Until his death in 1999, Rabbi Yaakov Weinberg was Rosh Yeshiva of Ner Yisroel in Baltimore. For more than 50 years, Rabbi Weinberg taught in various capacities at Ner Yisroel, as well as traveling the world imparting his wisdom to thousands of eager listeners. He is the older brother and mentor of Rabbi Noah Weinberg, the dean and founder of Aish HaTorah.
Of the four players in this episode, who is the primary culprit? Kamtza, Bar Kamtza, the Chachamim or the Ba’al Habayit? This inside look at its flow in Gemara Gittin analyzes the events and rabbinical decisions that led to Churban Bayis Sheini. Rav Yaakov brilliantly compares these decisions to the decisions of pre-war European rabbis who restrained their followers from leaving Europe.
What two emotions should we feel during the shofar blast? Hear an in-depth look at atonement, repentance, and the steps needed to uproot past mistakes. Another oft-misunderstood concept is 'yirah' fear. And why it is so vitally important at this juncture to establish a deeper intimacy with God?
We all make mistakes, right? And many of us know how pointless it is to get caught up in any guilt trip. The sensible response appears to be: just move forward with a strong conviction to be a better person. So why are we steered to take an honest, regretful look at our past? Hear what teshuva is (without the guilt), and the reason why this formula works so well to move people into the new year with a fresh start.
Living in God's presence, which is what the Succah is all about, is intended to alter the essence of who we are. How so? Rav Yaakov proves why focusing on all our blessings within the Succah experience will bring about a happiness that will necessarily be followed by a deeper connection to His Divine presence.
Shmini Atzeres isn't just an extra day of Sukkos - without a Sukkah. Hashem wants us to spend one extra day with Him before we depart back to our daily lives. Hear how this closeness translates into sealing the love and warmth we've created during all these holidays.
The Greeks were quite magnanimous to allow all the nations they conquered the freedom to practice their own pagan religion åÐ so long as Greek culture became an integral part of their lifestyle. What specifically was it about Jewish belief that enraged the Greek nation to stamp it out? Hear how Torah SheåÕBaal Peh (the Oral Torah) become the light and strength behind their victory.
Unlike other religions that espouse asceticism (withdrawal from physicality), Judaism instructs us to also elevate the material. Hear how Purim, a holiday jam packed with physical challenges of partying, laughter, gifts and drink - are designed to help us rise above the physical stumbling blocks. In fact, we are to perceive them in ways that will awaken their spiritual counterparts. Pure Rav Yaakov.
Many people are under the false impression that they’re happy. It is more likely that they’re just moving on the treadmill of life – with minimal progress. Rav Yaakov asks why are people searching for extreme stimulation, like TV or bungee jumping to feel alive? In this thought-provoking talk, join an exploration into the emotion of happiness, and how accessible it could be when approached from a different perspective.
Appreciating the uniqueness of a Jew is the basis for our continued existence as a nation. This inspiring examination takes a look at how we're able to maintain our kedusha and nobility of spirit even as we're performing the most mundane chores of living.
How can Jews accept upon themselves the term 'chosen people' when they also believe that racism is wrong? Hear a fascinating class on why the Jewish Nation is atypical with their bar raised higher than all the other nations. Paradoxically enough, being Jewish is not based on having a common land, language, or culture. So what precisely does 'being Jewish' really mean?
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