Abraham and Lot can't stay together anymore. Their shepherds are fighting. The land can't support both of them. It's time to separate. But here's what makes this moment extraordinary: Abraham gives Lot first choice of where to settle. Left or right, you pick, and I'll take what's left. It's an act of incredible generosity from the elder to the younger, from uncle to nephew. Lot surveys the land and sees the Jordan valley. Lush. Well-watered. Wealthy beyond imagination. It looks like the Garden of Eden. It looks like Egypt. So he chooses it. And in doing so, he "pitches his tent toward Sodom." Rabbi Epstein reveals why this single decision becomes Lot's tragic turning point. The Torah tells us the people of Sodom were "wicked and sinful toward Hashem exceedingly," and Lot knew it. Everyone knew about Sodom the way people today know about Vegas. Yet he chose material prosperity over spiritual proximity to Abraham. The episode unpacks a fascinating debate: When G-d told Abraham to "go to the land I will show you," did He ever actually command him to stay there? The Hebrew is precise, and the answer changes everything about how we understand Abraham's descent to Egypt and his return. You'll discover why G-d doesn't speak to Abraham again until after Lot leaves. What it means that Lot "traveled from the east," which can also be read as "traveled away from G-d." And why Abraham's shepherds refused to let their flocks graze on other people's land even though Lot's shepherds claimed it would eventually belong to them anyway. Rabbi Epstein explores the deeper question underneath Lot's choice: How much are we willing to pay, in money, comfort, or opportunity, to stay close to righteousness? And when does leaving that proximity become the beginning of our own undoing? The episode also addresses whether Abraham made a mistake by letting Lot go, why the Canaanites were living in land that belonged to Shem's descendants, and the profound promise G-d makes to Abraham immediately after Lot departs: "All the land you see, I will give to you and your descendants forever." This is about the choices we make when righteousness and prosperity point in opposite directions, and what happens when we convince ourselves we can have both.

The Jewish response to elections – whether the shocking victory of an openly anti-Semitic mayor in New York City or any political upheaval throughout history – must be twofold: before the vote, we exercise full hishtadlut (effort) by voting, cultivating goodwill with leaders, and supporting candidates who protect Jewish safety (as our Sages sent gifts to Caesar and Rabbi Akiva petitioned Rome); after the vote, we immediately pivot to total bitachon, recognizing that the final outcome is 100 % Hashem’s decree, often sent as a wake-up call that we have grown too comfortable in galut. History repeats itself: German Jews declared Berlin their Jerusalem, Polish Jews called Poland “Polin – here we shall dwell,” and today many American Jews act as if the United States is the final stop; every time we forget we are in exile, Hashem sends a jolt – sometimes from the left, sometimes from the right – to remind us that no political party, president, or democracy is our ultimate protector. The comforting truth is that these “potches” (divine smacks) are acts of love meant to push us back toward our mission: to be a light unto the nations wherever we are, and ultimately to yearn for and move toward Yerushalayim. When we respond correctly – by increasing Torah, tefillah, teshuvah, and authentic Jewish pride – the bitterness miraculously turns sweet, just as October 7th produced hundreds of thousands of newly observant Jews and countless stories of open miracles among the hostages. The message is clear: get comfortable being uncomfortable in galut, stop putting ultimate faith in any human leader or system, and remember that only the almighy (Hakadosh Baruch Hu) runs the world – and He is nudging us home. Engage with us by sharing your questions, and we look forward to addressing them in future episodes, fostering a more interactive experience for our audience by submitting your questions to [email protected] This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by the Nagel Family. This Episode (#25) of the Unboxing Judaism Podcast is dedicated in honor of The Nagel Wedding Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) on November 12, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on November 25, 2025 Unboxing Judaism Podcast is a discussion on fundamental Jewish and modern cultural topics through the lens of our Torah and heritage with Rabbi Yaakov Nagel and Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe from TORCH, in Houston, Texas ASK! To have your questions featured in a future podcast, please submit your questions to [email protected] Rabbi Yaakov Nagel is the founding member of TORCH and has been active since 1998. Additionally, Rabbi Nagel serves as the Senior Rabbi at Heimish of Houston and has been delivering the Daf Yomi (Daily Folio of Talmud) for TORCH 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 Director of TORCH since 2005. 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! SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Yaakov Nagel:Daf Yomi Podcast - https://linktr.ee/DafYomiPodcastUnboxing Judaism Podcast - https://linktr.ee/unboxingjudaism SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.tansistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: [email protected] Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area! #RabbiNagel, #RabbiWolbe, #Jews, #Politics, #Unboxing, #Perspective, #Engagement, #Integration, #Safety, #Mobility, #FreeWill, #Effort, #Exile, #Divine ★ Support this podcast ★

Abraham finally arrives in the land G-d promised him…and immediately faces famine. No rain. Dying animals. A starving community. This is G-d's idea of a blessing? This is the world's first famine ever, and it happens precisely when Abraham reaches his destination. Rabbi Epstein unpacks one of Abraham's most confusing tests: Should he stay in the land G-d explicitly told him to go to, or should he leave? The answer reveals a critical principle about reading G-d's instructions. Sometimes what G-d says and what G-d means require us to listen more carefully than we think. You'll discover why Abraham chooses Egypt specifically (hint: the Nile River makes it famine-proof), and why Rashi and Nachmanides completely disagree about whether Abraham passes or fails this test. The answer hinges on whether doing the right action with the wrong attitude still counts as success. The episode explores the deeper meaning behind Abraham asking Sarah to say she's his sister—what the Talmud reveals he actually tells her, and how this strategy both protects and endangers them. You'll learn why Abraham wants gifts from Egypt when he refuses them from everyone else, and how his experience foreshadows the entire Exodus story 395 years later. Rabbi Epstein also addresses a remarkable tangent: the concept of "sparks of holiness" scattered throughout the world, why Jews were commanded never to return to Egypt after the Exodus, and what it means that natural events are G-d's way of speaking to us. Plus: the surprising Torah source for antisemitism and the real way to fight it. This episode reveals that faith is about discerning G-d's will even when He's silent, and maintaining grace even when circumstances seem to contradict His promises.

The Talmud (Ta’anit 21a) teaches the life-attitude of “Gam Zu L’Tovah” – this too is for the good – through the unforgettable figure of Nachum Ish Gamzu, a tzaddik who was blind, without hands or legs, and covered in boils, yet insisted that even his own horrific suffering was for the best because he once delayed helping a starving man and accepted the punishment as atonement. When the Jews sent him to Caesar with a chest of jewels, thieves replaced it with dirt overnight; instead of despairing, Nachum declared “Gam zu l’tovah.” Elijah the Prophet then appeared, convinced Caesar the dirt was Abraham’s miraculous earth that turns into swords and arrows, Rome conquered an invincible city, and Nachum returned loaded with even greater treasures – proving that when a person genuinely sees every event as coming from a loving God, even apparent disasters become the vehicle for open miracles. The deeper message is that we live in two dimensions at once: the visible, physical world of cause-and-effect, and the hidden spiritual layer that ultimately controls everything. Money can disappear in a moment, empires rise and fall, health comes and goes – it’s all a wheel (galgal chozer). Torah study, Shabbat, and the unwavering declaration “Gam zu l’tovah” are the spiritual coating that protects us and turns even pain, loss, or a chest full of dirt into the greatest blessing. When we live with that faith, like Nachum Ish Gamzu and like the Jewish people protected on all six sides in the desert, Heaven rearranges reality itself so that everything – truly everything – becomes for the good. Gam zu l’tovah! The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn Talmud because it is in ancient Aramaic or the concepts are too difficult. Well, no more excuses. In this podcast you will experience the refreshing and eye-opening teachings while gaining an amazing appreciation for the divine wisdom of the Torah and the depths of the Talmud. This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by David & Susan Marbin Recorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios to a live audience on October 24, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on November 28, 2025 Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinking-talmudist-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1648951154Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0cZ7q9bGYSBYSPQfJvwgzmShare your questions at [email protected] or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: [email protected] Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference! Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org Keywords:#Talmud, #Resilience, #Acceptance, #Gamzu, #Torah, #NachumIshGamzu, #Faith, #Adversities, #Success, #Shabbos, #Impermanence, #Misfortune, #Disconnect, #Tranquility, #Peace, #Meaning ★ Support this podcast ★

When G-d tells Abraham "Go for yourself from your land, from your relatives, and from your father's house to the land I will show you," there's a problem: Abraham doesn't know which direction to turn. Right or left? East or west? The text says G-d will "show" him the land - future tense - yet somehow Abraham knows exactly where to go. This apparent contradiction opens up one of the most profound lessons in the Torah: the world we think we control is largely an illusion. Rabbi Epstein reveals how Abraham already visited the Land of Israel at age 70 for the Covenant of the Parts, making this directive at age 75 about something deeper than geography…it's about permanent commitment. You'll discover what it means that Abraham had to leave three layers of influence: his land's culture, his birthplace's perspective, and his father's home. Rabbi Epstein illustrates that we live in a world of spiritual cause and effect that defies our logic of control. The episode unpacks why this counts as one of Abraham's ten tests even though G-d promises fame, fortune, and family. Tests aren't about difficulty—they're about whether we trust G-d when His directives contradict worldly logic. You'll also learn the reason the land of Israel was called Canaan - from the Hebrew root for humility. True humility isn't denying your gifts. It's recognizing where they come from and what they're for. And true faith means moving forward even when the blessing defies the path.

Abraham didn't become the father of the Jewish people in a single moment of faith. He was forged through ten tests—each one preparing him for the next, each one impossible to pass without the conditioning of those that came before. These tests were a deliberate training program, building his spiritual muscle from test to test until he could face the ultimate challenge: the binding of Isaac. Like a boxer moving from featherweight to heavyweight, Abraham needed every previous test to survive the next one. You'll discover why G-d let Abraham's brother perish in Nimrod's furnace (and what it teaches us about free will), how Abraham's tests repaired the spiritual damage of twenty generations from Adam to his time, and why the Hebrew word for "sin"—חֵטְא (chet)—actually means "missing the mark". When you miss the mark, you don't wallow in shame. You try again. Rabbi Epstein also unpacks the profound opening of Parashat Lech Lecha: "Go for yourself." When G-d tests us, it's not for His benefit—it's for ours. Every challenge is an invitation to become greater, to build strength for what's coming next. The question isn't why G-d tests us, but whether we're willing to let those tests transform us. From the moment Abram becomes Abraham to understanding why your life at 80 will look nothing like you imagine at 55, this episode maps the journey that defines the Jewish people—a people forever growing, forever being conditioned for greatness.

In this engaging Ask Away episode, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe tackles listener questions on everyday halacha and deeper Jewish concepts. Key topics include:Leaving negative Google reviews: Permissible only if consistently poor (to protect others), not for one-off bad experiences, to avoid lashon hara.Converts reciting Kaddish for non-Jewish parents: Not forbidden, and may merit their souls (as Avraham elevated his father Terach), though its full effect is unclear; honoring parents remains relevant.Modern rabbinic ordination (semicha): The biblical Sanhedrin chain ended with the Second Temple, but the unbroken rabbi-to-student transmission continues today, granting authority through rigorous testing—distinct from mere professional licensing.Blessings on processed foods (juices, oat milk, Pringles, soups): When original form changes significantly, default to Shehakol; priorities and mixtures follow complex rules (e.g., separate blessings for distinct components in soup).Continuing to eat after benching: Allowed, but requires new brachot.Fluctuating faith and synagogue-hopping: Hashem cherishes every effort; simple, heartfelt prayer anywhere strengthens connection—encouragement over self-criticism.Jews as "non-fighters" yet having a strong army: Victories are supernatural miracles (stories from 1948, Six-Day War, recent conflicts), not natural might—Hashem fights our battles when we stay close to Torah. The episode overflows with inspiring stories of divine protection and encouragement to appreciate open Torah study in America amid 2,000 years of relentless persecution. Please submit your questions at [email protected] The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way. This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen LernerDownload & Print the Everyday Judaism Halacha Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5 This episode (Ep. #79) of the Everyday Judaism Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Marshall & Doreen Lerner! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!! Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on December 7, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on December 22, 2025 Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Everyday Judaism PodcastApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-judaism-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1600622789Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AXCNcyKSVsaOLsLQsCN1C Share your questions at [email protected] or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.   About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: [email protected] Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference! Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org Keywords:#AskAway, #Torah, #Halacha, #Q&A, #Jewish, #Traditions, #Law, #LashonHara, #GoogleReviews, #Kaddish, #Ordination, #Brachot, #Blessings, #Miracles, #IDF, #Faith, #Struggles ★ Support this podcast ★

Judaism holds a view almost no other religion shares: you don't need to be Jewish to get to heaven. You just need to be a good person. In this episode, Rabbi Bentzi Epstein explores the seven Noahide laws, a universal moral code given to all humanity. Six of these laws were handed to Adam at creation itself. The seventh came after the flood: don't eat a limb from a living animal. These seven laws open the gates of heaven to anyone, Jewish or not.But if seven laws are enough, why would anyone choose 613? The answer lies in understanding that heaven isn't one-size-fits-all. Your eternal reward corresponds to the effort you invest in this world. Think of it as choosing between a comfortable home and a mansion on the most exclusive street in existence. You'll also learn how Abraham kept commandments that wouldn't be formally given for generations, why the patriarchs could perceive spiritual truths by simply observing the world, and what it means that mankind's relationship with eating meat fundamentally changed after the flood. From the universal to the particular, from Adam to Abraham to Moses, this episode traces how Jewish law encompasses both a code for all humanity and a deeper covenant for those who choose to go further.

In this episode, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe shares a short & sweet idea of inspiration from Parshas Toldos on why Hashem caused Isaac, our patriarch, to be blind. An very important life lesson. Jewish Inspiration Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH (Ep. #133) ***** To listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: https://linktr.ee/ariwolJewish Inspiration Podcast - https://linktr.ee/jewishinspirationUnboxing Judaism Podcast - https://linktr.ee/unboxingjudaismParsha Review Podcast - https://linktr.ee/parshareviewLiving Jewishly Podcast - https://linktr.ee/jewishlyThinking Talmudist Podcast - https://linktr.ee/talmudist Please send your questions, comments and even your stories to [email protected] 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 at https://www.torchweb.org/donate. Thank you! For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B to a live audience on December 1,  2022, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on December 1, 2022 ★ Support this podcast ★

In Episode 19 of the Ask Away series on the Everyday Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe fields questions at the TORCH Centre in Houston, recorded pre-Yom Kippur (September 28, 2025). The session addresses teshuva, holiday practices, human imperfection, political voting, synagogue customs, and sensitive social issues, emphasizing Torah’s primacy. Teshuva and Yom Kippur: Yom Kippur’s Yimei Ratzon makes forgiveness more accessible, like a sale, but teshuva is always possible. The three-step process (leaving sin, regret, confession) is key, and missing Yom Kippur shouldn’t deter repentance (0:57–6:17).Rosh Hashanah Uniqueness: No Shabbos Mevorchim blessing precedes Rosh Hashanah, as its divine blessings encompass all needs. It’s a two-day holiday globally, with Shehecheyanu recited both days for new items, unlike other festivals (6:26–11:05).Shabbat Preparations: Husbands prepare Shabbat candles (pre-lighting and extinguishing), and homes are cleaned thoroughly to honor Shabbat. Havdalah extends to Tuesday night if missed, reflecting Shabbat’s lingering holiness (11:05–15:07).Human Imperfection: Per Ecclesiastes 7:20, everyone sins (even Moshe). Growth lies in rising after mistakes, like athletes overcoming slumps, emphasizing perseverance over perfection (15:29–17:26).Jewish Voting Patterns: Torah-observant Jews (98–99%) vote Republican for alignment with Torah values (e.g., abortion), unlike non-Orthodox Jews (60–75% Democrat) due to historical gratitude or cultural priorities. Torah-first identity ensures societal contributions while upholding dina d’malchuta dina. U.S. support for Israel brings blessings (18:07–26:33).Synagogue and Modesty: Mixed seating is avoided to maintain prayer focus, not due to biblical prohibition. Modesty extends to avoiding unnecessary male-female interactions, protecting relationships (27:09–31:10).Homosexuality and Leadership: Homosexuality is an “abomination” (Leviticus 18:22), but all are welcome to learn. Private matters stay private; a rabbi’s open defiance of Torah requires congregational judgment (33:10–35:53).Survival and Laws: During persecution, Jews prioritize life, historically living near water for escape, as seen in diminished Jewish populations in Poland and Germany (36:40–37:19). Please submit your questions at [email protected] The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way. This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen LernerDownload & Print the Everyday Judaism Halacha Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5 This episode (Ep. #67) of the Everyday Judaism Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Marshall & Doreen Lerner! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!! Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on September 28, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on October 22, 2025 Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Everyday Judaism Podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-judaism-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1600622789) or Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3AXCNcyKSVsaOLsLQsCN1C) to stay inspired! Share your questions at [email protected] or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.   About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: [email protected] Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference! Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org Keywords:#AskAway, #Torah, #Halacha, #Q&A, #Atonement, #Forgiveness, #Politics, #LGBTQ+, #Inclusivity ★ Support this podcast ★