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Sparks from the Fire

Sparks from the Fire

By Rabbi Yonatan Udren

Join Rabbi Yonatan Udren for a taste of ancient Jewish wisdom made relevant. Each episode is concise and to the point, and presents a deep spiritual message pertinent to our daily lives. From the weekly Torah portion to the Jewish holidays to Chasidic texts, Sparks from the Fire will leave you with a thought to ponder and an idea to share.
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Parshat Ekev: Walking the Tightrope of Leadership

Sparks from the FireJul 29, 2021

00:00
08:25
Finding Freedom from Self-Help on Seder Night

Finding Freedom from Self-Help on Seder Night

As Pesach approaches, how can we know if we're truly free, or if we're still enslaved? And what does the incredible growth of the self-help movement have to do with Seder Night? Hear from Rabbi Yonatan Udren how the balance between self and others is critical for reaching a true state of freedom this Pesach.

Apr 01, 202305:58
Parshat Vayechi: Speaking the Language of Love

Parshat Vayechi: Speaking the Language of Love

Why does Yosef cry when his brothers ask for forgiveness after the death of their father, and what does this teach us about seeing the hand of the Divine in our own lives? Hear from Rabbi Yonatan Udren how even at the end of the story Yosef speaks the language of love, and his brothers speak the language of fear.  Based on the commentary of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz on Bereishit, and brought to you by the RRG Beit Midrash, the spiritual home for Hebrew University students on campus.

Dec 16, 202105:56
Parshat Vayigash: I am Yosef; is my Father Still Alive?

Parshat Vayigash: I am Yosef; is my Father Still Alive?

Why does Yosef ask about the well-being of his father immediately after revealing himself? Hear from Rabbi Yonatan Udren how the Yosef’s words not only express his love for his father, but also a new stage of his identity.  Based on the commentary of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz on Bereishit, and brought to you by the RRG Beit Midrash, the spiritual home for Hebrew University students on campus.

Dec 09, 202107:35
Parshat Miketz: Finding the Other Within Ourselves

Parshat Miketz: Finding the Other Within Ourselves

Why do the brothers assume that their bad fortune in Egypt is due to Divine retribution for their treatment of Yosef? Hear how Yosef’s brothers finally find a space for him in their hearts after so many years.  Based on the commentary of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz on Bereishit, and brought to you by the RRG Beit Midrash, the spiritual home for Hebrew University students on campus.

Dec 02, 202106:53
Parshat Vayashev: Yosef and the Power of Chen

Parshat Vayashev: Yosef and the Power of Chen

How does Yosef rise to prominence in every place he finds himself? Join Rabbi Yonatan Udren for a six-minute exploration of Yosef’s secret to success: the power of chen. Based on the commentary of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz on Bereishit, and brought to you by the RRG Beit Midrash, the spiritual home for Hebrew University students on campus.

Nov 25, 202106:22
Parshat Vayishlach: And Yaakov Arrived Whole

Parshat Vayishlach: And Yaakov Arrived Whole

After escaping Lavan, wrestling an angel, and appeasing his brother Eisav, how can the text say that Yaakov arrived home whole? Join Rabbi Yonatan Udren for an exploration of Yaakov’s great lesson: the power to constantly strive towards perfection is wholeness itself. Based on the commentary of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz on Bereishit, and brought to you by the RRG Beit Midrash, the spiritual home for Hebrew University students on campus.

Nov 18, 202106:11
Parshat Vayetzei: He’s Building the Stairway to Heaven

Parshat Vayetzei: He’s Building the Stairway to Heaven

After waking from the vision of the ladder, why does Yaakov care so much about the place, and not the promises? Join Rabbi Yonatan Udren for an exploration of Yaakov’s prophetic vision and the centrality of sacred space. Based on the commentary of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz on Bereishit, and brought to you by the RRG Beit Midrash, the spiritual home for Hebrew University students on campus.

Nov 11, 202107:14
Parshat Toldot: Embracing the Boldness of Eisav

Parshat Toldot: Embracing the Boldness of Eisav

How could Yitzhak choose Eisav over Yaakov as his heir-apparent? And what does this teach us about the importance of taking bold risks in our own lives? Join Rabbi Yonatan Udren as he explores the fundamental disagreement between Yitzhak and Rivkah: who is fit to receive the blessing of Avraham. Based on the commentary of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz on Bereishit, and brought to you by the RRG Beit Midrash, the spiritual home for Hebrew University students.

Nov 04, 202107:11
Parshat Chayei Sarah: What are you Running After?

Parshat Chayei Sarah: What are you Running After?

Rivkah and Lavan both run after guests, but do they run for the same reasons? How can we tell?  Hear from Rabbi Yonatan Udren how the things that we run after in life teach us about what we truly desire. Inspired by the commentary of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz on Bereishit, and brought to you by the RRG Beit Midrash, the spiritual home for Hebrew University students on campus.

Oct 28, 202107:31
Parshat Vayera: The Laughter of Infinite Possibility

Parshat Vayera: The Laughter of Infinite Possibility

What’s  the difference between the laughter of Avraham and the laughter of Sara? Hear from Rabbi Yonatan Udren how an open-hearted laugh can teach us the deepest lesson of faith: that God can make anything happen. Inspired by the commentary of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz on Bereishit, and brought to you by the RRG Beit Midrash, the spiritual home for Hebrew University students on campus.

Oct 28, 202106:42
Parshat Lech Lecha: From Darkness You will Know Light

Parshat Lech Lecha: From Darkness You will Know Light

What does Avraham’s mysterious vision of birds and a torch teach us about the relationship between redemption and exile? Hear from Rabbi Yonatan Udren how the story of the Brit Bein HaBetarim teaches us about how we can’t truly be at home until we know what it’s like to taste the bitterness of exile. Inspired by the commentary of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz on Bereishit, and brought to you by the RRG Beit Midrash, the spiritual home for Hebrew University students on campus.

Oct 14, 202107:27
Parshat Noach: Toppling the Tower of Conformity

Parshat Noach: Toppling the Tower of Conformity

What’s so bad about a world with a singular ideology and language? Hear from Rabbi Yonatan Udren how the story of the Tower of Bavel teaches us about the importance of the individual, and how we find balance within the larger narratives without losing ourselves. Inspired by the commentary of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz on Bereishit, and brought to you by the RRG Beit Midrash, the spiritual home for Hebrew University students on campus.

Oct 06, 202109:09
Parshat Bereishit: Desire Crouches at the Door

Parshat Bereishit: Desire Crouches at the Door

What kind of book is the Torah anyway? A history book? A science book about the creation of the world? Hear from Rabbi Yonatan Udren about how the Torah is an answer to life’s most meaningful questions, and how the story of Cayin and Hevel teaches us that no matter what, we can always choose to improve. Inspired by the commentary of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz on Bereishit, and brought to you by the RRG Beit Midrash, the spiritual home for Hebrew University students on campus.

Sep 30, 202107:25
Parashat Vezot HaBracha: Why Does Moshe Cry?
Sep 27, 202109:18
Parashat Ha’azinu: The Mystery in Moshe’s Song
Sep 17, 202108:53
Parshat Vayelech: Never Stop Walking
Sep 09, 202106:57
Parshat Nitzavim: The Guarantee to Return
Sep 02, 202108:07
Parshat Ki Tavo: Yaakov’s Tithe and Acts of Gratitude
Aug 26, 202106:60
Parshat Ki Teitzei: The Endless Ideological War with Amalek
Aug 19, 202107:20
Parshat Shoftim: Meeting the Humble King in the Field

Parshat Shoftim: Meeting the Humble King in the Field

What does the Torah’s vision of the king teach us about the balance between power and humility, and about our relationship with God? Hear from Rabbi Yonatan Udren about how God is truly the humble king, and that God holds a place in His heart for each of us always, no matter what. Inspired by the commentary of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz on Devarim, and brought to you by the RRG Beit Midrash, the spiritual home for Hebrew University students on campus.

Aug 11, 202107:54
Parshat Re’eh: The Good and Unrefined Good

Parshat Re’eh: The Good and Unrefined Good

Do you ever relate to life’s challenges as Divine punishment? Hear from Rabbi Yonatan Udren how God gives us good, and unrefined good, how transforming the unrefined good is part of our spiritual work in this world. Inspired by the commentary of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz on Devarim, and brought to you by the RRG Beit Midrash, the spiritual home for Hebrew University students on campus.

Aug 05, 202107:28
Parshat Ekev: Walking the Tightrope of Leadership
Jul 29, 202108:25
Parshat Va'etchanan: When Less is More
Jul 19, 202108:36
Parshat Devarim: The Power of Personal Narrative and the Oral Torah
Jul 16, 202109:13
Parshat Matot: More Money, More Problems
Jul 08, 202108:34
Parshat Pinchas: A Leader for Each and Every Spirit
Jul 02, 202109:13
Parshat Balak: God’s Voice Fills the World
Jun 25, 202107:55
Parshat Chukat: Joyful Rebuke and Destructive Anger
Jun 17, 202107:57
Parshat Korach: Is Korach a Rebel or a Rebbe?
Jun 10, 202110:28
Parshat Shelach: Calev, Miriam, and the Language of Faith
Jun 03, 202108:48
Parshat Beha'alotcha: Don’t Try Walking in My Shoes
May 27, 202107:23
Parshat Naso: The Bridge between Heaven and Earth
May 19, 202107:57
Parshat Bamidbar: Where Did the Sons of Moshe Go?

Parshat Bamidbar: Where Did the Sons of Moshe Go?

How do we understand the glaring omission of Moshe’s sons in this week’s parsha? Hear from Rabbi Yonatan Udren how every decision has its consequences, and sometimes there is a price to pay even when we do the right thing. Inspired by the commentary of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz on Bamidbar, and brought to you by the RRG Beit Midrash, the spiritual home for Hebrew University students on campus.
May 13, 202109:15
Parshat Bechukotai: Swallowing the Bitter Pill of Rebuke
May 06, 202107:30
Parshat Emor: Longing for a New Torah
Apr 29, 202107:33
Parshat Kedoshim: What Does it Mean to be a Holy Person?
Apr 22, 202106:20
Yom Haatzmaut: a Reflection of the Light of Pesach
Apr 13, 202122:51
Parshat Shemini: The Sin of Misplaced Spontaneity
Apr 08, 202107:11
Parshat Tzav and Pesach: A Taste of the Temple on Seder Night
Mar 25, 202107:25
Parshat Vayikra: A Burning Desire to Be Close
Mar 18, 202106:21
Parshat VaYakel: Sanctifying Space and Time

Parshat VaYakel: Sanctifying Space and Time

When Moshe gathers the people to ask for donations to the Mishkan, why does he open with a warning about the sanctity of Shabbat? Hear from Rabbi Yonatan Udren about sanctity in time as well as space, and its importance in our lives during these challenging days.  Inspired by the commentary of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz on Shemot, and brought to you by the RRG Beit Midrash, the spiritual home for Hebrew University students on campus.

Mar 11, 202106:51
Parshat Ki Tisa: Confusing the Means with the Maker
Mar 04, 202106:38
Parshat Tetzaveh: The Clothes of the Cohen and the Masks of Purim
Feb 23, 202105:51
Parashat Terumah: A Home Built with Love
Feb 18, 202105:46
Parshat Mishpatim: A Belly Full of the Divine
Feb 10, 202107:09
Parshat Yitro: Do You Want to Change the World?
Feb 04, 202108:20
Parshat Bashalach: Raising Our Hands in Faith
Jan 28, 202107:26
Parshat Bo: The Transformation of a Nation
Jan 21, 202107:58
Parshat Va'era: Choosing to Know God
Jan 14, 202106:33
Parshat Shemot: Found in Translation
Jan 05, 202106:60