As women will testify, pregnancy is no picnic - but Rivkah's term was a super trial where each twin tried to break out when she passed houses of worship of their respective interests. Doesn't it appear from the narrative that their natures' were predestined? But in light of our having free will, how can this be? And how did Yaacov complete the process of building upon his father's character, while Esav swerved to the other extreme?
Rabbi Avi Geller's series on the entire five books of Judaism is delivered with lively enthusiasm and humor. Each weekly talk is a whirlwind tour of all the events of that week's Torah portion, plus major commentaries and explanations of fundamental concepts of Judaism.
The blind, aging Isaac intended to give his blessing of 'prosperity' to his wicked son Esau, and leave his righteous son Jacob with nothing. Rabbi Kahn explains what the underlying intentions of Isaac really were. And if you've ever wondered what the Jewish view of how the world would look in the state of 'Nirvana,' here's your chance.
Rabbi Lopiansky's discussions of the weekly parsha go far past the seemingly simple surface they present, showing a depth of esoteric wisdom that is difficult to find. Listen in for a journey that will give an appreciation for the Torah's vastness.
There was an intense struggle within Rebecca's womb between her twin sons Jacob and Esau. What were they fighting about, and why was Rebecca so distressed about it? Shortly after the birth, Esau's evil nature became obvious to all - except Isaac. Is it possible to understand how such a holy man could be so easily fooled?
Wouldn’t the most righteous people alive make the ultimate set of parents? How then could an Esav have grown up in Yitzchak and Rivkah’s home? Rabbi Wagensberg’s class on raising children helps delineate the balance between giving them all you’ve got and accepting their free will choices – and can help any parent during those inevitable moments of doubt over their child’s path.
In this talk Rabbi Wagensberg discusses the two major approaches in approaching God, personified by Yaacov and Esau. Which then launches into a very comforting teaching that will encourage us no matter what pitfalls we have experienced in the past.
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.
Yitzchak ('Frum From Birth') and Rivkah (the prototype of a returnee) are a classic study in opposite paths in forging a relationship with G-d. Hear Rabbi Wagensberg's thought-provoking analysis of the pros and cons of each approach, and each person's longing to synthesize self-discovery of G-d along with the traditions on which they were raised.
It's one thing to have faith in G-d intellectually. It's another thing to place our trust in Hashem practically. In this lecture, Rabbi Wagensberg shares with us perhaps the only way to acheive bitachon. Once we realize that faith begins where understanding ends then it becomes obvious that taking that leap requires something called holy foolishness. This talk also sheds light on the inner meaning of Kislev and Chanukah.