This Jewish Life · Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

451

The History of Hanukah: Hellenism, Heroism and Hasmoneans **New JEWISH HISTORY PODCAST**

Dec 25, 2016

41:32

The holiday of Hanukkah commemorates the triumph of the Maccabean Revolt over the oppressive regime of Antiochus IV and the Seleucid Empire. In this podcast we tell the story of this miraculous victory of the weak over the mighty; the few over the many; the pure over the impure; and the righteous over the wicked. Please SUBSCRIBE to […]

452

Ammunition Against Adversaries: Nine Tactics to Combat the Yetzer Ra

Dec 22, 2016

37:07

We have previously established in the podcast titled Know Your Enemy that the Yetzer Ra (evil inclination) created illusionary, fake pleasures. This allows for many unexpected methods in combatting it. In this podcast, we outline nine different approaches in battling our nefarious foe culled from sources in the Talmud and associated literature. SOURCE SHEET: sources-ammunitionagainstadversaries – – – […]

453

Ammunition Against Adversaries: Nine Tactics to Combat the Yetzer Ra

Dec 22, 2016

37:07

We have previously established in the podcast titled Know Your Enemy that the Yetzer Ra (evil inclination) created illusionary, fake pleasures. This allows for many unexpected methods in combatting it. In this podcast, we outline nine different approaches in battling our nefarious foe culled from sources in the Talmud and associated literature. SOURCE SHEET: sources-ammunitionagainstadversaries – – – […]

454

Know Your Enemy: Learning the Modi Operandi of the Yetzer Ra

Dec 20, 2016

32:44

Jewish sources focus extensive energies on the battle man must undertake with their Yetzer Ra (evil inclination). In several sources we learn that this battle is the crucial determinant of success or failure in this world. In this podcast we explore the various sources depicting the nature of the Yetzer ra and the manners by […]

455

Know Your Enemy: Learning the Modi Operandi of the Yetzer Ra

Dec 20, 2016

32:44

Jewish sources focus extensive energies on the battle man must undertake with their Yetzer Ra (evil inclination). In several sources we learn that this battle is the crucial determinant of success or failure in this world. In this podcast we explore the various sources depicting the nature of the Yetzer ra and the manners by […]

456

Two Worlds and the Tension Between them

Dec 18, 2016

48:23

In Mesilat Yesharim Chapter 1, Ramchal outlines a general principle that humanity is created for their state in Olam Haba (the next world) and not for their state here. We analyze, clarify and try to make sense of this idea in this podcast. Note: The class participants were particularly engaged in asking questions and in contributing […]

457

Two Worlds and the Tension Between them

Dec 18, 2016

48:23

In Mesilat Yesharim Chapter 1, Ramchal outlines a general principle that humanity is created for their state in Olam Haba (the next world) and not for their state here. We analyze, clarify and try to make sense of this idea in this podcast. Note: The class participants were particularly engaged in asking questions and in contributing […]

458

Gateway to Eternity: Resurrection of the Dead as Reunification of Body and Soul, and as Reinvention of the Body/Soul Paradigm

Dec 12, 2016

54:58

A central tenet of Jewish philosophy is the belief in the resurrection of the dead. Death is not final; the dead will yet walk the land. The details of resurrection are a bit trickier. What is the nature of this life? Is it merely an undoing of death and a resumption of life as we know […]

459

Gateway to Eternity: Resurrection of the Dead as Reunification of Body and Soul, and as Reinvention of the Body/Soul Paradigm

Dec 12, 2016

54:58

A central tenet of Jewish philosophy is the belief in the resurrection of the dead. Death is not final; the dead will yet walk the land. The details of resurrection are a bit trickier. What is the nature of this life? Is it merely an undoing of death and a resumption of life as we know […]

460

Rungs to Righteousness: Bridging our Invisible and Tangible Realities

Dec 7, 2016

32:48

The Talmud teaches that all mitzvos share a common objective – the acquisition of faith. Why is faith so difficult to achieve and how do mitzvos engender faith?

461

Rungs to Righteousness: Bridging our Invisible and Tangible Realities

Dec 7, 2016

32:48

The Talmud teaches that all mitzvos share a common objective – the acquisition of faith. Why is faith so difficult to achieve and how do mitzvos engender faith?

462

Conflicted Man: How Esau Sought Sin in Utero and what it means for our Pursuit of Righteousness

Nov 30, 2016

35:13

We attempt to unravel a famous philosophical paradox: The Talmud teaches that a child only receives a yetzer ra at birth, yet Esav was pining for idolatry while in utero. How does that work and what does it mean for our pursuit of righteousness? If you enjoy this podcast please subscribe to The Parsha Podcast – […]

463

Conflicted Man: How Esau Sought Sin in Utero and what it means for our Pursuit of Righteousness

Nov 30, 2016

35:13

We attempt to unravel a famous philosophical paradox: The Talmud teaches that a child only receives a yetzer ra at birth, yet Esav was pining for idolatry while in utero. How does that work and what does it mean for our pursuit of righteousness? If you enjoy this podcast please subscribe to The Parsha Podcast – […]

464

Why God Told Abraham to Slaughter Isaac

Nov 23, 2016

35:54

Abraham is presented in different lights throughout Jewish literature. Traditionally, he is the founder of monotheism and the father of the religions that espouse it. The Torah presents him not as a figure of faith but as a paragon of kindness. Paradoxically, Abraham acts in a supremely unkind fashion by banishing Ishmael and attempting filicide […]

465

Why God Told Abraham to Slaughter Isaac

Nov 23, 2016

35:54

Abraham is presented in different lights throughout Jewish literature. Traditionally, he is the founder of monotheism and the father of the religions that espouse it. The Torah presents him not as a figure of faith but as a paragon of kindness. Paradoxically, Abraham acts in a supremely unkind fashion by banishing Ishmael and attempting filicide […]

466

Reconciling Kindness and Child-Sacrifice **NEW PARSHA PODCAST**

Nov 15, 2016

1:20:48

Please **SUBSCRIBE** to the new Parsha Podcast feed: For iOS Click HERE For Android Click HERE

467

Reconciling Kindness and Child-Sacrifice **NEW PARSHA PODCAST**

Nov 15, 2016

1:20:48

Please **SUBSCRIBE** to the new Parsha Podcast feed: For iOS Click HERE For Android Click HERE

468

The Secret of the Sukkah

Oct 19, 2016

42:57

We are instructed to sit in a Sukkah for the seven days of the holiday of Sukkos. What is the meaning behind this strange mitzvah? Why must we leave our climate-controlled homes and move into a sukkah that resembles huts in third world countries? Why is this mitzvah so powerful that it is used as a […]

469

The Secret of the Sukkah

Oct 19, 2016

42:57

We are instructed to sit in a Sukkah for the seven days of the holiday of Sukkos. What is the meaning behind this strange mitzvah? Why must we leave our climate-controlled homes and move into a sukkah that resembles huts in third world countries? Why is this mitzvah so powerful that it is used as a […]

470

The Greatest Day (Yom Kippur)

Oct 10, 2016

56:41

Yom Kippur is a challenging day. It is associated with prayer and liturgy that we may not understand, very long services and, of course, fasting. As a result, 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 […]

471

The Greatest Day (Yom Kippur)

Oct 10, 2016

56:41

Yom Kippur is a challenging day. It is associated with prayer and liturgy that we may not understand, very long services and, of course, fasting. As a result, 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 […]

472

God’s Kingdom: The Core Elements of Rosh Hashana

Oct 2, 2016

47:11

Rosh Hashana means the beginning of the year. This day was selected because it is the anniversary of the creation of Adam. The day is also called the day of judgement because all people are judged on this day as well. What is the connection between these two and how can we make the most […]

473

God’s Kingdom: The Core Elements of Rosh Hashana

Oct 2, 2016

47:11

Rosh Hashana means the beginning of the year. This day was selected because it is the anniversary of the creation of Adam. The day is also called the day of judgement because all people are judged on this day as well. What is the connection between these two and how can we make the most […]

474

Understanding the Suffering of the Righteous

Oct 2, 2016

37:38

The question of “why bad things happen to good people” is an exceedingly difficult philosophical dilemma to grapple with. We believe that God is in absolute control of everything that happens in the world. We also believe that He is Just. Yet we see so much injustice all around us. In this podcast we explore […]

475

Understanding the Suffering of the Righteous

Oct 2, 2016

37:38

The question of “why bad things happen to good people” is an exceedingly difficult philosophical dilemma to grapple with. We believe that God is in absolute control of everything that happens in the world. We also believe that He is Just. Yet we see so much injustice all around us. In this podcast we explore […]

476

The Greatest Trait (Humility)

Sep 26, 2016

1:00:48

Humility is the trait associated with the greatest prophet and leader of all time, Moses. What exactly is humility and why is it such a critical characteristic?

477

The Greatest Trait (Humility)

Sep 26, 2016

1:00:48

Humility is the trait associated with the greatest prophet and leader of all time, Moses. What exactly is humility and why is it such a critical characteristic?

478

Can Reliance on God Pay the Bills?

Sep 22, 2016

45:04

We believe that God is in total control of everything. Can we rely upon Him to feed our family? Would that be considered negligence? What are the parameters of faith and reliance on God vs. personal responsibility? ——- This podcast was recorded live at the Kollel of Houston Torah Center. Please visit torcweb.org for program details […]

479

Can Reliance on God Pay the Bills?

Sep 22, 2016

45:04

We believe that God is in total control of everything. Can we rely upon Him to feed our family? Would that be considered negligence? What are the parameters of faith and reliance on God vs. personal responsibility? ——- This podcast was recorded live at the Kollel of Houston Torah Center. Please visit torcweb.org for program details […]

480

The Ten Commandments of Parenting for Contemporary Parents

Sep 19, 2016

44:55

Parenting is the most rewarding – and difficult – job we will ever have. Thankfully the Torah teaches us how to be effective parents. Listen and learn the top ten critical elements of successful pedagogy. ——- This podcast was recorded live at the Temple Beth Torah in Humble, TX. Please visit torcweb.org for program details and […]

481

The Ten Commandments of Parenting for Contemporary Parents

Sep 19, 2016

44:55

Parenting is the most rewarding – and difficult – job we will ever have. Thankfully the Torah teaches us how to be effective parents. Listen and learn the top ten critical elements of successful pedagogy. ——- This podcast was recorded live at the Temple Beth Torah in Humble, TX. Please visit torcweb.org for program details and […]

482

Journey to Eternity: The Surprising Truth about What Happens After You Die

Sep 13, 2016

44:24

Death is a future that we all share. What happens after someone dies depends on the life they lived. If they were righteous they merit entry to Olam Haba. When is Olam Haba and how is it related to the resurrection of the dead? What is the link between this world and the next one? Listen […]

483

Journey to Eternity: The Surprising Truth about What Happens After You Die

Sep 13, 2016

44:24

Death is a future that we all share. What happens after someone dies depends on the life they lived. If they were righteous they merit entry to Olam Haba. When is Olam Haba and how is it related to the resurrection of the dead? What is the link between this world and the next one? Listen […]

484

5 Paths to Perfection (Pirkei Avos 2:9)

Sep 12, 2016

1:05:48

Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakkai tasked his five students with an interesting mission. He instructed them to go and find which path should a person cling to. They went and researched and returned, each with a different formula. What exactly is the goal of such an experiment? What does an evil eye mean and how does […]

485

5 Paths to Perfection (Pirkei Avos 2:9)

Sep 12, 2016

1:05:48

Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakkai tasked his five students with an interesting mission. He instructed them to go and find which path should a person cling to. They went and researched and returned, each with a different formula. What exactly is the goal of such an experiment? What does an evil eye mean and how does […]

486

Introduction to Self

Sep 12, 2016

53:56

Who are you? That unusual question is an example of what we ought to be asking ourselves if we seek character perfection and ethical refinement, says Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (Ramchal) in his short book “derech eitz chaim”. The truth is that it is a bit more difficult to answer than we would imagine. But […]

487

Introduction to Self

Sep 12, 2016

53:56

Who are you? That unusual question is an example of what we ought to be asking ourselves if we seek character perfection and ethical refinement, says Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (Ramchal) in his short book “derech eitz chaim”. The truth is that it is a bit more difficult to answer than we would imagine. But […]

488

Three Paths to Eternity: How Mitzvahs Bring us to Olam Haba

Sep 8, 2016

32:06

Jewish sources are unanimous: by observing the mitzvahs a Jew merit entry to Olam Haba. Less clear is how exactly that works. In this podcast we explore the three different approaches outlined in various sources in Jewish writings. ——– Website: RabbiWolbe.com Twitter: @RabbiWolbe Facebook: Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe Email: [email protected]

489

Three Paths to Eternity: How Mitzvahs Bring us to Olam Haba

Sep 8, 2016

32:06

Jewish sources are unanimous: by observing the mitzvahs a Jew merit entry to Olam Haba. Less clear is how exactly that works. In this podcast we explore the three different approaches outlined in various sources in Jewish writings. ——– Website: RabbiWolbe.com Twitter: @RabbiWolbe Facebook: Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe Email: [email protected]

490

Yoke of Torah: The Benefits of Total Commitment

Sep 6, 2016

1:13:57

The Mishna (Chapters of the Fathers 3:5) declares: רבי נחוניה בן הקנה אומר, כל המקבל עליו עול תורה, מעבירין ממנו עול מלכות ועול דרך ארץ; וכל הפורק ממנו עול תורה, נותנין עליו עול מלכות ועול דרך ארץ. “Rabbi Nechunya ben Hakana says: whoever accepts upon themselves the yoke of Torah, the yoke of the kingdom and […]

491

Yoke of Torah: The Benefits of Total Commitment

Sep 6, 2016

1:13:57

The Mishna (Chapters of the Fathers 3:5) declares: רבי נחוניה בן הקנה אומר, כל המקבל עליו עול תורה, מעבירין ממנו עול מלכות ועול דרך ארץ; וכל הפורק ממנו עול תורה, נותנין עליו עול מלכות ועול דרך ארץ. “Rabbi Nechunya ben Hakana says: whoever accepts upon themselves the yoke of Torah, the yoke of the kingdom and […]

492

The Multidimensionality of Torah

Aug 31, 2016

1:15:35

The Talmud and related rabbinic writings are replete with disagreements that impact the practical application of Torah, known as Halacha. What are the safety ordinances to prevent the perversion of Halachic practice? Is it possible that over the course of history something went awry and there is some element of Halacha that was forgotten or corrupted along the way […]

493

The Multidimensionality of Torah

Aug 31, 2016

1:15:35

The Talmud and related rabbinic writings are replete with disagreements that impact the practical application of Torah, known as Halacha. What are the safety ordinances to prevent the perversion of Halachic practice? Is it possible that over the course of history something went awry and there is some element of Halacha that was forgotten or corrupted along the way […]

494

What is Olam Haba: Exploring the Enigmatic Sources

Aug 31, 2016

56:49

A universally accepted principle of Judaism is that the Almighty gives reward for observance of Torah and mitzvos and punishment for their nonobservance. What exactly that reward and punishment consist of is a great unknown to most. In this first of three podcasts on the subject we investigate some puzzling sources regarding Olam Haba – […]

495

What is Olam Haba: Exploring the Enigmatic Sources

Aug 31, 2016

56:49

A universally accepted principle of Judaism is that the Almighty gives reward for observance of Torah and mitzvos and punishment for their nonobservance. What exactly that reward and punishment consist of is a great unknown to most. In this first of three podcasts on the subject we investigate some puzzling sources regarding Olam Haba – […]

496

The Codification of the Oral Torah: The History, Methodology and Philosophy of Canonizing the Mishna, Talmud and Halacha

Aug 29, 2016

1:08:28

Previously (see HERE) we have elaborated on the 1500 years of uninterrupted conveyance of the Oral Torah in its entirety from one generation to the next. Towards the end of the second century of the common era a fateful decision was made to commit the Jewish Law, known as Mishna, to writing. This began a […]

497

The Codification of the Oral Torah: The History, Methodology and Philosophy of Canonizing the Mishna, Talmud and Halacha

Aug 29, 2016

1:08:28

Previously (see HERE) we have elaborated on the 1500 years of uninterrupted conveyance of the Oral Torah in its entirety from one generation to the next. Towards the end of the second century of the common era a fateful decision was made to commit the Jewish Law, known as Mishna, to writing. This began a […]

498

Rabbi Akiva’s Great Principle

Aug 29, 2016

52:05

The great sage of the Mishnaic era, Rabbi Akiva, taught that the mitzvah of loving your fellow as yourself is a great principle of Torah. Can this mitzvah be understood that we are obligated to love everyone with the same degree of love that we have for ourselves or perhaps does loving your fellow as yourself […]

499

Rabbi Akiva’s Great Principle

Aug 29, 2016

52:05

The great sage of the Mishnaic era, Rabbi Akiva, taught that the mitzvah of loving your fellow as yourself is a great principle of Torah. Can this mitzvah be understood that we are obligated to love everyone with the same degree of love that we have for ourselves or perhaps does loving your fellow as yourself […]

500

Business Competition and Disclosures in Halacha

Aug 29, 2016

1:19:55

In this podcast we explore several contemporary halachic dilemmas relation to business competition and disclosures. What are the parameters of opening a business establishment in an area or industry that will cripple or eliminate competitors? How much of the defects in a product or service must a seller disclose? Can someone deceive potential employers by dyeing their […]

This Jewish Life · Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

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