Podcasts about Tishrei

Welcome to the Daily Dose of Bitachon. As we prepare for the month of Av— Erev Rosh Chodesh Av ( ערב ראש חודש אב )—we carry with us the concept we introduced back at the beginning of Tammuz: that each of the twelve months of the year corresponds to a unique spiritual force. Today, we will explore this deeply through the lens of the Sefer Yetzirah , an ancient Kabbalistic text attributed by many to Avraham Avinu, which outlines how the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet serve as the spiritual building blocks of reality. The division of these twenty-two letters is beautifully elegant. First, the Sefer Yetzirah points to the three "Mother" letters ( Imahot ): Aleph ( א ), Mem ( מ ), and Shin ( ש ). These represent the foundational elements of physical matter itself. Aleph stands for Avir (air), Mem stands for Mayim (water), and because the Aleph is already claimed, Shin stands for Esh (fire). Next are the seven "double" letters, known by the acronym Beged Kaporet ( בגד כפרת ): Bet, Gimmel, Dalet, Chaf, Peh, Reish, and Tav. In the Zohar, these are identified as the letters that can receive a dagesh (the internal emphasis dot). While our grammatical tradition generally does not place a dagesh in the letter Reish, Kabbalistically it is included. These seven double letters correspond to dimensions of time and space, such as the seven days of the week, the seven classical planets, and the seven spiritual gateways of the soul. Subtracting these ten letters—the three Mothers of matter and the seven Doubles of time—leaves us with the twelve "Simple" letters. These twelve remaining letters correspond directly to the twelve months of the year, creating a cosmic map where each month is animated by its own letter. Our Rabbis reveal an incredible connection here: these twelve simple letters correspond sequentially to the verses of Ashrei (Psalm 145), aligning the spiritual theme of each month with the corresponding verse. We begin with the letter Heh ( ה ), which corresponds to Nissan . The verse for Heh is Hadar kevod hodacha... ("the glory of your honor, and the words of your wonders, I will speak about"). As Rabbeinu Bachya notes in the name of Rabbeinu Chananel, this refers directly to the wonders of Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus), the central theme of Nissan. Following this is the letter Vav ( ו ) for Iyar . The Vav represents Vav Hachibur —the connecting "and"—which serves as the bridge linking the physical redemption of Nissan to the spiritual giving of the Torah in Sivan. Sivan is represented by the letter Zayin ( ז ), corresponding to the verse Zecher rav tuvcha yabiu... ("they shall utter the memory of Your great goodness"). In Jewish tradition, "good" ( Tov ) refers directly to the Torah, as we say, "I have given you a good acquisition, do not forsake My Torah." Then we reach the chidush , the deep spiritual renewal of our current season. The letter Chet ( ח ) belongs to Tammuz , which matches the verse Chanun verachum Hashem... ("Gracious and merciful is Hashem, slow to anger and great in kindness"). This is immediately followed by the letter Tet ( ט ) for Av , matching the verse Tov Hashem lakol... ("Hashem is good to all, and His mercy is upon all His works"). At first glance, one would think that Tov Hashem lakol —expressing God's absolute goodness—is the very last verse you would associate with the painful month of Av. Yet, this is a profound mystery. The letter Tet has a numerical value of nine, rooting the solemn Nine Days of mourning right here in its essence. This teaches us that everything happening in Galut (exile) is ultimately for our own good, whether we can perceive it or not. This is why Midrash Eicha (Lamentations) begins with a "good word" or a positive note; because at the core of Av's darkness lies the ultimate truth of Tov Hashem lakol . There is an incredible warning and opportunity hidden in this sequence. If you take the letter of Tammuz, Chet ( ח ), and place it next to the letter of Av, Tet ( ט ), they spell the word Chet ( חטא - sin) . These two months are historically prone to spiritual stumbling and tragedy. However, the spiritual work of this time is to take that very vulnerability and turn it around into a source of holiness. Moving past the summer, the letter Yud ( י ) corresponds to Elul . Our Sages teach that the letter Yud symbolizes pure thought. While this world ( Olam Hazeh ) was created with the letter Heh, the World to Come ( Olam Haba ) was created with a Yud. Elul is the month of deep contemplation, planning, and mental preparation for the year to come. Tishrei is represented by the letter Lamed ( ל ), matching the verse Lehodia livnei ha'adam... ("To make known to the sons of man His mighty acts, and the glory of the majesty of His kingdom"). This theme of Malchut (Kingship) is the very spiritual essence of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Next is Cheshvan , represented by the letter Nun ( נ ). Remarkably, there is no verse starting with the letter Nun in Ashrei. King David omitted the Nun from the psalm because Nun represents Nofel (falling), and he did not want to evoke the painful verse from Amos, "Fallen ( Nafla ), she shall not rise again, the virgin of Israel." This directly mirrors Cheshvan, a month with no holidays where we experience a spiritual "fall" or quiet period after the heights of Tishrei. But we are not left in the fall. Teves is represented by the letter Samech ( ס ), matching the verse Somech Hashem lechol hanoflim... ("Hashem supports all who fall"). The Samech of Teves immediately follows and lifts up the fallen Nun of Cheshvan. The letter Ayin ( ע ) belongs to Kislev , the month of Chanukah, representing holy sight and the miracles we hold on display ( See Imrei Noam on Chanuka). Shevat is represented by the letter Tzadi ( צ ), corresponding to Tzaddik Hashem bechol drachav... ("Righteous is Hashem in all His ways"). Because Shevat is the time of Tu B'Shevat when we eat of the new fruits of the trees, it embodies the verse, "The righteous ( Tzaddik ) eats to satisfy his soul." Finally, the letter Kuf ( ק ) corresponds to Adar , aligning with the verse Karov Hashem lechol kor'av... ("Hashem is close to all who call upon Him in truth"). This is the ultimate message of Purim and Megillat Esther—that even when God seems completely hidden, He is intimately close to those who call out to Him with sincerity. This brings us back to our focus today. As we enter the month of Av, our main goal is to attune ourselves to this spiritual rhythm. By recognizing the hidden goodness ( Tov ) buried within the heavy days ahead, we can find the strength to transform these moments of vulnerability into a deep, lasting closeness to Hashem. We will continue to build on this, B'ezrat Hashem . Have a beautiful and meaningful day!

The Three Weeks: Beginning with the End in Mind There is a well-known rule: סוף מעשה במחשבה תחילה (Sof ma'aseh b'machshava techilah) "The end of an action must first be conceived in thought." In other words: Begin with the end in mind. The Three Weeks culminate with Tisha B'Av. The specific text our Sages instituted for us to read on Tisha B'Av is Eicha (Lamentations). How does Eicha end? "Take us back, O Hashem, to Yourself, and we will return; renew our days as of old." (Eicha 5:21) These are the final words we recite. The Real Final Verse: A Deeper Reading Now, hold on. Someone might argue that this isn't actually the final verse of Eicha . The technical final verse is: "For even if You had utterly rejected us, You were only exceedingly angry with us." (Eicha 5:22) We normally repeat the previous verse ( Hashiveinu ) because we don't want to conclude on a negative note. However, the truth is that the absolute last verse is not actually negative. The Reishit Chochma ( Sha'ar HaTeshuva , Chapter 7) explains that the verse should be read like this: "If You were truly disgusted with us, You would have destroyed us completely in Your extreme anger. But we see that You did not destroy us completely." We are not wiped out; we are still here. We still have a remnant. Therefore, it is obvious that the purpose of the exile and the destruction was never to eliminate us, but rather to direct us to return to Him in teshuvah (repentance). Why then do we repeat the second-to-last verse ( Hashiveinu )? I saw once—though I don't recall the exact source—that the average person reading the literal text might misunderstand the final verse. They might mistakenly think it means God is genuinely and permanently disgusted with us. Therefore, we repeat Hashiveinu so nobody walks away with a mistaken impression of what Tisha B'Av is truly about. It is about Hashiveinu —returning. "Renew Our Days as of Old" The verse says: חדש ימינו כקדם ( Chadesh yameinu k'kedem ) — "Renew our days as of old." We want to go back to the old days. What does "the old days" mean? It means the era when Hashem dwelt among us in an open, revealed way. God still dwells with us today, but His presence is hidden. That is the core theme: We want to rejuvenate that old relationship. There is a fascinating Gemara in Masechet Berachot 3a that describes what happens when the Jewish people gather in Batei Knesiyot (synagogues) and Batei Midrashot (study halls) and declare: יהא שמיה רבא מברך ( Yehei Shmei Rabba Mevarach ) — "May His great Name be blessed..." The Gemara states that Hashem, so to speak, shakes His head back and forth and says: "Fortunate is the king whose children praise him in his house! What is there for a father whose children have been exiled from his table? And woe to the children who have left their father's table!" Hashem, as it were, bemoans the fact that we are not at His table, that we are scattered among the nations. Tur, Orach Chaim, Siman 56 ומה שאנו אומרין הקדיש בלשון תרגום And regarding that which we recite the Kaddish in the Aramaic language ( Lashon Targum ): יש אומרים מפני המלאכים שלא יתקנאו בנו שאנו משבחים שבח נאה כזה There are those who say it is on account of the angels, so that they should not become jealous of us because we are praising [Hashem] with such a beautiful praise. וגם שע"י זה הקב"ה נזכר לחורבן הבית וגלות ישראל And furthermore, because through this [praise], the Holy One, Blessed be He, recalls the destruction of the Temple and the exile of Israel, כדאיתא בפ"ק דברכות as it is brought down in the first chapter of Berachot (3a): בשעה שישראל עונין אמן יש"ר הקב"ה מנענע בראשו ואומר "At the hour when Israel responds, 'Amen, Yehei Shmei Rabba...', the Holy One, Blessed be He, shakes His head and says: אוי לבנים שגלו מעל שלחן אביהם 'Woe to the children who have been exiled from their Father's table, ומה לו לאב שככה מקלסין אותו בניו ורחקם מעל שלח נו and what is there for a Father whose children praise Him in this way, yet He has distanced them from His table?'" וכביכול שיש דאגה לפניו Thus, kavyachol (so to speak, as it were), there is distress and anguish before Him. ואם יבינו המלאכים זה יקטרגו עלינו And if the angels were to understand this, they would prosecute (bring accusations) against us [out of jealousy or judgment over our survival despite our failings]. ע"כ אומרים אותו בלשון שלא יבינו שאינן מכירין ארמית . Therefore, we recite it in a language they do not understand, as [the ministering angels] are not familiar with Aramaic. The Father-Child Connection Hashem "cries" for us daily. Think of a child who goes away to summer camp or to Israel; the child might be perfectly happy in their new environment and might not even miss home, but the parents back home are miserable. We have been in Galut (exile) for so many years that we have forgotten what it actually means to sit at our Father's table. The Zohar explains that we perform the mitzvah of sending away the mother bird ( Shiluach HaKen ) to arouse Hashem's mercy for His children. He hears the mother bird's cry and remembers His own children. Similarly, when a child says Kaddish for a deceased parent, they deeply miss that parent, and that act arouses Hashem's own "feelings." He sees an orphan reciting Kaddish , and it invokes— kavyachol (so to speak, since God does not possess human emotions)—that deep, intrinsic Father-son connection. Rav Nosson Wachtfogel, in his commentary on Tisha B'Av, notes the specific language used: the children were exiled from the Father's table. The table itself is still there. We still receive our sustenance from it; we are just no longer sitting directly at it. As we say in Birkat HaMazon : Shulchan aruch lakol —the table is set for everyone. We are still being fed from our Father's table. And that is the profound difficulty of life: We can have everything in the world, but our Father isn't openly there with us. That is what is missing. Avel vs. Aval : The Life of "But" The Hebrew letters for a mourner ( lo aleinu —may it not happen to us) are א-ב-ל ( Avel ). Often, when people are learning, they encounter this word and accidentally read it as אֲבָל ( Aval ), which means "but." There is an underlying homiletical truth here: The avel (mourner) lives a life defined by a "but." Lo aleinu , a person is at a beautiful wedding, but their father or mother is missing. The wedding is gorgeous, but the parent isn't there to see it. In semantics, there is a major difference between the words "and" and "but." If I say, "I like the cake, but it has blueberries in it," the "but" inherently detracts from or negates the first part of the sentence. If I say, "I like the cake, and blueberries are not my favorite," I am still holding onto the first statement while simply adding context. "And" adds; "but" subtracts. Our lives in exile are a life of "but." Everything can be fine—the wedding is beautiful— but we still break the glass to remember Jerusalem: "If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill." (Tehillim 137:5) There is always something vital missing. The job of the Three Weeks is to start missing our Parent again and to realize just how much He loves us. Correcting the Mistake of the Spies This dynamic traces back to the mistake of the very first Tisha B'Av. In Devarim 1:27 , when reviewing the tragic episode of the Spies, Moshe reminds the nation of what they grumbled in their tents: "Because Hashem hated us, He brought us out of the land of Egypt [to destroy us]." This verse appears in Parshat Devarim , which we always read on the Shabbat immediately preceding Tisha B'Av, specifically to remind ourselves of this foundational error. Just a few verses later, the Torah states: "...and in the wilderness, where you saw how Hashem your God carried you, just as a man carries his son..." (Devarim 1:31) Yet the very next verse admonishes: "Yet in this matter, you do not believe..." (Devarim 1:32) What does it mean that they didn't believe? Rashi explains that they didn't believe in God's promise to bring them into Eretz Yisrael. But the Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh offers a alternative explanation: "You don't believe that God carried you like a father carries his son." That is what they failed to believe. Notably, the Hebrew month in which Tisha B'Av falls is called Av ( אָב ) —which literally means "Father." Our goal, beginning with these Three Weeks, is to re-internalize that reality. The Parable of the Father and Son The Ohr HaChaim connects this back to Shemot 17:7 , where the Jewish people questioned: "Is Hashem among us or not?" Rashi there provides a famous parable: A father is carrying his son on his shoulders during a journey. The son meets a passerby and asks, "Have you seen my father anywhere?" The father responds, "I have been carrying you on my shoulders the entire time, and you ask where I am?" The father sets the child down, and immediately a dog comes and bites him—which symbolizes the sudden attack of Amalek. Moshe continues to recount how God went before them on the road with a pillar of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day. All of these expressions of care are still happening. We are still being led by the cloud and the pillar of fire; we just don't visually see it. Creating the Yemei Ratzon (Days of Favor) I will conclude with a powerful quote from the Be'er Mayim Chaim ( Parshat Bo , Chapter 10). He writes that a person must constantly tell themselves: "Nothing in this world happens on its own; everything is decreed by Heaven. As our Sages taught, a person does not even stub their toe below unless it was decreed from Above. So why is God doing this specific thing to me? Isn't God good to all, as it says: 'Hashem is good to all, and His mercies are over all His works' (Tehillim 145:9)? It must be that God is doing this precisely because He wants me to remember Him and return to Him in teshuvah." The Be'er Mayim Chaim continues that when a person internalizes this—realizing that God's challenges are merely reminders to connect—then (to quote his exact words): שש ושמח ( Sas v'same'ach ) — "He becomes happy and joyful," filled with immense awe and pride seeing how much God supervises him individually to bring about that reconnection, כחיבת אב על בנו ( k'chibat av al b'no ) — "like a father's deep endearment for his son." As the verse in Mishlei 3:12 states: "For whom Hashem loves He rebukes, even as a father the son in whom he delights." This insight is unbelievable: We are the ones who create the Yemei Ratzon (the Days of Favor). The upcoming month of Elul is known as a time of Ratzon (Divine favor). How do we activate that favor? When we recognize that Hashem is actively watching over us, and we realize that even His rebuke stems from love, we awaken our own ratzon (desire to connect). That alignment brings about genuine joy ( sas v'same'ach ), leading right into the uplifting holiday season of Tishrei. Ultimately, these three weeks are the days designated for us to focus on the enduring truth that God is still our Father , and to genuinely yearn to return to the days of old. That is the true theme of the Three Weeks.

Welcome to Daily Bitachon Welcome to Daily Bitachon. Having completed Sha'ar Habechina , we are now going to switch to a more timely topic. We find ourselves in the month of Tammuz , which brings the fast of the 17th of Tammuz, followed by the month of Av and its respective fast. I would like to spend some time understanding the deeper dimensions of these months. Personally, seeing how perfectly planned and intricate the events of Jewish history are always provides a powerful chizuk in emunah , which naturally leads to deeper bitachon . To fully appreciate this, we need some background. We are not in a rush, so we will take our time to truly understand it. This framework is based largely on the teachings of the Ben Ish Chai (in Parashat Devarim ), where he discusses these concepts at length. The Three Dimensions of Conflict: Place, Person, and Time First, the Ben Ish Chai notes that the twelve months of the year are fundamentally broken down into four sets of three, aligned with the solar cycle—what we know as the four seasons. Secondly, we know that from the womb, there was a perpetual struggle between Yaakov and Esav . They fought over everything in existence, categorized by the classic framework of Place, Person, and Time . These are the three core dimensions of our existence: a person lives in a place and moves through time . Place: They struggled over the land of Eretz Yisrael . Person: They struggled over who would hold the status of the Bechorah (the birthright). Time: They struggled over who would control the different seasons of the year. The Summer Cycle: Grabbing the Heel Looking at the summer cycle, Yaakov claimed the spring months of Nissan, Iyar, and Sivan —the three months of Chodesh Ha'aviv . This is a beautiful, spiritually rich period: Nissan contains Pesach, Iyar holds the bulk of Sefirat Ha'omer, and Sivan brings Matan Torah. Yaakov Avinu fought for these three wonderful months and claimed them as his own. Then, the intense heat of the summer begins—a period of strict, intense judgment. This is where Esav takes over. This aligns with the fact that Esav calculates by the sun, and the sun is at its strongest during this time. Esav was originally slated to receive Tammuz, Av, and Elul . However, the Torah emphasizes that Yaakov grabbed Esav's heel at birth, earning him the name Yaakov (from Ekev , meaning heel). This teaches us that each of these three-month cycles has a "heel," or a tail end. Yaakov pulled the heel of this summer cycle—the month of Elul —back into his own domain. This converted what would have been an equal three-and-three split into an unequal four-month to two-month split in favor of Yaakov. The Winter Cycle: Venahapoch Hu We see the exact same pattern repeat during the winter months. Tishrei, Cheshvan, and Kislev belong to Yaakov. Tishrei is the month of the High Holidays. Cheshvan, though it contains no holidays, serves as the time to review and process the spiritual gains of the Chagim . Finally, Kislev brings the light of Chanukah. The next three months— Tevet, Shevat, and Adar —should have belonged to Esav. Tevet contains the fast of Asara B'Tevet . Shevat shares a root with the word Shevet , which means a whipping stick or a staff of judgment, signifying that Shevat also carries an element of strict justice. Adar was also supposed to belong to Esav, but once again, Yaakov grabbed the heel of the cycle and pulled Adar back. This is the deeper secret behind the phrase Venahapoch hu —it was completely turned around. Ultimately, this leaves Esav with only four distinct months of intense judgment throughout the year: Tammuz, Av, Tevet, and Shevat . The Spiritual Mechanics of Heat and Cold It is fascinating to see how something as everyday as the twelve months and the changing seasons trace back to the foundational conflict between Yaakov and Esav. Furthermore, the winter and summer concepts relate directly to the ideas of severe cold and severe heat. What do hot and cold have to do with our spiritual lives? It might sound intense, but our tradition teaches that while Gehenom is made of fire—which is what most people know—there is also a Gehenom of snow. There is a realm of extreme heat (like the Sahara Desert) and a realm of extreme cold (like the North Pole). Both are incredibly difficult environments for life. These two extremes correspond to the two primary ways we stumble: Intense Heat: This represents the burning pursuit of desires and lust. Intense Cold: This represents a state of freezing, spiritual paralysis, and laziness. In the winter months, our primary challenge is to overcome the "cold" of laziness and not simply stay in bed. In the summer months, our challenge is to control the "heat" and not follow our desires. The Gehenom of fire is the consequence of chasing unbridled passion, while the Gehenom of snow is for frozen apathy. Esav is constantly trying to entrap us in these two areas. As Rashi notes, when Esav walked in to receive a blessing from his father Yitzchak, Yitzchak saw Gehenom open up behind him. Esav is the one who ultimately aligns with Gehenom , while Yaakov and his children inherit Gan Eden and Olam HaBa . Historical Precision as a Source of Chizuk These spiritual dynamics repeat themselves every single year. As we overcome the specific trials of the summer and winter, we emerge clean. The calendar is not random or haphazard. Tammuz and Av are months of strict judgment because they are Esav's remaining summer months of intense, severe heat. It is no coincidence that this was the exact time of year the Beit HaMikdash was destroyed by fire. The historical convergence is remarkable. The First Beit HaMikdash , the Second Beit HaMikdash , the Spanish Inquisition, and the outbreaks of both World War I and World War II all heavily converged around this specific window of the year. Rav Eliyahu Lopian once beautifully remarked that if the enemy only realized that the Jewish people actually derive a chizuk in emunah from the fact that these tragic events repeatedly happen at the exact same calendar window, they would have intentionally chosen a different time to attack us! Recognizing that everything is so precisely designed and orchestrated by Hakadosh Baruch Hu is profoundly comforting. It serves to strengthen our emunah and bitachon , giving us the tools to navigate and elevate these challenging times of the year.

The Rebbe addresses the practice of students traveling home for the entire month of Tishrei, stating this is contrary to reason and spiritual guidance. He emphasizes the need to spiritually equip students and introduce them to Chabad customs without disrupting their inherited traditions. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/007/011/2205

The Rebbe explains why the teachings of Chassidus are called 'Chassidus,' emphasizing that the name reflects its purpose, similar to how 'Torah' describes its function. He also expresses concern about delays in sending Kehot books to Eretz Yisrael before Elul and Tishrei. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/007/011/2187

The Rebbe writes about the importance of yeshiva students increasing their study of maamarim focused on avodah, especially during the days of Elul and Tishrei. He encourages this practice not only locally but also in Montreal and other places. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/007/012/2227

The Rebbe clarifies that students should remain for Tishrei only if they willingly agree, and praises the recipient for explaining this properly. He inquires about spiritual provisions for traveling students and arranges to send requested booklets, extending blessings for the new year. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/007/012/2233

The Rebbe acknowledges the positive activities of Tishrei but stresses the need for greater expansion and outreach. He encourages the leadership to intensify efforts, especially among youth circles, and to continue publishing impactful materials. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/008/002/2270

התוכן לקט שיחות בענין החיוב לסיים בדבר טוב: 1) מבואר בשער הכולל שסיום פרק ה' דמס' אבות הוא באמת ב"בן מאה כאילו מת וכו'", וזה שמסיימים במשנה שלפנ"ז "לפום צערא אגרא" הוא בגלל החיוב לסיים בדבר טוב. אבל בסדור אדה"ז הסיום הוא ב"בן מאה וכו'", כי הרי לא מסיימים בזה אלא באמירת "רבי חנניא בן עקשיא אומר וכו'". 2) זה שבהתוועדות הקודמת כשדובר ע"ד החיוב לסיים בדבר טוב בקשר למשנה "לפום צערא אגרא", לא הזכירו את המשנה בסיום מס' כלים "אשריך כלים שנכנסת בטומאה ויצאת בטהרה?" – כי שם יכלו לומר שזה רק 1) ענין של "אשריך" ולא חיוב, 2) כדי לתקן את ה"נכנסת בטומאה". ולכן הביאו אז מד' פסוקים שונים בתושב"כ כדי להוכיח שזה חיוב בכל מקום. 3) כל ענין בתורה הוא "תורה", אעפ"כ הדין הוא שיש לסיים בדבר טוב, ובשביל זה לפעמים חוזרים על פסוק שלפנ"ז בין הקריאה (של מפטיר) והברכה וכו'. 4) סיום מס' כתובות (לאחרי שמביא כמה ענינים בלתי רצויים שיהיו ב"דור שבן דוד בא") הוא "עתידין אילני סרק שבארץ ישראל שיטענו פירות וכו'", ואי' בתוס' שזהו "לפי שרוצה לסיים בדבר טוב"; יש לסיים איזה ענין שיהי' בדבר טוב – "אין טוב אלא תורה", וה' בעצמו, ש"מגיד דבריו ליעקב וגו'", יסיים את הגלות בדבר טוב – בגאולה האמיתית והשלימה, וגם בגלות גופא – כמו שכל דבר ומסכתא צריך לסיים בדבר טוב – יסתיים כל "מסכתא" ויום של כל יהודי – בטוב כפשוטו! 1) משיחת יום ד' פ' בשלח, יו"ד שבט ה'תשל"ט. 2) ב' חלקים משיחת מוצאי ש"פ בשלח, י"ג שבט ה'תשל"ט. 3) משיחת יום ד' פ' נח, ל' תשרי, אדר"ח מרחשון ה'תשמ"ב. 4) ג' חלקים משיחת אור ליום ו' פ' מצורע, י"א ניסן ה'תשל"ג. ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=04-06-2026 Synopsis A collection of sichos regarding the obligation to conclude with something good: (1) In Mishnayos, Chapter 5 of Pirkei Avos concludes with, “According to the pain is the reward,” whereas in the Alter Rebbe's Siddur, it concludes with “…Five years is the age for the study of Scripture…A hundred-year-old is as one who has died…” The Shaar Hakollel explains that the way it appears in the Alter Rebbe's Siddur is correct, but it appears differently in Mishnayos is in order to conclude with something good (whereas in the Siddur that concern is not present because in any case one follows Pirkei Avos with “Rabbi Chananya ben Akashya says…” (2) In the previous farbrengen, when discussing the obligation to conclude with something good (in connection with the Mishnah “According to the pain is the reward”), I did not mention the Mishnah at the end of Masechta Keilim (“Fortunate are you, Keilim, that you entered in impurity and exited in purity”) because in that Mishna it could be argued that (a) the expression “Fortunate are you” does not connote an obligation, and (b) perhaps it was only necessary there to conclude with something good (“exited in purity”) in order to correct the negative (“entered in impurity”). Instead, I cited four different verses from the Written Torah, to prove that concluding with something good is an obligation that applies everywhere. (3) The rule is that in Torah one must conclude with something good, despite the fact that whatever the conclusion would be, it would be part of Torah. For this reason, we find that sometimes a verse is repeated (even between the reading of Maftir and the bracha) in order to conclude with something good. (4) (After describing the undesirable conditions that will prevail before Moshiach's coming), Masechta Kesubos concludes: “In the future all barren trees in Eretz Yisroel will bear fruit, as it is stated: ‘For the tree bears its fruit, the fig tree and the vine yield their strength.'” Tosafos explains that this is because the Gemara “wishes to conclude with something good.” From this we learn that everything should be concluded with something good (and “There is no good except Torah”). Because Hashem keeps His own commandments etc., He will surely conclude the exile with something good – the true and complete Redemption – and even during exile, every “Masechta” and every day of every Jew's life will conclude with good in the literal sense.(1) Excerpt from sichah of Wednesday, parashas Beshalach, 10 Shevat 5739. (2) Two excerpts from sichah of Motzaei Shabbos parashas Beshalach, 13 Shevat 5739. (3) Excerpt from sichah of Wednesday, parashas Noach, 30 Tishrei, first day of Rosh Chodesh MarCheshvan 5742. (4) Three excerpts from sichah of Thursday night, parashas Metzora, 11 Nissan 5733. For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=04-06-2026 לזכות החתן הת׳ ר' לוי יצחק והכלה מרת יהודית שיחיו פעלדמאןלרגל נישואיהם בשעה טובה ומוצלחתי"ט סיון ה'תשפ"ונדבת משפחתם שיחיו

The Midrash at the beginning of Parashat Emor quotes the pasuk in Tehillim: יוֹם לְיוֹם יַבִּיעַ אֹמֶר וְלַיְלָה לְלַיְלָה יְחַוֶּה דָּעַת . The Midrash explains that in the months of Nisan and Tishrei, the day and night are equal. In the summer, the day borrows hours from the night, and in the winter, the night borrows from the day, until over the course of the year they balance out perfectly. The mefarshim ask: what does this have to do with Parashat Emor, and what is the message of this Midrash? The Tehillot Maharitz explains that every individual in Klal Yisrael has a different role. Although there are many mitzvot that apply only to Kohanim and Levi'im, כל ישראל ערבים זה לזה —we are all responsible for one another. They serve on behalf of us, and we serve on behalf of them. When we understand that we are all one unit, forming Hashem's army of servants, we can truly love one another and remove jealousy from our hearts. The Or HaChaim explains that when Moshe Rabbeinu was told to instruct the Kohanim about their unique mitzvot, one might have thought this would be difficult for him. Originally, Moshe was meant to be the Kohen, but because he hesitated at the burning bush to accept the role of leadership, the kehuna was given to Aharon instead. And we know there was no one who loved mitzvot more than Moshe Rabbeinu. It would seem that hearing about all the additional mitzvot given to the Kohanim could have caused him pain. For this, the Midrash gives its answer. Just as the day and night borrow from each other without resentment, knowing that together they create a perfect balance, so too Klal Yisrael. Some are Kohanim, some Levi'im, some are wealthy, some are poor—but when each person fulfills his role, together we form a perfect nation serving Hashem. Imagine a team competing in a contest, where each correct answer helps the entire team win. If one member answers many questions correctly, his teammates are not jealous—they are thrilled, because his success is their success. That is how we must feel about one another. We are all on the same team, serving the same Hashem. When one person excels, it elevates all of us. The Gemara at the end of Masechet Menachot tells of a tragic case where one brother became jealous of the other for being appointed Kohen Gadol, to the point that he wanted to kill him. Had he understood that they were on the same team, serving the same Hashem, such jealousy could never have existed. Hashem assigns each person a different role, and one who fulfills his mission receives his full reward—just like anyone else who fulfills theirs. It is not a competition. Hashem has enough to give everyone. At Yetziat Mitzrayim, while the Jewish people were busy collecting gold and silver, Moshe Rabbeinu was occupied with bringing the bones of Yosef. On this, the pasuk says: חכם לב יקח מצוות . Moshe was called wise because he chose mitzvot over wealth, and that lesson has inspired generations. All the merit of that inspiration belongs to him. In fact, if Moshe had been a Kohen, he would not have been able to become tameh to carry Yosef's bones. It was specifically this act that led to the great miracle of Keriat Yam Suf. What seemed like a limitation for Moshe became the greatest opportunity. There is never a reason to be jealous of what someone else has, does, or achieves. Hashem gives each person exactly the opportunities needed to fulfill his unique mission. The more we rejoice in another person's success, the more we align ourselves with Hashem's plan and become better servants of Him.

Chassidus Came to Teach Us How to Enjoy This World, Not Only the NextThis text-based class is the sixth and last in a series on the Maamar "Ki Bayom Hazeh Yechaper," number two, by the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (1745-1812), which he presented on Shabbos Vayielech, 6 Tishrei, 5570 (September 16, 1809), published in Likkutei Torah Acherei Mos. Rabbi YY Jacobson presented this class on Monday, Parshas Behar - Bechukosei, 17 Iyar, 5786, May 4, 2026, at Ohr Chaim Shul, Monsey, NY.View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9916

See Me, Don't Just Serve Me: How Can the Sages Say that “All Mitzvos Don't Compare to One Word of Torah?!” This text-based class is the fifth in a series on the Maamar "Ki Bayom Hazeh Yechaper," number two, by the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (1745-1812), which he presented on Shabbos Vayielech, 6 Tishrei, 5570 (September 16, 1809), published in Likkutei Torah Acherei Mos. Rabbi YY Jacobson presented this class on Friday, Parshas Emor, 14 Iyar, 5786, May 1, 2026, at Ohr Chaim Shul, Monsey, NY. View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9915

Hello Anxiety My Old Friend… And Now Can We Let Go?This class is the fourth of a series on the Maamar "Ki Bayom Hazeh Yechaper," number two, by the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (1745-1812), which he presented on Shabbos Vayielech, 6 Tishrei, 5570 (September 16, 1809), published in Likkutei Torah Achrei Mos. Rabbi YY Jacobson presented this class as a "farbrengen," a vulnerable conversation on surrender, trust, trauma, and living in oneness. It was presented on Thursday, Parshas Emor, 13 Iyar, 5786, April 30, 2026, at Ohr Chaim Shul, Monsey, NY.View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9912

The Most Important Question in Life: What Is More Real—My Finiteness or My Infinity?This text-based class is the third of a series on the Maamar "Ki Bayom Hazeh Yechaper," number two, by the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (1745-1812), which he presented on Shabbos Vayielech, 6 Tishrei, 5570 (September 16, 1809), published in Likkutei Torah Acherei Mos. Rabbi YY Jacobson taught this class on Monday, Parshas Emor, 10 Iyar, 5786, April 27, 2026, at Ohr Chaim Shul, Monsey, NY.View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9910

How Every Word and Idea in Torah Transmits the Frequency of OnenessThis text-based class is the second of a series on the Maamar "Ki Bayom Hazeh Yechaper," number two, by the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (1745-1812), which he presented on Shabbos Vayielech, 6 Tishrei, 5570 (September 16, 1809), published in Likkutei Torah Acherei Mos. Rabbi YY Jacobson taught this class on Thursday, Parshas Acharei Mos, 6 Iyar, 5786, April 23, 2026, at Ohr Chaim Shul, Monsey, NY.View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9909

The Wave Only Feels Broken when it Crashes Because It Forgets Its True IdentityThis text-based class is the first of a series on the Maamar "Ki Bayom Hazeh Yechaper," number two, by the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, which he presented on Shabbos Vayielech, 6 Tishrei, 5570 (September 16, 1809), published in Likkutei Torah Acherei Mos. Rabbi YY Jacobson taught this class on Monday, Parshas Acharei Mos, 3 Iyar, 5786, April 20, 2026, at Ohr Chaim Shul, Monsey, NY.View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9904

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Yud Alef Nissan Pesach Do we say Gut Yom Tov today? How do we honor the Rebbe's birthday? What is the single most important thing each of us should do on this special day? How did the Rebbe celebrate his birthday? What were the events that led to the things done for Yud Alef Nissan 5742 – eighty years? What is the significance of the number eleven? Is it significant that “peace in Israel” are the last words in Tehillim chapter 125, which we begin reciting today? Do some people receive answers from the Rebbe more than others?  Miracles and Iran Seder What is the relevance of the war in Iran to Pesach? What's the underlying message of Pesach? What does it truly mean to be free?  How is the energy of Nissan and Pesach different than that of ani l'dodi v'dodi li of Elul and Tishrei? Do I have to observe the holiday if I am experiencing financial difficulties, which cause stress and anxiety, antithetical to the theme of Passover? Why is Passover celebrated on the day the exodus happened, unlike Purim and Chanukah which are celebrated the day after the miracles happened?   Why do we celebrate it every year? Why does Passover have three names? What can we learn from the great miracle of Shabbos HaGadol and the other miracles of the time about today's miracles? How do we reconcile Chizkiyahu being criticized for not praising G-d's for His miracles with the ruling that one should not say Hallel every day – how do we find the right balance of acknowledging miracles in our lives? What can each of us do physically and spiritually to help protect all the innocent people and bring victory in the war against Iran? As an American who moved to Israel I am bemused by people questioning the safety of living here. How do we resolve a major conflict between husband and wife of how extreme we should be with our Pesach cleaning? Can you please share some memories of the Rebbe visiting different public Seders in Crown Heights? Why did he do so? Why did the Rebbe ask an artist to illustrate a special edition of the Haggadah for children? 

התוכן קרבנו של מצורע הוא "קרבן עולה ויורד" [כמ"ש בראשון דפ' מצורע] שבזה מודגש הענין ד"איני מבקש כו' אלא לפי כחן" שלכן תובעים מכאו"א כפי הישג ידו בלבד. ואעפ"כ ישנו דין ש"עני שאמר קרבנו של מצורע זה עלי והי' המצורע עשיר ה"ז מביא על ידו קרבנות עשיר וכו'"! ולכאו' איך תובעים ממנו להביא קרבנות עשיר שלא כפי הישג ידו?! אלא מזה גופא שישנו פס"ד והלכה שחייב להביא קרבן עשיר מוכרח לומר שהקב"ה יתן לו את האפשרות להביא מממונו קרבנות עשיר. והוראה נפלאה מזה: כאשר יהודי מחליט במס"נ לעשות ליהודי שני דבר טוב כזה שהוא למעלה מכחותיו ה"ז דבר ברור שהקב"ה יתן לו את האפשרות לקיים החלטתו! וכפי שראו הנהגה כזו אצל כ"ק מו"ח אדמו"ר, ולדוגמא הסיפור על היהודי שלקח ע"ע הדפסת ספרי הצ"צ שזה הי' למע' מכחותיו ובירכו הרבי ונעשה עשיר וקיים הבטחתו! ועוד.משיחת אור ליום ועש"ק פ' בראשית, כ"ו תשרי ה'תשמ"ו ב"יחידות" כללית להאורחים שיחיו ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=12-04-2026 Synopsis The metzora's offering is a sliding-scale offering (as it says at the beginning of parashas Metzora), which is offered only according to his means, emphasizing that “I request only … according to their ability.” Nevertheless, there is law stating that, “If a poor person said, ‘The offering of this metzora is upon me,' and the metzora was wealthy, [the poor person] must bring a wealthy person's offering on his behalf...” Seemingly, how can the poor person be required to bring the offering of a wealthy person, which is beyond his means? From the very fact that there is a halacha obligating him to do so, we must say that Hashem will grant him the ability to bring a wealthy person's offering, and from his own funds. And this is the wondrous lesson: When a Jew resolves with mesiras-nefesh to do a favor for another Jew, even when it is beyond his natural capacity, it is clear that Hashem will grant him the ability to fulfill his resolution. As we saw with my father-in-law, the Rebbe, including the well-known story of the Jew who undertook to fund the printing of the Tzemach Tzedek's seforim: at the time of his commitment, it was beyond his capacity, but with the Rebbe's bracha he became wealthy and fulfilled his pledge.Excerpt from sichah of Thursday night, 26 Tishrei 5746 –Yechidus Klalis for Tishrei guests For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=12-04-2026 לזכות שמואל הכהן בן רוזה חנה שי' ליום ההולדת שלו כ"ה ניסן – לשנת ברכה והצלחה, ואריכות ימים ושנים טובותנדבת אביו ר' ‏אברהם הכהן שי'‏

Why are months dated from the Exodus and why did we subsequently absorb the names of the months of the Persians? Why is New Year celebrated in Tishrei if the world was created in Nissan?

Two ideas relating to the ways we refer to the months of the year and the beginning of the year

B"H Rosh Hashana is right now. Not the one in Tishrei, the one in Nissan. According to the Torah, Nissan is the first of the months. Tishrei is about refining yourself. Your character, your relationships, teshuva. But Nissan is about something deeper. Identity. Who are you? You are Am Yisrael. Part of a people with a mission, a Torah, a connection to Eretz Yisrael, and a story that began with Yetziat Mitzrayim. And only when you know who you are can you truly work on who you want to become. Find yourself first, and then you have a self to refine. Chodesh Tov. #Nissan #Judaism #Pesach #AmYisraelChai #RoshChodesh 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!

B"H One of the most special Shabbatot of the year is coming. Shabbat HaChodesh. In Jewish life many people think the year begins with Rosh Hashanah in Tishrei. But according to the Torah, Tishrei is actually the seventh month. The first month of the year is Nissan, which is about to begin. Right before that, we read Parashat HaChodesh. The Torah teaches the mitzvah of counting the months, beginning with Nissan. It is the moment when the Jewish people were given the power to mark time and renew the calendar. The word chodesh means month, but it also shares a root with chadash, something new. That is the message of this Shabbat. Even at the very end of the year, the Torah calls it the Shabbat of newness. A reminder that it is never too late to begin again. Thank you Hashem for bringing us to Shabbat HaChodesh. May we all feel that sense of renewal, hitchadshut. Shabbat Shalom. #ShabbatHachodesh #Shabbat #Judaism #Nissan #Renewal 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!

In this engaging Ask Away episode, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe fields practical and profound questions from participants:Swearing on a non-Jewish Bible in court: In the U.S., one can "affirm" (not swear) under penalty of perjury, avoiding oaths prohibited by Torah; bringing a Chumash is ideal but not required.Cohen status: Transmitted only patrilineally; a Cohen father's daughter does not pass Cohen status to her son.Yom Kippur and Rosh Chodesh coinciding: Impossible, as Yom Kippur is fixed on 10 Tishrei while Rosh Hashanah (1 Tishrei) is always Rosh Chodesh (but overrides it as a greater celebration).Asking Hashem for specific signs: Perfectly permissible and powerful—Hashem responds to sincere, simple requests.Eating in a kosher-keeping but non-Shabbat-observant home: Delicate; Shabbat observance generally indicates reliability in other areas, but during growth transitions, caution is advised to avoid offense.Visualizing during prayer: Avoid images (risking idolatry roots); focus on standing alone under the heavens before Hashem's throne, or the personal intensity of addressing the King of Kings directly.The episode blends halachic precision with inspirational stories, emphasizing prayer as intimate conversation with Hashem, sensitivity in relationships, and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth.Please submit your questions at askaway@torchweb.org_____________The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen LernerDownload & Print the Everyday Judaism Halacha Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5This episode (Ep. #80) of the Everyday Judaism Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Marshall & Doreen Lerner! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on December 7, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on December 22, 2025_____________Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Everyday Judaism PodcastApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-judaism-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1600622789Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AXCNcyKSVsaOLsLQsCN1CShare your questions at askaway@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:#AskAway, #Torah, #Halacha, #Q&A, #Jewish, #Halacha, #Oath, #Kohen, #Prayer, #AskingForSigns #KosherKitchen #Shabbos, #JewishLaw ★ Support this podcast ★

In this engaging Ask Away episode, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe fields practical and profound questions from participants:Swearing on a non-Jewish Bible in court: In the U.S., one can "affirm" (not swear) under penalty of perjury, avoiding oaths prohibited by Torah; bringing a Chumash is ideal but not required.Cohen status: Transmitted only patrilineally; a Cohen father's daughter does not pass Cohen status to her son.Yom Kippur and Rosh Chodesh coinciding: Impossible, as Yom Kippur is fixed on 10 Tishrei while Rosh Hashanah (1 Tishrei) is always Rosh Chodesh (but overrides it as a greater celebration).Asking Hashem for specific signs: Perfectly permissible and powerful—Hashem responds to sincere, simple requests.Eating in a kosher-keeping but non-Shabbat-observant home: Delicate; Shabbat observance generally indicates reliability in other areas, but during growth transitions, caution is advised to avoid offense.Visualizing during prayer: Avoid images (risking idolatry roots); focus on standing alone under the heavens before Hashem's throne, or the personal intensity of addressing the King of Kings directly.The episode blends halachic precision with inspirational stories, emphasizing prayer as intimate conversation with Hashem, sensitivity in relationships, and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth.Please submit your questions at askaway@torchweb.org_____________The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen LernerDownload & Print the Everyday Judaism Halacha Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5This episode (Ep. #80) of the Everyday Judaism Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Marshall & Doreen Lerner! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on December 7, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on December 22, 2025_____________Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Everyday Judaism PodcastApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-judaism-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1600622789Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AXCNcyKSVsaOLsLQsCN1CShare your questions at askaway@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:#AskAway, #Torah, #Halacha, #Q&A, #Jewish, #Halacha, #Oath, #Kohen, #Prayer, #AskingForSigns #KosherKitchen #Shabbos, #JewishLaw ★ Support this podcast ★

Today in History: Possibly the day when the angel Gabriel visited Miriam (Yeshua's mother) in Nazareth, nine months before Rosh HaShanah and the fall feasts in the month Tishrei (see Luke 1:26–38).This week's portion is called Miketz (At the end) Suggested Historical Reading: 1 Maccabees 7–8TORAH PORTION: Genesis 42:19–43:15GOSPEL PORTION: Matthew 23:1–12What verse spoke to you most today and why?Did you learn something about God?Daily Bread for Kids is a daily Bible reading podcast where we read through the Torah and the Gospels in one year! Helping young Bible-readers to study God's Word, while also discovering its Jewish context!THE KIDS' JOURNAL is available from ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://arielmedia.shop⁠⁠⁠⁠BUSY MOMS who want to follow the Daily Bread readings on podcast for adults, can go to ⁠⁠https://dailybreadmoms.com⁠⁠The Bible translation we are reading from is the Tree of Life Version (TLV) available from the Tree of Life Bible Society.INSTAGRAM: @dailybreadkids @arielmediabooks @dailybreadmomsTags: #DailyBreadMoms #DailyBreadJournal #BibleJournaling #Messianic #BiblePodcast #BiblicalFeasts #Journal #biblereadingplan #Messiah #JewishRoots #Yeshua #GodIsInControl #OneYearBible #MomLife #MotherCulture #FaithFilledMama #BiblicalWomanhood #Proverbs31woman

The precision with which Hashem runs this world is absolutely mind-blowing. Everything happens at the exact time and place that it is meant to happen. Even events that seem to be the work of man are, in truth, the guiding hand of Hashem. A man related that on the 28th of Tishrei this year, he was in shul waiting for the reading of theTorah to begin. He waited and waited, wondering why it was taking so long. Someone finally told him that the person who was chosen to open the Aron Kodesh had accidentally taken out the wrong Sefer Torah. The one removed was rolled to somewhere in Parashat Pinchas, but the reading for that day was Parashat Noach. This meant they would have to spend quite some time rolling it to the correct place. The man couldn't understand how such a careless mistake could have happened. The gabbai always sets up the Sifrei Torah in a way that makes it obvious which one should be taken out. He was in a rush and now was going to be late. Meanwhile, the gabbai began rolling the Sefer, and everyone in shul worked on their middot and emunah, reminding themselves that this too was min haShamayim. Suddenly someone called out, "Look what it says here!" He pointed to the letters woven into the Torah's cover, where it read: Dedicated to the memory of a boy who passed away at seventeen years old on this very day—the 28th of Tishrei. What an incredible "mistake"! The man who opened the Aron had been guided by Hashem Himself, so that the Torah dedicated in memory of that young boy would be read on his yahrzeit. Suddenly, nobody cared about the delay. They were all in awe, having witnessed such a clear revelation of the Yad Hashem. After the tefillah, they discovered something astonishing. The 28th of Tishrei can never fall on Shabbat or Thursday; the only time a Torah can be read on that date is when it falls on a Monday. Since the boy's passing, that date had fallen on a Monday only five times, and it was not scheduled to do so again for another twenty years. That very day, Hashem orchestrated events so that his Torah would be read for him—guiding the man's hand to take out that exact Sefer. A woman related that for two years her husband refused to give her a get. Many rabbanim got involved, but nothing seemed to help. Her family encouraged her to publicize the situation and rally support, noting that he was ignoring the Beit Din summons. Before acting, she sought da'at Torah from her rav. He advised her to wait patiently and not to publicize anything yet. He explained that since she had just given birth, she would have to wait until her baby was two years old before she could remarry anyway. Listening to that advice was extremely difficult for her, because it was not in her nature to sit back and watch what seemed like injustice unfold. But she strengthened her emunah, saying, "No one has any power other than Hashem. The moment He wants me to have my get—I will have it." And finally, that day came. Her husband gave her the get. It was nothing short of a miracle. Afterward, the rav from the Beit Din told her, "With this get, you will be permitted to remarry in exactly ninety-two days." She looked at the calendar—and couldn't believe what she saw. The ninety-second day was the exact day of her son's second birthday. She felt as though Hashem was whispering to her, "You were in My hands the entire time. You were never delayed—not even by one second. The exact day that you would be halachically permitted to marry again is the day your get would fully take effect." The precision of Hashem in every person's life is truly beyond comprehension. We occasionally hear some stories, but these wonders are happening to millions of people every single day—all orchestrated perfectly by the One who directs every detail of creation. There is nothing random; every delay, every detour, every detail is part of Hashem's perfect plan.

Today in History: A possible date when Noah left the ark (see Genesis 8:14 and following). “In the second month [counting from Tishrei], on the twenty-seventh day of the month, the earth was dry. Then God spoke to Noah, saying, ‘Go out of the ark, you and your wife and your sons and your sons' wives with you.'”This week's portion is called Toldot (Generations) TORAH PORTION: Genesis 26:13–22GOSPEL PORTION: Matthew 13:1–9What verse spoke to you most today and why?Did you learn something about God?Daily Bread for Kids is a daily Bible reading podcast where we read through the Torah and the Gospels in one year! Helping young Bible-readers to study God's Word, while also discovering its Jewish context!THE KIDS' JOURNAL is available from ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://arielmedia.shop⁠⁠⁠⁠BUSY MOMS who want to follow the Daily Bread readings on podcast for adults, can go to ⁠⁠https://dailybreadmoms.com⁠⁠The Bible translation we are reading from is the Tree of Life Version (TLV) available from the Tree of Life Bible Society.INSTAGRAM: @dailybreadkids @arielmediabooks @dailybreadmomsTags: #DailyBreadMoms #DailyBreadJournal #BibleJournaling #Messianic #BiblePodcast #BiblicalFeasts #Journal #biblereadingplan #Messiah #JewishRoots #Yeshua #GodIsInControl #OneYearBible #MomLife #MotherCulture #FaithFilledMama #BiblicalWomanhood #Proverbs31woman

The Gemara brings a braita in which a Tanna offers an alternative interpretation to explain Beit Hillel’s reasoning - that one application of blood in the sin offering is sufficient to fulfill the obligation, rather than two. Two objections are raised against this interpretation, and in the second objection, an alternative drasha is proposed. However, both objections are ultimately resolved. If, according to Beit Shammai, pigul applies only when the improper intent occurs during two applications of blood (in a sin offering), whereas according to Beit Hillel even one is sufficient, the question arises: why is this ruling not listed among the leniencies of Beit Shammai? Rabbi Yochanan and Rav Pappa enumerate various laws in which the three non-essential applications of blood are similar to or different from the one essential application.

Register to join the weekly Daily Bread Torah Classes!!! Learn Torah in Light of Messiah every week with Bible Teacher Lars Enarson. Join anytime. www.larsenarson.com/torah Plagues, sacrifices, rituals, and blood. This is the part of the Bible many Christians avoid—the Law of Moses (“Torah” in Hebrew). Isn't the Law about rules, not relationship? Works, not grace?​​​​ Yet Yeshua said, “If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me” (Jn 5:46). And King David said, “Oh how I love your Law! It is my meditation all the day” (Ps 119). — How can that be?​​​​​​ GET A COMPREHENSIVE foundation in the Torah—the part of the Bible many Christians are least familiar with, yet which forms the basis for all Scriptural revelation.​ The Torah is an interpretive key that unlocks the rest of the Bible. Join students worldwide learning Torah in light of Messiah.

Study Guide A braita is presented that derives from the verse “And the blood of your sacrifices shall be poured” the principle that if one performs just a single application of blood for each offering brought on the outer altar, they have fulfilled their obligation—supporting the halakha stated in the Mishnah. However, this verse is also used for various other interpretations and halakhot. This raises a question: how does the author of the braita derive this law from the verse if it is already employed for other teachings? Those who interpret the verse differently derive this law by another method: they learn the rule from the sin offering (in accordance with Beit Hillel) and extend it from there to other offerings. How do Beit Shammai and Beit Hillel each derive their respective views regarding the sin offering from the biblical verses?

Daily Bread Torah Classes!!! Learn Torah in Light of Messiah every week with Bible Teacher Lars Enarson. Join anytime. www.larsenarson.com/torah Plagues, sacrifices, rituals, and blood. This is the part of the Bible many Christians avoid—the Law of Moses (“Torah” in Hebrew). Isn't the Law about rules, not relationship? Works, not grace?​​​​ Yet Yeshua said, “If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me” (Jn 5:46). And King David said, “Oh how I love your Law! It is my meditation all the day” (Ps 119). — How can that be?​​​​​​ GET A COMPREHENSIVE foundation in the Torah—the part of the Bible many Christians are least familiar with, yet which forms the basis for all Scriptural revelation.​ The Torah is an interpretive key that unlocks the rest of the Bible. Join students worldwide learning Torah in light of Messiah.

This month’s learning is dedicated in memory of Rabbi Dr. Raymond Harari z”l, on the occasion of his first yahrzeit. Rabbi Harari was my first Gemara teacher and the one who sparked my love for learning Gemara. Over the course of his distinguished career as an educator, as principal of the Yeshiva of Flatbush, and as community rabbi, he inspired thousands of students with his wisdom, warmth, and unwavering commitment to Torah. As his wife Vicky beautifully expressed, Rabbi Harari embodied six core values that he cultivated with deep intentionality throughout his life: hard work, gratitude, forgiveness, patience, focusing on families and our priorities, and the inclusion of women in halakhic Judaism. Yehi zichro baruch. The Mishna presents a dispute between Rabbi Yehuda and the rabbis regarding a thought during the slaughtering of a sacrifice to leave the blood or the parts designated for burning until the next day. Rabbi Yehuda rules that such a thought disqualifies the offering, while the rabbis disagree, arguing that the thought does not pertain to “consumption,” and therefore does not invalidate the sacrifice. The Mishna further clarifies that only specific types of improper intent disqualify a sacrifice: namely, intent involving “outside of time,” “outside of location,” or “not for the sake of the correct sacrifice” and the latter only in the cases of sin offerings and the Paschal offering. It then enumerates several examples of thoughts that do not disqualify the offering, such as intending that an impure or uncircumcised person will eat the meat, or that the blood will be placed on the wrong altar or in the wrong location on the altar. Rabbi Yehuda’s position is initially derived from the verse in Vayikra (Leviticus) 7:15, which states “lo yaniach” - “do not leave it” - referring to meat left beyond its designated time. However, the Gemara ultimately rejects this derivation, noting that it cannot be applied to thoughts of “outside of location.” Additionally, a braita clarifies that Rabbi Yehuda’s reasoning is based on logical inference: if physically leaving the blood beyond its designated time or place disqualifies the sacrifice, then merely intending to do so should also disqualify it. Rabbi Yehuda does not extend his logic to the other cases listed in the Mishna, such as consumption by an impure or uncircumcised person, because even if these acts were actually carried out, the sacrifice itself would not be invalidated. The Gemara analyzes each of the cases mentioned in the Mishna and explains why none of them would disqualify the offering. Rabbi Abba explains that although Rabbi Yehuda disqualifies a sacrifice when there is intent to leave the blood until the next day, if a pigul thought is later introduced, such as intending that the meat be eaten after its designated time, the sacrifice becomes pigul, despite the earlier disqualifying thought. Rava attempts to support Rabbi Abba’s statement, but his proof is ultimately rejected. Rav Huna raises a challenge to Rabbi Abba’s position, which remains unresolved. Rav Chisda presents two statements, both of which Rava attempts to prove, though each proof is refuted. The first states that if one intends for impure individuals to eat the sacrifice on the following day, the offering becomes pigul and is punishable by karet, even though impure individuals are already prohibited from eating it. The second concerns a Paschal offering that was not roasted, or a thanksgiving offering brought without its accompanying loaves. Although the meat of these offerings is forbidden to be eaten in such cases, if an impure person consumes them, it is still punishable by karet. Beit Shammai and Beit Hillel disagree regarding the minimum number of blood applications required on the altar for a sin offering. Both agree that for all sacrifices offered on the outer altar, except for the sin offering, if only one blood application is performed, the sacrifice is still valid. However, they differ on the sin offering itself: Beit Shammai maintains that at least two applications are required, while Beit Hillel holds that one suffices. In a case where only one application is required, if the first application is performed properly and a pigul thought (i.e., intent to eat the meat after its designated time) occurs during the second application, the sacrifice is not disqualified. However, if the first application is performed with a pigul thought and the second is done properly, the sacrifice is rendered pigul and is punishable by karet, since the disqualifying thought occurred during the essential act that permits the meat to be eaten. In contrast, for sacrifices offered on the inner altar, all blood applications are essential. Therefore, if a disqualifying thought, such as intending to eat or burn the meat beyond its designated time, occurs during only part of the applications, the sacrifice is disqualified. However, it is not considered pigul and is not punishable by karet, because pigul status only applies when the improper intent accompanies the entire act that permits the consumption of the meat.

Register to join the weekly Daily Bread Torah Classes!!! Learn Torah in Light of Messiah every week with Bible Teacher Lars Enarson. Join anytime. www.larsenarson.com/torah Plagues, sacrifices, rituals, and blood. This is the part of the Bible many Christians avoid—the Law of Moses (“Torah” in Hebrew). Isn't the Law about rules, not relationship? Works, not grace?​​​​ Yet Yeshua said, “If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me” (Jn 5:46). And King David said, “Oh how I love your Law! It is my meditation all the day” (Ps 119). — How can that be?​​​​​​ GET A COMPREHENSIVE foundation in the Torah—the part of the Bible many Christians are least familiar with, yet which forms the basis for all Scriptural revelation.​ The Torah is an interpretive key that unlocks the rest of the Bible. Join students worldwide learning Torah in light of Messiah.

Register to join the weekly Daily Bread Torah Classes!!! Learn Torah in Light of Messiah every week with Bible Teacher Lars Enarson. Join anytime. www.larsenarson.com/torah Plagues, sacrifices, rituals, and blood. This is the part of the Bible many Christians avoid—the Law of Moses (“Torah” in Hebrew). Isn't the Law about rules, not relationship? Works, not grace?​​​​ Yet Yeshua said, “If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me” (Jn 5:46). And King David said, “Oh how I love your Law! It is my meditation all the day” (Ps 119). — How can that be?​​​​​​ GET A COMPREHENSIVE foundation in the Torah—the part of the Bible many Christians are least familiar with, yet which forms the basis for all Scriptural revelation.​ The Torah is an interpretive key that unlocks the rest of the Bible. Join students worldwide learning Torah in light of Messiah.

Register to join the weekly Daily Bread Torah Classes!!! Learn Torah in Light of Messiah every week with Bible Teacher Lars Enarson. Join anytime. www.larsenarson.com/torah Plagues, sacrifices, rituals, and blood. This is the part of the Bible many Christians avoid—the Law of Moses (“Torah” in Hebrew). Isn't the Law about rules, not relationship? Works, not grace?​​​​ Yet Yeshua said, “If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me” (Jn 5:46). And King David said, “Oh how I love your Law! It is my meditation all the day” (Ps 119). — How can that be?​​​​​​ GET A COMPREHENSIVE foundation in the Torah—the part of the Bible many Christians are least familiar with, yet which forms the basis for all Scriptural revelation.​ The Torah is an interpretive key that unlocks the rest of the Bible. Join students worldwide learning Torah in light of Messiah.

Register to join the weekly Daily Bread Torah Classes!!! Learn Torah in Light of Messiah every week with Bible Teacher Lars Enarson. Join anytime. www.larsenarson.com/torah Plagues, sacrifices, rituals, and blood. This is the part of the Bible many Christians avoid—the Law of Moses (“Torah” in Hebrew). Isn't the Law about rules, not relationship? Works, not grace?​​​​ Yet Yeshua said, “If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me” (Jn 5:46). And King David said, “Oh how I love your Law! It is my meditation all the day” (Ps 119). — How can that be?​​​​​​ GET A COMPREHENSIVE foundation in the Torah—the part of the Bible many Christians are least familiar with, yet which forms the basis for all Scriptural revelation.​ The Torah is an interpretive key that unlocks the rest of the Bible. Join students worldwide learning Torah in light of Messiah.

Register to join the weekly Daily Bread Torah Classes!!! Learn Torah in Light of Messiah every week with Bible Teacher Lars Enarson. Join anytime. https://www.larsenarson.com/torah Plagues, sacrifices, rituals, and blood. This is the part of the Bible many Christians avoid—the Law of Moses (“Torah” in Hebrew). Isn't the Law about rules, not relationship? Works, not grace?​​​​ Yet Yeshua said, “If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me” (Jn 5:46). And King David said, “Oh how I love your Law! It is my meditation all the day” (Ps 119). — How can that be?​​​​​​ GET A COMPREHENSIVE foundation in the Torah—the part of the Bible many Christians are least familiar with, yet which forms the basis for all Scriptural revelation.​ The Torah is an interpretive key that unlocks the rest of the Bible. Join students worldwide learning Torah in light of Messiah.

www.dailybreadmoms.com Now coming to busy moms all over the world as a daily podcast! Daily Bread follows the weekly Torah Portion, one part each day, together with a healthy balance from the rest of Scripture — all in one year. More than just a one-year Bible reading plan, Daily Bread is designed as a journal, with a comprehensive Hebrew calendar. To support the podcast - www.patreon.com/dailybreadmoms Check out the Daily Bread Torah Class, LIVE from Israel! Join anytime. larsenarson.com/torah Journals are available here: arielmedia.shop/

www.dailybreadmoms.com Now coming to busy moms all over the world as a daily podcast! Daily Bread follows the weekly Torah Portion, one part each day, together with a healthy balance from the rest of Scripture — all in one year. More than just a one-year Bible reading plan, Daily Bread is designed as a journal, with a comprehensive Hebrew calendar. To support the podcast - www.patreon.com/dailybreadmoms Check out the Daily Bread Torah Class, LIVE from Israel! Join anytime. larsenarson.com/torah Journals are available here: arielmedia.shop/

www.dailybreadmoms.com Now coming to busy moms all over the world as a daily podcast! Daily Bread follows the weekly Torah Portion, one part each day, together with a healthy balance from the rest of Scripture — all in one year. More than just a one-year Bible reading plan, Daily Bread is designed as a journal, with a comprehensive Hebrew calendar. To support the podcast - www.patreon.com/dailybreadmoms Check out the Daily Bread Torah Class, LIVE from Israel! Join anytime. larsenarson.com/torah Journals are available here: arielmedia.shop/

www.dailybreadmoms.com Now coming to busy moms all over the world as a daily podcast! Daily Bread follows the weekly Torah Portion, one part each day, together with a healthy balance from the rest of Scripture — all in one year. More than just a one-year Bible reading plan, Daily Bread is designed as a journal, with a comprehensive Hebrew calendar. To support the podcast - www.patreon.com/dailybreadmoms Check out the Daily Bread Torah Class, LIVE from Israel! Join anytime. larsenarson.com/torah Journals are available here: arielmedia.shop/

www.dailybreadmoms.com Now coming to busy moms all over the world as a daily podcast! Daily Bread follows the weekly Torah Portion, one part each day, together with a healthy balance from the rest of Scripture — all in one year. More than just a one-year Bible reading plan, Daily Bread is designed as a journal, with a comprehensive Hebrew calendar. To support the podcast - www.patreon.com/dailybreadmoms Check out the Daily Bread Torah Class, LIVE from Israel! Join anytime. larsenarson.com/torah Journals are available here: arielmedia.shop/

www.dailybreadmoms.com Now coming to busy moms all over the world as a daily podcast! Daily Bread follows the weekly Torah Portion, one part each day, together with a healthy balance from the rest of Scripture — all in one year. More than just a one-year Bible reading plan, Daily Bread is designed as a journal, with a comprehensive Hebrew calendar. To support the podcast - www.patreon.com/dailybreadmoms Check out the Daily Bread Torah Class, LIVE from Israel! Join anytime. larsenarson.com/torah Journals are available here: arielmedia.shop/

www.dailybreadmoms.com Now coming to busy moms all over the world as a daily podcast! Daily Bread follows the weekly Torah Portion, one part each day, together with a healthy balance from the rest of Scripture — all in one year. More than just a one-year Bible reading plan, Daily Bread is designed as a journal, with a comprehensive Hebrew calendar. To support the podcast - www.patreon.com/dailybreadmoms Check out the Daily Bread Torah Class, LIVE from Israel! Join anytime. larsenarson.com/torah Journals are available here: arielmedia.shop/

www.dailybreadmoms.com Now coming to busy moms all over the world as a daily podcast! Daily Bread follows the weekly Torah Portion, one part each day, together with a healthy balance from the rest of Scripture — all in one year. More than just a one-year Bible reading plan, Daily Bread is designed as a journal, with a comprehensive Hebrew calendar. To support the podcast - www.patreon.com/dailybreadmoms Check out the Daily Bread Torah Class, LIVE from Israel! Join anytime. larsenarson.com/torah Journals are available here: arielmedia.shop/

www.dailybreadmoms.com Now coming to busy moms all over the world as a daily podcast! Daily Bread follows the weekly Torah Portion, one part each day, together with a healthy balance from the rest of Scripture — all in one year. More than just a one-year Bible reading plan, Daily Bread is designed as a journal, with a comprehensive Hebrew calendar. To support the podcast - www.patreon.com/dailybreadmoms Check out the Daily Bread Torah Class, LIVE from Israel! Join anytime. larsenarson.com/torah Journals are available here: arielmedia.shop/

www.dailybreadmoms.com Now coming to busy moms all over the world as a daily podcast! Daily Bread follows the weekly Torah Portion, one part each day, together with a healthy balance from the rest of Scripture — all in one year. More than just a one-year Bible reading plan, Daily Bread is designed as a journal, with a comprehensive Hebrew calendar. To support the podcast - www.patreon.com/dailybreadmoms Check out the Daily Bread Torah Class, LIVE from Israel! Join anytime. larsenarson.com/torah Journals are available here: arielmedia.shop/

It commemorates events that happened in Tishrei, not Nissan (acc. to R Akiva)

www.dailybreadmoms.com Now coming to busy moms all over the world as a daily podcast! Daily Bread follows the weekly Torah Portion, one part each day, together with a healthy balance from the rest of Scripture — all in one year. More than just a one-year Bible reading plan, Daily Bread is designed as a journal, with a comprehensive Hebrew calendar. To support the podcast - www.patreon.com/dailybreadmoms Check out the Daily Bread Torah Class, LIVE from Israel! Join anytime. larsenarson.com/torah Journals are available here: arielmedia.shop/

www.dailybreadmoms.com Now coming to busy moms all over the world as a daily podcast! Daily Bread follows the weekly Torah Portion, one part each day, together with a healthy balance from the rest of Scripture — all in one year. More than just a one-year Bible reading plan, Daily Bread is designed as a journal, with a comprehensive Hebrew calendar. To support the podcast - www.patreon.com/dailybreadmoms Check out the Daily Bread Torah Class, LIVE from Israel! Join anytime. larsenarson.com/torah Journals are available here: arielmedia.shop/