Weekly with Chana

When do we negotiate, when do we compromise, and when do we draw the line? In this week's episode of Weekly with Chana , we're exploring one of the most fascinating tensions in Parshat Vayera: Avraham, the embodiment of chesed (loving-kindness), negotiates with Hashem to save the people of Sodom and Amorah. Yet when Sarah insists that Yishmael be sent away to protect Yitzchak's future, Hashem tell...

In this episode: Lech Lecha (Bereishit 12:1): Leaving your homeland, birthplace, and family for an uncertain future. Avraham at 75 (12:4): Why it's never too late for a defining new chapter. The famine (12:10): Why arriving in the Promised Land didn't mean an easy life, with insights from Rashi and Ramban. Tanya, Chapter 28: The Alter Rebbe's analogy of two people wrestling, and why resistance can...

What was so wrong with the Tower of Bavel? They spoke one language, shared one vision, and worked together. Yet Hashem scattered them. This week, we explore the fascinating difference between unity and uniformity, the surprising connection between Bavel and Avraham, and what Jewish disagreement can teach us as Israel approaches another election. Because maybe the problem isn't that we think differ...

Why would Hashem create a world He knows will break? And why doesn't He eliminate the darkness? This week on Weekly with Chana , we explore two extraordinary Midrashim, the spirit of Mashiach hovering before the first light, and what Bereishit teaches us about hope, redemption, and our responsibility to rebuild. Because even before there was light, Hashem gave us the spirit of hope. 🤍 Want to spo...

Summary In this heartfelt conversation, Chana Hirschowitz reflects on Yom HaZikaron, the day of remembrance for fallen soldiers and victims of terror in Israel. She shares her emotional journey of understanding Jewish unity and the collective grief felt by the community. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, she emphasizes the importance of gratitude, identity, and the sacrifices made for th...

00:00 The Essence of Living in Israel 02:54 Unity and Division in the Jewish Community 06:09 Understanding Our Shared Identity as Jews

00:00 The Dichotomy of Idealism and Reality 01:52 The Power of Jewish Women and Mirrors 06:27 Reflections on Life's Challenges 11:33 Self-Reflection and Growth

00:00 The Legacy of Esther and Purim 02:44 Esther's Struggles and Divine Silence 05:14 The Courage to Act 07:46 Esther's Connection to God 10:29 The Significance of Purim 12:42 Esther's Story and Its Relevance Today

00:00 Reflections on a Year of Change 02:27 Hope Amidst Tragedy 05:37 The Power of Unity and Faith 08:12 Building a Sanctuary of Hope 10:54 Cedar Trees of Hope and Future 13:04 A Blessing for Redemption and Comfort

Lecture given at Soul Centre Sydney in honor of Shavous 2024

Pesach a time of liberation, a mental game of removing ourself from a sense of stuckness and letting go.

What was Tzaraat, this strange leprosy, what is it significance and what can we learn from it today?

This weeks Parsha we discuss seemingly two opposites, the inauguration of the Mishkan and the death of Nadav and Avihu on that difficult day. As well as the laws of Kashrut. Why the seeming randomness, what can we learn from the synthesis of these two ideas? 00:00 The Significance of the Eighth Day 02:22 Balancing Growth and Solace 04:17 Bringing God into the Mundane 05:14 Imbuing Regular Life wit...

The power of the words of Mordechai to Esther, Can I find Hashem in the Hidden? The secret to achieving success in our lives, contributing to the narrative?

Why do we Tally all the Materials at the Completion of the Mishkan? Why do we Emphasis Blessings as we complete Sefer Shemos?

In a Parsha filled with the details of building a Mishkan why is this called Vayakhel, with a singular term referring to the collective congregation? The Secret to Unity, the Secret to Collective Joy.

Why do we discuss the broken Luchos here? Why between the Parshiot that discuss the vision and then subsequent implementation of the Mishkan?

Why is Moshe's name not mentioned in this weeks Parsha, why?

The most fascinating commandment in this weeks Parsha is regarding the transportation poles of the Ark. Why was it so essential? Why did Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zakkai believe that Yavnah was important to be saved?

What are the symptoms that lead to the pain? How do we practice experiencing joy as a community when there is terrible tragedy that surrounds us?

This Parsha discusses the laws and judicial implementation of the advice of Yisro, as well as the giving of the Torah. The Torah is essentially a body of laws and regulations. What is the difference?

This episode is sponsored by my dear friend Kayli in honor of all the hostages returning safely home! And the end of this milchama! Miriam crossing the Red Sea, with a Tamborine in her hand sings her own Shira, her own song of praise? Why the need for her own song? Without her perhaps there would have been no salvation. The unwavering faith of women in impossibly dark times is what will inevitably...

The Jewish People as a nation are finally getting ready to leave Egypt. Hashem instructs Moshe, three specific instructions to preparing for their ultimate redemption. How do we achieve freedom as a people now, just as they had then?

We have experienced so much pain, Hashem we need the final redemption speedily in our days.

Moshe Rabenu, the leader of the Jewish People. What were the events that led him to be the greatest leader of all time?