This Jewish Life · Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

351

Chanukah: A Primer

Dec 2, 2018

48:44

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; […]

352

The Art of War with the Yetzer Hara

Nov 14, 2018

48:08

The Yetzer Hara is the villain of our life. It’s other names are the “satan” and the “angel of death”. It seeks to undermine us and inhibit us from accomplishing our life’s mission. thankfully, the Sages of the Talmud offered us a multitude of strategies and tactics to combat and resist this deadly force. In […]

353

The Art of War with the Yetzer Hara

Nov 14, 2018

48:08

The Yetzer Hara is the villain of our life. It’s other names are the “satan” and the “angel of death”. It seeks to undermine us and inhibit us from accomplishing our life’s mission. thankfully, the Sages of the Talmud offered us a multitude of strategies and tactics to combat and resist this deadly force. In […]

354

Sukkos: A Primer

Sep 19, 2018

42:40

“’In a Sukkah shall you dwell for seven days’ – The Torah is instructing us to leave our permanent dwelling and move into a temporary dwelling.” (Talmud Sukkah 2a). A mere five days after Yom Kippur, we are instructed to abandon our permanent home and move into a makeshift hut and live there for seven […]

355

Sukkos: A Primer

Sep 19, 2018

42:40

“’In a Sukkah shall you dwell for seven days’ – The Torah is instructing us to leave our permanent dwelling and move into a temporary dwelling.” (Talmud Sukkah 2a). A mere five days after Yom Kippur, we are instructed to abandon our permanent home and move into a makeshift hut and live there for seven […]

356

The Key to Meaningful Prayer

Sep 16, 2018

38:59

Prayer is a central tenet of our religion, and comprised a hefty chunk of its rituals. The Mishna (Pirkei Avos 1:2) delineates the three things upon which the world stands – meaning that without it the world would cease existing – and lists prayer together with Torah study and kindness. Yet prayer is a mitzvah that […]

357

The Key to Meaningful Prayer

Sep 16, 2018

38:59

Prayer is a central tenet of our religion, and comprised a hefty chunk of its rituals. The Mishna (Pirkei Avos 1:2) delineates the three things upon which the world stands – meaning that without it the world would cease existing – and lists prayer together with Torah study and kindness. Yet prayer is a mitzvah that […]

358

Ten Days of Repentance: A Primer

Sep 12, 2018

52:40

Yom Kippur marks the final day of the Ten Days of Repentance. On this day all our efforts are focused on repenting and earning atonement for all our sins and getting sealed into the Book of Life for the upcoming year. In this podcast we analyze the notion of repentance in general, the difference between […]

359

Ten Days of Repentance: A Primer

Sep 12, 2018

52:40

Yom Kippur marks the final day of the Ten Days of Repentance. On this day all our efforts are focused on repenting and earning atonement for all our sins and getting sealed into the Book of Life for the upcoming year. In this podcast we analyze the notion of repentance in general, the difference between […]

360

Rosh Hashana: A Primer

Aug 29, 2018

54:56

Rosh Hashana is both the day of judgement on our deeds of the previous year and the day of new hopes and new beginnings for the year to come. The responsibilities – and the opportunities – of the day are so significant that we must be ready and prepared for it. In this podcast we […]

361

Rosh Hashana: A Primer

Aug 29, 2018

54:56

Rosh Hashana is both the day of judgement on our deeds of the previous year and the day of new hopes and new beginnings for the year to come. The responsibilities – and the opportunities – of the day are so significant that we must be ready and prepared for it. In this podcast we […]

362

Constructive Criticism: How to Effectuate Change with Rebuke (A Tisha B’Av Lesson)

Jul 17, 2018

39:08

Besides being a critical mitzvah, to rebuke or criticize someone who is acting improperly is a vital skill that every leader (boss, parent) needs to know how to wield effectively. Our sages tell us that there are two ways to criticize, one that works and one that does not. On the precipice of Tisha B’Av, […]

363

Constructive Criticism: How to Effectuate Change with Rebuke (A Tisha B’Av Lesson)

Jul 17, 2018

39:08

Besides being a critical mitzvah, to rebuke or criticize someone who is acting improperly is a vital skill that every leader (boss, parent) needs to know how to wield effectively. Our sages tell us that there are two ways to criticize, one that works and one that does not. On the precipice of Tisha B’Av, […]

364

Shavuos: A Primer

May 13, 2018

1:02:59

Shavuos marks the time of the giving of the Torah and the climax of the nation building that began with the Exodus. In this podcast we offer a broad overview of the meaning of this Festival and its various themes. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

365

Shavuos: A Primer

May 13, 2018

1:02:59

Shavuos marks the time of the giving of the Torah and the climax of the nation building that began with the Exodus. In this podcast we offer a broad overview of the meaning of this Festival and its various themes. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

366

The 10 Commandments of Jewish Parenting

May 4, 2018

47:46

Jewish parents a double responsibility: We must raise mature, healthy children who will turn into productive adults, and to instill within our children the values of Torah and Judaism. Though this is a second obligation, as Jews we also benefit from the Torah’s guidelines of how to educate them, and in this podcast we hope to convey […]

367

The 10 Commandments of Jewish Parenting

May 4, 2018

47:46

Jewish parents a double responsibility: We must raise mature, healthy children who will turn into productive adults, and to instill within our children the values of Torah and Judaism. Though this is a second obligation, as Jews we also benefit from the Torah’s guidelines of how to educate them, and in this podcast we hope to convey […]

368

Pesach Pedagogical Pointers: Parenting Lessons from the Haggadah’s Four Sons

Mar 28, 2018

50:45

The Torah provides four verses that describe the appropriate conversations fathers should have with their sons on Pesach Eve. The Haggadah explains that each conversation refers to a different type of son. There is a distinct dialogue with the wise son, the wicked son, the simple son, and the son who does not know how […]

369

Pesach Pedagogical Pointers: Parenting Lessons from the Haggadah’s Four Sons

Mar 28, 2018

50:45

The Torah provides four verses that describe the appropriate conversations fathers should have with their sons on Pesach Eve. The Haggadah explains that each conversation refers to a different type of son. There is a distinct dialogue with the wise son, the wicked son, the simple son, and the son who does not know how […]

370

Pesach: A Primer

Mar 27, 2018

58:01

Pesach marks the foundational event of our nation’s history. The Exodus that happened on the days of Pesach is the rationale of the Jewish holidays nad festivals, including the weekly Shabbos, and is invoked in many mitzvos. In this podcast we explore the story of Pesach and discover what it says about what we stand […]

371

Pesach: A Primer

Mar 27, 2018

58:01

Pesach marks the foundational event of our nation’s history. The Exodus that happened on the days of Pesach is the rationale of the Jewish holidays nad festivals, including the weekly Shabbos, and is invoked in many mitzvos. In this podcast we explore the story of Pesach and discover what it says about what we stand […]

372

Reflections on Loss, Tragedy, and Bereavement: An Interview with Esther Kaplan

Mar 19, 2018

1:06:17

Esther Kaplan (née Wolbe), along with her husband AJ, experienced the worst nightmare parents can undergo when their adorable and perfect son Shlomo passed away only 16 weeks into his life. In this intimate and stirring conversation Esther shares the story of Shlomo’s life and opens up about how parents absorb and process such an […]

373

Reflections on Loss, Tragedy, and Bereavement: An Interview with Esther Kaplan

Mar 19, 2018

1:06:17

Esther Kaplan (née Wolbe), along with her husband AJ, experienced the worst nightmare parents can undergo when their adorable and perfect son Shlomo passed away only 16 weeks into his life. In this intimate and stirring conversation Esther shares the story of Shlomo’s life and opens up about how parents absorb and process such an […]

374

How to be a Great Leader (and Spouse) – Recorded Live at the Kotel in Jerusalem

Mar 14, 2018

21:21

In the last portions of Exodus, the Torah details the incredible fundraising efforts to assemble the materials needed to build the Mishkan. It records that the nesi’im, the presidents of the tribes, donated the stones for the Kohein Gadol’s Choshen and Ephod, Breastplate and apron-like garment. Rashi notes that the Torah is also conveying a veiled criticism about these people […]

375

How to be a Great Leader (and Spouse) – Recorded Live at the Kotel in Jerusalem

Mar 14, 2018

21:21

In the last portions of Exodus, the Torah details the incredible fundraising efforts to assemble the materials needed to build the Mishkan. It records that the nesi’im, the presidents of the tribes, donated the stones for the Kohein Gadol’s Choshen and Ephod, Breastplate and apron-like garment. Rashi notes that the Torah is also conveying a veiled criticism about these people […]

376

Purim: A Primer

Feb 25, 2018

56:46

Purim is a holiday marking the salvation of the Jews in Persia from the genocidal plans of Haman and his cohorts. Every 14th and 15th day of Adar, Jews worldwide read the Book of Esther which tells the story, give gifts to the poor and to their friends, and partake in a lavish and festive […]

377

Purim: A Primer

Feb 25, 2018

56:46

Purim is a holiday marking the salvation of the Jews in Persia from the genocidal plans of Haman and his cohorts. Every 14th and 15th day of Adar, Jews worldwide read the Book of Esther which tells the story, give gifts to the poor and to their friends, and partake in a lavish and festive […]

378

A Mussar Approach to the #MeToo Revelations

Feb 6, 2018

29:47

Over the past several months, there have been revelations, accusations, and allegations of sexual misconduct by celebrities of all types, which spawned movements and hashtags and a national conversation on these issues. In this podcast we offer a Mussar approach to these revelations. – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

379

A Mussar Approach to the #MeToo Revelations

Feb 6, 2018

29:47

Over the past several months, there have been revelations, accusations, and allegations of sexual misconduct by celebrities of all types, which spawned movements and hashtags and a national conversation on these issues. In this podcast we offer a Mussar approach to these revelations. – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

380

The State of the Jewish Nation

Jan 21, 2018

28:50

In response to an incredible story that happened over the weekend, we explore the state of the Jewish nation in 2018 and chart our progress towards acheiving our destiny and Tikkun Olam. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Please […]

381

The State of the Jewish Nation

Jan 21, 2018

28:50

In response to an incredible story that happened over the weekend, we explore the state of the Jewish nation in 2018 and chart our progress towards acheiving our destiny and Tikkun Olam. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Please […]

382

Mussar Masters During the Holocaust: Portraits of Valor, Faith, and Martyrdom (Recorded Live in Harrisburg, PA)

Jan 3, 2018

1:20:16

Mussar is the tool that we can use to integrate Torah into ourselves and change our character. A Mussar master is someone who is spiritually alive. In this special lecture, we try to tell a story of how Mussar masters operated during the inferno that engulfed European Jewry during the Holocaust. By recounting the heroic […]

383

Mussar Masters During the Holocaust: Portraits of Valor, Faith, and Martyrdom (Recorded Live in Harrisburg, PA)

Jan 3, 2018

1:20:16

Mussar is the tool that we can use to integrate Torah into ourselves and change our character. A Mussar master is someone who is spiritually alive. In this special lecture, we try to tell a story of how Mussar masters operated during the inferno that engulfed European Jewry during the Holocaust. By recounting the heroic […]

384

Hesped (Eulogy) on the Gadol Hador (Greatest of the Generation), Rav Ahron Leib Shteinman zt”l

Dec 15, 2017

22:43

This week, the Gadol Hador, Rav Ahron Leib Shteinman zt”l, passed away at the age of 104. In this eulogy, we try to capture a brief portrait of this remarkable and inspirational leader. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Please […]

385

Hesped (Eulogy) on the Gadol Hador (Greatest of the Generation), Rav Ahron Leib Shteinman zt”l

Dec 15, 2017

22:43

This week, the Gadol Hador, Rav Ahron Leib Shteinman zt”l, passed away at the age of 104. In this eulogy, we try to capture a brief portrait of this remarkable and inspirational leader. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Please […]

386

Chanukah – Small Miracles

Dec 13, 2017

24:49

When reading about the story and the miracles of Chanukah, the most prominent and memorable one seems to be the military victory of a small ragtag guerrilla army over the mighty Greeks. Yet the mitzvah commemorating the events revolves around the miracle of the oil, a seemingly insignificant miracle in comparison. In this podcast, we offer 3 […]

387

Chanukah – Small Miracles

Dec 13, 2017

24:49

When reading about the story and the miracles of Chanukah, the most prominent and memorable one seems to be the military victory of a small ragtag guerrilla army over the mighty Greeks. Yet the mitzvah commemorating the events revolves around the miracle of the oil, a seemingly insignificant miracle in comparison. In this podcast, we offer 3 […]

388

The Eternal Consequences of Actions

Dec 10, 2017

26:24

In the span of one parsha, Reuben makes a grave blunder while Joseph avoids one. In their analysis of these two episodes, our Sages provide us with a powerful tool to ensure that our own actions are righteous and just and as accurate as possible. – – – – – – – – – – […]

389

The Eternal Consequences of Actions

Dec 10, 2017

26:24

In the span of one parsha, Reuben makes a grave blunder while Joseph avoids one. In their analysis of these two episodes, our Sages provide us with a powerful tool to ensure that our own actions are righteous and just and as accurate as possible. – – – – – – – – – – […]

390

The Three Preconditions to Spiritual Pleasures

Nov 21, 2017

43:15

The Torah has been described by many Jewish sources as a guide to accessing spiritual pleasure. While it is true that there are many laws that restrict pleasure, the net benefit of the Torah is that through it we can experience deeper and more sophisticated, spiritual pleasures. What is spiritual pleasure? What are the conditions […]

391

The Three Preconditions to Spiritual Pleasures

Nov 21, 2017

43:15

The Torah has been described by many Jewish sources as a guide to accessing spiritual pleasure. While it is true that there are many laws that restrict pleasure, the net benefit of the Torah is that through it we can experience deeper and more sophisticated, spiritual pleasures. What is spiritual pleasure? What are the conditions […]

392

Dating, Courtship, and Spousal Selection: A Comprehensive Torah Attitude

Nov 7, 2017

1:08:51

Chapter 24 of Genesis contains a comprehensive narrative of the courtship and marriage of Isaac and Rebecca. Traditionally, this chapter served as the comprehensive guide of the Torah’s attitude of how to select a suitable spouse. In this podcast, we quickly run through the story and find relevant and insightful tips on how to find […]

393

Dating, Courtship, and Spousal Selection: A Comprehensive Torah Attitude

Nov 7, 2017

1:08:51

Chapter 24 of Genesis contains a comprehensive narrative of the courtship and marriage of Isaac and Rebecca. Traditionally, this chapter served as the comprehensive guide of the Torah’s attitude of how to select a suitable spouse. In this podcast, we quickly run through the story and find relevant and insightful tips on how to find […]

394

Eternal Ethics: A **New Podcast** on Pirkei Avos

Oct 23, 2017

30:44

Dear friends, it is with great joy and delight that I present you with my brand new podcast, Eternal Ethics. In this podcast we will journey through the ancient book of Mishna, Pirkei Avos, a book containing God’s wisdom on Ethics and Character development as conveyed at Sinai. But don’t let the title fool you. […]

395

Eternal Ethics: A **New Podcast** on Pirkei Avos

Oct 23, 2017

30:44

Dear friends, it is with great joy and delight that I present you with my brand new podcast, Eternal Ethics. In this podcast we will journey through the ancient book of Mishna, Pirkei Avos, a book containing God’s wisdom on Ethics and Character development as conveyed at Sinai. But don’t let the title fool you. […]

396

Enveloped by God: Understanding the Festival of Sukkos

Oct 10, 2017

44:00

The Festival of Sukkos has many moving parts: There is the mitzvah to dwell in a Sukkah for seven days; we are commanded to shake the Four Species on Sukkos; and there is a fascination with the Seventy Nations of the world and their ultimate downfall. In this podcast, we offer a comprehensive perspective of […]

397

Enveloped by God: Understanding the Festival of Sukkos

Oct 10, 2017

44:00

The Festival of Sukkos has many moving parts: There is the mitzvah to dwell in a Sukkah for seven days; we are commanded to shake the Four Species on Sukkos; and there is a fascination with the Seventy Nations of the world and their ultimate downfall. In this podcast, we offer a comprehensive perspective of […]

398

The Great Loophole (Repentance)

Sep 28, 2017

33:16

Teshuva (Repentance) can be an intimidating and daunting task. Entire volumes are filled with its components and nuances. In this podcast we shine light on a different aspect of Teshuva: Its easy, eminently achievable, and all the factors are in place to enable us to do it. – – – – – – – – […]

399

The Great Loophole (Repentance)

Sep 28, 2017

33:16

Teshuva (Repentance) can be an intimidating and daunting task. Entire volumes are filled with its components and nuances. In this podcast we shine light on a different aspect of Teshuva: Its easy, eminently achievable, and all the factors are in place to enable us to do it. – – – – – – – – […]

400

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 […]

This Jewish Life · Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

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