Nachdaily: 5 Minute Perek Of Tanach Covering The Entire Navi. Sefer Yehoshua, Shoftim, Shmuel, Melachim, Yeshaya, Yirmiya, Ye

Welcome everybody to Nachdaily, covering the entire Tanach one perek at a time. Today we’re learning Mishlei Perek 11. Similar in style to the previous perek, this chapter contains verses that contrast each other with good and bad. Shlomo Hamelech tells us that false scales are disgusting to Hashem, but proper ones are pleasing. As it says in the first passuk, “Moznei mirma to’avas Hashem v’even sh’laimah r’tzono, False scales are an abomination to God, but a full weight is pleasing to Him.” It should be noted that it's actually an issur, forbidden in the Torah, to use or own inaccurate scales. The Sefer Hachinuch counts using proper scales as Mitzva 259. The Vilna Gaon warns us that we shouldn't be lenient with ourselves while judging other people strictly. All too often we hold a double standard for ourselves vis-a-vis other people. We’re quick to use our scales of judgment to weigh in on other people’s behaviors before looking inwards and weighing ourselves. Rebbe Nachman explains that first we ne

Welcome everybody, to Nachdaily, covering the entire Tanach one perek at a time. Today we’re learning Mishlei, perek 10. Chapters one through 9 are considered one unit. We now begin the second section. The primary theme of the previous chapters was our obligation to obtain wisdom, understanding, and insight throughout our lives. Those chapters explained the value and many benefits that wisdom brings, and how leading a life based on Torah values and wisdom will lead to true fulfillment in this world and immense pleasure for all of eternity in the next world. The second section goes from perekim 10 through 24, and primarily teaches mussar. It speaks about the value of working on our character, staying true to what we know to be right and conducting ourselves in a proper manner. While there are overall topical themes to each chapter, most of the pessukim contrast opposites with each other. They speak about the value of walking in the proper path and the pitfalls of leading a life of ill repute. It should

Hi everyone, and welcome to NachDaily, covering the entire Tanach one perek at a time. In today's class we’ll be discussing Mishlei, perek 9. Shlomo Hamelech opens the perek by describing a feast prepared by a wise woman. She sets up her house, prepares food and invites guests. She uses the time with her guests to teach them words of wisdom and the value of understanding. The well-known first passuk tells us that, “Chochmos bonsa beisa chatzva amudeha shiva - With all forms of wisdom did she build her house; she carved out its seven pillars.” A classic question asked by many of the Meforshim is why the passuk begins with the plural - chochmos - wisdoms, then changes to the singular tense with the very next word, bonsa - to build? An awesome Ramad Walli explains that many of us feel discouraged from obtaining any sort of level in Yiddishkeit, feeling that it's difficult to obtain wisdom and live a life full of purity and kedusha. Shlomo is telling us that the Torah’s wisdom is laid out in front us lik

Hi everyone, Welcome to NachDaily, covering the entire Tanach one perek at time. In today's class we’ll be discussing Mishlei, Perek 8, containing 35 pessukim. The opening words of “Halo chochma sikra, u’s’vuna titen kolah - Wisdom calls out and understanding raises her voice,” can be seen as a continuation of the previous perek. The Vilna Gaon explains that this is to contrast man's negative and positive traits. The previous perek spoke about a “woman” who tries to lure people to sin, which can be understood as the lower, darker side of the human experience. In this chapter, the “woman” raises her voice with chochma – speaking of the more positive aspects of those who work on themselves and the brighter side of the human experience. Wisdom invites everyone to learn from her honest ways. The perek continues to talk about the virtue of wisdom, assuring us that knowledge is better than gold. Shlomo reiterates that true counsel, wisdom, understanding, and strength are all creations of Hashem. Once we divor

Hi everyone, welcome to NachDaily covering the entire Tanach one perek at a time. Today we’re going to be discussing Mishlei, perek 7. In this perek, Shlomo Hamelech again urges us to keep the mitzvos and follow wisdom by keeping the Torah, engraving its words on the “luach libecha - tablets of our hearts.” As passuk 4 says, “Emor l’chochma achosi at, u’moda l’bina tikra - Say to wisdom, ‘You’re my sister,’ and call understanding a friend.” The Metsudos explains that you should be as familiar with wisdom as you are with your sister, while the Ralbag adds that you should love wisdom. Rav Shamshon Raphael Hirsch has an amazing insight on this: wisdom is considered like our sister because she is the daughter of our Father, Hashem. God gives us wisdom to help us as Moshe’s sister Miriam protected him by suggesting his mother, Yocheved, to take care of him. So too, Hashem sends us insights and wisdom to protect us throughout life. What strikes me about this is that most people don't truly understand that

This perek opens up with Shlomo Hamelech again speaking to “my son,” which can be understood as the inner child inside all of us which is interested in learning and absorbing new ideas. Often, as we get older, we become stuck in our ways and are not open to new ideas which would give birth to new attitudes and a change in perspective. Shlomo advises us not to take on commitments and pledges that we can't handle. Overextending ourselves beyond our capabilities will cause us to feel trapped, and be the source of a considerable amount of anguish. Therefore, Shlomo warns, we should humble ourselves by knowing what we're capable of. It is equally as important to know what we’re not capable of as well. Verse 6 says: “Leich el nimala atzel, re’ay d’racheha v’chochom - Lazy one, go to the ant; see its ways and grow wise.” The ant has no one in charge of it telling it what to do, yet it stores up food in the summer for when it won't be available in the winter, unlike men who can often be lazy, sleeping through li

Hello everyone. Welcome to NachDaily covering the entire Tanach one perek at a time. Today we’re discussing Mishlei, perek daled, which contains 35 pessukim. The perek primary discusses the value of acquiring wisdom and gaining insight, pointing out that when a person stops valuing wisdom, life heads in the wrong direction. We shouldn’t devalue our own common sense, because that can lead us in the wrong direction, away from Hashem. Again, as if he’s speaking to a child, Shlomo urges us to seek the true wisdom and intelligence which is to be found in the Torah. The famous passuk says, “Ki lekach tov nasati lachem, Torasi al ta’azovu – For I’ve given you good teachings, do not abandon My Torah.” The Vilna Goan explains that “lekach” refers to mitzvos which are to be performed, each in its own time. “Torasi al ta’azovu” refers to Torah learning, which is a constant mitzva. The Medrash Yalkut Shimoni uses this passuk to teach the great value of Torah knowledge with the following metaphor: A Talmi

Mishlei Perek 3 Hello everyone. Welcome to NachDaily, covering the entire Tanach one perek at time. Today we’re discussing Mishlei, perek gimmel. While most of Mishlei is about working on our character traits, this perek opens with the idea of” tikkun divrey hasechel, fixing our minds and purifying our thoughts.” This is really the essence of wisdom. When we let go of our personal agendas, fully recognizing the true Source of the power of the mind, we rid ourselves of contaminated thoughts and allow a higher level of thinking which comes straight from Hashem. This is the essence of what prophecy was. A prophet’s thoughts were directly linked to Hashem. This heightened their levels of consciousness and awareness of the Divine. They would rise higher and higher until God actually spoke through them, leaving an impression in their minds via the power of thought. Shlomo again speaks as if to a child, warning it not to forget Hashem’s Torah. The Torah must be the guiding light in one’s life “Ki orech y

I hope that everyone is doing well today. Welcome to NachDaily, covering the entire Tanach one perek at time. Today we’re discussing Mishlei, perek beis. The chapter opens with Shlomo speaking as if to his child, whom he urges to accept his words and take his advice. You should seek wisdom as you would for silver and hidden treasures. Your search for understanding will bring you to know and fear God. Shlomo explains that Hashem is the One who grants wisdom, but you must first seek it out. The wisdom of the Torah will shield you from harm’s way. Passuk 10 says, “Ki tavo chochma b’libecha v’daas lenafshecha yinaam – Wisdom will enter your heart and knowledge will delight your soul.” This is really a beautiful thought. By deeply connecting to true chochma, we’ll experience deep levels of noam, pleasure, resonating throughout our being. The Metsudos explains that once chochma enters into your heart, you’ll be filled with an amazing desire and longing for more knowledge. The Sifrei Mussar tell us th

I hope that everyone is doing well today. Welcome to NachDaily, covering the entire Tanach one perek at time. Today we’re starting Mishlei, perek aleph. Before we begin, it should be noted that there are many Hebrew words for wisdom and understanding. I’m hoping that through these classes the subtle meanings of these words will be explained. At times I will clarify what these words signify, but often I will be using words like “wisdom” and “understanding” in a more general and broad sense. The perek opens with Shlomo’s purpose in writing Mishlei, which was to make known the words of the wise. Intelligent people will be able to bring their wisdom to the next level of understanding, while the simple person will be able to gain knowledge and direction on how to live life. The ultimate purpose of the Sefer is to help us attain proper yiras Shamayim, fear of Heaven, thereby bringing us closer to Hashem. When we understand that everything in this world is a metaphor for our relationship with Hashem, we wil

Hi everybody. Welcome to NachDaily, covering the entire Tanach one perek at a time. Today we’ll be discussing Mishlei, perek 5, containing 23 pessukim. In this perek, Shlomo Hamelech primarily warns us to stay away from the Isha Zarah, Foreign Woman. He enumerates the destruction that engaging in conduct with this promiscuous and dangerous woman will bring upon you. As it says in passuk gimmel, “ki nofes titofna sifsay zarah, v’chalak m’shemen chikah - for the lips of the female stranger drip honey, and her palate is smoother than oil.” Shlomo Hamelech explains for almost the entire perek that engaging in a relationship with her will only lead to death. She will remove you from true life, preventing you from obtaining wisdom. Stay as far away from her as possible, because in the end you’ll see how destructive she really was. So who is this Isha Zarah, foreign demonic woman? There are many levels as to what this refers. The simplest is the pshat brought by the Vilna Goan, who brings the Gemarah in Sanhed

Tehilim Perek 150 Hello everybody, this is an exciting day. We are going to finish Sefer Tehilim! Baruch Hashem we’ve done close to 200 classes just on Tehilim, including the mini-series that we did on the secrets of the Aleph Beis. Whether you’re a casual reader or listener, or you listen regularly every day, you can join in our happiness. We’ve been connecting to Dovid Hamelech and the world of Tefilah every day through this series. As Dovid himself says, “Tefilah l’Kel Chayai, Praying to God is my strength!” If you want true life, vitality, and renewal, then throw yourself into the world of Tefilah. NachDaily currently has over 2,000 subscribers from across the world. We have regular listeners all over the United States, Canada, South Africa, and Israel. We began Nach Daily several years ago with Sefer Yehoshua. We’ve finished Neviim, and are now conquering Kesuvim day by day, perek by perek. Each adds up, equaling a tremendous amount of Torah learning, with just over 600 classes. Even if you di

Tehilim Perek 149 Hello everybody. Today’s NachDaily will discuss Tehilim Chapter 149. We continue in the Pesukei D’zimra as we wind down with the last two chapters in Tehilim. This chapter was said about the final redemption. Every single member of the Jewish nation is loved by Hashem. Yes, Hashem loves you! The author urges everyone, “Shiru l’Hashem shir chadosh – Sing a new song to God.” It’s not going to be enough to keep on singing the old songs. Am Yisrael is going to have to come up with new songs because of all the wonders He’s done for us. “Tehilaso b’kahal chassidim – Hashem will be praised by the group of righteous people.” The Radak explains that this group refers to Am Yisrael. At the time of the final redemption, the world will be filled with the knowledge of God like waters that cover the earth. The true nature and character of our nation will then be realized as it will be revealed that all of Am Yisrael is really righteous. The perek continues to relate in a joyous and celebratory

Tehilim Perek 148 Hello everybody. Today’s NachDaily will discuss Tehilim Chapter 148. We continue in the Pesukey D’zimra as we wind down with the last few chapters. In this perek the author specifies the various parts of the creation that praise God, beginning with the heavens, then moving on down to the angels and stars. From the highest of the spiritual worlds to the lowest, they are all called upon to praise Hashem. The perek then specifies the specific areas of the physical creation that praise Him. The earth, great sea monsters, the depths, fire and hail, snow and smoke, mountains and hills, fruit trees and insects, are called upon to ‘Hallelu es Hashem, praise God.’ Kings, princes, judges, men, women, children, old and young. Last but not least, Am Yisrael is called upon to praise Him. The Malbim explains that there are several categories in the perek. First - the higher spiritual worlds all the way down to our world. Second - the arba yesodos, 4 foundational elements which encompas

Tehilim Perek 147 Hello everybody. Today’s NachDaily will discuss Tehilim chapter 147, continuing the Pesukei D’zimra chapters. We are now winding down with the last few chapters in Tehilim. The Shai Lemora explains that this chapter really flows from the previous one, which ended by describing how the world will ultimately accept the kingship of God forever. This perek relates how pleasant it is to actually sing to God, as at the time of the final redemption, mankind will be drawn to sing His praises. During the process of the final redemption, all will recognize that the ingathering of the exiles and the rebuilding of Yerushalayim was the Hand of God. God deeply cares about the Jewish people, and counts them as He does the stars. The nations possessing humility will ultimately be elevated, while the negative nations will be brought down by Him. Understanding how much God does for the Jewish people, it is fitting to play musical instruments and sing to Him. As God is omnipotent, He doesn’t value

Tehilim Perek 146 Hello everybody, in today’s NachDaily we’ll be discussing Tehilim chapter 146. We say this perek every morning as part of the Pesukei D’zimra, Chapters of Song. The Gemarah in Pessachim 117A explains that halleiluyhu means halleluhu b’hillulim harbeh, praise Hashem with many praises. The Gemara elucidates that since the Tehilim were said in conjunction with the 10 types of music, halleiluyah incorporates all the ten types. The previous perek praised Hashem for all the goodness that He does for the world in a general sense. This perek commands each of us to give thanks in a very specific and detailed way about the particular types of good that we receive. It also speaks about the advantages of someone who has proper Emunah, faith in God. It’s in God’s hand to lift or raise up whomever He pleases. Verse 2 says: אֲהַלְלָ֣ה יְהוָ֣ה בְּחַיָּ֑י אֲזַמְּרָ֖ה לֵֽאלֹהַ֣י בְּעוֹדִֽי׃ I will praise God all my life, sing songs to my God while I exist. This is Rebbe Nachman’s most famous

Tehilim Perek 145 Hello everybody, in today’s NachDaily we’ll be discussing Tehilim chapter 145. This is a very famous perek known as the Ashrei prayer. The Radak explains that from this perek until the end of Tehilim is all considered one unit of Tehilim. These perakim all are considered one prayer. Except for this one, Dovid began and ended them all with the word Halleluyah to magnify Hashem’s praise. The Gemarah in Brachos 4B says that anyone who says this prayer 3 times daily is promised a share in the World to Come. The Gemarah gives two reasons why this perek is considered so special. One, it contains all the letters of the Aleph-Beis in order, with the exception of “nun.” This perek is as fundamental as the Aleph-Beis. Two, it contains verse 16, which says that God sustains all living things on earth. The Ramad Walli says that people who say this chapter with proper kavana, concentration, are promised not to lack any financial needs in their life. What a blessing! This is the only perek i

Tehilim Perek 144 Hello everybody, in today’s NachDaily we’ll be discussing Tehilim chapter 144. Dovid wrote this prayer at a time of peace for himself and the nation. It was written either at the end of the civil war which took place in Shmuel Beis perek 3, or at the end of the rebellion of his son Avshalom and the confrontation with Sheva Ben Bikhri. These were quiet and harmonious times for Am Yisrael. Dovid begins by thanking Hashem for his military victories. He goes on to speak about man’s mortality, as our days are numbered like a fleeting breath of air. Dovid speaks of God’s omnipotence, His complete ability to intercede in the creation. God can “bend the heavens,” in a sense, to accomplish anything He desires. After recognizing God’s omnipotence, Dovid is moved to sing a “new song” filled with gratitude. Dovid asks God for complete deliverance for Am Yisrael on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels. He ends by emphatically stating how fortunate is the nation who has Hashem as

Tehilim Perek 143 Hello everybody. Today’s NachDaily will discuss Tehilim chapter 143. As in the previous chapter, Dovid wrote this when hiding in the cave from Shaul. It continues the theme of being surrounded on all sides by his enemies and asking God to pull him out from the abyss. Dovid opens by asking Hashem to answer his prayer by not judging him in the moment. Dovid painfully recaps how his enemies want to crush his soul, leaving him dead. Despite his struggles, Dovid recalls the “days of old” when his soul thirsted to come close to God. He begs Hashem to answer his prayer, to quickly reveal Himself before his enemies catch him. Dovid ends by begging God to show him His will, and to wipe out his enemies. Verse 10 says: לַמְּדֵ֤נִי ׀ לַֽעֲשׂ֣וֹת רְצוֹנֶךָ֮ כִּֽי־אַתָּ֪ה אֱל֫וֹהָ֥י רוּחֲךָ֥ טוֹבָ֑ה תַּ֝נְחֵ֗נִי בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִישֽׁוֹר׃ Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. Let Your good spirit guide me on level ground. Reb Nosson explains in Lekutey Halachos, Hilchos Birkas Hashach

Tehilim Perek 142 Hello everybody. Today’s NachDaily will discuss Tehilim chapter 142. This perek corresponds to what happened with Dovid in Shmuel Aleph, perek 24, when he had a close encounter with Shaul while hiding in a cave. Dovid had heard Shaul entering the cave, and quickly scurried deeper into its depths so as not to be found. Shaul unknowingly spent the night in the same cave as Dovid. The very next morning, Dovid, having escaped death once again, made it known that he had almost been caught by Shaul. He composed this prayer while seized with the fear of death. When you’re trapped from all sides, there’s only one thing left to do…pray! Dovid pleads with God to save him. No matter where I find myself, people try to kill me. I have no place to go, no-one to help me. God, please be my refuge. Listen to my prayer. Release my soul, and I will pronounce You as the King of the world. Pessukim 2 and 3 say: ק֭וֹלִי אֶל־יְהוָ֣ה אֶזְעָ֑ק ק֝וֹלִ֗י אֶל־יְהוָ֥ה אֶתְחַנָּֽן׃ אֶשְׁפֹּ֣ךְ לְפָנָ֣יו שִׂי