Podcasts about mitzvot

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Is it proper to keep the Tzitzit of one's Tallit Katan inside his clothing, or should he expose them? Twice in his presentation of the laws of Tzitzit (8:11, 24:1), the Shulchan Aruch writes that the Tallit Katan should be worn over one's clothing, so that he sees the Tzitzit at all times and thereby be reminded of the Mitzvot. According to the Shulchan Aruch, the entire garment of the Tallit Katan should be worn over one's outermost garments (like many Chasidim do today). The Mishna Berura (8:26; commentary to the Shulchan Aruch by Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan, the "Chafetz Chayim," Lithuania, 1835-1933) strongly condemns the practice of those who tuck the Tzitzit inside their pants, rather than leave them exposed (listen to audio for precise citation). He writes that doing so not only undermines the purpose of Tzitzit – "you shall see them and remember all the commandments of God" (Bamidbar 15:39) – but also denigrates the Mitzva. The Mishna Berura adds that a person who received a garment as a gift from a king would proudly expose it for all to see; all the more so, then, should one make a point of exposing the Tzitzit. Those who conceal them, the Mishna Berura writes, will one day make an accounting for this shameful practice. However, the view of the Arizal (famed Kabbalist, Israel, 1534-1572), as recorded and understood by his student, Rabbi Chayim Vital (Israel-Syria, 1542-1620), and by the Chid"a (Rabbi Chayim Yosef David Azulai, Israel, 1724-1806), was that the Tallit Katan – both the garment and the Tzitzit strings – should not be exposed. Chacham Ovadia Hadaya (Israel, 1890-1969), in his work Yaskil Avdi, cites other Kabbalists who followed this view, as well. Therefore, Sepharadim, who generally follow the laws and customs of the Kabbalists, should keep their Tzitzit tucked into their garments. Chacham Bentzion Abba Shaul Z"L (Jerusalem, 1924-1998) cited his mentor, Chacham Ezra Attia Z"L (head of the renowned Yeshivat Porat Yosef in Jerusalem), as remarking that any Sepharadi that exposes his Tzitzit denigrates and casts aspersions on the previous generations of Sepharadim, who followed the practice of keeping the Tzitzit concealed. Rabbi Yehuda Tzadka Z"L (who served as Rosh Yeshiva along with Chacham Ezra Attia Z"L) testified that the esteemed Rabbi Yaakov Chaim Sofer (1870-1939), author of Kaf Ha'chayim Sofer, likewise kept his Tzitzit inside his clothing. The same is said about the prominent Kabbalist Rabbi Efrayim Cohen Z"L, and this is the ruling of Chacham Ovadia Yosef, in his work Yechaveh Da'at (2:1). Thus, in the spirit of the rule "Al Titosh Torat Imecha" ("Do not abandon your mother's teaching" – Mishlei 1:8, 6:20), Sepharadim should follow the time-honored tradition to wear their Tallit Katan and the Tzitzit strings inside their clothing, rather than expose them. It should be noted that Halacha permits allowing the Tzitzit strings to come in contact with one's skin, and one is thus not required to keep them in his pockets or tie them in such a way that they would not touch his skin.

Welcome to our daily Bitachon series. We continue with lessons from the Haggadah shel Pesach , even though we are in middle of Sefirat HaOmer- because as we said, we are going from Pesach until Shavuot . Shavuot is when we start our bikurim with our basket in our hands. We're coming to be full of hakarat hatov and thanks to Hashem. Today's pasuk starts with the wordsוירעו אותנ / Vayareu Otanu haMitzrim / The Egyptians did bad and evil to us. The obvious question is, We're coming to say thank you, so why is this part of the thank you? Why does the fact that the Egyptians started enslaving us deserve a thank you? This is a very important point in our hakarat hatov - We don't just thank Hashem for saving us. If that were the case, says the Bet HaLevi in Shemot 15:1, then who needs the salvation? Without the problem, I don't need the salvation. I'm back to status quo, which was that I didn't need the problem. It's like walking into a dentist and he says, "Ooh, you have a cavity-I'll fill it. You walk out of the dentist's office, back where you started from- with the regular tooth.Therefore, says the Bet HaLevi , when the Jewish people said Shira , hashirah ne'emra gam al hashibud hakadum / This song was also for the subjugation that happened beforehand, kemo hageulah, just like it was for the redemption . W ithout the subjugation, there would not have been a place for the geulah , and the geulah brought them something. That's what David HaMelech says in Tehillim Otcha ki anitani. I thank You that You pained me (some interpret that You answered me ) The Bet HaLevi says, initani is lashon inui . " I thank You that You pained me, vatehi li lishuah , and You saved me." It's like giving a thank You for the pain beforehand , because through that came the yeshua and a kiddush Shem Shamayim . But there's a slightly different explanation, which is not just that the the difficulty enabled God to save me and therefore, a kiddush Hashem came, There's another aspect- that we actually appreciate the suffering because we know that we benefited and gained from the suffering. There was a purpose to the fact that the Egyptians subjugated us. There's a story told, whether it's true or not is not important, the lesson is a powerful one:In the days of old, there was a feudal system where there were the basic landowners called feudal lords , and everyone under them was a required to pay a tax. The Jews could not own land, so they were always under these feudal lords , called a poretz in Yiddish. If you were lucky, you got a nice poretz , and if you were unlucky, you had a vicious one. One Jew had a nice friendly poretz whom he paid his rent to. The poretz once left to go overseas and had his friend take over. This friend was very ruthless. If the Jew was ever late or didn't pay the exact amount, he would whip him. Over the course of time, he got what about 40 whippings. After some time passed the original feudal lord came back. The Jew reunited with this friendly feudal lord, shared his experience and showed him his back with all the whip marks. " I can't believe it." He exclaimed. "That's what he did to you!?I'm going to take care of it." And since he was the ultimate boss of the town, he made this substitute feudal lord pay a certain amount ( let's say a silver talent) for every time he whipped him. The Jew came home with 40 silver talents and showed his wife. She said "Unbelievable, look what we have. Look at look what you got!" But the man was not happy. " I wish he would have hit me 60 times !" He said. Of course, that's a joke, true or not. The point is, in retrospect, he realized that every whipping gave him something. He appreciated the whippings and he actually was very happy for those 40 whips. So he didn't just say thank you that he got out of the problem. He actually appreciated the problem because that brought him whatever benefits he got out of it. There's another story, which is reportedly true. It's brought down in sefarim that it happened with the Chida. A man was having a lot of difficulties, a lot of tzarot , a lot of problems, so he traveled to the Chida to get a bracha . As he was sitting outside the Chida's office waiting after a long trip, he fell asleep. In his dream, he saw that they were judging him in Bet Din shel Maalah /the heavenly court. There was a huge scale. They were bringing all of his mitzvot on one side, and they put all the Averot on the other side. In his case, the Averot /sins outweighed the mitzvot . It looked like he was in trouble. He asked them to look around for some more Mitzvot, but that was it. They were all emptied out. It didn't look good, but then one of his defending angels said, "What about the yissurim/suffering ?" They said, " You're right. We forgot about the yissurim. Let's throw the yissurim on." All his suffering was then thrown onto the positive side. And slowly it tilted, until it was just about equal. They were running out of yissurim . The scale was exactly equal. The man didn't know what to do. In his dream, he screamed, " More yissurim, more suffering, more suffering!" He woke up from his dream and was back to reality. He realized, " Why am I coming here? To complain about my suffering? This suffering is exactly what I need." That's our message here. Easier said than done. In the story of Yetziat Mitzrayim , this is a lesson for us in retrospect, when we're all able to look back somehow, and appreciate and actually have hakarat hatov for vayareu otanu haMitzrim .

CUANTO VALEN TUS MITZVOT? by Rab Shlomo Benhamu

For the text of the Hadran ceremony, click here. For more information about What is a Siyum, click here While there are 613 mitzvot in the Torah, King David and some of the prophets narrowed it down to a smaller list of the most basic mitzvot. Why were these specific ones chosen, most of them relating to justice and righteousness and involving relations between people? The masechet ends with the famous story of Rabbi Akiva laughing when seeing a fox running out of the kodesh kodashim or hearing the Romans on their way to attack, after the Temple was already destroyed, while his friends were crying. When questioned about his reaction, he explains, based on verses, that in order for the positive prophecy of Zecharia to be fulfilled, first the negative prophesy of Uriah needs to be fulfilled.  

For the text of the Hadran ceremony, click here. For more information about What is a Siyum, click here While there are 613 mitzvot in the Torah, King David and some of the prophets narrowed it down to a smaller list of the most basic mitzvot. Why were these specific ones chosen, most of them relating to justice and righteousness and involving relations between people? The masechet ends with the famous story of Rabbi Akiva laughing when seeing a fox running out of the kodesh kodashim or hearing the Romans on their way to attack, after the Temple was already destroyed, while his friends were crying. When questioned about his reaction, he explains, based on verses, that in order for the positive prophecy of Zecharia to be fulfilled, first the negative prophesy of Uriah needs to be fulfilled.  

Source Sheet

The Jew's motivation to do the right thing, even when it's hard.

Welcome to our daily Bitachon series. We are now on the last lesson of Chol Hamoed. The pasuk in Bereshit 15,14 tells us וְאַחֲרֵי כֵן יֵצְאוּ בִּרְכֻשׁ גָּדוֹל / After that (referring to the 10 plagues ), we will leave with a great wealth which Rashi explains - בממון גדול with a lot of money, as it says in Shemot 12 וינצלו את מצרים/They emptied out Mitzrayim Of course, Rashi is giving the simple explanation. Rechush Gadol means a lot of money . But the Chida in his sefer Nachal Kedumim on Bereshit 15,14 quotes the Arizal that says it means they sifted out and took out the sparks of holiness that were in Mitzrayim. What does that mean exactly? So the Sefer Pri Etz Chaim Shaar Keriat Shema perek asks, why is it that every day, we have to remember Yetziat Mitzrayim more than any other of the Geulot . He says that whenever the Jewish people go to a certain place, their job is to take out the Kedusha from that place. I once heard from Rav Wolbe, that every nation has in it good qualities. When Adam HaRishon sinned, he caused the good and bad to be mixed. So there are good qualities in every nation. The Germans are very meticulous and exacting. That's nice when it comes to being perfect with Mitzvot and having the right shiurim and sizes, but it could go a little haywire when it comes to creating extermination camps and gas chambers and use it that way. The French are very romantic. That might be good for developing Ahavat Hashem but it could go in the wrong way if you misuse it, and so on. So there are sparks of holiness in every nation, and throughout our years of exile, our job is integrate the holiness of each of the nations into our ways and lift it up and take out that Kedushah. In general, it doesn't happen that we take everything out. Only when Mashiach comes will we be able to fully integrate all of those qualities into the Jewish people. But the spot of Kedusha of Mitzrayim , he says, was totally taken out. That's what it means Vayinatzlu Et Mitzrayim , the same pasuk that Rashi says they emptied out Egypt monetarily also means they spiritually emptied it out and took everything out with it. With the other Geulot , we did not have that full cleansing. And he says with that, we can understand a unbelievable concept. Why is it that it specifically says we're never allowed to go back to Egypt again? Why are we stricter about going back to Egypt than other any place? Because there's no need to go back to Egypt. We took everything out of it. So why go back? The sefer HaKatav V'HaKabbalah was written by Rabbi Yaakov Tzvi from Kallenberg, who lived from 1785 to 1865. One of the great rabbis of Germany, he was very famous for his sefer, and was one of the original fighters against the Reform. movement. He quotes his Yedidi, Marash Chen Tov in Bereshit 15,14 and concurs that when talking about leaving Egypt and taking everything out, it means taking out the spiritual wealth. He points out that when we use the word Rechush for general wealth, it says Rechush Rav, like in perek 13 of Bereshit , which means they had a lot of wealth. The term Rav usually indicates a quantitative concept and it's used for money, generally speaking. Here however, we see a strange terminology. It says Rechush Gadol , not a lot, but great . The word great is usually qualitative. Li Gadol Hashem, Ish Moshe Gadol… Adam Gadol doesn't mean he's large in weight , it means he's qualitatively great. So the great wealth , is not a lot of wealth, but qualitatively great, which is a spiritual wealth. So continuing with this theme of going from place to place and sucking out the Kedusha, the sefer Shem Gedolim also from the Chida, in the section on Sefarim in an appendix on the topic of Talmud , says, an unbelievable concept. He says in the city where there were many great Amoraim who set up the Talmud, there was a pillar of fire there twice a year. They were great Geonim. But in his times (the Chida lived about 300 years ago), the Torah had dwindled so much in that place that they didn't even know how to pray-not by heart and not from a siddur. Most of them only know how to say Ashrei Yoshveh Betecha and Shema Yisrael. They go to the Mikveh before they pray. They're quiet throughout the prayers. And when they get up to Ashrei, they all say Ashrei together. They say Keriat Shema until V'Ahavtah and that's it. He says, What's going on over here? He says, this is not a coincidence, because there was such a strong, powerful force of Torah in that place through the Limud HaTorah (which is one of the main ways we suck out Kedusha) that the Kedusha was taken out and therefore there's not that much left. Then he says, they went to Spain, and Torah moved to Spain, and then again the Torah was developing until they were sent out to a new spot. Because we didn't need it anymore. So as we leave a city, it rarely comes back to its greatness. The great Spanish golden era is no longer. Then they went to Turkey, then it went to France, Germany and it went to different places.. Every time we go from place to place, it's for one goal for us to be there and integrate into ourselves, into our ways, the qualities of that nation. Certain Jews might be very hospitable. They were more hospitable towns, and they took that Kedusha out. And he says דכל עניני ישראל הם בכלל ופרט וגם כשהאדם הולך מעיר לעיר הכל היא סיבה לברר ניצוצי הקדושה , . Every concept of the Jewish people, whether it's in general or specific, when a person goes from city to city, it's all because there's some holiness there. There's something you have to integrate into yourself. Jews are traveling all over the world and there's a reason for it. He says this is all from the wonders of the God Who's perfect in His ways. We don't know why we move from place to place but it's not a coincidence. Suddenly all the Sephardic Jews left the Muslim countries, the Ashkenazi Jews leave Europe. And we go basically to America and Eretz Yisrael. No Jew lived in America. It was new country and it introduced a new concept. There's a some Kedusha that's here and we have to take out. What is that Kedusha? I suggest ( it's my own humble opinion, I have no backing for this) that America is a melting pot. America is all about tolerance and being open-minded and so on. There are people from China with people from Argentina, Mexico and New Zealand all living together; possibly we have to integrate that (what I'll call) tolerance because when Mashiach comes, we're going to have all different kinds of Jews together. We never had Sephardim, Ashkenazim, Hasidim, all praying in the same shtiebl or Bet Knesset. We have get to know each other and reconcile with each other. That American trait might be what's necessary for us to integrate into our ways. The Or HaChaim HaKadosh, in Shemot 19,5 says the same concept. He says that if we would have been learning Torah more intensely in Eretz Yisrael, we'd have no need to search the globe to bring back the kedusha.Rather, it would be like a magnetic force that would suck everything out without even going there. Additionally, the Chida says in sefer Chomat Anach in Melachim 1, chapter 11, Pasuk 1, that that's why Shlomo Hamelech married all of those wives- they were princesses from countries all over the world, because he thought that way he would be able to avoid the Galut by taking out the Kedusha from each nation. The Bitachon lesson for us is that sometimes we get stuck in situations and we don't know why. Why did the plane divert to a certain place and land on a certain runway and sit there for an hour? Because there's some Kedusha on the runway in Virginia, and you had to say Birkat HaMazon there at that spot. Everything is planned. Everything has a reason. Everything is an opportunity for us to gain and grow from. The Ramchal in his commentary to Nevi'im on Micha on the pasuk אל תשמחי אויבתי לי כי נפלתי קמתי כי אשב בחושך ה ' אור לי / Enemy don't be happy that I fell, because I got up, I'm in the darkness. Hashem is my light, he says, we go down to Galut in order to take out the Kedusha . And he says, when the negative forces see that the Jewish people are going to Galut , they say, Wow, we're controlling the Jewish people. That's it. They think we're going to sink down further. But the evil forces don't know that we're coming down here for a Tikkun and that's why it says Don't be happy, my enemies, when I fell in Galut, I'll get up and come out stronger and get even more. . And that's an important rule. Sometimes we see people fall and drop, but they bounce back. Sheva yipol Sadik v'kam A Sadik falls seven times and gets up.

Send us a textThe soul is likened to a bird in a cage. You can set her free with Torah and Mitzvot.Support the show

This Episode deals with the power of the rituals to change people's lives.

The Rambam brings an interesting source for Hiddur Mitzvah from our Parsha.

Living Emunah 2738 Parashat Pekudei: No Matter What In the beginning of parashat Pekudei, the Torah calls the Mishkan, the Mishkan of testimony. One of the things it testified to was Hashem's great love for us. The Mefarshim are bothered why the Torah repeats so much about the Mishkan in parashiyot Vayakhel and Pekudei, after they were already mentioned in Terumah Tetzaveh. Some explain the Jewish people were commanded to build a house for Hashem before they did the Chet Haegel. After they committed that grievous sin, they felt so distanced from Hashem and feared they would never be able to bring His presence down to dwell amongst them. However, after they made Teshuva, Hashem told Moshe to tell the Jewish people that He wants the exact same Mishkan built with every detail and that He was going to dwell with them. And that is why the details are repeated after the Chet Haegel. We see from here that no matter what a Jew does, Hashem always wants him back. We should never feel that because of our sins that Hashem doesn't want us. All we have to do is say that we are sorry and Hashem will be waiting with open arms, kavyachol, to bring us closer. Rabbi Snir Gueta told a story about a young woman named Shlomit. After years of waiting for a child, her parents were blessed with her birth. Tragically, a few years later, her mother fell ill and passed away, leaving her father to raise her alone. He tried his best to connect to his daughter and give her all the love and attention that he could. As she grew during her teenage years, she began drifting from the religious path that he was trying so hard to keep her on. As she got older, she drifted further until she was constantly arguing with her father about religion. She told him outright she was not interested in being religious. Her father kept telling her that he promised her mother that he would raise her to be a true Bat Yisrael, but she wouldn't change. One day she told her father she was leaving home and moving to India. Her father yelled at her, saying that she was being so insensitive, ignoring his request and leaving him all alone. She apologized for leaving him, but said she was going no matter what. Her father, in a moment of desperation, said to her, "If you leave, you are not welcome back. I will never forgive you for this." Her friends were waiting outside, and she left. She was in India for three years. At that time, one of her friends from Israel traveled there, and when she saw her, she hugged her, telling her how much she missed her. And then she gave her her condolences over the death of her father. Shlomit couldn't believe what she was hearing. She had no idea that her father passed away. She began crying uncontrollably, regretting the nonsense that she had been involved in over the past three years, completely abandoning her father and Hashem. She took the next flight back to Israel, and went straight to the cemetery, searching for her father's grave. When she finally found it, she sat there, crying, begging for him to forgive her. She said, "Please, Abba, I made the worst mistake. I will come back to Hashem now. All I want is for you to forgive me." She then went to the Kotel. She stood right by the mechitza between the men and women, and pulled out a piece of paper and wrote a note to Hashem, asking Him to please show her if her father forgave her for what she did. She put the note in the wall, and it immediately fell out. There was no room in any hole there for her note. She saw by the edge of the mechitza, in the men's section, an opening, and she put it there. When she put it down, another note fell out. She picked it up, and saw the name Shlomit bat Chana. She opened it, and began to read, and started to tremble. It said, "Borei olam, my daughter is in India, please bring her back to Teshuva. Her name is Shlomit Bat Chana. If I could talk to her right now, I would tell her that I forgive her for everything. All I want is for her to come back to You, Hashem." Shlomit broke out in tears, and thanked Hashem, and fully came back to Torah and Mitzvot. A human father is willing to take his daughter back, no matter what she does. All the more so, Hakadosh Baruch Hu wants every one of His children back, no matter what they have done. Hashem loves and wants every Jew close to Him. All we have to do is be sincere. Shabbat Shalom.

A man asked the following question: He is leaving a job that he had for many years and now has two potential job offers. One is close to his home and will earn him enough to cover his expenses, but there is no potential to earn more through commissions. The second job is an hour drive from his home, which will require more hours of work and is a more difficult job. It will give him the same salary, but has potential for more income based on commission. He wanted to take the local job, but his wife is wondering, perhaps, if he is supposed to make more money, he will now be limiting himself by accepting the job that pays less. The Chovot Halevavot in the Shaar Habitachon (chap. 4) deals with this question. He says, when it comes to parnasa, a person should work with the goal of doing enough just to cover his basic requirements in this world. If Hashem determines that a person should be wealthy, he will earn that wealth without having to invest any additional effort. And if he is not destined to be wealthy, even if everyone in the entire world, both in the heavens and the earth, all the angels and human beings would try to help him and add to what he is getting, they would not succeed. This can be understood in light of what the Chovot Halevavot teaches us in the previous chapter. There he explains the rationale of why Hashem wants us to make hishtadlut in the first place. One reason is because in the process of earning a livelihood, there are numerous tests to overcome and by a person staying faithful to Hashem throughout the process, he will earn immense reward in the Next World. The second reason is because if a person would have too much free time, it would lead to sin. The conventional thinking is that we need to work to earn money. Chovot Halevavot is teaching us Hashem doesn't need our efforts to give us money. He has a completely different set of reasons for why we go to work. This means that Hashem required us to make a certain effort to earn a livelihood and once we've done that, He will give us exactly what we are destined to earn. The effort required is just to earn the bare minimum to get by, and therefore, regarding the current question, it is obvious that the man should take the closer job. His goal is to use the extra time to learn Torah and grow spiritually. Since the job will cover his basic expenses, it's a sufficient hishtadlut. He will earn every penny that Hashem decrees for him to have. If it is more than the employer is currently offering him, it will come another way, or the employer will give him a raise. Hashem has infinite ways of giving a person parnasa. If someone is working harder than he needs to earn the bare minimum and is making a lot of money, he may feel that it is his extra hard work that is paying off. Chovot HaLevavot compares him to a man who was walking in the desert and overcome by thirst. He found a pit with murky water and drank as much as he could. When he traveled a bit further afterward, he found a spring with pure sweet water. When he discovered that spring, he felt bad that he already filled himself to capacity with the disgusting water. If he would have just waited a little longer, he would have been able to enjoy the clear water instead. It is the same with the man who works overtime and earns a lot of money. If he would have worked less and put in more time for Torah, Mitzvot and his family instead, he still would have earned the same amount. Only it would have come without all of that additional effort. Our hishtadlut is not what produces our money. We do hishtadlut because Hashem tells us to. And when we fulfill His requirement, then He will give us exactly what we're meant to have.

Unlock the profound insights of Torah as we explore the richness and purpose behind Parsha Pekudei, focusing on the meticulous construction of the high priest's garments. This episode promises to elevate your understanding of Kavanah, or intention, in daily life, guiding you to realign with your true purpose amidst the chaos of modern distractions. Through relatable stories and examples, discover how to stay focused on serving Hashem, ensuring that career paths, relationships, and life pursuits remain anchored in spiritual dedication.Moreover, dive into the transformative power of routine spiritual practices like reciting the Shema and observing Shabbos. With inspiration drawn from the teachings of Reb Elimelech of Lezhensk, we discuss how these acts of faith can transcend habit to become meaningful connections with the divine. Learn to embrace Shabbos as both a commandment and a source of joy, enriching your relationship with God and breathing life into your spiritual journey. Join us for an episode that not only seeks to inform but to inspire a deeper dedication to living with intention and clarity in your spiritual pursuits._____________This episode (Ep 7.23) of the Parsha Review Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Pekudei is dedicated in honor of our President & in honor of our Holy Soldiers in the Battlefield and our Torah Scholars in the Study Halls who are fighting for the safety of our nation!Download & 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 March 25, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on March 26, 2025_____________DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!_____________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.tansistor.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 https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!_____________#Torah, #Parsha, #Exodus, #Kavanah, #Intention, #Hashem, #Mitzvot, #TorahLearning, #Mezuzah, #Commitment, #Love, #Joy ★ Support this podcast ★

Unlock the profound insights of Torah as we explore the richness and purpose behind Parsha Pekudei, focusing on the meticulous construction of the high priest's garments. This episode promises to elevate your understanding of Kavanah, or intention, in daily life, guiding you to realign with your true purpose amidst the chaos of modern distractions. Through relatable stories and examples, discover how to stay focused on serving Hashem, ensuring that career paths, relationships, and life pursuits remain anchored in spiritual dedication.Moreover, dive into the transformative power of routine spiritual practices like reciting the Shema and observing Shabbos. With inspiration drawn from the teachings of Reb Elimelech of Lezhensk, we discuss how these acts of faith can transcend habit to become meaningful connections with the divine. Learn to embrace Shabbos as both a commandment and a source of joy, enriching your relationship with God and breathing life into your spiritual journey. Join us for an episode that not only seeks to inform but to inspire a deeper dedication to living with intention and clarity in your spiritual pursuits._____________This episode (Ep 7.23) of the Parsha Review Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Pekudei is dedicated in honor of our President & in honor of our Holy Soldiers in the Battlefield and our Torah Scholars in the Study Halls who are fighting for the safety of our nation!Download & 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 March 25, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on March 26, 2025_____________DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!_____________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.tansistor.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 https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!_____________#Torah, #Parsha, #Exodus, #Kavanah, #Intention, #Hashem, #Mitzvot, #TorahLearning, #Mezuzah, #Commitment, #Love, #Joy ★ Support this podcast ★

Audio, eng_t_rav_2025-03-22_lesson_rb-1990-41-mitzvot-kalot_n1_p1. Lesson_part :: Daily_lesson 1

Video, eng_t_rav_2025-03-22_lesson_rb-1990-41-mitzvot-kalot_n1_p1. Lesson_part :: Daily_lesson 1

Audio, eng_t_rav_2025-03-22_lesson_rb-1990-41-mitzvot-kalot_n1_p1. Lesson_part :: Daily_lesson 1

Video, eng_t_rav_2025-03-22_lesson_rb-1990-41-mitzvot-kalot_n1_p1. Lesson_part :: Daily_lesson 1

Audio, spa_t_rav_2025-03-22_lesson_rb-1990-41-mitzvot-kalot_n1_p1. Lesson_part :: Daily_lesson 1

In this episode, we continue exploring the halachos of commerce and financial matters on Shabbos, focusing on hiring teachers, pledging tzedakah, and auctioning mitzvos. We also delve into the complexities of transactions initiated before Shabbos, the permissibility of measuring for mitzvah purposes, and the nuances of healing on Shabbos. Join us for an insightful discussion on these fascinating topics from the Shulchan Aruch and Mishnah Berurah.

If G-d didn't need YOU, He would not have woken YOU up today. You are here because you are NEEDED.A Jew is never Stuck. People are built to stand upright because their minds rule over their hearts.Mitzvot are the spiritual clothing of the soul. They are your responsibility, and they give you purpose. Mitzvot are a connection point between you and Hashem.Above are just some of the deep insights that Rebbetzin Chani Shemtov, a Chabad Emissary at the University of Illinois in Chicago, shares with us in this very powerful conversation. We start off speaking about the Modeh Ani prayer, which is the very first thing that we say when we wake up in the morning. This prayer doesn't have Hashem's name in it. This is because we have just awoken from sleep, and we need to do the traditional washing of our hands (netilat yadayim ) before we say Hashem's name. However, Modeh Ani is said right when we wake up, before we wash our hands. It is for this reason that Hashem's name is not said during this prayer.The first word of the Modeh Ani prayer is "Modeh," translated in English as "grateful." We literally start off our day with gratitude. It has been scientifically researched, studied, and proven that gratitude leads to happiness. By starting off our day with being grateful that G-d gave our soul back to us, we are beginning on a positive, optimistic, and happy note. (When we sleep, we are 1/60 dead, so G-d needs to restore our soul to us in order for us to wake up. We are therefore grateful to Him for giving us life, each and every day.) Remember, if G-d woke you up, He gave you life. The reason He gave you life is because you have a purpose in this world that you still have an opportunity to fulfil. Otherwise, He would not have woken you up.Following the Modeh Ani prayer, we have the morning blessings, birkot hashakar. These are a series of 15 blessings. Each of these blessings begin with the words, "Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe...," and then goes on to mention specific things.Rebbetzin Chani and I spoke about several of the 15 blessings, in detail.We talked about, "Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, Who frees those who are bound." From this, we learn that a Jew is never stuck. We have free will every single moment of the day. What we said or did 5 minutes ago, yesterday, or last year, doesn't need to define what we do or who we are 10 minutes from now. Hashem recreates the world every single moment. Because of this, we are never stuck, and we always have the ability to move forward in any direction, at any moment.Then, we spoke about, "Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, Who stands upright those who are bent over." Many animals are made such that their head, heart and lower organs are on the same level. However, humans are created such that our head is on top, our heart is below our head, and then come our lower organs. This structure shows that our head rules our conduct, not our emotions, or our desires. It is the head that must make clear choices for us to follow. We then get to the controversial blessing that a man says in the morning, "Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, for not having made me a woman." The reason behind this blessing is that mitzvot are a point of connection between Hashem and humans. In His infinite wisdom, Hashem gave men more commandments that He gave to women. They need these commandments for their spiritual growth, and since they are commanded with more mitzvot, they have a more points of connection to Him than women. Women, however, do have many mitzvot that they have the responsibility to fulfil. However, they are not confined to time-bound mitzvot because their primary responsibility is taking care of their family. Rebbetzin Chani explains this beautifully!If you don't know how to read Hebrew, you can say the blessings in your native language.

**Today's Halacha is dedicated f or the refuah and haslacha of Ronnie, Sharon, Eli and all the children of CARE** One of the obligations that apply on the festival of Purim is Matanot La'evyonim – gifts to the poor. People are generally very vigilant with regard to the Mitzva of Mishlo'ach Manot on Purim, and most of the money spent on this festival goes towards the purchase of Mishlo'ach Manot. It should be noted, however, that Halacha requires that one prioritize Matanot La'evyonim; one should limit his spending on Mishlo'ach Manot and even the Purim meal in order to increase his spending on Matanot La'evyonim. Most of the people to whom we give Mishlo'ach Manot do not need our gifts and can celebrate Purim honorably without these packages. The poor, however, need our assistance to properly celebrate the holiday. This is the primary obligation of Purim, and one should therefore allocate more money to this cause than to the other Mitzvot of Purim. Strictly speaking, the obligation requires giving one Peruta – a minimal amount – to two people in need (one Peruta to each). However, the Rishonim (Medieval Rabbinic scholars) write that one should give an amount with which the recipient can purchase a modest meal, consisting of bread and a dip. For us, this would mean approximately $5. Thus, to fulfill this obligation, one must donate $10, so that two people in need receive an amount with which they can purchase a modest meal. Women, too, are included in this obligation, and thus a husband must give a minimum amount of $20, to fulfill his and his wife's obligation. Of course, it is laudable to give more than this amount. Since Matanot La'evyonim constitutes a Halachic obligation, the $10 that one donates for this Mitzva cannot go towards his Ma'aser, the tithing of his earnings. However, if one gives more than $10 for Matanot La'evyonim, the excess amount may, indeed, be counted towards his Ma'aser contributions to charity. The Mitzva requires giving Matanot La'evyonim on Purim day itself. Somebody who knows a needy family may go to that family and personally hand them the money, and thereby fulfill his obligation. Preferably, the donation should be given anonymously, such as by putting the money in an envelope and anonymously leaving the envelope by the recipient's door. In most communities there are people who collect Matanot La'evyonim donations before Purim and distribute the money to the needy on Purim, which is the preferred method for fulfilling this Mitzva. Summary: The obligation of Matanot La'evyonim requires that each person donate a minimum sum of $10 to help needy Jews on Purim, or $20 for a married couple. This obligation should receive budgeting priority over Mishlo'ach Manot and the Purim meal. The money must be given to the poor on Purim day itself; generally speaking, this is done by people who collect donations before Purim and distribute the funds to the poor on Purim.

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The power of Mitzvot to unite us with G-d.

Learning Weekly in the Office this time we get to the Special Light of the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Halachos on Purim... We experience the 4 special Mitzvot of the day and the Deep Simple Emuna & Simcha Purim brings... Blessings mamesh...Cover Pic from the Chanukat Habayit with the light of Mordechai HaTzaddick in the home - Rav Shlomo Katz and R Nate Davidovitch... Lchaim... Unity Marketing​ - We look forward to marketing your brand, company, organization, and program.Please WhatsApp at +972505305002 or email UnityInspireProjects@gmail.com and let's do #UnityMarketing together. https://unityinspireprojects.com/contact-our-unity-team/United Souls - Extracts from New Book Section 2 - by Eli Goldsmith - 51 - Focus by Contracting to Expanding - Advice for our Crazy Generation! https://open.substack.com/pub/eligoldsmith/p/united-souls-extracts-from-new-book-60e?r=oyu71&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true #unitedsouls #newflow #trump #bibi #gaza #israel #TuBShevat #Purim #Advice #Mission #Focused...

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Podcast Jajam Shlomo (Sally) Zaed Siempre vale la pena hacer Mitzvot, nunca vale la pena pecar Conferencia

2 sections- debate regarding prep for mila being done on Shabbat, ways the Jewish people accepted/dedicated selves to mitzvot historically impacted their future performance

Join as we discuss how the people responded to the Ten Commandments. Send any questions, comments, or critiques to podcasts@torahinmotion.orgIf you would like to partner with us to create more thoughtful and accessible jewish content, visit torahinmotion.org/donate, or email us at info@torahinmotion.org.You can find more thoughtful Jewish content at torahinmotion.org 

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Send us a textWhy are women exempt from time related Mitzvot? Because their souls are more connected to faith and the essence of the Torah, beyond some of the details.Support the show

RAB RAUL ASKENAZI- MITZVOT DE OFERTA AL 2X1- PAGO AQUI Y ALLA by TALMUD TORA MONTE SINAI

RAB MARCOS METTA- LAS 613 MITZVOT- LO TAASE- 9 Y 10 by TALMUD TORA MONTE SINAI

RAB MARCOS METTA- LAS 613 MITZVOT- LO TAASE- 67 Y 8 by TALMUD TORA MONTE SINAI

Yahrtzeit Yomi #1339!! ד שבט The Baba Sali הבבא סאלי רב ישראל בן רב מסאד אַבּוּחַצִירָא (1889 - 1984) Presented by HaRav HaChacham Shlomo Gigi Shlita!! ---------------------------------------------------------------- AH GUTTEH VOCH RABBOISAI!! Friends, for today's edition of Yahrtzeit Yomi, we are honored to host Chacham HaRav Shlomo Gigi Shlita, Rav of K'hal Ahavas Yisroel in Waterbury CT, who will be presenting today's featured tzaddik: The Baba Sali זי״ע!! In the following audio clip, Chacham Gigi concisely and masterfully portrays how the Tzaddik ZTL exhibited the power of a life dedicated to the observance of Torah and Mitzvot!! We thank כבוד הרב גיגי for taking the time to share from his vast treasury of illuminating insights, and we wish him only continued success in inspiring Klal Yisrael to ever greater heights in Kedusha, Torah and Yirat Shamayim!! ---------------------------------------------------- Shvat Yahrtzeits 4. Rav ML Sassover/Baba Sali 5. Sfas Emes 6. Oneg Yom Tov/Skolya Rebbe 7. Minsker Gadol 8. Era of Zekainim 9. The Ran/Rav Eliezer Silver 10. Rav Isaac Sher/Rayatz/Ronnie Greenwald 11. Rav Noach Weinberg 12. Rav Meir Atlas 13. Rav Baruch Sorotzkin 14. Pnei Yehoshua/Rav Aryeh Kaplan 15. Shaarei Teshuva 16. Maharsham 17. Rav Chaim Falagi 18. Rav Beinish Finkel/Rav Dovid Soloveitchik/Rav Yitzchok Scheiner 19. Rav Yisroel Belsky/Rabbi Dr. Twersky 20. Rav Ezra Attiah 21. Kochav MiYaakov 22. Kotzker/Rav Yehuda Zev Segal/Rav Yankel Galinsky 23. Sar Shalom (Belz) 24. Nevuas Zechariah 25. Rav Yisrael Salanter/Rav Mottel Pogromansky 26. The Taz 27. Rav Zundel Hutner 28. Rav Nesanel Quinn/Rav Yaakov Edelstein 29. Alter of Slabodka 30. Rav Yerucham Fishel Perla ---------------------------------------------------- Share the Yahrtzeit Yomi link with your contacts!! https://chat.whatsapp.com/JimbwNtBaX31vmRDdnO3yk --------------------------------------------------- To dedicate or sponsor, please contact 917-841-5059, or email yahrtzeityomidaily@gmail.com. Sponsorships can be paid by Zelle to the same number. First come, first served. Monthly sponsorships are $540. Weekly sponsorships are $180. Daily sponsorships are as follows: Dedications (l'Zecher Nishmas, Zechus shidduch/refuah/yeshuah, etc.) are $50. Sponsorships (fliers, advertising, promotions, additional links, etc.) are $100. The cost to request and sponsor a specific Tzaddik (unlisted on the Yahrtzeit Yomi schedule) is $180. MAY THE ZECHUS OF ALL THE TZADDIKIM PROTECT US FROM ALL TZAROS, AND MAY HASHEM GRANT US, AND ALL OF KLAL YISROEL, YESHUOS, NECHAMOS AND BESUROS TOVOS!!!

Join us as we explore the profound journey of investing in long-term spiritual growth and trust in Hashem. Listen in as we share the inspiring story of Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, a legendary Torah scholar, whose dedication to learning and spiritual commitments left a lasting legacy. We discuss the challenges faced by those maintaining Jewish observance in modern times, from keeping Shabbat to adhering to kosher laws, and emphasize the ultimate fulfillment derived from steadfast spiritual growth. This episode is a reminder of the importance of prioritizing our relationship with Hashem and finding joy in the pursuit of Torah study and mitzvot.In this episode, we also explore the concept of developing trust in Hashem through knowledge and effort. Through engaging stories, such as one from the Talmud about miraculous outcomes of unwavering faith, we discuss how genuine trust in the divine often requires letting go of worldly securities. We reflect on King David's teachings, highlighting that true belief in Hashem transcends a mere leap of faith, becoming a form of knowledge that empowers us to reach higher levels of trust. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of preparing for mitzvot through prayer and mindfulness, ensuring a harmonious connection between heart, mind, and body. Join me on this spiritual journey, as we seek to elevate our actions with a sense of godliness and find deeper meaning in our sacred practices._____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)Recorded from a live audience presentation in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studios (B) in Houston, Texas on September 10, 2024.Released as Podcast on January 31, 2025_____________DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!_____________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 https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.orgPlease visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!_____________#Happiness, #Hashem, #RabbiAryehWolbe, #OrchotTzaddikim, #Spiritualfulfillment, #TrustinHashem, #Torahstudy, #Observance, #RavShlomoZalmanAuerbach, #Devotion, #Learning, #Joy, #Spiritualcommitments, #Modernchallenges, #Jewishobservance, #Shabbat, #Kosher, #Long-termdedication, #RelationshipwithHashem, #Faith, #Effort, #Miraculousoutcomes, #Talmud, #Knowledge, #KingDavid, #Mitzvot, #Mindfulness, #Prayer, #Divineconnection, #Heart, #Mind, #Body, #Spiritualpractices, #Everydayactions ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us as we explore the profound journey of investing in long-term spiritual growth and trust in Hashem. Listen in as we share the inspiring story of Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, a legendary Torah scholar, whose dedication to learning and spiritual commitments left a lasting legacy. We discuss the challenges faced by those maintaining Jewish observance in modern times, from keeping Shabbat to adhering to kosher laws, and emphasize the ultimate fulfillment derived from steadfast spiritual growth. This episode is a reminder of the importance of prioritizing our relationship with Hashem and finding joy in the pursuit of Torah study and mitzvot.In this episode, we also explore the concept of developing trust in Hashem through knowledge and effort. Through engaging stories, such as one from the Talmud about miraculous outcomes of unwavering faith, we discuss how genuine trust in the divine often requires letting go of worldly securities. We reflect on King David's teachings, highlighting that true belief in Hashem transcends a mere leap of faith, becoming a form of knowledge that empowers us to reach higher levels of trust. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of preparing for mitzvot through prayer and mindfulness, ensuring a harmonious connection between heart, mind, and body. Join me on this spiritual journey, as we seek to elevate our actions with a sense of godliness and find deeper meaning in our sacred practices._____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)Recorded from a live audience presentation in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studios (B) in Houston, Texas on September 10, 2024.Released as Podcast on January 31, 2025_____________DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!_____________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 https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.orgPlease visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!_____________#Happiness, #Hashem, #RabbiAryehWolbe, #OrchotTzaddikim, #Spiritualfulfillment, #TrustinHashem, #Torahstudy, #Observance, #RavShlomoZalmanAuerbach, #Devotion, #Learning, #Joy, #Spiritualcommitments, #Modernchallenges, #Jewishobservance, #Shabbat, #Kosher, #Long-termdedication, #RelationshipwithHashem, #Faith, #Effort, #Miraculousoutcomes, #Talmud, #Knowledge, #KingDavid, #Mitzvot, #Mindfulness, #Prayer, #Divineconnection, #Heart, #Mind, #Body, #Spiritualpractices, #Everydayactions ★ Support this podcast ★

There are days when a court won't hear a capital case, because the capital verdict is not allowed to be issued on the same day as the case is heard, deliberated, etc. So, for example, Erev Shabbat (Fridays) and Erev Chag (the day before the night a holiday begins). This is further complicated by the need to carry out a death sentence on the same day as the verdict, rather than leave the convicted person with the death sentence hanging over his head overnight. Also, the overriding dominance of Shabbat, except when it comes to a "met mitzvah" - an unidentified dead body that needs immediate burial from whomever can do it - including kohanim, including a nazir. Plus, other extreme cases that might entail conflict or competing mitzvah needs - like keeping shabbat and circumcision, for example, when they need to be done simultaneously, but both can't be kept in that same moment.

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We don't have a new episode this week, but we invite you to revisit David Bashevkin's conversation with Shayna Goldberg about the unique features of Israel's Religious Zionist community, originally aired Nov. 26, 2024.This episode is sponsored by Eden Beit Shemesh. Contact Rina Weinberg at info@edenbeitshemesh.com for more details.In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Shayna Goldberg—a teacher, mashgicha ruchanit, yoetzet halacha, and author—about the unique features of Israel's Religious Zionist community.Jews in America are proud of the institutions and culture built over the past century, but we tend to forget that Israel's Dati Leumi community has developed its own parallel—and vastly different—culture. In this episode we discuss:How did Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik and Rav Kook lay the groundwork for our different religious communities today?How does religious life in Israel compare with America?How have religious Israeli women's attitudes toward army service evolved over the years?Tune in to hear a conversation about how deeply Jewish practice and spirituality penetrate everyday life in Israel's religious communities.Rabbanit Shayna Goldberg teaches Israeli and American post-high school students and is the mashgicha ruchanit in the Stella K. Abraham Beit Midrash for Women in Migdal Oz, an affiliate of Yeshivat Har Etzion. She is a yoetzet halacha, a contributing editor for Deracheha: Women and Mitzvot, and the author of the book, What Do You Really Want? Trust and Fear in Decision Making at Life's Crossroads and in Everyday Living (2021).References:“Rabbi Soloveitchik Meets Rav Kook” by Jeffrey SaksOrot HaTeshuvah by Abraham Isaac HaCohen KookPrepare My Prayer by Rabbi Dov SingerWorks of Rav ShagarSus Anochi by Rabbi Jacob SassonZeved Tov by Rabbi Zevulun Charlop

Another daf with 2 mishnayot - on kings. First, he is prohibited from marrying too many wives - that is, no more than 18. With some dispute over whether that is because of the risk of being led astray (a problem if true of only one wife!) or an edict about the wives themselves. With a parallel question as to why the Torah prohibits taking a widow's garment as collateral - is it a matter of her financial standing or her status as a widow? Second - the king also is prohibited from having too many horses or too much wealth, and he must write his own personal Torah scroll, which he carries with him in the event of going out to war. Plus, King Solomon's marriage to the daughter of Pharaoh, and the rabbinic trace between that event and the subsequent eventual exile by Rome. Also, how King Solomon transgressed two of the kingly commandments, and how his great wisdom in understanding the reasoning behind them did not protect him from sin. Plus, the writing of the Torah scroll, and the various possible scripts (or fonts, as it were) that were in play at the time.

During these days of Chanukah, we are celebrating the fact that we have freedom to serve Hashem as we please. The Yevanim made harsh decrees that prevented the Jewish People from being able to perform mitzvot until Hashem came and saved them from their hands. We know that man has no control in this world, and the Greeks had absolutely no power to harm. It was only because Hashem decreed that those persecutions should take place that the Greeks had any ability to make those decrees. The question is why did Hashem bring it about that His People should be deprived of being able to keep the Torah and mitzvot? The Bach writes in Hilchot Chanukah , it's because the Jews themselves became lax in their performance of the mitzvot . They did not value the mitzvot the way they should have, and that's why Hashem took away their opportunity to perform them. Mitzvot are the most precious commodities in the entire world. It is our greatest zechut to be able to perform them and it is not a given that whenever we decide we are ready to do them, they will be available to us. We have to value and appreciate the mitzvot to have the zechut to perform them. When the Jews were willing to be moser nefesh and even fight, at the risk of their lives, to get back that freedom to perform mitzvot, that is when Hashem made miracles for them and happily gave them back their treasured zechut . Hashem wants every single Jew to do every mitzvah the best way possible, but He doesn't just give us spiritual gifts for nothing. This is the one area in life where we have to perform. We have to have a strong will to want to do the Mitzvot and be ready to put in the efforts to fulfill them. Then Hashem will open the doors for us and give us the opportunities to perform them. I was getting ready to start learning with a young man named Shlomo the other day, right after finishing preparing for a class on the Amida . When he sat down, I asked him what a certain line meant in the Amida . They were some difficult words and he wasn't one hundred percent sure, so I proceeded to tell him the beautiful explanation that I had just read. After hearing that explanation, he smiled from ear to ear. He said, "I wish I knew the deeper meaning of all the words of the Amida . I really need to find time to do it." The very next day, he walked in and said, "You are not going to believe what happened this morning. When I was taking out my tefillin , I accidentally pulled out a small pamphlet that had on it a summary and explanations of every beracha in the Amida in English from Rav Avigdor Miller, zatzal . It had been there for almost two years, and I had completely forgotten that I ever put it there." He was so happy to show it to me. I told him, "This is unbelievable. When you said you wanted to learn more about the Amida, and were ready to do something about it, Hashem practically put this pamphlet right in your lap to start you off." The hashgacha here is amazing. For almost two years he has been opening that bag every morning and never noticed the pamphlet once. And now, when he expressed interest in learning about it, he "accidentally" pulled it out. Hashem wants everyone to know everything. He wants to help us so much with our Torah and mitzvot, but we have to make the first move. This is our job in the world. The more we want, the more He'll give us. But we have to really want first; and it has to be sincere. If someone really wants to become better in Mitzvot , he'll even pray to Hashem for His help in accomplishing it and that is the most beautiful tefila . May Hashem help us all use the potential that He gave us to fulfill our roles in His avodat hakodesh .