We are living through turbulent and confusing times. Much of what we see is filtered through politics and headlines. Hanukkah offers a completely different paradigm to make sense of everything.

In this talk, Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein asks a foundational question: what is Hanukkah really about? The Gemara speaks about the miracle of the oil, but why would our Sages establish a new festival for all generations on that basis alone, especially in light of the many miracles recorded in Jewish history and even in the Beit HaMikdash itself?

Tracing the story of Greek oppression and the spiritual assault on Torah, mitzvot, and Jewish identity, the shiur draws a crucial distinction between Purim and Hanukkah, as explained by the Levush and developed further by the Maharal. Purim was a battle for Jewish physical survival. Hanukkah was a battle for Judaism itself.

Through Pirkei Avot 1:4 and the life of Yossi ben Yoezer, the Chief reveals why Hanukkah begins in the home, why the symbol is light, and why Torah learning is not only information but a worldview that shapes how we see reality. Hanukkah remains a paradigm for every generation facing an attack on Jewish values.

• Hanukkah is a paradigm for interpreting turbulent times through a Torah lens.

• The miracle of the oil is not the full reason for the festival. It is the symbol of its essence.

• Purim was a physical threat to the Jewish people. Hanukkah was a spiritual threat to Judaism.

• A spiritual assault on Torah is an existential threat to Jewish existence (Maharal).

• The menorah represents the light of Torah values that illuminate life and history.

• Pirkei Avot 1:4 and Yossi ben Yoezer offer a blueprint for spiritual resistance that begins in the home.

Difficult relationships and conflict are woven into so many social dynamics - within family, friendship, work community and society - causing tension, distance and pain.

Can these relationships be repaired? Can resentments and divisions be overcome?

In this talk on the Parsha of Vayeishev, Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein explores the roots of conflict through the story of Yosef and his brothers. Drawing on Pirkei Avot and the classical commentaries, the Chief explains that conflict does not begin with an event. It begins within us: in jealousy, ego, resentment, competitiveness, the desire to be noticed, the need to be right.

Our Sages teach that the path to peace begins with inner work: learning to see others with generosity, patience, and compassion; recognising the image of God in every person; and mastering the emotional impulses that push us toward anger or division. Peace is not avoidance. It is spiritual strength. It is the courage to rise above instinct and choose connection.

Key Insights

• Conflict begins inside us, before it ever appears between us.

• The story of Yosef and his brothers reveals how jealousy, ego, and resentment distort how we see one another.

• Pirkei Avot teaches that peace is built through inner work, not external control.

• Seeing the image of God in others changes how we relate, respond, and repair.

• Peace requires emotional mastery and the courage to rise above instinct.

• The Torah's model of peace begins with responsibility: I must work on me.

• Healing relationships begins with the heart, not the argument.

Fear is an intensely powerful and natural human emotion. It takes many forms. Fear of harm or failure or disapproval, fear of loss or rejection.

These fears can be debilitating obstacles to our success and growth, and to fulfilling our potential.

And yet sometimes fear is an entirely appropriate response to real threats. Sometimes it warns and protects us.

Where is the balance? And how do we rise above our fears so that we can truly flourish?

In this talk on Parshat Vayishlach, Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein explores Yaakov's encounter with Esav as the Torah's model for facing fear with clarity, dignity, and faith.

When the Torah says "Yaakov was very afraid," the danger was real, and so was his fear.

But the Torah uses this moment to reveal a deep truth: there is a way to face fear without being ruled by it.

Yaakov responds with strategy, strength, and faith, and through his example, the Torah shows us the difference between fear that protects us and fear that holds us back.

Our Sages teach that courage is not the absence of fear, but the mastery of it. Prayer becomes the training ground for trust. And the soul - light, strong, and purposeful - has the power to rise above the inertia and hesitation that come from the body.

This is a talk about fear, faith, and the quiet heroism of self-mastery. It is about discovering the courage that is already within us, and learning how to bring it forward.

Key Insights

• Fear is natural. The question is how do we face it.

• Yaakov's response: gifts, preparing for battle, prayer.

• Prayer trains us in trust. Pirkei Avot teaches faith through action.

• "Who is brave? One who conquers their inclination" (Pirkei Avot 4:1).

• Fear and laziness come from the body; courage comes from the neshama.

• "Be brave as a lion" - the Torah's call to spiritual courage (5:23).

• The Shulchan Aruch teaches: rise like a lion to serve Hashem. Lead the day.

• True bravery is overcoming inappropriate fear through self-mastery.