G-d created the world in order to be a part of it. Seven generations of evil pushed G-d upward into the heavens, and seven righteous ones pulled Him back. The process ended with the Mishkan being built as the house of G-d. But what is the deeper symbolism of G-d living in our midst?
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.
Ever wonder why God doesn’t answer your prayers? Yet to what extent do we really expect an answer? Hear how God’s mercy leaves this as an open question, and compares it to the time when Moses appealed to God 515 times to allow him to enter the Land of Israel.
Although it might seem like hearing about the construction of the ancient Tabernacle has no practical application to our lives now, it has actually been encoded with insights about Shabbat and the impact it can have on our lives. We have to recognize that no matter how hard we try, true happiness can never be bought, and won't be found solely in the physical realm. Hear how breaking out of the physical stressful world we live in can be an uplifting spiritual experience.
At this time of year which is called Shovevim, it is especially propitious to work on leading even holier lives, sanctifying every aspect of our engagement with the materialistic world. This week Rabbi Wagensberg discusses how the 10 shperot are basically different ways which teach us the importance of living a life of purity. PS - there are lots of great Passover Seder material in this talk.
We were granted crowns as we stood before Har Sinai that were later taken away when we fell with the sin of the Golden Calf. Who was able to gain ownership of our royal headgear, and why what made them the one’s chosen? Join Rabbi Wagensberg as he explores the greatness of Shabbos and the internal change it can effect on us to the extent that we can regain those spiritual crowns we once merited receiving.
We hav differing cycles in time – sometimes we connect to Hashem through fear, and others through love. These actually represent the two starting points of the Jewish year, Tishrei and Nissan. Follow Rabbi Wagensberg as he explores our redemption from Egypt due to the great love that flowed from Hashem, and how we can reciprocate that emotion back toward the Divine.
For most of us, it is very challenging, if not impossible, to make positive change in the most difficult aspects of our lives and yet there are certain times throughout the Jewish year which are propitious for starting over again and accomplishing these goals. In this fascinating talk, Rabbi Wagensberg shares with us how the month of Nissan is the absolute greatest time for rejuvenation. In this lecture, we will find out the striking difference between the nations of the world and the Jewish people and what God's expectations are of each, which like a beautiful tapestry, will prepare us for the upcoming mitzvah - birchas ha-chama, this year on the eve of Passover. A real must, which will also shed light on what Kiddush levana is during the rest of the year.
The Shema is so powerful, it can form us into different people. Indeed, from the start of time, Jews had the ability to come so close to G-d that we change deeply. G-d is One - that is our essence. How can we give our soul over to G-d to become identified with Him?
There is no coincidence that this weeks parsha coincides with this period of mourning. Rabbi Wagensberg explains: why 2 1/2 tribes desired to remain on the East bank of the Jordan, an important lesson on hitting rock-bottom, and our capacity to get up and keep pushing after a steep fall.