Podcasts about yochai

Facing adversity often feels like a daunting challenge, but what if these struggles are actually stepping stones to profound spiritual growth? On this episode of the Thinking Talmudist podcast, we examine the teachings of Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai and Rabbi Akiva, who illuminate the spiritual gifts attainable through perseverance. Rabbi Akiva's inspiring journey, beginning his Torah study at age 40 and overcoming immense hurdles, reminds us that resilience can lead to understanding and influence that transcend time. By embracing these "afflictions of love," we prepare ourselves for greater achievements and deeper connections with our spiritual heritage.Words hold immense power, shaping reality and relationships in ways we often overlook. We explore how maintaining integrity in our speech, even in the face of social discomfort, is vital for personal and communal growth. Through stories of resilience, like the collective spirit post-September 11th, we highlight how shared struggles can unite and transform communities, urging us to cultivate unity and kindness. Like the process of creating olive oil, where pressure brings forth purity, adversity can reveal our best qualities and foster an indomitable spirit within individuals and communities alike.Parenting holds the delicate power to shape a child's future through affirmation and encouragement. Drawing on Talmudic wisdom and the example of the High Priest, Aharon HaKohen, we discuss the necessity of bending the truth at times for the sake of peace and harmony. Positive reinforcement from parents can set the stage for a child's confidence and success, and we stress how expressing belief in their potential can nurture their greatness. Whether it's encouraging a child or fostering harmony among people, these affirmations are the foundation of nurturing confident, capable individuals who carry forward the legacy of resilience and integrity._____________The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn Talmud because it is in ancient Aramaic or the concepts are too difficult. Well, no more excuses. In this podcast you will experience the refreshing and eye-opening teachings while gaining an amazing appreciation for the divine wisdom of the Torah and the depths of the Talmud.This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by David & Susan MarbinRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios to a live audience on May 16, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on June 6, 2025_____________DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!_____________#Talmud, #Berachos, #Talmudic, #Affliction, #SpiritualGrowth, #LandofIsrael, #WorldtoCome, #Resilience, #Perseverance ★ Support this podcast ★

Facing adversity often feels like a daunting challenge, but what if these struggles are actually stepping stones to profound spiritual growth? On this episode of the Thinking Talmudist podcast, we examine the teachings of Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai and Rabbi Akiva, who illuminate the spiritual gifts attainable through perseverance. Rabbi Akiva's inspiring journey, beginning his Torah study at age 40 and overcoming immense hurdles, reminds us that resilience can lead to understanding and influence that transcend time. By embracing these "afflictions of love," we prepare ourselves for greater achievements and deeper connections with our spiritual heritage.Words hold immense power, shaping reality and relationships in ways we often overlook. We explore how maintaining integrity in our speech, even in the face of social discomfort, is vital for personal and communal growth. Through stories of resilience, like the collective spirit post-September 11th, we highlight how shared struggles can unite and transform communities, urging us to cultivate unity and kindness. Like the process of creating olive oil, where pressure brings forth purity, adversity can reveal our best qualities and foster an indomitable spirit within individuals and communities alike.Parenting holds the delicate power to shape a child's future through affirmation and encouragement. Drawing on Talmudic wisdom and the example of the High Priest, Aharon HaKohen, we discuss the necessity of bending the truth at times for the sake of peace and harmony. Positive reinforcement from parents can set the stage for a child's confidence and success, and we stress how expressing belief in their potential can nurture their greatness. Whether it's encouraging a child or fostering harmony among people, these affirmations are the foundation of nurturing confident, capable individuals who carry forward the legacy of resilience and integrity._____________The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn Talmud because it is in ancient Aramaic or the concepts are too difficult. Well, no more excuses. In this podcast you will experience the refreshing and eye-opening teachings while gaining an amazing appreciation for the divine wisdom of the Torah and the depths of the Talmud.This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by David & Susan MarbinRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios to a live audience on May 16, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on June 6, 2025_____________DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!_____________#Talmud, #Berachos, #Talmudic, #Affliction, #SpiritualGrowth, #LandofIsrael, #WorldtoCome, #Resilience, #Perseverance ★ Support this podcast ★

Nachum Segal presents Elliot Weiselberg with the YLS Update, Yochai Ansbacher of Facts Commando, Steve Adelsberg with Rabbi Dr. JJ Schacter & Shalom Lamm for Operation Benjamin, great Jewish music, the latest news from Israel and Morning Chizuk with Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser.

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The Lag BaOmer Perspective: Fire From Within Lag BaOmer begins in darkness—the plague that claimed Rabbi Akiva's students and Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai's years in hiding—but ends in brilliance. We light bonfires not merely for celebration, but to honor the inner blaze that emerges when faith refuses to dim. Rabbi Akiva's humility sparked a fire that could break stone, and Rabbi Shimon's unwavering commitment transformed exile into revelation. This episode explores how true light is forged in silence and struggle, and how each of us can carry that flame into the world. In honor of Eretz Yisroel. May G-d protect our brave soldiers and return all the hostages in Gaza immediately. Dedicated in loving memory of Edward Ben Efraim, Shlomo Ben Edward, and Yirachmiel Daniel Ben Gedalia. For the Refuah Shlema of Pennina Bas Shoshanna Miriam and all who need healing. Listen now at ParshaPerspective.com

Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Length of article: 1.5 pagesLength of audio: 5 minutes 55 secondsSynopsis: This is the audio version of the 1.5-page article I wrote and published on rabbischneeweiss.substack.com/ on 5/15/25, titled: Lag ba'Omer PSA: The Falsehood of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai's Yahrzeit. Mark Twain said, “Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint.” Rumors of Rashbi's death on Lag ba'Omer have been greatly exaggerated. They trace back to a misprint from 1802.Note: This is a corrected and expanded version of this morning's WITATM post. I decided to issue it as a free article today because tomorrow, on Lag ba'Omer, I'm planning to post a paid subscriber article about the Zohar that'll probably get me crucified, and I wanted to get this PSA out before I die.-----SPECIAL OFFER: I'm planning to write more on my Substack this summer than I have in the past few years, including a ton of paid subscriber posts I've been eager to publish. From now until Shavuos, for every week of content you sponsor, I'll add a full month of paid subscription access. If you're interested in sponsoring, let me know!-----If you've gained from what you've learned here, please consider contributing to my Patreon at www.patreon.com/rabbischneeweiss. Alternatively, if you would like to make a direct contribution to the "Rabbi Schneeweiss Torah Content Fund," my Venmo is @Matt-Schneeweiss, and my Zelle and PayPal are mattschneeweiss at gmail. Even a small contribution goes a long way to covering the costs of my podcasts, and will provide me with the financial freedom to produce even more Torah content for you.If you would like to sponsor a day's or a week's worth of content, or if you are interested in enlisting my services as a teacher or tutor, you can reach me at rabbischneeweiss at gmail. Thank you to my listeners for listening, thank you to my readers for reading, and thank you to my supporters for supporting my efforts to make Torah ideas available and accessible to everyone.-----Substack: rabbischneeweiss.substack.com/Patreon: patreon.com/rabbischneeweissYouTube Channel: youtube.com/rabbischneeweissInstagram: instagram.com/rabbischneeweiss/"The Stoic Jew" Podcast: thestoicjew.buzzsprout.com"Machshavah Lab" Podcast: machshavahlab.buzzsprout.com"The Mishlei Podcast": mishlei.buzzsprout.com"Rambam Bekius" Podcast: rambambekius.buzzsprout.com"The Tefilah Podcast": tefilah.buzzsprout.comOld Blog: kolhaseridim.blogspot.com/WhatsApp Content Hub (where I post all my content and announce my public classes): https://chat.whatsapp.com/GEB1EPIAarsELfHWuI2k0HAmazon Wishlist: amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/Y72CSP86S24W?ref_=wl_sharel

Rav Shimon bar Yochai lived in the cave for 13 Years- What did they learn all those years?How did they keep Shabbos, Pesach, Sukkos etc?Why does the song only refer to him as “Bar Yochai?

B"H What does enlightenment look like in Judaism? It's not about escaping the physical, it's about elevating it. Rebbe Shimon bar Yochai teaches us that true holiness is found in the everyday: in honoring Shabbat, in carrying myrtle, in seeing the sacred within the simple. #judaism #spirituality #shabbat #baryochai #lagbaomer #jewishwisdom 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!

Lag B'Omer isn't just a day for bonfires and bow-and-arrows. It's the Hilula—the joyous “wedding day”—of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, the mystic who gave us the Zohar and opened the gates of Jewish spiritual consciousness. But why a wedding on the day of someone's passing? This class explores the paradox at the heart of both life and love: how our greatest limitations can be our most profound doorways to infinity.We'll explore Talmudic, Kabbalistic, and Chassidic sources—from the soul-body dynamic, to the power of mitzvot, to why life is likened to a wedding. You'll discover how the soul's “marriage” to the body mirrors our own sacred relationships and how Lag B'Omer invites us to celebrate the holiness hidden in the now.3 Takeaways:Life is a Wedding, Not a Waiting Room Rabbi Shimon taught us to stop postponing joy. Every mitzvah, every act of love, is a divine moment worth celebrating now—not later.Paradox is the Pathway to Eternity Through the union of opposites—soul and body, heaven and earth, law and love—we don't diminish ourselves. We become eternal.Kabbalah Illuminates the Ordinary Lag B'Omer marks the unveiling of the soul of Torah, where every halachah becomes a mystical spark and every moment a gateway to the Infinite#lagbaomer #zohar #Kabbalah #mysticism #Jewish #chassidic #chassidus #chabad #Hillula #soul #meaningoflife #meaning #JewishSpirituality #soul Support the showGot your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.comSingle? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone.Donate and support Rabbi Bernath's work http://www.jewishndg.com/donateFollow Rabbi Bernath's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernathAccess Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi

Send us a textLag B'Omer isn't just a day for bonfires and bow-and-arrows. It's the Hilula—the joyous “wedding day”—of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, the mystic who gave us the Zohar and opened the gates of Jewish spiritual consciousness. But why a wedding on the day of someone's passing? This class explores the paradox at the heart of both life and love: how our greatest limitations can be our most profound doorways to infinity.We'll explore Talmudic, Kabbalistic, and Chassidic sources—from the soul-body dynamic, to the power of mitzvot, to why life is likened to a wedding. You'll discover how the soul's “marriage” to the body mirrors our own sacred relationships and how Lag B'Omer invites us to celebrate the holiness hidden in the now.3 Takeaways:Life is a Wedding, Not a Waiting RoomRabbi Shimon taught us to stop postponing joy. Every mitzvah, every act of love, is a divine moment worth celebrating now—not later.Paradox is the Pathway to EternityThrough the union of opposites—soul and body, heaven and earth, law and love—we don't diminish ourselves. We become eternal.Kabbalah Illuminates the OrdinaryLag B'Omer marks the unveiling of the soul of Torah, where every halachah becomes a mystical spark and every moment a gateway to the Infinite#lagbaomer #zohar #Kabbalah #mysticism #Jewish #chassidic #chassidus #chabad #Hillula #soul #meaningoflife #meaning #JewishSpirituality #soul Support the showGot your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.comSingle? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone.Donate and support Rabbi Bernath's work http://www.jewishndg.com/donateFollow Rabbi Bernath's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernathAccess Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi

התוכן הוראה מאופן עבודתו של רשב"י – "תורתו אומנתו": כמו שעיקר חיותו של האומן היא ב"אומנות" שלו, ובזה חושב כל היום, גם כשעוסק בדברים אחרים – ועד"ז בנוגע לכאו"א מישראל: ישנם זמנים מסויימים במשך היום שבהם עוסק היהודי בשאר ענינים, כמו אכילה ושינה וכו'. אבל אעפ"כ ה"אומנות" של יהודי ועיקר מציאותו היא – תורה. וזה צ"ל ניכר בכל פעולתיו במשך היום, גם כאשר אינו לומד תורה בפועל. ובאמת, אצל ילדים, שהוריהם דואגים להם לכל צרכיהם, נקל יותר שלימוד התורה שלהם יהי' באופן ד"תורתו אומנתו" ממש, וכאשר הוריהם רואים שהם מונחים בלימוד התורה כ"כ ומקדישים לכך כל רגע פנוי – ה"ז משפיע גם עליהם שהם ישתדלו להקדיש יותר זמן ללימוד התורה. וכך גדלים הילדים בריאים ברוחניות, ובמילא גם בריאים בגשמיות – כי גם האכילה ושתי' שלהם וכו' היא רק כמה שזה יביא תועלת לה"אומנות" – התורה.משיחת ל"ג בעומר – בעת ה"פאראד" – ה'תשד"מ ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=15-05-2025 Synopsis A lesson from Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai for whom “his Torah was his occupation”: Just like the primary vitality of a craftsman lies in his occupation, and that's what he thinks about all the time, even when he is doing other things – so it is with every Jew: there are certain times during the day when a Jew eats and sleeps etc., but nevertheless, a Jew's “occupation” and main focus of his being is Torah. This must be evident in everything he does throughout the day, even when he isn't learning Torah. For children, it is easier for “Torah to be their occupation” literally, because their parents provide them with all they need, so they don't have to worry about earning a livelihood etc. –and when the parents see that their children are so immersed in Torah learning and devote every free moment to it, the parents are also influenced to strive to devote more time to Torah study. In this way, the children grow up spiritually healthy, and consequently, physically healthy as well – because even when they eat and drink, they do so only to the extent that benefits their “occupation” – which is Torah.Excerpt from Lag B'Omer parade of 5744 For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=15-05-2025 לזכות אריה ליב בן בתשבע שי' ליום ההולדת שלו י"ח אייר - לשנת ברכה והצלחה, ואריכות ימים ושנים טובות

B"H The land of Israel isn't just geography ,it's the spiritual heartbeat of Jewish mysticism. From Rebbe Shimon bar Yochai to the Arizal and Rebbe Nachman, the greatest Kabbalists drew their deepest revelations from this sacred soil. On Lag B'Omer, we celebrate that eternal bond between Kabbalah and the land where its light shines brightest. 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!

LAG BAOMER celebramos o falecimento do Rabi Shimon Bar Yochai, e lembramos o falecimento dos 24 mil Alunos do Rabi Akiva.Por que celebramos o falecimento do Rabi Shimon bar Yochai com festa e alegria?E qual a razão do falecimento dos 24 mil Alunos do Rabi Akiva? CURTIU A AULA?FAÇA UM PIX RABINOELIPIX@GMAIL.COM E NOS AJUDE A DARMOS SEQUÊNCIA! #chassidut #mistica #judaismo #Parasha #tora #torah #eliahu #behar #vaicra #vayikra #Midrashim #judeu #rabino #lagbaomer #rabishimon #baryochai #rebe #rebbe #zohar #kabala #cabala #akiva #rabiakiva #kabala #mistica #cabala

Histórias do nascimento e falecimento do Rabi Shimon bar Yochai em LAG BAOMERRabi Shimon bar Yochai, seu filho Rabi Elazar e o Rebe fornecem, cada um, uma mensagem de encorajamento ao povo judeu. A inspiração começa com o Talmud, continua através do Zohar e recebe uma nova camada de compreensão através dos ensinamentos da Chassidut. CURTIU A AULA?FAÇA UM PIX RABINOELIPIX@GMAIL.COM E NOS AJUDE A DARMOS SEQUÊNCIA!#chassidut #mistica #judaismo #Parasha #tora #torah #eliahu #behar #vaicra #vayikra #Midrashim #judeu #rabino #lagbaomer #rabishimon #baryochai #rebe #rebbe #zohar #kabala #cabala #akiva #rabiakiva

Stories of Abuse & Triumph: The Girl Was Being Violated; They said She Was Seeking Negative AttentionThis Lag Baomer class was presented on Tuesday, 15 Iyar, 5785, May 13, 2025, Parshas Emor, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY. There is no other sage in the history of Judaism who has all of the Jewish people celebrating on the day that he passed away. Why is the yarzeit of Reb Shimon ben Yochai marked in such a unique and universal way? How did Reb Shimon bar Yochai end up in a cave? It seems like a classic Jewish story and conversation. One Jew, Reb Yosei, remains quiet about Rome. Reb Yehuda praises the Romans for elevating the standards of life; and Reb Shimon is critical because he said it was for narcissistic purposes. But is there a deeper theme behind this debate? The fact that the Talmud records the details of the debate, and gives us the names of the debaters, instead of just saying that Reb Shimon criticized the government, indicates there is some depth and gravitas to this debate, and that the names are important. As it turns out, the debate on Rome fascinatingly reflects a debate between Reb Yehuda and Reb Shimon in many aspects of Jewish law. The Talmud states: Chezekiah stated in the name of Rabbi Jeremiah, who said it in the name of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, "I am able to exempt the whole world from judgment from the day that I was born until now!” (Sukkah 45b). What is that supposed to mean? The Midrash states in Avod Derabi Nasan ch. 16: Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai would say: From this you know that Israel will never see the face of purgatory. But how can a sage say such a thing?View Source Sheets: http://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9685

Raising a number of problematc aspects re: the text of the famous agadeta

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Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai is a singular phenomenon throughout the generations.There is no other gravesite or yahrzeit of an individual that draws the masses as Rashbi, Meron, and Lag BaOmer do. Compare this to Rashbi's teachers and colleagues: few visit the grave of the great sage of the generation during the time of the Beis Hamikash's destruction, Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai. Not everyone visits the grave of the great Tanna Rabbi Akiva, Rabbi Shimon's own teacher. Yet the holy site in Meron is the second most visited religious destination in Israel—after the Kosel.What is the uniqueness of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai?

התוכן לדעת רשב"י אין ציבור עושה פסח שני. ולכאו' היתכן שיחסר אצל הציבור כולו הענין דקרבן פסח?! ובפרט לרשב"י שאמר "יכול אני לפטור את כל העולם כולו מן הדין", וע"י שאמר זאת פעל שהענין יומשך ויתגלה למטה בעוה"ז הגשמי, והיתכן שרשב"י יפסוק שהציבור כולו יגרע ח"ו בזה שיחסר אצלו ענין הפסח?! והביאור – שאדרבה, לדעת רשב"י הציבור אינו זקוק להביא פסח שני (ואם מביאו ה"ז חולין בעזרה), כי ע"י שהציבור צועקים "למה נגרע" ומשתוקקים להקריב הקרבן וכו' – פועלים כבר כללות ענין הפסח (וע"ד שגם בימים שבהם אין אומרים תחנון נפעלת הפעולה דאמירת תחנון (ענין התשובה) מצד עצם היותם "יומין זכאין"). ובפרט שרשב"י שהי' נשיא בדורו, רואה באנשי הדור את הענינים שלו (ע"ד מ"ש אדמו"ר האמצעי שנותן תיקון ב"יחידות" רק לאחרי שמוצא בעצמו (בדקות עכ"פ) את הענין הדורש תיקון), ואצלו הי' סדר העבודה שלא הי' זקוק לקיום מצות מעשיות אלא פעל ההמשכות ע"י עבודה רוחנית.ד' חלקים משיחת פסח שני ה'תשמ"ג ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=12-05-2025 Synopsis Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai holds that the community does not bring a Pesach Sheini offering. Seemingly, how is it possible that Rashbi, who said, “I am able to exempt the entire world from judgment” (and by saying it, he caused it to come down and be revealed in this physical world) would hold that the entire community would be “excluded” from bringing the Korban Pesach? The explanation is that, to the contrary, Rashbi held that the community doesn't bring the Pesach Sheini because it doesn't need to: When the community cries out “Why should we be excluded?” and they yearn to bring the korban etc. – that itself already has the effect of the Korban Pesach. (Similar to how we don't say Tachanun on meritorious days because the merit of the day itself causes that Tachanun isn't needed.) This is especially true considering the fact that Rashbi was the Nasi of his generation, who saw his own qualities in the people of his generation: because he was able to accomplish his Divine service in a spiritual fashion, he held that the community didn't need to physically bring the Pesach Sheini. (Similar to the story of the Mitteler Rebbe pausing Yechidus until he was able to identify within himself – in a most subtle form – the issue for which someone needed a tikkun).4 excerpts from sichah of Pesach Sheini 5743 For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=12-05-2025

Discover why a day whose origins are shrouded in mystery has become one of the most joyous days on the Jewish calendar. In Lag Baomer: The Fire and the Soul, Rav Daniel Glatstein reveals the inner meaning of this hallowed day and why it has gained almost supernatural momentum in our times. Enter the world of Rebbi Shimon bar Yochai and the Zohar HaKadosh, and experience an exalted realm of Torah that will bring Klal Yisrael closer to the final redemption.

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:

" בניסן נגאלו ובניסן עתידין להיגאל "—just as our ancestors were redeemed in Nissan, so too will we be redeemed in Nissan. As we enter this glorious month, our hopes are higher than ever for the coming of Mashiach. We have been learning about the days of Mashiach in the Daf Yomi, and we see events unfolding in the world at large. It is up to us to do our part. Chazal teach us that our forefathers were redeemed from Mitzrayim in the merit of their emunah, and we, too, will be redeemed through our emunah. But what kind of emunah do we need? When the women brought their copper mirrors as donations for the Mishkan, Moshe Rabbenu initially did not want to accept them. However, Hashem told him that these mirrors were more precious to Him than anything else—more beloved than the menorah, which represents Torah, more than the mizbe'ach, which represents tefillah, and more than the shulchan, which represents tzedakah. What was so special about these mirrors? The men in Mitzrayim were suffering terribly. They had lost their will to continue, feeling that all their labor was in vain. The women used these mirrors to beautify themselves and encourage their husbands, giving them the strength to carry on. They reassured them, reminding them that there was a future—that Hashem runs the world. Their chizuk empowered their husbands to persevere and fulfill Hashem's will, even under the most trying conditions. The Tikkunei Zohar describes how Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, when looking into the future, saw the generation before Mashiach and lamented, " ווי מאן דיזדמן בהאי זמנא "—Woe to those who will live in that time. Yet, he also said, " זכאה מאן דמשתכח בההוא זמנא וקיים בהימנותא "—Fortunate are those who will be in that time and hold strong in their emunah. Our Rabbis have told us that we are living in the עקבתא דמשיחא , the final generation before Mashiach. We are the very ones that the Zohar was speaking about. One might ask: throughout history, our people have endured immense suffering—the Holocaust and many other persecutions. By contrast, today, baruch Hashem , we live with religious freedom. Why, then, did the Zohar express such concern for this generation? A great rabbi once explained that while, as a nation, we may have it good, if we examine individual households, we will find so many struggling with personal challenges. The pain people carry is often hidden. Just the other week, in a single day, I was approached by eight different individuals seeking chizuk. One had just been told that his wife might lose her pregnancy. Another had suddenly and tragically lost her husband. One had been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Another was at risk of going to jail. One had a sick child, another was struggling with business problems, and yet another was facing shalom bayit issues. Late that night, as I was leaving shul, a husband and wife approached me. The woman began to speak about her daughter, who was having an extremely difficult time with shidduchim. At first, I expected the conversation to be like the others I had that day. But then she surprised me. She wasn't downcast at all. She told me that, eight years ago, she started a nightly emunah conference in the zechut of her daughter finding a shidduch. Today, over 400 women participate. And through it, she has gained an unshakable emunah—like a pillar of fire. She is so grateful to Hashem for all He gives her each day. She goes to other people's weddings with complete joy, celebrating without a trace of jealousy. Her emunah is contagious. Wherever she goes, she uplifts others, infusing them with strength and faith. This is exactly what the Zohar meant: Fortunate are those who live in this time and have emunah. Today, so many struggle with personal darkness. But those who find a way to rise above it and praise Hashem, despite their hardships, shine the brightest. In previous generations, our ancestors were like burning torches, illuminating the world with their Torah and mitzvot—but they lived in broad daylight. In contrast, we may be but small flames, yet we are burning in the thickest darkness. Though we may not reach the Torah and mitzvah observance of previous generations, we have an extraordinary opportunity. We can shine with our emunah, something so precious to Hashem. May Hashem strengthen our emunah and grant us the merit to greet Mashiach in this great month of Nissan. Amen.

This month's learning is sponsored by Linda and Jay Marcus in honor of the recent birth of their granddaughter; and the anniversaries and birthdays of their children and grandchildren during Nissan. "בניסן נגאלו ובניסן עתידין להיגאל. May we merit to see the גאולה שלמה במהרה בימינו." Today's daf is sponsored by Lisa Kolodny in honor of Nancy Kolodny's birthday! "So happy you are spending more time in Israel this year, spreading your light, your wisdom and your love to all those around you."  There is a debate about whether Menashe received a portion in the World-to-Come. Rabbi Yochanan brings three drashot in the name of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, each relating to different kings of the Judean kingdom, highlighting how far God goes to allow repentance. He also brought another drasha relating to the disgrace of the Sanhedrin at the time of the Babylonian exile. Rav Chisda says in the name of Rabbi Yirmia bar Abba three statements - one relating to the bad actions of some of the Judean kings, one relating to types of people who are not worthy of receiving the Divine Presence, and one explaining the verses in Tehillim 91:11-13 about evil not coming upon a person. Why is the letter ayin in 'reshaim' suspended above the other letters in the verse in Iyov 38:15? A braita explains that Menashe, Achav, and Yeravam all learned Torah, highlighting that their sins were worse, as they clearly understood the Torah and sinned nevertheless, with full intent. Other braitot suggest that other kings lost their portion in the World-to-Come. Descriptions are brought about some of the bad kings and how their action led to the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash.

This month's learning is sponsored by Linda and Jay Marcus in honor of the recent birth of their granddaughter; and the anniversaries and birthdays of their children and grandchildren during Nissan. "בניסן נגאלו ובניסן עתידין להיגאל. May we merit to see the גאולה שלמה במהרה בימינו." Today's daf is sponsored by Lisa Kolodny in honor of Nancy Kolodny's birthday! "So happy you are spending more time in Israel this year, spreading your light, your wisdom and your love to all those around you."  There is a debate about whether Menashe received a portion in the World-to-Come. Rabbi Yochanan brings three drashot in the name of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, each relating to different kings of the Judean kingdom, highlighting how far God goes to allow repentance. He also brought another drasha relating to the disgrace of the Sanhedrin at the time of the Babylonian exile. Rav Chisda says in the name of Rabbi Yirmia bar Abba three statements - one relating to the bad actions of some of the Judean kings, one relating to types of people who are not worthy of receiving the Divine Presence, and one explaining the verses in Tehillim 91:11-13 about evil not coming upon a person. Why is the letter ayin in 'reshaim' suspended above the other letters in the verse in Iyov 38:15? A braita explains that Menashe, Achav, and Yeravam all learned Torah, highlighting that their sins were worse, as they clearly understood the Torah and sinned nevertheless, with full intent. Other braitot suggest that other kings lost their portion in the World-to-Come. Descriptions are brought about some of the bad kings and how their action led to the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash.

What happens when Moses, the great prophet, asks to see the face of God and is denied? Join us as we unravel the intriguing narratives from the Talmud where contrasting interpretations by Rabbi Yeshua ben Korchah and Rabbi Shmuel Bar Nachmani shed light on a pivotal moment in Moses' journey. Discover how a single choice at the burning bush led to Moses' spiritual reward, and why adhering to kosher laws is more accessible than ever, with everyday products surprising us with their kosher certifications.Have you ever wondered about the legacy of Abraham and the astonishing fulfillment of promises made to Moses? We explore an extraordinary Talmudic discussion revealing the astonishing growth of Moses' lineage, thanks to the method of Gezeras Shaveh. This episode also brings to life the mystical teachings of Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai, illustrating how his time in isolation became a powerful testament to spiritual development. We also acknowledge Abraham's pioneering role in establishing the morning prayer and delve into the origins of idolatry from the perspective of the Rambam.Gratitude often gets overshadowed by our daily routines, but what if appreciating everyday blessings could transform our lives? Reflect with me on the luxuries we frequently overlook—from the simplicity of strawberries to the technology connecting us with loved ones across the globe. Through personal anecdotes and Talmudic wisdom, this episode emphasizes the profound impact of gratitude on our well-being. _____________The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn Talmud because it is in ancient Aramaic or the concepts are too difficult. Well, no more excuses. In this podcast you will experience the refreshing and eye-opening teachings while gaining an amazing appreciation for the divine wisdom of the Torah and the depths of the Talmud.This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by David & Susan MarbinRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios to a live audience on March 21, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on March 28, 2025_____________DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!_____________#Talmud, #Berachos, #Talmudic, #Moses, #Ascent, #Legacy, #Abraham, #Idolatry, #Gratitude, #EverydayBlessings, #PesachSeder, #Haggadah ★ Support this podcast ★

What happens when Moses, the great prophet, asks to see the face of God and is denied? Join us as we unravel the intriguing narratives from the Talmud where contrasting interpretations by Rabbi Yeshua ben Korchah and Rabbi Shmuel Bar Nachmani shed light on a pivotal moment in Moses' journey. Discover how a single choice at the burning bush led to Moses' spiritual reward, and why adhering to kosher laws is more accessible than ever, with everyday products surprising us with their kosher certifications.Have you ever wondered about the legacy of Abraham and the astonishing fulfillment of promises made to Moses? We explore an extraordinary Talmudic discussion revealing the astonishing growth of Moses' lineage, thanks to the method of Gezeras Shaveh. This episode also brings to life the mystical teachings of Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai, illustrating how his time in isolation became a powerful testament to spiritual development. We also acknowledge Abraham's pioneering role in establishing the morning prayer and delve into the origins of idolatry from the perspective of the Rambam.Gratitude often gets overshadowed by our daily routines, but what if appreciating everyday blessings could transform our lives? Reflect with me on the luxuries we frequently overlook—from the simplicity of strawberries to the technology connecting us with loved ones across the globe. Through personal anecdotes and Talmudic wisdom, this episode emphasizes the profound impact of gratitude on our well-being. _____________The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn Talmud because it is in ancient Aramaic or the concepts are too difficult. Well, no more excuses. In this podcast you will experience the refreshing and eye-opening teachings while gaining an amazing appreciation for the divine wisdom of the Torah and the depths of the Talmud.This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by David & Susan MarbinRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios to a live audience on March 21, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on March 28, 2025_____________DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!_____________#Talmud, #Berachos, #Talmudic, #Moses, #Ascent, #Legacy, #Abraham, #Idolatry, #Gratitude, #EverydayBlessings, #PesachSeder, #Haggadah ★ Support this podcast ★

Today's daf is sponsored by Hillel Gray in loving memory of Raizel Shoshana bat Rachel Perel on her shloshim. "She loved reading, teaching others to read, and Jewish education."  Today's daf is sponsored by Abby Flamholz in honor of her daughter in law Sigal’s hebrew birthday. "She continues to be a constant inspiration to me and especially to her daughters and husband. Happy birthday Sigal!"  The sages extensively discuss various signs, both auspicious and ominous, that are believed to herald the coming of the Messiah. Rabbi Yochanan explained the Messiah will arrive during an era that is either entirely virtuous or completely corrupt. This binary perspective highlights the spiritual extremes that might precipitate messianic redemption. The prophetic texts contain seemingly contradictory verses, such as "It will come in its time, I will hurry it." Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi resolves this apparent contradiction by explaining that the timing of the Messiah's arrival depends on the generation's spiritual merit. If the generation proves worthy, God will accelerate the redemption; if not, it will unfold according to the predetermined time. Why is the Messiah depicted as arriving on a donkey rather than a more noble animal like a horse? In an aggadic story, Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi encounters Eliyahu at the entrance to Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai's cave. He seeks answers about whether he will enter the world-to-come and the timing of the Messiah's arrival. Eliyahu directs him to the entrance of Rome, instructing him to seek out and directly ask the Messiah. In a parallel account, Rabbi Yosi ben Kisma's students similarly inquire about the anticipated redemption. Some rabbis acknowledge the inevitability of the Messiah's arrival but express trepidation about witnessing this momentous event. They fear that their personal sins might cause them to be consumed in the "chevlei mashiach" - the birth pangs of the messianic era. While they recognize that good deeds and Torah study offer spiritual protection, they remain acutely aware that sin can precipitate divine judgment. Intriguingly, the Messiah's name itself becomes a matter of interpretive tradition. In each beit midrash they named the future redeemer with a name that resonated with their own teacher's name.  

Today's daf is sponsored by Hillel Gray in loving memory of Raizel Shoshana bat Rachel Perel on her shloshim. "She loved reading, teaching others to read, and Jewish education."  Today's daf is sponsored by Abby Flamholz in honor of her daughter in law Sigal’s hebrew birthday. "She continues to be a constant inspiration to me and especially to her daughters and husband. Happy birthday Sigal!"  The sages extensively discuss various signs, both auspicious and ominous, that are believed to herald the coming of the Messiah. Rabbi Yochanan explained the Messiah will arrive during an era that is either entirely virtuous or completely corrupt. This binary perspective highlights the spiritual extremes that might precipitate messianic redemption. The prophetic texts contain seemingly contradictory verses, such as "It will come in its time, I will hurry it." Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi resolves this apparent contradiction by explaining that the timing of the Messiah's arrival depends on the generation's spiritual merit. If the generation proves worthy, God will accelerate the redemption; if not, it will unfold according to the predetermined time. Why is the Messiah depicted as arriving on a donkey rather than a more noble animal like a horse? In an aggadic story, Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi encounters Eliyahu at the entrance to Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai's cave. He seeks answers about whether he will enter the world-to-come and the timing of the Messiah's arrival. Eliyahu directs him to the entrance of Rome, instructing him to seek out and directly ask the Messiah. In a parallel account, Rabbi Yosi ben Kisma's students similarly inquire about the anticipated redemption. Some rabbis acknowledge the inevitability of the Messiah's arrival but express trepidation about witnessing this momentous event. They fear that their personal sins might cause them to be consumed in the "chevlei mashiach" - the birth pangs of the messianic era. While they recognize that good deeds and Torah study offer spiritual protection, they remain acutely aware that sin can precipitate divine judgment. Intriguingly, the Messiah's name itself becomes a matter of interpretive tradition. In each beit midrash they named the future redeemer with a name that resonated with their own teacher's name.  

The Mishna discusses the laws of a rodef (pursuer), addressing when it is permissible to kill someone pursuing another person – either to kill or to rape. A fundamental question emerges: Is this permission based on preventing the pursuer from committing a grave offense, or is it specifically aimed at protecting the potential victim? The Mishna rules that one is not about to pursue one who is going to commit idolatry, violate Shabbat or engage in bestiality. Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and his son Rabbi Elazar extended this rule to include some of these cases.  The Gemara examines several potential scriptural sources for the law permitting the killing of a rodef who intends to murder someone. After rejecting two initial suggestions, the law is ultimately derived through a hekeish (textual comparison) involving the rape of a betrothed young woman. The Gemara then explores which verses establish the obligation to save someone facing mortal danger, whether from drowning, wild animal attacks, or armed assailants. A braita expands upon the Mishna's teachings, and the Gemara provides derivations for the various categories where the law of rodef applies. Two additional cases from the braita are analyzed in detail: First, the debate between the rabbis and Rabbi Yehuda regarding a woman who, facing imminent rape, fears that intervention could lead to her death and therefore tells potential rescuers not to intervene. Second, the Gemara addresses an apparent contradiction between this braita and a Mishna in Ketubot 29a, offering several resolutions to reconcile the texts.

Two more answers (altogether five) are brought to reconcile the contradiction between the braita and the Mishna in Ketubot 29a. From where does Rabbi Yonatan ben Shaul learn that if one can neutralize the pursuer, one is not allowed to kill him? When one is pursuing another and either the pursuer, the pursued or the one trying to stop the pursuer causes damage - who is exempt from payment and who is liable to pay? Why?  What is the basis for the opinions of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and his son Rabbi Eliezer who add more cases to the list where one can kill one who is about to commit a certain transgression? Rabbi Yochanan quotes Rabbi Shimon ben Yehotzadak saying that the rabbis sat in an attic in Lod and ruled that if one is threatened by death unless they transgress one of the commandments, they should transgress the commandment and not be killed, as the commandments were given to "live by them." However, there are three exceptions to the rule - idol worship, inappropriate sexual relations and murder (yehareg v'al yaavor). What is the source for the three exceptions? There are also certain circumstances in which one must give oneself over to be killed rather than transgress any commandment - if it is in public and if it is a time of religious persecution. What is the definition of public? How was Esther permitted to engage in relations with Achashverosh if it was public? Rava and Abaye each provide an answer.  Are Bnei Noach also commanded to give themselves over to be killed if asked to transgress one of the Noahide laws in public? 

The Mishna discusses the laws of a rodef (pursuer), addressing when it is permissible to kill someone pursuing another person – either to kill or to rape. A fundamental question emerges: Is this permission based on preventing the pursuer from committing a grave offense, or is it specifically aimed at protecting the potential victim? The Mishna rules that one is not about to pursue one who is going to commit idolatry, violate Shabbat or engage in bestiality. Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and his son Rabbi Elazar extended this rule to include some of these cases.  The Gemara examines several potential scriptural sources for the law permitting the killing of a rodef who intends to murder someone. After rejecting two initial suggestions, the law is ultimately derived through a hekeish (textual comparison) involving the rape of a betrothed young woman. The Gemara then explores which verses establish the obligation to save someone facing mortal danger, whether from drowning, wild animal attacks, or armed assailants. A braita expands upon the Mishna's teachings, and the Gemara provides derivations for the various categories where the law of rodef applies. Two additional cases from the braita are analyzed in detail: First, the debate between the rabbis and Rabbi Yehuda regarding a woman who, facing imminent rape, fears that intervention could lead to her death and therefore tells potential rescuers not to intervene. Second, the Gemara addresses an apparent contradiction between this braita and a Mishna in Ketubot 29a, offering several resolutions to reconcile the texts.

Two more answers (altogether five) are brought to reconcile the contradiction between the braita and the Mishna in Ketubot 29a. From where does Rabbi Yonatan ben Shaul learn that if one can neutralize the pursuer, one is not allowed to kill him? When one is pursuing another and either the pursuer, the pursued or the one trying to stop the pursuer causes damage - who is exempt from payment and who is liable to pay? Why?  What is the basis for the opinions of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and his son Rabbi Eliezer who add more cases to the list where one can kill one who is about to commit a certain transgression? Rabbi Yochanan quotes Rabbi Shimon ben Yehotzadak saying that the rabbis sat in an attic in Lod and ruled that if one is threatened by death unless they transgress one of the commandments, they should transgress the commandment and not be killed, as the commandments were given to "live by them." However, there are three exceptions to the rule - idol worship, inappropriate sexual relations and murder (yehareg v'al yaavor). What is the source for the three exceptions? There are also certain circumstances in which one must give oneself over to be killed rather than transgress any commandment - if it is in public and if it is a time of religious persecution. What is the definition of public? How was Esther permitted to engage in relations with Achashverosh if it was public? Rava and Abaye each provide an answer.  Are Bnei Noach also commanded to give themselves over to be killed if asked to transgress one of the Noahide laws in public? 

Just here to share a little feedback from the previous episode. Featuring calls from Joe Richter of Hindsighless (podcast), Jason Connerley of Nerd's RPG Variety Cast (podcast & blog), and BJ Boyd of The Arcane Alienist (podcast). And a nice little bit of feedback from Yochai himself. And here a link to Kettlewright.com Honourable Mentions: Colin Green of Spikepit (YouTube), Barney Dicker of Loco Ludus (podcast), The Happy Whisk (podcast & YouTube) The movie for February is David Lynch's Dune from 1984. See below for details on contacting the show. The episode airs on February 24th, submissions by the 22nd, please. The Movie Monday Letterboxd list https://letterboxd.com/the39thman/list/movie-monday-1/ Leave me an audio message via ⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/KeepOffTheBorderlands You can email me at ⁠spencer.freethrall@gmail.com⁠ You can find me on BlueSky @freethrall.bsky.social and a bunch of other places here ⁠https://freethrall.carrd.co You can also find me on Discord by searching for freethrall This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freethrall.substack.com

This morning we discuss the significance of Remembering Shabbat (Zachor) and Protecting Shabbat (Shamor), based on an insight of Rabbi Avraham Kook. We tell the famous Talmudic story of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and his son hiding in a cave, and how a deeper experience of Shabbat enabled them to leave the cave and return to normal life. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at McGill University Faculty of Law. ADATH is a modern orthodox synagogue community in suburban Montreal, providing Judaism for the next generation. We take great pleasure in welcoming everyone with a warm smile, while sharing inspiration through prayer, study, and friendship. Rabbi Whitman shares his thoughts and inspirations through online lectures and shiurim, which are available on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5FLcsC6xz5TmkirT1qObkA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adathmichael/ Podcast - Mining the Riches of the Parsha: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/mining-the-riches-of-the-parsha/id1479615142?fbclid=IwAR1c6YygRR6pvAKFvEmMGCcs0Y6hpmK8tXzPinbum8drqw2zLIo7c9SR-jc Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3hWYhCG5GR8zygw4ZNsSmO Please contact Rabbi Whitman (rabbi@adath.ca) with any questions or feedback, or to receive a daily email, "Study with Rabbi Whitman Today," with current and past insights for that day, video, and audio, all in one short email sent directly to your inbox.

In this episode, I reflect on my first time in the Game Master's seat running Yochai Gal's Cairn 2nd Edition. Here's a link to Yochai running Rise of the Blood Olms https://youtu.be/HcY1Ytwznyk?si=SFQZf4p4fueTLyCO Games and adventures mentioned: Apocalypse World by D. Vincent Baker & Meguey Baker One Shot World, Cairn, & Rise of the Blood Olms by Yochai Gal https://yochaigal.itch.io Into the Odd, & Electric Bastionland by Chris McDowall Knave by Ben Milton Mausritter by Isaac Williams Osseous by FreeThrall Barrow of the Elf King by Nate Treme Feast by Chriss Bissette https://loottheroom.itch.io/feast Honourable mentions: Colin Green of Spikepit (podcast & YouTube), Barney Dicker of Loco Ludus (podcast), Yochai Gal & Brad Kerr of Between Two Cairns (podcast) "Warning" by Lieren of Updates From the Middle of Nowhere You can leave me an audio message via ⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/KeepOffTheBorderlands Email me at ⁠spencer.freethrall@gmail.com ⁠Follow me on BlueSky @freethrall.bsky.social or look me up on Discord by searching for freethrall You can find me in a bunch of other places here ⁠https://freethrall.carrd.co⁠ You can also hear me in actual plays on Grizzly Peaks Radio This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freethrall.substack.com

התוכן מענת משיח על שאלת הבעש"ט "אימתי קאתי מר" היתה "לכשיפוצו מעיינותיך חוצה". ומזה מוכח אשר כמו הגאולה, גם מעיינות החסידות שייך לכאו"א מישראל. ואת זה ראו בעיקר אצל הבעש"ט שהסתובב מעיר לעיר ומכפר לכפר וסיפר סיפורים לאנשים הפשוטים שבהם הי' מוסתר מעיינות החסידות, וכן אצל אדמו"ר מוהריי"צ שהשתדל בכל כחות נפשו ש(גם) תורת החסידות יגיע לכאו"א מישראל, ללא הבדל. אלא שאצלו הי' זה באופן שגם המקבל הרגיש בגלוי שזהו פנימיות התורה והבין אפס קצהו. וכ"ז מרומז במ"ש בפ' בשלח "ובני ישראל יוצאים ביד רמה" ות"א "בריש גלי" – האופן בו תהי' (גם) הגאולה שלימה ע"י משיח. ו"בריש" ר"ת ר' שמעון בר יוחאי – ש"בהאי ספרא דילך דאיהו ספר הזהר יפקון בי' מן גלותא ברחמים", ור"ת "ר' ישראל בעל שם" או "ר' ישראל בן שרה", ור"ת "ר' יוסף יצחק בן שטרנא שרה" או "ר' יוסף יצחק בן שלום דוב בער"!משיחת יו"ד שבט ה'תשי"ב ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=03-02-2025 Synopsis When the Baal Shem Tov asked Moshiach, “When will the Master come?” the reply was, “When your wellsprings will spread outward.” This indicates that just like the Redemption, the wellsprings of Chassidus are for every single Jew. This was seen primarily in the Baal Shem Tov, who traveled from city to city and village to village telling simple people stories in which the wellsprings of Chassidus were concealed. Similarly, the Rebbe my father-in-law strove with all his strength to bring the teachings of Chassidus to every single Jew without distinction. But in his case, it was in such a way that the recipient openly felt that it was the inner dimension of the Torah, and he was able to grasp a small measure of its depth. This is alluded to in the verse in Parashas Beshalach, “The Jewish people were leaving triumphantly” (“b'reish glei” in the Targum), like the complete Redemption through Moshiach. B'reish glei is an acronym for (1) R' Shimon ben Yochai, of whom it is said, “With this sefer of yours, which is the Sefer Hazohar, they will go out of exile with mercy”; (2) “R' Yisrael Baal Shem” or “R' Yisrael ben Sarah”; (3) “R' Yosef Yitzchak ben Shterna Sarah” or “R' Yosef Yitzchak ben Shalom Dov Ber.”Excerpt from sichah of Yud Shevat 5712 For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=03-02-2025

The Chovot HaLevavot , in Sha'ar Cheshbon HaNefesh (Chapter 3), teaches that no one in this world can give us anything unless Hashem wills it. Even if a person was the only one in the world, he would not possess a single thing more than what Hashem decreed for him. And even if the world's population doubled, he would not have one possession less than what was meant for him. Rabbi Menashe Reizman gives a mashal : A father with 19 children had to make the simplest wedding for his youngest child, cutting out all possible extras. The child may have thought, "If only I were an only child, my father would have made me the grandest wedding." But this is entirely false. That child would have received the same wedding regardless of how many siblings he had. Hashem provides for each person individually, and no one else has any impact on what we receive. A hundred years ago, people worried that if the world's population continued growing at its current rate, food would become scarce—some even predicted that one apple would have to be divided among four people, based on the ratio of apples to people, at that time. At that time, there were 2 billion people in the world. Today, the population has quadrupled to over 8 billion, yet there is no shortage of apples—there are enough for every person to have more than four apples. Some now worry that, with the increasing population, the world will run out of oxygen. But we laugh at this notion because we understand that Hashem provides for every person individually, and no one is affected by the presence of others. A person can live in isolation, surrounded by abundance, yet be unable to benefit from it. Conversely, someone with little means, surrounded by many others, may still have everything he needs. It all depends on Hashem's will. Rabbi Yaakov Meir Schechter related a story from a time of famine in Yerushalayim when there wasn't enough bread for everyone. Bread had to be rationed based on family size. Ironically, the baker—who had access to all the bread he could ever want—contracted a rare illness that prevented him from eating any of it. No one could believe that the one person with unlimited access to bread was unable to enjoy it. Only Hashem determines who benefits from what. Rabbi Schechter also shared an account from Rabbi Shaul Sharabani about his experience living in the Old City of Yerushalayim when it was under Turkish rule. He and a friend received draft notices for the Turkish army. At the time, being drafted was considered a terrible fate, as both a person's spiritual and physical well-being were at great risk. Rabbi Shaul and his friend accepted upon themselves that if Hashem saved them from the draft, they would travel to the kever of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai in Meron and spend the day thanking and praising Hashem for their salvation. In those days, traveling to Meron was extremely difficult, but they believed that their mesirut nefesh in fulfilling their promise would be a great zechut for them. B'chasdei Hashem , both of them were miraculously exempted from military service. Rabbi Shaul immediately fulfilled his pledge. He made the difficult journey to Meron and spent the entire day crying tears of gratitude and praise to Hashem. His friend, however, did not join him. Since their exemption had occurred through seemingly natural means—connections and assistance from others—he did not fully attribute it to Hashem. Unfortunately, just a few months later, this friend received another draft notice. This time, there was no way for him to get out of it. Our hishtadlut does not accomplish anything—only Hashem does. It is up to us to recognize this and internalize that Hashem provides for each person individually, and no one else has any effect on our lives.

00:00 Introduction 00:49 The Light of Moshe Rabbeinu01:54 Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and the Zohar03:58 The Teachings of the Arizal05:17 The Baal Shem Tov's Message06:38 Rabbi Nachman of Breslov's Legacy10:27 The Power of Gratitude17:14 The Heart and Trauma26:22 Gratitude in Good Times26:58 Lessons from Near Misses27:42 The Importance of Saying Thank You28:20 Challenges and Community29:30 Understanding the Role of a Gadol33:41 Physiological Reactions to Stress38:23 The Process of Birth and Spiritual Growth47:21 Embracing Challenges for Growth52:17 Final Reflections and Blessings

Yochai's book, Not in Our Brain: Consciousness, Body, World (Magnes Press, 2019), examines the meaning of psychology and life based on the premise (following Merleau-Ponty's theory) that we are present in the world through our bodies. We are not merely rational beings or machines, but our existence in the world is through the body. While the book examines Merleau-Ponty's theory through stories of prisoners and people dedicated to meditation, our conversation took a different and fascinating direction. We examined the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza through the lens of Merleau-Ponty and the question of trauma. Yochai Ataria is a professor at Tel-Hai College, Israel. He completed his PhD at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and conducted post-doctoral research in the Neurobiology Department at the Weizmann Institute of Science. His notable works include The Structural Trauma of Western Culture (2017), Body Disownership in Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (2018), The Mathematics of Trauma [in Hebrew] (2014), Not in Our Brain [in Hebrew] (2019), Levi versus Ka-Tsetnik (2022), Consciousness in Flesh (2022), and Genes, Technology, and Apocalypse (2024). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Yochai's book, Not in Our Brain: Consciousness, Body, World (Magnes Press, 2019), examines the meaning of psychology and life based on the premise (following Merleau-Ponty's theory) that we are present in the world through our bodies. We are not merely rational beings or machines, but our existence in the world is through the body. While the book examines Merleau-Ponty's theory through stories of prisoners and people dedicated to meditation, our conversation took a different and fascinating direction. We examined the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza through the lens of Merleau-Ponty and the question of trauma. Yochai Ataria is a professor at Tel-Hai College, Israel. He completed his PhD at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and conducted post-doctoral research in the Neurobiology Department at the Weizmann Institute of Science. His notable works include The Structural Trauma of Western Culture (2017), Body Disownership in Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (2018), The Mathematics of Trauma [in Hebrew] (2014), Not in Our Brain [in Hebrew] (2019), Levi versus Ka-Tsetnik (2022), Consciousness in Flesh (2022), and Genes, Technology, and Apocalypse (2024). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/middle-eastern-studies

Yochai's book, Not in Our Brain: Consciousness, Body, World (Magnes Press, 2019), examines the meaning of psychology and life based on the premise (following Merleau-Ponty's theory) that we are present in the world through our bodies. We are not merely rational beings or machines, but our existence in the world is through the body. While the book examines Merleau-Ponty's theory through stories of prisoners and people dedicated to meditation, our conversation took a different and fascinating direction. We examined the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza through the lens of Merleau-Ponty and the question of trauma. Yochai Ataria is a professor at Tel-Hai College, Israel. He completed his PhD at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and conducted post-doctoral research in the Neurobiology Department at the Weizmann Institute of Science. His notable works include The Structural Trauma of Western Culture (2017), Body Disownership in Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (2018), The Mathematics of Trauma [in Hebrew] (2014), Not in Our Brain [in Hebrew] (2019), Levi versus Ka-Tsetnik (2022), Consciousness in Flesh (2022), and Genes, Technology, and Apocalypse (2024). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/psychology

Yochai's book, Not in Our Brain: Consciousness, Body, World (Magnes Press, 2019), examines the meaning of psychology and life based on the premise (following Merleau-Ponty's theory) that we are present in the world through our bodies. We are not merely rational beings or machines, but our existence in the world is through the body. While the book examines Merleau-Ponty's theory through stories of prisoners and people dedicated to meditation, our conversation took a different and fascinating direction. We examined the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza through the lens of Merleau-Ponty and the question of trauma. Yochai Ataria is a professor at Tel-Hai College, Israel. He completed his PhD at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and conducted post-doctoral research in the Neurobiology Department at the Weizmann Institute of Science. His notable works include The Structural Trauma of Western Culture (2017), Body Disownership in Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (2018), The Mathematics of Trauma [in Hebrew] (2014), Not in Our Brain [in Hebrew] (2019), Levi versus Ka-Tsetnik (2022), Consciousness in Flesh (2022), and Genes, Technology, and Apocalypse (2024). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/science-technology-and-society

Abaye and Rava disagreed on their understanding of the Mishna regarding the ruling of a tumtum who tries to collect money form a father's estate. A difficulty is raised against Abaye's explanation from a braita, but is resolved. Why in the case of the Mishna did the husband commit 200 zuzim to his unborn child if she is a girl and 100 if he is a boy - wasn't there a preference in those days for male children, as per the words of Rabbi Yochanan in the name of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai? Three answers are brought. Two tannaitic sources are brought with cases similar to the ones in our Mishna but without enough details so the Gemara establishes the details of the cases discussed. A case happened where a man on his deathbed promised all of his property to his unborn baby. Rav Huna ruled that this was ineffective as one cannot effect a transaction with someone who is not yet in existence, Rav Nachman questions this ruling from our Mishna where in all the cases the father promised money to an unborn child. Rav Huna rejects the Mishna saying, "I don't know who is the author of this Mishna!" The Gemara questions why Rav Huna couldn't have given a different answer. It raises seven possibilities but ultimately rejects them all.

Abaye and Rava disagreed on their understanding of the Mishna regarding the ruling of a tumtum who tries to collect money form a father's estate. A difficulty is raised against Abaye's explanation from a braita, but is resolved. Why in the case of the Mishna did the husband commit 200 zuzim to his unborn child if she is a girl and 100 if he is a boy - wasn't there a preference in those days for male children, as per the words of Rabbi Yochanan in the name of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai? Three answers are brought. Two tannaitic sources are brought with cases similar to the ones in our Mishna but without enough details so the Gemara establishes the details of the cases discussed. A case happened where a man on his deathbed promised all of his property to his unborn baby. Rav Huna ruled that this was ineffective as one cannot effect a transaction with someone who is not yet in existence, Rav Nachman questions this ruling from our Mishna where in all the cases the father promised money to an unborn child. Rav Huna rejects the Mishna saying, "I don't know who is the author of this Mishna!" The Gemara questions why Rav Huna couldn't have given a different answer. It raises seven possibilities but ultimately rejects them all.

Rabbi Yochanan quotes an opinion of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai saying if one dies without sons, it is a sign of God's wrath. Rabbi Yochanan himself and Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi disagree about whether it is the lack of a son or lack of a student that is a sign that one is not truly God-fearing. Who held which position? On what basis can that be concluded? Three statements of Rabbi Pinchas ben Hama are quoted - the first relates to the importance of fathers leaving male children to follow in their ways. Rami bar Hama has some questions regarding cases of inheritance when there are no sons, daughters, or father. Does it go to the grandfather or the uncle? If the two heirs left are the grandfather and the brother of the deceased, who comes first? His questions derive from the last line in the Mishna, "the father comes before all those who come from him." Does it mean all his descendants or only before his own children, but not his grandchildren? Rava thought the answers to his questions were clear - the grandfather comes before any of his descendants.

In this heartfelt episode, Rabbi Feigelson reflects on the power of compassion, particularly in the context of Yom Kippur, a time of reflection, repentance, and connection. Drawing from personal experiences and Talmudic stories, including that of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and his son, he discusses the dangers of judgmentalism and the transformative potential of a more compassionate worldview. Tune in for a soothing and timely reminder of the healing power of love, understanding, and community. ~~~~   Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every Day is a production of Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media, and the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. This episode was sponsored by Jonathan and Kori Kalafer and the Somerset Patriots: The Bridgewater, NJ-based AA Affiliate of the New York Yankees. This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Unpacking Israeli History Wondering Jews

What is the historical context of prayer at the time of R' Shimon bar Yochai?