Popular Shows by TORCH הרב אריה וולבה
21440 episodes
#
Name
Release Date
Duration
7001
The Secret of the Haggadah with Rabbi Shmuly Botnick
The Secret of the Haggadah with Rabbi Shmuly Botnick
Apr 2, 2023
47:42
The Pesach Haggadah guides us through the Seder night and the story of the Exodus. But as is always true in our religion, there are secrets and mysteries lurking beneath the surface. To plumb the esoteric depths of the Haggadah we invited back to the podcast the legend himself, Rabbi Shmuly Botnick. In this podcast […]
7002
The Secret of the Haggadah with Rabbi Shmuly Botnick
The Secret of the Haggadah with Rabbi Shmuly Botnick
Apr 2, 2023
47:42
The Pesach Haggadah guides us through the Seder night and the story of the Exodus. But as is always true in our religion, there are secrets and mysteries lurking beneath the surface. To plumb the esoteric depths of the Haggadah we invited back to the podcast the legend himself, Rabbi Shmuly Botnick. In this podcast […]
7003
Conversion in Jewish Philosophy and Law
Conversion in Jewish Philosophy and Law
Apr 24, 2023
1:54:46
Our forefather Abraham forged a covenant with God: God shows him to be the forefather of the Jewish people, which includes all sorts of Rights and responsibilities. For one, Abraham’s descendants were condemned to be enslaved for 400 years. On the brighter side, the nation became recipients of the Almighty’s Torah and Mitzvos. The nation […]
7004
Conversion in Jewish Philosophy and Law
Conversion in Jewish Philosophy and Law
Apr 24, 2023
1:54:46
Our forefather Abraham forged a covenant with God: God shows him to be the forefather of the Jewish people, which includes all sorts of Rights and responsibilities. For one, Abraham’s descendants were condemned to be enslaved for 400 years. On the brighter side, the nation became recipients of the Almighty’s Torah and Mitzvos. The nation […]
7005
Shavuos Roundtable with the TORCH Podcasters
Shavuos Roundtable with the TORCH Podcasters
May 22, 2023
1:05:15
Shavuos is the Festival that marks the day of the giving of the Torah. More than 3300 years ago, our nation coalesced around Mount Sinai and we experienced some thing that no other nation has ever experienced: the Almighty spoke to us as a nation and we lived to tell the tale. We heard the […]
7006
Shavuos Roundtable with the TORCH Podcasters
Shavuos Roundtable with the TORCH Podcasters
May 22, 2023
1:05:15
Shavuos is the Festival that marks the day of the giving of the Torah. More than 3300 years ago, our nation coalesced around Mount Sinai and we experienced some thing that no other nation has ever experienced: the Almighty spoke to us as a nation and we lived to tell the tale. We heard the […]
7007
Accepting the Torah: Ruth, Sinai, and the Heart of Shavuos
Accepting the Torah: Ruth, Sinai, and the Heart of Shavuos
May 24, 2023
1:03:43
The Sinai Revelation is the most significant event in all of human history: God revealed Himself to the entire Jewish people, He spoke to them, He gave them the Torah, and they lived. This day is revisited every single year on the festival of Shavuos. Our objective on this day is to renew our vows […]
7008
Accepting the Torah: Ruth, Sinai, and the Heart of Shavuos
Accepting the Torah: Ruth, Sinai, and the Heart of Shavuos
May 24, 2023
1:03:43
The Sinai Revelation is the most significant event in all of human history: God revealed Himself to the entire Jewish people, He spoke to them, He gave them the Torah, and they lived. This day is revisited every single year on the festival of Shavuos. Our objective on this day is to renew our vows […]
7009
Exploring the Ohr Hachaim Torah Commentary with Rabbi Shmuly Botnick
Exploring the Ohr Hachaim Torah Commentary with Rabbi Shmuly Botnick
Jul 4, 2023
1:00:53
The 18th century commentary on the Torah, Ohr HaChaim, is one of the most unique, ingenious, and sprawling works in the Jewish library. In this special podcast, released on the 280th yartzeit of the author of Ohr HaChaim, Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar, Rabbi Shmuly Botnick shares with us a sampling of ideas curated from the […]
7010
Exploring the Ohr Hachaim Torah Commentary with Rabbi Shmuly Botnick
Exploring the Ohr Hachaim Torah Commentary with Rabbi Shmuly Botnick
Jul 4, 2023
1:00:53
The 18th century commentary on the Torah, Ohr HaChaim, is one of the most unique, ingenious, and sprawling works in the Jewish library. In this special podcast, released on the 280th yartzeit of the author of Ohr HaChaim, Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar, Rabbi Shmuly Botnick shares with us a sampling of ideas curated from the […]
7011
Ep. 1: Foundations, Fathers and Faith: Jewish History From Adam to Moses
Ep. 1: Foundations, Fathers and Faith: Jewish History From Adam to Moses
Sep 2, 2016
54:31
In this maiden episode of The Jewish History Podcast with Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe, we begin a five part overview of Jewish History. This format is not an exhaustive accounting of all the copious details of Jewish history; rather we seek to highlight the general themes, trends and personalities of Jewish history. We begin with Adam. What role […]
7012
Ep. 1: Foundations, Fathers and Faith: Jewish History From Adam to Moses
Ep. 1: Foundations, Fathers and Faith: Jewish History From Adam to Moses
Sep 2, 2016
54:31
In this maiden episode of The Jewish History Podcast with Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe, we begin a five part overview of Jewish History. This format is not an exhaustive accounting of all the copious details of Jewish history; rather we seek to highlight the general themes, trends and personalities of Jewish history. We begin with Adam. What role […]
7013
Ep. 2: Homeland, Hegemony and Hostility: Jewish History from Joshua to the (Second) Downfall of Jerusalem
Ep. 2: Homeland, Hegemony and Hostility: Jewish History from Joshua to the (Second) Downfall of Jerusalem
Sep 9, 2016
1:14:14
The Torah end with the death of Moshe. The greatest human and leader of all time is no longer there to lead them. How will the Jews fare in his absence? In this expansive episode of The Jewish History Podcast with Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe we tell the story and lessons of Jewish history from the […]
7014
Ep. 3: Rabbis, Renaissance and Reclamation: Jewish History of the Mishnaic and Talmudic Eras
Ep. 3: Rabbis, Renaissance and Reclamation: Jewish History of the Mishnaic and Talmudic Eras
Sep 15, 2016
1:02:11
Our story begins with a battered and depressed nation in the aftermath of the destruction of Jerusalem and the holy Temple. They experienced tragedy and devastation on a scale never seen before. Immediately after the destruction the process of rebuilding began. There were several key shifts that dramatically altered Jewish life for the better and laid […]
7015
Ep. 4: Violence, Vicissitudes and Valiancy: Jewish History in Medieval Times
Ep. 4: Violence, Vicissitudes and Valiancy: Jewish History in Medieval Times
Sep 22, 2016
57:05
The Medieval period would bring enormous changes to the Jewish communities worldwide. It was an era marked by tremendous scholarship and advancement of Torah. Some of the greatest leaders and luminaries that the Jews have ever seen – such as Maimonides and Rashi – make their appearance during this time. But it is also a period […]
7016
Ep. 4: Violence, Vicissitudes and Valiancy: Jewish History in Medieval Times
Ep. 4: Violence, Vicissitudes and Valiancy: Jewish History in Medieval Times
Sep 22, 2016
57:05
The Medieval period would bring enormous changes to the Jewish communities worldwide. It was an era marked by tremendous scholarship and advancement of Torah. Some of the greatest leaders and luminaries that the Jews have ever seen – such as Maimonides and Rashi – make their appearance during this time. But it is also a period […]
7017
Ep. 5: Chaos, Cataclysm and Consolidation: Jewish History in The Modern Era
Ep. 5: Chaos, Cataclysm and Consolidation: Jewish History in The Modern Era
Oct 2, 2016
1:23:08
The Modern Era was a whirlwind of activity for the Jewish people, not all of it positive. The story takes us to Tzfat in northern Israel where a unique community of Torah giants shape the future of our nation. It moves to Poland and the Ukraine where bands of cossacks slaughter and pillage the Jewish […]
7018
Ep. 5: Chaos, Cataclysm and Consolidation: Jewish History in The Modern Era
Ep. 5: Chaos, Cataclysm and Consolidation: Jewish History in The Modern Era
Oct 2, 2016
1:23:08
The Modern Era was a whirlwind of activity for the Jewish people, not all of it positive. The story takes us to Tzfat in northern Israel where a unique community of Torah giants shape the future of our nation. It moves to Poland and the Ukraine where bands of cossacks slaughter and pillage the Jewish […]
7019
Ep. 6: Great Jewish Personalities: Rabbi Akiva
Ep. 6: Great Jewish Personalities: Rabbi Akiva
Nov 2, 2016
51:02
Rabbi Akiva was one of the most legendary and heroic figures in Jewish history. His story and accomplishments continue to inspire. In this podcast we explore the remarkable and riveting life story of this great man. ———- This podcast was recorded live at the TORCH Centre in Houston, TX. Please visit torchweb.org for program details and to […]
7020
Ep. 6: Great Jewish Personalities: Rabbi Akiva
Ep. 6: Great Jewish Personalities: Rabbi Akiva
Nov 2, 2016
51:02
Rabbi Akiva was one of the most legendary and heroic figures in Jewish history. His story and accomplishments continue to inspire. In this podcast we explore the remarkable and riveting life story of this great man. ———- This podcast was recorded live at the TORCH Centre in Houston, TX. Please visit torchweb.org for program details and to […]
7021
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 […]
7022
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 […]
7023
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, […]
7024
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, […]
7025
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 […]
7026
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 […]
7027
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 […]
7028
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 […]
7029
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. […]
7030
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. […]
7031
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 […]
7032
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 […]
7033
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. – – – […]
7034
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. – – – […]
7035
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. […]
7036
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. […]
7037
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 […]
7038
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 […]
7039
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 […]
7040
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 […]
7041
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, […]
7042
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, […]
7043
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 […]
7044
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 […]
7045
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. – – – – […]
7046
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. – – – – […]
7047
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 […]
7048
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 […]
7049
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 […]
7050
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 […]
7051
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 […]
7052
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 […]
7053
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 […]
7054
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 […]
7055
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 […]
7056
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 […]
7057
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 […]
7058
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 […]
7059
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 […]
7060
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 […]
7061
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. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]
7062
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. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]
7063
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 […]
7064
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 […]
7065
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 […]
7066
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 […]
7067
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 […]
7068
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 […]
7069
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 […]
7070
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 […]
7071
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, […]
7072
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, […]
7073
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 […]
7074
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 […]
7075
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, […]
7076
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, […]
7077
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 […]
7078
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 […]
7079
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 […]
7080
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 […]
7081
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 […]
7082
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 […]
7083
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 […]
7084
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 […]
7085
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 […]
7086
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 […]
7087
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 […]
7088
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 […]
7089
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 […]
7090
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 […]
7091
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, […]
7092
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, […]
7093
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 – […]
7094
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 – […]
7095
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. […]
7096
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. […]
7097
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 […]
7098
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 […]
7099
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 […]
7100
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 […]