Podcasts about Ohel

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Post Holidays Follow-Up What should be the focus of our work during these first days of Cheshvan? Why do the revelations of Tishrei, specifically on Shemini Atzeres, give birth only on Pesach? And if that's the case, what does our avodah entail during these months? Can MarCheshvan also mean Gmar Cheshvan? Why the need for Tohu? Why does G-d elaborate on the place of Abraham's departure (lech lecha m'artzecha, um'moladetecha um'beis avicha) and is vague about his destination (el ha'aretz asher er'echa)? Why was it important for Abraham to leave his land, birthplace, and parents' home? What are the three types of subjectivity that impede your ability to discover your true self and move forward in life?  Is “G-d speaking to Abraham” literal or metaphorical? Was Terach an abusive father? Was Abraham the first Jew? How do we explain “those that bless you shall be blessed”? Who was Melchizedek King of Salem? Why was the priesthood taken from him due to his blessing Abraham before G-d? What is the significance of adding a hei to Abram and changing his name to Abraham? What was the bris bein ha'besarim? Why does the Torah not tell us specifics about Abraham's great deeds and only uses hints that seem materialistic (about his wealth, cattle, battle victories, travels)? What can we learn from Yishmael about Hamas and the Arab/Muslim world today?  What was the sin of building the Tower of Babel? What do we learn from the fact that G-d stopped their conspiracy by confusing their languages and disrupting their unity? How can we express our gratitude to G-d for his blessings in releasing the last hostages safely? What should we do about the upcoming NYC mayoral election? Are we allowed to pray and write notes to the Ohel asking for brochos that Mamdani should not win the election?Lech Lecha Noach  Hostages Freed New York City Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani 

Dr. Katherine Wyma joins me to discuss C.S. Lewis' longest and most ambitious undertaking: The Oxford History of English Literature in the Sixteenth Century, Excluding Drama. Or, as he called it, the OHEL. It lay, he said, "like a nightmare on my chest." It's a brilliant work of scholarship, and we highly recommend it. But just in case you can't make it through 700 pages of paradigm-shattering, witty and insightful prose about the greatest (and worst) poets of the sixteenth century, we've got you covered. We'll be discussing the highlights from the Introduction here, and from subsequent chapters in subsequent podcasts. So, put on your best pair of pantaloons and join us for this romp through what used to be called the Renaissance (but isn't usually anymore, thanks in part to Lewis). Today, we'll cover just the introduction to his work, entitled: New Learning and New Ignorance.  Questions? Concerns? Criticisms? Compliments? Complaints? Condolements? Candy? Email us at inklingsvarietyhour@gmail.com.  

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Why does Rosh Hashana offer us new opportunities and possibilities? Erev Rosh Hashana • Why is it customary to visit the gravesite of the righteous before Rosh Hashana? • Please describe how to write a letter to the Rebbe at the Ohel. Or do you write to G-d in merit of the Rebbe? • What is the connection to the Tzemach Tzedek's birthday on Erev Rosh Hashana? Chassidus Applied to Rosh Hashana • What is the personal significance of this day? • What is the connection between Rosh Hashana being the birthday of the human race and it being the Day of Judgment? • What does Judgment mean? • What does it mean to be written in the Book of Life? • Why don't we always see the fulfillment of our prayers? • How can we create the proper containers for G-d's blessings? • Are we allowed to ask for physical success and wealth? • Is there one prayer to focus on? • Why do we read on Rosh Hashana the story of Chana praying for a child? • What do we learn from Chana about how to pray? • Why is praying for our needs not a lack of faith in G-d's plans for us? • How do we balance both extremes of focusing on coronating G-d as King and our own needs? • How can we mere mortals crown G-d as our King when G-d is completely beyond us and our comprehension? • Is there truth to the story with the Rebbetzin asking that blessings for the new year should be directed to Klal Yisroel instead of to her personally? • What is the meaning of the Alter Rebbe saying that he davened on Rosh Hashana with his “shtender”? • Why is parnasa for the year determined during the reading of the "Mizmor L'David" recited on Rosh Hashana evening? • Can I dip my apple in sugar? Rosh Hashana 5786 • What is the significance of Rosh Hashana falling on Tuesday? • What acronym can be suggested for the year Tov Shin Peh Vav? Shofar • Is there a connection between the commandment to make and sound trumpets to the shofar that we blow today on Rosh Hashana? • What is the difference between a regular shofar and "the great shofar"? • Why does the sounder of the shofar look at the community after blowing the shofar? • Was it important to look at the Rebbe when he sounded the shofar? • What is the connection of Rosh Hashana with the Baal Shem Tov hearing that Moshiach will come when his wellsprings are spread outward?What can we do to ensure that Hashem will have mercy on the remaining hostages and have them all safely freed?What is the connection of Rosh Hashana with the Baal Shem Tov hearing that Moshiach will come when his wellsprings are spread outward?

The Rebbe will read his pan at the Ohel before Rosh Hashanah. Regarding visiting Eretz Yisrael after Sukkos, he questions the appropriateness in a Shemitah year. He also inquires about his son, following earlier discussions, and concludes with blessings for a good and sweet year in gashmiyus and ruchniyus. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/elul/1221

The Rebbe affirms his public efforts will only expand channels of livelihood and bring true Yiddishe nachas from his daughter. He mentioned the family at the Ohel on Chai Elul for blessing and success, and advises correcting any harm to Jews in business. He ends with wishes for a good, sweet year. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/elul/1218

The Rebbe is pleased by the Chai Elul farbrengen, noting success comes once work is begun, even if attendance is small at first. Regarding his position as shochet, he should currently focus on poultry until the issues with large-animal shechita are resolved. He will mention all named at the Ohel and blesses for a good, sweet year. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/elul/1212

The Rebbe relates that naming a child is the parents' decision, as stated by the Frierdiker Rebbe. He advises saying Psalm 20 (“Lamenatzeach”) before sleep, repeating the verse “Ya'ancha” with intent. He will read the pan at the Ohel and blesses the family with a good and sweet new year materially and spiritually. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/elul/1208

The Rebbe writes of praying at the Ohel for the wife's health, blessing her with an easy birth and healthy child to be raised in Torah. He stresses strengthening peace in the home and suggests reciting Lamnatzeach Yancha nightly with intention. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/elul/1176

The Rebbe encourages continued success in strengthening Judaism and Torah in his community, especially efforts for a mikveh. He advises against becoming entangled in the rabbinate of Rio de Janeiro given its complications. He will pray at the Ohel and sends talks and a general letter to aid his work. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/elul/1179

The Rebbe thanks for the visit and pidyon nefesh, assuring it will be read at the Ohel. He explains Elul as a month of Divine accounting focused on good deeds, highlighting their support for Torah and chesed. He blesses them with health, success, and a good, sweet year, urging to hold chassidishe farbrengens. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/elul/1185

he Rebbe assures he will pray at the Ohel for their son in the army and stresses daily tefillin. He advises reviewing prayers before serving as chazan on the High Holidays and immersing in the mikveh. Their donation supports discreet aid, and he blesses them with a good, sweet year. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/elul/1187

1)       For Kiddush Levono we wait until Day 7. Does that go according local time or according to the time in Yerusholayim?[1]2)      My son is travelling to Yeshiva immediately after his Barmitzva, with no Krias haTorah in between. When should I say the brocho ברוך שפטרני?[2] 3)      At Krias haTorah for Mincha on Shabbos the BalKorei showed the passage כי תצא in last week's Sedra – on the previous column. Need the brocho be repeated?[3]4)      May boxes of Seforim be placed on the floor?[4]5)      The prayer said at the opening of the Oron Kodesh on Yomtov:[5]6)      Feedback on the Onkelos of ורגלך לא בצקה, meaning shoes:[6]7)      Feedback on ובצלכנפיך נחסה ונתלונן:[7]8)      Feedback on blowing Shofar at night:[8]9)      Feedback on omitting Tachanun after sunset: What was done when the Rebbe זי"ע davened Mincha late, after spending hours at the Ohel?[9][1]  ראה בזה ס' ישראל והזמנים (הרפנס)ח"א סי' לו.[2] ראה פסקי תשובות סי' רכהאות ז.[3]  בשו"עאו"ח סי' קמ ס"ג הובאו ב' דיעות. שערי אפרים (שער ד סי"ז) מצריךלברך שנית בעמוד אחר; משנ"ב (סק"ט) מקיל.[4]  איסור הנחתספר על הקרקע מבואר ברמ"א יו"ד סי' רפס סק"ד. שם ב' דינים: ספסל,קרקע. בדעת קדושים (שם סק"ד) מתיר לישב על הספסל אם הספרים מוגבהים טפח."ואולי גם על גבי קרקע קיל בכך לצורך גדול". הכוונה במוגבה טפח בתוךכלי, כמ"ש ב'מקדש מעט'. [5] מופיע בס' שערי ציון, פראג תכ"ב. מוזכרבפע"ח. מהמשכילים שרצו לייחס הבקשה "ויתקיים בנו" לש"צ בעתמאסרו, ותחלה היתה הנוסח "ויתקיים בו". לפיההיסטורי', פרסומו של ש"צ הי' בשנת תכ"ה ומאסרו הי' בשנת תכ"ו.וא"כ הדברים בדויים.  [6] תרגום אונקלוס לעקב ח, ד: "ורגלך לאבצקה" הוא כפי הענין ולא כפי המילים - "ומסנך לא יחיפו". ראה מדרשלקח טוב עה"פ ("ורגלך לא בצקה. זה המנעל. מלמד שהיו נישאים על גביעננים. כלומר: לא בא לרגלך צוקה להתיחף... ד״א ורגלך לא בצקה. מפנישלא נתיחפה....", וראה פירוש הרא"ם שם), ומדרש אגדה (בובר) עה"פ("מלמד שהשמלה וגם המנעלים שברגליהם כמו שהיו גדלים גם הם היו גדליםעמהם".) והשווה לכי תבוא כט, ד: "ונעלך לא בלתה מעל רגלך". [וצע"קלדברי רש"י בפ' עקב: "לא נפחה כבצק כדרך הולכי יחף", איך לתווך עםפסוק דלהלן, וראה גו"א, רא"ם, שפ"ח, ועוד[. רמ"משי' גרינבוים.[7]  י"ל דבא לאפוקי משמעות ש"בצלכנפיך נחסה ונתלונן" כתוב בתורה.[8] כתוב בערוך השולחן (סי' תקפא סעי' יב)"ובלילה לא יתקעו בכל חדש אלול, אפילו להתלמד; דאין לעשות התעוררות בלילה,והתקיעות מעוררים המדות העליונות" (וראה שו"ת אג"מ ח"ד סי'כא), וכעי"ז בספר מועד לכל חי להר' חיים פלאג'י (סי' י, סעי' נא), וש"נ.בנט"ג מובא שיש שהיו תוקעין במוצאי שבת. וי"ל שעיקר המנהג הוא לפי רובימי השבוע. גם י"ל דמוצ"ש שאני.[9] בספר הליכות מנחם ע' שלב מסופר שאמרו תחנון. 

The Rebbe advises that while travel may help health, moving abroad is costly and uncertain. Relocating within Eretz Yisrael suffices to improve matters. He notes the importance of distancing from opposition to Chassidus, increasing in Torah and mitzvos, and says he will mention them at the Ohel for blessings in accordance with their needs. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/013/5722

The Rebbe suggests providing Chumash with Rashi and Tanya in Yiddish. Where not yet translated, at least explain the ideas, even if not understood fully, as Chassidus is linked to Torah Shebichtav. He promises mention at the Ohel and blessings for diligence, health, and success. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/013/5718

The Rebbe, after reading the pan at the Ohel, emphasizes that leadership is service, blesses success in fulfilling one's mission with peace and expansiveness, and urges that it be clear he is a disciple of the Frierdiker Rebbe by spreading the wellsprings outward. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/elul/1175

The Rebbe reports mentioning the writer at the Ohel for success in his mission and encourages organizing a farbrengen to strengthen love of Hashem, Torah, and fellow Jews. He emphasizes the principle of sowing spirituality to increase material success and sends greetings to all Jews connected to Torah and mitzvos. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/av/1140

The Rebbe responds to a family dispute about moving to Eretz Yisrael by sharing the Tzemach Tzedek's message: one should create Eretz Yisrael where they are. He mentions praying for the family at the Ohel and asks for updates and confirmation of receiving recent materials. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/av/1138

The Rebbe promises to mention a child and woman for healing at the Ohel, suggests the child wear tzitzis and the woman give tzedakah twice weekly, and requests photographs of a specific verse in two historic Sifrei Torah for comparison with the Alter Rebbe's ruling. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/tamuz/1093

he Rebbe thanks for the good news about Mr. David Bar Chanina's health and wishes a full recovery. He notes the connection between the names Menachem, David, and Chanina and the redemption. He will mention those listed in the letter at the Rebbe Rayatz's Ohel and prays for good news speedily. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/012/5662

Ohel

Send us a textRabbi Shais Taub is a rabbi, teacher, and author who specializes in translating the depth of Chassidus into everyday language. He founded SoulWords, a platform that reaches millions of people each month across various online platforms. Rabbi Taub gives classes locally at Chabad of the Five Towns and recently opened a physical location for SoulWords in Queens, near the Rebbe's Ohel. He lives in the Five Towns, NY, with his family and continues to inspire a global audience through his teachings, writing, and speaking.https://www.charidy.com/rsthttps://www.instagram.com/rabbi_shais_taub?igsh=OXRidG91ZHczcXRlhttps://www.soulwords.org/For more Brainstorm go to...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2aPCiuzsIoNKYt5jjv7RFT?si=67dfa56d4e764ee0Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brainstorm-with-sony-perlman/id1596925257Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@brainstormwithsonyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainstormwithsony

Confirms receipt of letter and will mention those named at the Rebbe's Ohel. Thanks for the suggestion to publish the Alter Rebbe's Hilchos Talmud Torah and expresses hope that future letters will focus solely on expanding Torah, both revealed and hidden, as body and soul of the same truth. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/012/5639

Says the pan will be read at the Rebbe's Ohel and advises for spiritual repair: increase verbal Torah and prayer study, engage in youth education, and completely divert the mind from the sin and its contemplation. Emphasizes serving Hashem with joy and maintaining physical health, with continued focus on Torah study and yiras Shamayim. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/tamuz/1083

Acknowledges the panim and assures they will be read at the Rebbe's Ohel. Advises that even trips for livelihood, like the journey to Ireland, should include spiritual impact, sharing Chassidus and leaving a mark as Chassidim, thereby adding light to the world. Concludes with blessings for a successful trip and work. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/tamuz/1079

Says he will read the pan at the Rebbe's Ohel and blesses for a speedy recovery. Encourages following the doctor's advice and strengthening trust in Hashem through connection with Chassidim, which brings visible blessings in daily life, https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/tamuz/1080

States he will read the pan at the Rebbe's Ohel and expresses satisfaction over the purchase of new factory machines, sharing the Rebbe Maharash's teaching “lechatchila ariber.” Encloses a coin from the Rebbe Rayatz's fund for blessing in business, asks about the partner's spiritual state, and encourages joint Torah and Chassidus study. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/tamuz/1077

States he will mention the wife at the Rebbe's Ohel for blessings and asks if medical advice beyond the current treatments was received, stressing the need for some natural intervention. Concludes with blessings for good news and inquiring about his daughter and son-in-law's Torah path. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/sivan/1071

Acknowledges receipt of the pan and assures it will be read at the Rebbe's Ohel. Reiterates the importance of setting fixed Torah study times and saying daily Tehillim, explaining that this brings peace and success in all physical and spiritual needs. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/sivan/1057

Acknowledges receipt of the pan, promising to mention the recipient at the Rebbe's Ohel. Encourages daily study of Chumash, Tehillim, and Tanya, emphasizing Ahavas Yisrael and blessings of revealed good from Hashem. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/sivan/1050

The Rebbe confirms he will mention the writer at the Ohel and blesses him with revealed good and health. He emphasizes that the Rebbe Rayatz's merit should inspire active involvement in spreading Chassidus, especially for those who saw him, drawing from the impact of seeing Rabbi Meir's staff and amulet. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/011/5591

This episode explores the halachic details of constructing temporary structures on Shabbat, focusing on the prohibition of making an Ohel (tent-like form). We analyze when hanging large curtains, spreading canopies, covering barrels or casks, and replacing drawers or bed covers may violate this melacha

Rebbe davened for the family at the Ohel and encourages a warm Jewish home, kosher mezuzahs, daily tefillin, and tzedakah before Shabbos as preparation for Hashem's blessings. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/iyar/1023

The Rebbe responds to a request for a blessing regarding eye issues and says he will mention them at the Ohel. He encourages creating vessels for blessings through daily Tehillim, Chumash study, joining communal Torah classes, and the wife giving tzedakah before Shabbat and Yom Tov. A recent Lag BaOmer talk is enclosed. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/iyar/1012

The Rebbe is pleased to hear of the writer's Torah learning and his daughter's progress. He encourages renewing regular Gemara study despite difficulty, noting its spiritual benefits and impact on material concerns. He mentions that he will include them in his prayers at the Rebbe Rayatz's Ohel and asks to be updated with good news. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/adar_beis/964

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:Gimmel Tammuz How can we describe and explain this day? How do we honor this day? Why do we say that the presence of a tzaddik is stronger after they pass away?  What was the Rebbe's last major teaching before Chof Zayin Adar and Gimmel Tammuz? What maamar of the Rebbe would you recommend we study on this day? How is Gimmel Tammuz this year, 31 years later, different from previous years? Are there guidelines on how to pray at the Ohel to realize the best results? Why do some people see their prayers fulfilled more than others? Is there a connection between Korach challenging Moshe's leadership and Gimmel Tammuz? Is there a connection with the theme of Parshas Chukas, about purification from the toxins of death? What can we do to not feel depressed and threatened by today's world events? What did the Rebbe say about wars waged in Persia? Can we say that the Rebbe is Moshiach after Gimmel Tammuz? Will everyone in the world immediately know that Moshiach has arrived? Is this a positive thing? What would the Rebbe say? Is there a connection between Khamenei and Haman? Did the Rebbe say that one way to defeat irrational hatred is by increasing in irrational love? What is the connection between suprarational laws and engraved letters – both interpretations of the word Chukas? What can we learn from the story of Moshe hitting the rock instead of speaking to it? What would the Rebbe advise?  Should we move out of New York?How will those sensitive to heat move to Israel?Ceasefire between Israel and Iran Chukas How should we react to the nomination of an anti-Israel NY Mayoral candidate? What lessons can we learn from the recent heat wave? 

The Rebbe acknowledges the letter and mentions having prayed on the Rebbe Rayatz's Ohel for the writer and his family. He emphasizes the great merit in promoting taharat ha-mishpacha, noting the Previous Rebbe's mesirus nefesh for this cause. The Rebbe expresses hope for clear improvement in this area, both physically and spiritually. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/010/5561

The Ohel, the burial place of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson in Queens NY is the most widely visited Jewish shrine in the United States. Since the Rebbe's passing in 1994, more than one million people visit the Ohel each year to pray and be inspired.A fascinating discussion about the Ohel and why so many people visit the Ohel. 

Joseph Weigel from the Men With Chests podcast joins me to talk about NICE Alchemy!  By which I don't mean, "Whoa, that was some really sweet alchemy you were doing just now, dude! NICE!" But rather, the connection between science and magic as practiced by the National Institute for Co-ordinated Experiments (N.I.C.E.) in C.S. Lewis' final novel in his space trilogy, That Hideous Strength. It's weird stuff. And Merlin's involved, naturally. That guy. This is part discussion, part interview, because Joseph has recently published an article in Sehnsucht about connections between the N.I.C.E.'s experiments and alchemy. Read it here: https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/cslewisjournal/vol18/iss1/11/ Also, be on the lookout for Joseph's forthcoming book, Planet Thulcandra. It hasn't come out as of the publication of this podcast, but it's on its way! Be sure to check out Men With Chests while you're at it!   There is a lot more to come this season! It seems likely that (because this is only coming out once every two weeks), it will extend well into the Fall. In the vault, I have: A roundtable on The Abolition of Man A conversation about the Walking Tours that members of the Inklings took A discussion of George MacDonald's Lilith A series on the OHEL ...and quite a bit more. Shoot me an email to say hi if you're listening--I appreciate hearing from people who enjoy this podcast! And please do leave a rating and review if you can. It's nice to know when this is actually getting heard by someone!

Learn more about the importance and the process of writing to the Rebbe and visiting the Ohel. And hear some miracle stories!Help make Farbrengens like this happen!https://cash.app/$livingchassidushttp://Paypal.me/livingchassidushttps://livingchassidus.org/donate/Zelle: 205-937-9914https://www.venmo.com/u/LivingChassidus

Nachum Segal presents great Jewish music, the latest news from Israel, an interview with Ohel Representatives Ben Englander and Melanie Vesely and Morning Chizuk with Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser.

Sarah Rivkah Kohn is the founder & director of Links Family, providing children & teens who lost a parent with emotional and practical support services tailored to the unique needs of grieving families. Sarah Rivkah has gained 100s of hours of grief training, through organizations such as Our House Grief, NACG, and more. She has provided specialized grief trainings for Ohel, Wurzweiler/Sara Schenirer, Kinus Hashluchos, CORE, and others. Her ability to combine professional insight with compassionate understanding has made her a trusted resource for communities, educators, and mental health professionals alike. Sarah Rivkah is dedicated to creating a more sensitive and grief-aware world and empowering grieving children, teens, and adults with the tools they need to process and honor their grief as they navigate their unique life journeys.    CONNECT WITH DVORA ENTIN: Website: https://www.dvoraentin.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dvoraentin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@misconceptionspodcast  

WARNING: Graphic and violent visual content.Israel is in a state of collective shock regarding many things in this post-October 7 apocalyptic reality. But perhaps the most incomprehensible is that 19 months after that attack, 59 hostages—alive and dead—remain captive in the most barbaric conditions. Then 22 years old, Alon Ohel had recently returned from his post-army trip to the Far East when he decided to head to the Nova Music Festival on Friday, October 6, 2023. Since then he has languished in a dark, airless tunnel. He is shackled. Cannot move or stand. Suffers from extensive shrapnel injuries and a severe head injury suffered when he was beaten immediately after capture by a Hamas madman. He repeatedly slammed the butt of a machine gun into Alon's head. In real life, Alon is a gifted musician. He passes time in Hell by playing piano with his fingers on his chest. This, we know from his very close friend, Eli Sharabi, who was released in February. Sharabi tells the heartbreaking story of their final separation in a clip we include in the introduction to this interview with Alon's mother, Idit Ohel. She is a mother doing everything conceivable to ensure that we do not forget her son and that he is released. Yesterday. Because Alon and all the captives are existing on borrowed time.Idit had no sign of life from Alon from October 7—when she knew he had been captured alive—until the release of Eli Sharabi and other Israeli men who had been held with her son. She somehow pushes through her anguish each day to fight for his life and release. Parents and loved ones of hostages, like Idit, face this unimaginable situation in which their own government seems ambivalent, at best, about making the sacrifices necessary to bring their people home. Some Israelis say the price to be paid to free them is too high. Others believe that the price to be paid by forsaking them is even higher.Idit is so thoughtful, and no holds barred. Tomorrow we bring you the other half of this story—an in-depth interview with “Five for Fighting's” John Ondrasik, who has been a stalwart supporter of Israel and the hostage families from day 1. An extraordinary beacon of light.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

Welcome to What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World, with host arts and culture editor Jessica Steinberg speaking with Idit Ohel, mother of hostage Alon Ohel. Ohel talks about her son, who was taken captive by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023, from the Nova music festival. Ohel discusses what she knows about the injuries sustained by Alon on October 7, including shrapnel in his eye, and she firmly demands that he receive medical attention. She says she deeply believes that despite his injuries and captivity, he is surviving and will continue to do so until he's released home. She explains what she's heard from released hostages Eli Sharabi, Or Levy and Eliya Cohen, who were kept captive with Alon, and we hear how Alon endures, playing imaginary piano on his chest as a musician, whistling favorite songs and talking about his family. Ohel says that her son, like her, has always meditated, and she assumes he is still doing so as one of the many methods that has allowed him to survive so many months underground. She discusses what it's like to mark another Passover without her son, and the need for the entire country and Jewish nation to rally behind the remaining hostages, in order to push the government toward an extension of the hostage deal. So this week, we ask hostage mother Idit Ohel, what matters now? What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Idit Ohel, mother of hostage Alon Ohel, speaks during a rally calling for the release of Israelis held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, March 8, 2025. (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World, with host arts and culture editor Jessica Steinberg speaking with Idit Ohel, mother of hostage Alon Ohel. Ohel talks about her son, who was taken captive by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023, from the Nova music festival. Ohel discusses what she knows about the injuries sustained by Alon on October 7, including shrapnel in his eye, and she firmly demands that he receive medical attention. She says she deeply believes that despite his injuries and captivity, he is surviving and will continue to do so until he's released home. She explains what she's heard from released hostages Eli Sharabi, Or Levy and Eliya Cohen, who were kept captive with Alon, and we hear how Alon endures, playing imaginery piano on his chest as a musician, whistling favorite songs and talking about his family. Ohel says that her son, like her, has always meditated, and she assumes he is still doing so as one of the many methods that has allowed him to survive so many months underground. She discusses what it's like to mark another Passover without her son, and the need for the entire country and Jewish nation to rally behind the remaining hostages, in order to push the government toward an extension of the hostage deal. So this week, we ask hostage mother Idit Ohel, what matters now? What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Idit Ohel, mother of hostage Alon Ohel, speaks during a rally calling for the release of Israelis held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, March 8, 2025. (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Rabbi Shalom Rosner discusses the Halachot of Constructing an Ohel. Follow along using Tzurba Volume 21Tzurba is a revolutionary Halacha sefer guiding the learner through the Halachic process from the Talmudic source through modern day halachic application. Each volume contains clear and concise color-coded sections with a modern English translation alongside the original Hebrew text.The Tzurba Hilchot Shabbat Program is a 2 year cycle in which one can master all of Hilchot Shabbat by learning weekly with Tzurba's signature seforim and style.Tzurba seforim are all available on Amazon worldwide (for those in Israel you can purchase on our website)Have a question for Rabbi Rosner? Want to sponsor a shiur? Contact us at neil@tzurbaolami.com or WhatsAppFollow us on social media for more content:WhatsAppInstagramTwitterYouTubeLearn more about The Lax Family Tzurba M'Rabanan Series

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. Times of Israel founding editor David Horovitz joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. With the return to Israel of the three most recently released hostages, several hostage families are receiving the first signs of life from their loved ones, including hostage Alon Ohel. Horovitz discusses the heartbreaking descriptions shared by Idit Ohel, Alon Ohel's mother, on the Sunday night news. Ohel broke down crying as she described her son's injuries and abuses, now known by the family as Ohel was held until Saturday with released hostages Or Levy and Eli Sharabi. Horovitz talks about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's return home to Israel, where he and his cabinet summarily postponed the discussion of convening a state commission of inquiry into the failures that led to the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, a commission that would presumably cause his government to fall. Horovitz also reviews Netanyahu's reactions to US President Donald Trump's ideas about the Gaza Strip, a plan that the prime minister seemingly didn't know about before arriving in the US last week, and how Trump's support of Israel is pushing Netanyahu forward on his goals in Gaza. Please see today's ongoing live blog for more updates. Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. For further reading: Pleading for his release, mother says hostage Alon Ohel is wounded, chained in Hamas tunnels At rowdy meeting, cabinet delays for 3 months decision on state inquiry into Gaza war PM returns to court for criminal trial testimony, says he faces medical ‘challenges’ Trump’s ‘Extreme Makeover: Gaza Edition’ has many flaws. One of the worst is its absent morality IMAGE: In Kfar Saba in February 2025, a protestor holding images of hostages, Tsahi Idan, left, included in the first stage of the exchange, while hostage Alon Ohel, right, is not (Credit: Danor Aharon)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.