Parsha Gone Personal

In this episode, we dive into powerful ideas from Parshas Shemos about names, leadership, and redemption. We explore why calling someone by name—even after passing—is an expression of deep connection, and how a name reflects something far beyond labels or insults.

We look at Pharaoh’s attempt to outsmart Hashem, the concept of mida k’neged mida, and how Moshe Rabbeinu’s very birth began undoing the Egyptian decrees. Drawing from Gemara, Midrash, and Chassidus, we discuss why Moshe is described as “good,” how his birth filled the house with light, and what that reveals about his role...

This Parsha tells of the death of Yaakov (and later of Yoseph too)- but before he left, he gave his kids the key, the strength and power needed in order to get through the Exile, the hardships they would face. 

He's our father too- and the strength is for us. For me and for you. 

- Know you're not alone, I'm waiting for you (Ya'akov)

- Know you will get out, I'm here with you (Yosef)

The journey is yours, through it you need to go, 

 that which you...

Yehuda taking a stance, in a state of crisis, we use our strongest, best approach.

Yosef has the power to see his story for what it really is- the will of G-d, he's not at the whims of flesh and blood, and with that he can repay bad with real good. 

It's hard for Yaakov to go down to Egypt, Hashem tells him not to fear..lessons on how to approach hard stuff, how to deal with ourselves, our outlook, our parents, our close ones....

We have so much to learn from Yoisef, who had "the Name of Hashem" constantly on his lips, and also expressed emotion- faith doesn't turn one into a robot, faith just enables them to function within the pain. 

Yoseph's name, his journey, his outlook. So many lessons 

Yitzchak favors Eisav. How? Why? 

The power of showing up, even if its hypocritical. Seeking out the good and the desire to bring it out. With many wonderful stories to illustrate. 

The power of prayer. A goosebumps worthy story of a grave dug in Jeruselum.

The power of digging deep- as yitzchak does to uncover the wells of his father, what that means on a spiritual level and how it applies to me today. 

Lentils over birthright. Looking at what lies before us through a different lens. 

Learning from Yaakov and Eisav, their inborn traits and choices....

Lessons from Avraham, in the buying of the plot from Ephron to burry Sara. 

How the land itself is uplifted when coming under the ownership of Avraham, the way a tzakid lives every moment in his life to the fullest, the patience to hear out a servant... and many more lessons from our forefathers. 

Avraham is 99, just after surgery, but he keeps going, keeps on doing good. Lessons from his actions, his care for all humankind, and the way he serves Hashem even when it involves things that appose his nature. 

Avraham goes to look out to find guests, makes an effort to try host, even though it's the third day after surgery... no effort goes unnoticed, Hashem send him guests. 

Every detail of Avraham's behavior is with purpose , for the service of Hashem. 

Why the test of Akedas Yitzchak- sacrifice of Issac  is such a big deal. 

Sedom- the epitome of nasty behavior: 

1) not wanting others to gain even if we don't loose out 

2) no give and take, no space for anyone or anything outside of themselves

The stories and deatils the Torah includes are lessons for us. 

Avraham is able to go above and beyond through his  connection to Hashem in the command to go. 

The need to do what's right even in the moments of "wait, what? why? how on earth?"

Og, his name and his teachings. 

Stories and lessons from the Parsha 

In loving memory of Chaim Peysach Ben Binyomin- Uncle Gilon Uzvolk ז"ל A man who went above & beyond the status quo. 

The strength we inherit from our father Avraham and what we can learn from his journey. 

A collection of stories and lessons from this week's Parsha 

Shabbos Beraishit sets the tone for the whole year. 

The whistle is blowing for train which stopped off, by Elul, Rosh Hashona, Yom Kippur, Succos and Simchas Torah. Hop on board. 

Lessons from creation. Creating Light and the power of who we are as growing humans. 

Moshe's speech is coming to a close. On his 120th birthday, Moshe officially hands over the leadership to Yehoshua. He reminds us to keep following Hashem's ways, and that when we stray Hashem is there, He's just hiding - and He wants us to seek! 

We are given the Mitzva of Hakel, gathering - everyone ages 0+ to hear the torah. Lessons on the significance of the influence of our surroundings, and being part of something bigger. 

The mitzvah of writing a torah - here's the link to buy a letter- https://www.chabad.org/library/ho...

Choose Life. 
We stand before Hashem Today- the day of Rosh Hashona- all of us. We are all responsible for one another. 
We are all capable of really living - deeply connected to Life- true life, the life of Gdliness, following the ways of Hashem- its close to us. We are given all the  🔨 🔧 we need to do it- the circumstances and the abilities. 
May we merit to Choose Life. And be blessed with Life in the upcoming year. 
May you be written and sealed for good. A happy healthy sweet year of life. Real life

Please note this is an episode from the year 5784 where these two parshas were read together. 

Some lessons from bikurim- We can only truly enjoy when all our brothers and sisters are able to enjoy too. Diff ways to daven.  The Jews are known as Hashems precious treasure.... chosen by Him, we can choose Him too. Connect and help others to connect too. 

In bedded in the process of settling and working the land (bikurim etc) is a constant reminder to be grateful to the Source of it all. 

A deeper looking into the idea of Bikurim baskets. 

The process of giving a korban, and serving Hashem with Joy. 

Within the 74 mitzvos mentioned in this Parsha, so many lessons on sensitivity.

The oldest son's double portion, the way we give loans, the respect for a body and burial... and so many more. 

Perspective- can make something seem like curse to one and a blessing to another.

 Perspective on our "low lying" times in life. 

Perspective on charity. 

Eikev has 3 meanings... and they all connect. The commands, their source and the empowerment to do what we must. The spiritual way we can ensure not to go downhill. 

The importance- no, the imperative need to educate. From a place of love. 

** a correction, in the episode it mentions snakes/ scorpions being hot/ cold blooded 

 Accidently ארסו was mistranslated  - its' venom as its blood 🤦🏻‍♀️
Snakes and serpents have hot *venum* when their venum goes into the body it inflames/ heats up the body the person feels burnt  
 and scorpions have cold *venum* ie their venum p...

Exploring the value of mitzvos, hunger and desires on a deeper level and the awe of Hashem, which our leaders help instill within us.

The power of light after dark. Davening. Connecting to something higher inorder to uplift. 

Tap in- we need to do something, make the effort, ask  and uncover the incredible strength we have inside of ourselves. 

This Parsha starts the 5th book of the Torah, where Moshe is speaking before he passes on. 

Remembering the leaving of Mount Sinai - a lesson to keep growing no matter how good we are. The instruction to move on to our land- the way we differ from other nations, chosen we can do it. 

The strength of the tribes of Gad and Reuven leading the Jews into war- BECAUSE of their self...

The journey called life. Traveling, 42 travels on a spiritual level. Stops and encampments are part of the process. Judges vs setting up cities of refuge... home vs work and our definition of success. 

Our inheritance, our work, our effort, our consistency and our gifts. Our land. 

Pinchas stands up to avenge the Name of Hashem. The timing ✔️  motive ✔️ and therefore it's a blessed act. 

Women approaching the leaders and challenging the status quo. The timing ✔️ motive  ✔️ and therefore it's a blessed thing. 

The story of Bilam trying to curse and ending up blessing the Jews. Lessons on recognizing our real power as a nation, "am Kelavi Yakum", our perception having an effect and seizing the day- doing what is needed when an opportunity arises.

A summary of the Parsha and some gorgeous insights including: 

Para Aduma- the red heffer- not holding on to anger. 

The mention of moshiach should come with a prayer 

Praising hashem miracle of emorie and moav thanking hashem, recognizing hashem 
Snake - recognize hashem 
Says b"y sent messengers to sichon - the Jewish nation and our leader are one and the same 

Ending off  personal story and share :) 

A summary of Parshas Chukas and a handful of practical lessons we can take with us on the theme of taking responsibility- stepping up to the plate. 

What Korach was really asking for... A summary of Parshas Korach and a few pocket size divrei torah based on the teachings of Chassidus. 

The story of the spies, their mistaken thinking...the way we veiw ourselves. The strength we really possess as the chosen, wanted, nation of Hashem. 

The story of the spies going into the land. Why these spies- "men of stature" were set on convincing the Jews not to go into the land from a spiritual standpoint. Why it's so important that we Jews do enter the land, work the land and eat from it's produce. The mitzva of Challa, the mitzva of tzitzis, and using our spies- our hearts and our eyes- to help us want to do good. 

Lighting the menorah- do your part, the blessings that come down are above and beyond all expectations. Tips and tricks against the yetzer Hara , blowing trumpets during hard times and times of joy. 

Aharon is commanded to light the Menorah. Lessons on lighting up the good within ourselves, within others, in a way that lasts. The Jews complain. Lessons on complaining - in a good way, a way which causes positive results. The Mana- how our thoughts and feelings have a real effect on what we do. (An episode from season 1, 2024)

A summary of the parsha. Thoughts on the carrying of the mishkan, the leader's offering- the order and the gifts and other life lessons from our Parsha. Show up- Each of us is made of many parts, every part, every action is significant and needed. Lift up- give, Lift up those around you and that way we'll all Rise up.

Being counted, as an individual who matters. Being part of a greater whole, standing proud in our beliefs and how being unique enables the whole to be complete. 

Real estate, our land, the state of mind with which  we work it (sabbatical, jubilee, charity, tithes, blessings) 

Celebrating every moment, our lives as Jews with the richest calender. Education, and the way our Menorah lights up our food. 

Parshas Vayakel, gathering the Jews, Shabbos, a home for Hashem.