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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

7:30

Acharei Mos - Kedoshim 5785 - Sacred Boundaries,...

Mussar HaTorah ·

2025/05/06

Why are the Torah's revolutionary commands to love your neighbor and the stranger found alongside laws about not mixing different seeds or wearing garments of mixed materials? In this episode of Mussar HaTorah, we explore Rabbi Jonathan Sacks' profound insight into "the priestly moral imagination" that underlies Parshat Kedoshim. Discover how seemingly unrelated laws reflect a coherent ethical vision that begins with respecting divine boundaries and culminates in recognizing the image of God in

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4:41

Tazria-Metzorah 5785 - The Power of Contemplation

Mussar HaTorah ·

2025/04/29

Have you ever wondered why knowing something intellectually isn't the same as truly understanding it? Join us as we explore a powerful Midrash about a kohen who was about to leave his family for a livelihood elsewhere, and how a profound conversation with his wife revealed a deep spiritual insight. Through the lens of Rav Henoch Liebowitz's teachings, we'll uncover how we can transform mere knowledge into life-changing wisdom and learn why sometimes the most important truths are the ones we overlook

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6:27

Shemini 5785 - The Limits of Humility

Mussar HaTorah ·

2025/04/22

In this week's episode of Mussar HaTorah, we explore a fascinating tension in Parshat Shemini when Aharon hesitates to approach the altar. Through the penetrating insights of Rav Shlomo Wolbe, we discover when extreme humility becomes an obstacle to divine service. Join us as we unpack the powerful story of Rabbi Yechezkel Abramsky in a British courtroom and learn that true humility isn't thinking less of yourself—it's thinking of yourself less. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss

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8:51

Pekudei 5785 - Every Nail Matters

Mussar HaTorah ·

2025/03/25

What makes something truly holy, and why was the original Mishkan never destroyed while both Temples fell? In this episode, we explore the Sforno's profound insight that perfect sanctity creates eternal endurance. We'll examine why every person involved in building sacred spaces matters, why the materials and methods used have spiritual consequences, and how even one compromised element can affect the holiness of our institutions. Drawing on examples from Rav Chiya's extraordinary dedication to pure

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6:30

Vayakhel 5785 - Divine Crowdfunding

Mussar HaTorah ·

2025/03/16

Join us this week on Mussar HaTorah for our episode "Divine Crowdfunding: How an Ancient Fundraiser Changed Judaism Forever," where we explore history's first viral giving campaign that was so successful Moses had to ask people to stop donating! Drawing on Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks' brilliant insights, we uncover how the building of the Mishkan revolutionized religious practice by democratizing holiness and inviting everyone—regardless of status or gender—to become partners in creating sacred space

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5:45

Purim 5785 - The Hidden Hand

Mussar HaTorah ·

2025/03/10

In this illuminating episode of Mussar HaTorah, we uncover the profound mystery at the heart of Purim—a story where Hashem's name is never mentioned, yet divine providence shapes every twist and turn. Join us as we explore how the "hidden hand" in Megillat Esther teaches us to recognize Hashem's guidance in our own lives, especially during times when the divine presence feels distant or obscured. Drawing wisdom from the Talmud, Maharal, Rabbi Soloveitchik, and other Jewish sages, we'll discover how

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7:49

Ki Sisa 5785 - The Breaking Point

Mussar HaTorah ·

2025/03/09

Why did Moshe really break the Tablets of the Law? In this illuminating episode of Mussar HaTorah, we explore a profound insight from Rav Sholom Schwadron (who heard it from Rav Moshe Mordechai Epstein, Rosh Yeshiva of Chevron) that challenges our traditional understanding of this dramatic moment: It wasn't merely the creation of the Golden Calf that provoked Moshe's response, but rather witnessing the people's celebration around it—a distinction supported by the Ramban's commentary in Devarim 9:17

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4:21

Tetzaveh 5785 - Illuminating Dignity

Mussar HaTorah ·

2025/03/02

In this illuminating episode of Mussar Hatorah, we explore a profound lesson hidden within the mitzvah of lighting the Menorah. Why would the Creator of light need humans to illuminate His sanctuary? Through a beautiful Midrash from Shemos Rabbah about a blind man and his friend, we discover Hashem's masterclass in perfect chesed—one that preserves human dignity rather than creating indebtedness. Join us as we uncover how true kindness often means allowing others to give back, and learn practical

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5:03

Trumah 5785 - When Wanting is Doing

Mussar HaTorah ·

2025/02/25

Can you earn a spiritual reward for mitzvos you can't actually perform? Through a fascinating detail in the Torah's description of the Aron Hakodesh, we discover how our sincere desires to serve Hashem can elevate us in unexpected ways. Join us as we explore what the Ramban, Rav Henoch Liebowitz, and the Gemara teach us about the hidden power of spiritual yearning, and learn why we should never disqualify ourselves from any mitzvah - even those that seem beyond our reach.In this episode of Mussar

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5:33

Mishpatim 5785 - Civil Laws, Divine Growth

Mussar HaTorah ·

2025/02/18

Why did these particular laws need to be given at Sinai? I mean, we're talking about basic civil laws here. Every ancient civilization had their legal codes. The Babylonians had Hammurabi's Code. The Romans had their famous legal system. So what makes these Torah laws so special that they need to be given alongside the Ten Commandments? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit notarabbi.substack.com

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5:19

Beshalach 5785 - The Human Paradox

Mussar HaTorah ·

2025/02/05

In Or HaTzafun, the Alter points to Parshas Beshalach as perhaps the clearest illustration of this dynamic. Within the same parsha, we see Bnei Yisrael reach the highest heights of prophecy at Krias Yam Suf, declaring "זה קלי ואנוהו" - "This is my God and I will glorify Him." The Mechilta tells us their level of perception exceeded that of Yechezkel's prophecy of the Divine Chariot.Yet, these same people shortly after crossing Yam Suf complain about water, then about food, leading the Alter to ask:

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4:00

Bo 5785 - New Moon, New You

Mussar HaTorah ·

2025/01/28

Most people naturally think of the dramatic final plagues in Egypt when considering Parshas Bo and our people's extraordinary exodus. In the middle of all the excitement lies something that might seem rather technical at first glance - the very first mitzvah given to the Jewish people as a nation: Kiddush HaChodesh, the sanctification of the new moon.You might ask yourself - of all the 613 mitzvos, why choose this one first? Rabbi Sacks offers us a profound insight speaking directly to our journey

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4:59

Va'era 5785 - Matters of the Heart

Mussar HaTorah ·

2025/01/22

Pharaoh's reaction to the plagues is extremely difficult to understand. He suffered through a week with blood instead of water, a week with frogs infesting every place you could imagine (and some we can't imagine!)., and then a week with lice everywhere. He was steadfast and for a "reward" had a week of wild animals attacking his kingdom and then a week of all the livestock dying. After all of these plagues that Hashem brought on Pharoah, he again ignored the pain and suffering and hardened his

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5:47

Shemos 5785 - The Gift of Life

Mussar HaTorah ·

2025/01/15

The Gemara in Sotah (11a) tells us Pharoah had 3 advisors Billam, Iyov, and Yisro. He asked them about what to do with Beni Yisroel's exponential growth. Billam said to kill them and he was ultimately killed for that suggestion. Iyov said nothing and he was giving tremendous troubles in his life. Yisro said they should be saved and was rewarded to have decedents as members of Sanhedrin. It seems that the punishment Iyov received was worse than the punishment Billam received. All Iyov did was be

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5:20

Vayechi 5785 - The Secret Power of Added Awareness

Mussar HaTorah ·

2025/01/08

Welcome to the Mussar haTorah podcast for Parshas VaYechi. Join us as we explore the weekly Parsha, uncovering valuable insights and striving to become the best versions of ourselves through Mussar teachings.Yaakov on his deathbed asked Yosef to swear that he would not bury him in Egypt but he should take Yaakov's remains to Eretz Yisroel and be buried there. The Ramban asks why did Yaakov insist that Yosef swear to bury him in Eretz Yisroel even when he promised to fulfill this request? We are

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5:43

YaYigash 5785 - When Plan B is Plan A

Mussar HaTorah ·

2024/12/31

Welcome to the Mussar haTorah podcast for Parshas Vayigash. Join us as we explore the weekly Parsha, uncovering valuable insights and striving to become the best versions of ourselves through Mussar teachings.In this week's parsha, Yosef reveals himself to his brothers. During this revelation he says the following:וְעַתָּ֗ה לֹֽא־אַתֶּ֞ם שְׁלַחְתֶּ֤ם אֹתִי֙ הֵ֔נָּה כִּ֖י הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים וַיְשִׂימֵ֨נִֽי לְאָ֜ב לְפַרְעֹ֗ה וּלְאָדוֹן֙ לְכׇל־בֵּית֔וֹ וּמֹשֵׁ֖ל בְּכׇל־אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם׃Now [then] it was not

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5:56

Miketz 5785 - The Ultimate Power Move

Mussar HaTorah ·

2024/12/25

Picture this: Yosef, after years in an Egyptian prison, finally stands before Pharaoh. This could be his moment of triumph, his chance to shine. Pharaoh says, "I've heard you can interpret dreams."Now, imagine being in Yosef's shoes. After years of suffering, finally a chance at freedom. What would you say? But Yosef's response is remarkable. He immediately says: "Biladai - It's not through me. Elokim yaaneh es shalom Pharaoh - God will provide Pharaoh's welfare."The Alter of Kelm in Chochmas

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6:06

VaYeshev 5785 - More Than Words

Mussar HaTorah ·

2024/12/17

In this week's parsha, we encounter a fascinating moment that reveals profound insights into genuine religious consciousness. The Torah tells us that when Yosef was sold as a slave to Potifar, something remarkable happened: "וַיַּרְא אֲדֹנָיו כִּי ה' אִתּוֹ" - "his master saw that Hashem was with him."Rav Shlomo Wolbe raises an intriguing question that cuts to the heart of our religious practice. What made Yosef so exceptional? After all, don't we also say "Baruch Hashem" and "Im Yirtzeh Hashem"

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4:21

VaYishlach 5785 - Wrestling with Torah

Mussar HaTorah ·

2024/12/12

Welcome to the mussar haTorah podcasts for Parshas VaYishlach. Join us as we explore the weekly Parsha, uncovering valuable insights and striving to become the best versions of ourselves through Mussar teachings. The parsha has the famous incident of Yaakov wrestling with the "stranger". Rav Shmuel Beirnbaum z'l asks a question I never considered. Why didn't this "stranger" get into any fights with Avraham or Yitzchok yet have one with Yaakov?Rav Shmuel answers we need to look at what each of the

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5:47

Vayetze 5785 - The Hidden Kindness

Mussar HaTorah ·

2024/12/04

The medrash tells us on the night Rachel was supposed to be married to Yaakov Avenu, her father Lavan switched her sister Leah with Rachel at the last moment. This was something Yaakov anticipated and had given Rachel signs to identify herself. Rachel, sensing that Leah would be embarrassed, gave the signs to Leah so there would be no embarrassment.Later on in the pasha we see the story with Rachel, Leah, and the dudaim. When Rachel, who is at this point childless, asks Leah for the dudiam Reuven

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