Best Yaakov Meltzer Podcasts (2025)

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Mattos and Chodesh Av - Strength in Vows 8:38

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4d ago8:38

8:38

The Torah talks about the importance of keeping our word, and taking our commitments seriously. Chazal even say for Hakadosh Baruch Hu to annul an oath due to Teshuva involves the Heavenly Bais Din. Ideas in the importance of keeping our vows, and the power of Teshuva to save King Yehoyachin from an oath of destruction. Have a good Shabbos…

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Pinchas - Divvying It Up 7:45

11d ago7:45

7:45

Chazal tell us about the miraculous nature of how the portions of each Shevet in Eretz Yisrael were given out. Why was it done with three separate miracles? It was split up both based on the numbers of those who entered Eretz Yisrael, and the numbers of those who left Mitzrayim. Why was it based on both, and what can we learn from it? Have a good S…

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Balak - Why A Talking Donkey? 8:17

19d ago8:17

8:17

Hi, Why did Hashem make a donkey talk to Bilaam, what could it accomplish that the Malach couldn't? Why doesn't the only talking donkey in history have more inspiring words to say? What was the miracle coming to teach us? Have a wonderful Shabbos

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Chukas - Mourning a Peacemaker 8:38

26d ago8:38

8:38

Hi, Chazal note the contrast between the way the people mourned for Aharon, and the way they mourned for Moshe. The main reason given is that Aharon made peace between people in dispute. What does this teach us about the different roles of Moshe and Aharon, and what can we learn from both? Have a good Shabbos…

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Korach - Keeping Us In Check 9:29

1M ago9:29

9:29

Hi, With the rebellion of Korach, we find Shevet Levi stumbling in a way they haven't in previous challenges of the Jewish People. What was unique about this story that Shevet Levi was at more of a risk? Have a good Shabbos

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Shelach - The Good Within the Yesurim 9:47

1M ago9:47

9:47

Hi, There's a surprising Rabbeinu Bechayai that says Moshe Rabbeinu was supposed to appreciate that the Chet HeMeraglim caused his life to be extended another 40 years. How could Moshe feel positively about something that caused such devastation for the future of the Jewish people? Have a good Shabbos…

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Behaalascho - Miriam's Journey 9:24

2M ago9:24

9:24

In this week's Parsha we have the story of Miriam getting Tzaraas. Thought it would be interesting to share a fascinating Gemara about Miriam and her marriage to Kalev Ben Yefunah, and the lessons we can learn from them. Have a good Shabbos

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Naso - Viduy and Its Power 9:00

2M ago9:00

9:00

The Rambam finds the source for the Mitzvah of Viduy in this week's Parsha. Why is Viduy taught from the area of admitting to swearing falsely on a stolen item, and why is it such an essential part of Teshuva? Have a good Shabbos

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Bamidbar & Shavuos - A Precious Opportunity 9:39

2M ago9:39

9:39

Bamidbar begins with the counting of the Bnei Yisrael, which the seforim teach shows the preciousness of our people as a whole, and of every individual as well. Matan Torah is really what gave us that special distinction and made us unique. May Hashem help us appreciate who we are and help us find ways to tap into His precious gift on the Yom Tov o…

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Behar - Being Mechazek Others 9:50

2M ago9:50

9:50

The highest form of giving in Halacha is to help hold someone up before they fall down. Is this only about preventing someone from falling financially, or even from falling apart emotionally? Some ideas based on the Rambam and Chofetz Chaim on being Mechazek those in need. Have a good Shabbos

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Emor - Lessons in Appreciation From The Omer 9:33

2M ago9:33

9:33

As we approach Lag Baomer it's a good time to focus on the Korban Omer. Why was the Korban Omer brought and why was the Chodosh crop forbidden until the Korban Omer was brought? What can we learn from it about the importance of Hakaras Hatov? Have a good Shabbos

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Metzora - Care That We Clean The House 8:29

3M ago8:29

8:29

When there is Tzaraas upon a house, the Torah says one should clean out all their possessions before the Kohen inspects it. Chazal explain this is to protect the owner, out of sensitivity for him losing unkasherable vessels when they become Tamei. Why does the Torah show such sensitivity to one who deserves a public punishment, and what can we lear…

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Shemini - Powerful In It's Element 7:13

3M ago7:13

7:13

Shemini talks about the different Kosher and Unkosher animals. Rabbi Akiva pointed out the wonders of creation, that there are creatures that have so much power in one domain, yet would die very quickly if they switch environments. Some lessons we can learn from this in our own lives. Have a wonderful Shabbos…

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Shevii Shel Pesach - Crowning The Melech in Gratitude 5:20

3M ago5:20

5:20

As we came to the second half of Pesach, we focus on the Shirah at the Yam Suf. The Pinnacle of Yetzias Mitrayim was when we reached the level of Shirah, and the pinnacle of the shirah was the proclaiming of Hashem Yimloch Leolam Vaed. A perspective on the Hakaras Hatov that brought us to that level. Have a wonderful Shabbos and a Chag Kasher V'Sam…

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Tzav and Pesach - Celebrating That We Made It 5:52

4M ago5:52

5:52

Chazal tells us that when Aharon and his sons brought the last ram as part of their Kohanite inauguration they celebrated. May we learn from the Zerizus with which they celebrated, and rejoice in our successful preparation for Pesach. A Chag Kasher V'Sameach.

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Vayikra and Pre-Pesach - Watch How You Say It 8:29

4M ago8:29

8:29

A quick idea in the importance of mindfulness in our speech. Relevant to when we use Hashem's name, even to designate a Karbon. And relevant to an important Halacha in how to speak when buying meat and chicken for Pesach. Have a wonderful Shabbos HaGadol

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Pekudei - Ideation In Our Avodah 8:09

4M ago8:09

8:09

The Torah details the process by which the Bnei Yisrael pressed gold and cut it into thin threads in order to weave them into the Ephod. What was unique about this process that it is the only creative process the Torah details here? Some ideas in the value of coming up with Chiddushim in our Avodah. (The word Ideation has been used in the place of …

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Vayakhel - Gathering For What Matters 8:27

4M ago8:27

8:27

The Parsha says that Moshe gathered all the Jewish people together to teach them Hilchos Shabbos. What was unique about Shabbos that it was singled out more than the other Mitzvos to be taught in this matter, and what can we learn from it? Have a wonderful Shabbos

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Purim - The Focus On Bein Adam LaChaveiro 8:13

5M ago8:13

8:13

Why does Purim have a focus on Bein Adam LaChaveiro Mitzvos, more than we find by other Yomim Tovim? A nice idea as explored by Rav Yeruchem Olshin.

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Tetzaveh - The Jew and The Olive Tree 9:29

5M ago9:29

9:29

The Navi Yirmiyahu compares Klal Yisrael to the olive tree. How are the Jewish people similar to an olive tree? Some ideas on how we stay separate, and allow our inner greatness to come forth and burn bright. Have a good Shabbos and a Freilichen Purim

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Terumah - The Aron and The Talmid Chacham 9:42

5M ago9:42

9:42

Chazal teach us that the Aharon symbolizes the Talmid Chacham and our relationship with the Torah. Some insights in the symbolism of the dimensions and makeup of the Aharon, and the transformations we seek to achieve in Torah.Have a wonderful Shabbos.

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Mishpatim - Who Gets The Teeth? 9:29

5M ago9:29

9:29

If one who strikes his Eved Canaani and knocks out a tooth, the Eved goes free. Rav Zilberstein raises the question, let's say it would be golden teeth, who would have the rights to keep the teeth? A fascinating discussion about the Halachic status of the detached limb of a living eved. Hope you enjoy. Have a wonderful Shabbos…

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Yisro - The Defense from the Eigel in the Aseres Hadibros 7:27

5M ago7:27

7:27

The Aseres Hadibros start off Anochi Hashem Elokecha, shouldn't it Elokeichem if it's talking to the whole Kal Yisrael? Rashi quotes that it's to be a defense for us from the Chet HaEgel, since it's written in the singular form. A pshat in the Yesod from Rav Elyah Meir Bloch, and a Mussar Shmuess I developed on the Rashi..…

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Beshalach - The Full Redemption 9:07

6M ago9:07

9:07

Chazal say the Jews were told to borrow money from the Mitzriyim so Avraham shouldn't claim the promise of wealth wasn't fulfilled. Wouldn't Hashem fulfill the promise regardless? A perspective from Rav Yeruchem Olshin in when their Redemption was completed. Have a Wonderful Shabbos

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Bo - Our Actions Follow Our Hearts 9:52

6M ago9:52

9:52

The Sefer HaChinuch discusses why we need so many different Mitzvos to remember Yetzias Mitzrayim, and explains it's because our actions influence our hearts, and the more we do, the greater the influence. Exploring this technique in improving our Middos through the eyes of the Sefer HaChinuch and Rav Yechezkel Levenstein.Have a beautiful Shabbos…

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Va'eira - Hardening Pharaoh's Heart 9:50

6M ago9:50

9:50

Hi, The Torah tells us Hashem hardened Pharaoh's heart so he wouldn't send them out during the last five Makkos. Doesn't that go against the basic concept of free will? The approaches of the Rambam, the Seforno, and the Bais Halevi to this problem? Have a wonderful Shabbos

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Shemos - Examining The Burning Bush 8:55

6M ago8:55

8:55

Rabbeinu Bechayai discusses how Moshe experienced seeing a miraculous fire in the bush, then a Malach and then a Nevuah from Hakadosh Baruch Hu. Why was the revelation done in a progression, and how did he grow from examining the fire itself? Have a wonderful Shabbos.

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Vayechi - Yesimcha K'Efraim UMenashe 7:22

7M ago7:22

7:22

At the end of Yaakov's life, he blessed his 12 sons, Efraim, and Menashe. Efraim and Menashe were blessed that they would be the ones invoked when people bless their children. Why were they chosen, as opposed to blessing our sons they should be like Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov (akin to what we do by daughters)? Have a good Shabbos…

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Vayigash - Serach and the Gift of Life 8:25

7M ago8:25

8:25

Serach Bas Asher was the one to tell Yaakov that Yosef was alive and revive his spirits, and she was rewarded with eternal life. Some stories about her life and what we can learn from her. Have a wonderful Shabbos.

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Chanukah - Feeling The Love 4:28

7M ago4:28

4:28

We have had many miracles in Jewish History, and many miraculous victories as well. What was unique about Chanukah that they made it into a Holiday? An approach based on the Pnei Yehoshua. Frielichen Chanukah

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Vayeishev - Hashem Was With Him 7:39

7M ago7:39

7:39

When Yosef was sold to the House of Potifar, he was blessed with tremendous Siyata Dishmaya, and eventually place in charge of the home. The Torah says Potifar saw Hashem was with Yosef and was impressed by that. How does an Oved Avodah Zarah like Potifar get impressed by Yosef's connection to Hashem? Have a good Shabbos…

1
Vayishlach - Taking Vengeance on Shechem 9:02

8M ago9:02

9:02

Shimon and Levi took vengeance on the city of Shechem for what was done to their sister. However, Yaakov was upset at them, and they were punished for it when Yaakov gave the Berachos at the end of his life. What was their Heter, why was Yaakov upset at them, and what lessons can we learn from the story? Have a good Shabbos…

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Vayeitzei - The Hasgacha Behind The Scenes 8:15

8M ago8:15

8:15

Many times we go through challenges, and it can be to believe it's a blessing in disguise. Stories from the Parsha, and how we can extrapolate from them to our own lives. Have a good Shabbos

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Toldos - The Life and Legacy of Yitzchak Avinu 8:10

8M ago8:10

8:10

We find the Torah gives many more details and stories about the lives of Avraham and Yaakov, than it does about Yitzchak. Why is Yitzchak so much less discussed than the other two Avos?Have a good Shabbos.

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Chayei Sarah - Swearing Where It Counts 5:43

8M ago5:43

5:43

Avraham Aveinu had Eliezer swear before sending him out to find a wife for Yitzchak. Ideas on why he chose this to swear on from the Chiddushei Halev and Rav Elya Baruch Finkel. Have a good Shabbos.

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Vayeira - Controlling The Love Of His Son 8:14

9M ago8:14

8:14

Avraham Avinu was given Ten Nisyonos, among them to chase away Yishmael, and to shecht Yitzchak. How can a loving father do that to his son BiSimcha? Did he do it by suppressing his love for his children, by overriding that love with love of Hashem? An analysis based on the ideas of Rav Simcha Zissel Broide in different approaches to controlling ou…

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Lech Lecha - Giving and Appreciating Bracha 8:10

9M ago8:10

8:10

Hi, BH we had a hiatus for Simchas, now ready to start the 5th season of Shiurim. Avraham Avinu was given the power to give Brachos, a power we all have as Yidden. The Brachos of Malki-Tzedek and the critique are also in this weeks Parsha. Some thoughts on showering others with Bracha and Giving thanks to Hashem. Have a Great Shabbos…

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Rosh Hashana - The King Is In Control 8:43

10M ago8:43

8:43

We come to judgement day this year on the heels of a complicated year. One of the lessons we see from the differences in the Hamas attack versus the Iran attacks is Hashem's complete control over the world. How can we use it to humble ourselves and focus on His Kingship before the Yom Hadin? Wishing you a K'sivah V'chasimah Tovah and a meaningful a…

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Nitzavim - Purifying The Heart 7:35

10M ago7:35

7:35

As we approach Rosh Hashana we need to be focused on Teshuva and self-growth. Some insights from Rabbeinu Yona and the Ramban on the Siyatah Dishmaya Hashem provides us when we try to tap into our innate goodness and do Teshuva. Thank you for being a listener again this past year. Appreciate your support. Have a K'Sivah V'chasimah Tovah and a good …

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Ki Savo - To Walk in His Ways 8:48

10M ago8:48

8:48

Chazal tells us the Mitzvah to Walk in the Ways of Hashem means to emulate Hashem's Middos. How can we learn from Hashem's Chessed and Rachamanus, and try to emulate them? A K'sivah V'chasimah Tovah and a Gut Shabbos

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Ki Seitzei - Functioning Under Pressure 5:55

11M ago5:55

5:55

The Torah warns us to protect our selves from evil during times of war. Some insights into the dangers of our Yetzer Hara in times of pressure. Have a good Shabbos

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Ki Seitzei - Avi Friedman - Lessons in Bitachon From Self-Employment 9:51

11M ago9:51

9:51

It's an honor to have my good friend Avi Friedman on the podcast. Avi runs his own time management coaching business called Managed Minds, and has learned a great deal about truly living with Bitachon from his experience with entrepreneurship and the lack of a set paycheck. Hope you enjoy his insights. Have a good Shabbos.…

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Shoftim - Pursuing Justice and Truth 7:34

11M ago7:34

7:34

Elul is a time to focus on the fundamentals. The Mishna in Avos says the world stands on judgement, truth and peace. Chazal learn important fundamentals in all three areas from the third pasuk in the Parsha. Have a Ksivah Vchasimah Tovah and a wonderful Shabbos

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Re'eh - Receiving Hashem's Rachmanus When We Fight For His Name 8:00

11M ago8:00

8:00

The Parsha talks about the Halachos of an Ir Hanidachas, and how we should destroy it. How can we destroy a whole city of Jews in Eretz Yisrael without it being harmful to us and to our people? Have a Wonderful Shabbos

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Eikev - Appreciating Hashem's Chesed In All It's Forms 7:48

11M ago7:48

7:48

In this week's parsha, we have a Mitzvah to thank Hashem for the good in our lives. We also have a Mitzvah to realize all our challenges in life come from a loving Father. An exploration of how Rabbeinu Yona connects these two Mitzvos. Have a wonderful Shabbos

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Vaeschanan - Moshe's Burial in Chutz Laaretz 5:53

12M ago5:53

5:53

Found a beautiful idea in the Midrash Raba about why Moshe is buried in Chutz Laaretz and how it helps us in the current Galus. How it really is for our benefit, and a sign of the love Moshe had for the Jewish people. Hope you enjoy, always appreciate any questions or feedback. Have a great Shabbos.

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Devarim - Appreciating Bracha and Bringing It Into Our Lives 8:56

12M ago8:56

8:56

In honor of the Simcha, wanted to share a vort on how we should react to others Simchas, and how we can bring more Bracha into our lives. May we continue to share in Simchas. Have a wonderful Shabbos.

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Mattos - The Battlefield of Prayer 6:56

12M ago6:56

6:56

When we went to fight Midian, we sent 12,000 to fight, 12,000 to guard the supplies, and 12,000 to daven. Why did we need to bring 12,000 soldiers to daven on the battlefield, why couldn't they daven in shul? An idea from Rav Yechezkel Levenstein on one of the fundamentals of prayer. Have a wonderful Shabbos…

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Pinchas - Looking At The Root Of The Matter 9:47

1y ago9:47

9:47

Chazal tells us people were critical of Pinchas for killing the Nasi of Shevet Shimon for his immoral behavior. With all the miracles that took place, how could they have been critical of Pinchas? An approach from Rav Yechezkel Levenstein on the importance of analyzing and working on our Middos. Have a good Shabbos…

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Balak - The Beautiful Tents of Yaakov 7:38

1y ago7:38

7:38

Balak was inspired by the Tznius of the tents of Yisrael, they caused him to say Ma Tovu. How could someone as brazenly immoral as Bilaam be impressed by Tznius? Have a good Shabbos