First five books of the Hebrew Bible
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“Why don't we have Mass on Good Friday?” This question opens a discussion on the significance of this solemn day in the Catholic tradition. Other topics include the obligations of Jewish converts to Christianity, the participation of Protestant converts in Communion, and the appropriateness of saying Hallelujah during Lent. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:00 – Why don't we have mass on Good Friday? 10:12 – If a Jew converts to Christianity he has to believe Jesus is God but does he also have to follow the commandments of the Torah? 21:46 – If Protestant Converts have already been baptized and believe in Transubstantiation, why aren’t they allowed to fully participate in the fullness by receiving communion? 30:55 – If My husband and I are done having kids, how do we proceed without violating Catholic teaching? 43:58 – Can we say Hallelujah during Lent outside of Mass? 47:36 – I notice my Catholic friends’ religious views become political. What’s with the trend? What's with things like the Latin Mass? 52:25 – Is it mandatory to say “One God, forever and ever” at the end of the Collect? 54:25 – If major transformations are rooted in God, why would we need to become Catholic? 01:00 – The feast of Saint Joseph 11:39 – I'm not Catholic because I don’t understand purgatory and indulgences and how they relate to salvation. 29:03 – My father was one of 13 and all the boy's middle name was Joseph. 33:37 – I am Catholic but 3 women in my life are SSPX and are very convincing. Why should I not join? 45:44 – I'm an Anglo-Catholic. I'm not convinced of Papal Infallibility.
In this episode, I'm joined by Rabbi Pill for a powerful conversation as we explore how to stop fighting the tension in your life and start using it as a tool for real growth. By understanding the dynamic of Tohu and Tikkun, you'll begin to see how moments of chaos, frustration, and breakdown are not setbacks, but the very mechanism through which Hashem moves you forward. This will give you a clearer framework for personal growth, help you align your actions with what you already know to be true, and deepen your connection to both your own avodah and the collective journey of Klal Yisrael.Join the Conversation! Be part of our growing community—join the Shema Podcast for the Perplexed WhatsApp group to share feedback, discuss episodes, and suggest future topics. Click here to sign up.Get the Companion Guide: The Power of the MonthsThis free resource outlines the spiritual focus of each Hebrew month — including its mazal (zodiac sign), tribe, Hebrew letter, body part, and unique avodah. It also includes suggested actions you can take to align yourself with the energy of the time. Click here to download and keep this month-by-month guide as a tool for your own growth and reflection.
With the world feeling particularly heavy, Rabbi Shira and Hanna wonder if, in addition to moments of anger and resistance, they can find a way to bring joy into this year's Passover Seder. They're joined by Rav Jericho Vincent, the founding rabbi of Temple of the Stranger, a growing mystical Jewish community in Brooklyn, NY. Listen to Jericho's podcast Survival Guide for a Spiritual WildernessRead Jericho's substackRead Jericho's scholarship on the Torah of MiriamWatch Debbie Friedman's "Miriam's Song" arranged/produced by Daniel Raijman Support Chutzpod!Submit a questionContact Chutzpod!Subscribe to ChutzstackFollow Hanna on InstagramFollow Shira on InstagramFollow Shira on FacebookFollow Chutzpod on FacebookFollow Chutzpod on Instagram Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Welcome to Day 2820 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2820 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 119:25-32 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2820 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2820 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. The title for today's Wisdom-Trek is: Rising from the Dust – The Choice of the Enlarged Heart In our previous episode on this grand expedition, we climbed through the third stanza of the towering mountain that is Psalm One Hundred Nineteen. We explored the "Gimel" section, where the psalmist prayed for his eyes to be opened to the wondrous, supernatural realities hidden within God's instructions. We recognized a profound truth: to be a citizen of God's Kingdom is to be a foreigner, an exile, on this earth. We learned how to seek the counsel of the Creator's decrees, even when the arrogant princes and the rebel spiritual forces of this world conspire against us. Today, we take our next determined step forward, moving into the fourth stanza of this magnificent, alphabetical masterpiece. We are stepping into the "Dalet" section, covering Psalm One Hundred Nineteen, verses twenty-five through thirty-two, in the New Living Translation. If the previous stanza was about looking around at a hostile, foreign landscape, this new stanza is about looking down at the dirt. The external pressure of living in a contested, fallen world has taken a severe internal and physical toll on the psalmist. He is emotionally exhausted, spiritually depleted, and feeling the heavy, suffocating weight of his own mortality. He has hit rock bottom. But from that place of utter desperation, he makes a powerful, deliberate choice to reject the lies of the enemy, and to cling fiercely to the truth of Yahweh. Let us walk into the valley of the dust, and learn how to run again. The first segment is: The Dust of Mortality and the Breath of Life Psalm One Hundred Nineteen: verses twenty-five through twenty-seven. I lie in the dust; revive me by your word. I told you my plans, and you answered. Now teach me your decrees. Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. The stanza opens with a stark, devastating confession: "I lie in the dust." Other translations render this as, "My soul clings to the dust." To fully grasp the gravity of this statement, we must view it through the lens of the Ancient Israelite worldview. In biblical cosmology, the "dust" is not just dirt on the ground. It is the ultimate symbol of mortality, the curse, and the grave. In Genesis Chapter Three, after the cosmic rebellion in Eden, humanity was told, "For you were made from dust, and to dust you will return." Furthermore, the dust is the domain of the Serpent—the dark, rebel entity of the Divine Council—who was cursed to eat dust all the days of his life. When the psalmist says his soul is clinging to the dust, he is saying that he feels the gravitational pull of the underworld. He is depressed, broken, and knocking on the doors of Sheol. The chaotic forces of death are actively trying to pull him down into the dirt. But look at his immediate response. He does not surrender to the dust. He cries out, "Revive me by your word." The Hebrew word for "revive" is chayah, which means to give life, to quicken, or to restore. The psalmist is asking for a reversal of the curse of Eden. Just as God initially breathed the breath of life into the dust to create the first human, the psalmist is asking God to breathe His living Word into this current state of deadness, to re-create him, and to pull him back into the land of the living. He continues, "I told you my plans, and you answered. Now teach me your decrees." This reveals a deeply intimate, transparent relationship with the Creator. The psalmist has not hidden his ambitions, his failures, or his dead-end strategies from God. He laid all his human plans on the table. And what was the result? He realized his own plans were insufficient to get him out of the dust. Therefore, he pivots, begging for divine instruction. He trades his fragile, flawed human plans for the eternal decrees of the Most High. He pleads, "Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds." When you are lying in the dust, you do not need superficial platitudes; you need deep, structural understanding. He wants to comprehend the architecture of God's cosmic order. If he can just understand how Yahweh has ordered the universe, he can fix his mind on those wonderful deeds, rather than the despair of his current situation. The second segment is: Melting in Sorrow and Rejecting the Lie Psalm One Hundred Nineteen: verses twenty-eight and twenty-nine. I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word. Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions. The intense emotional agony continues into verse twenty-eight. "I weep with sorrow." The literal Hebrew translation is incredibly poetic and painful: "My soul melts from heaviness," or "My soul drops away from grief." Have you ever experienced a sorrow so profound, a grief so heavy, that you felt like your very identity was dissolving? That your strength was literally melting away like wax before a fire? That is the Dalet experience. The psalmist is physically and spiritually liquefying under the pressure of his exile. His remedy remains consistent: "Encourage me by your word." Literally, "Raise me up according to your word." If his soul is melting and dropping down to the dust, he needs the supernatural leverage of God's promises to lift him back up to a standing position. And then, he makes a fascinating, crucial pivot in verse twenty-nine. He prays, "Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions." Older translations render this as, "Remove from me the way of deceit." In the context of the Divine Council worldview, the "way of deceit" is the operating system of the rebel gods. The cosmic rebellion is fundamentally built upon a lie—the lie that humanity can flourish independently from the Creator, that we can be our own gods, and that we can define good and evil for ourselves. When we are melting in sorrow, the enemy will always offer us a deceptive, shortcut solution. The way of falsehood whispers, "Just compromise. Just take matters into your own hands. Just numb the pain with the idols of this culture." The psalmist recognizes how vulnerable he is to these lies when he is in the dust. He begs Yahweh to graciously remove the path of falsehood from his vision. The ultimate antidote to cosmic deception is the gracious gift of God's instructions. The Torah is the anchor of reality. It prevents us from lying to ourselves when the darkness tries to distort our vision. The third segment is: The Stubborn Choice of Truth Psalm One Hundred Nineteen: verses thirty and thirty-one. I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations. I cling to your laws. Lord, don't let me be put to shame! Having asked God to remove the way of deceit, the psalmist now exercises his human agency. He makes a fierce, stubborn, definitive choice. "I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations." Literally, the Hebrew reads, "I have chosen the way of truth; I have set your judgments before me." This is a profound moment of spiritual maturity. Faith is not just a passive feeling; it is an active, deliberate choice, especially when your soul is melting. In the middle of the dust, surrounded by the lies of the rebel principalities, the psalmist stakes his claim. He places the judgments of God right in front of his face, so that they become the only lens through which he views the world. Because he has made this choice, he takes action: "I cling to your laws." Notice the beautiful contrast here. Back in verse twenty-five, his soul was clinging to the dust. The gravity of death had a hold on him. But now, through an act of the will, he redirects his grip. He lets go of the dust, and he violently cleaves to the testimonies of Yahweh. He holds onto the Word of God like a drowning man holding onto a life raft in a hurricane. And because he is clinging to the True King, he makes a bold appeal: "Lord, don't let me be put to shame!" In the ancient Near East, honor and shame were the ultimate social currencies. To be put to shame meant that your trust was misplaced, that your God had failed you, and that the mocking, hostile nations were right all along. The psalmist is essentially saying, "Yahweh, I have bet my entire existence on Your way of truth. I am clinging exclusively to Your laws. If I go down, Your reputation...
In this quick but powerful shiur on Vayakhel-Pekudei, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe shares an insight from Rabbi Yaakov Nagel (Senior Rabbi of Heimish of Houston) about the unique double-sided drapes (Yeri'ot) in the Mishkan. While most embroidery (Ma'asei Choshev) was identical on both sides, one special curtain at the entrance to the Kodesh HaKodashim (Holy of Holies) featured a completely different image on the inner side—yet no human ever saw it. The Kohen Gadol entered once a year, performed the Yom Kippur service, and exited backward, never turning to view the inner curtain. So why invest in an unseen design?Rabbi Wolbe explains: It teaches that Hashem's perspective often differs radically from ours. We may undervalue a mitzvah (thinking it's "small") or ourselves (feeling unworthy or limited), but Hashem sees infinite worth. A simple act—holding back lashon hara, a quiet prayer, a moment of restraint—may earn unimaginable reward in heaven. Conversely, we sometimes overestimate our deeds. The hidden curtain reminds us: some mitzvot and personal potentials are visible only to Hashem, whose valuation transcends human sight. This applies especially to parenting: parents must reflect children's true greatness and potential (like the mirrors of last week's shiur), seeing beyond their self-doubt to ignite confidence and growth—just as Hashem sees our hidden light._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky BotvinRecorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on March 17, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on March 18, 2026_____________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, #Flattery, #Chanufa, #Honor, #BadInfluence, #IntentionalLiving, #PositiveEnvironment, #DeleteTheApp, #ShalomBayit ★ Support this podcast ★
These classes teach the day's section of the weekly Torah portion. The lesson is taught using the original Hebrew text with the indispensable commentary of Rashi—both translated and elucidated so that anyone can follow along.
News and commentary for Tuesday, 17 March, 2026.
Messianic Apologetics editor John McKee discusses how there are many issues in the Torah, which frequently go avoided by today's Messianic people. How can we better understand some of these matters, not just from the perspective of the Ancient Israelites in the Ancient Near East—but through the effects of the Messiah event? This is then followed by a review of important stories and issues from the past day or so, largely witnessed on social media.
Why does the Torah prescribe the killing of an animal as a response to sin? It seems counterintuitive — even contradictory. In this week's parasha, we dive deep into the korban hatat and uncover a profound philosophical answer rooted in the very nature of what sin actually is.Rabbi Dweck has held rabbinic leadership roles in the US and the UK. He is the Rosh Bet Midrash of TheHabura.com and the Rabbi Levy Chair of Jewish Wisdom at the London School of Jewish Studies.For more, check out rabbijosephdweck.com.Instagram: https://instagram.com/rabbidweckTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rabbidweckYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RabbiJosephDweck
This week witnesses the confluence of the entrance of the new month of Nisan, and the beginning of the weekly cycle of Torah readings in the Book of Vayikra (Leviticus). What's the connection? Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman ponder the mysterious personal call of Leviticus, and the magnificent month of Nisan -- time of our past and future Redemption...as well as the time of the return of the Divine Presence to this world. In his Jerusalem studio in the midst of recording this program, Rabbi Richman was interrupted by a warning siren of incoming missiles; such is the current reality of life in Israel, as the war against the tyranny of the Iranian terrorist regime continues. _________Rabbi Chaim Richman Jerusalem Lights | Torah for Everyone Please support the work of Jerusalem Lights, Inc., a USA recognized 501 ( c ) 3 non-profit organization to enable these productions to continue and grow:PayPal: infojerusalemlights@gmail.com or: https://paypal.me/JerusalemLights?loc...In the USA: Jerusalem Lights Inc. Post Office Box 16886Lubbock Texas 79490In Israel: Tel. 972 54 7000395 Mail: PO Box 23808, Jerusalem IsraelWebsite: www.rabbirichman.comSubscribe to our YouTube channel: / jerusalemlightsrabbichaimrichman Follow us on Facebook: / rabbichaimrichman / 282440396475839
Send a textIn this deeply real and liberating class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores a striking idea from Parshat Vayikra: the Torah doesn't say if a leader will fail, it says when. Why? Because growth, leadership, love, and even spirituality all require stepping into a messy, imperfect world.Through the lens of Kabbalah and Chassidus, you weren't created to be perfect, you were created to transform imperfection. Your mistakes are not interruptions to your journey… they are the journey.This class reframes failure, guilt, and self-doubt and replaces them with responsibility, growth, and deep self-compassion.Takeaways:The Torah's radical view: failure is not a flaw, it's part of your missionWhy people who never “mess up” often never fully show upThe difference between guilt that crushes… and responsibility that elevatesA Kabbalistic perspective on why G-d wants an imperfect worldHow to stop fearing mistakes and start using them as fuel for growthThe secret to leadership, in your home, your relationships, and your lifeWhy accountability (not perfection) is the real goal#Kabbalah #JewishWisdom #TorahLife #spiritualgrowth #SelfGrowth #MindsetShift #EmotionalHealing #Forgiveness #Leadership #PersonalDevelopment #chassidus #Vayikra #JewishLearning #purpose #GrowthMindset #InnerWork #LiveWithMeaning #RabbiBernath Available now:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Forgiveness-Experiment-What-Would-Your/dp/1069217638Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FR2QNJL6Audiobook: https://bit.ly/4tPFZhV Support the showGot your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.comSingle? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone.Donate and support Rabbi Bernath's work http://www.jewishndg.com/donateFollow Rabbi Bernath's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernathAccess Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi
Sefirat HaOmer (Torah vs D'Rabanan, Missing a Day) - Document for Daf 66 by Simon Wolf
Dennis Prager on Iran War. Jesse Kelly- The Mass Deportation Of Foreigners Is EVERYTHING The Mass Deportation Of Foreigners Is EVERYTHING Could this be the end of America? Jesse Kelly breaks it down. Watch this video at- https://youtu.be/_7u4hhEG2fg?si=eAEC_NA6BKVOpkV7 Jesse Kelly 113K subscribers 2,478 views Mar 15, 2026 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW VIDEOS DAILY: / @jessekellydc Watch Full Editions Of I'm Right With Jesse Kelly: https://bit.ly/3V2F2Tt Check Out Jesse's Latest Interviews With Big-Name Guests: https://bit.ly/48UxEzn Here Are Jesse's Can't-Miss Monologues: https://bit.ly/3UZBWQl Subscribe To Jesse Kelly Wherever You Get Your Podcasts Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7fy7hsV... Watch Jesse Kelly nightly on The First TV at 9pm ET: TheFirstTV.com/watch Follow Jesse Kelly On all social platforms X - X.com/@JesseKellyDC Instagram - Instagram.com/JesseKellyShow Facebook - Facebook.com/@JesseKellyDC Dennis's Thoughts on Trump's War on Iran Dennis Prager and PragerU CEO @realtalkwithmarissa discuss President Trump's decision to expand military operations in Iran and the debate over “endless wars.” Dennis explains why he believes confronting the Iranian regime carries both strategic and moral significance, and argues that Trump's strikes could positively reshape the geopolitical balance in the Middle East and beyond. They also touch on the success of Dennis's latest book—an Amazon best seller. Watch this video at- https://youtu.be/nxPkUmPQV68?si=kuWZ1ghlFC0HpGof PragerU and Real Talk with Marissa Streit 541,341 views Premiered Mar 9, 2026 Dennis Prager's Latest Thoughts Get your copy here: If There is No God: The Battle Over Who Defines Good and Evil. Get the book here ➡️ https://l.prageru.com/4kH0YiH Watch our content ad-free on our app: https://prageru.onelink.me/3bas/vgyxvm79 Donate to PragerU: https://l.prageru.com/4jiAT85 Follow PragerU: Instagram ➡️ ( / prageru ) X ➡️ ( / prageru ) Facebook ➡️ ( / prageru ) TikTok ➡️ ( / prageru ) The Dennis Prager Show 81.2K subscribers 429 views Jan 16, 2026 Timeless Wisdom with Dennis Prager ------------------------------------------------------------------------ For a great archive of Prager University videos visit- https://www.youtube.com/user/PragerUniversity/featured Donate today to PragerU! http://l.prageru.com/2eB2p0h Get PragerU bonus content for free! https://www.prageru.com/bonus-content Download Pragerpedia on your iPhone or Android! 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For Students: http://l.prageru.com/2aozfkP JOIN our Educators Network! http://l.prageru.com/2aoz2y9 -------------------------------------------------------------------- The Rational Bible: Exodus by Dennis Prager NATIONAL BESTSELLER "Dennis Prager has put together one of the most stunning commentaries in modern times on the most profound document in human history. It's a must-read that every person, religious and non-religious, should buy and peruse every night before bed. It'll make you think harder, pray more ardently, and understand your civilization better." — Ben Shapiro, host of "The Ben Shapiro Show" "Dennis Prager's commentary on Exodus will rank among the greatest modern Torah commentaries. That is how important I think it is. And I am clearly not alone... It might well be on its way to becoming the most widely read Torah commentary of our time—and by non-Jews as well as by Jews." — Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, bestselling author of Jewish Literacy Why do so many people think the Bible, the most influential book in world history, is outdated? Why do our friends and neighbors – and sometimes we ourselves – dismiss the Bible as irrelevant, irrational, immoral, or all of these things? This explanation of the Book of Exodus, the second book of the Bible, will demonstrate that the Bible is not only powerfully relevant to today's issues, but completely consistent with rational thought. Do you think the Bible permitted the trans-Atlantic slave trade? You won't after reading this book. Do you struggle to love your parents? If you do, you need this book. Do you doubt the existence of God because belief in God is “irrational?” This book will give you reason after reason to rethink your doubts. The title of this commentary is, “The Rational Bible” because its approach is entirely reason-based. The reader is never asked to accept anything on faith alone. As Prager says, “If something I write does not make rational sense, I have not done my job.” The Rational Bible is the fruit of Dennis Prager's forty years of teaching the Bible to people of every faith, and no faith. On virtually every page, you will discover how the text relates to the contemporary world and to your life. His goal: to change your mind – and then change your life. Highly Recommended by ACU. Purchase his book at- https://www.amazon.com/Rational-Bible-Exodus-Dennis-Prager/dp/1621577724 The Rational Bible: Genesis by Dennis Prager USA Today bestseller Publishers Weekly bestseller Wall Street Journal bestseller Many people today think the Bible, the most influential book in world history, is not only outdated but irrelevant, irrational, and even immoral. This explanation of the Book of Genesis, the first book of the Bible, demonstrates clearly and powerfully that the opposite is true. The Bible remains profoundly relevant—both to the great issues of our day and to each individual life. It is the greatest moral guide and source of wisdom ever written. Do you doubt the existence of God because you think believing in God is irrational? This book will give you many reasons to rethink your doubts. Do you think faith and science are in conflict? You won't after reading this commentary on Genesis. Do you come from a dysfunctional family? It may comfort you to know that every family discussed in Genesis was highly dysfunctional! The title of this commentary is “The Rational Bible” because its approach is entirely reason-based. The reader is never asked to accept anything on faith alone. In Dennis Prager's words, “If something I write is not rational, I have not done my job.” The Rational Bible is the fruit of Dennis Prager's forty years of teaching the Bible—whose Hebrew grammar and vocabulary he has mastered—to people of every faith and no faith at all. On virtually every page, you will discover how the text relates to the contemporary world in general and to you personally. His goal: to change your mind—and, as a result, to change your life. The Rational Bible: Deuteronomy: God, Blessings, and Curses by Dennis Prager Is the Bible, the most influential book in world history, still relevant? Why do people dismiss it as being irrelevant, irrational, immoral, or all of these things? This explanation of the Book of Deuteronomy, the fifth book of the Bible, will demonstrate how it remains profoundly relevant - both to the great issues of our day and to each individual life. Do you doubt the existence of God because you think believing in God is irrational? This book will cause you to reexamine your doubts. The title of this commentary is The Rational Bible because its approach is entirely reason-based. The listener is never asked to accept anything on faith alone. In Dennis Prager's words, “If something I write is not rational, I have not done my job.” The Rational Bible is the fruit of Prager's forty years of teaching to people of every faith and no faith at all. In virtually every section, you will discover how the text relates to the contemporary world in general and to you on a personal level. His goal: to change your mind - and, as a result, to change your life.
What's So New About the New Covenant? Part 1 | KIB 522 Kingdom Intelligence Briefing Description: In Kingdom Intelligence Briefing #522, Dr. Michael and Mary Lou Lake explore a vital question for the remnant in the last days: What is so new about the New Covenant? This episode uncovers how the promises of the New Covenant were already embedded in the Old Testament and how many believers have been disconnected from the very foundations that explain who we are in Christ. Mary Lou opens with practical warnings about spiritual deception in culture, hidden occult influence, and the need for prayer over vulnerable regions, infrastructure, and the nation. She also shares an important encouragement for God's people to remain watchful, prayerful, and spiritually prepared. Dr. Lake then begins a powerful new teaching series showing that the New Covenant does not abolish God's previous revelation, but rather internalizes it. He explains how the Torah being written on the heart, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, circumcision of heart, and the renewal of the mind are all part of the deeper reality of walking with God in the last days. This is a timely message for believers who want to move beyond shallow Christianity, rediscover the Hebraic foundations of the faith, and understand how spiritual maturity, healing, and obedience work together in the Kingdom of God. If this teaching blesses you, please like, subscribe, share, and visit: www.KingdomIntelligenceBriefing.com Timeline: 00:00 – Introduction and opening remarks 01:29 – Welcome to Kingdom Intelligence Briefing #522 01:56 – Mary Lou's warning about hidden cultural deception and "6767" chanting 03:18 – Vision of white-uniformed soldiers and prayer for the electrical grid 07:43 – Why infrastructure attacks and spiritual preparedness matter 13:36 – New teaching series: What's So New About the New Covenant? 15:10 – The error of disconnecting the New Covenant from the Old Testament 16:57 – Old Testament promises fulfilled and internalized in Christ 18:55 – Circumcision of heart, new heart, indwelling Spirit, and priesthood realities 21:58 – Why the New Covenant raises the standard instead of lowering it 24:55 – Jeremiah 31 and the promise of the New Covenant 28:25 – Torah written on the heart: external law becomes internal reality 31:42 – Why bad theology creates conflict between spirit and soul 34:13 – The danger of throwing away God's original definitions 37:19 – How the Holy Spirit uses the Word to renew the mind 43:46 – Why the Church must return to biblical foundations 51:18 – Romans 2 and the law written on the hearts of Gentile believers 56:08 – The need to heal wounded spirits and restore alignment with God 01:00:44 – Prayer for healing, alignment, and spiritual restoration 01:01:26 – Featured resource: The Kingdom Priesthood 01:03:51 – Closing remarks and ministry information Hashtags: #NewCovenant, #TorahWrittenOnTheHeart, #BiblicalLifeTV, #KingdomIntelligenceBriefing, #DrMichaelLake, #MaryLouLake, #HebraicRoots, #EndTimes, #BibleTeaching, #HolySpirit, #SpiritualWarfare, #RemnantBelievers, #KingdomOfGod, #ChristianDiscipleship, #LastDays, #Jeremiah31, #Romans2, #CircumcisionOfHeart, #BiblicalFoundations, #KingdomPriesthood
Class #15 | March 17, 2026 This is a recording of Rabbi Morris Panitz's session of For the Love of Learning class. Every Tuesday morning, a new story from the Talmud. Taught by your rabbis in a monthly rotation, we'll dig into the strange and compelling world of the Talmud, exploring the ways ancient dilemmas speak to modern questions. Join us in-person at the Event Space (coffee and nosh provided) or over Zoom (B.Y.O. nosh) for as many sessions as possible… your Tuesday will thank you.
The 2026 annual TORCH fundraiser is happening right now at giveTORCH.org.Every donation is doubled at giveTORCH.org.Every donation is matched at giveTORCH.orgPlease support TORCH and the Parsha Podcast with a generous contribution right now at giveTORCH.org. Give what you can give at giveTORCH.org and ensure that the Parsha Podcast and the other great work of TORCH continues in 2026.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Sacrifices. Who is excited?? We embark on the Book of Leviticus with a bang. We learn three marvelous lessons from our Parsha: The subtle summons of God; how to remedy a bad case of Cainitis and Abelitis; and the Secret of the Shelamim.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –DONATE: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –NEW TORCH Mailing Address POBox:TORCHPO BOX 310246HOUSTON, TX 77231-0246– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletterrabbiwolbe.com/newsletter– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe's PodcastsThe Parsha PodcastThe Jewish History PodcastThe Mitzvah Podcast This Jewish LifeThe Ethics PodcastTORAH 101 ★ Support this podcast ★
One of our responsibilities in this world is to care about our fellow Jew and to do whatever we can to help bring them closer to Hashem. Hashem yearns for a relationship with all of His children, and there are so many who do not even know who He is. At times, a person may feel disheartened. He may have tried again and again to influence others in a positive way and yet has not seen any results. The yetzer hara whispers that perhaps his efforts are accomplishing nothing. But the truth is exactly the opposite. The Mishnah in Pirkei Avot teaches: לא עליך המלאכה לגמור ולא אתה בן חורין להיבטל ממנה . It is not upon you to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it. Our responsibility is not to produce results. Our responsibility is to make the effort. Results are never in our control, but effort always is. And in the eyes of Hashem, it is the effort that matters most. If a person is fortunate enough to see the fruits of his labor, that is a gift. But very often, those fruits are not seen until much later—sometimes even generations later. The Gemara tells us that in the zechut of the forty-two korbanot that Balak brought, he merited to have Ruth as a descendant. Although his intentions were not pure, he still performed an act that had value, and that act bore fruit years later in a way he could never have imagined. A person's actions always accomplish something, even if he never sees the results. Every effort to bring another Jew closer to Hashem is infinitely precious. When those efforts are done לשם שמים , there is even greater blessing placed upon them. The Gerrer Rebbe had an extraordinary love for Shabbat and worked tirelessly to inspire others to observe it. One of his initiatives was to have women in the community distribute Shabbat candles with matches on Fridays to anyone willing to take them. One day, a completely non-observant couple passed by, and a woman offered them candles for Shabbat. Not wanting to offend her, they took four candles, implying they would use them for two weeks, although in truth they had no intention of lighting them even once. They placed the candles in the backseat of their car and drove away. The husband worked as a tour guide. A few days later, he was leading a group of wealthy tourists to explore a large cave. As they approached the cave, he turned on his flashlight—only to discover that the battery had died. Panic began to set in. He feared the group would be upset and that it would cost him financially. Then he suddenly remembered the candles in his car. He ran back, retrieved them, and divided the group into smaller sections, giving each group a candle to hold. The experience turned out to be far more beautiful than anyone had expected. The soft glow of the candles created an atmosphere that was far more powerful than a simple flashlight. The group was so impressed that they gave him a very generous tip and spoke enthusiastically about the experience. That night, the man began thinking about those candles. He felt that they had brought him unexpected blessing and wanted to understand more about them. He approached a religious Jew and asked about the significance of Shabbat candles. He was told that they bring peace into the home, as light allows a person to function calmly and pleasantly. The man responded that he already had electricity and did not need candles. The other Jew explained that Shabbat candles are not just about light—they create a special atmosphere that honors the sanctity of Shabbat. He invited the man and his wife to join him for a Shabbat meal. They accepted. Experiencing the beauty of Shabbat—the warmth, the singing, the divrei Torah—made a deep impression on them. That single experience became the beginning of a journey that eventually led them to become fully observant. All of this came from a simple act—handing out a few Shabbat candles. That one small effort ultimately brought back not only a couple, but generations that would come from them. We never know the impact of even the smallest action. A word of encouragement, a smile, an invitation, a simple act of care—each one has the potential to change a life. It is not our role to see the results. It is our role to act. Hashem takes those actions and brings them to fruition in ways far beyond what we can imagine.
These classes teach the day's section of the weekly Torah portion. The lesson is taught using the original Hebrew text with the indispensable commentary of Rashi—both translated and elucidated so that anyone can follow along.
Protecting Our Children
In this prophetic teaching, Dr. Candice Smithyman reveals why this is a season to build your spiritual temple and prepare for Passover.Are you sensing a spiritual shift and a call to prepare for a new season with God? In this prophetic teaching, Dr. Candice Smithyman shares a powerful message about entering the Hebrew month of Nisan, the beginning of months on God's calendar, and why this is a time to build, cleanse, and prepare your spiritual temple for greater glory.According to the Torah readings (Exodus 35:1–40:38 and Exodus 12:1–20), God instructed Moses and the Israelites to assemble and build the Tabernacle so His glory could dwell among them. In the same way, God is calling His people today to prepare their lives, align their hearts, and remove what cannot go into the new season.As the Hebrew calendar approaches the first month (Nisan) and the preparation for Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, this is a prophetic moment to:• Cleanse your spiritual temple• Leave behind old patterns and mindsets• Step into greater glory, purity, and consecration• Prepare for the seven blessings of Passover• Align with God's prophetic timelineJust as the Israelites prepared to leave Egypt, God may be shifting relationships, assignments, jobs, ministries, and opportunities in your life. This is a season of divine restructuring and spiritual building so His presence can dwell in greater measure.In this message you will learn:• Why Nisan marks the true beginning of months in the Bible• The prophetic meaning of Parashat Vayakhel (He Assembled)• How God prepares His people for Passover and breakthrough seasons• Why your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and must be prepared for greater glory• How to align with God through prayer, fasting, and givingGod is calling you to build your spiritual house, increase your capacity, and prepare for the next level of His glory.⸻RESOURCES MENTIONED• Cracking the Time Code https://www.candicesmithyman.com/shop/p/preorder-cracking-the-time-code-step-into-supernatural-acceleration-stop-cycles-of-delay-and-secure-gods-promises-today• New Eternal Kingdom Order CourseDream Mentors Biblical Life Coaching CertificationLearn more: https://dreammentors.org• Hebrew Calendar & Torah Reading ResourcesGet your Wall Calender and copy of “365 Prophetic Revelations from the Hebrew Calendar”Www.candicesmithyman.com or out of USA go to https://amzn.to4aQYoR0FREE Mentoring Call – March 16 & April 27(10 AM & 6 PM EST) FREE impartation & activation monthlyREGISTER HERE- http://bit.ly/4gfRKXm
Sefer Vayikra — the Book of Leviticus — sits at the very heart of the Torah, and its opening parsha introduces one of the most profound and misunderstood concepts in all of Jewish law: the Korban.
Welcome to Day 2818 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2818 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 119:17-24 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2818 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2818 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. The title for today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Eyes of the Exile – Uncovering Wonders in a Foreign Land In our previous episode on this grand expedition, we climbed through the second stanza of the towering mountain that is Psalm One Hundred Nineteen. We explored the "Bet" section, where we learned the ultimate strategy for maintaining purity in a highly contested, spiritually hostile world. The psalmist taught us that human effort alone is not enough. We must actively stockpile, or hide, the Word of Yahweh in the command center of our hearts, treating His cosmic blueprint as our greatest treasure. We vowed to delight in His decrees, and to never forget His life-giving instructions. Today, we take our next determined step forward, moving into the third stanza of this magnificent, alphabetical masterpiece. We are stepping into the "Gimel" section, covering Psalm One Hundred Nineteen, verses seventeen through twenty-four, in the New Living Translation. If the previous stanza was about internalizing the Word within the safety of the heart, this new stanza is about opening our eyes, and stepping outside into a dangerous, foreign landscape. The psalmist recognizes a profound, unsettling truth: to belong to Yahweh is to be an alien on this earth. The world around us is governed by hostile forces, arrogant mockers, and conspiring princes. In order to survive this exile, we do not just need to memorize the rules; we need our spiritual vision drastically altered. We need to see the hidden reality behind the text. Let us unpack this rich, eye-opening prayer. The first segment is: The Plea for Life and Spiritual Vision Psalm One Hundred Nineteen: verses seventeen and eighteen. Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word. Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. The psalmist begins this stanza with a fundamental request for survival. “Be good to your servant, that I may live, and obey your word.” Notice the deeply interconnected relationship between God's grace, human life, and faithful obedience. The psalmist is not asking for life merely to enjoy earthly pleasures, amass wealth, or build a personal empire. He requests the gift of continued existence for one specific, defining purpose: to obey the Word of God. In the Ancient Israelite worldview, life and obedience were intrinsically linked. To step outside of the Torah—the loving instructions of the Creator—was to step outside the realm of life, and into the realm of chaos, and ultimately, death. Therefore, the psalmist is crying out for God's loyal covenant love, His Hesed, to sustain his physical breath, so that his spiritual loyalty can continue to flourish. But mere physical survival is not enough. He needs spiritual illumination. He prays, “Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.” The Hebrew word used here for “open” literally means to uncover, or to strip away a covering. The psalmist is admitting a profound human limitation. You can have the scroll of the law sitting right in front of you. You can have perfect 20/20 physical vision, and be able to read every single syllable on the parchment. Yet, without the supernatural intervention of God, your spiritual eyes will remain veiled. You will only see dry, ancient regulations. You will miss the lifeblood of the text. And what is he asking to see? “The wonderful truths,” or as other translations render it, “the wondrous things,” out of the law. The Hebrew word is niflaot, which refers to acts of divine intervention, supernatural miracles, and the mysterious, awe-inspiring workings of Yahweh. The psalmist understands that the Torah is not just a civic code; it is a portal into the Divine Council. It reveals the very mind, character, and cosmic architecture of the Uncreated God. He is begging God to pull back the curtain, allowing him to perceive the supernatural reality vibrating beneath the ink on the page. The second segment is: The Cry of the Cosmic Exile Psalm One Hundred Nineteen: verses nineteen and twenty. I am but a foreigner here on earth; don't hide your commands from me! I am always overwhelmed with a desire for your regulations. Having asked for his eyes to be opened, the psalmist makes a startling confession about his own identity. "I am but a foreigner here on earth." Other translations say, "I am a sojourner," or "a stranger." To comprehend the weight of this statement, we must look at it through the lens of cosmic geography, as taught by Dr. Michael S. Heiser. At the Tower of Babel, as recorded in Deuteronomy Chapter Thirty-Two, verse eight, God disinherited the nations of the earth, dividing them up and placing them under the administration of lesser, spiritual beings—the sons of God. These beings eventually rebelled, demanding worship for themselves, and plunged the nations into idolatry and chaos. Because the nations are ruled by these corrupt, rebel principalities, the earth is currently contested territory. Therefore, any human being who pledges their ultimate loyalty to Yahweh, the Most High God, instantly becomes a resident alien. If you follow the Creator, you are living behind enemy lines. You do not belong to the corrupt systems, the pagan value structures, or the spiritual darkness of this age. You are a citizen of a different, higher kingdom. Because he is navigating this dangerous, foreign terrain, the psalmist feels a desperate sense of urgency. He pleads, "Don't hide your commands from me!" If you are wandering through a hostile, unfamiliar wilderness, the one thing you cannot afford to lose is your map. The commands of God are his only reliable compass in a world designed to disorient and destroy him. This produces an intense, physical craving within him. "I am always overwhelmed with a desire for your regulations." The literal Hebrew paints a picture of a soul that is crushed, or consumed, by its longing. He is homesick for the culture of Heaven. The only way he can soothe the ache of his exile, is by immersing himself in the regulations of his true King. The third segment is: Enduring the Scorn of the Arrogant Psalm One Hundred Nineteen: verses twenty-one and twenty-two. You rebuke the arrogant; those who wander from your commands are cursed. Don't let them scorn and insult me, for I have obeyed your laws. Living as a foreigner inevitably draws unwanted attention. The citizens of the rebel kingdom do not like those who march to the beat of a different drum. The psalmist notes the reality of divine justice: "You rebuke the arrogant; those who wander from your commands are cursed." The "arrogant" are those who believe they do not need the Creator's map. They are the proud, self-sufficient individuals who think they can safely navigate the cosmic rebellion on their own terms. They wander away from the safety of the Torah, charting their own moral courses. But the psalmist knows the spiritual law of the universe: wandering from the Source of Life automatically places you under a curse. To disconnect from Yahweh is to step into the void. These arrogant wanderers, however, are not quiet. They actively attack the faithful. The psalmist prays, "Don't let them scorn and insult me, for I have obeyed your laws." When you choose to live a life of integrity, when you refuse to compromise with the corrupt practices of your culture, the culture will respond with contempt. They will mock your purity, sneer at your devotion, and label your obedience as foolishness. This scorn can be deeply demoralizing. The psalmist brings this heavy social burden directly to God. He asks the Lord to roll away the reproach, essentially saying, "Lord, I am taking a beating down here because of my loyalty to You. Please, vindicate my obedience, and silence the insults of those who despise Your ways." The fourth segment is: The Counsel of the Divine Decrees Psalm One Hundred Nineteen: verses twenty-three and twenty-four. Even princes sit and speak against me, but I will meditate on your decrees. Your laws please me; they give me wise advice. The opposition the psalmist faces is not just coming from the common people in the marketplace. The attack escalates to the highest levels of power. "Even princes sit and speak against me." The Hebrew word for princes is sarim. In the Ancient Israelite worldview, sarim could refer to human political...
A man writes that he has “never seen good in his life.” The Rebbe sharply challenges this claim: a person blessed with a spouse and children walking in the path of Torah cannot call himself deprived. Ingratitude blinds one to visible blessings—and may itself block further blessing in health and livelihood. Gratitude and joy reopen the channel. PDF Link: https://www.soulwords.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/30-letters-30-days-16.pdf
Rabbi Elchonon Shoff on let's Get Real with Coach Menachem, Sunday, March 15, 2026Pain and Suffering: Why Does Hashem Allow It / Torah Perspectives During War and Raising Our Children
The 2026 annual TORCH fundraiser is happening right now at giveTORCH.org.Every donation is doubled at giveTORCH.org.Every donation is matched at giveTORCH.orgPlease support TORCH and the Parsha Podcast with a generous contribution right now at giveTORCH.org. Give what you can give at giveTORCH.org and ensure that the Parsha Podcast and the other great work of TORCH continues in 2026.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –As a very young man, Rambam wrote a commentary on the entire Mishnah. He prefaces his commentary with a sprawling and magisterial introduction which covers vast subjects related to Torah, oral and written, the history of the transmission, and the mechanism of Mishnah and Talmud. He ends his introduction with an explanation of the rationale behind his commentary and a fascinating set of appendices and heuristics.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –DONATE: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –NEW TORCH Mailing Address POBox:TORCHPO BOX 310246HOUSTON, TX 77231-0246– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletterrabbiwolbe.com/newsletter– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe's PodcastsThe Parsha PodcastThe Jewish History PodcastThe Mitzvah Podcast This Jewish LifeThe Ethics PodcastTORAH 101 ★ Support this podcast ★
The 2026 annual TORCH fundraiser is happening right now at giveTORCH.org.Every donation is doubled at giveTORCH.org.Every donation is matched at giveTORCH.orgPlease support TORCH and the Parsha Podcast with a generous contribution right now at giveTORCH.org. Give what you can give at giveTORCH.org and ensure that the Parsha Podcast and the other great work of TORCH continues in 2026.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –None of us admire the people who lose it in a fit of rage. We like we look up to the people who are calm, cool and collected. The people who comport themselves with dignity and nobility and are always in control of themselves. Rage is not a productive attribute. People don't accomplish things when they lose themselves. From a spiritual vantage point, with the worst of the worst: it's adjacent to heresy, and many types of purgatory control those who are always angry. But what's the solution? How does someone control their anger? Is it possible to control completely? Is it possible to eliminate it entirely? The answer, surprisingly, is yes. In this podcast, you will learn the secret of fishing impulses of anger. Are you ready for the challenge?– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –DONATE: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –NEW TORCH Mailing Address POBox:TORCHPO BOX 310246HOUSTON, TX 77231-0246– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletterrabbiwolbe.com/newsletter– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe's PodcastsThe Parsha PodcastThe Jewish History PodcastThe Mitzvah Podcast This Jewish LifeThe Ethics PodcastTORAH 101 ★ Support this podcast ★
Chazal tell us that when Mashiach arrives there will be a magnificent seudah known as the Seudat HaLeviathan. At that great meal will be present all the righteous who ever lived—Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov, Moshe and Aharon, together with the great leaders and tzaddikim of all generations. At that seudah, David HaMelech will rise and lead Birkat HaMazon. Afterward, the Ramami Pano writes that Mashiach Tzidkeinu will come out and distribute dessert to everyone present. Those desserts will consist of the fruits that have been growing in Gan Eden since the creation of the world. Originally, Hashem commanded Adam HaRishon to eat from the fruits of Gan Eden, but he was banished before he had the opportunity to do so. Since that time, fruits have been growing in the lower Gan Eden that exists in this world, and they will be distributed to all of Klal Yisrael after Birkat HaMazon at that seudah. Then Mashiach will take out almonds that had been growing on the staff of Aharon HaKohen in the Kodesh HaKodashim and he will make the berachah of boreh peri ha'etz upon them. It is known that almonds have the ability to calm a person from anger. At that moment, all the tension and pain that accumulated during the long exile will instantly disappear. Then Moshe Rabbeinu will appear holding the original Luchot that we were meant to receive. In their merit the knowledge of Torah will reach an unprecedented level. Torah will never again be forgotten. The yetzer hara will be nullified and the malach hamavet will be driven away forever. Those will be the most glorious days in the history of the world. After a period of time living in the era of Mashiach, the next stage—Olam Haba—will begin. The Gemara in Masechet Berachot teaches that in that world there will be no eating and no drinking. Rather, the tzaddikim will sit and derive pleasure from the radiance of the Shechinah. The Or HaChayim writes in Shemot that there is no pleasure in this world that can compare to the pleasure of seeing the Shechinah in the next world. Every Jew longs to merit that experience. Our rabbis explain that just as in order to enjoy food in this world our mouth and throat must function properly, so too in order to experience the spiritual pleasure of the Shechinah, the part of the body through which that pleasure is received must also be spiritually refined. That part of the body is the eyes—the windows to the neshamah. The pasuk in Yeshayahu says: עֹצֵם עֵינָיו מֵרְאוֹת בְּרָע מֶלֶךְ בְּיָפְיוֹ תֶּחֱזֶינָה עֵינֶיךָ "One who closes his eyes from seeing evil—his eyes will behold the King in His beauty." The Midrash explains that this pasuk means that whoever guards his eyes from looking at improper things will merit to see the beauty of the Shechinah. The Gemara in Masechet Kallah teaches that someone who turns away from such aveirot—even if he is an ordinary Yisrael—becomes worthy like a Kohen Gadol offering a korban olah on the mizbeach, and he will merit to benefit from the radiance of the Shechinah like the malachei hasharet. One of the ways of Hashem is that when He wishes to elevate a person to an especially high level, He first gives him a very great test to overcome. For nearly two thousand years the world has been waiting for the rebuilding of the Beit HaMikdash. For generations we have waited for the coming of Mashiach. Now, as we approach the month of Nisan—the time most auspicious for redemption—we are being tested with our eyes more than ever before. Perhaps this is Hashem's call for us to elevate ourselves to greatness and to make our eyes worthy of receiving the ultimate pleasure of basking in the radiance of the Shechinah. Now is our opportunity to shine. If we can guard our own eyes and guide our children away from seeing things they should not see, we can become elevated to the level of the Kohen Gadol. With Hashem's help we will then merit the ultimate reward—our eyes beholding the radiance of the Shechinah for all eternity.
In Day 134 (p. 753, final section of the Gate of Flattery), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe concludes the chapter with practical safeguards against Chanufah (flattery). To escape its snare, one must flee honor (Kavod) entirely—those unconcerned with status never need to flatter for gain. Avoid deriving benefit from others, as most flattery stems from expecting reciprocity (e.g., fake compliments for favors, business, or social access). Rabbi Wolbe shares his personal rejection of a book teaching manipulative "networking" flattery, emphasizing genuine relationships over disingenuous gain.Flattery corrupts mitzvot (e.g., leading services for praise instead of L'shem Shamayim) and risks spiritual downfall through negative environments. One must intentionally surround oneself with the righteous and wise (Proverbs: "He who walks with wise men will be wise"), distancing from sinners, mockers, or corrupt cultures—even if it means solitude, caves, or desert isolation (as in Lamentations). In our generation of pervasive media, apps, social influence, and celebrity values (e.g., Golden Globes), be deliberate: delete harmful apps, limit exposure, choose uplifting company, and protect children from bad influences. The chapter's core lesson: intentionality in Avodat Hashem—curate environments for growth, reject flattery's traps, and prioritize purity over benefit._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky BotvinRecorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on January 12, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on March 16, 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, #Flattery, #Chanufa, #Honor, #BadInfluence, #IntentionalLiving, #PositiveEnvironment, #DeleteTheApp, #ShalomBayit ★ Support this podcast ★
These classes teach the day's section of the weekly Torah portion. The lesson is taught using the original Hebrew text with the indispensable commentary of Rashi—both translated and elucidated so that anyone can follow along.
Love and Torah – what's love got to do with it? This study series is based on the “Two Great Commands” – love Yahweh and love your neighbor. On the Holy Day of Shavuot, Rabbi Berkson continues to explore Romans chapter 12, helping us understand the meaning behind the writing to that assembly of that time and what it means for us today. What does it mean to “offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, which is our ‘reasonable service'”? What does it look like to “think more highly of yourself than you should think”? Rabbi Berkson dives deep into verse 3 to explain what that means. What is the “measure of belief” that verse 3 mentions? What are the “gifts” listed in verses 6-8? Are they “spiritual gifts”? Rabbi Berkson once again analyzes these passages to help you better understand what Yah expects of you, so you can do it and receive the blessings. https://mtoi.org The MTOI App https://mtoi.org/download-the-mtoi-app https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide admin@mtoi.org (423) 250-3020 Join us LIVE (all times Eastern): Torah Study, Fridays 7:30 pm Shabbat Service, Saturdays 1:15 pm Streaming available on YouTube, Rumble, MTOI App, and mtoi.org
This podcast will be the next installment of Heaven Shaking the Persian Bear in which I plan to explain the Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf in the present conflict as it pertains to the decree of the scroll.
Hi everyone, welcome back to another episode of The Chai on Life Podcast. I'm Alex Segal and today, I am speaking with Rebbetzin Rivky Slonim. Rivky is the Associate Director at the Chabad Center for Jewish Student Life at Binghamton University. An internationally known teacher, lecturer, and activist, she travels widely, addressing the intersection of traditional Jewish observance and contemporary life, with a special focus on Jewish women in Jewish law and life. She is the author of the book, Holy Intimacy: The Heart and Soul of Jewish Marriage and editor of Total Immersion: A Mikvah Anthology as well as Bread and Fire; Jewish Women find God in the Everyday. She is also the mother of nine children.Rivky is also someone very special to me. When I was just beginning my Jewish journey at Binghamton University, she was my personal teacher, role model and guide as I moved through the early stages of learning more about Judaism. I still remember the taste of her challah on Friday nights, the way she commanded a room of hundreds each week and how she really found love for every student that walked through her doors. When thinking about who to interview for a Pesach episode, she just felt like such a powerful choice. In this episode, we get into it and speak about:-How she ended up at Binghamton University on shlichus-How to reframe your mindset on Pesach so you don't feel so overburdened and stressed out-What the true definition of freedom is according to the Rebbe and how that manifests in everyday life-Why the book of Shemos where we learn about Yetziyas Mitzrayim is such a feminine book of the Torah-How a woman who is so forward facing and such a doer can then become a receiver, or mekabel in marriage-A new approach if you're not feeling so inspired by the mikvah experience, and how we can bring that mindset through all of the mitzvot we do-The difference between spirituality and having a relationship with Hashem-The most important thing to teach our children today…and soooo much more.As I said, Rivky is a powerhouse and this episode really delivers. I am so grateful she took the time to speak with us before Pesach and I hope this conversation gives you insights to bring with you throughout the holiday and beyond.
Dov Adler is an audit partner who has in intereresting relationship with auditing. In this episode, Dov Adler shares a refreshingly honest take on work, fulfillment, and responsibility. We talk about growing up in a rabbi's home, choosing accounting over rabbanus, wearing a kippah in corporate America, and building a career that is meaningful not because every task is enjoyable, but because of the life and impact built around it.We also discuss Torah learning during busy seasons, public speaking, fundraising, parenting, and the challenge of raising children with patience, example, and conviction. This is a wide-ranging conversation about ambition, service, and what it means to build a serious Torah life in the workforce without thinking in narrow boxes.Key Highlights:Smashing Paradigms: Why you don't need to "love" your core job to find professional fulfillment.The Power of Bribes: The viral story of how Dov used a car lease to spark his son's love for Gemara.Kiddush Hashem at PwC: Navigating the corporate ladder while maintaining a visible Jewish identity.Fundraising as a Mission: How Dov balances multi-million dollar campaigns for schools and shuls with his 9-to-5.Consistent Learning: Tips for maintaining two sedarim a day, even during peak "busy season."Listen to Dov's shiurim on YUTorah
Tanya Applied: Chapter 31.05: The Positive Power of Constructive CritiqueA journey into the deepest teachings of the Torah and their application to our personal, emotional and psychological lives.The Tanya Applied radio show is broadcast every Saturday night, 10–10:30PM ET onWSNR 620 AM – Metro NY areaWJPR 1640 AM — Highland Park and Edison, NJOnline: www.talklinenetwork.comBy phone: Listen Line: 641-741-0389Many of us may be familiar with some of the central ideas in Tanya – including the battle of the two souls; what defines man and makes us tick; how we can control our temptations; how we can become more loving; what we can do to curb and harness our vices, like anger, jealousy, and depression; the formula for growth; how we can develop a healthy relationship with G-d; and why we are here. In this 30-minute program, you will learn how these ideas can be applied to your life today. You will discover secrets to a successful life that will transform you and your relationships.Rabbi Simon Jacobson is the best-selling author of Toward a Meaningful Life, and he is the creator of the acclaimed and popular MyLife: Chassidus Applied series, which has empowered and transformed hundreds of thousands through Torah and Chassidus.Now, Rabbi Jacobson brings his vast scholarship and years of experience to Tanya. Please join Rabbi Simon Jacobson for this exhilarating journey into your psyche and soul. You will come away with life-changing practical guidance and direction, addressing all the issues and challenges you face in life.For more info: www.chassidusapplied.com/tanyaMusic by Zalman Goldstein • www.ChabadMusic.coms of the Torah and their application to our personal, emotional and psychological lives.A journey into the deepest teachings of the Torah and their application to our personal, emotional and psychological lives.
Having received his Ph.D. in mathematical logic at Brandeis University, Rabbi Dr. Dovid Gottlieb went on to become Professor of Philosophy at Johns Hopkins University. Today he is a senior faculty member at Ohr Somayach in Jerusalem. An accomplished author and lecturer, Rabbi Gottlieb has electrified audiences with his stimulating and energetic presentations on ethical and philosophical issues. In Jewish Philosophy with Rabbi Dr. Gottlieb, we are invited to explore the most fascinating and elemental concepts of Jewish Philosophy. https://podcasts.ohr.edu/ podcasts@ohr.edu
A man writes that he has “never seen good in his life.” The Rebbe sharply challenges this claim: a person blessed with a spouse and children walking in the path of Torah cannot call himself deprived. Ingratitude blinds one to visible blessings—and may itself block further blessing in health and livelihood. Gratitude and joy reopen […]
Sivan Rav-Meir has been on Israeli television since age six, and became religious at fifteen after a chance encounter with three girls who simply said, "Bo l'Shabbat." In this conversation recorded in Jerusalem, Sivan shares how she's channeled three decades of journalism skills toward teaching Torah, why she sees a massive post-October 7th hunger for practical Jewish doing (not just inspiration), and why she believes Jewish identity is our real protection. She's candid about the gap between her public influence and her private reality, and how she is guided by the Lubavitcher Rebbe's paradox: always happy, but never satisfied. She notes the Jewish world's blindspot as the 85% of unaffiliated Jews outside the organized community bubble, and calls every connected Jew to the same simple shlichut that changed her life: invite someone in.* * * * * * *Sivan Rahav-Meir is a media personality and lecturer. Married to Yedidya, the mother of five. Lives in Jerusalem. Went on shlichut with her family 2019-2020, when she served as World Mizrachi's Shlicha to North America.She works for Israel TV news, writes a column for Yediot Aharonot newspaper, and hosts a weekly radio show. Her lectures on the weekly Torah portion are attended by hundreds and the live broadcast attracts thousands more listeners throughout the world. Sivan lectures in Israel and overseas about her personal story. the Jewish world since 10/7, Judaism and new media.She was voted by Globes newspaper as most popular female media personality in Israel and by the Jerusalem Post as one of the 50 most influential Jews in the world.Learn more at www.sivanrahavmeir.com Find her podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OlPTHjKBnNwDrNNalxD9jFollow her on instagram @sivanrahavmeir* * * * * * *To inquire about sponsorship & advertising opportunities, please email us at info@humanandholy.comTo support our work, visit humanandholy.com/sponsor.Find us on Instagram @humanandholy & subscribe to our channel to stay up to date on all our upcoming conversations ✨Human & Holy podcast is available on all podcast streaming platforms. New episodes every Sunday & Wednesday on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.* * * * * * *TIMESTAMPS:[00:00] Introduction[02:04] Welcome Sivan[04:00] The problem with news media [05:10] The role of Torah in making sense of chaos[06:42] Sivan's origin story [07:50] The two words that changed my life [10:05] Building a relationship with Shabbat gradually[11:00] My personal political transformation [13:20] Political peace and inner peace[13:53] Communicating Torah accessibly[15:30] Using professional skills in a holy direction[16:45] What has changed after October 7th?[17:30] People want something tangible [18:39] Responding to the enemey [20:10] Omar Shemtov's testimony from the tunnels [20:56] Why Sivan doesn't call herself a Rebbetzin [24:30] Where does her energy come from? [25:00] The real Avodat Hashem happens in my home [26:15] "Always happy, but never satisfied"[28:10] Resilience & drive as a framework that doesn't contradict joy[28:45] The private work of a public person: young motherhood and the test of patience[31:30] Immediate gratification culture vs. long-term spiritual investment[32:10] If you didn't post it, did it happen?[33:00] Sivan's own social media guidelines[36:00] What worries Sivan about the Jewish world [37:00] Building Jewish identity from within[41:10] Our blindspot: the 85% of unaffiliated Jews outside the "bubble"[44:00] Israeli expats in America [45:30] What I want my legacy to be[46:10] Self love as the basis for loving another [48:30] How Sivan remembers thinks about her connections[50:45] Favorite verse in Tanach[51:00] One book everyone should read [51:20] How I nourish myself[51:55] A daily habit that can transform your life [52:15] My message to the Jewish world [53:30] Closing [54:15] Host outro
What might it mean if the Torah's opening “call” is meant for each of us? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Yiscah Smith open the Book of Vayikra by exploring the meaning of God's “calling” to Moses. Rather than seeing korbanot merely as ancient sacrifices, they reflect on them as a path toward closeness with God. The conversation explores the idea that each person may hear a personal spiritual calling—an inner voice guiding them toward deeper purpose, service, and connection with the Divine.
The 2026 annual TORCH fundraiser is happening right now at giveTORCH.org.Every donation is doubled at giveTORCH.org.Every donation is matched at giveTORCH.orgPlease support TORCH and the Parsha Podcast with a generous contribution right now at giveTORCH.org. Give what you can give at giveTORCH.org and ensure that the Parsha Podcast and the other great work of TORCH continues in 2026.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –In Parshas Vayikra, the first Torah section in The Book of Leviticus, we learn about the processes and procedures of many different varieties of sacrifices: There are three different types of elevation offerings; three types of peace-offerings; six types of meal-offerings; and numerous sin and guilt offerings. Our exploration of the parsha begins with a survey of several of the classic explanations for the notion of animal sacrifices in general.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –DONATE: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –NEW TORCH Mailing Address POBox:TORCHPO BOX 310246HOUSTON, TX 77231-0246– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletterrabbiwolbe.com/newsletter– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe's PodcastsThe Parsha PodcastThe Jewish History PodcastThe Mitzvah Podcast This Jewish LifeThe Ethics PodcastTORAH 101 ★ Support this podcast ★
The 2026 annual TORCH fundraiser is happening right now at giveTORCH.org.Every donation is doubled at giveTORCH.org.Every donation is matched at giveTORCH.orgPlease support TORCH and the This Jewish Life Podcast with a generous contribution right now at giveTORCH.org. Give what you can give at giveTORCH.org and ensure that the This Jewish Life Podcast and the other great work of TORCH continues in 2026.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –The Laver was one of the vessels in the Tabernacle. It was a copper basin that housed water that was emitted from spouts. The priests would wash their hands and feet before entering the Tabernacle and before doing any service in the Tabernacle. Our sages reveal some very interesting things about the origin of this copper, the use of this vessel, and a very interesting disagreement that Moshe had with God about the Laver. What we discover can materially transform and improve our life.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –DONATE: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –NEW TORCH Mailing Address POBox:TORCHPO BOX 310246HOUSTON, TX 77231-0246– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletterrabbiwolbe.com/newsletter– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe's PodcastsThe Parsha PodcastThe Jewish History PodcastThe Mitzvah Podcast This Jewish LifeThe Ethics PodcastTORAH 101 ★ Support this podcast ★
In Day 133 (p. 751 in the Treasure for Life edition), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues the Gate of Flattery (Sha'ar HaChanufah), focusing on its dangers in leadership and relationships. A righteous man tests two suitors for his daughter by staging a quarrel and asking their judgment: one flatters to win favor, the other honestly rebukes—the honest one is chosen, as flattery corrupts trust. Leaders (Parnas/community head, Dayan/judge, Gabbai Tzedakah/charity distributor) must never flatter, lest the community follows evil paths, litigants feel silenced, or charity goes undeservedly—flattery undermines justice and reproof.The worst flattery is enabling sin (e.g., encouraging transgressions like illicit relations or fraud by normalizing them—"it's not a big deal, join me"). Positive examples include flattering a wife for Shalom Bayit (genuine compliments to build harmony) and Yiravam ben Nevat's merit for rebuking Shlomo (without flattery) on the Milo construction. Rabbi Wolbe stresses: do good deeds purely L'shem Shamayim (for Heaven's sake), not to impress; distance from flattery entirely; and rebuke wisely when possible—flattery validates evil, closes Teshuvah doors, and corrupts society._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky BotvinRecorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on January 12, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on March 15, 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, #Flattery, #Chanufa, #Praising, #Rebuke, #LashonHara, #StandUpForTruth, #Ramchal, #ZealForTorah ★ Support this podcast ★
These classes teach the day's section of the weekly Torah portion. The lesson is taught using the original Hebrew text with the indispensable commentary of Rashi—both translated and elucidated so that anyone can follow along.
In Day 133 (p. 751 in the Treasure for Life edition), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues the Gate of Flattery (Sha'ar HaChanufah), focusing on its dangers in leadership and relationships. A righteous man tests two suitors for his daughter by staging a quarrel and asking their judgment: one flatters to win favor, the other honestly rebukes—the honest one is chosen, as flattery corrupts trust. Leaders (Parnas/community head, Dayan/judge, Gabbai Tzedakah/charity distributor) must never flatter, lest the community follows evil paths, litigants feel silenced, or charity goes undeservedly—flattery undermines justice and reproof.The worst flattery is enabling sin (e.g., encouraging transgressions like illicit relations or fraud by normalizing them—"it's not a big deal, join me"). Positive examples include flattering a wife for Shalom Bayit (genuine compliments to build harmony) and Yiravam ben Nevat's merit for rebuking Shlomo (without flattery) on the Milo construction. Rabbi Wolbe stresses: do good deeds purely L'shem Shamayim (for Heaven's sake), not to impress; distance from flattery entirely; and rebuke wisely when possible—flattery validates evil, closes Teshuvah doors, and corrupts society._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky BotvinRecorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on January 12, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on March 15, 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, #Flattery, #Chanufa, #Praising, #Rebuke, #LashonHara, #StandUpForTruth, #Ramchal, #ZealForTorah ★ Support this podcast ★
Parsha “Vayakhel,” Exodus 35:1 through 38:20, in many respects will seem very familiar. Many elements that we just recently read, only about ten chapters earlier, are repeated. Why? And why so much detail, not just once, but twice? Mark has long suggested that any time something is repeated in Scripture, we had better pay attention; it’s virtually certain that it is important. But there is almost certainly more to it as well. For example, the concept of a chiasm, or “atbash” in Hebrew that serves to ‘set off’ what is enclosed in what might be thought of as the equivalent of ‘brackets,’ or even nested parentheses, in English. In a more modern parlance, it might be thought of as a Biblical equivalent of an HTML tag. And in the case of some, like what comes to a conclusion in this reading, a virtual bright flashing red emphasis, in ALL CAPS, too. Join Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship for a provocative two-part look at the parsha, and the implications for a world that stands at minimum on the cusp of World War III, potentially with even a nuclear escalation, and a global economic (and fiat reserve currency and debt) meltdown that have both been a long time coming. As for the ‘End Times’ — well, “soon” is a relative concept in prophecy, but we know of a certainly that we are ‘close,’ and what will ultimately come to pass. The Erev Shabbat reading: https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SSM-3-13-Vayakhel-teaching-podcast-xx.mp3 If this repeated, often word-for-word, detail, and the entire concept of first being told WHAT to make, then again WHEN they made it, is the ‘closing bracket,’ or tag, for what comes in between, then what is He emphasizing> Certainly, the ‘Golden Calf,’ and one of the most dramatic failure in Scripture. And there’s even an “atbash within that abash,” as well, concerning His Sabbath. But, this time the explicit reminder is that it’s one of those commandments that carries a death penalty. How can that be ignored? To ‘come out of her,’ remains an imperative. But then what? Vayakhel: “Coming out, coming together – it just starts willing hearts” https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/WT-CooH-3-14-Vayakhel-Coming-OUT-Coming-together-wise-willing-hearts-podcast-xxxx.mp3 Service information: Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship worship services and teachings are broadcast live every Sabbath, via Paltalk. (www.paltalk.com has both the link, and the app.) The “room name” is “Walking Torah with Shabbat Shalom Mesa,” and can be found via the paltalk search, then bookmarked. Erev Shabbat services begin at 7:00 PM Mountain Time Friday evenings (9 PM Eastern, 8 PM Central) Live Sabbath teachings begin shortly after 11 AM Mountain time on Sabbath day (Saturday). email: mark@markniwot.com The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash:
Rashi's commentary is an indispensable part of a person's daily studies. His explanation of Chumash, the first five books of the Torah, clarifies the "simple" meaning of the text so that a bright child of five could understand it. At the same time, it is the crucial foundation of some of the most profound legal analysis and mystical discourses that came after it.
On Today's Show: Dennis explores the story of Lot's wife, who turned into a pillar of salt for looking back at the destruction of Sodom. He delves into the concept of the "Lot's wife syndrome," where people get stuck in the past and resist moving forward. Dennis also discusses the importance of loving the stranger, citing the biblical story of Abraham's interactions with the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. He argues that this concept is crucial for civilization to progress and that it's a key theme in the Torah.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rod Bryant was once a Christian pastor with a thriving congregation of hundreds. Today, he teaches Torah to a global community of Noahides. In this conversation, Rod shares the remarkable journey that led him from growing up in a deeply devout Christian home in Louisiana to serving as a U.S. Army chaplain during the Gulf War, pastoring a large church, and ultimately leaving it all behind in pursuit of truth. What began as theological questions, especially about the nature of God, turned into a years-long search that led him to study Jewish texts, listen daily to Torah classes, and rethink everything he had once taught. Rod recounts the difficult moment when his search forced him to step away from the church he had built, sacrificing financial stability and reputation in order to follow where his study of Torah led him. Today he leads the Nativ Center, a community dedicated to teaching the Seven Noahide Laws and spreading universal ethical teachings rooted in the Torah. In this episode, he explains the Noahide path, the role of the Jewish people as a "light unto the nations," and why he believes the wisdom of the Torah offers a moral framework for the entire world. This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors: ► PZ Deals Download the app and never pay full price again! https://app.pz.deals/install/mpp _________________ ► Colel Chabad Pushka App The easiest way to give Tzedaka https://pushkapp.cc/meaningful _________________ ► Givat Hashalva Givat Hashalvah is a new, vibrant, Torah-centered community rising in Givat Ze'ev, only 20 minutes from the heart of Yerushalayim. https://go.lyo.group/4rAkXCN _________________ ► Ness Vacation Homes EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness. OPTIONAL PROGRAM-LEVEL PESACH EXPERIENCE Upgrade your stay with a complete A–Z Pesach setup, including kitchen preparation, catered meals, and fully arranged details by Glatt Gourmet. https://nessvacationhomes.com/ _________________ ►Rothenberg Law Firm Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation https://shorturl.at/JFKHH _________________ ► Town Appliance Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp https://www.townappliance.com https://bit.ly/Townappliance_whatsapp _________________ ► Pesach with Bordeaux Join us in Stamford, Connecticut for another spectacular, star-studded year This year, experience true relaxation, where every detail is taken care of. Rooms are filling quickly, don't wait! Mention Meaningful Minute for a special deal! Call/Text: 347-699-6120 www.pesachwithbordeaux.com Chat with us on WhatsApp! https://wa.me/13476996120