In this Episode (#16) of the Unboxing Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Yaakov Nagel & Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe discuss the controversy surrounding the Yom Ha'atzmaut (Israel's Independence Day) and some refreshing perspectives on this national holiday.   ***** 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 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 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. To listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Yaakov Nagel: https://linktr.ee/RabbiNagelDaf Yomi Podcast - https://linktr.ee/DafYomiPodcastUnboxing Judaism Podcast - https://linktr.ee/unboxingjudaism Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe serves as the Executive Director of TORCH since 2005. To listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: https://linktr.ee/ariwol Jewish 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 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  on April 27,  2023, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on April 30,  2023 ★ Support this podcast ★

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 ★

In this episode of the Thinking Talmudist Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores a fascinating passage from Tractate Yoma, weaving together halachic discussion, ethical lessons, and profound insights into personal growth. Beginning with the special garments of the Kohen Gadol, the Gemara highlights the importance of modesty, holiness, and communal ownership in Temple service. Rabbi Wolbe expands this discussion by explaining why the Temple featured a ramp instead of stairs leading to the altar: Judaism rejects "one-size-fits-all" spiritual growth. Every individual ascends toward Hashem at their own pace, yet no one can afford to remain spiritually stagnant. Like a ball on a ramp, we are either moving upward or slowly rolling backward.  The Gemara then presents three timeless role models who remove every excuse for neglecting Torah study. Hillel obligates the poor, demonstrating extraordinary dedication by climbing onto the roof of the study hall in freezing weather simply to hear Torah when he could not afford the entrance fee. Rabbi Elazar ben Charsom obligates the wealthy, inheriting unimaginable riches yet abandoning comfort and status to devote himself entirely to Torah. Finally, Yosef HaTzaddik obligates those struggling with temptation, resisting relentless attempts by Potiphar's wife to seduce him because his awareness of Hashem outweighed every earthly temptation. Together, these three giants teach that poverty, wealth, and temptation are never valid reasons to neglect spiritual growth.  Rabbi Wolbe concludes by drawing practical lessons for contemporary life. True wealth is not measured by possessions but by bitachon—complete trust in Hashem, illustrated through the story of the Brisker Rav, who discovered that genuine riches come from reliance on God rather than ownership of property. Likewise, Yosef's greatness stemmed from living with constant awareness that Hashem was present everywhere, making temptation powerless. The message is clear: every Jew has challenges, but every Jew also has Torah. Whether rich or poor, successful or struggling, the Torah remains our greatest source of strength, purpose, and elevation.  ★ Support this podcast ★

What makes food truly kosher, and why does Jewish law place such extraordinary importance on what we eat? In this fascinating episode of the Everyday Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe begins exploring Siman 46 of the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, introducing the laws of forbidden foods and the spiritual significance of keeping kosher. From identifying kosher animals, birds, and fish to properly preparing meat, checking vegetables for insects, and understanding the prohibition against consuming blood, Rabbi Wolbe explains the fundamental principles of Kashrus. Drawing on his personal experience as a kosher supervisor in a Houston food manufacturing facility, he shares an eye-opening incident in which supposedly kosher products were processed using equipment contaminated by non-kosher ingredients. This real-life example reveals why reliable kosher certification requires meticulous supervision and why even innocent mistakes can compromise the kosher status of food. The discussion then turns to the practical and often surprising laws governing meat and dairy. Can two people eat meat and dairy at the same table? Why should families maintain separate salt shakers, condiments, utensils, and bread for meat and dairy meals? What happens when someone discovers meat between their teeth after waiting six hours? Rabbi Wolbe addresses these everyday questions while explaining the reasons behind the traditional waiting period between eating meat and dairy, the proper treatment of blood found in eggs or food, and the distinction between a meat dish and pareve food prepared in a meat pot. Throughout the episode, he emphasizes that keeping kosher is far more than a collection of dietary restrictions: it is an essential part of Jewish spiritual sensitivity, mindfulness, and our relationship with Hashem. The episode concludes with a transition to the Ask Away Series. 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 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 May 24, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on November 9, 2026 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 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 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! #Halacha, #Jewishlaw, #blessings, #Kitzur, #Halacha, #Zimun, #BirkasHamazon, #GraceAfterMeals, #Benching ★ Support this podcast ★

In this inspiring episode of the Jewish Inspiration Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the spiritual significance of Rosh Chodesh Kislev and the extraordinary opportunities for growth that this special month brings. From the symbolism of the rainbow and its connection to Noah's flood to the completion of the Mishkan on the 25th of Kislev, Rabbi Wolbe uncovers the meaningful connections between Jewish history, the Hebrew calendar, and the upcoming holiday of Chanukah. He explains how Chanukah is rooted in the concept of chinuch—education and laying foundations—and how the lessons of our holidays are meant to transform our everyday lives. Unlike the major festivals, which interrupt our daily routines, Chanukah, Tu B'Shvat, and Purim teach us to bring holiness, faith, and spiritual awareness into ordinary weekday experiences. Delving into the deeper meaning of Chanukah, Rabbi Wolbe contrasts the physical threat faced by the Jewish people during Purim with the spiritual assault of the Syrian Greeks, whose goal was to weaken Jewish identity, Torah study, and religious observance. Drawing on his family's experiences as Holocaust survivors and the wisdom of his grandfather, he emphasizes that Chanukah is not merely a celebration of miracles but an opportunity to recommit ourselves to Torah, strengthen our relationship with Hashem, and illuminate our souls with enduring spiritual light. As Kislev begins, Rabbi Wolbe encourages listeners to prepare for Chanukah by gathering the spiritual sparks already descending into the world, building stronger foundations of Emunah (faith), and transforming this year's Chanukah into an experience of extraordinary connection, growth, and holiness. This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by The Butler Family Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on November 25,  2022, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on November 25, 2022 This series on Shaar Habitachon [Gate of Trust] is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Shaar HaBitachon of Chovos Halevavos - Jaffa Family Edition Published by Artscroll Publishers(Click to Purchase) Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) 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, please email: [email protected] Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference! Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe:  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.orgv Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #RoshChodeshKislev, #Chanukah, #JewishInspiration, #JewishSpirituality, #Emunah, #TorahWisdom, #JewishFaith, #SpiritualGrowth, #HanukkahLights, #JewishIdentity, ★ Support this podcast ★

In this thought-provoking episode, Rabbi Tovia Singer returns to unpack the deep-rooted Christian animosity toward the Oral Torah. From burning Talmudic texts to rejecting the Jewish calendar, Rabbi Singer explores the historical and theological reasons why Church leaders came to see the Oral Law as a threat. He explains how early Christians relied on the Oral Torah, even citing it in the New Testament, and how later Church doctrine turned against it. The discussion delves into missionary tactics, Jewish identity, the development of Christian theology, and how the Oral Torah continues to safeguard Jewish continuity. A vital episode for anyone seeking to understand the enduring power of our Talmud and how it defends against spiritual assimilation. 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.