Rabbi Yaakov Asher Sinclair
Tammuz – The Burning of the Torah
A hallmark of all repressive regimes is book burning. One of the tragedies that we mourn on the 17th of Tammuz is the burning of the Torah – the ultimate repression of the ultimate “book.” Having trouble viewing this video? Please click here to see additional formats.
The Dark Side – Parshat Balak
If Bilam was a prophet like Moshe - why did he use it for evil?
The Liberty Bell’s Crack
Why do we “proclaim freedom throughout the land” with a broken, imperfect bell?
The World’s Most Infectious Plague – Parshat Chukat
The most infectious disease in the world isn’t Bubonic Plague; it isn’t Anthrax; it isn’t even Covid 19. The world’s most infectious disease in this week’s Torah portion, Parshat Chukat.
The Color of Heaven – Parshat Korach
Racial prejudice – War – Poverty – Violence – Intolerance — The dream of peace seems to be as far away today as it’s ever been. Why is that?
Looking For Trouble – Parshat Shelach
You can go through life as a tourist – or as an inspector. A tourist is looking to be impressed. An inspector is looking for trouble. Why did the spies that Moshe sent into the Land of Israel become inspectors instead of tourists?
Sivan – Hearing is Believing
The ‘Shema’ is the basic credo of the Jewish People – that God is One. But why do we say, “Hear O Israel!” rather than “See O Israel!” or “Know O Israel!? Having trouble viewing this video? Please click here to see additional formats.
Being Yourself – Parshat Beha’alotecha
Whether we wear the same jeans or the same suit – it’s all too easy to just follow the crowd, but to be close to G-d means being yourself.
Parshat Nasso – With the Beatles
Rabbi Sinclair reveals the secret of the Beatles’ phenomenal success
Parshat Bamidbar – Music Maestro Please!
Order is one of the keys to success in life. In this video Rabbi Sinclair describes his early attempts at piano lessons – and the life lesson that they taught him.
Bechukotai – The Mouse And The Suit
“A for effort” usually means “you didn’t do very well”. In Torah learning, that’s the best accolade you can get.
The Maker’s Handbook – Parshat Acharei Mot/Kedoshim
Would you decide that your car uses diesel instead of regular gas based on your instincts or your feelings? Why then do we often make vital life decisions without consulting The Maker’s Manual?
Wedding In A Pandemic – Parshat Tazria
For centuries, ‘Leprosy’ has been the translation of ‘Tzara’at’ – a skin disease mentioned in this week’s Parsha. If Tzar’at really was leprosy, then how could people rub shoulders at a wedding if the groom had leprosy?
Parshat Shemini – Against The Flow
Apart from the fact that a kosher fish has to have fins and scales, if you see a fish swimming upstream – it’s a sign that it’s kosher. What can this teach us?
A Song For Shavuot – Ma Ashiv – The ‘Thank You!” Song
Even though these are difficult times, there's so much to so say "Thank You!" for.
Lions of the Soul – Parshat Tzav
Were The Six Million “Lambs to the Slaughter?” Maybe they were “Lions of the Soul?
Parshat Vayikra – Hearing the Still Small Voice
God communicates with us through our emotions as well as our minds
CoronaVirus – A Last Holiday
What would you do if you knew you only had six weeks to live?
Forgiveness is Forever – Parshat Ki Tissa
However far we feel from God, He is always waiting for us at the dead-ends of our life
Parshat Tetzave – Throw Away Your Props!
Sometimes in life we can mistake the nonsense for the essence. The tallit reminds us to keep our eye on what is really important.
The Jewish People is One – Parshat Teruma
An interesting experience I had as a student in Teheran in 1969
Parshat Mishpatim – The Wisdom of Precision
Why is Judaism so nit-picking? Why can't we just chill?
Escape the Task Master! – Parshat Yitro
Sometimes life just seems to be one obligation after another. Here’s a way to turn your tasks into life-enhancing positive experiences.
Parshat Beshalach – Where is God in the World?
Sometimes it’s difficult to see that there is Someone running this world. If you’ve ever felt that way, you’re in good company because even Moses felt that way. What changed his mind?