Podcasts about yaakov

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 Many assume that if the physics is outdated, the metaphysics must be too—but that assumption reflects a deep misunderstanding of how firmly Maimonides stood within the mainstream tradition.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!

התוכן החינוך שהורים נותנים לילד (או המחנך) מבוסס על שני הפכיים: מצד אחד קובעים בנפשו עקרונות ויסודות שמהם אין לזוז בכל מקום ובכל זמן – בנוגע לבני אדם בכלל אלה הם עקרונות הצדק והיושר וכו', ובנוגע לישראל בפרט – האמונה האיתנה בה' אחד ובתורתו, ש"זאת התורה לא תהי' מוחלפת" וכו'. ומצד שני מדגישים לו שאין לעמוד במקום אחד אלא שחייבים לשגשג ולגדול, וזה גופא – שצריך להשתנות תמיד ולעלות בקודש – הוא יסוד תמידי. גם, יש להרגיל את הילד שהוא עומד על יסוד חזק – הוא בן אברהם יצחק ויעקב והיא בת שרה רבקה רחל ולאה – אותם אבות ואמהות של כל ישראל! כדי לנטוע רגש זה בילדים חייבים המחנכים להיות "דוגמא חי'" ולהתנהג בעצמם בהתאם לכך, ולזכור שהילד שם לב להכל, ושהוא לא מבין שיש הבדל בין "קלה" לחמורה" (אע"פ שנקראים כך עפ"י תורה)...ג' חלקים משיחת יום ג' פ' ברכה, וא"ו תשרי ה'תשד"מ ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=30-10-2025 Synopsis A child's education is based on two opposites: On the one hand, the child is instilled with steadfast principles and foundations from which he must never depart, such as (for humanity in general) the principles of justice and uprightness and (for Jews in particular) the steadfast faith in Hashem and His Torah, and the fact that “this Torah will not be changed” etc. On the other hand, the child is instilled with the obligation to constantly grow and ascend in holiness, which is itself a constant foundation. The child must also be trained to recognize that he stands upon a strong foundation, as a son of Avrohom, Yitzchok, and Yaakov, and daughter of Sarah, Rivkah, Rochel, and Leah – the Avos and Imahos of all Jews in all generations. To instill this feeling in children, educators must be a living example and personally conduct themselves accordingly; they must remember that a child notices everything, and does not recognize the difference between something “minor” and something “severe” (even where the Torah recognizes them as such).3 excerpts from sichah of Tuesday, parashas Vezos Habrachah, 6 Tishrei 5744 For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=30-10-2025 לזכות ר' לוי הלוי בן לאה שי' לרפואה שלימהנדבת משפחתו שי'

The Covenant of Avraham: Our Living Heritage in Yeshua The covenant Yahweh established with Avraham carries extraordinary significance for us today. When Yahweh revealed Himself at the burning bush, He declared His identity as "the Elohim of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov," establishing this covenant as His eternal reference point. Avraham's righteousness came through faith before circumcision, demonstrating that trust in Yahweh's promises transcends ritual observance. This messianic thread weaves throughout Scripture, showing how Yeshua fulfills the covenant promises made to Avraham's seed. The covenant ceremony in Genesis 15 reveals that Yahweh alone walked through the sacrificial pieces, shouldering the responsibility for its completion. As followers of Mashiach, we inherit this same covenant relationship. Paul confirms that those who have faith become Avraham's children, partakers of the identical promises given to the patriarchs. This covenant remains active today, sealed by Yeshua's blood and written upon our hearts through the Ruach HaKodesh, connecting us directly to Yahweh's eternal purposes for His people.     Watch on YouTube here:  https://youtu.be/Cxn-IebuOJs If these have been a blessing to you, please consider donating to help us continue to put these teachings out. You can donate at https://www.ruachonline.com/donate    If you like this video and would like to know more about Ruach Ministries International you can check us out on many venues: website: www.RuachOnline.com  Facebook: www.facebook.com/RuachMinistries  Twitter: @RuachTweets Vimeo: www.vimeo.com/Ruach  YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/theruachlife  Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruachminintl  Podcast Hub, Main site: https://stone2flesh.podbean.com  iHeart  https://ihr.fm/3VmLpyt  Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3PXP8Bp   Amazon Music https://amzn.to/3jnsqX2  Spotify https://spoti.fi/3C71u4i  Google Podcasts https://bit.ly/3jrcTp7 & Patreon https://www.patreon.com/Ruach

התוכן אע"פ שהענין ד"ויעקב הלך לדרכו" מתחיל ממוצאי שמח"ת, ואח"כ במוצש"פ בראשית – שאז מתחיל בפשטות ההליכה ב"דרכו" של יעקב, בעניני חול – ישנה מעלה בענין ד"ויעקב הלך לדרכו" במוצש"פ נח. כי במוצאי ש"פ בראשית היתה רק ההחלטה על ענין זה, "בכח", אבל במוצאי ש"פ נח ישנו ענין זה כבר "בפועל" במשך שבוע שלם. ואע"פ ש"כל ישראל בחזקת כשרות", ולאחרי ההחלטה תקיפה במוצש"פ בראשית ישנה חזקה ואין ספק כלל שכך יהי' בפועל, אעפ"כ ישנה מעלה כאשר הדבר אכן בא לפועל. וכמו שמצינו בענינים הכלליים: 1) ירידת הנשמה בגוף: שהמשל בזה הוא ממלך ששלח בנו למדינה רחוקה לגלות ולהוציא את כחותיו מן הכוח אל הפועל, דאע"פ שה"מלך" יודע עתידות ש"בל ידח ממנו נדח", מ"מ, כדי שלבנו יהי' טוב בשלימות, עליו לרדת "מאיגרא רמה לבירא עמיקתא" כדי שמעלותיו יצאו אל הפועל. 2) בריאת העולמות: מהטעמים ע"ז הוא כדי שיכירו בכוחותיו וגדלותו ית' וכו', שלא מספיק את הוודאות גמורה שכך יהי' בפועל, אלא צריך שהדבר יבוא בפועל.משיחת מוצש"ק פ' נח ה'תשל"ח בחדרו הק' ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=24-10-2025 Synopsis Although “Yaakov going on his way” begins on Motzaei Simchas Torah, and then on Motzaei Shabbos Parashas Bereishis, when the “way” of Yaakov (mundane matters) begins – nevertheless there is a unique quality when “Yaakov goes on his way” on Motzaei Shabbos Parashas Noach. This is because whereas on Motzaei Shabbos Parashas Bereishis there was only a resolution, by Motzaei Shabbos Parashas Noach, it has been kept in practice for an entire week. While it is true that “All Jews are presumed to be upright,” and after the firm resolution on Motzaei Shabbos Parashas Bereishis there is a presumption (and in fact there is no doubt at all) that they will carry out the resolution, nevertheless, there is a superior quality when it is actually carried out. We similarly find this in a global sense: (1) The analogy given for the soul's descent into the body is a king who sends his son to a distant land in order to bring out and actualize the prince's capabilities. That is, although the King knows that the prince's talents are there, and He knows that they will be actualized (because “none who is banished will remain banished”), nevertheless, for his son to be truly attain perfection, he must bring these qualities from their potential state to actuality by undergoing the descent “from a high rooftop to a deep pit.” (2) One of the reasons given for the creation of the worlds is so that Hashem's powers and greatness will be recognized, etc. – it is not enough that there is absolute certainty that this will happen; rather it must actually be done in practice.Excerpt from sichah of Motzaei Shabbos parashas Noach 5738 – in the Rebbe's room For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=24-10-2025 לזכות שמואל יעקב הלוי בן חי' שרה שי' ליום ההולדת שלו ג' מרחשוןלשנת ברכה והצלחה, ואריכות ימים ושנים טובות

Well, we saw last week that Moses, he heard from God, and he took the children of Israel, and he knew the task that God had given to them, to take possession of the land. Now we need to know something, that Israel being in the land is a requirement. Nothing's going to move forward in God's plan and His purposes unless the Jewish people, and let me be more specific, the descendants of Yaakov. To donate please visit us at:https://loveisrael.org/donate/Checks may be sent to:LoveIsrael.org

Well, we saw last week that Moses, he heard from God, and he took the children of Israel, and he knew the task that God had given to them, to take possession of the land. Now we need to know something, that Israel being in the land is a requirement. Nothing's going to move forward in God's plan and His purposes unless the Jewish people, and let me be more specific, the descendants of Yaakov.To donate please visit us at:https://loveisrael.org/donate/Checks may be sent to:LoveIsrael.org

התוכן בנקודה העיקרית של חיוב לימוד התורה משתווים כל ישראל משא"כ באופן קיום המצוות (אין חילוק בין לימוד הדין ד"שויתי ה' לנגדי תמיד" שבתחלת שו"ע ודיני נזקי הגוף שבסוף שו"ע – ה"ז באותו כח השכל וכח הדיבור, משא"כ בקיום מצוות אלו יש חילוק מן הקצה אל הקצה). ולכן הענין דאחדות ישראל נפעל ע"י התורה. ולכן גם המעבר בין העבודה דחודש תשרי ל"ויעקב הלך לדרכו" הוא ע"י הממוצע וההכנה של שמחת תורה דוקא (ולא שמחה של מצוה שבחגה"ס), שזה פועל הענין דאחדות ישראל גם במצב של "פרידתכם". וזהו מה שעוררו ע"ד ההוספה בקביעות עתים לתורה – ללמוד ע"מ לקבל סמיכה לרבנות, "יורה יורה" ו/או "ידין ידין". ושהנהלות הישיבות והכוללים יקבעו זה כחלק מסדרי הלימוד. וגם יו"ל קובצי חידושי תורה פעמיים השנה – לקראת חה"פ ור"ה. וגם בעלי עסק יוסיפו בקביעות עתים לתורה, גם בלימוד שו"ע, ובקיום המצוות. משיחת יום א' פ' נח, אדר"ח מרחשון ה'תשל"ו ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=22-10-2025 Synopsis Unlike with mitzvos, all Jews are equal in the core obligation to study Torah. (Whether one learns the law, “I have placed Hashem before me always” at the beginning of Shulchan Aruch or the laws of bodily damages at the end of Shulchan Aruch, he uses the same faculty of intellect and the same faculty of speech. But when it comes to keeping these mitzvos, they are extremely different). Thus, Torah expresses Jewish unity, and this is why the link and preparation between the month of Tishrei and the month when “Yaakov goes on his way” is (not the “joy of a mitzvah” of Sukkos, but ) Simchas Torah – because Torah causes the people to be united even in their “parting.” This is why there was a call to increase in fixed times for Torah study, with the goal of receiving semicha, and a call for the administrations of the yeshivos and kollelim to make this part of the study curriculum. They should also publish collections of novel Torah insights twice a year, before Pesach and before Rosh Hashanah. Businesspeople, too, should increase in their fixed times for Torah study, including study of Shulchan Aruch, as well as in their mitzvah observance.Excerpt from sichah of Sunday, parashas Noach, 1st day of Rosh Chodesh MarCheshvan 5736 For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=22-10-2025 לזכות יהושע אברהם בן בתשבע שי' ליום ההולדת שלו ל' תשרי - לשנת ברכה והצלחה, ואריכות ימים ושנים טובות

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1 section- based on Rav Acha bar Yaakov's explanation of debate in Beraitta (brought along with 4 others) it is clear he retracted from his understanding of R' Yehuda's distinction between Jew and non-Jews/hekdesh chametz

1 section- based on Rav Acha bar Yaakov's explanation of debate in Beraissa (brought along with 4 others) it is clear he retracted from his understanding of R' Yehuda's distinction between Jew and non-Jews/hekdesh chametz

There are times when a person may feel that he is being treated, quote-unquote, "unfairly" by Hashem. He tries so hard to do good, but it seems like everything keeps getting thrown back in his face. The natural inclination in those moments is to want to turn away, to give up. But if he does, he will lose out on the greatest possible gain. When Hashem puts a person through these kinds of challenges, they are golden opportunities—doorways that can bring him to unimaginable heights. If instead of turning away, a person continues to serve Hashem with even more love and more passion, he earns merits beyond comprehension. Avraham Avinu spent his life teaching the world about Hashem. His deepest longing was to have a child who would take over that mission and continue spreading Hashem's light. But for decades, it seemed impossible. Avraham and Sarah could not have children. One night, Hashem lifted Avraham above the stars and told him: " הבט נא השמימה וספור הכוכבים… כה יהיה זרעך " ( בראשית ט״ו:ה ). Chazal explain that Hashem was showing him that the Jewish people are above the mazalot—beyond the dictates of nature. Even if something appears impossible, Hashem can change it in an instant. Hashem then promised Avraham that he would indeed have a child who would carry on his mission. Avraham waited patiently, nearly thirty years, for that promise to be fulfilled. Finally, he and Sarah were blessed with Yitzchak. They poured their lives into raising him, nurturing him to become the great tzaddik he was destined to be. And then one day, Hashem issued a command that defied all logic: " קח נא את בנך את יחידך אשר אהבת את יצחק והעלהו שם לעולה " ( בראשית כ״ב:ב )-to bring Yitzchak as a sacrifice. From a human perspective, Avraham could have cried out: "This was my life's mission! This was the child I was promised! Now it's all being taken away?" That would have been understandable. But Avraham took a different path. He rose very early the next morning, eager to fulfill Hashem's will. He even saddled his own donkey—though he had countless servants—because he wanted to show his zealous love for Hashem. He went with passion, not despair. And that single act created merits that still protect us thousands of years later. When the Jewish people were in the desert, Balak and Balaam plotted to destroy them. The Chatam Sofer says this was one of the most dangerous moments in our history. Balaam tried to use the power of zealousness to sway Hashem. He, too, arose early and saddled his donkey to curse the Jewish people. But Hashem replied: "You wicked man, My beloved Avraham has already preceded you! He rose early and saddled his donkey to serve Me out of love. In his merit, you will never harm his children." Avraham had no idea at the time how much he was accomplishing. By serving Hashem with joy even in the face of what seemed like betrayal, he laid down eternal protection for his descendants. We see this pattern again with Yosef HaTzaddik. He was living a holy life, learning Torah every day with his father, Yaakov. Suddenly, his life was turned upside down. He was sold into slavery, torn from his family, and thrust into the moral depravity of Egypt. And then, when he was at his lowest, Yosef faced one of the most difficult challenges in history—the test of Potiphar's wife. He could have said: "This is my reward for living so purely? Why should I keep trying?" But instead, Yosef resisted with all his might. Centuries later, when the Jewish people stood trapped at the Yam Suf with the Egyptians pursuing them, it was Yosef's bones that were carried to the water. In his merit of running away from sin, the sea split. Yosef had no idea that his private moment of self-control, when faced with so many difficulties, would one day save millions of lives. This is what is at stake when we feel tested, when life seems unfair. We cannot imagine what our Emunah and perseverance will bring. If instead of complaining or questioning, we rise to the challenge and serve Hashem with more love, we are not only helping ourselves—we are bringing blessing to our children, grandchildren, and all of Klal Yisrael.

In this episode of the Thinking Talmudist Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores Tractate Baba Metzia 84a, focusing on a Talmudic discussion about Rabbi Yochanan's exceptional beauty and its spiritual implications. The episode delves into the concept of the evil eye, the influence of parental thoughts on conception, and the responsibility to use one's gifts thoughtfully. Key points include:Rabbi Yochanan's Beauty: Rabbi Yochanan claims to be the last of Jerusalem's beautiful people, described vividly: a silver goblet filled with pomegranate seeds, crowned with roses, and placed between sun and shade reflects a fraction of his radiance. The Talmud questions this, noting Rav Kahana's beauty resembled Rav Avohu's, which resembled Yaakov's, which resembled Adam's. Rabbi Yochanan's distinction was his beardless face, enhancing his radiant appearance.Mikvah Practice: Rabbi Yochanan sat at the women's mikvah entrance so that women, emerging from ritual immersion, would see him and retain his image, influencing their conception to produce beautiful, Torah-learned children. This mirrors Yaakov's use of streaked rods to influence sheep traits. Rabbi Wolbe defends this as a responsible use of his gift, not arrogance, citing his grandfather's teaching that knowing and using one's virtues is an obligation, akin to knowing one's wealth to give charity.Evil Eye Concerns: The sages question if Rabbi Yochanan feared the evil eye from displaying his beauty. He responds that, as a descendant of Yosef, he is immune, per Genesis 49:22 (“Yosef is a charming son, above the eye”) and 49:24 (likening Yosef's progeny to fish, hidden from the evil eye). Rabbi Wolbe explains the evil eye's real impact: flaunting wealth or beauty can cause jealousy, stress, or harm in others, affecting their relationships or finances.Practical Lessons: Rabbi Wolbe shares anecdotes to illustrate avoiding the evil eye: his father's choice of a modest Toyota Camry over a Lincoln Town Car to avoid neighbors' jealousy, and leaving a broken blinker light to deter envy. He recounts Marvy Finger's mentor, a wealthy man flying coach to avoid wasteful display, emphasizing humility and consideration for others' feelings.Broader Message: The episode underscores the responsibility to use God-given gifts (beauty, wealth) for positive impact while avoiding harm through jealousy. Rabbi Yochanan's actions aimed to inspire righteousness, not pride. Rabbi Wolbe urges mindfulness of how one's actions affect others, promoting sensitivity in a world prone to envy and comparison.The episode concludes with a blessing for a wonderful Shabbos and a call to share Torah content._____________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 August 29, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on October 17, 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, #Beauty, #Yochanan, #Gemara, #Radiant, #Responsibility, #Humility, #Mentor, #Practicality, #Luxury, #Mindfulness ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the Thinking Talmudist Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores Tractate Baba Metzia 84a, focusing on a Talmudic discussion about Rabbi Yochanan's exceptional beauty and its spiritual implications. The episode delves into the concept of the evil eye, the influence of parental thoughts on conception, and the responsibility to use one's gifts thoughtfully. Key points include:Rabbi Yochanan's Beauty: Rabbi Yochanan claims to be the last of Jerusalem's beautiful people, described vividly: a silver goblet filled with pomegranate seeds, crowned with roses, and placed between sun and shade reflects a fraction of his radiance. The Talmud questions this, noting Rav Kahana's beauty resembled Rav Avohu's, which resembled Yaakov's, which resembled Adam's. Rabbi Yochanan's distinction was his beardless face, enhancing his radiant appearance.Mikvah Practice: Rabbi Yochanan sat at the women's mikvah entrance so that women, emerging from ritual immersion, would see him and retain his image, influencing their conception to produce beautiful, Torah-learned children. This mirrors Yaakov's use of streaked rods to influence sheep traits. Rabbi Wolbe defends this as a responsible use of his gift, not arrogance, citing his grandfather's teaching that knowing and using one's virtues is an obligation, akin to knowing one's wealth to give charity.Evil Eye Concerns: The sages question if Rabbi Yochanan feared the evil eye from displaying his beauty. He responds that, as a descendant of Yosef, he is immune, per Genesis 49:22 (“Yosef is a charming son, above the eye”) and 49:24 (likening Yosef's progeny to fish, hidden from the evil eye). Rabbi Wolbe explains the evil eye's real impact: flaunting wealth or beauty can cause jealousy, stress, or harm in others, affecting their relationships or finances.Practical Lessons: Rabbi Wolbe shares anecdotes to illustrate avoiding the evil eye: his father's choice of a modest Toyota Camry over a Lincoln Town Car to avoid neighbors' jealousy, and leaving a broken blinker light to deter envy. He recounts Marvy Finger's mentor, a wealthy man flying coach to avoid wasteful display, emphasizing humility and consideration for others' feelings.Broader Message: The episode underscores the responsibility to use God-given gifts (beauty, wealth) for positive impact while avoiding harm through jealousy. Rabbi Yochanan's actions aimed to inspire righteousness, not pride. Rabbi Wolbe urges mindfulness of how one's actions affect others, promoting sensitivity in a world prone to envy and comparison.The episode concludes with a blessing for a wonderful Shabbos and a call to share Torah content._____________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 August 29, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on October 17, 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, #Beauty, #Yochanan, #Gemara, #Radiant, #Responsibility, #Humility, #Mentor, #Practicality, #Luxury, #Mindfulness ★ Support this podcast ★

After the Yamim Nora'im have concluded and our judgments for the upcoming year have been finalized, it is natural for a person to feel that his deeds and tefillot will no longer have such an effect on his life. After all, whatever will happen this year has already been determined. Yet, the Gemara teaches us otherwise. It says that although the total amount of rain for the year has already been decreed, if the people do teshuvah afterward, Hashem will ensure that every drop falls at the right time, in the right place, and not a single drop will go to waste. The Sfas Emet (Sukkot 5649) writes similarly regarding parnassah. Even though a person's income has already been determined on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, if he has bitachon in Hashem, that same income will be filled with blessing. Furthermore, Hashem can minimize the losses decreed for him. Instead of spending money on a dentist or repairing a leaky roof, those expenses may never arise at all. Someone told me that he was bracing himself for an astronomical tax bill. Yet when the final notice came, it was inexplicably only half of what he expected. Just like that, he saved a fortune. This is how Hashem blesses people — even after outcomes seem to have been decided. And when it comes to tefillah, it is even clearer. We need heartfelt tefillah just to receive what was already decreed for us. Rashi in Parashat Bereishit explains that although Hashem decreed that vegetation would sprout, He held it back until Adam HaRishon prayed. Only after Adam's tefillah did the rains come and bring forth the growth. So too with us: Hashem may decree blessing, but our tefillot are the key to bring it down into reality. Rav Shimshon Pincus pointed out a similar message from Rashi in Parashas Miketz. When Yaakov sent his sons back to Mitzrayim with Binyomin to buy more food, he gave them gifts — the money that had been returned to them, plus new money — and he told them he had made every possible preparation. And then he said, "Now you are not missing anything except prayer. I will pray on your behalf." Yaakov was teaching that everything could be perfectly in place, but without tefillah, nothing works. The same applies to our lives. Hashem may have decreed that the shidduch is ready this year, or the parnassah, the refuah, or the baby. But the only ingredient missing is our tefillah. Furthermore, the Passuk says כַּה׳ אֱלֹקֵינוּ בְּכָל־קָרְאֵנוּ אֵלָיו-How fortunate we are to have Hashem who answers whenever we call to Him! The Gemara teaches, based on this passuk, that when a person prays with a minyan, he can even change an existing decree. And therefore, our deeds and our tefillos are always of paramount importance. Every word of tefillah and every little deed carries tremendous weight in Shamayim. Now, as we begin anew, is the time to strengthen our tefillot and strengthen our deeds as much as we can.

In this chapterYaakov and family return to Beit El to fulfil Yaakov's vowYaakov's name-change is ratified by GodRachel goes into labor and dies in childbirth. Benjamin is born. The 12th son.Reuven's sin.In our podcast today, we weave these episodes into a single story.

התוכן כאשר יהודים עומדין ליפרד איש מרעהו אומר הקב"ה "קשה עלי פרידתכם". וזה מודגש שבסיום חודש תשרי – החודש שבו מודגש ענין האחדות, החל מראש השנה ("אתם נצבים היום כולכם"), ומיום ליום מתעלים בזה מדרגא לדרגא, עד שזה בא בגלוי ובפרטיות במשך ז' ימי הסוכות (ע"ד כללות הבריאה מאין ליש ברגע הא' של הבריאה נתפרטה במשך ז' ימי בראשית) – בא היו"ט דשמע"צ שסיבתו הוא הענין ד"קשה עלי פרידתכם". הענין ד"קשה עלי פרידתכם" הוא (ע"ד המבואר בענין "קשה כו' כקריעת ים סוף") כי זה שינוי ברצונו ית' שכל בנ"י יהיו במעמד ומצב של אחדות, ורק שהענין ד"פרידתכם" הוא "הכרחי" להבאת התורה ויהדות בכל קצוי תבל. וע"י היו"ט דשמע"צ, שבו מודגש ענין האחדות ("פר אחד איל אחד") נפעל שגם במצב של "פרידתכם" יומשך ענין האחדות. וזהו מה שלפני שנפרדים איש מרעהו – מתכנסים יחד, שעי"ז "מקשרים" את מה שלקחו במשך חודש תשרי במצב של כולם יחד – עם "מקומו" הפרטי של כ"א ובימי חול דחודש חשון וכו', שזהו"ע ד"ויעקב הלך לדרכו".משיחת יום ג' פ' נח, אדר"ח מרחשון ה'תשמ"ו ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=16-10-2025 Synopsis When Jews part from one another, Hashem says, “It is difficult for Me to part with you,” which is emphasized particularly at the conclusion of the month of Tishrei –a month of Jewish unity, beginning from Rosh Hashanah (“You are all standing today together”), and increasing step by step until it is revealed openly and in detailed form throughout the seven days of Sukkos (similar to the creation of the world, which took place in one moment but was then developed into details over the course of seven days). Then comes the Yom Tov of Shemini Atzeres, which was established because “It is difficult for Me to part with you.” The reason it is “difficult” (as explained regarding the teaching, “as difficult as the splitting of the Sea of Reeds”) is because when Jews part, it is a departure from Hashem's will, which is that all Jews should be together. It is just that the parting necessary in order to bring Torah and Yiddishkeit to all corners of the world. And through the Yom Tov of Shemini Atzeres, which emphasizes Jewish unity (“one bull, one ram”), the unity continues ever after they part. This is why we hold a gathering before parting – to tie everything that was gained during Tishrei (when everyone was together) to every individual's place during the days of Cheshvan etc. when “Yaakov goes on his way.”Excerpt from sichah of Tuesday, parashas Noach, 30 Tishrei 5746 For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=16-10-2025 לזכות דבורה לאה בת חנה יהודית שתחי' בחורבערג ליום ההולדת שלה כ"ד תשרי - לשנת ברכה והצלחה, ואריכות ימים ושנים טובות

Dinah is raped and abducted.Shimon and Levi rescue her, and murder the people of Shchem.Were they justified?Why did Yaakov rebuke them?

In our chapter 33, after a nail-biting tense chapter of worried anticipation, Yaakov and Esav meet. But there is little animosity here. There is a hug, a kiss, tears. Like long lost brothers, Esav asks Yaakov about his family, his wivesand kids; Yaakov offers him gifts, Esav suggests that they travel together, Yaakov politely refuses. Where did all the tension go?

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Jacob is returning to Canaan. He notifies his brother Esau. HE gets a message: Esav is coming to meet you with 400 men.Yaakov is petrified. He suspects that Esav is coming to massacre him and his household!But when the brothers meet, Esav simply hugs Yaakov and expresses brotherly love.Did Yaakov misunderstand Esav?What is the drama here?

Why did Yaakov need to leave Haran like a thief in the night?Why did Yaakov need to cheat Lavan by secret "genetic engineering" of his herds?Who is the cheat - Lavan or Yaakov?In this podcast we demonstrate Yaakov's stellar moral integrity and Lavan's manipulative treatment of Yaakov and his family.

Text Based

We shall read chapter 29 as slowly exposing several of the challenges - personal and moral - that Yaakov will face in his sojourn in Haran - the challenges of Exile.

On October 7, 2023, exactly two years ago, an unimaginable horror overtook southern Israel. We all recall when we found out. The shock. Disbelief. Which only intensified with time.And the unanswered questions. So. Many questions.It seemed appropriate to publish this podcast today. In this episode, Ya'akov Katz, a regular guest on State of Tel Aviv and Beyond, discusses a book he has co-authored with Amir Bohbot; an expose that looks at the damning evidence and records of what happened. And what, tragically, did not. Where was the army? Air Force? What took so long for help to arrive as Hamas was slaughtering its way through southern Israel, unimpeded? Why? How?Amir and Ya'akov had been working on a different book when October 7 happened, and they quickly pivoted. Both have extensive backgrounds in military affairs and related fields which they bring to bear in this daunting project. The book is superb. Truly - a page turner. Published on September 2, it has already made one or two bestseller lists in the U.S. Most importantly, it begins a long-awaited examination of facts. Some of which are discussed publicly here for the first time. In this episode, Ya'akov discusses the failure of every critical security, intelligence, and political institution to interpret the information available to prevent one of the greatest disasters in Jewish history.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivPodcast Notes:“Crisply written... draws on excellent sources within Israel's military and intelligence services.” —The Wall Street JournalA powerful indictment of the political and military decisions that led to October 7While Israel Slept tells the gripping inside story of how Hamas, Israel's weakest enemy, succeeded in launching a surprise attack on one of the world's most powerful militaries. Through a detailed examination of the events leading up to October 7, 2023, the book exposes the intelligence and strategic failures that enabled this devastating invasion. It takes readers back in time, showing how years of complacency, mistaken intelligence analysis, and a misguided policy of containment enabled Hamas to prepare for an assault that Israel did not believe was possible and that would change the Middle East.The book unveils the dramatic events of the night before the attack, highlighting the cracks in Israel's military and political leadership. It provides unprecedented details on how key warnings were missed, and how Israel ignored the growing threat from Hamas, believing that the group was weak and deterred. By exposing these failures, While Israel Slept offers a stark, sobering account of how overconfidence and complacency paved the way for disaster, while underscoring the critical lessons Israel must embrace to safeguard its future.Yaakov Katz is an Israeli-American author and journalist. Between 2016 and 2023, Yaakov was editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Post where he continues to write a popular weekly column.He is the author of three books: “Shadow Strike – Inside Israel's Secret Mission to Eliminate Syrian Nuclear Power”, “Weapon Wizards—How Israel Became a High-Tech Military Superpower” and “Israel vs. Iran: The Shadow War.”Prior to taking up the role of editor-in-chief, Yaakov served for two years as a senior policy adviser to Naftali Bennett during his tenure as Israel's Minister of Economy and Minister of Diaspora Affairs.In 2013, Yaakov was one of 12 international fellows to spend a year at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University.Originally from Chicago, Yaakov has a law degree from Bar Ilan University. He lives in Jerusalem with his wife Chaya and their four children.Find Yaakov Katz on X.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

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Why did Yaakov steal the blessings?Was he (and Rivka) correct?Can a blessing be stolen?

Why does God appear to Yaakov at Beit-El? Why now?What is the meaning of the dream about the ladder? And why does Yaakov respond by setting up a stone pillar?

Yaakov and Esav commence their rivalry in the womb. The forces that drive them to conflict seem to operate beyond the rational.Reading the story, why does Isaac love Esav and Rivka love Yaakov?And why do we see Esav as evil. If anything, it is Yaakov who tricks his brother out of the birthright!

Text Based

Text Based

This week's guest is Dr. Yaakov Stern, Florence Irving Professor of Neuropsychology at Columbia University Medical Center. Dr. Stern and Brent discuss the science and lived reality of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. They talk about what distinguishes normal cognitive aging from dementia, how biomarkers like amyloid and tau shape diagnosis, and why new drugs may slow the disease. Dr. Stern shares insights from decades of research on cognitive reserve, prevention, and lifestyle factors such as sleep, exercise, and social engagement that can delay onset or lessen severity. Hope you enjoy.

At the end of Parashat Nitzavim, the Torah tells us: " הַחַיִּים וְהַטּוֹב נָתַתִּי לְפָנֶיךָ… וּבָחַרְתָּ בַּחַיִּים " — Hashem places life and goodness before us, and it is our job to choose life. Choosing life means choosing to follow Hashem's will, which always leads to blessing and good. At times, it may feel very difficult to do what's right. Sometimes it even seems as if we are losing by following the Torah. But that is only the way the test looks on the surface. In truth, when a person does Hashem's will, he never loses. Rabbi Yaakov Galinsky z"l gave a beautiful insight regarding a famous episode in the Torah. Chazal teach us that our Imahot were prophetesses. When Leah became pregnant with her seventh child, she saw through Ruach HaKodesh that it would be a boy. That meant that Rachel would end up with fewer shevatim than even Bilhah and Zilpah. After Leah already had four sons, Rashi tells us she had cried out to Hashem for another because she yearned to have more shevatim — but now she realized what this meant for her sister. If she were to have seven sons, it would have been a tremendous zechut. But Leah thought: How can I take so much for myself while my sister has so little? So she prayed that the child within her be changed from a boy to a girl. She gave up the neshama of Yosef HaTzaddik — one of the greatest figures in our history, considered on the level of the Avot HaKedoshim themselves — so that Rachel could merit having him instead. And Hashem answered her prayer. Leah gave birth to Dinah, and Rachel merited to bear Yosef. Think about what Leah gave up. She saw in her Ruach HaKodesh the greatness of Yosef, and she longed for the zechut of bringing him into the world. Yet she willingly sacrificed that privilege so her sister would not suffer. Nobody else knew of her prayer — it was a private act between her and Hashem. But Leah knew that if she acted for the Ratzon Hashem, she would never lose. And indeed, what happened? Dinah later gave birth to Asenat, who became Yosef's wife. Together they had Menasheh and Ephraim. In the end, Leah and Rachel became mechutanim — Rachel as the mother of the chatan, Yosef, and Leah as the grandmother of the kallah, Asenat. From both of them came two additional shevatim, as the pasuk says: " אפרים ומנשה כראובן ושמעון יהיו לי " (Bereishit 48:5). Leah had wanted another shevet, and in the end she received two of them — along with the merit of her selflessness toward her sister. Who could have imagined that Dinah's daughter would marry Yosef? Yosef was in Egypt, Yaakov's family was in Eretz Kena'an, hundreds of miles away. How would Dinah's child ever arrive there? The only answer is the miracles of Hashem. The lesson is clear: no one ever loses from following Hashem's will. The Torah promises that obeying Hashem leads only to life and goodness. As we stand just days before Rosh Hashanah, we must commit ourselves to becoming better in our observance of the mitzvot, and to do them with excitement — knowing that by doing so, we are choosing life, and choosing Hashem's path for us.

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In this episode we sit down with Rabbi Shnayor Burton to explore Rambam's view of Mashiach and Redemption. On the surface, the final chapters of Mishneh Torah read like a simple account of the messianic age, but a closer look opens far deeper questions: what truly changes in redemption, how maaseh bereshit and maaseh merkava should be studied, whether kingship can be redeemed from its past failures, and what halakha ultimately trains us toward. Hovering in the background is a parable of Rabbi Akiva—one that never fully discloses its nimshal, yet holds the key to humility and daat Hashem. Drawing on this, Rabbi Burton leads us to a convincing and surprising conclusion about how Rambam understands Mashiach: not as a miracle-worker, but as the leader who creates the conditions for humanity to live wisely under God's kingship.---*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 Shnayor Burton is a Torah scholar, teacher, and author. He lectures regularly on Rambam, Chumash, and Jewish thought. He is Senior Editor at ArtScroll Mesorah Publications, where he works on major projects including Kisvei HaRambam. Rabbi Burton has authored several books, most recently Ha'Aretz Asher Areka, on the mitzvah of living in Eretz Yisrael. He also publishes essays and lectures on Substack and other platforms, including his ongoing work Exodus, Exile and Redemption: Decoding the Enigma of Judaism's Shifting Forms.---• Check out the Rabbi's blog here: https://shnayor.substack.com/---• 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!

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Subscribe to Inside Call me Back: inside.arkmedia.orgGift a subscription of Inside Call me Back: inside.arkmedia.org/giftsSubscribe to Amit Segal's newsletter ‘It's Noon in Israel': arkmedia.org/amitsegal/Watch Call me Back on YouTube: youtube.com/@CallMeBackPodcastCheck out Ark Media's other podcasts: For Heaven's Sake: lnk.to/rfGlrA‘What's Your Number?': lnk.to/rbGlvMFor sponsorship inquiries, please contact: callmeback@arkmedia.orgTo contact us, sign up for updates, and access transcripts, visit: arkmedia.org/Ark Media on Instagram: instagram.com/arkmediaorgDan on X: x.com/dansenorDan on Instagram: instagram.com/dansenorTo order Dan Senor & Saul Singer's book, The Genius of Israel: tinyurl.com/bdeyjsdnToday's Episode: October 7, 2023 was Israel's biggest security failure since the country's founding. Over the past twenty-three months, we've discovered a lot about how Hamas terrorists managed to penetrate deep into Israel's borders. But there's still much the public does not yet know or understand. On today's episode we are joined by Israeli journalist Yaakov Katz to discuss how a nation known worldwide for its security capabilities failed so monumentally on October 7. Yaakov is the former editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post and founder of the Middle East American Dialogue, a conference that brings together American and Middle Eastern leaders.  While Israel Slept by Yaakov Katz & Amir Bohbot: https://a.co/d/6xUDPa6 TORN: The Israel-Palestine Poster War on NYC Streets: https://www.torn-film.com/ CREDITS:ILAN BENATAR - Producer & EditorADAAM JAMES LEVIN-AREDDY - Executive ProducerMARTIN HUERGO - Sound EditorMARIANGELES BURGOS - Additional EditingMAYA RACKOFF - Operations DirectorGABE SILVERSTEIN - ResearchYUVAL SEMO - Music Composer