Podcasts about yerushalayim

For a 10% discount on Rabbi David Ashear's new book LIVING EMUNAH VOL 8 click the link below https://www.artscroll.com/Books/9781422644645.html The Chafetz Chaim writes that in the entire narrative of Bilam attempting to curse the Jewish people, there are no paragraph breaks—no פ or ס —in the Torah. This is because the danger was so severe, the Torah did not want to pause until the threat had passed. Balak and Bilam stood on a mountaintop with the potential to cause immense destruction, and meanwhile, the Jewish people were completely unaware of the danger surrounding them. But Hashem, as always, the שומר ישראל , was watching over His nation. He did not allow any harm to come to us. From the words Hashem placed in the donkey's mouth, and later in Bilam's own mouth, we see what Hashem found so impressive about Am Yisrael. The donkey referred to the שלש רגלים , and Rashi explains that Hashem was saying to Bilam: this is a nation that travels three times a year to Yerushalayim for the שלש רגלים —you will not be able to harm them. The Jewish people would leave their homes and land open and vulnerable, trusting completely in Hashem's promise that no one would invade while they were away celebrating at the Beit HaMikdash. That kind of אמונה is a shield no curse can penetrate. Bilam then says: מי מנה עפר יעקב How many mitzvot do the Jewish people perform even with the simple dust of the earth? מה טובו אהליך יעקב משכנותיך ישראל How beautiful are our shuls and batei midrash, filled with Jews praying and learning. עם כלביא יקום We are a nation that rises like a lion in the morning to grab mitzvot(Tzitzit, Tefillin, and Shema) with passion and strength. We didn't even know the danger we were in, and therefore we couldn't pray to Hashem to save us. But Hashem, who loves us infinitely, provides us with constant opportunities to earn זכויות , which He uses to protect us exactly when we need them most. As Rabbi Chananya ben Akashya teaches: רצה הקדוש ברוך הוא לזכות את ישראל, לפיכך הרבה להם תורה ומצוות Hashem wanted to give us many merits, so He gave us many mitzvot. The pasuk says: לב מלך ביד ה׳ It is no coincidence that the recent war was named " עם כלביא יקום ." Those very words came from Hashem's mouth through Bilam and now once again through the Prime Minister. They describe a nation full of spiritual power, rising early to do mitzvot—and that is our true strength. Despite the immense danger we faced—those missiles had the potential to kill thousands—Hashem once again, the שומר ישראל , stood guard over His people. Since the horrors of October 7th, we have witnessed an awakening across Am Yisrael. So many people who didn't even know the words " שמע ישראל " are now full ba'alei emunah , looking to grow in Torah and mitzvot. This renewed devotion gives us tremendous זכות , and it makes Hashem so proud of His people. We've seen the downfall of our enemies this year. We know that we are in the end of days and we await the גאולה שלמה . But we are not there yet. We are still in galut, and we are still without the Beit HaMikdash. Now begins the period of בין המצרים , the three weeks between שבעה עשר בתמוז and תשעה באב . We pray that this year תשעה באב will be a day of joy and celebration, but there is still work to be done. The pasuk says: וישא בלעם את עיניו וירא את ישראל שוכן לשבטיו ותהי עליו רוח אלוקים Bilam wanted to recall the sins of the Jewish people, such as the חטא העגל , to bring about their destruction. But what he saw instead was unity—Israel dwelling peacefully, each tribe in its proper place—and that unity brought down the שכינה , causing Hashem to transform his curses into blessings. The Midrash teaches that even if we, Heaven forbid, engage in עבודה זרה , as long as there is peace among us, no harm will befall us. That is the power of unity. Now more than ever, it is incumbent upon us to repair divisions. This is the time of year to go above and beyond to make peace, to apologize, to be more tolerant, and to bring love and unity to Am Yisrael. May these days of mourning soon be transformed into days of rejoicing. אמן .

התוכן בסליחות די"ז בתמוז, קודם אמירת הפיוטים המיוחדים ליום זה, אומרים ג' פסוקים: 1) אל תתנו דמי לו עד יכונן ועד ישים את ירושלים תהלה בארץ. 2) כי עמך מקור חיים באורך נראה אור. 3) אלקינו בושנו במעשינו ונכלמנו בעוונינו. והסדר מדוייק: פותחים ב"שטורעם" ש"אל תתנו דמי לו'" - אסור להניח לה' לשתוק, ויש להפציר בו, "עד יכונן ועד ישים את ירושלים תהלה בארץ"!! וכשטוענים כיצד יתכן לפנות אל ה' כך?! באה התשובה - "כי עמך.. באורך נראה אור" - התורה, "באורך", שמאירה דרכו של יהודי, אומרת "אל תתנו וגו'"! ורק לאח"ז נעשים רגועים ובמילא יכולים לעשות תשובה שלימה - "אלקינו בושנו וגו'". ומובן שעיקר ה"שטורעם" בי"ז בתמוז הוא "אל תתנו דמי לו וגו'", כי בנוגע לתשובה - 1) "עיקר התשובה בלב" וברגע שמחליט ש"אלקינו בושנו וגו'" ה"ז תשובה שלימה. 2) עצם הפני' לה' של "אל תתנו וגו'" ה"ז תשובה אמיתית.משיחת ט"ו תמוז ה'תשמ"ב ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=13-07-2025 Synopsis In the selichos for 17 Tammuz, before reciting the special piyutim for the day, we say three verses: (1) “And give Him no rest, until He establishes and until He makes Yerushalayim a praise in the land.” (2) “For with You is the source of life; in Your light we will see light.” (3) “Our G-d, we are ashamed of our deeds and disgraced by our iniquities.” The order is precise: We begin with making a stir about “Giving Him no rest” –we cannot allow Hashem to remain silent, and we must entreat Him “until He establishes and until He makes Yerushalayim a praise in the earth.” And if one asks how it's appropriate to address Hashem this way – comes the second verse and says, “For with You… in Your light we will see light” – it is the Torah, which is “Your light” and which illuminates the path for a Jew, that declares to “Give Him no rest….”And only afterwards is one calmed, so that he is able to do complete teshuvah – “Our G-d, we are ashamed….” Obviously, the main focus of 17 Tammuz is to “Give Him no rest,” etc., because regarding teshuvah, (1) “The essence of teshuvah is in the heart,” so the moment one decides that “Our G-d, we are ashamed,” etc., that already constitutes complete teshuvah, and (2) the very act of turning to Hashem to “Give Him no rest,” etc. is itself true teshuvah.Excerpt from sichah of 15 Tammuz 5742 For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=13-07-2025

For a 10% discount on Rabbi David Ashear's new book LIVING EMUNAH VOL 8 click the link below https://www.artscroll.com/Books/9781422644645.html Many people say, "If only I had a lot of money, I would help so many people. I would support yeshivot, fund chesed organizations, and provide for families in need." It's a beautiful sentiment that reflects a generous and noble heart. But often, this thought remains just that—a distant dream. In reality, a person does not need a lot of money to become a true baal tzedakah . If someone has a genuine desire to give, Hashem can open doors and make that desire a reality. A young mother raising several little children had no income. She noticed that many families in her building lacked toys, games, and books for their children. She sent a simple voice note to a group chat asking if anyone had toys in good condition to donate. Within a week, her hallway was filled with donations. She organized them into bins, labeled them, and opened her apartment one day a week for mothers to come and take toys for their children. No budget, no money—just heart and effort. Another young woman noticed that many families in her neighborhood were struggling to afford clothing for Yom Tov. Instead of just feeling bad, she decided to act. She received permission to use a high school gym on a Sunday, made flyers requesting donations of clean, gently used clothing, and organized volunteers to sort and set up. Families came to shop with dignity—free of charge. One man shared how Hashem gave him extraordinary siyata dishmaya to help people in large proportions. A few years ago, he was a bank clerk heading home when he noticed a flyer requesting furniture for a newly established beit midrash . They were seeking tables, chairs, and bookshelves and would appreciate any donation. He didn't think there was any way he could help, but he felt a strong desire to be involved. He tore off one of the tabs at the bottom with the contact number. The very next day, he arrived at work to find a carpenter dismantling his desk. The branch had just opened a month earlier and was furnished with upscale, elegant furniture. But management had decided it was too fancy and were replacing everything. The carpenter turned to him and asked, "Do you know anyone who might want this?" Suddenly, he remembered the flyer. He called the rabbi of the beit midrash and told him there was a huge amount of high-quality furniture available. They arranged a truck and were stunned by the quantity and beauty of the furniture. The beit midrash was now elegantly furnished, and the man was thrilled to have played a role in beautifying a house of Hashem. But that was only the beginning. His name was added to a list in the bank's construction department as someone who knew people and institutions that could use furniture. Just days later, the architect from another department called him: they were closing an entire floor in a Tel Aviv branch and needed someone to take the furniture. He didn't yet know who needed it—but he knew what to do. He called one yeshiva, then another. Two large trucks were dispatched to one yeshiva, and two more to another. Weeks later, another branch in Yerushalayim was closing, and again he arranged for the furniture to go to two more yeshivot. Over time, his number became well known. He helped dozens of institutions and families. Once, a yeshiva contacted him asking for 500 pieces of furniture. He had never dealt with such a quantity before but said he would try. Less than two months later, a carpenter from the bank called him—they were closing two large branches in Netanya and had 500 units of furniture available. He was able to fully furnish one of the larger yeshivot in the country. This man does not have wealth. But his yearning to give made him a shaliach to provide hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of furniture to yeshivot and organizations across the country. Everyone has what they need to be successful in avodat Hashem . The more we yearn to do good, the more siyata dishmaya we receive.

“Life is like a train. You might get derailed, but you know where the train needs to go. You get back on the track.”Rav Reuven Berman didn't plan to leave chinuch. He made Aliyah with a dream job teaching Torah in Yerushalayim—but it quickly became clear that the math didn't work. With five kids and growing responsibilities, he transitioned into the business world while trying to hold on to his identity as a ben Torah.In this honest and moving conversation, we cover:✅ Being grouned in business while also connecting to yeshiva✅ What he learned from a personal tragedy✅ Why teaching—even part-time—can protect your neshama✅ The power of a strong minyan✅ How to stop dreaming of the “perfect community” and live in the one you've got✅ And why every year in yeshiva still counts—even if you go to work laterReuven shares what helped him stay grounded through transitions, success, and grief—and why he still dreams of being back in the beit midrash full time.—Check out ShtarkTank.org for exclusice written content!

What does it mean to say Hineni — I am here — in our world today?In this powerful episode, I sat down with Levi Saada, founder of Hineni, a soulful movement and community rooted in presence, vulnerability, and authentic connection. From his early journey through healing, inner work, and plant medicine, to creating safe communal space in Yerushalayim, Levi shares the raw story of how Hineni was born — not as a concept, but as a lived experience.

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: The Hidden Passage: Diplomacy and Deception in Yerushalayim Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2025-06-30-22-34-02-he Story Transcript:He: ירושלים בקיץ.En: Yerushalayim in the summer.He: השמש נוצצת על הקירות העתיקים, והאווירה מלאה בחשיבות היסטורית.En: The sun sparkles on the ancient walls, and the atmosphere is filled with historical significance.He: בתוך מרכז הכינוסים הגדול, אנשים מכל העולם מתאספים.En: Inside the large conference center, people from all over the world gather.He: כולם מתרגשים מהוועידה הבינלאומית הגדולה.En: Everyone is excited about the large international conference.He: נועם, דיפלומט צעיר ושאפתני, הגיע לייצג את ארצו.En: Noam, a young and ambitious diplomat, has arrived to represent his country.He: הוא רוצה להוכיח את עצמו וליצור קשרים חשובים.En: He wants to prove himself and create important connections.He: הארוע החשוב ביותר בוועידה הוא הצגת כתב יד עתיק ומסתורי, אבל לפתע הוא נעלם.En: The most important event at the conference is the presentation of an ancient and mysterious manuscript, but suddenly it disappears.He: הפרופסור אריאלה, מומחית לארכיאולוגיה, נמצאת כאן כדי לדבר על מורשת תרבותית.En: Professor Ariella, an expert in archaeology, is there to speak about cultural heritage.He: היא מכירה את ערך כתב היד טוב יותר מכולם.En: She understands the value of the manuscript better than anyone.He: לידם יושבת יעל, היסטוריונית אמנות מסתורית.En: Sitting next to them is Yael, a mysterious art historian.He: אף אחד לא באמת יודע מה המטרה האמיתית שלה בוועידה.En: No one really knows her true purpose at the conference.He: נועם מבין שהצלת כבוד ארצו תלויה בהשבת כתב היד.En: Noam realizes that the honor of his country relies on the return of the manuscript.He: הוא מחליט לשתף פעולה עם אריאלה, בתקווה שלניסיון שלה יש מה להציע.En: He decides to collaborate with Ariella, hoping her experience can offer something valuable.He: אבל גם עליו להבין מי עומד מאחורי ההיעלמות.En: But he also needs to understand who is behind the disappearance.He: האינטואיציה שלו מובילה אותו ליחס חשדני כלפי יעל.En: His intuition leads him to be suspicious of Yael.He: אחד הערבים, כשהוועידה בשיאה, נועם מבחין בדלת סתרים מתחת לבימת הוועידה.En: One evening, as the conference is at its peak, Noam notices a hidden door beneath the conference stage.He: הוא עוקב אחר יעל, שרומזת לו בזהירות להגיע לשם.En: He follows Yael, who subtly hints for him to come there.He: כאשר הוא צועד אל תוך המעבר הסודי, הוא שומע לחישות.En: As he steps into the secret passage, he hears whispers.He: ניצבת מולו תמונה דרמטית: יעל מתעמתת עם דמויות לא מזוהות, שרוצות להשתמש בכתב היד כקלף לחץ פוליטי.En: A dramatic scene unfolds before him: Yael is confronting unidentified figures who want to use the manuscript as a political bargaining chip.He: נועם, בהחלטה רגעית, מחליט להתערב.En: Noam, in a momentary decision, decides to intervene.He: בעזרתה של אריאלה שמגיעה לעזרתו, הם מצליחים להעביר את כתב היד בחזרה לידיים הנכונות.En: With the help of Ariella who comes to his aid, they manage to transfer the manuscript back into the right hands.He: ביום הסיום של הוועידה, נועם מציג את כתב היד במעמד הרשמי, בלי לגלות את הדרמה שהתרחשה מאחורי הקלעים.En: On the final day of the conference, Noam presents the manuscript officially, without revealing the drama that took place behind the scenes.He: כתוצאה מכך, המוניטין של המדינה שלו נשמר, והוא לומד את הערך של אמון ושיתוף פעולה.En: As a result, his country's reputation is preserved, and he learns the value of trust and cooperation.He: כך תם יום מלא מתח בירושלים, עתיקים כמו העיר עצמה, אבל בלי לגרום לתקריות דיפלומטיות.En: Thus ends a day full of tension in Yerushalayim, as ancient as the city itself, but without causing diplomatic incidents.He: נועם, אריאלה, ויעל יכולים סוף סוף לנשום לרווחה.En: Noam, Ariella, and Yael can finally breathe a sigh of relief.He: התרומה שלהם תיחקק בזיכרון ההיסטורי של הוועידה.En: Their contribution will be etched in the historical memory of the conference. Vocabulary Words:sparkles: נוצצתatmosphere: אווירהhistorical: היסטוריתambitious: שאפתניdiplomat: דיפלומטrepresent: לייצגmanuscript: כתב ידarchaeology: ארכיאולוגיהheritage: מורשתmysterious: מסתוריhonor: כבודcollaborate: לשתף פעולהexperience: ניסיוןsuspicious: חשדניintuition: אינטואיציהconfronting: מתעמתתunidentified: לא מזוהותbargaining: קלף לחץpolitical: פוליטיintervene: להתערבpreserved: נשמרreputation: מוניטיןwhispers: לחישותrelief: רווחהetched: תיחקקtension: מתחancient: עתיקיםincidents: תקריותstage: בימהpassage: מעברBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

Welcome to Daily Bitachon. We continue with another beautiful teaching from Rabbenu Yonah on Mishleh Chapter 3, Pasuk 25. He writes these powerful words: One should rely on Hashem in all times of difficulty and darkness, knowing the truth that Hashem is rav l'hoshia—abundant in salvation—as we say every single day in our Amidah. Mikol tzarah/from all difficulties v'yeshuato ke'heref ayin/His salvation comes in the blink of an eye. Therefore, we must rely on Hashem's salvation even if a sword is on a person's throat. Rabbenu Yonah quotes a pasuk in Iyov: Hen yikteleni, lo ayachel/Even if he were to kill me, I would still hope toward Him." Where does this concept come from—that even if a sword is at your throat, you shouldn't give up hope? It's from a well known Gemara in Masechet Brachot: Chizkiyah HaMelech was ill. Yishayah the prophet came to him and said, " Command your household—you are dying and will not live; you are dying in this world and will not live in the next." Why? Because Chizkiyah chose not to have children, having foreseen with ruach hakodesh that his children would be wicked. The prophet rebuked him for this, saying, " That is not your concern. You must do what you are obligated to do, and Hashem will do what He must." Chizkiyah responded to the prophet, " Let me marry your daughter—perhaps through my merit and yours, we will have righteous children." But the prophet replied, " You're a dead man. I won't give you my daughter." Chizkiyah answered, " Prophet, please leave. I have a tradition from my grandfather's household that even if a sword is on one's neck, one should not give up hope." Who is this grandfather he's referring to? Rashi explains that it refers to David HaMelech. In Divrei Hayamim א , 21:16 , David HaMelech counted the people, and Hashem decreed punishment on them. David lifted his eyes and saw an angel of Hashem standing between heaven and earth, v'charbo shlufa b'yado/a drawn sword in his hand, netuya al Yerushalayim/stretched out over Jerusalem. And what did David Hamelech do? He prayed. Even though the sword was over him, he prayed. That is the source Chizkiyah HaMelech referred to, as he was descended from David HaMelech. But the Vilna Gaon, in his commentary in Sefer Kol Eliyahu , is troubled. He points out that the text doesn't say the sword was literally on David's neck—only that it was stretched over Yerushalayim. So metaphorically, yes—but do we have a source that a sword was truly on someone's neck? The Vilna Gaon refers us to Melachim א , 22: 30–33, and also Divrei Hayamim ב , 18:31–32. There, Yehoshafat was at war. He disguised himself and was in hiding, and the king of Aram sent assassins specifically to find and kill him—like a targeted assassination. They found him and were about to kill him. And the pasuk says: Vayizak Yehoshafat—Yehoshafat cried out—v'Hashem azro—and Hashem helped him—vayesitem Elokim mei'meno—God diverted them away from him. Miraculously, they disappeared. The Yalkut Shimoni comments on this episode, saying: melamed shelo yechaser ki'im hatzat harosh—all that was missing was the removal of his head. It was that close. According to the Vilna Gaon, this is the source Chizkiyah drew on. His ancestor Yehoshafat had a sword on his neck and didn't give up—and was saved.He was one step away. The Chomat Anach, from the Chida on Divrei Hayamim , brings down this same concept, similar to the Vilna Gaon. He explains that normally the term " Hashem " refers to midat harachamim (the attribute of mercy), while " Elokim " refers to midat hadin (the attribute of judgment). In that pasuk, both names are used, indicating that according to strict judgment, Yehoshafat should have died—but through his prayers, the judgment was transformed into mercy. This is our tradition—a tradition passed down through generations. Rabbenu Yonah concludes this piece by quotinga pasuk in Tehillim 62:9: Bitchu vo b'chol eit—"Rely on Hashem at all times." What does "at all times" mean? He explains: Gam b'eit shehatzarah krova—even when the trouble is very close, v'lo yeda adam derech l'hinatzel mimena—and a person has no idea how to escape, how he will get out of it—still, trust in Hashem. I once heard a beautiful story from Rav Yaakov Hillel related to this idea. It says, "Even if a sharp sword is on your neck." Why emphasize " sharp "? There was a Rabbi Antebi from Damascus. During a blood libel, he was imprisoned and subjected to psychological torture. They brought him to a guillotine, and the sword came falling down toward him. But it was meant as psychological warfare—the blade was dull. He said, a sword has two sides: sharp and dull. That, he explained, is what Chizkiyah HaMelech meant. If the sword is blunt there is still what to fear. But afilu cherev chada—even if it's a sharp sword—do not give up hope.

Danielle Renov—best known as the creative force behind “Peas, Love & Carrots”—joins the Meaningful People Podcast not to share recipes, but to open up about something far more raw and real: living through war in Israel as a mother. In this emotionally charged episode, Danielle shares what life is like in Yerushalayim under missile fire, separated from her husband and holding down the home with extraordinary resilience. She opens up about fear, faith, and motherhood in a war zone—describing what it means to remain strong for her children while the world around her is shaking, quite literally. From her roots in the Five Towns to raising a family in Israel, Danielle speaks about the deeper spiritual mission of living in Eretz Yisrael, the complicated emotions surrounding Aliyah, and why she refuses to leave even in the most dangerous moments. This conversation is not just about war—it's about the strength of Jewish mothers, the reality of daily life in Israel, and the unshakable emunah that guides Danielle through it all. Hear how one of the Jewish world's most beloved influencers was navigating some of the most difficult days of her life—with raw honesty, deep faith, and surprising humor.   This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors: ►Blooms Kosher   Bring you the best Kosher products worldwide.   https://bloomskosher.com   ______________________________________ ► PZ Deals - Download the app and never pay full price again! https://app.pz.deals/install/mpp _______________________________________   ► Colel Chabad Pushka App - The easiest way to give Tzedaka    https://pushka.cc/meaningful    _______________________________________   ► Say Kaddish - the Ultimate Sign of Love and Respect   For centuries, we have honored our parents and loved ones who have passed on by reciting Kaddish in their merit. Saying Kaddish serves as a great virtue and does wonders for the soul of the deceased.   https://saykaddish.com/  _______________________________________   ► Toveedo Visit- https://toveedo.com/   Use Promo Code MM10 for 10% off! _______________________________________   ► Lalechet     We're a team of kosher travel experts, here to carry you off to your dream destination swiftly, safely, and seamlessly in an experience you will forever cherish.    https://www.lalechet.com ___________________________________________ ►Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years!   Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH   ____________________________________ ► Growtha - We get you more leads.   https://growtha.com __________________________________________________ ► NRS Pay - Honest, clean credit card processing.   https://nrspay.com   __________________________________________________ ► Town Appliance - Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp     https://www.townappliance.com     https://bit.ly/Townappliance_whatsapp ______________________________________   ► Faith It Till You Make It Join Rabbi Ari Bensoussan's course on Bitachon sponsored by Censible Marketing! Your guide to keeping your faith in today's complicated world! www.Meaningfulminute.org/censible    ____________________________________________________ ► Subscribe to our Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.     https://apple.co/2WALuE2    https://spoti.fi/39bNGnO Or wherever Podcasts are available! Editor: Sruly Saftlas

Can you visit Israel during a war due to the danger? How do hospitals deal with patients during missile alerts? Is there an obligation to go to a bomb shelter while you are learning Torah? Is it permitted to travel to and from Israel via Egypt, Jordan or Cyprus when Ben Gurion Airport is closed? Can someone in Yerushalayim travel to Bnei Brak or Tel Aviv where it's more dangerous? Host: Ari Wasserman, author of the newly published, revised and expanded book Making it Work, on workplace challenges and Halachic Q & A on the Job You can order "Halachic Q & A on the Job” at https://mosaicapress.com/product/halachic-q-a-on-the-job/ with Rabbi Anthony Manning – Jewish educator, author and speaker – 12:22 with Dov Kram – general contractor and project manager in Israel – 39:15 with Rabbi Yossi Sprung – Rav of Shaare Zedek Medical Center and  Rosh Beis Medresh, Beis Medrash Govoha for Medical Halacha – 49:31 Conclusions and takeaways – 1:21:46 מראי מקומות   

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: The Spice of Connection: Ariel's Culinary Journey Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2025-06-24-22-34-01-he Story Transcript:He: בשוק המרכזי בירושלים, בתוך מערבולת הקולות והצבעים, עמדה אריאל, שף נודעת בזכות יכולתה לקסם עם תבלינים וסוגי מזון מיוחדים.En: In the central market of Yerushalayim, amidst the whirl of sounds and colors, stood Ariel, a chef renowned for her ability to work magic with spices and special types of food.He: השמש הקופחת של הקיץ לא הרתיעה אותה בשום אופן.En: The scorching summer sun did not deter her in any way.He: היא רכנה לתוך ערימת תבליני פפריקה, ושאלה את שירה, חברתה הנאמנה, אם שמעה על המוכר המסוים שמחזיק בזעתר המדברי הנדיר.En: She leaned into a pile of paprika spices and asked Shira, her loyal friend, if she had heard about the particular vendor who possessed the rare desert za'atar.He: “כן,” אמרה שירה בחיוך קטן.En: "Yes," Shira said with a small smile.He: “קוראים לו נועם.En: "His name is Noam.He: אבל הוא קשה להשגה.En: But he's hard to come by."He: ”השוק היה עמוס.En: The market was crowded.He: ריחות הפירות הטריים והמיני מאפה התערבבו ביניהן ויצרו ארומה משכרת.En: The scents of fresh fruits and pastries mingled and created an intoxicating aroma.He: שירה הובילה את אריאל לדוכן קטן וצנוע בקצה השוק.En: Shira led Ariel to a small, modest stall at the edge of the market.He: נועם, המוכר, עמד שם.En: Noam, the vendor, stood there.He: עיניו היו סקרניות וחיוך חרוש על פניו הקורנים.En: His eyes were curious, and a smile was spread across his radiant face.He: “אני מחפשת את הזעתר המדברי,” אמרה אריאל, מנסה להביע את רצונה באמצעות עיניים נוצצות.En: "I'm looking for the desert za'atar," said Ariel, trying to express her desire with sparkling eyes.He: “שמעתי שיש לך את זה.En: "I heard you have it."He: ”נועם הסתכל על אריאל בעיון.En: Noam looked at Ariel intently.He: “למה את כל כך רוצה אותו?En: "Why do you want it so much?"He: ” שאל, ספקני.En: he asked, skeptical.He: אריאל חשבה לרגע.En: Ariel thought for a moment.He: היא יכלה להרגיש את לבה פועם בחוזקה.En: She could feel her heart beating strongly.He: “אני רוצה ליצור מנה שמכבדת את המקור שלו.En: "I want to create a dish that honors its origin.He: להעניק לאנשים טעם של המקום הזה, של ההיסטוריה.En: To give people a taste of this place, of the history."He: ”נועם לקח נשימה עמוקה.En: Noam took a deep breath.He: היה בעיניים שלו משהו שמעיד על הבנה עמוקה.En: There was something in his eyes indicating deep understanding.He: “את מבטיחה?En: "Do you promise?"He: ” שאל בעדינות.En: he asked gently.He: “אני מבטיחה,” אריאל ענתה בלב שלם.En: "I promise," Ariel answered wholeheartedly.He: נועם חייך, הושיט את ידו לעבר אריאל, ובחיכוך קל הוציא מעט מהזעתר המדברי.En: Noam smiled, reached out to Ariel, and with a gentle touch, handed her a bit of the rare desert za'atar.He: “מי שיכול להבין את המשמעות האמיתית, ראוי לנסות,” אמר.En: "Anyone who can grasp the true meaning deserves to try," he said.He: כך, בידיה של אריאל, התבלין הנדיר והיקר ליבה.En: Thus, in Ariel's hands lay the rare and precious spice.He: היא יצאה מהשוק עם הבנה חדשה של ערך הסבלנות והרגש.En: She left the market with a new understanding of the value of patience and emotion.He: היא ידעה כי האוכל הבא שהיא תכין יהיה שונה מכל מה שעשתה עד כה.En: She knew that the next dish she would prepare would be different from anything she had done before.He: שירה הלכה לצידה, מרוצה מהחיבור המיוחד שנוצר בין נועם ואריאל.En: Shira walked beside her, satisfied with the special connection formed between Noam and Ariel.He: כששניים מהאנשים הבינו זה את זה, לא משנה כלל כמה קטן התבלין או כמה חם השמש.En: When two people understand each other, it doesn't matter how small the spice is or how hot the sun is.He: אריאל חזרה למטבח שלה בתל אביב, מוכנה ליצור מנה שתספר את סיפורה של ירושלים ועל כך שהעולם מחובר בדרכים בלתי נראות.En: Ariel returned to her kitchen in Tel Aviv, ready to create a dish that would tell the story of Yerushalayim and of how the world is connected in invisible ways. Vocabulary Words:renowned: נודעתscorching: הקופחתdeter: להרתיעleaned: רכנהloyal: הנאמנהparticular: המסויםintoxicating: משכרתmodest: וצנועcurious: סקרניותspread: חרושradiant: הקורניםexpress: להביעsceptical: ספקניorigin: המקורhonor: מכבדתinhale: נשימהindicating: מעידunderstanding: הבנהwholeheartedly: בלב שלםgrasp: להביןprecious: והיקרpatience: הסבלנותemotion: והרגשsatisfied: מרוצהconnection: החיבורformed: שנוצרinvisible: בלתי נראותspice: תבליןdeserve: ראויnature: האופיBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

What does it really mean to give a part of yourself… to someone you've never even met?

Is it prohibited to go to Minyan when the “Home Front Command” and Chief Rabbis say not to go? Can you carry a phone on Shabbos to hear the warnings of incoming missiles? Can you leave on the news (radio, TV, Internet) on Shabbos to hear what's going on? Should we say Hamapil before sleep, since we may need to immediately head to the bomb shelter? Do you need to wash Netilas Yadayim before heading to a bomb shelter in the middle of the night? Does the IDF need to be concerned that the bombing of nuclear reactors could cause “collateral damage” to millions of Iranian citizens? What's life like right now living in Israel with regular Iranian missile attacks? Host: Ari Wasserman, author of the newly published, revised and expanded book Making it Work, on workplace challenges and Halachic Q & A on the Job You can order "Halachic Q & A on the Job” at https://mosaicapress.com/product/halachic-q-a-on-the-job/ with Rabbi Dr. Yitzchak Breitowitz – posek, Rav and Senior Lecturer at Yeshivas Ohr Somayach – 18:42 with Rabbi Dovid Ostroff – posek and teacher at many seminaries in Yerushalayim – 45:06 with Mrs. Sivan Rahav-Meir - media personality, prolific author and lecturer – 1:02:58 with Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Brody – Executive Director of Ematai, author of “Ethics of Our Fighters” – 1:16:04 Conclusions and takeaways – 1:37:00 מראי מקומות   

What does Yerushalayim represent? How does the current conflict with Iran impact upon that?   Were the Jews expelled from Jerusalem after the Temple was destroyed? Why did the Romans rebuild the city? Who were the Byzantines who occupied Eretz Yisrael for 300 years? How did the Jews get permission to start rebuilding the Temple and why was it ultimately unsuccessful?   Chapters 00:00 The Historical Significance of Jerusalem 03:05 Jerusalem: A City of Conflict and Unity 05:52 The Role of Prayer in Jewish Identity 08:50 Reflections on Leadership and Faith 11:56 The Roman Destruction and Its Aftermath 14:46 The Impact of Hadrian's Rule 17:53 The Bar Kokhba Revolt and Its Consequences 28:04 The Destruction of Judea and Jewish Martyrdom 31:32 Christianity's Shift and the Loss of Jerusalem's Centrality 35:31 Constantine's Reign and the Christianization of Jerusalem 40:36 Helena's Influence and the Rise of Christian Pilgrimage 44:22 Julian's Brief Reprieve for the Jews 49:02 Justinian's Persecution and the Transformation of Jerusalem 52:50 The Persian Conquest and Jewish Resurgence 56:27 The Muslim Era and Jewish Return to Jerusalem

Intelligence Notes:King Dawviyd's Song in Context: Psalms(Tehilliym) “Pray for Shalom in the city of Yerushalayim”.To support the [Show] and its [Research] with Donations, please send all funds and gifts to :$aigner2019 (cashapp) or https://www.paypal.me/Aigner2019 or Zelle (1-617-821-3168). Shalom Aleikhem!

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: The Market's Magic: Ariel's Shabbat Adventure in Yerushalayim Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2025-06-18-22-34-02-he Story Transcript:He: ירושלים בקיץ חמה ורועשת.En: Yerushalayim in the summer is hot and noisy.He: השוק מלא חיים, עם ריחות התבלינים, הצבעים של הירקות, והקולות הנלהבים של המוכרים והקונים.En: The market is full of life, with the scents of spices, the colors of the vegetables, and the enthusiastic voices of the sellers and buyers.He: אריאל, צעירה שהגיעה לירושלים לא מזמן, עומדת בכניסה לשוק.En: Ariel, a young woman who recently arrived in Yerushalayim, stands at the entrance to the market.He: היא מחזיקה בידה רשימה של מצרכים.En: She holds a list of groceries in her hand.He: היא רוצה להכין סעודת שבת מרשימה לחברים חדשים.En: She wants to prepare an impressive Seudat Shabbat for new friends.He: אריאל מרגישה מעט לחוצה.En: Ariel feels a bit stressed.He: השוק סואן, והיא מתקשה לדעת לאן לפנות.En: The market is bustling, and she finds it hard to know where to turn.He: כל הבאסטות נראות דומות, ופירות וירקות מציצים מכל פינה.En: All the stalls look alike, and fruits and vegetables peek out from every corner.He: היא בוהה בעץ לימונים גדול, משתוקקת לדעת האם זה המתאים לסלט שלה.En: She gazes at a large lemon tree, eager to know if it's right for her salad.He: באותו רגע מגיע איתן, מוכר מקומי, ועיניו מאירות.En: At that moment, Eitan, a local vendor, arrives, his eyes lit up.He: "שלום!En: "Hello!He: אפשר לעזור לך?En: Can I help you?"He: " הוא שואל בחיוך רחב.En: he asks with a wide smile.He: אריאל מהססת, אך מחליטה לבקש את עזרתו.En: Ariel hesitates but decides to ask for his help.He: "אני מחפשת מצרכים להכנת ארוחת שבת," היא אומרת בשקט, "אבל אני לא בטוחה במה להתחיל.En: "I'm looking for ingredients to prepare a Seudat Shabbat," she says quietly, "but I'm not sure where to start."He: "איתן מוביל אותה דרך השוק בקצב קל ונינוח.En: Eitan leads her through the market at an easy and relaxed pace.He: הוא מכיר את כל המקומות הסודיים, ואומר לה איפה למצוא את החומרים הכי טובים.En: He knows all the secret spots and tells her where to find the best ingredients.He: "הנה עגבניות טריות לסלט," אומר תוך שהוא מצביע על באסטה עמוסה, "והנה זיתים מעולים למנת פתיחה.En: "Here are fresh tomatoes for the salad," he says, pointing to a crowded stall, "and here are excellent olives for an appetizer."He: "בעוד הם מסתובבים, איתן מספר לה על המסורות המקומיות.En: As they wander around, Eitan tells her about the local traditions.He: הוא מדבר על החום והאהבה שיש בהכנת ארוחת שבת עם מרכיבים טריים.En: He talks about the warmth and love in preparing a Seudat Shabbat with fresh ingredients.He: הם צוחקים ונהנים יחד, והחרדה של אריאל מתפוגגת.En: They laugh and enjoy themselves together, and Ariel's anxiety fades away.He: לבסוף, השקיות של אריאל מלאות בכל טוב.En: Finally, Ariel's bags are filled with all sorts of good things.He: היא נפרדת מאיתן בהכרת תודה, מרגישה מקושרת יותר לעיר ולתרבות.En: She says goodbye to Eitan with gratitude, feeling more connected to the city and its culture.He: היא מתחילה את דרכה הביתה, עם הבטחה להזמין אותו לארוחה הבאה.En: She starts her way home, with a promise to invite him to the next meal.He: הערב יורד, והשוק מתרוקן.En: Evening falls, and the market empties.He: מחוץ לשוק, אריאל מביטה שוב על ירושלים, יודעת שהיא מתחילה למצוא את מקומה בעיר המיוחדת הזו.En: Outside the market, Ariel looks again at Yerushalayim, knowing she's beginning to find her place in this special city.He: הודות לעזרתו של איתן, היא לא רק הצליחה לקנות מצרכים, אלא גם מצאה חבר חדש.En: Thanks to Eitan's help, she not only managed to buy groceries but also found a new friend.He: השבת הקרובה תביא איתה הזדמנויות חדשות וחוויות שמחכות להתגלות.En: The upcoming Shabbat will bring new opportunities and experiences waiting to be discovered. Vocabulary Words:noisy: רועשתscents: ריחותentrance: כניסהimpressive: מרשימהstressed: לחוצהbustling: סואןpeek: מציציםgazes: בוההeager: משתוקקתvendor: מוכרhesitates: מהססתingredients: מצרכיםrelaxed: נינוחsecret: סודייםcrowded: עמוסהappetizer: מנת פתיחהwander: מסתובביםtraditions: מסורותwarmth: חוםanxiety: חרדהfades: מתפוגגתgratitude: הכרת תודהconnected: מקושרתempties: מתרוקןmanaged: הצליחהopportunities: הזדמנויותexperiences: חוויותdiscovers: מתגלותpromises: הבטחהprepares: להכיןBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

We have learned time and time again that everything that happens in our lives comes directly from Hashem. There is no such thing as an accident or a coincidence. Everything is carefully planned and orchestrated exactly as it is meant to be. We have also been taught repeatedly that whatever Hashem does is the best thing for us. If we truly internalize these two principles—that Hashem controls everything, and that everything He does is for our good—we would be able to live with constant happiness, regardless of our circumstances. We've studied how the great Rabbis in Jewish history responded to their trials with unwavering emunah. They faced unimaginable challenges and still clung to their faith with strength and clarity. Although we recognize this as the ideal way to respond, we often find it incredibly difficult to emulate. When something painful or disappointing happens, our initial reaction may be one of sadness or frustration. We try to strengthen our emunah, and eventually we may begin to accept the situation. With further effort, we might even reach a level of accepting it with love and joy. But often we wonder: if we failed in the beginning and only came around much later, does it still matter? Is the struggle worth anything if we keep falling and responding the wrong way? I once heard a story that Rabbi Ephraim Wachsman shared in the name of Rabbi Shlomo Miller that offers powerful chizuk and perspective. The story took place in Yerushalayim after World War I, a time of severe starvation. In the Etz Chaim cheder, a rebbi wanted to bring a bit of joy to his students. On Rosh Chodesh, he went out of his way to get a cake and gave each student a slice to celebrate the day. The children, who were starving, were overjoyed. One boy, however, didn't eat his portion. Instead, he carefully wrapped it in a napkin. He loved his father dearly and knew how hungry he must be, so he decided to give the cake to him as a gift. But when recess came, he stared at the cake and couldn't control himself. He took one bite. Ashamed, he quickly wrapped it back up. Later, around lunchtime, the temptation overwhelmed him again—and he took a second bite. That day, the children were dismissed early. The boy ran home, cake in hand. He entered the house and said, "Daddy, Daddy, I brought you a present for Rosh Chodesh!" and handed his father the napkin-wrapped cake. But as he handed it over, he looked down in shame, realizing his father would see the bite marks. His father opened the napkin, saw the partially eaten cake, and looked at his son's face. Then he said: "My precious child, I see from these two bites just how hard it was for you to give me this gift. You struggled, yet you still gave it to me. That shows how much you truly love me. The bite marks are part of the beauty of the gift." The same can be said of our spiritual struggles. When a person wrestles with his challenges and still manages, eventually, to do what Hashem wants—even after failing along the way—it shows deep love for Hashem. The effort, the perseverance, the refusal to give up, all elevate the mitzvah and make it even more meaningful. Even if someone doesn't respond right away with complete emunah, the ongoing work to reach that place is a beautiful and treasured avodah. Hashem values that journey immensely. He is proud of the person who keeps trying, who keeps pushing, who keeps believing. We must never underestimate the value of any step forward in emunah. Every level we reach, no matter how delayed or difficult, is infinitely precious in Hashem's eyes.

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: Summer Serendipity: Love and Dreams in Yerushalayim's Market Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2025-06-10-22-34-02-he Story Transcript:He: השוק בירושלים היה מלא צבעים וריחות קיץ חמים.En: The market in Yerushalayim was filled with the colors and scents of a warm summer.He: דוכנים רבים הציגו תבלינים, פירות, ופריטים בעבודת יד.En: Numerous stalls displayed spices, fruits, and handmade items.He: המוזיקה המסורתית של חג שבועות נשמעה ברקע, והמבקרים שמחו ושוחחו באווירה חגיגית.En: The traditional music of the Chag Shavuot was heard in the background, and the visitors were happy and chatted in a festive atmosphere.He: יונתן עמד בדוכן שלו, דוכן קטן ומאורגן עם תכשיטים שהוא יצר במו ידיו.En: Yonatan stood at his stall—a small and organized booth featuring jewelry he crafted with his own hands.He: קולו היה נעים כשפנה אל עוברי האורח, אך מבטו נשאר על התכשיטים שהוא חולם להביא לעולם הרחב מעבר לשוק הירושלמי.En: His voice was pleasant as he spoke to passersby, but his gaze remained on the jewelry he dreamed of bringing to the wider world beyond the Shuk of Yerushalayim.He: מרים הסתובבה בין הדוכנים, תיירת שחיפשה ריחוק מהחיים שהותירה מאחור.En: Miriam wandered between the stalls, a tourist looking for distance from the life she left behind.He: היא נשמה עמוקות, מקווה למצוא שקט אחרי שברון הלב שלה.En: She breathed deeply, hoping to find peace after her heartbreak.He: השוק היה מקום טוב להתחיל בו מחדש, לפחות זמנית.En: The market was a good place to start anew, at least temporarily.He: "שלום," קרא יונתן בהיסוס קל, "רוצה לראות משהו מיוחד?En: "Hello," Yonatan called hesitantly, "would you like to see something special?"He: "מרים ניגשה אליו, חיוך קל על פניה.En: Miriam approached him, a slight smile on her face.He: "באמת?En: "Really?He: מה מיוחד בו?En: What's special about it?"He: "יונתן הציג לה שרשרת עדינה, עבודת יד ייחודית שהקדיש לה שעות רבות.En: Yonatan showed her a delicate necklace, a unique handmade piece to which he had dedicated many hours.He: "יש לה עיצוב מיוחד," אמר בגאווה.En: "It has a special design," he said proudly.He: "חלום שלי להציג תכשיטים כאלה מעבר לשוק.En: "My dream is to showcase such jewelry beyond the market."He: "מרים חשה את הניצוץ בעיניו.En: Miriam sensed the spark in his eyes.He: "אתה צריך להאמין בעצמך," היא עודדה אותו.En: "You should believe in yourself," she encouraged him.He: ואז פתחה את ליבה, וסיפרה לו על המסע שלה ועל מה שהותירה מאחור.En: Then she opened her heart and shared with him her journey and what she had left behind.He: עם כל מילה, הם התקרבו.En: With each word, they drew closer.He: במהלך חג השבועות, הם התיישבו יחד בכיכר השוק, מוקפים באורות וריחות החג.En: During the Chag Shavuot, they sat together in the market square, surrounded by the lights and scents of the holiday.He: יונתן החליט להציג את השרשרת המיוחדת שלו לכל המעוניין, עם תמיכתה של מרים לצידו.En: Yonatan decided to showcase his special necklace to anyone interested, with Miriam's support by his side.He: הקהל התאסף סביבם, ממלמל הערכה ורכש התכשיטים מאחד שהם יכולים לראות שהוא נעשה באהבה אמיתית.En: The crowd gathered around them, murmuring their appreciation and purchasing the jewelry, seeing it was crafted with true love.He: מרים, שהרגישה את האמון שלו בה, חשה שבירה אבל גם מחוזקת.En: Miriam, feeling his trust in her, felt broken yet strengthened.He: בסיום החגיגה הזאת, ישבו יחד על מדרכת אבן.En: At the end of this celebration, they sat together on a stone sidewalk.He: הם הבינו שמצאו משהו עמוק יותר מרק חוויה זמנית.En: They realized they had found something deeper than just a temporary experience.He: יונתן החל להאמין שהוא יכול להצליח בענק, ומרים מצאה אומץ להאמין שוב באנשים.En: Yonatan began to believe he could achieve great success, and Miriam found the courage to trust in people again.He: הכוכבים הבהירו למעלה כשמרים ויונתן חלקו רגע שקט, שונים כל כך מההמולה של השוק סביבם.En: The stars shone brightly above as Miriam and Yonatan shared a quiet moment, so different from the hustle and bustle of the market around them.He: הם הבינו שלפעמים די במפגש אקראי כדי לשנות את החיים לנצח.En: They understood that sometimes an accidental meeting is enough to change life forever. Vocabulary Words:numerous: רביםstalls: דוכניםspices: תבליניםhandmade: בעבודת ידtraditional: מסורתיתfestive: חגיגיתstall: דוכןpleasant: נעיםpassersby: עוברי האורחshowcase: להציגdelicate: עדינהnecklace: שרשרתcrafted: יצרspark: ניצוץappreciation: הערכהpurchasing: רכשcrafted: נעשהtrust: אמוןstrengthened: מחוזקתcelebration: חגיגהsidewalk: מדרכתhustle: המולהbustle: המולהaccidental: אקראיscents: ריחותatmosphere: אווירהhesitantly: בהיסוסunique: ייחודיתdedicated: הקדישgathered: התאסףBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: Unity in the Ruins: A Quest to Save the World Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2025-06-07-22-34-02-he Story Transcript:He: בימי שוויון, כאשר השמש זרחה על חורבות ירושלים העתיקה, שלושה חברים ניצבו מול בית כנסת נטוש.En: In times of equality, as the sun rose over the ruins of ancient Yerushalayim, three friends stood before an abandoned synagogue.He: על דלת הכניסה הכבדה נראתה מנורת הזהב, דהויה אך עדיין מזהרת בזיכרון של ימים עברו.En: On the heavy entrance door, the golden menorah appeared, faded but still glowing with the memory of days gone by.He: אריאלה, בעלת העיניים הנחושות, הביטה בה בעומק מחשבותיה.En: Ariella, with determined eyes, gazed at it deep in thought.He: היא ידעה שאי שם בפנים מסתתר חפץ שיכול לשנות הכל.En: She knew that somewhere inside was an object that could change everything.He: "אני חייבת למצוא אותו," לחשה אריאלה בתקיפות לעצמה.En: "I have to find it," Ariella whispered resolutely to herself.He: לצדה עמד נועם, שומר הסודות של בית הכנסת.En: Beside her stood Noam, the synagogue's secret keeper.He: הוא הביט בה בעיניו החודרניות.En: He looked at her with penetrating eyes.He: "אני מקווה שאת מבינה, אריאלה, שזה מסוכן," אמר בקול ספקני.En: "I hope you understand, Ariella, that it's dangerous," he said skeptically.He: הוא חשש שמא תשמתש בארטיפקט ללא אחראיות.En: He feared she might use the artifact irresponsibly.He: מאחוריהם, ליאור צעד באי-שקט, מלא התלהבות ולחוץ.En: Behind them, Lior paced restlessly, full of enthusiasm and anxiety.He: "אז מתי נתחיל?En: "So when do we start?"He: " שאל בקוצר רוח, משתוקק להוכיח את ערכו בעולם ההרוס.En: he asked impatiently, eager to prove his worth in the ruined world.He: ביחד הם נכנסו לאולם המרכזי.En: Together, they entered the main hall.He: הריח החזק של אבק ועץ יבקש סיפר את סיפור המקום.En: The strong scent of dust and dry wood told the story of the place.He: הדפנות המוזהבות של המקום היו עדים לשנים של תפילות ותקווה.En: The golden walls bore witness to years of prayers and hope.He: אריאלה, נועם וליאור הילכו בזהירות.En: Ariella, Noam, and Lior walked cautiously.He: מעל לוחות האבן התפזר אור רך מהשמש שבחוץ, והזכיר להם שגם לאחר האפלה, תמיד יש תקווה בזריחה חדשה.En: The soft light from the sun outside spread over the stone slabs, reminding them that even after darkness, there's always hope in a new sunrise.He: ענייני האמון היו קשים, אך אריאלה הבינה שעליה להשיג את האמון של נועם.En: Trust issues were difficult, but Ariella understood she had to gain Noam's trust.He: "אני כאן כדי להציל את מה שנותר מאיתנו, נועם.En: "I am here to save what's left of us, Noam.He: לא כדי להרוס," היא פנתה אליו בכנות.En: Not to destroy," she addressed him sincerely.He: נועם נראה מהסס, אך לבסוף הינהן בהסכמה.En: Noam appeared hesitant, but eventually nodded in agreement.He: בינתיים, ליאור הרגיש בעומס ובשקיקה.En: Meanwhile, Lior felt the pressure and eagerness.He: הוא רצה למהר, לשים ידיו על החפץ המסתורי, אך הבין שיש להקשיב לאריאלה ולנועם שלימדו אותו להמתין.En: He wanted to hurry, to lay his hands on the mysterious object, but he understood he had to listen to Ariella and Noam, who taught him to wait.He: כשעמדו מול דלת קטנה ומוסתרת, נדרש שיתוף פעולה.En: When they stood in front of a small, hidden door, cooperation was required.He: נועם הכיר את המנגנון הסודי לפתיחתה.En: Noam knew the secret mechanism to open it.He: בפנים, כמו בחלום רחוק, היה החפץ.En: Inside, like a distant dream, was the object.He: אבל הם לא היו לבד.En: But they were not alone.He: דמות אפילה עמדה שם, ידועה לרוע, חפצה להשתמש בכוח למטרות אפלות.En: A dark figure stood there, known for evil, wanting to use the power for wicked purposes.He: ברגע האחרון, אריאלה נעמדה, בעיני בטה מעלייה והחזיקה את עיניי היריב.En: At the last moment, Ariella stood firm, with pure eyes, and held the gaze of the adversary.He: "אנחנו כאן בשלום, ואת לא תצליחי," היא קבעה בקול חזק.En: "We are here in peace, and you will not succeed," she declared in a strong voice.He: בעזרתו של נועם שהשיג את הקוד, וליאור שפעל בחוכמה, הם הצליחו להבטיח את החפץ ולהבטיח את ניצחון האור על החושך.En: With Noam's help, who retrieved the code, and Lior acting wisely, they managed to secure the object and ensure the triumph of light over darkness.He: ברגע שסיימו, התפשט אור זוהר ברחבי המקום.En: As they finished, a radiant light spread throughout the place.He: השדות מחוץ לבית הכנסת החלו לפרוח, כאילו כל העולם השיג חיים חדשים.En: The fields outside the synagogue began to bloom, as if the whole world gained new life.He: האופטימיות שבה לחיי השניים, וליאור הבין שהסבלנות היא נשק גדול.En: Optimism returned to their lives, and Lior understood that patience is a great weapon.He: כך, בזכות צוות משולב של נחישות ורצון טוב, לא הצליח יריב תוקפני להטיל מכשול.En: Thus, thanks to a joint team of determination and goodwill, an aggressive adversary failed to set an obstacle.He: אריאלה הבינה שלשיתוף פעולה כוח מחזק, ונועם למד להפוך לסמל של תקווה.En: Ariella realized that cooperation has strengthening power, and Noam learned to become a symbol of hope.He: יחד, הם החזירו משמעות לעולם.En: Together, they restored meaning to the world.He: הייתה זו תחילתה של תקומה חדשה.En: It was the beginning of a new resurrection. Vocabulary Words:equality: שוויוןruins: חורבותabandoned: נטושgazed: הביטהdetermined: נחושותwhispered: לחשהresolutely: בתקיפותsecret keeper: שומר הסודותpenetrating: חודרניותskeptically: ספקניrestlessly: אי-שקטcautiously: בזהירותslabs: לוחותtrust: אמוןhesitant: מהססeagerness: שקיקהcooperation: שיתוף פעולהmechanism: מנגנוןadversary: יריבpure: טהורtriumph: ניצחוןradiant: זוהרbloom: לפרוחoptimism: אופטימיותresurrection: תקומהartifact: חפץretrieve: להשיגobstacle: מכשולpatience: סבלנותaggressive: תוקפניBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: Adventure, Caution, and Love: Lessons on Ya'ar Yerushalayim Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2025-06-05-22-34-02-he Story Transcript:He: בחג השבועות, יער ירושלים היה מלא חיים.En: On Chag HaShavuot, Ya'ar Yerushalayim was full of life.He: אביב, בחור צעיר והרפתקני, התרגש להראות לחברתו מאיה את הנוף היפהפייה מהגבעה הגבוהה ביער.En: Aviv, a young and adventurous man, was excited to show his girlfriend Maya the beautiful view from the high hill in the forest.He: מאיה, לעומת זאת, הייתה זהירה ולא הטילה עצמה לסיכונים בקלות.En: Maya, however, was cautious and did not easily throw herself into risky situations.He: "מאיה, תראי את השביל הזה," קרא אביב במרץ, "שם למעלה רואים את כל העיר."En: "Maya, look at this path," called Aviv enthusiastically, "Up there you can see the whole city."He: מיטב הצבעים של האביב הקיפו אותם; פרחים פורחים בכל גוון אפשרי וריחם הנעים מילא את האוויר.En: The best colors of spring surrounded them; flowers blooming in every possible hue and their pleasant scent filled the air.He: ציפורים צייצו וצמרות העצים רקדו ברוח הקלה.En: Birds chirped and the tree tops danced in the gentle breeze.He: מאיה הייתה מעט מבוהלת מהמחשבה ללכת בשביל התלול והמחוספס.En: Maya was a bit frightened at the thought of walking the steep and rugged path.He: "אביב," היא אמרה בקול מהוסס, "השביל נראה מסוכן. אולי נחזור?"En: "Aviv," she said hesitantly, "the path looks dangerous. Maybe we should go back?"He: אבל אביב לא ויתר בקלות.En: But Aviv did not give up easily.He: "זה לא בעיה, אני עשיתי את זה כבר פעמים רבות. תאמיני בי," הוא חייך בביטחון.En: "It's not a problem, I have done it many times before. Trust me," he smiled confidently.He: הם המשיכו לטפס במאמץ, עד לרגע שבו קרה הדבר הבלתי צפוי.En: They continued to climb with effort, until the unexpected happened.He: בעת צעידה על אבן חלקלקה, אביב איבד את שיווי המשקל ונפל.En: While stepping on a slippery stone, Aviv lost his balance and fell.He: הוא נאנק מכאבים, רגלו התפתלה בתנוחה בלתי טבעית.En: He groaned in pain, his leg twisted in an unnatural position.He: "או לא... הקרסול שלי," הוא מלמל בכאב.En: "Oh no... my ankle," he muttered in pain.He: מאיה התרוצצה סביבו בבהלה.En: Maya rushed around him in panic.He: "מה נעשה עכשיו? אנחנו צריכים לחזור."En: "What will we do now? We need to go back."He: אביב, בהיותו עקשן וטיפה פזיז, אמר, "אני רוצה להמשיך. הנוף שווה את זה."En: Aviv, being stubborn and a bit reckless, said, "I want to continue. The view is worth it."He: אבל מאיה שיטחה סביבה והתחילה לחשוב.En: But Maya settled herself and began to think.He: לבסוף, היא שכנעה אותו.En: Finally, she convinced him.He: "אביב, הבטחתי לך פעם שאני אדאג לך. אנחנו חייבים לחזור בזהירות."En: "Aviv, I promised you once that I would take care of you. We have to go back carefully."He: הם התחילו לחזור על השביל בזהירות, כשהיא תומכת בו בעדינות.En: They started to carefully retrace their steps, with her gently supporting him.He: אביב הבין את החכמה שבזהירות ולקח האחריות.En: Aviv understood the wisdom in caution and took responsibility.He: הוא חש הודיה על עזרתה האמיצה של מאיה.En: He felt grateful for Maya's brave assistance.He: השמש התחילה לרדת, הטילה זרזי זהב על היער.En: The sun began to set, casting golden streaks on the forest.He: הם הצליחו לחזור בשלום.En: They managed to return safely.He: "תודה, מאיה," אמר אביב כשהם ישבו לנוח על ספסל בכניסה ליער.En: "Thank you, Maya," said Aviv as they sat down to rest on a bench at the entrance to the forest.He: מאיה חייכה אליו ולחשה, "אני שמחה ללמוד דברים חדשים, אבל נעשה זאת בזהירות בפעם הבאה."En: Maya smiled at him and whispered, "I'm happy to learn new things, but we'll do it carefully next time."He: היער רחש סביבם בחיים חדשים.En: The forest buzzed around them with new life.He: הם הבינו שהדרך היא לא רק נופים, אלא גם המסע והשיעורים שבדרך.En: They realized that the path is not just about the views, but also about the journey and the lessons along the way.He: כך נשאר להם הזיכרון הזה, בזכות הרגע הקטן אך המשמעותי שהיה לשניהם.En: Thus, this memory remained with them, thanks to that small yet significant moment they shared. Vocabulary Words:adventurous: הרפתקניenthusiastically: במרץcautious: זהירהsteep: תלולrugged: מחוספסhesitantly: מהוססbalance: שיווי משקלgroaned: נאנקtwisted: התפתלהcarefully: בזהירותreckless: פזיזstubborn: עקשןgrateful: הודיהsupporting: תומכתrealized: הבינוjourney: מסעlessons: שיעוריםsignificant: משמעותיpath: שבילunexpected: הבלתי צפויmuter: מלמלthought: המחשבהsurrounded: הקיפוbreeze: רוחconfidence: ביטחוןeffort: מאמץview: נוףankle: קרסולretreat: לחזורpromised: הבטחתיBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

Is using psychedelic drugs to get close to Hashem a Mitzvah or Aveira? What about for therapeutic and recreational purposes? How do psychedelics affect people and what are the side effects? Are people in the frum world really using these drugs and, if so, how broadly? How should we think about Rabbanim who use - and advise others to use – psychedelics? Host: Ari Wasserman, author of the newly published, revised and expanded book Making it Work, on workplace challenges and Halachic Q & A on the Job You can order "Halachic Q & A on the Job” at https://mosaicapress.com/product/halachic-q-a-on-the-job/ with Rabbi Dr. Dovid Fox – Dayan, forensic and clinical psychologist, Director of Crisis and Trauma Services for Chai Lifeline – 12:08 with Rabbi Akiva Dershowitz – Rosh Kollel, Toras Efrayim Shlomo, Yerushalayim – 44:07 with Dr. Jacob Freedman – psychiatrist, speaker and author – 44:07 with Mrs Sarit-Chen Kreutoro – Social Worker and Teacher for Maalot Bakodesh – 1:18:36 with Rabbi Dr. Benjamin Epstein – psychologist and author of Living in the Presence – 1:40:28 Conclusions and Takeaways – 2:03:24 מראי מקומות   

Tehillim 132: קומה ה' למנוחתך (conclusion), by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom When was Psalm 132 composed - and why? In this conclusion of a two-part shiur, we examine the longest of the שירי המעלה - Psalm 132. This psalm, evidently devoted to the city of Yerushalayim and the Divine choice of both the place and the Davidic line, is especially appropriate as we prepare to celebrate the 58th anniversary of the reunification of Yerushalayim under Jewish sovereignty. Noting that the psalm speaks in different voices, we note numerous related texts in Tanakh that may have either been inspired by, or been the inspiration for our psalm. קומה ה' למנוחתך, אתה וארון עוזך. And, indeed, may we soon see a fulfillment of the promise ואויביו אלביש בשת, ועליו יציץ נזרו.

2 sections- protection afforded during travel for people doing mitzvos and Yerushalayim's intentional lackings, need to check 2 rows in wine cellar and clarification of the positions regarding which rows (BS/BH)

2 sections- protection afforded during travel for people doing mitzvot and Yerushalayim's intentional lackings, need to check 2 rows in wine cellar and clarification of the positions regarding which rows (BS/BH)

Rabbi Feiner shiurim

Join Rabbi Joey Rosenfeld as he guides us through the world and major works of Kabbalah, Hasidic masters, and Jewish philosophy, shedding light on the inner life of the soul. To learn more, visit InwardTorah.org

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: The Spice of Connection: A Shavuot Market Adventure Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2025-05-26-22-34-01-he Story Transcript:He: בשוק החיים והשוקק של ירושלים העתיקה, אביב הגיע והשוק מלא בריחות צבעוניים וססגוניים.En: In the bustling and vibrant market of Yerushalayim the Old City, spring has arrived, and the market is filled with colorful and vibrant aromas.He: הריחות ממלאים את האוויר עם תבלינים ועשבים רעננים, במיוחד בערב חג השבועות.En: The air is filled with scents of spices and fresh herbs, especially on the eve of Chag Shavuot.He: אווירת החג מורגשת בין התכונה של הקונים והסוחרים המציעים את מרכולתם בקולי קולות.En: The holiday atmosphere is felt among the buyers and sellers offering their goods aloud.He: אביטל, סוחרת מוכשרת ומתמחה בתבלינים ועשבים קדומים, מסתובבת בין הדוכנים, מחפשת רכיב נדיר למאכל מיוחד שתכין למשפחתה לכבוד חג השבועות.En: Avital, a talented merchant specializing in ancient spices and herbs, roams between the stalls, searching for a rare ingredient for a special dish she is preparing for her family in honor of Chag Shavuot.He: ליאור, ידיד ותיק ובעל דוכן לסחורות בשוק, מצטרף אליה ומציע לסייע לה.En: Lior, an old friend and stall owner in the market, joins her and offers to help.He: "אביטל, אני מכיר מישהו שיש לו את מה שאת מחפשת", הוא מתלחש באוזנה.En: "Avital, I know someone who has what you're looking for," he whispers in her ear.He: "אבל הוא לא קל במשא ומתן".En: "But he's not easy to negotiate with."He: אביטל יודעת את שיוויו של התבלין שהיא מחפשת, אך המשא ומתן הוא חלק מהאתגר.En: Avital knows the worth of the spice she seeks, but negotiation is part of the challenge.He: היא ניגשת לדוכן של הסוחר המפורסם, חיוך קל על פניה.En: She approaches the stall of the renowned merchant, a slight smile on her face.He: "שלום רב, אני מחפשת את התבלין הנדיר לכבוד חג השבועות", היא אומרת בנחישות.En: "Hello, I'm looking for the rare spice in honor of Chag Shavuot," she says determinedly.He: הסוחר מביט בה בעיניים מרוכזות.En: The merchant looks at her with focused eyes.He: "התבלין הזה מאד יקר.En: "This spice is very expensive.He: מה יש לך להציע בתמורה?En: What do you have to offer in return?"He: ", הוא שואל בקול מחושב.En: he asks in a calculated voice.He: אביטל מתלבטת.En: Avital hesitates.He: היא מבינה שעליה להציע משהו מיוחד.En: She understands she needs to offer something special.He: בתוך התרהבשקות הפנימי שלה היא נזכרת במגילת מתכון מיוחדת שירשה מהמשפחה.En: In her internal reflection, she remembers a special recipe scroll she inherited from her family.He: "הנה, יש לי מגילה מיוחדת של מתכונים עתיקים, עוברת מדור לדור במשפחתי", היא עונה ומגישה את המגילה נטכלפות בזהירות.En: "Here, I have a special scroll of ancient recipes, passed down from generation to generation in my family," she replies, carefully presenting the scroll.He: הסוחר מסוכך בעיניים מסוקרות את המגילה ומחייך.En: The merchant scrutinizes the scroll with curious eyes and smiles.He: "זה די מעניין", הוא מגמגם, "אני מסכים לעסקה".En: "This is quite interesting," he stammers, "I agree to the deal."He: אביטל משאירה את המגילה וקיבלה את התבלין הנדיר.En: Avital leaves the scroll and receives the rare spice.He: עם שימחת כהכרתודעה, היא ממהרת עם התבלין הנדיר, מוכנה להכין את המנה המיוחדת לחג.En: Filled with gratitude and joy, she hurries with the rare spice, ready to prepare the special dish for the holiday.He: בערב חג השבועות, המשפחה מתכנסת, והמנה המיוחדת של אביטל מגישה לשולחן.En: On the eve of Chag Shavuot, the family gathers, and Avital's special dish is served at the table.He: כולם מרכים על המאכל ומברכים את אביטל על התוצאה.En: Everyone praises the dish and blesses Avital for the outcome.He: היא לומדת באותו רגע שהקרבה לעיתים מביאה הזדמנויות חדשות וגם קשרים עמוקים יותר.En: She learns in that moment that closeness sometimes brings new opportunities and deeper connections.He: ליאור מחייך לעברה מהפינה בחדר, מרוצה שסייע לחברתו להגשים את מטרה בעודה אוחזת בתבלין הנדיר שלה.En: Lior smiles at her from the corner of the room, pleased to have helped his friend achieve her goal as she holds her rare spice. Vocabulary Words:bustling: שוקקvibrant: ססגוניaromas: ריחותherbs: עשביםeve: ערבdeterminedly: בנחישותmerchant: סוחרrenowned: מפורסםcalculated: מחושבscrutinizes: מסוכךhesitates: מתלבטתreflection: להתרשתscroll: מגילהcurious: מסוקרותstammers: מגמגםgratitude: כהכרתודהjoy: שימחתpraised: מרכיםbless: מברכיםcloseness: קרבהopportunities: הזדמנויותdeeper: עמוקיםconnections: קשריםachieve: להגשיםgoal: מטרהwhispers: מתלחשspice: תבליןtransaction: עסקהinherit: ירשהoffers: מגישBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

Chof-Ches Iyar (22:12)

B"H The return of Yerushalayim is not just history; it's a wonder, a sign that Hashem has returned to Zion. The Jewish people being back in Yerushalayim is just the beginning. Our mission? To radiate the light of Torah, goodness, and kindness to the entire world. Yerushalayim belongs to the Jewish people — but its light is meant to shine on all nations. 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!

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

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

B"H Our home isn't exile, it's Yerushalayim. There is a deep longing of the Jewish soul for the holy city — a place where spiritual and physical wholeness meet, and the light of holiness shines. Even in the safety of places like North America, we're still in galut. Our hearts remain turned toward Jerusalem. We pray for her peace. For her rebuilding. For a world made whole. 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!

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: Shavuot at the Museum: A Journey to Rediscover Dreams Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2025-05-24-22-34-02-he Story Transcript:He: בירושלים האביב מתערסל בשדות ובעצים, והשמש מפזרת אור חמים ברחובות.En: In Yerushalayim, the spring cradles in the fields and trees, and the sun spreads warm light through the streets.He: מוזיאון האמנות בירושלים מתמלא באנשים שחוגגים את חג השבועות.En: The Museum of Art in Yerushalayim fills with people celebrating the holiday of Shavuot.He: התערוכה החדשה, עם ציורים פוסט-מודרניים, מזמינה מבקרים רבים.En: The new exhibition, with post-modern paintings, invites many visitors.He: בין המתרגשים נמצאים גם אליורה ונועם.En: Among the excited are Eliora and Noam.He: אליורה עומדת במרכז האולם הגדול.En: Eliora stands in the center of the large hall.He: היא אוהבת אמנות.En: She loves art.He: כשהיא מתבוננת ביצירה הראשונה, צבעים זוהרים מושכים אותה פנימה.En: As she gazes at the first piece, vibrant colors draw her inward.He: נועם, חבר ותיק שלה, קצת מאחור, מתלהב מההיסטוריה שמאחורי היצירות.En: Noam, her longtime friend, lags a bit behind, enthused by the history behind the creations.He: הם מתקדמים יחד, מחליפים דעות ומגלים את הסיפורים המסתתרים בין הציורים.En: They move forward together, exchanging opinions and uncovering the stories hidden within the paintings.He: לפתע, אליורה נעצרת לפני ציור של אישה עם עיניים עמוקות.En: Suddenly, Eliora stops in front of a painting of a woman with profound eyes.He: היא מרגישה שמשהו נוגע בה.En: She feels something touching her.He: מחשבות על קריירת האמנות שחשבה עליה הרבה נצנצות בראשה.En: Thoughts about an art career she had often contemplated spark in her mind.He: היא רוצה לעבוד בעולם הזה, אבל חוששת מה שיגידו המשפחה והחברים.En: She wants to work in this world, but fears what family and friends might say.He: האם לשנות כיוון אחרי כל השנים?En: Is it time to change direction after all these years?He: נועם מרגיש שמשהו מכביד עליה.En: Noam senses something weighing on her.He: "מה קרה, אליורה?" הוא שואל בעדינות.En: "What happened, Eliora?" he asks gently.He: היא נושמת עמוק ומביטה בנועם.En: She takes a deep breath and looks at Noam.He: היא מחליטה שהוא החבר שהיא צריכה לשתף.En: She decides he is the friend she needs to share with.He: "נועם, אני מרגישה שעלי להיכנס יותר לעולם האמנות," היא אומרת באיטיות.En: "Noam, I feel I need to delve more into the art world," she says slowly.He: "אולי אני רוצה להיות אוצרת אמנות.En: "Maybe I want to be an art curator.He: אני מפחדת לשנות כיוון כזה עכשיו..."En: I'm afraid to change such a direction now..."He: נועם מקשיב בשקט.En: Noam listens quietly.He: כשהיא מסיימת, הוא מחייך אליה בעידוד.En: When she finishes, he smiles at her encouragingly.He: "אליורה, את מורה לאמנות בלב ובנשמה.En: "Eliora, you are an art teacher at heart and soul.He: אם זה מה שאת רוצה, אני תומך בך.En: If this is what you want, I support you.He: אולי תחילים בצעדים קטנים, כמו להתנדב במוזיאון."En: Maybe start with small steps, like volunteering at the museum."He: כשנועם מדבר, אליורה מרגישה הקלה.En: As Noam speaks, Eliora feels relieved.He: החברים, והשמש האביבית שמלטפת את היצירות, מעניקים לה ביטחון חדש.En: Friends, and the spring sunshine that caresses the artworks, grant her new confidence.He: היא מבינה שהיום הזה במוזיאון הוא לא סתם טיול.En: She realizes that this day at the museum is not just a visit.He: זהו יום שינוי.En: It is a day of change.He: היא מחייכת לנועם, לוקחת ידו, ופוסעת בביטחון הלאה, ממלאת בליבה חזון ותוכניות.En: She smiles at Noam, takes his hand, and strides forward confidently, filling her heart with vision and plans.He: התערוכה נתנה לה יותר מכיף – היא העניקה לה הזדמנות להתחיל מחדש את חלומותיה.En: The exhibition gave her more than just fun—it offered her the opportunity to renew her dreams.He: הם יוצאים מהמוזיאון, אל החגיגה שבחוץ, מוכנים לפרק חדש של תקווה ויצירה.En: They exit the museum into the celebration outside, ready for a new chapter of hope and creation. Vocabulary Words:cradles: מתערסלspreads: מפזרתcelebrating: חוגגיםexhibition: תערוכהvibrant: זוהריםgazes: מתבוננתinward: פנימהcontemplated: שחשבה עליהprofound: עמוקותsenses: מרגישdelve: להיכנסart curator: אוצרת אמנותencouragingly: בעידודrelieved: הקלהcaresses: מלטפתrenew: להתחילstrides: פוסעתvision: חזוןcreation: יצירהopportunity: הזדמנותcontemplated: נצנצות בראשהweighing: מכביד עליהuncovers: מגליםvolunteering: להתנדבheart and soul: בלב ובנשמהlag: קצת מאחורexchanging: מחליפיםconfidently: ביטחוןponder: מיייהBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

This episode discusses the Haftorah of Parshas Behar, how Yirmiyahu was commanded to sell land just before Yerushalayim fell.

Tehillim 132: קומה ה' למנוחתך, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom What was the occasion that motivated the composition of Psalm 132? A special shiur as we prepare for Yom Yerushalayim. In this first part of a two-part shiur, we examine the longest of the שירי המעלה - Psalm 132. This psalm, evidently devoted to the city of Yerushalayim and the Divine choice of both the place and the Davidic line, is especially appropriate as we prepare to celebrate the 58th anniversary of the reunification of Yerushalayim under Jewish sovereignty. Noting that the psalm speaks in different voices, we note numerous related texts in Tanakh that may have either been inspired by, or been the inspiration for our psalm. קומה ה' למנוחתך, אתה וארון עוזך. And, indeed, may we soon see a fulfillment of the promise ואויביו אלביש בשת, ועליו יציץ נזרו. Source sheet >>

Join me in this very special episode as I speak with one of my Torah teachers, Rebbetzin Sara Yoheved Rigler, about her book Holy Woman: The Road to Greatness of Rebbetzin Chaya Sara Kramer. In honor of Rebbetzin Chaya Sara Kramer's yahrtzeit, on the 3rd of Sivan (which begins on the evening of May 29th), we discuss the life and legacy of this true tzedekes (righteous woman) and what we can learn from her. Rebbetzin Rigler shares amazing stories and powerful tools for growth, including Rebbetzin Chaya Sara's four-step recipe for happiness. This is an episode you don't want to miss! About Rebbetzin Sara Yoheved Rigler:Sara Yoheved Rigler is the author of seven books on Jewish spirituality: HolyWoman; Lights from Jerusalem; Battle Plans: How to Fight the YetzerHara (with Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller); G-d Winked: Tales and Lessons from MySpiritual Adventures; Heavenprints; and Emunah with Love and Chicken Soup:The Story of Rebbetzin Henny Machlis, the Brooklyn-born Girl who became aJerusalem Legend. Her newest book, I've Been Here Before: When Souls of theHolocaust Return, is the product of 8 years of research into reincarnated soulsfrom the Holocaust. She gives a weekly Marriage Webinar for Jewish womenon a spiritual approach to marriage, with hundreds of members throughoutthe world. She lives in Jerusalem. Her website is: sararigler.com. Her YouTubechannel is "From Within the Walls of Jerusalem," where she relates stories, presents gems of Jewish wisdom, and teaches practical life tools.Sponsor: NishmatIn our post-October 7 world, are you seeking to connect more deeply with your Jewish heritage? Are you a mom with kids at camp, looking to spend a week—or even three—immersed in Torah? A Torah teacher seeking a summer of in-depth learning in Yerushalayim? Or maybe an entrepreneur eager to explore the Jewish laws of business in detail? No matter your stage of life, Nishmat's Summer Beit Midrash is the place for you. This program offers transformative Torah learning for women of all backgrounds, in the heart of Jerusalem. Visit nishmat.net/summer-beit-midrash to learn more and sign up!Sources:Holy Woman: The Road to Greatness of Rebbetzin Chaya Sara KramerSara Rigler's websiteModern Jewish Girl Website

The pasuk in this week's parasha , Emor , says: מִמּוֹשְׁבֹתֵיכֶם תָּבִיאוּ לֶחֶם תְּנוּפָה "From your dwelling places, you shall bring bread that shall be waved." ( Vayikra 23:17) This refers to the shtei ha-lechem offering brought on Shavuot . The Sefer Zara D'Yosef brings a beautiful homiletical interpretation from the author of Melo HaRo'im al HaShas . Some people believe that the reason they have a good parnasah is because their business is in a great location—throngs of people pass by, and many of them stop in to make purchases. To such thinking, the Torah responds with astonishment: מִמּוֹשְׁבֹתֵיכֶם תָּבִיאוּ לֶחֶם Do you really think it's from your moshavot —your location—that you bring in bread? The Torah then says: תְּנוּפָה This word, tenufah , which usually refers to the waving of the offering, can be understood here as: tenu peh —"give your mouth," meaning tefillah . The true source of parnasah is Hashem , and we must turn to Him in prayer. That is the real source of blessing. One reason Hashem made it that we need parnasah is so that we would be constantly drawn to ask Him for it. There is nothing more beneficial than having a close connection with Hashem , speaking to Him at all times. We should never take anything for granted. Rav Elimelech miLezhensk once had a student who received a weekly stipend and had all his meals provided for. Thinking he no longer needed to pray for parnasah , he stopped doing so. That same day, when meals were distributed, this student was the only one not given a fork. It took so long to receive one that by the time he got it, his food was cold. Rav Elimelech told him, "Even for a fork, you must pray to Hashem ." Rav Shmuel Tefilinsky wrote in a kuntres that if someone is struggling with parnasah or being pressured by a creditor, he should not think that a poor decision or particular event caused his situation. Hashem orchestrates all circumstances. He alone decides how much a person will earn or lose, and He has infinite ways to provide for someone. Sometimes, Hashem doesn't even need to send money—He fulfills our needs in other, unexpected ways. One man shared that he lived in what he called a "little hole"—a tiny attic apartment, barely big enough for a table, bed, and lamp, far above the other floors in a building. When people asked about his future plans, he always said, "I want an apartment in Yerushalayim." Everyone thought he was unrealistic—he couldn't even afford a regular apartment in a cheaper area, and yet he was dreaming of Yerushalayim, where apartments were well over two million shekels. His wife urged him to be more practical. But he would say, "No matter what apartment we get, we'll need money we don't have. Since Hashem is the source of that money, and He owns all the gold and silver in the world, there's no difference to Him whether He gives us 800,000 shekels or 2.2 million. It's all the same to Him." Every day, he prayed from the depths of his heart for an apartment in Yerushalayim, where he hoped to live a more spiritual life. One day, walking through a Jerusalem street, a man approached him and asked if he knew anyone looking for an apartment in Yerushalayim. "I am," he said immediately. The man pointed to a nearby building and explained that the apartment there had been on the market for years. Every deal had fallen through at the last minute. Now, the owner was desperate and willing to sell it for nearly half the original price. The man visited the apartment—it was spacious and just what he wanted. The price: under one million shekels. If someone had told him that people would eventually be begging him to buy an apartment in Yerushalayim at an affordable price, he would have said it sounds impossible. But with Hashem , nothing is impossible. He bought it and moved into his dream apartment. All because of tefillah and emunah . Parnasah comes only from Hashem , and He can provide everything a person needs—whether through money or without it. Shabbat Shalom

Unraveling the Mystery of Lag BaOmer, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom Why is there a celebratory air to the 33rd day of the Omer-count? By far the most mysterious of our festive days is ל"ג בעמר, where the cessation from weddings (etc.) turns the day into a joyous outburst of celebration, replete with bonfires, outings and more. What is the story behind this unexplained day? With the help of an ancient manuscript, a Geniza find, a typesetter's mistake, a letter written by a 4th century Christian Bishop, a rabbi mourning for his son and another rabbi speaking up 14 centuries after his death...we may have the mystery unraveled. This shiur is based on the research of R. Avraham Kosman of Yerushalayim. Source sheet >>

Who Built Yerushalayim?

What happens when the dream job just doesn't feel like your dream?In this episode, we sit down with Yaakov (Bryant) Oberg, who left a successful banking career in LA in search of something deeper. What started as spiritual curiosity led to yeshiva in Yerushalayim, and later to a new challenge—integrating Torah learning into the reality of full-time work.He started out by learning a full morning seder followed by working in the afternoon and evening. But then he burnt out.This lead him to help launch: Kollel Gedulei Tzion, a kollel built around a bold idea—a half seder of high-quality learning for Bnei Torah in the workforce.This episode explores:The decision to walk away from a high paying job in pursuit of meaningWhat it looks like to live an integrated Torah–work lifestyleWhy sometimes less learning can lead to more growthIt's a powerful reminder that success isn't about how many hours you log—it's about where your heart is.For more information on Kollel Gedulei Tzion, led by Rabbi Zev Horowitz, go to https://www.geduleitzion.org/Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background06:12 Leaving Corporate Life for Yeshiva18:13 Establishing a New Learning Framework33:43 Reflecting on Work, Passion and SpiritualitySubscribe to our newsletter at ⁠⁠shtarktank.org⁠⁠ for more from working Bnei Torah around the world.Join our ⁠⁠quiet whatsapp group ⁠⁠for episode updates, event invites and exclusive bonus content.Thank you for listening.If this episode moved you, please take a moment to rate and review — it helps us bring more meaningful conversations to more people.Subscribe to Shtark Tank for thoughtful interviews, honest reflections, and real conversations for Bnei Torah navigating the modern world.

We love to see salvations from Hashem. Sometimes, we witness immediate responses to our tefillot , and when that happens, it is an incredible experience. Rabbi Aholiav Chiyun once related that he met Rabbi Shlomo Musayof, founder of the Musayof shul in Yerushalayim, on Purim . Rabbi Musayof looked noticeably sad, and when Rabbi Chiyun asked him what was wrong, he explained that he had a son who had escaped from Russia to America 12 years earlier, and he had not heard from him since. In those days, making an international call was extremely expensive, and even letters were uncertain to reach their destination. Rabbi Chiyun told him to pray right then and there for his son's return, as it was an et ratzon , an auspicious time for tefilla . He also blessed him that Hashem should answer his request. Exactly a week later, there was a knock at Rabbi Musayof's door. When he opened it, the man standing there said, "Abba." Rabbi Musayof could hardly recognize his son, especially with his big beard. He embraced him, thanking Hashem for bringing him home. The son explained that he had been struggling to even afford rent and food and traveling to Israel was impossible. However, a week earlier, an elderly man overheard him speaking Hebrew and approached him. The man mentioned that he had an extra plane ticket to Israel and offered it to him. Later, they realized that this conversation took place at the exact same time that Rabbi Musayof had been praying the week before. It was an extraordinary yeshuah , showing the power of tefilla and Hashem's perfect timing. However, not all prayers are answered so quickly. A man once shared that he had been begging Hashem day and night for salvation from an enormous challenge in his life. But instead of seeing relief, everything collapsed, and he lost everything. He felt abandoned and struggled to continue praying. For six months, he could not even open a siddur . Finally, one day, he mustered the strength to begin praying again. As he recited the words ה' שפתי תפתח —"Hashem, open my lips"—he broke down crying uncontrollably for half an hour. This was a man with deep emunah , and he felt the painful void of Hashem's absence in his life. Now, he is working hard to see the good and rebuild the connection he once had. Sometimes, we do not receive the answers we hope for, but feeling Hashem's presence through our struggles can make all the difference. Rabbi Benyamin Pruzansky shared another story that highlights Hashem's hidden hand in our lives. A man was speaking with his business partner, Meyer, at their sporting goods store when he mentioned a tragedy that had recently occurred in their community. A man had passed away, leaving behind a young family. Meyer, who had also lost his father at a young age, was asked to give chizuk to the mourners. Although Meyer did not know the family, he understood their pain and agreed to go. When he arrived, he tried his best to offer words of comfort from his heart. Before he left, he approached the 11-year-old boy in the family, Shlomo, and made him an offer. "I own a sporting goods store," Meyer said. "I sell all the latest brand-name sneakers. I want you to come to my store after the Shiva and pick out any sneakers you want—for free." Shlomo's teary eyes suddenly widened. "You don't know what this means to me," he said. "I was getting ready to go to camp for the summer, and the day before my father passed away, he told me he was going to take me to get brand-new sneakers." "The last few days, I've been trying to figure out how I'm going to go without my father. I prayed to Hashem to help me, and now you came and offered me new sneakers, just like my father promised. Hashem always takes care of me." This young boy was going through an unimaginable loss, but recognizing Hashem's hand in the process gave him so much chizuk . We may not always receive exactly what we ask for, but knowing that Hashem is guiding and helping us—even when we cannot see it—can strengthen us tremendously.

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

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: A Springtime Reunion: Finding Connection in Yerushalayim Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2025-04-07-22-34-02-he Story Transcript:He: הרחובות העתיקים של ירושלים היו מלאים באור השמש האביבית.En: The ancient streets of Yerushalayim were filled with the light of springtime sunshine.He: פסח היה בעיצומו וכל העיר נראתה חגיגית ושוקקת.En: Pesach was in full swing, and the entire city looked festive and bustling.He: אוטובוס מלא בתלמידי בית ספר הגיע לעיר הבירה לטיול שנתי.En: A bus full of school students arrived in the capital for their annual trip.He: עמית, טליה ויונתן היו חלק מקבוצה זו.En: Amit, Talia, and Yonatan were part of this group.He: עמית הסתובב בין הכיתה, מנסה למצוא את מקומו.En: Amit wandered among the class, trying to find his place.He: הוא היה ילד סקרן וחושב הרבה, אך התקשה למצוא איך להתערב בתוך האנשים.En: He was a curious child who often pondered, but he struggled to figure out how to fit in with people.He: כולם מסביבו נראו שמחים וחברותיים, והוא חש כמו נעלם ברקע.En: Everyone around him seemed happy and sociable, and he felt like he was fading into the background.He: טליה, לעומתו, הייתה הרפתקנית מאוד.En: Talia, on the other hand, was very adventurous.He: היא רצה קדימה, תמיד צמאה לחוויות חדשות.En: She ran ahead, always thirsty for new experiences.He: יונתן היה חכם ושקט, תמיד מנסה לזכור את כל מה שהמדריך אומר.En: Yonatan was intelligent and quiet, always trying to remember everything the guide said.He: הוא אהב ללמוד על ההיסטוריה בזמן שכולם התרכזו באווירה.En: He enjoyed learning about the history while everyone else focused on the atmosphere.He: הקבוצה התקדמה לעבר הכותל המערבי.En: The group moved towards the Kotel HaMa'aravi (Western Wall).He: עמית חשש שהוא יתמזג בקהל ולא ימצא את עצמו.En: Amit feared that he would blend into the crowd and not find himself.He: הוא רצה להיות חלק מהחוויה, אך הרגיש חוסר ביטחון להתקרב לכנופיית הילדים שמסביבו.En: He wanted to be part of the experience but felt insecure about approaching the gang of kids around him.He: אילו רק יכול היה למצוא דרך להרגיש משמעותי.En: If only he could find a way to feel significant.He: בתוך השווקים הצבעוניים והדוכנים ההומים, עמית גילה שהוא למעשה יכול לשאול שאלות ולהתערב.En: Within the colorful markets and bustling stalls, Amit discovered that he could actually ask questions and get involved.He: הוא החל לשוחח עם טליה, שהתלהבה לראות את כל המראות החדשים.En: He began talking with Talia, who was excited to see all the new sights.He: עמית הציע פעילויות, כדוגמת כניסה לחנויות מקומיות וטעמי אוכל שלא ניסו מעולם.En: Amit suggested activities like entering local shops and tasting foods they had never tried before.He: הדבר גרם לטליה להסתקרן עוד יותר.En: This piqued Talia's curiosity even more.He: יונתן הצטרף לשיחה והתחיל לדבר על הקשר ההיסטורי של העיר.En: Yonatan joined the conversation and started talking about the city's historical connection.He: הוא הפך את ההיסטוריה לדבר מעניין ומסקרן.En: He made history interesting and intriguing.He: שלושתם נכנסו לשיחה מרתקת בזמן שהמתינו לקבוצה שלהם ליד הדוכנים.En: The three of them engaged in a fascinating conversation while they waited for their group near the stalls.He: לפתע, הם הבינו שאיבדו את הקבוצה ונשארו לבד.En: Suddenly, they realized they had lost the group and were left alone.He: רחובות העיר הסתחררו סביבם, ופתאום הם נאלצו לסמוך אחד על השני.En: The city's streets swirled around them, and suddenly they had to rely on each other.He: שלושתם, בהסתמכות על היכולות והאינטליגנציה של כל אחד מהם, חיפשו את הדרך חזרה.En: The three of them, depending on each other's skills and intelligence, searched for the way back.He: בסוף, בזכות היוזמה של עמית, הם מצאו את הדרך חזרה.En: In the end, thanks to Amit's initiative, they found their way back.He: גיל השמה כולו חיוך כאשר ראה אותם שוב.En: Gil, the teacher, beamed with a smile when he saw them again.He: עמית הרגיש שהוא הצליח לשבור את המחסום ולהתחבר לחבריו.En: Amit felt that he managed to break the barrier and connect with his friends.He: תחושת גאווה ושייכות מילאה את לבו.En: A feeling of pride and belonging filled his heart.He: מאותו יום, עמית הרגיש בטוח יותר במצבים חברתיים.En: From that day, Amit felt more confident in social situations.He: הוא למד להעריך את החברויות החדשות והרגיש שהוא מצא את מקומו בקבוצה.En: He learned to appreciate the new friendships and felt he had found his place in the group.He: ביקור בירושלים הפך למסע של גילוי אישי, מעבר לנופים וההיסטוריה של העיר עצמה.En: The visit to Yerushalayim turned into a journey of personal discovery, beyond the sights and the history of the city itself. Vocabulary Words:ancient: עתיקיםfestive: חגיגיתbustling: שוקקתwandered: הסתובבpondered: חושבsociable: חברותייםadventurous: הרפתקניתintelligent: חכםblend: יתמזגsignificant: משמעותיmarkets: שווקיםstalls: דוכניםengaged: נכנסוfascinating: מרתקתswirled: הסתחררוinitiative: יוזמהbeamed: השמהbarrier: מחסוםpride: גאווהbelonging: שייכותappreciate: להעריךdiscovery: גילויcurious: סקרןcuriosity: הסתקרןinsecure: חוסר ביטחוןrely: לסמוךconnection: הקשרintriguing: מסקרןapproaching: להתקרבsuggested: הציעBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

Send us a textOriginally from Monsey NY, Rav Luger completed high school in Yeshiva Shaarei Torah and then continued to learn in the prestigious Yeshiva of Toras Simcha and Yeshiva Gedola Matisyahu. Afterward, he continued his learning in Sh'or Yoshuv while completing his degree in Business Administration. After making aliyah, Rav Luger joined Kollel Tzeiri Haleviim, a semicha Kollel under the auspices of HaRav Hagaon Avigdor Nevenzahl, Shlita. He then became a Rebbe in Fisher's Yeshiva on Moshav Matityahu, ultimately opening and leading the Old City branch. He also gives an exciting and engaging weekly hashkafa shiur at Yeshivat Netiv Aryeh and has led many groups and chaburos on mindfulness and 12 step programs. Additionally, Rav Luger has served as a chinuch consultant and mental health askan.With a keen understanding of today's challenges, Rav Luger has an unparalleled ability to connect to each talmid and help them find their own path within the Torah world. Currently, he resides in the French Hill neighborhood of Yerushalayim with his wife and children.For more Brainstorm go to...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2aPCiuzsIoNKYt5jjv7RFT?si=67dfa56d4e764ee0Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brainstorm-with-sony-perlman/id1596925257Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@brainstormwithsonyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainstormwithsony

We say everyday in Pesukei DeZimra , " אהללה ה' בחיי . The Ketav Sofer explains that this means we should praise Hashem simply for the gift of life itself. " אזמרה לאלוקי בעודי "—I will sing to Hashem for all the extras He gives me. When we truly recognize our blessings, we will not only praise Hashem, but we will sing to Him with joy. There are so many potential dangers in the world, and Hashem, who is the Shomer Yisrael, is constantly watching over us. We have no idea about how much Hashem protects us, but we do know that He does, and we must thank Him for that, too. A rabbi shared how his wife went for a routine checkup. Since she was over 50, the doctor recommended a colonoscopy. She delayed the appointment several times until, one day, she received a message asking if she wanted a Cologuard test kit, which allows for an at-home screening. She agreed, and days later, two kits arrived instead of one—an apparent mistake. Since they had an extra, she told her husband to take one as well. They both sent in their samples, and the doctor informed her husband that his results were positive, requiring further examination. Although he had no plans to undergo a colonoscopy, he now had no choice. During the procedure, they removed polyps and discovered additional growths requiring surgery. Everything moved quickly from that point. They were able to get appointments due to last-minute cancellations. On the day of the surgery, the doctor informed him that if the growth was too close to the rectum, they would not be able to reconnect it, and he would have to wear a bag for the rest of his life. Baruch Hashem , the surgery was a success. It took an hour and a half longer than expected, but they removed everything, and he would not need a bag. The rabbi sang the praises of Hashem. He had no idea how much danger he was in, yet Hashem sent him exactly what he needed—through the mail—to save his life. Only Hashem knows the dangers people face and He has infinite ways of protecting them. Rabbi Binyamin Pruzansky shared a powerful story that took place last year on Erev Pesach in the Geula neighborhood of Yerushalayim. Rabbi Zev, a talmid chacham , went to Shacharit after spending nearly the entire night preparing for Pesach . He was scheduled to make a siyum for the firstborns at his shul . After tefilla , everyone gathered for the siyum . He was finishing Massechet Baba Kama. He went to the sefarim shelf to pull off a Hebrew Artscroll gemara to finish the masechet with. This masechet is divided up into three volumes in the Artscroll Shas. He opened the Gemara and began reading out loud. It was then that he realized he pulled out the wrong volume. The waiting men shifted impatiently as the rabbi went back to the sefarim shelf and pulled out a different volume. When he turned to the end of that massechet, he saw again it was the wrong volume. How could I make such a fool of myself twice? He silently rebuked himself. I must be much more tired than I even realized. Finally, on the third attempt, Rabbi Zev got it right. He read the last few lines and made the siyum. As the men began eating the celebratory cake, the door of the shul suddenly burst open. A man ran inside, announcing that there had just been a terror attack. Two terrorists had driven down the street trying to ram pedestrians. When they saw no one outside, they got out of their car and began shooting. Miraculously, their gun jammed, and no one was harmed. The people in the Beit Midrash realized that had Rabbi Zev pulled out the correct Gemara on his first attempt, they would have finished earlier and been outside at the very moment of the attack. We have no idea how much Hashem protects us every single day. It is our responsibility to thank and praise Him for the life that He gives us.

The pasuk in Parashat Vayakhel states that Hashem filled the hearts of Betzalel and Aholiav with wisdom to carry out the intricate work of constructing the Mishkan . Rav Shach asked: Why were these two individuals chosen over anyone else in Klal Yisrael ? He explained that when the people heard Moshe announce Hashem's command to build the Mishkan , no one wanted to take responsibility for such an overwhelming task. It seemed impossible. But Betzalel and Aholiav stepped forward, not because they already possessed the necessary skills, but because they believed in the mission. They understood that "it is not the capable who do, but rather those who do become capable." They wanted to take on the responsibility, and after Moshe appointed them, Hashem filled their hearts with the wisdom they needed to succeed. Their zechut has benefitted Kelal Yisrael for all generations. After David HaMelech killed Goliat, Goliat's brother sought revenge. A man named Elchanan ben Ya'areh struck Goliath's brother down with a weaving tool before he could cause harm. Rashi explains that Elchanan was a descendant of Betzalel, and in the zechut of Betzalel's weaving of the Parochet in the Mishkan , Hashem gave Elchanan the ability to eliminate this threat with the very same type of tool. Another powerful story is told about the father of Rabbi Aholiav Chiyun. He was 90 years old when his son was born. His wife, much younger than him, desperately wanted a child. She went to pray at the kever of Aholiav ben Achisamach in Sidon, and miraculously, they had a son. They named him Aholiav, attributing his birth to the zechut of Aholiav ben Achisamach. At four years old, however, the boy still had not begun to speak. His mother returned to the kever to pray again, bringing her son with her. Before she even finished her tefilla , he opened his mouth and asked her a question. She was so shocked that she nearly fainted. That boy later grew up to become a gadol b'Yisrael and was a chavruta of Chacham Ovadia Yosef in Yeshivat Porat Yosef . Betzalel and Aholiav stepped forward to do Hashem's will, and He gave them the ability to succeed. Their zechut continues forever. When a person is moser nefesh to do what is right, Hashem grants him special siyata dishmaya to accomplish it. Rabbi Goel Elkarif told a story that he heard directly from the person it happened to. Today, this man is a talmid chacham living in Yerushalayim. When he was in shidduchim , he was introduced to a girl with outstanding middot and deep yirat shamayim . However, no one told him that she suffered from a severe stuttering problem. When they met, he immediately noticed the issue. But because of his sterling character, he wasn't going to reject her solely because of it. They continued seeing each other. She was perfect in every way except for her extreme speech difficulty. With great emunah , he decided to move forward and got engaged to her. Amazingly, the day after their engagement, her stuttering disappeared completely and never returned. She had seen doctors, therapists, and specialists, but nothing had ever helped. Yet the moment she was engaged, the problem vanished. This chatan was moser nefesh to do what he believed was Hashem's will, and in return, Hashem gave him the greatest gift. Hashem can help us with anything. Our role is to do His will, and He will take care of the rest. Shabbat Shalom.

The Rama writes in siman 695 that it is a good practice to learn Torah on Purim before the seuda, as it says in the pasuk, "ליהודים היתה אורה ושמחה – First they had אורה, which is Torah, and then שמחה , which is rejoicing. Chazal tell us when our ancestors were saved from the decree of Haman, they reaccepted upon themselves the Torah and mitzvot. At Har Sinai they accepted it out of fear and then, on Purim, they accepted it out of love. The Shem M'Shmuel in parashat Tetzaveh writes that already from three days before Purim, a special Divine light of Torah emanates from Shamayim like during the three days of hagbala before Matan Torah on Har Sinai . The Chida writes one of the reasons we wear Shabbat clothing on Purim is because it is likened to the holiday of Simchat Torah. I saw brought down, just like when we received the Torah on Har Sinai, the people were healed from any physical or spiritual ailments. That power comes back during Purim, as well, which is like the day of Matan Torah . Besides for the kedusha that is imbued in us each time we learn Torah and besides for the eternal rewards we receive for learning it, learning Torah also has side physical benefits as well. Rabbi Menashe Reizman told that the Taz wrote a kameya (amulet) 400 years ago and, with it, dozens of people became healed from illnesses and dozens of couples who couldn't have children merited to have children. A hundred years ago in Yerushalayim , an adam chashuv had an inclination to open up that kameya to see what's written inside of it. He wanted to copy it and make many more of them so more people could be helped. He knew the rule that once a kameya is opened, it loses its power, but he was willing to take the risk to help others. So he opened it up and he saw written inside, "I, David ben Shmuel HaLevy, in the merit that I toiled to understand the depths of Tosafot in Masechet Chulin, daf 96a, please Hashem, help all those who are barren and help all those who are sick." That was the whole kameya. The merit of the Taz toiling on one Tosafot brought yeshuot to so many people. Our learning of Torah is so precious to Hashem. The pasuk says in Mishleh, "יקרה היא מפנינים – It is more valuable than precious stones." The Gemara in Masechet Horayot explains the pasuk to be saying that the Torah is more precious even than the Kohen Gadol going לפני ולפנים – entering the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur. The sefer Ki Ata Imadi puts this into perspective for us. He wrote, imagine we were able to witness the Kohen Gadol entering the Kodesh Kodeshim on Yom Kippur. Chazal say when he entered, nobody else was allowed in, not even the holiest angels. It was an exclusive meeting between the Kohen Gadol and Hashem. He would dip in the mikveh right before and then put on his special white garments. An old sage with a white beard, wearing all white, he looked like a malach . In one hand he was carrying a spoonful of coals and in the other a spoonful of ketoret . As he is about to perform the holiest avodah , in the holiest place, on the holiest day, imagine a Kohen Gadol called to someone and said, "You told me your father is sick, please tell me his name so I could ask Hashem now to heal him." What a golden opportunity to have the Kohen Gadol himself pray for a refuah shelemah for someone at that time. What could possibly be a better opportunity than that? Chazal are teaching us in Masechet Horayot , based on the pasuk , it is an even greater opportunity to ask for a refuah shelemah after a person just finished learning a piece of Torah. The learning of Torah is more precious to Hashem even than the Kohen Gadol entering the Kodesh Kodeshim on Yom Kippur. How fortunate we are! We have the opportunity to learn Torah any time we want. Hashem shared this precious gift with us. Let us take advantage and learn it as much as we can.

Andrey Kozlov was taken hostage on October 7th and held in Gaza for 8 months. He was rescued by the IDF in a daring operation deep in enemy territory on June 8th 2024.   ► Colel Chabad Pushka App - The easiest way to give Tzedaka   https://pushka.cc/meaningful __________________________________________________   ► PZ Deals - Download the app and never pay full price again!   https://app.pz.deals/install/mpp __________________________________________________   ► Rothenberg Law Firm - Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out today for a free case evaluation   https://shorturl.at/TsoU6 __________________________________________________   ► Town Appliance - Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp   https://www.townappliance.com   https://bit.ly/Townappliance_whatsapp __________________________________________________ ►Project Inspire Weekend   Register for the Project Inspire Convention Today!   March 7th - March 9th 2025   https://www.projectinspire.com/convention/ __________________________________________________   ► ILS - Ordering title should not be a surprise   https://ilstitle.com/ __________________________________________________   ► Growtha - We get you more leads.   https://growtha.com/meaningful __________________________________________________   ► Lalechet -    We're a team of kosher travel experts, here to carry you off to your dream destination swiftly, safely, and seamlessly in an experience you will forever cherish.   https://www.lalechet.com/website   __________________________________________________ ►Dream Raffle   Win a $1,000,000 Home in Yerushalayim!*