Best Yaakov Meltzer Podcasts (2024)

1
Naso - The Individuality of the 12 Nesiim 4:46

4d ago4:46

4:46

Why does the Torah repeat the offerings of the 12 Nesiim at length, if it seems to be repetition of the same Karbanos? An approach of Rav Henoch Leibowitz Zt'l, to how and why they found a way to express the individuality and uniqueness of each Shevet, while at the same time allowing for uniformity among all the Shevatim. Have a good Shabbos…

1
Shavuos - Growth Through Torah - A Tribute To Rabbi Dr Abba Goldman Zt"l 10:51

3h ago10:51

10:51

Shavuos is a day when we try to grow in Torah, and appreciate how it can transform out lives. A small tribute to my Rebbe Zt"l who personified this, and two unique insights I gained from him about the Torah and the human mind.Have a Chag Kasher V'sameach

1
Bamidbar - Counting Us With Pride 7:46

1d ago7:46

7:46

The Torah counts us and lists our numbers in the Parsha multiple times. Chazal that explain Hashem treasures us and repeatedly counts us with pride. Can we feel Hashem is proud of us, and can that help us in our Avodas Hashem? Have a good Shabbos

1
Bechukosai - Connecting To The Torah In Yerushalayim 6:54

8d ago6:54

6:54

Bechukosai is a Parsha where we talk about the importance of working in Torah and developing a life of connection with the Torah. A surprising connection the Sefer HaChinuch makes to Maasar Behaimah, and what we hope to gain from Yerushalayim. Have a good Shabbos

1
Lag BaOmer - The Aveilus of Sefirah and the Joy of Lag BaOmer 5:45

15d ago5:45

5:45

An explanation from Rav Welcher why they were suddenly misakein an aveilus for the talmidim of Rabbi Akiva a thousand years after their deaths. An approach that it was to give us chizuk in galus.Have a good Shabbos

1
Behar - Not Yours To Make a Permanent Sale 8:10

15d ago8:10

8:10

The Torah tells us property sold in EY goes back at Yovel. Focusing on this idea in the Parsha, that the land is not ours to permanently sell, we are justs guests there.Have a good Shabbos.

1
Emor- To Bring Glory To His Name 9:40

28d ago9:40

9:40

Making a Kiddush Hashem and avoiding Chillul Hashem are from the most fundamental Mitzvos we have. The more we represent Hashem and His Torah, as individuals and as a people, the greater our responsibility in this area. Discussion about our responsibilities and our potential for greatness in this area. Have a Wonderful Shabbos.…

1
Kedoshim - Standing in Honor of the Elder 6:46

1M ago6:46

6:46

The Torah gives us a Mitzvah to honor the elder and the Chacham. Exploring some of the Halachos and ideas in the Mitzvah. Have a good Shabbos

1
Achrei Mos - Not To Critique To The Master 9:25

1M ago9:25

9:25

The Kohen Gadol only wears white in the Kodesh Kedoshim and not gold, so as not to invoke the memory of the Chet Haegel. So why does he wear gold during the rest of the Yom Kippur service? Differences in how to speak to our fellow Jews, and how we speak about them before Hakadosh Baruch Hu. Have a good Shabbos…

1
Shevii Shel Pesach - Every Aspect Counts 6:45

2M ago6:45

6:45

On Shevii Shel Pesach we focus on Kriyas Yam Suf, which is mainly about the justice brought upon the Mitzriyiim. This shiur focuses on their appreciation of the individuality of the judgement on different Mitrzriyiim, according to their levels, and what teaches us about Hashem's Hasgacha. Nothing is insignificant before Hashem. Have a Chag Kasher V…

1
Pesach and Metzora - Feeling the Hashgacha 8:52

2M ago8:52

8:52

The Seder is one of the foundational elements of building and conveying our Emunah. The more we feel the world is custom made for us, and that what Hashem does to us is personally crafted, the more we can give over that approach to Yetzias Mitzrayim and to our current world. How the Alter of Slobodka brought this out from Yetzias Mitzrayim, how the…

1
Tazria - The Metzora's Desperate Plea 7:57

2M ago7:57

7:57

Chazal say one of the reasons the Metzora goes around calling out that he is Tamei, is so others should daven for him. The Chofetz Chaim explores how this is not simply because he needs help healing, but also because it helps heal him from what causes him to speak Lashon Hara. Some thoughts on how we can build bridges with each other and thereby gu…

1
Shemini - It's Because of Me 9:59

3M ago9:59

9:59

When they inaugurated the Mishkan and did the Avodah on the eighth day, initially the Shechina did not descend upon the Mishkan. Rashi says Aharon Hakohen immediately put the blame upon himself, that Hashem must be upset with Him. Some lessons in taking ownership for what goes on in the world. Have a good Shabbos…

1
Tzav - Sensitivity To Another's Shame 8:35

3M ago8:35

8:35

The Torah says the Chatas is shechted in the same place as the Olah. Chazal explain it's to protect the sinner, that it shouldn't be clear to all that he is bringing a Chatas. Some lessons in how sensitive we have to be about potentially embarrassing others.Have a good Shabbos.

1
Vayikra - The Yesod of Karbanos 7:15

3M ago7:15

7:15

Why do we bring Karbanos, and what we can learn from them? Why are they one of the three pillars of the world, what can they teach us? Rabbeinu Bechayai and the Chinuch connect it to Kaparah and how it can bring us to Teshuva. The Rosh connects it to keeping us in a good place emotionally and not losing hope.…

1
Purim - Salvation In Times of Hester 13:35

3M ago13:35

13:35

What did Purim teach us about the way Hashem runs the world in times of concealment? How did Haman convince all the nations to agree to kill the Jews? Why did Purim lead to a new reacceptance of the Torah? Understanding the Chiddush of Purim, and why this salvation was worthy of a new Holiday.A Freilichen Purim…

1
Pekudei - Building It To Last 9:08

3M ago9:08

9:08

The Seforno explores four components involved in the construction of the Mishkan that ensured it would last eternally. Some thoughts on the importance if doing things right, and how it affects the holiness and long term impact of the mitzvos we do.Have a good Shabbos

1
Vayakhel - Rabbi Baruch Gore - The Chashivus of Being Careful with Hotzaah 9:31

3M ago9:31

9:31

It's an honor to share with you a special guest lecture by my good friend Rabbi Baruch Gore. Chazal learn the Issur to carry on Shabbos from this weeks parsha, so it's an appropriate week to share an idea on the topic. Rabbi Gore is the founder of the National Eruv Initiative and works to improve the quality of Eruvin across the country. You can le…

1
Vayakhel - The Hashraas HaShechina of Shabbos 8:41

3M ago8:41

8:41

Moshe assembled all the people and taught them about Shabbos and about donating to and building the Mishkan. Why were the instructions about the Mishkan preceded by instructing us about Shabbos? What is the connection between the relationship we have with Hashem through Shabbos, and the relationship we have through the Mishkan? Have a wonderful Sha…

1
Ki Sisah - The Double Edged Sword of Wealth 9:24

4M ago9:24

9:24

Chazal teach us that Moshe and the Avos were blessed with tremendous wealth. Yet they also teach us about the dangers of excess wealth, and how it helped lead to the downfall of Korach and Haman, and helped bring about the Chet Haegel. Is wealth a Bracha or a danger? Some perspectives on the double edged sword of money.Have a good Shabbos.…

1
Tetzaveh - The Missing Kaparah 8:48

4M ago8:48

8:48

Chazal tell us the bigdei kehuna provided Kaparah for the Aveiros of the Jewish people. Was this a kaparah for the community, or was it a kaparah for every individual's sins? Some insights on what we lost with the cessation of the Avodah.Have a good Shabbos

1
Terumah - Connecting to the Cedar Trees 9:18

4M ago9:18

9:18

Chazal tell us the cedar trees they used to build the Mishkan were originally planted by Avraham Avinu, and transplanted to Mitzrayim by Yaakov Avinu. Why did we need wood that connected us to the Avos, and what can it teach us about hoping for the Geulah?Have a good Shabbos

1
Mishpatim - Wisdom in Mishpatei Hezek 7:15

4M ago7:15

7:15

Someone broke into a car, found a passed out child in the back and saved their life. Someone else crashed into a car, caused the other party to miss their flight, which ended up crashing into the sea. Is the Mazik obligated to pay in those cases, or does the good result patur him? Some interesting examples in the Torah's wisdom in Dinei Mishpat.Hav…

1
Yisro - Giving Thanks Beyond Praise 9:37

5M ago9:37

9:37

Chazal say Yisro was the first one to thank Hashem for saving us from the Mitzriyim. Didn't they sing Shirah, why wasn't that good enough? An idea in the Importance of thanking Hashem for everything He does for us.Have a wonderful Shabbos

1
Beshalach - The Ultimate Caretaker 8:11

5M ago8:11

8:11

Normally servants take care of their master, but Hashem took us to be His servants and then took care us. Onkeles converted soldiers sent to abduct him by giving over this concept. How can we connect with it?Have a good Shabbos

1
Bo - Those Who Didn't Want To Leave 8:38

5M ago8:38

8:38

Chazal tell us that only one-fifth of the Jewish people left Mitzrayim, the other four-fifths perished during Makkas Choshech. Why did they deserve to die, and what can we learn from the story?Have a good Shabbos

1
Va'eira - The Destructive Nature of Ingratitude 8:43

5M ago8:43

8:43

Chazal say Pharaoh worked to ignore all the good Yosef had done for him, and it led to his denying Hashem. How does being a Kafui Tov lead to one being a Kofer? Can succumbing to the Yetzer Hara really take us down in such a dangerous downard spiral?Some ideas in the self-destructive nature of middas raos.…

1
Shemos - Bearing the Burden With Others 10:18

6M ago10:18

10:18

In our introduction to Moshe Rabeinu, basically all the Torah tells us about the first 80 years of his life is that he was Noseh B'ol with others. Why was this Middah his biggest zechus to become the leader of the Jewish people? How does it differ from empathy and kindness? A little longer this week as I added a small message in honor of the Mashgi…

1
Vayechi - Sharing and Transferring Mitzvos 9:40

6M ago9:40

9:40

Yaakov Avinu's brachos to Yissachar and Zevulun reference the partnership they have between them. Is Yissachar giving up a portion of his learning, can one buy another's zechusim? What about selling one's aveiros? Some insights into how one can gain a share inthe zechusim of another, and the greatness of supporting Torah.Hope you enjoy. Feel free t…

1
Vayigash - When We Fight Back & When We Don't 9:28

6M ago9:28

9:28

At the end of Parshas Miketz, the brothers are submissive with Yosef and prepared to stay as his slaves. However, at the beginning of Vayigash, Yehuda is threatening Yosef with war and destruction if he tries to keep Binyamin. What caused the change in approach? An approach based on the Ohr Hachaim, Lev Eliyahu, and the Kovetz Hearos to the topic o…

1
Miketz - Limiting The Suffering of Tzaddikim 9:53

6M ago9:53

9:53

Chazal tell us that Hashem often prevents Tzaddikim from suffering for more than 3 days. Fascinating applications Chazal make to Yosef's brothers going to jail, Yonah, Matan Torah, and the Akeidah.May this week's Dvar Torah be a zechus for a Refuah Shelaimah for Eitan ben Batsheva Yahalomi, among the rest of the Shevuyim.Have a good Shabbos…

1
Vayeishev & Chanukah - The Refuah Before The Makkah 9:20

6M ago9:20

9:20

Chazal tell us Hashem caused Yehuda to give birth to the ancestor ofMashiach before they even went down to Mitzrayim. Why was that neccessary at this time? Some insights into the light of Hashgacha Pratis Hashem provides even in times of darkness.Have a good Shabbos and a Freilichen Chanukah.

1
Vayishlach - Seeing The Captors For Who They Are 9:56

7M ago9:56

9:56

The Torah tells us of all the kindness Yaakov provided for the city of Shechem, and how they then abducted and abused Dinah. Some thoughts on those who only seek to harm us, and how to approach them. May this Dvar Torah be a zechus for Erez and Sohar Kalderon, and Yagil and Or Yaakov, to have a full Refuah Shelaima, together with the other released…

1
Vayeitzei - Like The Dust Of The Earth 9:21

7M ago9:21

9:21

Yaakov was given a Beracha to be like the dust of the earth. The Medrash says a pshat it's a Beracha relating to the anti-semitism we will face in Galus. Some Chizuk in the face of the challenges we are facing today.

1
Toldos - Those Who Bless Us & Those Who Curse Us 9:23

7M ago9:23

9:23

Yitzchak blessed Yaakov, those who curse us will be cursed, and those who bless us will be blessed. What the Yerushalmi teaches about how we should react to the way they treat us, and what the Medrash teaches about the difficult times in our history.

1
Chayei Sarah - Handling Insulting Behavior 9:59

7M ago9:59

9:59

Chazal warn us not to daven to Hashem to punish our fellow Jews, even if they wrong us. They praise one who is able to be Ma'avor Al Midosov and take things in stride. Some insights from the Chofetz Chaim and the Tomer Devorah on how we can achieve such heights.May this Dvar Torah be a Zechus for Erez ben Hadas (Kalderon) to be rescued, together wi…

1
Vayeira - Marching Past Our Doubts 9:38

8M ago9:38

9:38

When Avraham went to do the Akeidah, the Yetzer Hara tried to convince him he'd misunderstood what Hashem wanted. To some of the challenges, Avraham and Yitzchak said Al Minas Kein, we will do it regardless. Why did they respond that way, instead of defending their position? The Rosh Yeshiva's famous Shmuess in how to best fight those nagging doubt…

1
Lech Lecha - Learning How To Give 9:42

8M ago9:42

9:42

The Alter of Slobodka said one cannot be a Baal Chesed without serving Hashem, and one cannot serve Hashem without being a Baal Chesed. How does our relationship with Hashem help us be a bigger Baal Chesed? How can we learn how to do more?May we find more ways to bring zechusim for the sake of Acheinu Bnei Yisrael.Have a Good Shabbos…

1
Noach - Lessons in Chesed From the Teivah 9:37

8M ago9:37

9:37

In these times my Rabbeim are advising that we increase in our Achdus and Chesed as a Zechus for Acheinu Bnei Yisrael. Perspectives on Chesed from the Alter of Slabodka, and lessons to learn from Noach's Chesed in the Teivah. See the greatness of devotion to Chesed, Chazal even tell us lessons Avraham Avinu took from Noach's behavior in the Teivah.…

1
Bereishis - Punishing the Inciters 9:35

8M ago9:35

9:35

The snake was not given a chance to defend it self, because it had incited others to the worst evils. Thoughts on how the Torah views such things, in light of the situation in Eretz Yisrael.May Hashem send us Besuros Tovos. Have a good Shabbos.

1
V'zos HaBracha and Sof Moadim - Appreciating the Love for Us 6:37

9M ago6:37

6:37

The Ohr Hachaim points out the greatness of Moshe Rabbeinu in blessing us before his death, even though we helped cause it to happen at this time. We can extend that to appreciate the Love Hashem has for us, as manifested in Hoshana Rabah and Shemini Atzeres.Thanks again as we come to an end of season 3, appreciate your being a listener.Have a Chag…

1
Sukkos - Binding Ourselves Together 9:07

9M ago9:07

9:07

Chazal tell us that the 4 species we take on Sukkos represent 4 different types of Jews. Who is part of that group and is worthy of being bound together, and who is not? Have a Chag Kasher V'Sameach

1
Shabbos Shuva - Finding Our Weak Spots 9:04

9M ago9:04

9:04

It's a time for personal change, but Chazal tell us a person has a hard time seeing his own flaws. Some suggestions for gaining greater insight. Based on ideas from Mishlei, Rav Yisrael Salanter, the Baal Shem Tov, and Rav Mendel Kaplan.Gmar Chasimah Tovah

1
Rosh Hashana - Bringing Honor to the King 7:31

9M ago7:31

7:31

Rosh Hashana is the first of the Aseres Yamei Teshuva, yet we speak about Hashem's Malchus, not about our actions. How can we use the focus on Malchus to transform us and help us do Teshuva?As we come to near the end of 3 years of these shiurim, want to thank you for being a listener who helps keep them going strong.Have a K'sivah V'chasimah Tovah …

1
Nitzavim - Feeling Healthy Shame For Our Aveiros 9:43

10M ago9:43

9:43

Chazal teach us that Klal Yisrael needed a new Bris with Hashem, due to their shame from the Chet HaEgel. How can we approach shame from our Aveiros in a healthy way, as opposed to an unhealthy way? Based on ideas in the Chiddushei HaLev and the book From Boys to Men Have a Good Shabbos and a Kesivah Vachasimah Tovah…

1
Ki Savo - Upholding Every Single One 8:13

10M ago8:13

8:13

The Jewish People accepted a curse on one who doesn't uphold the words of the Torah. Rabbeinu Yonah and Ramban explain it means one who doesn't accept all the Mitzvos of the Torah and chooses to ignore one. Who does that include, and how do we approach it?

1
Rabbi Luban - The Purpose of a Shmuess 9:39

10M ago9:39

9:39

Wanted to share with you a special clip someone sent me from my Rebbe Rav Binyamin Luban Shlita. He really articulates the approach which is one of the foundations for what I am trying to do on the podcast. His ideas of how to show people how the Torah speaks directly to them in a meaningful way have formed the foundation of what I do here, even th…

1
Ki Seitzei - Choosing Our Challenges 9:10

10M ago9:10

9:10

In the topic of fencing in a roof, Rabbeinu Bechayai teaches that we all signed up for our life situations during the original 6 days of creation. Explore some philosophical and practical applications of this idea. Quote how Mrs. Simes was inspired by this idea, and how it transformed her ability to handle the challenges her family was dealt. You c…

1
Shoftim - The Essence of Chinuch 9:25

10M ago9:25

9:25

Rashi says the language of חנוכת הבית found in the parsha is the same language as חנוך לנער. You don't educate a house, what does chinuch actually mean? Some ideas and perspectives based on the Piaseczna Rebbe's elaboration of Rashi's idea in his Chovas Hatalmidim.Have a great Shabbos

1
Re'eh - Clinging to Hashem in Our Minds 8:48

10M ago8:48

8:48

The Torah tells us a Mitzvah to cling to Hashem in our minds. How can we develop the mindfulness to do that? Some ideas based on the Chayei Adam and others, that have the ability to enrich our lives. Wishing you a good Shabbos

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