Shows
Torat JLICMatza, Midterms, and Mechirat Chametz: A JLIC Guide to PesachThis week, hosts Rabbi Don Cantor and Rabbi, Dr. Alex Ozar are joined by Rabbi Menachem Schrader, founder of JLIC and its longtime Posek (Halakhic decisor), for a deep dive into navigating Passover observance in a college setting. With decades of experience answering student questions, Rabbi Schrader offers invaluable guidance.
Topics covered include:
Cleaning & Searching (Bedikat Chametz): How thorough do you need to be in a dorm, especially shared ones? What's your responsibility regarding a roommate's mess or belongings (Jewish or not)?
Dealing with Chametz: Clarifying ownership rules for food belonging to you, your roommate, or co-owned items. Practical methods fo...2025-04-0831 min
Torat JLICCan Your Rabbi Be Your Therapist?In this powerful episode, Rav Don and Rav Alex welcome Rabbi Avi Schwartz, who brings his unique dual expertise as both a JLIC rabbi and licensed social worker. Rav Avi dives into his vital work supporting Jewish college students navigating religious commitments alongside mental health challenges.
Episode Highlights:
Bridging Two Worlds: Rabbi Schwartz reveals how he balances his rabbinical role with mental health expertise, establishing clear boundaries while recognizing valuable overlaps.
When OCD Meets Religious Observance: Discover how mental health conditions directly impact halakhic practice, and learn the critical signs that distinguish religious questions from mental health concerns.
...2025-03-1834 min
Torat JLICKabbalah Connection: Mysticism and Unity in Prayer
Guest: Rabbi Jeremy Tibbetts, JLIC Director in Jerusalem and Director of Student Leadership for Yavneh
Main Discussion Topics:
Building intentional Jewish community in Jerusalem for English-speaking young adults
Response to October 7th - Community shifted from internal focus to extensive outward aid efforts, including:
Processing ~70,000 shekels in donations
Packing 2,000+ meals
Running a 2-month camp for 100 displaced children
Featured Torah Teaching:
Before prayer, one must accept the mitzvah to "love your neighbor as yourself"
Prayer becomes more powerful when combined with genuine care and connection to community
Importance of bringing others' struggles and pain into on...2025-01-0740 min
Torat JLICDuty Calls: From Campus to CombatIn this powerful episode, we speak with Tzvi and Tali Wohlgelernter, who share their experiences during the October 7th and its aftermath. Tzvi served in the IDF reserves for six months while Tali maintained their JLIC community and family life. Their story provides insights into maintaining Jewish unity, family resilience, and community leadership during crisis.
Guest Background
- Tzvi and Tali previously served as JLIC directors at Rutgers University for three years
- Currently serve as JLIC Mizrahi directors in Israel
- Parents to four daughters
- Tzvi was called up for reserve duty...2024-10-1044 min
Torat JLICDuty Calls: Torah From A Tank - Balancing Spirituality and Service in IsraelRabbi Eitan & Elana Philips, leaders of the M.D. Katz JLIC program at Tel Aviv University, share their experiences during the Israel-Hamas war that began on October 7, 2023. They offer insights into the war's impact on academic and community life at Tel Aviv University.
Key Topics:
1. The M.D. Katz JLIC program: A "home away from home" for international students
2. October 7, 2023: Rabbi Eitan's military service
3. Adapting to war: Maintaining student connections remotely
4. Personal growth: "Mesirat nefesh" (self-sacrifice) in wartime
5. Religious perspectives: Biblical parallels and Judaism's role in modern Israel
6. Community leadership: Elana's...2024-10-0145 min
Torat JLICDuty Calls: Grassroots Action and Torah Wisdom in Times of CrisisEpisode Description:
In this episode, we speak with Rabbi Joe Wolfson about his experiences building and leading Jewish communities during challenging times - from COVID-19 in New York City to the recent Israel-Hamas war. Rabbi Joe Wolfson shares inspiring stories of grassroots volunteerism, reflections on finding meaning through Torah study, and insights on sustaining hope and action in difficult circumstances.
Key Topics Covered:
• Rabbi Joe Wolfson journey from the UK to leading JLIC communities in NYC and Jerusalem
• Coordinating volunteer efforts and support for evacuees and soldiers during the Israel-Hamas war
• Finding new resona...2024-09-1752 min
Torat JLICDuty Calls on Campus: Navigating Jewish Life at Columbia UniversityEpisode Summary:
In this episode of the Torah at JLIC podcast, we speak with Rabbi Elie Beuchler, director of JLIC at Columbia University and Barnard College, about his experiences leading the Jewish community on campus during a tumultuous year. Rabbi Elie Beuchler shares insights on Jewish preparation (hachana), community resilience, and personal growth in the face of challenges.
Key Topics:
The importance of preparation (hachana) in Jewish practice and life
Responding to antisemitism and challenges on college campuses
Building Jewish community and identity during difficult times
Balancing academic pursuits with Jewish leadership
Differences between campus...2024-09-1039 min
Torat JLICDuty Calls: JLIC Directors at War and at Home
Guests: Rabbi Yehuda and Hannah Auerbach, JLIC Co-Directors at University of Chicago
Episode Overview:
In this episode, Rabbi Yehuda and Hannah Auerbach share their experiences as JLIC co-directors at the University of Chicago, including their response to the events of October 7th and insights on building a Jewish community on campus.
Key Topics:
Yehuda's decision to serve in the IDF reserves after October 7th
Hannah's experience running the JLIC program solo during Yehuda's absence
How students stepped up to support the Auerbach and each other
Building an inclusive Jewish community that reaches be...2024-09-0238 min
Torah From The 6ixIntro to eicha : using Yermiyahu as a model to move forwardThoughts about eicha2021-07-1808 minTorah From The 6ixFundamentals before the grandiose!Why does mishpat proceed tzedaka as the parting words of our haftara this week?2021-07-1604 minTorah From The 6ixParsha thought: Is Bilam the mastermind of our downfall?If Bilam is responsible for ensnaring Am Yisrael, who doesn’t the Torah straight out tell and indicate as such?2021-07-0905 minTorah From The 6ixDivrei Chizuk for the OU July 7th 2021You can only control how you respond... How do you become sensitive towards others ? 2021-07-0704 minTorah From The 6ixParshat Pinchas 5781 5 minute thoughtWalk where humans walk not horses2021-07-0204 minTorah From The 6ixThe message of the 5 events on 17 btammuzFrom BSA2021-06-2813 minTorah From The 6ixWho is worse Balak or Bilam?Sometimes we are our own worst enemy… Bilam proves that2021-06-2505 minTorah From The 6ixParshas chukas a four minute thoughtWhat is the message behind the copper snake?2021-06-1811 minTorah From The 6ixTakers and giversWhat did korach take?!2021-06-1103 minTorah From The 6ixDo you have confidence in those around you?What was the failure of the spies? What went wrong?2021-06-0403 minTorah From The 6ixNo such thing as junk food!Complainers often look at what is missing and often have the ability to infect others!2021-05-2805 minTorah From The 6ixFour minute parsha thought -NasoWhy do we make a women who secluded herself with another man go through a difficult process? Answer- It is all about trust2021-05-2109 minTorah From The 6ixBamidbar A brief thoughtWhy are bnei yisrael only counted now?2021-05-1404 minTorah From The 6ix5 minutes of Torah Behar BechukotaiThe importance of persuing peace. Why do we bow after we finish the amidah?2021-05-0704 minTorah From The 6ixHow do we educate others?Why does the Torah begin with redundant language of emor (speak) v’amarta (say to them)? What might be the educational message that lies therein?2021-04-3004 minTorah From The 6ixLag Baomer: bonfires, coats and myrtle branches!What message did Hashem need to teach Rashbi in the cave and why do we focus so much on bonfires on this day?2021-04-3003 minTorah From The 6ixFour minute parsha thought kedoshim 5781Rabbi Akiva’s students loved each other but failed to honour one another. What is the difference?!2021-04-2303 minTorah From The 6ixFour minute parsha thought kedoshimFrustrated farmer and the mitzvah of orla and neta revei2021-04-2303 minTorah From The 6ixParshat Tazriah Metzora 4 minute thoughtWhy does an individual who begins the purification process after contaminating tzaraat bring cedar wood and send away a second bird ?!2021-04-1604 minTorah From The 6ixFour minute Torah thought parshat SheminiThe middle of the Torah is a message of the Torah2021-04-0903 minTorah From The 6ixSeder thoughts 4“Israel is laid to waste, its seed is no more” Ramsses II 3200 years ago2021-03-2602 minTorah From The 6ixSeder thoughts 3Why do we eat matzah on Pesach?2021-03-2603 minTorah From The 6ixSeder thoughts 2Why do we eat marror on a night of joy and happiness?2021-03-2303 minTorah From The 6ixSeder thoughts 1Why is there no bracha on sippur yitziat Mitzrayim?2021-03-2303 minTorah From The 6ixFive minute parsha thoughtWhat makes the korban mincha so special?2021-03-1905 minTorah From The 6ixExploring the Though of Rabbi Lord Sacks zt"lPesach edition 2021-03-1521 minTorah From The 6ixFive minute Torah thought: Vayakhel-Pekudei and HachodeshHow you must contriute and what you must accept? 2021-03-1205 minTorah From The 6ixDeep dive into Torah - Sin of the golden calfAftermath of the sin part 4 2021-03-1119 minTorah From The 6ixKi Tisa - A short thoughtWhat is wrong with a golden calf?2021-03-0505 minTorah From The 6ixIn depth Torah - chet haegel aftermath part 3What did Bnei Yisrael do that was so bad? How does Moshe try and amend a broken relationship? 2021-03-0324 minTorah From The 6ixPurim thoughtWhere is Haman in the Torah? Is the answer Purim Torah?2021-02-2604 minTorah From The 6ixBeing Social During a PandemicLast week we held a mental health panel with Ita Tobis and Tani Reiss on the topic of "Being Social During a Pandemic". Listen to the frank discussion of mental health during COVID-19 and learn strategies to take care of yourself during social isolation.
Thank you to our presenters and the organizing team!2021-02-2259 minTorah From The 6ixGemara Shabbos 44b-45a MuktzahWho does Rav hold like? Rabbi Yehuda (muktzah maximalist) or Rabbi Shimon (muktzah minimalist)?
If I purchase a couch with the intent to place money there is it off limits even if I have yet to use it as such? What about if the money was left there all bein hashmashot and then fell off after 2 hours? 2021-02-2137 minTorah From The 6ixParshat Terumah - a four minute thoughtAn insight from the Kotzker Rebbe from based on a midrash in our parsha2021-02-1904 minTorah From The 6ixWednesday Whatsapp ChallengeYou borrow money from a friend to help start a business. Six months after you repay the loan your friend asks to rent your cottage. You tell them you are happy to do so. Can you offer the place for free as a sign of gratitude ? Must you charge so it is not "interest"? Can you tell them thank you for the loan so please enjoy the cottage and do not pay me? What about if it is an issue and you realize it only after a few days? Do you have to pay for the fair market value...2021-02-1804 minTorah From The 6ixExploring the Though of Rabbi Lord Sacks zt"l week 4Topics: Charity, tzedaka and time ! 2021-02-1834 minTorah From The 6ixA Torah thought based on an insight by Rabbi WeinrebSometimes we should pursue a mitzvah of greater effort whose benefit, success is in doubt since its reward is far greater.2021-02-1205 minTorah From The 6ixExploring the Though of Rabbi Lord Sacks zt"l week 3Based on the last few pages from his book "Letter in the Scroll" and a whiteboard video "Why I am a Jew", we seek each week to read a paragraph or two and dissect its meaning, profundity and relevance. 2021-02-1231 minTorah From The 6ixIn depth Torah - chet haegel part 3What did Bnei Yisrael do that was so wrong did they commit the more hedious crime that they were deserving of destrcution? 2021-02-1230 minTorah From The 6ixWednesday WhatsApp Challenge: Do I have to pay? I never asked them shovel the 50 cm of snow!If someone else does a service that you did not ask for, must you pay for it?2021-02-1103 minTorah From The 6ixParshas Yitro 5781 Three minute thought“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand they listen with the intent to reply” Stephen Covey. Yitro listened properly and so should we.2021-02-0502 minTorah From The 6ixBeshalach 4 minute DTWhy did Bnei Yisrael only sing by the yaf suf and not after experiencing the miracles in Egypt?2021-01-2904 minTorah From The 6ixBo 5781: Behaviours change us-don’t get cracking!Why is it that Bnei Yisrael were told not to break the bones of the korban Pesach?!2021-01-2203 minTorah From The 6ixParshat Va'era - Four minute thought: Is God just showing off His might?Why did Hashem feel the need to inflict ten plagues onto Parosh and Egypt? Couldn’t He just make them go to sleep and have the Jewish people walk out of Egypt and avoid devastation and destruction ?!2021-01-1504 minTorah From The 6ixPlundering the capital - Was it necessary to take the gold and silver on the way out of ...... Egypt ?! Vaera 5781Why was it promised told Avraham that Bnei Yisrael would leave with great wealth ?
Why was Moshe told even by the snei that Bnei Yisrael will leave Egypt with great weath ? 2021-01-1123 minTorah From The 6ixParshat ShemotWhat does it mean that the people believed in Moshe’s message?2021-01-0804 minTorah From The 6ixGemara Shabbat: MuktzahWhy can you move a basket for chicks to hop on and off on Shabbos?2021-01-0355 minTorah From The 6ixBe alive and be mindful of those in front of us who are true sources of blessingWhat does it mean to be alive ? How is Yaakov's blessing to his grandchildren the paradigm of blessing?2021-01-0104 minTorah From The 6ixWhat is the meaning behind the 10th of Teivet?A more in depth look at the significance of the day. In tanach, Jewish history, Jewish thought and halacha. 2020-12-2529 minTorah From The 6ixFasting on a FridayThe meaning behind 10 b’tevet2020-12-2504 minTorah From The 6ixLeadership - Reuven vs. Yehuda part 2Leadership; why was Yehdua the leader of his family and why will future leaders come from him ? 2020-12-2317 minTorah From The 6ixLeadership - Reuven vs. YehudaWhy does Divrei Hayamim tell us that Reuven, although was the first born, is not the leader nor does he receive his double portion? 2020-12-2229 minTorah From The 6ixParshat Mekeitz - 5781: Save and do not spend! A message for today! - 4 minute thoughtDid Yosef offer unsolicited advice to the great Pharaoh?2020-12-1804 minTorah From The 6ixChanukah - "An old holiday with modern meading" A 15 lunchtime/study break.....When did the holiday of Chanukah really begin ? 2020-12-1718 minTorah From The 6ixChanukah - Athens and Jerusalem A lunchtime/study break.....Must there be tension between Athens and Jerusalem? Let's together learn from Yoma 69 and examine when Athens appreciated Jerusalem.2020-12-1519 minTorah From The 6ixThree minute thought on Chanukah, the most beloved Jewish HOLY-DAY!Jewish law is a manifestation of a reality. The mitzvah of Chanukah is one of the most celebrated holy-days on the Jewish calendar. It is the most celebrated holiday on college campuses. Why is that? Many reasons are given. I want to share with you a few reasons and demonstrate from Jewish law (halacha) that our sages felt that it truly is the most beloved holy-day(s)!2020-12-1004 minTorah From The 6ixThree minute Parsha idea - VayishlachWhy can't we, as part ofthe chidlren of Yaakov, eat the sciatic nerve? Becasue of a battle between Yaakov and an angel. Seems like a very odd reason. What might be the meaming behind such a law? 2020-12-0402 minTorah From The 6ixParshat Vayishlach class - How could Shimon and Levi destroy an entire city?Why did Shimon and Levi destory the trick the people of Shechem? Where they justified in their actions? How do we understand Yaakov's odd reaction to their massacre? 2020-12-0332 minTorah From The 6ixWednesday Whatsapp Challenge - Do you have to give back the comic that you purchased for only $5?You purchase a comic book for $5. You do some research and discover that it is worth $100. You go back to purchase 4 more. The seller wonders why you are purchasing so many of the same book and does research and realizes the true value. Does the seller have a right to demand you give back all of books for $5 each? Perhaps just the last 4 (and not the first) since he did not know the true value of what he was selling but you knew what you were purchasing and taking advantage of his ignorance? Explain. This is a tough but...2020-12-0304 minTorah From The 6ixParsha thought: Vayetzeh 5780Enjoy the thought. Shabbat shalom!2020-11-2703 minTorah From The 6ixWednesday WhatsApp Challenge 11/25 2020: Swapping Soda CansYou arrive in your hotel room and realize your forgot your can of ginger ale in the car. You decide to take a can from the hotel fridge to settle your stomach. Can you replace it with a can you buy from the local Walmart/Target to save yourself $2? After all, you are replacing the can you took with the exact same can; the hotel is not losing! Or must you pay the hotel the $3 that they charge for a can of pop?2020-11-2602 minTorah From The 6ixParshat Toldot 5781 (2): Why did Hashem heed the Tefilah of Yitzchak over Rivka?What can we learn about prayer/tefilah? How tough it must to pray....2020-11-2002 minTorah From The 6ixParshat Toldot 5781 (1) : Red red = red?!What does the Torah tell us that Eisav was called red (= Edom)? Why does the Torah tell us that Eisav asked for that "red red" stuff to gobble up?!2020-11-2002 minTorah From The 6ixWednesday WhatsApp Challenge: Can I eat the extra rugalach?Your friend asks you to do him a favour that when you go to the shuk to pick up wine to please also buy rugalach for him. He gives you 35 shekels. The owner gives you the rugalach and says, “here are two extra for Shabbat kodesh!” Can you eat both of them? One of them? None of them?2020-11-1903 minTorah From The 6ixTwenty Minutes of Tefilah: Significance of Numbers • Based on and in memory of Rabbi Sacks z"lNumber 7? Number 6? Number 15? All connect to Jewish prayer!2020-11-1813 minTorah From The 6ixWednesday WhatsApp Challenge - Do I have to pay the owner the $15?You borrow a bike and offer to pay, whom you think is the owner, $15. When you return the bike you realize that you asked permission from the wrong person. Must you give the $15 to the real owner or can you just keep it?2020-11-1203 minTorah From The 6ixTwenty minutes of Tefilah - Intro based on and in memory of Rabbi Sacks z"lWhy did Rabbi Sacks dedicate so much of his time and energy to the siddur ? How did he understand tefilah ? 2020-11-1119 minTorah From The 6ixUnderstanding the Siddur based on the thought of Rabbi Sacks z"lWhat is the relationship between Torah and tefilah? How did Chazal construct the siddur to incorporate these ideas?2020-11-1030 minTorah From The 6ixShort Parsha thought - Vayera - Coming together during a crisisThere is no question there lies a theological question as to how a just God could demand human sacrifice, I actually think the Torah itself is really teaching us a different lesson when it comes to the akeidah.2020-11-0605 minTorah From The 6ixWednesday WhatsApp Challenge • Oct 24Must you give a lift to someone you know who is waiting by a bus stop heading in the same direction as you?2020-11-0505 minTorah From The 6ixTwenty minutes of Tefilah - BarchuWe have said it many times. Now let's stop and think about it in the context of halacha and hashkafa. What and why are we saying these words? Please join me each week as we grow together.2020-11-0418 minTorah From The 6ixParshat Lech Lecha - GratitudeIn the aftermath of the war of the 5 vs 4 kings, why does the Torah begin to tell us of Avraham's encounter with the King of Sedom only to cut the scene and describe the interaction with the King of Shalem m Malki Tzedek? What might these two opposite encounters teach us? 2020-10-3005 minTorah From The 6ixTwenty minutes of understanding TefilahYishtabach - What does it mean ? WHy do we say it ? 2020-10-2824 minTorah From The 6ixWhat I discovered at Starbucks and Timmy'sWhat is Kosher at the local coffee shop? What questions do I ask? Does it matter hot or cold drinks? 2020-10-2833 minTorah From The 6ixWhat was Avraham’s main mission? Part IEnjoy!2020-10-2617 minTorah From The 6ixWhy aren’t we bnei Noach?How much should we care and interact with others?2020-10-2304 minTorah From The 6ixHow Judaism and Christianity differ fundamentally from the Beginning!Chapter One and Adam's apple are just two examples!2020-10-1604 minTorah From The 6ixWhat is the message of the Gan Eden narrative?Based on an insight that I read 20+ years ago from, at the time and unknown Jewish scholar who is now a well known brilliant creative educator, Rabbi David Fohrman. You will not want to miss this understanding of a formative story in the Torah!2020-10-1629 minTorah From The 6ixWhy doesn't the bark of the tree taste as delicious as its fruit?Rav Kook in a number of places in his writings discusses the ideal of the etrog, how its bark tastes the same as if its fruit thereby returning to the pre sin natural world, a world where the ideal of the process and means provides the same excitment and sweetness as the end itself. 2020-10-0906 minTorah From The 6ixWhy I enjoy my rickety hut!Why do we celebrate Sukkot? Are huts such great miracles? 2020-10-0522 minTorah From The 6ixEssence of TeshuvaMore one confesses the better?! Why does that even matter? 2020-09-2703 minTorah From The 6ixWould you forgive a Nazi? The true essence of forgivenessHow or why should we ask forgiveness? What is the process of teshuva?2020-09-2524 minTorah From The 6ixTashlich Reminds us of those white pristine Velcro shoes we had as kidsWhat is the meaing of tashlich ? It cant be that I throw bread at a duckand fish and I am forgiven.... 2020-09-2304 minTorah From The 6ixYona is wrong. Listen to Hashem, not YonanWhy do we read Sefer Yona at mincha on Yom Kippur?2020-09-2326 minTorah From The 6ixWhy no shofar tomorrow and why we must care for others!We want a refund! No shofar tomorrow! Do you know why? Do you know why it is the very same reason as to why we must adhere to govt regulations during covid-out of a concern for others!2020-09-1803 minTorah From The 6ixSound of the ShofarWhat is the meaing of the shofar ? Is it to connect us to the past ? Future? Present?
Really it is all about taking your car in after you have hit the curb.. Listen to find out!
2020-09-1724 minTorah From The 6ixUnderstanding the context of Rosh Hashana - a broaden understandingEnjoy this understanding of Rosh Hashana. What really is truah and how should we be feeling on these days especially with no shofar 2020-09-1626 minTorah From The 6ixNitzavim-Vayelech 5780Join me in trying to understand complex verses in the Torah portion and learn insight from them.2020-09-1104 minTorah From The 6ixKnock Knock Knocking on Heaven’s DoorWhy do we use the imagery of a poor person knocking on the door during slichot? What is the significance of such a visual and where else do we read about it in Tanach that might shed light on its liturgical usage.2020-09-1126 minTorah From The 6ix0. Calling out to GdEpisode 0! Part of an older series. New episodes coming soon!2020-08-1827 minTorah From The 6ixTorah From The 6ix (Trailer)2020-08-1700 min
MLW That's LifeGuest: JLIC's National Director Rabbi Ilan Haber with a preview of the upcoming OU JLIC weekend and a status update on the nature of college campuses in the US.In advance of the big OU JLIC weekend event in the Five Towns as well as subsequent shabbatonim in other areas,
I'm joined by JLIC�s National Director Rabbi Ilan Haber who will give us a preview of these weekend as well as status update regarding the nature of college campuses in the US.2015-06-0400 min