Explore every episode of the podcast Daily Jewish Thought
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| From Loss to Hope: October 7, Three Years Later — The Jewish Courage to Keep Building | Keynote Address West Island Community Memorial Event | 15 Oct 2026 | 00:19:59 | |
Keynote Address by Rabbi Yisroel Bernath | West Island Community Memorial Event | Beth Tikvah, Montreal | October 2026 Three years after October 7, how do we honour the people we have lost, carry the pain that remains, and still find the courage to hope? In this deeply personal and moving keynote address, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath reflects on his journey to Israel just two weeks after the October 7 attacks, arriving with 27 duffel bags of essential supplies and hundreds of handwritten letters from Montreal children. Through unforgettable encounters with grieving families, Israeli soldiers, and ordinary people displaying extraordinary courage, he discovers that hope is not the absence of grief or fear. It is the determination to keep showing up, loving, and building despite them. Drawing on the Lubavitcher Rebbe's response to the 1956 Kfar Chabad tragedy and the biblical image of Rachel weeping for her children, Rabbi Bernath explores the uniquely Jewish understanding of resilience: we do not abandon our grief, nor do we allow it to have the final word. At its heart, this address asks a profound question: Will the next generation inherit only the story of what was done to the Jewish people, or will they also inherit the story of what we chose to do next? A powerful invitation to transform mourning into meaning, isolation into connection, and heartbreak into renewed Jewish life. Because now, more than ever, hope matters. Key Points 1. Hope Is Not the Opposite of Grief. We do not move on from those we love. We move forward with them, carrying their memory into the future. 2. Hope Is Knowing Something Matters More Than Fear. From reservists returning to Israel to families making Aliyah during wartime, courage emerges not from fearlessness but from purpose. 3. Sometimes Presence Is the Greatest Gift. When words cannot heal someone's pain, a hug, a handwritten letter, or simply saying "I'm here with you" can restore a sense of connection and belonging. 4. The Jewish Response to Destruction Is Construction. Following the 1956 Kfar Chabad massacre, the Rebbe taught, B'hemshech habinyan tinacheimu, "Through continuing to build, you will be comforted." We answer attempts to destroy Jewish life by creating more Jewish life. 5. Rachel's Tears Teach Us That Grief and Hope Can Coexist. The prophet Jeremiah first acknowledges Rachel's inconsolable tears before offering G-d's promise: V'yesh tikvah l'achariteich - "There is hope for your future." 6. We Cannot Change What Happened, but We Can Choose What Happens Next. October 7 is a permanent chapter of Jewish history, but it does not get to write the ending. 7. Our Greatest Legacy Is What We Build Next. Through mitzvot, Shabbat, Jewish education, kindness, community, and proud Jewish identity, we ensure that future generations inherit not only our trauma but also our resilience. "We did not choose October 7. We did not choose what was written on that page. But we can choose what gets written next."- Rabbi Yisroel BernathThe School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| What Will Live Because You Lived? | Rabbi Bernath's Sermon for Neilah 2026 | 23 Sep 2026 | 00:37:55 | |
As Yom Kippur moves toward Neilah and the gates begin to close, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath asks a question far more important than what we achieved, accumulated, or accomplished: The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| Is Someone Doing Your Thinking For You? | Rabbi Bernath's Sermon for Kol Nidrei 2026 | 22 Sep 2026 | 00:44:58 | |
In this Kol Nidrei sermon, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath asks a deeply uncomfortable question: Who is doing your thinking for you? We live in an age overflowing with information but increasingly short on reflection. Algorithms, social media, political tribes, influencers, institutions, AI—and even our own wounds—can quietly hand us conclusions that we eventually mistake for our own beliefs. Beginning with Abraham smashing the idols of his father’s shop, Rabbi Bernath traces a distinctly Jewish tradition of questioning inherited assumptions, wrestling with ideas, and refusing to live on borrowed convictions. Judaism does not fear questions; it demands that we take responsibility for what we believe. But the sermon turns inward. Some of the most powerful voices controlling us are not coming from our phones. They come from old pain: “I’m not lovable.” “Nobody stays.” “I’ll never trust again.” “This is just who I am.” Sometimes we have repeated an old wound for so long that we mistake it for truth. Yom Kippur offers twenty-five hours of sacred silence—a chance to shut down the noise and hear our own soul again. Teshuvah, Rabbi Bernath explains, is not merely repentance. It is return: returning to the self beneath the algorithms, fear, shame, inherited assumptions, and expectations of others. And when G-d asks the ancient question Ayeka, Where are you?, perhaps the answer we hope to give is Hineni. I am here. Awake. Thinking. Choosing. Returning. Key Points
The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| The Secret Israel Knows About Happiness | Rabbi Bernath's Sermon for Shabbat Shuva 2026 | 20 Sep 2026 | 00:24:26 | |
In this Shabbat Shuva sermon, delivered by Rabbi Yisroel Bernath at Chabad NDG in Montreal, we explore a surprising question: Why are people able to experience happiness even when life is difficult? The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| The Forgiveness Experiment: Take Back the Pen, Put Down the Poison | 18 Sep 2026 | 00:50:48 | |
What would your life look like if you stopped waiting for an apology, stopped replaying the hurt, and stopped allowing yesterday’s pain to occupy today’s heart? In this deeply personal and practical talk, delivered at JLI’s 20th Annual National Jewish Retreat in Doral, Florida, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores forgiveness not as a one-time declaration, but as a spiritual practice of reclaiming your life. Drawing on the biblical story of Joseph, an ancient teaching about Rabbi Abba, Jewish bedtime prayer, and lessons from his book The Forgiveness Experiment, Rabbi Bernath challenges the idea that forgiveness means excusing wrongdoing or abandoning boundaries. Instead, forgiveness means refusing to give the person who hurt you authorship over the rest of your story. Through practical exercises, humor, meditation, and Jewish wisdom, the talk offers a path for separating what belongs to you, what belongs to the person who hurt you, and what ultimately belongs to G-d. The goal is not to erase the past, but to stop demanding that the past become different so that the future can finally become different. Ultimately, Rabbi Bernath argues that forgiveness is less about setting someone else free and more about becoming fully present again—to your relationships, your joy, your faith, and the life still waiting to be written. Key Points - Forgiveness is not approval. You can forgive someone while still acknowledging the wrong, maintaining boundaries, refusing reconciliation, or even keeping them out of your life. - Stop waiting for the person who hurt you to become the person who heals you. Waiting for the apology, admission, or validation can keep your life emotionally tied to the past. - Take back the pen. Joseph’s story teaches that another person may have created a painful chapter, but they do not get to become the author of your identity or destiny. - Pain does not need to be called “good.” Jewish faith does not require minimizing suffering. Something meaningful can emerge from what you choose to do next without pretending the wound itself was a blessing. - Learn what belongs in your department. Rabbi Bernath’s “Forgiveness Inventory” separates life into three categories: my business, their business, and G-d’s business. Healing, boundaries, choices, and apologies you owe are yours. Their remorse and growth belong to them. Ultimate justice and the full explanation belong to G-d. - Forgiveness can be a daily practice. The ancient Jewish bedtime forgiveness prayer offers a way to clear resentment each night rather than allowing small hurts to accumulate into permanent bitterness. - You do not have to forgive everything today. Sometimes the first prayer is simply, “G-d, I want to want to forgive.” Healing can happen gradually—one less replay, one softened reaction, one rock put down. - Stop demanding a better past. The past cannot be rewritten. Forgiveness is releasing the demand that yesterday become different so that tomorrow is finally allowed to be different. - Resentment steals presence. Old wounds can quietly follow us into marriages, parenting, friendships, and new relationships. Forgiveness clears emotional space for the people who are actually standing in front of us. - Forgiveness does not mean forgetting where you have been. It means remembering where you are going. The final declaration is not, “They were right.” It is: “I am free.” The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| The Wall That Wasn’t There | Rabbi Bernath's Sermon for Rosh Hashanah Day 2 5787 | 14 Sep 2026 | 00:43:02 | |
On the second day of Rosh Hashanah, the shofar finally sounds. Yesterday’s question was: Are you awake? Today’s question goes deeper: What are you awake for and what happens when you finally know where you want to go, but you hit a wall? The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| The Shofar We Are: Wake Up to Something - Rabbi Bernath's Sermon for Rosh Hashana Day 1 5787 | 14 Sep 2026 | 00:42:08 | |
This Rosh Hashanah begins with a strange silence: the first day falls on Shabbat, and there is no shofar. But perhaps this year, we do not need a horn to wake us up. The Jewish people are already awake, shaken by antisemitism, fear, and an intensified awareness of what it means to be Jewish. The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| Growing Older, Growing Deeper: How to Make Your Years Count - Parshat Ki Teitzei • Elul • The Gift of a Life Fully Lived | 24 Aug 2026 | 00:29:21 | |
Our culture often treats aging as something to resist. Judaism sees it differently: years are not merely something that happen to us; they can become a source of wisdom, purpose, and depth. Drawing on the mitzvah of shiluach hakein in Parshat Ki Teitzei, the Torah’s promise of long life, the mitzvah of honoring parents, and the Rebbe’s teachings about aging, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores what it really means to “lengthen our days.” As Elul invites us to look back over another year, the deeper question is not simply, “How much older did I become?” but “How much deeper did I become?” Through the moving example of Brahm and Ilana Shiller, the sermon becomes a meditation on courage, resilience, love, and living fully even when life does not unfold as we would choose. Perhaps a long life is measured not only by how many days we receive, but by how much life we put into each day. Key Points Judaism does not see aging as decline. Long life is a blessing, and lived experience itself carries dignity and holiness. You can retire from a career, but never from purpose. As our stage of life changes, our mission may change with it, but our ability to matter does not disappear. Ki Teitzei teaches us not to exploit devotion. Both shiluach hakein and honoring parents remind us to recognize and honor those whose love causes them to keep giving. Elul is not merely about another year passing. Growing older happens automatically. Growing deeper requires choice. Difficulty can reveal character. Real positivity is not denying pain; it is being able to say, “This is hard, and I am still going to live today.” Courage also belongs to the person standing beside the struggle. Caregivers and spouses carry their own quiet burden of love, worry, strength, and hope. Arichut yamim, long life, can also mean full days. A day filled with love, laughter, generosity, presence, and an open heart contains an extraordinary amount of life. The Elul question: We cannot always choose what happens to us, but we participate in choosing who we become within what happens. #ParshatKiTeitzei #KiTeitzei #Judaism #Jewish #Torah #Bible #BibleStudy #Elul #chabad #Rabbi #JewishWisdom #AgingWithPurpose #LongLife #purpose #resilience #Courage #ShiluachHakein #chassidus #therebbe #LivingFully #gratitude #JewishInspiration #RabbiBernath The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| Love Is Not Found. It Is Built. | 10 Jewish Relationship Truths for Tu B’Av | 29 Jul 2026 | 01:11:22 | |
Tu B’Av is often called the Jewish day of love. In this special Tu B’Av discussion, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath, known as the “Love Rabbi” shares ten essential Jewish relationship principles for singles, couples, and anyone seeking to build deeper, healthier love. Drawing from Torah, Jewish wisdom, matchmaking experience, and years of counselling singles and couples, Rabbi Bernath explores why dating is not a performance, why chemistry must never outrun character, how to distinguish genuine needs from unrealistic checklists, and why love is not simply something we find, it is something we build. This class offers practical guidance for dating with clarity, choosing with wisdom, communicating honestly, repairing conflict, and creating a relationship rooted in generosity, commitment, faith, and emotional responsibility. 10 Jewish Relationship Truths
The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| Help Us Keep the Light Going: A Special Message from Rabbi Yisroel Bernath | 14 Jul 2026 | 00:09:14 | |
Support the raffle at www.ndgraffle.com. In this special episode, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath opens his heart to the worldwide community that has grown around the podcast. The podcast is more than a weekly teaching. It is part of the larger mission of Chabad NDG: creating spaces of belonging, supporting students and families, helping people through crisis, and bringing Torah, healing, hope, and Jewish wisdom into everyday life. With the annual Chabad NDG raffle now 80% of the way toward its goal, Rabbi Bernath invites listeners to become active partners in sustaining this work. Every raffle ticket helps keep the doors open, in Montreal, online, and in the hearts of people around the world. As a special gift, supporters will also receive access to the new Kabbalah for Everyone platform, featuring audio and video courses, practical spiritual tools, deeper teachings, and a growing community of people committed to learning and growth. Support the raffle at www.ndgraffle.com. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| The Gift of Feeling Too Much: Why Your Sensitivity Is Not Your Weakness. | 09 Jul 2026 | 00:47:56 | |
In this special class in honour of his birthday, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores one of the most misunderstood human traits: sensitivity. While the world often tells us to toughen up and grow thicker skin, Chassidus teaches that the goal is not to suppress our emotions but to refine them. Drawing from Tanya, Torah Or, Likkutei Torah, and the teachings of the Rebbeim, Rabbi Bernath explains that some souls are created to feel more deeply because they are called to illuminate more deeply. Participants discover the difference between being emotionally controlled and spiritually refined, learn why criticism, overwhelm, and empathy affect certain people so intensely, and gain practical Chassidic tools for transforming emotional vulnerability into inner strength, purpose, and closeness to G-d. Key Points Why some people are born with “thinner skin and deeper souls.” The world’s advice: harden yourself. Kabbalah advice: refine yourself. The exposed nekudas halev (point of the heart) and the spiritual gift of deep feeling. The soul’s descent into the world as a mission of refinement, not self-protection. The difference between iskafya (self-mastery) and ishapcha (inner transformation). Why feeling overwhelmed does not mean you are failing spiritually. Learning to distinguish between the voice of fear and the voice of the soul. Healthy boundaries without losing compassion. Transforming criticism, rejection, and emotional pain into spiritual growth. How sensitive people can become extraordinary sources of healing, empathy, leadership, and light. Practical daily Chassidic exercises for emotional resilience and refinement. A birthday reflection on gratitude for the unique mission of every soul. #Kabbalah #Sensitivity #SensitiveSouls #chassidus #Tanya #Rabbiyisroelbernath #JewishWisdom #EmotionalHealth #spiritualgrowth #InnerHealing #Refinement #Iskafya #Ishapcha #NekudasHalev #soul #emotionalresilience #MentalWellness #purpose #SelfMastery #HeartOpen #BirthdayClass #personalgrowth #chabad #Transformation #DeepSouls The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| The G-d Question: Beyond the Bearded Man in the Sky | A Candid Discussion. | 05 Jul 2026 | 01:04:20 | |
In this eye-opening session, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores one of the most profound and misunderstood topics of all time: What is G-d? Moving beyond simplistic childhood images of a supernatural sky-being, we delve into Jewish, Chassidic, philosophical, and even scientific perspectives on the Divine. Drawing from thinkers like Einstein and the Alter Rebbe, this class gently unpacks a paradoxical truth: G-d is not less than personal, but also infinitely more than any person. Whether you’re a believer, skeptic, or somewhere in between, this is a class that will stretch your mind and open your heart. Takeaways: Not All “G-ds" Are the Same Beyond Supernatural vs. Natural Personal and Infinite Language & Metaphor Matter G-d Is Experienced, Not Just Explained #God #theology #thegodquestion #chassidus #Kabbalah #chabad #Spinoza #einstein #jewishphilosophy #Faith #personalgod #infinite #soul Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| Who Really Wrote the Torah? A Conversation on G-d, Truth, and the Power of Ideas | 29 Jun 2026 | 00:58:16 | |
In this heart-open, mind-stretching class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath dives headfirst into one of the most profound questions ever asked: Who wrote the Torah and what do we mean by G-d? Sparked by a challenge from Ilana, a thoughtful soul who just "won the raffle" and then handed Rabbi Bernath some of the hardest theological questions he's faced, this class isn't a debate, it’s a bridge. Drawing from Torah, Talmud, Rambam, Tanya, Harari, Einstein, Spinoza, and Chassidic mystics, we explore traditional belief, academic scholarship, and the honest soul-searching that sits between them. Is the Torah a divine blueprint or a human masterpiece? Or… could it be both? Together, we walk a path between Sinai and the seminar room, from ancient revelation to modern doubt and discover that sometimes, the questions themselves are the invitation to a deeper relationship with truth. Key Takeaways:
#Torah #God #Judaism #sinai #Moses #Divinerevelation #Documentaryhypothesis #YuvalNoahHarari #Kabbalah #Jewishtradition #BiblicalCrticism #Tanya #Spinoza #chassidus #Faith #theology Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| The Blank Tanach and the Book We Need in the Wilderness | Parshat Beha’alotecha | 07 Jun 2026 | 00:28:23 | |
This Shabbat Parshat Beha’alotecha, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath was a Scholar-In-Residence at Beth Tikvah in DDO, Quebec, here is a recording for him preparing his Shabbat morning sermon. Rabbi Yisroel Bernath connects two contemporary images: the debate over displaying the Ten Commandments in American classrooms and the haunting “blank Tanach” campaign in Israel. Both raise a deeper question: Is Torah something displayed on walls, or something written into our lives? The sermon then turns to the mysterious two verses of “Vayehi binso’a ha’aron”, surrounded by inverted nuns and described by the Talmud as a “book” of its own. These verses appear at the turning point of Sefer Bamidbar: before them, the Jewish people are guided by faith, order, and Divine protection; after them come complaints, confusion, and crisis. Rabbi Bernath’s message is clear and urgent: when the Jewish people enter the wilderness, whether physical, emotional, spiritual, or historical, we need two things: the Ark and each other. Torah gives us direction. Jewish unity gives Hashem a place to rest. The blank pages of Jewish life are filled not by slogans or outrage, but by Torah, Shabbos tables, questions, conversations, and a renewed commitment to live as Jews with purpose. Key Takeaways 1. Torah is not just our history; it is our family story: The greatest danger is not only that Jews may not know a verse. It is that they may not know the verse is about them. 2. The “blank Tanach” is not only an Israeli education problem: Sometimes the Tanach is on our shelf, but not in our conversation. Sometimes Jewish identity awakens in crisis, but Torah must teach us how to live in quiet times too. 3. Beha’alotecha teaches us what to carry into the wilderness: The verses of Vayehi binso’a come exactly when the story shifts from hope to complaint. The Torah gives us a small “book” for hard chapters. 4. We need both Torah and unity: When we travel, the Ark travels with us. When we rest, Hashem rests among the tens of thousands of Israel. Torah gives us direction; unity gives Hashem a home. 5. Judaism cannot remain a poster on the wall: A Ten Commandments poster can be powerful, but Torah written into a life changes the world. 6. October 7 reminded us we are connected by fate. Torah reminds us we are connected by purpose: Fate says, “They hate us together.” Purpose says, “We are here to bring light together.” #ParshatBehaalotecha #Behaalotecha #Rabbiyisroelbernath #BethTikvahDDO #DDOQuebec #BlankTanach #Judaism #Jewish #Torah #Bible #BibleStudy #jewishunity #JewishIdentity #TorahAndPurpose #ShabbatSermon #jewisheducation #AmYisraelChai The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| The House of David & The Forgiveness Experiment | 28 May 2026 | 00:38:52 | |
Tonight at Congregation TBDJ in Montreal, Rabbi Zolly Claman invited Rabbi Yisroel Bernath to share a unique talk as part of his series on the Characters from the Torah. Rabbi Bernath explored the life of King David through the lens of The Forgiveness Experiment, asking what it really means to forgive without becoming naïve, passive, or unsafe. Moving from Cain and Abel, Isaac and Ishmael, Jacob and Esau, and Joseph and his brothers, the class showed how Tanach slowly develops a deeper language of forgiveness, from failed repair, to fragile reconciliation, to Joseph’s powerful refusal to let his brothers define his life story. The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| The Story of Ruth: Loss, Loyalty & Redemption | 20 May 2026 | 00:40:59 | |
Why do we read the story of Ruth on Shavuot? Beneath the surface of this beautiful Megillah lies one of the most dramatic stories in all of Tanach, famine, exile, conversion, controversy, loss, courage, and the hidden birth of redemption. In this class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores the deeper story behind Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz through Midrash, Talmud, Zohar, and Kabbalah. Together we’ll uncover the shocking halachic debate surrounding Ruth’s conversion, the spiritual meaning behind her loyalty, and the extraordinary chain of Divine Providence that ultimately gave birth to King David and Moshiach. This is a story about what happens when life appears to fall apart… only to reveal a deeper plan unfolding underneath it all. Key Points: The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| The Kingdom Within: Presence, Dignity & the Courage to Receive - Entering the Week of Malchut | 13 May 2026 | 00:44:16 | |
As we arrive at the final week of Sefirat HaOmer, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores the profound and deeply practical world of Malchut, the sefirah of sovereignty, presence, dignity, and embodiment. In Chassidic thought, Malchut is not about domination or ego-driven power, but about becoming a grounded vessel for truth, connection, and Divine presence. Through powerful analogies, relatable stories, and authentic Kabbalistic teachings, this class explores what it means to lead without controlling, to receive without shame, and to stand in your worth without needing to prove yourself. Malchut is where spirituality stops being theoretical and finally becomes lived reality. Key Points: Malchut as “sovereignty through humility,” not control or domination Why true leadership creates space instead of demanding attention The paradox of Malchut: having nothing of its own, yet revealing everything The symbolism of the moon, the sea, and the womb in Chassidic teachings How listening, receptivity, and emotional presence create deeper relationships The difference between grounded confidence and ego-driven authority Why many people struggle more with receiving than giving Shabbat and Malchut: learning to stop striving and simply dwell How to embody dignity without needing external validation Turning everyday moments into vessels for the Shechinah, the Divine Presence #Judaism #Kabbalah #Malchut #SefiratHaOmer #chassidus #JewishWisdom #presence #Leadership #humility #spiritualgrowth #Authenticity #DivinePresence #Shechinah #EmotionalGrowth #SelfWorth #Relationships #Mindfulness #personalgrowth #Shabbat #InnerWork The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| Real Connection, Not Just Chemistry: Entering the Week of Yesod | 06 May 2026 | 00:53:46 | |
As we step into the week of Yesod, we move from the inner emotional world into the place where everything becomes real, where feelings turn into connection, and potential becomes relationship. In this class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores Yesod not just as a mystical concept, but as the very foundation of how we bond with others, with ourselves, and with G-d. Drawing on teachings from Kabbalah and Chassidus we uncover the deeper meaning of authentic connection, what it means to show up fully, to be emotionally present, and to build relationships rooted in truth rather than fear. This is not just about connection, it’s about becoming someone who can be trusted with connection. Because Yesod asks one powerful question: Are you relating… or are you just reacting? Key Points & Takeaways: Yesod is the bridge between emotion and expression, it’s where everything you feel becomes how you connect. True connection is not intensity, it’s consistency. Healthy Yesod means being present, honest, and emotionally available without losing yourself. Distorted Yesod shows up as people-pleasing, emotional dependency, or confusing attention for connection. Real intimacy requires vulnerability, but also boundaries. Trust is built not in big moments, but in small, repeated acts of alignment. The goal is not just to feel deeply, but to connect truthfully. You don’t need to perform connection. You need to embody it. #Kabbalah #chassidus #chassidut #SefiratHaOmer #Sefirah #sefirot #yesod #JewishWisdom #EmotionalConnection #Authenticity #HealthyRelationships #spiritualgrowth #InnerWork #Connection #Trust #Vulnerability #Consistency The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| The Courage to Soften: Entering the Week of Hod | 29 Apr 2026 | 00:54:08 | |
In a world that rewards being right, being strong, and holding it all together, the Sefirah of Hod invites us into a very different kind of strength. In this heart-open class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores the power of humility, not as weakness, but as the courage to soften, to acknowledge truth, and to release the need to control. Drawing from Kabbalah, Chassidic teachings and real-life experiences, this session unpacks how Hod shows up in our relationships, our inner dialogue, and our spiritual growth. When we stop defending and start listening, something shifts. Hod is where we become more honest, more connected, and ultimately, more whole. Key Takeaways: Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s being honest enough to let go of defensiveness Why “being right” can quietly damage relationships and what to choose instead The difference between healthy humility and losing yourself How to say “I’m sorry” in a way that actually heals Letting go of control as a path to deeper connection How Hod creates space for others, for truth, and for growth The role of acknowledgment in emotional and spiritual maturity #Kabbalah #SefiratHaOmer #Sefirah #Hod #Spirituality #TreeofLife #humility #EmotionalGrowth #lettinggo #Authenticity #Relationships #InnerWork #chassidus #JewishWisdom #spiritualgrowth #Connection #healing #RabbiBernath The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| The Strength to Keep Going, Even When You Don’t Feel Like It: Entering the Week of Netzach | 22 Apr 2026 | 00:49:17 | |
What drives you to keep pushing forward and when does that drive begin to drain you? In this class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores the Sefirah of Netzach, the inner power of endurance, ambition, and resilience. Through a blend of Kabbalah and Chassidic insight and real-life application, we uncover the difference between healthy perseverance and destructive overdrive. This session invites you to rethink what it means to “win” and how true victory comes not from force, but from alignment with your deeper purpose. Takeaways: How to recognize when your drive is coming from strength vs. insecurity. The hidden cost of pushing too hard and how to avoid burnout. A deeper definition of “winning” rooted in purpose, not ego. Tools to access sustainable resilience in your daily life. How Netzach, when balanced, becomes a force for transformation, not exhaustion #Kabbalah #chassidus #Judaism #kabala #Netzach #SefiratHaOmer #EmotionalGrowth #resilience #innerstrength #JewishWisdom #personalgrowth #Spirituality #Burnout #PurposeDriven #MindfulLiving #RabbiBernath The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| The Heart of Balance: Entering the Week of Tiferet | 15 Apr 2026 | 00:48:11 | |
How to Love Without Smothering and Set Boundaries Without Wounding Why do our best intentions so often hurt the people we love most? Because love without boundaries can suffocate… and truth without compassion can wound. As we enter the week of Tiferet in Sefirat HaOmer, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores the Kabbalistic art of emotional balance, the sacred harmony between Chesed (kindness) and Gevurah (strength). Tiferet is not compromise. It is not weakness. It is the mature, beautiful ability to give people not what we want to give, but what they actually need to receive. This class offers a practical roadmap for developing emotional attunement, relational wisdom, and the courage to live from the heart rather than from ego. Key Takeaways Tiferet is emotional maturity, the balance of kindness and discipline. Intent matters, but impact matters too. Love can hurt when it is driven by control, anxiety, or ego. Truth becomes dangerous when it is weaponized instead of harmonized with compassion. Compassion is not giving what flatters the giver, it is giving what fits the receiver. Real beauty emerges when opposing traits work in harmony. Healthy relationships require attunement, not just good intentions. A holy “no” can sometimes be more compassionate than a misplaced “yes.” The path to Tiferet begins with pausing before reacting. Spiritual growth means becoming integrated, centered, and safe for others to experience. — A Brand-New Four Part Kabbalah Series Turning Walls into Doorways How to Transform Life’s Obstacles into the Path to Your Greatest Growth Why do we keep hitting the same emotional walls? Why do certain fears, insecurities, patterns, and painful circumstances keep showing up in our lives, despite our best efforts to change? What if the obstacles in your life are not interruptions to your purpose… but the very path to it? In this transformational four-part course, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores one of the deepest ideas in Jewish thought: That life’s struggles are not punishments. They are invitations. Through Kabbalah, Chassidus, Torah psychology, and deeply practical tools, this course will help us understand:
Access HERE https://www.jewishndg.com/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=102 The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| From Egypt to Opening Doors: How to Break Through What’s Holding You Back | 07 Apr 2026 | 00:35:47 | |
What if the last days of Pesach aren’t about how the story ends… but about how your story begins? In this deeply practical and soulful class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores the hidden power of the final days of Passover, where we stop remembering freedom and start living toward it. Through the lens of the splitting of the sea, the mysterious idea of Moshiach as a “Caesar,” and the transformative ritual of Moshiach’s Seudah, this class reveals a powerful truth: You’re not as stuck as you think, you’re just one doorway away. Blending Chassidus, storytelling, and real-life application, this session gives you the tools to move forward, soften what feels frozen, and begin opening the doors that lead to your own personal redemption. Key Takeaways Not every closed door is locked… sometimes what you need isn’t force, it’s warmth. Pesach doesn’t end, it evolves… the last days are about tasting the future, not closing the past. Moshiach isn’t just a belief, it’s a breakthrough…. the power to open what feels impossible. Redemption isn’t becoming someone new… it’s uncovering who you already are. You don’t need to split the sea… just take one real step forward. Small acts open big worlds… a message, a moment, a gesture can be someone else’s redemption. #Pesach #Passover #Moshiach #Redemption #Breakthrough #JewishWisdom #Kabbalah #chassidus #spiritualgrowth #InnerFreedom #MindsetShift #FaithInAction #FromStuckToFree #JewishInspiration #RabbiBernath The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| The Kabbalah of the Passover Seder | 01 Apr 2026 | 00:52:44 | |
We’ve all been to a Seder. We know the songs, the matzah, the wine… and somehow, we still walk out the same person. But what if the Seder was never meant to be a ritual you attend, but a process you go through? In this class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath uncovers the Seder as a 15-step journey of real transformation. A map for getting unstuck, from old habits, inner resistance, fear, and emotional baggage. Not just leaving Egypt… but finally letting Egypt leave you. This isn’t about doing the Seder better. It’s about becoming different because of it. Key Points: The Seder isn’t a story, it’s a step-by-step process of inner freedom Why we start with holiness before fixing ourselves (Kadesh before Urchatz) The power of being “broken” (Yachatz) as the beginning of real growth Why we eat matzah (freedom) before maror (pain) and what that says about healing How each step of the Seder reflects a stage in emotional and spiritual transformation Identifying your personal “Egypt” what’s actually holding you back How to walk into your Seder this year with intention and walk out different
The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| Rabbi Bernath’s Passover Seder: A Guide to Preparing for a Night That Can Change You | 30 Mar 2026 | 01:03:29 | |
Download Rabbi Bernath's Haggadah HERE https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/98kilqi70z1cpqcn47jo0/Rabbi-Yisroel-s-Passover-Haggadah-Version-6B.pdf?rlkey=2gbd5i1u1fx0787fochlrpj6b&dl=0 Most people prepare for the Seder like they’re hosting a dinner. The food is ready. The table is set. The Haggadah is in place. But the Seder was never meant to be something you run. It’s something you enter. In this class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath reframes Seder preparation, not as logistics, but as inner work. From the wine to the matzah, from the questions to the story, every detail becomes a doorway into something deeper: presence, identity, freedom, and transformation. Because the real preparation for Pesach isn’t just cleaning your home. It’s clearing space within yourself. This class walks you through how to prepare not just your table… but your mindset, your heart, and your story—so when the Seder begins, you’re not just going through it… You’re living it. Key Takeaways 1. The Seder isn’t a performance, it’s an experience: You can do everything “right”… and miss the point. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s presence. Come as you are and step in fully. 2. Freedom is personal: Everyone has their own cup of wine—because everyone has their own Egypt. The question isn’t just what happened back then. It’s: Where am I stuck right now and what would freedom look like for me? 3. Matzah is not just food, it’s truth: Flat. Simple. No fluff. Freedom begins when you stop performing and start being real. Less image. More honesty. 4. The Seder holds opposites and so can you: Pain and gratitude. Bitterness and growth. Slavery and freedom. Real growth isn’t choosing one over the other. It’s learning how to hold both. 5. Curiosity is the gateway to freedom: The Seder is built on questions. Not because we don’t know, but because we’re still growing. The moment you stop asking… you stop moving. 6. You don’t need everything to begin: We break the matzah and tell the story over the smaller piece. Because transformation doesn’t start when you “have it all together.” It starts with what you have right now. 7. The story only works if you’re in it: If there’s no personal connection… it’s just history. The Seder becomes powerful when you realize: You’re not telling their story. You’re telling yours. 8. Freedom is built in small, intentional choices: Not one dramatic moment. But step by step. Choice by choice. Leaving Egypt is not an event. It’s a process. 9. The goal is not to escape life, but to elevate it: Wine, food, conversation… all physical. But each one becomes meaningful. Freedom is not leaving the world behind. It’s transforming the world you’re already in. 10. The only real preparation: be open… You don’t need to know everything. #Passover #Pesach #Seder #SederNight #PrepareForPesach #MeaningfulSeder #JewishLife #JewishWisdom #chabad #chassidus #Kabbalah #spiritualgrowth #InnerFreedom #LeaveEgypt #PersonalExodus #FreedomJourney #BePresent #LiveTheSeder #SoulWork #JewishIdentity #GrowthMindset #AskQuestions #FindYourStory #FromSlaveryToFreedom #ElevateTheMoment #RealNotPerfect #StepIntoIt The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| Pre-Passover Special - When the Chains are Invisible | 29 Mar 2026 | 00:39:17 | |
There’s something about this time of year… As we prepare for Pesach, cleaning, cooking, setting the table… we’re also being invited into something deeper. Not just a historical remembrance… but a personal awakening. Because the real question of the Seder isn’t “What happened then?” It’s “Am I free now?” In this special pre-Passover episode, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath shares an exclusive preview from the audiobook of The Forgiveness Experiment Chapter 9. A look into the “Mitzrayim” within, the inner narrowness, the old voices, the quiet fears that still hold us back long after we’ve “left Egypt.” Drawing on timeless Torah wisdom, including the teaching that “in every generation… a person must see themselves as if they personally left Egypt” , this episode invites you into a different kind of Exodus: One that happens not all at once… but step by step. Breath by breath. Choice by choice. You’ll explore:
This episode is deeply personal. Honest. Whether you’re sitting at the Seder this year wondering if anything has really changed… or you’re ready to take one small step out of your own inner Egypt… This is your invitation. Listen to this special preview now… And if you’re ready to go deeper, the full audiobook of The Forgiveness Experiment is available on Audible US here https://www.audible.com/pd/B0GMS5DCKH/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-495504&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_495504_rh_us In Canada here https://www.audible.ca/pd/B0GMS2HFL9/?source_code=AMNORWS022318003G-BK-ACX0-495504&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_495504_rh_ca Take a breath. Open your heart. And begin the journey together. The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| This Passover: How to Finally Break Out of Feeling Stuck | 25 Mar 2026 | 00:31:09 | |
What if the line in the Haggadah isn’t history… but a diagnosis? “If G-d hadn’t taken us out of Egypt, we would still be there.” Not physically. Psychologically. Spiritually. Emotionally. In this heart-open Kabbalah class, Rabbi Bernath unpacks the deeper meaning of Egypt, not as a place, but as a mindset. An inner voice that says, “This is just who I am.” A life shaped by patterns we stopped questioning. Discover how the Exodus introduced something the world had never known before: the possibility of change. A new language. A new identity. A new way to see yourself—not as a product of your past, but as a soul with infinite capacity to grow. This isn’t about leaving Egypt. It’s about realizing you were never meant to stay. Takeaways: Egypt isn’t a place, it’s a mindset of limitation and resignation The deepest slavery is when you stop believing change is possible The Exodus gave the world a new “language of freedom” Every inner shift, from fear to courage, from stuck to growth, is a personal Exodus You don’t need to become someone new, you need to remember who you already are Freedom begins the moment you challenge the story that says “this is just me” #Judaism #Exodus #Pesach #Passover #PesachEnergy #InnerFreedom #BreakTheCycle#YouAreNotStuck #spiritualgrowth #JewishWisdom #Kabbalah #MindsetShift #EmotionalHealing #FromEgyptToFreedom #chassidus #PersonalTransformation #LetMyPeopleGo The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| When, Not If: Why Your Mistakes Might Be Your Greatest Strength | 18 Mar 2026 | 00:37:59 | |
In this deeply real and liberating class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores a striking idea from Parshat Vayikra: the Torah doesn’t say if a leader will fail, it says when. Why? Because growth, leadership, love, and even spirituality all require stepping into a messy, imperfect world. Through the lens of Kabbalah and Chassidus, you weren’t created to be perfect, you were created to transform imperfection. Your mistakes are not interruptions to your journey… they are the journey. This class reframes failure, guilt, and self-doubt and replaces them with responsibility, growth, and deep self-compassion. Takeaways: The Torah’s radical view: failure is not a flaw, it’s part of your mission Why people who never “mess up” often never fully show up The difference between guilt that crushes… and responsibility that elevates A Kabbalistic perspective on why G-d wants an imperfect world How to stop fearing mistakes and start using them as fuel for growth The secret to leadership, in your home, your relationships, and your life Why accountability (not perfection) is the real goal #Kabbalah #JewishWisdom #TorahLife #spiritualgrowth #SelfGrowth #MindsetShift #EmotionalHealing #Forgiveness #Leadership #PersonalDevelopment #chassidus #Vayikra #JewishLearning #purpose #GrowthMindset #InnerWork #LiveWithMeaning #RabbiBernath The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| The Life You Dreamed vs. The Life You’re Living | 11 Mar 2026 | 00:45:28 | |
Did life turn out the way you imagined it would? Most of us quietly carry two versions of our lives, the ideal one we dreamed about and the messy, imperfect one we actually live. In this Wednesday morning Kabbalah class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores a powerful insight from Parshat Vayakhel–Pekudei and Chassidic teachings: why the Torah repeats the story of the Mishkan twice, and what that reveals about our own lives. Drawing from the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe and Tanya, the class examines the difference between the “heavenly sanctuary” of our dreams and the “earthly sanctuary” we build through our struggles, relationships, and imperfections. The surprising message? G-d does not dwell in the perfect life we imagine. G-d dwells in the real life we build. This class offers a calming and empowering perspective: the challenges, disappointments, and imperfections of our lives are not obstacles to holiness… they are the very materials through which we create it. Key Takeaways Every person lives with two realities: the life we imagined and the life we are actually living. Western philosophy often values the ideal over the real, but Torah reverses that assumption. G-d’s deepest presence is revealed not in perfection, but in the human effort to transform imperfect reality. Your struggles, scars, and disappointments are not detours from your purpose, they are the building blocks of your spiritual home. Holiness is not found in escaping life’s imperfections, but in transforming them. True beauty emerges when we build meaning, faith, and love within the life we actually have. #Kabbalah #JewishWisdom #VayakhelPekudei #chassidus #Tanya #spiritualgrowth #purpose #JewishLearning #InnerPeace #FaithInAction #TorahInsights #RabbiBernath #JewishNDG #MeaningfulLife #MindfulLiving The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| Finding Holiness in the Fragments of Life: The Kabbalah Secret of the Broken Tablets | 04 Mar 2026 | 00:32:33 | |
Why did Moses smash the tablets and why were the broken pieces placed in the Holy of Holies alongside the whole ones? In this heart-open class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores one of the most powerful and surprising teachings in Torah: that brokenness is not the opposite of holiness, it can be its doorway. Drawing on the story of the Golden Calf, the teachings of the Talmud, Midrash, and the Lubavitcher Rebbe, this class reveals how Judaism embraces both the “whole tablets” and the “broken tablets” of our lives. Together we explore how pain, setbacks, doubt, and struggle can become catalysts for deeper connection, compassion, and spiritual growth. The message is both radical and comforting: the fragments of our lives may contain the deepest light. Key Takeaways Holiness is not limited to moments of perfection; it can emerge from our struggles and broken experiences. The broken tablets in the Ark teach that failure and fracture still belong in the sacred space of our lives. Sometimes our deepest connection to G-d happens not when we feel strong, but when we feel vulnerable and searching. Brokenness can soften our hearts and deepen our compassion for others. The Torah teaches that new wisdom and deeper growth often emerge after moments of spiritual collapse. Our lives contain both “whole tablets” and “broken tablets” and both are part of the sacred journey. #Judaism #Kabbalah #Jewish #BrokenTablets #Moses #GoldenCalf #JewishWisdom #spiritualgrowth #JewishInspiration #FaithInStruggle #TorahInsights #chassidus #personalgrowth #healing #resilience #MeaningInSuffering #RabbiBernath #JewishNDG #TorahClass The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| When the Street Starts Singing: Drowning Out Haman, Then and Now... | 01 Mar 2026 | 00:31:13 | |
This wasn’t just another Shabbat. This was the kind of Shabbat that reminds you history isn’t something we read, it’s something we walk into. At Chabad NDG in Montreal, a Persian-themed Shabbat table became something deeper: a meeting point between ancient Persia and modern Iran. Between the story of Haman and the voices of real Iranian activists fighting for freedom today. Between fear… and courage. Then came the moment no one planned. Walking to synagogue the next morning, before even hearing the news, the streets began to speak. Neighbors stopped, embraced, thanked. By the afternoon, the entire area around Chabad NDG filled with music, celebration, life. And suddenly, an ancient custom, making noise for Haman felt different. Because this isn’t just about a villain from 2,500 years ago. From medieval children smashing stones with his name, to the teachings of the Rebbe, to a Midrash where noise literally drives away darkness—this episode explores a powerful idea: Sometimes holiness isn’t quiet. Sometimes, the most spiritual thing you can do… is make noise. Not noise of chaos. Noise of clarity. Noise that says: Didan Natzach. We are still here. Key Takeaways Haman is not just a character, he’s a pattern. Every generation meets its version of Amalek. The question isn’t if, it’s how we respond. Noise can be holy. From ancient Jewish customs to Midrashic stories, making noise isn’t childish, it’s spiritual resistance. It’s the soul refusing to be silent in the face of darkness. Joy is not denial, it’s defiance. The celebrations outside weren’t ignoring reality. They were transforming it. That’s the deepest Purim energy: turning fear into song. The street became a synagogue. When neighbors hug you, when music fills the air, when gratitude replaces tension, you realize holiness doesn’t only live inside walls. Children understand something we forget. They bang, they stomp, they erase Haman without overthinking it. There’s a purity in that. A clarity adults sometimes lose. “Didan Natzach” is not just a phrase, it’s a posture. It means: we don’t wait for darkness to pass. We confront it. Together. Loudly. Joyfully. The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| Going “All In” for the Right Things | 25 Feb 2026 | 00:32:41 | |
The Megillah opens with one of the most extravagant, unnecessary parties in history and somehow, it’s there to teach us how to live. In this class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath discusses a powerful insight from the Rebbe: even a foolish king understood something many of us forget, that life is not meant to be lived halfway. Through the lens of Achashverosh’s over-the-top feast, we explore what it means to stop playing small, access our full potential, and show up to our lives, our relationships, and our purpose with everything we’ve got. Takeaways: Why the Megillah goes into such vivid detail and what it’s trying to tell you The danger of living a “half-lived” life How to shift from holding back → showing up fully A practical way to identify where you’re playing small What it means to live “all in” without burning out How your unique gifts are meant to impact the world #Jewish #Judaism #Kabbalah #Purim #Megillah #LiveFully #AllIn #JewishWisdom #spiritualgrowth #purpose #StopPlayingSmall#PersonalDevelopment #TorahInsights #chassidus #Mindset #MeaningfulLiving #JewishLife The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| You’re Not Broken, You’re Layered: The Kabbalah of Showing Up Even When You Don’t Feel Golden | 18 Feb 2026 | 00:29:00 | |
Parshat Terumah introduces the Ark, Judaism’s holiest object and reveals a radical truth about the human soul. The Ark wasn’t one solid piece. It was gold on the inside, wood in the middle, gold on the outside. In this class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores how the Ark becomes a map of the inner life: A core that is pure and untouchable. A middle that feels messy, emotional, contradictory and an outer life that still has the power to shine. Drawing from Tanya and Chassidic psychology, this episode reframes guilt, self-judgment, and spiritual exhaustion and offers a deeply compassionate model of growth. It’s about learning how to live from your gold even on wooden days. Key Takeaways You are not defined by your moods, struggles, or inner noise Your essence is intact, even if your emotions feel chaotic You don’t need to feel holy to act holy Conscious behavior can reflect Divine light, even when feelings lag behind Growth doesn’t require repression, only honesty and choice Nothing and no one can ever damage your inner gold #Judaism #Torah #Kabbalah #RabbiBernath #ParshatTeruma #Jewish #JewishSpirituality #YoureNotBroken #YoureLayered #ParshatTerumah #KabbalahForRealLife #InnerGold #TheBenoniLife #JewishWisdom #chabad #Tanya #SpiritualPsychology #ShowUpAsYouAre #HolinessInRealLife The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| Who’s in Charge: Your Emotions or Your Values? | 11 Feb 2026 | 00:37:17 | |
In this morning’s class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explored one of the Torah’s most psychologically honest teachings: what to do when our emotions and our values don’t align. Through the mitzvah of helping an enemy’s fallen donkey, we uncovered Judaism’s middle path, neither repressing emotions nor surrendering to them. Drawing from halacha, Kabbalah, and Chassidus, the class reframed emotional maturity as the ability to feel honestly while choosing responsibly, and offered a practical way to act with integrity even when the heart resists. Key Takeaways The Torah acknowledges emotional resistance without letting it dictate behavior Feeling something does not automatically make it true or actionable Jewish Law validates emotions but prioritizes responsibility and mitzvah Helping an “enemy” is about freeing yourself from the grip of impulse In Kabbalah, the mind is meant to guide emotions like a wise parent, not silence them Sometimes the heart follows the hands, action can lead emotion #Judaism #Kabbalah #Jewish #Torah #TorahLessons #TorahPortion #Bible #BibleStudy #KabbalahForEveryone #EmotionalWisdom #torahpsychology #MoachShalitAlHalev #InnerWork #JewishMindfulness #SpiritualMaturity #HalachaAndHeart #chassidus #RabbiBernath #chabad The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| You Don’t Have to Be Born Jewish to Choose Judaism | 04 Feb 2026 | 00:36:56 | |
Why would a powerful, respected spiritual leader abandon comfort, status, and certainty to join a nation of former slaves in the desert? In this morning’s class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores the story of Jethro—not as ancient history, but as a living mirror. Through a surprising Talmudic question, we uncover what Jethro really heard that compelled him to move from observer to participant. This class weaves together three forces that define the Jewish story, irrational hatred, the moral genius of Torah, and the supernatural resilience of the Jewish people and asks a deeply personal question: What does Judaism ask of us when it’s easier to stay comfortable? Jethro’s journey challenges us to stop watching Jewish life from the sidelines and start stepping into it with intention, courage, and responsibility. KEY TAKEAWAYS Being inspired is easy. Showing up changes everything. Irrational hatred is often the shadow cast by something deeply holy. Torah isn’t just tradition, it’s a radical moral framework that reshaped civilization. Jewish survival defies history, logic, and probability. You don’t need to be born into greatness, but you do need to choose it. Judaism isn’t meant to be admired from a distance, it’s meant to be lived. The real question isn’t what did Jethro hear? It’s what are we hearing—and what are we doing about it? #Jewish #Judaism #Torah #Bible #BibleStudy #TorahLessons #Jethro #FromFanToPlayer #JewishIdentity #TorahLife #PurposeOverComfort #LivingJudaism #JewishResilience #WhyBeJewish #KabbalahForEveryone #RabbiBernath #JewishNDG #MeaningOverConvenience #StepIntoTheStory The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| The Forgiveness Experiment Book Launch | Rabbi Yisroel Bernath in conversation with Ilana Zackon | 31 Jan 2026 | 00:59:32 | |
You don’t often see a book launch feel like a collective exhale. This recording is from the Montreal launch of The Forgiveness Experiment, featuring the author Rabbi Yisroel Bernath in conversation with Ilana Zackon. Ilana Zackon, an award-winning actor, writer, and filmmaker. Together, they dive into the heart of the book: why forgiveness matters, how it changes us, and what it means to live with open hearts even in a fractured world. Expect laughter, honesty, vulnerability, and plenty of inspiration. Held in the days leading up to Yom Kippur, this wasn’t just a discussion about forgiveness, it was an exploration of freedom. Together, Rabbi Bernath and Ilana unpack the heart of The Forgiveness Experiment: Why forgiveness isn’t about excusing harm. Why it’s not spiritual bypassing. And why, sometimes, forgiveness is the bravest form of self-respect. What unfolds is honest, funny, vulnerable, and deeply human. Stories are shared. Assumptions are challenged. And the room slowly softens. This conversation and the book weaves together Jewish wisdom, lived experience, and psychological insight, offering a grounded, compassionate approach to letting go of pain without losing your truth. If you’ve ever wondered: Why is forgiveness so hard? Is it possible to forgive without minimizing what happened? What if forgiveness is something I do for myself, not for them? This conversation is for you. Since that night, The Forgiveness Experiment has become a #1 bestseller on Amazon, and Rabbi Bernath has traveled across North America sharing its message. Recorded live at the Montreal Book Launch at Rohr Chabad NDG on September 28, 2025 Filmed and recorded by Yehuda Chiche Available now: Paperback (US): https://www.amazon.com/Forgiveness-Experiment-What-Would-Your/dp/1069217638 Paperback (Canada): https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1069217638 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FR2QNJL6 It's also available on Amazon just about everywhere else, UK, Australia, Europe... The audiobook is on the way and will be released next week. If you’d like to take this work a step further check out www.forgivenessbook.org If this conversation resonates, consider subscribing, sharing, or leaving a review. Your voice helps this message travel further. #Forgiveness #Judaism #theology #Rabbi #chabad #theforgivenessexperiment #EmotionalHealing #selfforgiveness #Jewish #Judaism #lettinggo #letitgo #JewishSpirituality #JewishWisdom #trauma The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| Who Sang First? Leadership, Voice, and Finding the Song Within | 28 Jan 2026 | 00:41:05 | |
One of the first things we did together as a people wasn’t march, organize, or strategize. We sang. Standing at the edge of the sea, fresh from fear, not yet healed, still unsure where we were going the Jewish people lifted their voices in song. But the Torah leaves us with a mystery: how did three million people sing one song together? Was it led by Moses? Echoed by the people? Or did each person discover the song within themselves? In this class, Rabbi Bernath explores an ancient debate that turns out to be a timeless conversation about leadership, growth, and personal responsibility. Is a leader meant to be followed, echoed, or outgrown? And what does it mean to stop repeating someone else’s song and finally sing your own? Key Points The Song at the Sea as the birth moment of the Jewish voice. Three models of leadership hidden in one ancient song The difference between submission, discipleship, and empowerment. Why real transformation doesn’t come from echoing, but from ownership. What it means to be given a match, not a melody. Takeaways True leadership doesn’t create followers, it awakens leaders. Unity isn’t sameness; it’s shared purpose with individual voice. You don’t need permission to sing what’s already inside you. The most enduring influence is what continues after the leader steps back. Your voice matters, not later, not someday, but now. #Jewish #Judaism #Bible #Torah #chabad #Rebbe #YudShevat #SongAtTheSea #Leadership #FindingYourVoice #ShiratHayam #personalgrowth #JewishWisdom #ParshatBeshalach #Beshalach#InnerFreedom #EmpoweredLiving #SingYourSong #RabbiBernath The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| Why the Hardest Moments in Life Are Invitations, Not Obstacles. | 21 Jan 2026 | 00:41:37 | |
In Parshat Bo, G-d tells Moses something unexpected: “Come to Pharaoh.” Not go… but come. In this episode Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores a profound teaching from the Zohar and Chassidic thought: when we face a “Pharaoh” in our lives… fear, resistance, heartbreak, failure, or a person who seems to block our freedom… we are never sent alone. G-d says: Come with Me. Even more startling, G-d adds: “Because I hardened his heart.” The resistance itself is Divine. Not to stop redemption, but to reveal it. Through Torah, Kabbalah, psychology, and powerful stories (including the donkey in the pit and a letter from the Rebbe), this class reframes life’s hardships as portals, not barriers. What feels like opposition is often the very force meant to uncover our deepest strength, courage, and soul-power. This is a class about fear, faith, resilience and discovering that the path forward is often a winding one, but it always leads upward. Key Takeaways You never face adversity alone. “Come to Pharaoh” means G-d walks with you into your hardest moments. Resistance is not random. Some of the strongest opposition in life is part of the redemption process itself. Pharaoh is not in control. What looks overwhelming is often a tool, not a tyrant. Obstacles are portals. Life’s blockages are invitations to excavate hidden strength. Growth is uncomfortable by design. Muscle only grows by tearing and so does the soul. The dirt can bury you or elevate you. Shake it off. Step up. Rise. Your hardest challenges may reveal your greatest light. You discover who you truly are not when life is easy, but when it demands more of you. #Judaism #chabad #Kabbalah #ParshatBo #Torah #TorahPortion #TorahLessons#ComeToPharaoh #NotAlone #FaithOverFear #KabbalahForLife #SpiritualResilience #PortalsNotBarriers #InnerFreedom #DivinePlan #SoulStrength #JewishWisdom #TheZigZagPath #Redemption #chassidus #RabbiBernath #lubavitch #Rebbe The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| Freedom Begins When We Stop Tolerating | 14 Jan 2026 | 00:37:54 | |
One of the most surprising details in the Exodus story is that Moses, the redeemer of Israel, did not grow up as a slave, but in Pharaoh’s palace. In this morning’s Kabbalah class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores why Divine Providence chose such an unlikely path for Israel’s future leader and what it reveals about the nature of freedom. Drawing on Chassidic insights into the word sivlot“ burdens” that also mean tolerance, this class reframes redemption as a psychological and spiritual awakening. True liberation begins not when suffering becomes unbearable, but when we refuse to accept it as normal. Through the lens of Moses’ outsider perspective, the Israelites’ cry in Egypt, and our ongoing experience of personal and collective exile, the class challenges us to examine what we’ve learned to tolerate in our own lives. With warmth, depth, and practical reflection, this session invites participants to rediscover holy dissatisfaction, reclaim dignity, and begin their own daily Exodus from narrowness to possibility. Key Takeaways Redemption begins internally: Before freedom can happen externally, we must stop tolerating what diminishes us. Tolerance is not always a virtue: Sometimes patience becomes a prison that keeps us stuck in unhealthy patterns. Moses could lead because he never internalized slavery: Growing up in Pharaoh’s palace gave him the clarity and courage to challenge injustice. The cry matters: Change begins when we allow ourselves to feel the pain we’ve been numbing and cry out honestly. Exile becomes dangerous when it feels normal: Personally and collectively, redemption starts when we remember that brokenness is not the natural state. Standards shape destiny: What we accept defines what we become, raising our inner standards opens the door to transformation. Every day is an Exodus: Leaving Egypt isn’t a one-time event; it’s a daily practice of refusing limitation and choosing growth. #Jewish #Kabbalah #Torah #Exodus #TorahPortion #Bible #BibleStudy #Moses #moshe #ParshatVaera #SlaveMentality #Mitzrayim #Tolerance #freedom #PersonalRedemption #chassidus #SlaveMentality #innerExile #EmotionalHealing #spiritualgrowth #Moshiach #Geulah #humandignity #BreakingPatterns The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| Turn Your Head... How Moses Found His Calling and How You Can Find Yours | 07 Jan 2026 | 00:31:59 | |
Moses had every reason to stay comfortable: palace roots, a peaceful life in Midyan, and an age where most people stop reinventing themselves. Then a bush burned and refused to go away. In this class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores the moment that changes everything: not charging forward, not fixing the world, but simply turning your head. Through the burning bush, the Midrashic debate, and Moses’ three objections, we uncover how purpose actually shows up, why resistance is part of the calling, and how your deepest struggles may be the doorway to your greatest contribution. This isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about finally noticing what’s been calling you all along. Key Takeaways Calling begins with attention, not action. G-d speaks when we notice, not when we’re ready. Purpose doesn’t consume you; it sustains you. A real mission burns without burning out. You don’t need five steps, sometimes a turned head is enough. Insecurity, blame, and perfectionism are spiritual disguises for fear. Your thorn bush is not your weakness, it’s your credential. Redemption starts when someone says “Hineni” before knowing how it ends. #Jewish #Judaism #Torah #TorahPortion #Bible #BibleStudy #Moses #moshe #mosesleadership #BurningBush #purpose #calling #hineni #Midrash #destiny #perfectionism #insecurity #Responsibility #soulmission The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| The Greatest Light That Could Only Come from the Deepest Darkness | 24 Dec 2025 | 00:42:01 | |
The moment Joseph reveals himself to his brothers is not just a family reunion, it is a soul disclosure. In this class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores why Joseph repeats himself, why he asks his brothers to come closer, and why he insists on reminding them that they sold him into Egypt. Drawing from Torah, Midrash, and Kabbalah, we discover that Joseph’s greatest holiness was not forged in comfort, but in confrontation with darkness. His life teaches us that our deepest light often emerges not despite our struggles, but because of them. This is a class about identity, resilience, and the sacred fire hidden within every human journey. Key Points Light isn’t proven in comfort. It is revealed in contrast. Joseph’s greatness emerged not in his father’s home, but in Egypt’s darkness. Your story is not a detour. The very chapters you wish you could erase are often the ones that unlock your deepest purpose. What looks like a mask may be protection. Joseph wasn’t hiding his soul, he was carrying it through hostile terrain until it was safe to reveal. Stop living in “if only.” Joseph teaches us that spiritual greatness is not about ideal circumstances, but about faithfulness where you are. Darkness can be a catalyst, not a contradiction. The pit, the prison, and the palace were all part of one divine choreography. You are more than how you appear. Others may misread you, but your soul is not confused about who you are. True brotherhood begins with seeing. Healing starts when we learn to recognize the divine light in one another, even when it’s hidden. Your struggle did not weaken you, it refined you. Fire doesn’t destroy the coal; it reveals what was already burning inside. #LightOverDarkness #chabad #Torah #TorahPortion #Bible #BibleStudy #Joseph #LightFromDarkness #TheFireInTheCoal #HiddenLight #Kabbalah #chassidus #PurposeThroughPain #NoIfOnly #SpiritualResilience #SoulIdentity #FromPitToPalace #DarknessToLight #InnerFire #GrowthThroughStruggle #torahwisdom #SeeingTheSoul #RedemptiveJourney The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| After Bondi Beach Attack: Chabad Answers Darkness with Light! | 21 Dec 2025 | 00:33:34 | |
This Shabbat, as Chanukah and Parshat Miketz converge, our hearts are heavy and our calling is clear. From the moment the Maccabees discovered a single cruse of oil in the desecrated Temple, Jewish history hinged not on what was found, but on what was done. They could have preserved the oil as a relic. Instead, they used it and ignited a light that has burned for 2,200 years. In the shadow of the tragic attack at the Chabad Chanukah celebration in Bondi Beach, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath delivers a sermon that explores a timeless Jewish truth: Judaism does not survive through museums or memory alone, but through lived action. Like Joseph in Miketz, who steps forward from darkness with faith and purpose, we are asked to respond to pain not by retreating, but by lighting, loving, and living more Jewishly than ever before. Key Takeaways The miracle of Chanukah was not the oil, it was the choice to use it. Judaism survives not by being preserved, but by being practiced. Darkness is real, but it never gets the final word. Every mitzvah, no matter how small, carries generational power. In moments of pain and fear, our response is not silence, but light. Honoring tragedy in Jewish history means responding with deeper Jewish life. Like Joseph in Miketz, we don’t need to know the ending, we just need to show up with what we have. Help the families of Sydney Attack: https://www.charidy.com/supportsydney #BondiBeach #chabad #Judaism #hanukkah #LightOverDarkness #Chanukah #ParshatMiketz #LiveJewish #RespondWithLight #JewishResilience #AmYisraelChai #Rabbi #Sermon The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| Are the Jewish People Really the Chosen People? | 10 Dec 2025 | 00:42:13 | |
In this morning’s class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explored the baffling, almost mythical global obsession with Israel and the Jewish people, a tiny nation that somehow takes up an outsized share of the world’s attention. Drawing on the teachings of Rabbi Simon Jacobson, Rabbi YY Jacobson, and Rabbi Manis Friedman, Rabbi Bernath unpacked the spiritual roots behind antisemitism and the world’s fixation on Jews. The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| A New Way to See Charity: When Giving Becomes Receiving | 03 Dec 2025 | 00:26:24 | |
In this heart-opening conversation, Rabbi Bernath shares a powerful true story of a needy bride who felt ashamed to accept financial help, until she discovers that she is a partner, not a burden. Drawing on the Torah’s teaching of Yissachar and Zevulun, and Chassidic wisdom from the Lubavitcher Rebbe, he reveals the revolutionary idea that tzedakah is not a one-way act of charity but a sacred spiritual partnership. Through moving stories, including a dramatic tale of a Hatzalah medic and his unlikely agreement with a butcher afraid of blood the message becomes clear: the giver and receiver elevate and bless one another. Each act of kindness is a mutual exchange of soul-energy that strengthens Jewish unity and brings the world closer to redemption. The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| In Conversation with Rabbi David Eliezrie | UNdaunted: How the Sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn Saved Russian Jewry, Reimagined American Judaism, Ignited a Global Jewish Renaissance | 01 Dec 2025 | 01:05:47 | |
In this remarkable conversation, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath sits down with Rabbi Dovid Eliezrie to explore UNdaunted, his newly released biography of the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, a hero of Jewish history whose courage rewrote the future. We journey through the Rebbe’s extraordinary childhood, discovering how early acts of bravery shaped a leader who would one day defy empires and rebuild Jewish life across the world. Rabbi Eliezrie speaks of the Rebbe’s profound influence on Montreal, from the spiritual infrastructure he inspired, to the seeds of community he planted that continue to flourish today. Along the way, Rabbi Eliezrie shares gripping stories, newly uncovered insights, and the human side of a leader whose love for every Jew was as fierce as his fight for our future. This conversation isn’t only about the past, it’s about the fire that still burns in us. The Previous Rebbe taught us to never bow to fear, never settle for less, and never stop believing in the infinite power of the Jewish soul. Rabbi David Eliezrie, a master storyteller, community builder, global Jewish leader, and the author of the newly released Undaunted, his monumental biography of the Frierdiker Rebbe, the Sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe whose life reads like a symphony of faith and fearlessness. Rabbi Eliezrie is the senior Shliach in Yorba Linda, president of the Rabbinical Council of Orange County, a senior advisor to JRNU, and a respected voice in Jewish life both in Israel and around the world. He’s written bestselling works (The Secret of Chabad was a National Jewish Book Award finalist) and has the rare gift of being able to weave historical depth with a storyteller’s heart. This book, Undaunted is something different. It’s sweeping, deeply researched, and filled with moments that remind you what spiritual courage looks like in real life. It’s the story of a Rebbe who fought czars, communists, assimilation, and despair… and somehow managed to strengthen Judaism in every place he touched. You can purchase the book AMAZON USA https://www.amazon.com/Undaunted-Lubavitcher-Schneersohn-Reimagined-Renaissance/dp/159264726X AMAZON CANADA https://www.amazon.ca/Undaunted-Lubavitcher-Schneersohn-Reimagined-Renaissance-ebook/dp/B0FT3GYP31 The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| Climbing Jacob’s Ladder: The Four Worlds & The Journey of Prayer | 28 Nov 2025 | 00:55:57 | |
Prayer isn’t supposed to feel far away, confusing, or “for holier people.” It’s a ladder right beneath your feet, starting exactly where you are, in your busy, messy, beautiful real life. Tonight, we explore the ancient Kabbalistic map of the four worlds of Action, Emotion, Understanding, and Oneness and discover how the structure of our daily prayers is designed to gently lift us, step by step. Jacob’s ladder becomes our ladder: a practical tool for finding meaning, presence, and Divine connection in a world that constantly pulls us down to earth. No experience needed. No advanced mysticism required. Just bring a heart that’s willing to take one small step upward. Key Takeaways
#Kabbalah #KabbalahForEveryone #JacobsLadder #FourWorlds #chassidus #PrayerJourney #JewishWisdom #SoulConnection #MindfulPrayer #HeavenAndEarth #CompassionInAction #ChassidicTeachings #JewishSpirituality #DailyTefillah #WorldOfAction #WorldOfFormation #WorldOfCreation #WorldOfEmanation #RatzovShov #RunAndReturn #SoulAwakening #chabad The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| Gratitude in Crazy Times: How Rachel Taught Us the Secret to Staying Whole | 26 Nov 2025 | 00:30:18 | |
Life doesn’t wait until everything is perfect. It shows up messy, unpredictable, and sometimes painful. In this uplifting and down-to-earth session, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores how Rachel Imeinu, through the birth of Yosef revealed a simple yet profound mindset that can transform the way we handle challenges. We’ll discover how gratitude isn’t about ignoring the hard stuff, but about seeing the hidden blessings behind the chaos. This class will help us feel more grounded, hopeful, and connected especially during turbulent times. Shift the Lens Emotional Resilience from Rachel Gratitude as a Superpower Joseph’s Legacy of Joy A Practical Practice #Jewish #Torah #Kabbalah #torahwisdom #gratitude #livinwithblessing #chassidus #chassidut #innerstrength #rachel #rochel #rochelimeinu #emotionalresilience #Spiritual #spiritualmindset #BibleStudy #Bible #ParshatVayeitzei The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| Why Laughter Might Be the Holiest Thing in Your Relationship | 19 Nov 2025 | 00:29:30 | |
In this morning’s class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath dove into one of the strangest, most beautiful marriage scenes in the entire Torah, Yitzchak and Rivkah caught “jesting” behind a window. Why does the Torah use a word for laughter to describe intimacy? Why is the first Jew born into the covenant literally named “He Will Laugh”? And why does Rivkah’s name hint to a yoke of oxen, two forces pulling together toward transformation? Using Rashi, Midrash, Zohar, and the Alter Rebbe’s revolutionary maamar from 5569, we uncovered a powerful Chassidic idea: Laughter is born from contradiction. From the unexpected. From two worlds that shouldn’t fitand yet somehow do. That’s the secret of Yitzchak and Rivkah. That’s the secret of humanity. And that’s the secret of marriage. Today’s class explored how two people with different histories, tendencies, wounds, and temperaments can build something eternal… precisely because of their differences. When we choose holiness over instinct, love over ego, repair over distance, Heaven itself, the Alter Rebbe says, “laughs with delight.” Marriage, it turns out, is the ultimate divine joke. And our job is to embrace the punchline. TAKEAWAYS Laughter = Transformation The Alter Rebbe teaches that laughter is triggered when reality breaks its own rules. When a human transcends instinct choosing holiness over ego that is the greatest “cosmic joke.” Yitzchak’s Name Isn’t Cute … It’s His Mission “He will laugh” means the whole purpose of Jewish life is rising above our programmed nature. This is why the Torah uses metzachek: intimacy is the fusion of two worlds that shouldn’t naturally fit. Rivkah Is the Model of Human Greatness Raised in corruption, she becomes a “rose among thorns.” She is proof that background does not define destiny. She is the surprise that makes Heaven smile. Marriage Thrives on Differences, Not Sameness The clash, the contrast, the contradictions—these are not obstacles. They are the very material through which G-d’s laughter emerges. The greatest holiness comes from uniting opposites. Every Conflict Is an Invitation When your instinct says defend, and you choose softness… When your body says withdraw, and you choose connection… When your ego wants to be right, and you choose to be kind… That is holy laughter. That is Yitzchak. This Is Why Avimelech Knew Only husband and wife can create the kind of oneness that blends two spiritual worlds into something new. That oneness is holiness. That holiness is laughter. #Kabbalah #Torah #chassidus #Bible #BibleStudy #chassidut #kabala #Spiritual #spiritualgrowth #yitzchak #rivkah #ParshatToldot #parshastoldos #opposites #oppositesattract #marriage #intimacy The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| Waking Up to the Gift of Time | 12 Nov 2025 | 00:27:45 | |
In this morning’s class, Rabbi Bernath explored the timeless lesson hidden in a sleepy Midrash. When Rabbi Akiva saw his students dozing off, he woke them not with rebuke, but with revelation: the story of Queen Esther’s 127 provinces, mirroring the 127 years of Sarah’s life. From this, the Chedushei HaRim teaches that Sarah lived every moment so fully that each second became a kingdom of its own. Rabbi Akiva’s message? Every moment we “sleep through” is a world lost. Through humor, wisdom, and a dash of Churchill’s charm, Rabbi Bernath reminded us that time is not money, it’s life itself. Takeaways: Every Moment Matters: Like Sarah, each of us has the power to turn seconds into significance. Wakefulness Is Spiritual: Falling asleep… literally or metaphorically means missing the miracle of now. Time Is Life, Not Money: The Rebbe taught that time is not a commodity but a living gift. Use it with purpose. Presence Is Royalty: Esther’s reign flowed from Sarah’s lived time; our own “reign” depends on how awake we are to our days. Humor and Holiness Coexist: Even Churchill and Rabbi Akiva knew that a good laugh can wake up the soul. #Kabbalah #chassidus #Judaism #Jewish #jewishmysticism #time #presence #purpose #life #chabad #spiritualgrowth #Spiritual #chassidut #kabala #sarah The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| When the Flame Goes Out: Finding Your Spark in the Empty Vessel | 05 Nov 2025 | 01:01:42 | |
In this heart-stirring exploration of the prophet Elisha’s miracle for the destitute widow, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath invites us to uncover our own “cruse of oil” the indestructible spark of holiness within. Drawing from Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi’s profound interpretation, we discover that the widow’s empty vessels are our empty actions, our daily deeds done even without inspiration. When we keep showing up, praying, loving, giving, building those vessels eventually overflow with divine oil. This class takes the ancient story and turns it into a living roadmap for reigniting the soul when we feel emotionally or spiritually numb. Takeaways: Every soul possesses a pure “cruse of oil” an unbreakable core of divine essence untouched by pain, doubt, or apathy. When inspiration runs dry, the key is action: fill your life with “empty vessels” of goodness, even if your heart isn’t fully in it yet. Emotional numbness doesn’t mean the soul has died it’s a signal that something deeper is ready to be rediscovered. Love, awe, and purpose can be reclaimed through consistent small acts of holiness they become the vessels for divine flow. The moment the spark reawakens, all your past “empty” deeds become filled with meaning, joy, and light. #Bible #Kabbalah #Judaism #Jewish #mysticism #jewishmysticism #chassidus #chassidut #spiritualgrowth #Rabbi #chabad #spiritualgrowth #inspiration #soul #essence #Spiritual #divinespark The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||
| AMA: Am I less of a Jew because I was raised Reform? | 04 Nov 2025 | 00:18:03 | |
In this heartfelt Ask Me Anything, Rabbi Bernath responds to someone from the Kabbalah for Everyone Community, a lifelong Reform Jew who asks a question many have quietly carried: “Am I less of a Jew because I was raised Reform?” Rabbi Bernath explores how Jewish identity transcends denominational labels. Drawing on teachings from Tanya and Rashi, he reminds us that every Jewish soul is a piece of G-d, unbreakable and equally precious. This conversation becomes more than an answer, it’s an invitation to rediscover who we are beneath the labels. It’s a love letter to every Jew who has ever wondered if they still belong. Takeaways: There are no “levels” of Jewishness. Every Jew, regardless of affiliation or observance carries the same Divine spark. Denominations are man-made; the soul is G-d-made. Labels were meant to organize ideas, not divide hearts. Jewish identity is a relationship, not a category. Wherever you learn, pray, or grow, your connection to G-d is real and alive. Belonging is not earned — it’s inherited. You’re part of the same eternal covenant, the same people, the same love story that began at Sinai. Your light matters. Every small act of faith, study, or kindness sustains the Jewish people. #Judaism #Jewish #JewishIdentity #reform #orthodox #belonging #Kabbalah The School for Sensitive Souls Do you feel everything deeply? Absorb other people’s emotions? Overthink conversations long after they’re over? Struggle with boundaries, burnout, or feeling like you’re simply “too much”? . Course begins October 15th. Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com | |||