Shows
18Forty PodcastKen Brodkin: A Shul Becomes Orthodox [Outreach 5/5]In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Rabbi Ken Brodkin, rabbi of New Jersey’s Congregation B’nai Israel, about how he helped turn it into “the Orthodox synagogue for all Jews.” We also speak with Eli Kramer—a congregant instrumental in helping the shul affiliate as fully Orthodox—and Emily Appledorf, one of the newer members the shul set out to attract. In this episode we discuss:How can one persuade a century-old congregation with mixed seating to add a mechitza? Why would a young couple finding their way religiously join a newly Orthodox synag...2025-03-041h 54
Torah and TodayThe Biblical Heart of IsraelToday, it’s possible to walk in the Biblical heart of Israel where our forefathers and mothers walked and lived. But what does Genesis teach us about the most difficult problems that face us in the land of Israel today?2022-11-2012 minTorah and TodayThe Power of CommunityAvraham’s prayer for the wicked city of Sedom depends on the presence of a “Minyan” of Tzaddikim (righteous people). A deeper look at this moment sheds light on the importance of community for our spiritual health.2022-11-1312 minTorah and TodayJourney Without a MapAvraham left Charan and followed the word of HaShem without knowing his destination. How does Avraham’s path guide us to move forward in life, amid doubt and uncertainty?2022-11-0612 minTorah and TodayThe Cult & the KingThe Hebrew Bible gave the world a radical idea: God, not flesh and blood, is the true king. When we reject cults of personality and center our lives around HaShem, we bring blessing into the world. How can we bring this big idea of HaShem as our king into daily life?2022-10-3013 minTorah and TodayA Mitzvah for LifeA new Torah reading cycle is a time to consider a learning opportunity that is accessible for every Jew.2022-10-2309 minTorah and TodayHow To Survive ArmageddonSukkot is a time to consider the real struggle between Israel and the nations, and how that struggle plays out in our lives.2022-10-1213 minTorah and TodayA Moment to CelebrateThe first Sukkot celebration after the return of captives from Bavel to Jerusalem teaches us the power of our modest Sukkah.2022-10-0711 minTorah and TodayShould You Forgive?Exploring the boundaries of apology and forgiveness in the Teshuva process. Is it ever appropriate to withhold forgiveness?2022-10-0219 minTorah and TodayThe Hardest Chapter ~ RevisitedUnderstanding the Akeda (Binding of Isaac) is critical for our connection to the Days of Awe, and understanding Jewish morality.2022-09-1812 minTorah and TodayThe "WHY" of MitzvotA recent Kashrus scandal in Manalapan NJ forces us to rethink the “WHY” of Mitzvot.2022-09-1112 minTorah and TodayAre We Welcoming?Including people in the Jewish community is a lifesaving endeavor. Yet, it takes ingenuity, perseverance and creativity to make that happen.2022-09-0412 minTorah and TodayWhere Your Spirit Is Poured OutThe Jewish people have always longed for the land of Israel. What do we make of life of our life in exile? 2022-08-2112 minTorah and TodayHow To Love GodWe’re back at the Jewish Growth Podcast!The word of HaShem is a source of life and comfort for the Jewish people. Yet, the Jewish people feared that they would perish when G-d spoke to the at Sinai. How do we resolve this paradox? And if G-d is the source of life, how can EVERY Jew love HaShem and connect to the word of God? 2022-08-1412 minTorah and TodayThe Last SermonMy last Drasha at Kesser Israel—after 17 years—is a cause for reflection on the meaning of the weekly Drasha/Sermon in Shul. We consider how Moshe increased his own spirit prior to helping others connect with “the Ruach.” This podcast will be back intermittently over June and July and we plan to be back in full force in August.2022-06-1913 minTorah and TodayShavuot: The Long Road of MitzvotOur rabbis teach us that “one Mitzvah causes another Mitzvah.” Yet, seemingly it is possible to perform one Mitzvah without it leading anywhere in particular. How do we realize a full life of walking in the Mitzvot?2022-05-2612 minTorah and TodayLab B'Omer Episode: The Power of HabitAs we count the days toward Shavuot, the counting of Sefira helps us to understand that power of positive habit in our Torah lives. How do we access our full potential through new habits?2022-05-1512 minTorah and TodayKiddush HaShem in a Non-Jewish WorldAs Jews, we experience a tension between our desire to be a “Kiddush HaShem” and the fact that, often, people we encounter do not look favorably upon our Torah practices. How do we thrive with this unresolved tension present in our lives? What does it mean to make a Kiddush HaShem in a non-Jewish world?2022-05-0912 minTorah and TodayWhat Is Life?Our will to live is the most basic of human drives. But how do we define life? The Torah’s command to “live in Mitzvot” suggests a path that shapes the meaning of our lives.2022-05-0212 minTorah and TodayWhen Sheep Walk with WolvesIsaiah’s futuristic vision of the messianic era points to our innate ability to overcome our natural limitations.2022-04-2513 minTorah and TodayWhen God is Moving YouLearning to find your personal Exodus on Pesach and beyond.2022-04-1814 minTorah and TodayMake For Yourself A RabbiWhat is the purpose of having a rabbi in our lives?2022-04-1218 minTorah and TodaySprouting in Spring: Nisan & Personal Growth2022-04-0413 minTorah and TodayWhen Is Change Healthy?In this episode, I share some reflections about my next steps in life, PLUS: when is change healthy for any individual? A deeper look at the pre-Pesach purification process sheds light on healthy change and development.2022-03-2911 minTorah and TodayZachor: You Are Great in the Eyes of HaShemAs we recommit to eradicating Amalek from our world, we contemplate how each and every one of us and our Mitzvot are great in the eyes of HaShem.2022-03-1111 minTorah and TodayThe Defeat of Evil: From Haman to PutinStudy of Tanach in general, and the Megilla specifically, supports the need to clearly identity, and unequivocally denounce evil.2022-03-0412 minTorah and TodayWhat’s Your 11th Command?The Megilla and Chodesh Adar point us to a bigger picture understanding of our past and our future.2022-02-2511 minTorah and TodayEmbracing Our RegretsA Torah approach to the powerful human emotion of regret lead us to new opportunities, as we rethink our future us and relaunch our journey.2022-02-0412 minTorah and TodayHave You Seen the Sound?Exodus 20, 15 teaches us that the Jewish nation “saw the sounds” of revelation at Sinai. A deeper exploration of this verse sheds light on what it means to be a Jew as we strive to connect with the word of G-d.2022-01-2113 minTorah and TodayDevorah: Mother In IsraelDevorah, one of the most famous women in Tanach, declared after a pivotal battle that she arose “as a mother in Israel.” What is the meaning of this title? What lessons do Devorah and Jewish mothers impart to us? Join us for a story of faith.2022-01-1312 minTorah and Today"I & Not An Angel"In this episode, we explore the deeper meaning of Jewish identity, in the context of G-d’s direct relationship with the Jewish people.2022-01-0711 minTorah and Today2022: Climb the Great MountainA study of the tyrant Paroah sheds light on how to climb our own mountain.2021-12-3110 minTorah and TodayMitzvah #613 ~ Stand with UsBe a part of writing the future of our Jewish community. Visit us at SeferTorahPDX.com to make a dedication in our urgently needed new Sefer Torah.2021-12-2604 minTorah and TodayThe Cradle of Our Jewish FamilyThe end of Genesis sheds light on the origins of our family and who we are as part of Bnei Yisrael.2021-12-1714 minTorah and TodayA Narrow Bridge: How Do We Confront Modernity?The wisdom of our sages provides guidance in what might be one of the most consequential questions we face as Jews. How do we confront modernity?2021-12-1014 minTorah and TodayFinding God in the History of Your LifeThe epic struggle of David against Goliath, sheds light on how we can find G-d in the history of our own personal life.2021-12-0313 minTorah and TodayThe Real Chanukah ExperienceIn this episode, we consider how to connect and grow through the deep, spiritual experience of Chanukah.2021-11-2613 minTorah and TodayWelcome to the Jewish Growth Podcast!As we relaunch the podcast, we consider the meaning of our name “Yisrael”, plus: what to expect in the updated show.2021-11-1914 minTorah and TodayWhat’s Next For The Torah Journey Podcast?Tune-in to this “last episode” of “The Torah Journey Podcast” so that you can hear updates about our upcoming improvements and changes to the podcast. Changes coming soon!2021-11-1206 minTorah and TodayThick Desire: How to Focus our Lives on our TRUE Desires2021-10-2914 minTorah and TodayA Jewish Sedom?As we explore the contrast between Avraham and the world he lived in, we gain critical insight into how we help build the Jewish people.2021-10-2212 minTorah and TodayOriginal Sin: The Jewish View of ManThe life and covenants of Avraham in Lech Lecha form a powerful teaching about Judaism’s optimistic view of mankind. Our Jewish view stands in stark contrast with various views that prevail in the broader society.2021-10-1416 minTorah and TodayMan Before EdenWhile modern science contradicts a simplistic approach to the Torah, the approach of our tradition to Torah learning is anything but simplistic. In this episode, we will set the stage for our exploration of Jewish wisdom. How do traditional Jews read the Torah? Should we seek to reconcile Torah with other disciplines?2021-10-0716 minTorah and TodayGo Count the StarsWhen Avraham doubted his own future, G-d took him “outside” and suggested that he gaze upon the stars and count them. “So shall be your seed”, the Almighty told Avram. As we discover in today’s podcast, this conversation is a revelation about what it means to be Jewish.As we look past the High Holidays, join us as we consider our next steps of growing with the Jewish people.2021-09-2712 minTorah and TodayThe Greatest LegacyAs we begin a new year, we consider the plight of the marginalized. How we can support people who may be on the margins of our Jewish society?2021-09-1714 minTorah and TodayThe Place I Will Show YouIn a changing universe, the path of Avraham guides us to the place where we can hear the word of G-d guiding us to our destiny.2021-09-0914 minTorah and Today5782: Find The BlessingGratitude and thanksgiving for our blessings are a major key to success in life. Learning to recognize the blessings can define our experiences during the New Year and beyond.2021-09-0112 minTorah and TodayYona: Confronting Our ContradictionsThe book of Yona, which we read on the day of Yom Kippur, helps us navigate many of the inner contradictions that we face in our own lives.2021-08-1815 minTorah and TodayCan We Really Do More?! (An Elul Field Guide)The months of Elul and Tishrei place a demand of “doing more” upon us. But what if our time is already completely tapped? Can we really do more? This podcast explores a refreshing Torah insight into the spiritual makeup of a human being. This insight provides a foundation for Jewish success during the month of Elul and beyond.2021-08-1215 minTorah and TodayWaking Up In ElulIn Parshat Re’eh, the Torah starts to present us with a stark choice between blessing and curse, life and death. The month of Elul is a time to ponder this choice as we prepare for renewed life.2021-08-0516 minTorah and TodayCountercultureThe Torah’s idea of matrilineal descent sheds light on how we Jews can understand ourselves in a culture that often misconstrues us.2021-07-2216 minTorah and TodayWhat is Freedom?The Nine Days and Tisha B’Av are a time to reflect upon the Jewish meaning of freedom, and our deepest aspirations during the days of Chodesh Av.Visit SeferTorahPDX.com to contribute to Kesser Israel's Sefer Torah Campaign. 2021-07-1515 minTorah and TodayAre You Replaceable?We are living through an age of change and transition, but what is the real truth of our lives? Are we irreplaceable as we may often feel? The paths of Moshe and Eliyahu sheds light on the meaning of our lives.2021-06-3015 minTorah and TodayA Nation Apart: Defeating Antisemitism in the Three WeeksIf we can't win the battle against antisemitism on social media, where can we triumph? The non-Jewish prophet Bilaam as well as the period of the Three Weeks offers insight into where the Jewish people can overcome their enemies. 2021-06-2416 minTorah and TodayFinding Joy When You’re NOT at the PartyIf most of life entails struggle, doubts and challenges, how do we go through these moments? Our state of joy or lack thereof is a key sign of where we stand on one of life’s most critical issues.2021-06-1715 minTorah and TodayThe Torah ConspiracyHow do we know who to follow in a complex and changing world? Join us as we consider a Torah perspective on conspiracy theory.2021-06-1014 minTorah and TodayInto the Promised Land: Expressing Emunah In Real LifeIn this episode, we explore how we bring our Jewish beliefs into our tangible lives. What is it that enables some people to enter the promised land while others languish in the wilderness?2021-06-0314 minTorah and TodayConfronting Anti-Semitism: Lift Up Your WorldWith the rise of anti-Semitism, we witness the power of words. In this moment, we strive to lift up our world with our words2021-05-2716 minTorah and TodayRediscover Ruth: A Shavuot ReflectionRuth was an unknown, destitute foreigner in her day. As we explore the lessons of her life, we find the path toward meaning in our own lives, on Shavuot and beyond. 2021-05-1314 minTorah and TodayHow Do We Cope With Calamity?In this episode we explore the Torah’s guidance in grappling with a tragic event that claimed innocent lives.2021-05-0516 minTorah and TodayA Great Light: The Legacy of Rebbi Shimon Bar YochaiLag B'Omer Episode. This week's episode is dedicated to the merit of a completel recovery for those who were injured in Meron this Lag B'Omer. In addition, this is dedicated to the memory of the lives that have been lost. Discover the great light that Rebbi Shimon Bar Yochai revealed in his life, and the essential connection that every Jew has to that light.2021-04-2917 minTorah and TodayCan Average Jews Be Holy?Discover the Jewish foundation of holiness, a principal that ties all the Mitzvot of the Torah together.2021-04-2215 minTorah and TodayIsrael: Gateway to MiraclesOn Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) we reflect on the miracles of Israeli history and what it means for our lives, wherever we live on G-d’s globe.2021-04-1416 minTorah and TodayHow to Become Your Best Self in the Omer2021-04-0816 minTorah and TodayA Love Lesson (Song of Songs)Connect to the real message of Shir HaShirim2021-03-3116 minTorah and TodayShalom Bayit on Pesach & BeyondWhy Pesach is THE perfect time to increase harmony in your home and how to achieve it.2021-03-2417 minTorah and TodayThe #1 Essential Haggadah LessonDiscover the #1 lesson every Jew must learn about the Haggadah. 2021-03-1815 minTorah and TodayDefeating Loneliness & IsolationNisan and the end of Exodus reveal the Jewish power to overcome loneliness and isolation. 2021-03-1116 minTorah and TodayHow To Embrace Failure & SinThe sin of the Golden Calf as well as the sin of David & Batsheva teach us to embrace failure as we revive our Jewish life before Pesach.2021-03-0416 minTorah and TodayThe Whole MegillahHow to make Purim meaningful in 2021. 2021-02-2416 minTorah and TodayLet Freedom Ring!Mishpatim: What is the Torah view of servitude & slavery?2021-02-1117 minTorah and TodayWhat’s Your Derech?Sinai & the search for your life path2021-02-0415 minTorah and TodayHow To Plant SuccessTu B’Shevat reveals the roots of success for our life path.2021-01-2715 minTorah and TodayIn Your Blood You Shall LiveThe vaccine, redemption and the future of America2021-01-2115 minTorah and TodayWhat Constitutes A Leader?The struggle between Moshe & Pharoah offers lessons for our times.2021-01-1416 minTorah and TodayA Box of Light: Lessons From the Burning BushA conversation between G-d and Moshe at the burning bush teaches us to triumph in times of travail.2021-01-0715 minTorah and Today2021: Three Keys For A Successful YearThe conclusion of Bereishit, as well as the year 2020, shed light on how we will thrive in the year ahead. #2021ready2020-12-3116 minTorah and TodayThe Spirit of Yaakov10 Tevet sheds light on the elusive quest for Jewish spirituality. 2020-12-2415 minTorah and TodayRaising Jewish Children In A Non-Jewish WorldThe lives of Yosef & Yehuda suggest different ways we can guide our kids toward a Jewish destiny in a non-Jewish world.2020-12-1715 minTorah and TodayA Chanukah LessonA deeper look at the Chanukah miracle reveals keys for our personal growth.2020-12-1015 minTorah and TodayWhen Forefathers SinHow do we respond to the shortcomings of our forebears? A closer look at the story of Shechem.2020-12-0317 minTorah and TodayJacob’s Ladder: Overcome Your AdversariesThe life of Yaakov teaches us to overcome, and reach our greatest heights.2020-11-2615 minTorah and TodayUnfriending: When Do You Break A Friendship?Friendship and brotherhood are major themes of Sefer Bereishit. When is it appropriate to break up a friendship?2020-11-1914 minTorah and TodayHow To Embrace ChangeChange is a constant part of our lives; learn to thrive through times of change and transition.2020-11-1213 minTorah and TodayArguing with GodWhat does it mean to confront the Almighty when we see injustice?2020-11-0514 minTorah and TodayWhy Did God Love Avraham?Self discovery and the life of Avraham Avinu. 2020-10-2914 minTorah and TodayCancel Kohelet?Kohelet and the search for faith. 2020-10-0814 minTorah and TodayThe Meaning Of Our Times2020-10-0114 minTorah and TodayYom Kippur & Your Mental Health2020-09-2517 minTorah and TodayThe Joy of God is Your StrengthDiscover happiness in 57812020-09-1716 minTorah and TodayThe Hardest ChapterRosh Hashana & the Essential Akeida message2020-09-1013 minTorah and TodayRoadmap to BlessingFinding your path to abundance, joy, and blessing.2020-09-0312 minTorah and TodayThe Light Within YouDo you sometimes wonder if growth is really possible? Tune into the good news: wherever you are in your journey, you have a path forward!2020-08-2713 minTorah and TodayOwn Your ElulElul is a time when we become empowered to lead our lives toward our deepest spiritual goals. Discover the message of human accountability at the heart of this Jewish month.2020-08-2115 minTorah and TodayAre You Brainwashed Yet?2020-08-1414 minTorah and TodayWhat God Asks of You2020-08-0709 minTorah and TodayTisha B'Av - Day of HopeRabbi Brodkin gives a message of hope through the discovery of faith and Jeremiah. 2020-07-3114 minTorah and TodayGot Justice?2020-07-2415 minTorah and TodayAre Jews Indigenous to the Land of Israel?2020-07-1718 minTorah and TodayThe #1 Secret to Overcome FearWelcome to the first episode where Rabbi Ken Brodkin discusses the secret to overcome fear especially during challenging times. 2020-06-2018 min