The Mitzvah Podcast · Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

101

Not to Curse (#69, 71, 231)

Oct 27, 2020

39:40

Speech is the quintessential human ability. The ability to converse verbally is man’s superpower. In these three mitzvos we are told how man can negatively affect other people with words. This podcast also contains a mind-blowing interpretation from Rambam. If you want to truly understand human abilities and spiritual powers, this is a must-listen podcast. […]

102

Not to Curse (#69, 71, 231)

Oct 27, 2020

39:40

Speech is the quintessential human ability. The ability to converse verbally is man’s superpower. In these three mitzvos we are told how man can negatively affect other people with words. This podcast also contains a mind-blowing interpretation from Rambam. If you want to truly understand human abilities and spiritual powers, this is a must-listen podcast. […]

103

Loan Servicing (#67-8, 343, 476, 572-3)

Oct 19, 2020

29:18

Loaning money to others in their time of need is one of the greatest mitzvos. But how do you properly service those loans? The Torah outlines some very surprising rules for how we must treat our debtors. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

104

Loan Servicing (#67-8, 343, 476, 572-3)

Oct 19, 2020

29:18

Loaning money to others in their time of need is one of the greatest mitzvos. But how do you properly service those loans? The Torah outlines some very surprising rules for how we must treat our debtors. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

105

Loaning the Needy (#66)

Sep 29, 2020

28:09

Even greater than the mitzvah of giving charity, of helping the needy by giving them a handout, is the mitzvah of loaning them money in their time of financial despair. Although charity may solve a pauper’s problem, a timely loan may prevent it. Please email me at [email protected] with any questions or comments TORCH Shabbat Light Switch Cover Please […]

106

Loaning the Needy (#66)

Sep 29, 2020

28:09

Even greater than the mitzvah of giving charity, of helping the needy by giving them a handout, is the mitzvah of loaning them money in their time of financial despair. Although charity may solve a pauper’s problem, a timely loan may prevent it. Please email me at [email protected] with any questions or comments TORCH Shabbat Light Switch Cover Please […]

107

Thanks a Million!

Sep 9, 2020

32:31

Of all the episodes that I have recorded over the years, this will be perhaps the most unique one. For one, it will be released simultaneously on all 6 channels that I am fortunate enough to host: The Parsha Podcast, The Jewish History Podcast, The Mitzvah Podcast , This Jewish Life, The Ethics Podcast, and […]

108

Thanks a Million!

Sep 9, 2020

32:31

Of all the episodes that I have recorded over the years, this will be perhaps the most unique one. For one, it will be released simultaneously on all 6 channels that I am fortunate enough to host: The Parsha Podcast, The Jewish History Podcast, The Mitzvah Podcast , This Jewish Life, The Ethics Podcast, and […]

109

Sensitivity to Widows and Orphans (#65, 591)

Aug 24, 2020

29:07

The Almighty is described in Scripture as the “Father of orphans and Judge of widows.” In His Torah, he instructs us to not oppress widows and orphans. The consequences: If you oppress them, He pledges to make your wives widows and your children orphans. Please email me at [email protected] with any questions or comments TORCH Shabbat Light […]

110

Sensitivity to Widows and Orphans (#65, 591)

Aug 24, 2020

29:07

The Almighty is described in Scripture as the “Father of orphans and Judge of widows.” In His Torah, he instructs us to not oppress widows and orphans. The consequences: If you oppress them, He pledges to make your wives widows and your children orphans. Please email me at [email protected] with any questions or comments TORCH Shabbat Light […]

111

Sensitivity to Converts (#63-4, 431)

Aug 10, 2020

43:43

Is Judaism a religion or a nation? That is a tricky question to answer because the correct answer is a bit of both. We are a nation and therefore if your pedigree is Jewish you are Jewish whether you like it or not. You can be baptized 100 times – you may get wet but […]

112

Sensitivity to Converts (#63-4, 431)

Aug 10, 2020

43:43

Is Judaism a religion or a nation? That is a tricky question to answer because the correct answer is a bit of both. We are a nation and therefore if your pedigree is Jewish you are Jewish whether you like it or not. You can be baptized 100 times – you may get wet but […]

113

Sorcery (#62, 511)

Jun 29, 2020

33:04

The Torah commands us to not keep sorcerers alive. Sorcery is prohibited on pain of death. What exactly is sorcery and why is it banned? Please email me at [email protected] with any questions or comments TORCH Shabbat Light Switch Cover Please visit our website torchweb.org to get your FREE TORCH Shabbat Light Switch Cover. – – – […]

114

Sorcery (#62, 511)

Jun 29, 2020

33:04

The Torah commands us to not keep sorcerers alive. Sorcery is prohibited on pain of death. What exactly is sorcery and why is it banned? Please email me at [email protected] with any questions or comments TORCH Shabbat Light Switch Cover Please visit our website torchweb.org to get your FREE TORCH Shabbat Light Switch Cover. – – – […]

115

Holy Matrimony and Unholy Dalliances (#61, 552, 557-8, 570)

Jun 8, 2020

27:07

Marriage is the centerpiece of the Jewish family. But what happens when people want to take shortcuts, and fulfill their carnal desires without the hassle of marriage? Please email me at [email protected] with any questions or comments TORCH Shabbat Light Switch Cover Please visit our website torchweb.org to get your FREE TORCH Shabbat Light Switch Cover. – […]

116

Holy Matrimony and Unholy Dalliances (#61, 552, 557-8, 570)

Jun 8, 2020

27:07

Marriage is the centerpiece of the Jewish family. But what happens when people want to take shortcuts, and fulfill their carnal desires without the hassle of marriage? Please email me at [email protected] with any questions or comments TORCH Shabbat Light Switch Cover Please visit our website torchweb.org to get your FREE TORCH Shabbat Light Switch Cover. – […]

117

Monetary Disputes (#57-60, 336)

Apr 28, 2020

28:47

One of the pillars of a functioning society is a fair judiciary that respects private property and adjudicates monetary disputes fairly. The Torah delineates four types of custodians with differing laws governing each of them. In this podcast, we survey the various types of custodians and examine some of the different ways that a Jewish […]

118

Monetary Disputes (#57-60, 336)

Apr 28, 2020

28:47

One of the pillars of a functioning society is a fair judiciary that respects private property and adjudicates monetary disputes fairly. The Torah delineates four types of custodians with differing laws governing each of them. In this podcast, we survey the various types of custodians and examine some of the different ways that a Jewish […]

119

Theft (#54, 130, 224, 228-9, 522)

Jan 27, 2020

38:36

The Torah has different laws governing surreptitious theft of money, done in a stealth fashion that the owner is unaware of and brazen, flagrant robbery. What are the differences and why is there that distinction? TORCH Shabbat Light Switch Cover Please visit our website torchweb.org to get your FREE TORCH Shabbat Light Switch Cover. – – – – – […]

120

Theft (#54, 130, 224, 228-9, 522)

Jan 27, 2020

38:36

The Torah has different laws governing surreptitious theft of money, done in a stealth fashion that the owner is unaware of and brazen, flagrant robbery. What are the differences and why is there that distinction? TORCH Shabbat Light Switch Cover Please visit our website torchweb.org to get your FREE TORCH Shabbat Light Switch Cover. – – – – – […]

121

Damages (#49, 51-53, 55, 56)

Jan 13, 2020

35:25

Every functioning society must have property rights and justice. People cannot be allowed to damage and injure each other with impunity. In this podcasts we share an overview of the various Torah mitzvos relating to damages, both personal and property. TORCH Shabbat Light Switch Cover Please visit our website torchweb.org to get your FREE TORCH Shabbat Light […]

122

Damages (#49, 51-53, 55, 56)

Jan 13, 2020

35:25

Every functioning society must have property rights and justice. People cannot be allowed to damage and injure each other with impunity. In this podcasts we share an overview of the various Torah mitzvos relating to damages, both personal and property. TORCH Shabbat Light Switch Cover Please visit our website torchweb.org to get your FREE TORCH Shabbat Light […]

123

Capital Punishment (#47, 50, 261, 555)

Sep 12, 2019

35:33

The Torah requires that the most severe sinners are executed in a Jewish court of law, provided that the draconian technicalities governing capital punishment are met. What are the four different methods of execution and what are some of the details of capital crime jurisprudence? – – – – – – – – – – […]

124

Capital Punishment (#47, 50, 261, 555)

Sep 12, 2019

35:33

The Torah requires that the most severe sinners are executed in a Jewish court of law, provided that the draconian technicalities governing capital punishment are met. What are the four different methods of execution and what are some of the details of capital crime jurisprudence? – – – – – – – – – – […]

125

Marital Rights and Responsibilities (#46)

Sep 5, 2019

25:59

A healthy and harmonious marriage cannot be sustained by love alone. The Torah teaches the responsibilities and obligations of a husband that constitute the framework in which their relationship can flourish. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Sponsorship: Please consider […]

126

Marital Rights and Responsibilities (#46)

Sep 5, 2019

25:59

A healthy and harmonious marriage cannot be sustained by love alone. The Torah teaches the responsibilities and obligations of a husband that constitute the framework in which their relationship can flourish. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Sponsorship: Please consider […]

127

The Female Jewish Slave (#43-45)

Aug 22, 2019

22:51

The Torah allows a father to sell his minor daughter as a servant, and the new master can opt to marry her or wed her to his son, but he cannot restrict her from redeeming herself prior to the conclusion of her term and he cannot sell her to someone else. How can we make […]

128

The Female Jewish Slave (#43-45)

Aug 22, 2019

22:51

The Torah allows a father to sell his minor daughter as a servant, and the new master can opt to marry her or wed her to his son, but he cannot restrict her from redeeming herself prior to the conclusion of her term and he cannot sell her to someone else. How can we make […]

129

The Jewish Slave (#42, 344-346)

Jul 25, 2019

39:36

The concept of slavery is – for very good reasons – unpalatable to modern sensibilities. Yet the Torah seems to condone slavery, or servitude, to some extent. What is the nature of slavery as outlined in the Torah and what are some of its laws? – – – – – – – – – – […]

130

The Jewish Slave (#42, 344-346)

Jul 25, 2019

39:36

The concept of slavery is – for very good reasons – unpalatable to modern sensibilities. Yet the Torah seems to condone slavery, or servitude, to some extent. What is the nature of slavery as outlined in the Torah and what are some of its laws? – – – – – – – – – – […]

131

Three Post-Sinai Laws (#39, 40, 41)

Jul 4, 2019

22:21

Immediately after the Sinai Revelation, the Torah commands three, seemingly distinct, mitzvos: Not to make statues even if their sole function is to beautify; Not to use metal implements to hew the stones of the Altar; Not to ascend the Altar ramp in a way that exposes the underwear of the priests. What are the […]

132

Three Post-Sinai Laws (#39, 40, 41)

Jul 4, 2019

22:21

Immediately after the Sinai Revelation, the Torah commands three, seemingly distinct, mitzvos: Not to make statues even if their sole function is to beautify; Not to use metal implements to hew the stones of the Altar; Not to ascend the Altar ramp in a way that exposes the underwear of the priests. What are the […]

133

Thou Shall Not Covet (#38, 416)

Jun 20, 2019

26:02

The last of the Ten Commandments makes a big – and on the surface quite infeasible – demand that we don’t desire or covet the nice things that belong to others. How can we reasonably fulfill that and what is the underlying lesson? – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

134

Thou Shall Not Covet (#38, 416)

Jun 20, 2019

26:02

The last of the Ten Commandments makes a big – and on the surface quite infeasible – demand that we don’t desire or covet the nice things that belong to others. How can we reasonably fulfill that and what is the underlying lesson? – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

135

Truthful Testimony (#37, 122, 589)

May 30, 2019

31:25

The bedrock of any flourishing society is a functioning judicial system, and a judicial system can only operate when witnesses come forth and offer impartial, truthful testimony. The Torah contains 8 mitzvos that relate to testimony, and in this episode, we discuss the commandment to come forth and testify; the prohibition against lying on the witness […]

136

Truthful Testimony (#37, 122, 589)

May 30, 2019

31:25

The bedrock of any flourishing society is a functioning judicial system, and a judicial system can only operate when witnesses come forth and offer impartial, truthful testimony. The Torah contains 8 mitzvos that relate to testimony, and in this episode, we discuss the commandment to come forth and testify; the prohibition against lying on the witness […]

137

Not to Kidnap (#36)

May 9, 2019

25:24

In two separate instances the Torah warns us against stealing. With the understanding that the Torah contains no redundancies, the Talmud explains that one refers to stealing money or possessions, and the other refers to stealing people, i.e. kidnapping. When we read in the Ten Commandments, “Thou shall not steal” it refers to kidnapping. – […]

138

Not to Kidnap (#36)

May 9, 2019

25:24

In two separate instances the Torah warns us against stealing. With the understanding that the Torah contains no redundancies, the Talmud explains that one refers to stealing money or possessions, and the other refers to stealing people, i.e. kidnapping. When we read in the Ten Commandments, “Thou shall not steal” it refers to kidnapping. – […]

139

Against Adultery (#35, 188)

May 2, 2019

26:34

Our society has trivialized adultery. In ancient times it was an absolute no-no even in societies that did not abide by other mitzvos; but in modern times it is tolerated and condoned. The Torah has a very strict prohibition against adultery and draconian edicts and safety measures to prevent it. – – – – – […]

140

Against Adultery (#35, 188)

May 2, 2019

26:34

Our society has trivialized adultery. In ancient times it was an absolute no-no even in societies that did not abide by other mitzvos; but in modern times it is tolerated and condoned. The Torah has a very strict prohibition against adultery and draconian edicts and safety measures to prevent it. – – – – – […]

141

Thou Shall not Murder (#34)

Apr 11, 2019

32:39

The Torah dedicates a grand total of two words to the prohibition of not murdering. Seems straightforward. Cut and dried. Yet the Talmud contains voluminous content regarding this mitzvah. What are the various types of murder, what are some of the unusual scenarios discussed in the literature, and in what area is this law adjudicated […]

142

Thou Shall not Murder (#34)

Apr 11, 2019

32:39

The Torah dedicates a grand total of two words to the prohibition of not murdering. Seems straightforward. Cut and dried. Yet the Talmud contains voluminous content regarding this mitzvah. What are the various types of murder, what are some of the unusual scenarios discussed in the literature, and in what area is this law adjudicated […]

143

Honoring Parents (#33, 48, 212, 260)

Apr 4, 2019

41:28

There are no people to whom we owe a greater debt of gratitude than our parents. If not for them we would not exist. They tended to us as children; fed us; drove soccer practice – they raised us into becoming the person we are. Even if a person feels like his parents did not […]

144

Refraining from Work on Shabbos (#32, 85, 114)

Mar 28, 2019

40:09

The Torah warns us no less than twelve times not to work on Shabbos. What constitutes work and why are its laws so comprehensive and draconian? – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Sponsorship: Please consider sponsoring a podcast by making […]

145

Heralding the Shabbos (#31)

Mar 21, 2019

20:16

Shabbos is a mitzvah that is equal to all 613 mitzvos combined. It is a the fountain of blessing; the epicenter of the week; it is vitally important for the Jewish soul. Therefore we are commanded to remember it and acknowledge it in attention-catching ways at its commencement and conclusion. – – – – – […]

146

Not Taking God’s Name in Vain or Falsely (#30, 227)

Mar 14, 2019

31:13

The Third of the Ten Commandments is the prohibition against taking God’s Name in vain. What is wrong with swearing needlessly and why is it considered such a severe sin? – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – This Mitzvah Podcast […]

147

Not making, bowing, or worshipping foreign gods (#27-29)

Mar 7, 2019

16:53

Beyond believing in idols, the Ten Commandments instruct us to not construct, prostrate, or worship any idols. When we examine some of the pagan idols of yore we find out just how kooky and outlandish some of their practices were. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

148

Not believing in foreign gods (#26)

Feb 28, 2019

25:32

The second of the Ten Commandments is really four distinct mitzvos related to idolatry. The first one is a prohibition against believing in foreign gods, a miztvah upon which all of Torah hinges. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

149

Belief in God (#25)

Feb 21, 2019

22:47

The first of the Ten Commandments instructs us to believe in God who extracted us from the land of Egypt. Though some commentators argue that faith is a prerequisite for mitzvos and therefore cannot be included in the tally, there are still actions that can deepen faith that constitute a standalone mitzvah. – – – – […]

150

Limits to Shabbos Strolls (#24)

Feb 14, 2019

22:46

This mitzvah is arguably the least known one that we have hitherto encountered. In the Book of Exodus we read how we mustn’t depart too far from our home base on Shabbos. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Sponsorship: Please […]

The Mitzvah Podcast · Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

The Mitzvah Podcast Â - הרב יעקב וולבה

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