Hashem
Nasso – Hashem is Always There
What does the verse mean in Song of Songs when it refers to Hashem (our Beloved) as ‘standing behind the wall,’ ‘watching from the window,’ and ‘peeking from the cracks?’ How does this connect to the concept of the Priestly Blessing? Why do we need a Kohen to bless us – why can’t we receive…
Read MoreShoftim – King of Israel
What is the concept of a Jewish king? Why does the Torah command us to appoint a king, while it seems that it was not a good thing when the Jews asked for a king in the times of Samuel? Why do we pray three times daily for the king messiah, if the midrash states…
Read MoreVa'eschanan – Staying Connected to God
What are the two modes of our relationship with Hashem? What is the path into ecstatic experience of God? How does one find God in the mundane – ‘whenever we call out to Him?’ Why is God’s name ‘Elokim’ in the plural form? What is the concept of dew? Find out in this week’s parsha…
Read MoreVaeschanan – Love Hashem with all your heart
What is the symbolism of the egg that is eaten in the final meal before Tisha B’av? What is the significance of the idea that Moshiach is born on Tisha B’av? How does one serve Hashem with one’s physical desires? When is one called a servant of God, and when is one called a child…
Read MoreYisro – Hashem is there for us
In this week’s parsha podcast, we don’t ask any questions. We just explore the simple statement that God makes at the beginning of the ten commandments, that He is there for us. Running time: 19:24
Read MoreVaera – Raising the cup of Salvation
What is the difference between the name Kel Shakai and Hashem (Yud Kei Vav Kei)? Why does Hashem tell Moshe to tell the Jewish people of their imminent redemption if they don’t have the capability to hear it? What is the connection between the four languages of Geulah and the four cups that were in…
Read MoreBimidbar – Reflecting Hashem's Love
What is the concept of counting the Jewish people? How does it show Hashem’s love for us? Why is it necessary to involve the heads of the tribes in the count? What is the significance of the midrash telling us how each tribal leader was connected to the original progenitor of the tribe? What is…
Read MoreNitzavim-Vayelech – Hashem is close
Why does the Torah stress that the commandments are not far away? What does it mean that they are in ‘your mouth and your heart to do them?’ What is the deeper concept of Teshuva – repentance – and why does it begin on Rosh Hashana, the day we crown Hashem our King? What is…
Read MoreKi Savo – Choosing Hashem
Why does the Torah speak extensively about the curses that befall those who violate the Torah? What is the contrast between the initial accepting of the Torah at Sinai, as opposed to the second acceptance in the time of Purim? How do these two stages play out in our own relationship with Hashem? Find out…
Read MoreVa'eschanan – Hashem and Israel's love
What is the foundation of Hashem’s love for the Jewish people? What does the Torah mean when it says that the Jews are few/small? Why does the Torah specifically speak of this love in contrast to his relationship with the nations of the world? What is the secret of the Jewish people’s continued success? What…
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