Daily Jewish Thought

Rabbi@JewishNDG.com (Rabbi Yisroel Bernath)
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Thoughts on spirituality, Kabbalah, Jewish thought, Judaism and Relationships. Rabbi Yisroel Bernath is the Senior Rabbi at Rohr Chabad of NDG and the Director of Chabad on Campus at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada. Cherished for his incredible warmth and non-judgmental personality, this hipster is not your typical rabbi. In 2012, Rabbi Bernath founded the smashing success JMatchmaking International, a network of Jewish dating sites. He has made 104 matches (that he knows of) to date! In addition to being a matchmaker and dating coach, Rabbi Bernath is also the author of three books, and continuously produces engaging content on his many social media & podcast platforms. As a professional voice-over artist, screen-writer, and actor, he has been a part of dozens of productions, including the hit CBC Documentary "Kosher Love". 

  1. 2D AGO

    Freedom Begins When We Stop Tolerating

    One of the most surprising details in the Exodus story is that Moses, the redeemer of Israel, did not grow up as a slave, but in Pharaoh’s palace.  In this morning’s Kabbalah class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores why Divine Providence chose such an unlikely path for Israel’s future leader and what it reveals about the nature of freedom. Drawing on Chassidic insights into the word sivlot“ burdens” that also mean tolerance, this class reframes redemption as a psychological and spiritual awakening. True liberation begins not when suffering becomes unbearable, but when we refuse to accept it as normal. Through the lens of Moses’ outsider perspective, the Israelites’ cry in Egypt, and our ongoing experience of personal and collective exile, the class challenges us to examine what we’ve learned to tolerate in our own lives. With warmth, depth, and practical reflection, this session invites participants to rediscover holy dissatisfaction, reclaim dignity, and begin their own daily Exodus from narrowness to possibility. Key Takeaways Redemption begins internally: Before freedom can happen externally, we must stop tolerating what diminishes us. Tolerance is not always a virtue: Sometimes patience becomes a prison that keeps us stuck in unhealthy patterns. Moses could lead because he never internalized slavery: Growing up in Pharaoh’s palace gave him the clarity and courage to challenge injustice. The cry matters: Change begins when we allow ourselves to feel the pain we’ve been numbing and cry out honestly. Exile becomes dangerous when it feels normal: Personally and collectively, redemption starts when we remember that brokenness is not the natural state. Standards shape destiny: What we accept defines what we become, raising our inner standards opens the door to transformation. Every day is an Exodus: Leaving Egypt isn’t a one-time event; it’s a daily practice of refusing limitation and choosing growth. #Jewish #Kabbalah #Torah #Exodus #TorahPortion #Bible #BibleStudy #Moses #moshe #ParshatVaera #SlaveMentality #Mitzrayim #Tolerance #freedom #PersonalRedemption #chassidus #SlaveMentality  #innerExile #EmotionalHealing  #spiritualgrowth #Moshiach #Geulah  #humandignity #BreakingPatterns  Available now: Paperback (US): https://www.amazon.com/Forgiveness-Experiment-What-Would-Your/dp/1069217638 Paperback (Canada): https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1069217638 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FR2QNJL6 Support the show Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com Single? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone. Donate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donate Follow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernath Access Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi

    38 min

  2. JAN 7

    Turn Your Head... How Moses Found His Calling and How You Can Find Yours

    Moses had every reason to stay comfortable: palace roots, a peaceful life in Midyan, and an age where most people stop reinventing themselves. Then a bush burned and refused to go away. In this class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores the moment that changes everything: not charging forward, not fixing the world, but simply turning your head. Through the burning bush, the Midrashic debate, and Moses’ three objections, we uncover how purpose actually shows up, why resistance is part of the calling, and how your deepest struggles may be the doorway to your greatest contribution. This isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about finally noticing what’s been calling you all along. Key Takeaways Calling begins with attention, not action. G-d speaks when we notice, not when we’re ready. Purpose doesn’t consume you; it sustains you. A real mission burns without burning out. You don’t need five steps, sometimes a turned head is enough. Insecurity, blame, and perfectionism are spiritual disguises for fear. Your thorn bush is not your weakness, it’s your credential. Redemption starts when someone says “Hineni” before knowing how it ends. #Jewish #Judaism #Torah #TorahPortion #Bible #BibleStudy #Moses #moshe #mosesleadership #BurningBush #purpose #calling #hineni #Midrash #destiny #perfectionism #insecurity #Responsibility #soulmission  Available now: Paperback (US): https://www.amazon.com/Forgiveness-Experiment-What-Would-Your/dp/1069217638 Paperback (Canada): https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1069217638 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FR2QNJL6 Support the show Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com Single? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone. Donate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donate Follow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernath Access Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi

    32 min

  3. 12/24/2025

    The Greatest Light That Could Only Come from the Deepest Darkness

    The moment Joseph reveals himself to his brothers is not just a family reunion, it is a soul disclosure. In this class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores why Joseph repeats himself, why he asks his brothers to come closer, and why he insists on reminding them that they sold him into Egypt. Drawing from Torah, Midrash, and Kabbalah, we discover that Joseph’s greatest holiness was not forged in comfort, but in confrontation with darkness. His life teaches us that our deepest light often emerges not despite our struggles, but because of them. This is a class about identity, resilience, and the sacred fire hidden within every human journey. Key Points Light isn’t proven in comfort. It is revealed in contrast. Joseph’s greatness emerged not in his father’s home, but in Egypt’s darkness. Your story is not a detour. The very chapters you wish you could erase are often the ones that unlock your deepest purpose. What looks like a mask may be protection. Joseph wasn’t hiding his soul, he was carrying it through hostile terrain until it was safe to reveal. Stop living in “if only.” Joseph teaches us that spiritual greatness is not about ideal circumstances, but about faithfulness where you are. Darkness can be a catalyst, not a contradiction. The pit, the prison, and the palace were all part of one divine choreography. You are more than how you appear. Others may misread you, but your soul is not confused about who you are. True brotherhood begins with seeing. Healing starts when we learn to recognize the divine light in one another, even when it’s hidden. Your struggle did not weaken you, it refined you. Fire doesn’t destroy the coal; it reveals what was already burning inside. #LightOverDarkness #chabad #Torah #TorahPortion #Bible #BibleStudy #Joseph #LightFromDarkness #TheFireInTheCoal #HiddenLight #Kabbalah #chassidus #PurposeThroughPain #NoIfOnly  #SpiritualResilience #SoulIdentity #FromPitToPalace #DarknessToLight #InnerFire #GrowthThroughStruggle #torahwisdom #SeeingTheSoul #RedemptiveJourney  Available now: Paperback (US): https://www.amazon.com/Forgiveness-Experiment-What-Would-Your/dp/1069217638 Paperback (Canada): https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1069217638 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FR2QNJL6 Support the show Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com Single? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone. Donate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donate Follow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernath Access Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi

    42 min

  4. 12/21/2025

    After Bondi Beach Attack: Chabad Answers Darkness with Light!

    This Shabbat, as Chanukah and Parshat Miketz converge, our hearts are heavy and our calling is clear. From the moment the Maccabees discovered a single cruse of oil in the desecrated Temple, Jewish history hinged not on what was found, but on what was done. They could have preserved the oil as a relic. Instead, they used it and ignited a light that has burned for 2,200 years. In the shadow of the tragic attack at the Chabad Chanukah celebration in Bondi Beach, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath delivers a sermon that explores a timeless Jewish truth: Judaism does not survive through museums or memory alone, but through lived action. Like Joseph in Miketz, who steps forward from darkness with faith and purpose, we are asked to respond to pain not by retreating, but by lighting, loving, and living more Jewishly than ever before. Key Takeaways The miracle of Chanukah was not the oil, it was the choice to use it. Judaism survives not by being preserved, but by being practiced. Darkness is real, but it never gets the final word. Every mitzvah, no matter how small, carries generational power. In moments of pain and fear, our response is not silence, but light. Honoring tragedy in Jewish history means responding with deeper Jewish life. Like Joseph in Miketz, we don’t need to know the ending, we just need to show up with what we have. Help the families of Sydney Attack: https://www.charidy.com/supportsydney  #BondiBeach #chabad #Judaism #hanukkah #LightOverDarkness #Chanukah #ParshatMiketz #LiveJewish #RespondWithLight #JewishResilience #AmYisraelChai #Rabbi #Sermon  Available now: Paperback (US): https://www.amazon.com/Forgiveness-Experiment-What-Would-Your/dp/1069217638 Paperback (Canada): https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1069217638 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FR2QNJL6 Support the show Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com Single? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone. Donate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donate Follow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernath Access Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi

    33 min

  5. 12/10/2025

    Are the Jewish People Really the Chosen People?

    In this morning’s class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explored the baffling, almost mythical global obsession with Israel and the Jewish people, a tiny nation that somehow takes up an outsized share of the world’s attention. Drawing on the teachings of Rabbi Simon Jacobson, Rabbi YY Jacobson, and Rabbi Manis Friedman, Rabbi Bernath unpacked the spiritual roots behind antisemitism and the world’s fixation on Jews. We confronted the paradox: being “chosen” doesn’t raise us above others, it humbles us beneath the weight of responsibility. Using the Alter Rebbe’s 1798 letter after his release on Yud Tes Kislev, we learned that true chosenness shrinks the ego while expanding the soul’s mission: to illuminate the world with goodness, moral clarity, unity, and love. When Jews embrace who we are… Divine ambassadors of light, we trigger the world. But we also transform it. Key Takeaways The obsession is ancient and irrational — Jews are less than 0.25% of the world, yet remain humanity’s main character. Reason alone cannot explain Jewish influence and survival — only our mission as bearers of ethical monotheism can. Chosen-ness ≠ superiority — it’s a call to responsibility, growth, and humility. Closeness to G-d shrinks the ego, not inflates it — “Katonti,” like Jacob said: “I am made small by Your kindness.” Anyone can join the Jewish people — chosenness is a spiritual calling, not a biological club. The world senses Jewish holiness — sometimes more than Jews do — and reacts intensely, for better or worse. Our role is universal — to be a moral lighthouse, not a fortress of self-importance. #Israel #Jewish #Chosen #chosenpeople #chosenness #alterrebbe #yudteskislev #JewishSpirituality #Rebbe #Antisemitism #LightOverDarkness  #humility  Available now: Paperback (US): https://www.amazon.com/Forgiveness-Experiment-What-Would-Your/dp/1069217638 Paperback (Canada): https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1069217638 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FR2QNJL6 Support the show Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com Single? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone. Donate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donate Follow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernath Access Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi

    42 min

  6. 12/03/2025

    A New Way to See Charity: When Giving Becomes Receiving

    In this heart-opening conversation, Rabbi Bernath shares a powerful true story of a needy bride who felt ashamed to accept financial help, until she discovers that she is a partner, not a burden. Drawing on the Torah’s teaching of Yissachar and Zevulun, and Chassidic wisdom from the Lubavitcher Rebbe, he reveals the revolutionary idea that tzedakah is not a one-way act of charity but a sacred spiritual partnership. Through moving stories, including a dramatic tale of a Hatzalah medic and his unlikely agreement with a butcher afraid of blood the message becomes clear: the giver and receiver elevate and bless one another. Each act of kindness is a mutual exchange of soul-energy that strengthens Jewish unity and brings the world closer to redemption. Key Takeaways Receiving is also giving. The recipient grants the giver the opportunity to fulfill a supreme mitzvah and gain spiritual merit. Tzedakah is a partnership. Like Yissachar and Zevulun, both the supporter and the one supported share in the mitzvah. Spiritual reward is shared. Jewish law and Chassidic teachings affirm that those who enable mitzvot receive a full portion of the merit. Everyone has something to give. Whether materially or spiritually, we each fill in what others lack. Unity is our strength. Caring for one another is the secret of Jewish survival and the catalyst for redemption. Acts of kindness transform the world. When we give and receive with dignity, we illuminate each other’s lives and G-d’s world. End-of-Year Giving | Spread the Light With Us Every soul you help us reach is another candle blazing against the darkness. If this podcast has touched you, inspired you, or lifted your spirits even once, consider being part of this ripple of goodness. Together, let’s end the year shining a little brighter: https://www.charidy.com/NDG2025 #Charity #Judaism #Kabbalah #Tzedakah #chassidus #giving #receiving #Rebbe #chabad #chassidut #Torah #TorahPortion #yissachar #zevulun #jewishunity #actsofkindness #kindness  Available now: Paperback (US): https://www.amazon.com/Forgiveness-Experiment-What-Would-Your/dp/1069217638 Paperback (Canada): https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1069217638 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FR2QNJL6 Support the show Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com Single? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone. Donate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donate Follow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernath Access Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi

    26 min

  7. 12/01/2025

    In Conversation with Rabbi David Eliezrie | UNdaunted: How the Sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn Saved Russian Jewry, Reimagined American Judaism, Ignited a Global Jewish Renaissance

    In this remarkable conversation, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath sits down with Rabbi Dovid Eliezrie to explore UNdaunted, his newly released biography of the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, a hero of Jewish history whose courage rewrote the future. We journey through the Rebbe’s extraordinary childhood, discovering how early acts of bravery shaped a leader who would one day defy empires and rebuild Jewish life across the world. Rabbi Eliezrie speaks of the Rebbe’s profound influence on Montreal, from the spiritual infrastructure he inspired, to the seeds of community he planted that continue to flourish today. Along the way, Rabbi Eliezrie shares gripping stories, newly uncovered insights, and the human side of a leader whose love for every Jew was as fierce as his fight for our future. This conversation isn’t only about the past, it’s about the fire that still burns in us. The Previous Rebbe taught us to never bow to fear, never settle for less, and never stop believing in the infinite power of the Jewish soul. Rabbi David Eliezrie, a master storyteller, community builder, global Jewish leader, and the author of the newly released Undaunted, his monumental biography of the Frierdiker Rebbe, the Sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe whose life reads like a symphony of faith and fearlessness. Rabbi Eliezrie is the senior Shliach in Yorba Linda, president of the Rabbinical Council of Orange County, a senior advisor to JRNU, and a respected voice in Jewish life both in Israel and around the world. He’s written bestselling works (The Secret of Chabad was a National Jewish Book Award finalist) and has the rare gift of being able to weave historical depth with a storyteller’s heart. This book, Undaunted is something different. It’s sweeping, deeply researched, and filled with moments that remind you what spiritual courage looks like in real life. It’s the story of a Rebbe who fought czars, communists, assimilation, and despair… and somehow managed to strengthen Judaism in every place he touched. You can purchase the book  INDIGO https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/undaunted-how-the-sixth-lubavitcher-rebbe-yosef-yitzchak-schneersohn-saved-russian-jewry-reimagined-american-judaism-ignited-a-global-jewish-renaissance/9781592647262.html AMAZON USA https://www.amazon.com/Undaunted-Lubavitcher-Schneersohn-Reimagined-Ren Available now: Paperback (US): https://www.amazon.com/Forgiveness-Experiment-What-Would-Your/dp/1069217638 Paperback (Canada): https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1069217638 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FR2QNJL6 Support the show Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com Single? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone. Donate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donate Follow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernath Access Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi

    1h 6m

  8. 11/28/2025

    Climbing Jacob’s Ladder: The Four Worlds & The Journey of Prayer

    Prayer isn’t supposed to feel far away, confusing, or “for holier people.” It’s a ladder right beneath your feet, starting exactly where you are, in your busy, messy, beautiful real life. Tonight, we explore the ancient Kabbalistic map of the four worlds of Action, Emotion, Understanding, and Oneness and discover how the structure of our daily prayers is designed to gently lift us, step by step. Jacob’s ladder becomes our ladder: a practical tool for finding meaning, presence, and Divine connection in a world that constantly pulls us down to earth. No experience needed. No advanced mysticism required. Just bring a heart that’s willing to take one small step upward. Key Takeaways Start Where You Are The ladder begins on the ground — spiritual growth doesn’t require feeling spiritual at first.Prayer Has Four Stages The siddur intentionally guides us from action → emotion → insight → connection.Small Steps Matter Even a single focused phrase or breath can shift us into a higher state of being.Two-Way Ladder As we elevate ourselves through prayer, G-d brings strength, clarity, and blessing down into our everyday life.You Are the Ladder Like Jacob, compassion is our bridge of every kind act connects heaven and earth. #Kabbalah  #KabbalahForEveryone #JacobsLadder #FourWorlds #chassidus #PrayerJourney  #JewishWisdom #SoulConnection #MindfulPrayer #HeavenAndEarth #CompassionInAction #ChassidicTeachings #JewishSpirituality #DailyTefillah #WorldOfAction #WorldOfFormation #WorldOfCreation #WorldOfEmanation #RatzovShov #RunAndReturn #SoulAwakening #chabad  Available now: Paperback (US): https://www.amazon.com/Forgiveness-Experiment-What-Would-Your/dp/1069217638 Paperback (Canada): https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1069217638 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FR2QNJL6 Support the show Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com Single? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone. Donate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donate Follow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernath Access Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi

    56 min
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About

Thoughts on spirituality, Kabbalah, Jewish thought, Judaism and Relationships. Rabbi Yisroel Bernath is the Senior Rabbi at Rohr Chabad of NDG and the Director of Chabad on Campus at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada. Cherished for his incredible warmth and non-judgmental personality, this hipster is not your typical rabbi. In 2012, Rabbi Bernath founded the smashing success JMatchmaking International, a network of Jewish dating sites. He has made 104 matches (that he knows of) to date! In addition to being a matchmaker and dating coach, Rabbi Bernath is also the author of three books, and continuously produces engaging content on his many social media & podcast platforms. As a professional voice-over artist, screen-writer, and actor, he has been a part of dozens of productions, including the hit CBC Documentary "Kosher Love". 

Information

  • Creator
    Rabbi@JewishNDG.com (Rabbi Yisroel Bernath)
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    1.2K
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Rabbi Yisroel Bernath & Daily Jewish Thought
  • Show Website
    Daily Jewish Thought

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