The Shema Podcast

201

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 ★

202

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 ★

203

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 ★

204

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 ★

205

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 ★

206

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 ★

207

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 ★

208

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 ★

209

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 ★

210

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 ★

211

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 ★

212

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 ★

213

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 ★

214

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 ★

215

The Kabbalah of Intimacy Part 1 with Rabbi Yaakov Cohen

Jun 7, 2020

50:32

Whether marital intimacy occurs with the intention to create a child or not, this episode is a must listen for every couple. The negative middos that one is born with are a result of improper thoughts and actions in the Holy of Holies, our bedrooms. Rabbi Yaakov Cohen shares incredible insights from the Zohar that will enable a couple intending to become pregnant the methods for bringing down a soul without blemishes, allowing those children to become the tremendous sources of light that will enable Tikkun Olam for us all. And for those whose marital intimacy is not for the expressed purpose of impregnation the impact in the spiritual realm is equally beneficial. ★ Support this podcast ★

216

Infusing Holiness into the Mundane with Rabbi Yaakov Wohlgelernter

May 25, 2020

51:18

First, God made the heavenly realm and earthly realm. Then He made mankind with a heavenly soul infused into an earthly body, in order to be a conduit between those two realms. In this episode I ask Rabbi Wohlgelernter to teach us how to bring Torah with us into our business life. He not only answers that question but provides valuable insights on how to infuse holiness into every moment of our life and that that very act is our very purpose as a Jew. ★ Support this podcast ★

217

We Were Made to be Addicts

May 17, 2020

47:37

God created the world to bestow pleasure and then designed us to pursue Him, the source of all pleasure in ever greater quantities through Torah and mitzvot. And, if we do not properly attach ourselves to Him, and instead overindulge in the illusionary pleasures of the world, then devastating consequences can ensue. In this episode my most cherished guest ever, shares how the Alcoholics Anonymous 12 Step Program is the Torah prescription for every Jew’s personal development. The continual deepening of Emunah, Mussar work, Teshuva, and service to others are the steps that every Jew can harness to propel themselves to greatness. ★ Support this podcast ★

218

Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe on Anti-Semitism

May 10, 2020

56:01

Last year in the US over 57% of Hate Crimes were against Jews, which seems like a lot on its own, but when you factor in that we only account for barely 2% of the US population, it’s quite astronomical. Anti-Semitism is truly unlike any other form of racism, as the Jewish people comprise every ethnicity. And it cannot be xenophobia, as we have been exiled to every part of the globe. Anti-Semitism is definitively something unique and unexplainable. It is a phenomenon that I needed to understand better. In this episode, I talk with Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe and ask him if Torah discusses this subject and if so, what can we learn. The answer he provides is as equally rational as anti-Semitism is irrational. ★ Support this podcast ★

219

Rabbi Yaakov Wohlgelernter On Our Anniversary with the Almighty

Apr 28, 2020

52:02

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 ★

220

Prepping for Sinai with Rabbi Chaim Bucsko

Apr 23, 2020

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 ★

221

The Holy Bris with Rabbi Yaakov Cohen (For Men Only)

Apr 19, 2020

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 ★

222

The Torah’s Recipe for Achieving Financial Wealth with Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe

Apr 5, 2020

48:02

G-d brought us into Egypt to become humbled and dependent servants to Pharaoh, so that He could bring us out of Egypt to be humble and dependent servants to Him. G-d is now shattering global economies to test us and see if we remember, are we dependent on our Pharaohs or are we dependent on Him. This is a must listen to episode for how to preserve and grow wealth in any economic climate with Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe. ★ Support this podcast ★

223

Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe on Moshiach

Mar 27, 2020

58:15

The Jewish people have been saying every year, since the destruction of the 2nd Temple, at their Passover Seder and at Yom Kippur, “Next Year in Jerusalem!” We have been yearning for millennia for the arrival of Moshiach and our redemption, where we will return to Jerusalem and rebuild our temple. In this episode, Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe, shares his knowledge with us on this subject, teaching us everything we need to know about Moshiach. ★ Support this podcast ★

224

Why Jews Don’t Proselytize

Mar 22, 2020

43:26

G-d gave His Torah to the Jewish people, containing His laws and decrees for them to follow. But what about the Non-Jew? In this episode, I speak with Rod Bryant, who many years ago was a successful Christian Pastor, and left it all behind when his study of Torah opened his eyes to the falsehood of the Church. His epiphany took his life on a course that led him to devote his life to the teaching of Torah to the non-Jew and their role in G-d’s creation. If you ever wanted to know why Jew’s don’t proselytize, then tune in to this podcast. ★ Support this podcast ★

225

Shalom Bayit: The Greatest Mitzvah

Mar 13, 2020

58:11

The reason Shalom Bayit is the most important mitzvah is because it is ONLY within the dynamic of a marriage that one can achieve their tikkun (soul correction) in this world. In this podcast we share the rationale for why it is the most important mitzvah and the tools for succeeding in fulfilling this mitzvah. ★ Support this podcast ★

226

Torah as a Roadmap for Becoming Soul 1st and Body 2nd

Mar 6, 2020

36:59

The Torah begins with Adam, whose sensory perception was primarily attached to his soul, while his sensory perception to his body was secondary, thus allowing him to communicate with G-d, the way we now only know how to do with our fellow man. And it ends with Moses, returning to this intended state of mankind, but not by default, but through his personal efforts. In this edition we explore the Torah roadmap, for achieving the unfathomable. ★ Support this podcast ★

227

Entering the Torah Matrix with Rabbi Cohen

Mar 1, 2020

54:50

Be ready to be blown away as Rabbi Cohen provides incredible insights into the nature of creation and mankind’s purpose in this world, through the lens of Kabbalah. I walked away from this interview with a much deeper understanding and appreciation of our 613 connections to our Creator. I am sure the listener will as well. ★ Support this podcast ★

228

The Business World – The Ultimate Venue for Developing Emunah

Feb 24, 2020

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 ★

229

Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explains the ULTIMATE goal of Judaism and Torah

Feb 20, 2020

51:59

In this episode, the listener and I discover the real meaning of Judaism, from one of my heroes, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, the Executive Director of the Torah Outreach Center of Houston. If only this information was on a brochure for me to see in my youth, I would have never ignored my heritage till the age of 40. ★ Support this podcast ★

230

Debating (futilely) Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

Feb 14, 2020

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 ★

231

Opportunities are within Concealment

Feb 10, 2020

59:56

Prior to the Children of Israel receiving the Torah at Mt. Sinai they had one miraculous experience after another. From the 10 plagues to the splitting of the Red Sea, they saw, they heard, and they felt the knowledge that all there is, is G-d and that nature is simply His creation that allows Him to conceal Himself. But what about us, who have never had experiences like this? Are we also to be held to the same responsibility of fulfilling the Torah, as well? Why doesn’t G-d just have a National Revelation every generation? If He made His point 3300 years ago, wouldn’t it be even more powerful, if repeated for every generation to hear. ★ Support this podcast ★

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