Podcasts about serving hashem

The Rebbe writes about the importance of serving Hashem with joy and a good heart, emphasizing that this is both a chassidic teaching and a clear halachic requirement. He encourages preparing for receiving the Torah with happiness and inner depth. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/011/009/3530

The Rebbe affirms the recipient's decision to seek a suitable match in Morocco rather than hasten to move to Eretz Yisrael. He encourages serving Hashem through Torah and mitzvos in the diaspora, awaiting the coming of Moshiach, and blesses the recipient for success. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/011/009/3561

The Rebbe discusses the section on Bikkurim, emphasizing the importance of joy in performing mitzvot. He explains how the declaration during Bikkurim aligns with our purpose and connection to Hashem and how every aspect of service requires gratitude and happiness to be complete. https://www.torahrecordings.com/likutei-sichos/002/017_001

This class explores the mitzvah of ribis (interest) and its deeper lessons for personal growth and divine service. Drawing from the weekly Torah portion, it examines why Hashem wants us to earn blessings, the concept of 'bread of shame,' and how our actions create real spiritual impact. https://www.torahrecordings.com/classes/by_parsha/003_vayikra/009_behar/015

LIKUTEY MOHARAN TINYANA 7:10 — EATING L'SHEM SHAMAYIM — RABBI RIETTIIn this shiur on Likutey Moharan Tinyana, Torah 7, Seif 10, Rabbi Rietti unpacks Rebbe Nachman's striking teaching that the main ratzon for Hashem and yiras shamayim is davka b'sha'as achilah — specifically at the time of eating.TOPICS COVERED:• Teshuva and the Power of Change — A correction of the Rambam citation: ein lecha davar she'omeid bifnei ha-teshuvah. Teshuva sits outside nature, can rewrite the past, and when done me-ahavah turns aveiros into zechuyos. The word lecha makes the possibility deeply personal — available to every person.• Avraham Avinu and Food as Kiruv — How Avraham brought the world under one Hashem through meals, wells, and hospitality. Sefer HaMiddos and Midrash Rabbah (via Rav Atia) on how Birkas Hamazon makes Hashem known in the world. Avraham's chiddush: if the guest refused to thank Hashem, Avraham charged for the meal — forcing the guest to think about the true Source of all chessed.• Birkas Hamazon, Receptivity, and Gratitude — Why benching is positioned after eating: satiation creates calm and openness. Rav Avigdor Miller on why Birkas Hamazon includes Bris, Torah, and Eretz Yisrael — gratitude at satiation is the proper moment for the most important "business" of all: thanking Hashem. Every benching brings Hashem into the world as a real metzius.• Thought, Speech, and Reality — Rebbe Nachman's principle that nothing a person does, says, thinks, or even moves is ever lost. Rav Nosson in Hilchos Shechita on how the act and bracha of shechita elevate the animal. Why the spiritual configuration of food and water itself is shaped by the person's thought and speech — and why eating is a lifelong avodah.• Eating, Children, and the First Mitzvah — Sefer HaMiddos: l'fi achilosav shel adam kein banav u-vnosav. The first command in the Torah — mikol etz ha-gan achol tochel — is the mitzvah to eat from Hashem's world. The prohibition on the Etz HaDaas comes only afterward — a warning that the wrong use of eating changes everything.• The Effect of Aveiros and the Future Geulah — How Adam's sin altered creation itself, including the taste of fruits and the productivity of the land. Tehillim and the Radak on how the land in the Geulah will give its produce fully because aveiros will cease. Pure produce in the future as a sign of a repaired world.• Yitzchak Avinu and the Blessing Through Food — Why Yitzchak sought tasty food before blessing Eisav: he wanted to bless from a state of joy and satisfaction. V'nivrechu vecha kol mishpechos ha-adamah — one tzaddik as conduit for all blessing in the world. Yitzchak's derech as the blessing that comes through the ecstasy of eating.• Berachos: Baruch and Atah — Baruch as "thank you," Atah as direct intimacy with Hashem — not distant formality. Melech ha'olam as ruler over both the revealed and the hidden worlds. She-hakol nih'yeh bidvaro — everything comes into existence through His word. The bracha is for the person, not for Hashem.• Malchus, Gevurah, and Eating L'shem Shamayim — Why the highest malchus is self-control, especially over eating — the first and most constant taavah a person faces. The danger of kochi v'otzem yadi. Hashem hiskin mezonosav before creating Adam — meaning everything is already prepared. True malchus is giving sovereignty to Hashem while ruling oneself enough to eat l'shem shamayim.• Shulchan as Mizbei'ach — Likutey Moharan: shulchano shel adam mechapeir k'mizbei'ach. The table atones and can remove kesilus ha-seichel. When a person eats with gratitude and asks Hashem for daas, he can fix foolishness itself and grow in wisdom. B'chol derachecha da'eihu — Hashem can be served in eating, drinking, walking, talking, every moment.• Practical Kavanah During Meals — Rabbi Arush: the ikar birur ha-achilah is to think about Hashem during the meal and how good He is. The Shulchan Aruch's halacha not to be angry during a meal — anger enters the food and then the body. Thoughts, words, music, and Torah at the meal all leave their imprint on the food. Mayim acharonim chova as a practical minimum.• Megillas Esther — Putting the King First — Esther's words: im matzasi chen b'einei ha-melech. Rav Atia: Hamelech is Hashem. Esther invites the king and Haman together — meaning even when the yetzer hara is present at every meal, the king must be placed first. Doing this consistently is how a person eventually removes the sitra achra from the taavah and does only the King's ratzon.• Serving Hashem in All Actions — Shulchan Aruch (Reish Lamed Alef): all of a person's intent should be l'shem shamayim — eating, drinking, marital life, every action. Weighing each action against whether it brings one to avodas Hashem. The fulfillment of b'chol derachecha da'eihu in the most ordinary daily activities.• A Closing Story — A listener shares how, before becoming frum, she invited a woman to her Shabbos table and handed her a siddur to say Birkas Hamazon. The woman was deeply moved, borrowed the siddur, later returned it — and eventually became the speaker's wife and the mother of his children. A living illustration of how a single bracha at a single meal can change a life.

King Shlomo teaches us in the Book of Mishleh (3:6), "Be'chol Derachecha Da'ehu" – "Know Him in all your ways." The Rambam explains this to mean that we are to serve Hashem even in our ordinary "ways," while tending to our physical and material needs, and conducting our day-to-day affairs. Religion is not reserved for the realm of the sacred; it is not observed only when we pray, learn Torah, and perform Misvot. Even when are involved in ordinary, mundane activities, we are to serve G-d by engaging in these activities for the sake of Abodat Hashem (the service of G-d). We are to care for our bodies, and work to earn a living, not as ends unto themselves, but rather for the purpose of enabling us to serve Hashem. If we eat to maintain our health and strength so that we can learn Torah and observe Misvot, then we in essence turn our calories into Misva calories; we transform the mundane act of eating into a sacred act. This is true also of sleeping, exercising, earning a living, and even reasonable amounts of recreation. If we engage in these activities with the intention of maintaining our physical and emotional wellbeing so that we can serve Hashem, then we infuse these activities with holiness, and they become part of our Abodat Hashem. The converse, however, is also true. If we fail to use our free time for Torah learning and other sacred endeavors, then this shows that our mundane affairs are not conducted for the sake of Hashem. If a person does not spend meaningful amounts of time learning Torah during the workweek, this might be justified if he truly has no free time for learning due to the pressures of his profession or business – but only if he uses the free time that he does have for Torah learning. If a person does not spend time on Sunday or on his other free days learning Torah, then this undermines his excuse for not learning Torah during the week. Some have explained in this vein the Mishna's teaching in Pirkeh Abot (4:10), "Im Bitalta Min Ha'Torah, Yesh Lecha Betelim Harbeh Ke'negdecha" (literally, "If you neglected Torah, there are many 'neglects' equal to yours"). This could mean that if a person wasted time that he could have used for Torah study, then he is held accountable also for "Betelim Harbeh Ke'negdecha" – lots of other wasted time. The times which he could have legitimately claimed to be unavailable for Torah learning could no longer be excused, since he does not properly use the time that he does have available for Torah learning. It is only when we utilize our free time for Torah learning that our mundane affairs can be considered part of our Abodat Hashem, as they are conducted for the sake of our service of G-d. Rav Shmuel Pinhasi (contemporary) found an allusion to this concept in a verse in Tehillim (75:3): "Ki Ekah Mo'ed Ani Mesharim Eshpot" (literally, "When I take a festival, I judge justly"). On Hol Ha'mo'ed, when a person takes time off from work, the way he spends his time reveals his priorities. If he fails to use the time for Torah learning, then he will be judged for all the time that he did not learn with the excuse that he was busy working. Working for a living is considered sacred if a person properly utilizes the time when he does not need to work, thereby showing that he works for the sake of serving Hashem, to enable him to learn Torah. But if a person fails to learn Torah when he does not need to work, then the time he spent working can no longer be regarded as sacred, as he demonstrates that this is not his objective.

Lag B'Omer - Serving Hashem with Life

The Rebbe advises guiding a young man gradually without overwhelming him, encouraging practical support like employment, and emphasizes that true freedom and constant service of Hashem must be accompanied by continuous joy. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/017/007/6172

The Rebbe encourages continued strengthening of public Torah study, emphasizing personal responsibility to inspire others. He blesses for true freedom from all worries, enabling one to serve Hashem with joy throughout all aspects of life. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/017/007/6159

The Rebbe instructs to provide names for prayer at the tzion and stresses that one must not make conditions with Hashem. Observing Torah and mitzvos benefits the person himself. He urges a yeshiva student to grow in diligence and to establish daily Tehillim. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/016/006/6139

Knowing the Eb and Flow of the 12 Hours both Day & Night, while Serving Hashem with Selflessness aka Mesirus Nefesh - Learning Weekly Lessons in Tanya Chapter 41 at TheFamilyMinyan.com aka the Shtiebel Chizzuk from Chassidus flow...Now is the Time to Join The Journey to a Blessed Life -R' Shmuel Diamond - www.JTABL.comhttps://www.instagram.com/reel/DWKBgpZDL94/?igsh=ODFzMHkzbGU0eTFvKeeping the sign up simple and flowing - share on www.JourneytoaBlessedLife.com to friends and family… “Blessed Life is a true breakthrough. It's helping so many people finally move forward, BH.”R' Shmuel DiamondThank you for your appreciated feedback and testimonials… #lifechanging #blessedlife #journey #signup #unitymarketing @unityinspiresprojectsCover pic pregame in Efrat before the Big Mochin of the Holy Land Fabrengen x R Judah Mischel x R Shlomo Katz & Shirat David Chevra @ Scharf Family Efrat - Moshiach Now - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3yr6I5vKiyh58ca8wJsCm3?si=wNjvB1TDQhCc9zdPRHRwWA

The Rebbe responds to a request for guidance in serving Hashem and emphasizes that success in Torah and mitzvos depends on personal effort. He advises strengthening oneself through proper friends and practical halachic study, assuring that sincere effort brings success. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/016/006/6125

This class explores the different contributions made for the Mishkan—some required specifically from adult men, while others were voluntary and open to everyone. The Rebbe explains that these reflect two levels of serving Hashem: accepting His authority equally by all, and the deeper service of using one's unique abilities to transform the world in https://www.torahrecordings.com/classes/by_parsha/002_shemos/010_vayakheil/003

The Rebbe responds to someone discouraged by comparing himself to naturally gifted scholars. He explains that abilities depend on the root of the soul and each person has unique strengths. One's purpose is not to surpass others but to faithfully serve Hashem in one's own mission. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/016/006/6114

A student weakened in spreading Chassidus due to concern about others. The Rebbe advises reflecting on “Shivisi Hashem l'negdi tamid.” When one places Hashem before his eyes, ridicule loses its power. He should not only resume his work but double his efforts in spreading Chassidus. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/016/006/6110

Sefer V'Ani Tamid Imach- Part 21 (Serving Hashem with simplicity) by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky

Harav Yussie Zakutinsky Shlita

Super Bowl week is here, and as Bnei Torah, we can't avoid asking a hard question: what is sports doing to our time, our headspace, and our Avodas Hashem?In this episode of Shtark Tank, I sit down with Rav Moshe Benovitz (Director of NCSY Kollel) for a real, nuanced conversation about loving sports without losing yourself in it—including the famous story of a Super Bowl night in Yeshivat Kerem B'Yavne where he made a deep decision to skip the game.We talk about:When sports is healthy… and when it starts to take over“Must-see TV,” compulsion, and where to draw the lineSports as a “religious” experience (arenas as temples)What Torah educators and marketers can learn from the NFL's pullCommunity, purpose, and building a mission-driven lifeA fun detour into Bill Simmons and why sports can create real connection

The Rebbe emphasizes that all aspects of a Jew's life are guided by Divine providence and meant to serve Hashem. He urges the study of Pnimiyus HaTorah, citing the Arizal and Chabad teachings, stressing that in our generation it is essential for proper tefillah, mitzvah observance, and especially for those involved in Jewish education. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/016/003/5947

Chof-Tes Teves - Erev Rosh Chdoesh (19:31)

B"H One simple practice that has genuinely increased my simcha: choosing my default state to be joy. Serving Hashem with simcha is avodah, real spiritual work. One small way to practice it is consciously smiling — not artificially, not performatively, just choosing a joyful presence. It changes how people respond, and it becomes a quiet kiddush Hashem in the world. Simcha is something we can practice. #Judaism #Simcha #Torah #Joy #Spirituality To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

Sefer V'Ani Tamid Imach- Part 11 (Serving Hashem with a mountain over your head) by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky

Sefer V'Ani Tamid Imach- Part 10 (Serving Hashem when you don't want to) by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky

Serving Hashem with Zerizus

We read in Parashat Lech-Lecha of the war that Avraham Avinu waged against the kings who had captured his nephew, Lot. After winning this war, Avraham was greeted by a man named Malkitzedek, who brought him food and wine to celebrate this victory. The Midrash quotes two opinions regarding the real purpose of Malkitzedek's meeting with Avraham. According to one opinion, Malkitzedek was revealing to Avraham סוד כהונה גדולה – the "secret" of the position of the kohen gadol who served in the Bet Ha'midash . According to the other opinion, Malkitzedek was revealing to Avraham סוד תורה – the "secret" of Torah. This entire discussion seems very mysterious. What are these "secrets" being shown to Avraham Avinu? The Kedushat Levi explains that the Midrash here is actually telling us about the two ways in which a person is to serve Hashem, depending on the situation, which the Kedushat Levi calls יש and אין . יש means "there is," and refers to serving Hashem when a person who has a lot going on, a lot of mitzvot to do. Let's imagine a person who is blessed with a large family, children and grandchildren, a successful business, and friends. He is busy serving Hashem in a state of יש – caring for and spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren, giving charity, helping people, involving himself in important community affairs, and so on. Unfortunately, however, some people are in a state of אין , "without," lacking all these blessings. It could be somebody who is getting older but has yet to find a marriage partner, or somebody in a troubled family situation. It could be somebody who hasn't had a job in several years and faces dire financial straits. It could be somebody who is going through a medical crisis, or a mental health crisis, and cannot function properly – or the family member of such a person. These situations do not lend themselves to the kind of flurry of mitzvah activity that characterizes the fellow in a situation of יש . The Kedushat Levi explains that the יש person has many wonderful opportunities to serve Hashem – but there's a disadvantage to this service of Hashem, in that there is some ego and pride involved. The person feels accomplished and successful. He looks at his wealth, his beautiful family, and all the mitzvot he is able to do, and he feels proud and takes credit – sometimes forgetting to give Hashem the credit for all his accomplishments. The אין person, however, has no such challenge. He is able to build a true, genuine connection with Hashem, because he recognizes that he is entirely dependent on Him. The אין person turns to Hashem and says, "I can't do all that much, but I want to build my relationship with You. I have no family to care for, I have no enterprise or charity organizations to run, I don't have so many opportunities to do amazing things – but I'm serving You by praying, by connecting, by turning to You, by believing in You." Avraham Avinu, for many years, faced the quintessential אין reality. I imagine that if I were in Avraham's shoes, I would have just given up. His father brought him to the authorities to have him executed. He miraculously survived, and many years later, at the age of 75, he was told to leave to an unknown land. When he got there, he faced a dire famine, forcing him to go to Egypt, where his wife was abducted. Not long thereafter he needed to fight a war to rescue his nephew. Meanwhile, his wife could not conceive. In the end, of course, Avraham becomes fabulously wealthy, well-respected, and the father of G-d's chosen nation. For decades, Avraham served Hashem in a situation of אין , until he was ultimately able to serve Hashem in a situation of יש . The Kedushat Levi explains that this is what the Midrash is alluding to. Avraham was shown the "secret" of the kohen gadol , who did the service in the Bet Ha'mikdash , representing self-sacrifice. The kohen gadol had no land or property, but he devoted himself entirely to Hashem. He symbolizes serving Hashem with "nothing." But Avraham was also shown that his life would become one of סוד תורה , a life of outstanding spiritual achievement, of יש , where he is able to serve Hashem with a great number of blessings and good fortune. In the beginning of our parashah , the Torah makes a point of informing us that Avraham was 75 years old when he left his homeland to live in Eretz Yisrael . This perhaps alludes to the fact that all Avraham had at that point in his life was his בטחון , his trust in Hashem, which in gematria equals 75 (2+9+8+6+50). He was in a position of אין , and he served Hashem in that state, by building a strong connection with Him. There is a young woman in our community who, after several years of dating, was still not married, and she asked to meet with me to speak about her situation. She expressed her anguish and how she just didn't know what to do. I advised her to give this problem over to Hashem. I said she needed to tell Hashem, "I don't know what to do, so I'm leaving this in Your infinitely capable hands. I will, of course, continue to recite Tehillim each day, and to reach out to matchmakers, because I need to make an effort, but I'm giving this over to You." Baruch Hashem , around a year later, she got married. She told me before the wedding that she felt so much better when she came out of our meeting, being able to let go of this challenge. And a week later, her hatan showed up... We hope and pray that we are always blessed with יש , with an abundance of happiness, prosperity and success in all our endeavors. But if we ever find ourselves in a situation of אין , let us draw strength and inspiration from our ancestor, from Avraham Avinu, who served Hashem even when he had nothing, with his בטחון , by developing his faith in Hashem and his connection with Him. When we face challenges, we must try to acknowledge that now Hashem wants us to serve Him in this way, by focusing on our בטחון , on our unwavering faith and trust in His goodness, and working to build a stronger relationship with Him.

The Rebbe encourages true joy in life, not only because of his directive, but as Hashem commands: “Serve Hashem with joy” in all one's ways. He hopes the writer will serve as shaliach tzibbur on the High Holidays, stressing the importance of learning the meaning of prayers and piyyutim, and blesses him for a good year. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/elul/1194

In this inaugural shiur in Sharfmans, Rav Burg explains why a failure to serve Hashem with joy results in the curses of the Tochacha.

  00:46 Answering Controversial Questions in Public 03:07 Why is the Yeshiva World Still Speaking Yiddish 06:03 Serving Hashem if Hashem has no Feelings 09:42 Getting Inspiration from Non-Jewish Influences 12:40 Focusing Only on the Positive 16:52 The Israeli Army 27:33 Burkas 33:04 Eilu V'Eilu 35:49 Personal Responsibility or Hashgacha Pratis 39:40 Getting Ready for… Continue reading Q&A – Yeshivas Mir Summer Camp (5785)

In this shiur, delivered in Sharfmans, Rav Burg explains the inner nature of the sin of Nadav and Avihu. What does it mean that they were drunk? Why is Ahron HaKohen told to communicate the issur about being drunk in the Mishkan for all generations? There is a difference between religious and spiritual. Religion is about serving Hashem the way He wants to be served. Spirituality is about serving Hashem with all of our heart. When we combine being religious and spiritual is when we are truly serving Hashem wholeheartedly.

Maharal Netzach Yisroel Chapter 12 (Serving Hashem from a place of strength) by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky

Gemara Taanit 21b/22a- The character and story of Abba Umana highlights the perspective one should have in using his job to serve Hashem.

Chof-Vov Teves (20:34)

Mussar Avicha Chapter 1 Part 2 (Serving Hashem- The Most Natural Thing For A Jew) by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky

Having received his Ph.D. in mathematical logic at Brandeis University, Rabbi Dr. Dovid Gottlieb went on to become Professor of Philosophy at Johns Hopkins University. Today he is a senior faculty member at Ohr Somayach in Jerusalem. An accomplished author and lecturer, Rabbi Gottlieb has electrified audiences with his stimulating and energetic presentations on ethical and philosophical issues. In Jewish Philosophy with Rabbi Dr. Gottlieb, we are invited to explore the most fascinating and elemental concepts of Jewish Philosophy. https://podcasts.ohr.edu/ podcasts@ohr.edu

Learning Foundational Teachings from the Baal Shem Tov together ❤️ on Serving Hashem with Joy no matter what... ✨️ A Year Later... War in Israel - The Real Kindness Podcast by Yosef Aharon & Eli Goldsmith JOC & UIP! https://youtube.com/live/hEbVmZFUM0M Follow & Share this link to join Our Simcha Filled Unity WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/Lc5WOj4Zm9F2PrtH8mh6Vx Cover Pic from Lebanon - PLEASE KEEP

Extra Credit: See Ramban on וחי בהם and see how to it may correlate

Serving Hashem with Joy Rena led a guided meditation session focused on mindfulness and emotional awareness. She instructed participants to focus on their breath, the sensations in their body, and the sounds around them. Participants were then guided to notice their thoughts and emotions, and how they relate to their overall mood. Rena suggested that participants imagine serving Hashem with happiness, exploring what that would look and feel like. The session ended with an exercise in holding both the participants' current emotions and the idea of serving Hashem with joy, highlighting the paradox of opposites coexisting.