Podcasts about Hashem

The pasuk says in this week's parashat Shemot, וַתֵּתַצַּב אֲחֹתוֹ מֵרָחֹק לְדֵעָה מַה־יֵּעָשֶׂה -לוֹ Simply, this refers to Miriam, Moshe's older sister, who was standing by watching what would happen to him when he was put into the Nile River. Rabbi Menashe Reizman quoted the Midrash which explains that this pasuk is referring to the Shechinah, standing there watching from afar. The Midrash proves from other pesukim how every word in that pasuk is a reference to the Shechinah. The Maharsha, Masechet Sotah, explains the Midrash is teaching us that although Moshe being thrown into the river seemed like an act of destruction, the ways of Hashem are very far from us. Miriam had a prophecy that the savior was going to be born, and this looked like a nullification of that prophecy. However, this was actually the way in which the prophecy became fulfilled. It was through this that Moshe was raised safely in the palace by the daughter of Pharoah. It also teaches us that although this took place when the harshest slavery began, it appeared that Hashem was so distant, but He was right there standing with them. During their darkest time, Hashem was making the greatest miracles—causing the daughter of Pharoah to go down to the Nile at the exact time Moshe was placed there, and then making the miracle of her arm stretching out to reach him. Rabbi Reizman pointed out that the Torah only devotes six pesukim to discussing all of the slavery in Mitzrayim. Right after that, begins the story of the redemption—how Moshe was born and how he became the go'el. Even the pesukim that speak about the throwing of the babies into the Nile mention Miryam and Yocheved, the mother and sister of the go'el. Perhaps one explanation of this is that we are not meant to dwell too much on the difficulties that we are given. It is hard for us to comprehend how pain and suffering could possibly be good for us, and therefore it is incumbent upon us not to analyze the details too deeply, but rather to trust in Hashem. When Hashem called to Moshe from the burning bush, the pasuk says that Moshe was afraid to look. Hashem appeared to Moshe in a thorn bush, symbolizing עִמּוֹ אָנֹכִי בְצָרָה -He was with us during that hard time. Moshe did not see all the harsh slave labor because he was in Midyan. The Mefarshim explain that here Hashem began showing Moshe the suffering that the Jewish people were going through, but Moshe was afraid to look because he did not want to lower his level of emunah and potentially have questions on the way Hashem was dealing with them. One of the harshest decrees was that Pharoah was killing 150 babies every morning and another 150 every evening, bathing in their blood because he had tzara'at. When Moshe heard about this, along with the fact that Jewish babies were being built into the walls as bricks, he asked Hashem what they did to deserve this. Hashem told Moshe that all of those babies were from previous generations and were receiving their tikkun. It was all chesed, meant to purify them. Hashem told Moshe that if he really wanted, he could save one—and Moshe did. That one baby-Micha- brought about the worst destruction. He was the one who took the Shem Hashem that Moshe used to bring Yosef's aron out of the sea, threw it into the fire when the Jews were waiting for Moshe to come down from Har Sinai, and caused the Egel(golden calf) to emerge alive. Until today, we are still suffering from the effects of the Egel. He later made an idol when they entered Eretz Yisrael, causing countless tragedies to befall the Jewish people. He was also known as Nevat, the father of Yeravam, who caused the exile of the Ten Tribes. That destruction came from just one of those babies. The Lev Aryeh writes that all those who perished in Mitzrayim were neshamot from earlier generations that returned for a tikkun—the generations of the Mabul, Dor HaPelagah, and the people of Sedom. The Mishnah says in Pirkei Avot, אַל תִּסְתַּכֵּל בַּקַּנְקָן אֶלָּא בְּמַה שֶּׁיֵּשׁ בּוֹ (Avot 4:20) The Lev Aryeh explains homiletically that this also refers to the tragedies in Mitzrayim. The word קן has the numerical value of 150. Do not look at what happened to the 150 babies in the morning and the 150 babies in the evening; rather, look at who those people really were—resha'im who needed a tikkun. Hashem is always standing near us, but He appears to be afar because His ways are so far beyond our understanding. Everything He does is chesed. We do not have the ability to comprehend His ways in this world, but we do have the ability to trust in Him. We should not dwell excessively on the difficulties; rather, we should believe that everything is chesed done out of love. And if we have that emunah, then we will be considered people who are truly loyal. Shabbat Shalom

The Shulhan Aruch (Orah Haim 99:1) rules that if a person has become inebriated such that he cannot articulate his words properly, and is not fit to appear before a king, then he may not pray, and if he does pray in such a condition, his prayer is considered an "abomination." The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) cites the Bet Yehuda (Rav Yehuda Ayash, Algeria, 1700-1759) as ruling that a person in this state cannot be counted toward a Minyan. Interestingly, the Ben Ish Hai adds that since people in such a condition do not necessarily appear drunk, it is important to ensure that the ten men who comprise a Minyan are in fact sober and worthy of being counted. Hacham Ovadia Yosef, however, noted that this is not, in fact, what the Bet Yehuda wrote. The Bet Yehuda wrote that a person cannot be counted toward a Minyan if he had reached the point of "Shichruto Shel Lot" – the level of intoxication reached by Lot, who was so inebriated that he had intimate relations with his daughters, as he did not recognize them. It is only if a person is drunk to this extent, that he is entirely unaware of what is happening and is not thinking straight at all, that he may not be counted toward a Minyan. Such a person is exempt from Misvot due to his temporary state of mental impairment, and so he cannot be counted toward a Minyan. If, however, a person is merely tipsy, then although he should not pray, he may nevertheless be counted toward a Minyan. Hacham Ovadia noted that even somebody who is asleep can be counted toward a Minyan, so certainly somebody who is drunk can be counted, as long as he has not reached the point of "Shichruto Shel Lot." Apparently, Hacham Ovadia writes, the Ben Ish Hai saw a faulty edition of the Bet Yehuda which mistakenly stated that even mild inebriation disqualifies a person from being counted. Hacham Ovadia noted that a number of other Poskim also cited the Bet Yehuda as disqualifying even a mildly inebriated person, as they, too, evidently used the faulty edition of this work. The Mishna Berura writes that if necessary, a mentally challenged individual may be counted toward a Minyan if he has enough understanding to pray properly and recognize that he prays to Hashem. If there is no other option, then such a person may be counted. Rav Yisrael Bitan writes that this would apply also to a mildly inebriated individual, who may be counted toward a Minyan when necessary. This situation often arises on Purim, when people drink and become inebriated. Summary: A person who is so drunk that he is entirely unaware of what he is doing may not be counted toward a Minyan. If a person is tipsy and cannot enunciate his words properly, then he should not pray, but he may be counted toward a Minyan, especially if he is needed for forming the Minyan.

In this Mussar Masterclass (Day 115) from Orchos Tzaddikim's Gate of Silence, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores when silence is not a virtue but harmful. While silence often protects from sin, one must speak up—gently and softly—to correct mockery of Torah/sages, rebuke transgressors, or prevent error, lest fools remain "wise in their own eyes." Harsh words destroy; soft answers turn away wrath.The rabbi stresses extreme care with speech: never shame, embarrass, or pain others (a biblical prohibition, including online); avoid discussing sensitive blemishes (physical, family, past mistakes) in front of those affected; don't remind repentant people of old sins; let others finish known stories without interrupting; and never reopen resolved quarrels, as it reignites conflict or embarrassment.True dignity lies in guarding others' feelings—silence preserves peace, but thoughtful, kind words build it. The class ends emphasizing maintaining human dignity in all interactions.Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on July 1, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on January 9, 2026_____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #Speech, #Silence, #Mussar, #JewishEthics, #SoftRebuke, #ProtectDignity, #GentleSpeech ★ Support this podcast ★

What does it mean to be an "anav" and why Moshe Rabbeinu's greatest compliment was that he was an "eved (servant of) Hashem".

The mission that Moshe was entrusted with in this week's Parsha was very clear: Go to Egypt and extract the nation of Israelite slaves. The difficulty in the mission was not due to the lack of clarity. The instructions were abundantly clear. The mission, though, was highly implausible. Moshe had been out of Egypt for decades. He was a shepherd working for his father-in-law in faraway Midian. What business does Moshe have to go down to Pharaoh and demand that he release his legions of Israelite slaves? We would assign a big, fat zero to the likelihood of the mission's success. But Moshe undertook it nonetheless. When we examine the Parsha further, we discover several other missions which also seemed to be thoroughly impossible. But there is a secret way to approach an impossible mission. If you want to know the secret, this podcast is for you. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –This Parsha Podcast is dedicated in honor and for the success of Noam Yitzhak ben Shlomi. May he be successful in all his endeavors.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –DONATE: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –NEW TORCH Mailing Address POBox:TORCHPO BOX 310246HOUSTON, TX 77231-0246– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletterrabbiwolbe.com/newsletter– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe's PodcastsThe Parsha PodcastThe Jewish History PodcastThe Mitzvah Podcast This Jewish LifeThe Ethics PodcastTORAH 101 ★ Support this podcast ★

Besides for the eternal merits that mitzvot give us, there are also segulot within them that bring blessing in this world as well. When someone is in need of a yeshua, one of the greatest approaches is to become extra careful with a specific mitzvah to increase his merits through it. The Chovot HaLevavot, in Shaar Ahavat Hashem, writes that when a person helps others grow in Torah and mitzvot, his merits become endless, because they are multiplied according to the merits of all those he helped. Rabbi Yisrael Brog shared a powerful story that reveals the value in Shamayim of being mezakeh the rabim. Rabbi Pinchas Peretz is a rabbi in Ofakim. Every day, his wife would take their daughter to playgroup. One day, she asked him to do it instead, because she had something important to attend to. Rabbi Peretz put his daughter into the car and then drove to his print shop, as he did every day. At one o'clock in the afternoon, his wife called to remind him to pick up their daughter. The playgroup was not far from his shop, so he walked there calmly. When he arrived, he was told that his wife had never brought their daughter that day. In an instant, he froze. He realized that since eight o'clock that morning, his daughter had been left in the car on a blazing hot day. He began screaming and running frantically back to his car, fearing the worst. As he ran, he called Hatzalah. When he reached the car, he saw his daughter, her face beet red, but unbelievably, she was still alive. She was breathing heavily and appeared to be in a deep sleep. Emergency responders arrived immediately, administered treatment, and stabilized her. They told Rabbi Peretz that she was literally minutes away from tragedy. She was rushed to the hospital, given IV fluids, and treated extensively. The doctors could not believe that a child who had been in a hot car for five hours was still alive. That night, Rabbi Peretz saw in a dream that he was standing before the Heavenly Court. A decree had been issued that his daughter would pass away. Suddenly, Chacham Ovadia Yosef appeared and pleaded on her behalf, saying that in the merit of her father being mezakeh the rabim, she should live. Rabbi Peretz prints Torah messages in his print shop and distributes them free of charge to the public. So many people grow closer to Hashem through those words of Torah. When he woke up, he understood the magnitude of the miracle that had taken place. Rabbi Brog also shared another story. There was a man who would hang signs in his neighborhood every Wednesday, reminding people of candle lighting times and when Shabbat begins. When someone asked him why he does it, he answered that he wanted to help people be more careful with the honor of Shabbat. Another individual, already in his forties and still not married, decided to take on a merit for the public. He became a central contact point where people could send resumes, and he would forward them to those who could help with shidduchim. Baruch Hashem, not long afterward, he himself got married. There is no shortage of mitzvot through which a person can help others. Some strengthen shemirat halashon by sharing daily halachot through phone lines or printed sheets in shuls. Some help others with modesty, others with shemirat ha'einayim, and the list goes on. Every mitzvah carries immense merit, but when a person helps others perform mitzvot, the merit becomes endless.

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chof Teves What is the significance of the Rambam's yahrzeit?  What makes a leader different than a scholar?What does the Egyptian exile teach us about dealing with difficulties? What did the Rebbe say about this day? What did he have in common with the Alter Rebbe? What personal lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week's Torah parsha? Why do we recount the suffering in Egypt?What does the story of Moshe's birth teach us?  What is the significance of him being born before the enslavement began and that he himself was not a slave? Why did Hashem appear to Moshe in a burning bush? Why did Moshe challenge G-d by saying “Why are You doing evil to these people?” After the Egyptian exile and redemption why was there a need for other exiles? How can we understand the tzimtzum in simple and practical terms? What does “Yaakov Avinu lo mes” mean? Is there a plan to print more Chassidus in English? Shemos Vayechi Are there any relevant lessons to be learned from the United States toppling the Venezuelan president? Hei Teves What can be done about "discrimination" against Ba'alei Teshuva or others seen as outsiders? If I feel that my teacher is not being fair, how can I challenge him without being disrespectful? 

In this Tefillah class we delve further into the give and take between us and Hashem in prayer. We use the classic book "What the angels have taught you" as a guide for this thought provoking journey. I feel you will find some new and fresh ideas about Tefillah that may help with your day to day connection to Hashem. There are some bits along the way. Enjoy

We begin the new calendar year with a new book, the book of Exodus. The Jewish nation - still a family - is in Egypt, and things go from bad to worse. Pharaoh torments the people, enslaves them, and embitters their lives with back breaking labor. He then implements a policy of infanticide. But a great light emerges: Moshe is born. The leader of the Jewish people -- who will extricate us from Egypt and lead us into the wilderness, and convey the Torah to us, and shepherd us --  is born and is raised in Pharaoh's household. In this Parsha Podcast we go behind the scenes - we go to the backstage of the parsha and explore two interesting and topical elements of Moshe's treatment: both how he was treated and how he treated others.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –DONATE: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –NEW TORCH Mailing Address POBox:TORCHPO BOX 310246HOUSTON, TX 77231-0246– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletterrabbiwolbe.com/newsletter– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe's PodcastsThe Parsha PodcastThe Jewish History PodcastThe Mitzvah Podcast This Jewish LifeThe Ethics PodcastTORAH 101 ★ Support this podcast ★

There are moments in a person's life when Hashem is calling upon him to elevate himself to true greatness. At times, Hashem will give a person an extremely difficult test, one that requires him to summon every ounce of inner strength to withstand it. Some people fail the test and never realize the tremendous potential that lay within them. Others seize the moment, rise to the challenge, and are catapulted to heights they could never have reached otherwise. The sefer Even Sapir brings a powerful story that illustrates this idea. There was a young man, seventeen years old, named Shalom, from Teiman. He was already a budding Torah scholar and was exceptionally handsome. To earn a living, he worked as a spice merchant, going door to door selling his goods. One day, a non-Jewish woman called out to him and asked him to bring in some spices so she could look at them. Shalom stepped just slightly inside, making sure to leave the door wide open. Suddenly, the woman shut the door and told him that her husband was the head of the city. She threatened him that if he did not sin with her immediately, she would have him put to death. In that moment, Shalom was faced with a test similar to that of Yosef HaTzaddik. He asked the woman if he could use the restroom, and she showed him where it was. The apartment was on the third floor of the building. Inside the bathroom, Shalom noticed an open window. He turned to Hashem and said that he would rather jump out of the window than commit the aveirah. He vowed that if he survived, he would make aliyah to Eretz Yisrael. He jumped. Miraculously, he landed on his feet, unharmed, and immediately began running. From there, his journey took him through India, Baghdad, and Damascus, until he finally arrived in Yerushalayim. Once there, he went to Rav Gedaliah Chayon, the head of Yeshivat Beit El, the great yeshivah for Kabbalah, and asked if he could serve as the caretaker. He asked for nothing in return other than a roof over his head and food to eat. His thirst for Torah was so great that he wanted nothing more than to hear the holy words of Torah spoken by the great chachamim of the yeshivah. As he cleaned the bet midrash and served the rabbis, he listened carefully to the shiurim and absorbed every word. One day, the rosh yeshivah posed an exceptionally difficult question. None of the rabbis in the beit midrash could answer it. There were scholars there in their sixties and seventies who had devoted their lives to Torah, yet no one could offer a satisfactory response. That night, before the rabbis returned to learn at chatzot, Shalom, the caretaker, took out a pen and began writing a detailed teshuvah to answer the rosh yeshivah's question. He quoted numerous sources and wrote a masterful explanation. He quietly placed the paper inside the rosh yeshivah's sefer and returned to his work. When the rosh yeshivah opened his sefer to begin his shiur, he was astonished. After reading the teshuvah, he asked who among them had written it. No one answered. He said that such writing could only have come from a sage of earlier generations—perhaps even from Eliyahu HaNavi. A week later, the same thing happened again. Another brilliant teshuvah appeared. Again, no one claimed authorship. The entire yeshivah buzzed with speculation about the mysterious Torah giant in their midst. The rosh yeshivah lived across from the yeshivah, and his daughter, aware of her father's deep curiosity, began watching the bet midrash late at night. One evening, she saw Shalom, the caretaker, writing a teshuvah. She told her father what she had seen. Rav Gedaliah approached Shalom and demanded the truth. Shalom admitted that he was the one writing the teshuvot. The rosh yeshivah was stunned that someone so young possessed such mastery, especially in the hidden wisdom of Torah. Although Shalom tried to conceal his greatness, it was now revealed. He eventually married the rosh yeshivah's daughter, and when Rav Gedaliah passed away, he appointed Shalom as the new rosh yeshivah—at the age of twenty-seven. This Shalom was none other than Rav Shalom Sharabi, known as the Rashash, one of the greatest mekubalim who ever lived. Rav Chaim Palachi wrote that the Rashash possessed the neshamah of the Arizal. Rav Yitzchak Kaduri said that one who has not learned the writings of the Rashash has not yet entered the true realm of Kabbalah. When Rav Shalom Sharabi was later asked about the source of his extraordinary greatness in Torah, he attributed it to that moment of test with the woman. After overcoming it, he said, his mind opened, and Torah began to flow from him like a wellspring. When Hashem sends a person an especially difficult test, it may very well be His way of calling that person to greatness. The test may feel overwhelming, but if a person perseveres and follows Hashem, he will reap rewards that last for all eternity.

In this conversation, Zev and I discuss what role the Torah plays in the pursuit of knowing Hashem00:30 Why do we require the Torah for the pursuit of da'as Hashem?9:00 Can a person achieve da'as Hashem without the Torah?16:30 Is the Torah the exclusive method that brings to da'as Hashem?18:00 What is the Torah and to what genre does it belong?21:45 It is impossible to disentangle Jewish values from the Torah30:30 The Torah's words, narratives and practices anchor a person in da'as Hashem40:00 Does all da'as Hashem trace its roots to the Torah?51:00 Torah as Law and its difference from the Prophets: https://www.ebay.com/itm/364132946794...https://open.substack.com/pub/shnayor/p/ee-and-r-3_1-between-the-torah-and?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web52:00 Da'as Hashem is absent from the Torah; Moshe is higher than the prophets by virtue of his recognition that Hashem is actually unknowable53:30 The Law as guardrails against absolute freedom of thought54:45 We cannot and will not contemplate infinity, and therefore we need the finitude of the Law56:00 Paradoxically, restrictions allow for freedom of thought1:00:00 The Jewish People is the greatest mitzvah1:05:00 Summary of how the Torah serves da'as Hashem

Yud-Zayin Teves (26:23)

We all aspire to accomplish great things. The Almighty surely did not create us to be mediocre. We're here to make something of ourselves; to achieve grand ambitions. What is the most effective way to accomplish that? In this very unique podcast, you will learn a very interesting, provocative, delightful, and a bit startling insight that will radically reshape your life for the better. You will never look at the path to success the same.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –DONATE: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –NEW TORCH Mailing Address POBox:TORCHPO BOX 310246HOUSTON, TX 77231-0246– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletterrabbiwolbe.com/newsletter– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe's PodcastsThe Parsha PodcastThe Jewish History PodcastThe Mitzvah Podcast This Jewish LifeThe Ethics PodcastTORAH 101 ★ Support this podcast ★

When a person has been waiting for a shidduch, or for parnassah, or for refu'ah shelema, the hardest part is not the difficulty itself, but the fear that maybe it will never come. Years have passed, doors seem to be closed, and the person begins to think: if nothing has happened yet, who says it ever will? That way of thinking might make sense if Hashem needed time to gradually bring a salvation. But we know that Hashem brings the yeshu'ah כְּהֶרֶף עַיִן , in the blink of an eye. An older single may think, I am doing everything right. I am praying, working on myself, improving in so many areas, yet it feels like nothing is moving, like I am never going to get married. But every single thing that this person has done has made a real impact. When everything comes together and the moment of salvation arrives, it will come so quickly that the person will not believe how fast it happened. Many people who waited ten, fifteen, twenty years, or even longer, will tell you the same thing. For years, nothing was happening. It felt like things would never change. And then suddenly, a name was mentioned casually, a phone call came from an unexpected source, something nobody could have predicted—and the yeshu'ah arrived. A man called me, overflowing with gratitude to Hashem. He told me that shidduchim had been so painful for his daughter over the past five years that he honestly thought she would never get married. The pain and agony they endured were indescribable. And then, literally כְּהֶרֶף עַיִן , a new name surfaced. A boy younger than her, someone they never would have thought of on their own. Today, they are preparing for her wedding. It is the perfect shidduch—the kind of boy she had always hoped for, from the type of family she had always wanted. In one moment, they went from the depths of despair to the greatest heights of joy. The same pattern exists with parnassah. People can struggle for years to earn a living, and then suddenly one opportunity opens. One deal, one connection, one idea. The same mouth that once said, "I don't see how I will ever manage," now says, "I can't believe this didn't happen earlier." Someone told me about his friend who had to borrow money from his in-laws just to cover basic expenses, and less than a year later, he became a multimillionaire. It didn't make sense—but it didn't have to. The moment Hashem decides to give, it happens in the way He chooses. A man told me that for many years he dreamed of opening a store selling a certain type of merchandise. He had customers and demand, but he could never afford the rent. Renting a store required first month's rent, a security deposit, and key money—tens of thousands of dollars he simply didn't have. So for years, he sold everything from his home. Recently, he attended an event, and someone casually asked him if he knew anyone looking to rent a store. He asked for details. It turned out to be on the exact block he had always wanted. The owner was desperate to rent the space and said he was willing to waive the security deposit and the key money. Just like that, the man finally got the store he had dreamed of for years. For so long, it seemed like it would never happen. But the moment Hashem said it was time, He sent the right person directly to him with the opportunity. Yeshuat Hashem is always כְּהֶרֶף עַיִן . Our job is to continue praying, to continue growing, and to never give up hope—even when nothing seems to be moving. Because when the moment arrives, everything changes at once.

In this Everyday Judaism episode on practical Jewish law (Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, Siman 40), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explains the rabbinic obligation of netilat yadayim (ritual hand-washing) before eating bread—a meal's centerpiece. Rooted in Temple-era purity laws (tumah and taharah) to prepare for terumah consumption, this decree persists today to maintain readiness for the future Temple, promote physical hygiene (highlighted during COVID-19), and foster spiritual holiness by countering arrogance.Key rules include using a complete, spoutless vessel (kli) with a flat top; pouring a generous revi'it (about 3–4 oz) of clean water twice per hand (right first), covering up to the wrist in one flow; reciting "al netilat yadayim" after washing while raising hands; and thoroughly drying (not on clothes, to avoid forgetfulness). Alternatives for no vessel: immersing in a river/mikvah/spring, or (in need) snow or faucet with human force.Rabbi Wolbe shares inspiring stories (Chafetz Chaim's sensitivity and humility) and emphasizes washing's deeper purpose: humbling ourselves before bread's 11-step process, recognizing accomplishments as Hashem's gifts rather than our own. The episode transitions to Ask Away #27, urging maximal spiritual use of Zos Chanukah (eighth day) through gazing at menorah lights, prayer, and abundant thanks to Hashem.The episode concludes with a transition to the Ask Away #27._____________The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen LernerDownload & Print the Everyday Judaism Halacha Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5This episode (Ep. #81) of the Everyday Judaism Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Marshall & Doreen Lerner! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on December 21, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on January 5, 2025_____________DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!_____________#Halacha, #Jewishlaw, #blessings, #Kitzur, #NetilatYadayim, #HandWashing, #Halacha, #SpiritualHumility, #EverydayJudaism ★ Support this podcast ★

In this Everyday Judaism episode on practical Jewish law (Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, Siman 40), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explains the rabbinic obligation of netilat yadayim (ritual hand-washing) before eating bread—a meal's centerpiece. Rooted in Temple-era purity laws (tumah and taharah) to prepare for terumah consumption, this decree persists today to maintain readiness for the future Temple, promote physical hygiene (highlighted during COVID-19), and foster spiritual holiness by countering arrogance.Key rules include using a complete, spoutless vessel (kli) with a flat top; pouring a generous revi'it (about 3–4 oz) of clean water twice per hand (right first), covering up to the wrist in one flow; reciting "al netilat yadayim" after washing while raising hands; and thoroughly drying (not on clothes, to avoid forgetfulness). Alternatives for no vessel: immersing in a river/mikvah/spring, or (in need) snow or faucet with human force.Rabbi Wolbe shares inspiring stories (Chafetz Chaim's sensitivity and humility) and emphasizes washing's deeper purpose: humbling ourselves before bread's 11-step process, recognizing accomplishments as Hashem's gifts rather than our own. The episode transitions to Ask Away #27, urging maximal spiritual use of Zos Chanukah (eighth day) through gazing at menorah lights, prayer, and abundant thanks to Hashem.The episode concludes with a transition to the Ask Away #27._____________The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen LernerDownload & Print the Everyday Judaism Halacha Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5This episode (Ep. #81) of the Everyday Judaism Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Marshall & Doreen Lerner! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on December 21, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on January 5, 2025_____________DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!_____________#Halacha, #Jewishlaw, #blessings, #Kitzur, #NetilatYadayim, #HandWashing, #Halacha, #SpiritualHumility, #EverydayJudaism ★ Support this podcast ★

I love trees and the imagery that our Torah is a tree of life. Before I became a rabbi, I was a tree-fruit farmer. I've planted hundreds ( maybe thousands) of trees all across Israel, from the Golan to the Negev. With that in mind, Hashem gave me this melody, which I hope you'll catch on to quickly. Menachem Herman made this lively arrangement, and is playing guitars and singing. Well-known Jewish music producer Jeff Horvitch is on the keyboards. Yours truly is playing the native-Israel flutes. Enjoy this (lyrics below, in translation, transliteration and original Hebrew): Translation: She is a tree of life to those who hold on to her, and happy are those who uphold her (Proverbs 3:18). Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace (Proverbs 3:17). Bring us back to You, Hashem, and we shall return; renew our days as of old (Lamentations 5:21). Transliteration (to sing along): Etz chaim he, lamachazikim ba, vetomcheha me'ushar; deracheha darkei no'am, vechol netivoteha shalom. Hashivenu A'donai elecha venashuva; chadesh yameinu k'kedem.  

The Book of Exodus begins with the Egyptians cunningly enslaving their Hebrew subjects: mandating that they work in backbreaking labor, killing their male sons, and trying to stamp out their spirit and curb their population. But God heard their cries and saw their suffering and dispatched the greatest of all men, Moses, a reluctant leader, to lobby Pharaoh to release the people.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –DONATE: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –NEW TORCH Mailing Address POBox:TORCHPO BOX 310246HOUSTON, TX 77231-0246– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletterrabbiwolbe.com/newsletter– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe's PodcastsThe Parsha PodcastThe Jewish History PodcastThe Mitzvah Podcast This Jewish LifeThe Ethics PodcastTORAH 101 ★ Support this podcast ★

In this profound Mussar Masterclass (Day 114) on the Gate of Silence in Orchos Tzaddikim, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores why silence is praised as the greatest trait—even for fools—citing Rabbi Shimon ben Gamliel ("nothing better than silence") and King Solomon ("even a fool appears wise when silent"). Silence protects from sin (insults, slander, flattery, falsehood), fosters listening, and prevents regret, as "words can kill from afar while a sword harms only nearby."Examples include Aaron's silence after his sons' death (earning divine favor), responding to insults with quiet (forgiving all sins), and avoiding synagogue chatter to focus on prayer. Rabbi Wolbe contrasts harmful speech (mockery, gossip, online cruelty) with beneficial silence that reveals secrets and earns trust. He urges minimizing words—speaking half what we hear—while using speech wisely to uplift, teach Torah, and praise good deeds.The episode concludes the Gate with a call to cultivate silence as a "universal remedy" for spiritual growth, humility, and avoiding transgression.Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on June 16, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on January 4, 2026_____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #Speech, #Silence, #LashonHara, #KingSolomon, #Words ★ Support this podcast ★

This week's parashah, Vayechi, is known as a parashah setumah —a closed parashah—because there is no space in the Torah between the end of Vayigash and the beginning of Vayechi. Rashi explains that one reason for this is that the eyes and hearts of the Jewish people became "closed" when Yaakov Avinu passed away, from the pain and pressure of the bondage. The mefarshim ask a powerful question. Rashi himself writes elsewhere that the actual slavery in Mitzrayim did not begin until after the last of the Shevatim passed away. If so, how can Rashi say that immediately after Yaakov's passing their hearts became closed because of the slavery? The Be'er HaParashah, citing the Ma'agalei Tzedek, explains this beautifully. We know from other pesukim that the Shevatim originally came down to Mitzrayim only because of the famine. Once Yaakov passed away, and they went back to Eretz Yisrael to bury him in the Me'arat HaMachpelah, the famine was already long over. Logically, they should have stayed in Eretz Yisrael. Yaakov himself had been commanded to go down to Mitzrayim, but his children had not been given such a command. So why did they return to Mitzrayim? The answer must be that Hashem closed their eyes and hearts from even considering the possibility of staying in Eretz Yisrael. Hashem wanted the decree of slavery to unfold, and therefore He guided them back to Mitzrayim in a way that felt natural and unquestioned. It didn't have to make sense to them, because it was Hashem leading them where they needed to be. This, explains the Ma'agalei Tzedek, is what Rashi means when he says that their eyes and hearts became closed. Not that they were already enslaved, but that Hashem closed off certain lines of thought so that the process He willed could move forward. This is a lesson that repeats itself constantly in our lives. Many times, years later, a person looks back and asks himself: Why did I choose that path? From where I stand now, I never would have made that decision. The answer is often that Hashem wanted him led in that direction. Hashem guides us not only through clear signs, but through closed doors, missed opportunities, delays, and distractions. What looks like nature is pure hashgacha. Rabbi Elimelech Biderman shared a remarkable story that illustrates this idea in a very tangible way. In Brooklyn, there is a man named Rabbi Yosef who learns regularly with another Jew who, until about a year ago, was very far from Judaism. They learn together by phone several times a week, and slowly, with siyata d'Shmaya, this man has been growing in his observance. A few weeks ago, on Erev Chanukah, Rabbi Yosef discovered that his learning partner had put on tefillin only once in his entire life. Rabbi Yosef spoke to him about the importance of the mitzvah and encouraged him to start wearing tefillin daily. The man replied that he didn't own his own tefillin. He only had an inherited pair—small tefillin of Rashi and Rabbeinu Tam, as was his family custom to wear both together. But the straps had faded from black to white. Rabbi Yosef immediately understood that the tefillin were almost certainly pasul. At the same time, he knew that this man was not yet ready to hear that he needed to spend a large sum of money on new tefillin. So Rabbi Yosef decided, quietly, that he would try to raise the money himself and buy him proper tefillin according to his custom. The very next day, Rabbi Yosef woke up early, as usual, and learned with a different chavruta by phone at six in the morning. After that, however, a series of unusual delays began. One thing after another went wrong, and he missed his regular minyan. He went to a different shul on the same block, but again encountered obstacles and could not pray with that minyan either. Finally, he walked to another shul a block away, where the minyan was much later than the time he normally prays. As soon as he entered the shul, his eyes were drawn to a small tefillin bag. Attached to it was a sign that read: "Anyone who needs this may take it." He opened the bag and could hardly believe what he saw. Inside were two small pairs of tefillin—Rashi and Rabbeinu Tam. He sent them to a sofer to be checked, and they were found to be completely kosher. At that moment, everything became clear. All the delays, all the missed minyanim, all the frustrations of that morning were not accidents. They were Hashem closing one door after another in order to lead Rabbi Yosef precisely to the place where those tefillin were waiting. Finding tefillin left for the taking is rare enough. Finding two small, kosher pairs of Rashi and Rabbeinu Tam was nothing short of astonishing. It was as if Hashem had prepared them in advance, custom-made for this man, and simply needed Rabbi Yosef to arrive at the right place at the right time. This is the message of the parashah. Hashem is constantly leading us—sometimes by opening our eyes, and sometimes by closing them. Our job is not always to understand in the moment, but to trust that every delay, every detour, and every missed plan is part of a precise Divine guidance. Shabbat Shalom.

In this Mussar Masterclass (Day 113) on the Gate of Silence in Orchos Tzaddikim, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the profound power of speech through Rabbi Shimon ben Gamliel's declaration: "All my life I grew up among sages and found nothing better for oneself than silence." King Solomon adds that even a fool appears wise when silent, and one regrets speech far more than silence.The episode contrasts four (or five) categories of speech: forbidden (mockery, flattery, falsehood, slander—each excluding one from the World to Come by opposing Hashem's essence of oneness, truth, purpose, and sustenance); unnecessary/idle chatter (most worldly talk); and beloved/permissible speech (Torah study, praising good deeds, condemning evil to guide others, and essential livelihood matters). A clever servant's tongue dish (soft vs. hard) illustrates how words can uplift or devastate.Rabbi Wolbe warns against modern pitfalls like social media's anonymous cruelty and sensationalism, urging mindful, positive speech that reflects inner holiness. Silence protects from sin, fosters listening, and allows deeper spiritual focus—ultimately elevating the soul.Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on June 16, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on January 2, 2026_____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #Speech, #Silence, #LashonHara, #KingSolomon, #Words ★ Support this podcast ★

In this inspiring Parshas Vayechi review, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe highlights Jacob's individualized blessings to each son and grandson—emphasizing uniqueness over uniformity—as a model for parenting and personal growth. No "cookie-cutter" approach: every child has distinct talents to nurture, rejecting worldly "equality" (equal outcomes) for Torah's equal potential.Central focus: the eternal Friday-night blessing "Yisimcha Elokim k'Ephraim v'chi'Menashe"—Ephraim and Menashe, raised in decadent Egypt yet remaining steadfastly Jewish, became exemplars of harmony, resilience, and spiritual elevation despite surroundings. Rabbi Wolbe reveals the deeper charge: to merit such children, parents must emulate Yosef—unwavering commitment, resisting temptation, seeing divine plan in adversity.The episode calls for "intentional Judaism": deliberate steps forward (Shabbos observance, kashrut, relationships) rather than stagnation or excuses. Small, consistent improvements—rejecting complacency—honor our unique potential, transforming challenges into growth. Rabbi Wolbe urges viewing life as ongoing journey, not destination, with Hashem guiding every step._____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on January 2, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on January 2, 2026_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.orgFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Genesis, #Joseph, #Jacob, #Brotherhood, #Vayechi, #Yosef, #Ephraim, #Menashe, #Unique, #IntentionalJudaism, #Parenting, #SpiritualGrowth, #Shabbos, #Blessing ★ Support this podcast ★

In this Mussar Masterclass (Day 113) on the Gate of Silence in Orchos Tzaddikim, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the profound power of speech through Rabbi Shimon ben Gamliel's declaration: "All my life I grew up among sages and found nothing better for oneself than silence." King Solomon adds that even a fool appears wise when silent, and one regrets speech far more than silence.The episode contrasts four (or five) categories of speech: forbidden (mockery, flattery, falsehood, slander—each excluding one from the World to Come by opposing Hashem's essence of oneness, truth, purpose, and sustenance); unnecessary/idle chatter (most worldly talk); and beloved/permissible speech (Torah study, praising good deeds, condemning evil to guide others, and essential livelihood matters). A clever servant's tongue dish (soft vs. hard) illustrates how words can uplift or devastate.Rabbi Wolbe warns against modern pitfalls like social media's anonymous cruelty and sensationalism, urging mindful, positive speech that reflects inner holiness. Silence protects from sin, fosters listening, and allows deeper spiritual focus—ultimately elevating the soul.Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on June 16, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on January 2, 2026_____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #Speech, #Silence, #LashonHara, #KingSolomon, #Words ★ Support this podcast ★

In this Thinking Talmudist episode continuing Gittin 55b, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe delves into the Talmud's account of Vespasian's siege of Jerusalem and the miraculous rise of Titus (Vespasian's successor). When Vespasian receives word of Caesar's death and his impending appointment as emperor, his feet swell from joy—preventing him from putting on his second shoe—until Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai explains it as "good tidings fatten the bones," then suggests seeing someone disliked to restore normal size. Vespasian, now emperor, questions why Rabbi Yochanan delayed coming; the rabbi cites the violent biryone blocking escape.Rabbi Yochanan requests three things: Yavne and its sages (to preserve Torah study), the family of Rabbi Gamliel (Davidic lineage), and doctors for Rabbi Tzadok (who fasted 40 years to avert destruction but shrank his intestines). Rabbi Yosef (or Akiva) critiques this as "foolish wisdom"—he should have asked to save Jerusalem—but the rabbi feared refusal would doom even Yavne. The episode ends with Titus entering the Temple, slashing the parochet (curtain), seeing blood (interpreted as killing God), and the sages marveling at Hashem's restraint toward blasphemy while rewarding the wicked here to punish them eternally._____________The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn Talmud because it is in ancient Aramaic or the concepts are too difficult. Well, no more excuses. In this podcast you will experience the refreshing and eye-opening teachings while gaining an amazing appreciation for the divine wisdom of the Torah and the depths of the Talmud._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by David & Susan MarbinRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios to a live audience on December 19, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on January 2, 2026_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinking-talmudist-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1648951154Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0cZ7q9bGYSBYSPQfJvwgzmShare your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content._____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Talmud, #Gittin, #Kamtza, #Temple, #JewishHistory, #Exile, #Yochanan, #Vespasian, #Titus, #Blasphemy, #Yavne ★ Support this podcast ★

In this Thinking Talmudist episode continuing Gittin 55b, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe delves into the Talmud's account of Vespasian's siege of Jerusalem and the miraculous rise of Titus (Vespasian's successor). When Vespasian receives word of Caesar's death and his impending appointment as emperor, his feet swell from joy—preventing him from putting on his second shoe—until Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai explains it as "good tidings fatten the bones," then suggests seeing someone disliked to restore normal size. Vespasian, now emperor, questions why Rabbi Yochanan delayed coming; the rabbi cites the violent biryone blocking escape.Rabbi Yochanan requests three things: Yavne and its sages (to preserve Torah study), the family of Rabbi Gamliel (Davidic lineage), and doctors for Rabbi Tzadok (who fasted 40 years to avert destruction but shrank his intestines). Rabbi Yosef (or Akiva) critiques this as "foolish wisdom"—he should have asked to save Jerusalem—but the rabbi feared refusal would doom even Yavne. The episode ends with Titus entering the Temple, slashing the parochet (curtain), seeing blood (interpreted as killing God), and the sages marveling at Hashem's restraint toward blasphemy while rewarding the wicked here to punish them eternally._____________The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn Talmud because it is in ancient Aramaic or the concepts are too difficult. Well, no more excuses. In this podcast you will experience the refreshing and eye-opening teachings while gaining an amazing appreciation for the divine wisdom of the Torah and the depths of the Talmud._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by David & Susan MarbinRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios to a live audience on December 19, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on January 2, 2026_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinking-talmudist-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1648951154Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0cZ7q9bGYSBYSPQfJvwgzmShare your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content._____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Talmud, #Gittin, #Kamtza, #Temple, #JewishHistory, #Exile, #Yochanan, #Vespasian, #Titus, #Blasphemy, #Yavne ★ Support this podcast ★

In this inspiring Parshas Vayechi review, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe highlights Jacob's individualized blessings to each son and grandson—emphasizing uniqueness over uniformity—as a model for parenting and personal growth. No "cookie-cutter" approach: every child has distinct talents to nurture, rejecting worldly "equality" (equal outcomes) for Torah's equal potential.Central focus: the eternal Friday-night blessing "Yisimcha Elokim k'Ephraim v'chi'Menashe"—Ephraim and Menashe, raised in decadent Egypt yet remaining steadfastly Jewish, became exemplars of harmony, resilience, and spiritual elevation despite surroundings. Rabbi Wolbe reveals the deeper charge: to merit such children, parents must emulate Yosef—unwavering commitment, resisting temptation, seeing divine plan in adversity.The episode calls for "intentional Judaism": deliberate steps forward (Shabbos observance, kashrut, relationships) rather than stagnation or excuses. Small, consistent improvements—rejecting complacency—honor our unique potential, transforming challenges into growth. Rabbi Wolbe urges viewing life as ongoing journey, not destination, with Hashem guiding every step._____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on January 2, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on January 2, 2026_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.orgFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Genesis, #Joseph, #Jacob, #Brotherhood, #Vayechi, #Yosef, #Ephraim, #Menashe, #Unique, #IntentionalJudaism, #Parenting, #SpiritualGrowth, #Shabbos, #Blessing ★ Support this podcast ★

Four mighty kings wage war against five. They crush armies, wipe out giants, conquer cities. When the fighting ends, Lot has been taken captive.A fugitive named Og brings Abraham the news. Abraham has hundreds of students in his study hall. He shuts it down and prepares for war. But when he asks the traditional pre-battle questions—Are you newly married? Built a house? Planted a vineyard? Afraid you've sinned?—every single student says yes. They all decline to fight.Abraham heads into battle with just his servant Eliezer. Two men against the armies that defeated giants.Rabbi Epstein reveals how Abraham won: he threw sand and dirt, and G-d turned it into arrows and spears. But the episode explores something deeper. Abraham was doing the right thing by rescuing his nephew. So why was he later rebuked for this mission? And how did that rebuke lead directly to 400 years of slavery in Egypt?You'll discover why Abraham stopped his pursuit at the city of Dan, what vision drained his strength so completely he couldn't continue, and why the Talmud says this battle happened on Passover night. The miraculous night was split in two: half spent rescuing Lot, half reserved for the future Exodus from Egypt.Which raises the most haunting question of all: What made Lot worth saving? He'd chosen wealth over righteousness, pitched his tent toward Sodom, and wasn't even part of the Jewish people. Why spend half a miraculous night on him?This is about impossible battles, divine intervention, and the hidden consequences when we do the right thing the wrong way.

Jacob's life has been extremely chaotic. Forced to tussle with his twin. Jacob's life got off to a rocky start. Compelled to usurp the blessings, Jacob had to flee. Laban's house was hardly a refuge - it was 20 years of non-stop contention with the wiliest trickster of them all. After battling Esau's angel, still fully navigating the reunion, reckoning with the rape of Dinah and the slaughter of Shechem, Jacob thought that his series of travails was over. But then the imbroglio  of Joseph was foisted upon him. Jacob's life is emblematic of what will happen to his descendants on a macro scale. Our people will likewise be subjected to chaos and upheaval. In this week's Parsha, Jacob prepares for his passing - securing a burial spot, blessing Joseph and his sons, and all twelve of his sons. But the story is also one of descent into exile. Those menacing clouds though have a brilliant silver lining.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –DONATE: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –NEW TORCH Mailing Address POBox:TORCHPO BOX 310246HOUSTON, TX 77231-0246– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletterrabbiwolbe.com/newsletter– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe's PodcastsThe Parsha PodcastThe Jewish History PodcastThe Mitzvah Podcast This Jewish LifeThe Ethics PodcastTORAH 101 ★ Support this podcast ★

One of the ways we bring down all the segulot that come from Birkat HaMazon is by saying it with true feelings of hakarat tov. When a person feels genuine appreciation, the power of his words becomes infinitely greater. When Rabbi Aharon of Belz was younger, he used to stay by a certain butcher. The butcher took such good care of the Rabbi, fulfilling his every request with great joy. Years later, the butcher's daughter suddenly became gravely ill, and the doctors were losing hope. Messages were sent to Gedolim to pray for her, and the butcher specifically asked that a message be sent to Rabbi Aharon of Belz. The messenger arrived by Rabbi Aharon on Erev Yom Tov, when there was already a long line of people waiting to see him. Because the matter was urgent, the messenger was allowed to enter immediately. When the Rabbi heard the news, he was just about to place a cube of sugar into his tea. He stopped, paused what he was doing, and began repeating over and over how much that butcher had taken care of him. He spoke at length about the kindness, the warmth, and the generosity he had experienced. Only when he felt a deep, intense sense of hakarat tov did he give the girl a beracha and pray for her refuah shelema. After Yom Tov, the messenger returned with extraordinary news. The girl had made a complete recovery. He added that they later discovered that at the exact moment the Rabbi had given his beracha, the girl appeared to be in her final moments. But then she related that she had seen, in what seemed like a dream, the Rabbi giving her a piece of sugar to eat while blessing her with the most heartfelt beracha. At that moment, everything changed. Baruch Hashem, she recovered fully. Words said with real hakarat tov are unbelievably powerful. In the first beracha of Birkat HaMazon, we acknowledge that Hashem is the One who gives us our parnasah. We need to understand what that truly means. The Gemara speaks about a Hallel called Hallel HaGadol, the Great Hallel. This is the chapter of Tehillim in which we say "Ki l'olam chasdo" twenty-six times. The Gemara asks why it is called Hallel HaGadol. Rabbi Yochanan answers that it is because it includes the words that Hashem gives food to all of His creations. Hashem, who is exalted beyond all comprehension, who resides in the highest heights, personally comes down and takes care of every single one of His creations, ensuring that they always have what to eat. Hashem does not delegate this responsibility to a messenger. He does it Himself, because He loves us so much. The question is asked: this Hallel mentions so many miracles—creating heaven and earth, the sun and the moon, taking us out of Mitzrayim, splitting the sea, leading us through the desert, defeating Sichon and Og. How can it be that of all these miracles, Hashem giving us food is considered the greatest? The sefer Birkat HaMazon BeKavanah explains that all the other miracles were one-time events. But the miracle of feeding every person and every animal is something Hashem performs every second of every day, from the beginning of time until today and beyond. Hashem is "concerned" that all of His billions and trillions of creations have what they need to live. It is a constant miracle that never stops. They say in the name of the Chafetz Chaim that if a person forgot Al HaNissim in the Amidah, the tefillah still counts. But if he did not say in Modim ועל ניסך שבכל יום…שבכל עת , the Amidah does not count. Missing a miracle that happened once can be excused, but failing to recognize the miracles that occur every single day cannot. Hashem is personally taking care of us at every moment. That is why we emphasize in Birkat HaMazon that Hashem has never made us lacking and will never make us lacking. Once we truly recognize this, only then are we ready to say נודה לך -thank You. Only then can our words of gratitude come from the heart. And the more sincerely we feel that thank You, the more powerful it becomes—and the more blessing it draws down into our lives.

In this Mussar Masterclass (Day 112), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe opens the Gate of Silence (Shtika) in Orchos Tzaddikim, praising silence as the greatest trait discovered among sages. Rabbi Shimon ben Gamliel declares: “All my life I grew up among sages and found nothing better for the body than silence.” King Solomon adds that even a fool who remains silent is considered wise, and one regrets speech far more often than silence.Silence protects from sin—especially lashon hara (slander), insults, and harmful words—while allowing deeper listening and reflection. Rabbi Wolbe critiques modern culture's loss of restraint, especially on social media, where anonymity enables vicious speech people would never say face-to-face (cyberbullying, sensationalism, "if it bleeds, it leads"). He warns that habitual negative speech erodes decency even toward the righteous.The episode calls for cultivating silence not as muteness, but as mindful speech: uplifting others, avoiding gossip, and recognizing words' power to heal or destroy. True wisdom lies in knowing when to speak—and when to refrain.Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on June 16, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on January 1, 2026_____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #Speech, #Silence, #LashonHara, #Ethics, #SocialMedia, #Caution ★ Support this podcast ★

Since 1908, the secular New Year has been marked by the famous “ball drop”—a moment meant to symbolize a fresh start. Yet the phrase “dropping the ball” has come to mean something very different: missed opportunities, abandoned commitments, and resolutions that don't last.In this shiur, we explore the deeper irony of that image, especially in light of the well-known reality that many New Year's resolutions fade quickly—so much so that the second Friday of January is often called “Quitter's Day.”Drawing on a teaching from Reb Yaakov of Husiatin in the name of the Apter Rav, we examine the idea that January 1st can actually be a day of merit for the Jewish people—not in a spirit of judgment or comparison, but as a revealing contrast of values.While secular culture often marks new beginnings with celebration and levity, Judaism sanctifies beginnings through meaning, commitment, and connection to Hashem. Our life is not about escape from responsibility, but about deeper alignment with who we are meant to become.This shiur is not about “us versus them,” but about understanding what makes Jewish beginnings different—and how those differences can help us build lasting growth, clarity, and spiritual direction. Subscribe and hit the bell to see new videos!!!#newyearseve #JewishTorah #NewBeginnings #JewishPerspective #Emunah #AvodasHashem #PersonalGrowth #TorahThoughts #MeaningfulLiving #JewishValues #SpiritualGrowth#Rabbi #LearnTorah #TorahStudy #Judaism #Jewish #Torah  #Chumash #Parasha #Parsha #Parashat #Gemara #Mussar #Tefilla #Prayer

Full TorahAnytime Lecture Video or Audio More classes from R' Yehoshua Zitron ⭐ 2,525

Full TorahAnytime Lecture Video or Audio More classes from R' Yehoshua Zitron ⭐ 2,525

In this opening episode of Strive for Truth, I'm joined by Rabbi Michael Cohen to introduce the work of Rabbi Eliyahu Dessler and to explain why this text requires a fundamentally different kind of learning. Rather than approaching it as philosophy or behavior modification, we frame Strive for Truth as a disciplined study of how a person thinks, chooses, and relates to reality itself. Rabbi Cohen shares his own background with this work, having studied it through Rabbi Aryeh Carmell—the direct student of Rav Dessler who rendered these teachings into English and authored Strive for Truth. Together, we explore the historical context of the book, why it opens with happiness and reward, and why real transformation requires patience, repetition, and honest self-examination. This episode lays the foundation for a long-term series meant not just to understand these ideas intellectually, but to allow them to reshape how we live.Join the Conversation! Be part of our growing community—join the Shema Podcast for the Perplexed WhatsApp group to share feedback, discuss episodes, and suggest future topics. Click here to sign up.

When Moshe wanted to know how to identify Hashem to the Jewish People, Hashem shared a vital insight into His essence.

Rashi opens his commentary to Parashat Vayehi with an observation about the "formatting" of this text in the Torah scroll. He notes that the text of Parashat Vayehi begins immediately after the text of the previous Parasha, with no space in between. Normally, the Torah indicates the beginning of a new section with empty space. Sometimes a new section begins on the next line ("Parasha Petuha"), and sometimes a new section begins nine empty spaces (meaning, the space needed to write nine letters) after the end of the previous section ("Parasha Setuma"). Parashat Vayehi, however, begins with no empty space at all separating it from the previous Parasha, appearing as though this is not actually a new Parasha at all. We know that the division of the Torah into Parashiyot was established by Ezra based on an oral tradition. The question thus arises as to why Parashat Vayehi is written immediately after the previous Parasha, without any empty space to indicate that a new Parasha begins. Rashi explains that this "closed" formatting symbolizes the fact that "once Yaakob died, the eyes and hearts of Israel were 'closed' from the distress of bondage, as they [the Egyptians] began to enslave them." The "closed" Parasha expresses the "closing" that occurred due to the slavery that began to unfold after Yaakob Abinu's passing, which the Torah tells about in this Parasha. We must ask, what exactly does Rashi mean when he speaks of the people's eyes and hearts "closing"? Additionally, tradition teaches that the Egyptians did not enslave Beneh Yisrael until all of Yaakob's sons passed away. As long as even one of the Yaakob's sons was alive, the period of slavery did not begin. How, then, can Rashi say that the Egyptians began enslaving Beneh Yisrael after Yaakob Abinu's death? One explanation I saw is that Rashi refers not to the bondage itself, but rather to the early warning signs. Even before Beneh Yisrael were enslaved, there were indications of hostility toward them. Unfortunately, the people's "eyes and hearts" were "closed," they were blinded, and failed to see what was happening before to was too late. When we learn Jewish history, and hear about the tragically numerous incidents of persecution that our nation has suffered, we often find ourselves wondering why the Jews did not just leave, why they did not see the proverbial "writing on the wall" ahead of time and escape before it was too late. The answer is found in Rashi's comments. The Jews' eyes were often closed, unable – or unwilling – to objectively assess the situation, to see where developments were leading. They dismissed hostility as a limited phenomenon, the attitudes of a negligible fringe element. Or, they would see it as a passing phase that would soon end. If a discriminatory law was passed, or a discriminatory policy decision was made, the Jews would assure themselves that it could be repealed, that a different politician will soon come in and implement a different policy, or that they would just lobby government officials. Rashi is telling us that our ancestors in Egypt made this same mistake. Their eyes and minds were "closed," unable to see what was really happening. We must always keep our eyes and minds open, and honestly acknowledge what is happening even when these truths are uncomfortable. And we must never delude ourselves into assuming that the kind of hostility that our nation has experienced in other countries cannot surface here, too. As we continue hoping and praying to Hashem to protect us wherever we are, we must, at the same time, keep our hand on the pulse of the society in which we live and keep our eyes open to potential threats to our future.

Yud-Beis Teves (21:26)

At the Mevaseret "Hasmada" Mishmar Rav Burg explains the true meaning of Hasmada. We don't learn Torah to become professors of Talmud but because through toiling in Torah we enter into an authentic relationship with Hashem.

If a person is going through difficulties, the natural reaction is to ask, "Why me? What did I do to deserve this?" He then feels bad about the situation and remains in that state until it goes away. However, if he reacts that way, he is losing out on a golden opportunity. The purpose of this world is to utilize every circumstance that Hashem places a person into to its fullest, and thereby gain eternal life. The Chafetz Chaim writes that the main goodness a person will receive in the future depends on how he reacts to the ways Hashem dealt with him here. If he internalizes that Hashem is always doing the absolute best for him, even though it does not appear that way, he will rise to the greatest levels, and his table in the future will be overflowing with good. The Orchot Tzaddikim writes that if a person performs a mitzvah with joy, his reward is a thousand times greater than if he were to do it as a chore. That joy will give him the merit to have success in his endeavors and to rise in levels of spirituality, to the point that Hashem will reveal secrets to him from above. The joy a person experiences while doing a mitzvah is itself a mitzvah. If a person is experiencing difficulty, he has a mitzvah to accept that Hashem is doing this for his benefit, as stated in the Shulchan Aruch. If he fulfills that mitzvah with joy, it will earn him a thousand times more reward and elevate him tremendously. The Baal Shem Tov writes that when a person is in a state of joy and happiness, he can bring about great salvations. Being depressed and complaining accomplishes nothing, whereas being accepting and joyful can give a person everything. Rabbeinu Yonah writes in Mishlei (perek gimel, pasuk yud alef) that if a person gives much charity and is exceedingly careful in the performance of all the mitzvot, yet is unsuccessful in business and has great difficulty earning parnassah, or experiences other forms of suffering despite being so good, he must strengthen himself in bitachon and accept the way Hashem is dealing with him with love. He must understand that what is happening to him is truly for the best. He says, what the person is experiencing in his life is better than all the wealth, tranquility, and success this world has to offer, because all of that passes in a fleeting moment. This world is so temporary in comparison to the next world, and one moment of pleasure there is better than all the pleasure that can ever be experienced in this world combined. A person does not know what is truly good for him; only Hashem does. Sometimes tranquility is good, and sometimes difficulty is good. Therefore, a person should never be upset with Hashem. Rabbeinu Yonah adds that this attitude is a wondrous level to reach in bitachon, and the reward for it is incomprehensible. I once read a story of a man who was diagnosed with a serious illness. He went through years of treatments, hospital visits, pain, and uncertainty. His livelihood was affected and all of his plans were dissolved, yet no one could believe the attitude he maintained throughout the experience. When people visited him, they expected frustration and anger, but instead they were met with a smile and words of emunah. One day a friend could not hold back any longer and asked him directly, "How do you keep saying Baruch Hashem? You are in so much pain, you have lost so much—don't you feel broken?" He answered, "Yes, it hurts. But pain does not mean Hashem does not love me. It means He trusts me." The doctors and nurses were in awe of his demeanor, and he made a tremendous Kiddush Hashem. Baruch Hashem, he recovered and continues to live his life with joy and emunah. The levels he reached through his acceptance during those few years are levels people often do not reach in decades when everything is going smoothly. We do not ask for difficulties, but if they ever come, we do not want to waste the opportunity. The greatest thing we can do is accept them with love and emunah.

In this engaging Ask Away episode, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe fields practical and profound questions from participants:Swearing on a non-Jewish Bible in court: In the U.S., one can "affirm" (not swear) under penalty of perjury, avoiding oaths prohibited by Torah; bringing a Chumash is ideal but not required.Cohen status: Transmitted only patrilineally; a Cohen father's daughter does not pass Cohen status to her son.Yom Kippur and Rosh Chodesh coinciding: Impossible, as Yom Kippur is fixed on 10 Tishrei while Rosh Hashanah (1 Tishrei) is always Rosh Chodesh (but overrides it as a greater celebration).Asking Hashem for specific signs: Perfectly permissible and powerful—Hashem responds to sincere, simple requests.Eating in a kosher-keeping but non-Shabbat-observant home: Delicate; Shabbat observance generally indicates reliability in other areas, but during growth transitions, caution is advised to avoid offense.Visualizing during prayer: Avoid images (risking idolatry roots); focus on standing alone under the heavens before Hashem's throne, or the personal intensity of addressing the King of Kings directly.The episode blends halachic precision with inspirational stories, emphasizing prayer as intimate conversation with Hashem, sensitivity in relationships, and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth.Please submit your questions at askaway@torchweb.org_____________The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen LernerDownload & Print the Everyday Judaism Halacha Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5This episode (Ep. #80) of the Everyday Judaism Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Marshall & Doreen Lerner! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on December 7, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on December 22, 2025_____________Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Everyday Judaism PodcastApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-judaism-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1600622789Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AXCNcyKSVsaOLsLQsCN1CShare your questions at askaway@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#AskAway, #Torah, #Halacha, #Q&A, #Jewish, #Halacha, #Oath, #Kohen, #Prayer, #AskingForSigns #KosherKitchen #Shabbos, #JewishLaw ★ Support this podcast ★

Parshas Vayechi marks the final installment of the book of Genesis. The family of Israel, the sons of Jacob, are all together in Egypt, where they settle and flourish. A lot happened to this family up to this point, and the setting for the next epoch of their story, and of Jewish history, is ready. In this parsha podcast, we address two elements from the Parsha: Jacobs decision to promote Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Menashe, and Jacob's superlative self-control.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –DONATE: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –NEW TORCH Mailing Address POBox:TORCHPO BOX 310246HOUSTON, TX 77231-0246– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletterrabbiwolbe.com/newsletter– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe's PodcastsThe Parsha PodcastThe Jewish History PodcastThe Mitzvah Podcast This Jewish LifeThe Ethics PodcastTORAH 101 ★ Support this podcast ★

On Asarah B'Tevet Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Yerushalayim, the beginning of the process that eventually led to the destruction of the First Beit HaMikdash. On this fast day, part of our avodah is introspection—looking inward and correcting the very issues that caused that destruction in the first place. The Gemara in Masechet Yoma teaches that the First Beit HaMikdash was destroyed because the people were steeped in the three cardinal aveirot. Yet the Gemara in Masechet Nedarim tells us something deeper. The Nevi'im and the Chachamim could not understand the root cause of the churban until Hashem Himself revealed it: the people had "left His Torah." And the Gemara explains that this means they did not say the berachot on the Torah before learning it. The mefarshim explain that this was not a technical oversight. If they had viewed Torah learning the way it is meant to be viewed, as something that truly warrants a berachah, then the Torah itself would have elevated them. It would have refined them spiritually and protected them from sinking to the point of committing those terrible aveirot. The Bach, in siman מז in Orach Chaim, explains the matter with great depth. Hashem's intention in commanding us to delve into Torah study is that our neshamot should become one with Him in this world. The Torah contains within it the kedushah of the One who created it. When we learn Torah with the proper intention, we become a place where Hashem can rest His Shechinah. Hashem desires to be down here with us, as close as possible. It is up to us to make ourselves into a vessel that can receive His Presence. That vessel is formed specifically through deep, sincere engagement with the holy words of Torah. But in the generation of the First Beit HaMikdash, Torah was being learned for other reasons. Some learned because it was enjoyable. Some learned only to know the halachot they needed. Some learned to demonstrate their intellectual ability. But they were not learning in order to absorb the kedushah of Hashem, to become a מקום להשראת השכינה , a place where the Shechinah could rest. Without that inner מקום , the connection to HaKadosh Baruch Hu weakened. And if there is no inner dwelling place for Hashem within the people, there is no reason for a physical dwelling place to remain standing either. The Bach concludes that when a person prepares to learn Torah and recites Birkat HaTorah, he should have in mind deep gratitude: that Hashem chose us to share His holy Torah with , and that through it He enables us to attach ourselves to Him. How fortunate we are that Hashem wants to be close to us. Because we are physical beings, it is difficult to attach ourselves to the spiritual. So Hashem gave us the Torah, which is spiritual, and through it we ourselves become elevated and spiritual, capable of clinging to Him. The deeper we immerse ourselves in Torah, the more kedushah it brings into us. But only if it is learned with the right intentions. When a person is truly connected to Hashem, he gains tremendous strength. He can overcome the tests that the yetzer hara places before him. The spiritual light of Torah provides the energy, motivation, and excitement to live a life of Torah and mitzvot. On Asarah B'Tevet, we are fasting not only for a siege that took place long ago, but for the loss of that inner connection. We are reminded that the Beit HaMikdash was destroyed not because Torah was absent, but because Torah was no longer serving its true purpose. Let us appreciate the gift of Torah and learn it as much as we can, with the intention of drawing closer to Hashem through it, and making ourselves worthy vessels for His Presence once again.

The Mishna in Pirkeh Abot (5:25) teaches, "Ben Shelosh Esreh Le'misvot" – a youngster becomes obligated in Misvot upon reaching the age of thirteen. At this point, he may be counted toward a Minyan and may serve as Hazzan. The source for this rule is "Halacha Le'Moshe Mi'Sinai" – an oral tradition taught to Moshe at Mount Sinai. The Gemara in Masechet Sukka (5b) teaches that all Shiurim – halachic measurements – were taught as a "Halacha Le'Moshe Mi'Sinai," and this includes the "measurement" of adulthood, when a boy becomes obligated in Misvot. Rashi, however, in his commentary to Abot, finds a Biblical source for this rule. The Torah uses the word "Ish" ("man") in reference to Shimon and Levi when they waged war on the city of Shechem ("Ish Harbo" – Bereshit 34:25), and, as Rashi shows, Levi – the younger of these two brothers – was thirteen years old at this time. This establishes that a boy attains the status of "Ish" – a man – at the age of thirteen. The Maharil (Rav Yaakov Moelin, Germany, d. 1427) refutes this proof, noting that the use of the word "Ish" in this context does not necessarily mean that this word would not be used if Levi was younger. Therefore, the Maharil concludes that there is no textual basis for this rule, and it was transmitted through oral tradition. Some suggested an allusion to this Halacha in a verse in the Book of Yeshayahu (43:21) in which Hashem pronounces, "Am Zu Yasarti Li, Tehilati Yesaperu" – "I have created this nation for Me, that they tell My praise." The word "Zu" in Gematria equals 13 (7+6), thus hinting to the fact that it is at this age when Hashem wants us to praise Him and perform Misvot. There is a debate among the early authorities as to when precisely a boy is considered a Bar-Misva. The She'iltot (Rav Ahai Gaon, d. 752) writes that a boy becomes a Bar-Misva the moment he fully completes his thirteenth year – meaning, at the time of day when he was born thirteen years earlier. Thus, for example, according to this opinion, a boy who was born at 2pm cannot be counted for a Minyan or serve as Hazan on his thirteenth birthday until 2pm, the point at which he has completed thirteen full years. The consensus among the Poskim, however, is that a boy becomes Bar-Misva once the date of his thirteenth birthday arrives, in the evening. This is, indeed, the Halacha. Therefore, regardless of the time of day of a child's birth, he may serve as Hazan already at Arbit on the night of his thirteenth birthday. The Yalkut Yosef writes that the thirteen years are counted from the child's birth even if he was born prematurely and needed to spend a significant amount of time in an incubator. In addition to the requirement of completing thirteen years, a boy must also have reached a certain point of physical maturity to be considered a Halachic adult. Specifically, he must have grown two pubic hairs. The Rama (Rav Moshe Isserles, Cracow, 1530-1572), based on a ruling of Rav Yosef Kolon (1426-1490), writes that a child who has turned thirteen may be allowed to serve as Hazzan on the assumption that he has reached the point of physical maturity. This assumption may be relied upon with respect to matters instituted by the Sages (as opposed to Torah obligations), and thus, since praying with a Minyan is a Misva ordained by Sages, a child who reached Bar Misva age may lead the service. The Ribash (Rav Yishak Bar Sheshet, Algiers, 1326-1408) went even further, allowing relying on this assumption even with respect to Torah obligations. According to his view, a full-fledged adult may fulfill his Torah obligation of Kiddush on Friday night by listening to Kiddush recited by a boy who has just turned thirteen, on the assumption that he has reached physical maturity. Hacham Ovadia Yosef ruled that those who wish to rely on this position may be allowed to do so. However, Hacham Ovadia's son, Hacham David Yosef, writes in Halacha Berura that one must not assume a boy's physical maturity with respect to Torah obligations such as the Friday night Kiddush, and this assumption may be made only with respect to Rabbinic obligations. All opinions agree that a thirteen-year-old boy may read the Megilla in the synagogue on Purim, since the obligation of Megilla reading was instituted by the Rabbis. If it is known that a young man has not yet reached this stage of physical development, then he is not considered a Bar-Misva even though his thirteenth birthday has passed. In fact, even if he is older than thirteen, he is not considered a Bar-Misva if it has been determined that he does not have the physical properties required to establish halachic adulthood. If, Heaven forbid, a man does not physically develop until the age of 35, at that point he is considered a "Saris" – an adult man who will never experience physical maturity, and he may thus be counted toward a Minyan. Until then, however, he cannot be considered an adult and may thus not be counted toward a Minyan.

The Mishna in Pirkeh Abot (5:25) teaches, "Ben Shelosh Esreh Le'misvot" – a youngster becomes obligated in Misvot upon reaching the age of thirteen. At this point, he may be counted toward a Minyan and may serve as Hazzan. The source for this rule is "Halacha Le'Moshe Mi'Sinai" – an oral tradition taught to Moshe at Mount Sinai. The Gemara in Masechet Sukka (5b) teaches that all Shiurim – halachic measurements – were taught as a "Halacha Le'Moshe Mi'Sinai," and this includes the "measurement" of adulthood, when a boy becomes obligated in Misvot. Rashi, however, in his commentary to Abot, finds a Biblical source for this rule. The Torah uses the word "Ish" ("man") in reference to Shimon and Levi when they waged war on the city of Shechem ("Ish Harbo" – Bereshit 34:25), and, as Rashi shows, Levi – the younger of these two brothers – was thirteen years old at this time. This establishes that a boy attains the status of "Ish" – a man – at the age of thirteen. The Maharil (Rav Yaakov Moelin, Germany, d. 1427) refutes this proof, noting that the use of the word "Ish" in this context does not necessarily mean that this word would not be used if Levi was younger. Therefore, the Maharil concludes that there is no textual basis for this rule, and it was transmitted through oral tradition. Some suggested an allusion to this Halacha in a verse in the Book of Yeshayahu (43:21) in which Hashem pronounces, "Am Zu Yasarti Li, Tehilati Yesaperu" – "I have created this nation for Me, that they tell My praise." The word "Zu" in Gematria equals 13 (7+6), thus hinting to the fact that it is at this age when Hashem wants us to praise Him and perform Misvot. There is a debate among the early authorities as to when precisely a boy is considered a Bar-Misva. The She'iltot (Rav Ahai Gaon, d. 752) writes that a boy becomes a Bar-Misva the moment he fully completes his thirteenth year – meaning, at the time of day when he was born thirteen years earlier. Thus, for example, according to this opinion, a boy who was born at 2pm cannot be counted for a Minyan or serve as Hazan on his thirteenth birthday until 2pm, the point at which he has completed thirteen full years. The consensus among the Poskim, however, is that a boy becomes Bar-Misva once the date of his thirteenth birthday arrives, in the evening. This is, indeed, the Halacha. Therefore, regardless of the time of day of a child's birth, he may serve as Hazan already at Arbit on the night of his thirteenth birthday. The Yalkut Yosef writes that the thirteen years are counted from the child's birth even if he was born prematurely and needed to spend a significant amount of time in an incubator. In addition to the requirement of completing thirteen years, a boy must also have reached a certain point of physical maturity to be considered a Halachic adult. Specifically, he must have grown two pubic hairs. The Rama (Rav Moshe Isserles, Cracow, 1530-1572), based on a ruling of Rav Yosef Kolon (1426-1490), writes that a child who has turned thirteen may be allowed to serve as Hazzan on the assumption that he has reached the point of physical maturity. This assumption may be relied upon with respect to matters instituted by the Sages (as opposed to Torah obligations), and thus, since praying with a Minyan is a Misva ordained by Sages, a child who reached Bar Misva age may lead the service. The Ribash (Rav Yishak Bar Sheshet, Algiers, 1326-1408) went even further, allowing relying on this assumption even with respect to Torah obligations. According to his view, a full-fledged adult may fulfill his Torah obligation of Kiddush on Friday night by listening to Kiddush recited by a boy who has just turned thirteen, on the assumption that he has reached physical maturity. Hacham Ovadia Yosef ruled that those who wish to rely on this position may be allowed to do so. However, Hacham Ovadia's son, Hacham David Yosef, writes in Halacha Berura that one must not assume a boy's physical maturity with respect to Torah obligations such as the Friday night Kiddush, and this assumption may be made only with respect to Rabbinic obligations. All opinions agree that a thirteen-year-old boy may read the Megilla in the synagogue on Purim, since the obligation of Megilla reading was instituted by the Rabbis.

In this episode of the Jewish Inspiration Podcast (Mussar Masterclass, Gate of Forgetfulness), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the trait of forgetfulness as a dangerous flaw in both this world and the next. Forgetfulness leads to broken commitments, forgotten debts (even a penny must be recorded), and lost opportunities for mitzvot. He advises creating systems/reminders (notes, ledgers) to compensate, avoiding borrowing if forgetfulness is chronic to prevent embarrassment or transgression, and reviewing affairs diligently.Rabbi Wolbe emphasizes forgetting good deeds (to avoid arrogance) while remembering sins (to repent), and forgetting wrongs done to us (to forgive) while recalling our own harms to seek forgiveness. He stresses constant remembrance of Hashem's presence (like a king holding a Torah scroll) and using forgetfulness positively—forgetting worldly distractions during prayer to connect simply with Hashem. The chapter concludes that mitzvot are lights removing darkness; forgetting them wastes chances to illuminate the world. True greatness comes from striving for more mitzvot, not resting on past achievements.Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on June 9, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on December 30, 2025_____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #Forgetfulness, #Teshuvah, #Prayer, #Simplicity, #Remember, #Forget ★ Support this podcast ★