Parsha Gone Personal

Out of Egypt! Finally!  For a purpose.  Leaving the servitude of Egypt, with a purpose, for a reason. We leave to serve, to serve Hashem.  

Connection above intellect, Moshe's relationship with Hashem.  Lessons in getting through hardships and the mystery of some of the plagues. 

In this episode, we dive into powerful ideas from Parshas Shemos about names, leadership, and redemption. We explore why calling someone by name—even after passing—is an expression of deep connection, and how a name reflects something far beyond labels or insults. We look at Pharaoh’s attempt to outsmart Hashem, the concept of mida k’neged mida, and how Moshe Rabbeinu’s very birth began undoing th...

This Parsha tells of the death of Yaakov (and later of Yoseph too)- but before he left, he gave his kids the key, the strength and power needed in order to get through the Exile, the hardships they would face.  He's our father too- and the strength is for us. For me and for you.  - Know you're not alone, I'm waiting for you (Ya'akov) - Know you will get out, I'm here with...

Yehuda taking a stance, in a state of crisis, we use our strongest, best approach. Yosef has the power to see his story for what it really is- the will of G-d, he's not at the whims of flesh and blood, and with that he can repay bad with real good.  It's hard for Yaakov to go down to Egypt, Hashem tells him not to fear..lessons on how to approach hard stuff, how to deal with ourselves, o...

We have so much to learn from Yoisef, who had "the Name of Hashem" constantly on his lips, and also expressed emotion- faith doesn't turn one into a robot, faith just enables them to function within the pain. 

Yoseph's name, his journey, his outlook. So many lessons 

Yitzchak favors Eisav. How? Why?  The power of showing up, even if its hypocritical. Seeking out the good and the desire to bring it out. With many wonderful stories to illustrate.  The power of prayer. A goosebumps worthy story of a grave dug in Jeruselum. The power of digging deep- as yitzchak does to uncover the wells of his father, what that means on a spiritual level and how it applies to me...

Lentils over birthright. Looking at what lies before us through a different lens.  Learning from Yaakov and Eisav, their inborn traits and choices....

Lessons from Avraham, in the buying of the plot from Ephron to burry Sara.  How the land itself is uplifted when coming under the ownership of Avraham, the way a tzakid lives every moment in his life to the fullest, the patience to hear out a servant... and many more lessons from our forefathers. 

Avraham is 99, just after surgery, but he keeps going, keeps on doing good. Lessons from his actions, his care for all humankind, and the way he serves Hashem even when it involves things that appose his nature. 

Avraham goes to look out to find guests, makes an effort to try host, even though it's the third day after surgery... no effort goes unnoticed, Hashem send him guests.  Every detail of Avraham's behavior is with purpose , for the service of Hashem.  Why the test of Akedas Yitzchak- sacrifice of Issac  is such a big deal.  Sedom- the epitome of nasty behavior:  1) not wanting others to ga...

The stories and deatils the Torah includes are lessons for us.  Avraham is able to go above and beyond through his  connection to Hashem in the command to go.  The need to do what's right even in the moments of "wait, what? why? how on earth?" Og, his name and his teachings.  Stories and lessons from the Parsha  In loving memory of Chaim Peysach Ben Binyomin- Uncle Gilon Uzvolk ז&qu...

The strength we inherit from our father Avraham and what we can learn from his journey. 

A collection of stories and lessons from this week's Parsha 

Shabbos Beraishit sets the tone for the whole year.  The whistle is blowing for train which stopped off, by Elul, Rosh Hashona, Yom Kippur, Succos and Simchas Torah. Hop on board.  Lessons from creation. Creating Light and the power of who we are as growing humans. 

Moshe's speech is coming to a close. On his 120th birthday, Moshe officially hands over the leadership to Yehoshua. He reminds us to keep following Hashem's ways, and that when we stray Hashem is there, He's just hiding - and He wants us to seek!  We are given the Mitzva of Hakel, gathering - everyone ages 0+ to hear the torah. Lessons on the significance of the influence of our sur...