Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe Podcast Collection (TORCH)
Explore every episode of Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe Podcast Collection
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Feb 2024 | Mitzvah: Sacrifice Leftovers (#142-3, 382, 486) | 00:24:47 | |
There is not an indefinite amount of time to consume a sacrifice. Each sacrifice has its specific protocol and time frame in which it must be eaten. What happens with the leftovers? – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 04 Feb 2025 | Parsha: Beshalach - First Mover Advantage (5783) | 00:53:26 | |
After the Exodus, the Jewish people left Egypt, with no plans to return. But the Egyptians followed them in hot pursuit, and seven days later the nation was surrounded, encircled by their enemies, with their backs against the sea. God gave the command: Go. The Talmud tells us that there was one man who leapt in before anyone else. When the waters reached his nostrils, the sea split. For this act of bravery, he was awarded with the eternal rights of the monarchy. Who was this man? What is so significant about his leap? Why does leaping into the water qualify a person to be a king? In this very interesting episode of the Parsha Podcast recorded in the TORCH Centre, we learn all about Nachshon Ben Aminadav and the power of his bravery. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 09 Jan 2025 | Parsha: Vayechi - Unexpected Greatness | 01:01:51 | |
Prior to his passing, Jacob gave a series of blessings to his descendants. He blessed Joseph and Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Menashe. He gathered his sons and blessed all twelve of them. In this podcast we study a fascinating element of Jacob's blessings to his grandsons. There is something that he spotlights in Ephraim and Menashe that is highly relevant to us 3500 years later. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – This Parsha Podcast is dedicated in the merit of a Refuah Sheleimah, a complete and speedy recovery for Gila Miriam bat Chaya. She is the daughter of a dear friend of ours who was recently diagnosed with a very serious and late stage cancer. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 21 Nov 2024 | Parsha: Chayei Sarah - Reverse Repentance | 01:08:34 | |
Sarah was Abraham's life partner. She was his superior as a prophetess. She accompanied him in all his journeys. In the aftermath of the Binding of Isaac, she died. How did the Binding contribute to her demise? What exactly was Saran's role in orchestrating her sudden death? In this Parsha Podcast we explore the very interesting phenomenon of "acts of Satan" that threaten to destabilize people after great achievements. We also study Eliezer's flawed prayer and his urgency in fulfilling his mission. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – This Parsha Podcast is dedicated in loving memory and leilui nishmas our dear friend David Gedaliah ben Efraim, the unforgettable Dr. David Genecov obm, whose yahrzeit is this week. May his soul be elevated in Heaven. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 20 Oct 2024 | Parsha: Vezos Haberacha - Family Above (Almost) Everything | 00:54:32 | |
The final Parsha of the Torah tells of Moshe's deathbed blessing to the tribes. For the duration of the Torah, Moshe has been constantly criticizing and reprimanding the nation. Praising the people is something that he does only on his last day. After Moshe blesses the nation, he ascends the mountain and passes away. The Parsha ends with Torah's the stirring and poignant eulogy of Moshe. In this very special edition of the Parsha podcast, recorded during the intermediate days of the festival of Sukkot, we cap off a wonderful year of Parsha podcasts with a deep and deeper analysis of this wonderful Parsha. We carefully examine Moshe's blessing to the Levites and deduce from it a novel and fresh understanding of the Jewish religion. We take lessons from Moshe's passing and the condition in which his body was preserved. And finally, we end off with a deep and powerful exploration of the final description of Moshe, and arguably his greatest accomplishment: the shattering of the tablets. Year Eight of the Parsha Podcast ends in style. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 27 Feb 2025 | Parsha: Terumah - Ark of History | 00:53:16 | |
The Tabernacle and all its vessels were steeped in miracles. They Ark did not take up any space. The Showbreads upon the Table did not get moldy. The construction of the Menorah was miraculous: Moshe was first shown a fiery image of the Menorah projected upon the mountain and subsequently he was told to throw the hunk of gold into the fire and the Menorah, with all its intricate embellishments, emerged. The Tabernacle was ultimately made permanent in the Temple on Temple Mount, at the touch point of heaven and Earth, where the rules of the Earth don't necessarily apply. In this sweeping Parsha podcast, we plumb the depths of the meaning and the symbolism of the Tabernacle and its vessels. Along the way we learn crucial and useful insights for how to develop a legacy and a destiny of our own. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – This Parsha Podcast is dedicated in loving memory and leilui nishmat Javaher bat Rafael, who recently passed away at nearly 100. May her Soul be elevated in Heaven. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 29 Jun 2023 | Parsha: Chukas & Balak - Methods of Transformation | 00:55:59 | |
In the first of this week's double parsha, we read about the death of two giants: Miriam and Aaron, Moshe's older sister and brother, pass away. Our sages tell us that the death of the righteous serves as an atonement in a way similar to sacrifices. Just as sacrifices atone, so too does the death of the righteous. But why does the death of the righteous provide atonement? Why is the sacrifice used to convey this principle specifically the red heifer, the most unusual of sacrifices? In this delectable Parsha podcast, we discover critical elements, growth, change, and transformation. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 18 Jul 2023 | Parsha: Devarim - Man of Words (5781) | 00:47:16 | |
At the end of Moshe's life, he gathers the entire nation for his parting message to the nation. The Midrash makes a remarkable contrast between Moshe's beginning and end of his tenure: When God initially commanded Moshe to save his brethren from enslavement in Egypt, Moshe protested by saying that he is not a man of words. That was 40 years before our Parsha. Our Parsha begins, "these are the words that Moshe said...." The man who was not a man of words has become one. What does it mean to be a man of words? What is the nature of Moshe's transformation and what can it teach us about leadership and influence? – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 04 Oct 2023 | Parsha: Vezos Habracha - Antidotes to Mediocrity (5781) | 00:45:29 | |
In the Torah's final Parsha, and indeed, in its final words, we say goodbye to the greatest human to have ever lived. With the passing of Moshe, the Torah ends, and on Simchas Torah- the day that we finish the yearly Torah cycle - we roll the scroll back to the very beginning and begin Genesis anew. In this very special edition of The Parsha Podcast, we explore the end of the Torah and its beginning; we examine the path to greatness of Moshe and the six other giants who comprise the "Seven Shepherds" who faithfully led our people; we connect the message of Moshe with the Festival of Sukkos that we are currently amid, and we share the overarching message of The Parsha Podcast. We set out to accomplish something very ambitious, and I think we pulled it off. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 22 Aug 2024 | Parsha: Eikev - Shock and Awe | 01:08:19 | |
Flashy achievements make the news. Great triumphs, awesome deeds, transcendent moments grab our attention and seize our imagination. Humdrum acts fail to stir excitement. But when we are devising a strategy for how to prepare our ladder of ascension, it may be ill-advised to pursue quantum leaps of greatness. In fact the most effective process to transformative greatness is slow and gradual and dotted with seeming unremarkable, bite-sized micro movements up a very tall ladder. This idea is hinted to in Rashi's first comment to our Parsha. When we analyze other parts of the Parsha, we see a variety of angles as to why the slow and unremarkable path is optimal. In this wonderful Parsha podcast, we also take deep and penetrating dive into the mysterious and esoteric world of the nature first set of tablets that Moshe and brought down from heaven, their shattering, and their pending reclamation. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – This Parsha Podcast is dedicated in honor of a new baby – Mason Robert Seidman, the first grandchild of my dear friend Bruce Licht. May young Mason bring pride and joy to his family, community, and Creator. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 24 Sep 2024 | Parsha: Nitzavim - The Penitent Manifesto (5782) | 01:00:10 | |
Repentance is one of God's greatest gifts to mankind. When we blunder; when we err; when we create distance and barriers between us and God, we are afforded the ability to rectify and restore our previous pristine state. But repentance, at first glance, seems nightmarishly hard. To change demands an admission that we are flawed; to change demands action which we are always biased against; to change demands that we overcome our instincts and ingrained habits. In this very special pre-Rosh Hashanah podcast, we explore the 40 verses of our Parsha and present them as a manifesto for the penitent. In the podcast we learn of a new way to view the entire subject of repentance, and by extension, a new approach to change. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 21 Jul 2024 | Parshas Pinchas (Rebroadcast) | 00:51:44 | |
Pinchas was a man of action, a zealot who avenged God’s vengeance and was handsomely rewarded for it. In this parsha we read about his reward, Moses’ succession plan, the methods through which the Land will be divided, and another census is done. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 04 Mar 2025 | Parsha: Tetzaveh - The Choshen People (5783) | 00:52:48 | |
Please support the Parsha Podcast by donating to our annual fundraiser at giveTORCH.org This is our only annual fundraiser. Every donation is DOUBLED! Support the TORCH Centre and the Parsha Podcast by visiting giveTORCH.org right now and making a generous donation! This is the LINK for the Fundraiser. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – The High Priest was bedecked with garments of royalty. Our Parsha details the 8 special garments (vestments) of Splendor and Glory that the Kohen Gadol wore, and the Talmud delineates the various forms of atonement that each garment bestowed upon the nation. In this podcast we focus on the Breastplate, the Choshen, and assembling the various features and aspects of the Choshen, we offer a comprehensive theory of the Choshen and provide essential advice for The Choshen People. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 16 Jan 2025 | Parsha: Shemos - The Name Game | 01:00:18 | |
The Parsha and the Book are called "Shemos", meaning names. A review of the Parsha reveals all sorts of names-related subplots: The Parsha begins with enumerating the names of the sons of Jacob; Shifra and Puah's real names are obscured as are Moshe's parents who remain nameless; Moshe himself is named by his adoptive, Egyptian mother; Moshe kills the Egyptian with the Name of God; Moshe asks God which Name of God should he say send him; Moshe's father-in-law has seven names. In this Parsha podcast we explain the nature of names in the Torah, share a fascinating insight into the different permutations of names, and propose a new way to discover the mission for which you were sent here. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – This Parsha Podcast is dedicated in loving memory and leilui nishmas Henoch Dov ben Tzvi Hirsch, Rabbi Henoch Dov Hoffman Z”L, who passed away a few weeks ago. May his soul be elevated in Heaven. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 18 Apr 2023 | Parsha: Tazria/Metzora - Blessings in Disguises (5781) | 00:43:17 | |
Tzaraas, the spiritual leprosy whose laws are detailed in our Parsha, appeared in three different areas: the befell sinners' skin, clothing, and house. How common was Tzaraas of the house? The Talmud reveals that it actually never happened even once and it will never happen in the future. If it never happened, why does the Torah delineate all its laws? When we peel away the layers of this question we discover an amazing insight. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 23 Mar 2025 | Parshas Pekudei (Rebroadcast) | 00:34:34 | |
The final parsha in the Book of Exodus wraps up the account of the construction of the Tabernacle, and its vessels and vestments. Again and again we read the refrain that everything was done precisely how God commanded Moses. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – This Parsha Podcast is dedicated by Yoli Bachar in honor of her husband Guy Bachar's birthday. On behalf of the entire Parsha Podcast family we wish him a hearty Happy Birthday. May he have many more years of happiness and health! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 14 Dec 2023 | Parsha: Mikeitz - The End of Days | 00:52:10 | |
In our Parsha, Joseph is elevated to become viceroy of Egypt. He begins the day languishing in prison, and ends it be decked in garments of royalty and paraded throughout the city. And this special edition of the Parsha Podcast, we share three ideas - deep ideas - from our Parsha: one about the end of days, one about Pharaoh's recurring dreams, and the fascinating backstory of Joseph's wife, Osnas. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – This Parsha Podcast is dedicated by Debbie Gelb in honor of Jeff Gelb, and Suzanne and David Gelb and families. Wishing them all a Happy Chanukah. May there be peace for Israel and for all the Jewish people! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 06 Mar 2024 | Ethics: Beloved (6.6.30 Intro) | 00:17:50 | |
Torah was not given to angels. Torah was given to humans. One way to expand our ability to acquire Torah is by enhancing our humanity. The more human we are, the more we are a worthy receptacle of Torah. But what does it mean to be a human? – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 08 Jul 2024 | Ethics: Judging Favorably (6.6.39) | 00:20:37 | |
Not everyone is a saint. In fact, the verse testifies that there is no righteous person in the land who does only good and never sins. So everyone is a sinner, to one degree or another. How ought we relate to sinners? What do we do when we see people behaving in an inappropriate fashion? In way number 39 we learn about the imperative for judging others favorably and how this can yield wonderful benefits in our pursuit of the Almighty's holy Torah. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 21 Oct 2024 | Parshas Bereishis (Rebroadcast) | 01:12:34 | |
With praise and appreciation to the Almighty, we begin year 9 of the Parsha Podcast (5785). This year, we will re-upload the Parsha Rebroadcast episode which covers the entire Parsha each Sunday, re-release the 7th cycle's episode (5783) for each respective Parsha each Tuesday, and we will, please God, record and release a new weekly episode each Thursday. Thank you for downloading and please share with a friend. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 07 Feb 2024 | Mitzvah: Processing Sacrifices Protocols (#138-141) | 00:47:10 | |
There are many different types of sacrifices brought in the temple. Each sacrifice follows the prescribed protocol. There is zero tolerance for deviation from the protocol. In this podcast, we learn about the requirement for the priests to follow the protocol to a t, and we end with an important perspective that makes this entire subject more salient and meaningful to us. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 18 Apr 2023 | TORAH 101: The Inevitability of Messiah | 00:51:12 | |
The sources all agree: Messiah is not a possibility that we can potentially achieve; it is an inevitability. It will definitely happen. Under no circumstances will Messiah and not come before the year 6,000 since Adam. The inevitability of Messiah raises a fundamental question, though: if something is inevitable, it cannot be linked to frail, fallible, and fickle human free will. Yet the sources also maintain that the arrival of Messiah is in fact contingent on our choices and behavior. This paradox opens up for us new vistas of understanding of Messiah, it's inevitability, and it's variability. In this podcast we forge ahead in our studies seeking to understand Messiah and the Messianic era. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 23 Dec 2024 | The Light of Chanukah | 00:53:45 | |
Everyone loves the festival of Chanukah. There's something so wonderful and enchanting about this festival and its iconic mitzvah, the lighting of the Menorah. But what is the menorah truly about? We all, of course, know the story of the miraculous oil that lasted for 8 days. But what is at the heart of the matter? What are we supposed to take away from this miracle, from this mitzvah, from this festival? In this wonderful podcast, we plumb the depths of the Hasmonean miracle, the Greek forces that they overcame, and the timeless lessons for us to learn. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 15 Sep 2024 | Parshas Ki Savo (Rebroadcast) | 00:55:33 | |
As the Book of Deuteronomy draws to its conclusion, the narrative makes a transition: Moshe finishes conveying the mitzvos to the nation, and sets up his final parting message to the people. First, he commands the nation to perform several elaborate ceremonies on the very first day that they cross the Jordan River; then he conveys a scathing, terrifying list of curses that will befall the people in the event that we deviate from the Torah. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 07 Mar 2023 | The Secret of the Month of Adar with Rabbi Shmuly Botnick | 00:53:23 | |
"When the month of Adar commences, we increase joy." This oft-recited Talmudic dictum captures the emotion of this month. Adar is a time of joy due to the Purim miracles. It is also associated with, we discover in this belated month-theme podcast with the great Rabbi Shmuly Botnick, fish, the tribe of Naftali, techeiles, the Ark, the letter Nun in its various orientations and connotations, and the Sea of the Galilee. Recorded in the stretch run of the Fast of Esther, this podcast will entertain, educate, and intrigue you, and you will emerge with a greater appreciation for the month of Adar and for the genius of Rabbi Botnick. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 14 Aug 2023 | TORAH 101: False and Unrealized Messiahs | 01:11:34 | |
Our Nation has been yearning for Messiah for a very long time. And for good cause: Messiah is associated with wonderful things. Messiah is the state of the world when the mission that Abraham began gets actualized. Messiah is when the knowledge that our nation personified for millennia finally becomes ubiquitous. Messiah is a time of peace and prosperity. But in our eagerness from Messiah, our nation has been susceptible to frauds. Over the course of our history, there have been a litany of a false and unrealized Messiahs. In our study of this critical element of Jewish philosophy, we must be very aware of the danger and devastation of false Messiahs. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – TORCH Podcasts Survey To participate in the TORCH Podcasts Survey, please click here or visit TORCHsurvey.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 13 Nov 2023 | History: The Arab-Israeli Conflict: A Historical Background | 01:09:48 | |
The Arab-Israeli conflict is front and center on the world stage today. The barbaric October 7th terrorist attacks - where more than a thousand innocent Jewish civilians were slaughtered, thousands more wounded, and hundreds were taken hostage by the vile Hamas terrorist organization - prompted an Israeli invasion of the Gaza strip with the express intent of completely eliminating Hamas once and for all and retrieving the hostages. What is the background of this conflict? Is Israel in apartheid state? Is Israel a colonial state? Does Israel have a right to exist? What is the ultimate solution for this conflict? These questions brought me out of my retirement from the Jewish history podcast. In this first episode of the series on the Arab-Israeli conflict, we explore the roots of both the Jewish and Islamic claims to the land and provide an overview of the events that let up to the Balfour Declaration of 1917. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 25 Oct 2023 | Ethics: Know Your Place (6.6.26) | 00:39:39 | |
The greatest pedagogues of history - the Sages of the Mishnah - codified "knowing your place" as a means to acquire Torah, to acquire wisdom. What exactly is intended with knowing your place? In this Ethics Podcast we share three life-changing approaches. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – This Ethics Podcast is dedicated in loving memory and leilui nishmat Miriam bat Ashraf. May her Soul be elevated in Heaven. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 04 Dec 2023 | On the Pulse of Wartime Israel with Blake Cohen | 02:28:25 | |
In the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, the terror organization that has governed Gaza since 2007, there is a very big divide between Jews living in the land of Israel and those of us in the Diaspora. While Jews worldwide may empathize with their Israeli brethren and rally and pray for their cause, the ones in Israel are on the front lines. What is happening in the Land? What is the pulse of the people? In this very special podcast, I speak with Blake Cohen, dear friend of mine, who traveled to Israel to pitch in and to volunteer and to help. He shares with us the incredible people he met, the amazing stories he heard, and important lessons he learned during his week in Israel. If you want to sense of what is actually happening on the ground, this podcast is for you. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 14 Apr 2024 | Parshas Metzora (Rebroadcast) | 00:51:14 | |
A metzora is someone who is stricken with the tangible illness of tzaraas caused by a variety of sins, most notably the sin of lashon hara, evil talk and slander. Last week we read about two varieties of this illness: when it strikes a person’s garment or body; the bulk of our parsha orients around tzaraas remediation and a third type of tzaraas that afflicts the sinners house. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 02 May 2024 | Parsha: Acharei Mos - Fleshy Onesie | 00:55:36 | |
The first verse of our Parsha revisits a tragic event from the past. The Torah tells us that after the death of Aaron's sons Nadav and Avihu, Moshe was instructed to command Aaron about the prohibition against entering the Holy of Holies unauthorized. What is the significance of the tragic demise of Aaron's two sons to the the instruction governing when and how Aaron may enter the Holy of Holies? This question is addressed by the commentators, and in this very special edition of the Parsha Podcast, we go deep and deeper in pondering the subject and it's vast and powerful consequences. We return to the glorious studios in the TORCH Centre following the Pesach break with a special one. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 29 Feb 2024 | Parsha: Ki Sisa - Augmenting Shabbos | 00:51:05 | |
The final instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle are conveyed at the beginning of this week's parsha. After Moshe is told to appoint Bezalel as the head overseer of this enormous project, the Torah cautions us against constructing the tabernacle on Shabbos. Although we are required to build the Tabernacle, and we are inclined to be expeditious in the performance of this great mitzvah, nevertheless, we may not do it on Shabbos. When the Torah conveys this to us, the verse seems to have a bit of a superfluous phrasing. These seemingly extra words are explained by the commentaries who open up our eyes to the fascinating and powerful world of augmenting Shabbos. We have the ability to increase the Sabbath. We can take a day that is not the Sabbath and transform it and elevate it and render it Shabbos. The consequences of this radical idea are vast and powerful. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – This Parsha Podcast is dedicated in loving memory and leilui nishmas Sara bas Menachem, Mrs. Shirley Nagel, mother of our beloved Rabbi Yaakov Nagel who passed away this week. May her soul be elevated in Heaven. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 25 Dec 2023 | TORAH 101: Resurrection: An Introduction | 01:02:46 | |
We stridently disagree with the oft-repeated statement: "You only live once." #YOLO is a sentiment that violates our beliefs. A central principle of our religion is the concept of resurrection. Death is not permanent. The dead will rise again. Life will be extended to the bodies of the deceased. Abraham will once again grace this world. Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moshe, Aaron -- all of them will come back, will be resurrected. But what exactly is the nature of resurrection? That is a bit more complicated to answer. We are at the end of a very long and exhilarating journey. We are at the 13th of the 13 principles of our faith. Hitherto, we have covered vast elements of our faith. The first five of the 13 principles talked about God, the subsequent four about Torah, and the final four are all about reward and punishment. The final element that we must cover is the reunification of body and soul. What does this mean? Our exploration begins. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 25 Jun 2024 | Parsha: Shelach - Enter Via the Window (5782) | 01:00:51 | |
One of the most unfortunate events in our history is chronicled in this week's Parsha. The nation was on the doorstep of entering the Land of Canaan and actualizing the promise made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In an effort to not to rely on Divine miracles, Moshe commissioned 12 righteous men to reconnoiter the Land. The report that they returned with was devastating, eventually leading to the nation being condemned to spend 40 years in the wilderness. That storyline is told in our Parsha's beginning. It then transitions to talk about something very different: libations in sacrifices, the challah gift given to the Kohein, sacrifices for egregious sins, an episode of a person who gathered twigs on Shabbos resulting in his execution, and finally we read the third paragraph of the Shema, which talks about the Mitzvah of Tzitzis. Is there a central theme in our Parsha? On the surface it seems that the answer is no. In this podcast, we swim deep beneath the surface and discover some gems. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – This Parsha Podcast is dedicated in loving memory and leilui Nishmas Yosef Binyamin ben Avraham Chaim, George Topas, whose fourth Yartzeit falls out on 19th of Sivan, the day that this podcast is being released. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 22 Feb 2023 | Mitzvah: Sin Sacrifices (#120-1) | 00:30:56 | |
There are many different types of sacrifices featured in Temple-era Jewish life. A communal or an individual sin sacrifice is the subject of this Mitzvah. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 21 Jan 2024 | Parshas Beshalach (Rebroadcast) | 01:03:51 | |
Parshas Beshalach may be the most action-packed parsha in the Torah. After the Exodus, God directed the people to not take the shortest route to the Land in order to facilitate the great miracle of the Splitting of the Sea and the final destruction of the Egyptians. After those unprecedented miracles, the trouble began: Twice they ran out of water, they ran out of food, and a ferocious enemy launched an unprovoked attack. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 05 Mar 2023 | Parshas Ki Sisa (Rebroadcast) | 01:05:49 | |
This week’s parsha contains several instructions related to the Tabernacle, but the majority of the parsha is dedicated to arguably the most shocking and troubling episode in the whole Torah, the Golden Calf. Forty days after the nation reached the pinnacle of human accomplishment – a national revelation at Sinai – the same nation committed what seems on the surface to be idolatry. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 04 Feb 2024 | Parshas Mishpatim (Rebroadcast) | 00:59:05 | |
Parshas Mishpatim marks a stark change in the rhythm and pace of the Torah narrative. The preceding 17 Parshas contained a total of 41 mitzvos; this week we begin learning the Torah laws en masse. In this single parsha alone we have 53 mitzvos (only three parshas have more mitzvos). Beyond the varied laws, this parsha contains a prophetic promise and guidance regarding the conquest of Canaan, and the completion of the Sinai narrative that began in last week’s parsha. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 17 Mar 2025 | Ladders to Heaven | 00:59:14 | |
Please support the TORCH Podcasts by donating to our annual fundraiser at giveTORCH.org This is our only annual fundraiser. Every donation is DOUBLED! Support the TORCH Podcasts by visiting giveTORCH.org right now and making a generous donation! This is the LINK for the Fundraiser. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Is the objective of Torah to constrict us or to allow us to flower? Are we ultimately supposed to curb our uniqueness, our individuality, or are we supposed to find ways to have our uniqueness sprout forth and blossom? One may argue that the Torah is very regimented in its commandments. We are told how to dress and how to eat and much of our daily schedule is compelled upon us by the myriad commandments and plethora of Divine guidances. It seems that we are being told to restrain our uniqueness and instead adopt the way of God. In this fascinating podcast, we discover that, although that is true, that is only the beginning. In the beginning of a spiritual journey, we must firm our standing as a soldier of God. However, once we are secure as a soldier, we must find a ladder to heaven. What that ladder looks like and how to find it, and how to scale its many rungs - those are the questions that we ponder in podcast. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 14 Mar 2023 | Parsha: Vayakhel Pekudei - On Giants' Shoulders feat. Akiva Wolbe (5781) | 00:27:27 | |
Bezalel was the architect of the most consequential building project of all time. He was tasked with the responsibility of building the Mishkan, the Tabernacle, the dwelling place for God on this earth. What special skills did Bezalel have that primed him to undertake this ambitious project? Why was Bezalel chosen for this task? When we examine his story and pedigree we find some interesting patterns. This episode is guest hosted by my eldest son, Akiva, whose Bar Mitzvah is this week. The Parsha Podcast is a family, and I want to make sure that all the family that will not be able to be physically present in Houston for the Bar Mitzvah will still be able to partake in the festivities. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 19 Jan 2025 | Parshas Vaeira (Rebroadcast) | 01:00:59 | |
Our Parsha begins in the middle of the dialogue between Moses and God. Moses’ initial foray into saving the nation has gone horribly awry. Instead of alleviating the pain of the Jewish nation; his intervention exacerbated it, and he returned to the Almighty asking for an explanation. In His response, God tells Moses that he will yet see the tremendous miracles and signs of the pending Exodus. In our parsha, that plan begins to unfold, and we read about the first seven of the eventual Ten Plagues. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 27 Jun 2023 | Parsha: Balak - Some Men Are From Mars (5781) | 00:43:30 | |
Our parsha contains an attempted genocide. Bilaam, the prophet of the idolaters, a man of prodigious ability an skill, dedicates himself with tenacity and persistence to curse and destroy the people. Although his three attempts at cursing the nation backfire when he is compelled by God to bless the nation instead, the parsha ends with the implementation of his advice to get the nation to sin and indeed a large contingency of the people fall prey to his plan. In this podcast, we propose a novel understanding of Bilaam's character and demonstrate a way that things could have gone very differently. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 22 Dec 2024 | Parshas Mikeitz (Rebroadcast) | 01:05:04 | |
Parshas Mikeitz continues the narrative of Joseph in Egypt. We pick up his story two years after his failed attempt at earning a reprieve via his cellmate, Pharaoh’s butler, who was about to be reinstated to his post as Pharaoh’s side. Joseph is languishing in a dungeon for a crime he did not commit; after being sold to a foreign land as a slave by his own brothers. By the end of the Parsha, Joseph is firmly ensconced as Pharaoh’s viceroy, and is amidst a long back and forth with his brothers who are in town to procure provisions during a fierce famine. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 11 May 2023 | Parsha: Behar Bechukosai - Hostage Letter | 01:01:55 | |
Our Parsha contains some of the most difficult portions in the Torah, the Admonition. Our nation is told of the consequences of failing to adhere to the rules of God. The consequences are fierce and harsh. When this section is read in the synagogue, it is done quickly and in an undertone to prevent the congregation from lapsing into depression. But the Admonition ends on a comforting note: God promises to remember the covenant that He forged with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Notwithstanding our intransigent behavior and our betrayal of God, He pledges to ensure that we endure come what may. This podcast orients around a fascinating peculiarity in this comforting note. We discover the unique role that Jacob plays in our history, the difference between his Jacob and Israel personas, and his connection with Elijah, the heralder of redemption. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 23 Jul 2024 | Parsha: Pinchas - Staying Hungry (5782) | 00:41:07 | |
Although a paternal grandson of Aaron the Kohein, Pinchas was not initially - prior to his heroic act of martyrdom - a Kohein. The law stated that only Aaron and his sons were to be anointed as Kohanim. All sons born to Kohanim subsequently were to be Kohanim, but Pinchas who was alive at the time of anointing of Aaron and his sons was excluded from this exalted fraternity. When he zealously ended the plague, a divine dispensation ruled that he was to be elevated to being a Kohein - a High Priest no less. In this podcast we study Pinchas' unusual career trajectory and posit a pedagogical device designed to get the most out of ourselves and our charges. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 28 May 2024 | Parsha: Bechukosai - Self-Assembly Kit (5782) | 00:53:35 | |
Why was our soul sent to this world? What was lacking for it in Heaven? That is not an easy question to answer. There are other hard questions to ponder: why are we so obsessed with Torah? How is Torah beneficial for mankind? In this superb episode of the Parsha Podcast, we discover a higher level of living and a higher level of Torah study. There is a form of Torah engagement that is fundamentally transformational. It completely changes the essence of a person and it is the goal of creation. If you want to know what the Almighty wants of you, this podcast is for you. If it sounds like I am overselling it, I challenge you to listen and share your feedback with me. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 04 Jun 2023 | Parshas Behaaloscha (Rebroadcast) | 00:59:29 | |
The Jewish nation has been encamped at Mount Sinai for nearly a year; in this week’s parsha they finally depart from the Mountain of God, and sadly leave gleefully as a child escaping school. This kick starts a series of missteps that carry harsh consequences. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 16 Dec 2024 | The Dina Dilemma | 00:54:38 | |
Not all twins are identical in every way. Jacob and Esau were as different from each other as two humans can possibly get. When Rebecca got wind of Esau's plans to murder Jacob, she sent them away. After being apart from his twin for more than 30 years, Jacob and Esau had a fateful reunion. Jacob had a dilemma: what to do with his very desirable daughter Dina? He was worried that Esau would lay his eyes on her and take her for a wife. Jacob was not interested in being Esau's father-in-law and having his daughter be taken by this monster, so he made a decision. This in this podcast we explore Jacob's dilemma and his decision and the many cascading consequences thereof. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 09 Mar 2025 | Parshas Ki Sisa (Rebroadcast) | 01:05:49 | |
Please support the Parsha Podcast by donating to our annual fundraiser at giveTORCH.org This is our only annual fundraiser. Every donation is DOUBLED! Support the TORCH Centre and the Parsha Podcast by visiting giveTORCH.org right now and making a generous donation! This is the LINK for the Fundraiser. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – This week’s parsha contains several instructions related to the Tabernacle, but the majority of the parsha is dedicated to arguably the most shocking and troubling episode in the whole Torah, the Golden Calf. Forty days after the nation reached the pinnacle of human accomplishment – a national revelation at Sinai – the same nation committed what seems on the surface to be idolatry. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 14 Feb 2024 | TORAH 101: Rambam’s Epistle of Resurrection | 01:10:20 | |
The great medieval sage my Maimonides - Rambam - has been guiding us throughout our studies of the 13th principles of faith. This transcendental scholar, who's magisterial writings are authoritatively accepted amongst the entirety of the Jewish people, was one of our people's greatest personalities. His writings are enormously influential and authoritative in matters of philosophy and the foundations of our faith. In this episode we go through Rambam's epistle on Resurrection. In his lifetime, there were many questions and doubts and uncertainties about Rambam's position on several matters of resurrection. To dispel misconceptions misunderstandings, and misrepresentations, Rambam penned a lengthy epistle on the matter. This letter is sprawling and uncharacteristically wordy, but it is a very helpful source for us to gain a deeper and broader understanding of the subject of a resurrection. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 23 Oct 2024 | Parsha: Bereishis - Genealogies of Genesis | 01:04:49 | |
With gratitude to the Almighty for all the goodness that He has bestowed upon us, we hereby begin again with the book of Genesis with year nine of the Parsha podcast. Who would have believed that we would have been able to study the weekly Parsha together for so long?! In this episode, we study the fascinating story lines and insights of the generations from Adam to Noah. The end of our Parsha delineates the many families and generations spanning from Adam to Noah. There are all sorts of fascinating factoids, nuggets and vignettes included in this narrative: we study the story of Cain from after his fratricide of his brother until his tragic and surprising death at the hand of his own great, great, great grandson. We learn all about the House of Lamech and its potpourri of colorful characters. We discover a very powerful and persuasive answer to the the knotty philosophical paradox of reconciling total Divine knowledge with our free will. The podcast ends with a fascinating and thought-provoking, philosophical and moral dilemma. The schedule for this year's Parsha podcast follows previous years: each Sunday will see the release of the rebroadcast episode that covers the entire Parsha. On Tuesday we will re-release the episode from 2 years ago (5783), and please God we will release a new episode with the theme of "Torah is our ID", each Thursday. May we merit to continue to study the Almighty's holy Torah together in good health and in great spirits. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 19 Oct 2023 | Parsha: Noach - Secret Of Invincibility | 00:50:26 | |
We started this week's Parsha Podcast by talking about the Tower of Babel episode. We gleaned from that story something absolutely transformational and deep. We then proceeded to talk about the unusual contribution that Noah gave to the people of his generation. In that second segment, we also derived something very profound. Deeper. The podcast ended with a third segment related to the sin that doomed the generation and to the precise dimensions of the Ark. The deepest of them all. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 06 Jan 2025 | Mitzvah: Priestly Decorum (#149-152) | 00:33:03 | |
priests are held to a higher standard. Clergymen are not like everyone else. Especially while working in the Temple/ Tabernacle. They must be on a much more elevated and dignified plane. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 24 Jun 2024 | TORAH 101: Unresolved Mysteries of Resurrection | 00:53:26 | |
We have made enormous strides in our pursuit of a deep, and comprehensive study of Rambam's 13 principles of faith. We have plumbed the depths of these 13 tenets of our religion to the best of our ability. This podcast marks the final installment of this series. In it we explore some of the various quandaries and uncertainties regarding Resurrection. While our exploration of the 13 principles has been completed, we hope to, with the help of the almighty, continue studying and parsing out various subjects related to our philosophy and religion on this podcast channel. We hope you enjoyed the ride and continue with us as we proceed onward. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 06 Jun 2024 | Parsha: Bamidbar - Legion of God | 00:53:41 | |
At first glance, the subject matter of Parshas Bamidbar is quite bland and technical. It talks of a census, and the orientation of the tribes in the camp, and the various responsibilities of the different levite families. These are not typically subjects that grab our attention. But we are trained to go deeper and deeper beneath the surface and to try to discover insights and lessons that are powerful and impactful. In this very special Parsha Podcast, we explore three different angles of this fascinating Parsha. We emerge enlightened and inspired. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 10 Nov 2024 | Parshas Vayeira (Rebroadcast) | 01:07:15 | |
This week’s parsha features several iconic episodes: Abraham was visited by God as he was recuperating from his circumcision, and concurrently engaged in superlative kindness with three angels masquerading as pagan travelers; Abraham was informed that the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were about to be destroyed and was unsuccessful in interceding on their behalf; and we also read the two Torah sections that are read on the two days of Rosh Hashana: The episode of the birth of Isaac and the subsequent banishment of Ishmael, and the story of the Binding of Isaac. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 05 Dec 2024 | Parsha: Vayeitzei - Ladders To/From Heaven | 01:12:53 | |
On the way to Charan Jacob stopped at Mount Moriah. He spent the night there and the Torah documents his very fateful dream: he saw a ladder suspended between heaven and Earth, upon which Angels of God were ascending and descending. The commentaries offer multitudes of interpretations as to the symbolism and meaning behind this ladder. In this very special and unique Parsha podcast we briefly survey some of the interpretations, and then delve deeply into two most interesting and arcane interpretations of this ladder. We discover how on one dimension, this ladder descends from Heaven to Earth, and on another dimension it is our means of ascent from Earth to Heaven on high. This is not a podcast you will easily forget! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – This Parsha Podcast is dedicated in loving memory of Marvin Bentley, the brother of our friend Barb Pudlo, who passed away today. May his soul be elevated in heaven. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 18 Jun 2023 | Parshas Korach (Rebroadcast) | 00:58:24 | |
In this week’s parsha, Moshe and Aaron’s first cousin, a man named Korach, launches a rebellion claiming that Moshe is guilty of nepotism in appointing his brother as High Priest. What ensued should give one serious pause before engaging in any similar sort of divisive activities. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 20 Sep 2023 | Repentance Conundrums | 00:54:36 | |
The days spanning from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur are known as the Ten Days of Repentance. Over the course of these days, we have extra prayers and supplications, and make an extra effort to improve and correct our ways, culminating of course, with the greatest day of them all, Yom Kippur. But repentance is a tricky subject. In this special podcast, we explore some of the confounding conundrums of repentance. Listening to this episode will surely enhance your experience of repentance. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 27 Feb 2024 | Parsha: Ki Sisa - Counting and Duking the Nation (5782) | 00:42:25 | |
The golden calf is one of the most inexplicable events in the Torah. What went wrong? Who is to blame? In this special edition of the Parsha Podcast we propose a novel idea that threads throughout the entire Parsha. We emerge from this episode with a greater appreciation of the indivisibility of our nation. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 15 May 2023 | Mitzvah: Misappropriation of the Sacred (#127, 447) | 00:18:54 | |
Misappropriating Temple property is a very bad idea. The sacrifices, the animals, the vessels, the property, the money used for update and maintenance - all items that are included in the temple coffers cannot be misused. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 26 May 2024 | Parshas Bechukosai (Rebroadcast) | 00:51:23 | |
In two chapters in the Torah (Leviticus 26, Deuteronomy 28) we read about the positive consequences of obeying the Torah and heeding its laws; and the terrible, painful consequences of disobeying the Law. Though reading this week’s Torah portion is scary and a tad depressing, the truth is that this framework is the secret to our nation enduring such long and painful exiles. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 08 May 2024 | Ethics: Loving Rebuke (6.6.34) | 00:34:35 | |
No one likes criticism. To receive criticism is painful. To be told what we did wrong stings. We bristle at the notion that we are flawed and imperfect. The mere knowledge of the existence of our shortcomings causes us discomfort. But receiving criticism is actually highly productive. It's a good thing. It is very beneficial for someone who wants to use their life and the opportunities afforded to them to improve and to elevate and to transform. It is also a way unlock Divine wisdom. DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts | |||
| 13 Jul 2023 | Parsha: Mattos & Masei - 49-Step Program | 00:59:55 | |
What did the nation do over the course of the 40 years in the wilderness? What was their objective? In our parsha we read that the nation stopped in 42 locations over the course of their 40-year sojourn. The Torah delineates the names of the 42 different venues where the nation encamped. What is the salience of such a detailed recounting of the nation's sojourns? In this podcast, we explored this fascinating question. What we discover can serve as an illuminating light in our own journey in 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 10 Feb 2025 | More Secrets of the Month of Shevat with Rabbi Shmuel Botnick | 00:58:54 | |
The month of Shevat is associated with a tribe of Asher and corresponds to the letter Tzadik (צ) and its zodiac sign is a bucket. So much is told to us by the Kabbalists. But what is the secret of this month? What is the energy that permeates this month? What are the particular ways to tap into the vast power of this month? Why is that associated with fruits? We welcome back the great Rabbi Shmuel Botnick to the podcast to share a new, profound perspective on the secrets of this month. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 20 Aug 2024 | Parsha: Eikev - Well-Heeled (5782) | 01:02:04 | |
If the Almighty promises to give you a blessing, your ears should perk up. If God promises to give you abundance, health, prosperity, fertility, security, and all manner of blessing, your question should be - what must I do to be deserving of this? Our Parsha begins with such a promise. In the event that we steadfastly and here to a certain category of mitzvos, the Almighty promises to give us all these blessings. The precise identity of the mitzvos that engender those blessings is somewhat obscure. In this very special edition of the Parsha Podcast, we explore what our Sages mean when they talk about "mitzvos that people tend to trample upon with their heels." If we follow their guidance, we will emerge well-heeled in more ways than one. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 28 Feb 2023 | Parsha: Tetzaveh - The Great Collaboration (5781) | 00:35:10 | |
Besides being brothers, Moshe and Aaron were both leaders of the Jewish people: Moshe was the king and Aaron was the high priest. These brothers had different, but complimentary, skills and characteristics, that were each independently necessary for the nation. In this special edition of The Parsha Podcast, we do a very deep dive into the nation of Moshe's leadership vs. Aaron's, how they complimented and completed each other. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 15 Oct 2024 | Parsha: Vezos Haberacha - An Offer You Can Refuse (5782) | 00:45:33 | |
The final Parsha of the Torah contains the blessing of Moshe to the nation, his death, burial, and eulogy. Rashi tells us that his blessing began with a recounting of the offer of the Torah to the Nations and to Israel. Before the Sinai Revelation, God offered the Torah to every other Nation, and they all refused. Only our people accepted. What is the salience of this anecdote? Why must we be told about God's offer of the Torah to the other nations? Why, in fact, was the offer rejected? In this final episode of year six of the Parsha Podcast, we learn about this offer and what it teaches us about the essential difference between our nation and the other nations, and what Torah is designed to do to us. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 24 Dec 2023 | Parshas Vayechi (Rebroadcast) | 00:52:31 | |
Parshas Vayechi is the final portion of the Book of Genesis. Jacob is about to die and he tends to his affairs: He assures that he will not be buried in Egypt and will instead be interred in the Cave of Machpelah, he blesses Joseph and his sons, and he blesses/rebukes his twelve sons. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 19 Mar 2023 | Parshas Vayikra (Rebroadcast) | 00:52:10 | |
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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 22 May 2023 | Shavuos Roundtable with the TORCH Podcasters | 01:05:08 | |
Shavuos is the Festival that marks the day of the giving of the Torah. More than 3300 years ago, our nation coalesced around Mount Sinai and we experienced some thing that no other nation has ever experienced: the Almighty spoke to us as a nation and we lived to tell the tale. We heard the 10 Commandments from God and from Moshe and our nation was forever transformed. Every year we relive the Sinai revelation during the Festival of Shavuos. To help prepare for this momentous day, I gathered together with my TORCH colleagues in the glorious TORCH Centre to chat about the upcoming festival and how to make the most of it. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 18 Sep 2023 | Parshas Haazinu (Rebroadcast) | 00:58:01 | |
Still in the final day of Moshe’s life, he conveys to the nation a 43-verse Song predicting the contours of Jewish history, both past, present, and future. The patterns are familiar to the readers of Deuteronomy and even casual observers and students of Jewish history: The nation is recipients of tremendous divine goodness, yet they become corpulent and rebel against God. Consequently, God allows the nations to feast upon the people, but despite the harsh and painful torment and suffering, we continue to exist. The Song ends with a vivid description of the Messianic reclamation. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 26 Oct 2023 | Parsha: Lech Lecha - The Generational Secret | 00:58:30 | |
Join us for an exquisite Parsha Podcast as we go deep and deeper into Lech Lecha. The deep idea relates to Lot's fateful decision to choose to move to the sinful cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. We then go deeper and explore the allegorical dimensions of the breakup between Abraham and Lot. Finally, we go even deeper and explore the secret and the mystery of the circumcision. If you seek Parsha Podcast that will educate and entertain, this one is for you. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 24 Aug 2023 | Parsha: Ki Seitzei - The Upside of Laziness | 00:53:23 | |
Our parsha begins with the unusual law of the marriage of a Jewish warrior and an enemy captive woman. When a Jewish warrior spots a prisoner of war that he desires to marry, there is a process and a protocol for how he may marry her. The Talmud (also featured by Rashi) offers a very unusual classification of why the Torah permits this union. On its surface, this reason compounds the difficulties of this law. In this very special edition of the parsha podcast, we share a novel and instructive approach to this very unusual law. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – TORCH Podcasts Survey To participate in the TORCH Podcasts Survey, please click here or visit TORCHsurvey.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 09 Nov 2023 | Parsha: Chayei Sarah - Buried Alive | 00:53:54 | |
Sarah died at the age of 127. Abraham negotiated with the Hittites for the purchase of a burial plot, the Cave of Machpelah. The objective of the purchase of the Cave of Machpelah was to bury the dead. These three facts are featured at the beginning of our Parsha. On the surface these facts seem wholly unremarkable. In year 8 of the Parsha Podcast we try to go beneath the surface, behind the veneer, into the subtext of the Parsha and to discover the secrets -- the deep secrets -- contained in the substrate. Is there a deeper meaning of Sarah's age at death? Why is the role of the Hittites in facilitating Abraham's purchase revisited so man times in the Torah? Why does the Torah repeat numerous times that the objective of Abraham's purchase to bury the dead? In this Parsha Podcast we discover some wonderful and deep insights. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – This Parsha Podcast is dedicated in the merit of the more than 200 hostages currently being held by the murderous terrorists in Gaza. We pray for their safety and their health and for their swift return to their families and their homes. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 31 Dec 2024 | Parsha: Vayigash - Definition of Life (5783) | 00:58:25 | |
Jacob relocates in our Parsha. Leaving Canaan once again, Jacob gathers his family and the possessions that he had acquired in Canaan and descends to Egypt to reunite with Joseph. In this Parsha Podcast we discover an unusual curiosity about Jacob's dealings with his brother Esau. Over the course of their lifetimes, they made two transactions. The nature of these transactions and their timing presents a fascinating study. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 14 Feb 2023 | Parsha: Mishpatim – Crowning Achievement (5781) | 00:48:12 | |
The end of our Parsha revisits the Sinai Revelation of Parsha Yisro and recounts some of the preparations for the Ten Commandments. In the negotiations and deliberations in the runup to Sinai, the Nation declares that they will do and they will listen to all the commandments. This statement, we will do and we will listen, became the rallying cry of our people. Our Nation committed itself to God before we knew what that entailed. In this special edition of the Parsha Podcast, we explore this very powerful and consequential declaration. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 03 Dec 2023 | Parshas Vayeishev (Rebroadcast) | 01:05:32 | |
Parshas Vayeishev contains two intersecting, seemingly scandalous, storylines, that after all the dust has settled we can see are harbingers of the Messiah and Redemption: Joseph is hated by his brothers, and is eventually sold by them as a slave after they nearly killed him. By Parsha end, Joseph is languishing in an Egyptian prison after being falsely accused of attempted rape. Judah is also humbled in this week’s Parsha, after cohabiting with his daughter in law who masqueraded as a prostitute. In the moment, these scandals brought shame; but ultimately we can see the Divine Hand manipulating events to effectuate the salvation of the Jewish family and people. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 19 Sep 2024 | Parsha: Ki Savo - Gaze from Heaven | 01:05:57 | |
Blessings and curses. That is the dominant theme of our Parsha. We read the admonition of Deuteronomy - 98 bone-chilling curses that will befall our people in the event that we repudiate our covenant with God. Blessings and curses appear a second time: the nation is instructed to assemble at Mount Gerizim and mount Ebal on the day of the crossing of the Jordan. There, they must make a public pronouncement of blessings and curses. What is the lesson of blessing and curses? Why do we get blessings and curses? In this special and sprawling Parsha podcast, we thread a theme throughout the Parsha that wraps together of the first fruits, the confession of the tithes, the blessings and the curses, and Moshe's joyous exclamation to the people when he declares that they have finally, forty years after the Exodus, been forged into a nation. Put away your pagers, beepers, and walkie-talkies. Now it's time for the Parsha podcast. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 31 Dec 2023 | Parshas Shemos (Rebroadcast) | 00:59:09 | |
The Book of Exodus begins with the Egyptians cunningly enslaving their Hebrew subjects: mandating that they work in backbreaking labor, killing their male sons, and trying to stamp out their spirit and curb their population. But God heard their cries and saw their suffering and dispatched the greatest of all men, Moses, a reluctant leader, to lobby Pharaoh to release the people. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 27 Apr 2023 | Parsha: Acharei Mos/Kedoshim - It's a Small World | 00:55:11 | |
Our double Parsha contains many different mitzvos. In this podcast we study a set of mitzvos and a very interesting dispute about their nature. We discover a valuable and profound insight that can help us develop and cultivate our potential. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 16 Apr 2023 | Parshas Tazria & Metzora (Rebroadcast) | 01:14:41 | |
A very large percentage of Torah is dedicated to the laws of purity and impurity. This week's double Parshas of Tazria and Metzora largely deal with these laws. One variant of impurity that is discussed in both parshas is that of a metzora, A metzora is someone who is stricken with the tangible illness of tzaraas caused by a variety of sins, most notably the sin of lashon hara, evil talk and slander. In Parshas Tazria we read about when it strikes a person’s garment or body; and the bulk of Parshas Metzora orients around tzaraas remediation and a third type of tzaraas that afflicts the sinner's house. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 26 Mar 2023 | Parshas Tzav (Rebroadcast) | 00:58:43 | |
In continuation of the themes of last week, Parshas Tzav details the procedures of processing many of the sacrifices enumerated in Parshas Vayikra, teaches us about new sacrifices, and we read about the seven days of inauguration of the Tabernacle. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 10 May 2023 | Ethics: Pleasure (6.6.18) | 00:36:00 | |
Pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain are hardwired impulses . We all want to feel good and to avoid feeling bad. Perhaps surprisingly, the Torah fully embraces this principle. The reason why we were created, we are told, is so that we can become receptacles of pleasure. Our only disagreement with other philosophies is regarding the nature of said pleasure. In this Ethics Podcast episode we explore the subject of pursuit of pleasure, both spiritual and physical. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 17 Jun 2024 | Mysteries of the Torah Scroll | 00:55:31 | |
The festival of Shavuos marks the anniversary of the most momentous and consequential event in all of human history: the Sinai Revelation. A mere 50 days after the Exodus, the nation coalesced around the mountain and witnessed when no other people has had witnessed prior or since: They heard the Ten Commandments directly from the Creator Himself. In this very special and very unique podcast, we explore a fascinating question regarding one of the commandments. That question is used as a springboard analyze a very interesting and compelling citation featured in the literature. This is one of the most unique and fascinating podcasts you will ever hear. It is more enjoyable with the visuals on the slideshow. If you would like to receive them, please send me an email (rabbiwolbe@gmail.com) and I will send it to you. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 02 Oct 2024 | Parsha: Haazinu - Trees with 70 Branches | 00:55:35 | |
Parshas Hazinu is one of the most fascinating, poetic, and richly profound Parshas in the Torah. It is also arguably the most mysterious one. The majority of the Parsha is the Song of Haazinu, an intricate tapestry of prophecies that encapsulate the grand scope of Jewish history. The commentators on this Parsha strive to even understand the basic meaning of its words. In this penultimate episode of the 8th cycle of the Parsha podcast, focus on the commentary of the Ohr HaChaim. While we don't go through the entirety of his magisterial commentary, we select five magnificent comments from this work. What we discover is an absolutely profound study of scope and depth and insight. I could think of know no finer way to end the Parsha podcast year of 5784 than to plumb into the depth of this song as explained by the legendary Ohr Hachaim. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – This Parsha Podcast is dedicated in honor of our parents Drs. David and Susanne Gelb from the Gelb, Goldman and Shacknofsky families. Wishing them and all of Klal Yisrael a Shana Tova Umetuka, a good and sweet New Year. May this learning also be in merit of Meshulam ben David, Shayndel bat David, Avner ben Avraham HaCohen and Avraham ben Menachem Mendel HaKohen may their Neshamas have an Aliyah. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 05 Mar 2025 | TORAH 101: The Purpose of Torah | 00:44:09 | |
Please support the TORAH 101 Podcasts by donating to our annual fundraiser at giveTORCH.org This is our only annual fundraiser. Every donation is DOUBLED! Support the TORCH Podcasts by visiting giveTORCH.org right now and making a generous donation! This is the LINK for the Fundraiser. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Why did God give us such a precious and holy and profound Torah? Wouldn't it be enough to give us some simple rules to live by? Why is our nation chosen above all other nations? Shouldn't all humans be the same? These are some very advanced question and one that our sages reveal deep insights about. In this Torah 101 podcast, we continue our exploration of the classic sources to talk about Torah philosophy and ideology and we continue with the magisterial introduction to Sefer HaChinuch. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 06 Feb 2025 | Parsha: Beshalach - A Sliver of Gold | 01:00:08 | |
The Exodus was for good. When the Jewish people left Egypt, they did not return. Pharaoh pursued them (to his detriment) but the nation never turned back. When Moshe initially requested from Pharaoh permission for the nation to leave, it was not supposed to be permanent. It was only supposed to be a 3-day excursion into the wilderness to have a festival of sacrifices to God. What changed? In this Parsha podcast we explore the counterfactual 3-day Exodus. We also discover a brand new insight that each one of us shares some quality with Moshe. We each have a sliver of gold. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – This Parsha Podcast is dedicated in the merit of a refuah sheleimah, a speedy and complete recover of Benyamin Yaakov Ben Devorah Yosefa, the father of our dear friend Ethan Weiss. Please include him in your prayers. DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 01 Nov 2023 | Ethics: Joyous With Your Lot (6.6.27) | 00:24:58 | |
There is an unequal distribution of talents, gifts, abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. Everyone is different. Everyone is their own world. This applies both in the spiritual domain and in the material/physical domain. A believer who understands that the Almighty gives everyone exactly what they need must be joyous with their lot. Your lot is exactly what the Almighty apportioned to you to fulfill your mission in life. It is also way number 27 to wisdom. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 16 Sep 2024 | Ethics: Double-Edged Swords (6.8) | 01:04:37 | |
Not everything that we covet in life necessarily redounds to our benefit. There are great many things that are double-edge swords: they can be used for good; they can accelerate our ascent to righteousness, and they can be absolutely destructive and lead us towards a death spiral of decadence. Proceed with caution. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 21 Nov 2023 | Parsha: Vayeitzei - Fortune Favors the Bold (5782) | 00:54:33 | |
Jacob's accomplishments in our Parsha are remarkable. At the onset of our parsha, Jacob is a 77 year old bachelor without a penny to his name. Having been robbed clean of all his possessions, Jacob undertook the grandest, most ambitious initiative in human history: the founding of the Jewish nation. In our parsha, he pulls it off. By the time the parsha concludes, Jacob has spent more than two decades in the home of Laban, his father-in-law, and has begat 12 children with 4 wives, amassed a great fortune, and began to travel back to Canaan. How did he pull this off? In this special edition of the Parsha Podcast we study the critical moment that changed everything. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 31 May 2023 | Ethics: Sleep (6.6.19) | 00:50:43 | |
We all need to sleep. All humans, irrespective of their intelligence, their physical prowess, their wealth, must lay down in a comatose state for several hours a day and sleep. Sleep is also enjoyable. There's something seductively delicious about sleep. What is the Torah's attitude on sleep? Why did the Almighty design us that we need to sleep? What are the spiritual dangers in excessive sleep? In this ethics podcast we explore this fascinating subject. I would not recommend starting this podcast if you want to go to sleep. It's so interesting, it will keep you awake. Caveat dormitator! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 17 Apr 2023 | Ethics: Worldliness (6.6.16) | 00:32:15 | |
The central conflict of our lives orients around our relationship with the physical world in which we currently inhabit: the Torah teaches us that the objective of life is to optimize for the benefit and betterment of the soul, and to prepare for Olam Haba. The Yetzer Hara is engineered to make us believe that improving our standing in this world is what we should strive for. What is the correct balance? How much should we be invested in our standing in this world, and how much should we focus on our pursuit of eternity? In way to wisdom #15, we discover the answer. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 26 Dec 2023 | Parsha: Vayechi - Brotherly Love: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly (5782) | 00:51:24 | |
Family is everything. If you are fortunate enough to have siblings, parents, and children you know that there are bonds of kinship and brotherhood (and sisterhood, of course) between family members are strong and often unbreakable. This is not something new. When Jacob was on his deathbed he shared with his sons his final thoughts and blessings. To Shimon and Levi he said that you two are motivated by brotherhood above all. In this special edition of the Parsha Podcast, we dissect the blessing of Jacob to these two brothers, and what we discover is that we are dissecting a dissection. Jacob dissected Shimon and Levi, he plumbed to the depths of who they are and revealed it all for us to see and marvel at. In the short blessing to his sons, Jacob provides a Masterclass in self discovery, the inner workings of behavior, and how people actually learn and change. The lessons learned in this episode are life-changing. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 20 Feb 2025 | Parsha: Mishpatim - Angels and Freemans | 00:52:46 | |
The first law (of dozens) featured in our Parsha tells of a Jewish bondsman who chooses to voluntarily extend his servitude past the required 6 years. This bondsman is brought to a door or a doorpost and has his ear pierced. Why is his ear pierced? Because he failed to listen carefully at Sinai. This first law of our Parsha reveals a new dimension of the Sinai Revelation and the acceptance of Torah. In this podcast, we contrast the beginning of our Parsha and the classification of Sinai that it offers, with the the end of the Parsha and the very different view of Sinai that it offers. We emerge with a novel understanding of the Sinai Revelation and the acceptance of Torah, and a deeper and richer perspective of the goal of Torah. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 08 May 2023 | Parsha: Behar & Bechukosai - Divine Nudge (5781) | 00:39:48 | |
Two years ago, our nation underwent an unprecedented calamity. At our people's largest annual festival, the celebration of Lag ba'Omer in Meron, a crowd crush resulted in the death of 45 of our brethren. How do we respond to such a tragedy? What is the way to process such a disaster. In this Parsha Podcast we look to this week's double parsha of Behar and Bechukosai for guidance. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 15 Aug 2024 | Parsha: Vaeschanan - Get a Life | 01:05:17 | |
Moshe was Joshua's teacher. By any measure, Moshe was a greater leader of the nation than Joshua was. Moshe was the sun to Joshua's moon. But Moshe was unable to lead the nation across the Jordan; a feat that Joshua pulled off. How did Joshua the acolyte manage to outshine and upstage the master? That question is the first of two subjects addressed in this week's Parsha podcast. To find out the other one you will have to listen for yourself. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 06 Apr 2025 | Five Questions for Pesach | 00:48:34 | |
Pesach (Passover) marks the founding event of our nation. We had been enslaved in Egypt for centuries, and in one night the Almighty extracted a nation from amidst a nation with miracles, signs, and wonders. Each Passover we remember and relive that momentous night. We gather together with our family at the Seder, ask the four questions, drink the four cups, and follow the Hagaddah's guidelines for making the most of this festival. In this fun and breezy episode, we asked five questions about the festival and how it is celebrated. The answers will help deepen our connection to Pesach and position us to make the most of these fantastic days. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 27 Mar 2025 | Parsha: Pekudei - Zero to Won | 00:59:07 | |
After four Parshas, the Tabernacle is finally finished this week. Before the Tabernacle is erected though, Moshe provides an audit for all the gold, silver, and copper that was raised for the Tabernacle and identifies where they were used in the temple, its vessels, and it's vestements. In this final year 9 Parsha podcast on the book of Exodus, we explore the nature and the consequences of Moshe's audit, why the audit for gold was different than that of silver and copper, the unique method of turning gold into a thread and the lessons thereof, and learn about the highly unusual way that the Tabernacle was assembled for the first time. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| 23 Jan 2025 | Parsha: Vaeira - Hail to the Chief | 01:04:35 | |
Our Parsha details Moshe's repeated efforts to get Pharaoh to send the Jews free. Pharaoh proved to be a tougher nut to crack, as predicted by God. His intransigence was deeply embedded. It would take 10 plagues to get him to capitulate. In this Parsha podcast we take a deep study of the 7th plague: the plague of hail. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – This Parsha Podcast is dedicated by my Alen Lvovich in loving memory and leilui nishmas his wife's maternal grandfather, Sander ben Lazar. May his Soul be elevated in Heaven. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletter – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe’s Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||