Thursday, March 24, 2011

Shmini - Simcha and sadness

What is the connection between the joy of the first of Nissan and Hashem's joy with the creation of the world? Why was the joy of the mishkan marred with a remembrance of the Golden Calf with Aharon's offering? Why did they have a sacrifice at this point that atoned for the sale of Yosef? Why did the Shechina only come into the mishkan as a result of Aharon's service, but not with the service of Moshe of the previous seven days? Why was the incredible joy of the mishkan's dedication marred by the deep loss of Aharon's sons?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 16:42

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Tzav and Purim - secret of seventy

What is the concept of seventy and seven? What is the significance of the seventy years between the two temples? Why is the gematria of wine (יין) and secret (סוד) both seventy? What is the depth of the idea of the seventy nations and the seventy offspring of Yakov? Why does the story climax with the fifty cubit high gallows of Haman? Why are there seven days of the Santuary's inauguration, and why are they in Adar?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 19:06

Monday, March 14, 2011

Shabbos figures

In my hilchos Shabbos podcast, we are learning about the melachos that are involved in weaving. These are the pictures that should give a better idea of what we are speaking about.


Friday, March 11, 2011

Vayikra - Understanding forgiveness

What is the concept of the atonement sacrifices? Why does the Torah seem to be so focused on sin? What is the concept of forgiveness? How can we look past the negative interactions in our relationships and forgive? How does one deal with pride? How can we forgive ourselves?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 16:36

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Purim cards/Sefer Torah

A friend of mine is involved with the following project, which seems to be a worthy cause. Check it out for yourself.

Friends and family around the world?

Here is an easy and meaningful way to send them Purim cards in lieu of Shalach manos, with the click of a few buttons and benefit the needy in Ramat Bet Shemesh, at the same time!

http://www.torah-letters.com/purim_cards.php

These are not typical Purim cards.
By sending a Torah Letter Purim card, the recipient will own a letter in a Sefer Torah being donated to the Kotel thus enabling them to fulfill a rare mitzvah and providing them with a unique Purim treat!

http://www.torah-letters.com/purim_cards.php


Don't miss out, here is a great way to bring Purim joy to all - You benefit
by sending a unique and meaningful Purim card - easily - all from the comfort of your home The recipients benefit by receiving a memorable gift in honor of Purim.
And the needy in RBS benefit by receiving matanot l'eveyonim.

For more information, please visit

http://www.torah-letters.com/purim_cards.php

Friday, March 4, 2011

Pekudei - revealed and concealed

Why was the mishkan only erected a few months after the parts were completed? Why was Moshe able to put it up, but not really able to? Why was it put up and then taken down numerous times? What does it mean that the mishkan will last forever? What is the concept of the parallel mishkan in heaven? What is the concept of the cloud of Hashem's glory?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 17:35

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Lev Nishbar

Brand new song, composed today.
זבחי אלקים רוח נשברה לב נשבר ונדכה אלקים לא תבזה
הרופא לשבורי לב ומחבש לעצבותם
A broken spirit is an offering to Hashem, Hashem does not embarrass a broken and hurting heart.
He mends the broken hearted, and cures their sadness.

Lev Nishbar