This podcast features thoughts on issues of Jewish tradition and faith by Rabbi Rob Dobrusin from Ann Arbor, Michigan. Presented in informal and conversational style, Rabbi Dobrusin shares his interpretations of traditional Jewish texts and concepts often illustrated with examples taken from contemporary life. The discussions are designed to be accessible and thought-provoking to all.
In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin shares an interpretation on a section from the Shabbat morning liturgy which reflects a need all of us have.
The Talmud contains a fascinating discussion about whether the book of Esther should be included in the Biblical canon. In the course of the discussion, a provocative statement is made. In this edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin teaches this section of text and shares thoughts on the provocative statement.
In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin teaches from a brief section of the Talmud which reflects an important principle in our lives. Before the teaching, the episode begins with a comment on a situation taking place in our nation today.
Rabbi Dobrusin concludes his discussion of the Four Children section of the Pesach Haggadah detailing the tragic flaw in this otherwise insightful text.
Rabbi Dobrusin continues the discussion about the section of the Seder known as the Four Children.
Rabbi Dobrusin begins a 3 part series on one of the most distinctive texts in the Hagaddah: the section known as the Four Children. In this and next week's episodes, Rabbi Dobrusin will explore the text itself and in the third section share an extremely unfortunate error which the rabbis made in constructing this intriguing midrash.
In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin discusses a contrast between the observance of the holiday of Purim and the observance of Pesach. How are the rituals of the two holidays different?
In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin concludes the D'var Torah he began in the previous podcast episode.
Rabbi Dobrusin shares the first half of a d'var Torah relating to a text for the holiday of Purim. You can find the text that the d'var Torah is based on here: https://www.hebrewsongs.com/?song=shoshanatyaakov
What can a rather odd text of the Talmud teach us about our lives today? Rabbi Dobrusin shares a lesson we can learn from an ancient text.
Some in our community are being threatened and we must stand up for them. In this edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a midrash which has deep implications for those individuals- and for all of us- in our nation today.
In this edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a d'var Torah on this week's Torah portion, parashat Yitro. How do we relate to the story of the giving of the Torah in the book of Exodus?
Rabbi Dobrusin shares a d'var Torah on this week's parashah. The teaching includes more than a passing reference to one of his favorite pastimes, a subject which will warm our hearts during the cold month of February.
In this edition of Wrestling and Dreaming, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a d'var Torah on a critical verse in this week's Torah portion: Exodus 13:8
In this edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin reflects on the return of 3 of the hostages from Gaza and the new Trump administration.
In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a sermon he delivered in 1996. The questions and concerned raised 29 years ago are still relevant today.
In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin revisits an idea that he spoke about previously in the podcast concerning one of our Hanukkah traditions. The discussion has particular importance this Hanukkah.
In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin uses an unusual source to point out how we can view the character of Joseph in completely different ways.
In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a family story and relates it to this week's Torah portion.
In this episode of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin explains why the day on which this podcast is posted is such an important date in terms of Jewish ritual.
After a brief introduction, this edition of the podcasts features Rabbi Dobrusin's pre-Thanksgiving message of 2020 as we prepared for Thanksgiving during the pandemic. How will we take advantage of the freedoms we have to celebrate more fully in 2024?
In this edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a d'var Torah on this week's parasha of Hayei Sarah. How did the Rabbis interpret a phrase at the beginning of the parasha and what is problematic about that explanation?
In this edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin presents a midrash which looks at part of a Torah story in a completely different light. It portrays Abraham as taking a great risk, trusting in being correct in his conception of God.
What can we learn from the opening words of this week's Torah portion: Lech Lecha? Rabbi Dobrusin discusses a lesson which should be relevant to all of our lives.
Rabbi Dobrusin shares one of his favorite traditional texts. The text reflects a completely different way of understanding a basic principle of Jewish theology.
In this brief, special edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin speaks about the upcoming election.
In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin discusses a complex and difficult issue that Conservative Rabbis have wrestled with for decades.
Rabbi Dobrusin shares the story of a recent experience and the lessons learned from what he saw- and didn't see.
In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a pre Rosh Hashana sermon concerning the importance of "today".
In the episode of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin shares some thoughts on the year that is ending and a hope for the year to come. This episode also includes an idea which is a contemporary take on a medieval tradition.
In this week's podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a commentary on a text in the Talmud which is truly upsetting. That the commentary comes from an honored and reliable source makes it even more upsetting. The subject is one which we should be considering seriously in this time of Teshuvah, repentance, before Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.
In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin examines the traditions regarding a verse in this week's Torah portion. And, of course, it begins with some words about the newest member of his household.
In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin shares some questions we might consider as we begin the process of Teshuvah: repentance.
Rabbi Dobrusin shares thoughts on the concept of teshuva: repentance, as we approach the High Holy Days. What should frame of mind should we be in as we engage in teshuva?
In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin discusses two different ways of remembering something or someone we have lost.
In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin shares thoughts on a critical verse in this week's Torah portion.
In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin considers a question concerning the observance of the fast day of Tisha B'av this year.
Rabbi Dobrusin gives a personal perspective on one of the most important of all human experiences.
Rabbi Dobrusin explains a liturgical tradition which is based upon a section of this week's Torah portion.
This brief podcast is an addendum to this week's edition of Wrestling and Dreaming.
In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin offers a perspective on two Torah stories which have an unusual connection.
In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin considers the major issue in our nation with a thought about the Torah portion of the week.
In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin discusses the recent decision by the State of Louisiana legislature regarding the placing of the 10 commandments in public school classrooms.
In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin gives his answer to the question that he asked at the conclusion of last week's podcast. This is the 200th episode of the podcast and Rabbi Dobrusin ends this week's edition with some thoughts on the podcast as a whole.
In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin introduces a commentary by Rashi which he finds particularly intriguing. The commentary has many implications, some of which Rabbi Dobrusin will discuss next week in a special 200th episode of Wrestling and Dreaming.
In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin considers the place of Shavuot in the order of the festivals of the year.
In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin continues discussing the personal prayers of some of the Talmudic Rabbis. These prayers carry messages which are critical to us today.
In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin shares some thoughts on beautiful personal prayers which are found in the Talmud.
This is a special edition of the podcast. This episode, as you will hear, particularly comes from the heart. After listening, please go to the website robdobrusin.com for further thoughts.
In this edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin shares some thoughts on the tense situation on college campuses today.
In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin shares his thoughts on witnessing the Solar Eclipse and considers its implications for our thinking about the upcoming holiday of Pesach.
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