Episodios

  • Rachel's Selflessness and the Art of Giving (Parsha Power: Vayeitzei) 5785
    Nov 25 2025

    What if maintaining your spiritual connection could transform every journey into a divine experience? Join us as we unravel the profound spiritual journey of Yaakov in Parsha Vayeitzei, exploring the significance of consistent faith and righteousness. We'll recount the extraordinary story of Yaakov's marriages to Rachel and Leah, shedding light on how their conversion altered their familial ties, making this unique union possible. Rachel's incredible compassion and selflessness are highlighted as she secretly aids Leah, offering lessons of faith, redemption, and the embrace of converts. These narratives invite reflection on how divine presence can be carried within us, regardless of life's travels.

    In a world where giving is both a duty and a virtue, finding the balance between generosity and responsibility becomes crucial. Drawing from the teachings of the Talmud, we explore the wisdom of charitable giving—where giving 10% as maaser is an obligation, while 20% can lead to great wealth, yet exceeding 30% might be reckless. We discuss the importance of balance in virtues and even jealousy, helping lead a more meaningful and virtuous life.

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    This episode (Ep 7.7) of the Parsha Review Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Vayeitzei is dedicated in Honor of Ed Hoffman & in honor of our Holy Soldiers in the Battlefield and our Torah Scholars in the Study Halls who are fighting for the safety of our nation!

    • Download & Print the Parsha Review Notes:
      https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharing

    Recorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios to a live audience on December 3, 2024, in Houston, Texas.
    Released as Podcast on December 3, 2024
    _____________
    DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!
    _____________
    SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to 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.tansistor.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 https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com

    _____________
    EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org
    _____________

    Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!

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    20 m
  • Different Standards for Jews (Parsha In-Focus: Vayeitzei) 5784
    Nov 24 2025

    Harness the timeless wisdom of the Torah and explore the profound depths of our faith as we journey with our patriarch, Jacob, in Parshas Vayeitzei. Discover how Jacob's story aligns with Abraham's, unravelling the profound symbolism of Jacob's dream and demystifying the blessing that defines us as a chosen people. Tune in and stand inspired by the extraordinary responsibility we share to disseminate blessings to the world.

    Our dialogue then takes us to the contemporary context of the Israeli army and the Middle Eastern conflict, we navigate through the trials and triumphs of being chosen. Unearth the blessing in higher standards and the greater role we play in the world. Guided by the teachings of the Torah, we shed light on how to embrace our uniqueness and function effectively. As we wrap up, we emphasize the vital role of the Torah in our daily lives. So, join us, and let's journey together towards a deeper understanding of our traditions and responsibilities.

    This episode (Ep 6.7) of the Parsha Review Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Vayeitzei is dedicated in Honor of Rabbi Yaakov & Frumie Polatsek & our Holy Soldiers in the Battlefield and our Torah Scholars in the Study Halls who are fighting for the safety of our nation!

    • Download & Print the Parsha Review Notes:
      https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharing


    ****

    To listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: https://linktr.ee/ariwol

    • 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


    Please send your questions, comments and even your stories to awolbe@torchweb.org


    Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our Jewish outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area and please consider sponsoring a podcast by making a donation to help support our global outreach at https://www.torchweb.org/donate.
    Thank you!

    For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com


    Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B to a live audience on November 24, 2023, in Houston, Texas.
    Released as Podcast on November 24, 2023

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    12 m
  • 1.7 Parshas Vayeitzei Review: Divine Protection and Righteous Association
    Nov 23 2025

    This Parsha Review Podcast (Ep 1.7) by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Vayeitzei offers a refreshing, clear and concise review as he does for each Parsha in the Torah.

    Prepare to embark on an enlightening journey through the seventh portion of Genesis, Parsha Vayeitzei. You're about to unearth the mystical significance of Yaakov's journey to Charan in search of a wife, his extraordinary dream at Mount Moriah, and the profound symbolism behind his use of twelve stones for protection. Marvel at the love story of Yaakov and Rachel, and the hidden meaning of the bridal veil that holds religious significance even today. Let's also inspect the magnitude of Yaakov's chosen resting place, the very gateway to heaven and the future site of the temple.

    As we traverse through Yaakov's experiences, we'll focus on the divine protection that accompanied him, and the importance of associating with the righteous. We'll also reveal how Yaakov’s twelve stones coalesce into one - a miraculous symbol of unity among all Jews, and delve into the symbol of angels on a ladder, demonstrating the incremental nature of spiritual growth. We're also going to spend some time appreciating the intriguing characters of Rachel and Leah, their tenacity to uphold their righteousness despite their challenging circumstances, and the significance of Rachel's selfless decision of her final resting place. We'll end by inspiring you to take ownership of your own spiritual growth and holiness. So, let's delve into the intricate tapestry of Parsha Vayeitzei, and discover the spiritual insights it holds for each of us.


    This episode is dedicated in honor of Bruce & Eliana Schimmel who have been solid stalwarts of TORCH and its mission!

    00:00 Parsha Summary
    5:25 Important Lessons Segment

    Download & Print the Parsha Review Notes:
    https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharing

    *****

    To listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: https://linktr.ee/ariwol

    • 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

    Please send your questions, comments and even your stories relating to this parsha to awolbe@torchweb.org.

    Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our Jewish outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area and please consider sponsoring a podcast by making a donation to help support our global outreach at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php.
    Thank you!

    For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com

    Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B to a live audience on December 1, 2022, in Houston, Texas.
    Released as Podcast on December 1, 2022

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    29 m
  • Modern Innovation vs. Ancestral Wisdom (Parsha Power: Toldos) 5785
    Nov 18 2025

    Join us as we explore the timeless values and ethics rooted in our heritage through the lens of this week's Torah portion of Toldos. We reflect on the lineage of Isaac, the son of Abraham, and discuss how connecting with our ancestors' teachings can guide us in today's fast-paced world. Amidst the rapid advancements in technology and science, we examine the disparity between modern innovation and the moral growth (or decay) of our society. Through the stories of our forebears, like Isaac who honored his father's legacy by naming wells like his father did, we discover how we can maintain our individuality while upholding the principles of previous generations. The episode also features a touching story about Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetsky, emphasizing the Jewish tradition of revering elders and the value of proximity to the source of Torah.

    We also address the complexities of modern society's approach to gender and identity, questioning the ethics behind contemporary medical practices such as hormone blockers for transgender children. By rediscovering traditional values and religious teachings, we gain insights into balancing innovation with heritage. Furthermore, the episode highlights the significance of unplugging from technology to reconnect with our cultural heritage. Sharing personal experiences of disconnecting from digital distractions, we uncover the enriching impact of immersing ourselves in ancestral wisdom. As we navigate the challenges of modernity, we invite you to embrace and nurture the moral compass provided by past generations, ensuring our heritage continues to enrich our lives and those of future generations.

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    This episode (Ep 7.6) of the Parsha Review Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Toldos is dedicated in Honor of Isaac Hersh & in honor of our Holy Soldiers in the Battlefield and our Torah Scholars in the Study Halls who are fighting for the safety of our nation!

    • Download & Print the Parsha Review Notes:
      https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharing

    Recorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios to a live audience on November 26, 2024, in Houston, Texas.
    Released as Podcast on November 27, 2024
    _____________
    DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!
    _____________
    SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to 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.tansistor.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 https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com

    _____________
    EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org
    _____________

    Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!

    ★ Support this podcast ★
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    25 m
  • Building a Strong Spiritual Future (Parsha In-Focus: Toldos) 5784
    Nov 17 2025

    Imagine for a moment, if every good deed you did was a deposit into a spiritual retirement account, a 'spiritual 401K', storing up your connection with God for the future. That's the fascinating concept we'll be uncovering today, rooted deeply in the story of Jacob and Esav, and their debate over the value of a birthright. We'll dissect their story, and how Esav's hunger-driven decision to sell his birthright for a bowl of lentil soup echoes in our lives today. This episode takes us on a journey through the ages, delving into this riveting discourse, unravelling the profound implications of our choices today on our spiritual future.

    When you're faced with a choice between immediate gratification and long-term fulfillment, what do you choose? We'll explore this question, drawing on the wisdom of the Torah and the struggles of King David, King Solomon, and Moses. We'll contrast the fleeting pleasure of material goods with the enduring joy and connection that comes from focusing on life's real values. By the end of our discussion, we hope you'll come away with a deepened understanding of how these ancient teachings can illuminate your path to true happiness and protection from harm. Join us as we journey through these spiritual concepts, seeking to reveal how a focus on our spiritual birthright can guide us closer to God and true contentment.
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    This episode (Ep 6.6) of the Parsha Review Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Toldos is dedicated in Honor of Peter & Becky Botvin & our Holy Soldiers in the Battlefield and our Torah Scholars in the Study Halls who are fighting for the safety of our nation!

    • Download & Print the Parsha Review Notes:
      https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharing

    Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B to a live audience on November 14, 2023, in Houston, Texas.
    Released as Podcast on November 15, 2023
    _____________
    DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!
    _____________
    SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to 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.tansistor.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 https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com

    _____________
    EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org
    _____________

    Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!

    ★ Support this podcast ★
    Más Menos
    18 m
  • 1.6 Parshas Toldos Review: The Tale of Two Nations
    Nov 16 2025

    This Parsha Review Podcast (Ep 1.6) by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Toldos offers a refreshing, clear and concise review as he does for each Parsha in the Torah.

    This episode is dedicated in honor of Michael & Linda Friedberg who have been solid stalwarts of TORCH and its mission!

    00:00 Parsha Summary
    8:15 Important Lessons Segment

    Download & Print the Parsha Review Notes:
    https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharing

    *****

    To listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: https://linktr.ee/ariwol

    • 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

    Please send your questions, comments and even your stories relating to this parsha to awolbe@torchweb.org.

    Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our Jewish outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area and please consider sponsoring a podcast by making a donation to help support our global outreach at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php.
    Thank you!

    For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com

    Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B to a live audience on November 24, 2022, in Houston, Texas.
    Released as Podcast on November 24, 2022

    ★ Support this podcast ★
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    22 m
  • Building a Marriage That Lasts Beyond a Lifetime (Parsha Pearls: Chayei Sara)
    Nov 13 2025
    In this episode of the Parsha Review Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores Parshat Chayei Sarah (Genesis 23–25), beginning with Sarah’s lifespan—“100 years and 20 years and 7 years”—which Rashi interprets as her retaining the innocence of a 20-year-old at age 100 and the beauty of a 7-year-old at age 20. The parsha immediately transitions from her passing to Abraham sending Eliezer to find a wife for Isaac, teaching that marriage must be built with the end in mind: not just someone to live with, but someone to die with, focused on long-term purpose and legacy. Abraham, the icon of chesed (kindness), seeks a wife embodying kindness to balance Isaac’s natural gevurah (sternness) inherited from Sarah. Rabbi Wolbe stresses that the patriarchs’ actions are binding signs for us: prioritize good character over fleeting glamour, as external beauty fades but inner goodness endures.Rabbi Wolbe contrasts superficial “falling in love” (external attraction) with Torah-based matchmaking, where intellect precedes emotion—investigating character through references, teachers, and friends before ever meeting. True love (ahava) stems from hav (to give); the more one gives selflessly, the deeper the love grows. He urges couples to be givers, not takers, and to humble themselves like dust (lakol tia) to honor each other’s perspectives, creating a new unified “us” from two distinct individuals. The parsha’s repeated narrative emphasizes looking beyond surface miracles to inner essence—Rebecca’s proactive kindness to Eliezer and his camels proves her character. Marriage is Hashem’s tool for perfection: spouses challenge and elevate each other, building a unique harmony. Rabbi Wolbe shares personal anecdotes, including his son traveling from Lakewood to Montreal to pursue his future wife, reinforcing that men must actively seek and invest effort. He closes with stories illustrating commitment for children’s sake and the Mishnah’s advice to marry young to avoid entrenched selfishness._____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on November 11, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on November 13, 2025_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org 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: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other 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:#Torah, #Parsha, #Genesis, #Marriage, #Relationships, #Soulmates, #Ancestors, #Sarah, #Abraham, #Kindness, #Unity, #Differences, #Isaac, #Rebecca, #Kindness, #Selflessness, #PersonalGrowth, #Partner, #Purpose, #Priorities, #Therapy, #LifePartner ★ Support this podcast ★
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    53 m
  • Everything ... EVERYTHING is for the Good (Parsha Power: Chayei Sara)
    Nov 11 2025

    What if every challenge in your life was actually a hidden blessing? Join us as we explore Parshas Chayei Sara, examining the intriguing layers of Sarah's life as depicted in the Torah. We delve into the seemingly redundant phrasing within the scriptures and discover the profound insights it unveils about the nature of Sarah's journey. With Rashi's guidance, we unravel the symbolism behind her age being divided into distinct stages of 100, 20, and 7 years, and reflect on how each era encapsulated her enduring purity and beauty. This episode invites you to ponder the Talmudic principle that assures us of the inherent goodness in everything Hashem orchestrates, despite how limited our perspective might be.

    Continuing our exploration, we turn our focus to the Talmudic teachings that encourage us to recognize God's role as the ultimate judge, even amidst life's adversities. We talk about the practice of beginning each day with gratitude, acknowledging that our very existence has purpose and is part of a grander divine plan. This perspective empowers us to confront life's challenges with optimism and recognize our potential to spread goodness. By seeing both joy and difficulty as integral elements of our journey, we're inspired to fulfill our unique roles and continually offer our thanks and praises to Hashem for the blessings we experience.

    _____________
    This episode (Ep 7.5) of the Parsha Review Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Chayei Sarah is dedicated in Honor of Bruce Schimmel & in honor of our Holy Soldiers in the Battlefield and our Torah Scholars in the Study Halls who are fighting for the safety of our nation!

    • Download & Print the Parsha Review Notes:
      https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharing

    Recorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios to a live audience on November 22, 2024, in Houston, Texas.
    Released as Podcast on November 23, 2024
    _____________
    DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!
    _____________
    SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to 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.tansistor.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 https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com

    _____________
    EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org
    _____________

    Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!

    ★ Support this podcast ★
    Más Menos
    17 m