Parsha Review Podcast · Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe cover art

Parsha Review Podcast · Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe

Parsha Review Podcast · Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe

By: TORCH
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A refreshing and clear review of each Parsha in the Torah presented by Rabbi Aryeh WolbeTORCH Judaism Personal Development Personal Success Spirituality
Episodes
  • Why We Fulfill Laws We Don’t Understand (Parsha Pearls: Mishpatim) 5786
    Feb 13 2026
    In this Parshas Mishpatim review, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the practical, common-sense laws (mishpatim) that follow the Ten Commandments—laws that “make sense” (e.g., damages, theft, honesty, fair treatment)—and contrasts them with chukim (statutes with no apparent reason, like the red heifer). He emphasizes that all mitzvot must be fulfilled because they are God’s command—not only because we understand them.Key lessons:Mishpatim vs. Chukim — Mishpatim (rational laws) are intuitive (e.g., don’t steal, don’t murder); chukim defy human logic (King Solomon couldn’t understand the red heifer). Yet both are binding—do them because “God said so,” not just because they “feel good.”No compromise in halacha — Halacha never splits the difference (e.g., no “30-foot sukkah” between 20 and 40 feet). Mezuzah on a slant is the only compromise: vertical (one opinion) + horizontal (other) = slant, reminding us that peace in the home requires compromise.Fulfill mitzvot beyond understanding — Even meaningful mitzvot (e.g., Hanukkah candles for history/light) must be done because commanded—not just for emotion or meaning. When the “feeling” fades, the command remains.Parenting parallel — Children must sometimes obey “because I said so” (no explanation)—builds discipline. Same with mitzvot: intellect (chukim) overrides emotion when needed.Mezuzah as reminder — On a slant to symbolize compromise for shalom bayit (peace in the home). Every glance at a mezuzah reminds: do mitzvot for God’s sake, even when logic/emotion fails.The rabbi urges: don’t rationalize away mitzvot when the reason doesn’t resonate—fulfill them with joy and commitment because they are divine commands. Live intentionally: intellect + heart + command = true avodah._____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on February 13, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on February 13, 2026_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________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: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Exodus, #Shemos, #Mishpatim ★ Support this podcast ★
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    23 mins
  • The Doorpost's Testimony to Faith (Parsha Power: Mishpatim) 5785
    Feb 10 2026

    What does it truly mean to be free, and how can ancient laws illuminate our modern lives? Join us as we unravel the profound themes within Parshas Mishpatim, where we confront the challenging halacha of a thief sold into servitude. This episode takes you beyond the surface of these unique laws, exploring the symbolism of ear piercing by the doorpost—a ritual deeply intertwined with divine service and the miracles witnessed during the Exodus. Dive into the rich tapestry of lessons about freedom, servitude, and the spiritual responsibilities that accompany them.

    As we journey through these timeless teachings, we reflect on human fallibility and the power of repentance. The Torah's wisdom on embracing change and seeking a closer connection with God is brought to life through parables, metaphors, and an exploration of direct communication with Hashem. We discuss how mitzvahs transform into gifts of devotion, offering a path to forge a passionate bond with the divine. Concluding with a heartfelt blessing for Shabbos, we invite you to discover the spiritual opportunities that await and inspire service with love and intention.
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    This episode (Ep 7.18) of the Parsha Review Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Mishpatim is dedicated in honor of our President & in honor of our Holy Soldiers in the Battlefield and our Torah Scholars in the Study Halls who are fighting for the safety of our nation!

    • Download & Print the Parsha Review Notes:
      https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharing

    Recorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on February 11, 2025, in Houston, Texas.
    Released as Podcast on February 19, 2025
    _____________
    DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!
    _____________
    SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe:

    • NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.tansistor.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

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

    _____________
    EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org
    _____________

    Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!
    _____________
    #Torah, #Parsha, #Exodus, #Halacha, #Thief, #Slavery, #Freedom

    ★ Support this podcast ★
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    24 mins
  • Non-Kosher Money (Parsha In-Focus: Mishpatim) 5784
    Feb 9 2026

    Have you ever stood at the crossroads of a moral quandary in the checkout line, or found yourself pondering the ethical implications of a simple financial transaction? We unfold the layers of Parshas Mishpatim, we traverse beyond the thunderous echoes of Sinai to the whispering wisdom that governs our everyday commerce. The divine linkage is undeniable, and as the Torah says 'Ve'eileh', we connect the dots from the revered commandments to the statutes that guide our daily business ethics. Join us on a journey through the profound necessity of integrity in our financial dealings, taking cues from the sage advice of Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, and exploring stories that challenge our moral compasses.

    The checkout counter becomes an arena of ethical consideration as we share tales of mistaken refunds and the perplexing outcomes of automated systems that challenge our understanding of 'right' and 'wrong'. We recount personal experiences that resulted in a surprising monetary dilemma and the rabbinic wisdom that helped navigate through the grey. As we unpack the distinction between the spirit and the letter of Torah law, we reveal the importance of each mitzvah in forging our bond with the Divine. It's a reflective expedition into the heart of our heritage, aiming to live a life of financial transparency and certainty in the path of Hashem's commandments.

    This episode (Ep 6.18) of the Parsha Review Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Mishpatim is dedicated in Honor of our dear friend Yonah Nathan & our Holy Soldiers in the Battlefield and our Torah Scholars in the Study Halls who are fighting for the safety of our nation!

    • Download & Print the Parsha Review Notes:
      https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharing

    Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B to a live audience on February 6, 2024, in Houston, Texas.
    Released as Podcast on February 7, 2024
    _____________
    DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!
    _____________
    SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe:

    • NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodes
    • 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

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

    _____________
    EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org
    _____________

    Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!

    ★ Support this podcast ★
    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
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