The Shema Podcast for the Perplexed

The weeks that lead up to Pesach/Passover, is the time to prepare ourselves to become a vessel to receive the influx of energy that G-d brings to the Jewish people.   This is the energy that will propel us to greater heights of spirituality and provides us the opportunity to unleash ourselves from limited thought and connect more to our infinite Creator.  In this amazing discussion with Rabbi Wohlgelernter he shares the techniques to prepare ourselves to connect to the power of Pesach and the ultimate time of renewal.

Growing up secular, greatly limited my understanding of the capacity of mankind’s greatness. The secular world is so pre-occupied with making their heroes people who are talented musicians, actors, athletes, or businesspeople, but whose private life lacks much to be admired.  As Jews we have Tzadikim to look up to and admire and strive to emulate.   These are people that have truly optimized themselves to become angles in this world.  In this episode Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Executive Director of TORCH and host of the Jewish Inspiration Podcast, joins us to share some mind blowing and inspiring stories of these Tzadikim that will open your mind to your true potential.

There is a concept in Torah that for many of us creates confusion, especially as we begin our exploration of Torah wisdom.  It is the subject of the Satan.  The reason for the confusion is that this is a similar term that we regularly hear used by the Christians.   However, while similar terms, definitionally they are totally opposing concepts.  The Christians believe that the Satan is a separate opposing power to Hashem, an idea that is idolatrous and heretical as G-d is the only power and source of existence.   The Torah teaches us that the Satan is a servant to Hashem, playing a vital role in His creation, to provide us with the free will opportunity to grow closer to our Creator.  The devil is in the details.  In this episode Rabbi Cohen provides enlightening clarity on this subject to the both the beginner and advanced student.

There is a concept in Torah that for many of us creates confusion, especially as we begin our exploration of Torah wisdom.  It is the subject of the Satan.  The reason for the confusion is that this is a similar term that we regularly hear used by the Christians.   However, while similar terms, definitionally they are totally opposing concepts.  The Christians believe that the Satan is a separate opposing power to Hashem, an idea that is idolatrous and heretical as G-d is the only power and source of existence.   The Torah teaches us that the Satan is a servant to Hashem, playing a vital role in His creation, to provide us with the free will opportunity to grow closer to our Creator.  The devil is in the details.  In this episode Rabbi Cohen provides enlightening clarity on this subject to the both the beginner and advanced student.

Why do we study Torah, Halacha and perform mitzvot?  The answer is that that is the Almighty’s prescription for continually increasing our Emunah.  This is the very purpose of our time in this world and one that is necessary, now more than ever, to prepare us for the times of Moshiach.  With the global pandemic gripping so many in a state of fear, I thought it was timely to bring on Rabbi Brody, the Doctor of Emunah, to remind us all, that the pandemic was created by G-d for a reason.   And that reason is to give us the opportunity to receive the gift of Emunah in Him and Him alone.Click here to check out Rabbi Brody’s Books.  Great reads for daily doses of Emunah.

Our Sages teach us that the Torah is the Blueprint for Creation and that there are up to 6,000 years of creation before G-d’s revelation to the world.  Now is the year 5781 which means that we are living in the story of creation or in other words, we are living in the Torah.   In this episode we discuss the proofs, the psychological hurdles to overcome and the gravity of taking ownership to our personal narrative in the Torah.

A core concept that permeates all of creation is the aspect of masculinity and femininity, as it is fractal in nature.  To understand masculinity (giving) and femininity (receiving) and the receiving through giving, brings much greater insights into how we can develop harmonious relationships with one another and with G-d.   In this amazing episode I am joined with Rabbi Buscko, aka “The Average Rabbi” and he shares with us, his deep insights into this fundamental aspect of creation.

A life centered around Torah is a life dedicated to perpetual transformation and with that comes struggles and challenges.  Nissim Black is American-Israeli rapper who has achieved international stardom through his beautiful and inspiring music.   His transformation to an Orthodox Jew and likewise the transformation of his music through this process is equally inspiring.   He is a Tzadik and a role model for the Jewish people.   In this episode, I talk with Nissim Black, and learn about how to grow through living inspired.

I approached this interview, with Rabbi Wohlgelernter, with the following question; how does one fulfill the mitzvah of remaining joyful while learning how to be Torah observant? As for me, it has been a continual experience of thinking I have learned everything needed, only to then learn that I barely know anything.   In this episode, Rabbi Wohlgelernter explains that this process of growth should not be approached with the attitude of getting past these challenges, as the challenges are there intentionally by G-d’s design, but it is through the challenges that we become closer to Him.   So, if the challenges are inevitable for all of us then the real question is, how to embrace the challenges.   This extremely insightful and life changing conversation will be a three-part series, as the messaging is too important and too powerful to squeeze into one.

I approached this interview, with Rabbi Wohlgelernter, with the following question;  how does one fulfill the mitzvah of remaining joyful, while learning how to be Torah observant? As for me, it has been a continual experience of thinking I have learned everything needed, only to then learn that I barely know anything.   In this episode, Rabbi Wohlgelernter explains that this process of growth should not be approached with the attitude of getting past these challenges, as the challenges are there intentionally by G-d’s design, but it is through the challenges that we become closer to Him.   So, if the challenges are inevitable for all of us then the real question is, how to embrace the challenges.   This extremely insightful and life changing conversation will be a three-part series, as the messaging is too important and too powerful to squeeze into one.