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...

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 Yisroel Bernath discusses the upcoming solar eclipse and the lessons we can learn from it. He explores the relationship between the sun and the moon, highlighting the dangers of jealousy and the importance of independent and critical thought. He also delves into the significance of the Torah's laws of kashrut (keeping kosher) and how they teach us about our connection to G-d. Rabbi Bernath emphasizes the need for self-reflection, learning from our experiences, and standing up for what...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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"...

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...

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...

Today we explore why the month of Adar is 60 days and the holiday of Purim symbolize an unending joy for the Jewish people. We dive into the historical backdrop of Purim, focusing on a time when the Jewish nation faced its darkest hour under the threat of Haman's plot. Despite these dire circumstances, the story of Purim emerges as a testament to the Jewish people's resilience and their deep-rooted bond with G‑d. Each episode will unpack the reasons behind the joy of Purim extending...

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...

This was recorded Sunday evening, as recording devices are not allowed on Shabbat. 🔍📜 Exploring Amalek: Ancient Hatred in Modern Times 🔍📜 In a recent, controversial lawsuit brought by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice, the ancient biblical figure of Amalek has resurfaced in a modern geopolitical debate. Accusations of genocide hinge on Prime Minister Netanyahu's invocation of the Torah's command to "remember what Amalek did to you" in the context of Israel's...

In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the profound Jewish philosophical question: Why did a benevolent G-d create evil? We explore this enigma through the lens of classical Jewish philosophy, Kabbalah, and Chassidus, unraveling how these teachings illuminate our understanding of good, evil, and divine purpose. The episode begins by addressing the fundamental belief that G-d is inherently good, yet paradoxically, He created a world where evil and injustice exist. We explore the...

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...

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...

"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...

In a world that often feels overwhelming and disappointing, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath brings a beacon of hope in 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...

Rabbi Yisroel Bernath, named “La Rabbin de Lamour” by the La Presse online daily and “Montreal’s Hipster Rabbi” by VICELAND’s Matty Matheson, is director at Chabad of NDG and the Jewish Chaplain at Concordia University in Montreal. Cherished for his incredible warmth and non-judgmental personality, this hipster is not your typical rabbi. In 2012, Rabbi Bernath founded the smashing success JMatchmaking International, a network of Jewish dating sites. He has made several dozen matches to date!...

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Donate Here https://ndg.chabadsuite.net/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=36 Donate Here in US dollars https://ndg.chabadsuite.net/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=15 Join the Million Mitzvah Campaign https://onemitzvah.org/israel/rabbi-bernaths-tea Download this little book and pray. These are prayers Jews have said for centuries in times of distress: https://jewishndg.com/media/pdf/1248/PQoG12484159.pdf Don’t forget to go through the contacts in your phone and start...

Contact Rabbi Bernath via http://www.theloverabbi.com Donate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donate Sign up for Rabbi Bernath's Relationships Podcast https://anchor.fm/the-love.../episodes/Love-Rabbi-QA-ecpnte Sign up for Rabbi Bernath’s Kabbalah Podcast  https://anchor.fm/kabbalahforeveryone Follow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernath Access Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi Support the show