The Chavrusa with Rabbi Levi

ABA

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Judaism
Updated Biweekly

Chavrusa (or Chavruta) is the traditional Jewish method of paired or small-group study, especially of Talmud, where partners analyze and debate texts together, a practice deeply integrated within Chabad philosophy and activities to foster deep learning and connection to Torah. Join Rabbi Levi Farkash as he holds Chavursa sessions as he invites you to pull up a seat and listen in.

3d ago

Episode 17|The Torah That Goes Straight to the Soul

The Torah That Goes Straight to the Soul | The Secret of the Manna In this episode of Chavrusa, we explore one of the most fascinating miracles in the Torah: the manna that sustained the Jewish people in the desert. The sages teach that the manna wasn't just miraculous food. It carried a spiritual quality that affected every person who ate it, creating a greater receptivity to Torah and godliness. Drawing from the teachings of the Rebbe, we discover a powerful parallel between the manna, Shabbos, and Chassidus. Some forms of Torah require effort, analysis, and intellectual struggle. But some teachings go directly to the soul. In this episode we discuss: Why the manna is called "bread from heaven"How the manna prepared the Jewish people for TorahThe connection between Shabbos and spiritual awarenessWhy Chassidus can impact every Jew, regardless of background or level of observance👉 As you listen, ask yourself: What part of Judaism inspires your mind?And what part speaks directly to your soul? For sponsorship and dedication opportunities email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rabbi.levi@chabaddowntownbellevue.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Rabbi Levi Farkash at: https://www.facebook.com/Chabaddowntownbellevue

19 min
May 14

Episode 16 |What Keeps Your Connection to Hashem Alive?

As we approach Shavuot — the anniversary of the giving of the Torah — we explore a profound Chassidic teaching about the relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people. The sages describe Matan Torah not just as a moment of receiving commandments, but as a marriage between God and the Jewish people. But what happens when that relationship becomes difficult? Drawing from the teachings of the Rebbe, we explore: Why the Torah compares Judaism to marriageThe three ways a Jew connects to HashemHow to stay spiritually connected during difficult timesAnd why reconnecting to your original inspiration can reignite your entire relationship with JudaismThrough powerful stories and practical insight, this episode offers a fresh perspective on spiritual connection, commitment, and growth. As you listen, consider:What first made you feel connected to Judaism? And how can you reconnect to that spark today? For sponsorship and dedication opportunities email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rabbi.levi@chabaddowntownbellevue.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Rabbi Levi Farkash at: https://www.facebook.com/Chabaddowntownbellevue

28 min
May 7

Episode 15 |When Serving Hashem Gets Hard

Why Struggle Makes a Mitzvah More Powerful In this episode of The Chavrusa with Rabbi Levi Farkash, we explore a profound question: Why does Hashem place us in a world where doing the right thing can feel so difficult? Drawing from Chassidic teachings and the heartbreaking story of the Cantonist children — Jewish boys kidnapped into the Russian army and pressured to abandon Judaism — we uncover a powerful message about the value of serving Hashem specifically through struggle. These children were stripped of nearly every opportunity to live openly as Jews. Yet many held tightly to even the smallest mitzvahs, enduring tremendous hardship simply to remain connected to their Yiddishkeit. What made those mitzvahs so precious? This episode explores: Why obstacles are part of spiritual growthHow exile reveals deeper commitmentWhy effort matters more than perfectionAnd how even one small mitzvah can carry enormous spiritual power As you listen, consider:What challenge in your life is making Judaism harder right now? And what if that very struggle is what makes your effort so meaningful? --- For sponsorship and dedication opportunities email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rabbi.levi@chabaddowntownbellevue.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Rabbi Levi Farkash at: https://www.facebook.com/Chabaddowntownbellevue

31 min
Apr 30

Episode 14 : It’s Not Too Late | The Power of Pesach Sheni

In this episode of the Chavruta with Rabbi Levi Farkash, we explore one of the most powerful and hopeful ideas in the Torah: the concept of a second chance. --------------- Thank you to this weeks sponsor Omni Agency. Reach out Menachem Farkash at 425-435-4286 for all your insurance needs. --------------- When a group of Jews were unable to bring the Korban Pesach at the proper time, they didn’t accept being left out. Instead, they asked a bold question: “Why should we lose out?” In response, Hashem introduced Pesach Sheni ... a completely new opportunity to fulfill the mitzvah one month later. What does this teach us? Drawing on Chassidic insight, we explore the deeper meaning behind this moment and its message for our lives today: Is it ever really “too late”?Can missed opportunities be recovered?What does real spiritual growth look like after failure?As you listen, consider:Where in your life have you already decided that something is over? And what would it look like to believe — and act — as if it’s not? -------------- For sponsorship and dedication opportunities email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rabbi.levi@chabaddowntownbellevue.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Rabbi Levi Farkash at: https://www.facebook.com/Chabaddowntownbellevue

22 min
Apr 22

Episode 13 : Bringing Spirituality Down to Earth | What Aaron’s Sons Got Wrong

Bringing Spirituality Down to Earth | What Aaron’s Sons Got Wrong ---- This week's episode is sponsored in honor of the birthday of Rabbi Levi Yitzhak Ben Rav Mordechai. May he be blessed with good health, long life, and much hatzlacha in all that he does.---------In this episode of the Chavrusa with Rabbi Levi Farkash, we explore a powerful and unsettling question: What if spiritual growth isn’t always growth? In this week’s Torah portion, we encounter the tragic story of Nadav and Avihu, the sons of Aaron, who sought a deep and intense connection with Hashem — and lost their lives in the process. How could a desire for closeness lead to such a result? Drawing from Chassidic teachings, we uncover a fundamental principle of Jewish life: the balance between Ratzoh (yearning to rise) and Shov (returning to bring that inspiration into the world). Their mistake wasn’t that they wanted too much spirituality...it was that they didn’t bring it back down. This episode challenges us to rethink what real growth looks like: Is inspiration enough?What happens after the high fades?Are we transforming our lives ...or escaping them?As you listen, consider:Where in your life are you reaching upward… but not coming back down? And what would it look like to take one moment of inspiration and turn it into real action? For sponsorship and dedication opportunities email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rabbi.levi@chabaddowntownbellevue.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Rabbi Levi Farkash at: https://www.facebook.com/Chabaddowntownbellevue

22 min
Apr 16

Episode 12: From Faith to Understanding: Why Chametz Returns After Pesach

In this episode of Chavrusa with Rabbi Levi Farkash, we explore a powerful and surprising transition in the Jewish calendar: On Pesach, we are commanded to completely remove chametz ... embracing simplicity, humility, and pure faith. And yet, just weeks later on Shavuot, the Torah commands us to bring an offering of specifically chametz. Why does something once forbidden suddenly become part of the mitzvah? Drawing from Chassidic insight, we uncover a deeper journey: From simple faith (matzah)Through personal growth and refinement (Sefirat HaOmer)Tp serving Hashem with our intellect, emotions, and individuality (chametz)This episode speaks directly to anyone on a path of growth — especially those navigating the shift from simplicity to complexity in their spiritual lives. As you listen, consider:Where in your life are you waiting to fully understand before taking action? And what would it look like to begin with faith — and grow into understanding? For sponsorship and dedication opportunities email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rabbi.levi@chabaddowntownbellevue.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Rabbi Levi Farkash at: https://www.facebook.com/Chabaddowntownbellevue

19 min
Mar 19

Episode 11 : Is the Seder About Slavery… or Freedom?

In this episode of Chavrusa with Rabbi Levi Farkash, we explore a powerful question at the heart of the Passover Seder: Is the focus of Pesach to remember the slavery of Egypt — or to experience freedom? We dive into the deeper meaning behind two central elements of the Seder — matzah and maror — and uncover a fascinating distinction: while matzah remains a biblical mitzvah, maror today is only rabbinic. What changed? Drawing from classic sources and the Rebbe’s insight, we reveal how the focus of the Seder has shifted over time — from reliving the bitterness of exile to embracing a mindset of redemption and freedom. This episode offers a fresh perspective on how to approach Pesach in today’s world — and how to bring the experience of true freedom into your life. ------------- For sponsorship and dedication opportunities email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rabbi.levi@chabaddowntownbellevue.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Rabbi Levi Farkash at: https://www.facebook.com/Chabaddowntownbellevue

22 min
Mar 11

Episode 10 : Why Intention Matters: The Hidden Connection Between Shabbos and the Mishkan

Does a Mitzvah Count If You Didn’t Mean To Do It? In this episode of The Chavrusa with Rabbi Levi Farkash, we explore a fascinating Torah question: If someone performs a mitzvah without realizing it… does it still count? In this week’s Torah portion, the Torah places two commandments side by side — the commandment to observe Shabbos and the construction of the Mishkan, the Tabernacle. From this connection, the sages derive the 39 categories of labor forbidden on Shabbos and an important principle: Shabbos violations only apply when an act is done with intentional, calculated action. But what about the opposite case? If intention matters for a transgression, does it also matter for a mitzvah? Together we explore the deeper meaning behind intentional action, accidental mitzvot, and how awareness transforms our spiritual lives. Join us as we uncover the powerful lesson the Torah teaches about purpose, intention, and serving Hashem with mindfulness. For sponsorship and dedication opportunities email ⁠⁠⁠⁠rabbi.levi@chabaddowntownbellevue.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Rabbi Levi Farkash at: https://www.facebook.com/Chabaddowntownbellevue

23 min

Chavrusa (or Chavruta) is the traditional Jewish method of paired or small-group study, especially of Talmud, where partners analyze and debate texts together, a practice deeply integrated within Chabad philosophy and activities to foster deep learning and connection to Torah. Join Rabbi Levi Farkash as he holds Chavursa sessions as he invites you to pull up a seat and listen in.

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The Chavrusa with Rabbi Levi