This coming Shabbos we read Parshas Shekalim – our first step toward yearly redemption from slavery to freedom. How does the “coin of fire” (half-shekel tribute) achieve this? Just as fire transforms metal, even the hardest heart is transformed by this humble act for the benefit of the community. (Shemos/Exodus 30:11-16; Bava Basra 10b, Rashi). Continue Reading »
Income and livelihood depend on Hashem’s ratzon (will) but we need to make an effort as well. Whose advice should we take about that effort? If you ask Rebbe Nachman, one of the first steps toward improving financial well-being is to honor Shabbos. Rabbi Nasan Maimon presents Likutey Halakhos to explain how this works in: Continue Reading »
Why were there ten plagues? Why didn’t Hashem finish off the Egyptians at once? What’s the message of the drawn-out process of Yetziyas Mitzrayim through the makos? The ten plagues gradually elevated Bnei Yisrael to increasing levels of yira – awe and respect for Hashem. Similarly, the frightening things in our own times bring us Continue Reading »
On the Tenth of Teves 5605 (December 20, 1844) Rav Nosson ben Chayah Laneh / b’Reb Naftali Hertz ז”ל Sternhartz returned his pure soul to the Creator. Through his prolific writing, Rav Nosson of Nemirov made it possible for the teachings of Rebbe Nachman to reach every one of us today. Commemorative shiur given by Continue Reading »
Ana BeKoach is an ancient plea for Israel’s redemption from exile. It’s structured in seven lines of six words each with the first letters of each word spelling out a Name of Hashem. Ana BeKoach is during the time when the Chanukah lights are burning. Rabbi Yechiel Michel Dorfman z”l, former Rosh Yeshiva of the Continue Reading »
Rabbi Zvi Aryeh Benzion b’Reb Yisrael Abba Rosenfeld z”l was an accomplished Torah scholar and teacher of Breslov chassidus. His devotion to his students saved and transformed countless Jewish lives. In this shiur he speaks about the qualities and special wisdom that can be acquired through living in the Holy Land – Eretz Yisrael. Ein Continue Reading »
In the Likutey Halakhos, Rav Nasan of Nemirov applies the teachings of Rebbe Nachman to practical decisions like where to set up the menorah. Why do we place the lights with reference to the entrance of our home? Secrets in every detail of our kindling enrich the festival of lights. Text: Orach Chaim 3, Chanukah Continue Reading »
Today in Jewish History: 5th of Kislev – Yahrzeit of the MaHaRSHA Anyone who studies Gemara (Talmud) has studied the commentary of Rabbi Shmuel Eliezer HaLevi Edeles – the MaHaRSHA (Moreynu HaRav Shmuel Edeles – Our Teacher, Rabbi Samuel Edeles). Born in Posen in the mid-sixteenth century, the MaHaRSHA’s father was a direct descendant of Rabbi Continue Reading »
Raising your voice can be good – if it’s the right kind of raising. “Lift up your voice” (Yishayahu 58) is not about volume, it’s about intention. In his teaching “Mitzva gedola l’hiyos b’simcha – it’s a great mitzva to be happy always” Likutey Moharan 2 – Tinyana, Torah 24 Rebbe Nachman explains how the Continue Reading »
Because the Torah begins with Hashem’s “vision”, its ultimate result is true vision, as understood in the final words of Sefer Devarim, “…before the eyes of all Israel.” Based on Likutey Halakhos Orakh Chaim 2, Hilkhos Maasa uMatan 4:11. Speaker: Rabbi Nasan Maimon. Parsha 54 – VeZos HaBerakha – Believing is Seeing
