Welcome to our special Passover episode, where we explore the profound layers of the Passover Seder, a ceremony that beautifully encapsulates over three millennia of Jewish history and identity. In this episode, we discuss the fifteen steps of the Seder, from Kiddush to the festive meal, and delve into the powerful narratives and symbols that connect us to our ancestors. We share a humorous yet insightful exchange between a rabbi and an astrophysics professor, which cleverly illustrates the depth of Talmudic study compared to the simplification of complex ideas. The conversation highlights how ..read more

The conversation begins with Rabbi Bernath sharing his experience at the Maine Jewish Museum and the importance of preserving Jewish history. He then discusses the significance of the Passover Seder and the need to reclaim its beauty and meaning. Rabbi Bernath emphasizes the importance of asking questions and engaging in critical and independent thought during the Seder. He encourages listeners to invite others to their Seder and create an environment that fosters meaningful conversation. Rabbi Bernath also discusses the order of events in the Seder and the lessons we can learn from them, such ..read more

This episode delves into the profound essence of our existence, inspired by the ancient wisdom of the Ethics of the Fathers: "I have only been created to serve my Master." This episode navigates the purpose of creation and our role within it, guided by the teachings of Kabbalah and the foundational insights of Rabbi Schneur Zalman in Tanya. Listeners are invited to reflect on the divine desire for a "dwelling place in the lower worlds," exploring how this mission shapes our actions and intentions. Through the performance of the 613 Mitzvot, we bind every facet of our lives to the divine, trans ..read more

In the story of the seventh plague, hail, Pharaoh finally admits he was wrong after seeing hail mixed with fire from the sky—a strange and powerful miracle. This moment shows us that even someone as stubborn and self-centered as Pharaoh can have a moment of realization. The mix of fire and ice in the hail represents Pharaoh's personality: cold and unfeeling towards others but fiery and passionate about his own needs. The reason the plague was hail is significant too. Egypt didn't depend on rain because of the Nile River, so they never looked up and depended on something higher than themselves ..read more

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 one. The narrative then divides the quest into two lanes: "Am I Loved?" and "Do I Love?", indic ..read more

This episode delves into the profound teachings of Rabbi Schneur Zalman in the Tanya, illuminating the existence of two distinct souls within every Jew: the Nefesh HaBehamit, which animates the body with its base desires and instincts, and the Nefesh Elokit, a divine spark that transcends the material world, aiming to refine our lower nature. This spiritual journey reveals how the Nefesh Elokit, before descending into the world, is shown the vastness of the spiritual realms and the challenges it will face. It is charged with the mission to overcome these challenges and elevate the material wor ..read more

Dive into Rabbi Bernath's podcast on Kabbalah, where he tackles the profound question of "why" we face crises, trauma, and loss. Kabbalah, with its mystical insights, offers a unique perspective through the concept of reincarnation and soul migration, as illuminated by the teachings of the Arizal in "Gate of Reincarnation." Learn about the soul's journey: an eternal entity pre and post life, striving to fulfill a divine purpose on Earth by adhering to Torah and Mitzvot. The podcast explores how souls undergo reincarnation to accomplish all 613 commandments, returning to earthly life to rectify ..read more

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 the Divine energy they carry, slicing through stubbornness like a hot knife through butter.  C ..read more

In this inspiring episode, we dive into the heart of Purim Katan, a day that mirrors the messages of resilience and faith found in Purim itself, especially during leap years. We'll journey back to 1920, amidst the chaos of the Russian Revolution, to a moment of audacious defiance by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Sholom Ber Schneersohn, during a Purim Farbrengen. Despite the mortal danger presented by the Bolsheviks' intrusion, the Rebbe's fearless proclamation that "Judaism will never die" sets the stage for a story of miraculous survival and unwavering courage. We follow the legacy of bravery ..read more

In today's episode, we dive into a profound tale shared by Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks, a distinguished philosophy graduate from Cambridge University who found himself in a thought-provoking exchange while studying Hassidism in Kfar ChaBaD, Israel. The story opens a window into the contrast between secular and spiritual perspectives, highlighted by a conversation between Sacks and a Chassidic student. The student's insight, that while Sacks pondered the existence of G-d, he himself grappled with his role and purpose within G-d's design, sets the stage for our exploration of Kabbalistic conc ..read more