Parsha Pick-Me-Up

by Yitzchak Sprung

Take a few minutes to study the parsha with Rabbi Sprung on Thursdays from Bereshit to V'Zot Habracha. Find the Parsha Pick-Me-Up on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts.

Judaism
Philosophy
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Podcast episodes

  • Season 2

  • Kedoshim: The Emperor's New Clothes

    Kedoshim: The Emperor's New Clothes

    S02 E30
    03:26

    Our verse functions as a sort of warning: don’t turn to false gods, since, in the end, you may come to think that they are real.

  • Acharei Mot: Defense or Prosecution

    Acharei Mot: Defense or Prosecution

    S02 E29
    03:41

    Notably, this is not the usual uniform of the High Priest, clothed generally in gold, jewels, and wool. Rashi explains that the gold, reminiscent as it was of the sin of the golden calf, would have been problematic.

  • Metzora: Expertise versus Authority?

    Metzora: Expertise versus Authority?

    S02 E28
    05:04

    Some stupendous humility may be called for in such a case. Perhaps the teacher of all of the priests is not a priest. Then, that teacher will never be able to declare tzara’at, though his students could. A surprising lesson is contained here. Listen to the Parsha Pick-Me-Up to learn more.

  • Tazria: First in Thought or Last in Value?

    Tazria: First in Thought or Last in Value?

    S02 E27
    04:23

    "If a man does well, they say to him, you preceded the angels; if he does not, they say to him: (in creation) the fly preceded you, the gnat preceded you, the snail preceded you." - Reish Lakish But what does this have to do with the laws of Kashrut and ritual purity?

  • Shmini: Love, Then and Always

    Shmini: Love, Then and Always

    S02 E26
    03:48

    "I am torn within, I cry without end. I do not sleep.... Maybe Hashem has finally decided that we are no longer His chosen people?" Words and worries from the past and present. As always, the parsha comes to speak to our moment. Sources: Rabbi Yuval Sherlow, Shu’’t HaHitnatkut p. 139 Lev. 9:23 with Rashi Jer. chap. 2 with Rashi.