Everyday Judaism · Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe

The Living Jewishly Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way. In this Living Jewishly Podcast BONUS episode, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe discusses the laws of of the three weeks;...

In Ask Away #36, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe opens with a heartfelt history of TORCH — from its roots in Project SEED visits in the early 1990s, founding by five Young Israel members in 1998, to its growth as an inclusive outreach organization bringing Torah to all Jews in Houston and recently across the globe. He emphasizes unity across Jewish streams (including warm relations with Reform, Conservative, Ch...

In this continuation of the Everyday Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe advances through Halachot 6–9 (and beyond) of Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 45, detailing the full procedure of Zimon. He explains the exact wording and responses for inviting the group to Birkas Hamazon, the leader’s role in reciting aloud while others follow along, the blessings and drinking of the wine cup afterward, rules fo...

In Ask Away #35, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe warmly engages with practical Purim-related and foundational questions. He clarifies customs around Megillah readings, candle lighting, the Machatzit Hashekel (The Half-Shekel) for charity, and proper times for private readings. He addresses sensitive modern topics like surrogacy and Jewish identity, as well as the sanctity and care of Torah scrolls, Tefillin (ph...

In this episode of the Everyday Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe begins Siman 45 of the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, teaching the laws of Zimun — the formal invitation to recite Birkas Hamazon together. The episode explains when Zimun is required (three or more men or women who ate together), the preferred use of a cup of wine for the leader, practical details about the kos (cup), how to remedy blemis...

In Ask Away #34, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe tackles profound and sometimes challenging questions with clarity, warmth, and deep Torah insight. The episode begins with a clear explanation of the 613 Mitzvos, the 365 prohibitions, and the 7 Noahide laws, emphasizing that we should treat every commandment as if it were the most important. He then explores the deeper purpose of the Temple — not only an externa...

In this special pre-Shavuot episode of the Everyday Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the laws of rejoicing on Yom Tov (festivals) from Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, Siman 103. He details the mitzvot to honor and delight in the festivals through special foods, clothing, haircuts, bathing, and festive meals, while emphasizing the higher obligation of simcha (rejoicing) that includes gladdening o...

In this episode of the Everyday Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues his study of Shulchan Aruch Siman 44, focusing on Halachot 10–17 of Birkas Hamazon (Grace After Meals). He explains the order of insertions when Shabbos coincides with Rosh Chodesh, the rules for someone who is unsure whether they recited Birkas Hamazon, and the procedures for forgetting special additions like Retzei (Sha...

In Ask Away #33, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe delivers inspiring and practical Torah guidance drawn from Parashat Mishpatim. The episode opens with profound lessons on overcoming hatred by helping an “enemy’s” animal — an act done for Hashem to foster peace and personal greatness. He beautifully expands on the meaning of chesed (kindness), teaching how to develop sensitivity to others’ unspoken needs, using...

In this Everyday Judaism episode, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe teaches Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 44 : Laws of Birkat Hamazon (Grace After Meals) and Mayim Acharonim (final hand-washing after the meal). Key Halachot: Mayim Acharonim — Wash hands before Birkat Hamazon (remove grease/dirt; avoid sharp salt entering eyes). Leader washes first. Wash into vessel or under table (not on ground—spirit of impurity r...

In Ask Away #32, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe addresses a wide range of practical and philosophical Jewish questions from listeners and attendees. The session opens with honoring parents while maintaining personal autonomy (especially regarding baby naming), then moves into detailed halachic guidance on blessings for meals, snacks, and complex foods like soups. Rabbi Wolbe explains why the Torah only hints a...

The Living Jewishly Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way. In this Living Jewishly Podcast BONUS episode, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe discusses the laws of Counting the Omer,...

The Living Jewishly Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way. In this Living Jewishly Podcast BONUS episode, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe discusses the laws of the Month of Nissan...

Unlock the profound spiritual essence of the Pesach Seder as we embark on a journey through its intricate laws and timeless customs. Together, we'll uncover the symbolic depth behind Marror, or bitter herbs, which poignantly connect us to the historical hardships of the Jewish people in Egypt. Learn about the specific forms and quantities of Maror, and how these traditions continue to resonate tod...

What makes the Pesach Seder so integral to Jewish tradition? Join us as we seek answers sharing profound insights on this sacred night. Together, we navigate the 15-step progression of the Seder, from Kadesh to Nirtzah, unraveling the intricacies and highlighting the unique customs that vary from one Jewish household to another. Whether you are well-versed in these traditions or curious to learn,...

What hidden layers of meaning lie within the traditions of the Pesach Seder? Join us on the Everyday Judaism Podcast to unpack the rich tapestry of Jewish customs and rituals. From the special blessings recited over Matzah to the challenges of keeping a log cabin warm on Shabbat without kindling a fire, we explore the practical and spiritual dimensions of these observances. We offer profound insig...

In this continuation and conclusion of Siman 116, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe completes the practical Halachot of Hagalah (boiling water immersion at 212°F to expel absorbed forbidden flavors) and related processes. Key principles: utensils must be spotless clean and unused for 24 hours before Kashering and kebol'o kach pol'to – as it absorbed, so it expels. Hagalah requires fully boiling water in a Pesach...

In this practical halacha episode preparing for Pesach, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe reviews Siman 116 of Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, focusing on removing absorbed forbidden flavors (e.g., Chametz or non-Kosher) from utensils so they can be used for Pesach or kosher food. The core principle is Kebol'o Kach Pol'to ("as it absorbed, so it expels"): utensils are Kashered in the same manner the prohibited flavor ente...

In this halacha-focused episode preparing for Pesach, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe reviews key laws from Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 117. He begins with Bitul (nullification): normally, a prohibited item is nullified in a 1:60 ratio of permitted food, allowing the mixture if the prohibited amount is tiny and mixed immediately (e.g., a drop of milk in chicken soup). On Pesach, however, the rules are stricter:...

Join us once again as we shed light on the intricacies of the Four Parshiyot, those special Torah readings that enrich the Jewish calendar around the month of Adar. Could understanding these ancient practices transform how we connect with our faith today? We take a journey through Siman 140, illuminating the deeper meanings behind Parshas Shekolim, Zachor, Parah, and HaChodesh. We explore how thes...

Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe from Torch in Houston, Texas, unpacks the vibrant and multifaceted festival of Purim! Known for his deep insights and engaging storytelling, Rabbi Wolbe brings clarity to the joyous traditions that make Purim so special. We journey through the timeline of Purim celebrations, starting with Taanis Esther and moving through Purim and Shushan Purim, highlighting the unique observance...

In this timely episode leading into Purim 5786 (2026), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe reviews the laws of reading the Megillah from Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 141. He begins with the joy of Adar ("When Adar enters, joy increases"), the four special Parshiyot read in the lead-up (Shekalim, Zachor, Parah, HaChodesh), and the Fast of Esther (Ta'anit Esther) on the 13th of Adar (Monday, March 2, 2026, from dawn t...

In this halacha-focused episode, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe reviews the laws of brachot for items consumed during a bread-based meal (one that begins with netilat yadayim, hamotzi on bread, and ends with Birkat Hamazon). The core principle is that hamotzi on bread exempts all satiating foods eaten during the meal—such as meat, fish, chicken, rice, pancakes, soups, condiments, and most drinks (e.g., water,...

In this interactive Q&A episode, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe addresses listener questions on a range of Jewish topics, starting with a critique of the musical/film Fiddler on the Roof . He argues it has harmed American Judaism by portraying Jewish observance as mere "tradition" rather than divine Torah commandments, leading to shaky foundations where practices become optional or emotion-based, rather th...

In this special Ask Away “Junior Edition” of the Everyday Judaism podcast, recoded during the Super Bowl Halftime, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe opens the floor to a group of young yeshiva students (ages 12–14) who ask thoughtful, deep questions on halacha, Torah, and Jewish life. The rabbi answers with warmth, clarity, and practical wisdom, often tying responses to broader lessons in emunah, mitzvot, and cha...