Spark Torah Podcast

Chana Miriam Bouskila

The Spark Torah podcast is a weekly parsha shiur given over by Chana Miriam Bouskila. Each week we dive into the weekly Torah portion with curated insights that delve deeper, help you understand the parsha, and give you tools to carry away with you into your life.

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Yesterday · 30 min
Ep. 92 - Toldot 5787
What do rival twins, disputed wells, and a stolen blessing teach us about our own spiritual lives? This week we explore Parshat Toldot, following Yitzchak, Rivkah, Yaakov, and Esav through family conflict, extraordinary blessings, and some deeply challenging choices. Along the way, we consider the competing drives within each of us, what our spare time reveals about our priorities, and how everyday responsibilities can become avodat Hashem. In this episode: * Our inner Yaakov and Esav: Bringing more Torah, tefillah, and light into our lives. * The gift of time: What we choose to do when no one is directing us. * Holiness in the everyday: Finding purpose in working, eating, resting, and caring for our families. * Keep digging: Yitzchak’s wells as a lesson in inner growth and perseverance when routines unravel. * Spiritual delicacies: Why our struggles and imperfect efforts are precious to Hashem. * Understanding the blessings: Rav Hirsch’s explanation of Rivkah’s plan and Yitzchak’s moment of recognition. With insights from Rashi, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rav Shimshon Pincus, Ramban, the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Yehoshua Gordon, and Rav Shimshon Raphael Hirsch. Parsha: Toldot · Bereshit 25:19–28:9 Questions or comments? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this week’s parsha and what stood out to you most. Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Every share helps more people connect with the beauty and depth of Torah learning. Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely free way to support the pod. For weekly Torah insights, bonus content, and archived episodes, visit sparktorah.substack.com. Thank you for learning with me today! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparktorahpodcast.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparktorahpodcast.substack.com/subscribe
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November 2 · 27 min
Ep. 91 - Chayei Sarah 5787
Why is a parsha that begins with Sarah’s death called “the life of Sarah”? This week, we explore how her influence continues through Avraham’s choices, Rivkah’s kindness, and the spiritual light of the Jewish home. We will discuss: * Living al kiddush Hashem: Sanctifying Hashem’s name through the everyday choices of a Torah life. * Avraham’s grief and faith: Different explanations for why he eulogized Sarah before crying, and the challenge of serving Hashem without regret. * The purchase of Machpelah: Avraham’s acceptance of a lasting spiritual responsibility. * Rivkah at the well: Why her extraordinary generosity made her the right wife for Yitzchak. * The deeper meaning of Rivkah’s pitcher: A kabbalistic connection between the Written and Oral Torah. * Our place in the generations: Building on our ancestors’ foundations and recognizing why we are needed in our own time. * The light of Shabbat candles: Sarah and Rivkah’s legacy and the influence of Jewish women and girls in their homes. We close by returning to Sarah’s enduring presence throughout the parsha—and the ways a person’s life continues through the people they have shaped. Parsha: Chayei Sarah | Bereshit 23:1–25:18 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparktorahpodcast.substack.com/subscribe
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October 26 · 35 min
Ep. 90 - Vayera 5787
Vayeira is packed with drama: angelic visitors, the destruction of Sodom, the birth of Yitzchak, and the Akeidah. Through it all, we find lessons about kindness, moral courage, balance, and what it means to serve Hashem in both extraordinary moments and everyday life. This week, we explore: * Hospitality without an agenda: What distinguishes Avraham’s welcome from Lot’s, and what can we learn about welcoming ordinary people? * Standing up for others: Avraham pleads for Sodom, showing us the importance of acting when another person needs help. * When values become distorted: Lot’s disturbing choices and Sodom’s cruelty reveal the dangers of losing our moral bearings. * The foundation of our actions: Avraham’s encounter with Avimelech opens a discussion about fear of Heaven and moral accountability. * The birth of Yitzchak: Sarah’s long-awaited blessing, Hagar and Yishmael’s departure, and Hashem’s care in the wilderness. * Understanding the Akeidah: Whose test was it? Why was it necessary? We explore several commentators’ perspectives on faith, sacrifice, and the purpose of spiritual challenges. Throughout the episode, we return to a question that reaches into our own busy lives: How do we carry the devotion of our biggest spiritual moments into the way we live each day? Torah portion: Vayeira | Bereshit 18:1–22:24 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparktorahpodcast.substack.com/subscribe
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October 21 · 25 min
Ep. 89 - Lech Lecha 5787
Welcome to the Spark Torah podcast! I am Chana Miriam Bouskila and today we will be learning parsha Lech Lecha. We will talk about: Do our small deeds matter? Why doesn’t Avraham get an introduction? Why so much discussion about Avraham’s age? How should we handle disputes? How should we handle wealth? And other life lessons we can carry from the parsha… Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely free way to support the pod. And hop on over to our Substack where you can join in our conversation, gain inspiration, and stay up to date on all things Spark Torah. The link is: sparktorahpodcast.substack.com This is an entirely listener supported podcast, so I encourage you to become a paid subscriber on Substack which not only supports the podcast financially, but also allows you access to subscriber exclusives like bonus episodes, behind the scenes content, and more. Thank you for learning with me today! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparktorahpodcast.substack.com/subscribe
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October 12 · 32 min
Ep. 88 - Parsha Noach 5787
This week on Spark Torah, we begin with a quick recap of Bereshit before exploring Parshat Noach. From the ark to the rainbow to the Tower of Bavel, we look at what these stories teach us about responsibility, renewal, and our relationship with Hashem. In this episode, we explore: * Noach’s righteousness * The Flood as a new beginning * Why Noach needed to build the ark * Finding shelter in Torah study and prayer, then bringing that strength into the world. * The raven and the dove as lessons in taking initiative and yearning for redemption. * The rainbow’s messages of peace, unity, and never giving up on people. * The Tower of Bavel, the consequences of our choices, and keeping Hashem at the center of our shared purpose. Questions or comments? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this week’s parsha and what stood out to you most. Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Every share helps more people connect with the beauty and depth of Torah learning. Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely free way to support the pod. For weekly Torah insights, bonus content, and archived episodes, visit sparktorah.substack.com. Thank you for learning with me today! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparktorahpodcast.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparktorahpodcast.substack.com/subscribe
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September 15 · 19 min
Ep. 87 - Parsha Ha’Azinu 5786
Moshe’s final words to Bnei Israel come as a song. In Parshat Ha’azinu, Shirat Ha’azinu looks back at the Jewish people’s relationship with Hashem: the ways He protected and provided for them, the times they turned away, and the promise that He will ultimately return to His people. In this episode, we explore: Why Moshe calls on both heaven and earth to hear his words—and what that teaches us about carrying the inspiration of Torah and tefillah into everyday life. The beautiful comparison of Torah to rain and dew, and why even a heart that hasn’t been fully “prepared” can still be touched by Torah. How making Torah the center of our lives allows its light to influence everything around it. The spiritual challenge of wealth and material comfort, and how our blessings can become tools for Torah, mitzvot, and kindness rather than ends in themselves. The mechitzah between the spiritual and material worlds—and how bringing holiness into ordinary physical life helps heal that divide. Why the Torah is “not an empty thing”—and the importance of turning to qualified Torah teachers when we don’t know how Torah applies to a particular situation. One theme runs throughout Ha’azinu: don’t leave your inspiration in shul. Torah is meant to come with us: to the kitchen, the workplace, our parenting, our relationships, our gardens, and all the ordinary routines that make up a life. When we take something we have learned or felt and put it into action, we begin bringing heaven down to earth and elevating the earth toward heaven. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparktorahpodcast.substack.com/subscribe
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September 1 · 38 min
Ep. 86 - Parsha Nitzavim Vayelech 5786
This week’s double parsha brings together two seemingly opposite ideas: Nitzavim — standing firm — and Vayelech — moving forward. We explore why we need both: a strong, unwavering foundation of emunah alongside continual growth in Torah, mitzvot, and our relationship with Hashem. In this episode: Stand, think, then move. Nitzavim and Vayelech give us a practical formula for life: pause and think before we speak or act, make a plan, move forward, and then stop again to reflect on how we did. Making our “beyond” our new normal. Teshuvah requires more than returning to where we were. We deepen our relationship with Hashem until the devotion that once felt beyond us becomes part of our ordinary lives. Torah is within reach. Moshe reminds Am Yisrael that Torah is not impossibly distant or reserved for extraordinary people. Hashem asks us for sincere effort. We need Hashem to succeed. Through a personal struggle with anger, I share what happened when I stopped relying solely on techniques and advice and began asking Hashem directly to help me change. The Yehoshua of every generation. Torah itself does not change, but its application to the circumstances of each generation requires Torah leadership—which is one reason having a relationship with a rabbi matters. What other people may reveal about us. When someone else’s behavior bothers us, it can become an opportunity to examine our own middot and ask what Hashem may be showing us. The redwood forest and the Jewish people. Like redwoods whose roots intertwine and support one another, every Jew remains an individual while also being strengthened by—and responsible for—the whole. Carrying Torah into ordinary life. The engraved and written Torah associated with the Aron represent both our intrinsic connection to Torah and our responsibility to carry that connection into the mundane parts of everyday life. Questions or comments? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this week’s parsha and what stood out to you most. Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Every share helps more people connect with the beauty and depth of Torah learning. Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely free way to support the pod. For weekly Torah insights, bonus content, and archived episodes, visit sparktorah.substack.com. Thank you for learning with me today! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparktorahpodcast.substack.com/subscribe
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August 25 · 28 min
Ep. 85 - Parsha Ki Tavo 5786
This week we explore Parshat Ki Tavo and what it means to truly enter the gifts, mitzvot, and moments Hashem gives us. We begin with the words “Ki Tavo” — “when you come” and the idea that every new day is a gift waiting for us to step into it. As Rosh Hashanah approaches, we consider what it means not simply to ask Hashem for more days, but to be fully alive and present within them. We also discuss: * Bikkurim and gratitude — recognizing that even after all our hard work, our blessings ultimately come from Hashem. * Being “all in” with mitzvot — why partial entry is not considered entry and what that can teach us about giving a mitzvah our full attention. * Renewing our relationship with Hashem every day — approaching Torah and our covenant with the freshness and enthusiasm of something new. * Growing large enough for our blessings — how Torah, teaching, giving, raising children, and serving others expand our capacity to receive abundance. * “Merov kol” and comparison — learning to see what Hashem has given us as enough rather than measuring our blessings against someone else’s. * The hidden comfort within the Tochachah — even in exile and oppression, ein koneh: ultimately, no one can own our spiritual identity. We remain avdei Hashem. Questions or comments? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this week’s parsha and what stood out to you most. Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Every share helps more people connect with the beauty and depth of Torah learning. Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely free way to support the pod. For weekly Torah insights, bonus content, and archived episodes, visit sparktorah.substack.com. Thank you for learning with me today! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparktorahpodcast.substack.com/subscribe
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August 17 · 30 min
Ep. 84 - Parsha Ki Teitzei 5786
This week we’re learning Parsha Ki Teitzei, the parsha with more mitzvot than any other in the Torah! We’ll explore what the Torah’s laws surrounding the captive woman teach us about the powerful influence of our environment, even on the most righteous among us, and what that means for the communities and homes we choose to build. We’ll also look at the mitzvah of returning lost objects through the Or HaChaim’s beautiful interpretation of helping bring a fellow Jew back to Torah, and take a deeper look at the unusual mitzvah of shiluach haken, sending away the mother bird. Why does the Torah promise long life for this mitzvah, and what does it have to do with compassion, children, and the influence we leave behind? Later, we’ll discover how the mitzvah of building a fence around a roof can teach us to put healthy boundaries around our spiritual ambitions, why Miriam’s story still has so much to teach us about the way we speak about others, and how even an accidental mitzvah can bring blessing. Finally, we’ll talk about memory and forgetting. The Torah commands us to remember some things and let go of others—but what happens when we begin to forget Hashem, Torah, and our own Jewish identity? And what does remembering Amalek have to teach us about humility, assimilation, and remaining connected to who we are? Questions or comments? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this week’s parsha and what stood out to you most. Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Every share helps more people connect with the beauty and depth of Torah learning. Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely free way to support the pod. For weekly Torah insights, bonus content, and archived episodes, visit sparktorah.substack.com. Thank you for learning with me today! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparktorahpodcast.substack.com/subscribe
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August 10 · 27 min
Ep. 83 - Parsha Shoftim 5786
Parsha Shoftim is filled with laws about leadership. So that begs the question: How do we lead our own lives? With Rosh Chodesh Elul beginning, this becomes an invitation to choose one small area in which to grow, whether that means taking on something new or bringing more intention and consistency to something we already do. We also explore Rav Moshe Feinstein’s fascinating explanation of the matzevah: human beings are not meant to become monuments to past accomplishments. Then we turn to the Torah’s vision of a Jewish king. His power is deliberately limited, and he must keep Torah constantly beside him. The king’s two Torah scrolls offer a lesson for all of us: we need Torah woven into our everyday lives, but we also need regular opportunities to stop and ask whether the way we are living still matches the values we claim to hold. We will also explore the Torah’s prohibition against needless destruction, and two ways of understanding it: valuing the gifts Hashem has given us, and shaping ourselves into people who preserve and build rather than destroy. We will look into the eglah arufah, where the Torah reminds us never to lose sight of the immeasurable value of one individual human life. In this episode: Torah learning that leads to action, choosing an Elul commitment, why spiritual growth never really ends, the king’s two Torah scrolls, what it means to be tamim with Hashem • bal tashchit and our responsibility toward Hashem’s gifts, the infinite value of every human life Sources discussed: Rav Tov Weinberger, Rabbanit Yemima Mizrachi, Ohr HaChaim, Rabbeinu Yonah, Rashi, Rav Moshe Feinstein, Rabbi Yehoshua Gordon, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rambam, Netziv, Sefer HaChinuch, Rav Yosef of Salant, Rav Kook, Rabbi Shalom Rosner, Rabbi Yissocher Frand, Rav Yaakov Yitzchak Ruderman, and Shemen HaTov. Questions or comments? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this week’s parsha and what stood out to you most. Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Every share helps more people connect with the beauty and depth of Torah learning. Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely free way to support the pod. For weekly Torah insights, bonus content, and archived episodes, visit sparktorah.substack.com. Thank you for learning with me today! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparktorahpodcast.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparktorahpodcast.substack.com/subscribe
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August 3 · 32 min
Ep. 82 - Parsha Re’eh 5786
This week we dive into Parshat Re’eh, the turning point in Moshe Rabbeinu’s final speech before Bnei Yisrael enter the Land of Israel. We will discuss: The choice of a blessing or a curse and why these are both placed before us. Rav Shlomo Zevin’s insight into transforming both prosperity and hardship into opportunities to serve Hashem. The Lubavitcher Rebbe’s teaching that what appears to be a curse may actually be a blessing. Why the Torah says “today”, and what it teaches us about approaching Torah. The significance of Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal and the choice each of us faces daily. Why the Torah repeatedly speaks about “the place that Hashem will choose” without naming Jerusalem. What it really means to “follow Hashem” and why humility is the key to genuine closeness. The mitzvah of tzedakah, including a lesson from the Vilna Gaon. Why Sukkot is called the festival of joy and how gratitude is the foundation of true happiness. Powerful lessons on appreciating our parents, spouses, spiritual growth, and the blessings already present in our lives. Rabbanit Yemima Mizrachi’s inspiring message about filling our homes with words of bracha instead of negativity as we prepare for the month of Elul. Questions or comments? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this week’s parsha and what stood out to you most. Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Every share helps more people connect with the beauty and depth of Torah learning. Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely free way to support the pod. For weekly Torah insights, bonus content, and archived episodes, visit sparktorah.substack.com. Thank you for learning with me today! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparktorahpodcast.substack.com/subscribe
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July 26 · 25 min
Ep. 81 - Parsha Eikev 5786
This week we explore Parshat Eikev, where Moshe reminds the Jewish people that life in the Land of Israel will depend on remembering Hashem—not only during hardship, but especially during times of blessing and success. We will discuss: Why the Torah says “kol hamitzvah” (”the entire mitzvah”) and what it teaches us about treating the mitzvot as a complete package rather than choosing only the ones that come naturally. The spiritual symbolism of the 613 mitzvot and how each one contributes to our spiritual wholeness. Why Birkat HaMazon is considered by many to be the Torah’s only explicit commandment to recite a blessing, and what we can learn from Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, Rav Schwab, Rav Shach, and Rav Soloveitchik about gratitude and concentration. The surprising lesson of the manna: why abundance and comfort can be just as great a spiritual test as poverty. Moshe’s willingness to take responsibility for breaking the Tablets and what true leadership looks like. The Torah’s repeated commandment to love the ger (convert) and why this mitzvah goes beyond the general obligation to love one’s fellow Jew. The different ways we are called to love Hashem (with all our heart, soul, and might) and why even small efforts to increase our awareness of Hashem matter. Whether we’re struggling or thriving, Parshat Eikev reminds us that every mitzvah, every blessing, and every opportunity to draw closer to Hashem is significant. Questions or comments? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this week’s parsha and what stood out to you most. Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Every share helps more people connect with the beauty and depth of Torah learning. Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely free way to support the pod. For weekly Torah insights, bonus content, and archived episodes, visit sparktorah.substack.com. Thank you for learning with me today! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparktorahpodcast.substack.com/subscribe
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July 21 · 33 min
Ep. 80 - Parsha Va'etchanan 5786
This week we explore Parshat Va’etchanan, a parsha filled with some of the Torah’s most foundational passages—including the Ten Commandments, the Shema, and Moshe Rabbeinu’s final pleas to enter Eretz Yisrael. We will discuss: Why Shabbat Nachamu follows Tisha B’Av and how Parshat Va’etchanan itself offers a message of comfort. The Sefat Emet’s beautiful insight that even while in exile, we can still connect to the holiness of Eretz Yisrael through our prayers. Why teaching grandchildren represents something unique in the transmission of Torah, based on the teachings of Rav Yosef Soloveitchik. How Yaakov Avinu’s relationship with Ephraim and Menashe helps explain why we are called Bnei Yisrael. The powerful lesson from Moshe establishing the Cities of Refuge: don’t let fear of not finishing keep you from beginning. Featuring insights from Rashi, the Chafetz Chayim, and the Rambam. The Lubavitcher Rebbe’s explanation of “Ein Od Milvado”—how recognizing Hashem’s presence transforms the way we experience life’s challenges. Why the commandment to honor our parents was first given at Marah, with the explanation of the Ketav Sofer. The difference between following Hashem’s commandments and pursuing Hashem’s will, through the teachings of the Ramban and Rav Elchanan Wasserman. A brief look at the Haftarah of Shabbat Nachamu and its message of redemption, comfort, and Hashem’s ultimate sovereignty over history. Questions or comments? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this week’s parsha and what stood out to you most. Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Every share helps more people connect with the beauty and depth of Torah learning. Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely free way to support the pod. For weekly Torah insights, bonus content, and archived episodes, visit sparktorah.substack.com. Thank you for learning with me today! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparktorahpodcast.substack.com/subscribe
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July 14 · 30 min
Ep. 79 - Parsha Devarim 5786
This week we begin Sefer Devarim, the fifth and final book of the Torah. Unlike the previous four books, Devarim is one long farewell address from Moshe Rabbeinu during the final weeks of his life before Bnei Yisrael enter Eretz Yisrael. In this episode we explore what makes Devarim unique, why Moshe waited until the end of his life to rebuke the nation, the incredible value of even a single mitzvah, and practical lessons we can apply as we prepare for the Three Weeks and look toward redemption. In This Episode * Why Sefer Devarim is called Mishneh Torah * How Devarim differs from the first four books of the Torah * The Gra, Ramban, and HaKetav VeHaKabbala on the structure and purpose of Devarim * Rav Chaim (brother of the Maharal) on the hidden message contained in the names of the parshiyot * Moshe’s model of rebuke: correcting while simultaneously defending the Jewish people * The symbolism behind the place names in the opening verses * “With the left hand push away, with the right hand embrace” (Sanhedrin 107b) * Hashem providing us with the tools we need for the mission He gives us * The spies and the consequences of fear * “Turn northward”—the Kli Yakar on humility, wealth, and living quietly in exile * Why Moshe feared Og, king of Bashan, and what it teaches us about the immeasurable value of one mitzvah * Reuven and Gad as a model for our own inner spiritual battles * Finding comfort in Hashem’s promise: “Do not fear them, for Hashem your God fights for you.” * Preparing for redemption during the Three Weeks through introspection, Torah, tefillah, and acts of chesed If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who enjoys learning Torah. Every share helps more people discover the podcast. Questions or comments? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this week’s parsha and what stood out to you most. Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely free way to support the pod. For weekly Torah insights, bonus content, and archived episodes, visit sparktorah.substack.com. Thank you for learning with me today! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparktorahpodcast.substack.com/subscribe
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July 7 · 28 min
Ep. 78 - Parsha Matot Masei 5786
This week we conclude the book of Bamidbar with the double portion of Matot-Masei, a parsha filled with powerful lessons about speech, responsibility, spiritual growth, and the purpose of our journey through life. In This Episode * The holiness of speech and guarding our words * Torah study versus lashon hara * Taking ownership and responsibility before entering Eretz Yisrael * Why Reuven and Gad wanted to remain outside the Land * The deeper meaning of the forty-two journeys * Aharon’s legacy of peace and unity * The spiritual message of the Parah Adumah * The daughters of Tzelafchad and seeking Torah guidance * Finishing Sefer Bamidbar with purpose and growth Thank you for listening to Spark Torah Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following the podcast, leaving a review, and sharing it with a friend. Your support helps bring more Torah learning to others each week. Questions or comments? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this week’s parsha and what stood out to you most. Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely free way to support the pod. For weekly Torah insights, bonus content, and archived episodes, visit sparktorah.substack.com. Thank you for learning with me today! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparktorahpodcast.substack.com/subscribe
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June 29 · 28 min
Ep. 76 - Parsha Pinchas 5786
Why does Parshat Pinchas begin by praising an act that actually took place in last week’s parsha? And why are the korbanot for the festivals placed here instead of in Sefer Vayikra? In this week’s episode, we explore how these seemingly unrelated sections of the parsha are deeply connected. Together we’ll discuss: * Why Hashem’s approval of Pinchas was delayed until this week’s parsha—and what that teaches us about judging another person’s motives. * The difference between everyday mitzvot and extraordinary acts of self-sacrifice. * The covenant of peace granted to Pinchas and why he alone was added to the priesthood. * What we can learn from the courage of someone who simply does “the next right thing.” * The remarkable survival of Korach’s sons and the incredible power of sincere teshuvah. * Why the daughters of Tzelophehad changed Jewish history by fighting for the future of their family. * Moshe’s heartfelt request for a worthy successor and the appointment of Yehoshua. * The surprising connection between leadership and the daily korban tamid. * Why Chazal considered the verse describing the daily offering to be one of the most all-encompassing verses in the Torah. * How our daily tefillot have taken the place of the korban tamid and continue to express our constant relationship with Hashem. * Rav Avigdor Nebenzahl’s beautiful insight showing how every major section of Parshat Pinchas represents one of Moshe’s final preparations before his passing. This episode brings together teachings from Rashi, Rabbi Benzion Firer, Rabbi Shalom Rosner, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, Rabbi Betzalel Yehuda Rudinsky, and Rav Avigdor Nebenzahl to reveal the powerful thread running through one of the Torah’s most wide-ranging parshiyot. If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you’d subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves learning Torah. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparktorahpodcast.substack.com/subscribe
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June 22 · 36 min
Ep. 75 - Parsha Balak 5786
Hello and welcome to the Spark Torah podcast! I am Chana Miriam Bouskila and today we will be learning parsha Chukat. Parshat Balak This week we continue our exploration of the double portion Chukat-Balak by turning our attention to one of the Torah’s most fascinating stories: the attempts of Bilaam to curse the Jewish people and the blessings that emerged instead. We begin with a story about the Apter Rav and the mitzvah of Ahavat Yisrael (love of one’s fellow Jew), using it as a lens through which to understand the deeper message of Parshat Balak. As the Israelites camp on the plains of Moav, King Balak becomes fearful of their growing strength and hires the prophet Bilaam to curse them. What follows is a remarkable series of encounters that reveal the limits of human power, the sovereignty of Hashem, and the unique relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people. Topics discussed: The story of the Apter Rav and the importance of Ahavat Yisrael, why Balak feared the Israelites, the character of Bilaam and his reputation as a prophet, Balak’s attempts to hire Bilaam to curse Israel, Hashem’s control over Bilaam’s words and actions, the famous episode of Bilaam and the talking donkey, the contrast between human plans and divine will, Bilaam’s blessings and their enduring significance, ”Mah Tovu” and its place in Jewish prayer, seeing the good in others rather than focusing on faults, the power of perspective and how we choose to view the world, lessons in humility, faith, and trust in Hashem. Questions or comments? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this week’s parsha and what stood out to you most. Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely free way to support the pod. For weekly Torah insights, bonus content, and archived episodes, visit sparktorah.substack.com. Thank you for learning with me today! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparktorahpodcast.substack.com/subscribe
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June 22 · 32 min
Ep. 74 - Parsha Chukat 5786
Hello and welcome to the Spark Torah podcast! I am Chana Miriam Bouskila and today we will be learning parsha Chukat. We discuss the meaning of a chok (a divine decree beyond human understanding), beginning with the laws of the Red Heifer (Parah Adumah) and what they teach us about mitzvot, purity, mortality, and our relationship with Hashem. We also examine several major events in the parsha: Miriam’s death and the loss of the well, Moshe striking the rock at Mei Merivah, Aaron’s death on Mount Hor, the journeys around Edom and Moav, the battles against Sichon and Og, and the bronze serpent (Nachash Nechoshet). We will discuss what makes a mitzvah a chok, Rabbi Shlomo Zevin’s understanding of “engraving” Torah into our hearts, why Torah observance must remain connected to meaning and purpose, the paradox of the Red Heifer and ritual impurity, Rav Soloveitchik’s perspective on death and human limitation, why contact with death creates spiritual impurity, Miriam’s role in sustaining the nation and the symbolism of the well, multiple approaches to understanding Moshe’s sin at the rock, lessons from Rambam, Rabbeinu Chananel, Kli Yakar, and other commentators, Aaron’s legacy as a pursuer of peace, the spiritual dangers of living on “autopilot”, and applying the parsha’s lessons to daily life Questions or comments? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this week’s parsha and what stood out to you most. Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely free way to support the pod. For weekly Torah insights, bonus content, and archived episodes, visit sparktorah.substack.com. Thank you for learning with me today! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparktorahpodcast.substack.com/subscribe
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June 15 · 26 min
Ep. 73 - Parsha Korach 5786
Hello and welcome to the Spark Torah podcast! I am Chana Miriam Bouskila and today we will be learning parsha Beha’alotecha. We will talk about how to fight… the rebellion… How to maintain peace… and why is it called parshat Korach? And other life lessons we can learn form the parsha. Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely free way to support the pod. For weekly Torah insights, bonus content, and archived episodes, visit sparktorah.substack.com. Thank you for learning with me today! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparktorahpodcast.substack.com/subscribe
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June 8 · 24 min
Ep. 72 - Parsha Shelach 5786
Hello and welcome to the Spark Torah podcast! I am Chana Miriam Bouskila and today we will be learning parsha Beha’alotecha. We will talk about the story of the spies and where they went wrong… How fixing things our way isn’t always the best way… What does bread have to do with our enemies… What if we know the work we do won’t last? Should we do it anyway?… Did the people in the desert really do teshuvah? Why do we separate challah?… And other life lessons we can learn form the parsha. Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely free way to support the pod. For weekly Torah insights, bonus content, and archived episodes, visit sparktorah.substack.com. Thank you for learning with me today! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparktorahpodcast.substack.com/subscribe
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