The Shema Podcast for the Perplexed

By Torch

Education Religion & Spirituality Judaism

What's The Shema Podcast for the Perplexed about?

A Baal Teshuva shares Torah insights, intertwined through personal stories and interviews with leading Torah Scholars to demonstrate the empowering qualities of Torah and mitzvot.

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The Shema Podcast for the Perplexed episodes:

06.10.2024
Grant us our Portion in Your Torah with Morty Roth
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with our special and beloved guest, Morty Roth, as we prepare for Shavuos by reflecting on what the Parsha of Bamidbar, which most often precedes Shavuos, conveys to us about how we can best...
06.03.2024
Reconciling the Paradox of Having Emunah While Praying For Needs with Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe
At the core of being a Jew is the belief that Hashem orchestrates every detail of our lives with love and for our ultimate good. This raises a fundamental question: if everything in our lives is already perfectly constructed by...
05.27.2024
Embracing Sacred Time with Rabbi Nagel
We all celebrate personal milestones like birthdays and wedding anniversaries throughout the year. Many of us are accustomed to measuring time according to the Gregorian Calendar, a man-made system, rather than the Hebrew calendar, which was established by the Creator...
05.02.2024
Becoming a vessel to receive Torah, with Rabbi Buscko (Rebroadcast)
It is now the Counting of the Omer. These 49 days between Pesach and Shavous create a bridge that allows one to leave their mental restrictions and move towards a more expanded consciousness. In this episode, Rabbi Chaim...
04.26.2024
Finding Our Freedom with Morty Roth
During our Pesach Seder, we recounted the story of our redemption, starting with our suffering in Egypt, leading to our cries to Hashem, and ultimately to Him guiding us to freedom. However, we must ask ourselves why He placed us...
04.05.2024
And the Knowledge of Hashem will Flood the World
In our Tanach, Isaiah (Yeshayahu), describes that during the era of Moshiach, the earth will be as filled with the knowledge of Hashem, as the waters cover the sea. My dear friends and heroes, Bruce Licht and Ron Kardos,...
03.18.2024
We Are All in Jewish Outreach Now with Tyler Scholl and Erica Harris
For millennia, the Jewish community has awaited the arrival of Moshiach, yearning for the Final Redemption and Hashem's ultimate revelation. Each day that this event does not unfold serves as a poignant reminder from our Creator that we, as a...
03.12.2024
Finding the Hidden Sparks with Betty Givin
Aiding us in our endeavor to cleave to our Creator and continually ascend to great spiritual heights is the divine timeline throughout each year. In this episode we are joined by a dear friend, Betty Givin who recently published a...
02.27.2024
Creating a Mishkan within ourselves with Rabbi Daniel Cotlar
In the journey from Parsha Terumah to Pekudei, we are guided through the meticulous construction of the Mishkan— a sacred space that bridged the heavenly and earthly realms. While we long for the day the Mishkan will be physically reconstructed,...
01.29.2024
Building a Relationship between Emunah and Emes
In previous episodes, we've been charting a path through the stages of creation, starting from the initial desire of the Creator and then the Creation. The goal is to seek a deeper understanding of the significance of our current period...
01.09.2024
Harnessing the Power of the Mind
Delving into the profound insights of Rabbi Akiva Tatz's "Living Inspired," this podcast explores the intricate workings of the human mind and its capabilities. We'll delve into how our mental faculties intertwine with our Neshama (soul) and true Daas (knowledge),...
01.01.2024
Cultivating the Garden of the Mind
In this episode, we delve into the profound impact our thoughts have on shaping our external world. Just like seeds that sprout and blossom, the notions we entertain in our minds can materialize into our physical reality. The role of...
12.24.2023
There Can Be No Love without Fear
The concept that may be challenging for some Jewish individuals is the notion that in order to genuinely love Hashem, there must be an element of fear involved. In this episode, I delve into this subject by drawing parallels with...
12.10.2023
Being a menorah with David Block
The annual Chanukah struggle endures for the Jewish people, representing our role as the illuminating force that communicates to the world the concept that nature serves as the garment through which our Creator engages with our reality, rather than an...
11.17.2023
Our role in helping the IDF with Eytan Rund, IDF Intelligence Unit
We've dedicated numerous episodes to exploring our role as Jews in the spiritual struggle against evil. However, it's crucial to consider our hishtadlus (personal effort) in the physical realm of this battle. In this episode, we are privileged to gain...
11.14.2023
A Superhero Story featuring Evonne Marzouk
In the ongoing narrative of creation, now in its concluding chapters, the Jewish story is akin to that of a superhero. Ken Spiro, in his book "Destiny," highlights how the structure of any superhero tale mirrors that of the Jewish...
10.29.2023
Stopping the fulfillment of a prophecy with Lieutenant Joe Mabry and Specialist Solomon Kullman
I initiated this podcast in 2020 after coming across a prophecy in the Zohar. It foretold a situation akin to how, during the Exodus, 80% of the Jews in Egypt were reluctant to join and preferred to remain in Egypt,...
10.18.2023
Finding Connection in Ambiguity with Rabbi Pill
In previous episodes, I've discussed the idea that the purpose of Torah, mitzvos, and the various aspects of Halacha derived from the mitzvos is to expand and infuse into every facet of our lives, refining each moment into a binary...
10.13.2023
Seeing Holiness
Hashem created angles as purely spiritual and intellection beings, yet as static beings. He created animals simply that operate off instincts. Then He created mankind, the fusion of the two, so that mankind could choose to elevate themselves higher...
09.28.2023
Building Foundations with David Block
In this episode, we are honored to welcome David Block back to the show. Following our previous episode, where David shared his insights and questions, many of his family and friends have been curious about how to begin their journey...
09.14.2023
Wielding the Sword of Prayer
In this episode, I delve into a profound teaching from Rabbi Nachman that underscores the importance of aligning our knowledge (Daas), compassion (Tiferes), and foundation (Yesod). This alignment serves as a powerful conduit for channeling blessings from Hashem into the...
09.07.2023
Rosh Hashanah Roundtable with the TORCH Podcast Team
Being invited to join the TORCH Roundtable alongside the esteemed Rabbi Nagel, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe, and Rabbi Bucsko is consistently a profound honor for me. In this episode, our focus centers on the approaching Rosh Hashanah holiday....
09.05.2023
Unifying K’lal Yisrael with David Block
In this episode, we have the pleasure of welcoming David Block, a fellow Torch Podcast listener who contacted me with a sincere desire to immerse himself in a Shabbos experience within our community. David's background is rooted in Reform Judaism,...
08.31.2023
Creating Meaning from the Mundane
I have always struggled with moments in life where I had to wait, whether standing in a line, waiting in a doctor’s office or any situation where I felt like my time was being wasted. In this episode I share...
08.24.2023
Seeing Beyond the Veil of Nature
In this episode, aided by the divine assistance of Hashem, I was able to realize my aspiration – one I previously discussed several episodes back – to recount moments when I perceived Hashem beyond the veil of nature. As I...
08.14.2023
Pregame Huddle for the Month of Elul with Coach Bucsko
During the month of Elul, the culmination of our efforts since our initial inspiration during Pesach takes root in our new foundation, becoming the platform for our next ascent to even greater achievements. This phase of the year marks an...
08.08.2023
Knowing Your Story with Hashem
In this episode, I recount a remarkable series of recent events that have imparted profound lessons on leading a meaningful and abundant life. My aspiration is that through hearing this, you'll feel motivated to share your own narratives with others....
07.18.2023
Pregame Huddle for the Month of Av with Rabbi “Coach” Bucsko
In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Rabbi Bucsko, who sheds light on the spiritual essence connected to the Jewish month of Av. Rabbi Bucsko guides us in reassessing our perception of Tisha B'Av, traditionally associated with mourning...
07.02.2023
If You Could Choose
Before my wife had her conversion roughly a year and a half ago, the Beis Din, had me go into the mikvah to have a conversion to remove all doubts. My great, great grandmother was born a non-Jew and...
06.25.2023
How About Them Apples?!
Being in a state of gratitude paves the way to experiencing joy and fostering a deep connection with Hashem. While it is so simple to achieve, it is so easy to forget, as the Yetzer Hara wants us to focus...
05.21.2023
Shavuos Roundtable with the TORCH Podcast Team
It is always such a great honor for me to be asked to sit at the TORCH Roundtable with the great Rabbi Nagel, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe and Rabbi Bucsko. In this episode we discuss the upcoming holiday...
05.07.2023
Serving Hashem in Adversity with Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe
I have done many episodes on the subject of how to serve Hashem in the business world and other situations that pertain to my life experiences. However, I realized that we all have different situations that we find ourselves in....
04.26.2023
I Will Do and I Will Hear with Scott Kammerman
We are all now in the process of preparing ourselves through the Counting of the Omer so we can receive our Torah at Shavuos. In this episode I asked my dear friend Scott Kammerman, the Spiritual Athlete, to join us...
04.09.2023
Prepping for Sinai with Rabbi Bucsko (Rebroadcast)
It is now the Counting of the Omer. These 49 days between Pesach and Shavous create a bridge that allows one to leave their mental restrictions and move towards a more expanded consciousness. In this episode, Rabbi Chaim Buscko breaks...
04.02.2023
Tapping into the Energy of Pesach with Rabbi Wohlgelernter (Rebroadcast)
The weeks that lead up to Pesach/Passover, is the time to prepare ourselves to become a vessel to receive the influx of energy that G-d brings to the Jewish people. This is the energy that will propel us to...
03.24.2023
Pesach Roundtable with the TORCH Podcast Team
In this episode my Rabbis and fellow TORCH Podcasters, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe and Rabbi Chaim Bucsko, have a engaging conversation around the upcoming holiday of Pesach. ★ Support this podcast ★
03.21.2023
Matzah is the Red Pill with Rabbi Wohlgelernter
Pesach is rapidly approaching. It is the origin and foundation of the Jewish people. We have much symbolism we encounter at the Pesach Seder and while Matzah on one level is also symbolic, on a deeper level it is much...
03.17.2023
Being Frum in the Business World with David Goldman
One of the challenges in adapting Torah observance is learning how to be in and advance one’s career in the corporate world without comprising our service to Hashem. The outside world’s definition of a holiday is not remotely the same...
03.05.2023
The Building Blocks of Creation with Rabbi Cohen
The Hebrew letters are the building blocks of creation. The Torah in Bereishis/Genesis describes G-d creating the world by speaking and those ten emanations from the Creator are continuing throughout time to recreate the worlds and everything in them, in...
02.28.2023
Purim Roundtable with the TORCH Podcast Team
In this episode my Rabbis and fellow TORCH Podcasters, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe and Rabbi Chaim Bucsko, have a engaging conversation around the upcoming holiday of Purim. ★ Support this podcast ★
02.13.2023
Strengthening Emunah in the Face of Tragedy with Rabbi Schusterman
Every morning and every night we are commanded to say the Shema prayer in order to internalize that Hashem created the world and is intimately involved with everything in our lives and that everything He does is for our good....
02.05.2023
The Business World – The Ultimate Venue for Developing Emunah (Rebroadcast)
In this discussion we delve into the amazing opportunities that our business endeavors provide to us in developing our understanding of Torah, strengthening our Emunah, and then using our Torah to unleash endless creativity and fearlessness in the marketplace. ...
01.29.2023
Debating (futilely) Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe (Rebroadcast)
In this episode I take my cherished friend and teacher, Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe, to task through a barrage of questions challenging him on Torah beliefs and philosophy. With his titan intellect, that was forged through a life dedicated to Torah...
01.24.2023
TORCH Due Diligence with the YDH Investment Management Team
As the President of the Board of TORCH, one of my core responsibilities is to be the representative of the TORCH shareholders, aka the donors. This year instead of conducting my due diligence on my own I decided to go...
01.18.2023
The Holy Bris with Rabbi Cohen (For Men Only - Rebroadcast)
This important topic is for men only. Gentlemen, we have a sacred and eternal covenant with the Almighty, the Bris Milah. This contractual arrangement comes with ongoing responsibilities, that if violated will cause a breach of this Holy contract and...
01.09.2023
Closing the Revolving Door to Torah Judaism
Every Jew who was raised in the secular world can identify either grandparents, great grandparents or great-great grandparents that were Torah observant Jews. Somewhere along the way one generation taught to their children how to live as a Jew...
01.02.2023
The Halacha of Organ Donation with Rabbi Grossman
The Jewish people inherited the spiritual DNA of kindness from our forefather Avraham. It is in the moments when we are giving tzedakah, volunteering our time to help another or fulfilling the mitzvah of saving a life that we feel...
12.25.2022
How to Achieve Prophecy with Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe
As we transitioned from the two thousand years of Torah and into the two thousand years of Moshiach, prophecy for the Jewish people waned away. We as a people had to adapt to a world where we could no longer...
12.18.2022
It’s All About the Struggle with Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe
This was an impromptu episode. Rabbi Aryeh was in my office to record a podcast and before we began, I sought his council on a personal matter. It is a concern I have been struggling with for quite some time....
12.13.2022
Chanukah Roundtable with the TORCH Podcast Team
I had the great honor and privilege of participating in a roundtable discussion on Chanukah, at the TORCH Center with my Rabbis and fellow Torch Podcasters, Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Rabbi Yaakov Nagel and Rabbi Chaim Bucsko. The...

What's The Shema Podcast for the Perplexed about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Shema Podcast for the Perplexed episodes:

Grant us our Portion in Your Torah with Morty Roth

Reconciling the Paradox of Having Emunah While Praying For Needs with Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe

Embracing Sacred Time with Rabbi Nagel

Becoming a vessel to receive Torah, with Rabbi Buscko (Rebroadcast)

Finding Our Freedom with Morty Roth

And the Knowledge of Hashem will Flood the World

We Are All in Jewish Outreach Now with Tyler Scholl and Erica Harris

Finding the Hidden Sparks with Betty Givin

Creating a Mishkan within ourselves with Rabbi Daniel Cotlar

Building a Relationship between Emunah and Emes

Harnessing the Power of the Mind

Cultivating the Garden of the Mind

There Can Be No Love without Fear

Being a menorah with David Block

Our role in helping the IDF with Eytan Rund, IDF Intelligence Unit

A Superhero Story featuring Evonne Marzouk

Stopping the fulfillment of a prophecy with Lieutenant Joe Mabry and Specialist Solomon Kullman

Finding Connection in Ambiguity with Rabbi Pill

Seeing Holiness

Building Foundations with David Block

Wielding the Sword of Prayer

Rosh Hashanah Roundtable with the TORCH Podcast Team

Unifying K’lal Yisrael with David Block

Creating Meaning from the Mundane

Seeing Beyond the Veil of Nature

Pregame Huddle for the Month of Elul with Coach Bucsko

Knowing Your Story with Hashem

Pregame Huddle for the Month of Av with Rabbi “Coach” Bucsko

If You Could Choose

How About Them Apples?!

Shavuos Roundtable with the TORCH Podcast Team

Serving Hashem in Adversity with Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe

I Will Do and I Will Hear with Scott Kammerman

Prepping for Sinai with Rabbi Bucsko (Rebroadcast)

Tapping into the Energy of Pesach with Rabbi Wohlgelernter (Rebroadcast)

Pesach Roundtable with the TORCH Podcast Team

Matzah is the Red Pill with Rabbi Wohlgelernter

Being Frum in the Business World with David Goldman

The Building Blocks of Creation with Rabbi Cohen

Purim Roundtable with the TORCH Podcast Team

Strengthening Emunah in the Face of Tragedy with Rabbi Schusterman

The Business World – The Ultimate Venue for Developing Emunah (Rebroadcast)

Debating (futilely) Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe (Rebroadcast)

TORCH Due Diligence with the YDH Investment Management Team

The Holy Bris with Rabbi Cohen (For Men Only - Rebroadcast)

Closing the Revolving Door to Torah Judaism

The Halacha of Organ Donation with Rabbi Grossman

How to Achieve Prophecy with Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe

It’s All About the Struggle with Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe

Chanukah Roundtable with the TORCH Podcast Team