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Rabbi Avahu cited in the name of Reish Lakish three situations where the measurement of walking four milin applies in halakha: traveling to find pure vessels for making dough, a minyan (or water for washing hands before prayer), and water for washing before eating bread. Rav Nachman bar Yitzchak corrects this statement on two counts: first, it was stated by Aivu, not Rabbi Avahu; second, it applied to four matters, not three, adding the case from the Mishna of walking on a leather mat for the time it takes to walk four milin, which removes its impurity. Rabbi Yosi b'Rabbi Chanina limits the requirement of walking four milin to the direction one is already traveling, noting that one is not required to travel even a single mil backward. Regarding the impurity of human skin, a braita rules that a Roman legion entering a house renders the house ritually impure due to the presumption that soldiers carry skin from human skulls (karkaflein) for sorcery. A Mishna outlines the rules of connection (chibbur) regarding ritual impurity when flaying an animal's hide, as the detached part functions as a handle (yad): If flayed for a mat - where one cuts along the length first and removes it from the sides - the hide remains connected to the flesh until one removes more than a grip's width (kedei achizah), which the Gemara defines as a doubled handbreadth. If flayed top to bottom for a flask, it remains connected until the chest is flayed. If flayed upside down from the legs (margil), the entire hide remains connected until fully removed, since the chest is reached only at the end. Regarding the neck hide, Rabbi Yochanan ben Nuri holds it is not connected, whereas the Sages hold it remains connected until completely flayed. The Gemara asks what the status of the hide is once flayed beyond the grip's width for a carpet. Rav answers that the detached hide becomes pure, while the attached hide remains impure as a protector (shomer) of the meat. Rabbi Asi holds that the handbreadth adjacent to the meat that is detached remains impure. Three difficulties raised against Rabbi Asi's position are resolved. A Mishna in Kelim (28:8) states that once the majority of an impure garment is torn, it becomes pure. Rabba bar Avuha limits this to a garment immersed that day (tevilat yom), as the owner's willingness to immerse it indicates he is unconcerned with ruining it and thus tore a full majority. Otherwise, one must be concerned that only half was torn, as the owner sought purity without destroying the garment and may not have been precise. Three difficulties raised against Rabbah bar Avuha's qualification - including one from our Mishna relying on precise measurements - are resolved in different manners. Regarding the Mishna in Kelim, Reish Lakish and Rabbi Yochanan debate whether cut hide rebinds itself (chalim). Reish Lakish holds that hide rebinds itself, limiting the Mishna to cloth rather than leather, as torn leather rebinds and retains its impurity. Three difficulties raised against Reish Lakish, including two from our Mishna, are resolved. Abaye explains that the dispute between Rabbi Yochanan ben Nuri and the Sages regarding neck hide centers on whether a protective covering destined to detach on its own (shomer he'asui linatek) retains the halakhic status of a protector (shomer).
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The Shomer Emunim writes in his ma'amar on hashgacha peratit ( perek 6), any suffering that a person bears in this world, especially if he believes that it's coming from Hashem and doesn't question Him, then it will cleanse him from endless potential suffering in the Next World. If a person was able to see what he was gaining through each suffering in this world, he would dance with the greatest joy, realizing the unbelievable kindness that Hashem is bestowing upon him. The greatest gains from any affliction come about if the person accepts it with love. Fortunate is the person who accepts his suffering with love. Aside for the tremendous benefit it brings him, the Gemara in Ta'anit says, it is so powerful, it brings about salvations to the entire world. The Shomer Emunim writes further, if a person gets even a small affliction and instead of attributing it to happenstance, he recognizes it was from Hashem and he says, "I deserve this because of my sins," and he asks Hashem to be forgiven, that would bring him forgiveness for all of the blemishes he created in the Upper Worlds, and all the judgments would then become sweetened for him and it will be considered as if he received much more suffering than he actually did. The angel that used to learn Torah with the Bet Yosef told him, on one occasion, the reason why his wife wasn't having children. It had something to do with her neshama having a male element to it. But then he was told, because she went through certain sufferings and she accepted them happily, that made her soul so pure. Through that, she was zocheh to have children. A man once came to the Steipler Rebbe in need of chizuk due to all the problems he was experiencing. The Steipler told him not to dwell too much on the problems of this world. He went on to tell that man about all the problems he had. He said if he would have paid attention to all of his suffering, he would have remained an am ha'aretz , not learning even one page of Gemara . He said some of his problems were so great they could have been distributed to a hundred people and there would have been enough for all of them. Yet, because of his emunah, he knew all of his problems were sent by his loving Father Hashem, for his benefit, and that enabled him to move on each time with happiness. He grew in Torah, amidst the suffering, until he became the Gadol Hador. If people keep saying they are waiting for this problem to end, for that issue to become easier, they will be forfeiting their greatest opportunities for spiritual growth. We do hope the problems will become easier and go away, but in the meantime, if we persevere and continue fulfilling our roles as ovdei Hashem happily, we could reach the greatest heights. There are also great segulot involved in a person accepting what is happening to him with love. It brings about Heavenly mercy, it makes a person more fit for salvation, and most importantly, it purifies him and brings him to great spiritual levels. Chazal tell us, if Iyov wouldn't have complained about his suffering, he would have risen to the level of our holy Avot, Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov. This is the awesome value of not complaining, and rather accepting that whatever is happening is happening because of Hashem and it is for our best. If when a person is going through troubles, he is able to continue on living happily and serving Hashem to the best of his ability, his rewards will be endless.
This meeting was a training session led by Yitzchak on "The AI Ready Real Estate Agent and the Skills You Must Have by 2027" as part of the Agent Collective Power Huddle series. Yitzchak discussed how AI is already shaping real estate business through consumer search behavior and data verification, emphasizing that while AI handles tasks and provides information, human agents must focus on interpretation, relationship building, local market expertise, education-based communication, decision guidance, visibility, and system thinking to remain valuable in the AI-enhanced real estate market. He outlined specific skills agents need to develop, including interpretation and context over data, relationship and trust capital, local market authority, education-based communication, decision guidance, visibility for AI to find them, system thinking for delegating tasks, and maintaining human advantages in trust, emotional intelligence, and local nuance that AI cannot replace. Yitzchak concluded by encouraging agents to invest time in education, local authority, systems development, reputation building, and leveraging their expertise rather than getting distracted by new shiny tools, emphasizing that the future rewards clarity, trust, and relevance over pure hustle.
HaRav Levi Yitzchak Schneerson spent his final years in exile in Kazakhstan, banished there by the Soviets for his work strengthening Jewish life across the Soviet Union. Soon after arriving there in 1940, he wrote a brief account of his imprisonment. It reads like no ordinary memoir: each line is a kabbalistic commentary on his own life, shaped by a deep belief in personal divine providence. Gathering to honor his yahrzeit on the twentieth of Av, we studied this account and worked to unpack its esoteric terms. It isn't the easiest material to understand, but it does paint a vivid picture of this special leader and his worldview. Click here to follow along in the original Reshima HaRav Levi Yitzchak, In His Own Words: A Commemorative Study
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This class explores the significance of Tu B'Av as a day of unity and joy, the life and legacy of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, and practical lessons from Parshas Eikev about expressing gratitude to both Hashem and others. It also addresses halachic questions about commemorations on Shabbos. https://www.torahrecordings.com/classes/by_parsha/005_devarim/003_eikev/009
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Rabbi Yitzchak Rubenstein - From The Meraglim Till Today-The High Road & the Other Road of Jewish Destiny by Shapell's Rabbeim
Yitzchak Pearson conducted a morning training session called the Agent Power Huddle, sharing his journey from growing up in a religious cult with only a seventh-grade education to becoming a successful real estate agent ranked number 19 in Texas and 275 in the United States. He discussed his book "Reaching Your Highest Potential and Achieving Your Dreams," outlining ten key ingredients for success including developing healthy habits, maintaining physical and mental fitness, building supportive relationships with family and friends, continuing education, taking consistent action, preparing daily, embracing discomfort, learning to say yes and no strategically, practicing delayed gratification, and understanding that success requires time and consistent effort. Yitzchak shared specific examples from his real estate business, including learning from successful agents like Chandra Van Pusa and implementing systems like hiring assistants and buyer's agents to scale his operations.
Daily Bitachon: Erev Tisha B'Av Message Welcome to Daily Bitachon for our Erev Tisha B'Av message. As we prepare for Tisha B'Av, one of our essential obligations is to trace the roots of our exile—to look into the sources and understand why we fell and went into Galut . 1. The Root Cause: Disdain for Torah In Midrash Rabbah (in the introductions, and specifically where Rav Huna and Rav Yirmeya quote Shmuel bar Yitzchak), we find a striking statement: Hashem was willing to forgo punishment for the three cardinal sins—idolatry, promiscuity, and bloodshed—but He did not forgo punishment for the disdain of Torah ( Miyuso shel Torah ). This is explicitly derived from the prophecy in Yirmiyahu: "For what reason did the land perish..." (Yirmiyahu 9:11) The verse does not say the land was destroyed because of idolatry, immorality, or murder. Hashem explicitly answers: "...Because they have forsaken My Torah." The Midrash continues in the name of Rav Chiyya bar Abba, quoting the verse: "They have forsaken Me, and My Torah they did not keep" ( Yirmiyahu 16:11 ). Upon which Hashem says: הַלְוַאי אוֹתִי עָזָבוּ וְתוֹרָתִי שָׁמָרוּ "If only they had forsaken Me, but still kept My Torah! For the light within it would have brought them back to the good." Resolving the Contradiction This presents an obvious problem: The Gemara in Yoma (9b) explicitly states that the First Beit HaMikdash was destroyed because of the three cardinal sins! Furthermore, these three sins carry the death penalty—how could neglecting Torah study be considered a worse trigger for destruction? Rav Aharon Kotler zt"l ( Mishnat Rabbi Aharon , Vol. 1, p. 28) answers: The Power of Remedy: The three cardinal sins are undeniably grave. However, as long as the Jewish people engaged in Torah study, Hashem delayed their punishment. Why? Because the Torah possesses an inherent light that eventually guides a person back to Teshuva (repentance). Loss of the Shield: Once they abandoned and held disdain for Torah study, they discarded the very tool that could save them. Without the antidote, their sins stood unaddressed, and their doom was sealed. Rav Elchanan Wasserman's Mashal: In warfare, two armies may trade blows, but if one side manages to destroy the enemy's armory or airfields, the target becomes completely defenseless. We are in a constant war with the Yetzer Hara (evil inclination). Hashem created the Yetzer Hara , but He created Torah as its antidote ( "Bara'ti Yetzer, Bara'ti Torah Tavlin" ). Abandoning Torah means disarming ourselves in the middle of battle. 2. The Battle with the Sar shel Esav The ongoing historical struggle between Yaakov and Esav is captured in the all-night wrestling match between Yaakov Avinu and the guardian angel of Esav ( Sar shel Esav ). The Timing: Sefarim point out that this wrestling match took place on the eve of Tisha B'Av . The Remint in the Text: The Torah notes that the angel injured the גִּיד הַנָּשֶׁה ( Gid HaNasheh ): גִּיד ( Gid ) hints at the three fast days: ג (Gimmel) = Tzom Gedaliah (3rd of Tishrei) י (Yud) = Asara B'Tevet (10th of Tevet) ד (Dalet) = Shiva Asar B'Tammuz (17th of Tammuz, the 4th month) את ( HaNasheh ) acronym for Tisha B'Av. ת שעה א ב Why Attack Yaakov? Notice that the angel did not attack Avraham (who represents Chesed ) or Yitzchak (who represents Tefillah ). He attacked Yaakov , who represents Torah . Esav's angel targeted the ultimate weapon of the Jewish people. Yaakov's Body (Talmidei Chachamim) --> Could not harm Yaakov's Thighs (Tomchei D'Oraita) --> Successfully struck As the Chafetz Chaim explains (citing the Zohar), the legs/thighs symbolize Tomchei D'Oraita —the supporters who uphold the Torah. The angel realized he could not destroy the Talmidei Chachamim directly, so he tried to weaken the supporters' appreciation for Torah. The Modern Reframe Current Support: Baruch Hashem , in our generation, we are witnessing unprecedented support for Torah learning globally, with initiatives raising hundreds of millions of dollars to sustain Eretz Yisrael's centers of learning. Rav Yaakov Hillel's Insight: When governments reduce funding for Torah institutions, people naturally worry. But Rav Yaakov Hillel offers a profound reframe: Hashem wants the Torah to be sustained purely by those who cherish it—the Charedim v'Dvar Hashem . He is elevating the purity and stature of Torah support. 3. Mourning and the Absence of Torah Why did Esav wait to attack Yaakov? יִקְרְבוּ יְמֵי אֵבֶל אָבִי וְאַהַרְגָה אֶת יַעֲקֹב אָחִי "The days of mourning for my father draw near; then I will kill my brother Yaakov." (Bereshit 27:41) Classic commentators explain: As long as Yaakov was immersed in Torah study, the rule of "Hakol kol Yaakov" applied, and Esav had no power over him. Esav specifically waited for a time of mourning ( Aveilut ) , because a mourner is forbidden from studying Torah. He calculated that during an absence of Torah study, Yaakov would be vulnerable to attack. On Tisha B'Av—the ultimate day of national mourning—we do not engage in standard Torah study. Yet on this very day of darkness, the light of Mashiach is born to turn our mourning into joy. 4. The Halacha of Netilat Yadayim There are only two days in the year when we do not wash our hands up to the wrist for morning Netilat Yadayim (washing only up to the knuckles): Tisha B'Av and Yom Kippur . Day The Spiritual Reality Why We Wash Only to the Knuckles Tisha B'Av Peak power of the Sitra Achra (Esav) The spiritual impurity ( Tuma ) is so thick that standard washing cannot completely remove it; we do only the bare minimum required for the morning. Yom Kippur Peak power of Kedusha (Holiness) Esav is banished ( Se'ir La'Azazel ). The atmosphere is so elevated that impurity has no foothold—only a minimal wash is necessary. Conclusion Our goal this Tisha B'Av is to bridge these two realities: to transform the heavy, vulnerable energy of Tisha B'Av into the pure, triumphant elevated state of Yom Kippur. By recognizing that Torah learning is our ultimate lifeline and protective weapon, may we strengthen our dedication to Limud Torah and its support, and merit seeing the ultimate transformation of this day into a festival of comfort and redemption.
Yitzchak Pearson conducted a training session titled "Stop Selling Houses and Start Building a Business" for real estate agents, focusing on transitioning from a salesperson mindset to a CEO business owner mindset. He explained how most agents are trained to close deals rather than build sustainable businesses, often working reactive hours and wearing multiple hats as CEO, CMO, accountant, and IT department. Yitzchak shared his own success story, including $13.25 million in sales in 2025 and being recognized as a top producer, while emphasizing the importance of calculating your hourly rate, delegating tasks, and building systems that can operate independently. He discussed the power of video content, marketing assets that compound over time, and the strategic use of virtual assistants and team members to scale the business. The session concluded with an action plan encouraging agents to calculate their hourly value, delegate tasks, create marketing content, document standard operating procedures, and meet with financial professionals to build a sustainable business model.
Yitzchak Pearson conducted a training session on "The Business of Real Estate That Nobody Taught You," focusing on treating real estate as a business rather than just a job. He emphasized the importance of having a calendar for lead generation activities, understanding conversion rates, and calculating one's hourly income value to determine when to delegate tasks. Yitzchak shared his success story of doing $13.25 million in sales last year and being verified in the top 250 agents with EXP Realty in the United States. He discussed creating systems and processes, building a brand that attracts ideal clients, and establishing boundaries to avoid burnout. The session covered topics including marketing as a long-term asset, building a board of directors with professionals like tax advisors and financial experts, and creating standard operating procedures. Yitzchak stressed the importance of investing in oneself through coaching and professional development while building a business that can run independently, allowing for freedom and time with family.
Words spoken on 14 Tammuz, five years after the petirah of my dearest friend, Chaim ben Yitzchak z"l — taken in the Surfside collapse — built on a single pasuk: chaver ani l'chol asher yireucha u'l'shomrei pikudecha (Tehillim 119:63), from the very ches that begins his name.What is a real friend? Of all our relationships, a friend is the one we choose — not the family we're born into, but the soul we pick. And Dovid HaMelech reveals that the true depth of that bond was never in the gashmius — not the trips, not the good times — but in l'chol asher yireucha: the spiritual thread, the yiras Shamayim, that two friends share. Which is why a real connection doesn't end when a person leaves this world. It can grow even deeper. Chaim was my mentor, the older brother I never had — and he has changed my life more since he passed than in all the years he was here.This is also about who Chaim became: a man who made himself last, always; whose humility was forged in the hardest years of his life, caring for his wife; the tzaddik he quietly became. He told me that the one thing that brought him comfort in his darkest times was the Likutei Moharan, Rebbe Nachman's Torah — and that is the very thing we are continuing now.And one thing we cannot let ourselves pack away: the way he was taken was not ordinary. It was a message — to those who were close, and to all of Klal Yisrael. May we hear it, be m'orer one another, do teshuvah, and merit the geulah. May his neshamah have an aliyah, and may he be a meilitz yosher for his family — Shmueli, Yehuda, and Shana — and for all of Klal Yisrael.#RebbeNachman #Breslov #Friendship #Tehillim #Hesped #Chizuk #Emunah #Teshuvah #Uman #LikuteiMoharan
The Rebbe thanks Rabbi Weiss for sending his sefer Minchas Yitzchak, offers brief remarks and comments despite limited time, and extends wishes for a kosher and joyous Pesach. The letter includes halachic notes and references to various responsa and customs. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/012/007/4227
Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson, the sixth Chabad Rebbe, was one of the most fascinating and impactful Jewish leaders of the early 20th century. The Rebbe began his leadership role as a teenager, spanning the final decades of the Russian Empire, World War I, the Russian Revolution, the Stalinist Soviet Union, World War II and finally in the United States during and immediately after the war. A discussion about Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson and his fascinating life story.
Last episode, Avraham sent a messenger to bring his guests water. Everything else, he did himself. This episode picks up where that left off, as Avraham runs to prepare a full meal for the three guests waiting under his tree.The errand takes a strange detour first. The calves meant for the meal run away, and Avraham chases them into a cave. Inside are Adam and Eve, buried in the same ground that will one day hold himself, Sarah, Yitzchak, Rivka, Yaakov, and Leah. We now know this as Me'aras HaMachpela.The heart of this episode is what happens when the guests talk about Sarah. Told that she will have a son within the year, Sarah laughs to herself in her tent. G-d hears that laugh and brings it straight to Avraham, except He doesn't repeat her words exactly. One detail gets left out. Rabbi Epstein unpacks why G-d Himself would edit the truth rather than report it word for word, and what that choice teaches about protecting peace between a husband and wife, even when the truth is on the line.The episode also tackles a question that's been building for weeks: how did Avraham already know laws of the Torah that wouldn't be given until Sinai, generations later?
The parallels between Yitzchak and Immanu El, have gotten even cooler! Must listen, the whole story ties together beautifully!
Chullin 40: Levi yitzchak ben Masha Masha by “Dafsplaining”: daf yomi made simple
Yitzchak Pearson presented at the Agent Power Huddle about the transformative power of video marketing in real estate, sharing his personal journey from 2020 when he began making weekly webcam videos documenting his transition from manufacturing to real estate, to his current success where YouTube content led to over 120 home sales with a single client. He detailed how his initial videos evolved from simple updates to educational content about real estate acronyms, and eventually to more sophisticated YouTube videos after investing $5,000 in training with Levi Lasak and Travis Plum. Yitzchak explained that his consistent video creation, despite initial discomfort and lack of results for over a year and a half, ultimately attracted clients from across the country, including a major client group he has sold multiple homes to since March 2024. He emphasized key takeaways including the importance of consistent content creation, starting small, not worrying about perfection, and using video to build a digital presence that works 24/7, concluding that the goal is to become visible rather than go viral.
What types of signs of life does one need to observe when performing shechita on an animal that is on the verge of death? Rav, Shmuel, and Rava each bring different actions that serve as indicators that would then permit this animal to be eaten, as it is clear the animal was still alive enough at the time of the shechita. At what point of the slaughtering process does one need to see these signs of life? Rav Chisda, Rav Nachman bar Yitzchak, and Rava each suggest different points - the middle, the beginning, or the end. Rav Chisda and Rav Nachman provide support for their positions from our Mishna, while Rava brings support from his understanding of a different tannaitic source. Can one perform shechita on an animal for an idol worshipper? Does one need to be concerned that it will be used for idol worship and therefore the Jew would be benefiting from idol worship? Is it the intent of the owner or the one performing the shechita that determines the designation of the animal?
What types of signs of life does one need to observe when performing shechita on an animal that is on the verge of death? Rav, Shmuel, and Rava each bring different actions that serve as indicators that would then permit this animal to be eaten, as it is clear the animal was still alive enough at the time of the shechita. At what point of the slaughtering process does one need to see these signs of life? Rav Chisda, Rav Nachman bar Yitzchak, and Rava each suggest different points - the middle, the beginning, or the end. Rav Chisda and Rav Nachman provide support for their positions from our Mishna, while Rava brings support from his understanding of a different tannaitic source. Can one perform shechita on an animal for an idol worshipper? Does one need to be concerned that it will be used for idol worship and therefore the Jew would be benefiting from idol worship? Is it the intent of the owner or the one performing the shechita that determines the designation of the animal?
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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 JoeyRosenfeld.com
Many times in life a person forgets something important, overlooks something, or fails to notice a detail that later seems obvious. Naturally, he starts second-guessing himself. "How could I not remember that? Why didn't I realize it earlier? If only I would have thought of that sooner." But a person with emunah understands that if Hashem wanted him to know something earlier, He had endless ways of making that happen. Nothing is dependent solely on our memory or awareness. If Hashem wants a person to discover something, He can orchestrate countless events to bring that information to light at exactly the right moment. Rabbi Yoel from the UK related a story that illustrates this beautifully. One winter, Rabbi Yoel was going through a difficult time financially. Someone owed him money, but the man told him he would only be able to pay him back the following Tuesday. Rabbi Yoel needed the money immediately, so he called a young avreich, Yitzchak, his good friend, and asked if he could borrow five hundred pounds until Tuesday. Yitzchak gladly agreed. When Tuesday came around, the person who owed Rabbi Yoel the money paid him back, but only with a check instead of cash. There was a problem. In the UK, the banks had a rule that limited how much cash could be withdrawn at one time, and Rabbi Yoel was only able to take out three hundred pounds. He called Yitzchak and explained the situation. "I have your money," he said, "but I could only withdraw three hundred pounds today. Do you need me to borrow another two hundred pounds from someone else so I can pay you back right now, or can it wait until tomorrow?" Yitzchak understood the situation and told him, "No problem, you can wait until tomorrow." A few minutes later, however, Yitzchak called him back. "I was thinking," he said, "maybe you could just give me a check for the full amount." "Fine," Rabbi Yoel answered. Then Yitzchak added, "This way I can use it to buy a menorah now." "A menorah?" Rabbi Yoel asked. "What happened to the silver one you received at your wedding?" Yitzchak explained that ever since he moved apartments, all of his silver Judaica had disappeared. The menorah, the kiddush cups, the candlesticks—everything was gone. Suddenly Rabbi Yoel remembered something. He himself had helped move Yitzchak's belongings. At the time, he was nervous that the expensive silver might get damaged or stolen, so he carefully wrapped it up and hid it in a storage space in the apartment. Yitzchak never knew where it had been placed. "I know exactly where your silver is," Rabbi Yoel told him. Yitzchak could not believe it. Following Rabbi Yoel's directions, he climbed up to the hidden storage space, and there, to his amazement, was the entire collection exactly as it had been packed away years earlier. Everything was safe and shining beautifully. Hashem wanted Yitzchak to find his menorah, and He knew exactly how to make that happen. He arranged that Rabbi Yoel would specifically need to borrow money from him. He arranged that the repayment would come back in the form of a check instead of cash. He arranged the banking laws that forced another phone conversation. He arranged that Yitzchak would happen to mention that he needed a menorah. And through all of those perfectly coordinated details, the missing silver was discovered. When Hashem wants us to know something, He has countless ways of telling us. Someone recently told me that he spent a very long time writing important information on his computer. After finishing, he carefully saved the document. But later, when he tried opening the file, it was nowhere to be found. He searched and searched but could not find it. He was certain he remembered exactly what he named the file, but nothing came up under that name. Finally, after becoming frustrated, he spent hours rewriting the entire document from scratch. When he finished redoing all the work, he saved the file under what he thought was a brand-new name. Suddenly, both files appeared on the screen. He realized that the original file had been there all along under the exact name that he had just given the new file. Naturally, a person could feel bad. "Why didn't I think of that earlier?" But the lesson is not to second-guess ourselves. If Hashem wanted him to discover the original file earlier, He had countless ways of making that happen. The fact that it was only discovered later means that later was the exact right time for it to be found. A man once told me that something happened which completely ruined his day. Although he learns emunah and bitachon regularly, at the time he could not see any good in what had happened. He became gloomy and upset, and everyone around him felt it the entire day. A few days later, however, he suddenly realized that what had happened was actually the best possible thing that could have happened. Because of that event, everything else ended up turning out in the most favorable way possible. He told me afterward, "No matter how much emunah a person has, he always needs more chizuk in it." We do not understand why things happen the way they do, but we do know that Hashem is running the world and He is doing it perfectly. If He wants us to know something, He knows exactly how to accomplish that. And if something was hidden from us until later, then later was exactly the right time for it to be revealed. There is no reason to second-guess ourselves. If we accept and trust Hashem, we are performing a great avodah.
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 JoeyRosenfeld.com
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 JoeyRosenfeld.com
The meeting focused on building personal brands in real estate, with Yitzchak leading an interactive class about developing unique value propositions. Yitzchak shared his personal journey of transitioning from manufacturing to real estate, emphasizing the importance of leveraging unique personal experiences and skills rather than trying to conform to industry norms. He discussed his branding strategy "Knock Knock Yitzak" and how he uses his extensive education (900+ hours) and personal story to attract clients who align with his values. The class covered how to uncover personal strengths, turn stories into value propositions, and use vulnerability to build trust, with Yitzchak encouraging participants to create their own working documents using tools like ChatGPT to refine their unique positioning in the market.
Rabbi Chiya bar Abba recounts a discussion between Rabbi Ami and Rabbi Yochanan regarding the legal weight of a minor's intent. In the first version, the question is whether a minor's thoughts alone are significant. Rabbi Ami argues it is obvious they are not, citing a Mishna in Kelim 17:15. Rabbi Yochanan clarifies that the doubt applies when a minor's action reasonably demonstrates their intent, but not completely - such as moving an animal to the northern part of the Temple courtyard, the specific area for slaughtering burnt offerings. Rabbi Ami challenges this, noting that Rabbi Yochanan himself previously ruled in the context of ritual impurity that a minor's action is significant when the minor's intent is reasonably clear from the action. Rabbi Yochanan responds that his question was whether such actions are valid by Torah law or only by Rabbinic decree; the matter remains unresolved. Rav Nachman bar Yitzchak offers a different version of the discussion, focusing on whether a minor's actions are effective. This version concludes with Rabbi Yochanan distinguishing between three categories: actions with clear intent, actions with reasonably clear, but not completely clear intent, and intent without any accompanying action. Shmuel asks Rav Huna for the biblical source disqualifying sacrifices that were slaughtered without the specific intent to perform a slaughter (mitasek). The Mishna rules that meat slaughtered by a non-Jew is considered neveila (a carcass) and imparts impurity by carrying (masa). Rabbi Yochanan and Rabbi Ami draw different inferences from this. Rabbi Yochanan suggests the Mishna follows the Sages (against Rabbi Eliezer) in assuming that gentiles do not automatically slaughter for idolatrous purposes; if they did, the meat would be forbidden even for benefit. Rabbi Ami infers that the slaughter of a heretic (min), one who is a devout idol worshipped is strictly forbidden for any benefit, a position supported by a braita. The Gemara explains that we generally do not fear a gentile will slaughter for idolatry because they are typically not devout in their practice. However, a min is considered deeply dedicated to their worship, and their slaughter is presumed to be for an idol. Rav Nachman distinguishes between Jewish heretics and gentile heretics, showing more leniency toward the latter, though the Gemara clarifies this applies specifically to accepting their sacrifices. The shechita of one who slaughters in the dark or a blind person is accepted.
Rabbi Chiya bar Abba recounts a discussion between Rabbi Ami and Rabbi Yochanan regarding the legal weight of a minor's intent. In the first version, the question is whether a minor's thoughts alone are significant. Rabbi Ami argues it is obvious they are not, citing a Mishna in Kelim 17:15. Rabbi Yochanan clarifies that the doubt applies when a minor's action reasonably demonstrates their intent, but not completely - such as moving an animal to the northern part of the Temple courtyard, the specific area for slaughtering burnt offerings. Rabbi Ami challenges this, noting that Rabbi Yochanan himself previously ruled in the context of ritual impurity that a minor's action is significant when the minor's intent is reasonably clear from the action. Rabbi Yochanan responds that his question was whether such actions are valid by Torah law or only by Rabbinic decree; the matter remains unresolved. Rav Nachman bar Yitzchak offers a different version of the discussion, focusing on whether a minor's actions are effective. This version concludes with Rabbi Yochanan distinguishing between three categories: actions with clear intent, actions with reasonably clear, but not completely clear intent, and intent without any accompanying action. Shmuel asks Rav Huna for the biblical source disqualifying sacrifices that were slaughtered without the specific intent to perform a slaughter (mitasek). The Mishna rules that meat slaughtered by a non-Jew is considered neveila (a carcass) and imparts impurity by carrying (masa). Rabbi Yochanan and Rabbi Ami draw different inferences from this. Rabbi Yochanan suggests the Mishna follows the Sages (against Rabbi Eliezer) in assuming that gentiles do not automatically slaughter for idolatrous purposes; if they did, the meat would be forbidden even for benefit. Rabbi Ami infers that the slaughter of a heretic (min), one who is a devout idol worshipped is strictly forbidden for any benefit, a position supported by a braita. The Gemara explains that we generally do not fear a gentile will slaughter for idolatry because they are typically not devout in their practice. However, a min is considered deeply dedicated to their worship, and their slaughter is presumed to be for an idol. Rav Nachman distinguishes between Jewish heretics and gentile heretics, showing more leniency toward the latter, though the Gemara clarifies this applies specifically to accepting their sacrifices. The shechita of one who slaughters in the dark or a blind person is accepted.
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 JoeyRosenfeld.com
In this episode of Strive for Truth, Rabbi Michael Cohen and I explore one of the most unsettling ideas we've discussed so far in Rav Dessler's writings: that the greatest obstacle to truth is not simply bias or flawed reasoning, but the possibility that we are not even perceiving reality correctly to begin with. Through Rav Dessler's essay The Ego, the Inclinations, the Spirit, and the Soul, we unpack how the Yetzer Hara shapes the very “inputs” we use to interpret situations before our intellect ever begins to reason. Using examples from Avimelech, Avraham Avinu sending Eliezer to find a wife for Yitzchak, and the role of the neshama in accessing truth beyond the ego, we discuss why intelligence alone cannot guarantee clarity, why outside guidance is essential in major life decisions, and how Torah and yiras Shamayim help us step outside our own distortions in the lifelong pursuit of truth.Join the Conversation! Be part of our growing community—join the Shema Podcast for the Perplexed WhatsApp group to share feedback, discuss episodes, and suggest future topics. Click here to sign up.Connect with Rabbi Michael CohenReach out to Rabbi Michael Cohen to learn more about his one-on-one coaching work, where he applies the teachings of Strive for Truth to help individuals untangle inner confusion, clarify priorities, and live more grounded, self-expressed lives. To inquire or connect, email him at mailto:rabbicohen@msn.com.
How long does the merit of the patriarchs really last?This week on Unperplexed, we explore a striking debate among the Sages—and the Rambam's surprising answer. Why do Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov still matter after generations of failure and exile? And what did they do to merit an “eternal covenant”?More importantly: could we achieve something similar ourselves?
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LIKUTEY MOHARAN TINYANA 7:10 — EATING L'SHEM SHAMAYIM — RABBI RIETTIIn this shiur on Likutey Moharan Tinyana, Torah 7, Seif 10, Rabbi Rietti unpacks Rebbe Nachman's striking teaching that the main ratzon for Hashem and yiras shamayim is davka b'sha'as achilah — specifically at the time of eating.TOPICS COVERED:• Teshuva and the Power of Change — A correction of the Rambam citation: ein lecha davar she'omeid bifnei ha-teshuvah. Teshuva sits outside nature, can rewrite the past, and when done me-ahavah turns aveiros into zechuyos. The word lecha makes the possibility deeply personal — available to every person.• Avraham Avinu and Food as Kiruv — How Avraham brought the world under one Hashem through meals, wells, and hospitality. Sefer HaMiddos and Midrash Rabbah (via Rav Atia) on how Birkas Hamazon makes Hashem known in the world. Avraham's chiddush: if the guest refused to thank Hashem, Avraham charged for the meal — forcing the guest to think about the true Source of all chessed.• Birkas Hamazon, Receptivity, and Gratitude — Why benching is positioned after eating: satiation creates calm and openness. Rav Avigdor Miller on why Birkas Hamazon includes Bris, Torah, and Eretz Yisrael — gratitude at satiation is the proper moment for the most important "business" of all: thanking Hashem. Every benching brings Hashem into the world as a real metzius.• Thought, Speech, and Reality — Rebbe Nachman's principle that nothing a person does, says, thinks, or even moves is ever lost. Rav Nosson in Hilchos Shechita on how the act and bracha of shechita elevate the animal. Why the spiritual configuration of food and water itself is shaped by the person's thought and speech — and why eating is a lifelong avodah.• Eating, Children, and the First Mitzvah — Sefer HaMiddos: l'fi achilosav shel adam kein banav u-vnosav. The first command in the Torah — mikol etz ha-gan achol tochel — is the mitzvah to eat from Hashem's world. The prohibition on the Etz HaDaas comes only afterward — a warning that the wrong use of eating changes everything.• The Effect of Aveiros and the Future Geulah — How Adam's sin altered creation itself, including the taste of fruits and the productivity of the land. Tehillim and the Radak on how the land in the Geulah will give its produce fully because aveiros will cease. Pure produce in the future as a sign of a repaired world.• Yitzchak Avinu and the Blessing Through Food — Why Yitzchak sought tasty food before blessing Eisav: he wanted to bless from a state of joy and satisfaction. V'nivrechu vecha kol mishpechos ha-adamah — one tzaddik as conduit for all blessing in the world. Yitzchak's derech as the blessing that comes through the ecstasy of eating.• Berachos: Baruch and Atah — Baruch as "thank you," Atah as direct intimacy with Hashem — not distant formality. Melech ha'olam as ruler over both the revealed and the hidden worlds. She-hakol nih'yeh bidvaro — everything comes into existence through His word. The bracha is for the person, not for Hashem.• Malchus, Gevurah, and Eating L'shem Shamayim — Why the highest malchus is self-control, especially over eating — the first and most constant taavah a person faces. The danger of kochi v'otzem yadi. Hashem hiskin mezonosav before creating Adam — meaning everything is already prepared. True malchus is giving sovereignty to Hashem while ruling oneself enough to eat l'shem shamayim.• Shulchan as Mizbei'ach — Likutey Moharan: shulchano shel adam mechapeir k'mizbei'ach. The table atones and can remove kesilus ha-seichel. When a person eats with gratitude and asks Hashem for daas, he can fix foolishness itself and grow in wisdom. B'chol derachecha da'eihu — Hashem can be served in eating, drinking, walking, talking, every moment.• Practical Kavanah During Meals — Rabbi Arush: the ikar birur ha-achilah is to think about Hashem during the meal and how good He is. The Shulchan Aruch's halacha not to be angry during a meal — anger enters the food and then the body. Thoughts, words, music, and Torah at the meal all leave their imprint on the food. Mayim acharonim chova as a practical minimum.• Megillas Esther — Putting the King First — Esther's words: im matzasi chen b'einei ha-melech. Rav Atia: Hamelech is Hashem. Esther invites the king and Haman together — meaning even when the yetzer hara is present at every meal, the king must be placed first. Doing this consistently is how a person eventually removes the sitra achra from the taavah and does only the King's ratzon.• Serving Hashem in All Actions — Shulchan Aruch (Reish Lamed Alef): all of a person's intent should be l'shem shamayim — eating, drinking, marital life, every action. Weighing each action against whether it brings one to avodas Hashem. The fulfillment of b'chol derachecha da'eihu in the most ordinary daily activities.• A Closing Story — A listener shares how, before becoming frum, she invited a woman to her Shabbos table and handed her a siddur to say Birkas Hamazon. The woman was deeply moved, borrowed the siddur, later returned it — and eventually became the speaker's wife and the mother of his children. A living illustration of how a single bracha at a single meal can change a life.
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 JoeyRosenfeld.com
Reb Adam Yitzchak Polinovskiy on Let's Get Real with Coach Menachem #269 April 26, 2026WHY DO I STILL FEEL “NOT ENOUGH” — EVEN WHEN I KNOW BETTER?Discovering Your Intrinsic Worth, Value, Infinitude, and True Purpose Through Essence IdentityFor those who want to Join Reb Adams' inner community, here is the link:https://www.skool.com/liontree-coaching/about?ref=c13fbe05632641cfb8827c5f5cfda7ae
Yitzchak Pierson hosted a training session on creating email newsletters for real estate agents, sharing his process of building a consistent weekly newsletter using templates from Ricky Carruth. He demonstrated how he uses ActiveCampaign (formerly Constant Contact) to send weekly newsletters to approximately 900 contacts with a 36% open rate, incorporating personal growth content alongside real estate information. Yitzchak explained his newsletter structure includes social media links, recommended podcasts/books, local articles, and event spotlights, emphasizing the importance of consistent weekly touchpoints with clients and prospects. The discussion included a brief Q&A where Hannah inquired about using Bold Leads' email builder, to which Yitzchak shared his experience trying Lofty but returning to ActiveCampaign due to better visual appeal and metrics tracking.
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 JoeyRosenfeld.com
The Midrash says at the beginning of Parashat Tazriya, regarding a woman giving birth to a baby boy: give praise to the name of Avraham Avinu, who came from afar, as it says, וַיִּרְא אֶת הַמָּקוֹם מֵרָחֹק . The Mefarshim are bothered: what does Avraham Avinu have to do with this parasha, and why do Chazal refer to him as "the one who came from afar"? The Chidushei Harim explains that starting with the woman who gives birth, the parasha speaks about different individuals who may feel pushed away by Hashem. The woman who gives birth to a boy has a certain form of tum'a. She is not allowed to eat korbanot for forty days, which means if she gave birth before Pesach, she would not be able to bring the korban Pesach—not on Pesach Rishon, nor on Pesach Sheni. She may think to herself: I was involved in performing a great mitzvah, and now I am banned from the Beit HaMikdash. The next parasha speaks about someone who contracts tzara'at. The Gemara says tzara'at is a mizbe'ach kapara—a mizbe'ach that gives the person kapara. Some explain that it is yesurin shel ahava —afflictions of love. Not every case of tzara'at comes as a result of a sin. When a person is suspected of having tzara'at, he must be in quarantine for a week or two. If it is confirmed, he must be isolated away from everyone. He cannot attend shul, pray with a minyan, or answer Kaddish. He may feel: why is Hashem pushing me away like this? Further on, the parasha speaks about other people who become tameh through no fault of their own. They may feel the same sentiments. Imagine a family on their way up to Yerushalayim for one of the shalosh regalim, attempting to bring a korban to Hashem on the Chag, and after their long travels, they arrive at the Beit HaMikdash and discover that the man of the house has become tameh and cannot participate at all. It will definitely feel like Hashem is rejecting him. For those instances, the Midrash tells us to see what Avraham Avinu would do under such circumstances. Avraham spent his entire life teaching the world about Hashem. All he wanted was a child who would continue in the same path. After decades of waiting, he finally received a miracle child at an advanced age. Imagine the love Avraham had for this child. As the child grew, Avraham was able to teach himTorah and the ways of Hashem. Imagine the love Avraham had for Yitzchak at age five—much greater than at his birth. The love he had at age ten was even greater. He invested so much time and energy into Yitzchak, who was to continue his life's mission. Then, when Yitzchak was thirty-seven, in the prime of his life, Hashem told Avraham to slaughter him. In one second, all of Avraham's hopes and dreams were being denied. All of the love he had for his son was about to make this task extraordinarily difficult. He could have felt, "All I am trying to do is promote the name of Hashem in the world, and now He is pushing me away." Yet Avraham said to himself: if this is what Hashem wants me to do, then this is what I want. Instead of feeling rejected, he marched forward with zerizut and did Hashem's will to the best of his ability. This was one of the greatest acts of service of all time. Hashem was not distancing Avraham. He was elevating him. Hashem never distances anyone. A person may feel distanced, but that is only because he does not understand the ways of Hashem. When a person becomes tameh, it is not Hashem saying, "I do not want your korban." It is Hashem saying: "I want a different service from you now. I want you to accept that this is what is best for you, and serve Me from the place I have placed you." For that, a person will gain far more than he would have from bringing the korban. When people feel that Hashem is not interested in their service, yet they still do the best they can, that service elevates them enormously. Hashem may appear to be far from us at times, but He is always close. He always wants our avodah, no matter how it may seem. If we strengthen ourselves during those times and continue to serve Him joyfully, to the best of our ability, we will rise to the greatest levels.
Yitzchak Pierson shares a powerful framework for achieving your highest potential—both in business and in life.Drawing from his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful broker and author, Yitzchak breaks down the core ingredients that drive long-term success—not quick wins, but sustainable growth.He covers foundational pillars including:Habits & routines – building consistency through daily actionsHealth & exercise – optimizing both mental and physical performanceRelationships – strengthening your circle of family, friends, and communityEducation – committing to lifelong learning and skill developmentBeyond the basics, Yitzchak dives deeper into the traits that separate high performers:Implementation over informationPreparation and intentional planningGetting uncomfortable and saying yes to opportunitiesEmbracing delayed gratification for long-term rewardsThe message is clear: success isn't accidental—it's the result of disciplined habits, intentional choices, and consistent action over time.If you're looking to level up your mindset, routines, and overall performance, this episode delivers a practical blueprint you can start applying immediately.
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 JoeyRosenfeld.com
The pasuk says that the Jewish people cried out to Hashem in tefillah during their harsh slavery in Mitzrayim, and Hashem heard their tefillot and remembered the treaty He made with Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov, and then He redeemed them. Although Chazal tell us many reasons for what brought about the ge'ulah from Mitzrayim—such as the emunah that they had in Hashem, the merit of the righteous women, the fact that they stayed separate in name, language, and dress, that they remained morally pure, and that they did not speak lashon hara—it seems from the pasuk that the final catalyst to bring the ge'ulah was their prayers. It is brought down in the sefer Chafetz Chaim al HaTorah that toward the end of the Chafetz Chaim's life, at a seudah shelishit on Parashat Shemot in front of many gedolim, the Rav said, "that it is known the Jewish people were finally redeemed from Mitzrayim because of their tefillot. And we have a tradition from the Navi Micha that our future redemption will be just like the one from Mitzrayim, as it says: כִּימֵי צֵאתְךָ מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם אַרְאֶנּוּ נִפְלָאוֹת In Mitzrayim, everything was ready for the ge'ulah to happen. Moshe Rabbeinu was already born, and everything was in place. Yet it appears from the pesukim that without tefillah, they would not have been redeemed. All Hashem was waiting for was His children to cry out to Him that they wanted to be redeemed. For our ge'ulah, which we hope will come very soon, our tefillot are essential to bring it about. It could be that everything is ready, and all that is necessary is our tefillot to finish it off. Therefore, I am going to travel to the Gadol Hador, Rav Chaim Ozer, and ask him to tell Klal Yisrael to strengthen themselves in prayer for the ge'ulah, and then we will finally be zoche to be redeemed from this long and bitter exile." After seudah shelishit, the Chafetz Chaim told the chazan in the shul to go a little quicker so he could leave to go see Rav Chaim Ozer. In the end, the Chafetz Chaim's family convinced him not to travel due to the life danger it would pose at his advanced age. So the Chafetz Chaim told someone to send a message to Rav Shimon Shkop to tell him to go instead. However, due to technical difficulties, that did not happen either. After the Chafetz Chaim found out that nobody went to Rav Chaim Ozer, he said, "We just missed an opportune time for the ge'ulah." The message of the Chafetz Chaim at that time is actually a Midrash in Shemot Rabbah, which quotes Hashem as saying that when the Jewish people cry out to Me, their salvation will come. That is what happened by the burning bush, that is what happened during the days of Gidon, and that is what will happen for the final ge'ulah to take place. We are still in the month of Nisan, which Chazal tell us is a very opportune time for ge'ulah. There are major things going on in the world at large, with a focus on Eretz Yisrael. Who knows what kind of opportunity we have at this time. It is incumbent upon all of us to strengthen ourselves and pray for the ge'ulah shelemah. We put so much emphasis on praying for things that we need—like parnassah, refuah, and shidduchim. We cry and beg Hashem for salvations, but we must not put any less effort into praying for the ge'ulah shelemah. It is going to be our prayers that will produce the moment that all of Klal Yisrael has been anticipating since the beginning of time. The Mashiach may very well be here and waiting. It is up to us to make it happen. Let us put more focus in the Amidah on the berachot that have to do with the ge'ulah, and be'ezrat Hashem, Hashem will hear His children crying out to Him and give us the Mashiach Tzidkeinu b'karov. Amen
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Chazal tell us that when Mashiach arrives there will be a magnificent seudah known as the Seudat HaLeviathan. At that great meal will be present all the righteous who ever lived—Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov, Moshe and Aharon, together with the great leaders and tzaddikim of all generations. At that seudah, David HaMelech will rise and lead Birkat HaMazon. Afterward, the Ramami Pano writes that Mashiach Tzidkeinu will come out and distribute dessert to everyone present. Those desserts will consist of the fruits that have been growing in Gan Eden since the creation of the world. Originally, Hashem commanded Adam HaRishon to eat from the fruits of Gan Eden, but he was banished before he had the opportunity to do so. Since that time, fruits have been growing in the lower Gan Eden that exists in this world, and they will be distributed to all of Klal Yisrael after Birkat HaMazon at that seudah. Then Mashiach will take out almonds that had been growing on the staff of Aharon HaKohen in the Kodesh HaKodashim and he will make the berachah of boreh peri ha'etz upon them. It is known that almonds have the ability to calm a person from anger. At that moment, all the tension and pain that accumulated during the long exile will instantly disappear. Then Moshe Rabbeinu will appear holding the original Luchot that we were meant to receive. In their merit the knowledge of Torah will reach an unprecedented level. Torah will never again be forgotten. The yetzer hara will be nullified and the malach hamavet will be driven away forever. Those will be the most glorious days in the history of the world. After a period of time living in the era of Mashiach, the next stage—Olam Haba—will begin. The Gemara in Masechet Berachot teaches that in that world there will be no eating and no drinking. Rather, the tzaddikim will sit and derive pleasure from the radiance of the Shechinah. The Or HaChayim writes in Shemot that there is no pleasure in this world that can compare to the pleasure of seeing the Shechinah in the next world. Every Jew longs to merit that experience. Our rabbis explain that just as in order to enjoy food in this world our mouth and throat must function properly, so too in order to experience the spiritual pleasure of the Shechinah, the part of the body through which that pleasure is received must also be spiritually refined. That part of the body is the eyes—the windows to the neshamah. The pasuk in Yeshayahu says: עֹצֵם עֵינָיו מֵרְאוֹת בְּרָע מֶלֶךְ בְּיָפְיוֹ תֶּחֱזֶינָה עֵינֶיךָ "One who closes his eyes from seeing evil—his eyes will behold the King in His beauty." The Midrash explains that this pasuk means that whoever guards his eyes from looking at improper things will merit to see the beauty of the Shechinah. The Gemara in Masechet Kallah teaches that someone who turns away from such aveirot—even if he is an ordinary Yisrael—becomes worthy like a Kohen Gadol offering a korban olah on the mizbeach, and he will merit to benefit from the radiance of the Shechinah like the malachei hasharet. One of the ways of Hashem is that when He wishes to elevate a person to an especially high level, He first gives him a very great test to overcome. For nearly two thousand years the world has been waiting for the rebuilding of the Beit HaMikdash. For generations we have waited for the coming of Mashiach. Now, as we approach the month of Nisan—the time most auspicious for redemption—we are being tested with our eyes more than ever before. Perhaps this is Hashem's call for us to elevate ourselves to greatness and to make our eyes worthy of receiving the ultimate pleasure of basking in the radiance of the Shechinah. Now is our opportunity to shine. If we can guard our own eyes and guide our children away from seeing things they should not see, we can become elevated to the level of the Kohen Gadol. With Hashem's help we will then merit the ultimate reward—our eyes beholding the radiance of the Shechinah for all eternity.
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Sponsored by (Names didn't fit see below see below):Some 11th graders from Yeshiva Ohr Shmuel - Finkelmans, Aryeh Shmidt, Ahron Ohnouna, Yitzy Horwitz, Shua Bachrach, and Eliyahu Zell. We're all fans (some crazy's) of the show and listen every week, we hope this sponsorship will inspire more like it. Shoutout to our friends and classmates Moshe Nachum, Isser Epstein, and Sholom Nieman. This episode is also sponsored Liluy Nishmas Ahron Nosson ben Moshe Shimon and Chaim Dovid ben Yitzchak.