Sicha Insight, Rabbi Dov Wagner

The story of Avraham is divided between two portions because they were two distinct stages, Lech Lecha and Vayera. One is like a brick, the other a stone. One Aramaic, the other Hebrew. One like an angel, the other so much higher.

Why have a single window on the ark? Why does Rashi offer two interpretations as to the light source in the ark? And what lessons are there for us about the different ways we can truly shine?

Can there be prophets nowadays? The answer leads the Rebbe to a fascinating observation about where it is best to do a Mitzvah.

What does it mean to be sincere with G-d? How do we avoid anxiety about the future? The Rebbe breaks down the implications of a Rashi.

How can we cleave to G-d? And why does Rashi seem to keep changing how he addresses the question?

Were the Jews into eating blood or were they disgusted by it?The Rebbe analyzes two explanations offered by Rashi.

Women's obligation to study Torah is sometimes presented as an obligation to know the necessary laws, and other times as a participation in the Torah study of their husbands and sons. The Rebbe analyzes the parameters and application of each.

What's the common denominator between the breaking of the Tablets and the passing of righteous people? The Rebbe emphasizes a positive message in each.

Reading the Shema relates to a constant obligation - accepting the unity of G-d. Torah study is about comprehension - which is always changing. Yet, the Mitzvah of Shema is divided between day and night, whereas the obligation of Torah study is constant. The Rebbe gives 3 reasons why, that highlight the nature of our purpose in life.

Concluding the Talmudic tractate of Shabbos. One can measure or tie an impermanent knot on Shabbat for the sake of a Mitzvah - but understanding the order requires a fundamental understanding of the root of the prohibitions.

Even when rebuking the Jewish people, Moshe looks out for their honor.

What happens when there's a seemingly obvious question that Rashi doesn't address? The answer must be obvious upon analysis as well.

An incredible lesson from Biblical math and round numbers.

A fascinating analysis of seemingly unrelated Talmudic discussions:An argument about the degree of sanctity of an animal mistakenly designated as a tithe...A plot to depose the leader of the Talmudic academy...A nickname given to one of the plotters as a punishment...And an argument about what kind of knowledge is best - breadth or depth...The Rebbe shows how they're all part of the same issue: Rabbi Meir's focus on quality over quantity.

Why does the Torah tell us to "remember" the Shofar on Rosh Hashanah.An analysis on Rashi's commentary.

Why does the Midrash relate the completeness of the Omer to the days of the week?What does that have to do with two obscure families of Kohanim - Yeshua and Shchenya?And how do the days of the week represent harmonizing the transcendent and the immanent, the infinite and the finite?

Reconciling two opposite ideas of holiness - being removed from the world, or the nitty-gritty details like washing our hands. Relationship between the two portions read this week - Acharei Mos and Kedoshim.

Why was Moses not able to erect the Tabernacle without a Divine assist? What'a the message for us? The preciousness of our own hard work paired with the advantage of a G-dly revelation.

Why is the miracle of Shabbat HaGadol referred to as great? And why isn't it commemorated on the 10th of Nissan? The power of transformation.

What are the situations that require a Thanksgiving offering? And why do we have 3 Matzahs at the Seder? An analysis of Rashi provides insight into the precise reasoning.

A Talmudic Analysis. Why doesn't quantity matter? What is the true function of offerings? And when does the amount count?

What kind of offering is the Torah describing in the book of Vayikra? And how does ownership work? Why did Adam own everything?

What was Moshe's blessing when they finished building the Tabernacle, and why was it needed?

Why does the text single out Bezalel as builder of the Ark? How is true self sacrifice expressed?

Are the Ten Commandments different than the rest of them?

Analysis of Rashi: Why did Moshe rush to bow? Importance of alacrity.

An analysis of Rashi leads to 2 possibilities about Aaron's involvement with the Golden Calf. What did the Golden Calf represent? And how can we avoid making similar mistakes?

Was the Divine inspiration of the Urim v'Tumim an integral part of the breastplate, or an added component? What's the connection between the breastplate, the serpent, and Moshiach?

When the Torah says "pure olive oil" is it the oil that needs to be pure or the olive? And is the point of oil to crush the bitterness of the olive, or to reveal its higher source?

Are sacred spaces at their core about the activities that happen in them, or about the space itself? Two arguments between Maimonides and Nachmanides-and the lesson for us.

The different offerings required for the Temple teach us about our common denominators as well as the unique individuality of each person. These are reflected in our daily prayers as well.

Is the Torah's description of lending money mandatory or optional? Do we need to work? A Rashi analysis.

Thought, Speech and Action on Shabbos

Why is prayer referred to as our ancestors' craft? How does that influence the way we see ourselves and others?