The Jewish Growth Podcast

As we relaunch the podcast, we consider the meaning of our name “Yisrael”, plus: what to expect in the updated show.

Tune-in to this “last episode” of “The Torah Journey Podcast” so that you can hear updates about our upcoming improvements and changes to the podcast. Changes coming soon!

As we explore the contrast between Avraham and the world he lived in, we gain critical insight into how we help build the Jewish people.

The life and covenants of Avraham in Lech Lecha form a powerful teaching about Judaism’s optimistic view of mankind. Our Jewish view stands in stark contrast with various views that prevail in the broader society.

While modern science contradicts a simplistic approach to the Torah, the approach of our tradition to Torah learning is anything but simplistic. In this episode, we will set the stage for our exploration of Jewish wisdom. How do traditional Jews read the Torah? Should we seek to reconcile Torah with other disciplines?

When Avraham doubted his own future, G-d took him “outside” and suggested that he gaze upon the stars and count them. “So shall be your seed”, the Almighty told Avram. As we discover in today’s podcast, this conversation is a revelation about what it means to be Jewish.

As we look past the High Holidays, join us as we consider our next steps of growing with the Jewish people.

As we begin a new year, we consider the plight of the marginalized. How we can support people who may be on the margins of our Jewish society?

In a changing universe, the path of Avraham guides us to the place where we can hear the word of G-d guiding us to our destiny.

Gratitude and thanksgiving for our blessings are a major key to success in life. Learning to recognize the blessings can define our experiences during the New Year and beyond.

The book of Yona, which we read on the day of Yom Kippur, helps us navigate many of the inner contradictions that we face in our own lives.

The months of Elul and Tishrei place a demand of “doing more” upon us. But what if our time is already completely tapped? Can we really do more? This podcast explores a refreshing Torah insight into the spiritual makeup of a human being. This insight provides a foundation for Jewish success during the month of Elul and beyond.

In Parshat Re’eh, the Torah starts to present us with a stark choice between blessing and curse, life and death. The month of Elul is a time to ponder this choice as we prepare for renewed life.

The Torah’s idea of matrilineal descent sheds light on how we Jews can understand ourselves in a culture that often misconstrues us.

The Nine Days and Tisha B’Av are a time to reflect upon the Jewish meaning of freedom, and our deepest aspirations during the days of Chodesh Av.

Visit SeferTorahPDX.com to contribute to Kesser Israel's Sefer Torah Campaign.?

We are living through an age of change and transition, but what is the real truth of our lives?  Are we irreplaceable as we may often feel?  The paths of Moshe and Eliyahu sheds light on the meaning of our lives.

If we can't win the battle against antisemitism on social media, where can we triumph? The non-Jewish prophet Bilaam as well as the period of the Three Weeks offers insight into where the Jewish people can overcome their enemies. 

If most of life entails struggle, doubts and challenges, how do we go through these moments? Our state of joy or lack thereof is a key sign of where we stand on one of life’s most critical issues.

How do we know who to follow in a complex and changing world? Join us as we consider a Torah perspective on conspiracy theory.