So, what does Judaism say about...?

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox kick off their Prayer series by discussing the power and significance of communal vs. individual prayer, or Minyan, as well as why it is important to pray in Hebrew vs. any other language, and finally the secret to the Aramaic aspects of our Jewish liturgy.

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the special obligation for Jewish people to express gratitude to the Unites States as our host country, and how Torah institutions have thrived here since the founding of the country. Happy July 4!

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the unique mitzvah of drinking to intoxication on Purim.

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox unpack the introductory blessings to the Shema declaration that are recited daily in the morning prayer service. It is the longest blessing in Jewish liturgy, and includes deciphering the idea that God created good and evil, and that they in fact are both rooted and sourced from God.

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the Jewish sources for the existence of demons, including in the Torah itself, as well as the approach many authoritative commentaries have taken to the literal, physical, metaphysical, or allegorical existence of demons. Enjoy! (another shoutout to Rebecca!)

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the debate about who wrote the books of Prophets and Writings, including the works of King Solomon and King David. A fascinating discussion, as it is not as obvious as it seems, and how this has lead to an overly academic approach to these moral teachings. (Shoutout to Rebecca!)

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the age-old practice of exchanging and giving gifts at seasoned times, like Chanukah and anniversaries. Is giving and receiving gifts a Jewish value or a copy-cat keep up with the Joneses attempt to be like other cultures we see in America?

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the priests of the Jewish nation, the Kohanim, and their unique position as role models as opposed to leaders or kings of the nation. What was special about Kohanim during the times when the Temple stood and how does that carried out today in our times? Are Kohanim special today?

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the unique character traits and actions that made Abraham great in God's eyes and in the eyes of the world, and fitting to be the progenitor of the Jewish people.

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss how we're all in a position to help. Every Jew can make a substantial contribution when Israel is under attack , no matter where we are in the world, we can contribute to the war effort in Israel, not only financially, but through our individual activism, actions, and spiritual and emotional support.

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the Torah and Rabbinical sources for how the Jewish people prepare for war, and the strategies and attitudes necessary to ensure the safety and security of the Jewish people and Israel, including diplomacy, force, and prayer.

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss how a robust response to Antisemitism requires understanding the roots of this hate, what makes the Jewish people unique, and that it might take more effort than just changing your Instagram profile.

Rabbi Fox and Rabbi Bier delve into the complex concept of how forgiving others (and forgoing your just desserts and sweet, sweet revenge), hold the key to our own success in life and a good judgment from the Almighty on Rosh Hashana.

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the lifestyle and morals of Vegetarianism from the Torah perspective, drawing on Biblical and Talmudic sources to understand sensitivities to humans and animals, their similarities, differences, and diets.

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox decipher Psalm 27 crafted by King David and choses by the Jewish Sages to be recited during the month of Elul as the most effective way to prepare for Rosh Hashana 30 days later.

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss this interesting dual role posed to Rabbinical authorities to be both mentors and role models to individuals as well as effective leaders making decisions that affect the entire Jewish community at large.

Recorded long ago, and once believed to be lost forever, after digging in the vaults for months, Rabbi Fox and Rabbi Bier are excited to present their fourth installment on prophecy, focusing on the unique and special prophecy of Moses. Enjoy!

One of the most cherished rituals in Jewish history, popularized in Jewish youth groups summer camps across all denominations, Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox delve into the meaning and significance of the Havdala ceremony that takes place after Shabbat and Holidays.

Rabbi Fox and Rabbi discuss the essential topic of finding a good Rabbi or Rebbe and what a personal relationship with your Rebbe/Rabbi should be, ideally.

Rabbi Fox and Rabbi Bier discuss the concept of reincarnation in Judaism, what the word in Hebrew "Gilgul" reveals about the soul's mission, and what we can practically take away for our own lives.

Rabbi Fox and Rabbi Bier delve even deeper into the Shema liturgy, delving into the "v'haha" paragraph that follows the more famous "v'ahavta." Noting both striking similarities and subtle changes between both paragraphs of the Shema, Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox highlight the the significance of these grammatical and liturgical changes, and how they influence our daily lives. [note: this audio was corrupted and replaced]

Rabbi Fox and Rabbi Bier delve even deeper into the Shema liturgy, delving into the "v'haha" paragraph that follows the more famous "v'ahavta." Noting both striking similarities and subtle changes between both paragraphs of the Shema, Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox highlight the the significance of these grammatical and liturgical changes, and how they influence our daily lives.

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox compare the spiritual quandary and merits of praying for yourself and what you feel you need versus a more altruistic approach to prayer that prioritize others' needs first.

Internationally renowned matchmaker, Mrs. Rivkah Fox, joins Rabbi Rick Fox (they are married!) and Rabbi Meir Bier for an in depth discussion about dating in the modern Jewish world.

Rabbi Fox and Rabbi Bier discuss the root cause of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem - (what was behind the breakdown of Jewish society, the murder, immorality, and idol worship that took place at that time) - and how we can improve on the shortcomings of the previous generations.

Rabbi Bier & Rabbi Fox discuss the vexing dialectic nature of Tisha B'av. On the one hand, Tisha B'av is the saddest, most tragic day on the Jewish calendar, and on the other hand, the Talmudic Sages refer to this day as a "holiday" using the Hebrew, "Moed" which is only found in reference to the joyous festivals throughout the year.

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox continue their in-depth discussion about the words of the "v'ahavta" paragraph of the Shema, discussing the complexities of the continuity of Judaism. Not only that you must teach your children, but you should successfully model proper character and a deep passion for Judaism yourself.

Rabbi Fox and Rabbi Bier continue to explain the Shema prayer, discussing the words of the second paragraph "V'ahavta" and delving into the depth and meaning and complexity of being "commanded to love God." How can someone command or demand that you love them?

Rabbi Fox and Rabbi Bier continue delving into the Shema, unpacking the cryptic yet highly significant 6-word phrase, "Baruch Sheim Kavod Malchuso L'Olam Vaed" said in an undertone after reciting "Shema Yisrael..."

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox delve into the meaning and importance of the Shema Yisrael prayer, why it is found on the lips of all Jews throughout history, in good times and bad. Why is Shema is the first verse we learn, and the last recited before death?

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox delve deeper into the meaning and depth of the "Shema Yisrael" prayer, focusing on the depth and meaning of the Tetragrammaton (Hashem/YHVH/Sheim Havaya), and why it is "unpronounceable."

Rabbi Fox and Rabbi Bier set up the various axioms to continue the debate of how much is a person obligated to put effort into something, versus relying on faith/emuna for "Hashem to provide" and whatever happens, happens.

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss why we need to work, the complexities of forging the right path for a longterm career, and the appropriate sacrifices and tradeoffs necessary to be successful according to Torah values and Judaism.

Rabbi Fox and Rabbi Bier discuss Jewish pride, chutzpah, and brazenness, and why it is both vital to the Jewish people's mission as well as potentially dangerous.

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss dating and marriage, and how to approach each with a healthy perspective through a Jewish lens and with Torah values.

Rabbi Fox and Rabbi Bier discuss the significance of the Temple of Jerusalem, the remaining Western Wall, and the obligation from the Torah for all healthy Jewish citizens to visit 3-times a year when the Temple stood.

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the holiness and significance of Jerusalem throughout Judaism, prayer, and personal development, in appreciation for the miracles of the Six Day War and Yom Yerushalayim.

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the holiday of Shavuous, receiving the Torah as the Jewish nation, and the uniqueness and personal discovery that comes from individual Torah study.

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss how the time between Passover and Shavuous is not only a preparation for receiving the Torah, but a recalibration to enjoying physical pleasure.

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the slavery and exodus in Egypt as the map and model for building strong, Jewish faith, which does not mean "I believe in..." per se, but rather is the development of a trusting relationship with God and self that results in a more productive, happier life now.

Rabbi Bier & Rabbi Fox discuss the philosophical differences in the Hasidic vs. Non-Hasidic (Lithuanian) Jewish communities as it relates to Torah study and emphasis on the intellect vs. emotions.

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the concept of "machlokes" (Rabbinic argument and dispute), how sages can come to disagree, and their historical impact on Jewish law. This talk focuses on the Mishnaic sages Hillel & Shamai and their subsequent camps and communities. Special shoutout to Brandon Wisnicki!

Rabbi Fox interviews Rabbi Dovi Goldschmidt, the son of currently-exiled Chief Rabbi of Moscow, to discuss one year of global, political, and Jewish community impact in Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Europe, and America.

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss why Purim will be the only holiday in tact during era of Messiah, and why partying reveals the deepest secrets of Purim itself.

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss a cryptic Talmudic passage discussing an encounter and conversation between King Solomon and the Angel of Death.

This is part one of a mini-series explaining the Jewish tradition of receiving Torah from Mt. Sinai. In this episode, Rabbi Fox and Rabbi Bier discuss the paradox that Moses received the entirety of Torah at Mt. Sinai, including all of the Oral Law throughout history. Does that mean everything novel we create was really already known and created by Moses?

Rabbi Fox and Rabbi Bier open up the Pandora's box of astrological signs, the true meaning of "mazel tov," and the Jewish perspective on soothsayers and star-gazers.

Rabbi Fox and Rabbi Bier unpack one of King Solomon's proverb's to reveal the secret "trick" to becoming happy all the time... that's right... Party all the time! Enjoy!

That's right, dogs. This episode highlights the unexpected role in Judaism of "man's best friend" and how we can learn many important qualities of human behavior from our four-legged, furry companions.

Rabbi Fox and Rabbi Bier discuss how Judaism approaches human emotion, and how our intellect is only one aspect of self-development. Our emotions should not be squashed or pushed away, but rather channeled properly to better ourselves and our relationships.

Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the Jewish perspective and merits of beauty and beautiful people.