Episodes
64
March 9, 2023
The Same Torah - Tailor Made
In this short Torah talk, we explore the difference between the first set of luchos and the second set. What impetus was for Moshe to spike the first set of holy tablets? Today's idea culminated with Rav Wolbe's important lesson in conveying the Torah to the next generation. Based on the week's Parsha, this idea is paramount for any parent, teacher, or educator. Are you looking for inspiring Passover Divrei Torah? Join us as we explore the Haggadah and unearth the beauty of the holiday of Pesac...
63
March 8, 2023
Purim Takeaway
Every year, during the holiday of Purim, we are reminded that Hashem is always listening to us and never leaves us alone. He hears every prayer, sees every tear, and is with us throughout our exile. We celebrate this special day to commemorate how God saved the Jewish people from a wicked plot that threatened their existence. On Purim, we gather with family and friends to exchange gifts, give charity to those in need, and eat traditional holiday dishes. We also read the Book of Esther in the syn...
62
March 7, 2023
Purim and it's Unique Mitzvah of Intoxication
The Jewish holiday of Purim is among the most joyous holidays on the Jewish calendar. It is a time to celebrate and recognize the miraculous victory of the Jews over their enemies in ancient Persia, as told in the Purim story in the book of Esther within the Torah. One key aspect of celebrating this holiday is drinking. Alcohol consumption is traditionally considered an essential part of many religious festivals, including Purim. The Talmud states it is a mitzvah (commandment) to get so intoxica...
61
March 6, 2023
It's Called Megillas ESTHER (Taanis Esther)
Today is Taanis Esther, the fast of Esther. We learn how queen Esther prepared for her significant moment in the town of Shushan, as is told in the Purim story, and to commemorate her great act, we too fast. The Purim story is a tale of bravery, faith, and resilience. Queen Esther was willing to risk it all to save her Jewish people from being annihilated by the wicked Haman. The whole Purim story is found in the Megillah, named after Queen Esther, a scroll read on purim each year. We learn how ...
60
March 5, 2023
Jewish Leadership Lessons From Mordechai
Mordechai Hatzaddik's actions during the Purim story are a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for what we believe in, no matter the cost. His unwavering commitment to his faith and refusal to bow down to injustice inspire us all to stand up for what we believe is right, which is the unadulterated work of God. Listen to this short online Torah talk about the Purim story and the Jewish people's hero and then reach out and let me know your thoughts. Support the Show. Join the Whats...
59
March 5, 2023
Legendary Story About Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky
In this Motzei Shabbos story time edition of The Motivation Congregation, we discuss a first-hand account of how Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky prepared for an important meeting. Support the Show. Join the WhatsApp community for daily motivational Torah content! JOIN HERE ---------------- SUBSCRIBE to The Weekly Parsha for an insightful weekly shiur on the Parsha of the week. Listen on Spotify or the new Jewish music and Podcast streaming platform 24six! Access all Torah talks and listen to featured ...
138
March 4, 2023
Rambam On Purim
Purim is a unique Jewish holiday. From the wine to the dancing and parties, it is beloved and celebrated by Jews worldwide. The Rambam tells us that when Mashiach comes, all books of Tanach will not be studied, but Megillas Esther and all holidays except purim will be extinct. Listen to three distinctly different approaches to make sense of this Rambam in this episode of the Torah Podcast. Support the show Join The Motivation Congregation WhatsApp community for daily motivational Torah content...
58
March 2, 2023
Jewish Understanding of Clothing
In today's short Torah talk, we dive into a Rashi in parshas Tetzaveh that exposes just how impactful our clothing is. This episode explores our clothing's great potential to inspire, elevate and rectify. Support the Show. Join the WhatsApp community for daily motivational Torah content! JOIN HERE ---------------- SUBSCRIBE to The Weekly Parsha for an insightful weekly shiur on the Parsha of the week. Listen on Spotify or the new Jewish music and Podcast streaming platform 24six! Access all ...
137
March 1, 2023
Parshas Tetzaveh | Parshas Zachor
This week, the parsha has two portions – parshas Tetzaveh and parshas Zachor. Parshas Tetzaveh discusses the ritual and construction of the Tabernacle and, more specifically, the Cohen Gadol's clothing, while parshat Zachor focuses on remembering Amalek. This nation opposed G-d's will. In this short Dvar Torah, we explore why Amalek is so bad. The Haftorah then recounts the story of Shaul Hamelech, who was instructed to battle against Amalek but failed in his mission when he spared a part of the...
57
March 1, 2023
The Purim Story 2023
The Purim story reminds us that everything, even events beyond our control, ultimately happens with Hashem's will. As we learn from the Vilna Gaon, it was no coincidence that Achashverosh and his kingdom uprooted themselves to settle in Shushan - the same small town where a pious Jew named Mordechai lived. This was part of Hashem's plan to save the Jewish people from Haman's genocidal plot. This reminder is especially poignant as we approach Purim. We may not always understand what is happening ...
56
Feb. 28, 2023
Get Off The Couch | Parshas Tetzaveh
Every week, in our study of the Torah, we come to the weekly Dvar Torah. This week’s parsha is Tetzaveh, in which Hashem gives us the commands and instructions necessary for constructing the Mishkan. This portable tabernacle would serve as a communion between God and humanity. Looking closer at these commands, we see how much care was put into each detail, showing us ultimately how much Hashem loves it when we put in the effort and work with dedication. Here lies an important lesson; even when i...
55
Feb. 27, 2023
Holy of Holies | Protect the House | Mishkan
Exploring the 'Holy of Holies': The Human Intellect Expand your understanding of human intelligence with this fascinating exploration into what is known as the 'Holy of Holies'--the human intellect. Unlock the mysteries of the human mind with an investigation into the 'Holy of Holies'--the human psyche. Understand its importance, dive deep into the intricate workings of intelligence, and witness how it shapes our unique perspectives on life and the world around us. Ponder Intelligence and What i...
54
Feb. 26, 2023
Live In The Moment | The Parsha Shows The Way
Moshe Rabbenu is considered the most outstanding leader in Jewish history, and he was a man who fully embraced each moment and lived every day to its fullest. In this Torah talk, we look at how Moshe Rabbenu's life can serve as an example of living in the moment and creating meaning from each experience. Based on a fascinating teaching of Rav Shimshon Dovid Pinchus z" l. Support the Show. Join the WhatsApp community for daily motivational Torah content! JOIN HERE ---------------- SUBSCRIBE to ...
53
Feb. 26, 2023
Dream Big Like The Ponevezher Rav
Stories of Tzaddikim: Rav Yosef Shlomo Kahaneman (1886–1969), also known as Ponevezher Rav. Discover the inspiring life and teachings of Rav Yosef Shlomo Kahaneman, one of the most influential Tzaddikim of his time. Uncover his unique leadership style that left a lasting legacy. He was an extraordinary leader and teacher to so many in the Jewish world. He exhibited solid moral integrity during his lifetime as he lived according to the Torah's teachings and code of conduct. The Ponevezher Rav was...
52
Feb. 24, 2023
Parshas Terumah | What Aristotle Couldn't Figure Out
This secret lies in broad daylight, this hidden truth that even the wise Aristotle couldn't explain, and is the topic of today's short Torah class. Join us as we explore a Gemara in Pesachim and a classic idea from Rav Dessler. Support the Show. Join the WhatsApp community for daily motivational Torah content! JOIN HERE ---------------- SUBSCRIBE to The Weekly Parsha for an insightful weekly shiur on the Parsha of the week. Listen on Spotify or the new Jewish music and Podcast streaming platf...
51
Feb. 23, 2023
My New Favorite Jewish Singer (Uncle Moishy)
You know his name. This unique musical talent shows us how to be happy this Adar. The sages expose the secret to happiness; in this short Torah talk, we clarify the path to happiness. Support the Show. Join the WhatsApp community for daily motivational Torah content! JOIN HERE ---------------- SUBSCRIBE to The Weekly Parsha for an insightful weekly shiur on the Parsha of the week. Listen on Spotify or the new Jewish music and Podcast streaming platform 24six! Access all Torah talks and liste...
136
Feb. 23, 2023
Dvar Torah on Parshas Terumah | Not Your Grandma's Mishkan
In this episode of The Torah Podcast, we ponder how Moshe and the Jewish people could create a brick-and-mortar house for Hashem. The Mishkan is the main focus of this week's parsha, and together, we explore its many practical and kabbalistic lessons. This Dvar Torah culminates in a fresh look and novel approach to fulfilling the mitzvos. Let me know your thoughts. Good Shabbas! A Closer Look at God's Directions For Building The Mishkan Find out more about the construction of the Mishkan with t...
50
Feb. 22, 2023
Rosh Chodesh Adar | Purim 2023 | Get Happy
During the month of Adar, we celebrate the holiday of Purim. We read Megilas Esther, which tells the Purim story, and dressed up in our Purim costumes. The sages teach us to increase our happiness during the month of Adar. The problem we are left with is how? In this episode of The Motivation Congregation, we unearth the source of happiness and strategize how to attain this wonderful middah. Support the Show. Join the WhatsApp community for daily motivational Torah content! JOIN HERE ----------...
135
Feb. 21, 2023
Rosh Chodesh Adar | Purim 2023
During the month of Adar, we celebrate the holiday of Purim. We read Megilas Esther, which tells the Purim story, and dressed up in our Purim costumes. The sages teach us to increase our happiness during the month of Adar. The problem we are left with is how? In this episode of The Torah Podcast, we unearth the source of joy and strategize how to attain this wonderful middah. Purim Dvar Torah: Lasting Lessons from Adar Uncover the rich history of Purim, Adar, and their long-lasting teachings in...
49
Feb. 21, 2023
Torah's View on Medicine
Eben Ezra's words are a powerful reminder that we must always look to Hashem to be our doctor. We can use a medicine, technology, and other modern advancements in medical treatments—but only Hashem can genuinely heal us. The success of any treatment depends on His blessings and intervention, for He has laid out the laws of nature and governs them. We may try as hard as we can to treat illnesses, but without Hashem's help, no plan or course of action will lead to complete healing. Thus, even when...
48
Feb. 20, 2023
VIP Experience
Say it aloud repeatedly: "the world was created for me." Support the Show. Join the WhatsApp community for daily motivational Torah content! JOIN HERE ---------------- SUBSCRIBE to The Weekly Parsha for an insightful weekly shiur on the Parsha of the week. Listen on Spotify or the new Jewish music and Podcast streaming platform 24six! Access all Torah talks and listen to featured episodes on our new website, themotivationcongregation.org ---------------- Questions or Comments? Please email ...
47
Feb. 19, 2023
This Week's Parsha Reveals The Secret To Success
An unprecedented moment, the ultimate commitment. The Jewish people entered this relationship with Hashem with two simple words that reveal the secret to success: "Nasseh V'nishmah!" Support the Show. Join the WhatsApp community for daily motivational Torah content! JOIN HERE ---------------- SUBSCRIBE to The Weekly Parsha for an insightful weekly shiur on the Parsha of the week. Listen on Spotify or the new Jewish music and Podcast streaming platform 24six! Access all Torah talks and listen...
46
Feb. 19, 2023
The One Where The Starbucks CEO Met Rav Nosson Tzvi
A fascinating and empowering meeting between Starbucks chairman Howard Schultz and The Mir rosh yeshiva Rav Noson Tzvi Finkel. In this timeless tale, we are treated to the truth of the human spirit's potential. Support the Show. Join the WhatsApp community for daily motivational Torah content! JOIN HERE ---------------- SUBSCRIBE to The Weekly Parsha for an insightful weekly shiur on the Parsha of the week. Listen on Spotify or the new Jewish music and Podcast streaming platform 24six! Acces...
45
Feb. 17, 2023
Parshas Mishpatim | Undeserving Yet Free
Parshas Mishpatim describes Hashem as "chanun," which means compassionate. However, the Ramban translates the word differently and reveals our superpower. Support the Show. Join the WhatsApp community for daily motivational Torah content! JOIN HERE ---------------- SUBSCRIBE to The Weekly Parsha for an insightful weekly shiur on the Parsha of the week. Listen on Spotify or the new Jewish music and Podcast streaming platform 24six! Access all Torah talks and listen to featured episodes on our...