Live With The Times: Daily Insights on Today’s Torah Portion

Ki Tavo 1st Aliyah | Gratitude Must Be Expressed With The Mouth

6 min · 12. sept. 2025
Billede af episoden Ki Tavo 1st Aliyah | Gratitude Must Be Expressed With The Mouth

Description

In this week's shiur on Parshat Ki Tavo, I delves into the powerful mitzvah of Bikkurim (bringing the first fruits). The Torah doesn't just command us to bring the fruits; it specifies a unique verbal declaration to be made before the Kohen. This declaration recounts the entire journey of the Jewish people—from the suffering in Egypt to the redemption and arrival in the land of Israel. Drawing on the teachings of Rav Haim Kramer, this episode explores why vocalizing our gratitude, for both the good and the seemingly bad, is a fundamental tool for reshaping our reality, breaking negative cycles, and connecting with Hashem on a deeper level. * Gratitude Must Be Vocalized. It's not enough to simply feel thankful in your heart. The Torah commands us to recite a specific formula when bringing the first fruits. This teaches that true gratitude requires active, verbal expression. We must use our mouths to declare our thanks to Hashem, making the internal feeling a concrete reality. * Embrace the Entire Journey: Thank Hashem for the "Bad" Too. The declaration of the first fruits doesn't just celebrate the harvest; it purposefully recounts the slavery in Egypt ("The Egyptians dealt harshly with us and oppressed us"). This teaches a profound lesson: we must thank Hashem not just for the positive outcomes, but for the struggles and challenges that led to them. The "downs" are an essential prerequisite for the "ups," and acknowledging the entire process is a core part of genuine gratitude. * Use Gratitude to Reshape Your Present and Future. By actively thanking Hashem for current challenges, we accomplish two things. First, we break the cycle of negativity that can keep us feeling "down." Second, we express profound faith that an "uplifting" is coming. This practice trains us to maintain a state of happiness and trust, no matter the circumstance. As Maynard puts it, "Our lips can write the checks already," affirming our belief in a positive future and bringing that reality closer

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119 episodes

episode Why Are We Still Mourning the Beit HaMikdash? | Devarim 1st Aliyah and Daily Learning artwork

Why Are We Still Mourning the Beit HaMikdash? | Devarim 1st Aliyah and Daily Learning

In today’s Live With the Times, we begin Parshat Devarim, the parsha always read before Tisha B’Av.Tisha B’Av is not only about mourning something that happened thousands of years ago. If we are still mourning the Beit HaMikdash today, it means the destruction is not only in the past. It means there is still something in us, right now, that needs to be corrected.Today’s theme is that we cannot build while we are still destroying. When we judge another Yid, speak against another Yid, look down on another Jew, or create separation in Klal Yisrael, we are not just remembering the destruction — we are continuing it.The avodah before Tisha B’Av is not only to feel sad about what was lost. It is to ask: where am I still contributing to the problem? Where am I using my mouth, my thoughts, my assumptions, or my judgments to tear down another person instead of helping rebuild?We need to stop destroying before we can build. The rebuilding of the Beit HaMikdash begins with ahavat Yisrael, guarding our speech, judging favorably, and taking responsibility for the part of the churban that still lives inside us.We also learn Kitzur Shulchan Aruch on prohibited activities on Shabbos, the conclusion of the Pesicha of Shaar HaBitachon, and Rav Shalom Arush’s I’m In Your Hands on “Nice to Meet You, Mr. Hitbodedut” — introducing the personal prayer and honest self-accounting that help us return to Hashem for real.—-------------------------------------------------------💦 Premium Filtration for Modern LivingSafer H2O helps families take control of their water with smart whole-home filtration, under-sink systems, RV filtration, scale defense, and more.Introducing the Nexxus Smart Whole-Home Water Filtration System, a smart, modular system that helps filter the water throughout your home and alerts you when it’s time for replacement filters or water conditions change.With smart monitoring, customized filter packs, and whole-home protection, Nexxus is built to help you feel more confident about the water coming into your house.👉 Learn more or get your water filtration solution at http://saferh2o.com—-------------------------------------------------------🎧 Bring Mamash Tov to Your Next SimchaLooking for a Jewish female DJ who brings real energy, joy, and soul to your event?DJ Mamash Tov creates unforgettable music experiences for Jewish weddings, bat mitzvahs, women-only events, private parties, kosher festivals, and community celebrations. Mamash Tov brings music that lifts the room, respects the moment, and keeps the energy flowing.Bring the bass, blessings, and holy energy to your next event.👉 Book DJ Mamash Tov at http://mamashtov.com—-------------------------------------------------------🌊 Helping Rabbis, Shuls & Torah Creators Build Online S.H.E.F.A.Mamash Mavericks helps Rabbis, shuls, Torah creators, and Jewish organizations turn their Torah content into a stronger online system for reach, donations, supporter relationships, and follow-up.Through the S.H.E.F.A. System — Share • Hub • Engage • Follow Up • Automate — we help make it easier to distribute shiurim and videos, organize content on your website, accept donations, nurture supporters, and automate the backend so nothing falls through the cracks.If you’re sharing Torah online and want to make it easier for people to support your work, let’s take a quick look together.👉 Schedule a 10-minute Content & Donation Review at http://mamash.aiChapters00:28 Introduction and Overview of Parshas Devarim 1st Aliyah and Daily Learning01:32 1st Aliyah of Parshat Devarim11:33 Rebbe Nachman's Commentary on Devarim 1st Aliyah22:14 Kitzur Shulchan Aruch - Siman 80:33-34 (Prohibited Action on Shabbos)25:53 Shaar HaBitachon - Pesicha: Conclusion29:25 I'm in Your Hands by Rav Shalom Arush (p. 88 - Nice to Meet You, Mr. Hitbodedut)

14. juli 202634 min
episode Connection Requires Separation | Matot-Masei 3rd Aliyah and Daily Learning artwork

Connection Requires Separation | Matot-Masei 3rd Aliyah and Daily Learning

In today’s Live With the Times, we continue with the 3rd aliyah of Parshat Matot-Masei and the request of the tribes of Reuven and Gad to remain on the eastern side of the Yarden.Their request seems practical: they had livestock, and the land was good for livestock. But Moshe was concerned that they were being pulled into something deeper — the mixed middle ground of nogah, where good and bad are blended together, and where a person can easily fool himself.Today’s theme is that our job in this world is to be connected: connected to Hashem, to ourselves, to our purpose, to our spouse, to our children, to our family, and to the highest version of who we really want to be. But real connection requires separation. A person has to know what pulls him closer and what disconnects him.Material success, business, comfort, possessions, and “practical reasons” can all become holy tools. But they can also quietly pull a person away from his mission. The avodah is not to run away from every ordinary part of life, but to separate the good from the bad, reject what disconnects us, and elevate the sparks inside the borderline places.We also learn Kitzur Shulchan Aruch on prohibited activities on Shabbos, Shaar HaBitachon on the first worldly benefit of bitachon, and Rav Shalom Arush’s I’m In Your Hands on our generation’s mistake: believing Hashem can help, but doubting that He wants to help us.—-------------------------------------------------------💦 Premium Filtration for Modern LivingSafer H2O helps families take control of their water with smart whole-home filtration, under-sink systems, RV filtration, scale defense, and more.Introducing the Nexxus Smart Whole-Home Water Filtration System, a smart, modular system that helps filter the water throughout your home and alerts you when it’s time for replacement filters or water conditions change.With smart monitoring, customized filter packs, and whole-home protection, Nexxus is built to help you feel more confident about the water coming into your house.👉 Learn more or get your water filtration solution at http://saferh2o.com—-------------------------------------------------------🎧 Bring Mamash Tov to Your Next SimchaLooking for a Jewish female DJ who brings real energy, joy, and soul to your event?DJ Mamash Tov creates unforgettable music experiences for Jewish weddings, bat mitzvahs, women-only events, private parties, kosher festivals, and community celebrations. Mamash Tov brings music that lifts the room, respects the moment, and keeps the energy flowing.Bring the bass, blessings, and holy energy to your next event.👉 Book DJ Mamash Tov at http://mamashtov.com—-------------------------------------------------------🌊 Helping Rabbis, Shuls & Torah Creators Build Online S.H.E.F.A.Mamash Mavericks helps Rabbis, shuls, Torah creators, and Jewish organizations turn their Torah content into a stronger online system for reach, donations, supporter relationships, and follow-up.Through the S.H.E.F.A. System — Share • Hub • Engage • Follow Up • Automate — we help make it easier to distribute shiurim and videos, organize content on your website, accept donations, nurture supporters, and automate the backend so nothing falls through the cracks.If you’re sharing Torah online and want to make it easier for people to support your work, let’s take a quick look together.👉 Schedule a 10-minute Content & Donation Review at http://mamash.aiChapters00:48 Introduction and Overview of Parshas Matot-Masei 3rd Aliyah and Daily Learning02:11 3rd Aliyah of Parshat Matot-Masei19:09 Rebbe Nachman's Commentary on Matot-Masei 3rd Aliyah41:56 Judging Positively: The Impact on Future Generations43:01 Kitzur Shulchan Aruch - Siman 80:23-24 (Prohibited Action on Shabbos)44:53 Shaar HaBitachon - Pesicha: 1st Worldly Benefit of Bitachon49:03 I'm in Your Hands by Rav Shalom Arush (p. 78 - Our Generation's Mistake)

14. juli 202652 min
episode How Anger Steals Your Wisdom | Matot-Masei 2nd Aliyah and Daily Learning artwork

How Anger Steals Your Wisdom | Matot-Masei 2nd Aliyah and Daily Learning

In today’s Live With the Times, we continue with the 2nd aliyah of Parshat Matot-Masei and the aftermath of the war with Midian.Moshe Rabbeinu becomes angry with the officers of the army, and Rebbe Nachman connects this to the teaching of Chazal: when a person becomes angry, his wisdom departs. Anger does not just make a person emotional. It makes him narrow-minded. He loses the ability to see the full picture and becomes trapped in the immediate trigger right in front of him.The avodah is not only to say, “I shouldn’t get angry.” The deeper work is to notice the pattern. When do I lose it? What situations trigger me? What story am I telling myself in that moment? What damage does it cause afterward? Every time anger comes, it feels justified. But when we zoom out, we can often see the same pattern repeating again and again.The correction is to bring anger into hitbodedut every day with honesty: “Hashem, I lost my anger again. I don’t want to be like this. Please help me become patient.” Over time, that daily review can cleanse a person’s inner world until he looks back and realizes he has become calmer, more patient, and less reactive.We also learn Kitzur Shulchan Aruch on prohibited activities on Shabbos, Shaar HaBitachon on the fifth benefit of bitachon, and Rav Shalom Arush’s I’m In Your Hands on the mistake of thinking Hashem can help us, but does not want to.—-------------------------------------------------------💦 Premium Filtration for Modern LivingSafer H2O helps families take control of their water with smart whole-home filtration, under-sink systems, RV filtration, scale defense, and more.Introducing the Nexxus Smart Whole-Home Water Filtration System, a smart, modular system that helps filter the water throughout your home and alerts you when it’s time for replacement filters or water conditions change.With smart monitoring, customized filter packs, and whole-home protection, Nexxus is built to help you feel more confident about the water coming into your house.👉 Learn more or get your water filtration solution at http://saferh2o.com—-------------------------------------------------------🎧 Bring Mamash Tov to Your Next SimchaLooking for a Jewish female DJ who brings real energy, joy, and soul to your event?DJ Mamash Tov creates unforgettable music experiences for Jewish weddings, bat mitzvahs, women-only events, private parties, kosher festivals, and community celebrations. Mamash Tov brings music that lifts the room, respects the moment, and keeps the energy flowing.Bring the bass, blessings, and holy energy to your next event.👉 Book DJ Mamash Tov at http://mamashtov.com—-------------------------------------------------------🌊 Helping Rabbis, Shuls & Torah Creators Build Online S.H.E.F.A.Mamash Mavericks helps Rabbis, shuls, Torah creators, and Jewish organizations turn their Torah content into a stronger online system for reach, donations, supporter relationships, and follow-up.Through the S.H.E.F.A. System — Share • Hub • Engage • Follow Up • Automate — we help make it easier to distribute shiurim and videos, organize content on your website, accept donations, nurture supporters, and automate the backend so nothing falls through the cracks.If you’re sharing Torah online and want to make it easier for people to support your work, let’s take a quick look together.👉 Schedule a 10-minute Content & Donation Review at http://mamash.aiChapters00:44 Introduction and Overview of Parshas Matot-Masei 2nd Aliyah and Daily Learning02:20 2nd Aliyah of Parshat Matot-Masei18:13 Rebbe Nachman's Commentary on Matot-Masei 2nd Aliyah39:58 Kitzur Shulchan Aruch - Siman 80:21-22 (Prohibited Action on Shabbos)42:42 Shaar HaBitachon - Pesicha: 5th Benefit of Bitachon46:40 I'm in Your Hands by Rav Shalom Arush (p. 77 - The Mistake)

9. juli 202648 min
episode The Inheritance Your Kids Really Need | Pinchas 3rd Aliyah and Daily Learning artwork

The Inheritance Your Kids Really Need | Pinchas 3rd Aliyah and Daily Learning

In today’s Live With the Times, we continue with the 3rd aliyah of Parshat Pinchas and the story of the daughters of Tzelaphchad. Their request for a portion in Eretz Yisrael was not just about land. It was about inheritance, legacy, courage, and making sure the next generation receives what it needs. They did not stand by passively and accept what was missing. They stepped forward, asked, and helped bring a new Torah law into the world. Rebbe Nachman teaches that children provide the rectification for their parents. But the deeper message goes both ways: we also do the inner work for our children. We inherit patterns, wounds, strengths, and spiritual missions from those before us. Our avodah is to keep the good, heal what needs healing, and pass something better forward. What kind of upbringing do we want our children to have? What kind of portion are we leaving them? Are we giving them only what we received, or are we doing the work to transform the pain, confusion, and struggle into simcha, emunah, bitachon and self-worth? We also learn Kitzur Shulchan Aruch on prohibited activities on Shabbos, Shaar HaBitachon on the seventh advantage of bitachon over alchemy, and Rav Shalom Arush’s I’m In Your Hands on praying for love and bitachon — learning to believe that Hashem loves us and wants good for us. Today's Hebrew Date: 15 Tammuz 5786 —------------------------------------------------------- 💦 Premium Filtration for Modern Living Safer H2O helps families take control of their water with smart whole-home filtration, under-sink systems, RV filtration, scale defense, and more. Introducing the Nexxus Smart Whole-Home Water Filtration System, a smart, modular system that helps filter the water throughout your home and alerts you when it’s time for replacement filters or water conditions change. With smart monitoring, customized filter packs, and whole-home protection, Nexxus is built to help you feel more confident about the water coming into your house. 👉 Learn more or get your water filtration solution at saferh2o.com [http://saferh2o.com] —------------------------------------------------------- 🎧 Bring Mamash Tov to Your Next Simcha Looking for a Jewish female DJ who brings real energy, joy, and soul to your event? DJ Mamash Tov creates unforgettable music experiences for Jewish weddings, bat mitzvahs, women-only events, private parties, kosher festivals, and community celebrations. Mamash Tov brings music that lifts the room, respects the moment, and keeps the energy flowing. Bring the bass, blessings, and holy energy to your next event. 👉 Book DJ Mamash Tov at mamashtov.com [http://mamashtov.com] —------------------------------------------------------- 🌊 Helping Rabbis, Shuls & Torah Creators Build Online S.H.E.F.A. Mamash Mavericks helps Rabbis, shuls, Torah creators, and Jewish organizations turn their Torah content into a stronger online system for reach, donations, supporter relationships, and follow-up. Through the S.H.E.F.A. System — Share • Hub • Engage • Follow Up • Automate — we help make it easier to distribute shiurim and videos, organize content on your website, accept donations, nurture supporters, and automate the backend so nothing falls through the cracks. If you’re sharing Torah online and want to make it easier for people to support your work, let’s take a quick look together. 👉 Schedule a 10-minute Content & Donation Review at mamash.ai [http://mamash.ai] Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of Parshas Pinchas 3rd Aliyah and Daily Learning 01:42 3rd Aliyah of Parshat Pinchas 15:30 Rebbe Nachman's Commentary on Pinchas 3rd Aliyah 30:32 Kitzur Shulchan Aruch - Siman 80:9-10 (Prohibited Action on Shabbos) 35:59 Shaar HaBitachon - Pesicha: 7th Advantage of Bitachon Over Alchemy 39:18 I'm in Your Hands by Rav Shalom Arush (p. 70 - Pray For Love)

7. juli 202643 min
episode The Power to Draw a Holy Boundary | Matot-Masei 1st Aliyah and Daily Learning artwork

The Power to Draw a Holy Boundary | Matot-Masei 1st Aliyah and Daily Learning

In today’s Live With the Times, we begin Parshat Matot-Masei with the 1st aliyah and the Torah’s laws of vows. Rebbe Nachman explains that vows reveal an incredible power: a person can take something technically permitted and make it forbidden for himself through Torah law. That means a Jew is not stuck with the surface question of “Is this allowed?” Sometimes the deeper question is: “Is this good for me?” Alcohol, food, money, debt, credit cards, technology, gambling, and other behaviors can be neutral tools. For one person, they may be usable in a healthy way. For another, they may become destructive. When something permitted keeps damaging our avodat Hashem, relationships, money, health, peace, or soul, the Torah gives us a path to draw a holy boundary. This is also the deep connection to recovery. The avodah is not always dramatic promises of “never again.” Sometimes the healthiest path is: just for today. Today I choose kedushah. Today I ask Hashem for help. Today I stop pretending something is fine when it is hurting me. We also learn Kitzur Shulchan Aruch on prohibited activities on Shabbos, Shaar HaBitachon on true wealth, and Rav Shalom Arush’s I’m In Your Hands on “The Prophecy Comes True.” —------------------------------------------------------- 💦 Premium Filtration for Modern Living Safer H2O helps families take control of their water with smart whole-home filtration, under-sink systems, RV filtration, scale defense, and more. Introducing the Nexxus Smart Whole-Home Water Filtration System, a smart, modular system that helps filter the water throughout your home and alerts you when it’s time for replacement filters or water conditions change. With smart monitoring, customized filter packs, and whole-home protection, Nexxus is built to help you feel more confident about the water coming into your house. 👉 Learn more or get your water filtration solution at saferh2o.com —------------------------------------------------------- 🎧 Bring Mamash Tov to Your Next Simcha Looking for a Jewish female DJ who brings real energy, joy, and soul to your event? DJ Mamash Tov creates unforgettable music experiences for Jewish weddings, bat mitzvahs, women-only events, private parties, kosher festivals, and community celebrations. Mamash Tov brings music that lifts the room, respects the moment, and keeps the energy flowing. Bring the bass, blessings, and holy energy to your next event. 👉 Book DJ Mamash Tov at mamashtov.com —------------------------------------------------------- 🌊 Helping Rabbis, Shuls & Torah Creators Build Online S.H.E.F.A. Mamash Mavericks helps Rabbis, shuls, Torah creators, and Jewish organizations turn their Torah content into a stronger online system for reach, donations, supporter relationships, and follow-up. Through the S.H.E.F.A. System — Share • Hub • Engage • Follow Up • Automate — we help make it easier to distribute shiurim and videos, organize content on your website, accept donations, nurture supporters, and automate the backend so nothing falls through the cracks. If you’re sharing Torah online and want to make it easier for people to support your work, let’s take a quick look together. 👉 Schedule a 10-minute Content & Donation Review at mamash.ai Chapters 00:30 Introduction and Overview of Parshas Matot-Masei 1st Aliyah and Daily Learning 01:40 1st Aliyah of Parshat Matot-Masei 21:57 Rebbe Nachman's Commentary on Matot-Masei 1st Aliyah 49:37 Kitzur Shulchan Aruch - Siman 80:19-20 (Prohibited Action on Shabbos) 54:58 Shaar HaBitachon - Pesicha: True Wealth 59:49 I'm in Your Hands by Rav Shalom Arush (p. 76 - The Prophecy Comes True)

7. juli 20261 h 1 min