PODCAST · religion
Commentaries on the Torah
by Chabad.org: Moishe New
This class analyzes an aspect of the weekly Torah portion or upcoming holiday. While providing a basic understanding of the subject matter, the lesson delves into its deeper and more complex dimensions with emphasis on the spiritual relevance to our daily lives. Inspiration for both the novice and advanced student.
Episodes
-
How G-d Is Hiding in Your Struggle
Unpacking the powerful message of the monumental Chassidic discourse ‘Basi LeGani’, with a focus on the 15th chapter, which is widely being studied this year in preparation for the 10th of Shevat.
-
Enchanted Edifice
An analysis of the final chapter of Hilchos Beis Habechirah, which details the design of the Beis Hamikdosh, leaves us with a deeply moving insight into what transforms a house into a home. (Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 21 Vayakhel sicha 1)
-
Give or Take?
An analysis of the Torah’s command to contribute the materials necessary for the construction of the Mishkan (Sanctuary), leads to a novel appreciation of the role of the recipient of beneficence.
-
Minor Purim. Maximum Joy.
An analysis of the Code of Jewish Law’s treatment of Purim Katan – the Minor Purim observed in a leap year – reveals the nature of joy at its most sublime state.
-
Turbulent Waters
A deeper look at the significance of the crossing of the Red Sea following the Exodus and the crossing of the ‘River’ with the arrival of Moshiach, prophesied by Isaiah.
-
Haman’s Dare
A deeper look at the story of Purim whereby a number of ostensibly incidental details provide the clues to an amazing discovery.
-
The Ultimate Mission Statement
An overview of the very first Maamar (Chassidic discourse) that the Rebbe delivered on the 10th of Shevat 5711 (January 17, 1951), signaling his formal acceptance of the mantle of leadership of Chabad-Lubavitch. This historic discourse defines and directs the mission and destiny of our generation.
-
Chanukah Choices
The Talmud lists three options whereby one can fulfill the mitzvah of lighting the Chanukah candles. The third - and most desirable option - is a matter of dispute between the Schools of Shamai and Hillel. This class addresses the underlying rationale of these views, revealing new insight into…
more -
When G-d Says I’m Sorry
Discover the revolutionary idea Chassidus introduces regarding G-d’s relationship with us that changes the whole picture. Every Rosh Chodesh an offering was brought in the Temple on behalf of G-d who requests of us to bring atonement on His behalf! This class addresses the various interpretations...
-
Never Say Goodbye
“One should not take leave of his friend, except amid a discussion of a matter of Halacha, for by doing this he will remember him” (Talmud, Tractate Berachot 31a). This class reveals the inner meaning of this sage counsel, providing the ultimate answer to loneliness. (Based on the Maamar Al…
more -
Men, Women and Humanity Enlightened
At the age of 140 Avraham remarries Hagar and fathers six children. Strangely, the Torah does not indicate that this was miraculous. In answering this question, this talk explores the divergent legacies of Abraham and Sarah and the respective roles of men and women in bringing about the Messianic...
-
Living on the Edge
On Sukkot, pilgrims travelled from all over the land of Israel to visit the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. In order not to inconvenience the traveler who lived furthest from the Holy City as he trekked home, the prayer for rain is delayed for 15 days, until the 7th of Cheshvan. In addressing this...
-
Why Simchat Torah Now?
The straight-forward meaning of the words ‘Simchat Torah’ is ‘the joy of the Torah’. But surely the point is our joy with Torah, not the Torah’s joy?! This class explores the essence of Simchat Torah and why it is the culmination of the holidays that forge the foundation for the year to come.
-
Unforgettable: The Kabbalah of the New Year
One of the dominant themes of the Rosh Hashanah liturgy is the notion of G-d remembering His covenant with Man. But why the need to remember when He does not forget? This eye-opening class addresses the immanence and essence of Rosh Hashana.
-
By the Light of the Silvery Moon
Why is Rosh Hashana observed for two days in Israel? Why do we customarily eat a new fruit on the second night of Rosh Hashanah? How is the mystery of Rosh Hashanah expressed in a law regarding a simple egg? This class addresses the history, Halacha and Kabbalah of the Jewish calendar.
-
Elul: A Road-Map for Successful Relationships
In explaining the unique properties of the month of Elul, the Alter Rebbe invokes a parable of a loving king who comes to visit his subjects in their world, the ‘field’. An examination of the details of this parable reveals a template for successful parenting, education and marriage. (Based on…
more -
The Times Are Changing
A commentary by Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Schneerson on a passage in the Zohar extolling the virtue of the penitent (baal teshuvah) over the righteous (tzaddik) yields a profound and inspiring understanding of the nature of time and change. (Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 20 page 86.)
-
Maidens in White
On Yom Kippur and the 15th of Av the maidens of Jerusalem would go out to its vineyards where young men had gathered, like them, to find their partner in marriage. There the maidens would dance wearing borrowed white gowns. This class addresses the spiritual dimensions of this sublime encounter.
-
No Barriers to Heaven
The spiritual significance of the design and measurements of the entrance to the Heichal – the most sacred structure of the Holy Temple. (Based on Reshimah dated Nissan 2, 5700 / 1940, Paris)
-
No Stone Unblemished
The Torah demands that the stones used to build the Holy Temple be unblemished. But what defines a blemish? In answering this question, this class presents a novel definition of perfection and a deeper appreciation of the Holy Temple. (Based on Likutei Sichos volume 29, p. 123)
-
Agriculture of the Soul
Grain from a newly planted crop (Chadash) may not be consumed prior to the offering of the ‘Omer’ in the Temple on the second day of Passover. No grain of the new crop may be brought to the Temple as an offering prior to the ‘Two Loaves’ offered on Shavout. This class will explore some of the...
-
When Death Takes a Holiday
Haman rejoiced greatly when his lottery to determine the date of the ‘Final Solution’ fell on Adar, considering it the most propitious omen possible, for it is the month that Moses died. However, there are far more sadder and calumnious months in the calendar than Adar, so why wouldn’t he be even...
-
One Crazy Big Lie
In exploring the timeless spiritual dimensions of the Sanctuary, the Mishkan, this class reveals how craziness and lies are essential components of a meaningful life. (Based on the maamar Basi L’Gani 5719)
-
The Talmud’s 3 Gateways to Personal Growth
Jewish criminal and civil law are discussed in a triad of tractates named Bava Kama (First Gate), Bava Metziah (Middle Gate), and Bava Batra (Final Gate). This class reveals the spiritual dimension of these laws as an illuminating roadmap to self-refinement.
-
Let Go. Enhance. Transform
The fast of the Tenth of Tevet commemorates the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem (588 BCE), which culminated in the destruction of the first Temple. It is always observed in the week before or after the Torah reading of Vayigash, which relates the story of the dramatic encounter between Yehuda and...
-
Prisoners of Light
The Biblical story of Joseph’s descent into Egypt and subsequent incarceration is often read in the same week in which we celebrate the liberation from Czarist imprisonment of the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman, founder of Chabad. This class will explore the link between these events and…
more -
The Kabbalah of Geometry
This class explores the mystical meaning of nature’s most natural shape, the circle. The definition of time in light of Kabbalah is addressed and a new appreciation of Shabbat and its unique connection to our patriarch Jacob emerges.
-
When All Is Forgiven
Our Sages taught, “There are three whose sins are forgiven: (a) A convert upon converting, (b) one who is elevated to a high position and (c) when one marries.” This class explores the Scriptual source for the latter and in so doing addresses the question why this final Exile has been far longer...
-
Creating My Own Spiritual Path
A person can be spiritual and even religious without Torah. Why then does Torah insist on a defined set of rules? In addressing this question, an age-old debate between Issac and Ishmael is analyzed, yielding a surprising outcome. (Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 25, p.86.)
-
Born To Toil
The Talmud considers three manners of toil for which man was created: The toil of (a) Livelihood, (b) Speech or (c) Torah. In examining the inner meaning of this discussion, this class addresses the virtue of toil and the unique quality of the Land of Israel. (Likutei Sichos volume 15, Sicha 4)
-
The Menorah of the Soul
The Sages of the Talmud differ as to the positioning of the Menorah in the Holy Temple, whether east to west (along the width of the temple) or north to south (along the temple’s length). This class reveals the spiritual underpinnings of this discussion and the relevance to our daily lives.…
more -
The Temple’s Spiritual Dimensions
The three sections in the Holy Temple represent three levels of reality. Explore components of the Beit Hamikdash and their mirroring mystical attributes.
-
Come My Beloved to Greet the Bride
Although Jewish law exempts women from the observance of ‘time-constrained positive commandments’, they are nonetheless enjoined to observe all the Sabbath rituals, notwithstanding the fact that Shabbat rituals (such as reciting the ‘kiddush’) are ‘time-constrained’ mitzvahs. This class sheds new...
-
Dairy Delights
Many reasons are suggested to explain why we eat dairy foods on Shavuot. Of all the classic reasons offered, the one that appears to be the simplest is strangely absent. This class will explain why, and in so do doing will address the great mission of the Jewish people that began at Sinai. (Based...
-
Curses Forever?
Ezra the Scribe ordained that on the Shabbat before Shavuot, and again before Rosh Hashanah, the Torah readings containing the calamities that will befall the Jewish people for failure to observe the commandments shall be read. This class explores the inner meaning behind these dire warnings and...
-
A Tale of Two Doctors
In explaining why Aaron was forbidden to enter ‘at any time’ into the inner sanctum of the Sanctuary, Rashi employs a parable concerning an ill patient and the advice he receives from two doctors. This class will reveal the deeper meaning of this unusual parable and its poignant message…
more -
Perfect Score
We are commanded in the Torah to count, from the 2nd day of Passover, 49 days and ‘7 complete weeks’. This mitzvah is referred to as the Counting of the Omer. Our Sages comment that the count is only perfect when Passover begins on the Sabbath, and thus the count begins with the first day of the...
-
The Return of the Lost Ten Tribes
Moshiach has to be a scion of the House of David of the ‘Kingdom of Judah’. But why can he not be a descendant of the ‘Kingdom of Joseph’? Indeed even Judah bowed to Joseph acknowledging his authority? In this class a profound debate in the Talmud is evoked that provides the key to the answer…
more -
At Home, At Last.
Based on the last discourse of the Previous Rebbe and our Rebbe’s complimentary discourses from the year 5718 (1958), this class explores the mystical significance of the Hebrew letter Hey and its powerful message for creating the ultimate home.
-
Love in Three Movements
“And you shall love G-d your L-rd with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your might”. This class explains these three loves and how to attain them, in both our relationship with G-d and with our life’s partner.
-
The Greatest Shofar of All and the 6-Day-War
"And it will come to pass on that day that the great shofar will sound...” The prophecy goes on to describe the in-gathering of Jews 'lost' and 'dispersed' in exile, as they return to Jerusalem in the final redemption. This class will explore the profound meaning of the “sound of the great…
more -
The Secret of the Three Weeks
The saddest period in the Jewish calendar, when we mourn the destruction of the Holy Temple – amongst a litany of other national tragedies – is commonly referred to as 'The Three Weeks'. Yet, our Sages referred to this period as '21 Days'? The answer to this innocuous question reveals an…
more -
A Vengeful G-d?
The first teaching of the fifth chapter of 'Ethics of Our Fathers' states that the primary reason why G-d created the world in the manner in-which He did is to 'exact retribution from the wicked'. This statement appears puzzling and indeed disturbing. This class will peel back the layers in light...
-
What Is an Argument for the Sake of Heaven?
Our Sages declare that Korach and his followers are the symbol of divisiveness that "will not ultimately endure"; whereas the dissenting views of Hillel and Shamai represent a virtuous difference of opinion "that will ultimately endure". But why would argument of any kind, especially one that...
-
The Spies and the Wine Libation
What is the inner connection between the incident of the spies and the commandment concerning the libation of wine on the altar, issued by G-d directly thereafter? In answering this question, this class explores the mystical power of Tefillin and its effect on the world. (Based on the maamar...
-
Lifting the Veils
In this class, the story of an encounter between an Israeli army officer and a Russian immigrant in the heady aftermath of the Six Day War becomes a symbol for Judaism's ultimate mission-statement. Explore the purpose of life on three progressively deeper levels: from the perspective of (a)…
more -
Why Three Matzahs and Four Cups of Wine?
A deeper understanding of why we have three matzos on the Seder plate and drink four cups of wine. Discover how the spiritual dimensions of the Exodus reflect the difference between men and women in light of Chassidus. (Based on Lukutei Sichos vol. 26, Parshas Va’eira)
-
Matzah of Haste, Wine of Leisure
The Kabbalah of the matzah and wine at the Passover Seder. Men, women and the dynamics of redemption. Explore the deeper understanding of why we have three matzahs on the Seder plate and drink four cups of wine. (Based on Lukutei Sichos vol. 26, Parshas Voeira)
-
Time, Space, and Eternity
In reconciling the different opinions of our Sages regarding the creation of Adam and Eve – Nissan or Tishrei – this class brings to light the essential and critical role of women in bringing about Redemption. (Based on the Maamar 'Hachodesh Hazeh Lochem' and other sources)
-
All Fired Up
A new and deeply personal appreciation of Shabbat emerges as we examine: (a) the nature of work forbidden on Shabbat; (b) the connection between Shabbat and the construction of the Sanctuary; (c) why the Torah singles out the prohibition of kindling a fire to teach something novel about the…
more
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
This class analyzes an aspect of the weekly Torah portion or upcoming holiday. While providing a basic understanding of the subject matter, the lesson delves into its deeper and more complex dimensions with emphasis on the spiritual relevance to our daily lives. Inspiration for both the novice and advanced student.
HOSTED BY
Chabad.org: Moishe New
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Commentaries on the Torah have?
Commentaries on the Torah currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Commentaries on the Torah about?
This class analyzes an aspect of the weekly Torah portion or upcoming holiday. While providing a basic understanding of the subject matter, the lesson delves into its deeper and more complex dimensions with emphasis on the spiritual relevance to our daily lives. Inspiration for both the novice and...
How often does Commentaries on the Torah release new episodes?
Commentaries on the Torah has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Commentaries on the Torah?
You can listen to Commentaries on the Torah on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Commentaries on the Torah?
Commentaries on the Torah is created and hosted by Chabad.org: Moishe New.
URL copied to clipboard!