Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection

This Parsha Review Podcast (Ep 2.4) on the Parsha of Beshalach by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe offers a refreshing, clear and concise review as he does for each Parsha in the Torah. This Episode Dedicated in Honor Alan Franklin Levin 00:00 Parsha Summary 5:40  Important Lessons Segment Download & Print the Parsha Review Notes: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=s...

In this Everyday Judaism episode (continuing Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, Siman 40), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe completes the laws of netilat yadayim (ritual hand-washing before bread/meals). Key halachot include: Invalid waters : Salty, putrid, bitter, or muddy water is disqualified if unfit even for a dog to drink. Clean hands requirement : Hands must be free of interpositions (chatzitzah)—remove rings, clean...

In this Parshas Bo review, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the final three plagues (locusts, darkness, death of the firstborn) and the dramatic prelude to the Exodus. The core message centers on chen (favor/grace): despite centuries of enslavement and hatred, the Jewish people suddenly found favor in Egyptian eyes ("Vayiten Hashem et chen ha'am be'einei Mitzrayim"), leading them to freely give gold, si...

In this Thinking Talmudist episode on Gittin 57a, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe concludes the tragic stories of Kfar Sekania's destruction and delves into the Roman massacre of Betar (Beitar), using it to illustrate the dangers of reckless reaction and the power of lashon hara (slander) in causing national catastrophe. The Gemara recounts how Betar's custom of planting cedar trees for boys and pine for girls—...

What distinguishes mere belief from true knowledge of God? Join us on the Parsha Review Podcast as we unravel the profound lessons of Parshas Bo from the book of Exodus. This episode takes us back to the heart of the Egyptian plagues, where Moses receives pivotal instructions from God. Together, we explore the enduring power of these stories in shaping our understanding of God's presence. We are ...

Unlock the secrets to overcoming spiritual stubbornness and foster a deeper connection with the Divine as we share pearls of wisdom taught by my grandfather. Prepare to transform your understanding of faith and knowledge of Hashem in Judaism, as we dissect the "Pharaoh syndrome"—a perilous state of inflexibility that hinders us from perceiving life's messages. With anecdotes from the week's Parsha...

In this special Everyday Judaism episode timed for the start of Chanukah, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the significance and halachot of Rosh Chodesh (the new month), which coincides with Hallel recitation beginning the next morning. Rosh Chodesh is an auspicious time for atonement—Erev Rosh Chodesh is treated by some as Yom Kippur Katan (minor Day of Atonement) with fasting and special supplications...

In this Ask Away #27 episode of the Everyday Judaism podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe fields live and emailed questions on practical halacha, with emphasis on thoughtful, intentional Jewish living. Key topics include: Netilat Yadayim (hand-washing) : Proper technique (one continuous flow of water, ideally covering the entire hand to the wrist), alternatives when no vessel is available (faucet with human...

This Parsha Review Podcast (Ep 2.3) on Parshas Bo by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe offers a refreshing, clear and concise review as he does for each Parsha in the Torah. This Episode Dedicated in Honor Alan Franklin Levin 00:00 Parsha Summary 10:10  Important Lessons Segment Download & Print the Parsha Review Notes: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharing Recor...

In this Thinking Talmudist episode on Gittin 57a, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe revisits the tragic destruction of Kfar Sekania in Egypt, sharing three powerful stories that highlight extraordinary devotion to Torah law amid extreme circumstances: A betrothed couple captured and forcibly "married" by idolaters: The wife insists on no physical intimacy without a ketubah (marriage contract); the husband honors...

In Judaism, there is no eternal hell or everlasting damnation like in other religions. Instead, the afterlife includes a temporary process called Gehinnom (often translated as purgatory), where the soul is cleansed of its spiritual impurities—much like washing mud off a candy before eating it. This purification lasts up to 11 months for the righteous and a maximum of 12 months for the wicked, dete...

In this Prayer Podcast episode, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe begins an in-depth exploration of Baruch She'amar—the opening blessing of Pesukei Dezimra (verses of praise)—noting it may take one or two classes to cover fully. He explains the prayer's structure: an introductory section of 10 praises (corresponding to the 10 utterances of creation and 10 Commandments) followed by the actual blessing, with a tota...

In this concluding Mussar Masterclass (Day 118) on Orchos Tzaddikim's Gate of Silence, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the remaining three (of five) destructive forms of mockery (leitzanut) that block the Divine Presence: Mocking beneficial deeds/activities without intent to shame—arrogantly rejecting what one doesn't personally value, leading to scorning mitzvot and eventual heresy; mockers reject reb...

In this Parshas Review episode, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe as the parsha transitions from Moshe's doubts ("Pharaoh won't listen") to the onset of the Ten Plagues (seven here, three next week), emphasizing Hashem's total control over creation. The rabbi draws a profound lesson from a Talmudic passage in Chagigah: "Woe to those who see but do not realize what they see." The earth rests on pillars, pillars on...

Explore the mystery behind divine intervention as we unpack the hardening of Pharaoh's heart and the purpose of the plagues in Parsha Va'eira. What if the challenges we face, from natural disasters to personal trials, are intentional messages from God meant to teach us and reveal His greatness? With insights from Rashi's commentary, we unravel these profound themes, urging you to consider the divi...

In this Mussar Masterclass (Day 117) from Orchos Tzaddikim's Gate of Silence, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe delves into the first of four categories that block the Divine Presence: leitzim (mockers). Mockery divides into five types, with the focus on two profoundly evil forms: Slandering/mocking others for no gain—pure malice that steals dignity, lowers reputation, and breeds hatred, worse than theft (which a...

Unlock the power of unwavering Jewish pride as we journey through Parsha Va'eira and its profound lessons on maintaining our identity in the face of mockery and threats. This episode promises to envelop you in a conversation that not only celebrates our rich tradition but also equips you with the confidence to stand firm in your beliefs. We'll explore the first halacha from the Code of Jewish Law,...

Join us as we unpack the intricate lessons and enduring wisdom of Parsha Va'eira from the book of Exodus. In our latest Torah study, we examine the precision of the Torah's language and the vital message that not a single letter is superfluous. As we traverse the narratives of Moshe's mission, Pharaoh's hardened heart, and the miraculous plagues, we discover the profound connections between these...

In this Mussar Masterclass (Day 116) from Orchos Tzaddikim's Gate of Silence, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe teaches the seven hallmarks of a wise person (chacham) versus a fool (golem): a wise person speaks only after greater/older people, avoids interrupting, answers thoughtfully and in order, admits "I didn't hear" or "I don't know," and concedes truth—while a fool does the opposite. Silence earns reward wh...

In this Mussar Masterclass (Day 115) from Orchos Tzaddikim's Gate of Silence, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores when silence is not a virtue but harmful. While silence often protects from sin, one must speak up—gently and softly—to correct mockery of Torah/sages, rebuke transgressors, or prevent error, lest fools remain "wise in their own eyes." Harsh words destroy; soft answers turn away wrath. The rabb...

In this Thinking Talmudist episode on Gittin 56b-57a, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the dramatic aftermath of the Temple's destruction through Titus's deathbed fear of divine judgment (scattering his ashes over seven seas to evade accountability) and Onkelos's necromantic consultations with Titus, Balaam, and Jewish sinners—all affirming Jewish prominence in the World to Come while warning against jo...

In this Parshas Shemos review—the opening of Sefer Shemot (Exodus)—Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explains the shift from the family-focused stories of Bereishis to the birth of the Jewish nation in Egypt. The parsha begins with the 70 souls descending to Egypt, rapidly multiplying ("paru v'yishretzu v'yarbu v'yaatzmu b'meod meod"), becoming mighty—yet a new Pharaoh arises who "did not know Yosef" and enslaves...

Join us on a captivating journey through the opening chapters of the book of Exodus, where we explore the harrowing circumstances of the Jewish people's enslavement in Egypt. We discuss the rise of a new Pharaoh who, having forgotten Joseph's contributions, subjects the Israelites to brutal oppression. Amidst this darkness, we recount the birth of Moses, destined to be the redeemer of the Jewish p...

Have you ever stood at a crossroads, torn between the safe path and the one that demands courage to embrace who you truly are? Join us as we navigate the awe-inspiring decisions of Shifra and Pua, the heroic midwives from Parsha Shemos, whose bravery not only defied a Pharaoh but also shaped the legacy of a nation. In this heartfelt exploration, we uncover the significance of Jewish pride and iden...

In this Everyday Judaism episode on practical Jewish law (Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, Siman 40), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explains the rabbinic obligation of netilat yadayim (ritual hand-washing) before eating bread—a meal's centerpiece. Rooted in Temple-era purity laws (tumah and taharah) to prepare for terumah consumption, this decree persists today to maintain readiness for the future Temple, promote physi...