Podcasts about Jerusalem

You may be familiar with this verse from James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” God wants us to be wise, and the good news is, he will grant wisdom to us as we recognize our need for it and go to the source of all wisdom, our God. We also know from Scripture the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. We want the wisdom that God imparts, not the world's fake substitute. So, this is the pre-requisite: Do you fear the Lord? Do you know and respect the one true God through a personal relationship with his Son, Jesus?  That's where God's eternal wisdom begins. Assuming you do, here are the questions you need to ask yourself often. I believe these questions will help you avoid lots of trouble, keep you from shooting yourself in the foot, as we say, and greatly increase your effectiveness, regardless of where you are or what you're doing. Question #1: Do you think before you speak? How many times have you said something—jumped quickly to give your opinion or your advice or add your two cents—and as soon as you said it, you wished the ground would just swallow you whole? Proverbs 29:20 puts it so well: “Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.” I've often said, “I may not be good but I'm fast,” as though it is a good thing to be fast. Well, maybe it is sometimes, but to speak in haste is almost always a bad idea. Note there can be a difference between doing something with haste and doing something in haste. There are times when we do need to act with haste, quickly, for good reasons. David prays in Psalm 70:1, “Hasten, O God, to save me; come quickly, Lord, to help me.” We often pray for God to act quickly, right? And then later in Psalm 119:60, the Psalmist says, “I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.” That's the kind of haste we all need. There's no question we should hasten to obey the Lord with no delay. But speaking in haste is speaking without giving it proper thought; speaking without thinking of how it could be perceived by someone else. It is speaking foolishly. The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing (Proverbs 12:18). When you choose your words carefully, thoughtfully, not in haste, you can do so much good. Proverbs 18:21 says: “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” So, if you want to be wise, ask yourself, “Do I speak words of life or death? Do I think before I speak?” Question #2: Did you sleep on it? The simple old adage, Sleep on it, can save you lots of trouble. A wise person takes time for decisions, big and small ones, because the choices and decisions we make on a daily basis set the direction of our lives. Think about decisions that you regret. I can easily bring some recent ones to my own mind, and when I look back on decisions that didn't turn out so good, it was always because I simply didn't “sleep on it,” didn't pray enough about it, didn't always seek good counsel. Again, from Proverbs 15:22, we read: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Wise people seek counsel from those they trust. Wise people are able to live with delayed gratification, resisting the impulse to go for the immediate reward, the instant answer. How often do you tell yourself just to sleep on it, talk to somebody you trust, pray lots? I love this verse from Jeremiah 6:16a: “This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” When you're at a decision point, especially a fairly significant one, stand at that crossroad, ask for God's path, the good way. That's how you make wise decisions that bring soul rest for you. Question #3: Have you heard both sides? No doubt you've watched some courtroom drama, whether real or in a movie, where the defendant seems totally guilty until the defense gets the chance to present the other side. And what seemed so right before now seems totally wrong. Proverbs 18:17 talks about that: “In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines.” When someone is telling you their side of some story, before you take sides, before you get into gear to take some action, before you affirm that person, find out the other side. Do your own cross-examination and make sure you have the whole truth and nothing but the truth! There's a story in 2 Samuel chapter nine about King David who was on the run because of his son Absalom’s rebellion. A man named Ziba approached him; he was the servant of Mephibosheth, who was a crippled man who truly loved King David. But Ziba told David that Mephibosheth stayed behind in Jerusalem to reclaim his grandfather Saul’s kingdom—in other words, to take David's place—which was a lie. But David believed him and gave Ziba all of Mephibosheth's possessions. When David and his men finally returned to Jerusalem, Mephibosheth came to meet the king. Then David learned that Mephibosheth stayed in Jerusalem because Ziba, his servant, refused to saddle his donkey which prevented him from going with the king, because he was crippled and couldn't saddle it himself. So, when David discovered the other side of the story, he tried to correct his mistake, but there wasn't much he could do. Just think of the harm that is so often done because someone acted before they knew the whole story.  A wise person asks, “Have I heard both sides?” Question #4: Are you reacting or responding? A reaction is usually very emotional and often is full of feelings of revenge or defensiveness. Someone hurts your feelings and you react by trying to hurt them in some way. Someone treats you unfairly and in anger you ventilate your feelings about that person or even to that person. Those are reactions. A response is a delayed reaction, where you wait until your emotions are under control. Let me give you an example of reacting versus responding. Suppose you have a co-worker and every time she opens her mouth, it seems that bad news comes out. This person never has anything nice to say about anyone or anything, and all day long you are forced to listen to her negative chatter. What does that person do to you? If you’re in react mode, this person makes you angry, irritated, and frustrated. Having to listen to all that negative talk starts to make you think and talk negatively. That’s a reaction. It’s your automatic involuntary behavior, which is caused by that external stimuli—a negative co-worker. However, you can decide to respond instead of react. A response might be a smile when she says something negative to you. Or you may say something positive in response to her negative words. That positive response will help to keep you from being irritated and frustrated, and it will offset her negative input by your positive one, which will keep you from getting negative like your co-worker. Another response to this negative co-worker might be that you simply remove yourself from her company when you can, to avoid being exposed to her negativity. Or perhaps just develop a technique of quietly changing the subject! Now, you can see a response takes some self-control and discipline on your part. First, you have to be aware of the fact you have a tendency to react poorly in this circumstance, and then you must have an alternate strategy to tell you how to respond, so that you aren’t reacting. Question #5: Are you judging a book by its cover? We all have a tendency to do this. Someone dresses very differently from the way you dress, someone has tattoos all over their body, someone has a different political view from yours—there are just so many ways that we form hard and fast opinions and ideas about people or about a situation just by the way they look—by what you see on the outside. How many people in your life are dear friends, and yet they look very different from you? They have different backgrounds, different life experiences, come from different cultures, and yet they are dear people you know and love. If you judged them by their “cover,” you might never have become good friends. I think of a person in my church, Miss Shirley, who is now with Jesus, who made it her job to stand at the front door every Sunday and welcome everyone. It was her purpose to find a stranger and make that stranger feel welcome. When I first met Miss Shirley, I wanted to take her to a hair stylist and buy her some new clothes. She did not look like she should be welcoming people at the front door! I judged her by her cover, but I came to know her as one of the most effective people in our church. She was loved by so many, and she welcomed so many people into our church who might otherwise never have connected with us. I wish we had a hundred Miss Shirleys. God used her simple appearance to break down barriers, and she was a powerhouse for the Lord. So here are the five questions a wise person will ask herself often: Do I think before I speak? Did I sleep on it? Have I heard both sides? Am I reacting or responding? Am I judging a book by its cover? Proverbs 3:13 says: “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding.” No matter who you are, how young or how old, you can find wisdom and you will be blessed. I believe these five questions will help you.

Wahat al-Salam/Neve Shalom is a unique community located on a hilltop between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, where Jewish and Palestinian families have lived together since the late 1970s. Journalist Mike Lanchin first visited the community in the early 1980s when there was just a handful of Jews and Palestinian families living in makeshift houses poking out from the scrub land. Now, it boasts a fully bilingual-binational day school - the first of its kind – with children coming from the surrounding area, as well as a conflict resolution centre visited by Palestinians and Jews. Facilitators from the centre host inter-faith workshops outside the community. More than 40 years after its establishment, Wahat al-Salam/Neve Shalom today faces some of its most testing times following the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza. Mike has been speaking to residents, young and old, about what the future now holds for this cross-community experiment.

Jewish & Israel Advocate Gabriel Boxer, AKA "The Kosher Guru", calls into the morning show to preview Sunday's hockey game at UBS Arena on Long Island between Jerusalem & Tel Aviv, where Sid will be dropping the ceremonial first puck. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Israel has never been stronger. Since October 7, 2023, Israel has steadily rolled back its enemies in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. A staunch friend of Israel is in the White House, and he might well launch a second wave of strikes on Israel's archenemy in Tehran. Or is Israel historically vulnerable? None of the adversaries it has taken on since the Hamas invasion are defeated. US President Donald Trump is an ally, but both the Democratic and Republican parties have influential and growing wings that are hostile to Israel, if not antisemitic.To make sense of this moment, one needs a grasp of military strategy, Middle East geopolitics, and the workings of the US-Israel relationship. Michael Oren, Israel's former envoy in Jerusalem and a leading Middle East historian, says that the post-October 7 wars represent "one of the greatest military victories in modern history, perhaps in all history." However, it remains to be seen whether Israel can translate the military victories into permanent strategic and diplomatic gains. On the potential for a US strike in Iran, Oren stresses the importance of missile defense for the US Navy, as Iran's greatest achievement would be the sinking of an American aircraft carrier. He predicts that after Trump issued clear threats and put his reputation on the line, he is not going to back down and leave a legacy that could be compared to that of Barack Obama. Looking at the future of the US-Israeli relationship, Oren notes that the US is going through domestic processes that Israel has no control over, but often use Israel to score political points. Given those trends, Israel should diversify its diplomatic relationships, but there will never be a replacement for American support. Oren firmly supports Israel moving off of US military aid, and transforming its relationship with Washington into one of equal partners working together to develop capabilities. Lazar Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and video edited by Ari Schlacht.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Wednesday's QA shiur is generously sponsored by Bernie Samet. In loving memory of his father, Yaakov ben Rachel, whose yahrzeit is on the 29th of Shevat; in memory of his mother, Chaya Sarah bas Gittel, whose yahrzeit is on the 26th of Shevat; in memory of his beloved wife, Baila bas Zlata, a"h; whose yahrzeit was on 13th of kislev and in memory of his sister's granddaughter, Rachael bas Rivka Tova, a"h, who was niftar on the 17th of Shevat. May the learning of this shiur serve as an aliyah for their neshamot.

Beit Shammai and Beit Hillel disagree regarding the law of a sadin (a linen garment) in the context of tzitzit. While Beit Shammai exempts a linen garment from the obligation of tzitzit to avoid the prohibition of shaatnez (mixing wool and linen), Beit Hillel holds it is obligated. Their reasoning is based on the textual juxtaposition of the laws of shaatnez and tzitzit, which teaches that the positive commandment (aseh) of tzitzit overrides the negative prohibition (lo taaseh) of shaatnez. Although the halakha follows Beit Hillel, Rabbi Eliezer ben Rabbi Tzadok testifies that anyone who attached tchelet (wool) to a linen garment in Jerusalem was viewed with wonder - as it caused onlookers to mistakenly believe shaatnez was generally permitted. Rabbi explains that the Sages eventually prohibited this practice because people did not know about the drasha permitting shaatnez and would come to think that shaatnez was permitted in general. Since difficulties were raised against Rabbi's explanation, Rava and Rabbi Zeira offer four alternative reasons for why the Sages prohibited wool tzitzit on linen garments: Decree of "kala ilan": There is a concern that one might use a dye that looks like techelet but is not the authentic wool dyed with snail secretions. In such a case, the wearer violates the prohibition of shaatnez (wool and linen) without having fulfilled the mitzvah that allows it. Decree of "teima" (testing): A concern regarding the validity of the tzitzit - lest the techelet used was dyed during the "testing" of the color, which is invalid because it was not dyed specifically for the sake of the mitzva (lishma). Concern of "ta'aseh ve'lo min he-asui ": Rava and Rabbi Zera explain a concern that if the linen garment tears within three fingerbreadths of its edge, a person might sew it back up and leave the sewing threads to serve as tzitzit. This would be invalid because the Torah requires the mitzva to be actively made by attaching the strings to the garment, rather than utilizing threads that were already there for a different purpose. Decree of night garments: Since a garment worn exclusively at night is exempt from tzitzit, wearing wool strings on a linen night garment would constitute a shaatnez violation without any mitzva to permit it. The Gemara discusses the definition of a garment obligated in tzitzit regarding a hybrid garment made of leather and fabric. Rava rules that we follow the primary material of the garment: if the body of the garment is fabric and the corners are leather, it is obligated; if the body is leather and the corners are fabric, it is exempt. Rav Achai disagrees, arguing that the status follows the material of the corners themselves. Regarding the construction of the tzitzit, Rav Huna rules that if one attached tzitzit to a garment while it only had three corners and then completed the fourth corner afterward, the tzitzit is invalid due to "ta'aseh ve'lo min he-asui" (Make it, and not from that which is already made). The Gemara challenges this from the practice of the "Early Pious Ones," who would attach techelet after weaving only three fingerbreadths of the garment (when only two corners were in existence). The Gemara resolves this by understanding the custom of the pious ones to be performed at the end, when there were only three fingerbreadths left to weave (when the four corners were already in existence). Finally, the Gemara challenges the invalidation of "ta'aseh ve'lo min he-asui" based on Rabbi Zera's ruling, which validates attaching new tzitzit onto a garment that already has tzitzit (and then removing the old ones). Rava suggests that because of the prohibition of "bal tosif" (do not add to the mitzvot), the act of attaching the strings before the obligation exists is not considered a significant "act." However, Rav Papa challenges Rava's reasoning, explaining that it depends on human intent: if one intends to cancel the first set of strings and replace them with the new ones, it is considered a significant act. This raises the question: if intent makes it a valid act, why was the case of attaching tzitzit before the garment was finished invalid in light of Rabbi Zeira permitting the case of the extra strings?

One who recites Kaddish should do so loudly enough for the entire congregation to hear him. If, however, one is incapable of reciting Kaddish loudly, he may nevertheless recite Kaddish – as long as others in the congregation are reciting Kaddish loudly at the same time. This is the ruling of the Petah Ha'debir (Rav Haim Pontromoli, Turkey, d. 1873), and of the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909), in his Rav Pe'alim. The Ben Ish Hai adds that the practice in Bet El – a yeshiva of Kabbalists in Jerusalem – was that the Hazzan recited Kaddish aloud with the deep kabbalistic intentions, and those who did know these intentions recited Kaddish silently along with the Hazzan. This way, they could be considered to recite Kaddish with these deep intentions. Nevertheless, the Ben Ish Hai writes that as a general rule, congregants reciting Kaddish should do so in a loud voice. The Kaf Ha'haim (Rav Yaakob Haim Sofer, Baghdad-Jerusalem, 1870-1939), by contrast, maintained that this practice is valid, though he added that the congregants who silently recite Kaddish should stand at a distance from the Hazzan, and that they should recite Kaddish loudly enough for two or three people near them to hear. By contrast, the Binyan Sion (Rav Yaakov Ettlinger, Germany, 1798-1871) ruled that one may not recite Kaddish silently. As for the final Halacha, one who cannot recite Kaddish loudly may recite it quietly, though he should try to ensure that at least two or three people near him can hear his recitation. Hacham Bension Abba Shaul (Jerusalem, 1924-1998) ruled similarly regarding the case where many people recite Kaddish, and because they do not recite it in unison, the recitation is chaotic and none of them can be heard. While this situation is, of course, undesirable, and the people reciting Kaddish should strive to do so in unison, nevertheless, if the recitation is chaotic, one is nevertheless permitted to recite Kaddish with the others, even though he will not be heard. Summary: One who recites Kaddish must do so in a loud voice, so that he can be heard by everyone in the synagogue. If one cannot recite Kaddish loudly, he may recite it quietly, though he should try to ensure that at least two or three people near him can hear his recitation.

What happens when you walk where Jesus walked? Standing on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, praying in Jerusalem, and exploring archaeological sites throughout Israel changes the way you read Scripture. The geography of the land brings context to the miracles, parables, and movements of Christ. Distances make sense. Terrain explains decisions. Culture becomes tangible. The Bible shifts from abstract pages to physical reality.Seeing the land firsthand strengthens confidence in the historical reliability of Scripture. Ancient ruins, preserved sites, and ongoing archaeological discoveries reinforce that the events recorded in the Gospels happened in real places with real historical grounding. Faith moves from theory to lived experience.Israel is not only historically significant — it remains prophetically central. The land, the people, and the unfolding modern realities give deeper perspective to biblical prophecy and the times we are living in. Visiting these places anchors belief, sharpens understanding, and reminds us that the story of the Bible is rooted in history and still unfolding today.If you've ever considered going, seeing it with your own eyes is unlike anything else. That's the truth about Israel.--------------------------------------------------------------------

In this Jewish Inspiration Podcast episode (Day 130), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues the Gate of Flattery (Chanufa) from Orchos Tzaddikim, detailing the profound dangers of associating with or validating the wicked (resha'im), even without direct praise.Key teachings:Befriending the wicked is flattery — Associating with evildoers implies acceptance (“I'm okay with you as you are”) and gives them validation. It's itself an act of chanufa.Five major dangers of such association: You love someone who hates the Creator—contradicting loyalty to Hashem.You absorb their negative ways (inevitable influence).Others see your friendship and think “if he's friends with him, it's okay for me too”—spreading the rot.Even if they don't imitate, they become accustomed to seeing forbidden things.You fail to protest/reprimand when able—making you accountable for their sins (mitzvas tochacha).Reprimand only when accepted — If they won't listen, don't speak (avoids lashon hara and escalation). Instead, pray for their improvement.Personal story — A woman was deeply hurt by another's nasty comment in class. Rabbi advised praying for the offender's insight rather than confrontation. A week later, she returned transformed—now loving the person and praying for their growth, turning pain into an opportunity for elevation.Becoming “big” (gadol) — True greatness means expanding beyond self: responsibility for spouse, children, community, Klal Yisrael. Start small (self-improvement), then influence outward. Rabbi Saul Salanter's journey: couldn't change the world → country → town → neighborhood → family → only self.Practical application — Don't compare or compete; maximize your unique gifts. Patience and kindness (e.g., not honking in traffic) reflect self-respect and prevent spiritual “bankruptcy.” Small acts of restraint build character and influence others positively.The rabbi urges: begin at home, expand responsibility outward, and live with self-awareness—true greatness is selflessness and influence through example, not ego._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky BotvinRecorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on January 5, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on February 20, 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!! 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.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #Flattery, #Chanufa, #Praising, #Wicked, #Honoring,  #Truthful, #Speech ★ Support this podcast ★

Orienting Our Hearts Towards Jerusalem: At the moment Gentiles are saved, they enter into a story far beyond themselves—God's story with the Jewish people. Their salvation signals the fulfillment of God's covenant promise with Israel. Specifically, the Holy Spirit draws Gentile believers' hearts to Jerusalem, God's chosen city and the epicenter of His redemptive plan. Thanks to the Spirit's indwelling ... Read More The post Why Should I Pray for Israel? Orienting Our Hearts Towards Jerusalem (Part 3 of 3) | February 21, 2026 appeared first on The Friends of Israel Today Radio.

Friday Bible Study (2/13/26) // Ezra 7: 11-28 (ESV) // Ezra Sent to Teach the People // 11 This is a copy of the letter that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, a man learned in matters of the commandments of the Lord and his statutes for Israel:[a] 12 “Artaxerxes, king of kings, to Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven. Peace.[b] And now 13 I make a decree that anyone of the people of Israel or their priests or Levites in my kingdom, who freely offers to go to Jerusalem, may go with you. 14 For you are sent by the king and his seven counselors to make inquiries about Judah and Jerusalem according to the Law of your God, which is in your hand, 15 and also to carry the silver and gold that the king and his counselors have freely offered to the God of Israel, whose dwelling is in Jerusalem, 16 with all the silver and gold that you shall find in the whole province of Babylonia, and with the freewill offerings of the people and the priests, vowed willingly for the house of their God that is in Jerusalem. 17 With this money, then, you shall with all diligence buy bulls, rams, and lambs, with their grain offerings and their drink offerings, and you shall offer them on the altar of the house of your God that is in Jerusalem. 18 Whatever seems good to you and your brothers to do with the rest of the silver and gold, you may do, according to the will of your God. 19 The vessels that have been given you for the service of the house of your God, you shall deliver before the God of Jerusalem. 20 And whatever else is required for the house of your God, which it falls to you to provide, you may provide it out of the king's treasury.21 “And I, Artaxerxes the king, make a decree to all the treasurers in the province Beyond the River: Whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven, requires of you, let it be done with all diligence, 22 up to 100 talents[c] of silver, 100 cors[d] of wheat, 100 baths[e] of wine, 100 baths of oil, and salt without prescribing how much. 23 Whatever is decreed by the God of heaven, let it be done in full for the house of the God of heaven, lest his wrath be against the realm of the king and his sons. 24 We also notify you that it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll on anyone of the priests, the Levites, the singers, the doorkeepers, the temple servants, or other servants of this house of God.25 “And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God that is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges who may judge all the people in the province Beyond the River, all such as know the laws of your God. And those who do not know them, you shall teach. 26 Whoever will not obey the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be strictly executed on him, whether for death or for banishment or for confiscation of his goods or for imprisonment.”27 Blessed be the Lord, the God of our fathers, who put such a thing as this into the heart of the king, to beautify the house of the Lord that is in Jerusalem, 28 and who extended to me his steadfast love before the king and his counselors, and before all the king's mighty officers. I took courage, for the hand of the Lord my God was on me, and I gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me.Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mbchicago.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW USFacebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / mbc.chicago  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / mbc.chicago  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / mbc.chicago  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TO SUPPORT US Zelle to: info@mbchicago.org Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mbchicago.org/give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Venmo: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://venmo.com/mbchurch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ DAF Donations: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://every.org/mbc.chicago⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PayPal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_but...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Preview for later today. Peter Berkowitz of the Hoover Institution praises the former president for properly recognizing political realities by moving the embassy to Jerusalem and supporting Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.1920 MASADA

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) An overview of these chapters.(02:05) Abraham's prophetic call and the symbolism of the mighty tree with sacred associations.(13:26) “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”(14:00) Hebrew word play with laugh, rejoice, and Isaac's name. Doubts and hopes are tied together in this story.(16:36) Abraham bargains with the Lord for Sodom and Gomorrah to be saved because he knows the mercy of God.(23:25) The story of Sodom and Gomorrah also portrays God's justice.(24:34) Lot makes efforts to save his family from destruction in Genesis 19.(29:33) Lot pitching his tent toward Sodom cost him his family.(33:41) The troubling narrative of Lot's two daughters and the cave in Genesis 19.30-38.(38:22) Beauty for ashes in Isaiah 61.3. Through tragic experiences, beauty can come to pass. Your origin story is not who you are.(41:48) Genesis 20 is a triplet of the same story. This chapter introduces the Elohist's narrative, a source text most likely related to Lehi's Brass Plates text.(43:04) The long-promised day finally comes and Isaac is born. We should trust and have faith in promises that take time to be fulfilled. The Song of Sarah.(44:57) Hagar and Ishmael are cast out of Abraham's household and they wander in the wilderness. Their water runs out and God shows her a well of water. God helps us, but also wants us to do all we can.(55:22) Complexities, gaps, and anachronisms in Genesis 21. A covenant, a sacred well, and a tree at Beer-sheba are illustrations of temple imagery, connecting the Patriarchs to figures of the temple and visionary experiences.(58:41) The burial of Sarah in Genesis 23. Different ways to read Abraham's “mourning” and “weeping” for Sarah.(1:03:00) The Lord asks Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac upon Mount Moriah, the foundation stone, Jerusalem's most sacred ground.(1:06:47) We are here to be tested. We will have trials of faith equal to Abraham's.(1:11:05) Isaac is an excellent type of Jesus Christ. Elder Melvin J. Ballard shares his feelings regarding Heavenly Father sacrificing his Son. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 360 | Genesis 18-23, Come Follow Me 2026 (February 23-March 1) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

ZORRO SORROW - 02.18.2026 - #917 BestPodcastintheMetaverse.com Canary Cry News Talk #917 - 02.18.2026 - Recorded Live to 1s and 0s Deconstructing World Events from a Biblical Worldview Declaring Jesus as Lord amidst the Fifth Generation War! CageRattlerCoffee.com SD/TC email Ike for discount https://CanaryCry.Support   Send address and shirt size updates to canarycrysupplydrop@gmail.com Join the Canary Cry Roundtable This Episode was Produced By:   Executive Producers Sir LX Protocol Baron of the Berrean Protocol***   Producers of TREASURE (CanaryCry.Support) Rebecca T, Sir Marty K, Bruce W, Cage Rattler Coffee, Veronica D, Mrs Tinfoilhatman, Sir Casey the Shield Knight, Sir Scott Knight of Truth   Producers of TIME Timestampers: Jade Bouncerson, Morgan E Clankoniphius Links: JAM   SHOW NOTES: SEWER SURVEVILLENCE  Wealthy coastal enclave's dirty secret revealed through wastewater testing surveillance (Fox)   METAVERSE/ZUCK Project Lazarus to continue posting on Social Media, warning on 4Chan years ago (X) → Death isn't the end: Meta patented an AI that lets you keep posting from beyond the grave (BI)   WW3 4Chan post about Iran war (X) Image: Military on the move to Iran (X) Polymarket odds of war with Iran  "Sponsor Market Rewards"   EPSTEIN/NWO Epstein files missing from years surrounding 9/11 (X) "factually" Clip: Trump talks about Howard Lutnik watched twin towers get hit (X) Epstein and Lutnik were in business together (CBS) New investigation in Zorro Ranch (TIME) Clip: TPUSA endorsed Don Huffine speaks on why he bought Zorro Ranch last year (X) Allegations in Epstein files may amount to 'crimes against humanity,' UN experts say (Reuters)   NORWAY/EPSTEIN/BEAST SYSTEM Former Norway PM charged with 'gross corruption' over Epstein ties (Jerusalem post) CIA, Pentagon investigated secret 'Havana syndrome' device in Norway (WaPo)   EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS TALENT/TIME END

If you're an adventurous cook, chances are you've made on Ottolenghi recipe! The chef and newspaper columnist has written nine bestselling cookbooks, including Jerusalem, Plenty and Comfort, and co-owns 12 restaurants and delis, mostly in London.  Yotam and I talk about how he found his way to a food career (he has advanced degrees in completely different subjects) and tackle philosophical questions like: Is cooking an art form? Do homely, but delicious dishes belong in cookbooks despite their lack of beauty? For the past decade, the brand's creative hub is the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen, where a team of diverse cooks create and test recipes with Yotam at the helm. So I chat with a man who has run many magazine test kitchens, Hunter Lewis, editor-in-chief of Food and Wine Magazine. He takes us behind the scenes of the test kitchen to see how the sausage is literally and figuratively made. Get tickets to see Yotam Ottolenghi on tour!Get the recipe for Ottolenghi's Clementine Almond Syrup Cake! Become a Cascade PBS member and support public media!        Watch Rachel's Cascade PBS TV show The Nosh with Rachel Belle.      Sign up for Rachel's (free!) biweekly Cascade PBS newsletter for more food musings.      Follow along on Instagram.      Order Rachel's cookbook Open Sesame. 

As Paul's group says farewell to the Ephesians, a Judean prophet predicts that Paul will be taken into custody if he goes to Jerusalem, but Paul is still determined to go. Though he and other fellow believers try to show the Jews that Paul is not a blasphemer, it seems to be of little use. A riot ensues and Paul is attacked. The local officials step in to help, finding out later that Paul is a Roman citizen. When Paul is taken into custody by the state, a mob forms and secretly plots to kill him. The plot is discovered in a way that the mob couldn't have predicted, revealing that God is rescuing Paul from death and preserving him for further ministry and teaching.Acts 21 – 1:12 . Acts 22 – 8:40 . Acts 23 – 14:10 . Acts 24 – 20:53 . Proverbs 14 – 25:34 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

On this episode of The Jason Jones Show, Jason speaks with Fr. Bashar, priest of Taybeh — the only completely Christian town in the Holy Land. Fr. Bashar shares Taybeh's ancient history and its deep connection to the time of Christ. Located near Jericho and Jerusalem, the town holds profound significance for Christianity. He also describes the severe challenges facing the community today. Taybeh has endured escalating threats and violence from Israeli settlers — attacks that began before October 7, 2023, and have intensified dramatically since. As daily life becomes increasingly difficult, many Christian families are leaving. Today, only about 1,500 residents remain. This conversation is a sobering look at the struggle to preserve one of Christianity's historic communities in the land of its birth.

We explore the story of the good kings of Judah and the eventual downfall of Jerusalem. It explores King Hezekiah's reign during the Assyrian conquest, his prayerful plea for deliverance, and God's miraculous intervention. The narrative continues through the rule of Manasseh and his encouragement of idolatry, leading the prophets to announce doom for Judah. Despite a brief revival under King Josiah, the tragic fall of Jerusalem to Babylon occurs in 586 BC.Bible Readings2 Kings 18:17-372 Kings 19:1-362 Kings 21:1-92 Kings 22:8-13Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @realbiblebriefX: @biblebriefFacebook: @realbiblebriefEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.org Want to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out our partner Biblingo (and use our link/code for a discount!): https://bibli...

Today on the show: Vicki Barker from CBS News live in London with the latest on the arrest of former Prince Andrew. Joe Khalil from NewsNation live on Les Wexner's Epstein files deposition. Previewing President Trump's visit to Georgia today. Jordana Miller from ABC News in Jerusalem watching Iran. Plus, Justin Gray from WSB-TV joins us live. 9am-noon on 95.5 WSB.

Today on the show: Vicki Barker from CBS News live in London with the latest on the arrest of former Prince Andrew. Joe Khalil from NewsNation live on Les Wexner's Epstein files deposition. Previewing President Trump's visit to Georgia today. Jordana Miller from ABC News in Jerusalem watching Iran. Plus, Justin Gray from WSB-TV joins us live. 9am-noon on 95.5 WSB.

Today on the show: Vicki Barker from CBS News live in London with the latest on the arrest of former Prince Andrew. Joe Khalil from NewsNation live on Les Wexner's Epstein files deposition. Previewing President Trump's visit to Georgia today. Jordana Miller from ABC News in Jerusalem watching Iran. Plus, Justin Gray from WSB-TV joins us live. 9am-noon on 95.5 WSB.

The Book of Acts reveals the birth and explosive growth of the early Church through the power of the Holy Spirit. Written by Luke, this book follows the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth as ordinary believers are empowered to live out the Great Commission. Join Jerry Dirmann each day as he walks through Acts, bringing Scripture to life through teaching, encouragement, and practical application. Be inspired by the bold faith of the apostles, the miracles of God, and the unstoppable advancement of His Kingdom. Grab your Bible and grow daily in God's Word with The New Testament Daily. FREE MEDIA LIBRARY https://app.jesusdisciple.com/jesus-way/media-library SOLID LIVES https://www.solidlives.com/ SUPPORT https://pushpay.com/g/jdglobal Thank you for joining us today! For more resources like this, or to support the ministry of Solid Lives, visit one of the links below: FREE MEDIA LIBRARY » Download or listen at https://SolidLivesMedia.com/ ABOUT SOLID LIVES » Find out more at https://www.solidlives.com/ SUPPORT » Help us get the word out at https://solidlives.com/give/

Jacob Prasch continues his exposition of Jeremiah 19 into the opening of Jeremiah 20, emphasizing that God's announced judgment on Jerusalem was not something the Lord “wanted” but something forced by persistent refusal to repent, as the people made God's house “alien” through idolatry, immorality, and the shedding of innocent blood—paralleling this with modern church apostasies (interfaith worship, homosexuality, and abortion). He develops the Gehenna/Valley of Hinnom background (Molech, Topheth, “field of blood”), treats the horrific cannibalism foretold in siege conditions as both historical reality and divine retribution for child sacrifice, and contrasts the “hosts of heaven” with “the Lord of Hosts” to argue against angel-veneration and “angelic revelation” religions (citing Colossians 2 and Hebrews 1). The passage then shifts to persecution: the priest Pashhur publicly beats and humiliates Jeremiah, prompting Jeremiah to pronounce a name-change oracle (“terror on every side”) and to predict Babylonian exile and death for Pashhur and his circle—using this as a template for how false prophets tell people what they want to hear, persecute true warning voices, and yet inevitably reap the same outcome when judgment arrives.Peter 5:13 and Revelation 17–18 as the interpretive lens—before previewing continuation into Jeremiah 22.

Thursday, 19 February 2026   While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” Matthew 17:5   “Yet he speaking, you behold! Cloud – lustrous, it overshadowed them. And you behold! Voice – from the cloud, saying, ‘This, He is My Son, the Beloved in whom I approved! You hear – Him!'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Peter said to Jesus that it was good for them to be there and that he and the others would build tabernacles for Him, Moses, and Elijah. Matthew next records, “Yet he speaking.”   Peter was in the process of what was essentially an idol-fest. He was star-struck with the audience gathered with Jesus. However, his thoughts were misdirected and unsuited for the situation. Remember what he himself had proclaimed just a short while before –   “You, You are the Christ, the Son of God, the living.” Matthew 16:16   Therefore, his words were cut off as he spoke, and “you behold! Cloud – lustrous, it overshadowed them.”   Two new words are seen here. The first is nephelé, cloudiness, or concretely, a cloud. It is from nephos, a cloud. The second new word is the verb episkiazó, to overshadow. It is from epi, upon or over, and skia, a shadow.   Saying that this cloud was lustrous may be because of the brilliant light radiating from Jesus, like when one is in fog and shines a light. The light is gathered into all of the fog particles, and the entire area turns lustrous.   If a cloud overshadowed them, even a regular cloud, this would be the result. This appears to be what is conveyed in the thought because of what continues to transpire. Next, it says, “And you behold!”   The excitement rushing from Matthew's pen is palpable as he introduces a second thought in a row this way. The inspired word of the Lord is asking us to really pay heed to what is being conveyed. First, the group was overshadowed, blocking out Moses and Elijah. Understanding this, it continues with, “Voice – from the cloud.”   Within the cloud itself is a voice. Like the burning bush on Mount Horeb, there was a physical demonstration of the presence, and yet, there is a concealing of the Source of the voice at the same time. Thus, the One speaking can only be understood by what He states, not by actually seeing Him. Understanding this, He was “saying, ‘This, He is My Son.'”   The voice, being derived from eternity itself, calls out who He is, God the Father. As He is in the eternal state, the words were prepared from before the creation of a single atom to occur at this moment. Having indicated who Jesus is in relation to Him, He continues with, “the Beloved in whom I approved!”   The words are repeated from Matthew 3:17 when Jesus was baptized –   “This, He is, My Son – the Beloved in whom I approved!”   God had ordained Jesus to initiate His ministry. He was pleased with Him at that time. Now, after Jesus has told His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, suffer, and be killed, meaning His ministry was on its downward trajectory, the Father affirms His relationship with Him. Because of His pleasure in His Son, He next calls out, “You hear – Him!”   The point that the Father was making was that they were no longer to look to the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) for their spiritual guidance. They were to listen to Jesus, the Fulfiller of everything spoken of in the Law and Prophets. It is an admonition from God that has not changed since then –    “Eyeballing unto the ‘the faith Pioneer and Perfecter,' Jesus” Hebrews 12:2 (CG).   This is the directive from God for all people, meaning to focus on Jesus. Nothing else will do. All else will lead to a sad end.   Life application: Although there are innumerable doctrines set forth in Scripture, the main point of doctrine for one's life conduct in the presence of God is understanding the matter of law versus grace and being obedient to the latter.   The Bible's first recorded words of God speaking to man are words of grace versus law. From that point on, because Adam disobeyed the law he was given, the violation of that law has been the source of every problem that mankind has ever faced. Adam failed to understand that he had been given grace. In Genesis 2:17, it said –   “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat.”   Adam was given everything, though he had done nothing to earn it. God lavished upon the man His goodness in a variety of tastes, textures, and physical sensations as he experienced each new fruit. At the same time, and in the same sentence, the Lord gave Adam law –   “...but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”   This set forth a choice that has been set forth again for the people of the world. Will we choose to trust God and accept His grace, or will we ignore that, choose law, and perish apart from the grace? It is what Paul calls “a different gospel, which is not another” in Galatians 1.   God, in His words concerning Jesus, is setting forth that choice by telling the disciples, and thus us, because the words are recorded in Scripture, that we are to focus on the grace. That grace could only come through the crucifixion of Christ. When we return to the law, we crucify again for ourselves the Son of God. In this, we put Him to open shame. May we never presume to have such an attitude.   Lord God, thank You for the grace that is poured out on us through the giving of Your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.  

If the Book of Genesis records the personal fall of man (adam) in the Garden, the Book of Kings (Sefer Melakhim) records the corporate fall of man (Israel) in the Promised Land. Originally a single, seamless work in the Hebrew canon, Kings is the autopsy of a spiritual collapse. It tracks the Davidic Promise from its architectural summit in Jerusalem to its apparent dissolution in the fires of Babylon. The Arc of Decay: From Temple to Exile The narrative spans approximately 410 years (c. 970 BCE – 560 BCE), following the tragic trajectory of "YHWH-plus" religion. The Summit (c. 970–930 BCE): The United Monarchy under Solomon. The Word of God is housed in the Jerusalem Temple, the location God chose to place his Name forever if only Israel will hear and obey the voice of their God. Tragically, the philosopher-king Solomon divides his loyalties and his affections. The Divided Monarchy (c. 930–722 BCE): As goes the heart of the king, so goes the Kingdom. The North (Israel) under Jeroboam immediately adopts YHWH-plus idolatry, the Golden Calves, leading to its total erasure by Assyria. The South (Judah) struggles to maintain the Davidic "Immune System" amidst a progressive slide into syncretism. The Collapse (c. 722–586 BCE): Despite the radical reforms of Hezekiah and Josiah, the culture of compromise - weaponized by Manasseh - becomes terminal. The book concludes with the Babylonian Captivity, as the means devised by God to carry His promise to completion. Authorship While Jewish tradition identifies the prophet Jeremiah as the author, conservative scholarship also recognizes the possibility of a 'Scribe of the Exile' (such as Baruch or Ezra) who compiled the royal archives and prophetic eyewitness accounts into a single, unified narrative. In any case, the author is no mere chronicler; he is a covenantal prosecutor. He evaluates every king by a single metric: Did they walk in the way of David and obey God's word, or did they seek a "Plus" to YHWH? History here is the public outworking of a nation's loyalty to the divine message. The Warning The Book of Kings stands as a warning that a "double-minded" heart inevitably leads to a shattered land. It is the record of how a people with the Word of Life chose the silence of the idols, and how God, in His sovereignty, preserved a "Hidden Seed" even in the ashes of exile.

Having received his Ph.D. in mathematical logic at Brandeis University, Rabbi Dr. Dovid Gottlieb went on to become Professor of Philosophy at Johns Hopkins University. Today he is a senior faculty member at Ohr Somayach in Jerusalem. An accomplished author and lecturer, Rabbi Gottlieb has electrified audiences with his stimulating and energetic presentations on ethical and philosophical issues. In Jewish Philosophy with Rabbi Dr. Gottlieb, we are invited to explore the most fascinating and elemental concepts of Jewish Philosophy. https://podcasts.ohr.edu/ podcasts@ohr.edu

Today, Tucker Carlson met with U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee, where Huckabee worked to counter Israel misinformation. Why is this significant? Some are calling this information battle “Israel's 8th Front.” I'll unpack the details on this edition of the Endtime Show! ⭐️: True Gold Republic: Get The Endtime Show special on precious metals at https://www.endtimegold.com📱: It's never been easier to understand. Stream Only Source Network and access exclusive content: https://watch.osn.tv/browse📚: Check out Jerusalem Prophecy College Online for less than $60 per course: https://jerusalemprophecycollege.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Settlements reporter Jeremy Sharon and religion reporter Rossella Tercatin join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. On Sunday, the cabinet approved the opening of a new land registration process for Area C in the West Bank, some 60 percent of the territory, which it and critics said would enable the state to declare large swaths of land in the territory as available for public development, meaning the creation and expansion of settlements and settlement infrastructure. Sharon weighs in on the trend of increasing Israeli civilian control of the territory, or de facto annexation, and Tercatin brings the example of legislation that would give the State of Israel control of archaeological sites in territory currently administered by the Palestinian Authority. Yesterday, for the first time in three years, representatives of the state and the Jerusalem municipality explained to the High Court why there is a delay in implementing a 2016 government-mandated upgrade to the egalitarian prayer section at the Western Wall and restoring its direct access to the wall itself. Tercatin updates us on the ongoing saga and Sharon weighs in with the potential legal outcomes. We finish the program with a new reading of the New Testament's cleansing of the Temple, which brings out Jesus's more human aspects. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Cabinet OKs new West Bank land registration process, critics decry ‘de-facto annexation’ Local and state government trade blame over delays upgrading Western Wall egalitarian plaza Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Palestinians visit the Roman historical site in the West Bank town of Sebastia, November 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Jewish Inspiration Podcast episode (Day 129), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues the Gate of Flattery (Chanufa) from Orchos Tzaddikim, focusing on the third major aspect: praising or commending the wicked (reshayim) in their presence or before others—even indirectly.Key teachings:Praising the wicked — Saying “he's a good person,” “he's pleasant,” or highlighting minor good deeds—even without justifying their evil—is forbidden. It risks elevating them undeservedly and creating stumbling blocks.Consequences — The wicked feel validated (“I'm really a good guy”), double down on evil, and become more entrenched. Others may honor them, envy their “success,” imitate them, or lose respect for true tzaddikim (righteous people).Honoring tzaddikim — When the righteous are exalted, people heed their counsel, envy their good deeds, and grow in Torah/yiras shamayim (fear of heaven). This aligns with Hashem's intent in creation.Practical warning — Avoid praising the wicked unless also mentioning their evil (to maintain balance and truth). Even neutral/positive comments can lead to misplaced honor and spiritual damage.Broader impact — Flattery of resha'im desecrates Torah/divine service. The soul yearns for closeness to Hashem—praising evil distances us from that.The rabbi ties this to current events (e.g., evil regimes collapsing) and emphasizes aligning with Hashem's values: honor the righteous, distance from flattery, and bring God-consciousness through truthful speech and actions._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky BotvinRecorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on January 5, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on February 18, 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!! 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.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #Flattery, #Chanufa, #Praising, #Wicked, #Honoring,  #Truthful, #Speech ★ Support this podcast ★

In this Jewish Inspiration Podcast episode (Rosh Chodesh Adar), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the deeper meaning of Purim through Haman's character and the Talmudic hint connecting him to the Tree of Knowledge in Genesis (“Hamin ha'etz” = Haman's letters). Haman had everything—wealth, power, the king's ring, family, universal bowing—yet one Jew (Mordechai) refusing to bow made it all “worth nothing” to him.This mirrors Adam and Eve: they had everything in Eden except one tree—yet focused only on what they lacked, leading to disaster. The flaw of humanity is looking outside (coveting what others have) instead of inside (recognizing Hashem's perfect gifts). Jealousy (Lo Tachmod)—the last of the Ten Commandments—directly opposes the first (“Anochi Hashem Elokecha”): coveting denies Hashem's plan for you.Key to Adar joy (Mishenichnas Adar marbim b'simcha): Look inside—Alef-Dar (“the Master resides within you”). Hashem gives exactly what you need; when you recognize this, joy increases. Stop comparing; maximize your unique gifts. The month of Adar is about internal revelation of Hashem's goodness—complaining fades when we see He's in control and provides perfectly.The rabbi urges gratitude for life's blessings (health, family, livelihood) and practical joy: stop coveting, embrace your portion, and live with awe of Hashem's constant gifts._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky BotvinRecorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on January 5, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on February 19, 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!! 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.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Purim, #Adar, #Joy, #Haman, #tencommandments, #Jealousy, #Jewish, #Happiness ★ Support this podcast ★

On a recent trip to Israel, we visited the Temple Institute in Jerusalem. They are preparing instruments, priestly garments, and replicas for a future rebuilt temple. Many believers are fascinated by the Ark of the Covenant and the Temple Mount.But is that what God is building today?In Ephesians 2, Paul addresses the conflict between Jewish and Gentile believers and declares that Jesus has broken down the middle wall of separation. Through the cross, God made one new man. The church.This message tackles:The rise of the Jewish Roots movementRitual versus the presence of GodWhy the veil was torn when Jesus diedThe true temple of the Holy SpiritThe coming Antichrist and the rebuilt templeThe rapture and the blessed hope of the churchThe focus of God today is not a building in Jerusalem. It is the Church of Jesus Christ. The cross changed everything.If this message challenges or clarifies your understanding of prophecy, share it with someone who needs biblical clarity.Chapters00:00 The Temple Institute and Its Significance03:03 Understanding Ephesians 2: Unity in Christ06:20 The Conflict Between Jewish and Gentile Believers09:14 The Role of Rituals and the Church12:09 The Purpose of God: The Church Over Rituals15:03 The Revelation of the True Temple17:56 The Antichrist and the Rebuilding of the Temple21:18 The Rapture and the Hope of BelieversShow NotesALL PROCEEDS GO TO WORLD EVANGELISMLocate a CFM Church near you: https://cfmmap.orgWe need five-star reviews! Tell the world what you think about this podcast at:• Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://apple.co/3vy1s5b• Podchaser: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/taking-the-land-cfm-sermon-pod-43369v

In this eye opening class we break down the fundamentals of the truth of Happiness. using the wonderful book "What the Angels taught You" we explore traversing levels of Happiness beginning from the elusive happiness that society deems we need going up the ladder of faith to belief and knowledge. We unravel the mystery of simcha and how we can attain it in the simplest of ways. We are having our annual Chazak LA City devision fundraiser, which helps to keep this podcast and many more classes watched by thousands around the globe to continue. If you have enjoyed and learned form these classes please consider donating.  Here is the link-                                                                                                                                                         https://wearechazak.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4e2017c00eed99bd0ded4fdfb&id=fe536574b4&e=7f3259002c

The Book of Acts reveals the birth and explosive growth of the early Church through the power of the Holy Spirit. Written by Luke, this book follows the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth as ordinary believers are empowered to live out the Great Commission. Join Jerry Dirmann each day as he walks through Acts, bringing Scripture to life through teaching, encouragement, and practical application. Be inspired by the bold faith of the apostles, the miracles of God, and the unstoppable advancement of His Kingdom. Grab your Bible and grow daily in God's Word with The New Testament Daily. FREE MEDIA LIBRARY https://app.jesusdisciple.com/jesus-way/media-library SOLID LIVES https://www.solidlives.com/ SUPPORT https://pushpay.com/g/jdglobal Thank you for joining us today! For more resources like this, or to support the ministry of Solid Lives, visit one of the links below: FREE MEDIA LIBRARY » Download or listen at https://SolidLivesMedia.com/ ABOUT SOLID LIVES » Find out more at https://www.solidlives.com/ SUPPORT » Help us get the word out at https://solidlives.com/give/

In this Jewish Inspiration Podcast episode (Day 129), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues the Gate of Flattery (Chanufa) from Orchos Tzaddikim, focusing on the third major aspect: praising or commending the wicked (reshayim) in their presence or before others—even indirectly.Key teachings:Praising the wicked — Saying “he's a good person,” “he's pleasant,” or highlighting minor good deeds—even without justifying their evil—is forbidden. It risks elevating them undeservedly and creating stumbling blocks.Consequences — The wicked feel validated (“I'm really a good guy”), double down on evil, and become more entrenched. Others may honor them, envy their “success,” imitate them, or lose respect for true tzaddikim (righteous people).Honoring tzaddikim — When the righteous are exalted, people heed their counsel, envy their good deeds, and grow in Torah/yiras shamayim (fear of heaven). This aligns with Hashem's intent in creation.Practical warning — Avoid praising the wicked unless also mentioning their evil (to maintain balance and truth). Even neutral/positive comments can lead to misplaced honor and spiritual damage.Broader impact — Flattery of resha'im desecrates Torah/divine service. The soul yearns for closeness to Hashem—praising evil distances us from that.The rabbi ties this to current events (e.g., evil regimes collapsing) and emphasizes aligning with Hashem's values: honor the righteous, distance from flattery, and bring God-consciousness through truthful speech and actions._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky BotvinRecorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on January 5, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on February 18, 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!! 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.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #Flattery, #Chanufa, #Praising, #Wicked, #Honoring,  #Truthful, #Speech ★ Support this podcast ★

In this Jewish Inspiration Podcast episode (Rosh Chodesh Adar), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the deeper meaning of Purim through Haman's character and the Talmudic hint connecting him to the Tree of Knowledge in Genesis (“Hamin ha'etz” = Haman's letters). Haman had everything—wealth, power, the king's ring, family, universal bowing—yet one Jew (Mordechai) refusing to bow made it all “worth nothing” to him.This mirrors Adam and Eve: they had everything in Eden except one tree—yet focused only on what they lacked, leading to disaster. The flaw of humanity is looking outside (coveting what others have) instead of inside (recognizing Hashem's perfect gifts). Jealousy (Lo Tachmod)—the last of the Ten Commandments—directly opposes the first (“Anochi Hashem Elokecha”): coveting denies Hashem's plan for you.Key to Adar joy (Mishenichnas Adar marbim b'simcha): Look inside—Alef-Dar (“the Master resides within you”). Hashem gives exactly what you need; when you recognize this, joy increases. Stop comparing; maximize your unique gifts. The month of Adar is about internal revelation of Hashem's goodness—complaining fades when we see He's in control and provides perfectly.The rabbi urges gratitude for life's blessings (health, family, livelihood) and practical joy: stop coveting, embrace your portion, and live with awe of Hashem's constant gifts._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky BotvinRecorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on January 5, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on February 19, 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!! 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.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Purim, #Adar, #Joy, #Haman, #tencommandments, #Jealousy, #Jewish, #Happiness ★ Support this podcast ★

As the gospel continued to spread amongst the Gentiles, the church faced questions about how to welcome these new believers. Returning to Jerusalem, Paul and Barnabas helped guide the first church council and its celebration of what God was doing. 

Amy King hosts your Wednesday Wake Up Call. ABC News correspondent Jordana Miller joins the show live from Jerusalem to discuss progress being made in talks with Iran. KFI Tech Reporter Rich DeMuro joins Wake Up Call for ‘Wired Wednesday’! Rich talks about TikTok Local, Wuffy the Robot Dog, private search engines, and a preview into Apple’s upcoming March event. On this week’s edition of ‘Amy’s on It’ she reviews Paradise; season 2 streaming on Hulu starting February 23rd. Denise Pellegrini from Bloomberg Media joins the show to give a business and stock market update. The show closes with Amy talking about… Sleepcations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pastor Marco frames Acts 1 as the necessary “what's next” after the resurrection: Jesus ascends, but His mission continues through a new body on earth—the church—by the power of the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes that Luke–Acts is one continuous account designed to connect later believers to the first generation, and he traces the Holy Spirit's role from Jesus' conception, baptism, temptation, ministry, death, and resurrection, to the church's commissioning. The core thrust is that Acts is not merely history; it is an invitation into an ongoing, dynamic relationship where resurrection power is experienced in holiness, boldness, gospel proclamation, and love for the lost—God's power working through human obedience.He then presses application: the Spirit is not only “in” believers but also comes “upon” them—an ongoing, renewing empowerment rather than a one-time event or a rigid “second blessing.” He links the timing of Pentecost to God's appointed feasts, portraying it as the moment the Word and Spirit converge for the church's witness, and stresses that believers are to wait, pray, fellowship, and move together in unity. The goal is not speculation about times and seasons but faithful action: to be Christ's witnesses outward from “Jerusalem” to the ends of the earth, resisting sin and division, and seeking fresh filling—“wind and fire,” boldness and holiness—so the church can carry the Great Commission in step with the Spirit and anchored in the Word.

A teen music festival is taking place in Jerusalem next week with many teenage bands taking part. It is a no alcohol, no smoking venue at a bar called Hetzi Tuki and the public is invited. Tracey Shipley, the producer and initiator of the Teen Music Festival, said the performing bands bring different sectors of teenagers together. The festival takes place on Friday, February 27th and tickets can be purchased on site. (photo: courtesy) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the Western Wall in Jerusalem, Ushers once again prevented Women of the Wall from reading from the Torah at plaza in honor of Rosh Chodesh Adar. The ushers refused to allow the women to bring their own Torah scroll or use one of the scrolls offered to the public. The Women of the Wall were forced to hold the ceremony at the entrance to the Western Wall plaza amid shouting and pushing from rioters. At the end of the reading, police detained two of the women, claiming they were obstructing the emergency passage. Anat Hoffman, the chairperson of Women of the Wall, said rioters shredded and burned up dozens of their Jewish prayer books. “We wanted to read it (the Torah) by women, for woman at the woman’s section at the wall… the authorities are keeping us away from Torah,” she said. (photo: Chaim Goldberg/flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“The great day of the Lord is near, near and hastening fast.” Zephaniah 1:14 Zephaniah speaks at the precise moment when Judah's long experiment with compromise reaches its breaking point. This is not a story of transferred allegiance, but of accommodation. Judah still carries the Lord's name and maintains His Temple, but they have woven other gods into the fabric of daily life. This is YHWH-plus religion. It presents itself as a sophisticated, tolerant "synthesis," but it is far more dangerous than honest paganism. Judah's elites swore by the LORD and by Milcom in the same breath (Zeph. 1:5), treating God's Word as negotiable opinion rather than final authority. Zephaniah begins with a rare four-generation genealogy, tracing his line back to King Hezekiah. As a royal cousin to King Josiah, he is a "Corrective Branch" of the family tree. While the ruling line under Manasseh and Amon sought power through foreign alliances, Zephaniah's branch had been preserving the "Unbroken Chain." Even his father's name, Cushi ("The Ethiopian"), hints at the persistent "Cushite" thread in the Bible - from the Queen of Sheba's quest for wisdom to the faithful Ebed-Melech in Jeremiah. It is a reminder that while Judah's heart was narrowing, the Word was already reaching for the ends of the earth. The shadow behind this book is Manasseh. His fifty-five-year reign was not a mere slide into sin, but a violent overwriting of the Covenant. He did not just shut the Temple, as did Ahaz; he occupied it with idols, training a generation to live comfortably inside compromise and contradiction. Though his late repentance was real, he had already "filled Jerusalem with innocent blood," silencing the voices that refused to compromise. Zephaniah's own name - meaning “YHWH has hidden” - is a bridge across these dark years. He is the voice of the "hidden seed," the remnant God treasured during the long silence of the Manasseh era. The fact that the Book of the Law had to be "found" in the Temple is the ultimate indictment: the Word was functionally lost in a nation that only claimed to honor it. Zephaniah declares judgment as irreversible because compromise has hardened into identity. Judah's people convinced themselves that “the Lord will not do good, nor will he do ill” (Zeph. 1:12). They believed God had become a silent partner in His own universe, neither acting nor speaking decisively. Indifference had hardened into theology. Zephaniah announces "the day of the Lord" to shatter that illusion. Divine judgment is the public demonstration that history is not self-governing; God will intervene. Yet the call to "seek" remains open to the humble - those who let the Word judge them instead of editing the Word to match their preferences. Zephaniah's message speaks to our present as well as his own. Today's threat isn't atheism. It is Christian indifference in the face of compromise and the relocation of authority outside God's word. A community can retain sacred vocabulary and religious formalism while quietly shifting its trust to cultural approval and the word of man. When God's Word becomes negotiable, it is often not denied in theory, neutralized in practice. Renewal must begin where Josiah began: with the recovery of the Word as authoritative Truth. Zephaniah stands as a compact argument that divided allegiance is unsustainable, that compromise is apostasy, and that hope survives only where God's word is the believer's final Voice. For us, too, the Day of the LORD is imminent. Let us "set our house in order."

Building the Plane While You're Flying It #RTTBROS #Nightlight"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way." — Psalm 37:23I heard a phrase recently that stopped me cold. Someone said, "You can't build the plane while you're flying it," and I thought, well, that's exactly how most of us are living our lives, isn't it? We're up at 30,000 feet, engine roaring, and we're still looking for the instruction manual.Now here's the thing. Socrates, that old Greek philosopher, said something that's stuck with people for centuries: "The unexamined life is not worth living." And I think he was onto something, even if he didn't have the whole picture. Because the Bible takes that idea and gives it wings, if you'll pardon the pun.Proverbs 16:3 says, "Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established." And Solomon adds in Proverbs 16:9, "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps." Right there you've got both halves of the equation. We plan, and God directs. We build what we can on the ground before takeoff, and then we trust the Lord to handle the turbulence we never saw coming.Think about Nehemiah for a moment. Before he ever laid one stone on that broken wall in Jerusalem, he spent time in prayer, he assessed the damage quietly in the night, he counted the cost, and he prepared his request for the king. That man did his homework. But when opposition came, and it came hard and fast, he didn't freeze up because he had already committed his work to God. He just kept building.I've been too soon old and too late smart about this in my own life. I used to think that trusting God meant you just sort of wandered through life with a smile and waited for lightning to strike. But that's not faith, that's just being unprepared and calling it spiritual. Real biblical faith does the planning it can do, lays it all before the Lord, and then holds the plan loosely enough that God can redirect without it feeling like a disaster.Here's what I've come to believe: God doesn't ask us to check our brains at the door. He asks us to use them, and then surrender the outcome. You plan the wedding, but you trust God with the marriage. You prepare for the job interview, but you trust God with the outcome. You raise your children with everything you have, but you trust God with who they become.The plane needs to be built before it flies. Do your part on the ground. But once you're airborne, friend, the Lord is your co-pilot, and He's never lost a passenger yet.Let's pray: Father, give us the wisdom to plan well and the faith to trust You with what we cannot control. Help us to be diligent with the things in our hands and surrendered about the things that are only in Yours. In Jesus' name, Amen.#Faith #Planning #Trust #ChristianLiving #DailyDevotion #BiblicalWisdom #SpiritualGrowth #RTTBROS #NightlightBe sure to Like, Share, Follow and subscribe, it helps get the word out.https://linktr.ee/rttbros

Our N.T. reading of Mark's gospel is the heart stirring 72 verses of his 14th chapter.  It records the ‘last supper' that Jesus shared with his disciples and its' age-lasting simplicity has had heart stirring meaning for his genuine disciples in every generation since that time.  After the supper there follows the heart searching time in the garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prays, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” [v.36]  The individuality of the Father and Son is so evident here, Jesus sets us an example that wherever Scriptural principles are involved we should follow our Saviour's example and say to our heavenly Father, ” not what I will, but what you will.”  These words make it plain that the ‘theology of the Trinity' which the Catholic's invented centuries later, has no place in the mind of the true believer.Judas now comes “and with him a crowd with swords and clubs'.[v.43]  Jesus does not resist, he says, “let the scriptures be fulfilled.”  And so they were, the Old Testament has several prophecies about this; these Scriptures  also make it plain, as we read yesterday, that there will be a final time of trouble for our world. The words Jesus spoke then have a particular application for us now, “Be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.” [13 v.23]  Back in today's chapter we note what Jesus told the High Priest, and we see its awesome meaning for us as we live with increasing anticipation of this event.  He was warning the High Priest telling him, ” you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” [v.62]   The High Priest will be there, among the goats! What horror will fill his heart!   But what a wondrous prospect of joy their fulfilment hold for us. Our thoughts go to the words of Paul when he described this coming event to the Thessalonians in his 1st letter to them, ” the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.” [4 v.16,17]   And where will the Lord be?  Reigning from Jerusalem! The world will experience “a new earth in which righteousness dwells” as Peter puts it in his final epistle [3 v.13]  May the “scriptures be fulfilled” very soon – and may we have the strength of faith to endure the coming tribulation with a sure anticipation of the wonders to follow. 

Ash Wednesday: GatheredMatthew 23:37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem… how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.”Speaker: Pastor Brian Lane

This week, we return to our home at 123 W 57th street with a sermon on Psalm 125. A Psalm which speaks of how God Protects and surrounds his people like the mountains surround Jerusalem. A beautiful parallel for God's faithfulness to Calvary through this transition period.

For thousands of years, empires have fought over it, religions have claimed it, and the world has fixated on it. Why? Because God said, “I will put My name there.” From Abraham on Mount Moriah… to Solomon's Temple… to Jesus teaching and prophesying there… this mountain has always been at the center of God's plan. Now we're seeing dramatic shifts happening on the Temple Mount once again — and it's raising a powerful question tied to the declaration of Deuteronomy 6:4: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord.” Is what's happening in Jerusalem right now setting the stage for prophecy to be fulfilled? Let's talk about it.  ⭐️: True Gold Republic: Get The Endtime Show special on precious metals at https://www.endtimegold.com📱: It's never been easier to understand. Stream Only Source Network and access exclusive content: https://watch.osn.tv/browse📚: Check out Jerusalem Prophecy College Online for less than $60 per course: https://jerusalemprophecycollege.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. Mitch finishes up Isaiah 61 and begins to look at Isaiah 62 & 63 which convey God's promise not to give up on Jerusalem but instead, to transform her into a beautiful city.

In this Jewish Inspiration Podcast episode (Day 128), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues the Gate of Flattery (Chanufa) from Orchos Tzaddikim, focusing on the second major aspect: praising or commending the wicked (even indirectly) in front of others.Key teachings:Praising evildoers (in their presence or behind their backs) is forbidden—even if not explicitly justifying their evil. Saying “he's a good guy” or highlighting minor good deeds risks elevating them undeservedly.This creates stumbling blocks: people may honor the wicked, envy their “success,” imitate them, or lose respect for true tzaddikim (righteous people).Honoring the righteous inspires others to follow their path and grow in Torah/yiras shamayim (fear of heaven).When tzaddikim are exalted, all creation acknowledges Hashem as Creator; when the wicked are praised, it desecrates divine service.Practical warning: avoid praising the wicked unless also mentioning their evil (to maintain balance and truth). Even neutral or positive comments can lead to misplaced honor.The rabbi ties this to current events (e.g., evil regimes on the brink) and emphasizes aligning with Hashem's values: honor the righteous, distance from flattery, and bring God-consciousness into the world through truthful speech and actions._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky BotvinRecorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on January 5, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on February 17, 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!! 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.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #Flattery, #Chanufa, #PraisingWicked, #TruthfulSpeech, #AvoidFlattery ★ Support this podcast ★

The Summit Church’s journey doesn't begin when they re-launched in 2002. It didn't even begin when they were planted in 1962. It began 2,000 years ago, with 11 frightened disciples on a hillside outside of Jerusalem. In the last 20 years, countless saints from our church have gone to be with Jesus. What would they tell us if heaven were opened up, just for five minutes? What would they want us to do with what we have?