The Parsha Perspective

Parshas Toldos: When Nations Stir This week’s Parsha brings us into the very beginning of a struggle that started before Yaakov and Esav were even born. Rivkah feels something inside her that no one can explain, leading her to cry out in fear, a moment that opens one of the most meaningful revelations in the Torah. From this inner turmoil comes a story that shapes the destiny of our people: twins drawn to opposite worlds, blessings that determine the future, and a mother who sees the truth long before anyone else. With the Radak’s clarity and the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s deeper insight, we explore how Rivkah’s fear became the first sign of a divine plan already unfolding. It’s a Parsha about confusion that becomes clarity, struggle that reveals purpose, and the quiet beginning of a destiny still alive within us. 🛡️ In honor of Eretz Yisroel — may G-d protect our brave soldiers and comfort all who grieve. 🕯️ Dedicated in memory of Rabbi Gabi and Rivki Holtzberg, Hy”d, and in loving memory of Leah Mintche Bas Yaakov Yosef, Edward Ben Efraim, Shlomo Ben Edward, and Yirachmiel Daniel Ben Gedalia. 🎧 Listen now and step into the story where nations awaken and purpose takes shape.

Parshas Chayei Sarah: Courage To Begin In tribute to the fifth Yahrzeit of HaRav Ya’akov Tzvi Ben Dovid Sacks, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. Our Parsha begins with loss, love, and a new beginning. Avraham buries Sarah with dignity, then sends Eliezer to find a partner for Yitzchak. Rivkah’s kindness at the well reveals her greatness, and when she enters Sarah’s tent, the miracles of the first Jewish home return. Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, shows that Avraham’s life ends with peace not because he finished the mission, but because he began it with courage. True fulfillment comes from taking the first step, trusting that G-d will complete what we start. In honor of Eretz Yisroel – May G-d protect our brave soldiers, comfort all who grieve, and bring healing to our nation. Dedicated in loving memory of Edward Ben Efraim, Shlomo Ben Edward, and Yirachmiel Daniel Ben Gedalia. 🔗 Listen now at ParshaPerspective.com

Parshas Vayeira: Laughter of Redemption Our Parsha tells of Avraham and Sarah, who at one hundred and ninety years old, are blessed with a son, Yitzchak, “he will laugh.” The Rebbe teaches that this name, written in the future tense, reflects not laughter from disbelief, but the joy yet to come, the laughter of redemption.. In honor of Eretz Yisroel – May G-d protect our brave soldiers, comfort all who grieve, and bring healing to our nation. Dedicated in loving memory of Edward Ben Efraim, Shlomo Ben Edward, and Yirachmiel Daniel Ben Gedalia. 🔗 Listen now at ParshaPerspective.com

Parshas Noach: The Hidden Truth Our Parsha tells of Noach, a man who remained faithful as the world fell into chaos. After the flood, G-d placed a rainbow in the sky, a sign of His eternal covenant with humanity. The Rebbe teaches that the rainbow was not created anew, but revealed. The flood had purified the world, thinning the darkness so Divine light could finally pass through. What once hid the light now revealed it. The rainbow became a reflection of G-d’s mercy and of the light concealed within every storm. In honor of Eretz Yisroel, May G-d protect our brave soldiers and give healing to our nation Dedicated in loving memory of Edward Ben Efraim, Shlomo Ben Edward, and Yirachmiel Daniel Ben Gedalia. Listen now at ParshaPerspective.com

The Yom Kippur Perspective: Unbound, Forgiven, Free Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year, a time when we abstain from physical pleasures and rise to angel-like clarity. From Kol Nidrei’s haunting melody to Neilah’s closing cry of Shema, the day carries us from release to renewal. The Rebbe explains that Kol Nidrei is not about G-d’s forgiveness, that comes with the day itself, it is about freeing ourselves from the vows, guilt, and limits that keep us bound. Only then can our truest self emerge, ready to be sealed in the Book of Life. In honor of Eretz Yisroel, May G-d protect our brave soldiers and return all the hostages in Gaza immediately. Dedicated in loving memory of Edward Ben Efraim, Shlomo Ben Edward, and Yirachmiel Daniel Ben Gedalia. 🔗 Listen now at ParshaPerspective.com

Rosh Hashanah & Parshas Nitzavim: Crowned With Life As we stand before Rosh Hashanah, Moshe’s words in Parshas Nitzavim ring out: “You are all standing today before Hashem.” Every Jew together, bound in unity, choosing life with purpose and with G-d. The Ramban and the Rebbe remind us that this covenant is not history—it is alive, renewed each year through our choices. To crown G-d as King is to embrace meaning, faith, and resilience, even in times of pain. In honor of Eretz Yisroel – May G-d protect our brave soldiers and return all the hostages in Gaza immediately. Dedicated in loving memory of Edward Ben Efraim, Shlomo Ben Edward, and Yirachmiel Daniel Ben Gedalia. Listen now at ParshaPerspective.com

Parshas Ki Tsavo: Covenant In Stone 📜 Our Parsha teaches the mitzvah of Bikurim and Moshe’s charge to inscribe the Torah onto great stones as the people enter the Land of Israel. The Ramban explains this act declared that our right to the land depends on Torah itself, while the Or HaChaim reveals that this was the moment the Jewish people earned their inheritance with their own merit, not just the promises of the past. The covenant was no longer history alone—it became alive, carried by their choices and ours. 🛡️ In honor of Eretz Yisroel – May G-d protect our brave soldiers and return all the hostages in Gaza immediately. 🕯️ Dedicated in loving memory of Edward Ben Efraim, Shlomo Ben Edward, and Yirachmiel Daniel Ben Gedalia. 🔗 Listen now at ParshaPerspective.com

Parshas Veschanan: The Living Bond Our Parsha falls on Shabbos Nachamu, the first of seven weeks of comfort, when Yeshayahu assures us that G-d has not forgotten His people. Moshe Rabbeinu reminds the nation that the covenant at Har Sinai was not only with those present, but with every Jew for all time. The Lubavitcher Rebbe teaches that Sinai happens every day — the covenant is alive now, ready to be received anew. 🛡️ In honor of Eretz Yisroel – May G-d protect our brave soldiers and return all the hostages in Gaza immediately. 🕯️ Dedicated in loving memory of Edward Ben Efraim, Shlomo Ben Edward, and Yirachmiel Daniel Ben Gedalia. 🔗 Listen now at ParshaPerspective.com

Parshas Devarim: Words That Build On the Shabbos of Vision—Shabbos Chazon—we begin Moshe’s final address. He stands before a new generation, recounting their past and readying them to build a future. But something changes: these words come not from prophecy alone, but from Moshe’s own heart. The Lubavitcher Rebbe reveals that “Eileh haDevarim” is more than an introduction. It is a call for leaders to speak with love, for a nation to listen with humility, and for every Jew to remember: words can rebuild what was once lost. 🛡️ In honor of Eretz Yisroel – May G-d protect our brave soldiers and return all the hostages in Gaza immediately. 🕯️ Dedicated in loving memory of Shlomo Ben Edward, Edward Ben Efraim, Galya Margalit Bas Shimon, and Yirachmiel Daniel Ben Gedalia. 🔗 Listen now: ParshaPerspective.com

Parshas Matos & Massei: Walk It Back Our Parsha closes Sefer Bamidbar with structure, justice, and responsibility. From vows to vengeance, inheritance to exile, each law shapes a people preparing to enter the land. Among them is the law of the Cities of Refuge—where even accidental mistakes require pause, exile, and reflection. 🛡️ In honor of Eretz Yisroel – May G-d protect our brave soldiers and return all the hostages in Gaza immediately. 🕯️ Dedicated in loving memory of Shlomo Ben Edward, Edward Ben Efraim, Galya Margalit Bas Shimon, and Yirachmiel Daniel Ben Gedalia. 🔗 Listen now: ParshaPerspective.com

Parshas Pinchas: When Fire Waits Our Parsha begins with Pinchas receiving the Kehunah for a bold act others condemned. Yet G-d delays His reward. Why? The Torah separates action from affirmation to reveal a powerful truth: zealotry is only sacred when it brings peace. The Rebbe explains that even holy fire must wait until the noise clears and clarity returns. 🛡️ In honor of Eretz Yisroel – May G-d protect our brave soldiers and return all the hostages in Gaza immediately. 🕯️ Dedicated in loving memory of Rav Yeudah Ben Aaron, Shlomo Ben Edward, Edward Ben Efraim, Galya Margalit Bas Shulamit, and Yirachmiel Daniel Ben Gedalia. 🔗 Listen now: ParshaPerspective.com

Parshas Balak: Not Just Words Bilaam set out to curse, but ended up blessing. He tried to speak on his own—but G-d rewrote the message. This week, we explore the Ohr HaChaim’s stunning commentary on how G-d transforms even twisted intentions into blessings. A donkey speaks, a prophet’s eye opens, and we learn: words carry power, but purpose carries more. 🎧 Listen now at ParshaPerspective.com 🛡️ In honor of Eretz Yisroel – May G-d protect our brave soldiers and return all the hostages in Gaza immediately. 🕯️ In memory of Rav Yeudah Ben Aaron, Galya Margalit Bas Shulamit, Shlomo Ben Edward, Edward Ben Efraim, and Yirachmiel Daniel Ben Gedalia. 📖 In the merit of the holy Ohr HaChaim, whose Yahrzeit is this week—may his light continue to guide us.

Parshas Chukas: Our Story, Continued Our Parsha begins with the mysterious laws of the Parah Adumah and journeys through profound moments of loss, leadership, and legacy. From the death of Miriam to Moshe’s request for safe passage through Edom, the Torah weaves a story not just of history—but of soul.  This is our story. One of pain and promise, of exile and return. And when we carry each other, even from afar, we step into something eternal. 🎧 Listen now at ParshaPerspective.com 🛡️ In honor of Eretz Yisroel – May G-d protect our brave soldiers and return all the hostages in Gaza immediately. 🕯️ Dedicated in loving memory of Edward Ben Efraim, Shlomo Ben Edward, and Yirachmiel Daniel Ben Gedalia.

Parshas Korach: Carried By Vision Korach’s rebellion shakes the foundation of the Jewish nation, challenging the leadership of Moshe and Aaron. Even after Korach and his followers are swallowed by the earth, unrest lingers. G-d commands a quiet but powerful sign: Aaron’s staff blossoms with almonds in the Holy of Holies, confirming his divine role. The Lubavitcher Rebbe explains that true leadership isn’t about status or spectacle, it’s about helping others grow. Like Aaron’s staff, a real leader brings life, inspires action, and carries others with vision and strength. As we mark 31 years since Gimmel Tammuz, this message echoes more clearly than ever. Listen now at ParshaPerspective.com In honor of Eretz Yisroel – May G-d protect our brave soldiers and return all the hostages in Gaza immediately. Dedicated in loving memory of Edward Ben Efraim, Shlomo Ben Edward, and Yirachmiel Daniel Ben Gedalia.

Parshas Behaalosecha: Always Been Home What does it really mean to belong? Our Parsha begins with Aharon lighting the Menorah, its flame a symbol of constant connection. Then, the Torah introduces something unexpected: if a convert wants to bring the Korban Pesach, “there shall be one law—for the convert and for the native.” But why say this here? What does Pesach Sheni have to do with someone who wasn’t there the first time? Rashi says it’s to make clear: a convert is not a guest. They’re family. But the Ohr HaChaim goes further—teaching that every soul who would one day choose G-d was already part of the Exodus. They weren’t late. They were always part of the story. This episode explores a powerful idea: You didn’t miss your chance. You’ve been part of this journey all along. Every spark, even the hidden ones, were carried out of Egypt. If you’ve ever questioned whether you belong, or whether your journey started too late—this one’s for you. 🎙 Listen now at ParshaPerspective.com In honor of Eretz Yisroel. May G-d protect our brave soldiers. May G-d return all the hostages in Gaza immediately. Dedicated in loving memory of Edward Ben Efraim, Shlomo Ben Edward, and Yirachmiel Daniel Ben Gedalia.

Parshas Naso: Back from Beyond Our Parsha begins with the transport duties of the Leviim, followed by the laws of the Sotah and the Nazir. But suddenly, the Torah circles back to a topic we’ve already seen: the Metzora, the person cast out of all three camps due to spiritual impurity. Why revisit this now? Coming off Shavuos, we carry that message with us: the Torah belongs to each of us, wherever we stand, and the journey back always begins with one step forward. In honor of Eretz Yisroel. May G-d protect our brave soldiers. May G-d return all the hostages in Gaza immediately. Dedicated in loving memory of Edward Ben Efraim, Shlomo Ben Edward, and Yirachmiel Daniel Ben Gedalia. For the Refuah Shlema of Pennina Bas Shoshanna Miriam and all those in need of healing. Listen now at ParshaPerspective.com

The Lag BaOmer Perspective: Fire From Within Lag BaOmer begins in darkness—the plague that claimed Rabbi Akiva’s students and Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai’s years in hiding—but ends in brilliance. We light bonfires not merely for celebration, but to honor the inner blaze that emerges when faith refuses to dim. Rabbi Akiva’s humility sparked a fire that could break stone, and Rabbi Shimon’s unwavering commitment transformed exile into revelation. This episode explores how true light is forged in silence and struggle, and how each of us can carry that flame into the world. In honor of Eretz Yisroel. May G-d protect our brave soldiers and return all the hostages in Gaza immediately. Dedicated in loving memory of Edward Ben Efraim, Shlomo Ben Edward, and Yirachmiel Daniel Ben Gedalia. For the Refuah Shlema of Pennina Bas Shoshanna Miriam and all who need healing. Listen now at ParshaPerspective.com

Parshas Acharei Mos & Kedoshim: Holiness Through Habit What does it mean to live a holy life? This week’s Parsha shows us that holiness isn’t found in grand gestures—it’s shaped by the small, consistent choices we make each day. The Ramban calls Shabbos the anchor of Jewish faith. The Ohr HaChaim teaches that holiness begins in the quiet moments—in the atmosphere we build, in the values we live. In honor of Eretz Yisroel. May G-d protect our brave soldiers and return all the hostages. In loving memory of Edward Ben Efraim, Shlomo Ben Edward, and Yirachmiel Daniel Ben Gedalia. For the Refuah Shlema of Pennina Bas Shoshanna Miriam. Listen now at ParshaPerspective.com

Parshas Tazria & Metzora: Restoring the Soul In honor of Eretz Yisroel. May G-d protect our brave soldiers. May G-d return all the hostages in Gaza immediately. Dedicated in loving memory of Edward Ben Efraim, Shlomo Ben Edward, and Yirachmiel Daniel Ben Gedalia. For the Refuah Shlema of Pennina Bas Shoshanna Miriam and all those in need of healing. These Parshas guide us through the laws of ritual purity and the spiritual transformation of the Metzora. But the Torah’s path to healing begins not with words—but with items: cedar wood, hyssop, crimson yarn, and birds. What do these symbolize, and why are they essential to restoration? Listen now at ParshaPerspective.com

Parshas Shemini: Called to Lead On the eighth day of the Mishkan’s inauguration, Aaron steps into his new role—but not without fear. Why does the Torah say his offering must be “for you”? The Ohr HaChaim and Rashi teach that true leadership begins with personal accountability. Before Aaron could serve the nation, he had to believe he was worthy. This episode explores how real growth starts with sincerity, not perfection. We’re not called to lead because we’re flawless—we’re called because we’re willing to show up real. In honor of Eretz Yisroel – May G-d protect our brave soldiers and return all the hostages in Gaza immediately. Dedicated in loving memory of: Edward Ben Efraim | Shlomo Ben Edward | Yirachmiel Daniel Ben Gedalia For the Refuah Shlema of: Pesha Henna Bas Yitta Gittel and Pennina Bas Miriam Shoshana 🔗 Listen now: ParshaPerspective.com