Ep 98 - Titus Tried to Hide His Ashes from God—Here's What Happened (Gittin 56b)

In this Thinking Talmudist episode on Gittin 56b-57a, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the dramatic aftermath of the Temple's destruction through Titus's deathbed fear of divine judgment (scattering his ashes over seven seas to evade accountability) and Onkelos's necromantic consultations with Titus, Balaam, and Jewish sinners—all affirming Jewish prominence in the World to Come while warning against joining or harming Israel.The Talmud contrasts: idolaters' prophets (like Balaam) advise attacking Jews for worldly leadership, while even Jewish sinners urge seeking Jewish benefit ("one who touches them touches the apple of His eye"). Punishments fit measure-for-measure: Titus scattered eternally, Balaam in boiling semen for seduction schemes.Rabbi Wolbe connects this to modern miracles (e.g., a Yemenite missile landing harmlessly near Tel Aviv's airport on May 4, 2025) as Hashem's "hug" reminding us of divine control—not military might or technology. He stresses humility, gratitude, and recognizing "there is no happenstance" (mikre = only from Hashem), urging constant awareness that everything is Hashem's precise guidance.The episode emphasizes living with eternal perspective: prioritize Torah, mitzvot, and family over fleeting materialism, as we'll face judgment on maximizing our unique potential ("Why weren't you you?")._____________The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn Talmud because it is in ancient Aramaic or the concepts are too difficult. Well, no more excuses. In this podcast you will experience the refreshing and eye-opening teachings while gaining an amazing appreciation for the divine wisdom of the Torah and the depths of the Talmud._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by David & Susan MarbinRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios to a live audience on December 26, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on January 9, 2026_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinking-talmudist-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1648951154Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0cZ7q9bGYSBYSPQfJvwgzmShare your questions at [e-mail] or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content._____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: [e-mail]_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Talmud, #Gittin, #Kamtza, #Temple, #JewishHistory, #Exile, #Yochanan, #Vespasian, #Titus, #Blasphemy, #Yavne ★ Support this podcast ★