What Does Judaism Say About...?

Anyone who has visited Jerusalem in the last 30 years has seen ongoing building of new structures ‎constantly in this city. And the debate reges between religions what this city should represent to the world. ‎Yet, several Jewish passages gives and sources give the Jewish people guidance which should be the ‎underlying fundamental concept of in building the Jerusalem of today and the Jerusalem of the future. ‎This podcast will examine these concepts.

Anyone who has visited Jerusalem in the last 30 years has seen ongoing building of new structures ‎constantly in this city. And the debate reges between religions what this city should represent to the world. ‎Yet, several Jewish passages gives and sources give the Jewish people guidance which should be the ‎underlying fundamental concept of in building the Jerusalem of today and the Jerusalem of the future. ‎This podcast will examine these concepts.

In the past 30 years, this "minor holiday" in Judaism, the 33rd day of counting the Omer, has taken on greater significance, and is the place of the largest gathering of Jews in the world every year in on this day (Meron in Israel). This podcast will discuss this mystical day, its deeper concepts relevant today, though ancient sources, and help explain why this unique day has changed from a minor celebration to a day of great significance.

In the past 30 years, this "minor holiday" in Judaism, the 33rd day of counting the Omer, has taken on greater significance, and is the place of the largest gathering of Jews in the world every year in on this day (Meron in Israel). This podcast will discuss this mystical day, its deeper concepts relevant today, though ancient sources, and help explain why this unique day has changed from a minor celebration to a day of great significance.

If Jews, even very knowledgeable Jews, had to choose the most important day of the Jewish year, there would be wide disagreement ,which day of the year it is. This is not merely an esoteric question, as the answer, according to the Rabbis, has many very practical ramifications. This podcase will examine both the sources and those ramifications today. The conclusions will surprise many of the listeners.  

If Jews, even very knowledgeable Jews, had to choose the most important day of the Jewish year, there would be wide disagreement ,which day of the year it is. This is not merely an esoteric question, as the answer, according to the Rabbis, has many very practical ramifications. This podcase will examine both the sources and those ramifications today. The conclusions will surprise many of the listeners.

All people have a need to think and behave as individuals, and in most countries today, this right is protected by law. But people also want to be part of a group and conform to others. How should people balance these two basic needs, and how does Judaism resolve how a Jew can think or behave both as an individual and, at the same time, as part of a large group called Jews

All people have a need to think and behave as individuals, and in most countries today, this right is protected by law. But people also want to be part of a group and conform to others. How should people balance these two basic needs, and how does Judaism resolve how a Jew can think or behave both as an individual and, at the same time, as part of a large group called Jews

This holiday, the birthday of the Jewish people, is celebrated mainly in a family setting, at a once a year  ‎gathering, where Jewish families try to recreate the Exodus, not merely remember it. The Haggadah book ‎of this night contains many deeper Jewish concepts that have kept the Jewish people Jewish. This podcast ‎will point out many of these ideas and the uniqueness of this holiday. ‎

This holiday, the birthday of the Jewish people, is celebrated mainly in a family setting, at a once a year  ‎gathering, where Jewish families try to recreate the Exodus, not merely remember it. The Haggadah book ‎of this night contains many deeper Jewish concepts that have kept the Jewish people Jewish. This podcast ‎will point out many of these ideas and the uniqueness of this holiday. ‎

Based on seven simple questions how and why Shabbat is different from every other Mitzvah-‎commandment in Judaism, this podcast will show how Shabbat changed throughout history and, although ‎other religions have a "day of rest", Shabbat is uniquely Jewish and the mystical engine that keeps the ‎world going. ‎

Based on seven simple questions how and why Shabbat is different from every other Mitzvah-‎commandment in Judaism, this podcast will show how Shabbat changed throughout history and, although ‎other religions have a "day of rest", Shabbat is uniquely Jewish and the mystical engine that keeps the ‎world going. ‎

Shabbat is a unique and difficult concept – a day that is uniquely Jewish, and has helped the Jewish ‎people remain alive as a people since the Torah was given. How and why is this so? The Torah gives two ‎reasons why the Shabbat was given. This podcast will examine the macro and micro of these reasons and ‎Shabbat and why it makes more sense to keep Shabbat in the 21st century than in the 13th century.

Shabbat is a unique and difficult concept – a day that is uniquely Jewish, and has helped the Jewish ‎people remain alive as a people since the Torah was given. How and why is this so? The Torah gives two ‎reasons why the Shabbat was given. This podcast will examine the macro and micro of these reasons and ‎Shabbat and why it makes more sense to keep Shabbat in the 21st century than in the 13th century.

Many people have thousands of virtual "friends" but few or no "live" friends whom they hang out with in the real word. What is the definition of a true friend? What is the difference between a friend, an acquaintance and a companion? These questions will be analyzed in this podcast from a Jewish perspective, with traditional sources that are both nuanced and show an unexpected perspective to this important relationship.  

Many people have thousands of virtual "friends" but few or no "live" friends whom they hang out with in the real word. What is the definition of a true friend? What is the difference between a friend, an acquaintance and a companion? These questions will be analyzed in this podcast from a Jewish perspective, with traditional sources that are both nuanced and show an unexpected perspective to this important relationship.

While it is nice and ever proper to show everyone, even strangers, some basic respect, the basis of that respect differs greatly between Jews and others especially those who do not believe in a God. Judaism, careful to go to great lengths not to disrespect a person, and legislate against disrespecting anyone,  even a sinner. For the same reason, it is forbidden in Judaism  for that reason for people to disrespect or harm themselves, from a Jewish perspective. Listen to the podcast to find out why and how.

While it is nice and ever proper to show everyone, even strangers, some basic respect, the basis of that respect differs greatly between Jews and others especially those who do not believe in a God. Judaism, careful to go to great lengths not to disrespect a person, and legislate against disrespecting anyone,  even a sinner. For the same reason, it is forbidden in Judaism  for that reason for people to disrespect or harm themselves, from a Jewish perspective. Listen to the podcast to find out why and how.

This podcast will show the unusual aspects of Purim, and how it is different from every other Jewish holiday. It will shed light on the Purim Megillah story and ideas using the little analyzed poem following the Megillah. It will show an historical connection between the events of Purim and Passover. The podcast will also demonstrate why Purim, of all Jewish holiday, will still be celebrated in the time of Messiah.

This podcast will show the unusual aspects of Purim, and how it is different from every other Jewish holiday. It will shed light on the Purim Megillah story and ideas using the little analyzed poem following the Megillah. It will show an historical connection between the events of Purim and Passover. The podcast will also demonstrate why Purim, of all Jewish holiday, will still be celebrated in the time of Messiah.

In the last 60 years proselytizing movements such as "Jews for Jesus" have tried to show that a Jew can remain Jewish but can still be a good Christian.  Although Christianity is an offshoot of Judaism, this podcast will show ten fundamental differences between the two religions and how the gap between the two cannot be bridged

In the last 60 years proselytizing movements such as "Jews for Jesus" have tried to show that a Jew can remain Jewish but can still be a good Christian.  Although Christianity is an offshoot of Judaism, this podcast will show ten fundamental differences between the two religions and how the gap between the two cannot be bridged

Although most people wish to be totally free in the way they live their lives, everyone agrees that total freedom (including the ability to harm others) must be restricted. This podcast will discuss which freedoms and which restrictions and proper, the unique Jewish definition of freedom, why more restrictions can often make a person feel freer, and where in traditional Judaism a Jew is totally free and where is he or she restricted.

Although most people wish to be totally free in the way they live their lives, everyone agrees that total freedom (including the ability to harm others) must be restricted. This podcast will discuss which freedoms and which restrictions and proper, the unique Jewish definition of freedom, why more restrictions can often make a person feel freer, and where in traditional Judaism a Jew is totally free and where is he or she restricted.

Even though most people loathe hypocrites who act in one manner while believing something completely different, hypocrisy is rampant in western society. Why is that true? This podcast will analyze this concept from a Jewish perspective and why this behavior is so detestable in Judaism.

Even though most people loathe hypocrites who act in one manner while believing something completely different, hypocrisy is rampant in western society. Why is that true? This podcast will analyze this concept from a Jewish perspective and why this behavior is so detestable in Judaism.

Pain is something that all people try to shy away from and avoid if possible, and yet, is experienced by every living being. This podcast will analyze pain from the Jewish perspective and show that it is not only necessary but is also a positive part of life, based on the traditional sources.

Pain is something that all people try to shy away from and avoid if possible, and yet, is experienced by every living being. This podcast will analyze pain from the Jewish perspective and show that it is not only necessary but is also a positive part of life, based on the traditional sources.

It is almost human nature that when something goes wrong, we attribute fault to others, even when alternative explanations are available and often the reality. Judaism and its sources clearly want a Jew to think good of other people in all situations; especially then various explanations are possible. Is this just a good idea or actually required of an observant Jew? This podcast will analyze this idea and resolve these and other questions, based on traditional sources.

It is almost human nature that when something goes wrong, we attribute fault to others, even when alternative explanations are available and often the reality. Judaism and its sources clearly want a Jew to think good of other people in all situations; especially then various explanations are possible. Is this just a good idea or actually required of an observant Jew? This podcast will analyze this idea and resolve these and other questions, based on traditional sources.

Although abhorred by most people, evil people have used torture since the beginning of time and continue to udo so today. Why? This podcast will discuss the concept of torture, torture against Jews through the ages, and debate if it is ever permissible, especially when there is a ticking bomb situation and torture is the only way to save lives.

Although abhorred by most people, evil people have used torture since the beginning of time and continue to udo so today. Why? This podcast will discuss the concept of torture, torture against Jews through the ages, and debate if it is ever permissible, especially when there is a ticking bomb situation and torture is the only way to save lives.

Many or most people, who would never steal any tangible object from a store, believe it is not violating ethics or the law to download copyrighted material from the Internet, such as songs or books, without paying for it. Is downloading considered stealing, especially when there is virtually no chance of ever "getting caught" and "everybody does it"? In this podcast, this question will be discussed from a Jewish perspective based on ancient sources as well as contemporary Rabbis.

Many or most people, who would never steal any tangible object from a store, believe it is not violating ethics or the law to download copyrighted material from the Internet, such as songs or books, without paying for it. Is downloading considered stealing, especially when there is virtually no chance of ever "getting caught" and "everybody does it"? In this podcast, this question will be discussed from a Jewish perspective based on ancient sources as well as contemporary Rabbis.

Almost every democratic country, including the United States and Israel, has leaders and even presidents who broke the law and sinned, and some even went to jail. After this punishment, how does Judaism instruct people to view these leaders? Should they be honored because of their past service, or ignored completely because of their sin? This podcast will show how  traditional Jewish sources have much to teach us about this sensitive and current issue.

Almost every democratic country, including the United States and Israel, has leaders and even presidents who broke the law and sinned, and some even went to jail. After this punishment, how does Judaism instruct people to view these leaders? Should they be honored because of their past service, or ignored completely because of their sin? This podcast will show how  traditional Jewish sources have much to teach us about this sensitive and current issue.

This podcast will show the specific Jewish belief of Gilgul (a circle), how human souls come back to life. It will discuss various views and specifics within Judaism, allusions from the scripture, and the great disputes between many prominent Rabbis who vehemently disagree with the entire concept within Judaism and why, and how and why other Rabbis fully support the Gilgul idea.

This podcast will show the specific Jewish belief of Gilgul (a circle), how human souls come back to life. It will discuss various views and specifics within Judaism, allusions from the scripture, and the great disputes between many prominent Rabbis who vehemently disagree with the entire concept within Judaism and why, and how and why other Rabbis fully support the Gilgul idea.

This podcast will discuss the emotion of revenge, and why it is so intense in human beings. It will explain why it is forbidden in Judaism, and the nuances of the two forms of revenge mentioned in the Torah. It will also reveal the exceptions – when revenge is indeed permitted in traditional Judaism and why.

This podcast will discuss the emotion of revenge, and why it is so intense in human beings. It will explain why it is forbidden in Judaism, and the nuances of the two forms of revenge mentioned in the Torah. It will also reveal the exceptions – when revenge is indeed permitted in traditional Judaism and why.

This podcast will analyze the deep Jewish values contained within the  numerous aspects of the Chanukah story and miracles. This includes why the holiday had different narratives in the prayers and Talmud, the connection between the two miracles, the special need to publicize the miracle and why the lights must still be lit in the home despite all the publicity.

This podcast will analyze the deep Jewish values contained within the  numerous aspects of the Chanukah story and miracles. This includes why the holiday had different narratives in the prayers and Talmud, the connection between the two miracles, the special need to publicize the miracle and why the lights must still be lit in the home despite all the publicity.

This podcast will analyze why greed is so prevalent today, what makes people greedy and why it is such a grave sin in Judaism. It will also discuss what to do about it and how the Rabbis viewed this sin, which has been with humanity since the beginning.

This podcast will analyze why greed is so prevalent today, what makes people greedy and why it is such a grave sin in Judaism. It will also discuss what to do about it and how the Rabbis viewed this sin, which has been with humanity since the beginning.

Child sexual abuse is a hideous crime present in all societies, even in the Jewish community. This podcast will discuss how to deal with alleged perpetrators when clear evidence of the crime is almost impossible to come by. Is a child's accusation enough to destroy an adult's life? Should a rabbi be consulted before going to the police? These and other questions will be analyzed through traditional Jewish sources.

Child sexual abuse is a hideous crime present in all societies, even in the Jewish community. This podcast will discuss how to deal with alleged perpetrators when clear evidence of the crime is almost impossible to come by. Is a child's accusation enough to destroy an adult's life? Should a rabbi be consulted before going to the police? These and other questions will be analyzed through traditional Jewish sources.

In Jewish legend, the mythical In Jewish tradition, the Golem is a creature formed from inanimate matter, and brought to life through mystical means, often involving Hebrew letters and divine names. The concept of the Golem is rooted in  Kabbalistic mysticism. This podcast will examine how seriously the Rabbis believed or did not believe in such creatures and why, and what are the practical implications such as would a Golem be counted for a Minyan-quorum in a synagogue. It will also analyze the underlying uniqueness of human beings.

In Jewish legend, the mythical In Jewish tradition, the Golem is a creature formed from inanimate matter, and brought to life through mystical means, often involving Hebrew letters and divine names. The concept of the Golem is rooted in  Kabbalistic mysticism. This podcast will examine how seriously the Rabbis believed or did not believe in such creatures and why, and what are the practical implications such as would a Golem be counted for a Minyan-quorum in a synagogue. It will also analyze the underlying uniqueness of human beings.

The Kaddish prayer, recited numerous times in each Jewish prayer service, but only in the synagogue, is a mourner's prayer on one of tis forms, even though death is not mentioned in the prayer. This podcast will help explain the specific importance of this prayer, its meaning, why it is in the Aramaic language and not in Hebrew, and  why only recited in a community setting.

The Kaddish prayer, recited numerous times in each Jewish prayer service, but only in the synagogue, is a mourner's prayer on one of tis forms, even though death is not mentioned in the prayer. This podcast will help explain the specific importance of this prayer, its meaning, why it is in the Aramaic language and not in Hebrew, and  why only recited in a community setting.