Podcasts about Passover

What does it look like to worship Jesus when everyone around you thinks you're wasting your time?In Matthew 26:1-13, we see two opposite responses to Jesus. Religious leaders plot His death in secret, thinking they're in control. But Jesus knows exactly when He'll die—on Passover, according to the Father's plan. Then there's Mary, who pours out expensive perfume on Jesus in extravagant worship. The disciples call it wasteful. Jesus calls it beautiful.Mary's name means three things: rebellious, bitter, and beloved. And if we're going to follow Christ, we need to be like Mary—rebelling against evil, making people bitter with our worship, and knowing we're deeply loved by God.In this episode, we break down:* Why Jesus was in control even when His enemies thought they had the upper hand* What Mary's extravagant worship teaches us about loving Jesus* How to keep worshiping even when people around you don't understand* The connection between knowing you're beloved and living boldly for ChristIf you're facing opposition, persecution, or people who think your faith is “too much,” this message is for you.

What does it look like to worship Jesus when everyone around you thinks you're wasting your time?In Matthew 26:1-13, we see two opposite responses to Jesus. Religious leaders plot His death in secret, thinking they're in control. But Jesus knows exactly when He'll die—on Passover, according to the Father's plan. Then there's Mary, who pours out expensive perfume on Jesus in extravagant worship. The disciples call it wasteful. Jesus calls it beautiful.Mary's name means three things: rebellious, bitter, and beloved. And if we're going to follow Christ, we need to be like Mary—rebelling against evil, making people bitter with our worship, and knowing we're deeply loved by God.In this episode, we break down:* Why Jesus was in control even when His enemies thought they had the upper hand* What Mary's extravagant worship teaches us about loving Jesus* How to keep worshiping even when people around you don't understand* The connection between knowing you're beloved and living boldly for ChristIf you're facing opposition, persecution, or people who think your faith is “too much,” this message is for you.

Acts 11 commences with Peter being caused to justify why he baptised Gentiles. We next have a description of the progress of the truth in Antioch in the province of Syria, where believers were first derisively called 'Christians'. One of these faithful believers is a prophet named Agabus. He prophesies of a great famine that would affect the entire Roman world. The disciples of Antioch start a fund to help Judean believers, who were greatly affected and in dire need. In Acts 12 Herod Antipas kills the Apostle James - the year was AD 44. Seeing how much this delighted the Jews Herod has Peter arrested for execution after Passover. Despite being securely chained between guards the angel of the Lord causes a deep sleep to overcome the guards and releases Peter. Peter proceeds to the house where the ecclesia is gathered to pray for his deliverance. A maid named Rhoda answers the door and runs to tell the disciples that Peter was outside. Rhoda is told that she must be mistaken. The disciples say that it must be Peter's "messenger" (Greek angelos- angel). Peter is admitted to the house and he recounts how he had been delivered. James, the half-brother of Jesus. was informed and told Peter to secretly depart to a different location where he cannot be found. Herod kills the guards (verses 20-23). The chapter concludes with an account of Herod's narcissistic claims and his being smitten with dysentery by the angel of God and Herod dying verses 20-23. Nonetheless the Word of God exceedingly prevails.Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

Al, Zach, John Luke, and Christian reflect on why the Robertsons have always leaned into sometimes crude humor, especially around the dinner table. The guys explore how the graphic nature of certain parts of the Bible lends itself to a real, rich texture of humanity. They move into the story of the final plague and the Passover, where God used the death of Egypt's firstborn to demonstrate His power and faithfulness. In this episode: Exodus 10, verses 21–29; Exodus 11, verses 1–10; Exodus 12, verses 1–14, 29–36; Exodus 14, verses 13–31; Exodus 15, verses 1–2; Isaiah 2, verses 2–3; Acts 10, verses 9–16; 1 Peter 2, verses 9–10; 2 Thessalonians 1, verse 9; Revelation 21, verses 24–26; Genesis 15, verses 9–17 Today's conversation is about lesson 4 of The Exodus Story taught by Hillsdale Professor Justin Jackson. Take the course with us at no cost to you! Sign up at ⁠http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/⁠ More about The Exodus Story: Explore God's mercy as he leads Israel out of slavery in Egypt. Exodus is a central narrative of the Bible. It recounts the moment that God reclaims Israel as his people, rescues them from slavery in Egypt, and establishes the Ten Commandments to guide their moral and religious freedom as an independent society. In “The Exodus Story,” Professor of English Justin Jackson picks up the biblical narrative where his course on Genesis ended. Join Professor Jackson in learning about the nature of God's mercy, human freedom, and the relationship between the divine and man. Enroll today to discover the beauty of God reclaiming the Israelites through his mercy and love in “The Exodus Story.” Sign up at ⁠http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://open.spotify.com/show/3LY8eJ4ZBZHmsImGoDNK2l Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Chapters: 00:00-04:30 Potty humor rules the Robertsons 04:31-09:38 Provocative Biblical texts 09:39-25:59 Why God hardened Pharoah's heart 26:00-31:19 The arrogance of Egypt 31:20-40:55 The tenth plague 40:55-48:58 God tells Egypt his name — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ken Frank | Recorded September 6, 2025

Ken Frank | Recorded September 6, 2025

In this episode of the Jewish Inspiration Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe delves into day 101 of his series on "Orchis Tzadikim" (Ways of the Righteous), focusing on the trait of remembrance (Zechira) as a vessel for all mitzvot and Torah. He connects it to biblical references like Tzitzit and Tefillin, which serve as reminders to fulfill God's commandments. Rabbi Wolbe highlights the "Six Constant Mitzvos" from Rabbi Yitzchak Berkowitz's teachings—faith in God, rejecting other gods, God's oneness, love and fear of God, and avoiding stray thoughts—as remembrances achievable every moment. He introduces 30 daily remembrances to foster divine favor but details only the first four: God's creation of humanity from nothing, granting health, bestowing wisdom, and providing the Torah as a life manual. Interwoven with personal stories, such as appreciating the present moment and gratitude for life's gifts, the episode emphasizes constant thankfulness to God for existence, health, intellect, and spiritual guidance.Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on March 24, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on October 31, 2025_____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #Remembrance, #Judaism, #Love, #Reverence, #Hashem, #Gratitude, #DivineGifts, #Thankfulness, #Blessings,  ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the Jewish Inspiration Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe delves into day 101 of his series on "Orchis Tzadikim" (Ways of the Righteous), focusing on the trait of remembrance (Zechira) as a vessel for all mitzvot and Torah. He connects it to biblical references like Tzitzit and Tefillin, which serve as reminders to fulfill God's commandments. Rabbi Wolbe highlights the "Six Constant Mitzvos" from Rabbi Yitzchak Berkowitz's teachings—faith in God, rejecting other gods, God's oneness, love and fear of God, and avoiding stray thoughts—as remembrances achievable every moment. He introduces 30 daily remembrances to foster divine favor but details only the first four: God's creation of humanity from nothing, granting health, bestowing wisdom, and providing the Torah as a life manual. Interwoven with personal stories, such as appreciating the present moment and gratitude for life's gifts, the episode emphasizes constant thankfulness to God for existence, health, intellect, and spiritual guidance.Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on March 24, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on October 31, 2025_____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #Remembrance, #Judaism, #Love, #Reverence, #Hashem, #Gratitude, #DivineGifts, #Thankfulness, #Blessings,  ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the Thinking Talmudist Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues the discussion of Tractate Bava Metzia 84b, focusing on Rabbi Elazar ben Rabbi Shimon's emotional and spiritual struggle after executing a guilty laundryman (referenced from a prior episode, likely tied to the “vinegar, son of wine” incident). The episode explores themes of guilt, divine justice, Torah study, and the efficacy of prayer, connecting them to personal anecdotes and broader Jewish responsibilities. Key points include:Rabbi Elazar's Guilt and Suffering: Rabbi Elazar, a marshal who executed a disrespectful laundryman (justified by the man's capital offense), feels lingering guilt despite following the law. Like a police officer experiencing PTSD after a justified shooting, Rabbi Elazar cannot rely on his reasoning to absolve himself and accepts physical suffering as atonement. He suffers a severe illness, losing blood and pus nightly, but recovers after his wife prepares 60 types of fig-based food (lifta). He converses with his afflictions, inviting them at night but dismissing them in the morning to avoid disrupting Torah study, showing his dedication despite pain (0:26–3:32).Wife's Reaction and Wealth: His wife, frustrated by his self-imposed suffering and believing he squandered her father's wealth, leaves for her father's house. Sixty sailors then bring Rabbi Elazar 60 slaves with 60 money bags, preparing 60 types of lifta, restoring his wealth. He tells his daughter to inform her mother that “ours is greater than theirs,” citing Proverbs 31:14 (from Eishet Chayil) to affirm that Torah brings sustenance from afar. His wife's absence allows him to return to the study hall (3:32–6:45).Rabbinic Rulings and Validation: In the study hall, Rabbi Elazar examines 60 blood samples from women checking for ritual purity (tahar) during their seven clean days post-menstruation. He declares all samples pure, enabling marital resumption after mikvah. Other rabbis question the statistical likelihood of all 60 being pure, suggesting an error. Rabbi Elazar prays that if his rulings are correct, the women will conceive boys (who cannot become niddah); if incorrect, at least one girl (who can become niddah) will be born. All 60 babies are boys, named after him, validating his rulings and demonstrating divine confirmation (7:07–14:21).Transmission of Halacha: Rabbi Wolbe explains the expertise required to identify impure blood, a skill transmitted from Moshe at Sinai through generations of rabbis, including himself, underscoring the mesorah (oral tradition). This parallels other halachic details (e.g., temple offerings) requiring precise training, like distinguishing colors of blood (8:39–11:27).Prayer's Efficacy: Addressing his daughter's question, Rabbi Wolbe shares a personal story of praying at the Western Wall for a son to fulfill Pidyon HaBen (redeeming the firstborn), which was granted, and accepting Hashem's choice of a daughter for his second child. He clarifies that Hashem answers all prayers, but not always as requested, citing “Ein Tfilason Chozeres Reikam” (no prayer returns empty). Answers may be “no” or “wait,” tailored to what's best, as seen in Rabbi Elazar's answered prayer (15:04–17:08).Broader Lessons: The episode emphasizes human sensitivity in upholding justice (Rabbi Elazar's guilt), the transformative power of Torah study despite physical suffering, and the communal responsibility to trust expert rabbinic rulings. Rabbi Wolbe connects this to the upcoming holidays (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, post-October 8, 2025), urging listeners to carry forward spiritual growth and good deeds._____________The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn Talmud because it is in ancient Aramaic or the concepts are too difficult. Well, no more excuses. In this podcast you will experience the refreshing and eye-opening teachings while gaining an amazing appreciation for the divine wisdom of the Torah and the depths of the Talmud._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by David & Susan MarbinRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios to a live audience on September 12, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on October 31, 2025_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinking-talmudist-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1648951154Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0cZ7q9bGYSBYSPQfJvwgzmShare your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Talmud, #Justice, #Law, #Morality, #Guilt, #Redemption, #TorahStudy, #Faith, #Patience, #Prayer ★ Support this podcast ★

TODAY'S TREASUREBy faith [Moses] kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.Hebrews 11:28Send us a comment!Support the show

2 Chronicles 30 outlines the greatest Passover ever kept in the nation's history. It had to be held in the second month as there was not enough time for the priests to prepare. Letters of invitation were sent, in the spirit of humility and imploring the recipients, throughout the land from Dan to Beersheba and to the remnants who had escaped the Assyrian onslaught. Sadly, for the main part, the messengers were mocked. Nonetheless many came in response to keep the Feast in the second month - a great assembly. The Levites helped the priests to prepare and, despite a large number being ceremonially unclean, Hezekiah prayed that Yahweh would accept them. Yahweh heard and hearkened, and healed the people. So great was the joy of the worshippers that having kept it for seven days; they determined to celebrate it seven days more. Despite some irregularities (departures from the strict letter of the law - verse 18) Hezekiah and the people did the best thing possible under the circumstances. Brother George Booker in his book "Biblical Fellowship" on pages 86-89 wrote "This kind of tension between two conflicting laws of God's appointing, both of which apply, is not uncommon" We ".. must learn to make the best of imperfect situations." In Daniel 10 we have an awe-inspiring vision of the One Man. It followed Daniel fasting for three weeks. The vision is described in verses 4-6. The dream was similar to the one seen by the Apostle John in Revelation 1. As a response to the dream Daniel finds himself in a weakened death-like state. The angel Gabriel physically restores the prophet and this is symbolic of the prophet's death and resurrection. Gabriel tries to come 21 days earlier but needs the assistance of Michael, the Archangel, in turning around the mind of the king of Persia. What was to occur would be in part revealed to Daniel, the man greatly beloved and these matters would be written in the Scriptures of Truth. Acts 8 saw the conversion of a descendant of Ham; chapter 9 of Shem; and chapter 10 of Japheth - part of the pattern of taking the gospel to the entire world - as outlined in chapter 1. The first four verses of Acts 10 tell us of a model proselyte in every respect apart from his ignorance of the gospel, and his need of baptism for the forgiveness of his sins. Cornelius is commanded to send for Peter. Whilst in Joppa Peter had gone to the rooftop to pray. In a hungry state he falls into a trance and is given a vision of all kinds of animals - clean and unclean i.e. ceremonially. If Peter truly had such scruples why was he lodging with a tanner i.e. a maker of leather goods who is always surrounded by dead animals that are tanned to produce leather. Three times Peter is commanded to, "rise, kill and eat"; but three times refuses. On the second occasion Peter is told, "Don't call what God has cleansed unclean". Whilst Peter is thinking about the vision he is summoned by three men seeking his company. The visitors tell Peter of the command which the angel had issued to Cornelius. These three men are lodged and leave for Caesarea the following day. Chapter 11 says that Peter expected some resistance to what could transpire from Jewish converts and so he is accompanied by six faithful Jewish brothers. Cornelius humbly receives Peter, who refused to be honoured. Cornelius reiterates his command from the angel. Peter responds in verses 34-43 by beginning with the vital point that "God is impartial and the basis of His acceptance is a reverence for the Almighty and an attempt to follow in His righteous ways". In verse 38 Peter reveals the Christ to those assembled as the Word attested to by the Father in the supporting of Christ's words with miracles. As Peter continues speaking the Holy Spirit comes on Cornelius' household just like it came on the Apostles in Acts 2. Peter asks his amazed companions if they could in all conscience forbid baptism. Since they couldn't Peter commanded Cornelius and his household to be baptised. The bestowal of the Holy Spirit and immediate baptism thereafter demonstrate that he believed the gospel acceptably to the Father. The Almighty chooses His children and often shows that by subsequent events 2 Timothy 2verses19.

Our nation has three forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and four foremothers, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah. The Book of Genesis principally orients around these people. The the narratives of a Adam and Noah are but pitstops along the way until the Torah focuses squarely on Abraham and his descendants. What is the role of a patriarch and a matriarch? What is significant about that designation? What is the relevance of the stories of these people to our lives? What is instructive about these about the episodes of the Patriots and matriarchs in the Torah (the Torah must always be instructive)? In this magical podcast, we journey backstage into the story and the concept of our illustrious forefathers and foremothers. The lessons that we learn prove to be quite instructive indeed.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Sponsorship: Please consider sponsoring a podcast by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!Please email me at rabbiwolbe@gmail.com with any questions or comments– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletterrabbiwolbe.com/newsletterSUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe's PodcastsThe Parsha PodcastThe Jewish History PodcastThe Mitzvah Podcast This Jewish LifeThe Ethics PodcastTORAH 101 ★ Support this podcast ★

In this Prayer Podcast episode, Rabbi Wolbe explores Kaddish's wisdom, recited after the Korbanot section in morning prayers and at all transition points. He outlines five types (Half (Chatzi), Full (Shaleim), Mourner's (Yasom), Rabbi's/Siyum and Burial), their purposes (e.g., sanctifying Hashem's name, elevating souls), and Aramaic origins (e.g., angel-proof, elevative). Talmudic stories (e.g., Rabbi Yossi and Elijah) illustrate Kaddish's mercy-evoking power, recited seven times daily (Psalms 119:164). It bridges spiritual worlds, counters evil, and requires a minyan (10 adults) as a davar shebekedusha, Holy Endeavor. Customs like standing vary (Ashkenaz vs. Sephardic), but unity is key. The episode previews Pesukei D'Zimra._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Dr. Leonard & June GoldbergDownload the Prayer Podcast Worksheets:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1iBVevW1ydyjSeyeO0iCcina7e8vix3Lt?usp=sharingThis episode (Ep. #40) of the Prayer Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Dr. Leonard & June Goldberg! 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 October 28, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on October 30, 2025_____________DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!_____________#Prayer, #Tefillah, #Siddur, #Kaddish, #Faith, #DivineProvidence, #GlorifyingGod, #Unity ★ Support this podcast ★

Episode 20 of the Ask Away series of the Everyday Judaism Podcast addresses critical questions about Jewish identity, kosher laws, and Zionism in the context of modern challenges like antisemitism. Recorded post-Rosh Hashanah, the session emphasizes active questioning and sourcing Torah knowledge. Key themes include:Jewish Identity and Antisemitism: Hiding Jewishness fuels antisemitism, as nations act as divine tools to prompt Jews back to Hashem (Deuteronomy 31:16–18, per Gaon of Vilna). Publicly embracing Judaism (e.g., kosher choices) counters hostility (1:03–13:57).Role as Chosen People: Non-Jews (e.g., Costco man, Italian painters) expect Jews to visibly uphold Torah values, as prophesied (Zechariah 8:23), reinforcing the need for pride in Jewish identity (14:45–17:44).Kosher Laws: Dairy and meat can coexist in a cart or refrigerator if sealed and cold, but not cooked or eaten together, with practical precautions to avoid mixing (18:23–23:15).Zionism: True Zionism supports a Torah-observant Israel, not Herzl's secular vision, which secularized Jews (e.g., Yemenites). Anti-Zionists like Neturei Karta misjudge modern Israel's Torah-friendly environment (23:41–32:52).Meaning of Israel: “Yashar El” reflects Jews' direct connection to Hashem, taking personal responsibility without intermediaries, a core Jewish value (33:40–35:02).Please submit your questions at askaway@torchweb.org_____________The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen LernerDownload & Print the Everyday Judaism Halacha Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5This episode (Ep. #67) 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 October 5, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on October 29, 2025_____________Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Everyday Judaism Podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-judaism-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1600622789) or Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3AXCNcyKSVsaOLsLQsCN1C) to stay inspired! Share your questions at askaway@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#AskAway, #Torah, #Halacha, #Q&A, #Antisemitism, #JewishIdentity, #Faith, #Resilience, #ChosenPeople, #Zionism, #Anti-Zionism ★ Support this podcast ★

Daily Dose of Hope October 30, 2025 Scripture - John 13:1-17 Prayer: Almighty God, we start by pausing before you. Help us set aside the distractions of the morning or the day and focus on you. In these next few moments of silence, help us gather our scattered thoughts and think only of you...Help us be still and know you are God. God, we rejoice that we can freely read your Word and we are grateful that you speak to us through it. It's truly a miracle. Holy Spirit, we also invite you to join us as we seek to grow deeper in relationship with you. In Your Name, Amen. Welcome back, friends, to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan. We are currently working our way through the Gospels and Acts. Can you believe we have already done a deep dive through Mark, Matthew, Luke, and we are half way through John? I would love to hear about your big takeaways thus far from the Gospels? What is Jesus teaching you? Today, we begin John 13. This is familiar and beautiful Scripture. The time for the Passover meal has come, the disciples are sitting and reclining at the table, and Jesus himself gets up to wash their feet. This might not sound that odd to us but foot-washing was a lowly task in 1st century Palestine. Think about it: their feet were very dirty; the men wore sandals, they walked everywhere, and the roads were filthy with dirt, dust, and animal droppings. Thus, this was the job usually saved for the lowliest of servants. Peers did not wash each others' feet. In Luke's Gospel, the disciples actually start arguing about is the greatest among them; their attitudes certainly indicated that they weren't going to stoop so low as to wash each others' feet. In today's Scripture, when Jesus gets up to wash the disciples' feet, the disciples are shocked. How could he? Of course, Jesus always has something deeper in mind. Jesus is a perfect example of humility and selflessness, which will ultimately be demonstrated in its most extreme form on the cross. This Sunday at New Hope, we will be talking about Christian leadership. This passage is such a powerful picture of the way God intends Christian leadership to be: Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. (v.3-5) Jesus knew who he was. He understood his relationship with God, so he was free to serve others without worrying about what people thought of him. And, you know, that goes for us too. As Christian leaders, we can do the most lowly task or the most amazing task. Nothing is too high and nothing is beneath us when we are serving other people. I know you have probably met Christian leaders and pastors who have been arrogant jerks and I'm apologizing for them right now. That wasn't the way God intended this job to be. We are chief servants. All of us as Christian leaders, in the church, at our job, at our hobbies, in our homes, we are all to be chief servants, doing our best to imitate the servant leadership style of Jesus. We serve others --- we serve our spouses, we serve our friends, we serve our employees, we serve our neighbors. That doesn't show weakness, it shows strength. Our identity is found in our relationship with Jesus Christ, not in our role or our job. And when we start to get that mixed up, that's when we will get in real trouble. More tomorrow. Blessings, Pastor Vicki

2 Chronicles 29 says that Hezekiah was 25 when he began to rule and reigned for 29 years. Hezekiah walks in the ways of David (his spiritual father). Hezekiah was Judah's greatest ever king - read the testimony in 2 Kings 18 verse 5. This king cleanses the temple from the filth of his father, Ahaz. The Levites had to assist the priests with the task. Note the power of the words of verse 17 - the dedicated work began on the first day of his first month. They prepare for the Passover massive sacrifices and the offerings began as the music of praise and worship began. Seventy bulls were offered representing the 70 nations (Deuteronomy 32:8). Despite the suddenness of what the king did the people rejoiced and supported the Feast.Daniel 9 tells of the prophet's sadness when he realises that the exiles would be in Babylon for 70 years as spoken by Jeremiah in chapter 25. From verses 3-19 Daniel in his prayer confesses his sin and that of the nation expressing that they deserve what had befallen them. From the time he commences praying the angel Gabriel is sent to the beloved prophet to give him understanding of what is termed "the 70 weeks prophecy". That prophecy concerns the work of the Lord Jesus Christ - Messiah the Prince to bring in a "righteousness of the ages". The work is completed between AD30 with the crucifixion and the 70 weeks ending in AD32 with the stoning of Stephen. Each of the segments mentioned can be precisely dated from the archaeological records which exist. Because of the great sin of the nation in crucifying the Lord of glory and refusing the short period provided for repentance Rome would come and destroy Jerusalem. The year was AD33 when we read in Acts 9 of the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Saul is seeking to destroy the believers in Christ who dwelt in Damascus. Saul presses on as the fierce Syrian sun burns brightly in the sky. Saul is blinded by a light stronger than the sun and he is stirred by a voice that he may well have known, "Saul, Saul why are you persecuting me?" The Syriac Pashito, whose phrase, "It is hard for you to kick against the goads" is added to the English KJV. Saul's response is, "Who are you Lord?" With his eyes blinded and his mind in total turmoil and his entire world view turned upside down (as would be said of him in Acts 17:6) he is led by the hand into the city to await instructions. For three days Saul neither ate nor drank. Ananias is told to go to Saul to lay hands on him to recover Saul's sight. Ananias is further told of Saul's mission which Almighty God has marked out for him. Saul is a chosen vessel to take Christ's message before kings. Ananias goes to the street which ironically named "Straight". Ramsay says in his book that it was the most crooked street in all Damascus. Ananias courageously lays his hands on Saul and restores his sight and imparts to Saul the Holy Spirit. Saul preaches Jesus in the Damascene synagogues to the astonishment of all. From there Saul goes to Jerusalem and seeks association with the believers, who shun him believing that Saul is using a ruse to get among them. Respite from persecution is granted to the ecclesias. Peter heals Aeneas at Lydda slightly inland from Joppa; then at Joppa he is shown the clothes that Dorcas had made for the widows and orphans before her decease. Peter raises her to life to continue her work and from there Peter he goes to the house of Simon the tanner. We might pose a question: Did Peter go to the house of a tanner to prepare himself to accept that ceremonial uncleanness was no longer relevant as we will see in our reading tomorrow from Acts 10?Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

In this teaching on 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 , Pastor Tyler Warner and Calvary Chapel Trussville remind us of the Lord's Supper's profound significance in uniting believers and proclaiming the gospel. The central scripture, 1 Corinthians 11, reveals how the early church struggled with divisions and selfishness during communion. This serves as a stark warning for us today. Are we truly discerning the body of Christ - both in the elements and in our fellow believers? The parallels between the Passover and communion highlight Jesus as our ultimate sacrificial lamb. As we partake, we're not just remembering Christ's death, but proclaiming His return and our unity in Him. This challenges us to examine our hearts, repent of sin, and approach the table with reverence and joy. Let's recommit to making communion a powerful testimony of the gospel in our lives and churches.

In Day 100 of the Mussar Mondays series, Rabbi Wolbe begins the Gate of Remembrance in Orchos Tzaddikim, emphasizing its foundational role in society, ethics, and spirituality. He explains that remembrance enables business, loyalty, and gratitude, preventing harm and fostering trust. Stories like Colin Powell's pro-Jewish stance (due to a Jewish family's kindness) and Mark Twain's truth quote illustrate the trait's power. Key themes include:Essential for Existence: Without remembrance, society collapses, as lending, business, and relationships fail (Deuteronomy 8:11) (0:33–2:30).Loyalty and Prevention of Harm: Recalling benefits curbs ingratitude and harm, as in the Chofetz Chaim's story of vivid childhood memories (2:30–4:44).Practical Applications: Remember pledges, confidences, debts, and Hashem constantly (Psalms 16:8). Daily blessings maintain divine awareness, even in secular settings (6:08–23:46).Truth and Memory: Truth simplifies remembrance; falsehoods lead to inconsistencies, as in Rabbi Moshe Feinstein's case (8:06–10:55).Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on March 24, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on October 29, 2025_____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #Remembrance, #Gratitude, #Memory, #Loyalty, #Trust, #Truthfulness, #Integrity, #Honesty, #Kindness, #Responsibility, #Hashem, #Faith ★ Support this podcast ★

In Day 100 of the Mussar Mondays series, Rabbi Wolbe begins the Gate of Remembrance in Orchos Tzaddikim, emphasizing its foundational role in society, ethics, and spirituality. He explains that remembrance enables business, loyalty, and gratitude, preventing harm and fostering trust. Stories like Colin Powell's pro-Jewish stance (due to a Jewish family's kindness) and Mark Twain's truth quote illustrate the trait's power. Key themes include:Essential for Existence: Without remembrance, society collapses, as lending, business, and relationships fail (Deuteronomy 8:11) (0:33–2:30).Loyalty and Prevention of Harm: Recalling benefits curbs ingratitude and harm, as in the Chofetz Chaim's story of vivid childhood memories (2:30–4:44).Practical Applications: Remember pledges, confidences, debts, and Hashem constantly (Psalms 16:8). Daily blessings maintain divine awareness, even in secular settings (6:08–23:46).Truth and Memory: Truth simplifies remembrance; falsehoods lead to inconsistencies, as in Rabbi Moshe Feinstein's case (8:06–10:55).Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on March 24, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on October 29, 2025_____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #Remembrance, #Gratitude, #Memory, #Loyalty, #Trust, #Truthfulness, #Integrity, #Honesty, #Kindness, #Responsibility, #Hashem, #Faith ★ Support this podcast ★

Unlock a profound understanding of self-discovery and spiritual awakening as we journey through the teachings of Parashas Lech Lecha. Discover the timeless lessons from God's command to Abraham, urging him to leave behind the familiar and embrace the unknown with unwavering faith (Genesis 12:1–2). Drawing from the insightful teachings of Reb Nachman of Breslov, we explore the vital process of embarking on an inner journey, transcending material distractions to prioritize the needs of the soul and nurture spiritual growth.Through the story of Abraham, we unveil the concept of individuality and purpose, emphasizing each person's unique combination of traits and potential. Learn how to rise above life's excuses and distractions, using the metaphor of a diamond to illustrate the beauty in personal growth and spiritual development. We encourage listeners to embrace their uniqueness and strive for greatness, recognizing that true accomplishment demands effort and determination against all odds.Gain insights into the divine guidance that helps navigate life's challenges, inspired by Abraham's trailblazing journey. By facing life's tests with faith and consulting spiritual mentors, we can align with our soul's calling and elevate our spiritual journey. Unleashing our divine potential becomes possible when we see life's challenges as opportunities for growth, fostering a life of meaning and purpose enriched by the hidden value of mitzvahs and the wisdom of the Torah. Join us in this exploration of spiritual awakening and transformative growth, guided by the example of one of history's great spiritual pioneers._____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on October 28, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on October 29, 2025_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Genesis, #Self-Discovery, #SpiritualAwakening, #LechLecha, #Abraham, #Individuality, #Purpose, #UniqueTraits ★ Support this podcast ★

Unlock a profound understanding of self-discovery and spiritual awakening as we journey through the teachings of Parashas Lech Lecha. Discover the timeless lessons from God's command to Abraham, urging him to leave behind the familiar and embrace the unknown with unwavering faith (Genesis 12:1–2). Drawing from the insightful teachings of Reb Nachman of Breslov, we explore the vital process of embarking on an inner journey, transcending material distractions to prioritize the needs of the soul and nurture spiritual growth.Through the story of Abraham, we unveil the concept of individuality and purpose, emphasizing each person's unique combination of traits and potential. Learn how to rise above life's excuses and distractions, using the metaphor of a diamond to illustrate the beauty in personal growth and spiritual development. We encourage listeners to embrace their uniqueness and strive for greatness, recognizing that true accomplishment demands effort and determination against all odds.Gain insights into the divine guidance that helps navigate life's challenges, inspired by Abraham's trailblazing journey. By facing life's tests with faith and consulting spiritual mentors, we can align with our soul's calling and elevate our spiritual journey. Unleashing our divine potential becomes possible when we see life's challenges as opportunities for growth, fostering a life of meaning and purpose enriched by the hidden value of mitzvahs and the wisdom of the Torah. Join us in this exploration of spiritual awakening and transformative growth, guided by the example of one of history's great spiritual pioneers._____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on October 28, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on October 29, 2025_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Genesis, #Self-Discovery, #SpiritualAwakening, #LechLecha, #Abraham, #Individuality, #Purpose, #UniqueTraits ★ Support this podcast ★

The time has come for Jesus to be betrayed into the hands of sinners. Having finished taking the Passover meal together, Jesus goes to the Mount of Olives with his disciples to spend the night. This has been their routine while in Jerusalem, and Judas knew where to find them. After Judas indicates which man is Jesus by greeting him with a kiss, an armed mob of men arrest Jesus and lead him away to be tried by the high priest and the Sanhedrin. While witnesses are brought forth to testify against him, none of their accusations stick. Finally, Jesus confirms that he is the Messiah, the Son of God, and they sentence him to death. Peter waits in the wings, unable to muster the courage needed to acknowledge Jesus. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Episode 20 of the Ask Away series of the Everyday Judaism Podcast addresses critical questions about Jewish identity, kosher laws, and Zionism in the context of modern challenges like antisemitism. Recorded post-Rosh Hashanah, the session emphasizes active questioning and sourcing Torah knowledge. Key themes include:Jewish Identity and Antisemitism: Hiding Jewishness fuels antisemitism, as nations act as divine tools to prompt Jews back to Hashem (Deuteronomy 31:16–18, per Gaon of Vilna). Publicly embracing Judaism (e.g., kosher choices) counters hostility (1:03–13:57).Role as Chosen People: Non-Jews (e.g., Costco man, Italian painters) expect Jews to visibly uphold Torah values, as prophesied (Zechariah 8:23), reinforcing the need for pride in Jewish identity (14:45–17:44).Kosher Laws: Dairy and meat can coexist in a cart or refrigerator if sealed and cold, but not cooked or eaten together, with practical precautions to avoid mixing (18:23–23:15).Zionism: True Zionism supports a Torah-observant Israel, not Herzl's secular vision, which secularized Jews (e.g., Yemenites). Anti-Zionists like Neturei Karta misjudge modern Israel's Torah-friendly environment (23:41–32:52).Meaning of Israel: “Yashar El” reflects Jews' direct connection to Hashem, taking personal responsibility without intermediaries, a core Jewish value (33:40–35:02).Please submit your questions at askaway@torchweb.org_____________The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen LernerDownload & Print the Everyday Judaism Halacha Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5This episode (Ep. #69) 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 October 5, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on October 29, 2025_____________Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Everyday Judaism Podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-judaism-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1600622789) or Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3AXCNcyKSVsaOLsLQsCN1C) to stay inspired! Share your questions at askaway@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#AskAway, #Torah, #Halacha, #Q&A, #Antisemitism, #JewishIdentity, #Faith, #Resilience, #ChosenPeople, #Zionism, #Anti-Zionism ★ Support this podcast ★

Cutting Off Spoilers (1) (audio) David Eells – 10/29/25 Apostate Leaders Fleecing the Sheep B. A. - 04/01/2012 (David's notes in red) I dreamed I was in some type of city. It was strange because there were no people on the sidewalks nor cars on the streets. There were these strange-looking brick buildings (buildings made by the flesh) everywhere I looked. (Sounds like the people of God slaving to make bricks for Pharaoh's buildings.) I decided to go inside one of these buildings. Once inside, I saw a familiar female TV preacher who was hosting an event. I recognized several other female preachers as well, and others whose faces I recognized but could not remember their names. (Father said, (1Ti.2:12) But I permit not a woman to teach, nor to have dominion over a man, but to be in quietness. Read Word, Women and Authority.) There were elaborate tables set up with all kinds of party foods, and everyone was playing games. (If you are not submitting to scripture, you are just playing Church.) Each time the hostess presented a new game, she was wearing a different outfit. (Like chameleons changing to blend in) I watched this for a while, then I decided to leave and go see what was going on inside one of the other buildings. Once back out on the street, I saw a long, rectangular, brick building, so I went inside to check it out. It was very dimly lit; I could barely see where I was going. The building was huge inside, and it appeared to be a kind of art gallery. There were statues on the floor and statues mounted on the walls. (worshipping those who have no life) Further on up ahead, I saw some people standing around a picture on the wall, so I went to see what they were looking at. As I got closer, I noticed all the people were dressed up like pilots and they were looking at and admiring a picture of various airplanes. Some were elaborate jets and some were small Cessna-type planes. I recognized some of these people to be leaders in the apostate church. (Big-time prosperity preachers can't fly with us common folks. They have to have at least one private jet. Poor Jesus, He walked or rode a donkey.) Further on up ahead, I saw another group of people standing around a picture on the wall. As I got closer to these people, they were all dressed up like gladiators, looking at a picture of a large coliseum (I believe this to be representative of megachurches) and bragging about their own personal coliseum. (The competitive spirit is always trying to best those who are also a part of the body to see who is the greatest, as Jesus rebuked the disciples for.) Then, all the way to the back of the art gallery, I saw several rows of people seated and listening to a man standing at a podium. Behind this man was a large mural of TV and radio stations (the apostate leaderships bragging rights. To them more people is success.). He was teaching these people how to successfully get more money from their viewers and God's people in general. (Using mass media to make mass money and live in luxury while not doing the works of the kingdom. Jesus said, (Mat.10:8) Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons: freely ye received, freely give.) As I stood there listening to this, I cried out to the Lord, “Do you see what they are doing? They are scheming and preparing a plan on how they are going to fleece your sheep during tough economic times!” Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Don't be concerned; their days are numbered”. Then I woke up. (Their greed, debt and sins against God's people will take them out.)   Rescuing the Sheep Lorrie Deeter - 07/22/2007 (David's notes in red) In a dream, a little cat with what appeared to be a cat mask on. (These leaders are self-willed and masking their true selves.) He was seated in a high-backed throne with a crown upon its head. He was seated up high, as on a platform above people. (Like most churches do.) He had a ruler in his hand and was pointing to different people, as if giving orders or instructions. From out of nowhere, a great big lion (Lion of Judah) appeared and leaped upon the throne of the little (rebellious) cat and placed it before him and then under his feet, as a footstool. (The ruler represents measurement. (Mat.7:1) Judge not, that ye be not judged. (2) For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured unto you. (3) And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? (4) Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me cast out the mote out of thine eye; and lo, the beam is in thine own eye? (5) Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.) Next, sheep, cattle and goats, appeared before me, all sitting in rows in what appeared to be a building. Some fat, some skinny and some bloated. Some had blindfolds on, some wore earmuffs, and some had earplugs placed within their ears. Some appeared to be blind and others deaf. A man then appeared before them, dressed in a suit and tie. I could not see his face, but as the sheep would come forth, he would bend down and take from them what appeared to be money and lay hands upon them as he looked up. I then saw the face of a wolf turn into view. (Plundering the body) Then out of nowhere, the sheep were plucked out of his hand one by one, as the eagles swooped down and snatched them from him. (Eagles represent overcomers who spread truth to give wisdom, which sets free like this dream.) Then all the sheep disappeared! (As I went back to lie down, I thought of the cattle and goats... and then this was spoken: “The cattle are raised up for destruction. (Cows only eat grass, which Peter said represented flesh, and they only feed milk. They represent perpetually immature Christians.) The goats are those who pretend to be of the sheepfold. (They represent the rebellious who Jesus separated on the left. (Eze.34:10) Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my sheep at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the sheep; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; and I will deliver my sheep from their mouth, that they may not be food for them.) Then this is what was spoken forth: “The fur shall drop and the masks shall be pulled away!” (The true sheep will see the false shepherds for what they are, wolves.)   Word Given: (Luk.6:46) And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? MY daughter, I have many woes and this, MY first of many woes, is to the shepherds and also to the leaders and to those who speak (falsely) in MY name, sayeth the Lord. Woe to those who have raised themselves up, led many, many of my people astray. (Self- or Babylon-ordained preachers, as in Jesus' day) These are they who have erred from MY TRUTH, MY WORD. I shall bring down the crown of their pride. I will bring down the haughty and those high-minded, who have not sought counsel from ME nor sought MY FACE, says the Lord, but of themselves and that of man. To those who have sought counsel from man shall I bring down, for they have not spoken the TRUTH of MY WORD. I, the Lord thy God am sending MY sons and daughters forth, and they shall surely take from the leaders and bring back which is ALL MINE and bring them forth unto ME, says the Lord. (I.e.,The “eagles swooped down and freed them”.) For these leaders are the ones who have deceived MY children and are deceived of themselves, continually deceiving My people, My chosen! These are they who have not walked in MY ways, for they did NOT bring to ME, MY sheep. For they have kept them for themselves and led them away from seeking MY FACE, MY WORD. For I shall surely bring the wicked down and tear down from them all their high places. You are MINE, says the Lord. For BEHOLD, I AM coming quickly and MY reward is with ME! (Eze.34:7) Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of Jehovah: (8) As I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, surely forasmuch as my sheep became a prey, and my sheep became food to all the beasts of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my sheep, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my sheep; (9) therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of Jehovah: (10) Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my sheep at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the sheep; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; and I will deliver my sheep from their mouth, that they may not be food for them. (11) For thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I myself, even I, will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. ... (16) I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment. (Isa.28:3) The crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim (who worshipped the golden calf), shall be trodden under feet: ... (9) Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. ... (17) Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place. (Isa.29:10) For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered. ... (15) Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us? ... (18) And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness. ... (30:1) Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:   Separating the Sheep in the Wilderness Donna Gipson (David's notes in red) God has put on my heart to share a vision He gave to me several years ago. I believe it was late 1994 or early 1995. I was a baby in the Lord, saved for less than a year, so I didn't think to write down exact dates or time. This was a type of trance vision that the Apostle Peter described. I was in a prayer meeting with several people praying near me. Separating of the Sheep As I sat and was praying with my eyes closed, a vision appeared like a big movie screen in my mind. I was totally unaware of everything else around me except for what was happening in this vision. I saw what appeared to me as a vast wilderness. The ground was hard and sandy, not a piece of vegetation in sight. There was a long line of sheep walking across this wilderness. As I watched, a lamb would break off from the line and go to the right. These lambs would line up in rows, one behind the other, like a military formation would. They were all lying down resting with their front legs folded underneath them. I noticed there were no big sheep but only small lambs in this resting group. As I again looked towards the line of sheep who had not stopped with the lambs, I felt in my spirit that these sheep were very fat and woolly and were trudging across the wilderness. I did not understand this vision right away. Over time, the Lord revealed to me several scriptures in Ezekiel 34. I'm sure He will continue to reveal more concerning this vision. God Bless. The Lord is indicating He will separate His lambs from the fleshly fat sheep in the wilderness and cause them to rest from their worldly laboring through faith in His Word. Lambs are those who have their youth renewed as the eagle and have become as a child, a kingdom requirement. (Eze.34:15) I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord Jehovah. (16) I will seek that which was lost, and will bring back that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but the fat and the strong I will destroy; I will feed them in justice. (17) And as for you, O my flock, thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I judge between sheep and sheep, the rams and the he-goats. (18) Seemeth it a small thing unto you to have fed upon the good pasture, but ye must tread down with your feet the residue of your pasture? and to have drunk of the clear waters, but ye must foul the residue with your feet? (19) And as for my sheep, they eat that which ye have trodden with your feet, and they drink that which ye have fouled with your feet. (Misplaced respect for leaders cause their disciples to fall into their sins.) (20) Therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah unto them: Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat sheep (full of flesh) and the lean sheep. (21) Because ye thrust with side and with shoulder, and push all the diseased with your horns, till ye have scattered them abroad; (22) therefore will I save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey; and I will judge between sheep and sheep. (23) And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. (Jer.31:2) Thus saith Jehovah, The people that were left of the sword found favor in the wilderness; even Israel, when I went to cause him to rest. (Mat.25:32) and before him shall be gathered all the nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as the shepherd separateth the sheep from the goats; (33) and he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.   God Will Cut Off the Playpen Crowd Laura Lehning - 03/03/2016 (David's notes in red) I had a short dream that I was in a convenience mart following a person to the checkout; we were leaving the store. The person was very somber and austere in his demeanor. As we left, at the end of the aisle, I was surprised to see an empty playpen set up on the floor. (David has said that religions are like playpens: meant to be outgrown and climbed out of.) Then the man reached down into the playpen, which I thought was empty, and he pulled out a pair of sharp scissors. He said to me, “Remember what you have seen”. I answered, “Yes, a playpen and scissors”. (The playpen represents apostate Christianity, and the scissors represent a future cutting off of those who are perpetual children there who bear no fruit of the true Word.) When I awoke, I wondered if the dream had something to do with the apostate churches being 'cut off'. I prayed for a Bible verse about this dream and my finger came down on the word “reproach” in (AMP)(Psa.4:2) O sons of men, how long will my honor and glory be [turned into] a reproach and a shame? How long will you [my enemies] love worthless (vain, futile) things and seek deception and lies? Selah. Those who do not climb out of the playpen will be cut off. The “cutting off” can represent physical death or spiritual death or both and by many methods: (Eze.14:21) For thus saith the Lord Jehovah: How much more when I send my four sore judgments upon [apostate] Jerusalem, the sword, and the famine, and the evil beasts, and the pestilence, to cut off from it man and beast!   Examples of the meaning of “cut off” (Exo.31:14) Ye shall keep the sabbath [meaning to cease from your own works] therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that profaneth it shall surely be put to death; for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. (15) Six days shall work be done; but on the seventh day [We are now in the 7th thousand year day.] is a sabbath of solemn rest, holy to Jehovah; whosoever doeth any work on the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. (In New Testament terms, this could mean spiritual death.) (Lev.23:29) For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day; he shall be cut off from his people. (30) And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any manner of work in that same day, that soul will I destroy from among his people. (Jdg.21:6) And the children of Israel repented them for Benjamin their brother, and said, There is one tribe cut off from Israel this day. (They were killed for justifying evil.) Those who don't leave their fleshly life behind will be cut off: (Gen.17:14) And the uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin [meaning ceasing to sow flesh], that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant. Those who feed on the religions and their lies will be cut off. (Exo.12:15) Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day [the end of the tribulation 7 day/years], that soul shall be cut off from Israel. ... (19) Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whosoever eateth that which is leavened, that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a sojourner, or one that is born in the land. (Rom.11:22) Behold then the goodness and severity of God: toward them that fell, severity; but toward thee, God's goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. All but the true remnant who follow God will be cut off. (Zec.13:8) And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith Jehovah, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. (14:2) For I will gather all nations against [apostate] Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. The apostate Eli ministry will be cut off: (1Sa.2:27) And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith Jehovah, Did I reveal myself unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in bondage to Pharaoh's house? (28) and did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to go up unto mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings of the children of Israel made by fire? (29) Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation, and honorest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people? (30) Therefore Jehovah, the God of Israel, saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now Jehovah saith, Be it far from me; for them that honor me I will honor, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. (31) Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thy father's house, that there shall not be an old man in thy house. (32) And thou shalt behold the affliction of my habitation, in all the wealth which God shall give Israel; and there shall not be an old man in thy house for ever. (33) And the man of thine, whom I shall not cut off from mine altar, shall be to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thy heart; and all the increase of thy house shall die in the flower of their age. (34) And this shall be the sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas: in one day they shall die both of them. (35) And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in my heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever… Samuel The Saul ministry was cut off too: (1Sa.31:9) And they cut off his head, and stripped off his armor, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to carry the tidings unto the house of their idols, and to the people. Like him, all of David Man-child's apostate enemies will be cut off: (2Sa.22:41) Thou hast also made mine enemies turn their backs unto me, That I might cut off them that hate me. The Lord cut off those who factioned Israel away from the house of David: (1Ki.14:10) therefore, behold, I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam every man-child, him that is shut up and him that is left at large in Israel, and will utterly sweep away the house of Jeroboam, as a man sweepeth away dung, till it be all gone. (14) Moreover Jehovah will raise him up a king over Israel, who shall cut off the house of Jeroboam that day: but what? even now. All Ahab leaders and those who follow in their steps will be cut off. (2Ki.9:8) For the whole house of Ahab shall perish; and I will cut off from Ahab every man-child, and him that is shut up and him that is left at large in Israel. The Beast cut off apostates from Israel: (2Ki.10:32) In those days Jehovah began to cut off from Israel: and Hazael smote them in all the borders of Israel; Many so-called people of God will be cut off from the Kingdom. (Psa.34:16) The face of Jehovah is against them that do evil, To cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. (Psa.37:22) For such as are blessed of him shall inherit the land; And they that are cursed of him shall be cut off. (Psa.94:23) And he hath brought upon them their own iniquity, And will cut them off in their own wickedness; Jehovah our God will cut them off. (Pro.2:22) But the wicked shall be cut off from the land, And the treacherous shall be rooted out of it. (Isa.9:14) Therefore Jehovah will cut off from Israel head and tail, palm-branch and rush, in one day. (Isa.29:20) For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scoffer ceaseth, and all they that watch for iniquity [to judge others] are cut off; (Jer.44:8) in that ye provoke me unto anger with the works of your hands, burning incense unto other gods in the land of Egypt, whither ye are gone to sojourn; that ye may be cut off, and that ye may be a curse and a reproach among all the nations of the earth? (Jer.50:16) Cut off the sower from Babylon, and him that handleth the sickle in the time of harvest: for fear of the oppressing sword they shall turn every one to his people, and they shall flee every one to his own land. (Jer.51:6) Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and save every man his life; be not cut off in her iniquity: for it is the time of Jehovah's vengeance; he will render unto her a recompense. Idolaters among God's people who love the world, religion and apostate leaders more than following the Word of the Lord will be cut off. (Eze.14:6) Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Return ye, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations. (7) For every one of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn in Israel, that separateth himself from me, and taketh his idols into his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet to inquire for himself of me; I Jehovah will answer him by myself: (8) and I will set my face against that man, and will make him an astonishment, for a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from the midst of my people; and ye shall know that I am Jehovah. God will cut off the Edomites, Esau's seed, who are types of the factious who hate and persecute their brothers. (Eze.35:7) Thus will I make mount Seir [their factious leadership- Eve saw them all die at one time] an astonishment and a desolation; and I will cut off from it him that passeth through and him that returneth. (Oba.9) And thy mighty men, O Teman, shall be dismayed, to the end that every one may be cut off from the mount of Esau by slaughter. (10) For the violence done to thy brother Jacob, shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever. Because factious Esau cut off his brother Israel, he was cut off: (11) In the day that thou stoodest on the other side, in the day that strangers carried away his substance, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots upon Jerusalem, even thou wast as one of them. (12) But look not thou on the day of thy brother in the day of his disaster, and rejoice not over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction; neither speak proudly in the day of distress. (13) Enter not into the gate of my people in the day of their calamity; yea, look not thou on their affliction in the day of their calamity, neither lay ye hands on their substance in the day of their calamity. (14) And stand thou not in the crossway, to cut off those of his that escape; and deliver not up those of his that remain in the day of distress. The two spirits fighting against the righteous the most are Faction and Jezebel, whom God hates. These always go after the true leadership, all the way through the Bible. They will be cut off. (Rev.2:20) But I have this against thee, that thou sufferest the woman Jezebel, who calleth herself a prophetess; and she teacheth and seduceth my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed to idols. (21) And I gave her time that she should repent; and she willeth not to repent of her fornication. (22) Behold, I cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of her works. (23) And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he that searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto each one of you according to your works. A factious person is always immature because this spirit causes them to ignore the Word without conscience, and so they are to be cut off from the body. (Tit.3:10) A factious man (is one who blasphemes, rails against, or slanders others to make disciples) after a first and second admonition refuse; (11) knowing that such a one is perverted, and sinneth, being self-condemned. The nature of factious people: (Jas.3:14) But if ye have bitter jealousy and faction in your heart, glory not and lie not against the truth. ... (16) For where jealousy and faction are, there is confusion [Babylon] and every vile deed. These people are commonly unforgiving, judgmental, fornicators, liars, slanderers, thieves, etc. It says, “every vile deed”. Any fellowship with people like this is disobedience and will bring their spirits and sins or leaven into your life. (1Co.15:33) Be not deceived: Evil companionships corrupt good morals. (1Co.5:6) Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? (7) Purge out the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, even as ye are unleavened. For our passover also hath been sacrificed, even Christ: (8) wherefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. (9) I wrote unto you in my epistle to have no company with fornicators; (10) not at all meaning with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous and extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world: (11) but as it is, I wrote unto you not to keep company, if any man that is named a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such a one no, not to eat. (12) For what have I to do with judging them that are without? Do not ye judge them that are within? (13) But them that are without God judgeth. Put away the wicked man from among yourselves. So that you are not infected with their spirits. Those who do not partake of unleavened bread do not have a Passover of the destroyer. Leaven comes from people who pass on lies to separate you from others, as in faction or denominationalism. At the Passover, God's people were warned: (Exo.12:15) Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel. (19) Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whosoever eateth that which is leavened, that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a sojourner, or one that is born in the land. (Rom.16:17) Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them that are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which ye learned: and turn away from them. (18) For they that are such serve not our Lord Christ, but their own belly (pride, lust, selfish ambition, usurping authority); and by their smooth and fair speech they beguile the hearts of the innocent. (19) For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I rejoice therefore over you: but I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple unto that which is evil. All factious spirits cause their victims to disobey. (Mat.18:15) And if thy brother sin against thee, go, show him his fault between thee and him alone: if he hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. (16) But if he hear thee not, take with thee one or two more, that at the mouth of two witnesses or three every word may be established. (17) And if he refuse to hear them, tell it unto the church: and if he refuse to hear the church also, let him be unto thee as the Gentile and the publican. All factious spirits disobey (1Ti.5:19) Against an elder receive not an accusation, except at the mouth of two or three witnesses. These people always go after righteous elders because their demons lust after a position of authority. They cause all others to sin and receive their spirits by accusing elders without two witnesses, and the people sin because they do not demand another witness of sin, not just anything. (Mat.6:14) For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. (15) But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Notice the sins of one who does not forgive are not under the blood; they are not forgiven and their sins are not forgotten without repentance. (Mic.7:19) He will again have compassion upon us; he will tread our iniquities under foot; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. (Heb.10:17) And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. This is for those who are in covenant with God through repentance and faith but God remembers the sins of those who walk in willful disobedience to the Word until they are punished and repent. (Eze.3:20) Again, when a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteous deeds which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thy hand. You are warned. (Eze.21:24) Therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Because ye have made your iniquity to be remembered, in that your transgressions are uncovered, so that in all your doings your sins do appear; because that ye are come to remembrance, ye shall be taken with the hand. (Heb.10:26) For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sins, (27) but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which shall devour the adversaries. Notice that when God judges someone, it is because He does not forget their sin, because they are not under the sacrificial blood. Because factious people do not forgive, their wives, husbands and children who associate with them are taken into bondage. (1Co.15:33) Be not deceived: Evil companionships corrupt good morals. Jesus pointed out that the wife and children of a man in unforgiveness are also sold into bondage: (Mat.18:23) Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, who would make a reckoning with his servants. (24) And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, that owed him ten thousand talents. (25) But forasmuch as he had not wherewith to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The Lord points out that those who, for selfish purposes, wanted Daniel's position, they, their wives, and children were thrown to the lions. (Dan.6:24) And the king commanded, and they brought those men that had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces, before they came to the bottom of the den.

Last month, VCY held its fall rally and the guest presenter was Chris Katulka from the Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry. He spoke on the issue: Why Israel Matters. Why does Israel still matter? Chris had this to say in his opening comments concerning the Bible: "From Genesis to Revelation, this book is Jewish, OK? Do you know that your Savior Jesus is Jewish? You know he never went to church, he went to synagogue. He never celebrated Christmas or Easter. That would be awkward, OK? Jesus celebrated Passover. He honored Yom Kippur. He kept the Feast of Tabernacles. He celebrated Hanukkah. Jesus is Jewish and we believe that if you have a passion for God's Word, then you should automatically have compassion for God's chosen people." That pretty much says it all, but we encourage you to listen to this larger portion of audio from the rally as Chris explains how the existence of a Palestinian state would really be a reward to Hamas. He breaks down Genesis 12:3 (the promise to Abraham) and how it extends throughout the entire Bible. Find out why the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Assyrians and numerous other people groups are gone, yet Israel is still in existence. Other points are examined as well, all to show that Israel still matters!

Join us for an exquisite Parsha Podcast as we go deep and deeper into Lech Lecha. The deep idea relates to Lot's fateful decision to choose to move to the sinful cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. We then go deeper and explore the allegorical dimensions of the breakup between Abraham and Lot. Finally, we go even deeper and explore the secret and the mystery of the circumcision. If you seek Parsha Podcast that will educate and entertain, this one is for you.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –DONATE: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletterrabbiwolbe.com/newsletter– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe's PodcastsThe Parsha PodcastThe Jewish History PodcastThe Mitzvah Podcast This Jewish LifeThe Ethics PodcastTORAH 101 ★ Support this podcast ★

We began a new mini-series covering the incredible Five Levels of Pleasure from Rabbi Noach Weinberg. We begin by exploring Lech- Lecha and continue on as an intro to this mind provoking limud. Enjoy!

During his time in Jerusalem leading up to the Passover, Jesus has been causing quite a commotion among the people. In addition to teaching God's Word with power and authority, he has insulted the chief priests, the scribes, the Pharisees, and the Sadducees, all of whom were accustomed to being revered as scholars and spiritual leaders. Concerned for their own reputation and for what they considered to be right teaching, they plot to kill Jesus. Christ, however, knows his own fate and has been telling the disciples that he will soon be handed over to be killed. During the Passover meal, he even announces that one of his own disciples will betray him. With zeal, Peter proclaims that he would never fall away from Jesus, but Christ knows that won't be the case. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Last month, VCY held its fall rally and the guest presenter was Chris Katulka from the Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry. He spoke on the issue: Why Israel Matters. Why does Israel still matter? Chris had this to say in his opening comments concerning the Bible: "From Genesis to Revelation, this book is Jewish, OK? Do you know that your Savior Jesus is Jewish? You know he never went to church, he went to synagogue. He never celebrated Christmas or Easter. That would be awkward, OK? Jesus celebrated Passover. He honored Yom Kippur. He kept the Feast of Tabernacles. He celebrated Hanukkah. Jesus is Jewish and we believe that if you have a passion for God's Word, then you should automatically have compassion for God's chosen people." That pretty much says it all, but we encourage you to listen to this larger portion of audio from the rally as Chris explains how the existence of a Palestinian state would really be a reward to Hamas. He breaks down Genesis 12:3 (the promise to Abraham) and how it extends throughout the entire Bible. Find out why the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Assyrians and numerous other people groups are gone, yet Israel is still in existence. Other points are examined as well, all to show that Israel still matters!

Brad welcomes Liz Theoharis and Charon Hribar, editors of We Pray Freedom: Liturgies and Rituals from The Freedom Church of the Poor. Both guests are key leaders in the faith-based anti-poverty movement and longtime organizers with the Poor People's Campaign. Together, they discuss how liturgy and ritual can be reclaimed as acts of collective resistance, solidarity, and hope among the poor and dispossessed. The conversation weaves through Liz and Charon's personal journeys—Liz's formation in faith-driven social justice work and Charon's discovery of liberation theology growing up in a steel town—and traces how decades of grassroots organizing through the Kairos Center inspired this new book. They explore how faith traditions, particularly Christianity, can serve as public, justice-oriented practice rather than private belief, what it means to “pray with your feet,” and how ritual itself can be political. Drawing from We Pray Freedom, the guests share powerful examples: a memorial liturgy for unhoused people at New York's Potter's Field, a reimagined Las Posadas led by migrant communities, and multi-faith celebrations like Diwali and Passover that embody joy, resilience, and defiance. They also address the current “war on the poor” in the U.S.—from healthcare cuts to attacks on education—and highlight how communities continue to organize, resist, and find joy together. This episode is both a spiritual and practical conversation about how worship, art, and music can sustain movements for justice. Resources Mentioned: We Pray Freedom: Liturgies and Rituals from The Freedom Church of the Poor – available via Bookshop.org and major retailers Companion site: weprayfreedom.org (includes songs, liturgies, and other materials) The Kairos Center: kairoscenter.org | @kairoscenternyc Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 850-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Subscribe to Teología Sin Vergüenza Subscribe to American Exceptionalism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Mussar Mondays episode explores the Gate of Miserliness in Orchos Tzaddikim, contrasting it with generosity. Recorded post-Sukkot, it emphasizes self-improvement through Mussar, focusing on overcoming the “narrow eye” (Tzar Ayin) to adopt a “good eye” (Ayin Tovah). Key themes include:Miserliness Defined: A disgraceful trait of withholding despite abundance, driven by lack of trust in Hashem, leading to insincere hospitality and social isolation (Proverbs 23:6–7) (1:13–4:37).Beyond Money: Miserliness includes withholding time, effort, or wisdom, harming relationships and Torah connection, akin to Sodom's distorted logic (4:37–17:49).Balanced Approach: Yaakov's example shows prudent care for Hashem's gifts (e.g., retrieving jars) but generosity in mitzvot (e.g., giving wealth for Machpelah). Spend wisely on Torah, not vanities (17:49–26:48).Yossala's Lesson: True generosity, as shown by Yossala the Holy Miser, is selfless giving without seeking recognition, contrasting the miser's empty gestures (8:51–13:35).Sharing Mitzvot: Wisdom and mitzvot multiply when shared, increasing blessing, unlike miserly withholding, which curses (Proverbs 11:26) (17:49–36:19).Parenting with a Good Eye: Praising children's greatness shapes positive behavior, while a miserly outlook limits their potential. Trust fosters self-correction, building character long-term (36:19–49:34).The episode concludes with a call to adopt a generous outlook, reflecting Hashem's abundance, and a preview of the next topic, the Gate of Remembrance.Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on March 17, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on October 27, 2025_____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #OrchisTzadikim, #Miserliness, #Wealth, #Greatness, #PositiveMindset, #PersonalGrowth ★ Support this podcast ★

Luke 2 is more than a Christmas reading. Pastor Ron Meyer shows how “taxing times” force us into God's positioning. Bethlehem looked illogical. The manger looked like failure. Yet God was fulfilling prophecy, providing a Passover over hell, and sending provision before anyone saw it. This message calls leaders and disciples to drop self-reliance, embrace obedience, and walk by what is written—not by sight.Scriptures referenced: Luke 2:1–7; Micah 5:2; Psalm 22; Psalm 42; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Isaiah 64:4 / 1 Corinthians 2:9; Matthew 2:13–23; Matthew 7:21–23; Hebrews 11:1.Chapters00:00 Intro: Instant Classic + Theme00:30 “Moving things around” in hard times02:30 Masks off. Honest ministry04:50 Emotions as locators of faith06:20 Grandma check vs IRS letter contrast09:00 “Taxing times” defined11:15 Hostile powers and pressure on believers13:35 Recognizing God is harder than it sounds15:15 “Who do you say I am?” John and Peter under heat18:00 Pastors quitting early problem19:30 Taxation as God's strategy, not the problem20:40 Bethlehem prophecy (Micah 5:2) vs human logic22:40 Forced obedience to fulfill prophecy24:20 The real manger. No petting zoo26:50 “Why have You forsaken me?” Psalms in hardship30:20 Walk by faith when evidence is missing32:20 Why Bethlehem: sorrow → right hand, Tower of the Flock, Passover ridge, House of Bread36:20 Healing testimony: “we needed a miracle”38:20 Stay small in your own eyes39:30 Move again with God: Egypt → Nazareth41:10 Warning: Works without knowing Him (Matt 7)42:40 Messenger vs Message. Let God build44:30 Hardship drives deeper commitment45:40 Stand on what is written46:40 Provision is en route: wise men example48:00 Call: God is in it. Stay in itShow 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

This Mussar Mondays episode explores the Gate of Miserliness in Orchos Tzaddikim, contrasting it with generosity. Recorded post-Sukkot, it emphasizes self-improvement through Mussar, focusing on overcoming the “narrow eye” (Tzar Ayin) to adopt a “good eye” (Ayin Tovah). Key themes include:Miserliness Defined: A disgraceful trait of withholding despite abundance, driven by lack of trust in Hashem, leading to insincere hospitality and social isolation (Proverbs 23:6–7) (1:13–4:37).Beyond Money: Miserliness includes withholding time, effort, or wisdom, harming relationships and Torah connection, akin to Sodom's distorted logic (4:37–17:49).Balanced Approach: Yaakov's example shows prudent care for Hashem's gifts (e.g., retrieving jars) but generosity in mitzvot (e.g., giving wealth for Machpelah). Spend wisely on Torah, not vanities (17:49–26:48).Yossala's Lesson: True generosity, as shown by Yossala the Holy Miser, is selfless giving without seeking recognition, contrasting the miser's empty gestures (8:51–13:35).Sharing Mitzvot: Wisdom and mitzvot multiply when shared, increasing blessing, unlike miserly withholding, which curses (Proverbs 11:26) (17:49–36:19).Parenting with a Good Eye: Praising children's greatness shapes positive behavior, while a miserly outlook limits their potential. Trust fosters self-correction, building character long-term (36:19–49:34).The episode concludes with a call to adopt a generous outlook, reflecting Hashem's abundance, and a preview of the next topic, the Gate of Remembrance.Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on March 17, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on October 27, 2025_____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #OrchisTzadikim, #Miserliness, #Wealth, #Greatness, #PositiveMindset, #PersonalGrowth ★ Support this podcast ★

What's your most loved and least favourite song on U2's 1987 album, the Joshua Tree? Dan decided to pick The Big One™ by the biggest 80s alt band we surprisingly haven't dedicated an episode to, despite being one of our favorites. Lots of fun opinions, concert tales and a surprise visit from famed Bono impersonator Pavel Sfera. Available at WeWillRankYouPod.com, Apple, Spotify, Youtube, Joshua Tree CA and everywhere else you get podcasts. Please tell us how YOU would rank tonight's tunes on Instagram, Facebook and Threads  @wewillrankyoupod !FILE UNDER/SPOILERS:America, Beck, Bono, buggin ya, Bullet the Blue Sky, Greg Carroll, Adam Clayton, Dublin, The Edge, Brian Eno, Exit, God complex, gospel, harmonica, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, In God's Country, Ireland, Island Records, Joshua Tree, Daniel Lanois, leather vest, Mothers of the Disappeared, Larry Mullen Jr., 91X, One Tree Hill, Passover, play the blues, ponytail, Rattle and Hum, Red Hill Mining Town, Running to Stand Still, Pavel Sfera, Slane Castle, stadiums, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Super Bowl, ticking guitars, Trip Through Your Wires, the Waterboys, Wembley Stadium, Where the Streets Have No Name, With or Without You, Zoo TV, 1987.US: http://www.WeWillRankYouPod.com wewillrankyoupod@gmail.comNEW! Host tips: Venmo @wewillrankyoupodhttp://www.facebook.com/WeWillRankYouPodhttp://www.instagram.com/WeWillRankYouPodhttps://www.threads.net/@WeWillRankYouPodhttp://www.YerDoinGreat.com (Adam's music page)https://open.spotify.com/user/dancecarbuzz (Dan's playlists)Pavel Sfera http://www.BonoDouble.com

TODAY'S TREASUREBy faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them. By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned.Hebrews 11:23-29 (ESV) (also see Exodus 1-15)Send us a comment!Support the show

In this episode, I sit down with Rabbi Pill to explore the power of Mar Cheshvan and discover that it's not a spiritual lull at all, but the time when we're meant to integrate the inspiration of Tishrei into everyday life. We discuss how Jewish time moves in an upward spiral, and how Cheshvan shifts us from “gadlus ha'mochin” (expanded consciousness) to “katnus ha'mochin” (constricted consciousness), when serving Hashem without emotional highs becomes the real avodah. Drawing from Torah, Kabbalistic, and Chassidic sources, we reflect on how our service counts most when the excitement fades, and how the letter Nun—representing both falling and divine support—reminds us that every descent can become the beginning of an ascent. We also connect Cheshvan to the Flood and the dedication of the First Temple, showing how this same month can hold both darkness and revelation. On a practical level, we talk about yearning honestly for renewed connection, resisting the urge to escape discomfort, and carrying even one small piece of Tishrei forward—whether a mindful bracha or a focused moment in tefillah. The message is that Cheshvan invites us to bring Hashem into our work, family, and daily routine, turning quiet consistency into true transformation.Join the Conversation! Be part of our growing community—join the Shema Podcast for the Perplexed WhatsApp group to share feedback, discuss episodes, and suggest future topics. Click here to sign up.Get the Companion Guide: The Power of the MonthsThis free resource outlines the spiritual focus of each Hebrew month — including its mazal (zodiac sign), tribe, Hebrew letter, body part, and unique avodah. It also includes suggested actions you can take to align yourself with the energy of the time. Click here to download and keep this month-by-month guide as a tool for your own growth and reflection. 

In this week's parsha, Abraham is instructed to move to Israel, is given divine promises that he will be the father of many nations; his children will be as numerous as the dust of the earth and the stars of the heaven, a son Ishmael is born, and he is commanded to circumcise his foreskin and those of all males in his household.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –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!– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletterrabbiwolbe.com/newsletter– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe's PodcastsThe Parsha PodcastThe Jewish History PodcastThe Mitzvah Podcast This Jewish LifeThe Ethics PodcastTORAH 101 ★ Support this podcast ★

This episode of the Everyday Judaism Podcast begins the second book of the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, focusing on Siman 35, the laws of challah, rooted in Numbers 15:17–21. Rabbi Wolbe explains the mitzvah's biblical and rabbinic dimensions, emphasizing its spiritual significance as a repair for Eve's sin in the Garden of Eden, where the Tree of Knowledge was a bread tree, not an apple tree, correcting a common misconception. The lecture details practical halachot, such as minimum dough quantities, combining doughs (e.g., matzah), handling sourdough, and special cases like Shabbat or Pesach. Key themes include:Challah's Spiritual Role: Separating challah (burned today due to impurity) acknowledges Hashem's ownership, with women repairing Eve's sin by feeding their husbands properly prepared bread (0:57–6:10).Misconception Clarified: The Rosh Hashanah apple-in-honey custom is unrelated to the Tree of Knowledge, which was a bread tree, with the punishment being the laborious 11-step bread-making process, countering the spiritual negativity of 11 (3:16–5:12).Halachic Details: The mitzvah applies to five-grain doughs of five pounds or more, with specific rules for combined doughs, sourdough, non-baked doughs, and delegation. Pre-Shabbat vigilance ensures compliance, especially before Pesach (6:10–19:54).Mishnah Connection: The pre-Shabbat Mishnah (Shabbat 2:6) reminds households to separate challah, alongside eruv and candle lighting, to prepare spiritually (19:19–19:54).Significance: Challah is a tikkun for Eve's sin, especially for women, and is linked to the Mishnah (Shabbat 2:6) urging three pre-Shabbat checks: tithing (challah), eruv, and candle lighting (19:19–19:54)._____________The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen LernerDownload & Print the Everyday Judaism Halacha Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5This episode (Ep. #63) 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 September 21, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on October 26, 2025_____________DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!_____________#Halacha, #Jewishlaw, #Challah, #Mitzvah, #Bread ★ Support this podcast ★

Faith Principle #8 Biblical Faith Gives Us the Strength and Ability We NeedTODAY'S TREASUREBy faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them. By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned.Hebrews 11:23-29 (ESV) (also see Exodus 1-15)Send us a comment!Support the show

Justin Vanier | Exodus 12-13Also available on video

Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 11:23-31.Faith fears God (V. 23, 27)“The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied…” Proverbs 19:23Faith chooses Christ (V. 25-26)“If we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” -  CS LewisFaith Takes Risks (V. 28-31)“You had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one.” Hebrews 10:34“The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:6 / Psalm 118:6“For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” 1 Corinthians 5:17“Worthy is the lamb who was slain.” Revelation 5:12Life Group Discussion Questions: lifechurchnc.com/hebrewsLife Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NCFollow us online:lifechurchnc.comFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitter

This episode of the Everyday Judaism Podcast begins the second book of the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, focusing on Siman 35, the laws of challah, rooted in Numbers 15:17–21. Rabbi Wolbe explains the mitzvah's biblical and rabbinic dimensions, emphasizing its spiritual significance as a repair for Eve's sin in the Garden of Eden, where the Tree of Knowledge was a bread tree, not an apple tree, correcting a common misconception. The lecture details practical halachot, such as minimum dough quantities, combining doughs (e.g., matzah), handling sourdough, and special cases like Shabbat or Pesach. Key themes include:Challah's Spiritual Role: Separating challah (burned today due to impurity) acknowledges Hashem's ownership, with women repairing Eve's sin by feeding their husbands properly prepared bread (0:57–6:10).Misconception Clarified: The Rosh Hashanah apple-in-honey custom is unrelated to the Tree of Knowledge, which was a bread tree, with the punishment being the laborious 11-step bread-making process, countering the spiritual negativity of 11 (3:16–5:12).Halachic Details: The mitzvah applies to five-grain doughs of five pounds or more, with specific rules for combined doughs, sourdough, non-baked doughs, and delegation. Pre-Shabbat vigilance ensures compliance, especially before Pesach (6:10–19:54).Mishnah Connection: The pre-Shabbat Mishnah (Shabbat 2:6) reminds households to separate challah, alongside eruv and candle lighting, to prepare spiritually (19:19–19:54).Significance: Challah is a tikkun for Eve's sin, especially for women, and is linked to the Mishnah (Shabbat 2:6) urging three pre-Shabbat checks: tithing (challah), eruv, and candle lighting (19:19–19:54)._____________The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen LernerDownload & Print the Everyday Judaism Halacha Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5This episode (Ep. #63) 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 September 21, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on October 26, 2025_____________DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!_____________#Halacha, #Jewishlaw, #Challah, #Mitzvah, #Bread ★ Support this podcast ★

A Sermon for the Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity St. Matthew 9:1-8 by William Klock In our Gospel St. Matthew writes that “Jesus got into the boat and crossed back over to his own town.”  Back to Capernaum.  From the far side of the Sea of Galilee.  From that place where he'd been confronted by a man filled with demons and cast those demons into a herd of pigs.  You know the story.  The demon-possessed pigs promptly stampeded into the sea and drowned themselves.  And that left the pig farmer and the local townspeople none too pleased with Jesus.  They pleaded with him to leave.  So he and the disciples got back into their boat and sailed across the Sea of Galilee.  And now he's back home in Capernaum.  Matthew's version of this story is the shortest on details.  Mark's version implies that Jesus was tired.  He went home to get a break from the crowds and it took a few days before anyone realised that he was home.  But when they figured it out, the crowds were back.  Before he knew it, they'd let themselves into his house and he was preaching.  It was mostly just ordinary people, but there were some scribes and Pharisees there in that packed and crowded room.  They had to keep an eye—or an ear—on Jesus. And that crowd posed a problem to four friends.  They had a fifth friend who was paralysed.  When they heard Jesus was back in town, these four men went and got their friend and carried him, cot and all, to Jesus' house.  Jesus was healing everybody else.  Surely he would heal their friend.  If they could get to him.  And they couldn't.  I can imagine them trying.  Asking politely if people might get out of the way.  Looking to see if maybe they could squeeze through a back door or a window, then going back and trying to push some people aside to get to the front door—all to no avail.  There was no way they'd ever get their friend into that house.  And that's when they had an idea.  The roof!  In those days, in that place, roofs were flat—they served as extra living space when it was hot and you needed to get out into a cooling breeze—but more importantly, roofs were made of rush and palms plastered between beams.  So these men take their friend to the roof and they start jabbing at the roof with sticks and kicking at it with their heels and pulling it apart with their hands, until they'd made a hole big enough to lower their friend down to Jesus. Now imagine Jesus, in the house, preaching to the crowd while that was going on upstairs.  Loud scratching and thumping.  And pretty soon bits of plaster and rush start falling.  Before too long there's a hole in the roof and everyone sees these guys looking down—probably a little sheepishly.  I wonder what went through Jesus' mind.  He was tired.  His rest had been cut short.  The crowd was one thing, but he really didn't need some yahoos tearing up his roof.  “Great!  There goes the damage deposit,” he's thinking to himself.  But pretty quickly, as they lowered their friend to him, he saw what was going on.  And I think Jesus smiled. Why?  Because Matthew writes that Jesus saw their faith and if Jesus was anything like me and most of the other pastors I know, the exhaustion, the frustration of not having a break, the annoyance at having these guys destroy his roof, I think it all would have melted away, because seeing the faith of these men made it all worth it.  And looking down at the paralyzed man, Jesus says to him, “Have courage!”  Take heart!  In other words, “Don't be afraid.”  Because I imagine some people might be afraid if their friends just tore a hole in the Messiah's roof to get them inside.  Because even if Jesus was smiling, the people around him were looking shocked and outraged and angry.  “How dare you dig a hole in the Messiah's roof!”  And so Jesus looks at him and says, “Your sins are forgiven!” Now, that's not what we might expect Jesus to say to this man.  Judging by Jesus' other encounters, we'd expect him to say something like, “Get up and walk; your faith has made you well.”  But instead, he tells the paralysed man that his sins are forgiven.  That's nice, but he's still lying there paralysed on his cot.  So why would Jesus say, “Your sins are forgiven”?  Brothers and Sisters, Jesus found a teaching moment in everything.  He'd healed people more times than anyone could count at that point, and that was a sign that the Messiah had come and that God's kingdom was breaking into the world.  But what did that really mean?  Well, remember that everyone had their own ideas about the Messiah and about the kingdom—and, most important, how they could have a share in it.  The people needed more than just to see miracles.  They needed to know more than that the Messiah had come; they desperately needed to know what the Messiah had come to do.  Jesus saw that group of scribes there in his house that day and saw a perfect opportunity.  Maybe they were legitimately curious to hear what Jesus had to say or maybe they were there just to criticise or report back to the priests or the Pharisees, but, right on cue, they hear Jesus' words—“Your sins are forgiven”—and he can see their outrage.  He could see how they scowled as they grumbled to each other about how blasphemous this was.  “Who can forgive sins except God?” they howled in Mark's telling of the story. Just as Jesus could see the faith of the paralysed man's friends as they lowered him through the hole in his roof, he could see the opposite in the grumbling scribes.  And so he asks them, “Why are your hearts so intent on evil?”  Of course, that just made them angrier.  “We're not the evil ones!” they say back.  “You are…you…you…you blasphemer!”  But Jesus goes on with the teaching moment and says to them, “Which is easier to say, “Your sins are forgiven,” or to say, “Get up and walk?”  But so that you may know that the son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—and now he turns back to the paralysed man—“Get up, take up your cot, and go home.” And the paralysed man got up, took up his cot, and went home.  I think there was probably a little more to it than that.  He probably stretched a bit and moved his arms and legs around and maybe jumped up and down a few times.  I think he probably laughed and yelled and gave a hug and many thanks to Jesus, but Matthew doesn't get bogged down in those sorts of details, because his point is—as usual—that when Jesus healed the man, he was healed.  There was no struggle or delay.  This was the same word God spoke in the beginning when he said, “Let there be light!” and there was light.  When Jesus told the man to get up, to take his cot, and to go home, that's exactly what the man did.  In Jesus, God's new creation had come.  And if that's all that had happened, the scribes would have had nothing to complain about. What really stuck in their craw was Jesus declaring the man's sins forgiven.  That made them mad.  Even for the Messiah, as far as they were concerned, that was too big a claim.  To heal the paralysed man?  That was good.  But if he had sins to forgive, his friends should have taken him to the temple in Jerusalem for that.  The priests there were the only ones with the authority to offer sacrifices for sin and to declare someone reconciled to God.  But the crowd understood and Matthew makes a point of saying that the crowd was afraid—afraid in the sense that they were awestruck by what had happened and knew that somehow and in some way the God of Israel was at work in and through Jesus—as if they'd just witnesses one of those great and awe-inspiring events from the Old Testament that no one in Israel had seen in a thousand years.  Matthew says they saw what had happened and that they praised God for giving such authority to men. The story is sort of the whole gospel story in a nutshell.  Jesus teaches and he heals—he does the things the Messiah was supposed to be doing.  He even foreshadows the resurrection when he tells the man to “get up”—or better to “Rise up!”  That's resurrection language.  This is what Jesus promises for everyone who trusts in him: He forgives our sins, he raises us to new life, and he invites us home—to live as his new creation in the presence of God.  But as far as the scribes and Pharisees were concerned, Jesus did all this the wrong way and that made it blasphemy. But Jesus wasn't worried about that.  You know when you're accused of something bad by someone and you just want to say, “Man, look in the mirror!”  Or that old thing your parents used to tell you when someone insulted you, “Consider the source.”  Or that line from a certain cartoon character, “Your boos mean nothing to me; I've seen what makes you cheer.”  Jesus flips around the accusation.  He exposes the wickedness in the hearts of those scribes and he does it for everyone to see.  He discredits them and their accusations.  He leaves them fuming.  You can imagine their red faces and how their mouths are moving, but they can't say anything.  And Jesus is left standing there full of authority and life and power. I wonder if this teachable moment popped into Jesus' head as the plaster rained down on him and the man was lowered through the hole.  The paralytic probably had an apologetic look on his face—like, “I'm really sorry, Jesus, for the hole in your roof.  Please forgive me and my friends.”  And Jesus realised that this was the perfect moment to say something about forgiveness—because this man and his friends and, in fact, all of Israel, that's what they really needed: forgiveness, not for making a hole in his roof, but for far more serious sins—for idolatry and for greed and for faithlessness and for all the ways they'd failed to live out their covenant with the Lord.  Israel needed a lot of things—just like the paralysed man did—but most of all she needed forgiveness.  In that, the paralysed man represents Israel and all her wrong expectations of the Messiah.  The Jews wanted the Messiah to solve all their problems.  For some that was healing sickness, for others it was casting out demons, for some it was getting everybody to keep the law better, and for others it was bashing Roman heads and destroying the pagan gentiles.  But not very many people understood that none of these things was the real problem.  The real problem was sin.  Sin is why the world is in the mess it's in.  Sin was why Israel was estranged from God.  The people had been unfaithful to the Lord.  He'd called them to be light in the darkness, but they'd hid their light under a basket.  More than anything else, they needed forgiveness, because forgiveness is the start; it's what paves the way for everything else to be set to rights.  Forgiveness is the way to new creation. I think that's the part of the story that gets most of our attention.  But notice that what Matthew puts at the heart of this story isn't the healing or the announcement of forgiveness.  The heart of the story is Jesus statement that the son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins and then the response of the people.  We miss this because we're not thinking like First Century Jews.  When Jesus calls himself the “son of man”, he's drawing on an image from Daniel 7.  The book of Daniel is about faithfulness in the midst of exile.  Israel had been defeated and the people taken off to Babylon. Worse, some like Daniel, were pressured to compromise, to bow to a pagan king and to pagan gods—to give up on the God of Israel and to give up on his promises.  And some did just that.  But Daniel stood firm and the Lord gave him a vision of those pagan kings cast down, of the God of Israel taking his throne, and the son of man “coming with the clouds of heaven…to be given dominion and glory and kingship, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him” (Daniel 7:13-14).  And yet, when Daniel asks what the vision means, he is told that this kingship and dominion “shall be given”—not to a single person, but “to the people, the holy ones of the Most High; their kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom and all dominions shall serve and obey them” (Daniel 7:27). The son of man in Daniel's vision was a symbol for the faithful remnant of God's people—for those who stood firm in their faith in the God of Israel, who remembered his covenant, and who refused to bow to pagan gods and kings.  So when Jesus referred to himself as the son of man, this is what the scribes (and everyone else) would have been thinking of.  And this is why Matthew says at the end that the people praised God that this authority has been given not to a man—Jesus—but to men, plural.  Because up to this point, Daniel's vision had yet to be fulfilled.  The Maccabees, for example, had claimed to be that faithful remnant, but their kingdom didn't last.  The people who were that faithful remnant—people like Zechariah and Elizabeth and Mary and Joseph and Simeon and Anna, although they were probably too humble to actually claim being the faithful remnant—people like them knew all too well that the Lord had yet to grant them anything like authority and dominion.  That's what Mary's song, the one we call the Magnificat, is all about.  But here Jesus identifies himself with that vision.  In him the son of man is finally being granted that authority and dominion—that kingship that everyone thought of in connection with God's kingdom and the world finally being set to rights—and Jesus isn't just saying it or claiming it.  He proves it when he tells the paralysed man to get up, take his bed, and go home.  For the people there that day, this was bigger than just the Messiah.  Jesus could claim to be the “son of man”, but the son of man wasn't just one person, the son of man represented the whole faithful remnant in Israel.  We need to grasp the enormous hope embodied in those words of Jesus about the son of man.  It's not just Jesus who will take his throne.  He will.  But that he will take his throne also means that all the faithful will be vindicated as their enemies are cast down, and that they will finally share in that God-given authority and dominion.  So the people in crowded in Jesus' house that day recognised that in Jesus the Messiah, God's kingdom had finally come and that they would be part of it—not just as subject, but as kings and queens themselves.  Or to borrow from C. S. Lewis, the day was coming when these sons of Adam and daughters of Eve would once again take their rightful place in creation set to rights. This makes sense of another passage that often confuses people.  Twice Jesus said to his disciples “whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven”.  The first is in Matthew 16, after Jesus praises Peter for his confession, “You are the Messiah, the son of the living God”.  Jesus says to him and the others, “I will give you the keys of heaven”.  And in Matthew 18, in that passage about what we call “church discipline” and dealing with an unrepentant person, he repeats this statement about binding and loosing.  This is all “son of man” stuff.  Jesus isn't giving special authority to Peter alone because he's going to be the first pope.  In fact, he's not giving any special authority just to the apostles.  No, this is a gospel authority given to all of the faithful remnant, to everyone who by faith identifies with the Messiah.  This is a people who are not only given dominion or kingship—to rule alongside the Messiah—but who also share in his role as prophet and priest.  That's what this binding and loosing language is about.  As prophets, Jesus' people were to speak out against the sins of Israel and to rebuke her faithlessness, and as priests they were called to mediate the saving, the forgiving message of the gospel to the nation—and eventually to the whole world. This was good news and it explains why the crowds wouldn't give Jesus a break.  Israel's scriptures were full of promises, but so many of them had yet to be fulfilled.  Promises like Daniel's vision of the son of man.  Promises of forgiveness and of restoration and of dominion and authority.  Time and again, things would happen and people would think, “Oh!  This is it!”  But it never quite happened.  The remnant returned from their Babylonian exile, but things were never as they had been.  The Maccabees defeated the Greeks and established Judah's independence.  And for a little while it looked like the Lord's promises were on track to be fulfilled.  And then it all fell apart.  But the people knew that the Lord is faithful.  Time and again he had shown his faithfulness in Israel's past and they knew he would be faithful in their future.  Every year they ate the Passover and remembered the Lord's promises and looked forward in hopeful anticipation.  And now, here was Jesus, and he was actually doing the things the Lord had promised and he was doing them like no one had before.  They had faith.  They would be forgiven, their enemies would be cast down, and the faithful remnant—who were now gathering around Jesus the Messiah—in them the people of God would be restored and made new and would be the people the Lord had promised—a people full of his life and a people for the life of the world—prophets, priests, and kings.  The sons of Adam and the daughters of Eve would be forgiven their sins and would take their thrones and all would once again be right with the world.  This was good news! And Brothers and Sisters, this is still good news for us—maybe even more than it was for the people crammed in Jesus house that day.  In Jesus we see the faithfulness of God.  They were still looking forward in anticipation, but we can look back and see the whole picture and how Jesus fulfilled the Lord's promises and that ought to strengthen our faith and ought to give us reason to look forward to our future in hope, knowing that what God has begun in Jesus he will surely finish.  The world is often dark, we can feel small and alone, sometimes it feels like we're fighting a losing battle, but we can look back and see what the Lord has done and trust that he is faithful.  He always has been and he always will be. And this is good news because it tells us who we are.  I think that too often we look at passages like this, where Jesus talks about himself as the son of man and we forget that it's not just telling us something about Jesus.  The son of man represents a whole people.  Because Jesus has fulfilled the role of the son of man, that means that we his people, through our union with him, we have been caught up in that son of man identity, too.  Jesus has been given power and authority and dominion forever, and you and I share that with him.  It's authority to live and to proclaim the good news that he has died, that he has risen, and that he has come again and that he brings forgiveness and life.  And it's also the authority to speak as prophets to the world, to call out sin, to remind the world that the Lord will come in judgement to cleanse his creation, and to call men and women to repentance.  And hand in hand with that role, we have the authority of priests.  We're not only prophets, but priests, mediating the good news of Jesus and the life of God's spirit—mediating the redemption Jesus has made at the cross—to a sick world, desperately in need of forgiveness and life. Brothers and Sisters, think about that as you come to the Lord's Table this morning.  The bread and the wine reminds us of the forgiveness and the life and the hope we find at the cross, but they should also remind us who we are in Jesus.  We are Daniel's son-of-man people.  We are prophets, priests, and kings and we have been made so for the life of the world.  Seeing the faithfulness of God revealed in Jesus ought to move us—like the people that day in Jesus' house—to give God glory and there is no better way to glorify him than to be the people he has made us in Jesus and the Spirit, a people who live and proclaim his good news so that the world might see and know his faithfulness and give him glory. Let's pray: O God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts, that in his power we might be the gospel people who have made, that we might be faithful in making known your faithfulness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

Study Passage: Exodus 11:1-12:30The LORD said to Moses, “Yet one plague more I will bring upon Pharaoh and upon Egypt. Afterward he will let you go from here. When he lets you go, he will drive you away completely. 2 Speak now in the hearing of the people, that they ask, every man of his neighborand every woman of her neighbor, for silver and gold jewelry.” 3 And the LORD gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover, the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh's servants and in the sight of the people. 4 So Moses said, “Thus says the LORD: ‘About midnight I will go out in the midst of Egypt, 5 and every firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the slave girl who is behind the handmill, and all the firstborn of the cattle. 6 There shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there has never been, nor ever will be again. 7 But not a dog shall growl against any of the people of Israel, either man or beast, that you may know that the LORD makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.' 8 And all these your servants shall come down to me and bow down to me, saying, ‘Get out, you and all the people who follow you.' And after that I will go out.” And he went out from Pharaoh in hot anger. 9 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Pharaoh will not listen to you, that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt.” 10 Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh, and the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he did not let the people of Israel go out of his land. 12 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, 2 “This month shall be for you the beginning of months. It shall be the first month of the year for you. 3 Tell all the congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month every man shall take a lamb according to their fathers' houses, a lamb for a household. 4 And if the household is too small for a lamb, then he and his nearest neighbor shall take according to the number of persons; according to what each can eat you shall make your count for the lamb. 5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male a year old. You may take it from the sheep or from the goats, 6 and you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month, when the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill their lambs at twilight. 7 “Then they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. 8 They shall eat the flesh that night, roasted on the fire; with unleavened bread and bitter herbs they shall eat it. 9 Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted, its head with its legs and its inner parts. 10 And you shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn. 11 In this manner you shall eat it: with your belt fastened, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. And you shall eat it in haste. It is the LORD's Passover. 12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the LORD. 13 The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt. 14 “This day shall be for you a memorial day, and you shall keep it as a feast to the LORD; throughout your generations, as a statute forever, you shall keep it as a feast. 15 Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. On the first day you shall remove leaven out of your houses, for if anyone eats what is leavened, from the first day until the seventh day, that person shall be cut off from Israel. 16 On the first day you shall hold a holy assembly, and on the seventh day a holy assembly. No work shall be done on those days. But what everyone needs to eat, that alone may be prepared by you. 17 And you shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, for on this very day I brought your hosts out of the land of Egypt. Therefore you shall observe this day, throughout your generations, as a statute forever. 18 In the first month, from the fourteenth day of the month at evening, you shall eat unleavened bread until the twenty-first day of the month at evening. 19 For seven days no leaven is to be found in your houses. If anyone eats what is leavened, that person will be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he is a sojourner or a native of the land. 20 You shall eat nothing leavened; in all your dwelling places you shall eat unleavened bread.” 21 Then Moses called all the elders of Israel and said to them, “Go and select lambs for yourselves according to your clans, and kill the Passover lamb. 22 Take a bunch of hyssop and dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and touch the lintel and the two doorposts with the blood that is in the basin. None of you shall go out of the door of his house until the morning. 23 For the LORD will pass through to strike the Egyptians, and when he sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the LORD will pass over the door and will not allow the destroyer to enter your houses to strike you. 24 You shall observe this rite as a statute for you and for your sons forever. 25 And when you come to the land that the LORD will give you, as he has promised, you shall keep this service. 26 And when your children say to you, ‘What do you mean by this service?' 27 you shall say, ‘It is the sacrifice of the LORD's Passover, for he passed over the houses of the people of Israel in Egypt, when he struck the Egyptians but spared our houses.'” And the people bowed their heads and worshiped. 28 Then the people of Israel went and did so; as the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did. 29 At midnight the LORD struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of the livestock. 30 And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he and all his servants and all the Egyptians. And there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was not a house where someone was not dead.

These are not just stories — they're two true encounters with the afterlife that blur the line between grief and the paranormal. The first comes from Brooke in Michigan, whose parents both passed away — yet neither truly left. The night before her mother's funeral, Brooke dreamed she saw her mom standing over her bed, looking young, healthy, radiant — nothing like the woman who'd been exhausted by illness in her final days. Without speaking, her mother smiled… then reached out and gently touched Brooke's heart. Brooke jolted awake, convinced it wasn't just a dream but a goodbye from beyond. The second story comes from BG in Ohio, whose grandfather's presence lingered in the sweetest — and eeriest — ways. Hours after his passing, the scent of his long-discontinued cologne mysteriously filled the exact spot where he used to sit at the head of the dining table. A year later, during Passover, BG's father — who had no knowledge of a family inside joke about “Georges,” slipped into a strange trance and called a relative by the nickname only the grandfather used. Are these simply dreams and coincidences, or evidence that love really can reach across the veil? #TrueGhostStory #RealHaunting #AfterlifeEncounters #ParanormalExperience #VisitationDream #FamilyGhostStory #HauntedMemories #SpiritEncounters #EmotionalHauntings Love real ghost stories? Don't just listen—join us on YouTube and be part of the largest community of real paranormal encounters anywhere. Subscribe now and never miss a chilling new story:

John Strain | Recorded September 13, 2025

John Strain | Recorded September 13, 2025

These are not just stories — they're two true encounters with the afterlife that blur the line between grief and the paranormal. The first comes from Brooke in Michigan, whose parents both passed away — yet neither truly left. The night before her mother's funeral, Brooke dreamed she saw her mom standing over her bed, looking young, healthy, radiant — nothing like the woman who'd been exhausted by illness in her final days. Without speaking, her mother smiled… then reached out and gently touched Brooke's heart. Brooke jolted awake, convinced it wasn't just a dream but a goodbye from beyond. The second story comes from BG in Ohio, whose grandfather's presence lingered in the sweetest — and eeriest — ways. Hours after his passing, the scent of his long-discontinued cologne mysteriously filled the exact spot where he used to sit at the head of the dining table. A year later, during Passover, BG's father — who had no knowledge of a family inside joke about “Georges,” slipped into a strange trance and called a relative by the nickname only the grandfather used. Are these simply dreams and coincidences, or evidence that love really can reach across the veil? #TrueGhostStory #RealHaunting #AfterlifeEncounters #ParanormalExperience #VisitationDream #FamilyGhostStory #HauntedMemories #SpiritEncounters #EmotionalHauntings Love real ghost stories? Don't just listen—join us on YouTube and be part of the largest community of real paranormal encounters anywhere. Subscribe now and never miss a chilling new story:

His Hebrew name is Jacob. He was a close kinsman of Christ, and was therefore called, according to the Jewish usage of the time, his "brother." Some accounts say that he was a child of Joseph by his first marriage; others accounts say that he was the son of Joseph's brother Cleopas and his wife Mary, who was first cousin of the Theotokos. He took the Nazirite vows of one completely consecrated to God according to the Law, and from a young age he was called "the Just" by his people. He is called James the Lesser in Scripture (Mark 15:40) to distinguish him from James the son of Zebedee, who is called the Greater. The Apostles appointed him first Bishop of Jerusalem. It was he who presided at the earliest Council of the Church in Jerusalem, where he resolved the problem of how gentile converts should be received into the Church (see Acts 15). He wrote the New Testament Epistle, addressed primarily to Jewish converts to the Faith, that bears his name. About the year 62, he ascended to the peak of the Temple in Jerusalem on Passover, and there bore witness to Christ so effectively that the people cried out "Hosanna to the Son of David." At this, the Scribes and Pharisees, fearing that all the people would be converted to Christ, cast him down to the ground. By God's grace, he survived long enough to rise, kneel and pray, like his Master, "Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do." He was then clubbed to death by one of the scribes.