Kabbalah for Everyone

Are the Jewish People Really the Chosen People?

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2186518/open_sms] In this morning’s class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explored the baffling, almost mythical global obsession with Israel and the Jewish people, a tiny nation that somehow takes up an outsized share of the world’s attention. Drawing on the teachings of Rabbi Simon Jacobson, Rabbi YY Jacobson, and Rabbi Manis Friedman, Rabbi Bernath unpacked the spiritual roots behind antisemitism and the world’s fixation on Jews. We confronted the paradox: being “chosen” doesn’t raise us above others, it humbles us beneath the weight of responsibility. Using the Alter Rebbe’s 1798 letter after his release on Yud Tes Kislev, we learned that true chosenness shrinks the ego while expanding the soul’s mission: to illuminate the world with goodness, moral clarity, unity, and love. When Jews embrace who we are… Divine ambassadors of light, we trigger the world. But we also transform it. Key Takeaways The obsession is ancient and irrational — Jews are less than 0.25% of the world, yet remain humanity’s main character. Reason alone cannot explain Jewish influence and survival — only our mission as bearers of ethical monotheism can. Chosen-ness ≠ superiority — it’s a call to responsibility, growth, and humility. Closeness to G-d shrinks the ego, not inflates it — “Katonti,” like Jacob said: “I am made small by Your kindness.” Anyone can join the Jewish people — chosenness is a spiritual calling, not a biological club. The world senses Jewish holiness — sometimes more than Jews do — and reacts intensely, for better or worse. Our role is universal — to be a moral lighthouse, not a fortress of self-importance. #Israel #Jewish #Chosen #chosenpeople #chosenness #alterrebbe #yudteskislev #JewishSpirituality #Rebbe #Antisemitism #LightOverDarkness  #humility  Support the show [http://www.jewishndg.com/donateusd] Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com [http://www.theloverabbi.com/] Single? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com [http://www.jmontreal.com/]and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone. Donate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donate [http://www.jewishndg.com/donate] Follow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernath [https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernath] Access Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi [https://medium.com/@loverabbi]

A New Way to See Charity: When Giving Becomes Receiving

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2186518/open_sms] In this heart-opening conversation, Rabbi Bernath shares a powerful true story of a needy bride who felt ashamed to accept financial help, until she discovers that she is a partner, not a burden. Drawing on the Torah’s teaching of Yissachar and Zevulun, and Chassidic wisdom from the Lubavitcher Rebbe, he reveals the revolutionary idea that tzedakah is not a one-way act of charity but a sacred spiritual partnership. Through moving stories, including a dramatic tale of a Hatzalah medic and his unlikely agreement with a butcher afraid of blood the message becomes clear: the giver and receiver elevate and bless one another. Each act of kindness is a mutual exchange of soul-energy that strengthens Jewish unity and brings the world closer to redemption. Key Takeaways Receiving is also giving. The recipient grants the giver the opportunity to fulfill a supreme mitzvah and gain spiritual merit. Tzedakah is a partnership. Like Yissachar and Zevulun, both the supporter and the one supported share in the mitzvah. Spiritual reward is shared. Jewish law and Chassidic teachings affirm that those who enable mitzvot receive a full portion of the merit. Everyone has something to give. Whether materially or spiritually, we each fill in what others lack. Unity is our strength. Caring for one another is the secret of Jewish survival and the catalyst for redemption. Acts of kindness transform the world. When we give and receive with dignity, we illuminate each other’s lives and G-d’s world. End-of-Year Giving | Spread the Light With Us Every soul you help us reach is another candle blazing against the darkness. If this podcast has touched you, inspired you, or lifted your spirits even once, consider being part of this ripple of goodness. Together, let’s end the year shining a little brighter: https://www.charidy.com/NDG2025 [https://www.charidy.com/NDG2025] #Charity #Judaism #Kabbalah #Tzedakah #chassidus #giving #receiving #Rebbe #chabad #chassidut #Torah #TorahPortion #yissachar #zevulun #jewishunity #actsofkindness #kindness  Support the show [http://www.jewishndg.com/donateusd] Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com [http://www.theloverabbi.com/] Single? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com [http://www.jmontreal.com/]and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone. Donate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donate [http://www.jewishndg.com/donate] Follow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernath [https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernath] Access Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi [https://medium.com/@loverabbi]

Climbing Jacob’s Ladder: The Four Worlds & The Journey of Prayer

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2186518/open_sms] Prayer isn’t supposed to feel far away, confusing, or “for holier people.” It’s a ladder right beneath your feet, starting exactly where you are, in your busy, messy, beautiful real life. Tonight, we explore the ancient Kabbalistic map of the four worlds of Action, Emotion, Understanding, and Oneness and discover how the structure of our daily prayers is designed to gently lift us, step by step. Jacob’s ladder becomes our ladder: a practical tool for finding meaning, presence, and Divine connection in a world that constantly pulls us down to earth. No experience needed. No advanced mysticism required. Just bring a heart that’s willing to take one small step upward. Key Takeaways * Start Where You Are The ladder begins on the ground — spiritual growth doesn’t require feeling spiritual at first. * Prayer Has Four Stages The siddur intentionally guides us from action → emotion → insight → connection. * Small Steps Matter Even a single focused phrase or breath can shift us into a higher state of being. * Two-Way Ladder As we elevate ourselves through prayer, G-d brings strength, clarity, and blessing down into our everyday life. * You Are the Ladder Like Jacob, compassion is our bridge of every kind act connects heaven and earth. #Kabbalah  #KabbalahForEveryone #JacobsLadder #FourWorlds #chassidus #PrayerJourney  #JewishWisdom #SoulConnection #MindfulPrayer #HeavenAndEarth #CompassionInAction #ChassidicTeachings #JewishSpirituality #DailyTefillah #WorldOfAction #WorldOfFormation #WorldOfCreation #WorldOfEmanation #RatzovShov #RunAndReturn #SoulAwakening #chabad  Support the show [http://www.jewishndg.com/donateusd] Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com [http://www.theloverabbi.com/] Single? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com [http://www.jmontreal.com/]and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone. Donate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donate [http://www.jewishndg.com/donate] Follow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernath [https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernath] Access Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi [https://medium.com/@loverabbi]

Gratitude in Crazy Times: How Rachel Taught Us the Secret to Staying Whole

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2186518/open_sms] Life doesn’t wait until everything is perfect. It shows up messy, unpredictable, and sometimes painful. In this uplifting and down-to-earth session, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores how Rachel Imeinu, through the birth of Yosef revealed a simple yet profound mindset that can transform the way we handle challenges. We’ll discover how gratitude isn’t about ignoring the hard stuff, but about seeing the hidden blessings behind the chaos. This class will help us feel more grounded, hopeful, and connected especially during turbulent times. Shift the Lens Learn how to reframe struggles as signs of life, love, and purpose. Emotional Resilience from Rachel Understand how one biblical phrase can help us find strength today. Gratitude as a Superpower Explore how gratitude keeps us spiritually anchored when the world feels overwhelming. Joseph’s Legacy of Joy Discover why Yosef remained positive through betrayal, isolation, and fear—and how we can too. A Practical Practice Walk away with simple habits that bring more calm and meaning into everyday moments. #Jewish #Torah #Kabbalah #torahwisdom #gratitude #livinwithblessing #chassidus #chassidut #innerstrength #rachel #rochel #rochelimeinu #emotionalresilience #Spiritual #spiritualmindset #BibleStudy #Bible #ParshatVayeitzei  Support the show [http://www.jewishndg.com/donateusd] Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com [http://www.theloverabbi.com/] Single? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com [http://www.jmontreal.com/]and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone. Donate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donate [http://www.jewishndg.com/donate] Follow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernath [https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernath] Access Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi [https://medium.com/@loverabbi]

Why Laughter Might Be the Holiest Thing in Your Relationship

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2186518/open_sms] In this morning’s class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath dove into one of the strangest, most beautiful marriage scenes in the entire Torah, Yitzchak and Rivkah caught “jesting” behind a window.  Why does the Torah use a word for laughter to describe intimacy? Why is the first Jew born into the covenant literally named “He Will Laugh”? And why does Rivkah’s name hint to a yoke of oxen, two forces pulling together toward transformation? Using Rashi, Midrash, Zohar, and the Alter Rebbe’s revolutionary maamar from 5569, we uncovered a powerful Chassidic idea: Laughter is born from contradiction. From the unexpected. From two worlds that shouldn’t fitand yet somehow do. That’s the secret of Yitzchak and Rivkah. That’s the secret of humanity. And that’s the secret of marriage. Today’s class explored how two people with different histories, tendencies, wounds, and temperaments can build something eternal… precisely because of their differences. When we choose holiness over instinct, love over ego, repair over distance, Heaven itself, the Alter Rebbe says, “laughs with delight.” Marriage, it turns out, is the ultimate divine joke. And our job is to embrace the punchline. TAKEAWAYS Laughter = Transformation The Alter Rebbe teaches that laughter is triggered when reality breaks its own rules. When a human transcends instinct choosing holiness over ego that is the greatest “cosmic joke.” Yitzchak’s Name Isn’t Cute … It’s His Mission “He will laugh” means the whole purpose of Jewish life is rising above our programmed nature. This is why the Torah uses metzachek: intimacy is the fusion of two worlds that shouldn’t naturally fit. Rivkah Is the Model of Human Greatness Raised in corruption, she becomes a “rose among thorns.” She is proof that background does not define destiny. She is the surprise that makes Heaven smile. Marriage Thrives on Differences, Not Sameness The clash, the contrast, the contradictions—these are not obstacles. They are the very material through which G-d’s laughter emerges. The greatest holiness comes from uniting opposites. Every Conflict Is an Invitation When your instinct says defend, and you choose softness… When your body says withdraw, and you choose connection… When your ego wants to be right, and you choose to be kind… That is holy laughter. That is Yitzchak. This Is Why Avimelech Knew Only husband and wife can create the kind of oneness that blends two spiritual worlds into something new. That oneness is holiness. That holiness is laughter. #Kabbalah #Torah #chassidus #Bible #BibleStudy #chassidut #kabala #Spiritual #spiritualgrowth #yitzchak #rivkah #ParshatToldot #parshastoldos #opposites #oppositesattract #marriage #intimacy  Support the show [http://www.jewishndg.com/donateusd] Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com [http://www.theloverabbi.com/] Single? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com [http://www.jmontreal.com/]and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone. Donate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donate [http://www.jewishndg.com/donate] Follow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernath [https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernath] Access Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi [https://medium.com/@loverabbi]