Reb Shaya Guttman: Recent Episodes
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Reb Shaya Guttman, founder of Nekudah Institute Inc, mashpiah and lecturer in Tzfat, Israel, speaks on a variety of topics centering on the parshah of the week, from a unique experiential perswpective. In addition to his lectures, Reb Shaya is also recognized as an inspiring musician and composer, having produced 4 CDs of traditional Jewish music and his own. Further information is available at the organization website at nekudah.org.
Is preventing destruction of life considered a kindness, even if it means taking a life? What is the relationship of the body to the soul, and how do we use our bodies to represent Hashem in a physical world? These are some of the issues explored here.
This parshas forces us to confront the fact of mortality, and how it results from Hashem's decision to create Man with free choice. Nevertheless, it is both possible and incumbent on us to look at impurity, and the Din in general, as a correction of the problem instead of an unfortunate result. Find out how!
What does this parsha teach us about the crucial difference between 'self-reliance' and total reliance on Hashem. Why was the Jewish nation deemed unfit for the challenge of taking over the land of Israel from the Canaanite nations, an essential condition for the creation fo the world? Find out here.
Aharon Hakohen's responsibility to light the menorah every day teaches an important lesson about the need for us to initiate our relationship with Hashem from below, and the relationship of the tzaddik with the people of Israel as a whole.
The Torah tells us that the Jewish People is uncountable, and yet this parshah presents a full counting of the Jewish People. Isn't this contradictory? How can the limitations imposed upon us by the Torah itself lead to ultimate liberation from limitation? What insight does this give us into the experience of Shavuos itself?
Parshas Bechukosai contains some quite unsettling curses, but the real point is understanding our real motivation for serving Him: is it just to avoid punishment, or is it to work toward the ultimate goal of 'strolling together in Gan Eden?'
Parshas Behar focuses on the mitzvos of Shimttah and Yovel, which are directly related to the mitzvah of Sefiros HaOmer which we are now observing. This also has fascinating implications for the holiday of Lag Ba'omer and the custom of lighting bonfires.
Parshas Emor includes the mitzvah of Sefiras Haomer, as well as laws involving the Kohen Gadol, among others. How are they related, and what can we learn from their juxtaposition?
Parshas Kedoshim contains many mitzvos, some of which are difficult to connect with the concept of Kedushah. How can the connection of Kedushah to the mitzvos be understood on a deeper level, applicable to all of us on a daily basis?
The mitzvos surrounding the diagnosis and purification of the Metzora involve the coming together of the central parameters of Olam, Shana and Nefesh (Space, Time and Soul). How can we apply this to our own lives?
How does the story of Nadav and Avihu shed light on the whole body / soul connection, and the renewal embodies in Parshas Hachodesh? What does Hashem really want from this combination of G-dly soul and animal body, and how do we avoid the conflict and serve Hashem with single-minded purpose, love and joy?
The Kohanim were distinguished by their 'zrizus,' their energy and enthusiasm in serving Hashem. But where was that coming from? What truly motivated them? How can we come to that level of serving Hashem lishmoh, for His sake?
Vayikra is about Korbanos, and to be 'makriv' is to come 'close.' But how do we come 'close' to Hashem? Are we really far away? And how does the humility stressed in the parsha play into the dynamic of Purim? And what aren't we allowed to forget?
In many ways, this parsha represents the climax of the entire book of Shmos: it's final scene is the triumphant filling of the newly constructed mishkan with the glory of the Shechinah. From this and the Zohar's discriptions of the angels busily serving Hashem in Shamayim to process Jewish prayers, we should learn an important lesson about how we should be serving Hashem with energy and joy!
Is there a meaningful order to the 4 Parshios? The Tchernobler Maggid emphasizes the importance of developing the mind, but making sure to connect it to the heart.
How can we better understand what was going on behind both historical events? What went wrong? Maybe they have more in common than we think.
This continuation of the previous parshas dealing with the building of the Mishkan provides the details of the priestly garments. It also discusses the very important subject of the mitzvah of Ketores, a very important ceremony which we still recite 3 times a day, which is relatively unappreciated.
How are we to understand all the specifications for the building of the Mishkan? Are they just arbitrary measurements and design, or do they represent something higher? If so, what does it teach us about reality in general and our role within it?
Accepting a covenant containing so many rules may seem restrictive, so how can it be that accepting the Torah actually leads to the greatest freedom? Why would the decision of a Jewish slave not to go free be so reprehensible? What is true liberation, and when is a decision an indication that we are remaining slaves to ourselves?
Why was the splitting of the Yam Suf necessary as a precursor to the giving of the Torah? What do we have to do to prepare ourselves to receive? Is learning just an intellectual experience, or is it something more?
A beautiful and significant discourse by the Arvei Nachal based on the idea of how and when it is appropriate to be exposed to the 'outside world.' When can, and should we expand the borders of kedushah, and when is it dangerous to do so? Why are we so sharp with the 'evil son' at the Seder?
Why did Par'oh have such a hard time giving in? Even when his own advisors admitted all was lost, he still couldn't surrender! And why, in our own times, are our own enemies incapable of surrendering? On the other hand, are the harrowing events happening in our own day enough to force us to reevaluate our lives? Is that the true meaning of Pesach?
What happens when we lose the knowledge of Who G-d really Is? We might be doing mitzvos, but if it's only in 'copycat mode', and Hashem isn't really isn't a reality in our lives, then the knowledge of Hashem is in exile. That's what happened in Mitzrayim, and that's what can happen to us today. Let's leave our personal Golus now!
We're taught that the highest level of serving Hashem is to do it for 'His sake alone,' or Lishmoh, without any alterior motives. But does that mean we can't enjoy it? Yakov's best years were his last, in Mitzrayim reunited with Yoseph, treated as nobility. Does that mean they were on a lower level?
What can we learn about Yoseph's attitudes toward life, and how he reacts to his brothers and adversity in general? And what do we expect from Hashem: are we truly searching, and how do we deal with our 'needs and wants?'
What does oil and the element of fire have to do with the nature of change and inspiration? How can we approach real change and be assured of its sustainability over time? And what des this have to do with Joseph's experience in Mitzrayim?
The Maharal explores the basic questions of what is the Torah and its relationship to life itself: can we pick and choose? How does it guide our lives, towards what? Does it have to be accepted on “blind faith?”
Instead of the Weekly Parsha, we will begin learning the classic sefer Nesivos Olam by the Maharal of Prague. This shiur is being given in the famous Alshich Shul in Tzfas, and we hope it will be an ongoing feature. The introduction deals with the importance of determining, and sticking to, a clear, straight path in life.
In the conflict of Yaakov and Esav, we discover the roots of antisemitism that continue til today, and have been so recently revealed once again in the world's response to the most recent war in Gaza. The jealousy and fear of the Jew's role as 'conscience of the world' goes all the way back to Kain and Hevel, and will most likely continue until the Moshiach reveals the truth to all.
How can our lives be seen as connecting to the greater completion of space, time and soul? Are we really part of a greater whole, and by using out each year of our lives in a consistent, purposeful manner, we join the larger totallity which forms the basis of the World to Come?
What really happened when Sarah Imenu's body was transformed in order to give birth to Yitzchok? Perhaps by linking ourselves with our own source, we can access the Divine Life Force which will provide us with the energy we need to become alive, healthy and a beacon of Divine Light in the world!
What was the big challenge for Avrohom Avinu to relocate to Canaan? Why was it so important to inform him that his descendents would acquire the land hundreds of years later? What stages have to transpire in order for essential changes to be made? And what is the goal of our presence in the land?
As appropriate for the time and circumstances, Hashem chooses His leaders and messengers carefully. Significantly, Noach is compared to Avrohom Avinu in stature, and is subject to different approaches. It's important to appreciate his strengths and weaknesses, as we evaluate our own leaders today.
Here in Israel, we feel the war directly. However, when we look for signs of Hashem's involvement, we find some very obvious examples of His watchful eye. And ultimately, we have to recognize and admit that there are consequences to our actions, and we can't reject Hashem on one side and expect His miraculous protection on the other.
On Sukkos, we enter the simple, temporary world of the Sukkah, rejecting the comforts of home for a more humble reality. But where do we find true happiness: searching to acquire the 'good life,' or seeking to truly connect with Hashem in the world through doing His will?
The judgement process culminating in Yom Kippur (and ultimately Hoshana Rabba) can seem scary. But maybe it's exactly the opposite: an opportunity to bring us closer to the Geulah and demonstrate Hashem's love and conern for us.
Rosh Hashonah begins a process of teshuvah that culminates in Yom Kippur 10 days later. Here we explore the process that takes us from accepting G-d as King, up to the level of purity of the angels where we recognize our common essence with the Creator.
Parshas Nitzavim includes a serious indictment of a very common attitude: 'I can do what I want, and nothing's going to happen!' When we have this attitude, despite knowing about the warnings Hashem has already given us, all hell breaks loose. Why?
Parshas Ki Savo contains a mitzvah that requires us to serve G-d virtually all the time. How is this possible? Aren't we here to 'enjoy life?' Or are we here to prepare for the next? Important questions to consider before Rosh Hashanah!
Parshas Ki Seitzei contains many mitzvos, but there are a few strings of mitzvos where the sequence is significant. We discover how oftentimes things we do set up a chain reaction, sometimes for good and sometimes not, where the main thing is often the direction even more than the action itself.
Parshas Shoftim coincides with the beginning of the month of Ellul, when we're involved in self-evaluation and teshuvah. How can we make this process into something enjoyable and uplifting? By instructing us to set up a court system, Hashem is really entrusting us with running the world with justice and emes, becoming a true partner in Creation
The existence of the Blessing and the Curse focuses on the real world consequences of following Hashem (or not). When we discover the energy released through the synthesis of opposites, we come to appreciate how true fear of Hashem is essential to confronting His reality, and the necessity of making that our priority.
Tu B'Av is about finding a mate, and Parshas Ekev is about our relationship with Hashem: why and how we serve Him. What do they have in common? What can we learn about marriage from the way we relate to the Divine, and vice versa? Actually, we discover that they're closer than we think.
The destruction of the Bais Hamikdosh was about destroying vessels, just like what happened before the Creation of the World. How do we reverse that? Do we continue the same mistakes of thinking success is about the quantity of accomplishments, what others think of us, fulfilling our expectations of ourselves? Or do we try to understand what Hashem really wants of us: to take the vessels we have, and fill them with Hashem's Glory: מלא כל הארץ כבודו!
Some people think that Judaism is some kind of ascetic discipline, and take on extra restrictions in an attempt to become more holy. But is this really what Judaism is about? Are Nedarim really a good idea? What's behind them, and why are fathers and husbands allowed to annul nedarim taken on by their wives and daughters?
This week we explore the extremely important aspects of time, space and soul, explaining how essential it is to be aware of their meaning and interactions. They effect literally every moment of our lives and being, how we act, feel and develop. Open the door to a new perspective on life!
Three famous episodes from these two parshios demonstrate the importance of using speech the right way. It is probably the most powerful means of communication we have, and defines us as human beings. It's even Hashem's preferred method of reaching us. So we'd better take it seriously!
The Parsha of Korach reveals the multiple levels involved in leadership struggles, and how the real issues can be very different than what appears on the surface. Beware of machlokes!
The Parsha of Shlach includes powerful, fundamental principles that allow us to face the challenges of life without fear, by realizing that we are Hashem's messengers in the world, and, like the Tzitzis, the Creation itself is only a garment of Hashem.
The Parsha of Behaaloscha explores the important issue of motivation: how can we find consistent self-motivation in serving Hashem, and why is it important? This podcast is dedicated l'ilui nishmas Etel Malkah bas Eliyahu a'h to commemorate her first yartzeit on 21 Sivan, by her daughter, BJ Goldman.
The Parsha of Naso includes the Priestly Blessing, one of the few remaining mitzvos of the Bais Hamikdosh that we still practice today. What is the true role of the kohen, and how is it relevant in the modern world, and to non-kohanim?
Shavuos encompasses many customs, and we attempt here to bring them all together: the Haftarah of Maaseh Merkavah, Megillas Ruth, Matan Torah, the Covenant, accepting Ol Malchus Shomayim, and fusing them into a cohesive whole.
Parshas Bamidbar brings home the importance of simple consistency and reliability in fulfilling our responsibilities to do the work necessary to bring the Geulah, and to assure the influx of energy into the universe on a daily basis. Find out how!
The parshios of Behar and Bechukosai are integrally related, by exposing the true reason why we can relax and do mitzvos with total reliance that Hashem created the world in such a way that we will not suffer by following them, even when it seems to involved some sacrifice.
Parshas Emor deals primarily with laws of the Kohanim. What role do/did Kohanim play in Jewish society? How does this illuminate our values in terms of the time and money we invest in spiritual priorities, as opposed to things that just impact our material lives?
Both of these parshios deal with the subject of Kedusha/Holiness. Do we really understand what that means? Is Yom Kippur just about forgiveness, or is the point of the experience really something quite different?
The process of recovering from Tzoraas involves isolation, being literally closed off from society. Could this be an indication that speaking Loshon Hora involves being closed off to ourselves, and the solution is actually to open up?
Who is the master of whom, and what does it mean to be a servant of Hashem? How is it different than being a slave of Paroh? Learn what true liberation means after all.
Is the book of Vayikra only meaningful for Kohanim, or can all of us learn important lessons from it for our daily lives? We discuss the amazing concept of how Hashem renews the Creation every moment through our ability to unify the physical and spiritual aspects of reality using out the principle of male/female oneness.
What is the relationship of the Parshios of Vayakhel and Pekudei have to do with Parshas Hachodesh and the renewal of the moon through its monthly cycles. Find out the deep secret this tells us about how to bring growth and renewal into our own lives, and how it has shaped the destiny of the Jewish people throughout history.
How are Purim, Pesach, the Golden Calf, and the Red Heifer connected? Find out in this fascinating discussion of the paradox of self-consciousness and humility. Is it possible to strive for higher levels and still avoid becoming arrogant?
This parshah highlights the priestly garments, providing a detailed description of how the garb of the High Priest was to be designed. What was so important about it? Isn't clothing superficial, external, and often petty? Why did it occupy such an important role in the service of the Bais Hamikdosh? And why does Purim place such emphasis on it as well? What's really going on here on a deeper level?
In the first of several parshios devoted to the building of the Mishkan, we explore the fascinating subject of bringing G-d's presence into space, time and ourselves, truly making a home for Hashem in this world. This is essential to understanding our role, and the whole tachlis of creation itself.
Law is so important in Judaism, but why do we need it and what does it do for us, on both a public and private level? Can it get out of hand? What does it tell us about living responsibly, as a part of the community, and also dealing with our own challenges?
Why was it necessary to give the first Luchos with such 'fanfare' if they would ultimately be broken anyway? Why not give the 2nd set quietly? In general, why does Hashem do things that seem not to end up as He originally intended them? Why does the Galus have to be so long?
This episode was sponsored by BJ Goldman in memory of her father Sholom bn Chanoch Henach, a'h, Yahrzeit 12th Shevat (5th Yahrzeit). What does the Shiras Hayam mean for our daily avodah? Find out now.
Extending the concept of bringing potential into reality, we explore the importance of open mindedness in discovering the options that are really available, and how we can take advantage of daily experiences to escape the inertia confront Hashem's reality on a regular basis.
This Parsha explores the very important subjects of Potential to Reality in relation to the Redemption from Egypt, and how it relates to our own lives. We learn that Hashem has created Good and Evil in order to give us the choice to participate in Hashem's vision, thus becoming a true partner with Hashem in creating a new Reality.
This Parsha begins a new focus: instead of dwelling on the lives of the Avos, we switch to the relationship between the Leader and Klal Yisroel, and his efforts to bring them, as individuals and as a whole, to fulfilling their destiny, the plan Hashem his in place for them.
This Parsha ends the era of the patriarchs. Paradoxically, we're told that 'Our Father Yakov never died,' and indeed the first line speaks of his death in terms of his life. So what is life for? How do the lives of the Avos teach us how to live ours, and what life is really about.
The dramatic confrontation in this Parsha, the culmination of the episode of Joseph and his brothers, brings to light how conflicts can arise even among the greatest leaders when they are misinformed, but even then, the outcome was intended by the Creator.
The Greeks prided themselves with their advanced secular knowledge, but the wisdom that has truly survived the ages has been our own light of Torah. Our stubborn perserverance and dedication to its truth is actually a miracle that surprised many skeptics, who never thought our tradition had the strength to flourish in the 'modern' period.
The complicated story of Yosef and his brothers has multiple levels, and much is confusing or unclear. But it's worth it to delve into the subject on a deeper level, and over the next few weeks we should come to appreciate it more and apply it to our own lives.
This week, we explore the subject of living in Chutz La'aretz: its challenges, dangers, and responsibilities. Listen at jewishpodcasts.fm/nekudah or other podcast syndicators (Spotify, Google, itunes, etc). If you'd like to subscribe and also view our DVD on the Nekudah System for Spiritual Renewal, you'll find it here: patreon.com/nekudah.
Parshas Toldos reveals how the way we see things, even when we're mistaken, is the tool Hashem uses to get each of us to the place we're ultimately supposed to be. And even the greatest among us can make mistakes, if the mistakes are meant to lead to the intended destiny.
Me'aras Hamachpelah occupies a unique space in the world: it's the place where souls enter Gan Eden after passing from this world. What does that mean about the relationship of spiritual and physical dimensions? Can you really ascend to a spiritual dimension through a specific location in the physical world?
This week, we explore what the episode of the Akedah teaches us about how to manage our emotions and behavior by balancing and influencing one midah by another, a process that goes to the very core of Creation itself.
This week, we discuss the unique quality of the 'tzaddik' to unify life and creation into a single, consistent entity, bridging the gap between extremes through a true awareness of who we are and where we're going
Parshas Nitzavim doesn't contain any of the taryag mitzvos, but it does refer to unity and G-d's kingship, generally taken to refer to Rosh Hashonah. We discuss how to use the holiday to increase our levels of joy, humility, and purpose through implementing the power and potential of the Midos.
Parshas Ki Savo contains the mitzvah of 'Vehalachta Bidrochov', or to become godly by imitating Hashem's characteristics, or 'midos.' Often we think of this as optional, but don't realize that working on our character, including our emotions, is key to coming to resemble our Creator.
Parshas Ki Seitzei includes the mitzvah of Shiluach HaKen, or sending away the mother bird when taking the offspring or eggs. Considerable commentary analyzes the meaning of this mitzvah. We examine how it relates to asking for Hashem's mercy, and not just for us.
Parshas Shoftim includes a series of mitzvos regarding the prohibition against practicing different forms of sorcery. What's behind this, and how is it relevant to us today, when these practices are much less prevalent? Could it offer some insight into the way we relate to science?
Parshas Re'eh has lots of mitzvos, among them the somewhat 'controversial' mitzvah of shechitah. Is man justified in eating animals at all? Does the way they're killed really matter? Is there a deeper meaning in all this that we may be missing? Let's see what Torah says about it.
Parshas Ekev includes the mitzvos of Tefillah and Birkas Hamazon, among other things. Are they for us, or for Hashem? What do they accomplish? Why are they so fundamental to Judaism?
Shabbos Nachamu, the Shabbos after Tisha b'Av, features the parsha of Vo'eschanon, which includes the 10 Commandments and the parsha of Shema Yisroel. The latter includes the mitzvos of believing in the One-ness of Hashem, and the mitzvah to love Him. How are the two connected, and how does that understanding lead us to a deeper appreciation of love and one-ness themselves?
Parshas Devorim, which once again synchronizes Israel with the Diaspora, deals in part with the issue of appointing judges and maintaining a system free of corruption. We delve deeper into the implications for our own decision making process, and how this relates to the exile and destruction of the Bais Hamikdosh.
For Parshas Matos, we discuss the mitzvos relating to Nedarim and Shevuos (annulling of vows), and how they relate to Kedushas Hadibur (the Holiness of Speech). The Sefer Maor Ainayim shows how this bears on the attitude of looking for the good in everything and everyone, and ultimately at how we can feel close to Hashem through combining our speech with His.
For Parshas Matos, we discuss the mitzvos relating to Nedarim and Shevuos (annulling of vows), and how they relate to Kedushas Hadibur (the Holiness of Speech). The Sefer Maor Ainayim shows how this bears on the attitude of looking for the good in everything and everyone, and ultimately at how we can feel close to Hashem through combining our speech with His.
For Parshas Pinchas, we investigate the true meaning of the Korbanos (animal sacrifices) and what it means to our daily lives. Is it better to be big or small? Is it more important to accomplish big goals, or to be consistent and persistent in serving Hashem every day? This podcast commemorates the Shloshim of Etel Malkah bas Eliyahu a'h on 21 Tamuz.
For Parshas Balak, since none of the Taryag Mitzvos is discussed, we instead focus on the destructive midos of Kinah, Taavah and Kovod, and how they are negated in the example of a special Sefer Torah dedicated to the Kedoshim of Meron, and the special Kehallah that received it.
For Parshas Chukas, we investigate the meaning behind the paradoxical dual functionality of the Red Heifer, both purifying and defiling at once, and its relationship to the essence of death itself.
For Parshas Korach, we discuss the importance of the dialectics in Torah, or the interaction of opposites to create a synthesis in the middle, and maintain balance through the dynamic interplay of day and night, chessed and gevurah, etc. Everyone's job is unique to him and essential as part of the greater whole, but when jealousy and politics gets in the way, disaster results.
For Parshas Shlach, we discuss the meaning and importance of perception and education. Should our education determine how we see reality, or should we base our decisions solely on what we can observe with our own eyes? How does this relate to the episodes of the spies (meraglim)?
For Parshas Behaaloscha, we explore the subject of alertness and attention in serving Hashem, in the context of the mitzvah of using trumpets both in the desert and in the Bais Hamikdosh.
For Parshas Naso, we explore the connection between the Mitzvos of Teshuvah, Sotah, Nazir and Birkas Kohanim, and how they help us, as a group, to understand our relationships to Hashem, our spouses and to the Creation as a whole.
For Parshas Bamidbar, we discover how despite being numbered, and therefore under the limitations of time and space, we can transcend that state through true unification and dedication to a common purpose, and accepting our individual role within the whole. This is the ultimate preparation for accepting the Torah on Shavuos.
For Parshas Bechukosai, we focus on the mitzvah of ערכין, explaining how the soul is redeemed and returned to the domain and the service of Hashem, after having sold itself into servitude of 'the other side.' We discover how money, rather than being the root of evil, can be used to return us to our Source.
For Parshas Behar, we focus on the mitzvos of שמיטה ויובל, explaining the Torah's view of true freedom, and what our values should be regarding accomplishment and material succes in our lives.
For Parshas Emor, we focus on the mitzvah of ספירת העומר, with insights from the Sefer Yetzirah about the meaning of numbers, memory, and creating a story with our lives.
For Parshas Kedoshim, we focus on the mitzvah of ואהבת לרעיך כמוך, which we interpret to encompass both loving fellow Jews and loving Hashem Himself, by realizing the common denominators that unite us.
We delve deeper into the concept of the full time, total Jewish experience by expanding on the concept of space, time and soul and its implications for the 24/7 commitment. What is completeness, and how does it lead to happiness?
When considering the nature of Jewish life and activities, many emphasize the legal and academic aspects of Gemora and Halachah as the dominant and most important areas, placing 'feeling-based' experience as a lesser priority. This podcast explores the truth of that impression, and proposes the balancing of both aspects to get a more 'well-rounded' perspective of Jewish life.
What's our purpose here on earth? Trying to perfect ourselves and seeking spiritual advancement, or doing Hashem's mission of creating connections between earth and Heaven to sustain and bring light to the world?
Exploring the attitudes we have when facing problems: do we always envision the worst possible outcome, or does it help to imagine the best possible outcome instead? Based on a personal story I experienced recently, and what I learned from it. Also an observation comparing this to how secular society views the issue.
The intro episode on the broad subject of integrating Torah into every aspect of our daily lives, meeting the challenges of modern society with honesty and creativity.