Friday, March 15, 2024

Pekudei - Israel Gets Past the Tough Times

Why were the Jewish people unable to complete the construction of the Tabernacle? Why was it necessary for both Moshe Rabenu, who completed the Mishkan-Tabernacle, as well as Shlomo Hamelech (King Solomon) to have special spiritual assistance to complete the building? Why did the merchant who came to Jerusalem at first not sell his merchandise at all, but ultimately sold his merchandise very quickly? What is the 'last laugh' that Moshe had on his detractors? Why was he at first not involved in the construction of the mishkan, yet he completed it? Why did R' Shimon bar Yochai instruct his students not to leave Israel and not to strive to acquire wealth? Why is it built into acquiring Israel that in order to do so one must get past tough times?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.



Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Bitachon 152 - Hashem Does For Israel

We explore the passuk in Tehillim ch. 37 passuk 5 which speaks of the idea to 'roll your ways onto Hashem.' The result is that 'when you trust in Him, he will do it.' This brings to the fore that we must always make sure that our intention in all our deeds is to serve Hashem. Furthermore, the efforts we put in - when we determine that we need efforts of some sort - must never replace our belief that it is always truly Hashem who is doing it for us.

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Running time: 23:01



Friday, March 8, 2024

Vayakhel - Israel's Source of Light

Why does the Torah refer to the creation of the Ark of the Covenant by Betzalel in the singular, seeming to imply he did it on his own? What was created first - the spiritual light of Creation or the Heavens and the Earth? What was Betzalel able to deduce from the creation of the light first? How does the Aron represent this light? What was the 'additional wisdom' of Noach and how did Betzalel use a similar kind of wisdom in deducing that the Aron should be created first, before the rest of the structure of the Mishkan?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.



Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Bitachon 151 - Israel's Attachment to Hashem

We continue exploring the passuk in Tehillim ch. 37 passuk 4 which continues from our previous study and tells us about the connection to Hashem we experience in a state of Bitachon, which can manifest as an ecstatic state of joy or intense prayer. Either way, when it's real, it gets results!

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Running time: 21:38



Friday, March 1, 2024

Ki Sisa - The Artist's Many Names

Why does Hashem ask Moshe to 'look at the name' of Betzalel? Where was Betzalel's name to be seen? How was it that Betzalel was able to manifest such exquisite artistry if the Jewish people had been slaves and he had no chance to study his art? What is the significance of the 'many names' of Eliyahu and of Betzalel? Why does the Torah sometimes mention the person's name and also his parents' names and the name of his location? What are the many aspects that go into a person's personality and his ultimate purpose in the world? Why does Hashem have Betzalel, from the tribe of Yehuda, work alongside Oholiav, who is from the tribe of Dan?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 30:03



Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Bitachon 150 - All Your Heart's Wishes

We continue exploring the passuk in Tehillim ch. 37 passuk 4 which continues from our previous study and tells us about the connection to Hashem we experience in a state of Bitachon, which we can compare to the feeling we have on Shabbos. The passuk finishes with the fact that all our 'hearts desires' will be fulfilled, hinting to the idea that with Bitachon we can depend on Hashem to obtain more than just our necessities.

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Running time: 22:45



Friday, February 23, 2024

Tetzaveh - Israel's Secret Weapon

Why does the Torah use the word 'davar' - 'thing' or 'matter' in introducing the order of initiating Aharon and his sons into their Kohen service in the Mishkan-Tabernacle? What are the two 'matters' that can be used to atone and bring salvation when we do not have the ability to bring sacrifices? How do words of Torah and heartfelt prayer bring about the revelation of Hashem in the world? Why is Haman referred to as both an oppressor and an enemy? Why does Mordechai return to his sackcloth, fasting and prayer even after he is 'raised up' and clothed with king's garments and rides the king's horse? What is it that ultimately provides atonement for Aharon for having facilitated the sin of the Golden Calf?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 29:42



Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Bitachon 149 - Israel's Source of Peace

We continue exploring the passuk in Tehillim ch. 37 passuk 3 which speaks of Dovid Hamelech's advice to not only trust in Hashem, but also do good. This means that we can not suffice ourselves only with a trusting relationship with Hashem, but His help engenders an obligation to also be honest about our negative actions that require fixing. Additionally, the guarantee is that when we have Bitachon, we can be sure we will be able to live in peace because we are connected to the Source of peace, which is Hashem.

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Running time: 22:11



Friday, February 16, 2024

Terumah - Israel is G-d's Child

How do we 'take an example from Heaven' in the construction of the Tabernacle? What are the many parallels between the 'throne room' of Hashem above, and the place of His Presence here on earth? What do each of these elements represent? What is the significance of Hashem calling the gold and silver of the Mishkan his? How do the Tabernacle and Beis Hamikdash (Temple) manifest the relationship between Hashem and the people of Israel - Shepherd to flock, Watchman to vineyard, and Father to son?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 27:59



Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Bitachon 148 - Fear Not - Israel's Enemies Won't Succeed

We explore the passuk in Tehillim ch. 37 passuk 3 which speaks of Dovid Hamelech's assurance that even if it seems that Israel's enemies are succeeding - heaven forbid - we can rest assured that ultimately, those who truly trust in Hashem will be far more successful.

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Running time 22:06