The Rabbi Claman Torah Podcast

In this episode Rabbi Claman explores the counterintuitive way that Yosef realizes his destiny and dreams. Yosef’s destiny turns not when he shares his dreams, but when he asks someone else about theirs. To illustrate this lesson, Rabbi Claman points to inspiring stories of Omer Shem Tov in captivity and of Rav Nosson Tzvi Finkel z'l when he met the former CEO of Starbucks. I For any comments or q...

Yaakov prepares for war, but finds himself wrestling a very different opponent: his own past, his doubts. This class uncovers some life lessons that are encoded in this journey Yaakov takes when facing his long lost brother , Eisav. For any comments or questions, reach out to rabbiclaman@tbdj.org

Why does Yaakov experience his great vision at the exact midpoint between intense spiritual immersion and the messy physicality of building a family in Lavan’s house? Why a ladder? Why angels rising and descending? This episode uncovers the meaning behind the dream that connects heaven and earth — and how Yaakov's life becomes the model for intertwining two worlds into one mission. For any questio...

In this class, we explore the unique spiritual legacy of each of the three patriarchs and how they embody the essential pillars of a life rooted in Torah. In our parsha, we turn our attention to Yitzchak—whose story is told with striking brevity—and uncover the depth hidden within those few verses. This insightful session aims to enrich your own spiritual life, offering a fresh lens through which...

Special episode recorded under the schach! Questions and comments ? Please reach out at rabbiclaman@tbdj.org

In Elul, Hashem doesn’t ask us to move mountains — just to take the first step. We start with the poke of a needle, and He expands it into a sixteen-lane highway. That’s the secret of lasting growth: when we begin, Hashem magnifies. In this episode we understand this from the vantage point of the Elul origin story and how the same messages then, apply to us today.

This weeks episode is generously sponsored laliyat neshama of Yocheved bat Yehuda a'h Shifra bat Dov a”h Tisha B’Av is the saddest day of the Jewish year—a Mo’ed of tears and heartbreak. Yet Chazal call it a festival, and they promise that whoever mourns for Jerusalem will one day see its joy. In this class, we explore the deep paradox of Tisha B’Av: why it is called a Mo’ed, the connection betwee...

This episode is a recording of part 4 in Rabbi Claman's Great Jewish Books & Thinkers series. He was one of the greatest poskim of Ashkenaz. His teachings shaped centuries. Yet he died in prison—captured because a fellow Jew turned him in. This is the story of the Maharam Meruttenberg: his captivity, his refusal to be ransomed, and the haunting lesson of betrayal from within our own people.   

If there were a Nobel Peace Prize in Tanach, Pinchas might have gotten it — but for the most jarring reason imaginable. Can a man commit a violent act and be rewarded with a covenant of peace? In this shiur on Parshat Pinchas, we explore the deep tension between war and peace in the Torah’s value system. Through the lens of Pinchas and Aharon, we uncover a duality within the concept of shalom — on...

This episode is a recording of Part 3 in Rabbi Claman's "Great Jewish Books & Thinkers Series.  Rabbi Claman uncovers the life and vision of Rav Kalonymus Kalman Shapira, the Piaseczno Rebbe—known to the world as the Aish Kodesh. In the ashes of the Warsaw Ghetto, he dreamed of a spiritual renaissance that was never allowed to blossom. What did Rav Shapira hope to build after the war? What kin...

What do Balak, Korach, antisemitism and modern politics have in common? A failure to build identity from within. In this episode we explore the Torah’s warning against reactive identity — and the call to live with purpose, not just protest. For any questions or comments reach out to rabbiclaman@tbdj.org

This episode is a recording of Part 2 in Rabbi Claman's "Great Jewish Books & Thinkers" series. Rav Yehuda HaLevi was one of the greatest poets of the Jewish people — and one of its most daring thinkers. In this episode, we journey through his life, from the golden age of Spain to his fateful pilgrimage toward Jerusalem, exploring the personal longing that pulses through both his poetry and hi...

This episode explores the deep paradox at the heart of Judaism: a tradition obsessed with understanding — that also commands us to embrace the unknowable. In Parshas Chukat, the chok of the para aduma (red heifer) challenges our need for logic and control. We’ll talk about ta’amei hamitzvot, the Golden Calf, Rav Tzadok’s insight on spiritual panic, and how true faith begins where explanation ends.

In a world torn by war and fear, this week’s parsha gives us more than a historical account — it gives us a blueprint for how to see. Yehoshua and Kalev weren’t just brave; they chose a different lens. While ten spies saw defeat, they saw destiny. In this episode, we explore how the power of perspective shapes everything — from how we understand Parshat Shelach to how we respond to today’s war bet...

In this week's episode we discuss Parshat Baha’alotcha and how Aharon HaKohen feels left out of the inauguration of the Mishkan — until Hashem reveals that his role in lighting the Menorah holds a deeper and more enduring significance. According to the Ramban, this alludes to the future miracle of Chanukah, led by the Kohanim. In this episode, we explore how inspiring others to act can reflect bac...

This episode is a recording of Part 1 in Rabbi Claman's "Great Jewish Books & Thinkers" series. From Portugal, Spain and Italy - the Abarbanel lived a life which is a reminder of the fragility of Jewish success in the diaspora.     

In this episode we explore the deepest “why” of Judaism - the reason we began this journey in the first place.

In honour of upcoming Yom Yerushalayim I share two powerful divrei Torah on this week’s Parsha that are deeply connected to Yom Yerushalayim. The first touches in the deep connection the Jewish people have to the land of Israel. The second touches on the importance of unity within the Jewish people. Contact me at rabbiclaman@tbdj.org for any questions.

In this episode which was recorded at the weekly lunch and learn at TBDJ, we described the deep meaning of the Omer days and why it is so important to connect Pesach to Shavuot. Through real life experiences we uncover that importation is so important , but not as important to what must come after…

A powerful story of Rav Ya’akov Yosef Herman all alone in New York as a young boy helps us understand a troubling Pasuk and how to channel pain. We also connect the Rashbi, Iyov and the sons of Ahron to understand how loud silence can speak.

In this episode, we share powerful and personal stories that bring new meaning to Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut. From Rav Gustman’s conversation with professor Aumann after his son fell in battle, to a Holocaust survivor who couldn’t bring himself to touch a siddur—until a perspective was offered. We also talk about the moving legacy of Maoz Feinstein Hy”d, and how his story continues to bring p...