Why does the Torah end a portion about holiness with the tragic story of the Blasphemer (Mekalel)?

Rav Shlomo Katz digs into this disturbing narrative with insights from the Kli Yakar and Rabbeinu Bachya. We learn the psychological background of the man—the son of a tragedy—who spent his life "cursing in his heart" before it ever left his lips.

However, Rav Shlomo offers a transformative "inverse lesson" from Rabbeinu Bachya: The blasphemer "pronounced the Name" (contemplated it) and then cursed. We must learn to do the opposite—to pause, contemplate, and visualize Hashem's presence before we make a blessing.

This episode teaches us how to turn the "Ashrei" (praise) into a reality by raising our awareness before we speak.

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For more Shuirim and Music from Rav Shlomo Katz, visit: https://ravshlomokatz.com

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Why is Sefirat HaOmer considered the "backbone" that holds up the entire Torah?

In this heartwarming shiur, Rav Shlomo Katz explores the difference between Lechem Oni (Poor Man's Bread) and entitlement. Drawing on the Zohar and the Nesivos Shalom, we learn that a baby only recognizes its parents when it eats bread—meaning, when it realizes that sustenance is not a guarantee, but a relationship.

Rav Shlomo explains that special people are those who don't feel special; they feel that everything they have is an undeserved gift.

Featuring the incredible story of Miriam Peretz, this episode teaches us that the secret of life is not how high we fly during miracles (Pesach), but how much we appreciate the "gift" of an ordinary Tuesday (Sefira).

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For more Shuirim and Music from Rav Shlomo Katz, visit: https://ravshlomokatz.com

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Why does the Torah forbid a Kohen from attending a funeral, even for a close friend?

In this deep philosophical dive, Rav Shlomo Katz contrasts the human experience of grief with the spiritual reality of the soul. Drawing on Rav Kook (Olat Reiyah) and the Izhbitzer Rebbe, we learn that death is described as a "falsehood" or "illusion"—a mask over the true transition of the soul to a higher existence.

Rav Shlomo explains that the Kohen must remain attached to the "Tree of Life" and cannot allow himself to be dragged into the illusion of the "Tree of Knowledge" where duality and death seem real.

This episode challenges us to view our emotional reactions to loss not as ultimate truth, but as a human limitation, and encourages us to connect to the "Kohen" within us that knows life never truly ends.

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For more Shuirim and Music from Rav Shlomo Katz, visit: https://ravshlomokatz.com

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We often think spiritual growth means acquiring something new, but what if it’s about uncovering what we already hold? Rav Shlomo Katz explores the Sefirat HaOmer through the lens of the Izhbitzer Rebbe. We compare the revelation of Pesach to a "flash of light" given as a gift, while the Omer is the work of building vessels to hold that light permanently.

Rav Shlomo shares a beautiful parable about a father and son collecting "heavy rocks" in the dark, only to realize upon reaching home (Eretz Yisrael) that they were carrying diamonds all along. We learn that the word Sefira (counting) shares a root with Sapphire (transparency)—the work of these weeks is to polish ourselves until we can see the infinite value in the life, the Torah, and the family we already have.

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For more Shuirim and Music from Rav Shlomo Katz, visit: https://ravshlomokatz.com

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Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut invoke intense emotions, often stirring a deep, unspoken anger: How could Hashem allow such tragedies?

In this raw and honest session, Rav Shlomo Katz opens the Izhbitzer Rebbe (Mei HaShiloach) to explore why a Kohen is forbidden to come in contact with death. We learn that death triggers a spiritual impurity called Tit—a sense of indignation and inner turmoil, questioning the fairness of God's judgment.

Rav Shlomo shares a profound teaching from Reb Shlomo Carlebach and Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi on why the post-Holocaust generation often found God in Eastern religions rather than traditional Judaism—they needed a path free of anger. Finally, drawing on Rabbi Ari Khan, we discuss the concept of Pesach Sheni and the moon as God asking us for forgiveness for the times He remained hidden.

This episode is a guide to navigating our collective pain and finding the courage to forgive yesterday so we can live today.

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For more Shuirim and Music from Rav Shlomo Katz, visit: https://ravshlomokatz.com

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What is the definition of a "Slave Mentality"? It isn't just working hard; it's living in the past.

In this session on Pesach Sheni, Rav Shlomo Katz shares a teaching from Reb Shlomo Carlebach regarding the "Secret of Time and Space." We learn that the sin of the Golden Calf happened because the people forgot where and when they were—they acted like slaves in a free land.

Rav Shlomo explains that "Amalek" represents the voice that tells us we are defined by our history and our mistakes. Pesach Sheni comes to teach us that "Yesterday" is gone and "Today" is a brand new creation.

This episode is a call to stop fixing the "you" of ten years ago and start being present with the "you" of right now.

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For more Shuirim and Music from Rav Shlomo Katz, visit: https://ravshlomokatz.com

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During the isolation of the pandemic, many of us discovered a guilty secret: we enjoyed praying alone.

In this poignant and timely session on Parshat Kedoshim, Rav Shlomo Katz addresses the tension between the intimacy of solitude and the mandate to return to the Synagogue. Drawing on the Maor VaShemesh and Rav Avraham Kluger, we explore why the command "You shall be holy" was given specifically to the entire congregation.

Rav Shlomo explains that while one can achieve the holiness of Sur Me'Ra (retreating from evil) alone in a forest, the holiness of Aseh Tov (doing good) requires a community. We also share a powerful teaching from the Kuzmirer Rebbe on the highest definition of "Peace," and a moving tribute to Shlomo Silver z"l, teaching us that true holiness isn't just about Minyan—it is about respecting one's spouse and realizing that without our fellow Jew, we are missing a literal limb.

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For more Shuirim and Music from Rav Shlomo Katz, visit: https://ravshlomokatz.com

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Why is a Parsha dealing with leprosy and impurity named Tazria—"She shall give birth"?

In this powerful session recorded during the uncertainty of the pandemic (but timeless in its message), Rav Shlomo Katz shares a life-changing insight from the Lubavitcher Rebbe. We learn that afflictions are not merely punishments; they are seeds planted by Hashem to give birth to a new, higher reality.

Rav Shlomo explores the concept of the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting) as a place where we must finally meet ourselves. Drawing on the teachings of Rabbi Moshe Weinberger, he argues that sometimes Hashem removes our external structures (like Shuls and social gatherings) to force us to stop "dating God" with distractions and finally admit, "I don't know."

This episode is a call to embrace vulnerability and allow our current challenges to birth a deeper consciousness.

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For more Shuirim and Music from Rav Shlomo Katz, visit: https://ravshlomokatz.com

Join Rav Shlomo Katz's WhatsApp Community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KHKOhhPaeHx5Kb74WL9L9a?mode=ems_copy_t