The Shema Podcast for the Perplexed

For Jews not born religious, we often share a common journey. Initially, we experience a honeymoon phase with Hashem, much like the Jews at Mt. Sinai. However, just as the Jews at Mt. Sinai faced 42 encampments or challenges after their first year with Hashem, we too encounter similar experiences that help us grow.In this episode, I share some recent challenging experiences and the lessons I've learned along the way. This episode is dedicated to Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Rabbi Shea Lazenga, and Rabbi Lazer Brody for being in my corner of the boxing ring, offering their wisdom and encouragement as I prepare to fight my next round.

Now that Shavuos is behind us, we find ourselves in a wilderness void of holidays to spiritually charge us, outside of Shabbos. We have Tisha B'av in August, and then Rosh Hashanah does not arrive until October. But this is not actually the case. We have the monthly holiday of Rosh Chodesh that, for many, goes unnoticed but is packed with incredible meaning. It is the mitzvah that Hashem gave to the Jewish people as the guardians of time. He placed control of time in our hands to remind us that we are in control of our redemption. Join us as Rabbi Bucsko reveals the depth of this monthly holiday and how we can embrace it to actualize our mission in the world.

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with our special and beloved guest, Morty Roth, as we prepare for Shavuos by reflecting on what the Parsha of Bamidbar, which most often precedes Shavuos, conveys to us about how we can best prepare for our recommitment to the Torah at Shavuos and the wilderness we find ourselves in before the next Yom Tov of Rosh Hashanah.

At the core of being a Jew is the belief that Hashem orchestrates every detail of our lives with love and for our ultimate good. This raises a fundamental question: if everything in our lives is already perfectly constructed by Hashem in that moment then why do we pray for things we feel we lack, if we are to believe that we everything is already perfect? In this episode, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe joins us to explore this apparent paradox. We delve into the relationship between Emunah (faith) and prayer and discuss the roles of segulos (spiritual remedies) and asking tzaddikim (righteous individuals) to pray on our behalf.

We all celebrate personal milestones like birthdays and wedding anniversaries throughout the year. Many of us are accustomed to measuring time according to the Gregorian Calendar, a man-made system, rather than the Hebrew calendar, which was established by the Creator of time. In this episode, Rabbi Nagel joins us to explore these important questions: 1) Should we acknowledge the Gregorian calendar? 2) How do we serve Hashem during these significant personal milestones in the year? 3) For those who have converted or are married to converts, how do we honor previous birthdays and wedding anniversaries that may seem less relevant post-conversion? Join us for an enlightening discussion on harmonizing these calendars and embracing these sacred times in our lives.

It is now the Counting of the Omer.    These 49 days between Pesach and Shavous create a bridge that allows one to leave their mental restrictions and move towards a more expanded consciousness.   In this episode, Rabbi Chaim Buscko breaks down for us how to tap into the spiritual energies now present.   By doing so, we will forge ourselves into vessels that will allow us to absorb the wisdom of Torah and catapult us to a higher level of closeness to our Creator. 

During our Pesach Seder, we recounted the story of our redemption, starting with our suffering in Egypt, leading to our cries to Hashem, and ultimately to Him guiding us to freedom. However, we must ask ourselves why He placed us in Egypt to begin with. What was it about our time in Egypt that was a necessary prerequisite to achieve freedom? What does freedom really mean? In this episode, I am absolutely delighted to welcome my new dear friend and Rabbi, Morty Roth, so he can share his deep insights into the answers to these questions.Morty Roth references several books during our conversation.   If you are interested in obtaining these books I have provided links to where you can buy.Covenant & Conversation by Jonathan Sacks Pebbles of Wisdom From Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz

In our Tanach, Isaiah (Yeshayahu), describes that during the era of Moshiach, the earth will be as filled with the knowledge of Hashem, as the waters cover the sea.   My dear friends and heroes, Bruce Licht and Ron Kardos, set out on an initiative to manifest this prophecy into reality.  Their story and example are an inspiration to me and anyone who listens, to our responsibilities as Jews in this world.

For millennia, the Jewish community has awaited the arrival of Moshiach, yearning for the Final Redemption and Hashem's ultimate revelation. Each day that this event does not unfold serves as a poignant reminder from our Creator that we, as a people, may not yet be prepared for such profound judgment. This shared spiritual destiny underscores a profound truth: we are intrinsically linked, rising and falling as one. Our collective responsibility to each other is both a privilege and a duty. In this compelling episode, we invite Tyler Scholl and Erica Harris to share their personal paths towards Torah observance. Their experiences shed light on the ways we can support one another in our shared mission to live up to the covenant established at Mt. Sinai.

Aiding us in our endeavor to cleave to our Creator and continually ascend to great spiritual heights is the divine timeline throughout each year.  In this episode we are joined by a dear friend, Betty Givin who recently published a book on this subject “Hidden Sparks – Beneath The Surface: An Inspirational Journey Through The Biblical Festivals.”  Betty shares her insights for each auspicious time throughout the year and how we can each find our hidden sparks.Click here to order your copy of ”Hidden Sparks – Beneath The Surface: An Inspirational Journey Through The Biblical Festivals.”