The Shema Podcast

201

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 ★

202

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 ★

203

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 ★

204

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 ★

205

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 ★

206

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 ★

207

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 ★

208

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 ★

209

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 ★

210

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 ★

211

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 ★

212

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 ★

213

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 ★

214

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 ★

215

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 ★

216

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 ★

217

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 ★

218

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 ★

219

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 ★

220

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 ★

221

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 ★

222

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 ★

223

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 ★

224

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 ★

225

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 ★

226

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 ★

227

Our Anniversary with the Almighty, with Rabbi Yaakov Wohlgelernter (Rebroadcast)

May 9, 2021

51:59

Mt. Sinai was our wedding canopy where the Almighty, as our groom and we the Jewish people, as His bride, made an eternal commitment that we would be forever bound to one another. Shavous is arriving soon. It is our anniversary with the Almighty, where we renew our mutual commitment. Hashem has just one request from us and that is that we leave our work behind and focus simply on one another. Listen in and learn from Rabbi Yaakov Wohlgelernter on how to make the most of this very sacred time. ★ Support this podcast ★

228

Living with Intention with Ahron Wohlgelernter

Apr 28, 2021

42:21

The Almighty did not design us to compartmentalize our minds, where we apply facts and reason to draw conclusions with our secular life and then just rely on blind faith and the culture we grew up in, to draw conclusions on our Jewish life. The purpose of the opportunity of our lifetime, is to avoid navigating the world on autopilot and instead live with congruency between our intellect and emotions. This is how we unleash our potential in serving the Almighty and fulfilling our purpose in this world. In this episode, Ahron Wohlgelernter, the host of the Think Torah Podcast and the IntentionalJew.com website, an aggregation platform for Jewish learning, joins us to talk about living with intention. ★ Support this podcast ★

229

Becoming a vessel to receive Torah, with Rabbi Buscko

Mar 30, 2021

47:16

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 ★

230

Tapping into the Energy of Pesach with Rabbi Wohlgelernter

Mar 14, 2021

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 ★

231

The Anatomy of a Tzadik with Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe

Feb 21, 2021

43:46

Growing up secular, greatly limited my understanding of the capacity of mankind’s greatness. The secular world is so pre-occupied with making their heroes people who are talented musicians, actors, athletes, or businesspeople, but whose private life lacks much to be admired. As Jews we have Tzadikim to look up to and admire and strive to emulate. These are people that have truly optimized themselves to become angles in this world. In this episode Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Executive Director of TORCH and host of the Jewish Inspiration Podcast, joins us to share some mind blowing and inspiring stories of these Tzadikim that will open your mind to your true potential. ★ Support this podcast ★

232

The Devil is in the Details with Rabbi Cohen – Part II

Feb 7, 2021

25:33

There is a concept in Torah that for many of us creates confusion, especially as we begin our exploration of Torah wisdom. It is the subject of the Satan. The reason for the confusion is that this is a similar term that we regularly hear used by the Christians. However, while similar terms, definitionally they are totally opposing concepts. The Christians believe that the Satan is a separate opposing power to Hashem, an idea that is idolatrous and heretical as G-d is the only power and source of existence. The Torah teaches us that the Satan is a servant to Hashem, playing a vital role in His creation, to provide us with the free will opportunity to grow closer to our Creator. The devil is in the details. In this episode Rabbi Cohen provides enlightening clarity on this subject to the both the beginner and advanced student. ★ Support this podcast ★

233

The Devil is in the Details with Rabbi Cohen – Part I

Feb 3, 2021

28:23

There is a concept in Torah that for many of us creates confusion, especially as we begin our exploration of Torah wisdom. It is the subject of the Satan. The reason for the confusion is that this is a similar term that we regularly hear used by the Christians. However, while similar terms, definitionally they are totally opposing concepts. The Christians believe that the Satan is a separate opposing power to Hashem, an idea that is idolatrous and heretical as G-d is the only power and source of existence. The Torah teaches us that the Satan is a servant to Hashem, playing a vital role in His creation, to provide us with the free will opportunity to grow closer to our Creator. The devil is in the details. In this episode Rabbi Cohen provides enlightening clarity on this subject to the both the beginner and advanced student. ★ Support this podcast ★

234

Living with Emunah with Rabbi Brody

Jan 26, 2021

29:10

Why do we study Torah, Halacha and perform mitzvot? The answer is that that is the Almighty’s prescription for continually increasing our Emunah. This is the very purpose of our time in this world and one that is necessary, now more than ever, to prepare us for the times of Moshiach. With the global pandemic gripping so many in a state of fear, I thought it was timely to bring on Rabbi Brody, the Doctor of Emunah, to remind us all, that the pandemic was created by G-d for a reason. And that reason is to give us the opportunity to receive the gift of Emunah in Him and Him alone. Click here to check out Rabbi Brody’s Books. Great reads for daily doses of Emunah. ★ Support this podcast ★

235

Living in the Story of Creation

Jan 3, 2021

49:49

Our Sages teach us that the Torah is the Blueprint for Creation and that there are up to 6,000 years of creation before G-d’s revelation to the world. Now is the year 5781 which means that we are living in the story of creation or in other words, we are living in the Torah. In this episode we discuss the proofs, the psychological hurdles to overcome and the gravity of taking ownership to our personal narrative in the Torah. ★ Support this podcast ★

236

The Fractal Nature of Masculinity and Femininity with Rabbi Bucsko

Dec 22, 2020

54:16

A core concept that permeates all of creation is the aspect of masculinity and femininity, as it is fractal in nature. To understand masculinity (giving) and femininity (receiving) and the receiving through giving, brings much greater insights into how we can develop harmonious relationships with one another and with G-d. In this amazing episode I am joined with Rabbi Buscko, aka “The Average Rabbi” and he shares with us, his deep insights into this fundamental aspect of creation. ★ Support this podcast ★

237

Living Inspired with Nissim Black

Dec 8, 2020

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 ★

238

Running and Returning with Rabbi Wohlgelernter – Part II

Nov 18, 2020

46:26

I approached this interview, with Rabbi Wohlgelernter, with the following question; how does one fulfill the mitzvah of remaining joyful while learning how to be Torah observant? As for me, it has been a continual experience of thinking I have learned everything needed, only to then learn that I barely know anything. In this episode, Rabbi Wohlgelernter explains that this process of growth should not be approached with the attitude of getting past these challenges, as the challenges are there intentionally by G-d’s design, but it is through the challenges that we become closer to Him. So, if the challenges are inevitable for all of us then the real question is, how to embrace the challenges. This extremely insightful and life changing conversation will be a three-part series, as the messaging is too important and too powerful to squeeze into one. ★ Support this podcast ★

239

Running and Returning with Rabbi Wohlgelernter – Part I

Nov 16, 2020

49:33

I approached this interview, with Rabbi Wohlgelernter, with the following question; how does one fulfill the mitzvah of remaining joyful, while learning how to be Torah observant? As for me, it has been a continual experience of thinking I have learned everything needed, only to then learn that I barely know anything. In this episode, Rabbi Wohlgelernter explains that this process of growth should not be approached with the attitude of getting past these challenges, as the challenges are there intentionally by G-d’s design, but it is through the challenges that we become closer to Him. So, if the challenges are inevitable for all of us then the real question is, how to embrace the challenges. This extremely insightful and life changing conversation will be a three-part series, as the messaging is too important and too powerful to squeeze into one. ★ Support this podcast ★

240

Torah is Technology with Rabbi Cohen

Nov 9, 2020

47:36

The United States is more divided than ever, with each side believing they are on the side of what is right and good. This is not a new dilemma for the world, as this problem originated in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, confusing the distinction between the two. The Almighty’s remedy to our affliction was the Torah, which is the technology to rectify the world and separate the evil from the good. In this episode Rabbi Cohen enlightens us to how we use the technology of the Torah and the study and application of halacha (Jewish Law) to fix the world and bring about Tikkun Olam. This is the purpose and mission of the Jewish People. This is why He made us. ★ Support this podcast ★

241

Living Jewish

Oct 14, 2020

32:46

As many of you know I recently moved with my family into a Jewish Community for the first time. I feel the way an immigrant from an impoverished country probably feels when they move to the USA where so much freedom and opportunity exists, that did not exist in their homeland. As someone who had no idea that this community existed prior to 6 years ago, I wanted to dedicate an episode to the topic, for those who have never been exposed to it either. In this episode I brought on my two spiritual brothers, Akiva and Yehoshua Wolbe to talk about living Jewish. ★ Support this podcast ★

242

The Body and Soul of Torah

Oct 9, 2020

51:52

When I realized that Torah was directly from the Heavens, I encountered a new question, “What is Torah?” I had seen a Torah scroll and I knew about the 5 Books of Moses but when I began to study the text, many more questions surfaced. I would read the weekly Parsha baffled by a narrative that seem to leave out so much information, yet knowing that their was something deep behind the text that I was just not equipped to uncover on my own. As I researched it more, I realized that the narrative of the written Torah was an outer layer that concealed infinite information. In this episode I invited my new friend and teacher, Rabbi Daniel Cotlar, to help me understand further, the body and soul of Torah. ★ Support this podcast ★

243

A Hug from Hashem

Oct 1, 2020

46:57

We entered Rosh Hashanah and declared that Hashem is our King and we are His subjects, allowing us to move into Yom Kippur so we could reflect on our previous year and discern when our thoughts, words and actions were not congruent with that truth. And now it is time to enter our Sukkahs, designed like His arm reaching around us and holding us close. It’s time to recalibrate back to the truth that the only power is the Almighty and that what is central to our lives is not our careers, politics and other material pursuits, but simply to serve the King by fulfilling his Torah. In this episode Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explains why Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Hoshana Raba, Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are all connected and much, much more. ★ Support this podcast ★

244

Returning to our Source

Sep 24, 2020

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 ★

245

Awake from your Slumber!

Sep 16, 2020

54:00

G-d blew a soul into Adam. On Rosh Hashanah we blow into the Shofar, tapping into the core of our soul to awaken us from our slumber. We are reminding ourselves of our mission. G-d is the King and we are His subjects. Our tasks at hand is the loftiest of all tasks, to be His co-creators and bring Godliness to every corner of the world. This is a must listen episode, as Rabbi Wohlgelernter teaches us how to be successful this Rosh Hashanah by setting ourselves on a trajectory to accomplish our goal. ★ Support this podcast ★

246

Jews and Politics

Sep 7, 2020

51:27

We received Torah Law from the Almighty to instruct us on maintaining a utopian society, however Torah Law in totality is intended for when the Jewish people return to Israel, the temple is rebuilt and the Sanhedrin Court reestablished. So, if that is the case, what are our responsibilities in our host nations? How involved should we be in politics? Should a Jew hold public office? Should Torah influence our voting in our host nation? These questions and many more are answered in this episode’s platform discussion with the dynamic duo; Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe and Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe. ★ Support this podcast ★

247

Loving the Heretic with Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

Jul 26, 2020

52:12

A fundamental mitzvah of a Jew is to love their fellow as themselves. But what about Jewish heretics that lead Jews astray? The Jewish people collectively are guilty of the Sin of the Golden Calf, because while it was only the Egyptians converts that committed the sin, the rest of Jewish people were held culpable as they did nothing to stop it. So, how do we reconcile the mitzvah of loving our fellow Jew as ourselves when among a heretic? I find myself once again perplexed, so I thought this would be a great question to have the brilliant Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe come on the show and answer it for me. ★ Support this podcast ★

248

Rabbi Chaim Bucsko on Who is Me?

Jul 11, 2020

53:02

We are taught that we are a heavenly soul residing in a physical body. However, our morning prayer states that we are thankful to G-d for restoring our souls to us, which implies that we are a body. So, which is it? Are we a body or a soul? I was having a middle age identity crisis, so I asked my dear friend, Rabbi Chaim Bucsko, to come on to the program and give me some clarity on who is “me.” ★ Support this podcast ★

249

The Kabbalah of Intimacy Part 2 with Rabbi Yaakov Cohen

Jun 28, 2020

55:50

The Hebrew word for man is “Ish” which is spelled “Aleph-Yud-Shin” and the Hebrew word for woman is “Ishah” which is spelled “Aleph-Shin-Hey.” The two letters not in common are the “Yud” and the “Hey” which is a name of G-d. In this episode Rabbi Cohen discusses in depth the rationale for the importance of proper thoughts during marital intimacy so that we can be holy and properly unite the Name of G-d and bring the Divine Presence closer. ★ Support this podcast ★

250

Practical Advice for Achieving Shalom Bayit

Jun 22, 2020

51:55

Previously I did an episode where I taught what I have learned on how to fulfill the most important mitzvah of Shalom Bayit. Now I attempt to take these theoretical concepts and learn how to implement with real world practical advice through this insightful interview with Rabbi Aryeh and Zehava Wolbe. If you want to please The Almighty and your spouse, then this is a must listen to episode. ★ Support this podcast ★

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