What if the deepest miracles of Chanukah aren’t revealed in fire, but in freedom?

In this shiur full of heart, music, memory, and truth, Rav Shlomo Katz takes us into the light of Chanukah, the soul of Shabbos, and the cry of the Jew who just wants to break free. We journey from ancient Greek philosophy to modern academia, from Rabbi Mordechai Singer z”l in Vietnam to the cries of tzaddikim by the candles.

At the center is a single plea: “Please, Hashem… unshackle me.”

In this Shiur:

• The danger of overthinking in the face of emunah
• The exile of “Yavan” inside our own minds
• How humility, not intellect, is the real path to truth
• Why crying out is more powerful than figuring it all out

Based on the teachings of Rav Biderman, we learned about the world of possibility and opportunity that Shabbos Chanukah offers.

Based on a teaching from the Lubavitcher Rebbe, we see how the nature of oil teaches us how to be a true lamplighter in the world.

Based on a piece from Reb Tzadok Hakohen of Lublin, we discover what becomes so crystal clear to us on Zos Chanukah.

What happens when even the holiest war leaves you broken?

Rav Shlomo Katz opens a window into the soul of Matisyahu and his sons — not at the moment of military triumph, but as they stood in the newly reclaimed Beit HaMikdash, weeping. Two of their children had died in the war. And now, at the peak of victory, they turned to Heaven with a trembling plea:

“Hashem, please show us it wasn’t for nothing.”

This shiur is for anyone who’s ever made a bold move, sacrificed for truth, fought for holiness — and then, when the dust settled, wondered: Was it worth it?

Why do Chassidim wish each other "gmar chasima tova" during the holiday of Chanukah?

When it comes to Chanukah, everyone speaks about the Ohr Haganuz, the concealed light. What is the hidden light? R' Tzadok takes us on a journey like only he can.

What if the deepest answers to your child’s future are already shining from their smile?

Rav Shlomo Katz invites us into a raw, real, and radiant journey through parenting, faith, and the meaning of light. Using the song “HaYeledim HaEilu” by Chanan Ben Ari as a living text, Rav Shlomo explores how the mitzvah of Neirot Chanukah — lights that we’re not allowed to use, only to look at — teaches us how to see our children.

If you’ve ever wondered: “Am I enough for my child?”, this episode will answer: If Hashem gave them to you, He believes in you — now believe in yourself.

In this Shiur:

• Letting go of control — and replacing it with presence
• Trusting that your child’s smile holds the key to how to raise them
• The terrifying and holy moment of sending a child out into the world
• Why just looking at them with pride might be the greatest chinuch of all

Becoming Normal with the Simcha of Chanukah.

Woodmere, NY
Erev Chanukah
December, 2022

Based on the teachings of R' Ya'akov Meir Shechter

December, 2016
Efrat, Israel