Torah Cafe

By Zalman GordonReligion & Spirituality Judaism

Torah Cafe episodes

September 18, 2022 The Story of Hebrew Printing
Books have always been a central part of Judaism starting from our first book, the Torah. While many Torah books were written over our long history, the real growth of Jewish books came with the invention of printing in the 15th Century. Printing allowed for Jewish books to be spread quickly and cheaply across the Jewish world.
A fascinating discussion about the history of Jewish printing and Jewish Books.
1 hr 11 min
September 12, 2022 Why do bad things happen?
Why does G-d allow for good people to suffer? Is he able to stop suffering? Do people who suffer deserve what is happening to them?

The question of "Why do bad things happen" has been asked by people in every culture and every time in history. What is the Jewish response to this age old question?
1 hr 2 min
September 05, 2022 The Yibum Marriage and Chalitza Ceremony
One of the most curious rules of the Torah is the Yibum and Chalitzah. When a married man dies without children, the widow must either marry his brother in through the Yibum process or perform a Chalitzah ceremony with the brother.
A fascinating discussion about these unusual commandments.
49 min
August 21, 2022 Defender of Jews: Sir Moses Montefiore
Sir Moses Montefiore was probably the most prominent and most impactful Jew in the 19th Century. His legacy lives on in the hundreds of synagogues, schools, Jewish hospitals, nursing homes and cemeteries and other Jewish organizations that bear his name more than a hundred years after his death.
Who was Sir Moses Montefiore? What was his impact? Why was he so venerated by Jews around the world?
47 min
August 14, 2022 Does G-d need our prayers?
Prayer is central to Judaism. We pray 3 times a day with special prayers for special occasions and lots of other prayers to be said at various times. Does G-d really need our prayers? Doesn't he know what we want without us telling him? Can't he just give us everything we need to start with? What is the purpose of prayer?
A fascinating discussion about the deeper meaning of prayer in Judaism.
54 min
August 07, 2022 The Expulsion of Jews from Spain
One of the great tragedies to befall our people is the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492. It marked the end of over 1,000 years of the Jewish community there and the beginning of many trials and challenges for the exiles.
37 min
July 31, 2022 How to Effectively Influence People
We believe that we all have an obligation to not only do good ourselves but also to ensure that others do good. We are expected to make a positive impact on those around us. How can we effectively influence people?
Learn about the Torah's teachings on how to effectively influence people.
36 min
July 24, 2022 Settling the Land of Israel
Our people first entered the land of Israel over 3,300 years ago. Yet over the years they were expelled or persecuted and forced to leave. As long as we have been away from the Land of Israel, our people have always yearned and attempted to return.
The current Yishuv - Jewish settlement can be traced to a number of major Aliyot - Group Immigrations over the past 500 years.
A fascinating discussion about the movement to settle the Land of Israel
50 min
July 17, 2022 The Kotel - Western Wall
The Kotel, the Western Wall of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem is the holiest place Jews are allowed to go to today. People come from around the world to the plaza in front of the Kotel to pray and talk to G-d.
Learn about the history of the Kotel and what it means for Jews today.
36 min
July 10, 2022 Should men and women shake hands?
One of the biggest cultural differences between Jewish traditions and our modern western culture is the interaction between men and women. Jewish traditions put strong limits on interactions and physical touch between men and women.
A discussion about the Jewish traditions on interactions between men and women.
54 min