Lifelong Jewish Learners Podcast
40 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsAs we begin to think about Shabbat, join us each Friday for a spiritual reflection of the weekly Torah portion and discuss Jewish traditions and values along the way!
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Episodes
Parshat Shmot 5782: Confidence is Key
December 24, 2021 10:00 - 12 minutes - 17.6 MBGrowing up, I had a poster on my wall that said “Leadership: Some are born with it; others have it thrust upon them.” And as I’ve been studying Parshat Shmot, the first Torah portion in the Book of Exodus, I quickly realized that the poster I had looked at for close to a decade is where I wanted to begin our podcast. There are times where we’d have to step up to the plate and be the leader that a situation calls for, but sometimes that responsibility is thrown our way. It's not necessarily a...
Parshat Vayechi 5782: Find Your Way Back Home
December 17, 2021 10:00 - 10 minutes - 14.4 MBAt the start of this week's parsha, Jacob asks Joseph to bury him in Canaan, not Egypt. Find out why!
Parshat Vayigash 5782: Find Your Purpose
December 10, 2021 10:00 - 10 minutes - 10.1 MBJoseph tells his brothers he was sent to Egypt ahead of them for a purpose. What is yours?
Parshat Miketz 5782: Joseph, the First Prepper
December 03, 2021 10:00 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MBPrepping for the end of the world is often stigmatized as selfish and paranoid, but Parshat Miketz explores a prepper who is rewarding for prepping. Explore how Joseph saves Egypt by prepping for catastrophe.
Parshat Vayeshev 5782: Location, Location, Location
November 26, 2021 10:00 - 12 minutes - 11.5 MBWe see how easy it can be to go from the top to the bottom in today's Torah Portion. But what if we are on the top? How do we respond? Do we brag on ourself or do we see the impact of our behavior?
Parshat Vayishlach--Jacob's Blessing Is Teshuva
November 19, 2021 11:00 - 10 minutes - 9.84 MBAs we wrap up the soap opera that has been Jacob's life, it's often easy to look at the reunion between Jacob and Esau through the perspective of forgiving people, but let's look at the other perspective. How do we repent in order to be forgiven? Join us as we look at their interaction through Jacob's eyes.
Parshat Vayetzei 5782: Correlation Doesn't Imply Karma
November 12, 2021 11:00 - 12 minutes - 11.5 MBMy high school biology teacher often said, "Correlation doesn't imply causation," but with Parshat Vayetzei, causation doesn't play as big a role as karma does. As we examine the correlation between Parshat Toldot and Parshat Vayetzei, join us as we discover how Jacob affected his karma in these two thematically similar parshiyot!
Parshat Toldot: It's Better to Be Challenged than Coddled
November 05, 2021 10:00 - 10 minutes - 9.81 MBWe're all familiar with Jacob receiving his brother Esau's birthright in exchange for a bowl of soup. We're all familiar with how Jacob is dressed up as Esau to receive his father Isaac's blessing. But could this entire ordeal have been avoided if Isaac and Rebekah chose to challenge their favorite children?
Parshat Chaye Sarah: Exploring Sarah's Legacy
October 30, 2021 01:48 - 8 minutes - 8.21 MBAfter the attempted sacrifice of Isaac, we get to see how Sarah took the news in this week's parsha, Chaye Sarah.
Parshat Vayera: What Was Abraham's Test?
October 23, 2021 22:44 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MBFor many, Parshat Vayera is often associated with G-d testing Abraham's faith by sacrificing his son, yeah, Isaac, but what if I were to tell you that wasn't the real test?
Parshat Lech Lecha--Go and Bet on Yourself
October 15, 2021 09:00 - 11 minutes - 11 MBThis week in Parshat Lech Lecha, join us as we discuss the hit new show on Netflix, Squid Game, and how it relates to Abram and Sarai's journey to the land that G-d will show them!
Parshat Noach--The True Evil that Destroyed the World
October 08, 2021 09:00 - 16 minutes - 15.7 MBIt's not uncommon to look at the story of Noah and find the easy message. Join us as we uncover who actually our main characters are and what we can learn from them!
A Time for Renewal and New Beginnings: 5782
October 01, 2021 09:00 - 18 minutes - 17.4 MBWith the High Holy Days right behind us, we ended and restarted our Torah reading cycle. Discover unique parallels between the beginning and the end of Torah as well as trying to answer the question: "Why Be Jewish?"
What's Keeping You Grounded?
July 12, 2021 05:00 - 14 minutes - 20.5 MBIt's not gravity keeping you grounded. It's your cowboy hat. Find out more! Credit to @thatjinjyjew for their commentary on head coverings. Introduction and Closing Music--"Hard Metal Intro" produced by Winnie the Moog
Torah Thursday: Matot-Masei 5781
July 08, 2021 23:28 - 19 minutes - 17.7 MBWith the Israelites about to cross the Jordan into the Promised Land, we learn about one tribe that doesn't get a designated territory. Find out why! Introduction and Closing Music--"Hard Metal Intro" produced by Winnie the Moog
Torah Thursday: Parshat Pinchas 5781
July 01, 2021 13:00 - 15 minutes - 21.6 MBParshat Pinchas, another Torah portion named after an individual, is one of the more divisive Torah portions in our weekly reading cycle. With so many people having issues reconciling the actions of both Pinchas and G-d, is there still a good message we can get from reading it? Introduction and Closing Music--"Hard Metal Intro" produced by Winnie the Moog
Jewish Aliens?
June 28, 2021 11:00 - 18 minutes - 25.6 MBWith this Friday being UFO Day, we can't not talk about aliens! Join us as we examine B'nai Elohim, Nefilim, a few Psalms, as well as the Four (Or Five) Worlds of Kabbalah to discover if alien life exists in our Jewish understanding of the world around us! Introduction and Closing Music--"Hard Metal Intro" produced by Winnie the Moog
Torah Thursday: Parshat Balak 5781
June 24, 2021 11:00 - 15 minutes - 20.7 MBA curse is supposed to be sent to the Israelites, but a donkey stops it. In this week's Torah portion, Parshat Balak, we explore and examine the power of language and how to use it effectively to lift people up, not curse them. Introduction and Closing Music--"Hard Metal Intro" produced by Winnie the Moog
Understanding The Age of the Universe
June 21, 2021 11:00 - 17 minutes - 24 MBScience says the universe is over 13 billion years old. Judaism says otherwise, or does it? How can we rectify the difference of over 12 and a half billion years of an age difference. Find out how on the Lifelong Jewish Learners Podcast! Introduction and Closing Music- "Hard Metal Intro" produced by Winnie the Moog
Torah Thursday: Parshat Korach 5781
June 10, 2021 05:00 - 17 minutes - 16.1 MBWith Moses and Aaron facing their first power struggle, we see an insurrection against Moses and Aaron in Parshat Korach. Moses has a unique reaction. Join us as we explore Moses's reaction to Korach and discover how we can use Moses as an example to all of us.
Reconciling Science and Judaism: The Theory of Evolution
June 07, 2021 05:00 - 14 minutes - 13.7 MBHow did we get here? Why are we here? What role does science play in our modern understanding of Jewish thought? Join us today as we explore Darwin's Theory of Evolution, highlighting the theory, addressing the conversation from both a scientific and Jewish perspective. You don't want to miss this one! Introduction Music: "Hard Metal Intro" produced by Winnie the Moog
The Three Things We Need to Agree On For An Intelligent Israel-Palestine Conversation
May 24, 2021 06:00 - 18 minutes - 16.9 MBOn this week's episode of Minhag Monday, we are coming off a cease fire agreement in the most Israel-Palestine Conflict in the Middle East. With tensions and emotions high, everyone seems to have an opinion, but sometimes it's not worth having the conversation. Join us today as we explore three things that everyone needs to agree upon in order to have an intelligent conversation about Israel and Gaza.
Torah Thursday: Pashat Naso 5781
May 20, 2021 05:51 - 18 minutes - 17 MBOn this week's episode of Torah Thursday, join us as we explore the decision to become a sacred volunteer: the Nazarite! By separating ourself from the routine and going outside the ordinary, we can learn a lot more than we thing. It's not a challenge, it's an opportunity!
Minhag Monday: The Investment at Sinai
May 17, 2021 05:36 - 17 minutes - 16.6 MBAs we are celebrating Shavuot, join us as we look at the best gift the Israelites and the Jewish people have received: The Torah! With Mel Brooks and Reddit being key components to our conversation, this compelling Shavuot episode explores that the Torah is more than a gift; it's an investment!
Torah Thursday: Parshat Bamidbar 5781
May 13, 2021 05:00 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MBOn this week's episode of Torah Thursday, join us as we take a unique look at the Israelite Census from a perspective that you might not have heard before as we discuss Parshat Badmidbar, the first Torah portion in the Book of Numbers!
Minhag Monday: Praise G-d with a Guitar! Featuring Jeremy Waldrip
May 10, 2021 05:00 - 41 minutes - 38.5 MBToday on Minhag Monday, we are joined by 18 time award winning Classical Guitarist, Jeremy Waldrip. With his popular song Sacred Time, Jeremy shares his passion for music and how his Jewish upbringing affected his journey as he became a leading musician in the classical music arena in Austin, TX, Louisville, KY, Belgrade Serbia, New York City, Memphis, TN and so many other places! With music theory and a passion for lifelong musical learning, Jeremy and I explore his song Sacred Time and the...
The Story of the Jedi is a Jewish One!
May 04, 2021 22:00 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MBMay the Fourth Be With You! Join us for our special edition of the Lifelong Jewish Learners Podcast as we explore the Star Wars universe in 11 short minutes! It's more Jewish than we realize!
Minhag Monday: Question Everything!
May 04, 2021 04:55 - 12 minutes - 11.3 MBAs we celebrated Lag B'Omer last week, we explore a famous Talmudic story about Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and his spiritual journey in a cave following a death sentence from the Roman Emperor. Join us as we discuss why and how we question everything on this week's episode of Minhag Monday!
Torah Thursday: Parshat Emor 5781
April 29, 2021 05:53 - 17 minutes - 16.2 MBThis week we discuss Parshat Emor, the second to last Torah portion in the Book of Leviticus. As we continue the Holiness Code we shared last week, we discover how to truly make G-d's name holy. Welcome to Maimonides' commentary to the podcast as we hear how he explains profaning G-d's name. With a Hebrew lesson and so much more, remember that it's more than just saying something, it's doing it!
Torah Thursday: Achrei-Mot Kedoshim
April 22, 2021 05:00 - 14 minutes - 13.4 MBIn this week's episode of Torah Thursday, we examine Parshiyot Achrei-Mot and Kedoshim, another double Torah portion. Using the Holiness Code in Parshat Kedoshim as our guide, we explore what it means to love our neighbors as ourselves. Using commentary from Rabbi Hillel, Psychology Today, and Parks and Rec, learn how to "Treat Yo' Self" to better love the stranger!
Minhag Monday: Wherever You Go, There's Always Jewish Values
April 19, 2021 18:35 - 14 minutes - 13.5 MBJewish values stem from one key value, in my opinion. Find out about 7 Jewish values and how they play a role in society today and how we need to live those values, right here on Minhag Monday, only on the Lifelong Jewish Learners Podcast!
Torah Thursday: Parshiyot Tazria-Metzora
April 15, 2021 05:00 - 15 minutes - 14.8 MBIn this week's episode of Torah Thursday, we discuss our first double Torah portion on the podcast: Parshat Tazria and Parshat Metzora. Two Torah portions similar in theme can be summed up by how the Israelite community would respond to spiritual purity and impurity as well as the priests' response. How does unsolicited advice, backseat drivers, disability rights advocacy, and the movie Joker relate to this week's Torah study? Find out here!
Minhag Monday: Who is a Jew?
April 12, 2021 10:00 - 15 minutes - 14.7 MBThis week on Minhag Monday, we try to answer the famous question "Who is a Jew?" Using audio commentary from Rabbi Manis Friedman and Israel's Right of Return Law and the new Israeli Supreme Court decision, we try to find that answer. Coming up, on the Lifelong Jewish Learners Podcast!
Torah Thursday: How I Analyze Torah
April 08, 2021 05:00 - 16 minutes - 14.8 MBI screwed up last week, so you have an exciting opportunity to go behind the scenes of how a Torah Thursday episode is created, and I share with you the tips, tricks, and tools I use to not only plan the podcast, but how I also teach my Torah study classes. Make sure to listen to hear about the resources available on our website and the best way to get your commentaries shared! All this, coming up on Torah Thursday!
Never Again: Why We Still Need to Have the Holocaust Conversation
April 05, 2021 05:27 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MBWith Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day beginning this Wednesday night and into Thursday, it is crucial to recognize the importance and benefit of Holocaust education. While the Never Again Education Act is a great start to eliminate a lot of the educational gaps in Holocaust knowledge, we still have work to do. Find out why we still need to have the Holocaust conversation today, almost 76 years since last Nazi concentration camp was liberated.
Parshat Shmini: Three Stories One Message
April 01, 2021 05:03 - 12 minutes - 11.5 MBThe Mishkan is ready to be consecrated, but something goes wrong very quickly. Find out why the death of Aaron’s sons and the laws of Kashrut are linked, right here on Torah Thursday.
Torah Thursday: Parshat Tzav 5781
March 25, 2021 05:01 - 14 minutes - 13.2 MBThe fire on the alter for sacrifices is much more than fire. It’s about relationships and communication. Find out how!
Minhag Monday: It’s More Than a Baby Goat. Chad Gadya
March 22, 2021 05:21 - 10 minutes - 9.53 MBJoin us on this episode of Minhag Monday where we explore the unique song towards the end of the Passover Seder: Chad Gadya!
A Year of COVID: The Jewish Response To Crisis
March 19, 2021 06:28 - 12 minutes - 11.3 MBWhat is the Jewish response to crisis? How have we done it through COVID and during other crises? Today, we recognize the one year anniversary of the first stay at home order in the US due to COVID on this special episode of the Lifelong Jewish Learners Podcast.
Torah Thursday: Parshat Vayikra 5781
March 18, 2021 05:31 - 14 minutes - 13.8 MBWhat do sacrificial rules in the Mishkan have to do with My 600 LB Life and and Iron Man Triathalon? Find out on today’s episode of Torah Thursday, produced by Lifelong Jewish Learners.