Rav Shlomo Katz on the Parsha

How do you maintain faith when the facts on the ground look terrifying? Rav Shlomo Katz takes us back to the Warsaw Ghetto in 1940 to learn the secrets of the Aish Kodesh (Rebbe Kalonymus Kalman Shapira) . We learn that Calev Ben Yefuneh didn't try to argue with the Spies using logic or military tactics; he used the power of Emunah (faith) that transcends reason. Rav Shlomo explores the difference...

In this transformative session on the Sin of the Spies, Rav Shlomo Katz explores the fine line between humility and "copping out." Drawing on a life-changing teaching from the Alexander Rebbe (Yismach Yisrael) , we learn that true arrogance isn't thinking you are great; true arrogance is trying once, failing, and deciding "it’s impossible" or "it’s not for me." Rav Shlomo explains that Moshe Rabbe...

Why did Moshe Rabbeinu scream "Please God, Heal Her!" ( El Na Refa Na La ) regarding Miriam, demanding an immediate answer? Rav Shlomo Katz contrasts this with the teaching of Rabbi Chanina Ben Dosa , who knew if a prayer was accepted based on the fluency of his speech. We learn that the "fluency test" applies only when praying for someone distant. But when it is your own sister—someone you love—y...

Of all the incredible things Miriam did—saving Moshe, leading the women in song—why are we commanded daily to "Remember what Hashem did to Miriam"? Rav Shlomo Katz grapples with this difficult Mitzvah of remembering her punishment for speaking Lashon Hara . Is the Torah just highlighting her mistake? Drawing on the Kav HaYashar and deep Chassidic insights, Rav Shlomo reframes this memory. We aren'...

Why was the Holy Temple built on a lower hill and not the highest peak in Jerusalem? Rav Shlomo Katz delves into the dispute between King David and Doeg the Edomite regarding the location of the Beit HaMikdash . Based on a profound teaching from Rav Kook , we learn that Doeg wanted the Temple to be at the highest physical point—representing an elitist spirituality accessible only to the few. King...

How could Miriam and Aharon, the holiest of prophets, speak negatively about their brother Moshe?  Rav Shlomo Katz explores the danger of confusing assumptions with facts. Miriam and Aharon assumed that their experience of prophecy was the standard for everyone, failing to realize that Moshe operated on a frequency they couldn't comprehend. Rav Shlomo shares a fascinating insight from psychologist...

Why is the Book of Bamidbar known as the "Book of Mistakes"? In this deep and comforting shiur, Rav Shlomo Katz explains that while the previous books taught us about creation and laws, the fourth book teaches us how to find Hashem through our failures. We explore the profound teaching of the Izhbitzer Rebbe , who suggests that we have to make mistakes to truly discover what we are made of. Rav Sh...

Why do we experience profound spiritual moments—concerts, holidays, prayers—yet often feel like the same person the next day? In this transformative session, Rav Shlomo Katz addresses the pain of the "Heart of Stone" ( Lev Evan ) and the desperate yearning for a "Heart of Flesh" ( Lev Basar ). Opening the Izhbitzer Rebbe (Mei HaShiloach) , Rav Shlomo offers a radical reinterpretation of the Jewish...

Why does the Torah place the laws of the Nazir immediately after the laws of the Sotah? Rav Shlomo Katz explores the power of Kabbalah (Resolutions) through the Beis Avraham of Slonim . We learn that when a person sees moral failure in the world (Sotah), the correct response is not judgment, but personal elevation—taking on a resolution to sanctify oneself even in permissible matters. Rav Shlomo d...

At Mount Sinai, God came down to us; now, it is our turn to go up to Him. In this post-Shavuot shiur, Rav Shlomo Katz analyzes the transition from the revelation of Sinai to the service of the Mishkan in Parshat Nasso. Drawing on the Lubavitcher Rebbe , we explore the concept of "Lifting the Head"—using the mind to govern the emotions. Rav Shlomo explains that while Sinai was a gift of "illuminati...

Why is the Priestly Blessing ( Birkat Kohanim ) placed immediately after the blessing over the Torah in our morning prayers? Rav Shlomo Katz explores this juxtaposition through the writings of Rav Kook . We discover that receiving the immense light of Torah creates a "Soul Storm"—an inner turmoil caused by the gap between the holiness we learn about and the reality of our current lives. Rav Kook t...

What happens to the human mind when it immerses itself in Torah? In this intellectual and spiritual journey, Rav Shlomo Katz shares a teaching from the Lubavitcher Rebbe on the meaning of Nasso —"Lift Up." We learn that Torah study isn't just about gathering information; it is a mechanism that lifts the human head above the constraints of nature and unites the human intellect with Divine wisdom. R...

Why does Parshat Nasso, the longest portion in the Torah, sometimes fall before Shavuot? Rav Shlomo Katz connects the 176 verses of Nasso to the "longest tractate" (Bava Batra) and the concept of Nesi'at Rosh —lifting the head. Drawing on the Izhbitzer Rebbe (Mei HaShiloach) and Reb Shlomo Carlebach , we explore the plight of the Tribe of Gershon, whose name implies being "driven out" ( Gerushin )...

What does it mean to lift your hands in prayer? In this deeply moving shiur, Rav Shlomo Katz explores the essence of Birkat Kohanim (The Priestly Blessing) through the lens of the Izhbitzer Rebbe (Mei HaShiloach) and Reb Shlomo Carlebach . We learn that the lifting of the hands represents a total surrender and a declaration that "I have no power on my own, but with You, I can do anything." Rav Shl...

How can we receive the Torah if we feel completely unprepared? In this raw and honest session, Rav Shlomo Katz shares a life-changing teaching from the Rizhiner Rebbe . We learn that the ultimate preparation for Shavuot isn't necessarily how much we have learned or purified ourselves, but the heartbreak of realizing how far we are. Rav Shlomo explains that a "Broken Heart" is not depression; it is...

Why is the Book of Bamidbar called the "Book of Transition"? Rav Shlomo Katz explores the shift from the supernatural existence of the desert to the natural reality of the Land of Israel through the lens of the Izhbitzer Rebbe (Mei HaShiloach) . We discuss why the Midrash strangely refers to the generation entering Israel as "Darkness" compared to the "Light" of the Exodus. Rav Shlomo explains tha...

Why was the generation that left Egypt counted by their individual names, while the generation entering Israel was counted only by family numbers? Rav Shlomo Katz opens the Beis Avraham of Slonim to explore the difference between Galut (Exile) and Eretz Yisrael . We learn that when we are in darkness, we need to feel "special" and individually validated to survive, but the holiness of the Land of...

Is it enough to just "do" the Mitzvoth, or is there a deeper level we are missing? Rav Shlomo Katz explores the concept of Omek HaRatzon (The Depth of the Will) through the lens of the Izhbitzer Rebbe (Mei HaShiloach) . We learn that "If you walk in My statutes" is an invitation to connect not just to the command, but to what Hashem was thinking and feeling when He gave it. Rav Shlomo reveals the...

What does the world look like through the eyes of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai ? In this special pre-Lag BaOmer shiur, Rav Shlomo Katz connects the secrets of the Zohar to Parshat Bechukotai. We explore the promise that "evil beasts will cease from the land," with Rashbi teaching that the animals won't die, but their harmful nature will be removed—a lesson in believing that our own negative traits can...

How do we know if we are truly moving forward in life or just walking in circles? In this transformative shiur on Parshat Bechukotai, Rav Shlomo Katz explores the opening words "If you walk in My statutes." Drawing on the Beis Avraham of Slonim , we learn that the word Im (If) is actually a prayer from Hashem saying, "If only you would carve Me into your being." Rav Shlomo shares a life-changing f...

Why is the Mitzvah of Shmita (the Sabbatical year) the prototype for all other Mitzvoth? Rav Shlomo Katz shares a brilliant insight from the Lubavitcher Rebbe regarding the connection between Mount Sinai and Shmita. We learn that true Faith ( Emuna ) is not just leaving the world (the 7th year), but knowing how to live within the world (the 6 years) while recognizing it is all a miracle. Rav Shlom...

How can we judge others when we don't know the full story? In this deep and humbling session, Rav Shlomo Katz opens the Izhbitzer Rebbe (Mei HaShiloach) to redefine the prohibition of Ona'ah (oppression/wronging). We learn that judging someone unfavorably is actually an act of arrogance, assuming that we know how God—the true Judge—would react to their situation. Rav Shlomo explains that Hashem co...

We often run away from loneliness, but what if it is the gateway to our deepest connection? In this touching shiur, Rav Shlomo Katz explores the concept of being a "Ger" (Stranger) based on the Degel Machane Ephraim (The Baal Shem Tov's grandson). We learn that feeling like a stranger in this material world is actually a sign of spiritual health—it means you are a "resident" in the world of Truth....

We often deceive others, but the greatest tragedy is when we deceive ourselves. In this fiery and penetrating session, Rav Shlomo Katz opens the world of Pshischa and Kotzk to understand the prohibition of Ona'ah (deception). We learn from the Izhbitzer Rebbe that a true Chasid is one who goes beyond the letter of the law to ensure they never fool themselves, even in the name of holiness. Rav Shlo...

Why does the Torah end a portion about holiness with the tragic story of the Blasphemer ( Mekalel )? Rav Shlomo Katz digs into this disturbing narrative with insights from the Kli Yakar and Rabbeinu Bachya . We learn the psychological background of the man—the son of a tragedy—who spent his life "cursing in his heart" before it ever left his lips. However, Rav Shlomo offers a transformative "inver...