The Practical Parsha Podcast

In this week's Parsha Rabbi Kohn looks at the story of Jacob stealing the blessings from Esav. How he listened to the plan thought of by his mother Rivka to "deceive" Yitzchak. What was Rivka thinking? What was her true intent? What is the message for us? He also gives over a powerful lesson on being careful with the feelings of others even when you are in the "right". Subscribe to The Practical Parsha Podcast. For questions or comments please email [email protected]. To listen to Rabbi Kohn's other podcast use this link- the-pirkei-avos-podcast.castos.com/  If you would like to support this podcast please use this secure link to donate: SUPPORT THE PODCAST Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction and Personal Stress Update(00:01:44) - Overview of Parshas Toldos(00:06:11) - Yaakov's Nature as an Ishtam (Honest Person)(00:07:24) - Mastering All Our Character Traits(00:10:24) - Why Yaakov Had to Deceive Yitzchak(00:15:00) - Rivkah's Deeper Plan: Spirituality and Materialism Together(00:17:58) - Esav's Cry and the Price of Causing Pain(00:20:51) - Empathy Even When Doing the Right Thing(00:24:10) - Closing Remarks

In this week's episode Rabbi Kohn explores the rson why we do Chessed(kindness). Is it for others or for ourselves? He also speaks about the importance of using our intelect over emotion. This is a major theme in this weeks Parsha. Another idea discussed is the importance in remembering the good that we are doing even if it is not exactly were we want it to be. Subscribe to The Practical Parsha Podcast. For questions or comments please email [email protected]. To listen to Rabbi Kohn's other podcast use this link- the-pirkei-avos-podcast.castos.com/  If you would like to support this podcast please use this secure link to donate: SUPPORT THE PODCAST  Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction and Parsha Overview(00:00:49) - Sedom and Lot's Story(00:04:27) - Birth of Yitzchak and Banishment of Yishmael(00:05:37) - The Akedah: Binding of Isaac(00:06:41) - Mind Over Emotions Lesson(00:09:24) - Avraham's Longing for Guests(00:10:24) - Why Chesed Matters Even Without Need(00:12:30) - Sanctity of Life and Helping Others(00:14:26) - True Beneficiary of Doing Chesed(00:16:40) - Pleading for Sedom and Self-Comparison(00:18:16) - Balancing Humility and Self-Worth(00:21:43) - Sending Away Hagar and Yishmael - Acting Without Delay(00:23:02) - Closing Remarks

In this week's episode Rabbi Kohn talks about the powerful lesson we learn from the Parsha on how we need to realize our responsibilities even in the face of pain. We see from Hagar action show we are not supposed to act. He also discusses the true tolerance of Abraham. How we must learn to seperate the action from the person. Lastly he brings out a lesson from the binding of Isaac on how we never loose when we do what Hashem wants. Subscribe to The Practical Parsha Podcast. For questions or comments please email [email protected]. To listen to Rabbi Kohn's other podcast use this link- the-pirkei-avos-podcast.castos.com/  If you would like to support this podcast please use this secure link to donate: SUPPORT THE PODCAST Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction and Housekeeping(00:01:24) - Overview of Parshas Vayera(00:02:01) - Three Angels, Sodom, and Lot's Rescue(00:03:19) - Sarah's Abduction and Birth of Yitzchak(00:04:12) - Hagar and Yishmael Expelled(00:05:03) - The Akedah - Binding of Isaac(00:06:30) - Hagar's Reaction: A Lesson in Parental Responsibility(00:12:37) - Mastering Emotions Over Pain and Duty(00:14:44) - Sodom's Evil and Avraham's Plea for Mercy(00:18:51) - Separating the Person from the Act: Tolerance Lessons(00:20:55) - The Akedah's Deeper Meaning and Doing What's Right(00:26:19) - Closing Thoughts and Sign-off

In this week's episode Rabbi Kohn discusses how Avraham teaches us to transact in faith. How we need to grow in the things that we do and improve upon the things we are doing already. This includes in our trust in Hashem. He also speaks how the Avos "forefathers" give us instruction on taking action and not sitting idly. We must move forward. Subscribe to The Practical Parsha Podcast. For questions or comments please email [email protected]. To listen to Rabbi Kohn's other podcast use this link- the-pirkei-avos-podcast.castos.com/  If you would like to support this podcast please use this secure link to donate: SUPPORT THE PODCAST  Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction and Parsha Overview(00:00:37) - Summary of Parshas Lech Lecha(00:04:23) - Ma'aseh Avos Siman Labanim: Forefathers' Legacy(00:07:12) - Avraham's Action with Sarah in Egypt(00:09:11) - The Power of Taking Action vs Indecision(00:10:18) - Chavetz Chaim: Knowing Your Destination(00:12:23) - Setting Goals and Trusting the Journey(00:13:59) - Bris Bein HaBesarim and Avraham's Faith(00:15:50) - Working on Faith: Insights from Rabbi Turski(00:19:19) - Growth Mindset in Mitzvos and Life(00:21:22) - Closing Remarks

In this week's episode Rabbi Kohn discusses how you must truly believe in the lessons that you learn. If we dont then we will have a harder time influencing ourselves and inspiring others. He also teaches a powerful lesson on helping others elevates us. This needs to be the focus even when we are doing more than others. Subscribe to The Practical Parsha Podcast. For questions or comments please email [email protected]. To listen to Rabbi Kohn's other podcast use this link- the-pirkei-avos-podcast.castos.com/  If you would like to support this podcast please use this secure link to donate: SUPPORT THE PODCAST  Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction and Dedication(00:00:52) - Overview of Parshas Noach: The Flood Story(00:04:21) - The Tower of Babel(00:05:57) - Noach's Righteousness: Praise and Critique(00:08:40) - Noach's Lack of Full Faith and Its Impact(00:10:29) - Lesson: Authenticity and Living Our Values(00:11:52) - Walking with God: Helping Others and Elevation(00:13:35) - Levels of Tzedakah and Lasting Impact(00:14:36) - Noach's Drunkenness and His Sons' Reactions(00:16:46) - Shem's Extra Effort and the Reward of Tzitzis(00:18:11) - Lesson: Focus on Your Own Effort, Not Others'(00:20:51) - Closing Remarks

In this week's Parsha Rabbi Kohn discusses the importance of putting in effort. He brings out a lesson from the animals coming to the Ark on how we need to put in the effort when it comes to Mitzvos. He also talks about the Parsha's lesson on how we are to be upstanding people. This means doing the right thing all the time. Rabbi Kohn finishes the episode with a fascinating explanation from Rabbi Samson Hirsch on the differences of the physical Earth pre flood vs post flood. Subscribe to The Practical Parsha Podcast. For questions or comments please email [email protected]. To listen to Rabbi Kohn's other podcast use this link- the-pirkei-avos-podcast.castos.com/  If you would like to support this podcast please use this secure link to donate: SUPPORT THE PODCAST Chapters (00:00:00) - Welcome Back & New Season Kickoff(00:01:58) - Overview of Parshas Noach: The Flood Story(00:03:26) - Building the Ark and the Flood Itself(00:05:10) - Covenant of the Rainbow and Tower of Babel(00:07:34) - Kosher vs Non-Kosher Animals Coming to the Ark(00:11:36) - Lesson of Effort and Investment in Mitzvos(00:15:46) - Being Yashar: Going Above and Beyond(00:19:23) - Post-Flood World: Gradual Change and New Reality(00:22:33) - Why the World Changed After the Flood(00:26:38) - Lesson of Gradual Change and Closing Remarks

In this wee's episode Rabbi Kohn discusses how every human should their great self worth. Every person has a spark of G-D blown into them. This should help us appreciate our self value. Additionally, he talks about the importance of not dwelling in the past and working towards improving the future. He finishes with a lesson from Rashi on how to have a happy and stress free life. By focusing on the present. Subscribe to The Practical Parsha Podcast. For questions or comments please email [email protected]. To listen to Rabbi Kohn's other podcast use this link- the-pirkei-avos-podcast.castos.com/  If you would like to support this podcast please use this secure link to donate: SUPPORT THE PODCAST  Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction and Receiving Chasan Bereshis Honor(00:02:22) - Overview of Parshas Bereshis: Creation and Adam & Eve(00:06:09) - Cain and Abel, and the Flood Prelude Overview(00:06:50) - The Spark of Godliness Within Every Person(00:09:58) - Why Humanity Comes From One Person(00:12:06) - Cain and Abel: Jealousy and the First Murder(00:13:35) - Sforno's Lesson: Looking Forward, Not Backward(00:16:03) - Learning from Mistakes and Moving On(00:17:59) - God's Heartfelt Sadness Before the Flood(00:20:47) - Living in the Present: The Key to Happiness(00:22:45) - Closing Remarks

In this week's episode Rabbi Kohn discusses the significance of completing the Torah and restarting again. How their is no greater pleasure than the fulfillment of the Torah and why Simchas Torah falls right after Sukkos. Additionally, he talks about how the Parsha gives us an outlook on always growing in life and never becoming stagnant. Another question which is raised is why the Parsha starts out with a "vav". This implies a connection to something earlier. Subscribe to The Practical Parsha Podcast. For questions or comments please email [email protected]. To listen to Rabbi Kohn's other podcast use this link- the-pirkei-avos-podcast.castos.com/  If you would like to support this podcast please use this secure link to donate: SUPPORT THE PODCAST  Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction and Simchas Torah Cycle(00:02:25) - Why No Specific Mitzvah for Simchas Torah and Shavuos(00:05:38) - True Happiness vs Material Pleasure(00:07:37) - Sukkos as the Time of Rejoicing(00:09:12) - Spiritual Joy of the Torah(00:10:54) - Overview of Parshas Vezos Habracha(00:11:48) - The Meaning of 'And This Is the Blessing'(00:13:45) - Criticism as a Form of Blessing(00:16:32) - Heritage vs Inheritance - Torah as Our Legacy(00:20:31) - The Blessing of Levi - Watchman and Preserver(00:24:04) - Growth Over Stagnation and Closing Thoughts

In this week's episode Rabbi Kohn discusses the problem of distorting logic. How we can make the most illogical decisons thinking that they are truly sound. He also speaks about how saying "things could be better" is not the correct outlook. How the the ways of Hashem are perfect and the best for us. Subscribe to The Practical Parsha Podcast. For questions or comments please email [email protected]. To listen to Rabbi Kohn's other podcast use this link- the-pirkei-avos-podcast.castos.com/  If you would like to support this podcast please use this secure link to donate: SUPPORT THE PODCAST  Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction and Parshas Hazinu Overview(00:01:33) - Heaven and Earth as Witnesses(00:02:50) - Rain as Torah: Amplifying Our Traits(00:05:34) - Torah as a Vessel for Growth(00:06:52) - Hashem's Perfect Justice and Divine Providence(00:10:16) - Distorted Logic and Rationalization(00:13:05) - The Lazy Man's Excuses(00:14:29) - Taking Responsibility and Honest Self-Reflection(00:15:22) - Wisdom in Facing Our Mortality(00:18:52) - Learning From Life's End Without Waiting(00:19:27) - Connecting to Yom Kippur and Closing Thoughts

In this week's episode Rabbi Kohn discusses the power of being part of the community. He brings a lesson from the Parsha on how being with other good people is something that can protect us and make us better people. He also discusses how the power of a good commitment to change can already effect a difference in a person being  better. He also shares a lesson from the Parsha on how to act when in a postion of leadership. Subscribe to The Practical Parsha Podcast. For questions or comments please email [email protected]. To listen to Rabbi Kohn's other podcast use this link- the-pirkei-avos-podcast.castos.com/  If you would like to support this podcast please use this secure link to donate: SUPPORT THE PODCAST  Chapters (00:00:00) - The Practical Parsha Podcast(00:01:29) - Parshas Nitzavim Vayelech(00:04:13) - The Blessing and Curse of Parashas Nitzavim(00:09:21) - The Importance of A Community for Rosh Hashana(00:14:38) - Getting Close to Hashem(00:18:29) - Parshas Vayelach