A Torah class by Rabbi Mendel Kaplan on the strange story of Yaakov and Esav!

Originally aired at 11:15 AM EST on 91.1 CHIN FM Radio with Martin filling in for Zelda Young. Also broadcast via Rabbi Kaplan’s Facebook live.

Understanding the strange story of Yaakov and Esav

TOM’S TALMUD TISCH:
𝑷𝑬𝑹𝑭𝑬𝑪𝑻 𝑻𝑰𝑴𝑬
Series on Hakhel, Part Six
Masechet Sotah, Chap. Seven, Page 41a

~ Dissecting Scripture to Determine the Date of Hakhel!        
     
In the sixth Episode we continue delving more deeply into the Gemara which clarified the information presented in the Mishna -- in a Quest to Discover the Best Day for The Assembly! 

To be sure, the Talmud’s careful analysis of verses did reveal the divinely ordained date for our Septennial Assembly Mitzvah.  Yet, despite unravelling the seeming superfluous syntax of the scripture regarding the date, the precise timing is still unclear!    

Compellingly, for all Talmudic pinpointing, the precise date remains a mystery. Surprisingly, the great Sages of the mediaeval era continued to debate this, and until our very day, the question ahs never been fully resolved! 

Why we weren’t given clearer instructions, and ultimately when exactly is the right time is something we may only discover once Moshiach arrives. Here you will learn to appreciate the differing schools of thought and achieve a broader panoramic view of the full jurisprudence governing this exceptional Torah Commandment.

PERFECT TIME

Sha’ar HaBitachon - Episode 109
𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑭𝒐𝒖𝒓, 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒓𝒕𝒚-𝑺𝒊𝒙
𝐈 𝐂𝐀𝐍’𝐓 𝐃𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐁𝐔𝐓 𝐈 𝐂𝐀𝐍 𝐃𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓
𝙇𝙄𝙑𝙀 𝙒𝙄𝙏𝙃 𝘾𝙀𝙍𝙏𝘼𝙄𝙉𝙏𝙔 ~ 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩!

In previous Episodes we learnt that shifting responsibility to G-d in our spiritual service equals Trust misappropriation, as He already tasked us that responsibility. This approach is in sharp contrast to the way we are supposed to apply Bitachon in all arenas of material pursuit.  

To further clarify this foundational distinction, the present Episode richly illustrates how not all Bitachon is created equal: 

Learn why Rabbeinu Bachaya felt compelled to detail why the attitude of Bitachon required for material affairs is radically different than the Trusting take we are expected to employ in pursuit of our true life's mission in serving Hashem.  

Despite the faith-fact that in both dimensions of life, we can only make our best efforts and must leave the rest in G-d’s hands. The case for a vast Trust Distinction is dramatically presented.

I CANT DO THIS BUT I CAN DO THAT

𝑨𝑾𝑨𝑰𝑻! 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝟭𝟮𝟬
𝑩𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑨𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑴𝒐𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒂𝒄𝒉
𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐀𝐇
Episode Twenty-Three

We've already proven that simply believing in Moshiach's eventual arrival doesn't satisfy the basic Halachik obligations of this foundational Faith Principle. In the previous Episode we went further, demonstrating that even passive anticipation is insufficient. 

Yet, while deeply rooted in the fertile soil of authentic Torah teaching even permeating the bedrock of Halacha as evidenced in our daily prayers, there are so many pious and observant people who seem to ignore it. Doesn't that diminish its importance?

Discover and uplifting new perspective that clarifies our faith perspective and illustrates the immutable force of prophetic Torah truth!  

This is the Twenty Third Episode in an ongoing study series on The Geula, our final Redemption generally referred to as the Coming of Moshiach (The Messiah).

IGNORING THE MESSIAH

𝑨𝑾𝑨𝑰𝑻! 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝟭𝟮𝟬
𝑩𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑨𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑴𝒐𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒂𝒄𝒉
𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐅 𝐈 𝐃𝐎𝐍'𝐓 𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐕𝐄
Episode Twenty-Four

Past Episodes have richly elucidated the true meaning of Believing in Moshiach, and we've made it clear that it's a foundational part of our Jewish Faith. 

Yet, what happens if I just don't believe in it?! 

Say I believe in G-d, Soul, Torah, Mitzvot, Heaven and Divine Purpose for Existence etc., etc., but I'm non-believer in Moshiach. Does that diminish my status as a Jew? 

What if I sincerely wish I could believe in Moshiach, but after nearly 2,000 years of disappointing waiting (and untold suffering punctuating so much of that) I just can't seem to find the spiritual courage to have faith in a Messianic Redemption...  

This Episode will provide you with an encouraging and inspiring fresh perspective on the importance and immutability of our Torah-true belief and faith!  

This is the Twenty Fourth Episode in an ongoing study series on The Geula, our final Redemption generally referred to as the Coming of Moshiach (The Messiah).

WHAT IF I DON'T BELIEVE

Sha’ar HaBitachon - Episode 110
𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑭𝒐𝒖𝒓, 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒓𝒕𝒚-𝑺𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐑 𝐏𝐀𝐓𝐇
𝙇𝙄𝙑𝙀 𝙒𝙄𝙏𝙃 𝘾𝙀𝙍𝙏𝘼𝙄𝙉𝙏𝙔 ~ 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩!

In the previous Episodes we clarified this foundational distinction between exhibiting Trust in our spiritual service, vs applying Bitachon in our material pursuit. This will now be further augmented and more fully articulated. 

We will also return to more carefully examine the syntax and precise language employed by Rabbeinu Bachaya in delineating the reasons for a purposeful absence   of Trust when fulfilling our duty by serving Hashem.  

The arguments for the significant departure from previously paved pathways of Bitachon are even more clearly spelled out in the Torah's promise of remuneration. 

Clearly, relying on Hashem and praying for direction should be limited to the areas of life where the road to success isn't clear. Regarding spiritual service, the road has already been mapped out and clear directions have already been given!

The Thirty-Seventh segment of the Fourth Chapter of "Shaar HaBitachon" comprises the 110th consecutive video Episode of the ongoing series on Trust.

THE CLEAR PATH

TOM’S TALMUD TISCH:
𝑯𝑶𝑵𝑶𝑼𝑹 𝑶𝑭 𝑲𝑰𝑵𝑮𝑺
Series on Hakhel, Part Seven
Masechet Sotah, Chap. Seven, Page 41a

In this seventh Episode we continue the analysis of information found in the Mishna -- deciphering the meaning of the mechanics of the artificially created ceremony involving rank and file of Jewish political and spiritual leadership to best fulfill the biblical Septennial Assembly Mitzvah of Hakhel! 

Simply stated: while the Torah clearly ordains the need to gather the nation for an important event that would feature a Torah Reading by its supreme royal leadership, there is no mention of introducing it in a dazzling display of honour to human beings.  

And, even if the King's Honour is framed as a component of the Mitzvah, doesn’t honouring others infringe upon the unique dignity due to royalty alone? 

The formalities of the event are fully clarified as we learn to appreciate greater involvement of the Temple dignitaries, alongside with the Monarchy. 

Finally, a look at posture and protocol: who can sit, and who must stand and what that means to us, the Jewish People. 

Understanding Temple Respect, and the uniqueness of the Davidic Monarchy vs other Houses of Jewish Royal will ultimately lead into a fuller comprehension of Hakhel itself! 

This is the Seventh Episode in our special mini- series on Hakhel.

HONOUR OF KINGS

𝑨𝑾𝑨𝑰𝑻! 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝟭𝟮𝟬
𝑩𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑨𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑴𝒐𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒂𝒄𝒉
𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐏𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐆-𝐃 𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐀𝐍
Episode Twenty-Five

In the previous Episodes have thoroughly documented the immutable Torah truth about our Jewish Belief in Moshiach. In the past Episode we even discussed disbelief in the messianic process of Geula! 

So, in the end, are we awaiting a divinely orchestrated redemption by G-d Himself or does believing in Moshiach as a person mean that Geula Shliema, The Prophesized Final Redemption of the Jewish People and the transformation of the entire world will be the work of a Human Being?! 

As faith in the Messianic Redemption is an elemental part of our Yiddishkeit credo, its obvious that clarifying the Torah take on this subject is critical. After all we need to know what we are supposed to, and not supposed to believe in! 

This presentation will shed light on this nuanced detail in our sacred Torah-true belief and faith in the ultimate future!  

This is the Twenty Fifth Episode in an ongoing study series on The Geula, our final Redemption generally referred to as the Coming of Moshiach (The Messiah).

REDEMPTION G-D OR MAN

𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐄𝐃 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘
𝐌𝐚’𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐢 𝐋’𝐆𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝟓𝟕𝟒𝟑
𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐎𝐧𝐞

Part One of this special series on Ma’amer Basi L’Gani 5743 (1983), entitled "BENEATH THE DARKNESS" is called “ARMED FOR VICTORY.” The prefix (covering chapters one and two) of the Ma’amer succinctly and uniquely recapitulates the thesis of the first 12 chapters of the original Ma’amer Basi L’Gani (5710). For more about this see below.*

This opening Episode sets the stage for the exciting ground-breaking mystical journey that especially focuses on the theme of chapter 13 by traveling a familiar road in revisiting the themes of the earlier chapters. Yet, much of the scenery is redrawn and previous parameters are significantly expanded and re-envisioned with an illuminating new perspective!  
_____________________________________________

* The Ma’amarim of Basi L’Gani, are a collection of more than 40 uniquely themed Chassidic Discourses that were delivered by The Rebbe on, or in proximity to Yud Shvat, the Yartzeit-Hilulah of his predecessor Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneerson, between the years of 5711 and 5748 (1951 – 1988). 

All these ruminations were directly based on Ma’amer Basi L’Gani, 5710, which was released by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok on the eve of his terrestrial passing. This [original] Ma’amer is widely regarded as the Previous Rebbe’s Last Will and Testament, and our Rebbe used its themes as guiding lights for the unique mission of our Seventh Generation [of Chabad-Lubavitch] Chassidim.  

Kindred in containing many common concepts or ideas, each discourse incorporates a remarkably wide range of mystical Torah teachings and always radiates with multiple novel, fresh creative insights.     

The original rumination contains Twenty Chapters, and for nearly four decades, annually (in orderly successive fashion) the Rebbe would elaborate on themes found in a specific chapter, by delivering one or more Ma’amarim (formal dissertations of original Chassidic Teachings) almost always opening with the Midrashic words “Basi L’Gani.”

This year, 5783, we are – once again – focused on chapter thirteen. As such, the discourses of 5723 (1963) and 5743 (1983) are studied by the global Chasidic community during the Yud Shvat season.

ARMED FOR VICTORY

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒
𝐌𝐚’𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐢 𝐋’𝐆𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝟓𝟕𝟒𝟑
𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫

The Fourth and final part of this special series on Ma’amer Basi L’Gani 5743 (1983), entitled "BENEATH THE DARKNESS" is called “THE BOOK OF TRANSFORMATIONS.” Seeking resolution to the faith conundrum of Evil's existence, a revolutionary idea on the virtual, yet real-time effect of Torah study is presented . 

The fourth class of the series (covering chapters seven, eight and nine) concludes the  Ma’amer by  further developing the primary theme in chapter 13 of the original Ma’amer Basi L’Gani (5710). For more details on this, see below.*

In this Episode we are complete the sacred Knowledge is Power paradigm that provides a fresh perspective on Torah study’s impact. 

The Ma’amer’s crowning conclusion introduces Torah as the ultimate book of transformation. Profound intellectual grasp and personalized knowledge connects us with the ultimate power, enabling us to harness the true force of spirit!      

This Fourth Episode of the four-part series has been lovingly dedicated by Dr. Martin Kushner and Sharon Adler to elevate the Neshama of Etel Adler, Etel bat Zecharia O.B.M.

______________________________
Playlist link: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4...

* The Ma’amarim of Basi L’Gani, are a collection of more than 40 uniquely themed Chassidic Discourses that were delivered by The Rebbe on, or in proximity to Yud Shvat, the Yartzeit-Hilulah of his predecessor Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneerson, between the years of 5711 and 5748 (1951 – 1988). 

All these ruminations were directly based on Ma’amer Basi L’Gani, 5710, which was released by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok on the eve of his terrestrial passing. This [original] Ma’amer is widely regarded as the Previous Rebbe’s Last Will and Testament, and our Rebbe used its themes as guiding lights for the unique mission of our Seventh Generation [of Chabad-Lubavitch] Chassidim.  

Kindred in containing many common concepts or ideas, each discourse incorporates a remarkably wide range of mystical Torah teachings and always radiates with multiple novel, fresh creative insights.     

The original rumination contains Twenty Chapters, and for nearly four decades, annually (in orderly successive fashion) the Rebbe would elaborate on themes found in a specific chapter, by delivering one or more Ma’amarim (formal dissertations of original Chassidic Teachings) almost always opening with the Midrashic words “Basi L’Gani.”

This year, 5783, we are – once again – focused on chapter thirteen. As such, the discourses of 5723 (1963) and 5743 (1983) are studied by the global Chasidic community during the Yud Shvat season.

THE BOOK OF TRANSFORMATIONS

𝑨𝑾𝑨𝑰𝑻! 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝟭𝟮𝟬
𝑩𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑨𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑴𝒐𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒂𝒄𝒉
𝐌𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐀𝐇: 𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐓 𝐔𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐓?
Episode Twenty-Six

In previous Episodes we've clarified the meaning of Belief in Moshiach and it's centrality to Torah-true Judaism, and what precisely we are awaiting.

In this Episode we address the concept of it's "Urgency."  Having resolved that faith in a future Messianic Redemption is a cornerstone of Yiddishkeit credo, the question may now be asked: "how necessary is it to anticipate this in imminent fashion?"   

In other words: is belief with absolute conviction, that someday in the (albeit) non-immediate or even distant future Moshiach will surely come -- despite disbelief or no expectation that it'll be anytime soon, good enough? 

To be sure, many pious people seem to follow that school of thought. Is it arbitrary, or is there a conclusive final word of the matter from the Torah literature of our Sages (e.g., the Talmudic era) as it filters into our daily Halachik observances? 

This presentation will shine a bright light on a question that appears clouded to so many!   

This is the Twenty Sixth Episode in an ongoing study series on The Geula, our final Redemption generally referred to as the Coming of Moshiach (The Messiah).

MESSIAH: IS IT URGENT?

Rabbi Mendel Kaplan is the Spiritual Leader and Executive Director of Chabad Flamingo in Thornhill, Ontario, serving one of Canada’s most dynamic Jewish communities. He also serves as Chaplain of the York Regional Police Service. He is an active member of Toronto’s Vaad HaRabbanim (Council of Orthodox Rabbis), and a voting member of the COR Kashruth Council of Canada’s executive rabbinical board. Rabbi Kaplan is featured regularly on many local television and radio shows. He is a sought after speaker, with hundreds of lectures on Chabad.org. He and his wife, Faygie, are blessed with eight children. Artistically endowed, the rabbi enjoys drawing, sketching and creating charcoal portraits.

Understanding the strange story of Yaakov and Esav

Torah Classes By Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

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