The decorative vestments of the Kohanim are woven with threads of symbolism. The beautiful breastplate held the two components of Judaism - mind and heart, and action. Rabbi Carmell explores the danger of using one without the other, and how the appropriate measures of each form true Torah observance.
The menorah, the beautiful golden candelabra in the Tabernacle, sends a confusing message as to what it really stands for, and to who is giving light to whom? Rabbi Geller goes on to describe the clothing worn by the priests during the times they are actually serving, and focuses on the miraculous jewel studded breastplate worn by the high priest.
G-d asks us to take a donation for Him. One second, Rabbi Wagensberg stops us. Aren’t we giving to G-d in order to create the Mishkan? Learn how we gained a connection to Hashem Himself when we donated toward the Tabernacle, and how the keilim teach us how to continue on that path of holiness. Learn to break past the barriers that attempt to stop us in order to reach a sense of wholeness that we truly desire.
Loving Hashem and fearing Hashem seem to be contradictory. Rabbi Wagensberg points out the differences in the two approaches, but proves that both are necessary. Even more, one leads into the other. How can we achieve a synthesis of these two fundamentals to achieve a closeness to Hashem akin to what our forefathers had inåÊ
the Mishkan?
From Moshe's birth up until this parsha his name is all over the place. But isn't it strange that his name is not even mentioned once in this weeks parsha? Rabbi Wagnesberg also examines the essence of Moshe's character and how it perfectly complemented his brother Aharon.
This parsha, full of information about the Mishkan and the service meant to take place within it, is meant to fall out just before Purim. Follow Rabbi Wagensberg on a fascinating journey into Acheshverosh’s mind and the shocking goal he mean to achieve with the great feast he prepared. Learn how true service of Hashem goes far deeper than simply walking the walk, and how the inner thoughts and intentions we have when we do mitzvos is what really brings us closer to the Divine.
When looking at Purim Katan as the end of the yearly cycle, it seems obvious that this is a day we are paradoxically distant from Hashem. Howthen can we be expected to connect to Him at this time? Rabbi Wagensberg proves that if we do our best, Hashem will finish the job down to the last detail - and reward us as if we did the whole thing.
There can be two distinct ways to reaching G-d. While it is possible to simply push evil away over and over again and force ourselves to do what’s right even when we don’t want to, what happens when we become too tired to fight? Join Rabbi Wagensberg as he presents another way to serve Hashem by literally turning evil on its head and using it as a tool to becoming better.
We try to ignore the monster that dwells within, but we all know that when it rears its ugly head we will be confronting a challenging situation and/or difficult people. This week, Rabbi Wagensberg shows how to take advantage of those critical moments to expose and uproot the evil laying dormant within - blocking our goal of self perfection.
For best results listen to this lecture, blindfolded, mouth closed and ears plugged up. Get prepared to take the ride of your life, where your nose will lead you on an incredible aromatic journey into the sweet fragrance of Adar. Once again Rabbi Wagensberg weaves together a host of sources revealing another dimension of Purim, whose light will reach even those who have drifted furthest away.