The Why of Judaism

The Why of Judaism, episode 21: Fast Days and the Three Weeks. This shiur explores the historical, halachic, and spiritual dimensions of the Three Weeks and the fast days in the Jewish calendar. Rabbi Trump examines why these periods are marked by specific restrictions and how they serve as a mechanism for communal and personal introspection.

The Why of Judaism, episode 22: The Shabbos Experience. Rabbi Ya'akov Trump explores the 'why' behind the various customs and rituals of the Shabbos experience, ranging from candle lighting to Havdalah. The shiur emphasizes that these practices are not merely technical requirements but are designed to create a meaningful, sanctified environment that connects the physical world to the spiritual.

The Why of Judaism, episode 23: The Jew and the World. This lecture explores the halachic reasoning and historical context behind various Jewish practices that often draw questions from the non-Jewish world, such as head coverings, handshaking, and Shabbos observance. Rabbi Trump addresses the evolution of these customs, distinguishing between biblical mandates, rabbinic fences, and cultural developments that have come to define modern Jewish identity.

The Why of Judaism, episode 24: Yomim Noraim. This shiur explores the profound 'whys' behind the customs and practices of the Yamim Noraim, ranging from the blowing of the shofar in Elul to the specific rituals of Yom Kippur. Rabbi Trump emphasizes that these traditions are not merely rote actions but tools designed to disrupt our inertia, foster introspection, and facilitate a genuine connection with Hashem.