Popular Shows by TORCH הרב אריה וולבה
20826 episodes
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Name
Release Date
Duration
11701
Ep. 7: Great Jewish Personalities: Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai
Ep. 7: Great Jewish Personalities: Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai
Nov 9, 2016
45:04
The life, writings and legacy of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai has seen a sensational resurgence in recent years. The annual pilgramage to his gravesite during the week of his hilula attracts more than 500,000 visitors. In this podcast we explore the remarkable and riveting life story of this great man. ———- This podcast was recorded live […]
11702
Ep. 8: Great Jewish Personalities: Rabbi Meir
Ep. 8: Great Jewish Personalities: Rabbi Meir
Nov 16, 2016
45:19
Rabbi Meir was a foundational scholar of the Mishnaic era. In fact, an unattributed mishna are his teachings and he is the third most oft-cited rabbi in the Talmud. In this podcast we explore the remarkable and tragic life story of this great man. ———- This podcast was recorded live at the TORCH Centre in Houston, […]
11703
Ep. 8: Great Jewish Personalities: Rabbi Meir
Ep. 8: Great Jewish Personalities: Rabbi Meir
Nov 16, 2016
45:19
Rabbi Meir was a foundational scholar of the Mishnaic era. In fact, an unattributed mishna are his teachings and he is the third most oft-cited rabbi in the Talmud. In this podcast we explore the remarkable and tragic life story of this great man. ———- This podcast was recorded live at the TORCH Centre in Houston, […]
11704
Ep. 9: Great Jewish Personalities: Rabbi Judah the Prince
Ep. 9: Great Jewish Personalities: Rabbi Judah the Prince
Nov 23, 2016
44:52
The impact that Rabbi Judah the Prince had on Jewish life was so vast that he is referred to in the Talmud as simply “Rabbi”. In this podcast we explore the remarkable life and accomplishments of this great man. ———- This podcast was recorded live at the TORCH Centre in Houston, TX. Please visit torchweb.org for […]
11705
Ep. 9: Great Jewish Personalities: Rabbi Judah the Prince
Ep. 9: Great Jewish Personalities: Rabbi Judah the Prince
Nov 23, 2016
44:52
The impact that Rabbi Judah the Prince had on Jewish life was so vast that he is referred to in the Talmud as simply “Rabbi”. In this podcast we explore the remarkable life and accomplishments of this great man. ———- This podcast was recorded live at the TORCH Centre in Houston, TX. Please visit torchweb.org for […]
11706
Ep. 10: Great Jewish Personalities: Hillel
Ep. 10: Great Jewish Personalities: Hillel
Nov 30, 2016
44:14
Hillel the Elder was a transcendental Jewish figure whose name and influence towers above Jewish life until this day. In this podcast we explore the remarkable life, visionary leadership and legendary personal piety of this great man. ———- This podcast was recorded live at the TORCH Centre in Houston, TX. Please visit torchweb.org for program details […]
11707
Ep. 10: Great Jewish Personalities: Hillel
Ep. 10: Great Jewish Personalities: Hillel
Nov 30, 2016
44:14
Hillel the Elder was a transcendental Jewish figure whose name and influence towers above Jewish life until this day. In this podcast we explore the remarkable life, visionary leadership and legendary personal piety of this great man. ———- This podcast was recorded live at the TORCH Centre in Houston, TX. Please visit torchweb.org for program details […]
11708
Ep. 11: Great Jewish Personalities: Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakkai
Ep. 11: Great Jewish Personalities: Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakkai
Dec 7, 2016
43:01
Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakkai was the leader of the Jewish people during a most critical and vulnerable time period. His visionary decisions and foresight assured that Torah and the nation will persevere and flourish in the aftermath of tragedy and despair. In this podcast we explore the remarkable scholarship, persona and visionary leadership of this great man. […]
11709
Ep. 11: Great Jewish Personalities: Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakkai
Ep. 11: Great Jewish Personalities: Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakkai
Dec 7, 2016
43:01
Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakkai was the leader of the Jewish people during a most critical and vulnerable time period. His visionary decisions and foresight assured that Torah and the nation will persevere and flourish in the aftermath of tragedy and despair. In this podcast we explore the remarkable scholarship, persona and visionary leadership of this great man. […]
11710
Ep. 12: Great Jewish Personalities: Rabbi Eliezer
Ep. 12: Great Jewish Personalities: Rabbi Eliezer
Dec 14, 2016
45:41
Rabbi Eliezer Ben Hurkenus was among the greatest of the students of Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakkai. In the words of his teacher, Rabbi Eliezer on one side of the scale would outweigh all the other scholars and sages of Israel on the other side of the scale. He contributed more than any of his peers […]
11711
Ep. 12: Great Jewish Personalities: Rabbi Eliezer
Ep. 12: Great Jewish Personalities: Rabbi Eliezer
Dec 14, 2016
45:41
Rabbi Eliezer Ben Hurkenus was among the greatest of the students of Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakkai. In the words of his teacher, Rabbi Eliezer on one side of the scale would outweigh all the other scholars and sages of Israel on the other side of the scale. He contributed more than any of his peers […]
11712
Ep. 13: A History of Hanukkah: Hellenism, Heroism and Hasmoneans
Ep. 13: A History of Hanukkah: Hellenism, Heroism and Hasmoneans
Dec 21, 2016
41:32
The holiday of Hanukkah commemorates the triumph of the Maccabean Revolt over the oppressive regime of Antiochus IV and the Seleucid Empire. In this podcast we tell the story of this miraculous victory of the weak over the mighty; the few over the many; the pure over the impure; and the righteous over the wicked. – – – […]
11713
Ep. 14: Dialogue, Discourse and Disputation: When Rabbis and Romans Debate
Ep. 14: Dialogue, Discourse and Disputation: When Rabbis and Romans Debate
Jan 4, 2017
52:00
The multi-century Roman occupation of Judah spurred much intercourse between the Jews and their overlords. One particular arena of interactions was in the realm of theological and philosophical discourse. The Romans were enamored with the Jewish religion and core beliefs and frequently peppered the great rabbis with questions. They also instituted public academies of interreligious polemics. […]
11714
Ep. 14: Dialogue, Discourse and Disputation: When Rabbis and Romans Debate
Ep. 14: Dialogue, Discourse and Disputation: When Rabbis and Romans Debate
Jan 4, 2017
52:00
The multi-century Roman occupation of Judah spurred much intercourse between the Jews and their overlords. One particular arena of interactions was in the realm of theological and philosophical discourse. The Romans were enamored with the Jewish religion and core beliefs and frequently peppered the great rabbis with questions. They also instituted public academies of interreligious polemics. […]
11715
Ep. 15: Heresy, Hedonism and Hatred: The Rise of The Sadducees
Ep. 15: Heresy, Hedonism and Hatred: The Rise of The Sadducees
Jan 11, 2017
46:30
The Sadducees were a sect of Jews that splintered away from the mainstream during the 2nd Century BC. They are erroneously portrayed as conscientious opposers to a rabbinical overreach by the Sages. In truth, their heresy was not ideological. In this podcast we dive deep into the roots of this movement, its core principles and […]
11716
Ep. 15: Heresy, Hedonism and Hatred: The Rise of The Sadducees
Ep. 15: Heresy, Hedonism and Hatred: The Rise of The Sadducees
Jan 11, 2017
46:30
The Sadducees were a sect of Jews that splintered away from the mainstream during the 2nd Century BC. They are erroneously portrayed as conscientious opposers to a rabbinical overreach by the Sages. In truth, their heresy was not ideological. In this podcast we dive deep into the roots of this movement, its core principles and […]
11717
Ep. 16: The Dead Sea Scrolls: Their Story and Significance
Ep. 16: The Dead Sea Scrolls: Their Story and Significance
Jan 18, 2017
46:23
The most significant archaeological find of the 20th century, and arguably of all-time, was made in Israel, in 1947. Discovered accidentally by a Bedouin shepherd in caves overlooking the Dead Sea, the Dead Sea Scrolls, as they became known, consists of tens of thousands of 2,000 year old scrolls and scroll fragments. This treasure trove of […]
11718
Ep. 16: The Dead Sea Scrolls: Their Story and Significance
Ep. 16: The Dead Sea Scrolls: Their Story and Significance
Jan 18, 2017
46:23
The most significant archaeological find of the 20th century, and arguably of all-time, was made in Israel, in 1947. Discovered accidentally by a Bedouin shepherd in caves overlooking the Dead Sea, the Dead Sea Scrolls, as they became known, consists of tens of thousands of 2,000 year old scrolls and scroll fragments. This treasure trove of […]
11719
Ep. 17: The Early Amoraic Era
Ep. 17: The Early Amoraic Era
Jan 25, 2017
56:50
The Amoraim were the Rabbis and Torah leaders of the 3rd to 5th Century. This era began after the compilation and sealing of the Mishnah, the canon of Jewish laws. Their collective task was to explicate, clarify and ultimately codify the Talmud, the book of everything relating to the laws of the Mishnah; including sources, […]
11720
Ep. 17: The Early Amoraic Era
Ep. 17: The Early Amoraic Era
Jan 25, 2017
56:50
The Amoraim were the Rabbis and Torah leaders of the 3rd to 5th Century. This era began after the compilation and sealing of the Mishnah, the canon of Jewish laws. Their collective task was to explicate, clarify and ultimately codify the Talmud, the book of everything relating to the laws of the Mishnah; including sources, […]
11721
Ep. 18: The Middle Amoraic Era: Setting the Stage for the Babylonian Talmud
Ep. 18: The Middle Amoraic Era: Setting the Stage for the Babylonian Talmud
Feb 1, 2017
42:54
The writing of the Babylonian Talmud was the most significant human project of all time. But it was not the first time that the writing of the Talmud was attempted. In northern Israel, during the third and fourth centuries, the Jerusalem Talmud was written. But catastrophic events transpired to the Torah communities in Israel that halted […]
11722
Ep. 18: The Middle Amoraic Era: Setting the Stage for the Babylonian Talmud
Ep. 18: The Middle Amoraic Era: Setting the Stage for the Babylonian Talmud
Feb 1, 2017
42:54
The writing of the Babylonian Talmud was the most significant human project of all time. But it was not the first time that the writing of the Talmud was attempted. In northern Israel, during the third and fourth centuries, the Jerusalem Talmud was written. But catastrophic events transpired to the Torah communities in Israel that halted […]
11723
Ep. 19: The Late Amoraic Era: The Giants of Babylon and the Writing, Codification and Sealing of the Talmud
Ep. 19: The Late Amoraic Era: The Giants of Babylon and the Writing, Codification and Sealing of the Talmud
Feb 8, 2017
45:08
The Babylonian Talmud was the culmination of several hundred years of Amoraic scholarship. In shorthand it is known as “the discussions of Abaye and Rava” because these two titans contributed more to its arranging than any others. In this podcast we learn about these great Sages and the process of codification of the Talmud. – – – – […]
11724
Ep. 19: The Late Amoraic Era: The Giants of Babylon and the Writing, Codification and Sealing of the Talmud
Ep. 19: The Late Amoraic Era: The Giants of Babylon and the Writing, Codification and Sealing of the Talmud
Feb 8, 2017
45:08
The Babylonian Talmud was the culmination of several hundred years of Amoraic scholarship. In shorthand it is known as “the discussions of Abaye and Rava” because these two titans contributed more to its arranging than any others. In this podcast we learn about these great Sages and the process of codification of the Talmud. – – – – […]
11725
Ep. 20: The Rise of the Muslims
Ep. 20: The Rise of the Muslims
Feb 15, 2017
44:31
After the Talmud was codified and sealed, the Jewish communities worldwide came under protracted assault. There were several interconnected contributing factors to the conflict and turmoil that consumed the world: The Roman Empire was in long-term decline and splintering; the Sasanian Empire had shifting attitudes towards the Jews; there were frequent wars; and there was a rise […]
11726
Ep. 20: The Rise of the Muslims
Ep. 20: The Rise of the Muslims
Feb 15, 2017
44:31
After the Talmud was codified and sealed, the Jewish communities worldwide came under protracted assault. There were several interconnected contributing factors to the conflict and turmoil that consumed the world: The Roman Empire was in long-term decline and splintering; the Sasanian Empire had shifting attitudes towards the Jews; there were frequent wars; and there was a rise […]
11727
Ep. 21: The Early Geonic Era
Ep. 21: The Early Geonic Era
Feb 22, 2017
46:31
The story of the Geonim takes shape at about the same time as the Islamic Empire overruns much of the world, bringing the majority of Jews under their rule. Under the relatively tolerant rule of the Caliphate, the Jewish world flourished and an entire epoch of Torah greatness blossomed. During this period, the Talmud calcified its status […]
11728
Ep. 21: The Early Geonic Era
Ep. 21: The Early Geonic Era
Feb 22, 2017
46:31
The story of the Geonim takes shape at about the same time as the Islamic Empire overruns much of the world, bringing the majority of Jews under their rule. Under the relatively tolerant rule of the Caliphate, the Jewish world flourished and an entire epoch of Torah greatness blossomed. During this period, the Talmud calcified its status […]
11729
Ep. 22: The Middle and Late Geonic Era
Ep. 22: The Middle and Late Geonic Era
Mar 1, 2017
44:31
The Geonic Era spanned for more than 400 years. During this time, the great Yeshivas in Babylon, Sura and Pumpedisa, were universally recognized as the epicenter of Jewish life. Its heads, known as Geonim, together with the political leader of the nation, the Reish Galusa, led the people with great skill. In this episode we look […]
11730
Ep. 22: The Middle and Late Geonic Era
Ep. 22: The Middle and Late Geonic Era
Mar 1, 2017
44:31
The Geonic Era spanned for more than 400 years. During this time, the great Yeshivas in Babylon, Sura and Pumpedisa, were universally recognized as the epicenter of Jewish life. Its heads, known as Geonim, together with the political leader of the nation, the Reish Galusa, led the people with great skill. In this episode we look […]
11731
Ep. 23: Great Jewish Personalities: Rashi
Ep. 23: Great Jewish Personalities: Rashi
Mar 8, 2017
46:07
The era succeeding the Geonic Era is the Era of the Rishonim. During this time, the Ashkenazic (Germanic) and Sephardic (Spanish) communities were separated due to the geopolitical instability resulting from the constant wars between the Muslims and Christians. For several generations, each community flourished and developed independent, and largely unaware, of the other. Both communities gave us […]
11732
Ep. 23: Great Jewish Personalities: Rashi
Ep. 23: Great Jewish Personalities: Rashi
Mar 8, 2017
46:07
The era succeeding the Geonic Era is the Era of the Rishonim. During this time, the Ashkenazic (Germanic) and Sephardic (Spanish) communities were separated due to the geopolitical instability resulting from the constant wars between the Muslims and Christians. For several generations, each community flourished and developed independent, and largely unaware, of the other. Both communities gave us […]
11733
Ep. 24: Great Jewish Personalities: Rambam (Maimonides)
Ep. 24: Great Jewish Personalities: Rambam (Maimonides)
Mar 15, 2017
56:01
“From Moshe till Moshe no one arose like Moshe” This epithet is engraved on the tombstone of Rabbi Moshe Ben Maimon, better known as Rambam or Maimonides, and sheds light on the enormity of his impact and influence upon the Jewish people. The mere claim that the Rambam’s contributions and leadership was surpassed only by Moshe […]
11734
Ep. 24: Great Jewish Personalities: Rambam (Maimonides)
Ep. 24: Great Jewish Personalities: Rambam (Maimonides)
Mar 15, 2017
56:01
“From Moshe till Moshe no one arose like Moshe” This epithet is engraved on the tombstone of Rabbi Moshe Ben Maimon, better known as Rambam or Maimonides, and sheds light on the enormity of his impact and influence upon the Jewish people. The mere claim that the Rambam’s contributions and leadership was surpassed only by Moshe […]
11735
Ep. 25: A History of Christian Anti-Semitism Part 1
Ep. 25: A History of Christian Anti-Semitism Part 1
Mar 22, 2017
49:59
ANNUAL APPEAL: We are right now running our annual campaign at giveTORCH.com. If you enjoy the podcasts and want to support our work – please go to giveTORCH.com and donate to the cause. SHOW NOTES: The past 1,000 years of Jewish life in Christian Europe has seen a near continuous litany of fierce anti-Semitism. In this podcast […]
11736
Ep. 25: A History of Christian Anti-Semitism Part 1
Ep. 25: A History of Christian Anti-Semitism Part 1
Mar 22, 2017
49:59
ANNUAL APPEAL: We are right now running our annual campaign at giveTORCH.com. If you enjoy the podcasts and want to support our work – please go to giveTORCH.com and donate to the cause. SHOW NOTES: The past 1,000 years of Jewish life in Christian Europe has seen a near continuous litany of fierce anti-Semitism. In this podcast […]
11737
Ep. 26: A History of Christian Anti-Semitism Part 2
Ep. 26: A History of Christian Anti-Semitism Part 2
Apr 5, 2017
46:43
In this podcast we detail a shortened version of the shameful history of Christian anti-semitism over the last 500 years. We learn about the ruthless Portuguese Inquisition; the decrepit ghettos of Italy; the horrific massacres of Chmielnitsky in Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine; the Pale of Settlement and the various gruesome pogroms in Russia, and survey […]
11738
Ep. 26: A History of Christian Anti-Semitism Part 2
Ep. 26: A History of Christian Anti-Semitism Part 2
Apr 5, 2017
46:43
In this podcast we detail a shortened version of the shameful history of Christian anti-semitism over the last 500 years. We learn about the ruthless Portuguese Inquisition; the decrepit ghettos of Italy; the horrific massacres of Chmielnitsky in Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine; the Pale of Settlement and the various gruesome pogroms in Russia, and survey […]
11739
Ep. 27: Great Jewish Personalities: Ramban (Nachmanides)
Ep. 27: Great Jewish Personalities: Ramban (Nachmanides)
Apr 26, 2017
44:05
Rabbi Moshe Ben Nachman was one of the towering figures of Medieval Jewish world, whose impact was unmatched in his lifetime, and whose volumenous and diverse writings continue to educate and inspire – and indeed shape Jewish life – 750 years after his passing. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]
11740
Ep. 27: Great Jewish Personalities: Ramban (Nachmanides)
Ep. 27: Great Jewish Personalities: Ramban (Nachmanides)
Apr 26, 2017
44:05
Rabbi Moshe Ben Nachman was one of the towering figures of Medieval Jewish world, whose impact was unmatched in his lifetime, and whose volumenous and diverse writings continue to educate and inspire – and indeed shape Jewish life – 750 years after his passing. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]
11741
Ep. 28: A History of Zionism
Ep. 28: A History of Zionism
May 3, 2017
49:23
69 years ago, the State of Israel was declared. For the first time since the arrival of Pompey and the Romans in 63 BC, Jews had sovereignty over their homeland; the Land promised to Abraham Isaac and Jacob, the Land from which they were twice expelled. For Zionists worldwide, it marked the actualization of their hopes […]
11742
Ep. 29: A History of Halacha
Ep. 29: A History of Halacha
May 10, 2017
45:15
Halacha is the aspect of Oral Torah that teaches the practical instructions of fulfilling the mitzvos. It addresses questions like: What is allowed what is forbidden? What is kosher what is unkosher? Who is liable and who is innocent? For the Jewish people to exist and flourish, knowledge of Halacha must be ubiquitous. In this podcast we trace its […]
11743
Ep. 29: A History of Halacha
Ep. 29: A History of Halacha
May 10, 2017
45:15
Halacha is the aspect of Oral Torah that teaches the practical instructions of fulfilling the mitzvos. It addresses questions like: What is allowed what is forbidden? What is kosher what is unkosher? Who is liable and who is innocent? For the Jewish people to exist and flourish, knowledge of Halacha must be ubiquitous. In this podcast we trace its […]
11744
Ep. 30: The Six Day War Part 1
Ep. 30: The Six Day War Part 1
May 17, 2017
48:49
In June of 1967, the third Arab-Israeli war, a conflict that shaped the modern Middle East, erupted. The Arabs had advantages in terms of numbers of troops, tanks, planes; they had a broad coalition and international support; and their geographical depth gave them a sizeable leg up. The fledgling Jewish State had to fight a multi-front war […]
11745
Ep. 30: The Six Day War Part 1
Ep. 30: The Six Day War Part 1
May 17, 2017
48:49
In June of 1967, the third Arab-Israeli war, a conflict that shaped the modern Middle East, erupted. The Arabs had advantages in terms of numbers of troops, tanks, planes; they had a broad coalition and international support; and their geographical depth gave them a sizeable leg up. The fledgling Jewish State had to fight a multi-front war […]
11746
Ep. 31: The Six Day War Part 2
Ep. 31: The Six Day War Part 2
May 24, 2017
1:24:10
In the morning of June 5, 1967, the Israeli Air Force launched Operation Focus, an all out assault on Egyptian air bases. 50 minutes later, Israel began a massive coordinated ground attack on the entrenched Egyptian fortified positions in Sinai. Thus began the war that spanned a mere six days but changed the face of […]
11747
Ep. 31: The Six Day War Part 2
Ep. 31: The Six Day War Part 2
May 24, 2017
1:24:10
In the morning of June 5, 1967, the Israeli Air Force launched Operation Focus, an all out assault on Egyptian air bases. 50 minutes later, Israel began a massive coordinated ground attack on the entrenched Egyptian fortified positions in Sinai. Thus began the war that spanned a mere six days but changed the face of […]
11748
Ep. 32: A History of False Messiahs
Ep. 32: A History of False Messiahs
Jun 7, 2017
51:53
Belief in the coming of Messiah is a critical component of Jewish faith that is enshrined in Maimonides’ Thirteen Principles of Faith. Sadly, ignorance of what exactly Messiah is, what he supposed to do, and how to vet him, coupled with people’s naiveté, gullibility, and vulnerability, has allowed for several imposters to make false Messianic claims, […]
11749
Ep. 32: A History of False Messiahs
Ep. 32: A History of False Messiahs
Jun 7, 2017
51:53
Belief in the coming of Messiah is a critical component of Jewish faith that is enshrined in Maimonides’ Thirteen Principles of Faith. Sadly, ignorance of what exactly Messiah is, what he supposed to do, and how to vet him, coupled with people’s naiveté, gullibility, and vulnerability, has allowed for several imposters to make false Messianic claims, […]
11750
Ep. 33: Great Jewish Personalities: Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (Ramchal)
Ep. 33: Great Jewish Personalities: Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (Ramchal)
Jun 21, 2017
55:58
Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (1707-1746) was a transformative paragon of Kabbalah, Mussar and Jewish theology. Despite living a short and tumultuous life, Ramchal’s writings and teachings were astonishingly prolific, and many of his books became indispensable classics that redefined their genre. In this podcast, we meet a precocious and prodigious youth teaching and practicing Kabbalah; we go […]
11751
Ep. 33: Great Jewish Personalities: Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (Ramchal)
Ep. 33: Great Jewish Personalities: Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (Ramchal)
Jun 21, 2017
55:58
Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (1707-1746) was a transformative paragon of Kabbalah, Mussar and Jewish theology. Despite living a short and tumultuous life, Ramchal’s writings and teachings were astonishingly prolific, and many of his books became indispensable classics that redefined their genre. In this podcast, we meet a precocious and prodigious youth teaching and practicing Kabbalah; we go […]
11752
Ep. 34: Great Jewish Personalities: The Gaon of Vilna
Ep. 34: Great Jewish Personalities: The Gaon of Vilna
Jul 5, 2017
50:55
Rabbi Eliyahu the son of Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Kramer (1720-1797), known to all as the Gaon (genius) of Vilna, or simply the “Gaon”, was a legendary and towering figures of Jewish history. While he never headed a yeshiva, held rabbinic office, or publish in his lifetime, he was universally recognized as the undisputed leader of the nation, […]
11753
Ep. 34: Great Jewish Personalities: The Gaon of Vilna
Ep. 34: Great Jewish Personalities: The Gaon of Vilna
Jul 5, 2017
50:55
Rabbi Eliyahu the son of Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Kramer (1720-1797), known to all as the Gaon (genius) of Vilna, or simply the “Gaon”, was a legendary and towering figures of Jewish history. While he never headed a yeshiva, held rabbinic office, or publish in his lifetime, he was universally recognized as the undisputed leader of the nation, […]
11754
Ep. 35: Emancipation, Haskalah, and Reform: The Zeitgeist of 1800s European Jewry
Ep. 35: Emancipation, Haskalah, and Reform: The Zeitgeist of 1800s European Jewry
Jul 19, 2017
49:07
The 19th Century was a tumultuous time of fundamental change, opportunity, and upheaval for the Jewish people. For centuries, the Jews of Europe were subject to systemic marginalization: They were second-class citizens, were not granted equal rights or protection, were restricted to ghettos. The Age of Reason, alternatively called the Enlightenment, brought about rapid Emancipation for the Jews, that was not […]
11755
Ep. 35: Emancipation, Haskalah, and Reform: The Zeitgeist of 1800s European Jewry
Ep. 35: Emancipation, Haskalah, and Reform: The Zeitgeist of 1800s European Jewry
Jul 19, 2017
49:07
The 19th Century was a tumultuous time of fundamental change, opportunity, and upheaval for the Jewish people. For centuries, the Jews of Europe were subject to systemic marginalization: They were second-class citizens, were not granted equal rights or protection, were restricted to ghettos. The Age of Reason, alternatively called the Enlightenment, brought about rapid Emancipation for the Jews, that was not […]
11756
Ep. 36: Rabbi Moshe Sofer (Chasam Sofer) and his Hardline Response to Haskalah
Ep. 36: Rabbi Moshe Sofer (Chasam Sofer) and his Hardline Response to Haskalah
Aug 2, 2017
40:33
The Haskalah movement that swept through European Jewry in the 19th Century, brought about several different responses from what became known as the Orthodox communities. In Hungary, Rabbi Moshe Sofer, known by the name of one his books as the “Chasam Sofer”, championed a zero-tolerance approach of rejecting modernity of all kinds. His motto was – Chadash […]
11757
Ep. 36: Rabbi Moshe Sofer (Chasam Sofer) and his Hardline Response to Haskalah
Ep. 36: Rabbi Moshe Sofer (Chasam Sofer) and his Hardline Response to Haskalah
Aug 2, 2017
40:33
The Haskalah movement that swept through European Jewry in the 19th Century, brought about several different responses from what became known as the Orthodox communities. In Hungary, Rabbi Moshe Sofer, known by the name of one his books as the “Chasam Sofer”, championed a zero-tolerance approach of rejecting modernity of all kinds. His motto was – Chadash […]
11758
Ep. 37: Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch and Torah Im Derech Eretz
Ep. 37: Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch and Torah Im Derech Eretz
Aug 16, 2017
48:04
19th Century German Jewry was faced unprecedented, hitherto unseen threats to its continuity. Due to the rise of Reform and the Haskalah movements bent on drawing Jews away from Torah, coupled with the circumstances – the Emancipation and the relaxing of the hostility towards the Jews all over Europe – that enabled assimilation into the greater […]
11759
Ep. 37: Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch and Torah Im Derech Eretz
Ep. 37: Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch and Torah Im Derech Eretz
Aug 16, 2017
48:04
19th Century German Jewry was faced unprecedented, hitherto unseen threats to its continuity. Due to the rise of Reform and the Haskalah movements bent on drawing Jews away from Torah, coupled with the circumstances – the Emancipation and the relaxing of the hostility towards the Jews all over Europe – that enabled assimilation into the greater […]
11760
Ep. 38: Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin and the Mother of all Yeshivos
Ep. 38: Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin and the Mother of all Yeshivos
Sep 1, 2017
52:35
To see pictures of the devastation of the TORCH Centre please visit http://rabbiwolbe.com/harvey/ To make a donation to the rebuilding of the TORCH Centre please visit rebuildtorch.com Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin was a man of extraordinary character and scholarship, and the most prominent disciple of the Gaon of Vilna, who succeeded him as leader of Lithuanian Jewry in […]
11761
Ep. 38: Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin and the Mother of all Yeshivos
Ep. 38: Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin and the Mother of all Yeshivos
Sep 1, 2017
52:35
To see pictures of the devastation of the TORCH Centre please visit http://rabbiwolbe.com/harvey/ To make a donation to the rebuilding of the TORCH Centre please visit rebuildtorch.com Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin was a man of extraordinary character and scholarship, and the most prominent disciple of the Gaon of Vilna, who succeeded him as leader of Lithuanian Jewry in […]
11762
Ep. 39: Rabbi Yisrael Salanter and the Mussar Movement
Ep. 39: Rabbi Yisrael Salanter and the Mussar Movement
Sep 13, 2017
1:16:23
By the 1840s, ferocious winds of changes were sweeping through the Jewish nation, and leaving wreckage and carnage in the wake of their consuming vortexes. The spiritual standing of the nation was under assault from without and vulnerable from within. Several great, innovative leaders rose up and created movements aimed at rebuffing the threats. In this […]
11763
Ep. 39: Rabbi Yisrael Salanter and the Mussar Movement
Ep. 39: Rabbi Yisrael Salanter and the Mussar Movement
Sep 13, 2017
1:16:23
By the 1840s, ferocious winds of changes were sweeping through the Jewish nation, and leaving wreckage and carnage in the wake of their consuming vortexes. The spiritual standing of the nation was under assault from without and vulnerable from within. Several great, innovative leaders rose up and created movements aimed at rebuffing the threats. In this […]
11764
Ep. 40: Rabbi Chaim Soloveichik and the Brisker Method of Talmudic Analysis
Ep. 40: Rabbi Chaim Soloveichik and the Brisker Method of Talmudic Analysis
Oct 19, 2017
58:02
Rabbi Chaim Soloveichik, the scion of a prestigious rabbinical family, was the father of a new penetrating, incisive, and brilliant approach to Talmudic study and analysis that took the Yeshiva world by storm and is now ubiquitously accepted in the Yeshiva world. In addition to those accomplishments, he was also the paragon of kindness. In this […]
11765
Ep. 41: Rabbi Nosson Tzvi Finkel (Part One: The Slabodka Revolution)
Ep. 41: Rabbi Nosson Tzvi Finkel (Part One: The Slabodka Revolution)
Nov 9, 2017
51:30
Rabbi Nosson Tzvi Finkel, known the world over as the Alter of Slabodka, was and is the greatest builder of Torah of the last several centuries. The burgeoning yeshiva movement today, and indeed the fact that yeshivos did not go extinct a century ago, is due to him more than any one person. He was the first […]
11766
Ep. 41: Rabbi Nosson Tzvi Finkel (Part One: The Slabodka Revolution)
Ep. 41: Rabbi Nosson Tzvi Finkel (Part One: The Slabodka Revolution)
Nov 9, 2017
51:30
Rabbi Nosson Tzvi Finkel, known the world over as the Alter of Slabodka, was and is the greatest builder of Torah of the last several centuries. The burgeoning yeshiva movement today, and indeed the fact that yeshivos did not go extinct a century ago, is due to him more than any one person. He was the first […]
11767
Ep. 42: Rabbi Nosson Tzvi Finkel (Part Two: The Mussar Ideology)
Ep. 42: Rabbi Nosson Tzvi Finkel (Part Two: The Mussar Ideology)
Nov 15, 2017
48:30
The burgeoning yeshiva movement today, and indeed the fact that yeshivos did not go extinct a century ago, is due to Rabbi Nosson Tzvi Finkel, known the world over as the Alter of Slabodka, more than any one person. He was the first to combine two of the greatest movements of the 19th century into one, […]
11768
Ep. 42: Rabbi Nosson Tzvi Finkel (Part Two: The Mussar Ideology)
Ep. 42: Rabbi Nosson Tzvi Finkel (Part Two: The Mussar Ideology)
Nov 15, 2017
48:30
The burgeoning yeshiva movement today, and indeed the fact that yeshivos did not go extinct a century ago, is due to Rabbi Nosson Tzvi Finkel, known the world over as the Alter of Slabodka, more than any one person. He was the first to combine two of the greatest movements of the 19th century into one, […]
11769
Ep. 43: The History of Chanukah: Hellenism, Heroism and Hasmoneans
Ep. 43: The History of Chanukah: Hellenism, Heroism and Hasmoneans
Dec 12, 2017
48:44
The holiday of Chanukah commemorates the triumph of the Maccabean Revolt over the oppressive regime of Antiochus IV and the Seleucid Empire. In this podcast we tell the story of this miraculous victory of the weak over the mighty; the few over the many; the pure over the impure; and the righteous over the wicked. NEW PODCAST – […]
11770
Ep. 43: The History of Chanukah: Hellenism, Heroism and Hasmoneans
Ep. 43: The History of Chanukah: Hellenism, Heroism and Hasmoneans
Dec 12, 2017
48:44
The holiday of Chanukah commemorates the triumph of the Maccabean Revolt over the oppressive regime of Antiochus IV and the Seleucid Empire. In this podcast we tell the story of this miraculous victory of the weak over the mighty; the few over the many; the pure over the impure; and the righteous over the wicked. NEW PODCAST – […]
11771
Ep. 44: Jerusalem: A History of the Holy City from the Bible to Bibi
Ep. 44: Jerusalem: A History of the Holy City from the Bible to Bibi
Jan 2, 2018
1:14:35
The ancient and historic city of Jerusalem is the most contested piece of real estate on the planet. For Jews, it is the center of the world; it is the hallowed grounds upon which Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob treaded and prayed; it was the site of the two Temples, and of the long-awaited third Temple. […]
11772
Ep. 44: Jerusalem: A History of the Holy City from the Bible to Bibi
Ep. 44: Jerusalem: A History of the Holy City from the Bible to Bibi
Jan 2, 2018
1:14:35
The ancient and historic city of Jerusalem is the most contested piece of real estate on the planet. For Jews, it is the center of the world; it is the hallowed grounds upon which Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob treaded and prayed; it was the site of the two Temples, and of the long-awaited third Temple. […]
11773
Ep. 45: A History of Tefillah (Jewish Prayer), Liturgy, and the Siddur
Ep. 45: A History of Tefillah (Jewish Prayer), Liturgy, and the Siddur
Feb 15, 2018
1:13:02
Prayer is a central aspect of Jewish life. The second mishnah in Pirkei Avos identifies the three pillars that uphold the world, one of them being prayer. Prayer also occupies a large part of Jewish observance: we pray thrice daily, four times on Shabbos, Rosh Chodesh, holidays and festivals, and five times on Yom Kippur, amounting […]
11774
Ep. 45: A History of Tefillah (Jewish Prayer), Liturgy, and the Siddur
Ep. 45: A History of Tefillah (Jewish Prayer), Liturgy, and the Siddur
Feb 15, 2018
1:13:02
Prayer is a central aspect of Jewish life. The second mishnah in Pirkei Avos identifies the three pillars that uphold the world, one of them being prayer. Prayer also occupies a large part of Jewish observance: we pray thrice daily, four times on Shabbos, Rosh Chodesh, holidays and festivals, and five times on Yom Kippur, amounting […]
11775
Ep. 46: The Purim Backstory
Ep. 46: The Purim Backstory
Feb 22, 2018
37:48
Purim is a holiday celebrated by Jews worldwide on the 14th day of the month of Adar, and in Jerusalem and walled cities on the fifteenth day of Adar. It commemorates the story of the salvation of the Jewish nation from the genocidal plans of Haman and Achashveirosh in Persia. How did the Jews end up living […]
11776
Ep. 46: The Purim Backstory
Ep. 46: The Purim Backstory
Feb 22, 2018
37:48
Purim is a holiday celebrated by Jews worldwide on the 14th day of the month of Adar, and in Jerusalem and walled cities on the fifteenth day of Adar. It commemorates the story of the salvation of the Jewish nation from the genocidal plans of Haman and Achashveirosh in Persia. How did the Jews end up living […]
11777
Ep. 47: The Purim Story
Ep. 47: The Purim Story
Feb 28, 2018
59:14
The Purim Story begins with King Achashverosh, the Persian king who ruled from Hodu until Cush (India until Ethiopia), making a massive feast for all the ministers and noblemen of Persia and Media that lasted for 180 days. Soon afterwards Achashverosh partners with the wicked Haman to annihilate the entire Jewish nation. In this podcast […]
11778
Ep. 47: The Purim Story
Ep. 47: The Purim Story
Feb 28, 2018
59:14
The Purim Story begins with King Achashverosh, the Persian king who ruled from Hodu until Cush (India until Ethiopia), making a massive feast for all the ministers and noblemen of Persia and Media that lasted for 180 days. Soon afterwards Achashverosh partners with the wicked Haman to annihilate the entire Jewish nation. In this podcast […]
11779
Ep. 48: The History of the Jewish Calendar (Plus Annual Fundraising Appeal at GiveTORCH.org)
Ep. 48: The History of the Jewish Calendar (Plus Annual Fundraising Appeal at GiveTORCH.org)
Mar 21, 2018
58:37
Annual Appeal To my dear listeners, At TORCH we have a simple philosophy: We give stimulating and engaging and relevant Torah teachings every day. But there is one day a year that we ask our friends, students, supporters and partners to give to TORCH. Today is that day. Today we will, please God, raise the […]
11780
Ep. 48: The History of the Jewish Calendar (Plus Annual Fundraising Appeal at GiveTORCH.org)
Ep. 48: The History of the Jewish Calendar (Plus Annual Fundraising Appeal at GiveTORCH.org)
Mar 21, 2018
58:37
Annual Appeal To my dear listeners, At TORCH we have a simple philosophy: We give stimulating and engaging and relevant Torah teachings every day. But there is one day a year that we ask our friends, students, supporters and partners to give to TORCH. Today is that day. Today we will, please God, raise the […]
11781
Ep. 49: The Story of King David (Part One: Rise to Monarchy)
Ep. 49: The Story of King David (Part One: Rise to Monarchy)
Apr 18, 2018
48:03
King David was anointed as the second king of Israel by the prophet Samuel and is considered the archetype of the Jewish king who earned the mantle of monarchy for his descendants forever. He authored the Psalms, which until this day are the ultimate manifestation of the Jewish soul yearning for its Creator and praying and beseeching […]
11782
Ep. 49: The Story of King David (Part One: Rise to Monarchy)
Ep. 49: The Story of King David (Part One: Rise to Monarchy)
Apr 18, 2018
48:03
King David was anointed as the second king of Israel by the prophet Samuel and is considered the archetype of the Jewish king who earned the mantle of monarchy for his descendants forever. He authored the Psalms, which until this day are the ultimate manifestation of the Jewish soul yearning for its Creator and praying and beseeching […]
11783
Ep. 50: The Story of King David (Part Two: David, King of Israel)
Ep. 50: The Story of King David (Part Two: David, King of Israel)
Apr 25, 2018
1:06:17
David is now the undisputed king of Israel, but before him lay several key tasks: Of course the various Philistine and Canaanite tribes continue to be a pest, and David must subdue them to create lasting stability. Most importantly, however, David needs to corral the tribes of Israel who were formerly loyal to Saul and Ish […]
11784
Ep. 50: The Story of King David (Part Two: David, King of Israel)
Ep. 50: The Story of King David (Part Two: David, King of Israel)
Apr 25, 2018
1:06:17
David is now the undisputed king of Israel, but before him lay several key tasks: Of course the various Philistine and Canaanite tribes continue to be a pest, and David must subdue them to create lasting stability. Most importantly, however, David needs to corral the tribes of Israel who were formerly loyal to Saul and Ish […]
11785
Ep. 51: The History of the Sanhedrin (Part One: From Moshe until the Destruction of the Second Temple)
Ep. 51: The History of the Sanhedrin (Part One: From Moshe until the Destruction of the Second Temple)
May 8, 2018
53:16
The Sanhedrin, the highest halachic authority in the Land comprised of the 71 greatest scholars in the Jewish world, was the Supreme Court of the Jewish Nation. It was founded by Moshe about a year after the Revelation at Sinai and continued almost uninterrupted for 1700 years. This body played an instrumental role in guiding and […]
11786
Ep. 51: The History of the Sanhedrin (Part One: From Moshe until the Destruction of the Second Temple)
Ep. 51: The History of the Sanhedrin (Part One: From Moshe until the Destruction of the Second Temple)
May 8, 2018
53:16
The Sanhedrin, the highest halachic authority in the Land comprised of the 71 greatest scholars in the Jewish world, was the Supreme Court of the Jewish Nation. It was founded by Moshe about a year after the Revelation at Sinai and continued almost uninterrupted for 1700 years. This body played an instrumental role in guiding and […]
11787
Ep. 52: The History of the Sanhedrin (Part Two: From Yavneh Onward)
Ep. 52: The History of the Sanhedrin (Part Two: From Yavneh Onward)
May 15, 2018
59:25
After the Temple and Jerusalem were destroyed, the Sanhedrin at Yavneh became the epicenter of Jewish life. Though the pride of the nation – The Holy Temple in Jerusalem which was standing for 420 years – was destroyed, and tens or perhaps hundreds of thousands of Jews were massacred, Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakkai’s negotiations with Vespasian […]
11788
Ep. 52: The History of the Sanhedrin (Part Two: From Yavneh Onward)
Ep. 52: The History of the Sanhedrin (Part Two: From Yavneh Onward)
May 15, 2018
59:25
After the Temple and Jerusalem were destroyed, the Sanhedrin at Yavneh became the epicenter of Jewish life. Though the pride of the nation – The Holy Temple in Jerusalem which was standing for 420 years – was destroyed, and tens or perhaps hundreds of thousands of Jews were massacred, Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakkai’s negotiations with Vespasian […]
11789
Ep. 53: The Ten Lost Tribes: History, Legends, and Folklore
Ep. 53: The Ten Lost Tribes: History, Legends, and Folklore
Jun 5, 2018
49:59
The story of the Ten Lost Tribes is shrouded in mystery, replete with legends and folklore. At its core it is one of the greatest tragedies of Jewish history. It began with the worst schism and civil war in our history. The rift persisted for decades and was never resolved despite many concerted efforts of the great prophets […]
11790
Ep. 54: The Entebbe Raid
Ep. 54: The Entebbe Raid
Jul 4, 2018
43:34
On the 6th of Tammuz, July 4th 1976, a team of Israeli commandos flew 2500 miles undetected across hostile countries, raided the Entebbe airport in Uganda and rescued 100 Jews who were being held hostage after their commercial plane was hijacked. This stunning, daring, audacious, miraculous Hollywoodesque rescue wowed the world, and galvanized the Jewish […]
11791
Ep. 55: Techeiles: The History of the Mysterious Blue Dye and its Fringe Benefits
Ep. 55: Techeiles: The History of the Mysterious Blue Dye and its Fringe Benefits
Jul 24, 2018
52:06
The word “Techeiles” is mentioned dozens of times in the Torah, and is a subject that appears in many places in the Talmud and associated literature. Techeiles is both a color and a material, namely wool dyed with this color, but to fulfill the Torah’s requirement for this particular color it can only be derived from the […]
11792
Ep. 56: A History of Kabbalah (Part One: Fom Sinai to Safed)
Ep. 56: A History of Kabbalah (Part One: Fom Sinai to Safed)
Sep 6, 2018
47:52
Kabbalah is part of the corpus of Oral Torah – like the Mishnah, the Talmud and Halacha – that was given to Moshe at Sinai and transmitted from generation to generation, but unlike the revealed Torah which was disseminated as widely as possible to the whole nation, the Kabbalah was arcane and esoteric – known to the very […]
11793
Ep. 56: A History of Kabbalah (Part One: Fom Sinai to Safed)
Ep. 56: A History of Kabbalah (Part One: Fom Sinai to Safed)
Sep 6, 2018
47:52
Kabbalah is part of the corpus of Oral Torah – like the Mishnah, the Talmud and Halacha – that was given to Moshe at Sinai and transmitted from generation to generation, but unlike the revealed Torah which was disseminated as widely as possible to the whole nation, the Kabbalah was arcane and esoteric – known to the very […]
11794
Ep. 57: A History of Kabbalah (Part Two: The Arizal and His Era)
Ep. 57: A History of Kabbalah (Part Two: The Arizal and His Era)
Oct 10, 2018
56:05
In the 16th century, the city of Safed in Northern Israel became host to one of the greatest collections of Torah Sages ever assembled, none more transformative or influential as Rabbi Yitzchak Luria, known as the Arizal. Though he lived a very short life of 38 years (1534-1572), he revolutionized the study, perception, and understanding of Kabbalah […]
11795
Ep. 58: Abraham: The Birth of Monotheism and the Origins of the Jewish Nation
Ep. 58: Abraham: The Birth of Monotheism and the Origins of the Jewish Nation
Oct 24, 2018
46:42
The story of the Jewish people – and truthfully the story of all monotheists, Christians and Muslims too – begins with Abraham. Abraham is of course the progenitor of the Jewish nation via his son, Isaac and grandson, Jacob, and his other son, Ishmael, is viewed as the forbearer of the Arabs and by extension […]
11796
Ep. 58: Abraham: The Birth of Monotheism and the Origins of the Jewish Nation
Ep. 58: Abraham: The Birth of Monotheism and the Origins of the Jewish Nation
Oct 24, 2018
46:42
The story of the Jewish people – and truthfully the story of all monotheists, Christians and Muslims too – begins with Abraham. Abraham is of course the progenitor of the Jewish nation via his son, Isaac and grandson, Jacob, and his other son, Ishmael, is viewed as the forbearer of the Arabs and by extension […]
11797
Ep. 59: The Blueprint of Jewish History
Ep. 59: The Blueprint of Jewish History
Nov 15, 2018
54:23
The oft-repeated refrain “history repeats itself” is especially true with respect to the stories of the forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as conveyed in the Book of Genesis. Our Sages have made the bold claim that everything that happened to our forefathers as individuals will be repeated to their children on the national stage. The […]
11798
Ep. 59: The Blueprint of Jewish History
Ep. 59: The Blueprint of Jewish History
Nov 15, 2018
54:23
The oft-repeated refrain “history repeats itself” is especially true with respect to the stories of the forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as conveyed in the Book of Genesis. Our Sages have made the bold claim that everything that happened to our forefathers as individuals will be repeated to their children on the national stage. The […]
11799
Ep. 60: Moses: The Quintessential Jewish Leader
Ep. 60: Moses: The Quintessential Jewish Leader
Nov 27, 2018
56:52
Moses was the greatest human of all time. His resume is replete with superlatives: He was the greatest prophet of all time, both qualitatively and quantitatively; He was the humblest man to grace the earth; He ascended to Heaven, negotiated successfully with angels and brought down the Torah and taught it to the Jewish people; […]
11800
Ep. 60: Moses: The Quintessential Jewish Leader
Ep. 60: Moses: The Quintessential Jewish Leader
Nov 27, 2018
56:52
Moses was the greatest human of all time. His resume is replete with superlatives: He was the greatest prophet of all time, both qualitatively and quantitatively; He was the humblest man to grace the earth; He ascended to Heaven, negotiated successfully with angels and brought down the Torah and taught it to the Jewish people; […]