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 ★

Journey with Rabbi Epstein as he unravels the profound wisdom hidden in the first six verses of Genesis Chapter 3. Discover the serpent's cunning tactics, the true nature of temptation, and the surprising roots of all sin. Learn why God forbade eating from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, and how this ancient story provides insight into modern advertising, relationships, and our quest for pleasure. This eye-opening episode will challenge your understanding of good and evil, desire, and the pursuit of true happiness. Don't miss this chance to gain a deeper appreciation for the timeless teachings of the Torah and their relevance in today's world.

In episode forty-one of the 48 Ways series during the Omer, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe teaches U’Ma’amidu Al Ha’Emet — “stand firm on truth” or placing everything on truth. Truth is absolute, not subjective or multi-sided. In a world of compromise, political correctness, and “my truth,” the Torah demands unwavering commitment to reality and honesty, even when uncomfortable or unpopular. Rabbi Wolbe explains that every decision is a choice between life/good and death/evil (Deuteronomy 30). We must research questions thoroughly, avoid flippant answers, and admit “I don’t know” when appropriate. Compromise has its place (e.g., mezuzah on a slant for peace), but truth itself does not bend. He stresses personal responsibility: only you determine your life path; take ownership and make changes where needed. Torah is the ultimate source of truth — investigate it deeply rather than defaulting to convenience or societal pressure. Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B to a live audience on June 17,  2022, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on March 21, 2023 The 49 days we count between Pesach (Passover) and Shavuot are an exciting time for powerful and impactful change. The Mishna (Avot 6:6) teaches us 48 masterful tools and ways to maximize life and get the most out of each day. 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:  NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer 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:#JewishInspiration, #Omer, #Count, #48Ways, #SpiritualGrowth, #TorahWisdom, #PirkeiAvot, #WisdomDaily ★ Support this podcast ★

What if the secret to fostering a thriving spiritual legacy lies within the very roots of our ancestry? Join us, as we embark on a journey through Parshas Bamidbar, unraveling the profound ways the Jewish people were counted through the collection of half-shekels, not merely as numbers, but as an expression of unity and continuity. With stories of our forebears, like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, we reflect on how their lives continue to guide us today. We draw essential lessons from the Ten Commandments and the responsibility of leadership as exemplified by Moshe, emphasizing the need to connect with past generations to navigate today's challenges. In our exploration, we dive into the transformative power of love and passion in education. Discover how expressing admiration and affection to children nurtures a genuine connection to faith, steering away from authoritarian methods toward a love-centered approach. The episode highlights the importance of setting a strong moral example, grounded in the laws of Lashon Hara, and the wisdom of our elders. Through prayer and positivity, we are encouraged to foster personal growth and spiritual discovery, ensuring that each child finds their unique path. Listen in to understand how tradition and innovation can harmoniously coexist in a modern Jewish family. This episode (Ep 7.31) of the Parsha Review Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Bamidbar is dedicated in honor of our Holy Soldiers in the Battlefield and our Torah Scholars in the Study Halls who are fighting for the safety of our nation!Download & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharing Recorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on June 8, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on June 10, 2025 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.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! #Torah, #Parsha, #Numbers, #Bamidbar, #Half-Shekel, #TenCommandments, #Ancestry, #MoralCompass, #Elders ★ Support this podcast ★

An inherent law in creation is that the Creator lowers the haughty to ground-level zero but uplifts the humble above the clouds. No one should ever disdain another human being, for often, there's a turnaround, as Rebbe Nachman shows us in Part 2 of "The Clever One and the Simple One." Likutei Moharan is a collection of teachings and insights by Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, encompassing a wide range of spiritual topics and profound wisdom, offering guidance for personal growth and connection to God. Taught by the revered and world renowned spiritual master, Rabbi Lazer Brody. Recorded by TORCH via Emuna Beams from a LIVE online presentation by Rabbi Lazer Brody (Ashdod, Israel) on June 12, 2025Released as Podcast on June 12, 2025 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.comand https://lazerbeams.com DONATE to EMUNA BEAMS: Please consider supporting the teaching of Emuna across the globe by Rabbi Lazer Brody at https://secure.cardknox.com/emunabeams. Thank you! EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: [email protected] 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 outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area! ★ Support this podcast ★

Rabbi Bentzi Epstein peels back the layers of one of the most misunderstood stories in Genesis. Delve into the true nature of the Tree of Knowledge and discover why God's prohibition was not about denying pleasure, but guiding humanity towards even greater spiritual heights. Uncover the cunning tactics employed by the snake, tailored differently for Adam and Eve, and gain insight into the unique spiritual challenges faced by men and women. Rabbi Epstein challenges conventional interpretations, offering a fresh perspective on nakedness, shame, and the transformation of the human soul after partaking of the forbidden fruit. Learn how this pivotal moment in biblical history shapes our understanding of free will, temptation, and our own potential for godliness. But this episode goes beyond mere storytelling. Rabbi Epstein connects the dots between ancient wisdom and modern living, revealing how the lessons from Eden can guide us in overcoming our personal challenges and accessing deeper spiritual pleasures in our daily lives. He demonstrates how every commandment in the Torah is an invitation to elevate ourselves, not a restriction on our joy. Whether you're a seasoned Torah scholar or new to biblical study, this episode promises to challenge your assumptions, ignite your curiosity, and offer a new lens through which to view your own spiritual journey. Tune in for an intellectual and spiritual adventure that will leave you pondering the depths of divine wisdom long after the episode ends.

Embark on a fascinating journey through Genesis Chapter 2 as Rabbi Epstein unveils the deeper meanings behind Adam's solitude, the naming of animals, and the creation of Eve. Discover the profound spiritual lessons hidden within these ancient narratives and how they apply to our lives today. This episode will challenge your understanding of human nature, purpose, and our relationship with the divine. In this captivating episode, discover:Why God initially created humans as one being before separating themThe true meaning of a "helper corresponding to him" and its implications for modern relationshipsThe surprising reason Adam named all the animals before meeting EveWhat it means to "become one flesh" and how it relates to our divine purposeThe deeper significance behind Adam and Eve's initial lack of shame Join us for an eye-opening exploration of love, partnership, and the cosmic dance of masculine and feminine energies. Rabbi Epstein's insights will challenge your perceptions, ignite your spiritual growth, and provide a fresh perspective on the timeless institution of marriage. Whether you're single, married, or anywhere in between, this episode promises to deepen your understanding of relationships and your connection to the divine.

Join Rabbi Epstein as he delves deep into the mysteries of the Garden of Eden, uncovering profound insights about marriage, human purpose, and our relationship with God. In this captivating episode, you'll discover:The true meaning of "working" the Garden and how it relates to prayerWhy the Tree of Knowledge was off-limits (and when it wasn't)The surprising connection between challah and rectifying Eve's sinGod's master plan for unity through marriageThe keys to building a "marriage made in heaven" Rabbi Epstein breaks down complex Torah concepts with humor and practical wisdom, offering valuable lessons for modern relationships. Whether you're single, married, or anywhere in between, this episode will transform your understanding of love, purpose, and the divine dance of partnership. Don't miss this enlightening journey through the roots of human existence.