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
The Jew who wanted to be a priest
The Jew who wanted to be a priest
May 16, 2023
11:25
The Rebbe's approach to missionaries, and how he approached one Jewish boy who wanted to convert to Christianity and join the clergy. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 157 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support
2
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
3
A Plea to Repent
A Plea to Repent
May 16, 2023
16:48
What prompted the Rebbe to send an Israeli politician a five-page letter beseeching him to repent immediately? This letter comes with a powerful and miraculous backstory—one of those rare glimpses behind the curtain that keeps you up at night. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support
4
Getting a Driver's License
Getting a Driver's License
Nov 14, 2024
26:56
When individuals asked the Rebbe about getting a license to drive, the Rebbe's answers in letters and private audiences ranged from clear enthusiasm to unqualified refusal. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support
5
Marrying Before An Older Sibling
Marrying Before An Older Sibling
May 18, 2023
23:08
By request of one of our regular listeners, this episode explores the Rebbe's position on siblings getting married out of order (eg, a younger sibling before an older sibling). Rebbe has many letters on this subject, and the answers are quite nuanced. The class explores the Halachic parameters of the question, and demonstrates that the Rebbe's responses to each scenario line up perfectly with the established Halachic approach. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support
6
Is Chassidus Therapy?
Is Chassidus Therapy?
Jul 18, 2023
25:49
Special Episode: What is the relationship between Tikun HaMiddos and Chassidus? Is the point of Chassidus to help me become a better person? Can Chassidus be used to fix base Middos, or is decency a prerequisite? This class looks at letters from the Rebbe and Previous Rebbe to address these questions (and resolve apparent contradictions). --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support
7
Best Segulah for a Shidduch (Men)
Best Segulah for a Shidduch (Men)
Dec 25, 2023
17:55
There may be thousands of Segulos to help young couples find their soulmates. But the Rebbe offers one consistent piece of advice year after year in Iggros, and guarantees that it works. Part II: Segulah for Men --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support
8
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.
9
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.
10
Boxing, Wrestling, and Martial Arts
Boxing, Wrestling, and Martial Arts
Jun 29, 2023
21:37
In today's letter someone asks the Rebbe for his blessing to pursue a career in professional wrestling (which will make him quite wealthy and allow him to better support Chabad institutions). The class examines the Halachic implications of such activities, and reviews a letter from the Rebbe about teaching karate and martial arts in high schools. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support