The Parsha Podcast · Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

251

Nasso – Community and Individuality

May 24, 2018

19:44

When detailing the gifts of the tribe leaders to celebrate the inauguration of the Tabernacle, the Torah contains what seems like a twelvefold repetition. Instead of listing the gifts once, the Torah laboriously repeats the exact same tribute 12 times, once per tribe head. In this podcast we offer an answer that gets to the heart […]

252

Nasso – Temporary Insanity (Rebroadcast)

May 22, 2018

1:02:59

Parshas Nasso is the longest parsha in the Torah, 176 verses. It details the final preparations for when the Tabernacle is erected, the laws of Sotah and Nazir, and the detailing of the offerings of the tribal leaders. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

253

Shavuos: A Primer

May 13, 2018

1:02:59

Shavuos marks the time of the giving of the Torah and the climax of the nation building that began with the Exodus. In this podcast we offer a broad overview of the meaning of this Festival and its various themes. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

254

Bamidbar – Stature of a Nation (Rebroadcast)

May 13, 2018

55:16

The book of Numbers begins with a national census conducted by Moshe and Aaron and the heads of the tribes, followed by informing of the encampment structure of the tribes and their flags, and tribe of Levi is counted and their tasks assigned. – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

255

Behar & Bechukosai – Consequences of Closeness (Rebroadcast)

May 6, 2018

57:59

In the last two parshas of Leviticus we read what a nation subject to God’s dominion looks like. Our life is regulated by God – lending without interest, annulling loans, freeing slaves, returning rightfully purchased property, and ceasing to work every seventh year. We also learn what happens when Jews opt for rejecting the Almighty’s Torah. […]

256

Emor – Festivals of Hashem (Rebroadcast)

Apr 29, 2018

50:27

In Parshas Emor we learn more laws relating to the sanctity of Kohanim; we get a detailed account of the Jewish festivals; and read about the blasphemer and what happened to him. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Please […]

257

Acharei & Kedoshim – The Love Formula

Apr 25, 2018

20:40

In the second of this week’s double parshas we encounter the Torah’s most famous mitzvah, and perhaps the most difficult one to fulfill. We read in Vayikra (19:18): “You shall not take revenge and you shall not bear a grudge against the members of your people; you shall love your fellow as yourself – I am […]

258

Acharei & Kedoshim – How to be Holy (Rebroadcast)

Apr 22, 2018

50:58

This week’s double parshas include perhaps the most famous verse in the Torah, “Thou shall love your fellow as yourself”, along with a bevy of mitzvos geared towards making a person holier and more similar to his Creator. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

259

Tzaria & Metzora – A Diamond’s Blemish

Apr 18, 2018

18:57

These Torah portions in the middle of Leviticus seem foreign to modern ears and sentiments. In this podcast we offer a common theme for the laws of kosher, purity and impurity, and tzaraas (leprosy) that makes them more relatable and relevant. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

260

Tazria & Metzora – Lessons in Purity and Impurity (Rebroadcast)

Apr 15, 2018

1:01:40

Parshas Tazria and Metzora teach about various forms of purity and impurity, how they are contracted, the laws of a person who has them, and how they are remedied. In our podcast, we attempt to understand what purity and impurity mean and what practical lessons we can draw. – – – – – – – […]

261

Shemini – Aaron’s Stoicism

Apr 12, 2018

23:32

On the eighth day of the inauguration of the Mishkan, amid the joy and jubilation and ecstasy of having God dwell among the nation, tragedy and disaster strikes when the two sons of Aaron die suddenly. As a reward for not questioning God, Aaron is granted a Mosaic prophecy alone. How does Aaron’s stoicism fit […]

262

Pesach: A Primer

Mar 27, 2018

58:01

Pesach marks the foundational event of our nation’s history. The Exodus that happened on the days of Pesach is the rationale of the Jewish holidays nad festivals, including the weekly Shabbos, and is invoked in many mitzvos. In this podcast we explore the story of Pesach and discover what it says about what we stand […]

263

Shemini – Following Orders (Rebroadcast)

Mar 25, 2018

48:25

After seven days of consecration, Aaron and his sons are promoted to being Kohanim, and after offering the sacrifices of day eight, the glory of God appears in the Tabernacle. Unfortunately, in the zenith of ecstasy, tragedy struck. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

264

Tzav – Scaling the Rungs of Greatness (Rebroadcast)

Mar 18, 2018

50:38

Parshas Tzav continues the instructions relating to the Tabernacle and its sacrifices. We learn more details regarding some of the sacrifices mentioned earlier and also we are taught about some new sacrifices and procedures. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

265

How to be a Great Leader (and Spouse) – Recorded Live at the Kotel in Jerusalem

Mar 14, 2018

21:21

In the last portions of Exodus, the Torah details the incredible fundraising efforts to assemble the materials needed to build the Mishkan. It records that the nesi’im, the presidents of the tribes, donated the stones for the Kohein Gadol’s Choshen and Ephod, Breastplate and apron-like garment. Rashi notes that the Torah is also conveying a veiled criticism about these people […]

266

Vayikra – Sacrificial Repentance (Rebroadcast)

Mar 11, 2018

53:51

The Book of Leviticus begins with Parshas Vayikra. In this section we learn about the processes and procedures of many different varieties of sacrifices. What is the reason for sacrifices? Who benefits when a person takes an animal and slaughters it to God? – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

267

Vayakhel & Pekudei – Blundering to Greatness

Mar 7, 2018

17:37

In this week’s double parsha we observe something unusual. Unlike its tendency to be concise and succinct and mince words, the Torah finds it necessary to exhaustively detail the implementation of the building of the Mishkan when a few shorts verses would suffice. In this podcast we propose an answer. – – – – – […]

268

Vayakhel & Pekudei – Rectifying the Golden Calf (Rebroadcast)

Mar 4, 2018

57:39

Parshiyos Vayakhel and Pekudei retell the implementation of the instructions to build the Tabernacle, its vessels and the vestments of the Kohen Gadol given in the Parshiyos of Terumah and Tetzaveh. Why is it necessary to belabor all the details once again? – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

269

Purim – A Mitzvah to get Drunk

Feb 28, 2018

13:21

Besides the four mitzvos of the day, the Talmud states that a person has to get drunk on Purim “until he does not know the difference between Haman is cursed and Mordechai is blessed”. What is the meaning behind this bizarre practice? – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

270

Ki Sisa – Tragedy at Sinai (Rebroadcast)

Feb 25, 2018

1:01:07

Parshas Ki Sisa wraps up the instructions regarding the Tabernacle, and then tells the story of perhaps the most shocking and troubling episode in the whole Torah – the Golden Calf episode. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Please consider […]

271

Purim – Love-Inducing Miracles

Feb 22, 2018

13:52

The Talmud (Shabbos 88a) teaches that in the aftermath of the Purim miracles the Jewish people re-accepted the Torah out of love. What was so special about the miracles of Purim that fostered this profound love and what lessons can we learn from it? – – – – – – – – – – – […]

272

Tetzaveh – Holy Vestaments (Rebroadcast)

Feb 18, 2018

38:38

In Parshas Tetzaveh the Torah outlines the various garments needed for the Kohein Gadol, the instruction to raise the funds for the oil for the Menorah, and the incense Altar. What are some practical lessons we can draw from these special clothes? – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

273

Terumah – The Ark of Torah

Feb 14, 2018

20:06

This parsha kickstart several Torah sections outlining the structure and the vessels of the mishkan, the Tabernacle. The Talmud brings these ideas closer to our understanding by linking the vessels of the Tabernacle to the greatest arenas of human achievements. The Ark is symbolic of Torah greatness. In this podcast we parse out this idea. […]

274

Terumah – A Dwelling Place for G-d (Rebroadcast)

Feb 11, 2018

55:34

Parshas Terumah records the Almighty’s directive to Moshe to fundraise the raw materials needed to build the Mishkan and its vessels and the instruction to construct them. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Please consider sponsoring a podcast by […]

275

Mishpatim – Preconditions of Prayer

Feb 7, 2018

13:27

Amid a parsha replete with all kinds of interpersonal mitzvos, we find a transformational insight with respect to prayer. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Please consider sponsoring a podcast by making a donation to help fund our Jewish […]

276

Mishpatim – Jewish Jurisprudence (Rebroadcast)

Feb 4, 2018

1:14:24

The Torah is generally perceived as addressing matter of religion and the spiritual. In Parshas Mishpatim we see how it is an exhaustive guide to life in every arena, including governance of civil and criminal law. What are some of the broader themes of Jewish jurisprudence and how can they inform and inspire in modern […]

277

Yisro – The Key to Changing the World

Jan 31, 2018

46:35

There is a learnable quality the underpins every transformational change and improvement that humanity has achieved. It is what separates the people who are inspired to change and actually implement grand ideas from the common folk who do not influence the world for the better. In Parshas Yisro we learn that secret. – – – – […]

278

Yisro – A Kingdom of Priests and A Holy Nation (Rebroadcast)

Jan 28, 2018

58:31

Parshas Yisro is a tale of two stories: The first is the episode of Yisro the father in law of Moshe. He abandons his post as the priest of Midian to join the people and provide valuable insight to the judicial process. The latter half of the parsha is dedicated to the Mount Sinai experience […]

279

Beshalach – The Divine Doctor

Jan 24, 2018

18:51

In this week’s parsha the Torah gives us a general characterization of mitzvos as medicine prescribed by God to heal our soul. What does that mean and how does it coexist with other characterizations of mitzvos? – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

280

Beshalach – Exhilarating Exodus (Rebroadcast)

Jan 21, 2018

1:13:18

Parshas Beshalach begins with the Exodus from Egypt. This begins a spiritual transition for the Jewish people. For the duration of the 40 years in the wilderness, the Jews are going to be eating heavenly manna and drinking water from a rock. This is reflective of their newfound closeness with the Almighty. However, this greatness […]

281

Bo – Ramban’s Critical Comment

Jan 17, 2018

20:29

In Parshas Bo the Exodus reaches its climax with the final 3 of the Ten Plagues. The Exodus is much more than being freed from slavery, it is the founding of the nation and the building of the spiritual makeup of the people. In this podcast we go through a critical comment from the Ramban […]

282

Bo – Climactic Exodus (Rebroadcast)

Jan 14, 2018

1:13:34

The Ten Plagues reach their crescendo in Parshas Bo. After Pharaoh’s repeated intransigence, he undergoes a series of humbling miraculous plagues that prompt him to evict the Jews from his land. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Please consider sponsoring […]

283

Vaeira – Tangible Fear of G-d

Jan 10, 2018

17:44

Before the seventh and final plague of the parsha, Moshe warns the Egyptians about the forthcoming hail of fire-and-ice. Some of the Egyptians prudently move all their possessions to safety, while others leave them out. The Torah’s labeling of these people and their choices provide us with valuable lessons. – – – – – – […]

284

Vaeira – Educational Plagues (Rebroadcast)

Jan 7, 2018

1:01:14

In Parshas Vaeira we see the humbling of Pharaoh and the Egyptians. We learn about the first seven of the Ten Plagues and their purpose and significance. More broadly, we delve into the objective of the Exodus at large. The topics discussed in this episode: Introduction to the Plagues and Exodus: The various Names of […]

285

Shemos – The Iron Crucible (Rebroadcast)

Dec 31, 2017

56:46

The book of Exodus begins with the enslavement of the Jewish people in Egypt. Interestingly, when Abraham was selected to be the father of the Chosen People he was informed that his descendents will be subject to severe national suffering in a foreign land.Seemingly, the enslavement was an ideal, and necessary, component of becoming God’s […]

286

Vayechi – Spiritual Diagnostician (Recorded Live in Harrisburg, PA)

Dec 27, 2017

56:41

In his last act, Jacob gathers his sons and offers each of the twelve a blessing. To us, however, it does not seem that the first three received a blessing at all. Reuben was castigated for being impetuous and consequently he was stripped of his role as king and priest, and Simon and Levi were reprimanded […]

287

Vayechi – Deathbed Priorities (Rebroadcast)

Dec 24, 2017

58:32

Parshas Vayrchi is oriented around the illness and death of Jacob. The Jewish family is growing and establishing roots in Egypt. Their spiritual leader and guide is going to pass, and they will ease into Egyptian life, culminating in their eventual enslavement. In his waning moments, Jacob gathers his children, blesses them, and provides them […]

288

Vayigash – The Chariot of G-d

Dec 20, 2017

25:52

This week’s parsha recounts the tale of how after decades of separation, Jacob is finally reunited with Joseph. But when they finally meet something odd happens. While Joseph responds to the moment emotionally, by falling on his father’s shoulder and weeping, Jacob is stoic. Our sages tell us that he was reciting the Shema prayer […]

289

Vayigash – A Family Descends (Rebroadcast)

Dec 17, 2017

50:37

Parshas Vayigash begins with Joseph’s dramatic revelation to his brothers and ends with the descent of Jacob and his descendents to Egypt, where they will spend the next several hundred years burgeoning into a great nation. The topics discussed in this episode: Joseph reveals his True Identity – [0:00]; The Brothers Silence in the Face […]

290

Chanukah – Small Miracles

Dec 13, 2017

24:49

When reading about the story and the miracles of Chanukah, the most prominent and memorable one seems to be the military victory of a small ragtag guerrilla army over the mighty Greeks. Yet the mitzvah commemorating the events revolves around the miracle of the oil, a seemingly insignificant miracle in comparison. In this podcast, we offer 3 […]

291

Mikeitz – From Prisoner to Viceroy (Rebroadcast)

Dec 10, 2017

51:52

Parshas Mikeitz tells the dramatic transformation of Joseph from lowly prisoner to exalted viceroy of Egypt, his oversight of Egyptian preparation for famine and how he related to his brothers who sought grain. The topics discussed in this episode: Joseph’s Ascension to grandeur – [0:00]; Joseph’s Suggestion: Seek a wise person – [10:08]; Joseph enshrined as viceroy, implements […]

292

Vayeishev – Death by Unnatural Means

Dec 6, 2017

26:01

In Parshas Vayeishev, the conflict between Joseph and his brothers reaches the tipping point when they plot to kill him. In the end, Reuben saves Joseph by successfully lobbying that he be thrown into a pit full of dangerous animals. Why did the brothers want to kill Joseph, how did Reuben convince them not to, […]

293

Vayeishev – Strange Paths to Redemption (Rebroadcast)

Dec 3, 2017

1:05:51

Parshas Vayeishev marks the dramatic descent of Joseph, from Jacob’s favorite son to alleged attempted rapist languishing in an Egyptian prison. In retrospect, this Parsha tells the beginning of the founding of the Jewish nation and the back story to the nation’s most prestigious family. The topics discussed in this episode: Jacob’s Favoritism towards Joseph – […]

294

Vayishlach – Your Money or Your Life

Nov 29, 2017

24:38

In our parsha, Jacob was stranded alone and partook in a fight to the death with the angel of Esau for an entire night. Quoting the Talmud, Rashi reveals that the reason why Jacob was alone was that he went to retrieve a few small jugs. The Talmud continues that from this episode we see […]

295

Vayishlach – Twin Tussles (Rebroadcast)

Nov 26, 2017

1:09:45

Telling the story of this week’s parsha while gleaning insights and lessons from it. The topics discussed in this episode: Jacob’s Preparation for the Encounter with Esau – [0:00] Jacob’s Fears: Of Loss of Merits, Of Esau and Of Esau’s “Brotherly Love” – [9:09] The Bribe – [13:29] Jacob Hid Dina to Shield her from Esau – [16:06] […]

296

Vayeitzei – Manipulating Willpower

Nov 22, 2017

23:22

In our parsha, Jacob and his wives are faced with a very difficult test, and the Torah describes a very unique approach that they used when confronting the dilemma. In this podcast, we will deconstruct their methodology and draw from it a valuable principle that can help us in our challenges today. – – – […]

297

Vayeitzei – Nation Building (Rebroadcast)

Nov 19, 2017

55:30

Telling the story of this week’s parsha while gleaning insights and lessons from it. The topics discussed in this episode: Jacob’s Dream – [0:00] Jacob’s Ladder – [9:10] Jacob’s Pledge compared to God’s Promise – [13:59] On the Meaning of Stones in the Parsha; The Power of Inspiration – [19:00] Jacob Meets Rachel – [22:54] Seven Years in Exchange […]

298

Toldos – Bad Influences

Nov 15, 2017

15:16

Rebecca was surrounded by bad influences. Her father, brother and community were all sinners. How did she manage to not learn from their ways and what can we learn from this? – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Please consider […]

299

Toldos – Intrauterine Cosmic Struggle (Rebroadcast)

Nov 12, 2017

1:11:02

Telling the story of this week’s parsha while gleaning insights and lessons from it. The topics discussed in this episode: Praying As Response to Infertility – [0:00] God Answers Isaac’s Prayer – [4:52] Jacob and Esau intrauterine Struggling; Esau Pining for Idolatry; The Cosmic Struggle between the Two Worlds – [10:16] Jacob Seizing the Ankle of Esau and their Childhood; Isaac’s […]

300

Chayei Sarah – The Best Kind of Kindness

Nov 9, 2017

17:33

In Parshas Chayei Sarah, Eliezer devises a test to determine the suitability of a prospective spouse for Isaac that teaches us about marital compatibility and about a special kind of kindness. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Please consider […]

The Parsha Podcast · Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

The Parsha Podcast Â - הרב יעקב וולבה

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