- Halacha
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excited about Torah
Question
There have been times that I have listened to the Rabbi give a profound message, comment, or sermon... So what does it mean when I feel "sheer goosebumps" cascade across my face, head, or arm for a brief moment, either "during or immediately following" the time they speak, whatever the subject, topic, etc.??? Shalom to you, Rabbi! VMM
Answer
Every person was granted by God a unique soul or what's referred to in kabbala as "your letter in the Torah" or your "spark of Godliness". We say in prayer "the God of Avraham, the God of Yitzchak and the God of Jacob, and not simply "the God of Avraham, Yitzchak and Jacob”, because each of them had a special and unique relationship with God. Similarly, David writes about an individual, "… and in his (!) Torah he will learn day and night" (Psalms 1, 2), because everyone connects to his unique and personal topics, ideas or teachers of Torah. Accordingly, our rabbis teach (Bavli, Avoda Zara 19) "A person doesn't learn but in the place (and from the teacher) where his heart desires. Thank God today with the internet, even a person who has difficulty getting around, can browse the web until s/he finds Torah that "speaks to them". This is the concept of "Aseh L'cha Rav" (Avot 1, 6), or "brand yourself a rabbi". If in fact you've found yourself a teacher who speaks to your soul and intellect, fantastic- that's the way it's supposed to be! Maybe suggest his lessons to your friends as well.
With Love of Israel,
Rav Ari Shvat
Yahrzeit for sibling before I was born
Rabbi Daniel Kirsch | Cheshvan 25, 5782

Difference between woman/converts in Srarah issues?
Rabbi David Sperling | Nisan 1, 5781

Paperclips on Shabbat and other question
Rabbi David Sperling | Kislev 14, 5782

bracha on birth of children
Rabbi David Sperling | Tishrei 26, 5777

Rabbi Ari Shvat
Lectures at various yeshivot, michlalot and midrashot. Has published many books & Torani articles and is in charge of Rav Kook’s archives.

Orlah fruit trees
Adar I 5, 5771

Evils Spirits & Ghosts
Adar II 25, 5771

Kri u'ktiv
Adar II 25, 5771

Yericho conquest by Yehoshua
Tevet 28, 5771

Kashering a dishwasher
Rabbi David Sperling | Cheshvan 23, 5778

Carrying House Keys
Rabbi David Sperling | Sivan 14, 5774
Genesis 24: 2-9 – Put your hand under my thigh
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Tevet 26, 5770

Backyard Eruv
Various Rabbis | 15 Kislev 5763

A Middle Name that Won’t be/Isn’t Used
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Av 11, 5782

If you knew the Mashiach should you alert him and others?
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Av 15, 5782

melave malka
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Av 4, 5782
