After 90 years, Sarah finally has a son. Abraham names him Isaac, the name G-d gave him before he was born, and circumcises him on the eighth day. It should be the happiest moment in the household. Instead, people are talking. Sarah spent a night in King Abimelech’s palace, and less than a year later a woman who could never conceive is holding a baby. The cynics of the generation have a theory about who the father really is. Rabbi Epstein says the gossips stumbled onto something true. Sarah answers the doubters on the day Isaac is weaned, when she nurses the children of the women who questioned her. Then the family begins to split. Sarah sees Ishmael, now 16, “mocking,” a word the Sages read as something far darker, and she insists that he and Hagar leave. Abraham is deeply distressed. G-d tells him to heed her voice. Rabbi Epstein explains what that phrase reveals about Sarah, and why G-d chose to send this message through her and not through Abraham.

It's a pleasure to answer the request of a charming person, especially when his or her requests are full of charm. Where does one attain that charm? The purpose of Rebbe Nachman's teaching in the Likutei Moharan is for each and every Jew to excel and elevate their relationship with their creator. Welcome to this journey of spiritual enlightenment with the teaching of this great book. *****Rabbi Lazer Brody is an accomplished Torah scholar, world renowned lecturer, prolific author and the founder and leader of Emuna Beams. To listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Lazer Brody: https://www.emunabeams.com/ Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe serves as the Executive Director of TORCH since 2005.To listen to podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: https://linktr.ee/ariwol The Mission of TORCH is to Connect Jews and Judaism by providing meaningful learning opportunities for every Jewish individual in the Houston area irrespective of background, affiliation, denomination or level of observance and to enable them to experience the joy and vibrancy of Judaism in a welcoming environment.  Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our Programs.  For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com Recorded online presentation of Rabbi Lazer Brody (Ashdod, Israel) by TORCH Centre (Houston, Texas) on June 1, 2023.Released as Podcast on June 1, 2023 ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Discussed in this Podcast: Why should a Jew feel compelled to study Torah, a document handed down to Moshe and the Jewish people 3,300 year ago and what is it's relevance to us today? Unboxing Judaism Podcast is a discussion of fundamental Jewish topics through the lens of modern culture with Rabbi Yaakov Nagel and Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe from TORCH, in Houston, Texas Rabbi Yaakov Nagel is the founding member of TORCH and has been active since 1998. Additionally, Rabbi Nagel serves as the Rabbi at The Heimish Shul in Houston, Texas and has been delivering the Daf Yomi (Daily Folio of Talmud) since 2003. Rabbi Nagel is the Head of the Court for Jewish Divorce and actively serves as a member of the Houston Beis Din.  Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe serves as the Executive Director of TORCH since 2005. Please send your questions or comments to [email protected]. For all other podcasts available by TORCH please visit www.TORCHpodcasts.com Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our Jewish outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area and please consider sponsoring a podcast by making a donation to help support our global outreach efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you very and enjoy listening! Recorded on September 1, 2021, at TORCH Centre (Studio B) in Houston, Texas. ★ Support this podcast ★

Following the dramatic events of history's first murder, Rabbi Bentzi Epstein and Tom Levine uncover the surprising developments in Cain's family line that shaped human civilization. Who was the mysterious Naamah, and how did a descendant of Cain become the mother of all humanity? Through fascinating Talmudic insights, discover how Cain's children became the world's first city-builders, musicians, and metalworkers – but also introduced complex moral challenges to society. The episode explores the controversial "two-wives system" that emerged in this period and reveals the remarkable story of Lemech, the blind hunter whose tragic mistake led to history's first double murder. Through careful analysis of each verse, Rabbi Epstein illuminates how these ancient accounts offer striking insights into marriage, family dynamics, and the delicate balance between justice and mercy. Most intriguingly, learn what finally convinced Adam to reunite with Eve after 130 years of separation, and how this seemingly small event would shape the future of humanity. Don't miss this fascinating episode that transforms a list of names into a profound meditation on human progress, relationships, and the unexpected ways God's plan unfolds through history.

Join us as we visit with Rabbi Garfield, head of Yeshiva Torah Emet, to explore the transformative power of raising children in a Jewish community and providing them with a Torah-based education. We delve into the challenges of modern parenting, the advantages of a supportive Jewish environment, and the unique role Jewish Day schools play in integrating Torah learning, character development, and academic excellence. Rabbi Garfield shares his personal journey, professional insights, and the inspiring growth of his school. Whether you're contemplating a move to a Jewish community or seeking to deepen your children’s connection to Torah values, this episode offers practical guidance and meaningful inspiration. Join the conversation: Be part of our growing community! Join the Shema Podcast for the Perplexed WhatsApp Group to share feedback, discuss episodes, and suggest future topics. Click here to sign up