Rabbi Baruch Gartner

In this thought-provoking class, Rabbi Baruch Gartner examines modern society's obsession with equality versus sameness, exploring the Torah and Kabbalistic wisdom behind why Hashem created a world of intentional differences. Key Talking Points: Equality vs. Sameness: While every human being possesses divine dignity and equal rights under the law, Hashem intentionally did not create everyone the same. Rabbi Gartner addresses how modern extremes—from erasing distinctions to justifying domination—both misunderstand the spiritual design of human variation. The Problem of Inequality: From differences in health, wealth, and talent to the circumstances of one's birth, the natural disparities in life raise profound questions. While Judaism obligates us to relieve suffering, emunah (faith) calls us to recognize a deeper, divine purpose behind these variations. Differences as the Blueprint for Partnership: Citing the Zohar on "Naaseh Adam" ("Let us make man"), Rabbi Gartner highlights the concept of shutafei (partnership). Hashem pairs unequals—such as male and female, or the wealthy and the poor—not to create division, but to give human beings the opportunity to give, connect, and complete one another. The Palace of Holy Wealth: True strength and cultural foundation are built not in politics or social media, but inside the home. By working together toward a shared, holy purpose, husband and wife transform their inherent differences into the ultimate engine for unity and blessing.

In this class, Rabbi Baruch Gartner uncovers the deep mystical insights behind Avraham and Sarah’s descent into Egypt (Mitzrayim), drawing from Rashi, the Zohar (Parshas Tazria 52a), and Rebbe Nachman (Likutey Moharan 69). Key Talking Points: "Now I Know You Are Beautiful": Moving beyond Rashi's explanations of modesty and travel, the Zohar reveals that Sarah began radiating the divine light of the Shechinah as they approached Egypt, signaling a holy mission rather than a mere escape from famine. Descent for Ascent: Why deep darkness and challenging circumstances are often the entry point for retrieving hidden spiritual sparks. The Secret of Divine Wealth: How Rebbe Nachman connects Avraham’s financial blessing directly to the merit of his wife, establishing marriage as the core foundation for true abundance. A Preview of Redemption: How Sarah's divine protection from Pharaoh—and the 10 strikes against his house—served as the direct blueprint for the Exodus from Egypt and the ultimate Future Redemption (Geulah).

Two Lifestyles, One Common Goal What does the Torah say about wealth, poverty, work, and a life devoted entirely to Torah? In this episode, we explore the apparent contradiction between “there shall be no needy among you” and “the needy shall never cease from the land,” and discover that the Torah may be revealing two different paths of serving Hashem. Topics covered: The Torah’s seemingly contradictory messages about poverty Rabbi Yishmael and Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai: two approaches to Torah and work Why poverty is not the Jewish ideal The powerful story of Rabbi Yochanan and Ilfa When business is a responsibility—and when full-time Torah is a unique calling Why the giver and recipient are both fulfilling a Divine purpose The deeper connection between businessmen and Torah scholars How honest business can become a form of Meleches HaMishkan Transforming the “garments of Eisav” into the fragrance of Gan Eden The role of holy wealth in building The Palace of Holy Wealth Two lifestyles, one people, and one common goal The ultimate message: We are not building two worlds. We are building one Palace.

Getting Away or Plugging In In this episode, we explore the deeper meaning behind taking a break from the pressures of life and business. Is a vacation simply about escape—or is it an opportunity for something more meaningful? While rest and disconnection can restore the body, true renewal comes from reconnecting to purpose, faith, and spiritual clarity. Drawing on timeless Torah insights and teachings from Parshas Re’eh, this episode challenges us to rethink what we’re really seeking when we “get away.” *Topics covered:* •⁠  ⁠The hidden pressures of business life and why rest is necessary •⁠  ⁠Physical rest vs. spiritual renewal •⁠  ⁠“Re’eh” — learning to see beyond surface reality •⁠  ⁠The paradox of giving: how tzedakah creates true abundance •⁠  ⁠The inner struggle of generosity and transforming resistance into compassion •⁠  ⁠Why tzedakah is called “the beginning of all beginnings” •⁠  ⁠The importance of staying connected to Torah and spiritual sources •⁠  ⁠The role of the Levi and supporting a life of holiness •⁠  ⁠Vacations in the Torah: from escape to elevation (Shalosh Regalim) •⁠  ⁠Finding true joy through connection, not disconnection •⁠  ⁠Practical ways to stay spiritually “plugged in” even while getting away Take the vacation—but don’t forget your soul. True rest comes when body and spirit are aligned, and when even time away becomes a path back to what matters most.

In this episode, we explore the hidden spiritual dynamics behind business, success, and decision-making through the lens of Emunah (faith) and Bitachon (trust in Hashem). Why do ideas appear when they do? What is our role in earning a livelihood, and where does Divine guidance begin? Key Topics Covered: The “Vacated Space” of Not Knowing: The uncomfortable but necessary stage before clarity, where opportunity is עדיין hidden, and direction feels absent. Bitachon vs. Hishtadlus: Understanding how total trust in Hashem coexists with the need for human effort and action. Passing Beyond Intellect: Why some of life’s deepest questions cannot be solved with logic and must be crossed through Emunah. The Source of Every Idea: How true business insight and direction are gifts from Hashem, not merely products of intelligence or research. “The Power to Make Wealth”: Interpreting Divine “power” as counsel; Hashem placing the right ideas and opportunities in a person’s mind. The Hidden Danger of Success: How achievement can lead to forgetting the true Source of both ideas and outcomes. Hisbodedus in Daily Life: The essential role of personal prayer in gaining clarity, guidance, and protection in business and beyond. Trust in Hashem and Act: Living the paradox of faith and effort without needing to fully resolve it intellectually. The Holy Businessman: Transforming work into avodah by maintaining awareness of Hashem in every decision, deal, and dollar earned. This episode reframes success, reminding us that while we act, build, and strive, the ideas, clarity, and ultimate outcomes always come from Above.

In this powerful women's class, Rabbi Baruch Gartner explores Rebbe Nachman's profound teachings on Holy Wealth — the idea that every Jew is destined for wealth, honor, and influence, drawn from the same spiritual root as the soul. Drawing from Likutey Moharan and stories of great tzaddikim like Yosef HaTzadik and the Arizal, Rabbi Gartner explains how anger and frustration block divine abundance, while shalom bayis (peace in the home) and joyful mitzvos open the channels of blessing. He highlights the crucial role of women in supporting their husbands, improving communication, and transforming the home into a palace of holy wealth and inspiration. A must-listen for anyone seeking greater harmony, purpose, and abundance in marriage and life. “Honor your wife so that you will be wealthy” — Chazal

In this powerful episode, Rabbi Gartner reveals the revolutionary Torah teaching that business itself is Torah — not just learning about it, but actually conducting commerce with holiness and awareness. Drawing from the Baal Shem Tov and Rebbe Nachman, he shatters the false divide between spirituality and the marketplace. Key discussions include: The Baal Shem Tov’s profound insight: if studying a business transaction in the Mishnah (Bava Metzia) is Torah, then real-world business done properly is even more so Torah The common mistake of separating “shul/Torah time” from “work time” — and why this disconnect is spiritually dangerous Rebbe Nachman’s teaching in Likutey Moharan 280: why standing before judges in a Din Torah can actually be Torah’s “vengeance” for forgetting the Torah hidden inside every deal The difference between an ordinary businessman and a holy businessman — keeping the inner mind attached to Hashem even while the outer mind handles negotiations, contracts, and profit Why daily Torah learning (especially Choshen Mishpat) is non-negotiable for anyone who wants to elevate business and reveal the sparks within it Practical preparation for Shavuos: how to receive the Torah that is already clothed inside your daily commerce, speech, and decisions The ultimate vision — entering the marketplace with emunah turns ordinary work into the building of the “Palace of Holy Wealth” Short, inspiring, and immediately applicable for every Jewish professional and entrepreneur.

In this powerful episode, Rabbi Gartner reveals “Choshen Mishpat: The Torah of Holy Business” — how to conduct commerce with true Emunah. The two Heavenly Court questions after 120: “Did you do business with Emunah?” and “Did you set fixed times for Torah?” Why Shulchan Aruch puts Torah before work — and what it protects Choshen Mishpat: Torah at the cash register, in every deal The secret of “masa u’matan” — lifting holy sparks through business (Reb Nosson) The “Holy Businessmen” our generation needs — and their link to the Midnight Warriors How Mishpat + Hisbodedus burns away danger so wealth descends in holiness Perfect for anyone who wants their livelihood to become part of their avodah. Tune in before Shavos — and ask yourself the questions Rabbi Gartner leaves you with.

Rabbi Gartner shares Rebbe Nachman and Reb Nosson’s uplifting reframe on Mishpat — transforming self-judgment from something heavy and scary into a sweet, practical tool for dignity, honor, and holy wealth. Ideal for Sefiras HaOmer or daily hisbodedus. Key Talking Points: Why we count every day of Sefiras HaOmer: each day demands an audit, just like a serious business owner who tracks growth, leaks, and direction for clarity and success. The soul originates from the Kisei HaKavod and is clothed in honor and wealth — holy drives that, when aligned, motivate growth instead of destruction. The sweetness of Mishpat: shift from “I am terrible” to “I am too precious to live this way” and ask the clarifying question, “Does this pay?” Yosef HaTzaddik as the rectification of Mishpat — how he used inner accounting, the image of Yaakov, and the Choshen HaMishpat to stand firm in his greatest test. Practical daily wisdom: restore the big picture through hisbodedus, calculate spiritual profit and loss (Pirkei Avos-style), and see why anger, desire, or distraction never pays off. Motivate Mishpat with honor and wealth, not fear — the Arizal’s secret: approach every mitzvah as receiving “great wealth” and turn avodah into joy. The deeper link: Yosef’s Mishpat created the “wall of holy wealth” at Krias Yam Suf (6th day of Omer), completing the Exodus and drawing blessing for the world. Real Mishpat doesn’t break you — it saves you. Ask, “Does this pay?” with sweetness and dignity to live aligned with your soul’s true greatness.

In this episode, Rabbi Gartner explores “The Soul Behind the Salary” — the profound Torah mitzvah of paying a worker on time (b’yomo titein secharo). Far more than good business practice, this obligation stands “in the heights of the world.” It reveals how money is bound to the soul and how the way we handle wages shapes our relationships, our wealth, and even the spiritual structure of the day itself. Key Insights: Why a worker’s nefesh (soul) is literally invested in his wages — and what happens when we withhold it The Chofetz Chaim’s warning: delaying payment can transgress multiple prohibitions and bring real spiritual consequences Rebbe Nachman, the Zohar, and the Arizal on seeing employees as souls rather than tools, expenses, or “labor” How timely payment completes another person’s soul, sweetens din, gives life to the day, and draws the holiness of Shabbos into the entire week The daily accounting of holy wealth: Do we treat people as functions… or as souls entrusted to us? A transformative listen for anyone in business, management, or seeking to infuse everyday work with deeper meaning, dignity, and blessing.