Everyday Judaism · Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe

In this episode of the Everyday Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe discusses Siman 134 of the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, covering the laws of building a sukkah, timed with the preparation period between Yom Kippur (September 20, 2025) and Sukkot (September 25, 2025). He emphasizes the mitzvah’s spiritual significance as a divine “hug” and a fresh start post-Yom Kippur. Key points include:

• Sukkot’s Timing and Purpose: The days between Yom Kippur and Sukkot are “free days” for preparation (building sukkahs, selecting four species), keeping one too busy to sin. Sukkot, called “Yom HaRishon” (first day), is the first opportunity for sin post-Yom Kippur, making it a time to establish new, righteous habits. Dwelling in the sukkah mirrors the Clouds of Glory that protected the Israelites in the desert, symbolizing divine protection and closeness.
• Halachot of Sukkah Construction (Siman 134):
  • Halacha 1: It’s a mitzvah to build the sukkah immediately after Yom Kippur, even on Erev Shabbos (e.g., September 21, 2025). Choose a clean, stable location (e.g., driveway, not mud). Everyone, even dignitaries, should personally participate in building, though the Shehechiyanu blessing is covered by the Kiddush on Sukkot’s first night.
  • Halacha 2: Beautify the sukkah with nice furnishings (e.g., tablecloths, artwork), as one would a home, to honor the mitzvah and the spiritual “guests” (Ushpizin: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, etc.). Walls must be sturdy, with at least two and a half walls, symbolizing Hashem’s hug.
  • Halacha 3–4: Schach must grow from the ground, be detached, and not be susceptible to ritual impurity (tumah). Bamboo mats or tree branches are ideal; pre-cut wood slats or utensils (e.g., ladders, shovels) are invalid. Consult a rabbi if proper schach is unavailable. Supports for schach can be tumah-susceptible items (e.g., metal) after the fact, though stringencies avoid metal entirely.
  • Halacha 5: Schach must provide more shade than sunlight on the floor. If sunlight exceeds shade or there’s a three-tefach (handbreadth) gap, the sukkah is invalid. Thick schach blocking all stars is still kosher, but if it prevents rain penetration, it’s like a permanent roof and invalid.
  • Halacha 6–7: A sukkah needs at least three walls. Invalid schach (e.g., four tefachim wide, about 16 inches) can split a three-walled sukkah, invalidating it. A space less than four amos (eight feet) from a wall is considered a “bent wall,” valid as part of the sukkah, but don’t sit under it. Schach under tree branches (attached to the ground) is invalid, even if cut later, unless lifted and replaced for the sukkah’s sake.
  • Halacha 8–9: For built-in sukkahs with retractable roofs, open the roof before placing schach. A sukkah doesn’t require a mezuzah if temporary, but a permanent sukkah (e.g., part of a house) does. A borrowed sukkah is valid, but a stolen one or one in a public domain is not, unless no alternative exists.
  • Halacha 10–12: Don’t cut schach from others’ trees without permission. Building a sukkah during Chol HaMoed is permitted. Sukkah materials (walls, schach) are designated for the mitzvah and can’t be repurposed (e.g., as a toothpick) until after Simchas Torah.
  • Halacha 13–15: Don’t step on or degrade sukkah materials post-holiday, as they were used for a mitzvah, like tzitzis. Don’t engrave Torah verses on food decorations (e.g., gourds), as they’ll rot, disrespecting the verses. On Erev Sukkos, avoid eating bread after midday to enter the sukkah with an appetite. Increase charity before Sukkot to enhance the mitzvah.
• Spiritual Insights: The sukkah represents leaving comfort zones to bond with Hashem, as the Israelites did in the desert, protected by the Clouds of Glory. Rabbi Wolbe shares a story of a community member who builds sukkahs for free, reflecting the mitzvah’s joy, and his childhood memories of using tarps in Brooklyn to shield sukkahs from rain, emphasizing practical challenges and solutions.

The episode concludes with a blessing for a meaningful Sukkot, encouraging listeners to embrace the holiday’s spiritual renewal and closeness with Hashem, followed by an invitation to the “Ask Away” segment.

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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.
_____________
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. #60) 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 6, 2025
_____________
Connect with Us:
Subscribe to the Everyday Judaism Podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-judaism-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1600622789) or Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3AXCNcyKSVsaOLsLQsCN1C) to stay inspired! 
Share your questions at [email protected] or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  
_____________

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]
_____________

Support Our Mission:
Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!
_____________
Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: 

• 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

In this bonus episode of the Everyday Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe covers the 17 sections of Siman 131 from the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, detailing the laws and customs of Erev Yom Kippur, a day blending penitential preparation and festive joy in anticipation of Hashem’s mercy on the Day of Atonement. Key practices include:

1. Kaparos: A customary atonement ritual performed early in the morning, using a rooster for males, a hen for females, or money (preferred by Rabbi Wolbe for donation to Houston Tomchei Shabbos: https://tomchei-shabbat.com) to symbolize atonement, with white chickens preferred but not mandatory to avoid superstition. The ritual involves circling the item around the head while reciting prayers, emphasizing repentance over the act itself, with intestines offered to birds to invoke divine mercy.
2. Festive Meals: A mitzvah to eat heartily, especially fish in the first meal and easily digestible foods like poultry in the second, avoiding spicy or warming foods, to equate eating on the 9th of Tishrei to fasting on the 10th.
3. Seeking Forgiveness: Yom Kippur atones only for sins against Hashem, not interpersonal wrongs, requiring direct appeasement or mediation for forgiveness, with a call to forgive sincerely, as withholding forgiveness is un-Jewish. Rabbi Wolbe shares a story of Rabbi Mordechai Schwab’s sensitivity in protecting his father from embarrassment, exemplifying righteous compassion.
4. Mikvah Immersion: Men customarily immerse in a mikvah after midday for spiritual purity and repentance, with no barriers like jewelry allowed; women typically do not unless specific conditions apply.
5. Candles and Clothing: Lighting candles for the home and synagogue, wearing Shabbos garments for Mincha, and donning a kittel (white robe) to evoke humility, with women wearing white but avoiding jewelry.
6. Vidui and Blessings: Reciting the confession prayer after Mincha’s silent Amidah, striking the chest for each sin, and parents blessing children with a special prayer for righteousness and a good life, found in the Machzor.
7. Other Customs: Omitting certain prayers (e.g., Mizmor L’Todah, Avinu Malkeinu), receiving symbolic lashes in some Sephardic communities, and preparing the home with white tablecloths to honor Yom Kippur as a festival. Rabbi Wolbe emphasizes starting Yom Kippur early, avoiding preparations for after the fast, and concludes with a story of Rabbi Moshe Feinstein’s brother-in-law, illustrating how sponsoring a mikvah fulfills teshuvah’s three steps (regret, acceptance, action), reinforcing the theme of actionable repentance.

Rabbi Wolbe concludes with a blessing for complete atonement, a sweet and healthy new year, and acceptance of sincere repentance.

To donate to Houston's Tomchei Shabbos: https://tomchei-shabbat.com
_____________
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.
_____________
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. #60) 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 September 28, 2025, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on September 29, 2025
_____________
Connect with Us:
Subscribe to the Everyday Judaism Podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-judaism-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1600622789) or Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3AXCNcyKSVsaOLsLQsCN1C) to stay inspired! 
Share your questions at [email protected] or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  
_____________

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]
_____________

Support Our Mission:
Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!
_____________
Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: 

• 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
_____________

Keywords:
#Torah, #Halacha, #Jewish, #YomKippur, #Purification, #Repentance, #Kaparos, #Atonement, #DivineMercy, #Rituals, #Mikvah, #Kindness, #Humility, #Teshuva, #CandleLighting, #Shabbos, #Fasting, #Kittel, #Sanctity, #Renewal

The Living Jewishly 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.

In this Living Jewishly Podcast BONUS episode, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe discusses the laws of the Ten Days of Repentance and Preparing for Yom Kippur with and some of the basic laws and customs observed during these special days.

Download & Print the Living Jewishly Halacha Notes:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5

*****
To listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: https://linktr.ee/ariwol

• 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

Please send your questions, comments and even your stories relating to this episode to [email protected].

Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our Jewish outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area and please consider sponsoring a podcast by making a donation to help support our global outreach at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php.
Thank you!

For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com

Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B to a live audience on September 19,  2023, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on September 19, 2023

The Living Jewishly 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.

In this Living Jewishly Podcast BONUS episode, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe discusses the laws of Rosh Hashanah, and some of the basic laws of Shofar, Tashlich that are done on Rosh Hashanah.

Download & Print the Living Jewishly Halacha Notes:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5

*****
To listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: https://linktr.ee/ariwol

• 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

Please send your questions, comments and even your stories relating to this episode to [email protected].

Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our Jewish outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area and please consider sponsoring a podcast by making a donation to help support our global outreach at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php.
Thank you!

For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com

Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B to a live audience on September 12,  2023, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on September 15, 2023

The Living Jewishly 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.

In this Living Jewishly Podcast BONUS episode, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe discusses the laws of the month of Elul, and some of the basic laws of Selichos (Supplications) that are recited prior to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Download & Print the Living Jewishly Halacha Notes:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5

*****
To listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: https://linktr.ee/ariwol

• 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

Please send your questions, comments and even your stories relating to this episode to [email protected].

Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our Jewish outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area and please consider sponsoring a podcast by making a donation to help support our global outreach at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php.
Thank you!

For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com

Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B to a live audience on August 29,  2023, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on August 30, 2023

The Living Jewishly 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.

In this Living Jewishly Podcast BONUS episode, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe discusses the laws of of the three weeks; the 21 days of mourning observed from the 17th of Tammuz until after the 9th of Av. Many of the laws and customs are discussed.

Download & Print the Living Jewishly Halacha Notes:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5

*****
To listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: https://linktr.ee/ariwol

• 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

Please send your questions, comments and even your stories relating to this episode to [email protected].

Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our Jewish outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area and please consider sponsoring a podcast by making a donation to help support our global outreach at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php.
Thank you!

For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com

Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B to a live audience on July 13,  2023, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on July 14, 2023

In Ask Away #36, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe opens with a heartfelt history of TORCH — from its roots in Project SEED visits in the early 1990s, founding by five Young Israel members in 1998, to its growth as an inclusive outreach organization bringing Torah to all Jews in Houston and recently across the globe. He emphasizes unity across Jewish streams (including warm relations with Reform, Conservative, Chabad, Reconstructionist, Orthodox) and the mission of fostering connection to Hashem.

Practical halacha dominates: milk/meat mix-ups, kitniyot customs on Passover, Chametz in wells or mixtures before/during Pesach, Selling Chametz procedures, and using pre-Pesach-opened kosher-for-Pesach items. He explains daylight saving time has no effect on halachic times (which follow natural sun/stars). The session closes with a deep teaching on seeing Hashem in all events — including “hidden face” moments — as opportunities for growth, like olives yielding best oil when pressed. Rabbi Wolbe blends inspiration, humor, and clear guidance throughout.

Please submit your questions at [email protected]

_____________
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.
_____________
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 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 March 8, 2026, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on June 29, 2026
_____________
Connect with Us:
Subscribe to the Everyday Judaism Podcast

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-judaism-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1600622789
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AXCNcyKSVsaOLsLQsCN1C

Share your questions at [email protected] or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  
_____________

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]
_____________

Support Our Mission:
Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!
_____________
Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: 

• NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodes
• 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
_____________

Keywords:
#AskAway, #Torah, #Halacha, #Q&A, #Jewish, #Halacha, #EverydayJudaism, #PesachPrep, #PassoverPrep, #Chametz, #SellingChametz, #Shishim, #Kitniyos, #Kashrut, #KosherKitchen, #Hagalah, #Shabbos, #Shabbat, #DaylightSavingTime 

In this continuation of the Everyday Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe advances through Halachot 6–9 (and beyond) of Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 45, detailing the full procedure of Zimon. He explains the exact wording and responses for inviting the group to Birkas Hamazon, the leader’s role in reciting aloud while others follow along, the blessings and drinking of the wine cup afterward, rules for pogum (blemished) wine, and the importance of keeping the group intact for Zimon. The episode also addresses when a third person can join, how larger groups may split, and practical scenarios for maintaining the mitzvah of collective benching.

List of Topics Discussed:

• The step-by-step procedure of Zimon (opening invitation through conclusion)
• Different customs for starting Zimon (Sephardic/Ashkenazic phrasing)
• Responses during Zimon and when to include Hashem’s name (with 10 people)
• Leader reciting Birkas Hamazon aloud vs. participants reciting along quietly
• Blessings and drinking the wine after benching (revi’is amount)
• Handling and remedying pogum wine; sharing the cup responsibly
• When the leader may pass the cup to another person
• Importance of keeping the group together for Zimon
• Adding a third person to form a Zimon (various levels of participation)
• Rules for splitting larger groups (6+ people allowed to divide)

The episode concludes with a transition to the Ask Away Series.

_____________
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.
_____________
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 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 3, 2026, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on June 7, 2026
_____________
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!
_____________
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

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

Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!
_____________
#Halacha, #Jewishlaw, #blessings, #Kitzur, #Halacha, #Zimun, #BirkasHamazon, #GraceAfterMeals, #Benching

In Ask Away #35, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe warmly engages with practical Purim-related and foundational questions. He clarifies customs around Megillah readings, candle lighting, the Machatzit Hashekel (The Half-Shekel) for charity, and proper times for private readings. He addresses sensitive modern topics like surrogacy and Jewish identity, as well as the sanctity and care of Torah scrolls, Tefillin (phylacteries), and Mezuzos — including risks from heat, water, or cold.

Rabbi Wolbe offers compassionate halachic guidance for those with medical conditions like diabetes regarding fasting, and delivers inspiring teachings on recognizing Hashem’s hand in all events — from personal life to geopolitics and recent miracles in Israel’s conflicts. He emphasizes Jewish pride rooted in gratitude to Hashem, the importance of attributing success to divine providence rather than human strength, and the eternal Jewish connection to the Land of Israel and the Temple Mount. The episode blends halacha, encouragement, and a call to celebrate Purim joyfully while deepening awareness of Hashem’s constant presence.

Please submit your questions at [email protected]

_____________
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.
_____________
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 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 March 1, 2026, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on June 3, 2026
_____________
Connect with Us:
Subscribe to the Everyday Judaism Podcast

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-judaism-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1600622789
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AXCNcyKSVsaOLsLQsCN1C

Share your questions at [email protected] or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  
_____________

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]
_____________

Support Our Mission:
Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!
_____________
Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: 

• NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodes
• 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, #Jewish, #Halacha, #EverydayJudaism, #MegillahReading, #ThirdTemple, #HandOfHashem, #JewishSovereignty, #Surrogacy

In this episode of the Everyday Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe begins Siman 45 of the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, teaching the laws of Zimun — the formal invitation to recite Birkas Hamazon together. The episode explains when Zimun is required (three or more men or women who ate together), the preferred use of a cup of wine for the leader, practical details about the kos (cup), how to remedy blemished wine, proper etiquette when holding the cup, and who should lead the Zimun when participants are of equal stature. The rabbi covers the first five Halachot and plans to continue the topic the following week.

List of Topics Discussed:

• Introduction to Zimun as an invitation to recite Birkas Hamazon collectively
• Difference between ancient practice and modern custom regarding leading Birkas Hamazon
• When Zimon is required (three or more participants)
• Reciting Zimon over a cup of wine (or chamar medina alternatives)
• Using a cup even when benching alone (for those who are scrupulous)
• Rules of pogom (blemished) wine and how to remedy it
• Physical requirements of the cup of blessing (complete, clean, held properly)
• Table etiquette before Birkas Hamazon (clearing dishes, removing or covering knives)
• Determining who leads the Zimon (Kohen, Torah scholar, mourner, generous person)

The episode concludes with a transition to the Ask Away Series.

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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 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 April 26, 2026, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on May 27, 2026
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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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#Halacha, #Jewishlaw, #blessings, #Kitzur, #Halacha, #Zimun, #BirkasHamazon, #GraceAfterMeals