The Parsha Podcast · Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

301

Chayei Sarah – Unselfish Spouses (Rebroadcast)

Nov 5, 2017

1:08:38

Telling the story of this week’s parsha while gleaning insights and lessons from it. The topics discussed in this episode: The Death, Bereavment and Burial of Sarah – [0:00] The Cave of the Machpelah – [14:23] Eliezer’s Oath, Eligibility Test for a prospective Spouse for Isaac– [23:26] Eliezer’s Encounter with Lavan and Rebecca’s family and the Corruptive […]

302

Vayeira – Finishing the Job

Nov 3, 2017

19:33

The most difficult test of Abraham’s Ten Tests was the commandment to sacrifice Isaac for God. Rashi comments that had Abraham failed in his test, the other nine would be rendered non substantive. Why does Abraham need to be perfect for his tests to have value and what lessons can we draw from this teaching? […]

303

Vayeira – Reconciling Kindness and Child-Sacrifice (Rebroadcast)

Oct 29, 2017

1:20:04

Telling the story of this week’s parsha while gleaning insights and lessons from it. The topics discussed in this episode: Kindness Superseding Prophecy – [0:00] Deconstructing Abraham’s Kindness with the Three Strangers – [9:57] Abraham’s Intercession on Behalf of Sodom – [25:23] Abraham’s Unsuccessful Kindnesses: How Kindness and Faith are Correlated and How Lot’s Kindness differed from Abraham’s – […]

304

Lech Lecha – The Essence of Bris Milah (Circumcision)

Oct 26, 2017

22:06

The mitzvah of Bris Milah (circumcision) is unique of several fronts. It is the first mitzvah given to Abraham and the first done to a Jewish child; it is the mark of the Jewish fraternity; and the Talmud declares that is emblematic of all the mitzvos combined. What is the meaning behind this enigmatic mitzvah? – […]

305

Lech Lecha – (Rebroadcast + New Podcast: Eternal Ethics)

Oct 23, 2017

1:13:28

Begining this week, we will, God-willing, upload two weekly Parsha Podcast episodes, the one orginally recorded last year on the whole Parsha and a shorter, orginal one on a specific point on the parsha that I find noteworthy. (Thank you Howard Schreiber for the suggestion.) Also, I am pleased to announce the launching of a brand […]

306

Noach – Lessons from an Enigma

Oct 15, 2017

13:23

For last year’s podcast on Parshas Noach click HERE. In this podcast we draw three lessons from the Torah’s chracter assesments of Noah. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Please consider making a donation to help fund our Jewish […]

307

Bereishis – Adam and the Fruit Fly

Oct 10, 2017

23:01

Welcome to Year 2 of the Parsha Podcast. This year’s cycle will differ from last year’s in that we will only pick an angle or an idea from the parsha but will not give a comprehensive overview of the parsha as we did last year. However, last year’s episode [link HERE] will still be available […]

308

Vezos HaBracha – A Torah Retrospect (Speech at Celebration of Completion of the Torah)

Oct 2, 2017

18:42

Over the past year we have studied the entire Torah, the five books of Moshe. In this podcast, we try to identify the underlying theme that strings throughout the Torah. What is the overarching theme of Torah and what ought we to take away from the experience of studying it? – – – – – […]

309

Maximizing Yom Kippur

Sep 25, 2017

57:09

Yom Kippur is associated with prayer and liturgy that we may not understand, very long services and, of course, fasting. Unfortunately, most people are unaware of the power, meaning and opportunity of the day. In this podcast we go back to the very first Yom Kippur. What happened on that day and how is it […]

310

The Core Theme of Rosh Hashana

Sep 19, 2017

35:44

Rosh Hashana is the anniversary of the creation of man. It is also the Day of Judgement. What are the various elements and themes of the day and how do they interrelate? – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Please […]

311

Ha’azinu – The Song of History

Sep 17, 2017

1:06:17

On the final day of his life, Moshe gathers the nation and sketches out the cycles of history both past and future in a poetic, song like way, all the while providing indispensable lessons. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

312

Nitzavim & Vayeilech – Eternal Exhortations

Sep 10, 2017

1:02:15

In the last few days of Moshe’s life, he gathers the entire nation, men women and children, and presents to them his final, departing message. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Please consider making a donation to help fund […]

313

Ki Savo – Consequences of Closeness

Sep 5, 2017

54:49

A central theme of Parshas Ki Savo is the idea that we are the Chosen People of God. Why were we chosen, what are we chosen for, and what are the benefits and consequences of being chosen? – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

314

Ki Seitzei – Lessons for Living (Recorded Amid Hurricane Harvey)

Aug 27, 2017

56:04

Though Hurricane Harvey is slamming the Houston area, flooding its highways, homes, and business, inundating its rivers and bayous, and causing catastrophic destruction and devastation, at TORCH the Torah study goes on. Sadly, our TORCH Centre is currently under several feet of water Help TORCH rebuild after Harvey by visiting https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! Contact: Website: RabbiWolbe.com; Twitter: @RabbiWolbe; […]

315

Shoftim – Righteous Justice

Aug 20, 2017

1:03:00

In Parshas Shoftim we learn about enactment of judges and a judicial system in Israel. We also learn about the Sanhedrin, its history, and its authority, and what happens when fallible human courts make blunders. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

316

Re’eh – An Attitudinal Shift

Aug 13, 2017

56:29

Parshas Re’eh marks a transition in Devarim. After four sections of Moshe inspiring the nation ahead of his death and their entrance to Israel, the nation is instructed with mitzvos related to their upcoming new world. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

317

Eikev – A Unique Path to Greatness

Aug 6, 2017

31:41

Parshas Eikev continues Moshe’s grand Speech to the Nation. In it we learn about how Torah is food for life, and how to love, and about reward and punishment. Please note this class was originally recorded in 2016 and please forgive me if the audio quality is a bit sub par. – – – – – […]

318

Va’Eschanan – Preparing the Nation

Jul 30, 2017

1:09:13

Parshas Vaeschanan continues where Parshas Devarim left off. Moshe has about a month left to speak to the nation and prepare them for the challenges awaiting them in Canaan. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Please consider making a […]

319

Devarim – Moshe’s Speech

Jul 23, 2017

50:06

Parshas Devarim, and indeed the Book of Devarim, begins with a lengthy speech from Moshe to the nation about a month before his death. In it he subtly criticizes them regarding all the nation’s misdeeds over the duration of the 40 years in the Wilderness. – – – – – – – – – – […]

320

Mattos & Masei – Promised Land Pending

Jul 16, 2017

57:23

The final two parshiyos of the Book of Numbers (Bamidbar) tell the laws and happenings leading up to the conquest of Canaan (Israel). We are taught the laws of vows, then a war is fought and its booty is divided, and the tribes of Gad and Reuven agree to a pact. – – – – […]

321

Pinchas – Legacies of Great Leaders

Jul 10, 2017

59:18

Pinchas was a great hero who acted out of vengeance for God. In this Parsha, we read about the plaudits for his heroism, the Jews are counted again, a knotty inheritance question is settled, Moshe asked for a successor, and we learn about many sacrifices. – – – – – – – – – – […]

322

Balak – Greatness Gone Awry

Jul 2, 2017

54:01

Bilaam was a gifted prophet on par with Moshe. Sadly, he chose to direct his powers towards a life of evil. In Parshas Balak, Bilaam is hired to curse the Jewish people, but it does not go as planned. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

323

Chukas -Repentance of the Red Heifer

Jun 25, 2017

1:04:33

Parshas Chukas tells of the red heifer as an atonement from contamination of the dead. What is the meaning behind it and how does it relate to the Golden Calf? – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Please consider making […]

324

Korach – A Cousin’s Rebellion

Jun 18, 2017

1:00:32

Korach was Moshe’s envious first cousin who mounted an insurrection against Moshe and Aaron, even questioning their legitimacy. In this story we learn vital lessons about staying true to the role that the Almighty prepares for us and the importance of maintaining peace. – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

325

Shelach – The Sad Saga of the Spies

Jun 11, 2017

59:38

In Parshas Shelach we read about the disastrous episode of the Spies. These 12 men were initially great leaders of the people, but their libelous report about the Land condemned the Nation to 40 years of wandering in the Wilderness. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

326

Behaaloscha – Trouble in Paradise

Jun 4, 2017

57:12

After nearly a year encamped at Sinai, the Jews begin their journey to Canaan in Parshas Behaaloscha. With the Tabernacle completed, the Levites consecrated and readied, the road was paved for their swift entry into the Promised Land. Unfortunately, things did not go as planned. – – – – – – – – – – […]

327

Nasso – Temporary Insanity

May 28, 2017

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

328

Bamidbar – Stature of a Nation

May 21, 2017

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. – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

329

Behar & Bechukosai – Consequences of Closeness

May 14, 2017

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. […]

330

Emor – Festivals of Hashem

May 7, 2017

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 […]

331

Acharei & Kedoshim – How to be Holy

May 1, 2017

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

332

Tazria & Metzora – Lessons in Purity and Impurity

Apr 23, 2017

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. – – – – – – – […]

333

Shemini – Following Orders

Apr 13, 2017

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

334

Special Pre-Pesach-Podcast: Explaining Exodus via Genesis and Deuteronomy

Apr 5, 2017

34:31

The Exodus is the most oft-referenced event in Jewish life. Twice daily we invoke it in the Shema, and every Shabbos holiday is characterized as “a remembrance for the exodus of Egypt”. Why is the exodus so central to Jewish life? In this podcast we explore that question and many others regarding the Exodus story and […]

335

Tzav – Scaling the Rungs of Greatness

Apr 2, 2017

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

336

Vayikra – Sacrificial Repentance

Mar 29, 2017

1:00:04

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? – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

337

Vayakhel & Pekudei – Rectifying the Golden Calf

Mar 20, 2017

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? – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

338

Ki Sisa – Tragedy at Sinai

Mar 14, 2017

1:02:11

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. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Contact: Website: […]

339

Tetzaveh – Holy Vestaments

Mar 6, 2017

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? – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

340

Terumah – A Dwelling Place for G-d

Feb 27, 2017

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. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Contact: Website: RabbiWolbe.com; Twitter: @RabbiWolbe; Facebook: […]

341

Mishpatim – Jewish Jurisprudence

Feb 19, 2017

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 […]

342

Yisro – A Kingdom of Priests and A Holy Nation

Feb 12, 2017

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 […]

343

Beshalach – Exhilarating Exodus

Feb 5, 2017

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 […]

344

Bo – Climactic Exodus

Jan 29, 2017

1:14:51

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. Contact: Website: RabbiWolbe.com; Twitter: @RabbiWolbe; Facebook: Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe; Email: [email protected]. Podcasts Links iOS: This Jewish Life – In-Depth Analysis into Critical Torah Topics; The Jewish […]

345

Vaeira – Educational Plagues

Jan 22, 2017

1:00:35

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 […]

346

Shemos – The Iron Crucible

Jan 15, 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 […]

347

Vayechi – Deathbed Priorities

Jan 8, 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 […]

348

Vayigash – A Family Descends

Jan 2, 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 […]

349

Mikeitz – From Prisoner to Viceroy

Dec 25, 2016

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 […]

350

Vayeishev – Strange Paths to Redemption

Dec 18, 2016

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 – […]

The Parsha Podcast · Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

The Parsha Podcast Â - הרב יעקב וולבה

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