prayer
Va’eschanan – Entering Israel
Why was it so important to Moshe to go into Israel? What is the significance of Hashem’s response – ‘don’t speak to Me about this,’ and ‘go up on the mountain to see the land?’ What is the value of seeing the land if he could not go there? Why is this the circumstance that…
Read MoreBo – Conserving Spiritual Power
What is the aspect of the ‘First Born’ as represented by the people of Israel? How is it counteracted by Amalek, which is ‘first of the nations?’ How does one maintain continuity in the face of what seems to a setback in one’s spiritual achievements? Why do we preface our prayers with a mention of…
Read MoreVa'era – Surmounting Challenges
What is the parallel between the experiences of the Jewish people in the Exodus and the experience of every individual Israelite? How does one face off with and surmount the challenges that continuously arrive? What is the power of prayer and how does it partner with the power of commitment? Find out in this week’s…
Read MoreNoach – Revealing Hidden Kindness
What is the difference between Noach and Moshe? Why is Moshe’s generation saved while Noach’s is destroyed? What is the concept of the secret hidden kindness of Hashem that keeps the world functioning despite people’s distance from Him? How does one access that kindness? Find out in this week’s parsha podcast. Running time: 18:53
Read MoreDevarim – Song and Prayer of Redemption
In this week’s Parsha Podcast, we study together the secret of the joy of Moshiach (Messiah) that is all about the revelation of God in the world, and how it is awakened through the female aspect, as is represented by King David, the great grandfather of Moshiach. We also explore the aspect of song and…
Read MoreVayakhel-Pekudei – Prayers of a Lion
Why are Betzalel, from the tribe of Judah, and Oholiab, from Dan, specifically chosen for the building of the tabernacle? Why is the Tabernacle referred to as a lion? What is the concept of the lion? Why is the place of God’s presence and our relationship with Him to be found in a place of…
Read MoreVayechi – Blessings and Prayers
What is the general concept of a blessing? Why do I need to go to a tzaddik to get a bracha? What does a bracha do for me more than I already have, and why can’t I access it myself? When Yaakov gives the brachos, is he just stating a fact as to the nature…
Read MoreVaeschanan – Resonating with Truth
Why does Moshe preface his request to enter Israel by appointing Yehoshua to lead the Jewish people into Israel? Why does Moshe form his prayer as a “תחינה” – a supplication asking for a free gift? What is the difference between the experience of spirituality outside of Israel as opposed to the experience inside of…
Read MoreVayikra – Prayer and sacrifice
What is the concept of the sacrifices? What is the connection between sacrifice and prayer? Why are both of these concepts called ‘avodah’ – service? What is the difference between service of Hashem and the service of idolatry? What is the deeper reason why the sacrifices were completely consumed by the body with no waste,…
Read MoreLet it rain, let it rain, let it rain!
This winter has been terribly dry for us in Israel, as many of you may know. The water levels here are dangerously low, and the drought is having a devastating effect on this year’s crops. We have been saying special tefilos for rain every day, and there was even a special fast not too long…
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