TORCH
29 episodes
The Unboxing Judaism Podcast is a lively dialogue and discussion between Rabbi Yaakov Nagel and Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe that helps unbox and demystify the most fundamental ideas in Judaism that are commonly misunderstood. This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Rabbi Yaakov & Dr. Sara Nagel
Short reviews from the PlayNext desk, based on the episodes we processed.
A clear Torah lesson on influence, responsibility, and how goodness spreads.
The episode expands a lesson about many students into a broader point about influence: people are always teaching, whether they mean to or not. It is most effective when it shifts from principle to lived example, showing how one mitzvah can spark another and keep moving outward.
Daily halacha, case by case.
Parsha questions carried into serious Torah argument.
This episode discusses the origins and journey of a Daf Yomi (daily Talmud study) program in Houston, Texas, initiated by Rabbi Yaakov Nagel in 2002.
Two rabbis discuss Yom Ha'atzmaut (Israel's Independence Day), exploring the tension between secular Zionist origins and the modern state's religious Jewish character.
Two rabbis discuss a listener's question about whether Jewish people should assimilate and intermarry to avoid persecution, exploring historical and religious perspectives.
This roundtable discussion explores the significance of Shavuos, commemorating the revelation at Mount Sinai where the entire Jewish nation experienced prophecy and received the Torah.
Two rabbis discuss the challenges and opportunities of technology, particularly for children and parenting, from a Jewish perspective, emphasizing its potential to bring people closer to faith.
Two rabbis discuss how Orthodox Jews should approach American politics while balancing Torah values and religious identity.
This episode explores how Judaism addresses the difficult question of why tragedies occur, particularly within the Jewish community, through a discussion of divine justice and faith.
Two rabbis discuss how to handle discomfort with Torah passages, using a listener's question about omitting readings on homosexuality as a starting point.
Two rabbis discuss whether being a good person is sufficient without following the Torah, exploring how morality is defined and why religious guidance might be necessary.
Two rabbis discuss whether it's appropriate for Jewish families to celebrate non-Jewish holidays like Christmas by having a Hanukkah bush or Christmas tree, exploring questions of religious identity and multiculturalism.
Two rabbis discuss and clarify the common misconception that kosher food requires a rabbi's blessing, explaining it's actually about adherence to religious standards and inspection.
This episode explores the meaning and responsibility of being the Jewish 'chosen people' through a discussion between two rabbis, balancing individual identity with global perspective.
This episode explores the question of whether wearing wigs (sheitels) that look better than natural hair undermines the Jewish tradition of married women covering their hair for modesty.
This episode explores the importance and spiritual value of studying Torah in Judaism, addressing common questions about its practicality compared to secular careers.
Two rabbis discuss the importance of creating spiritual boundaries and protective measures around the Torah to preserve holiness and purity in modern life.
Two rabbis discuss Jewish perspectives on death, mourning rituals, and the afterlife, prompted by personal loss.
Two rabbis discuss arranged marriages in Judaism, addressing common misconceptions and exploring the topic through Torah perspectives and cultural references like Fiddler on the Roof.
This episode explores why Jews are confident that Judaism offers the best way to live life, examining its unique aspects compared to other religions.
This episode of the Unboxing Judaism podcast addresses the misconception that religious Jews do not serve in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), discussing their actual participation and the context of the October 7th attacks and Gaza war.
A roundtable discussion with TORCH rabbis and podcasters about the upcoming Jewish festival of Pesach (Passover), covering traditions like the Seder, Haggadah, and dietary restrictions.
Two rabbis discuss the root causes and modern manifestations of antisemitism, connecting it to a Torah portion about Yaakov and Esav.
A roundtable discussion in a sukkah featuring Torch rabbis and podcasters sharing insights about the festival and promoting their shows.
This episode discusses the implications of a communist mayor's election in New York City for the Jewish community and explores the appropriate Jewish response to political elections worldwide.
This episode explores why some Jewish groups, such as Neturi Karta and Satmar, hold anti-Zionist views despite the perceived beauty and significance of Israel as the promised land.
A roundtable discussion with TORCH rabbis and podcasters sharing short ideas to enhance the Chanukah experience, recorded in an improved studio setting.
Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe and Rabbi Yaakov Nagel discuss the Jewish principle of avoiding rushed judgment, exploring teachings from the Mishnah and real-life court cases.
Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe and Rabbi Yaakov Nagel introduce the Unboxing Judaism podcast, aiming to demystify fundamental Jewish concepts like tradition (Masorah) through structured discussions.
Rabbi Yaakov Nagel and Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe discuss the Jewish principle of 'Hamidut Hamidim Harbe,' emphasizing that everyone has a responsibility to share wisdom, not just teachers.