Misnomers in the Torah – Is God Truly Everywhere?
Today we are exploring a theological concept that is often misunderstood: the idea of where God exists. We have all heard the songs and the sayings claiming that God is everywhere, up, down, right, and left. But if we look closely at our tradition and the nature of the Divine, we realize this is a significant misnomer. Because God is not a physical being and does not take up mass, God cannot be confined to a location or a physical space. To exist does not necessarily mean to be somewhere in a physical sense. While we can perceive God's wisdom [...]
Hashkafat HaTorah – Jewish Philosophy. Philosophy of Chanukah
Shalom, and welcome to our discussion on Jewish philosophy as we celebrate the first day of Chanukah. I am Rabbi Pilichowski, and today I want to share a fascinating insight from the writings of the Rambam that many are not familiar with. We all know the law of lighting our Chanukah candles at the entrance to our homes to publicize the miracle. However, the Rambam explains a deeper historical context in one of his letters. During the Greek persecution, Jews were forced to keep their doors open so soldiers could ensure no mitzvot were being observed. By placing our menorahs [...]
The Sedra Vayigash 5783
This video explores a profound Torah lesson found in the portion of Vayigash, centering on the phrase "I will put my eyes on him." The discussion highlights a significant debate between Torah scholars regarding the intent behind Joseph's demand to see his brother Benjamin. While some interpret it literally as mere sight, the Ramban explains it as a commitment to watch over and protect him. This concept of divine oversight is then expanded to include how Hashem watches over the land of Israel differently than other parts of the world. The video teaches that while other lands are managed through [...]
