The Wildescast

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.

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.

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 broken, the difference between Judaism and Buddhism's definition of transcendence and so much more. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Introducing David Sacks 00:02:35 - Becoming A TV Writer 00:03:20 - David's Spiritual Journey 00:05:23 - Writing for The Simpsons 00:13:35 - Challenges as an Orthodox Jew 00:19:39 - The Immortality of the Soul 00:22:10 - The True Definition of Success 00:33:43 - Judaism vs. Buddhism 00:36:35 - Believing in Something Deeper 00:41:55 - The Illusion of Time 00:47:18 - God Plays Hide & Seek 00:52:05 - Why the World is Messed Up 00:59:37 - Fix Yourself, Fix the World

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 doctors to edit genetic DNA to cure all kinds of diseases such as sickle cell anemia but also comes with potential risks if the technology finds its way into the wrong hands. Rabbi Weiner also discusses the Torah's view on panaceas, (a solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases), his experience donating a kidney, the government's role in regulating medicine, and the spiritual rewards that come with the arduous task of being exposed to death and suffering on a daily basis. Buy Rabbi Weiner's new book "Care and Covenant: A Jewish Bioethic of Responsibility" here: https://tinyurl.com/weinerbook Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introducing Rabbi Dr. Jason Weiner 00:02:35 - Path to Becoming A Bioethicist 00:04:23 - Being Around Death & Suffering 00:07:35 - Balancing Being A Rabbi and a Bioethicist 00:10:00 - Torah Insights on Bioethics 00:15:30 - Experience Donating His Kidney 00:22:15 - Revolutionary CRISPR Gene Editing 00:30:10 - Torah View of Panaceas 00:33:30 - Biggest Risk to Humanity 00:36:12 - Government Regulation of Medicine 00:39:40 - Wisdom vs. Technology

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 state of antisemitic attacks on Israel on college campuses, and more. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:55 - Grunfeld Family History 00:20:40 - Antisemitism on College Campus 00:27:20 - Kyrie Irving and the NBA 00:37:58 - Making Change Buy Dan's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Grace-Game-Holocaust-Basketball-Unprecedented/dp/1629379220 Subscribe to the Podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/Wildes

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 his soul, finding a Jewish community that aligns with his values, and much more. Together, they delve into these profound questions, seeking clarity and guidance on the path ahead. An essential listen for fellow seekers on their spiritual journey. NOTE: Rabbi Wildes' audio is distorted for the first minute of the episode but clears up immediately afterward. This conversation was recorded on 2/27/2023 Timestamps: 1:20 - Staying Inspired Through the Monotony of Life 23:00 - Discovering the Torah that Speaks to You 31:00 Being A Jew in the Real World; Leaving the Bubble 39:00 - Finding Hashem in the Difficult Times 47:44 - A Poem From Rav Kook

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 actions with our spiritual values and prioritizing our inner growth over external validation. We also discuss the rise of Artificial Intelligence and its potential impact on spirituality. Can AI genuinely threaten our spiritual growth and connection to a higher power? Or can it enhance our spiritual experience and connection? Tune in to this enlightening episode to gain a deeper understanding of how Torah wisdom can help unlock your best self and navigate the challenges of the modern world. Charles Harary is an American investor, strategic adviser, and professor who has gained fame as a motivational speaker, radio show host, and television personality. Follow Charlie: Become an Insider: http://Charlieharary.com/insiders Listen to Charlie's Podcast Unlocking Greatness: https://jewishpodcasts.fm/charlieharary Join Charlie's Whatsapp Chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BUnbPiDNkg3CrmHQlnn6eJ Follow Charlie on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/charlieharary?fbclid=PAAaas4eDdjiVUL3dMUtFZUBzOm58QvzjuCdm_DQBrbsT4s2o0UIoTLNTn2-k Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 02:30 - Charlie's Journey 14:00 - Happiness 26:40 - Identity & Self-Image 39:20 - Finding Joy Through Spirituality 46:30 - Spirituality vs. Physicality 50:50 - Artificial Intelligence

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 the attitudes of Jews who live in Israel, and those who live in the diaspora. The two groups sometimes seem to possess different mindsets – that is, very different ways of thinking about events like these. In particular, the heaviness that was widely experienced by Israeli Jews may have sometimes been lacking among some Jews outside of Israel. Is this assumption accurate or misplaced? Furthermore, is Israel viewed, emotionally if not intellectually, as just another Jewish community like any other? Is the proximity and ease of getting to Israel and communicating with people in Israel a double-edged sword, taking away some of the mystery and sense of holiness that people otherwise would have? Moreover, what is the place of diaspora Jewry? Is their only role to pack up and move to Israel, or is there a need for Jewish communities to thrive outside of Israel? How can we better inculcate a sense of solidarity with Jews in Israel, and with what’s happening in Israel? Is the emotional gap between Israelis and those outside of Israel destined to get larger or smaller? To discuss these and other questions, Scott (who lives in Ramat Beit Shemesh) spoke with Rabbi Mark Wildes (who lives in New York). Their conversation will give you food for thought, especially as they draw upon their own life experiences to discuss the relationship between diaspora Jews and Jews living in Israel. Please listen to and share this podcast, and let us know what you think on the Orthodox Conundrum Discussion Group on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/432020081498108). Thanks to all of our Patreon subscribers, who have access to bonus JCH podcasts, merch, and more – we appreciate your help, and hope you really enjoy the extras! Visit the JCH Patreon site at https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse. Visit https://www.jchpodcasts.com/ to learn all about creating your own podcast. Music: “Happy Rock” by bensound.com

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.

"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.