This 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 their Israeli brethr...
Oct 11, 2024•37 min
The 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 and teachings o...
Oct 10, 2024•50 min
A Brand-New Four Part Kabbalah Series - Turning Walls into Doorways How to Transform Life’s Obstacles into the Path to Your Greatest Growth Why do we keep hitting the same emotional walls? Why do certain fears, insecurities, patterns, and painful circumstances keep showing up in our lives, despite our best efforts to change? Access HERE https://www.jewishndg.com/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=102 Available now: Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Forgiveness-Experiment-What-Would-Your/dp/106921...
Oct 09, 2024•31 min
In 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 initiative echoe...
Oct 08, 2024•19 min
In 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 sustain this unity—no...
Oct 07, 2024•37 min
So many of you asked me to record my Rosh Hashanah Sermon, well here it is and I hope it inspires and uplifts you. A Brand-New Four Part Kabbalah Series - Turning Walls into Doorways How to Transform Life’s Obstacles into the Path to Your Greatest Growth Why do we keep hitting the same emotional walls? Why do certain fears, insecurities, patterns, and painful circumstances keep showing up in our lives, despite our best efforts to change? Access HERE https://www.jewishndg.com/civicrm/event/info?r...
Oct 06, 2024•35 min
A Brand-New Four Part Kabbalah Series - Turning Walls into Doorways How to Transform Life’s Obstacles into the Path to Your Greatest Growth Why do we keep hitting the same emotional walls? Why do certain fears, insecurities, patterns, and painful circumstances keep showing up in our lives, despite our best efforts to change? Access HERE https://www.jewishndg.com/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=102 Available now: Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Forgiveness-Experiment-What-Would-Your/dp/106921...
Oct 01, 2024•57 min
A Brand-New Four Part Kabbalah Series - Turning Walls into Doorways How to Transform Life’s Obstacles into the Path to Your Greatest Growth Why do we keep hitting the same emotional walls? Why do certain fears, insecurities, patterns, and painful circumstances keep showing up in our lives, despite our best efforts to change? Access HERE https://www.jewishndg.com/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=102 Available now: Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Forgiveness-Experiment-What-Would-Your/dp/106921...
Sep 29, 2024•1 hr
In this inspiring sermon, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath shares a powerful story of two rabbinical students sent on a mission to the remote Aleutian Islands, where they encountered a young Jewish girl and her mother living in isolation. Their discovery reignited the family's connection to Judaism, emphasizing the significance of Shabbat candle lighting. Rabbi Bernath connects this story to the Rebbe’s campaign encouraging young girls to light Shabbat candles, a movement that has illuminated homes worldwi...
Sep 27, 2024•11 min
On the night of Rosh Hashanah, we engage in a cosmic ceremony unlike any other — the coronation of G-d as our King. Drawing inspiration from Rabbi Yosef Dov Soleveitchik’s childhood story in Chaslavitch, we explore the profound depth of Rosh Hashanah, where the humblest among us — the tailor, shoemaker, water-carrier, and painter — all participate in the crowning of G-d. But why does the infinite, omnipotent G-d desire our coronation? Through this act, we come to understand the relationship betw...
Sep 26, 2024•29 min
The month of Elul is a time of deep introspection and renewal in love and relationships, aligning with the theme of "Ani l'dodi v'dodi li" – "I am to my beloved, and my beloved is to me." This sermon explores the mystical dimensions of Elul, emphasizing how true love and unity are possible without compromising individuality. By understanding the Kabbalistic concepts of Divine light and vessels, we learn how love in human relationships mirrors the unity between the finite and the infinite. As we ...
Sep 19, 2024•27 min
A Brand-New Four Part Kabbalah Series - Turning Walls into Doorways How to Transform Life’s Obstacles into the Path to Your Greatest Growth Why do we keep hitting the same emotional walls? Why do certain fears, insecurities, patterns, and painful circumstances keep showing up in our lives, despite our best efforts to change? Access HERE https://www.jewishndg.com/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=102 Support the show Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.co...
Sep 19, 2024•6 min
In the summer of 2023, Sappir Cohen, a young woman from Ramat Gan, felt an overwhelming sense of foreboding. Despite countless visits to doctors, she found no explanation for her anxiety. In desperation, she turned to prayer, reciting Psalm 27 daily. Months later, she was abducted by terrorists during the October 7th attacks in Israel. Miraculously, her prayer became her source of strength and resilience throughout her 55-day captivity in Gaza. Her experience serves as a reminder of the power of...
Sep 15, 2024•27 min
In this sermon, the story of Chanah from the Haftarah on Rosh Hashanah serves as a powerful lesson about the depth of human emotions and the nature of prayer. Chanah, who is childless, pours her heart out to G-d in silent prayer, but Eli, the High Priest, mistakenly perceives her as being drunk. This seemingly insensitive misjudgment turns into a profound revelation about the coexistence of pain and serenity, and the spiritual intimacy that comes from genuine prayer. By exploring Chanah’s respon...
Sep 12, 2024•24 min
The Rebbe’s teachings on the parable of the “King in the Field,” drawn from Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, provide profound insights into the unique opportunity presented by the month of Elul. Unlike the rest of the year, when approaching G-d can feel daunting, during Elul G-d leaves the palace and meets us in the field. This signifies His closeness, love, and willingness to engage with all of us, no matter how distant we may feel. However, it is up to us to take the first step towards Him. Thro...
Sep 04, 2024•19 min
The topic of Jerusalem’s ownership often stirs debate, particularly in the context of peace in the Middle East. While the Hebrew Bible mentions Jerusalem extensively, the Torah itself does not explicitly name the city. Instead, it alludes to it as "the place that the L-rd will choose." This omission raises questions about why the Torah does not directly name Jerusalem, despite its profound significance to the Jewish people. Various explanations from Maimonides and the Rebbe offer insights, sugge...
Sep 03, 2024•11 min
The famous slogan "Let My People Go" became a rallying cry for Jews worldwide in the 1970s, advocating for the release of Soviet Jewry. However, as the Rebbe reminded us, the slogan's full meaning—"so that they may serve Me"—was often overlooked. This sermon explores the deeper significance of this missing line and the importance of spiritual liberation alongside physical freedom. Drawing parallels with Moshe Dayan's speech during the War of Attrition, the Rebbe emphasized that our strength lies...
Sep 02, 2024•16 min
A Brand-New Four Part Kabbalah Series - Turning Walls into Doorways How to Transform Life’s Obstacles into the Path to Your Greatest Growth Why do we keep hitting the same emotional walls? Why do certain fears, insecurities, patterns, and painful circumstances keep showing up in our lives, despite our best efforts to change? Access HERE https://www.jewishndg.com/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=102 Support the show Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.co...
Sep 01, 2024•5 min
The 5-Step Program of Spiritual Courtship, Engagement, Marriage, Honeymoon, and Real Life: Discovering the Divine Romance in Our Lives In this sermon, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores the deep and mystical relationship between G-d and the Jewish people, likened to a sacred marriage. Drawing from Kabbalistic and Chassidic teachings, Rabbi Bernath delves into the spiritual phases of this divine union, paralleling it with the milestones of human relationships: courtship, engagement, marriage, honeymo...
Aug 29, 2024•21 min
In this sermon, we explore one of the most profound and paradoxical moments in Jewish history: Moses' decision to break the first set of tablets containing the Ten Commandments. Far from being a moment of defeat, this act is seen as Moses' greatest accomplishment. By smashing the tablets, Moses conveyed a timeless truth—G-d can be found not only in the perfection of life but also within its brokenness. This powerful lesson teaches us that our broken places are not voids to be feared but sacred s...
Aug 26, 2024•13 min
A Brand-New Four Part Kabbalah Series - Turning Walls into Doorways How to Transform Life’s Obstacles into the Path to Your Greatest Growth Why do we keep hitting the same emotional walls? Why do certain fears, insecurities, patterns, and painful circumstances keep showing up in our lives, despite our best efforts to change? Access HERE https://www.jewishndg.com/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=102 Support the show Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.co...
Aug 25, 2024•8 min
"What is Love?" Love is redefined beyond the conventional understanding of a mere emotion or a passive state of being. We emphasized that love is an obligation and a directive, as illustrated in Leviticus 19:18, which commands to "love your fellow as yourself." This idea suggests that love is not just a spontaneous feeling but an active choice and action. Before one can extend love to others, it's crucial to first develop a sense of love for oneself. This foundational self-love sets the stage fo...
Aug 19, 2024•31 min
A Brand-New Four Part Kabbalah Series - Turning Walls into Doorways How to Transform Life’s Obstacles into the Path to Your Greatest Growth Why do we keep hitting the same emotional walls? Why do certain fears, insecurities, patterns, and painful circumstances keep showing up in our lives, despite our best efforts to change? Access HERE https://www.jewishndg.com/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=102 Available now: Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Forgiveness-Experiment-What-Would-Your/dp/106921...
Aug 18, 2024•1 hr 22 min
A Brand-New Four Part Kabbalah Series - Turning Walls into Doorways How to Transform Life’s Obstacles into the Path to Your Greatest Growth Why do we keep hitting the same emotional walls? Why do certain fears, insecurities, patterns, and painful circumstances keep showing up in our lives, despite our best efforts to change? Access HERE https://www.jewishndg.com/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=102 Support the show Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.co...
Aug 16, 2024•5 min
A Brand-New Four Part Kabbalah Series - Turning Walls into Doorways How to Transform Life’s Obstacles into the Path to Your Greatest Growth Why do we keep hitting the same emotional walls? Why do certain fears, insecurities, patterns, and painful circumstances keep showing up in our lives, despite our best efforts to change? Access HERE https://www.jewishndg.com/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=102 Support the show Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.co...
Aug 13, 2024•9 min
In this sermon, we delve into the real reasons behind the destruction of the Second Temple, as highlighted in the newly released animated movie "Agadat Churban—Legend of Destruction." The movie underscores how internal strife and division among the Jewish people, rather than the might of the Roman Empire, led to Jerusalem’s downfall. By reflecting on the historical infighting and its consequences, we draw essential lessons on unity and the importance of fostering unconditional love within our co...
Aug 07, 2024•20 min
A Brand-New Four Part Kabbalah Series - Turning Walls into Doorways How to Transform Life’s Obstacles into the Path to Your Greatest Growth Why do we keep hitting the same emotional walls? Why do certain fears, insecurities, patterns, and painful circumstances keep showing up in our lives, despite our best efforts to change? Access HERE https://www.jewishndg.com/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=102 Support the show Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.co...
Aug 07, 2024•9 min
A Brand-New Four Part Kabbalah Series - Turning Walls into Doorways How to Transform Life’s Obstacles into the Path to Your Greatest Growth Why do we keep hitting the same emotional walls? Why do certain fears, insecurities, patterns, and painful circumstances keep showing up in our lives, despite our best efforts to change? Access HERE https://www.jewishndg.com/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=102 Support the show Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.co...
Aug 05, 2024•10 min
In this insightful sermon, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath delves into the human aversion to criticism through the lens of Torah teachings and Chassidic wisdom. Using the biblical narrative of Moses rebuking the tribes of Reuben and Gad, Rabbi Bernath explores why criticism is often met with resentment and how it can be transformed into a tool for personal growth. The sermon also draws on the poignant Chassidic story of the Sefas Emes and the philosophical journey of Solomon Maimon to highlight the import...
Aug 01, 2024•28 min
A Brand-New Four Part Kabbalah Series - Turning Walls into Doorways How to Transform Life’s Obstacles into the Path to Your Greatest Growth Why do we keep hitting the same emotional walls? Why do certain fears, insecurities, patterns, and painful circumstances keep showing up in our lives, despite our best efforts to change? Access HERE https://www.jewishndg.com/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=102 Support the show Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.co...
Jul 30, 2024•7 min
