The Shema Podcast

101

And the Knowledge of Hashem will Flood the World

Apr 5, 2024

1:02:06

In our Tanach, Isaiah (Yeshayahu), describes that during the era of Moshiach, the earth will be as filled with the knowledge of Hashem, as the waters cover the sea. My dear friends and heroes, Bruce Licht and Ron Kardos, set out on an initiative to manifest this prophecy into reality. Their story and example are an inspiration to me and anyone who listens, to our responsibilities as Jews in this world. ★ Support this podcast ★

102

We Are All in Jewish Outreach Now with Tyler Scholl and Erica Harris

Mar 17, 2024

47:49

For millennia, the Jewish community has awaited the arrival of Moshiach, yearning for the Final Redemption and Hashem's ultimate revelation. Each day that this event does not unfold serves as a poignant reminder from our Creator that we, as a people, may not yet be prepared for such profound judgment. This shared spiritual destiny underscores a profound truth: we are intrinsically linked, rising and falling as one. Our collective responsibility to each other is both a privilege and a duty. In this compelling episode, we invite Tyler Scholl and Erica Harris to share their personal paths towards Torah observance. Their experiences shed light on the ways we can support one another in our shared mission to live up to the covenant established at Mt. Sinai. ★ Support this podcast ★

103

Finding the Hidden Sparks with Betty Givin

Mar 12, 2024

41:49

Aiding us in our endeavor to cleave to our Creator and continually ascend to great spiritual heights is the divine timeline throughout each year. In this episode we are joined by a dear friend, Betty Givin who recently published a book on this subject “Hidden Sparks – Beneath The Surface: An Inspirational Journey Through The Biblical Festivals.” Betty shares her insights for each auspicious time throughout the year and how we can each find our hidden sparks.Click here to order your copy of ”Hidden Sparks – Beneath The Surface: An Inspirational Journey Through The Biblical Festivals.” ★ Support this podcast ★

104

Creating a Mishkan within ourselves with Rabbi Daniel Cotlar

Feb 26, 2024

53:49

In the journey from Parsha Terumah to Pekudei, we are guided through the meticulous construction of the Mishkan— a sacred space that bridged the heavenly and earthly realms. While we long for the day the Mishkan will be physically reconstructed, our current diaspora challenges us to internalize this sanctuary, crafting a dwelling for the Divine within each of us. In this episode, we are joined by Rabbi Daniel Cotlar to share the Hasidic teachings that illuminate the path to embodying the essence of the Mishkan's components within ourselves. ★ Support this podcast ★

105

Building a Relationship between Emunah and Emes

Jan 29, 2024

36:49

In previous episodes, we've been charting a path through the stages of creation, starting from the initial desire of the Creator and then the Creation. The goal is to seek a deeper understanding of the significance of our current period of concealment and our role in the final revelation. To fully grasp this topic, it's essential to comprehend the connection each of us needs to establish between Emunah (faith) and Emes (truth). More succinctly, this involves our faithfulness to the truth. The final redemption depends on each individual building this relationship within themselves. ★ Support this podcast ★

106

Harnessing the Power of the Mind

Jan 9, 2024

41:34

Delving into the profound insights of Rabbi Akiva Tatz's "Living Inspired," this podcast explores the intricate workings of the human mind and its capabilities. We'll delve into how our mental faculties intertwine with our Neshama (soul) and true Daas (knowledge), providing listeners with a comprehensive toolkit for harnessing their mental power. This journey aims to empower individuals to bring their spiritually perfected selves into the physical realm, fulfilling their unique missions and potential. ★ Support this podcast ★

107

Cultivating the Garden of the Mind

Jan 1, 2024

41:32

In this episode, we delve into the profound impact our thoughts have on shaping our external world. Just like seeds that sprout and blossom, the notions we entertain in our minds can materialize into our physical reality. The role of the Yetzer Hara is to introduce detrimental, negative perceptions regarding ourselves, others, or various situations. If we dwell on these thoughts, it's akin to nurturing these seeds, allowing them to take root in our tangible world. I'll share a detailed routine and checklist I’ve been developing over the past year, aimed at ensuring one’s mind fosters only constructive thoughts. These thoughts are crucial in maximizing our potential in serving and loving Hashem with both aspects of our heart – the yetzer tov and the yetzer hara. ★ Support this podcast ★

108

There Can Be No Love without Fear

Dec 24, 2023

29:07

The concept that may be challenging for some Jewish individuals is the notion that in order to genuinely love Hashem, there must be an element of fear involved. In this episode, I delve into this subject by drawing parallels with the dynamics found in parent-child relationships and the bonds between spouses. My aim is to shed light on this topic in a manner that fosters a positive outlook and encourages the listener to embrace the commandment of fearing heaven and Hashem with a healthy perspective. ★ Support this podcast ★

109

Being a menorah with David Block

Dec 10, 2023

38:57

The annual Chanukah struggle endures for the Jewish people, representing our role as the illuminating force that communicates to the world the concept that nature serves as the garment through which our Creator engages with our reality, rather than an independent creation lacking a Creator. Contrary to the misconception that the Greek and Roman empires have ceased to exist, their ideologies persist as integral components of Western civilization, contributing to the exile experienced by many in the Jewish community today. In this installment, we are once again joined by David Block, back by popular demand, to explore how we can embody the radiant light of the menorah throughout the entire year, enlightening the world with the truth of our world and its Crea ★ Support this podcast ★

110

Our role in helping the IDF with Eytan Rund, IDF Intelligence Unit

Nov 16, 2023

51:46

We've dedicated numerous episodes to exploring our role as Jews in the spiritual struggle against evil. However, it's crucial to consider our hishtadlus (personal effort) in the physical realm of this battle. In this episode, we are privileged to gain insights from Eytan Rund, currently serving in the IDF's intelligence unit. He sheds light on our role and emphasizes the urgent need for Jews worldwide to contribute. Listening to Eytan has significantly altered my perspective on the current situation, and I believe it will have a similar impact on yours. If you're interested in supporting our IDF brothers and sisters engaged in a war that concerns us all, this episode is a must-listen. ★ Support this podcast ★

111

A Superhero Story featuring Evonne Marzouk

Nov 13, 2023

30:09

In the ongoing narrative of creation, now in its concluding chapters, the Jewish story is akin to that of a superhero. Ken Spiro, in his book "Destiny," highlights how the structure of any superhero tale mirrors that of the Jewish people. In this interview, I talk with Evonne Marzouk, the author of "The Prophetess." Through her novel, writings, and public speaking, she stands on the front lines, utilizing her extraordinary abilities in writing and speaking to evoke the hero within each of us.The present moment calls for us to embrace our unique strengths and encourage their emergence in our fellow Jews. By doing so, we can play our part in bringing the concluding episodes of the creation story to fruition, in alignment with the Creator's vision. Our collective aim is to rid the world of evil and restore it to a state of peace and harmony. This transformation will pave the way for the earthly realm to reflect the intended revelation of the Almighty, as envisioned from the outset of this grand narrative.Click here to order your copy of “The Prophetess,” by Evonne Mazouk in Kindle, Hardcover or Paperback. ★ Support this podcast ★

112

Stopping the fulfillment of a prophecy with Lieutenant Joe Mabry and Specialist Solomon Kullman

Oct 29, 2023

39:26

I initiated this podcast in 2020 after coming across a prophecy in the Zohar. It foretold a situation akin to how, during the Exodus, 80% of the Jews in Egypt were reluctant to join and preferred to remain in Egypt, ultimately leading to their perishing during the 9th plague of darkness. The prophecy suggested a similar scenario in the final redemption. However, when Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe enlightened me that negative prophecies can be averted, I made a commitment to play my part in reawakening Jews to the significance of their Torah and their pivotal role in repairing the world. In this episode, I am joined by two remarkable guests, Lieutenant Joe Mabry and Specialist Solomon Kullman, who are at the forefront of the effort to prevent the realization of this prophecy by guiding their fellow Jews back to Hashem and His Torah. ★ Support this podcast ★

113

Finding Connection in Ambiguity with Rabbi Pill

Oct 18, 2023

43:55

In previous episodes, I've discussed the idea that the purpose of Torah, mitzvos, and the various aspects of Halacha derived from the mitzvos is to expand and infuse into every facet of our lives, refining each moment into a binary choice to choose Hashem. However, this perspective is not entirely accurate as the realm of Halacha contains numerous uncertainties and consequently, divergent opinions. In this episode, I have the privilege of introducing you to the brilliant and insightful Rabbi Pill, who sheds light on the concept that those areas of ambiguity that Hashem deliberately wove into His Torah, serve as the very source of our most profound connection with Him. ★ Support this podcast ★

114

Seeing Holiness

Oct 13, 2023

24:33

Hashem created angles as purely spiritual and intellection beings, yet as static beings. He created animals simply that operate off instincts. Then He created mankind, the fusion of the two, so that mankind could choose to elevate themselves higher than an angle or devolve lower than that of an animal. After this last week of seeing evil men who have devolved precipitously below that of an animal, I wanted to give the listeners a way of seeing the other side of the spectrum in mankind. In this episode I allow you to see holiness. May it continue to flourish among the Jewish people until our holiness eradicates this evil in the world. ★ Support this podcast ★

115

Building Foundations with David Block

Sep 28, 2023

51:33

In this episode, we are honored to welcome David Block back to the show. Following our previous episode, where David shared his insights and questions, many of his family and friends have been curious about how to begin their journey with a few fundamental mitzvos. David and I delve into the motivations behind a Jew's desire to seek these recommendations, the fulfillment that mitzvos bring to a Jew, and the crucial bedrock for leading a life as a Jew with a deep connection to their Creator. ★ Support this podcast ★

116

Wielding the Sword of Prayer

Sep 14, 2023

22:30

In this episode, I delve into a profound teaching from Rabbi Nachman that underscores the importance of aligning our knowledge (Daas), compassion (Tiferes), and foundation (Yesod). This alignment serves as a powerful conduit for channeling blessings from Hashem into the world. It involves the skillful use of prayer, likened to a finely honed spiritual sword. These insights hold universal relevance and can guide us into the upcoming year, ensuring that you not only attract but also receive a bountiful supply of spiritual and material blessings for both you and your loved ones. ★ Support this podcast ★

117

Rosh Hashanah Roundtable with the TORCH Podcast Team

Sep 7, 2023

1:16:48

Being invited to join the TORCH Roundtable alongside the esteemed Rabbi Nagel, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe, and Rabbi Bucsko is consistently a profound honor for me. In this episode, our focus centers on the approaching Rosh Hashanah holiday. Once again, I had the privilege of gaining profound insights from these exceptional Rabbis regarding the rapidly approaching holiday. I enthusiastically encourage you to invest some time in listening to this conversation, as it promises to provide you with a similarly enlightening experience. ★ Support this podcast ★

118

Unifying K’lal Yisrael with David Block

Sep 4, 2023

45:40

In this episode, we have the pleasure of welcoming David Block, a fellow Torch Podcast listener who contacted me with a sincere desire to immerse himself in a Shabbos experience within our community. David's background is rooted in Reform Judaism, and he graciously shares his eye-opening experiences within our Torah-observant community, shedding light on some of the misconceptions he had about Judaism during his upbringing. David's aim is to impart the valuable insights he gained so that we may collectively move beyond the distinctions of Jewish denominations and foster a sense of unity among K'lal Yisrael. ★ Support this podcast ★

119

Creating Meaning from the Mundane

Aug 31, 2023

11:47

We need your help!! August is Podcast Improvement Month at TORCH ... Please help us improve at TORCHsurvey.comI have always struggled with moments in life where I had to wait, whether standing in a line, waiting in a doctor’s office or any situation where I felt like my time was being wasted. In this episode I share what I have learned on how to take these most mundane moments and transform them into the most meaningful moments of our life. ★ Support this podcast ★

120

Seeing Beyond the Veil of Nature

Aug 24, 2023

22:02

We need your help!! August is Podcast Improvement Month at TORCH ... Please help us improve at TORCHsurvey.comIn this episode, aided by the divine assistance of Hashem, I was able to realize my aspiration – one I previously discussed several episodes back – to recount moments when I perceived Hashem beyond the veil of nature. As I initially conveyed on an earlier podcast, drawing from the teachings of Rabbi Nachman, it is understood that the era of Moshiach will only manifest when we, the Jewish people, endeavor to inhabit this world with the mindset that His divine revelation is already here. ★ Support this podcast ★

121

Pregame Huddle for the Month of Elul with Coach Bucsko

Aug 13, 2023

46:51

We need your help!! August is Podcast Improvement Month at TORCH ... Please help us improve at TORCHsurvey.comDuring the month of Elul, the culmination of our efforts since our initial inspiration during Pesach takes root in our new foundation, becoming the platform for our next ascent to even greater achievements. This phase of the year marks an intimate connection with Hashem, who is readily available to guide us towards realizing our untapped potential. In this segment, we revisit the locker room with Coach Bucsko, as he readies us for the upcoming month of Elul and equips us with the strategies for success.This episode is in the merit of Yehuda Engelman, an exemplar of how to embody the principle of loving your fellow Jew as oneself. ★ Support this podcast ★

122

Knowing Your Story with Hashem

Aug 8, 2023

22:16

We need your help!! August is Podcast Improvement Month at TORCH ... Please help us improve at TORCHsurvey.comIn this episode, I recount a remarkable series of recent events that have imparted profound lessons on leading a meaningful and abundant life. My aspiration is that through hearing this, you'll feel motivated to share your own narratives with others. Each of us possesses a unique story, and by sharing it, we can ignite inspiration in others to do the same. Our current era, leading up to the arrival of Moshiach, is characterized by a heightened sense of Hashem's presence being concealed in the world. However, armed with Torah wisdom and the mutual encouragement we offer, we have the potential to transform this concealment into the most magnificent revelation of His existence. This is the mission of our generation—the catalyst for ushering in Moshiach. ★ Support this podcast ★

123

Pregame Huddle for the Month of Av with Rabbi “Coach” Buscko

Jul 18, 2023

41:20

Join us on this enlightening journey as Rabbi Busco educates us about the spiritual energy associated with the Jewish month of Av. We gain insights on how the events of each month, like the period of mourning during Av, reflect the spiritual energy it holds. Rabbi Busco helps us reevaluate our perception of Tisha B'Av, a time commonly associated with mourning and loss. We learn that it is an expression of love and should ideally be a time of celebration and joy, however our negative attitudes have distorted this, leading to mourning which is actually a recognition of the loss of God's presence in the world, brought about by our actions. This engaging discussion will make you see the importance of feeling the pain of being distant from Hashem, to tap into our souls and draw closer to him. Listen in as we decode this complex concept and be ready to transform your perspective on forgiveness, and love. ★ Support this podcast ★

124

If You Could Choose

Jul 2, 2023

19:35

Before my wife had her conversion roughly a year and a half ago, the Beis Din, had me go into the mikvah to have a conversion to remove all doubts. My great, great grandmother was born a non-Jew and adopted by a Jewish family as an infant and we wanted to remove any uncertainty on whether she was properly converted. For this conversion to remove all doubts to be effective, I had to contemplate that I was not a Jew and make the choice to remain a non-Jew or become a Jew. This was one of the most profound and important days of my life. In this episode I compare and contrast what those two paths look like and ask you the listener to contemplate being in a similar situation where you could choose. ★ Support this podcast ★

125

How About Them Apples?!

Jun 25, 2023

18:15

Being in a state of gratitude paves the way to experiencing joy and fostering a deep connection with Hashem. While it is so simple to achieve, it is so easy to forget, as the Yetzer Hara wants us to focus our attention on what we feel we are lacking. In this episode I share an experience that I like to reflect on regularly as it cemented into my mind the importance of being in a constant state of gratitude to our Creator. ★ Support this podcast ★

126

Shavuos Roundtable with the TORCH Podcast Team

May 21, 2023

1:06:07

It is always such a great honor for me to be asked to sit at the TORCH Roundtable with the great Rabbi Nagel, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe and Rabbi Bucsko. In this episode we discuss the upcoming holiday of Shavuos. As always I learned so much from these incredible Rabbis and feel more prepped and excited to receive my Torah this Shavuos. I highly recommend taking the time to listen in on this conversation as you will feel the same. ★ Support this podcast ★

127

Serving Hashem in Adversity with Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe

May 7, 2023

40:23

I have done many episodes on the subject of how to serve Hashem in the business world and other situations that pertain to my life experiences. However, I realized that we all have different situations that we find ourselves in. One situation that I thought was imperative to address is the situations our fellow Jews face serving in the military. I asked Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, the Rambo of Yiddishkeit, to join us and share Torah wisdom to our brothers and sister in the military and as you will hear, this is valuable information for all of us. This episode is dedicated in the merit of my nephew Shlomo Ben Dovid and all our fellow Jews serving in the military. May Hashem keep them all safe. ★ Support this podcast ★

128

I Will Do and I Will Hear with Scott Kammerman

Apr 26, 2023

52:29

We are all now in the process of preparing ourselves through the Counting of the Omer so we can receive our Torah at Shavuos. In this episode I asked my dear friend Scott Kammerman, the Spiritual Athlete, to join us and share his insights on what he has been learning and working on, to progress in his ongoing pursuit to grow in his service to the Almighty. I not only learned a great deal but was sincerely inspired by my friend who approaches each day with the drive of an Olympic athlete and seeing his geometric growth over the years as a result. ★ Support this podcast ★

129

Prepping for Sinai with Rabbi Bucsko (Rebroadcast)

Apr 9, 2023

47:30

It is now the Counting of the Omer. These 49 days between Pesach and Shavous create a bridge that allows one to leave their mental restrictions and move towards a more expanded consciousness. In this episode, Rabbi Chaim Buscko breaks down for us how to tap into the spiritual energies now present. By doing so, we will forge ourselves into vessels that will allow us to absorb the wisdom of Torah and catapult us to a higher level of closeness to our Creator. ★ Support this podcast ★

130

Tapping into the Energy of Pesach with Rabbi Wohlgelernter (Rebroadcast)

Apr 2, 2023

46:35

The weeks that lead up to Pesach/Passover, is the time to prepare ourselves to become a vessel to receive the influx of energy that G-d brings to the Jewish people. This is the energy that will propel us to greater heights of spirituality and provides us the opportunity to unleash ourselves from limited thought and connect more to our infinite Creator. In this amazing discussion with Rabbi Wohlgelernter he shares the techniques to prepare ourselves to connect to the power of Pesach and the ultimate time of renewal. ★ Support this podcast ★

131

Pesach Roundtable with the TORCH Podcast Team

Mar 24, 2023

56:44

In this episode my Rabbis and fellow TORCH Podcasters, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe and Rabbi Chaim Bucsko, have a engaging conversation around the upcoming holiday of Pesach. ★ Support this podcast ★

132

Matzah is the Red Pill with Rabbi Wohlgelernter

Mar 21, 2023

53:53

Pesach is rapidly approaching. It is the origin and foundation of the Jewish people. We have much symbolism we encounter at the Pesach Seder and while Matzah on one level is also symbolic, on a deeper level it is much more. Matzah eaten on Pesach, while avoiding Chametz (leavened bread), has inherent in its physical construct the ability to provide our bodies with the antidote to tear away the illusion of this world and infuse us with Emunah. Propelling our Emunah to new heights is what the Almighty is wanting to give us during this time of year, through a combination of spiritual energies from above and by us eating Matzah and contemplating that the Hashem that controlled all of nature during the Exodus, is our Hashem today. In this episode we are joined by the lovable and brilliant, Rabbi Wohlgelernter to teach us about the power of Matzah, our Red Pill. ★ Support this podcast ★

133

Being Frum in the Business World with David Goldman

Mar 17, 2023

43:24

One of the challenges in adapting Torah observance is learning how to be in and advance one’s career in the corporate world without comprising our service to Hashem. The outside world’s definition of a holiday is not remotely the same as what we call a holiday and our business colleagues, managers and clients have a difficult time understanding why we can’t come into the office or return a phone call or email on those days and once a week on Shabbos. We can’t dine with them at business lunches or dinners in their non-kosher restaurants and we have to make time in the afternoon to daven Mincha. In this episode we are joined by my friend David Goldman and we share our personal stories on how to navigate being frum in the business world. ★ Support this podcast ★

134

The Building Blocks of Creation with Rabbi Cohen

Mar 5, 2023

42:22

The Hebrew letters are the building blocks of creation. The Torah in Bereishis/Genesis describes G-d creating the world by speaking and those ten emanations from the Creator are continuing throughout time to recreate the worlds and everything in them, in every moment. However there is more to the Hebrew letters than just the sounds they represent as their shapes have tremendous spiritual energies as well. In this episode we are joined by Rabbi Yaakov Cohen and he shares his wisdom on this subject of the meaning of the shapes and sounds of the Hebrew letters, the building blocks of creation. ★ Support this podcast ★

135

Purim Roundtable with the TORCH Podcast Team

Feb 28, 2023

57:32

In this episode my Rabbis and fellow TORCH Podcasters, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe and Rabbi Chaim Bucsko, have a engaging conversation around the upcoming holiday of Purim. ★ Support this podcast ★

136

Strengthening Emunah in the Face of Tragedy with Rabbi Schusterman

Feb 13, 2023

47:07

Every morning and every night we are commanded to say the Shema prayer in order to internalize that Hashem created the world and is intimately involved with everything in our lives and that everything He does is for our good. This is the idea that He is One. But when tragedy hits, how does one continue to maintain and strengthen their Emunah and Bitachon? In this episode we are joined by Rabbi Gershon Schusterman, author of the book “Why God Why? How to Believe in Heaven when It Hurts Like Hell.” Rabbi Schusterman not only knows this subject academically, as a Rabbi, but through personal experience, as he had to endure earlier in his life, tragically and suddenly, losing his wife. There is tremendous wisdom in what he shares that is of tremendous benefit to all. ★ Support this podcast ★

137

The Business World – The Ultimate Venue for Developing Emunah (Rebroadcast)

Feb 5, 2023

32:51

In this discussion we delve into the amazing opportunities that our business endeavors provide to us in developing our understanding of Torah, strengthening our Emunah, and then using our Torah to unleash endless creativity and fearlessness in the marketplace. ★ Support this podcast ★

138

Debating (futilely) Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe (Rebroadcast)

Jan 29, 2023

1:11:13

In this episode I take my cherished friend and teacher, Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe, to task through a barrage of questions challenging him on Torah beliefs and philosophy. With his titan intellect, that was forged through a life dedicated to Torah study, he swatted away my arguments with eloquence, wisdom and humor, leaving me and the listener with a deeper appreciation and understanding of our Torah and heritage. ★ Support this podcast ★

139

TORCH Due Diligence with the YDH Investment Management Team

Jan 24, 2023

59:51

As the President of the Board of TORCH, one of my core responsibilities is to be the representative of the TORCH shareholders, aka the donors. This year instead of conducting my due diligence on my own I decided to go a different route. I not only brought in a team of stock analyst from YDH Investment Management to conduct the due diligence meeting but I recorded the meeting for our listeners and donors. Of course, any Q&A with Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe and Rabbi Chaim Bucsko always leads to learning Torah wisdom.https://torchweb.org/support.php ★ Support this podcast ★

140

The Holy Bris with Rabbi Cohen (For Men Only - Rebroadcast)

Jan 18, 2023

49:49

This important topic is for men only. Gentlemen, we have a sacred and eternal covenant with the Almighty, the Bris Milah. This contractual arrangement comes with ongoing responsibilities, that if violated will cause a breach of this Holy contract and make our Bris null and void. It is essential for us and the entire Jewish nation to keep our covenant. Tune in and learn from Rabbi Cohen as he discusses the Kabbalistic and Torah insights to the meaning of the Holy Bris. ★ Support this podcast ★

141

Closing the Revolving Door to Torah Judaism

Jan 8, 2023

43:40

Every Jew who was raised in the secular world can identify either grandparents, great grandparents or great-great grandparents that were Torah observant Jews. Somewhere along the way one generation taught to their children how to live as a Jew but not why we live as a Jew and why we know evidentially the divinity of our Torah. That generation then grows up and either in their lifetimes or their children's, they eventually leave Torah observant Judaism. Sadly this phenomena of the Revolving Door of Torah observant Judaism exist today. In this episode I asked Rabbi Nagel to join us and share his wisdom on how we can make the doorway to Torah Observant Judaism a one-way door in. ★ Support this podcast ★

142

The Halacha of Organ Donation with Rabbi Grossman

Jan 2, 2023

1:05:06

The Jewish people inherited the spiritual DNA of kindness from our forefather Avraham. It is in the moments when we are giving tzedakah, volunteering our time to help another or fulfilling the mitzvah of saving a life that we feel most aligned with our true selves. However with the subject of organ donations there are many halachic details that we need to be aware of in order to fulfill this mitzvah according to Hashem’s will. In this episode I have Rabbi Yossi Grossman, founder of the Jewish Ethics Institute to teach us what we need to know on this important topic. ★ Support this podcast ★

143

How to Achieve Prophecy with Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe

Dec 25, 2022

29:56

As we transitioned from the two thousand years of Torah and into the two thousand years of Moshiach, prophecy for the Jewish people waned away. We as a people had to adapt to a world where we could no longer ask our Creator via His prophets for guidance in our daily lives. However, the Almighty did leave in a place a means for Him to convey to us messages when he needs too, in order to keep us all on the proper path towards a successful life. In this episode I have the great Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on to discuss how we can achieve prophecy. ★ Support this podcast ★

144

It’s All About the Struggle with Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe

Dec 18, 2022

30:12

This was an impromptu episode. Rabbi Aryeh was in my office to record a podcast and before we began, I sought his council on a personal matter. It is a concern I have been struggling with for quite some time. I realized in that moment that the purpose of this podcast is to share my struggles and questions with you, so that we can all learn together. I hit the record button before I asked my question and I’m grateful that I did. I believe his words of wisdom can help all of us as we toil in Torah. ★ Support this podcast ★

145

Chanukah Roundtable with the TORCH Podcast Team

Dec 12, 2022

1:07:14

I had the great honor and privilege of participating in a roundtable discussion on Chanukah, at the TORCH Center with my Rabbis and fellow Torch Podcasters, Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Rabbi Yaakov Nagel and Rabbi Chaim Bucsko. The upcoming holiday of Chanukah will be so much richer for me as a result of learning from my beloved Rabbis and I know you will feel the same. ★ Support this podcast ★

146

To Be A Light Unto The Nations

Dec 9, 2022

18:45

Chanukah is a very special time of year for the Jewish people, so I wanted to bring on to the podcast 4 very special guest to share with us their wisdom on our holiday of Chanukah and the message the Almighty wants us to absorb and take with us throughout the year. ★ Support this podcast ★

147

Tearing Through the Illusion – Part II

Dec 4, 2022

46:35

Tearing Through the Illusion Part II The Almighty calls Shabbos a gift for the Jew. However, it is the most difficult mitzvah for a Jew to take upon themselves for the first time as one’s Yetzer Hara will use every tactic possible to dissuade them from doing so. In Part II of this episode I setup a panel discussion with Rabbi Bucsko and his students and we discuss the motivations for them wanting to keep Shabbos, the challenges associated with changing one’s lifestyle to observe this mitzvah and how to develop a personalized road map to receive the gift of Shabbos, that the Almighty is eagerly wanting to give to each of us. ★ Support this podcast ★

148

Rectifying the Erev Rav in Klal Yisrael with Rabbi Cohen

Nov 22, 2022

51:51

When B’nai Yisrael left Egypt, they were not alone. Pharoah had also sent out his people, the Erev Rav, the Mixed Multitude. Moshe Rabbeinu converts them to be part of the Jewish people and they became the instigators of the sin of the golden calf, complaining about lack of meat, water and more. The Erev Rav has since been interwoven into the fabric of Klal Yisrael in every generation since. In this episode we are joined by Rabbi Cohen to answer questions like who were these people that Pharoah sent out with us, what was their mission, who is their reincarnation in our current generation and how can we remedy the situation. Rabbi Cohen, drawing from sources in Tanach, Midrash and Zohar, shares amazing insights with powerful lessons and how we serve the Almighty in our current era and bring about the final redemption. ★ Support this podcast ★

149

Rationale Norms vs. Popular Norms with Rebbetzin Trepp

Nov 14, 2022

45:24

The problem with the secular world is that the behaviors that are considered “normal” have been in a constant state of fluctuation throughout human history. The reason for the constant state of change of which behaviors are “normal” is that they are determined by popularity rather than reason. In Torah Judaism, the behaviors we aspire to were dictated by our Creator and therefore what we consider to be normal behavior has been a constant for over 3300 years, since the receiving of the Torah. In this episode I ask Rebbetzin Trepp, all the questions that those that are new to Torah Judaism may be wanting to know, but are apprehensive to ask their Rabbis, either out of fear of offending or thinking the subject is taboo. Of course, there are no taboo subjects on the Shema Podcast. So no need to put yourself in an uncomfortable situation as you will get all of these answers on this episode. ★ Support this podcast ★

150

Living Inspired with Nissim Black (Rebroadcast)

Nov 10, 2022

33:43

A life centered around Torah is a life dedicated to perpetual transformation and with that comes struggles and challenges. Nissim Black is American-Israeli rapper who has achieved international stardom through his beautiful and inspiring music. His transformation to an Orthodox Jew and likewise the transformation of his music through this process is equally inspiring. He is a Tzadik and a role model for the Jewish people. In this episode, I talk with Nissim Black, and learn about how to grow through living inspired. ★ Support this podcast ★

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