The Jewish Perspective

A subtle design in the Temple menorah reveals a deep philosophical divide among rabbis. Are we here to perfect ourselves, or to transform the world around us?  Do mitzvahs reflect inner feelings, or do they serve a higher purpose? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube . Chapters (00:00:00) - The Jews and Menorah (00:07:17)...

The prophets' visions in Jewish texts reveal deep spiritual truths behind mystical symbols like angels and their wings. Why do some angels have only one wing? What makes a prayer capable of "flying" to the heavens? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube Chapters (00:00:00) - The Book of Prophets (00:07:49) - 4 Faces of God...

Some customs are timeless commandments, others are habits we never questioned. What’s the difference between tradition, custom, and meaningless repetition? How do we decide which non-Jewish practices are acceptable to adopt? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast.   Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube Chapters (00:00:00) - The Torah's Laws for Jews (00:05:38)...

In emergencies, does the Torah allow breaking its laws?  What if to do a mitzvah, you need to violate another mitzvah? Torah law provides a framework for navigating complex moral choices and competing values. Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast.   Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube   Chapters (00:00:00) - Are you allowed to violate the Torah law to save so...

"Rebbe, what exactly your job is?" - an unexpected question reveals a powerful metaphor for our lives. How can parents shape the value of Jewish learning at home? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube Chapters (00:00:01) - The Importance of Hebrew School

This episode explores the deeper meaning behind the Jewish circumcision ceremony and the surprising role of women in it. Why is a woman involved in what seems like an all-male ritual? What spiritual message does this tradition carry? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast.   Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube Chapters (00:00:00) - In the circumcision ceremony...

In Jewish law, obligation only arises through action or benefit—so how does a guarantor become responsible? What makes someone liable without receiving anything tangible? Can emotional benefit alone create a binding commitment? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast.   Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube Chapters (00:00:00) - What is Kinyan in Judaism? (00:02:...

A technical discussion on bowing in the Temple opens a window into human emotion and spirituality. Can something as small as timing a bow show how we connect to G-d? Do most people truly feel spiritual when entering a synagogue—or only when leaving? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast.   Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube Chapters (00:00:00) - Bowing Down...

Matzah teaches a powerful lesson about humility and building a true relationship with G-d. Why is eating tasteless matzah central to Passover? How does it reveal what a real relationship — with G-d or people — should look like? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast.   Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube Chapters (00:00:00) - Matzah and Maror (00:06:34) - Matz...

The joyous song "Dayenu" in the Passover Haggadah contains a puzzling idea about the giving of the Torah. Why would it have been "enough" to reach Mount Sinai without receiving the Torah? What deeper message does this reveal about our role in Jewish law? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube Chapters (00:00:00) - The Chall...

Moses was one of the greatest leaders in Jewish history, but should we follow his way of parenting?  Why didn’t Moses circumcise his sons?  Should we teach our children faith from the start, or let them discover it on their own?   Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast.  Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube  

Being free is about knowing why you do what you do. How can purpose change the way we see freedom? What does Judaism say about real freedom? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast.   Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube Chapters (00:00:00) - Free People vs. Slaves

G-d commands a census of the Jewish people—by having each person give half a shekel. Why don’t we count people directly in Judaism? How can money, the most physical thing, connect to something as spiritual as the soul? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast.   Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube Chapters (00:00:00) - "Count the Jews" (00:03:46) - Leviticus 8:...

Judaism is filled with symbolism around light, from Shabbat and holiday candles to the eternal flame of the menorah. But what deeper lesson does the light teach us? How does the flame represent the soul, while the wick symbolizes the body? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast.   Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube   Chapters (00:00:00) - A Jewish metaphor fo...

When the Jewish people left Egypt, they found themselves trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army. What did they do in this impossible situation? Did they decide to fight, pray, or just give up? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube Chapters (00:00:00) - Israel and the splitting of the Red Sea (00:01:37) - 4 Groups o...

In this episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast, we explore what freedom really means in Judaism. While the Jews were freed from slavery when they left Egypt, were they truly free? Join us as we look at the lessons from the Exodus and what they can teach us about our personal freedom today.   Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube Chapters (00:00:00) - Exodus from Egypt (00:06:10) - The St...

In this episode, we dive into the difference between faith and trust. We look at the story of Jews in the desert, where G-d gave them manna every day—just enough for one day at a time. What was the reason for this? How can we apply this lesson to our lives today? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube  

The first commandment given to the Jewish people as they were about to leave Egypt was the mitzvah of sanctifying the new moon. This mitzvah forms the foundation of the Jewish calendar, which is based on lunar months. Let’s find out more in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast.  Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube

In today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast you will learn: What concerns did Moses have? Why did G-d perform exactly 3 miracles for Moses? What allowed Moses to lead the Jews out of Egypt?   Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube

The Levites, one of the 12 tribes of Israel, were set apart for religious duties and had a unique position in Jewish society. But did this exemption from military service always hold, or were there moments when they were called to fight? When were Levites allowed to join the war? Let’s find out more in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast.    Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtu...

Josef, Rambam, and the Maharam of Rothenburg all faced incredibly difficult lives. Yet, in times of hardship, they always had a choice: to let those challenges define them, or not. Whether we experience good or bad circumstances, it's up to us how we choose to define ourselves. We can decide whether to let the negative experiences shape us, or embrace the positive and let that guide who we are. Fi...

In this episode, we explore the story of Leah, a woman who was initially seen as less than ideal but transformed into a person of great character and strength. Join us as we reflect on her journey of growth, perseverance, and the lessons we can all learn from her path to becoming a truly good person.   Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube

In this replay of our most popular episode of 2024, we explore the mystery of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel. Where did they go? What happened to them? Whether you're hearing it for the first time or want to revisit it, tune in to hear the theories and secrets behind this ancient mystery!   Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube

According to Jewish religious law, selling land in Israel to non-Jews is generally prohibited. This prohibition is based on two main reasons: security concerns and religious principles. Join us in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast as we explore these factors in more detail.   Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube

Why Jewish life orbits a book of law. Jewish law’s ultimate record is the Talmud, but what is Jewish law? Explore its nature, scope, and roots in the written Torah and Oral Law—and see learning’s central role in Jewish practice and culture.