Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin speaks about a mentor and role model who left a great impression on him and on so many. 

This is a reposting of an edition posted in the spring. It is particularly appropriate for the High Holy Days. 

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin shares one of his favorite sermons, delivered on Yom Kippur 2015. What have we learned from those who came before? 

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a sermon he delivered before the Yizkor, Memorial Service, in 2007. It is not as much a sermon about remembering those whom we have lost as it is about another aspect of our lives. It is also notable in that it is based on a remarkable movie- a comedy, no less. 

Rabbi Dobrusin shares a sermon that he delivered for the Yizkor (memorial) service on Yom Kippur several years ago. 

Rabbi Dobrusin shares a sermon he delivered on Yom Kippur 2003. The ideas expressed are still relevant today. 

In this edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin observes a significant anniversary by sharing a sermon he delivered on that day. 

Tonight begins the fast of Tisha B'av, the anniversary of the destructions of the Temples in Jerusalem. In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin considers the potential meanings of a truly remarkable story told in the Talmud about the destruction. What can we learn from this story? 

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin discusses a story in the news which has ramifications for the very foundation of our lives. 

This edition features a re-posting of a previously recorded episode which asks important questions inspired by the Torah reading for this Shabbat: the conclusion of the book of Bemidbar, Numbers. 

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin shares words about growing up in the USA that he wrote 14 years ago after a potentially life-changing experience. Do they still apply today? 

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin expresses a critical point regarding mitzvot bein adam l'havero, interpersonal commandments, using bikkur holim, visiting the sick as an example. 

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a teaching from the Talmud connecting this week's Torah portion to a critical interpersonal mitzvah. What can we learn from this connection? 

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a previously recorded edition of the podcast from 2021 and urges us to consider whether these words resonate with us 5 years later.  

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a d'var Torah on last week's Torah portion of Naso. It ends with a rather provocative statement made by a well known rabbinic figure.

Rabbi Dobrusin shares a perspective on the upcoming holiday of Shavuot.

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin explains a critical concept relating to Jewish law. The discussion begins with an example from a rather unexpected place. 

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin shares thoughts on some phrases from a familiar source. The thoughts can teach us some lessons about Teshuvah, repentance, appropriate not only at the High Holy Day season but at all seasons. 

Rabbi Dobrusin shares a question raised in the section of Talmud he has been studying with his Talmud study group this year. How do you "undo" a wrongful act?

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin shares the introduction to Judaism that he gave recently to a very interested group of students. 

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a thought on one of the blessings said during the Pesach seder. 

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin looks back on the events of the past week and discusses an issue of importance regarding a section of the Seder. 

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin suggests a way to make this year's Seder personally meaningful.

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a sermon on this week's parasha and a memorial tribute to his father. 

In this edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin shares thoughts on the meaning of the name of the holiday of Purim and its meaning for today.