Daily Torah Classes with Rabbi Levi Notik: Recent Episodes
Rabbi Levi Notik
Timeless Wisdom for Modern LivingClasses that probe the depths of contemporary Torah thought, with a special focus on issues surrounding spirituality, the human psyche, and relationships. Every experience offers meaningful and timely lessons from the most timeless of texts. You will walk away surprised, inspired, and knowing more about who we are as Jews, and who you are as an individual.
We were in Egypt for 210 years, much less then the 400 years that G-d told Avraham we would be slaves in a foreign land. Slavery only began after all of Yakov's sons died, bringing the total suffering to 86 years.
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The land of Israel was called Canaan before it was called Israel, named after Noach's grandson who lived there.
Canaan also means a merchant, who invests or gives away resources to gain a profit.
Yakov sacrificed a lot during his life in Charan, he left Israel, he left the immersion of full days of study and prayer, he lost all his money, however the profit was huge, he raised a family - the 12 Tribes of Israel all whom were Tzadikim.
In life we always have sacrifices, these are here for a profit, to grow and be greater then before.
Our Neshomo - soul descended into this wold leaving the heavenly spiritual experiences to come to a mundane physical place for the same reason, to grow to be elevated and reach even higher than before.
Our world is here to be elevated, for us to make it a better place than before.
In life we also sacrifice, In life we make sacrifices, our soul left the heavenly spiritual experiences to come here, the goal is investment
Before being referred to as Eretz Yisroel our land is called Land of Canaan after Noach's grandson who lived there. The name Canaan also means a business man. When one does business the goal is to earn a profit, there is investment and at times it may even feel as losses, but it's for a profit. The Neshomo comes into this world for a purpose to have a profit, to be elevated.
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Prayer is a connection between us and G-d. When we connect transformation happens.
Enjoy this interesting talk on prayer; praise, requests, and gratitude.
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Avraham returned to his place to pray. The Talmud teaches us that one should have a designated spot to pray. At home or in the Synagogue it should be the same approximate place. The reason is similar to the requirement to have set times to study Torah, for when it's set it becomes part of you in a permanent way.
In this class we discuss the importance of creating a a sanctuary in your home and in your life.
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The first episode that Torah relates about Avraham's life occurs when he is 75 years old. Why are we not to introduced to him earlier? Especially that there are many heroic things he did for his belief in monotheism.
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How we can recognize that what happens in the ordinary is actually G-d's hand, and not our efforts.
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When you see something wrong in someone else, it's a reflection of what's going on in yourself. In this talk we explore how to understand this seemingly unfair statement.
When you see something off in your friend, do you see a problem only, or do you see an opportunity for fixing.
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The powerful lesson we can learn from Adam's failure when he ate from the Tree of Knowledge. Our biggest challenges in life, are usually indicators that these are the things that matter most.
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Shofar is a cry from the depths of our soul. The call of the Shofar transcends to the logical explanations of why we want to connect, It's our getting in touch with our essence.
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Rosh Hashana means the head of the year. Learn why we refer to this holiday as the head and not just the beginning or the "New Year"
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When the Torah promises long life, and various rewards for doing the right thing is it meant literally? Do good people actually have a better life?
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Can you inflict pain on yourself? Does Torah allow you to give permission to someone to hurt you?
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Man is compared to a tree in the field.
Unlike an animal that moves, a tree is attached to the ground.
As humans we have intellect and character.
Intellect is something that moves, as we grow your knowledge changes and develops.
Character is attached to us, our personality and style don't change that easily.
You are your character, emotions and personality are so important.
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The month of Elul is described as our Love to Hashem and Hashem's love to us.
However the main focus is our efforts in getting closer to him
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Life Lessons from the symbols of Kosher.
Split hooves represent the need to be split, not only doing what comes naturally.
Chewing your cuds means thinking over your decisions being objective.
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Fourty is a recurring theme in the Torah.
Jews were in the desert for fourty years,
Moshe ascends the mountain for forty days
A Mikva requires 40 Seah measured of water
Forty is really the amount of time it takes to cause significant change. Forty is what it takes to create a new reality
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Is there such a thing as objectivity?
Do our past experiences and encounters influence everything that follows?
In this class we explore how Moshe dealt with this concern.
Hear about the solution to the problem, and practical steps you can implement today.
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How often should one pray? What are the reasons for prayer?
Is prayer about asking G-d for physical requests or is it more of a spiritual experience?
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Are you the product of nature? Are your tendencies and characteristics a result of genetics?
Or does it depend on your friends and social circle? Is the impact of your social circle only external or does it inherently impact you? Are there any solutions to this issue?
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The value of trusting in G-d
The lesson of the story of the miracle that transpired at Arnon when mountains were moved to save the Jewish people. A fascinating talk on trust, faith, and thinking positive.
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3 people came back to this world.
Why were Korach's sons allowed to come back if the other 250 people perished? We learn about the value of the internal resolve.
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Why name a Parsha after a wicked person?
It's forbidden to name children after evil people.
One of the worst enemies of the Jews was Balak.
He hired Balaam to curse the Jews and yet we all refer to the Parsha as Balak?
As it turns out his evil intentions brought about some of the greatest blessings for the Jewish people. The name is a reminder that when facing a challenge G-d forbid, choose to see it as a catalyst for something greater.
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Why is Israel Special To The Jewish People?
The land that G-d gave to Abraham. It has more holiness then anywhere else in the world.
It serves a purpose to show the world G-dliness and Torah's way of living.
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Summary of the final 2 chapters of Rambam discussing the laws of Moshiach.
We conclude the year cycle of learning 3 chapters daily and begin the new cycle.
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Moshe asked 515 times to be allowed to go into Israel.
G-d refused, and told him to stop praying for that.
We discuss the power of prayer and the reason for repetitive asking.
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On the one hand we feel bitterness for wrongdoing and the impact it had on others
At the same time we feel joy, because we are confident and hopeful that G-d forgives.
Let's learn to forgive others, as we expect G-d to do with us.
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Judaism has a lot to say about criticism.
Should we criticize? When and how?
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Is morality decided by people? Does it changes by where or when we live?
When Moshe translated the Torah in 70 languages he was ensuring Torah's moral code of ethics will reach all human kind.
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On the 9th of Av we mourn the destruction of both Temples that stood in Jerusalem.
Why would G-d allow the burning of his own Temples?
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The laws of how to Kosherize dishes that were used for non kosher food give us tremendous insight in life. Listen to a summary of Kosher and 3 practical lessons you can implement today.
1) Your inner self matters.
2) If it was ruined it can be fixed.
3) The way the problem occurred, is the way it will get solved.
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