Shows
The Rabbi Claman Torah PodcastInside Out: The Two Lights of ChanukahJudaism demands a rare balance: fierce inward holiness and bold outward influence. In this episode, we uncover how Chanukah weaves these two missions into one—through Sukkos, Beit Shammai, the Maccabees, Rav Kook, and the great duos of Jewish history. From the private miracle of the oil to the public miracle of victory, Chanukah teaches us how a strong Jewish home becomes a light to the world.
For any questions or comments please be in touch at rabbiclaman@tbdj.org
2025-12-1644 minThe Rabbi Claman Torah PodcastWhat is Your Dream? (Vayeishev)In this episode Rabbi Claman explores the counterintuitive way that Yosef realizes his destiny and dreams.
Yosef’s destiny turns not when he shares his dreams, but when he asks someone else about theirs.
To illustrate this lesson, Rabbi Claman points to inspiring stories of Omer Shem Tov in captivity and of Rav Nosson Tzvi Finkel z'l when he met the former CEO of Starbucks. I
For any comments or questions, please reach out to rabbiclaman@tbdj.org
2025-12-1033 minThe Rabbi Claman Torah PodcastYou Can Run, But You Can’t Hide (Vayishlach)Yaakov prepares for war, but finds himself wrestling a very different opponent: his own past, his doubts. This class uncovers some life lessons that are encoded in this journey Yaakov takes when facing his long lost brother , Eisav.
For any comments or questions, reach out to rabbiclaman@tbdj.org
2025-12-0342 minThe Rabbi Claman Torah PodcastYaakov’s Dream on Temple Mount: The Ladder Between Two WorldsWhy does Yaakov experience his great vision at the exact midpoint between intense spiritual immersion and the messy physicality of building a family in Lavan’s house? Why a ladder? Why angels rising and descending?
This episode uncovers the meaning behind the dream that connects heaven and earth — and how Yaakov's life becomes the model for intertwining two worlds into one mission.
For any questions or comments , reach out at rabbiclaman@tbdj.org.
2025-11-2633 minThe Rabbi Claman Torah Podcast3D Judaism and the Mysterious Life of Yitzchak (Toldot)In this class, we explore the unique spiritual legacy of each of the three patriarchs and how they embody the essential pillars of a life rooted in Torah. In our parsha, we turn our attention to Yitzchak—whose story is told with striking brevity—and uncover the depth hidden within those few verses. This insightful session aims to enrich your own spiritual life, offering a fresh lens through which to understand your daily avodah and the quiet power of consistency, faith, and inner strength.
Reach out with any questions or comments at rabbiclaman@tbdj.org
2025-11-1934 min2025-11-0531 min2025-10-2934 minThe Rabbi Claman Torah PodcastThe Sukkah: Where Everything MattersSpecial episode recorded under the schach!
Questions and comments ? Please reach out at rabbiclaman@tbdj.org
2025-10-1024 min2025-09-1932 minThe Rabbi Claman Torah PodcastYou Start, God Finishes; From a Needle’s Eye to a Highway of TeshuvaIn Elul, Hashem doesn’t ask us to move mountains — just to take the first step. We start with the poke of a needle, and He expands it into a sixteen-lane highway. That’s the secret of lasting growth: when we begin, Hashem magnifies. In this episode we understand this from the vantage point of the Elul origin story and how the same messages then, apply to us today.
2025-09-0333 minThe Rabbi Claman Torah PodcastThe Smile Beneath Tisha B’avThis weeks episode is generously sponsored laliyat neshama of
Yocheved bat Yehuda a'h
Shifra bat Dov a”h
Tisha B’Av is the saddest day of the Jewish year—a Mo’ed of tears and heartbreak. Yet Chazal call it a festival, and they promise that whoever mourns for Jerusalem will one day see its joy. In this class, we explore the deep paradox of Tisha B’Av: why it is called a Mo’ed, the connection between Ayeka and Eicha, and how our tears themselves are the guarantee of redemption. Along the way, we reflect on the Baal HaTanya’s childhood ga...
2025-07-3031 min2025-07-2436 min
The Rabbi Claman Torah PodcastMaharam Meruttenberg: Captivity, Ransom, and the Jewish Enemy WithinThis episode is a recording of part 4 in Rabbi Claman's Great Jewish Books & Thinkers series.
He was one of the greatest poskim of Ashkenaz. His teachings shaped centuries. Yet he died in prison—captured because a fellow Jew turned him in. This is the story of the Maharam Meruttenberg: his captivity, his refusal to be ransomed, and the haunting lesson of betrayal from within our own people.
2025-07-2343 minThe Rabbi Claman Torah PodcastPeace Through Strength: Are War and Peace Truly Opposites? (Pinchas)If there were a Nobel Peace Prize in Tanach, Pinchas might have gotten it — but for the most jarring reason imaginable.
Can a man commit a violent act and be rewarded with a covenant of peace? In this shiur on Parshat Pinchas, we explore the deep tension between war and peace in the Torah’s value system.
Through the lens of Pinchas and Aharon, we uncover a duality within the concept of shalom — one that synthesizes seemingly opposite forces: zeal and compassion, truth and peace. We then trace this duality through the contrasting legacies of David...
2025-07-1629 minThe Rabbi Claman Torah PodcastThe Aish Kodesh and a Revolution Buried in the Rubble of AuschwitzThis episode is a recording of Part 3 in Rabbi Claman's "Great Jewish Books & Thinkers Series.
Rabbi Claman uncovers the life and vision of Rav Kalonymus Kalman Shapira, the Piaseczno Rebbe—known to the world as the Aish Kodesh. In the ashes of the Warsaw Ghetto, he dreamed of a spiritual renaissance that was never allowed to blossom.
What did Rav Shapira hope to build after the war? What kind of inner world did he believe every Jew could access? And what can we still learn from a revolution that never happened?
For questions or...
2025-07-1652 minThe Rabbi Claman Torah PodcastThe Danger of Defining Yourself by What You’re Not (Balak)What do Balak, Korach, antisemitism and modern politics have in common? A failure to build identity from within. In this episode we explore the Torah’s warning against reactive identity — and the call to live with purpose, not just protest. For any questions or comments reach out to rabbiclaman@tbdj.org
2025-07-0932 min
The Rabbi Claman Torah PodcastThe Kuzari and the Problem with PhilosophyThis episode is a recording of Part 2 in Rabbi Claman's "Great Jewish Books & Thinkers" series.
Rav Yehuda HaLevi was one of the greatest poets of the Jewish people — and one of its most daring thinkers. In this episode, we journey through his life, from the golden age of Spain to his fateful pilgrimage toward Jerusalem, exploring the personal longing that pulses through both his poetry and his philosophy. Through The Kuzari, HaLevi challenges the idea that truth can be found through reason alone, arguing instead for a Judaism rooted in lived experience, national destiny, and divine encounter. Wh...
2025-07-0749 minThe Rabbi Claman Torah PodcastThe Wisdom of Not Knowing (Chukas)This episode explores the deep paradox at the heart of Judaism: a tradition obsessed with understanding — that also commands us to embrace the unknowable. In Parshas Chukat, the chok of the para aduma (red heifer) challenges our need for logic and control. We’ll talk about ta’amei hamitzvot, the Golden Calf, Rav Tzadok’s insight on spiritual panic, and how true faith begins where explanation ends.
2025-07-0334 minThe Rabbi Claman Torah PodcastThe Iran War and the Power of Perspective (Shlach)In a world torn by war and fear, this week’s parsha gives us more than a historical account — it gives us a blueprint for how to see. Yehoshua and Kalev weren’t just brave; they chose a different lens. While ten spies saw defeat, they saw destiny.
In this episode, we explore how the power of perspective shapes everything — from how we understand Parshat Shelach to how we respond to today’s war between Israel and Iran. Why do we cover our eyes during Shema? How do we remind ourselves that we are living through biblical times — maybe even writing the...
2025-06-1938 minThe Rabbi Claman Torah PodcastThe Credit You Didn’t Know You Earned (Baha’alotcha)In this week's episode we discuss Parshat Baha’alotcha and how Aharon HaKohen feels left out of the inauguration of the Mishkan — until Hashem reveals that his role in lighting the Menorah holds a deeper and more enduring significance. According to the Ramban, this alludes to the future miracle of Chanukah, led by the Kohanim. In this episode, we explore how inspiring others to act can reflect back on us with spiritual credit — even generations later. Your influence matters more than you think.
2025-06-1136 minThe Rabbi Claman Torah PodcastAbarbanel and the Fragility of Jewish SuccessThis episode is a recording of Part 1 in Rabbi Claman's "Great Jewish Books & Thinkers" series.
From Portugal, Spain and Italy - the Abarbanel lived a life which is a reminder of the fragility of Jewish success in the diaspora.
2025-06-0645 minThe Rabbi Claman Torah PodcastShavuot: The Why of JudaismIn this episode we explore the deepest “why” of Judaism - the reason we began this journey in the first place.
2025-05-2931 minThe Rabbi Claman Torah PodcastMark Twain, Nachmonides and the National Water Carrier (Bechukotai/Yom Yerushalayim)In honour of upcoming Yom Yerushalayim I share two powerful divrei Torah on this week’s Parsha that are deeply connected to Yom Yerushalayim. The first touches in the deep connection the Jewish people have to the land of Israel. The second touches on the importance of unity within the Jewish people. Contact me at rabbiclaman@tbdj.org for any questions.
2025-05-2238 minThe Rabbi Claman Torah PodcastTraining Wheels for the Soul; Why Real Growth Begins after Inspiration FadesIn this episode which was recorded at the weekly lunch and learn at TBDJ, we described the deep meaning of the Omer days and why it is so important to connect Pesach to Shavuot. Through real life experiences we uncover that importation is so important , but not as important to what must come after…
2025-05-1433 minThe Rabbi Claman Torah PodcastAlone in NYC at the Age of 13 - (Acharei/Kedoshim)A powerful story of Rav Ya’akov Yosef Herman all alone in New York as a young boy helps us understand a troubling Pasuk and how to channel pain. We also connect the Rashbi, Iyov and the sons of Ahron to understand how loud silence can speak.
2025-05-0738 minThe Rabbi Claman Torah PodcastThe Story we Choose to Tell - Yom Hazikaron and Yom Haatzmaut ReflectionsIn this episode, we share powerful and personal stories that bring new meaning to Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut. From Rav Gustman’s conversation with professor Aumann after his son fell in battle, to a Holocaust survivor who couldn’t bring himself to touch a siddur—until a perspective was offered. We also talk about the moving legacy of Maoz Feinstein Hy”d, and how his story continues to bring people together. Plus, a deeper look at the two birds in this week’s Torah reading and what they might be telling us about pain, freedom, and hope.
2025-04-3041 minThe Rabbi Claman Torah PodcastEsther Rises & Mordechai Shifts: The Power of Reinvention in a Changing World
2025-03-2043 min