The Shema Podcast for the Perplexed

Delving into the profound insights of Rabbi Akiva Tatz's "Living Inspired," this podcast explores the intricate workings of the human mind and its capabilities. We'll delve into how our mental faculties intertwine with our Neshama (soul) and true Daas (knowledge), providing listeners with a comprehensive toolkit for harnessing their mental power. This journey aims to empower individuals to bring their spiritually perfected selves into the physical realm, fulfilling their unique missions and potential.

In this episode, we delve into the profound impact our thoughts have on shaping our external world. Just like seeds that sprout and blossom, the notions we entertain in our minds can materialize into our physical reality. The role of the Yetzer Hara is to introduce detrimental, negative perceptions regarding ourselves, others, or various situations. If we dwell on these thoughts, it's akin to nurturing these seeds, allowing them to take root in our tangible world. I'll share a detailed routine and checklist I’ve been developing over the past year, aimed at ensuring one’s mind fosters only constructive thoughts. These thoughts are crucial in maximizing our potential in serving and loving Hashem with both aspects of our heart – the yetzer tov and the yetzer hara.

The concept that may be challenging for some Jewish individuals is the notion that in order to genuinely love Hashem, there must be an element of fear involved. In this episode, I delve into this subject by drawing parallels with the dynamics found in parent-child relationships and the bonds between spouses. My aim is to shed light on this topic in a manner that fosters a positive outlook and encourages the listener to embrace the commandment of fearing heaven and Hashem with a healthy perspective.

The annual Chanukah struggle endures for the Jewish people, representing our role as the illuminating force that communicates to the world the concept that nature serves as the garment through which our Creator engages with our reality, rather than an independent creation lacking a Creator. Contrary to the misconception that the Greek and Roman empires have ceased to exist, their ideologies persist as integral components of Western civilization, contributing to the exile experienced by many in the Jewish community today. In this installment, we are once again joined by David Block, back by popular demand, to explore how we can embody the radiant light of the menorah throughout the entire year, enlightening the world with the truth of our world and its Creator.

We've dedicated numerous episodes to exploring our role as Jews in the spiritual struggle against evil. However, it's crucial to consider our hishtadlus (personal effort) in the physical realm of this battle. In this episode, we are privileged to gain insights from Eytan Rund, currently serving in the IDF's intelligence unit. He sheds light on our role and emphasizes the urgent need for Jews worldwide to contribute. Listening to Eytan has significantly altered my perspective on the current situation, and I believe it will have a similar impact on yours. If you're interested in supporting our IDF brothers and sisters engaged in a war that concerns us all, this episode is a must-listen.

In the ongoing narrative of creation, now in its concluding chapters, the Jewish story is akin to that of a superhero. Ken Spiro, in his book "Destiny," highlights how the structure of any superhero tale mirrors that of the Jewish people. In this interview, I talk with Evonne Marzouk, the author of "The Prophetess." Through her novel, writings, and public speaking, she stands on the front lines, utilizing her extraordinary abilities in writing and speaking to evoke the hero within each of us.The present moment calls for us to embrace our unique strengths and encourage their emergence in our fellow Jews. By doing so, we can play our part in bringing the concluding episodes of the creation story to fruition, in alignment with the Creator's vision. Our collective aim is to rid the world of evil and restore it to a state of peace and harmony. This transformation will pave the way for the earthly realm to reflect the intended revelation of the Almighty, as envisioned from the outset of this grand narrative.Click here to order your copy of “The Prophetess,” by Evonne Mazouk in Kindle, Hardcover or Paperback.

I initiated this podcast in 2020 after coming across a prophecy in the Zohar. It foretold a situation akin to how, during the Exodus, 80% of the Jews in Egypt were reluctant to join and preferred to remain in Egypt, ultimately leading to their perishing during the 9th plague of darkness. The prophecy suggested a similar scenario in the final redemption. However, when Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe enlightened me that negative prophecies can be averted, I made a commitment to play my part in reawakening Jews to the significance of their Torah and their pivotal role in repairing the world. In this episode, I am joined by two remarkable guests, Lieutenant Joe Mabry and Specialist Solomon Kullman, who are at the forefront of the effort to prevent the realization of this prophecy by guiding their fellow Jews back to Hashem and His Torah.You may reach out to the host at Shema@torchweb.org.

In previous episodes, I've discussed the idea that the purpose of Torah, mitzvos, and the various aspects of Halacha derived from the mitzvos is to expand and infuse into every facet of our lives, refining each moment into a binary choice to choose Hashem. However, this perspective is not entirely accurate as the realm of Halacha contains numerous uncertainties and consequently, divergent opinions. In this episode, I have the privilege of introducing you to the brilliant and insightful Rabbi Pill, who sheds light on the concept that those areas of ambiguity that Hashem deliberately wove into His Torah, serve as the very source of our most profound connection with Him.You may reach out to the host at Shema@torchweb.org.

Hashem created angles as purely spiritual and intellection beings, yet as static beings.  He created animals simply that operate off instincts.   Then He created mankind, the fusion of the two, so that mankind could choose to elevate themselves higher than an angle or devolve lower than that of an animal.  After this last week of seeing evil men who have devolved precipitously below that of an animal, I wanted to give the listeners a way of seeing the other side of the spectrum in mankind.  In this episode I allow you to see holiness.  May it continue to flourish among the Jewish people until our holiness eradicates this evil in the world.You may reach out to the host at Shema@torchweb.org.

In this episode, we are honored to welcome David Block back to the show. Following our previous episode, where David shared his insights and questions, many of his family and friends have been curious about how to begin their journey with a few fundamental mitzvos. David and I delve into the motivations behind a Jew's desire to seek these recommendations, the fulfillment that mitzvos bring to a Jew, and the crucial bedrock for leading a life as a Jew with a deep connection to their Creator.You may reach out to the host at Shema@torchweb.org.