The Mitzvah Podcast · Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

51

Kindling the Menorah (#98)

May 30, 2022

28:20

The Menorah is the vessel of the Temple that we are most familiar with. The seven-branched candelabra, engraved with intricate embellishments, was lit each night in the Temple. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Sponsorship: Please consider sponsoring a podcast […]

52

Kindling the Menorah (#98)

May 30, 2022

28:20

The Menorah is the vessel of the Temple that we are most familiar with. The seven-branched candelabra, engraved with intricate embellishments, was lit each night in the Temple. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Sponsorship: Please consider sponsoring a podcast […]

53

The Showbreads (#97)

May 23, 2022

29:25

Three vessels resided in the Tabernacle’s/Temple’s Sanctuary: The Menorah, the Golden Alter, and the Table. The top of the table were two stacks of showbreads, six breads on either stack for a total of 12. These breads were ever present atop the table. – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

54

The Showbreads (#97)

May 23, 2022

29:25

Three vessels resided in the Tabernacle’s/Temple’s Sanctuary: The Menorah, the Golden Alter, and the Table. The top of the table were two stacks of showbreads, six breads on either stack for a total of 12. These breads were ever present atop the table. – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

55

Poles of the Ark (#96)

May 16, 2022

31:39

The Ark was the most iconic of the vessels of the Temple. Housed in the Holy of Holies, visited only once a year by the High Priest on Yom Kippur, the Ark represents the epicenter of holiness of our people. A series of nested boxes containing the tablets etched by God, covered by cherubs hewn […]

56

Poles of the Ark (#96)

May 16, 2022

31:39

The Ark was the most iconic of the vessels of the Temple. Housed in the Holy of Holies, visited only once a year by the High Priest on Yom Kippur, the Ark represents the epicenter of holiness of our people. A series of nested boxes containing the tablets etched by God, covered by cherubs hewn […]

57

Building a Temple (#95)

May 9, 2022

40:24

The epicenter of Jewish life is the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. In the Temple, the presence of God was palpable and undeniable. Ever since the Sinai Revelation, our nation has had a Mitzvah to build a temple to God in our midst. Even today, while politically untenable, this Mitzvah stands. – – – – – […]

58

Building a Temple (#95)

May 9, 2022

40:24

The epicenter of Jewish life is the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. In the Temple, the presence of God was palpable and undeniable. Ever since the Sinai Revelation, our nation has had a Mitzvah to build a temple to God in our midst. Even today, while politically untenable, this Mitzvah stands. – – – – – […]

59

Canaanite Policy (#93-4, 425, 528)

May 2, 2022

48:37

Our nation has some enemies. The arch foe of our people are the Amalekites. That nation is hellbent upon our destruction. The ancient Canaanites were cut from the same cloth. These barbarous, idolatrous nations spelled an existential threat to our people and our continuity. In this set of mitzvos, we outlined the Canaanite policy. How […]

60

Canaanite Policy (#93-4, 425, 528)

May 2, 2022

48:37

Our nation has some enemies. The arch foe of our people are the Amalekites. That nation is hellbent upon our destruction. The ancient Canaanites were cut from the same cloth. These barbarous, idolatrous nations spelled an existential threat to our people and our continuity. In this set of mitzvos, we outlined the Canaanite policy. How […]

61

We Have Been Blessed With a Baby Boy

Mar 20, 2022

40:55

With deep appreciation to the Almighty for all the goodness that He has bestowed upon us, I’m happy to share that my wife, Chaya, and I were blessed with a beautiful baby boy on Monday, March 14. Thank God, both Mom and baby are doing fabulous! In this special edition of the podcast, I share […]

62

We Have Been Blessed With a Baby Boy

Mar 20, 2022

40:55

With deep appreciation to the Almighty for all the goodness that He has bestowed upon us, I’m happy to share that my wife, Chaya, and I were blessed with a beautiful baby boy on Monday, March 14. Thank God, both Mom and baby are doing fabulous! In this special edition of the podcast, I share […]

63

Special: An Interview About My New Book, Upon A Ten-Stringed Harp

Feb 17, 2022

36:28

In conjunction with our annual fundraiser this week at giveTORCH.org (every donation is tripled), we are releasing a special interview conducted by the TORCH Board President, Dan Kullman, about my new book, Upon A Ten-Stringed Harp. Please consider contributing to our annual fundraiser at giveTORCH.org.

64

Special: An Interview About My New Book, Upon A Ten-Stringed Harp

Feb 17, 2022

36:28

In conjunction with our annual fundraiser this week at giveTORCH.org (every donation is tripled), we are releasing a special interview conducted by the TORCH Board President, Dan Kullman, about my new book, Upon A Ten-Stringed Harp. Please consider contributing to our annual fundraiser at giveTORCH.org.

65

Milk and Meat (#92, 113) & TORCH Fundraiser (giveTORCH.org)

Feb 15, 2022

42:44

Please support The Mitzvah Podcast and the annual TORCH fundraiser at giveTORCH.org Every donation will be TRIPLED Show your support for TORCH and The Mitzvah Podcast and donate to the annual fundraiser at giveTORCH.org – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

66

Milk and Meat (#92, 113) & TORCH Fundraiser (giveTORCH.org)

Feb 15, 2022

42:44

Please support The Mitzvah Podcast and the annual TORCH fundraiser at giveTORCH.org Every donation will be TRIPLED Show your support for TORCH and The Mitzvah Podcast and donate to the annual fundraiser at giveTORCH.org – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

67

First Fruits (#91, 606)

Jan 17, 2022

24:43

When the Temple was extant, there were many more mitzvos that were applicable above what we can do today. One of these mitzvos is the requirement to bring the first fruits to Jerusalem and to give it to the Kohen. The procedure of this mitzvah is fascinating and intriguing. – – – – – – […]

68

First Fruits (#91, 606)

Jan 17, 2022

24:43

When the Temple was extant, there were many more mitzvos that were applicable above what we can do today. One of these mitzvos is the requirement to bring the first fruits to Jerusalem and to give it to the Kohen. The procedure of this mitzvah is fascinating and intriguing. – – – – – – […]

69

Tri-Annual Pilgrimages (#88, 488-90)

Jan 11, 2022

47:56

When our nation was fortunate enough to have a Temple, the highlight of the year was the tri-annual pilgrimage to the Temple on the Three Festivals. Throngs of Jews from every corner of the globe would stream to Jerusalem to celebrate and grow with their brethren. The descriptions of the festivities make our heart yearn […]

70

Tri-Annual Pilgrimages (#88, 488-90)

Jan 11, 2022

47:56

When our nation was fortunate enough to have a Temple, the highlight of the year was the tri-annual pilgrimage to the Temple on the Three Festivals. Throngs of Jews from every corner of the globe would stream to Jerusalem to celebrate and grow with their brethren. The descriptions of the festivities make our heart yearn […]

71

Not Enticing Idolatry (#87, 457-62)

Dec 29, 2021

27:02

The worst criminal in the Jewish system of courts is someone who tries to entice others to worship idolatry. Our sages tell us that such a crime is worse than murder. The way such a criminals treated is different than any other criminal Torah law. – – – – – – – – – – […]

72

Not Enticing Idolatry (#87, 457-62)

Dec 29, 2021

27:02

The worst criminal in the Jewish system of courts is someone who tries to entice others to worship idolatry. Our sages tell us that such a crime is worse than murder. The way such a criminals treated is different than any other criminal Torah law. – – – – – – – – – – […]

73

Mocking Idolatry (#86)

Dec 9, 2021

21:11

There are many mitzvos in the Torah around idolatry, 51 according to Rambam’s delineation. This mitzvah tells that we may not utter the names of idols, not in an oath and not reverentially, nor may we cause others to do so. Instead, we are encouraged to mock them. – – – – – – – […]

74

Mocking Idolatry (#86)

Dec 9, 2021

21:11

There are many mitzvos in the Torah around idolatry, 51 according to Rambam’s delineation. This mitzvah tells that we may not utter the names of idols, not in an oath and not reverentially, nor may we cause others to do so. Instead, we are encouraged to mock them. – – – – – – – […]

75

Shemittah (#84, 112, 326-9)

Nov 15, 2021

34:24

The Torah tells us that the land must lay fallow every 7th year. For an entire year, all the farmers in Israel must cease operations. Moreover, they must relinquish ownership on the land. Just as Shabbos on a weekly schedule, the Shemittah marks a year of rest on a week of years. – – – […]

76

Shemittah (#84, 112, 326-9)

Nov 15, 2021

34:24

The Torah tells us that the land must lay fallow every 7th year. For an entire year, all the farmers in Israel must cease operations. Moreover, they must relinquish ownership on the land. Just as Shabbos on a weekly schedule, the Shemittah marks a year of rest on a week of years. – – – […]

77

Bribes and Palm-Greasing (#83)

Aug 30, 2021

49:58

Judgment is the ultimate partnership between us and God. Litigants who come to a Jewish court are coming to hear the will of the Almighty on the case. Consequently, the judges have to be very meticulous in being impartial and neutral in judgment. – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

78

Bribes and Palm-Greasing (#83)

Aug 30, 2021

49:58

Judgment is the ultimate partnership between us and God. Litigants who come to a Jewish court are coming to hear the will of the Almighty on the case. Consequently, the judges have to be very meticulous in being impartial and neutral in judgment. – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

79

Conjecture in Court (#82)

Aug 23, 2021

26:25

A court is tasked with verifying the validity of the claims of the witnesses and rendering a ruling. What kinds of testimony are admissible in court? What are the extrajudicial carveouts for the defendants who are clearly guilty but get off on technicalities? – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

80

Conjecture in Court (#82)

Aug 23, 2021

26:25

A court is tasked with verifying the validity of the claims of the witnesses and rendering a ruling. What kinds of testimony are admissible in court? What are the extrajudicial carveouts for the defendants who are clearly guilty but get off on technicalities? – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

81

Judging A Crook By It’s Cover (#81)

Aug 10, 2021

31:04

Imagine you are a judge and two litigants come before you for justice. One of the people is a righteous, pious, trustworthy person. The other one is a crook. How must you navigate such a situation and what does it reveal to us about the role of the judge and the essence of Jewish jurisprudence? […]

82

Judging A Crook By It’s Cover (#81)

Aug 10, 2021

31:04

Imagine you are a judge and two litigants come before you for justice. One of the people is a righteous, pious, trustworthy person. The other one is a crook. How must you navigate such a situation and what does it reveal to us about the role of the judge and the essence of Jewish jurisprudence? […]

83

Aiding Animals (#80, 540-1)

Aug 2, 2021

42:44

The mitzvah covered in this podcast episode is one of the most interesting and wide-ranging ones that we have yet covered. In this podcast we discover an astounding teaching in the Talmud regarding what the fundamental end that Torah and Mitzvos are there to accomplish. We also explore other interesting questions related to the treatment […]

84

Aiding Animals (#80, 540-1)

Aug 2, 2021

42:44

The mitzvah covered in this podcast episode is one of the most interesting and wide-ranging ones that we have yet covered. In this podcast we discover an astounding teaching in the Talmud regarding what the fundamental end that Torah and Mitzvos are there to accomplish. We also explore other interesting questions related to the treatment […]

85

Justice for All (#79, 233-5)

Jul 12, 2021

35:38

A judge adjudicating matters of Torah law is God’s representative. When a judge renders a ruling, they must be very certain that they are faithfully representing God in the matter. This podcast discusses four distinct mitzvos regarding the imperative to judge righteously. – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

86

Justice for All (#79, 233-5)

Jul 12, 2021

35:38

A judge adjudicating matters of Torah law is God’s representative. When a judge renders a ruling, they must be very certain that they are faithfully representing God in the matter. This podcast discusses four distinct mitzvos regarding the imperative to judge righteously. – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

87

Judicial Proceedings (#77)

Jul 1, 2021

25:56

In a Jewish court of law, capital crime cases are distinct from civil or monetary ones. In this Mitzvah we outlines some of the hurdles facing the court seeking a capital crime conviction. It turns out that although there are many commandments that contain a punishment of capital crime, in effect, executions are astonishingly rare […]

88

Judicial Proceedings (#77)

Jul 1, 2021

25:56

In a Jewish court of law, capital crime cases are distinct from civil or monetary ones. In this Mitzvah we outlines some of the hurdles facing the court seeking a capital crime conviction. It turns out that although there are many commandments that contain a punishment of capital crime, in effect, executions are astonishingly rare […]

89

Majority Rules (#76, 78)

May 31, 2021

31:15

We have a Heavenly Torah, but it is up to us fallible humans to adjudicate it. What do we do when there is uncertainty? How do we resolve doubts? The Torah provides us with several tools at our disposal for us to do just that. In this podcast, we examine two mitzvos related to the […]

90

Majority Rules (#76, 78)

May 31, 2021

31:15

We have a Heavenly Torah, but it is up to us fallible humans to adjudicate it. What do we do when there is uncertainty? How do we resolve doubts? The Torah provides us with several tools at our disposal for us to do just that. In this podcast, we examine two mitzvos related to the […]

91

Disqualified Witnesses (#75)

May 6, 2021

31:11

To serve as a witness in a Jewish court of law is no simple matter. Our Sages detail ten different people who are disqualified from offering testimony. In this mitzvah we scour that long list and learn about what it takes to testify in a Jewish court of law. – – – – – – […]

92

Disqualified Witnesses (#75)

May 6, 2021

31:11

To serve as a witness in a Jewish court of law is no simple matter. Our Sages detail ten different people who are disqualified from offering testimony. In this mitzvah we scour that long list and learn about what it takes to testify in a Jewish court of law. – – – – – – […]

93

Equitable Judgment (#74)

Apr 29, 2021

16:06

The most critical characteristic of a judge is impartiality. A judge who favors one of the litigants is disqualified to judge. This mitzvah shows us the extent that a judge go to avoid biases. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

94

Equitable Judgment (#74)

Apr 29, 2021

16:06

The most critical characteristic of a judge is impartiality. A judge who favors one of the litigants is disqualified to judge. This mitzvah shows us the extent that a judge go to avoid biases. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

95

Glatt Kosher (#73, 472)

Apr 15, 2021

30:09

When you compare identical cuts of kosher and non-kosher meat at the supermarket, the only discernable difference is the price. Kosher meat is much pricier, often 5-10 more expensive than it’s non-kosher counterparts. Why is kosher meat so much more expensive? Is it actually worth the premium? What goes into processing kosher meat? – – […]

96

Glatt Kosher (#73, 472)

Apr 15, 2021

30:09

When you compare identical cuts of kosher and non-kosher meat at the supermarket, the only discernable difference is the price. Kosher meat is much pricier, often 5-10 more expensive than it’s non-kosher counterparts. Why is kosher meat so much more expensive? Is it actually worth the premium? What goes into processing kosher meat? – – […]

97

TORCH Fundraiser: A Conversation with our Board President, Dan Kullman

Mar 4, 2021

24:30

Please support The TORCH Podcasts and the annual TORCH fundraiser at giveTORCH.org Every donation will be TRIPLED Show your support for TORCH and the TORCH Podcasts and donate to the annual fundraiser at giveTORCH.org – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

98

TORCH Fundraiser: A Conversation with our Board President, Dan Kullman

Mar 4, 2021

24:30

Please support The TORCH Podcasts and the annual TORCH fundraiser at giveTORCH.org Every donation will be TRIPLED Show your support for TORCH and the TORCH Podcasts and donate to the annual fundraiser at giveTORCH.org – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

99

Tithes (#72, 395, 473-4, 507) + TORCH Fundraiser

Mar 3, 2021

41:18

Please support The Mitzvah Podcast and the annual TORCH fundraiser at giveTORCH.org Every donation will be TRIPLED Show your support for TORCH and The Mitzvah Podcast and donate to the annual fundraiser at giveTORCH.org – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

100

Tithes (#72, 395, 473-4, 507) + TORCH Fundraiser

Mar 3, 2021

41:18

Please support The Mitzvah Podcast and the annual TORCH fundraiser at giveTORCH.org Every donation will be TRIPLED Show your support for TORCH and The Mitzvah Podcast and donate to the annual fundraiser at giveTORCH.org – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

The Mitzvah Podcast · Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

The Mitzvah Podcast Â - הרב יעקב וולבה

More by TORCH