Ep 95 - He Ignored a Roman General Ready to Kill Him (Berachot 32b)

In this powerful Thinking Talmudist episode on Berachot 32b, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the depth and intensity of prayer through a dramatic Talmudic story of a pious man so immersed in Shemoneh Esrei that he ignores a Roman general's greeting—risking death—because he is conversing directly with Hashem. The general, furious at being snubbed, quotes Torah verses about protecting one's life, but the pious man responds: if you wouldn't interrupt a human king, how much more so the King of Kings? The general is appeased, and the man departs in peace.

Rabbi Wolbe emphasizes "da lifnei mi atah omed" (know before Whom you stand) as the essence of prayer: an intimate, uninterrupted conversation with the Creator, more important than perfect wording. He shares personal anecdotes (e.g., praying slowly alone in an empty shul) and stresses creating a "bubble" of focus amid distractions, while praising the beauty of children in synagogue as the future generation. The episode includes a touching tribute to his grandmother Rivka bas Avrohom (author of Faith in the Night), whose life exemplified unwavering faith amid Holocaust horrors, and reflections on empowering others through belief in their greatness.
_____________
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 Marbin

Recorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios to a live audience on November 7, 2025, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on December 26, 2025
_____________
Listen, Subscribe & Share:

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinking-talmudist-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1648951154
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0cZ7q9bGYSBYSPQfJvwgzm
• Share 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 More
Other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe:

• NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodes
• Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes
• Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodes
• Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes
• Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes
• Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes
• Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes
• For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org
  _____________

Keywords:
#Talmud, #Berachot, #Prayer, #Conversation, #JewishFaith, #HolocaustSurvivor, #Spirituality

★ Support this podcast ★