The Chavrusa: Recent Episodes
Moshe Schonbrun
Exploration of deep Torah and ideas that have guided some of history's greatest men and women for over 3,000 years, & contemporary takes on moral and social issues.
Mapping out an empowering and uplifting framework of Teshuva through the 5 steps laid out by Rebbe Zusha, the "genius of humility", Striving to be whole; not perfect, and the intersection of sophistication and simplicity
I'm Moshe Schonbrun, & this is the Chavrusa Podcast- an exploration of timeless wisdom & ideas that have guided some of history's greatest people for over 3,000 years!
This season is based on the book 'Baderech' by Judah Mischel ( https://zbermanbooks.com/baderech-along-the-path-of-teshuvah-mischel )
Check out our previous seasons, exploring deep Torah concepts on the topics of Authenticity, Mindfulness, Identity, & more!
Please do send any questions, ideas, & feedback through voicenote drop at https://anchor.fm/chavrusa/message or email chavrusapodcast@gmail.com
Discussing Rebbe Nachman's whimsical tale and its message to reclaim our authentic life story, The story of the elderly man who found out his Tefillin were never actually valid, and when in life we should be unrealistic
I'm Moshe Schonbrun, & this is the Chavrusa Podcast- an exploration of timeless wisdom & ideas that have guided some of history's greatest people for over 3,000 years!
This season is based on the book 'Baderech' by Judah Mischel ( https://zbermanbooks.com/baderech-along-the-path-of-teshuvah-mischel )
Check out our previous seasons, exploring deep Torah concepts on the topics of Authenticity, Mindfulness, Identity, & more!
Please do send any questions, ideas, & feedback through voicenote drop at https://anchor.fm/chavrusa/message or email chavrusapodcast@gmail.com
An emphatic decrying of a philosophically misguided and spiritually damaging attitude, shouldering the burden and pains of others & Hashem, & dripping blood while davening Mincha
I'm Moshe Schonbrun, & this is the Chavrusa Podcast- an exploration of timeless wisdom & ideas that have guided some of history's greatest people for over 3,000 years!
This season is based on the book 'Baderech' by Judah Mischel ( https://zbermanbooks.com/baderech-along-the-path-of-teshuvah-mischel )
Check out our previous seasons, exploring deep Torah concepts on the topics of Authenticity, Mindfulness, Identity, & more!
Please do send any questions, ideas, & feedback through voicenote drop at https://anchor.fm/chavrusa/message or email chavrusapodcast@gmail.com
Discussing the foundational command that the entire Torah emanates from, the eternity of short-lived inspiration, and an epic story of a Vishnitzer cowboy somewhere out in Texas
I'm Moshe Schonbrun, & this is the Chavrusa Podcast- an exploration of timeless wisdom & ideas that have guided some of history's greatest people for over 3,000 years!
This season is based on the book 'Baderech' by Judah Mischel ( https://zbermanbooks.com/baderech-along-the-path-of-teshuvah-mischel )
Check out our previous seasons, exploring deep Torah concepts on the topics of Authenticity, Mindfulness, Identity, & more!
Please do send any questions, ideas, & feedback through voicenote drop at https://anchor.fm/chavrusa/message or email chavrusapodcast@gmail.com
Why we all are compared to the 'Kosher-Lamps' and the story of one rolling down an airport terminal, Rebbe Bunim's insight into doing Teshuva solves a puzzling statement of the Rambam, and Ralph Waldo Emerson's musing on the painters use of light illuminates an incredible Torah of Rebbe Nachman
I'm Moshe Schonbrun, & this is the Chavrusa Podcast- an exploration of timeless wisdom & ideas that have guided some of history's greatest people for over 3,000 years!
This season is based on the book 'Baderech' by Judah Mischel ( https://zbermanbooks.com/baderech-along-the-path-of-teshuvah-mischel )
Check out our previous seasons, exploring deep Torah concepts on the topics of Authenticity, Mindfulness, Identity, & more!
Please do send any questions, ideas, & feedback through voicenote drop at https://anchor.fm/chavrusa/message or email chavrusapodcast@gmail.com
Embarking on new beginnings on paths both beaten & never taken, why effective change is not in changing flaws but in emphasizing ones strengths, and the Torah's radical view on mistakes and sin.
I'm Moshe Schonbrun, & this is the Chavrusa Podcast- an exploration of timeless wisdom & ideas that have guided some of history's greatest people for over 3,000 years!
This season is based on the book 'Baderech' by Judah Mischel ( https://zbermanbooks.com/baderech-along-the-path-of-teshuvah-mischel )
Check out our previous seasons, exploring deep Torah concepts on the topics of Authenticity, Mindfulness, Identity, & more!
Please do send any questions, ideas, & feedback at https://anchor.fm/chavrusa/message or chavrusapodcast@gmail.com
Analyzing a fascinating police report registered against 20 Chassidim of Peshischa in 1823, The way to cultivate joy & happiness, and the differences between a couch & a shtender (The Quest for Authenticity- 16)
Discussing how to navigate the fundamental quest for self-analysis while avoiding looming pitfalls of depression, and the importance of swapping out a cold & dry Judaism for one that's overflowing with joy & pleasure. (The Quest for Authenticity- 15)
How people followed the Torah even before it was given, Why R' Bunim disagreed with Kabbalistic takes on sin & evil, & living a life of wholesome balance (The Quest for Authenticity- 14)
Discussing the hesitancy of famous Rebbe's to publish their own works, "modern" Orthodoxy, and an extraordinary Torah idea with a remarkable implication (The Quest for Authenticity- 13)
Discussing the Torah's intolerance of Externals, the convergence of Rebbe Bunim and the Mussar Movement, & dealing with worrying about what others think (The Quest for Authenticity- 12)
The search for a new appellation for the post-idealogical, broad and diverse Torah community leads to scintillating contrasts between classical & jazz music, with stunning philosophical & societal implications (The Quest for Authenticity- 11)
The incredible balancing act of combining passion and self-analysis, Seek & Search: the 2 necessary elements for growth, & differentiating between religion that's imposed from without and Torah that expresses a person's fundamental nature (The Quest for Authenticity- 10)
An incredible story of dealing with communal division & politics, How the difference between a water well and a pit portrays the possible purpose of humanity, & deep insights into defining your life authentically (The Quest for Authenticity- 9)
The seminal value from which all thought of Peshischa flows, the dangers of reductive resignation and false piety, and how to find one's own path (The Quest for Authenticity- 8)
Attempts to hasten the Messianic Age, what Moshiach actually is about, and how it can be a diversion from the authentic life. (The Quest for Authenticity- 7)
The story of the meeting between Rebbe Bunim and Rabbi Akiva Eiger, the missing element in contemporary Torah education, and the diminishing of kabbalah and miracles in Peshischa (The Quest for Authenticity- 6)
Discussing an incredible 3-way debate between Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin, the Baal Shem Tov, & Rebbe Bunim regarding the role of Torah learning, and the theological revolution it inspired (The Quest for Authenticity- 5)
The fascinating biography of Rebbe Bunim: chemist, linguist, chess master, timber merchant, talmuldist, outreach professional and chassidic rebbe, & the story of his remarkable impact on European Jewry (The Quest for Authenticity- 4)
Examining the deep ideological underpinnings and passionate divides between the Seer of Lublin & the teachings of Pryshuscha, and the inaugural story taught to all incoming students of Rebbe Bunim (The Quest for Authenticity- 3)
Prince Phillip's unerring capacity for akward remarks, The convergence of psychology & spirituality, and the pitfalls of living a scripted life (The Quest for Authenticity- 2)
New Season on The Chavrusa Podcast: Pryshuscha. Exploring a revolution uncompromisingly aimed against complacency of the Jewish establishment, and the internal war upon the leadership of its time, pretension, & self-deceit. (The departure point for this season is the book 'The Quest for Authenticity', written by Dr. Rabbi Michael Rosen)
Two core essential aspects of Matzah, how it could lead to inner liberation & the truest of personal expression, & why being around people who are genuine and authentic increases happiness and is our concluding message of Passover
Wildly divergent political opinions converge at the same seder, Blunting harsh exteriors, & How to incorporate individuality into communites
Uncovering new depths behind the questions of the Seder, Rav Kook's incredible insight into why we eat maror, & the biggest crisis facing world Jewry today
Entering the fray of the contentious debate over the optimal way to bake Matzah- Handcrafted Artisnal, or efficiently symmetric through automation?, Discovering the moment when slavery changes to freedom, & How to deal with wealth inequities
Stunning new archeological revelations, How to transform chaos into beauty, the deep symbolism of Karpas & Yachatz, & why you should transform from being a dipper to being the dipped
Introducing Season 5 of The Chavrusa: The Haggadah. An epic debate over the meaning of history, The Torah's take on freedom, Ben Gurions 1947 speech, why Questioning is at the core of Spirituality, and why the seder begins with Kadeish
How to communicate with your pets, The way animals escape Tsunamis, & a tremendous opportunity that is worth trading eternity for
Gray areas of integrity, giving false positive recommendations, and the story of a remarkable man who quit his only job over $9
Ethical conditions of leaving reviews online, former royals exposing details to Oprah, the cautionary tale of Richard Jewell, and why teeth don't decompose
Addressing the plight of the Agunah: the convoluted roots of the issue, contemporary Rabbinic response, social media pressure, and the solutions moving forward
In the season finale, we discuss the Kosher BBQ scene, the only way to respond to antisemitism, and answer the question: Why be Jewish? (Letter in the Scroll- 16)
Discussing the fallacy of a child with 3 fathers listed on birth certificate, Preventing Toxic Positivity, The differences between anti-Judaism & antisemitism, & The Vanishing American Jew: why are so many young Jews walking away? (Letter in the Scroll- 15)
The Gemara's etiquette for dealing with akward hosts, waiters, and introductions, The essential difference between Philosophy and Torah, and why Judaism is needed more than ever in today's advanced, affluent, and anxious world (Letter in the Scroll- 14)
The story of the momentous showdown between the Roman Emperor Vespasian & Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakai, exploring King David's death, & how Torah achieved equality, liberty, & fraternity centuries before the French (Letter in the Scroll- 13)
A zenithal spotlight into the human mind and the nature of happiness, and how celebrating Purim can cultivate transformational change
Fashion advice on an emerging trend & an illuminating understanding of the concept of secrets, and its connections to Purim
Delineating how the essence of Purim is a call for Authenticity, the 2 conflicting sentiments of 'Be True to Yourself', Gladwell debunks common understanding of the effects of alcohol, & why Jews drink, dress & sniff on Purim
Defining the essence of what a community is (and is not), Esther's profound and enthralling response to the gravest of dangers, and the deep messaging behind sending gifts on Purim
Thinking Fast & Slow through a Kabbalistic lens, analyzing the history of the Synagogue, and how Jewish identity has been sustained amidst centuries of dispersion
A penetrating critique into today's culture of career liberation, Becoming a 'Tomorrow Person's, and how an incredible vision of hope emerged from Judaism's darkest hour (in contrast to Christianity, The divide between Rabbi Akiva and Paul)
In today's episode of The Chavrusa, we discuss Forest Bathing, New York City Parks, Education Evidence, & Judaism's most daring institution.
Exploring the 2 Political theories in Judaism, the unique Torah theory of state, and its theory of society, A deeper look at the 3 core concepts in Jewish communal life, & an inner glimpse on Purim
In this episode of The Mailbag, we address questions about Rabbis- "Does having a Rabbi reduce my own autonomy in decision making? "Are some Rabbis better than other rabbis?" "Can Women be Rabbis"? "Should I be asking my Rabbi Business decisions? Medical advice?" "Are Rabbis looking for control?" "What is 'Daas Torah'?" In response we analyze the 3 necessary qualities of a Rabbi and how a healthy approach to having a Rabbi will lead to invaluable counsel, guidance, friendship, and autonomy.
The 2 types of communities, The 2 forms of Freedom, and how the most influential political story ever told shaped an enduring revolution - transitioning a nation to a people, Exodus to Sinai, passive to active, fate to faith, and subjects to authors on the long walk to freedom (Letter in the Scroll- 8)
An attorney's improvisation for a kippa is indicative of a serious gap between technical actions and the moral imperative of Halacha, And delving into the roots of the Chosen People, Terrorism, & Democratic Socialism (A Letter in the Scroll- 7)
California bans singing in synagogues- but they're not the first. Exploring the 2 ways to sing in Judaism, and how the Torah's moralizing of relationships turned out to be the most transformative idea in all of social history (Letter in the Scroll- 6)
Raging legal battles over the definition of Vanilla leads to a Torah perspective on the fluidity of miscommunations, & Tracking the Revolutionary History of Jewish Ideas, heralding the greatest Paradigm Shift in the Story of Mankind (Letter in the Scroll, 5)
The perfume of Civet Cats, and A Radical & Haunting Account that has Challenged Conventional Morality & Thought since the dawn of Humanity (Letter in a Scroll, 4)
A scintillating metaphor dramatizing the contrast between Western thought and Judaism in fundamental definitions of Identity
Life Hacks from Jérôme Jarre, Giving to people who need it; not to charities, & Re-channeling the story of our past as a duty to the future. (Letter in the Scroll, 2)
Debuting a new season! Answering & exploring the questions: Why be a Jew? Why should you continue the Jewish story? What happened that so many Jews are opting out?(A Letter in the Scroll, 1)
The Lean Life of a Jew, Fried Matzah Balls, and the ethical conundrums of the current distribution of the covid vaccine- a real life manifestation of the paradoxical prisoners dilemna
As ethical uncertainties surround Robinhood, GameStop & Wall Street, we critique contemporary Tu Bshvat celebrations to reveal depths of wisdom behind trees, fruits, & finding your unique purpose in life
Revealing the shallowness of athletic fame, The power of introversion and vulnerable yearning, & digging deep into the connections between mindfulness, happiness, & growth
The moral barometer of Baseball's Hall of Fame, The Torah's eternal messaging on Mountains, Gallnut Trees, Wind and their relation to the power of words, & Continuing with the crucial Dialouge of Ideas for Vitalizing Tefillah, highlighting a new suggested addition to minyans worldwide
4 immediate & powerful suggestions of change in synagogues that can be implemented to help upgrade a "prayer service" to a "soul experience"
Exposing synagogue flaws, and a heartfelt exhortation for its revitalization. Coerced Divorces merge with Maimonides & an FBI operation, and we reclaim a now viral Torah verse
President Biden's inauguration speech, Unity without Conformity, & putting people on hold (Living in the Presence- 20)
The Sophisticating of Vulgarity in Society & its Moral Consequences, with diverging concepts of 'being true to yourself'.
The primary tool to achieve true mindfulness, How to quell the emptiness of constant tension & doubt, and Uncovering the depths in the ancient Jewish practices of Techum & Eruv (Living in the Presence- 17)
Today on The Chavrusa Podcast: The Unreal You.
In this episode: 4 Philosophers reconciling a thorny theological conundrum
l Shedding deep distinctions between choices & decisions.
l An exploration on determining a person's essential self, & its incisive implications on the most vexing of moral issues facing contemporary society
l and more!
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The epic costs of taking the easy way out when faced with obstacles
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A Talmudic twist on the new month’s effect on muted hearts
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How hope is born at the very edge of the abyss of despair
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Advice for a smart driven college student about to graduate
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Transforming impediments from a nuisance into the essence of life
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Me singing randomly and critiquing zodiacs
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How to overcome the ‘Tyranny of History’ (Living in the Presence- 16)
The Secret of Life (or lack thereof?)
In this episode:
*The story of the man locked out of over 7,000 bitcoins and it’s connection to equanimous living
*The first ever quotation from Moses and its’ lasting reverbarations on greatness & responsibility
The 2 factors lacking within me that contribute to riots & unrefined behavior in society The Kotzker Rebbe’s take on spiritual patience *A paradigm-shifting Torah directive to experience a new type of secrecy (Living in the Presence- 15)
The imperative to eradicate ‘hastiness’ from our lives, and how patience is inseparably connected with mindfulness. Also: Social Media Sabbaticals, a Youtube clip that exposes Hasidic families on Shabbat, a profound teaching from Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, a debate on if it’s possible to approach life with innocence, & a conversation about equilibrium (Living in the Presence- 14)
Judaism’s Definition of Happiness, Why it’s Elusive, & How to increase Joy in your Life.
Included in this episode: Torah perspectives on simcha, How to navigate unwanted emotions, Deep thoughts from Rav S.R. Hirsch, Why so many comedians are Jewish, a cryptic Kabbalistic teaching, a writing from a chassidic Rebbe in the Warsaw Ghetto, and a detailed analysis of the connection between ‘Shemos’ and the state of America today in the WSJ & more! (Living in the Presence- 13)
Responding to questions fielded this week, including: How come you haven't released a statement on the riots this week? Should I take a job that I am not passionate about? Can one administer a vaccine on Shabbat? (& more!)
Affiliating with the Child within: Tools for an Enriched Life of Clarity
(also included- • The worst & most painful thing to disregard in life • Combating the opposite of confidence • Creating antidotes to feelings of inadequacy • New depth of understanding the fruit of Eden • Differentiating between simplicity & stupidity • Musings on talking to yourself • The highest possible level to reach in life; Rebbe Nachman's take • Debating all-purpose vs. bread flour • Jewish process of becoming a leader) (Living in the Presence- 12)
- A story of saintly Chofetz Chaim that's spotlighted in the show Fargo, and it's ramifications
- Feedback that encapsulates the aim of The Chavrusa-
- The definition of confidence
- The essence of a person of Torah
- Navigating Doubt
- Seeking approval of others
- Baal Shem Tov's innovative interpretation of finding equanimity
- Differentiating between calmness and numbness
- The admission test administered by the Arizal, and the story of the man who failed it
- The Kotzker Rebbe's understanding of the spies failure
- How cultivating the trait of equanimity will empower all moments of life
- Tips to live in the moment; not for a moment
- A deeper understanding of the concept of Hashem's providence
- How to break out of a slump
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Taking initiative & producing- ideas of "Lchatchila Ariber" & from Pharaoh's daughter
& more! (Living in the Presence- 11)
Please listen, follow, share your thoughts, and share the podcast 🙏
In today's episode: An incredible story about what a true 'chavrusa' is, and it's implications on the culture of dissenting dialougue today (or it's lack thereof). Differentiating between information and wisdom, and a note on mentors. Discovering the roots of the Trolley Problem, and a discussion on navigating conflcting values. Joe Judge says he won't disrespect the NFL like the Eagles; we respond. Deep Torah idea of what a 'name' is, why the 2nd book of the Chumash is called "Names", and an antidote to depression, anxiety, and disconnection. (Living in the Presence- 10)
As the word 'AMEN' goes viral, a reclaiming of its actual intent is due.. Distinguishing Hashem from Brahma in the quest for truth.. A discussion on mental slavery, and the opportunity it offers for freedom TODAY. Essentialism & Minimalism emerge from contrasting the moon with the sun, & produces a deep understanding of the Jewish calendar & value system. How can you ensure lasting resolutions? Thoughts on Beginners Mindset, Deliberate Practice, Attention Residue, & Limiting Inputs. (Living in the Presence, 9)
2nd Ever episode of the Mailbag! This week's questions include New Years and Holiday celebrations, Jonathan Pollard and the celebration of spies, Book recommendations, and predictions for the new Gregorian year
In today's Chavrusa we explore the most foundational concept in Torah that the English language needed to create a new word to encapsulate..Delve into 3 categories of fairness- Legal Justice, Moral Fairness, and undeserved Love and Kindness..Discuss the orgin story of Yale Law professor Stephen Carter..Explain the highest regard that the Torah accords to inviting guests.. Provide a barometer of how to test one's selflessness through Talia from Oregon's question..Invert the Golden Rule..Discuss the highest achievement of the moral life..Conclude with a tale of the Rebbe of Nemirov's alleged ascent to the Heavens (Living in the Presence- 8)
Applying musings from Jerry Seinfeld about Breaks, Car Horns, News Tickers & History to our topic of Mindfulness and Presence. Also, we distinguish History from Memory and ruminate on the importance of memory in Judasim. Conclude by exploring two divergent life paths of Being and Becoming, with one holding the recipe for contentment; the other for frustration. (Living in the Presence- 7)
Fascinating techniques for success learned from arguably the greatest coach in the NBA, a debate on the ideal crowd size for a Shabbat meal, how implementing definitional "wisdom", (in Hebrew- 'chochma'), in our mindest can invigorate overwhelming feelings of dryness in our daily life, Judaism, and relationships. Rounded out with some feedback and anecdotes to complement the episodes aspirations. (Living in the Presence- 6)
Encapsulating all of Jewish Spirituality in one word= Yearning. First though need to differentiate between superficial yearning and intrinsic longing. Then progressing to manifest this yearning (in the 3 dimensions spelled out in the most ancient text of Torah mysticism). A key divergence between the outlook of the Stoic & the Jew emerges. Concludes with bringing it to date as a resolution to the rampant feelings of alienation, division, & isolation that is prevalent today between people, and ultimately in our self. (Living in the Presence- 5)
New segment: Mailbag/Inbox/Q&A Friday! Reviewing some of the weeks questions fielded from University students and podcast chavrusas. Questions include: Should I go to an office party that I'm not so comfortable with the vibe? What are examples of scenarios that you would recommend hiding a Jewish identity? What is there to learn from someone I think is immoral and foolish? What is your take on Chilbeh? What is your approach to learning the pasha? Can I make up my own prayers? Why is muktzah on Shabbat a thing?
Discussing the worst possible thing to do Jewishly. Next, should one dress down when doing something immoral? A debate. Introducing a fascinating attitude of "innovation " that one can apply to their worldview to boost feelings of liberation & humility. Finally, some great feedback, Aged Sumatra coffee review, and a profound thought from a listener. (Living in the Presence- 4)
Discussing the key paradigm to a life of happiness- embracing the process, not the goal- while simultaneously calibrating the process toward the goal. Provides super deep insight to the Torah's expression of 'a fruit tree that produces fruit', (and Adam & Eve's tree episode). Concludes with a listener's thought on the episode 'skin in the game'- a profound to connection of the relationship of communites/individuals with the Tower of Babel. (Living in the Presence- 3)
With news of a covid relief bill, interesting questions of reincarnation arise. A scathing critique of policy makers without 'skin in the game', and a call for understanding instead of explaining- humans instead of humanity. Within the first chapter of the book we define the depth of the term for Jewish Mindfulness- 'yishuv hadaat'. Includes musings on ethical refinement, the Hebrew language, criticism of "always be positive" sentiments, and the 2 aspects of living in the moment. (Living in the Presence- 2)
Beginning our exploration into mindfulness and it's core centrality in Torah Judaism. A brief note on covid-19 vaccines. A jumpstart intro to zoned-in living and a critique of systematic Judaism symbolized by Jacob's Ladder and the hapless pursuit of external happiness exposed by the forbidden fruit of Eden. (Concluding by interchanging a Dalai Lama billboard message with my grandma.) (Living in the Presence- 1)
The end of Chanukah or the beginning of Mashiach? Concluding our first book of the Chavrusa Podcast with some Kabbalstic notions and survival hacks for enduring exiles.
The centrality of 'home' in the festival of lights. A bonus talmudical exposition on the nature of the mitzvah of Chanukah lighting. Finally, a US Supreme Court battle over menorah- its roots and ripple effects to today.
A wide-ranging conflict over the primacy of Potential vs. Actuality based on the menorah candles with real life implications. Plus a brief on the 'miracle' of Jewish survival. Finally, responding to some of the harsh feedback on the Doctor/Rabbi title issue from Monday's "Pantheon" episode.
A fascinating debate happening in English pubs as to what constitutes a 'substantial meal', and the great Jewish implications and deep Torah values it exposes. Followed by an examination into the unique Chanukah aspect of going "public". And a chavrusa from Arizona sparks an exchange into the ideal response to Anti-Torah decrees.
With a controversy about usage of the title 'Dr.' raging, we examine the usage and prestige of the title 'Rabbi' in contemporary context. Deep Chanukah Torah on the centered-ness of man in the Greek Pantheon worldview, and how the Jewish response to reclaim the definition of religion itself shaped the mode of the festival's celebration. Concluding with a thought from a Chavrusa in Wisconsin about tznius (authenticity) and an elaboration.
Why is Chanukah called a 'Yom Tov'? How is the Menorah connected to Gratitude? What is true gratitude anyway? Should I eat fancy meals on Chanukah? Elaborately talking about the concept of 'Beautifying Mitzvos'. The hidden depth and reasoning behind the height and placement of the Menorah, and a conclusion on everyday miracles.
Discussing an oft-quoted phrase of 'External Wisdom' (aka "Chochma Chitzonios") : What it means, why it falls short, how to avoid, and its eternal rebuke that Chanukah delivers...How it manifests in terms of secular studies for a passionate Jew...Brings to light a key message of a call for authenticity in the face of superficiality, and a Torah perspective on the benefits of music and art. Concludes with a Kabbalstic connection of the sefira of 'Hod' and it's connection to Chanukah.
Principle of Compromise or compromising on your Principles- Why was the 8 night oil miracle even a thing? As well as a thought on Human vs. Beast vs. Nature. Lastly a struggle in Boldness- My Tribe of Levi rising up! Would you define yourself as 'bold'?
A non-Jew writes a NY Times article about discarding Chanukah. I attempt to uncover the core issue that this reveals. Plus it brings to light a new understanding on the "horn of the ox". What is the Jewish approach to war? What would be the Torah's definition of 'victory'? A delve into Materialism vs. Minimalism, and the behavior of Yaakov in this regard with his return for some mini-containers. Finally, a mystical portending of the Chankuah clashed laid out in the struggle of the brothers Yafes and Shem, and in the colossal war between Avraham and Kordala'omer.
2 types of Darkness, Homefield Exile, The Ox Horn, The 8th Light, Rising through personal challenges.