Podcasts about Shabbat

In this Jewish Inspiration Podcast episode (Day 122), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe concludes the Gate of Falsehood (Sheker) from Orchos Tzaddikim and transitions toward the upcoming Gate of Truth. He explores the final categories of permissible "white lies" and strategies to avoid outright falsehood while maintaining peace or dignity:Pushing off requests without lying — If asked to lend something you don't want to give, don't say “I don't have it” (falsehood); instead, say “I'm not able to help right now” or “I'm busy.” Even small commitments (“I'll give you this”) must be honored—breaking them is covenant-like betrayal.False assurances — Promising benefit/gifts to gain trust, then reneging, incurs severe punishment (worse than vague lies).Boasting false qualities — Taking credit/praise for traits one lacks (or misusing true praise for self-glory) is theft of honor.Distorting heard facts — Even without gain/damage, altering details trains the tongue in sheker.Permitted “lies” — For peace (Aaron's method: telling quarreling parties the other regrets), praising a bride (even if not fully true), minimizing Torah knowledge, hospitality (don't publicize a gracious host to avoid exploitation), marital privacy (redirect questions), or small gifts (don't retract after promising).The rabbi stresses: falsehood distances from Hashem (Emet/truth); even “harmless” lies habituate deception. Best to divert/redirect questions rather than lie. Truth stands forever; sheker collapses. The episode ends previewing the Gate of Truth—Hashem's essence—and urging vigilance against rationalized lies.Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on July 15, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on February 4, 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.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #WhiteLies, #Truth, #Lies, #Rationalizations, #Sheker, #FalsePromises ★ Support this podcast ★

In this Jewish Inspiration Podcast episode (Day 121), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe concludes the Gate of Falsehood (Sheker) from Orchos Tzaddikim, detailing the final categories of liars and emphasizing the Torah's command to distance oneself from all falsehood ("midvar sheker tirchak").The rabbi reviews the nine types of falsehood:Obvious lies, subtle forgeries, sophisticated rationalizations."White lies" (inconsequential exaggerations) that curry favor or lower guards.Lies to steal potential benefit (e.g., poaching clients).Distorting heard facts for no gain/damage.False promises/assurances (e.g., "I'll give you this" without intent).Leading someone to trust falsely, then breaking it (breaking a covenant-like bond).Taking praise for unpossessed qualities (even true praise can be misused).Lies about what was heard, changing facts to suit needs.Key lessons: Falsehood distances one from Hashem (Emet/truth); even "harmless" lies train the tongue for worse deception. Rav's story warns against teaching children to reverse words—even for "good" reasons—as it habituates falsehood. Punishment varies by severity, but all lies harm soul and others. The chapter ends urging vigilance: purge traits that rationalize lies to attain pure truth.Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on July 15, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on February 3, 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.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #WhiteLies, #Truth, #Lies, #Rationalizations, #Sheker, #FalsePromises ★ Support this podcast ★

282. Family Sabbath: Pause and Delight with Eryn Lynum   Mark 2:27 NIV “Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”   *Transcription Below*   Eryn Lynum is a certified Master Naturalist, Bible teacher, national speaker, and author. Eryn lives in Northern Colorado with her husband, Grayson, and their four children, whom they homeschool—mainly in the great outdoors. Eryn has has been featured on FamilyLife Today, Proverbs 31 Ministries, Christian Parenting, MOPS International, Bible Gateway, Her View From Home, and For Every Mom. Every opportunity she gets, she is out exploring God's creation with her family and sharing the adventures. To learn more about Eryn, visit ErynLynum.com.   Eryn's Books Eryn's Free Resources Mentioned Nat Theo Podcast   Topics and Questions We Cover: What can this look like to daily align our activities with our deepest values? What do people actually do on this day of rest and what do you recommend for families? Are there any other practical benefits we're missing out on if we neglect rest?   Thank You to Our Sponsor: Leman Property Management Company   Related Savvy Sauce Episodes: 81 Rest with Doctor, Author, and Speaker, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith 99 Sabbath Rest with Sandy Feit 175 Practicing Sabbath with Shireen Eldridge   Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook, Instagram or Our Website   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”    Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”    Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”    John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   *Transcription*   Music: (0:00 – 0:09)   Laura Dugger: (0:11 - 1:34) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here.   Leman Property Management Company has the apartment you will be able to call home, with over 1,700 apartment units available in Central Illinois. Visit them today at lemanproperties.com or connect with them on Facebook.   Eryn Lynum is my wonderful guest for today, and she's the author of this beautiful book, The Nature of Rest. We're going to discuss all things related to rest, ways that we can prepare for it, how we can enjoy and delight in it, what good gifts God has for us with rest, and then how to reflect well on the rhythms in our life, and so much more.   Here's our chat. Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, Eryn.   Eryn Lynum: (1:34 - 4:03) Thank you. Thanks so much for having me.   Laura Dugger: Well, I'd love for you to start us off by sharing your personal journey and tell why you are so uniquely qualified to teach and write about rest, as stress can literally kill you.   Eryn Lynum: Yeah, that's correct. So, when I was 14 years old, I was diagnosed with a potentially fatal autoimmune disorder. And kind of the context of that season, I was preparing to go overseas for the first time on a missions trip. So, I was going to be in Africa for two months. And so, before you go do something like that, you have to go to the doctor and get a checkup and vaccine recommendations, all the things. And so, my parents took me in.   Again, I was 14 at the time, and we had no reason to believe that there was anything wrong. There were no red flags. Besides, I had been a little tired, a little dizzy once in a while, but really, we just thought, okay, well, I'm growing up, my body's changing. But when the nurse took my blood pressure that day, it was 56 over 48, which is deathly low.   And so, immediately, that's a red flag. And I undergo more testing and hospital visits and seeing specialists. And they diagnosed me with something called Addison's disease. And Addison's disease, it's where your adrenal glands no longer function. So, maybe you've heard of adrenal fatigue, where someone is so taxed out that their adrenal glands can't keep up because they're meant to produce cortisol, which is our stress hormone. Well, Addison's disease is the worst-case scenario where you can't come back from it, barring a miracle. Like, my adrenal glands don't work, and they haven't for over 20 years now.   And so, you know, this system that God has given us meant to cope with stress, and it's that fight-or-flight response. At that young age, I no longer had that. And so, stress became quite literally deadly to me. And at that point, my parents, they began coaching me in biblical stress management, so identifying stressors in my life.   You know, when your shoulders start creeping up, and you can feel that tension in your neck, and knowing that those are signs that, okay, you need to step back, you need to calm yourself. Like the Psalms talk about, “I have calmed and quieted my soul,” and to bring everything to the Lord and cast all your anxieties upon Him. And this is really where I can see, in my life, I developed a very consistent prayer pattern in my life where just all day long, like conversing with the Lord.   And so, that's been a big part of this. But yeah, that's really what began leading me into this deeply restful lifestyle was out of necessity. But really what I've seen since then is God designed all of us to live and thrive through rest. Like this is His original design.   Laura Dugger: (4:04 - 4:27) I love that so much. And you articulate this so well in your book. But before I ever encountered you, I had never heard of the term master naturalist before. So, if you want to share anything about that, it would be great. And as a master naturalist, where do you see these rhythms of rest in nature?   Eryn Lynum: (4:28 - 6:54) So, a master naturalist, it's really a fancy term for nature teacher. And I pursued this because my degree and my passion are in biblical theology. And I've always been passionate about rightly handling God's word of truth from 2 Timothy 2:15.   And I began to see as my own family, my husband and I, we have three boys and a daughter, and now they're 14 down to seven. But when they were younger and we started spending more time outdoors, I started to see, okay, God has given us so many visuals and materials in nature with which we can teach about Him. Coming from Romans 1:20, that His invisible attributes, those things we can't see about God, are clearly perceived through what He has made. And I saw that also Jesus in the gospels, He used nature all the time to teach.   And God throughout scripture, like it's not just Genesis 1, nature narratives are strong throughout scripture. And so, I thought if God and Jesus use this methodology to teach, then certainly we can. And so, that's why I went through this training and taught, teach with this method is because, you know, the more we understand these materials, the more we see of God and the more we can communicate about Him.   And so, I was working as a master naturalist in our city and teaching my own programs. And I started to incorporate it more and more into my book and then later on in my podcast. And at the same time, God was leading my family into celebrating Sabbath. We had come into this season where we were just exhausted, like running businesses and raising and homeschooling kids, like all of us, no matter our circumstances, face this very real human existence of fatigue. And so, we came to a place where rest was no longer optional. It was critical and vital.   And so, I'm living in these two realms of learning about nature while I'm learning about scripture. And then God is bringing us into deep rest. So, I started to ask the question, where do we see rest in scripture? And I found that it is everywhere. The roots of rest run deep and wide throughout scripture. And also asking, where do we see rest in creation in nature? And it's also everywhere there that God designed all these cycles and these rhythms and all of his plants and creatures, even the ones that we think of as so frenetic and busy that God designed them to thrive through rest.   Laura Dugger: (6:55 - 7:04) And will you give a specific example then of something in nature as it's so apparent that it's designed for rest?   Eryn Lynum: (7:04 - 8:28) Definitely. Let's focus on one of those ones that we often think of as really busy, the hummingbird. I opened the book with the analogy of a hummingbird because when you think about a hummingbird, what do you picture in your mind?   Laura Dugger: (7:17 - 7:19) Busy, constant movement in and out.   Eryn Lynum: (7:20 - 8:28) Yeah, exactly. Like they have to visit between 1,000 and 2,000 flowers every day to get all the nectar that they need. And so, they are always like here and there in the next place. And they look like this little thing just zipping through the air and you can't even see their wings beating because they can be up to 70 times a second. It's this blur of motion. And we think about that little hummingbird, and we can sometimes feel like that little hummingbird just zipping from one thing to the next, thinking there's no time to stop.   But the hummingbird does stop. It has a very strategic method of rest called torpor. And torpor is kind of like a mini hibernation where the little bird is going to go into this deep state of rest. It lowers its body temperature by around 50 degrees and becomes completely unresponsive. And this is a regular thing that the hummingbird does, and it enables it to continue its God-given, good, busy, fruitful work. So, it's this picture of, you know, busyness is not bad. God created us for fruitful work, but it's all meant to be sustained through deep, rhythmic, intentional rest.   Laura Dugger: (8:28 - 9:06) I mean, immediately that makes me think of the weeks, even that I'm most productive, I've probably prioritized my sleep the best of it. And if I get great sleep, even if it's extra hours, that doesn't take away from the rest of the day. That probably makes my time even multiplied.   Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. And I love, you point out so many times how God just clearly designed his creation to enjoy this gift of rest. So, you mentioned some of the nature parts. What about some of the foundational scriptural truths on this topic?   Eryn Lynum: (9:07 - 11:52) Yeah, well, of course, where's the first place that we get the idea of rest in the scripture? Yeah, exactly. So, God completes his work of creation and then he rests and he didn't need to rest. Isaiah 40:28 tells us that he, the creator of the world does not grow weary or tired.   I believe that one reason, and I talk about a couple of them in the book, but I believe that one main reason God rested was to stop and delight. That word Sabbath, it comes from the Hebrew word Shabbat, which can mean to both stop and delight. Like think about God finishing his creative work, bringing, bringing everything from nothing. Ex nihilo is that theological term, everything from nothing. Creating not only the animals and the plants, but the textures and the math and the shapes and the like everything he needed to make these things. And I imagine he just wanted to stop and enjoy it. I can even picture him going through creation and listening to the birds and taking in the colors and the shapes of the clouds.   What a beautiful reminder to us, because I know for myself, I'm so prone to just run from one thing to the next, like check it off the list. What's next? But here God is modeling for us. Stop delight, praise him for what he just allowed us to accomplish, to create, to do before rushing on to the next thing.   And so, we get that first mentioned there at creation, but then think about when Sabbath was actually established, there's a framework, there's a structure it's Exodus 16. And the context here is the Israelites. They're doing what they do. They're wandering and grumbling. They're hangry and God shows mercy to them in the form of quail and manna, but he has very specific instructions for them. He says for six days, you shall gather it, but not on the seventh day. Don't go out. It is a solemn day, a Holy Sabbath to the Lord.   That's the first mention of Sabbath, that word in scripture, but consider the Israelites. They had no context for what God was calling them to do. Surely they could think back to the creation story. Okay. God worked and then rested, but they had very little idea of what he was asking them to do. This was an act of faith. God was saying, stop gathering, trust me.   And this is so hard for us because like we are so prone to gather, gather, gather, do produce work more out of this scarcity mindset. But this picture is showing God is a God of abundance and his math works. When we trust him to be the provider, not ourselves. And we take that risk on rest. He provides abundantly through it.   Laura Dugger: (11:53 - 12:05) Absolutely. And within this gift then of rest, how can rest actually reorder and re-energize our lives?   Eryn Lynum: (12:05 - 14:03) I love this question because throughout the book, we talk a lot about reordering and creating margins. So, we can rest and reprioritizing. You know, it's so interesting when we look at the creation narrative, where we get that first mention of rest, because it's backwards to what we normally think.   Think about this. God created for six days and then he rested. Adam, the first human was created on that sixth day. So, Adam's first full day was a day of arrest, dedicated to rest. And in this, we see that God worked and then rested. But we, humanity, we were always meant to begin from rest.   And you see that even in the Hebrew tradition of a day, their day begins at evening. Their day doesn't start with, let's get up and get to work. Their day starts with, let me go to rest to get ready for the work. So, first we have to reorder our concept of rest, not see it as a reward. Oh, I'm going to work, work, work, get all the things done so that maybe I can rest this weekend or on vacation, or when the kids are out of the house or in retirement, that's backwards to the biblical framework. We are meant to begin from rest.   So, starting there. And as we do that, my family has found after sabbathing for three and a half years now, everything else kind of falls into place. And that happens when you operate by God's design. You know, rest allows us to tend to the most important things. Those deep values, whether like that should be of course, faith and family. So, getting clear on your values is really important. Like what is most important to your family faith? Maybe it's community generosity. Maybe it's physical health, mental health, all these things do better. And we have more time to tend to them when we first make room and space for rest.   Laura Dugger: (14:04 - 16:28) And now a brief message from our sponsor.    With over 1,700 apartment units available throughout Pekin, Peoria, Peoria Heights, Morton and Washington. And with every price range covered, you will have plenty of options when you rent through Leman Property Management Company.   They have townhomes, duplexes, studios, and garden style options located in many areas throughout Pekin. And make sure you check out their newest offering, the McKinley located in Pekin is a new construction addition to their platinum collection featuring nine foot ceilings, large spacious layouts, beautiful finishes, such as courts, countertops, and garages. You won't want to miss this outstanding new property in Peoria, a historic downtown location and apartments adjacent to OSF Medical Center provide excellent choices.   Check out their brand new luxury property in Peoria Heights, overlooking the boutique shops and fine dining on prospect. And in Morton, they offer a variety of apartment homes with garages, a hot downtown location, and now a brand new high-end complex near Idlewood Park. If you want to become part of their team, contact them about open office positions.   They're also hiring in their maintenance department. So, we invite you to find out why so many people have chosen to make a career with them. Check them out on Facebook today or email their friendly staff at leasing@lemanprops.com. You can also stop by their website at lemanproperties.com, check them out and find your place to call home today.   It never ceases to amaze me how God's economy and his math are just different. Sometimes upside down from ours, but I feel like when you're speaking, it reminds me of Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” So, if we actually obey, I think there are so many blessings that we can enjoy from this gift of rest. So, you're talking about our values. Then what can this look like to daily align our activities with our deepest values?   Eryn Lynum: (16:30 - 18:30) Yes, this is an ongoing practice because the enemy is always trying to distract us from what is most important. And that word there is key distract. And so, first we have to learn to identify those distractions, the things that are pulling us away from what is most important, but you know, getting to those core values and on my website, I have, my husband and I developed a family values guide that helps you step by step to really figure out what are our deepest values.   So, that's erinlynum.com/values. But really what it is, is this practice of getting clear on God's best for, for us and for our families and for those around us and, and making sure that we are aligning and realigning because it's going to get out of alignment, those values with God's agenda. You know, a lot of days I just start my day with a restful pause.   I call them in the book, Selah pauses. And I am quite literally, I am sitting before the Lord, my eyes closed and my hands just up in this posture of surrender and receiving. And I will say, Lord, I am surrendering my own agenda, my own expectations for this day. And I want to receive your power, your presence, your peace. And then throughout the day, just taking those checks.   Like I practice these daily Selah pauses and moments of rest because think about Selah in the Psalms. It can mean to pause, to contemplate, to redirect. And we need to do that often because as a day goes on, I think we lose energy and focus. You know, at the beginning of the day, we might feel really like focused. And this is what I'm getting done today. And that can waver like that can wane out as the day goes on. And so, constantly just checking back in.   Okay, Lord, what is it you have for me to do today? And how do I tend to those most important things? But you have to take that restful pause to be able to do that.   Laura Dugger: (18:31 - 18:46) That's good reminder. Okay. So, to check back in with the Lord and then can you give another example of one family and what their value is and how they live that out in their daily life. And maybe even what requires us to say no to.   Eryn Lynum: (18:47 - 20:15) Ooh, that's a fantastic question. Hmm. Can it be for my own family or do you want me to give them love it from your own family?   Okay. I was asked this question recently. Someone asked me, how do you make time to be outside as a family? One of our core family values is to be out exploring in God's creation. And this has been harder in different seasons. And we have two middle schoolers now, you know, we are, we have a lot going on.   And so, it can very quickly happen where at the end of the day, we're like, wow, we really didn't spend much time outdoors today, but how we prioritize this is you do have to say no to other things. So, we're a homeschooling family. And just as an example, it can be very tempting to feel like, am I doing enough? Am I teaching them enough? We need to check off all these boxes and get the lessons done. And it's constantly surrendering that and realizing, you know, I know that our value of being outdoors is important to God. I know that he is meeting my children there. He is meeting me there. He is giving us rest and rejuvenation there.   So, trusting with that, again, going back to the Israelites, stop gathering, stop checking off all the boxes, stop trying to provide and meet your own expectations. And instead stay super focused on what God has called you to and ruthlessly get rid of the rest, anything that's keeping you from that.   Laura Dugger: (20:16 - 20:36) I love that personal example. Thank you for sharing. And how can we also in our own families or in our own life, how can we distinguish which activities are vital for the abundant life in Christ that he offers so that we don't settle for less?   Eryn Lynum: (20:38 - 22:46) I love that you bring up that, that term, the abundant life. In John 10:10, that Christ came, that we might have life and life abundantly overflowing to the fullest, like brimming over is what that word means. And that scripture also says the enemy comes to steal and kill and destroy.   And I believe that one of the enemy's biggest schemes and methods for that is to send us into hurry and hustle mode. And he does that through distraction and discontent. And so, so much of this is pressing back against distraction and discontent and getting back to how God created us to thrive.   And again, I believe that that is through this, this gift of rest. You know, you talk about, you asked about settling for less. The enemy is going to put a million things in our life that would cause us to want to settle for less.   Let me give you an example of him trying to distract us. There was a recent weekend where we were coming up on the weekend, and I had several friends reach out and ask about me doing these things like these different opportunities coming our way. Like, do you want to do this? Do you want to do this? And each of them were for on Saturday and that's usually when our family Sabbaths. And so, I had this tension because these were good things.   It's hard to say no to a good thing, but I kept feeling again and again, the Lord saying, no, rest with your family, rest with your family. And it was so sweet because come Saturday morning, I was out on our back deck sipping coffee with my husband for hours, having incredible conversations, reading great books. The kids are playing in the yard.   Several times I caught myself thinking, I almost said no to this by saying yes to other things. And again, they were good things. This life is full of good things, but God's rest is one of the best things for our families. So, it's learning to be okay with saying no to those good things. So, you can say yes to that better thing.   Laura Dugger: (22:48 - 23:17) Examples are so helpful. And that requires a level of discernment and going to the Lord to ask him, but I'm wondering if you even have a system in place for how you discern that, or is it a gut piece that you follow or any practical ways that each of us can discern what's the right kind of busy that's good. And what's the wrong kind of busy and the things that we want to say no to.   Eryn Lynum: (23:18 - 25:05) Yeah. Going back to, again, busy is not bad. God created us for fruitful work, but I think, you know, when we are following Christ and God's spirit is within us, he's going to give us that sense of this is the right kind of busy.   This is the wrong kind of busy. And practically, you know, if it has any notion of distraction, like if you're doing this thing to just distract you or to procrastinate on better things, if it has a note of busyness, you know, some people will be like, well, some people, the enemy makes us want to think that sitting on our phones can be restful because you're not technically doing much of anything, but that distraction is stealing God's true gift of rest for us.   And so, you know, our family, as we practice Sabbath throughout the week, I know that come Saturday, we have a full day of rest. And sometimes it's tempting to add a little work into there, to let it seep out of those edges of the work week and kind of into our Sabbath. And as you practice this more and more and begin just ruthlessly protecting that time, whether it's a full day, whether you start with a half day, God is going to make you more sensitive to those things. Because sometimes I'll like work it out in my mind, like, oh, this isn't work. And really like it's definitely, it's definitely trying to serve my work during the work week.   And God is saying, no, like step away from that and allow me to refresh and rejuvenate your spirit so that when you go back to the work, you do so much more powerfully energized, restful, and ready to do that work to the very best of your ability with God's power.   Laura Dugger: (25:07 - 25:36) That reminds me of a previous guest I'll link to. He did two episodes, but Jeff Henderson just said he's a pastor too. And he said, sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take a nap.   I would agree on that, which you've kind of been sharing a little glimpses of your family's experience with Sabbath, but let's just zero in on Sabbath and I'll just try and go through a series of questions. But first what's the importance of Sabbath?   Eryn Lynum: (25:37 - 26:55) Well, first God commands it. Like if God commanded it, then surely it's important, but that can also sometimes cause us to get a little legalistic about it. What is it? What isn't it? Well, it is meant to be a gift, meant to be a blessing. It's meant to empower us and what God created us for and calls us to.   And so, keeping that just center, this is meant to be a gift, but we see it all throughout scripture, the importance of rest and rest in God's design. It's celebration. Like it's not idleness. It's not doing nothing. Although sometimes like that's the most beneficial way that we can rest. Like you talked about a nap.   I love a good nap on Sabbath, but also it can be energizing activities, inspiring activities. I also love a good long walk on Sabbath. Sometimes I love cooking with fresh ingredients and working on a meal during Sabbath because I don't get much opportunity to do that during the week. Sometimes I love going out and working in the garden because that's life giving and I don't have time to do that throughout the week. And so, getting back to this concept, this idea of Sabbath and rest are celebratory. Like when we do it well as a family, it feels like a mini vacation every week.   Laura Dugger: (26:56 - 27:15) Ooh, I love that. My husband said that before about date night and I connect with that, that it's a little mini reprieve, a mini vacation each week. But then that leads me to the question because I bet so many people share their Sabbath activities with you. What do families actually do on this day of rest?   Eryn Lynum: (27:16 - 31:46) Yeah, that's a great question. And first I'll say that it should look different from family to family. We are all in unique seasons. We have different stories, different scenarios. Again, if you can't start with the full day, now I strongly believe strive and work toward that full day. That's God's design.   And we've seen the most blessing from that. But if you have to start smaller with a half day with four hours, start there. So, it's going to look different. If you have newborns, like a newborn child, it's going to look different and that's okay. No going into it, that it's going to be messy. Hebrews says strive toward rest, work toward rest. It's so counter-cultural. We have to work toward it. So, just going in, knowing these things is very helpful.   It's also going to grow, adapt, and change throughout the seasons. Our family has seen that. But a typical Sabbath for our family right now is we follow the traditional Friday evening to Saturday evening for the most part. Some people ask me, why not Sunday? Isn't Sunday the Sabbath? Well, for us, Sunday is set aside for church community and fellowship and corporate worship. And that's so life-giving to our souls. But by the time I get home from church and I'm making lunch for the family, like I'm not rested physically. So, we needed a separate day set aside for rest.   And so, Friday afternoon, we start preparing where we're going to band together and just pick up the house, get it ready, wash all the dishes and just start preparing our hearts, our minds, our bodies, our home for rest. And then we start Friday evening with communion as a family, just breaking bread and celebrating what Christ did on our behalf. And again, that, that idea of celebrate, and this marks it as special. Okay. We're heading into Sabbath. Some families will like light a white candle for Sabbath, just really marking it. And then we have, we toast to the week. So, we'll pour sparkling juice and just toast and say, “Hey, what did we see God do this week?” Like going back to that idea of stop and delight, we are setting a hard stop to the week. We are delighting. What did we see God do? What did he help us overcome? What can we thank Him for from this past week? And then we'll do an easy dinner. Think tacos, take and bake pizza spaghetti.   We use paperware, which is a bit controversial since I work as a master naturalist, but it has been an easy button for Sabbath that I'm not worried about like dishes piling up on the counter. And then we'll, we'll wrap it up with a sweet treat like ice cream and then our kids go to bed, or they'll listen to audio books. Audio books have been massive for our Sabbath because they're screen-free because we do put away all screens and work like devices on Sabbath, but they can listen to good books.   And my husband and I, we read, like people ask me, when do you find time to read? You don't find time to read. You have to make time to read. And for us, that's on the Sabbath mostly. And then Saturday we sleep in, we get up pretty early during the week and the kids just know like you don't wake mom and dad on the Sabbath. Like that's their day to sleep in.   Again, if you have a newborn or young children, that's gonna look different and that's okay. But for us, that's the season that we're in and our kids, they'll make themselves first breakfast and then eventually we'll get up and we'll join them for a second breakfast or some Sabbath. I don't want to cook at all. And so, it's just take and forage. And you know, I usually have a grocery delivery the day before or go to the grocery store and make sure we just have a ton of good stuff in the house. So, no one's, you know, everyone has what they need.   Then the rest of the day, it is just a day of delight. Reading books, playing games, being out in creation, visiting with neighbors, having great conversations together. Sabbath is this space where you get to do all those things during the week that you're like, oh, I wish I had time for that and you just don't get to them. Like recently my daughter during the week, she really wanted me, she's seven. She wanted me to sit down and watercolor paint with her, which I love doing, but it was a really busy week. And I just didn't have the space.   And so, I told her like, “Hey, I would love to do that. Can we do that on Sabbath?” And she was so happy with that answer. And come that Sabbath a few days later, she remembered, she came up to me. She's like, mom, it's time to paint. And she got all the supplies, and we went and sat outside at our picnic table and painted for the afternoon.   You know, Sabbath does so much for me as a mom to remove that guilt of the things I don't feel like I have time for because I know, and my kids know, Sabbath is coming and that's our day to be together and do those things.   Laura Dugger: (31:47 - 31:57) Hmm. Okay. That makes me curious. Then to how much of a vote does everyone in the family get for what Sabbath will look like?   Eryn Lynum: (31:57 - 34:02) Oh, that is a great question. No one's ever phrased it to me like that before. I love that. What we found that's been important to keep in mind is that we all individually find different things, restful and inspiring. I'll give you an example. One Sabbath, my husband, especially in the spring, he loves to work in the yard on Sabbath because he spends most of his week. He runs a construction company on the computer or on the phone. And so, in the spring, he wants to be out in the yard and trimming his fruit trees and just working with God's creation. And so, one Sabbath he comes and he has like the clippers in his hand and he's like, “Hey, let's go work on the yard.”   And I was like, that's great. You do that. I'm going to go read my book in the hammock. And I fell asleep for two hours while he worked on the yard. And so, a lot of this is being okay that yes, a lot of it's going to be together. Like I talked about, we did, we do communion together and we do meals together. And a lot of times we'll be out on a hike together. That's a favorite Sabbath activity. But a lot of times we're also doing separate activities.   The kids are enjoying their books or their audio books or their painting or their, uh, visiting the neighbor kids. And my husband and I are reading books on the back deck. And so, it's okay that there's going to be some together time and some separate time, you know, just being flexible with it. Like our first year of Sabbath, we went, we had to go like hardcore. We had to learn to stay. I think about in the book, I talk about the word abide meno in the Greek and it can mean to stay, to dwell, to remain.   So, we've spent our first year of Sabbath, not getting in the car. We stayed home and learned to just be home together. And after that year, we started to miss our time. We live in Colorado, missing our time hiking in the mountains. And so, we changed it. We said, okay, well, toward the end of Sabbath Saturday afternoon, Saturday evening, let's go hike or let's go have a picnic in the wilderness. And just being open to that, that God's going to change you as a family and change you individually. And just growing up in a Sabbath practice together.   Laura Dugger: (34:03 - 34:20) I like the freedom that you're communicating there. And then when you mentioned the neighborhood kids, it makes me curious. Do you encourage community for some of those who recharge with other people? Would you recommend Sabbath thing with others or just keeping it your family?   Eryn Lynum: (34:21 - 36:16) Absolutely. We love inviting others into Sabbath. And it actually started with, we started our Sabbath practice. It was so sweet because God convinced us to do this. And then our first Sabbath was on January 1st. That happened to be the first Saturday that we did it. So, it was like this fresh start. And right around that time, we had moved to a new neighborhood. And our neighbors near us are Messianic Jews.   And they follow Shabbat, the traditional Shabbat. And they invited us into that. It was the sweetest evening, and they have children, young children, like we do. So, like there's chaos and there's mess. And then there's sweet times of singing together and scripture reading. And they follow it much more the traditional method than our family has.   But it was so sweet to be invited into that and to get a picture for how to invite others into this rest. And so, absolutely, we encourage, especially our kids having friends over. And we do usually ask parents, hey, can you drop them off? And then we can bring them back maybe like later that day toward the end of our Sabbath. Or if you want to come pick them up. Because again, we like to just stay home if we can.   But our kids are to the point now too where they can ride their bikes over to friends' houses. And we're fine with that. They might not be home on Sabbath once in a while. It's not a regular thing. But they're getting fed. And we know that the people they're with are people who share our values, people that we do life together.   We love having bonfires in the backyard on Sabbath. Now one thing I have to be careful of is I don't want to invite people over and feel like I need to host or clean up first. And so, for one, we don't have full families over a whole lot on Sabbath because I just don't want any sort of self-induced, self-imposed pressure.   But sometimes it's so much fun to just be like, hey, let's go meet at a park and have a picnic dinner. Or let's have a family over and do a bonfire. Just making sure that you're keeping it really, really simple if you are going to incorporate community.   Laura Dugger: (36:17 - 37:54) Guess what? We are no longer an audio-only podcast. We now have video included as well. If you want to view the conversation each week, make sure you watch our videos. We're on YouTube, and you can access videos or find answers to any of your other questions about the podcast when you visit thesavvysauce.com.   Some of these things, like you said, “They do require forethought where you have the groceries coming or certain things in place. And I think you even refer to it as a sacred striving.” So, it's important for us to learn more about that. And here's a quick story.   I just remember we've moved states quite a few times in marriage. But when I was a young mom, there was a mom in the next season of life, and she had more kids than we did. And we went to church together, and she was just like, “Oh, we learned about Sabbath. That's not a thing for moms with multiples.” And I always wrestled with that, and I love her. She's a wonderful person. Maybe she's even changed her stance on that, so it's not to speak ill of her. But I do think that we can struggle with that because that's not an actual truth. I do think that's a message from the enemy.   So, I guess this is a two-part question. How do we protect ourselves from buying into a storyline that is not true that may hold us back from Sabbath? And then also, what is kind of the both and? It's both restful, and it requires a lot of work up front to make this a reality.   Eryn Lynum: (37:55 - 41:19) It does, and knowing that, that it is going to take work, but God's going to bless it. Think about Isaiah 55:10-11, that says, “Just like the rain and the snow go forth and produce life and bring forth life from the land, so my work goes out and does not return void or empty. It produces that which I sent it out for.”.   That is true for Sabbath and rest because, again, we find it all throughout scripture. So, know that it's going to take hard work, but God will not allow it to return void. He will bless our efforts as we step into His design that He created us for.   I talk about in the book a few ways that you have to prepare mentally, physically, and spiritually. So, mentally, for me, I have to just totally remove anything mentally that's going to distract me from rest. So, I own a business, and so a lot of my work is on the computer and on the phone. I will answer, so this is like Friday, I'll answer any lingering emails, those ones that are going to be on my mind if I don't get to them. And then I put an away message on my email. So, if anyone emails me on our Sabbath, it sends an automatic reply that says, hey, thanks for your message. My family's resting. It has a little blurb in there about Sabbath. I'll get back to you in the new week.   That gives me permission to not even look at my email. In fact, people expect that I'm not looking at my email if I'm keeping my word. And so, this has just freed me up mentally to step away, and then I literally put my laptop in my closet.   With my phone, I set it to a Sabbath mode, and you can create these different focus modes if you have a smartphone, so that I can only receive messages from my mom in case of emergency. And our people, our friends, they all know this now. Like, oh, I'm not going to hear back from Erin because it's Saturday for the most part.   And so, these little things that you might just need to mentally prepare yourself. And then physically, that goes back to preparing our home. So, this is not a deep clean that we do prior to Sabbath. It's just tending to the things that are going to distract me if we don't get to them beforehand. So, again, washing all the dishes and having the kitchen clean, vacuuming. Like, that's like just a hack to make the house feel clean is I feel like it's clean if it's vacuumed.   So, just these little things, and then physically also doing that grocery order. And I have a free Sabbath guide on my website, erinlynum.com/family-sabbath. And it walks you through creating your Sabbath grocery list so that every week you have what you need in the house. These little things that truly make it, Sabbath easier and more successful.   And then preparing spiritually, going into this, like a lot of times I'll know, okay, I'm going to study this on Sabbath. For our first year, I just had like this stack of books on Sabbath that I would work through on our Sabbath. Right now, I am parked in Genesis 1 and have been for weeks. And so, just preparing spiritually, you know, this is a time of communion with our creator, with our heavenly father. And so, just having an idea of, you know, this is how I want to spend time delighting in God on the Sabbath.   That might be a long walk. That might be time in the word or time of worship but making sure that that is a keystone part of your Sabbath practice.   Laura Dugger: (41:20 - 41:45) And, you know, it really is possible. I just think so many of us celebrate holidays and we do the same thing where we plan, prepare, prioritize ahead of time so that we can delight in that day. And what a gift to get to do that weekly. So, with all of these amazing benefits, why do we still resist God's design for rest?   Eryn Lynum: (41:46 - 43:00) Because we live in a fallen world, broken by sin, and the enemy wants to do everything he can to keep us from this. This is God's design and our faith, and our souls and our families flourish in this design. And so, the enemy is going to do whatever he can to keep us from it.   He's going to insert fear. He's going to insert distraction. He's going to insert doubt. You know, when we started this practice coming up to it, I was thinking, there's no way, like how are we going to get everything done in one last day a week, all these doubts. And yet what we found so quickly is that as we took this step of faith, we quickly became so much more productive and effective and creative during the work week, because we were starting from rest and following God's design.   We resist this because it is counter-cultural. Everything in society is set up against us doing this and succeeding in this. So, again, going and knowing that our war is not against flesh and blood. It is against the powers of the spheres, like things unseen. The enemy is against us, but God is on our side. And as we step into his design, he's going to make much of it.   Laura Dugger: (43:01 - 43:12) Okay. So, if we are convinced and we want to give this a try, what is a practical first step to just obeying this and receiving this gift of rest?   Eryn Lynum: (43:13 - 45:23) Yeah, super practical here. Two first steps. The first is to set a day and time. Now you're not committing to this forever. And again, if you, if a big hesitancy here is I can't do a full day. Okay. Work and pray toward that but start smaller. If it's four hours on a Wednesday, guard that time. Ruthlessly guard it. Don't let anything be written on the schedule besides that.   So, set a day in time and then write two lists. This is going back to the idea of stop and delight, right? Your stop list. These are things that send you into hurry and hustle mode, things that are related to normal work, things that feel heavy. Some of them are so important.   Again, our work is important, but this is going to be things like devices, media, regular work, answering emails, phone calls. It might be driving in traffic. It might be spending money. Write down those things that feel heavy. That's your stop list. The things you're not going to entertain on that day or that time.   And then write your delight list. This might be hard at first because what I've found with myself, with many of us is that we forget what we delight in but causes that childlike sense of play and wonder. This is learning to be human again, coming back to those things.   So, it might be playing music or listening to music, working with fresh ingredients, reading a good book, writing by hand, watercolor painting, going for a walk. What we find is that a lot of people who spend time during the week in front of a computer want to be outdoors on the Sabbath, but people who run a landscaping company might want to be inside with a great book. So, just writing down those things that are, again, those things that you think during the week, oh, I really wish I could get to that.   Only we don't. Those are your delight list. So, now you have a day and a time. You know what you're not going to do, what you're setting aside, even physically, that should probably most definitely be your phone. Stick it in a drawer. I have my Sabbath drawer where I put my phone, and then you know what you're going to do and spend that day on.   Laura Dugger: (45:24 - 45:47) That's so good. And for those who have been listening for a while, they could even put their phone in their RO box, and I could link to that episode as well with Joey Odom. That's incredible about where our phone could be in its right place.   But Eryn, are there any other practical benefits that we might be missing out on that you've seen as a result of this Sabbath rest?   Eryn Lynum: (45:48 - 49:44) One of my favorite benefits is how it unlocks our creativity. Whether you work in a career or position that you consider creative or not, God designed all of us to be creative, to produce. And so, what I have found is that my work, my work is very in that creative sphere, writing books, creating podcast lessons for children.   It's very creative work. And I've found that Sabbath is this day where God gives my mind rest. It's so incredible thinking about how he wired our brains to thrive through rest, and science points to that that a restful mind is better at problem-solving, connecting ideas, remembering details.   And so, as my mind is allowed to rest on Sabbath, and I'm out on a walk in nature, or I'm reading a good book, or I'm writing by hand, when it comes time to sit down at the computer Monday morning, I am ready. I am flowing with ideas. They are there.   And I'll give you an example. This one isn't from Sabbath. It's from one of my daily rest rhythms that I call Selah Pause, and that's a walk in the morning. And this might be a little controversial, but this is not an easy stroll. I have my rucking pack on, and I'm trekking up a hill, which is not physically restful, of course, but it's mentally restful for me. I love it.   And so, it was in January, so it's frigid out, and everything's covered in snow, and I'm in all my snow gear, and I'm trudging up this hill. And at the time, I was dealing with a problem in my podcast where it was a good problem. We had spent the month teaching about God's designs in the human body. So, we had taught kids about God's designs in cells and DNA and the heart and the brain, but I didn't want to just let this series end. I wanted to wrap it up in some powerful way, and I didn't know how. So, I could have stayed home that morning and hashed this out and been at the computer, and how should I end this thing?   Instead, I went on this walk, and God just dropped this idea in my mind. And it was this idea. He said, ask the kids how they are wonderfully made. And that was the top. The theme was wonderfully made. And so, I put it out there to my email list. When I got back from that walk, I said, hey, I would love to hear how you kids believe you are wonderfully made by the creator. And I opened up this little voice mailbox on our website, and I didn't know if anyone would respond. And then I'm like, what if they don't? And then I don't know what to do because I said I'm going to do this thing.   I tell you, message after message came in from children from ages. I think it was three or four up to 14 from all over the world. And I was weeping as I edited that episode. I had planned to add something at the beginning and the end to build out this episode. I didn't do that because it was, I believe it's 22 minutes straight of children saying, this is my name.   I'm five years old. I live in England and I'm wonderfully made because God made me to read well or God made me fast. Or one little boy shared, he said, I know I'm wonderfully made because my mama lost a baby before me. And I'm here and I'm wonderfully made. And I'm weeping.   And this idea that God gave me, I would have missed it if I hadn't taken that pause to be out in his creation walking that day. And so, that's a very roundabout way to get back to your question of what are the other benefits? We hear from God when we make time for rest. And if we keep just rushing and hurrying, I'm concerned that we are walking by so many opportunities to hear from his spirit and to let him unlock that potential within us.   Laura Dugger: (49:45 - 50:22) Oh, I love that. And I'm even reminded of one other thing that you write in your book that today, one way we can practically experience his original design of rest is by stepping outside. And you're full of tips and ideas like that, but I so appreciate those stories.   So, you've equipped us with this foundation of rest and ways that we can prepare for it, how we can enjoy and delight in it. And so now, Eryn, how can we reflect well on our rhythms of work and rest?   Eryn Lynum: (50:25 - 53:19) So, much of this is reflection. So, much of this is stopping to consider where God is at work in our lives, where we need to recalibrate, where we need to realign, where we need to step back into his pace because we're trying to run ahead of him. And one way that we can see it, you know, like you might ask the question, am I at rest? Even me sometimes on Sabbath, I'm like, am I doing this right? Like, is this actually restful? Is this what I'm supposed to be doing?   I think we can answer that question by the fruit in our lives, the fruit inside of us that God is producing and the fruit that we are producing. So, one thing I kind of sum up the book on is this question of, are you growing in truth and love? Because the enemy, when he gets us away from God's rest and into hustle, into distraction and hurry, we are not fully experiencing God.   And so, our levels of experiencing his love and offering it to others is going to suffer. Our experience of hearing his truth and living that truth out in our lives is going to suffer. And so, the opposite is true that as we live at rest, this whole concept of abide, that is living at rest, not just these rest practices, but living at rest in God's restful presence, we are going to be producing more love and more truth.   So, that's like a key visual. And then I love on that idea of abide. We spent a whole week on abide in the book and, you know, John chapter 15 being the abide passage. And what we see there is there's these 11 mentions of that word abide. And they all refer to us abiding in Christ, Christ abiding in us, God's word abiding in us. So, all this connectivity between Christ and God and us and his word.   But then it's, I think it's verse 16. There's a different mention of meno, abide. And it says that he wants us to go out and produce fruit that abides. So, this is different. It relates to our fruit and that word abide. Yes, it can mean dwell, remain, stay, but it can also mean continue and endure.   God created us to produce fruit and fruit that endures. Doesn't rot, doesn't fade, but continues into eternity. So, we can look at, okay, am I personally in my spirit? Am I growing in truth and love? Because God's spirit actually has the space to minister to me when I rest. And is that rest directly affecting the fruit of my life?   These are key things that we can look at and ask to see. Are we truly living from God's rest?   Laura Dugger: (53:19 - 53:53) I love questions so much. And that's so good to reflect then on the fruit that's being produced. And a mentor many years ago said, you never reap what you sow in the same season. So, that's a great place to even begin just reflecting. What did we do in the past season and what fruit are we reaping now? And where do we want to go then from here?   And one place we could go from here after this chat is to follow you. And you've mentioned your podcast. Do you want to elaborate on all the places that you're available?   Eryn Lynum: (53:54 - 55:03) Yes, thank you. So, the new book, The Nature of Rest is available wherever you get your books, along with my second book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation. And that's all about taking our kids or grandkids, the next generation outside and reconnecting the dots between creation and creator. Really returning nature study and time outdoors to its proper place as theology and the study of God.   So, those are available anywhere, including Amazon or my website, which is my name, erynlynum.com. And then my podcast is Nat Theo, short for Natural Theology. It's nature lessons rooted in the Bible. It's a podcast for kids and families where we dive deep into science and all the design and intelligence we see in creatures and plants. And we tie it all back to biblical truth so that our kids are learning science and theology at the same time.   And that's available on any podcast platform, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, right on my website, erinlynum.com, as well as YouTube. We actually provide visuals so you can watch what you're learning about as well.   Laura Dugger: (55:04 - 55:22) So, incredible. We will add links to that in the show notes for today's episode. And Eryn, you may already be familiar. We're called The Savvy Sauce because savvy is synonymous with practical knowledge. And so, as my final question for you today, what is your savvy sauce?   Eryn Lynum: (55:24 - 56:34) I love this question. And this is one that actually I was like, oh, I'm not asked this much. I'm going to have to really think deeply on this one.   It's get outside every day. That seems so simple, even though it's not really simple in practicality. But one thing I've learned through rest and through time outdoors is that 10 minutes matters. Like if you think I don't have time for this, but you have a 10 minute slot, go for a walk and see how God just communes with your spirit. Even in the dead of winter, if you live somewhere cold, like if it's safe to do so. For me, I had to buy like the best pair of snow pants I could find because I used to really dislike the winter. And I would just become like really down in those winter months.   And so, God just convinced me, don't go outside every single day if it's for 10 minutes. And then pretty often he just extends that. Like I think I'm going out for 10 minutes. And sure enough, I'm like playing with my kids outside. It's much longer.   But yeah, as best as you can, just prioritize that. If you have to do it first thing in the morning to make sure it happens, go for a walk and watch the sunrise. And God is going to minister to your soul through his creation.   Laura Dugger: (56:35 - 56:54) Amen. Amen. That is so good.   And this conversation has been so rich. Eryn, it is just very clear you have filled up on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you have just poured out goodness and love and truth for all of us, all over all of us today. So, thank you for all that you shared. And thank you for being my guest.   Eryn Lynum: (56:55 - 57:03) Thank you. Thank you so much for that encouragement. That means a whole lot to me. So, thank you. And for the opportunity for a great conversation.   Laura Dugger: (57:03 - 1:03:10) I really enjoyed it.    One more thing before you go, have you heard the term gospel before? It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you, but it starts with the bad news.   Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves. This means there's absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own. So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death, and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved.   We need a savior, but God loved us so much. He made a way for his only son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute. This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with him.   That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life. We could never live and died in our place for our sin.   This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus. We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished. If we choose to receive what he has done for us, Romans 10:9 says, “that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”   So, you pray with me now. Heavenly father, thank you for sending Jesus to take our place. I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to you.   Will you clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare you as Lord of their life? We trust you to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus name we pray.   Amen. If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring him for me. So, me for him, you get the opportunity to live your life for him.   And at this podcast, we're called The Savvy Sauce for a reason. We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So, you're ready to get started.   First, tell someone, say it out loud, get a Bible. The first day I made this decision, my parents took me to Barnes and Noble and let me choose my own Bible. I selected the Quest NIV Bible and I love it.   You can start by reading the book of John. Also get connected locally, which just means tell someone who's a part of a church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ. I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you.   We want to celebrate with you too. So, feel free to leave a comment for us here. If you did make a decision to follow Christ, we also have show notes included where you can read scripture that describes this process.   And finally, be encouraged. Luke 15:10 says, “in the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” The heavens are praising with you for your decision today.   And if you've already received this good news, I pray you have someone to share it with. You are loved and I look forward to meeting you here next time.

How do we survive the 24/7 news cycle without losing our balance—or ourselves? In Part 4 of our miniseries on mindfully engaging with the news, Rabbi Josh Feigelson introduces Shabbat Mind as a Jewish response to nonstop media and constant urgency. Reflecting on the disorientation of an always-on news environment, Josh reframes Shabbat not just as a weekly day of rest, but as a mindset that helps us step off the treadmill of breaking news. Drawing on the Hebrew connection between chadashot (news) and hitchadshut (renewal), he offers Shabbat as a practical path to staying informed while remaining grounded, present, and whole. Be in touch at josh@unpacked.media. This episode is sponsored by Jonathan and Kori Kalafer and the Somerset Patriots: The Bridgewater, NJ-based AA Affiliate of the New York Yankees. --------------- This podcast is brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media Brand.For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Unpacking Israeli History⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Wondering Jews

In this Jewish Inspiration Podcast episode (Day 120), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues the Gate of Falsehood (Sheker) from Orchos Tzaddikim, exploring the second type of lie: the "white lie" or seemingly harmless falsehood (e.g., exaggeration for story enhancement, inconsequential fibs). Even when no one is hurt and no gain is sought, such lies are forbidden—because they stem from a desire to curry favor, build trust falsely, lower someone's guard, or gain advantage through deception.The rabbi cites King Solomon: a lying tongue is an abomination to kings—true leaders despise falsehood. The wise person weighs every statement carefully, rejecting even "small" lies that distort reality or make falsehood appear true. Sophisticated rationalizations often justify lies, but purging bad traits (arrogance, laziness, etc.) allows pure truth to emerge.The chapter stresses: falsehood distances one from Hashem (who is Emet/truth), harms others indirectly (steals dignity, causes pain/discord), and collapses over time (sheker has one leg; emet stands on two). The episode ends with a preview of the next types of falsehood (e.g., denying deposits, false testimony) and their double punishment.Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on July 8, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on February 2, 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.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #WhiteLies, #Truth, #Lies, #Rationalizations, #JewishEthics ★ Support this podcast ★

Sponsored by the Kolatch Family in honor of the 10th Yahrzeit of Dr. Robin Goldman, Riza bas Tzvi Yaakov

In this Jewish Inspiration Podcast episode (Day 119), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe begins the Gate of Falsehood (Sheker) from Orchos Tzaddikim, emphasizing the Torah's command: "Distance yourself from falsehood" (midvar sheker tirchak). Falsehood is weighed like gold and silver—requiring careful discernment between truth and lies.The rabbi outlines types of falsehood: obvious lies (e.g., calling a tree gold), subtle forgeries (copper made to look like gold), and sophisticated rationalizations that make lies appear true. Wise people distinguish truth from falsehood in their hearts, rejecting self-serving justifications driven by negative traits (arrogance, laziness, anger, love/hate).The chapter warns that falsehood distances one from Hashem (who is truth: "Hashem Elokeinu Emet") and harms others (e.g., false testimony, slander causing pain or discord). Even when no personal gain exists, lying reflects "crookedness of heart." The rabbi stresses purging bad traits to attain pure truth—rationalizations often justify evil behavior.The episode concludes with the first category of liars (denying deposits, false testimony) and their double punishment: separation from Hashem and damage to others. Next time: deeper categories of falsehood.Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on July 8, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on February 1, 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.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #Falsehood, #Sheker, #Truth, #Lies ★ Support this podcast ★

www.dailybreadmoms.com Now coming to busy moms all over the world as a daily podcast! Daily Bread follows the weekly Torah Portion, one part each day, together with a healthy balance from the rest of Scripture — all in one year. More than just a one-year Bible reading plan, Daily Bread is designed as a journal, with a comprehensive Hebrew calendar. To support the podcast - www.patreon.com/dailybreadmoms Check out the Daily Bread Torah Class, LIVE from Israel! Join anytime. larsenarson.com/torah The Journals are available here: arielmedia.shop/

Rav explained that details that are essential (me'akev) are specifically those that are repeated (appear twice) in the text. Rav Huna raises a difficulty on this assertion from the requirement of salting the offering; both Rabbi Yehuda and Rabbi Shimon rule that salting is essential, yet the command does not appear twice. Two answers are suggested to resolve this. Rav Yosef suggests that Rav may hold like the Tanna of our Mishna, who holds that salting is actually not essential. Another possible answer is that salting is a unique exception to the rule because the word "covenant" (brit) appears in the verse, signifying its indispensable status regardless of repetition. The Gemara then raises a difficulty with the premise of the original challenge, noting that the word for salt actually does appear twice in Vayikra 2:13. This is answered by explaining that the repetition in that verse is necessary for specific drashot found in a braita. The braita extrapolates from the verse to teach which sacrificial items require salt and which do not - concluding that while most offerings require it, wood and blood do not. After quoting the brraita in its entirety, the Gemara delves into the different sections of the text, analyzing each clause to better understand the underlying logic of these inclusions and exclusions.

In this Parshas Beshalach review, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe focuses on the splitting of the Red Sea—the ultimate miracle of the Exodus—and its profound lessons for daily life. The parsha recounts the Jewish people's escape from Egypt, Nachshon's leap of faith into the raging waters (reaching his nostrils before the sea split), and the dry land amid the sea.The rabbi contrasts two phrasings in the Torah: "they crossed in the midst of the sea on dry land" vs. "they walked on dry land amid the raging sea." This teaches that we must recognize miracles even within chaos—the world is always a "raging sea" of challenges, yet Hashem provides dry land (miracles) constantly. Failing to notice open miracles (e.g., recent Israeli survivals despite missiles) makes ordinary miracles fade into routine.Everything is from Hashem: health, livelihood (manna-like), technology (discoveries, not inventions), and survival. We must live with awe—never let miracles become ordinary. Daily mitzvot (Shema, blessings, Shabbos) remind us of the Exodus and Hashem's constant hand. The rabbi urges gratitude for life itself ("life is the miracle, not death") and seeing the divine in all creation._____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on January 27, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on January 30, 2026_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! 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:#Torah, #Parsha, #Exodus, #Shemos, #Beshalach, #SplittingTheSea, #RedSea, #Miracle, #HashemControls, #DailyAwe, #Mindset ★ Support this podcast ★

Rav explained that details that are essential (me'akev) are specifically those that are repeated (appear twice) in the text. Rav Huna raises a difficulty on this assertion from the requirement of salting the offering; both Rabbi Yehuda and Rabbi Shimon rule that salting is essential, yet the command does not appear twice. Two answers are suggested to resolve this. Rav Yosef suggests that Rav may hold like the Tanna of our Mishna, who holds that salting is actually not essential. Another possible answer is that salting is a unique exception to the rule because the word "covenant" (brit) appears in the verse, signifying its indispensable status regardless of repetition. The Gemara then raises a difficulty with the premise of the original challenge, noting that the word for salt actually does appear twice in Vayikra 2:13. This is answered by explaining that the repetition in that verse is necessary for specific drashot found in a braita. The braita extrapolates from the verse to teach which sacrificial items require salt and which do not - concluding that while most offerings require it, wood and blood do not. After quoting the brraita in its entirety, the Gemara delves into the different sections of the text, analyzing each clause to better understand the underlying logic of these inclusions and exclusions.

Hashem is involved in every second of everyone's lives. It is a great avodah when we recognize His hashgachah and attribute events and happenings to His Divine Providence. Aside from the fact that recognizing His involvement in our lives brings us closer to Him, it also gives us tremendous chizuk. It allows us to know that Hashem can always help us, no matter what situation we find ourselves in. It is so clear that He is constantly controlling everything. A woman once told me that her father's flight was recently canceled, and he was unable to get a return flight home for another three days. The problem was that he was taking a very important medication that he could not miss, and he had completely run out. He was unable to obtain more of it in the place where he was stranded. Remarkably, around that same time, someone casually mentioned to her that she was traveling to that very location the next morning. The woman immediately called her, and Baruch Hashem, the medication reached her father exactly when he needed to take his next dose. A man whom we will call Yehudah shared another powerful story. The institution where he worked arranged a special Shabbaton to honor its employees. It was meant to be uplifting and inspiring. Yehudah very much wanted to attend, but he had a minhag to go to the mikveh every morning, and he would only go if there would be a mikveh available. When Yehudah told his boss that he might not come if there was no mikveh, his boss was visibly upset. He told him how important it was that Yehudah attend, and he assured him that he would make sure there would be a mikveh nearby. Yehudah trusted him and decided to go. When they arrived at the hotel before Shabbat, they discovered that many things were operated by automatic electricity that could not be adjusted. It became clear that it would be impossible to stay there over Shabbat. The boss was extremely frustrated. He had the phone number of someone who managed a refugee camp that had been established three years earlier for orphans from Ukraine. He called him, and it turned out that the camp had a completely kosher kitchen, a dining hall, guest rooms, and was ready to host them for Shabbat. At that hectic moment, Yehudah was hesitant to approach his boss about the mikveh. But as they were boarding the buses to travel to the new location, Yehudah gathered the courage to ask whether there would be a mikveh there. His boss answered honestly that he had no idea. Yehudah then said that if that was the case, he really could not join, and asked if he could please have the phone number of someone from the nearest Jewish community so he could stay in a private home instead. His boss replied that they would figure it out when they got there and told him to just get on the bus. With no real choice, Yehudah went along. When they arrived, he tried desperately to find out if there was a mikveh within walking distance, but no one knew of one. With just a little more than an hour before Shabbat, Yehudah learned that there was a nearby matzah bakery owned by a Jew who lived in Eretz Yisrael. At one point, the owner had wanted to build a mikveh next to the bakery so that he would have one available whenever he visited. Yehudah managed to obtain the phone number of Daniel, the bakery manager, and called him. When Yehudah asked whether a mikveh had been built near the bakery, Daniel responded with clear excitement in his voice, saying that there was indeed a mikveh. Daniel then offered to come by on Shabbat morning at six o'clock and bring whoever wanted to go. Yehudah was overjoyed. On Shabbat morning, when Daniel arrived, he asked Yehudah if he knew when the mikveh had been completed. Yehudah replied that he did not. Daniel then revealed something astonishing. That past Monday, they had completed everything necessary to finish the mikveh. On Tuesday, they opened the roof so rainwater could enter. And only the night before, there had been such heavy rain that the pit finally filled with enough water. Now, on Shabbat morning, Yehudah would be the first person ever to use this mikveh. Yehudah said that his entire body trembled when he realized the hashgachah of what Hashem had done, orchestrating everything so precisely just so he could have the mikveh he so desperately wanted. Another man related a different story. Someone had given him a gift of seven hundred and ninety dollars to buy a specific product. He already knew the exact price, and the amount he was given matched it perfectly. He then began to wonder whether he should separate ma'aser from the money. On the one hand, it was a gift meant for a specific purpose. On the other hand, it was still money that had come to him. Without asking a rabbi, he decided to act above the letter of the law and gave eighty dollars as ma'aser. When he arrived at the store and went to pay, the owner told him the price was seven hundred dollars. Surprised, he asked if it was not supposed to be seven hundred and ninety. The owner smiled and asked what was wrong with getting a discount. Hashem is even in charge of the price we pay for the merchandise we buy. He is involved in every detail of our lives, and it is a great avodah each time we recognize it.

In this wide-ranging and unfiltered conversation, Jason Ingber sits down with Abe Hendeles to talk about fatherhood, work ethic, faith, technology, politics, and what it really takes to build a life and business from the ground up. From raising kids in an uncertain future to running a last-mile delivery operation across Los Angeles, Abe shares real stories about sacrifice, independence, and service. The conversation dives into modern phone addiction, the importance of Shabbat and unplugging, government regulation, entrepreneurship, and the realities behind logistics and delivery work. They also explore big-picture systems and responsibility, from Tesla and EV infrastructure to hydrogen cars, leadership, and why nothing worth having comes easy. This episode is raw, thoughtful, and deeply human. No scripts. No shortcuts. Just honest perspective on work, family, money, and meaning in modern America. Topics covered include: Parenthood, responsibility, and preparing for the future Why "hope without action" can be dangerous Life without a phone in a hyper-connected world Faith, Shabbat, and the power of unplugging Behind-the-scenes realities of logistics and delivery businesses Tesla, EVs, hydrogen cars, and why systems matter Work ethic, leadership, and independence Politics, accessibility, and public trust If you enjoy long-form conversations about real life, business, culture, and responsibility, this episode is for you.

In this Ask Away #28 episode of Everyday Judaism, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe answers live and emailed questions on practical halacha and deeper Jewish life:Netilat yadayim technique — One continuous flow is ideal; your wrist-to-fingers method is fine if uninterrupted.Running water / faucets — Requires human force (koach gavra); turn faucet on/off repeatedly so first spurt washes each hand.Morning blessings order — Body needs first (restroom), then wash hands + Al Netilat Yadayim, Asher Yatzar, Elokai Neshama (attach them); Modeh Ani immediately upon waking.Aliyah in current times — Massive wave of aliyah is real and prophetic; if livelihood transfers easily, move (great mitzvah—every moment/step in Eretz Yisrael is a mitzvah); if not, stay and be intentional (e.g., spread Torah, as Rabbi does in Houston). Cultural/language barriers for children over 6 are real; prepare spiritually (Torah growth, closeness to Hashem) for Moshiach—have a "go bag" ready.Tattoos & henna — Tattoos forbidden biblically; henna generally permitted (ask rabbi); neither blocks hand-washing unless substantial chatzitzah.Infidelity & King Solomon — Torah forbids casual intimacy outside marriage; Solomon's 1,000 wives/concubines is a cautionary tale—he later warns against it. Rabbinic decree limits men to one wife at a time. Modern promiscuity/infidelity rises with internet; use filters/accountability, delete temptations, prioritize emotional depth via niddah laws.Shabbat automatic toilets — Triggering sensors is problematic (creative labor); if unavoidable, some poskim permit as gram/indirect; best avoid or use manual options.Finding a rabbi — Pursue actively (run after them); persistence (e.g., persistent voicemails) works; rabbi guides halacha/life; don't wait for one to chase you.The rabbi shares personal stories (mikvah healing soul-leaving sensation, persistent rabbi outreach) and stresses intentional Judaism, community, and using modern tools for good while guarding against harm.Please submit your questions at askaway@torchweb.org_____________The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen LernerDownload & Print the Everyday Judaism Halacha Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5This episode (Ep. #82) of the Everyday Judaism Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Marshall & Doreen Lerner! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on January 4, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on January 29, 2026_____________Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Everyday Judaism PodcastApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-judaism-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1600622789Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AXCNcyKSVsaOLsLQsCN1CShare your questions at askaway@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! 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:#AskAway, #Torah, #Halacha, #Q&A, #Jewish, #Halacha, #NetilatYadayim, #HandWashing, #Mikvah, #Rabbi, #Tzedakah ★ Support this podcast ★

Even with all of the challenges in the world today Jewish education must strive to emphasize the joy and celebration of what it means to be Jewish in today's world. The Bible Players are experts at bringing laughter and joy to Jewish education, from using improvisation to teach mitzvot, to playing their own version of Rock, Paper, Scissors (“Candle, Cup, Challah, Bless”) to teach the order of Shabbat.  This week, enjoy a conversation between David Bryfman and Andrew Davies, co-founder of The Bible Players, and recipient of The Jewish Education Project's Young Pioneers Award and The Covenant Foundation's Pomegranate Prize. Hear from Andrew on why holding both the “joy” and the “oy” is essential in Jewish education, and how he brings that balance to their learners. To learn more about The Bible Players, visit thebibleplayers.com.Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.orgThis episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

In this Ask Away #28 episode of Everyday Judaism, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe answers live and emailed questions on practical halacha and deeper Jewish life:Netilat yadayim technique — One continuous flow is ideal; your wrist-to-fingers method is fine if uninterrupted.Running water / faucets — Requires human force (koach gavra); turn faucet on/off repeatedly so first spurt washes each hand.Morning blessings order — Body needs first (restroom), then wash hands + Al Netilat Yadayim, Asher Yatzar, Elokai Neshama (attach them); Modeh Ani immediately upon waking.Aliyah in current times — Massive wave of aliyah is real and prophetic; if livelihood transfers easily, move (great mitzvah—every moment/step in Eretz Yisrael is a mitzvah); if not, stay and be intentional (e.g., spread Torah, as Rabbi does in Houston). Cultural/language barriers for children over 6 are real; prepare spiritually (Torah growth, closeness to Hashem) for Moshiach—have a "go bag" ready.Tattoos & henna — Tattoos forbidden biblically; henna generally permitted (ask rabbi); neither blocks hand-washing unless substantial chatzitzah.Infidelity & King Solomon — Torah forbids casual intimacy outside marriage; Solomon's 1,000 wives/concubines is a cautionary tale—he later warns against it. Rabbinic decree limits men to one wife at a time. Modern promiscuity/infidelity rises with internet; use filters/accountability, delete temptations, prioritize emotional depth via niddah laws.Shabbat automatic toilets — Triggering sensors is problematic (creative labor); if unavoidable, some poskim permit as gram/indirect; best avoid or use manual options.Finding a rabbi — Pursue actively (run after them); persistence (e.g., persistent voicemails) works; rabbi guides halacha/life; don't wait for one to chase you.The rabbi shares personal stories (mikvah healing soul-leaving sensation, persistent rabbi outreach) and stresses intentional Judaism, community, and using modern tools for good while guarding against harm.Please submit your questions at askaway@torchweb.org_____________The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen LernerDownload & Print the Everyday Judaism Halacha Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5This episode (Ep. #82) of the Everyday Judaism Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Marshall & Doreen Lerner! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on January 4, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on January 29, 2026_____________Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Everyday Judaism PodcastApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-judaism-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1600622789Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AXCNcyKSVsaOLsLQsCN1CShare your questions at askaway@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! 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:#AskAway, #Torah, #Halacha, #Q&A, #Jewish, #Halacha, #NetilatYadayim, #HandWashing, #Mikvah, #Rabbi, #Tzedakah ★ Support this podcast ★

Recently, the “Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem” issued a joint statement explicitly condemning Christian Zionism as a harmful and damaging ideology. Their statement accuses local individuals who promote it of misleading public opinion, sowing confusion, and undermining the unity of the Church. The statement further states, “The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches further note with concern that these individuals have been welcomed at official levels both locally and internationally.” It's ironic that days earlier, Christian leaders throughout Israel were welcomed and celebrated by Israel's head of state, President Herzog, at the President's residence, hosted with honor and respect. Does this statement poke the president in the eye, and undermine the very existence of the State of Israel? Is Christian Zionism harmful and damaging? What is the theological basis of such a declaration? Why are there so many Christians who embrace Zionism, from the 19th century? Why was the statement issued now, and who is behind it? What does it mean that Zionism was singled out as problematic, but Israel was not mentioned once? PLEASE DONATE TO THE GENESIS 123 FOUNDATION AT WWW.GENESIS123.CO For information about and how to register for Root & Branch, please go to www.RootandBranchIsrael.comConnect with the Genesis 123 Foundation at www.Genesis123.co and learn how you can host Shabbat in your community.FB - www.facebook.com/Genesis123Foundation Twitter - @Genesis123FIG - Genesis_123_FoundationFind out how you can be part of Run for Zion and bless Israel with every step at www.RunforZion.com.

We take the next step in the amazing book 'What the Angels Taught You' by beginning to delve into the concept of knowledge of absolute truths. We establish some troubling facts about the elusive goal of emotional well-being based on the terrific book 'Real Power' and make a decison about the next few classes direction. Enjoy  

In this Prayer Podcast episode (Part 2 of Baruch She'amar), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues his deep dive into the opening blessing of Pesukei Dezimra. He explains the prayer's two parts: the introductory praises (10 praises corresponding to creation's 10 utterances and the 10 Commandments) and the actual blessing. Drawing from the Rokach and other commentaries, the rabbi reveals profound secrets:Baruch She'amar V'haya Ha'olam — Hashem spoke the world into existence (yesh me'ayin); everything was created in one utterance, then revealed gradually over time.Baruch Hu — The world exists to glorify Hashem's Name.Baruch Oseh Bereishis — Hashem renews creation every single day (present tense verbs emphasize ongoing miracles).Baruch Omer V'oseh — What Hashem decrees immediately happens.Baruch Gozer Umekayem — Decrees (even difficult ones) are fulfilled, yet Hashem sustains us through them.Baruch Merachem Al Ha'aretz / Al Ha'briyot — Hashem shows compassion on the earth and every creature.Baruch Meshaleim Sochar Tov Li're'av — Hashem rewards the righteous eternally (in the World to Come), while the wicked get their reward in this world.Baruch Chai La'ad V'kayam Lanetzach — Hashem was, is, and will be forever (YKVK = past, present, future).Baruch Podeh U'matzil — Hashem redeems and rescues from every challenge.Baruch Shemo — Blessed is His Name, despite being hidden.The rabbi connects this to the parsha (Va'era), where Hashem reveals Himself as the Redeemer ("Ani Hashem") and performs miracles to prove His sovereignty. He stresses living with awe: see daily miracles (body, nature, modern survivals in Israel) as ongoing creation and love from Hashem—never let them become routine._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Dr. Leonard & June GoldbergDownload the Prayer Podcast Worksheets:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1iBVevW1ydyjSeyeO0iCcina7e8vix3Lt?usp=sharingThis episode (Ep. #45) of the Prayer Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Dr. Leonard & June Goldberg! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on January 27, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on January 28, 2026_____________DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!_____________#Prayer, #Tefillah, #Siddur, #PesukaiDezimra, #PrayerPodcast, #BaruchSheamar, #VersesOfPraise, #13Attributes, #JewishPrayer ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, we explore how life's challenges are not setbacks or punishments, but invitations to activate strengths already embedded within us. Together with Rabbi Michael Cohen, we examine Rav Dessler's understanding of mercy, testing, and inherited spiritual capacity, and how these ideas can change the way you experience difficulty. You'll gain a clearer way to face pressure without feeling broken or defeated, learn how to recognize when inner resistance is not “who you are,” and understand how integrity and lived choices reshape your inner world. If you've ever wondered why challenges keep appearing or how to stay aligned with truth when life pushes back, this episode offers a grounded framework for moving forward with clarity and confidence.Join the Conversation! Be part of our growing community—join the Shema Podcast for the Perplexed WhatsApp group to share feedback, discuss episodes, and suggest future topics. Click here to sign up.Connect with Rabbi Michael CohenReach out to Rabbi Michael Cohen to learn more about his one-on-one coaching work, where he applies the teachings of Strive for Truth to help individuals untangle inner confusion, clarify priorities, and live more grounded, self-expressed lives. To inquire or connect, email him at mailto:rabbicohen@msn.com. 

In this Prayer Podcast episode (Part 2 of Baruch She'amar), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues his deep dive into the opening blessing of Pesukei Dezimra. He explains the prayer's two parts: the introductory praises (10 praises corresponding to creation's 10 utterances and the 10 Commandments) and the actual blessing. Drawing from the Rokach and other commentaries, the rabbi reveals profound secrets:Baruch She'amar V'haya Ha'olam — Hashem spoke the world into existence (yesh me'ayin); everything was created in one utterance, then revealed gradually over time.Baruch Hu — The world exists to glorify Hashem's Name.Baruch Oseh Bereishis — Hashem renews creation every single day (present tense verbs emphasize ongoing miracles).Baruch Omer V'oseh — What Hashem decrees immediately happens.Baruch Gozer Umekayem — Decrees (even difficult ones) are fulfilled, yet Hashem sustains us through them.Baruch Merachem Al Ha'aretz / Al Ha'briyot — Hashem shows compassion on the earth and every creature.Baruch Meshaleim Sochar Tov Li're'av — Hashem rewards the righteous eternally (in the World to Come), while the wicked get their reward in this world.Baruch Chai La'ad V'kayam Lanetzach — Hashem was, is, and will be forever (YKVK = past, present, future).Baruch Podeh U'matzil — Hashem redeems and rescues from every challenge.Baruch Shemo — Blessed is His Name, despite being hidden.The rabbi connects this to the parsha (Va'era), where Hashem reveals Himself as the Redeemer ("Ani Hashem") and performs miracles to prove His sovereignty. He stresses living with awe: see daily miracles (body, nature, modern survivals in Israel) as ongoing creation and love from Hashem—never let them become routine._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Dr. Leonard & June GoldbergDownload the Prayer Podcast Worksheets:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1iBVevW1ydyjSeyeO0iCcina7e8vix3Lt?usp=sharingThis episode (Ep. #45) of the Prayer Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Dr. Leonard & June Goldberg! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on January 27, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on January 28, 2026_____________DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!_____________#Prayer, #Tefillah, #Siddur, #PesukaiDezimra, #PrayerPodcast, #BaruchSheamar, #VersesOfPraise, #13Attributes, #JewishPrayer ★ Support this podcast ★

Abraham just defeated four kings. He refused their wealth. He should feel victorious. Instead, he's terrified. G-d appears to him in a vision and says: "Fear not, Abraham. I am a shield for you. Your reward is very great." But Abraham isn't comforted. What good is any reward if he has no child to pass it to? Everything will go to Eliezer, his servant from Damascus.G-d takes him outside. "Look at the heavens and count the stars, if you can." The simple reading: Abraham looks up at the night sky. But the Hebrew reveals something else. The word used means looking down, not up. G-d takes Abraham above the stars and shows him from there. Because according to Abraham's astrological sign, he and Sarah will never have children. So G-d takes him outside his mazal, outside the natural order. Abram won't have a son, but Abraham will. The Jewish people exist outside the framework of the world, a thread that shouldn't be there but is.Abraham trusts. The Hebrew word is "והאמין," which doesn't mean belief the way we think. It means locked in, steadfast, unwavering. No matter what questions come, Abraham is locked into G-d. Then Abraham asks one question: "How will I know that I will inherit the land?" What have I done to deserve this? Or maybe: how do I make sure I don't mess it up? This episode explores what it means to be taken outside your limitations, and why trust is greater than belief.

In this powerful episode, host Lisa Pineda sits down with Rabbi Elan Segelman, Rabbanic Director at PUAH, to explore the unique intersection of Jewish law and fertility treatment. With one in six couples facing infertility challenges, Rabbi Segelman shares how PUAH has become the number one resource for the Jewish community navigating everything from IVF and IUI to egg freezing and male factor infertility. He opens up about the shame and guilt many couples experience, the complexities of observing Shabbat during treatment, and why modern reproductive technology is a gift from God, not a contradiction to faith. This conversation breaks down barriers and provides hope for anyone struggling with their fertility journey.Rabbi Segelman walks through PUAH's groundbreaking lab supervision program, explaining how the organization was founded nearly 40 years ago to ensure genetic lineage integrity during IVF procedures. He discusses the rise of male factor infertility, breakthrough AI technologies like sperm identification systems, and why egg freezing should be an empowered choice for women. From addressing halakhic considerations during treatment cycles to the emotional toll of recurrent miscarriages, this episode covers the full spectrum of fertility challenges within the Orthodox Jewish community. Rabbi Segelman's message is clear: no one should face this journey alone, and resources like PUAH exist to provide both practical guidance and emotional support every step of the way.Contact Rabbi Elan Segelman at Puah Fertility @puah_fertility

Cantors Davis and Reisner revisit the pipeline issue from their last episode and share a preview of a special melody for "The Song of the Sea," coming up this Shabbat.

Complete Release from Troubles

R. Rachel Rubenstein's sermon during Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on January 24th, 2025- parshat bo.

In this Everyday Judaism episode (continuing Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, Siman 40), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe completes the laws of netilat yadayim (ritual hand-washing before bread/meals). Key halachot include:Invalid waters: Salty, putrid, bitter, or muddy water is disqualified if unfit even for a dog to drink.Clean hands requirement: Hands must be free of interpositions (chatzitzah)—remove rings, clean under long nails, scrape off substantial dirt/paint; incidental coloring (e.g., ink stains) is not a chatzitzah, but substantial matter (paint, grease) is.For certain occupations (painters, dyers, butchers, scribes): Minor staining from their work is not a chatzitzah unless it covers most of the hand.Dressings/wounds: Band-aids or painful-to-remove coverings are not chatzitzah (same rule applies to mikvah immersion).Dipping foods: Wash hands (no blessing) before eating anything commonly dipped in liquid or still moist from liquid; seven liquids qualify (wine, honey, olive oil, milk/whey, blood [medicinal only], water); fruit juices or liquors generally do not.Preserves & butters: Hardened sugar/honey coatings are not liquid (no washing needed); soft/moist ones are.Hand foods vs. utensil foods: Dip hand-eaten foods require washing; spoon/fork foods do not if no hand contact.Practical notes: Soap is not required; focus on water coverage and one continuous flow.The rabbi stresses spiritual depth: washing humbles us before bread (countering "my power made this wealth") and prepares us for holiness. The episode transitions to Ask Away #28, inviting questions on intentional Judaism.The episode concludes with a transition to the Ask Away #28._____________The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen LernerDownload & Print the Everyday Judaism Halacha Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5This episode (Ep. #83) of the Everyday Judaism Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Marshall & Doreen Lerner! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on January 4, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on January 26, 2026_____________DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!_____________#Halacha, #Jewishlaw, #blessings, #Kitzur, #NetilatYadayim, #HandWashing, #Halacha, #SpiritualHumility, #EverydayJudaism ★ Support this podcast ★

In this Parshas Bo review, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the final three plagues (locusts, darkness, death of the firstborn) and the dramatic prelude to the Exodus. The core message centers on chen (favor/grace): despite centuries of enslavement and hatred, the Jewish people suddenly found favor in Egyptian eyes ("Vayiten Hashem et chen ha'am be'einei Mitzrayim"), leading them to freely give gold, silver, and valuables as they left.The rabbi explains this reversal was not due to assimilation or currying favor—quite the opposite. The Jews remained distinct: they did not change their names, language, or clothing (lo shin'u et shemam, et leshonam, et malbusham). Their steadfast commitment to identity and Hashem earned divine favor, turning enemies into benefactors overnight. Assimilation backfires; authentic pride in Judaism draws chen from Hashem, which then reflects in the eyes of others.The episode ties this to modern life: don't hide Judaism (yarmulke, tzitzit, tefillin) out of fear—wear it proudly as a badge of honor. True Jewish pride comes from living mitzvot openly, not blending in. The rabbi shares personal stories (putting on tefillin publicly in airports, inspiring others) and urges embracing Jewish identity without shame, as Hashem controls the "favorability knob."_____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on January 25, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on January 26, 2026_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! 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:#Torah, #Parsha, #Exodus, #Shemos, #TenPlagues, #Bo, #Favor, #Pride, #Exodus, #Miracles, #StayDistinct, #AuthenticJudaism ★ Support this podcast ★

In this Parshas Bo review, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the final three plagues (locusts, darkness, death of the firstborn) and the dramatic prelude to the Exodus. The core message centers on chen (favor/grace): despite centuries of enslavement and hatred, the Jewish people suddenly found favor in Egyptian eyes ("Vayiten Hashem et chen ha'am be'einei Mitzrayim"), leading them to freely give gold, silver, and valuables as they left.The rabbi explains this reversal was not due to assimilation or currying favor—quite the opposite. The Jews remained distinct: they did not change their names, language, or clothing (lo shin'u et shemam, et leshonam, et malbusham). Their steadfast commitment to identity and Hashem earned divine favor, turning enemies into benefactors overnight. Assimilation backfires; authentic pride in Judaism draws chen from Hashem, which then reflects in the eyes of others.The episode ties this to modern life: don't hide Judaism (yarmulke, tzitzit, tefillin) out of fear—wear it proudly as a badge of honor. True Jewish pride comes from living mitzvot openly, not blending in. The rabbi shares personal stories (putting on tefillin publicly in airports, inspiring others) and urges embracing Jewish identity without shame, as Hashem controls the "favorability knob."_____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on January 25, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on January 26, 2026_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! 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:#Torah, #Parsha, #Exodus, #Shemos, #TenPlagues, #Bo, #Favor, #Pride, #Exodus, #Miracles, #StayDistinct, #AuthenticJudaism ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, I give you a simple, repeatable roadmap for real deveikus, how to use your mind in the right order so you stop spiraling into anxiety, overthinking, and fantasy futures. You'll learn how to recognize when your imagination is hijacking you, how to take the next clean step even while you feel fear, and how to turn Torah into lived, embodied trust that rewires your nervous system. By the end, you'll have a practical decision-making checklist you can use in business, family, and spiritual growth to move forward with clarity and real bitachon.Join the Conversation! Be part of our growing community—join the Shema Podcast for the Perplexed WhatsApp group to share feedback, discuss episodes, and suggest future topics. Click here to sign up.Explore The Art of PrayerDownload a collection of beautifully designed blessings (brachos) including Modeh Ani, Asher Yatzar, Netilas Yadayim and more.  Free to download and perfect for your home by clicking here.

Parashat Hashavua by Cantorial Soloist Todd Herzog

In this Everyday Judaism episode (continuing Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, Siman 40), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe completes the laws of netilat yadayim (ritual hand-washing before bread/meals). Key halachot include:Invalid waters: Salty, putrid, bitter, or muddy water is disqualified if unfit even for a dog to drink.Clean hands requirement: Hands must be free of interpositions (chatzitzah)—remove rings, clean under long nails, scrape off substantial dirt/paint; incidental coloring (e.g., ink stains) is not a chatzitzah, but substantial matter (paint, grease) is.For certain occupations (painters, dyers, butchers, scribes): Minor staining from their work is not a chatzitzah unless it covers most of the hand.Dressings/wounds: Band-aids or painful-to-remove coverings are not chatzitzah (same rule applies to mikvah immersion).Dipping foods: Wash hands (no blessing) before eating anything commonly dipped in liquid or still moist from liquid; seven liquids qualify (wine, honey, olive oil, milk/whey, blood [medicinal only], water); fruit juices or liquors generally do not.Preserves & butters: Hardened sugar/honey coatings are not liquid (no washing needed); soft/moist ones are.Hand foods vs. utensil foods: Dip hand-eaten foods require washing; spoon/fork foods do not if no hand contact.Practical notes: Soap is not required; focus on water coverage and one continuous flow.The rabbi stresses spiritual depth: washing humbles us before bread (countering "my power made this wealth") and prepares us for holiness. The episode transitions to Ask Away #28, inviting questions on intentional Judaism.The episode concludes with a transition to the Ask Away #28._____________The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen LernerDownload & Print the Everyday Judaism Halacha Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5This episode (Ep. #83) of the Everyday Judaism Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Marshall & Doreen Lerner! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on January 4, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on January 26, 2026_____________DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!_____________#Halacha, #Jewishlaw, #blessings, #Kitzur, #NetilatYadayim, #HandWashing, #Halacha, #SpiritualHumility, #EverydayJudaism ★ Support this podcast ★

This week's portion is called Bo (Come)TORAH PORTION: Exodus 13:1–16HAFTARAH: Jeremiah 46:13–28APOSTLES: Matthew 26:17–29How does the Haftarah connect to this week's Torah Portion?How do the Apostles connect to this week's Torah Portion?Daily Bread for Kids is a daily Bible reading podcast where we read through the Torah and the Gospels in one year! Helping young Bible-readers to study God's Word, while also discovering its Jewish context!THE KIDS' JOURNAL is available from ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://arielmedia.shop⁠⁠⁠⁠BUSY MOMS who want to follow the Daily Bread readings on podcast for adults, can go to ⁠⁠https://dailybreadmoms.com⁠⁠The Bible translation we are reading from is the Tree of Life Version (TLV) available from the Tree of Life Bible Society.INSTAGRAM: @dailybreadkids @arielmediabooks @dailybreadmomsTags: #DailyBreadMoms #DailyBreadJournal #BibleJournaling #Messianic #BiblePodcast #BiblicalFeasts #Journal #biblereadingplan #Messiah #JewishRoots #Yeshua #GodIsInControl #OneYearBible #MomLife #MotherCulture #FaithFilledMama #BiblicalWomanhood #Proverbs31woman

Rabbinic Intern Aviva Frank's Shabbat Teaching at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, January 24, 2026. (Youtube/Zoom)Special Guest: Rabbinic Intern Aviva Frank.

Can you marry more thank one wife!?Can you brush your teeth on Shabbat!?

Have you ever felt lonely? Does it ever feel like you cannot escape isolation? Join Rabbi Kevin Solomon of Congregation Beth Hallel as he reinforces us with the truth that when we feel alone and far from everyone else with no support, G-d is still there with His outstretched arms. When G-d is with you, regardless of what comes against you, He can take it all on. Be strengthened this Shabbat!Job 19.14-19; 1 Kings 19.14; 1 Kings 19.18; 2 Kings 6.14-17; Psalm 3.7-9; Hebrews 13.5-6Prayer Requests or send an email to info@bethhallel.orgCBH WebsiteDonateYouTube Channel

Rabbi-Cantor Hillary Chorny's Shabbat Sermon at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, January 24, 2026. (Youtube)

The surge of antisemitism has left many of us unsettled, confused, and struggling to understand what type of Jewish future is possible in the Diaspora. In fact, we can have a large hand in shaping our future, but to do this we first need to better understand the challenge before us.About Robert LeikindRob Leikind has been director of AJC New England since 2008. A child of parents who survived Hitler's Europe, he grew up with a deeply rooted regard for the opportunity that American democracy affords Jews and other vulnerable minorities. Throughout his career, Rob has been a passionate defender of civil rights, an ardent advocate in the fight against antisemitism and other forms of bigotry, and a vocal proponent of a just and secure future for Israel and its neighbors.Rob began his career working with Holocaust survivors in Brooklyn, New York. A lawyer by training, he served as an Assistant District Attorney before going on to be Director of the ADL's Connecticut and Boston offices and Senior Vice President of Hebrew College.Rob has been a contributor to various media on topics ranging from Israel and anti-Semitism to intergroup relations and civil rights. He received his bachelor's degree from Vassar College, an M.S. from Columbia University and his J.D. from the Boston College Law School.

www.dailybreadmoms.com Now coming to busy moms all over the world as a daily podcast! Daily Bread follows the weekly Torah Portion, one part each day, together with a healthy balance from the rest of Scripture — all in one year. More than just a one-year Bible reading plan, Daily Bread is designed as a journal, with a comprehensive Hebrew calendar. To support the podcast - www.patreon.com/dailybreadmoms Check out the Daily Bread Torah Class, LIVE from Israel! Join anytime. larsenarson.com/torah The Journals are available here: arielmedia.shop/

Study Guide The Mishna states that an intent to eat half an olive-bulk and an intent to burn half an olive-bulk do not combine to create a status of pigul. The Gemara infers from this Mishna that two intents regarding eating - one concerning an item meant to be eaten and one concerning an item not meant to be eaten - would indeed combine to render the item pigul. This inference, however, contradicts the previous Mishna. Rabbi Yirmia simply rules that this Mishna follows a different opinion than the previous one, while Abaye rejects the inference entirely. The second chapter begins with a debate between Rabbi Yosi and the Rabbis regarding whether a pigul thought about burning the incense beyond the proper time would disqualify the mincha and render the remainder pigul. Reish Lakish explains the basis for Rabbi Yosi's position, that it is not pigul, as he holds that one permitter (matir) cannot turn another matir into pigul. A difficulty is raised against Reish Lakish's explanation, but it is ultimately resolved. Rabbi Yannai rules that a kohen must collect the frankincense, and if this was performed by a non-kohen, it is disqualified. Rabbi Yirmia explains the reasoning by comparing it to holacha (conveying the offering to the altar), which requires a kohen. A difficulty is raised against this comparison, but it is resolved. Rav Meri brings a proof for Rabbi Yannai, but it is rejected. The Mishna raises a debate concerning offerings that consist of several parts—such as the two lambs and two loaves of bread (on Shavuot) or the two bowls of frankincense and two sets of six loaves of the showbread (Lechem HaPanim). The question is whether pigul thoughts during the sacrificing of the lambs or the burning of the frankincense regarding only a portion of the bread (e.g., one of the loaves) render all the loaves pigul.

Full TorahAnytime Lecture Video or Audio More classes from R' Joey Haber ⭐ 2,542

In this Thinking Talmudist episode on Gittin 57a, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe concludes the tragic stories of Kfar Sekania's destruction and delves into the Roman massacre of Betar (Beitar), using it to illustrate the dangers of reckless reaction and the power of lashon hara (slander) in causing national catastrophe.The Gemara recounts how Betar's custom of planting cedar trees for boys and pine for girls—later used for wedding canopies—led to disaster: when Caesar's daughter's carriage broke, her attendants cut down a local cedar, prompting Jews to attack them in outrage. This sparked Roman retaliation, resulting in the slaughter of millions (80,000 division leaders entering, blood flowing to the sea, streets running red). The destruction stemmed from overreaction to a perceived personal affront (the tree symbolizing a child's future), mirroring how lashon hara about Eretz Yisrael by the spies doomed a generation.The rabbi emphasizes intentional Jewish living over myths (e.g., tattoos or lashon hara barring burial), urging daily teshuva and vibrancy in mitzvot. He shares powerful personal reflections on family purity laws (niddah): physical separation (no touching, separate beds) creates 12 annual honeymoons, nurturing emotional depth and preventing relationships from becoming stale or objectified—preserving long-term love and holiness.The episode closes with a call to invest in authentic Judaism now, not just "die Jewish," and to recognize that all is in Hashem's hand._____________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 January 9, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on January 23, 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, #Gittin, #BetarDestruction, #FamilyPurity, #NiddahLaws, #JewishMarriage ★ Support this podcast ★

In this Thinking Talmudist episode on Gittin 57a, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe concludes the tragic stories of Kfar Sekania's destruction and delves into the Roman massacre of Betar (Beitar), using it to illustrate the dangers of reckless reaction and the power of lashon hara (slander) in causing national catastrophe.The Gemara recounts how Betar's custom of planting cedar trees for boys and pine for girls—later used for wedding canopies—led to disaster: when Caesar's daughter's carriage broke, her attendants cut down a local cedar, prompting Jews to attack them in outrage. This sparked Roman retaliation, resulting in the slaughter of millions (80,000 division leaders entering, blood flowing to the sea, streets running red). The destruction stemmed from overreaction to a perceived personal affront (the tree symbolizing a child's future), mirroring how lashon hara about Eretz Yisrael by the spies doomed a generation.The rabbi emphasizes intentional Jewish living over myths (e.g., tattoos or lashon hara barring burial), urging daily teshuva and vibrancy in mitzvot. He shares powerful personal reflections on family purity laws (niddah): physical separation (no touching, separate beds) creates 12 annual honeymoons, nurturing emotional depth and preventing relationships from becoming stale or objectified—preserving long-term love and holiness.The episode closes with a call to invest in authentic Judaism now, not just "die Jewish," and to recognize that all is in Hashem's hand._____________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 January 9, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on January 23, 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, #Gittin, #BetarDestruction, #FamilyPurity, #NiddahLaws, #JewishMarriage ★ Support this podcast ★

Study Guide The Mishna states that an intent to eat half an olive-bulk and an intent to burn half an olive-bulk do not combine to create a status of pigul. The Gemara infers from this Mishna that two intents regarding eating - one concerning an item meant to be eaten and one concerning an item not meant to be eaten - would indeed combine to render the item pigul. This inference, however, contradicts the previous Mishna. Rabbi Yirmia simply rules that this Mishna follows a different opinion than the previous one, while Abaye rejects the inference entirely. The second chapter begins with a debate between Rabbi Yosi and the Rabbis regarding whether a pigul thought about burning the incense beyond the proper time would disqualify the mincha and render the remainder pigul. Reish Lakish explains the basis for Rabbi Yosi's position, that it is not pigul, as he holds that one permitter (matir) cannot turn another matir into pigul. A difficulty is raised against Reish Lakish's explanation, but it is ultimately resolved. Rabbi Yannai rules that a kohen must collect the frankincense, and if this was performed by a non-kohen, it is disqualified. Rabbi Yirmia explains the reasoning by comparing it to holacha (conveying the offering to the altar), which requires a kohen. A difficulty is raised against this comparison, but it is resolved. Rav Meri brings a proof for Rabbi Yannai, but it is rejected. The Mishna raises a debate concerning offerings that consist of several parts—such as the two lambs and two loaves of bread (on Shavuot) or the two bowls of frankincense and two sets of six loaves of the showbread (Lechem HaPanim). The question is whether pigul thoughts during the sacrificing of the lambs or the burning of the frankincense regarding only a portion of the bread (e.g., one of the loaves) render all the loaves pigul.

What does it really mean for something to be “Shabbat worthy”?This Q&A addresses real questions asked during our monthly In The Zone meeting.This video is part 2 of a Q&A session from our monthly “In The Zone” meeting, where real-life questions are discussed through a Torah-based lens.“In The Zone” weekends happen once a month, bringing together people from around the world who are part of MTOI (Messianic Torah Observant Israel). During these sessions, participants are invited to ask honest, practical questions about walking out their faith—covering topics like boundaries, self-control, Shabbat, and daily life decisions.This particular video features the local Beth Shalom Q&A from November 2025.• What are you doing with what you've been given in this life?• Boundaries or protocols?• Using my creativity on Shabbat?• Is it Shabbat worthy?• Boundaries and protocols continued• Know your limits• Doing a visitation on Shabbat?• Take care of yourself• Self-control• Do not love the world—what is the ‘world'?• The Defender?Subscribe to be notified of new content each week.Learn more about MTOI:https://mtoi.orgThe MTOI App https://mtoi.org/download-the-mtoi-appFollow MTOI:https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwidehttps://www.tiktok.com/@mtoi_worldwide Contact MTOI: 

Guest hazzan Yoni Avi Battat and Sarah Bunin Benor in conversation at IKAR's Lunch & Learn from our Sephardi / Mizrahi Shabbat on January 17, 2026.

Jack Lew was drawn to a mission of service well before becoming the 76th U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. As a kid in Forest Hills, Queens, he stepped up as his high school's inaugural Earth Day coordinator. Inspired by a local rabbi, he supported low-income housing in his hometown. Raised in a home committed to Jewish life and Zionism but also social justice and the community around him, Lew never wavered from an equal sense of responsibility to both worlds. In fact, it's that very outlook that led him to a storied career in public service without ever sacrificing his Jewish faith and practice.   On January 13th, Rabbi David Wolpe sat down with Secretary Lew for an in-depth SAPIR Conversation. Together, they reflected on moments both personal and historic: the time President Clinton left Lew a voicemail on Shabbat; the pivotal conversation he had with President Obama before accepting the position of White House Chief of Staff; the experience of serving as U.S. Ambassador to Israel weeks after October 7th. They also discussed the future of U.S. military assistance to Israel, the fate of American Jewry, and – this being a SAPIR issue on Money – his understanding of the ideal form of Tzedaka, or charity.   Read the SAPIR essays referenced in this SAPIR Conversation, including:   Ilana Horwitz's essay on Poverty and Jewish Community: https://sapirjournal.org/money/2025/poverty-and-jewish-community/   Jordan Chandler Hirsch's essay on The Need for a Jewish Sovereign Wealth Fund: https://sapirjournal.org/money/2025/the-need-for-a-jewish-sovereign-wealth-fund/   Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/theo-gerard/monsieur-groove 

In this episode, Rabbi Michael Cohen and I explore a radical idea from Rav Dessler that reframes how we think about success, reward, and mitzvah observance. This world is not where mitzvot are paid back. It is where we are provisioned. What looks like reward is often just operating capital providing the resources necessary to fulfill our mission. We examine how imagination and experiential learning turn Torah from something we merely understand into something we actually live. You'll walk away with a clearer sense of purpose, a healthier relationship with struggle, and a practical way to align your pursuit of happiness with meaningful action.Join the Conversation! Be part of our growing community—join the Shema Podcast for the Perplexed WhatsApp group to share feedback, discuss episodes, and suggest future topics. Click here to sign up.Connect with Rabbi Michael CohenReach out to Rabbi Michael Cohen to learn more about his one-on-one coaching work, where he applies the teachings of Strive for Truth to help individuals untangle inner confusion, clarify priorities, and live more grounded, self-expressed lives. To inquire or connect, email him at mailto:rabbicohen@msn.com.

This encore episode of “613 Books” podcast is PART TWO of producer Heather Dean's interview with Rabbi Nachman Seltzer. He is the bestselling author of well over fifty books, many of which are biographies, novels, collections of inspirational stories, and books about Jewish history. Rabbi Seltzer's most recently-published books is called “Miracles, Missiles and Mesiras Nefesh,” which explores the war that began on October 7th, on what should have been one of the most joyous days of the year, Simchas Torah – which that year also fell on Shabbat. Through riveting stories and unforgettable behind-the-scenes reports, Rabbi Seltzer's book has it all: tragedy, hope, heroism, and military miracles. THIS EPISODE focuses on: The rise and fall of the notorious “Butcher of Khan Yunis” Yahiya Sinwar, y-sh"u, Rabbi Seltzer's reflections being a young writer, How long it takes to write each book, Ideas for creative writing –song lyrics included - come from Hashem, The Jewish spark of Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, and Ben & Jerry His opinions about Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) as a writer's tool and more! SUBSCRIBE to 613 Books Podcast and never miss an episode! = = = = = Show notes: Featured Guest: Rabbi Nachman Seltzer Featured Book: Missiles, Miracles and Mesiras Nefesh. Link to purchase on Artscroll's website https://www.artscroll.com/Books/9781422643204.html Link to purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Miracles-.The-Heartbreak-Miraculous-Operations/dp/1422643204 Contact Rabbi Nachman Seltzer: NachmanSeltzer@gmail.com = = = = = Show Announcer for 613 Books Podcast: Michael Doniger Michael's contact info, voice-over samples, and demo: https://michaeldoniger.net/en/home/ SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and never miss an episode!

On the Shabbat before MLK Day, Rabbi Zauzmer reminded us that while we can criticize the policies of our elected officials, we should celebrate religious diversity in leadership.