Meaningful Ideas on the Parsha

The Issur of Onaas Mamon, to overcharge or underpay someone is sandwiched in the middle of the parsha that is discussing the halachos of Shemitah and property going back to its original owners at Yovel. Is there a relationship between the Bitachon keeping Shemitah dictates, and one being careful not to rip people off? Includes a perspective on Hishtadlus that Rav Elchonon Wasserman shared with Rav Moshe Shternbach's mother when she was an Almanah working hard to support her family.Have a good Shabbos 

The Torah says we start counting Sefirah from the day after Shabbos. Chazal said it means the day after Yom Tov, the Tzedokim said it means the Sunday after Pesach. Why did the Torah write it that way, and why did the Tzedokim hire false witnesses and the like to pick this specific battle?Have a good Shabbos 

The Chassidim say that learning the Ohr Hachaim is a segula for many things, and that all the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov can be found within the Ohr HaChaim. The Skver Rebbe encourages his chassidim to learn and review this Ohr HaChaim in 18:3-4 about the importance of guarding ourselves in the area of morality and intimacy. May Hashem help us protect ourselves and come to kedusha.Have a wonderful Shabbos 

The Parsha speaks about Tzaraas, which is often caused by Lashon Hara, which often has it's roots in Gaavah. Some insights into arrogance, ayin tovah, and the power of words from Rav Pam Zt"l.Have a good Shabbos

In the days before Pesach, we need to focus on thanking Hashem for the miracles of Yetzias Mitzrayim, and for the bracha in our lives. Why does the Korban Todah have less time to eat it than other Korban Shelamim, especially if it has forty loaves of bread to go with it?Have a good Shabbos and a Chag Kasher V'Sameach

The Torah introduces Karbanos and switches from the singular to the plural form within the second pasuk. Why the switch? The Alshich explains that when we sin, it affects all of us, so the Kaparah we bring is also for all of us. Kol Yisrael Areivim Zeh Lazeh and how we all affect each other.Have a good Shabbos

The Torah isolates the Issur of lighting a fire on Shabbos. Why is it singled out from all the other 39 Melachos? Halachic and Mussar ideas Chazal teach about this Mitzvah.Have a good Shabbos

The Jewish people were counted after the Chet Haegel, through hal-shekels rather than by heads. One reason in the Pasuk why they used coins was so it could be a Kaparah for them, through the Zechus HaTzedakah. Another reason was to avoid the risk of plague that comes with counting individuals. Exploring ideas in Tzedakah, Ayin HaRah and Achdus Yisrael.Have a wonderful Shabbos

Tetzaveh is the only Parsha outside Sefer Bereishis missing the name of Moshe. The Zohar says it was a fulfillment of what Moshe said at the Chet HaEgel, "Erase me from Your Sefer." Was the fulfilment of this a punishment? Some thoughts from Rav Moshe Shternbach on sacrificing Ruchniyus for the sake of our Jewish brethren.Have a good Shabbos, and a Frielichen Purim

The Aharon Kodesh was gold on the inside and outside. Chazal say it represents the nature of a Talmid Chacham, that the inside has to be as pure as the outside. May the Torah help us transform our character as well.Have a good Shabbos

Why does the Torah say one should feed Treifos to the dogs specifically?Is the Torah teaching us mercy for dogs? Why does the Yerushalmi say there is a punishment for depriving the dogs?Have a good Shabbos

Bchasdei Hashem I was zoche to have a bechor this past Sunday. Found a little time to record a quick piece on Kibud Av Vaeim.May we continue to share in Simchas together.Have a good Shabbos

When the Bnei Yisrael were at the Yam Suf, Chazal tell us we were being judged whether to be saved, or to be destroyed with the Mitzriyim. How could Hashem have destroyed them at that time, what would have been the point of all the miracles of Mitzrayim? Does it put more pressure on us when we are saved with the Midas HaRachamim, as opposed to the Midas Hadin?Have a Good Shabbos

The Parsha starts off saying that we should tell our children and grandchildren how Hashem made a mockery of Mitzrayim? In what ways did Hashem make a mockery of Mitzrayim and of Pharaoh, and what were the reasons for doing it in that fashion?Have a good Shabbos 

Why did Moshe Rabbeinu came from a marriage that would later be forbidden by the Torah? Chizkuni explains based on Yoma 22b that a leader of the Tzibbur needs to have a basket of Sheratzim hanging from them to keep them humble. Lessons in humility and why Hashem gives us our life situations in the way that He does.Have a Good Shabbos

The Torah says the king of Mitzrayim died and then they cried out in pain. Why did that cause them to cry out, according to those who learn that he actually died? Was the crying in prayer to Hashem, or were the cries of suffering themselves a source of merit for us?

The Sefarim tell us that the Asara Harugei Malchus were a punishment for the sale of Yosef. But Yosef's brothers asked him for forgiveness? Was he mochel them, and if not why not? And why were there ten martyrs if only nine of the brothers were involved in the sale?Have a good Shabbos.

Yosef calls his brothers close and reveals himself to them. Why did he choose the Bris Milah as his proof, when he had proof that he spoke Lashon Hakodesh and knew the true story of the sale? How was it a good proof, didn't he force all the Egyptians to circumcise themselves?Have a good Shabbos

After all these years, Yosef was able to rise to power, marry, and have two sons. He named them with names that symbolize this ability to forget his troubles and be happy with what he had built. Was that all positive, or were there negative components? Have a good Shabbos and a lichtege Chanukah

Chazal say that Yaakov wanted to sit in tranquility at this point, after dealing with Eisav, Lavan, Shechem. Hashem said Tzadikim have tranquility in the next world, they should ask for it in this world? Is there something wrong with having a tranquil life? Wouldn't Yaakov only want this for Torah and Ruchniyus, what would be wrong with this desire? Some approaches to understanding a difficult Chazal.Have a good Shabbos

We find Yaakov humbling himself before Eisav, and bowing seven times. Yet we also know that one is forbidden to flatter a wicked person. Exploring the balance Yaakov strikes in his appeasement of Eisav.Have a good Shabbos

When Yaakov met Rochel, he assured her Lavan wouldn't outsmart him. He said he could be his brother in trickery. How could Yaakov the Ish Emes expect to match the one Chazal call the father of trickery? If he said he could match, how come in the end he wasn't successful and Lavan beat him?Some ideas from Rav Yaakov Kaminetzky and Rav Shalom Schwadron on the middos of Emes and Ramaos.Have a wonderful Shabbos

Why did Yaakov make Eisav swear on the sale of the Bechoros? Would Eisav honor an oath more than he worried about other Aveiros? How could Eisav sell his Bechoros, can one sell something intangible, does it work halachically?  Why did Yaakov give Eisav bread when he only asked for lentils?Trying a type of Yeshivisha style this week that I haven't done before.Hope you enjoy.Have a Good Shabbos

My own idea this week, dating back to my years in Yeshiva. How could it be a zechus for Avraham to lose five years of life to avoid seeing Eisav go LTarbus Raah? Especially in light of Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz's chiddushim in the preciousness of life?

While praying on behalf of Sedom, Avraham compares himself to dust and ashes in his humility before Hashem. The Gemara says some amazing ideas about the long term significance of this statement, and how it compares to other statements of humility in Tanach. Also discuss the classic Rav Yaakov Emden story about humility before Hashem and humility before people.Have a great Shabbos

Chazal tell us Avraham's actions towards the Melachim were zechusim that brought benefits in the Midbar, and that will bring benefits in the times of Mashiach. Why was the story with the Melachim a greater source of zechusin than all his earlier actions. Why is Hachnasas Orchim such a tremendous Mitzvah? Was Avraham the tallest person who ever lived?Have a wonderful Shabbos

Rashi says Hashem informed Avraham about Sedom because you tell a father before punishing his son. How is Avraham the father of the people of Sedom?If you like this podcast please follow us and rate us five stars, to enable more people to discover it. Always appreciate any feedback. You can reach me at the name of the podcast @gmail.comHave a good Shabbos.

Chazal initially describe Lot as a Tzadik, but later describe him in much less glowing terms. What was the turning point that caused the transformation, and how did it create such a big change? Also includes an explanation of why Og merited being saved from the Mabul, was excited to finally see a pshat in it.Have a good Shabbos 

Noach was instructed to bring in 7 pairs of each Tahor animal, and 1 pair of every non-Tahor animal. Why does the Torah say it as non-tahor, the Torah uses the word Tamei to describe non kosher animals in many places? Why is it necessary to use a euphemism when speaking about an animal?Have a good Shabbos

The Mitzvah of Pru Urvu is commandment upon men, women are not obligated in this Mitzvah. Why wouldn't women be commanded in a Mitzvah they have such a strong inborn desire to fulfill?Thank you for being a listener, as we begin the 6th season of these shiurim.Have a great Shabbos.

Sukkos celebrates Hashem taking us out of Mitzrayim and guiding and transporting us through the Midbar in the Anenei HaKavod. So why do we celebrate it after Yom Kippur, instead of after Pesach? The famous approach of the Tur, and the revolutionary approach of the Vilna Gaon.Have a Chag Kasher V'Sameach

Short vort on the Parsha how everything in Torah has depth and value. And a famous story from the Ramban how everything is contained in Parshas Haazinu.

The Mabit talks about Teshuva as coming closer to Hashem after being distanced by our sins. The Shaarei Teshuva writes that completeTeshuva requires regret, confession, and a clear commitment to change going forward. The Mabit and Rav Yisrael Salanter write that there are concepts of partial Teshuva as well. Some thoughts on the accessibility of Teshuva on our level. May Hashem help us change in these holy days.Have a G'mar Chasimah Tovah

Vayeilech begins Moshe saying farewell to the Jewish people on the last day of his life. What does the language of Vayeilech mean, where did Moshe go? What can we learn from where Moshe went on the last day of his life?Have a good Shabbos and a Gmar Chasimah Tovah

Before Rosh Hashana we focus on Teshuva and choosing the path of life. We aspire to make good choices and to associate with those who make good choices. How does internalizing Hashem's Malchus and feeling we are in His Presence help us do Teshuva, how is it a foundation of Teshuva?Have a Ksivah Vchasimah Tovah and a wonderful Shabbos.

When we bring Bikkurim, we say Arami Oved Avi. Lavan never actually did it, why does it call him an Oved? Why is the Yid given credit for the good plan as if he actually pulled it off, but not judged that way for the negative plan? Have a good Shabbos and a K'sivah V'Chasimah Tovah

There is a Mitzvah to build a fence around a roof for safety purposes. The Rambam and others pasken that we make a Bracha on this Mitzvah. What dictates which Mitzvos have Brachos and which don't?Have a good Shabbos

Hi,The Torah instructs us to keep the words of the Chachamim and not deviate from their words, neither to the right nor to the left. To what extent doMitzvos DiRabanan have a status similar to a DiOraysa, that we can say a Bracha of Vtzivanu on them? In what sense are they considered even more stringent than the Dinei DiOraysa?Have a good Shabbos

The Torah tells us to give Tzedakah, and warns us to not to give with a negative heart. Pirkei Avos says that a Chasid gives, and wants others to give as well. What should be our perspective about being asked for Tzedakah, and about asking others to give Tzedakah? Have a good Shabbos

Moshe exhorts the Jewish people not to fear fighting the kings of Canaan, that Hashem would send miracles to help them, as well the Tzirah to shoot poison at them. Why did Hashem want to send an army of hornets to fight for the Jewish people, what was the purpose of using bugs and what can we learn from them?Have a wonderful Shabbos

We say in Kriyas Shema that one should love Hashem B'chol Meodecha. The Mishna says two pshatim in what that means, either will all your money, or with every middah that Hashem sends your way. How can we come to love Hashem in every situation?Have a good Shabbos.

The Gemara in Yoma 9b says the Mikdash Rishon was destroyed because the people did Avodah Zarah, Giluy Arayos, and Shfichas Damim. However, the Gemara in Nedarim 81a says even the Neviim couldn't figure out why it was destroyed, until Hashem revealed it was because they weren't careful about Birchas HaTorah. How do we resolve the seeming contradiction between these two Gemaras? The approaches of the Kochvei Ohr, and the Chassid Yaavetz. Have a meaningful TIsha Baav

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

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 Shabbos

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

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

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

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

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

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