Episode 20 of the Ask Away series of the Everyday Judaism Podcast addresses critical questions about Jewish identity, kosher laws, and Zionism in the context of modern challenges like antisemitism. Recorded post-Rosh Hashanah, the session emphasizes active questioning and sourcing Torah knowledge. Key themes include:

• Jewish Identity and Antisemitism: Hiding Jewishness fuels antisemitism, as nations act as divine tools to prompt Jews back to Hashem (Deuteronomy 31:16–18, per Gaon of Vilna). Publicly embracing Judaism (e.g., kosher choices) counters hostility (1:03–13:57).
• Role as Chosen People: Non-Jews (e.g., Costco man, Italian painters) expect Jews to visibly uphold Torah values, as prophesied (Zechariah 8:23), reinforcing the need for pride in Jewish identity (14:45–17:44).
• Kosher Laws: Dairy and meat can coexist in a cart or refrigerator if sealed and cold, but not cooked or eaten together, with practical precautions to avoid mixing (18:23–23:15).
• Zionism: True Zionism supports a Torah-observant Israel, not Herzl’s secular vision, which secularized Jews (e.g., Yemenites). Anti-Zionists like Neturei Karta misjudge modern Israel’s Torah-friendly environment (23:41–32:52).
• Meaning of Israel: “Yashar El” reflects Jews’ direct connection to Hashem, taking personal responsibility without intermediaries, a core Jewish value (33:40–35:02).

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:
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This episode (Ep. #69) 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 October 5, 2025, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on October 29, 2025
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About the Host:
Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: [email protected]
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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 http://podcast.torchweb.org
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Keywords:
#AskAway, #Torah, #Halacha, #Q&A, #Antisemitism, #JewishIdentity, #Faith, #Resilience, #ChosenPeople, #Zionism, #Anti-Zionism