The Rabbi Kelemen Podcast

Rabbi Kelemen
  • 4.8 (17)
  • Judaism
  • Updated Bimonthly

Rabbi Kelemen is the founder and Rosh Kollel of the Center for Kehillah Development, a leadership development project devoted to the growth of Jewish communities worldwide. He also created the International Organization of Mussar Vaadim. He has been honored as a visiting scholar at universities and communal organizations around the world. During his decade-long tenure at Neve in Jerusalem, he influenced thousands of students. He is also the author of many journal articles and books, among them: Permission to Believe, Permission to Receive, Planting and Building, and To Kindle a Soul. 

  1. 6d ago

    The Hidden Cause of Low Self Esteem

    Most people who struggle with low self esteem are not comparing themselves to a standard they invented. They absorbed it from everyone around them: there is one ideal, and I am not it. In this class, Rabbi Leib Kelemen traces that feeling back to its source and shows why it rests on a mistake that has been passed down since Adam: the belief that one is good and multiplicity is evil. At Mount Sinai, that belief was publicly corrected. 22,000 angels descended, each carrying its own flag, each one unlike any other. The Jewish people saw it and were seized with a desire the sources call a taiva / lust for flags: the longing to finally be themselves. What you will learn: Why low self esteem spreads through a community, not just a personWhere the idea of a single Platonic ideal actually comes fromWhat the 600,000 root souls and 600,000 paths in Torah really meanWhy the manna tasted different to every person who ate itWhy Avraham merited personal hashgacha, and what the Ramban says that costs you if you erase yourselfA once a day practice for living as an individual, not a copy The core claim of this class is uncomfortable and freeing at the same time: closeness with God requires that He recognize you. If you look exactly like everyone else, there is no one there to be seen. For more free lectures from Rabbi Kelemen, visit lawrencekelleman.com #SelfEsteem #Torah #JewishThought #RabbiKelemen #MountSinai #Individuality #Mussar #OrthodoxJudaism

  2. Jan 19

    Israel vs. America: Safety, Happiness, and the Hard Truths

    This Q&A tackles a hard question Jews are asking right now: stay in the diaspora… or build a serious plan for Israel.In this conversation, Rabbi Leib Kelemen addresses:- Can history repeat itself—and what feels “too familiar” today- How October 7th changed the global reality overnight- Why “no panic” matters—but “no plan” is dangerous- Israel safety vs diaspora safety (and what the numbers miss)- A Torah framework: the mitzvah of living in Eretz Yisrael + the complexity of real family life- How to think when different family members will be affected differently- Why there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—and how to make a responsible decisionThis is not a call to fear. It’s a call to clarity, wisdom, and preparation.Want more Q&A and free new material from Rabbi Kelemen?Go to https://www.lawrencekelemen.com/#Aliyah #EretzYisrael #Antisemitism #JewishLife #Torah #IsraelSafety #DiasporaJews

  3. 12/29/2025

    When You Feel Triggered or Overwhelmed

    We all have moments when something small — a noise, a habit, a comment — triggers strong irritation or anger.But what if those very moments were opportunities for growth? In this profound and compassionate talk, Rabbi Lawrence Kelemen explores the Torah view of emotional triggers and self-mastery — revealing how even our most uncomfortable reactions can become a path to inner strength and spiritual greatness. You’ll discover: Why sensitivity and strong reactions aren’t “bad” — they’re tests with purpose Where the Yetzer Hara (inner voice of resistance) really shows up in daily life The Torah meaning of sovlanut (patience) as the strength to carry pain, not avoid it A moving true story about facing discomfort with dignity and gratitude How to transform frustration and anger into connection, growth, and closeness to Hashem 📖 “According to the pain is the reward.” — Pirkei Avos🎧 Hear more transformative Q&As or submit your own at LawrenceKelemen.com

  4. 12/14/2025

    What to Do When Someone Interrupts You

    Have you ever been interrupted mid-sentence — and felt frustrated or deflated?In this powerful clip, Rabbi Leib Kelemen explains what a truly wise person does when interrupted, drawing from Pirkei Avos (Ethics of the Fathers 5:7) and the Pesach Seder itself. Discover: Why a wise person doesn’t interrupt others How the Haggadah reveals the secret to true communication The difference between dialogue and monologue — and why it changes everything How to respond when someone clearly isn’t ready to hear you Rabbi Kelemen’s answer goes beyond etiquette — it’s about understanding the spiritual vessel (keli) of the other person, timing, and the humility of true wisdom. 📘 Listen till the end to hear how this connects to genuine closeness and emotional connection in relationships.🎧 Listen to more profound Q&A sessions or submit your own question at LawrenceKelemen.com

  5. 10/01/2025

    The Secret of Permanent Change: How to Make a Yom Kippur Kabbalah

    We’ve spent ten days preparing for Yom Kippur, and now comes the moment of truth: can a person really change—permanently? Most people think it’s impossible. By middle age, after trying and failing so many times, we make peace with our flaws. But the Torah teaches there is another way. It’s a miracle—but it follows a clear formula. In this shiur, we explore the Rambam’s five steps of teshuva, the Midrash on “Kol dodi dofek,” and the insights of Reb Yisrael Salanter and the Alter of Kelm. You’ll learn how even the smallest act of teshuva—the size of a needle—can open the gates for Hashem to do the heavy lifting, bringing about real, lasting transformation. This is not about taking on huge commitments or impossible goals. It’s about choosing something tiny, something real, and letting Hashem turn that pinhole into a doorway wide enough for wagons. Perfect listening before Yom Kippur—for clarity, focus, and hope. visit https://www.lawrencekelemen.com/ for more free lectures

  6. 09/22/2025

    Rosh Hashanah Insights: Judgment, Mercy & Finding Your Purpose

    Prepare for Rosh Hashanah with this inspiring shiur on the deep meaning of the shofar, the Day of Judgment, and your unique mission in the world. We explore three core questions: Are we judged as individuals or as a community on Rosh Hashanah? Is the shofar blast a moment of strict din (judgment) or of Hashem’s rachamim (mercy)? Should we focus on others, or is the world truly created just for me? Drawing from the Gemara, Midrash, and the teachings of the Ramchal and Rav Wolbe, this shiur reveals how the shofar transforms judgment into mercy, why each soul has a one-of-a-kind mission, and how to enter the Jewish New Year with clarity, strength, and hope. Perfect for anyone seeking a Torah perspective on Rosh Hashanah, Jewish New Year preparation, and the spiritual power of the shofar blasts. visit https://lawrencekelemen.com/ for more free shiurim

  7. 09/14/2025

    Stop Just Saying Selichos — Here’s How to Also Do Them and Find Mercy

    What is the real purpose of Selichos? In this powerful shiur, Rabbi Kelemen uncovers the hidden roots of Selichos—going back to the aftermath of the Golden Calf when Hashem Himself acted as the first shliach tzibbur. Discover:🔹 Why the 13 Middos of Rachamim are the key to Divine mercy🔹 The Midrashic and Kabbalistic secrets behind Hashem’s “white tallis”🔹 Why just saying Selichos isn’t enough—you must do them🔹 The Radbaz and Meiri’s guidance for preparing before Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur🔹 Inspiring stories from Chazal that reveal how living with mercy brings Hashem’s forgiveness If you’ve ever wondered how Selichos actually work—or how they can transform your Yamim Noraim—this shiur will change how you approach the holiest days of the year. click here for more free classes from Rabbi Kelemen

  8. 04/02/2025

    Mussar and Mental Health

    Mussar and Mental Health presentation by Rabbi Kelemen. Visit https://www.lawrencekelemen.com/ for more

See All (33)

4.8
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Rabbi Kelemen is the founder and Rosh Kollel of the Center for Kehillah Development, a leadership development project devoted to the growth of Jewish communities worldwide. He also created the International Organization of Mussar Vaadim. He has been honored as a visiting scholar at universities and communal organizations around the world. During his decade-long tenure at Neve in Jerusalem, he influenced thousands of students. He is also the author of many journal articles and books, among them: Permission to Believe, Permission to Receive, Planting and Building, and To Kindle a Soul. 

Information

  • Creator
    Rabbi Kelemen
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Rabbi Kelemen
  • Show Website
    The Rabbi Kelemen Podcast

You Might Also Like