Live With The Times: Daily Insights on Today’s Torah Portion

In today’s Live With the Times, we continue with the 2nd aliyah of Parshat Matot-Masei and the aftermath of the war with Midian. Moshe Rabbeinu becomes angry with the officers of the army, and Rebbe Nachman connects this to the teaching of Chazal: when a person becomes angry, his wisdom departs. Anger does not just make a person emotional. It makes him narrow-minded. He loses the ability to see th...

In today’s Live With the Times, we continue with the 3rd aliyah of Parshat Pinchas and the story of the daughters of Tzelaphchad. Their request for a portion in Eretz Yisrael was not just about land. It was about inheritance, legacy, courage, and making sure the next generation receives what it needs. They did not stand by passively and accept what was missing. They stepped forward, asked, and hel...

In today’s Live With the Times, we begin Parshat Matot-Masei with the 1st aliyah and the Torah’s laws of vows. Rebbe Nachman explains that vows reveal an incredible power: a person can take something technically permitted and make it forbidden for himself through Torah law. That means a Jew is not stuck with the surface question of “Is this allowed?” Sometimes the deeper question is: “Is this good...

Today I reviewed the 2nd aliyah in parshat Pinchas. I also reviewed: - Rebbe Nachman's Commentary on Pinchas 2nd Aliyah - Kitzur Shulchan Aruch - Siman 80:7-8 (Prohibited Action on Shabbos) - Shaar HaBitachon - Pesicha: 6th Advantage of Bitachon Over Alchemy - I'm in Your Hands by Rav Shalom Arush (p. 68 - An Easy Income) Today's Theme: That hidden within and throughout this aliyah is...

In today’s Live With the Times, we begin Parshat Pinchas with the first aliyah and one of the most misunderstood moments in the Torah. Pinchas is often judged as harsh, extreme, or lacking empathy. But Chazal and Rebbe Nachman reveal the opposite: Pinchas acted with true compassion. While the plague was spreading and Klal Yisrael was in danger, he stood up for Hashem’s honor, guarded the covenant,...

In today’s Live With the Times daily Torah class, we learn the 5th aliyah of Parshat Balak and the next stage of Balak and Bilaam’s attempt to curse Am Yisrael. Balak tries to move Bilaam to a different place where he can see only part of the Jewish people, hoping that if he cannot curse the whole nation, maybe he can curse individuals. The lesson is deeply practical: we can only curse, judge, or...

In today’s Live With the Times daily Torah class, we learn the 4th aliyah of Parshat Balak and the beginning of Bilaam’s attempted curse of Am Yisrael. Balak brings Bilaam to curse the Jewish people, and Bilaam tries to impress Hashem with seven altars, bulls, and rams. But the deeper lesson is clear: you cannot bribe Hashem. You can bring offerings, say the right words, or try to force a result —...

In today’s Live With the Times daily Torah class, we learn the 3rd aliyah of Parshat Balak and the powerful story of Bilaam, Balak, the angel of Hashem, and the talking donkey. Bilaam wanted to continue on a path that was against Hashem’s will. His donkey saw the angel blocking the way, but Bilaam was so focused on his own desire for honor and reward that he could not see the warning. Even when th...

In this shiur, Maynard Breslow explores the themes of the Parsha Vayishlach's 1st Aliyah, focusing on Yaakov's encounter with Esav, the nature of prayer, and the struggle between good and evil inclinations. He emphasizes the importance of combining Torah study with prayer to overcome challenges and highlights the ongoing battle against negative influences in life. Takeaways Yaakov's jo...

In this shiur, Maynard Breslow explores the profound relationship advice embedded in the short third Aliyah of Ki Tavo. The text describes a mutual affirmation: we declare Hashem is our God, and Hashem declares we are His treasured people. However, the order is crucial. The Torah states that we make the first move, affirming our commitment before Hashem reciprocates. Drawing a powerful parallel to...

In this episode, Maynard Breslow dives into the second Aliyah of Parshat Ki Tavo to uncover the Torah's secret to generating wealth. The portion discusses the mitzvah of Ma'aser (tithing), where we are commanded to give a tenth of our produce to those in need and then make a declaration to Hashem. But this raises a fundamental question: How can you give charity if you don't have money...

In this week's shiur on Parshat Ki Tavo, I delves into the powerful mitzvah of  Bikkurim  (bringing the first fruits). The Torah doesn't just command us to bring the fruits; it specifies a unique verbal declaration to be made before the Kohen. This declaration recounts the entire journey of the Jewish people—from the suffering in Egypt to the redemption and arrival in the land of Israel. D...

In this shiur, Maynard Breslow delves into the second aliyah of Ki Teitzei, exploring the deeper meanings of the Torah and its practical applications in our lives. He discusses the importance of mitzvahs, the concept of reincarnation, and the balance between fixing the world and personal responsibility. The conversation emphasizes the need for accountability and finding purpose in life, ultimately...

In this shiur, Maynard Breslow explores the themes of the Torah portion Ki Teitzei, focusing on the story of the Wayward Son and its implications for personal growth and self-reflection. He discusses the nature of desire, the importance of understanding one's actions, and the need for self-awareness in the journey of life. Maynard emphasizes the significance of gratitude and the role of divine...

In this shiur, Maynard Breslow delves into the teachings of Parshis Mishpatim, focusing on the relevance of Torah laws in modern times, particularly the laws of damages. He emphasizes the importance of understanding these laws not just as ancient rules but as guidelines for living a meaningful life today. Breslow discusses the four sources of damages, the connection between exile and personal stru...

In this conversation, Maynard Breslow delves into the complexities of Parsis Mispatium, exploring the significance of the laws presented in the Torah, particularly those related to slavery. He emphasizes the relevance of these laws in contemporary society and how they serve as a guide for ethical living and personal growth. Breslow argues that the Torah is a living document that challenges us to r...

In this Shiur, Maynard Breslow explores the themes of Parshas Yisroi, focusing on the significance of Yisroel's name, his unique perspective as a convert, and the importance of unity within the Jewish community. He emphasizes the need for individuals to integrate their life experiences into their Jewish identity and the role of converts and Baal Teshuvas in enriching the community. The convers...

In this shiur, Maynard Breslow delves into the themes of Emunah (faith) as it relates to the Jewish experience, particularly through the lens of the Parsha. He discusses the complaints of the Jewish people, the significance of Amalek as a representation of doubt, and the importance of prayer in overcoming challenges. The conversation emphasizes the need for a strong faith and the role of prayer in...

In this shiur, Maynard Breslow explores the profound connection between Emunah (faith) and G'ula (redemption) as presented in Parshat Peshalach. He emphasizes the importance of daily communication with Hashem, the lessons learned from the Man (manna), and the significance of desire and intention in fulfilling one's needs. The discussion highlights how aligning our desires with Hashem's...

In this conversation, Maynard Breslow delves into the themes of Emunah (faith) as presented in Parsha's Beshalach. He emphasizes the importance of continuous growth in faith, the need to recognize and address complaints, and the role of ego in spiritual development. The discussion highlights the significance of humility and returning to Hashem, culminating in the understanding of the essence o...

In this shiur, Maynard Breslow discusses the themes of the Fourth Aliyah, focusing on the significance of singing, the nature of ingratitude, and the importance of gratitude and purpose in life. He emphasizes the need for a relationship with Hashem and how true freedom comes from fulfilling one's mission. The conversation culminates in a call for gratitude and joy as a path to redemption.—————...

In this conversation, Maynard Breslow delves into the concepts of Emunah (faith) and Bitachon (trust) within the context of Jewish teachings, particularly as they relate to the second aliyah of Parshat Peshalach. He explores the deeper meanings of these terms, their implications for personal growth, and how resistance and challenges can serve as catalysts for spiritual development. The discussion...

In this shiur, Maynard Breslow explores the themes of Emunah (faith) and the miraculous event of the splitting of the sea as described in the Torah. He discusses the significance of belief in God, the role of individuals like Nachshon Ben Aminadav and Yosef Atzadiq in this event, and how personal responsibility and faith can lead to miracles. The conversation also touches on the relationship betwe...

In this shiur, Maynard Breslow discusses Parshah Beshalach, exploring the themes of redemption, faith, and the challenges faced by the Israelites as they leave Egypt. He emphasizes the importance of trust in God, the role of the Tzadik, and the significance of the pillars of cloud and fire that guided the people. The conversation highlights the cyclical nature of challenges and the need for spirit...

In this episode, Maynard Breslow delves into the themes of Parashah's Bo, focusing on the plagues and their significance. He explores the concept of vacated space, the role of tzadikim, and the nature of creation and compassion. The discussion also addresses the challenges posed by atheism and the importance of maintaining faith (Emunah) in the face of doubt. Ultimately, the conversation empha...