Torah and Today with Rabbi Krebs

The silent shofar: The blowing of the shofar on Shabbat

Rosh Hashana- greeting one another, tashlich and personal requests

All of Israel are responsible for one another. Judaism does not allow us to live in silos, disconnected from the choices and behaviour of those around us. We are part of a community, bound together by a shared responsibility for one another’s wellbeing, values, and actions. What does it mean to care about the behaviour of others? When does responsibility for another person become our responsibilit...

Why do we dip apple in honey on Rosh Hashanah?

All about blowing the shofar

Parashat Shoftim tells us that we must listen to the rabbis and follow their rulings. But what happens when we believe they are wrong? What if we genuinely disagree with their interpretation—or even think they have made a mistake? Where does our obligation to follow rabbinic authority end, and where does intellectual honesty begin? A fascinating look at the tension between obedience, authority, di...

Customs around Jewish Weddings

Everywhere we turn, we're surrounded by voices demanding our attention. Some insist the truth is black; others are equally convinced it's white. Both sound intelligent, persuasive, and certain. So how do we know whom to trust? In biblical times, the prophets were the public commentators and influencers of their day—but not all of them spoke the truth. This episode explores the challenge...

Schita- Kosher slaughtering and other kashrut quandaries 

This episode explores the profound distinction between fear and reverence —the awe, respect, and heightened awareness that transform our relationship with God. Discover why true yirah is not about being afraid of punishment, but about standing in the presence of greatness, and how this mindset shapes our choices, our character, and our spiritual lives.

Torah reading, Haftarah and other related issues

Read each year on the Shabbat before Tisha B'Av, Parshat Devarim sets the tone for the saddest day on the Jewish calendar. The laws of Tisha B'Av closely mirror those of sitting shivah, guiding not only what we do, but how we experience loss. This week, we'll explore the do's and don'ts of the Three Weeks and Tisha B'Av, uncovering the meaning behind the practices of...

One of the Torah's lesser-known mitzvot is tevilat keilim —immersing new metal and glass utensils in a mikveh before using them. Rooted in this week's parashah, we'll explore where this mitzvah comes from, which utensils require tevillah, and how understanding the "why" behind what we do can deepen our appreciation of everyday halachah.

As Moshe prepares to step aside, he doesn't ask for someone to replace him—he asks for the leader the people need next. Why doesn't Hashem choose another Moshe? Parashat Pinchas explores one of leadership's greatest lessons: every generation requires a different kind of leader, and true leadership is knowing when to let someone lead differently.

Havdala- why the wine, candle, and spices?

Parenting is not about controlling our children; it is about giving them the values, wisdom, and confidence to make good choices for themselves. In Chukat–Balak, we encounter a similar Divine approach. Hashem guides, teaches, and warns, but ultimately allows human beings the dignity—and responsibility—of choosing their own path.

Kaddish - the mourner's prayer - what's it all about?

Why do we pray?

Korach's challenge to Moshe was not simply about power—it was about logic. If Torah is true, shouldn't it always make sense? In a world that demands explanations for everything, Parashat Korach explores what happens when Divine wisdom asks us to trust beyond our own understanding.

The debate over who has a rightful claim to the Land of Israel dominates headlines today, but it is far older than modern politics. The land ultimately belongs neither to us nor to them... it belongs to Hashem.

Why do we wear kippot? Do we have to wear them?

Why do we wait a certain length of time to eat meat, after eating milk products?

Miriam and Aaron look at Moshe and assume they understand him because they see him as just another prophet, just another sibling. Yet Hashem’s response is clear: Moshe is fundamentally different. Sometimes we judge leaders because we assume they are exactly like us. Often they are. But sometimes, we fail to appreciate the unique burdens, responsibilities, and spiritual realities that come with tru...

Do Jewish men have to wear kippot? Why?