• Elul 21 - The Power of Teshuvah: Mending Bonds with the Almighty
    Sep 14 2025

    Unlock the profound mysteries of Teshuvah, Judaism's unique process of repentance, and immerse yourself in a spiritual journey that reaches as high as the heavenly throne of the Almighty. We promise to share insights about Moses' sublime encounter with ministering angels, praising various aspects of Judaism, and explore why Teshuvah sat at the pinnacle of these praises. You'll comprehend how Teshuvah establishes a direct connection with Hashem, allowing us to return to our roots and recognize Hashem's universal reign.

    Imagine the transformative power of honey and how it coleptelt changes the constitution of whatever stays in it for an extended period of time. That's the incredible influence Torah has on those who learn it. We discuss this transformation, paralleling the sweet changes with the potential of Teshuvah to elevate one's connection to Hashem. Hear a touching testimony of physical healing through immersion in Torah and the life-changing impact it can have on you.

    The path to repentance might be arduous, but the rewards are immense. We are guided through the four steps of repentance, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging one's wrongdoing and seeking forgiveness from those affected. We learn from the narrative of Rebi Elazar Ben Durdia, a powerful illustration of veering off the path and the journey to restore a close relationship with God. We also discuss the consequences of speaking Lashon Hara about the land of Israel and how Teshuvah can restore broken connections. Prepare to discover how true repentance can enhance your relationships with Hashem and those around you, and the transformative power it can bring into your life.


    This episode (#231) of the Jewish Inspiration Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe is dedicated in Honor of Dr. Leonard Goldberg!


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    Please send your questions, comments and even your stories to awolbe@torchweb.org


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    Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B to an online audience (Netiv) on September 10, 2023, in Houston, Texas.
    Released as Podcast on September 12, 2023

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    45 mins
  • Elul 20 - Discovering Longevity Through Forgiveness
    Sep 14 2025

    Embark on an enlightening journey as we unravel the profound impact of repentance on our personal lives and relationships. We promise, by the end of this episode, you'll have a deeper understanding of the transformative power of seeking forgiveness. We share the wisdom and insights of the Talmud, shedding light on how making amends with strained relationships not only brings us closer to the ones we love but can even contribute to our longevity.

    We dive headfirst into the challenges of seeking forgiveness, especially when the other party is unwilling or is no longer with us. We share the reassuring notion that a simple 'I'm sorry' can bring about immense healing and is even regarded as a remarkably good deed by the Almighty. Our conversation further delves into the concept of private repentance. Regardless of whether our sins are public or private, we can always lean on Hashem for forgiveness. Repentance, we points out, is so powerful it's akin to offering a sacrifice to the Almighty and can lead to a longer life. So join us in this enlightening discourse on navigating strained relationships, seeking forgiveness, and tapping into the life-changing power of repentance.

    This episode (#227) of the Jewish Inspiration Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe is dedicated in Honor of Dr. Leonard & June Goldberg!


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    To listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: https://linktr.ee/ariwol

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    • Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes


    Please send your questions, comments and even your stories to awolbe@torchweb.org


    Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our Jewish outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area and please consider sponsoring a podcast by making a donation to help support our global outreach at https://www.torchweb.org/donate.
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    For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com


    Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B to a live audience on September 1, 2023, in Houston, Texas.
    Released as Podcast on September 4, 2023

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    9 mins
  • Elul 19 - High Holiday Roundtable
    Sep 12 2025

    Prepare to reset and reform your life as we reflect on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and the profound impact of small changes. By tuning in, you will gain a deeper understanding of the shofar's symbolism, the transformative power of small adjustments, and the opportunities inherent in a fresh start. Our conversation delves into the concept of free will, the infinite possibilities that lie before us, and the unique significance of Rosh Hashanah for the Jewish people.

    We journey through the holy rituals of the day, revisiting the mitzvah of the shofar, an intriguing connection to Joseph's miraculous linguistic abilities, and the ancestral merit embedded in our spiritual DNA. By reflecting on the virtues of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov, we explore how we can muster their strength to approach God. Additionally, we dive into the idea of taking bold action, the four demands of employment, and the value of the Torah passed down from our ancestors.

    In this episode, we also delve into the meta-concept of blowing the shofar on Rosh Hashanah and its relation to the qualities of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob embedded in each of us. We conclude with a powerful examination of the story of the ram that was sacrificed instead of Isaac and the profound teachings on the source of the shofar's blast at Sinai. So, join us on this enlightening journey and gain a fresh perspective on Rosh Hashanah and its life-changing significance in our lives.

    Featured in this episode: Rabbi Yaakov Nagel, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe, Rabbi Chaim Bucsko and TORCH Podcast Extraordinaire, Dan Kullman.

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    For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com

    Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B on September 5, 2023, in Houston, Texas.
    Released as Podcast on September 7, 2023

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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • Elul 18 - The Enigma of the Unmentioned Mitzvah
    Sep 11 2025

    You're about to uncover the deep-rooted wisdom of the Torah as we navigate a fascinating question that arises in this week's Torah portion. Get ready to explore the intricacies of the unmentioned "mitzvah" that Moshe refers to, and embrace the profound understanding of Teshuva - repentance. We promise to take you on a journey into the heart of Jewish spirituality, shedding light on the power and accessibility of Teshuva for everyone, regardless of their past.

    This episode (#229) of the Jewish Inspiration Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe is dedicated in Honor of Moshe Witto!


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    • Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes


    Please send your questions, comments and even your stories to awolbe@torchweb.org


    Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our Jewish outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area and please consider sponsoring a podcast by making a donation to help support our global outreach at https://www.torchweb.org/donate.
    Thank you!

    For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com


    Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B to a live audience on September 5, 2023, in Houston, Texas.
    Released as Podcast on September 6, 2023

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    4 mins
  • Elul 17 - Embracing Individuality for Spiritual Transformation
    Sep 10 2025

    Ready to transform your perspective on repentance in a powerful way? With Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur on the horizon, this stimulating conversation invites us to reconsider the role of repentance within our relationship with God, highlighting its potential to trigger personal growth and world-wide forgiveness. We gain insight from the story of Abraham's negotiation with God over Sodom and Gomorrah and the concept of 'Teshuva'.

    In the second part of our discussion, we emphasize the beauty of our unique identities, guiding us to harness this individuality for transformative change. We are reminded that our truest objective should be to flourish as the greatest versions of ourselves. Listen in and embark on a journey of self-discovery, spiritual enlightenment, and personal growth.

    This episode (#228) of the Jewish Inspiration Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe is dedicated in Honor of David Block!


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    To listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: https://linktr.ee/ariwol

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    Please send your questions, comments and even your stories to awolbe@torchweb.org


    Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our Jewish outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area and please consider sponsoring a podcast by making a donation to help support our global outreach at https://www.torchweb.org/donate.
    Thank you!

    For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com


    Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B to a live audience on September 1, 2023, in Houston, Texas.
    Released as Podcast on September 5, 2023

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    13 mins
  • Elul 16 - Embracing Rosh Hashanah: Divine Judgment, Personal Accountability, and the Power of Positive Influence
    Sep 9 2025

    In this episode of the Jewish Inspiration Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the origins and significance of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, noting it commemorates the sixth day of creation when Adam and Eve were formed, making it a two-day holiday worldwide. He describes it as a day of divine judgment for all humanity, drawing from the Mishnah in Tractate Rosh Hashanah, which outlines four annual judgment periods: Pesach for grains, Shavuot for fruits, Rosh Hashanah for human deeds (determining life or death), and Sukkot for water. Rabbi Wolbe emphasizes its dual nature as both solemn judgment and joyful celebration, where God desires to bestow goodness, urging listeners to prepare by realigning with divine will and crowning God as king.

    Rabbi Wolbe delves into the phrase "Kivnei Maron" from Psalms, interpreting it through Talmudic lenses: judging speech for truthfulness, individual talents and potential (illustrated by the Netziv’s story), and one’s influence on others. He stresses personal accountability for fulfilling God-given abilities, avoiding self-limitation, and positively impacting the community to merit favorable judgment. Practical advice includes believing in oneself and children, volunteering to become indispensable, and genuinely desiring spiritual growth, as all blessings for the year are decreed on Rosh Hashanah, linking to the subsequent days of repentance and Sukkot.


    Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on September 7, 2025, in Houston, Texas.
    Released as Podcast on August 9, 2025
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    About the Host:
    Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org

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    Keywords:
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    31 mins
  • Elul 15 - Transforming Transgression into Mitzvah
    Sep 8 2025

    Get ready to learn about the transformative power of repentance in Judaism, an act so powerful, it can reach onto the divine throne and override a negative commandment in the Torah. This episode promises an enlightening discussion on how, despite our transgressions, we can always find our way back to Hashem, just as a married couple reconciles. We illustrate how repentance, when performed out of love, can bring redemption closer and even transform a willful transgression into a mitzvah. Listen in to discover how the act of admitting guilt and working through conflicts can elevate a relationship to an entirely new level.

    We talk about the natural ups and downs of any relationship, symbolized by an EKG, and how these fluctuations contribute to a healthy dynamic. Just as disputes and resolution strengthen a relationship, repentance also strengthens our bond with Hashem, taking it to an all-new level of connection and devotion. Join us as we explore how the power of true repentance can be a healing and transformative force in our relationships with Hashem and with each other.

    This episode (#226) of the Jewish Inspiration Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe is dedicated in Honor of David & Perl Leah Fishman!


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    To listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: https://linktr.ee/ariwol

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    • Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes


    Please send your questions, comments and even your stories to awolbe@torchweb.org


    Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our Jewish outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area and please consider sponsoring a podcast by making a donation to help support our global outreach at https://www.torchweb.org/donate.
    Thank you!

    For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com


    Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B to a live audience on September 1, 2023, in Houston, Texas.
    Released as Podcast on September 2, 2023

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    10 mins
  • Elul 14 - Unpacking the Ride of Repentance: Wisdom from the Talmud
    Sep 7 2025

    Ever felt the transformative power of a sincere apology? Our exploration into the Talmud (Yoma 86A) unveils the profound impact of repentance and the varying motivations behind it. We delve into the raw honesty of repentance fueled by love, fear, and pain, revealing how each plays a different role in our relationship with God. In an endearing segment, we share a cherished teaching passed down from my great grandfather, about the fascinating shift when prophecy was removed from our world.

    As we venture into the multi-layered landscape of repentance, we encounter the highest form - repentance motivated by love. This episode holds up a mirror to our own motivations, challenging us to examine whether fear or pain drive our apologies. Drawing parallels between our divine relationship and a child's apology to a parent, we shed light on how repentance can serve as a bridge, mending our bond with God. More than an enlightening exploration of repentance, this is an invitation to see pain as a divine form of communication, capable of drawing us closer to God or teaching us invaluable lessons. Don't miss this chance to contemplate the power of penitence in a whole new light.

    This episode (#225) of the Jewish Inspiration Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe is dedicated in Honor of Dr. Leonard & June Goldberg!


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    To listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: https://linktr.ee/ariwol

    • Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes


    Please send your questions, comments and even your stories to awolbe@torchweb.org


    Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our Jewish outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area and please consider sponsoring a podcast by making a donation to help support our global outreach at https://www.torchweb.org/donate.
    Thank you!

    For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com


    Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B to a live audience on September 1, 2023, in Houston, Texas.
    Released as Podcast on September 1, 2023

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    9 mins