Meaningful Ideas on the Parsha
197 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 3 ratingsA 9 minutes or less shiur on the Parsha, grounded in Chazal and the Rishonim. Goal is to show how the parsha speaks directly to our lives today. Strive to be simple enough for the busy layman, yet deep enough for the advanced Talmid Chacham at the same time.
Podcast is available on all the major platforms. Call in options: 712-432-3491 (US) or 079-574-2029(IL).
Rabbi Yaakov Meltzer is a Talmid of Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim. He has a Semicha from Rav Moshe Heinemann, and an MS in Special Education from Daemen College.
Always appreciate any feedback, email is the name of the podcast @gmail.com
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Episodes
Pesach and Metzora - Feeling the Hashgacha
April 16, 2024 19:17 - 8 minutes - 6.04 MBThe Seder is one of the foundational elements of building and conveying our Emunah. The more we feel the world is custom made for us, and that what Hashem does to us is personally crafted, the more we can give over that approach to Yetzias Mitzrayim and to our current world. How the Alter of Slobodka brought this out from Yetzias Mitzrayim, how the Chinuch brings it out from the Metzora, and how we have to bring it out in our own lives. Have a Chag Kasher V'Sameach.
Pesach and Metzorah - Feeling the Hashgacha
April 16, 2024 19:17 - 8 minutes - 6.42 MBThe Seder is one of the foundational elements of building and conveying our Emunah. The more we feel the world is custom made for us, and that what Hashem does to us is personally crafted, the more we can give over that approach to Yetzias Mitzrayim and to our current world. Some perspectives we learn from Tzaraas and the challenges we face in life. Have a Chag Kasher V'Sameach.
Tazria - The Metzora's Desperate Plea
April 11, 2024 13:35 - 7 minutes - 7.28 MBChazal say one of the reasons the Metzora goes around calling out that he is Tamei, is so others should daven for him. The Chofetz Chaim explores how this is not simply because he needs help healing, but also because it helps heal him from what causes him to speak Lashon Hara. Some thoughts on how we can build bridges with each other and thereby guard our speech. Have a good Shabbos
Shemini - It's Because of Me
April 03, 2024 21:38 - 9 minutes - 7.25 MBWhen they inaugurated the Mishkan and did the Avodah on the eighth day, initially the Shechina did not descend upon the Mishkan. Rashi says Aharon Hakohen immediately put the blame upon himself, that Hashem must be upset with Him. Some lessons in taking ownership for what goes on in the world. Have a good Shabbos
Tzav - Sensitivity To Another's Shame
March 27, 2024 23:17 - 8 minutes - 7.86 MBThe Torah says the Chatas is shechted in the same place as the Olah. Chazal explain it's to protect the sinner, that it shouldn't be clear to all that he is bringing a Chatas. Some lessons in how sensitive we have to be about potentially embarrassing others. Have a good Shabbos.
Purim - Salvation In Times of Hester
March 21, 2024 00:33 - 13 minutes - 9.49 MBWhat did Purim teach us about the way Hashem runs the world in times of concealment? How did Haman convince all the nations to agree to kill the Jews? Why did Purim lead to a new reacceptance of the Torah? Understanding the Chiddush of Purim, and why this salvation was worthy of a new Holiday. A Freilichen Purim
Pekudei - Building It To Last
March 14, 2024 04:02 - 9 minutes - 5.14 MBThe Seforno explores four components involved in the construction of the Mishkan that ensured it would last eternally. Some thoughts on the importance if doing things right, and how it affects the holiness and long term impact of the mitzvos we do. Have a good Shabbos
Rabbi Baruch Gore - Vayakhel - The Chashivus of Being Careful with Hotzaah
March 07, 2024 22:18 - 9 minutes - 8.82 MBIt's an honor to share with you a special guest lecture by my good friend Rabbi Baruch Gore. Chazal learn the Issur to carry on Shabbos from this weeks parsha, so it's an appropriate week to share an idea on the topic. Rabbi Gore is the founder of the National Eruv Initiative and works to improve the quality of Eruvin across the country. You can learn more about his work at www.Eruvinitiative.org as well as listen to clips from the OU Eruv Conference. Have a good Shabbos.
Vayakhel - Rabbi Baruch Gore - The Chashivus of Being Careful with Hotzaah
March 07, 2024 22:18 - 9 minutes - 8.82 MBIt's an honor to share with you a special guest lecture by my good friend Rabbi Baruch Gore. Chazal learn the Issur to carry on Shabbos from this weeks parsha, so it's an appropriate week to share an idea on the topic. Rabbi Gore is the founder of the National Eruv Initiative and works to improve the quality of Eruvin across the country. You can learn more about his work at www.Eruvinitiative.org as well as listen to clips from the OU Eruv Conference. Have a good Shabbos.
Vayakhel - The Hashraas HaShechina of Shabbos
March 06, 2024 19:58 - 8 minutes - 6.08 MBMoshe assembled all the people and taught them about Shabbos and about donating to and building the Mishkan. Why were the instructions about the Mishkan preceded by instructing us about Shabbos? What is the connection between the relationship we have with Hashem through Shabbos, and the relationship we have through the Mishkan? Have a wonderful Shabbos
Ki Sisah - The Double Edged Sword of Wealth
February 28, 2024 20:25 - 9 minutes - 6.75 MBChazal teach us that Moshe and the Avos were blessed with tremendous wealth. Yet they also teach us about the dangers of excess wealth, and how it helped lead to the downfall of Korach and Haman, and helped bring about the Chet Haegel. Is wealth a Bracha or a danger? Some perspectives on the double edged sword of money. Have a good Shabbos.
Tetzaveh - The Missing Kaparah
February 22, 2024 04:20 - 8 minutes - 8.06 MBChazal tell us the bigdei kehuna provided Kaparah for the Aveiros of the Jewish people. Was this a kaparah for the community, or was it a kaparah for every individual's sins? Some insights on what we lost with the cessation of the Avodah. Have a good Shabbos
Terumah - Connecting to the Cedar Trees
February 16, 2024 01:38 - 9 minutes - 8.53 MBChazal tell us the cedar trees they used to build the Mishkan were originally planted by Avraham Avinu, and transplanted to Mitzrayim by Yaakov Avinu. Why did we need wood that connected us to the Avos, and what can it teach us about hoping for the Geulah? Have a good Shabbos
Mishpatim - Wisdom in Mishpatei Hezek
February 09, 2024 01:18 - 7 minutes - 6.64 MBSomeone broke into a car, found a passed out child in the back and saved their life. Someone else crashed into a car, caused the other party to miss their flight, which ended up crashing into the sea. Is the Mazik obligated to pay in those cases, or does the good result patur him? Some interesting examples in the Torah's wisdom in Dinei Mishpat. Have a good Shabbos
Yisro - Giving Thanks Beyond Praise
January 31, 2024 23:03 - 9 minutes - 8.81 MBChazal say Yisro was the first one to thank Hashem for saving us from the Mitzriyim. Didn't they sing Shirah, why wasn't that good enough? An idea in the Importance of thanking Hashem for everything He does for us. Have a wonderful Shabbos
Beshalach - The Ultimate Caretaker
January 26, 2024 01:10 - 8 minutes - 7.5 MBNormally servants take care of their master, but Hashem took us to be His servants and then took care us. Onkeles converted soldiers sent to abduct him by giving over this concept. How can we connect with it? Have a good Shabbos
Bo - Those Who Didn't Want To Leave
January 18, 2024 04:17 - 8 minutes - 4.94 MBChazal tell us that only one-fifth of the Jewish people left Mitzrayim, the other four-fifths perished during Makkas Choshech. Why did they deserve to die, and what can we learn from the story? Have a good Shabbos
Va'eira - The Destructive Nature of Ingratitude
January 11, 2024 03:05 - 8 minutes - 7.99 MBChazal say Pharaoh worked to ignore all the good Yosef had done for him, and it led to his denying Hashem. How does being a Kafui Tov lead to one being a Kofer? Can succumbing to the Yetzer Hara really take us down in such a dangerous downard spiral? Some ideas in the self-destructive nature of middas raos.
Shemos - Bearing the Burden With Others
January 04, 2024 00:27 - 10 minutes - 5.84 MBIn our introduction to Moshe Rabeinu, basically all the Torah tells us about the first 80 years of his life is that he was Noseh B'ol with others. Why was this Middah his biggest zechus to become the leader of the Jewish people? How does it differ from empathy and kindness? A little longer this week as I added a small message in honor of the Mashgiach Rav Matisyahu Salomon Zt"l, whose levaya was today. May we hear Besuros Tovos, and may the Mashgiach be a Meilitz Yosher for us all. Have a ...
Vayechi - Sharing and Transferring Mitzvos
December 27, 2023 20:18 - 9 minutes - 8.86 MBYaakov Avinu's brachos to Yissachar and Zevulun reference the partnership they have between them. Is Yissachar giving up a portion of his learning, can one buy another's zechusim? What about selling one's aveiros? Some insights into how one can gain a share inthe zechusim of another, and the greatness of supporting Torah. Hope you enjoy. Feel free to reach out for the Marei Mekomos. Have a good Shabbos
Vayigash - When We Fight Back & When We Don't
December 21, 2023 02:50 - 9 minutes - 5.42 MBAt the end of Parshas Miketz, the brothers are submissive with Yosef and prepared to stay as his slaves. However, at the beginning of Vayigash, Yehuda is threatening Yosef with war and destruction if he tries to keep Binyamin. What caused the change in approach? An approach based on the Ohr Hachaim, Lev Eliyahu, and the Kovetz Hearos to the topic of when we fight back, and when we don't. May this dvar torah be a zechus for refuah for Erez ben Hadas and Eitan ben Batsheva among the other hosta...
Miketz - Limiting The Suffering of Tzaddikim
December 15, 2023 01:15 - 9 minutes - 9.05 MBChazal tell us that Hashem often prevents Tzaddikim from suffering for more than 3 days. Fascinating applications Chazal make to Yosef's brothers going to jail, Yonah, Matan Torah, and the Akeidah. May this week's Dvar Torah be a zechus for a Refuah Shelaimah for Eitan ben Batsheva Yahalomi, among the rest of the Shevuyim. Have a good Shabbos
Vayeishev & Chanukah - The Refuah Before The Makkah
December 08, 2023 01:16 - 9 minutes - 8.55 MBChazal tell us Hashem caused Yehuda to give birth to the ancestor ofMashiach before they even went down to Mitzrayim. Why was that neccessary at this time? Some insights into the light of Hashgacha Pratis Hashem provides even in times of darkness. Have a good Shabbos and a Freilichen Chanukah.
Vayishlach - Seeing The Captors For Who They Are
November 30, 2023 04:12 - 9 minutes - 5.57 MBThe Torah tells us of all the kindness Yaakov provided for the city of Shechem, and how they then abducted and abused Dinah. Some thoughts on those who only seek to harm us, and how to approach them. May this Dvar Torah be a zechus for Erez and Sohar Kalderon, and Yagil and Or Yaakov, to have a full Refuah Shelaima, together with the other released hostages. Have a good Shabbos
Vayeitzei - Like The Dust Of The Earth
November 23, 2023 22:34 - 9 minutes - 8.57 MBYaakov was given a Beracha to be like the dust of the earth. The Medrash says a pshat it's a Beracha relating to the anti-semitism we will face in Galus. Some Chizuk in the face of the challenges we are facing today.
Toldos - Those Who Bless Us & Those Who Curse Us
November 16, 2023 03:30 - 9 minutes - 8.6 MBYitzchak blessed Yaakov, those who curse us will be cursed, and those who bless us will be blessed. What the Yerushalmi teaches about how we should react to the way they treat us, and what the Medrash teaches about the difficult times in our history.
Chayei Sarah - Handling Insulting Behavior
November 09, 2023 15:50 - 9 minutes - 9.14 MBChazal warn us not to daven to Hashem to punish our fellow Jews, even if they wrong us. They praise one who is able to be Ma'avor Al Midosov and take things in stride. Some insights from the Chofetz Chaim and the Tomer Devorah on how we can achieve such heights. May this Dvar Torah be a Zechus for Erez ben Hadas (Kalderon) to be rescued, together with the other hostages in Gaza. You can find a list of the names for Tehillim at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q6IU209js8fYUrFRoYBK3rKa9WLpuFjl/...
Vayeira - Marching Past Our Doubts
November 01, 2023 19:29 - 9 minutes - 6.81 MBWhen Avraham went to do the Akeidah, the Yetzer Hara tried to convince him he'd misunderstood what Hashem wanted. To some of the challenges, Avraham and Yitzchak said Al Minas Kein, we will do it regardless. Why did they respond that way, instead of defending their position? The Rosh Yeshiva's famous Shmuess in how to best fight those nagging doubts. Have a wonderful Shabbos
Lech Lecha - Learning How To Give
October 25, 2023 16:46 - 9 minutes - 8.89 MBThe Alter of Slobodka said one cannot be a Baal Chesed without serving Hashem, and one cannot serve Hashem without being a Baal Chesed. How does our relationship with Hashem help us be a bigger Baal Chesed? How can we learn how to do more? May we find more ways to bring zechusim for the sake of Acheinu Bnei Yisrael. Have a Good Shabbos
Noach - Lessons in Chesed From the Teivah
October 18, 2023 15:06 - 9 minutes - 6.65 MBIn these times my Rabbeim are advising that we increase in our Achdus and Chesed as a Zechus for Acheinu Bnei Yisrael. Perspectives on Chesed from the Alter of Slabodka, and lessons to learn from Noach's Chesed in the Teivah. See the greatness of devotion to Chesed, Chazal even tell us lessons Avraham Avinu took from Noach's behavior in the Teivah. May it inspire us to follow in their ways. Besuros Tovos and a meaningful Shabbos
Bereishis - Punishing the Inciters
October 11, 2023 21:48 - 9 minutes - 8.79 MBThe snake was not given a chance to defend it self, because it had incited others to the worst evils. Thoughts on how the Torah views such things, in light of the situation in Eretz Yisrael. May Hashem send us Besuros Tovos. Have a good Shabbos.
V'zos HaBracha and Sof Moadim - Appreciating the Love for Us
October 04, 2023 17:17 - 6 minutes - 6.06 MBThe Ohr Hachaim points out the greatness of Moshe Rabbeinu in blessing us before his death, even though we helped cause it to happen at this time. We can extend that to appreciate the Love Hashem has for us, as manifested in Hoshana Rabah and Shemini Atzeres. Thanks again as we come to an end of season 3, appreciate your being a listener. Have a Chag Kasher V'sameach.
Sukkos - Binding Ourselves Together
September 27, 2023 21:42 - 9 minutes - 5.1 MBChazal tell us that the 4 species we take on Sukkos represent 4 different types of Jews. Who is part of that group and is worthy of being bound together, and who is not? Have a Chag Kasher V'Sameach
Shabbos Shuva - Finding Our Weak Spots
September 20, 2023 19:24 - 9 minutes - 6.07 MBIt's a time for personal change, but Chazal tell us a person has a hard time seeing his own flaws. Some suggestions for gaining greater insight. Based on ideas from Mishlei, Rav Yisrael Salanter, the Baal Shem Tov, and Rav Mendel Kaplan. Gmar Chasimah Tovah
Rosh Hashana - Bringing Honor to the King
September 13, 2023 01:15 - 7 minutes - 5.32 MBRosh Hashana is the first of the Aseres Yamei Teshuva, yet we speak about Hashem's Malchus, not about our actions. How can we use the focus on Malchus to transform us and help us do Teshuva? As we come to near the end of 3 years of these shiurim, want to thank you for being a listener who helps keep them going strong. Have a K'sivah V'chasimah Tovah and a Gut G'bentched Yor.
Nitzavim - Feeling Healthy Shame For Our Aveiros
September 07, 2023 20:10 - 9 minutes - 6.67 MBChazal teach us that Klal Yisrael needed a new Bris with Hashem, due to their shame from the Chet HaEgel. How can we approach shame from our Aveiros in a healthy way, as opposed to an unhealthy way? Based on ideas in the Chiddushei HaLev and the book From Boys to Men Have a Good Shabbos and a Kesivah Vachasimah Tovah
Ki Savo - Upholding Every Single One
August 31, 2023 22:01 - 8 minutes - 7.54 MBThe Jewish People accepted a curse on one who doesn't uphold the words of the Torah. Rabbeinu Yonah and Ramban explain it means one who doesn't accept all the Mitzvos of the Torah and chooses to ignore one. Who does that include, and how do we approach it?
Rabbi Luban - The Purpose of a Shmuess
August 25, 2023 16:51 - 9 minutes - 8.73 MBWanted to share with you a special clip someone sent me from my Rebbe Rav Binyamin Luban Shlita. He really articulates the approach which is one of the foundations for what I am trying to do on the podcast. His ideas of how to show people how the Torah speaks directly to them in a meaningful way have formed the foundation of what I do here, even though I rarely do Chofetz Chaim style shmuessim. Hope you enjoy this special episode.
Ki Seitzei - Choosing Our Challenges
August 24, 2023 20:55 - 9 minutes - 8.54 MBIn the topic of fencing in a roof, Rabbeinu Bechayai teaches that we all signed up for our life situations during the original 6 days of creation. Explore some philosophical and practical applications of this idea. Quote how Mrs. Simes was inspired by this idea, and how it transformed her ability to handle the challenges her family was dealt. You can hear her story here. The Rolling Rabbi: Interview with Mrs. Shaindel Simes - YouTube Have a good Shabbos.
Shoftim - The Essence of Chinuch
August 16, 2023 13:00 - 9 minutes - 4.32 MBRashi says the language of חנוכת הבית found in the parsha is the same language as חנוך לנער. You don't educate a house, what does chinuch actually mean? Some ideas and perspectives based on the Piaseczna Rebbe's elaboration of Rashi's idea in his Chovas Hatalmidim. Have a great Shabbos
Re'eh - Clinging to Hashem in Our Minds
August 10, 2023 00:43 - 8 minutes - 5.04 MBThe Torah tells us a Mitzvah to cling to Hashem in our minds. How can we develop the mindfulness to do that? Some ideas based on the Chayei Adam and others, that have the ability to enrich our lives. Wishing you a good Shabbos
Eikev - Loving The Ger
August 04, 2023 01:36 - 9 minutes - 5.39 MBThe Torah warns in 36 places that we must treat a ger with proper sensitivity. Here the Torah tells us a special Mitzvah to love a Ger. There are beautiful lessons in sensitivity and perspective in how the Rambam explains it, may we be zoche to able to learn from them. Thanks for being a listener. Have a good Shabbos
Vaeschanan - Paths To Loving Hashem
July 30, 2023 02:32 - 9 minutes - 13.1 MBIn Kriyas Shema we have the mitzvah to love Hashem. Exploring two approaches in the Rambam to how we can come to have more Ahavas Hashem, one based on Kriyas Shema.
Devarim - Dangers of Negativity
July 20, 2023 19:00 - 7 minutes - 6.93 MBHow could Bnei Yisrael have said a language that being taken to E"Y was B'Sinas Hashem? Ideas from Rabbeinu Yonah in Shaarei Teshuva on the dangers of Narganus/negativity.
Tisha B'av - Understanding Sinas Chinam - Double Episode
July 19, 2023 20:00 - 18 minutes - 17.4 MBThe 2nd Mikdash was destroyed because of Sinas Chinam. What causes us to hate others, and how can we work on it? What are the parameters of Sinas Chinam, who are we obligated to forgive? Why is the Bar Kamtza story more an example of Sinas Chinam and concealed hatred then any of the other stories of cruelty and machlokes in that time? One of the most thought out shiurim I have prepared so far. It was a lot of material, so I split it into two clips. I think it's essential to think about, and...
Masai - Emunah From Our Travels
July 13, 2023 22:35 - 9 minutes - 8.08 MBThe Ramban says the Torah lists the 42 places the Jews encamped in the worldness so we can see where they are to increase our Emunah. Don't we believe the Chumash that they lived on miracles, what does looking at a map add? An idea from the Ohr Yechezkel about making our Emunah real and being able to feel Hashem in our lives. Have a Good Shabbos
Pinchas - Humility and Bnos Tzelafchad
July 06, 2023 03:05 - 8 minutes - 8.14 MBThe Torah tells us Moshe brought the claims of the Bnos Tzelafchad before Hashem. Why didn't he answer the question himself? Two approaches of the Midrash in the importance of humility. Hope you enjoy. Have a good Shabbos
Chukas Balak - Rewards for a Mitzvah
June 28, 2023 20:34 - 9 minutes - 8.94 MBChiddushim in the rewards Og and Balak recieved for their actions. A famous Chofetz Chaim shmuess about Og and my own shmuess about Balak on the Gemara in Sotah. Never discount the value of a Mitzvah. (Although it's a chiddush Balak counts as a mitzvah, but seems to me this is so.) Have a great Shabbos
Korach - When Great Men Fall
June 22, 2023 23:54 - 9 minutes - 6.44 MBChazal tell us that Korach was a great person, and are surprised he succumbed to this Nisayon. They also tell us that some of our other famous great ancestors were involved in this movement. Some ideas about how the Yetzer Hara can pose a risk to even the greatest of people, and how to judge such situations. Have a good Shabbos.
Shelach - The Dangers of Lashon Hara
June 15, 2023 00:57 - 9 minutes - 6.45 MBChazal tell us the Meraglim, and that whole generation, were killed out because they spoke Lashon Hara about Eretz Yisrael. Why was it the Aveirah of Lashon Hara, as opposed to the lack of Emunah and the Chillul Hashem? Some thoughts about Lashon Hara and the humility we need to develop to overcome it. May you have a wonderful Shabbos.