Daily Jewish Thought

• Are the Jewish People Really the Chosen People?

  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.We confronted the paradox: being “chosen” doesn’t raise us above others, it humbles us beneath the weight of responsibility. Using the Alter Rebbe’s 1798 letter after his release on Yud Tes Kislev, we learned that true chosenness shrinks the ego while expanding the soul’s mission: to illuminate the world with goodness, moral clarity, unity, and love.When Jews embrace who we are… Divine ambassadors of light, we trigger the world. But we also transform it.Key TakeawaysThe obsession is ancient and irrational — Jews are less than 0.25% of the world, yet remain humanity’s main character.Reason alone cannot explain Jewish influence and survival — only our mission as bearers of ethical monotheism can.Chosen-ness ≠ superiority — it’s a call to responsibility, growth, and humility.Closeness to G-d shrinks the ego, not inflates it — “Katonti,” like Jacob said: “I am made small by Your kindness.”Anyone can join the Jewish people — chosenness is a spiritual calling, not a biological club.The world senses Jewish holiness — sometimes more than Jews do — and reacts intensely, for better or worse.Our role is universal — to be a moral lighthouse, not a fortress of self-importance.#Israel #Jewish #Chosen #chosenpeople #chosenness #alterrebbe #yudteskislev #JewishSpirituality #Rebbe #Antisemitism #LightOverDarkness  #humility Support the showGot your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at [email protected] or http://www.theloverabbi.comSingle? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone.Donate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donateFollow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernathAccess Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi

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• A New Way to See Charity: When Giving Becomes Receiving

  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.Key TakeawaysReceiving is also giving. The recipient grants the giver the opportunity to fulfill a supreme mitzvah and gain spiritual merit.Tzedakah is a partnership. Like Yissachar and Zevulun, both the supporter and the one supported share in the mitzvah.Spiritual reward is shared. Jewish law and Chassidic teachings affirm that those who enable mitzvot receive a full portion of the merit.Everyone has something to give. Whether materially or spiritually, we each fill in what others lack.Unity is our strength. Caring for one another is the secret of Jewish survival and the catalyst for redemption.Acts of kindness transform the world. When we give and receive with dignity, we illuminate each other’s lives and G-d’s world.End-of-Year Giving | Spread the Light With UsEvery soul you help us reach is another candle blazing against the darkness. If this podcast has touched you, inspired you, or lifted your spirits even once, consider being part of this ripple of goodness. Together, let’s end the year shining a little brighter: https://www.charidy.com/NDG2025#Charity #Judaism #Kabbalah #Tzedakah #chassidus #giving #receiving #Rebbe #chabad #chassidut #Torah #TorahPortion #yissachar #zevulun #jewishunity #actsofkindness #kindness Support the showGot your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at [email protected] or http://www.theloverabbi.comSingle? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone.Donate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donateFollow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernathAccess Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi

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• 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

  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 INDIGO https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/undaunted-how-the-sixth-lubavitcher-rebbe-yosef-yitzchak-schneersohn-saved-russian-jewry-reimagined-american-judaism-ignited-a-global-jewish-renaissance/9781592647262.htmlAMAZON USA https://www.amazon.com/Undaunted-Lubavitcher-Schneersohn-Reimagined-Renaissance/dp/159264726XAMAZON CANADA https://www.amazon.ca/Undaunted-Lubavitcher-Schneersohn-Reimagined-Renaissance-ebook/dp/B0FT3GYP31Support the showGot your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at [email protected] or http://www.theloverabbi.comSingle? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone.Donate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donateFollow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernathAccess Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi

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• Climbing Jacob’s Ladder: The Four Worlds & The Journey of Prayer

  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 TakeawaysStart Where You Are The ladder begins on the ground — spiritual growth doesn’t require feeling spiritual at first.Prayer Has Four Stages The siddur intentionally guides us from action → emotion → insight → connection.Small Steps Matter Even a single focused phrase or breath can shift us into a higher state of being.Two-Way Ladder As we elevate ourselves through prayer, G-d brings strength, clarity, and blessing down into our everyday life.You Are the Ladder Like Jacob, compassion is our bridge of every kind act connects heaven and earth.#Kabbalah  #KabbalahForEveryone #JacobsLadder #FourWorlds #chassidus #PrayerJourney  #JewishWisdom #SoulConnection #MindfulPrayer #HeavenAndEarth #CompassionInAction #ChassidicTeachings #JewishSpirituality #DailyTefillah #WorldOfAction #WorldOfFormation #WorldOfCreation #WorldOfEmanation #RatzovShov #RunAndReturn #SoulAwakening #chabad Support the showGot your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at [email protected] or http://www.theloverabbi.comSingle? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone.Donate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donateFollow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernathAccess Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi

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• Gratitude in Crazy Times: How Rachel Taught Us the Secret to Staying Whole

  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 Learn how to reframe struggles as signs of life, love, and purpose.Emotional Resilience from Rachel Understand how one biblical phrase can help us find strength today.Gratitude as a Superpower Explore how gratitude keeps us spiritually anchored when the world feels overwhelming.Joseph’s Legacy of Joy Discover why Yosef remained positive through betrayal, isolation, and fear—and how we can too.A Practical Practice Walk away with simple habits that bring more calm and meaning into everyday moments.#Jewish #Torah #Kabbalah #torahwisdom #gratitude #livinwithblessing #chassidus #chassidut #innerstrength #rachel #rochel #rochelimeinu #emotionalresilience #Spiritual #spiritualmindset #BibleStudy #Bible #ParshatVayeitzei Support the showGot your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at [email protected] or http://www.theloverabbi.comSingle? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone.Donate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donateFollow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernathAccess Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi

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