Weekly Parsha Shiur with Rav Elyada Goldwicht

Parshas Vayeishev and the story of Chanukah seem worlds apart, yet hidden within them burns a single message, the battle for the Jewish soul. The Greeks did not seek to kill us, but to redefine us, demanding we write on the horn of Yosef that we have no share in the G-d of Israel. Why Yosef? Why oil? Why impurity?In this shiur, we uncover how Yosef HaTzaddik became the first Jew to face assimilation and emerge with his identity intact. We explore the Greeks’ war against holiness, the secret of the pure oil, and the deeper meaning behind placing the menorah opposite the mezuzah.This class reveals the inner spark within every Jew, a spark that cannot be extinguished, a spark that rises like a flame. In every generation, Chanukah empowers us to resist the lures of our time and return to our truest selves.Subscribe and bring the Parsha to life each week.

Explore the complex Jewish wartime ethics rooted in Parshat Vayishlach. Delve into thought-provoking questions about civilian status in conflicts and the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers. Hear insights on how halacha views the killing of non-combatants and the notorious Shechem incident. Understand arguments surrounding army survival versus civilian protection. Finally, consider the moral implications of accidental civilian casualties and the obligations to defend while navigating these challenging ethical waters.

Everyone wants to live a better, deeper, and more meaningful life. We want growth, clarity, and stronger connections—with Hashem, with our spouses, with our children, and even with ourselves.But how do we break free from feeling stuck? How do we actually move forward and make real, lasting change?This week’s shiur dives into one of the most overlooked yet fascinating stories in Parshas Vayeitzei — how Yaakov Avinu became wealthy through the “striped, spotted, and speckled” sheep. We’ll uncover why the Torah spends so many pesukim describing this mysterious episode and explore the powerful life lessons hidden within. By the end, you’ll see how this lesson can transform the way you approach growth, relationships, and your own potential.Subscribe and bring the Parsha to life each week.

Antisemitism is rising at a rate we haven’t seen in decades, over 300% since October 7, 2023. But this isn’t the first time. From the Crusades to the Inquisition, from pogroms to the Shoah, we’ve faced hatred, jealousy, and attacks. And yet: we’re still here. Why?In this shiur, we explore a hidden section of the Parsha, the life of Yitzchak in Gerar, and discover how the Ramban, Kli Yakar, and other commentaries reveal that Yitzchak’s story is actually the story of Jewish history in exile.Why was Yitzchak chosen as a Patriarch? What gives the Jewish people the ability to survive every wave of antisemitism? And what can you, at home, do right now to strengthen the Jewish future?We will trace Jewish resilience from the year 70 CE to today and uncover the single secret that carried our nation through 2,000 years of hatred. This shiur includes powerful stories of hostages, soldiers, and the religious awakening happening across Israel today, real examples of Jewish courage, continuity, and spiritual strength.Antisemitism never destroyed us and never will.Subscribe and bring the Parsha to life each week.

In a moment that gripped the heart of Am Yisrael, the body of Staff Sgt. Hadar Goldin, fallen hero of Operation Protective Edge in 2014, was finally brought home after 11 years in Hamas captivity. This week's shiur explores the unbreakable Jewish drive for Kevurat Yisrael: Why do we fight relentlessly to honor our dead, no matter how much time has passed? Why are Jews so devoted, even obsessed, with ensuring every Jew receives Kevuras Yisrael? It's more than tradition, it's a declaration of soul, eternity, and unbreakable bonds.Subscribe and bring the Parsha to life each week.

Hidden in Parshat Vayeira is one of the Torah’s most puzzling moments: Why did Avraham have Hagar carry the expelled Yishmael if he was already sixteen years old?Rabbeinu Bachya’s brilliant insight uncovers a hidden story - one that highlights Sarah’s extraordinary strength, Avraham’s ultimate test, and the secret that has sustained the Jewish people through every generation.From the Akeidah to the New York Times’ “Year 2100” front page, this shiur explores the deep trust that keeps Am Yisrael alive - and the greatest gift you can give your children.Subscribe and bring the Parsha to life each week.

Parshas Lech Lecha tells the story of Avraham’s journey, but hidden between the lines burns another story — that of Haran, Avraham’s brother. Haran, often passed over as a minor character, was in truth the father and grandfather of all the Imahos — Sarah, Rivkah, Rachel, and Leah — and the ancestor of Mashiach.In this shiur, we uncover how Haran’s quiet act of mesirus nefesh became the spiritual DNA of the Jewish people — passed down through the Matriarchs, and alive today in every act of courage, faith, and sacrifice for Am Yisrael.Subscribe and bring the Parsha to life each week.

Why did Hashem tell Noach to make a Tzohar? Was it a window, a stone, or something deeper? Discover how the Teivah was the Beis HaMikdash of its generation and how, after the Chaggim, we are each called to shine Hashem’s light outward — with pride, faith, and emunah.Subscribe and bring the Parsha to life each week.

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Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkos are not separate islands on the calendar, they are stages in one powerful journey. This shiur uncovers the deep thread that connects Elul, the Yamim Noraim, and Sukkos: from ותשובה ותפילה וצדקה to צום, קול, ממון; from fear to love; from the closed Aron Kodesh of Selichos to the dancing with the Torah on Simchas Torah. Along the way, we’ll explore why Sukkah is the only mitzvah where you must remember the reason, hear moving stories, including Omer Shem Tov’s faith in captivity and discover how brains, wealth, and beauty can either lead to arrogance or become reminders that all gifts come from Hashem.Subscribe and bring the Parsha to life each week.Follow us on ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠ & ⁠Youtube