The Shema Podcast for the Perplexed TORCH

It is now the Counting of the Omer.    These 49 days between Pesach and Shavous create a bridge that allows one to leave their mental restrictions and move towards a more expanded consciousness.   In this episode, Rabbi Chaim Buscko breaks down for us how to tap into the spiritual energies now present.   By doing so, we will forge ourselves into vessels that will allow us to absorb the wisdom of Torah and catapult us to a higher level of closeness to our Creator. 


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During our Pesach Seder, we recounted the story of our redemption, starting with our suffering in Egypt, leading to our cries to Hashem, and ultimately to Him guiding us to freedom. However, we must ask ourselves why He placed us in Egypt to begin with. What was it about our time in Egypt that was a necessary prerequisite to achieve freedom? What does freedom really mean? In this episode, I am absolutely delighted to welcome my new dear friend and Rabbi, Morty Roth, so he can share his deep insights into the answers to these questions.
Morty Roth references several books during our conversation.   If you are interested in obtaining these books I have provided links to where you can buy.
Covenant & Conversation by Jonathan Sacks Pebbles of Wisdom From Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz


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In our Tanach, Isaiah (Yeshayahu), describes that during the era of Moshiach, the earth will be as filled with the knowledge of Hashem, as the waters cover the sea.   My dear friends and heroes, Bruce Licht and Ron Kardos, set out on an initiative to manifest this prophecy into reality.  Their story and example are an inspiration to me and anyone who listens, to our responsibilities as Jews in this world.


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For millennia, the Jewish community has awaited the arrival of Moshiach, yearning for the Final Redemption and Hashem's ultimate revelation. Each day that this event does not unfold serves as a poignant reminder from our Creator that we, as a people, may not yet be prepared for such profound judgment. This shared spiritual destiny underscores a profound truth: we are intrinsically linked, rising and falling as one. Our collective responsibility to each other is both a privilege and a duty. In this compelling episode, we invite Tyler Scholl and Erica Harris to share their personal paths towards Torah observance. Their experiences shed light on the ways we can support one another in our shared mission to live up to the covenant established at Mt. Sinai.


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Aiding us in our endeavor to cleave to our Creator and continually ascend to great spiritual heights is the divine timeline throughout each year.  In this episode we are joined by a dear friend, Betty Givin who recently published a book on this subject “Hidden Sparks – Beneath The Surface: An Inspirational Journey Through The Biblical Festivals.”  Betty shares her insights for each auspicious time throughout the year and how we can each find our hidden sparks.
Click here to order your copy of ”Hidden Sparks – Beneath The Surface: An Inspirational Journey Through The Biblical Festivals.”


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In the journey from Parsha Terumah to Pekudei, we are guided through the meticulous construction of the Mishkan— a sacred space that bridged the heavenly and earthly realms. While we long for the day the Mishkan will be physically reconstructed, our current diaspora challenges us to internalize this sanctuary, crafting a dwelling for the Divine within each of us. In this episode, we are joined by Rabbi Daniel Cotlar to share the Hasidic teachings that illuminate the path to embodying the essence of the Mishkan's components within ourselves. 


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