The Weekly Parsha - With Michoel Brooke

Is abstinence a virtue to be embraced or a vice to be shunned? This intriguing episode unravels the enigma of abstinence, drawing inspiration from the Torah, Midrash, and Talmud. Together, we examine the reasoning behind the Nazarite's sin offering and the significance of abstaining from specific indulgences to maintain a balanced spiritual life. Join us as we uncover Rev Desler's insigh...

Discover the life and legacy of Rabbi Gershon Edelstein, a renowned Torah leader. Explore his teachings, contributions, and the impact he has made on the Jewish community worldwide. His wisdom, humility, and dedication to Torah learning have inspired millions of people around the world. In this episode, we will delve into the life and impact of the Ponevezh Rosh Yeshiva. Highlighting some signific...

As we prepare for the holiday of Shavuos, I can't help but think about my own experiences and the significance of this joyous occasion. From shopping for new Yom Tov clothing for the kids to setting up our learning schedules for the night, we go all in to celebrate this holy holiday. But sometimes, amidst the hustle and bustle, we may overlook the true meaning and power of Shavuot. At the cor...

Parshas Bamidbar Dvar Torah - 2023 Welcome to this week's episode of The Weekly Parsha, where we delve deep into the meaning behind the ancient commandment for each tribe to display its unique flag.  Have you ever wondered why people are willing to sacrifice their lives for a piece of colored cloth? Or why the Jewish people revered the flags of the angels? We explore the idea that a flag is m...

In this week's episode of The Weekly Parsha, we discuss the well-known analysis of Rashi in his first comment on Parshas Bechukosai. Often a misconstrued, fuzzy topic, we seek to clarify and illustrate this critical mitzvah of "Ameilus BaTorah!" In this week's Parsha: Behar   Laws about resting land and crops every 7 and 50 years   God permits the use of enslaved people with st...

This week's parsha, Parshas Emor, delves into various laws about the Kohanim, the commandment to establish and protect the Jewish holidays, and the observance of Shabbos. The parsha concludes with a narrative about a blasphemer. Join us as we explore the significance of the Jewish holidays and how they teach us that not all time is created equal. We'll also discuss how to harness the pow...

Baruch Dayan Ha'Emes: The Stamford Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Meir Hershkowitz, has returned his soul to his Maker. We mourn the loss of a Torah giant who devoted his life to studying and teaching the Torah. His legacy lives on through the thousands of Talmidim he has taught around the globe and the generations of Torah he has Meyased. May his memory be a blessing. As his funeral and levaya take pla...

Parshas Acharei Mos and Kedoshim are two of the most well-known Torah portions in the Jewish tradition, mainly due to their focus on sacrifice and atonement. The portion begins with God instructing Moses regarding the ritual of Yom Kippur, which requires the High Priest to enter the inner sanctum of the Tabernacle and make atonement for himself, his family, and all of Israel.  The central theme of...

The Parsha of Tazria deals with the purification of mothers after childbirth and the identification and response to leprosy. In Metzora, purification rituals for people and homes afflicted with skin diseases are discussed, along with instructions on the laws of bodily fluid emissions. The topic of our shiur today is a unique halacha that leads us to a shocking conclusion. We will discuss how this...

Sefiras HaOmer is an extraordinary time of the year for all Jews. The countdown of Sefiras HaOmer begins on Pesach night when we count 49 days until Shavuos - The Giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. This period is filled with joy, excitement, and hope as we anticipate celebrating the receiving of the Torah with our fellow Jews. Each day during Sefiras HaOmer, we can focus on reconnecting with our...

In this week's Torah Podcast: Shemini, which is the Torah reading of the week and third in the Book of Leviticus. Parshas Shemini tells of the consecration of the Tabernacle, the deaths of Nadab and Abihu, and the dietary laws of kashrut (כַּשְׁרוּת‎). In this week's Torah podcast, we focus on an idea from Rav Shlomo Wolbe z"l about Moshe Rabbeinus's response to his brother whe...

Making the Pesach Seder fun and interactive is integral to connecting with our Jewish heritage and passing on traditions to future generations. The seder plate, which traditionally contains a roasted shank bone, matzah, maror (bitter herbs), charoses (a mixture of fruit and nuts), karpas (a vegetable, usually onion or parsley), and salt water, can be used to create exciting activities for the whol...

In this week's Torah Podcast: The Jewish mitzvah (commandment) of Terumas Hadeshen is a ritual that involves taking a small portion of ashes from atop the altar each day and setting them aside. Terumas Hadeshen teaches us about continuity, and setting aside part of the ash from the previous day reminds us that while our service may change, it originates in yesterday's work. Through this...

In this week's Torah podcast, we explore a fascinating Midrash that describes Moshe not entering into the Mishkan until he was called. This teaches us an essential lesson about knowledge and focus - having both before beginning any task. By taking the time to understand and contemplate what lies ahead in our lives, we can ensure tremendous success when achieving our goals. Parshas Vayikra enc...

In this episode of The Torah Podcast: Without prior knowledge of weaving, sewing, or constructing, how could the Jewish people build the Mishkan? The Ramban's answer in parshas Vayakhel is genuinely inspiring. He explains that under the guidance of Hashem, a few individuals could find within themselves the strength and determination to succeed despite the seemingly impossible task set before...

In this episode of The Torah Podcast, we explore the troubling episode of the Jewish people at the foot of Mount Sinai, their leader receiving the Torah, about to bring it down and bestow it upon them. They commit the grievous sin of idolatry. Much ink has been spilled to explain the depth of the evil done, the consequences of that action, and the practical takeaway. In this short Dvar Torah on th...

Purim is a unique Jewish holiday. From the wine to the dancing and parties, it is beloved and celebrated by Jews worldwide. The Rambam tells us that when Mashiach comes, all books of Tanach will not be studied, but Megillas Esther and all holidays except purim will be extinct. Listen to three distinctly different approaches to make sense of this Rambam in this episode of the Torah Podcast. Support...

This week, the parsha has two portions – parshas Tetzaveh and parshas Zachor. Parshas Tetzaveh discusses the ritual and construction of the Tabernacle and, more specifically, the Cohen Gadol's clothing, while parshat Zachor focuses on remembering Amalek. This nation opposed G-d's will. In this short Dvar Torah, we explore why Amalek is so bad. The Haftorah then recounts the story of Shau...

In this episode of The Torah Podcast, we ponder how Moshe and the Jewish people could create a brick-and-mortar house for Hashem. The Mishkan is the main focus of this week's parsha, and together, we explore its many practical and kabbalistic lessons. This Dvar Torah culminates in a fresh look and novel approach to fulfilling the mitzvos. Let me know your thoughts. Good Shabbas! A Closer Look...

During the month of Adar, we celebrate the holiday of Purim. We read Megilas Esther, which tells the Purim story, and dressed up in our Purim costumes. The sages teach us to increase our happiness during the month of Adar. The problem we are left with is how? In this episode of The Torah Podcast, we unearth the source of joy and strategize how to attain this wonderful middah.  Purim Dvar Torah: La...

Parshas Mishpatim is jam-packed with mitzvos. At the very end of the parsha, we are filled in with the final details about the Jewish people's Sinai experience. Then, the pasuk describes how Moshe and his companions ascended the mountain and saw something miraculous. What they saw that day gives us a new understanding of an ancient concept. Support the show Join The Motivation Congregation Wh...

The parsha that contains the most significant historical event, parshas Yisro is stuffed with essential lessons and storylines. This week's Torah podcast discusses Eben Ezra's famous question on the last of the ten commandments. We explore possible answers to combat the terrible sickness called jealousy.  Support the show Join The Motivation Congregation WhatsApp community for daily moti...

The Rosh Hashana for trees has become a celebratory day for the Jewish people. What latent holiness does this day have, and what lesson can we take from Tubishvat? (based on the wisdom of Rav Daniel Kalish shlita) Support the show Join The Motivation Congregation WhatsApp community for daily motivational Torah content! ------------------ Check out our other Torah Podcasts and content! SUBSCRIBE to...

This week is Shabbas Shira, Parshas Beshalach. In this week's Torah Podcast, we explore the odd requirements needed to extract water from a rock and the lesson it holds for us in our pursuit of parnasah. Support the show Join The Motivation Congregation WhatsApp community for daily motivational Torah content! ------------------ Check out our other Torah Podcasts and content! SUBSCRIBE to The...

It is not only parshas Beshalach this week, but also Shabbas Shira. In this week's Torah Podcast, we discuss the song's meaning, the melody's origins, and Shabbas Shira's unique potential. (Based on the Maharal's classic work "Gur Aryeh") Support the show Join The Motivation Congregation WhatsApp community for daily motivational Torah content! ------------------...