Podcasts by Parsha Podcast with Ari Goldwag
Insights into the weekly Torah portion
Further podcasts by Ari Goldwag
Podcast on the topic Judentum
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Pekudei - Revealed and concealed from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.996642
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 doe...
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Nasso - The key to egolessness from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.972897
What is the deeper connection between the Sotah and the Nazir? Why does Moshiach ben Yosef have to die? How does one really remove ego from himself? Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.
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Shavuos - Reflecting Torah light from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.971998
What is the connection between Genesis and Shavuos? Why is Shavuos called the festival of the 'giving' of the Torah, and not the receiving? What is the secret of the twenty days that are not includ...
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Balak - Uncovering the still, fine voice from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.966745
What is Bilam's underlying intention? Does Hashem want him to go with Balak's men or not? What is the understanding of Hashem's approach? What is the concept of the Yetzer Hara before and after? Ho...
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Haazinu and Yom Kippur - Transitions from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.955676
Why is Moshe not buried in Eretz Yisrael? Why are his siblings Aharon and Miriam also not allowed to be buried in Israel? What is the concept of forty in this context? Why is Moshe Rabenu's grave i...
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Vayetzei - Thanks and surrender from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.887173
What can we learn from the names Leah gave her children? What is the progression we observe? Why does she thank Hashem with Yehuda's birth? What is the connection between thanks and admission (surr...
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Vayishlach - Keep the fire burning from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.885406
How does one hold onto spiritual inspiration? How can one face the resistance of others, and oneself, when one is seeking that inspiration? What is the lesson of Yakov in his interaction with Esav?...
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Vayechi - Lesson of Beit Shemesh from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.869490
Why does Yakov wait until he is about to die to give his sons rebuke? What is the power of the tzaddik? What is the true nature of the town of Beit Shemesh? What is the power of focusing on good po...
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Beshalach - Removing husks, revealing soul from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.865135
Why does Hashem allow the Jewish people's food to run out before providing them with the Manna? What is the significance of this happening in the month of Iyar? Why does this occur again with the w...
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Yisro - Stages of completion from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.864254
Why is the story of Yisro the preface to receiving the Torah? What is the connection between the fifteenth of Shvat and the receiving of the Torah? Why do we eat fruit on this day, if it is not abo...
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Ki Sisa - Secret of the Ibbur from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.860094
How do we understand the great disparity between Moshe receiving the Torah at the very moment the Jewish people are worshipping the Golden Calf? This is especially difficult in light of the fact th...
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Emor - Beauty and Greatness from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.850783
Why does the Torah place so many strictures on the Kohanim? What is the concept of the 'Kohen Gadol' - the High Priest? What is the concept of Gedulah - greatness? What is the connection between Av...
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Vaeschanan - Resonating with Truth from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.773028
Why does Moshe preface his request to enter Israel by appointing Yehoshua to lead the Jewish people into Israel? Why does Moshe form his prayer as a "?????" - a supplication asking for a free gift?...
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Ki Savo - Rejoicing in darkness from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.768208
Why does the Torah speak at length about the curses, and only cursively about the blessings? Why does this parsha start off with the obligation of bringing the first fruits, which is only an obliga...
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Nitsavim - Voices inside Voices outside from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.766916
Why does the Torah seem to indicate that the main relationship and covenant with Hashem is through the congregation as a whole? Why does the Torah later seem to imply that the relationship is forge...
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Vayelech - Giving it all to Hashem from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.766058
Why does the special mitzvah of Hakhel (gathering) apply immediately after Shmitah (sabbatical year)? Why is it referred to as being in the Shmitah year, even though it's in the following year? Wha...
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Haazinu - Heaven and Earth, Mind and Heart from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.765211
What is the difference between Dibbur-speech and Amirah-speech? Why is dibbur used for the heavens, and amirah used for the Earth? What are the two approaches for the intellect and the emotions? Ho...
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Succos-Vzos Habracha - Riding the Willows from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.764333
What is the concept of the willow branch? Why is it taken separately on Succos? Why does Hashem 'ride on the willows?' Why do the souls of Sodom return before the Messiah comes? Why does King David...
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Vayera - Kindness and surrender from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.760570
Why does Hashem separately reveal Yitzchak's birth to Avraham and then to Sarah? Why is the story Sodom being destroyed in the middle of Avraham and Sarah finding out about Yitzchak's birth? What i...
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Chayei Sarah - Developing Willingness from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.759693
How does Eliezer, the servant of Avraham, overcome his internal struggle - the desire for his daughter to marry Yitzchak? How does he give himself completely to the task of finding a different girl...
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Vayeshev - Jacob and Joseph from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.754482
Why does Joseph seem to have so much charisma with everyone except for his own family? Why does the Torah place the story of Joseph immediately after the enumeration of the generations of Esau? Wha...
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Shemos - Firmness, Patience and Compassion from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.750661
Why does Moshe stay away from Egypt for the lengthy time of sixty five years? Why is the classic story with Moshe and the runaway sheep so essential to his becoming the redeemer? What is the differ...
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Beshalach - Pillar of Fire, Pillar of Cloud from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.680695
What is the significance of the three verses in a row that have 72 letters? What is the significance of the fact that the total amount of letters is 216, which is the same numerical value as the wo...
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Yisro - God is there for us from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.679835
In this week's parsha podcast, we don't ask any questions. We just explore the simple statement that God makes at the beginning of the ten commandments, that He is there for us.
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Mishpatim - Practical Spirituality from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.678718
Why does the command not start off with the usual statement of God speaking to Moshe? What is the 'shemira' - watching that we are to do when it comes to mishpat - judgments as per the verse in Isa...
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Ki Sisa - Unbreakable Love from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.676138
What is the significance of the fact that Hashem does not allow Moshe to see his 'face?' What is the depth of Moshe being able to see the back of God, as it were? What is represented by the tefilli...
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Vayakhel-Pekudei - Prayers of a Lion from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.674706
Why are Betzalel, from the tribe of Judah, and Oholiab, from Dan, specifically chosen for the building of the tabernacle? Why is the Tabernacle referred to as a lion? What is the concept of the lio...
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Shmini - Accessing the transcendent from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.670911
What is the depth of the idea of the loss of the students of R' Akiva between Pesach and Shavuos? Why do Nadav and Avihu die during the great joy of the dedication of the Mishkan? What was the sign...
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Behar-Bechukosai - Giving it back to God from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.658009
Why does the Torah place the concepts of Shmitah, Yovel and the prohibition of charging interest next to each other? What is the depth of these concepts? What is the message of Shmitah, and what is...
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Korach - Aaron's transcendent peace from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.653434
What is the fundamental attribute of Aharon? What is the fundamental attribute of Korach? What is the depth of the fact that God ratifies the path of Aharon? Find out in this week's parsha podcast.
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Matos-Masei - Wisdom, power and wealth from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.649730
What is the Torah's approach to wealth, power and wisdom? Are these all positive things? What was specifically wrong with the request of the sons of Reuven and Gad? Why was their wealth classified ...
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Reeh - Spiritual Laws of Livelihood from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.646074
What are the channels through which Hashem brings His influx of livelihood into the world? How does one attach oneself to Hashem, who is above time and space? What is the concept of making oneself ...
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Shoftim - Finding Spiritual Guidance from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.645249
What is the understanding of the prohibition of looking for signs to understand the future? How does one find true spiritual guidance? How does one know if they are truly following the will of Hash...
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Haazinu - Hashem's Crown of Dew from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.641557
What is the difference between dew and rain? Why is the Torah referred to in both ways? What is the concept of the verse which refers to Hashem's 'head' as being full of dew? Why does Hashem refere...
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Noach - Floods and Dispersions from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.637917
What's the difference between the sin of the generation of the flood vs. the generation of the dispersion? What is the similarity between the generation of the flood and the people of Sodom? What i...
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Toldos - Spiritual Power from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.589705
Why does the Torah preface the story of Yakov (Jacob) and Esav with the statement that Abraham birthed Isaac? What is the significance of the fact that Isaac was forty years old when he got married...
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Vayetzei - Dreams of Heaven from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.588854
What is the concept of Yakov's dream, and dreams in general? Why is Yakov's dream global, while Yosef's seems to be personal? Why does Yosef's involve people, while Yakov's involves angels? Why doe...
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Vayigash - Love and Tears from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.584762
What is the significance of Yosef's tears? Why does he only cry on the shoulder of Benjamin, whereas he kisses and cries with each of the other brothers? What is the significance of the numerical v...
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Vaera - Silence Amidst Chaos from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.578107
Why is the parsha split up in such a way that we get only the first seven plagues in this week's parsha? What is the significance of the numbers seven and ten? Why is it so important for us to know...
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Bo - Finding Spiritual Alignment from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.576936
What is the significance of the commandment of sanctifying the new moon being the first of the commandments? What does it mean that the Torah should have begun with this commandment? What is the co...
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Tetzaveh - Do We Have Free Will? from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.572501
If God is all-knowing, how do we have free will? What is the significance of the miracle of the western candle of the menorah that always stayed lit? Why did the kohen gadol start lighting and end ...
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Vayikra - Soul Desire from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.568720
Why does the Torah refer to the one who brings a flour offering as 'one who offers his soul?' What is the difference between an animal offering and a flour offering? How is the concept of ratzon-de...
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Metzora - Process of Return from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.564987
What is the power of the Torah that can penetrate into the deepest darkness? How does one access that light even in a state of distance from Hashem and one's felow man? What is the significance of ...
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Acharei Mos and Passover - From Egypt to Canaan from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.564148
Why does the Torah preface the concept of illicit relations with a mention of 'the ways of Egypt and Canaan?' What is the concept of the process leading from Egypt to receiving the Torah, and ultim...
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Emor - Counting from Passover to Shavuos from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.562213
What is the difference between Pesach (Passover) when we only eat Matza, as opposed to Shavuos when there is a special offering of Chametz (leavened bread)? What is the significance of the contrast...
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Behar - Losing Oneself in Unity from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.561399
What is the concept of the Shemitah year where one gives up ownership on one's own land? How does this relate to what happens on Shabbos? What is the significance of the sixth and seventh aspects i...
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Behaaloscha - Shining God's Light from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.551959
Why does Hashem command the Jewish people to light candles in the Tabernacle if God does not need our light? What is the significance of the 'pure olive oil' that is used to light the menorah? Why ...
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Balak - Threshold Immorality from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.546407
After 540 years of existence as the Jewish people, why do they face such a great test in licentious behavior just as they are entering Israel? What is parallel to Avraham and his interaction with S...
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Pinchas - 7 Year Podcast Anniversary from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.545293
Why is there no prohibition to destroy the fruit-bearing trees of the Midianites? What is the deeper significance of the fact that the woman of the generation of the wilderness were not involved in...
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Devarim and Tisha B'av - Stars and Fire from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.542315
What is the difference between the light of stars and the light of fire? Why does the verse mean when it says that we will be like the stars and also numerous? How will the Jewish people be like Ha...
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Vaeschanan - Extending and Defining Borders from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.541338
Why is Moshe not allowed to enter into Eretz Yisrael despite his 515 entreaties? What is the concept of him looking into the land? Why do we switch out of mourning on the 9th of Av and straight int...
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Ki Seitze - Good Brings Good from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.537368
What is the concept behind our sages' statement that a good deed brings another good deed, and a negative deed brings another negative deed? Why are we enjoined to completely destroy the nation of ...
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Yom Kippur - Renewing Commitment from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.493974
Why is the death of Nadav and Avihu the preface to the High Priest's service on Yom Kippur? How does one relate to the transgressions one has done, and the distance he has created between himself a...
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Succos - Full Reflection from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.493171
What is the difference between the approach on Succos as opposed to Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur? How is that reflected in the moon's appearance? What is the parallel between the s'chach that covers...
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Vayera - Shining the Light of Truth from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.489653
In this week's parsha podcast, we talk about the idea that the forces of evil surround the entranceway to Holiness, covering it in darkness. Only the light of simple Truth can remove the darkness a...
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Vayetze - Climbing the Spiritual Ladder from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.486823
In this week's parsha podcast, we explore R' Nosson's teaching about Yaakov leaving his home and going to Charan to begin the foundations of the Jewish people. Yaakov is a symbol representing the J...
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Vayishlach - Space Within Constriction from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.485565
In this week's parsha podcast, we explore R' Nosson's teaching about Yaakov's interaction with Esav. The space between the groups of animals corresponds to the need to find space within the challen...
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Vayechi - Hastening the End of Days from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.472096
What is the goal of Yakov when he gathers his sons? Why is he unable to reveal the End? Why does his rebuke to Reuven, Shimon and Levi involve a directive to be careful about being hasty? What is t...
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Shemos - Slaying the Snake from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.471236
When Moshe doubts the Jewish people will believe him, why does Hashem tell him to throw down his staff? What is the symbolism of the staff? What is represented by its transformation into a snake? W...
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Yisro - All is One from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.464871
Why does the Torah preface the Ten commandments with the statement that God spoke 'all' of these matters? What is the concept of kol - all? What does it mean that the entire Torah is included in th...
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Tetzaveh - Moshe and Aharon from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.460365
Why does the parsha of the menorah, which is lit by Aharon, as well as the clothing of the Kohen Gadol and Kohanim, immediately precede the parsha of Ki Sisa which speaks about the sin of the Golde...
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Ki Sisa - Learning to Wait from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.459500
What is the core of the sin of the Golden Calf? Why was it so important to wait? Why do we find that Adam's sin was also connected to waiting? Why does Hashem give a test in both cases around waiti...
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Pesach - Passover Ponderings from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.455875
Why is Passover referred to as 'the Sabbath?' What is the significance of Nissan being the seventh month from Tishrei? What is the difference in approach between Joseph and Judah? What is the deepe...
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Shmini - Quiet Love from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.454699
What is the difference of approach between Moshe and Aharon when Nadav and Avihu die? How does each of their approaches parallel the path of Yosef and Yehuda? If one is in a place of grace, as in t...
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Emor - Secret of the Omer Offering from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.452211
What is the depth of the Omer offering? Why do we count 'the omer' instead of counting the weeks, or counting up to receiving the Torah? What are the 'evil winds' and 'evil dew' that we hope to cou...
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Behaaloscha - Earning the Free Gift from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.446372
Why does Hashem ask us to light the Menorah - does He need our light? What is the significance of Aharon's fear of unworthiness in serving Hashem? Why did Moshe tell him 'this is why you were chose...
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Chukas - The Gift of Love from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.434760
What was the difference if Moshe spoke to the rock or struck the rock in order for it to bring forth water? How does that affect the learning of Torah to this day? How does speaking connote love, w...
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Balak - Amalek, Israel and Moshiach from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.393902
Why is the verse that speaks about the 'tents of Jacob' immediately before the verse that speaks of the destruction of Agag, king of Amalek? What is represented by the number 72? How does Amalek ma...
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Ekev - Accessing the Supernatural from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.387762
Why does the midrash need to 'prove' that Hashem is trustworthy in His promises? What is the idea behind the promises being fulfilled such that we receive the fruits in this world, and the principl...
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Ki Savo - Deep Listening from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.382367
What is the understanding of our Sages statement that in the spiritual realms 'only a vessel that is full can hold more?' What is the concept of the word 'Amen?' Why does one merit to say Amen in t...
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Vayelech-Yom Kippur - Song of Repentance from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.380020
What is the concept of the song of Haazinu? If it is filled with words of rebuke, how can it qualify as a song? What is special about Yom Kippur which draws even the most unaffiliated Jew back to t...
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Succos - Waters of Appreciation from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.377202
What is the concept of water? Why does it come into play so much during Succos? How does it relate to the clouds of glory? How does it relate to the Lulav and the Succah (schach)? What is the conne...
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Bereishis - Creation Unfolding from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.376184
Why is the name of the Rabbi who teaches us the first teaching in the midrash encoded into his very teaching? What does it mean that the Torah is the 'blueprint of creation?' Why do the Jewish peop...
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Chayei Sarah - Laying Claim to Israel from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.372603
Why do the children of Ishmael and Canaan lay claim to Israel specifically in front of Alexander the Great? Why do the responses come from Gevia the hunchback? Why does Alexander feel drawn toward ...
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Vayeshev - Free Will Spectrum from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.369098
What is the difference between Yosef and Yehuda's approach to free will and our level of involvement in doing God's will? Why did the brothers say that there was a difference between the dreams of ...
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Shemos - Meriting Redemption from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.361100
What does it mean that Hashem redeems us for the 'sake of His name and the sake of His covenant?' What is the difference between 'seeing' and 'knowing?' Why does Hashem 'see' our sins, but 'know' a...
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Vaera - Balancing Fire and Ice from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.360298
Why is the seventh plague - hail - the first that is performed by Moshe alone? Why is there a stress on the fact that he raises his hands 'to heaven?' What does it mean that Moshe has power over he...
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Mishpatim - All About Angels from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.356575
What is the depth of the three different teachings about what the angel is that Hashem sends to lead the Jewish people - a literal angel, a prophet and the ark of the covenant? What is the concept ...
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Shemini - Spiritual Elders from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.349421
Why are the elders of Israel invited to inaugurate the Tabernacle if they don't seem to play any role there? Why are the elders compared to the wings of a bird? What is the concept of 'elder?' Why ...
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Tazria - Levels of Appreciation from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.348604
Why does the verse mention the conception of the child, why doesn't it skip straight to the birth, if that is the subject of the verses? What is the idea of the verse in Job which speaks of 'raisin...
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Acharei Mos - Biding the Time from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.344320
Why is the concept of the Avodah-service of the High Priest on Yom Kippur sandwiched between the death of Nadav and Avihu and the forbidden relationships? What does the midrash mean when it says Na...
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Bechukosai - Finding the Balance from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.340833
Which was created first - the Heavens or the Earth? How can we really talk about 'first' if it was before there was time? Who was greater - Moses or Aaron? Why does the verse reverse the order of t...
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Korach - You Can Have It All from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.336328
Why does Korach indicate that he is looking for social equality, if he really wants to take over as high priest? Why does the midrash indicate that he wanted to be the prince of the family of Kehos...
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Matos-Masei - Stops on the Journey from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.195300
Why does Hashem instruct Moshe to 'reminisce' about the many stops along the journey through the wilderness, especially in light of the Midrash's statement that all these places were spots where th...
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Reeh - Hearing and Transcending from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.191554
Why does the Torah speak about 'seeing' and 'hearing' in the context of our free will choices? What do we learn from the 'listening' that Adam did as opposed to Avraham? What is the depth of the co...
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Shoftim - Winds of Peace from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.190354
Why do we call out for peace when we go out to war? Why does Hashem order things in the celestial and spiritual realms so that there will be peace if there is no jealousy or competition in those re...
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Vayelech-Yom Kippur - Lengthening Lifespans from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.184435
Is it possible to live longer than was decreed for a person at birth? How does one merit to live long, and how does one lose that merit? Why was the Angel of Death upset when he spoke to R' Shimon ...
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Haazinu - Defying Nature from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.183533
What does the verse mean when it says that nothing can be added to Hashem's creation? Why does Hashem sometimes change the order of creation? Why is it sometimes done for a righteous individual? Wh...
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Noach - Of Doves and Olive Branches from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.179877
What is the Torah's teaching about the dove Noach sent to find dry ground? What is the significance of the olive branch in this context? Why is the Jewish Nation compared to a dove? Why is the tzad...
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Toldos - Clothes of Dominion from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.176146
What were the special clothes that Rivka made sure Yakov wore when he stole the blessings from Esav? Why did wild animals become docile when they saw these garments? Why did Esav wear them whenever...
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Vayetzei - Drawing God into the Darkness from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.174894
What is the idea of the vow that Jacob makes as he leaves the land of Israel? Why does he ask for such basic things - bread and clothing? What is the understanding of R' Bachya's teaching that he r...
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Vayigash - Exile and Redemption from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.171379
What is the significance of Chushim ben Dan's arrival on the scene in Egypt as Yosef was about to reveal himself to his brothers? Why does he also play a significant role as Yakov is about to be bu...
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Bo - Twin Messiahs from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.167462
What is the role of Moshe's staff? What does the staff represent? What is the difference between the roles of Moshe and Aharon in the redemption process? Why does Aharon remain with the Jewish peop...
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Terumah - Shechinah Returning from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.163811
What is the concept of the Mishkan-Tabernacle? How does it act as a continuation of the revelation at Mount Sinai? What is the depth of the concept of the Shechina leaving as a result of man's sins...
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Tzav - Finding Peace from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.159380
What is the concept of the korbanos-sacrifices? How does the study of Torah assure the Jewish people that they need not fear the heaviness of the idea of the sacrifices? What is the concept of the ...
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Acharei Mos-Kedoshim - Material and Form from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.155769
Why are the instructions about immoral relationships included in the reading of the High Priest's service on Yom Kippur? What is the significance of the Exodus and Hashem's oath to redeem the Jewis...
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Nasso - Maintaining Inspiration from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.152035
What is the idea behind the gift of the 12 princes of wagons to the tabernacle? What is the depth of what is going on with the repetitious listing of their offerings? Why does it follow the Priestl...
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Balak - Getting God's Hint from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.147385
The Parsha Podcast celebrates its 10 year anniversary - 10 years of podcasts every week! How was R' Yochanan able to understand the hint of the angel and go on to greatness? What was the difference...
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Ki Seitze - Compassion and Fellowship from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.096857
What is the depth of the idea of sending away the mother bird when taking the chicks? Why does the Gemara say that it is improper to say that this mitzvah indicates that Hashem has compassion upon ...
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Ki Savo - Power of Amen from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.096031
What is the concept of the word 'Amen?' What is behind the three meanings of Amen - Oath, Admission, and Prayer? Why does one merit to say Amen in the next world if one says Amen in this world? Why...
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Succos - Joy and Submission from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.093315
What does the midrash mean when it says that we leave our homes and enter the Succah to atone for the deserved punishment of exile? How does the mitzvah of Succah relate to the command to do teshuv...
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Vayera - Avraham and Sodom from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.087763
What is the idea behind Avraham’s unique relationship with Sodom? How does it parallel the descent of the Jewish people into Egypt, and really of the many exiles we’ve experienced? What is the idea...
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Vayishlach - Shimon and Levi from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.084072
This week's podcast is dedicated in memory of Eliyahu ben Aharon and Pinchos Ben Yakov by Arthur Shisman. Why are Shimon and Levi referred to as the 'sons of Yaakov?' Why are they called the 'broth...
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Vayeshev - Yosef's Dream from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.083231
Why does Yosef begin his telling of the dreams to the brothers with the language 'please hear?' What does the midrash mean when it refers to the fruits of the brothers 'rotting' and the fruits of Y...
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Shemos - Redemption and the Mouth from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.079160
Why does baby Moshe refuse to suckle from the milk of an Egyptian, and only agrees to his own mother's Hebrew milk? Why mustn't the 'mouth that speaks to God drink of impure milk?' What is the sign...
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Yisro - Lion's Roar from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.067211
What is the idea behind Hashem being compared to a Lion Roaring as He reveals Himself on Mount Sinai? When is Hashem referred to as the 'King of the Nations?' What is the idea behind the mountain s...
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Mishpatim - Giving out Giving in from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.066073
What is the idea behind the prohibition of lending with interest? What is the end of result of the rich man who makes his money by lending with interest? Why are we exhorted not to lend with intere...
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Ki Sisa - Spiritual Contrasts from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.063646
What is the meaning of the verse that says that "to You, Hashem, is charity, while we have embarrassment? How does this verse apply in the context of charity? How does charity transform curses into...
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Vayakhel-Pekudei - Spiritual Source from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.062512
Why does the Torah tell us of Betzalel's family origins? What is the significance of the 'intellect, wisdom and knowledge' with which he was endowed? Why was it important that the mishkan (santuary...
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Emor - Running and Building from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.056390
Why does the Jewish people run out of Egypt? Why are we not allowed to have any semblence of Chametz (leavening) in our possession during Pesach? What is the understanding of the aspect of counting...
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Behaaloscha - Responsibility and Leadership from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.052876
What motivates the Jewish people to complain about the Manna? Why do the original 70 elders die during this complaint as opposed to when they sinned at Mount Sinai? What unique characteristic exemp...
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Shlach - Learning to Wait from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.052036
Who was included in the decree of wandering and dying in the wilderness for 40 years? What is the idea that some were decreed for death, but in the end did not die? How does this parallel the darkn...
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Korach - Finding Good from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.050564
How were the sons of Korach saved from the depths of Gehenom? Where do we see their 'thoughts of repentance?' How did Moshe spark these very thoughts? Why does Korach return to life in the future w...
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Pinchas - Humble Leadership from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.048125
What prompted Moshe to ask Hashem to appoint a leader over the Jewish people for when he would leave the world? Why was Joshua appointed instead of Moshe's sons? What was special about the fact tha...
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Ekev - Pieces of Completion from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.044537
Why does the midrash begin with a halacha about the prohibition of building a menorah on Shabbos? What is the concept of the Shabbos perfectly kept? What is meant when we say that Shabbos is a micr...
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Rosh Hashana - Nitsavim - Moshiach and Teshuva from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.040113
What is the relationship between the concept of Teshuva and the times of Moshiach? What is the concept of Hashem removing the barrier that encases our heart? What is the idea of the promise Hashem ...
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Breishis - Foundations from 2022-02-22T09:11:44.037293
How was the Torah originally written and collated? Being that Moshe is the one writing the Torah, why doesn't he begin with a statement that Hashem told this to him, as we find by other prophets? W...
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Chayei Sarah - All the Blessings from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.992824
What is the depth of the idea that Hashem blessed Avraham 'bakol' - 'in all?' Why is this the preface to Avraham sending Eliezer to find a wife for his song Yitzchak? What is the concept of 'all,' ...
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Toldos - All the Blessings from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.991693
Why did Yakov need to obtain the blessings of Esav through trickery? How do we understand this in light of Yakov's unique attribute being Emes-Truth? What is the idea of Yakov's appearance being th...
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Mikeitz - Trust and Action from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.986942
What is the unique nature of Yosef's Bitachon-Trust in Hashem? Why is he called to task and punished by Hashem with two extra years in jail as a result of his interaction with Pharaoh's cupbearer? ...
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Vaera - Faith Brings Redemption from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.983017
Why did Moshe first go to the Jewish people and show them the signs that he was the redeemer, and only then go to speak to Pharaoh? Why did Hashem tell Moshe to repeat the promises of redemption wh...
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Bo - Always Remember the Exodus from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.981925
Why are there so many commandments related to remembering the Exodus? What is the difference between Emunah-Faith and Bitachon-Trust? How does one move from belief to truly living with belief? What...
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Terumah - Serving with Awe and Love from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.978064
What is the idea behind the two types of donations to the Mishkan-Tabernacle - one being an obligatory amount, the other being open-ended? What is the difference between someone who serves Hashem b...
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Pekudei - Ayin Tova and Ayin Hara from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.973099
Why does the Torah enumerate the vessels of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) so many times? Don't we find our sages say that counting creates a negative spiritual force? Why did Bilaam only give three of t...
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Tazria - Lashon Hara and Bitachon from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.969368
What is the idea of Bitachon-trust? How can it help a person to avoid gossip? What happens when a person goes back to Hashem when he has an issue with someone instead of confronting the person hims...
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Acharei Mos - Levels of Life from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.966420
What is the idea of 'v'chai bahem' - you shall live in them? What is the unique situation when one can violate a commandment of the Torah? What is the reward for someone who serves Hashem without t...
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Kedoshim - Love Your Neighbor from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.965492
What is the concept of loving one's neighbor? How does it differ from 'not doing to others what one would not want done to oneself?' Why does Hashem end the command by saying, 'I am Hashem?' What a...
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Bamidbar-Shavuos - Torah and Song from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.961857
What was unique about the family of Kehas, a subdivision of the tribe of Levi? How were they able to remain humble despite their lofty status? What is the idea behind the fact that they all faced t...
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Korach - Expanding Truth from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.958106
Why did the sons of Korach describe themselves as 'liars' as opposed to heretics or wicked? What happens to a person who is mired in the sin of lying? How can one overcome one's natural inclination...
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Matos-Masei - Remember Where We've Been from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.954170
Why does the Torah detail all of the locations the Jewish people travelled in their sojourn in the wilderness? Why do we need to rehash and review the past? Why is it a good idea to remind ourselve...
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Devarim-Tisha B'av - How Did We Get Here? from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.953069
What is the idea of the word "Eicha-How?" Why does Moshe use this word in speaking of the difficulty in his attempt to carry the nation's problems singlehandedly? What is the idea of "Eicha" in reg...
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Shoftim - Trusting our Sages from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.949314
What is the idea behind trusting our sages? Why must we not veer from their words neither 'right nor left?' How does trusting them strengthen our trust in Hashem? How can one develop and strengthen...
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Vayelech-Yom Kippur - Torah to Light the Darkness from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.945664
Why does the Torah place the verse which speaks of Hashem ‘hiding His face’ next to the commandment to ‘write this song’ of the Torah? How does the Torah serve to protect in the darkest times? What...
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Haazinu-YK-Succos - Love and Judgment from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.944786
What is the idea of Hashem’s judgment and ‘charity?’ Why does Hashem mention the improper eulogy of Shaul, implying his unrecognized righteousness, alongside mention of his sin with the Givonim? Wh...
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Noach - Inner Purity from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.942553
What is the idea behind Noach 'profaning' himself by planting a vineyard? How did Noach fall from being a 'Righteous Man' to being a 'Man of the Earth?' What is the secret of the 'wine protected wi...
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Lech Lecha - Bitachon-Trust in Hashem from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.941572
What is the purpose of the blessings that Hashem promises Avraham - are they just to replace what he loses by following Hashem's command to travel? If Hashem did not specify where Avraham was to go...
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Vayetzei - Staying Connected from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.937457
Why did Yakov take twelve stones and see if they would combine into one? If it was indicative of the fact he would have twelve children, why didn't he take one stone and see if it would separate in...
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Vayigash - Shechina in Exile from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.895962
What is the idea of Hashem's assurance to Yakov that He will accompany him into the exile? Why does Onkelos uncharacteristically translate Hashem's descent literally, as opposed to referring to Has...
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Beshalach - Moment of Redemption from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.883287
What is the secret of the three verses in a row that have exactly 72 letters each? What is the idea of the cloud that leads the Jewish people serving as a separation between them and the Egyptian o...
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Tetzaveh - Love and Brotherhood from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.879549
Why does Hashem ask the Jewish people to bring the special olive oil specifically to Moshe? Why are Aharon and his sons also to be brought specifically to Moshe? What is the unique relationship of ...
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Tzav - Expansion within Corona's Constriction from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.875327
How were all of the Jewish people able to fit in the small space in front of the entrance of the Mishkan-Tabernacle? Why specifically at this moment in time was this miraculous experience shown to ...
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Pesach - Spiritual Light and Judgment from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.874129
Why does the gemara in Rosh Hashana say that all three of the holidays are times of judgment - Pesach, Shavuos, and Succos? Why are they specifically linked to a judgment around our physical susten...
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Acharei-Kedoshim - Fighting the Plague from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.871717
What was the grievous sin that both Egypt and Canaan received judgment for? What was the sin of Sodom and the generation of the flood? When we are enjoined not to commit that sin, why does the Tora...
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Emor - Sevenfold Joy from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.870574
What are the seven joyous mitzvahs that give us spritual satiety? Why does the Torah place the mitzvah of the four species between the korbanos chagiga and simcha? What does the joy of Succos celeb...
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Naso-Behaaloscha - Guiding Lights from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.867276
What did Aharon see in the sacrifices of the Princes of the tribes that he felt he was missing? Why was he consoled with the fact that he would light the Menorah and that he and his children would ...
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Balak - Expansion in Constricted Vessels from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.863734
Why did Hashem offer expanded prophesy, wealth and world dominion in equal proportion to the Jewish people and to the nations of the world? What was the difference between the way that the Jews rec...
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Pinchas - Fall of the 70 Nations from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.862632
What is the concept of the 70 bulls that are brought as sacrifices on the first seven days of the holiday of Succos? Why does the number of sacrifices steadily decline? Why does it skip from seven ...
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Ekev - Of Horns and Heels from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.859482
What is the idea behind the prohibition of assembling the pieces of a candelabra on Shabbos? What is the idea of the first Shabbos that was kept by the entire Jewish people? How does one 'enjoy' th...
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Ki Savo - Hearing the Call from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.856025
What is the idea of Moshe 'calling' to all of the people of Israel? Why does this phrase appear in our parsha, in speaking about the miracles of the 40 years in the wilderness, and also in the cont...
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Succos - Shade and Protection from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.852464
Why do we sit in a Succah on Succos? What is the idea behind the Succah needing to provide shade? Why is the source for this in verse that speaks about Moshiach? What is the idea of the Succah that...
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Vzos Habracha-Shmini Atzeres - Alone with Hashem from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.851679
What is the idea behind Moshe being called a 'Man of God?' How can one be 'a man' - human - and also be Godly? Why is this a prerequisite in order for him to bless the Jewish people? Why does the T...
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Vayera - Call to Greatness from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.848172
Why do the angels who visit Avraham - and bring out the Chesed-kindness of their host - also arrive in Sodom and bring out the evil intent of the people there? What is the idea behind the last 25 y...
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Vayishlach - Final Battle of Esav and Yakov from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.844727
Why does the Torah emphasize the eight kings of Edom that reigned before there was a king in Israel? Why were there no kings in Israel before that point? What happened to the kings of Edom when kin...
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Vayigash - For Heaven's Sake from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.842017
Why does the verse refer to the fact that Yosef 'appeared' to his father when they finally met after 22 years of separation? What was unique about the focus of Yosef when he reunited with his fathe...
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Vayechi - Forgiveness and Consolation from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.841206
What is the amazing power of Yosef's forgiveness for his brothers? What is Yosef's consolation to them and how does he explain that he could never and would never want to harm them? How does this p...
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Shemos - Zeh Keili - He Believes In Me from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.840409
What is behind the future tense of the verse that says 'as per how much they were caused pain, so they will become great and so they will expand?' What was the plan of the Egyptians in raising the ...
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Yisro - The Lion's Roar Revisited from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.836844
What is the idea behind Hashem being compared to a Lion Roaring as He reveals Himself on Mount Sinai? When is Hashem referred to as the 'King of the Nations?' What is the idea of the continuation o...
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Ki Sisa - Admitting to our Mistakes from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.792573
What is the embarrassment we are to feel within the mitzvah of Tzedakah-Charity? Why was the giving of the Luchos (tablets) accompanied by a grievous sin on the part of the Jewish people? What is t...
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Pesach - Revelation of the Sea from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.788339
Why are the Jewish people referred to as Yordei Hayam - "Those who went down into the sea?" Why was their revelation greater than that requested by Moshe on Har Sinai? When will we experience that ...
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Shmini - Balancing Vessels and Light from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.787399
Why did Nadav and Avihu drink wine as they entered the Holy of Holies when the Tabernacle was finally completed? Why did Shlomo Hamelech (King Solomon) marry the daughter of Pharaoh when he complet...
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Behar-Bechukosai - Share the Wealth from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.783402
What is so special about the regular talk of the people of Eretz Yisrael (Israel)? What is the unique message of the poor person who was once rich? What is the wrong approach to the poor person? Wh...
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Shlach - Angels and Messengers from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.778994
What is the essence of a good messenger? Why was Pinchos able to make himself invisible as he was involved in his spying activity? Why were the spies in our parsha viewed negatively (in their perce...
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Pinchas - Finding Peace from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.774838
What is the idea of Peace? Why is this blessing of peace given to Pinchas? How does his act of killing someone who is publicly desecrating Hashem's name create Peace? What are the 'Torah's paths of...
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Matos-Masei - Respecting His Name from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.773924
What is the concept of a vow or oath that involves the name of Hashem? What are the the three characteristics necessary for a person to be able to use the name of Hashem in an oath? Why do these at...
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Reeh - Preparing for Tishrei from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.769848
How does a person merit blessings? What is the singular mitzvah (commandment) that includes all the other ones? Why does that single commandment precede the concept of receiving blessings? What are...
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Nitsavim-Rosh Hashana - Prayer and Repentance from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.758253
What is the concept of prayer, and specifically a prayer for forgiveness? What is the idea behind the statement of the medrash that 'Prayer is very great in front of Hakadosh Baruch Hu (G-d)? What ...
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Vayelech-Yom Kippur - The King's Gifts from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.757301
What is behind Hashem's statement to Moshe that his time has come, and that it is time for the leadership of Yehoshua to begin? Why does the midrash stress the greatness of Moshe - his ability to b...
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Haazinu-Succos - Rain of Torah from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.756382
What is behind Hashem's statement to Moshe that his time has come, and that it is time for the leadership of Yehoshua to begin? Why does the midrash stress the greatness of Moshe - his ability to b...
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Breishis - World Foundations from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.754124
Why does the Torah begin with the word 'Breishis,' which means the beginning of - without telling us the beginning of what it is talking about? What is the idea behind the Torah preceding the world...
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Noach - Right Intentions from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.753156
Why does the Torah speak of the children of Noach in the context of describing him as righteous? Why were the wicked of the generation of the flood so totally destroyed - what was their fundamental...
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Toldos - The Secret of Motivation from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.749022
What is the concept of motivation - what drives us to do the things we do? How can we motivate ourselves do something that we are not so motivated by? What was the fundamental flaw of Esav, and why...
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Mikeitz-Chanukah - Listening to the Little Light from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.744877
What is the idea behind the keitz-end? Can the power of evil continue forever? What is the darkness that comes to an end for the Jewish people, nationally, and for Yosef personally? What is the ide...
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Bo - Meriting Redemption from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.739812
What is the idea behind the heaviness or difficulty for Hashem, as it were, when it comes to dealing with those who defy him, in comparison to the lack of difficulty in creating the mountains and v...
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Terumah - Light of the Torah from 2022-02-22T09:11:43.734981
What is the concept behind 'taking' in relationship to the giving of contributions to the Mishkan-tabernacle? What are the amazing properties of the Torah, which is likened to a 'purchase' which is...
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Ki Sisa - Planting the Future from 2022-02-18T11:53
What is the idea of Hashem counting the Jewish people? What is behind the analogy of the Jewish people being compared to wheat/seeds? Why does a farmer count his seeds before planting, and then cou...
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Tetzaveh - Shining Our Light from 2022-02-11T10:53
How does the pure olive oil of the Mishkan-Tabernacle correspond to the essence of the Jewish people? What is unique about the process of creating the olive oil, as opposed to other fruits, and how...
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Mishpatim - Justice in the End of Time from 2022-01-28T11:40
What is the idea of 'giving the strength to Hashem?' What is the contrast between Nevuchadnetzar, king of Babylonia, versus King David, and their approach to honor and power? Why does Hashem give t...
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Yisro - Joining in Others' Joy from 2022-01-20T23:16
What is the fundamental difference between Yisro and Esav? Why are we instructed to attach to Hashem, our 'Friend,' and to veer away from our 'brother?' What is at the root of the many contrasts be...
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Beshalach - Miracles of Livelihood from 2022-01-14T14:18
What is the concept behind the punishment of Pharaoh as it coincides with the Jewish People's redemption from Egypt? How does this parallel the punishment of Pharaoh in Genesis and the accompanying...
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Vaera - Seeing the Whole Picture from 2021-12-30T17:26
Why does Moshe challenge Hashem by bringing up the difficulty the Jewish people have endured since he spoke to Pharaoh, if Hashem had told him that He would harden Pharaoh's heart? What was the mis...
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Shemos - Clear Boundaries from 2021-12-24T13:55
What was the unique power that Yaakov bequeathed to his children, such that all twelve of them were righteous, and such that they could survive the difficult Egyptian exile? What mistake did Avraha...
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Vayechi - Revealing the End of Days from 2021-12-16T22:38
Why does the Torah leave no space between the current and previous parsha's? What is the thread that runs through the three different explanations? Why was Yakov unable to reveal the End of Days? W...
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Vayigash - To Make or Not to Make Commitments from 2021-12-10T13:28
What is the danger of making commitments? Why does the Midrash seem to encourage us to steer clear of commitments? What is the idea behind the opposite suggestions, which involve 'peace between man...
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Vayeshev - Chasing Away the Enemy from 2021-11-25T21:13
What was the special power of the ingathering of Yaakov and his sons - both into the Land of Israel, as well as in their unique prayer for protection? What was the reason that Esav and his mighty s...
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Vayishlach - Never Fear from 2021-11-19T12:55
What is the idea behind Hashem's statement to Yaakov that Esav was going on his way until you sent him messengers? What was the fundamental mistake that Yaakov made, which caused his children to ev...
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Vayetzei - Spiritual Confidence from 2021-11-11T20:55
Why was Yaakov Avinu confident as he left his parents house to head to Charan to find his wife? Why, on the other hand, was he worried in looking back at the way his father had found his wife? Why...
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Chayei Sarah - Transforming the Physical from 2021-10-29T14:38
What was so special about the Cave of Machpela that sparked both Avraham and Yaakov to go to such great lengths to acquire? What is the idea behind Avraham discovering the cave while in the midst o...
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Vayera - Spreading Revelation from 2021-10-22T13:26
What is unique about the revelation of Hashem to Avraham immediately before Yitzchok is to be born? What is the idea behind the statement of the midrash that Avraham sat and 'Hashem stood?' What wa...
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Lech Lecha - Through the Fire from 2021-10-15T13:21
Why does Hashem command Avraham in a seemingly reverse order - to leave his country, his family, his fathers house? What is the analogy to the burning building which seems to have no one to care fo...
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Succos - Pesach, Lulav and Hallel from 2021-09-24T14:09
What is the parallel between Pesach and Succos, and between the Pesach sacrifice and the Lulav? What is special about these two mitzvos that engenders a recital of Hallel - the song of praise of Ha...
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Ki Savo - Affirming Hashem's Reality from 2021-08-27T11:52
What is the concept of the word 'Amen?' What are the three contexts of the use of this word, and the theme of all three? Why is it that if we 'say Amen in this world, we will say Amen in the next?'...
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Ki Seitze - 'Floating' to Redemption from 2021-08-20T14:45
What is the deeper concept behind the obligation of circumcision? Why is it done on the eighth day? How does this relate to Hashem's compassion? In what way does Hashem show compassion for the anim...
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Shoftim - Foundations of the World from 2021-08-13T16:09
What is the idea behind a father being forbidden from serving as a judge in his son's court case, and vice versa? What is the role of the Kohen as judge? Why is the concept of proper judgment a fou...
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Ekev - It's All a Miracle from 2021-07-29T23:06
How can we be assured that Hashem will fulfill His promise to give us the land of Israel if we are far from deserving of that? How do we know that we will merit miracles and that Hashem will defeat...
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Vaeschanan - Calling Him King from 2021-07-23T13:46
What is the concept of 'Krias Shema' - the reading of Shema? Can we also apply the other meaning of kriah - calling? Why is it important to say the words carefully? Who are we calling to when we sa...
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Devarim-Tisha B'av - Return from Exile from 2021-07-16T11:40
What is the purpose of exile - how does being sent away from a center of spirituality serve to return us to Hashem? Why is it guaranteed that no matter how far we are from Hashem that we will retur...
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Balak - 14th Anniversary - The Little Things from 2021-06-25T13:17
What is the idea behind the 'little mitzvahs' that provide big protection? How does the 'little' mitzvah of washing one's hands provide long life? Why do we learn this lesson from such seemingly un...
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Chukas - Purity from Impurity from 2021-06-18T13:49
Why is the formula to purify a person who has come in contact with the dead so full of hints to judgment - red and fire? Why does this purity come about by causing impurity to the Kohen who is perf...
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Korach - Beginning and End from 2021-06-11T14:40
What is the depth behind the sons of Korach who will be raised out of their place in Gehinom in the future? What is the connection between this and the idea of the double letters in Hebrew that hav...
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Naso - Protecting Our Land from 2021-05-31T05:10:17.080380
What is the depth behind the vow of the Nazir who promises not to drink wine? What were the mistakes of the Northern kingdom of Israel and how did it contrast to the mistakes of the Southern kingdo...
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Behaaloscha - Songs for Hashem from 2021-05-27T23:22
What is the concept of the 7 stringed, 8 stringed and 10 stringed instruments of the Levites in the Temple? Why do they correspond to this world, the Messianic age and the World to Come? Why were t...
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Bamidbar - Of Mountains and Valleys from 2021-05-13T18:30
Why does the Torah go into such detail in describing the location and specific date that Hashem commanded Moshe to count the Jewish people? What is the idea that righteousness is associated with a ...
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Emor - Questions and Silence from 2021-04-30T15:09
What is the concept of the 'seventh' month - Tishrei, which hosts the day of Rosh Hashana? How does the word Shevi'i-Seventh relate to the word Shevuah-Oath? Why was an oath necessary when Avraham ...
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Acharei-Kedoshim - Leadership and Responsibility from 2021-04-23T13:24
Why is the command for the service of the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) on Yom Kippur prefaced with the mention of the death of Aharon's sons? Why was this command given six months before it was to be ...
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Tazria-Metzora - Transform Curses to Blessings from 2021-04-15T21:27
What is the idea behind the spiritual disease of Tzara'as-Leprosy? What is the concept of the Tzara'as-infected house? Why does the Torah preface this description with speaking of when the Jewish p...
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Tzav-Pesach - Taste of the Future from 2021-03-26T13:37
Why does the Torah speak in a seemingly repetitious way when speaking about the Korban Olah? What is the relationship of a broken heart to the building of the Beis Hamikdash (Temple) in Jerusalem? ...
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Vayikra - Calling From Love from 2021-03-19T13:03
What happened to the prophesy of the nations of the world with the advent of the Mishkan? What is the difference between the prophesy of the Jewish prophets as opposed to the prophets of the nation...
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Vayakhel-Pekudei - The King's Crown from 2021-03-11T15:58
Why was the final completion of the Mishkan-tabernacle left to Moshe to do? Why did he need to lift it if it was lifted miraculously? What is the concept of the Crown? What is the 'crown that Shlom...
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Tetzaveh-Purim - He Carries, We Carry from 2021-02-25T12:54
Why does Hashem ask the Kohanim to carry the Aron if He is carrying it Himself? Why did Achashverosh want to wear the clothing of the High Priest? Why does the Midrash stress that the Jewish people...
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Mishpatim - What's Right is Right from 2021-02-12T12:48
Why does the Torah place the concept of withholding a poor man's collateral next to the prohibition of cursing a judge or leader? Why is that commandment followed by the concept of giving tithes fr...
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Beshalach - The Manna, Emunah, and the Miracle from 2021-01-29T12:42
Why do the nations say that the Jewish people will die when they enter the wilderness? How do they see that they are wrong? What is the idea behind the amazing number of 60 cubits, which is how hig...
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Bo - The Month, the Moon and the Light from 2021-01-22T12:30
Why are the commandments of Pesach given on the first day of the month of Nissan? What is the connection between the New Moon and the Full Moon? Why do we refer to the night of the 14th of Nissan a...
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Vaera - Moshe, Moshiach and the Fall of Trump from 2021-01-15T13:32
Why does Moshe begin the redemption process, only to be faced with a setback that seems to makes things worse for the Jewish people? Why does the redemption process need to start with Rachamim-merc...
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Mikeitz - Faith Amid Brokenness from 2020-12-18T13:22
What is unique about the 'hope of Yakov?' Why did Yakov use the word 'shever' to mean food, when usually the word used is 'ochel?' What is the meaning of the word shever/sever? Why does the same wo...
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Vayeshev - Chanukah, Yosef and Completion from 2020-12-11T13:07
Why is Yakov afraid when he 'sees the mighty ones of Esav?' Why is he comforted by Yosef in this regard? Why is Yakov referred to as a 'blacksmith' while Yosef is referred to as a 'goldsmith?' What...
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Vayetzei - Ascendent With Moshiach from 2020-11-25T13:56
Why are the Jewish people blessed to be like 'the dust of the earth?' What is the 'water' that causes the growth of the 'dust' of the Jewish people? How are we compared to dust-earth in our relatio...
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Toldos - Tears of Moshiach from 2020-11-20T13:56
Why were Yitzchak's eyes clouded over? What was the evil of Esav that he was not meant to see? Why were the angels crying at the binding of Yitzchak? Why did it take almost 80 years for those tears...
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Chayei Sarah - Seeds of Blessing from 2020-11-13T13:56
This week's Podcast is dedicated in the memory of Mazel Tova bas R' Meir Dan. What is the concept of 'planting early and late?' How does it apply to planting, literally? How does it apply to the To...
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Lech Lecha - Victory Song from 2020-10-28T19:55
What is the idea behind Malchizedek's blessing to Avraham Avinu? What did he mean when he said that Hashem was 'Migen' the oppressors of Avraham? How does this word relate to the concept of a wheel...
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Noach - Spiritual Cycles from 2020-10-22T19:14
What is the idea behind the Medrash's statement that before the flood, 'they would plant but not harvest?' What is the depth behind the fact that previous to the flood there were no distinct season...
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Breishis - Intuiting our Purpose from 2020-10-16T13:22
Why did Hashem consult with the angels before creating the human being? What is the essence of man's advantage over an angel? Why did Hashem ask Adam to name the animals? What is the idea behind th...
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Yom Kippur-Haazinu - Creating a Legacy from 2020-09-25T08:06
Why does the song of Ha'azinu make reference to the Heavens and the Earth? Why is the idea behind this song and the covenant it represents? Why was the gate into the Beis Hamikdash (Holy Temple) ca...
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Rosh Hashana - Holding on to the Throne from 2020-09-14T19:38
What is the unique power of Teshuva? How does it help a person to reach Hashem's Throne of Glory? What was the importance of what the angels showed Moshe at each level as he rose through the seven ...
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Nitsavim-Vayelech - Seeking Completion from 2020-09-11T12:54
What is the idea behind the severity of the punishment of Yehuda for not completing the mitzvah and bringing Yosef all the way home? Why is a mitzvah considered as if it was done completely by the ...
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Ki Seitze - Absolute Forgiveness from 2020-08-28T14:12
While praying for his sister Miriam to be healed, why did Moshe Rabeinu imply that if Hashem would not heal her, he would heal her himself? How was Moshe able to pray on her behalf when he was the ...
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Shoftim - Ending Corona With Peace from 2020-08-21T12:47
Why are we asked to reach out for peace as we go out to war? What ways are we enjoined to seek peace in our personal lives? Why did our sages create a system of who gets honored by being called to ...
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Reeh - Times of Challenge and Expansion from 2020-08-14T16:21
What is the idea behind the fact that originally eating meat was completely prohibited unless as part of a korban? Why did Hashem permit it when 'He will expand your borders?" Why would Yosef have ...
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Vaeschanan - With All Your Soul from 2020-07-31T13:43
What is the idea behind the quiet recitation of the second line of Shema - 'baruch shem...' Why is it something that only the angels can say out loud, and that we can also, when we are like angels ...
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Devarim - Love and Rebuke from 2020-07-24T13:58
Why does Moshe start his final speech with words of rebuke? What is the contrast between how Moshe speaks on behalf of Klal Yisrael in front of Hashem when they have sinned, and how he speaks to th...
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Matos-Masei - Valuing Life Over Economy from 2020-07-17T13:17
What is the idea behind the three gifts - Wisdom, strength and wealth - that if a person has received them from Hashem, he has everything? When is it considered that one has received them from Hash...
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Korach-Chukas - Death Gives Birth to Life from 2020-06-26T00:40
Why does Hashem use tiny creatures to punish the haughty? Why is this the tool He uses in the End of Days? What is the concept of the staff of Aharon? What is the significance of it having been use...
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Shlach-Korach - Noticing the Reminders from 2020-06-19T13:19
What is the deeper meaning behind the idea of the Mitzvah of Tzitzis? Why was it this mitzvah that Korach chose to use to challenge Moshe? Why did he also challenge him with the mitzvah of Mezuzah?...
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Behaaloscha-Shlach - Learning from Mistakes from 2020-06-12T15:44
What was the mistake of Aharon and Miriam in speaking negatively about Moshe? Why was this story placed by the Torah immediately before the sin of the spies? What is unique about the period of time...
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Shavuos-Naso - Greater and Lesser Revelations from 2020-05-28T13:34
How do we see that there was a greater and lesser revelation within the awesome experience at Sinai? How does it parallel the revelation of Moshe as the redeemer, as well as the future revelation o...
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Bamidbar - Spiritual Centering from 2020-05-22T14:03
What is the concept of the flags of the encampments of the Children of Israel? Why do the nations of the world ask the Jewish people to be their leaders? What is the response of the Jewish people? ...
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Behar-Bechukosai - Returning Home from 2020-05-15T13:48
Why does the Torah tell us that Hashem will act with us in a happenstance way even after we've admitted our sins? Why are the names of the avos reversed when Hashem remembers His covenant with them...
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Tazria-Metzora - Protecting our Health from 2020-04-24T15:06
Why are birds part of the process of recovery for a person afflicted with Tzaraas? What are we to learn from the Kohanim, who receive 24 gifts and act on our behalf? Why is it that the spiritual af...
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Shmini - On Wings of the Righteous from 2020-04-17T16:14
Why are the zekenim-elders called to take part in the dedication of the mishkan alongside Moshe, Aharon and his sons? What is the idea behind them being the wings of the Jewish people? What is the ...
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Vayikra - Light in the Darkness from 2020-03-27T14:21
What is the idea behind the obligation to testify when a person knows something that could help his fellow? How does one resonate with Hashem in so doing? What is the testimony that we all are obli...
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Vayakhel-Pekudei - The Good and the Bad from 2020-03-20T14:46
What is the contradiction between chacham-wise and lev-understanding? What is the contrast between black-negative and beautiful-positive? How do we reconcile the negative and positive actions we've...
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Ki Sisa - Faith over Fear from 2020-03-13T13:05
How was the Satan able to cause the Jewish people to sin if they were on such a high level? What is the unique approach of the Evil Inclination in order to cause us to sin? How can we overcome the ...
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Terumah - For Hashem's Sake from 2020-02-27T20:32
Why does the Torah spend so much time talking about the vessels and structure of the Mishkan-Tabernacle? Why did Hashem command that all of its donations be brought 'for His name?' Why is this so i...
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Mishpatim - Accessing the Miraculous from 2020-02-21T13:36
What is the idea behind the mitzvah of Shemitah? Why is it immediately followed by the mitzvah of keeping Shabbos (besides for the obvious 6/7 connection)? Why does miraculous salvation always seem...
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Yisro - With One Heart from 2020-02-14T12:13
What is the depth of the idea that the Jewish people received the Torah at Sinai as 'one person, with one heart?' How does one achieve this level of camaraderie? Where do we see that the whole is g...
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Bo - Exodus and Emunah from 2020-01-31T12:35
Why do we need to constantly remember the Exodus from Egypt? What is behind Chavakuk's statement that the entire Torah comes down to the mitzvah of Emunah-Faith? What is the idea of Emunah as oppos...
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Vaera - Seize the Moment from 2020-01-24T12:19
What is meant in the verse when it says to command the Israelites to let them out of Egypt? Why are they being commanded at this time for something that will not be practical for another 54 years? ...
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Shemos - Appreciating Life from 2020-01-17T12:19
Why did Iyov receive such great difficulties for doing something better than Bilaam, who received a quick death? How can we appreciate the amazing good fortune Hashem bestows upon us in that He giv...
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Vayechi - Shema Yisrael from 2020-01-10T10:24
What is represented by the fact that Yakov is unable to reveal the End Times to his children? Why do they respond by saying 'Shema Yisrael?' Why does the Gemara Berachos begin with the concept of s...
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Mikeitz - Waiting for Justice from 2019-12-27T13:54
What is the idea behind all the injustices Yosef must endure, despite his great righteousness? What is the end result of Potifar's treachery to his faithful servant Yosef? Why is Yosef able to reco...
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Vayeshev - Chanukah and Yosef from 2019-12-20T12:54
Why does the Torah repeat the theme of a beautiful person experiencing a challenge as a result of their beauty - be it Sarah, Rivkah, Dina or Yosef? What is the difference between all other culture...
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Vayishlach - Following Examples from 2019-12-12T19:54
Why did Ovadya separate the 100 prophets he was saving into two groups? Why is it important that he followed the example of Yakov in our parsha? Why do we find this theme in a number of places in t...
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Toldos - Turning Bad into Good from 2019-11-28T20:46
Why was Esav held accountable for his evil behavior if it seems to have stemmed from his nature? What is the idea of turning bad middos (character traits) into good ones? What is the challenge of l...
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Chayei Sarah - Getting Used To It from 2019-11-22T16:10
Why was Avraham able to sacrifice his son, but Sarah died upon hearing about it? What is the idea of slowly getting used to difficult situations? How can we maintain our inspiration and not get use...
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Vayera - Big Challenges, Small Challenges from 2019-11-14T13:34
What was the approach of the Satan in trying to stop Avraham and Yitzchak from their willingness to sacrifice at Hashem's command? If the Satan saw that Yitzchak was willing to give his life, why d...
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Breishis - Start Right from 2019-10-25T18:53
What is the idea that the first verse of the Torah contains the entire Torah, and that the first word and the first letter do the same? Why does the Torah start with the letter ‘Beis’ and not ‘Alef...
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Nitsavim-Rosh Hashana - Surrender and Trust from 2019-09-25T20:43
What is the meaning of the verse that Hashem will remove the walls around our hearts in the times of Moshiach? What does this have to do with Rosh Hashana? How does this connect to Shavuos and the ...
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Ki Savo - Thank You God from 2019-09-20T14:08
Why did Moshe Rabbeinu institute the three tefilos (prayers) to replace Bikkurim after the Temple's future destruction? How does prayer serve in place of the Bikkurim, whose main concept is gratitu...
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Ki Seitze - Great Goals from 2019-09-13T14:11
Why is the situation of the ben sorer umoreh so problematic? Why is he 'judged now for his ultimate end?' What is the concept of Teshuva-return? What is the difference between making change and hav...
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Reeh - Alacrity and Laziness from 2019-08-30T14:37
What is the idea of blessings and curses that are placed before us? Why does King Solomon speak so much about laziness and alacrity? How does this idea apply to one's physical life, spiritual life ...
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Ekev - What Does Hashem Ask? from 2019-08-23T14:25
What is the concept of Yiras Shamayim-Fear of Heaven? Why is it the key to all other spiritual attainments? Why does the passuk separate fear of Heaven from the other concepts - Emulating Hashem, s...
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Vaeschanan - Love and Value Spirituality from 2019-08-15T10:50
What is behind the commandment to love Hashem? How does love affect our bechira-free will? How do we develop a love for Hashem and spirituality? What is it that we are supposed to be waiting for wi...
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Pinchas - Gratitude - 12 Year Anniversary from 2019-07-26T15:33
12 Year Podcast Anniversary! What is the connection between the plague that killed 24,000 Jews and the counting that was immediately commanded? What was the reason behind the death of so many peopl...
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Balak - Path to Greatness from 2019-07-19T13:00
What is behind Bilaam's desire to curse the Jewish people? How were chazal able to see that he was evil if he keeps saying that he can't say anything besides for what Hashem's puts in his mouth? Wh...
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Chukas - Simple Observance from 2019-07-12T00:51
In regards to the Torah's account of Moshe bringing forth water from the rock, why does it first say that 'water will come forth' but actually 'a lot of water' came forth? What is the unique attrib...
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Shlach - Striving Higher from 2019-06-27T00:03
What was at the root of the sin of the spies? Why did they see everything negatively? Why were they afraid they would lose their significance when the Jewish people entered Israel? Why did the stud...
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Behaaloscha - Start Anew from 2019-06-21T00:03
Why did the Torah place the section speaking of the inaugural sacrifices next to the section about lighting the menorah in the Tabernacle? Why is it followed by the priestly blessings? Why was Ahar...
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Nasso - Hashem Loves All from 2019-06-13T23:16
Why were the sons of Merari not given the honor of having their 'heads raised up?' Why does the medrash go out of its way to point out the honor of the families of Kehas and Gershon? Why did the fa...
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Bechukosai - Final Generation's Challenge from 2019-05-30T23:47
What is the idea of going with Hashem with permanence? What is the idea of going with Hashem with 'keri' - impermanence? How is it possible for someone to pray to Hashem for success, and yet still ...
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Behar - Foundation of Bitachon from 2019-05-24T15:42
What is the foundational idea behind the command of Shemitah? Why is this mitzvah singled out for being mentioned that it was given at Har Sinai? When will a person wonder 'what will we eat in the ...
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Emor - Gratitude for our Lot from 2019-05-17T14:19
What was the reason for the curse of the man who was a son of an Israelite woman and an Egyptian man? How can we come to terms with the life that Hashem has given us when it does not meet our expec...
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Pesach - Night of Redemption from 2019-04-18T18:12
What is the idea behind the night of Pesach being a night of protection for all generations? Why do we begin the seder speaking of Hashem redeeming 'our forefathers and us' and then switch to Hashe...
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Metzora - Enduring Embarrassment from 2019-04-12T01:17
What is the concept of Lashon Hara (gossip)? What can be done to avoid it? What is one of the main triggers of Lashon hara? How can one endure embarrassment? How does the challenge serve to cleanse...
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Shemini - Purity and Impurity from 2019-03-27T14:54
What is the concept of purity and impurity? Does it apply to non-Jews or only to Jews? How is it connected to Adam and Eve's sin? Why were they not embarrassed when they were unclothed before the s...
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Tzav-Purim - Physical can also be Spiritual from 2019-03-20T14:54
What is the concept of the korban Olah? What is signified by the fact it is completely burnt, as opposed to the Shelamim, part of which is eaten? Why does a non-Jew only bring an Olah sacrifice? Ho...
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Vayikra - Sacrificing Ego from 2019-03-14T18:45
What is the idea behind the statement that studying the korbanos (sacrifices) is as if we've done them? What is the deeper understanding of the korbanos? What are we coming to rectify by bringing a...
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Vayakhel - Giving and Taking from 2019-02-28T22:37
How is the concept of giving and taking in the Torah's eyes different from our normal understanding? What is the understanding of the spiritual principle that when we give we actually receive? How ...
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Ki Sisa - Calculated Commitment from 2019-02-22T15:01
What was the state of Adam before the sin? What is the nature of the human being as a result of his sin? How did the Jewish people reach back to Adam's previous state at Mount Sinai? How was the Sa...
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Tetzaveh - From Mind to Heart from 2019-02-14T16:40
Why did the Jewish people need the Divine Presence in order to remember that Hashem took them out of Egypt if they had just experienced it? How does one move the experiences that make an impression...
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Mishpatim - Can We Understand Mitzvos? from 2019-01-30T22:53
What is the difference between Mishpatim-Laws and Chukim-Statutes? What is the idea of doing a mitzvah because Hashem commanded it, not just because we understand it? What is greater - a righteous ...
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Yisro - Results Belong to Hashem from 2019-01-24T18:19
What is the essence of the concept of Shabbos? Why is Shabbos so intertwined with the Mon (Manna)? Why is the rest of Shabbos related to the work of the six days of the week? Why is rest a positive...
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Beshalach - Glorifying Hashem from 2019-01-16T19:32
What is the concept of the verse, 'this is my God and I will glorify Him? What was special about the revelation of Hashem at the sea? Why does that revelation result in the necessity to 'glorify Hi...
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Shemos - Love and Respect from 2018-12-27T18:18
Why did Moshe cover his face at the sight of the burning bush? Was this the right thing for him to do? Why did some sages see this as something he was punished for? Why did some sages see this as s...
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Vayechi - Will Into Action from 2018-12-20T18:05
Why does Yakov want to reveal the Ketz-end of times? Why does he only reveal each of his sons' special character traits? What is behind their response of Shema Yisrael? What does the gemara mean wh...
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Vayigash - Mind and Heart from 2018-12-13T15:43
What is the difference between the kingship of Yosef and the kingship of Yehuda? What is the difference between the conscience of the mind and the conscience of the heart? What is the ideal dynamic...
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Vayeshev - Space for Others from 2018-11-29T23:33
What is the concept of Yibum-Levirate marriage? Why does it apply to those who are inheritors? What is the concept of inheritance? Why did Onen not want to 'establish the name' of his deceased brot...
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Vayishlach - Intrinsic Greatness from 2018-11-23T11:49
What is the concept of Yaakov being 'left alone' to battle the angel? What is the idea of Hashem being 'alone' when Moshiach comes? How does this parallel Yaakov being alone? How do we understand t...
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Vayetzei - Complete Trust from 2018-11-16T15:39
Why did Yakov have it so tough when he was on his way to find his wives, as opposed to Eliezer, the servant of Avraham, for whom everything ran smoothly? How does a person develop complete trust in...
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Vayera - Hashem's Revelation from 2018-10-25T13:48
What is the idea of Hashem revealing Himself to Avraham after he performs the bris (circumcision)? Why does Hashem not seem to say anything? What are the problems with the Rambam's understanding th...
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Lech Lecha - The Land I Will Show You from 2018-10-19T13:49
What is the significance of Avraham's test to leave his birthplace? Why does Hashem not specify which land He is guiding Avraham toward? Does Avraham know where he is going? How is able to follow H...
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Noach - Avraham's Beginnings from 2018-10-12T15:43
Why did the sages include the beginning of Avraham's story in the end of Noach's story? Why does this type of crossover seem to happen often in the Torah portions? Why does the Torah start with the...
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Haazinu-Succos - Humility is Key from 2018-09-21T21:08
Why does the Torah refer to Joshua as Hoshua - the name of his youth, as he is about to take on the mantle of leadership? Why is Succos celebrated at this time of year, instead of after Passover? W...
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Vayelech - Song of Return from 2018-09-14T20:08
Why does Hashem invite Moshe and Yehoshua to the entrance of the Tabernacle? What is the song that He teaches them? What is the idea of the song? Why is the 'stiff necked' nature of the Jewish peop...
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Ki Savo - Commitment to Torah from 2018-08-31T11:33
What are the two aspects in any relationship? What is the idea of fear of Hashem? How do we retain our commitments in our relationships? What is the power of affirmation? What is the idea of 'uphol...
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Ki Seitze - Avoiding Gossip from 2018-08-21T22:22
What does the midrash mean when it says that 'a person can not see their own blemish?' What are the primary causes of the tzora'as affliction? How does the negativity embodied in speaking gossip sp...
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Shoftim - Finding the Center from 2018-08-16T17:42
Why is the highest court of the Jewish people found in Jerusalem on the Temple Mount? What does the verse mean when it says that we are to do as the judges tell us 'from that place Hashem shall cho...
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Reeh - Rest and Motion from 2018-08-10T17:04
What is the concept of 'Atzeres' - stopping from motion and melacha? What is the difference between Atzeres in the context of the number seven, versus the number eight? Why are the aspects of 50 an...
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Vaeschanan - Hashem Answers Prayers from 2018-07-27T15:06
What is the meaning of the verse that says 'What great nation has a God so close each time they call to Him?' Does Hashem answer every prayer? What is the difference between prayer and repentance? ...
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Devarim-Tisha B'av - Understanding Esav from 2018-07-20T16:00
Why is Moshe told not to fight with the descendants of Esav? Why is King David told the same thing? Why would they have wanted to fight with them? What is the special merit of Esav? Why does the of...
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Matos-Masei - Lottery of Life from 2018-07-12T16:00
Why was it important to give out the portions of Israel through a lottery and also asking the Urim v'tumim? Why couldn't Moshe himself determine the unique role of each person and tribe without the...
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Balak - Consistent Spirituality from 2018-06-28T13:06
Why did Bilaam attain prophecy if he was just an 'ordinary' magician? Why do the nations of the world complain and how does Bilaam serve as their prophet? What is the difference between the approac...
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Chukas - Water's Song from 2018-06-21T22:34
Why do the Jewish people sing a song at the end of their 40 years for the miraculous well that accompanied them throughout that time? What were the awesome miracles that occurred at this time that ...
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Nasso - Gaining Control from 2018-05-25T16:13
What motivates a person to become a Nazir and forbid himself from wine? What are the wiles of the Yetzer Hara (Evil Inclination), and how can we defend ourselves from him? What is the power of a tr...
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Bamidbar - True Power from 2018-05-18T16:13
Why do the nations of the world ask the Jewish people to be their leaders? What is behind the response of the Jewish people when they say that they prefer the encampments and flags of the wildernes...
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Behar-Bechukosai - Facing Redemption with Faith from 2018-05-11T15:30
What is the concept of faith as opposed to 'keri' - happenstance? How does the challenge of faith apply someone who already has faith in Hashem? Why is the punishment for lack of faith worse than j...
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Acharei-Kedoshim - Holy Extremes from 2018-04-27T15:44
Why are the countries of Egypt and Canaan pointed out for their moral decadence in regards to forbidden marital relationships? Why does the Torah seem to indicate that this is true because the Jewi...
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Tazria-Metzora - Love vs Gossip from 2018-04-20T14:07
What can we uncover by looking at the punishment the Torah metes out for the sin of gossip? Why is he sent out of the encampment when he is stricken with spiritual leprosy (tzara'as)? Why does he c...
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Shmini - Mishkan and Creation from 2018-04-13T12:37
What is the construct of the form through which Hashem creates the world and we create the Mishkan (Tabernacle)? How does this also parallel the way we receive the Torah, and the final war of Armag...
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Pesach - Seder-Order from 2018-03-30T09:40
Why is the entire body of customs we perform on the first night of Pesach referred to as the Seder (Order)? Why does the goat (that Abba bought for two coins) die and never come back to life if it ...
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Tzav - Spiritual Honesty from 2018-03-23T15:24
Why does Aharon, who the Torah itself describes as a righteous prophet, require extra encouragement in regards to a sacrifice he brings but does not benefit from? Why do we find this type of approa...
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Vayikra - Heed the Call from 2018-03-16T14:57
What is the significance of Moshe's not entering the Mishkan when the cloud fills it? Does he do that because he's unable to enter, or because he chooses not to enter? What is the pattern of Moshe'...
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Tetzaveh - Lighting the Oil from 2018-02-23T14:55
What is the concept of Olive Oil? Why does the Torah specifically ask us to use it for the lighting of the Menorah in the sanctuary? Why are the Jewish people compared to an olive? How does this re...
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Terumah - Excitement vs Joy from 2018-02-16T13:49
What is the difference between the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and the Mikdash (Temple)? Why does one constantly move, while one is only in a single location? What is the difference between the joy of the...
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Beshalach - Beloved Dove from 2018-01-26T13:58
Why is the Jewish people sometimes compared to a dove, and other times compared to other animals (Lion, wolf, snake)? Why does the Torah choose the singular form when speaking of the Egyptians chas...
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Bo - This Month is Yours from 2018-01-19T13:25
What is the analogy of the month in regards to the kings of Israel? What is the significance of King Solomon (Shlomo) being the 15th generation of kings from Avraham Avinu? Why is his throne so sim...
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Vaera - Recognizing the Source from 2018-01-12T12:02
Why was the Nile and all the water of Egypt struck first with the plague of Blood? Why did Hashem warn them first before the plague? What is the mistaken understanding of reality that is intrinsic ...
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Vayechi - Angels and Youthfulness from 2017-12-25T18:32
What is the connection between livelihood and redemption? How does Hashem manifest in each of these cases? What is the idea behind the angel that 'redeems' in the blessing Yakov gives to Menashe an...
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Vayigash - Times of Redemption from 2017-12-22T11:38
Why does the midrash quote verses which are references to the final redemption in speaking of the resolution of the story of Yosef? What are the characteristics of the Messianic age? Why are people...
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Mikeitz - Dreams and Chanukah from 2017-12-15T00:11
What is the idea of the teaching that the dream's manifestation follows the interpretation? What happens when one dreams after drinking wine? Is there intrinsic significance to the symbols in a dre...
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Vayetzei - Purifying Challenges from 2017-11-24T10:32
Why does Yaakov face the challenge of Esav, his brother who wants to kill him, then run off to Lavan's house and face the new challenge of another difficult character? Why do the matriarchs have su...
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Toldos - Chamber of Exchanges from 2017-11-17T14:43
Why does Yaakov have to trick Esav to give him the spiritual firstborn rights? Why does he have to trick his father Yitzchak to get the blessings? Why didn't Hashem just cause Yaakov to be born fir...
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Chayei Sarah - Surrender and Sacrifice from 2017-11-10T14:13
Why is the description of the Akeida (Binding of Isaac) and Rivka's birth juxtaposed to Sarah's death? Why is it so hard for Avraham to purchase the location for Sarah's burial? Why must he pay top...
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Lech Lecha - Kingdom of Kindness from 2017-10-27T14:47
What is the unique mission of Avraham Avinu? Why does the Torah deem it important to tell us of his wealth and great stature? Why does the Torah teach us about his conquest of the four and five kin...
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Noach - Times of Transition from 2017-10-19T13:43
Why does the Torah go into so much detail in describing the generation of the flood, and then the dispersion before bringing Abraham onto the scene? What was the difference between the sin of the g...
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Vzos Habracha/Breishis - Ending and Beginning from 2017-10-11T15:08
Why do we read the final portion of the Torah on Shmini Atzeres, not on Shabbos? What is the difference between Atzeres (stop) and Shabbos (stop)? Why do we complete the Torah and then start it aga...
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Haazinu-Rosh Hashana - Affirming Commitment from 2017-09-18T17:28
Why do we always read the parshios related to the transition when we are standing at the new year? Why does Moshe call the Heaven and Earth as witnesses to Hashem's covenant with the Jewish people?...
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Nitsavim-Vayelech - Returning to Paradise from 2017-09-15T15:00
Why does the Torah preface the commandment to repent (Teshuva) with a description of what life will be like after the Messiah's arrival? What is the difference between our state at present, and the...
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Shoftim - Charity and Justice from 2017-08-25T13:12
Why does the verse imply that Justice and Charity are greater than bringing sacrifices in the Temple? In what ways are they indeed greater? Why did King David rejoice when his scoffers expressed th...
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Reeh - Expansion from Constriction from 2017-08-18T13:27
What is the concept of expansion in regards to the land of Israel? When does that expansion occur? How does it parallel the challenge and redemption of Yosef? Why did Abba Yuden lose all of his wea...
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Ekev - Desired Land from 2017-08-11T12:42
What is the difference between the land of Egypt and the land Israel? What is the significance of the land of Israel being sustained by rain? What does it mean when the verse says that Israel is a ...
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Vaeschanan - Balancing Inclinations from 2017-07-30T22:35
How does one Love and serve Hashem with both the Good and Evil inclinations? What does the word 'crouching' mean in the context of the Evil inclination? How does each inclination pull a person towa...
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Devarim - Humble Blessings from 2017-07-28T12:21
What is the idea behind the fact that Hashem promises to reveal His 'two letter' name, but ultimately reveals the 'name of 72?' Why do the righteous 'say a little and do a lot?' Why did Hashem not ...
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Matos-Masei - Creating with Speech from 2017-07-19T02:07
What is the power of speech? How is one able to create with speech? What is the idea of God speaking when He creates - with whom was He communicating? What is the idea of speech without communicati...
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Pinchas - Spiritual Patience from 2017-07-14T14:48
What was the great wisdom of the daughters of Tzelafchad? Why did they wait until they were in their forties to get married? What is the concept of inheritance and how does it relate to one's perso...
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Chukas - Serving with Awe and Love from 2017-06-30T11:34
What was the depth of the sin of Moshe in hitting the rock instead of speaking to it? What would have happened had he not done so? How does this idea parallel the way we learn Torah? Why is the stu...
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Korach - Organic Leadership from 2017-06-23T10:38
What is the Torah's approach to leadership? Why did Hashem create a concept of hierarchy? What was the mistake of Korach's rebellion? What is the depth behind the obligation to give a tithe to the ...
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Shlach - Running Thread from 2017-06-16T14:40
What was the root of the sin of the spies? Why were they only able to see the negative side of Eretz Yisrael? What is the connection between that event and the commandment of tzitzis? What is the i...
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Bamidbar - Counting the Uncountable from 2017-05-26T14:42
How does counting the Jewish people express Hashem’s love for us? How can we be counted if we are ‘uncountable?’ Why are there different analogies for this uncountability - stars, sand, dust? Who r...
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Behar-Bechukosai - God's Guarantee from 2017-05-18T18:00
Why does Hashem give such bounty - enough for three years - in the sixth year instead of just providing our needs as they come in the 7th and 8th? What is the concept of Bitachon-trust? How does on...
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Emor - Of Kings and Kohanim from 2017-05-12T15:06
What are the five aspects that make a Kohen Gadol-High Priest 'greater' than his brothers? What is the idea behind the concept that if he is not rich himself, his brothers 'make him rich?' How does...
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Tazria-Metzora - Winds of Change from 2017-04-28T15:37
What are the causes of the spiritual disease of Tzara'as-Leprosy? Why is the person who contracts it referred to as Adam? What are the 'measures of the winds' referred to in the verse in Job? What ...
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Shmini - Revealing God's Glory from 2017-04-21T12:33
What is needed for 'Hashem's Glory to be revealed?' How are the barriers removed that stand between the Jewish people and Hashem? What is the purpose of the sacrifices in the Mishkan-tabernacle? Ho...
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Pesach - Rose of the Valley from 2017-04-14T12:36
What is the difference between a Chavatzelet-rose and a Shoshana-rose? What is the parallel between our sojourn in Egypt and the many challenges we have faced as a nation? What is the parallel betw...
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Vayikra - Servant Leadership from 2017-03-31T11:34
How is the average Israelite meant to approach the book of Leviticus which seems to contain mostly laws for Kohen-priests? What is the take home lesson for us when the midrash speaks about Moshe's ...
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Vayakhel-Pekudei - Nature and Nurture from 2017-03-24T12:46
Why is is it important for us to know the lineage of Betzalel - his father, his grandfather and his tribe? What is the reason for his greatness - his grandfather, his grandmother, his tribe or spec...
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Ki Sisa - Choosing Greatness from 2017-03-17T13:58
What does it mean when the midrash says that 'Hashem reviews the material four times before teaching the Torah to the people of Israel?' What is the depth of the idea that those who have fear of He...
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Tetzaveh-Purim - Power of Prayer from 2017-03-10T11:40
What is the concept behind the special clothes of the Kohanim? What is the Torah referring to when it says 'this is the thing that you shall do to sanctify the Kohanim unto me?' Why did Mordechai r...
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Mishpatim - Preparatory Angel from 2017-02-24T11:50
Why does Hashem inform the Jewish people of their future in the very midst of the revelation at Sinai? Is the angel who will lead them in the future a positive or negative force? What is the reassu...
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Yisro - Hearing God's Voice from 2017-02-17T12:23
What is the difference between Moshe's experience of the revelation at Sinai as opposed to the entire Jewish people's experience? Why is his experience described as 'seeing' as opposed to the Jewis...
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Beshalach - Singing Then from 2017-02-10T12:33
What is the idea of the verse that says that 'then' Moshe and the Jewish people sang? How does that manifest in regards to Hashem's relationship with the world, the Jewish people's relationship wit...
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Vaera - Hosting Godliness from 2017-01-27T13:30
What does the verse mean when it says that Hashem told Moshe he would be a 'god' to Pharaoh? Why was King Solomon unable to bring the Holy Ark into the Temple? Why did he need to invoke his father,...
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Shemos - Voices of Redemption from 2017-01-20T10:04
What was special about the brotherly relationship between Moshe and Aharon? How did that parallel that of Binyomin and Yosef? Why does the midrash stress that Binyomin and Yosef 'suckled from the s...
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Vayechi - War of Armageddon from 2017-01-12T22:45
What is the parallel between the blessings of Jacob and that which occurs on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur? Why do the 10 tribes gather to the portions of Yehuda and Benjamin? Why do they need to 'sh...
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Miketz - Real Peace from 2016-12-30T16:02
When Benjamin was caught with the 'stolen' goblet, what was the beginning of the conversation about between Yosef and Yehuda? Why were the brothers innocent even as they were guilty? What did Yosef...
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Vayeshev - Yosef and Chanukah from 2016-12-23T14:43
What is the lesson in the story of Yosef and his challenges? Why do we always read these passages during our celebration of Chanukah? Why does Chanukah occur toward the end of the Jewish month of K...
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Vayishlach - Rising Above Angels from 2016-12-16T12:03
How can we understand the contrast between when Jacob returns to Israel and battles with the angel, as opposed to when he left Israel and just passively observed them climbing and descending the la...
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Chayei Sarah - Death and Rebirth from 2016-11-24T15:51
What does the midrash mean when it says that Esther became queen over 127 provinces paralleling the 127 years of Sarah's life? Why did Esther go through a similar experience to Sarah in becoming yo...
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Vayera - Source of Power from 2016-11-18T13:44
Why were others miraculously healed when Sarah miraculously conceived? What is the connection between Yitzchak's miraculous birth and the story of Esther becoming queen? Why did all the princesses ...
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Lech Lecha - Fame and Fortune from 2016-11-10T15:44
Why does Hashem stress to Avraham that he will become a great nation and have great fame? Is fame something that is positive from a spiritual perspective? What is the greatness of Hashem's promise ...
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Breishis - Aligning Six and Seven from 2016-10-28T12:39
What is the concept of the embarrassment that Adam and Eve did not feel about their being unclothed before the sin? Why does the same word for embarrassment also mean to come late, as in the contex...
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Vzos Habracha-Succos - Receiving Blessings from 2016-10-20T17:09
What is the concept of blessings? Why do the major blessings of the Torah, first given by the Patriarchs, and then by Moshe, have a certain level of continuity? How are the blessings connected to t...
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Nitsavim-Rosh Hashana - Breaking Barriers from 2016-09-27T12:01
In the verse speaking about the fact that the Torah and mitzvah of repentance are not distant from us, the Rabbenu Bachai says that there is a hint to the concept of circumcision - what does these ...
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Ki Savo - Rain Revival from 2016-09-18T16:02
What is the connection between the blessings of rain and the revival of the dead? Why is Hashem the only One Who can 'open' the door for them? How is rain connected to the general concept of earnin...
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Ki Seitze - Honest Accounting from 2016-09-11T14:02
Why does the Torah focus on the sin of Miriam, one of the greatest prophetesses of all time, when warning us of the sin of Lashon Hara (gossip)? Why does the midrash specifically point out the indi...
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Ekev - Parallel Spiritual Levels from 2016-08-26T17:17
What is the significance of the fact that there are blessings that are manifest for the human being itself, a person's animals, and a person's produce? How can fulfilling a mitzvah connected to the...
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Va'eschanan - Entering Israel from 2016-08-15T15:35
Why was it so important to Moshe to go into Israel? What is the significance of Hashem's response - 'don't speak to Me about this,' and 'go up on the mountain to see the land?' What is the value of...
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Devarim-Tisha B'av - Unifying Duality from 2016-08-12T15:44
Why is the lesson of Devarim before Tisha B'av? How did Moshe become able to speak so eloquently when he originally categorized himself as 'heavy of tongue?' What does it mean that the Torah 'cures...
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Pinchas - Spiritual Intuition from 2016-07-29T12:40
Why do we need so many different voices pointing out which piece of the land of Israel is given to which tribe? What does it mean that the lottery ticket itself spoke? What is the message of the mi...
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Balak - Final Refinement from 2016-07-22T14:28
Why does Hashem lead the Jewish people to a place where they will sin? What is the significance of the waters of Shittim that the Jews drank of, which was also the spring that the people of Sodom d...
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Chukas - Pure From Impure from 2016-07-15T16:40
Why is the Red Heifer specifically red? Why must it be completely burnt? How is it that the one involved in preparing it becomes impure, and yet it causes those who use it to become pure? What is t...
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Shlach - Seeing Through the Lie from 2016-06-29T22:56
Why does Hashem respond so harshly to the Jewish people's lack of faith when they cry with the spies' report? Why were the Jewish people so afraid to enter Israel if they had just seen, and continu...
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Behaaloscha - Lighting Hashem's Flame from 2016-06-24T00:27
Why is the idea of the mitzvah raising me up specifically taught in regards to the menorah? What is the connection between the soul and the flame/menorah? Why is Moshe unable to fashion the menorah...
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Nasso - Hashem is Always There from 2016-06-17T14:52
What does the verse mean in Song of Songs when it refers to Hashem (our Beloved) as 'standing behind the wall,' 'watching from the window,' and 'peeking from the cracks?' How does this connect to t...
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Bamidbar - Raise Your Flag from 2016-06-10T16:00
What is the concept of the flags and the encampment of the tribes in the wilderness? What does it mean that their encampment corresponds to the Heavenly Angels who surround Hashem's throne? Why did...
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Behar - Sharing the Wealth from 2016-05-27T10:26
What is the Torah's approach to charity and 'spreading the wealth?' Why does the midrash place the idea of spiritual wealth beside the concept of material wealth? What are the mechanics of the spir...
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Emor - When the Righteous Err from 2016-05-20T15:18
What is the connection between those who seek the advice of soothsayers and the Kohanim of our parsha? Why was King Saul referred to as a righteous individual despite his many mistakes? Why did Has...
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Kedoshim - Tzion, Yosef and Kedusha from 2016-05-13T15:28
What is the concept of Kedusha-holiness? Are we to separate ourselves completely from this world? Why does the verse seem to say that we are to be holy because Hashem is holy? Why is the concept of...
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Pesach 2 - Rewards of Challenge from 2016-04-26T15:08
Why do the Jewish people experience an awesome revelation in such a dangerous place - in the Sea of Reeds? Why is this the climax of the Exodus? Why does Israel's angel - Michael - step aside in th...
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Pesach - Ecstatic vs Measured Spirituality from 2016-04-22T14:08
What is the connection between Pesach and Succos? Why do they both occur in the middle of the month? What is the difference between the respective mitzvos of each holiday? Why does Succos involve a...
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Metzora - Pride and Humility from 2016-04-13T12:31
What are the seven sins that result in tzara'as - spiritual leprosy? What was the sin of the daughters of Zion? Why did they originally focus on the Jewish young men, and ultimately end up with the...
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Tzav - Expansion Within Constriction from 2016-03-25T15:42
Why are all of the Jewish people gathered at the entrance of the Tabernacle, and how do they all fit in such a small space? What is the significance of the fact that the first example of 'a great a...
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Vayikra - Special Nation from 2016-03-18T13:45
What is the reason for the Jewish people's 'special nation' status? Why does the midrash stress this so much right here at the beginning of Vayikra with the founding of the Tabernacle? Why was it s...
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Pekudei - Counting Toward Unity from 2016-03-11T01:10
Why does the Torah speak of the 'counting' of the Tabernacle, and then speak of the Tabernacle as the 'tent of testimony?' How do the concepts of counting and testimony relate? What is the signific...
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Vayakhel - Names of Godliness from 2016-03-04T15:00
What is the significance of the lineage of Betzalel - that he is the son of Uri, the son of Chur, and that he comes from the tribe of Judah? Why does the midrash state that the merit for the creati...
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Ki Sisa - Receiving the 7th in the 6th from 2016-02-26T15:50
Why is the concept of Shabbos the introduction to the story of the Golden Calf? Why does Moshe study the Torah for forty days diligently, only to forget it and then receive it as a gift in the end?...
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Tetzaveh - Passageway to Eternity from 2016-02-17T15:50
Why is the description of the incense altar left until after the entire construction of the mishkan? Why does it only speak of Ahron, the high priest, if it is permitted for any Kohen to perform th...
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Terumah - Receiving Torah, Receiving God from 2016-02-12T14:20
Why is the story of the revelation at Sinai placed immediately before the command to build a Tabernacle for Hashem's presence? Why is the center of the Tabernacle the place that houses the Ark of t...
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Yisro - Godly Essence from 2016-01-29T14:20
Why does Hashem openly reveal Himself to an entire nation which is only freshly removed from its spiritual filth? What is the power of the statement 'naaseh v'nishma' - we will do and we will liste...
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Beshalach - Remembering the Future from 2016-01-22T13:12
Why do the sons of Efraim try to leave Egypt thirty years early? Why is the verse which speaks of moshe taking Yosef's bones out of sequence? Why is the depth of the idea of Moshe 'grabbing a comma...
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Bo - Revealing Spiritual Mountains from 2016-01-15T06:53
What is the concept of Nissan being the first of the months? Why is this the first commandment the Jewish people receive as a nation? What is the idea of the 'keitz' and the 'ibbur' in regards to r...
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Vayechi - Double Blessings from 2015-12-25T14:29
We continue with our discussion from last week's podcast in this week's parsha podcast.
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Vayigash - Counting to Seventy from 2015-12-18T14:29
Why does the Torah tell us there were 70 people who made up the Jewish people as they came down to Egypt, if there are only 69 enumerated? What is the underlying theme between all of the individual...
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Miketz - Wake Up Call from 2015-12-11T14:03
Why do the brothers only start speaking about their guilt in regards to the sale of Yosef when they have been released from incarceration? Why don't they think of it at the beginning? What is the d...
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Vayishlach - Distorted Reflections from 2015-11-26T14:51
Why are the three locations that the midrash says clearly belong to the Jewish people all currently being claimed by the Arabs? When we do not understand a word in Hebrew, why do we turn to other l...
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Vayetze - Spiritual Transitions from 2015-11-20T14:25
Why does the ladder represent so many different things: the temple, Mount Sinai, four exiles? Why do the angels who destroyed sodom return here? Why were they out of commision for 138 years? Why ar...
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Toldos - Choosing Greatness from 2015-11-13T14:07
Why did Isaac's vision become weak in his old age? Why would people say that Esav's evil reflects poorly on him? Why did the angels cry at the binding of Isaac? What do our sages mean when they say...
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Vayera - Formed Through Fire from 2015-10-30T12:43
Why does the Torah deem it important for us to hear the story of Sarah's abduction? Why does it happen immediately before she conceives with Yitzchok? Why does the story repeat itself on two differ...
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Lech Lecha - War of Abraham from 2015-10-23T15:27
What is the importance of the story of the war of the five kings vs. the four kings? What do our sages mean when they say that the war was about killing Abraham? Why does Abraham not accept the peo...
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Noach - Invisible Unity from 2015-10-16T15:27
Why does the Torah leave out most of the story of generation of the dispersion without even giving details about their sin? Why does the Torah leave out the beginnings of Abraham and his philosophi...
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Haazinu-Succos - Song of Joy from 2015-09-24T16:41
How does the concept of the song move from one of repentance to one of joy? How is that manifest as we move from Yom Kippur into Succos? How is the Torah brought from a higher realm to be accessed ...
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Nitsavim-Rosh Hashana - Connecting to Spiritual Essence from 2015-09-11T15:22
What is the significance of the fact that we stand before Hashem 'Today?' What does it mean that the day is 'sometimes dark and sometimes light?' Why is unity the prerequisite for redemption? What ...
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Ki Seitze - Intuition and Transcendence from 2015-08-28T14:42
Why does the Torah only tell us the reward for two out of the 613 commandments? Why does it specifically tell us by honoring parents and sending away the mother bird? What is the deeper understandi...
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Shoftim - King of Israel from 2015-08-21T14:42
What is the concept of a Jewish king? Why does the Torah command us to appoint a king, while it seems that it was not a good thing when the Jews asked for a king in the times of Samuel? Why do we p...
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Reeh - Israel - Mind of the World from 2015-08-14T14:23
Why does the Torah constantly connect the keeping of the commandments with the land of Israel? Why do we spend the ten weeks leading up to Rosh Hashana reading Moshe's speech at the threshold of Is...
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Vaeschanan - Staying Connected to God from 2015-07-31T15:18
What are the two modes of our relationship with Hashem? What is the path into ecstatic experience of God? How does one find God in the mundane - 'whenever we call out to Him?' Why is God's name 'El...
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Devarim-Tisha B'av - Rectifying a Splintered Reality from 2015-07-24T15:22
Why did Moshe translate the Torah into 70 languages if the Jewish people at that time only spoke Hebrew and Egyptian? What is the curative power of the Torah? How does the Torah transport a person ...
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Matos-Masei - Good Subsumes Evil from 2015-07-17T13:22
Why did Joshua only live to be 110 years old as opposed to Moshe who lived until 120? Why did Moshe want to see the 'revenge' of the Jewish people on Midian before his death? What does the word nek...
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Pinchas - Leadership by Example from 2015-07-10T16:39
Why does Bilaam direct Balak to cause the Jewish people to sin through immoral behavior with the daughters of Midian? What was the character of the leadership of Doson and Aviram in the rebellion o...
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Korach - Women's Wisdom from 2015-06-19T13:31
What was the difference between the wife of On ben Peles as opposed to the wife of Korach? What is the secret to getting through the challenges the come along in relationships? How can one apply th...
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Shlach - Releasing Fear and Bias from 2015-06-12T12:21
What was at the root of the mistake of the spies? What was the Jewish people's mistake in sending them? Why were Caleb and Joshua different? What are the signs of a true agent? How does one deal on...
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Nasso - Protecting the Blessings from 2015-05-29T15:50
What is the concept of Blessings? Why do they need protection? What does it mean that the 'vessel that holds blessings is peace?' Why did the priestly blessings take a different form in Temple? Why...
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Bamidbar-Shavuos - Destination Within the Journey from 2015-05-22T15:45
Why is the parsha of Bamidbar always read right before the holiday of Shavuos? What is the parallel between the journey of the Jewish people through the wilderness and the counting from Pesach to S...
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Behar-Bechukosai - 50,000 Years of the World from 2015-05-12T16:24
What is the 'secret' of the Shmitah and Jubilee years? How do they correspond to the 50,000 year cycle that the world will last for? How does the Yovel (Jubilee) correspond to Shavuos, which is on ...
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Acharei-Kedoshim - Who's Holier? from 2015-04-24T16:21
What is the concept of holiness? What does it mean when the midrash says that Hashem takes one crown of holiness for Himself and gives two crowns of holiness to the Jewish people? Why does another ...
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Tazria-Metzora - Beyond Process from 2015-04-17T14:54
Why does the Torah skip the process between conception and birth - why mention conception at all? Why is the concept of the seven days the mother is impure immediately followed by the concept of th...
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Tzav - Poor Man's Offering from 2015-03-27T12:51
What is the power of the poor man's prayer? How does his prayer rise from a place of constriction to a place of expansion? What is the power of the Tzaddik-righteous individual who resides in expan...
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Vayikra - Prophetic Paradox from 2015-03-20T15:29
Why was Prophecy suddenly limited to being experienced in the Tabernacle? What is the significance of the special nature of Moses' prophecy? Why does the midrash end with talk of the future, when a...
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Vayakhel-Pekudei - Silencing the Scoffers from 2015-03-13T14:35
What is the problem with admitting to old sins? Why was Moshe silent when some of the people of Israel said that Hashem would not return His divine presence to His people? Why was there three month...
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Terumah - Giving Back from 2015-02-20T12:45
Why did Hashem give righteous individuals gems alongside their Manna? What value were they to the righteous if they were just to be given as a donation to the Mishkan-Tabernacle? Why was it necessa...
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Mishpatim - Borrowing Power from 2015-02-13T14:05
Why does the Torah ask us not to charge interest when we lend money? What does the midrash mean when it says that all of Hashem's creations 'lend to each other?' Why does the midrash choose the man...
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Beshalach - Singing Redemption's Song from 2015-01-30T14:34
Why do he Jewish people sing? What is the concept of song? What is the power of the shofar? What does the verse mean when it says that God is with His bride (Israel) from Lebanon and returning? Wha...
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Bo - Conserving Spiritual Power from 2015-01-23T00:31
What is the aspect of the 'First Born' as represented by the people of Israel? How is it counteracted by Amalek, which is 'first of the nations?' How does one maintain continuity in the face of wha...
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Vaera - Surmounting Challenges from 2015-01-16T12:28
What is the parallel between the experiences of the Jewish people in the Exodus and the experience of every individual Israelite? How does one face off with and surmount the challenges that continu...
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Vayigash - Joining As One from 2014-12-26T14:27
What is the significance of Judah's stepping up to Joseph? How does that affect and parallel future events that occur to the Jewish people? Why is the separation needed? Why is this parsha always r...
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Mikeitz - The End of Time from 2014-12-19T13:53
What is the concept of the 'keitz' - the end of time? How does that relate to the end of Yosef's incarceration, and the end of the exile? What is the connection between the keitz (end) and the kotz...
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Vayeshev - Light in the Darkness from 2014-12-12T11:25
In this week's parsha podcast, we explore R' Nosson's teaching about the way of Yosef HaTzadik, who followed in the footsteps of Yaacov - bringing those who were mired in darkness back to the light.
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Toldos - Transcending to New Realms from 2014-11-21T12:21
Why did Yitzchak feel his death was nearing if he was only 123 and he would actually live until 180? What is the meaning of the fact that these things ‘can not be known:’ One’s day of death, the ti...
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Chayei Sarah - Retrieving Holiness from 2014-11-14T10:00
Why did Avraham feel it was so important to pay for the Cave of Machpela (cave of the patriarchs)? Why couldn't he receive it as a gift? What is the significance of that specific burial plot? Why d...
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Lech Lecha - At The Threshold from 2014-10-31T14:41
Why do the Jewish people need to go through exile? Why do the forces of evil attack them there? How does Hashem's promise in regards to the Egyptian exile apply to the other exiles? What is the 'gr...
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Noach - Revealing Hidden Kindness from 2014-10-24T14:46
What is the difference between Noach and Moshe? Why is Moshe's generation saved while Noach's is destroyed? What is the concept of the secret hidden kindness of Hashem that keeps the world function...
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Breishis - The Real Truth from 2014-10-23T13:42
Where do we see that the foundation of the creation of the world is Truth? What is the difference between Truth and the Real Truth? What is the lie inherent in the Truth? How does one access the Re...
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Haazinu-Rosh Hashana - Silence of the Moon from 2014-09-25T00:24
Why do the seventy nations of the world seem to get a portion in the Earth, while the people of Israel do not? What does it mean that the Jewish people are Hashem's portion? Why does Rosh Hashana o...
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Nitsavim-Vayelech - Song of the Heart from 2014-09-19T14:53
How does one access one's higher will - one's true will? What is the secret of 'Today?' What does it mean that the Torah is not far away, that it is 'in your mouth and heart?' What is the concept o...
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Ki Savo - Begin Again from 2014-09-11T23:40
What is the depth behind the mitzvah to bring an offering of the first fruits of one's field? How can we reconcile the fact that sin causes great spiritual damage, and yet we can begin anew and ent...
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Shoftim - Quiet Protection from 2014-08-29T10:39
What is the concept of the prohibition against extending one's borders into that of one's fellow? How does that apply to the spiritual borders that define a person's purpose in the world? How does ...
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Re'eh - Climbing God's Mountain from 2014-08-22T11:56
Why does the Torah command the people of Israel to place the blessings and curses on mountains? What is the concept of a mountain? What is the connection between ratzon-will and shemo-God's name? H...
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Ekev - Inheriting the Land from 2014-08-15T17:05
When it comes to inheriting the land of Israel, why does the Torah repeatedly stress that it is not in the merit of anything that the Jewish people have done? What does it mean that we are redeemed...
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Masei - Warring for Israel from 2014-07-25T15:21
Why do the thirty one kings desire to fight in the war on Sisera's side against the people of Israel? Why are they willing to do it for free? What does it mean that they 'thirst to drink of the wat...
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Matos - Fighting for God's Sake from 2014-07-18T14:56
What is the difference between Bilam's use of God's name and Pinchos' use of God's name, especially in light of the fact that they both are able to come before God's throne of Glory? What is the sp...
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Chukas - Transcendent Statute from 2014-06-27T12:49
Why is the concept of the Red Heifer referred to as a statute? What is the paradox of this commandment? Why were only Moshe and R' Akiva privy to an understanding of it? Why did R' Akiva have more ...
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Korach - Hierarchy and Equality from 2014-06-20T14:21
Why does the Torah place the concept of tzitzis and techeles right before the story of Korach? Why does Korach's argument center around the concept of Techeles? What is the significance of Moshe's ...
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Shlach - Letting Go Of Results from 2014-06-13T14:52
Why is the rectification for the sin of the spies forty years in the wilderness which correspond to the forty days they traveled through Israel? How does this fit the crime? What was behind the spi...
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Nasso - Power of Commitment from 2014-05-30T14:16
What is at the root of the issue of the Sotah and the Nazir? How does one fill the hole in one's soul? What is the concept of a commitment? How does it work to strengthen a person's relationship wi...
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Bimidbar - Counting Names from 2014-05-23T13:53
What is the concept of counting the Jewish people? How is it connected to counting from Pesach to Shavuos? Why do we specifically count the names of the Jewish people? Find out in this week's parsh...
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Bechukosai - Visions of Greatness from 2014-05-16T13:37
When do the blessings described in the beginning of this parsha take effect? What is the vision of greatness that the Torah has for us, and when is it fulfilled? Find out in this week's parsha podc...
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Kedoshim - Love Your Neighbor, Love Yourself from 2014-04-25T14:55
How does one find balance between one's own talents and the talents of others? How does one come to appreciate and learn from others, without losing one's own unique spiritual role? How does one ap...
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Tazria - Later and Earlier from 2014-03-28T14:56
In describing the birth of a child and the circumcision on the eighth day, why does the Torah bother to tell us about the conception as well as the impurity of the mother for seven days following b...
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Shmini - Talent and Torah from 2014-03-21T12:58
What was the sin of Nadav and Avihu that caused their death? What is the connection between being married and bringing the ketores-incense offering? Why is the Hebrew word for marriage 'kiddushin' ...
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Tzav and Purim - North and South from 2014-03-14T12:24
Why is the korban olah (fully burnt sacrifice) related to the north, while the shelamim (partly burned, partly eaten) is related to the south? Why are the concepts of exile, Gog and Moshiach relate...
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Pekudei - Spiritually Infused Livelihood from 2014-02-27T22:40
Why does the Mishkan seem to construct itself? Why does the Torah use similar language in regards to the way the Mishkan was constructed and the way that work is to be done during the six days of t...
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Vayakhel - Moshiach, Mishkan and Shabbos from 2014-02-20T22:17
What is the significance of the fact that all that was done in constructing the Mishkan (tabernacle) is the foundation of the prohibitions on Shabbos? What is the difference between the service of ...
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Ki Sisa - Light Your Unique Flame from 2014-02-13T12:30
What is the concept of the counting of the Jewish people? Why are we to be counted if it entails danger? Why, indeed, is there danger in counting Jewish people? What is the concept of the 'flame of...
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Terumah - Drawing Down Holiness from 2014-01-31T08:03
What is the difference between the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and the Mikdash (Holy Temple)? What is the significance of the connection of the Mishkan to Yosef, as opposed to the Mikdash which is connect...
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Mishpatim - Redeeming Truth From Darkness from 2014-01-22T12:17
Why does a thief have to pay double if he steals, and four or five times if he slaughters and sells the animal he stole? How does falsehood dress itself up as truth? What is the amazing power of Tr...
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Yisro - Number Three and Relationships from 2014-01-17T12:05
What is the significance of the fact the Torah was given in the third month - the month of Sivan? Why is the Torah not given immediately after the Jews leave Egypt? What is the significance of the ...
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Beshalach - Transcendent Song from 2014-01-10T21:36
Why does the Torah refer to the song that was sung at the sea of reeds in both past tense and future tense? What is the concept of the Hebrew word 'az' - then? Why does the Exodus climax with a son...
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Shemos - Foundations of Exile from 2013-12-20T11:55
What is the depth behind the concept of exile? Why do the children of Israel go through exile, while Yishmael and Esav do not? How and why does Hashem bring us gently down into exile? What was the ...
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Vaeychi - Finding Good Points from 2013-12-13T13:35
Why is Yakov unable to bless Yosef's sons? How is Yosef able to bring back the divine presence so Yakov can bless them? What is the difference between the approach of Yakov and Yosef? What is the c...
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Mikeitz and Chanukah - Stepping Up from 2013-11-29T13:04
Why is Mikeitz always read on Shabbos Chanukah? Why does the story stop at the moment before Yosef reveals himself? Or more precisely, as Yehuda is about to step up? If the victory of Chanukah was ...
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Vayeshev - Unconditional Love and Judgment from 2013-11-21T13:37
What was at the root of the animosity the brothers had toward Yosef? If Yosef was a tzaddik, who represented the concept of Hashem's unconditional love, why did that love not seem to extend to his ...
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Vayishlach - Secret of the Ibbur from 2013-11-15T13:37
What is the concept of the 'additional' revelation of Hashem to Yakov in this week's parsha? What is the blessing he receives? How does this relate to the land of Israel? What is the concept of the...
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Chayei Sarah - Spiritual Roots from 2013-10-25T11:11
Why does Avraham reject the daughters of Aner, Eshkol and Mamrei, even though they are righteous? Why does he send Eliezer back to his own family, if they seem to be far from righteous? What is the...
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Vayera - Chamber of Exchanges from 2013-10-17T22:57
Why does Hashem reveal Himself to Avraham in the fields of Mamrei? Who are Aner, Eshkol and Mamrei? Why do they join Avraham in his fight to retrieve his nephew Lot? Why do the people of Canaan occ...
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Lech Lecha - Find Your Voice! from 2013-10-11T13:56
Why does Hashem use such an usual instruction which literally means 'go to you' when instructing Abraham to go to Israel? What is the unique point of truth that resides in every person? Why must Ab...
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Simchas Torah-Breishis - Full Circle from 2013-09-25T21:32
Why do we immediately return to the beginning of the Torah as we complete it? Why is the 'party' on the eighth day of Succos - the one that is just for the Jewish people - so small? Why does the To...
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Succos and Yosef from 2013-09-18T22:18
What is the connection between Yosef and Succos? Why do we read the prophecies of Gog and Magog during Succos? Why do we leave our homes and enter these temporary dwelling places? How do we remind ...
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Yom Kippur and Unity from 2013-09-13T21:45
Why is the concept of unity so central to Yom Kippur? Why does the High Priest bring an incense offering in the holiest of holies? What is the power of song in bringing us to repentance? Find out i...
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Nitsavim-Vayelech - Climbing the Spiritual Ladder from 2013-08-30T17:37
Why does the fisherman feel he can fish, but can not be spiritual? What is the soft rebuke that Elijah the prophet gives him? What are the two secrets of spiritual growth that R' Nosson of Breslov ...
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Ki Savo - Using This Day from 2013-08-23T15:23
Why does Moshe keep repeating the word 'hayom' - 'today?' What is the significance of the word today? How does one properly utilize this day? Why should one not put off 'til tomorrow something he c...
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Ki Seitze - Facing the Spiritual War from 2013-08-16T15:55
Why does the Torah stress that one is to be careful about illicit and licentious behavior in times of war? What is the difference between co-dependent and interdependent relationships? How do we fa...
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Ekev - Balancing Love and Awe from 2013-07-25T12:39
What is the concept of 'fear' in the Torah? How is it expressed on a deeper level as awe? Why does the Torah include the concept of awe right beside love of God? Why is the preface for both 'And No...
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Vaeschanan - Love Hashem with all your heart from 2013-07-19T14:11
What is the symbolism of the egg that is eaten in the final meal before Tisha B'av? What is the significance of the idea that Moshiach is born on Tisha B'av? How does one serve Hashem with one's ph...
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Devarim - Song and Prayer of Redemption from 2013-07-11T23:47
We study together the secret of the joy of Moshiach (Messiah) that is all about the revelation of God in the world, and how it is awakened through the female aspect, as is represented by King David...
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Pinchas - Mantle of Leadership from 2013-06-27T16:55
What is the connection between Pinchos, inheriting the land, the daughters of Tzlafchad, and the appointment of Yehoshua? Why do the Jewish people face a test in the area of licentious relations as...
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Balak - Forces and Counter-forces from 2013-06-20T12:48
Why is Balak so bent on destroying the Jewish people? Why does his desire for their destruction not wane despite the miracles Hashem performs on their behalf? Why does Hashem give power to those wh...
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Chukas - Songs of Salvation from 2013-06-14T14:40
What is the concept of the song of the well? Why are these songs always sung after some miraculous salvation? What is the song that will be aroused in the future? What is the concept of the 'one wh...
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Shlach - Inclusive Spirituality from 2013-05-31T13:18
Why does the Arizal indicate that the spies and their generation were on a level that was beyond the land of Israel? How does this reconcile with the fact that they sinned in speaking negatively of...
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Behaaloscha - Holiness Amidst Impurity from 2013-05-24T16:27
In this week's podcast, we study the lesson of R' Nosson on the verses which speak about the Pesach Sheni - the second chance at bringing the Passover sacrifice, which was revealed through the requ...
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Nasso - Serving Hashem Intuitively from 2013-05-17T12:34
What is the significance of the special offering of the Nesi'im, the princes of the tribes of Israel? How did they know to give the wagons and oxen which would transport the tabernacle? Why was Mos...
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Bimidbar - Counting the Uncountable from 2013-05-10T15:14
Why does the parsha of Bimidbar always come out before Shavuos? What is the concept of counting? Is counting a positive thing or a negative thing? If counting shows Hashem's love for us, why do we ...
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Emor - Serving God With Simplicity from 2013-04-24T12:38
What is the concept of the counting of the Omer? Why does the Torah specifically say 'and you shall count for yourselves?' What is the depth of the idea of serving Hashem with simplicity? What is t...
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Tazria-Metzora - Facing Spiritual Sickness from 2013-04-12T12:34
What is the nature of the spiritual illnesses of Tzara'as and Zivah? What is the difference between them? Why does Hashem say to 'speak to the children of Israel' only in regards to the impurity of...
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Pesach - Pieces of Completion from 2013-03-29T12:26
What is the depth of the count from Pesach (Passover) to Shavuos? How were the Jews able to be redeemed through a merit that was only to be in the future - of receiving the Torah? What is the conce...
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Tzav - Purity of intent from 2013-03-22T14:01
Why is Aharon's name not mentioned in the commands to the Kohanim until the olah sacrifice is commanded? Why does Hashem specifically desire Aharon's service despite his involvement in the sin of t...
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Vayikra - Voice of Love from 2013-03-15T13:48
Why does God speak in a loud voice that is only heard by Moshe? Why is the soul singled out when it comes to sin? Why is the body not held accountable for sin? What is the understanding of the deep...
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Tetzaveh - Mishkan and Purim from 2013-02-22T13:18
Why do we have two Parshios that speak of the construction of the Mishkan before and after the sin of the Golden Calf? What is the depth of the concept of Purim, where Hashem brings an aspect of th...
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Terumah - Expansion in Constriction from 2013-02-15T14:05
What is the significance of the fact that the Holy Ark carried those who carried it? And that it took up no space? And that Hashem spoke to Moshe from on top of the angelic figures that stood upon ...
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Bo - Willingness vs Defiance from 2013-01-18T13:04
Why does the Ramban say that the plague of Locusts is the one we are to tell over to our children? Why does Hashem describe this plague as the one which shows how He has made a mockery of Egypt? Wh...
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Vaera - Raising the Cup of Salvation from 2013-01-11T11:39
What is the difference between the name Kel Shakai and Hashem (Yud Kei Vav Kei)? Why does Hashem tell Moshe to tell the Jewish people of their imminent redemption if they don't have the capability ...
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Vayechi - Blessings and Prayers from 2012-12-27T22:16
What is the general concept of a blessing? Why do I need to go to a tzaddik to get a bracha? What does a bracha do for me more than I already have, and why can’t I access it myself? When Yaakov giv...
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Vayigash - Tears, Silence and Shechina from 2012-12-21T13:58
What is the difference between the crying Yosef does with Benjamin, as opposed to his crying with his other brothers? Why does Benjamin merit to have the Divine Presence in his portion? What is the...
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Miketz - Salvation in the blink of an eye from 2012-12-14T14:41
What is the secret of Yosef's miraculous and instantaneous turn around? How does one move past envy? How does one focus on spiritual desires? How does one merit Hashem's salvation in the blink of a...
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Important Message from 2012-12-05T16:41
This is an important message for anyone who listens to the podcast.
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Vayishlach - Truth of the Soul from 2012-11-29T23:41
Why does Yaakov return for the pachim ketanim - the small jugs? Why does the angel fight with him at that very moment? What is the difference between Esav's statement 'yesh li rav,' - I have a lot ...
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Vayetzei - Synthesis of Opposites from 2012-11-22T21:47
What is the significance of the contrast between Rebecca coming to Israel to marry Isaac, as opposed to Jacob going to Charan to marry Rachel and Leah? Why is it as 'hard' for Hashem to create matc...
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Toldos - Abraham, Isaac and Jacob from 2012-11-14T18:09
How do we see a reference to all three patriarchs in the first verse of the parsha? What does the midrash mean when it says that Avraham was saved from the fire in the merit of his grandson Jacob? ...
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Lech Lecha - Inspiring Impressions from 2012-10-26T13:14
Why does the Torah stress the fact that Sarah was so beautiful? What does the midrash mean when it says that Abraham realized how beautiful she was when he saw her reflection in the Nile river? Why...
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Noach - Illusion and Reality from 2012-10-19T11:44
If water is a creative force, why is the world being destroyed by water? What is the connection between the cooling of the waters and cooling of the anger of Achashverosh in the story of Purim? Wha...
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Breishis - Waters of Love from 2012-10-11T16:14
Why is the creation of water not mentioned in the narrative of Creation? What is the concept of the upper and lower waters? Why was the lower water originally a mixture of water and earth? Why is t...
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Ki Seitze - Sending away the mother from 2012-08-31T12:03
What is the concept of sending away the mother bird? How does it relate to the idea of Binah - intuition? What is the depth of the reward of 'long days?' How can one reach a goal if one is overwhel...
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Shoftim - Preparing for war from 2012-08-24T12:58
How can we be assured that God will be with us when we go out to war? Why does the Kohen use the phrase 'Shema Yisrael' - Hear O Israel - when he introduces his speech to the cavalry? Why is the co...
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Reeh - Elul - culmination and preparation from 2012-08-17T10:26
What is the deeper concept of the three festivals? What is the idea of the seven months that they span? How does Elul represent the concept of both preparation and culmination? What is the concept ...
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Ekev - Divine Advice from 2012-08-10T14:43
How does one approach the problem of becoming confused and believing that he has accomplished on his own? How does one realize that it is really Hashem who has given the advice to his heart? Why do...
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Devarim-Tisha Bav - Where is His place? from 2012-07-26T22:23
Why do we always read Devarim on Parshas Chazon - the Shabbos before Tisha B'av? Why do we comfort mourners with a reference to a consolation from Hashem as 'hamakom' - the place? Why do the angels...
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Matos Masei - Vows, Humility and Unity from 2012-07-20T11:49
Why does the Torah speak only briefly about the vows of a man, and then speak at length about the vows of women? What is the deeper understanding of the Torah's teaching that are women's vows behol...
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Pinchas - Zealous Patience from 2012-07-12T11:49
What are the two approaches to guiding the Jewish people? When is it appropriate to be zealous? When is it appropriate to be patient? What is the significance of the fact that the stories of both P...
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Balak - Truth and Will from 2012-07-05T14:36
Bilam seems to be a good guy. Why do chazal paint him in such a bad light - Bilam Harasha!Why do we have this funny interaction where the donkey knows about the malach even before Bilam? What is th...
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Chukas - Waters of Desire from 2012-06-29T10:32
What is the concept of the well? When was the song of the well sung? Who sang the song? Why was there a song connected to the water? Why was it specifically the merit of Miriam that was the cause o...
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Korach - Jewish Leadership from 2012-06-22T10:57
What is the superficial view behind the rebellion of Korach? What is the special character of Aharon that is being challenged? How does this story parallel the story of Yosef and his brothers? What...
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Shelach - Spiritual resonance from 2012-06-13T17:43
What is the deeper idea behind the story of the spies? What was the great sin of the Jewish people in this story? Why does Hashem seem so angry with them, to the point that He is ready to destroy t...
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Behaaloscha - Doing what you really want from 2012-06-08T12:32
Why does the command to light the Menorah in the sanctuary immediately follow the sacrifices of the Nesi'im of the tribes? What is the underlying concept of those sacrifices? What is the underlying...
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Naso - Love and Respect from 2012-05-30T16:15
Why does the Torah place the concept of the encampments next to the idea of Metzora? The midrash tells us that the Jewish people were cured of this type of ailment at Mount Sinai, and that it retur...
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Bimidbar - Reflecting Hashem's Love from 2012-05-24T18:21
What is the concept of counting the Jewish people? How does it show Hashem's love for us? Why is it necessary to involve the heads of the tribes in the count? What is the significance of the midras...
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Bechukosai - Facing the Truth from 2012-05-18T13:25
Why does the Torah speak so forcefully in the Tochacha (Admonition)? Why does it seem so negative? What is the concept of different dimensions of truth? How does one access deeper truth? Find out i...
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Behar - Thanking Hashem for the challenges from 2012-05-10T13:13
Why does the Torah place the concept of Shemitah directly after the Mekalel (one who cursed Hashem)? What is the depth of the concept of Shmitah and Shabbos? Why is the song of Shabbos a song of th...
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Acharei Kedoshim - Understanding the logic of illogic from 2012-04-27T15:27
Why is the service of the Kohen Gadol on Yom Kippur prefaced with the death of Nadav and Avihu? What is the connection between Pesach and Yom Kippur? What is the depth of the idea of the Holy of Ho...
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Tazria Metzora - Birth and Rebirth from 2012-04-20T14:11
Why is the pain of birth followed by the pain of separation from relationship? What are the stages of birth and rebirth? What is the parallel between the birth process and the redemption process? H...
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Shmini - Six, seven and eight from 2012-04-12T14:40
Why is the mishkan completed on the same day as the creation of Man? What is the significance of the fact that it is both the sixth day of creation and the eighth day of the mishkan? What is the de...
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Pesach - Leaving Egypt with great riches from 2012-04-06T13:36
Why is it necessary for the Jewish people to be enslaved in Egypt? What does Egypt represent? What is the concept of the Jewish people leaving Egypt with great riches? Why is the Mishkan and Beis H...
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Tzav - Traversing Adar and Nissan from 2012-03-29T20:07
Why does the dedication of the sanctuary begin in Adar and finish in Nissan? Why does the creation of the world start in Adar and end in Nissan? What is the connection between Purim and Pesach? Why...
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Vayikra - Prayer and sacrifice from 2012-03-21T19:37
What is the concept of the sacrifices? What is the connection between sacrifice and prayer? Why are both of these concepts called 'avodah' - service? What is the difference between service of Hashe...
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Vayakhel Pekudei - Sensing Hashem in our lives from 2012-03-14T15:42
What is the deeper connection between Shabbos and the Mishkan? How did all of the parts of the Mishkan come together seamlessly if they were made by so many different people? How were the artisans ...
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Tetzaveh - Valuing our purpose from 2012-02-29T14:37
Why does the Torah specify that the pure olive oil is to be brought to Moshe? How does one tap into the aspect of Lishma - pure motivation? How does one recognize one's true purpose and move out of...
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Terumah - Secret of Lishma from 2012-02-22T17:17
Why does the Torah refer to the donation to Mishkan as 'taking?' What is the concept of Lishma? Why do we refer to a pure motive as 'for the sake of Hashem's name?' Why is this a requirement specif...
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Mishpatim - Closeness and Tikkun from 2012-02-15T14:04
Why is the narrative of the revelation at Sinai interrupted with the laws of Mishpatim? Were these laws given at this point? In light of the statement of Chazal that the Jewish people had returned ...
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Bo - Spiritual depth perception from 2012-01-27T12:08
What is special about the plauge of the firstborn? Why must the Jews remain inside for this plague? Why is the mitzvah of Tefillin given at this point? How does the Tefillin remind us of the exodus...
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Vaera - Moshe and Aharon, the Geulah team from 2012-01-20T12:26
Why are Moshe and Aharon both necessary for the redemption to take place? Why does it seem that Moshe is initially supposed to be the only redeemer? What is the special attribute of each of the bro...
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Shemos - Birthpangs of Redemption from 2012-01-13T12:20
Why does the plight of the Jewish people worsen with Moshe's revelation as redeemer? What is the reason for this pattern repeating in subsequent redemptions - before the second temple and in the fi...
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Vayigash - Deep Tikkun from 2011-12-30T10:18
What is the root of the problem that caused Yosef to go down to Egypt? What is the deep tikkun that is accomplished through the entire story? Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.
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Miketz - Pawn of Hashem from 2011-12-23T13:52
Why does Yosef treat his brothers so harshly? Does he still bear resentment toward them? Why is he so intent on bringing Binyomin down to Egypt with them? Why does he seem to be playing God? Find o...
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Vayeshev - Making of a leader from 2011-12-15T23:42
Why does the Torah stress that Yosef brought a negative report of his brothers to his father? Why does the midrash stress that all of his travails were a result of specifically this negative report...
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Toldos - Space for defiance from 2011-11-24T22:09
What is the connection between Isaac's passivity in the face of the king of Gerar, and Yaakov's running away from Esav after stealing the blessings? What is the concept of the 'time of defiance?' W...
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Chayei Sarah - Neshama, the lit candle from 2011-11-18T13:14
What is the connection between the story of Avraham and the angels to his discovery of the cave of Machpela? What is the concept of the 'lit candle' he finds there? What is the connection between A...
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Vayera - Revealing God's plan from 2011-11-11T14:54
Why does Avraham's meeting with the angels occur in conjunction with Pesach? Why does the destruction of Sodom occur concurrently? Why is Yitzchak born on Pesach? Why does the binding of Isaac occu...
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Lech Lecha - Avraham and Canaan from 2011-11-03T22:20
Why do the people of Canaan inhabit the holy land? Why does Hashem seem to send Avraham to specifically do his outreach with the Canaanites? What is Sodom's connection to Avraham? What is the king ...
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Noach - Spiritual hibernation from 2011-10-26T19:42
Why does the flood occur in the month of Cheshvan? Why does the 'atzeres' of Pesach occur fifty days later, whereas the 'atzeres' of Succos immediately follows the holiday? What is the contrast bet...
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Bereshis - Creation's resistance from 2011-10-24T21:36
Why does the Alef complain that the Torah began with a Beis? What is Hashem's consolation? Why does the moon complain? Why do the trees complain? Why does there seem to be so much resistance in Cre...
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Succos - Circling the center from 2011-10-23T11:40
Why do we shake the lulav and esrog during hallel? Why do we only shake it at certain verses? Why do we stop shaking at Hashem's name? Why does the Torah stay in the center without moving during Ho...
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Nitsavim-Vayelech - Today from 2011-09-23T13:18
Why does Moshe keep repeating the word 'today?' What is the concept of today? How is it related to Moshe Rabenu's death? How is it connected to Rosh Hashana? What was Haman's mistake about Moshe's ...
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Ki Savo - Blessings from Alef to Tav from 2011-09-15T23:29
Why are blessings only found when the item to be blessed is hidden from the eye? Why are the ways we are to emulate Hashem all involving patience with the wicked? What is it that the nations truly ...
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Ki Seitzei - War of the Soul from 2011-09-09T13:02
What is the analogy between the Evil Inclination's general approach and the beautiful gentile woman captive? How does this connect to the concept of Shmitah? How does one develop a sense of abundan...
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Shoftim - The Judge's example from 2011-09-02T11:51
What is the 'strength' that the Judge must show? How does one develop the humility that others will be drawn to? What is the difference between the 'honor of kings' and 'the honor of Hashem?' What ...
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Reeh - Cessation at Seven from 2011-08-25T19:30
Why are the festivals all connected to the number seven? What is their connection to the seven of Shabbos? What is the special idea of simcha, joy, in this context? What is the connection to Elul, ...
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Ekev - 120 days from 2011-08-19T17:23
How do we understand the concept of the one hundred and twenty days Moshe was on Har Sinai? What is the difference between the first and second set of luchos (tablets)? What is the concept of Chasa...
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Vaeschanan - True Love from 2011-08-12T13:27
What is the concept of the Shema? Why does Rashi say that the Unity of Hashem that we are speaking of is in the future? How does one love Hashem? What are the two types of fear and love of Hashem? ...
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Devarim - Where are you? from 2011-08-05T17:19
What is the meaning of the word 'Eicha?' What is the theme that runs through the word as we find it in Lamentations and in our parsha? What is the connection to the story of Adam in the Garden of E...
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Masei - Coverings and Contrasts from 2011-07-29T12:17
What is the concept of the Succah? How does it remind us of the Divine Presence? Why does the same force of protection of the Jordan river have the potential to destroy us? Why must we remove the n...
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Matos - Humility and redemption from 2011-07-22T13:17
Why does Moshe forget a law? Why does he give Elazar Hakohen the chance to say the law? Why is it necessary for Elazar to quote Moshe by name? What is the concept of bringing redemption by quoting ...
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Pinchas - Shmini Atzeres and Pinchas from 2011-07-15T16:35
What is the connection between Pinchas and Shmini Atzeres? What is the connection between Shmini atzeres and Shavuos? What is the connection between Shmini atzeres and Chanukah? Find out in this we...
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Chukas - Sweetening Judgments from 2011-06-30T19:52
Why does the mitzvah of the red heifer immediately follow the accusation against Aharon of being unworthy? why must it be completely red? What does the color red represent? Why is it specifically a...
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Korach - Acceptance and consequence from 2011-06-24T12:54
Why did Moshe tell the 250 levi'im to bring an offering which meant certain death for them? How do we understand his actions that were submissive? Why does Aharon perform the atonement when the Jew...
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Shlach - Power of trust from 2011-06-17T14:30
Did the spies really look like grasshoppers in the eyes of the giants? Why did Hashem allow the negative desire of the spies - to prevent the Jewish people from entering Israel - to be fulfilled? W...
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Behaaloscha - Trumpets and troubles from 2011-06-10T13:16
Why does Hashem wait for Moshe to command Him to travel? What is the concept of the trumpets? Why are they blown during the travels? Why are they blown at difficult times in Jewish history? What is...
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Bimidbar - Lesson of the wilderness from 2011-05-27T11:18
Why are the Jewish people counted? What does the midrash imply by telling us how each of the names of the nesi'im had to do with some essential aspect of his tribe? Did they have any personality of...
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Bechukosai - The five borrowed Vav's from 2011-05-20T13:38
Why does the verse refer to Hashem remembering Yakov before redemption? Why isn't the name Yisrael used? Why is it spelled with an extra letter Vav? Why is the vav taken from Eliyahu? What do Eliya...
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Behar - The Real Secret from 2011-05-13T12:37
How is it possible that one can receive reward for a mitzvah has not yet fulfilled? How can one access a true level of complete trust in Hashem? What was Yosef's secret of success? What is the Tora...
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Emor - Transforming the physical from 2011-05-06T15:09
Why is this time period referred to as the counting of the omer? What is the significance of the sacrifice? And why is it brought on the second day of Pesach, as opposed to the first day? What abou...
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Kedoshim - Holiness and Lishma from 2011-04-29T12:40
What is the concept of Holiness? Why are we enjoined to be holy because 'Hashem is Holy?' What is the idea that everything in reality is an expression of Hashem? How does one emulate Hashem's pure ...
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Acharei Mos - Seducing the Satan from 2011-04-15T14:13
How do we offer a sacrifice to the Other Side on Yom Kippur? Why does the atonement occur at that point? Why do we offer the exact same type of animal to Hashem and seemingly to the Other Side? Is ...
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Metzora - Unconditional love from 2011-04-08T11:23
In light of the destructive effect of Lashon Hara, we discuss the healing power of unconditional love.
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Tazria - Milah, word and circumcision from 2011-04-01T13:38
What is the connection between the concept of circumcision and Lashon Hara, destructive speech? What is the power of words? Why is Man referred to as a 'speaking spirit?' Why does the Torah want us...
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Shmini - Simcha and sadness from 2011-03-24T22:53
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 Aharo...
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Tzav and Purim - Secret of Seventy from 2011-03-17T21:42
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 (???) and secret (???) both seventy? What is the depth o...
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Vayikra - Understanding forgiveness from 2011-03-11T14:24
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 relations...
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Vayakhel - Active and passive relationship from 2011-02-24T23:26
Why does Shabbos introduce the mishkan? Why are the prohibitions of Shabbos based around the acts of creating the mishkan? Why is fire/cooking the one melacha singled out? Why is cooking referred t...
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Ki Sisa - Rebuilding relationships from 2011-02-18T11:51
How could Aharon Hakohen be involved in the making of the Golden calf? If he was the one who pursued peace and was concerned with relationships, how could he be a party to this violation of the Jew...
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Tetzaveh - Clothes that atone from 2011-02-10T23:27
What is the significance of the special clothing of the kohanim? How does the Kohen gadol serve to atone for the entire Jewish people? What does it mean that his clothing atones for certain great s...
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Terumah - Spiritual gravity from 2011-02-04T08:17
Why does the Torah go straight from the story of Moshe going up on Har Sinai into the commandment to build the mishkan? What do chazal mean when they say that "????? ??" means that it should be tak...
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Mishpatim - Seeing and hearing from 2011-01-28T00:44
Why is the first of the Mishpatim specifically the law of the Jewish slave? What is the significance of the fact that his ear is pierced at the doorpost? Why is he reminded of what he 'heard' at Si...
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Yisro - Light in the darkness from 2011-01-20T18:27
What is the significance of the advice of Yisro to Moshe to delegate his responsibilities? Why is this advice specifically given by Yisro, someone who has tried every form of idolatry? Why is the T...
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Beshalach - Water, prophecy and song from 2011-01-14T14:32
Why is the climax of the Exodus specifically at Yam Suf, a body of water? What is the significance of the fact that there was an incredible level of prophecy at yam suf? Why does the Torah stress, ...
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Bo - Keser and Malchus from 2011-01-06T13:25
Why were the first nine plagues performed by Moshe or Ahron, but the plague of the firstborn was done by Hashem Himself? Why did the Jews have to do something active to be excluded from the plague,...
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Vaera - Lesson of the frogs from 2010-12-31T00:50:30
Why were the first two plagues the only ones the magicians could replicate? Is there a significant difference between Moshe's miracle of the frogs, as opposed to the magicians'? Why did the plague ...
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Shemos - Moshe and names from 2010-12-24T15:59:30
What is the significance of the fact that this book is called Shemos - 'Names?' What is the significance of the numerous mention of names in the parsha - the names of Hashem, the names of the tribe...
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Vayechi - Modesty and blessings from 2010-12-17T00:59
What is the significance of the fact that Menashe and Efraim are the paradigm which is used to bless all the children of the Jewish people? Why are they blessed to multiply like fish? What is the d...
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Vayigash - Climax and culmination from 2010-12-10T12:16
How do we view the tikkun of the reunification of the family of Yisrael? How do we understand the dichotomy of the redemptive qualities of this event, as opposed to the fact that it is the start of...
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Miketz - Chanukah and Yosef from 2010-12-03T01:06
What is the connection between Yosef and Chanukah? What is the 'great miracle' of Chanukah? What is the concept of 'advertising the miracle?' Why does the name of the Maccabi's consist of an acrost...
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Vayeshev - Shimon and Yosef from 2010-11-26T00:05
Why was it specifically Shimon that wanted to kill Yosef? What was the difference between the roles of Shimon and Levi? How was that reflected in Zimri and Pinchos? Why did Dina want to specificall...
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Vayishlach - Rochel, Yakov, Binyomin from 2010-11-19T15:04
Why is Yakov given another name? What is the significance of the name Yisrael? Why is it given immediately before Binyomin's birth? Why does Rochel die as Binyomin is born? What is the secret spiri...
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Vayetzei - Catalyst for Good from 2010-11-11T22:28
Why do we find that Esav's anger is the catalyst for Yakov being sent to Charan to begin his family? Why is there so much emotional difficulty surrounding the relationships of Leah, Rochel and Yako...
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Toldos - Beginnings and Ends from 2010-11-05T02:51
How do we understand the unusual fact that Yakov is named for the heel (ekev)? What is the significance of the fact that Yakov was holding Esav's heel as they were being born? Why is Yakov so inten...
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Chayei Sarah - Passing the mantle from 2010-10-29T12:36
What is the connection between the death of Sarah and the marriage of Yitzchak and Rivka? What is the progression from the akeidah to the purchase of land in Chevron to their marriage? Why do our c...
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Vayera - Times of transition from 2010-10-21T22:52
Why does Hashem send the same group of angels to inform Avraham and Sarah of Yitzchak's birth and cure Avraham, who continue on to destroy Sodom? Why do these two events occur concurrently? Why doe...
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Lech Lecha - Beauty and spirituality from 2010-10-15T00:09
What is the significance of Sarah's beauty? Why does Avraham only tell her to refer to him as her brother when they go down to Egypt? Why does the Torah seem to place great significance on the fact...
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Noach - The Flood and the Dispersion from 2010-10-07T13:05
What is the deeper story behind the generation of the dispersion? What was their sin? What did they mean when they said, 'Let us make a name for ourselves?' What is the contrast between their sin a...
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Bereshis - The snake and the Satan from 2010-09-29T13:09
Why does the snake cause man to sin? What does it mean that the spiritual being, the Satan, that 'rode' on the snake was jealous? How does an exalted spiritual being experience jealousy? What was t...
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Succos - Beyond relationship from 2010-09-22T12:46
What is the deeper concept of Lulav and succah? How are they connected? Why don't we perform these mitzvos on Shmini Atzeres? Why is the concept of Succah related to shade? Why is our Succah connec...
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Yom Kippur - Bribing the Satan from 2010-09-17T01:44
What is the secret of the goat that was sent to the wilderness? How can we conceive of the concept of a bribe for the Satan? What is the parallel to the story of Yakov and Esav? How does this apply...
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Haazinu-Rosh Hashana - Bearing witness from 2010-09-07T23:21
How can the heavens and earth bear witness? Why is the Torah referred to as a song? How can a song bear witness? Why is Rosh Hashana on the only holiday on the first day of the month? Why was Adam ...
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Nitzavim-Vayelech - Hashem is close from 2010-09-02T22:31
Why does the Torah stress that the commandments are not far away? What does it mean that they are in 'your mouth and your heart to do them?' What is the deeper concept of Teshuva - repentance - and...
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Ki Savo - Choosing Hashem from 2010-08-26T17:38
Why does the Torah speak extensively about the curses that befall those who violate the Torah? What is the contrast between the initial accepting of the Torah at Sinai, as opposed to the second acc...
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Ki Seitsei - Rejoicing in marriage from 2010-08-19T23:38
Why does the Torah place the onus of bringing about marital harmony on the man? What is the connection between marriage and prohibition of taking collateral from the debtor's means of livelihood? W...
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Shoftim - Trusting the sages from 2010-08-12T23:27
Why are we enjoined to follow the words of the sages? What is the secret of why Hashem trusts them? Why are we to follow them even if they tell us something that seems to be against Hashem's will? ...
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Re'eh - Understanding idolatry from 2010-08-05T11:58
Why is it so essential to uproot idolatry as a prerequisite to fulfilling the Torah? Why do our sage say that one who denies the validity of idolatry is considered as if he has fulfilled the entire...
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Ekev - Two types of relationship from 2010-07-29T23:40
What are the two different types of relationship with Hashem that the Jews had in the wilderness? What is Moshe's advice for each? How does this play itself out to this day? Find out in this week's...
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Vaeschanan - Hashem and Israel's love from 2010-07-22T23:59
What is the foundation of Hashem's love for the Jewish people? What does the Torah mean when it says that the Jews are few/small? Why does the Torah specifically speak of this love in contrast to h...
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Matos-Masei - The Midyan war from 2010-07-07T22:19
Why is the war with Midyan prefaced with the laws of vows? Why is Moshe told that he will die immediately after this war? Why does Pinchas lead them in battle, and not Yehoshua? Why did Pinchos bri...
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Pinchas - The Pinchas-Eliyahu connection from 2010-07-02T00:47
Why does Eliyahu/Pinchas appear and disappear throughout history? Why is Eliyahu involved in giving over the secrets of the Torah through all generations? What is the deeper message of the genealog...
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Balak - Mystery of Bilam from 2010-06-24T22:54
How could Bilam, an evil lowlife, be able to merit such a lofty level of prophecy? Why does his donkey speak? Why is he able to speak about the end of days, which only Yakov and Moshe speak of in t...
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Chukas - The death of Miriam from 2010-06-18T00:41
Why did Miriam die just as the Jews were about to enter Israel at the end of the forty years? Why is the matter of her death not discussed by any commentaries? What is the connection between her de...
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Korach - Understanding the female aspect from 2010-06-11T00:24
What is at the root of Korach's rebellion? Why does Korach come with the argument that a garment which is completely Techeles (blue wool) need not have the tzitzis hung on its corners? What is the ...
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Shelach - Transcendent Jewish Unity from 2010-06-03T23:20
Why does the Torah seem to imply that Hashem initiated the sending of the spies, if in fact, as Rashi says, it was initiated by the Jewish people themselves? What were the spies expected to accompl...
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Behaaloscha - Revealing Hidden Light from 2010-05-27T22:37
Why was the mitzvah of Pesach Sheni revealed through the question of the impure individuals? How can one 'make up' the korban Pesach (Passover offering) in a different month? What is the spiritual ...
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Nasso - Responsibly Leading from 2010-05-20T21:51
What was the mistake of the Nesi'im (princes)? How did they rectify this mistake with the wagons and offerings they brought? Why does the Torah start and end the parsha talking about the mishkan bu...
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Shavuos - Torah through the night from 2010-05-18T17:23
What is the deeper significance of the custom to stay up all night learning Torah? Why did the Jewish people wake up late on the morning of receiving the Torah? What is the parallel to Yakov who al...
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Bimidbar - Intensifying relationships from 2010-05-13T18:18
What is the significance of the fact that the Torah introduces the counting of the people of Israel by informing us that Hashem spoke to Moshe in the desert of Sinai and the mishkan? Why were the L...
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Behar-Bechukosai - Connection through disconnection from 2010-05-07T00:30
Why is Shmitah only in Israel, whereas Shabbos is all over the world? Not keeping Shmitah causes the Jewish people to be sent into exile. What is the connection? Why is the concept of Shmitah follo...
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Emor - Conduit of blessings from 2010-04-29T23:30
What is the concept of the Lechem Hapanim? Why are there specifically two rows of six loaves of bread? What is the function of the frankincense that is part of the offering? Why was it saved from w...
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Acharei-Kedoshim - Understanding true holiness from 2010-04-22T16:05
What is the connection between the Avodah of the Kohen Gadol on Yom Kippur and the forbidden sexual relationships? What is the significance of the fact that the Torah prefaces the topics in our par...
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Tazria-Metzora - Seven and Unity from 2010-04-15T23:42
Why do we mainly find this unusual sickness in regards to the concept of lashon hara - forbidden speech? Why does this sickness cover the skin? Why do we find that this sickness can also be found o...
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Shemini - True leadership from 2010-04-08T22:51
What was the sin of Nadav and Avihu? What was their motivation to bring this fire into the holy of holies? Didn't they know this place was only for the Kohen Gadol on Yom Kippur? Why is their death...
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Pesach - Ultimate rectification from 2010-04-02T12:58
Why does Pesach consist of seven days, as opposed to Succos which is eight? What is the significance of the fact that we consistently bring the same korbanos every day of Pesach? Why are the mitzvo...
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Tzav - Oil of transcendence from 2010-03-25T22:54
What is the concept of the oil of anointing? Why was it poured on the head? Why did it consist of specifically twelve measures? Why was it poured on the head? What is the significance of the parall...
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Vayikra - Expansion in Limitation from 2010-03-18T23:40
What is the deeper meaning of the concept of the korbanos? How does the sacrifice of animals enhance our relationship with Hashem? Why was Noach able to bring all the Kosher animals as sacrifices, ...
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Vayakhel Pekudei - Hashem's Unconditional Love from 2010-03-11T17:51
Why is the parsha of the sin of the golden calf found right in the middle of the account of the building of the mishkan? Has anything changed in the relationship between the Jewish people and Hash...
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Ki Sisa - Reflecting the light from 2010-03-04T23:59
Why is the story of the the sin of the Golden Calf prefaced with the giving of the luchos to Moshe? Why did that specifically occur on the last of the forty days? Why were the Jews in such a rush t...
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Tetzaveh and Purim - Hidden connection from 2010-02-25T23:49
Why is Moshe's name absent from this parsha? Why did he want to be erased? What is the deeper understanding of the obligation to erase the memory of Amalek? Why is Hashem's name left out of the meg...
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Terumah - In and out of reality from 2010-02-18T21:24
What is the deeper concept of donating to and creating the sanctuary specifically for Hashem's name? What does it really mean that the Jewish people create a sanctuary, and then Hashem dwells in th...
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Mishpatim - Partners in Reality from 2010-02-11T21:28
What is the significance of the angel that guides the Jewish people into Israel? Why does Hashem hint to the future sin of the Jewish people at the very time that they are coming into their relatio...
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Yisro - Finding the true God from 2010-02-04T16:39
What is the significance of Yisro 'hearing' about the miracles Hashem performed for the Jewish people? Why does he first speak about Elokim, and only then about Hashem (Havaya)? What new informatio...
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Beshalach - Understanding relationships from 2010-01-28T21:17
Why does the Torah refer to the Jewish people as being sent out by Paroh? Wouldn't it be more accurate to say that Hashem sent them out? If he indeed sent them out, why does he change his mind so f...
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Bo - Gathering sparks from 2010-01-21T18:21
What is the purpose of the Jewish people undergoing exile? What do our sages mean when they say that part of the reason is to bring lost Jewish souls back through conversion? Why was Paroh so scare...
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Vaera - Power of change from 2010-01-14T16:32
What is the concept of the name of Havaya that is being revealed through the Exodus? Why is the lineage of only the first three tribes given? Why is it placed here? What is the concept of Moshe's s...
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Shemos - Pride, self destruction, and redemption from 2010-01-08T00:25
Why is it necessary to ask Paroh to free the Jews? Why not just leave? Furthermore, why ask if he will just say no? Why is it that Paroh never heard of Hashem? Wasn't he an expert in all the gods t...
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Vayechi - Efraim, Yosef and fruit from 2010-01-01T07:46
What is the significance of the Efraim's priority over Menashe? What is the meaning of his name, and what does it have to do with fruitfulness? What is the parallel between this and Yosef's name? F...
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Vayigash - Secret of tears from 2009-12-24T23:43
What is the significance of Yosef's crying? Why is crying done on the 'neck?' Why do Binyamin and Yosef cry about the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash and Mishkan? Why does crying denote sincerity...
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Miketz - Clothing, the bris, food and speech from 2009-12-17T23:15
There are four themes that run through the entire story of Yosef, from beginning to end. They are the concepts of clothing, the covenant, food and speech. We explore the different places each of th...
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Vayeshev - Dreams and Chanukah from 2009-12-11T00:34
What is the deeper significance to the theme of dreams that runs throughout the story of Yosef? What is the concept of dreams in general? Why is Chanukah the only holiday that begins at the end of ...
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Vayishlach - The secret of Shechem from 2009-12-04T01:54
Why was Yakov expected to know that Dina could have brought Esav to do Teshuva? Why would she succeed where Rivka and Yitzchak had failed? What is the meaning of the mysterious connection between D...
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Vayetzei - Turn it around from 2009-11-27T00:27
Why did Yakov need to lay the foundations for the Jewish people in the house of Lavan? Why does he seem to get punished for not honoring his parents during these twenty two years by Yosef not being...
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Toldos - Esav and Moshiach ben Yosef from 2009-11-19T19:55
What is the significance of Esav's name? Why was he so involved in the physical world? Was he intrinsically evil? Why did Yakov deem it so important to buy his firstborn rights? Why did he need to ...
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Chayei Sarah - Lifting the physical from 2009-11-12T22:03
Why does the Torah place Yitzchak's name before Yishmael? Why does it specifically teach us that he repented in the context of Avraham's burial? What is the significance of the cave of Machpela? Wh...
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Vayera - Binding of Yitzchak from 2009-11-05T23:54
How is Avraham able to accept the challenge of sacrificing Yitzchak with such equanimity? Why does he challenge Hashem in regards to Sodom, but not in regards to the sacrifice of Yitzchak? What is ...
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Lech Lecha - Divine humor from 2009-10-29T23:44
Why is Yitzchak's birth surrounded by so much laughter? Why is the letter 'hei' added to both Avraham and Sarah's names before the conception of Yitzchak? Why is the circumcision a prerequisite for...
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Noach - The tzadik's role from 2009-10-23T00:04
Why do the numbers six and seven seem to occur many times in the story of Noach? What is the dual nature of the tzadik's role in the world? What is the connection between Noach and Yosef? Find out ...
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Bereshis - Subduing the Ego from 2009-10-15T12:54
What is the deeper understanding of the seduction of the snake? How does one use his free will to emulate Hashem? What is the fundamental nature of Hashem's free will, and how does He choose? How d...
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Shmini Atzeres - Vzos Habracha from 2009-10-09T00:37
What is the significance of the fact that Simchas Torah is always on Shmini Atzeres? Why is it that V'zos Habracha is the only Parsha that does not need to be read on a Shabbos? Why is the Torah sp...
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Succos, willows and water from 2009-10-01T23:59
What is the significance of the water libation ceremony? Why was it accompanied by the joyous water drawing festival? What is the significance of the Willow ceremony that was done in the Temple? Wh...
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Yom Kippur - Day of Transcendence from 2009-09-25T02:11
What is the secret of Yom Kippur? How is it connected to receiving the Torah and doing Teshuva? Why don't we eat on Yom Kippur? What is the connection between Yom Kippur and Moshe Rabbenu's stay on...
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Haazinu - Connecting Heaven and Earth from 2009-09-23T16:42
How Does Moshe call the Heavens and Earth to be his witnesses? Can inanimate objects bear witness? How is this testimony linked to the Jewish people's acceptance of the Torah? How is this theme a p...
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Rosh Hashana - Day of Unity from 2009-09-14T17:11
How do we understand the central themes of Rosh Hashana? What is the concept of Kingship? What is the concept of the Shofar? Why are we judged on this day? What does it mean that the world was crea...
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Nitzavim-Vayelech - Teshuva and Torah from 2009-09-10T23:10
What is the deeper connection between Torah and Teshuva? Why is it found in "the mouth"? How does one go about about repentance? Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.
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Ki Savo - Removing the husks from 2009-09-03T19:29
Why does the Torah focus almost exclusively on the curses? Why do we seem to find more positivity in the prophets words that speak of Moshiach? Why do we find much more positivity in the deeper sou...
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Ki Seitzei - Tasting the tree from 2009-08-27T23:18
Why does the Torah give the field worker the right to eat the fruits as he works? What is the meaning of the statement of our sages that the taste of the tree and the fruits were originally the sam...
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Shoftim - Spiritual battle preparations from 2009-08-20T23:29
Why is the merit for Hashem being on the side of the Jewish people simply saying Shema? Why are all the things the Jews are told not to fear related to sound? Why is the Kohen who speaks to the Jew...
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Re'eh - Climbing spiritual mountains from 2009-08-13T23:14
What is the significance of mountains in the ceremony at Mount Gerizim and Eval? Why does a mountain play such a crucial role in the giving of the Torah? Why is a mountain the place where the Templ...
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Ekev - Understanding Fear of Hashem from 2009-08-05T11:59
What is the concept of fear of Hashem in Judaism? Why is it the gateway through which we enter into a relationship of love with Hashem? What is the fundamental relationship of this concept to the c...
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Vaeschanan - Loving Hashem from 2009-07-30T23:22
How do we develop a love for Hashem? How do we understand our relationship with Him? Why does this parsha follow Tisha B'av?
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Devarim - Meriting Mercy from 2009-07-23T22:09
Why did Moshe start his final speech by retelling of sins the Jews he was speaking to had not even committed? What was his essential message as they entered Israel? Why did it always seem that Hash...
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Bimidbar - Love and counting from 2009-05-21T23:09
Why does Hashem show his love for the Jewish people by counting them?
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Behar-Bechukosai - Secret of the Shofar from 2009-05-14T14:50
Understanding the secret of the Shofar is the key to understanding how one can traverse spiritual distance.
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Emor - Balancing Emotion and Intellect from 2009-05-07T22:49
If there is one podcast you will choose to listen to, it should be this one. Explained here is an incredible paradigm shift that will sharpen your view of your own mind - the emotional and intellec...
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Shmini - Kosher signs from 2009-04-17T00:01
Understanding the depth of the two requirements in animals for them to be kosher - fit for consumption by a Jew.
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Tzav - Action and intent from 2009-04-02T18:48
Hashem wants us to have a holistic relationship with him, which involves both the proper actions and the proper intent.
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Vayakhel-Pekudei - The Five Dimensions of reality from 2009-03-18T17:14
The Five Dimensions of reality
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Ki Sisa - Wisdom, understanding, and knowledge from 2009-03-12T20:48
Wisdom, understanding, and knowledge
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Purim - Cursing Haman and Blessing Mordechai from 2009-03-08T20:22
Cursing Haman and Blessing Mordechai
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Vayeshev - Yosef and Moshiach from 2008-12-18T16:46
The concept of Moshiach ben Yosef and his roots in his great ancestor Yosef are here expounded upon.
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Vayishlach - Fighting Esav from 2008-12-09T20:41
Yakov's interactions with Esav teach us how to fight our own 'Esav' - our evil inclination.
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Re'eh - Absolute Joy from 2008-08-27T19:20
The secret to deep and true happiness is revealed here.
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Ekev - It's all from Hashem from 2008-08-20T12:47
We can only succeed when we realize that everything is from Hashem. When we lose sight and start to believe it is our own accomplishment, we are left to our own devices.
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Devarim - Standing at the threshold from 2008-08-06T18:03
Standing at the threshold - entering Israel and Tisha B'av
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Bechukosy - We can change from 2008-05-22T08:55
When we toil in Torah, we can change ourselves.
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Emor - Judgments, Merits, and Gratitude from 2008-05-09T01:10
The little-known concept of judgment on the festivals and the merits that evoke our gratitude, ensuring a good judgment.
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Tazria - Power of Speech from 2008-04-04T00:22
The great power of speech and its spiritual effects.
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Tzav - Thanksgiving offering and Purim from 2008-03-20T12:38
The connection between the thanksgiving offering and Purim.
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Vayikra - Spiritual Sacrifice from 2008-03-12T12:38
Spiritual Sacrifice - What the sacrifices were really about.
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Vayakhel - Shabbos, the Mishkan, and the moon from 2008-02-28T12:14
Shabbos, the Mishkan, and the moon
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Yisro and Tu B'shvat - what's the connection? from 2008-01-23T21:15
Yisro and Tu B'shvat - what's the connection? The potential for growth.
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Beshalach - The Manna's lesson from 2008-01-16T14:30
The lesson of the Manna is absolute trust.
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Shemos - Jewish National Destiny from 2007-12-26T22:00
What is the purpose and Destiny of the people of Israel, and how do we attain it?
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Vayechi - The spiritual victor from 2007-12-19T22:50
The spiritual victor is not necessarily the one you would expect.
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Vayigash - First quality from 2007-12-12T22:00
Delve into the Torah and find the secret to serving Hashem with our best efforts.
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Vayeshev - Sensing the Divine from 2007-11-26T17:30
Sensing Gods hand in our lives, using it in tough times.
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Vayishlach/Chanuka - Connecting to God from 2007-11-20T18:30
The secret light of Chanuka - connection to God.
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Vayetze - Building a nation from 2007-11-13T12:30
The essential components of building a nation.
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Toldos - Self deception from 2007-11-06T23:00
Being honest with ourselves in our spiritual lives.
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Vayera - Taking spirituality to its end from 2007-10-23T11:30
Taking spirituality to its end.
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Noach - Stealing's the crime from 2007-10-10T06:30
Find out why the sin of stealing was the straw that broke the camel's back for the generation of the flood.
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Bereshis - Spiritual desire from 2007-10-03T06:30
The difference between Spiritual desire and desire for personal gain.
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Succos - Essence of the holiday from 2007-09-26T06:30
The secrets of Succos are revealed in this week's D'var Torah.
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Yom Kippur - Essence of the holiday from 2007-09-19T09:30
The secret of Yom Kippur is the topic of this week's D'var Torah.
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Ha'azinu/Shuva - More on Teshuva/repentance from 2007-09-10T20:20
Teshuva - repentance is again the topic of this week's D'var Torah.
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Nitzavim-Vayelech - Teshuva/repentance from 2007-09-05T10:20
Teshuva - repentance is the topic of this week's D'var Torah.
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Ki Savo - Giving and taking from 2007-08-29T17:20
This week's D'var Torah explores the Torah concept of giving, taking and gratitude.
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Ki Seitzei - The spiritual/physical duality from 2007-08-22T18:35
This week's D'var Torah explores the unique Torah concept of duality of the spiritual and physical.
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Shoftim - The king's secret from 2007-08-14T20:55
This week's D'var Torah explores the kings of Israel and their secret to success.
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Re'eh - Committing to God from 2007-08-09T12:55
This week's D'var Torah explores the idea of staying firm in our commitment to God and to keeping the commandments.
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Ekev - Reward in this world from 2007-07-29T21:05:35
This week's D'var Torah explores the idea of the reward in this world for keeping the commandments.
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Va'eschanan - Love God from 2007-07-23T16:30
This week's D'var Torah explores the injunction to love God.
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Devarim - Tisha B'av and the spies from 2007-07-17T21:30
This week's D'var Torah explores the sin of the spies and its connection to Tisha B'av.
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Matos/Masei - The unintentional murderer from 2007-07-11T18:30
This week's D'var Torah explores the significance of the exile of the unintentional murderer, and the significance of the deep-seated desires of man.
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Pinchas - Seven and eight from 2007-07-03T19:30
This week's D'var Torah explores the concept of the number seven and eight - nature and above nature.
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Vayishlach - Man's greatness from 2006-12-05T22:04:05
This week's D'var Torah delves into the concept of the greatness of man, and how man's deeds affect the world in the most powerful way, creating a partnership with Hashem (God).
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Vayishlach - Man's greatness from 2006-12-05T22:04:05
This week's D'var Torah delves into the concept of the greatness of man, and how man's deeds affect the world in the most powerful way, creating a partnership with Hashem (God).
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Vayishlach - Man's greatness from 2006-12-05T22:04:05
This week's D'var Torah delves into the concept of the greatness of man, and how man's deeds affect the world in the most powerful way, creating a partnership with Hashem (God).
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