Unlock the secrets of Jewish customs and practices and see your spiritual understanding blossom. We promise you'll gain insights into the Shema prayer's profound rituals, as we uncover the significance behind reciting its first verse aloud and the cherished custom of covering the eyes. Join us as we explore the Sephardic tradition of forming Hebrew letters with one's fingers, enriching your appreciation of these age-old practices and encouraging a deeper personal connection to your faith.

As we navigate the turbulent waters of moral and theological quandaries, we reflect on prayer's role in times of conflict, especially in light of recent historical events involving Hamas. Through thoughtful discussions on scriptural interpretations and the balance between human judgment and divine will, we confront the ethical dilemmas of mercy and justice. Our conversations don't shy away from the difficult questions, examining how historical precedents guide us in dealing with malevolent forces and seeking peace.

Finally, we reflect on the resilience of Jewish identity in the shadow of the Holocaust, celebrating the resurgence of Jewish life and the importance of quality in observance over sheer numbers. Hear stories of unwavering commitment, even under societal pressure, and absorb the power of communal prayer and shared traditions. Join us for an engaging Q&A session, where thought-provoking questions and heartfelt answers bring the episode to a thoughtful close. Join us and strengthen your bond with Jewish traditions and community.

In this episode of Ask Away we address these various topics:

• Understanding Jewish Customs and Practices : Shema prayer customs include reciting aloud, covering eyes, and using specific finger placements, emphasizing personal understanding and connection.
• The Nature of Prayer and Evil: Examining moral and theological considerations in visualizing and praying for conflict resolution, including concepts of absolute evil, mercy, and human judgment.
• Understanding Mourning and Spiritual Meaning: Maintaining sanity in a chaotic world through prayer, Omer traditions, Lag B'Omer celebrations, and spiritual insights of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai.
• Lessons From the Holocaust: The Holocaust's impact on Jewish identity and observance, the resurgence of Jewish life and Torah study, and the importance of active participation in traditions.
• Quality Over Quantity in Jewish Observance: Jewish immigrants face challenges in maintaining religious observance, Holocaust's impact on demographics, and importance of genuine faith and observance.
• Importance of Prayer and Community: Communal prayer and Kedusha are significant in Jewish practice, with a minyan enhancing prayer and individual devotion valued.
• And much more ... Please submit your questions at [email protected]

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The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way.
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This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen Lerner

• Download & Print the Everyday Judaism Halacha Notes:
  https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5

This episode (Ep. #39) of the Everyday Judaism Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Marshall & Doreen Lerner! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!

Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on May 4, 2025, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on June 4, 2025
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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 Aryeh Wolbe: 

• NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodes
• Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes
• Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.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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