When Moses refused to offer an answer to a question—and why.

A taste of Shazak Parsha, where the weekly Torah portion comes alive! Geared for kids... Great for adults!

Choosing Our Energy Source: Extracting ourselves–and G-d–from the clutches of kelipah

Rabbi Binyomin Scheiman shares about how he sees the good in every person and every circumstance and built a community of ex-criminals.

A short film on the incredible Rescue at Entebbe by Israeli Special Forces commandos of over 100 Jewish hostages taken captive by Arab terrorists at Entebbe Airport in Uganda. For the IDF to mount a successful operation for such a dangerous mission, over 2000 miles away from Israel, flying over mainly hostile countries, and to bring the hostages back to Israel safely required the unmistakable protective hand of G-d. Produced by Sydenham Shul, Johannesburg South Africa, for the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the miraculous Rescue at Entebbe. (Producer: David Fleminger, Narrator: Anthony Fridjhon, Sound: Jonathan Birin Studios, Executive Producer: Rabbi Yossy Goldman)

Pinchas gets promoted, a certain obnoxious muppet proposes a scratch-off version of the biblical lottery of the Land of Israel, Moses appoints a successor, and Jono sacrifices his shoe

The Talmud is a repository of Jewish learning, tradition, and law, written in a blend of Hebrew and Aramaic.

The internet made copying effortless, not innocent. This class examines what it means to use photos, music, books, and content that someone else created, especially when it’s publicly accessible. We explore boundaries, intent of the creator, user agreements, and how halacha understands ownership beyond physical objects. A major case study, Slavita versus Vilna, shows how serious this question became in the world of Torah publishing. You'll grapple with whether access equals permission, and what you actually owe when you benefit from someone else's work.

How to perform the havdalah ceremony at the conclusion of Shabbat and festivals.

The sons of Korach were part of the original rebellion and hence swallowed up by the ground with Korach, yet in the end, they mysteriously survived. Learn how it all correlates to the nature of their teshuvah.

Only by making itself vulnerable to the mortality and pitfalls of the physical state can the soul of man gain the power to make of itself more than it is.

The five daughters of Tzelafchad were trailblazers. Here are three things to keep in mind to follow in their footsteps.

Study the daily lesson of Sefer HaMitzvos for day 152 with Rabbi Mendel Kaplan, where he teaches the mitzvah in-depth with added insight and detail.

Watch these simple-to-follow instructions on how to do the mitzvah of wearing a Tallis.

Learn the basics of the Sabbath, the Jewish day of rest since Biblical times, how it is observed and what it means.

This fast day begins a period of sadness in the Jewish calendar. Learn what happened on this day and how it is observed.

Cruel intentions often lead to cruel actions. Yet the goodness of actions cannot be judged from their intentions. (Parsha Perks | Pinchas | with Dr Michael Chighel)

In the first of the “Trilogy of Tribulations,” Jeremiah describes his inauguration as prophet. Although his first prophecy is one of impending doom, it contains within it a hidden message about the power to transform mourning into joy.

Rabbi Tzvi Freeman provides a first entry into authentic and practical Jewish meditation. Taking us step by step through the words of the first morning prayer, providing imagery and concepts for mindful focus.

The travels of the Jewish people toward the Holy Land teach us about our own spiritual and psychological journeys to our greatest selves. Here are 5 key takeaways that provide a path forward.

Discover how Torah classes given more than a decade ago continue to enrich lives and touch souls.

The Itche Kadoozy show celebrates its 42nd season on the air, and Jono shows us some vintage clips from the very first season of the IKS.

Setting boundaries means that instead of taking on other people’s beliefs or standards, we become in tune with our own.

In the second haftorah of the “Trilogy of Tribulations” we learn how the prophet Jeremiah’s rebuke of his contemporaries can teach us today how to turn criticism into a powerful catalyst for change.

Study some of the highlights of the weekly Torah portion with insights from various commentaries.

The travels of the Jewish people toward the Holy Land teach us about our own spiritual and psychological journeys to our greatest selves. Here are 5 key takeaways that provide a path forward.

The Land of Israel is Heaven’s perfectly suitable gift suited for the Jewish people. By the same token, it is beyond what the Jews can ever deserve.

Do we ask what G-d will do for me today or what will I do for G-d today?

Why is the list of encampments repeated? Rashi seems to offer two different reasons; his choice of commentary is better understood upon analysis of six early manuscripts of Rashi.

The Torah prohibits constructing the Temple with wood; only stone and brick are admissible. Yet the high priest's chamber, located in the Temple proper, was made of wood. This class will present an analysis of the subject from both halachic and spiritual viewpoints. (Likutei Sichos vol 28, Parshas Massei)

It is a mitzvah to keep a vow, but it is also a mitzvah to have a vow properly annulled. How is a vow annulled?

In listing the places where the Jews encamped, we learn alternative names for locations named for idols. What is the law about mentioning the name of a false deity?

G-d tells Moses, “A thousand for each tribe, a thousand from each tribe, from all the tribes of Israel you shall send into the army [to battle the Midianites].” (Numbers 31:4) The Hebrew word for thousand is “elef,” which is spelled the same as “alef.” What is the connection between the battle against Midian, the letter alef, and the Three Weeks of mourning over the destruction of the Temple?

Just before entering the Promised Land, two and a half of the Twelve Tribes ask for special permission to settle on the other side of the Jordan River. If they were meant to settle in that place, then why didn't G-d assign it to them to begin with? And if they were not meant to settle there, then why did G-d agree to their request?

Jews are naturally repelled by promiscuity. Discover Rashi’s insight into Bilam’s top secret plan to get the Jews to sin in the one area they were vigilant to avoid.

Rashi explores Talmudic sources to dissect the Torah law about how a person becomes impure if they kill someone.

Never make promises you cannot keep, right? Rashi highlights how some vows are spiritually essential, others spiritually unhealthy.

Every step of our past is by divine design for where we need to go in the present.

Each parsha conveys its own unique message. Additionally, the combined reading contains a powerful message on how tackling its greatest darkness exposes our deepest soul.

Every failure is a potential portal to greatness.

The six constants that apply to every Jew, at all times and in all circumstances, are readily accessible to one who seeks refuge from his failings.

The mitzvah to observe the Torah’s dietary laws of eating kosher are all-encompassing in daily living. The campaign to encourage our fellow Jews to go Kosher – on a practical level – focuses on keeping a kosher kitchen. Explore the unique quality of this mitzvah and why it’s critical to the Jewish experience.

A taste of Shazak Parsha, where the weekly Torah portion comes alive! Geared for kids... Great for adults!

During the three weeks between the 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av, we mourn the loss of both Holy Temples in Jerusalem. The Torah tells us, however, that when we study the laws of the Temple’s construction, we are already rebuilding it.

The exile started with a single event, and the children have the power to end it.

Study a variety of vibrant and topical subjects with scholarly teachers. These Torah classes are from a day of learning in Montreal, Canada dedicated to help bring peace to Israel on 8/3/2008.

The Talmud’s narrative of the unfortunate episodes that led to the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and our subsequent exile.

In the first of the “Trilogy of Tribulations,” Jeremiah describes his inauguration as prophet. Although his first prophecy is one of impending doom, it contains within it a hidden message about the power to transform mourning into joy.

In the second haftorah of the “Trilogy of Tribulations” we learn how the prophet Jeremiah’s rebuke of his contemporaries can teach us today how to turn criticism into a powerful catalyst for change.

In the third haftorah of the “Trilogy of Tribulations,” we learn how Isaiah’s prophecy contains a hidden lesson about our power to visualize and manifest our greatest hopes and dreams.

A precise textual analysis of ch. 4, halacha 1 of Rambam's "Laws of the Chosen House" (Hilchos Beis HaBechira) considers the historical role of the Ark in the Temple as well as its location today. (Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 21)

The Sages teach that the Holy Temple was destroyed on account of unwarranted hatred, and will be rebuilt through unwarranted love. Rabbi Pinchas Weberman recalls a private audience in 1973 where the Rebbe explained just how literal this teaching is.

Why it is illogical to say that the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, and the subsequent exile, came about as a punishment for the Jewish people.

This class begins with a history of the three-week period of mourning for the Destruction of the Holy Temple and continues with an analysis of a prophecy of Jeremiah that hints to the future transformation of "bitterness into sweetness."

A look at the three Haftorah portions read during the "Three Weeks" commemorating the destruction of the Holy Temple.

The Third Temple to be built by Moshiach corresponds to the third phase in a relationship in which opposites are harmonized and ultimate peace is achieved.

Before the siege of Jerusalem, G-d commanded the prophet Ezekiel to place an iron pot around a brick symbolizing the city's siege. (Ezekiel 4:3) Iron can be a metaphor for the grave character defect of rigidity or for the deep inner strength of the Jewish people that leads to Redemption.

Why building a Temple on the Temple Mount is by necessity the first stage in making the world a G-dly place. (A Tisha B'Av study, based on the Rebbe's discourse Gadol Yihyeh K'vod Habayis Hazeh, 5722.)

The mystical secrets hinted at by the numbers in the dates associated with the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem—the 17th day of Tammuz, the 9th day of Av, and the three weeks or twenty-one days between them.

Says the prophet Jeremiah in Lamentations, “For these things I weep.” Where were the rest of the Jewish people when Jeremiah was mourning the destruction of the Holy Temple?

"Pinchas...has turned My anger away from the children of Israel by his zealously avenging Me... therefore I hereby give him My covenant of peace." (Numbers 25:11-12) In this verse, the letter 'vav' of the word 'shalom' (peace) is written like two separate letters, a 'yud' above and a small 'vav' below. What does this teach us about how to make true peace?

G-d tells Moses, “A thousand for each tribe, a thousand from each tribe, from all the tribes of Israel you shall send into the army [to battle the Midianites].” (Numbers 31:4) The Hebrew word for thousand is “elef,” which is spelled the same as “alef.” What is the connection between the battle against Midian, the letter alef, and the Three Weeks of mourning over the destruction of the Temple?

This class continues to describe the reign of the Herodian kings and the events leading to the fall of the Holy Temple to the Roman Emperor, Titus.

The Torah prohibits constructing the Temple with wood; only stone and brick are admissible. Yet the high priest's chamber, located in the Temple proper, was made of wood. This class will present an analysis of the subject from both halachic and spiritual viewpoints. (Likutei Sichos vol 28, Parshas Massei)

The Midrash relates that at the beginning of the Babylonian exile, seventy years before the Jews’ return to Jerusalem, G-d instructed Ezekiel to teach them the dimensions of the Holy Temple, because when they engage in its study, G-d considers it as though they built it.

In the book of Eicha – authored by Jeremiah the prophet – the letter Lamed in the verse “Let it not befall you...” is written small. This symbolizes Jeremiah's role, and by extension every Jew, to be a light unto the nations.

In analyzing Maimonides' description of the future transformation of the current fast days into days of celebration in the Messianic era, this class sheds new light on the nature of things to come. (Likutei Sichos volume 15, p. 412)

The Book of Lamentations is a sad song which contains the most heartrending prophecies of Jeremiah about the destruction of the Holy Temple and the ensuing exile. Join us for an informative and uplifting text-based study of this Biblical book, which is traditionally read on Tisha B’av.

This text-based class on Megillat Eicha provides a general overview and analyzes the first two verses.

This text-based class on Megillat Eicha focuses on verses 3-4 of the first chapter.

Raised without a mother and struggling with mental health, Leah turned to the church for support. A trip to Israel (and a lot of conversations) finally helped her find her way back to Judaism.

The two tribes of Reuven and Gad asked Moses to stay in the land Trans-Jordon, where there is sufficient pasture for their flock. How were they different from the spies in not wanting to settle in the land of Israel? And why was half the tribe of Menashe

Dreaming of an incredible life can bring you a wondrous life. This is what radical commitment to Hashem looks like.

Does Teshuvah help if it's not altogether sincere? Learn a powerful lesson about teshuvah from the sons of Korach.

Like the story of Pinchas, almost everything in the world can be channeled for a positive or destructive objective. What is the barometer to know if it’s virtuous?

The sons of Korach were part of the original rebellion and hence swallowed up by the ground with Korach, yet in the end, they mysteriously survived. Learn how it all correlates to the nature of their teshuvah.

Why would a tzadik make a bracha that implies he doesn't deserve Hashem's blessings?

Why every Parah Adumah must link back to Moshe.

The Talmud is a repository of Jewish learning, tradition, and law, written in a blend of Hebrew and Aramaic.

Mendel was just seven years old when his father suddenly passed away, leaving behind four orphans. The Rebbe took a unique interest in the Scharf children, showering them with attention, love, and paternal concern – which we can all learn from. Watch Rabb

The individual who chopped wood in the desert and desecrated the Shabbos, ironically, was out to prove a point about keeping Shabbos. He demonstrated how though good intentions are wonderful, but action is the key.

The spies were deeply spiritual people with high ideals, yet they were misguided and missed the point. This leads to fascinating dive into the Rambam’s definition of attaining the ultimate level of love of Hashem. A lesson from the spies: The goal of Juda

When Moshe sent the spies, were they kosher? If not, why send them. If yes, why did Moshe pray that Yehoshua be save from their plans?

Rambam states that one of the core values of Judaism is the belief that Hashem empowers humans with prophetic ability. Then he details the qualities needed to access prophecy, which tells us what we need to believe about Nevuah.

Is the celebration of Yom Tov all about meat? Is the mitzvah of Simcha on Yom Tov spiritual or physical enjoyment? Is there a mitzvah of Simcha on Shabbos?

The Second Passover offering is brought by those who didn’t bring the Korban Pesach a month earlier in its proper time. Is Pesach Sheni relevant if one didn't miss Pesach? And what is its value today without the Korban?

Phil Rosenberg describes the role of the Board of Deputies of British Jews. He also describes several outlines of what the community should be focusing on to ensure a brighter future.

Shavuos is when we connect with the essence of Hashem, which allows us to fundamentally transform the weekdays that follow. This we see in the days of ‘Tashlumin’, the make-up period for the Shavuos pilgrim offerings.

The way the Leviim needed to transport the holy Aron containing the Luchos, shows the degree to which we need to respect the Torah, and conveys how Torah builds a forward-facing, personal relationship with Hashem.

How we created a Yom Tov out of the day after Shavuos. Analyzing Talmudic sources for the Alter Rebbe’s description of Isru Chag.

What is the essential change from before Sinai to after Sinai with the giving of the Torah?

Marcus Roberts discusses the little known and highly controversial details of the German occupation and Holocaust on the Channel Islands, with an emphasis on Alderney. He describes the attempts to ignore or minimize the atrocities committed there, and his

Watch this cute short on the very basics of the holiday of Shavuot.

Did you know that just before the Torah was given, they experienced their first taste of the revolution the Torah would bring? This we see in Moshe building an altar to bring a sacrifice—the day prior to Shavuuos.

What's the maximum amount of charity you can give? Not all charity is created equal.

Shemitah is a real test of faith, to leave the field fallow the entire year. Yet the words in the verse: "What will we eat during Shemiitah?" is not a question driven by lack of faith.

Choose your neighbors wisely because they’re influence is greater than you imagine.