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The Thinking Jew Podcast discusses thought provoking insights on topics of Judaism and Torah. Join Rabbi Moshe as he explores the parsha, holidays, Jewish law and philosophy and you’re sure to gain a deeper Torah perspective for the modern world.
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For question, comments or future topic requests, email me at thethinkingjewpodcast@gmail.com
Marriage is one of the most important values in Judaism, and as such the marriage process is filled with meaningful rituals and processes, reflecting the magnitude of the moment. Often many people aren't aware of the meaning behind much of what's being done, so in this episode, we go through the entire wedding process from the time one enters the wedding hall until they leave. In addition to explaining the legal process, we add in the psychological and spiritual meanings behind many of these actions as well.
This episode is dedicated in honor of the upcoming marriage of Scott Friedman and Michelle Golan. May the Torah learning that results from this podcast be a merit for them to build a beautiful Jewish home!
Happy Listening!
Rabbi Moshe
To sponsor a podcast or make a tax-deductible donation to support this podcast and DATA of Richardson: https://thethinkingjew.com/support-us/
Contact me with any feedback at thethinkingjewpodcast@gmail.com or thethinkingjew.com
Sources:
Pirkei DiRebbi Eliezer, Ch. 16, Groom is like a king - https://www.sefaria.org/Pirkei_DeRabbi_Eliezer.16.16?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
Genesis 24:65, Rebecca covers her face when she sees Isaac - https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.24.65?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
Midrash Tehilim, 110, Abraham's tent was open on all four sides - https://www.sefaria.org/Midrash_Tehillim.110.1?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
Zohar, vol. 2 169a, the wedding canopy is compared to the Tabernacle - https://www.sefaria.org/Zohar.2.169a.8?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
Zohar, vol. 3 219b, the divine presence brings the souls of departed parents to the chuppah - https://www.sefaria.org/Zohar.3.219b.9?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
Sefer Haminhagim, pg. 75, the divine presence brings the souls of the past three generations (Hebrew only) - https://beta.hebrewbooks.org/reader/reader.aspx?sfid=30479#p=83&fitMode=fitwidth&hlts=&ocr=
Genesis 2:21-23, Man was made initially as one being and then separated into male and female - https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.2.21?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=he
Text of Marriage-themed Sheva Brachos - https://www.sefaria.org/Birkat_Hamazon%2C_ShevaBrachot.1?lang=bi
Babylonian Talmud, Brachos 6b, greatness of celebtrating with the bride and groom - https://www.sefaria.org/Berakhot.6b.30?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
Babylonian Talmud, Kesubos 16b, more about dancing with new couple - https://www.sefaria.org/Ketubot.16b.12?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
The Havdala ritual is comprised of making a blessing on a cup of wine, a candle and nice smelling spices. When we make the blessing over the havdala candle, the code of Jewish Law teaches us that we should fold our fingers down over our palms and look at our fingernails and palms. What is the meaning of this custom? Why do we look at them?
Join me as we begin with an explanation from the Mishna and continue going deeper uncovering the source of fire in the Torah, the kabbalistic meaning of fingernails and its relevant message to us today.
Happy Listening!
Rabbi Moshe
To sponsor a podcast or make a tax-deductible donation to support this podcast and DATA of Richardson: https://thethinkingjew.com/support-us/
Contact me with any feedback at thethinkingjewpodcast@gmail.com or thethinkingjew.com
Sources:
Basic text of Havdala Service - https://www.sefaria.org/Siddur_Ashkenaz%2C_Shabbat%2C_Havdalah?lang=bi
Mishna, Berachos 8:6, can't make blessing on fire unless benefitting from it - https://www.sefaria.org/Mishnah_Berakhot.8.6?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
Talmud Bavli, Berachos 53b, benefit from light to distinguish between an issur and pundyon - https://www.sefaria.org/Berakhot.53b.10?lang=bi
Picture of a pundyon and issur, pg. 2 - https://tinyurl.com/pundyonisur
Tur, Orach Chaim, 298, distinguishing between fingernails and palm is the same as the two coins - https://www.sefaria.org/Tur%2C_Orach_Chaim.298.1?lang=bi
Jerusalem Talmud, Berachos 60b, story of Adam and fire on Saturday night - https://www.sefaria.org/Jerusalem_Talmud_Berakhot.60b?lang=bi
Bereishis Rabba 11:2, similar story as above - https://www.sefaria.org/Bereishit_Rabbah.11.2?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
Pirkei DiRebbi Eliezer, Ch. 14:3, Adam was initially covered with a nail-like skin and lost it after he sinned - https://www.sefaria.org/Pirkei_DeRabbi_Eliezer.14.3?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
Kol Bo, 41:13, Adam saw after Shabbos that only his fingernails remained from his initial state so we look at them at havdala - https://www.sefaria.org/Kol_Bo.41.13?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
The incredible holiday season, beginning with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, continuing to Yom Kippur, the day of atonement, and then Sukkos, finally comes to a climax with the holiday of Shemini Atzeres. And while all the other holidays have unique commandments associated with them (shofar, fasting, lulav and esrog, sitting in a sukkah etc.) there are no special commandments for this final day. Why is that? Why doesn't Shemini Atzeres have any unique mitzvahs?
In this episode, we take a whole new look at the entire holiday season, uncovering a deep storyline running through all the holidays and coming to a climax on Shemini Atzeres! The story of the holiday season is in a certain sense a story of the world: beginning with the creation of Adam, his sin and judgement and continuing with the search for Adam in the world until he is found and his mission reaccepted.
Happy Listening!
Rabbi Moshe
To sponsor a podcast or make a tax-deductible donation to support this podcast and DATA of Richardson: https://thethinkingjew.com/support-us/
Contact me with any feedback at thethinkingjewpodcast@gmail.com or thethinkingjew.com
Sources:
Babylonian Talmud, Sukkah 48a, Shemini Atzeres is an independent holiday - https://tinyurl.com/regelatzmo
Tosafist on Tractate Rosh Hashana 8a titled Litkufos, Rosh Hashana is actually the birthday of Adam - https://tinyurl.com/tosrh8a
Derech Hashem, Rabbi Moshe Chaim Lozzatto, Part 2 Ch. 4, Adam was created with potential to impact; Abraham (the Jews) accepted this mission going forward - https://tinyurl.com/derechhashem2-4
Ethics Of Our Fathers, 5:2, generations between Adam and Noah and God's patience - https://tinyurl.com/ethics5-2
Pirkei DiRebbi Elazar Ch. 31, purpose of Abraham's tests were to see if he can uphold the Torah (Adam's mission) - https://tinyurl.com/prde31
Genesis Ch. 22, story of the binding of Isaac - https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.22?lang=bi&aliyot=0
Pachad Yitzchak, Rav Hutner, Ma'amarei Sukkos #21, "don't send your hand towards the lad" replaced "let us create man" - not available online
Babylonian Talmud, Yevamos 61a, Jews are called Adam - https://tinyurl.com/yevamos61a
Numbers 29:12-36, listing of the bull sacrifices - https://tinyurl.com/bamidbar29
Babylonian Talmud, Sukkah 55b, 70 bulls correspond to 70 nations and single bull to Jewish nation - https://tinyurl.com/sukkah55b
Rashi, Genesis 10:25, during the lifetime of Peleg the world was divided into 70 nations- https://tinyurl.com/70peleg
Text of the prayer for Rain - https://tinyurl.com/praygeshem
Genesis 2:5, Rashi titled Ki, rain didn't fall until the creation of Adam - https://tinyurl.com/bereishis2-5
Pachad Yitzchak, Rav Hutner, Ma'amarei Sukkos #118, only once G-d found the new Adam (the Jewish nation) do we pray for rain - not available online
Yom Kippur is the holiest day on the Jewish calendar and carries along with that many unique laws and customs. What are all the laws of Yom Kippur? When do they apply? What's the deeper meaning of them? Is there a common theme that goes across all these laws?
Join me as we uncover the unique element of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, and we'll discover the elevated status we are able to attain on this holiest day.
Happy Listening!
Rabbi Moshe
To sponsor a podcast or make a tax-deductible donation to support this podcast and DATA of Richardson: https://thethinkingjew.com/support-us/
Contact me with any questions, feedback or topic requests at thethinkingjewpodcast@gmail.com or on my website thethinkingjew.com
Sources:
Kaparos text - https://www.sefaria.org/Machzor_Yom_Kippur_Ashkenaz%2C_Kaporos?lang=bi
Code of Jewish Law, Shulchan Aruch, Orech Chaim 606:1, you should ask friends for forgiveness before Yom Kippur - https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh%2C_Orach_Chayim.606.1?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
Maharal, Drasha Lishabbos Shuva, theme on Yom Kippur we're like angels - https://www.sefaria.org/Drashot_Maharal%2C_Drush_L'Shabbat_T'Shuva.41?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=he
Pirkei Direbbi Eliezer, Ch. 46, laws of Yom Kippur stem from being like angels - https://www.sefaria.org/Pirkei_DeRabbi_Eliezer.46.9?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=he
Nefesh Hachaim footnote on 1:5, body in a shoe is like the soul in the body - https://www.sefaria.org/Nefesh_HaChayim%2C_Gate_I.5.9?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
Devarim Rabah, more laws stemming from comparison to Angels - https://www.sefaria.org/Devarim_Rabbah.2.36?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
What if we feel like we haven't accomplished as much repentance as we would've liked over the past month? What if we are embarrassed to show our faces in synagogue on the High Holidays after another year of failed accomplishments? What's the advice?
Join me as I relay a few parables revealing the key to gaining God's assistance in the repentance process. Activate God's help in making us repentant!
May we all be written in the book of life for a year of health, success and amazing growth!
Happy Listening!
Rabbi Moshe
To sponsor a podcast or make a tax-deductible donation to support this podcast and DATA of Richardson: https://thethinkingjew.com/support-us/
Contact me with any questions, feedback or topic requests at thethinkingjewpodcast@gmail.com or on my website thethinkingjew.com
Sources:
Deuteronomy 30:3, Hashem assists in repentance - https://www.sefaria.org/Deuteronomy.30.3?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
Silent Amidah, blessing for repentance - https://www.sefaria.org/Siddur_Ashkenaz%2C_Weekday%2C_Shacharit%2C_Amidah%2C_Repentance.1?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
Stories and idea taken from Peninim On The Torah - 18th series by Rabbi Scheinbaum
The only mitzvah unique to Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, is the obligation to hear the Shofar blasts. These Shofar blasts are so powerful that they actually get God to move from his throne of judgement to his throne of mercy.
What is so special about the Shofar? How does it produce this heavenly transformation of Godly perspective? And, why is it the only mitzvah of Rosh Hashana?
Join me as we go very deep into different Kabbalistic understandings of what judgement really is, what mercy really is and what God's throne really represents. Through all of this we'll build a clear understanding of the amazing power of the Shofar.
Happy Listening!
Rabbi Moshe
To sponsor a podcast and make a tax-deductible donation to support this podcast and DATA of Richardson: https://thethinkingjew.com/support-us/
Contact me with any questions, feedback or topic requests at thethinkingjewpodcast@gmail.com
Sources:
Number 29:1, Torah calls Rosh Hashana "Yom Teruah" - https://www.sefaria.org/Numbers.29.1
Medrish Vayikra Rabah 29:10, source of God moving from throne of judgement to throne of mercy - https://www.sefaria.org/Vayikra_Rabbah.29.10?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
Genesis 22:13, Abraham sees the ram stuck - https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.22.13?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
Inner Space by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan pg. 26, Kabbalistic explanation of G-d's throne - not available online
Rashi Genesis 2:1, source that din (judgement) is good and mercy is a partner to support the system - https://www.sefaria.org/Rashi_on_Genesis.1.1.3?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=he
Ecclesiastes 7:20, All men sin - https://www.sefaria.org/Ecclesiastes.7.20?lang=bi
Talmud Bavli, Baba Kama 50a, God doesn't ignore sins - https://www.sefaria.org/Bava_Kamma.50a.23?lang=bi
Shared letters and understanding between Racheim (mercy) and Machar (tomorrow) - heard from my Rebbi, Rabbi Eli Margulies shlit"a
Talmud Bavli, Rosh Hashana 34b, the Shofar carries the prayers up to heaven - https://www.sefaria.org/Rosh_Hashanah.34b.7?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
Shem Mishmuel, Rosh Hashana, 8, depth of Shofar is releasing the inner breath/life source - https://www.sefaria.org/Shem_MiShmuel%2C_Rosh_Hashanah.8.12?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
Genesis 2:7, God blew life into Adam - https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.2.7?lang=bi&aliyot=0
Nefesh Hachaim, Part I, Section 15, one who blows, blows from within himself as applied to God and Adam - https://www.sefaria.org/Nefesh_HaChayim%2C_Gate_I.15.2?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
Many view the day of Rosh Hashana as the Day of Judgement; when God looks at our past year's actions and determines what the next year will look like. But if that's all Rosh Hashana is, why don't the Rabbis primarily refer to it as Yom Hadin, the Day of Judgement. Why call it Rosh Hashana, the beginning of the year? And why does the service on Rosh Hashana completely ignore the judgement? It doesn't seem to focus on repentance or repairing ourselves on a personal level at all!
Join me as we uncover the true essence of Rosh Hashana, and you'll discover that the judgement on Rosh Hashana is actually only a secondary function of the day and the true nature of the day is G-d's yearly projection.
Happy Listening!
Rabbi Moshe
To sponsor a podcast or make a tax-deductible donation to support this podcast and DATA of Richardson: https://thethinkingjew.com/support-us/
Contact me with any questions, feedback or topic requests at thethinkingjewpodcast@gmail.com
Sources:
Rosh Hashana 16b, Mishna calls the day "Rosh Hashana" - https://www.sefaria.org/Rosh_Hashanah.16a.1?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
Sifsei Chaim, Moadim I, pg. 92 - not available online
Our Rabbis teach us that during the month of Elul, God makes Himself more accessible than at any other time of the year. During this period of introspection and self improvement, God is standing there with us in the fields, helping us along.
Join me as we discover why this is? What is special about this time period that God makes Himself more available? In the course of the discussion, we'll also discover a Talmudic debate as to when the world was created, why the day of judgement is on Rosh HaShana and an amazing parable from the first Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi.
Happy Listening!
Rabbi Moshe
To sponsor a podcast or make a tax-deductible donation to support this podcast and DATA of Richardson: https://thethinkingjew.com/support-us/
Contact me with any questions, feedback or topic requests: thethinkingjewpodcast@gmail.com
Sources:
Isaiah 55:6, "Seek out God when He is present..." - https://www.sefaria.org/Isaiah.55.6?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=he
Rosh HaShana 18a, above verse referring to 10 days of repentance - https://www.sefaria.org/Rosh_Hashanah.18a.11?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
Meiri, Chibur HaTeshuva, pg. 250, extends above verse to Elul (Hebrew only) - https://beta.hebrewbooks.org/reader/reader.aspx?sfid=21880#p=267&fitMode=fitwidth&hlts=&ocr=
Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, Likutei Torah, Devarim 32:1, the king in the field parable (Hebrew only) - https://chabadlibrary.org/books/adhaz/lkutey/29/32a.htm
Rosh HaShana 10b, debate if world was created in Tishrei or Nissan - https://www.sefaria.org/Rosh_Hashanah.10b.10?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
Rabbi Nissim of Gerondi (the Ran), 3a in the Rif, why are we judged on Rosh HaShana - https://www.sefaria.org/Ran_on_Rosh_Hashanah.3a.3?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
Rashi on Exodus 33:11, calculations of Moses' multiple ascents and descents from Mount Sinai - https://www.sefaria.org/Rashi_on_Exodus.33.11.2?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
When you take care of G-d's children, you're partnering with G-d and you can be confident that he'll assist you in your efforts. If you want to see the hand of G-d in your life, get involved in communal efforts and you're sure to see how things come together in ways that are oozing with providence.
In this episode, I veer off my classic style of working through a concept from its biblical roots and through its kabbalistic meaning and instead share a bunch of stories of providence that I recently experienced while building the eruv in Richardson. The hand of G-d was so clear that if we needed to ask someone for access to their property to check on something, we almost knew that they'll probably be sitting on their front lawn with their dog or mowing "waiting" for us.
I found these stories to be inspirational examples of how when you partner with G-d's mission in the world, you'll see how you have the greatest partner possible.
Happy Listening!
Rabbi Moshe
To sponsor a podcast or make a tax-deductible donation to support this podcast and DATA of Richardson: https://thethinkingjew.com/support-us/
If you have stories of divine providence (hashgacha pratis) that happened to you, I'd love to hear your stories as well: thethinkingjewpodcast@gmail.com
To watch the eruv agreement with Mayor Voelker of the City of Richardson, check that out here: https://youtu.be/ZLZcPHEMEHI
Sources:
Mishebeirach during Shabbos prayers, If you work for the community, G-d will help you - https://tinyurl.com/mishebeirach
Pictures of the front of the bottle of wine - https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0242/1545/3759/products/image_f902a457-4729-491a-9c0e-54eb5fada810_900x.jpg?v=1623766625
Picture of the back of the bottle of wine - https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0242/1545/3759/products/image_a4ca21a0-a923-4b01-8ef6-79ce484f33d0_900x.jpg?v=1623766630
In the last episode, we discussed the practical elements of constructing a community eruv. In this episode, we take a deeper look. What does an eruv represent in Kabbalah? Why does the tractate of Shabbos begin with the laws of carrying outside on Shabbos? Why does the Torah exemplify Sabbath observance with the laws of eruv?
Join me as we uncover the hidden kabbalistic mystery of the eruv and learn why the essence of Shabbos is truly encapsulated in the mitzvah of eruv.
Happy Listening!
Rabbi Moshe
To sponsor a podcast or make a tax-deductible donation to support this podcast and DATA of Richardson: https://thethinkingjew.com/support-us/
To contact me with questions or topic requests: thethinkingjewpodcast@gmail.com
Sources:
Genesis 33:18, Jacob encamping outside of Shechem - https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.33.18?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
Bereishis Rabba 79:6, interprets above verse regarding establishing eruv - https://www.sefaria.org/Bereishit_Rabbah.79.6?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
Genesis 26:5 G-d explains why He blesses Abraham - https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.26.5?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=he
Bereishis Rabba 64:4, interprets above verse regarding eruv - https://www.sefaria.org/Bereishit_Rabbah.64.4?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
Tractate Shabbos 2a with Tosfos, opens with discussion of domains and Tosfos questions why - https://www.sefaria.org/Shabbat.2a.1?lang=bi&with=Tosafot&lang2=en
Maharal, Chidushei Gur Aryeh on Shabbos 2a, Paragraph beginning with Masnisin, answers Tosfos that eruv is unique to Shabbos - currently unavailable online
Rav Hutner, Pachad Yitzchak, Chanuka, V, explains the Maharal that something's unique element defines its essence - unavailable online
Bereishis Rabba 11:5, discussion about Shabbos between Tornus Rufus and Rabbi Akiva - https://www.sefaria.org/Bereishit_Rabbah.11.5?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
Rav Tzadok of Lublin, Pri Tzadik, Vayishlach, 8, private domain connects to G-d, public domain is the opposite - https://www.sefaria.org/Pri_Tzadik%2C_Vayishlach.8.1?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
Da'as Shabbos, pg 87, source of much of the ideas behind this episode - https://beta.hebrewbooks.org/reader/reader.aspx?sfid=50263#p=85&fitMode=fitwidth&hlts=&ocr=
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