Daily Jewish Thought

Thoughts on spirituality, Kabbalah, Jewish thought, Judaism and Relationships. Rabbi Yisroel Bernath is the Senior Rabbi at Rohr Chabad of NDG and the Jewish Chaplain at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada. Cherished for his incredible warmth and non-judgmental personality, this hipster is not your typical rabbi. In 2012, Rabbi Bernath founded the smashing success JMatchmaking International, a network of Jewish dating sites. He has made 104 matches (that he knows of) to date! In addition to being a matchmaker and dating coach, Rabbi Bernath is also the author of three books, and continuously produces engaging content on his many social media & podcast platforms. As a professional voice-over artist, screen-writer, and actor, he has been a part of dozens of productions, including the hit CBC Documentary "Kosher Love".

The Eternal Bond: Lessons in Love from the Cave of Machpelah | Parshat Chayei Sara

Send us a textThis week’s Torah portion recounts Abraham’s purchase of the Cave of Machpelah as a burial site for Sarah, a moment steeped in profound symbolism. Juxtaposed with Isaac and Rebecca's love story, the Torah reveals an eternal truth about relationships: true love is not confined to what is seen above the surface. It is rooted in a deeper, timeless connection that exists "beneath the ground." From the bond between husband and wife to the eternal relationship between humanity and G-d...

11-21
24:18

Parshat Chayei Sara: Giving or Taking?

Send us a textContact Rabbi Bernath via http://www.theloverabbi.comDonate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donateSign up for Rabbi Bernath's Relationships Podcast https://anchor.fm/the-love.../episodes/Love-Rabbi-QA-ecpnteSign up for Rabbi Bernath’s Kabbalah Podcast https://anchor.fm/kabbalahforeveryoneFollow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernathAccess Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbiSupport ...

11-20
04:45

Parshat Chayei Sara: Life is Precious.

Send us a textContact Rabbi Bernath via http://www.theloverabbi.comDonate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donateSign up for Rabbi Bernath's Relationships Podcast https://anchor.fm/the-love.../episodes/Love-Rabbi-QA-ecpnteSign up for Rabbi Bernath’s Kabbalah Podcast https://anchor.fm/kabbalahforeveryoneFollow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernathAccess Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbiSupport ...

11-19
05:49

Parshat Chayei Sara: Time Itself.

Send us a textContact Rabbi Bernath via http://www.theloverabbi.comDonate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donateSign up for Rabbi Bernath's Relationships Podcast https://anchor.fm/the-love.../episodes/Love-Rabbi-QA-ecpnteSign up for Rabbi Bernath’s Kabbalah Podcast https://anchor.fm/kabbalahforeveryoneFollow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernathAccess Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbiSupport ...

11-18
05:47

Holiness in the Ordinary: How Abraham's Hospitality Transformed the Spiritual | Rabbi Bernath's Sermon for Parshat Vayeira

Send us a textThis week's Torah portion, Vayeira, captures the surprising encounter between Abraham and three angelic visitors. Expecting divine revelations, the angels instead find Abraham busy with hospitality — preparing food, fetching water, and overseeing their comfort. They question, “Where is Sarah your wife?” seeking a glimpse of the true tzaddik, only to find that her holiness, too, is concealed within the humble details of life. Through Abraham's actions, the angels learn that genui...

11-14
17:05

Parshat Vayeira | Unleash Your Energy

Send us a textSupport the showGot your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.comSingle? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone.Donate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donateFollow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernathAccess Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi

11-13
05:18

Abraham, the Palace in Flames, and Judaism’s Call to Action

Send us a textThis week, Rabbi Bernath's sermon delves into the profound moment in this week's Torah portion when G-d calls Abraham to leave everything familiar and embark on a journey that would define not only his own life but the life of humanity. The Midrash’s metaphor of a palace in flames becomes the key image for Abraham's—and ultimately all of Judaism's—mission. Abraham's journey begins with a cry to G-d, asking why a beautiful world, brimming with order and wonder, is engulfed in suf...

11-07
21:03

Parshat Lech Lecha | Go Beyond.

Send us a textContact Rabbi Bernath via http://www.theloverabbi.comDonate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donateSign up for Rabbi Bernath's Relationships Podcast https://anchor.fm/the-love.../episodes/Love-Rabbi-QA-ecpnteSign up for Rabbi Bernath’s Kabbalah Podcast https://anchor.fm/kabbalahforeveryoneFollow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernathAccess Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbiSupport ...

11-05
05:14

Parshat Lech Lecha | Afraid of the Unknown.

Send us a textContact Rabbi Bernath via http://www.theloverabbi.comDonate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donateSign up for Rabbi Bernath's Relationships Podcast https://anchor.fm/the-love.../episodes/Love-Rabbi-QA-ecpnteSign up for Rabbi Bernath’s Kabbalah Podcast https://anchor.fm/kabbalahforeveryoneFollow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernathAccess Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbiSupport ...

11-04
06:15

The Unsung Hero: The Ordinary Greatness of Noah

Send us a textIn this sermon, we delve into the story of Noah, exploring why the Talmud's mixed views on his righteousness matter. Noah is often compared unfavorably to figures like Abraham, leading to questions about why the sages seemed to minimize his virtue. However, this nuanced approach reveals Noah as a powerful role model for the everyday person. Despite being an ordinary man, not a towering spiritual giant, Noah’s steadfastness in a world of corruption proves that even those who stru...

11-01
21:46

The Tower of Babel: Embracing Divine Diversity and Purpose | A Special Lecture for Parshat Noach

Send us a textIn the aftermath of the Great Flood, humanity united in the Valley of Shinar to construct the Tower of Babel—a symbol of ambition and defiance. The story reveals three driving philosophies behind the Tower: rebellion against G-d, forced homogeneity, and misguided rationalism. While one idea was burnt away, another buried but recurrent, the last still towers today in subtle denial of divine orchestration. The lesson is clear: humanity thrives through embracing diversity, acknowle...

10-31
25:43

Parshat Noach: Does Hell Exist?

Send us a textContact Rabbi Bernath via http://www.theloverabbi.comDonate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donateSign up for Rabbi Bernath's Relationships Podcast https://anchor.fm/the-love.../episodes/Love-Rabbi-QA-ecpnteSign up for Rabbi Bernath’s Kabbalah Podcast https://anchor.fm/kabbalahforeveryoneFollow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernathAccess Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbiSupport ...

10-28
07:01

Dancing Through Darkness: Unity and Resilience on Simchat Torah

Send us a textIn this poignant story, Rabbi Bernath reflects on the profound significance of Simchat Torah amidst the backdrop of recent tragedies, particularly the events of October 7th. Drawing from historical narratives, including the inspiring actions of Rabbi Frankel in 1942, he emphasizes the enduring Jewish spirit of resilience and solidarity. As communities around the world prepare to celebrate the completion of the Torah reading cycle, Rabbi Bernath invites listeners to honor the mem...

10-22
06:12

The Kabbalah of Sukkot | Four Types of Love

Send us a textSupport the showGot your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.comSingle? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone.Donate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donateFollow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernathAccess Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi

10-14
29:07

The ‘Even If’ Principle: A New Approach to Life | Rabbi Bernath’s Neilah Sermon 5785 - 2024

Send us a textAs the gates of Yom Kippur draw to a close, Rabbi Bernath calls us to embrace the profound and unwavering strength of the “Even If” mindset—a faith, love, and joy that endure beyond ideal conditions. Drawing on the story of Chananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, who faced the Babylonian furnace with unyielding courage, Rabbi Bernath parallels this with modern-day heroes who embody this same resilient spirit. Through stories of extraordinary bravery, he challenges us to live a life def...

10-13
31:16

From Division to Unity: A New Generation of Hope | Rabbi Yisroel Bernath’s Kol Nidrei Sermon 5785-2024

Send us a textThis Kol Nidrei sermon reflects on the transformative journey from the days of Golda Meir's tireless efforts to establish the State of Israel to a more personal encounter with Israel’s realities. Rabbi Bernath shares a profound story of unity and resilience—both his own, as a young man in Israel during the Second Intifada, and the collective Jewish response to the recent tragedies of October 7th. The sermon underscores the powerful, unbreakable bond between diaspora Jews and the...

10-11
35:55

Rabbi Bernath's Five Strategies to Help You Forgive Anyone

Send us a textThe weight of this year has been felt deeply by each of us. The challenges faced and the moments of introspection have led us on a quest for clarity, seeking ways to mend our hearts and those of the people around us. At the crossroads of introspection, we often ask: How do we truly forgive? What lessons are we meant to take forward, and what burdens should we lay down?We invite you to embark on a profound exploration with Rabbi Yisroel Bernath. Dive deep into the timeless wisdom...

10-10
48:50

The Book of Jonah as a Metaphor for Your Life | A Kabbalah Lecture with Rabbi Yisroel Bernath

Send us a textSupport the showGot your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.comSingle? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone.Donate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donateFollow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernathAccess Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi

10-09
30:06

Signs from Above: A Mezuzah, Unity, and Miracles in the Face of Adversity | Rabbi Bernath’s Sermon for the 2nd Day of Rosh Hashana

Send us a textIn this moving sermon, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath reflects on a difficult year marked by ongoing challenges, uncertainty, and moments that tested the resolve of the Jewish people. He explores how G-d communicates with us in times of crisis, often through unexpected messengers. Rabbi Bernath introduces the story of Patricia Heaton, a Hollywood actress and devoted supporter of Israel, who recently launched a campaign encouraging non-Jews to show solidarity by putting up a mezuzah. This...

10-08
18:24

October 7th | We Will Never Forget | Rabbi Bernath’s Sermon for the 1st Day of Rosh Hashana

Send us a textIn this year’s Rosh Hashanah sermon, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath addresses the profound impact of last October’s events, emphasizing the collective trauma and unity that emerged in the Jewish community. He reflects on how this tragedy forced the Jewish people to confront their shared identity and essence. Despite differences in ideology, last year’s adversity brought a glimpse into the unity that binds the Jewish people at their core. Rabbi Bernath urges the community to actively sust...

10-07
35:56

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