Torah and Today with Rabbi Krebs

In this podcast series from Moriah College, Rabbi Gad Krebs explores contemporary issues and dilemmas through the lens of Jewish thought. Have a question or topic you'd like to hear discussed? Send your suggestions to gkrebs@moriah.nsw.edu.au . Stay tuned for thought-provoking conversations that bridge ancient wisdom with modern life!

What does it truly mean to give? In this session, we’ll explore the eight levels of tzedakah as outlined by Maimonides, and discuss the delicate balance between generosity and discernment. When should we give freely, and when is it right to be more thoughtful? Most importantly, how can we give in a way that empowers others—lifting them before they fall, rather than only supporting them once they’v...

In this podcast series from Moriah College, Rabbi Gad Krebs explores contemporary issues and dilemmas through the lens of Jewish thought. Have a question or topic you'd like to hear discussed? Send your suggestions to gkrebs@moriah.nsw.edu.au . Stay tuned for thought-provoking conversations that bridge ancient wisdom with modern life!

How do we determine someone's status in Judaism? Can we simply take a person at their word? The concept of chazaka —the presumption of status based on an established pattern—helps us navigate when to trust the status quo and when to challenge it. It forces us to ask: at what point does tradition give way to new realities, and when must we hold firm to inherited roles?

In this podcast series from Moriah College, Rabbi Gad Krebs explores contemporary issues and dilemmas through the lens of Jewish thought. Have a question or topic you'd like to hear discussed? Send your suggestions to gkrebs@moriah.nsw.edu.au . Stay tuned for thought-provoking conversations that bridge ancient wisdom with modern life!

 How should we respond when others don’t offer us help, fail to invite us to their smachot, or ignore us in the street? It’s only natural to feel hurt, to hold a grudge, or to want to get even. Yet the Torah forbids both revenge and grudge-bearing— BUT not for the reasons we might assume.

In this podcast series from Moriah College, Rabbi Gad Krebs explores contemporary issues and dilemmas through the lens of Jewish thought. Have a question or topic you'd like to hear discussed? Send your suggestions to gkrebs@moriah.nsw.edu.au . Stay tuned for thought-provoking conversations that bridge ancient wisdom with modern life!

What is Chametz? A refresher on what qualifies as chametz and why we avoid it. Do I Need Kosher for Pesach Toothpaste? Understanding what to check for and whether it’s necessary. KLP Coke vs. Regular Coke: What’s the actual difference, and why does it matter? Ashkenazim at Sephardi Homes: Navigating kitniyot differences with sensitivity and respect. And More... Covering the practical and halachic...

In this new podcast series from Moriah College, Rabbi Gad Krebs explores contemporary issues and dilemmas through the lens of Jewish thought. Have a question or topic you'd like to hear discussed? Send your suggestions to gkrebs@moriah.nsw.edu.au . Stay tuned for thought-provoking conversations that bridge ancient wisdom with modern life!

Judaism imposes the obligation of confidentiality on everyone, not just professionals, in the same way that a doctor is bound to their patient. When is it permissible—or even required—to reveal information, and when must we remain silent?

In this new podcast series from Moriah College, Rabbi Gad Krebs explores contemporary issues and dilemmas through the lens of Jewish thought. Have a question or topic you'd like to hear discussed? Send your suggestions to gkrebs@moriah.nsw.edu.au . Stay tuned for thought-provoking conversations that bridge ancient wisdom with modern life!

In this week’s parsha, Moshe gives a transparent and detailed accounting of all the donations collected for the Mishkan , explaining exactly how the funds were used. What’s striking is that this accountability wasn’t demanded by the people—it was initiated by Moshe himself. From this, we learn a powerful lesson about integrity: true righteousness is demonstrated by proactively showing accountabili...

 In this new podcast series from Moriah College, Rabbi Gad Krebs explores contemporary issues and dilemmas through the lens of Jewish thought. Have a question or topic you'd like to hear discussed? Send your suggestions to gkrebs@moriah.nsw.edu.au . Stay tuned for thought-provoking conversations that bridge ancient wisdom with modern life!

This week’s parasha, Vayakhel , focuses on the construction of the Mishkan—the temporary, portable sanctuary that the Israelites carried with them in the desert. But before any work begins, the Torah makes something very clear: the Mishkan cannot be built on Shabbat. Even this holy project, intended to create a space for the Divine Presence, does not override the sanctity of Shabbat. This connecti...

In this new podcast series from Moriah College, Rabbi Gad Krebs explores contemporary issues and dilemmas through the lens of Jewish thought. Have a question or topic you'd like to hear discussed? Send your suggestions to gkrebs@moriah.nsw.edu.au . Stay tuned for thought-provoking conversations that bridge ancient wisdom with modern life!

Out of all the Jewish holidays, Purim stands out with an unusual mitzvah: to drink until you can’t tell the difference between “Blessed is Mordechai” and “Cursed is Haman.” This commandment seems completely out of character for Jewish tradition, which generally promotes moderation, self-control, and clear-mindedness. So, is this really something we’re supposed to do? Should we be getting drunk on...

In this new podcast series from Moriah College, Rabbi Gad Krebs explores contemporary issues and dilemmas through the lens of Jewish thought. Have a question or topic you'd like to hear discussed? Send your suggestions to gkrebs@moriah.nsw.edu.au . Stay tuned for thought-provoking conversations that bridge ancient wisdom with modern life!

"Remember what Amalek did to you…" (Devarim 25:17). The mitzvah to remember Amalek is not merely a historical recollection but an eternal call to recognise and combat the forces that oppose truth and holiness. Amalek, and his descendant Haman, represent the antithesis of the Jewish mission. While we strive to bring divine light, morality, and meaning into the world, Amalek embodies chaos...

In this new podcast series from Moriah College, Rabbi Gad Krebs explores contemporary issues and dilemmas through the lens of Jewish thought. Have a question or topic you'd like to hear discussed? Send your suggestions to gkrebs@moriah.nsw.edu.au . Stay tuned for thought-provoking conversations that bridge ancient wisdom with modern life!

Is tzedakah simply charity, or is there a deeper obligation? Do I really have to give 10% of my income? What qualifies as a worthy cause? Understanding the Jewish perspective on giving can transform the way we approach generosity and communal responsibility.

Life is a delicate balancing act between staying true to oneself and conforming to societal norms. When should we stand firm against external pressures, and when is it wise to align with communal expectations? The Torah commands the Beit Din to follow the majority but not blindly. There are moments when the majority opinion is decisive, yet the Torah also warns against following the crowd when the...

Wealth is defined not by material possessions but by the ability to find contentment in one's lot. Yet, how can we truly cultivate a life free from jealousy and envy? The prohibition against coveting, the tenth of the Ten Commandments, challenges us to confront our desires and reframe our perspective on what we lack. 

In this week’s parsha, Beshalach , after the miraculous crossing of the sea, the Jewish people sing a song of praise and gratitude to Hashem. One powerful line states, "This is my God, and I will glorify Him" ( Shemot 15:2). The Rabbis explain that this verse teaches us to perform mitzvot not merely by meeting the basic requirements but by fulfilling them in the most beautiful and dignif...

In Parshat Bo, we encounter a thought-provoking dilemma regarding free will. Hashem seemingly hardens Pharaoh's heart, effectively taking away his ability to freely choose, yet Pharaoh is punished for refusing to let the Israelites go. This raises a fundamental question: Can free choice be taken away? And if so, why would Hashem do this?

In Parashat Vaera, Moshe is instructed to have Aharon initiate the first three plagues in Egypt instead of performing them himself. Rashi explains that Moshe owed his life to the Nile River and the soil, and was therefore prohibited from striking them. Judaism teaches that gratitude, hakarat hatov , extends beyond people—it encompasses appreciation for objects and the world around us as well.