What is the unbelievable power of the shofar blast that makes it a central component of Rosh Hashanah? Follow Rabbi Wagensberg’s colorful trail as he explores how the shofar can break down so many walls that separate us from Hashem. By erecting a few barriers to evil by way of our thoughts, feelings and actions, we may find ourselves able to touch our deeper selves.
One's negative thoughts, speech, and actions have the unwanted result of adding layer upon layer of tumah upon our souls. By letting Yom Kippur help us activate the holy spark that fuels our neshama, we can loosen the sludge that has encrusted our heart. Rabbi Wagensberg helps us to reach back to that pristine state of purity we experienced as children in order to trigger the inner glow and vitality we all yearn for.
Yom Kippur, fish, and the purity of mikvah. Rabbi Wagensberg takes a side path that touches on many interesting points, and brings them together for a powerful lesson on submerging wholeheartedly into the service of Hashem. Feeling this for a brief time during Yom Kippur will bring kapparah and a taste of the avodah we all strive for.
What power does Hoshana Raba have to finalize ones 'din' even more so than Yom Kippur? Rededicate the upcoming zeman of learning by realigning your mind to make every moment count.
What are we really celebrating on Sukkos? What is the exalted status the 'clouds of glory' protected the Jewish nation with, and how did the water-drawing (dancing) ceremony express an amazing joy? Rabbi Wagensberg answers these and other questions about the holiday from a mystical slant.
The world can be a lonely place. And even though we may sense God in the hurdles of life, there are times that He's just nowhere to be found. Rabbi Wagensberg explains the symbolism of the Sukkah and how it connects Hashem to the inner and outer parts of our lives.
To unravel the evasive secret of happiness, Rabbi Wagensberg delves into the quintessential holiday of Succos, to find the markers to attaining that uninhibited state of joy. One marker is trusting in Hashem, one of the most secure states we can feel, which brings contentment in its wake. Another marker is when we remove ourselves from the comfort of physicality, we sometimes also experience a true simcha. Listen in for a few surprises why.
If you usually skip over the Parsha Talks, give a listen to Rabbi Wagensberg. His dynamic style gives an exciting twist to each week's parsha, which often sprouts from a fascinating new vantage point.
The Menorah has different branches - each one sending a unique light out to the world. Rabbi Wagensberg invites us all to learn the beauty within every branch of Torah Judaism, by experiencing our individuality on the one hand, and yet being completely committed to the Torah's entirety on the other hand.
Why was the Syrian Greek military campaign intent on defiling Jewish oil? Just as a physically blind person is considered as if dead, so is a spiritually blind person also considered dead. Once Rabbi Wagensberg explains the secret of Jewish survival, you'll understand why and how the Greeks planned to implant spiritual blindness, and eliminate true spiritual vision in the future.