Reb Shaya Guttman

Three famous episodes from these two parshios demonstrate the importance of using speech the right way. It is probably the most powerful means of communication we have, and defines us as human beings. It's even Hashem's preferred method of reaching us. So we'd better take it seriously!

The Parsha of Korach reveals the multiple levels involved in leadership struggles, and how the real issues can be very different than what appears on the surface. Beware of machlokes!

The Parsha of Shlach includes powerful, fundamental principles that allow us to face the challenges of life without fear, by realizing that we are Hashem's messengers in the world, and, like the Tzitzis, the Creation itself is only a garment of Hashem.

The Parsha of Behaaloscha explores the important issue of motivation: how can we find consistent self-motivation in serving Hashem, and why is it important? This podcast is dedicated l'ilui nishmas Etel Malkah bas Eliyahu a'h to commemorate her first yartzeit on 21 Sivan, by her daughter, BJ Goldman.

The Parsha of Naso includes the Priestly Blessing, one of the few remaining mitzvos of the Bais Hamikdosh that we still practice today. What is the true role of the kohen, and how is it relevant in the modern world, and to non-kohanim?

Shavuos encompasses many customs, and we attempt here to bring them all together: the Haftarah of Maaseh Merkavah, Megillas Ruth, Matan Torah, the Covenant, accepting Ol Malchus Shomayim, and fusing them into a cohesive whole.

Parshas Bamidbar brings home the importance of simple consistency and reliability in fulfilling our responsibilities to do the work necessary to bring the Geulah, and to assure the influx of energy into the universe on a daily basis. Find out how!

The parshios of Behar and Bechukosai are integrally related, by exposing the true reason why we can relax and do mitzvos with total reliance that Hashem created the world in such a way that we will not suffer by following them, even when it seems to involved some sacrifice.

Parshas Emor deals primarily with laws of the Kohanim. What role do/did Kohanim play in Jewish society? How does this illuminate our values in terms of the time and money we invest in spiritual priorities, as opposed to things that just impact our material lives?

Both of these parshios deal with the subject of Kedusha/Holiness. Do we really understand what that means? Is Yom Kippur just about forgiveness, or is the point of the experience really something quite different?

The process of recovering from Tzoraas involves isolation, being literally closed off from society. Could this be an indication that speaking Loshon Hora involves being closed off to ourselves, and the solution is actually to open up?

Who is the master of whom, and what does it mean to be a servant of Hashem? How is it different than being a slave of Paroh? Learn what true liberation means after all.

Is the book of Vayikra only meaningful for Kohanim, or can all of us learn important lessons from it for our daily lives? We discuss the amazing concept of how Hashem renews the Creation every moment through our ability to unify the physical and spiritual aspects of reality using out the principle of male/female oneness.

What is the relationship of the Parshios of Vayakhel and Pekudei have to do with Parshas Hachodesh and the renewal of the moon through its monthly cycles. Find out the deep secret this tells us about how to bring growth and renewal into our own lives, and how it has shaped the destiny of the Jewish people throughout history.  

How are Purim, Pesach, the Golden Calf, and the Red Heifer connected? Find out in this fascinating discussion of the paradox of self-consciousness and humility. Is it possible to strive for higher levels and still avoid becoming arrogant?

This parshah highlights the priestly garments, providing a detailed description of how the garb of the High Priest was to be designed. What was so important about it? Isn't clothing superficial, external, and often petty? Why did it occupy such an important role in the service of the Bais Hamikdosh? And why does Purim place such emphasis on it as well? What's really going on here on a deeper level...

In the first of several parshios devoted to the building of the Mishkan, we explore the fascinating subject of bringing G-d's presence into space, time and ourselves, truly making a home for Hashem in this world. This is essential to understanding our role, and the whole tachlis of creation itself.

Law is so important in Judaism, but why do we need it and what does it do for us, on both a public and private level? Can it get out of hand? What does it tell us about living responsibly, as a part of the community, and also dealing with our own challenges?

Why was it necessary to give the first Luchos with such 'fanfare' if they would ultimately be broken anyway? Why not give the 2nd set quietly? In general, why does Hashem do things that seem not to end up as He originally intended them? Why does the Galus have to be so long?

This episode was sponsored by BJ Goldman in memory of her father Sholom bn Chanoch Henach, a'h, Yahrzeit 12th Shevat (5th Yahrzeit). What does the Shiras Hayam mean for our daily avodah? Find out now.

Extending the concept of bringing potential into reality, we explore the importance of open mindedness in discovering the options that are really available, and how we can take advantage of daily experiences to escape the inertia confront Hashem's reality on a regular basis.

This Parsha explores the very important subjects of Potential to Reality in relation to the Redemption from Egypt, and how it relates to our own lives. We learn that Hashem has created Good and Evil in order to give us the choice to participate in Hashem's vision, thus becoming a true partner with Hashem in creating a new Reality.

This Parsha begins a new focus: instead of dwelling on the lives of the Avos, we switch to the relationship between the Leader and Klal Yisroel, and his efforts to bring them, as individuals and as a whole, to fulfilling their destiny, the plan Hashem his in place for them.

This Parsha ends the era of the patriarchs. Paradoxically, we're told that 'Our Father Yakov never died,' and indeed the first line speaks of his death in terms of his life. So what is life for? How do the lives of the Avos teach us how to live ours, and what life is really about.

The dramatic confrontation in this Parsha, the culmination of the episode of Joseph and his brothers, brings to light how conflicts can arise even among the greatest leaders when they are misinformed, but even then, the outcome was intended by the Creator. Please excuse the slight problem with the echo this week.