Hey, Rabbi! Q&A with Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe

TORCH
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HEY RABBI! Q&A with Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Big Questions. Honest Answers. Timeless Jewish Wisdom Your front-row seat to the answers you’ve always been looking for in Judaism. You've got questions, We've got answers! Please submit your questions at heyrabbi@torchweb.org Hey, Rabbi! Podcast is formerly known as the Ask Away series of the Everyday Judaism Podcast.

Episodes

  1. 9h ago

    Ep. 4 - Who Is Your Bashert? Soulmates, Shabbos Laws & the Secrets of the Jewish Soul

    Is running away from a mugger a mitzvah? Why can't we move certain objects on Shabbos? And what happens when emergency responders must save lives on the holiest day of the week? In this fascinating episode of the Everyday Judaism Podcast – Ask Away series, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe tackles thought-provoking questions about Jewish law, personal safety, prayer, and the sanctity of Shabbos. Beginning with the Torah's obligation to protect human life, Rabbi Wolbe explains the importance of self-defense while emphasizing extreme caution in determining when force is genuinely necessary. He then explores the significance of Tachanun, the daily supplication for forgiveness, and the various occasions when it is omitted. The discussion moves into a practical explanation of Muktzeh, the laws restricting the handling of certain objects on Shabbos, with examples involving cell phones, children's toys, candlesticks, keys, mail, and household tools. Drawing on his personal experience as a Hatzalah emergency responder, Rabbi Wolbe explains how the obligation to save a life overrides Shabbos restrictions and discusses the special halachic considerations for first responders returning from emergency calls. The conversation also touches on the proper way to show reverence when stepping away from the Aron Kodesh or other sacred spaces. The episode then transitions into an extraordinary exploration of the Jewish soul, divine destiny, marriage, and relationships. Rabbi Wolbe addresses the fascinating Midrashic teaching that every baby learns the entire Torah before birth, explaining the soul's spiritual origins, its connection to Hashem, and why Torah study can awaken such a profound feeling of familiarity and spiritual recognition. He explores the concept of Bashert, the divinely destined soulmate, and the spiritual significance of marriage, including the Kabbalistic meaning of the bride circling the groom seven times beneath the Chuppah. The discussion continues with the spiritual implications of divorce and remarriage, the importance of investing in one's marriage, and the recognition that some harmful relationships must ultimately end. Rabbi Wolbe encourages couples to cherish their relationships, work through difficulties when possible, and resist the culture of instant gratification. Finally, he offers inspiration and practical guidance for singles seeking their destined partner, emphasizing prayer, openness, responsible matchmaking, and the importance of looking beyond superficial expectations. Throughout this deeply meaningful episode, Rabbi Wolbe reminds listeners that Hashem provides every soul with its unique opportunities for spiritual growth, and that our greatest accomplishments often emerge through life's challenges. Questions Asked During the Episode Self-Defense and Protecting Human Life Is running away from a mugger considered a mitzvah?Does the Torah permit or require someone to defend themselves against a life-threatening attacker?What precautions must a person take before using potentially deadly force in self-defense?Prayer and Tachanun Why is Tachanun omitted on certain days or in certain congregations?What is the purpose of reciting Tachanun during daily prayers?Why do some Chassidic communities omit Tachanun on the yahrzeit of a righteous person?Muktzeh and the Laws of Shabbos What does the word Muktzeh mean, and what makes an object Muktzeh on Shabbos?Why are everyday objects such as hammers, cell phones, computers, pens, and pencils considered Muktzeh?Can an old, nonworking cell phone be designated as a children's toy and used on Shabbos?Can doctors, EMTs, and Hatzalah volunteers carry and use their phones on Shabbos for emergencies?What are the halachic differences between traveling to an emergency and returning home afterward?Why is it important for emergency responders to be permitted to return from lifesaving calls under appropriate halachic conditions?Can Shabbos candlesticks be moved if they are resting on a tray that also contains permitted objects?Can a keychain containing both house keys and car keys be handled on Shabbos?What should someone do if a child leaves a pencil on the Shabbos table?Are musical instruments and landscaping tools considered Muktzeh?Is it permissible to touch or handle a car on Shabbos?Can someone retrieve, open, or handle newly delivered mail on Shabbos?Respect for Holy Places How far should someone walk backward when leaving the Aron Kodesh, Bimah, or another sacred area?Why is it customary to bow or step backward before turning away from a holy place?The Soul, Birth, and Torah Learning If a baby receives its soul or Yetzer Hara at birth, how could it have learned the entire Torah in its mother's womb?When does the Neshama enter the human body?What does the Midrash mean when it teaches that an angel teaches a baby the entire Torah before birth?What is the spiritual significance of the angel tapping the baby on the lip and causing it to forget its Torah learning?Is a person's soul designated for their body before birth?Why does learning Torah sometimes feel like rediscovering something we already knew?Marriage, Soulmates, and Divine Destiny Does every person have a divinely designated soulmate, or Bashert?What is the spiritual significance of the bride circling the groom seven times under the Chuppah?If someone marries multiple times, do they remain spiritually connected to all their previous spouses?How does a Jewish divorce, or Get, sever the spiritual connection established through marriage?If someone has been married more than once, which marriage represents the perfection of their soul?Why is it important to work through difficulties in marriage instead of giving up too quickly?Are there circumstances when divorce is the appropriate or necessary solution?Finding a Spouse What happens if someone never finds their destined soulmate?Can personal choices or unrealistic expectations prevent someone from recognizing a suitable marriage partner?What practical steps should singles take to find their Bashert?How important are prayer, matchmaking, references, and an open mind in the search for a spouse?Please submit your questions at heyrabbi@torchweb.org _____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by The Mirwis Family Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on March 2, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on March 12, 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/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly

  2. 2d ago

    Ep. 3 - Why Does a Torah Scroll Cost $80,000? Mezuzahs, Tefillin & Jewish Law Explained

    How long does it take to write a Torah scroll, and why can one cost upwards of $80,000? What makes a mezuzah kosher, and what happens to sacred Jewish objects when they become worn out or unusable? In this fascinating episode of the Everyday Judaism Podcast's Ask Away series, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe answers an exciting collection of practical questions about Jewish law, sacred objects, and the extraordinary care required to fulfill the mitzvot properly. Beginning with the intricate process of writing a Sefer Torah, Rabbi Wolbe explores the dedication of a sofer (scribe), the meticulous attention required for every handwritten letter, and the significance of completing a Torah scroll. He shares personal stories about commissioning Torah scrolls, discovering an invalid mezuzah hidden inside a beautiful decorative case, and protecting mezuzah parchments from Houston's intense heat and humidity. The conversation also covers the importance of regularly inspecting mezuzahs and tefillin, the proper burial of worn-out sacred texts through genizah (shemos), and the meaningful tradition of passing down a loved one's tallis or tefillin to future generations. Rabbi Wolbe also explains why congregations stand during special Torah readings, including the Song at the Sea, the Ten Commandments, and the conclusion of each book of the Torah. The discussion then moves into a profound exploration of the relationship between mitzvot and halacha. Rabbi Wolbe explains that the Torah tells us what to do, while halacha teaches us how to do it, emphasizing that authentic Jewish law is a living, sophisticated system rooted in the Torah, Mishnah, Talmud, and generations of rabbinic scholarship. Rather than viewing halacha as a rigid collection of prohibitions, he demonstrates how understanding the underlying principles reveals meaningful flexibility within clearly established boundaries. Using examples from Shabbos observance, kosher laws, and the requirements for zimun before Birkat Hamazon, he encourages listeners to deepen their knowledge so that Jewish observance becomes clearer and more accessible. The episode concludes with practical questions about reciting Torah verses from memory, singing biblical passages, touching Torah parchment, and protecting the delicate corners of tefillin. Throughout this illuminating Q&A, Rabbi Wolbe reminds listeners that the more Torah we learn, the more we appreciate the beauty, wisdom, and precision of Jewish law. Questions Asked During this Episode: Writing and Purchasing a Torah Scroll How long does it take to write an entire Sefer Torah?What happens if the sofer (scribe) passes away before finishing a Torah scroll? Can another scribe complete it?Where are most Torah scrolls written, and what kind of environment does a sofer need?How much does a new Torah scroll cost?Why are smaller Torah scrolls more expensive and difficult to produce?Is there a mitzvah for every Jew to own or commission a Torah scroll?Can purchasing Torah books fulfill the mitzvah of writing a Sefer Torah?Mezuzahs, Tefillin, and Sacred Parchment How can a mezuzah parchment be protected from extreme heat and humidity, particularly in Houston?What is the difference between a decorative mezuzah case and a kosher mezuzah?How often should mezuzahs be checked by a qualified sofer?How often should tefillin be inspected to ensure they remain kosher?What should someone do if their Torah scroll, mezuzah, or tefillin is discovered to be invalid?How should worn-out or unusable sacred objects and Jewish books be properly disposed of?Completing and Donating a Torah Scroll When does an unfinished Torah scroll officially become a kosher Sefer Torah?Why do scribes leave the final letters of a Torah scroll unfinished?Can donors, family members, or community members participate in completing the final letters?What is the significance of donating a Torah scroll to a synagogue where it will be used regularly?Tallis, Tefillin, and Family Heirlooms What should be done with someone's tallis and tefillin after they pass away?Can children and grandchildren inherit and use a deceased relative's tefillin?Is it preferable for someone to be buried in their own tallis?Can a used tallis be donated to a synagogue for continued use?Special Torah Readings and Synagogue Customs Why does the congregation stand during the Song at the Sea (Az Yashir) in Parshas Beshalach?Why do we stand when completing one of the Five Books of the Torah and reciting Chazak, Chazak, Venitchazek?Why do many congregations stand during the reading of the Ten Commandments?Understanding Halacha What is the difference between a mitzvah and halacha?Is halacha a fixed set of laws, or can rabbis disagree and offer different interpretations?Why do Jewish law books present multiple opinions instead of giving one simple answer?How can halacha be flexible while remaining faithful to the Torah?Why does learning more about halacha make observing Shabbos, keeping kosher, and other mitzvot easier?Reciting Torah and Handling Holy Objects Is the prohibition against reciting Torah passages from memory limited to the Five Books of Moses, or does it include Nevi'im and Kesuvim?Is it permissible to sing songs containing verses from the Torah or Tehillim without reading them from a text?Why shouldn't someone touch the parchment of a Torah scroll directly with bare hands?How can a Torah scroll be repaired or wax removed from its parchment without touching it directly?Why is there a protective plastic cover on the tefillin worn on the arm?What should someone do if the plastic protective cover falls off during prayers?Please submit your questions at heyrabbi@torchweb.org _____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by The Mirwis Family Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on February 9, 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/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.tran...

  3. 3d ago

    Ep. 2 - Who Gets an Aliyah? Kohen, Levi, Pidyon Haben & Surprising Synagogue Customs

    How do you honor everyone at a family Bar Mitzvah when there aren't enough aliyahs to go around? What determines whether a child is a Kohen, Levi, or Yisrael? And why do Ashkenazic and Sephardic Jews lift the Torah differently? In this fascinating and practical Q&A session, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the beautiful intricacies of Jewish law and synagogue customs. Beginning with the challenge of distributing honors at family celebrations, Rabbi Wolbe explains the halachic considerations surrounding consecutive aliyahs for relatives, the importance of planning synagogue honors in advance, and how additional aliyahs can sometimes accommodate more participants. The discussion expands into the significance of Hebrew names when being called to the Torah, the unique designation of converts as children of Avraham Avinu, the traditional requirements for a minyan, and the fascinating laws of Jewish lineage. Rabbi Wolbe explains how Kohen, Levi, and Yisrael status passes through families, how marriage affects certain privileges, and how these distinctions influence the mitzvah of Pidyon Haben, the redemption of the firstborn son. Through engaging hypothetical situations involving marriage, widowhood, childbirth, and family heritage, he demonstrates how Jewish law addresses even the most complicated circumstances. The conversation then turns to the remarkable diversity of Jewish customs, particularly the differences between Ashkenazic and Sephardic traditions in performing Hagbah, the lifting and displaying of the Torah. Rabbi Wolbe describes the proper way to show the Torah to the entire congregation, the responsibilities of someone receiving an aliyah, and the beauty of different communities honoring the same Torah through distinct traditions. He emphasizes that different customs can both be legitimate expressions of reverence for Hashem. The episode concludes with an uplifting exploration of Rosh Chodesh, the celebration of the new Jewish month, including its special prayers, festive meals, and the spiritual significance of honoring this day with additional joy. Sharing a personal family story about his grandfather's admiration for Sephardic synagogue etiquette, Rabbi Wolbe reminds listeners that entering a synagogue means standing before the Almighty Himself. From practical halacha to inspiring lessons about devotion, dignity, and Jewish unity, this episode reveals how every detail of Jewish practice can deepen our relationship with Hashem. Questions Asked During this Episode: Aliyahs and Synagogue Honors How can a family distribute synagogue honors at a Bar Mitzvah or family celebration when many relatives want aliyahs?Can two brothers or other close relatives receive consecutive aliyahs?What alternative honors can family members receive when there aren't enough aliyahs?Why is someone called to the Torah using their Hebrew name and their father's Hebrew name?How is a convert called to the Torah if they don't have a Jewish father?Can a synagogue add additional aliyahs beyond the standard seven on Shabbos?How do Sephardic congregations accommodate additional aliyahs for family celebrations?Minyan and Jewish Lineage From whose perspective are the right and left sides determined when displaying the Torah during Hagbah?Can women count toward the required ten people for a traditional minyan?Can women form their own prayer gathering and read from the Torah?How is someone's status as a Kohen, Levi, or Yisrael determined?Does a daughter inherit her father's Kohen or Levi status?What happens to a woman's status when she marries a Kohen or someone of a different lineage?Pidyon Haben – Redemption of the Firstborn Which families are exempt from the mitzvah of Pidyon Haben?Are the children of a daughter of a Kohen or Levi exempt from Pidyon Haben if she marries a Yisrael?What circumstances involving childbirth can affect the requirement for Pidyon Haben?Does a firstborn son delivered by C-section require Pidyon Haben?What happens if a woman is pregnant with a Kohen's son and her husband passes away before the baby is born?If a Kohen passes away, does his widow retain the privileges associated with the Kohen family?Does having children affect a widow's status regarding the privileges of a Kohen household?Hagbah and Torah Customs What is the proper order for showing the Torah to the congregation during Hagbah?Is it acceptable simply to turn in a complete circle while displaying the Torah?Why do Sephardic and Ashkenazic communities perform Hagbah differently?Why is the Torah held facing outward in many Sephardic communities?What is the correct procedure for holding the Torah handles when receiving an aliyah?When should someone receiving an aliyah release one of the Torah handles so the Baal Korei can read?Rosh Chodesh and Synagogue Etiquette What can we do to honor Rosh Chodesh beyond reciting the additional prayers?Is there a special mitzvah to eat a festive meal on Rosh Chodesh?Does Hashem provide for the additional expenses incurred in honoring Shabbos, Yom Tov, and Rosh Chodesh?Why are certain Sephardic communities particularly strict about proper posture and decorum in synagogue?Please submit your questions at heyrabbi@torchweb.org _____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by The Mirwis Family Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on February 2, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on February 12, 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/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 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...

  4. 4d ago

    Ep. 1 - Can You Eat in Public? Surprising Jewish Ideas About Dignity, Torah Reading & Synagogue Customs

    What does Jewish law teach us about dignity, modesty, and respecting others? In this enlightening episode of the Everyday Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the deeper wisdom behind everyday Jewish practices, beginning with the Talmud's fascinating teaching about eating in public. While Jewish law does not explicitly prohibit eating in public places, the Talmud encourages a higher standard of personal dignity and self-respect. Through entertaining examples involving Costco samples, mall food courts, and changing standards of public behavior, Rabbi Wolbe illustrates how even seemingly insignificant actions reflect our awareness that we represent Hashem. The discussion then turns to the extraordinary sensitivity embedded in Jewish customs, particularly the importance of protecting others from embarrassment. From Bar Mitzvah boys reading the Torah to the tradition of singing down a groom attempting to deliver a Dvar Torah, these practices demonstrate Judaism's profound concern for preserving every individual's dignity. The conversation continues with practical questions surrounding synagogue customs, Torah reading, and the role of women in religious services. Rabbi Wolbe discusses who may read the Haftorah, the distinction between receiving an aliyah and actually reading from the Torah, and the considerations of modesty that shape traditional synagogue practices. He explains why Torah readers must read directly from the Torah scroll rather than reciting from memory, how the cantillation marks are learned despite being absent from the scroll, and whether proper musical chanting is essential to fulfill the mitzvah. Listeners also discover how the entire Torah is completed annually, why certain weekly portions are combined, and how even exceptionally talented young children can participate in Torah reading. Throughout this engaging Q&A, Rabbi Wolbe emphasizes that Jewish law is not merely a collection of technical regulations but a beautiful system designed to cultivate personal dignity, sensitivity toward others, and reverence for Hashem. Questions Asked During this Episode: Personal Dignity and Eating in Public Is it against Jewish law (Halacha) to eat in public?Why does the Talmud compare someone who eats in public to a dog?Is there a difference between eating while walking through a mall and eating in a designated food court or restaurant?Torah Reading, Haftorah, and Synagogue Customs Who is permitted to read the Haftorah in synagogue?Must the person receiving the Maftir aliyah personally read the Haftorah, or can someone else read it?Why doesn't the person receiving an aliyah always read directly from the Torah?Why do some congregations limit how much of the Torah portion a Bar Mitzvah boy may read?Women and Torah Reading Are women permitted to read from the Torah?Why are women not called to the Torah in traditional Orthodox synagogues?What is the purpose of separating men and women with a Mechitzah?Can women participate in Torah readings in women-only gatherings?Technical Laws of Torah Reading Must the Torah reader read directly from the Torah scroll, or can the reading be recited from memory?Can a person follow the words from a printed Chumash or Tikkun instead of looking directly into the Torah scroll?Why aren't the cantillation marks (Trop) written inside the Torah scroll?How does a Baal Korei learn and remember the correct cantillation?Is the traditional melody required for a valid Torah reading, or can the words be read without the tune?Are all Torah portions read every year, and why are certain portions sometimes combined?Can young children, even 10-year-olds, read from the Torah?Please submit your questions at heyrabbi@torchweb.org _____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by The Mirwis Family Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on January 12, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on February 3, 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/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 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!_____________#QA, #Halacha, #Jewishlaw, #Jewishtradition, #heyrabbi,  ★ Support this podcast ★

  • 4 Episodes

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HEY RABBI! Q&A with Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Big Questions. Honest Answers. Timeless Jewish Wisdom Your front-row seat to the answers you’ve always been looking for in Judaism. You've got questions, We've got answers! Please submit your questions at heyrabbi@torchweb.org Hey, Rabbi! Podcast is formerly known as the Ask Away series of the Everyday Judaism Podcast.

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