Holy Bagel Theory

The Torah explicity instructs us to 'Be Holy'.While some commentaries interpret this as an instruction to maintain basic standards of Jewish moral ethics, others understand this as an instruction to strive for the highest levels of spiritual holiness and connection to Hashem. How can us mundane humans relate to this seemingly lofty and even abstract expectation?

When diagnosing someone with Tzara’at – the leprosy-type ailment described in this week’s Parsha, both an expert and a Kohen were required. Inspiring lessons on the vital involvement of a Kohen, notwithstanding that he may not possess any expert knowledge on the technical laws of Tzara’at.

If all antisemitism disappeared, what would our Judaism look like?In this session, we do a deep-dive into the key themes of the last Chassidic 'Mamaar' Essay that the Rebbe edited, in which he urges us to discover the deepest expression of our soul - a level that isn't defined by any external traumas or challenges, but rather by our innate desire to connect to Hashem.

An analysis of two key verses in this week's Parsha - Terumah:1. "Take for Me" = For My Sake2. "Make for Me" = For My SakeA close look at Rashi's commentary on these verses gives us insight into two stages in the process of building the tabernacle. 1. "Take for Me": Designate your possessions to the building of a House for Hashem.2. "Make for Me": Elevate the materials, transforming them into holiness.The inspiring lesson takeaway, calling us to incorporate both stages, of Designate and Elevate, in the building of our own 'House for Hashem'.

We can and should make perfect logical sense of intensely lofty ideals.A wonderfully inspiring insight from a Farbrengen of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. (27 Shevat 1975)

In this special Yud Shevat Farbrengen Episode, we explore the deeper philosophical idea behind Chabad's outward looking agenda.

"When your child asks you Machar".While the literal meaning of Machar means 'tomorrow', Rashi tells us that tomorrow is a relative term, that should better be read as 'in future times'.A closer look at Rashi's comment reveals a deeper dimension in the 'child of tomorrow', highlighting the necessity to ensure we engage the child of a different era.

Yaakov (Jacob) returns home intact, in 3 unique and distinct areas.And so will we.

Yaakov's primary occupation was in raising sheep. In fact, the Torah itself, as well as comments in Rashi, seem to push the 'sheep business' even beyond the basic reading of the text.Why so sheepish?Inspiring lessons in how to be a bold, confident sheep, as we follow the Divine Purpose that Hashem gives us.

Avraham influenced the world with an outward approach, inspiring as he traveled.Yitzchok stayed put in the Holy Land. A closer glance shows that he had an equally important impact in his influence on the world. And perhaps even more so that his father.In this session, based on Likutei Sichot Vol. 25, we learn how to be both introvert and extrovert in our quest to realise our purpose.

In the autumn of 1974, the Rebbe launched the 5th of his 10 Point Mitzvah Campaign - Pre-Shabbat Candle Lighting.The campaign focused on inspiring every Jewish women to embrace this Mitzvah, and to perform it at the correct time, before sunset on Friday afternoon. The Rebbe passionately argued that this Mitzva doesn't just belong to married women, a wife, mother and/or primary homemaker, but of every single Jewish girl, already from when they begin their informal Jewish education at aged 3.One of the key talks in which the Rebbe made his case, was built on a comment of Rashi from this week's Parsha. In this lesson, we explore the intricate nuance of Rashi's wording and his understanding of the text of the Torah, through which we discover the real depth of our patriarch Yitzchok's appreciation for his new wife, our matriarch Rivkah, and by extension, the true value of every Jewish women.

"Pray for mercy for another..."In this lesson - based on a talk from the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1982 - the Rebbe urges us to be (a little) more like Avraham Avinu, and develop genuine concern and love for another.Can we reach a point where we'd prioritise another's needs over our own needs? Torah believes we can.

Our concern for another person's discomfort cancels any personal distress we might have had.A fascinating lesson on Ahavat Yisrael, with deeper insight into why in Israel the prayer for rain is postponed 15 days, until 7 Cheshvan. (Mishna Taanit 1:3)Based on a talk from the Rebbe, 7th Cheshvan 1985/5746

The process of Tzoraat - Leprosy, including the pain, discomfort and isolation, is a key feature in the re-making of the whole person.Just as the laborious toil and the isolationism of exile is a key feature in the redemptive process of Moshiach.

The 8th Day of Pesach is "Moshiach Day".This episode, delivered as a talk at the Brighton & Hove Hebrew Cong. Pesach learning programme, explores how to make this concept relatable and meaningful

Pizza n Parsha

This Pizza n Parsha session begins with a comprehensive technical analyses on the nature of witness testimony in Jewish Law. Could Moshe and Aharon act as witnesses for the New Moon, if they were brothers? Why is the Mitzvah of calculating the New Moon the first Mitzvah in the Torah?

Our patriarch Yaakov's life is our story. Yaakov is descriptive term for the intense battle, while Yisrael represents the post-battle triumph. Be uplifted with another meaningful perspective of Jewish life lessons.

Mystical classics in Chabad philosophy offer deeper insight into a curious verse in the Parsha, that illuminate our understanding of the fundamentals of life's purpose, in connecting Heaven and Earth.

Inspiring lessons from this week's Parsha Vayeira, and the story of Avraham Avinu, on how shock tactics can draw a person out of their deep slumber, and reveal their true desire to find purposeful meaning in their relationship with Hashem

Extract: "In the ‘court’ of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Simchat Torah was a magical day. If the Rebbe dedicated his life each and every day to uplifting world Jewry and the post-Holocaust generation, Simchat Torah was Uplift 2.0!" Here's the link I mention at the end. https://www.meaningfullife.com/simchat-torah-through-water-and-fire/

Beyond Repentance. In this Pizza n Parsha session, we explore the depth of Yom Kippur's inner meaning, as we seek to make the profundity of this Holy Day relatable and meaningful.