Sparks from the Fire

As Pesach approaches, how can we know if we're truly free, or if we're still enslaved? And what does the incredible growth of the self-help movement have to do with Seder Night? Hear from Rabbi Yonatan Udren how the balance between self and others is critical for reaching a true state of freedom this Pesach.

Why does Yosef cry when his brothers ask for forgiveness after the death of their father, and what does this teach us about seeing the hand of the Divine in our own lives? Hear from Rabbi Yonatan Udren how even at the end of the story Yosef speaks the language of love, and his brothers speak the language of fear.  Based on the commentary of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz on Bereishit, and brought to you by the RRG Beit Midrash, the spiritual home for Hebrew University students on campus.

Why does Yosef ask about the well-being of his father immediately after revealing himself? Hear from Rabbi Yonatan Udren how the Yosef’s words not only express his love for his father, but also a new stage of his identity.  Based on the commentary of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz on Bereishit, and brought to you by the RRG Beit Midrash, the spiritual home for Hebrew University students on campus.

Why do the brothers assume that their bad fortune in Egypt is due to Divine retribution for their treatment of Yosef? Hear how Yosef’s brothers finally find a space for him in their hearts after so many years.  Based on the commentary of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz on Bereishit, and brought to you by the RRG Beit Midrash, the spiritual home for Hebrew University students on campus.

How does Yosef rise to prominence in every place he finds himself? Join Rabbi Yonatan Udren for a six-minute exploration of Yosef’s secret to success: the power of chen. Based on the commentary of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz on Bereishit, and brought to you by the RRG Beit Midrash, the spiritual home for Hebrew University students on campus.

After escaping Lavan, wrestling an angel, and appeasing his brother Eisav, how can the text say that Yaakov arrived home whole? Join Rabbi Yonatan Udren for an exploration of Yaakov’s great lesson: the power to constantly strive towards perfection is wholeness itself. Based on the commentary of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz on Bereishit, and brought to you by the RRG Beit Midrash, the spiritual home for Hebrew University students on campus.

After waking from the vision of the ladder, why does Yaakov care so much about the place, and not the promises? Join Rabbi Yonatan Udren for an exploration of Yaakov’s prophetic vision and the centrality of sacred space. Based on the commentary of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz on Bereishit, and brought to you by the RRG Beit Midrash, the spiritual home for Hebrew University students on campus.

How could Yitzhak choose Eisav over Yaakov as his heir-apparent? And what does this teach us about the importance of taking bold risks in our own lives? Join Rabbi Yonatan Udren as he explores the fundamental disagreement between Yitzhak and Rivkah: who is fit to receive the blessing of Avraham. Based on the commentary of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz on Bereishit, and brought to you by the RRG Beit Midrash, the spiritual home for Hebrew University students.

Rivkah and Lavan both run after guests, but do they run for the same reasons? How can we tell?  Hear from Rabbi Yonatan Udren how the things that we run after in life teach us about what we truly desire. Inspired by the commentary of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz on Bereishit, and brought to you by the RRG Beit Midrash, the spiritual home for Hebrew University students on campus.

What’s  the difference between the laughter of Avraham and the laughter of Sara? Hear from Rabbi Yonatan Udren how an open-hearted laugh can teach us the deepest lesson of faith: that God can make anything happen. Inspired by the commentary of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz on Bereishit, and brought to you by the RRG Beit Midrash, the spiritual home for Hebrew University students on campus.

What does Avraham’s mysterious vision of birds and a torch teach us about the relationship between redemption and exile? Hear from Rabbi Yonatan Udren how the story of the Brit Bein HaBetarim teaches us about how we can’t truly be at home until we know what it’s like to taste the bitterness of exile. Inspired by the commentary of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz on Bereishit, and brought to you by the RRG Beit Midrash, the spiritual home for Hebrew University students on campus.

What’s so bad about a world with a singular ideology and language? Hear from Rabbi Yonatan Udren how the story of the Tower of Bavel teaches us about the importance of the individual, and how we find balance within the larger narratives without losing ourselves. Inspired by the commentary of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz on Bereishit, and brought to you by the RRG Beit Midrash, the spiritual home for Hebrew University students on campus.

What kind of book is the Torah anyway? A history book? A science book about the creation of the world? Hear from Rabbi Yonatan Udren about how the Torah is an answer to life’s most meaningful questions, and how the story of Cayin and Hevel teaches us that no matter what, we can always choose to improve. Inspired by the commentary of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz on Bereishit, and brought to you by the RRG Beit Midrash, the spiritual home for Hebrew University students on campus.

What does the Torah’s vision of the king teach us about the balance between power and humility, and about our relationship with God? Hear from Rabbi Yonatan Udren about how God is truly the humble king, and that God holds a place in His heart for each of us always, no matter what. Inspired by the commentary of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz on Devarim, and brought to you by the RRG Beit Midrash, the spiritual home for Hebrew University students on campus.

Do you ever relate to life’s challenges as Divine punishment? Hear from Rabbi Yonatan Udren how God gives us good, and unrefined good, how transforming the unrefined good is part of our spiritual work in this world. Inspired by the commentary of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz on Devarim, and brought to you by the RRG Beit Midrash, the spiritual home for Hebrew University students on campus.

When Moshe gathers the people to ask for donations to the Mishkan, why does he open with a warning about the sanctity of Shabbat? Hear from Rabbi Yonatan Udren about sanctity in time as well as space, and its importance in our lives during these challenging days.  Inspired by the commentary of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz on Shemot, and brought to you by the RRG Beit Midrash, the spiritual home for Hebrew University students on campus.