Best Jewish History Torah Israel Jews Podcasts (2025)

1
Parsha: Nasso - Nazirs Anonymous (5783) 1:01:01

3h ago1:01:01

1:01:01

The Nazir is someone who accepts a vow, typically for 30 days, to abstain from wine, to not cut their hair, and to not come into contact with the dead. This Nazir is holy. They are close to God. They are like a high priest. They are likely to reach prophecy. But there are some very unusual and surprising elements of the Nazir: the stated objective …

1
Parshas Nasso (Rebroadcast) 59:08

3d ago59:08

59:08

In the longest parsha in the Torah by verses, we continue to read about the Levite families and their responsibilities, we learn about the three tiers of the Nation’s encampment, the laws of a suspected adulteress, the laws of the Nazir, the Priestly blessings, and we read a very wordy account of the gifts of the tribal leaders during the weeks fol…

1
Parsha: Bamidbar - Letter of the Law 57:35

6d ago57:35

57:35

Long strings of numbers don't typically make for riveting radio or podcasts. Many of us feel our eyes glaze over when we read seemingly meaningless batches of numbers and a series of calculations. To the untrained eye, our Parsha - with its censuses, depiction of encampment layouts, and delineation of Levite responsibilities in the transportation o…

1
Haredim: A Path Forward 33:03

7d ago33:03

33:03

October 7th shattered more than Israel's security - it's challenging core Haredi beliefs. In the wake of October 7th, a seismic shift is occurring within Israel's ultra-Orthodox community. The long-standing exemption from military service for Haredi yeshiva students is facing unprecedented scrutiny – not just from secular Israelis, but from within …

1
New Series! 1 Chofetz Chaim - Introduction 8:34

6d ago8:34

8:34

Beginning a new series on the sefer Chofetz Chaim once a week!By Rabbi Naftali Kassorla

1
A Rigorous and Comprehensive Torah Study Regimen 49:41

7d ago49:41

49:41

What would a comprehensive and rigorous regimen of Torah study look like? Suppose someone wants to really become a Torah maestro. What would be a fitting schedule of course work for them to become a well-rounded Torah scholar? Torah is the antidote to the evil inclination. How much Torah and how many Torah domains and disciplines must the person be…

1
93 Pele Yoetz - Concluding Gezel 12:13

7d ago12:13

12:13

By Rabbi Naftali Kassorla

1
Parsha: Bamidbar - Common Census (5783) 59:17

8d ago59:17

59:17

The United States Constitution mandates that a nationwide census is conducted every decade. Other nations also conduct censuses. Censuses are common. Our parsha begins with a nation-wide census, the third census since the Exodus. But this census was highly uncommon. It was conducted completely differently than the way that any other census is done.…

1
Parshas Bamidbar (Rebroadcast) 56:49

10d ago56:49

56:49

We kickstart the Book of Numbers with a census of the twelve tribes of Israel – not including the tribe of Levi who is counted independently – conducted by Moses, Aaron, and the most distinguished leaders of said tribes. Subsequently, we read about the banners of the tribes and their assigned encampments, the transference of the sanctity of the fir…

1
Parsha: Behar/Bechukosai - Tilling and Toiling 54:34

13d ago54:34

54:34

The laws of the Torah - all 613 of them - were conveyed by God to Moshe at Mount Sinai. This is explicitly conveyed regarding the first Mitzvah featured in the first of our double Parsha, the Mitzvah of shemitah, to allow the land to lie fallow each 7th year. When we examine the subject further, we find all sorts of connections between shemitah and…

1
First Fruits of Israeli Judaism 33:33

13d ago33:33

33:33

What if everything you knew about Shavuot was rooted in exile, not the land? Join us as we explore how the early Zionist pioneers revolutionized Shavuot, transforming it from a purely spiritual celebration into a powerful expression of connection to the land of Israel. Key Takeaways Balancing tradition and innovation: The pioneers show us how to br…

1
92 Pele Yoetz - Market Manipulation 11:47

14d ago11:47

11:47

By Rabbi Naftali Kassorla

1
Parsha: Behar Bechukosai - Hostage Letter (5783) 1:01:55

15d ago1:01:55

1:01:55

Our Parsha contains some of the most difficult portions in the Torah, the Admonition. Our nation is told of the consequences of failing to adhere to the rules of God. The consequences are fierce and harsh. When this section is read in the synagogue, it is done quickly and in an undertone to prevent the congregation from lapsing into depression. But…

1
91 Pele Yoetz - Destroying High-Trust Societies 7:04

16d ago7:04

7:04

By Rabbi Naftali Kassorla

1
Modern Day Heresy 40:01

16d ago40:01

40:01

Heresies and idolatries come and go. The idolatry that titillated the ancients no longer excites modern men. The heresies that revolutionized the world a century ago no longer resonate. Any heresy is a repudiation of God, and thus is bound to vaporize like a puff of smoke. Falsehood cannot endure for long, and eventually all heresies dissipate. But…

1
Parshas Behar & Bechukosai (Rebroadcast) 1:38:04

17d ago1:38:04

1:38:04

This week's double-Parsha closes out the Book of Leviticus. Parshas Behar begins at Mount Sinai, where the Almighty instructed Moshe to convey a series of laws to the Jewish people. The first is the mitzvah of Shemittah, the prohibition of engaging in any agricultural work every seven years. In two chapters in the Torah (Leviticus 26, Deuteronomy 2…

1
Parsha: Emor - Lopside Down 1:00:48

20d ago1:00:48

1:00:48

Passover marks the Exodus from Egypt. But leaving Egypt was only the beginning of the radical transformation that the Almighty brought about. 50 days after the Exodus, the nation coalesced around Mount Sinai and experienced theophany - national prophecy, national Revelation - at the mountain. The whole nation heard the word of God and lived. This c…

1
Disabilities in Jewish Texts and Israel 32:15

20d ago32:15

32:15

Societal Stigma and Technological Advances in Disabilities Empowering the Blind and Deaf: Lessons from Israeli Innovators When was the last time you truly appreciated your ability to see and hear? For many of us, these senses are so fundamental that we rarely pause to consider their significance. But what if I told you that understanding disability…

1
TORAH 101: Venues of Reward and Punishment 41:59

21d ago41:59

41:59

Spiritual pleasure is vastly, infinitely greater than physical pleasures, and are completely imperceivable by bodies. Only if you work assiduously to develop a sensory connection with your soul, can you begin to taste it. The ultimate venue of spiritual pleasure is known as Olam Haba, the world to come. What about other venues of reward? What about…

1
Parsha: Emor - Snowball's Chance in Heaven (5783) 56:35

22d ago56:35

56:35

The story of the first person to ever be executed in a Jewish court of law is featured at the end of this week's Parsha. An unnamed man, the son of an Israelite woman and an Egyptian man, blasphemed and was executed. When we ponder the story we discover all sorts of interesting tidbits. The blasphemer has a fascinating back story and his motivation…

1
90 Pele Yoetz — Being Buried Alive: Gezel 9:54

23d ago9:54

9:54

By Rabbi Naftali Kassorla

1
Mechanisms of Free Will 41:37

23d ago41:37

41:37

Is free will limited or unlimited? What is the scope of free will? How much of our decisions must filter through that system of choice? How much can we actually accomplish if we set our mind to it? What is the mechanisms of ascending a free will ladder? In part 2 of our study of free will, we continue our exploration of fundamental concepts in free…

1
Parshas Emor (Rebroadcast) 1:03:18

24d ago1:03:18

1:03:18

Parshas Emor contains a staggering 56 mitzvos, nearly all of them relating to either to the Kohanim, the priests, or to the Festivals, and the parsha ends with a very unusual episode that happened at Sinai. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewi…

1
Parsha: Acharei Mos - Kedoshim - Its all an illusion 11:16

26d ago11:16

11:16

By Rabbi Naftali Kassorla

1
Bonus Content Orchos Tzaddikim - Anger 31:41

27d ago31:41

31:41

Bonus content pulled from my weekly class to Bnot Torah SharfmansBy Rabbi Naftali Kassorla

1
89 Pele Yoetz — The Fish Stinks! Gaava 14:11

27d ago14:11

14:11

By Rabbi Naftali Kassorla

1
Love as Political Theory 32:31

27d ago32:31

32:31

The biblical command to love others might be more about social contracts than warm fuzzy feelings. What if "love your neighbor" wasn't just a moral cliché, but a radical political theory? In this week's Madlik episode, we explore how the biblical concept of love in Judaism goes far beyond sentiment, representing a powerful social contract that shap…

1
Parsha: Acharei Mos/Kedoshim - Sparring Mates 52:22

27d ago52:22

52:22

If you chanced upon sparring mates going at it, you may come to the mistaken impression that these two are enemies who want each other's throats. But the truth is, a sparring mate is helpful tool to improve your craft. The Almighty endowed us with a very helpful sparring mate to help bring the best out of us. At first, blush, this force seems to pr…

1
TORAH 101: The (Near Total) Inaccessibility of Spiritual Pleasure 42:33

28d ago42:33

42:33

There is great confusion about what the ultimate reward for righteousness and the ultimate punishment for wickedness are. Rambam's magisterial essay is designed to provide clarity in these lofty matters of eschatology. In part 2, we learn all about the concept of spiritual pleasure. Our bodies are very finely attuned to experiences of pain and plea…

1
Parsha: Acharei Mos/Kedoshim - It's a Small World (5783) 54:44

29d ago54:44

54:44

Our double Parsha contains many different mitzvos. In this podcast we study a set of mitzvos and a very interesting dispute about their nature. We discover a valuable and profound insight that can help us develop and cultivate our potential. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by maki…

1
88 Pele Yoetz - Do You Know Who I Am!? 4:51

30d ago4:51

4:51

By Rabbi Naftali Kassorla

1
Free Will: An Exploration of Fundamental Concepts (Part 1) 47:11

30d ago47:11

47:11

Free Will is a fundamental concept in our philosophy. People are endowed by God with the ability to determine the direction that they take in life. People are allowed to choose a path of righteousness or wickedness. There is a certain modicum of self-determination that the Almighty provides us with. In this mini series, we study a fantastic chapter…

1
87 Pele Yoetz - Skeletons in Our Closet - Gaava 8:35

1M ago8:35

8:35

By Rabbi Naftali Kassorla

1
Parshas Acharei & Kedoshim (Rebroadcast) 1:47:50

1M ago1:47:50

1:47:50

This week's double-parsha contains a smorgasbord of mitzvos. The three chapters of Parshas Acharei cover three general categories. First we read about the Yom Kippur sacrifices and procedures; then we learn about the prohibitions against the consumption of blood among other ritualistic and sacrificial laws, and the final chapter is oriented around …

1
Parsha: Tazria Metzorah - Scalps and Scalpels 1:03:07

1M ago1:03:07

1:03:07

The process of diagnosing and purifying a person afflicted with tzaraas is long and arduous. But there was no avoiding it. It is prohibited to excise a tzaraas affliction. You must go to the priest and have him evaluate it. You must be quarantined if you are declared impure. You must undergo the long and complicated process of purification once the…

1
Simone deBeuvoir reads the Torah 31:38

1M ago31:38

31:38

This episode explores the biblical and rabbinic perspectives on gender, sex, and reproduction through the lens of Leviticus 12. We examine how the Torah's language of "seed" and agricultural metaphors connect childbirth to creation and redemption. We explore the biblical imagination where women's reproductive power links her to primal creative forc…

1
86 Pele Yoetz — Gaava 12:38

1M ago12:38

12:38

By Rabbi Naftali Kassorla

1
Parsha: Tazria Metzora - Heaven on the Cheap (5783) 57:59

1M ago57:59

57:59

This week's double Parsha contains some of the most intricate and complex laws in the Torah, the laws of purity and impurity. This subject remains an enigmatic mystery for us, in fact, even in Talmudic times it was arcane. That said, there is always something that we can glean from every part of Torah. In this podcast we propose a theory relating t…

1
From Beast to Man 46:06

1M ago46:06

46:06

Starting from the second day of Passover, we count the Omer. For 7 weeks of 7 days a piece -- 49 days -- we count. Once the count is completed, the festival of Shavuos is upon us. What exactly is the meaning of this interesting Mitzvah? The subject gets trickier when you examine how the Torah frames this Mitzvah. The counting does not begin on the …

1
Parshas Tazria & Metzora (Rebroadcast) 1:14:41

1M ago1:14:41

1:14:41

A very large percentage of Torah is dedicated to the laws of purity and impurity. This week's double Parshas of Tazria and Metzora largely deal with these laws. One variant of impurity that is discussed in both parshas is that of a metzora, A metzora is someone who is stricken with the tangible illness of tzaraas caused by a variety of sins, most n…

1
Parsha: Shemini - Eighth Time's The Charm 51:53

1M ago51:53

51:53

Assembling and disassembling the Tabernacle was a difficult task that Moshe repeated for seven days. Each morning he placed the vertical beams into their silver sockets, and affixed the golden rings on the top of the beams. He placed the horizontal bars that went on each side of the vertical beams, including the snaking bar that went through turned…

1
Kosher Laws and Identity 31:57

1M ago31:57

31:57

Passover, which we recently celebrated, bans bread. Leviticus bans pigs. Ashkenazim banned rice, but Mizrachim and the rabbis of the Talmud did not. What do these bans and dietary practices actually say about us? For 2,000 years the Jewish people have been doing something that nowadays is indispensable... reading food labels. It's required nowadays…

1
Parsha: Shemini - Fires, Foreign and Domestic (5783) 59:16

1M ago59:16

59:16

Nadav and Avihu were the crown princes of the Jewish nation. These two sons were slated to succeed Moshe and Aaron. Moshe declared, without hyperbole, that his two nephews, Nadav and Avihu, were greater than he and Aaron. These two sons of Aaron were without peer. Yet they acted in an inexplicable manner: On the eighth day of the inauguration of th…

1
Parshas Shemini (Rebroadcast) 53:51

1M ago53:51

53:51

After months of preparation and building, and a week of inauguration, the nation was anticipating the climax of the Tabernacle experience: When God finally rested His Presence upon the people’s handiwork. On the eighth day the Tabernacle was erected for good, and a Heavenly fire consumed the various sacrifices offered upon the Altar and the nation …

1
Guard The Matzos: A Yahrzeit Tribute to Rabbi Shlomo Wolbe 48:24

2M ago48:24

48:24

Matzah is a tricky food. It is made with the same ingredients as bread ; the only difference is the speed of how they are processed. The Torah tells us that we must guard the matzos to prevent them from turning into chametz. Our sages tell us that this applies not only to matzos, but also to The thing that is spelled the same way in Hebrew, Mitzvos…

1
Parsha: Tzav - Conceal the Deal 56:15

2M ago56:15

56:15

A top of the altar were fires that were never extinguished for hundreds of years. What was the nature of these fires? What were they made up of? How are they different than other fires? When we examine the sources, we discovered that there were multiple types of fires, including a special, Divine fire that descended from heaven. When we probe the s…

1
Freedom Haggadah: Tradition Meets Social Justice 32:16

2M ago32:16

32:16

Whether you’re a radical Progressive or Traditionalist, are you ready to be Free? Join Jews and Gentiles, blacks and whites, progressives and traditionalists and return to April 4th 1969 (MLK's first Yartzeit) at Arthur Waskow's radical and controversial Freedom Seder. I recently picked up a first edition of this Mao-sized red booklet, and it's far…

1
Parsha: Tzav - Pure-Bread (5783) 1:03:00

2M ago1:03:00

1:03:00

On the first day of a Kohein's tenure doing service in the Temple, they bring a once-in-a-lifetime offering: a meal-offering that is almost identical to the daily meal-offering offered by the High Priest. This offering is classified by the Torah as the offering of Aaron and his sons. When we analyze this unique meal offering, we discover some very …

1
Five Questions for Pesach 48:34

2M ago48:34

48:34

Pesach (Passover) marks the founding event of our nation. We had been enslaved in Egypt for centuries, and in one night the Almighty extracted a nation from amidst a nation with miracles, signs, and wonders. Each Passover we remember and relive that momentous night. We gather together with our family at the Seder, ask the four questions, drink the …

1
Parshas Tzav (Rebroadcast) 58:43

2M ago58:43

58:43

In continuation of the themes of last week, Parshas Tzav details the procedures of processing many of the sacrifices enumerated in Parshas Vayikra, teaches us about new sacrifices, and we read about the seven days of inauguration of the Tabernacle. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts …

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