A Few Minutes of Torah for a Lifetime of Growth

What is the difference between teshuva mei'yira and teshuva mei'ahava and what does wearing a mask have anything to do with it?

If you look at the passukim (Devarim 31: 14-23) where Hashem invites Moshe and Yehoshua into the Tent of Meeting, you will see 3 big questions that jump out at me. One of which is "Why would G-D set up a system where the Torah is meant to bear witness against us?".

 Hashem commands us to bring the first ripe fruit as the mitzvah of Bikkurim, but why does He ask for the first ones as opposed to the best ones? Listen in to hear why!

What was it that Calev heard that made him realize that he needed to step in say something?

The Ramban has an interesting explanation of what it means to "raise up Bnei Yisrael". At first glance it seems like he is in direct contract to Rashi's view. Listen in to hear how we can reconcile this seeming disagreement.

This is the first Shabbos in Seattle that all of the shuls will be closed due to the COVID-19 virus. The passuk gives us some guidance in how we should see this Shabbos and perhaps many more to come. 

The Gemara says that one is supposed to drink until he doesn't know the difference between blessed Mordechai and cursed Haman. That's seems like a crazy amount of alcohol and completely contrary to Jewish values. Additionally, what benefit is there is mixing up Mordechai and Haman? Listen in to hear an alternate explanation!

Why didn't Hashem tell Bnei Yisrael when they were leaving Egypt that He would live amongst them? Wouldn't that have been so motivating for them?

The Torah says that we should not taunt or oppress the stranger because we were strangers in the land of Egypt. Listen in to hear 3 reasons that explain what being a stranger in Egypt has anything to do with not oppressing strangers nowadays. 

The Torah says that we should labor for 6 days and complete all of our work. I have never had a week where there wasn't more left to do the following week. What is the Torah trying to communicate to us here? Listen in to hear how Rashi & Ramban answer our question!

This question leads us to a beautiful insight into human nature. The Torah is full of our history and laws, but most importantly, is the lesson to live by. Listen in to hear a practical tool that we can learn from the placement of this mitzvah.

What makes Rosh Chodesh so significant? Aren't there many other mitzvos that Hashem could have chosen to be the first after 210 years of slavery? Listen in to find out!

Moshe thinks that the Jews don't listen to him because of his challenge in speaking, yet the Torah tells us that the reason was because they were short of breath and had been burdened with hard work, which is it? Listen in to find out and to gain 2 important insights into relationships.

Why does is Yosef called a son of his old age, weren't all of Yaakov sons born when he was old?!

There are varying opinions as to why the Torah points out that Yaakov is Shalaim-intact, listen in to hear 3 different answers!

The Torah tells us that Yaakov worked 7 years for Rachel and it seemed to him as only a few days because of his love for her, but doesn't that seem counter-intuitive? Wouldn't it have felt like an eternity waiting to be able to marry her? Listen in to quench your curiosity! 

As Eliezer is in pursuit to find a wife for his master's son, Yitzchak, he asks whether or he can bring Yitzchak with him if he can't convince the woman to return with him to Israel. Why can't Yitzchak go with him, pick a wife, and return to Israel? What's the big deal?

The sages discuss which of the last 2 tests was hardest. Was it the binding of Yitzchak or the purchase of the burial plot for Sarah? Sounds like a no-brainer, but listen in to hear both perspectives. 

Every parsha has a relevant message for how we are to behave today. Listen in to find out how these 3 categories can be a game changer in our relationship with Hashem.

What can we learn from the comparisons between Noach & Avraham and Noach & moshe?

Careful, most people think that it was the prohibition of eating from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, but that is actually incorrect! Listen in to hear 3 short (but sweet) ideas on this week's Torah portion.

We know the Gemara gives us 2 reasons, why do we need both?

Often, it is challenging to forgive others. Listen in to find some inspiration to be able to push through some of the obstacles.

Thoughts on the weekly Torah portion with relevant messages for today's generation.

Thoughts on the weekly Torah portion with relevant messages for today's generation.