Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism

In this edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a d'var Torah on this week's parasha of Hayei Sarah. How did the Rabbis interpret a phrase at the beginning of the parasha and what is problematic about that explanation?  

In this edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin presents a midrash which looks at part of a Torah story in a completely different light. It portrays Abraham as taking a great risk, trusting in being correct in his conception of God. 

What can we learn from the opening words of this week's Torah portion: Lech Lecha? Rabbi Dobrusin discusses a lesson which should be relevant to all of our lives. 

Rabbi Dobrusin shares one of his favorite traditional texts. The text reflects a completely different way of understanding a basic principle of Jewish theology. 

In this brief, special edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin speaks about the upcoming election. 

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin discusses a complex and difficult issue that Conservative Rabbis have wrestled with for decades. 

Rabbi Dobrusin shares the story of a recent experience and the lessons learned from what he saw- and didn't see. 

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a pre Rosh Hashana sermon concerning the importance of "today". 

In the  episode of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin shares some thoughts on the year that is ending and a hope for the year to come. This episode also includes an idea which is a contemporary take on a medieval tradition. 

In this week's podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a commentary on a text in the Talmud which is truly upsetting. That the commentary comes from an honored and reliable source makes it even more upsetting. The subject is one which we should be considering seriously in this time of Teshuvah, repentance, before Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. 

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin examines the traditions regarding a verse in this week's Torah portion. And, of course, it begins with some words about the newest member of his household. 

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin shares some questions we might consider as we begin the process of Teshuvah: repentance. 

Rabbi Dobrusin shares thoughts on the concept of teshuva: repentance, as we approach the High Holy Days. What should frame of mind should we be in as we engage in teshuva? 

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin discusses two different ways of remembering something or someone we have lost. 

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin shares thoughts on a critical verse in this week's Torah portion. 

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin considers a question concerning the observance of the fast day of Tisha B'av this year. 

Rabbi Dobrusin gives a personal perspective on one of the most important of all human experiences. 

Rabbi Dobrusin explains a liturgical tradition which is based upon a section of this week's Torah portion.

This brief podcast is an addendum to this week's edition of Wrestling and Dreaming. 

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin offers a perspective on two Torah stories which have an unusual connection. 

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin considers the major issue in our nation with a thought about the Torah portion of the week. 

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin discusses the recent decision by the State of Louisiana legislature regarding the placing of the 10 commandments in public school classrooms. 

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin gives his answer to the question that he asked at the conclusion of last week's podcast. This is the 200th episode of the podcast and Rabbi Dobrusin ends this week's edition with some thoughts on the podcast as a whole. 

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin introduces a commentary by Rashi which he finds particularly intriguing. The commentary has many implications, some of which Rabbi Dobrusin will discuss next week in a special 200th episode of Wrestling and Dreaming. 

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin considers the place of Shavuot in the order of the festivals of the year.