Behind the Bima – Rabbi Uri Pilichowski
Welcome to another insightful episode of Behind the Bima. I am Rabbi Uri Pilichowski, and it is a true pleasure to join my dear friends Rabbi Goldberg, Rabbi Moskowitz, and Rabbi Brody for a deep dive into the heart of Jewish identity. In this conversation, we move beyond the headlines to explore the soul of Zionism. For me, Israel is not just a destination or a political entity; it is home. Whether we are discussing my new book, Zionism Today, or the realities of life in Mitzpe Yericho, the goal is to challenge how we think about our connection to [...]
The Sedra Beshalach 5784
In this video, I want to share a reflection on the deeper meaning of the Messianic era and what it truly means to possess Jewish independence. Drawing from the narrative of the Exodus, I argue that true freedom isn’t just about physical liberation—it’s about the mental shift required to overcome a "slave mentality." When we look at the Israelites standing at the sea, we see a people who were actually numerically and militarily superior to their pursuers, yet they were paralyzed by terror. Their history of oppression blinded them to their own strength and current reality. Just as our ancestors [...]
The Sedra Vayera 5784
This video explores the profound honor of receiving direct communication from God, a rare privilege exemplified by Abraham in the Torah portion of Sedra Vayera. While many find prayer challenging due to the perceived lack of direct responses, the video delves into how Abraham merited such a divine encounter. It examines the interpretations of Rashi and Ramban regarding God's appearance to Abraham, clarifying that these divine revelations were often marks of distinction and reward for previously performed commandments, rather than for imparting new instructions. The discussion highlights that seeing the divine presence was a recognition of Abraham's deeds and God's [...]
The Sedra Lech Lecha 5784
This video delves into a profound teaching from the weekly Torah portion of Lech Lecha, offering a powerful perspective on how the Jewish people can confront and overcome fear. Drawing from the wisdom of Ramban, the speaker, Uri Pilichowski, sets out to explain how the actions and experiences of their forefathers, particularly Avram, provide an enduring guide for contemporary challenges. The core of this discussion centers on Avram's initial trepidation when encountering the Canaanites in the promised land, and how this fear remarkably dissipated not through external intervention, but solely by God's divine promise of the land. This video will [...]
Jewish philosophy: Yom Kippur
Today we are diving into a topic that is both deeply personal and universally significant. In this video, we explore the intricate layers of Jewish identity and the profound connection we share with our heritage. Throughout our history, we have faced countless challenges, yet our spirit remains unbroken. We will discuss the values that define us and the traditions that continue to sustain our community today. It is my hope that these insights will provide you with a greater understanding of our shared journey and inspire you to reflect on your own connection to our faith. We are living in [...]
The Sedra Rosh Hashanah 5784
When considering Rosh Hashanah, we find ourselves setting aside the weekly Sedra to focus on the unique essence of the day. The most identifiable trait of this holiday is the sounding of the Shofar. The Rambam explains that while this is a divine decree, it contains a powerful allusion, a call to wake up from our spiritual slumber and inspect our deeds. In this video, we will explore a fascinating alternative text for the blessing over the Shofar found in the Jerusalem Talmud. We will delve into Rav Soloveitchik’s profound explanation of how hearing the Shofar is not just a [...]
