The Chavrusa

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Exploration of deep Torah and ideas that have guided some of history's greatest men and women for over 3,000 years, & contemporary takes on moral and social issues.

Moshe Schonbrun


    • Sep 5, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 30m AVG DURATION
    • 93 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Chavrusa

    The Five steps of Teshuva (Baderech- 6)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2021 19:49


    Mapping out an empowering and uplifting framework of Teshuva through the 5 steps laid out by Rebbe Zusha, the "genius of humility", Striving to be whole; not perfect, and the intersection of sophistication and simplicity I'm Moshe Schonbrun, & this is the Chavrusa Podcast- an exploration of timeless wisdom & ideas that have guided some of history's greatest people for over 3,000 years! This season is based on the book 'Baderech' by Judah Mischel ( https://zbermanbooks.com/baderech-along-the-path-of-teshuvah-mischel ) Check out our previous seasons, exploring deep Torah concepts on the topics of Authenticity, Mindfulness, Identity, & more! Please do send any questions, ideas, & feedback through voicenote drop at https://anchor.fm/chavrusa/message or email chavrusapodcast@gmail.com

    We are the Turkey Prince (Baderech- 5)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2021 21:39


    Discussing Rebbe Nachman's whimsical tale and its message to reclaim our authentic life story, The story of the elderly man who found out his Tefillin were never actually valid, and when in life we should be unrealistic I'm Moshe Schonbrun, & this is the Chavrusa Podcast- an exploration of timeless wisdom & ideas that have guided some of history's greatest people for over 3,000 years! This season is based on the book 'Baderech' by Judah Mischel ( https://zbermanbooks.com/baderech-along-the-path-of-teshuvah-mischel ) Check out our previous seasons, exploring deep Torah concepts on the topics of Authenticity, Mindfulness, Identity, & more! Please do send any questions, ideas, & feedback through voicenote drop at https://anchor.fm/chavrusa/message or email chavrusapodcast@gmail.com

    Netflix before Selichos (Baderech- 4)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2021 24:12


    An emphatic decrying of a philosophically misguided and spiritually damaging attitude, shouldering the burden and pains of others & Hashem, & dripping blood while davening Mincha I'm Moshe Schonbrun, & this is the Chavrusa Podcast- an exploration of timeless wisdom & ideas that have guided some of history's greatest people for over 3,000 years! This season is based on the book 'Baderech' by Judah Mischel ( https://zbermanbooks.com/baderech-along-the-path-of-teshuvah-mischel ) Check out our previous seasons, exploring deep Torah concepts on the topics of Authenticity, Mindfulness, Identity, & more! Please do send any questions, ideas, & feedback through voicenote drop at https://anchor.fm/chavrusa/message or email chavrusapodcast@gmail.com

    The Texan Mikvah (Baderech- 3)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2021 22:57


    Discussing the foundational command that the entire Torah emanates from, the eternity of short-lived inspiration, and an epic story of a Vishnitzer cowboy somewhere out in Texas I'm Moshe Schonbrun, & this is the Chavrusa Podcast- an exploration of timeless wisdom & ideas that have guided some of history's greatest people for over 3,000 years! This season is based on the book 'Baderech' by Judah Mischel ( https://zbermanbooks.com/baderech-along-the-path-of-teshuvah-mischel ) Check out our previous seasons, exploring deep Torah concepts on the topics of Authenticity, Mindfulness, Identity, & more! Please do send any questions, ideas, & feedback through voicenote drop at https://anchor.fm/chavrusa/message or email chavrusapodcast@gmail.com

    Turning Kosher Lamps in the Airport (Baderech- 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2021 21:17


    Why we all are compared to the 'Kosher-Lamps' and the story of one rolling down an airport terminal, Rebbe Bunim's insight into doing Teshuva solves a puzzling statement of the Rambam, and Ralph Waldo Emerson's musing on the painters use of light illuminates an incredible Torah of Rebbe Nachman I'm Moshe Schonbrun, & this is the Chavrusa Podcast- an exploration of timeless wisdom & ideas that have guided some of history's greatest people for over 3,000 years! This season is based on the book 'Baderech' by Judah Mischel ( https://zbermanbooks.com/baderech-along-the-path-of-teshuvah-mischel ) Check out our previous seasons, exploring deep Torah concepts on the topics of Authenticity, Mindfulness, Identity, & more! Please do send any questions, ideas, & feedback through voicenote drop at https://anchor.fm/chavrusa/message or email chavrusapodcast@gmail.com

    Along the Path (Baderech- 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2021 25:54


    Embarking on new beginnings on paths both beaten & never taken, why effective change is not in changing flaws but in emphasizing ones strengths, and the Torah's radical view on mistakes and sin. I'm Moshe Schonbrun, & this is the Chavrusa Podcast- an exploration of timeless wisdom & ideas that have guided some of history's greatest people for over 3,000 years! This season is based on the book 'Baderech' by Judah Mischel ( https://zbermanbooks.com/baderech-along-the-path-of-teshuvah-mischel ) Check out our previous seasons, exploring deep Torah concepts on the topics of Authenticity, Mindfulness, Identity, & more! Please do send any questions, ideas, & feedback at https://anchor.fm/chavrusa/message or chavrusapodcast@gmail.com

    Regards to the Leviathan (6.16)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2021 27:43


    Analyzing a fascinating police report registered against 20 Chassidim of Peshischa in 1823, The way to cultivate joy & happiness, and the differences between a couch & a shtender (The Quest for Authenticity- 16)

    Depressing Judaism (6.15)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2021 27:54


    Discussing how to navigate the fundamental quest for self-analysis while avoiding looming pitfalls of depression, and the importance of swapping out a cold & dry Judaism for one that's overflowing with joy & pleasure. (The Quest for Authenticity- 15)

    Balanced Personality (6.14)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2021 28:12


    How people followed the Torah even before it was given, Why R' Bunim disagreed with Kabbalistic takes on sin & evil, & living a life of wholesome balance (The Quest for Authenticity- 14)

    Reasons not to Write a Book (6.13)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2021 27:29


    Discussing the hesitancy of famous Rebbe's to publish their own works, "modern" Orthodoxy, and an extraordinary Torah idea with a remarkable implication (The Quest for Authenticity- 13)

    Intolerance of Externals (6.12)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2021 28:15


    Discussing the Torah's intolerance of Externals, the convergence of Rebbe Bunim and the Mussar Movement, & dealing with worrying about what others think (The Quest for Authenticity- 12)

    Jazz Judaism (6.11)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2021 29:05


    The search for a new appellation for the post-idealogical, broad and diverse Torah community leads to scintillating contrasts between classical & jazz music, with stunning philosophical & societal implications (The Quest for Authenticity- 11)

    Passion Search (6.10)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2021 26:13


    The incredible balancing act of combining passion and self-analysis, Seek & Search: the 2 necessary elements for growth, & differentiating between religion that's imposed from without and Torah that expresses a person's fundamental nature (The Quest for Authenticity- 10)

    Don't be like Bunim (6.9)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2021 27:57


    An incredible story of dealing with communal division & politics, How the difference between a water well and a pit portrays the possible purpose of humanity, & deep insights into defining your life authentically (The Quest for Authenticity- 9)

    Personal Authenticity (6.8)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2021 28:21


    The seminal value from which all thought of Peshischa flows, the dangers of reductive resignation and false piety, and how to find one's own path (The Quest for Authenticity- 8)

    Messiah (6.7)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2021 29:11


    Attempts to hasten the Messianic Age, what Moshiach actually is about, and how it can be a diversion from the authentic life. (The Quest for Authenticity- 7)

    Kabbalistic Miracles (6.6)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2021 31:34


    The story of the meeting between Rebbe Bunim and Rabbi Akiva Eiger, the missing element in contemporary Torah education, and the diminishing of kabbalah and miracles in Peshischa (The Quest for Authenticity- 6)

    Throwing the Gauntlet (6.5)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2021 31:23


    Discussing an incredible 3-way debate between Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin, the Baal Shem Tov, & Rebbe Bunim regarding the role of Torah learning, and the theological revolution it inspired (The Quest for Authenticity- 5)

    Rebbe Bunim (6.4)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2021 24:52


    The fascinating biography of Rebbe Bunim: chemist, linguist, chess master, timber merchant, talmuldist, outreach professional and chassidic rebbe, & the story of his remarkable impact on European Jewry (The Quest for Authenticity- 4)

    Lublin vs. Przysucha (6.3)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2021 27:07


    Examining the deep ideological underpinnings and passionate divides between the Seer of Lublin & the teachings of Pryshuscha, and the inaugural story taught to all incoming students of Rebbe Bunim (The Quest for Authenticity- 3)

    The Off-Script Life (6.2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2021 31:36


    Prince Phillip's unerring capacity for akward remarks, The convergence of psychology & spirituality, and the pitfalls of living a scripted life (The Quest for Authenticity- 2)

    The Quest for Authenticity (6.1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2021 28:19


    New Season on The Chavrusa Podcast: Pryshuscha. Exploring a revolution uncompromisingly aimed against complacency of the Jewish establishment, and the internal war upon the leadership of its time, pretension, & self-deceit. (The departure point for this season is the book 'The Quest for Authenticity', written by Dr. Rabbi Michael Rosen)

    Essentialism (5.6)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2021 27:33


    Two core essential aspects of Matzah, how it could lead to inner liberation & the truest of personal expression, & why being around people who are genuine and authentic increases happiness and is our concluding message of Passover

    Defanging Bnei Brak (5.5)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2021 31:41


    Wildly divergent political opinions converge at the same seder, Blunting harsh exteriors, & How to incorporate individuality into communites

    Four Questions/ Five Children (5.4)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2021 26:34


    Uncovering new depths behind the questions of the Seder, Rav Kook's incredible insight into why we eat maror, & the biggest crisis facing world Jewry today

    Hand Machine (5.3)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2021 30:54


    Entering the fray of the contentious debate over the optimal way to bake Matzah- Handcrafted Artisnal, or efficiently symmetric through automation?, Discovering the moment when slavery changes to freedom, & How to deal with wealth inequities

    Buy the Dip (5.2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2021 26:48


    Stunning new archeological revelations, How to transform chaos into beauty, the deep symbolism of Karpas & Yachatz, & why you should transform from being a dipper to being the dipped

    Hagadah of Passover (5.1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2021 34:30


    Introducing Season 5 of The Chavrusa: The Haggadah. An epic debate over the meaning of history, The Torah's take on freedom, Ben Gurions 1947 speech, why Questioning is at the core of Spirituality, and why the seder begins with Kadeish

    Sloth Communications

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2021 23:26


    How to communicate with your pets, The way animals escape Tsunamis, & a tremendous opportunity that is worth trading eternity for

    Bending Truth

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2021 29:07


    Gray areas of integrity, giving false positive recommendations, and the story of a remarkable man who quit his only job over $9

    Air All Interviews on Yelp (Mailbag- 8)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2021 32:46


    Ethical conditions of leaving reviews online, former royals exposing details to Oprah, the cautionary tale of Richard Jewell, and why teeth don't decompose

    The Agunah Disaster

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2021 30:17


    Addressing the plight of the Agunah: the convoluted roots of the issue, contemporary Rabbinic response, social media pressure, and the solutions moving forward

    Jewish Brisket (4.Finale)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2021 35:52


    In the season finale, we discuss the Kosher BBQ scene, the only way to respond to antisemitism, and answer the question: Why be Jewish? (Letter in the Scroll- 16)

    The Vanishing Jew (4.15)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2021 46:33


    Discussing the fallacy of a child with 3 fathers listed on birth certificate, Preventing Toxic Positivity, The differences between anti-Judaism & antisemitism, & The Vanishing American Jew: why are so many young Jews walking away? (Letter in the Scroll- 15)

    Software > Hardware (4.14)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2021 45:20


    The Gemara's etiquette for dealing with akward hosts, waiters, and introductions, The essential difference between Philosophy and Torah, and why Judaism is needed more than ever in today's advanced, affluent, and anxious world (Letter in the Scroll- 14)

    Don't Stab the Corpse (4.13)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2021 41:05


    The story of the momentous showdown between the Roman Emperor Vespasian & Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakai, exploring King David's death, & how Torah achieved equality, liberty, & fraternity centuries before the French (Letter in the Scroll- 13)

    Anti Depressant (Purim- 4)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2021 13:13


    A zenithal spotlight into the human mind and the nature of happiness, and how celebrating Purim can cultivate transformational change

    Suit Sweaters (Purim- 3)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2021 22:04


    Fashion advice on an emerging trend & an illuminating understanding of the concept of secrets, and its connections to Purim

    Drink, Dress, & Sniff (Purim- 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2021 35:36


    Delineating how the essence of Purim is a call for Authenticity, the 2 conflicting sentiments of 'Be True to Yourself', Gladwell debunks common understanding of the effects of alcohol, & why Jews drink, dress & sniff on Purim

    Scattered & Separate (Purim- 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2021 35:05


    Defining the essence of what a community is (and is not), Esther's profound and enthralling response to the gravest of dangers, and the deep messaging behind sending gifts on Purim

    Shul (4.12)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2021 26:33


    Thinking Fast & Slow through a Kabbalistic lens, analyzing the history of the Synagogue, and how Jewish identity has been sustained amidst centuries of dispersion

    The Neutral Life (4.11)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2021 32:04


    A penetrating critique into today's culture of career liberation, Becoming a 'Tomorrow Person's, and how an incredible vision of hope emerged from Judaism's darkest hour (in contrast to Christianity, The divide between Rabbi Akiva and Paul)

    Forest Bathing (4.10)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2021 37:38


    In today's episode of The Chavrusa, we discuss Forest Bathing, New York City Parks, Education Evidence, & Judaism's most daring institution.

    judaism forest bathing new york city parks
    Political Theories (4.9)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2021 31:07


    Exploring the 2 Political theories in Judaism, the unique Torah theory of state, and its theory of society, A deeper look at the 3 core concepts in Jewish communal life, & an inner glimpse on Purim

    Rabbi, You, & Autonomy (Mailbag- 7)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2021 44:37


    In this episode of The Mailbag, we address questions about Rabbis- "Does having a Rabbi reduce my own autonomy in decision making? "Are some Rabbis better than other rabbis?" "Can Women be Rabbis"? "Should I be asking my Rabbi Business decisions? Medical advice?" "Are Rabbis looking for control?" "What is 'Daas Torah'?" In response we analyze the 3 necessary qualities of a Rabbi and how a healthy approach to having a Rabbi will lead to invaluable counsel, guidance, friendship, and autonomy.

    Exit the Community (4.8)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2021 32:51


    The 2 types of communities, The 2 forms of Freedom, and how the most influential political story ever told shaped an enduring revolution - transitioning a nation to a people, Exodus to Sinai, passive to active, fate to faith, and subjects to authors on the long walk to freedom (Letter in the Scroll- 8)

    Watered-down Kippah (4.7)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2021 39:53


    An attorney's improvisation for a kippa is indicative of a serious gap between technical actions and the moral imperative of Halacha, And delving into the roots of the Chosen People, Terrorism, & Democratic Socialism (A Letter in the Scroll- 7)

    Banned Songs & Relationships (4.6)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2021 31:25


    California bans singing in synagogues- but they're not the first. Exploring the 2 ways to sing in Judaism, and how the Torah's moralizing of relationships turned out to be the most transformative idea in all of social history (Letter in the Scroll- 6)

    Vanilla Judaism (4.5)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2021 46:25


    Raging legal battles over the definition of Vanilla leads to a Torah perspective on the fluidity of miscommunations, & Tracking the Revolutionary History of Jewish Ideas, heralding the greatest Paradigm Shift in the Story of Mankind (Letter in the Scroll, 5)

    Palace in Flames (4.4)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2021 24:30


    The perfume of Civet Cats, and A Radical & Haunting Account that has Challenged Conventional Morality & Thought since the dawn of Humanity (Letter in a Scroll, 4)

    Identities & Libraries (4.3)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2021 34:59


    A scintillating metaphor dramatizing the contrast between Western thought and Judaism in fundamental definitions of Identity

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