Raize Guttman 12-31-17 (13 Tivet 5778)

Parsha Vayeira - Chapter 19 – Verses 1 - 3

Lot is now sitting and waiting for guests at the gates of Sodom. This verse has a lot of similarities and differences in the way that Avraham sat and waited for guests. We learn how much influence Avraham had on his nephew Lot by displaying Zerizus (alacrity) for doing a mitzvah. Ultimately Hashem witnessed his strong desire to do the mitzvah of Hachnasat orchim (welcoming guests) and the depth of his action is exactly what saved Lot's life.

Raize Guttman 12-24-17 (6 Tivet 5778)

Parsha Vayeira - Chapter 18 – Verses 28 - 33

Avraham continues to plead & beg with Hashem to save the city of Sodom and 4 surrounding cities. We learn a great lesson from these verses that it is such a great chesed to allow a person to talk.

Raize Guttman 12-17-17 (29 Kislev 5778)

Chanukah Special

"Ashreinu mah tov chelkeinu u'mah nayim goraleinu umah yafah yerushateinu…"
"How fortunate we are , how fortunate is our portion."

Raize Guttman 12-10-17 (25 Kislev 5778)

Chanukah Shiur

On Chanukah Hashem reveals himself with such clarity. We had an open miracle of Hashem's greatness both in the victory over the Greeks, but most importantly with the sole tiny flask of holy oil that lasted for 8 days. An open victory of spirituality over physicality - the pure over the impure. Our lesson today is yes, we are involved with physical things, but only as they relate to our service to Hashem. We should have such clarity with the miracle of Chanukah that our relationship with Hashem is all that is important.

May we all have a freilich Chanukah!

Raize Guttman 12-03-17 (15 Kislev 5778)

Parsha Vayeira - Beresheit - Chapter 18 - Verses 24-27

Avraham comes to bargain with Hashem & plead for the people of Sodom so that they should not be destroyed along with the 4 neighboring cities. In doing so he reflects true humility.

Avraham utters his famous response after speaking to Hashem, "I am but dust & ashes." Avraham's only purpose in life is to bring Kavod Shamayim into the world. That is why he is praying for Sodom. He knows that each and every person has a nashama inside. Today they maybe missing the point, but maybe tomorrow they will get it. Avraham does not feel like he is doing anything great by doing this, he understands it is his duty & obligation.

Humility does not mean putting yourself down or thinking you are less. Being humble means all have and all am is because of Hashem and for Hashem.

BS”D may we all learn what truly being humble is from Avraham Avinu!