Join us as we explore the intricate relationship between Jews and politics in America. In our conversation, we express gratitude towards the United States for the unprecedented freedoms and safety it offers to the Jewish community, contrasting this with historical persecution elsewhere. We also examine the spiritual tension between feeling at home in America and the deep-seated longing for Israel, discussing how these dual identities can sometimes create discomfort for those who see the U.S. as their homeland. Our discussion underscores the significance of Hakaras HaTov, or recognizing good, and the importance of appreciating the political landscape that allows Jewish life and Torah study to thrive.

Listen in as we navigate the complexities of balancing Torah values with political participation. We emphasize the vital role of voting as a form of gratitude for democratic rights while recognizing the influence of a higher power in worldly affairs. This episode highlights the diversity of the political landscape and acknowledges that no single party perfectly aligns with Torah values. As such, we encourage thoughtful consideration of political choices, reminding listeners not to idolize any political entity but rather align decisions with core values.

In this episode, we also feature a conversation with Rabbi Nagel, delving into the dynamics of rabbinic life in Houston and the balance rabbis must maintain when discussing politics. We stress the importance of rabbis presenting diverse perspectives, allowing individuals to make informed choices while prioritizing their dedication to teaching Torah. Stay informed about world events to connect spiritually and recognize divine influence in our lives. Engage with us by sharing your questions, and we look forward to addressing them in future episodes, fostering a more interactive experience for our audience by submitting your questions to [email protected]

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This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by the Nagel Family.

This Episode (#24) of the Unboxing Judaism Podcast is dedicated in honor of The Nagel Children

Recorded in HPL Studios on January 29, 2025, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on February 4, 2025
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Unboxing Judaism Podcast is a discussion on fundamental Jewish and modern cultural topics through the lens of our Torah and heritage with Rabbi Yaakov Nagel and Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe from TORCH, in Houston, Texas

ASK! To have your questions featured in a future podcast, please submit your questions to [email protected]

Rabbi Yaakov Nagel is the founding member of TORCH and has been active since 1998. Additionally, Rabbi Nagel serves as the Senior Rabbi at Heimish of Houston and has been delivering the Daf Yomi (Daily Folio of Talmud) for TORCH since 2003. Rabbi Nagel is the Head of the Court for Jewish Divorce and actively serves as a member of the Houston Beis Din.

Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe serves as the Director of TORCH since 2005.
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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!
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SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Yaakov Nagel:

• Daf Yomi Podcast - https://linktr.ee/DafYomiPodcast
• Unboxing Judaism Podcast - https://linktr.ee/unboxingjudaism

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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

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EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: [email protected]
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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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