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A discussion on a topic from the week's Parsha covering many important parts of Judaism that are not regularly addressed.... more
FAQs about Torah Cafe:How many episodes does Torah Cafe have?The podcast currently has 410 episodes available.
January 19, 2025The Jews of TunisiaJews have lived in Tunisia since Roman times and built strong communities in Tunis, Djerba and other cities. While most Jews left after independence, there is still a Jewish community in Tunis and a close knit community on the Island of Djerba. ...more47minPlay
January 12, 2025Why does G-d have so many names?The Torah and Tanach refer to G-d thousands of times but switches between many different names for G-d. Why does G-d have so many names, what do they each mean? How do we know which name of G-d to use? When do we pronounce and correctly spell G-d's name and when are they mispronounced and misspelled? A fascinating discussion about G-d's various names, what they all mean and how they are used. ...more55minPlay
January 05, 2025Pilegesh Begivah - The Jewish Civil WarOne of the saddest and horrific moments in our history took place over 3,000 years ago when all the tribes joined forces to fight against the tribe of Benjamin. The horrific civil war and massacre that followed it almost led to the annihilation of the tribe of Benjamin.Learn the story of this civil war and its aftermath and its implications for us today. ...more56minPlay
December 29, 2024Why do we play Dreidel on Chanukah?One of the traditions of Chanukah in Ashkenazic communities is playing with a dreidel, a spinning top that has 4 sides with the Hebrew letters Nun, Gimmel, Hei and Shin. What is the origin of the dreidel? Does it contain mystical significance? What is the connection to Chanukah?A fascinating discussion about the Dreidel and its significance....more48minPlay
December 22, 2024Right-Handed & Left-Handed People in JudaismFor most people, their right arm is their dominant arm that they use for most activities. For some it is their left arm. In Judaism, there is a distinct role for the right arm (such as washing first, holding a kiddush cup) and for the left arm (wearing Tefillin). What happens when someone is left handed? Which arm do they use?A fascinating Chanukah themed discussion about right-handed and left-handed people in Judaism and the mystical significance behind each one. ...more46minPlay
December 15, 2024The KetubahWhen a couple marries, Jewish law gives certain obligations and rights to each spouse. Those rights and obligations are written up in a document called a Ketubah which every married Jewish couple must have. A fascinating discussion about the Ketubah, what it contains, how it is written and the various traditions and customs of the Ketubah that have developed over our long history....more50minPlay
December 11, 2024Polygamy in JudaismBonus Episode: Our biblical ancestors Abraham, Jacob, David and Solomon all had multiple wives. Is Polygamy moral? How can our great heroes have practiced it? Does Jewish law forbid polygamy? Should it be forbidden?A candid discussion about one of the most controversial questions in Jewish thought; how can our biblical figures have practiced polygamy?...more37minPlay
December 09, 2024How did Jacob marry 2 sisters?Our ancestor Jacob was tricked by his uncle Laban into marrying Laban's 2 daughters Rachel and Leah. While the Torah allows for polygamy, it does not allow for marrying two sisters. How then was Jacob able to marry two sisters in violation of Jewish law?This classic question has been asked and addressed by countless commentaries over our long history. A fascinating discussion addressing this classic question of how Jacob could have married two sisters. ...more41minPlay
December 01, 2024Jacob's LadderIn a fascinating episode, the Torah tells us how Jacob dreamed about a ladder standing on the ground with its top reaching the heavens and he saw angels going up and down the ladder. The meaning of the dream remains cryptic with countless explanations offered by different Torah commentaries and Jewish thinkers....more54minPlay
November 24, 2024The Book of Tehillim (Psalms)Tehillim (Psalms) is one of the most read books of Tanach (the Scriptures) with 150 poems and songs covering historic events, prayers and inspiration. Jews throughout history have read Tehillim as the go-to book whenever they were in trouble or needed help.Who wrote the book of Tehillim? What do the poems speak about? Why has it become so central to Jewish prayer?...more54minPlay
FAQs about Torah Cafe:How many episodes does Torah Cafe have?The podcast currently has 410 episodes available.