Morning Machshava with Rabbi Shulman: Recent Episodes
Avraham Shulman
A daily inspiring thought from Rabbi Avraham Shulman based on classic Machshava Seforim focused on self understanding and growth.
The importance of doing Mitzvah with Simcha. How can we understand that someone should be punished for a lack of happiness in serving Hashem?
Chapter 2 in the Sefer Mesilas Yesharim discusses the middah of זהירות. As a first step to any self growth and development a person must live thoughtfully and analyze their actions. The Ramchal offers a powerful משל to bring this concept alive.
Take A Deeper Look at the world around us, and try to perceive the יד ה׳. What can the vastness of the ocean teach us about our mission in this world?
Based on the mitzvah of יפת תאר, we can learn amazing Chizuk in our ability to overcome any challenge of the Yetzer Hara.
Part 2 of Chapter 1 in Sefer Mesilas Yesharim describing Man’s obligation in his world. Proofs that the purpose of Man’s creation is for עולם הבא. The role of the neshama and pleasure in this world.
What is Man’s Obligation in his World? An outline and explanation of the Ramchal’s fundamental keys to life and self improvement.
Two powerful machashavos to think about as we begin Chodesh Elul, based on רמזים of אלול.
Shmooze highlighting lessons we can apply to our lives from the Sar HaTorah Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l.
When we have a true love for Hashem, Nothing can break that bond. Not even a prophet performing open miracles. An important lesson in our Emunah.
Perspective on why we fast. The deeper meaning and connection behind the tragedies of 17 Tamuz.
Chazal tell us the the Mitzvah of ואהבת לרעך כמוך is a כלל גדול בתורה. How can this one mitzvah encompass everything?
Tzarras is a spiritual ailment which is a message from Hashem to bring a person back. Mysteriously on a person’s home, Chazal tell us that they receive a side benefit of finding hidden jewels and gold in the walls. The reason for this is a powerful idea to help us understand why Hashem gives us yisurin and challenges. Have a Good Shabbos
Mitzvos demand that we often do things which go against our personal desires. The key to living a happy and content life as a Yid, is to work on transforming our will to be in concert with the Ratzon Hashem.
The Mishnah says we shouldn’t serve Hashem to receive a reward. There still is a schar however, when we are sincere Ovdei Hashem.
The time for the final step in inaugurating the Mishkan has arrived, yet Aharon Hakohen is reluctant to bring the Korbanos. Why? What can we learn from Moshe’s powerful words to Aharon at this moment? A beautiful message for Shabbos
The Torah gives us a Mitzvah to count seven complete weeks bridging the Yom Tovim of Pesach and Shabbos. According to many meforshim this is because Yitzias Mitzrayim was a prelude to receiving the Torah at Har Sinai. Our contemporary practice is to observe Minhagei Aveilus due to the tragedies that occurred. How can we reconcile these two approaches?
On Pesach Night one of the most beautiful sections of the Seder is the Hallel. But for some strange reason we eat a meal in the middle of the Hallel. This Hallel is unique in that it is said not a a Tefillah but as a Shira that we all say.
Rabban Gamliel famously stated that if you don't mention Pesach, Matzah, and Maror during the Seder you aren't Yotzei. Why would these mitzvos have this added requirement? The ultimate message is to know that Hashem is the master of all nature and events and Geulah can arrive at any moment, no matter how dark it may seem.
There is a strong connection between Parshas Vayikra and Pesach. Learn the deeper meaning behind the prohibition of eating Chametz.
Pesach is the Yom Tov of חרות, yet we find throughout the Seder elements of Aveilus. Based on an explanation of Rav Yaakov Emden we can gain a new insight into many of the minhagim of Leil Pesach and truly say לשנה הבאה בירושלים.
The Seder Night is an opportunity to transmit our national and personal Mesorah. How do we do that?