Podcasts about Yiddishkeit

We are Torah. And Torah is us.

How and why proper "self-love" is not just healthy but also the path to true emunah in Hashem.

Although widely accepted nowadays, the Zohar's acceptance came along with more controversy than you might expect.

The Rebbe advises against leaving the country, stressing the writer's vital role in Jewish education where it's most needed. He assures that using one's talents to strengthen local Yiddishkeit will bring Hashem's blessings. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/009/5436

The Rebbe highlights the opportunity to strengthen Yiddishkeit even in a secretarial role, emphasizing that every action can serve Hashem. He encourages using this position to influence others positively and notes the special merit of giving tzedakah before candle lighting. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/009/5434

Lag B'Omer - The Beauty of Yiddishkeit and the Repulsiveness of Goyishkeit

Why do we call it Sefiras HaOmer—the Counting of the Omer—when the Omer was just a measure of volume? And why are we counting upward instead of downward, if our goal is Shavuos?Discover the hidden connection between the manna in the desert and the counting we do today. This eye-opening exploration reveals what's truly in our control—and what rests in Hashem's hands. Plus, hear the breathtaking story of a miraculous event that took place just weeks ago here in Israel.Unlock the essence of Yiddishkeit through a powerful perspective on emunah and bitachon. Listen now to transform how you understand Divine providence in your everyday life.

In the classic song of Bar Yochai there is a line which translates to "when Hashem thought to make Man, he envisioned you (Rebbi Shimon)"—what was it about Rebbi Shimon Bar Yochai which made him worthy of such a compliment?

The true definition of the word "kadosh" is "separate" (as opposed to "holy"). This begs the question, whats so special about being separate?

התוכן העזרה ליהודי שני בגשמיות אין בה כדי לפטור את חובתו לעזור לו ברוחניות - להשפיע עליו להניח תפילין, כשרות, שמירת שבת או טהרת המשפחה וכיו"ב. ואדרבה - העזרה בזה נוגע עוד יותר כי בזה תלוי עיקר החיות של יהודי זה! והרי החיוב ד"הוכח תוכיך את עמיתך" [כמ"ש בשני דפ' קדושים] אינו רק על הרב והמגיד-מישרים אלא על כאו"א! וכ"ש א' שמעסיק יהודי שני בעסק שלו ועוזר לו בפרנסה גשמית, שעליו לנצל את ההשפעה שיש לו עליו ולעזור לו להתקרב ליהדות וכו' ו"המעשה הוא העיקר" וכו'. אלא זה צ"ל באופן דסבר פנים יפות וכו', ויש להשתדל בזה "עד מאה פעמים" וסו"ס יצליח וכו'.משיחת מוצש"ק פ' וישלח, י"ט כסלו ה'תשל"ג ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=09-05-2025 Synopsis Helping another Jew physically does not exempt one from the obligation to help him spiritually – by influencing him to put on tefillin and keep Shabbos, kashrus, family purity etc. On the contrary – helping another Jew spiritually is even more important, because that is the essence of a Jew's life. The obligation to rebuke one's fellow (as it says in parashas Kedoshim) doesn't apply only to Rabbonim etc., but to every Jew. Certainly someone who employs another Jew in his business, thus assisting him with his material livelihood, is especially obligated to utilize the influence he has over him to help him in a pleasant manner draw closer to Yiddishkeit etc., and “action is the main thing.” One must exert himself in this effort “even up to one hundred times,” and in the end, he will succeed.Excerpt from sichah of Motzaei Shabbos Parashas Vayishlach, 19 Kislev 5733. For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=09-05-2025 לזכות שמעון צבי הכהן בן חוה רחל שי' ליום ההולדת שלו י"א אייר - לשנת ברכה והצלחה, ואריכות ימים ושנים טובות

Receive our FREE newsletters at 18forty.org/join.Our Intergenerational Divergence series is sponsored by our friends Sarala and Danny Turkel.This episode is sponsored by Yeshivat Shalshelet, which gives children with language-based learning differences the confidence and skills to thrive academically, emotionally, and spiritually. Donate to its matching campaign at theshalsheletdifference.org.In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Bayla Gopin—a student with dyslexia— and her mother, Chana, who brought Bayla to Yeshivat Shalshelet when her previous school was ignoring her needs.We also sit down with Shulamit Roth, Shalshelet's founder, to talk about how we can expand the circle of who Yiddishkeit is for. In this episode we discuss: Does our emphasis on text-based learning leave some students out? How do we handle the perceived social stigma of needing to deviate from our “Plan A”?How does a child deal with switching schools when school is such a huge part of their world?Tune in to hear a conversation about how we can nurture every student the way he or she was created. Interview begins at 11:40.Shulamit Roth is a language and speech pathologist who has dedicated her career to helping students with language based learning disabilities. Her passion for teaching Jewish students with language-based learning disabilities led her to founding Yeshivat Shalshelet, where she helps students access the beauty of Torah and achieve their academic and personal potential.References:Born Losers by Scott A. Sandage“Amen al Ha'yeladim” by Chanan Ben AriBaby-Sitters Club by Ann M. MartinProverbs 22:6Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz M.D.18Forty Podcast: “Yehuda and Ilana Turetsky: Why Would an American Rabbinic Couple Move to Israel?”For more 18Forty:NEWSLETTER: 18forty.org/joinCALL: (212) 582-1840EMAIL: info@18forty.orgWEBSITE: 18forty.orgIG: @18fortyX: @18_fortyWhatsApp: join hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

A relationship can be based upon many different things but if you want it to endure there is one thing which reigns supreme.

Why Lashon Hara is one of the only "aveiros" which cause a negative physical response.

The talmidim of Rabbi Akiva seem to have really loved one another, so why was it such a big deal that they didnt respect each other?

The Rebbe reassures an educator that efforts in instilling Yiddishkeit always leave a lasting impact, even if not immediately visible. He addresses challenges in prayer and thoughts of the past, offering practical advice for teshuvah and personal growth, and stresses the importance of Torah learning, daily Tehillim and Tanya, and positive influences for one's children. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5407

The Rebbe highlights the great merit of influencing others in Yiddishkeit, likening every Jew to an only child beloved by Hashem. He encourages continued growth in Torah study and the daily saying of Tehillim, noting that nothing stands in the way of sincere will. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5402

Good Shabbos Mevarachim Chodesh Iyar, Weekly Office Learning BH Thu, Apr 24 Summary from Otter.ai • 4:05 PM • 30 min plus • Weekly Learning Introduction and Purpose 0:05 • Focus on Kisurei Hachaim and Modern Relevance 1:18 • Yom HaShoah and Its Significance 3:30 • Counting the Omer and Halachot 6:01 • Customs and Practices During the Omer 8:55 • The Role of the Tannaim and Amoraim 9:10 • The Impact of Historical Events on Modern Practices 24:01 • Respecting Different Customs and Practices 29:21 • The Role of Reminders and Tools 29:35 • Conclusion and Final Thoughts 29:5 Cover Pic The Kaliver Rebbe Ztl who survived the Shoa and rebuilt Yiddishkeit in the holy land & beyond with all the United Souls - https://eligoldsmith.substack.com/ Itamar Asked - ChatGPT 4 Great questions! Let's go through each historical event and tie them to both their Jewish (Hebrew) and general (Gregorian) calendar context:

At the inauguration ceremony of the Mishkan, Moshe Rabeinu tells Aron that although a mourner doesn't eat from the Kabonos, yet now during your mourning for your two sons, I want you to eat the Karbonos. Aron goes ahead, eats some and then burns some. He says that they are two different types of Karbonos, and therefore, even though he has to eat one, the other one has to get burnt. There are the “temporary Karbonos” like these to inaugurate the Mishkan , which were more stringent, and then there are the “generational Karbonos” meaning the regular Karbonos which would be brought throughout the generations.The lesson is that generational Karbonos represent the generational Yiddishkeit that we've been doing throughout the generations. Those the Yetzer Hora doesn't really fight against, and it becomes our second nature. However, in every generation, the leaders enact new Takanos (the call of the hour), and those the Yezer Hora fights. His argument is that we never did this before. We must derive that these are actually even more important. The generational Yiddishkeit, could be enjoyed. Alternately, regarding the temporary call of the hour, those must be burned, meaning we have to approach those with total self sacrifice.לקו״ש כז-ב

The Rebbe approves of the idea to work in poultry shechita near Jerusalem, provided it's not in isolation. He encourages using this opportunity to strengthen Yiddishkeit, warning that freedom from persecution is also a spiritual test. Since the writer has experienced true mesirus nefesh, his words will carry weight in inspiring others toward Torah https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5377

The Rebbe urges greater involvement in spreading Yiddishkeit and Chassidus, which brings heavenly assistance. Lamnatzeach depends on saying Tachanun, per Chabad custom. Publicly conspicuous conduct is generally discouraged. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5376

The Rebbe responds to someone learning shechitah, questioning if he intends to focus only on poultry and recommending learning the full practice. He encourages continued involvement in strengthening Yiddishkeit and spreading Chassidus, especially among youth, noting it brings added blessing. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5371

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

התוכן הכרת הטוב הוא ענין עקרי בישראל – תבעו זאת מאדם הראשון וזהו גם תוכן מצות ביכורים. וזהו בנוגע לטובה שהקב"ה משפיע לנברא, ועאכו"כ שצ"ל כן על הטובה שנברא עושה לנברא. ולכן, כאשר יהודים באים לכבד או להביע תודה ברכות ואיחולים וכו' ליחיד, הנה אע"פ שכבר נאמר בתורה "ואברכה מברכיך", ה"ז גם חובתו הנעימה להביע בעצמו את תודתו החמה מקרב ולב עמוק, ושיתברכו בכל המצטרך וכו'. אע"פ שמובן שכוונתם בזה אינם אליו בתור איש פרטי אלא בתור זה שזכה ויכול לסייע לההולכים בדרכי תומ"צ לעודדם שיוסיפו בזה או למסור מ"ש בספרים ומה ששמעו מכ"ק מו"ח אדמו"ר, שבזה מביעים הם את הברכה להצלחה בכל הפעולות שנקודתם היא הפצת היהדות בכל מקום ולכל א' בלי הבדל בין "חוטב עציך" ו"שואב מימך" ל"ראשיכים שבטיכם" (שגם הם צריכים סיוע להעלות בקודש), ושהברכות יגיעו לכל אלו שעמדו עומדים ויעמדו בקשר עם יחיד זה, שיתוסף ב"לשמש את קוני" להקריא "בשם ה' א-ל עולם" בכל מקום.משיחת י"א ניסן ה'תשל"ז ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=08-04-2025 Synopsis Gratitude is a fundamental thing for Jews, as we see with Adam HaRishon who was called upon to express gratitude, and as we also see with the mitzvah of bikkurim, whose purpose is to express gratitude. If it is important to express gratitude to Hashem for His kindness, then certainly one must express gratitude for the kindness he receives from another person. Therefore, when Jews come to show honor or express gratitude, blessings, and good wishes etc. to an individual, then, although the Torah already says, “I will bless those who bless you” – it is also his pleasant duty to personally express his heartfelt thanks, and his blessing that they Hashem grant them all that they need, etc. Though it is understood that their intent is not directed at this person as a private individual, but as someone who has merited the ability to assist those who follow the path of Torah and mitzvos, and to encourage them to strengthen their commitment, or to transmit to them what it says in sefarim and what was heard from my father-in-law, the Rebbe, and they are expressing their blessing for success in all matters of spreading Yiddishkeit to every place and every Jew, without distinction between “your woodcutters” and “your water carriers” and “your heads of your tribes” (who also require assistance in order to ascend in holiness). May these brachos extend to everyone who is, was, and will be connected to this individual – so that they increase in “serving their Maker” and “calling out in the name of Hashem, G-d of the world” everywhere.Excerpt from sichah of 11 Nissan 5737 For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=08-04-2025

The Rebbe supports speaking at non-religious events if done carefully, ensuring it won't be seen as endorsing their views. He encourages using every opportunity to inspire Yiddishkeit, as such efforts usually bear fruit. He also urges follow-up on family purity and tefillin, and mentions praying for them at the Ohel. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/adar/938

The Rebbe blesses the recipient with a joyous, liberating Pesach and emphasizes that serving Hashem should guide every aspect of life. He expresses concern over the recipient's withdrawal from communal work and urges renewed involvement, stressing that now more than ever, active effort is vital to strengthen Torah and mitzvos. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5361

Hey Nissan (23:27)

The Rebbe blesses the women of Chabad with a kosher and joyful Pesach and true freedom—material and spiritual. He encourages them to continue strengthening and spreading Yiddishkeit through their activities and assures them of Hashem's blessings in return. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5359

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

התוכן כ"ק מו"ח אדמו"ר נק' "נשיא דורנו". דאע"פ שענינו הוא לכאו' – נשיא חב"ד, הרי ידוע שמצב היהדות במדינתו – ששם הי' רוב מנין ובנין של כלל ישראל – מיד בתחלת נשיאותו הי' תלוי בכמה ענינים שהוא עסק במס"נ בפועל. וזו – מס"נ בפועל – היתה הנקודה של כל שלושים שנות נשיאותו, גם כאשר הי' במדינות כאלו שהי' יכול לפעול הרבה גם בעבודה עפ"י טו"ד וכו'. גם כאשר הגיע לארה"ב, לא התחשב עם מצב בריאותו ששלל עבודה של מס"נ אלא הכריז מיד שהגיע כדי להפיץ יהדות ולשלול את ההנחה ש"אַמעריקע איז אַנדערש" וכו'. וכמו במ"ת הנה "על כל דיבור ודיבור פרחה נשמתן" (ענין המס"נ) – גם על ה"דיבורים" כמו "לא תחמוד" שאין חיוב למס"נ ע"ז, ועד"ז ביחידי סגולה, כמו כ"ק מו"ח אדמו"ר, שמוסרים נפשם בפועל למלאות כוונה העליונה – בכל הענינים, אפי' בענינים ה"קטנים". והוא סלל לנו את הדרך שגם במצב של הרווחה וכו' יעמוד כח המס"נ בגלוי, ואז נפעלים הענינים ביותר חיות ופנימיות וכו'.משיחת מוצאי ש"ק פ' בא, יו"ד שבט ה'תש"ל ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=31-03-2025 Synopsis My father-in-law the Rebbe is referred to as the Nasi of our generation; although he was seemingly the Nasi of Chabad, we know that from the beginning of his leadership, it was his actual mesiras-nefesh that facilitated Jewish life in the country where the majority of Jews lived. And this approach of actual mesiras nefesh was the defining quality of all thirty years of his leadership, even when he came to countries where much could be accomplished even without such mesiras nefesh. Even when he arrived in the United States, despite his physical health at the time (which naturally precluded working with such mesiras nefesh), he immediately declared that he had come to spread Yiddishkeit, rejecting the notion that “America is different.” Just as at Matan Torah, “Upon every commandment their souls took flight” (i.e. mesiras nefesh) – including the latter ones where mesiras-nefesh isn't required by law – similarly, there are unique individuals like the Rebbe who devote themselves with actual mesiras nefesh to carrying out the Divine will in all matters, even the seemingly “minor” ones. And he paved the way for us, so that even in times of comfort and prosperity, one can live with manifest mesiras nefesh – and then, everything is done with greater vitality and depth.Excerpt from sichah of Motzaei Shabbos Parashas Bo, 10 Shevat 5730 For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=31-03-2025

How structure defines one's values and why this is the essence of Torah.

Chof-Vov Adar (22:44)

Chava taught about how a woman's relationship to Judaism shifts over time based on the life stages she is in. She delved into the teachings of Chassidus to give us a clear paradigm of how to navigate the changes in our Jewish practice as we move into all the stages from being single to marriage to childrearing. When we understand how a woman's relationship to Torah and mitzvos is a deep and flowing river, rather than a set of boxes to check off, we can move through life with more confidence in our role as Jewish women.Handout: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DcGqgi7nk3hnWijyoAdsGTyCLTSZpcbM/view?usp=sharingHelp make classes like this happen!https://cash.app/$livingchassidushttp://Paypal.me/livingchassidushttps://livingchassidus.org/donate/Zelle: 205-937-9914https://www.venmo.com/u/LivingChassidus

So much of the Mishkan's beauty was totally hidden, this is not accidental but rather intentionally done and there is a major lesson we can learn from it.

Bein Hazmanim is not an "all or nothing" experience. Rabbi Stark explains what a successful Bein Hazmanim actually looks like, and how to achieve one.

The secret to the Jewish people is that Hashem NEEDS us—and we NEED each other.

How do you make big decisions in life? What are the roles of emotions and excitement in Avodas Hashem? And why is schmoozing underrated? In this thought-provoking episode of Shtark Tank, Yaakov Wolff sits down with Moishe Bane to discuss the frameworks that guide a Ben Torah through the complexities of career, Avodas Hashem, and family life.What We Covered:

התוכן עבור "עגל הזהב" לא רצו הנשים לתת את נזמיהן [כמ"ש בשני דפ' כי תשא], משא"כ בעשיית המשכן הי' ההיפך - "ויבואו הנשים על (לפני) האנשים". וההוראה עפמ"ש בכתבי האריז"ל שדורנו, דרא דעקבתא דמשיחא, הוא גלגול מדור המדבר: בידי הנשים האחריות לא לתת מקום "להשתחוות לעגל הזהב" – לוויתור בעניני תומ"צ בשביל כסף לפרנסה (הכסף שמרוויחים בצורה לא נכונה הולך בסוף לרופאים ר"ל, למסים או לענינים אחרים של עגמנ"פ) אלא אדרבה - לעשות את ביתם משכן לה', ואז יזכו לבריאות ולגדל את הילדים לתורה ולחופה ולמעש"ט, וללכת אתם לקראת משיח תיכף ומיד ממש!א' השיחות דהתוועדות י' שבט ה'תשט"ז ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=10-03-2025 Synopsis The women weren't willing to contribute toward the golden calf (as it says in sheini of Parashas Ki Sisa), but when it came to building the Mishkan it was the opposite – the women were the first to donate and “The men accompanied the women.” It says in Kisvei HaArizal that this generation, the generation of the footsteps of Moshiach, is a gilgul of the generation of the desert. Therefore, the lesson is that it is up to the women not to allow “bowing to the golden calf” – not to allow compromise in Yiddishkeit for the sake of earning money (improperly earned money ends up going toward doctors chas v'shalom or taxes etc.) and to the contrary – to turn their home into a Mishkan for Hashem. In this way they will merit to have good health for the entire family and to raise their children to Torah, marriage, and good deeds, and to go with them immediately to greet Moshiach.Sichah from farbrengen of 10 Shevat 5716 For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=10-03-2025

Taanis Esther is one of many fasts we keep, but something feels different about it compared to all other fasts. Rabbi Stark dives into the mystery of, and reason for, Taanis Esther.

In this shmooze, delivered at the pre-Purim / Hilula of Moshe Rabbeinu Mevaseret Mishmar, Rav Burg explains the significance of the fact that Haman rejoiced over the fact that the lottery fell out in Adar, the month when Moshe Rabbeinu passed away. Haman failed to realize that in Yiddishkeit death is just the beginning of new life.

The secret to Hashem's unbridled love for Klal Yisroel is the fact that He is "sameach b'chelki." The Mashgiach explains what that actually means.

A deep dive into Haman's conveniently warped view of the Jews.

Partying, eating meat, and drinking wine is fun and all but true "simcha" is the only thing which can keep one out of a state of deep depression.

In this shiur, delivered in Ba'er Miriam, Rav Burg explains (based on the Kedushas Levi) why the Aron containing the Luchos is mentioned twice and why the rods in the Aron were not allowed to be removed. The Luchos represent the essence of our relationship with Hashem. Sometimes our Yiddishkeit can feel disjointed. Mitzvos may feel like they stand alone, separate from our mission to be Davek to Hashem. The Aron must be portable, revealing the essence in every single Mitzvah.

In this episode of Shtark Tank, we sit down with Aleksey Chernobelskiy to discuss his fascinating journey—from his childhood in Moscow, his path to Torah observance, and his transition into the world of real estate investing. Aleksey shares insights into balancing idealism with reality, navigating the workforce as a Ben Torah, and his unconventional decision to turn down a spot at Cambridge in favor of Yeshiva.Beyond his personal journey, Aleksey delves into the world of real estate investing, offering valuable perspectives on renting vs. buying, investment strategies, and the ethical challenges that come with managing other people's money. He also talks about his growing online presence, the role of content creation in his career, and the ups and downs of being a public-facing figure in the digital age.Some of the topics we covered: Growing up Jewish in Moscow – The challenges of Jewish life in the Soviet Union and why his family moved to the U.S. The journey to Torah observance – How a college campus organization introduced him to Yiddishkeit and led him to Yeshiva. Turning down Cambridge for Yeshiva – The difficult decision to forego a prestigious degree in favor of a life of Torah. Finding a balance between Torah and career – How he continues to navigate the tension between work and learning. The real estate industry – His transition into real estate investing, the advantages of the industry, and the risks involved. Rent vs. Buy debate – A detailed breakdown of the financial and emotional considerations of homeownership. Content creation and social media – How he built a following on LinkedIn and Twitter, the benefits of online branding, and the challenges of public visibility. Challenges of being a Baal Teshuva in the workforce – Adjusting from the Yeshiva environment back to the secular world while maintaining religious growth. Lightning Round: His favorite sefer for hashkafa, what he does on long Friday nights, and the dream career he never pursued.

The Mashgiach explains how 1 and 10 are really two sides of the same coin and how the journey from 1 to 10 actually bring "everything" full circle.

Father Story, Come Back to YiddishkeitAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What was greater, the miracle of Kriyas Yam Suf or Klal Yisroel signing Az Yashir?

Rabbi Stark explains the significance of the number ten and why Hashem brought exactly ten makkos.

Ultimately, being a person who has hakaras hatov brings you closer to Hashem.

During these weeks of Shovavim, the Mashgiach talks about how one can ensure a healthy home for themselves.