Podcasts about Talmud

A central text of Rabbinic Judaism

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    Latest podcast episodes about Talmud

    Daf Yomi: Babble on Talmud
    Slaughtering Sacrifices in the North (Zevachim 48)

    Daf Yomi: Babble on Talmud

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2025 70:34


    Daf Yomi Zevachim 48Episode 2128Babble on Talmud with Sruli RappsJoin the chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LMbsU3a5f4Y3b61DxFRsqfSefaria: https://www.sefaria.org.il/Zevachim.48a?lang=heEmail: sruli@babbleontalmud.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/babble_on_talmudFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Babble-on-Talmud-100080258961218/#dafyomi #talmud00:00 Intro01:07 How we know to slaughter an olah in the north33:50 How we know to slaughter a chatas in the north01:08:34 Conclusion

    Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection
    Torah, Guilt, and Prayer: The Power of Rabbinic Rulings (Talmudist #90 - Bava Metzia 84b)

    Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2025 18:14


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

    Daf Yomi: Babble on Talmud
    Ezehu Mekoman Shel Zevachim (Zevachim 47)

    Daf Yomi: Babble on Talmud

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2025 37:23


    Daf Yomi Zevachim 47Episode 2127Babble on Talmud with Sruli RappsJoin the chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LMbsU3a5f4Y3b61DxFRsqfSefaria: https://www.sefaria.org.il/Zevachim.47a?lang=heEmail: sruli@babbleontalmud.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/babble_on_talmudFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Babble-on-Talmud-100080258961218/#dafyomi #talmud00:00 Intro02:25 Whose intention is important 19:20 Ezehu mekoman35:31 Conclusion

    Daf Yomi: Babble on Talmud
    Offer a Korbin Like a Pro (Zevachim 46)

    Daf Yomi: Babble on Talmud

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2025 52:29


    Daf Yomi Zevachim 46Episode 2126Babble on Talmud with Sruli RappsJoin the chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LMbsU3a5f4Y3b61DxFRsqfSefaria: https://www.sefaria.org.il/Zevachim.46a?lang=heEmail: sruli@babbleontalmud.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/babble_on_talmudFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Babble-on-Talmud-100080258961218/#dafyomi #talmud00:00 Intro03:12 Blood's exclusion from noser and tamei29:24 Inedible and impure kodesh39:04 The proper intention for a korbin50:35 Conclusion

    Judaism Demystified | A Guide for Todays Perplexed
    Episode 133: Rabbi Chaim Eisen "Why the Torah's Theology Needs to Make Sense"

    Judaism Demystified | A Guide for Todays Perplexed

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2025 78:59


    One of our most frequently requested guests, Rabbi Chaim Eisen, returns for a wide-ranging conversation on the broader tradition of Ḥazal and the Rishonim, as illuminated through Maimonides' cosmological framework. While the Rambam's understanding of providence, revelation, and miracles was articulated through the science of his time, his goal was never to innovate a lone philosophy, but to express the timeless truths of the Torah's sages in the intellectual language of his era. Many assume that if the physics is outdated, the metaphysics must be too—but that assumption reflects a deep misunderstanding of how firmly Maimonides stood within the mainstream tradition. We explore how this unified worldview—shared by the overwhelming majority of the Rishonim—preserves the harmony between Torah, reason, and reality. The discussion also considers the role of Kabbalah as another mode of expression within that same continuum of truth, while recognizing how easily its metaphors can be distorted when read literally. The conversation culminates with some of the most challenging theological questions: Can God do the impossible? And if direct communion with God were entertained, would it open dilemmas that Maimonides and the sages of Israel worked so carefully to guard against?---*This episode is dedicated to the refua shelema of Sarah Miriam bat Tamar, Binyamin ben Zilpa, and our dear friend Yaakov ben Haya Sarah Malakh---• Bio: Rabbi Chaim Eisen is the founder and dean of Yeshivath Sharashim – Zion Bible Studies, a Web-based educational venture to engage users worldwide in a deepening understanding of the Hebrew Bible and other religious classics, through live, recorded, and written content. An acclaimed speaker, he's been stimulating audiences throughout Israel, North America, and Europe for over 40 years. For nearly all his career, he's been involved in adult education, principally as a senior rabbinical lecturer at the Orthodox Union (OU) Jerusalem World Center, where he taught for more than 36 years. For over 20 years, he also taught Talmud and Midrash, Biblical commentary, and especially Jewish thought and philosophy at various yeshivot in Israel. In addition, he served as a Torah lecturer in the Israel Defense Forces Rabbinate Torah Lecture Corps (reserves), for over 16 years, and continued to volunteer there, after his retirement. Besides teaching, he was founding editor of the OU journal 'Jewish Thought: A Journal of Torah Scholarship' and has written and edited numerous essays in this field. He's been teaching, editing, and publishing Judaica for more than four decades. In particular, he feels passionately that, to pave the way for God's “great and awesome day” (Yoel 3:4 and Malachi 3:23), there's a burning urgency now to enunciate the Torah's message in the global marketplace of ideas, where, all too often, it's so sincerely sought — and so sorely missing. Tragically, nowadays, few who value the Torah's message appreciate the global marketplace of ideas — and vice versa. Most of all, he's committed to harnessing a lifetime of Torah study and teaching, to address and redress this absence, by the Torah's light. This is his mission — and the raison d'être of Yeshivath Sharashim – Zion Bible Studies.---• Check out his channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jewishphilosophymatters ---• Welcome to JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED: A PODCAST FOR THE PERPLEXED | Co-hosted by Benjy & Benzi | Thank you to...Super Patron: Jordan Karmily, Platinum Patron: Craig Gordon, Rod Ilian, Gold Patrons: Dovidchai Abramchayev, Lazer Cohen, Travis Krueger, Vasili Volkoff, Vasya, Silver Patrons: Ellen Fleischer, Daniel M., Rabbi Pinny Rosenthal, Fred & Antonio, Jeffrey Wasserman, and Jacob Winston! Please SUBSCRIBE to this YouTube Channel and hit the BELL so you can get alerted whenever new clips get posted, thank you for your support!

    The JCast Network Total Feed
    The Rabbis Are Kvelling for Tay-Tay

    The JCast Network Total Feed

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2025 44:28


    Taylor Swift is smiling, and so are we. In Life of a Showgirl, the world's biggest pop star turns the page from heartbreak to happiness—finding meaning, playfulness, and joy in the spotlight. In this latest episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky explore what Jewish tradition teaches about the holiness of joy, the spiritual work of […]

    Daf Yomi: Babble on Talmud
    Korbanos of Ovdei Kochavim (Zevachim 45)

    Daf Yomi: Babble on Talmud

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2025 40:00


    Daf Yomi Zevachim 45Episode 2125Babble on Talmud with Sruli RappsJoin the chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LMbsU3a5f4Y3b61DxFRsqfSefaria: https://www.sefaria.org.il/Zevachim.45a?lang=heEmail: sruli@babbleontalmud.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/babble_on_talmudFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Babble-on-Talmud-100080258961218/#dafyomi #talmud00:00 Intro01:24 Korbanos of ovdei kochavim25:38 Criteria for noser and tamei39:17 Conclusion

    The CJN Daily
    'Edgy for a rabbi, clean for a comedian': Meet the Orthodox rabbi comic mocking antisemites onstage

    The CJN Daily

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2025 24:22


    Rabbi David Rotenberg got his first break performing jokes when he was 15 years old, in 1998. He had to rush out of his yeshiva's Talmud class to get to a 7-Eleven store payphone and book the gig at the Yuk Yuk's comedy club in his hometown of Ottawa. Over the past nearly 30 years, the Orthodox rabbi and Jewish educator chose to put his stand-up comedy career on the back burner for extended periods while he focused on his rabbinical duties and family. But he kept exercising his comedy muscles when possible, honing his material for mainly Jewish audiences, including at synagogue fundraisers. Since Oct. 7, however, the pull of the punchline proved too strong for Rabbi Rotenberg to ignore. He decided it was time to return to the comedy circuit, doing a mix of unpaid gigs and some paid slots. Rotenberg, who wears a kippah and tzitzit, describes himself as “edgy for a rabbi, but clean for a comedian,” with material that advocates for Israel, mocks antisemitism and gets his audience laughing, even with some Holocaust humour, depending on the crowd. Rabbi David Rotenberg joins host Ellin Bessner on today's episode of The CJN's North Star podcast to talk about how comedy can help us process these last two turbulent years. Related links See Rabbi Dave Rotenberg as part of the “Funny Jews” comedy performance at Yuk Yuk's in Ottawa on Sunday Nov. 2 Learn more about Rabbi Rotenberg through his Instagram. Credits Host and writer: Ellin Bessner (@ebessner) Production team: Zachary Kauffman (senior producer), Andrea Varsany (producer), Michael Fraiman (executive producer) Music: Bret Higgins Support our show Subscribe to The CJN newsletter Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt) Subscribe to North Star (Not sure how? Click here)

    Daf Yomi: Babble on Talmud
    Pigul and the Metzora's Oil (Zevachim 44)

    Daf Yomi: Babble on Talmud

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2025 67:54


    Daf Yomi Zevachim 44Episode 2124Babble on Talmud with Sruli RappsJoin the chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LMbsU3a5f4Y3b61DxFRsqfSefaria: https://www.sefaria.org.il/Zevachim.44a?lang=heEmail: sruli@babbleontalmud.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/babble_on_talmudFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Babble-on-Talmud-100080258961218/#dafyomi #talmud00:00 Intro01:42 All the things that are pigul23:10 Pigul and the metzora's oil46:24 Interesting things kohanim can eat55:10 Pigul and inner chatases01:04:33 Conclusion

    JTS Torah Commentary
    Claiming Our Ancestors: Lekh Lekha 5786

    JTS Torah Commentary

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2025 9:21


    The JTS Commentary for Lekh Lekha by Dr. Eliezer Diamond, Rabbi Judah Nadich Professor Emeritus of Talmud and Rabbinics, JTSThis commentary was originally broadcast in 2014.Music provided by JJReinhold / Pond

    Fringe Radio Network
    Those We Don't Speak Of (Part 24): Canaanite and Pagan Influences (Part 3) - The Odd Man Out

    Fringe Radio Network

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2025 64:07 Transcription Available


    In this episode of the Those We Don't Speak Of Series Pt. 24 we return with the third episode of the Canaanite and Pagan influences of Judaism and see what the chosen ones stole, borrowed and co-opted from the cultures they came into contact with. This time we continue with the evidence of taking from other peoples but specifically focus on where the name Yaweh/YVWH may have originated. This is another one sure to bring some ancient history surprises so, come with me down the rabbit hole, far beyond the mainstream! Hey, if you like this one, please listen to the entire Those We Don't Speak Of series and share with friends.  Cheers and Blessings!Support My Workhttps://www.patreon.com/theoddmanoutBuy Me A Coffee! https://buymeacoffee.com/theoddmanout Venmo Tips - @theoddmanout  Cash App Tips - https://cash.app/$theoddmanout   T-shirts, Mugs and Stickers+  The Odd Man Out Merch Store At Bonfire https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-odd-man-out/TeeSpring Merchhttps://theoddmanout.creator-spring.com/All Links https://linktr.ee/_theoddmanoutOddman Rumblehttps://rumble.com/user/TheOddManOut

    Daf Yomi: Babble on Talmud
    Exceptions to Pigul (Zevachim 43)

    Daf Yomi: Babble on Talmud

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2025 64:18


    Daf Yomi Zevachim 43Episode 2123Babble on Talmud with Sruli RappsJoin the chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LMbsU3a5f4Y3b61DxFRsqfSefaria: https://www.sefaria.org.il/Zevachim.43a?lang=heEmail: sruli@babbleontalmud.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/babble_on_talmudFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Babble-on-Talmud-100080258961218/#dafyomi #talmud00:00 Intro01:52 The pigul exceptions17:09 When a kometz falls from the mizbeach41:34 When a tamei person eats kodashim meat51:53 When a tamei person eats terumah or ma'aser01:01:59 Conclusion

    The JCast Network Total Feed
    Amen Corner Season 10, Episode 7

    The JCast Network Total Feed

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2025 32:41


    After a short break for respective Parents Weekends, Brad and Steven are back with the podcast this week. They’re talking about the government shutdown, the general corruption in society, Nazis having a moment, and sugar cereal. Have a listen! You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, […]

    Cabalá: Lecciones Diarias | mp3 #kab_spa
    Baal HaSulam. TES (Talmud Eser Sefirot). Vol. 1. Parte 4. Capítulo 2 [2025-10-27]

    Cabalá: Lecciones Diarias | mp3 #kab_spa

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2025 53:04


    Audio, spa_t_norav_2025-10-27_lesson_bs-tes-04-or-pnimi-perek-02_n1_p3. Lesson_part :: Daily_lesson 1 :: Lessons_series. Baal HaSulam. TES (Talmud Eser Sefirot). Vol. 1. Parte 4

    Daf Yomi: Babble on Talmud
    Mefaglin Bechatzi Matir (Zevachim 42)

    Daf Yomi: Babble on Talmud

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2025 60:47


    Daf Yomi Zevachim 42Episode 2122Babble on Talmud with Sruli RappsJoin the chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LMbsU3a5f4Y3b61DxFRsqfSefaria: https://www.sefaria.org.il/Zevachim.42a?lang=heEmail: sruli@babbleontalmud.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/babble_on_talmudFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Babble-on-Talmud-100080258961218/#dafyomi #talmud00:00 Intro08:41 Mefaglin b'chatzi matir59:14 Conclusion

    From the Bimah: Jewish Lessons for Life
    Talmud Class: Can We Talk About Our Country in Our Synagogue?

    From the Bimah: Jewish Lessons for Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2025 39:15


    Last Shabbat Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, of Park Avenue Synagogue in New York, a preeminent Conservative rabbi of a preeminent Conservative synagogue, gave a sermon telling his congregants not to vote for Zohran Mamdani for Mayor of New York.His opening paragraphs: “To be clear, unequivocal, and on the record, I believe Zohran Mamdani poses a danger to the security of New York Jewish community.Mamdani's refusal to condemn inciteful slogans like “globalize the intifada,” his denial of Israel's legitimacy as a Jewish state, his call to arrest Israel's Prime Minister should he enter New York, and his thrice-repeated accusation of genocide in Thursday's debate—for these and so many other statements, past present, and unrepentant—he is a danger to the Jewish body politic of New York.”I could not agree with Rabbi Cosgrove more on the merits. But his passionate sermon raises the question: Should rabbis talk about politics on the bimah? If you think Rabbi Cosgrove was right to do so, what about talking about national politics? If it is right to talk about Zohran Mamdani on the pulpit, is it also right to talk about the President and his policies on the pulpit?To date, we have studiously avoided talking about American politics in order to preserve Temple Emanuel as a place where all of us, regardless of politics, feel that 385 Ward Street is our spiritual home. We learn with, we sing with, we pray with, we have Kiddush with, people who see the world very differently than we do. That is rare. And precious. Where else do you find it? To preserve it, we avoid the divisive issues of our day. But Rabbi Cosgrove's courageous sermon, his moral clarity, invites us to reexamine our posture.It is good to preserve peace. But does not confronting hard national issues in the name of preserving peace mean we are failing at another important value: moral clarity in the face of moral issues?   We will examine these hard questions through two lenses in our weekly Torah readings: Noah, who builds the ark to save himself and his family but does not act to save the dying world, and Abraham, whose mission God tells us is to do righteousness and justice and who acts to save Sodom and Gomorrah.Preserving peace vs. moral clarity in the face of moral dilemmas. Our synagogue as a refuge from our troubled world vs. our synagogue as giving us courage to repair our troubled world. Hard questions. No simple answers. Would love your voices.

    Judaism Unbound
    Episode 506: Judaism Unbound's 1st Guest...500 Episodes Later - Benay Lappe

    Judaism Unbound

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 54:53


    Benay Lappe, founder and rosh yeshiva of SVARA: a Traditionally Radical Yeshiva, returns to Judaism Unbound! She was our first ever guest on this show, in Episode 3: Exodus, and she's returned many times before -- but this time, she specifically is here to reflect on how American-Jewish life has transformed over the course of the past 10 years, since that first appearance. Love what you hear? You can listen to Benay Lappe in conversation with our co-host Dan Libenson, in another podcast that's part of the Judaism Unbound family of podcasts! It's called The Oral Talmud -- learn more about it and subscribe here.If you're enjoying Judaism Unbound, please help us keep things going with a one-time or monthly tax-deductible donation -- support Judaism Unbound by clicking here!

    Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection
    How a Robber Became a Sage—Then Lost Everything! (Talmudist #89 - Bava Metzia 84a)

    Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 62:27


    In this episode of the Thinking Talmudist Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores Tractate Bava Metzia 84a, focusing on the profound relationship between Rabbi Yochanan and Reish Lakish, their transformative encounter, and the tragic fallout of their dispute. The episode delves into themes of Torah's transformative power, respect for teachers, self-sufficiency, and the Jewish people's global mission. Key points include:Rabbi Yochanan and Reish Lakish's Encounter: Rabbi Yochanan, swimming in the Jordan River, is pursued by Reish Lakish, a highway robber. Rabbi Wolbe digresses to note the Jordan's flow from the sweet Sea of Galilee (a “giver”) to the bitter Dead Sea (a “taker”), symbolizing the sweetness of giving. Rabbi Yochanan praises Reish Lakish's strength, suggesting he redirect it to Torah study, while Reish Lakish retorts that Rabbi Yochanan's beauty suits women. Rabbi Yochanan offers his sister in marriage if Reish Lakish repents, leading to his transformation. Reish Lakish weakens physically upon accepting Torah, as Torah shifts focus from physical to spiritual pursuits, consuming one's energy (6:11–9:54).Torah's Transformative Power: Rabbi Wolbe explains that Torah is not just a subject but a “sam hachaim” (elixir of life), weakening physical desires to strengthen spiritual ones. Reish Lakish's sudden weakness reflects Torah's overwhelming influence, countering the Yetzer Hara (evil inclination), which distracts from study (e.g., causing sleepiness or daydreaming, per Psalms 20). This underscores the incompatibility of material and spiritual pursuits, critiquing modern attempts to “have it all” (e.g., 2008 mortgage crisis).Their Dispute and Tragedy: Years later, as scholars, they debate when a vessel becomes susceptible to tumah (ritual impurity): Rabbi Yochanan says when metals are fused; Reish Lakish says when polished. Rabbi Yochanan's comment, “A thief knows the tools of thievery,” is meant constructively but offends Reish Lakish, who retorts, “How have you benefited me?” Rabbi Yochanan responds that he brought him under the Divine Presence. Reish Lakish's disrespect causes divine retribution, leading to his illness and death. Rabbi Yochanan's sister pleads for mercy, but he cites verses (Jeremiah 49:11) to prioritize divine justice, as Reish Lakish's contempt endangered their bond and the nation's spiritual integrity (29:34–32:14).Rabbi Yochanan's Grief: Rabbi Yochanan is heartbroken, grieving Reish Lakish's loss. A new student, Rabbi Elazar ben Pedas, merely affirms Rabbi Yochanan's teachings, unlike Reish Lakish's challenging 24 questions and answers, which clarified Torah through debate. Rabbi Yochanan's anguish drives him to madness, and the rabbis pray for his death, as his bond with Reish Lakish was central to his existence (50:30–54:38)._____________The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn Talmud because it is in ancient Aramaic or the concepts are too difficult. Well, no more excuses. In this podcast you will experience the refreshing and eye-opening teachings while gaining an amazing appreciation for the divine wisdom of the Torah and the depths of the Talmud._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by David & Susan MarbinRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios to a live audience on September 5, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on October 24, 2025_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinking-talmudist-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1648951154Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0cZ7q9bGYSBYSPQfJvwgzmShare your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Talmud, #Yochanan, #ReishLakish, #BavaMitzia, #mentorship, #parenting, #marriage, #authority, #respect, #leadership, #reverence ★ Support this podcast ★