The Rabbi Stark Podcast

Continuing in the theme of recognizing the good, Rabbi Stark expounds upon how Hakaras HaTov is not about saying "thank you" but rather is all about recognition of the good which exists in all aspects of our lives.

In this new series—aptly named "FUNDAMENTALS"—Rabbi Stark goes through the hakdamos to various primary sources of Torah principles. This teaching style allows the audience, who are encouraged to follow along inside, to become more knowledgable and familiar with the foundations of our Torah belief. Rabbi Stark appropriately kicks off the FUNDAMENTALS series with the hakdamah to the Sefer HaChinuch,...

For the next few weeks, R' Stark dives deep into what he believes is the root of Yiddiskeit—creating a real relationship with Hashem. However, to form such a relationship, we must first understand and internalize the concept of Hakaras HaTov.

After discussing the importance of Yeshiva and the advantages it offers one who wants to truly grow in their learning, R' Stark focuses on how one properly invests in their learning.

Yeshivah Aderes Hatorah is finally back in session and the Mashgiach is at long last able to be giving his schmoozim in person. To commemorate this momentous occasion, Rabbi Stark examines the deeper meaning of the word Yeshivah and all that it represents.

Simchas Torah is a Yom Tov when we celebrate the completion of the Torah—together. Although, on this Simchas Torah the celebrating may look very different, if we truly understand the greatness of the day we may be able to reach even greater heights than in previous years.

Continuing in the theme of the arbah minim, the Mashgiach goes into more depth as to what they represent and how, by taking them together—in our hands—we can access "koichos" not typically attainable by us.

While there is a mitzvah to be happy on every Yom Tov, Sukkos is the only Chag described as "zman simchaseinu." Sukkos inherently contains an additional level of simcha and the Mashgiach is here to tell us how one can tap into it.

After Yom Kippur, on which we proclaim Hashem as our Father and that we are his children, we almost immediately head into Sukkos. Of the main "avodas" of Sukkos is for Klal Yisroel to not just be children of Hashem, but rather to be children of Hashem—as one big happy family.

With Yom Kippur just a few short hours away, Rabbi Stark has some last minute thoughts to help ensure we make the most of the day's opportunities.

In last week's schmooze, the Mashgiach describes that if one understands that Hashem is the King they are afforded a great opportunity to connect with him. This week the Mashgiach explains how there is a level of connection even higher than that of King—that Hashem is our Father too. When one truly grasps this they are afforded the greatest opportunity of all.

Rosh Hashanah is the day on which the world—and everything in it—is judged, and it is therefore a very serious day. However, this fact also makes Rosh Hashanah the best time to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities Hashem affords to us.

In order to do proper tshuvah it is imperative that we are alone. During this trying time of quarantine we are experiencing being alone like never before. But what is this idea of aloneness and why does it allow for proper repentance?

Elul stands for Ani L'dodi V'dodi Li and is all about creating a relationship with Hashem. Rabbi Stark explains how the best way to create this relationship is through the "song" of Torah.

Elul is here and the new zman along with it, however, this Elul is unlike any we've ever experienced before. Nonetheless, we must recognize the new beginning Elul ushers in and understand how we can make the most of the opportunities it present us with.

Chazal say "anyone who puts on Tefillin, wears Tzitzis, and has a Mezuzah by the entrance of his house has a "chazakah" that he won't sin." The Mashgiach discusses Mezuzah and explains why this is the case and how it speaks to our generation.

Bein Hazmanim or not, Rabbi Stark and his spreading of Torah cannot be stopped. In this latest segment, the Mashgiach continues in the theme of Tefillin and what it stands for.

Although summer zman has ended, and the "schmooze" along with it, Rabbi Stark sits down in a more informal setting to discuss Tisha B'Av and how we are to relate to the "Churban" Beis Hamikdash.

R' Stark has been discussing how Tzitzis is all about connecting with Hashem and the Mitzvos. This week, the Mashgiach "ups the ante" and discusses how Tefillin fits into the mix.

Tzitzis is such an easy mitzvah that we sometimes don't appreciate its importance and the opportunity it presents us with. However, if we understood the enormity of the mitzvah of Tzitzis we would not take for granted what it allows us to tap into.

"The clothes make the man" is a statement which we have all heard in the past. But, how true is that assertion and if it is true then where does tzitzis fit in?

Sefiras HaOmer is culminating with Shavuos, the day Hashem gave us the Torah—and the Mitzvos. In this weeks segment, Rabbi Stark helps us to comprehend what the Torah and the Mitzvos are and what the distinction is between the two.

During this time of Sefiras HaOmer we prepare ourselves to be makabel the Torah. Yet, the real challenge lies in actualizing one's potential after they have identified it.

Continuing in the theme of the past weeks, we must really comprehend what the Torah is and its place in our lives.

As yeshivah bachurim, we are typically only not present in yeshiva during "bein hazmanim," a time which the name itself connotes is merely a layover period between two more important times—the "zman" itself. However, we currently ourselves not in yeshivah, despite it being "mid zman." This week Rabbi Stark discusses the challenges of how we can nonetheless stay connected and make the most of the c...