The Rabbi Stark Podcast

We all know what a "Yeshiva" is, but does anyone actually know what "yeshiva" means?

The difference between Chessed and Rachamim and how understanding Avraham's Chessed helps one to know Hashem.

During the long winter is precisely when one needs to understand the value of perseverance and to not quit at the first sight of disinterest.

We are all familiar with Shnayim Mikra v'Echad Targum but have we ever thought about it as a Hachana for Shabbos?

Between Simchas Beis Hashoeva and the mitzvah to visit one's Rebbi over Sukkos, there seems to be a special focus on seeing the faces of tzadikim over this Yom Tov. The Mashgiach explains why.

Sukkos is the synthesis of the things we committed to work on during the Yamim Noraim and how the Ushpizin help us to accomplish them.

We all want to improve but what can we do and where do we even start?

Many of us may experience an emotional rollercoaster over Rosh Hashanah but really it should be a day of "simcha" and rejoicing.

Just like the child who dumps a bowl of meatballs of their face, the "schmutz" makes them cuter. So too we want Hashem to view our sins in a way which endears us to him. 

Just like the child who dumps a bowl of meatballs of their face, the "schmutz" makes them cuter. So too we want Hashem to view our sins in a way which endears us to him. 

How do we reconcile diametrically opposed opinions in the Torah and how does the fact that Torah is not "in the heavens" answer this question?

Especially in Elul, when we are all trying to strive for perfection, it is important to remember it is the journey itself which allows one to truly grow.

The Torah in this week's parsha says that the curses listed in the Tochacha will come if one fails to serve Hashem with "simcha"—what is simcha and aren't there worse sins one can do?

If you ever want to change and become great you can't wait for "greatness" to find its way to you, you need to get out there and chase it!

We all know Shiluach Hakan is a "chok" but is there any explanation which can help us understand the reasoning behind it?

Every single relationship in existence has a point which, if passed, there is no coming back from. Except for one, our relationship with Hashem.

The Torah perspective on witchcraft, astrological signs, and what it means to be "The Am Segulah."

What does the cutting of one's nails have to do with Shabbos? The deep connection may surprise you. . . 

What does it mean to truly "prepare" for Shabbos, as well as for yom shekulo shabbos?

How and why Rabbi Akiva was so unique in his world view.

In this final Shabbos segment the Mashgiach discusses what it means to "just Shabbos."

Approaching Shabbos from a different perspective can allow one to have an incredible connection with it, as well as with Hashem.

The reward for Pinchas' seemingly vicious act was the bris shalom. What does "shalom" mean and how does that even work?

Understanding Shabbos so we can take advantage of all it has to offer.

Bilam had so much potential (perhaps rivaling even that of Moshe Rabbeinu) yet he ended up being of the worst people in history.