Podcasts about Kiddush

​1)      Explanation of a passage in Yechezkel's description of the Third Beis haMikdosh.[1]2)      May I - due to a possible allergy to wine - make Kiddush on wine but have someone else drink it; for the night Kiddush and for the day Kiddush?[2]3)      I called up a Levi for the 2nd Aliya but then realisedthat he's davening Shmoine Esrei. So, I motioned to another Levi instead. Should Levi #2 be called up by name?[3]4)      Do chick-peas need to be Bishul Yisroel?[4]  5)      Is it proper to sing the Hu Elokeinu tune while the chazan sings his repetition? Similarly, re. Atta V'chartonu or other, when people sing and hence can't hear the Chazan.[5]6)      How important is it to have Kaddish said after each Sefer of Tehilim on Shabbos Mevorchim?[6] 7)      Should we be saying ברכות התורה before saying Shema with a yid on mivtzoim?[7] 8)      Most kids in the day-camp where I work are from non-frum homes. They bring their own food. Should we say brochos with the children over [probably] non-kosher food?[8]9)      If we don't have a Minyan of men fasting: 1) should the Chazan include Aneinu; 2) should we have Krias haTorah? [9]10)  Feedback about knocked over wine-spill on to someone's clothing:[10]To sponsor a Shiur – to honour a special occasion -contact: dayan@lubavitchuk.com[1] פרק מב, ה-ו. [2] מפורש בשוע"ר סי'ערב סי"ב. [3] ראה שערי אפרים שער א'ס"ה וס"כ שיש לקרותו בשם, כי הלוי הוא נוכח ואין חשש לעז. ורק כשאינו שםאז לא יקראו לב' בשם, משום לעז (שם סי"ט). [4] אף שנאכל חי, הרי אחרהייבוש צריך בישול (ערוך השלחן יו"ד סי' קיג סט"ו). ולכאורה הוא גם עולהעל שלחן מלכים. וכל שכן כשנעשה חומוס – ראה פסקים ותשובות (יו"ד שם אות חוהע' 81 שם). אך במקום הצורך חזי לאצטרופי שיטת מו"ר ב'חשב האפוד' (ח"אסי' ) להקל בירקות בשימורים כעין ההיתר של פת פלטר. [5]  מנהג שירת הצבור בעת התפלה מובאבשו"ע או"ח סי' תקס ס"ג ובמשנ"ב שם ס"ק יד. וראה דברינוב'סדור רבינו הזקן עם ציונים מקורות והערות' [ח"ג ע' א'נג] בהלל הע' 26.וי"ל: א) ט' שומעים הקרובים לש"ץ שומעים את קולו; ב) אין חובה לצבורלשמוע קטעים אלו.[6] ראה קובץ מכתבים שבסוףתהלים 'אהל יוסף יצחק'. [7] בשו"ע או"ח סי' מז ס"ח מסתפקהמחבר אם קר"ש נחשבת כלימוד התורה – לדין הצמדת לימוד התורה אחרי ברכת 'אהבתעולם'.[8] מחלוקת רמב"ם וראב"ד, הל' ברכותפ"א הי"ט. דיון בצמח צדק – פס"ד (או"ח ע' ו, טור ג-ד). נתיביםבשדה השליחות ח"ג סי' ו.[9] בשו"ע סי' תקסו ס"ג מצריך י' מתענים.בשערי תשובה הביא י"א שבת"צ כיון דקביע א"צ י'. אבל הוא מצריך רובעכ"פ. וי"א דדי בג' מתענים. הצ"צ אולי סמך עליהם לצירוף. ראהנתיבים בשדה השליחות ח"ב ע' 54-5.   [10]העירני אחד התלמידים שאין זו גרמא,רק כח-כחו. נחלקו הראשונים אם הפטור של כח-כוחו נאמר רק ברוצח בשגגה – אם חייבגלות, או גם בנזיקין בכלל. ראה פתחי חושן – נזיקין פ"ג הע' א:ה (ע' נט). עודראיתי (מחנה אפרים הל' שומרים סי' לט) שבדבר הנופל מידו מבלי שהרפה ידו ממנו, אינונחשב אדם המזיק (הובא בפסקי המשפט סי' שפד:ג). והרי כאן נפלה הכוס של יין.​

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What Should I Be Thinking?

Saying Kiddush When Returning Home on Friday Night by Rabbi Avi Harari

If One Made a Berakhah on Food Before Kiddush... by Rabbi Avi Harari

Welcome to Daily Bitachon. We are on our special Erev Shabbat series, but we are going to connect it to the month of Tammuz, as we have been doing this week. We have been talking about the different letter combinations that connect the 12 months of the year. There is another fascinating combination here, and to fully understand it, we need a little bit of mathematical background. If we take four distinct letters—let's say A, B, C, and D—and organize them into groups based on which letter comes first, each of the four letters gets a turn in the front. Then, the remaining letters are shuffled into every possible order behind it. You get six combinations per letter. For example: ABCD, ABDC, ACBD, ACDB, ADBC, and ADCB. Please don't try to repeat that too fast! If you do that for B, C, and D as well, it comes out to a total of 24 combinations. Four starting choices with six variations each equals a total of 24 different combinations. That is why when you have a combination lock with four unique numbers, you have to go through 24 different variations to figure it out, assuming you are using all four. But what happens when you have a duplicate letter, like AABC? In that case, to fix the double counting, we simply divide our baseline total by two. So, 24 total paths divided by the two identical letters equals 12 unique combinations. With that in mind, Hashem's holy name is spelled with a Yud, a Hei, a Vav, and a Hei. There are four letters, but there is a duplicate letter—the Hei. Therefore, there are exactly 12 possible combinations of Hashem's name. I won't go through them all here, although I will attach a complete chart to the transcript document. Instead, we will focus on just two of them: the combinations for Nissan and Tammuz. The Month of Nissan: A Straight Lens Each one of these 12 combinations has a corresponding pasuk (verse) where the first or last letters of the words spell out that specific order. The combination for Nissan is Yud, Hei, Vav, Hei—Hashem's name in its proper, direct order. For this, we have the pasuk from Divrei HaYamim Aleph 16:31: Yismechu hashamayim v'tagel ha'aretz ( י שמחו ה שמים ו תגל ה ארץ ), meaning "The heavens are happy and the land is joyful." The continuation of that verse reads: V'yomru vagoyim Hashem melech ( ויאמרו בגויים ה' מלך ), meaning "And they will say among the nations that Hashem is king." This represents the month of Nissan, a time of miracles where the entire world openly recognizes God as King. The Month of Tammuz: The Haman Outlook Tammuz is the exact opposite. Its letter combination is Hei, Vav, Hei, Yud, which is Hashem's name completely backwards. If Nissan is all about recognizing God openly in creation, Tammuz represents the ultimate concealment. The four words of the pasuk that spell out this backward combination do not come from the beginning of the words, but rather from the end of the words Haman says in Megillat Esther (5:3): V'chol zeh einenu shoveh li ( וכל ז ה איננ ו שו ה ל י ). The word zeh ends with a Hei, einenu ends with a Vav, shoveh ends with a Hei, and li ends with a Yud. This translates to: "All of this is worthless to me." Haman says this right after walking out of the palace. On that day, he is happy and has a glad heart ( sameach v'tov lev ). He has everything a person could physically desire. Rabbi Yehuda Adas notes that normally, a person needs highly refined middot (character traits) to experience true, lasting joy. But for an egoist like Haman to feel happy, he requires absolutely everything in the world to go his way. He must be the second-in-command to the king and have the entire world bowing down to him just to feel validated. But how long does his happiness last? The text says, U'chrot Haman et Mordechai b'sha'ar hamelech ( וכראות המן את מרדכי בשער המלך )—when Haman sees Mordechai at the king's gate and Mordechai refuses to bow or even move, Haman is ready to explode with rage. He controls himself, goes home to his family, and boasts to them about his vast wealth, his many children, and how the king elevated him above all the other nobles. He is literally listing his assets to rehabilitate his ego after the blow of one individual not bowing to him. He even boasts that he was the only guest invited to join the king and queen for a private party, and that he is invited again tomorrow. But then he drops the punchline: V'chol zeh einenu shoveh li —"Yet all of this is worthless to me every time I see Mordechai the Jew sitting at the king's gate." That toxic outlook can take a person who has the entire world and make them feel like they have absolutely nothing. The Root of the Snake Masechet Chullin 139b asks a famous question: Haman min haTorah m'nayyin? ("Where is Haman hinted at in the Torah?") The Gemara points to the verse after the first sin in Bereishit: Hamin ha'etz asher tzivitiha... ("Did you eat from the tree which I commanded you not to eat?"). The word Hamin (from the) is spelled identically to Haman. The rabbis explain that there is a deep spiritual connection between Haman and eating from the Etz HaDa'at (the Tree of Knowledge). Haman represents the primordial snake, the force of ultimate negativity. In fact, Haman stems from the nation of Amalek. The numerical value (gematria) of Amalek is 240, which is the exact same value as the Hebrew words ram (arrogant) and tzefa (a python or poisonous snake). Think about what the snake did in the Garden of Eden. The snake approached Chavah and asked, "Is it true that God said you cannot eat from any tree in the garden?" Chavah corrected him: "No, of course we can eat from all the trees, there is just one specific tree in the center of the garden that we cannot eat from." But to the snake—and to Haman—if you cannot have that one thing, then everything else you do have becomes completely meaningless. If you are restricted from one single tree, it is as if you can't eat anything at all. If one single man doesn't bow down to you, your entire empire is worth zero. That is the Haman outlook. It forces a person to focus entirely on what they lack, blinding them to the blessings they possess. That is the negative spiritual energy present in the month of Tammuz: the temptation to view our lives through this destructive lens. Shabbat: The Ultimate Alignment The ultimate antidote to this negative energy is Shabbat. This explains a beautiful custom we have in our Friday night Kiddush. Although they are two separate verses in the Torah, we connect the end of the creation story directly to the declaration of Shabbat: Vayhi erev vayhi voker yom hashishi and Vaychulu hashamayim v'ha'aretz . Why do we link them together? The Arizal explains that the first letters of these four consecutive words— Y om H ashishi V aychulu H ashamayim—spell out Hashem's holy name in its straight, proper order (Yud-Hei-Vav-Hei). Shabbat brings us back into alignment and corrects the spiritual damage caused by the snake. Shabbat is a day where we step away from the urge to control and instead view the world through the lens of "Hashem is King." It restores us to the perspective of Yismechu hashamayim v'tagel ha'aretz . That is the true lens of Shabbat. We see this same concept beautifully illustrated in Mizmor Shir L'Yom HaShabbat (Psalm 92), the song of the Sabbath day. It begins, Tov l'hodot l'Hashem —"It is good to praise Hashem." It then maps out the rhythm of faith: L'haggid baboker chasdecha —in the morning, when life is bright and clear, we easily see Hashem's kindness. V'emunatecha balaylot —but in the dark, difficult nights of life, we lean into pure faith. David HaMelech looks at creation and notes that it is profoundly deep, adding that a foolish person cannot understand what is truly happening. What does the fool miss? The fool sees the wicked temporarily prospering like grass and assumes they are winning. But as the psalm progresses, the perspective shifts: Tzaddik katamar yifrach —"The righteous will blossom like a palm tree." The psalm concludes that after the grand design becomes clear, the wicked are shattered and the righteous flourish, L'haggid ki yashar Hashem —"To declare that Hashem is upright." But the words Yashar Hashem can also be read literally as "Hashem's name is straight." When clarity arrives, we are finally looking at the world through the proper lens where His name is no longer scrambled or hidden in backward permutations. It is revealed in its perfect, straight order: Yud-Hei-Vav-Hei. We realize that even through the most confusing and difficult years, His plan was always inherently straight. Tzuri v'lo avlata bo —"He is my rock, and there is no injustice in Him." We pray to appreciate that all months are deeply rooted in this exact clarity. Straightening the Name Through Tzedakah Beyond Shabbat, another profound way to straighten Hashem's name in daily life is brought down by the Chida in his sefer Avodat HaKodesh ( Moreh B'Etzba , siman aleph, letter yud-bet). He teaches that when you give tzedakah (charity), you should mindfully intend to align the four letters Yud, Hei, Vav, Hei. How does the act of giving mirror the Name? The small coin that you pick up represents the small letter Yud . The five fingers of your hand grasping the coin represent the letter Hei (which has a numerical value of five). Stretching out your long arm to extend the charity represents the straight line of the letter Vav . Finally, when the poor man opens his hand to receive the money, his five fingers forming a container represent the final letter, Hei . Based on this, the Chida, in his sefer Nachal Kedumim (Parshat Shemot), offers a deeper explanation of Rashi's commentary on the words V'yikchu li terumah ("Take for Me an offering"). Rashi notes that li ("for Me") means lishmi ("for My name's sake"), which traditionally implies doing the mitzvah with pure, unselfish intentions ( lishma ). However, the Chida reveals a profound mystical layer: li lishmi indicates that when you give tzedakah, you should intentionally contemplate that you are actively rectifying Hashem's name and restoring the letters to their proper, harmonious order. He adds a fascinating insight regarding this process, explaining that this beautiful spiritual alignment only works seamlessly if the giver initiates the flow. This means you must start the sequence yourself by actively seeking out the poor person, picking up the coin, and leading with the Yud, which represents the coin itself. If, instead, the poor person must stick out his hand first, followed by his arm, before the giver finally reaches out with his fingers to hand over the coin, the entire structural order is flipped backward. This is why the highest form of tzedakah occurs when you proactively seek out opportunities to give, rather than waiting for someone to come looking for you. When we initiate giving, we keep the proper spiritual order perfectly aligned, whereas doing it the opposite way turns the intended order completely upside down.

Women & Eating Before Kiddush on Shabbat Morning by Rabbi Avi Harari

Eating Before Daytime Kiddush (2) by Rabbi Avi Harari

Send us Fan MailShould the woman make kiddush Friday night?

Eating Before the Daytime Kiddush (1) by Rabbi Avi Harari

Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores a series of powerful Talmudic narratives from Tractate Ta'anit, beginning with the remarkable story of Elazar Ish Birta, whose selfless generosity was so legendary that charity collectors would hide from him, knowing he would give away everything he possessed. When he sacrificed even his daughter's wedding funds to help orphaned newlyweds, Hashem miraculously blessed him with overflowing abundance—yet he refused to personally benefit from the miracle, demonstrating the highest form of selflessness.The episode then examines the deep connection between rain, livelihood, and faith. Rain in the Talmud represents far more than weather; it symbolizes Divine sustenance and reminds us that all success ultimately comes from Hashem. Through stories of great sages who fasted and prayed for rain, Rabbi Wolbe highlights a recurring lesson: humility often accomplishes what scholarship, status, and even leadership cannot.A major theme throughout the discussion is that spiritual greatness is frequently hidden beneath simplicity. Whether it is the humble teacher who educates poor children without charge, the villager who provides wine for Kiddush and Havdalah, or the seemingly ordinary man who protected a photographer from embarrassment despite suffering financial loss himself, the greatest people are often those who seek no recognition.The episode concludes with a powerful reflection on humility. True humility means recognizing Hashem as the King of the universe and understanding one's proper place within creation. Arrogance, Rabbi Wolbe teaches, is essentially an attempt to remove God from His throne and place oneself there instead._____________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 (B) to a live audience on March 13, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on June 1, 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!! 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:#Talmud,  #Gemara, #Taanit, #Humility, #Selflessness, #Charity, #Tzedakah, #Faith, #Prayer, #Rain, #DivineProvidence, #SimpleFaith ★ Support this podcast ★

Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores a series of powerful Talmudic narratives from Tractate Ta'anit, beginning with the remarkable story of Elazar Ish Birta, whose selfless generosity was so legendary that charity collectors would hide from him, knowing he would give away everything he possessed. When he sacrificed even his daughter's wedding funds to help orphaned newlyweds, Hashem miraculously blessed him with overflowing abundance—yet he refused to personally benefit from the miracle, demonstrating the highest form of selflessness.The episode then examines the deep connection between rain, livelihood, and faith. Rain in the Talmud represents far more than weather; it symbolizes Divine sustenance and reminds us that all success ultimately comes from Hashem. Through stories of great sages who fasted and prayed for rain, Rabbi Wolbe highlights a recurring lesson: humility often accomplishes what scholarship, status, and even leadership cannot.A major theme throughout the discussion is that spiritual greatness is frequently hidden beneath simplicity. Whether it is the humble teacher who educates poor children without charge, the villager who provides wine for Kiddush and Havdalah, or the seemingly ordinary man who protected a photographer from embarrassment despite suffering financial loss himself, the greatest people are often those who seek no recognition.The episode concludes with a powerful reflection on humility. True humility means recognizing Hashem as the King of the universe and understanding one's proper place within creation. Arrogance, Rabbi Wolbe teaches, is essentially an attempt to remove God from His throne and place oneself there instead._____________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 (B) to a live audience on March 13, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on June 1, 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!! 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:#Talmud,  #Gemara, #Taanit, #Humility, #Selflessness, #Charity, #Tzedakah, #Faith, #Prayer, #Rain, #DivineProvidence, #SimpleFaith ★ Support this podcast ★

The Rebbe writes about the connection between physical and spiritual health, urging attention to both. He encourages increased Torah study and prayer, and notes that Kiddush Levanah is a segulah for healthy teeth. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/011/009/3539

In this special pre-Shavuot episode of the Everyday Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the laws of rejoicing on Yom Tov (festivals) from Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, Siman 103. He details the mitzvot to honor and delight in the festivals through special foods, clothing, haircuts, bathing, and festive meals, while emphasizing the higher obligation of simcha (rejoicing) that includes gladdening one's family, giving gifts, and sharing with others. The episode highlights practical preparations for Shavuot, customs like eating dairy foods (with multiple reasons), reading Megillat Ruth, staying awake all night learning Torah, and important reminders about balancing physical enjoyment with spiritual elevation and avoiding levity or excess.Topics Discussed:Mitzvah to honor and delight in Yom Tov (similar to Shabbos)Preparations on Erev Yom Tov: haircut, bathing, nails, baking challah, and eating lightlyRequirements for festive meals, Kiddush, Lechem Mishneh, meat, and wineShehecheyanu blessing on candles and Kiddush (exceptions on Pesach)Obligation of simcha: gladdening wife, children, and dependents with clothes, jewelry, treats, meat, and wineSpecial laws and customs for Shavuot: dairy foods (9 reasons), eating meat separately, reading Megillat Ruth (6 reasons)Balance between physical enjoyment and Torah study; feeding the poor and inviting guestsAvoiding drunkenness and levity; the pious way to use joy for spiritual growthIsru Chag, Havdalah at the end of Yom Tov, and meal extensions across daysUnique Shavuot practices: delaying Ma'ariv, staying up all night learning Torah_____________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 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 May 17, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on May 21, 2026_____________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, #Kitzur, #Shavuot, #Laws, #Simcha, #YomTov, #DairyOnShavuot, #MegilatRuth, #Festival ★ Support this podcast ★

In this special pre-Shavuot episode of the Everyday Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the laws of rejoicing on Yom Tov (festivals) from Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, Siman 103. He details the mitzvot to honor and delight in the festivals through special foods, clothing, haircuts, bathing, and festive meals, while emphasizing the higher obligation of simcha (rejoicing) that includes gladdening one's family, giving gifts, and sharing with others. The episode highlights practical preparations for Shavuot, customs like eating dairy foods (with multiple reasons), reading Megillat Ruth, staying awake all night learning Torah, and important reminders about balancing physical enjoyment with spiritual elevation and avoiding levity or excess.Topics Discussed:Mitzvah to honor and delight in Yom Tov (similar to Shabbos)Preparations on Erev Yom Tov: haircut, bathing, nails, baking challah, and eating lightlyRequirements for festive meals, Kiddush, Lechem Mishneh, meat, and wineShehecheyanu blessing on candles and Kiddush (exceptions on Pesach)Obligation of simcha: gladdening wife, children, and dependents with clothes, jewelry, treats, meat, and wineSpecial laws and customs for Shavuot: dairy foods (9 reasons), eating meat separately, reading Megillat Ruth (6 reasons)Balance between physical enjoyment and Torah study; feeding the poor and inviting guestsAvoiding drunkenness and levity; the pious way to use joy for spiritual growthIsru Chag, Havdalah at the end of Yom Tov, and meal extensions across daysUnique Shavuot practices: delaying Ma'ariv, staying up all night learning Torah_____________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 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 May 17, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on May 21, 2026_____________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, #Kitzur, #Shavuot, #Laws, #Simcha, #YomTov, #DairyOnShavuot, #MegilatRuth, #Festival ★ Support this podcast ★

The Rebbe writes that one must arrange Torah study together with proper care for physical health, as both are essential. He emphasizes maintaining yeshiva schedules, the priority of wine for Kiddush and Havdalah, and moderation in drinking at farbrengens. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/010/5500

In this Everyday Judaism episode, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe teaches Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 44: Laws of Birkat Hamazon (Grace After Meals) and Mayim Acharonim (final hand-washing after the meal).Key Halachot:Mayim Acharonim — Wash hands before Birkat Hamazon (remove grease/dirt; avoid sharp salt entering eyes). Leader washes first. Wash into vessel or under table (not on ground—spirit of impurity rests on these waters). Dry hands thoroughly. No unnecessary interruption between washing and blessing.Table setup — Keep bread and tablecloth on table during Birkat Hamazon (shows abundance; provides vessel for blessing). Remove/cover knives (table = altar; iron shortens life, altar lengthens it). On Shabbos/Yom Tov, no need to cover knives (no Satan influence).Recitation — Birkat Hamazon must be said sitting (with awe/reverence, wearing jacket/hat for yiras shamayim). If delayed beyond digestion time (~72 min), still recite if continued eating or didn't leave table. If left table: return if bread remains; otherwise recite where you are.Spiritual depth — Birkat Hamazon thanks Hashem for sustenance; leaving bread shows abundance and creates vessel for blessing. Meals are for bonding, dignity, and self-control.The rabbi stresses: food is a divine gift—eat with gratitude, dignity, and focus. Personal story illustrates self-control at Kiddush. The episode concludes with a transition to the Ask Away #33._____________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 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 February 15, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on May 6, 2026_____________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, #Halacha, #EverydayJudaism, #BirkatHamazon, #MayimAcharonim, #GraceAfterMeals, #TableEtiquette, #JewishDignity, #SelfControl ★ Support this podcast ★

In this Everyday Judaism episode, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe teaches Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 44: Laws of Birkat Hamazon (Grace After Meals) and Mayim Acharonim (final hand-washing after the meal).Key Halachot:Mayim Acharonim — Wash hands before Birkat Hamazon (remove grease/dirt; avoid sharp salt entering eyes). Leader washes first. Wash into vessel or under table (not on ground—spirit of impurity rests on these waters). Dry hands thoroughly. No unnecessary interruption between washing and blessing.Table setup — Keep bread and tablecloth on table during Birkat Hamazon (shows abundance; provides vessel for blessing). Remove/cover knives (table = altar; iron shortens life, altar lengthens it). On Shabbos/Yom Tov, no need to cover knives (no Satan influence).Recitation — Birkat Hamazon must be said sitting (with awe/reverence, wearing jacket/hat for yiras shamayim). If delayed beyond digestion time (~72 min), still recite if continued eating or didn't leave table. If left table: return if bread remains; otherwise recite where you are.Spiritual depth — Birkat Hamazon thanks Hashem for sustenance; leaving bread shows abundance and creates vessel for blessing. Meals are for bonding, dignity, and self-control.The rabbi stresses: food is a divine gift—eat with gratitude, dignity, and focus. Personal story illustrates self-control at Kiddush. The episode concludes with a transition to the Ask Away #33._____________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 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 February 15, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on May 6, 2026_____________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, #Halacha, #EverydayJudaism, #BirkatHamazon, #MayimAcharonim, #GraceAfterMeals, #TableEtiquette, #JewishDignity, #SelfControl ★ Support this podcast ★

Thursday 22 Nissan

Thursday 22 Nissan

Rabbi Gordon studies one chapter a day from Maimonides' classic legal work of Mishneh Torah. The original Hebrew text is read and then translated and clearly explained in English.

Rabbi Gordon studies one chapter a day from Maimonides' classic legal work of Mishneh Torah. The original Hebrew text is read and then translated and clearly explained in English.

Wednesday 21 Nissan

Rabbi Gordon studies one chapter a day from Maimonides' classic legal work of Mishneh Torah. The original Hebrew text is read and then translated and clearly explained in English.

Rabbi Gordon studies one chapter a day from Maimonides' classic legal work of Mishneh Torah. The original Hebrew text is read and then translated and clearly explained in English.

Rabbi Gordon studies one chapter a day from Maimonides' classic legal work of Mishneh Torah. The original Hebrew text is read and then translated and clearly explained in English.

Rabbi Gordon studies one chapter a day from Maimonides' classic legal work of Mishneh Torah. The original Hebrew text is read and then translated and clearly explained in English.

Rabbi Gordon studies one chapter a day from Maimonides' classic legal work of Mishneh Torah. The original Hebrew text is read and then translated and clearly explained in English.

Rabbi Gordon studies one chapter a day from Maimonides' classic legal work of Mishneh Torah. The original Hebrew text is read and then translated and clearly explained in English.

Monday 19 Nissan

Monday 19 Nissan

Monday 19 Nissan

Rabbi Gordon studies one chapter a day from Maimonides' classic legal work of Mishneh Torah. The original Hebrew text is read and then translated and clearly explained in English.

Rabbi Gordon studies one chapter a day from Maimonides' classic legal work of Mishneh Torah. The original Hebrew text is read and then translated and clearly explained in English.

Rabbi Gordon studies one chapter a day from Maimonides' classic legal work of Mishneh Torah. The original Hebrew text is read and then translated and clearly explained in English.

Sunday 18 Nissan

Shabbos 17 Nissan

Shabbos 17 Nissan

Shabbos 17 Nissan

Sunday 18 Nissan

Sunday 18 Nissan

Rabbi Gordon studies one chapter a day from Maimonides' classic legal work of Mishneh Torah. The original Hebrew text is read and then translated and clearly explained in English.

Rabbi Gordon studies one chapter a day from Maimonides' classic legal work of Mishneh Torah. The original Hebrew text is read and then translated and clearly explained in English.

Rabbi Gordon studies one chapter a day from Maimonides' classic legal work of Mishneh Torah. The original Hebrew text is read and then translated and clearly explained in English.

Rabbi Gordon studies one chapter a day from Maimonides' classic legal work of Mishneh Torah. The original Hebrew text is read and then translated and clearly explained in English.

Rabbi Gordon studies one chapter a day from Maimonides' classic legal work of Mishneh Torah. The original Hebrew text is read and then translated and clearly explained in English.

Rabbi Gordon studies one chapter a day from Maimonides' classic legal work of Mishneh Torah. The original Hebrew text is read and then translated and clearly explained in English.

Rabbi Gordon studies one chapter a day from Maimonides' classic legal work of Mishneh Torah. The original Hebrew text is read and then translated and clearly explained in English.

The Gemara posits the principle that "Yisrael Af Al Pi She'hata Yisrael Hu" – a Jew does not lose his status as a Jew even after he sins. As a general rule, then, a Jew who violates Torah law is nevertheless considered a full-fledged Jew in all respects. There are, however, a number of exceptions. One is a person who commits sins 'Le'ha'ch'is" – with the specific intention to anger G-d. If a person not only transgresses the Torah, but has decided to spitefully reject G-d, and he thus commits Torah transgressions out of anger and resentment – and not due to convenience, for money, or due a lack of self-discipline – then he forfeits his status as a Jew. Such a person, therefore, cannot be counted toward a Minyan. (A fascinating story is told of Rav Levi Yishak of Berditchev, who once saw a Jewish fellow whom he knew eating pork, and he wished him, "Bon Appetit," that he should enjoy it. He explained to his students that this individual suffered from a certain condition that resulted in pain in his stomach when he ate pork, but he nevertheless ate it out of hostility toward religion. Rav Levi Yishak extended to him the wish that he should eat it for the pleasure that it brings, and not out of resentment, so that he would at least retain his status as a Jew.) Another exception – which is far more common – is Shabbat desecration. Since Shabbat desecration is equated with idol-worship, a public Shabbat desecrator is, in certain respects, considered not Jewish. The Hafetz Haim explained this Halacha by way of an analogy to a person who walks by a store which is currently closed. If the sign is still up, then the person will likely assume that the store is still in business, and has closed only temporarily. Once, however, the sign has been taken down, the person will conclude that the store has closed permanently. The Torah refers to Shabbat as an "Ot," a "sign." As long as a person observes Shabbat, he demonstrates that he's "open for business," that he's still "in the game," as it were, even if in other ways he might falter. Therefore, a public Shabbat violator – in principle – is not considered a Jew with respect to certain Halachot, such as being counted toward a Minyan. This applies to public Shabbat violators regardless of the reason why they desecrate Shabbat – whether it's for ideological reasons, out of anger toward G-d, or because of convenience or an unwillingness to make the sacrifices that Shabbat observance requires. The Poskim dispute the question of how often one must publicly violate Shabbat to be disqualified from counting toward a Minyan. Some maintain that this disqualification applies only to habitual Shabbat violators, but others contend that even if a person publicly violated Shabbat just once, he cannot be counted toward a Minyan. This is the view accepted by Hacham Ovadia Yosef. It goes without saying that once a person has performed Teshuba and committed to Shabbat observance, he regains his status as a full-fledged Jew and may be counted. Hacham Ovadia Yosef ruled that one becomes disqualified only by publicly committing an act that is forbidden on Shabbat by force of Torah law. This includes driving, cooking, writing, and carrying in a public domain. If, however, a person publicly commits acts which are forbidden on Shabbat only by force of Rabbinic enactment, he may be counted toward a Minyan. The act of Shabbat desecration must be committed publicly – meaning, in the presence of ten men, the violator included. The Mishna Berura ruled that the act does not need to have been committed publicly, as even if it becomes known to ten people, this qualifies as a "public" act. Hacham Ovadia, however, disagrees, and rules that a person is not considered a public Shabbat violator unless he committed a forbidden act that was seen by ten men at the same time. (Incidentally, these conditions apply also with regard to the prohibition against drinking wine handled by a public Shabbat violator (unless the wine has been previously boiled). This applies only to somebody who committed an act of Shabbat desecration in the presence of ten men.) Hacham Ovadia made a very significant exception to this Halacha, addressing the situation of generally G-d-fearing Jews who work on Shabbat. It was quite common in certain periods that Jews would come to the synagogue, recite Kiddush and eat a Shabbat meal, but then go to work, succumbing to the anxiety of otherwise being unable to support their families. Hacham Ovadia ruled that although such people act incorrectly, nevertheless, since in their eyes, they violate Shabbat under duress, they are not considered intentional Shabbat violators. Hence, they may be counted toward a Minyan (and wine which they handled remains permissible). Additionally, the Mishna Berura writes that if a person violates Shabbat in public, but is too embarrassed to do so in the presence of a Rabbi, then he is not considered a public Shabbat violator with respect to this Halacha. The fact that he still experiences shame shows that he recognizes the sanctity of Shabbat, and so he does not attain the status of a flagrant desecrator who may not be counted toward a Minyan. However, Hacham Ovadia clarified that this applies only if we are certain that this individual would not desecrate Shabbat in view of his Rabbi. Much has been written about whether and how these Halachot apply in our generation. In the case of a person who was raised without a religious education, there is a general consensus that we apply the rule of "Tinok She'nishba" (literally, "an infant who was taken captive"), which excuses from liability a sinner who was never taught about Halachic observance. If someone was not taught to observe Shabbat as Halacha requires, then he is not held accountable for his failure to do so. As such, he does not have the status of a flagrant Shabbat desecrator. Some extend this rule further, asserting that even if a person learned about Shabbat, he cannot be considered a Shabbat desecrator if he was not made aware of the severity of Shabbat. There are people who received some level of Jewish education but their training was not grounded in Halacha, and they were thus never taught about the various Shabbat prohibitions and how they constitute capital offenses. These people, too, might not be considered flagrant Shabbat desecrators. An even more drastic view was advanced by the Hazon Ish (Rav Avraham Yeshaya Karelitz, 1878-1952). He contended that a person does not attain the status of a public Shabbat desecrator unless he was reprimanded for violating Shabbat and then ignored the rebuke he received. Effective criticism is a difficult art, a skill which the vast majority of people do not have in our time. As such, the Hazon Ish wrote, violators can be assumed to not have ever received proper rebuke for their acts of desecration, and they therefore do not have the status of public Shabbat desecrators. This novel ruling of the Hazon Ish should seemingly allow any Shabbat violator to be counted toward a Minyan nowadays, given the assumption that proper rebuke was never administered. However, Rav Yisrael Bitan noted that one might question this conclusion, in light of the fact that technology has made knowledge about Torah law readily available to all, and, moreover, there are many Jews who were raised in Torah homes and received a proper religious education, and then decided to abandon halachic observance. It seems difficult to exclude such people from the category of intentional Shabbat desecrators. Rabbi Bitan therefore concludes that every community Rabbi must determine the policy for his congregation, given the different opinions that exist and different realities in each community. It must be emphasized that we speak here only of being counted toward the minimum quorum of ten men. By no means does Halacha disallow a Shabbat violator from entering a synagogue and participating in the Minyan. Personally, I went into the rabbinate specifically for such Jews, to help Jews grow in their observance, each on their level and in a way that suits them, irrespective of one's current level of commitment. Those who do not properly observe Shabbat should be at least as welcome in the synagogue as fully-observant Jews, if not more so. I am reminded of a story told by Hacham Baruch Ben-Haim of a person who once came to pray in Congregation Shaare Zion and was given an Aliya, and afterward, somebody else approached Hacham Baruch to object. He said that he knew for a fact that this individual who was given an Aliya regularly shaved with a razor – a strict Torah violation – and thus should not be given the honor of being called to the Torah. "Let me tell you a story," Hacham Baruch replied. "Many years ago, there was somebody who came to shul who was not at all serious about Halachic observance. We welcomed him very warmly, and gave him an Aliya. There were those who objected and were angry at me. But gradually, this fellow became more involved, attending prayers and classes, and building a relationship with me and other Rabbis. He ended up raising a fully observant home, and all his children are strictly observant. "As it so happens," the Hacham continued, "that man was your father. You would not be in the synagogue today if I had followed the policy you are advocating." This should be our attitude toward our fellow Jews who are not as observant as we would want. While there is some question about whether or not they may be counted toward the minimum required amount of ten men, and, as we saw, different opinions exist, there is no question about whether they should be warmly welcomed in our synagogues. Our institutions must be inviting for all Jews, regardless of their level of observance, so everyone can grow in a way and at a pace that is appropriate for them.