Torah and Today

Rabbi Ken Brodkin
  • 5.0 (15)
  • Religion & Spirituality

Welcome to Torah and Today with Rabbi Ken Brodkin.  On this podcast, you can expect weekly wisdom as we explore how the Torah guides our lives in modern times. Tune in for insight on your Jewish journey. We'll draw from a mix of Torah sources as we grapple with issues we face as Jews in contemporary society.This podcast is produced with the support of Congregation B'nai Israel in Manalapan NJ. 

  1. 01/14/2025

    Faith Under Fire: Confronting Antisemitism with Jewish Pride

    In recent months, antisemitism has moved from lurking in the shadows to being alarmingly out in the open. According to the ADL, over 10,000 antisemitic incidents were reported in the U.S. in the year following October 7. What drives this phenomenon? Is it a product of the right or the left? While Israel has numerous friends in the United States, antisemitism exists across the political spectrum. What do we make of this paradox? How do we understand antisemitism when it comes to us from opposite directions? The Torah teaches us how to understand the great spectacles of Jewish history…including antisemitism.

    13 min

  2. 01/06/2025

    Was Jesus King of the Jews?

    According to early Christianity, Jews not accepting Jesus stood in the way of global.  Jesus eventually became a profoundly influential figure through the gospels. According to those gospels, Jesus claimed to be the king of Israel. What do we make of this claim? Did Jesus believe he was the fulfillment of the Hebrew prophetic vision of Messiah?  To make sense of this, we explore that background of Jewish monarchy and more.

    11 min

  3. 12/23/2024

    Chanukah’s Answer to the Meaning Crisis

    Chanukah is not only a time for celebrating with latkes and donuts, but it’s a gateway talking about our faith in HaShem. Meaningful conversation about our connection to God is vital in addressing mental health challenges and the “Meaning Crisis.”

    13 min

  4. 12/10/2024

    This Hallowed Ground

    When Yaakov was running and destitute, he dedicated a house of God with a flask of oil and a single stone. In so doing, he initiated our Jewish connection to the Har HaBayit (Temple Mount) in Jerusalem. As Jews, we continue along his path of dedicating holy space wherever our journey takes us. How do we find or consecrate holy space in our lives, especially when we find ourselves—like Yaakov—in a place of desperation?

    12 min

  5. 12/02/2024

    "Chutznikim" ~ Jewish Outside of Israel?

    The month of Kislev brings us Chanukah, one of the most powerful symbols of the Jewish people. And one of the most poignant symbols of Chanukah is the Driedel. What does this children’s toy teach us about being Jewish in or outside of the land of Israel?

    12 min

  6. 11/24/2024

    Thanksgiving & The Jews

    It’s that time of when year end holidays are in the air. But this can be a challenging time for those struggling with loneliness, including people who want to be grandparents. Why are many young adults choosing to remain child-free, and what is Judaism’s message for them? Plus, Jewish Emunah (faith) and gratitude to God were an inspiration for the people who gave us the modern holiday of Thanksgiving.

    13 min

  7. 11/17/2024

    Why Did God Love Avraham?

    It’s hard to think of a more influential person in human history than Avraham. The prophet Isaiah teaches us that this influential figure and founder of Israel was beloved to HaShem. But why did God love Avraham? The answer to this question—alluded to in Genesis 18, 19—is a key for understanding how we shine our light into today’s world.

    11 min

  8. 06/04/2024

    Gratitude Will Change Your Life

    The life of Ruth and the Chag of Shavuot helps us to connect with a path that can immediately change our lives for the better: gratitude.

    12 min
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5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Welcome to Torah and Today with Rabbi Ken Brodkin.  On this podcast, you can expect weekly wisdom as we explore how the Torah guides our lives in modern times. Tune in for insight on your Jewish journey. We'll draw from a mix of Torah sources as we grapple with issues we face as Jews in contemporary society.This podcast is produced with the support of Congregation B'nai Israel in Manalapan NJ. 

Information

  • Creator
    Rabbi Ken Brodkin
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    128
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Torah and Today
  • Show Website
    Torah and Today