Plato argued that reality is found in perfect, unchanging ideals, while the physical world is merely a flawed reflection. Chassidic thought challenges this notion, asserting that G-d’s presence is found precisely in the imperfect, physical world. Through the lens of this debate, we explored how this idea impacts our relationships, personal growth, and spiritual journey—showing that meaning and divine purpose emerge from engaging with reality as it is, rather than escaping to an idealized version...
Mar 20, 2025•32 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...
Mar 19, 2025•10 min
Anti-Semitism is not merely another form of bigotry or racial hatred—it is unique in its universality, its persistence throughout history, and its deep, irrational roots. From Pharaoh to Hitler, from ancient Persia to modern-day university campuses, the Jew has been targeted with a singular, unparalleled intensity. Why? What makes this hatred different from all other hatreds? This class delves into the core of Jew-hatred, exploring its historical patterns and its spiritual roots. The Talmudic pa...
Mar 13, 2025•50 min
The Setting : After the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, the Jewish people are subjects under King Ahasuerus of Persia. The story begins with the king throwing a grand party, during which Queen Vashti is banished for her refusal to display her beauty to the guests. Esther's Rise to Queen : Seeking a new queen, Ahasuerus holds a beauty contest. Esther, a Jewish girl raised by her cousin Mordechai, is chosen despite her reluctance and without revealing her Jewish identity. Mordechai's ...
Mar 12, 2025•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 Support the show Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.co...
Mar 10, 2025•9 min
The Midrash compares Haman’s plot against the Jews to a foolish bird attempting to drain the sea, beakful by beakful. At first glance, this fable highlights the impossibility of eradicating the Jewish people. But upon deeper examination, it reveals the secret of Jewish survival, the core reason for antisemitism, and the unbreakable bond between the Jewish soul and Torah. Haman’s mistake was in thinking that severing Jews from Torah would make them vulnerable to destruction—yet, as history has sh...
Mar 06, 2025•40 min
Navigating the choppy waters of our inner Nile, where the Pharaoh of Negative Thought reigns supreme, Rabbi Bernath offers a sage map for the modern soul's Exodus. Picture this: an inner Pharaoh, all ego and no ear, refusing the logic we offer as liberally as matzah at Pesach. It's an ancient tale, yet as current as our latest tweet. Enter Moshe, our timeless hero, speaking Hebrew to a Pharaoh who's as lost in translation as a tourist without Google Maps. The catch? It's not about the words, but...
Mar 06, 2025•27 min
In this week’s Torah portion, Tetzaveh, we embark on a journey of absence that paradoxically illuminates presence, a mystical dance where what is not seen or heard whispers louder than the clamor of what is. Welcome to "Echoes of the Unseen," an episode that delves into the human penchant for fixating on the missing pieces, rather than the mosaic of abundance that surrounds us. Imagine, if you will, a family in mourning, enveloped by a community's embrace, yet fixated on the one who failed to sh...
Mar 05, 2025•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...
Mar 03, 2025•11 min
This week’s Torah portion, Terumah , describes the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) using cedarwood ( atzei shitim ). But why did Jacob plant these cedars in Egypt 210 years before they were needed? The Midrash, quoted by Rashi, tells us that Jacob foresaw the need for them and instructed his children to take them along when they left Egypt. The Lubavitcher Rebbe explains that these trees were more than just building materials—they were a source of comfort, resilience, and faith for the ...
Feb 27, 2025•29 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...
Feb 17, 2025•6 min
This episode dances around the age-old question, "What is Love?", the exploration begins with a universal quandary: the reason we question love's essence often stems from feelings of deficiency—either doubting the love from someone special or facing accusations of insufficient love ourselves. It suggests a poignant truth: we are most inclined to philosophize about love when its presence is questioned or feels lacking, much like no one questions the nature of a pastrami sandwich whilst enjoying o...
Feb 16, 2025•16 min
Dive into the profound spiritual significance of Tu B'Shvat, the Jewish 'New Year for Trees.' This class unravels how this ancient day, once focused on tithing fruits as per Talmudic teachings, evolved into a powerful tool for cosmic repair, as revealed by Kabbalistic wisdom. Discover how the simple act of eating fruits during the Tu B'Shvat feast isn't just a culinary delight but a ritual of mending the rift caused by Adam and Eve's original mistake. Learn how enjoying these earthly delights re...
Feb 13, 2025•23 min
This week’s sermon reflects on the resilience and unity of our community. The book 'Buried by the Times' sheds light on a past where the Holocaust's truth struggled to find its rightful place in public consciousness, hidden away in the back pages of history's draft. Yet, this story isn't just about what was buried; it's a call to unearth our collective strength and purpose. Parshat Yitro brings the powerful symbol of the shofar, reminding us that awakening and unity are at the heart of our journ...
Feb 10, 2025•19 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...
Feb 09, 2025•10 min
This class explores the seminal Chassidic discourse Basi LeGani , first written by the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, and later expanded upon annually by his successor, the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson. This discourse outlines the purpose of creation: transforming the world into G‑d’s garden, a place of divine presence. It introduces the responsibility of the “Seventh Generation”—our generation—to complete this mission and usher in the final redemption. Through...
Feb 06, 2025•42 min
On Yud Shevat 5711 (1951), the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi MM Schneerson, revolutionized Jewish leadership. He declared a bold vision, not merely to anticipate Moshiach in a distant future, but to actively work towards this era in our lifetime. This audacious goal was set against the backdrop of post-Holocaust Jewish reality, challenging every Jew to contribute to this ultimate redemption. The Rebbe's approach to leadership was groundbreaking. He insisted on a partnership model, where he would guid...
Feb 03, 2025•26 min
This class does a deep dive into the psychological and mystical significance of Pharaoh’s final confrontation with Moses before the tenth plague. Throughout the first nine plagues, Pharaoh displayed a surprising level of tolerance towards Moses, despite the devastation he brought upon Egypt. But after the plague of darkness, something shifted—Pharaoh snapped and threatened Moses' life. Why was this the breaking point? Through Kabbalistic insight, we explore the Pharaoh within us all: the force t...
Jan 30, 2025•30 min
This lecture explores the profound parable of The Thief by Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, who teaches that every soul contends with an inner thief—an inclination that robs us of our divine light. Drawing parallels between this concept and the Ten Plagues, Rabbi Bernath delves into how each plague symbolizes a distortion of the ten faculties of the soul, as described in Kabbalah. These ancient episodes of spiritual dysfunction mirror the psychological struggles we face today. Through understanding the...
Jan 23, 2025•42 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...
Jan 20, 2025•31 min
In today's class Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores the qualities that made Moses the ultimate leader of the Jewish people, as demonstrated in three defining episodes from his early life. Moses' unwavering commitment to confronting injustice, even at great personal risk, offers timeless lessons on leadership and moral responsibility. As we face the terror threatening our brothers and sisters in Israel, Moses’ example provides a powerful framework for navigating the tension between compassion and rig...
Jan 16, 2025•25 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...
Jan 15, 2025•6 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...
Jan 13, 2025•20 min
The fast of Asarah B'Tevet marks the siege of Jerusalem—a moment that appears subtle in its immediacy but significant in its consequences. Similarly, the story of Joseph reveals how the most painful events in life can lead to profound growth and redemption. By examining the parallels between Joseph’s journey and the lessons of Asarah B'Tevet, we uncover a deeper truth: even in the darkest moments, G-d's hand is guiding us toward transformation, healing, and purpose. This class explores both the ...
Jan 09, 2025•48 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...
Jan 08, 2025•7 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...
Jan 07, 2025•7 min
In a world that often feels overwhelming and disappointing, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath brings this thought-provoking episode of "Kabbalah for Everyone." Addressing the deep-seated feeling of disillusionment with humanity, Rabbi Bernath delves into the ancient wisdom of Kabbalah to offer a fresh perspective. This episode guides listeners through understanding the collective journey of mankind, the role of individual actions in healing the world, and how to find personal peace amidst global disappointm...
Jan 05, 2025•30 min
The dramatic moment when Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers, after decades of separation and pain, holds timeless lessons for our lives. This Torah episode is more than a reunion; it is a profound exploration of identity, resilience, and divine purpose. Through Joseph's words, "I am Joseph," we are invited to uncover the paradoxical power of struggle—how challenges, alienation, and darkness can unleash a person's deepest spiritual potential. This lecture delves into the nuanced dynamics...
Jan 02, 2025•32 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...
Jan 01, 2025•4 min
This lecture by Rabbi Yisroel Bernath intertwines the historical story of Rabbi Leibel Alevsky's battle for public menorahs in Cleveland with the Maccabean revolt against Hellenist assimilation and the Torah portion Mikeitz. Rabbi Bernath explores the recurring theme of Jewish pride, from Joseph's unwavering identification as a Hebrew to the courage required to light public menorahs in defiance of opposition. The menorah, a symbol of both religious freedom and Jewish pride, challenges us to stan...
Dec 31, 2024•28 min
