This lecture explores the profound parable of The Thief by Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, who teaches that every soul contends with an inner thief—an inclination that robs us of our divine light. Drawing parallels between this concept and the Ten Plagues, Rabbi Bernath delves into how each plague symbolizes a distortion of the ten faculties of the soul, as described in Kabbalah. These ancient episodes of spiritual dysfunction mirror the psychological struggles we face today. Through understanding the anatomy of our soul and the symbolic meaning of the plagues, we uncover a roadmap to self-recovery and spiritual transformation.

Takeaways:

1. The Inner Thief: Recognizing the negative impulses within us is the first step to reclaiming our inner peace.
2. Plagues as Life Lessons: The Ten Plagues symbolize spiritual dysfunctions in the soul, offering timeless lessons for introspection and growth.
3. Refinement of the Soul: Each plague corresponds to a faculty of the soul—confidence, compassion, love, and others—highlighting the necessity to channel these energies positively.
4. Path to Redemption: Liberation from our "Mitzrayim" begins with honest self-awareness, confronting our inner distortions, and returning to our divine purpose.
5. The Power of Recovery: Even when the thief within seems to have consumed all, recovery and renewal are always possible.

#Kabbalah #TenPlagues #Judaism #Jewish #Egypt #Mitzrayim #InnerThief #Sprirital #JewishHistory #Bible #Exodus #Vaera #TorahPortion #Torah #TorahLessons 

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"What is Love?" Love is redefined beyond the conventional understanding of a mere emotion or a passive state of being. We emphasized that love is an obligation and a directive, as illustrated in Leviticus 19:18, which commands to "love your fellow as yourself." This idea suggests that love is not just a spontaneous feeling but an active choice and action. Before one can extend love to others, it's crucial to first develop a sense of love for oneself. This foundational self-love sets the stage for meaningful and authentic relationships with others.

We further explored the idea that the essence of love is deeply rooted in the act of giving. It posits that love begins with giving and grows through consistent, thoughtful acts of kindness and generosity. This concept challenges the popular notion of love as a feeling that happens to us, suggesting instead that love is something we actively create through our actions. The more we give, the deeper our capacity for love becomes. This principle is encapsulated in the phrase, "First comes giving, then comes love," highlighting the transformative power of giving in cultivating and sustaining love. The chapter concludes by asserting that love is not just about feelings but about the deliberate and ongoing practice of giving, which ultimately shapes and strengthens our relationships.

You can join Rabbi Bernath every Thursday at 9am EST for a fantastic conversation on Zoom. Just email [email protected] to get the zoom link.

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In today's class Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores the qualities that made Moses the ultimate leader of the Jewish people, as demonstrated in three defining episodes from his early life. Moses' unwavering commitment to confronting injustice, even at great personal risk, offers timeless lessons on leadership and moral responsibility. As we face the terror threatening our brothers and sisters in Israel, Moses’ example provides a powerful framework for navigating the tension between compassion and righteous might, underscoring that peace is achieved not through appeasement but by confronting evil head-on.

Key Takeaways:
1. Leadership Requires Action: True leaders, like Moses, act decisively in the face of injustice, regardless of the context or the identities of those involved.
2. Moral Courage: At times, moral violence is necessary to protect the innocent and uphold justice, as in the case of Moses defending a Hebrew slave.
3. The Dangers of Appeasement: History shows that appeasing evil leads to greater suffering, as demonstrated by the Oslo Accords and similar policies.
4. A Balance of Strength and Compassion: While Isaiah’s vision of peace inspires us, the path to achieving it sometimes demands force, as articulated by the prophet Joel.
5. Timeless Leadership Model: Moses’ early life teaches us that a leader must be willing to sacrifice personal comfort to confront evil and protect the vulnerable.

#Israel #BibleStudy #Moses #Exodus #Torah #TorahLessons #Leadership #moshe #MoralResponsibility #MoralCourage
#Isaiah #Joel #osloaccords #jewishleadership #MoralCourage #Peace 

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The fast of Asarah B'Tevet marks the siege of Jerusalem—a moment that appears subtle in its immediacy but significant in its consequences. Similarly, the story of Joseph reveals how the most painful events in life can lead to profound growth and redemption. By examining the parallels between Joseph’s journey and the lessons of Asarah B'Tevet, we uncover a deeper truth: even in the darkest moments, G-d's hand is guiding us toward transformation, healing, and purpose. This class explores both the historical significance of Asarah B'Tevet and Joseph’s journey to reveal how even our personal "sieges" can be moments of divine support and growth.

Key Takeaways

1. Significance of Small Beginnings: Asarah B'Tevet reminds us that even small actions or events, such as the siege of Jerusalem or the sale of Joseph into slavery, can set the stage for transformative changes.
2. The Duality of Pain and Growth: Just as the siege of Jerusalem marked the beginning of exile but also contained the seeds of redemption, Joseph’s descent into slavery was the foundation of his rise to greatness. Pain and setbacks, when approached with faith, can be turned into opportunities for growth and leadership.
3. Noticing the Cracks in Our Lives: Both Asarah B'Tevet and the story of Joseph urge us to address the early signs of trouble in our personal and spiritual lives. Whether it's the start of a siege or the seeds of discord within a family, the earlier we act, the greater the potential for healing.
4. The Power of Perspective: Joseph’s ability to forgive his brothers stems from his recognition that G-d was behind every step of his journey. This is a lesson for us to surrender our expectations and trust that our challenges are part of a divine plan.
5. Exile as a Catalyst for Redemption: The Babylonian siege of Jerusalem and Joseph's exile to Egypt share a common message: exile is not the end—it is a process that can bring us closer to Hashem and help us discover our inner strength. Just as Joseph rose to become a leader who saved many, the Jewish people’s exile has led to a stronger, more resilient nation.
6. Transformation of Pain into Triumph: Joseph’s message to his brothers—"It was not you who sent me here, but G-d"—aligns with the promise that fast days like Asarah B'Tevet will be transformed into days of joy and celebration in the Messianic era. Every descent is for the sake of a greater ascent.

#Jewish #Judaism #BibleStudy #Fastdays #10tevet #Genesis #Joseph #Redemption #Trustingod #divinepurpose #Sermon #DvarTorah #tentevet 

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In a world that often feels overwhelming and disappointing, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath brings this thought-provoking episode of "Kabbalah for Everyone." Addressing the deep-seated feeling of disillusionment with humanity, Rabbi Bernath delves into the ancient wisdom of Kabbalah to offer a fresh perspective. This episode guides listeners through understanding the collective journey of mankind, the role of individual actions in healing the world, and how to find personal peace amidst global disappointment. Rabbi Bernath shares inspiring stories and practical Kabbalistic teachings that help transform feelings of despair into actions of love and light. Rediscover hope and find solace in the power of positive change, one soul at a time.

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The dramatic moment when Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers, after decades of separation and pain, holds timeless lessons for our lives. This Torah episode is more than a reunion; it is a profound exploration of identity, resilience, and divine purpose. Through Joseph's words, "I am Joseph," we are invited to uncover the paradoxical power of struggle—how challenges, alienation, and darkness can unleash a person's deepest spiritual potential. This lecture delves into the nuanced dynamics of the story, addressing the brothers’ guilt, Joseph’s response, and the transformative message that adversity can catalyze unparalleled growth.

Key Takeaways:

1. Identity Beyond the Mask: Joseph’s declaration, “I am Joseph,” was not merely informational but transformational. It revealed not just who he was but the divine light and moral integrity that had been hidden beneath his external roles. His life teaches us the value of looking beyond the surface and recognizing the soul within.
2. Growth Through Adversity:
   Joseph's greatness did not emerge despite his trials in Egypt—it emerged because of them. The very darkness of his journey was the catalyst for his extraordinary spiritual light. Our struggles, too, can become the source of our unique strength and greatness.
3. The Pain of Misunderstanding:
   Joseph’s brothers initially failed to see his true character, both in his youth and when he was the viceroy of Egypt. This reflects a universal struggle: the pain of being misunderstood and the challenge of seeing others for who they truly are.
4. From Regret to Redemption:
   The brothers’ initial reaction—horror at their missed opportunity—was met with Joseph’s reassurance. His words remind us that G-d’s plan is greater than our mistakes, and even our failures can be transformed into a vehicle for divine purpose.
5. The Power of Brotherhood:
   Joseph’s second declaration, “I am Joseph your brother,” emphasized connection and unity. Even after betrayal, Joseph reasserted the unbreakable bond of family and faith, inspiring us to embrace reconciliation and healing.
6. Your Journey Is Your Purpose:
   The lesson of Joseph’s life is that we should not live in the world of “If only.” Every twist and turn of our journey is designed by G-d to help us discover and fulfill our unique mission in this world.

#BibleStudy #TorahPortion #Judaism #Jewish #Torah #TorahLessons #Vayigash #Genesis #Joseph 

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