The Parsha Podcast - With Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

The Ten Plagues reach their crescendo in Parshas Bo. After Pharaoh’s repeated intransigence, he undergoes a series of humbling miraculous plagues that prompt him to evict the Jews from his land. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Please consider sponsoring […]

Before the seventh and final plague of the parsha, Moshe warns the Egyptians about the forthcoming hail of fire-and-ice. Some of the Egyptians prudently move all their possessions to safety, while others leave them out. The Torah’s labeling of these people and their choices provide us with valuable lessons. – – – – – – […]

In Parshas Vaeira we see the humbling of Pharaoh and the Egyptians. We learn about the first seven of the Ten Plagues and their purpose and significance. More broadly, we delve into the objective of the Exodus at large. The topics discussed in this episode: Introduction to the Plagues and Exodus: The various Names of […]

The book of Exodus begins with the enslavement of the Jewish people in Egypt. Interestingly, when Abraham was selected to be the father of the Chosen People he was informed that his descendents will be subject to severe national suffering in a foreign land.Seemingly, the enslavement was an ideal, and necessary, component of becoming God’s […]

In his last act, Jacob gathers his sons and offers each of the twelve a blessing. To us, however, it does not seem that the first three received a blessing at all. Reuben was castigated for being impetuous and consequently he was stripped of his role as king and priest, and Simon and Levi were reprimanded […]

Parshas Vayrchi is oriented around the illness and death of Jacob. The Jewish family is growing and establishing roots in Egypt. Their spiritual leader and guide is going to pass, and they will ease into Egyptian life, culminating in their eventual enslavement. In his waning moments, Jacob gathers his children, blesses them, and provides them […]

This week’s parsha recounts the tale of how after decades of separation, Jacob is finally reunited with Joseph. But when they finally meet something odd happens. While Joseph responds to the moment emotionally, by falling on his father’s shoulder and weeping, Jacob is stoic. Our sages tell us that he was reciting the Shema prayer […]

Parshas Vayigash begins with Joseph’s dramatic revelation to his brothers and ends with the descent of Jacob and his descendents to Egypt, where they will spend the next several hundred years burgeoning into a great nation. The topics discussed in this episode: Joseph reveals his True Identity – [0:00]; The Brothers Silence in the Face […]

When reading about the story and the miracles of Chanukah, the most prominent and memorable one seems to be the military victory of a small ragtag guerrilla army over the mighty Greeks. Yet the mitzvah commemorating the events revolves around the miracle of the oil, a seemingly insignificant miracle in comparison. In this podcast, we offer 3 […]

Parshas Mikeitz tells the dramatic transformation of Joseph from lowly prisoner to exalted viceroy of Egypt, his oversight of Egyptian preparation for famine and how he related to his brothers who sought grain. The topics discussed in this episode: Joseph’s Ascension to grandeur – [0:00]; Joseph’s Suggestion: Seek a wise person – [10:08]; Joseph enshrined as viceroy, implements […]

In Parshas Vayeishev, the conflict between Joseph and his brothers reaches the tipping point when they plot to kill him. In the end, Reuben saves Joseph by successfully lobbying that he be thrown into a pit full of dangerous animals. Why did the brothers want to kill Joseph, how did Reuben convince them not to, […]

Parshas Vayeishev marks the dramatic descent of Joseph, from Jacob’s favorite son to alleged attempted rapist languishing in an Egyptian prison. In retrospect, this Parsha tells the beginning of the founding of the Jewish nation and the back story to the nation’s most prestigious family. The topics discussed in this episode: Jacob’s Favoritism towards Joseph – […]

In our parsha, Jacob was stranded alone and partook in a fight to the death with the angel of Esau for an entire night. Quoting the Talmud, Rashi reveals that the reason why Jacob was alone was that he went to retrieve a few small jugs. The Talmud continues that from this episode we see […]

Telling the story of this week’s parsha while gleaning insights and lessons from it. The topics discussed in this episode: Jacob’s Preparation for the Encounter with Esau – [0:00] Jacob’s Fears: Of Loss of Merits, Of Esau and Of Esau’s “Brotherly Love” – [9:09] The Bribe – [13:29] Jacob Hid Dina to Shield her from Esau – [16:06] […]

In our parsha, Jacob and his wives are faced with a very difficult test, and the Torah describes a very unique approach that they used when confronting the dilemma. In this podcast, we will deconstruct their methodology and draw from it a valuable principle that can help us in our challenges today. – – – […]

Telling the story of this week’s parsha while gleaning insights and lessons from it. The topics discussed in this episode: Jacob’s Dream – [0:00] Jacob’s Ladder – [9:10] Jacob’s Pledge compared to God’s Promise – [13:59] On the Meaning of Stones in the Parsha; The Power of Inspiration – [19:00] Jacob Meets Rachel – [22:54] Seven Years in Exchange […]

Rebecca was surrounded by bad influences. Her father, brother and community were all sinners. How did she manage to not learn from their ways and what can we learn from this? – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Please consider […]

Telling the story of this week’s parsha while gleaning insights and lessons from it. The topics discussed in this episode: Praying As Response to Infertility – [0:00] God Answers Isaac’s Prayer – [4:52] Jacob and Esau intrauterine Struggling; Esau Pining for Idolatry; The Cosmic Struggle between the Two Worlds – [10:16] Jacob Seizing the Ankle of Esau and their Childhood; Isaac’s […]

In Parshas Chayei Sarah, Eliezer devises a test to determine the suitability of a prospective spouse for Isaac that teaches us about marital compatibility and about a special kind of kindness. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Please consider […]

Telling the story of this week’s parsha while gleaning insights and lessons from it. The topics discussed in this episode: The Death, Bereavment and Burial of Sarah – [0:00] The Cave of the Machpelah – [14:23] Eliezer’s Oath, Eligibility Test for a prospective Spouse for Isaac– [23:26] Eliezer’s Encounter with Lavan and Rebecca’s family and the Corruptive […]

The most difficult test of Abraham’s Ten Tests was the commandment to sacrifice Isaac for God. Rashi comments that had Abraham failed in his test, the other nine would be rendered non substantive. Why does Abraham need to be perfect for his tests to have value and what lessons can we draw from this teaching? […]

Telling the story of this week’s parsha while gleaning insights and lessons from it. The topics discussed in this episode: Kindness Superseding Prophecy – [0:00] Deconstructing Abraham’s Kindness with the Three Strangers – [9:57] Abraham’s Intercession on Behalf of Sodom – [25:23] Abraham’s Unsuccessful Kindnesses: How Kindness and Faith are Correlated and How Lot’s Kindness differed from Abraham’s – […]

The mitzvah of Bris Milah (circumcision) is unique of several fronts. It is the first mitzvah given to Abraham and the first done to a Jewish child; it is the mark of the Jewish fraternity; and the Talmud declares that is emblematic of all the mitzvos combined. What is the meaning behind this enigmatic mitzvah? – […]

Begining this week, we will, God-willing, upload two weekly Parsha Podcast episodes, the one orginally recorded last year on the whole Parsha and a shorter, orginal one on a specific point on the parsha that I find noteworthy. (Thank you Howard Schreiber for the suggestion.) Also, I am pleased to announce the launching of a brand […]

For last year’s podcast on Parshas Noach click HERE. In this podcast we draw three lessons from the Torah’s chracter assesments of Noah. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Please consider making a donation to help fund our Jewish […]

Welcome to Year 2 of the Parsha Podcast. This year’s cycle will differ from last year’s in that we will only pick an angle or an idea from the parsha but will not give a comprehensive overview of the parsha as we did last year. However, last year’s episode [link HERE] will still be available […]

Over the past year we have studied the entire Torah, the five books of Moshe. In this podcast, we try to identify the underlying theme that strings throughout the Torah. What is the overarching theme of Torah and what ought we to take away from the experience of studying it? – – – – – […]

Yom Kippur is associated with prayer and liturgy that we may not understand, very long services and, of course, fasting. Unfortunately, most people are unaware of the power, meaning and opportunity of the day. In this podcast we go back to the very first Yom Kippur. What happened on that day and how is it […]

Rosh Hashana is the anniversary of the creation of man. It is also the Day of Judgement. What are the various elements and themes of the day and how do they interrelate? – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Please […]

On the final day of his life, Moshe gathers the nation and sketches out the cycles of history both past and future in a poetic, song like way, all the while providing indispensable lessons. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

In the last few days of Moshe’s life, he gathers the entire nation, men women and children, and presents to them his final, departing message. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Please consider making a donation to help fund […]

A central theme of Parshas Ki Savo is the idea that we are the Chosen People of God. Why were we chosen, what are we chosen for, and what are the benefits and consequences of being chosen? – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

Though Hurricane Harvey is slamming the Houston area, flooding its highways, homes, and business, inundating its rivers and bayous, and causing catastrophic destruction and devastation, at TORCH the Torah study goes on. Sadly, our TORCH Centre is currently under several feet of water Help TORCH rebuild after Harvey by visiting https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you! Contact: Website: RabbiWolbe.com; Twitter: @RabbiWolbe; […]

In Parshas Shoftim we learn about enactment of judges and a judicial system in Israel. We also learn about the Sanhedrin, its history, and its authority, and what happens when fallible human courts make blunders. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

Parshas Re’eh marks a transition in Devarim. After four sections of Moshe inspiring the nation ahead of his death and their entrance to Israel, the nation is instructed with mitzvos related to their upcoming new world. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

Parshas Eikev continues Moshe’s grand Speech to the Nation. In it we learn about how Torah is food for life, and how to love, and about reward and punishment. Please note this class was originally recorded in 2016 and please forgive me if the audio quality is a bit sub par. – – – – – […]

Parshas Vaeschanan continues where Parshas Devarim left off. Moshe has about a month left to speak to the nation and prepare them for the challenges awaiting them in Canaan. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Please consider making a […]

Parshas Devarim, and indeed the Book of Devarim, begins with a lengthy speech from Moshe to the nation about a month before his death. In it he subtly criticizes them regarding all the nation’s misdeeds over the duration of the 40 years in the Wilderness. – – – – – – – – – – […]

The final two parshiyos of the Book of Numbers (Bamidbar) tell the laws and happenings leading up to the conquest of Canaan (Israel). We are taught the laws of vows, then a war is fought and its booty is divided, and the tribes of Gad and Reuven agree to a pact. – – – – […]

Pinchas was a great hero who acted out of vengeance for God. In this Parsha, we read about the plaudits for his heroism, the Jews are counted again, a knotty inheritance question is settled, Moshe asked for a successor, and we learn about many sacrifices. – – – – – – – – – – […]

Bilaam was a gifted prophet on par with Moshe. Sadly, he chose to direct his powers towards a life of evil. In Parshas Balak, Bilaam is hired to curse the Jewish people, but it does not go as planned. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

Parshas Chukas tells of the red heifer as an atonement from contamination of the dead. What is the meaning behind it and how does it relate to the Golden Calf? – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Please consider making […]

Korach was Moshe’s envious first cousin who mounted an insurrection against Moshe and Aaron, even questioning their legitimacy. In this story we learn vital lessons about staying true to the role that the Almighty prepares for us and the importance of maintaining peace. – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

In Parshas Shelach we read about the disastrous episode of the Spies. These 12 men were initially great leaders of the people, but their libelous report about the Land condemned the Nation to 40 years of wandering in the Wilderness. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

After nearly a year encamped at Sinai, the Jews begin their journey to Canaan in Parshas Behaaloscha. With the Tabernacle completed, the Levites consecrated and readied, the road was paved for their swift entry into the Promised Land. Unfortunately, things did not go as planned. – – – – – – – – – – […]

Parshas Nasso is the longest parsha in the Torah, 176 verses. It details the final preparations for when the Tabernacle is erected, the laws of Sotah and Nazir, and the detailing of the offerings of the tribal leaders. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

The book of Numbers begins with a national census conducted by Moshe and Aaron and the heads of the tribes, followed by informing of the encampment structure of the tribes and their flags, and tribe of Levi is counted and their tasks assigned. – – – – – – – – – – – – […]

In the last two parshas of Leviticus we read what a nation subject to God’s dominion looks like. Our life is regulated by God – lending without interest, annulling loans, freeing slaves, returning rightfully purchased property, and ceasing to work every seventh year. We also learn what happens when Jews opt for rejecting the Almighty’s Torah. […]

In Parshas Emor we learn more laws relating to the sanctity of Kohanim; we get a detailed account of the Jewish festivals; and read about the blasphemer and what happened to him. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Please […]

This week’s double parshas include perhaps the most famous verse in the Torah, “Thou shall love your fellow as yourself”, along with a bevy of mitzvos geared towards making a person holier and more similar to his Creator. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]