Yechiel Krisch
Yechiel Krisch
256 episodes 1 show
Yechiel Krisch is a Rav and Mashpia who specializes in Chabad Hasidic philosophy and the intersection between science, technology, medicine, and authentic Judaism. A seasoned lecturer and sought-after speaker, he holds academic degrees in biology, health, and science journalism, and ordination as a rabbi and rabbinic judge. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Scientific American, Popular Mechanics, and several other international publications (byline Joshua A. Krisch). Previously, he conducted cancer research, worked as an EMT, flew single-engine airplanes, and served as a Chabad emissary to Ithaca College. He now lives in upstate New York, where he delivers daily and weekly Torah classes and works in the Biomedical Communications Department at The Rockefeller University.
Popular Shows
#
Name
Release Date
Duration
1
Glasses, Contacts, and Vision Loss
Glasses, Contacts, and Vision Loss
Aug 16, 2026
29:15
While exploring letters from the Rebbe that describe Segulos for good eyesight and spiritual cures for vision loss, we also discuss the Rebbe's position on contact lenses. And, as a bonus, we demonstrate from primary sources, photographs, and paintings that a least four Chabad Rabbeim wore glasses.
2
The Power of Tehillim
The Power of Tehillim
Aug 17, 2026
34:53
Letters, Sichos, and stories from our Rabbeim on the power of Tehillim, covering three major points: 1) The history behind the Previous Rebbe's decree that psalms should be read after prayers and in Tehillim Groups. 2) The power of Tehillim as the ultimate Segulah for all of our needs. 3) The importance of dedicating Rosh Hashanah not to idle conversation or even Torah study, but the non-stop saying of psalms.
3
Family Planning
Family Planning
Aug 11, 2026
33:47
The Rebbe's campaign against family planning. In these letters, the Rebbe describes family planning, birth control, and the choice to space out children as a destructive ideology that undermines the foundations of the Jewish home and completely misunderstands what a gift children are. While allowing room for individual cases in which it is dangerous for the mother to get pregnant, the Rebbe pushes back against the trend to limit or delay having children for any other reason.
4
Does Tznius Apply to Men?
Does Tznius Apply to Men?
Jul 27, 2026
39:16
The importance of tznius is often expressed to women, but less so to men. The Rebbe explains the importance of modesty, and emphasizes that its rules apply to men just as women. Bonus: A deep-dive into the Rebbe's position on men wearing shorts.
5
A Rosh Hashanah for Diligence
A Rosh Hashanah for Diligence
Aug 3, 2023
19:35
Although the Talmud gives many historical reasons for celebrating 15 Av, the Rebbe emphasizes one essence of the day: recommitting to dedicated, focused Torah study and performance of Mitzvos with Hiddur. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support
6
Is Fear Part of Judaism?
Is Fear Part of Judaism?
Aug 18, 2026
25:15
Exploring the Rebbe's attitude toward "Yira Tata", a baseline fear of G-d that is usually associated with accepting the yoke of heaven and a fundamental fear of sin. In Chassidus, where our focus is often love and awe of G-d, is there room for this baseline fear? And in the month of Elul, when the King is in the field smiling at us, is Yira Tata still important?
7
Alcohol Consumption & Kiddush on Mashke
Alcohol Consumption & Kiddush on Mashke
Jun 26, 2026
35:41
Letters, Sichos, and private conversations reveal the Rebbe's clear position on alcohol consumption: With very few exceptions, we are not to get drunk, drink more than 3 or 4 small cups of hard liquor (Mashke) at one sitting, or make Kiddush on Mashke. The Rebbe asks that we not come up with excuses to dodge these rules, and goes so far as to say that those who do so are not his Shluchim and should not participate in his Peulos. Most importantly, the Rebbe emphasizes that we do not need Mashke.
8
The Moon Landing & Space Exploration
The Moon Landing & Space Exploration
Jul 13, 2026
39:54
The Rebbe's approach to space exploration, with specific attention to how his letters and Sichos addressed religious objections to the Moon landing in 1969, from those who suspected that it would contradict verses and prayers implying that the moon is unreachble, to those who worried that scientific achievements of this caliber who engender hubris. In characteristic form, the Rebbe not only solves the "problem" of the moon landing, but turns it into a lesson in the service of G-d.
9
Illegitimate children in Israel
Illegitimate children in Israel
May 16, 2023
17:58
The Rebbe weighs in on the "Langer Affair" (and R. Shlomo Goren's role in it), one of Israel's most politically-charged debates of 1973, with ripple effects that will ultimately shape the Rabbinate. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 99. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support
10
Glasses, Contacts, and Vision Loss
Glasses, Contacts, and Vision Loss
Aug 25, 2026
29:15
While exploring letters from the Rebbe that describe Segulos for good eyesight and spiritual cures for vision loss, we also discuss the Rebbe's position on contact lenses. And, as a bonus, we demonstrate from primary sources, photographs, and paintings that a least four Chabad Rabbeim wore glasses.