Episodios

  • Christian to Jewish Conversion Story | From Bible Belt Pastor's Words to Orthodox Judaism: Mr Gus

    Christian to Jewish Conversion Story | From Bible Belt Pastor's Words to Orthodox Judaism: Mr Gus
    Sep 24 2025
    ✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts ✨

    Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast exploring Jewish conversion stories and spiritual transformation journeys! Discover Gus's incredible Christian to Jewish conversion story - from evangelical fundamentalist Christianity in Oklahoma's Bible Belt to Orthodox Judaism in Miami Beach. This religious conversion documentary reveals how one pastor's unexpected confession about Jews being God's chosen people sparked a life-changing spiritual awakening and faith transformation.

    Listen to this Jewish conversion testimony as Gus shares his journey from Christianity to Judaism, including years of biblical study, learning Hebrew language, analyzing messianic prophecies, and challenging Christian pastors who couldn't defend their theology. His interfaith dialogue experiences and religious questioning led to profound spiritual growth and religious identity. This conversion to Judaism story explores the cost of religious transformation, including divorce, family separation, and relocating from Oklahoma to Miami to join an Orthodox Jewish community.

    Gus's journey from Christian faith to Jewish faith demonstrates intellectual honesty in religious seeking and spiritual authenticity in faith exploration. From an evangelical Christian background to Orthodox Judaism practice, from biblical Hebrew study to Jewish law learning, from Christian theology debates to the rabbinical conversion process, this is an inspiring story of religious conversion, spiritual seeking, and finding an authentic faith community.

    Perfect for Listeners interested in: Jewish conversion process, Christianity to Judaism stories, interfaith dialogue, religious transformation testimonies, spiritual awakening experiences, biblical study methods, Hebrew language learning, Orthodox Judaism lifestyle, faith crisis resolution, and authentic spiritual seeking journeys.

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    Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️
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    1 h y 9 m
  • Why Is Food the Centerpiece of Every Jewish Experience?

    Why Is Food the Centerpiece of Every Jewish Experience?
    Sep 24 2025
    ✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcast ✨

    In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explore why food plays such a central role in Jewish life and religious experience. While many people notice that Jews have a strong affinity for food, there's actually a profound spiritual significance behind this focus. Judaism is unique among religions in that we don't view the physical world as something to overcome or avoid, but rather as something to elevate and make spiritual. Food represents one of the most basic, animalistic human activities - something we do multiple times every day. This makes it the perfect vehicle for spiritual elevation through blessings, mindful eating, and using the nourishment we receive to better ourselves and the world. I share a story about two people approaching the same apple tree with completely different intentions: one person sees the apple and makes a blessing to eat it, while a rabbi sees the apple and wants to make a blessing, so he eats it. Though they perform identical actions, their spiritual focus creates worlds of difference. When we make blessings before and after eating, and use the energy food provides to do good in the world, we transform the physical act of eating into something holy and spiritual. This approach reflects Judaism's core philosophy that we're here not to avoid the physical world, but to elevate it and make it divine.

    Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,
    Please email us at Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com📧

    Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟
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    Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️
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    2 m
  • Parshat Nitzavim: We're Already Guarantors

    Parshat Nitzavim: We're Already Guarantors
    Sep 19 2025
    ✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcast ✨

    📖 Parshat Nitzavim This Week: A stranger at an Israeli bank overheard Jack's mortgage struggle and offered to co-sign without hesitation. When asked why he'd risk it for someone he'd never met, he said: 'Anu k'var arevim we're already guarantors for each other. I'm just making it official.' This week, as the Jewish people renew their covenant with God before entering the Promised Land, they not only commit to the Torah but also to one another. 'Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh' all Israel are responsible for one another. 'Nitzavim' means 'standing', but we don't stand alone. We stand together, already connected, already responsible. Sometimes we need to make it official. Who are you a guarantor for? Shabbat Shalom. 🤝


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    Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️
    Más Menos
    2 m
  • Why Do Jews Celebrate New Year in September? Understanding Rosh Hashanah

    Why Do Jews Celebrate New Year in September? Understanding Rosh Hashanah
    Sep 17 2025
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    In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explain why Jewish coworkers wish each other "Happy New Year" in September rather than January. The Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, falls at the beginning of the Jewish calendar year, which differs from the secular calendar we use in America. I clarify a common misconception: while many people think Rosh Hashanah celebrates the creation of the world, we're actually celebrating the creation of the first human being, Adam - the first person imbued with a divine soul. This marks the beginning of human history and our relationship with the divine. I explore how this timing connects to our spiritual renewal, as our souls return to our bodies for another year of godly work in this world. The celebration occurs on the first of Tishrei, exactly when tradition teaches Adam was created. I also note how Jewish schools get to use the same corny jokes about "seeing you next year" - just in September instead of December. For those interested in learning more about how the Jewish calendar works compared to the secular calendar, I reference our earlier episode that provides a deep dive into this fascinating topic.

    Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,
    Please email us at Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com📧

    Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟
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    Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.

    Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️
    Más Menos
    2 m
  • Parshat Ki Tavo: The Full Story of Gratitude

    Parshat Ki Tavo: The Full Story of Gratitude
    Sep 12 2025
    📖 Parshat Ki Tavo This Week: A.J. Jacobs spent a year thanking over 1,000 people involved in his morning coffee from the barista to the African farmers to the road pavers. When Jews brought their first fruits (bikurim) to the Temple, you'd expect them to thank God for the harvest. Instead, they recited their entire history: Abraham, Egypt, the journey to freedom. Why? Because true gratitude isn't just about the moment, it's about the whole story. That apple in your hand represents countless people, endless blessings, and generations of struggle and triumph. Real thankfulness zooms out to see the bigger picture. This is hakarat hatov recognizing all the good that brought you to this moment. What's the full story behind your blessings? Shabbat Shalom. 🍎


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    Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.

    Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️
    Más Menos
    2 m
  • Do Jews Believe in the Devil? Understanding Satan vs. The Devil

    Do Jews Believe in the Devil? Understanding Satan vs. The Devil
    Sep 10 2025
    ✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcast ✨

    In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address whether Jews believe in the devil, and the short answer is no. The Christian concept of the devil is antithetical to Jewish thought. While Judaism does believe in Satan (which is where the English word "Satan" comes from), this is fundamentally different from the Christian devil. Satan is not a counter-force to God or a force of evil, but rather an angel - a messenger and spiritual celestial being that fulfills God's will. I explain how Satan functions like a sparring partner, working alongside our yetzer hara (evil inclination) to create the conditions necessary for free will. Just as we need challenges to grow stronger physically through exercise or sparring partners, we need spiritual challenges to become better, stronger people. Satan provides us with obstacles and temptations that, when overcome, help us develop our character and spiritual strength. This concept is fundamentally different from the devil as an independent evil force opposing God, instead viewing spiritual challenges as part of God's design for human growth and development.


    Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,
    Please email us at Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com📧

    Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟
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    Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.

    Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️
    Más Menos
    2 m
  • Parshat Ki Teitzei: Help With You, Not For You

    Parshat Ki Teitzei: Help With You, Not For You
    Sep 5 2025
    📖 Parshat Ki Teitzei This Week: When you see someone struggling with their fallen donkey, you must help them lift it, but the Torah uses a key word: 'imo' (עמו) WITH him. You can't just sit back and say, 'This is your mitzvah, you handle it.' But here's the deeper lesson: if YOU'RE the one struggling, you can't just complain that 'someone should fix this for me.' Whether it's your synagogue, community, or organization, change requires your participation. The Torah teaches partnership, not passivity. Yes, we should help each other, but we help WITH you, not FOR you. Want better programs? Get involved. See a community need? Step up. Real change happens when we work together, not when we wait for others to serve us. Shabbat Shalom. 🤝


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    Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.

    Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️
    Más Menos
    2 m
  • Why Do Jews Only Marry Other Jews? Understanding Intermarriage and Jewish Continuity

    Why Do Jews Only Marry Other Jews? Understanding Intermarriage and Jewish Continuity
    Sep 3 2025
    ✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcast ✨

    In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address why Judaism traditionally encourages Jews to marry within the faith when choosing a life partner. I explain that when selecting someone to spend your entire life with, it's crucial to find someone who shares your fundamental values and worldview. Even if religion isn't important to someone today, it may become significant later in life, making shared religious identity important for long-term compatibility. I discuss how the Jewish people, despite being a small population, have maintained remarkable continuity throughout history, and marrying within the community helps preserve this continuity. I reference the Torah's warning against intermarriage, noting that one reason given is the concern that it may lead children away from Judaism. Given the tremendous losses the Jewish people have suffered through persecution and antisemitism throughout history, it's tough to see Jews lost to assimilation as well. Encouraging Jews to marry other Jews is one way to help prevent the loss of Jewish identity and ensure the continuation of Jewish traditions, values, and community for future generations.

    Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,
    Please email us at Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com📧

    Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟
    Follow us for more:
    Website - https://www.joidenver.com
    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenver
    Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver
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    Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy

    Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.

    Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️
    Más Menos
    1 m