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PODCAST

Mussar HaTorah

Learn to be the best version of yourself from the Mussar in the weekly Parsha. notarabbi.substack.com

religion & spirituality judaism

All Episodes

7:48

Rosh Hashana 5786 - The Ultimate Coronation

Mussar HaTorah ·

2025/09/17

Why does the Gemara say we recite verses of kingship "so that" we make Hashem king over us? Isn't declaring Him king the same thing as making Him king? This seemingly circular logic in Rosh Hashana 16a puzzled scholars for generations—until Rav Yitzchok Hutner revealed a revolutionary insight that completely transforms how we understand what's happening during our Rosh Hashana prayers. It turns out that everything we think we know about the relationship between declaring Hashem's kingship and

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10:02

Netzavim 5785 - The Double Kiddush Mystery

Mussar HaTorah ·

2025/09/16

Why would Jewish law allow someone to make kiddush twice - once for themselves and again for someone else who's already capable of doing it themselves? This seemingly puzzling halacha opens the door to one of Judaism's most profound and practically transformative concepts. Join us as we explore Rabbi Yaakov Kier's powerful insights from his "Mussar Moment" series, discover what the Chofetz Chaim learned from financial guarantors that revolutionized his approach to Jewish community, and uncover how

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6:50

Ki Savo 5785 - Beyond Checkbox Judaism

Mussar HaTorah ·

2025/09/09

We all have that one area where we draw the line – maybe it's being on time, controlling our temper, or giving up a particular comfort. "I'm a good Jew," we tell ourselves, "I just struggle with this one thing." But what if that single exception isn't just a weakness to work on, but undermines our entire relationship with Torah? In this eye-opening episode, we delve into a startling verse from Parshas Ki Savo that reveals why the Ramban and Rabbenu Yonah viewed partial commitment as more perilous

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4:34

Ki Tatze 5785 - The Impossible Command That Sets You...

Mussar HaTorah ·

2025/09/02

What if the very people who hurt you the most are still controlling your life—not through their actions, but through your hatred of them? In this week's episode, we uncover one of the Torah's most shocking commands hidden in Parshas Ki Teze: "Don't despise an Egyptian" and "Don't despise an Edomite"—the very nations that enslaved and persecuted the Jewish people. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks zt"l reveals why this seemingly impossible mitzvah might be the key to unlocking true freedom in your own life

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8:00

Shoftim 5785 - The Revolutionary Power of a Simple Smile

Mussar HaTorah ·

2025/08/26

Ever wonder why a well-prepared lawyer could suddenly become tongue-tied in court just because the judge showed favoritism to their opponent? This week's Parshas Shoftim reveals a profound psychological truth that goes far beyond the courtroom. Rabbi Shlomo Wolbe's stunning insight into "hester panim" (hiding of the face) versus "he'aras panim" (lighting up of the face) exposes the hidden reason why so many of our relationships remain stuck in cold distance. The culprit? We're all waiting for the

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6:47

Reeh 5785 - The Rationalization Trap

Mussar HaTorah ·

2025/08/19

We all know what's right and wrong, so why do we still make poor choices? In this week's episode on Parshas Reeh, we explore a profound insight from Rav Henoch Liebowitz zt"l about how the Yetzer Hara doesn't try to convince us that wrong is right—instead, it specializes in sophisticated rationalizations that make us believe the rules don't apply to us "this time." Through the lens of the blessings and curses given at Mount Gerizim, we discover that our neshama already knows the right path, but we

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6:30

Ekev 5785 - The Two-Day Rule

Mussar HaTorah ·

2025/08/12

Ever wonder why getting back into your learning routine after vacation feels so much harder than you expected? This week's Parshas Ekev reveals a startling spiritual principle that changes everything: when you take one day off from Torah or meaningful prayer, it actually costs you TWO days of effort to get back to where you started. Through a powerful parable from the Yerushalmi about two friends walking in opposite directions, Rav Wolbe shows us why spiritual momentum works both ways - and why even

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6:30

V'Eschanan 5785 - Beyond Obligation

Mussar HaTorah ·

2025/08/05

What's the difference between a servant who stays loyal through tough times and one who abandons ship at the first sign of trouble? Rashi's profound insight into the Shema reveals a game-changing approach to Jewish observance that could transform your entire spiritual experience. In this episode, inspired by Rabbi Yaakov Kier's "Mussar Moments," we explore how shifting from fear-based to love-based service isn't just nice theology—it's practical psychology that determines whether our mitzvos

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7:28

Devarim 5785 - The Dignity Code

Mussar HaTorah ·

2025/07/29

When Moshe began his final speech to the Jewish people, he opened with what seems like a boring geography lesson - but Rashi reveals these place names were actually coded references to Israel's past mistakes. Why speak in riddles when direct rebuke might be more effective? The answer reveals a revolutionary Torah principle about human dignity that's so powerful it can override other religious obligations. Discover how Moshe's sensitivity to embarrassment teaches us the sacred art of giving feedback

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5:57

Mattos-Massei 5785 - Mentch First, Tzaddik Second

Mussar HaTorah ·

2025/07/22

What if everything you thought you knew about being a tzaddik was backwards? In this week's episode on Parshas Mattos, we explore a revolutionary insight from Rav Yisroel Meir Druck that challenges our assumptions about righteousness. When the Torah describes the soldiers chosen for battle as "anashim" - meaning wise, understanding people - Rashi reveals they were tzaddikim. But here's the twist: before someone can become a true tzaddik, they must first master something far more basic yet infinitely

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5:37

Pinchas 5785 - When Being Right Isn't Enough

Mussar HaTorah ·

2025/07/15

Have you ever been absolutely right about something your family or a student needed to change, pushed for it with the best intentions, and watched it completely backfire? This week's parsha contains one of the most profound leadership lessons in the Torah - hidden in Moses's final request for a successor. Through the brilliant insights of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z”l, we'll discover why being right isn't enough, and learn the three essential keys to leading change in our families without leaving

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6:47

Balak 5785 - Breaking the Spell of Reverence

Mussar HaTorah ·

2025/07/08

What happens when the sacred becomes ordinary? In this special anniversary episode of Mussar HaTorah, we explore how Amalek's seemingly simple attack on the Jewish people at Refidim shattered something far more precious than military confidence—it broke the spell of reverence that had protected an entire nation. Through the profound insights of Rabbi Yehoshua Portowitz, the Mesilat Yesharim, and Rav Hutner, we'll discover how mockery acts like an oil-slicked shield that causes spiritual truths to

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5:06

Chukas 5785 - Beyond Logic

Mussar HaTorah ·

2025/07/01

In this special episode dedicated to my nephew's Bar Mitzvah, we explore Parshas Chukas and the Torah's most mysterious mitzvah—the Parah Adumah, or Red Heifer. Even King Solomon, the wisest of all men, declared this commandment beyond his understanding, yet it holds profound lessons for our spiritual growth. Through the teachings of Rav Henoch Leibowitz and Rav Shlomo Wolbe, we'll discover how embracing divine mysteries can deepen our faith, why increased knowledge brings greater responsibility,

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5:05

Korach 5785 - Your Flaws Are Features

Mussar HaTorah ·

2025/06/24

What if the very traits you've been trying to change about yourself are actually divine gifts waiting to be properly channeled? In this week's episode on Parshas Korach, we explore a revolutionary approach to personal growth that flips conventional self-improvement on its head. Through the lens of Korach's failed rebellion and profound teachings from Rabbi Shlomo Wolbe, discover why your most challenging tendencies might not be flaws to eliminate, but raw materials crafted by Hashem for a specific

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7:21

Shelach 5785 - The Hidden Enemy Within

Mussar HaTorah ·

2025/06/17

How could such distinguished leaders misread their mission so dramatically? The answer lies not in dramatic rebellion, but in a subtle enemy that lurks within us - atzlus (laziness). Discover how even the slightest lack of enthusiasm distorts our perception, making challenges appear insurmountable and blessings invisible. This episode isn't just about ancient history - it's about transforming how you approach your spiritual life today. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with

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5:33

Bahalosacha 5785 - When Satan Stands on the Right

Mussar HaTorah ·

2025/06/10

Ever wondered why Satan stands on the right side in Zechariah's vision, when the right represents all that's good and just? Join us as we explore the Chofetz Chaim's profound insight into the Yetzer Hara's most dangerous strategy – disguising itself as religious righteousness. This episode will change how we examine our religious practice and help you discern between authentic service of Hashem and the subtle traps of misplaced piety. It’s essential listening for anyone seeking genuine spiritual

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5:48

Nasso 5785 - Saints and Sages

Mussar HaTorah ·

2025/06/04

In Parshas Naso, we encounter the fascinating laws of the Nazirite—a person who voluntarily embraces extreme self-denial for spiritual purposes. Surprisingly, the Torah requires them to bring a sin offering when their vow ends. Was their self-denial praiseworthy or problematic? Join us as we explore Maimonides' brilliant resolution to this contradiction, revealing two distinct paths to a virtuous life: the saint who pursues personal perfection through extreme devotion, the sage who navigates the

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4:59

Bamidbar 5785 - Banners of Purpose

Mussar HaTorah ·

2025/05/27

What if the ancient banners of Israel weren't just military markers, but divine blueprints for your unique purpose? In this week's eye-opening episode of Mussar HaTorah, we uncover why God arranged the Jewish people like heavenly angels, each beneath their distinctive banner in the wilderness. Discover the profound teachings of Rabbi Yeruchum Levovitz and Rabbi Simcha Wasserman that explain why knowing your irreplaceable mission eliminates jealousy, why being counted by name transforms your

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6:53

Behar-Bechoksai 5785 - When Farmers Become Angels

Mussar HaTorah ·

2025/05/20

In this episode, we explore the profound spiritual challenge of shmittah—the Torah commandment to let fields lie fallow every seventh year. Discover why Chazal compare those who observe this mitzvah to angels, and how ordinary farmers demonstrate extraordinary faith by trusting in divine providence against all logical concerns for their livelihood. Through powerful stories and teachings from Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz and the Gemara, we uncover how the principle of "doing before understanding" creates a

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4:57

Emor 5785 - Not Just a Ritual Rule

Mussar HaTorah ·

2025/05/13

Why would the Torah care about the timing of animal sacrifices? Join us as we uncover how a single verse in Parshas Emor about not slaughtering a mother and child on the same day reveals God's blueprint for developing compassion. Drawing from Rabbi Portowicz's insights, we'll explore how this mitzvah isn't merely a ritual technicality but a divine tool designed to refine our character, instill mercy in our hearts, and ensure we treat all of creation—and especially each other—with profound

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77 results

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