Popular Shows by Gedalya Folk Rock Rabbi גדליה פולק רוק רבי

Every song has a story. In this first episode of The Stories Behind the Songs, Gedalya, the Folk Rock Rabbi, shares the inspiration behind “Just One Cigarette” — a song that uses smoking as an analogy for the excuses we all make when we know something isn’t good for us. This is not a song about judging others. It’s about looking honestly at ourselves and recognizing the moments when we say, “just this once,” even when we know that excuse can lead us back again and again. Discover the story, the message, and the deeper meaning behind the music. -Folk Rock Rabbi If this story resonated with you, I'd love for you to listen to "Just One Cigarette" on Spotify. 🎵 Pre-Save "Just One Cigarette" on Spotify! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gedalyafolkrockrabbi.substack.com

Have you ever made the same mistake so many times that you began to wonder if you’ll ever change? In this episode, Rabbi Gedalya Sloshay explores the connection between free will, self-knowledge, and our personal mission in life. Drawing on the Rambam, the Ramban, the Zohar, and Rabbi Dessler, he considers how even sincere people can make mistakes—and how recognizing our weaknesses can help us grow rather than lead us to despair. The central idea is simple but powerful: The knowledge of a weakness can either become a verdict against the self or a guide to the self’s work. Discover how a more honest understanding of yourself can become the beginning of meaningful spiritual growth -The Jewish Wisdom Well Get full access to The Jewish Wisdom Well at thejewishwisdomwell.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Gedalya, the Folk Rock Rabbi, introduces his new album, Constant Running River, and shares the inspiration behind its title and message. Drawing on the image of a person alone in a boat on a vast ocean, he explores the idea that each of us carries a deep well of wisdom within—but life’s distractions, fears, pride, and struggles often keep us from reaching it. This episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with that inner source. It also offers a preview of the songs on the album, which explore themes of faith, humility, hope, compassion, prison outreach, and the search for meaning. Over the coming weeks, each episode will take listeners behind another song, revealing the stories and life experiences that shaped the music. Whether you’re discovering the album for the first time or looking for a deeper understanding of its message, this is where the journey begins. Click to listen to the new album on Spotify! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gedalyafolkrockrabbi.substack.com

In this episode, I think out loud about one of the fascinating passages in this week’s parsha: the Torah’s discussion of appointing a king “like all the nations around me.” Why would the Jewish people look to the nations for something they wanted? Perhaps the answer begins with the idea that Chochmah ba’umot ta’amin — there is wisdom among the nations. We can recognize wisdom outside of Torah without simply adopting the worldview that produced it. From there, I explore why the Torah says that Hashem will choose the king, yet also specifically tells us that he cannot be a foreigner. Why not choose someone who already has years of experience being a king? And once the Torah establishes kingship, why does it place so many restrictions on the king’s horses, wives, wealth, and relationship to Torah? Perhaps the answer is that Torah doesn’t reject the wisdom of leadership. It transforms it. The nations may teach us that a nation needs a king. Torah teaches us that even the king needs a King. -The Jewish Wisdom Well This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thejewishwisdomwell.substack.com

In this week's Jewish Wisdom Well podcast, we explore a powerful idea from Parshat Ki Seitzei: sometimes the strongest desires we experience can make it difficult to see where our choices are leading. Through Torah insights, reflections on human nature, and stories from my work visiting people in prison, I explore the difference between immediate gratification and lasting happiness—and the importance of asking one simple question before we choose: Where does this road lead? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thejewishwisdomwell.substack.com

What happens when we understand something intellectually, but it hasn’t yet reached our hearts? While learning Rabbi Eliyahu Dessler’s thoughts on Sukkot, I was struck by the idea that Hashem gives us the knowledge and recognition we need—but we still have to make the small opening ourselves. We learn, we think, we try to understand, even when we don’t feel inspired. And then, in that small opening, Hashem can do what we cannot do on our own. -The Jewish Wisdom Well This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thejewishwisdomwell.substack.com

What happens when the demands, customs, expectations, and routines of Jewish life begin to feel overwhelming or disconnected from the heart? This episode is not about creating a Judaism that suits us better or choosing which parts of Torah we want to keep. It is about something more personal: recognizing that the Torah contains what every soul needs to come closer to Hashem, while each of us has different strengths, struggles, and capacities. Sometimes doing a little with genuine intention can bring us closer to Hashem than doing a great deal while feeling completely disconnected. The goal isn’t to compare ourselves with others, abandon our traditions, or stop growing. It’s to honestly recognize who we are, do as much of the right things as we are capable of doing, and keep moving toward Hashem. A personal reflection inspired by an unexpected moment during Hoshana Rabbah—and by the question of how we can remain inwardly alive while living within a rich and demanding religious tradition. -The Jewish Wisdom Well Get full access to The Jewish Wisdom Well at thejewishwisdomwell.substack.com/subscribe

A conversation about a friend named Robert Kaplan who believed that the real artist might be the one nobody knows—and a photograph he once refused to take because I posed for it. That memory has stayed with me as I’ve thought about my own journey through music and Torah. My music has always come from a sincere place, but I’ve also wanted recognition for it. When I began learning Torah, I found myself wanting something very different: to disappear from the noise and simply learn. But perhaps the tension between those two worlds is itself part of the work. Maybe shelo lishmah—doing something not entirely for the sake of Heaven—doesn’t mean we suddenly become pure. Maybe it means becoming honest enough to recognize the parts of ourselves that still want to be seen, so that we can slowly work on them. And maybe sometimes the things we are still struggling with can help us become more aware of ourselves in the things we hope to keep pure. -The Jewish Wisdom Well Get full access to The Jewish Wisdom Well at thejewishwisdomwell.substack.com/subscribe

It’s easy to look back at the generation of Noah and wonder how people could have ignored the warnings around them. But how often do we repeat the same mistakes, resist admitting we’re wrong, or fail to learn from our own experiences? In this Folk Rock Rabbi podcast, I reflect on the lessons Hashem gives us through life and ask a question worth thinking about: Are we willing to let what we’ve learned change us? In the Days of Noah - Lyrics In the days of Noah everybody laughedThey all said Noah why you are building that raftNo one listened to what he said till it was too late cause made their bedsAnd down came the rain upon their heads Nobody believed there’s a G-D in heaven watching over usHe was giving them time to change they kept playing their stone-age gamesWhat would you have done in the days of Noah? In the times of now does anybody prayOr does everyone just think everything will be okWe’ve had signs and indications our cell phones send us notificationsThey were primitive but we’ve got innovations But nobody believes there’s a G-D in heaven watching over usHe’s giving us time to change we keep playing our space-age gamesAll but updated from the days of Noah There may never be another flood or a generation of peace and loveBut don’t call me a stick in the mud But nobody believes there’s a G-D in heaven watching over usHe’s giving us time to change we keep playing our space-age gamesAll but updated from the days of Noah Give “Days of Noah” a Listen 🎧 I hope you’ll take a few minutes to listen to my song, In the Days of Noah. Maybe you’ll hear something in it that speaks to you, brings a new thought to mind, or makes you look at an old story in a new way. I’d love for you to give it a listen! Listen on Spotify: -The Jewish Wisdom Well (with Gedalya Folk Rock Rabbi) Get full access to The Jewish Wisdom Well at thejewishwisdomwell.substack.com/subscribe

Join me on the road through Virginia as I visit correctional facilities with A New Song USA, sharing original music, personal stories, and messages of hope. Along the way, I discover that the impact of music isn't always measured by applause, that sometimes silence speaks volumes, and that every moment offers another opportunity to make a different choice. From the prison walls to the surrounding community, this journey is a reminder that music can connect us, lift us, and help us write a new song. -A New Song USA Get full access to A New Song USA Substack at anewsongusa.substack.com/subscribe

What does it mean to be truly known? In Parshas Lech Lecha, Rashi explains that Hashem’s promise to Avraham included a remarkable blessing: “I will make your nature known throughout the world.” But what makes this blessing so meaningful? We often judge people by their appearance, background, beliefs, or circumstances. We may never discover the goodness, depth, and potential that lie beneath the surface. And sometimes, we become so concerned with how others see us that we lose sight of who we really are. In this episode, I explore an original thought inspired by Rashi’s words: perhaps one of the greatest blessings is not simply that the world knows our name, but that it comes to recognize the goodness Hashem placed within us. Through Avraham’s journey, a personal reflection on my own unexpected path from pursuing music in Florida to discovering a deeper spiritual purpose in New York, and the question of how we see the people around us, we explore what it means to be truly seen—and to truly see others. Because the world doesn’t only need more people trying to be seen. It needs more people willing to truly see. -The Jewish Wisdom Well Get full access to The Jewish Wisdom Well at thejewishwisdomwell.substack.com/subscribe

Why does Moshe Rabbeinu begin his heartfelt prayer with a request for a "free gift"? Rashi teaches that even the righteous never ask Hashem based on what they deserve, but only through His kindness. In this episode, we explore a question that initially puzzled me: if Hashem says, "I will show favor to whom I will show favor," doesn't that still imply that some people are worthy of receiving His favor? Following Rashi's insight leads us to a deeper understanding of prayer, Moshe's extraordinary humility, and the realization that the purpose of prayer is not to control the outcome, but to learn how to stand before Hashem with truth, gratitude, and trust. -The Jewish Wisdom Well Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to The Jewish Wisdom Well at thejewishwisdomwell.substack.com/subscribe

Why would a loving G-d allow us to experience rebuke or hardship? Drawing from a powerful insight by Rabbi Noach Weinberg and the timeless wisdom of Parshas Eikev, this episode explores the Torah's view of discipline as an expression of love rather than rejection. Through personal stories, biblical wisdom, and reflections on our generation's search for meaning, we discover how every challenge can become an invitation to reconnect with our purpose—and why the days ahead hold extraordinary hope for all humanity. Get full access to The Jewish Wisdom Well at thejewishwisdomwell.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Jewish Wisdom Well Podcast, Gedalya reflects on a powerful lesson about influence, parenting, and passing values from one generation to the next. Sharing a personal story from a journey through Poland, he explores the idea that the deepest lessons in life are not only taught through words—they are transmitted through example. Drawing from a timeless Torah insight about "seeing" rather than merely hearing, this episode asks an important question: What do people see when they look at the way we live? Get full access to The Jewish Wisdom Well at thejewishwisdomwell.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I think out loud about one of the fascinating passages in this week’s parsha: the Torah’s discussion of appointing a king “like all the nations around me.” Why would the Jewish people look to the nations for something they wanted? Perhaps the answer begins with the idea that Chochmah ba’umot ta’amin — there is wisdom among the nations. We can recognize wisdom outside of Torah without simply adopting the worldview that produced it. From there, I explore why the Torah says that Hashem will choose the king, yet also specifically tells us that he cannot be a foreigner. Why not choose someone who already has years of experience being a king? And once the Torah establishes kingship, why does it place so many restrictions on the king’s horses, wives, wealth, and relationship to Torah? Perhaps the answer is that Torah doesn’t reject the wisdom of leadership. It transforms it. The nations may teach us that a nation needs a king. Torah teaches us that even the king needs a King. -The Jewish Wisdom Well Get full access to The Jewish Wisdom Well at thejewishwisdomwell.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Jewish Wisdom Well, inspired by Parshas Vayeira, we explore the relationship between our own experiences and our ability to recognize the struggles of others. Through Avraham Avinu’s extraordinary hospitality, a teaching from Rabbi Eliyahu Dessler, and a personal story about helping a child find meaning in a painful experience, we consider the difference between compassion and chesed—kindness that comes from a deeper desire to give. Can the discomfort we feel when witnessing another person’s suffering become the beginning of something greater? And how can we turn our own difficult experiences into a greater sensitivity to the needs of others? Our experiences don’t automatically make us more compassionate. But when we learn from them, they can help us see beyond our own circumstances and recognize the humanity in someone else’s. A reflection on Torah, personal growth, and the possibility of becoming more caring through the road each of us travels. -The Jewish Wisdom Well Get full access to The Jewish Wisdom Well at thejewishwisdomwell.substack.com/subscribe

Although Beyond the Bars often highlights my experiences bringing music to prisons, this podcast is also about what happens beyond those moments—about my journey as a songwriter, storyteller, and someone striving to share light in the world. In this Songs Revisited episode, I share the inspiration and story behind “A Song Is Born,” exploring how the creative process and real-life reflections come together in my music. Whether I’m performing behind the bars or out on the road, these songs and stories are all part of my mission to spread hope and meaning. Listen in for a fresh perspective and a deeper connection to the heart of the song. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thejewishwisdomwell.substack.com

Holding On to a Vision Why Inspiration Alone Is Never Enough Sometimes, a melody holds more than just notes—it carries a vision. In this podcast, I reflect on a recent voice recording and share the lyrics to “Holding on to a Vision,” a song born out of moments of clarity, struggle, and hope. I invite you to read, listen, and maybe even find your own vision within the lines. When the Flame Flickers: Holding on to a Vision Through Highs and Lows In life, it’s easy to let go of things — goals, dreams, even who we thought we were meant to be. But sometimes, the most powerful journey we take is the one that calls us to hold on a little longer. This idea lies at the heart of a song I wrote years ago called Holding on to a Vision. And just recently, I found myself reflecting again on where that song came from — and what it still teaches me. The Song That Spoke Before Its Time Holding On to a Vision wasn’t born from triumph. It came from a moment of struggle — when I was uncertain about the direction I was heading, yet something inside told me not to give up. I didn’t write the song because I had everything figured out. I wrote it because I needed the reminder myself. It was as if the song spoke before I fully understood what it was trying to tell me. Back then, the mission of A New Song USA was just beginning to unfold. I had only started visiting prisons and performing for people society had pushed to the edges. I was searching for the right words and the right way to give something real. That search — and the resistance I felt at times, both internal and external — is what shaped the song. And now, all these years later, it feels more relevant than ever. Letting the Vision Grow with You What I’ve come to realize is that a true vision isn’t something that stays locked in time. It grows with you. It challenges you. And it waits for you to catch up. Sometimes we’re quick to abandon our path the moment it doesn’t look the way we expected. We think the vision must have been wrong — or that we’re no longer capable of carrying it. But what if that vision was right, and it’s just waiting for us to grow into it? This is why I still sing Holding on to a Vision. Because even today, there are moments when I need that message again — to hold on, to believe, and to keep showing up with whatever strength I have in that moment. Whether I’m singing for a crowd or sharing a story in a small room, I try to remember the heart of it all: connection, truth, and the refusal to let hope fade. Sometimes the clearest truths come not when we’re standing on a mountaintop, but when we’re deep in the valley, trying to remember why we started climbing in the first place. So, if you're feeling like your vision has slipped away, I hope these words — and maybe the song — remind you that it’s still there. Maybe it’s just waiting for you to meet it again. “Holding on to a vision it gets clearer every day Don’t rely on inspiration because it fades away.” If this song resonates with you… Music is not only meant to be heard — it’s meant to be shared. If you feel a connection to “Holding on to a Vision” and see a way this song could take on a life beyond this page — in a project, a performance, or even your own personal soundtrack — feel free to reach out.

Although Beyond the Bars often highlights my experiences bringing music to prisons, this podcast is also about what happens beyond those moments—about my journey as a songwriter, storyteller, and someone striving to share light in the world. In this Songs Revisited episode, I share the inspiration and story behind “A Song Is Born,” exploring how the creative process and real-life reflections come together in my music. Whether I’m performing behind the bars or out on the road, these songs and stories are all part of my mission to spread hope and meaning. Listen in for a fresh perspective and a deeper connection to the heart of the song.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of visiting Haynesville Correctional Center in Virginia. The trip was smooth, the weather beautiful — a blessing I always appreciate. Sometimes, it’s the little things, like good weather, that remind us to be grateful for every moment. Upon arrival, I went through the usual security checks. Funny enough, I didn’t realize how much trouble a small Ricola candy could cause! I had one in my pocket to soothe my throat for singing,  but it delayed me quite a bit. Lesson learned: no Ricola candies in prisons!   Setting up my equipment was surprisingly relaxing. I took my time, tuning the sound, and was pleased with how it turned out. Good sound truly inspires me, and I was happy to share my music with a great group of men. I started with my song A Song is Born, followed by a few guitar pieces including my new song The World is Still the Same. We discussed how the world feels different today, and I opened the floor for questions. The conversation naturally turned to spirituality. Everyone agreed that people are becoming more spiritual, especially those who have time to reflect, like the men in the room. One of the most profound moments was when we talked about acts of kindness. It struck me how central kindness is to positive change. Being givers rather than takers is truly at the root of healing and growth. One man shared how he ran a store and always greeted customers warmly, trying to make them feel good. Another spoke about practicing patience — an act of kindness that requires giving of oneself. A third shared a humorous story about smiling and waving when someone gave him the finger in traffic — a small but powerful act of kindness that brought laughter to the room. After about two hours of music and conversation, the event ended with many blessings and well wishes for a safe trip home and success in spreading my music. If you’re reading this and feel inspired, I encourage you to share a song with a positive message or perform an act of kindness today. Together, our individual actions can make the world a little better. I’m Gedalya, the Folk Rock Rabbi, and I’m on a mission to spread good vibes and stories through music. If you’re in any city I visit, let me know — I’d love to host a home concert and share more experiences. Next stop: State Farm Correctional Center in Virginia. Stay tuned for more stories and songs.

As I stood in front of a room full of inmates, guitar in hand, I couldn't help but feel the weight of their expectations. Here I was, an Orthodox Jew, about to perform folk-rock music in a prison library for all faiths. To say that I looked a bit out of place might be an understatement. But as soon as I strummed the first chord and began to sing, something magical happened. The tension in the room melted away, and I felt a connection with the audience that transcended our different worlds. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thejewishwisdomwell.substack.com

Holding On to a Vision Why Inspiration Alone Is Never Enough Sometimes, a melody holds more than just notes—it carries a vision. In this podcast, I reflect on a recent voice recording and share the lyrics to “Holding on to a Vision,” a song born out of moments of clarity, struggle, and hope. I invite you to read, listen, and maybe even find your own vision within the lines. When the Flame Flickers: Holding on to a Vision Through Highs and Lows In life, it’s easy to let go of things — goals, dreams, even who we thought we were meant to be. But sometimes, the most powerful journey we take is the one that calls us to hold on a little longer. This idea lies at the heart of a song I wrote years ago called Holding on to a Vision. And just recently, I found myself reflecting again on where that song came from — and what it still teaches me. The Song That Spoke Before Its Time Holding On to a Vision wasn’t born from triumph. It came from a moment of struggle — when I was uncertain about the direction I was heading, yet something inside told me not to give up. I didn’t write the song because I had everything figured out. I wrote it because I needed the reminder myself. It was as if the song spoke before I fully understood what it was trying to tell me. Back then, the mission of A New Song USA was just beginning to unfold. I had only started visiting prisons and performing for people society had pushed to the edges. I was searching for the right words and the right way to give something real. That search — and the resistance I felt at times, both internal and external — is what shaped the song. And now, all these years later, it feels more relevant than ever. Letting the Vision Grow with You What I’ve come to realize is that a true vision isn’t something that stays locked in time. It grows with you. It challenges you. And it waits for you to catch up. Sometimes we’re quick to abandon our path the moment it doesn’t look the way we expected. We think the vision must have been wrong — or that we’re no longer capable of carrying it. But what if that vision was right, and it’s just waiting for us to grow into it? This is why I still sing Holding on to a Vision. Because even today, there are moments when I need that message again — to hold on, to believe, and to keep showing up with whatever strength I have in that moment. Whether I’m singing for a crowd or sharing a story in a small room, I try to remember the heart of it all: connection, truth, and the refusal to let hope fade. Sometimes the clearest truths come not when we’re standing on a mountaintop, but when we’re deep in the valley, trying to remember why we started climbing in the first place. So, if you're feeling like your vision has slipped away, I hope these words — and maybe the song — remind you that it’s still there. Maybe it’s just waiting for you to meet it again. “Holding on to a vision it gets clearer every day Don’t rely on inspiration because it fades away.” If this song resonates with you… Music is not only meant to be heard — it’s meant to be shared. If you feel a connection to “Holding on to a Vision” and see a way this song could take on a life beyond this page — in a project, a performance, or even your own personal soundtrack — feel free to reach out. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thejewishwisdomwell.substack.com

Art has always been one of humanity’s greatest tools. A song, a story, or a work of creativity can reach places inside a person that ordinary words sometimes cannot. But every tool carries responsibility. In this episode of the A New Song USA Podcast, I reflect on the purpose of art and the incredible opportunity we have to use our gifts to bring hope, encouragement, and positive change into the world. This is not a conversation about judging others or pretending that any of us have everything figured out. We are all on a journey of growth. The question is not whether we are perfect, but whether we are moving in the right direction. Through my experiences with A New Song USA and bringing music into correctional facilities, I have seen that people are capable of change when they are met with hope instead of condemnation. Art can simply entertain us—but it can also inspire us, teach us, and remind us of our ability to become something greater. The question is: What are we using this powerful tool to create? If you believe in the power of music to inspire change and bring hope to people who need it most, I invite you to support A New Song USA and become part of this mission. -A New Song Get full access to A New Song USA Substack at anewsongusa.substack.com/subscribe

Yesterday, I had the privilege of visiting Haynesville Correctional Center in Virginia. The trip was smooth, the weather beautiful — a blessing I always appreciate. Sometimes, it’s the little things, like good weather, that remind us to be grateful for every moment. Upon arrival, I went through the usual security checks. Funny enough, I didn’t realize how much trouble a small Ricola candy could cause! I had one in my pocket to soothe my throat for singing,  but it delayed me quite a bit. Lesson learned: no Ricola candies in prisons!   Setting up my equipment was surprisingly relaxing. I took my time, tuning the sound, and was pleased with how it turned out. Good sound truly inspires me, and I was happy to share my music with a great group of men. I started with my song A Song is Born, followed by a few guitar pieces including my new song The World is Still the Same. We discussed how the world feels different today, and I opened the floor for questions. The conversation naturally turned to spirituality. Everyone agreed that people are becoming more spiritual, especially those who have time to reflect, like the men in the room. One of the most profound moments was when we talked about acts of kindness. It struck me how central kindness is to positive change. Being givers rather than takers is truly at the root of healing and growth. One man shared how he ran a store and always greeted customers warmly, trying to make them feel good. Another spoke about practicing patience — an act of kindness that requires giving of oneself. A third shared a humorous story about smiling and waving when someone gave him the finger in traffic — a small but powerful act of kindness that brought laughter to the room. After about two hours of music and conversation, the event ended with many blessings and well wishes for a safe trip home and success in spreading my music. If you’re reading this and feel inspired, I encourage you to share a song with a positive message or perform an act of kindness today. Together, our individual actions can make the world a little better. I’m Gedalya, the Folk Rock Rabbi, and I’m on a mission to spread good vibes and stories through music. If you’re in any city I visit, let me know — I’d love to host a home concert and share more experiences. Next stop: State Farm Correctional Center in Virginia. Stay tuned for more stories and songs. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thejewishwisdomwell.substack.com

Dear friends, As Chanukah approaches, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to bring honor to Hashem in a world where His presence often feels hidden. The Drashos HaRan writes that there is a special greatness in those who stay loyal to Torah and Mitzvos specifically in exile. When the world is noisy, when distractions are everywhere, choosing Hashem becomes a powerful declaration of the soul. This Chanukah, I want to invite you to try a small but meaningful practice. When you light your menorah, hold the flame to the wick a few seconds longer than usual. Watch how the fire doesn’t just catch the outside of the wick but slowly reaches inside — until the inner fibers begin to burn on their own. That moment is a symbol of what we’re trying to do spiritually: To let the light of Torah go beyond the surface of our lives and reach the place that can truly change us. When you’re lighting this year, try this simple prayer: “Hashem, let this light reach deeper. Let it illuminate the part of me that wants to grow. Let me bring honor to You even in a hidden world.” Wishing you a meaningful, uplifting, and light-filled Chanukah. Warmly, Gedalya — The Folk Rock Rabbi This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thejewishwisdomwell.substack.com

This week’s reflection began as an article I wrote for the Nine Days. As I continued thinking about it, I realized there were questions I couldn’t fit onto the page—questions about memory, suffering, gratitude, and hope. In this first episode of Jewish Wisdom Well, I’d like to share those reflections with you in a more personal way. My hope isn’t to answer prophetic questions or offer certainty where our great sages have exercised humility. Rather, it’s to explore how we experience suffering, how easily we become accustomed to both pain and blessing, and how the Nine Days invite us to see our history—and our present—with fresh eyes. Whether you’re listening on a walk, driving to work, or sitting quietly with a cup of coffee, thank you for joining me. I hope this conversation brings you a little closer to the hope that has sustained our people through every generation. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. What helps you balance mourning with hope during the Nine Days? -The Jewish Wisdom Well This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thejewishwisdomwell.substack.com

Why does Moshe Rabbeinu begin his heartfelt prayer with a request for a "free gift"? Rashi teaches that even the righteous never ask Hashem based on what they deserve, but only through His kindness. In this episode, we explore a question that initially puzzled me: if Hashem says, "I will show favor to whom I will show favor," doesn't that still imply that some people are worthy of receiving His favor? Following Rashi's insight leads us to a deeper understanding of prayer, Moshe's extraordinary humility, and the realization that the purpose of prayer is not to control the outcome, but to learn how to stand before Hashem with truth, gratitude, and trust. -The Jewish Wisdom Well Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thejewishwisdomwell.substack.com

Why would a loving G-d allow us to experience rebuke or hardship? Drawing from a powerful insight by Rabbi Noach Weinberg and the timeless wisdom of Parshas Eikev, this episode explores the Torah's view of discipline as an expression of love rather than rejection. Through personal stories, biblical wisdom, and reflections on our generation's search for meaning, we discover how every challenge can become an invitation to reconnect with our purpose—and why the days ahead hold extraordinary hope for all humanity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thejewishwisdomwell.substack.com

In this episode, we explore a subtle but powerful difference in the Torah’s language about blessing and curse. When speaking about blessing, the Torah says simply, “if you listen.” But when speaking about the opposite, it adds an extra phrase: “and you turn away.” What does that teach us? Perhaps that there is a profound difference between struggling and giving up, between stumbling and walking in the opposite direction. We all make mistakes, but as long as our hearts still seek truth, growth, and closeness to Hashem, we have not turned away. This is an episode about hope, compassion, and the remarkable kindness built into the Torah’s view of human beings. Because blessing is not reserved for perfect people—it is also for those who keep trying, keep returning, and keep facing the right direction. -The Jewish Wisdom Well This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thejewishwisdomwell.substack.com

Why does idol worship seem so unimaginable today? Drawing on the teachings of Rabbi Eliyahu Eliezer Dessler, this episode explores how the obvious forms of idolatry disappeared, while the deeper challenge of mistaking created things for the ultimate source of power remains. Together we'll look at technology, success, money, and human achievement through a Torah perspective, discovering how to see the Creator behind His creation. -The Jewish Wisdom Well This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thejewishwisdomwell.substack.com

In this episode of the Jewish Wisdom Well Podcast, Gedalya reflects on a powerful lesson about influence, parenting, and passing values from one generation to the next. Sharing a personal story from a journey through Poland, he explores the idea that the deepest lessons in life are not only taught through words—they are transmitted through example. Drawing from a timeless Torah insight about "seeing" rather than merely hearing, this episode asks an important question: What do people see when they look at the way we live? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thejewishwisdomwell.substack.com

For many years, I was simply a songwriter trying to put something positive into the world. I wasn’t chasing fame, fortune, or record deals. I believed music could help people, even if I didn’t fully understand how. That journey eventually led me toward a deeper spiritual life and a growing realization that art carries responsibility. Today, through A New Song USA, I bring original music and messages of hope to people who are often forgotten, including those living behind prison walls. In this first episode, I share my personal story, the values behind the organization, and why I believe every artist has the power to make a difference. Geoffrey Sloshay Director A New Song USA Get full access to A New Song USA Substack at anewsongusa.substack.com/subscribe