The lightening bolt method of sending a clear sign is seldom used by God for relaying messages to us. Rabbi Carmell carefully dissects the story of the Meraglim (spies) by pointing out all the signs that Hashem sent to them along the way. Were they blind? Was it because the hints were too difficult to interpret, or did they just color them to see what they subconsciously wanted to see? Listen in for a better understanding of the undercurrents of dialogue that happen within us all the time.
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.
Moses sent the spies to the Land of Canaan hoping they would fall in love with it and bring back a great report. They misunderstood the assignment and botched the job. If that wasn't bad enough, a group of Israelites attempted to force their way into the land which resulted in a catastrophe. The keys to successfully enter the Holy Land is what this talk is about.
Miriam whispered to her brother Aaron about Moshe's marriage. The spies returned from the Land of Israel with a dismal report. Reuven cried when he heard Joseph was sold by his brothers. Is there a common denominator here? Rabbi Kahn presents a compelling argument on how just one seemingly small act can affect the moral compass of so many people in so many powerful ways.
If someone offered you a blessings or a curse, which would you prefer? A fundamental precept in Judaism is our free will to make meaningful life-choices. Rabbi Kahn traces the root of our free will back to the Garden of Eden, and shows how utilizing it to its fullest reach will enrich your every experience.
In a painful segment of Jewish history, spies were sent to the Land of Israel, and returned with a very negative report. The people's reaction caused them to lose the chance to ever enter Israel. Rabbi Milstein dissects the episode to find the virus of dissatisfaction in life that is lurking within a person's general outlook.
We have such a hard time staying focused in this digital age. The spies struggled with just that test åÐ and failed to concentrate on the goal and the lessons they shouldåÕve been keeping in the forefront of their minds. Rabbi Wagensberg takes the discussion to the practical level as well, showing us how to apply these rules of concentration in our lives.
Adults and children need different motivators åÐ and Rabbi Wagnesberg dissects the three great concepts that cause people to move forward. Did the spies fall because of a mismatched incentive that wasnåÕt strong enough to keep them on the straight and narrow?
The point in time the spies chose to enter the Land of Israel is the month evil is especially strong. Rabbi Wagensberg explores the archangel of negativity, and the doubt he sows in our minds regarding G-d and truth. Learn how mankind is plagued with just this doubt at the end of days, and gain encouragement to forge past it with faith despite the darkness.
In our attempts to create ourselves we can often push to the limits of endurance. But is that the best way to go? Rabbi Wagnesberg reminds us that great things are accomplished one step at a time and shows a surprising connection between that idea and Succos.