The Rabbi Stark Podcast
The Rabbi Stark Podcast delivers weekly spiritual talks (schmoozim) on topical subjects aimed at enlightening the mind and invigorating the soul. The Mashgiach, formerly of Aderes Hatorah and currently of Mishkan Shmuel, provides inspiring content. Episodes are uploaded weekly. For questions, comments, and concerns email rabbistarkpodcast@gmail.com.
Episodes
Hashem Hu Ha'Elokim (Yom Kippur)
The REAL impact and effect of doing a mitzvah / aveirah.
Teshuvah 101 (Yom Kippur)
The first step to teshuvah is knowing who's presence you are in.
The Yamim Noraim Davening (Rosh Hashanah)
Understanding what we are davening for.
Rejoice In Fear (Elul IV)
The term "Gilu Birada" seems to be an oxymoron but comprehending the concept of fear unlocks a world of understanding.
Bechira: Real or Illusion (Nitzavim / Vayelech)
What makes us different than all other beings is our ability to make conscious decisions, but does Bechira truly exist or is it just an illusion?
Every Yids A Big Tzadik (Elul III)
So why is teshuvah necessary?
The Debt Of Hakaras HaTov (Ki Savo)
Being Makir Tov is not simply a nice thing to do but rather an obligation upon each and every one of us.
Ahava Rabbah (Elul II)
The love Hashem has for us is unimaginable.
Ben Sorer U'Moreh (Ki Teitzei)
Does this kid really deserve to be put to death?
Hashem's Love For Us (Elul I)
Understanding how and why Hashem loves us is not a just a "2026 concept" but rather the secret to Elul.
Nachamu (Fundamentals)
Although we all know the famous prophetic words of "Nachamu Nachamu Ami", we likely don't know that the true translation of "nachamu" is not "comfort" but something else entirely.
Eichah 5786 (Tisha B'Av)
With another Tisha B'Av upon us, Rabbi Stark shares some heartfelt words pertaining to Eichah.
Experiencing The Beis HaMikdash (Tisha B'Av)
The only way to really comprehend the severity of the loss of the Beis HaMikdash is to first appreciate what we had.
Tisha B'Av And The "Chareidi" Perspective (pt. 3)
Exposing the modern day "Eruv Rav" and their misguided approach to Judaism.
(pt. 2) The "Chareidi" Perspective
Birchas Haminim and why we always prefer the "Hashivenu" route.
The "Chareidi" Perspective (pt. 1)
The thinking and stance of the "Frum" Jewish community on Eretz Yisroel, Israel, and life itself.
Impulsive Or Calculated? (Pinchas)
Why Pinchas wasn't just another fanatic.
Self-Confidence And Torah-Psychology
People throw around the term "Torah-Psychology" a lot these days, but what does the Torah actually think about Self-Confidence?
Bilam's Perversion (Balak)
Bilam's relationship with his donkey reveals something much bigger about his worldview (than him just being a perverted person).
From Finite To Infinite (Chukas)
Why Parah Adumah is referred to as "the Chok" of the Torah.
Azus D'Kedusha
Stubbornness usually has negative connotations, but "holy stubbornness" is something to strive for.
Warring With Harmony (Korach)
Korach's downfall could've been easily avoided, if he simply appreciated his destiny.
It's. Not. About. You.
Anivus is no contradiction to understanding your own greatness.
Mouth-Eye Coordination (Shelach)
The mouth and eyes each represent a different aspect of the decision making process; and how they need to work together to reach the truth.
Sense Of "Self"
The difference between a healthy sense of sense and being a "pushover".
The "Nun" of Nefila (Beha'aloscha)
This week's parsha has the famous inverse "Nuns"—letters which are not read and never seen again. What is their significance and the significance of the particular pesukim they enclose?
No Time For Anger
Why "anger" is unlike any other middah.
Light YOUR Fire (Shavuos)
Torah is a fire. And so are YOU.
Numbers: Both Positive And Negative (Bamidbar)
Numbers (and "Counting") can be a real positive. But, if not utilized properly, they can be a serious negative.
Savlanus (Sefiras HaOmer IV)
In modern Hebrew, "Savlanus" (or "Savlanut") translates to "patience" but true savlanus is so much more than that.
Hanhagas' Hashem (Behar / Bechukosai)
Understanding how Hashem "operates" and conducts the world.
Real Fire Doesn't Burn (Lag BaOmer / Sefiras HaOmer III)
The "fire" of Reb Shimon Bar Yochai explained.
Ben Adam (Emor)
Not everything is a "Hashem problem." (Some things are just "people problems.")
FIRE! (Sefiras HaOmer II)
Fire is described as many things, curiously, except for that it burns. . .
Explained: V'ahavta L'reacha Kamocha (Acharei Mos / Kedoshim)
A mature understanding of V'ahavta L'reacha Kamocha.
The Origin Story Of Rabbi Akiva (Sefiras HaOmer I)
Who was Rabbi Akiva and why—at 40 years old—did he think he had what it takes to turn his life around?
Ask Away! (Pesach)
The focus on "Chinuch" over Pesach helps us understand the real takeaway from Pesach.
The Korban Pesach (Pesach - Fundamentals)
The most important aspect of "Pesach" in the Mishkan and Beis HaMikdash was the Korban Pesach itself. Despite us not presently brining the korban, understanding its significance will unlock a whole new dimension of understanding regarding the yom tov of Pesach.
Ramchal's Maamar HaKivuy (Part III - Fundamentals)
(Part III) How to connect with Hashem in dire straits and Hashem's guarantee of salvation. In this podcast exclusive shiur, the Mashgiach learns the Drush (Maamar) HaKivuy of the Ramchal inside, and you can follow along here.
Ramchal's Maamar HaKivuy (Part II - Fundamentals)
(Part II) How to connect with Hashem in dire straits and Hashem's guarantee of salvation. In this podcast exclusive shiur, the Mashgiach learns the Drush (Maamar) HaKivuy of the Ramchal inside, and you can follow along here.
Ramchal's Maamar HaKivuy (Part I - Fundamentals)
How to connect with Hashem in dire straits and Hashem's guarantee of salvation. In this podcast exclusive shiur, the Mashgiach learns the Drush (Maamar) HaKivuy of the Ramchal inside, and you can follow along here.
A Transcendent Relationship (Ki Sisa)
We may have difficulty relating to Hashem, but we must always remember our relationship transcends every person, place, and thing.
Hashem Is So Random (Purim / Parshas Zachor)
Haman and Amalek set out to show how the world is "random"—turns out they were right, just not in the way they expected.
Purim Fever (Purim)
With Purim right around the corner, Rabbi Stark helps us get into the proper mindset to make the most of it.
The Mishkan And Its Purpose (Terumah)
Was the Mishkan a response to the Chet HaEigel or was there a standalone reason for it?
Na'aseh V'Nishma And The Sefer Ha'Bris (Mishpatim)
In this bombshell episode, the Mashgiach exposes that "Na'aseh V'Nishma" was not said with regard to the Torah, but rather in response to the "Sefer Ha'Bris." What is this Sefer Ha'Bris and what was this response of Na'aseh V'Nishma?
KODESH (Shovavim IV)
"Kodesh" does not mean "holy." Rather, its translation explains how one BECOMES "holy."
"The Luchos" And Their Purpose (Yisro)
The Luchos are not "Torah", per se. So what are, and what is the point of, the Luchos and what do they represent?
Access Unlimited (Shovavim III)
The challenge of our generation boils down to one idea—unlimited access. Rabbi Stark discusses how to navigate the fact that everything and everyone is just one click of a button away.
Connecting The Dots (Beshalach)
The beauty of a song lies in connecting its highs, lows, and flow. Rabbi Stark explains how Az Yashir represents the connection of our past, present, and future.
The Purpose Of Creation (Bo)
What it REALLY means to thank Hashem.
Understanding The 10 Makkos (Va'eira)
We all know about the Makkos generally but do we know the individual purpose of each and every Makkah?
Aimless & Overexposed (Shovavim II)
The Mashgiach discusses how we can protect our families—and ourselves—from the extreme exposure we are all privy too.
The Invisible Man (Shemos)
What does it mean to be an "anav" and why Moshe Rabbeinu's greatest compliment was that he was an "eved (servant of) Hashem".
Welcome To Mitzrayim (Shovavim I)
A podcast exclusive Shovavim series to guide us through Ikvesa d'Mashicha—the same which guided the Yidden to be redeemed from Mitzrayim.
A Legacy Of Unity (Vayechi)
With the culmination of Sefer Bereshis, the Mashgiach explains how the greatness of Yaakov Avinu and his twelve sons was how they were all so different, yet came together to create one whole.
(I Just Wanna) Sing From My Brain
Everyone is very busy with the "heart" and how they "feel" about everything but the brain might just be what should really dictate our actions.
Majesty or Humility (Vayigash)
Diametrically opposed or is there a balance which can be unlocked?
Me, Myself, and AI
If AI can do everything I can, but better, who am I and what is my purpose?
War With The Menorah (Chanukah - Fundamentals)
Was the Yevanim's destruction of the Menorah's oil simply collateral damage to their ransacking of the entire Beis HaMikdash generally or was this a targeted attack against the Menorah in particular?
Baal Teshuvah vs Tzadik Yesod Olam (Vayeshev)
The difference between the perspectives of Yosef and Yehudah and which one we should strive to emulate.
Infinite Wisdom
With Chanukah almost upon us, the Mashgiach explains how Yesod Ha'Afar is linked to Torah and the infinite wisdom contained within.
Grounded In Bitachon (Vayishlach)
By definition, Bitachon is the reliance on Hashem, so how is it possible to be truly "grounded" while also have complete and total bitachon in Hashem?
From The Ground Up
The Mashgiach explains how all growth begins at the ground level and by harnessing the potential stored within it.
Construction 101 (Vayetzei)
The significance of the ladder in Yaakov Avinu's dream and what it teaches us about "building" the Shivtei Kah.
Yesod Ha'Afar: Not Just Laziness
Very nice that "yesod ha'afar" is not laziness but what is it and how does the differentiation practically affect my life?
Esav's (Almost) Greatness (Toldos)
Was Esav destined to fail or did he fail his destiny?
The Enormous Lesson From The Tiny Ant
The Gemara chooses a most unlikely source to teach about overcoming laziness and becoming a go-getter. Rabbi Stark expounds.
The Test After The Final Test (Chayei Sarah)
The Mashgiach discusses Avraham's nisayon of Sarah's death, especially because we famously know his final nisayon was Akeidas Yitzchak.
The Origin Of Fear And Anxiety
It may sound farfetched, but fear and anxiety are really just symptoms of laziness. Rabbi Stark explains how and why.
What Avraham's Tests Teach Us About Hashem (Vayeira)
Rabbi Stark explains what the tests Hashem challenged Avraham with teach us about Hashem (in addition to what they tell us about Avraham).
Laziness: The Illusion Of "Buying Time"
Theres a reason the saying is "if not NOW, when" and not "if not TODAY, when".
The Ultimate Father Figure (Lech Lecha)
How Avraham began the process of returning the world to Hashem's original intention (before the sin of the Eitz HaDaas).
Stunting Your Growth
The Yetzer Hara has one job and one job only—to stunt your growth at all costs. In this first schmooze of "winter zman" the Mashgiach discusses how one can foil his plans.
The Dor HaMabul vs The Dor HaFlaga (Noach)
Why the Dor HaMabul was destroyed for their sins while the Dor HaFlaga was simply dispersed on account of theirs.
Adam HaRishon And "Plan B" (Bereshis)
Was Adam HaRishon jewish and what the world would've looked like had he not sinned.
Up In The Clouds (Sukkos)
The Gemara discusses whether the Sukkah represents the Ananei HaKavod or physical huts. Rabbi Stark explains how not only were there actual clouds but they were clouds like you wouldn't believe.
You Don't Understand The Point Of Viduy (Yom Kippur)
We are all familiar with the idea of Viduy on Yom Kippur but we probably dont understand the point of it. Rabbi Stark is about to change that.
Part III: A Fresh Take On The Yud Gimmel Middos HaRachamim
Rabbi Stark continues discussing the Yud Gimmel Middos and explains how once we recognize we are nothing without Hashem is when Hashem then allows us to tap into being able to achieve "everything".
Part II: A Fresh Take On The Yud Gimmel Middos HaRachamim
The Mashgiach continues with his updated explanation of the Yud Gimmel Middos.
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