PODCAST · religion
Torah Cafe
by Zalman Gordon
A discussion on a topic from the week's Parsha covering many important parts of Judaism that are not regularly addressed.
Episodes
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Judaism's Message to Humanity
We believe that Judaism is not only about Jews. We Jews have a message to share with the world around us. A universal code of morality and values that we should encourage all humans to live by. A fascinating discussion about the Jewish message to humanity.
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Overpopulation
Many people are afraid to have more children. They add to a already too large population competing for scarce resources. They increase the pollution and add to the CO2 destroying our planet. They are to expensive to raise and take too much energy. Throughout our culture we are encouraged to have…
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The Extraordinary Story of the Etrog
Each year on Sukkot for over 3,000 years, we have taken an Etrog along with three other plants to shake together on the festival. The Etrog is a very unusual fruit and obtaining a real Etrog each year was a challenge in many Jewish communities across the Jewish diaspora. A discussion about the...
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Yom Kippur in the Ancient Temple
Today, Yom Kippur is marked by fasting and all-day prayer in the synagogue. when the Holy Temple stood in Jerusalem, Yom Kippur was marked by a unique service performed by the Kohen Gadol, the High Priest. The highlight of the service was when he entered the Holy of Holies where the Ark of the...
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The Kol Nidrei Controversy
Kol Nidrei is for many the most important prayer of the year. However the prayer itself was once extremely controversial. Many Jewish scholars and rabbis called for removing the prayer, others made changes to it. A fascinating history of the Kol Nidrei prayer and the controversy behind it.
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Is G-d also a King?
We believe that G-d is our Creator and in our prayers often refer to Him as our father. However, on Rosh Hashanah, we mostly refer to G-d as our King. What does it mean that G-d is a King? Is there an advantage to being a Monarch? How does G-d's role as King connect to Rosh Hashanah? A…
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Piyyut - How Jews Invented Poetry
Poetry has always played a central role in Judaism. Jewish poetry began in the Tanach (the Hebrew scriptures), which contain the earliest known poetry. Later in the early Middle Ages, Jewish poets developed extensive liturgical poems that became central to our prayers and served as a model copied...
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Freeing Hostages
It is a great Mitzvah to do everything we can to free our fellow Jews who have been captured. Many Jewish communities maintained special funds for freeing captives and hostages. But should we always free captives at any price? Can we overpay? What if we are asked to exchange the captives for...
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Get - The Jewish Divorce Ceremony
Judaism allows for couple to go separate ways once their marriage reached an end. The process of Jewish divorce - Get in Hebrew - is among the most detailed and complex religious ceremonies in Judaism. A fascinating overview of the detailed Jewish divorce ceremony. Links to related classes Beth…
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Are we reaching the end-of-times?
From the beginning of time, people have been predicting the end-of-times, when the world as we know it will come to an end. Today, there are countless people who claim to know the signs that we are almost there. Jews have always believed in the coming of Mashiach and the "end-of-times". But is…
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Is it Kosher to eat fish and meat together?
The Torah forbids us from eating milk and meat together. What about fish and meat, fish and fowl, or even fish and milk? A fascinating discussion about the rules of eating fish with meat or milk in Judaism. Links to related episodes Mixing Milk and Meat...
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When Chopping Wood is a Mitzvah
An important part of the Temple service was the chopping and donating wood to the Temple for the fire on the Altar. This Mitzvah came with great celebrations and many families had designated days for wood donations. This Mitzvah is still celebrated today on the 15th of Av each year. A fascinating...
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Josephus: Historian, Traitor or Propagandist?
Josephus is our single most important source for the final decades of the Second Temple period. He was a former Jewish commander who surrendered to the Romans and later became a writer in the court of the Flavian emperors. Josephus wrote important books about the Jewish revolt, Jewish history…
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Good vs. Evil: Who Wins?
In our personal lives and our world in general, there is an epic battle between good and evil. Each side is constantly battling to gain the upper hand. Who wins this battle? Our own life experience and observations often suggest that evil is winning, but counterintuitively, the Rebbe explains why...
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The Great American Jewish Experiment
While historically, Jewish communities were organized and structured, the freedoms in the United States have made Jewish communities fractured and fragile. This created an open market for Judaism in the United States that never existed anywhere else. How did Judaism in America adapt to this…
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Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Scheerson, Sacrificing for Judaism
Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson, the sixth Chabad Rebbe, was one of the most fascinating and impactful Jewish leaders of the early 20th century. The Rebbe began his leadership role as a teenager, spanning the final decades of the Russian Empire, World War I, the Russian Revolution, the Stalinist...
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Balaam's Talking Donkey
One of the strangest stories in the Torah is when Balaam decided to go and curse Israel but G-d sent obstacles to disuade him from going. One such event was when Balaam hit his donkey and the donkey began to speak back to him. J A fascinating discussion about the strange story of the talking…
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The Split in Hungarian Jewry
One of the most important Jewish events in modern Jewish history, was the split in Hungarian Jewry in 1870. It marked the first time Jewish communities officially split over theological differences, changing how Jews have since thought about their identity. A fascinating class about an unknown…
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The Danger of Words
One of the central values in Judaism is not speaking bad about others, Lashon Hara in Hebrew. While gossip has become a staple in our society today, our Jewish traditions are strongly opposed to it. A discussion about the rules and precautions we must take not to speak evil of others, the dangers...
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Playing Music During Prayer
Music played a central role in the service at the Temple in Jerusalem. While sacrifices were offered, the Levites played a variety of music and sang songs of praise to G-d. Yet, while traditional synagogues sing songs of praise and prayer, they generally do not accompany the songs with music.…
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What does "Amen" mean?
The word "Amen" is used by Jews throughout our prayers and in daily life to respond to blessings. What does the word Amen mean? Where does it come from? When is it appropriate to respond Amen and when is it not? Are there other appropriate responses to a blessing? A fascinating discussion about…
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Staying Awake on Shavuot Night
There is an old custom to stay awake and study Torah all night on the eve of Shavuot. Many recite the Tikkun, a collection of readings from the written and oral Torahs. Where did this custom originate, and what is the reason for it? A fascinating discussion about the custom of staying awake on...
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Pirkei Avot - The Jewish Ethical Code
Pirkei Avot is one of the earliest classic Jewish works of ethics. Pirkei Avot is a collection of inspirational teachings and life-lessons from the sages of the Mishnah (0-200 CE). It was written as part of the Mishna over 1,800 years ago. There is a widespread custom to study Pirkei Avot on...
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Zohar: Judaism's secret book
The Zohar has been a difficult and elusive book throughout our history. A large tome, written in Western Aramaic and cryptic in its meaning the Zohar has mystified scholars and layman alike. The history of the Zohar, who wrote it and who studied it remain debated among scholars. A discussion…
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Does the Torah mean everything it says?
Are the Torah's words meant to be taken at face value? If the Torah says something, should we accept it as written? It may come as a surprise to many that one of the central belief in Judaism is that the Torah was never meant to be taken at face value. Rather the Torah was written in code and we...
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Orla - Forbidden Fruit
The Torah forbids us from eating fruit of a tree that has been planted within the past 3 years. This prohibition is called Orla. When the Temple stood in Jerusalem, the fruit of the 4th year was brought to Jerusalem and eaten there. What is the reason for the law of Orla? How is it observed…
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When Fulfilling One Commandment Violates Another
Sometimes, fulfilling one Torah commandment requires violating another. For example, if a baby is born on Shabbat, then the eighth day will be the following Shabbat. Circumcising the child violates the prohibition against drawing blood on Shabbat. What should you do? A fascinating discussion…
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The prohibition of Kitnoyot on Passover
The Torah prohibits us from eating or even owning Chametz, leavened grain products on Passover. However Ashkenazic Jews are careful not to eat any beans or legumes on the holiday. How did this custom begin? What is the reason for it? Why do many Saphardic Jews not keep it? A discussion about the...
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Don't Slow Down - Keep Growing
As people age, they tend to slow down. In today's culture, people work for decades towards retirement when they can stop working altogether and just relax. The Rebbe, took a very different approach. He believed that as long as we are alive and have the capacity to work, we must continue working,...
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Salt in Judaism
Salt is a crucial mineral for human health and for nature. Salt also plays a prominent role in Judaism. We salt meat with salt. Salt was widely used in sacrifices at the Temple in Jerusalem. We dip our bread in salt. And the priestly covenant with G-d is described as a covenant of salt. A...
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Finding the 10 Lost Tribes
Jewish traditions teach that 10 of the 12 tribes were exiled from the Land of Israel more than 2,500 years ago and many think that they have since disappeared. For much of Jewish history, Jews and non-Jews have searched for the 10 Lost Tribes in various places, making amazing discoveries that…
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The Challenge of Assimilation
Over our 3,300 year long history, we have lost more Jews to assimilation than to violence and persecution. Assimilation, rather than persecution, is then the biggest threat to the continuation of Judaism and the Jewish people. How can we counter assimilation and ensure the continuation of our...
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Greeting the Shabbat
Six days a week we work, eat, sleep, exercise and go about our daily lives. When Shabbat arrives, we pause to reconnect with the Creator. On Friday afternoon as the sun sets and Shabbat begins, we have a special mystical prayer called Kabbalat Shabbat, which includes Psalms, poems and study to...
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The Temple at Shilo
Before the Holy Temple was built in Jerusalem, there was a Jewish Temple stood at Shilo for 369 years. The Temple at Shilo served Israel at the very beginning of our history in a period know as The Judges (Shoftim), a period we know little about. A fascinating discussion of what we know about the...
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What does the Torah say about dogs?
Dogs are mentioned twice in the torah, both times positively. However, they are not Kosher animals and there are also negative references to dogs in Jewish sources. Historically, Jews rarely owned dogs; however, some Jews throughout history did have dogs (mostly for protection) and today, many…
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Secrets of the 72-Word Name of G-d
Kabbalah teaches that G-d uses various expressions to impact creation. These expressions sometimes come as Names of G-d. One of G-d's lesser known names, is a 72 word name that was invoked at the Splitting of the Sea and can be found alluded to in the Torah's description of the event. A…
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When Children Convert to Judaism
When adults convert to Judaism, they must convert on their own volition with a commitment to fulfill all of the Torah's commandments that are applicable to them. However, children do not have the agency to choose to convert on their own nor can they be held to a commitment that they make. How…
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Philosemitism
We hear a lot about antisemitism, the irrational, obsessive hatred of Jews. Yet is an important flipside to antisemitism - philosemitism, the irrational, obsessive love for Jews. We all know philosemitism - they are all around us and are a huge part of our country. There have been philosemites as...
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When the Angel Attacked Moses
One of the most cryptic stories in the Torah is when he is attacked by an angel on the way to Egypt to confront Pharaoh. Moses' wife Tziporah circumcised her son and the angel let go. A fascinating dive into the story of the angel attacking Moses.
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The Cairo Geniza
The most important Jewish find in recent history was the Cairo Geniza, a massive trove of hundreds of thousands of ancient documents and books that entirely rewrote medieval Jewish and Middle Eastern history. A fascinating discussion about the exciting find and some of the amazing things we…
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The Mitzvah of Reciting Hallel
On Jewish festivals, we have a Mitzvah to recite 6 chapters of Psalms expressing our thanks to G-d for the miracles He has performed for us. Reciting these Chapters is called Hallel - praise. A Chanukah related discussion about the Mitzvah of reciting Hallel.
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Bet Shamai and Bet Hillel
Bet Shamai and Bet Hillel were two major Jewish schools in Jerusalem that lasted about 100 years from about 10 BCE to 70 CE. The schools were founded by two great Jewish leaders Hillel and Shamai. There were hundreds of debates of Jewish law between the two prominent schools. A fascinating...
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Why do Jews say Baruch Hashem?
Jews have a tendency that whenever they speak, they regularly mention G-d or the common Hebrew word Hashem. Where does this come from? Why do we mention G-d so regularly and casually in our conversations? A fascinating conversation about the Jewish custom of regularly mentioning G-d.
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When Jacob Wrestled with an Angel
In a cryptic story, the Torah tells us how Jacob found himself alone at night and found himself wrestling with a man who dislocated his thigh. Jacob refused to let the man go without a blessing and the man told him that his name will be changed from Jacob to Israel. Clearly this man was no…
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Jews in the Roman Empire
The Roman Empire in its different forms lasted for 1,000 years and had a big impact on Jews in our long history. At times the Romans were tolerant and even supportive of Jews at other times they were ruthless including in destroying the second Temple and ending Jewish independence in the land of...
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How did Jacob trick his father?
In one of the most perplexing stories in the Torah, Isaac wanted to bless his older son Esau before his death. However, his younger son Jacob tricked his father into believing that he was Esau and blessing him instead. How was Jacob allowed to trick his father? Was it ethical for him to take the...
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The 3-Year-Old Haircutting
It is a jewish custom not to cut a boy's hair until their third birthday and then on their 3 year old birthday. cut their hair short leaving their peyot (sidelocks) visible. What is the reason for this custom and where does it come from? A fascinating discussion about the Upsherin, the 3-year-old...
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The Mitzvah of Visiting the Sick
Not only are we commanded to care for the sick and help them heal, it is an important Mitzvah for us to visit the sick and spend time with them. A fascinating discussion about the unique Mitzvah of visiting the sick.
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Abraham's Nephew Lot
Lot, Abraham's nephew has a notable role in the story of Abraham, traveling with him to Canaan until they eventually separate. Abraham later risks his life to save Lot from captivity and G-d saves him from Sodom before it was destroyed. Who was Lot, why does he play such an important role in...
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Wine in Judaism
Wine has a prominent role in the Torah and Jewish sources. Wine is found in many stories in Tanach )Scripture) and was part of the service in the Holy Temple. Later, our sages instructed us to recite Kiddush, Havdalah and many other important Jewish prayers and events with a cup of wine. Yet, as…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
A discussion on a topic from the week's Parsha covering many important parts of Judaism that are not regularly addressed.
HOSTED BY
Zalman Gordon
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Torah Cafe have?
Torah Cafe currently has 425 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Torah Cafe about?
A discussion on a topic from the week's Parsha covering many important parts of Judaism that are not regularly addressed.
How often does Torah Cafe release new episodes?
Torah Cafe publishes regularly with 425 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Torah Cafe?
You can listen to Torah Cafe on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Torah Cafe?
Torah Cafe is created and hosted by Zalman Gordon.
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