Rabbi Liff explores why Jewish courts require Jewish witnesses, using a teaching from Rabbi Hilmechel Weinberg about the difference between a Jewish court system and secular courts. He also shares personal reflections on his mother's passing and upcoming family simchas. Originally produced by JFoundations.

The Ten Commandments teach us that honoring parents is not merely a family obligation, but a way of honoring the Divine presence itself. Rabbi Liff shares how his mother embodied this principle through her constant forward-looking perspective and quiet acts of kindness.

Rabbi Liff shares memories of his mother, who taught young children for 63 years at Talmudical Academy of Baltimore and embodied hidden tzedakah and devotion to mitzvos across five generations. He reflects on her lineage from strong Torah families in the Bronx and her commitment to strengthening the next generations through both material support and spiritual example. Originally produced by JFoundations.

We finish the last three plagues this week, focusing on the plague of darkness and what we can learn from it. Rabbi Liff shares stories about the Baba Sali and Rebbe Falk Shmuelevitz, including an account of a childless man who was told to move apartments and eventually had a child, and various lessons from Rebbe Falk about building a home and continuing forward even when circumstances change. Originally produced by JFoundations.

We explore how Hashem embodies both din and rachamim as one unified force, not separate powers like the nations imagine. Rabbi Liff connects this to our current times and the silence of the world, drawing chizuk from Moshe Rabbeinu's complaint in this week's parsha. Originally produced by JFoundations.

The parsha begins Sefer Shmos, the book of exile. Rabbi Liff explores the deeper meaning of why the Baal HaTurim and others connect the opening words to the mitzvah of Shnayim Mikra V'echad Targum, teaching us that studying the parsha and reciting Tehillim are how we sustain ourselves through difficult times. Originally produced by JFoundations.

As we finish Sefer Bereishis with Parashas Vayechi, Rabbi Liff shares a teaching from the Chafetz Chaim about true progress: the importance of developing the human spirit alongside material advancement, using the Chafetz Chaim's conversation with his granddaughter about technology and purpose. Originally produced by JFoundations.

As we start the Torah cycle again with Bereishis, Rabbi Liff discusses how recognizing Hashem as the Creator of all things gives us proper perspective on life's events. He shares a story from one of the hostages, Elchanan Bukhbut, who emerged from captivity with profound appreciation for the simple gifts we take for granted each day. Originally produced by JFoundations.

Rabbi Liff reflects on sitting in the Sukkah during a time of national uncertainty and hope, drawing out the deeper meaning of leaving our permanent homes for a temporary shelter. He shares a remarkable story of a family with a newborn who survived eight hours in a safe room during the October 7th attacks, illustrating Hashem's watchfulness over us. Originally produced by JFoundations.

Rabbi Liff reflects on our obligation to share in the suffering of Klal Yisrael, drawing from the opening of this week's parsha about listening to the heavens and earth. He shares the example of Reb Leizer Finkel, who refused to eat meat after the war out of solidarity with those lost, and discusses how we can balance awareness of tragedy with hope for complete redemption. Originally produced by JFoundations.