In the 14th episode of the Ask Away series on the Everyday Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe addresses a range of student questions with a focus on ethical speech, charity, and prayer. Marilyn’s questions on Lashon Hara (evil speech) prompt Rabbi Wolbe to recommend the Chafetz Chaim’s book, emphasizing the prohibition against negative speech unless addressing known evil, like ruthless dictators, for educational purposes, and urging caution in the age of social media and AI-generated misinformation, where the Talmud’s insistence on sourced information serves as a model. Marilyn also inquires about speaking out against evil or hate crimes, to which Rabbi Wolbe advises leaving such matters to authorities while judging actions, not people, and avoiding judgment unless one fully understands another’s circumstances. Bruce questions the ethics of charities sending solicitation items or small amounts of money, and Rabbi Wolbe agrees that sharing donor information is inappropriate and potentially theft, finding such marketing tactics distasteful, though permissible, and advises individuals to choose charities freely without guilt. Eric asks about Psalms for the current war in Israel, leading Rabbi Wolbe to praise Psalm 100 for gratitude and encourage heartfelt personal prayers, and explains Poteach Et Yadecha in Ashrei (Psalm 145) as a reminder of human dependence on Hashem’s provision, fostering trust (bitachon) and calm by recognizing that all needs are met in their proper time. Rabbi Wolbe concludes by urging mindful recitation of prayers to alleviate stress and cultivate happiness, trusting in Hashem’s care.
In this episode of Ask Away we address these questions and topics:
- Marilyn: Musar teaches us silence, which means guarding our tongue, a tool to consider the potential impact of our words. In today’s world, with technology and war, and we are not face-to-face with people, when is it appropriate to speak, even when it may cause harm, and what is an example, please?
- Marilyn: In today’s war, is it appropriate to stand up for yourself and speak out against a person who is evil?
- Marilyn: What about people who are physically harming Jews as hate crimes?
- Bruce: When charities send money or items like nickels, cards, or tote bags in solicitation letters, or ask to match a small amount like $3, is it appropriate to throw these out, and is it wrong for charities to use donated funds for such marketing tactics?
- Eric: Regarding the situation in Israel with the multi-front war, what is the best Psalm to say every morning for spiritual connection, given that I say Shema and Psalm 23 daily?
- Eric: What should I think about when I say Poteach et Yadecha in the Ashrei prayer?
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. #59) 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 June 22, 2025, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on September 15, 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:
#Torah, #Halacha, #Speech, #Mussar, #Silence, #Words, #ChafetzChaim, #LashonHara, #Relationships, #Ethical, #Business, #Charitable, #Integrity, #Honesty, #Prayer, #Intention, #Gratitude, #Connection, #Well-being, #Peace, #Happiness, #Mindfulness, #DailyLife
