Best Parsha Discussion Questions Podcasts (2025)

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Parshas Ki Savo: Have Some Swag! 27:56

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2h ago27:56

27:56

Buried within the Torah lies a mitzvah so unexpected and profound that it redefines how we understand spiritual growth. The commandment of Viduy Ma’aser—the confession of tithes—stands apart as perhaps the only mitzvah that calls upon us not to confess our failures, but to declare our successes. Unlike the familiar confessions of Yom Kippur, where …

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Make a Confession: Reclaiming Judaism’s Lost Art of Owning Our Goodness 51:02

6h ago51:02

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Send us a text In this class, Rabbi Bernath reframed the very idea of confession in Judaism. While most people think of confession as listing sins and failures, the Torah introduces Vidui Ma’aser, a “confession” where the farmer proudly declares to G-d that he has fulfilled every detail of the mitzvah of tithing. Why would the Torah call this a con…

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Parshas Ki Seitzei: Help, I've Lost My Faith! 28:43

10d ago28:43

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Have you ever considered that the most valuable possessions we can lose aren't physical at all? In this deeply moving exploration of Parashas Kisete, we uncover a revolutionary perspective on one of Judaism's most fundamental mitzvot: Hashavas Aveda, the commandment to return lost objects. While most of us understand this mitzvah in its literal sen…

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Finding G-d in Our Struggles: The Firstborn of the Unloved 50:32

7d ago50:32

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Send us a text In this week’s Torah portion, Ki Seitzei, we learn the law of the firstborn: even if the firstborn son comes from the “unloved” wife, he must be given the double portion. Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explored the deeper Kabbalistic meaning behind this law, revealing that the “beloved” and “unloved” wives are metaphors for two sides of our s…

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Parshas Shoftim: MAKE LIKE A TREE, AND GROW! 33:28

11d ago33:28

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Have you ever wondered why we're drawn to the majestic presence of ancient trees? There's something profound in their silent testimony to growth, resilience, and patient flourishing—qualities we all seek in our own lives. In this enlightening exploration of Parashas Shoftim, we uncover the Torah's remarkable wisdom hidden within a seemingly mundane…

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One G-d, Many Voices: How Diversity Makes Us Whole 30:23

12d ago30:23

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Send us a text Rabbi Yisroel Bernath unpacks a fascinating teaching: why does G-d reject the idea of a single-stone altar? At first glance it’s just about ancient rituals, but the deeper message is timeless. Real faith and real life can’t be built on “one stone” one path, one perspective, one style. True oneness comes from many stones joined togeth…

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Rebroadcast: Elul & High Holidays - Our Marriage with G-d 22:14

20d ago22:14

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Send us a text The 5-Step Program of Spiritual Courtship, Engagement, Marriage, Honeymoon, and Real Life: Discovering the Divine Romance in Our Lives In this sermon, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores the deep and mystical relationship between G-d and the Jewish people, likened to a sacred marriage. Drawing from Kabbalistic and Chassidic teachings, Rab…

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Parshas Re’eh: WHY CAN’T IT BE YOU? - Elul 2025 Motivation 41:53

15d ago41:53

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What if the very obstacles blocking your spiritual growth are actually divine opportunities in disguise? As we enter the month of Elul—that critical period of spiritual preparation before the High Holidays—many of us feel a heaviness rather than excitement. Some experience anxiety, others indifference, when we should be feeling energized like hitti…

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Parshas Eikev: Don't Tread on Me! 28:46

29d ago28:46

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At the heart of Parshas Eikev lies a curious Hebrew word that transforms our understanding of divine blessing. The word "eikev" – typically translated as "because" but literally meaning "heel" – opens a window into how we might unlock the abundant blessings promised in Torah. While some commentators take the straightforward approach that blessing f…

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Parshas Vaeschanan: The Wife Thief, the Tomahawk Steak, and the SPCA Volunteer: Three Unbelievable Yesodos You Need to Hear 39:30

1M ago39:30

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What if everything you thought you knew about kindness in Judaism was only scratching the surface? In this deeply moving exploration of "chesed," we uncover how this three-letter Hebrew word forms the very foundation of Jewish life—appearing 248 times throughout Tanakh and comprising the beginning and end of Torah itself. The power of this concept …

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

2M ago36:45

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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 42:06

1M ago42:06

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

2M ago25:54

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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 46:39

2M ago46:39

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

2M 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. 1:04:43

2M ago1:04:43

1:04:43

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

2M ago30:16

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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 58:39

2M ago58:39

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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 9:35

2M ago9:35

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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 39:47

2M ago39:47

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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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Parshas Korach: The Sad Bald Egg 29:49

3M ago29:49

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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 28:59

3M ago28:59

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

3M ago33:20

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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 | Why Fear Paralyzes, and How We Are Finally Ready to Rise Above It 31:42

3M ago31:42

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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

3M ago27:13

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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 40:07

3M ago40:07

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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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Parshas Nasso: ONE HIT WONDER! 25:12

3M ago25:12

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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! 45:59

3M ago45:59

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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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The Crown Returns: Torah, Memory, and the Story We Still Carry | Rabbi Bernath’s Sermon for Shavuot 21:44

4M ago21:44

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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 43:06

4M ago43:06

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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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From Adrenaline to Identity: What It Really Means to Live Jewish Today | Rabbi Bernath’s Shabbat Sermon 31:08

4M ago31:08

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

4M ago24:38

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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 26:22

4M ago26:22

26:22

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

4M ago34:22

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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 38:41

4M ago38:41

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

4M ago20:17

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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 28:28

4M ago28:28

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

4M ago26:33

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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 37:35

5M ago37:35

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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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Inspiration, Conception, Attraction & Competition - The Inspirational Sefirot | Thursday Kabbalah with Rabbi Yisroel Bernath 34:53

5M ago34:53

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Send us a text Sign up for "The Forgiveness Lab" HERE: theloverabbi.com/events 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 Berna…

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No Dialogue, Just Endless Love: A Pre-Passover Journey into the Soul of the Seder 42:28

5M ago42:28

42:28

Send us a text In this transformative pre-Passover class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath invites us to reimagine one of the most perplexing passages of the Haggadah—the confrontation with the so-called “wicked” child. At first glance, it seems to suggest aggression. But look again. Beneath the surface lies a profound truth about love, empathy, and the infin…

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Silencing Inner Pharaohs: The Power of Untranslated Truths 26:14

5M ago26:14

26:14

Send us a text Navigating the choppy waters of our inner Nile, where the Pharaoh of Negative Thought reigns supreme, Rabbi Bernath offers a sage map for the modern soul's Exodus. Picture this: an inner Pharaoh, all ego and no ear, refusing the logic we offer as liberally as matzah at Pesach. It's an ancient tale, yet as current as our latest tweet.…

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Parshas Pekudei: 🤯 RAV SHACH REVEALS THE SECRET! The Tiny Alef That Changes EVERYTHING! 27:34

6M ago27:34

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A single miniature letter in the Torah scroll holds a revolutionary lesson about spiritual growth. The first word of Leviticus contains a mysteriously tiny aleph—a scribal tradition dating back to Moses himself. But why? The classic explanation tells us Moses, in his humility, couldn't bear receiving greater honor than others when God called to him…

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Invite Yourself to Freedom: Five Life-Changing Insights from the Seder 36:07

6M ago36:07

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Send us a text The Passover Seder isn’t just a tradition....it’s an invitation. Not just for guests around your table, but for you. An invitation to show up emotionally, spiritually, and vulnerably. This class explores five Seder moments that, when fully embraced, can transform your night from ritual to revolution. We’ll journey from the cracked ma…

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Parshas Pekudei - Hachodesh: How to Humbly Lift a Blue Whale 30:17

6M ago30:17

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The tension between accomplishment and humility stands at the heart of Jewish spiritual life. How do we strive for greatness while remaining modest? This profound question finds its answer in Parsha Pekudei's account of the Mishkan's construction. When the impossibly heavy beams of the Mishkan needed to be erected, no one—not even Moshe—possessed t…

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Moses Didn’t Just Free Slaves... He Changed Humanity’s Vocabulary 31:30

6M ago31:30

31:30

Send us a text The Exodus from Egypt was not just a historical event—it was a revolution in human consciousness. Moses didn’t only break the physical chains of slavery; he shattered the psychological and spiritual limitations that kept humanity in bondage. This class explores how the Exodus introduced the language of freedom, inspiring revolutions,…

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Parshas Vayakhel: HOW TO LIFT A CAR 35:16

6M ago35:16

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What extraordinary abilities might be lying dormant within you, waiting to be awakened? The ancient Jewish concept of "Nosoi Libo" (raising one's heart) reveals a profound truth about human potential that's as relevant today as it was when the Mishkan was built thousands of years ago. When the Israelites needed to construct the Tabernacle, they fac…

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Finding Truth in an Imperfect World: Plato vs. Kabbalah. 32:46

6M ago32:46

32:46

Send us a text Plato argued that reality is found in perfect, unchanging ideals, while the physical world is merely a flawed reflection. Chassidic thought challenges this notion, asserting that G-d’s presence is found precisely in the imperfect, physical world. Through the lens of this debate, we explored how this idea impacts our relationships, pe…

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The Purim Story & Understanding the Uniqueness of Anti-Semitism and the Jewish Response 50:11

6M ago50:11

50:11

Send us a text Anti-Semitism is not merely another form of bigotry or racial hatred—it is unique in its universality, its persistence throughout history, and its deep, irrational roots. From Pharaoh to Hitler, from ancient Persia to modern-day university campuses, the Jew has been targeted with a singular, unparalleled intensity. Why? What makes th…

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The Dark Secret of Parshas Zachor: What You Don't Know About Amalek 34:18

6M ago34:18

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Preparing for Parshat Zachor requires understanding what truly makes Amalek the eternal enemy of the Jewish people. This provocative exploration delves deep into just three verses—fewer than 50 words total—that we're commanded to hear each year before Purim. What makes these words so significant that hearing them constitutes a Torah-level obligatio…