Explore every episode of the podcast 2-Minute Lessons with Rabbi Shais Taub

The "heavens" and the "earth" in our lives are Torah and mitzvos. Torah is checking in with heavenly truth and mitzvos is applying that here on earth. When Moshiach comes, the world will be completely refined and we will be close to the earth in the most ideal way. (Based on Likkutei Sichos Vol. 9, […]

We sit in the sukkah to commemorate the clouds that Hashem protected us with when we left Egypt. What does the High Holiday season have to do with clouds? Water, representing our physicality, evaporates in the sunlight of spirituality until it becomes a refined mist. Then we start the cycle all over again on a […]

What is the most appropriate reward for a good deed? The opportunity to more good deeds! (Based on Sichos Kodesh 5734, vol. 1, p. 212.)

The dreams of Pharaoh and of Yosef teach us about why the Maccabees fought the Greeks.

Okay, this week's 2-minute Torah thought is a little bit on the cute side. Please forgive me.

Yaakov blessed the sons of Yosef to "prosper like fish" which is explained to mean that they should be protected from the evil eye. What about being "fish-like" protects us from being damaged by the jealousy of others? (Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 25, pp. 11-12.)

What is the symbolism of the burning bush? Here is one explanation from a maamar of the Frierdiker Rebbe. It's talking about two opposite fires: the passion of the righteous for G-d and the passion of the wicked for earthly pleasures. The Torah is the solution for how to survive both of these.

Was Moshe starting up with Hashem or was he expressing fascination with Hashem’s ways? And what does this mean for me?

We know the precise times of two events in this week's parsha. The slaying of the firstborn took place at midnight and the actual exodus from Egypt took place at noon the next day. Based on a Michtav Klali of the Rebbe from 5744, we learn the significance of midnight and noon in our personal […]

Spreading the inner secrets of the Torah will bring Moshiach. But you need to "translate" these ideas into relevant language.

The 620 letters of the Ten Commandments contain the secret to being G-d’s friend.

Hashem wants there to be chesed in the world. In order for that to happen, someone’s gotta give and someone’s gotta receive. Here’s what to think about when you’re the one receiving.

The victory over all external enemies in the time of Moshiach will reflect the victory over all internal challenges achieved through the process of self-refinement culminated on Sukkos. (Based on sichos of Sukkos 5724 in Sichos Kodesh pp. 13-14.)

The Choshen (breastplate) of the High Priest did not function properly in the 2nd Temple. How is this a metaphor for Exile? (Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 11, pp. 137-138.)

How is it possible that so many people were enticed to worship the Golden Calf? And more importantly, how did all of the women successfully resist?

The paradox of this week’s double Torah portion teaches us how to make great groups and great individuals.

We must express all of our potentials and use them to serve Hashem.

What should our attitude toward mundane activities be? How do we prioritize between spiritual affairs and practical concerns?

Our Sages tell us that Torah begins and ends with kindness. What do these two acts of kindness teach us about when to turn to Hashem for kindness? And what parallel does this have with our journey through the High Holiday season? (Based on Igros Kodesh, vol. 2, Letter #169.)

How the first three verses of Torah may be read as the story of each of our lives. (Based on an article from HaKria V'HaKedusha.) In observance of the 2nd yahrzeit of R' Shneur Hirsch a"h.

From the fact that Noah looked for signs that the flood was over we learn the importance of looking for signs of Moshiach's arrival. (Based on a sicha from 10 Tammuz 5745.)

There is no real contradiction between personal growth and being an activist who helps others. The way that we discover our inner talents is by going out into the world and dealing with other people. (Based on Sefer HaSichos 5749 p. 47.)

Part of the impact that a mitzvah has on the world is related to the physical effort that it requires us to expend. Avraham's healing process after his circumcision was thus essential to his bris milah having the fullest possible effect. (Based on Likkutei Sichos Vol. 5, p. 82.)

When Yakov received the blessings from his father Yitzchak he was dressed like his wicked brother Eisav. Why was it important to be blessed while wearing such a costume?

Why did Yaakov behave so obsequiously toward Eisav at their reunion when he was supposed to have been guaranteed to be a master over his brother? We learn from the Alter Rebbe in prison that our objective is not destruction of the opposition but to refine it and win it over to our side. (Based […]