The Shema Podcast for the Perplexed

In this episode, we are joined by Rabbi Raphael Shore to discuss his new book, Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Jew? . Together, we explore the lessons and clarity it provides about our purpose and responsibilities in the world as Jews by understanding the reasons behind the hatred directed toward us. Buy the Book: Learn more about Rabbi Raphael Shore’s groundbreaking work, Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad...

In this thought-provoking episode, we are joined by Dr. Michael Milgraum, a psychologist, poet, and child of a Holocaust survivor, to explore the profound depths of Jewish identity and spirituality. Dr. Milgraum shares his journey from secular upbringing to a life rich in Torah and observance, weaving together his professional expertise in psychology with the timeless lessons of Judaism. We discus...

In this podcast, we dive into Fiddler on the Roof to examine how its portrayal of "tradition" and Jewish identity mirrors a broader historical struggle within Judaism. Set in the fictional shtetl of Anatevka around 1905, Fiddler on the Roof follows Tevye, a poor milkman grappling with changing times as his daughters challenge age-old customs. More than a story of family and culture, Fiddler highli...

In Mishnah Sanhedrin , we are taught that all of Israel has a share in Olam HaBa (the World to Come). But what about a Jew who does not engage in Torah learning or fulfill the mitzvos? How can they become a receptacle to exist in Olam HaBa without the proper soul rectification through Torah and mitzvos? In this episode, we explore the "Plan B" soul rectifications, and the various compassionate pat...

Based on a request from members of the Shema Podcast for the Perplexed WhatsApp group, this episode explores the spiritual foundation of physicality to deepen our understanding of the Jew’s role in the world and the purpose of Torah and mitzvos. Join the Shema Podcast for the Perplexed WhatsApp Group Community by clicking the following link. Sign up Link for Shema Podcast for Perplexed WhatsApp Gr...

In this episode, I requested questions from listeners that I could research and explore in depth. My guest and I sat in the sukkah as I provided answers to a variety of questions that I believe offer deeper insights into many areas of Torah and Jewish living. Join the Shema Podcast for the Perplexed WhatsApp Group Community by clicking the following link. Sign up Link for Shema Podcast for Perplex...

About ten years ago, the Pew Research Center found that around 85-90% of the global population believes in a deity. At first, this seems promising. But when you dig deeper and ask people to define the god they believe in, you often find that their conception is of a god that doesn’t truly exist. Disturbingly, many Jews share this misconception. In this episode, we explore the significance of the u...

In this episode we delve into the profound wisdom behind how Hashem orchestrates the world with flawless precision, balancing justice and compassion as well as the incredible role that each Jew plays in this divine system. Join the Shema Podcast for the Perplexed WhatsApp Group Community by clicking the following link. Sign up Link for Shema Podcast for Perplexed WhatsApp Group Community

In this episode, we explore the profound opportunities that Rosh Hashanah through Yom Kippur offers us—a chance to recreate ourselves and start anew, unburdened by the mistakes of the past. But there’s a powerful secret embedded in how Hashem responds to our pleas for forgiveness: it’s directly tied to how we treat others. Understanding this connection can set us on a path of extraordinary growth...

I typically avoid conversations about politics; however, given the gravity of the upcoming election and its potential impact on Israel, I’ve decided to break my usual practice and share my thoughts on the matter. Of course I am not referring to the US presidential elections but the election at Rosh Hashanah of Hashem vs. Amalek. Also, I recently started a Shema Podcast for the Perplexed WhatsApp G...

What if I told you that the Creator of the Universe wrote a letter to comfort you during these challenging times since October 7th? In this episode, we're joined by Jake Turx, senior White House correspondent and chief political correspondent for Ami magazine, and a political contributor at Newsmax. Jake analyzes Sefer Ovadia , the shortest book in the Prophets section of the Tanach. Despite its b...

I recently learned about the Jewish custom of Chanukas HaBayis , a ceremony dedicating a new home to Torah learning and mitzvos. It was suggested that I host this event in my new home. The celebration involves opening one's home to the community, sharing food and drink, and hearing words of Torah. I’ve invited an incredible lineup of rabbis: Rabbi Nagel, Rabbi Lazenga, Rabbi Cotlar, Rabbi Aryeh Wo...

The foundation for the Jewish people to flourish and fulfill their sacred role in creation begins with building a marriage where the husband and wife can support each other in personal development and continual growth. Unfortunately, in the area of relationships between men and women, we have been deeply influenced by the other nations, and while these behaviors may be considered normal, they are...

To understand the current state of Israel and the Jewish people, we must first explore our history, beginning with the formation of the Jewish people through Abraham. Significant events in history set the stage for future developments, and the conflicts between Isaac and Ishmael—stemming from Isaac’s birthright as the progenitor of the Jewish people—and between Jacob and Esau over the birthright h...

To understand the Jewish people's current situation in history, it's important to recognize the three exiles we've endured and the fourth exile of Edom we face today. This exile of Edom has been the longest and most challenging because it lacks a specific ideology, unlike the exiles of Babylon, Persia, and Greece. Instead, Edom represents a mental exile, influencing us through remnants of those pa...

In this episode, I delve into a profound teaching from Rabbi Nachman that underscores the importance of aligning our knowledge (Daas), compassion (Tiferes), and foundation (Yesod). This alignment serves as a powerful conduit for channeling blessings from Hashem into the world. It involves the skillful use of prayer, likened to a finely honed spiritual sword. These insights hold universal relevance...

While my guest on this episode is literally a Jewish rock star, he would still be one even if he had chosen a different profession. Listen in as we discuss how, when a Jew embraces their relationship with Hashem and His Torah, it does not change them; it simply allows them to actualize who they truly are and bring out their potential and unique creative nature to the world. When we align our spiri...

For Jews not born religious, we often share a common journey. Initially, we experience a honeymoon phase with Hashem, much like the Jews at Mt. Sinai. However, just as the Jews at Mt. Sinai faced 42 encampments or challenges after their first year with Hashem, we too encounter similar experiences that help us grow. In this episode, I share some recent challenging experiences and the lessons I've l...

Now that Shavuos is behind us, we find ourselves in a wilderness void of holidays to spiritually charge us, outside of Shabbos. We have Tisha B'av in August, and then Rosh Hashanah does not arrive until October. But this is not actually the case. We have the monthly holiday of Rosh Chodesh that, for many, goes unnoticed but is packed with incredible meaning. It is the mitzvah that Hashem gave to t...

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with our special and beloved guest, Morty Roth, as we prepare for Shavuos by reflecting on what the Parsha of Bamidbar, which most often precedes Shavuos, conveys to us about how we can best prepare for our recommitment to the Torah at Shavuos and the wilderness we find ourselves in before the next Yom Tov of Rosh Hashanah.

At the core of being a Jew is the belief that Hashem orchestrates every detail of our lives with love and for our ultimate good. This raises a fundamental question: if everything in our lives is already perfectly constructed by Hashem in that moment then why do we pray for things we feel we lack, if we are to believe that we everything is already perfect? In this episode, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe joins u...

We all celebrate personal milestones like birthdays and wedding anniversaries throughout the year. Many of us are accustomed to measuring time according to the Gregorian Calendar, a man-made system, rather than the Hebrew calendar, which was established by the Creator of time. In this episode, Rabbi Nagel joins us to explore these important questions: 1) Should we acknowledge the Gregorian calenda...

It is now the Counting of the Omer.    These 49 days between Pesach and Shavous create a bridge that allows one to leave their mental restrictions and move towards a more expanded consciousness.   In this episode, Rabbi Chaim Buscko breaks down for us how to tap into the spiritual energies now present.   By doing so, we will forge ourselves into vessels that will allow us to absorb the wisdom of T...

During our Pesach Seder, we recounted the story of our redemption, starting with our suffering in Egypt, leading to our cries to Hashem, and ultimately to Him guiding us to freedom. However, we must ask ourselves why He placed us in Egypt to begin with. What was it about our time in Egypt that was a necessary prerequisite to achieve freedom? What does freedom really mean? In this episode, I am abs...

In our Tanach, Isaiah (Yeshayahu), describes that during the era of Moshiach, the earth will be as filled with the knowledge of Hashem, as the waters cover the sea.   My dear friends and heroes, Bruce Licht and Ron Kardos, set out on an initiative to manifest this prophecy into reality.  Their story and example are an inspiration to me and anyone who listens, to our responsibilities as Jews in thi...