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
Devarim – Moshe’s Speech
July 23, 2017 17:32 - 50 minutes - 37.9 MBParshas 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. – – – – – – – – – – […]
Mattos & Masei – Promised Land Pending
July 16, 2017 17:07 - 57 minutes - 40.1 MBThe 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 – Legacies of Great Leaders
July 10, 2017 02:01 - 59 minutes - 47.2 MBPinchas 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. – – – – – – – – – – […]
Balak – Greatness Gone Awry
July 02, 2017 18:48 - 54 minutes - 28.8 MBBilaam 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. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]
Chukas -Repentance of the Red Heifer
June 25, 2017 18:58 - 1 hour - 45.6 MBParshas 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 – A Cousin’s Rebellion
June 18, 2017 19:17 - 1 hour - 58.2 MBKorach 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. – – – – – – – – – – – – […]
Shelach – The Sad Saga of the Spies
June 11, 2017 18:30 - 59 minutes - 33.7 MBIn 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. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]
Behaaloscha – Trouble in Paradise
June 04, 2017 18:49 - 57 minutes - 31.8 MBAfter 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. – – – – – – – – – – […]
Nasso – Temporary Insanity
May 28, 2017 20:22 - 1 hour - 35.5 MBParshas 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. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]
Bamidbar – Stature of a Nation
May 21, 2017 18:53 - 55 minutes - 31.1 MBThe 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. – – – – – – – – – – – – […]
Behar & Bechukosai – Consequences of Closeness
May 14, 2017 19:26 - 57 minutes - 28.5 MBIn 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. […]
Emor – Festivals of Hashem
May 07, 2017 19:16 - 50 minutes - 28.1 MBIn 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 […]
Acharei & Kedoshim – How to be Holy
May 01, 2017 01:34 - 50 minutes - 28.3 MBThis 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. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]
Tazria & Metzora – Lessons in Purity and Impurity
April 23, 2017 18:59 - 1 hour - 39.7 MBParshas Tazria and Metzora teach about various forms of purity and impurity, how they are contracted, the laws of a person who has them, and how they are remedied. In our podcast, we attempt to understand what purity and impurity mean and what practical lessons we can draw. – – – – – – – […]
Shemini – Following Orders
April 13, 2017 07:54 - 48 minutes - 26.1 MBAfter seven days of consecration, Aaron and his sons are promoted to being Kohanim, and after offering the sacrifices of day eight, the glory of God appears in the Tabernacle. Unfortunately, in the zenith of ecstasy, tragedy struck. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]
Special Pre-Pesach-Podcast: Explaining Exodus via Genesis and Deuteronomy
April 05, 2017 04:10 - 34 minutes - 18.3 MBThe Exodus is the most oft-referenced event in Jewish life. Twice daily we invoke it in the Shema, and every Shabbos holiday is characterized as “a remembrance for the exodus of Egypt”. Why is the exodus so central to Jewish life? In this podcast we explore that question and many others regarding the Exodus story and […]
Tzav – Scaling the Rungs of Greatness
April 02, 2017 19:39 - 50 minutes - 27.5 MBParshas Tzav continues the instructions relating to the Tabernacle and its sacrifices. We learn more details regarding some of the sacrifices mentioned earlier and also we are taught about some new sacrifices and procedures. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]
Vayikra – Sacrificial Repentance
March 29, 2017 06:23 - 1 hour - 31 MBThe Book of Leviticus begins with Parshas Vayikra. In this section we learn about the processes and procedures of many different varieties of sacrifices. What is the reason for sacrifices? Who benefits when a person takes an animal and slaughters it to God? – – – – – – – – – – – – […]
Vayakhel & Pekudei – Rectifying the Golden Calf
March 20, 2017 05:29 - 57 minutes - 27.9 MBParshiyos Vayakhel and Pekudei retell the implementation of the instructions to build the Tabernacle, its vessels and the vestments of the Kohen Gadol given in the Parshiyos of Terumah and Tetzaveh. Why is it necessary to belabor all the details once again? – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]
Ki Sisa – Tragedy at Sinai
March 14, 2017 16:22 - 1 hour - 32.4 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. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Contact: Website: […]
Tetzaveh – Holy Vestaments
March 06, 2017 04:01 - 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 – A Dwelling Place for God
February 27, 2017 04:32 - 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. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Contact: Website: RabbiWolbe.com; Twitter: @RabbiWolbe; Facebook: […]
Mishpatim – Jewish Jurisprudence
February 19, 2017 22:02 - 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 – A Kingdom of Priests and A Holy Nation
February 12, 2017 20:03 - 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 – Exhilarating Exodus
February 05, 2017 20:47 - 1 hour - 38.3 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 – Climactic Exodus
January 29, 2017 21:54 - 1 hour - 38.1 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. Contact: Website: RabbiWolbe.com; Twitter: @RabbiWolbe; Facebook: Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe; Email: [email protected]. Podcasts Links iOS: This Jewish Life – In-Depth Analysis into Critical Torah Topics; The Jewish […]
Vaeira – Educational Plagues
January 22, 2017 20:18 - 1 hour - 32.2 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
January 15, 2017 20:09 - 56 minutes - 29.4 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 – Deathbed Priorities
January 08, 2017 19:24 - 58 minutes - 29.3 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 – A Family Descends
January 02, 2017 01:53 - 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 […]
Mikeitz – From Prisoner to Viceroy
December 25, 2016 21:27 - 51 minutes - 26.7 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 […]
Vayeishev – Strange Paths to Redemption
December 18, 2016 20:34 - 1 hour - 35.4 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 – Twin Tussles
December 11, 2016 23:00 - 1 hour - 36.7 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 – Nation Building
December 05, 2016 07:09 - 55 minutes - 27.1 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 – Intrauterine Cosmic Struggle
November 28, 2016 05:55 - 1 hour - 36.8 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; […]
Chayei Sara – Unselfish Spouses
November 21, 2016 07:13 - 1 hour - 36.1 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 – Reconciling Kindness and Child-Sacrifice
November 14, 2016 01:00 - 1 hour - 43.1 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 – A Covenant of Greatness
November 07, 2016 03:05 - 1 hour - 38 MBTelling the story of this week’s parsha while gleaning insights and lessons from it. The topics discussed in this episode: Abraham, the Most Transformative Human of All Time – [0:00] Abraham’s Ten Tests and the Test of Lech Lecha– [2:48] The Souls that they made in Charan – [19:45] Israel, Godly Promises and the Egypt Episode – […]
Noach – Treating the Symptoms of Sin
October 30, 2016 20:54 - 1 hour - 42.2 MBA synopsis of the parsha and insights and lessons and themes from it. The topics discussed in this epsode: The 120 Year Grace Period for Mankind – [0:00] The Enigmatic Character of Noah – [4:35] The Ark as Refuge; Ark’s Dimensions – [13:25] Fiting everyone into the Ark – [18:45] A Personal Flood And a Personal Ark […]
Bereishis – The Ominous Beginnings of Man
October 11, 2016 03:18 - 1 hour - 37.7 MBThis is the first of a series on the entire Torah. Every week will feature a new episode that begins with a synopsis of the parsha and insights and lessons and themes from it. The topics discussed in this epsode: Parsha Overview – [0:00] The World Was Created with Ten Utterances – [6:46] Hell Created on […]