The Ethics Podcast · Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

51

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 – – – – […]

52

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 – – – – – – […]

53

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 – – – – […]

54

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 – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

55

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 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

56

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 – – – – […]

57

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 […]

58

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 – – – – – – – […]

59

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 […]

60

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 – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

61

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 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

62

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 […]

63

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 – – – – […]

64

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 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

65

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 – – – – – – […]

66

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 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

67

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 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

68

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 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

69

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 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

70

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 – – – – – – […]

71

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 […]

72

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 […]

73

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 […]

74

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.” – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

75

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. – – – – – – – […]

76

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. – – – […]

77

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. – – – – – – – – – […]

78

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 […]

79

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. – – – – […]

80

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. – – – – – – – – – – – […]

81

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 […]

82

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 […]

83

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 […]

84

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 […]

85

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 […]

86

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? […]

87

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, […]

88

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. – […]

89

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. – – […]

90

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 […]

91

Loving Rebuke (6.6.34)

May 8, 2024

34:34

No one likes criticism. To receive criticism is painful. To be told what we did wrong stings. We bristle at the notion that we are flawed and imperfect. The mere knowledge of the existence of our shortcomings causes us discomfort. But receiving criticism is actually highly productive. It’s a good thing. It is very beneficial […]

92

Loving Straightness (6.6.33)

Apr 15, 2024

25:24

Straightness is a virtue. Straightness means to be proper and upstanding in all of your conduct. It means doing what’s proper and just and good. It also references thinking. Straight, sensible, logical, clear, cogent thinking is better than crooked thinking. Way number 33 to wisdom is about this virtue. – – – – – – […]

93

Loving Charities (6.6.32)

Apr 1, 2024

22:09

Charity is a big element of religious life. Our Sages tell us that the mitzvah of charity equals all the mitzvos of the Torah combined. But monetary charity is only one type of charity. There are many different types of charity, in the love of charities is a means to acquire higher levels of wisdom. […]

94

Loving Humanity (6.6.31) + TORCH Fundraiser

Mar 19, 2024

32:37

TORCH Fundraiser — support the Ethics Podcast Our organization, TORCH, does only one fundraiser a year, and that is happening right now at giveTORCH.org. This is a matching campaign and every donation will be DOUBLED. Please support the Ethics Podcast right now at giveTORCH.org The website for the Fundraiser is giveTORCH.org Click and donate to support the Ethics Podcast […]

95

Loving G-d (6.6.30) + TORCH Fundraiser

Mar 13, 2024

58:26

TORCH Fundraiser — support the Ethics Podcast Our organization, TORCH, does only one fundraiser a year, and that is happening right now at giveTORCH.org. This is a matching campaign and every donation will be DOUBLED. Please support the Ethics Podcast right now at giveTORCH.org The website for the Fundraiser is giveTORCH.org Click and donate to support the Ethics Podcast […]

96

Beloved (6.6.30 Intro)

Mar 6, 2024

17:50

Torah was not given to angels. Torah was given to humans. One way to expand our ability to acquire Torah is by enhancing our humanity. The more human we are, the more we are a worthy receptacle of Torah. But what does it mean to be a human? – – – – – – – […]

97

Sense of Mission (6.6.29)

Feb 5, 2024

30:11

We love Torah. Torah study is our national pastime and obsession. It is enjoyable; it is fun; it is interesting — but to acquire it – we have to now that it is imperative: It is as indispensable as water, oxygen and bread. – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

98

Making Fences (6.6.28)

Nov 15, 2023

29:52

Humans are fallible. We are imperfect, yet we are tasked with being the stewards and the guardians of the perfect. We hold the Almighty’s Torah in our hands. We are tasked with perpetuating it from generation to generation and with rendering rulings in line with the will of God. The only way that we can […]

99

Joyous With Your Lot (6.6.27)

Nov 1, 2023

24:57

There is an unequal distribution of talents, gifts, abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. Everyone is different. Everyone is their own world. This applies both in the spiritual domain and in the material/physical domain. A believer who understands that the Almighty gives everyone exactly what they need must be joyous with their lot. Your lot is exactly […]

100

Know Your Place (6.6.26)

Oct 25, 2023

39:38

The greatest pedagogues of history – the Sages of the Mishnah – codified “knowing your place” as a means to acquire Torah, to acquire wisdom. What exactly is intended with knowing your place? In this Ethics Podcast we share three life-changing approaches. – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

The Ethics Podcast · Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

The Ethics Podcast Â - הרב יעקב וולבה

More by TORCH