Someone who has attained wisdom
POPULARITY
Categories
192 episodes with sages
83 episodes with sages
126 episodes with sages
55 episodes with sages
65 episodes with sages
52 episodes with sages
134 episodes with sages
36 episodes with sages
100 episodes with sages
38 episodes with sages
26 episodes with sages
48 episodes with sages
18 episodes with sages
12 episodes with sages
20 episodes with sages
38 episodes with sages
38 episodes with sages
33 episodes with sages
16 episodes with sages
13 episodes with sages
14 episodes with sages
20 episodes with sages
37 episodes with sages
13 episodes with sages
9 episodes with sages
8 episodes with sages
12 episodes with sages
12 episodes with sages
9 episodes with sages
27 episodes with sages
7 episodes with sages
16 episodes with sages
5 episodes with sages
10 episodes with sages
7 episodes with sages
14 episodes with sages
10 episodes with sages
7 episodes with sages
2 episodes with sages
8 episodes with sages
6 episodes with sages
6 episodes with sages
4 episodes with sages
6 episodes with sages
5 episodes with sages
7 episodes with sages
7 episodes with sages
6 episodes with sages
3 episodes with sages
6 episodes with sages
15 episodes with sages
5 episodes with sages
4 episodes with sages
4 episodes with sages
Sixty years ago Śrīla Prabhupāda arrived in New York City — not by accident, but by design. He understood that what happens in New York radiates out to the world. In this special episode Raghunath and Kaustubha are joined by Aditya Devi Dasi from the Brooklyn Temple to talk about the ISKCON 60th anniversary weekend — a full three days of festivities in the city where it all began. The Wisdom of the Sages community will be there. And as Raghunath says — when devotees gather in the spirit of service, they don't just attend a park. They turn it into a holy place. ******************************************************************** LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108 *********************************************************************
Sadhguru looks at what the fundamental quality of a Guru is, and how he is different from saints and sages. Conscious Planet: https://www.consciousplanet.org Sadhguru App (Download): https://onelink.to/sadhguru__app Official Sadhguru Website: https://isha.sadhguru.org Sadhguru Exclusive: https://isha.sadhguru.org/in/en/sadhguru-exclusive Inner Engineering Link: isha.co/ieo-podcast Yogi, mystic and visionary, Sadhguru is a spiritual master with a difference. An arresting blend of profundity and pragmatism, his life and work serves as a reminder that yoga is a contemporary science, vitally relevant to our times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sadhguru looks at what the fundamental quality of a Guru is, and how he is different from saints and sages. Conscious Planet: https://www.consciousplanet.org Sadhguru App (Download): https://onelink.to/sadhguru__app Official Sadhguru Website: https://isha.sadhguru.org Sadhguru Exclusive: https://isha.sadhguru.org/in/en/sadhguru-exclusive Inner Engineering Link: isha.co/ieo-podcast Yogi, mystic and visionary, Sadhguru is a spiritual master with a difference. An arresting blend of profundity and pragmatism, his life and work serves as a reminder that yoga is a contemporary science, vitally relevant to our times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Root Cause of the Churban Welcome to Daily Bitachon. Today, we are discussing the Churban Beit Hamikdash (the destruction of the Holy Temple). While the Gemara provides many different reasons and causes for this tragedy, there is one famous cause mentioned by the Prophet Yeshaya ( Yeshayahu ) that, at first glance, seems remarkably minute. Speaking in the name of God, the prophet states: "Yaan כי נגש העם הזה ( Because this nation has approached Me ), befiv uvisfatav kibduni ( with their mouths and their lips they have honored Me ), but libo rishak mimeni ( their heart is far away from Me ), ותהי יראתם אותי מצות אנשים מלמדה ( and their fear of Me is just a commandment of men learned by rote )." The prophet concludes that because of this mechanical, rote behavior, the Beit Hamikdash was destroyed. At first glance, this is difficult to comprehend. It seems incredibly harsh to destroy the Holy Temple simply because people are performing mitzvot out of habit. Even if it is a flaw, it hardly seems like a crime—let alone one warranting such a severe punishment. Nobody killed, nobody stole; they were actively serving God, they just lacked heart. It was what we call "lip service"—mouths and lips moving, but no heart behind them. The Death of a Nation To understand this connection, we have to look at how the Kuzari describes the Churban Beit Hamikdash . He explains that the destruction of the Temple was, in a sense, the death of the Jewish nation. When the Beit Hamikdash was destroyed, we essentially lost our collective soul. The Kuzari compares our ongoing exile to a buried body that slowly decomposes over time until only dust is left—which is the exact stage we find ourselves in today. We are like "corpse dust." It is a remnant that still originates from a living body—it contains traces of DNA and RNA, meaning it isn't a mere rock or a plant—but it is the leftover remains of a human being. Ultimately, however, it can be reconstituted. When a person dies, medical records might list the cause of death as heart failure, kidney failure, liver failure, or brain failure. The vital organs simply shut down. But suppose the root cause of all that organ failure was Hepatitis B. If you ask the ICU doctors why the patient died, they will list the organs that failed. But if you want to know what actually killed him, you might find out that weeks prior, he was sitting at a fair and someone sneezed near a cherry, contaminating it. The man ate the cherry, caught the virus, and slowly deteriorated. If you say, "Come on, cherries don't kill people," it sounds extreme and far-fetched—unless you understand how microscopic bacteria and viruses work. The same principle applies to the death of a nation. The ultimate catalyst is rarely something open, obvious, or dramatic. The final outcome is clear, but Chazal (our Sages) wanted to unearth the microscopic root cause. For instance, the Gemara notes elsewhere that the land was lost because the people did not recite Birkat HaTorah (the blessing over the Torah) before studying. That seems like a minute detail. It wasn't the immediate cause of death, but it was the microscopic beginning. That initial lack of respect for the Torah was the contamination that eventually grew into total system failure. A Fruit Peel Without the Fruit What exactly is so deeply flawed about lip service that it could trigger such a catastrophic downfall? In Shaar Cheshbon HaNefesh , the Chovot HaLevavot provides a famous mashal (parable). He explains that a prayer without heart is like a fruit peel without the fruit, or a body without a soul. A body without a soul is a corpse; a fruit peel without the fruit is an empty facade. The Parable of the Empty Fruit Imagine a man who wants to honor the king. He prepares a lavish bowl filled with the most exotic fruits imaginable: out-of-season watermelons, mangoes, pineapples, dragon fruit, and lychees. The king is incredibly excited. But when he cuts into the watermelon, it's completely hollow. He cuts open the mango, and it's empty. They are nothing but empty shells without any substance. The Chovot HaLevavot says that this is exactly what happens when we pray without heart. It is a shell. Our bodies are there, our lips are moving, and our frames are swaying, but we are not actually there. We have checked out, we are thinking about something else, and our minds are somewhere else entirely. This hollow performance isn't limited to prayer; it shows up across a whole host of areas. The Beis Halevi and the Chovot HaLevavot both note that the same thing happens with bitachon (trust in God). You can easily sing songs about bitachon , but have absolutely nothing shifting inside your heart. God wants the heart— Rachmana liba ba'ei . An external shell without internal devotion is worthless. The Already-Ground Flour Rav Shlomo Wolbe explains this concept using a well-known Gemara. The Sages tell us that when the enemy breached the walls and destroyed the Temple, a heavenly echo ( Bat Kol ) rang out and said: Kimcha techina tachanta — "You have ground flour that was already ground." The voice was telling the invaders, "Do not think you are the ones who destroyed the Beit Hamikdash. It was already destroyed." What does it mean that it was already destroyed? It means the Beit Hamikdash had already become an empty shell. The Shechinah (Divine Presence) had already departed; the building was just an edifice without a soul. And why did the soul of the Temple leave? Because the Jewish people were living without heart and soul. The physical state of the Beit Hamikdash simply mirrored the spiritual state of the nation. Practical Takeaway Being involved in mitzvot without heart is a profound danger. The Chovot HaLevavot dedicated his entire masterpiece, Duties of the Heart , to this single premise: we cannot suffice with just doing things mechanically; we must put our hearts into them. As we approach Tisha B'Av, we will be focusing heavily on this topic. If we want to know how to heal the Churban , it is wonderful to say we want to be vigilant against heart attacks and organ failure. But real vigilance means making sure our "cherries" are clean before we eat them. We have to work on these microscopic, early root causes—beginning with moving past rote behaviors and bringing our hearts back to our service of God.
התוכן א) הוראה לילדי ישראל ממ"ש בזהר בתחילת פ' דברים שפעם הלכו ר' יהודה ועוד כמה חכמים בדרך ופגעו בילד א', והילד למד אתם תורה ורזי תורה, ואמר ר"י "זכאה דרא" שבו לומדים גם ילדי ישראל תורה ורזי תורה וכו'. וע"י לימוד פנימיות התורה ש"לית תמן מחלוקת" מתחזקת האהבת ישראל, ועי"ז מתבטלת סיבת הגלות וכו'. ב) לימוד מהנהגות האריז"ל 1) זכה לרוח הקודש מפני ששמח מאד בעשיית המצוות. 2) הכניס בנוסח התפלה לומר קודם התפלה "הריני מקבל עלי מצות עשה של ואהבת לרעך כמוך". 3) הי' מכניס ידו לכיס ומוציא משם כסף ע"מ לשלם עבור מצוה או לתת צדקה בלי לספור כמה כסף הי' שם. ג) הצעה ובקשה מילדי ישראל: שמיום זה עד ט"ו באב יוסיפו כל יום בתורה, מזמור תהלים ובצדקה.משיחות יום ה' פ' דברים, ד' מנחם-אב ה'תש"מ להתלמידים ולהתלמידות שיחיו ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=17-07-2026 Synopsis (1) A lesson for children from the Zohar at the beginning of parashas Devarim: The Zohar states that Rabbi Yehudah and other Sages were once traveling when they encountered a certain child who taught them Torah, including secrets of the Torah. Rabbi Yehudah said: “Meritorious is the generation” in which even children study Torah and the secrets of the Torah etc. Studying the inner dimension of Torah, “where there is no dispute,” strengthens Ahavas Yisroel, thereby eliminating the cause of the exile. (2) A lesson from the Arizal: (a) The Arizal said that the reason he merited Ruach HaKodesh was because he took exceptional joy in doing mitzvos. (b) He introduced the practice of saying “I hereby accept upon myself the positive commandment to ‘Love your fellow like yourself'” before davening. (c) When he gave tzedakah and the like, he would put his hand into his pocket and take out money without counting how much it was. (3) A proposal and request to Jewish children: From now until Tu B'Av, children should add each day in Torah, Tehillim, and tzedakah.Excerpts from sichos of Thursday, parashas Devarim, 4 Menachem-Av 5740 – to children For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=17-07-2026
Dans un nouveau rapport, les Sages de la rue Cambon pointent du doigt le "tarif agent" des salariés du fournisseur, dont ils estiment le montant à "700 millions d'euros en 2024". Un "coût démesuré" qu'ils appellent à réduire, ce qui déclenche la colère des syndicats.Hébergé par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.
Dans un nouveau rapport, les Sages de la rue Cambon pointent du doigt le "tarif agent" des salariés du fournisseur, dont ils estiment le montant à "700 millions d'euros en 2024". Un "coût démesuré" qu'ils appellent à réduire, ce qui déclenche la colère des syndicats.Hébergé par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.
Meet nurse, educator, and author Dr. Carolyn Stegman. Her latest book is called "The Sages of Oak Place," a novel about aging with dignity, purpose, and rejection of a boring and lonely trajectory toward death. Through her fictional characters, Dr. Stegman explores the challenges of growing older along with the joy of living life to the fullest without regret.
A new mishnah! Handling the back legs of an animal, if a bone is broken, if the leg is intact... then kosher slaughtering renders the animal permitted for consumption. But where is the severing, with regard to the leg joint? And then the Gemara dives in, raising dispute on those same details -- whether the bone is broken, but the limb is not severed, how much flesh remains? Again, where is the break with regard to the leg joint?
What if the eleven books of the Hebrew Scriptures called the Writings sat around a table and talked with one another? That's the premise of Voices of the Sages: Old Testament Wisdom in Dialogue by Old Testament scholar and Cairn University professor emeritus Dr. Brian Toews. He describes the Writings as “a conversation-creating collection” whose arrangement prompts readers to see meaningful connections between them. In this episode, he joins Dr. Keith Plummer to discuss how these books speak to one another, their common theological themes, and how they contribute to the unified story of Scripture that culminates in Christ. Voices of the Sages helps readers see how the Bible fits together and exemplifies what we mean by promoting biblical integrity.
« Ce que tu as caché aux sages et aux savants, tu l'as révélé aux tout-petits » (Mt 11, 25-27)Méditation par la Pasteur Magali GirardChant final : "Il y a un trésor dans ma vie" de PraiseRetrouvez tous nos contenus, articles et épisodes sur rcf.frSi vous avez apprécié cet épisode, participez à sa production en soutenant RCF.Vous pouvez également laisser un commentaire ou une note afin de nous aider à le faire rayonner sur la plateforme.Retrouvez d'autres contenus de vie spirituelle ci-dessous :Halte spirituelle : https://audmns.com/pMJdJHhB. A. -BA du christianisme : https://audmns.com/oiwPyKoLe Saint du Jour : https://audmns.com/yFRfglMEnfin une Bonne Nouvelle : https://audmns.com/afqCkPVConnaître le judaïsme : https://audmns.com/VTjtdyaEnfin, n'hésitez pas à vous abonner pour ne manquer aucun nouvel épisode.À bientôt à l'écoute de RCF sur les ondes ou sur rcf.fr !Hébergé par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.
Daily Halacha Podcast - Daily Halacha By Rabbi Eli J. Mansour
The Gemara in Masechet Kiddushin (31a) tells that Rav Huna son of Rav Yehoshua made a point of always keeping his head covered, and he explained that since the Shechina hovered over his head at all times, it is appropriate to cover one's head as a sign of respect. This same Rav Huna is cited elsewhere (Shabbat 118b) as saying that he was worthy of reward for ensuring never to walk four Amot (cubits) with his hair uncovered. In a different context (Shabbat 156b), the Gemara teaches that wearing a hair-covering helps engender Yir'at Shamayim (fear of Heaven) and thus prevent us from sin. It tells that a woman was warned by astrologers that her infant son would be a thief as an adult. She understood this to mean that the boy was born with a natural inclination toward theft. In an effort to avoid this outcome, she saw to it that the child's head would always remain covered, so he would be cognizant of Hashem's presence at all times and thus stay away from sin. In addition, she fervently prayed to G-d that he would be righteous. Once, the Gemara says, when this boy was still a child, he was sitting beneath somebody's palm tree learning Torah, and his head covering blew off. He looked up and saw a cluster of luscious dates. Enticed, he ate the dates, which were somebody's private property – showing how a head covering helps protect a person from the Yeser Ha'ra (evil inclination). (Thanks to his mother's efforts, though, this boy grew to become Rav Nahman Bar Yishak, one of the great Sages of the Talmud.) Similarly, the Zohar (Balak 187a) teaches that one must avoid walking more than four Amot with his head uncovered, because the Shechina hovers over his head. The Zohar adds that this concept is alluded to in the verse in Kohelet (9:8), "Ve'shemen Al Roshecha al Yehsar" – "Oil shall not be lacking upon your head." The Shechina (divine presence) is compared to fire, and Misvot are the "oil," the fuel that sustains its presence in our lives. Covering our heads brings us Yir'at Shamayim so that we remain loyal to G-d's commands. The Zohar reiterates this point later (Pinhas 245b), citing the verse, "Melo Kol Ha'aretz Kebodo" (Yeshayahu 6:3) – G-d's glory fills the entire earth. We acknowledge and give honor to His presence by wearing a head covering. The Rambam, too, in his Guide for the Perplexed (3:52), emphasizes that the great Sages always ensured to cover their heads out of respect for the divine presence. However, as we know, there are many otherwise observant Jews (especially in our community) who do not wear a Kippa all the time. They make a point of wearing a Kippa when they enter the synagogue, but not throughout the day when they go about their ordinary affairs. Is this acceptable, or are these individuals failing to fulfill a Halachic obligation? This question depends on whether we regard head-covering as a strict Halachic requirement, or as a Middat Hasidut – a recommended measure of piety. The Maharam of Rothenberg (Germany, c. 1215-1293), cited by the Orhot Haim and Kolbo, maintained that Halacha does not forbid going about bareheaded, and the Sages who ensured to have their heads covered did so as a Middat Hasidut. This is also the clear implication of the Rambam, in the passage cited earlier, where he mentions that great Rabbis made a point of covering their heads – indicating that this is a recommended measure of piety, and not a binding Halachic obligation. The Maharshal (Rav Shlomo Luria, Poland, 1510-1573) drew proof to this view from a passage in the Midrash which emphasizes how Hashem deals with us far more kindly than mortal kings deal with their subjects. Normally, the Midrash comments, when a king's messenger reads to the masses a written royal decree, everyone is expected to stand, remove their hats, and listen with fear and trepidation. But when we read the Shema in fulfillment of G-d's decree, we are not required to stand and remove our head coverings. The Midrash here clearly implies that there would be nothing wrong with baring our heads – even for the recitation of Shema. The Shebut Yaakov (Rav Yaakov Reischer, 1661-1733) refutes this proof, noting that the Midrash later observes that Hashem does not demand that we hunt wild animals to bring them as sacrifices, but rather commands that we offer as sacrifices domesticated animals, which do not need to be hunted. Clearly, this does not mean that it would be acceptable to offer wild animals as sacrifices. By the same token, we cannot necessarily deduce from the Midrash that it is acceptable to recite Shema with our heads uncovered. Maran (Rav Yosef Caro, author of the Shulhan Aruch), in Bet Yosef (91), brings the aforementioned opinion of the Maharam of Rothenberg, that covering one's head is not strictly required, indicating that he concurred with this view. Elsewhere in Bet Yosef (46), however, Maran appears to imply otherwise. In discussing the blessing recited each morning, "Oter Yisrael Be'tif'ara" ("He who crowns Israel with splendor"), Maran explains that we are "crowned" in the sense that we, unlike other nations, are required to cover our heads. Maran adds that even those who maintain that this is not strictly required, agree that it is recommended as an act of piety. Here Maran clearly sides with the opinion that head-covering constitutes an outright Halachic obligation. Regardless, the Hida (Rav Haim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806) noted that in the Shulhan Aruch, Maran takes the position that covering one's head is recommended but not strictly required. In Siman 2, the Shulhan Aruch writes that "it is forbidden" to walk about "Be'koma Zekufa" – completely upright, appearing proud and overly confident. In the same sentence, the Shulhan Aruch writes that "one should not walk four Amot with his head bare." When it comes to "Koma Zekufa," the Shulhan Aruch uses the word "Assur" ("It is forbidden"), whereas regarding walking bareheaded, he writes simply that this should not be done. It would thus appear that although it is proper to wear a head-covering, this is not strictly required. However, the Taz (Rav David Ha'levi Segal, 1586-1667) writes that even assuming that head-covering was practiced in ancient times only as a Middat Hasidut, in modern times this has become a strict Halachic obligation. The Taz explains that since the Christians are accustomed to walk about bareheaded, doing so violates the prohibition of "Hukot Ha'akum" – following gentile practices. Hence, in the view of the Taz, one is required to wear a Kippa nowadays in order to avoid transgressing the Biblical prohibition of "Hukot Ha'akum." Hacham Ovadia Yosef disputes this claim. Based on the comments of the Mahari Kolon (Rav Yosef Kolon, d. 1480), Hacham Ovadia writes that one transgresses the prohibition of "Hukot Ha'akum" only if he does something with the specific intention of imitating gentile practices and resembling a non-Jew. If a person decides to leave his head uncovered in the interest of comfort, this does not violate the prohibition. Nevertheless, in a famous responsum in Yehaveh Da'at, Hacham Ovadia writes that nowadays, one is required to wear a Kippa, for a different reason – because this has become the "badge" or symbol of an observant Jewish man. By wearing a Kippa, one identifies himself as a member of the population of G-d-fearing Jews. Conversely, one who chooses not to wear a Kippa presents himself as being non-observant, thereby inviting suspicion, and for this reason, wearing a Kippa has today become an obligation. It seems, however, that this applies only in Israel, where the decision of whether or not to cover one's head is the clear marker of one's self-identification as religious or secular. Here in the United States, however, at least in some communities, this is not the case, and it is known that not all observant Jews ensure to keep their heads covered at all times. Therefore, while it is certainly preferred and advisable to wear a Kippa – and where a person fears antisemitism, he can wear a cap instead of, or over, his Kippa – one who wishes to leave his head uncovered has a basis on which to rely. (Indeed, in the school where I work, I advise the members of the basketball team to leave their Kippot off during games, because the Kippa would interfere with their playing; since the Kippa is not required as a strict obligation, it may certainly be removed for this purpose.) Nevertheless, wearing a Kippa when eating, praying, reciting Berachot and learning Torah is strictly required. Of course, one must wear a Kippa in the synagogue. In the presence of a Rabbi, it is proper to wear a Kippa in the interest of Derech Eretz (common courtesy). When a person wishes to fulfill the requirement of a Beracha by listening to its recitation by somebody else, he must wear a Kippa even though he remains silent, because he is considered as actually reciting the Beracha by listening to his fellow.
In this lesson from the Gate of Repentance (Shaar HaTeshuvah), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe presents the third source of inspiration for teshuvah: allowing oneself to be awakened by the wisdom, guidance, and rebuke of righteous people. One heartfelt lecture, one sincere conversation, or one moment of clarity can transform a person's life forever. Rabbi Wolbe shares a personal story of hearing a Torah lecture as a teenager that completely changed his perspective, awakening him to the realization that Judaism is not merely a tradition but a living relationship with Hashem. The greatest blessing is not simply hearing words of inspiration—it is having the humility to accept them and immediately begin the journey of change.A central theme of the episode is the Torah's emphasis on acting immediately when inspiration strikes. Rabbi Wolbe explains the significance of the Jewish people's declaration at Mount Sinai, "Na'aseh v'Nishma"—"We will do, and then we will understand." Likewise, when the Torah says that the Jewish people "went and did," the Sages explain that although the mitzvah itself was performed two weeks later, Hashem considered it as though it had already been accomplished because they had wholeheartedly committed themselves to fulfilling it. Hashem treasures sincere commitment. The moment a person genuinely resolves to change—even before mastering every detail—their decision is already precious in Heaven.The lesson concludes with an encouraging message for anyone seeking to grow in Judaism. Rabbi Wolbe reminds listeners that commitment comes before expertise. A person does not need to know every law before deciding to keep Shabbos, wear tefillin, keep kosher, or deepen their Torah observance. The first step is simply saying, "I'm in." Learning the details comes afterward. Hashem values a willing heart and an open spirit. Conversely, the greatest spiritual danger is closing oneself off to growth, refusing guidance, or ignoring opportunities for improvement. True teshuvah begins the moment we decide that we are ready to change._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky BotvinRecorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on November 24, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on July 13, 2026_____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.orgv_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #Repentance, #Teshuva ★ Support this podcast ★
In this lesson from the Gate of Repentance (Shaar HaTeshuvah), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe presents the third source of inspiration for teshuvah: allowing oneself to be awakened by the wisdom, guidance, and rebuke of righteous people. One heartfelt lecture, one sincere conversation, or one moment of clarity can transform a person's life forever. Rabbi Wolbe shares a personal story of hearing a Torah lecture as a teenager that completely changed his perspective, awakening him to the realization that Judaism is not merely a tradition but a living relationship with Hashem. The greatest blessing is not simply hearing words of inspiration—it is having the humility to accept them and immediately begin the journey of change.A central theme of the episode is the Torah's emphasis on acting immediately when inspiration strikes. Rabbi Wolbe explains the significance of the Jewish people's declaration at Mount Sinai, "Na'aseh v'Nishma"—"We will do, and then we will understand." Likewise, when the Torah says that the Jewish people "went and did," the Sages explain that although the mitzvah itself was performed two weeks later, Hashem considered it as though it had already been accomplished because they had wholeheartedly committed themselves to fulfilling it. Hashem treasures sincere commitment. The moment a person genuinely resolves to change—even before mastering every detail—their decision is already precious in Heaven.The lesson concludes with an encouraging message for anyone seeking to grow in Judaism. Rabbi Wolbe reminds listeners that commitment comes before expertise. A person does not need to know every law before deciding to keep Shabbos, wear tefillin, keep kosher, or deepen their Torah observance. The first step is simply saying, "I'm in." Learning the details comes afterward. Hashem values a willing heart and an open spirit. Conversely, the greatest spiritual danger is closing oneself off to growth, refusing guidance, or ignoring opportunities for improvement. True teshuvah begins the moment we decide that we are ready to change._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky BotvinRecorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on November 24, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on July 13, 2026_____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.orgv_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #Repentance, #Teshuva ★ Support this podcast ★
Episode Summary Can video review make better surgeons? Will artificial intelligence change the way surgeons are trained and certified? In this episode of the BOSS Business of Surgery Series, Dr. Amy Vertrees sits down with Dr. Matt Ritter, a 30-year Air Force surgeon, former Program Director at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, current Program Director at Indiana University, and national leader in surgical education through SAGES. Together, they explore the future of surgical training, video-based surgical assessment, and the growing role of AI in surgery. Topics include: Why surgical competency may need more than a program director's final evaluation How video review can improve surgical performance and resident education The difference between formative feedback and high-stakes competency assessment Why video recording has been available for decades but remains underutilized The practical barriers to implementing video review in surgical practice How artificial intelligence may streamline surgical assessment while preserving expert judgment Whether robotic surgery and AI will eventually replace surgeons Lessons surgeons can learn from elite athletes who routinely review game film Whether you're a medical student, surgery resident, practicing surgeon, residency program director, or surgical educator, this conversation offers an inside look at where general surgery education is headed—and what it means for the future of our profession. If you've ever wondered how we should measure surgical skill, improve technical performance, or prepare the next generation of surgeons, this episode is for you. About Dr. Matt Ritter Dr. Matt Ritter is a general surgeon, former United States Air Force surgeon, former Program Director at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and current Program Director of the Indiana University General Surgery Residency Program. Through his leadership with the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), he is helping develop psychometrically rigorous video-based surgical assessment tools that may shape the future of competency-based surgical education. In This Episode Surgical education General surgery residency Video review in surgery Surgical competency AI in surgery Robotic surgery Surgical coaching Residency training SAGES Competency-based medical education Technical skill assessment Deliberate practice Surgical performance improvement Want to build a career that's as intentional as your surgical practice? Join the BOSS Surgeons coaching community, where we teach the leadership, negotiation, communication, and business skills that aren't taught in residency. Learn more at www.bosssurgery.com.
Au Sénégal, le Conseil constitutionnel a invalidé la réforme de la Constitution adoptée par l'Assemblée nationale et portée par le Pastef, le parti d'Ousmane Sonko. Pourquoi les Sages ont-ils censuré ce texte ? Ousmane Sonko peut-il encore relancer son projet ? Le président Bassirou Diomaye Faye, qui avait lui-même saisi le Conseil constitutionnel, reprend la main. Il peut désormais défendre sa propre réforme et la soumettre à référendum. Mais en quoi son projet est-il différent de celui d'Ousmane Sonko ? Avec Léa-Lisa Westerhoff, correspondant permanente de RFI à Dakar.
התוכן נשיא דורנו התעסק בענינים של פועל ממש – לכל לראש לעשות טובה, בגשמיות או ברוחניות, לכאו"א מישראל מבלי-הבט על מעמדו ומצבו בתומ"צ, בלי לתבוע ממנו תחילה לחזור בתשובה וכו'. פעם שאלוהו מדוע מקרב גם אותם יהודים עליהם נאמר בשו"ע ש"מורידין ולא מעלין"? וענה: דין זה כתוב בשו"ע בסוף ח"ד – כשילמדו ויקיימו את כל מ"ש ב-1,700 סימני שו"ע שלפנ"ז ניתן יהי' להסתפק אולי דרישתם זו אכן באה מצד הקדושה... ובפנימיות הענינים: בעשיית טובה ליהודי מקיימים מצות אהבת ישראל בלי שום ספק, משא"כ התנהגות כלפיו במדת הדין ישנו ספק אולי זו באה מאיזה פני'. וההוראה: לכל לראש יש לעשות טובה בפועל לכאו"א בלי לבדוק מעמדו ומצבו הרוחני, ורק לאח"ז לדבר אתו דברי תוכחות ומוסר וכו', ורק כך יתקבלו דברי-המוסר ויפעלו פעולתן. כמשארז"ל שדברי התוכחה של משה רבינו לבנ"י "אלה הדברים אשר דבר משה וגו'" (כמ"ש בראשון דפ' דברים] באו "אחרי הכותו את סיחון וגו'" – אחרי עשיית טובה וחסד לבנ"י.משיחת י' שבט ה'תשי"ד ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=12-07-2026 Synopsis The Nasi of our generation focused on matters of practical action – first and foremost, to do a favor for every Jew, materially or spiritually, regardless of their standing and spiritual condition in Torah and mitzvos, and without first demanding that they do teshuvah etc. He was once asked why he focused on drawing in even Jews whom the Shulchan Aruch states should be “lowered and not raised.” His response was that this halachah appears at the end of Choshen Mishpat, which is the last of the four sections of the Shulchan Aruch. When a person has learned and fulfilled everything it says in the previous 1,700 simanim of the Shulchan Aruch, only then one can even begin to think about administering rebuke and punishment, and even then he must question whether the desire to do so really comes from holiness…. On a deeper level: when one does a favor for a fellow Jew, he is certainly fulfilling the mitzvah of Ahavas Yisroel. By contrast, when he relates to another Jew harshly and with judgment, there is room for doubt; perhaps he is motivated by some personal desire or interest. The lesson is that, first and foremost, one must do an actual favor for every Jew, without examining their spiritual standing and condition. Only afterward can one speak words of rebuke and moral instruction, and only in this manner will those words be accepted and accomplish their purpose. As our Sages taught regarding Moshe's words of rebuke to the Jewish people, “These are the words that Moshe spoke...” (as it says at the beginning of parashas Devarim): Moshe's rebuke came only “after he had smitten Sichon...” – after first doing kindness and a favor for the Jewish people.Excerpt from sichah of 10 Shevat 5714 For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=12-07-2026 לזכות בנציון מאיר הלוי בן חי' שרה שי' וויינבוים ליום הולדת שלו כ"ז תמוזלשנת ברכה והצלחה, ואריכות ימים ושנים טובות
Live from the Wisdom of the Sages annual Tuscany retreat, three questions that go to the heart of the practice. How do we deepen intimacy in bhakti without imitating it? How do you reconcile respect and resentment toward a teacher who gave you bhakti but also caused real harm? And how do we recognize what Krishna wants from us as our next step? ******************************************************************** LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108 *********************************************************************
Live from the Wisdom of the Sages annual Tuscany retreat, three questions that go to the heart of the practice. How do we deepen intimacy in bhakti without imitating it? How do you reconcile respect and resentment toward a teacher who gave you bhakti but also caused real harm? And how do we recognize what Krishna wants from us as our next step? ******************************************************************** LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108 *********************************************************************
Rabbi Akiba's Tears Parashat Matot begins with a number of laws regarding vows, including the authority given to a husband to annul certain vows taken by his wife. The Torah states that in such a case, when a wife takes a vow and the husband declares its annulment, "V'Hashem Yislah Lah" – G-d will forgive the woman (30:13). The Sages understood this verse as referring to a situation where the wife did not know that her husband annulled the vow, and nevertheless proceeded to violate it. For example, the wife declared herself a Nezira, committing to abstain from wine, and she later decided to drink wine despite her vow. As it turned out, she committed no transgression by drinking wine, because her husband annulled her vow of Nezirut. Nevertheless, she requires G-d's forgiveness since she intended to violate the vow. The Gemara (Kiddushin 81b) tells that Rabbi Akiba would weep each time he read this verse. He was overcome by emotion upon seeing that even a person who did not commit a sin requires atonement if he intended to commit a sin. If even such an act – which was actually permissible – requires atonement, then how much more so is a person held accountable when he commits an act that is truly forbidden. A deep explanation for Rabbi Akiva's tears emerges from the teachings of Rav Shimshon of Ostropoli (1600-1648). Ashkenazic communities have the custom of including in the Kinnot on Tisha B'Ab a lament for the Asara Harugeh Malchut – the ten great sages who were murdered by the Romans. The Roman emperor learned the law in the Torah that kidnapping a person and then selling him as a slave is a capital offense, punishable by death. He thus decreed that ten great sages must be murdered to atone for the sin of Mechirat Yosef – when Yosef's brothers committed this exact crime, selling their brother as a slave. Since this crime was committed by Yosef's ten brothers, ten sages were brutally murdered to atone for this misdeed. In truth, only nine of Yosef's brothers participated in his sale as a slave. Binyamin, the youngest, was home and thus not present at the time of the sale, and Reuben tried to rescue Yosef. Thus, this crime was committed by only nine brothers. Rav Shimshon of Ostropoli cites the Arizal as teaching that the Almighty Himself, as it were, was the tenth participant. He decreed that this should happen, and He thus "completed the Minyan," so-to-speak, joining Yosef's brothers in selling him as a slave to Egypt. Now the Kabbalists have identified the specific correspondence between the Asara Harugeh Malchut and the brothers who sold Yosef – meaning, which of the ten great sages corresponds to which of Yosef's brothers. For example, one of these sages was Rabbi Huspit Ha'meturgeman – a great Rabbi who was blessed with a loud, clear voice, and thus worked as the "broadcaster" who would help the Rabbis deliver their lectures. He corresponds to Naftali, who is described as "Ha'noten Imreh Shafer" (49:21) – the speaker of beautiful words. Rav Shimshon of Ostropoli taught that Rabbi Akiba, who was among the ten sages murdered by the Romans, corresponded to G-d, the tenth "participant" in Mechirat Yosef. This is because Rabbi Akiba taught that the Torah's command to fear Hashem extends also to Torah scholars – meaning, just as one is obligated to fear Hashem, so must one show reverence to the sages. As Rabbi Akiba equated, in a sense, Torah scholars with the Almighty, he was chosen to "represent" G-d as one of the Asara Harugeh Malchut. We can now return to Rabbi Akiba's weeping upon reading the verse in Parashat Matot, "V'Hashem Yislah Lah." Rabbi Akiba knew that he represented G-d as the tenth participant in Mechirat Yosef. However, he felt comforted by Yosef's own words many years later, when he explained to his brothers that he felt no resentment toward them for what they did: "Ve'atam Hashabtem Alai Ra'a, Elokim Hashabah Le'Toba" – "You plotted evil against me, but G-d plotted for the good" (50:20). Although the brothers intended to inflict harm, their actions actually brought great blessing and good fortune, as Yosef ended up saving Egypt and the entire ancient world by predicting the seven years of famine and ordering the storage of grain during the preceding years of surplus. Rabbi Akiba thus figured that he – as a representative of Yosef's brothers – would not be held accountable for the sin of Mechirat Yosef, because it in truth turned out to be a blessing, and not a sin. However, when Rabbi Akiva read the verse "V'Hashem Yislah Lah," he wept. He then realized that even if a person's actions ended up being permissible, nevertheless, he requires atonement if he had intended to act wrongly. Rabbi Akiba thus understood that the time would come when an accounting would be made for the sin of Mechirat Yosef. As we approach the observance of Tisha B'Ab, let us all work together to rectify the sin of Mechirat Yosef by striving to be kinder, more compassionate and more forgiving. If Yosef's brothers brought calamity upon future generations through their efforts to harm Yosef, let us correct this mistake by redoubling our efforts to help and bring joy to all our brothers and sisters, even those with whom we have disagreements, and we will then be worthy of our final redemption, Amen.
Q&A Live from the Wisdom of the Sages annual Tuscany retreat. How does a bhakti practitioner maintain boundaries with a parent whose behavior has been harmful — without abandoning dharma or their own wellbeing? How do you help teenage daughters navigate comparison and self-worth in the age of social media? And how do we balance codependency with the aspect of mercy — in the context of the guru/disciple relationship? ******************************************************************** LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108 *********************************************************************
Q&A Live from the Wisdom of the Sages annual Tuscany retreat. How does a bhakti practitioner maintain boundaries with a parent whose behavior has been harmful — without abandoning dharma or their own wellbeing? How do you help teenage daughters navigate comparison and self-worth in the age of social media? And how do we balance codependency with the aspect of mercy — in the context of the guru/disciple relationship? ******************************************************************** LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108 *********************************************************************
Live from the Wisdom of the Sages annual Tuscany retreat, Raghunath and Kaustubha take questions from their live audience. Four questions: When Krishna takes something away — is it punishment or love? How do you know if you're actually making progress on the path of bhakti? How do you stay Krishna conscious in a kirtan scene that rarely chants the Mahā-mantra? And how do we process the apparent repercussions of Krishna's Līlā in this world — Hiraṇyakaśipu was a devotee in a previous life, and yet he torments Prahlāda, kills brāhmaṇas, and terrorizes the universe. How do we make sense of that? ******************************************************************** LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108 *********************************************************************
durée : 00:23:00 - La Série fiction - Alors que Tintin et le capitaine Haddock s'apprêtent à partir à la recherche du trésor de Rackham le Rouge, un savant extravagant du nom de Tryphon Tournesol vient leur proposer un sous-marin de son invention. Mais les deux amis déclinent son offre. Vous aimez ce podcast ? Pour écouter tous les épisodes sans limite, rendez-vous sur Radio France
Live from the Wisdom of the Sages annual Tuscany retreat, Raghunath and Kaustubha take questions from their live audience. Four questions: When Krishna takes something away — is it punishment or love? How do you know if you're actually making progress on the path of bhakti? How do you stay Krishna conscious in a kirtan scene that rarely chants the Mahā-mantra? And how do we process the apparent repercussions of Krishna's Līlā in this world — Hiraṇyakaśipu was a devotee in a previous life, and yet he torments Prahlāda, kills brāhmaṇas, and terrorizes the universe. How do we make sense of that? ******************************************************************** LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108 *********************************************************************
Daily Halacha Podcast - Daily Halacha By Rabbi Eli J. Mansour
The Gemara (Shabbat 61a) teaches that if one is applying oil on his entire body, he should begin with the head, which is the "king," so-to-speak, of the body. The Rama, in Darcheh Moshe, cites Rav Abraham of Prague (d. 1542) as asserting that this applies also to bathing; when one washes his body, he should wash his head first. The Rama then proceeds to cite a passage from the Rambam which seems to imply that one may wash the rest of his body first, before the head, and that there is no need to wash the right side of one's body before the left side. However, the Kaf Ha'haim (Rav Yaakob Haim Sofer, Baghdad-Israel, 1870-1939) cites those who explain that since in earlier generations people did not bathe very often, no procedure was instituted for bathing. It is only when it comes to daily activities that we are urged to give precedence to the right side to symbolize the prevailing of Hesed (which is associated with the right) over judgment (which is associated with the left). Bathing, however, was infrequent in ancient times, and so the Sages did not institute any procedure. Nowadays, we bathe regularly, and so we should follow the proper protocol – washing the head first, and then the right side of the body followed by the left side. The simple manner of bathing, then, is to first wash the hair on the head, and then the entire right side of the body – the arm, torso and legs – followed by the entire left side. The Arizal, however, taught that after washing the head, one should wash the right arm, then the left arm, the torso, the legs, the private area, and then the feet. When one washes his hands – either for Netilat Yadayim or for cleanliness – he should wash his right hand before his left hand. Likewise, when drying oneself after bathing, he should first dry the head and face, followed by the arms and then the feet. When one gets dressed after bathing, he should first put on his Kipa before his garments, as the head should be covered before the other parts of the body. When undressing, one should remove his Kipa last, after removing all his clothing. And when one removes his clothes, he should remove the left side before the right side to show importance to the right side, just like one puts his garments on his right side before the left side (as discussed in a previous installment).
התוכן אבות פ"ו מ"ח: "הנוי והכח והעושר וכו' נאה לצדיקים ונאה לעולם . . אלו שבע מדות . . כולם נתקיימו ברבי ובניו". וצ"ל: 1) הרי "מאי דהוה הוה"! 2) איך יכול כל א' ללמוד מזה ש"נתקיימו ברבי ובניו" ש"מי ידמה לו"?! אלא זהו הדיוק שנק' כאן לא "רבי יהודה הנשיא" או "רבינו הקדוש" אלא "רבי ובניו", שמזה מובן שכל א' שהולך באורחותיו אשר הורנו והוא "רבי" שלו, הרי הוא מ"בניו" ("בניך אלו התלמידים") ויכול להתקיים בו שבע מדות אלו! וההוראה לכל א' מזה ש"כולם נתקיימו ברבי ובניו": בנוגע להפצת התורה והיהדות צריך כל א' הראוי להוראה – ובפרט עפ"י הוראת נשיא דורנו להפיץ התורה והיהדות גם לאלו שלא מבינים לה"ק ואידיש, ואפי' לקטנים שבקטנים – להיות "רבי" ולעסוק בהפצת היהדות! ואז מובטח שכל השבע מדות אלו ש"נאה לצדיקים ונאה לעולם" יתקיימו בו כ"רבי" (מי שבדרגא זו) או כ"בניו" (מי שבדרגא זו).ב' חלקים משיחת מוצאי ש"פ נצבים ה'תשל"ח ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=03-07-2026 Synopsis The Mishna states in Pirkei Avos states (6:8): “Beauty, strength, wealth, honor, wisdom, sageness, old age and children are becoming to the righteous and becoming to the world…These seven qualities enumerated by the Sages for the righteous were all fulfilled in Rebbi and his sons.” But seemingly, (1) “What happened, happened”; how is it relevant that these qualities were fulfilled in Rebbi and his sons? Moreover, (2) What is the lesson for an ordinary person from the fact that “they were fulfilled in Rebbi and his sons,” when an ordinary person cannot compare to Rebbi and his sons? The explanation lies in the Mishna's choice of title here – “in Rebbi and his sons” (rather than “in Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi and his sons” or “in Rabbeinu HaKadosh and his sons”) – which teaches us that anyone whose “Rebbi” is a Rabbeinu Hakadosh (by virtue of following in his ways) is included among “his sons” (“‘Your sons' – this refers to students”), and therefore these seven qualities can be fulfilled in him as well. Additionally: anyone who is fit to teach others must be a “Rebbi” and involve himself in spreading Torah and Yiddishkeit (especially in light of the directive of the Nasi of our generation to spread Torah and Yiddishkeit even to those who do not understand Hebrew or Yiddish etc.). Then one is assured that all seven qualities, which are “becoming for the righteous and becoming for the world,” will be fulfilled in him, whether as a “Rebbi” or as “his sons,” depending on one's level.2 excerpts from sichah of Motzaei Shabbos parashas Nitzavim 5738 For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=03-07-2026 לזכות צבי אבא בן חנה שי' לרמן ליום הולדת שלו י"ט תמוז – לשנת ברכה והצלחה ואריכות ימים ושנים טובות נדבת משפחתו שי'
There is a dispute between Rav Nachman and Ameimar whether a bird possessing a single sign can be permitted if one is not expert in identifying the peres and ozniyah. Rav Nachman does not permit it, but Ameimar rules that any bird with a single sign is permitted, provided it is not known to be a predator (doreis), as there is no concern regarding the peres and ozniyah since they do not inhabit populated areas. The characteristics of specific birds are defined, such as the white swallow (concerning which Rabbi Eliezer and the Sages disagree) and the sacrificial eligibility of birds like the tasil—which is valid before its maturity as a young dove (ben yona), but invalid if it has already reached maturity as a turtledove (tor). Rav Asi enumerates eight birds whose status remains in doubt ("eight doubts") because their gizzards do not peel easily by hand but only with a knife. A series of short Amoraic traditions is presented, identifying various birds as forbidden or permitted and providing mnemonic signs to remember which of them are forbidden.
There is a dispute between Rav Nachman and Ameimar whether a bird possessing a single sign can be permitted if one is not expert in identifying the peres and ozniyah. Rav Nachman does not permit it, but Ameimar rules that any bird with a single sign is permitted, provided it is not known to be a predator (doreis), as there is no concern regarding the peres and ozniyah since they do not inhabit populated areas. The characteristics of specific birds are defined, such as the white swallow (concerning which Rabbi Eliezer and the Sages disagree) and the sacrificial eligibility of birds like the tasil—which is valid before its maturity as a young dove (ben yona), but invalid if it has already reached maturity as a turtledove (tor). Rav Asi enumerates eight birds whose status remains in doubt ("eight doubts") because their gizzards do not peel easily by hand but only with a knife. A series of short Amoraic traditions is presented, identifying various birds as forbidden or permitted and providing mnemonic signs to remember which of them are forbidden.
The Mishna states that the four physiological signs of a kosher bird are not explicitly detailed in the Torah, but are instead established by the Sages. The Gemara challenges this assertion based on a braita, which indicates that these kosher indicators are actually derived through a comparison of the anatomical details of each type of bird—specifically evaluating the characteristics of the nesher (griffin vulture), which is listed as non-kosher, against those of the tor (turtledove), which is known to be kosher due to its role in sacrificial offerings. Abaye resolves this difficulty by explaining that the analytical comparison of the physical details between the tor and the nesher outlined in the braita is precisely the methodology employed by the Sages to formulate and define these diagnostic signs. Rabbi Chiya introduces a braita asserting that a bird possessing even a single kosher sign is permitted, based on the premise that only a bird structurally identical to the nesher—which lacks all four signs—is fundamentally excluded, along with the other non-kosher species explicitly enumerated in the Torah. The Gemara raises a difficulty, noting that one could argue the exact inverse: using the tor as the absolute paradigm, one could deduce that a bird is kosher only if it possesses all four signs. Since the other non-kosher birds listed in the Torah possess either one, two, or three kosher signs, the Gemara resolves the difficulty by explaining that if all four signs were universally required to render a bird kosher, there would be no logical necessity for the Torah to detail the other twenty-three non-kosher species, as their status as non-kosher would already be self-evident. The Gemara then proceeds with a series of analytical queries, asking why the halakhic paradigm should not be derived from those forbidden birds that possess three signs, two signs, or one sign, respectively. In each instance, the Gemara answers using a redundant-case logic: if any of those categories served as the baseline paradigm, the Torah would have had no need to explicitly list the remaining forbidden species that possess fewer kosher signs (simanim). The premise of the final query assumes that the peres and ozniyah (birds possessing a single kosher sign) could have established a binding paradigm were it not for the counter-example of the nesher. The Gemara immediately questions this, invoking the hermeneutical rule that two biblical verses teaching the same law cannot serve as a general paradigm (shnei ketuvim haba'im k'echad). Since both the peres and ozniyah share the same baseline characteristics, how could it be suggested that they form a general rule? The Gemara answers that they represent two distinct halakhic categories; one of them is completely unique because, within the entire biblical list of non-kosher birds, it is the sole species that possesses a specific, distinct kosher sign not found in any of the others. In conclusion, the ultimate paradigm is the nesher (representing the principle that a bird is kosher unless it shares all the forbidden traits of the listed species), and we do not derive the rule from the tor. The tor (with all four kosher signs) is explicitly mentioned in the Torah solely to indicate its validity for sacrifices, rather than to serve as a universal archetype for kosher birds.
In this episode of the Thinking Talmudist, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues the Talmud's discussion in Tractate Kesubos (68a), examining the Torah's delicate balance between compassion for the needy and responsibility in the distribution of charity. The Gemara addresses those who fraudulently portray themselves as impoverished or disabled in order to receive charity, teaching that dishonesty in seeking assistance ultimately carries severe spiritual consequences. Rabbi Wolbe emphasizes that Judaism is built on trust, integrity, and personal responsibility, warning that manipulating the generosity of others not only harms the community but also distances a person from Hashem. The discussion then explores the fascinating Talmudic definition of poverty. Rabbi Wolbe explains that the Torah does not require a struggling individual to sacrifice every possession or abandon their dignity before qualifying for communal assistance. While obvious luxuries should be sold before relying on public charity, essential possessions and basic human dignity are protected. The Sages recognized that preserving a person's self-respect is itself an act of compassion. At the same time, they insist that those seeking assistance must act honestly and never exploit the generosity of the community. The episode concludes by broadening the conversation into a discussion of human dignity, trust in Hashem, and proper priorities. Rabbi Wolbe contrasts dependence on wealth with dependence on Divine Providence, sharing personal stories that illustrate how Hashem provides in unexpected ways. Whether discussing financial aid, family responsibilities, or raising children, the underlying message is that while we must act responsibly, we should never allow financial fears to overshadow our trust in Hashem. True wealth is measured not only by what we possess, but by our integrity, gratitude, and confidence that the Almighty provides for those who place their trust in Him._____________The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn Talmud because it is in ancient Aramaic or the concepts are too difficult. Well, no more excuses. In this podcast you will experience the refreshing and eye-opening teachings while gaining an amazing appreciation for the divine wisdom of the Torah and the depths of the Talmud._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by David & Susan MarbinRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on May 29, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on June 30, 2026_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinking-talmudist-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1648951154Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0cZ7q9bGYSBYSPQfJvwgzmShare your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content._____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Talmud, #Gemara, #Kesubos, #Rainmaker, #Faith, #Emunah, #Honesty, #JewishWisdom, #Tzedakah, #Charity, #HumanDignity, #Integrity, #Honesty, #TrustInHashem, #Bitachon, #Emunah, #FinancialWisdom, #ActsOfKindness, #Compassion, #LiveWithIntegrity ★ Support this podcast ★
In this episode of the Thinking Talmudist, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues the Talmud's discussion in Tractate Kesubos (68a), examining the Torah's delicate balance between compassion for the needy and responsibility in the distribution of charity. The Gemara addresses those who fraudulently portray themselves as impoverished or disabled in order to receive charity, teaching that dishonesty in seeking assistance ultimately carries severe spiritual consequences. Rabbi Wolbe emphasizes that Judaism is built on trust, integrity, and personal responsibility, warning that manipulating the generosity of others not only harms the community but also distances a person from Hashem. The discussion then explores the fascinating Talmudic definition of poverty. Rabbi Wolbe explains that the Torah does not require a struggling individual to sacrifice every possession or abandon their dignity before qualifying for communal assistance. While obvious luxuries should be sold before relying on public charity, essential possessions and basic human dignity are protected. The Sages recognized that preserving a person's self-respect is itself an act of compassion. At the same time, they insist that those seeking assistance must act honestly and never exploit the generosity of the community. The episode concludes by broadening the conversation into a discussion of human dignity, trust in Hashem, and proper priorities. Rabbi Wolbe contrasts dependence on wealth with dependence on Divine Providence, sharing personal stories that illustrate how Hashem provides in unexpected ways. Whether discussing financial aid, family responsibilities, or raising children, the underlying message is that while we must act responsibly, we should never allow financial fears to overshadow our trust in Hashem. True wealth is measured not only by what we possess, but by our integrity, gratitude, and confidence that the Almighty provides for those who place their trust in Him. _____________The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn Talmud because it is in ancient Aramaic or the concepts are too difficult. Well, no more excuses. In this podcast you will experience the refreshing and eye-opening teachings while gaining an amazing appreciation for the divine wisdom of the Torah and the depths of the Talmud._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by David & Susan MarbinRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on May 29, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on June 30, 2026_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinking-talmudist-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1648951154Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0cZ7q9bGYSBYSPQfJvwgzmShare your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content._____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Talmud, #Gemara, #Kesubos, #Rainmaker, #Faith, #Emunah, #Honesty, #JewishWisdom, #Tzedakah, #Charity, #HumanDignity, #Integrity, #Honesty, #TrustInHashem, #Bitachon, #Emunah, #FinancialWisdom, #ActsOfKindness, #Compassion, #LiveWithIntegrity ★ Support this podcast ★
The Mishna states that the four physiological signs of a kosher bird are not explicitly detailed in the Torah, but are instead established by the Sages. The Gemara challenges this assertion based on a braita, which indicates that these kosher indicators are actually derived through a comparison of the anatomical details of each type of bird—specifically evaluating the characteristics of the nesher (griffin vulture), which is listed as non-kosher, against those of the tor (turtledove), which is known to be kosher due to its role in sacrificial offerings. Abaye resolves this difficulty by explaining that the analytical comparison of the physical details between the tor and the nesher outlined in the braita is precisely the methodology employed by the Sages to formulate and define these diagnostic signs. Rabbi Chiya introduces a braita asserting that a bird possessing even a single kosher sign is permitted, based on the premise that only a bird structurally identical to the nesher—which lacks all four signs—is fundamentally excluded, along with the other non-kosher species explicitly enumerated in the Torah. The Gemara raises a difficulty, noting that one could argue the exact inverse: using the tor as the absolute paradigm, one could deduce that a bird is kosher only if it possesses all four signs. Since the other non-kosher birds listed in the Torah possess either one, two, or three kosher signs, the Gemara resolves the difficulty by explaining that if all four signs were universally required to render a bird kosher, there would be no logical necessity for the Torah to detail the other twenty-three non-kosher species, as their status as non-kosher would already be self-evident. The Gemara then proceeds with a series of analytical queries, asking why the halakhic paradigm should not be derived from those forbidden birds that possess three signs, two signs, or one sign, respectively. In each instance, the Gemara answers using a redundant-case logic: if any of those categories served as the baseline paradigm, the Torah would have had no need to explicitly list the remaining forbidden species that possess fewer kosher signs (simanim). The premise of the final query assumes that the peres and ozniyah (birds possessing a single kosher sign) could have established a binding paradigm were it not for the counter-example of the nesher. The Gemara immediately questions this, invoking the hermeneutical rule that two biblical verses teaching the same law cannot serve as a general paradigm (shnei ketuvim haba'im k'echad). Since both the peres and ozniyah share the same baseline characteristics, how could it be suggested that they form a general rule? The Gemara answers that they represent two distinct halakhic categories; one of them is completely unique because, within the entire biblical list of non-kosher birds, it is the sole species that possesses a specific, distinct kosher sign not found in any of the others. In conclusion, the ultimate paradigm is the nesher (representing the principle that a bird is kosher unless it shares all the forbidden traits of the listed species), and we do not derive the rule from the tor. The tor (with all four kosher signs) is explicitly mentioned in the Torah solely to indicate its validity for sacrifices, rather than to serve as a universal archetype for kosher birds.
In this episode, we use the recent SAGES guidelines to tackle one of the most common and controversial questions in general surgery. Through a case-based discussion, our experts review the evidence for intraoperative biliary imaging, discuss strategies for difficult anatomy, and compare IOC with other imaging modalities. Join us as we translate the latest recommendations into practical lessons that can be applied in the operating room.Take Home Points: Routine IOC is supported; however, this remains a conditional recommendation that should be individualized based on anatomy, surgeon experience, and available resources. Use a selective approach to IOC in special populations, including pediatric and pregnant patients, where risks and benefits may differ. Alternative imaging modalities including ICG fluorescence and laparoscopic ultrasound have complementary roles. Routine IOC may help maintain surgeon and team proficiency, and trainees should learn both IOC performance and interpretation Hosts: Jason Bingham, MD – General and Bariatric Surgeon Nicole L. Petcka, MD, MHPE – General Surgery Resident at Emory University Guests: Emily Miraflor, MD – General and Colorectal Surgeon at UCSF East Bay, Senior Author on the SAGES Guidelines Kevin El-Hayek, MD - HPB and Foregut Surgeon at MetroHealth and Professor of Surgery at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Chair of the SAGES HPB/Solid Organ Committee Dena Shehata, MD - SAGES Guideline Fellow, Co-first author on the SAGES Guidelines Resources: Kumar, S. K., Shehata, D. G., Cetrulo, L. N., Ignacio, R., Chiu, J., Davis, B. R., McDonald, M., Bloom, M. B., Ayloo, S., Kchaou, A., Orthopoulos, G., Pucher, P. H., Oliphant, U., Hallowell, P. T., Serrot, F., Overby, D., Moreno-Paquentin, E., Slater, B. J., & Miraflor, E. (2025). SAGES guidelines for the use of intraoperative imaging of the common bile duct. Surgical endoscopy, 39(11), 7091–7102. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-025-12142-0 SAGES Safe Cholecystectomy Program - https://www.sages.org/safe-cholecystectomy-program/Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more. If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listenBehind the Knife Premium: https://behindtheknife.org/premiumOral Board Review: https://behindtheknife.org/oral-boardOral Board Simulator: https://behindtheknife.org/oral-board/simulatorGeneral Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-reviewTrauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlasDominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkshipDominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotationVascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-reviewColorectal Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/colorectal-surgery-oral-board-reviewSurgical Oncology Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-oncology-oral-board-reviewCardiothoracic Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/cardiothoracic-surgery-oral-board-reviewDownload our App:Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/behind-the-knife/id1672420049Android/Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.btk.app&hl=en_US
PINCHUSThe Mystery of Elijah the ProphetPinchas and Elijah the Prophet are the same person - the only individual in history to conquer death and live forever in this world. The Torah's promise of a "covenant of peace" to Pinchas is understood by our Sages on multiple levels, the deepest being that Pinchas himself became Elijah, the eternal herald of the Redemption reading supported by his otherwise-possible lifespan across hundreds of years in Tanach.
Rav Yehuda discusses the physical dangers of consuming chiltit (asafoetida), particularly on an empty stomach, which Rav Yosef expands upon by listing other hazardous foods consumed on an empty stomach. The Gemara notes that Rav initially permitted an animal whose legs had been severed because he verified that the convergence of sinews (tzumat hagidim) remained intact. Shmuel, however, cautioned him that the severing might have been caused by a venomous snakebite, rendering the animal forbidden due to mortal danger. Shmuel proposed a specific diagnostic test to detect the presence of venom; upon execution, the test confirmed Shmuel's suspicion that the injury was indeed the result of a snakebite. The Mishna enumerates the physiological kosher signs for animals, birds, grasshoppers, and fish. A kosher mammal must possess fully split hooves and chew its cud. While explicit kosher signs for birds are absent from the Torah, the Sages established four indicators: a bird must not be predatory (dores), and it must possess an extra digit, a crop, and a gizzard with an easily peelable inner lining. Rabbi Elazar b'Rabbi Tzadok adds another sign, noting that a bird that evenly splits its digits when perched on a rope is definitively non-kosher. For fish, the required signs are fins and scales, though the Sages debate whether multiple scales are required or if a single scale suffices. Kosher grasshoppers must exhibit four specific traits: four legs, four wings, two extra jumping legs (kartzulayim), and wings that cover the majority of their body. A braita asserts that any animal that chews its cud lacks upper front teeth. After addressing a series of difficulties regarding this rule, the Gemara clarifies that the absence of upper front teeth serves as a reliable indicator that an animal chews its cud and is kosher, with the sole exception of the camel (namely, a young camel). This anatomical indicator is practically valuable in cases where an animal's hooves have been severed, leaving no other means to determine its kosher status. To differentiate between domesticated animals (behema) and wild animals (chaya) - a distinction crucial for determining the prohibition of forbidden fats (chelev), which applies exclusively to domesticated species - a braita states that a wild animal is identified by its horns and cloven hooves. The Sages debate whether the horn alone is a clear sign or if both criteria must be checked. To resolve the anomaly of the goat and an ox, which possess both traits yet are classified as domesticated, the Gemara explains that the horns of a wild animal must be either branched, or layered, grooved, and rounded. The braita further notes that a single-horned animal, known as the keresh, is classified as a wild animal. This introduces a discussion regarding legendary creatures, specifically the keresh and the tigris. The Gemara recounts an incident where a Roman emperor requested that Rabbi Yehoshua ben Hananya show him the tigris. However, the creature's immense power caused widespread destruction from a distance, prompting the terrified emperor to beg Rabbi Yehoshua to return the beast to its place.
Rav Yehuda discusses the physical dangers of consuming chiltit (asafoetida), particularly on an empty stomach, which Rav Yosef expands upon by listing other hazardous foods consumed on an empty stomach. The Gemara notes that Rav initially permitted an animal whose legs had been severed because he verified that the convergence of sinews (tzumat hagidim) remained intact. Shmuel, however, cautioned him that the severing might have been caused by a venomous snakebite, rendering the animal forbidden due to mortal danger. Shmuel proposed a specific diagnostic test to detect the presence of venom; upon execution, the test confirmed Shmuel's suspicion that the injury was indeed the result of a snakebite. The Mishna enumerates the physiological kosher signs for animals, birds, grasshoppers, and fish. A kosher mammal must possess fully split hooves and chew its cud. While explicit kosher signs for birds are absent from the Torah, the Sages established four indicators: a bird must not be predatory (dores), and it must possess an extra digit, a crop, and a gizzard with an easily peelable inner lining. Rabbi Elazar b'Rabbi Tzadok adds another sign, noting that a bird that evenly splits its digits when perched on a rope is definitively non-kosher. For fish, the required signs are fins and scales, though the Sages debate whether multiple scales are required or if a single scale suffices. Kosher grasshoppers must exhibit four specific traits: four legs, four wings, two extra jumping legs (kartzulayim), and wings that cover the majority of their body. A braita asserts that any animal that chews its cud lacks upper front teeth. After addressing a series of difficulties regarding this rule, the Gemara clarifies that the absence of upper front teeth serves as a reliable indicator that an animal chews its cud and is kosher, with the sole exception of the camel (namely, a young camel). This anatomical indicator is practically valuable in cases where an animal's hooves have been severed, leaving no other means to determine its kosher status. To differentiate between domesticated animals (behema) and wild animals (chaya) - a distinction crucial for determining the prohibition of forbidden fats (chelev), which applies exclusively to domesticated species - a braita states that a wild animal is identified by its horns and cloven hooves. The Sages debate whether the horn alone is a clear sign or if both criteria must be checked. To resolve the anomaly of the goat and an ox, which possess both traits yet are classified as domesticated, the Gemara explains that the horns of a wild animal must be either branched, or layered, grooved, and rounded. The braita further notes that a single-horned animal, known as the keresh, is classified as a wild animal. This introduces a discussion regarding legendary creatures, specifically the keresh and the tigris. The Gemara recounts an incident where a Roman emperor requested that Rabbi Yehoshua ben Hananya show him the tigris. However, the creature's immense power caused widespread destruction from a distance, prompting the terrified emperor to beg Rabbi Yehoshua to return the beast to its place.
Daily Halacha Podcast - Daily Halacha By Rabbi Eli J. Mansour
It is incumbent upon observant Jews to always appear well-kempt and dignified. Nowadays, this applies to all observant Jews. As representatives of the Torah, we all bear the obligation to look respectable in order to reflect positively on the Torah. An observant Jew must not walk about with stained clothing, scuffed shoes, or a foul odor. People who encounter a religious Jew who appears this way lose respect for the Torah, and reach the conclusion that the Torah does not encourage self-dignity. In fact, the Sages teach (Shabbat 114a) that if a Torah scholar has "Rabab" – dirt – on his garment, then he is deserving of death, because he misrepresents the Torah. I had the privilege of knowing Rav Chaim Kreiswirth (1918-2001), the Chief Rabbi of Antwerp who frequently visited Israel. He was a towering spiritual giant, who mastered the entire Talmud. I saw him once take out a pocket mirror and comb before getting out of a car, to groom himself. He explained that the windows were open during the trip, and his hair and beard became disheveled. He therefore made sure to groom himself so he looked presentable before getting out of the car. Another example that I personally witnessed was the time when I went with a group of students to the home of Rav Chaim Brim (1922-2002) in Jerusalem, for a Torah class, after which we wanted to take a group picture with him. He did not allow the picture to be taken until he first straightened up the room and made sure he looked presentable. He wanted to ensure that people who looked at this picture would not see him unkempt or his home untidy. Hacham Ovadia Yosef, in Yehaveh Da'at, addressed the question of whether or not it is acceptable for a man to use a mirror. The Gemara teaches that a man should not use a mirror, as this is something that women do, and is considered vanity for men. Nevertheless, Hacham Ovadia ruled that nowadays it is specifically a Misva for men to use a mirror to ensure that they look presentable and thereby make a Kiddush Hashem (glorification of G-d's Name). Rav Yissachar Frand (contemporary) shared that when he traveled with his Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Yaakov Ruderman (1900-1987), to fundraise, and they would pass through the train station, Rav Ruderman would have his shoes shined in order that he would look presentable when meeting with the donors. Just as an observant Jew must dress in a dignified manner, he must conduct himself in a dignified manner. This includes eating neatly and patiently. Needless to say, this applies to both men and women. Women must dress not only modestly, but also respectably so they appear dignified. Earlier, we noted the Gemara's teaching that a Torah scholar with a "Rabab" – stain – on his clothing is deserving of death. An alternate reading of this teaching has been suggested, based on the Gematria of the word "Rebab" (204), which is the same Gematria as the word "Sadik." The Gemara thus perhaps refers to a scholar who "wears" piety on his clothing, who shows himself to be more righteous than he really is. Just as it is wrong to appear unkempt and undignified, so it is wrong to appear greater and holier than one actually is. One who projects a false impression of piety is also deserving of death, as he deceives people in an effort to earn their respect and admiration. Finally, a Torah scholar should wear neither very expensive clothing, nor very cheap clothing. He must appear respectable, but should not appear as though he wastes large amounts of money on costly attire.
This episode begins with a sober heart. A dear member of the Wisdom of the Sages community was caught in the middle of the earthquake that struck Caracas — calling from the nineteenth floor of her building as it shook, then silence, then a single word: evacuating. In a city already crushed by corruption, inflation and instability, thousands are now without safe shelter, food or water. Raghunath and Kaustubha open the show with prayers, reflections on the fragility of our bubble of safety, and the one thing that holds when everything else gives way. Then they enter one of the most treasured verses in all the Bhagavatam — sung by the gopīs in separation – explaining that Krishna's words and the descriptions of His activities are the life and soul of those suffering in this material world. Srimad Bhagavatam 10.31.3-9 ******************************************************************** LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108 *********************************************************************
This episode begins with a sober heart. A dear member of the Wisdom of the Sages community was caught in the middle of the earthquake that struck Caracas — calling from the nineteenth floor of her building as it shook, then silence, then a single word: evacuating. In a city already crushed by corruption, inflation and instability, thousands are now without safe shelter, food or water. Raghunath and Kaustubha open the show with prayers, reflections on the fragility of our bubble of safety, and the one thing that holds when everything else gives way. Then they enter one of the most treasured verses in all the Bhagavatam — sung by the gopīs in separation – explaining that Krishna's words and the descriptions of His activities are the life and soul of those suffering in this material world. Srimad Bhagavatam 10.31.3-9 ******************************************************************** LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108 *********************************************************************
Pictures Rava raises several difficulties against Rav Nachman's position that the term "until" implies up to but not including the final value. However, it concludes that the exact meaning depends on the specific context as one must always rule stringently with requisite amounts (shiurim), with the sole exception of a single requisite amount regarding the laws of niddah. Regarding some of the cases enumerated as kosher in the Mishna (if the spleen and kidneys are removed, or the lungs shrivel up out of fear), the Sages qualify and restrict the specific parameters under which the animal is permitted. Rabbi Meir and the Sages disagree regarding a skinned animal (geludah), where the skin has been entirely removed. Rabbi Shimon ben Elazar notes, however, that Rabbi Meir ultimately retracted his position and conceded to the view of the Sages.
Rav Bibi bar Abaye rules that although a standard hole in the windpipe requires the size of an issar (a coin), its clawing measurement (of redness) is a minimal amount, because the predator's venom burns and consumes the tissue continuously. Regarding the scope of the inspection required due to concern for venom, Rav Nachman testifies in the name of Rav that one must inspect from the base of the brain to the thigh, and not only adjacent to the intestines (as some hold). In an interesting story, Rabbi Yochanan defends the supreme authority of Rav against the queries of Reish Lakish, and consequently, Reish Lakish praises a different tradition of Rav, according to which an animal whose organs (simanim) were dislocated and was subsequently slaughtered is kosher. It was established that new cases of treifot may not be added beyond those enumerated by the Sages, even if these injuries cause the death of the animal. The Mishna enumerates structural defects that leave the animal kosher, including a windpipe that was perforated less than the size of an Italian issar, a brain membrane that was not punctured, and a liver of which a remains. This list gives rise to a fundamental dispute between Rabbi Yochanan and Reish Lakish regarding the scope of the lists in this chapter, which affects their approach to the ruling of Rav Matna, who rules that a femur bone that dislocated is a treifa. Rabbi Yochanan declares the animal kosher because the case was omitted from the exclusive list of treifot, while Reish Lakish rules it a treifa because it is absent from the exclusive list of kosher defects. For the Babylonians, they defined that the size of the isser is similar to a Kurdish dinar, and the Gemara brings a story following this involving Rabbi Yochanan who went to a moneychanger looking for this coin,and told the moneychanger that craftsmen engaged in their work are legally exempt from standing before Torah scholars. How does this differ from craftsmen who would stand up and greet those Jews who were bringing their first fruits to the Temple? Rav Nachman said that "up to an issar" it is not a treifa means up to but not including that size. Rava brings a series of difficulties against his view, but Rav Nachman answers them.
Sages for the Ages | 2 Kings 5 Happy Father's Day. This week's message is for every person who has — or has had — an old man in their life worth celebrating. And for those who are becoming that person for someone else. We open in 1 Samuel 2:31, where God delivers a sobering warning to Eli the priest: there will no longer be an old man in your house. Eli was good in many ways, but he was passive where he needed to be decisive. His failure to correct his sons set off a chain reaction that God promised would echo for generations. The message of today isn't condemnation — it's a celebration. A celebration of the fathers, the grandfathers, the elders, the sages who stayed. Who may not have had much to say, but when they spoke, you listened. Who handed you a silver dollar from a jar when you were a child, and you never forgot it. Who told you things you didn't understand then, but needed desperately later — because wisdom is something you deposit in you before you need it. We trace the consequences of rejecting elder wisdom through the life of King Rehoboam, who stood at a crossroads with Solomon's own counselors on one side and his college friends on the other — and chose wrong. What followed divided a kingdom. And we close with this: you cannot live right unless you love right. The world needs leaders who carry the wisdom of God, the love of Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Today's Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:31 | Deuteronomy 32:7 | 1 Kings 12:6–14 | Ecclesiastes 7:12 | Psalm 90:12
Daily Halacha Podcast - Daily Halacha By Rabbi Eli J. Mansour
There are certain sections from the Torah that some communities have the custom of reciting each day. These include the verses in Parashat Ki-Tisa that speak of the Kiyor (the faucet in the Bet Ha'mikdash from which the Kohanim would wash); the verses in Parashat Sav that speak of the Terumat Ha'deshen (the daily removal of ashes from the top of the altar); and the verses in Parashat Tesaveh and Parashat Ki-Tisa that speak of the Ketoret (incense offering). Sephardic custom, however, following the teachings of the Arizal, is not to recite these sections from the Torah as part of the daily prayer service. Although we recite the verses of the Tamid (the daily sacrifice in the Bet Ha'mikdash), and the section from the Gemara that discusses the Ketoret, we do not recite this section. (In some communities, the Kohanim read the section of the Kiyor each day.) Many have the custom to recite the text called "Perek Shira" each day. This text speaks about the praises that the various animals sing to Hashem. Some women, in particular, recite a portion of Perek Shira each day, completing it over the course of the week, whereas others recite the entire text every day. The Sages teach that "Kol Ha'osek Be'Perek Shira" – "whoever involves himself in Perek Shira" – is guaranteed a share in the world to come, and will succeed in remembering the Torah that he studies. Notably, the Sages speak not of someone who "recites" Perek Shira, but rather of someone who "involves himself" in this text. To reap the benefits offered by Perek Shira, it does not suffice to simply mouth the words. One must understand what he is saying and reflect on the fact that even the animals give praise to Hashem – showing us that we, who recognize Hashem's greatness and kindness far more than the animals, certainly have the obligation to constantly give praise to G-d.
Rav Nachman identifies two types of fat on the stomach: bar chimtza, which can effectively seal a perforation, and chimtza, which cannot. To clarify which specific fat constitutes bar chimtza, the Gemara cites an independent statement by Rav Nachman regarding a halakhic dispute between the Sages of the Land of Israel and those of the Diaspora. Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel rules that if internal mucus seals a perforation in the intestines, the animal is not a treifa. Rabbi Yochanan is cited as ruling in accordance with Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel on this issue and on an unrelated matter regarding mourning - that if a mourner returns home toward the end of shiva, they may conclude their mourning period alongside the other family members, provided they were not far away when the death occured. A discussion follows regarding whether the final halakha follows Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel on one or both of these issues. To determine whether a perforation occurred before or after the shechita, a practical test can be performed by creating a comparable post-mortem puncture to observe and compare the tissue's reaction. Different sages note that this testing method is applicable to the intestines, lung, and windpipe; however, some outline specific limitations to this procedure. The Mishna distinguishes between the laws of the keres hapnimi (inner stomach), where a perforation of any size renders the animal a treifa, and the keres hachitzona (outer stomach), which requires a rupture across the majority of its area to disqualify the animal. The Gemara presents seven distinct interpretations to identify precisely which anatomical section constitutes the inner stomach. Rabbi Yehuda's dissenting opinion regarding the outer stomach is explained to mean that a perforation of either a tefach (handbreadth) or a majority of the area will render the animal a treifa.
The Gemara explores the halakhic distinction between finding a needle embedded within the wall of the beit hakosot (reticulum) versus inside the liver. In the liver, the orientation of the needle indicates its trajectory, allowing the Sages to determine whether it caused a disqualifying perforation. Conversely, in the beit hakosot, the orientation is inconclusive, as the movement of food within the stomach could have pushed the needle out. When a perforation is discovered, it may be uncertain whether the puncture occurred before or after the shechita (ritual slaughter). The Sages present differing opinions regarding whether it can be assumed to have happened after the shechita in order to permit the animal. Rabbi Yishmael and Rabbi Akiva dispute two unrelated matters: the status of certain fats (chelev) on the stomach as either permitted or forbidden, and the interpretation of the phrase "and I will bless them" in Birkat Kohanim (the Priestly Blessing)—specifically, whether God's blessing is directed toward the Kohanim or toward the Jewish people. The Gemara delineates which internal fats are sticky enough to serve as an effective seal over a tear, preventing it from rendering the animal a treifa. In this context, the Sages evaluate whether to rule leniently based on the overarching principle that the Torah has compassion for the financial resources of the Jewish people.
Daily Halacha Podcast - Daily Halacha By Rabbi Eli J. Mansour
The Gemara (Berachot 12) tells that some Sages considered instituting the daily recitation of the Aseret Ha'diberot (Ten Commandments), but this was not done because of the heretics. Rashi explains that there those who spread the heretical belief that only the Ten Commandments are binding, while the rest of the Torah does not need to be observed. Reciting the Aseret Ha'diberot each day would be misunderstood as reinforcing this belief, implying that only these are the obligatory laws. Therefore, the Sages decided against incorporating the Ten Commandments into the daily prayer service. Surprisingly, the Tur writes that one may recite the Aseret Ha'diberot each day if he so wishes. The Bet Yosef explains that although the Gemara concluded that this should not be done, the Gemara refers only to the congregational prayer service. If the Ten Commandments are read each day publicly as part of the congregational Tefila, this might embolden the heretics, but if someone wishes to recite this text each day privately, he may. In fact, the Bet Yosef adds, it is commendable to recite the Ten Commandments each day, to strengthen one's faith in the Revelation at Sinai. The Shulhan Aruch rules accordingly, and the Rama clarifies that this applies only to a private recitation by an individual. By contrast, the Maharshal (Rav Shlomo Luria, Poland, 1510-1573) wrote that it is permissible even to include the Ten Commandments as part of the congregational prayer, and that this was his community's practice. He explained that the Gemara discouraged reading the Aseret Ha'diberot together with Shema, but this section may be recited by the congregation at other points during the prayer service. The Maharshal said that his congregation recited it each day before Baruch She'amar. Rav Haim Vital (1543-1620) writes that he had the custom of reciting the Aseret Ha'diberot each morning before Shaharit, until his mentor, the Arizal, instructed him to discontinue this practice. The Hida (Rav Haim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806) comments that the Arizal apparently felt that even private individuals should not recite the Aseret Ha'diberot each day. Elsewhere, the Hida speculates that the Arizal may have discouraged reciting this section before Shaharit, but did not oppose its recitation after the prayer service. Regardless, our practice is not to recite the Ten Commandments at all, even privately, perhaps because of the Arizal's instruction to his disciple. (However, some Siddurim list the Ten Commandments on the margins alongside the first paragraph of Shema, as these commands are alluded to in this paragraph.) Incidentally, the Rambam, in a famous responsum, strongly opposes the practice followed in some congregations to stand when the Ten Commandments are read from the Torah (on Shabbat Parashat Yitro, Shabbat Parashat Va'et'hanan, and Shabuot). Just as the Gemara forbade the incorporation of the Aseret Ha'diberot into the prayer service, fearing that this would embolden the heretics, the Rambam felt that giving special respect to this section by standing similarly could have this effect. Indeed, our custom is to remain seated for the reading of the Aseret Ha'diberot. If the Rabbi is called for the Aliya that includes the Ten Commandments, and thus the congregation stands out of respect for the Rabbi, they should sit after the Rabbi recites the blessings, before the reading begins. A number of Poskim similarly opposed the practice to display images of the Ten Commandments on the wall in the synagogue, giving them special prominence, as this, too, could embolden the heretics who claimed that only these commands are binding. This objection appears in several works, including Zecher Yehosef (Rav Yosef Zecharia Stern, 1831-1903), and Teshurat Shai ( Rav Shlomo Yehuda Tabak, 1832–1907). This is the ruling of Rav Betzalel Stern (1911-1989), in Be'sel Ha'hochma. Others justified the practice, suggesting that an image of the Ten Commandments serves as a reminder of the fact that the entire Torah was presented at Sinai. However, Rav Yisrael Bitan challenged this explanation, noting that this image could easily be misunderstood as indicating that only these ten laws were delivered at Mount Sinai. Regardless, Rav Moshe Sternbuch (contemporary), in Teshubot Ve'hanhagot, writes that common custom allows featuring such images in the synagogues. He explains that since the commandments are not written out fully, and only one or two words of each commandments appears, there is no concern of a misunderstanding. It should be noted that many synagogues feature the Ten Commandments on tablets which are rounded on top, which is incorrect. The tablets were rectangular, and not rounded.
The Gemara discusses additional cases of treifot, alongside several real-life incidents brought before the Sages, detailing how they ruled - or, in certain instances, declined to render a definitive decision. The first issue concerns a lung that has become attached to the ribs. Because the lesion causing the adhesion might have originated in the chest wall rather than the lung itself, the animal might not be a treifa. The Sages dispute whether this condition is permissible and outline diagnostic methods to determine the source of the underlying wound. Regarding cysts or fluid-filled blisters on the lung, the majority of the Sages permit the animal, whereas Rabbi Yochanan forbids it. The Sages divide over a case where a needle is discovered inside the lung. One opinion holds that the needle likely traveled through the gullet into the stomach, perforating internal organs on its way to the lung, which renders the animal a treifa. The opposing view permits the animal, operating under the assumption that the needle took a direct path down the windpipe into the bronchi without causing a disqualifying perforation.
© 2020-2026 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
