Shows
Give and TakeEpisode 261: Being a Wartime Rabbi, with Rabbi Raphael DavidovichIn this episode we are joined by Raphael Davidovich. He is the Rabbi of Cleveland's friendliest Orthodox schule. We touch on a host of issues including and especially what it means to be an American Rabbi when Israel is at war.
You can find Rabbi Davidovich's podcast here:
https://anchor.fm/raphael-davidovichSpecial Guest: Raphael Davidovich.
2024-02-281h 19
2021-12-2807 minExplorationsMitzvah 13 - A Jew who has rejected his Jewishness may not eat the Korban PesachExploring why the Torah picks on an estranged Jew specifically with regard to the Mitzvah of the Pesach.
2021-12-2705 minExplorationsGod's Oneness and LoveAn exploration of the relationship between God being One and the Mitzvah of "V'Ahavta"
2021-12-2603 minExplorationsThe Holiness of Motzoei ShabbosAn exploration of the special status of Motzoei Shabbos in Jewish thought and practice.
2021-12-2405 minExplorationsMoshe the Observant JewAn exploration of a oft-missed detail in Torah's account of Moshe's encounter at the Burning Bush.
2021-12-2306 minExplorationsYehoshua Chapter ThirteenExploring Yehoshua Chapter 13, which begins Part Two of this book.
2021-12-2204 minExplorationsTanya Chapter ElevenAn exploration of the term "Rasha" in the thought of the Baal HaTanya.
2021-12-2206 minExplorationsMitzvah 12: Not to eat food containing Chometz on PesachAn exploration of an unusual Mitzvah, not to eat foods containing Chometz on Pesach, which is NOT the same thing as the Mitzvah not to eat Chometz on Pesach.
2021-12-2005 minExplorationsBoruch Sheim Kevod Malchuso L'Olam Va'edI explore the second phrase in the Shema, the mysteriously whispered "Boruch Sheim Kevod etc", and the Talmud's story of its origin in the Yaakov's exchange with his sons immediately before his passing.
2021-12-1907 minExplorationsGiving Brochos to one's children on Friday NightExploring the special moment of blessing one's children on Friday night.
2021-12-1705 minExplorationsShimon and Levi are brothers.Exploring the brothers Shimon and Levi, and how Yaakov dealt with them. (I gave a longer version of this thought last year. This is another take, a third of the length of last year's version.)
2021-12-1607 minExplorationsYehoshua Chapter 12Exploring Chapter 12, and how it concludes the first part of this book.
2021-12-1506 min2021-12-1405 minExplorationsMitzvah #11: Chometz may not be found in a Jew's possession on PesachAn exploration of the Mitzvah not to own Chometz on Pesach.
2021-12-1305 minExplorationsThe two truths included in the ShemaAn exploration of the TWO opposing ideas that appear side by side in the first line of the Shema.
2021-12-1204 minExplorationsThe love and grief of Asara B'TevesExploring what is so special about the fast of the Tenth of Teves.
2021-12-1007 minExplorationsYaakov meets PharaohLet's explore Yaakov's brief meeting with Pharaoh; why Yosef wanted it to happen, and what everyone should learn from the meeting.
2021-12-1005 minExplorationsYehoshua Chapter ElevenAn amazing chapter, completing Yehoshua's conquest of Eretz Yisrael and foreshadowing some amazing future developments.
2021-12-1010 minExplorationsTanya Chapter NineExploring Tanya Chapter Nine. The nature of the war between the two souls.
2021-12-0805 min2021-12-0603 min2021-12-0503 minExplorationsHallel on ChanukahExploring how Hallel on Chanukah is more special than Chanukah on all other holidays.
2021-12-0306 minExplorationsParshas Mikeitz: Understanding Yosef as a unifying people personLet's explore what Yosef was trying to accomplish in his leadership of Mitzrayim.
2021-12-0205 min2021-12-0207 minExplorationsTanya Chapter EightAn exploration of the distinction between "treif" and "pareve" in the world.
2021-11-3006 minExplorationsMitzvah #9: Eliminating Chometz on Erev Pesach (4:40)No chometz may remain in a Jew's possession starting at midday of Erev Pesach. I explore this mitzvah's meaning.
2021-11-2904 minExplorationsWhat we say and sing on ChanukahAn exploration of how we should view the miracles of Chanukah through the lens of the brachos and songs we sing.
2021-11-2805 minExplorationsFeasting on ChanukahIs feasting on Chanukah a thing? I explore a spectrum of three answers to that question.
2021-11-2605 minExplorationsYosef and Mrs. PotipharYosef's encounter with Mrs Potiphar can tell us a lot about the Jewish experience in America, especially (but not only) on Thanksgiving.
2021-11-2505 minExplorationsYehoshua Chapter NineA summary of an exploration of Yehoshua Chapter Nine: The Givoni Ruse
2021-11-2407 min2021-11-2307 minExplorationsMitzvah #8: Leave no leftovers of the Korban PesachAmericans next week will be eating a lot of turkey leftovers. Yet the Torah did not allow any Korban Pesach leftovers. I explore why this is a Mitzvah.
2021-11-2204 min2021-11-2106 minExplorationsSpeech on ShabbosExploring the value and meaning of talking (or not talking) on Shabbos.
2021-11-1906 minExplorationsShimon and Levi vs. Shechem - What happened?How should we understand the story of Shechem and Dina without squirming and apologizing?
A longer-than-usual podcast that explores the story.
2021-11-1916 minExplorationsYehoshua Chapter EightThe successful clever conquest of Ai, and the further fulfillment of Moshe's instructions re: Har Gerizim and Har Eival.
2021-11-1707 minExplorationsTanya Chapter SixA summary of Tanya Chapter Six, which discusses the meaning of the term "Sitra Achra". the side that opposes Holiness.
2021-11-1606 minExplorationsMitzvah #7: Not to eat the Korban Pesach undercooked or cooked in water.A summary and fascinating insight into Mitzvah #7, not to eat the Korban Pesach undercooked or cooked in water.
2021-11-1505 minExplorationsAsher Kid'shanu B'Mitzvosav V'TzivanuExploring the meaning behind the words in the Bracha said when performing many Mitzvos.
2021-11-1405 minExplorationsShabbos FoodsA short exploration of the sanctity of some well-known Shabbos foods: Gefilte Fish, Kugel, and Cholent.
2021-11-1206 minExplorationsHow to ideally process a Mitzvah.How does Yaakov receive Hashem's command to return home?
How do Rachel and Leah take in Yaakov's message?
2021-11-1105 minExplorationsYehoshua Chapter SevenAi Ai Ai. Following their first victory at Yericho, the Jews experience their first defeat. Why? And how do they deal with it?
2021-11-1105 minExplorationsTanya Chapter FiveMitzvos express the neshama. But understanding Torah fuels, feeds, the neshama.
2021-11-0905 minExplorationsMitzvah #6: Eating the Korban PesachMitzvah #6: Summarizing and offering insight on the Mitzvah to eat the Korban Pesach.
2021-11-0804 minExplorationsMelech HaOlamWe say the words "Melech HaOlam" in almost all brochos. They are so important that a Bracha is considered halachically deficient if these words are skipped. What do they tell us?
2021-11-0704 minExplorationsYitzchak as the middle-manWhat are Yitzchak's accomplishments? He is his father's son, and his sons' father.
2021-11-0504 minExplorationsShalosh SeudosWinter is coming. And with it a most inconvenient meal, Shalosh Seudos. How can we reframe our perception of this meal and make it a holier experience?
2021-11-0503 min2021-11-0405 minExplorationsTanya Chapter FourComing into contact with God. by way of "Levushin", the garments of Thought, Speech, and Action
2021-11-0406 minExplorationsMitzvah #5: Offering the Korban PesachInsights into the fifth Mitzvah of the Torah - offering the Korban Pesach.
2021-11-0205 minExplorationsElokeinuAn exploration of what is fully meant when we say the word "Elokeinu" in a bracha or in davening.
2021-11-0105 minExplorationsShabbos CandlesSome insights into the Mitzvah of preparing and lighting the Shabbos Candles.
2021-10-2905 minExplorationsAnd Avraham added...Why do we need to know that Avraham remarried and had more children?
2021-10-2903 minExplorationsYehoshua Chapter FiveSummary and Insight into the fifth chapter of Yehoshua (Joshua); includes the national Bris Mila, the first Pesach in the Holy Land, and the mysterious encounter with the Angelic Captain of the Armies of God! (Who's that?!)
2021-10-2805 minExplorationsTanya Chapter ThreeThe story till now: Strive to be a Beinoni. It's doable. It's like being a Tzaddik, but also a Rasha. A Tzaddik in that the good inclination is winning. How's that? Well, there's the basic animal drive of every human. Then there's the Godly Soul, literally part of God Above Chapter Three goes into detail, describing some of the traits of this Godly soul, its intellect and drives.
2021-10-2706 minExplorationsMitzvah #4: Kiddush HachodeshBefore Hashem took the Jews out of Mitzrayim, He told us to start the project called the Jewish Calendar.
This class explores some of the basics of this Mitzvah.
2021-10-2605 minExplorationsHashemThis is part one of an undetermined number of classes exploring "HaShem", God's name, in Hebrew; what it means, why we say it one way and not another way, and what we should think of when we say it. I explore the whole idea of names in general as well.
2021-10-2506 minExplorationsFish on ShabbosWhy is there such a widespread minhag to eat fish on Shabbos?
I explore this and offer a few insights.
2021-10-2204 minExplorationsWhy Guests over God?Why does welcoming guests into one's home override being in God's presence?
2021-10-2205 min2021-10-2105 min2021-10-2005 minExplorationsThe Mitzvah not to eat the "Gid Hanasheh"What does this mitzvah mean? What does it teach us about Jewish History?
2021-10-1906 minExplorationsThe meaning of the word Ata.Why did Rav Gifter say that the word Ata is the most important word in all our davening?
2021-10-1804 minExplorationsShabbos ZemirosExploring why we sing Zemiros on Shabbos.
Should I do a podcast in which I sing Zemiros?
2021-10-1505 min2021-10-1504 minExplorationsYehoshua Chapter TwoHere's the summary with some insight into the second chapter of Yehoshua, all about the spies he sent to Yericho, and our introduction to Rachav.
2021-10-1405 minExplorationsTanya Chapter OneA summary and insight into chapter one of Tanya, AKA Sefer shel Beinonim.
2021-10-1307 minExplorationsBris MilaHere is a summary of and insight into the Mitzvah of Bris Mila, the second of the 613 Mitzvos.
2021-10-1204 minExplorationsThe meaning(s) of the word BaruchWe say the word Baruch so many times a day. Do we know what it means?
2021-10-1104 minExplorationsShalom AleichemWhy do we sing Shalom Aleichem on Friday night?
What can it teach us about Shabbos and Erev Shabbos?
2021-10-0805 minExplorationsWhy did God decide not to ever repeat the flood?We're all grateful, of course. But what prompted the decision not to have another flood?
2021-10-0705 minExplorationsYehoshua Chapter OneStarting Yehoshua, Chapter One.
Yehoshua is not merely Moshe's successor. He is Moshe's understudy, the moon to Moshe's sun. We will see in the course of this series why Yehoshua was necessary for Jewish History.
2021-10-0705 minExplorationsTanya Chapter 0: The cover pageMost people ignore the cover page of a sefer. But what if the cover page gives away the whole theme, and can be referred to every step of the way, to keep the reader/learner anchored to the purpose of every line?
2021-10-0605 min2021-10-0506 minExplorationsThe meaning of Mashiv Haruach Umorid HaGeshemWe make a rather big deal about this four word addition to the Amida. What does it say about prayer. It is the first prayer, according to Rashi on Parshas Bereishis 2:5.
2021-10-0406 minExplorationsThe Mystery of Simchas TorahWhere did Simchas Torah come from? Why is it celebrated on the second day of Shemini Atzeres?
2021-09-2707 minExplorationsUshpizin - DavidDavid Hamelech - the last of the Succos guests, putting it all together.
2021-09-2707 minExplorationsUshpizin - YosefWhy does Yosef come after Moshe and Aharon?
Let's celebrate what Yosef brings to Succos.
2021-09-2707 minExplorationsUshpizin - AharonAharon , the real hero of Succos, as the creator of the cloud of smoke that expanded into the clouds of Glory, represents a different form of leadership from his brother.
2021-09-2707 minExplorationsUshpizin - YitzchakWhat does Yitzchak had to our Succah and understanding of Yom Kippur?
2021-09-2406 minExplorationsUshpizin - Avraham AvinuOur first holy guest in our Succah is Avraham Avinu - What does Avraham tell us about how to manifest Yom Kippur and celebrate Succos properly?
2021-09-2405 minExplorationsUshpizin Day Four - MosheHow is Yom Kippur fulfilled when we invite Moshe Rabbeinu to our Succa? Let's welcome Moshe Rabbeinu and hear how he helps us do Teshuva on the fourth day of Succos.
2021-09-2406 min2021-09-2305 minExplorationsUshpizin Day Three - YaakovWhen we welcome Yaakov into our Succah on the third day of Succos, what are we meant to accomplish?
2021-09-2306 minExplorationsAll the Yomim Tovim and Succos - Birth and LifeI think that Succos can only be properly celebrated when we can see how it is the culmination of all the Yomim Tovim. I explore that in this podcast. Feedback as usual is needed.
2021-09-2011 minExplorationsFrom Yom Kippur to Succos - ContinuedLet's delve a little deeper into the connections between Yom Kippur and Succos!
2021-09-2005 minExplorationsBetween Yom Kippur and SuccosWhat do the four days between Yom Kippur and Succos mean? Practically, they are used to prepare for Succos; build the succa, pick up a lulav and Esrog. But why so little time to get ready? I explore the connection between these two holidays.
2021-09-1906 minExplorationsThe point of Parshas HaazinuWhat is the point of this complex poem that describes Jewish History in a new and confusing way? What takeaways are there that were not found in any of the previous promises of national redemption?
2021-09-1710 minExplorationsYonah and the KikayonWhy does the whole Yonah drama resolve itself over the life of the Kikayon plant? How does this help us do Teshuva?
2021-09-1709 minExplorationsThe true meaning of the Shofar of the AkeidaWhy is the Shofar symbolic of the Akeida? It's not the Ram; it's the ram's horn!
The Ram's horn figures as a major player in the Akeida.
2021-09-1505 minExplorationsChana and Eli and the New YearOn the first day of Rosh Hashana, the chosen Haftora is the story of Chana and Eli, and the misunderstanding that leads to the birth of Shmuel Hanavi. This class explores the connections between this dramatic story and Rosh Hashana and the blasts of the Shofar on Rosh Hashana. It is based on the pre-Shofar drasha I gave in shul on the first day of Rosh Hashana 5782. Any and all feedback keeps these podcasts going.
2021-09-1515 minExplorationsNitzavim as prep for Rosh HashanaEvery year, we read Parshas Nitzavim on the Shabbos before Rosh Hashana, without exception.
The depth of the connection between this Parsha and this YomTov is explored with the help of an insight of the Lubavitcher Rebbe into the meaning of the word "Nitzavim" - often translated as "standing", but actually much deeper.
2021-09-1310 min
ExplorationsSimcha in good times and especially in bad timesHow can you have Simcha when life is awful?
2021-06-2308 minExplorationsSimcha out of SadnessHow does the necessity to have Simcha fit with the reality and occasional value of sadness?
2021-06-1510 min2021-06-1105 minExplorationsFriendly Neighborhood KorachExploring the real-life implications of the idea that Korach and Dasan-and-Aviram were neighbors.
2021-06-1007 minExplorationsParshas Naso: How a community can deal with its extremes.Parshas Naso, the longest single parsha of the whole Torah, has two mitzvos that seem to have nothing to do with one another: The Mitzva of Sotah, a woman accused of adulterous behavior, and the rules of a Nazir, a unique individual who has taken a vow to abstain from wine and other things. What do these two people have to do with one another? The Talmud offers a clue. This podcast tries to understand that clue, and come away with some real takeaways for communities struggling to succeed.
2021-05-2110 minExplorationsShavuos as Wedding DayWhy celebrate the day we stood at Har Sinai? Most of the things we heard were already part of the Seven Noahide Laws! We didn't hear most of the 613 till later! And why celebrate standing at the mountain and God's giving us the Torah as two events, as the song Dayeinu expresses it. I explore these questions in this podcast.
2021-05-1410 minExplorationsTrying to understand Parshas BamidbarParshas Bamidbar has been one of the more difficult Parshios to grasp. It's not that its mitzvos are not practiced nowadays - it's that there don't seem to be mitzvos at all. There are a lot of numbers, repeated, and names, repeated, that don't seem to be related to any mitzvos or morals at all. In this podcast, I explore the parsha, and find some meaning.
2021-05-1214 min