Rabbi In The Hot Seat with Rabbi Dov Ber Cohen

Aish Studios
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Biweekly

Got burning questions about Judaism, life, or faith? Rabbi Dov Ber Cohen is ready with answers. In each dynamic episode, Rabbi Dov Ber tackles the most compelling questions submitted to Aish by Jews from around the world and all walks of life. No topic is off limits—from ancient traditions to modern dilemmas, from matters of faith to everyday struggles. Real questions. Real answers. Real fast.

  1. Jun 3

    Should you start the fight? A rabbi, a boxer & some surprisingly good advice

    What do you get when you cross a Rabbi who boxes, raps and says it all on a microphone? Absolutely no filter!Rabbi Dov Ber Cohen is back in the hot seat, fielding questions on street-fight strategy, whether a bullied seven-year-old should throw the first punch, what really makes someone "religious," speed dating, rejection, loneliness, AI on Shabbat, and which movies he'd watch again (Braveheart is complicated).New episodes every week. Like, subscribe and share.#RabbiInTheHotSeat #JewishPodcast #AishHaTorah0:00 Rabbi Dov Ber warms up (literally)1:05 Is it OK to throw the first punch?1:24 What Rabbi told his bullied 7-year-old2:32 Street fight tactics: kick first, punch later3:28 Who actually gets attacked (and why)4:49 If someone is cruel, are they still religious?5:13 What does "religious" really mean?6:11 Introducing CJO: Consciously Joyously Observant6:50 Does religious matchmaking produce healthy marriages?7:51 Speed dating: yes or no?8:45 How to handle rejection10:04 Can you use AI voice assistants on Shabbat?11:42 Rabbi's joke set (better than expected)13:23 Loneliness vs aloneness, a key distinction15:31 Movies. Allowed? Favorites?To listen to Rabbi In The Hot Seat on your favorite podcast platform: https://pods.link/rabbiinthehotseat🔔 Subscribe and turn on post notifications so you don’t miss out on any wisdom!✡️ For more Jewish inspiration visit https://www.aish.com – the world's leading Judaism website. 👉🏼 Connect and follow for more Rabbi Dov Ber Wisdom 💫IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/rabbidovberofficial/https://www.instagram.com/aishTik Tok: ➡︎ https://www.tiktok.com/@rabbidovberofficial #SelfHelp #LifeAdvice #MasteringLife #Shorts #RabbiDovBerCohen

    18 min

  2. May 27

    The Chili Pepper Ice Cream Story That Explains Why People Leave Judaism

    In this episode of Rabbi in the Hot Seat, Rabbi Dov Ber Cohen sits down to answer your most pressing questions about faith, family, relationships, and Jewish identity. No topic is off limits.We kick things off with a question many people wonder about — do some people become religious simply to escape life rather than face it? Rabbi Dov Ber gives an honest and refreshing answer, acknowledging that yes, this happens, while sharing his own journey into Judaism as a rational person genuinely seeking truth.Then we dive into one of the most personal questions a religious parent can face — what would you do if your child told you they no longer believed in God? Rabbi Dov Ber shares exactly how he would handle it, balancing unconditional love with honest conversation about the evidence for God's existence, and why emotional issues often matter more than intellectual ones.We then explore the important difference between Halacha and Hashkafa — the laws that are fixed versus the worldview that is personal — and why Rabbi Dov Ber has deliberately sent each of his children to completely different schools based on their individual souls and personalities. One child thrives in a Bais Yaakov environment, another needs a Religious Zionist school full of music and sport, and another flourishes in a warm Hasidic setting. His approach to raising children is genuinely eye-opening.From there, Raquel asks about the key to good communication — and Rabbi Dov Ber reveals the simple but powerful principles behind 17 years of marriage without a single argument. He shares a beautiful communication exercise called Clearing that he and his wife practice every week before Shabbat, breaking it down step by step so you can try it yourself.We also tackle whether someone could actually be healthier staying secular than becoming religious in the wrong way, the difference between healthy surrender and blind submission, and a fascinating discussion about the difference between education and brainwashing.The episode closes with a deep and honest conversation about why people leave Judaism — including abuse, joyless religious upbringings, and the pull of the outside world — and what we can do as parents and communities to make sure the next generation actually wants to stay.This is one of the most honest, warm, and thought-provoking episodes yet. If you have questions you want answered, send them in and join Rabbi Dov Ber live every day in Jerusalem at 11am.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.00:00:12 - Introduction00:00:31 - Do people use religion to escape life?00:01:31 - What if your child stopped believing in God?00:03:12 - What's the difference between Halacha and Hashkafa?00:06:22 - Does God care if you change your customs?00:08:30 - The key to good communication00:12:02 - Can staying secular be healthier than becoming religious the wrong way?00:13:50 - Learning to submit vs thinking independently00:16:51 - Why do people leave Judaism?00:21:42 - Wrap-upTo listen to Rabbi In The Hot Seat on your favorite podcast platform: https://pods.link/rabbiinthehotseat🔔 Subscribe and turn on post notifications so you don’t miss out on any wisdom!✡️ For more Jewish inspiration visit https://www.aish.com – the world's leading Judaism website. 👉🏼 Connect and follow for more Rabbi Dov Ber Wisdom 💫IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/rabbidovberofficial/https://www.instagram.com/aishTik Tok: ➡︎ https://www.tiktok.com/@rabbidovberofficial #SelfHelp #LifeAdvice #MasteringLife #Shorts #RabbiDovBerCohen

    22 min

  3. May 20

    NO FILTER: This Rabbi Answers Your Most Controversial Questions!

    Rabbi Dov Ber Cohen, originally from London and now based in Jerusalem, sits in the hot seat and answers ALL YOUR questions.From deep spiritual struggles like why bad things happen to good people and whether God is punishing you, to practical questions about kosher eating while travelling, hitting children, and how to make life's biggest decisions. Oh, and of course, a rabbi’s thoughts on eating pineapple on pizza. No question is off limits. Drop your questions in the comments and Rabbi Dov Ber might answer them in the next episode. Like, subscribe, and share to help this message reach more people. 00:00:12 Intro00:00:32 Is God Punishing Me?00:01:36 Halacha & Life Purpose00:02:31 Why Bad Things Happen to Good People00:03:24 Chabad & The Messiah00:04:44 Hitting Children & Parenting00:06:16 Eating Vegan While Traveling (Kosher)00:08:16 Why Prayer Doesn't Work00:09:59 Pineapple on Pizza00:11:53 How to Make Big Life DecisionsTo listen to Rabbi In The Hot Seat on your favorite podcast platform: https://pods.link/rabbiinthehotseat🔔 Subscribe and turn on post notifications so you don’t miss out on any wisdom!✡️ For more Jewish inspiration visit https://www.aish.com – the world's leading Judaism website. 👉🏼 Connect and follow for more Rabbi Dov Ber Wisdom 💫IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/rabbidovberofficial/https://www.instagram.com/aishTik Tok: ➡︎ https://www.tiktok.com/@rabbidovberofficial #SelfHelp #LifeAdvice #MasteringLife #Shorts #RabbiDovBerCohen

    14 min

  4. May 13

    THIS is what Judaism actually says about Divorce and giving your wife a Gett

    Rabbi Dov Ber Cohen goes places. In this episode we tackle whether Judaism's divorce laws are actually sexist (the answer might surprise you), what really happens to your soul when you convert, and why some Jewish publications won't show women's faces. Then things get cosmic, God, free will, homeless people, and why He created billions of galaxies just to make you feel small. We finish with Moshiach, a beautiful story about Rabbi Zusha's wife that'll make you rethink what a true tzaddik looks like, and yes, we answer the question about the holiest position in marriage. Hit like, subscribe, and share this with someone who needs it.00:00:00 - Intro00:00:36 - Is Judaism's Approach to Divorce Sexist? (The Gett)00:03:05 - Does a Convert Receive a New Jewish Soul?00:04:04 - Why Do Some Jewish Publications Not Show Women's Faces?00:04:53 - If God is Good, Why Is There Suffering in the World?00:06:10 - Did God Create the Entire Universe?00:08:11 - Is Moshiach Coming Soon? Signs of the End of Days00:09:08 - Rabbi Story: The Wedding Dress00:11:18 - The Holiest Position for Intimacy in Marriage00:13:33 - OutroTo listen to Rabbi In The Hot Seat on your favorite podcast platform: https://pods.link/rabbiinthehotseat🔔 Subscribe and turn on post notifications so you don’t miss out on any wisdom!✡️ For more Jewish inspiration visit https://www.aish.com – the world's leading Judaism website. 👉🏼 Connect and follow for more Rabbi Dov Ber Wisdom 💫IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/rabbidovberofficial/https://www.instagram.com/aishTik Tok: ➡︎ https://www.tiktok.com/@rabbidovberofficial #SelfHelp #LifeAdvice #MasteringLife #Shorts #RabbiDovBerCohen

    14 min

  5. May 6

    This Rabbi’s take on the most controversial questions may surprise you!

    Can you make a deal with God? Is the Messiah a real person or just an idea? Do Jews believe in ghosts? Why don't Jews memorise the Bible the way Christians and Muslims do? And what on earth does the samurai have to do with Abraham?A Rabbi. Your questions. Straight answers.This episode also tackles being bullied, keeping Shabbat when your family thinks you've gone off the deep end, and a jaw-dropping connection between Jewish wisdom and Japanese culture that's been hiding in plain sight for 3,000 years.📚 The Enlightened Jewish Man · The Essential Teachings · Simple🎙️ Daily class · Aish World Centre, JerusalemDrop your question in the comments. It might be next.00:00 Introduction00:43 Do Jews study the Bible by heart?02:26 Does Judaism believe in ghosts?04:13 Is Moshiach (Messiah) a person or a concept?04:57 What was your favorite book growing up?05:23 How should I handle being bullied at school?06:30 Clarification on homosexuality and Torah07:29 Keeping Shabbat and kosher while living with secular parents08:42 Can I make deals with God?09:26 Can you ask God to send you a sign?09:44 The Japanese concept of "Ma" and relationships12:17 Connections between Japanese culture and Jewish wisdom13:29 Book and course recommendationsTo listen to Rabbi In The Hot Seat on your favorite podcast platform: https://pods.link/rabbiinthehotseat🔔 Subscribe and turn on post notifications so you don’t miss out on any wisdom!✡️ For more Jewish inspiration visit https://www.aish.com – the world's leading Judaism website. 👉🏼 Connect and follow for more Rabbi Dov Ber Wisdom 💫IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/rabbidovberofficial/https://www.instagram.com/aishTik Tok: ➡︎ https://www.tiktok.com/@rabbidovberofficial #SelfHelp #LifeAdvice #MasteringLife #Shorts #RabbiDovBerCohen

    15 min

  6. Apr 29

    Is there REALLY such a thing as platonic Relationships? Rabbi’s shocking answer

    Rabbi Dov Ber Cohen tackles your most curious questions about Jewish law and life in his signature warm, straight-talking style. From the Jewish approach to male-female friendships and emotional boundaries in marriage, to whether Botox is kosher and how a Jew should navigate the internet — no question is off limits. Rabbi Dov Ber also unpacks why some Jews take on stringencies, and why your intention matters more than the strictness itself. Whether you're new to Judaism or lifelong learner, this episode will challenge, inspire, and maybe even make you laugh. 🔔 Subscribe & share — this show is best enjoyed with friends! 0:00 — Introduction 0:25 — Does a hippo have split hooves? (Kosher animals) 0:36 — What does the Talmud mean by "don't converse too much with your wife"? 1:57 — Does Judaism prohibit platonic relationships between men and women? 3:52 — Can a man have close female friends? A personal perspective 5:05 — Why do some Jews take on extra stringencies (chumrot)? 6:32 — Is being pooped on by a bird good luck? (Judaism says no) 7:38 — Why do we put a mezuzah on every door, not just the front? 8:43 — Does Judaism allow Botox and cosmetic surgery? 10:46 — How should a Jew use the internet? To listen to Rabbi In The Hot Seat on your favorite podcast platform: https://pods.link/rabbiinthehotseat🔔 Subscribe and turn on post notifications so you don’t miss out on any wisdom!✡️ For more Jewish inspiration visit https://www.aish.com – the world's leading Judaism website. 👉🏼 Connect and follow for more Rabbi Dov Ber Wisdom 💫IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/rabbidovberofficial/https://www.instagram.com/aishTik Tok: ➡︎ https://www.tiktok.com/@rabbidovberofficial #SelfHelp #LifeAdvice #MasteringLife #Shorts #RabbiDovBerCohen

    13 min

  7. Apr 23

    15 Soulmates, Angry Drivers & Sleeping Around — Rabbi Answers ALL | Rabbi in the Hot Seat Ep 17

    Rabbi Dov Ber Cohen is back in the hot seat answering YOUR questions — and he's not holding back. This week: Was Moses actually a con man? How many soulmates do you really have? What does Judaism say about transgender children? And what's better — more prayer with less intention, or less prayer with full intention? Whether you're Jewish, curious, spiritual, or just here for the chaos — this episode delivers raw, honest, and surprisingly funny answers to life's biggest questions. 🔥 Topics covered: Was Moses a con man • Sins of the fathers • Transgender children & unconditional love • Staying married vs sleeping around • Soulmates (there are 15!) • When to get married • Prayer vs. Kavana (intention) • Why fish isn't meat • How to control your anger 📩 Submit your questions for the next episode in the comments below! 👍 Like, Subscribe & Share — new episode every week. 00:00 - Welcome to RITHS Ep 17 00:20 - Was Moses a Con Man? 01:02 - Can Sins Pass Through Generations? 01:43 - What Does Judaism Say About Transgender Children?03:01 - Stay Married & Sleep Around, or Stay Single? 03:47 - How Many Soulmates Do You Have? 05:52 - When Is the Right Time to Get Married? 06:44 - Prayer vs. Kavana: Quality or Quantity? 08:57 - Why Are Fish & Eggs Pareve But Not Chicken? 09:29 - How to Control Your Anger To listen to Rabbi In The Hot Seat on your favorite podcast platform: https://pods.link/rabbiinthehotseat🔔 Subscribe and turn on post notifications so you don’t miss out on any wisdom!✡️ For more Jewish inspiration visit https://www.aish.com – the world's leading Judaism website. 👉🏼 Connect and follow for more Rabbi Dov Ber Wisdom 💫IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/rabbidovberofficial/https://www.instagram.com/aishTik Tok: ➡︎ https://www.tiktok.com/@rabbidovberofficial #SelfHelp #LifeAdvice #MasteringLife #Shorts #RabbiDovBerCohen

    12 min

  8. Apr 15

    STOP SETTLING! A Rabbi's Unfiltered Guide to Love & Romance I Rabbi in the Hot Seat

    In Episode 16 of Rabbi in the Hot Seat, Rabbi Dov Ber Cohen tackles the big questions head-on, from how Judaism conceptualizes God (hint: it's emotional), to the big “is the Lubavitcher Rebbe the Messiah?” debate, to whether you should move to Israel, how to balance Torah values at a prestigious law firm, handle a pushy matchmaker, and finally see the true beauty of Shabbat…. In other words, it’s a PACKED episode!Perhaps the biggest takeaway of this episode? Your values. What you stand for, what you refuse to compromise on, and how that shapes every major decision in your life, who you marry, where you live, and how you work. Whether you're a longtime Torah learner or just starting to explore your Jewish identity, this episode is packed with wisdom, honesty, and a few surprises.📩 Submit your questions for future episodes by dropping a comment below!0:00 Welcome back to Rabbi in the Hot Seat0:33 How Are Jews Supposed to Conceptualise God?1:21 Does Torah Accept the Lubavitcher Rebbe as Messiah?2:11 Thinking About Moving to Israel? Ask Yourself This one Question First4:41 Balancing Torah Values with a Prestigious Law Career5:37 How to Respond When a Matchmaker Calls You Picky8:06 What Effort Do You Really Need to Put In to Find a Spouse?9:20 How Can I See the Beauty of Shabbat?10:39 So what was this episode really about?To listen to Rabbi In The Hot Seat on your favorite podcast platform: https://pods.link/rabbiinthehotseat🔔 Subscribe and turn on post notifications so you don’t miss out on any wisdom!✡️ For more Jewish inspiration visit https://www.aish.com – the world's leading Judaism website. 👉🏼 Connect and follow for more Rabbi Dov Ber Wisdom 💫IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/rabbidovberofficial/https://www.instagram.com/aishTik Tok: ➡︎ https://www.tiktok.com/@rabbidovberofficial #SelfHelp #LifeAdvice #MasteringLife #Shorts #RabbiDovBerCohen

    11 min
See All (23)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Got burning questions about Judaism, life, or faith? Rabbi Dov Ber Cohen is ready with answers. In each dynamic episode, Rabbi Dov Ber tackles the most compelling questions submitted to Aish by Jews from around the world and all walks of life. No topic is off limits—from ancient traditions to modern dilemmas, from matters of faith to everyday struggles. Real questions. Real answers. Real fast.

Information

You Might Also Like