Rabbi Zev Leff is Rav of Moshav Matisyahu, and a renowned lecturer and educator. He is the author of Shiurei Bina - Outlooks & Insights on the Weekly Torah Portion, and most recently, Shemoneh Esrei: The Depth and Beauty of Our Daily Tefillah, published by Targum Press. Visit his website online at www.rabbileff.net.
There is a Gemara that states that one who dreams of a river, a kettle, or a bird - each representing a different level of peace - can expect a blessing of peace appropriate for that level. Only by understanding the distinctions between these three levels can we know why, and under what circumstances we are at times obligated to fight for peace, and why it is not a contradiction to do so.
There is a Gemara that states that one who dreams of a river, a kettle, or a bird - each representing a different level of peace - can expect a blessing of peace appropriate for that level. Only by understanding the distinctions between these three levels can we know why, and under what circumstances we are at times obligated to fight for peace, and why it is not a contradiction to do so.
Truth and peace seem to be opposites, especially seeing that people apply them in contrary ways. Rabbi Leff shows how they are the flip side of the same coin, and its underlying principle that guides all our actions.
What was it that really possessed Chava to eat from the Tree of Knowledge, causing her to transgress Hashem's single commandment? By analyzing the motivations behind this mistake, Rabbi Leff traces the origins of truth and falsehood, and why falsehood has such an uncanny ability to trick us. Included are many practical halachos of lying, stealing and cheating.
We often point to the glaring injustice that comes along with the concept of the wicked living 'the good life.' But how deeply do we understand the complexities of the world we're living in? Join Rabbi Leff for an eye-opening class on our limited viewpoint we have, and then explains how davening fits into the larger picture.
Have you ever considered how the ten tests of Avraham's are equally applicable to the tests you face in life? By explaining the significance of Avraham's personal "Lech-Lecha," Rabbi Leff zero's in on the power of the spiritual genes Avraham earned and on his passing them down to us.
By analyzing the relationships that Moshe and Avraham had with Hashem, Rabbi Leff zeroes in on the precise nature of bitachon and emunah. He also explains why a constant review of yetzias mitzrayim helps to strengthen our fundamental belief and trust in Hashem.
Since every human being is created with an innate knowledge that there is a God, the mitzvah of emunah is not to know that there is a God, but to positively acknowledge it. Through stories and humor, Rabbi Leff helps us understand how we can strengthen our emunah to such a degree as to feel it with all of our senses.
Our three main daily prayers stem from the three great patriarchs of our nation: Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov. Rabbi Leff gives an introduction on the nature of prayer - and how best to fulfill it. He examines the morning prayer of Shacharis and how it was fashioned to work into our bones the traits of Avraham.
Prayer and a river of tears are Divinely yearned for on Rosh Hashanah. So how are we to understand the statement that the gates of tears are never closed? Learn about this critical day that affects the outcome of your entire year.