Episodes
Rabbi Wildes 2023 Sukkot Workshop: Everything you need to know to have a meaningful and great Sukkot! Chag Sameach!
Published 10/04/23
In this thought-provoking podcast episode with Rabbi Wildes, we dive deep into the complexities of Israel's ongoing conflicts, featuring the esteemed Dr. Daniel Gordis as our guest. Dr. Gordis provides a comprehensive analysis of the multifaceted issues plaguing Israel, from the judicial reform protests shaking the nation to the intricacies of the two-state solution. We explore the delicate balance between security and peace in the region and examine the impact of these political struggles on...
Published 09/27/23
Take a listen to our 2023 Yom Kippur Workshop. We delve in to all of the things YOU can do this Yom Kippur to make it your best yet! This is the last class in our 2023 High Holiday's Crash Course Series, so you do not want to miss it!
Published 09/21/23
Take a listen to Rabbi Mark Wildes Class on Understanding The Prayers of The High Holidays. People come to synagogue and say prayers but don’t know who wrote them or what them mean, we tackle them in this class! Understanding the key prayers of the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services is so important, and it is important to realize that we can gain an understanding that will give us a deeper understanding of the high holidays! Enjoy!
Published 09/14/23
In this fascinating podcast, we delve into the extraordinary journey of two brilliant minds, who happen to be rabbis and scientists , as they embark on an intellectual exploration that bridges the realms of science and spirituality. Join us as we follow these visionary rabbis on their groundbreaking quest to uncover the profound connections between physics and the existence of God. Throughout the episode, you'll meet Rabbi Elie Feder and Rabbi Aaron Zimmer, whose passionate curiosity has...
Published 08/30/23
Join Rabbi Mark Wildes, deeply rooted in Torah values, and Erin Davis, the renowned "Wingwoman" of the modern dating scene, and a live studio audience in a thought-provoking conversation on the interaction of modern dating/marriage realities and how they intersect (or don't) with Torah values. They delve into diverse topics, exploring the efficacy of dating apps (2:20) first date tips (5:40) and navigating political differences. (11:45) The discussion progresses to touch on intimacy before...
Published 08/16/23
Aleeza Ben-Shalom of Netflix's "Jewish Matchmaking" joins Rabbi Wildes to discuss the positives and negatives of her experience making the show including Rabbi Wildes' issues with the production and casting choices, whether men and women can really be "just friends", the tricky balance of being too picky vs. settling for someone, the Jewish view of soulmates, how to broach the topic of avoiding physical touch before marriage, and more. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:05:37 - Matchmking...
Published 07/31/23
Full Audio of Rabbi WIldes' stirring Tisha B'Av Address in front of a packed audience of young Jewish professionals. Easy and meaningful fast to all participating and may we merit to see the rebuilding of the Temple speedily in our days.
Published 07/27/23
Rabbi Wildes' full class delivered to his students on the contemporary meaning behind the tragic day of Tisha B'Av. Wishing a meaningful fast to all those participating.
Published 07/26/23
Rabbi Wildes is joined by Emmy award winning TV writer David Sacks to discuss his path from Hollywood (The Simpsons, Third Rock From The Sun) to spiritual leader in the Los Angeles community. In the first half of the podcast David discusses the challenges he faced as an Orthodox Jew in the secular world of Hollywood which leads into the second half where David and Rabbi Wildes discuss the deepest teachings in Judaism which touch on the nature of the soul, why the world we live in seems so...
Published 07/12/23
Rabbi Wildes is joined by Rabbi Dr. Jason Weiner, Senior Rabbi and Executive Director of the Spiritual Care Department at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, where he is responsible for the chaplaincy team and all aspects of spiritual care throughout the health system. Being an expert in Jewish medical ethics, pastoral care, and health and wellness, Rabbi Weiner shares his thoughts on the future of medicine including the morality of the revolutionary technology of CRISPR Gene Editing which allows...
Published 06/28/23
Rabbi Wildes is joined by Dan Grunfeld - former professional basketball player and author of the fantastic book, "By the Grace of the Game: The Holocaust, a Basketball Legacy, and an Unprecedented American Dream" to discuss his family legacy of Jewish basketball players including his father Ernie who played 9 seasons in the NBA and is the only player ever to be a son of Holocaust survivors. Dan also shares how he feels the NBA reacted to the Kyrie Irving antisemitism controversy, the current...
Published 06/14/23
Daniel Wallach seeks guidance from Rabbi Wildes as he grapples with the challenges of his spiritual journey. Having recently returned from the spiritual heights of Israel, Daniel opens up about his struggle to maintain inspiration in a world dominated by materialism and monotony. In their conversation, Daniel seeks Rabbi Wildes' counsel on various pressing matters, such as staying motivated in times when God's presence feels less apparent, discovering the Torah teachings that resonate with...
Published 05/31/23
In this thought-provoking episode, Rabbi Wildes is joined by Charlie Harary to delve into the power of Torah wisdom to help us unlock our best selves. Charlie shares his personal journey of discovering the Torah and how it has helped him initiate personal growth, find meaning, and discover his identity and purpose. We explore the spiritual and physical aspects of our selves and how they interact in our daily lives. Charlie shares insights on achieving lasting happiness by aligning our...
Published 05/15/23
Rabbi Wildes recently rejoined the Orthodox Conundrum Podcast with Scott Kahn to discuss the complicated relationship Diaspora Jewry has with the State of Israel. In Scott's own words: With the terrible and heartbreaking news that came out of Israel over the course of Pesach – a mother and two children murdered by terrorists, a car ramming in Tel Aviv with an Italian tourist dead and others injured, plus rockets launched at Israel from Lebanon and Gaza – some have noted a disconnect between...
Published 05/10/23
How can we make sure our kids stay Jewish and uphold the values we have worked so hard to instill in them? Hint: it's not just about talking the talk, but walking the walk. Rabbi Wildes delves into the text of the Torah, revealing the power of leading by example and how displaying your love for the Torah and its Mitzvot can make all the difference. Get ready to take action and inspire the next generation to stay true to their roots.
Published 05/09/23
"Veahavta lereacha kamocha" - Loving your neighbor as yourself is considered the fundamental golden rule of Torah. But is it really possible to do such a thing? Rabbi Wildes provides a practical solution to fulfill this mitzvah based on the wisdom of our greatest Sages.
Published 05/01/23
Rabbi Wildes celebrates Yom Haatzmaut (Israel's 75th birthday) by sitting down with the fascinating Rabbi Jeremy Gimpel who is a teacher, a farmer, and a pioneering entrepreneur. He is also a retired decorated IDF soldier, an author, a musician, and one of Israel's premiere Jewish media personalities. He is the founder of the Land of Israel Network, with millions of views and downloads from over 120 countries, broadcasting Torah and sharing the beauty of Israel with the world. Rabbi...
Published 04/26/23
Rabbi Wildes celebrates Israel's 75th birthday by focusing on Judaism's focus on life in this world as opposed to what happens in the next world and displays how the modern State of Israel has incorporated the Torah's message of living in the here and now. Join MJE for Yom Haatzmaut as we commemorate fallen IDF soldiers for Yom Hazikaron with an inspirational program and musical prayers. Then celebrate Israel's independence (Yom Haatzmaut) with MJE's Shuk Party! Falafel and hummus bar,...
Published 04/25/23
Rabbi Wildes interviews Holocaust survivor Manny Korman at MJE in front of a packed audience to commemorate Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day). The event concluded with some inspiring words from Israel's Minister of Aliyah and Integration and member of the Knesset Ofir Sofer and a stirring rendition of The Hatikvah. Manny Korman was born on December 21, 1931 in Hamburg Germany. Shortly before his 7th birthday, he and his family were taken from their home by the Nazis, and expelled into...
Published 04/18/23
As we continue through the book of Vayikra which focuses on animal sacrifices to Hashem, Rabbi Wildes reveals the fascinating connection between these sacrifices and the virtuous quality of humility emulated by Moshe.
Published 03/28/23
Rabbi Joey Rosenfeld is world-renowned for his incredible podcasts which intersect contemporary issues of trauma, anxiety, and addiction with the ancient texts of Torah, Kabbalah, and Chassidut. Rabbi Wildes speaks with Rabbi Rosenfeld about how those who enjoy yoga and meditation can find those experiences within the Jewish tradition, reframing the traumas in our lives as opportunities for elevation, the greater picture behind the postmodern moment of relativity and the denial of objective...
Published 03/26/23
It is our responsibility to answer those who don’t have the knowledge or interest to ask about their Judaism, but miraculously are. At our 24th Annual Dinner I was honored to address close to 350 people who take our mission of reconnecting our Jewish brothers and sisters seriously. Thank you to all who came and donated. It was a magical night that will, please God, usher in many more spiritual moments of connection to our spiritual heritage. Shabbat Shalom! Click here if you'd like to...
Published 03/24/23
"I'm spiritual but not religious." You hear this statement more and more these days but is there any validity to it? Take a journey with Rabbi Wildes through the mountains of India to an Allman Brothers concert in New York City and find out. We are hosting our 24th Annual Dinner on March 21st where we raise the majority of our donations, so please consider attending here (https://www.wizevents.com/mjedinner2023/?id=7683) or donating at www.jewishexperience.org to help us continue our holy work.
Published 03/13/23
Rabbi Mark Wildes joins the Judaism Demystified podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on the current state of Jewish outreach. Rabbi Wildes shares his journey in Kiruv and delves into the reasons behind the lack of engagement of many Jews with Judaism. Is there a place for both a rationalist and mystical approach to outreach? Is blind faith a Jewish idea? What are the difficulties faced by the post-Kiruv Baal Teshuvah who eventually loses his/her initial inspiration? Our 24th Annual...
Published 03/08/23