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In this morning’s class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explored the baffling, almost mythical global obsession with Israel and the Jewish people, a tiny nation that somehow takes up an outsized share of the world’s attention. Drawing on the teachings of Rabbi Simon Jacobson, Rabbi YY Jacobson, and Rabbi Manis Friedman, Rabbi Bernath unpacked the spiritual roots behind antisemitism and the world’s fixation on Jews.

We confronted the paradox: being “chosen” doesn’t raise us above others, it humbles us beneath the weight of responsibility. Using the Alter Rebbe’s 1798 letter after his release on Yud Tes Kislev, we learned that true chosenness shrinks the ego while expanding the soul’s mission: to illuminate the world with goodness, moral clarity, unity, and love.

When Jews embrace who we are… Divine ambassadors of light, we trigger the world. But we also transform it.

Key Takeaways

The obsession is ancient and irrational — Jews are less than 0.25% of the world, yet remain humanity’s main character.

Reason alone cannot explain Jewish influence and survival — only our mission as bearers of ethical monotheism can.

Chosen-ness ≠ superiority — it’s a call to responsibility, growth, and humility.

Closeness to G-d shrinks the ego, not inflates it — “Katonti,” like Jacob said: “I am made small by Your kindness.”

Anyone can join the Jewish people — chosenness is a spiritual calling, not a biological club.

The world senses Jewish holiness — sometimes more than Jews do — and reacts intensely, for better or worse.

Our role is universal — to be a moral lighthouse, not a fortress of self-importance.


#Israel #Jewish #Chosen #chosenpeople #chosenness #alterrebbe #yudteskislev #JewishSpirituality #Rebbe #Antisemitism #LightOverDarkness  #humility 

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In this heart-opening conversation, Rabbi Bernath shares a powerful true story of a needy bride who felt ashamed to accept financial help, until she discovers that she is a partner, not a burden. Drawing on the Torah’s teaching of Yissachar and Zevulun, and Chassidic wisdom from the Lubavitcher Rebbe, he reveals the revolutionary idea that tzedakah is not a one-way act of charity but a sacred spiritual partnership. Through moving stories, including a dramatic tale of a Hatzalah medic and his unlikely agreement with a butcher afraid of blood the message becomes clear: the giver and receiver elevate and bless one another. Each act of kindness is a mutual exchange of soul-energy that strengthens Jewish unity and brings the world closer to redemption.

Key Takeaways
Receiving is also giving.
The recipient grants the giver the opportunity to fulfill a supreme mitzvah and gain spiritual merit.

Tzedakah is a partnership.
Like Yissachar and Zevulun, both the supporter and the one supported share in the mitzvah.

Spiritual reward is shared.
Jewish law and Chassidic teachings affirm that those who enable mitzvot receive a full portion of the merit.

Everyone has something to give.
Whether materially or spiritually, we each fill in what others lack.

Unity is our strength.
Caring for one another is the secret of Jewish survival and the catalyst for redemption.

Acts of kindness transform the world.
When we give and receive with dignity, we illuminate each other’s lives and G-d’s world.

End-of-Year Giving | Spread the Light With Us
Every soul you help us reach is another candle blazing against the darkness. If this podcast has touched you, inspired you, or lifted your spirits even once, consider being part of this ripple of goodness. Together, let’s end the year shining a little brighter: https://www.charidy.com/NDG2025

#Charity #Judaism #Kabbalah #Tzedakah #chassidus #giving #receiving #Rebbe #chabad #chassidut #Torah #TorahPortion #yissachar #zevulun #jewishunity #actsofkindness #kindness 

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Prayer isn’t supposed to feel far away, confusing, or “for holier people.” It’s a ladder right beneath your feet, starting exactly where you are, in your busy, messy, beautiful real life. Tonight, we explore the ancient Kabbalistic map of the four worlds of Action, Emotion, Understanding, and Oneness and discover how the structure of our daily prayers is designed to gently lift us, step by step. Jacob’s ladder becomes our ladder: a practical tool for finding meaning, presence, and Divine connection in a world that constantly pulls us down to earth. No experience needed. No advanced mysticism required. Just bring a heart that’s willing to take one small step upward.

Key Takeaways

• Start Where You Are
  The ladder begins on the ground — spiritual growth doesn’t require feeling spiritual at first.
• Prayer Has Four Stages
  The siddur intentionally guides us from action → emotion → insight → connection.
• Small Steps Matter
  Even a single focused phrase or breath can shift us into a higher state of being.
• Two-Way Ladder
  As we elevate ourselves through prayer, G-d brings strength, clarity, and blessing down into our everyday life.
• You Are the Ladder
  Like Jacob, compassion is our bridge of every kind act connects heaven and earth.

#Kabbalah  #KabbalahForEveryone #JacobsLadder #FourWorlds #chassidus #PrayerJourney  #JewishWisdom #SoulConnection #MindfulPrayer #HeavenAndEarth #CompassionInAction #ChassidicTeachings #JewishSpirituality #DailyTefillah #WorldOfAction #WorldOfFormation #WorldOfCreation #WorldOfEmanation #RatzovShov #RunAndReturn #SoulAwakening #chabad 

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Life doesn’t wait until everything is perfect. It shows up messy, unpredictable, and sometimes painful. In this uplifting and down-to-earth session, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores how Rachel Imeinu, through the birth of Yosef revealed a simple yet profound mindset that can transform the way we handle challenges. We’ll discover how gratitude isn’t about ignoring the hard stuff, but about seeing the hidden blessings behind the chaos. This class will help us feel more grounded, hopeful, and connected especially during turbulent times.

Shift the Lens
Learn how to reframe struggles as signs of life, love, and purpose.

Emotional Resilience from Rachel
Understand how one biblical phrase can help us find strength today.

Gratitude as a Superpower
Explore how gratitude keeps us spiritually anchored when the world feels overwhelming.

Joseph’s Legacy of Joy
Discover why Yosef remained positive through betrayal, isolation, and fear—and how we can too.

A Practical Practice
Walk away with simple habits that bring more calm and meaning into everyday moments.

#Jewish #Torah #Kabbalah #torahwisdom #gratitude #livinwithblessing #chassidus #chassidut #innerstrength #rachel #rochel #rochelimeinu #emotionalresilience #Spiritual #spiritualmindset #BibleStudy #Bible #ParshatVayeitzei 

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In this morning’s class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath dove into one of the strangest, most beautiful marriage scenes in the entire Torah, Yitzchak and Rivkah caught “jesting” behind a window. 

Why does the Torah use a word for laughter to describe intimacy? Why is the first Jew born into the covenant literally named “He Will Laugh”? And why does Rivkah’s name hint to a yoke of oxen, two forces pulling together toward transformation?

Using Rashi, Midrash, Zohar, and the Alter Rebbe’s revolutionary maamar from 5569, we uncovered a powerful Chassidic idea: Laughter is born from contradiction. From the unexpected. From two worlds that shouldn’t fitand yet somehow do. That’s the secret of Yitzchak and Rivkah. That’s the secret of humanity. And that’s the secret of marriage.

Today’s class explored how two people with different histories, tendencies, wounds, and temperaments can build something eternal… precisely because of their differences. When we choose holiness over instinct, love over ego, repair over distance, Heaven itself, the Alter Rebbe says, “laughs with delight.” Marriage, it turns out, is the ultimate divine joke. And our job is to embrace the punchline.

TAKEAWAYS

Laughter = Transformation

The Alter Rebbe teaches that laughter is triggered when reality breaks its own rules. When a human transcends instinct choosing holiness over ego that is the greatest “cosmic joke.”

Yitzchak’s Name Isn’t Cute … It’s His Mission

“He will laugh” means the whole purpose of Jewish life is rising above our programmed nature. This is why the Torah uses metzachek: intimacy is the fusion of two worlds that shouldn’t naturally fit.

Rivkah Is the Model of Human Greatness

Raised in corruption, she becomes a “rose among thorns.” She is proof that background does not define destiny. She is the surprise that makes Heaven smile.

Marriage Thrives on Differences, Not Sameness

The clash, the contrast, the contradictions—these are not obstacles. They are the very material through which G-d’s laughter emerges. The greatest holiness comes from uniting opposites.

Every Conflict Is an Invitation

When your instinct says defend, and you choose softness… When your body says withdraw, and you choose connection… When your ego wants to be right, and you choose to be kind… That is holy laughter. That is Yitzchak.

This Is Why Avimelech Knew

Only husband and wife can create the kind of oneness that blends two spiritual worlds into something new. That oneness is holiness. That holiness is laughter.

#Kabbalah #Torah #chassidus #Bible #BibleStudy #chassidut #kabala #Spiritual #spiritualgrowth #yitzchak #rivkah #ParshatToldot #parshastoldos #opposites #oppositesattract #marriage #intimacy 

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In this morning’s class, Rabbi Bernath explored the timeless lesson hidden in a sleepy Midrash. When Rabbi Akiva saw his students dozing off, he woke them not with rebuke, but with revelation: the story of Queen Esther’s 127 provinces, mirroring the 127 years of Sarah’s life. 

From this, the Chedushei HaRim teaches that Sarah lived every moment so fully that each second became a kingdom of its own. Rabbi Akiva’s message? Every moment we “sleep through” is a world lost. Through humor, wisdom, and a dash of Churchill’s charm, Rabbi Bernath reminded us that time is not money, it’s life itself.

Takeaways:

Every Moment Matters: Like Sarah, each of us has the power to turn seconds into significance.

Wakefulness Is Spiritual: Falling asleep… literally or metaphorically means missing the miracle of now.

Time Is Life, Not Money: The Rebbe taught that time is not a commodity but a living gift. Use it with purpose.

Presence Is Royalty: Esther’s reign flowed from Sarah’s lived time; our own “reign” depends on how awake we are to our days.

Humor and Holiness Coexist: Even Churchill and Rabbi Akiva knew that a good laugh can wake up the soul.

#Kabbalah #chassidus #Judaism #Jewish #jewishmysticism #time #presence #purpose #life #chabad #spiritualgrowth #Spiritual #chassidut #kabala #sarah 

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In this heart-stirring exploration of the prophet Elisha’s miracle for the destitute widow, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath invites us to uncover our own “cruse of oil” the indestructible spark of holiness within. Drawing from Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi’s profound interpretation, we discover that the widow’s empty vessels are our empty actions, our daily deeds done even without inspiration. When we keep showing up, praying, loving, giving, building those vessels eventually overflow with divine oil. This class takes the ancient story and turns it into a living roadmap for reigniting the soul when we feel emotionally or spiritually numb.

Takeaways:

Every soul possesses a pure “cruse of oil” an unbreakable core of divine essence untouched by pain, doubt, or apathy.

When inspiration runs dry, the key is action: fill your life with “empty vessels” of goodness, even if your heart isn’t fully in it yet.

Emotional numbness doesn’t mean the soul has died it’s a signal that something deeper is ready to be rediscovered.

Love, awe, and purpose can be reclaimed through consistent small acts of holiness they become the vessels for divine flow.

The moment the spark reawakens, all your past “empty” deeds become filled with meaning, joy, and light.

#Bible #Kabbalah #Judaism #Jewish #mysticism #jewishmysticism #chassidus #chassidut #spiritualgrowth #Rabbi #chabad #spiritualgrowth #inspiration #soul #essence #Spiritual #divinespark 

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In this heartfelt Ask Me Anything, Rabbi Bernath responds to someone from the Kabbalah for Everyone Community, a lifelong Reform Jew who asks a question many have quietly carried: “Am I less of a Jew because I was raised Reform?”

Rabbi Bernath explores how Jewish identity transcends denominational labels. Drawing on teachings from Tanya and Rashi, he reminds us that every Jewish soul is a piece of G-d, unbreakable and equally precious.

This conversation becomes more than an answer, it’s an invitation to rediscover who we are beneath the labels. It’s a love letter to every Jew who has ever wondered if they still belong.

Takeaways:

There are no “levels” of Jewishness. Every Jew, regardless of affiliation or observance carries the same Divine spark.

Denominations are man-made; the soul is G-d-made. Labels were meant to organize ideas, not divide hearts.

Jewish identity is a relationship, not a category. Wherever you learn, pray, or grow, your connection to G-d is real and alive.

Belonging is not earned — it’s inherited. You’re part of the same eternal covenant, the same people, the same love story that began at Sinai.

Your light matters. Every small act of faith, study, or kindness sustains the Jewish people.

#Judaism #Jewish #JewishIdentity #reform #orthodox #belonging #Kabbalah 

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This morning, Rabbi Bernath explored a fascinating question raised by the great medieval sage Nachmanides (the Ramban): Why does the Torah introduce every major biblical figure with their background—except Abraham?

Why does G-d suddenly appear and tell him, “Lech Lecha — Go to yourself”, without any explanation of why him?

The Ramban and later Chassidic masters reveal something extraordinary: G-d didn’t just speak to Abraham. He speaks to everyone. The difference is — Abraham heard it.

“Lech Lecha” is not a one-time command; it’s a timeless call to every soul to move forward, step out of fear, and become the person G-d created us to be.

Rabbi Bernath illustrated this with the story of Avraham Vetzler, a 90-year-old Holocaust survivor who, after eight decades of silence, suddenly felt the call to return—to light, to Torah, to G-d. His story reminds us that it’s never too late to hear our own Lech Lecha.

Key Takeaways:

G-d is always speaking. The question is: am I listening?

“Lech Lecha” is a call to every human being — to leave behind fear, comfort, and old patterns and journey toward our truest self.

Growth begins when we notice that inner whisper and take one brave step forward.

You’re never too old, too far, or too lost to hear the call again.

#Kabbalah #Judaism #Jewish #LechLecha #Abraham #purpose #Faith #mysticism #spiritualgrowth #BibleStudy #Bible #Parsha #ParshatLechLecha #chassidus #chassidut 

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This morning, Rabbi Bernath explored one of the most misunderstood heroes in Torah, Noach. While the Torah calls him a tzaddik, some sages question whether he was truly righteous or simply better than those around him. Why would our tradition, which praises kindness and humility, seem to downplay the one man who saved humanity?

Drawing on a 1964 teaching from the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Bernath reframed the question: the Sages weren’t diminishing Noach, they were elevating him. Noach wasn’t perfect. He doubted. He hesitated. He stumbled. But he built an ark anyway. And that’s precisely why he’s the hero for the rest of us, for the ordinary, flawed people who still try to do good in a noisy, cynical world.

Noach reminds us that you don’t need to be Abraham or Moses to make a difference. You just need to build your ark, an island of sanity, compassion, and moral courage, right where you are.

Key Takeaways:

Imperfect Righteousness Is Still Righteousness.
The Torah’s praise of Noach is not about spiritual perfection, but about moral persistence. Doing good in a corrupt world is itself greatness.

The Power of Ordinary People.
Noach’s story teaches that world-changing moments often come from those who don’t feel extraordinary, just steady souls who keep showing up.

Struggle Is Part of the Journey.
Unlike “cookie-cutter” saints, real people wrestle with doubt, temptation, and fatigue. Noach’s humanity is his heroism.

Build Your Ark.
In a world flooded with noise and confusion, our job is to create spaces of kindness, faith, and integrity, shelters of light in turbulent waters.

Every Small Act Matters.
Like the girl tossing starfish back into the sea, we can’t save the whole world, but we can change someone’s world.

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In this morning’s class, Rabbi Bernath explored one of the most profound paradoxes in the Torah, the two seemingly contradictory accounts of Adam and Eve’s creation. Far from a textual flaw, this duality encodes the deepest truths about relationships, individuality, and spiritual evolution.

The first creation describes Adam and Eve as one, a fused, bi-gendered being. The second describes their separation. From this, Rabbi Bernath revealed a timeless model: every relationship, whether between man and woman or humanity and G-d, must pass through three stages, oneness, separation, and reunion.

Through this lens, the Genesis narrative becomes not ancient history but a living blueprint. It explains the evolution of human intimacy, feminism, secularism, and the search for Divine connection in the modern age, showing that we are now entering the third stage: the age of chosen unity, love and faith born not of obligation, but of conscious choice.

Key Takeaways:

Genesis isn’t contradiction, it’s choreography.
The two accounts of creation mirror the cosmic dance between unity and individuality, dependence and independence, G-d and humankind.

True love is chosen, not imposed.
Adam and Eve’s separation allowed them to rediscover each other voluntarily, the foundation of mature, lasting relationships.

History mirrors the Garden.
From religious dependence, to secular independence, humanity now yearns for integration, faith and freedom intertwined.

Marriage is self-discovery.
In loving another, we reunite with the missing part of ourselves; separation was never punishment, but preparation for deeper connection.

The third stage is now.
Our generation is called to embody integration, where spirituality and modernity, masculinity and femininity, body and soul harmonize again.

#Genesis #Kabbalah #Judaism #Jewish #adamandeve #feminism #Faith #marriage #Relationships #Unity #Sprirital #Bible #BibleStudy #TorahPortion #TorahLessons #Torah #torahpsychology 

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