Rav Shlomo Katz on the Parsha

In the intimate dialogue at the Burning Bush, Moshe Rabbeinu asks, "Who am I?" Was this insecurity, or something deeper? Rav Shlomo Katz shares the Izhbitzer Rebbe's (Mei HaShiloach) interpretation: Moshe was asking, "What do You see in me?" Hashem's answer reveals the essence of Jewish leadership: "I see Myself in you, because there is no 'you' in you." Rav Shlomo explains that Moshe's total Anav...

Did the redemption start at the Burning Bush, or did it begin much earlier in the dark caves of Egypt? Rav Shlomo Katz reveals a powerful Midrash detailing Moshe Rabbeinu's role as a "slave driver" who convinced Pharaoh to give the Jews a day of rest—Shabbat—which they used to learn Torah in secret. We delve into the concept of "Double Redemption" ( Pakod Yifkod ), drawing from the Lubavitcher Reb...

Is clarity always the goal? In this deep session, Rav Shlomo Katz shares a teaching from the Izhbitzer School regarding the "Holiness of Exile." We explore a profound type of fear—not the fear of danger, but the "Holy Fear" that one hasn't done enough or reached deep enough. Rav Shlomo explains that in Heaven, angels have clarity and do their job perfectly, but the holiness of this world is the co...

In this shiur for Sefer Shemot, Rav Shlomo Katz explores the fundamental difference between those who accept suffering and those who refuse to be enslaved by it. Drawing from the Zohar , Rav Shlomo explains that if you tell someone accustomed to pain that they will suffer, they accept it. But redemption begins when we refuse to accept the status quo. We discuss the concept of Shal Naalecha —removi...

Are Mitzvos meant to be enjoyed? Rav Shlomo Katz tackles the Talmudic principle that "Mitzvos were not given for enjoyment" through the teachings of Rav Kook . Using the imagery of Yissachar as a "strong-boned donkey" ( Chamor ) who bows to the burden, we explore the transition from serving Hashem as an "indentured laborer" to finding the deepest sweetness in the world. Rav Shlomo explains that wh...

It seems paradoxical that Yaakov Avinu's best years—the years he "lived" ( Vayechi )—were the 17 years spent in the impurity of Egypt. Rav Shlomo Katz explores this mystery through the lens of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov . We learn that true spiritual vitality doesn't come from avoiding darkness, but from the strength to "grab the bitterness" and transform it into joy. Rav Shlomo discusses the concep...

How did Yaakov Avinu view himself in comparison to his father Yitzchak and grandfather Avraham? In this moving session, Rav Shlomo Katz shares a radical insight from the Izhbitzer Rebbe (Mei HaShiloach) on the verse "The God who has been my Shepherd from my inception until this day." While Avraham and Yitzchak "walked before God"—needing only a little light to discern the Divine will—Yaakov felt h...

Recorded live in Chevron, this shiur explores the profound request of Yaakov Avinu to his son Yosef: "If I have found grace ( Chen ) in your eyes, do not bury me in Egypt." Rav Shlomo Katz draws from the Beit Yaakov (Rabbi Yaakov Leiner of Izhbitza) to explain why a father would ask his son for "grace." We delve into the difference between owning something legally versus owning it because it is pr...

What is the difference between Creation and Redemption? As we conclude Sefer Bereishis, Rav Shlomo Katz shares a deep teaching from the Sod Yesharim (Rav Tzadok HaKohen/The Izhbitzer School) regarding the transition from the "Book of Creation" to the "Book of Redemption." We learn that while creation implies making something from nothing, redemption requires a pre-existing state of desperation—a n...

Why did Yaakov Avinu feel the need to apologize to Yosef for burying Rachel on the side of the road? In this powerful shiur, Rav Shlomo Katz shares a teaching from the Lubavitcher Rebbe that redefines the spiritual role of the Jewish mother. While Yaakov (the man) strives for personal perfection and burial in the Cave of Machpelah, Rachel (the woman) sacrifices her eternal resting place to be avai...

What was going through Yehuda's mind in the moments before Yosef revealed himself? Rav Shlomo Katz explores the psychological and spiritual shift that turned Yehuda into a King. Drawing on the Ben Ish Chai and the Alshich HaKadosh , we trace Yehuda's journey from accepting the judgment of slavery as penance for selling Yosef, to suddenly fighting back when Binyamin was threatened. We discover that...

Who brings Mashiach? The Tzaddik who never sins, or the Baal Teshuva who falls and gets up? In this profound session, Rav Shlomo Katz takes us into the world of the Izhbitzer School (Mei HaShiloach, Rav Tzadok, and Reb Leibele Eiger) . We analyze the spiritual DNA of Yosef (the Tzaddik) versus Yehuda (the Baal Teshuva). Rav Shlomo uses a moving analogy of a couple reuniting after years of being lo...

What is the difference between doing a Mitzvah and preparing for a Mitzvah? In this shiur, Rav Shlomo Katz explores the concept of Hachanah (preparation) as the key to holiness, drawing on the Zohar and Rabbi Yehuda HaLevi . We discuss why Yehuda’s "approach" ( Vayigash ) to Yosef was actually a spiritual preparation for standing before the King. Rav Shlomo explains that a Bracha isn't just a than...

On the Yahrzeit of the holy Izhbitzer Rebbe (The Mei HaShiloach) , Rav Shlomo Katz delves into one of the most radical and comforting perspectives on the confrontation between Yehuda and Yosef. We explore the concept that Vayigash (And he approached) is the closest we can get in this world to tasting the revelation of Mashiach. Rav Shlomo explains that Yehuda didn't just approach Yosef; he approac...

We often hear about "reaching our potential," but is that truly the Jewish ideal? In this transformative session, Rav Shlomo Katz argues that God doesn't just want us to use 100% of our brains; He wants us to reach beyond ourselves entirely. Drawing from the deep teachings of Rav Kook and Rebbe Nachman of Breslov , we explore the spiritual mechanics of anger and the split-second opportunity we hav...

We often struggle with the question: "Did I choose to be in this world, or was I forced?" In this illuminating shiur, Rav Shlomo Katz opens a teaching from the Lubavitcher Rebbe that reframes the entire story of Yosef as a metaphor for the soul's journey. We learn that Yosef’s life in his father’s house represents the soul before birth—basking in Divine light—while his descent into Egypt represent...

Why did Yaakov Avinu think it was time to relax, and why did the "agitation of Yosef" jump upon him? In this deep exploration of the roots of Mashiach, Rav Shlomo Katz shares a classic teaching from Reb Shlomo Carlebach and the Izhbitzer school of thought . We examine the spiritual tension between Yosef and Yehuda: Yosef represents the Tzadik who never stumbles, while Yehuda represents the Baal Te...

We often feel that our spiritual struggles are a result of our unfair circumstances, but Yosef HaTzadik teaches us a different way to view our "resume." In this shiur, Rav Shlomo Katz presents a fundamental teaching from the Lubavitcher Rebbe on the "Jew in Exile." We analyze how Yosef went from being the favorite son to a slave and a prisoner, yet never fell into apathy or despair. Rav Shlomo exp...

When the world feels like it is falling apart, what is Hashem actually doing? In this special Chanukah edition of the Vayeshev shiur, Rav Shlomo Katz explores a powerful Midrash that reveals that while the brothers were selling Yosef and Yaakov was mourning, God was busy "creating the light of Mashiach" through the story of Yehuda and Tamar. Rav Shlomo shares a deep insight from the Lubavitcher Re...

How does Hashem comfort us after trauma? Based on the commentary of the Alshich HaKadosh , Rav Shlomo Katz walks through the timeline of Yaakov Avinu’s life in Parshas Vayishlach. We discover a profound pattern: after every major difficulty—from Lavan to the Angel, to the death of Devorah and Rivka—Hashem immediately provides a "hug" of consolation. Rav Shlomo connects this to the destruction of t...

Why was Yaakov Avinu, the man of truth, afraid of Eisav? Rav Shlomo Katz dives into the duality of fear, referencing the Slonimer Rebbe (Netivot Shalom) and the Izhbitzer Rebbe (Mei HaShiloach) . We learn that Eisav isn't just a gangster; he is the Sitra Achra (Other Side) that often disguises itself as a brother, a friend, or even a holy figure to confuse us. Rav Shlomo explains the concept of Gi...

Do our actions actually change reality? In this uplifting session, Rav Shlomo Katz explores the spiritual mechanics of Mitzvos through the lens of the Pele Yoetz (Rabbi Eliezer Papo) and the Baal Shem Tov . We learn that every good deed creates a Malach (angel) that acts as a defense attorney for us, and that these angels are waiting for us to believe in them. Rav Shlomo explains that the battle w...

In this intense and relevant shiur, Rav Shlomo Katz addresses the reality of fear and the spiritual battle for clarity during dark times. Drawing from the Netivot Shalom (Slonimer Rebbe) , Rav Shlomo asks: Who won the fight between Yaakov and the angel? We explore the concept of Emunah (faith) on three levels: faith of the mind, faith of the heart, and the deepest level—faith of the bones ( Emunat...

What is the difference between the name "Yaakov" and the name "Yisrael"? In this brief but deep insight from the Kedushas Levi (Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev) , Rav Shlomo Katz distinguishes between two types of spiritual connection. "Yaakov" represents the person who is close to God only when alone, but gets distracted by people. "Yisrael," however, represents the level of "Striving with God...

Why did the Jewish people take an optional prayer ( Maariv ) and make it mandatory? Based on the Rambam and the teachings of Reb Nosson of Breslov , Rav Shlomo Katz explains that this wasn't a legalistic decision, but a spiritual survival mechanism. We explore the concept of the subconscious connection to Hashem—represented by the sense of smell ( Reiach ). While conscious commands guide our days,...