The PodcAAst

Purim isn’t just costumes and noise—it’s a masterclass in hidden meaning, reversal, and courage. In this episode, we explore the big ideas beneath the masks: where Hashem hides, what we can learn from the words of the Megillah and how the Mitzvos of the day are about more than eating and drinking.

FAQ's of Purim, including hearing the Megillah, having a Seudah, giving Matanos L'Evyonim and more.

If our Sifrei Torah could speak, they would tell countless stories. Stories of the history of Ahavas Achim, and of the individuals whose steadfast dedication to Yiddishkeit, to the greater Highland Park community, and to the shul helped shape who we are today. For that reason, we have invited individuals with personal connections to our Sifrei Torah to share their stories with us, offering a glimpse into the living history that rests within our shul.

Rabbis attend countless lifecycle events, yet far less often do they experience them personally. In this conversation, we talk candidly about being on both sides of mourning, sharing both the moments of meaning and the real challenges that come with it.

Can you buy pre-cut vegetables at Super Fresh?

What happens if you forgot to light Shabbos candles?

Do you need to check a world clock before making a Zoom meeting?

We answer these questions and more in these weeks episode!

If we make Judaism easier, do we make it stronger—or weaker? This is a question we constantly grapple with. In this episode, we discuss whether lowering religious standards increases commitment, and how the value we give to Judaism influences how people perceive it and engage with it.

We sat down for an in depth conversation with Rabbi Yaakov Luban, who shared the story of how he began his rabbinic journey as the rabbi of Congregation Ohr Torah in Edison, NJ and as Executive Rabbinic Coordinator at OU Kosher. He also reflected on the mentors and role models who inspired him to pursue these meaningful and impactful paths.

We share a collection of ideas that inspired us over the past month but didn’t make it into a shiur, class, or drasha. Short reflections, sparks of Torah, and moments worth thinking about a little longer.

We talk about some of the exciting questions we have been asked and answered over the past month.

We sit down with community members to explore what it means to be a frum Jew in the secular workplace. Marc Turansky, Jeremy Renna, Betzalel Posy and others share just a few of the many experiences they have had over the years. We hear stories of struggle, moments of conviction and powerful triumphs.