Rav Shlomo Katz on the Parsha

"It is not in Heaven... it is very close to you." What specific Mitzvah is the Torah referring to? Rav Shlomo Katz explores the classic debate between Rashi (who says it is Torah study) and the Ramban (who says it is Teshuvah). We dive into the Vilna Gaon's view on the infinite value of a single letter of Torah, and Rav Kook's profound insight into why Teshuvah is simultaneously the easiest and th...

As we approach Rosh Hashanah, are we standing firm or are we being blown over by every passing wind? Rav Shlomo Katz explores the power of Atem Nitzavim —standing like a monument. Drawing on the Baal Shem Tov and the Slonimer Rebbe , we learn that true preparation for the High Holy Days isn't just about checking off a list of sins, but about becoming a "Guarantor" ( Arev ) for the people in our li...

Why do bad things happen? The Torah gives a frighteningly simple answer: "Because you did not serve Hashem with joy." Rav Shlomo Katz delves into this difficult concept through the lens of the Rambam and the Klausenberger Rebbe . We learn that sadness is considered the "greatest sin" not because it is forbidden, but because it is a dead end that implies Hashem made a mistake. Rav Shlomo explains t...

Is life supposed to be easy, or were we born for battle? In this empowering session, Rav Shlomo Katz reframes our existence based on the Heichal HaBracha (Komarna Rebbe) . We learn that "When you go out to war" hints at the moment a soul leaves the womb—we are born directly into a battlefield, and that is exactly where we are meant to be. Rav Shlomo challenges the depressing notion that struggle i...

What is the difference between an external battle and an internal struggle?  In this profound session, Rav Shlomo Katz explores the opening verse: "When you go out to war against your enemies." Drawing on the Tanya and the concept of Brit (Covenant) from Rabbi Yitzchak Ginsburgh , we learn that a person cannot truly conquer the "world" until they have settled the internal war of "Am I really sure?...

Does an unanswered prayer mean God didn't hear you? In this deeply comforting session, Rav Shlomo Katz opens the writings of the Piaseczna Rebbe (Eish Kodesh) to understand Moshe Rabbeinu's 515 prayers. We learn about the "Tree in the Desert"—the person who feels dry and unanswered, yet whose prayers are never disgraced by Hashem. Rav Shlomo distinguishes between a "Servant" who needs his request...

Why does the Torah command us to be holy, specifically when the entire congregation is gathered together? In this powerful session, Rav Shlomo Katz opens the Mei HaShiloach (the Izhbitzer Rebbe) to explore the mystical mechanics of Hakhel (gathering). We learn about a concept usually reserved for the laws of Kashrut: Bittel b'Shishim (Nullification in Sixty). The Izhbitzer teaches that when Jews g...

Is it really possible to love everyone? In this deep and challenging session, Rav Shlomo Katz explores the radical philosophy of Rav Kook regarding love and Teshuva (Repentance). We learn the startling spiritual mechanic that every sin we commit plants a seed of hatred toward others in our hearts, while true Teshuva allows the natural love of the soul to shine again. Rav Shlomo navigates the tensi...

We often think of "Holiness" as a trait reserved for the extraordinary few — people with long beards or spiritual superpowers. But in this liberating session, Rav Shlomo Katz argues that the command "Kedoshim Tihiyu" (You shall be holy) is an invitation extended to every single Jew. Drawing on the Baal HaTanya (Alter Rebbe) , we redefine holiness not as asceticism, but as Kedushin (Marriage)—an in...

If we are forbidden to learn Torah on Tisha B'Av, how do we survive the day? Rav Shlomo Katz shares a spine-chilling story about Alexander Chassidim in Auschwitz to explain the concept of "meeting someone for the second time." We learn that while we cannot learn new texts on this day, we can engage in the "Torah of Longing" — remembering and reliving the holiness we once had. Drawing on the Tifere...

What is the difference between a genius and a lover? In this deep dive into the purpose of the Exile, Rav Shlomo Katz shares a classic Reb Shlomo Carlebach story about "dialing the number" to explain the Izhbitzer Rebbe's teaching. A genius can memorize a number, but a lover knows it in their sleep — in their very toenails. Rav Shlomo explains that Moshe Rabbeinu, the ultimate teacher, could not b...

What do we actually "see" on Shabbat Chazon (The Sabbath of Vision)? Rav Shlomo Katz explores the famous teaching of the Berditchever Rebbe (Kedushat Levi) that on this Shabbat, every Jew is shown a vision of the Third Temple. We discuss the parable of the father who made a precious garment for his son, only to store it away for special occasions after the son tore it twice. Rav Shlomo delves into...

Is it possible to tell someone they are wrong without destroying them? In this crucial pre-Tisha B'Av session, Rav Shlomo Katz contrasts destructive criticism with the healing rebuke of Moshe Rabbeinu. Drawing on the Maharag Greenfield and stories of Reb Aryeh Levin and Reb Shlomo Carlebach , we learn that a true leader first ensures you have a "place in the world" before offering correction. Rav...

We all yearn for a friend who "gets us" without us having to spell it out. In this heartbreaking and intimate look at Moshe Rabbeinu's final days, Rav Shlomo Katz explores the tragedy of the leader who had to ask for help. Drawing on the Izhbitzer Rebbe , we analyze Moshe’s plea: "I cannot carry you alone." Rav Shlomo explains that Moshe was waiting for the people to instinctively pray for him to...

Why did it take 40 years to make an 11-day journey? In this foundational session, Rav Shlomo Katz explores the painful but necessary distance between the mind and the bones. Drawing on the Izhbitzer Rebbe (Mei HaShiloach) and the Alexander Rebbe , we learn that receiving the Torah at Sinai was only the first step. It entered our heads and hearts, but it hadn't yet penetrated our "toenails." Rav Sh...

Why did the Half-Tribe of Menashe stay on the other side of the Jordan? In this insightful session, Rav Shlomo Katz solves the mystery of the "planted" tribe using the commentary of the Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) . We learn that Moshe Rabbeinu recognized that the tribes of Reuven and Gad were spiritually vulnerable, so he asked Menashe to stay behind to serve as their spiritual anchors and Torah teach...

Are you "Walking" or are you "Moving"? In this profound session on the 42 Journeys, Rav Shlomo Katz shares a life-changing insight from the Rizhiner Rebbe . We learn that a person can be "walking" spiritually, learning and doing Mitzvos, without ever actually moving or changing who they are. Rav Shlomo asks the piercing question: "How big are your Kishkas to stomach your own mistakes?" We explore...

In the age of social media, is it possible to do a Mitzvah without an audience? Rav Shlomo Katz explores the spiritual war against Midian through the lens of the Degel Machane Ephraim (grandson of the Baal Shem Tov). We analyze the command Hechaletzu (arm yourselves), interpreted here as "Remove yourself"—meaning, remove your ego and your need for validation from the equation. Rav Shlomo challenge...

When we find negative traits within ourselves, should we destroy them or elevate them? In this deep philosophical deep dive, Rav Shlomo Katz contrasts the "Instant Generation" mindset as represented by puncturing a vessel to purify it instantly, with the patient, transformative path of Tahara (purification). Drawing heavily on the writings of Rav Kook , we explore the idea that "destroying the bad...

What is the difference between a teacher and a "Soul Master"? In this passionate session regarding the Three Weeks and the anticipation of Redemption, Rav Shlomo Katz explores the concept of Mashiach not just as a future event, but as an active desperation for oneness. Drawing on the Baal Shem Tov and the Lubavitcher Rebbe , we learn that a true Rebbe is someone who loves you so much that they are...

There are two ways to serve Hashem: the consistent path of Yehoshua and the radical leap of Pinchas. In this profound shiur, Rav Shlomo Katz draws on the Izhbitzer Rebbe to explain why Pinchas did not ask Moshe for permission before he acted. We learn that there are specific moments in life, and in history, where if you stop to ask, you lose the opportunity. Rav Shlomo contrasts Yehoshua, the Masm...

How is it possible that Pinchas never died and became Eliyahu HaNavi? Rav Shlomo Katz explores the secret of eternal life through the lens of The Berditchever (Kedushat Levi) . We learn that usually, the body pulls a person toward physical needs while the soul pulls toward God, eventually leading to their separation (death). However, in the moment Pinchas acted, he had absolutely no concern for hi...

Why would a Chassidic master grow his Peiyos (sidelocks) down to the floor? In this classic and deeply stirring session, Rav Shlomo Katz shares a foundational story about R' Naftali of Ropshitz to explain the true nature of Pinchas's act. We explore the difference between a person who fixes their own soul and a person who is willing to look crazy—or even like a sinner—to ensure that their great-gr...

Why does the world seem so afraid of the Jewish people returning to their Land? In this deep and timely session, Rav Shlomo Katz explores the spiritual root of anti-Zionism through the lens of the Slonimer Rebbe (Nesivos Shalom) . We learn that Balak’s desire to "drive them out of the land" wasn't just political; it was a spiritual resistance to the concept of Arziut —elevating the mundane earth....

Do you feel special when you stand before God, or do you just feel obligated? In this profound session, Rav Shlomo Katz explores the concept of Yichud (Specialness/Intimacy) through the lens of Rebbe Leibel Eiger (Toras Emes) and the Izhbitzer Rebbe . We learn that love requires two things: a "Special Place" (like the Land of Israel for Avraham) and a feeling that there is no one else in the world...