Meaningful Ideas on the Parsha

Wanted to share with you a special clip someone sent me from my Rebbe Rav Binyamin Luban Shlita. He really articulates the approach which is one of the foundations for what I am trying to do on the podcast. His ideas of how to show people how the Torah speaks directly to them in a meaningful way have formed the foundation of what I do here, even though I rarely do Chofetz Chaim style shmuessim. Ho...

In the topic of fencing in a roof, Rabbeinu Bechayai teaches that we all signed up for our life situations during the original 6 days of creation. Explore some philosophical and practical applications of this idea. Quote how Mrs. Simes was inspired by this idea, and how it transformed her ability to handle the challenges her family was dealt. You can hear her story here. The Rolling Rabbi: Intervi...

Rashi says the language of חנוכת הבית found in the parsha is the same language as חנוך לנער. You don't educate a house, what does chinuch actually mean? Some ideas and perspectives based on the Piaseczna Rebbe's elaboration of Rashi's idea in his Chovas Hatalmidim. Have a great Shabbos

The Torah tells us a Mitzvah to cling to Hashem in our minds. How can we develop the mindfulness to do that? Some ideas based on the Chayei Adam and others, that have the ability to enrich our lives. Wishing you a good Shabbos

The Torah warns in 36 places that we must treat a ger with proper sensitivity. Here the Torah tells us a special Mitzvah to love a Ger. There are beautiful lessons in sensitivity and perspective in how the Rambam explains it, may we be zoche to able to learn from them. Thanks for being a listener. Have a good Shabbos

In Kriyas Shema we have the mitzvah to love Hashem. Exploring two approaches in the Rambam to how we can come to have more Ahavas Hashem, one based on Kriyas Shema.

How could Bnei Yisrael have said a language that being taken to E"Y was B'Sinas Hashem? Ideas from Rabbeinu Yonah in Shaarei Teshuva on the dangers of Narganus/negativity.

The 2nd Mikdash was destroyed because of Sinas Chinam. What causes us to hate others, and how can we work on it? What are the parameters of Sinas Chinam, who are we obligated to forgive? Why is the Bar Kamtza story more an example of Sinas Chinam and concealed hatred then any of the other stories of cruelty and machlokes in that time? One of the most thought out shiurim I have prepared so far. It...

The Ramban says the Torah lists the 42 places the Jews encamped in the worldness so we can see where they are to increase our Emunah. Don't we believe the Chumash that they lived on miracles, what does looking at a map add? An idea from the Ohr Yechezkel about making our Emunah real and being able to feel Hashem in our lives. Have a Good Shabbos

The Torah tells us Moshe brought the claims of the Bnos Tzelafchad before Hashem. Why didn't he answer the question himself? Two approaches of the Midrash in the importance of humility. Hope you enjoy. Have a good Shabbos

Chiddushim in the rewards Og and Balak recieved for their actions. A famous Chofetz Chaim shmuess about Og and my own shmuess about Balak on the Gemara in Sotah. Never discount the value of a Mitzvah. (Although it's a chiddush Balak counts as a mitzvah, but seems to me this is so.) Have a great Shabbos

Chazal tell us that Korach was a great person, and are surprised he succumbed to this Nisayon. They also tell us that some of our other famous great ancestors were involved in this movement. Some ideas about how the Yetzer Hara can pose a risk to even the greatest of people, and how to judge such situations. Have a good Shabbos.

Chazal tell us the Meraglim, and that whole generation, were killed out because they spoke Lashon Hara about Eretz Yisrael. Why was it the Aveirah of Lashon Hara, as opposed to the lack of Emunah and the Chillul Hashem? Some thoughts about Lashon Hara and the humility we need to develop to overcome it. May you have a wonderful Shabbos.

The Torah tells us about 3 who had a Mitzvah to shave their hair, one being the Leviim at their inauguration. Why did they shave their hair and what can it teach us about confidence? Based on ideas from the Sum Derech ans Rav Moshe Shternbach. Hope you enjoy. Have a good Shabbos.

The Inaugural Karbanos of the Nesiim all came with tremendous symbolism unique to their shevet. Yissacher brought a sheep to represent the integrity of Yaakov with the sheep of Lavan. Why is that what's chosen as the aspect of Yaakov to tap into here? Based on an idea from Rav Elya Baruch Finkel. Hope you have a great Shabbos.

Why do Chazal talk about 613 Mitzvos, when there are clearly thousands of Mitzvos? An idea from the Maalos HaTorah about the connectedness of everything in Torah. This idea has always spoken to me, hope you find it helpful. May you have a meaningful Shavuos. Please make sure to listen to our other shiurim about Shavuos, and please rate us 5 stars to help others find the podcast.

The Midrash says after the building of the Mishkan, Hashem stopped speaking to Moshe in public, because it was more Tznius to do it in the Mishkan. What does publicity have to do with Tznius, when we are dealing with Nevuah or Harbatzas Torah? Some thoughts about privacy and dignity, based on the Chiddushei Halev. Hope you enjoy it, and are not offended by anything in this shiur. If you want somet...

The Torah lists six La'avin on one who lends with Ribbis, and two on one who pays back Ribbis. Why is it wrong for one to make money that way, and why shouldn't the lender express gratitude? With gratitude to Rav Herschel Welcher for helping me prepare this dvar torah. Hope you find in thought provoking. Beis Horaah l’Inyanei Ribbis hotline is at (845) 493-8604.Have a good Shabbos.

The Midrash tell us the Kohen Gadol should be the Gadol in beauty, wealth, wisdom, and physical strength. Why are these important for the Kohen Gadol to have? Thanks for listening, Have a good Shabbos

The Torah warns us not to embarrass other people. How can we be more careful not to hurt others unwittingly? Including some ideas from my Rebbeim Rabbi Tropper Zt"l and Rabbi Scharfman Zt"l. Hope you find it helpful. Have a great Shabbos

What can we learn from Tzaraas today? Lessons in Hashgacha Pratis from the Sefer HaChinuch. Thanks for listening. Have a good Shabbos

Why was it important for Moshe to publicize that he had forgotten a Halacha? Should we share our mistakes when trying to influence others? Have a good Shabbos

What is Amda for us so that Hashem should help us in every generation? The understanding of the Netziv in why the dangers are also part of the Havtacha. Have a Chag Kasher V'sameach and a meaningful Pesach

Why did the Kohen have to change from the regular Bigadim for the Hotzaas Hadeshen? Was it a dirtier job than whatever else was done in the Mishkan? Have a good Shabbos and a Chag Kasher V'sameach.

Why do we burn the stomach of an animal on the Mizbeach, but not the stomach of a bird? Can one redeem himself for his financial shtick by spending some of the money on a Korban?