Kabbalah for Everyone Rabbi Yisroel Bernath

Welcome to our special Passover episode, where we explore the profound layers of the Passover Seder, a ceremony that beautifully encapsulates over three millennia of Jewish history and identity. In this episode, we discuss the fifteen steps of the Seder, from Kiddush to the festive meal, and delve into the powerful narratives and symbols that connect us to our ancestors.
We share a humorous yet insightful exchange between a rabbi and an astrophysics professor, which cleverly illustrates the depth of Talmudic study compared to the simplification of complex ideas. The conversation highlights how Jewish traditions and teachings are much more than historical records; they are vibrant memories passed down through generations, forming a continuous link back to the Exodus from Egypt.
We reflect on how the presence of multiple generations at the Seder table turns these historical events into a vivid collective memory, extending back hundreds of years and forward into future gatherings. This episode also touches on the intriguing absence of certain words in Biblical Hebrew, such as "history," which is replaced with "memory" — a concept deeply ingrained in Jewish culture.
Join us as we discuss how the Passover Seder transcends mere historical recounting, acting instead as a dynamic memory that engages with the past as a living part of our present and future. We conclude with a powerful message on transforming pain into blessing, inspired by the life of Henrietta Szold, who turned personal hardship into a legacy of love and humanitarianism.

Main Takeaways:
The Seder as a Link Across Time: The Passover Seder is not just a ritual but a bridge connecting 3,300 years of Jewish history through family stories and traditions passed down through generations.Memory Over History: The episode explores why the Hebrew language prefers the term "memory" over "history," emphasizing personal and collective identity formation through remembered experiences rather than impersonal historical events.Cultural Insights: A look at how the absence of certain words in Hebrew, like "history" and "civility," reflects deeper cultural values, with "memory" (zachor) and "chutzpah" taking prominent roles.Humor and Wisdom: The interaction between the rabbi and the professor serves as a metaphor for the depth and complexity of Jewish teachings and the importance of continual learning and interpretation.Transforming Pain into Blessing: Inspired by Henrietta Szold's story, the episode underscores a fundamental Jewish principle of using personal and historical suffering as a springboard for empathy, community service, and positive action.Join Rabbi Bernath for Seder http://www.jewishndg.com/seder
Sell Your Chametz  http://www.jewishndg.com/sellchametz
Help the less fortunate for Passover https://ndg.chabadsuite.net/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=9
Learn more about Passover https://www.jewishndg.com/holidays/passover/default_cdo/jewish/Passover.htm


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The conversation begins with Rabbi Bernath sharing his experience at the Maine Jewish Museum and the importance of preserving Jewish history. He then discusses the significance of the Passover Seder and the need to reclaim its beauty and meaning. Rabbi Bernath emphasizes the importance of asking questions and engaging in critical and independent thought during the Seder. He encourages listeners to invite others to their Seder and create an environment that fosters meaningful conversation. Rabbi Bernath also discusses the order of events in the Seder and the lessons we can learn from them, such as the importance of immersing ourselves in holiness before addressing our flaws.
Takeaways
Preserving Jewish history and heritage is important for small Jewish communitiesThe Passover Seder should be a meaningful and engaging experienceAsking questions and engaging in critical and independent thought is essential during the SederInvite others to the Seder and create an environment that fosters meaningful conversationImmerse yourself in holiness and do good deeds, even if you haven't addressed all your flaws
Join Rabbi Bernath for Seder http://www.jewishndg.com/seder
Sell Your Chametz  http://www.jewishndg.com/sellchametz
Help the less fortunate for Passover https://ndg.chabadsuite.net/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=9
Learn more about Passover https://www.jewishndg.com/holidays/passover/default_cdo/jewish/Passover.htm




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Rabbi Yisroel Bernath discusses the upcoming solar eclipse and the lessons we can learn from it. He explores the relationship between the sun and the moon, highlighting the dangers of jealousy and the importance of independent and critical thought. He also delves into the significance of the Torah's laws of kashrut (keeping kosher) and how they teach us about our connection to G-d. Rabbi Bernath emphasizes the need for self-reflection, learning from our experiences, and standing up for what is right.
Takeaways
The solar eclipse serves as a reminder of the power and beauty of nature and the need for self-reflection.Jealousy is a destructive emotion that should be avoided at all costs.Independent and critical thought is a valuable trait that should be encouraged, especially in the pursuit of knowledge and education.The Torah's laws of kashrut teach us about our connection to God and the importance of following commandments.We should learn from our experiences and strive to be better individuals, standing up for what is right.Sound Bites
"So many arguments in our world, similar to the moon and the sun, two rulers cannot rule over the same space.""Our sages specifically encourage envy amongst Torah scholars. It says in the Talmud, the envy of the scholars increases wisdom.""The value of independent and critical thought is a powerful and important value that the world desperately needs." Support the show

This episode delves into the profound essence of our existence, inspired by the ancient wisdom of the Ethics of the Fathers: "I have only been created to serve my Master." This episode navigates the purpose of creation and our role within it, guided by the teachings of Kabbalah and the foundational insights of Rabbi Schneur Zalman in Tanya.
Listeners are invited to reflect on the divine desire for a "dwelling place in the lower worlds," exploring how this mission shapes our actions and intentions. Through the performance of the 613 Mitzvot, we bind every facet of our lives to the divine, transforming the mundane into a home for G‑d. This spiritual journey is not just about adhering to commandments but infusing them with love and awe, lighting up the physical world with the essence of spirituality.
Rabbi Bernath unpacks the concept of G‑d's "desire" — beyond logic, urging us to fulfill His will simply because it is His wish, thereby transcending the limitations of our understanding and ego. The podcast emphasizes the dual purpose of our soul's descent: to refine the world and ourselves for a higher divine revelation, and to achieve personal elevation through the struggle and longing for the divine.
The ultimate message is clear: our greatest mission and the most profound purpose of creation is to make this world a dwelling place for G‑d, transforming it with our deeds and intentions. Rabbi Bernath encourages us to navigate life's journey with this sacred task in mind, reminding us that in fulfilling this divine desire, we connect most intimately with the essence of G‑d, achieving the true purpose of our existence.


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In the story of the seventh plague, hail, Pharaoh finally admits he was wrong after seeing hail mixed with fire from the sky—a strange and powerful miracle. This moment shows us that even someone as stubborn and self-centered as Pharaoh can have a moment of realization. The mix of fire and ice in the hail represents Pharaoh's personality: cold and unfeeling towards others but fiery and passionate about his own needs.
The reason the plague was hail is significant too. Egypt didn't depend on rain because of the Nile River, so they never looked up and depended on something higher than themselves. This is like Pharaoh's narcissism, where he only depended on himself and never considered a higher power or the needs of others.
However, Pharaoh's realization was short-lived, teaching us that overcoming deep-seated selfishness requires more than just a moment of clarity. It needs a fundamental change in how one views themselves and their place in the world.
Takeaways:
Self-reflection is crucial: Even the most stubborn person can have moments of clarity. It's important to reflect on our actions and consider their impact on others.Empathy over ego: The story teaches the importance of caring for others, not just ourselves. Being aware of others' feelings and needs helps us grow as individuals.The role of humility: Recognizing a higher power or something greater than ourselves can help combat selfishness. It's a reminder that we're not the center of the universe.Change takes time: True change in character and perspective is not instantaneous; it requires continuous effort and humility.By learning from Pharaoh's mistake, we're reminded to stay empathetic, humble, and open to change, ensuring we don't fall into the trap of self-obsession.
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This episode  dances around the age-old question, "What is Love?", the exploration begins with a universal quandary: the reason we question love's essence often stems from feelings of deficiency—either doubting the love from someone special or facing accusations of insufficient love ourselves. It suggests a poignant truth: we are most inclined to philosophize about love when its presence is questioned or feels lacking, much like no one questions the nature of a pastrami sandwich whilst enjoying one.
The narrative then divides the quest into two lanes: "Am I Loved?" and "Do I Love?", indicating that understanding love's impact on us can illuminate how we express love towards others. Love, as presented, is not an elusive sentiment detected by a mysterious heart's sensor but rather a series of tangible experiences perceived through our senses, validated by actions and expressions that signal to our brains and, consequently, to our hearts, the presence of love.
King Solomon's words in Proverbs "As water reflects a man’s face back to him, so is the heart of one man to another" is invoked to underscore that love, at its core, is a reflection, a reciprocal action that one can feel and recognize through the treatment they receive.
The episode emphasizes that love is fundamentally an action. It shifts the narrative from abstract conceptualization to practical expression, illustrating that love, akin to running or swimming, is defined by its enactment. The Hebrew word for love, "ahavah", rooted in the act of giving, encapsulates this ideology, positing that genuine love must manifest through tangible acts of kindness and care.
The discussion culminates with a divine perspective on love, referencing the commandment to love G-d, not as an emotional imposition but as a directive towards actionable love. This divine instruction echoes the broader theme: love is verified and validated through actions rather than mere feelings or declarations.
Takeaways:
Love as Reflection and Recognition: We seek the essence of love most acutely when its presence is in doubt. True love, however, is recognized through the actions and treatment we receive and give.Love is Action, Not Just Emotion: The essence of love is captured not in abstract contemplation but in concrete actions and behaviors that convey care and affection.The Divine Instruction on Love: The command to love God highlights the action-oriented nature of love, pushing us towards deeds of kindness as the true measure of love.In essence, to question "What is Love?" is to embark on a journey from doubt to action, from introspection to expression, leading us to understand that the truest answer lies in how we act and respond to love in our lives. Love, therefore, is not just a state of being but a series of deliberate, loving actions that reflect our deepest commitments to others.


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