if a screw was loose or if the wood had weakened. Instead, he asked his Rebbetzin what might have caused this spiritually. She then remembered that she had borrowed spices from a neighbor and forgot to take off ma'aser. Rabbi Chanina ben Dosa immediately did what was necessary according to halacha to rectify it, and the table fixed itself on the spot. He knew that even if there was a physical reason, that was never the true cause. The cause was always Hashem. When Yosef's brothers were treated harshly by the viceroy of Mitzrayim, they did not say, "Look at this antisemitism." They said, "We are guilty because of what we did to Yosef." They understood that a viceroy has no power of his own. It was Hashem giving them kaparah. And notice how exact that kaparah was. Shimon, who wanted Yosef killed, was the only brother taken to prison. Levi, who was next in suggesting harm, was the one who found his money in his sack and had to endure additional agony. Yehudah, who suggested selling Yosef, suffered the torment of thinking Binyamin would not return and that he would be held responsible. Every detail was measured. Hashem is exacting. It may take days, months, or even years, but everyone always gets exactly what he deserves. Sometimes events happen to correct something from a previous lifetime. We don't know the calculations, but we know they are perfect. Hashem arranges everything so we can fulfill our mission in this world and live eternally with true bliss. The Shomer Emunim teaches that when something happens that appears to be a kaparah, a person should tell Hashem that he accepts it fully and knows he deserves it. That avodah elevates a person tremendously and can spare him from additional yesurim. We never need to worry about what others do or whether they are getting away with anything. That is Hashem's department—and He is the most righteous and perfect Judge.

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.

In this shiur, Rav Burg explains the inner dimension of rhe relationship between Yosef HaTzaddik and Mitzrayim. The job of the Tzaddik is to reveal Hashem's oneness in the fragmentation of the world.

Topics to include:The brothers come to Mitzrayim

Welcome to Daily Bitachon , we're continuing from yesterday's class where we spoke about the lesson from Rabbi Mattisyahu Salomon connecting Chanukah and the story of Yosef and the brothers. They both have one theme, which is that while things are happening they might seem like a comedy of errors but it's really being planned from the beginning. It's not a coincidence and then we save you at the end, but actually everything that was happening was the goal was to save you. Now we find the connection in that area between Shabbat as well. Before that, let's explain a part of Al HaNissim that I never understood. We end after we thank Hashem for the miracles, the wonders, the salvation, we thank Hashem for the nechamos , for the, simply it means comforts. What is the nechama of Chanukah ? I know there's nechama in Shabbat Nachamu , the Shabbat after Tisha B'Av , but what is the nechama in Chanukah ? First we have to understand what does nechama mean? People translate it as comfort or console, but the way to understand the word is always to look in the Torah especially the first time a word shows up and the first time the word shows up is at the end of Bereshit where God is upset with creation before he brings the Mabul and it says Vayinachem about Hashem . Hashem was minachem . Now he wasn't comforted by the tragic downturn of society, rather Rashi says Vayinachem means he had a change of heart, a change of mind, and he says anytime the word Vayinachem shows up that's what it means. So when we use it as the word comfort it's because the way you comfort someone is by changing their way of looking at things what we call a reframe. That's what a nechama is and based on what Rabbi Mattisyahu Salomon told us the nechama of Chanukah was that we saw when the miracle of Chanukah came out like Rabbeinu Yonah says in Shaarei Teshuva from the Midrash it's not that I was in the darkness and then God lit up the light night for me but rather if not for the darkness there would be no light. I went into the darkness to create the light and Chanukah showed that to me and that was the nechama of Chanukah to realize that the darkness is purposeful. If I didn't fall I wouldn't get up. If I wasn't in the dark I would not have been in the light. That's the nechama of Chanukah . That's also connected to Shabbat . How so? The Midrash in Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer chapter twenty says that when Adam HaRishon sinned he was sent out of Gan Eden and he was sitting on Har HaMoriah . He was sent out on a Friday and he spent the entire Shabbat there, Friday afternoon, Shabbat , he spent there on Har HaMoriah till the end of Shabbat . For those hours starting from Chatzos on Friday till Motzei Shabbat which is thirty-six hours the hidden light was lit. There was no darkness. Darkness descended on the world when Motzei Shabbat came and that's why we do Borei Meorei HaEish , we light the candle on Motzei Shabbat because that's when we needed fire for the first time. So Adam HaRishon is sitting outside Gan Eden on Shabbat and it says that the Shabbat was protecting him. Nothing went wrong. He watched the Shabbat and Shabbat watched him. That's what the Midrash says: כי אשמרה שבת אל ישמרני. I watch Shabbat , Shabbat watches me. Shabbat was protecting Adam and it says Shabbat was comforting Adam . Shabbat gives nechama . He was sitting outside and he was full of thoughts and confusion and Shabbat was comforting him. And the Midrash says a Pasuk shene'emar : ברוב שרעפי בקרבי תנחומיך ישעשעו נפשי. When I have a lot of thoughts in my head, a lot of turbulence in my head, your words tanchumecha , your comforting words cause me to be delighted and take me out of my depression. That's my source that Shabbat gave nechama to Adam HaRishon . And the commentaries ask where do I see that in the Pasuk ? And they say it's a chida , an earlier rabbi that brings this mnemonic even the Arizal . Sarapai , Tanchumecha , B'rov sarapai tanchumecha , the letters of Shabbat . Shabbat brought the nechama . Shabbat is a time that gives us the ability to look at things in a different light, to reframe situations. We see this in מזמור שיר ליום השבת. מזמור שיר ליום השבת which doesn't talk about Shabbat was written by Moshe Rabbeinu on a scroll when the Jews were still in Mitzrayim to read on Shabbat to give them nechama , to give them comfort, to look at things in a different way. What's the different way? בפרוח רשעים כמו עשב. Why is it that the wicked are blossoming like grass? And the answer is l'hishamedam adei ad , to destroy them. Grass is there for the lawnmower. The wicked that are sprouting will eventually be taken down. The Egyptians are successful but eventually taken down. So Shabbat was a time of nechama . Shabbat gave them comfort and that is an important Shabbat and Chanukah connection especially when... of the superpower when Shabbat and Chanukah come together. It's a time to look back on situations that are difficult, in the current situations that we're in that are difficult and to be able to find nechama there, to be able to find comfort and understand and look at it differently. I'll give you one little example of what a nechama type thought is. This story happened a few years ago to one of my nieces. She wanted to go to a certain seminary in Israel and she didn't get accepted. And they used all different kind of pulls and connections and nothing worked. She had to go to her second choice seminary and she wasn't very happy about it. All her friends were going to the other seminary, the one that she was going to she didn't know anybody, she ended up with a roommate that she didn't know and at the time I remember she wasn't really very happy. Lo and behold, the new roommate that she meets likes this young lady, my niece, and eventually suggests her for her cousin and they get married. If not for that second seminary, she would not have met her husband so to say. So what looked like a bad event of not going to the seminary that you wanted, really God was actually plotting and planning your shidduch . And this is everything in life. And to end on a global level, the מדרש פסיקתא דרב כהנא says about the Jewish people: Don't you see, don't you get it? I knocked out the Romans- I'm sorry, I knocked out the Babylonians, I knocked out the Medians, I knocked out the Greek, I'm in the middle of knocking out the final galut of Edom , and you're complaining? Don't you know I'm going someplace, I have a goal? And that's part of the miracle of Chanukah to tell us al hanechamot to realize that just like Chanukah , all those trials and tribulations created the miracle of Chanukah , so too all that we're going through, goal is to create that big miracle of the times of Mashiach .

Welcome to daily bitachon , a bitachon related thought on Chanukah . This comes from Rav Matisyahu Salomon's sefer Matnas Chaim on the topic of Shabbat . And there he discusses the concept that the readings that we read during the year match with the holidays that happen during that time. And when we read a parsha , it arouses a certain energy. We read about Yosef HaTzadik and his brothers and the lessons there, that's a certain energy. When Chanukah occurs, there's a certain energy, and it's not a coincidence. So what is the connection between the story of Yosef and the brothers and Chanukah ? Rav Matisyahu brings out a beautiful thought, and he says that when we read the story of Yosef and the brothers, he lists many events that are seemingly mistakes. Firstly, it says that Yosef was a naar , he was a lad, he was a teenager. The Sforno says the fact that he was acting the way he acted and causing jealousy with his brothers was a teenager's actions coming from someone that wasn't fully mature. Seemingly, mistake number one. Mistake number two is that the brothers are wrongly accused by Yosef for whatever sins he thought they did, which we're not going to get into, but we know that they had reasons for what they did. Yaakov Avinu favors Yosef over the other brothers, and he makes him a special coat. And the Gemara even says that we learn from Yaakov that you shouldn't single out one son over the other son, which means what Yaakov Avinu did is not something that should be done. Another seeming mistake. Furthermore, Yosef shares his dreams with his brothers. Why would you do that and further instigate them to hate you? Yaakov sends Yosef down to his brothers after he knows that the brothers don't have a particular fondness for Yosef . Why would he put Yosef in danger like that? So these are all seemingly mistakes. But says Rav Matisyahu Salomon, as we know, this is all God turning the wheels because we need to get Yosef down to Mitzrayim , and we need for there to be a viceroy there setting things up before we get there. So this is all orchestrated by God. And this, he says, is the lesson that sometimes we see what might look as a comedy of errors, but it's really being orchestrated for a specific reason to make things need to happen. And he says that is the lesson of Chanukah as well. How so? When we were going through the story of Chanukah , we see many events, many challenges, trials, tribulations, tragedies, and they're seemingly, again, just a bunch of mishaps and sad events. In the end, it produced the miracle of Chanukah , which gives us a light for generations. And he says it's a mistake to think that there's a problem and God has to save us because of the problem. He says a tremendous chiddush , that all the problems that God's making were there to create the miracle, to necessitate the miracle. The end goal was the miracle of Chanukah . Everything that happened 'til then was getting towards that miracle. It wasn't the opposite where we have all these problems that somehow we got stuck into, we don't know how, and God comes in after the fact to save us. God was the one that was setting everything up before that because he was trying to create the miracle. And that's the story with Yosef and the brothers, and that's what's going on with us right now. It's not going to be that Mashiach's going to come to save us after all that we're going through now. No, all we're going through now is to set us up for that Mashiach . And that's the correct way to look at life's events. So that's the story of Yosef and the brothers, and that's the story of Chanukah , and that's the story of the Jewish people at large, and that's the story with every individual with their own personal challenges. The situations that are happening are just setting it up for God's

Vayishlach | Hegemonism or Conquest? by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom ולזרעך נתתי את הארץ - What was at the core of Yaakov's dispute with his sons after the massacre of Sh'khem?  Continuously throughout Sefer Bereishit, our Patriarchs are promised by Hashem that their descendants will be "given" the Land - but there is no indication of how that gift will be given, of how that "inheritance" will be achieved. We explore what may have been the perspective of our Avot in that regard - and how and why it changed by the time we arrived in Mitzrayim. Source sheet >>

Parshas Toldos is the ultimate masterclass in parenting, love, perseverance, and the eternal tug-of-war between heaven and earth. When Rivka feels her twins fighting in the womb, she is terrified that she is carrying one confused child who is pulled toward both holiness and idolatry. The prophet calms her with the shocking news: “Shnei goyim b'vitnech – two nations are in your womb.” Instead of despairing, she is relieved. Why? Because, as Rabbi Wolbe explains, “the benefit and greatness of Yaakov is so immense that it will supersede all the negative that she will ever experience from Esav.” One pure Yaakov is worth more than all the damage a thousand Esavs can do.The Torah then paints a seemingly troubling picture: “Isaac loved Esav because he put game in his mouth, but Rivka loved Yaakov.” How can holy parents play favorites? The answer redefines love itself: “Love is not finding similarities — love is seeing the potential in the other person and connecting to that.” Isaac gazed at wild, powerful Esav and thought, “If this explosive energy is ever channeled for good, he could move mountains.” Rivka looked at quiet, tent-dwelling Yaakov and saw pure, undiluted holiness already shining. Both parents loved both sons — they simply poured their energy into the child whose hidden potential moved them the most. This becomes the model for all healthy parenting and marriage: every child is your favorite — favorite scholar, favorite artist, favorite comedian, favorite mensch — because “each one is uniquely different… you're not comparing apples to apples, you're comparing apples to oranges to bananas.”For 63 long years Yaakov lives in his wicked brother's shadow. Esav hunts, flatters, and cleverly asks questions like “How do you tithe salt?” just to appear pious and win Isaac's heart. Yaakov, meanwhile, clings only to the “heel” of spirituality — always second place, always doubting, always wondering, “Maybe my father is right and I'm wrong.” Yet he never once compromises. At 63 he finally cooks the lentil stew that wins the blessings, proving that “spiritual growth is always at the heel — slow, painful, and full of doubt — but the tzaddik never quits.” As Rabbi Wolbe powerfully declares: “Quitters always finish first. If you want to win, you can't quit — ever.” And again: “The natural state of a tzaddik is to fall seven times… but the falling is not what we emphasize — it's the getting back up.”The parsha ends with two beautiful side lessons. First, Eliezer (from the cursed lineage of Canaan) is rejected as a match for Isaac, yet when he remains loyally devoted to Avraham despite the insult, Hashem rewards him with kfitzas haderech — miraculous instant travel reserved only for the righteous. Loyalty and perseverance turn even a “cursed” person into a tzaddik. Second, the same dynamic of “investing in the child who needs it most” repeats with Yaakov and Yosef: Yaakov favors Yosef not out of nepotism, but because he sees the unimaginable trials awaiting him in Egypt and knows, “This one is going to need extra love to survive and triumph.”_____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on November 25, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on December 3, 2025_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@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: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other 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:#Torah, #Parsha, #Genesis, #ParentalLove, #Resilience, #Family, #Rebecca, #Isaac, #Esau, #Jacob, #Potential, #Growth, #Yetzirah, #EvilInclination, #Choices, #Challenges, #Yosef, #Destiny, #Potential, #JewishHistory, #Mitzrayim, #Trials, #Yitzchak, #Complexity, #Struggle ★ Support this podcast ★

Parshas Toldos is the ultimate masterclass in parenting, love, perseverance, and the eternal tug-of-war between heaven and earth. When Rivka feels her twins fighting in the womb, she is terrified that she is carrying one confused child who is pulled toward both holiness and idolatry. The prophet calms her with the shocking news: “Shnei goyim b'vitnech – two nations are in your womb.” Instead of despairing, she is relieved. Why? Because, as Rabbi Wolbe explains, “the benefit and greatness of Yaakov is so immense that it will supersede all the negative that she will ever experience from Esav.” One pure Yaakov is worth more than all the damage a thousand Esavs can do.The Torah then paints a seemingly troubling picture: “Isaac loved Esav because he put game in his mouth, but Rivka loved Yaakov.” How can holy parents play favorites? The answer redefines love itself: “Love is not finding similarities — love is seeing the potential in the other person and connecting to that.” Isaac gazed at wild, powerful Esav and thought, “If this explosive energy is ever channeled for good, he could move mountains.” Rivka looked at quiet, tent-dwelling Yaakov and saw pure, undiluted holiness already shining. Both parents loved both sons — they simply poured their energy into the child whose hidden potential moved them the most. This becomes the model for all healthy parenting and marriage: every child is your favorite — favorite scholar, favorite artist, favorite comedian, favorite mensch — because “each one is uniquely different… you're not comparing apples to apples, you're comparing apples to oranges to bananas.”For 63 long years Yaakov lives in his wicked brother's shadow. Esav hunts, flatters, and cleverly asks questions like “How do you tithe salt?” just to appear pious and win Isaac's heart. Yaakov, meanwhile, clings only to the “heel” of spirituality — always second place, always doubting, always wondering, “Maybe my father is right and I'm wrong.” Yet he never once compromises. At 63 he finally cooks the lentil stew that wins the blessings, proving that “spiritual growth is always at the heel — slow, painful, and full of doubt — but the tzaddik never quits.” As Rabbi Wolbe powerfully declares: “Quitters always finish first. If you want to win, you can't quit — ever.” And again: “The natural state of a tzaddik is to fall seven times… but the falling is not what we emphasize — it's the getting back up.”The parsha ends with two beautiful side lessons. First, Eliezer (from the cursed lineage of Canaan) is rejected as a match for Isaac, yet when he remains loyally devoted to Avraham despite the insult, Hashem rewards him with kfitzas haderech — miraculous instant travel reserved only for the righteous. Loyalty and perseverance turn even a “cursed” person into a tzaddik. Second, the same dynamic of “investing in the child who needs it most” repeats with Yaakov and Yosef: Yaakov favors Yosef not out of nepotism, but because he sees the unimaginable trials awaiting him in Egypt and knows, “This one is going to need extra love to survive and triumph.”_____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on November 25, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on December 3, 2025_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@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: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other 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:#Torah, #Parsha, #Genesis, #ParentalLove, #Resilience, #Family, #Rebecca, #Isaac, #Esau, #Jacob, #Potential, #Growth, #Yetzirah, #EvilInclination, #Choices, #Challenges, #Yosef, #Destiny, #Potential, #JewishHistory, #Mitzrayim, #Trials, #Yitzchak, #Complexity, #Struggle ★ Support this podcast ★

In this shiur, delivered in Los Angeles, Rav Burg explains the inner meaning of the story of Avraham and Sarah's journey first to Eretz Canaan and ultimately down to Mitzrayim. Avraham represents the soul, Sarah represents the body and together they journey in this world to build a dwelling place for Hashem.

After Hashem formed Adam, the pasuk says that Hashem blew into him a spirit of life. The Zohar HaKadosh teaches that this spirit of life is the nishamah—a part of Hashem Himself. This means that every Jew, who is also given a nishamah, has a piece of Hashem inside of him. We don't need to search far to discover Hashem, because He is already within us. Some of the hostages who were completely unaffiliated described how much they felt Hashem's presence with them in captivity. When their physicality was broken down, they were able to tap into the spirituality that was always there inside of them. One of the hostages related that he was in a very small cell, deep underground. He wasn't even able to stand up straight in it, nor was he able to spread out his hands to either side. He was living in complete darkness and could not see a thing. He said that it was precisely in that thick darkness that he was able to discover Hashem. He felt a light that was indescribable. He was motivated to pray to Hashem every single day. He developed such an appreciation for everything he had, to the point that he was thanking Hashem for the very air he was breathing. He thanked Hashem for the small piece of bread that he received each day. He thanked Hashem for what he had—and he even thanked Him for what he did not have. Then he said something astonishing: if there was one thing that he misses from being in captivity, it was that feeling of closeness to Hashem. It was such a good feeling that it brought a smile to his face in the midst of the worst darkness. He told the crowd, "How is it possible to be happy with nothing, trapped in a dungeon?" The answer: it was only kirvat Hashem —the closeness to Hashem. Another hostage said that while he was there, he became so close to Hashem that when his captors showed him a video of another hostage being released, and he saw a stage filled with hundreds of Hamas militants, all he wanted to do at that point was to get on that stage and shout with all of his strength שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל ה׳ אֱלֹקֵינוּ ה׳ אֶחָד - that Hashem—and only Hashem—is in charge. Another hostage related that the terrorists offered to give him better conditions and better food if he would convert to Islam. He told them: "I am a Jew and I will never abandon my faith." He admitted that before captivity, he never imagined those words would come out of his mouth. But in the darkness of that dungeon, he found Hashem, and he knew he would never let Him go. When he was freed, he gave chizuk to the crowd listening to him. He said: "I want all of you to understand that you are Jews, and you need to do more mitzvot. A Jew must know that he comes from greatness and he is not like everybody else." We must know that wherever we are, Hashem is always with us—and the darker it gets, the more light of Hashem we can experience. One hostage shared that after he was released, he was with his father on a phone call with the Yanuka. The Yanuka told him about how he had advised his father to learn the story of Yosef being taken down to Mitzrayim and then reunited with his father. He said to study it every single day, and in that zechut, his son would also one day be reunited with him. When the hostage heard that, he was stunned. He said, "I can't believe what you're telling me. I never learned that story before, but while I was in captivity, the terrorists showed me a video of the story of Yosef and his brothers in Mitzrayim, and I know every single detail from it." The father was studying that story, and the son was watching that story. What are the odds that Hamas militants would show this Jewish boy, of all things, the story of Yosef and his brothers? Another manifestation of Hashem's presence, shining in the darkest times. We are never alone, no matter how dark it seems. In fact, the darker it gets, the more we are able to experience the light of Hashem.

After the Yamim Nora'im have concluded and our judgments for the upcoming year have been finalized, it is natural for a person to feel that his deeds and tefillot will no longer have such an effect on his life. After all, whatever will happen this year has already been determined. Yet, the Gemara teaches us otherwise. It says that although the total amount of rain for the year has already been decreed, if the people do teshuvah afterward, Hashem will ensure that every drop falls at the right time, in the right place, and not a single drop will go to waste. The Sfas Emet (Sukkot 5649) writes similarly regarding parnassah. Even though a person's income has already been determined on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, if he has bitachon in Hashem, that same income will be filled with blessing. Furthermore, Hashem can minimize the losses decreed for him. Instead of spending money on a dentist or repairing a leaky roof, those expenses may never arise at all. Someone told me that he was bracing himself for an astronomical tax bill. Yet when the final notice came, it was inexplicably only half of what he expected. Just like that, he saved a fortune. This is how Hashem blesses people — even after outcomes seem to have been decided. And when it comes to tefillah, it is even clearer. We need heartfelt tefillah just to receive what was already decreed for us. Rashi in Parashat Bereishit explains that although Hashem decreed that vegetation would sprout, He held it back until Adam HaRishon prayed. Only after Adam's tefillah did the rains come and bring forth the growth. So too with us: Hashem may decree blessing, but our tefillot are the key to bring it down into reality. Rav Shimshon Pincus pointed out a similar message from Rashi in Parashas Miketz. When Yaakov sent his sons back to Mitzrayim with Binyomin to buy more food, he gave them gifts — the money that had been returned to them, plus new money — and he told them he had made every possible preparation. And then he said, "Now you are not missing anything except prayer. I will pray on your behalf." Yaakov was teaching that everything could be perfectly in place, but without tefillah, nothing works. The same applies to our lives. Hashem may have decreed that the shidduch is ready this year, or the parnassah, the refuah, or the baby. But the only ingredient missing is our tefillah. Furthermore, the Passuk says כַּה׳ אֱלֹקֵינוּ בְּכָל־קָרְאֵנוּ אֵלָיו-How fortunate we are to have Hashem who answers whenever we call to Him! The Gemara teaches, based on this passuk, that when a person prays with a minyan, he can even change an existing decree. And therefore, our deeds and our tefillos are always of paramount importance. Every word of tefillah and every little deed carries tremendous weight in Shamayim. Now, as we begin anew, is the time to strengthen our tefillot and strengthen our deeds as much as we can.

The Exodus isn't just a story—it's the operating system of Jewish practice. Most of us were taught that the reason we sit in a sukkah for a full week is to commemorate the booths that the Children of Israel lived in during their forty years in the desert. We might even quote the verse in Leviticus that makes this claim — the only agricultural holiday that the Torah itself re-purposes. The problem is… not only modern scholars, but all the classical rabbinic commentators either don't take that explanation literally or find it riddled with problems. Over and over again, the Torah describes the Israelites living in tents, not harvest booths. If Sukkot really commemorates the Exodus, why don't we hold the Passover seder inside a sukkah? And while we're at it — what crops did the Israelites grow in the desert that could justify a harvest festival at all? Rashi turns the booths into clouds of glory. Rashbam turns them into a moral test of humility and gratitude. Ibn Ezra points to cold desert nights, while Rabbeinu Bahya imagines caravans bringing the necessary organic, plant-based roofing materials (Schach) from afar. Everyone, it seems, is trying to solve a puzzle. And that puzzle leads to a deeper question: Why does the Torah — and later Judaism — weave “Remembering the Exodus from Egypt” (zecher l'tziat Mitzrayim) into every corner of Jewish life? Into holidays that have nothing to do with Egypt, into Shabbat, even into the laws of interest and weights and measures. As we finish the Five Books of Moses, we marvel at how the Exodus became Judaism's Operating System. Key Takeaways The Torah itself repurposed Sukkot to commemorate the Exodus, sparking centuries of discussion. Rabbinic commentators struggled to reconcile agricultural roots with historical significance. Sukkot exemplifies how the Exodus narrative became the "operating system" of Jewish practice. Timestamps 00:00 Exploring the Connection Between Sukkot and the Exodus 00:59 Transitioning from High Holidays to Sukkot 02:04 The Agricultural and Historical Significance of Sukkot 06:08 Rashi's Interpretation: Clouds of Glory vs. Literal Booths 13:29 Modern Academic Perspectives on Sukkot 24:12 The Broader Impact of the Exodus on Jewish Tradition 30:06 Jonah's Booth and the Connection to Yom Kippur 32:05 Conclusion and Reflections Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter https://madlik.com/ Sefaria Source Sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/680496 Transcript here: https://madlik.substack.com/  

Sukkos celebrates Hashem taking us out of Mitzrayim and guiding and transporting us through the Midbar in the Anenei HaKavod. So why do we celebrate it after Yom Kippur, instead of after Pesach? The famous approach of the Tur, and the revolutionary approach of the Vilna Gaon.Have a Chag Kasher V'Sameach

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

How was the Rambam Allowed to Live in Mitzrayim

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

Kings in East and west of Eretz Canaan became fearful of the Jews after the events of crossing the Jordan, and Jews perform national bris mila (for second time, after first in Mitzrayim) in Gilgal

Today's Dedication: יהונתן אשר יהודה בן מיכל שהמשפט כנגדו יתבטל לגמרי בקרוב מאוד The Atzei Chaim , a peirush on Chumash from the 1600s, writes a powerful explanation on the words "Vaya'amen ha'am" in Parashat Beshalach, which describe how the Jewish people believed that Hashem would take them out of Mitzrayim. He brings the Chazal: " אין ישראל ניזונין אלא בזכות האמונה " — The Jewish people are sustained only in the merit of emunah. He explains: as we know, the full reward for mitzvot is given in the next world. So how are we sustained in this world? It is through the reward we receive for our emunah , which is so powerful and precious that Hashem rewards it even in Olam HaZeh. Emunah gives a person a special zechut that can help them in their time of need. A man recently told the following story. His wife was pregnant, in her ninth month, and the baby was in a breech position. Due to her medical condition, a C-section was not a safe option, so they went to the hospital hoping the doctors could manually turn the baby. But when the doctors examined her, they were alarmed. Not only was the baby completely turned the wrong way, but the umbilical cord was wrapped around the baby's neck. Turning the baby now would be extremely risky, perhaps even impossible. The woman calmly asked everyone—including her husband—to leave the room. "I need to speak to Hashem," she said. This woman lived with genuine emunah. Ten minutes later, the doctor returned to try again. Amazingly, the baby had turned entirely on its own, in perfect position. The cord was no longer wrapped, and the doctor didn't have to do anything at all. When labor began, the birth was so easy and smooth that she didn't even have to push. Afterward, people asked her what she did during those ten minutes. All she said was: "I just had emunah in the One who runs everything." She refused to elaborate any further. A young man—we'll call him Reuven—was finishing his year of learning in yeshivah in Eretz Yisrael and preparing to fly back to America. He and four friends arranged for a driver to take them to the airport. But the driver arrived 45 minutes late. Then, as they left the city, they hit heavy traffic due to a major accident. Reuven, who had been learning about emunah for several years, calmly told his friends: "Hashem runs the world. If He wants us to make the flight, we'll make it. And if not, then it wasn't meant to be. Either way, we're in His hands. There's no reason to be upset." But the others didn't pay much attention. They began to argue—blaming the driver, the schedule, and each other. Every few minutes, more "what ifs" and frustrated comments filled the car. Reuven, though he appeared calm, admitted that he was also anxious inside. To strengthen himself, he called a Hashgachah Pratit hotline for chizuk. He invited his friends to listen, but they were too stressed. Eventually, the traffic cleared. They arrived at the airport exactly one hour and five minutes before their flight—the very last possible moment. Then came the security questions. For some reason, the officials delayed the others but let Reuven through quickly. He ran to the check-in counter. The clerk was visibly upset. "If you're not at the gate in 20 minutes," she said sharply, "you're staying in Israel." Reuven ran toward the gate, but when he reached the final security checkpoint, he was met with an enormous line. There was absolutely no way to get through in time. Reuven took a breath and reminded himself: Hashem is running everything. As he calmed himself, a member of the airport ground crew happened to notice him looking overwhelmed. He looked at Reuven's boarding pass and, without being asked, escorted him to the front of the entire line. Within two minutes, Reuven was through. But the challenge wasn't over yet. At passport control, Reuven scanned his passport at the automatic gate—but the doors didn't open. He tried again. And again. Seven times in total—but nothing. There was a manual line, but it was long. If he had to wait there, he would definitely miss the flight. Reuven turned to Hashem and whispered, "Please help me. Let the gate open." He scanned it one more time. The gate opened. By the time he reached the boarding gate, he was the only one from his group who made it. None of his friends made the flight. Despite every delay and every obstacle, Hashem carried him through. The zechut of his emunah had paved the way. Emunah is so powerful that it brings blessing not only in the next world, but in this one as well. It strengthens us when we're weak, carries us when we're stuck, and opens doors that simply shouldn't open. As the Atzei Chaim wrote, אין ישראל ניזונין אלא בזכות האמונה — the Jewish people are sustained in the merit of their Emunah..

Chazal tell us about the miraculous nature of how the portions of each Shevet in Eretz Yisrael were given out. Why was it done with three separate miracles? It was split up both based on the numbers of those who entered Eretz Yisrael, and the numbers of those who left Mitzrayim. Why was it based on both, and what can we learn from it?Have a good Shabbos

Birchas Hagomel After My Personal Yetzias MitzrayimAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A man said he has done a certain segula in the hope that he would be married within a year. However, the year has passed, and he is still in the same position. He feels let down and is in need of chizuk . This sentiment is shared by many others who have had the same types of letdowns. A woman once told me she took upon herself to be careful in the area of modesty in the hope that she would have righteous children. However, when she did not see her children acting in the way she hoped, in her words, she became disenchanted with tziniut . What chizuk can we give people in situations where they have followed the advice of our Rabbis and grown spiritually in the hope of being granted something they need, but have not gotten what they have expected? The Mishnah says in Pirkeh Avot , שכר מצוה מצוה – the reward for doing a mitzvah is that Hashem will give the person an opportunity to do another mitzvah. Although we love to see immediate benefits from our actions, Hashem wants us to have the ultimate benefit, eternal bliss. There is nothing in this world that could compare to the pleasure we will receive in the Next World for our mitzvot. The greatest gift that Hashem could give a person is something that is going to make him happy for eternity, not just for the moment. Being that in many instances, we do see side benefits in this world for our performance of mitzvot, when those side benefits do not come about, it presents us with a wondrous opportunity to earn infinite rewards for our avodat Hashem. This is because it is then that we can display our emunah and tell Hashem, we know You are appreciating what we are doing, we know You are trustworthy to reward us the way You know is best, so we are going to continue growing and continue to serve You to the best of our ability. If someone has taken something upon himself as a zechut and he didn't see the side benefit he was expecting, if he would continue doing that avodat Hashem, every moment of it would become infinitely greater. That itself may very well be the immediate reward that Hashem is giving him, the opportunity to soar to the greatest heights. Yosef HaTzaddik was presented with one of the most difficult tests in all of history. With superhuman strength, he overcame that test. We can only imagine Yosef's tefilot every day, stuck in Mitzrayim as a slave to Potifar, he must have been begging Hashem to go back home and be reunited with his father, where he could once again be surrounded by kedusha . He must have thought that in the zechut of overcoming that enormous test, Hashem would bring him out of Egypt. But instead, he was thrown into a prison for 12 years. Yosef could have easily said, "That's what I get for being a tzaddik ? Why should I continue?" Yet, the Toldot Adam in parashat Vayeshev writes that the pasuk testified, Yosef maintained all of his levels of righteousness throughout the entire time he was in prison, as it says, ויהי שם בבית הסוהר – and the word שם means the same as he was before. This opportunity for Yosef to remain righteous despite that letdown, is precisely what made him into the great tzaddik that he became. That episode of being thrown into prison was part of the reward that Yosef received for his tzidkut , being given the chance to become Yosef HaTzaddik that we are still learning from today. A man told that he went to the Kotel for 40 consecutive days to pray for a shidduch . When the 40 days were up, he waited with anticipation of his long-awaited salvation, but nothing came. However, rather than turn the other way, he decided to double his efforts. He went to pray by the Kotel for the next 80 consecutive days. Some time after that, he did get engaged. But that was not his ultimate reward. The fact that he got that opportunity to show his emunah in Hashem(when the salvation didn't come) and used it to pray even harder for a longer period of time was his greatest gain, and it is going to last him for all eternity. We love to see the benefits in this world as well, and we hope that we will see them, but in the meantime, if the efforts we have been putting forth did not yet produce the results we were hoping for, we should utilize the time to earn the ultimate reward, serving Hashem with steadfast emunah.

David HaMelech tells us in Tehillim, וצדקתך ירננו , which the Sha'arei Chaim explains to mean that even when we face difficulties, we are meant to respond by singing to Hashem. How is that possible? The pesukim before reveal the secret: דור לדור ישבח מעשיך —each generation should relate to the next the chesed they have seen from Hashem in their lives. ודברי נפלאותיך אשיחה —David HaMelech would constantly speak, even in everyday conversation, about the wonders of Hashem. וגדולתך אספרנה —he would speak of the endless greatness and kindness Hashem bestows upon the world. זכר רב טובך יביעו —our mouths should overflow with praise for Hashem's goodness like a spring that never runs dry. If a person constantly talks about Hashem's kindness, then when something happens that appears negative, it won't shake him. He'll already be fortified with the understanding that Hashem only does good. The Midrash says that from the day Hashem created the world, no one sang shirah until Bnei Yisrael sang אז ישיר at Keri'at Yam Suf. The Sfat Emet asks: we know Adam HaRishon sang shirah— מזמור שיר ליום השבת —as did others. What does it mean that no one sang until Az Yashir? He explains that until that moment, people only sang about the salvation after it came. But at Yam Suf, Bnei Yisrael reached a higher level—they sang about the difficulties too, because they saw that even the hardships were part of Hashem's goodness. אמר אויב ארדף אשיג —they sang about Pharaoh chasing them. מי כמוך באלים ה׳ —they declared; Who is like You among the mighty, Hashem? Chazal explain on this phrase: מי כמוך באלמים ה׳ —Who is like You, Hashem, who remains silent when the worst seems to be happening? How could Hashem be silent when the enemy entered the Beit HaMikdash to destroy it? When Titus HaRasha stabbed the parochet and blood came pouring out? When the resha'im tormented His beloved people in Mitzrayim and, centuries later, in Nazi Germany? At Yam Suf, Bnei Yisrael understood the greatness of Hashem: that He could remain silent because only He saw the ultimate good in every moment. Even the most painful events, seemingly caused by human actions, were all orchestrated by Hashem for our benefit. In the Haggadah, we say: לבן ביקש לעקור את הכל -וירד מצרימה . The mefarshim ask, what's the connection between Lavan wanting to destroy Yaakov and the descent to Mitzrayim? They explain that Lavan's switching of Rachel for Leah led to the shevatim being born from different mothers. Rachel, being the more beloved wife, caused the brothers to feel resentment toward her son, Yosef. That led to Yosef being sold—and eventually to the entire family descending to Egypt. This wasn't really Lavan's doing. Hashem had planned it from the time He told Avraham Avinu that his children would be strangers in a land not their own. Nothing is random. People are not in control—only Hashem is. And He does everything for our good. The more we speak about His hashgachah, His chesed, and His love for us, the more these truths will sink into our hearts. Then, when difficulties arise, we'll have the strength to sing even through the pain. In the future, Hashem will reveal to us all the good behind every event. But if we can trust Him now—before the light shines through—and sing in the darkness, we will reach the highest spiritual levels.

Rav Chaim Kaniyevsky Z"l asked in his Sefer Ta'amah Dikra, if Hashem wanted to punish the Egyptians measure for measure, drowning them because they drowned the Jewish babies, why do He have to bring them all the way to the Yom Suf to do it? Why couldn't He just bring a tsunami upon them right where they were in Egypt? The Rabbi answered, Hashem wanted to show us that when bringing punishment upon a sinner, Hashem doesn't need to bring the punishment to him. Rather, He can make the sinner himself go to the punishment. Rabbi Menashe Reizman explained, this was an additional lesson in Hashem's hashgacha peratit, namely, that a person is in the complete control of Hashem. Even when it looked like the Egyptians were chasing the Jews of their own free will, it was Hashem pushing them to bring them to their punishment. The Ramban writes, of all the wonders that Hashem performed in Mitzrayim, this was the greatest wonder of all. The fact that Pharaoh and the Mitzriym saw an open miracle with their own eyes of Hashem splitting the sea for the Jews, and yet they still went in to chase them. This was to show that Hashem is in charge of every footstep that man takes. It may look like that we're moving on our own, but in actuality, Hashem is leading us. A man told me that his wife Ruth is currently studying to become an eye doctor. She had an assignment in school to bring in a family member for an eye exam. Most people bring in their spouse for this, but her husband wasn't available that day. So she asked one of her nieces, Gila, if she could come instead. Gila happily agreed and made the long trip there that day. The exam was going well until the very end when Ruth found something suspicious going on in Gila's eye. Her supervisor suspected that it was a retinal hole, so they did some imaging. That would mean she would have to be seen by a specialist in the next couple of weeks. Ruth then went with Gila for lunch. The supervisor called them back, saying she just received more results from the imaging and it turned out to be much more serious. It was a retinal tear which, heaven forbid, could lead to blindness. Gila had no symptoms as she was seeing perfectly. There was no way she was going to find out about this before it may have been too late. They were able to get her an appointment for surgery the very next day and baruch Hashem, she's fine now. Gila had no idea how much danger she was in. Hashem guided her footsteps to get that eye examination and save her eyesight. A father recently made a seudat hoda'ah, thanking Hashem for saving his two-year-old daughter who had fallen into a pool. The father said it happened so quickly. In a split second, she was in the water. By the time he pulled her out, she wasn't breathing. He ran into the house in a panic, crying for someone to call hatzalah. But help had already begun to arrive in a most unexpected way. A man was driving by in a golf cart and saw what was happening and quickly sprang into action. Like Eliyahu Hanavi, he started CPR on the little girl right away and within 90 seconds, the stranger had revived her. She was stabilized and then airlifted to a nearby hospital and remarkably, she was discharged the very next day. Every second matters when it comes to life and death. Hashem guided that man's footsteps to be right there at the time he was needed. Although things may seem to happen in a natural way, Hashem is pulling the strings from behind the scenes all the time.

Tanya Applied: Episode 207: How to Personalize Pesach: Yetziyas Mitzrayim in Our Lives: Review of Chapters 12.24A journey into the deepest teachings of the Torah and their application to our personal, emotional and psychological lives.The Tanya Applied radio show is broadcast every Saturday night, 10–10:30PM ET onWSNR 620 AM – Metro NY areaWJPR 1640 AM — Highland Park and Edison, NJOnline: www.talklinenetwork.comBy phone: Listen Line: 641-741-0389Many of us may be familiar with some of the central ideas in Tanya – including the battle of the two souls; what defines man and makes us tick; how we can control our temptations; how we can become more loving; what we can do to curb and harness our vices, like anger, jealousy, and depression; the formula for growth; how we can develop a healthy relationship with G-d; and why we are here. In this 30-minute program, you will learn how these ideas can be applied to your life today. You will discover secrets to a successful life that will transform you and your relationships.Rabbi Simon Jacobson is the best-selling author of Toward a Meaningful Life, and he is the creator of the acclaimed and popular MyLife: Chassidus Applied series, which has empowered and transformed hundreds of thousands through Torah and Chassidus.Now, Rabbi Jacobson brings his vast scholarship and years of experience to Tanya. Please join Rabbi Simon Jacobson for this exhilarating journey into your psyche and soul. You will come away with life-changing practical guidance and direction, addressing all the issues and challenges you face in life.For more info: www.chassidusapplied.com/tanyaMusic by Zalman Goldstein • www.ChabadMusic.coms of the Torah and their application to our personal, emotional and psychological lives.

If we would be able to see what we accomplish by doing mitzvot, we would run after them with such excitement and everything in this world would pale in comparison to them. When the Jewish People were preparing to leave Mitzrayim, they were told to go and gather all the wealth of Egypt. At that time, Moshe Rabbenu chose to go and find the aron of Yosef instead, and for that Chazal applied the pasuk חכם לב יקח מצוות to him. While everyone was becoming billionaires, Moshe went to do one mitzvah and he was called the wisest of all of them for that endeavor. Besides for the fact that his reward was eternal while their wealth would only last here in this world, seven days later at Yam Suf, the entire nation was in jeopardy of being killed out by the Mitzrim . When the Sea saw the aron of Yosef, it split and the entire nation was saved. Moshe Rabbenu was thus credited with saving the entire Klal Yisrael because of his pursuit of that one mitzvah. Why did the Sea split for Yosef? Because years before when he was being tested with the wife of Potifar, he ran away from temptation and so now the water was running away from his aron to save the entire Klal Yisrael . Imagine if during that difficult test Yosef would have known that he was going to be the cause of millions of people to be saved, he would have ran away with ease, it wouldn't have even been a test. However, Hashem does not allow a person to see the wondrous effects of what his deeds are going to accomplish, in order for his free will to remain balanced. But we must know that if we did have the eyes to see what was happening when we do mitzvot, we would be so excited to perform every single one of them. I read a story about a man who asked the gabai in his shul to reserve Aliyat Maftir and chazan for Mussaf on one of the upcoming Shabbatot , since that was the week of his mother's yahrtzeit . This man was a very organized person and always made sure to plan things a long time in advance. He was a long time member of that shul and one of its supporters and the gabai told him both of those honors were open and he made a note to reserve them for him. When that Shabbat arrived, the man came into shul filled with anticipation, but there he noticed that a stranger had joined the minyan that day and was in deep conversation with the gabai . The man was curious to hear what the debate was about and, to his shock, he found out that this stranger had asked for Maftir and chazan for Mussaf because he also had a yahrtzeit . Here he was a long time member and supporter of the shul and he asked for these from weeks in advance and now some stranger just strolls in out of the blue and thinks he can take those honors? But then, a small voice whispered inside of him, maybe he should give in? Who knows what merits help the neshama the most. Maybe giving up what was his for someone else would accomplish even more. And so, with great strength, he went over to the gabai and told him to give those honors to the other man. He would take a different aliyah and be chazan for Shacharit on the actual yahrtzeit instead. The gabai said, " Chas v'shalom , there is a system here, these are yours." The man reassured the gabai that he was actually happy to do this. And when the gabai saw he was serious, he went over and gave them to the other man. Rabbi Aharon Toisig, a prominent Rav from Bnei Brak, was present in the shul when this episode took place and he related what happened the next day. The congregant came into shul and said his mother came to him in a dream and said to him, "My son, I was given special permission to descend to this world to thank you. The elevation that I experienced when you gave up the Maftir and Mussaf was greater than any other I had ever experienced. I remember well the elevation I merited in past years when you got Aliyat Maftir and was chazan for Mussaf , but those did not come close to what I merited this year when you mustered up the fortitude to give up the honors that were rightfully yours for the sake of peace and to help someone else." This is just one small example of the great effects of our deeds. The harder they are to perform, the greater they become. We should always run to do mitzvot with the utmost excitement.

Chof Nisan - Chol Hamoed Pesach (21:27)

In this shiur, Rav Burg explains (based on a Torah from the Shvilei Pinchas) the secret of the Bnei Ephraim leaving Mitzrayim 30 years too early. What was their thought process? What was their mistake? Why does Hashem say that He will avenge their blood if they made a mistake?

MyLife Chassidus Applied: Where YOUR questions are answeredDonate now: https://mylife500.comFor recording visit the archive page or your favorite podcast carrier.Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:Yud Alef Nissan • How do we honor the Rebbe's 123rd birthday? 02:17 • What is the significance of the number eleven? 17:30 • How is it related to the Rebbe's leadership? 17:50 • Is there a connection to the Rambam's birthday on Erev Pesach? 20:08Personalizing the experience • Why is Yetziyas Mitzrayim so central to life? 29:10 • Why do we need to envision ourselves leaving Mitzrayim in every generation and every day? 29:10 • Why do the Ten Commandments begin with I am your G-d that took you out of Egypt and not that Created heaven and earth? 25:38 • If we must remember the Egyptian exodus every day, why is Pesach only eight days? 31:30 • How would you advise me to use the extra time on my hands during this Yom Tov season? 36:20 • In addition to addressing negative Pesach experiences, can you also focus on positive and beautiful elements? 39:39 • What are some prayers we can say the week before Pesach to ask Hashem for extra blessings in our lives, for a living, good health etc.? 42:48Chametz • Why are we forbidden from eating chametz? 45:56 • Why are there extra chumras on Pesach more than all year round? 47:56 • Why do we use a feather, spoon and candle when searching for chametz? 52:23 • Why did they add the chumra not to eat chametz from Erev Pesach in the morning? 51:00 • Why don't Ashkenazim eat kitniyot (legumes), while some Sefardim do? 01:00:40 • Why don't we eat gebrokts? 59:05Seder • Did the Rebbe ever tell us what is his favorite part of the Seder? 01:01:40 • Why do we eat matzah – due to it being the bread of affliction or due to the Jews not having time to wait until the dough rose? 01:01:51 • Is eating matzah a rectification of the sin of eating from the Tree of Knowledge? 01:05:50 • How does eating certain foods such as matzah, horseradish, and charoset dip align our souls with the energy of freedom? 01:04:09Last Days • What is the connection between the last day of Pesach and Moshiach? 01:10:47 • Why do we call them “four questions” when there are actually five, including mah nishtana? 01:07:29 • Why are there four questions? 01:08:37 • What do we say that during the year we don't dip even once, when in fact we dip the challah in salt? 01:09:10

We begin the Seder with the Ha Lachma Anya , which speaks about the matzah and ends with the words, "Now we are still in Galut. We hope to be in Eretz Yisrael with the Beit HaMikdash before next year's Seder." Rabbi Ronen Sharabani gave a beautiful explanation in his new Haggada Me'afar Kumi about why we begin with this. Chazal tell us that the final ge'ula will take place in the month of Nisan. So, when the month begins, all of Klal Yisrael is hoping to be in Yerushalayim with the Korban Pesach by the night of the Seder. However, if Lel HaSeder arrives and once again Mashiach has not come, it could cause a person to enter the Seder with feelings of despair, thinking: "We've made this request of L'shanah Haba'ah B'Yerushalayim every year of our entire lives—and it still hasn't happened. What's going to give us chizuk to think that things will ever change?" For this, the Rabbis tell us to begin the Seder speaking about the matza. The Seforno writes on the pasuk describing Yosef Hatzaddik being rushed out of prison that this is the way of all salvations that Hashem brings—they come in an instant. Even when it looks like there's no hope in sight, things can suddenly change. And this is what happened in Mitzrayim. The pasuk says they were rushed out of Egypt without enough time for their dough to rise. Matza is the symbol of an instant salvation. And so it says about the future geula : פתאום יבוא אל היכלו —Mashiach is going to come suddenly. When we internalize that the salvations of Hashem come in an instant, we will never despair, because we know everything can change in a moment's notice. What we see today has nothing to do with tomorrow—and the same applies to the difficulties people are currently experiencing. No matter how long it's been, no matter how dismal it seems, salvation can always come in an instant. A woman told me she got married about twenty years ago and was looking forward to a joyful home filled with children. After seven long years of waiting for their miracle, they were blessed with a precious daughter who indeed filled their hearts with the joy they had hoped for. For years after that, they tried every possible method to have another child, but it wasn't working. They delved deeply into learning and practicing emunah , and then, with the advice of their rabbi, they decided to take a pause from all their efforts and instead focus on enjoying the life they had. Especially since they were making so many efforts, they risked attributing success or failure to their own actions rather than to Hashem. They spent a year focusing more on spirituality, adopting a healthier lifestyle, eating better, exercising regularly, and appreciating everything Hashem had already given them. Then they went back to the doctor to try another treatment. Everything was looking good. They were awaiting results from a certain test, and when the results came back positive, they were thrilled. Even the doctor was elated. He told them they needed to repeat the test two more times. The second time, the numbers were even better. But on the third test, the results took a turn the other way. After eight long years of waiting for their second child, it appeared that once again they were going to be let down. That night, they called a hotline for emunah , and amazingly, there was a story shared about a childless couple who had been told by their doctor that they would never have children. The husband went for a drive afterward to clear his mind, and when he returned home, he found that his wife had set the table with their finest china. She told him, "We're going to celebrate all we have, despite the sorrowful news." The next morning, at 5 a.m., they received a phone call from the fertility clinic saying it had been a mistake—and that she actually was going to have a child after all. This woman and her husband took that story as a direct message from Hashem. They picked themselves up and enjoyed that Shabbat more than ever. They sang with their 8-year-old miracle girl. They expressed gratitude and celebrated all the blessings that Hashem had given them. That Motzaei Shabbat , they went for another test, and amazingly, everything changed for the better. Baruch Hashem , that year, they were blessed with their second miracle baby. The salvations of Hashem always come in an instant. This is the chizuk we give ourselves at the beginning of the Seder, and this is something we must always keep in mind. B'ezrat Hashem , we should see the Geula Shelema and celebrate this holiday in Yerushalayim with the Korban Pesach. But even if that doesn't happen— even then —it doesn't mean the geula can't come a second later. Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach.

Seder night is truly a magical time but how does one overcome any stress and harness that "magic" to connect with their children, their spouse, and Hashem?

Yud-Beis Nisan (22:42)

The question has been asked: Why do we call the holiday "Pesach"? It's named after the fact that Hashem "passed over" the homes of the Jews during Makkat Bechorot . But seemingly, that is just one small detail of a much bigger picture. Furthermore, why is this the only miracle described with the term יד חזקה —Hashem's "strong hand"? And why did Hashem choose to redeem us from Mitzrayim specifically in the month of Nisan? *While the Jews were enslaved in Mitzrayim, Egypt was the superpower of the world. They made it impossible—by natural means—for the Jews to ever escape. And in the words of the Zohar, they also used כישוף (sorcery) to cast a spiritual spell, so that even in the supernatural realms, they were unable to go free. The Rambam writes in his famous Iggeret Teman that when Moshe Rabbeinu began the process of extracting the nation of Israel from Egypt, all the astrologers agreed unanimously that the Jews had no chance for independence or even to alleviate their lowly state of subjugation. The Bet HaLevi adds another dimension to the slavery. He writes in Parashat Bo that there are many dimensions to the universe. Each dimension is on a different level, but they are all connected and exist parallel to one another. For example, the existence of fire as we know it in this world is entirely different in the dimension above, and the criteria for it to burn things there are different. When Avraham Avinu was thrown into the fiery furnace and was not burned, it was a great miracle. But this was a miracle only in our eyes. In the higher dimensions, there was no miracle whatsoever. A righteous individual should not be burned by fire. In that instance, the fire in the higher dimension acted as it should normally, and in the lower dimension, the fire was forced to act parallel to the higher fire. Whenever a miracle takes place for a righteous individual, the nature of the higher dimension alters the course of events in the lower dimension—even if that violates the laws of nature in the lower one. Regarding the miracles in Mitzrayim, however, it was very different. Over the two centuries that the Jews were there, they became severely corrupted by the idolatrous and immoral culture of Egypt. In their parallel existence in the higher dimensions, their fate appeared to be sealed—to remain enslaved there for all time. There, Hashem needed to violate the laws of nature in every dimension of the universe. This is why the Torah uses the term יד חזקה when referring to these miracles—a term never used for any other miracle ever performed. Hashem did not only redeem us from physical slavery; He also redeemed our souls in the spiritual dimensions as well. Through the total overthrow of the powers of Egypt, Hashem's supremacy over the world became apparent. The Aruch HaShulchan explains why Hashem chose the month of Nisan to be the month of redemption. The Egyptians worshipped the sheep, which represents the zodiac symbol Aries—the most prominent of the twelve signs. During Nisan, that constellation rises at sunset every evening. Pharaoh relied on its ascending power to protect him from Hashem. That is why he still had the confidence to throw Moshe and Aharon out of the palace even after six plagues. Later on, knowing that the month of Nisan was about to begin, his arrogance and confidence rose to unprecedented levels—so much so that he even threatened Moshe with death if he dared come back again. In response, Hashem told Moshe, " החודש הזה לכם " : This month will be for you—the head of all months. It will be ours, because it will be proven that the so-called powers of astrology are false and that Hashem is the sole power in the universe, above and below, and that we are His treasured nation. Rav Yerucham Levovitz explains that this is why we use the name Pesach to describe the holiday. Even though Hashem performed numerous miracles, the essence of the holiday is commemorating the moment the world recognized Hashem as the only One with power. That moment took place during Makkat Bechorot , which occurred at the midpoint of the month of Nisan—when the constellation Aries was at its peak influence. At that moment, Hashem demonstrated His power and His love for Klal Yisrael when He struck down the Egyptian firstborns and passed over the homes of the Jews. Whenever we pray to Hashem, we should imagine His complete power—not just over the lower world, but over the upper dimensions as well. Even a decree that is sealed in Shamayim can be broken. In the month of Nisan, Hashem showed the world that He is the only power. From then on, Nisan became the month of miracles. May we see the ultimate salvation with the coming of Mashiach, speedily in our days. Amen. * taken from Yalkut Yosef Pesach edition English

In this episode, we explore the deeper meaning of freedom through the lens of Pesach. Freedom from Mitzrayim wasn't the final goal, it was the beginning of a transformative journey toward receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai. Join us as we discuss the phases of spiritual growth from exile to revelation, the inner Pharaohs we must confront, and why the second night of the Seder holds hidden power. With insights on emunah, humility, and the true purpose of redemption, this episode prepares you not just for Pesach, but for the journey ahead.Join the Conversation! Be part of our growing community—join the Shema Podcast for the Perplexed WhatsApp group to share feedback, discuss episodes, and suggest future topics. Click here to sign up.

" בניסן נגאלו ובניסן עתידין להיגאל "—just as our ancestors were redeemed in Nissan, so too will we be redeemed in Nissan. As we enter this glorious month, our hopes are higher than ever for the coming of Mashiach. We have been learning about the days of Mashiach in the Daf Yomi, and we see events unfolding in the world at large. It is up to us to do our part. Chazal teach us that our forefathers were redeemed from Mitzrayim in the merit of their emunah, and we, too, will be redeemed through our emunah. But what kind of emunah do we need? When the women brought their copper mirrors as donations for the Mishkan, Moshe Rabbenu initially did not want to accept them. However, Hashem told him that these mirrors were more precious to Him than anything else—more beloved than the menorah, which represents Torah, more than the mizbe'ach, which represents tefillah, and more than the shulchan, which represents tzedakah. What was so special about these mirrors? The men in Mitzrayim were suffering terribly. They had lost their will to continue, feeling that all their labor was in vain. The women used these mirrors to beautify themselves and encourage their husbands, giving them the strength to carry on. They reassured them, reminding them that there was a future—that Hashem runs the world. Their chizuk empowered their husbands to persevere and fulfill Hashem's will, even under the most trying conditions. The Tikkunei Zohar describes how Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, when looking into the future, saw the generation before Mashiach and lamented, " ווי מאן דיזדמן בהאי זמנא "—Woe to those who will live in that time. Yet, he also said, " זכאה מאן דמשתכח בההוא זמנא וקיים בהימנותא "—Fortunate are those who will be in that time and hold strong in their emunah. Our Rabbis have told us that we are living in the עקבתא דמשיחא , the final generation before Mashiach. We are the very ones that the Zohar was speaking about. One might ask: throughout history, our people have endured immense suffering—the Holocaust and many other persecutions. By contrast, today, baruch Hashem , we live with religious freedom. Why, then, did the Zohar express such concern for this generation? A great rabbi once explained that while, as a nation, we may have it good, if we examine individual households, we will find so many struggling with personal challenges. The pain people carry is often hidden. Just the other week, in a single day, I was approached by eight different individuals seeking chizuk. One had just been told that his wife might lose her pregnancy. Another had suddenly and tragically lost her husband. One had been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Another was at risk of going to jail. One had a sick child, another was struggling with business problems, and yet another was facing shalom bayit issues. Late that night, as I was leaving shul, a husband and wife approached me. The woman began to speak about her daughter, who was having an extremely difficult time with shidduchim. At first, I expected the conversation to be like the others I had that day. But then she surprised me. She wasn't downcast at all. She told me that, eight years ago, she started a nightly emunah conference in the zechut of her daughter finding a shidduch. Today, over 400 women participate. And through it, she has gained an unshakable emunah—like a pillar of fire. She is so grateful to Hashem for all He gives her each day. She goes to other people's weddings with complete joy, celebrating without a trace of jealousy. Her emunah is contagious. Wherever she goes, she uplifts others, infusing them with strength and faith. This is exactly what the Zohar meant: Fortunate are those who live in this time and have emunah. Today, so many struggle with personal darkness. But those who find a way to rise above it and praise Hashem, despite their hardships, shine the brightest. In previous generations, our ancestors were like burning torches, illuminating the world with their Torah and mitzvot—but they lived in broad daylight. In contrast, we may be but small flames, yet we are burning in the thickest darkness. Though we may not reach the Torah and mitzvah observance of previous generations, we have an extraordinary opportunity. We can shine with our emunah, something so precious to Hashem. May Hashem strengthen our emunah and grant us the merit to greet Mashiach in this great month of Nissan. Amen.

Rabbi Jonathan Rietti on Let's get Real with Coach Menachem Sunday April 6, 2025 #227Rebbe Nachman on Liberation from Mitzrayim Then & NowCan I Only Be Released from My Mitzrayim from the Outside or Is Liberation an Inside Job

One of the great tests in life is in the area of parnasa . When a person doesn't know how he will earn the money he needs, and instead of panicking, he strengthens himself and places his trust in Hashem—this is a precious form of avoda . When the Jewish people left Mitzrayim, they faced this very test. They were entering a wilderness, a place with no food, and they didn't have enough provisions to feed their families. And yet, they trusted that Hashem would provide everything they needed. In response, Hashem told us through the Navi that He would always remember the kindness that the people did for Him when they left Mitzrayim by trusting in Him. The love He had for them at that moment was so intense, He compared it to the love a man has for his new bride. The Jewish people were then tested with the same challenge for 40 years in the desert. Would they try to gather extra man for the next day, or would they trust that Hashem would provide for them? And even though Hashem did provide for them, year after year, it was still considered a test all the way through the 40th year. This is because human nature is such that, no matter how good things have been until now, a person still worries about what will be tomorrow. No matter how many years everything has been taken care of, he still worries about the future. Someone who can overcome this worry and instead trust in Hashem rises to the greatest heights—and will be rewarded eternally for it. The Chovot HaLevavot , in Sha'ar HaBitachon, writes that whenever a person faces a test in parnassah and withstands it, he will be greatly rewarded. He brings as examples the Jews leaving Mitzrayim and being tested in the midbar with the man . We, too, can give Hashem the same avoda that our ancestors did—trusting in Him fully. The Chovot HaLevavot continues: Hashem has many ways of supporting a person, and therefore one should never give undue importance to any particular means. Many people today are anxious about recent tariffs placed upon imports from foreign countries. These tariffs threaten to take away the means that some people have relied upon for years to earn a livelihood. Markets are declining, and the economic outlook appears grim. But this presents a wondrous opportunity for a person to shine in the eyes of Hashem—to say, "I believe my parnasa comes from Him. He can provide no matter how many tariffs are imposed or how poor the markets look." If someone finds himself unable to sleep at night due to worry and manages to overcome it with bitachon , Hashem considers that to be an act of chesed —and it increases that person's chen in Hashem's eyes tremendously. This is the greatest response we can offer in these times. Life is a cycle: one day things are down, the next day they're up. The only things that really matter are our reactions and our emunah . Hashem can give a person parnassah in infinite ways. A rabbi recently related a story. One day, at 3:15 in the afternoon, he received a call from a man in Israel who desperately needed $2,000 to pay for the Sheva Brachot of his child. The man had tried several different avenues, but nothing had worked, so he turned to this rabbi—a friend in New York—for help. The rabbi said he would see what he could do. Less than five minutes later, the rabbi received a call from one of his congregants, who just wanted to share a quick story. As the congregant was backing out of his driveway, he noticed a little dog in his rear-view camera. When the dog didn't move, he got out of the car, and the dog ran in fear to the man's backyard. The man went about his errands, and on the way back, he saw a large sign that read "Missing Dog." It looked like the same dog he had seen earlier. He called the number on the sign and told the couple on the line that he believed their dog was in his backyard. They told him the dog had been missing since Friday—two days—and they were absolutely worried sick. They immediately drove to his house, and when they saw the dog, they were elated. They thanked the man profusely and handed him $2,000 in cash—the reward they had promised for the dog's return. The man accepted the money and then called his rabbi, saying he wanted to donate it to a worthy cause. The rabbi told him about the phone call he had just received five minutes earlier, and the congregant was happy to donate it for that purpose. The rabbi then called his friend in Israel and told him the amazing news: the money had just come in and he related the story of how it happened. The friend was overwhelmed and said, "Wow. Hashem is amazing. Look what He did for me." He added, "When I was thinking about how to get the $2,000, Hashem made someone's dog run away—across the world. Then He brought that dog to the house of a congregant of the rabbi I was going to call. And not just any congregant—a man who would want to donate the money and would immediately call his rabbi." Hashem can support us in infinite ways. Our job is to trust Him and to know that our parnasa comes from Him—and only Him.

Shiur given by Rabbi Benzion Brodie on Parsha to Yeshiva Ketana. Shiur recorded in Yeshivas Ohr Reuven, Monsey, NY.

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

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

During the year there is a set way in which we can grow and improve from one "level" to the next. However, over Pesach Hashem allows us to "skip" levels.

Shiur given by Rabbi Ben Zion Bamberger on Mussar Shmooze. Shiur recorded in Yeshivas Ohr Reuven, Monsey, NY.

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During this month of Adar , we are meant to increase our happiness—a joy that stems from true emunah in Hashem. By studying the miracles of Purim and Pesach , we gain chizuk and learn to appreciate how fortunate we are to have Hashem guiding us at all times. When salvation came in both instances, it arrived כהרף עין —in the blink of an eye. ונהפוך הוא —in Purim the Jewish people went from mourning to celebration on the very same day. Yetzias Mitzrayim was done b'chipazon —they were rushed out of Mitzrayim , triumphantly marching to freedom. Both salvations were planned years in advance. In Purim , Hashem was מקדים רפואה למכה —He prepared the salvation even before the decree was issued. And in Mitzrayim , the night of Yetzias Mitzrayim is called ליל שמורים —a night Hashem had planned and anticipated for years. Whatever challenge a person finds himself in, he must recognize that salvation is already there—he is simply asking Hashem to reveal it to him. A woman shared that this past September, her husband started losing his hair due to alopecia. At first, they had no idea what was happening as patches of hair were randomly falling out. After seeing multiple doctors and doing extensive blood work, they were told that he had a severe case of alopecia—and there was little they could do to stop it. Her husband was a young man with a full head of hair—his identity, in a way. The diagnosis was devastating, and they struggled to cope. Soon after, he developed an inflammation, and the hair loss became even more extreme. There was one medicine that might have worked, but it would have compromised his immune system and made him highly susceptible to illnesses. After consulting with rabbanim, they decided it was too dangerous to take. The doctors prescribed a cream for his face, which they doubted would work, but they suggested he try growing a beard with it. "Please don't get your hopes up," they cautioned. From that day on, he and his wife grew in many areas of avodat Hashem , strengthening their commitment to Torah and mitzvot . Baruch Hashem , a few months later, he grew a full beard. Overjoyed, his wife told their rebbetzin about the miracle and asked what she could do to express her gratitude to Hashem. She suggested doing the mitzva of covering her hair. After much internal debate, she made the decision to do it. When they returned to the doctor, he was stunned. "Never in my career have I seen such improvement and recovery without any real medication," he told them. He then put her husband on a very light medication and said he expected a full regrowth within three to six months, b'ezrat Hashem . They went from hearing "there's no chance" to "we have never seen such a recovery." That is Yeshuat Hashem k'heref ayin . A rabbi shared another story: His daughter and son-in-law recently bought a home, using every last dollar they had to purchase it. It was a bargain they couldn't pass up, but it left them struggling with daily expenses. They knew they would be able to get back on their feet, but it would take at least a month until their next paychecks arrived. That Friday, their car broke down. They had no idea how they would afford the repairs. When the mechanic called, he said the car was ready and everything was fine—the total cost was just $100. As she opened the car door, she noticed an envelope on the passenger seat with the words Chag Sameach—Love, Dad written on it. She opened it and found $500 in cash. Confused, she called her father to ask about it. He replied, "There's no chag now—I didn't leave that envelope there." Then he recalled that he had given her an envelope last Pesach . She must have misplaced it in the car, where it had ended up in the glove compartment. The mechanic, while fixing the car, had emptied the glove compartment and unknowingly placed the envelope where she would find it. Hashem had set aside that money for her a year before—waiting for the moment she would need it most. When the time was right, Hashem caused the car to break down so the money would be revealed. Hashem has what we need waiting for us. We just need to pray to Him to expose it.

In this week's parasha, Teruma, Hashem told Moshe: דבר אל בני ישראל ויקחו לי תרומה -speak to the Jewish People and ask them to donate toward the construction of the Mishkan. The Ba'al HaTurim quotes a pasuk in Yeshayahu, דברו על לב ירושלים , to explain that here Hashem was asking Moshe to appease the Jewish people before requesting donations. Why? Because He was about to ask them to part with their money. The Da'at Shraga raises a perplexing question: All of the wealth that the Jews had—their gold, silver, and precious stones—came directly from Hashem. He made them rich in Mitzrayim and at the Yam Suf. Shouldn't they have had a natural sense of hakarat hatov and give happily? Especially considering how central hakarat hatov is to Judaism. We are called Yehudim because we acknowledge and express gratitude for the good we receive. The Midrash tells us that when Hashem commanded Moshe to go to Pharaoh and save Bnei Yisrael, Moshe first had to ask permission from Yitro. Why? Because Yitro had opened his home to him, and Moshe understood that someone who receives kindness must show hakarat hatov . Only after receiving Yitro's permission did Moshe go to redeem the Jewish people. This demonstrates how essential hakarat hatov is. So why did the Jews need to be appeased before giving back to Hashem? The Da'at Shraga answers that the Torah is teaching us a profound lesson. Of course, the Jewish people were obligated to show hakarat hatov and give generously—and indeed, they did! They contributed so much that Moshe had to tell them to stop because there was a surplus. However, the one who gives is not supposed to demand hakarat hatov . As the Chovot Halevavot teaches in Sha'ar Habitachon, when a person does a favor for someone else, he should never mention it again or make the recipient feel indebted. True giving must be unconditional. This principle does not exempt the recipient from showing gratitude, but hakarat hatov must come from the recipient's own initiative—it should never be expected by the giver. For this reason, Hashem asked Bnei Yisrael to donate as if He had never given them anything in the first place. Their hakarat hatov had to be purely from them. When we receive something, we owe hakarat hatov in two ways: First and foremost, to Hashem—because everything we receive ultimately comes from Him. Second, to the person who was chosen as Hashem's messenger to bring us this good. This concept is vital in maintaining strong relationships, particularly in marriage. Many spouses feel unappreciated, which causes them to lose motivation to continue giving. We must remind ourselves: Our reason for giving is because it is Hashem's will. When we give, we are serving Him. Hashem recognizes and rewards every act of giving, even if we receive no appreciation from others. At the same time, a spouse who receives should recognize and express gratitude for what the other does. A little appreciation provides tremendous chizuk and encourages even more giving. But receiving hakarat hatov is a bonus—it should not determine how we act. The Chovot HaLevavot further teaches that when a person gives l'shem shamayim , Hashem guarantees that he will ultimately receive the hakarat hatov he deserves. Our focus should always be on giving without expecting anything in return. And when we live this way, Hashem ensures that we receive what is truly best for us. Shabbat Shalom.