Lechteich Parshah Podcast

Parshas Masei reminds us that life’s journey is filled with masos —steps forward, stops, and uncertainty. Like ever-shifting puzzle pieces, we rarely see the full picture, but every move is guided from Above. Through personal stories, the Chasam Sofer’s turning point, and the timeless message of Vayisu Vayachanu , we reflect on what it means to Lechteich Acharai BaMidbar —to follow Hashem through...

A deathly ill child. A remote island. An unreachable cure. Rav Akiva Eiger davened—and the impossible arrived on his roof.  This week, we uncover a staggering true story, a Sfas Emes on "תשמרו", and the hidden message of Rosh Chodesh’s korbanos:  Tefillah isn’t distant. It’s the most real thing we have.

Hashem refused to listen—not just to the curse, but even to its words. Parshas Balak reminds us that no matter the intentions or efforts of others, Hashem’s script is unshakable. With a powerful insight from the Chasam Sofer, a moving story of Rav Elimelech and Rav Zusha, and a deeper reflection on Shechinah b’Galusa, we uncover the boundless love and unwavering loyalty that Hashem shows His peopl...

The mystery of the Parah Adumah teaches that true purity doesn’t come from staying above others, but from being willing to become tamei—stepping into their pain with them. The Baal Shem Tov reveals that growth starts with humility, and healing starts with empathy. A powerful story of the Lubavitcher Rebbe shows how one act of heart can change a life—and that our hearts were placed on the left, not...

A slurpee run turns into a powerful question: Does Hashem care where or how we say Tehillim—or just that we say it? Parshas Korach reveals that it’s not just the mitzvah that counts, but the circumstances, the struggle, and the heart behind it. The blossoming of Aharon’s staff teaches us that Hashem cherishes every step, even before the fruit appears. In a world filled with pain and transition, ev...

When the Meraglim saw themselves as grasshoppers, they guaranteed defeat. This week’s shiur explores how self-perception shapes our reality—personally and nationally. We’re not small. We’re Hashem’s children, endowed with infinite power to uplift the world. Grasshoppers don’t win wars—but Yidden with clarity do. 

Beha’aloscha reminds us that each Jew has a unique path. The trumpets were made only for Moshe—because no two missions are the same. The menorah teaches that every soul is a distinct flame. Our strength lies not in imitation, but in embracing our own role with clarity and courage. In times of threat and confusion, the Torah calls us to cry out, unify, and remember: Hashem fights our battles. One n...

After the spiritual high of Shavuos, we often crash — feeling like we’re back in the grind, disconnected, and far from Har Sinai. But Parshas Sotah reminds us: Even when we feel low, we’re never off the team. Even in the eighth spot, we’re power hitters. Hashem treasures the strength it takes to keep fighting — and that fight brings the greatest berachos. 

The yetzer hara will set a whole city ablaze just to pull you away from learning. As we prepare to receive the Torah, we face fiery distractions meant to shake us. But we don’t back down—we fight with fire, or we douse it with water. This episode is about resilience, perseverance, and holding your ground when everything around you is burning.

As we celebrate Lag BaOmer with dancing and flames, Parshas Emor reminds us that true kiddush Hashem means surrendering completely to Hashem’s will—without personal cheshbonos , without expecting outcomes. In a time of pain and uncertainty, especially in Eretz Yisrael, the Rashbi’s legacy and the parshah’s message converge: Real greatness and yeshuah come when we let go of control and live purely...

A casual lawn chat with a neighbor turns into a powerful mashal about self-worth, spiritual struggle, and how we see others. As we approach Kabbalas HaTorah, we discover the Ohr HaChaim’s life-changing yesod: Even when we feel spiritually barren, Hashem says—Lo siktzor. Don’t cut yourself off. Ever. Keep going… until you reach the greener grass. A heartfelt story of the Vorker Rebbe reminds us: no...

Today is the yahrtzeit of my beloved chavrusa, Yisrael Levin z"l. In his memory, I'm sharing a shiur Stregnth Over Suffering - on overcoming challenges, bitachon, and choosing strength over pain. It's personal, deep, and candid - tied to the journey of Lechteich, which began after the loss of Yisrael z"l, his kallah Elisheva a"h, and my brother Noach Raphael z"l. I en...

The questions of the Mah Nishtanah aren’t a cute performance — they’re a deep invitation to awaken wonder, curiosity, and connection. This Pesach, we explore how the Seder night calls on every Jew, at every age, to ask, to search, and to grow.

The Mishkan Ha’edus stands as a powerful testimony that no matter how far we may feel from Hashem, we are never truly lost. It teaches us that through teshuvah, we can always return to Him, no matter our past mistakes. This month of Nissan reminds us that renewal is always within reach, and Hashem is waiting to welcome us back with open arms. 

We often see ourselves through the lens of our shortcomings, believing we are unworthy of greatness. But Hashem sees things differently. Just as the mirrors in the Mishkan, once perceived as mere tools of vanity, became vessels of holiness, so too can our struggles and imperfections be elevated. In this episode, we explore a powerful story of Rav Shlomo Freifeld and the lesson of the Kiyor—remindi...

This shiur was given a week ago at Torah Academy of Philadelphia to Rabbi Picks’ 6th-grade class. Purim is a day of v’nahafoch hu —when everything can turn upside down in an instant. But what does that really mean in our lives? From Donald Trump to a broken sprinkler on a scorching summer day, this shiur uncovers the hidden hand of Hashem in the twists and turns of life. A powerful message on mira...

In this week's episode, we explore the powerful symbolism of the Keruvim in this week's parsha and their connection to the tragic story of the Bibas children, hy"d. Drawing from the teachings of Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach and Rabbi Shimshon Pincus, we delve into how our relationship with Hashem shapes our reality and how the Keruvim reflect our spiritual alignment. This episode remi...

Yisro’s greatness wasn’t just in what he heard—it was in how he saw. He had a panoramic vision, always seeking truth and embracing growth. This week, we explore why the parshah of Matan Torah is named after him and how his perspective teaches us to rise above the momentary and focus on the eternal.

At a recent parlor meeting for a kollel, Rav Avraham Krohn inspired the audience with a powerful insight from Rav Asher Arielli and Rav Michel Yehuda Lefkowitz. Why was Yehoshua, not Moshe Rabbeinu, chosen to lead the battle against Amalek? The answer reveals a profound truth about Torah and avodas Hashem: True greatness lies not in innate brilliance but in relentless effort. In this episode, we e...