The Shema Podcast

151

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 ★

152

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 ★

153

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 ★

154

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 ★

155

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 ★

156

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 ★

157

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 ★

158

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 ★

159

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 ★

160

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 ★

161

Tearing Through the Illusion – Part I

Nov 1, 2022

30:22

The greatest mitzvah for a Jew to connect with their Creator is by keeping Shabbos. However, it is the most difficult mitzvah for a Jew to take upon themselves. The reason for its difficulty has nothing to do with the complexities of the halacha but with the fact that the Jew’s Yetzer Hara does not want to give up this beachhead. It will use every measure and tactic possible to keep a Jew from observing this mitzvah. In the episode I discuss the reason the Yetzer Hara goes Defcon 1 on this matter which simultaneously reveals why it is so important for a Jew. The reality is that the arguments of the Yetzer Hara on why one should not keep Shabbos are the exact reasons why a Jew should keep Shabbos. ★ Support this podcast ★

162

In The Sukkah with the TORCH Podcast Team

Oct 13, 2022

1:07:55

I had the great honor and privilege of participating in a roundtable discussion on Succos, in Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe’s beautiful Sukkah, with my Rabbis and fellow Torch Podcasters, Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Rabbi Yaakov Nagel and Rabbi Chaim Bucsko. As always, I gained so much from hearing these amazing Rabbi’s insights, walking away with a heightened sense of understanding and appreciation of the festival of Succos. ★ Support this podcast ★

163

Returning to our Source (Rebroadcast)

Oct 3, 2022

1:04:03

The Almighty desires for us to continually strengthen ourselves spiritually so that we can grow closer to Him. Just like a weightlifter intentionally exhausts their muscles under the weights they are lifting so that their muscles will tear and then be rebuilt to be stronger, the Almighty created a framework for us to do the same spiritually. He orchestrates events which create tests for us. Tests to challenge and strengthen ourselves. Even through sin, followed by teshuva, we rebuild ourselves by returning to our source, creating ourselves anew and as a better version than we were prior. In this episode, Rabbi Buscko goes deep into how we can use the gift of Yom Kippur to successfully accomplish this task. ★ Support this podcast ★

164

The Time to Recalibrate with Rabbi Ari Winkler

Sep 11, 2022

45:45

We are deep in the month of Elul and rapidly approaching Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. I asked my dear friend Rabbi Ari Winkler to join us and teach us, how to optimize this time of year to recalibrate ourselves back to who we truly are so we can bring greater alignment between us and our Infinite and Eternal Creator, our Father, our King. ★ Support this podcast ★

165

The Reality Behind Self-Aware A.I. with Rabbi Bucsko

Sep 2, 2022

40:04

Recently in the news it was reported that an engineer from Google, tasked with developing Artificial Intelligence or A.I., asserted that the A.I. had become self-aware. This idea has been the storyline for a litany of sci-fi movies for decades. In this episode we are joined by the great and awesome, “Average Rabbi,” Rabbi Bucsko to explore this topic with us through the lens of Torah. ★ Support this podcast ★

166

Building A Foundation of Torah with Rabbi Bucsko and Joe Amar

Aug 2, 2022

55:45

In this episode I have on Rabbi Bucsko, aka “The Average Rabbi” and Joe Amar aka “The Exceptional Student” to discuss their new podcast where they are studying in classic teacher student format the foundational book of my learning, Derech Hashem (The Way of G-d) by Rabbi Luzzatto. We discuss the book, its author Rabbi Luzzatto, the impact its wisdom has had on our lives and more. If you have studied this book before or have not, you will want to listen to this conversation and subscribe to their new Podcast, “What is Judaism? The Complete Guide” ★ Support this podcast ★

167

Extrapolating our Torah with Rabbi Yaghobian, Part II

Jul 24, 2022

29:19

The Almighty gave us His Torah so we would know how to serve Him by following His laws or Halacha. One of those sets of instructions were for our sages to put fences around the mitzvos and extrapolate Torah law to apply to the myriad of situations that we would encounter throughout time. Through time and separation in the Diaspora, there have become divergent paths in matters of Halacha. In this episode I have the amazingly wise, Rabbi Yaghobian, join us to answer the question of why the Almighty created His system this way, why can’t we choose our Halacha in a more ala carte manner and select the opinions that we find most favorable and why can’t all the top sages today meet and unify our halacha, so it is the same for all? My friends, I promise you that by the end of Part II you will have not only more clarity on this subject but also a greater reverence for our Torah. ★ Support this podcast ★

168

Extrapolating our Torah with Rabbi Yaghobian, Part I

Jul 17, 2022

31:05

The Almighty gave us His Torah so we would know how to serve Him by following His laws or Halacha. One of those sets of instructions were for our sages to put fences around the mitzvos and extrapolate Torah law to apply to the myriad of situations that we would encounter throughout time. Through time and separation in the Diaspora, there have become divergent paths in matters of Halacha. In this episode I have the amazingly wise, Rabbi Yaghobian, join us to answer the question of why the Almighty created His system this way, why can’t we choose our Halacha in a more ala carte manner and select the opinions that we find most favorable and why can’t all the top sages today meet and unify our halacha, so it is the same for all? My friends, I promise you that by the end of Part II you will have not only more clarity on this subject but also a greater reverence for our Torah. ★ Support this podcast ★

169

Horse and Rider with Rabbi Wohlgelernter Part II

Jun 28, 2022

43:18

The Almighty created everything for one singular purpose and that is to give us the ultimate pleasure. That ultimate pleasure is to be able to be in His presence without feeling ashamed. So, He created mankind as a microcosm of the world at large. Just as He provides vitality to the spiritual and physical dimensions, our Neshama provides vitality to our physical body. The task at hand is to harness the power of our Neshama to rule our physical body which is our kingdom. When we accomplish our task, we will not feel ashamed in Olam Haba when He enters His kingdom, and His presence is known. Part of this equation is using our emotions, which are pure physicality, and infusing them with actions that serve His will. In this episode Rabbi Wohlgelernter shares his Torah and how to have our intellect direct our emotions or in other words to become the master rider of the horse. ★ Support this podcast ★

170

Horse and Rider with Rabbi Wohlgelernter Part I

Jun 27, 2022

41:33

The Almighty created everything for one singular purpose and that is to give us the ultimate pleasure. That ultimate pleasure is to be able to be in His presence without feeling ashamed. So, He created mankind as a microcosm of the world at large. Just as He provides vitality to the spiritual and physical dimensions, our Neshama provides vitality to our physical body. The task at hand is to harness the power of our Neshama to rule our physical body which is our kingdom. When we accomplish our task, we will not feel ashamed in Olam Haba when He enters His kingdom, and His presence is known. Part of this equation is using our emotions, which are pure physicality, and infusing them with actions that serve His will. In this episode Rabbi Wohlgelernter shares his Torah and how to have our intellect direct our emotions or in other words to become the master rider of the horse. ★ Support this podcast ★

171

Balancing Torah Education with the Way of the World with Rabbi Nagel

May 30, 2022

45:58

Torah is our Creators’ infinitive wisdom, encompassing all knowledge. The question addressed in this episode is how secular wisdom should fit into a Jew’s overall education. I have invited one of the preeminent educators in my community, Rabbi Nagel, to join us and answer this very question. Rabbi Nagel’s words of wisdom will provide you with the proper path to balancing Torah Education with the way of the world. ★ Support this podcast ★

172

A History of Rectification with Rabbi Abrahams Part II

May 15, 2022

41:02

The Torah begins with Adam’s sin of intermingling in the human consciousness, truth and falsehood and thereby creating the illusion of separation from our Creator. The remainder of the Torah provides us the framework and storyline of the Patriarchs, who took upon themselves the sacred tasks of separating out truth (good) from falsehood (evil) and restoring humanity to the status prior to that moment of Adam’s sin. In this episode Rabbi Abrahams joins us to explain why it was necessary for the Almighty to cause the decedents of Avraham, Yitzchak & Yaakov to endure servitude in Egypt and give us more clarity on our individual roles in completing the task. ★ Support this podcast ★

173

A History of Rectification with Rabbi Abrahams Part I

May 8, 2022

44:01

The Torah begins with Adam’s sin of intermingling in the human consciousness, truth and falsehood and thereby creating the illusion of separation from our Creator. The remainder of the Torah provides us the framework and storyline of the Patriarchs, who took upon themselves the sacred tasks of separating out truth (good) from falsehood (evil) and restoring humanity to the status prior to that moment of Adam’s sin. In this episode Rabbi Abrahams joins us to explain why it was necessary for the Almighty to cause the decedents of Avraham, Yitzchak & Yaakov to endure servitude in Egypt and give us more clarity on our individual roles in completing the task. ★ Support this podcast ★

174

The Journey to Shavuos with Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe

Apr 20, 2022

42:12

With the final two days of Pesach upon us and Shavous in our site, we need to remember that the journey to Mt. Sinai is as important in our growth as our arrival at our destination. Before we receive the Torah, we need to forge ourselves into the perfect vessel to receive it and that is the purpose of the days ahead. We have the great privilege of having Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, the Executive Director of TORCH, join us to share with us our action items and path on our journey to Shavuos. ★ Support this podcast ★

175

From Egypt to Mt. Sinai with Akiva and Yehoshua Wolbe

Apr 11, 2022

52:43

Our journey from Pesach to Shavous is about to begin. We will be leaving Egypt this Friday night. A week later we will be standing at the Sea of Reeds with the Egyptian Army quickly approaching. We will be forced once again to make the choice of allowing our Pharaoh to bring us back to his servitude or to forge ahead with strengthened Emunah and walk-through whatever Sea may be standing in our way. I am confident we will all choose the later and continue forward to Shavous and receive our Torah. I decided to bring back my all-star guest team; Akiva and Yehoshua Wolbe, to be our guides on our journey from Egypt to Mt. Sinai. ★ Support this podcast ★

176

What is in a name with Rabbi Cotlar

Mar 30, 2022

54:34

Our Creator used the Hebrew Letters as the building blocks or programming code of His creation. This means that our Hebrew name and the name of everything in this world has tremendous significance. In this episode we are joined by my dear friend and teacher, Rabbi Daniel Cotlar, to elucidate for us the significance of what is in a name. ★ Support this podcast ★

177

Connecting the Spiritual and Physical Worlds with Rabbi Bresler

Mar 24, 2022

35:04

The topic explored today is why the Almighty instructed us to build a Mishkan (Tabernacle), the subsequent Temples and why the Jewish people have been yearning for millennia, for the building of our third and permanent Temple. In this episode our guest Rabbi Menachem Bresler enlightens us to the purpose of the Temple in allowing our Creator to dwell among us and unite the spiritual and physical worlds. ★ Support this podcast ★

178

Seeing Hidden Miracles with Rabbi Ari Winkler

Mar 1, 2022

49:03

Since the giving of the Torah over 3300 years ago, the revelation of the Almighty has been steadily diminishing, as it fades to its dimmest point right before the arrival of Mashiach, when the Almighty reveals himself to the world. The Almighty in order to train us for the times we live in today, orchestrated the events of Purim, to provide us a roadmap for finding Him in times when there exists the illusion that He is hidden. In this episode our guest is Rabbi Ari Winkler, the founder of my shul, Heimish, who provides us brilliant insights into the lessons of Purim. ★ Support this podcast ★

179

Demystifying the purpose of Sacrifices with Rabbi Bucsko

Feb 21, 2022

56:12

How do we reconcile why our Creator, who has no needs, requested of us to bring sacrifices during the times of the Mishkan, 1st and 2nd Temple and G-d willing soon, the 3rd Temple? The short answer is clear and that it is for our benefit, by how so? In this episode we have the brilliant, witty, funny, and average, Rabbi Bucsko joining us to help demystify the subject of the purpose of sacrifices. ★ Support this podcast ★

180

Upon A Ten Stringed Harp with Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

Feb 17, 2022

35:39

This is one of my most favorite episodes. We have the honor of interviewing Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe on his just published book, “Upon A Ten Stringed Harp – How Torah and Mitzvos Prepare the Soul for Eternity.” Tune in to hear firsthand about this amazing publication, that will be taking the Jewish world by storm and having a major transformational impact on the Jewish people. ★ Support this podcast ★

181

The Art of War with Rabbi Nagel

Feb 6, 2022

37:28

G-d created the Yetzer Hara, and He created the Torah as the antidote! The summation of everything we do as Jews comes down to how well we harness the tools of Torah and mitzvos, to succeed in this epic battle. I have the great Rabbi Nagel joining us and sharing his wisdom on The Art of War, tactics, and strategies for defeating the Yetzer Hara. ★ Support this podcast ★

182

Connecting with our Creator with Rabbi Jacknin, Part II

Jan 30, 2022

37:12

The Almighty took our Neshama from the Heavenly realm, where it had no needs, and placed it into a body that has needs. If the purpose of creation was because G-d wanted to bestow goodness, then wouldn’t it have made more sense for Him to just create the Heavenly realm and stop there. Why did the Almighty think it is necessary to confine our lofty Neshama in a lowly body and world? Part of the answer is that it is not possible for one to appreciate what one has always possessed. Being able to contrast lacking something and then receiving it, allows one to gain the appreciation of what they received and for the One who bestowed it. The real benefit of prayer for us is way beyond the material needs that the Almighty provides to us when we request them. The real benefit to prayer is for us to gain the recognition and appreciation of our benevolent Creator in each of our lives. In this episode I have the brilliant and entertaining, Rabbi Gavriel Jacknin join us to discuss how to connect with our Creator through prayer. ★ Support this podcast ★

183

Connecting with our Creator with Rabbi Jacknin, Part I

Jan 25, 2022

36:58

The Almighty took our Neshama from the Heavenly realm, where it had no needs, and placed it into a body that has needs. If the purpose of creation was because G-d wanted to bestow goodness, then wouldn’t it have made more sense for Him to just create the Heavenly realm and stop there. Why did the Almighty think it is necessary to confine our lofty Neshama in a lowly body and world? Part of the answer is that it is not possible for one to appreciate what one has always possessed. Being able to contrast lacking something and then receiving it, allows one to gain the appreciation of what they received and for the One who bestowed it. The real benefit of prayer for us is way beyond the material needs that the Almighty provides to us when we request them. The real benefit to prayer is for us to gain the recognition and appreciation of our benevolent Creator in each of our lives. In this episode I have the brilliant and entertaining, Rabbi Gavriel Jacknin join us to discuss how to connect with our Creator through prayer. ★ Support this podcast ★

184

Infusing Emunah into our Mitzvos with Rabbi Yaakov Klein

Dec 19, 2021

57:34

Rabbi Noson, the primary disciple of Rabbi Nachman, stated that if a Jew does not live with recognition that everything occurring to them, is being orchestrated by the Almighty and all for their good, then it does not matter if they declare their belief in G-d from the moment they wake up, to the moment they go to sleep, the reality is, is that they are an atheist. Our infinite and eternal Creator, desires so much for us to know that he is guiding our lives and it is all for the good, that he instructs us twice daily to remind ourselves of this truth. We state this idea in the first verse of the Shema; our King who created the heavenly and physical realms and our Father that governs our daily affairs to bring us closer to Him, is One. Our guest in this episode is Rabbi Yaakov Klein, author of the book, “The Story of our Lives,” which is inspiring Jews around the globe. Listen in as we discuss the Chassidic teachings of Rabbi Nachman, his epic tale of “The Lost Princess” and how we too can find our lost princess. ★ Support this podcast ★

185

Building Multi-Generational Wealth with Rabbi Yissachar Granitsky

Nov 26, 2021

44:45

Often in our endeavors to grow as Jews, we sometimes can’t see beyond the challenge directly in front of us and we forget that we are building something much bigger than ourselves. In this inspiring episode, I interviewed Rabbi Yissachar Granitsky. He tells an incredible story of his life as a non-Jew, the event’s G-d created to lead him to a Yeshiva in Israel, so that he could hear a Rabbi ask him, “Who is your G-d? and What are you pursuing?” Armed with focused purpose that he wanted to pursue the G-d of Israel, steadfast resolve, and an unwavering belief, that if one follows the Torah, then The Almighty will take care of the rest, led him to build multi-generational wealth. As a Rabbi and patriarch of the amazing Granitsky family, now eighty plus strong and G-d willing still growing, the principals he shares, if internalized and taught to our children, will enable us to do the same. ★ Support this podcast ★

186

Living in the Era of Moshiach with Rabbi Yaghobian

Nov 14, 2021

47:17

Our Siddur is replete with prayers for the coming of Moshiach. It is something that for millennium we have anticipated. After listening to Rabbi Yaghobian speak on this matter, I felt like a character from the 90’s movie Pulp Fiction; a woman who was overdosing from a heroin, only to be brought back to life via an adrenaline shot through her sternum into her heart. Rabbi Yaghobian’s words were like that adrenaline shot, causing me to wake up and see, that the Era of Moshiach is no longer an idea for some distant future, but the reality we live in today, as we are now living in the Era of Moshiach. WARNING: Listening to this episode will create an insatiable desire to learn Torah, do mitzvos with intention, improve ones’ character traits and help out their fellow Jews by supporting Jewish Outreach organizations. ★ Support this podcast ★

187

The Mitzvah of Pikuach Nefesh with Richard Green, CEO at Clarion Project

Oct 31, 2021

39:18

In this amazing episode I interview Richard Green, CEO at the Clarion Project. Richard began his career studying at the AISH HaTorah Yeshiva, under Rabbi Noah Weinberg. Shortly after the 911 attacks, Rabbi Weinberg explained to Richard that while he has devoted his life to Jewish Outreach, there is an eminent threat to Jewish lives as a result of radical Islam. While the world needs Jewish Outreach Rabbi’s to save souls, the world also needs those that will be dedicated to the mitzvah of Pikuach Nefesh (saving a life). Richard heard his calling and started the Clarion Project and a life committed to exposing and reducing the threats of extremism to create a safer world not only for the Jewish people but all Americans. After listening to this podcast check out their documentaries at https://clarionproject.org. ★ Support this podcast ★

188

But I’m a good person…with Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe – Part II

Sep 19, 2021

34:59

A common statement I have heard from fellow Jews is, “I don’t study Torah and keep the mitzvos but, I’m a good person and that’s what G-d really cares about.” In this episode I have the witty, brilliant, and entertaining, Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe join us to delve into and unravel this statement. Whether you are someone who has asked this same question or a Torah observant Jew, the insights he provides during this conversation will leave you with a much deeper understanding and appreciation of why the Almighty gave us the 613 mitzvos. ★ Support this podcast ★

189

But, I’m a good person…with Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe – Part I

Sep 19, 2021

29:58

A common statement I have heard from fellow Jews is, “I don’t study Torah and keep the mitzvos but, I’m a good person and that’s what G-d really cares about.” In this episode I have the witty, brilliant, and entertaining, Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe join us to delve into and unravel this statement. Whether you are someone who has asked this same question or a Torah observant Jew, the insights he provides during this conversation will leave you with a much deeper understanding and appreciation of why the Almighty gave us the 613 mitzvos. ★ Support this podcast ★

190

Moments of Spiritual Ascension with Rabbi Bucsko – Part II

Aug 28, 2021

36:25

We are so fortunate to be Jews and have the Torah. We know how the Almighty structured time in a circular path throughout the year. We know how each moment contains unique spiritual energies and the methods or mitzvos for tapping into each one. As a result, our circular path throughout the year is continually ascending higher. I asked Rabbi Bucsko to join us on this episode to provide a macro view of this cycle of time; how to prepare ourselves for where we are now in the month of Elul and carry us through Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkos and Simchas Torah. We are on a roller coaster that is creeping upwards towards the first thrilling part of the ride but when the ride is over, we will not be getting off where we got on. ★ Support this podcast ★

191

Moments of Spiritual Ascension with Rabbi Bucsko – Part I

Aug 25, 2021

30:42

We are so fortunate to be Jews and have the Torah. We know how the Almighty structured time in a circular path throughout the year. We know how each moment contains unique spiritual energies and the methods or mitzvos for tapping into each one. As a result, our circular path throughout the year is continually ascending higher. I asked Rabbi Bucsko to join us on this episode to provide a macro view of this cycle of time; how to prepare ourselves for where we are now in the month of Elul and carry us through Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkos and Simchas Torah. We are on a roller coaster that is creeping upwards towards the first thrilling part of the ride but when the ride is over, we will not be getting off where we got on. ★ Support this podcast ★

192

Living as a King with Rabbi Chaim and Rebbetzin Cohen

Aug 9, 2021

48:16

The Almighty created us with a desire to control. Void of Torah wisdom, many attempt to channel that desire to control, to the world around them. The reason this results in tremendous frustration is that the world around us, is Hashem’s world and one he controls. Through Torah we learn that the world He intended for us to channel our desire of control into, is that of our internal world. This is our Kingdom and in order for us to successfully live as a King, by asserting our dominion over it, is predicated on the type of nourishment we consume. It requires a spiritual diet. In this episode we are joined by Rabbi Chaim and Rebbetzin Cohen and they share with us their wisdom on the mitzvah of Kosher. ★ Support this podcast ★

193

Becoming a Spiritual Athlete with Scott Kammerman – Part II

Jul 12, 2021

41:11

Everyone who begins the journey towards Torah Observance share a similar experience with one another. We all begin to encounter new challenges in life that we did not have before. It seems so counterintuitive that it can lead to frustration. The reality is that the new challenges in front of us are being orchestrated by G-d as a means to remove what is blocking us from becoming closer to Him. In this episode I bring on my dear friend and spiritual athlete, Scott Kammerman so he can share his wisdom and advice, acquired through years of training, on how to turn these challenges into what they were intended to be. A custom learning curriculum developed by the Almighty to aid us both in our mutual desire. ★ Support this podcast ★

194

Becoming a Spiritual Athlete with Scott Kammerman – Part I

Jul 11, 2021

35:13

Everyone who begins the journey towards Torah Observance share a similar experience with one another. We all begin to encounter new challenges in life that we did not have before. It seems so counterintuitive that it can lead to frustration. The reality is that the new challenges in front of us are being orchestrated by G-d as a means to remove what is blocking us from becoming closer to Him. In this episode I bring on my dear friend and spiritual athlete, Scott Kammerman so he can share his wisdom and advice, acquired through years of training, on how to turn these challenges into what they were intended to be. A custom learning curriculum developed by the Almighty to aid us both in our mutual desire. ★ Support this podcast ★

195

What is Torah with Rabbi Nagel, Part II

Jul 6, 2021

37:08

Our claim as the Jewish people is that our origin began at Mt. Sinai when we received the Torah. Many of us, when beginning our pursuit of Torah wisdom, often overlook an important question and that is, what is Torah? The answer at first seems obvious until we contemplate it further. Understanding the answer to this fundamental question, is something we need to thoroughly comprehend if we want to unlock the power of Torah to transform us into who we truly are. ★ Support this podcast ★

196

What is Torah with Rabbi Nagel, Part I

Jul 4, 2021

31:21

Our claim as the Jewish people is that our origin began at Mt. Sinai when we received the Torah. Many of us, when beginning our pursuit of Torah wisdom, often overlook an important question and that is, what is Torah? The answer at first seems obvious until we contemplate it further. Understanding the answer to this fundamental question, is something we need to thoroughly comprehend if we want to unlock the power of Torah to transform us into who we truly are. ★ Support this podcast ★

197

The Anatomy of a Tzadik II with Rabbi Aryeh and Yitzi Wolbe

Jun 7, 2021

49:48

Fulfilling the Torah is Simple but not Easy. In summary Torah is telling us the following: Our purpose in this world is to pursue ultimate pleasure. The ultimate pleasure we are pursuing is closeness to Hashem. The way we ascend closer to Hashem is through aligning our thoughts, words, and actions with Him. The way we learn how to align ourselves with Him is through His Torah. His ways are ways of giving. While we all have unique challenges, tailored to our unique curriculum for growth, they all have something in common and that is our Yetzer Hara is continually trying to convince us that the source of pleasure is taking, not giving. In this episode I bring on Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe and his 7-year-old son, Yitzi, to inspire us, by sharing stories of Tzadikim who have excelled in this lofty and simple, but not easy task. ★ Support this podcast ★

198

Accessorizing the external to change the internal with Rabbi Abrahams, Part II

Jun 3, 2021

34:17

The Almighty has orchestrated throughout history periods when the non-Jewish world opens up to the Jewish people. His objective is to see whether we are now capable to go out into the world and be a light unto the other nations or whether we choose to take the path of assimilation. While Chanukah is our example in time of how to succeed at this task, for the majority of history we have sadly failed, causing G-d to orchestrate world events so that the other nations will remind us that we are Jews through the escalation of Anti-Semitism. And once again, we are seeing this play out. So how do we equip ourselves to interact with the other nations without assimilating into the other nations? The answer is our lifelines of Tzitzit, Yarmulke and Tefillin. They are what harness us to the Almighty wherever we go in the world so that we stay true to our mission. In this invocative episode Rabbi Abrahams explores the deep meaning of these important mitzvos. ★ Support this podcast ★

199

Accessorizing the external to change the internal with Rabbi Abrahams, Part I

Jun 2, 2021

31:06

The Almighty has orchestrated throughout history periods when the non-Jewish world opens up to the Jewish people. His objective is to see whether we are now capable to go out into the world and be a light unto the other nations or whether we choose to take the path of assimilation. While Chanukah is our example in time of how to succeed at this task, for the majority of history we have sadly failed, causing G-d to orchestrate world events so that the other nations will remind us that we are Jews through the escalation of Anti-Semitism. And once again, we are seeing this play out. So how do we equip ourselves to interact with the other nations without assimilating into the other nations? The answer is our lifelines of Tzitzit, Yarmulke and Tefillin. They are what harness us to the Almighty wherever we go in the world so that we stay true to our mission. In this invocative episode Rabbi Abrahams explores the deep meaning of these important mitzvos. ★ Support this podcast ★

200

Our Power of Speech with Rabbi Yaghobian

May 21, 2021

45:10

What does String Theory and the Observer Effect in quantum mechanics have to do with a Jew saying a Bracha? Tune into this episode as Rabbi Yaghobian reconciles the two and goes deep into the meaning and purpose to saying a Bracha before deriving pleasure from this world. Warning: Potential side effects of listening to this episode may result in your mind being blown away, becoming more mindful of your speech, and desiring to learn our Brachas and say with perfect enunciation. ★ Support this podcast ★

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