Posts by Ari Goldwag
Vayeshev – Israel and the Arc of History
How does Hashem draw the people of Israel after Him? What is the understanding of the paradox of the ‘chains of love?’ Why do the People of Israel need to experience exile and subjugation to the nations of the world? What is the ultimate end of the great arc of Israel’s history? How does this…
Read MoreVayishlach – Sacrificing for Israel
As Rochel was about to die in childbirth with the birth of Binayamin, what was the consolation the midwives offered with the statement, ‘don’t worry, this too is a boy?’ Why did the two students of R’ Yehoshua dress in Greek garb if they were truly Bnei Torah (students of Torah)? How did they respond…
Read MoreBitachon 138 – Surrounded with Protection
We continue studying the passuk in Tehillim ch. 32 passuk 10 which speaks of the pain of the wicked, who have turned away from Hashem and are busy seeking to fill their physical desires. This contrasts with the righteous who, through their bitachon, are aware that they already have all they need, and they are…
Read MoreVayetzei – Jerusalem’s Inspiration
Why does the Torah give us so much detail around the scene when Yakov arrives in Charan – the well, the three flocks, the rock that closes the well, how it was rolled off through a group effort? How does each of these elements parallel the well in the wilderness, the Holy Temple in Jerusalem…
Read MoreBitachon 137 – Bitachon When We Sin?
We explore the passuk in Tehillim (Psalms) chapter 32 passuk 10, which speaks about the many pains and trials of the wicked person and how kindness surrounds the one who trusts in Hashem. We delve into the possibility that even a wicked person can employ bitachon, despite his wickedness, or perhaps because his faith turns…
Read MoreToldos – Expanding Inwards
Why did Gehenom enter into the room with Esav after Yakov left and had procured his blessings? Who is the one for whom that punishment is reserved? Why did Esav keep trapping animals and the angel kept releasing those animals? What is the reason why the food Yakov served Yitzchak to receive the brachos had…
Read MoreBitachon 136 – End of Exile
We continue exploring ch 31 verse 25 which speaks of the strengthening of the heart that occurs when we trust in Hashem. And this is especially important to face off with the many challenges that the Jewish people have endured throughout the millenia. CLICK HERE to listen to the audio
Read MoreChayei Sarah – Yishmael’s Final Fall
Why does the Torah first use a language of ‘Shachan’ to mean ‘dwelling’ and then ‘Nafal,’ which usually means to fall? What changed for Yishmael after Avraham’s death? What is the difference between Yishmael and his offspring and how will that play out in the end of days? Why do the people of Edom and…
Read MoreBitachon 135 – Israel’s Enemies Are a Facade
We continue in ch 31 passuk 15 of Tehillim which speaks of two names of Hashem – one denoting Hashem’s kindness, and one His judgment. We learn that Dovid hamelech was saying that the challenges that he faced with his enemies had nothing to do with his enemies, but only to do with his relationship…
Read MoreVayera – Israel’s Eternal Promise
How does the promise Hashem made to Sarah that she would conceive parallel the promise Hashem made to the Jewish people of their final redemption? Why did the miracle birth take a typical nine months instead of taking place immediately? Why was Sarah first abducted by Avimelech before Hashem kept His promise to Sarah? How…
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