Pesach - Restoring Dignity And Responsibility Nitzotzos: Thoughts To Keep Your Spark Alive podcast

35:17

In this shiur, delivered in Ba'er Miriam, Rav Burg explores the inner nature of the Racham bird. In today's day and age it is popular to put things in "context" in order to find compassion for those who commit atrocities. Ultimately this leads to the development of a cruel society. Similarly, in relationships, while there is often value in being compassionate, we must learn to create healthy boundaries when someone is showing up in ways that are inappropriate and make us feel unsafe. The Racham bird may be compassionate, but it's compassionate even to the cruel.…

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Shemini - Seeing the Godliness in Ourselves Even When We Have Stumbled 27:06

5 giorni fa27:06

27:06

In this shmooze, delivered at Mevaseret Mishmar, Rav Burg explores three different Torah’s around the halachos of Kashrus in animals. The Kli Yakar explains that we must be careful about our surrounding influences. Rav Yisrael Salanter teaches that we can never write off another Jew. The Chida explains that we need to define people by their core positivity. And if this is true about how we relate to others, it is certainly the way we need to relate to ourselves.…

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Shemini - Are We Serving Hashem or Serving Ourselves? 37:00

5 giorni fa37:00

37:00

In this shiur, delivered in Sharfmans, Rav Burg explains the inner nature of the sin of Nadav and Avihu. What does it mean that they were drunk? Why is Ahron HaKohen told to communicate the issur about being drunk in the Mishkan for all generations? There is a difference between religious and spiritual. Religion is about serving Hashem the way He wants to be served. Spirituality is about serving Hashem with all of our heart. When we combine being religious and spiritual is when we are truly serving Hashem wholeheartedly.…

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Pesach - Mashiach: Bnei Ephraim Paves the Way 29:24

12 giorni fa29:24

29:24

In this shiur, Rav Burg explains (based on a Torah from the Shvilei Pinchas) the secret of the Bnei Ephraim leaving Mitzrayim 30 years too early. What was their thought process? What was their mistake? Why does Hashem say that He will avenge their blood if they made a mistake?

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Pesach - Ha Lachma Anya - This Is The Bread of Chesed 52:15

20 giorni fa52:15

52:15

In this shiur, delivered in Ba'er Miriam on Erev Pesach, Rav Burg explains the inner meaning of Ha Lachma Anya. Only through pure Chesed will Klal Yisrael ultimately be redeemed.

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Vayikra - Drawing Close to Hashem in the Physical World 25:43

26 giorni fa25:43

25:43

In this shiur Rav Burg explains the deeper meaning of the small Aleph at the beginning of Vayikra. When we humble ourselves and the world then we reveal the inner essence of Hashem that the material world is rooted in. Only when we harmonize the physical and the spiritual world are we fulfilling the mission for which we were created.…

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Pesach - Restoring Dignity and Responsibility 41:05

5 weeks fa41:05

41:05

In this shiur, delivered in Tomer Devorah, Rav Burg explains why Hashem wanted Klal Yisrael to avoid the Pelishtim as they left Mitzrayim, why the first Mitzvah Klal Yisrael received was freeing slaves and why on the precipice of entering Eretz Yisrael, Moshe Rabbeinu reminds Klal Yisrael of the fears they experienced when they left Mitzrayim. To be a slave in Mitzrayim means to lose all sense of dignity and agency over one's life. The process of taking Klal Yisrael out of Mitzrayim is restoring their dignity and giving them a sense of responsibility for their lives.…

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Pekudei - Building a Relationship with Hashem 35:43

5 weeks fa35:43

35:43

In this shiur, delivered in Sharfmans, Rav Burg uses several different aspects of the Mishkan to explore how we can build a relationship with Hashem.

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Pesach - The Birth of a Nation 33:31

5 weeks fa33:31

33:31

In this shiur, delivered in Ba'er Miriam, Rav Burg explains the deeper meaning of Yetzias Mitzrayim. More than just Hashem overpowering Pharaoh, Hashem took Klal Yisrael out from the womb of Mitzrayim and birthed us into a nation.

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Vayakhel - Making Space for the Copper Jews 21:09

6 weeks fa21:09

21:09

In this shiur, delivered at Mevaseret Mishmar "Unplugged" (last Mishmar of the Zman), Rav Burg shared a Vort from the Noviminsker Rebbe zt"l who explains why in the Mishkan they collected not only gold and silver but even copper. A Yeshiva is a place where even boys who don't obviously shine are a cherished part of the Yeshiva. Only when we value the copper Talmidim can we be considered a true Mishkan.…

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Vayakhel - Turning the Week Into Shabbos 41:57

6 weeks fa41:57

41:57

In this shiur, delivered in Ba'er Miriam, Rav Burg explains the inner connection between Shabbos and the Mishkan. Our responsibility is to build a vessel and to relinquish control to Hashem that He will fill our vessel with Divine blessings. In this way we let go of the anxiety of taking responsibility for the outcome of Parnasa. At this level even our weekdays take on an element of Shabbos.…

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Purim - Living Life on Fire 33:03

7 weeks fa33:03

33:03

In this shiur, delivered in Aish Gesher for Women, Rav Burg explains the inner meaning of why Esther HaMalka insisted that Purim be established as a Yom Tov and Megillas Esther be included in Tanach. When we understand the secret of the Machtzis Hashekel being a coin of fire, that we have a mission for which we are created, that Hashem loves us eternally and that small actions make a big difference, we recognize that we are all writing a Megillah for generations to come.…

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Purim - Celebrating Purim As The Slaves of Achashverosh (While Still in the Middle of War) 1:06:19

7 weeks fa1:06:19

1:06:19

In this shiur, delivered Motzai Shabbos in the Lubat home in Ramat Beit Shemesh, Rav Burg explains the inner meaning Ora, Simcha, Sasson and Yikar and addresses how we can celebrate Purim amidst all of the tragedy that we have faced and while our war is still ongoing.

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Purim / Hilula of Moshe Rabbeinu - The Secret of Jewish Survival 30:59

8 weeks fa30:59

30:59

In this shmooze, delivered at the pre-Purim / Hilula of Moshe Rabbeinu Mevaseret Mishmar, Rav Burg explains the significance of the fact that Haman rejoiced over the fact that the lottery fell out in Adar, the month when Moshe Rabbeinu passed away. Haman failed to realize that in Yiddishkeit death is just the beginning of new life.…

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Tetzaveh - Hashem Wants To Hear From You! 31:59

8 weeks fa31:59

31:59

In this shiur, delivered in Sharfmans, Rav Burg explains the inner meaning of the noise that the Kohen Gadol's clothing makes upon entering the Beis HaMikdash. There is a difference between guilt and shame. When we feel shame we feel unworthy of love and connection. When we feel guilt we are tapped into our true self which is essentially connected to Hashem. That bond can never be broken and Hashem always wants to hear from us no matter how far we have strayed.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

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Tetzaveh - Discovering the Spark of Moshe Rabbeinu in Ourselves 35:22

8 weeks fa35:22

35:22

In this shiur, delivered in Ba'er Miriam, Rav Burg explains (based on a Sicha from the Lubavitcher Rebbe) the inner meaning of why Moshe Rabbeinu's name is missing in this week’s parsha. We all carry within our own souls a spark of Moshe Rabbeinu. When we define ourselves by our essential self we tap into that spark and transform our service of Hashem.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

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Purim - Discovering Our Light Within The Darkness 50:57

8 weeks fa50:57

50:57

In this shiur, delivered in Aish HaTorah to the Chizuk Mission, Rav Burg explains the inner meaning of the halachos of how we read the Megillah, how we roll the Megillah and the tenses of the Brachos. Esther is the bechina of the greatest possible concealment, which is where she discovers her truest self.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Hineini - Standing Ready To Do The Impossible 52:32

8 weeks fa52:32

52:32

In this shiur, delivered to Darchei Binah on the occasion of their 30th day of being social media free, Rav Burg explains the inner meaning of the word Hineini. Hineini means to stand with humility and bravely face the impossible. As we let go of distractions in our lives we become more present in reality and have the capacity to live Hineini lives.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

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Terumah - Transforming The World One Donation At A Time 24:41

9 weeks fa24:41

24:41

In this shiur, delivered in Sharfmans, Rav Burg explains why this Parsha is named Terumah and not Mishkan. To make a lasting and meaningful change in this world, the transformation needs to come from below. As we become givers, the world becomes a dwelling place for Hashem.

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

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Terumah - When We Hate the Ones We Love 37:18

9 weeks fa37:18

37:18

In this shiur, delivered in Tomer Devorah, Rav Burg explains the inner meaning of the Keruvim standing in an intimate embrace as the Beis HaMikdash is being destroyed. The secret of Sinas Chinam is that we only hate because we love.

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Terumah - Discovering the Essence in Every Mitzvah 30:01

9 weeks fa30:01

30:01

In this shiur, delivered in Ba'er Miriam, Rav Burg explains (based on the Kedushas Levi) why the Aron containing the Luchos is mentioned twice and why the rods in the Aron were not allowed to be removed. The Luchos represent the essence of our relationship with Hashem. Sometimes our Yiddishkeit can feel disjointed. Mitzvos may feel like they stand alone, separate from our mission to be Davek to Hashem. The Aron must be portable, revealing the essence in every single Mitzvah.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

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Purim - Confronting Antisemitism in Modern Times 57:33

9 weeks fa57:33

57:33

In this shiur, delivered to the Chizuk Mission in Aish HaTorah in Yerushalayim, Rav Burg explores the inner essence of antisemitism and how we claim our Jewish identity in the darkest of times. We have a choice - fulfill the hole we have in ourselves with power or with submission to Hashem. Ultimately, our choice to submit represents a threat to those who seek power.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

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Mishpatim - A Response to the Latest Evil of Hamas 40:59

10 weeks fa40:59

40:59

In this shiur, delivered at the Ramada Hotel to the Daily Giving Learn a Thon, Rav Burg explains how Klal Yisrael is in its essence a nation of Chesed while our enemies seek out new ways to inflict cruelty upon us.

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

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Mishpatim - If It Doesn't Include Chesed, It's Not Torah 35:01

10 weeks fa35:01

35:01

In this shiur, delivered in Ba'er Miriam, Rav Burg explains why in the middle of Kabbalas HaTorah the Torah "interrupts" the narrative to give the civil laws of Parshas Mishpatim. How we engage in our interpersonal relationships is critical to Kabbalas HaTorah and our mission as Jews.

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

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Yisro - Communicating The Essence 52:43

11 weeks fa52:43

52:43

In this shiur, delivered at Stern College, Rav Burg explains the inner connection between being misameach a Chasan and a Kallah and meriting the Five Kolos of Torah.

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Raising Children in Turbulent Times 1:03:35

11 weeks fa1:03:35

1:03:35

In this shiur, delivered to the Nshei of KBH in North Woodmere, Rav Burg explores the nature of raising children to feel securely attached.

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Shevat - Finding Unity in Diversity 42:31

11 weeks fa42:31

42:31

In this shiur, delivered in the Hirsch home in Los Angeles to the Chizuk Mission, Rav Burg explains why for the last month kf Moshe Rabbeinu's life, Chodesh Shevat, he translated the Torah into seventy languages.

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Tu B'Shvat - Soul Actualization 32:13

12 weeks fa32:13

32:13

In this shiur, delivered at the Mashiach home in Chicago, Rav Burg explains the inner connection between man being described as a tree in the field and the egla arufa. Our soul expresses itself most deeply when it does a Mitzvah. Self actualization means not only that we are productive people but that our soul is able to fulfill its purpose.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Beshalach - Remembering Amalek 59:52

12 weeks fa59:52

59:52

In this shiur, delivered in the Valley in Los Angeles, Rav Burg explains the inner workings of how we can leave our personal Mitzrayim and yet still be stuck before we arrive at our personal Har Sinai. Truth can defeat falsehood but it cannot necessarily overcome apathy. When we don't care we have to move beyond logic and tap into the essence of our soul. This movement becomes the vehicle for achieving our own Kabbalas HaTorah.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Bo - The Restoration of Hope 32:35

13 weeks fa32:35

32:35

In this shiur, delivered in Sharfmans, Rav Burg explains why Klal Yisrael prostrated themselves after hearing the Mitzvah of Korban Pesach. Only when Klal Yisrael has their hope for a future restored can they truly be mekabel on themselves to serve Hashem.

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Bo - Slapping Pharaoh in the Face 51:29

13 weeks fa51:29

51:29

In this shiur, delivered in Mevaseret, Rav Burg explains why only after Makkas Choshech did Pharaoh and Moshe become angry with one another. What was the value in Moshe Rabbeinu slapping Pharaoh in the face? The ten Makkos are meant to rectify the ten dimensions of the soul. In this shiur each Makkah is explored so as to understand why everything changed after Choshech.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Bo - Midnight Madness: The Revelation of the Essence 39:47

13 weeks fa39:47

39:47

In this shiur, delivered in Ba'er Miriam, Rav Burg explains (based on a Sicha from the Lubavitcher Rebbe zt"l) why Makkas Bechoros specifically happens at midnight and why Klal Yisrael needed a special protection during this plague. Hashem chooses Klal Yisrael from the essence of His being. Through the Mitzvah of Bris Mila and Korban Pesach we reveal our own essence thus drawing Hashem's essence into our world.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Vaeira - The Wisdom of the Heart 46:37

14 weeks fa46:37

46:37

In this shiur, delivered in Tomer Devorah, Rav Burg explains (based on a Torah from the Lubavitcher Rebbe zt"l) why Rashi reminds us that Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov are the Avos. Moshe Rabbeinu learns that Hashem is trying to communicate His essence to Klal Yisrael and that can only happen as Klal Yisrael discovers their own essence. While the mind will always ask questions, the heart understands what the mind cannot.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Vaeira - Introducing Our Ego to Hashem 28:56

14 weeks fa28:56

28:56

In this shmooze, delivered at Mevaseret Mishmar, Rav Burg explains why Moshe Rabbeinu spoke to to Pharoah despite the fact that Pharaoh could not understand him and Ahron HaKohen would be interpreting. In order to overcome our ego it needs to be introduced to Hashem. Only afterwards can we employ our faculty of reason.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Shemos - Tracht Gut! 38:13

15 weeks fa38:13

38:13

In this shiur, delivered in Tomer Devorah, Rav Burg explains (based on a Sicha from the Lubavitcher Rebbe zt"l) why the Torah tells us that Moshe Rabbeinu was afraid despite the fact that it doesn't seem to advance the narrative of the story in any way. The way we perceive the world becomes the reality we live in. When we think good, when we have Bitachon in Hashem, we create a positive reality.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Shemos - Feeling The Pain of Another Jew 25:33

15 weeks fa25:33

25:33

In this shmooze, delivered at Mevaseret Mishmar, Rav Burg explains the inner connection between the death of Yosef HaTzaddik and the Bracha of Moshe Rabbeinu to Yosef thay references Hashem as dwelling in the Sneh. We enter into Golus when we stop taking responsibility for each other and we leave Golus when we feel the pain of our fellow Jew.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Shnayim Mikra: Falling in Love with Torah 23:32

15 weeks fa23:32

23:32

In this shmooze, delivered in Mevaseret at the Shnayim Mikra Melava Malka Siyum, Rav Burg explains the inner meaning of why we say the pesukim not just once but twice, why there is a special emphasis on completing Shnayim Mikra with the Tzibbur and why it lengthens our lives.

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

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Asarah B'Teves - A Day That Hangs in the Balance 43:37

16 weeks fa43:37

43:37

In this shiur, delivered in Tomer Devorah, Rav Burg explains why Asarah B'Teves would obligate us to fast even on Shabbos, the connection between Asarah B'Teves and Yosef HaTzaddik and the inner nature of a siege. On Asarah B'Teves Hashem revisits the decision of whether the churban will continue and how we relate to every other Jew decides our fate.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Vayechi - Feeling the Pain of Another 33:46

16 weeks fa33:46

33:46

In this shiur, delivered in Sharfmans, Rav Burg explains (based on a Torah from Rav Yaakov Kaminetsky zt"l) why Shimon and Levi were assigned to become the Rabbeim and the Sofrim of Klal Yisrael. True, they were criticized by Yaakov Avinu for being overly zealous in killing the inhabitants of Shechem, but they were motivated by the pain they felt for their sister. They needed to be separated to avoid future destruction but they had the makings of great Mechanchim and transmitters of Torah.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Vayechi - Finding Our Emotional Footing in Exile 39:41

16 weeks fa39:41

39:41

In this shiur, delivered in Ba'er Miriam, Rav Burg explains the meaning of the fact that Parshas Vayechi is setumah (a closed parsha). The eyes and heart of Klal Yisrael became closed when Yaakov Avinu passed away beginning the exile in Mitzrayim. Knowing that we are deeply rooted allows us to find our emotional footing and reclaim our vision even in difficult times.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Vayigash - A Yeshiva for the Imperfect 28:24

17 weeks fa28:24

28:24

In this shiur, delivered at the Almuni Mevaseret Mishmar, Rav Burg explains why it was specifically Yehuda who was sent to establish a Yeshiva in Goshen. While Levi was the Rosh Yeshiva, only Yehuda who had a great enough sense of self to be able to admit to his wrongdoings with Tamar, could establish a Yeshiva in Goshen. Only Yehuda could create a Yeshiva built on kindness and compassion.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Vayigash - Finding Faith in Exile 38:43

17 weeks fa38:43

38:43

In this shiur, delivered in Tomer Devorah, Rav Burg explains how the purpose of going into Golus was to bridge the gap between the Avos and Klal Yisrael in order to pass on the pristine emunah that they had achieved.

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Chanukah - The Beauty of Hod: Substance over Surface 50:39

17 weeks fa50:39

50:39

In this shiur, delivered at the Michlala Chanukah "Culture" Yom Iyun, Rav Burg explains the inner meaning of the word Hod. There is surface beauty that reflects the inner beauty of a person and then there is a beauty that is so awesome that it cannot be captured by the vessel that attempts to contain it. The miracle of Chanukah is that the inner beauty bursts forth and overwhelms the container.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Miketz - Standing in Submission to Hashem 32:24

18 weeks fa32:24

32:24

In this shiur, delivered in Ba'er Miriam, Rav Burg explores the difference between the dreams of Pharoah and the dreams of Yaakov Avinu. Pharaoh dreams that he is standing above the Nile River, Yaakov dreams that Hashem is standing above him. When we dream that we are above God we go back to sleep. When we dream that God is standing above us we are obligated to fulfill the mission for which we were created.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Yud Tes Kislev / Vayeishev - Hashem is Obsessed With You 26:55

19 weeks fa26:55

26:55

In this shiur, delivered at the Mevaseret Yud Tes Kislev Fabrengen, Rav Burg explains how Hashem writes down all of our Mitzvos and has incredible nachas from us. The Baal Shem Tov came down into this world to remind us that each and every Yid is the beloved child of Hashem and how He can't stop talking about even our smallest Mitzvos.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

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Vayeishev - Making Meaningful and Lasting Change 40:41

19 weeks fa40:41

40:41

In this shiur, delivered in Tomer Devorah, Rav Burg explores the symmetry of the story of Yosef HaTzaddik. When Yosef truly examines his life and does the real work of being in self, not only does his own life change but the lives of his brothers change as well.

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Vayeishev - Uniting the Shevatim 44:03

19 weeks fa44:03

44:03

In this shiur, delivered in Shenk in Washington Heights, Rav Burg explains the inner nature of Yosef’s dreams. Far from placing himself at the center of the world, Yosef sought to unite the Shevatim by seeing through to the essence that we all share.

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Chanukah - Dreaming in Exile 1:03:17

19 weeks fa1:03:17

1:03:17

In this shiur, delivered in the Feder home, Rav Burg explores the inner nature of dreams. In our dreams we go beyond our intellectual faculties and touch the essence.

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Chanukah - Shifting Perspective: Seeing Through the Darkness 47:56

19 weeks fa47:56

47:56

In this shiur, delivered in the Stahler home for the Chizuk Mission, Rav Burg explains why Chanukah is identified with the faculty of sight and how we are meant to see through the darkness.

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

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Vayishlach - Recovering From Lavan, Struggling With Eisav 39:05

20 weeks fa39:05

39:05

In this shiur, delivered at the Young Israel of New Rochelle Mishmar, Rav Burg explores Yaakov Avinu's psychological state after surviving Lavan and how he struggles with his inner Eisav to prepare for the battle ahead.

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Vayishlach - Raising Children in Hatred 29:31

20 weeks fa29:31

29:31

In this shiur, delivered in Ba'er Miriam, Rav Burg explains the difference between how Eisav raises his children in resentment and Yosef raises his children to let go of their trauma and find greatness in their struggles.

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

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Dating and Marriage From A Deep Place of Self 1:00:01

20 weeks fa1:00:01

1:00:01

In this shiur, delivered in MMY, Rav Burg explains the definition of marriage, the definition of self and how we date and get married from a deep place of self.

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

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Vayeitzei - Discovering Your Voice in Exile 24:36

21 weeks fa24:36

24:36

In this shmooze, delivered at Mevaseret Mishmar, Rav Burg explains the inner meaning of the fact that Yaakov slept on Har HaMoriah and did not learn Torah and at the same time was learning Mishnayos all night long. As we descend deeper into Golus and the truth becomes less and less clear, we discover our own voice and our own contributions to the choir of Torah shebaal Peh.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

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Vayeitzei - The Secret of the Terpahim: Revealing that which is Concealed 27:10

21 weeks fa27:10

27:10

In this shiur, delivered in Tomer Devorah, Rav Burg explores the inner nature of the Terpahim and why Rachel stole them from Lavan. Rav Burg explains that the nature of Rachel Imeinu is to reveal that which is concealed. Warning: this shiur is very deep.

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Vayeitzei - Davening in the Darkness 33:53

21 weeks fa33:53

33:53

In this shiur, delivered in Ba'er Miriam, Rav Burg explains the inner connection between Yaakov Avinu skipping the Beis HaMikdash and returning to it through Kefitzas HaDerech, the institution of Maariv and Har HaMoriah. When we daven in our lowest moments we can skip over the normal process and find ourselves at untold spiritual heights.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

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Rosh Chodesh Kislev - The Essence of Darkness 53:29

21 weeks fa53:29

53:29

In this shiur, delivered in the Lubat home in RBS, Rav Burg explains the darkness of Yavan. When man believes that only that which can be explained in a logical and rational fashion exists he puts himself at the center of the universe. This results in a tyrannical approach to the world. In contrast, Judaism believes that the essence of Hashem is beyond human comprehension and from the perspective of the essence all categories fall away. Darkness and light have one shared Godly essence and as a result we are able to illuminate the darkness.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

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Thanksgiving - The Unity of Gratitude 29:07

22 weeks fa29:07

29:07

In this shmooze, delivered at the Mevaseret Thanksgiving Fabrengen, Rav Burg explains how gratitude unites every aspect of our being.

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Toldos - Am I a Fraud? 35:07

22 weeks fa35:07

35:07

In this shiur, delivered in Tomer Devorah, Rav Burg explains how Rivka was confused by her dual nature. On the one hand she had a part of her that was drawn to Kedusha and yet another part was drawn to Tumah. Our conflicted nature is not a bug but a feature as we learn to bring Godliness into every aspect of our lives.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

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Toldos - Impact From the Inside 41:22

22 weeks fa41:22

41:22

In this shiur, delivered in Ba'er Miriam, Rav Burg explains the difference between the way that Avraham engaged with the world and the way Yitzchak engaged with the world. Avraham was able to have an impact even on the people of Mitzrayim but the effects were not necessarily long lasting. Yitzchak was only able to impact the Pelsihtim but the impact was eternal.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

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Chayei Sarah - Letting Go Of Who You Were To Discover Who You Truly Are 33:54

23 weeks fa33:54

33:54

In this shiur, delivered in Ba'er Miriam, Rav Burg explains how Avraham Avinu ensured that Yitzchak married a girl who was willing to leave it all behind in order to discover who she really is.

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Vayera - Unifying the Duality of Our Lives 26:16

24 weeks fa26:16

26:16

In this shiur, delivered at Mevaseret Mishmar, Rav Burg explains how Malachim have a single minded focus. Totally present with whatever they are doing. Human beings can reach an even higher level where we can live in multiple dimensions at once.

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

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Vayera - Dare to Love 37:21

24 weeks fa37:21

37:21

In this shiur, delivered in Tomer Devorah, Rav Burg explores the Haftorah that deals with the Isha Shunamis who did not ask Elisha for a bracha to have children despite her barren state. Only when we dare to love, when we have the deep conviction that we are enough even when we gey hurt, can we truly be alive.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Vayera - Making the Ultimate Sacrifice 36:31

24 weeks fa36:31

36:31

In this shiur, delivered in Ba'er Miriam, Rav Burg explains (based on a Sicha from the Lubavitcher Rebbe zt"l) the true nature of Mesiras Nefesh. Anyone can sacrifice their life for a greater cause but in a certain way that can still be self serving. The ultimate sacrifice is the sacrifice of Avraham Avinu - he was ready to sacrifice himself. He was ready to destroy everything that was important to him simply because Hashem asked him to. The sacrifice of Akeidas Yitzchak blazed the trail for all Jews throughout time who have not just given up their lives but given up themselves in the service of Hashem.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

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Lech Lecha - From Soulfulness to Reality 35:02

25 weeks fa35:02

35:02

In this shiur, delivered in Ba'er Miriam, Rav Burg explains how living from a deep place of soulfulness creates our reality. Hagar received messages from four or five angels when she was told that she was going to give birth to Yishmael. This is a reference to the soul itself and when we are deeply connected to our soul, we can bring ourselves into reality.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
The Rise of Malchus: Exploring the Role of the Feminine in the Times of Mashiach 52:13

25 weeks fa52:13

52:13

In this shiur, delivered on zoom for oravsimcha, Rav Burg explains the Chasidic approach to the role of Malchus. On the one hand Malchus is a Mekabel, actualizing the Sefiros above it and yet paradoxically it is also rooted in the Divine Essence, completely above the Sefiros.

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Noach - Olive Trees and Fresh Leaves 23:09

26 weeks fa23:09

23:09

In this shiur, delivered at Thursday night Mishmar in Mevaseret, Rav Burg explains (based on a sicha from the Lubavitcher Rebbe) how Noach knew that the waters of the flood had receded and that it was safe for him to leave the Teiva. We can leave the Teiva when we know that we are essentially Godly (olive trees) and that we can always grow new leaves (freshly plucked). Only then can we confront the challenges of the outside world.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Noach - Davening People Into Greatness 22:31

26 weeks fa22:31

22:31

In this shiur, delivered in Ba'er Miriam, Rav Burg explains how Noach failed to help even one person do Teshuva because he didn't daven for them. Davening is a form of imagination. It allows us to see the world as Hashem wants it to be. So too when we daven for someone we are seeing their greatness. People are not inspired by education alone. They need to be taught by a Rebbe who davens for them. Only then will they realize their own greatness.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Noach - Seeing Only the Good 42:22

26 weeks fa42:22

42:22

In this shiur, delivered in Tomer Devorah, Rav Burg explains why we praise the Tzaddikim when given the opportunity and why Shem and Yafes did not look at their father when he was uncovered. The way we speak about people and the way we see people has a tremendous impact on them. When we speak/see people negatively we can destroy them. When we see or speak about their beauty we reveal their inner beauty. (Note: Rav Burg asked that it be noted that he forgot to answer why we praise Tzaddikim when given the opportunity. The answer is that when we praise the Tzaddik and speak positively about him we elevate his capacity to fulfill his mission which in turn aids us in fulfilling our mission.)…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Simchas Torah - Will We Ever Dance Again 37:07

27 weeks fa37:07

37:07

In this shiur, delivered at the Vayichan program in Yeshivat HaKotel, Rav Burg explains how we can possibly dance and be joyful during Simchas Torah this year. Some generations write their Torah in tears while others are meant to fill in those tears with ink. Our generation has the opportunity to write a Sefer Torah for those who could not finish their own.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Hoshana Rabbah /Shemini Atzeres - Bringing Hashem Down to Earth 35:58

27 weeks fa35:58

35:58

In this shiur, delivered in Yerushalayim at the Ba'er Miriam Simchas Beis HaShoeva, Rav Burg explains (based on a Sicha from the Shvilei Pinchas) the inner meaning of Succos and how we return the Shechina to this world.

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Succos - When The Ushpizin Sit With Us In Our Pain 56:29

28 weeks fa56:29

56:29

In this shiur, delivered via zoom to the Chizuk Mission, Rav Burg explores the deeper dimension of the Ushpizin in these chaotic times. When the Ushpizin share in our pain then we can know the joy of Succos.

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Aseres Yemei Teshuva - Making Meaningful and Lasting Change 44:05

29 weeks fa44:05

44:05

In this shiur, delivered in Tomer Devorah, Rav Burg explains (based on a Torah from the Tzemach Tzedek) how we can make meaningful and lasting change. Only when we recognize that the truest version of ourselves never participated in our Aveiros can we deeply regret our mistakes and make real changes.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Aseres Yemei Teshuva / Yom Kippur - The Symmetry of Teshuva 41:52

29 weeks fa41:52

41:52

In this shiur, delivered in Darchei Binah, Rav Burg explains Reb Zusias five aspects of Teshuva and the inner symmetry of Teshuva. To realign with Hashem we must live wholeheartedly, purposefully, lovingly, oriented towards a meaningful destination and with dignity.

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Vayelech - The Torah is NOT in Heaven 28:59

31 weeks fa28:59

28:59

In this shiur, delivered in Tomer Devorah, Rav Burg explains (based on a Sicha from the Lubavitcher Rebbe) how Hashem relates to us through various channels. Miracles overwhelm us. The natural world reveals Hashem but we remain a distinct entity. Only through Torah can we truly become one with Hashem. Through Torah we can learn the will and wisdom Hashem and at the same time contribute to the conversation.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Nitzavim / Rosh Hashanah - The Antidote to Fear: A Deep Sense of Belonging 40:36

31 weeks fa40:36

40:36

In this shiur, delivered in Ba'er Miriam, Rav Burg explains how Moshe Rabbeinu addresses the fears of Klal Yisrael after they heard the Klalos. When we realize that we are a fundamental part of the Klal, that we each make a unique contribution and that no Jew in truth is higher than any other we gain a deep sense of being firmly planted in the ground. Armed with the knowledge that we are safe and ok we can confront the ups and downs of the upcoming year.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Rosh Hashanah / Yom Kippur - I'm Sorry, Can We Go Back to the Way Things Were? 50:08

31 weeks fa50:08

50:08

In this shiur, delivered in the Lubat home in Neve Shamir, Rav Burg explains the inner nature of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. We don't just want Hashem to forgive us so we can have a good year, we want Hashem to restore us to the way things were. On Rosh Hashanah every molecule of creation returns to its source, to its purpose. We return to our mission, to the time when we saw through the veneer of this physical world and we saw Hashem. We restore Hashem to His throne and proclaim Him to be King thus fulfilling the purpose of creation.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Ki Tavo - True Confessions 24:41

32 weeks fa24:41

24:41

In this shiur, delivered at Mevaseret Mishmar, Rav Burg explains how Vidui Maaser is the true confession. Only when we know our own greatness can we acknowledge our sins with healthy guilt and not toxic shame.

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Ki Tavo - Grateful For The Dream, Grateful For The Reality 36:39

32 weeks fa36:39

36:39

In this shiur, the first shiur of the year in Tomer Devorah, Rav Burg explores the Machlokes as to when we begin to be obligated in the Mitzvah of Bikkurim. According to the Gemara it is from the time we settle Eretz Yisrael. According to the Sifri it is from when we first enter the land. Based on a Torah from the Lubavitcher Rebbe zt"l, Rav Burg explains the difference between rational and supra rationale and how they relate to gratitude.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Ki Tavo - Building a Personal Relationship With Hashem 36:36

32 weeks fa36:36

36:36

In this shiur, the first shiur of the year in Ba'er Miriam, Rav Burg explains how Klal Yisrael became a nation on the day that they expressed their frustration with Moshe Rabbeinu for writing a special Sefer Torah for Shevet Levi. When we take personal responsibility for our relationship with Hashem, when we own the mission of Klal Yisrael, we move from being just a family to a nation.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Ki Teitzei / Elul - Removing the Garments of Captivity 19:26

33 weeks fa19:26

19:26

In this shiur, delivered in Mevaseret at the first Mishmar of the year, Rav Burg speaks about Teshuva not as an accounting of our sins but as crying out for a relationship with Hashem. However, in order to do so, we must remove our garments of captivity - a surface orientated way of seeing the world. Only when we live focused on the essence can we connect to Hashem on an essential level.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Eikev - Rebuilding The Third Beis HaMikdash With Our Shuls And Our Yeshivas 16:01

36 weeks fa16:01

16:01

In this short shiur, based on a Torah from the Shvilei Pinchas, Rav Burg explains the inner connection between Yaakov Avinu and the Beis HaMikdash. Through our Torah and Teffilah, we turn our Shuls and Yeshivas into the building blocks of the third Beis HaMikdash.

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Shabbos Nachamu - Golus As An Expression of Unconditional Love 34:16

37 weeks fa34:16

34:16

In this shiur, delivered at the final Mishmar of NCSY Kollel, Rav Burg explains (based on a Torah from the Lubavitcher Rebbe zt"l) the inner nature of Golus. Once we understand that Hashem has only turned away from us in order to deepen our relationship we can develop our resilience as we journey through the last moments of this painful exile.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Tisha B'Av - Searching for the Soul of Destruction 43:06

37 weeks fa43:06

43:06

In this shiur, delivered worldwide On Tisha B'Av to the Chizzuk Mission, Rav Burg explores the relationship between Shlomo HaMelech, Yirmiyahu and Moshe Rabbeinu. While Shlomo HaMelech and Moshe Rabbeinu were on the 49th level of understanding, through mourning the loss of the Beis HaMikdash Yirmiyahu reveals to us the fiftieth dimension and thus the building of the Beis HaMikdash.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Tisha B'Av - From Walls That Protect Us To Walls To Walls That Keep Us Imprisoned 39:18

37 weeks fa39:18

39:18

In this shiur, delivered on Tisha B'Av in NCSY Kollel, Rav Burg explains the nature of walls. Walls ought designed to protect our dignity. But when we live with a scarcity mentality, a mentality of fear, we build walls that imprison us from ourselves and from others. When we build healthy walls that protect our dignity and invite each other in, then we will merit to rebuild the walls of Yerushalayim Habenuyah.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Devarim / Tisha B'Av - The Seventy Languages of Finding God Everywhere 34:20

38 weeks fa34:20

34:20

In this shiur, delivered in NCSY Kollel (Mishmar), Rav Burg explains how Torah transformed Moshe Rabbeinu's ability to speak. Specifically before Tisha B'Av we must learn the Torah of seventy languages so that we can discover Godliness in exile.

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Matos / Masei - Having the Hard Conversations to Bring Mashiach 37:09

39 weeks fa37:09

37:09

In this shiur, delivered at Mishmar in NCSY Kollel, Rav Burg explains how the final story of Sefer Bamidbar is the climax of the story of how brothers and sisters make peace. The entire Torah can be seen as a story of avoiding the hard conversations and the strife that follows. If we are going to bring Mashiach we need to put our real feelings on the table and create real peace.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Pinchas - The Vulnerability of Desire 37:43

40 weeks fa37:43

37:43

In this shiur, delivered on NCSY Kollel during Mishmar, Rav Burg explains how Hashem calls out to us through our desires. When we know our desires we know our mission and our talents but will we say Naar Anochi and run away from our mission or will we step up to the task and actualize our potential?

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Three weeks / Shiva Asar B'Tammuz - The Process of Destroying the Beis HaMikdash 1:02:13

40 weeks fa1:02:13

1:02:13

In this shiur, delivered in Neve Shamir, Rav Burg explains the inner dimension of the five events that occurred on Shiva Asar B'Tammuz and how each event is another stage in the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash. When we understand each stage of destruction, we also understand how we can rebuild.

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Balak - The Transformation We Need To Bring Mashiach 42:38

41 weeks fa42:38

42:38

In this shiur, delivered in NCSY Michlelet, Rav Burg explains why of all people, it is Bilaam HaRasha who transmits the prophecy about the coming of Mashiach. Only when we bring Hashem into the lowest dimensions of our world, when the world is completely transformed into a Dirah B'Tachtonim will we merit the coming of Mashiach.…

Nitzotzos: Thoughts to keep your spark alive

1
Chukas - Making Meaningful and Lasting Change 36:21

42 weeks fa36:21