Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism

Rabbi Dobrusin begins a 3 part series on one of the most distinctive texts in the Hagaddah: the section known as the Four Children. In this and next week's episodes, Rabbi Dobrusin will explore the text itself and in the third section share an extremely unfortunate error which the rabbis made in constructing this intriguing midrash. 

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin discusses a contrast between the observance of the holiday of Purim and the observance of Pesach. How are the rituals of the two holidays different? 

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin concludes the D'var Torah he began in the previous podcast episode. 

Rabbi Dobrusin shares the first half of a d'var Torah relating to a text for the holiday of Purim. You can find the text that the d'var Torah is based on here: https://www.hebrewsongs.com/?song=shoshanatyaakov

What can a rather odd text of the Talmud teach us about our lives today? Rabbi Dobrusin shares a lesson we can learn from an ancient text. 

 Some  in our community are being threatened and we must stand up for them. In this edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a midrash which has deep implications for those individuals- and for all of us- in our nation today.

In this edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a d'var Torah on this week's Torah portion, parashat Yitro. How do we relate to the story of the giving of the Torah in the book of Exodus?

Rabbi Dobrusin shares a d'var Torah on this week's parashah. The teaching includes more than a passing reference to one of his favorite pastimes, a subject which will warm our hearts during the cold month of February. 

In this edition of Wrestling and Dreaming, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a d'var Torah on a critical verse in this week's Torah portion: Exodus 13:8

In this edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin reflects on the return of 3 of the hostages from Gaza and the new Trump administration. 

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a sermon he delivered in 1996. The questions and concerned raised 29 years ago are still relevant today. 

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin revisits an idea that he spoke about previously in the podcast concerning one of our Hanukkah traditions. The discussion has particular importance this Hanukkah. 

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin uses an unusual source to point out how we can view the character of Joseph in completely different ways. 

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a family story and relates it to this week's Torah portion. 

In this episode of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin explains why the day on which this podcast is posted  is such an important date in terms of  Jewish ritual. 

After a brief introduction, this edition of the podcasts features Rabbi Dobrusin's pre-Thanksgiving message of 2020 as we prepared for Thanksgiving during the pandemic. How will we take advantage of the freedoms we have to celebrate more fully in 2024? 

In this edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a d'var Torah on this week's parasha of Hayei Sarah. How did the Rabbis interpret a phrase at the beginning of the parasha and what is problematic about that explanation?  

In this edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin presents a midrash which looks at part of a Torah story in a completely different light. It portrays Abraham as taking a great risk, trusting in being correct in his conception of God. 

What can we learn from the opening words of this week's Torah portion: Lech Lecha? Rabbi Dobrusin discusses a lesson which should be relevant to all of our lives. 

Rabbi Dobrusin shares one of his favorite traditional texts. The text reflects a completely different way of understanding a basic principle of Jewish theology. 

In this brief, special edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin speaks about the upcoming election. 

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin discusses a complex and difficult issue that Conservative Rabbis have wrestled with for decades. 

Rabbi Dobrusin shares the story of a recent experience and the lessons learned from what he saw- and didn't see. 

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a pre Rosh Hashana sermon concerning the importance of "today". 

In the  episode of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin shares some thoughts on the year that is ending and a hope for the year to come. This episode also includes an idea which is a contemporary take on a medieval tradition.