Episodes
Get ready to shine a light on the rich teachings of the Talmud as we unpack the nuances of Chanukah and Mitzvahs. Unearth the importance of the menorah’s placement relative to the mezuzah and engage in vibrant discussions around the prohibition of using the menorah light for personal use. Prepare to understand the reverence accorded to all Mitzvahs through real-life examples and also, learn why it's crucial to be careful while lighting the menorah. We venture further into the depths of...
Published 12/08/23
Welcome to the latest installment of the Thinking Talmudist Podcast, where we continue our exploration of the advent of Messiah, emphasizing the pivotal role of repentance and good deeds in hastening his arrival. Our conversation shifts to the profound impact of recent events in Israel, which have ignited a spiritual awakening among many Jews. Join us as we discuss the symbolic significance of the mitzvah of Tzitzit, a religious commandment that is inspiring an increasing number of people to...
Published 11/30/23
Join us as we explore the concept of the times of Messiah and the identifiers on the Thinking Talmudist. We discuss the purpose of Messiah's arrival, how the prayer Aleinu speaks to the distinction of the Jewish people, and the idea of Tikkun Olam. We'll also tackle the question of why anti-Semitism exists in the world today, examine the signs in the Talmud of what will be in the times of Messiah, and the Gemara's discussion on the world existing for 6,000 years and being completely destroyed...
Published 11/14/23
Are we already living in the pre-Messianic era?" This thought-provoking question serves as the jumping-off point for our deep exploration through the teachings of the Talmud. Together, we navigate through the expected signs of this era, such as the disregard for truth and wisdom, the disturbing reversal of roles between the young and old, and also the potentially harmful effects of violent video games on our children. We are enlightened with valuable insights from the Talmud on these matters...
Published 10/31/23
Do we truly understand the role the Talmud plays in our spiritual, Torah-led lives? Join us as we explore the profound importance that studying the Talmud holds. Rabbi Wolbe breaks down how the Talmud provides invaluable insights into Torah, aiding us to accomplish Mitzvahs and align our lives with Torah principles. As we navigate the labyrinth of Talmudic teachings, we unearth signs and events marking the herald of the Messiah, as described in the Talmud. Rabbi Wolbe draws thought-provoking...
Published 10/23/23
Can our relationship with God be measured solely by our attendance at the synagogue? Or is it the daily nurturing of that bond that truly matters? This episode seeks to answer these questions and more, as we ponder the profound connection between us and the divine. Highlighting my grandfather's spiritual journey in Sweden, we explore how even without a congregation, a meaningful relationship with God can still be fostered. We also delve into the role of social media in creating a false sense...
Published 09/24/23
Prepare to uncover the profound truths and traditions of the High Holidays as we explore its significant aspects. We promise you'll gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which we, as individuals and as a collective, are judged. We shed light on the term "Bnei Marom", offering interpretations that unveil different aspects of God's judgment. Moreover, we reflect on how our actions, specifically our acts of kindness, can sway this judgment in our favor, possibly earning us another year of...
Published 09/22/23
Prepare to be enlightened as we journey together through the transformative power of repentance, the trust placed in our children, and the profound concept of resurrection. Experience the riveting tale of Moshe's ascension to the heavens and the divine reach of repentance that extends to the heavenly throne of the Almighty. Ponder over the angels' praise for the Torah, Jerusalem, Mashiach, and the purifying process of Gehenom, and marvel at the profound significance of these elements in our...
Published 09/10/23
Discover the profound power of repentance in Judaism and unlock the potential it holds in healing the world on this episode of the Thinking Talmudist Podcast. Promise yourself an enlightening journey through the teachings of the Talmud as we delve deep into the significance of three main types of repentance: out of love, out of fear, and out of pain. Learn how these different forms of repentance can shape our relationships with God and each other, bringing relationships to a new level of...
Published 09/04/23
We need your help!! August is Podcast Improvement Month at TORCH ... Please help us improve at TORCHsurvey.com Prepare to have your understanding of the Torah broadened and deepened as we journey through the intricate interconnections of all 613 commandments. We promise an enlightening ride, starting from the first commandment and ending with the intriguing story of Balak. We debunk the documentary theory of the Torah, shed light on the pre-written form of the Torah through Abraham's example,...
Published 07/27/23
We need your help!! August is Podcast Improvement Month at TORCH ... Please help us improve at TORCHsurvey.com In this episode of the Thinking Talmudist Podcast (Ep. 29), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the teachings from the story about Rabbi Elazar Ben Rav Shimon from Taanis 21b. The Talmud emphasizes the importance of using words that are not offensive or harmful to others. Listen as we unravel a critical lesson from Elijah the Prophet, highlighting our need as leaders to see everyone with...
Published 07/16/23
In this episode of the Thinking Talmudist Podcast (Ep. 28), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe learns the Talmud from Tractate Taanis 21a and discusses the story of Rabbi Elazar son Rebbi Shimon who met anexceedingly ugly many while riding his donkey. This fascinating story was really Elijah the Prophet who was sent to teach Rav Elazar about humility. The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn Talmud because it...
Published 06/23/23
In this episode of the Thinking Talmudist Podcast (Ep. 27), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe learns the Talmud from Tractate Shabbos 31a and discusses the story of a convert who approached Shamai and wanted to convert on condition that he would be appointed the Kohen Gadol, the High Priest. Shamai turned him away, but Hillel converted him and gently guided him to the path of Torah. The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that...
Published 06/19/23
In this episode of the Thinking Talmudist Podcast (Ep. 26), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe learns the Talmud from Tractate Shabbos 31a and discusses the greatness of Hillel, the leader of the Jewish People in his generation, when he was approached by a convert who wanted a conversion shortcut. The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn Talmud because it is in ancient Aramaic or the concepts are too...
Published 06/06/23
In this episode of the Thinking Talmudist Podcast (Ep. 25), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe learns the Talmud from Tractate Shabbos 30b and discusses the greatness of Hillel, the leader of the Jewish People in his generation, when he was tested by instigators who tried to provoke him to anger.  The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn Talmud because it is in ancient Aramaic or the concepts are too...
Published 05/21/23
In this episode of the Thinking Talmudist Podcast (Ep. 24), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe talks about the magnificent art of Hitbodedut/Hisbodedus (Intimate Personal Prayer) and how to properly experience this closeness with Hashem. Then Rabbi Wolbe teaches from Tractate Chullin 109b where the Talmud shares the secret supplements Hashem created for things a Kosher Eater might feel they're missing out on. Hashem WANTS us to have pleasure in this world and there is NO pleasure that Hashem limits us from...
Published 05/12/23
In this episode of the Thinking Talmudist Podcast (Ep. 23), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe learns from Tractate Chullin 109b where the Talmud shares the secret supplements Hashem created for things a Kosher Eater might feel they're missing out on. Hashem WANTS us to have pleasure in this world and there is NO pleasure that Hashem limits us from ... however, it must be done in the proper war. The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many...
Published 05/02/23
In this episode of the Thinking Talmudist Podcast (Ep. 22), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe learns from Tractate Chullin 109b where the Talmud shares the secret supplements Hashem created for things a Kosher Eater might feel they're missing out on. Hashem WANTS us to have pleasure in this world and there is NO pleasure that Hashem limits us from ... however, it must be done in the proper war.  The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many...
Published 04/23/23
In this episode of the Thinking Talmudist Podcast (Ep. 21), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe learns from Tractate Pesachim 116a where the Talmud shares the depths of what is obligated in the Mitzvah of the Pesach Seder. What we need to say, think and feel at our Passover dinner table. The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn Talmud because it is in ancient Aramaic or the concepts are too difficult. Well, no...
Published 03/26/23
In this episode of the Thinking Talmudist Podcast (Ep. 20), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe learns from Tractate Berachos 4b-5a where the Talmud shares the secret to protecting our body and soul from demons and the evil inclination.  The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn Talmud because it is in ancient Aramaic or the concepts are too difficult. Well, no more excuses. In this podcast you will experience...
Published 03/19/23
In this episode of the Thinking Talmudist Podcast (Ep. 19), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe learns from Tractate Berachos 5a where the Talmud study clearly teaches that EVERYTHING was already handed down to Moshe at Mount Sinai. This dispels the various erroneous and heretical theories of a Torah given by anything other than Moshe at Mt. Sinai, and much more... The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn...
Published 03/09/23
In this episode (Ep. 18) of the Thinking Talmudist Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe learns from Tractate Berachos 5a where the Talmud study clearly teaches that EVERYTHING was already handed down to Moshe at Mount Sinai. This dispels the various erroneous and heretical theories of a Torah given by anything other than Moshe at Mt. Sinai, and much more... The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn...
Published 02/26/23
In this episode (Ep. 17) of the Thinking Talmudist Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe learns from Tractate Sotah 12a - 12b where the Talmud study delves into the details of how the house of Moshe lit up upon his birth and how Batya, the daughter of pharaoh, saw the Shechina, divine presence on Moshe's face when she found him in the basket. and much more.. The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn...
Published 02/20/23
Please visit GiveTORCH.net to partner with us and support the outreach work we do for the Jewish community, locally and globally.  ***** To listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: https://linktr.ee/ariwol Jewish Inspiration Podcast - https://linktr.ee/jewishinspiration Unboxing Judaism Podcast - https://linktr.ee/unboxingjudaism Parsha Review Podcast - https://linktr.ee/parshareview Living Jewishly Podcast - https://linktr.ee/jewishly Thinking Talmudist Podcast -...
Published 02/14/23
In this episode (Ep. 16) of the Thinking Talmudist Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe learns from Tractate Sotah 12a where the Talmud study delves into the details of how every verse in the Parsha of Shemos is learned, and where we see the divine brilliant wisdom and accuracy in each and every word of the Torah. The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn Talmud because it is in ancient Aramaic or the...
Published 02/12/23