Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin looks back on the events of this past week, notably the horrific anti-Semitic terror attack in Sydney Australia. 

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin focuses on a short phrase recited during the rituals of Hanukkah which are particularly meaningful. 

 In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin onsiders what some might consider an issue facing our society today but which he feels reflects a serious crisis in our nation. He then offers a way to affect a small amount of change in this one particular area which might in some way have a greater ripple effect.  

What impact should a statement of intention make? Rabbi Dobrusin shares a scenario presented in the Talmud and discusses the answer that the traditional texts give us. 

Rabbi Dobrusin shares a d'var Torah which he delivered last week for Parashat Vayera. What can we learn from Abraham's "bargaining" with God regarding the city of Sodom? 

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin teaches commentaries on this week's Torah portion which can lead us to a conclusion as to the relative importance of different aspects of Jewish tradition. 

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin connects the story of Abraham in his father's Idol Shop with a situation taking place today in our nation. 

Rabbi Dobrusin shares a thought on animals- appropriate for this week in which Parashat Noach, the story of Noah. This edition includes a tribute to a remarkable teacher. 

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a traditional Jewish text connected to the Biblical Creation story. This text alway has great relevance but is particularly meaningful at this time. 

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin considers one tradition regarding the lulav and etrog, symbols of the holiday of Sukkot, and relates that tradition to the reality within Jewish communities today. 

In this very brief introduction, Rabbi Dobrusin clarifies a point about the timing of the recording of Episode 250.

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin considers the meaning behind the tradition of reading the book of Jonah on Yom Kippur. What can we learn from Jonah?

In this edition, the final edition before the High Holy Days, Rabbi Dobrusin shares an additional thought relating to Teshuvah, returning to the proper path in life. 

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin focuses on one of the critical traditions regarding teshuvah, repentance in Jewish tradition and relates it to an issue in our nation today. 

Rabbi Dobrusin shares a thought based upon a verse in this week's Torah reading and a line from the daily prayers. These texts and a rabbinic interpretation reflect a critical thought for this time of year. 

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin discusses an important issue facing clergy and all of us as we wrestle with issues or aspects our lives. 

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a fascinating traditional aggada (legend) concerning comfort.

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin examines two unusual synagogue services and discusses their significance. 

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin shares another thought relating to Tisha B'av, the fast of the 9th of Av, and its connection with nostalgia. 

This is part one of a two part episode relating to the upcoming observance of Tisha B'av. Rabbi Dobrusin tells a story which can shed light on the traditions of this fast day.  

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin shares an interpretation on a section from the Shabbat morning liturgy which reflects a need all of us have. 

The Talmud contains a fascinating discussion about whether the book of Esther should be included in the Biblical canon. In the course of the discussion, a provocative statement is made. In this edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin teaches this section of text and shares thoughts on the provocative statement. 

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin teaches from a brief section of the Talmud which reflects an important principle in our lives. Before the teaching, the episode begins with a comment on a situation taking place in our nation today.  

Rabbi Dobrusin concludes his discussion of the Four Children section of the Pesach Haggadah detailing the tragic flaw in this otherwise insightful text. 

Rabbi Dobrusin continues the discussion about the section of the Seder known as the Four Children.