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Rabbi Yisroel Bernath discusses the upcoming solar eclipse and the lessons we can learn from it. He explores the relationship between the sun and the moon, highlighting the dangers of jealousy and the importance of independent and critical thought. He also delves into the significance of the Torah's laws of kashrut (keeping kosher) and how they teach us about our connection to G-d. Rabbi Bernath emphasizes the need for self-reflection, learning from our experiences, and standing up for what is right.

Takeaways

• The solar eclipse serves as a reminder of the power and beauty of nature and the need for self-reflection.
• Jealousy is a destructive emotion that should be avoided at all costs.
• Independent and critical thought is a valuable trait that should be encouraged, especially in the pursuit of knowledge and education.
• The Torah's laws of kashrut teach us about our connection to God and the importance of following commandments.
• We should learn from our experiences and strive to be better individuals, standing up for what is right.

Sound Bites

• "So many arguments in our world, similar to the moon and the sun, two rulers cannot rule over the same space."
• "Our sages specifically encourage envy amongst Torah scholars. It says in the Talmud, the envy of the scholars increases wisdom."
• "The value of independent and critical thought is a powerful and important value that the world desperately needs."

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This episode delves into the profound essence of our existence, inspired by the ancient wisdom of the Ethics of the Fathers: "I have only been created to serve my Master." This episode navigates the purpose of creation and our role within it, guided by the teachings of Kabbalah and the foundational insights of Rabbi Schneur Zalman in Tanya.

Listeners are invited to reflect on the divine desire for a "dwelling place in the lower worlds," exploring how this mission shapes our actions and intentions. Through the performance of the 613 Mitzvot, we bind every facet of our lives to the divine, transforming the mundane into a home for G‑d. This spiritual journey is not just about adhering to commandments but infusing them with love and awe, lighting up the physical world with the essence of spirituality.

Rabbi Bernath unpacks the concept of G‑d's "desire" — beyond logic, urging us to fulfill His will simply because it is His wish, thereby transcending the limitations of our understanding and ego. The podcast emphasizes the dual purpose of our soul's descent: to refine the world and ourselves for a higher divine revelation, and to achieve personal elevation through the struggle and longing for the divine.

The ultimate message is clear: our greatest mission and the most profound purpose of creation is to make this world a dwelling place for G‑d, transforming it with our deeds and intentions. Rabbi Bernath encourages us to navigate life's journey with this sacred task in mind, reminding us that in fulfilling this divine desire, we connect most intimately with the essence of G‑d, achieving the true purpose of our existence.

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In the story of the seventh plague, hail, Pharaoh finally admits he was wrong after seeing hail mixed with fire from the sky—a strange and powerful miracle. This moment shows us that even someone as stubborn and self-centered as Pharaoh can have a moment of realization. The mix of fire and ice in the hail represents Pharaoh's personality: cold and unfeeling towards others but fiery and passionate about his own needs.

The reason the plague was hail is significant too. Egypt didn't depend on rain because of the Nile River, so they never looked up and depended on something higher than themselves. This is like Pharaoh's narcissism, where he only depended on himself and never considered a higher power or the needs of others.

However, Pharaoh's realization was short-lived, teaching us that overcoming deep-seated selfishness requires more than just a moment of clarity. It needs a fundamental change in how one views themselves and their place in the world.

Takeaways:

1. Self-reflection is crucial: Even the most stubborn person can have moments of clarity. It's important to reflect on our actions and consider their impact on others.
2. Empathy over ego: The story teaches the importance of caring for others, not just ourselves. Being aware of others' feelings and needs helps us grow as individuals.
3. The role of humility: Recognizing a higher power or something greater than ourselves can help combat selfishness. It's a reminder that we're not the center of the universe.
4. Change takes time: True change in character and perspective is not instantaneous; it requires continuous effort and humility.

By learning from Pharaoh's mistake, we're reminded to stay empathetic, humble, and open to change, ensuring we don't fall into the trap of self-obsession.

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This episode  dances around the age-old question, "What is Love?", the exploration begins with a universal quandary: the reason we question love's essence often stems from feelings of deficiency—either doubting the love from someone special or facing accusations of insufficient love ourselves. It suggests a poignant truth: we are most inclined to philosophize about love when its presence is questioned or feels lacking, much like no one questions the nature of a pastrami sandwich whilst enjoying one.

The narrative then divides the quest into two lanes: "Am I Loved?" and "Do I Love?", indicating that understanding love's impact on us can illuminate how we express love towards others. Love, as presented, is not an elusive sentiment detected by a mysterious heart's sensor but rather a series of tangible experiences perceived through our senses, validated by actions and expressions that signal to our brains and, consequently, to our hearts, the presence of love.

King Solomon's words in Proverbs "As water reflects a man’s face back to him, so is the heart of one man to another" is invoked to underscore that love, at its core, is a reflection, a reciprocal action that one can feel and recognize through the treatment they receive.

The episode emphasizes that love is fundamentally an action. It shifts the narrative from abstract conceptualization to practical expression, illustrating that love, akin to running or swimming, is defined by its enactment. The Hebrew word for love, "ahavah", rooted in the act of giving, encapsulates this ideology, positing that genuine love must manifest through tangible acts of kindness and care.

The discussion culminates with a divine perspective on love, referencing the commandment to love G-d, not as an emotional imposition but as a directive towards actionable love. This divine instruction echoes the broader theme: love is verified and validated through actions rather than mere feelings or declarations.

Takeaways:

1. Love as Reflection and Recognition: We seek the essence of love most acutely when its presence is in doubt. True love, however, is recognized through the actions and treatment we receive and give.
2. Love is Action, Not Just Emotion: The essence of love is captured not in abstract contemplation but in concrete actions and behaviors that convey care and affection.
3. The Divine Instruction on Love: The command to love God highlights the action-oriented nature of love, pushing us towards deeds of kindness as the true measure of love.

In essence, to question "What is Love?" is to embark on a journey from doubt to action, from introspection to expression, leading us to understand that the truest answer lies in how we act and respond to love in our lives. Love, therefore, is not just a state of being but a series of deliberate, loving actions that reflect our deepest commitments to others.

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This episode delves into the profound teachings of Rabbi Schneur Zalman in the Tanya, illuminating the existence of two distinct souls within every Jew: the Nefesh HaBehamit, which animates the body with its base desires and instincts, and the Nefesh Elokit, a divine spark that transcends the material world, aiming to refine our lower nature.

This spiritual journey reveals how the Nefesh Elokit, before descending into the world, is shown the vastness of the spiritual realms and the challenges it will face. It is charged with the mission to overcome these challenges and elevate the material world, transforming the Nefesh HaBehamit through adherence to divine commandments. The podcast explores the dynamic interplay between these two souls, their battle for influence over our actions, and the ultimate journey of the soul after death—facing judgment, undergoing purification in Gehinom if necessary, and then entering the World to Come to reap the rewards of its earthly efforts.

Listeners will be guided through the layers of soul and world, understanding how through learning and mitzvot, a soul prepares for its eventual resurrection and the ultimate revelation of Divinity in the physical world. Rabbi Bernath's podcast offers a deep dive into the esoteric concepts of the soul's journey, resurrection, and the purpose of creation, inviting listeners to reflect on their own spiritual journey and the eternal efforts to create a dwelling place for the Divine in this world.

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Dive into Rabbi Bernath's podcast on Kabbalah, where he tackles the profound question of "why" we face crises, trauma, and loss. Kabbalah, with its mystical insights, offers a unique perspective through the concept of reincarnation and soul migration, as illuminated by the teachings of the Arizal in "Gate of Reincarnation."

Learn about the soul's journey: an eternal entity pre and post life, striving to fulfill a divine purpose on Earth by adhering to Torah and Mitzvot. The podcast explores how souls undergo reincarnation to accomplish all 613 commandments, returning to earthly life to rectify sins, complete unfinished tasks, or master specific Mitzvot.

Rabbi Bernath delves into historical and personal stories, like the expulsion of Jews from Spain, as examples of soul rectification over generations. He addresses the complexity of understanding tragic events, suggesting that while not all suffering can be explained, reincarnation offers a framework for some.

This podcast serves as a spiritual guide, revealing how Kabbalah views life's challenges as part of a divine plan, leading to ultimate reconciliation and elevation of the soul. Join Rabbi Bernath for a journey into the heart of Kabbalistic wisdom, offering comfort and clarity in navigating life's mysteries.

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Navigating the choppy waters of our inner Nile, where the Pharaoh of Negative Thought reigns supreme, Rabbi Bernath offers a sage map for the modern soul's Exodus. Picture this: an inner Pharaoh, all ego and no ear, refusing the logic we offer as liberally as matzah at Pesach. It's an ancient tale, yet as current as our latest tweet.

Enter Moshe, our timeless hero, speaking Hebrew to a Pharaoh who's as lost in translation as a tourist without Google Maps. The catch? It's not about the words, but the Divine energy they carry, slicing through stubbornness like a hot knife through butter. 

Consider the Chafetz Chaim, whose Yiddish plea melted Polish hearts without a single word understood—a testament to the soul's language, transcending the babble of Babel.

Then there's the 7/38/55 rule, a reminder that our vibes speak louder than our vocabulary. The body's ballet and the tone's tune tell tales our tongues can't touch.

So when faced with our own Pharaoh—be it doubt, fear, or the Sunday Scaries—Rabbi Bernath advises a strategy as bold as it is biblical: Speak in your soul's native tongue. No translation needed. For it's not the clarity of argument, but the purity of our Divine essence, that can topple tyranny within.

In essence, Rabbi Bernath suggests, when logic's light dims and reason's ropes fray, it's time to unfurl the banner of our inherent holiness, declaring our truths in a language beyond words. Like Moshe, we stand before our inner Pharaoh not to debate, but to demonstrate—a conduit of Divine will, unyielding and unfiltered.

In doing so, we don't just speak to our shadows; we illuminate them, transforming the inner Egypt into a land flowing with milk, honey, and the sweet freedom of self-mastery. So let's raise our staffs, part our personal Red Seas, and march towards a promised land of inner peace and purpose, one holy utterance at a time.

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In this inspiring episode, we dive into the heart of Purim Katan, a day that mirrors the messages of resilience and faith found in Purim itself, especially during leap years. We'll journey back to 1920, amidst the chaos of the Russian Revolution, to a moment of audacious defiance by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Sholom Ber Schneersohn, during a Purim Farbrengen. Despite the mortal danger presented by the Bolsheviks' intrusion, the Rebbe's fearless proclamation that "Judaism will never die" sets the stage for a story of miraculous survival and unwavering courage.

We follow the legacy of bravery through to his son, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak, during a similarly tense Purim Katan Farbrengen in 1927. His open challenge to the Soviets, emphasizing the importance of Jewish education and the spiritual warfare for the souls of Jewish children, showcases a breathtaking level of heroism and dedication to preserving Judaism at all costs.

The narrative reaches a poignant climax with the Rebbe's dramatic arrest and subsequent liberation, a testament to the power of faith, international advocacy, and divine intervention. Fast forward 65 years to 1992, when the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Schneerson, reiterates the call for self-sacrifice in the name of Judaism, urging not just a readiness to die for one's faith but to live with a sense of urgency and purpose towards spiritual growth and the hastening of the Moshiach.

As we celebrate Purim Katan and reflect on these powerful stories of resilience, defiance, and hope, we are reminded of the legacy left by generations of Rebbes. Their lives and teachings inspire us to live with courage, to fight for what is right, and to dream of a world filled with peace, holiness, and kindness. Join us as we explore these themes and more, drawing lessons from the past that resonate with timeless relevance and urging us forward in our collective journey towards a brighter future.

Dedicated in honour of Samuel & Diego Chiche

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In this week’s Torah portion, Tetzaveh, we embark on a journey of absence that paradoxically illuminates presence, a mystical dance where what is not seen or heard whispers louder than the clamor of what is. Welcome to "Echoes of the Unseen," an episode that delves into the human penchant for fixating on the missing pieces, rather than the mosaic of abundance that surrounds us.

Imagine, if you will, a family in mourning, enveloped by a community's embrace, yet fixated on the one who failed to show. Or a newly engaged couple, showered with well-wishes, yet stewing over a single absent congratulation. It's a peculiar focus, isn't it? Our hearts, like mischievous sprites, skipping over a hundred hellos to sulk over one silent goodbye.

This brings us to the heart of our Torah reading. In a curious twist of fate, or perhaps divine choreography, Moses, our indefatigable leader, finds his name conspicuously absent from this week's parsha, Tetzaveh. A parsha that ironically, speaks of him more than any other, precisely because he is not mentioned. It's as if by omitting his name, the Torah invites us into a deeper engagement, prompting us to ponder, "Where is Moses?"

The Rebbe, drawing on the insight of the Baal HaTurim, connects this to Moses' selfless plea to be erased from the divine narrative should his people not be forgiven. Thus, in a paradoxical act of presence through absence, Moses' name is etched deeper into the fabric of our collective memory.

And so, as we approach Purim, we encounter another divine irony in the Scroll of Esther. Here, G-d's name is nowhere to be found, yet, like the story of Tetzaveh, G-d's presence is palpable in every line, every turn of fate. This hiddenness serves as a mirror to our lives, where divine orchestration often masquerades as coincidence, inviting us to seek the hidden hand that guides us.

Through the lens of David and Jonathan's story, we are reminded of the potency of what is not said, what is not seen. David, the absent guest at Saul's table, becomes the focal point, his empty seat a silent testament to the turmoil and loyalty that defines his and Jonathan's bond.

"Echoes of the Unseen" invites us to consider how absence shapes our perception, how the unseen and unsaid can sometimes speak the loudest. In the missing names and silent spaces, we find a call to presence, an invitation to see beyond the visible, to listen for the whispers of what is not spoken, and in doing so, perhaps understand the divine and human narratives more profoundly.

So, as we navigate the landscapes of loss and love, let us embrace the peculiar focus, for in the spaces between, in the silence and the absence, lies the potential for deeper connection, understanding, and spiritual awakening.

Shabbat Shalom!

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In today's episode, we dive into a profound tale shared by Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks, a distinguished philosophy graduate from Cambridge University who found himself in a thought-provoking exchange while studying Hassidism in Kfar ChaBaD, Israel. The story opens a window into the contrast between secular and spiritual perspectives, highlighted by a conversation between Sacks and a Chassidic student. The student's insight, that while Sacks pondered the existence of G-d, he himself grappled with his role and purpose within G-d's design, sets the stage for our exploration of Kabbalistic concepts of Daat Elyon (Supernal knowledge) and Daat Tachton (terrestrial knowledge).

We'll unravel how these perspectives invite us to consider our existence and the world around us not just as physical entities, but as manifestations of Divine energy. Inspired by the wisdom of Albert Einstein's E=MC2, we'll see how everything from the glass on our table to the vastness of the universe is interconnected by this Divine spark. This episode is not just a journey through the intellectual, but a meditation on the spiritual, urging us to recognize the unity and purpose in creation as expressed in the Shema Yisrael prayer and the intricate dance of the Divine in every aspect of our lives.

Through the lens of Kabbalah and stories that bridge the gap between the heavenly and the earthly, we'll explore how creation is a dynamic, ongoing act of Divine speech, with each letter of the Hebrew alphabet playing a crucial role in the fabric of existence. This knowledge not only deepens our understanding of the world but also our place within it, emphasizing the importance of living with purpose, recognizing Divine providence in every moment, and the continuous creation that sustains us.

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