This Jewish Life · Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

201

The Meaning and Mystery of the Rosh Hashana Foods and Fruits

Sep 23, 2022

40:02

On the night of Rosh Hashana in Jewish homes the world over, a strange set of customs are observed. We take an apple, dip it into honey, and declare that we should have a sweet new year. We take a pomegranate, disgorge it’s seeds, consume them and pray that we be filled with merits like […]

202

The Judgment of Rosh Hashana

Sep 20, 2022

50:21

In addition to the many other themes and motifs of the day, Rosh Hashana is called the Day of Judgment. The Mishnah tells us that on Rosh Hashana every human has an individual audience with the Almighty in the same way that a shepherd counts each sheep individually. The judgment is comprehensive: all of a […]

203

The Judgment of Rosh Hashana

Sep 20, 2022

50:21

In addition to the many other themes and motifs of the day, Rosh Hashana is called the Day of Judgment. The Mishnah tells us that on Rosh Hashana every human has an individual audience with the Almighty in the same way that a shepherd counts each sheep individually. The judgment is comprehensive: all of a […]

204

Rabbi Nosson Dubin on the Recent Kosher Restaurant Scandal

Sep 15, 2022

1:14:15

Tastewise, kosher chicken and non-kosher chicken are indistinguishable. When it comes to the price tag, these two fowls are drastically different. The discrepancy in price creates an incentive for unscrupulous restaurateurs. If you can buy chicken at the non-kosher price, and sell it at the kosher price, you can juice your profits by a large […]

205

Rabbi Nosson Dubin on the Recent Kosher Restaurant Scandal

Sep 15, 2022

1:14:15

Tastewise, kosher chicken and non-kosher chicken are indistinguishable. When it comes to the price tag, these two fowls are drastically different. The discrepancy in price creates an incentive for unscrupulous restaurateurs. If you can buy chicken at the non-kosher price, and sell it at the kosher price, you can juice your profits by a large […]

206

The Spiritual Edifice

Sep 6, 2022

35:26

The Jewish holiday calendar is not evenly distributed. Mush of our Festivals are clumped together in one month, followed by a long winter with few special days, none of them of Biblical origin. Our Sages explain that the clustering of the High Holidays and the Festival of Sukkot is no coincidence. These days constitute one, […]

207

The Spiritual Edifice

Sep 6, 2022

35:26

The Jewish holiday calendar is not evenly distributed. Mush of our Festivals are clumped together in one month, followed by a long winter with few special days, none of them of Biblical origin. Our Sages explain that the clustering of the High Holidays and the Festival of Sukkot is no coincidence. These days constitute one, […]

208

The Power and Opportunity of Elul

Sep 1, 2022

32:39

These 40 days from the beginning of the month of Elul, the final month in the Jewish calendar, and Yom Kippur are the most powerful days of the year. These 40 days coincide with the 40 days that Moshe was in Heaven for the third 40 day stint when he received the second set of […]

209

The Power and Opportunity of Elul

Sep 1, 2022

32:39

These 40 days from the beginning of the month of Elul, the final month in the Jewish calendar, and Yom Kippur are the most powerful days of the year. These 40 days coincide with the 40 days that Moshe was in Heaven for the third 40 day stint when he received the second set of […]

210

The Righteous Soul, its Travails and Destiny

Aug 9, 2022

40:52

Where does the soul come from and to where is it going? This is a question that we don’t think about often, but it is of vital importance if we want to spiritually succeed in life. In this sprawling episode – originally recorded in 2016 and only released now – we examine the soul, what […]

211

The Righteous Soul, its Travails and Destiny

Aug 9, 2022

40:52

Where does the soul come from and to where is it going? This is a question that we don’t think about often, but it is of vital importance if we want to spiritually succeed in life. In this sprawling episode – originally recorded in 2016 and only released now – we examine the soul, what […]

212

Mezuzah: A Deep Dive

Jun 28, 2022

52:42

The mezuzah that graces the doorposts of every Jewish home is perhaps our most recognizable mitzvah. But what exactly is a mezuzah? What is its power? How does it change the Jewish home and the Jewish experience? In This very special podcast episode, we take a deep and profound look at the Mezuzah to discover […]

213

Mezuzah: A Deep Dive

Jun 28, 2022

52:42

The mezuzah that graces the doorposts of every Jewish home is perhaps our most recognizable mitzvah. But what exactly is a mezuzah? What is its power? How does it change the Jewish home and the Jewish experience? In This very special podcast episode, we take a deep and profound look at the Mezuzah to discover […]

214

Six Questions for Shavuos

Jun 3, 2022

1:03:08

The Festival of Shavuos marks the anniversary of the greatest event in all of human history: the Revelation at Sinai. This momentous event never happened before history and was never replicated. God spoke to an entire nation. They heard His voice and lived to tell the tale. In our liturgy, this festival is known as […]

215

Six Questions for Shavuos

Jun 3, 2022

1:03:08

The Festival of Shavuos marks the anniversary of the greatest event in all of human history: the Revelation at Sinai. This momentous event never happened before history and was never replicated. God spoke to an entire nation. They heard His voice and lived to tell the tale. In our liturgy, this festival is known as […]

216

Ruth: The Enduring Lesson of Shavuos

Jun 2, 2022

1:01:46

The Book of Ruth – and its eponymous heroine – are true enigmas. The Book contains no new laws and its story, while inspirational and poignant, bears no easily discernible connection to the Festival of Shavuos, when it is read. The Book’s protagonist, Ruth, has a decidedly checkered pedigree, yet becomes the matriarch of the […]

217

Ruth: The Enduring Lesson of Shavuos

Jun 2, 2022

1:01:46

The Book of Ruth – and its eponymous heroine – are true enigmas. The Book contains no new laws and its story, while inspirational and poignant, bears no easily discernible connection to the Festival of Shavuos, when it is read. The Book’s protagonist, Ruth, has a decidedly checkered pedigree, yet becomes the matriarch of the […]

218

Shavuos: The Time to Become Extraordinary

May 29, 2022

39:28

Shavuos is the day that marks the most significant event in the history of humankind: A nation coalesced around Mount Sinai to temporarily catapult into a state of prophecy, to hear God say the Ten Commandments, and to live to tell the tale. Shavuos is thus aptly named, “the Day of the Giving of the […]

219

Shavuos: The Time to Become Extraordinary

May 29, 2022

39:28

Shavuos is the day that marks the most significant event in the history of humankind: A nation coalesced around Mount Sinai to temporarily catapult into a state of prophecy, to hear God say the Ten Commandments, and to live to tell the tale. Shavuos is thus aptly named, “the Day of the Giving of the […]

220

Agency, Urgency, Insurgency: Six Powerful Pointers on Self-Development

May 24, 2022

39:08

There is a widespread custom to study Pirkei Avos, the Mishnaic Book of the Ethics of our Fathers, between the festivals of Pesach and Shavuot. As we prepare for the reenactment of the Sinai Revelation and the giving of the Torah, we prime ourselves to become worthy vessels for Torah by refining and improving ourselves. […]

221

Agency, Urgency, Insurgency: Six Powerful Pointers on Self-Development

May 24, 2022

39:08

There is a widespread custom to study Pirkei Avos, the Mishnaic Book of the Ethics of our Fathers, between the festivals of Pesach and Shavuot. As we prepare for the reenactment of the Sinai Revelation and the giving of the Torah, we prime ourselves to become worthy vessels for Torah by refining and improving ourselves. […]

222

Lag BaOmer and Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai

May 15, 2022

30:42

Lag BaOmer is the day that marks the Yahrtzeit/Hillula of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the great Sages of the Mishnaic Era. In celebration and recognition of Rabbi Shimon’s accomplishments and stature, the custom is to make it a mini-holiday. But of course, Rabbi Shimon was not the only transcendental Sage of that time. His teacher […]

223

Lag BaOmer and Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai

May 15, 2022

30:42

Lag BaOmer is the day that marks the Yahrtzeit/Hillula of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the great Sages of the Mishnaic Era. In celebration and recognition of Rabbi Shimon’s accomplishments and stature, the custom is to make it a mini-holiday. But of course, Rabbi Shimon was not the only transcendental Sage of that time. His teacher […]

224

Omer: Seven Themes for the Seven Weeks of Seven Days

May 3, 2022

58:13

The days spanning the Festivals of Pesach and Shavuos, of Exodus and Sinai, are called the days of the Omer. During these 49 days, during these 7 weeks of 7 days, we are commanded to count the days by mentioning each day’s number and the corresponding number of weeks and days. In this sweeping podcast […]

225

Omer: Seven Themes for the Seven Weeks of Seven Days

May 3, 2022

58:13

The days spanning the Festivals of Pesach and Shavuos, of Exodus and Sinai, are called the days of the Omer. During these 49 days, during these 7 weeks of 7 days, we are commanded to count the days by mentioning each day’s number and the corresponding number of weeks and days. In this sweeping podcast […]

226

The Pesach Seder: How to Maximize the Year’s Most Powerful Night

Apr 13, 2022

59:35

The first night of Pesach – the second night as well is the Diaspora – is arguably the most important nights of the year. On this night we were redeemed from Egypt, this is the night of the Exodus, this is the night of the death of the firstborn; tonight we became a nation. This […]

227

The Pesach Seder: How to Maximize the Year’s Most Powerful Night

Apr 13, 2022

59:35

The first night of Pesach – the second night as well is the Diaspora – is arguably the most important nights of the year. On this night we were redeemed from Egypt, this is the night of the Exodus, this is the night of the death of the firstborn; tonight we became a nation. This […]

228

Pharaoh and the Haggadah

Apr 11, 2022

57:55

On Pesach we celebrate the Exodus from Egypt. Our nation endures hundreds of years of servitude and enslavement and unimaginable suffering and torment under the ruthless rule of Pharaoh and the Egyptians. But God did not forget His covenant. In keeping with His promise to Abraham, the Almighty redeemed us from Egypt with an outstretched […]

229

Pharaoh and the Haggadah

Apr 11, 2022

57:55

On Pesach we celebrate the Exodus from Egypt. Our nation endures hundreds of years of servitude and enslavement and unimaginable suffering and torment under the ruthless rule of Pharaoh and the Egyptians. But God did not forget His covenant. In keeping with His promise to Abraham, the Almighty redeemed us from Egypt with an outstretched […]

230

Pesach: The Lifeblood of our People

Apr 6, 2022

30:38

The Exodus from Egypt is the founding episode of our nation. The Almighty plucked us out, a nation from amidst a nation, and chose us to be His people. What were the preconditions of the Exodus? What had to happen in order to facilitate our freedom? When we examine the Exodus carefully we learn about […]

231

Pesach: The Lifeblood of our People

Apr 6, 2022

30:38

The Exodus from Egypt is the founding episode of our nation. The Almighty plucked us out, a nation from amidst a nation, and chose us to be His people. What were the preconditions of the Exodus? What had to happen in order to facilitate our freedom? When we examine the Exodus carefully we learn about […]

232

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 […]

233

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 […]

234

The Book of Esther on an Allegorical Level (Rebroadcast)

Mar 15, 2022

1:37:51

On Purim we read the Book of Esther, which tells the story of the Purim miracle. The Persian king Achashverosh conspires with his Amalekite viceroy Haman to eradicate the entire Jewish nation, but God refused to allow their plans to unfold. Queen Esther, together with her relative Mordechai, spearhead the effort to turn the plan on […]

235

The Book of Esther on an Allegorical Level (Rebroadcast)

Mar 15, 2022

1:37:51

On Purim we read the Book of Esther, which tells the story of the Purim miracle. The Persian king Achashverosh conspires with his Amalekite viceroy Haman to eradicate the entire Jewish nation, but God refused to allow their plans to unfold. Queen Esther, together with her relative Mordechai, spearhead the effort to turn the plan on […]

236

The Kabbalistic Conflict of Purim with Rabbi Shmuly Botnick

Mar 13, 2022

1:01:05

Purim is a tantalizing festival. We get the dress up in costumes, read about close brush with destruction that our nation endured many centuries ago, and to drink alcohol guiltlessly. It’s a great party (certainly for extroverts). But what’s the deeper secret behind the day? What did Haman actually try to do to our nation? […]

237

The Kabbalistic Conflict of Purim with Rabbi Shmuly Botnick

Mar 13, 2022

1:01:05

Purim is a tantalizing festival. We get the dress up in costumes, read about close brush with destruction that our nation endured many centuries ago, and to drink alcohol guiltlessly. It’s a great party (certainly for extroverts). But what’s the deeper secret behind the day? What did Haman actually try to do to our nation? […]

238

Purim: A Primer

Mar 8, 2022

1:12:18

The festival of Purim commemorates the story of salvation that our nation experienced in Persia more than two thousand years ago. Haman the heir of Amaleik schemed a plot to eradicate the entire Jewish people in one randomly selected day, the 13th day of Adar. But the Almighty would have none of it. In His […]

239

Purim: A Primer

Mar 8, 2022

1:12:18

The festival of Purim commemorates the story of salvation that our nation experienced in Persia more than two thousand years ago. Haman the heir of Amaleik schemed a plot to eradicate the entire Jewish people in one randomly selected day, the 13th day of Adar. But the Almighty would have none of it. In His […]

240

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.

241

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.

242

The Divorce Vaccine – Second Dose: The Essence of an Amazing Marriage & TORCH Fundraiser (giveTORCH.org)

Feb 15, 2022

1:02:25

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

243

The Divorce Vaccine – Second Dose: The Essence of an Amazing Marriage & TORCH Fundraiser (giveTORCH.org)

Feb 15, 2022

1:02:25

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

244

Tu B’Shevat: The Secret of the Rosh Hashana for Trees

Jan 13, 2022

57:50

The fifteenth day of the Jewish month of Shevat – known as Tu B’Shevat – is the New Year for trees and fruits. All the fruits that sprout before this cutoff are associated with the previous year’s yield and the ones that come afterwards are attributed to the new year’s. If that was all that […]

245

Tu B’Shevat: The Secret of the Rosh Hashana for Trees

Jan 13, 2022

57:50

The fifteenth day of the Jewish month of Shevat – known as Tu B’Shevat – is the New Year for trees and fruits. All the fruits that sprout before this cutoff are associated with the previous year’s yield and the ones that come afterwards are attributed to the new year’s. If that was all that […]

246

Chanukah and Joseph (Rebroadcast)

Dec 2, 2021

28:36

Every year, Chanukah falls out during the weeks in which we read about Joseph and his exploits in Egypt. Our Sages tell us that there is a deep connection between Joseph’s and the Maccabean heroism. Many connections have been proposed, and in this podcast I suggest a new approach to understanding how Joseph precisely embodies […]

247

Chanukah and Joseph (Rebroadcast)

Dec 2, 2021

28:36

Every year, Chanukah falls out during the weeks in which we read about Joseph and his exploits in Egypt. Our Sages tell us that there is a deep connection between Joseph’s and the Maccabean heroism. Many connections have been proposed, and in this podcast I suggest a new approach to understanding how Joseph precisely embodies […]

248

Chanukah: History, Laws, and Customs (Rebroadcast)

Nov 28, 2021

47:31

About 2,200 years ago, the Jewish Nation faced an existential threat: The Assyrian Greek Empire led by Antiochus and his Hellenist henchmen undertook a concerted campaign to systematically eradicate the Jewish religion. They sought to make the Jews forget the Torah and depart from the mitzvos; they defiled the Temple; they harassed the Jewish daughters; […]

249

Chanukah: History, Laws, and Customs (Rebroadcast)

Nov 28, 2021

47:31

About 2,200 years ago, the Jewish Nation faced an existential threat: The Assyrian Greek Empire led by Antiochus and his Hellenist henchmen undertook a concerted campaign to systematically eradicate the Jewish religion. They sought to make the Jews forget the Torah and depart from the mitzvos; they defiled the Temple; they harassed the Jewish daughters; […]

250

On Death and Dying: Part 2 – How to Prepare

Nov 24, 2021

47:24

How do you prepare for your day of death? Is that an important question? One can argue that living is much more important than dying. Death, this line of reasoning argues, is something that happens on its own and not something that we need to concern ourselves with. In this podcast, we present a completely […]

This Jewish Life · Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

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