Spark Torah Podcast

Why is a parsha that begins with Sarah’s death called “the life of Sarah”? This week, we explore how her influence continues through Avraham’s choices, Rivkah’s kindness, and the spiritual light of the Jewish home.

We will discuss:

* Living al kiddush Hashem: Sanctifying Hashem’s name through the everyday choices of a Torah life.

* Avraham’s grief and faith: Different explanations for why he eulogized Sarah before crying, and the challenge of serving Hashem without regret.

* The purchase of Machpelah: Avraham’s acceptance of a lasting spiritual responsibility.

* Rivkah at...

Vayeira is packed with drama: angelic visitors, the destruction of Sodom, the birth of Yitzchak, and the Akeidah. Through it all, we find lessons about kindness, moral courage, balance, and what it means to serve Hashem in both extraordinary moments and everyday life.

This week, we explore:

* Hospitality without an agenda: What distinguishes Avraham’s welcome from Lot’s, and what can we learn about welcoming ordinary people?

* Standing up for others: Avraham pleads for Sodom, showing us the importance of acting when another person needs help.

* When values become distorted: Lot’...

Welcome to the Spark Torah podcast! I am Chana Miriam Bouskila and today we will be learning parsha Lech Lecha. We will talk about: Do our small deeds matter? Why doesn’t Avraham get an introduction? Why so much discussion about Avraham’s age? How should we handle disputes? How should we handle wealth? And other life lessons we can carry from the parsha…

Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely free way to support the pod. And hop on over to our Substack where you can join in our conversation, gain i...

This week on Spark Torah, we begin with a quick recap of Bereshit before exploring Parshat Noach. From the ark to the rainbow to the Tower of Bavel, we look at what these stories teach us about responsibility, renewal, and our relationship with Hashem.

In this episode, we explore:

* Noach’s righteousness

* The Flood as a new beginning

* Why Noach needed to build the ark

* Finding shelter in Torah study and prayer, then bringing that strength into the world.

* The raven and the dove as lessons in ta...

Moshe’s final words to Bnei Israel come as a song. In Parshat Ha’azinu, Shirat Ha’azinu looks back at the Jewish people’s relationship with Hashem: the ways He protected and provided for them, the times they turned away, and the promise that He will ultimately return to His people.

In this episode, we explore:

Why Moshe calls on both heaven and earth to hear his words—and what that teaches us about carrying the inspiration of Torah and tefillah into everyday life.

The beautiful comparison of Torah to rain and dew, and w...

This week’s double parsha brings together two seemingly opposite ideas: Nitzavim — standing firm — and Vayelech — moving forward. We explore why we need both: a strong, unwavering foundation of emunah alongside continual growth in Torah, mitzvot, and our relationship with Hashem.

In this episode:

Stand, think, then move. Nitzavim and Vayelech give us a practical formula for life: pause and think before we speak or act, make a plan, move forward, and then stop again to reflect on how we did.

Making our “beyond” our new normal. Teshuvah requires more than returning to where we wer...

This week we explore Parshat Ki Tavo and what it means to truly enter the gifts, mitzvot, and moments Hashem gives us.

We begin with the words “Ki Tavo” — “when you come” and the idea that every new day is a gift waiting for us to step into it. As Rosh Hashanah approaches, we consider what it means not simply to ask Hashem for more days, but to be fully alive and present within them.

We also discuss:

* Bikkurim and gratitude — recognizing that even after all our hard work, our blessings ultimately come from Hashem...

This week we’re learning Parsha Ki Teitzei, the parsha with more mitzvot than any other in the Torah!

We’ll explore what the Torah’s laws surrounding the captive woman teach us about the powerful influence of our environment, even on the most righteous among us, and what that means for the communities and homes we choose to build.

We’ll also look at the mitzvah of returning lost objects through the Or HaChaim’s beautiful interpretation of helping bring a fellow Jew back to Torah, and take a deeper look at the unusual mitzvah of...

Parsha Shoftim is filled with laws about leadership. So that begs the question: How do we lead our own lives? With Rosh Chodesh Elul beginning, this becomes an invitation to choose one small area in which to grow, whether that means taking on something new or bringing more intention and consistency to something we already do. We also explore Rav Moshe Feinstein’s fascinating explanation of the matzevah: human beings are not meant to become monuments to past accomplishments. Then we turn to the Torah’s vision of a Jewish king. His power is deliberately limited, and he must keep...

This week we dive into Parshat Re’eh, the turning point in Moshe Rabbeinu’s final speech before Bnei Yisrael enter the Land of Israel.

We will discuss:

The choice of a blessing or a curse and why these are both placed before us.

Rav Shlomo Zevin’s insight into transforming both prosperity and hardship into opportunities to serve Hashem.

The Lubavitcher Rebbe’s teaching that what appears to be a curse may actually be a blessing.

Why the Torah says “today”, and what it teaches us about approaching Torah.

This week we explore Parshat Eikev, where Moshe reminds the Jewish people that life in the Land of Israel will depend on remembering Hashem—not only during hardship, but especially during times of blessing and success.

We will discuss:

Why the Torah says “kol hamitzvah” (”the entire mitzvah”) and what it teaches us about treating the mitzvot as a complete package rather than choosing only the ones that come naturally.

The spiritual symbolism of the 613 mitzvot and how each one contributes to our spiritual wholeness.

Why Birkat HaMazon is considered by many to be...

This week we explore Parshat Va’etchanan, a parsha filled with some of the Torah’s most foundational passages—including the Ten Commandments, the Shema, and Moshe Rabbeinu’s final pleas to enter Eretz Yisrael.

We will discuss:

Why Shabbat Nachamu follows Tisha B’Av and how Parshat Va’etchanan itself offers a message of comfort.

The Sefat Emet’s beautiful insight that even while in exile, we can still connect to the holiness of Eretz Yisrael through our prayers.

Why teaching grandchildren represents something unique in the transmission of Torah, based on the t...

This week we begin Sefer Devarim, the fifth and final book of the Torah. Unlike the previous four books, Devarim is one long farewell address from Moshe Rabbeinu during the final weeks of his life before Bnei Yisrael enter Eretz Yisrael.

In this episode we explore what makes Devarim unique, why Moshe waited until the end of his life to rebuke the nation, the incredible value of even a single mitzvah, and practical lessons we can apply as we prepare for the Three Weeks and look toward redemption.

In This Episode

* Why Sefer...

This week we conclude the book of Bamidbar with the double portion of Matot-Masei, a parsha filled with powerful lessons about speech, responsibility, spiritual growth, and the purpose of our journey through life.

In This Episode

* The holiness of speech and guarding our words

* Torah study versus lashon hara

* Taking ownership and responsibility before entering Eretz Yisrael

* Why Reuven and Gad wanted to remain outside the Land

* The deeper meaning of the forty-two journeys

* Aharon’s legacy of peace and unity

* The spiritual me...

Why does Parshat Pinchas begin by praising an act that actually took place in last week’s parsha? And why are the korbanot for the festivals placed here instead of in Sefer Vayikra?

In this week’s episode, we explore how these seemingly unrelated sections of the parsha are deeply connected.

Together we’ll discuss:

* Why Hashem’s approval of Pinchas was delayed until this week’s parsha—and what that teaches us about judging another person’s motives.

* The difference between everyday mitzvot and extraordinary acts of self-sacrifice.

* The covenant o...

Hello and welcome to the Spark Torah podcast! I am Chana Miriam Bouskila and today we will be learning parsha Chukat. Parshat Balak

This week we continue our exploration of the double portion Chukat-Balak by turning our attention to one of the Torah’s most fascinating stories: the attempts of Bilaam to curse the Jewish people and the blessings that emerged instead.

We begin with a story about the Apter Rav and the mitzvah of Ahavat Yisrael (love of one’s fellow Jew), using it as a lens through which to understand the deeper message of P...

Hello and welcome to the Spark Torah podcast! I am Chana Miriam Bouskila and today we will be learning parsha Chukat. We discuss the meaning of a chok (a divine decree beyond human understanding), beginning with the laws of the Red Heifer (Parah Adumah) and what they teach us about mitzvot, purity, mortality, and our relationship with Hashem.

We also examine several major events in the parsha: Miriam’s death and the loss of the well, Moshe striking the rock at Mei Merivah, Aaron’s death on Mount Hor, the journeys around Edom and Moav, the battles agai...

Hello and welcome to the Spark Torah podcast! I am Chana Miriam Bouskila and today we will be learning parsha Beha’alotecha. We will talk about how to fight… the rebellion… How to maintain peace… and why is it called parshat Korach? And other life lessons we can learn form the parsha.

Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely free way to support the pod. For weekly Torah insights, bonus content, and archived episodes, visit sparktorah.substack.com. Thank you for learning with me today!

Hello and welcome to the Spark Torah podcast! I am Chana Miriam Bouskila and today we will be learning parsha Beha’alotecha. We will talk about the story of the spies and where they went wrong… How fixing things our way isn’t always the best way… What does bread have to do with our enemies… What if we know the work we do won’t last? Should we do it anyway?… Did the people in the desert really do teshuvah? Why do we separate challah?… And other life lessons we can learn form the parsha.

Please leave a review o...

Hello and welcome to the Spark Torah podcast! I am Chana Miriam Bouskila and today we will be learning parsha Beha’alotecha. We will talk about The symbolism of the menorah, keruvim, silver trumpets, and other Mishkan vessels… The powerful lesson of Pesach Sheni and second chances in Judaism… The difference between looking for loopholes and looking for opportunities to fulfill mitzvot… The purpose of the silver trumpets and their message for Jewish life… Moshe’s humility and what being humble really means… And other life lessons we can learn form the parsha.

Please leave a review on Spotify or...

Hello and welcome to the Spark Torah podcast! I am Chana Miriam Bouskila and today we will be learning parsha Bamidbar. We will talk about Isha sotah, the nazir, the priestly blessing, and the offerings of the princes... What do they all have in common? And other life lessons we can learn form the parsha.

Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely free way to support the pod. And hop on over to our Substack where you can join in our conversation, gain inspiration, and stay up to date on all...

Hello and welcome to the Spark Torah podcast! I am Chana Miriam Bouskila and today we will be learning parsha Bamidbar. We will talk about why this parsha is read before Shavuot… What it takes to be a torah teacher… What returning a lost object is really all about and how Dan was uniquely positioned to do just that… What Yaakov’s funeral procession has to do with this week’s parsha… What Moshe’s sacrifice was all about… And other life lessons we can learn form the parsha.

Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which...

Hello and welcome to the Spark Torah podcast! I am Chana Miriam Bouskila and today we will be learning parsha Behar-Bechukotai. We will talk about what is the deal with shmita, and what we can learn form it… Why hater iska is ok… how the reward of rTorah study actually works… How we can tap into the merit of the land…and other life lessons we can carry from the parsha… Plus a bonus this week: Spiritual preparation for Shavuot!

Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely free way to support the pod. A...

Hello and welcome to the Spark Torah podcast! I am Chana Miriam Bouskila and today we will be learning parsha Emor. We will talk about what happens if we miss prayer… why you shouldn’t slaughter a mother animal and its offspring not he same day… Why we call it Passover and the Torah doesn’t… and other life lessons we can carry from the parsha…

Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely free way to support the pod. And hop on over to our Substack where you can join in our conversa...

Hello and welcome to the Spark Torah podcast! I am Chana Miriam Bouskila and today we will be learning parsha Acharei-Kedoshim. We will talk about what we can learn form the goats… How important mitzvot are… What it means to live by the Torah… What it means to be holy and how we know what to do… How important our thoughts and intentions are… and other life lessons we can carry from the parsha…

Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely free way to support the pod. And hop on over to our Subst...

Hello and welcome to the Spark Torah podcast! I am Chana Miriam Bouskila and today we will be learning parsha Tazria-Metzora. We will talk about circumcision on the eighth day… How to be more careful with our speech and why… What impurity and purity is… Why food matters… and other life lessons we can carry from the parsha…

Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely free way to support the pod. And hop on over to our Substack where you can join in our conversation, gain inspiration, and stay up to date on al...

Hello and welcome to the Spark Torah podcast! I am Chana Miriam Bouskila and today we will be learning parsha Shemini. We will talk about Aaron’s sons and their death… Preparation as part of mitzvot… How to serve Hashem the way He wants and why that matters… Fins and scales on kosher fish and how that relates to us… and other life lessons we can carry from the parsha…

Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely free way to support the pod. And hop on over to our Substack where you can join...

Hello and welcome to the Spark Torah podcast! I am Chana Miriam Bouskila and today we will be learning parsha Tzav. We will talk about why the title word of our parsha is so strong… Why the kohanim needed to remove the ashes… How to teach Torah… Why passion matters… Why we need to check our stress levels around holidays… and other life lessons we can carry from the parsha…

Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely free way to support the pod. And hop on over to our Substack where you can join...

Hello and welcome to the Spark Torah podcast! I am Chana Miriam Bouskila and today we will be learning parsha Vayikra. We will talk about how we should view these chapters on korbanot (sacrifices)… Why there is a little alef in the word Vayikra… Why Hashem’s voice stopped at the wall… Plus a deep dive into the salt and birds… and other life lessons we can carry from the parsha…

Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely free way to support the pod. And hop on over to our Substack where you ca...

Hello and welcome to the Spark Torah podcast! I am Chana Miriam Bouskila and today we will be learning parsha Vayakhel. We will talk about mitzvot and why they matter… When intention counts and why alacrity is important… Why the women received Rosh Chodesh… plus: symbolism in the materials for the Mishkan… and other life lessons we can carry from the parsha…

Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely free way to support the pod. And hop on over to our Substack where you can join in our conversation, gain inspiration, and stay u...

Hello and welcome to the Spark Torah podcast! I am Chana Miriam Bouskila and today we will be learning parsha Ki Tisa. We will talk about the significance of the handwashing before the service in the Mishkan… What the kiyor was made from and why that was significant… Why tzedakkah is so important… How we rest on Shabbat and why… plus: the golden calf explained… and other life lessons we can carry from the parsha…

Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely free way to support the pod. And hop on over to our...

Hello and welcome to the Spark Torah podcast! I am Chana Miriam Bouskila and today we will be learning parsha Tetzaveh. We will talk about how we are like olive trees… What it means to be wise hearted… whether or not Torah observance limits us… Why all those details in this week’s parsha matter… and other life lessons we can carry from the parsha…

Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely free way to support the pod. And hop on over to our Substack where you can join in our conversation...

Hello and welcome to the Spark Torah podcast! I am Chana Miriam Bouskila and today we will be learning parsha Terumah. We will talk about what makes a home… How Heaven judges value… What’s so important about the acacia wood… Why we have so many details… How we can make our homes a dwelling place for Hashem… and other life lessons we can carry from the parsha…

Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely free way to support the pod. And hop on over to our Substack where you can join in our co...

Hello and welcome to the Spark Torah podcast! I am Chana Miriam Bouskila and today we will be learning parsha Mishpatim. We will talk about why this parsha is different from what we have been reading… Why we have laws and where they come from… How Yitro and Mishpatim are connected… What it means to be a holy people… What naasheh v’nishma really means… and other life lessons we can carry from the parsha…

Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely free way to support the pod. And hop on over to our Su...

Hello and welcome to the Spark Torah podcast! I am Chana Miriam Bouskila and today we will be learning parsha Yitro. We will talk about how to give advice and criticize… The exile… Why the parsha is named after Yitro… How we can unify while still maintaining our individuality… How to handle jealousy… and other life lessons we can carry from the parsha…

Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely free way to support the pod. And hop on over to our Substack where you can join in our conversation, gain inspiration...

Hello and welcome to the Spark Torah podcast! I am Chana Miriam Bouskila and today we will be learning parsha Beshalach. We will take a deep dive into explaining the manna… discuss bitterness and its effect on our lives… Talk about what misplaced mercy is and why we may be prone to do it and why we shouldn’t… learn about gathering mitzvot and why it seems hard even though its free for the taking… and other life lessons we can carry from the parsha…

Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely fre...

Hello and welcome to the Spark Torah podcast! I am Chana Miriam Bouskila and today we will be learning parsha Bo. We will discuss why pharaoh panicked so much over the locusts… What freedom really means… Why the redemption came at midnight… Why the women packed instruments… and other life lessons we can carry from the parsha…

Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely free way to support the pod. And hop on over to our Substack where you can join in our conversation, gain inspiration, and stay up to date on all thi...

Hello and welcome to the Spark Torah podcast! I am Chana Miriam Bouskila and today we will be learning parsha Va’era. We continue the conversation between Moshe and Hashem… discuss the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart… talk about ways to deal with anger and why that matters… learn about styles of leadership and what we need in our leaders… the real miracle of the plagues… why there was a warning for the plagues… and other life lessons we can carry from the parsha…

Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely free way to suppor...

Hello and welcome to the Spark Torah podcast! I am Chana Miriam Bouskila and today we will be learning parsha Shemot. We will discuss what this parsha has to do with names… Why Hashem appeared as a bush… Why and when we should remove our shoes… Whether or not we can question… Why does life have to be this way?… And a mini deep dive into four incredible women who help shape the redemption in its early stages: Yocheved, Miriam, Bitya, and Tzipporah… and other life lessons we can carry from the parsha…

Please leave a review on Spotify or...

Hello and welcome to the Spark Torah podcast! I am Chana Miriam Bouskila and today we will be learning parsha Vayechi. We will discuss why the years in Egypt were the happiest of Yaakov’s life… if Yaakov’s children were too comfortable in Egypt… why Yaakov’s name switches back and forth… why the brachot Yaakov gave his children don’t always sound like brachot… why people lived so long back then compared to us today… and other life lessons we can carry from the parsha…

Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, which is an entirely free...