Moshe's paradoxical sweetening of the bitter waters with a piece of bitter wood hold a tenet of life that helps us understand the travails the Jews faced in their travels, and our own individual struggles. What is the point of G-d testing us at all - especially seeing that we are so often not equal to the task? And how does the unpleasantness help develop our potential energies and greatness despite our failure?
Rabbi Avi Geller's series on the entire five books of Judaism is delivered with lively enthusiasm and humor. Each weekly talk is a whirlwind tour of all the events of that week's Torah portion, plus major commentaries and explanations of fundamental concepts of Judaism.
Rabbi Ari Kahn probes issues and events within the weekly Torah portion. His unique insight adds an additional flavor to our familiar Bible stories. Drawing from midrashic and mystical sources, valuable lessons are brought to the surface from cryptic texts. His interesting perspective and inquisitive nature will open yet another door to your weekly parsha experience.
The Jews left Egypt high and happy. Can you imagine their wonder when the Red Sea split right before their eyes and came crashing down right behind them - to vanquish their oppressors? Yet shortly after they began complaining! Rabbi Kahn explains how the Master Educator listens super closely to the nature and tone of our protests, and responds in kind to what we indeed truly need.
The sweet tittering of the birds in this Shabbat of melody blends with the scene of the Jewish nation bursting forth with song after the awesome splitting of the sea to form a masterful picture of the heights only song can reach.
In Judaism, there is no such thing as reaching a point of no return - even if it seems that God Himself is saying one has crossed the red line. Perhaps this is also a test? Rabbi Wagensberg proves how the road is always open for return, no matter what.
Our ability to live with Hashem's presence before us at all times dispels the darkness of physicality the world represents. How can we draw this light out to shine among the nations of the world?
Does there exist a concept that G-d can test us beyond the limits of our endurance? Rabbi Wagensberg examines the rules that come into play when we feel it is past our ability to respond to the challenges in our lives in a positive way, and shows how God will enter the picture when we've given it our best shot.
One of Rabbi Wagensberg's mottos should serve as a rule for life - 'if it's not sweet, it's not Torah'. Hear the importance of shaping ourselves in such a way where all we do and all we say, whether towards others or in our relationship with God will always be done in a sweet, nonabrasive way.
Hidden deep within the spiritual song the Jews sang at the Yam Suf is the power of reviving the dead. Don’t see it? Follow Rabbi Wagensberg’s esoteric path as he discovers the brilliant spiritual light hidden after Creation and what occurred when Hashem revealed it once more.