In this heart-stirring exploration of the prophet Elisha’s miracle for the destitute widow, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath invites us to uncover our own “cruse of oil” the indestructible spark of holiness within. Drawing from Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi’s profound interpretation, we discover that the widow’s empty vessels are our empty actions, our daily deeds done even without inspiration. When we keep showing up, praying, loving, giving, building those vessels eventually overflow with divine oil. This class takes the ancient story and turns it into a living roadmap for reigniting the soul when we feel emotionally or spiritually numb.

Takeaways:

Every soul possesses a pure “cruse of oil” an unbreakable core of divine essence untouched by pain, doubt, or apathy.

When inspiration runs dry, the key is action: fill your life with “empty vessels” of goodness, even if your heart isn’t fully in it yet.

Emotional numbness doesn’t mean the soul has died it’s a signal that something deeper is ready to be rediscovered.

Love, awe, and purpose can be reclaimed through consistent small acts of holiness they become the vessels for divine flow.

The moment the spark reawakens, all your past “empty” deeds become filled with meaning, joy, and light.

#Bible #Kabbalah #Judaism #Jewish #mysticism #jewishmysticism #chassidus #chassidut #spiritualgrowth #Rabbi #chabad #spiritualgrowth #inspiration #soul #essence #Spiritual #divinespark

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In this heartfelt Ask Me Anything, Rabbi Bernath responds to someone from the Kabbalah for Everyone Community, a lifelong Reform Jew who asks a question many have quietly carried: “Am I less of a Jew because I was raised Reform?”

Rabbi Bernath explores how Jewish identity transcends denominational labels. Drawing on teachings from Tanya and Rashi, he reminds us that every Jewish soul is a piece of G-d, unbreakable and equally precious.

This conversation becomes more than an answer, it’s an invitation to rediscover who we are beneath the labels. It’s a love letter to every Jew who has ever wondered if they still belong.

Takeaways:

There are no “levels” of Jewishness. Every Jew, regardless of affiliation or observance carries the same Divine spark.

Denominations are man-made; the soul is G-d-made. Labels were meant to organize ideas, not divide hearts.

Jewish identity is a relationship, not a category. Wherever you learn, pray, or grow, your connection to G-d is real and alive.

Belonging is not earned — it’s inherited. You’re part of the same eternal covenant, the same people, the same love story that began at Sinai.

Your light matters. Every small act of faith, study, or kindness sustains the Jewish people.

#Judaism #Jewish #JewishIdentity #reform #orthodox #belonging #Kabbalah

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Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com

Single? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone.

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This morning, Rabbi Bernath explored a fascinating question raised by the great medieval sage Nachmanides (the Ramban): Why does the Torah introduce every major biblical figure with their background—except Abraham?

Why does G-d suddenly appear and tell him, “Lech Lecha — Go to yourself”, without any explanation of why him?

The Ramban and later Chassidic masters reveal something extraordinary: G-d didn’t just speak to Abraham. He speaks to everyone. The difference is — Abraham heard it.

“Lech Lecha” is not a one-time command; it’s a timeless call to every soul to move forward, step out of fear, and become the person G-d created us to be.

Rabbi Bernath illustrated this with the story of Avraham Vetzler, a 90-year-old Holocaust survivor who, after eight decades of silence, suddenly felt the call to return—to light, to Torah, to G-d. His story reminds us that it’s never too late to hear our own Lech Lecha.

Key Takeaways:

G-d is always speaking. The question is: am I listening?

“Lech Lecha” is a call to every human being — to leave behind fear, comfort, and old patterns and journey toward our truest self.

Growth begins when we notice that inner whisper and take one brave step forward.

You’re never too old, too far, or too lost to hear the call again.

#Kabbalah #Judaism #Jewish #LechLecha #Abraham #purpose #Faith #mysticism #spiritualgrowth #BibleStudy #Bible #Parsha #ParshatLechLecha #chassidus #chassidut

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Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com

Single? 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/donate

Follow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernath

Access Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi