Best Parsha Discussion Questions Podcasts (2025)

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Eicha by Candlelight - Tisha B’Av 5785 (2025) 1:02:53

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2h ago1:02:53

1:02:53

onight, in a darkened room lit only by the soft flicker of individual candles, over a hundred souls gathered in sacred stillness for Eicha by Candlelight. This was not just an event, it was a ritual of remembrance, a meditation on exile, and a quiet act of spiritual defiance. Rabbi Yisroel Bernath opened the evening with a heart-stirring monologue,…

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Parshas Devarim - Tisha B’Av: Bring Along Your Golf Clubs, Stroller, and Gemara 36:45

4h ago36:45

36:45

What caused the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash? The Talmud provides a surprising, direct answer from God Himself that continues to challenge us today. The connection between Parshas Devarim and Tisha B'Av is no coincidence. Both center on honest reflection about past mistakes rather than glossing over uncomfortable truths. Moshe's rebuke in Deva…

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Vain Tears: Reclaiming Our Power After Generations of Silence 40:34

1h ago40:34

40:34

Send us a text On the night of the 9th of Av, our ancestors cried tears of despair—tears the Talmud calls “בכיה של חנם”, baseless weeping. G-d’s response wasn’t punitive, it was prophetic: “You wept in vain, and this day will be one of tears for generations.” But what were they really crying about? And why do we still cry? This class explores the r…

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Vain Tears: Reclaiming Our Power After Generations of Silence 40:34

1h ago40:34

40:34

On the night of the 9th of Av, our ancestors cried tears of despair—tears the Talmud calls “בכיה של חנם”, baseless weeping. G-d’s response wasn’t punitive, it was prophetic: “You wept in vain, and this day will be one of tears for generations.” But what were they really crying about? And why do we still cry? This class explores the roots of generat…

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Parshas Mattos-Masei: Greetings from Koh! 25:54

7d ago25:54

25:54

The fog of uncertainty isn't a weakness in our religious experience—it's the proving ground of our most profound faith. Moses spoke to the tribal leaders with a unique clarity of prophecy, using the phrase "Zeh hadavar" (this is precisely what God said). But as Rashi teaches us, this perfect clarity was reserved only for Moshe. All other prophets r…

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Moses’ Rebuke & the Art of Receiving Criticism: A Parsha Perspective on Self-Esteem 45:07

7d ago45:07

45:07

Send us a text This class explores one of the Torah’s most striking rebukes, Moses’ fiery confrontation with the tribes of Reuben and Gad and uncovers why they chose silence over self-defense. Through this encounter and a powerful Chassidic story about the Sefas Emes, Rabbi Bernath examines why we often recoil at criticism and how to reframe it as …

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Moses’ Rebuke & the Art of Receiving Criticism: A Parsha Perspective on Self-Esteem 45:07

7d ago45:07

45:07

This class explores one of the Torah’s most striking rebukes, Moses’ fiery confrontation with the tribes of Reuben and Gad and uncovers why they chose silence over self-defense. Through this encounter and a powerful Chassidic story about the Sefas Emes, Rabbi Bernath examines why we often recoil at criticism and how to reframe it as a holy opportun…

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Parshas Pinchas: What Your Rabbi Isn't Telling You About Reality 27:07

14d ago27:07

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What if the Torah isn't just a set of divine rules, but the actual software that runs our universe? Rabbi Aaron Lopiansky's revolutionary 8-minute discourse from 5779 (2018-2019) offers a perspective that transforms our understanding of reality itself. Starting with a famous dispute between Talmudic sages Rava and Abaye about prohibited actions, Ra…

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The G-d Question: Beyond the Bearded Man in the Sky | A Candid Discussion. 1:03:11

14d ago1:03:11

1:03:11

In this eye-opening session, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores one of the most profound and misunderstood topics of all time: What is G-d? Moving beyond simplistic childhood images of a supernatural sky-being, we delve into Jewish, Chassidic, philosophical, and even scientific perspectives on the Divine. Drawing from thinkers like Einstein and the Alt…

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The G-d Question: Beyond the Bearded Man in the Sky | A Candid Discussion. 1:03:11

14d ago1:03:11

1:03:11

Send us a text In this eye-opening session, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores one of the most profound and misunderstood topics of all time: What is G-d? Moving beyond simplistic childhood images of a supernatural sky-being, we delve into Jewish, Chassidic, philosophical, and even scientific perspectives on the Divine. Drawing from thinkers like Einst…

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Cursed to Bless: The Unlikely Prophet and the Eternal People - An Overview of Parshat Balak 30:19

20d ago30:19

30:19

In this gripping journey through Parshat Balak, Rabbi Bernath reveals the hidden spiritual war behind the political drama. Balak, king of Moav, turns to the infamous prophet Bilaam to curse Israel—but instead, Bilaam becomes an unwitting conduit for some of the most beautiful blessings in Torah. From the fall of Sichon and Og to the rise of Pinchas…

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Parshas Balak: Do You Know What Color Your Friend's Kitchen Cabinets Are? 30:16

21d ago30:16

30:16

What inspires an enemy to offer praise? Bilaam, the infamous non-Jewish prophet whose prophetic abilities rivaled those of Moshe, was hired to curse the Jewish people. Yet, instead of curses, he delivered words so powerful that they became part of our daily prayers: “How goodly are your tents, O Jacob.” As he gazed upon the Israelite encampment, Bi…

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Who Really Wrote the Torah? A Conversation on G-d, Truth, and the Power of Ideas 57:07

21d ago57:07

57:07

In this heart-open, mind-stretching class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath dives headfirst into one of the most profound questions ever asked: Who wrote the Torah and what do we mean by G-d? Sparked by a challenge from Ilana, a thoughtful soul who just "won the raffle" and then handed Rabbi Bernath some of the hardest theological questions he's faced, this c…

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Who Really Wrote the Torah? A Conversation on G-d, Truth, and the Power of Ideas 57:07

21d ago57:07

57:07

Send us a text In this heart-open, mind-stretching class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath dives headfirst into one of the most profound questions ever asked: Who wrote the Torah and what do we mean by G-d? Sparked by a challenge from Ilana, a thoughtful soul who just "won the raffle" and then handed Rabbi Bernath some of the hardest theological questions he'…

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A Personal Message from Rabbi Yisroel Bernath 8:03

23d ago8:03

8:03

Purchase a raffle ticket here (there's 32 hours left!) http://www.charidy.com/ndg - I hope you are well. This Wednesday marks something deeply personal for me and Sara. Exactly 20 years ago, we arrived in Montreal with a few suitcases, a tiny apartment… and one big, beating dream: To build a Jewish home for anyone who needed one. Not just a synagog…

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A Personal Message from Rabbi Yisroel Bernath 8:03

23d ago8:03

8:03

Send us a text Purchase a raffle ticket here (there's 32 hours left!) http://www.charidy.com/ndg - I hope you are well. This Wednesday marks something deeply personal for me and Sara. Exactly 20 years ago, we arrived in Montreal with a few suitcases, a tiny apartment… and one big, beating dream: To build a Jewish home for anyone who needed one. Not…

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The Serpents: When the Poison Becomes the Cure: Finding Healing in the Very Place You Were Hurt 38:15

27d ago38:15

38:15

Send us a text In this deep and soulful journey through Parshat Chukas, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath unpacks one of the most perplexing and powerful moments in the Torah: the copper snake on a pole. Why did G-d command Moses to use the very symbol of suffering, the snake, as a healing instrument? What does it mean that people had to look up at the snake t…

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The Serpents: When the Poison Becomes the Cure: Finding Healing in the Very Place You Were Hurt 38:15

27d ago38:15

38:15

In this deep and soulful journey through Parshat Chukas, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath unpacks one of the most perplexing and powerful moments in the Torah: the copper snake on a pole. Why did G-d command Moses to use the very symbol of suffering, the snake, as a healing instrument? What does it mean that people had to look up at the snake to be cured? Thr…

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Parshas Korach: The Sad Bald Egg 29:49

1M ago29:49

29:49

What drives a distinguished leader to rebel against divine authority? In Parshat Korach, we discover a fascinating psychological insight that resonates powerfully in modern life. Korach wasn't merely challenging leadership—he was struggling with a profound identity crisis. After being ritually shaved "bald as an egg" and rendered temporarily unreco…

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The Mutiny: Moses, Korach, and the Relentless Pursuit of Peace 27:27

1M ago27:27

27:27

Send us a text In this gripping class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath delves into the tragic and turbulent rebellion led by Korach, Dathan, Abiram, and On ben Peles against Moses and Aaron. The narrative unveils not just a mutiny, but a masterclass in leadership, humility, and boundless love for even the most stubborn opponents. Through an exploration of fo…

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The Mutiny: Moses, Korach, and the Relentless Pursuit of Peace 27:27

1M ago27:27

27:27

In this gripping class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath delves into the tragic and turbulent rebellion led by Korach, Dathan, Abiram, and On ben Peles against Moses and Aaron. The narrative unveils not just a mutiny, but a masterclass in leadership, humility, and boundless love for even the most stubborn opponents. Through an exploration of four key episodes…

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Parshas Shelach: White Teeth in a Dog Carcass 33:20

1M ago33:20

33:20

What if the secret to a fulfilled life isn't about changing your circumstances, but shifting your perspective? This profound exploration of ancient wisdom reveals how our outlook determines our happiness more than any external reality. Through the biblical story of the twelve spies, we witness how identical circumstances produced radically differen…

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The Thing I Fear Most Is Fear: From Vain Tears to Healing Power with Rabbi Yisroel Bernath 30:10

1M ago30:10

30:10

On the night of Tisha B’Av, the Jewish people cried out of fear, not from a real threat, but from a perceived one. That night became a tragic turning point in our history, not because of a divine punishment, but because fear itself became the seed of generations of sorrow. This class explores the deeper meaning of those "vain tears" through Torah, …

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The Thing I Fear Most Is Fear: From Vain Tears to Healing Power | Why Fear Paralyzes, and How We Are Finally Ready to Rise Above It 30:10

1M ago30:10

30:10

Send us a text On the night of Tisha B’Av, the Jewish people cried out of fear, not from a real threat, but from a perceived one. That night became a tragic turning point in our history, not because of a divine punishment, but because fear itself became the seed of generations of sorrow. This class explores the deeper meaning of those "vain tears" …

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Parshas Behaaloscha: Following the Cloud & Enjoying the Ride of a Hectic Life 27:13

2M ago27:13

27:13

The divine cloud that guided the Israelites through the wilderness wasn't just a navigational tool—it was a profound teacher of faith, resilience and cheerful obedience. Drawing from Nachmanides' golden commentary, we unpack the extraordinary discipline shown by our ancestors who followed God's cloud through every hardship with unwavering trust. Im…

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Stillness in the Storm: How to Find Peace in a Fragmented World 38:35

2M ago38:35

38:35

Send us a text In this weeks class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath reveals the Torah’s timeless wisdom for navigating today’s anxious, high-speed world. Rooted in a single verse from Parshat Behaalotecha, we uncover how the cloud that guided the Jewish people through the desert wasn’t just GPS, it was G-d’s embrace, offering a blueprint for emotional resili…

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Stillness in the Storm: How to Find Peace in a Fragmented World 38:35

2M ago38:35

38:35

In this weeks class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath reveals the Torah’s timeless wisdom for navigating today’s anxious, high-speed world. Rooted in a single verse from Parshat Behaalotecha, we uncover how the cloud that guided the Jewish people through the desert wasn’t just GPS, it was G-d’s embrace, offering a blueprint for emotional resilience. Drawing o…

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Parshas Nasso: ONE HIT WONDER! 25:12

2M ago25:12

25:12

The paradox of the Nazarite vow presents one of Judaism's most fascinating spiritual riddles - why would someone who successfully fulfills a voluntary commitment to holiness need to bring a sin offering? Through a masterful analysis of Nachmanides' commentary, we unpack this contradiction to reveal a profound truth about human potential: once we de…

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Nuclear Soul: How One Person Can Change the World! 44:27

2M ago44:27

44:27

Send us a text In this deeply moving and timely class, Rabbi Bernath opens with a heartfelt prayer for the victims of the Boulder attack and a reminder that silence in the face of evil is complicity. From the courtroom of Judgment at Nuremberg to the Torah portion of Naso, we journey through history, law, and soul. We explore the legacy of Joseph, …

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Nuclear Soul: How One Person Can Change the World! 44:27

2M ago44:27

44:27

In this deeply moving and timely class, Rabbi Bernath opens with a heartfelt prayer for the victims of the Boulder attack and a reminder that silence in the face of evil is complicity. From the courtroom of Judgment at Nuremberg to the Torah portion of Naso, we journey through history, law, and soul. We explore the legacy of Joseph, alone, enslaved…

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The Crown Returns: Torah, Memory, and the Story We Still Carry | Rabbi Bernath’s Sermon for Shavuot 20:12

2M ago20:12

20:12

In this special post-Shabbat sermon recorded for Shavuot, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath takes us on a profound journey through the remarkable history of the Sassoon Codex and the legendary Crown of Aram Tzova. Woven into this tale of ink and parchment is a modern miracle: the voice of a mother reaching her daughter in captivity, reminding us that the Torah…

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The Crown Returns: Torah, Memory, and the Story We Still Carry | Rabbi Bernath’s Sermon for Shavuot 20:12

2M ago20:12

20:12

Send us a text In this special post-Shabbat sermon recorded for Shavuot, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath takes us on a profound journey through the remarkable history of the Sassoon Codex and the legendary Crown of Aram Tzova. Woven into this tale of ink and parchment is a modern miracle: the voice of a mother reaching her daughter in captivity, reminding us…

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Special Shavuot Discussion: The Guarantors: Why G-d Chose the Children 41:34

2M ago41:34

41:34

Send us a text What if the future of Judaism depended not on scholars or sages, but on the sippy cups and crayon-covered siddurim of our children? This powerful class dives into one of the most striking Midrashim about the giving of the Torah: when G-d demanded a guarantor, our ancestors suggested the elders, the prophets, the leaders and were reje…

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Special Shavuot Discussion: The Guarantors: Why G-d Chose the Children? 41:34

2M ago41:34

41:34

What if the future of Judaism depended not on scholars or sages, but on the sippy cups and crayon-covered siddurim of our children? This powerful class dives into one of the most striking Midrashim about the giving of the Torah: when G-d demanded a guarantor, our ancestors suggested the elders, the prophets, the leaders and were rejected. Only when…

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From Adrenaline to Identity: What It Really Means to Live Jewish Today | Rabbi Bernath’s Shabbat Sermon 29:36

2M ago29:36

29:36

Send us a text In the aftermath of October 7, Jews around the world experienced a surge of emotion and identity—an outpouring of Jewish adrenaline. But as the energy fades, the real question emerges: what does it actually mean to live a meaningful Jewish life? Rabbi Bernath draws from Dan Senor’s "State of World Jewry" Speech and 92Y last week, A.B…

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From Adrenaline to Identity: What It Really Means to Live Jewish Today | Rabbi Bernath’s Shabbat Sermon 29:36

2M ago29:36

29:36

In the aftermath of October 7, Jews around the world experienced a surge of emotion and identity—an outpouring of Jewish adrenaline. But as the energy fades, the real question emerges: what does it actually mean to live a meaningful Jewish life? Rabbi Bernath draws from Dan Senor’s "State of World Jewry" Speech and 92Y last week, A.B. Yehoshua’s ch…

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Parshas Behar - Bechukosai: Courting the Living Torah 24:38

2M ago24:38

24:38

Have you ever considered that Torah might be alive, seeking relationship with those who truly cherish it? This groundbreaking perspective transforms our understanding of what it means to "toil in Torah." At the heart of Parshas Bechukosai lies a divine promise of abundance – timely rain, bountiful crops, peace, health, and prosperity. The condition…

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Still the Chosen People: Finding Value After Tragedy 24:50

2M ago24:50

24:50

Send us a text In the shadow of the tragic murder of two young Israeli diplomats, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, who dedicated their lives to peace, we confront the heart-wrenching questions: Are we still the Chosen People? Can we still believe in humanity when humanity seems to fall apart? This week’s Torah portion, Bechukotai, addresses…

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Still the Chosen People: Finding Value After Tragedy 24:50

2M ago24:50

24:50

In the shadow of the tragic murder of two young Israeli diplomats, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, who dedicated their lives to peace, we confront the heart-wrenching questions: Are we still the Chosen People? Can we still believe in humanity when humanity seems to fall apart? This week’s Torah portion, Bechukotai, addresses blessings and …

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Parshas Emor: Kiddush Hashem and Seven Hidden Dimensions of Sanctifying God's Name 34:22

3M ago34:22

34:22

The sanctification of God's name stands as Judaism's most profound obligation—a mitzvah that transcends mere religious observance to become the very embodiment of what it means to be Jewish. Through an exploration of Parshat Emor, we discover that Kiddush Hashem goes far beyond the dramatic act of martyrdom most commonly associated with it. Did you…

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Life Is a Wedding: The Inner Celebration of Lag B’Omer 37:09

3M ago37:09

37:09

Send us a text Lag B’Omer isn’t just a day for bonfires and bow-and-arrows. It’s the Hilula—the joyous “wedding day”—of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, the mystic who gave us the Zohar and opened the gates of Jewish spiritual consciousness. But why a wedding on the day of someone’s passing? This class explores the paradox at the heart of both life and lov…

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Life Is a Wedding: The Inner Celebration of Lag B’Omer 37:09

3M ago37:09

37:09

Lag B’Omer isn’t just a day for bonfires and bow-and-arrows. It’s the Hilula—the joyous “wedding day”—of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, the mystic who gave us the Zohar and opened the gates of Jewish spiritual consciousness. But why a wedding on the day of someone’s passing? This class explores the paradox at the heart of both life and love: how our grea…

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Parshas Acharei Mos - Kedoshim: Billionaires Without Wives: A Torah Lesson on Rootedness 20:17

3M ago20:17

20:17

The wealthy billionaire who has everything but lacks a home and wife serves as a powerful metaphor for our spiritual lives in this exploration of the Torah concept "Shchutei Chutz." Drawing from the double Torah portion Acharei Mot-Kedoshim, we unpack a seemingly technical prohibition against offering sacrifices outside the Temple to reveal its pro…

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The Silence That Spoke Too Loud: A Midrashic Look at Courage, Complacency, and Consequence 26:56

3M ago26:56

26:56

Send us a text In this eye-opening class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores a cryptic Midrash on the tragic deaths of Nadav and Avihu and how it unexpectedly shook the biblical figure of Job. Through this lens, we’ll uncover what this story teaches us about moral responsibility, the danger of silence in the face of injustice, and the timely relevance …

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The Silence That Spoke Too Loud: A Midrashic Look at Courage, Complacency, and Consequence 26:56

3M ago26:56

26:56

In this eye-opening class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores a cryptic Midrash on the tragic deaths of Nadav and Avihu and how it unexpectedly shook the biblical figure of Job. Through this lens, we’ll uncover what this story teaches us about moral responsibility, the danger of silence in the face of injustice, and the timely relevance of speaking up …

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Parshas Tazria-Metzorah: Take This One Simple Step, Then Relax and Savor Life! 26:33

3M ago26:33

26:33

Could the secret to a longer, happier life be as simple as talking less? That's the provocative wisdom at the heart of Parshat Tazria Metzorah, brought to life through a captivating Midrash about a traveling peddler selling "the elixir of life." When Rabbi Yanai heard this peddler's extraordinary claim, he was naturally curious. But what the peddle…

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Don’t Only Look at the Disease — See the Person: The Torah’s Hidden Origin of Holistic Healing - Rabbi Bernath on Parshat Tazria 36:03

3M ago36:03

36:03

Send us a text In this powerful class on Parshas Tazria, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores why the Torah repeats the phrase “the Kohen shall look.” Drawing on the teachings of the Meshech Chochma, we’ll discover the Torah’s revolutionary approach to healing—not just diagnosing the symptoms, but seeing the entire person. This class reveals the spiritua…

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Don’t Only Look at the Disease — See the Person: The Torah’s Hidden Origin of Holistic Healing - Rabbi Bernath on Parshat Tazria 36:03

3M ago36:03

36:03

In this powerful class on Parshas Tazria, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores why the Torah repeats the phrase “the Kohen shall look.” Drawing on the teachings of the Meshech Chochma, we’ll discover the Torah’s revolutionary approach to healing—not just diagnosing the symptoms, but seeing the entire person. This class reveals the spiritual roots of what…

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Inspiration, Conception, Attraction & Competition - The Inspirational Sefirot | Thursday Kabbalah with Rabbi Yisroel Bernath 33:21

3M ago33:21

33:21

Send us a text Support the show Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at [email protected] or http://www.theloverabbi.com Single? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone. Donate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donate Follow Rabbi Bernath’s…

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Inspiration, Conception, Attraction & Competition - The Inspirational Sefirot | Thursday Kabbalah with Rabbi Yisroel Bernath 33:21

3M ago33:21

33:21

Support the show Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at [email protected] or http://www.theloverabbi.com Single? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone. Donate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donate Follow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channe…