Parsha Gone Personal

"Make for Me a sanctuary and I will dwell in them" - inside each and every one of us. We, you and me, are asked, to make ourselves into a home for Him. This episode explores some of the vessels of the mishkan (the ark, the menora, the wood, the alter) and lessons we can learn from them. 

The Torah , the essence of Hashem is given to man, To everyone of them. To every part, in every detail of our lives it permeates.Showing us what's right to do every step of the way. In everything. So high, so holy- so practical and doable for me and you.

We cried out to Hashem. Prayer, its essence, it's time, it's purpose revealed. This week's parsha tells of the chase of the Egyptians, the great splitting of the sea, the song and dance of praise  and the start of the hardships in the desert life. In this episode we explore prayer, as the Jews cried to Hashem, as Moshe prayed, and how through prayer each of us can achieve a mini "splitting of the sea" - reveling of the essence on a daily bases. We also explose the sugnificance of Joseph's bones being brought up,(mentioned at the begining of the parsha) and how that is what got us through and had an effect on the war of Amalek, with which our parsha concludes. 

Out of Egypt! Finally! For a purpose. Leaving the servitude of Egypt, with a purpose, for a reason. We leave to serve, to serve Hashem. 

Connection above intellect, Moshe's relationship with Hashem. Lessons in getting through hardships and the mystery of some of the plagues. 

In this episode, we dive into powerful ideas from Parshas Shemos about names, leadership, and redemption. We explore why calling someone by name—even after passing—is an expression of deep connection, and how a name reflects something far beyond labels or insults.We look at Pharaoh’s attempt to outsmart Hashem, the concept of mida k’neged mida, and how Moshe Rabbeinu’s very birth began undoing the Egyptian decrees. Drawing from Gemara, Midrash, and Chassidus, we discuss why Moshe is described as “good,” how his birth filled the house with light, and what that reveals about his role as a leader for the entire world.The episode also unpacks the symbolism of the Nile as a source of exile and idolatry—and how Moshe’s emergence from it signals the start of redemption. We explore the burning bush as a message that Hashem is present with us in times of pain, and the deeper meaning of “Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh.”We wrap up with the fascinating image of the donkey—used by Avraham, Moshe, and ultimately Moshiach—representing simple faith, action without hesitation, and elevating the physical world for spiritual purpose.Thought-provoking Torah insights that connect Moshe’s story to our own journey toward geulah.

This Parsha tells of the death of Yaakov (and later of Yoseph too)- but before he left, he gave his kids the key, the strength and power needed in order to get through the Exile, the hardships they would face. He's our father too- and the strength is for us. For me and for you. - Know you're not alone, I'm waiting for you (Ya'akov)- Know you will get out, I'm here with you (Yosef)The journey is yours, through it you need to go,  that which you need to know you will know. The strength you possess, there is no one like you and to the end you will get. Chazak Chazak Vnischazek, be strong, be strong, be strengthened. 

Yehuda taking a stance, in a state of crisis, we use our strongest, best approach.Yosef has the power to see his story for what it really is- the will of G-d, he's not at the whims of flesh and blood, and with that he can repay bad with real good. It's hard for Yaakov to go down to Egypt, Hashem tells him not to fear..lessons on how to approach hard stuff, how to deal with ourselves, our outlook, our parents, our close ones....

We have so much to learn from Yoisef, who had "the Name of Hashem" constantly on his lips, and also expressed emotion- faith doesn't turn one into a robot, faith just enables them to function within the pain. 

Yoseph's name, his journey, his outlook. So many lessons 

Yitzchak favors Eisav. How? Why? The power of showing up, even if its hypocritical. Seeking out the good and the desire to bring it out. With many wonderful stories to illustrate. The power of prayer. A goosebumps worthy story of a grave dug in Jeruselum.The power of digging deep- as yitzchak does to uncover the wells of his father, what that means on a spiritual level and how it applies to me today. 

Lentils over birthright. Looking at what lies before us through a different lens. Learning from Yaakov and Eisav, their inborn traits and choices....

Lessons from Avraham, in the buying of the plot from Ephron to burry Sara. How the land itself is uplifted when coming under the ownership of Avraham, the way a tzakid lives every moment in his life to the fullest, the patience to hear out a servant... and many more lessons from our forefathers. 

Avraham is 99, just after surgery, but he keeps going, keeps on doing good. Lessons from his actions, his care for all humankind, and the way he serves Hashem even when it involves things that appose his nature. 

Avraham goes to look out to find guests, makes an effort to try host, even though it's the third day after surgery... no effort goes unnoticed, Hashem send him guests. Every detail of Avraham's behavior is with purpose , for the service of Hashem. Why the test of Akedas Yitzchak- sacrifice of Issac  is such a big deal. Sedom- the epitome of nasty behavior: 1) not wanting others to gain even if we don't loose out 2) no give and take, no space for anyone or anything outside of themselves

The stories and deatils the Torah includes are lessons for us. Avraham is able to go above and beyond through his  connection to Hashem in the command to go. The need to do what's right even in the moments of "wait, what? why? how on earth?"Og, his name and his teachings. Stories and lessons from the Parsha In loving memory of Chaim Peysach Ben Binyomin- Uncle Gilon Uzvolk ז"ל A man who went above & beyond the status quo. 

The strength we inherit from our father Avraham and what we can learn from his journey. 

A collection of stories and lessons from this week's Parsha 

Shabbos Beraishit sets the tone for the whole year. The whistle is blowing for train which stopped off, by Elul, Rosh Hashona, Yom Kippur, Succos and Simchas Torah. Hop on board. Lessons from creation. Creating Light and the power of who we are as growing humans. 

Moshe's speech is coming to a close. On his 120th birthday, Moshe officially hands over the leadership to Yehoshua. He reminds us to keep following Hashem's ways, and that when we stray Hashem is there, He's just hiding - and He wants us to seek! We are given the Mitzva of Hakel, gathering - everyone ages 0+ to hear the torah. Lessons on the significance of the influence of our surroundings, and being part of something bigger. The mitzvah of writing a torah - here's the link to buy a letter- https://www.chabad.org/library/howto/torah_letter_cdo/aid/409282/jewish/Get-Your-Letter-in-the-Unity-Torah.htmand buying Jewish books.