Introducing Halacha: The Tool Used to Perfect the Person

In the first class of the Ben Ish Chai Halacha series, our guide Rabbi Chaim Levy draws upon the perspective of the Sephardic luminaries to explain the role and function of Halacha in our daily lives. He shows how Halacha is transformed from seemingly simple actions into the key for understanding the Will of Hashem. Rabbi Levy also explains the format he plans to take in not only in teaching the Ben Ish Chai, but also in expounding on other sources, along with a broad picture of all the major contemporary authorities of the Sephardic world. He uses this introduction to retell some amazing stories about the Ben Ish Chai, and sets the stage for the first set of halachot – Tsitsit. Download Introduction

Tsitsit # 2: Foundations of a Fundamental Mitsvah Bereishit # 2

Rabbi Levy first explains the concept of kavanah (intention) and continues by showing what part it plays in the fulfillment of a mitzvah. As you prepare to recite the beracha of tzitzit, what should you have in mind? Also, how do I go about fitting myself for the right size tzitzit? Download Tsitsit #2

Tsitsit #3: Ben Ish Chai on Stage Bereishit # 3

Ok! So now we know how to make the Beracha and what the minimum size a Tallit needs to be, but how is one to wear it? Hear how the Ben Ish Chai donned his own Tallit, and what the specific details are to help us perform this mitzvah properly. In addition, Rabbi Levy also tells the amazing life story of the Ari z”l, the master kaballist who continues to have a great influenced on Jewish practice and Sephardic life. Download Tsitsit #3

Tsitsit #4: Deciphering the Difference Noah #  1

Wool and cotton – what’s the difference – besides the price? Should I place tzitzit over my plastic raincoat? Rabbi Levy takes a detour to explain how Rabbi Yosef Karo constructed his monumental Shulchan Aruch. Download Tsitsit #4

Tsitsit #5: Summing up the Strings themselves Noach #2

Putting together all the loose ends of tzitzit: How did the staircase pattern of the stings get into how we tie the tzitzit? Let’s get technical with machine tzitzit – how good could they really be? How long do the strings need to be? In a special feature, Rabbi Levy reveals some not so common Sephardic sources and dives into the depths of tzitzit and how it ties in with all the 613 mitzvot in mind. Download Tsitsit #5

Tsitsit #6: Clearing up the Confusion Noah #3

There are many ways to tie the tzitzit, but listen to how the Ben Ish Chai himself did it. What is the din about borrowing my friends tzitzit when he’s not around? What times do you wear tzitzit without reciting a beracha? What do tzitzit have in common with being a dentist? Download Tsitsit #6

Tsitsit #7: Tying Up the Loose ends Lech Lecha 1

Can a very tall and a very short person share the same tzitzit and hear other common Halachot that are determined only by size. When do children start wearing them? In this segment Rabbi Levy ties up all the loose ends of Halachot tzitzit and clarifies what to do with tzitzit that have become old and useless. Download Tsitsit #7

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Netilat Yadayim

Netilat Yadayim #1: Washing Hands – Starting Your Day With A Splash (Toldot 1) Download
Netilat Yadayim #2: Taming the Forces of Tumah (Toldot 1) Download
Netilat Yadayim #3: Practical Applications of Washing Hands (Toldot 1) Download
Netilat Yadayim #4: The Anatomy – A Spiritual Perspective (Vayetseh 1) Download
Netilat Yadayim #5: Sanitary Conduct (Vayetseh 1) Download

Tefillin

Tefillin #1: Time Out To Understand Tefillin (Vayeira 1) Download
Tefillin #2: Putting on Tefillin & Interruptions Download
Tefillin #3: See For Yourself (Vayeira 1) Download
Tefillin #4:  The Top of the Ladder (Vayeira / Chaye Sarah 1) Download
Tefillin #5:  Handling Your Hands (Chaye Sarah 1) Download
Tefillin #6:  Pushing Tefillin to the Brink (Chaye Sarah 1) Download

Hadlakat Nerot

Hadlakat Nerot #1 Download MP3
Hadlakat Nerot #2 Download MP3
Hadlakat Nerot #3 Download MP3
Hadlakat Nerot #4 Download MP3
Hadlakat Nerot #5 Download MP3
Hadlakat Nerot #6 Download MP3

Kadish

Kadish # 1 Download MP3
Kadish # 2 Download MP3
Kadish # 3 Download MP3
Kadish # 4 Download MP3
Kadish # 5 Download MP3
Kadish # 6 Download MP3

Bet Haknesset 

Bet Haknesset # 1 Download MP3
Bet Haknesset # 2 Download MP3
Bet Haknesset # 3 Download MP3
Bet Haknesset # 4 Download MP3

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Pathways of Spirituality – While the world is running in every direction to find…well, pathways to spirituality! In this class, we’ll discover how!
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What Are We Here For? – Ok, it’s the biggest question in the world. We give it some thought once in a while, but really, it keeps nagging at us every so often. So come on, let’s give it some time and try to get some perspective on this idea together.
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Shema: Beyond the Darkness – Did you ever wonder why we cover our eyes during the Shema ? Did you know that the Shema can be recited in any language and what does the Shema have to do with the four corners of the earth ? All this and more in this exciting class!
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Mezuzah : A moment in Eternity – What do Israel, the Temple and the Romans have to do with this most overlooked mitsvah? In this class we are introduced to big concepts hiding behind small laws that all reveal a timeless treasure. Do you feel like you need an opportunity for focus and direction , does the fast pace of life run before you? Then you will love this SMALL class with a BIG message!
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Synagogue: High Energy Judaism -The Synagogue , Family Purity, Reading of the Torah and Proposing all have one link – High Energy. This episode weaves together all these seemingly random laws into a masterpiece that will help keep your Jewish awareness at its peek. An opportunity to get your heart into things all you have to do is … lend an ear.
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Self Definition – How do you define who you are ? What part does you appearance play in the greater scheme of your personality ? What is the Jewish view on modesty ? This class shares with us the tools of obtaining a healthy self image through the way we dress.
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Wine – Elevating the Mundane -  What is the most spiritual and mundane substance ? Are they the same ? Get the Jewish View on becoming rich and successful.The highest level of service of the Almighty is right at your doorstep – so open the door to this class and let it in!
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7 Ways to Get the Most Out of Life – Did you ever wonder why the Almighty created the world in seven days and not one? He is ALMIGHTY and capable of everything. This was done for our benefit, an attempt to teach us the 7 tools towards a productive life. In this humorous and informative class we discover the keys for Time management, aiming high, self esteem, prayer and more.
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