The Parsha Podcast - With Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe
590 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 days ago - ★★★★★ - 95 ratingsThe Parsha Podcast with Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe was started in 2016 with the goal of making the weekly Parsha accessible and useful. Every Sunday, the Parsha Podcast will feature an hour-long podcast outlining the story, narratives and major themes of that week’s Parsha and offer a selection of valuable and interesting insights from it. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, two more episodes that focuses on one idea, theme, or comment on the Parsha will be released. Please send comments or questions to [email protected].
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Episodes
Purim – A Mitzvah to get Drunk
February 28, 2018 11:00 - 13 minutes - 7.59 MBBesides the four mitzvos of the day, the Talmud states that a person has to get drunk on Purim “until he does not know the difference between Haman is cursed and Mordechai is blessed”. What is the meaning behind this bizarre practice? – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]
Ki Sisa – Tragedy at Sinai (Rebroadcast)
February 25, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 31.7 MBParshas Ki Sisa wraps up the instructions regarding the Tabernacle, and then tells the story of perhaps the most shocking and troubling episode in the whole Torah – the Golden Calf episode. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Please consider […]
Purim – Love-Inducing Miracles
February 22, 2018 23:44 - 13 minutes - 7.9 MBThe Talmud (Shabbos 88a) teaches that in the aftermath of the Purim miracles the Jewish people re-accepted the Torah out of love. What was so special about the miracles of Purim that fostered this profound love and what lessons can we learn from it? – – – – – – – – – – – […]
Tetzaveh – Holy Vestaments (Rebroadcast)
February 18, 2018 11:00 - 38 minutes - 21 MBIn Parshas Tetzaveh the Torah outlines the various garments needed for the Kohein Gadol, the instruction to raise the funds for the oil for the Menorah, and the incense Altar. What are some practical lessons we can draw from these special clothes? – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]
Terumah – The Ark of Torah
February 14, 2018 11:00 - 20 minutes - 10.7 MBThis parsha kickstart several Torah sections outlining the structure and the vessels of the mishkan, the Tabernacle. The Talmud brings these ideas closer to our understanding by linking the vessels of the Tabernacle to the greatest arenas of human achievements. The Ark is symbolic of Torah greatness. In this podcast we parse out this idea. […]
Terumah – A Dwelling Place for God (Rebroadcast)
February 11, 2018 11:00 - 55 minutes - 28.4 MBParshas Terumah records the Almighty’s directive to Moshe to fundraise the raw materials needed to build the Mishkan and its vessels and the instruction to construct them. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Please consider sponsoring a podcast by […]
Mishpatim – Preconditions of Prayer
February 07, 2018 17:34 - 13 minutes - 7.24 MBAmid a parsha replete with all kinds of interpersonal mitzvos, we find a transformational insight with respect to prayer. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Please consider sponsoring a podcast by making a donation to help fund our Jewish […]
Mishpatim – Jewish Jurisprudence (Rebroadcast)
February 04, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 40.1 MBThe Torah is generally perceived as addressing matter of religion and the spiritual. In Parshas Mishpatim we see how it is an exhaustive guide to life in every arena, including governance of civil and criminal law. What are some of the broader themes of Jewish jurisprudence and how can they inform and inspire in modern […]
Yisro – The Key to Changing the World
January 31, 2018 11:00 - 46 minutes - 23.9 MBThere is a learnable quality the underpins every transformational change and improvement that humanity has achieved. It is what separates the people who are inspired to change and actually implement grand ideas from the common folk who do not influence the world for the better. In Parshas Yisro we learn that secret. – – – – […]
Yisro – A Kingdom of Priests and A Holy Nation (Rebroadcast)
January 28, 2018 11:00 - 58 minutes - 31.2 MBParshas Yisro is a tale of two stories: The first is the episode of Yisro the father in law of Moshe. He abandons his post as the priest of Midian to join the people and provide valuable insight to the judicial process. The latter half of the parsha is dedicated to the Mount Sinai experience […]
Beshalach – The Divine Doctor
January 24, 2018 11:00 - 18 minutes - 10.3 MBIn this week’s parsha the Torah gives us a general characterization of mitzvos as medicine prescribed by God to heal our soul. What does that mean and how does it coexist with other characterizations of mitzvos? – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]
Beshalach – Exhilarating Exodus (Rebroadcast)
January 21, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 38.1 MBParshas Beshalach begins with the Exodus from Egypt. This begins a spiritual transition for the Jewish people. For the duration of the 40 years in the wilderness, the Jews are going to be eating heavenly manna and drinking water from a rock. This is reflective of their newfound closeness with the Almighty. However, this greatness […]
Bo – Ramban’s Critical Comment
January 17, 2018 11:00 - 20 minutes - 10.9 MBIn Parshas Bo the Exodus reaches its climax with the final 3 of the Ten Plagues. The Exodus is much more than being freed from slavery, it is the founding of the nation and the building of the spiritual makeup of the people. In this podcast we go through a critical comment from the Ramban […]
Bo – Climactic Exodus (Rebroadcast)
January 14, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 35.7 MBThe 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 […]
Vaeira – Tangible Fear of God
January 10, 2018 11:00 - 17 minutes - 9.62 MBBefore 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. – – – – – – […]
Vaeira – Educational Plagues (Rebroadcast)
January 07, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 31.8 MBIn 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 […]
Shemos – The Iron Crucible (Rebroadcast)
December 31, 2017 11:00 - 56 minutes - 29.2 MBThe 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 […]
Vayechi – Spiritual Diagnostician (Recorded Live in Harrisburg, PA)
December 27, 2017 11:00 - 56 minutes - 31 MBIn 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 […]
Vayechi – Deathbed Priorities (Rebroadcast)
December 24, 2017 11:00 - 58 minutes - 29.6 MBParshas 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 […]
Vayigash – The Chariot of God
December 20, 2017 11:00 - 25 minutes - 13.9 MBThis 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 […]
Vayigash – A Family Descends (Rebroadcast)
December 17, 2017 11:00 - 50 minutes - 25.7 MBParshas 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 […]
Chanukah – Small Miracles
December 13, 2017 11:00 - 24 minutes - 14.1 MBWhen 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 […]
Mikeitz – From Prisoner to Viceroy (Rebroadcast)
December 10, 2017 11:00 - 51 minutes - 26.5 MBParshas 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 […]
Vayeishev – Death by Unnatural Means
December 06, 2017 11:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MBIn 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, […]
Vayeishev – Strange Paths to Redemption (Rebroadcast)
December 03, 2017 11:00 - 1 hour - 35.2 MBParshas 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 – […]
Vayishlach – Your Money or Your Life
November 29, 2017 11:00 - 24 minutes - 13.6 MBIn 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 […]
Vayishlach – Twin Tussles (Rebroadcast)
November 26, 2017 11:00 - 1 hour - 36.3 MBTelling 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] […]
Vayeitzei – Manipulating Willpower
November 22, 2017 11:00 - 23 minutes - 12.9 MBIn 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. – – – […]
Vayeitzei – Nation Building (Rebroadcast)
November 19, 2017 11:00 - 55 minutes - 27.3 MBTelling 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 […]
Toldos – Bad Influences
November 15, 2017 11:00 - 15 minutes - 8.78 MBRebecca 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 […]
Toldos – Intrauterine Cosmic Struggle (Rebroadcast)
November 12, 2017 11:00 - 1 hour - 36.5 MBTelling 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 […]
Chayei Sarah – The Best Kind of Kindness
November 09, 2017 11:00 - 17 minutes - 9.74 MBIn 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 […]
Chayei Sarah – Unselfish Spouses (Rebroadcast)
November 05, 2017 11:00 - 1 hour - 35.7 MBTelling 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 […]
Vayeira – Finishing the Job
November 03, 2017 05:02 - 19 minutes - 10.6 MBThe 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? […]
Vayeira – Reconciling Kindness and Child-Sacrifice (Rebroadcast)
October 29, 2017 17:11 - 1 hour - 42.4 MBTelling 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 – […]
Lech Lecha – The Essence of Bris Milah (Circumcision)
October 26, 2017 18:22 - 22 minutes - 12.4 MBThe 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? – […]
Lech Lecha – (Rebroadcast + New Podcast: Eternal Ethics)
October 23, 2017 03:23 - 1 hour - 38.3 MBBegining 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 […]
Noach – Lessons from an Enigma
October 15, 2017 19:17 - 13 minutes - 7.55 MBFor 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 […]
Bereishis – Adam and the Fruit Fly
October 10, 2017 21:15 - 23 minutes - 13.1 MBWelcome 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 […]
Vezos HaBracha – A Torah Retrospect (Speech at Celebration of Completion of the Torah)
October 02, 2017 04:09 - 18 minutes - 10.4 MBOver 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? – – – – – […]
Maximizing Yom Kippur
September 25, 2017 03:44 - 57 minutes - 29.1 MBYom 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 […]
The Core Theme of Rosh Hashana
September 19, 2017 20:51 - 35 minutes - 19.8 MBRosh 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 […]
Ha’azinu – The Song of History
September 17, 2017 20:19 - 1 hour - 37 MBOn 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. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]
Nitzavim & Vayeilech – Eternal Exhortations
September 10, 2017 18:10 - 1 hour - 34.8 MBIn 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 […]
Ki Savo – Consequences of Closeness
September 05, 2017 17:30 - 54 minutes - 30.4 MBA 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? – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]
Ki Seitzei – Lessons for Living (Recorded Amid Hurricane Harvey)
August 27, 2017 20:59 - 56 minutes - 32.3 MBThough 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; […]
Shoftim – Righteous Justice
August 20, 2017 19:31 - 1 hour - 36.1 MBIn 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. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]
Re’eh – An Attitudinal Shift
August 13, 2017 17:37 - 56 minutes - 51.7 MBParshas 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. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]
Eikev – A Unique Path to Greatness
August 06, 2017 18:01 - 31 minutes - 16 MBParshas 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. – – – – – […]
Va’Eschanan – Preparing the Nation
July 30, 2017 18:13 - 1 hour - 39.3 MBParshas 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 […]