Nachdaily: 5 Minute Perek Of Tanach Covering The Entire Navi. Sefer Yehoshua, Shoftim, Shmuel, Melachim, Yeshaya, Yirmiya, Ye

I hope you’re all doing well today. Welcome to another episode of NachDaily, with Mishlei Perek 25. The perek opens with the words “Gam eileh Mishlei Shlomo asher heitiku anshei Chizkiah, melech Yehudah - These, too, are Shlomo’s proverbs, which were copied down by the men of King Chizkiah of Yehudah.” The Meforshim differ about the history behind this. We know from the end of the last perek that Mishlei contains words of wisdom from people other than Shlomo. The Gr’a notes that this verse actually ends the wisdom of others and we return to the words of Shlomo. The Ibn Ezra notes the opposite…this verse actually ends the words of Shlomo and adds the wisdom of Shevna, who was Shlomo’s personal scribe. The Metsudos explains that these words were actually taught by Shlomo but written down by Chizkiah when he became king. It makes sense, adds the Meiri, that Chizkiah inserted these wise words because there were tremendous enlightenment and Torah learning during his reign. In a similar vein, the Ramad Walli

I hope you’re all doing well today. Welcome to another episode of NachDaily, with Mishlei Perek 24. Shlomo Hamelech opens the perek by advising us not to be jealous of people who are on the wrong path of life because the purpose of this world is to build a house with wisdom and fill it with knowledge. Verse 3 says, “B’Chochmah yibaneh bayis, u’vis’vunah yiskonon - A house is built by wisdom and founded by discernment.” Al pi chassidus, this is referring to the way that Hashem created the world. Hashem built this world with wisdom, which houses His Shechina, Presence. “He created everything with wisdom.” No matter where you find yourself in life, you can come close to God by connecting with His hidden wisdom residing in that place. Similarly, the body is considered a bayis, house, for the soul. Even if you feel lost, you can come close to God because the divine Presence is with you even in the lowest places. This allows a person to attain higher levels of growth and reach new heights of self-discovery.

Welcome to NachDaily. Today I would like to discuss the inyan of Lag Ba’omer and the greatness of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. Hopefully through this we can start to appreciate and connect to the one of the great Tzaddikim of all time. The Gemara in Sukka 45b brings: ואמר חזקיה א"ר ירמיה משום רשב"י יכול אני לפטור את כל העולם כולו מן הדין מיום שנבראתי עד עתה ואילמלי אליעזר בני עמי מיום שנברא העולם ועד עכשיו ואילמלי יותם בן עוזיהו עמנו מיום שנברא העולם עד סופו Rabbi Shimon Bar Yachai said. “I can exempt and remove the whole world from judgment from the time I was born until now. If my son Eliezer was with me, we could remove the judgment from the world from the time it was created until now. If Yosam ben Uzziah was with us, we would be able to completely remove judgment from the world from the beginning of the creation until the end!” This is really an incredible statement. Rebbe Shimon could have eradicated all din, judgment from the world. Astounding! Rashbi was able to raise up not only people who knew him,

I hope you’re all doing well today. Welcome to another episode of NachDaily, Mishlei Perek 23. In this perek Shlomo warns us in a strict manner as if he's speaking directly to us about our behavior, and gives us divrei mussar. The perek opens by relating that we should not be obsessive about food and dieting, constantly being consumed by it. If we sit to eat with a “ruler,” aka the yetzer hara, we should try our best not to crave more than we really need. Shlomo Hamelech goes on to talk about the futility of wealth, which can be gone in the blink of an eye. The Gra and the Malbim note how much time is wasted by chasing after parnassah, neglecting Torah learning which connects us to the Source of life itself. I would add here that it is certainly a mitzva to earn a living. Unfortunately, we often get completely taken over by our professions and use our careers to define ourselves. Getting pulled away by this illusion makes it difficult for us to return to our true selves and actually do the things we valu

I hope you’re all doing well today. Welcome to another episode of NachDaily with Mishlei Perek 22. The chapter opens with the words “ Nivchar shem me’osher rav, mikesef u’mizahav chein tov. Ashear varash nifgashu, oseh kulam Hashem - Better a good name than a great fortune, a pleasing demeanor than silver and gold. Rich and poor meet - God makes them all.” The Ibn Ezra and Metsudos explain that a person should not look up to a rich person and look down at a poor person because even the most intelligent people aren't in control of their financial stature. Wealthy and poor in a sense both “meet” the same fate which God decreed for them. But a “good name” and someone who is pleasant to be around are considered to have true riches because they are in our hands to attain. Alternatively, the Gemara in Temurah 16a says that the words rich and poor meet refers to a Talmid Chochom who doesn't want to teach a simple person. In the end Hashem will make the Talmid Chochom poor and the simpleton rich. Verse 6 is a v

I hope that you’re all doing well today. Welcome to another episode of NachDaily. Today we’re learning Mishlei Perek 21. The perek opens with the words “Palgei mayim lev melech b’yad Hashem al kol asher yachpotz yatenu - The heart of a king is like streams of water in God’s hand. He inclines it in whichever way he desires.” The Gr’a explains that just as water can split into two streams, Hashem uses the king's heart for good and bad. The Malbim relates in a lengthy manner that a king’s free choice differs from that of a regular person. Because the king’s policies affect the masses, Hashem controls his heart to bring about the outcome He desires. Hashem uses the world’s leaders to bring about the changes He wants to see made. He tilts their hearts to the decisions and policies that affect us. This should be encouraging as we look at the never ending news. We know that Hashem is behind the steering wheel, using the world’s leaders as pawns, guiding history towards redemption. Nothing is random. Moving on i

Welcome to another episode of Nach Daily, with Mishlei, Perek 20. In this perek Shlomo Hamelech continues to describe the derech tova v’hara, the positive and negative paths of life. Those who are lazy and do not plow in the proper time will have nothing to harvest when they actually need to eat. The deeper meaning is that this world is the time to plow with Mitzvos, Torah and Tefilah. When we fail to do that, we’ll have nothing to “feed” our neshamas in Olam Habah when the time comes for us to reap the fruit of our labor. Verse 5 says, “Mayim amukim eitza b’lev ish, v’ish tefuna yid’lena - the counsel in man’s heart is deep, yet a man of insight draws it out.” Rashi explains that an insightful student can draw more from his rebbe’s mind. The Gr’a brings the Bereishis Rabbah to explain that this is like a very deep well with fresh and clear water that can't be reached by average means. One day a man of insight came and tied many ropes together until he was able to reach the water and draw from it. The

Welcome to another episode of Nach Daily with Mishlei, Perek 19. The perek opens by telling us that it’s better to earn an honest living and be poor than to be wealthy through deceit. Verse 2 says, “Gam b’lo da’as nefesh lo tov, v’atz b’raglayim chotei – It’s not good for a person to be without knowledge, and he who rushes his steps, sins.” The Malbim relates that people usually sin not because they are fools, but because they lack da’as, true knowledge and understanding. The more we understand about life, the more informed we are in our judgments and moment to moment decisions. Lack of understanding will cause a person to rush to sin. Alternatively, the Gr’a explains that “it's not good for a person to be without knowledge” refers to someone who does Mitzvos without learning Torah. Ultimately a person's nefesh won't feel satisfied without Torah learning, while he who rushes his steps is referring to those who try to act higher than their level. This is a temptation for many people. Don’t act more righ

Welcome to another episode of NachDaily. Today we’re studying Mishlei Perek 18, which contains 24 pessukim. In this perek, Shlomo continues to point a person in the direction of goodness and warns of the perils of cynicism and negativity. A person who detaches himself from God has a deeper motive: to pursue his own desires. A smart person will be able to see right through the “intellectual arguments” of the non-believer and understand that the entire reason for denying God is so that he can live life in the way of his desires. Verse 4 says: “Mayim amukim divrei fi ish, nachal novea m’kor Chochma - The words of man are deep waters: his fountain of wisdom is a flowing stream.” The Ralbag explains that there is infinite depth to the words of a true chocham because they are like a brook constantly flowing and being rejuvenated with fresh new water. So too, the words of the wise emanate from the Source of chochma, so new things can constantly be found in them. The Ramad Walli notes that this doesn’t refe

Welcome to another episode of Nach Daily. Today we’re learning Mishlei Perek 17 which contains 28 pessukim. In this perek, Shlomo Hamelech continues to point us to a good true path of life, cultivating positive and healthy attitudes and behaviors that will bring us to live a moral, honest life, connected to God, while simultaneously warning us of the pitfalls of moral corruption and negative actions. Shlomo begins by relating that it’s better to be poor and at peace than to be wealthy and embattled. God looks at the heart, not at our financial stature. Therefore, mocking the poor is like mocking the Maker. Rejoicing in others’ misfortunes won't go unpunished. Verse 9 says that “Michaseh pesha mivakesh ahava, v’soneh v’davar mafrid aluph - He who covers another’s sin elicits his love. But he who belabors a matter alienates a leader.” Rashi explains that if a person wrongs you, but you hide your upset feelings by not constantly reminding the person of what he did, that person will eventually come to love

Welcome to another episode of NachDaily. Today we’re learning Mishlei Perek 16, which contains 33 pessukim. Shlomo Hamelech opens this perek by speaking about the need for a person to set his mind, heart, and actions on serving Hashem. Not only does one need to think about God, but needs to act in accordance with Halachah and Hashem’s will. Ultimately every circumstance in which we find ourselves, and every emotion, can be used to serve God. As it says in passuk 4: “Kol pa’al Hashem la’ma’aneihu v’gam rasha l’yom ra’a - Everything Hashem made, He made for His sake, even the evildoer for the day of retribution.” The simple meaning is that even the people who desecrated God’s Name will ultimately bring about a glorification of it when Hashem punishes them at the end of the final redemption. Rebbe Nachman explains in Lekutey Maharan Tinyana lesson 12 that the whole world is sustained through the asara maimaros shenivra ha’aolom, the 10 sayings with which the world was created. The most depraved, deep and

I hope that everyone had an uplifting Pesach. We’re now continuing Mishlei, Perek 15 which contains 33 pessukim. The perek opens with the words “Ma’aneh rach yashiv cheima, u’dvar etzev ya’aleh aph - A gentle reply turns away wrath, but a sharp word incites anger.” The Rabbenu Yonah explains that Shlomo Hamelech teaches here that we need to train ourselves to speak softly to others. Psychologically speaking, beyond hearing actual spoken words, people are listening to the feelings and tones behind them. The same words can be said angrily or with soft feelings. This is what really makes the difference in being able to influence other people and to get your message heard. As the old expression goes, “It's not what you say, it's how you say it.” Therefore, Shlomo Hamelech was saying, when your soft, calm words have the ability to diffuse upset feelings. The same words spoken in a fit of anger feeds the fire, and the listener becomes even more upset. The perek continues to list the virtues of using words

Pessach: I Glorify Myself in You by Rabbi Shaya Sussman, LCSW

Welcome everybody to NachDaily, covering the entire Tanach one perek at a time. Today we’re learning Mishlei, perek 14. The perek opens with the famous words of “Chochmos nashim bonsa veisa, v’eveles b’yadeha seher’senu - A woman’s wisdom builds her house, but a foolish woman destroys hers with her own hands.” We see that there's a special wisdom which women receive in order to influence and build their homes in a proper way. As steering a ship can be very difficult and require many decisions, building and guiding a home is also very nuanced. With so many subtleties of interactions and different personalities, how is a woman supposed to understand how to navigate her home in an ever-changing world? Perhaps this is why our passuk begins in the plural with the word chochmos, wisdoms, and not chochma, wisdom, in the singular. Every situation, from being a wife, raising children, to working, requires a different type of wisdom and insight. With the many hats that women wear, and the many responsibilities that

Shlomo Hamelech opens this perek by contrasting the wise with the foolish. Wise people listen to their parents’ advice, while fools despise it. A person with wisdom is careful not to hurt others with words, while a fool uses words to be self-promoting and tear others down. One who is lazy has many desires that never get fulfilled, while one who is diligent, with steady work habits, flourishes. Many obtain money but still feel as if they have nothing, while others are poor but feel wealthy. Passuk 9 says: “Ore Tzaddikim yismach, v’ner R’shaim yidach - the light of the righteous will rejoice, but the lamp of the wicked will die out.” Rabbenu Yona explains that the nefesh, soul of the Tzadik is compared to light. Both the soul and light are eternal and will exist forever. As the light of the sun is intrinsic to the sun itself, the nefesh of the Tzadik is intrinsically bound up in Hashem and receives its light from the Source of life itself, God. As the soul of the Tzadik is bound up with God, it's able to

Welcome everybody to NachDaily, covering the entire Tanach one perek at a time. Today we’re learning Mishlei, perek 12. The perek opens with the words, “Ohev mussar, ohev da’as, v’soneh tochachas ba’ar - One who loves moral instruction loves knowledge, but one who hates rebuke is a boor.” Accepting constructive criticism can be very difficult for many, as it's not always easy to hear mussar and focus on our shortcomings. Let’s focus for a moment on the person giving the mussar and rebuke. So many times, constructive criticism is given over in the wrong way, which can cause the other person to become defensive and may even exacerbate the problem. Rebbe Nachman compares this to a person poking a bag of excrement. Sometimes the smell has settled but comes out even stronger when poked and prodded. So too, giving rebuke in the wrong way can cause a considerable amount of damage. The inverse is true as well. We all contain a re’ach of Gan Eden, a fragrance of Gan Eden. A person who gives proper mussar and re

Welcome everybody to Nachdaily, covering the entire Tanach one perek at a time. Today we’re learning Mishlei Perek 11. Similar in style to the previous perek, this chapter contains verses that contrast each other with good and bad. Shlomo Hamelech tells us that false scales are disgusting to Hashem, but proper ones are pleasing. As it says in the first passuk, “Moznei mirma to’avas Hashem v’even sh’laimah r’tzono, False scales are an abomination to God, but a full weight is pleasing to Him.” It should be noted that it's actually an issur, forbidden in the Torah, to use or own inaccurate scales. The Sefer Hachinuch counts using proper scales as Mitzva 259. The Vilna Gaon warns us that we shouldn't be lenient with ourselves while judging other people strictly. All too often we hold a double standard for ourselves vis-a-vis other people. We’re quick to use our scales of judgment to weigh in on other people’s behaviors before looking inwards and weighing ourselves. Rebbe Nachman explains that first we ne

Welcome everybody, to Nachdaily, covering the entire Tanach one perek at a time. Today we’re learning Mishlei, perek 10. Chapters one through 9 are considered one unit. We now begin the second section. The primary theme of the previous chapters was our obligation to obtain wisdom, understanding, and insight throughout our lives. Those chapters explained the value and many benefits that wisdom brings, and how leading a life based on Torah values and wisdom will lead to true fulfillment in this world and immense pleasure for all of eternity in the next world. The second section goes from perekim 10 through 24, and primarily teaches mussar. It speaks about the value of working on our character, staying true to what we know to be right and conducting ourselves in a proper manner. While there are overall topical themes to each chapter, most of the pessukim contrast opposites with each other. They speak about the value of walking in the proper path and the pitfalls of leading a life of ill repute. It should

Hi everyone, and welcome to NachDaily, covering the entire Tanach one perek at a time. In today's class we’ll be discussing Mishlei, perek 9. Shlomo Hamelech opens the perek by describing a feast prepared by a wise woman. She sets up her house, prepares food and invites guests. She uses the time with her guests to teach them words of wisdom and the value of understanding. The well-known first passuk tells us that, “Chochmos bonsa beisa chatzva amudeha shiva - With all forms of wisdom did she build her house; she carved out its seven pillars.” A classic question asked by many of the Meforshim is why the passuk begins with the plural - chochmos - wisdoms, then changes to the singular tense with the very next word, bonsa - to build? An awesome Ramad Walli explains that many of us feel discouraged from obtaining any sort of level in Yiddishkeit, feeling that it's difficult to obtain wisdom and live a life full of purity and kedusha. Shlomo is telling us that the Torah’s wisdom is laid out in front us lik

Hi everyone, Welcome to NachDaily, covering the entire Tanach one perek at time. In today's class we’ll be discussing Mishlei, Perek 8, containing 35 pessukim. The opening words of “Halo chochma sikra, u’s’vuna titen kolah - Wisdom calls out and understanding raises her voice,” can be seen as a continuation of the previous perek. The Vilna Gaon explains that this is to contrast man's negative and positive traits. The previous perek spoke about a “woman” who tries to lure people to sin, which can be understood as the lower, darker side of the human experience. In this chapter, the “woman” raises her voice with chochma – speaking of the more positive aspects of those who work on themselves and the brighter side of the human experience. Wisdom invites everyone to learn from her honest ways. The perek continues to talk about the virtue of wisdom, assuring us that knowledge is better than gold. Shlomo reiterates that true counsel, wisdom, understanding, and strength are all creations of Hashem. Once we divor