Rabbi Rabbi Avraham Arieh Trugman – says we need to spread the lights of Chanukah!
Personal Thoughts – Towards the end of the video (starting at the 27:20 time mark), the Rabbi shares that no matter how dark things may seem to be there is always hope. Inspiring message. Hope you like it!
Rabbi Yitzchak Breitowitz shares many deep aspects of Chanukah and the way in which we celebrate it today.
Personal Thoughts: Towards the end of the video (starting at the 1:01:00 time mark), the Rabbi discusses the way we used to commemorate Chanukah (the military victory) closer to the actual miracle versus later on (and today of course) that we more commemorate the miracle of the oil. I find this transition very interesting – I hope you will too.
Rabbi David Yisrael Kalmus shares some of Rabbi Nachman’s Torah on what our goal is – faith! The Land of Israel is the concept of Emunah!
Personal Thoughts: The goal of my lifes’ journeys is faith that Hashem wants the best for me and all things that happened in my life is for my highest good. Just knowing my destination makes me feel better.
Rabbi David Yisrael Kalmus shares some of Rabbi Nachman’s Torah on how to avoid pursuing things that are hurtful to us and focus on find those things that are beneficial to us and answering important questions like “why do I constantly feel despair?” or “Why do I feel sadness?”
Personal Thoughts: In the video Rabbi Kalmus gives over some practical ways for me to deal with despair and sadness. A suggested exercise about going on a news and social media diet can be found at the 49:00 mark of the video (I tried it and it helped me increase happiness). However, I do recommend listening to the parts leading up to the exercise for proper context. Also, he tells a very powerful personal story about his cousin that was in a coma and his miraculous recovery starting at the 56:25 mark. Enjoy!
Rabbi Levi Y. gives us some scriptural sources for Chanukah (which is uniquely different than other Jewish Holidays due to it’s absence in the Mishna).
Personal Thoughts: I personally enjoy learning the scriptural sources for the Jewish Holidays – where they are discussed, what date they were written about in relation to the actual occurence date, and the thinking of the time of why they were treated in that specific way scriptually. The beginning of the video is a discussion on Chasidic thought but at about the 9:20 mark of the video it gets into the Chanukah discussion. Enjoy!
Rabbi Yaakov Rachimi shares with us what it takes to be happy and it’s much simpler than we imagined.
Personal Thoughts: I focused on the time period 34:00 – 37:00 mark on this video which has some incredibly simple wisdom (paraphrasing: Hashem created a World where every person has exactly what they need for their mission in life. The problems start when a person chooses to try to live a life that is not his (but someone elses). Rabbi Rachimi quotes Rav Dessler that exactly what a person needs is what makes him the happiest. Listen for yourself.
Personal Thoughts: The Rabbi gave me a unique perspective to contemplate on my personal uniqueness and why I am here and what role I have to play. This helps give me direction in a sometimes random-seeming directionless life. Help yourself get a life compass and watch and enjoy.
Rebbetzin Lori Palatnik teaches us how we view life’s challenges makes a huge difference in our happiness level and viewpoint.
Personal Thoughts: Very powerful lecture by the Rebbetzin that taught me to see each situation uniquely and for what it really is instead of something that it’s not. Really helped me to process the constant challenges that go on in my day-to-day life and be empowered by them instead of constantly let down. Enjoy!
Rabbi Lawrence Kelemen shares the truth behind X-mas & New Years Eve and why Jews should re-consider their current viewpoint and disposition towards them. Perfect timing!
Personal Thoughts: I had no idea the true background of these two holidays. The Rabbi showed me a clear explanation with solid backing on my somewhat innocuous viewpoint. Glad I became educated. Highly recommended particularly considering the timing. On a side note, here is a somewhat misplaced “Short Clip” that I thought should be categorized here, “The 9th of Teves!?” – Interesting mashal (story) on why the 9th of Tevet was a day of fasting and its relation to Christianity – https://www.youtube.com/embed/NqkM-QfMxuI?start=650&end=1075&autoplay=1
Rabbi Dovid Vigler of Chabad of Palm Beach Gardens – video about a miraculous military victory over the biggest army (of Sennacherib) in the World without a “shot” ever fired.
Personal Thoughts: Fascinating story of the power of righteousness and belief and trust in Hashem (King Hezekiah) overcoming “guaranteed” destruction of the Jewish people during the Second Temple Period. Taught me a lot about my own belief and trust in Hashem! Enjoy the story.