Torah and Today with Rabbi Krebs

Read each year on the Shabbat before Tisha B'Av, Parshat Devarim sets the tone for the saddest day on the Jewish calendar. The laws of Tisha B'Av closely mirror those of sitting shivah, guiding not only what we do, but how we experience loss. This week, we'll explore the do's and don'ts of the Three Weeks and Tisha B'Av, uncovering the meaning behind the practices of mourning and how they help us remember the past while shaping our future.

One of the Torah's lesser-known mitzvot is tevilat keilim—immersing new metal and glass utensils in a mikveh before using them. Rooted in this week's parashah, we'll explore where this mitzvah comes from, which utensils require tevillah, and how understanding the "why" behind what we do can deepen our appreciation of everyday halachah.

Havdala- why the wine, candle, and spices?

As Moshe prepares to step aside, he doesn't ask for someone to replace him—he asks for the leader the people need next. Why doesn't Hashem choose another Moshe? Parashat Pinchas explores one of leadership's greatest lessons: every generation requires a different kind of leader, and true leadership is knowing when to let someone lead differently.

Kaddish - the mourner's prayer - what's it all about?

Parenting is not about controlling our children; it is about giving them the values, wisdom, and confidence to make good choices for themselves. In Chukat–Balak, we encounter a similar Divine approach. Hashem guides, teaches, and warns, but ultimately allows human beings the dignity—and responsibility—of choosing their own path.

Why do we pray?

Korach's challenge to Moshe was not simply about power—it was about logic. If Torah is true, shouldn't it always make sense? In a world that demands explanations for everything, Parashat Korach explores what happens when Divine wisdom asks us to trust beyond our own understanding.

Why do we wait a certain length of time to eat meat, after eating milk products?

Why do we wear kippot? Do we have to wear them?

The debate over who has a rightful claim to the Land of Israel dominates headlines today, but it is far older than modern politics. The land ultimately belongs neither to us nor to them... it belongs to Hashem.

Do Jewish men have to wear kippot? Why?

Miriam and Aaron look at Moshe and assume they understand him because they see him as just another prophet, just another sibling. Yet Hashem’s response is clear: Moshe is fundamentally different. Sometimes we judge leaders because we assume they are exactly like us. Often they are. But sometimes, we fail to appreciate the unique burdens, responsibilities, and spiritual realities that come with true leadership.

 Sheitels and head coverings for women ...what's that all about?

 Women wearing Tefillin and Tzitzit...why not?

Why did each נשיא bring exactly the same offering? In a world obsessed with standing out and outdoing everyone else, the princes of Israel teach a radical lesson: sometimes true greatness is not about being bigger or better, but about knowing when equality, unity, and humility matter more than competition.

Part 2 of our discussion on why we separate people based on gender differences in Shul and beyond...

In Parshat Bamidbar, Moshe and Aharon’s students are called their “children,” teaching us that parenthood is not only biological. True parents are also the teachers, mentors, and guides who shape a child’s soul, values, and future.

Why do we separate people based on gender differences in Shul and beyond?

In a world of Shemittah, where we release control of our land and trust in Hashem, and where we are commanded to support those who fall into hardship, when should I prioritise my own needs, and when does responsibility demand that I put others first?

Why do some Jews have beards and others don't? Why do some Chadisim grow their sidelocks so long and others don't at all? Is this from the Torah or just custom?

Parshat Emor reminds us that words are never just words. What is harmless frustration, what crosses a line, and why does the Torah take speech so seriously? A short and practical look at swearing, cursing, and how the way we speak shapes who we become.

Sefirat HaOmer is a time where we count toward Shavuot while mourning the loss of Rabbi Akiva’s students and other tragedies. What are the customs of this period and what we do and refrain from during these days.

Parashat Kedoshim challenges us to see holiness not as something distant or mystical, but as something lived daily through our actions, relationships, and moral choices.

Chad Gadya

Hallel

Rabban Gamliel

Dayeinu

Vehi Sheamda

The Four Sons

Bnei Brak

Avadim Hayinu

Halachma

Karpas

The Seder

Purim - dressing up, making noise and other Purim customs

 What does it mean to dress lekavod uletiferet — for honour and beauty — while still embodying tzniut? Parashat Tetzaveh reveals how clothing shapes dignity, identity, and sacred presence.

“Why We Do What We Do?” a quick weekly dive into the meaning behind our Jewish practices — the halacha, the history, and the heart behind every custom.Shemah- what and why do we say the shema? The meaning and intent of our holiest of texts.

The Aron was plated with gold on the inside and the outside. Our Rabbis teach us that a scholar must be “tocho kebaro,” the same within as without, to deeper symbolic meanings of hidden holiness - we dive into how the Mishkan’s design shapes the way we build ourselves.

In Parashat Yitro, Tzipporah suddenly reappears after being “sent away.” Why did Moshe separate from his own wife? And what does it teach us about shalom bayit?

Netilat Yadayim- Why and how do we wash hands for bread and why aren't we allowed to speak?

“Why We Do What We Do?” a quick weekly dive into the meaning behind our Jewish practices — the halacha, the history, and the heart behind every custom. Why do we have Kiddush?

 Parshat Mishpatim reveals that beneath the surface of human accidents lies a deeper Divine plan. The laws of the unintentional killer remind us that what seems coincidental is often the unfolding of a destiny known only to God.

In this podcast series from Moriah College, Rabbi Gad Krebs explores contemporary issues and dilemmas through the lens of Jewish thought.Have a question or topic you'd like to hear discussed? Send your suggestions to [email protected] tuned for thought-provoking conversations that bridge ancient wisdom with modern life!

The three books opened on Rosh Hashana (originally delivered on 11/9 at the Moriah foundation's Gather and grow)

In this podcast series from Moriah College, Rabbi Gad Krebs explores contemporary issues and dilemmas through the lens of Jewish thought.Have a question or topic you'd like to hear discussed? Send your suggestions to [email protected] tuned for thought-provoking conversations that bridge ancient wisdom with modern life!

Ki Tavo reminds us: before Pharaoh enslaved us, he first convinced Egypt to see us as evil. Propaganda is always the first weapon. 

In this podcast series from Moriah College, Rabbi Gad Krebs explores contemporary issues and dilemmas through the lens of Jewish thought.Have a question or topic you'd like to hear discussed? Send your suggestions to [email protected] tuned for thought-provoking conversations that bridge ancient wisdom with modern life!

The Torah commands us to bury the dead without delay. This isn’t about rushing grief, it’s about affirming dignity. Judaism teaches that even after death, the body retains holiness, and leaving it unburied lingers in limbo.

In this podcast series from Moriah College, Rabbi Gad Krebs explores contemporary issues and dilemmas through the lens of Jewish thought.Have a question or topic you'd like to hear discussed? Send your suggestions to [email protected] tuned for thought-provoking conversations that bridge ancient wisdom with modern life!