There are so many of us who are disenchanted with the entire way Tisha b'Av demands of us. Sit on the floor. Mourn. Listen to sad stories. My Rebbi- Rav Yitzchock Berkovits Puts a terrific perspective on it all that had me actually excited for the avodah of Tisha B'av this year. In truth I gave this class right after I sat with Nachi Gordon from Me…

This time of year is always an odd one in Judaism. we are meant to feel something for Galut and the Bet Hamikdash but what? Believe it or not there is an underlying simcha to it all. We journey with the Jews in the Parsha through the 42 places in the Midbar to find a starting point for ourselves in making sense of these times. Also I admit I still …

In this Shiur We explore the incredible secret behind what makes a great Jewish leader. We discuss homebrewing beer & some of my favorite stories.By Rabbi Ari Bensoussan

We get vulnerable in this one! We dive deep into the ideas I heard from My Rebbi Rav Yitzock Berkovitz Shlita concerning the Yetzer Hora's lies when it comes to negative thoughts and depressive ideas. Along the way I confess to too much, just waaaay too much.By Rabbi Ari Bensoussan

In this weeks Shiur we tackle the confusing story of Korach based on the humility of Moshe. It is an eye opening look at how one is meant to go about giving of themselves to the klal and to mitzvot. Along the way we hear about whitewater rafting trips and WhatsApp etiquette. Enjoy!By Rabbi Ari Bensoussan

I Know. We are all feeling it. The war in Israel and our brothers and sisters suffering in bomb shelters as missiles mercilessly rain down upon them. In our class today we share chizuk and ideas to help us gain clarity and focus as jews always do in the face of evil. Along the way we come face to face with those who put their mouths and false prete…

In this Pre Shavuot Shiur we try to explain the connection we feel on Shavuot and the ultimate acceptance we partake in. Along the way we talk about cheesecake and 24 adornments of a bride and its connection to the Tikkun Lel Shavuot. Enjoy!By Rabbi Ari Bensoussan

SOooooo I wasn't sure I should post this one. Still not sure. It is pretty intense but I felt maybe someone out there will gain. I make some archaic references from my teenage music listening years and try to move us in a direction of Torah growth. EnjoyBy Rabbi Ari Bensoussan

This is a fun one. I laugh so hard in the middle I need a moment to compose myself. We go through some outrageous stories of the Rashbi that shed light on what we as a people should focus on to tear up any bad decree's in heaven. Along the way, my son shares an interesting thought and I drop a Major push to buy some Artscroll sets at 25 percent off…

This one is pretty hard hitting. I didn't mean for it to be so intense but I realized how much I have personally weakened in my own Kedusha since I have moved from Israel and I guess this is the product of that! We talk about the famous Ramban of Menuval B'reshut hatroah in todays society. We find a hidden gem of a Ramban in Acharei Mot that teache…

Welcome Back!! We are starting up again after Pesach with a brand new Shiur on the 3 causes of Lashon Hara based on the Amazing Sefer 'Pushing Your Buttons' On the Parsha written by Rabbi Moshe Gruenstein. We ask if Hashem is a Scout or a Scoreboard and hear some amazing ideas about the Luz Bone, Reb Shayala and Melava Malka. Enjoy! ^^Announcement^…

It is finally here! SEDER TIME! Please grab a pen and paper for this one because it is the legendary focused Seder From My Rebbi Rav Berkowitz with all the Fire I can muster. We laugh and learn some heavy hitting points of how to imbue our children with a fierce sense of jewish identity and show them the secret of our immortality! Yeah we also talk…

Pesach is here!! We begin our journey to unravel the mystery of what we are meant to give over to our children and ourselves over the course of Pesach. Even if you are heard my other Pesach Shiurim I cover new ground in this shiur so give it a listen!! Big NEWS!! Chazak LA has teamed up with Artscroll! When you order from Artscroll and use the foll…

In this episode we tackle the idea of humility in the Parah Adumah. Along the way we hear about husbands avodah in marriage and how the build up from Parshat Shekalim culminates in Nissan. Oh Yeah, there is a lot about marriage. Like more than I should've shared. Enjoy! Last licks on helping keep this podcast and more Torah going! thechesedfund.com…

YESSSS!! PURIM is the happiest time of the year. We discuss some amazing little known stories of the Megillah, like what is the deal with Vashti's tail? We then explore th very difficult challenges Esther faced and how she in her times and we in our times will persevere. Thank you to all those who donated to my organization the Chazak L.A. campaign…

WOW WOW WOW!!! What a beautiful turn out and FIRE TORAH! We explore the concept of Marbin B'Simcha, and the some incredible stories along the way. Its an emotional one, and a simcha filled one. Here is the link to the fundraiser- http://thechesedfund.com/chazak/torah-in-motion-chazak-non-stop-2025/teams/rabbiariandnaomibensoussan Any donation over …

A Short thought, with a long reach. In this quick little amuse I also make a bit of a pitch, the once a year reach out to those who enjoy the podcast and want to partner with all the Torah that myself and Chazak LA share daily with the world. Your contribution enables us to continue teaching Torah to Klal Yisroel. If your feeling a surge of Hakarat…

Purim Is Coming!! We delve in to the idea of what kind of mitzvah Purim is and what kind of Anti Semitism there was then and how it is applicable to us now. We end with a mindset necessary for this year Purim and hopefully for the rest of our lives. I do not ever fundraise during year, but now is the time my organization, Chazak LA reaches out to o…

In this episode, we explore the Torah's perspective on causing harm to others—the good, the bad, and the ugly of it all. We dive into the importance of developing sensitivities and attempting to see things from another person's perspective. Ultimately, we discuss how we can never truly know what someone else is going through, and how that awareness…

***TRIGGER WARNING-HEAVY MUSSAR*** Todays Women Shiur enters into the incredible idea of Kabalot Hatorah being what the Maharal calls "MUCHRACHI" (definition in the Shiur). From there we traverse into the little known world of building a Jewish women's Olam Habah. I have been giving this class for several years and once in a while will shift into h…

In this episode we delved into the incredible world of Hodah- Thanksgiving to Hashem. Thanks for being alive and for all the innumerable Chessed Hashem does for us each and every second of every day. This is a powerful deep dive into the Psalm of Mizmor L'todah that we say each day and how to muster those deep feelings of love and appreciation to H…

What's the deal with the Darkness? We shed 'light' on this enigmatic plague and learn a lot about how to see the world that Hashem gave us in the process. We meet "Good Guest vs. Bad Guest" along the way and how certain rewards are distributed by Hashem.By Rabbi Ari Bensoussan

In this weeks class we cover the Mesorah of Torah from Moshe to us today. This is a very important class to know that the same Torah Moshe taught the Jews in the Midbar is the same that we are learning and teaching today. (One correction- I said the the Yemenite Jews concerning their lack of Torah Shel bal Peh in truth I meant the Ethiopian jews)…

Believe it or not there are those who fast on the eighth and ninth of Tevet as well as the tenth. Why? Find out in this weeks episode, where a miracle turns into tragedy for generations to come.By Rabbi Ari Bensoussan

In our next installment of Chanukah, we talk about the prep involved in set up of the menorah and why Eliyahu Hanavi feels the set up is key. We then delve deeper into the aspects of flame (Neshama) Wicks (Guf) and Oil ( Chochmah). In the end we tie it up with some heavy emotion-namely, not seeing help from above time after time and how staring a t…

As we move closer towards Chanukah our second step in the Avodah is discussed. Tapping into the Ohr Haganuz and how implementing it can save us from the darkness of Yavan. A darkness that was implemented to destroy us at our core. A darkness meant to make us forget the Torah. How could they make us forget? We explore some self searching thoughts th…

Chanukah is almost upon us! We begin our Chanukah journey this year with a deep dive in to the fight between Yaakov and the Angel of Eisav. The hit in the hip reveals all!By Rabbi Ari Bensoussan

This one gets heavy. We begin with the background of Yaakov & Eisav , but quickly become aware that there is more than meets the eye in their incredible story. -WARNING-This one gets pretty emotional at the end as it finds its climax in the enormous power of Leah's tears.By Rabbi Ari Bensoussan

What an adventure!! We take a deep dive into the human psychology of rebelling. Going against ones own nature and nurture to find ones own originality. Pinnochio gets a shout out as does Yishai Ribo as we explore the world of Chidush. Enjoy.By Rabbi Ari Bensoussan

Welcome to an unknown Gem of a Shiur given from My Rebbi, Rav Yitzchok Berkowitz many years ago. Hidden away in the decades old recordings this one is very close to my heart. It is both challenging and simple, a call to greatness in four steps. I get emotional because how could you not when you tap into the one chance we have at life and living it …

Vayeira is the address of Free Will and Sacrifice. We explore the ten tests of Avraham and the making of an actual choice based on nothing but choice itself. Along the way, we share stories of Reb Nosson Tzvi Finkel A"h, Rochel Imeinu and my own personal struggle with some hard life decisions. Enjoy! If you like what you are hearing please consider…

In this A-muse , I share an idea that hit me and resonated enough that I felt like I had to share it. Feel good about standing out for what is right. Feel good that you and I would be a 'klum' amongst greater people. Feel good with control and grabbing greatness, no matter how small that greatness may seem. Enjoy…

In this week's Women Shiur, we begin to tackle some incredible ideas that they may never have taught you in Yeshiva growing up. The mysteries of Og Melech HaBashan and his deep connection to Noach and Moshe. This deep dive is in an effort to unearth some hidden gems of the past to ignite some new love for our oldest limud. Enjoy…

In this Yom Kippur Prep Shiur, we explore the real in depth analysis of what Vidui , Charatah & Kabalah for the future are REALLY about in order to begin an amazing life of ever lasting change. Along the way I talk about meeting one of my hero's and what my son's stolen bike has to with Reb Shamshon Refael Hirsch. The King of Rohan, Gandolph the Gr…

Rosh Hashana is upon us my friends! What is the proper mindset to have when standing before our king and crowning him once again this year? In this Women Shiur we explore this idea while traversing through the different stages of life, each compared to different levels of soul. Donkeys will bray and Dogs will bark in this episode to help us define …

Rosh Hashana is getting closer, now is the time to begin thinking and preparing our minds for this incredible day. If you will only listen to one Shiur about Rosh Hashana this year , I would highly recommend this one! In this Women's Shiur we delve deep into the concept of Judgment on this most auspicious of days and what our attitude is meant to b…

In our final Shiur on History we delve in to our most precious of subjects- Israel. This is an emotional roller coaster as we end off our years long exploration of jewish history.By Rabbi Ari Bensoussan

In This Women Shiur we explore the rise of Islam and its affect on Jewish History. We then reflect upon the beginning of Elul and the True feelings and Avodah we are meant to begin having and doing at this time of the year.By Rabbi Ari Bensoussan

I am sitting alone right before Tisha B'Av , as many of you out there feeling ... lost. When this happens I try to find a path to gain clarity as to what I will try and attain as my Avodah in sorrow for this year. Join me on this one, let's find what to truly cry about.By Rabbi Ari Bensoussan

Chodesh Av is upon us.. I was feeling unsettled after a year of Mourning so many atrocities to just go into Chodesh Av like any other year. I delved into sources and prayed to Hashem for clarity. This Shiur is outcome of it all.In the place of mourning may we dance together as one this Tisha B'av with Mashiach in the third Bet Hamikdash, Amen!…

If You Listen to one A-Muse , let it be this one. I did not plan to get so emotional or go so raw when I sat down to record, but the Eibishter had other plans. In this A-Muse we search for what quality makes a Jewish leader. We then reflect this characterisitc on our own lives and see if we are living up to our own responsibilities as Rabbeim and a…

In this Monday Night Shiur With my Post High school guys, we explore the idea of fasting and the times we are entering now. We reflect on the act of Pinchas and how hidden within his story we can find an original outlook for the upcoming fast of Shiva Asar B'Tamuz.By Rabbi Ari Bensoussan

In this Women's Class we discuss the meaning of Mashiach, how Mashiach will reinstitute living life according to Torah values. We then use this as a backdrop to discuss what happened during the rise of Christianity and how history has repeated itself today.By Rabbi Ari Bensoussan

It is Mishna & Gemara Time! Explaining our Mesorah's importance and the responsibility and super human efforts of those giants who made it a possibility. We hear about the talents of Reb Yochanan Ben Zakai and the incredible story of Reb Yochanan & Rish Lakish.By Rabbi Ari Bensoussan

In this Women's History Shiur , We skip to Post- Second Bet Hamikdash to focus on the origin of our current survival in this very long exile. We go through some unfortunate and unpleasant stories as we meander through our origins of exile. Reb Akiva, Reb Yehuda Hanasi and even Marcus Areilus are introduced in this emotional and necessary shiur.…

In this class we go from Davids origin story as a shepherd to a King. His drive, his set up in Jerusalem and how King Shlomo follows his legacy. Throw in some personal stories with Rav Kaduri's coat and Scottish accents, it is a fun , educational and inspiring listen.By Rabbi Ari Bensoussan

Action Packed Shiur this week! TOO MUCH TO WRITE ABOUT IN ONE LITTLE DESCRIPTION! David Hamelech , Parenting , Makings of a King , War, The need of a Goliath-so David can win , Jews in Galut and so much more about Love and Simcha in Shavuot. Enjoy! Please take out a minute to subscribe and send out to others so we can spread Awesome Torah Everywher…

In this Shiur, we see the Torah commands a Jewish King what NOT to own. We delve into the shortcomings and difficulties of being a leader and parent. But we can and need to be great, we discuss some tools toward that greatness.By Rabbi Ari Bensoussan

We continue down the sacred path of History, visiting the times of the Judges, in the book of Shoftim. Some hard hitting insights from the chilling tale of Gideon to the reason why Shmuel and Hashem were not too thrilled to give the Jews a king! Enjoy!By Rabbi Ari Bensoussan

I came across this beautiful Medrash. It pierced right through me and had to share. What in the world is a SPIFE? Find out , it may just save your marriage , your children and all whom you hold dear to you!By Rabbi Ari Bensoussan