Torah Cafe

For much of our history, Jews have lived among other nations and often faced discrimination and persecution. As a result, we developed a history of Jewish diplomacy known in Yiddish as Shtadlonus (Jewish lobbying) with Jews who represented their community before kings, princes and nobles often called court Jews.

A fascinating discussion about the history of Jewish diplomacy and lobbying.

Many Western nations have welfare programs to help those in need. What is the Jewish view on government handouts? Should our government be handing out money or other forms of support to people in need? Should there be any limits or conditions to such handouts?

A discussion on the Jewish view of government welfare.

One of the most notable and tragic events in our history was the killing of ten great Jewish leaders by the Romans in a tragedy known as the Asara Harugei Malchut  - The Ten Martyrs.

Learn about the tragic story of the Ten Martyrs, the historical background and the controversy around its historical accuracy.

The first major fall of Jerusalem was at the hands of the Babylonian Emperor Nebuchadnezzar about 2,500 years ago. When Jerusalem was captured, Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the first Temple built by King Solomon and exiled the people to Babylon. 

Learn about the story of the fall of Jerusalem to Nebuchadnezzar based on the story of the prophet Jerimiah who witnessed the destruction.

After leading the People of Israel for 40 years, G-d told Moses and Aaron that they will die in the desert and not get to lead the people into the Promised Land. However, the Torah does not make it clear what they did wrong to deserve such a harsh punishment.

Some resolutions to the big riddle of of why Moses and Aaron did not enter the Promised Land

People often make commitments that they have no intention of keeping or sometimes circumstances change and keeping a commitment is no longer realistic. How important is it to always keep your commitment? Under what circumstances can you break a commitment?

A fascinating discussion about the ethics of keeping your commitment.

One of the greatest tragedies to befall our people prior to the Holocaust was the Crusades who destroyed countless thriving Jewish communities as they marched across Europe. Listen to the tragic story of the Crusades and the horrific destruction that they caused.

In 1927, the previous Rebbe, Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson of Lubavitch was arrested in the Soviet Union for his work in keeping Judaism alive in the Soviet Union. After almost four weeks in prison, he was miraculously released and shortly after allowed to leave the Soviet Union.

Listen to the story of the arrest and imprisonment of the Rebbe.

Our kitchen and our diets have evolved dramatically from the days when the only appliance in the kitchen was an oven and grocery stores only carries flour, sugar, oil and salt. As our food preparation and consumption evolved, the kosher kitchen evolved with it.

A talk about the basics of a kosher kitchen, what makes it kosher and how to balance the milk and meat in the kitchen.

The Rebbe was one of the most influential leaders and greatest Jewish teachers in history. The Rebbe inspired millions with life changing teachings to change their communities and the world around them. 

Discover 5 life-changing teachings of the Rebbe.