The Nation of Israel is lauded for its high degree of devotion by accepting the Torah without knowing what was in it. On the other hand the rational responses given by the other nations of the world seems to portray a more responsible approach. Rabbi Carmell probes to the roots of the differences in thought and intent.
Even as a child Rivkah's trait of 'giving' transcended and protected her from the influences of her corrupt home and immoral society. Leah, the unwanted wife, teaches us the powerful lesson of 'loving', and Rachel, the paradigm of 'caring' shows us how much she sacrificed to spare another shame and embarrassment.
When Shabbos is viewed through the prism of creation, it seems paradoxical to state that 'rest' was also created. Isn't 'rest' merely a cessation of action? Hear how as our emerging world was becoming more and more physical, the energy of Shabbos was being woven into its fabric to ensure we would always be able to find God - despite His hiddenness. Insightful.
Accepting the Torah is a big proposition when we take into account all of the myriad laws and expectations that comes along with. Rabbi Wagensberg helps dissipate our overwhelmed feelings as he guides us on the Jewish way of taking things little by little in order to reach the greater goals we set before ourselves.
Why was Noah's first decision to plant a vineyard after the flood a big mistake - causing serious repercussions that we still feel today? On the other hand what would happen if the mistakes we make turn out to be 'positive'? Could such 'good' also bring about improvements in other peoples lives? Hear a valuable lesson on 'not worrying' so much about first developing your potential capabilities or talents - and just make whatever contribution you can and appreciate being part of history in the making.
In a seemingly suicidal battle against four kings and their fierce armies, Avraham and his servant challenged all of them to rescue his nephew from captivity. How could Avraham, a master of logic make such a decision that clearly defies sanity? Rabbi Weinberg uncovers a deep life lesson here to inspire us to know what we are living for, and also how and why to make our best possible effort %u2013 even if we feel the cards are totally stacked against us.
The Bnei Cheit are mentioned ten times in the Torah when Avraham was wrangling with them to buy a burial plot for his wife Sarah. Why were these people, who were of little note in the spectrum of human history put into the limelight? Be inspired to see how history is truly being made as we live, and how you can realistically seize an opportunity to change the world.
Weaving beautiful insights of Torah that relate to the mishkan and our weekly parsha, Rav Noah delivers a valuable lesson for understanding Torah, loving our fellow Jews, and for living better with however much Torah we’ve acquired.
Esav made a number of really bad decisions: among them murder, idolatry, and possibly illicit relations. If so, why does the Torah even bother harping on his rejection of the bechora? Using clues based on Esav's age at the time he made those choices, Rabbi Zweig breaks down the essential difference between acting from impulse or peer pressure, to making judgement calls based on true values. Hear why we are defined by the latter.