2-Minute Lessons with Rabbi Shais Taub

Terumah: How to Receive a Donation

Hashem wants there to be chesed in the world. In order for that to happen, someone’s gotta give and someone’s gotta receive. Here’s what to think about when you’re the on

Yisro: Be a Real Friend

The 620 letters of the Ten Commandments contain the secret to being G-d’s friend.

Beshalach: Say It In Your Own Language

Spreading the inner secrets of the Torah will bring Moshiach. But you need to "translate" these ideas into relevant language.

Bo: Midnight and Noon

We know the precise times of two events in this week's parsha. The slaying of the firstborn took place at midnight and the actual exodus from Egypt took place at noon the

Vaeira: Are You Asking Too Many Questions?

Was Moshe starting up with Hashem or was he expressing fascination with Hashem’s ways? And what does this mean for me?

Shmos: How to Not Be Consumed by the Fire

What is the symbolism of the burning bush? Here is one explanation from a maamar of the Frierdiker Rebbe. It's talking about two opposite fires: the passion of the righte

Vayechi: Are You a Fish?

Yaakov blessed the sons of Yosef to "prosper like fish" which is explained to mean that they should be protected from the evil eye. What about being "fish-like" protects

Vayigash: "I Love a Yid"

Okay, this week's 2-minute Torah thought is a little bit on the cute side. Please forgive me.

Mikeitz: Pharaoh and Chanukah Gelt

The dreams of Pharaoh and of Yosef teach us about why the Maccabees fought the Greeks.

Vayeshev: The Greatest Reward

What is the most appropriate reward for a good deed? The opportunity to more good deeds! (Based on Sichos Kodesh 5734, vol. 1, p. 212.)

Vayishlach: Speak Their Language

Why did Yaakov behave so obsequiously toward Eisav at their reunion when he was supposed to have been guaranteed to be a master over his brother? We learn from the Alter

Toldos: It's Just Clothes

When Yakov received the blessings from his father Yitzchak he was dressed like his wicked brother Eisav. Why was it important to be blessed while wearing such a costume?

Vayeira: No Pain, No Gain

Part of the impact that a mitzvah has on the world is related to the physical effort that it requires us to expend. Avraham's healing process after his circumcision was t

Lech Lecha: Self-Discovery Through Service to Others

There is no real contradiction between personal growth and being an activist who helps others. The way that we discover our inner talents is by going out into the world a

Noach: Looking for Signs of Moshiach

From the fact that Noah looked for signs that the flood was over we learn the importance of looking for signs of Moshiach's arrival. (Based on a sicha from 10 Tammuz 5745

Bereishis: The First Three Verses of Torah

How the first three verses of Torah may be read as the story of each of our lives. (Based on an article from HaKria V'HaKedusha.) In observance of the 2nd yahrzeit of R'

Simchas Torah and Hashem's Kindness

Our Sages tell us that Torah begins and ends with kindness. What do these two acts of kindness teach us about when to turn to Hashem for kindness? And what parallel does

Shabbos Sukkos and Militant Judaism

The victory over all external enemies in the time of Moshiach will reflect the victory over all internal challenges achieved through the process of self-refinement culmin

Sukkos and Clouds

We sit in the sukkah to commemorate the clouds that Hashem protected us with when we left Egypt. What does the High Holiday season have to do with clouds? Water, represen

Haazinu: Think Like the Heavens, Act Like the Earth

The "heavens" and the "earth" in our lives are Torah and mitzvos. Torah is checking in with heavenly truth and mitzvos is applying that here on earth. When Moshiach comes