The Torah Journey Podcast

In recent months, antisemitism has moved from lurking in the shadows to being alarmingly out in the open. According to the ADL, over 10,000 antisemitic incidents were reported in the U.S. in the year following October 7.What drives this phenomenon? Is it a product of the right or the left? While Israel has numerous friends in the United States, antisemitism exists across the political spectrum.What do we make of this paradox? How do we understand antisemitism when it comes to us from opposite directions? The Torah teaches us how to understand the great spectacles of Jewish history…including antisemitism.

According to early Christianity, Jews not accepting Jesus stood in the way of global.  Jesus eventually became a profoundly influential figure through the gospels. According to those gospels, Jesus claimed to be the king of Israel.What do we make of this claim? Did Jesus believe he was the fulfillment of the Hebrew prophetic vision of Messiah?  To make sense of this, we explore that background of Jewish monarchy and more.

Chanukah is not only a time for celebrating with latkes and donuts, but it's a gateway talking about our faith in HaShem. Meaningful conversation about our connection to God is vital in addressing mental health challenges and the “Meaning Crisis.”

When Yaakov was running and destitute, he dedicated a house of God with a flask of oil and a single stone. In so doing, he initiated our Jewish connection to the Har HaBayit (Temple Mount) in Jerusalem.As Jews, we continue along his path of dedicating holy space wherever our journey takes us. How do we find or consecrate holy space in our lives, especially when we find ourselves—like Yaakov—in a place of desperation?

The month of Kislev brings us Chanukah, one of the most powerful symbols of the Jewish people. And one of the most poignant symbols of Chanukah is the Driedel. What does this children's toy teach us about being Jewish in or outside of the land of Israel?

It's that time of when year end holidays are in the air. But this can be a challenging time for those struggling with loneliness, including people who want to be grandparents. Why are many young adults choosing to remain child-free, and what is Judaism's message for them?Plus, Jewish Emunah (faith) and gratitude to God were an inspiration for the people who gave us the modern holiday of Thanksgiving.

It's hard to think of a more influential person in human history than Avraham. The prophet Isaiah teaches us that this influential figure and founder of Israel was beloved to HaShem. But why did God love Avraham? The answer to this question—alluded to in Genesis 18, 19—is a key for understanding how we shine our light into today's world.

The life of Ruth and the Chag of Shavuot helps us to connect with a path that can immediately change our lives for the better: gratitude.

The Jewish people face unprecedented challenges in our times. How do we prepare for the future in these days of great trials? 2,600 years ago, the prophet Jeremiah taught us a lesson in faith in a time when destruction was at the door—literally. His act of audacious hope is beckons us today.

The generation that returned from Bavel to Jerusalem reveled in their “rediscovery” of the Chag of Sukkos. Their modest celebration holds a lesson for our lives.

Israeli singer Ishay Ribo takes us into the soul of the Kohen Gadol through his “Seder HaAvoda,” a song with 10 million views on YouTube.Why is a song about Yom Kippur enthralling to people of all backgrounds? What can we learn from the Kohen's journey in our lives today?  

During the Hebrew month of Elul, we contemplate the palpable presence of the King. How do we utilize these weeks to prepare for the Days of Awe? What does it mean for us to desire a King?

What happens when your friend or loved one tries to sway you against your better judgment? How do you eschew the desires of loved ones, or the society around you? The Torah's discussion of friends enticing us to worship idols is instructive for our times.

The prophets teach us that we have a hunger and a thirst for something beyond bread & water: we seek to absorb the word of God. What steps can we take to discover and connect with the spiritual roots we yearn for?

The Torah tells us that will shall diligently pursue justice. We also learn that God is perfect and just. Yet, for all the Torah's focus on justice, there seems to be plenty of injustice in our world. How do we square the existence injustice with a Just God? How can we be emissaries of justice and truth in our imperfect world?

The life of Rebbi Akiva is a model for how we overcome challenges in life, as we grow closer to Torah. Join us as we reflect on how Shavuos can propel us forward in this path.

Mishlei teaches us that we “may not forsake the Torah of our mother.” According to our rabbis, “our mother” refers to the Jewish people. In this episode, we delve into the significance of this received tradition, that has defined Jewish life from generation to generation.

The Torah presents holiness as a common a comprehensive calling for the Jewish people. What does holiness, or sanctity, have to do with our happiness? What, according to Judaism, leads a person to happiness?

While speech and expression are vital parts of our lives, a Mishna sheds light on the power of silence.

Several months after Rosh HaShana, we begin Nisan which is called “the first of months.” This month of spring is a reminder that renewal and rejuvenation are possible even months into our year. Renewal is a powerful Jewish strength that comes to the fore at this auspicious time.Rebrand and Renewal - Jewish Link article

Megillas Esther teaches us timeless lessons about the opportunities and limitations of interpreting the events of our lives.

The construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) raises questions about what it means to dedicate physical space to HaShem. As individuals, how do we bring God's presence into our world?

In today's episode, I share my journey with GTD (Getting Things Done) and how it led me to a deeper Jewish question: what is Shabbos?

It's common in our times for people to self-identify as “spiritual but not religious.” This includes many people who firmly believe in the existence of God, though they are not affiliated with a religious group or organization. Many seek spirituality in places outside of religion.What does it mean to be spiritual as a Jew? How do we connect the moving spiritual moments we experience, to a life of Mitzvot?

The example of Moshe teaches us to run after each member of HaShem's flock, as we seek them out in the places that they are found.

Congregation Sons of Israel (in Manalapan NJ) updates our name to include the entire children of Israel, as we strive to create an eternal legacy.

What I learned from my real-life encounter with Michael & Summer Dawson PLUS: who is the suffering servant of Isaiah 53?

From the days of Yosef and Yehuda to the Maccabees to our own time, the legacy of the Jewish people is all about walking in the path of truth.

Our fathers and mothers received new names in watershed moments that helped define their life trajectory forward. How can you connect with your name in your struggles today?

Today, it's possible to walk in the Biblical heart of Israel where our forefathers and mothers walked and lived. But what does Genesis teach us about the most difficult problems that face us in the land of Israel today?

Avraham's prayer for the wicked city of Sedom depends on the presence of a “Minyan” of Tzaddikim (righteous people).  A deeper look at this moment sheds light on the importance of community for our spiritual health.

Avraham left Charan and followed the word of HaShem without knowing his destination. How does Avraham's path guide us to move forward in life, amid doubt and uncertainty?

The Hebrew Bible gave the world a radical idea: God, not flesh and blood, is the true king. When we reject cults of personality and center our lives around HaShem, we bring blessing into the world. How can we bring this big idea of HaShem as our king into daily life?

A new Torah reading cycle is a time to consider a learning opportunity that is accessible for every Jew.

Sukkot is a time to consider the real struggle between Israel and the nations, and how that struggle plays out in our lives.

The first Sukkot celebration after the return of captives from Bavel to Jerusalem teaches us the power of our modest Sukkah.

Exploring the boundaries of apology and forgiveness in the Teshuva process. Is it ever appropriate to withhold forgiveness?

Understanding the Akeda (Binding of Isaac) is critical for our connection to the Days of Awe, and understanding Jewish morality.

A recent Kashrus scandal in Manalapan NJ forces us to rethink the “WHY” of Mitzvot.

Including people in the Jewish community is a lifesaving endeavor. Yet, it takes ingenuity, perseverance and creativity to make that happen.

The Jewish people have always longed for the land of Israel. What do we make of life of our life in exile?  

We're back at the Jewish Growth Podcast!The word of HaShem is a source of life and comfort for the Jewish people. Yet, the Jewish people feared that they would perish when G-d spoke to the at Sinai. How do we resolve this paradox? And if G-d is the source of life, how can EVERY Jew love HaShem and connect to the word of God? 

My last Drasha at Kesser Israel—after 17 years—is a cause for reflection on the meaning of the weekly Drasha/Sermon in Shul. We consider how Moshe increased his own spirit prior to helping others connect with “the Ruach.”  This podcast will be back intermittently over June and July and we plan to be back in full force in August.

Our rabbis teach us that “one Mitzvah causes another Mitzvah.” Yet, seemingly it is possible to perform one Mitzvah without it leading anywhere in particular. How do we realize a full life of walking in the Mitzvot?

As we count the days toward Shavuot, the counting of Sefira helps us to understand that power of positive habit in our Torah lives. How do we access our full potential through new habits?

As Jews, we experience a tension between our desire to be a “Kiddush HaShem” and the fact that, often, people we encounter do not look favorably upon our Torah practices. How do we thrive with this unresolved tension present in our lives? What does it mean to make a Kiddush HaShem in a non-Jewish world?

Our will to live is the most basic of human drives. But how do we define life? The Torah's command to “live in Mitzvot” suggests a path that shapes the meaning of our lives.

Isaiah's futuristic vision of the messianic era points to our innate ability to overcome our natural limitations.

Learning to find your personal Exodus on Pesach and beyond.

What is the purpose of having a rabbi in our lives?