Living Kiddush Hashem: Recent Episodes
Shraga Freedman
Fascinating stories, practical ideas, and true understanding in our mission of living kiddush Hashem
How can we understand the unlimited rejoicing on Purim? What can we do to prevent this holy day from turning into tremendous chillul Hashem? Why are we allowed to have such a level of drinking and rejoicing, which seems to go beyond the typical simcha of other yomim tovim?
Why do we whisper the tefilah of "baruch sheim kavod malchuso"? Why is it a secret? Why can't we say it publicly?
Why is "shmah Yisroel.." the most famous pasuk? Why has it been used throughout the generations when Yiddin gave up their lives al kiddush Hashem?
When a Jew dies tragically in a terrorist attack or other accident, is that also considered dying al kiddush Hashem? What is the power of saying "shmah Yisroel Hashem elokeinu Hashem echad"?
How is giving up our lives considered a Kiddush Hashem? If anything it creates a lot of doubt about the existence of a G-D when people die al kiddush Hashem? Learn about the incredible results that were generated from the mesiras nefesh in the Holocaust.
Why doesn't Hashem always shine his hashgacha on tzadikim to be mekadeish His name? In this vaad we learn how the ultimate kiddush Hashem is through a large number of people serving Hashem. The siyum hashes and some of its amazing responses demonstrate this idea.
Learn how every mitzvah has the potential of revealing more kavod shamayim whether indoors or outdoors. Learn how Hatzala members experienced Kiddush Hashem by 9/11.
How do our actions become publicized? How does the truth spread throughout the world? We are not missionaries and we don't proselytize, so how does Kiddush Hashem ultimately happen?
How can we be proud of our Torah way of life and yet not look down at people who do not live with the Torah lifestyle?
Although the Torah does not change and we don't follow society and their sense of morality, however we do adjust ourselves according to the derech eretz of the place that we are in. We need to take notice of the etiquette of society around us. Kiddush Hashem lenses will help us keep on track.
The proper prescription for kiddush Hashem is to be a clear servant of Hashem at the same time interact as a mentch. One without the other can not succeed. A beautiful letter was sent to Rabbi Feinstein about his experience in the Staten Island Yeshiva which demonstrates this point.
How do we create a balance between bein adam lchaveiro and bein adam lamakom? How do we ensure that one does not fall by the wayside? We will learn in this vaad how one cannot succeed without the other.
The purpose of all midos tovos is to mekadeish sheim shamayim. Hear an incredible story about Rabbi Henoch Leibowitz and his honesty with a government grant.
What is our role in creating kiddush Hashem? Are we supposed to publicize like Avrohom avinu did? How does Kiddush Hashem result from all of our actions? We share powerful stories of how Kedusha can create kiddush Hashem.
There are so many different types of Kiddush Hashem and there is so much confusion in what constitutes a kiddush Hashem. In this Vaad we give a clear and fascinating definition that shines light on our ultimate mission.
What is our vision and final goal by living a life of Kiddush Hashem? Why is this the ultimate goal of the Jewish people?
This is a zoom shiur that Rabbi Shraga Freedman gave for the group "Hashem First".
Why is Kiddush Hashem the entire theme of Rosh Hashana? If we start the year with the end goal in mind, and commit ourselves to stay focused on that goal then Hashem will certainly give us the tools we need to accomplish it.
What is the difference between a kiddush Hashem done in front of a Jew or in front of a non-Jew?
When we reflect the Will of Hashem (especially when wearing tefillin) we instill fear into the hearts of everyone around us. What does it mean that everyone will be afraid of us?
How concerned do we need to be to prevent a chillul Hashem? How far out of our way do we need to go to avoid a chillul Hashem? In this week's recording we learn that the reason we dip marror in charoses is to avoid even a far fetched chillul Hashem.
How the yetzer hara empowers us to create more Kiddush Hashem. Overcoming temptations can be the ultimate kiddush Hashem.
There is a lot that we can learn from the way teachers respect and influence their students, to the way we interact with the outside world.
How do we keep on course in our objective of Kiddush Hashem when others are not impressed? How do we deal with opposition?
What is our relationship with the nations of the world? Listen to a great story with a Rabbi and a Harley Davidson bike club.
An unbelievable story with Rav Shmuel Kamanetzky and his compassion and caring for all human beings.
Are Jews like lone sailors trying to reach a destination of closeness to Hashem or are we comparable to captains trying to bring a boat load of passengers to the destination? There is a big difference between these two different approaches.
Yoshi Balaban was taken suddenly from our midst in a tragic car accident. His short life of 4 years personified a life of kiddush Hashem and it demonstrated the holiness of the chinuch that he received in his home. In this recording I share a little of the inspiration that I felt after being menacheim avel at their home.
Is it possible to truly respect people who don't live with Torah values, without hurting our own strong commitment to those values?
Why do we need to anticipate the geulah every day? Why is it considered one of the 13 foundational beliefs? How is it relevant to our lives?
Is it possible that the geulah can come even if we are not deserving? Wouldn't that be a chillul Hashem?!
We make the reflection, Hashem makes the demonstration. A real-life story of Hashem showing his love to special Jews.
Who is the Jewish people's PR director? How do all of the mitzvos including the chukim and all of the ones that we do behind doors result in kiddush Hashem?
What is a Kiddush Hashem? Is there a definition that will encompass all the different types?
Is not wearing masks a chillul Hashem? Without derech eretz, our Torah could turn into a chillul Hashem.