Everyday Judaism · Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe

In Episode 18 of the Ask Away series on the Everyday Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe answers diverse questions from participants at the TORCH Centre in Houston, recorded on a Sunday before Rosh Hashanah (pre-October 8, 2025). The session covers topics from the spiritual significance of bread-making to mikvah customs, technology’s role, and Rosh Hashanah prayers. Key themes include: Bread and Sp...

In Episode 17 of the Ask Away series on the Everyday Judaism Podcast, recorded post a lecture on Siman 26 (Laws of Kaddish), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe fields diverse questions from participants at the TORCH Centre in Houston. The session, held on a Sunday (September 14, 2025, as Rosh Hashanah is referenced as upcoming), covers Kaddish obligations, the coming of Moshiach, the nature of the soul, and Jewish...

In this episode of the Everyday Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe concludes the discussion of Siman 26 of the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, covering halachot 14–22 of the mourner’s Kaddish, completing the first book of the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch. He emphasizes the spiritual significance of Kaddish in elevating the deceased’s soul by declaring Hashem’s oneness, while noting that modern practice of all mou...

In this episode of the Everyday Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe discusses Siman 134 of the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, covering the laws of building a sukkah, timed with the preparation period between Yom Kippur (September 20, 2025) and Sukkot (September 25, 2025). He emphasizes the mitzvah’s spiritual significance as a divine “hug” and a fresh start post-Yom Kippur. Key points include: Sukkot’s Tim...

In this episode of the Everyday Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues the discussion of Siman 26 of the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, focusing on the laws of the mourner’s Kaddish, specifically halachot 5–12, which address priorities for reciting Kaddish when multiple mourners are present. He notes that while these precedence rules are less relevant today due to the common practice of all mourners...

In Episode 16 of the Ask Away series on the Everyday Judaism Podcast, recorded during the month of Elul (preceding Rosh Hashanah 2025), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe answers diverse listener questions with halachic clarity and personal anecdotes, fostering spiritual preparation for the high holidays. The episode addresses: Shofar Blowing : Women are obligated to hear the shofar and can blow it themselves if u...

In this episode of the Everyday Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe addresses Siman 26 of the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, focusing on the laws of the mourner’s Kaddish and the role of the chazan (prayer leader) for mourners. He explains that reciting Kaddish and serving as chazan are significant acts of merit for deceased parents, ideally performed by one person for clarity, though modern practice often...

In this bonus episode of the Everyday Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe covers the 17 sections of Siman 131 from the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, detailing the laws and customs of Erev Yom Kippur, a day blending penitential preparation and festive joy in anticipation of Hashem’s mercy on the Day of Atonement. Key practices include: Kaparos : A customary atonement ritual performed early in the morning,...

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 Ten Days of Rep...

In this 15th episode of the Ask Away series on the Everyday Judaism Podcast , Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe addresses two questions related to Jewish practices surrounding death and repentance. Responding to Marilyn Robinson’s question about prayers at a loved one’s gravesite, Rabbi Wolbe explains the custom of reciting Psalm 119, using the letters of the deceased’s name (and sometimes their parents’ names) t...

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 Rosh Hashanah, and...

In the 14th episode of the Ask Away series on the Everyday Judaism Podcast , Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe addresses a range of student questions with a focus on ethical speech, charity, and prayer. Marilyn’s questions on Lashon Hara (evil speech) prompt Rabbi Wolbe to recommend the Chafetz Chaim ’s book, emphasizing the prohibition against negative speech unless addressing known evil, like ruthless dictators...

In this episode of the Everyday Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe delves into the laws of charity (tzedakah) from Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, Siman 34, emphasizing the priority of supporting one's family, such as older children or impoverished parents, before others, and extending this to relatives, locals, and those in distant cities. He highlights the importance of giving with a joyful countenance a...

Unlock the spiritual and communal power of charity within Judaism as Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe guides us through the teachings of the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch. Discover the profound obligation each of us carries to give within our means, regardless of financial status, and how this act of giving can be a catalyst for both personal and spiritual growth. With insights from the Gaon of Vilna, we explore the dis...

In the 13th episode of the Ask Away series on the Everyday Judaism Podcast , Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe responds to a variety of student questions, exploring the meaning and origin of Amen as an affirmation of truth derived from El Melech Ne’eman , clarifying that the person reciting a blessing does not say Amen but others should to join in the blessing’s merit. He addresses whether saying Amen at a commun...

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 Elul,...

Join us as we explore the significance of charity within Judaism, guided by Chapter 34 of the concise code of Jewish law. We examine the scriptural foundations of the mitzvah of giving, focusing on the dual commandment to care for the Jewish community and the broader world. Listen in as we discuss the ethical considerations of giving, especially when authenticity is uncertain, and share practical...

Unlock the secrets of a healthier, more balanced life as we merge the ancient wisdom of Jewish medical authorities with today’s quest for wellness. Explore with us the delicate dance between character and consumption, where the moderation of our diet serves as a mirror to our values. Our conversation traverses the landscape of foods, distinguishing between those that nourish and those that deplete...

Unlock the secrets to a life of balance and vitality as we walk you through the profound connection between physical health and spiritual wellness in the light of Jewish wisdom. Embark on a transformative journey from Pesach to Shavuot, where we embrace the care of our bodies as an essential component of spiritual service. Our discussion traverses the risks of dietary excesses, the importance of m...

Ever questioned the real impact of your diet on your overall health? Wondered if there's more to it than just calories in, calories out? Join us as we journey together through the essentials of healthy living—unlocking the power of a balanced diet, good hydration, and a positive mental state. Discover how the right mixture of foods and the virtue of balance can transform your body and mind. And ye...

Get ready to unlock the secrets of health and spirituality! This episode is an enlightening deep-dive into the importance of maintaining a strong mind and body for a richer connection with the divine. Expect to be enlightened, as we take a fascinating journey, tracing the teachings of Deuteronomy 4:15, highlighting the importance of taking care of your body as an attribute of godliness. We'll disc...

In this episode of the Ask Away series on the Everyday Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe addresses a variety of listener questions about Jewish practices and beliefs at the Torch Center in Houston. He clarifies that one does not need to stand when a covered Torah scroll is at rest on the bimah, but standing is required during its transportation, such as when it’s removed from the ark or carried,...

Embark on a transformative journey with us as we explore the essence of living a life infused with purpose, where every action aligns with divine service. Discover the profound teachings from Proverbs, revealing how every pursuit, from work to relaxation, can be elevated to an act of worship when carried out with the right intention. In this episode of the Musar Masterclass series, I delve into th...

Unlock the sacred power of your words and journey with us into the spiritual heart of Judaism's teachings on speech. This episode weaves a tapestry of timeless wisdom, as we explore the profound impact that words can have on our spiritual connection and the world around us. The Talmud (Sotah 42a) serves as our guide, illuminating the pitfalls of negative speech such as slander and flattery, and re...

Discover the transformative power of words and unlock the secret to positive communication with the Laws of Proper Speech. Throughout the journey of this episode, we examine the profound impact of our spoken words and the biblical directives that steer us away from the temptation of negative talk. Learn from the Chofetz Chaim's virtuous example, a beacon of how to mingle sociability with the sanct...