Yechiel Krisch
Yechiel Krisch
237 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
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Name
Release Date
Duration
1
On short engagements
On short engagements
Aug 17, 2023
19:47
An exploration of the Rebbe's well-known position that young couples should have the shortest possible engagements, minimizing the time between the decision to get married and the wedding itself. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support
2
Freemasons, Illuminati, and Cults
Freemasons, Illuminati, and Cults
May 18, 2023
24:30
The Rebbe writes to a Chosid interested in joining the freemasons, and explains his opinion on secret societies at large. The class explores the Halachic and Hashkafic implications of participation in various cults, secret societies, and modern practices (such as yoga) that derive from other religions. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 159 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support
3
Why is Torah so theoretical?
Why is Torah so theoretical?
Aug 8, 2023
15:35
Today's letter addresses a fundamental question: if the whole goal of Judaism is action, why is there so much theoretical and philosophical material in the Torah? And why do the Ten Commandments begin with a theological statement of truth, instead of some call to action? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support
4
Moshiach's Torah Scroll
Moshiach's Torah Scroll
Aug 8, 2023
21:56
In 1942, the Previous Rebbe launched a campaign to write a Sefer Torah to welcome (and hasten the coming of) Moshiach. Almost 30 years later, it remained unfinished until a woman in Kfar Chabad rallied for its completion and the Rebbe agreed. This is the story of Moshiach's Sefer Torah, and the practical lessons that our Rabbeim drew from it. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support
5
When to take charge
When to take charge
Aug 9, 2023
16:28
We often have big ideas that would further Torah and Mitzvos, and those are great. But the Rebbe consistently demands that, before launching a new initiative, someone take responsiblity for its success. Otherwise, the Rebbe explains in today's letters, the initiative is doomed to fail. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support
6
Unwinnable situations
Unwinnable situations
Aug 15, 2023
24:15
"The footsteps of man are directed by G‑d". From this verse our Rabbeim learned that G-d preordains the time, place, and situation in which we find ourselves. Practically, as today's letters demonstrate, this means there is no such thing as a truly unwinnable situation--and that those who blame the time and place for their lack of success are simply incorrect. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support
7
How to choose a Mashpia
How to choose a Mashpia
Aug 16, 2023
24:34
The Rebbe wants everyone to have a Rabbi/Mashpia, but the Talmud suggests one is only allowed to learn from a uniquely righteous person "similar to an angel". How, then, are we to practically pick Mashpiim? Today's letter addresses this point, and we'll also look at a few Sichos that give more guidance on the issue. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support
8
Vegetarianism and Dieting
Vegetarianism and Dieting
May 18, 2023
13:42
Is there a problem with becoming a vegetarian or adopting other restrictive diets? In this letter the Rebbe addresses this question, and the class discusses the Halachic and Hashkafic implications of both eating and abstaining from meat. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 210 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support
9
Special Episode: Reb Levik
Special Episode: Reb Levik
Aug 7, 2023
16:57
In honor of 20 Av, a letter by the Rebbe's father, R. Levi Yitzchok. This letter contains precisely 101 words, and meant so much to Reb Levik that, in a subsequent letter, he asked the Rebbe to "safeguard it at all times" and described it as "written from the depths of my heart and soul". --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support
10
Photography and Photographers
Photography and Photographers
May 18, 2023
17:59
From the preponderance of pictures of The Rebbe, one wouldn't necessarily expect that the Rebbe had a complication relationship with photography and photographers. Although the Rebbe compliments an artist who painted his likeness in this letter, the class explores the Rebbe's varied reactions to others trying to capture his likeness throughout the years. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 187 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support