In this inspiring opening episode of the fifth cycle of the Parsha Review Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores Parshas Bereishis and one of the Torah's most profound questions: “Ayeka — Where are you?” After Adam and Eve eat from the Tree of Knowledge, Hashem does not immediately confront them with accusations or demand repentance. Instead, He asks Adam, “Where are you?” This question is not about Adam's physical location but about his spiritual standing. Hashem is asking: Where have you gone from your greatness? Are you fulfilling your unique mission, or have you wandered away from your true purpose? Through a memorable parable about a poor man who travels to an island filled with diamonds but becomes distracted by collecting coconuts, Rabbi Wolbe illustrates how easily we can confuse temporary worldly success with eternal spiritual achievement. We enter this world with precious opportunities to collect the real diamonds of life—mitzvos, acts of kindness, personal growth, and closeness to Hashem. Yet we often become consumed with careers, wealth, material possessions, and physical pleasures, forgetting why we came here in the first place. The tragedy is not necessarily that we fail to achieve success, but that we succeed at things that ultimately do not fulfill our soul's purpose. Rabbi Wolbe further explores the relationship between the body and soul, reminding us that we are not merely physical beings with spiritual responsibilities—we are souls entrusted with physical bodies to accomplish our divine missions. Our eyes, hands, strength, talents, and physical capabilities are extraordinary gifts from Hashem, intended to help us serve Him and elevate our souls. Even our everyday emotional reactions offer opportunities for spiritual greatness: when provoked, will we respond with anger, or will we choose mercy, kindness, love, and patience? The episode concludes with a powerful challenge for every listener: Ask yourself, “Ayeka? Where am I in my personal journey?” Every human being is unique, created with a mission that nobody else can accomplish. By removing distractions, embracing Torah and mitzvos, and striving to emulate Hashem, we can return to our true path and fulfill the extraordinary purpose for which our souls were sent into this world. _____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa Friedman Download & 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 October 9, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on October 9, 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: 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 http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________ Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Genesis, #Bereishis, #Bereshit, #ParshaReview, #WeeklyParsha, #TorahStudy, #TorahWisdom, #JewishLearning, #Adam, #Eve ★ Support this podcast ★
