Turning Thursday nights into Erev Shabbos

Rav Aryeh Lebowitz- The Power of a Positive Life

This shiur focused on the powerful idea that positivity and simcha are essential foundations for growth in Avodas Hashem. Through the parsha’s topics of Nazir, Birchas Kohanim, and Bnei Kehas carrying the Aron, Rabbi Lebowitz explained that while physical temptation can pull a person down, sadness and negativity are even more damaging because they can destroy a person’s sense of purpose and potential. True Torah living should uplift a person, bringing inner peace, joy, and meaning, even when life involves effort and responsibility. The message is to build habits, relationships, and environments that help us feel happy, healthy, and connected to Hashem.

Rebbitzen Feiner-Lessons on Shavous

*women only* This week’s shiur focused on serving Hashem “בכל מאודך” — using every strength, talent, and opportunity Hashem gives us for growth and purpose. Through the themes of Shavuos and Sefirat HaOmer, the Rebbetzin spoke about making every day meaningful, nurturing our spirituality consistently, and recognizing how deeply Hashem believes in and chooses each one of us. The main takeaway was to stop underestimating ourselves and instead use our unique potential to strengthen our relationship with Hashem and become the best version of ourselves.

Rav Shay Schacter- Choosing What Matters Most: Life, Values, and Difficult Decisions

This shiur explores how life is full of complex decisions where there isn’t always one clear “right” choice, and it’s important to choose what’s right for you in the moment without unnecessary guilt. While Judaism strongly prioritizes life—v’chai bahem—teaching that we live by mitzvot and preserve life above almost all else, it also highlights that some values, like Eretz Yisrael, are so central that we dedicate ourselves deeply to them even when the path is challenging. Ultimately, the message is to keep reevaluating, make thoughtful decisions, and stay anchored in what matters most—life, purpose, and our core priorities.

Rabbi Webberman- 5 Short Vorts: Parshat Tazria-Metzora

These vorts focus on the theme of perspective—how the way we look at situations shapes our experience. The parsha teaches that we shouldn’t judge things in the moment or focus only on the negative, because what seems bad can actually turn out to be good. Through the ideas of tzaraat, korbanot, and the role of the kohen, we learn that Hashem carefully measures each person’s challenges and that everything has purpose. The message is to step back, see the bigger picture, and train ourselves to recognize the good in every situation.

Rav Jonny- Believing in your individuality: like YOU left mitzyram

Just like on Pesach, where every individual is obligated to feel as if they personally left Mitzrayim, growth is deeply personal and cannot be copied from others. Instead of comparing ourselves, we’re meant to focus on our own journey, take small consistent steps, and trust the process Hashem has set for us. True growth comes when we embrace who we are and recognize that our path—just like our geulah—is uniquely our own.