Everyday Judaism · Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe

In Ask Away #36, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe opens with a heartfelt history of TORCH — from its roots in Project SEED visits in the early 1990s, founding by five Young Israel members in 1998, to its growth as an inclusive outreach organization bringing Torah to all Jews in Houston and recently across the globe. He emphasizes unity across Jewish streams (including warm relations with Reform, Conservative, Chabad, Reconstructionist, Orth...

In this continuation of the Everyday Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe advances through Halachot 6–9 (and beyond) of Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 45, detailing the full procedure of Zimon. He explains the exact wording and responses for inviting the group to Birkas Hamazon, the leader’s role in reciting aloud while others follow along, the blessings and drinking of the wine cup afterward, rules for pogum (blemished) win...

In Ask Away #35, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe warmly engages with practical Purim-related and foundational questions. He clarifies customs around Megillah readings, candle lighting, the Machatzit Hashekel (The Half-Shekel) for charity, and proper times for private readings. He addresses sensitive modern topics like surrogacy and Jewish identity, as well as the sanctity and care of Torah scrolls, Tefillin (phylacteries), and Mezuzos — in...

In this episode of the Everyday Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe begins Siman 45 of the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, teaching the laws of Zimun — the formal invitation to recite Birkas Hamazon together. The episode explains when Zimun is required (three or more men or women who ate together), the preferred use of a cup of wine for the leader, practical details about the kos (cup), how to remedy blemished wine, proper etiquette wh...

In Ask Away #34, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe tackles profound and sometimes challenging questions with clarity, warmth, and deep Torah insight. The episode begins with a clear explanation of the 613 Mitzvos, the 365 prohibitions, and the 7 Noahide laws, emphasizing that we should treat every commandment as if it were the most important. He then explores the deeper purpose of the Temple — not only an external structure but a call for us...

In this special pre-Shavuot episode of the Everyday Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the laws of rejoicing on Yom Tov (festivals) from Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, Siman 103. He details the mitzvot to honor and delight in the festivals through special foods, clothing, haircuts, bathing, and festive meals, while emphasizing the higher obligation of simcha (rejoicing) that includes gladdening one’s family, giving gifts, an...

In this episode of the Everyday Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues his study of Shulchan Aruch Siman 44, focusing on Halachot 10–17 of Birkas Hamazon (Grace After Meals). He explains the order of insertions when Shabbos coincides with Rosh Chodesh, the rules for someone who is unsure whether they recited Birkas Hamazon, and the procedures for forgetting special additions like Retzei (Shabbos) or Yaaleh V'Yavo (Rosh ...

In Ask Away #33, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe delivers inspiring and practical Torah guidance drawn from Parashat Mishpatim. The episode opens with profound lessons on overcoming hatred by helping an “enemy’s” animal — an act done for Hashem to foster peace and personal greatness. He beautifully expands on the meaning of chesed (kindness), teaching how to develop sensitivity to others’ unspoken needs, using wisdo...

In this Everyday Judaism episode, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe teaches Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 44: Laws of Birkat Hamazon (Grace After Meals) and Mayim Acharonim (final hand-washing after the meal).

Key Halachot:

• Mayim Acharonim — Wash hands before Birkat Hamazon (remove grease/dirt; avoid sharp salt entering eyes). Leader washes first. Wash into vessel or under table (not on ground—spirit of impurity rests on these waters)....

In Ask Away #32, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe addresses a wide range of practical and philosophical Jewish questions from listeners and attendees. The session opens with honoring parents while maintaining personal autonomy (especially regarding baby naming), then moves into detailed halachic guidance on blessings for meals, snacks, and complex foods like soups. Rabbi Wolbe explains why the Torah only hints at Olam Haba (to preserve free will ...

The Living Jewishly Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way.

In this Living Jewishly Podcast BONUS episode, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe discusses the laws of Counting the Omer, Sefiras Haomer and the laws applicab...

The Living Jewishly Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way.

In this Living Jewishly Podcast BONUS episode, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe discusses the laws of the Month of Nissan, the Searching for Chametz and the ...

Unlock the profound spiritual essence of the Pesach Seder as we embark on a journey through its intricate laws and timeless customs. Together, we'll uncover the symbolic depth behind Marror, or bitter herbs, which poignantly connect us to the historical hardships of the Jewish people in Egypt. Learn about the specific forms and quantities of Maror, and how these traditions continue to resonate today, even in the absence of the Pesa...

What makes the Pesach Seder so integral to Jewish tradition? Join us as we seek answers sharing profound insights on this sacred night. Together, we navigate the 15-step progression of the Seder, from Kadesh to Nirtzah, unraveling the intricacies and highlighting the unique customs that vary from one Jewish household to another. Whether you are well-versed in these traditions or curious to learn, you're invited to explore the conne...

What hidden layers of meaning lie within the traditions of the Pesach Seder? Join us on the Everyday Judaism Podcast to unpack the rich tapestry of Jewish customs and rituals. From the special blessings recited over Matzah to the challenges of keeping a log cabin warm on Shabbat without kindling a fire, we explore the practical and spiritual dimensions of these observances. We offer profound insights into the significance of the Ki...

In this continuation and conclusion of Siman 116, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe completes the practical Halachot of Hagalah (boiling water immersion at 212°F to expel absorbed forbidden flavors) and related processes. Key principles: utensils must be spotless clean and unused for 24 hours before Kashering and kebol'o kach pol'to – as it absorbed, so it expels. Hagalah requires fully boiling water in a Pesach vessel; the item is submerged...

In this practical halacha episode preparing for Pesach, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe reviews Siman 116 of Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, focusing on removing absorbed forbidden flavors (e.g., Chametz or non-Kosher) from utensils so they can be used for Pesach or kosher food. The core principle is Kebol'o Kach Pol'to ("as it absorbed, so it expels"): utensils are Kashered in the same manner the prohibited flavor entered (e.g., direct fire use requires...

In this halacha-focused episode preparing for Pesach, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe reviews key laws from Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 117. He begins with Bitul (nullification): normally, a prohibited item is nullified in a 1:60 ratio of permitted food, allowing the mixture if the prohibited amount is tiny and mixed immediately (e.g., a drop of milk in chicken soup). On Pesach, however, the rules are stricter: before Pesach (until nightfall), c...

Join us once again as we shed light on the intricacies of the Four Parshiyot, those special Torah readings that enrich the Jewish calendar around the month of Adar. Could understanding these ancient practices transform how we connect with our faith today? We take a journey through Siman 140, illuminating the deeper meanings behind Parshas Shekolim, Zachor, Parah, and HaChodesh. We explore how these readings aren't just historical r...