The beginning of any process usually seems small and insignificant. On the other hand we find many 'firsts' celebrated with great fanfare. So why is Bikurim, 'bringing up the first fruits' considered to be such a big deal that we bring them up to the Temple with a grand parade? Learn from Bikurim how important little things really are for setting the tone for all that follows.
Bikurim was the process of thanking G-d for the produce He blessed us with after laboring in the fields. Rabbi Kahn focuses on the interesting prayer that relates back to Yacov's experience with his father-in-law Lavan recited at the Temple as part of this commandment. Listen to a different take on Yacov's struggle to avoid being sucked into a culture foreign to his spirituality, and shows how the fear of deteriorating values has everything to do with the establishment of Bikurim.
The commandment to bring the first fruits to the Temple is juxtaposed strangely with the concept of prayer three times a day. Rabbi Kahn proves that the inability to appreciate will distance himself from G-d, and draws the connection between that state and the eventual destruction of the Temple. How did the establishment of prayer hold the key to rebuilding that relationship?
Are you happy? Is anyone really happy? Rabbi Kahn asks pointed questions about the world we live in by contrasting it to the 'bringing the first fruits to the Beit Hamikdash.' Learn some secrets of life that tap into the deeper satisfaction the whole world is desperately seeking.
The first fruits brought with great celebration to the Temple take on enormous proportions as Rabbi Kirzner sifts through the layers of meaning surrounding them. This small offering of the seven fruits of Israel point to deeper lessons of the seven main branches of character, and the energy that explodes into ourselves and the world when we overcome our desires and say no.
In the puzzling ritual of Bikkurim, Jewish farmers presented their hard-earned first fruits to God, and then recited the story of Lavan's attempt to destroy our nation. What does one thing have to do with the other? Rabbi Milstein probes the significant happiness you can give another by reaching out, or the terrible effect it can have by giving from half a heart.
If you usually skip over parsha talks, give a listen to Rabbi Wagensberg! His dynamic style gives an exciting twist to each week's parsha, often coming from a new vantage point.
If you usually skip over parsha talks, give a listen to Rabbi Wagensberg! His dynamic style gives an exciting twist to each week's parsha, often coming from a new vantage point.
"We would all like to find the secret to happiness. In this week's class Rabbi Wagensberg takes us on a dazzling journey that explores the lost arks of Israel. This will teach us the ways to combat the primary forces of evil in the world. When happiness and love is built upon a solid foundation of trust in G-d, one will have the tools necessary to succeed!
P.S. For those of you who want to appreciate the mitzvah of tefillin, in a never-seen-before way, listen to this class!"
The righteous will experience an incredible amount of happiness when they reach Gan Eden. But with all of our difficult times, that promise of ethereal joy seems so far out of sight. Follow Rabbi Wagensberg as he peeks into the hidden power of Shabbos, which not only carries a palpable taste of the World to Come, but can also throw us a rescue belt from all the negativity and despair we may be carrying.