Jerusalem Lights

Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman welcome special guest Rabbi Daniel Kohn. Rabbi Daniel is an acclaimed Torah scholar and spiritual mentor, author, musician and composer, whose original melodies are featured in the unique meditative techniques he teaches. Tune in for a fascinating broadcast featuring Rabbi Daniel's amazing Torah insights, music, and much more!

What was the spiritual knowledge and ancient wisdom of the early generations that was studied by men like Enoch and Methuselah? Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman discuss G-d's relationship with the early spiritual giants of Genesis, and the secret of staying connected to G-d through the covenant of the Seven Universal Commandments that the Creator bequeathed to all humanity through Adam and Noah…and all the way back to the Tree of Knowledge.

Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman invite you into their respective sukkot as they celebrate the joyous festival with Torah insights, and prepare for the upcoming annual reset of our weekly Torah readings, with a timely and fascinating discussion of the Torah portion of B'reishith. Chag Sameach, blessings for a joyous Sukkot to all!

Fresh from the exhilarating restart of Yom Kippur, the nation of Israel prepares to enter into a Divine hug of the temporary booth, the Sukkah, for seven days. What is the secret power of the Sukkah, that brings us to a pinnacle of joy, even as it reminds us that we are all only temporary dwellers on this earth? Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman prepare for the Festival of Sukkot and reflect on its prophetic significance not only for Israel, but for all the nations of the world.

The holiest day of the year, Yom Kippur -- the Day of Atonement -- will be observed this Shabbat, beginning Friday night, October 11th. What makes this holy day, the happiest day of the year as well? This week's Jerusalem Lights podcast examines the answer, which lies in understanding the essence of sin, repentance and atonement -- the dynamic of life itself. Yom Kippur is a day that manifests the most sublime Divine love for humanity; a day of transcendence from physicality and liberation from materialism...a day in which G-d responds to our sincere repentance by literally changing our personal history, as we reconnect with our true spiritual essence and get back on track to grow ever closer to Him, during the coming year. Jerusalem Lights wishes everyone a 'good sealing' in the Book of Life, may this coming year be one of great blessings! G'mar Chatima Tova and Shana Tova!

This week's double Torah reading of the portions of Nitzavim and Vayelech feature many themes that resonate with Rosh Hashana, the New Year and birthday of Adam, that will be observed next week. In this week's Jerusalem Lights podcast, Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman focus on what Rosh Hashana is really all about, and reflect on its universal spiritual lessons and challenges for Jew and Gentile alike, and the unique opportunity it provides us to truly declare the sovereignty of G-d and prepare to receive the coming New Year.  May this New Year bring great blessings and may you be signed and sealed for a Good and Sweet New Year! Shana Tova! 

This week's Torah portion of Ki Teitzei features 74 mitzvot, some of the most interesting and diverse, in all of Torah. Some of them are very easy to understand, and others are very difficult to understand, such as the captive woman, and the concept of sending away the mother bird… is there is an underlying major theme that connects many of these mitzvot, especially as we continue to prepare for true repentance in this month of Elul?

This week's Torah portion of Ki Teitzei features 74 mitzvot, some of the most interesting and diverse, in all of Torah. Some of them are very easy to understand, and others are very difficult to understand, such as the captive woman, and the concept of sending away the mother bird… is there is an underlying major theme that connects many of these mitzvot, especially as we continue to prepare for true repentance in this month of Elul?

In this week's Torah portion of Shoftim, we encounter the 'priest anointed for battle,' the exemptions from battle and the general Divinely-mandated rules of conduct for Israel at war. In this week's Jerusalem Lights podcast, Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman examine the profound implications of these teachings and their relevance to the existential threats and ongoing hostage crises that Israel is facing today.

During these weeks of the Torah readings in the book of Deuteronomy, the presence of Moshe Rabbeinu (Moses our teacher)  is palpable, as he pours out his heart with love and concern for the future of Israel. In this week's Jerusalem Lights podcast, recorded on the ancient/modern Biblical festival of Tu B'av, Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman reflect upon the inexorable bond between Moshe, Torah and the Land of Israel, and share Tu B'Av's powerful lessons of joy, renewed hope and the illumination of eternal, unconditional  Divine love.