Eternal Ethics - With Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

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Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe's Pirkei Avos Lectures. Please email questions and comments to rabbiwolbe@gmail.com

Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

Houston, TX


    • Jun 1, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 35m AVG DURATION
    • 219 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Eternal Ethics - With Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe podcast is a captivating and enlightening exploration of Jewish ethics and values, brought to life by the brilliant and insightful Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe. From the moment you start listening, you can feel the passion and depth of knowledge that Rabbi Wolbe possesses, as he delves into the intricacies of Judaism and its impact on our daily lives. Whether you are well-versed in Jewish teachings or just beginning to explore your faith, this podcast offers something for everyone.

    One of the best aspects of The Eternal Ethics podcast is Rabbi Wolbe's ability to make complex ideas and concepts easy to understand. He has a way of breaking down philosophical theories and ethical principles into practical terms that anyone can relate to. His explanations are clear, concise, and delivered with enthusiasm, making it enjoyable to learn from him. Additionally, his use of real-life examples and anecdotes adds depth and relevance to the topics being discussed.

    Another highlight of this podcast is Rabbi Wolbe's deep understanding of human nature and how it relates to Jewish ethics. Through his teachings, he addresses common challenges we face in our daily lives and provides valuable insights on how these ethical principles can guide us towards making better moral choices. This practical approach is incredibly valuable for listeners seeking guidance in navigating their own moral dilemmas.

    However, one potential downside to The Eternal Ethics podcast is its focus solely on Jewish ethics. While this may be perfect for individuals seeking specifically Jewish teachings, those looking for a broader exploration of ethics may find this limiting. It would be beneficial if there were more discussions or comparisons with other ethical frameworks or religious traditions, allowing for a more inclusive perspective.

    In conclusion, The Eternal Ethics - With Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe podcast is an exceptional resource for exploring Jewish ethics in a thought-provoking and relatable manner. Rabbi Wolbe's passion for teaching shines through every episode as he imparts wisdom that can transform our daily lives. Whether you are Jewish or simply interested in gaining a deeper understanding of ethical principles, this podcast is a must-listen. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and enlightened as Rabbi Wolbe takes you on a journey towards greater ethical awareness and personal growth.



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    Latest episodes from Eternal Ethics - With Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

    Judicial Restraint (4:9-10)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2025 37:20


    Justice is one of the three things that perpetuate the world. But should one strive to be a judge? In this very interesting Mishnah, the brainchild of a fascinating Sage, we discover that a person ought to be highly reticent in avoiding serving as a judge. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics […]

    Honoring Torah (4.8)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 64:41


    Rabbi Yose was one of the most important and prolific Jewish figures of the 2nd Century. There are literally hundreds of stories and teachings of his in the Talmud and Midrash, but his tenure coincided with one of the most treacherous times in Jewish history: The Hadrianic persecutions This Ethics Podcast was originally released on […]

    Torah Misappropriation (4:7)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 48:23


    Our nation is blessed to be privy to the Almighty's Torah. Those who immerse themselves in the Torah's vast seas are the choicest and most admirable people of our nation. What benefits do they deserve? Is it OK for them to cash in on their Torah prowess? Should they demand honor for their Torah accomplishments? […]

    Life-Extending Teaching (4:6)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 29:15


    What does it take to teach Torah effectively? What are the immense benefits of studying Torah with great diligence? What are the different modes of Torah study and what are the different benefits? In this deceptively simple Mishnah we learn about the power of commitment to Torah study, Torah teaching, and allowing Torah to influence […]

    Sanctification or Vacuum (4:5)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 20:15


    If our life's mission would be distilled down to one idea it would be Kiddush Hashem (Sanctification of God's Name). The opposite of Kiddush Hashem is Chilul Hashem (Desecration of God's Name). Due to the gravity of these concepts, they are treated differently. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Dec […]

    Extreme Measures (4:4)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 25:16


    My wise grandmother, of blessed memory, used to quip, “Everything in moderation.” That sagacious advice is, in fact, the backbone of Rambam's understanding of proper character. In every trait, there are two polar extremes, and both are not ideal. The balanced approach, the golden medium, the moderate middle, the midpoint between both extremes – that […]

    The Critical Hour (4:3)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 32:14


    How valuable is an hour of time? How much of a person's life can be changed in one hour? In this mishna, Ben Azzai teaches us the power of a single hour. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Nov 18, 2019 – – – – – – – – – […]

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    Miracle Drugs and Superfoods (4:2)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 54:29


    Something dramatic happens when the Soul is fed. It is empowered and its place in a person's identity is augmented, and concurrently the Yetzer Hara's influence is weakened. A virtuous cycle results wherein one Mitzvah makes the second Mitzvah more likely. Initially, the Mitzvos need to be force-fed like feeding a patient who refuses food. […]

    Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise (4:1)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 49:40


    Does it make sense to take pride in one's intellect, fitness, or wealth? Our Sages teach us that those things are determined before someone is born, and therefore it would be ludicrous for us to take pride in what was given to us by God. But in a seminal teaching, Ben Zoma reveals that there […]

    Complex Calculations (3:23)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 33:43


    What is the relationship between Torah and secular disciplines such as astronomy mathematics? In a pithy and cryptic teaching, Rabbi Elazar Chisma – a Sage who excelled in both – offers an insightful perspective. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Sep 1, 2019 – – – – – – – […]

    Preconditions to Torah (3:21-22)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 31:41


    Torah is unlike any other discipline. Every other discipline can be acquired without preconditions; Torah can only be unlocked by someone who has successfully primed himself for that lofty status. In this Mishnah, Rabbi Elazar Ben Azariah instructs us on what is needed before Torah can flourish within us. This Ethics Podcast was originally released […]

    Hotel Incidentals (3:20)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 30:04


    In his fourth and final teaching, Rabbi Akiva shares a powerful and serious parable that is designed to shake us up and take life seriously but also contains the undertones of a very inspirational and comforting message. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Jun 16, 2019 – – – – […]

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    World Building (3:18)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 28:49


    In an astonishingly profound teaching, Rabbi Akiva informs us of the special role that humans have in completing the objective of the Almighty's creation; and the amplified role that our nation has in effectuating that; and the tools that we were given to achieve that goal. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics […]

    Bulletproof Fences (3:17)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 73:01


    Rabbi Akiva is one of the titanic figures of the Mishnaic Era. He served as the vital link transmitting the Torah that he studied from his predecessors to his students amid ceaseless oppression under the Romans. In the first of three consecutive Mishnas authored by Rabbi Akiva, we learn the keys to avoiding catastrophic promiscuity, […]

    Greeting Everyone with Joy (3:16)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 59:29


    Rabbi Yishmael was the scion of one of the most prestigious families of our nation and a titanic Sage of the Mishnaic Era. In this podcast we share several of the fascinating stories about his fruitful and sometimes tragic life and explore the connection between those episodes and his teaching in Pirkei Avos. This Ethics […]

    Stairway to Heaven (3:15)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2025 47:08


    Rabbi Elazar from Modi'in shares a list of five very different things that disqualify its doer from Olam Haba. What is the connection between these five things and why would one who does them be locked out of eternity? This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Apr 3, 2019 – – […]

    Alcohol in Moderation (3:14)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 58:39


    What are we living for? How ought we allocate our time? In this striking teaching we learn the difference between the facilitatory and things which are end goals. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Feb 24, 2019 – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

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    Hens, Goats, and Bears, Oh My! (3:11-13)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025 49:14


    Rabbi Chanina Ben Dosa was a legendary Sage who lived towards the end of the Second Temple, and the Talmud relates many miraculous and inspirational stories about him. In this podcast we share some of those amazing stories, and connect them to his crucial life-instructional teaching. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics […]

    Torah To-Go (3:10)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2025 25:28


    We put much focus on Torah study and Torah acquisition, and in this mishnah we learn about the other half of Torah greatness: Torah retention, which can only be accomplished by rigorous disciplined review. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Jan 27, 2019 – – – – – – – – […]

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    Stockpiling Diamonds (3:9)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 17:18


    In an unusually sharp statement, our Sages inform us of the severity of neglecting Torah study. The flip side is also true: Torah study is unfathomably valuable. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Jan 20, 2019 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

    Charity or Piracy (3:8)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 27:01


    Why do we give charity? Is there a cap of 20% to how much we can give? In this mishna we learn about a striking rationale for charity, answer these questions, and contrast the two types of givers. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Jan 13, 2019 – – – […]

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    Summoning God (3:7)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025 21:07


    In Jewish literature, Torah is called the Word of God. In this mishna we learn about its ability to bridge the gap between man and his Creator. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Jan 7, 2019 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

    Living on a Supernatural Plane (3:6)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 31:56


    What rules govern what happens in our lives? In this mishna we find that there are really three different realms, and that it is possible to upgrade the plane on which we operate. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Dec 19, 2018 – – – – – – – – […]

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    Nocturnal Opportunities (3:5)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025 17:15


    Rabbi Chananya ben Chakhinai says: One who stays awake at night, and one who wanders on a road alone, and turns his heart to idleness, behold he is liable with his life. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Nov 25, 2018 – – – – – – – – – […]

    Paging the Divine Presence (3:3-4)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 24:08


    In successive teachings, our Sages share with us a way to usher ourselves into the Presence of the Almighty. It really is that simple. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Nov 18, 2018 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

    Antidotes to Anarchy (3:2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 16:01


    What would happen without a police force to maintain law and order? Is there any other way to prevent society from crumbling without police power? These are the questions we explore in the somewhat unsettling second mishna of chapter 3. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Nov 4, 2018 – […]

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    Avoiding Sin: The Authoritative Guide (3:1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 26:44


    It is not often that our Sages offer us any kind of fail-safe formula. In the first mishna of the third chapter, Akaviah Ben Mehalalel provides for us a guaranteed method to avoid sinning. It is a good idea to listen carefully to his words. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast […]

    Do Your Job (2:20-21)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 25:26


    There are many excuses to shirk our spiritual responsibilities. In the final two mishnayos of Chapter 2, Rabbi Tarfon rebuts them one by one. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Oct 21, 2018 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

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    Answering the Heretics (2:19)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 21:46


    Rabbi Elazar Ben Arach was the prized student of Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakkai, but he chose to chart his own path in life and not to join the rest of his colleagues in Yavneh. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Oct 14, 2018 – – – – – – – […]

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    Relationship or Ritual? (2:18)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025 18:42


    What is the optimal relationship between man and God? How is man supposed to view himself?  These questions and several others are addressed in Chapter 2, Mishna 18 of Pirkei Avos. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Oct 7, 2018 – – – – – – – – – – […]

    The Ultimate Meritocracy (2:17) + TORCH 2025 Fundraiser

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 21:24


    Please support the Ethics Podcast by donating to our annual fundraiser at giveTORCH.org This is our only annual fundraiser. Every donation is DOUBLED! Support the Ethics Podcast by visiting giveTORCH.org right now and making a generous donation! This is the LINK for the Fundraiser. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

    Choose Your World (2:16) + Annual TORCH Fundraiser

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2025 53:40


    Please support the Ethics Podcast by donating to our annual fundraiser at giveTORCH.org This is our only annual fundraiser. Every donation is DOUBLED! Support the Ethics Podcast by visiting giveTORCH.org right now and making a generous donation! This is the LINK for the Fundraiser. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

    Tempering Temper (2:15)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2025 52:44


    In this Mishna, one of the most fascinating characters of the Mishnaic era teaches eternal lessons on how to deploy anger properly and how to ensure that our spiritual affairs are in order before we meet our Creator. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Aug 20, 2018 – – – […]

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    Finding Your Magic Bullet (2:13-14)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025 33:17


    Two thousand years ago the great Sage Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakkai instructed his five prime disciples to undertake a unique mission. This mission and their discoveries can still offer us life-changing wisdom. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Aug 6, 2018 – – – – – – – – – […]

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    Spiritual Natural Law (2:9-2:12)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 43:12


    Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakkai was the pivotal leader of the nation at a most vulnerable juncture of our history. His life story and his timeless lessons continue to inform and inspire nearly two millenia after his passing. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Jul 16, 2018 – – – – […]

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    Avoiding Deathpangs (2:8)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 39:05


    What is really yours and what are you merely a steward over for the duration of your life? In this mishnah, Hillel reclassifies ten things by pulling away the curtain and revealing what they truly are. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Jul 2, 2018 – – – – – – […]

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    Divine Karma (2:7)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2025 15:03


    In one of those life experiences we hope to never have, Hillel once encountered a skull floating on the water. His comment to that skull is enshrined in Pirkei Avos and serves as an invaluable lesson to us. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Jun 18, 2018 – – – – […]

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    A Tourist Visa to Heaven (2:6)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2025 37:41


    In the sixth mishna of the second chapter of Pirkei Avos, Hillel the Elder delineates the six levels of distinction, the means to achieve them, and their impediments. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Jun 11, 2018 – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

    Safety in Numbers (2:5)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2025 40:50


    In chapter 2 we meet Hillel the Elder again. In this mishna we learn the secret of surviving judgement, the differences between how God and man judge, and hear a clarion call for repenting before we die. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Jun 4, 2018 – – – – […]

    Getting God as your Advocate (2:4)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2025 29:27


    Imagine if you had God on your side in all your endeavors. Is there a better or more potent advocate? In this mishna we learn the formula how to get God to advance your interests. The steps are simple to learn but hard in integrate. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast […]

    Forgetting to Sin (2:2-2:3)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2025 45:10


    In the second mishna of the second Chapter, Rabban Gamleil III offers some novel and surprising perspectives on work/Torah balance and avoiding sin. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on May 7, 2018 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

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    Spiritual Cost-Benefit Analysis (2:1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2025 74:09


    In the first mishna of the second chapter of Pirkei Avos, the great Rabbi Judah the Prince offers indispensable life guidance. Who was this transformative Torah giant and what are his invaluable eternal lessons? This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Apr 30, 2018 – – – – – – – […]

    Why God Maintains the World (1:18)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2025 37:42


    The final Mishna of the first chapter sounds very similar to its second one. In it we learn the three things upon which the world endures which is quite similar to the teaching of the three things upon which the world stands. In explaining the distinction we learn a fundamental principle about the relationship and […]

    The Virtues of Silence (1:17)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2025 43:50


    The next mantle holder of the office of the Nasi, Rabban Shimon Ben Gamliel, teaches us powerful insights on how to become a greater and more perfect person. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Apr 10, 2018 – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

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    Remove All Doubt (1:16)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2025 23:53


    In this Mishnah, Rabban Gamliel the Elder provides us with a powerful lesson that, if observed, will empower our spiritual lives. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Mar 5, 2018 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

    All Action No Talk (1:15)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2025 28:35


    In this concise teaching, Shammai the Elder manages to inspire and enlighten our understanding of accomplishing human greatness. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Feb 12, 2018 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to […]

    Discover You (1:14)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2025 42:35


    In the third teaching of Hillel the Elder, we discover timeless advice to maximizing life: If I am not for me, who will be for me; when I am for myself, what am I; and if not now, when? This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Feb 5, 2018 – – – – […]

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    Spiritual Persistence (1:13)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2025 31:05


    In his second consecutive teaching, Hillel instructs us regarding the proper attitude to spiritual development and persistence, and the grave consequences of spiritual stagnation. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Jan 22, 2018 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

    How to be a Peacemaker (1:11-12)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2025 41:31


    One of the great legendary figures in Jewish history, Hillel, instructs us to follow the ways of Aaron: To love peace and to pursue it, and to love people and bring them near to Torah. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Jan 15, 2018 – – – – – – […]

    The Two Elements of Leadership (1:10)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2025 35:03


    In the tenth Mishna, the leader of the Jews Shemayah, a descendent of the Assyrian king Sanchereb, teaches us about the work, leadership and politicians. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Jan 8, 2018 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

    Ethical Judicial Conduct (1:8-1:9)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2025 24:44


    In the Second Century before the Common Era, the Jewish world was in an upheaval due largely to various splinter sects, such as the Sadducees and Boethusians, causing internal conflict and confusion among the nation. The two great leaders of the Jews at the time had many challenges on their hands. In this podcast we tell […]

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