Torah Cafe

By Zalman GordonReligion & Spirituality Judaism

Torah Cafe episodes

November 25, 2019 The Pidyon Haben Ceremony
Pidyon Haben (lit. Redemption of the Son) is a unique ceremony performed on first born sons when they are 30 days old. The ceremony is not performed for all firstborn sons so it is not all that common. At the Pidyon Haben, the son is given to a Kohen and the father then exchanges the son for 5 silver shekels.
Learn more about how this unusual ceremony is performed and its special significance.
28 min
November 24, 2019 Kiddush & Havdallah
Central to Shabbat observance are the Kiddush and Havdallah ceremonies performed at the beginning and end of Shabbat with a cup of wine. What do the ceremonies entail? Why are they performed? What is the deeper meaning behind them?
A fascinating discussion about Kiddush and Havdallah.
55 min
November 21, 2019 13 Principles of Judaism
What do Jews believe? While Judaism is very broad, the basic beliefs are organized by Maimonides into 13 principles that are considered the basics of Jewish belief.
A conversation about the 13 principles that every Jew must know.
51 min
November 19, 2019 Halacha - Who decides Jewish Law?
Halacha is the Hebrew term for Jewish law. Judaism has details laws and rules covering every part of our lives including Jewish rituals as well as how we treat others.
Who decides Halacha?
Who makes up the rules?
What happens when rabbis can't agree on what a rule should be?
What happens when rules get outdated and need to be changed?
A fascinating discussion about Halacha and how it is decided.
52 min
November 19, 2019 The Power of Shabbat Candles
Shabbat candles are lit by Jewish women and girls (or men), 18 minutes before sunset on Friday afternoon and on the eve of Jewish holidays. Why do women light Shabbat candles? What are their significance? How is it done?
Learn about Shabbat candles and the blessings they bring to our home and to our life.
37 min
November 04, 2019 Don't worry!
Today many struggle with stress and anxiety worrying about everything in their lives. Judaism teaches us that we can overcome our worries with Bitachon, trust in G-d.
An inspiring discussion about Bitachon and how we can use it to ensure we never worry.
48 min
October 31, 2019 Can people be truly bad?
Some people have done some really bad things causing terrible harm to others. Are these people inherently bad? Is it possible for a person to be inherently bad or does everyone have some good? Should we always give everyone another chance or are there some actions beyond which one can never change?
A discussion about the Jewish perspective on evil and how bad people can become.
45 min
October 25, 2019 Why is Judaism so expensive?
Being Jewish not only includes many rituals and rules of conduct but can also be very expensive. Being a member of a Jewish community usually includes expensive dues while the costs of Jewish education can be prohibitive. Even following specific rituals like eating Kosher meat, purchasing Shemura Matzah for Passover, making a Bris or Bar/Bat Mitzvah can be very expensive.
When is money so central in Judaism? Should we really be charging for Jewish services and membership? Is there a way to take (at least some) of the expense out of Judaism?
A fascinating discussion about the role of money in Judaism.
52 min
October 25, 2019 Why can't we use electricity on Shabbat?
When electrical grid where built in cities and our homes filled with electrical lighting and appliances, Jews were faced with the question of whether electricity could be used on Shabbat. Though the Torah does not mention electricity and it was virtually unknown for thousands of years, Jewish scholars unanimously concluded that electricity should not be used on Shabbat. But why?
Learn about the rules of electricity on Shabbat and how it fits into our ancient rules of the Torah from over 3,000 years ago.
1 hr 1 min
October 25, 2019 The Talmud
The Talmud, also called Gemora or Shas is the giant but difficult comprehensive work of Jewish rules and teachings that is the most important work in Judaism. Yet the Talmud remains a mystery for most given its immense size and complex discussions in Aramaic.
Who wrote the Talmud? What is in it? Why is it so central to Judaism? Why is it so complex and difficult?
48 min