The Torah Sparks Podcast

We discuss the Jewish perspective on a beard. Did Moshe Rabbeinu have a beard? Should we really Fear the Beard? Why do people stroke their beard when in doubt? And so much more!

Since 1908, the secular New Year has been marked by the famous “ball drop”—a moment meant to symbolize a fresh start. Yet the phrase “dropping the ball” has come to mean something very different: missed opportunities, abandoned commitments, and resolutions that don’t last.

In this shiur, we explore the deeper irony of that image, especially in light of the well-known reality that many New Year’s resolutions fade quickly—so much so that the second Friday of January is often called “Quitter’s Day.”

Drawing on a teaching from Reb Yaakov of Husiatin in the name of the Apter...

Asara B’Teves marks the day Nevuchadnezar, King of Bavel, laid siege to Yerushalayim — the beginning of the Churban.

But on this very same day is the yahrtzeit of Reb Nosson of Breslov (December 20, 1844), the primary talmid of Rebbe Nachman, the one who revealed and transmitted Rebbe Nachman’s redemptive Torah to the world.

This is no coincidence.

In this shiur, we explore the deep contrast and connection between the beginning of destruction and the beginning of geulah. Rebbe Nachman taught that his Torah is the “beginning of redemption,” and Reb No...

In this Parshas Vayigash Parsha Prevew shiur, we explore one of the most fundamental ideas in Judaism: our direct relationship with Hashem — without intermediaries, mediators, or go-betweens.

The Torah opens Vayigash with the words “Vayigash eilav Yehuda” — Yehuda approaches Yosef directly. Drawing on a powerful teaching from the Kedushas Levi, we learn that when something truly matters, you don’t speak through a translator. You go face to face.

Judaism teaches that every Jew can approach Hashem directly. He is our Father, and prayer, teshuvah, and connection require no mediator.

...

In response to the Bondi Beach massacre, I chose to respond not with fear—but with light.

I put up a menorah on my car (and no, I’m not Chabad) as a public declaration of Jewish pride. Not to provoke. Not to argue. But to say something simple and eternal:

When darkness rises, we do not shrink.
We increase light.

This is the deeper message of Chanukah:
מוֹסִיף וְהוֹלֵךְ — Mosif v’holich.
Each night, we don’t just keep the flame alive—we add to it.

The Greeks tried to extinguish Jewish light.<...

Why do we light Chanukah candles in shul—if no one fulfills their obligation with that lighting?

A sincere question asked between Mincha and Maariv (from a Yid wearing a Chanukah kippah—so of course it had to be taken seriously 😉) opens the door to a powerful exploration of one of Chanukah’s fascinating halachos.

In this 13-minute Torah class, we walk through the classic sources in Shulchan Aruch, Rema, and Mishnah Berurah, explaining why there is a minhag to light in shul for pirsumei nisa.

But then we go deeper.

Through a...

In this week’s shiur, we explore one of the most electrifying themes in Torah: the power of yearning.

From Yaakov Avinu’s inability to be comforted over Yosef, to Rebbe Nachman’s legendary teaching of “Never give up hope,” we uncover the spiritual DNA inside every Jew — the part of us that’s still a na’ar, still searching, still asking, still alive.

Yosef HaTzaddik is called a “na’ar” because he tapped into that inner childlike curiosity — the part of us that refuses to settle, that refuses to stop seeking Hashem...

We explore 3 fundamental messages from the first Rashi in Parshas Vayeshev. 

Here is the Amazon link to my Chanukah book, DOVE TALES: https://a.co/d/aTri2a8

Subscribe and hit the bell to see new videos!!!

#Rabbi #LearnTorah #TorahStudy #Judaism #Jewish #Torah  #Chumash #Parasha #Parsha #Parashat #Gemara #Mussar #Tefilla #Prayer

In this episode, we ask a daring a question: Are you STILL Jewish?

We learn about Avraham Avinu and the Dove and their unique approach in viewing the world as spiritually on fire.

We read a segment of my Chanukah book, which you can order on Amazon!

Here is the Amazon link to my Chanukah book, DOVE TALES: https://a.co/d/aTri2a8

In this powerful and eye-opening Torah shiur, we uncover the deeper meaning behind the Isur of Gid HaNasheh (the sciatic nerve) and its profound connection to Achdus — Jewish unity.

Why was Gid HaNasheh chosen as the very first negative commandment given to Klal Yisrael? How does a mitzvah of not eating create one of the strongest forces of unity among the Jewish people? And what timeless message does this mitzvah carry for our generation?

✨ In this shiur, we explore:

How not eating the Gid HaNasheh unifies all Jews simultaneously

The powerful insi...

12 Kislev marks the yarhtzeit of the heiliga Bas Ayin, Reb Avrohom Dov Ber of Avritch, who lived from 1765-1840. In this video, we explore the miraculous story of his shul that was saved during the terrible earthquake that rocked Tzefas in 1837. We share Torah from the Bas Ayin and discover the importance of feeling prideful as part of a healthy dose of humility. 

Subscribe and hit the bell to see new videos!!!

#Rabbi #LearnTorah #TorahStudy #Judaism #Jewish #Torah  #Chumash #Parasha #Parsha #Parashat #Gemara #Mussar #Tefilla #Prayer

In this week’s shiur on Parshas Vayeitzei, we explore the mysterious episode of the twelve stones under Yaakov Avinu’s head—each one declaring, “עָלַי יָנִיחַ צַדִּיק את רֹאשׁוֹ” (“Let the tzaddik rest his head on me!”).

What does this teach you about your own spiritual identity?

We also dive into the classic parable of the stonecutter who wanted to become everything—a merchant, a king, the sun, the wind—only to end up again as a stonecutter and realize the strength he had all along.

Together, these two stories reveal a powerful message: Duration: 00:14:24

Today, we discuss the fascinating science of a compass which always points North, and we show how each of us has an inner moral compass, always pointing to holiness and connection with G-d.

My book on Chanukah -- DOVE TALES (VAYISHALACH ES HAYONAH) -- is NOW AVAILABLE on Amazon: https://a.co/d/7BzCpaB

Subscribe and hit the bell to see new videos!!!

#Rabbi #LearnTorah #TorahStudy #Judaism #Jewish #Torah  #Chumash #Parasha #Parsha #Parashat #Gemara #Mussar #Tefilla #Prayer

Today, we discuss the attitude of Esav vs. the attitude of his brother (Yaakov) and parents (Yitzchak and Rivka). We talk about the importance of seeing each day as an opportunity to further and deepen our connection with the Master of the Universe. Check it out to discover a beautiful story about Rav Yisroel Salanter and the shoemaker who was up late at night.

My book on Chanukah -- DOVE TALES (VAYISHALACH ES HAYONAH) -- is NOW AVAILABLE on Amazon: https://a.co/d/7BzCpaB

Subscribe and hit the bell to see new videos!!!
<...

Thursday night shiur at Rabbi Goldberger's Shul in Baltimore, MD.

Topic: Bayis V'aliyah al Gabav

You saw the title. That's exactly what this class is about. We explore the trending word "six-seven" that has taken the world by storm, and we provide a sense of meaning to the meaningless fad. We explore the notion of goodness and re-frame how we view G-d and the world in which we live.

ALL THE BEST.

This class has been generously sponsored by Yehudah Roll as a zechus for ALL YIDDEN.

To sponsor a future video/class, feel free to reach out!

Subscribe and hit the bell to see new...

A friend sent me a photo of a sweet potato — but not just any sweet potato. When it was cut open, the inside was completely rotten… except for one thing: the moldy core formed a perfect smiling face.

In this shiur/class/episode, we explore what this means — scientifically, psychologically, and spiritually. From the phenomenon of facial pareidolia (seeing faces in random objects) to the Torah’s deep insight into Panim (face) and Pnim (inner self), we uncover a powerful lesson about joy, perception, and the soul.

Drawing from Avraham Avinu’s sever panim yafos, we discuss...

When Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica, it reminded me of something deeper — the power of a name. Why do we name hurricanes, storms, and even inanimate things? And what does that teach us about our own names, our essence, and our purpose?

In this episode, we explore the storm outside — and the storm within — through the lens of Torah. Drawing from Parshas Lech Lecha and the actions of Malki Tzedek, we uncover a timeless message: to live up to our names, our titles, and our true potential.

#HurricaneMelissa #LechLecha #TorahInsights #JewishWisdom #PowerOfNames #MalkiTzedek #JewishInspiration #Identity #SpiritualGrowth #Jewish...

An unbelievable heist just took place at the world-famous Louvre Museum — but beneath the headlines lies a powerful Torah lesson. In Parshas Noach, Chazal reveal that the final decree of the Flood came not because of idolatry or immorality, but because of theft. 

In this episode, we reveal the far greater thievery than even the $102 million worth of jewels stolen from the Louvre. 

We NEED the lesson of Noach more than ever today!

#ParshasNoach #LouvreHeist #TorahInsights #JewishPodcast #WeeklyParsha #TorahThoughts #PowerOfWords #JewishWisdom #SpiritualGrowth #Noach #ModernMussar #FaithAndCurrentEvents #TorahPerspective

In this episode, we reveal a fascinating reason why cobblers also cut keys, from a Torah perspective. Along the way, we will learn tremendous inspiration from Noach and Chanoch, two people that walked with Hashem and found ways to uplift the mundane!

After 738 days, the precious hostages were finally released — but could there be a deeper message hidden in that number? In this video, we explore a Torah verse with the exact gematria of 738, revealing a powerful call to seek truth (Emes) and reject falsehood. 

This isn’t about coincidence. It’s about seeing Hashgachah Pratis — Divine guidance — in the numbers, the Torah, and the times we’re living in.

🔹 Explore the mysterious 738 connection
🔹 Discover the pasuk behind the number
🔹 Reflect on what it means for us today


#Rabbi #LearnTorah #TorahStudy #Judaism #Jewish #Torah  #Chumas...