Lech Lecha Videos

A taste of Shazak Parsha, where the weekly Torah portion comes alive! Geared for kids... Great for adults!

Abraham’s mission was to explore the final frontier. Only there would he find his innermost identity. (parsha perks with Dr. Chighel | Lech Lecha)

Do you need a miracle in some area of your life? Here’s why it is all right for you to ask for it—and how you can get it.

Leaving behind the old “I” of everything I know can be really scary. But free from these limiting expectations, we can produce our greatest yield.

Topics Include: Abraham's journey as it corresponds to the three levels of the soul, a spiritual explanation of the rivalry between Sarah and Hagar, the difference between the names Avram and Avraham.

The narrative of Abraham’s journey to Israel demonstrates how superficial setbacks in life are really a springboard to success.

In our journey toward self-transformation, the apparent regressions and detours are integral.

From G-d's command to Abraham, we learn how to plug in, recharge and deeply connect to our Source

The Talmud considers three manners of toil for which man was created: The toil of (a) Livelihood, (b) Speech or (c) Torah. In examining the inner meaning of this discussion, this class addresses the virtue of toil and the unique quality of the Land of Israel. (Likutei Sichos volume 15, Sicha 4)

When G-d informs Abraham that the land of Israel belongs to him and his seed, G-d states that He has in fact already given them the land, and yet, on another occasion, G-d told Abraham that only in the future will He give the land to his offspring? In resolving this apparent contradiction, this class will explore the multi-layered relationship between the people and the land. (Likutei Sichos vol. 15)

How, when and if to speak up for what’s right, when the people who are acting improperly are your own family members.

Rabbi Gordon shares inspirational Torah insights on the weekly Torah portion with practical life lessons.

G‑d’s command to Abraham to leave his homeland (“lech lecha”) is spelled by repeating the same two letters twice. These double letters hint at a way to access infinity.

When Abraham feared that the Egyptians would kill him in order to take his wife, he asked her to pretend that she was his sister. We examine the meaning of the verse (Genesis 12:13), “Say that you are my sister, so that they will favor me.”

Study some of the highlights of the weekly Torah portion with insights from various commentaries.

The parsha of Lech-Lecha contains 126 verses and the mnemonic are the words ‘nimolu’ (circumcised) and ‘machnadvay’. Explore the coded message in the mnemonic and its connection to the general themes of the parshah.

A superficial reading of the biblical account of Abraham and Sarah’s episode in Egypt, where he tells her to say she’s his sister so they don’t kill him, is shrouded in mystery. Delve into the classical commentaries and discover the missing link in this fascinating narrative.

The portion of Lech-Lecha begins with G-d calling Abraham to his destiny. Strangely, in the glowing promises of the glorious future awaiting him, the Torah specifically mentions a name change. But why would modifying something as external as a name be such a big deal? This lecture reveals the true meaning of your Jewish name—as far more than a simple label for convenience. You'll discover why Abraham (and Sarah’s) names required modification and learn to appreciate the deeper meaning behind the incredible evolutionary process that produced the world's first Jews!

A fascinating exposé of the traditional chair universally designated for the Prophet Elijah at a Brit Milah ceremony. This lecture begins by fleshing out the spiritual character and impact engendered by sacred circumcision. We then proceed to peel away historical layers of deep meaning as we trace the surprising origins of the proverbial participation of Elijah a.k.a. the Covenantal Angel. Ultimately, you’ll see why all of this is as relevant as quantum physics, and makes all the difference today!

Abraham’s arrival in the land of Canaan immediately engenders prophetic promises of progeny and future possession of this land. Following his Egyptian detour, resultant wealth and family feuds; we return to the original narrative. The promise is reiterated, yet much changes. Surprisingly, Abraham doesn't seem to obey instructions. Amazing details emerge, offering a dazzling new appreciation for the holy city of Chevron; as a fascinating narrative of the dead who return completes this exquisite presentation.

Things do not always go according to our plans and expectations. In fact, they rarely do.

Imagine if at the age of 75, a voice from the sky instructs you to leave the comfort of your home and everything familiar to you. Would you just pack it all up and leave the land you have known all your life? Why does the Torah omit the incredible and inspiring stories that brought Abraham to this point in the first place? How does the simple act of traveling bring joy to G-d? How do our own desires, emotions, and thoughts hold us back from finding happiness? Let’s find out together in class one.

Have fun watching an exciting puppet show for children and learn the parsha of the week with Rabbi Wagshul.

What do you do when one of your characters keeps smashing your icons?

It can be intimidating and discouraging to hear others say that we have such great potential, when we know how far we fall short. When we think about our personal natural abilities, they may indeed be limited. By learning to tap into the potential G-d implanted in us, we can stretch and reach farther than we could ever imagine. Gain insights and tools to tap into the infinite.

Are we really influenced and defined based on our personal constellation? The story of Abraham being shown the stars, unlocks the answer.

A detailed analysis of the Torah status of the Patriarchs and the 12 Tribes. Were they merely in the category of Noahides with extra personal commitments or did they actually convert to be Jewish? Examining many pre-Sinai narratives, as well as the commentary of Rashi, as recorded in the manuscripts, sheds light on this query.

Responding to unspecified anxieties, G-d's word comes to Abraham: “Do not fear, I am your Shield.” The backstage narrative frames the divine statement as specific to concerns relating to unwanted violent and conflict. Yet, an array of rabbinic sources, as well as our daily prayer liturgy, casts this passage as anything but incidental. The introduction of related yet enigmatic Zoharic statements, viewed through the illuminating prism of Chasidic teaching, reconciles the seeming contradiction and reveals its deepest essence. This all becomes the foundation for practical spiritual wisdom that we can all use to make our good life's better!

The ultimate model for living is based on the story of Abraham, the first Jew, who spent his life on a quest to know and serve G-d.

Understanding the process of Jewish conversion on five levels.

Discover the spiritual meaning of the male name Avraham, the secret behind their Hebrew letters and numerical value, and the name’s corresponding verse in the Torah.

There’s more to the mitzvah of hosting guests than providing food, drink and lodging.

A detailed journey into the mystical meaning of bris milah, the mitzvah of circumcision.

Judaism teaches us to value and optimize hard work. (Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 15 Lech-Lecha)

Even when we are experiencing our personal famines, our relationship with G‑d is still present and accessible.

Abraham was wise enough to recognize when his wife, Sarah, possessed a certain level of greatness that he did not.

Even in today’s day and age, with all of the advancements made in the treatment of women, we must rethink and challenge our value system.

Pharaoh offers monetary compensation for having abducted Sarah, and she and Abraham become rich. Is becoming rich a good thing or not? Is money the root of all evil? Or can money be good, even spiritual?

It’s one thing to give altruistically, but is it possible to take altruistically? An interesting take on the story of Sarah’s handmaid, Hagar.

G‑d changes the name Sarai to Sarah. What influence do our names have on us? Can a change of name create a change in destiny?

G-d’s commandment "Lech-Lecha" to Abraham is an instruction to each one of us.

How Abraham's conversation with G-d sets the trajectory for our nation's history for all times.

How does one deal with challenges, curveballs, and seemingly negative events? How do we learn to value internal beauty as much as external beauty? How do we connect to the spiritual when we are surrounded by the physical? We need to look no further than Abraham and Sarah, as they overcame and triumphed together. Class two awaits.

Israel, it seems, is always in the news. Why? What is so unique about the Jewish homeland that draws so much interest from all over the world?

“Abraham was called “A father to multitudes.” You cannot suffice with your own Judaism; you need to be a leader to many peoples;

A little guy drinking coffee in a soul-crushingly boring little diner where the prevalent philosophy is that the lights are “just on” . . .

Discover the spiritual meaning of the female name Sarah, the secret behind their Hebrew letters and numerical value, and the name’s corresponding verse in the Torah.