The TORAH Lab: Recent Episodes
Rabbi Shmuli Kagan
Torah Insights with Rabbi Shmuli Kagan brought to you by the Beit Mordechai Campus Kollel This podcast is brought to you in loving memory of Joshua Yitzchak Swartz יהושע יצחק בן שאול ראובן הלוי May his Neshama have an Aliyah from these words of Torah
This shiur discusses two ideas from two parshiot. Naso and the Birchat Kohanim regarding the blessing of peace. Secondly parshat Behalotcha and how we must learn never to give up
Does one experience greater joy when sharing an experience with others? Looking at the Mitzvah of making sure others are also rejoicing on the Festivals and how it teaches us to intensify our own simcha
Understanding the Mitzvah of experiencing Simcha on the Chagim, with special insight into Shavuot
The challenge of the Corona pandemic is that when needing community, we need to distance ourselves from them. What is the power of community and how can we utilise technology to connect for the sake of connecting
People often think that being alone can bring one calm and happiness but in fact research shows how being sociable is the most influencing force to being happy. We study the Metzorah, the one who is isolated outside of the camp, and others who like the Metzorah are considered as if they are dead and how connecting to others brings a sense of being alive.
Nachum Ish Gam Zu would say "Gam Zu Letovah" - this is also for the good. His student Rebi Akiva followed in his ways albeit with slightly different phrase. Their attitude to life is what makes Purim and the month of Adar such joyous times.
We learn from Akeidat Yitzchak (the binding of Isaac) how Avraham passed this test through his ability to adapt to Hashem's request. We use this natural coping mechanism to process experiences of hardship realising we can adapt to the sadness. Similarly, euphoric sensations of happiness will also discipate through the same character trait of adaptability.
Do you really know what will make you happy? What if happiness really depends on you and not on some external criteria or circumstance? How does being happy with our lot make us rich? In this episode we explore the Mishna in Pirkei Avot of who is wealth and wise and analyse how we predict what will make us happy or sad.
Living our lives with simcha is an obligation - but that means it's a choice. It isn't easy but it's possible. It's also very rewarding.