The Ethics Podcast · Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

51

Paging the Divine Presence (3:3-4)

Mar 24, 2025

24:08

In successive teachings, our Sages share with us a way to usher ourselves into the Presence of the Almighty. It really is that simple. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Nov 18, 2018 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

52

Antidotes to Anarchy (3:2)

Mar 21, 2025

16:01

What would happen without a police force to maintain law and order? Is there any other way to prevent society from crumbling without police power? These are the questions we explore in the somewhat unsettling second mishna of chapter 3. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Nov 4, 2018 – […]

53

Avoiding Sin: The Authoritative Guide (3:1)

Mar 19, 2025

26:44

It is not often that our Sages offer us any kind of fail-safe formula. In the first mishna of the third chapter, Akaviah Ben Mehalalel provides for us a guaranteed method to avoid sinning. It is a good idea to listen carefully to his words. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast […]

54

Do Your Job (2:20-21)

Mar 17, 2025

25:26

There are many excuses to shirk our spiritual responsibilities. In the final two mishnayos of Chapter 2, Rabbi Tarfon rebuts them one by one. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Oct 21, 2018 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

55

Answering the Heretics (2:19)

Mar 14, 2025

21:46

Rabbi Elazar Ben Arach was the prized student of Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakkai, but he chose to chart his own path in life and not to join the rest of his colleagues in Yavneh. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Oct 14, 2018 – – – – – – – […]

56

Relationship or Ritual? (2:18)

Mar 12, 2025

18:42

What is the optimal relationship between man and God? How is man supposed to view himself? These questions and several others are addressed in Chapter 2, Mishna 18 of Pirkei Avos. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Oct 7, 2018 – – – – – – – – – – […]

57

The Ultimate Meritocracy (2:17) + TORCH 2025 Fundraiser

Mar 10, 2025

21:24

Please support the Ethics Podcast by donating to our annual fundraiser at giveTORCH.org This is our only annual fundraiser. Every donation is DOUBLED! Support the Ethics Podcast by visiting giveTORCH.org right now and making a generous donation! This is the LINK for the Fundraiser. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

58

Choose Your World (2:16) + Annual TORCH Fundraiser

Mar 6, 2025

53:40

Please support the Ethics Podcast by donating to our annual fundraiser at giveTORCH.org This is our only annual fundraiser. Every donation is DOUBLED! Support the Ethics Podcast by visiting giveTORCH.org right now and making a generous donation! This is the LINK for the Fundraiser. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

59

Tempering Temper (2:15)

Feb 28, 2025

52:44

In this Mishna, one of the most fascinating characters of the Mishnaic era teaches eternal lessons on how to deploy anger properly and how to ensure that our spiritual affairs are in order before we meet our Creator. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Aug 20, 2018 – – – […]

60

Finding Your Magic Bullet (2:13-14)

Feb 26, 2025

33:17

Two thousand years ago the great Sage Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakkai instructed his five prime disciples to undertake a unique mission. This mission and their discoveries can still offer us life-changing wisdom. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Aug 6, 2018 – – – – – – – – – […]

61

Spiritual Natural Law (2:9-2:12)

Feb 24, 2025

43:12

Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakkai was the pivotal leader of the nation at a most vulnerable juncture of our history. His life story and his timeless lessons continue to inform and inspire nearly two millenia after his passing. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Jul 16, 2018 – – – – […]

62

Avoiding Deathpangs (2:8)

Feb 21, 2025

39:05

What is really yours and what are you merely a steward over for the duration of your life? In this mishnah, Hillel reclassifies ten things by pulling away the curtain and revealing what they truly are. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Jul 2, 2018 – – – – – – […]

63

Divine Karma (2:7)

Feb 19, 2025

15:03

In one of those life experiences we hope to never have, Hillel once encountered a skull floating on the water. His comment to that skull is enshrined in Pirkei Avos and serves as an invaluable lesson to us. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Jun 18, 2018 – – – – […]

64

A Tourist Visa to Heaven (2:6)

Feb 17, 2025

37:41

In the sixth mishna of the second chapter of Pirkei Avos, Hillel the Elder delineates the six levels of distinction, the means to achieve them, and their impediments. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Jun 11, 2018 – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

65

Forgetting to Sin (2:2-2:3)

Feb 10, 2025

45:10

In the second mishna of the second Chapter, Rabban Gamleil III offers some novel and surprising perspectives on work/Torah balance and avoiding sin. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on May 7, 2018 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

66

Safety in Numbers (2:5)

Feb 14, 2025

40:50

In chapter 2 we meet Hillel the Elder again. In this mishna we learn the secret of surviving judgement, the differences between how God and man judge, and hear a clarion call for repenting before we die. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Jun 4, 2018 – – – – […]

67

Getting God as your Advocate (2:4)

Feb 12, 2025

29:27

Imagine if you had God on your side in all your endeavors. Is there a better or more potent advocate? In this mishna we learn the formula how to get God to advance your interests. The steps are simple to learn but hard in integrate. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast […]

68

Spiritual Cost-Benefit Analysis (2:1)

Feb 7, 2025

1:14:09

In the first mishna of the second chapter of Pirkei Avos, the great Rabbi Judah the Prince offers indispensable life guidance. Who was this transformative Torah giant and what are his invaluable eternal lessons? This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Apr 30, 2018 – – – – – – – […]

69

Why God Maintains the World (1:18)

Feb 5, 2025

37:42

The final Mishna of the first chapter sounds very similar to its second one. In it we learn the three things upon which the world endures which is quite similar to the teaching of the three things upon which the world stands. In explaining the distinction we learn a fundamental principle about the relationship and […]

70

The Virtues of Silence (1:17)

Feb 3, 2025

43:50

The next mantle holder of the office of the Nasi, Rabban Shimon Ben Gamliel, teaches us powerful insights on how to become a greater and more perfect person. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Apr 10, 2018 – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

71

Remove All Doubt (1:16)

Jan 31, 2025

23:53

In this Mishnah, Rabban Gamliel the Elder provides us with a powerful lesson that, if observed, will empower our spiritual lives. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Mar 5, 2018 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

72

All Action No Talk (1:15)

Jan 29, 2025

28:35

In this concise teaching, Shammai the Elder manages to inspire and enlighten our understanding of accomplishing human greatness. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Feb 12, 2018 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to […]

73

Discover You (1:14)

Jan 27, 2025

42:35

In the third teaching of Hillel the Elder, we discover timeless advice to maximizing life: If I am not for me, who will be for me; when I am for myself, what am I; and if not now, when? This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Feb 5, 2018 – – – – […]

74

Spiritual Persistence (1:13)

Jan 24, 2025

31:05

In his second consecutive teaching, Hillel instructs us regarding the proper attitude to spiritual development and persistence, and the grave consequences of spiritual stagnation. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Jan 22, 2018 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

75

How to be a Peacemaker (1:11-12)

Jan 22, 2025

41:31

One of the great legendary figures in Jewish history, Hillel, instructs us to follow the ways of Aaron: To love peace and to pursue it, and to love people and bring them near to Torah. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Jan 15, 2018 – – – – – – […]

76

The Two Elements of Leadership (1:10)

Jan 20, 2025

35:03

In the tenth Mishna, the leader of the Jews Shemayah, a descendent of the Assyrian king Sanchereb, teaches us about the work, leadership and politicians. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Jan 8, 2018 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

77

Avoiding Bad Neighbors (1:7)

Jan 15, 2025

38:01

In the previous mishna we are instructed how to choose positive influences, in this one we are warned of the perils of bad friends and bad neighbors. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Dec 4, 2017 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

78

Selecting Mentors (1:6)

Jan 13, 2025

36:54

In the 6th mishna of Pirkei Avos, we learn about the importance of having good mentors and friends, and the prerequisites to make such relationships work. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Nov 27, 2017 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

79

Excessive Schmoozing with Women (1:5)

Jan 10, 2025

27:18

In the fifth mishna we learn about the proper ways to interact with others, especially those less fortunate, in a pious and peril-free manner. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Nov 20, 2017 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

80

Godly Intellect (1:4)

Jan 8, 2025

38:09

In the fourth mishna of Pirkei Avos, our sages offer three steps to accessing Torah. In our deconstruction of this teaching we learn about the nature of Torah and the unusual ways that we access it. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Nov 13, 2017 – – – – – – […]

81

New 2025 Initiative: The Book of Ethics (1.1)

Jan 1, 2025

30:57

The first mishna of Pirkei Avos begins with attributing the first 900 years of the line of transmission of the Torah from Moshe at Sinai until the Men of the Great Assembly. The second sections is three teachings of those great men. What is the connection between these two parts and why was this chosen […]

82

Ethics Podcast Conclusion Message

Oct 9, 2024

17:28

Speech at celebratory lunch at Genesis Steakhouse in Houston, TX to mark the completion of the Book Ethics and the Ethics Podcast. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation […]

83

Purpose of Creation (6:11)

Oct 7, 2024

57:14

With endless praise to the Almighty for all goodness that he has done for us, we hereby present the final episode of the Ethics podcast. We began this project 7 years ago and now, thanks to the boundless help from the Almighty, we have finally finished this grand initiative May the Almighty continue to give […]

84

G-d’s Cherished Possessions (6:10)

Sep 28, 2024

43:25

God owns everything. He created everything and owns it all. But there are some things that God cherishes above others. Our Mishnah describes five cherished possessions of God. These five are uniquely beloved by Him. They are what He “acquired.” – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

85

Place of Torah (6.9)

Sep 23, 2024

46:53

There are only three rules of real estate: location, location, location. When it comes to choosing a place to live, the same principle applies. But what determines a good location? In this very interesting Mishnah we learn about the absolute imperative of living in a place of Torah. – – – – – – – […]

86

Double-Edged Swords (6.8)

Sep 16, 2024

1:04:36

Not everything that we covet in life necessarily redounds to our benefit. There are great many things that are double-edge swords: they can be used for good; they can accelerate our ascent to righteousness, and they can be absolutely destructive and lead us towards a death spiral of decadence. Proceed with caution. – – – […]

87

Proper Attribution (6.6.48)

Sep 2, 2024

34:18

When we hear something beautiful, something genius, something powerful, we may be tempted to pass it off as our own. In the final installment of the 48 ways to wisdom we learn about the imperative of proper attribution: saying something in the name of its originator. – – – – – – – – – […]

88

The Life-Giving Property of Torah (6:7)

Sep 9, 2024

1:06:54

The thing that we crave more than anything else is life. We all want life. We all flee from curtailing of – or danger to – our life. How do we indeed get life? In this wonderful Mishnah we learn how Torah bestows life – both here and in the afterlife – upon those who […]

89

Systematic Studying (6.6.47)

Aug 26, 2024

22:31

The penultimate way to wisdom offered by our sages instructs us to be systematic in our studies. What exactly does this mean? In this very special Ethics Podcast, we offer three different interpretations. Listen carefully if you want to give a boost to your studies and your connection with your Creator. – – – – […]

90

Sharpening Teachers (6.6.46)

Aug 19, 2024

23:13

Teachers are usually pretty talented. They’re usually gifted, knowledgeable, intelligent, and well-studied. In way to wisdom # 46 we learn how a student should strive to make their teacher even sharper and wiser. By upgrading our teachers, we ourselves become wiser along the way. – – – – – – – – – – – […]

91

Studying with Intentionality (6.6.44-45)

Aug 12, 2024

40:44

What are our intentions when we study? What are we trying to achieve? If we are studying the Almighty’s Torah simply as an exercise in theoretical, abstract learning, we are missing the essence of Torah. In these two ways to wisdom, we learned about the imperative to study with intentionality and the different types of […]

92

Active Listening (6.6.43)

Aug 5, 2024

29:00

Listening is a lost art. To truly listen and consider the other person’s position is becoming increasingly rarer. We get consumed with our own ideas and perspectives; someone else’s opposing position will not be granted true consideration. But listening – and listening actively and attentively – is critical if we are desirous of learning and […]

93

Asking and Answering (6.6.42)

Jul 29, 2024

22:51

Questions are arguably the most potent tool by which to open up a complex subject. Asking questions on a given matter; asking many, diverse questions, analyzing and probing the issue from all angles, helps open portals of understanding that can deepen your appreciation and your perception of the matter. Our Sages were masters of the […]

94

Well-Grounded (6.6.41)

Jul 22, 2024

19:23

What is our relationship with our studies? For some (many?) studying Torah is very important. It is a great priority. But is it the permanent fixture of a person’s life? That designation is applied to the few. In this way to wisdom, we learn about the transformative nature of rendering Torah study the primary focus […]

95

Truth and Peace (6.6.40)

Jul 15, 2024

30:51

Truth and peace are often incompatible. A peaceful solution to a problem is often not truthful; unvarnished truth is rarely diplomatic. In way number 40 to acquire wisdom we learn how we must deploy truth and peace in the right manner, in the right fashion, to the right person, at the right time – and […]

96

Judging Favorably (6.6.39)

Jul 8, 2024

20:36

Not everyone is a saint. In fact, the verse testifies that there is no righteous person in the land who does only good and never sins. So everyone is a sinner, to one degree or another. How ought we relate to sinners? What do we do when we see people behaving in an inappropriate fashion? […]

97

Bearing the Burden (6.6.38)

Jul 1, 2024

30:00

Everyone is going through something. Everyone has difficulties in life. That is the human condition. It is also all by design. But we are instructed to empathize with others in whatever challenge they may be undergoing. We are supposed to help them bear their burden. We are supposed to identify with their pain, validate it, […]

98

Unenthusiastic Judgment (6.6.37)

Jun 17, 2024

26:37

There was a need to render halachic rulings. Sometimes there was uncertainty and there’s a need to have a halachic decisor render a ruling. But what is the attitude necessary for a halachic arbiter? In way to wisdom #37 we learned that he is not supposed to be enthusiastic and eager to render rulings. – […]

99

Swelled Heart (6.6.36)

Jun 10, 2024

28:25

It is a mark of Torah ignorance to be content with the degree of Torah study that you have. It is broader than the land and deeper than the sea. Torah is effectively infinite. To have a swelled heart – to feel supremely confident in your knowledge – is both foolish and counterproductive. – – […]

100

Aversion to Honor (6.6.35)

May 27, 2024

36:36

Honor is a funny thing. It yields no tangible, discernible, sensory benefit to the recipient, yet it is so highly coveted and desired. We all want respect. We all want others to look up to us and to admire us. Our standing in the eyes of others matters greatly to us. In way to wisdom […]

The Ethics Podcast · Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

The Ethics Podcast Â - הרב יעקב וולבה

More by TORCH