Podcasts about pesach

What would a comprehensive and rigorous regimen of Torah study look like? Suppose someone wants to really become a Torah maestro. What would be a fitting schedule of course work for them to become a well-rounded Torah scholar? Torah is the antidote to the evil inclination. How much Torah and how many Torah domains and disciplines must the person be immersed in in order to have the antidote fully administered? In this very interesting and different sort of podcast, we learn the principles of the two types of Talmud study.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –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 ★

As war rages in Israel and antisemitic rhetoric spreads in the media, Pastor Doug and Pesach issue a challenge to people of faith: will we stay silent, or will we speak truth in love — even when it's uncomfortable? This episode confronts the disturbing trend of Christian influencers embracing anti-Jewish narratives, and looks to Shavuot and Pentecost for guidance, unity, and spiritual strength.

The United States Constitution mandates that a nationwide census is conducted every decade. Other nations also conduct censuses. Censuses are common. Our parsha begins with a nation-wide census, the third census since the Exodus. But this census was highly uncommon. It was conducted completely differently than the way that any other census is done. When we probe the matter deeply we discover something absolutely profound. At the risk of over-promising, I highly recommend that you listen very intently to this parsha podcast. It will change your life.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –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 ★

2 sections- one can be mevatel dough prior to becoming chametz, Rav discusses moldy food found in bread basket on Pesach with unknown status and is based on when have a safeik between following majority use vs last use

2 sections- one can be mevatel dough prior to becoming chametz, Rav discusses moldy food found in bread basket on Pesach with unknown status and is based on when have a safeik between following majority use vs last use

We kickstart the Book of Numbers with a census of the twelve tribes of Israel – not including the tribe of Levi who is counted independently – conducted by Moses, Aaron, and the most distinguished leaders of said tribes. Subsequently, we read about the banners of the tribes and their assigned encampments, the transference of the sanctity of the firstborn to the Levites, and the designated role of each of the Levite families.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –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 ★

2 sections- debate about timeframe one must study laws of Pesach prior to it and related discussion of chronology in Torah, timing and need to say a "bitul" of chametz following the bedika

2 sections- debate about timeframe one must study laws of Pesach prior to it and related discussion of chronology in Torah, timing and need to say a "bitul" of chametz following the bedika

2 sections- various laws regarding the ownership of a non-Jew in an item (bechor, challa, chametz), requirement to destroy chametz before traveling dependant on closeness and intent to return on Pesach

2 sections- various laws regarding the ownership of a non-Jew in an item (bechor, challa, chametz), requirement to destroy chametz before traveling dependant on closeness and intent to return on Pesach

The laws of the Torah - all 613 of them - were conveyed by God to Moshe at Mount Sinai. This is explicitly conveyed regarding the first Mitzvah featured in the first of our double Parsha, the Mitzvah of shemitah, to allow the land to lie fallow each 7th year. When we examine the subject further, we find all sorts of connections between shemitah and Sinai. In this sprawling podcast, we discover the secret of shemitah and the imperative to aspire to angelic greatness.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –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 ★

Our Parsha contains some of the most difficult portions in the Torah, the Admonition. Our nation is told of the consequences of failing to adhere to the rules of God. The consequences are fierce and harsh. When this section is read in the synagogue, it is done quickly and in an undertone to prevent the congregation from lapsing into depression. But the Admonition ends on a comforting note: God promises to remember the covenant that He forged with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Notwithstanding our intransigent behavior and our betrayal of God, He pledges to ensure that we endure come what may. This podcast orients around a fascinating peculiarity in this comforting note. We discover the unique role that Jacob plays in our history, the difference between his Jacob and Israel personas, and his connection with Elijah, the heralder of redemption.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –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 ★

1 section- various sources for the issur chametz beginning on the 14th (and not just with onset of Pesach on 15th)

Jeremiah 30-31 are chapters often quoted and sung because of their beautiful images of divine closeness, renewal, and the posthumous figure of Rachel crying in prayer for the return of her exiled children. Dr. Malka Simkovich, who spent more than a decade teaching in Christian settings, always overlooked these prophecies as significant for the Jewish story, having long ago been adopted by the Christian world as the foreshadowing of their ‘new testament'  (Jer. 31:30-32). In this conversation, she highlights the importance of these chapters for the Jewish narrative in this challenging moment, and thinks out loud with us about what it means for the Jewish world to enter a new chapter of history, devoid of divine metaphors and full of embrace for one another. Dr. Malka Z. Simkovich is the Editor-in-Chief of the Jewish Publication Society and Visiting Professor at Yeshiva University's Revel Graduate School for Jewish Studies. She has written several award-winning books on Second Temple Judaism and hundreds of articles. Simkovich served as the Crown-Ryan Chair of Jewish Studies at Catholic Theological Union from 2014–2024, and speaks regularly to audiences across North America and beyond on topics related to the Hebrew Bible, Jewish history, and contemporary Jewish-Christian relations. This is a special podcast miniseries produced by Matan and hosted by Dr. Yosefa Fogel Wruble which will drop each week of the Omer counting between the holidays of Pesach and Shavuot. In each episode, a Bible scholar explores an iconic biblical text in light of the changing Israeli, Jewish, and world realities.

Heresies and idolatries come and go. The idolatry that titillated the ancients no longer excites modern men. The heresies that revolutionized the world a century ago no longer resonate. Any heresy is a repudiation of God, and thus is bound to vaporize like a puff of smoke. Falsehood cannot endure for long, and eventually all heresies dissipate. But a fixture of our world is the balance required to facilitate free will. When one heresy dies, another must take its place. Our sages tell us that the last heresy preceding the Messianic redemption is the repudiation of Free Will. In the third and final installment of my grandfather's chapter on Free Will, we study the nature of this heresy and the mechanism by which the good and evil inclinations are balanced.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –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 ★

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We all want to grow—to be more present in our learning, more focused in our davening, and more in control of our reactions. But the world is noisy. Our minds race, stress builds, and it's easy to slip into living by default instead of with intention. In this episode, I sit down with Rabbi Aryeh Siegel, author of Kosher Calm, to explore how a Torah-aligned meditation practice can help us reclaim the space where free will lives and real growth begins.We talk about the need for inner quiet, how stress blocks our avodah, and why the Lubavitcher Rebbe urgently called for a kosher method of meditation decades ago. If you've ever felt overwhelmed with life or longed for deeper presence in your avodas Hashem, this conversation offers clarity, wisdom, and practical tools to help you get there.For next steps to learn about Kosher Meditation go to https://koshercalm.org and order the book Kosher Calm: Meditation & Self-Help Tools For Health & Healing.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.

This week's double-Parsha closes out the Book of Leviticus. Parshas Behar begins at Mount Sinai, where the Almighty instructed Moshe to convey a series of laws to the Jewish people. The first is the mitzvah of Shemittah, the prohibition of engaging in any agricultural work every seven years. In two chapters in the Torah (Leviticus 26, Deuteronomy 28) we read about the positive consequences of obeying the Torah and heeding its laws; and the terrible, painful consequences of disobeying the Law. Though reading Parshas Bechukosai is scary and a tad depressing, the truth is that this framework is the secret to our nation enduring such long and painful exiles.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –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 ★

Can we trust the wife she did zayin nekiiim and went to the mikvah?  Can we trust their kashrus if they say things are kosher or they didn't make the utensiks treif? Does their food have a din of פת עכו"ם ובישול עכו"ם? Is the wine they touch יין נסך? Can we serve them food knowing they won't make a brocha or wah their hands – לפני עור? Things they cooked on Shabbos is it Assur like ?מעשה שבת If they have chametz in the house on Pesach do you have to get rid of it? Is it Assur because of חמץ שעבר עליו הפסח? Making Brochos if they aren't dressed properly? If they want to send the childrens to ireligous schools, camps etc Can you impose your chumros on your spouse? with Rav Yosef Shusterman – Rav Chabad of Beverly Hills – 10:22 with Rabbi Benjy Goldschmidt – Rav Altenu Synagogue NY – 37:38 with Rabbi David L. Seidemann Esq –Matrimonial Law Expert – 59:20 מראי מקומות   

Passover marks the Exodus from Egypt. But leaving Egypt was only the beginning of the radical transformation that the Almighty brought about. 50 days after the Exodus, the nation coalesced around Mount Sinai and experienced theophany - national prophecy, national Revelation - at the mountain. The whole nation heard the word of God and lived. This cemented the transformation of the Exodus. This permanently ensured that the nation will be servants of God, not servants of pharaoh. Passover and Shavuot are effectively two bookends of one mega festival of freedom from bondage. The days that link the two are known as the Omer days. What we do during these days will determine how much we benefit from the power of this festival.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –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 ★

Spiritual pleasure is vastly, infinitely greater than physical pleasures, and are completely imperceivable by bodies. Only if you work assiduously to develop a sensory connection with your soul, can you begin to taste it. The ultimate venue of spiritual pleasure is known as Olam Haba, the world to come. What about other venues of reward? What about Paradise, Resurrection, and the days of Messiah? How do those rewards featured in the Literature fit into the system of reward and pleasure of Jewish eschatology? In the third and final installment of Rambam's magisterial essay, we explore the other venues of reward and punishment.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –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 is a fun one. I laugh so hard in the middle I need a moment to compose myself. We go through some outrageous stories of the Rashbi that shed light on what we as a people should focus on to tear up any bad decree's in heaven. Along the way, my son shares an interesting thought and I drop a Major push to buy some Artscroll sets at 25 percent off!Here is my personal Link to buy those sets: http://artscroll.com/linker/rebari/link/Books/

The story of the first person to ever be executed in a Jewish court of law is featured at the end of this week's Parsha. An unnamed man, the son of an Israelite woman and an Egyptian man, blasphemed and was executed. When we ponder the story we discover all sorts of interesting tidbits. The blasphemer has a fascinating back story and his motivation to blaspheme is quite surprising. In this podcast we study the episode of the blasphemer and emerge with a powerful lesson that can make a big impact on our lives.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –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 ★

In this moving conversation, we explore the book of Numbers through the lens of a short journey to a promised land that suddenly went awry, in search of emotional guidance in the face of a war that has continued for longer than the Israeli public anticipated. What does the book of Bamidbar have to tell us about daily life in the face of fear? Why does living in proximity to God feel so scary sometimes? What was the greatest strength of the wilderness generation? This episode is dedicated in memory of Maj. (res.) Eliav Abitbol, a childhood neighbor of our guest who fell in Lebanon on Oct. 26th, 2024 and is survived by his wife, Tal, and their four children. Rachel Sharansky Danziger is a Jerusalem-based writer and educator, who lectures internationally about the intersections between Jewish texts, life in Israel, and the art of storytelling. In addition to teaching torah at Matan, Pardes and other, online, venues, Rachel is the co-editor of the recently published anthologies of prayers "Az Nashir: We Will Sing Again - Women's Prayers for Our Time of Need" and "Az Nashir: Between Silence & Song -- Women's Prayers for Our Days of Remembrance & Celebration" and is currently working on a book about family stories in the Book of Judges as a Sefaria fellow. This is a special podcast miniseries produced by Matan and hosted by Dr. Yosefa Fogel Wruble which will drop each week of the Omer counting between the holidays of Pesach and Shavuot. In each episode, a Bible scholar explores an iconic biblical text in light of the changing Israeli, Jewish, and world realities.

התוכן הוראה פשוטה מהענין דקידוש ה' וחילול ה' [כמ"ש בשלישי דפ' אמור "לא תחללו את שם קדשי ונקדשתי בתוך בנ"י וגו'"]: ילד יהודי צריך לדעת שהנהגתו עפ"י רצונו ית' אינה ענינו הפרטי בלבד, אלא עי"ז מתקדש שם שמים! ולהיפך, כאשר מתנהג באופן בלתי רצוי ח"ו, גורם חילול ה' ר"ל!, ומזה מובן עד כמה צריך כל אחד להזהר בכל פעולה שלו שתהי' באופן המתאים ליהודי. ובקשר לזה: בנוגע נוסח הברכה "חג הפסח כשר ושמח" מבאר אאמו"ר ש"כשר ר"ת כמוצא שלל רב", והיינו, כאשר ילד יהודי מקפיד לאכול מאכל כשר או שהנהגתו תהי' כשרה שלא תגרום חילול ה', עליו לדעת שזה "כמוצא שלל רב"!משיחת ח"י ניסן ה'תשמ"ה ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=13-05-2025 Synopsis A simple directive from the concept of Kiddush Hashem and chilul Hashem [as the verse states in shelishi of parashas Emor, “You must not desecrate My holy Name, that I may be sanctified among the Jewish people etc.”] : A Jewish child must know that acting according to Hashem's will is not merely a personal matter, but something that causes a Kiddush Hashem, and when one behaves in an improper manner chas v'shalom, it causes a chillul Hashem. Therefore, a Jew must be especially careful to make sure his behavior is fitting for a Jew. On a related note, regarding the Pesach practice of wishing each other a “Kosher and joyous holiday,” my father, who's birthday is today, explains that the word “kosher” is an acronym for “like one who finds great spoil” (כמוצא שלל רב), meaning: When a Jewish child is careful to eat kosher food and ensures that his behavior is kosher – and thus doesn't cause a chilul Hashem – he must know that it is “like finding great spoil.”Excerpt from sichah of 18 Nissan 5745 – to Tzivos Hashem For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=13-05-2025

Is free will limited or unlimited? What is the scope of free will? How much of our decisions must filter through that system of choice? How much can we actually accomplish if we set our mind to it? What is the mechanisms of ascending a free will ladder? In part 2 of our study of free will, we continue our exploration of fundamental concepts in free will, and learn about the transformative insight of the point of free will conflict.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –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 ★

Shiur given by Rabbi Bezalel Rudinsky on Dvar Halacha Pesach Sheni. (Shiur recorded for the app after a problem with the morning Dvar Halacha had a recording problem.)

In this episode, I share how my worldview began to shift once I realized I'd grown up believing that all cultures were more or less the same—that we were all just decent people trying to get by. But as I began learning Torah and Jewish history, I started to see that Judaism introduced something radically different to the world. To unpack this further, I invited Rabbi Ken Spiro, historian and author of WorldPerfect: The Jewish Impact on Civilization, to join me.We explore how values we take for granted today—like the sanctity of life, equality before the law, and social justice—weren't universal at all, but were introduced to the world through the Torah. Rabbi Spiro walks us through the brutal norms of the ancient world and shows how the Jewish people, guided by the concept of ethical monotheism, reshaped human history not through conquest, but through values. It's a conversation that deepens Jewish pride and clarifies our role in the world today.Buy Rabbi Spiro's Book - WorldPerfect: The Jewish Impact on Civilization 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.

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Parshas Emor contains a staggering 56 mitzvos, nearly all of them relating to either to the Kohanim, the priests, or to the Festivals, and the parsha ends with a very unusual episode that happened at Sinai.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –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 ★

What does it mean to truly live Jewishly? Join us, as we explore the profound, often misunderstood motivations behind the practice of mitzvahs in Judaism. Consider Shabbos: it's not just a day of rest commanded by Hashem, but also a precious opportunity for family bonding and digital detox that can transform our spiritual experience. We discuss how mitzvahs should be performed not merely out of emotion, but with a deep intellectual understanding of their divine purpose, ensuring that our observance remains steadfast and sincere.Have you ever wondered about the significance of wearing Tzitzit or the reasoning behind gender separation in congregations? We recount compelling stories like how tzitzit once saved a man's life, illustrating that while these tales enrich our connection, the ultimate motivation lies in fulfilling God's command. The discussion also highlights the importance of community wisdom over personal intuition, emphasizing that gender separation is not about inequality but rather about nurturing spiritual focus and preventing misconduct, supported by both Talmudic references and contemporary practices.Embrace your curiosity and let it fuel your faith! We celebrate the revered tradition of questioning within Judaism, illuminating how inquiry propels us towards deeper understanding and connection with our religious practices. In a world where questioning authority is often frowned upon, Judaism stands apart, inviting its followers to seek clarity and wisdom through thoughtful questioning. This episode encourages you to dive into your faith with open eyes and an inquisitive mind, empowering you to connect with your spirituality on a profoundly personal level._____________Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on April 27, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on May 11, 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.orgPlease visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!_____________#Halacha, #Jewishlaw, #Mitzvahs, #Spiritual, #Divine, #Command, #SpiritualMeaning, #Wisdom ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, we delve into the powerful declaration recited before counting the Omer: “For the sake of the unification of the Holy One, blessed is He, and His Divine Presence (Shechinah), in fear and love, to unify the name Yud-Key with Vav-Key in perfect unity, in the name of all Israel.”  This phrase encapsulates a central spiritual mission—to unify Hashem's name—and we explore how this idea is not only mystical, but deeply practical.From Pesukei D'Zimra to Shema, our daily tefillos are structured around this theme.  Drawing on insights from Chassidus, the Baal Shem Tov, Rabbi Nachum Ish Gamzu, and contemporary Torah thinkers, this episode offers a path to internalize that all is from Hashem—and ultimately for the good. By minimizing the delay between challenge and trust, between pain and perspective, we take real steps to unify His name and bring the world closer to the era of Moshiach.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. 

If you chanced upon sparring mates going at it, you may come to the mistaken impression that these two are enemies who want each other's throats. But the truth is, a sparring mate is helpful tool to improve your craft. The Almighty endowed us with a very helpful sparring mate to help bring the best out of us. At first, blush, this force seems to promote the worst in us. Upon close examination, we learn how this ostensible enemy is actually exceedingly good.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –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 ★

There is great confusion about what the ultimate reward for righteousness and the ultimate punishment for wickedness are. Rambam's magisterial essay is designed to provide clarity in these lofty matters of eschatology. In part 2, we learn all about the concept of spiritual pleasure. Our bodies are very finely attuned to experiences of pain and pleasure. We discover that our souls are equally sensitive to pain and pleasure, though our default distance from the soul makes us fail to perceive it in a sensory way. Spiritual pleasure is inaccessible by default, but there is a way to experience it. It will require very hard work, but just one tiny taste of it changes your life forever.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –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 ★

In this week's episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Doug and Pesach reconnect while Doug is in the heart of Washington, D.C. for a jam-packed week of advocacy and prayer. Doug shares his firsthand reflections from the National Day of Prayer events, the Israel Embassy gathering, and Israel Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill. But that's just the beginning. The conversation shifts to the pressing situation in Gaza, where Doug and Pesach tackle the question few are willing to ask: What is the endgame? With Israel gaining confidence in not just defending itself by conquering and occupying Gaza.  Is the world ready for an Israel that no longer plays defense? Should Israel become more comfortable with a permanent presence in Gaza? Doug and Pesach don't hold back as they explore the deeper implications of a shifting Middle East and what it means for Jews, Christians, and freedom-loving people everywhere. This episode is a powerful blend of current events, theological insight, and bold questions. You won't want to miss it.

Israel "Clappy" Clapman has gone viral on buses, in airports, and across WhatsApp. But behind the laughs and loud rants is a deeper story about Jewish life, hustle, and why our communities are drowning in pressure and debt.In this unforgettable conversation, Clappy shares:• How he became a Jewish internet sensation (without trying)• The truth about $10 donuts, Pesach programs, and frum spending• His top marriage advice• What it means to raise kids with values, not just vacations• His 5-job hustle to support his family—and the side hustles you've never heard ofWhether you're laughing, crying, or rethinking your next credit card swipe—this episode will leave you changed.

Our double Parsha contains many different mitzvos. In this podcast we study a set of mitzvos and a very interesting dispute about their nature. We discover a valuable and profound insight that can help us develop and cultivate our potential.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –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 one is pretty hard hitting. I didn't mean for it to be so intense but I realized how much I have personally weakened in my own Kedusha since I have moved from Israel and I guess this is the product of that! We talk about the famous Ramban of Menuval B'reshut hatroah in todays society. We find a hidden gem of a Ramban in Acharei Mot that teaches 4 levels of living for this world and the next. And a funny story in a pizza shop in Israel.

In this difficult but important conversation, we explore biblical texts that illustrate how violence against women correlates with a morally decaying society. This episode directly responds to the world's horrifying silence in the face of rape and mutilazation on October 7th and candidly explores why this is such a hard topic to face head on. Yael Leibowitz is a senior lecturer at Matan and other Torah study institutions and has a forthcoming book with Koren Press on Ezra-Nehemiah called Retrograde Revolution. This is a special podcast miniseries produced by Matan and hosted by Dr. Yosefa Fogel Wruble which will drop each week of the Omer counting between the holidays of Pesach and Shavuot. In each episode, a Bible scholar explores an iconic biblical text in light of the changing Israeli, Jewish, and world realities.

Free Will is a fundamental concept in our philosophy. People are endowed by God with the ability to determine the direction that they take in life. People are allowed to choose a path of righteousness or wickedness. There is a certain modicum of self-determination that the Almighty provides us with. In this mini series, we study a fantastic chapter in my grandfather's Alei Shur volume 2 which explores fundamental concepts in free will that will help clarify and demystify this important subject.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –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 ★

In ch.6 we read Cyrus' original memorandum giving the Jews permission to build the Temple. We shall focus on some of the unique features of this document.The Temple is completed on the 3rd Adar in the 6th year of Darius. It took 4 years to complete.The Jews - who still describe themselves as the "Captives of Yehudah" or possibly the "Returnees of Yehudah " - engaged in a celebratory Pesach and dedicated the Temple in a 7-day celebration.

This month's learning is sponsored by Bracha Rutner in loving memory of Anna Rutner. "She was a woman who was always curious about life. She came to the US in 1958 and learned English and made an incredible life for herself raising four children and seventeen grandchildren. She will always live on in our hearts and in the number of great-grandchildren named after her."  The Gemara begins with three structural questions regarding the Mishna. Why is Shevuot written right after Makkot? Why did the Mishna list all four cases that have two cases learned from the Torah and two from the rabbis, when in the context of Masechet Shabbat and Masechet Negaim (laws of leprosy), only the relevant case for the masechet is mentioned? Why did the Mishna begin with Shevuot, but when elaborating on the details, the case of impurity came first, and only after that does the Mishna move back to elaborate on laws of oaths? The Gemara explains in each of the four categories, what two cases appear in the Torah and what two are from rabbinic law. Does the Mishna follow Rabbi Yishmael or Rabbi Akiva? At first glance, it doesn't seem to follow either opinion as in oaths, Rabbi Yishmael holds one does not bring a sacrifice on oaths relating to past actions, and Rabbi Akiva holds that one does not bring a sacrifice if one forgot that the Temple was in that place or that the item was a sacrificial item. The first answer given is that each could fit with the Mishna if we adopt a different understanding of the Mishna. One could explain that the Mishna brings a list of two cases that are four, but not all obligate one in a sacrifice. This explanation is rejected since the Mishna also lists four cases for leprous marks and one is obligated to bring a sacrifice upon becoming purified from all four cases, and the assumption is that all four cases in the Mishna are similar in that way. The second answer given is that the Mishna follows Rabbi Yishmael and the Mishna refers to the obligation to receive lashes for an oath of expression that one did not keep intentionally, not a sacrifice for not keeping the oath because one forgot. This accords with Rava's position that one can derive from the verse about false oaths that one receives lashes for an oath of expression about something that happened in the past. To make this explanation fit with the Mishna, Rabbi Yishmael would need to hold that one receives lashes for a negative prohibition that to transgress it, one does not do an action, as the oath, "I will not eat," and one does not eat, does not involve an action on the part of the one who does not fulfill the oath. This raises a difficulty as Rabbi Yochanan holds like all unattributed Mishnayot, such as ours and he also holds that one does not receive lashes if no action is performed. To resolve this difficulty, the Gemara explains that Rabbi Yochanan holds by a different unattributed Mishna and they quote a Mishna in Makkot regarding notar, leftover meat from the Pesach sacrifice. However, this suggestion is rejected, as that Mishna can be understood following Rabbi Yehuda's explanation that it is a negative prohibition that has a positive way to fix it, lav hanitak l'asei, for which one is exempt from lashes.   

This week's double-parsha contains a smorgasbord of mitzvos. The three chapters of Parshas Acharei cover three general categories. First we read about the Yom Kippur sacrifices and procedures; then we learn about the prohibitions against the consumption of blood among other ritualistic and sacrificial laws, and the final chapter is oriented around the many prohibited sexual relationships. Parshas Kedoshim has the highest mitzvah density of any parsha: In its 64 verses, we learn 51 separate mitzvos covering many different areas of Jewish practice, including arguably the most famous mitzvah in the whole Torah.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –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 ★

Rabbi Kalish and Nachi Gordon sit down for the first ever live audience podcast at the Pesach at Bordeaux program. In this dynamic conversation, Nachi pressed R' Kalish on every point:    Why no tests in Yeshiva?  Why no expulsions from Yeshiva?  Why only show love to your students?    This conversation is the clearest, most powerful window into Rabbi Kalish's vision for Jewish education (chinuch) — and his answers will challenge how we all think about education. This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors: ►Blooms Kosher   Bring you the best Kosher products worldwide.   https://bloomskosher.com   ____________________________________________________   ► PZ Deals - Download the app and never pay full price again! https://app.pz.deals/install/mpp _____________________________________________________   ► Fresh Start Retreat   Fresh Start's intensive 7-day retreat is designed for men and women who want to understand, process, and heal from past wounds—and reconnect with their authentic self    Join us for 7️⃣ life-changing days of expert-led sessions and transformative workshops, complemented by a serene setting and gourmet kosher cuisine.

These days, it seems like everyone is a so-called activist. Activism itself seems to have morphed into something different; it's not about organizing communities or advocating for legislation, it's about blocking roads and intimidating anyone with a different opinion. This week on Rootless, Liel talks with three different activists, with two very different causes, who are doing activism right. First, he talks with Jay Ruderman, author of the new book Find Your Fight, who advocates for disability rights. Then he talks with Tuly Weiss and Pesach Woliki of Israel365, who will tell us about a little-known election, coming up in a few days and that we're all eligible to vote in, which is far more influential than most realize.

The process of diagnosing and purifying a person afflicted with tzaraas is long and arduous. But there was no avoiding it. It is prohibited to excise a tzaraas affliction. You must go to the priest and have him evaluate it. You must be quarantined if you are declared impure. You must undergo the long and complicated process of purification once the affliction heals. But there is one exception. In one instance, it is permitted to surgically remove the skin discoloration of tzaraas. In this Parsha podcast we learn all about the process of tzaraas and the deep and powerful lessons that we learn when from the fact that it cannot be excised, and from the unusual instance where that is permitted.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –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 ★

There are times in life when a person feels that not receiving what they desperately want would be the worst possible outcome. In such moments, they may cry out and beg Hashem for help, day and night, with their entire being. During this time, they find it difficult to enjoy anything. Their thoughts are consumed by the issue, and they can't imagine life without a resolution. Naturally, we are encouraged to pray for what we believe is best and to place our hopes in Hashem's kindness. However, it's important to recognize that sometimes, a person's mission in this world may specifically depend on enduring that very challenge. What may appear to be an obstacle could, in truth, be the catalyst for personal growth and transformation. By resenting or resisting it, a person may miss the opportunity to fulfill their unique purpose. On the other hand, if one can sincerely accept Hashem's will, even while continuing to pray for relief, they open the door to spiritual elevation. Acceptance does not mean surrendering hope. It means that as long as the challenge remains, one embraces it and strives to grow through it. A simple shift in perspective can often save a person from months—or even years—of stress and anxiety. A man recently told me that he was out of town for Pesach. On the last day of Chol HaMoed, he attended a shiur after shul, where the rabbi spoke about the seventh day of Pesach and how the splitting of the sea is compared to the miracle of bringing couples together. Chazal teach us that not only does Hashem orchestrate marriages, but He arranges all human encounters. Later that morning, as he walked down the street, an Israeli woman approached him and began speaking in Hebrew. He couldn't fully understand her, so he turned to another man passing by—someone he recognized—who was fluent and could interpret. The woman had noticed that this man was missing fingers on one hand. She explained that her infant daughter was born with the same condition, and she was overwhelmed with fear and sorrow for her child's future. Without hesitation, the man called over his wife and children and told her, "I am the happiest man in the world." He shared how he lives a fulfilling life—with a job, a loving family, friends, and a deep sense of contentment. He had never felt that he was lacking anything. His sincerity and joy radiated to her. She was overcome with emotion, nearly brought to tears by the chizuk he gave her. Until that moment, she had envisioned only difficulty and despair for her daughter. But now, she saw hope. She never imagined that her daughter could possibly live a normal life let alone get married and raise a family. She was in such misery over the past six months but now everything changed. She thanked the man from the bottom of her heart for his words of encouragement and her life is now changed. Nothing else changed from that meeting other than her perspective and that made all the difference. Hashem gave her the exact chizuk that she needed by meeting this man while he was away in her hometown. Yes, Hashem was once again Mizaveg Zivugim. We always hope to get what we want but we must remember there's a much bigger plan for us and the worst thing we could do is fight against the circumstances that Hashem puts us in. Everything we go through is to make us the people we're meant to become. This man said he sees so clearly the fact that he was born with a hand without fingers has made his life more meaningful and better in countless ways. We are always encouraged to pray for what we want but if we didn't get it yet we should happily accept the circumstances that Hashem has put us in.