

The Parsha Podcast - With Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe
TORCH
The Parsha Podcast with Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe was started in 2016 with the goal of making the weekly Parsha accessible and useful. Every Sunday, the Parsha Podcast will feature an hour-long podcast outlining the story, narratives and major themes of that week’s Parsha and offer a selection of valuable and interesting insights from it. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, two more episodes that focuses on one idea, theme, or comment on the Parsha will be released. Please send comments or questions to rabbiwolbe@gmail.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 12, 2017 • 59min
Yisro – A Kingdom of Priests and A Holy Nation
Parshas Yisro is a tale of two stories: The first is the episode of Yisro the father in law of Moshe. He abandons his post as the priest of Midian to join the people and provide valuable insight to the judicial process. The latter half of the parsha is dedicated to the Mount Sinai experience and the Ten Commandments. The Torah prefaces the Ten Commandments with the Yisro narrative because it contains important preconditions for Torah.
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Contact:
Website: RabbiWolbe.com;
Twitter: @RabbiWolbe;
Facebook: Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe;
Email: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com.
Podcasts Links iOS:
This Jewish Life – In-Depth Analysis into Critical Torah Topics;
The Jewish History Podcast – Telling the Remarkable story of the Jewish People;
The Parsha Podcast – A Weekly Analysis and Exploration of the Parsha;
TORAH 101 – An Intellectual’s Introduction to Torah
Podcast Links Android:
This Jewish Life – In-Depth Analysis into Critical Torah Topics;
The Jewish History Podcast – Telling the Remarkable story of the Jewish People;
The Parsha Podcast – A Weekly Analysis and Exploration of the Parsha;
TORAH 101 – An Intellectual’s Introduction to Torah

Feb 5, 2017 • 1h 13min
Beshalach – Exhilarating Exodus
Parshas Beshalach begins with the Exodus from Egypt. This begins a spiritual transition for the Jewish people. For the duration of the 40 years in the wilderness, the Jews are going to be eating heavenly manna and drinking water from a rock. This is reflective of their newfound closeness with the Almighty. However, this greatness comes with consequences: Free will must be maintained. If their revelations are heightened, so are their challenges.
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Contact:
Website: RabbiWolbe.com;
Twitter: @RabbiWolbe;
Facebook: Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe;
Email: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com.
Podcasts Links iOS:
This Jewish Life – In-Depth Analysis into Critical Torah Topics;
The Jewish History Podcast – Telling the Remarkable story of the Jewish People;
The Parsha Podcast – A Weekly Analysis and Exploration of the Parsha;
TORAH 101 – An Intellectual’s Introduction to Torah
Podcast Links Android:
This Jewish Life – In-Depth Analysis into Critical Torah Topics;
The Jewish History Podcast – Telling the Remarkable story of the Jewish People;
The Parsha Podcast – A Weekly Analysis and Exploration of the Parsha;
TORAH 101 – An Intellectual’s Introduction to Torah

Jan 29, 2017 • 1h 15min
Bo – Climactic Exodus
The Ten Plagues reach their crescendo in Parshas Bo. After Pharaoh’s repeated intransigence, he undergoes a series of humbling miraculous plagues that prompt him to evict the Jews from his land.
Contact:
Website: RabbiWolbe.com;
Twitter: @RabbiWolbe;
Facebook: Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe;
Email: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com.
Podcasts Links iOS:
This Jewish Life – In-Depth Analysis into Critical Torah Topics;
The Jewish History Podcast – Telling the Remarkable story of the Jewish People;
The Parsha Podcast – A Weekly Analysis and Exploration of the Parsha;
TORAH 101 – An Intellectual’s Introduction to Torah
Podcast Links Android:
This Jewish Life – In-Depth Analysis into Critical Torah Topics;
The Jewish History Podcast – Telling the Remarkable story of the Jewish People;
The Parsha Podcast – A Weekly Analysis and Exploration of the Parsha;
TORAH 101 – An Intellectual’s Introduction to Torah

Jan 22, 2017 • 1h 1min
Vaeira – Educational Plagues
In Parshas Vaeira we see the humbling of Pharaoh and the Egyptians. We learn about the first seven of the Ten Plagues and their purpose and significance. More broadly, we delve into the objective of the Exodus at large.
The topics discussed in this episode:
Introduction to the Plagues and Exodus: The various Names of God, Lineage of Moshe and Aaron – [0:00];
Hardening of Pharaoh’s Heart and begining of Plagues – [13:27];
An Egyptian Response to Miracles; More Plagues – [26:27];
Frogs and Lice; The Egyptian Obsession with Sorcery; Microtargeting of Plagues; rest of Plagues – [35:38];
– – – – – – – – – – – – –
Contact:
Website: RabbiWolbe.com;
Twitter: @RabbiWolbe;
Facebook: Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe;
Email: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com.
Podcasts Links iOS:
This Jewish Life – In-Depth Analysis into Critical Torah Topics;
The Jewish History Podcast – Telling the Remarkable story of the Jewish People;
The Parsha Podcast – A Weekly Analysis and Exploration of the Parsha;
TORAH 101 – An Intellectual’s Introduction to Torah
Podcast Links Android:
This Jewish Life – In-Depth Analysis into Critical Torah Topics;
The Jewish History Podcast – Telling the Remarkable story of the Jewish People;
The Parsha Podcast – A Weekly Analysis and Exploration of the Parsha;
TORAH 101 – An Intellectual’s Introduction to Torah

Jan 15, 2017 • 57min
Shemos – The Iron Crucible
The book of Exodus begins with the enslavement of the Jewish people in Egypt. Interestingly, when Abraham was selected to be the father of the Chosen People he was informed that his descendents will be subject to severe national suffering in a foreign land.Seemingly, the enslavement was an ideal, and necessary, component of becoming God’s people.
The topics discussed in this episode:
Pharaoh enslaves the Jews , theme of the Jews enslavement, the horrors of infanticide – [0:00];
Birth of Moshe, He is put into a floating box in the Nile, Is adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter – [16:50];
Introduction to Moshe’s character – [36:04];
The Burning Bush Prophecy, Weeklong Dialogue with God, back story of the staff – [35:36];
Moshe and Aaron Meet Pharaoh, things get worse – [53:32];
– – – – – – – – – – – – –
Contact:
Website: RabbiWolbe.com;
Twitter: @RabbiWolbe;
Facebook: Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe;
Email: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com.
Podcasts Links iOS:
This Jewish Life – In-Depth Analysis into Critical Torah Topics;
The Jewish History Podcast – Telling the Remarkable story of the Jewish People;
The Parsha Podcast – A Weekly Analysis and Exploration of the Parsha;
TORAH 101 – An Intellectual’s Introduction to Torah
Podcast Links Android:
This Jewish Life – In-Depth Analysis into Critical Torah Topics;
The Jewish History Podcast – Telling the Remarkable story of the Jewish People;
The Parsha Podcast – A Weekly Analysis and Exploration of the Parsha;
TORAH 101 – An Intellectual’s Introduction to Torah

Jan 8, 2017 • 59min
Vayechi – Deathbed Priorities
Parshas Vayrchi is oriented around the illness and death of Jacob. The Jewish family is growing and establishing roots in Egypt. Their spiritual leader and guide is going to pass, and they will ease into Egyptian life, culminating in their eventual enslavement. In his waning moments, Jacob gathers his children, blesses them, and provides them with insight that will illuminate their lives in the darkness to come.
The topics discussed in this episode:
Why there is no break between Vayigash and Vayechi – [0:00];
Jacob’s Request from Joseph – [8:30];
Jacob Blesses Ephraim and Menasheh – [27:07];
Jacob’s Blesses his Children– [35:36];
Joseph Asks Pharaoh for permission to bury Jacob in Canaan – [54:27];
– – – – – – – – – – – – –
Contact:
Website: RabbiWolbe.com;
Twitter: @RabbiWolbe;
Facebook: Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe;
Email: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com.
Podcasts Links iOS:
This Jewish Life – In-Depth Analysis into Critical Torah Topics;
The Jewish History Podcast – Telling the Remarkable story of the Jewish People;
The Parsha Podcast – A Weekly Analysis and Exploration of the Parsha;
TORAH 101 – An Intellectual’s Introduction to Torah
Podcast Links Android:
This Jewish Life – In-Depth Analysis into Critical Torah Topics;
The Jewish History Podcast – Telling the Remarkable story of the Jewish People;
The Parsha Podcast – A Weekly Analysis and Exploration of the Parsha;
TORAH 101 – An Intellectual’s Introduction to Torah

Jan 2, 2017 • 51min
Vayigash – A Family Descends
Parshas Vayigash begins with Joseph’s dramatic revelation to his brothers and ends with the descent of Jacob and his descendents to Egypt, where they will spend the next several hundred years burgeoning into a great nation.
The topics discussed in this episode:
Joseph reveals his True Identity – [0:00];
The Brothers Silence in the Face of Truth – [5:30];
Jacob is Rejuvenated with the Knowledge that Joseph is still Alive; Has Nighttime Prophecy– [16:31];
70 Descendents; Remedy Precedes Wound – [24:05];
Jacob and Joseph Reunite – [32:36];
Jacob and Pharaoh’s Conversation; Joseph’s Dedication to Task – [38:24];
– – – – – – – – – – – – –
Contact:
Website: RabbiWolbe.com;
Twitter: @RabbiWolbe;
Facebook: Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe;
Email: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com.
Podcasts Links iOS:
This Jewish Life – In-Depth Analysis into Critical Torah Topics;
The Jewish History Podcast – Telling the Remarkable story of the Jewish People;
The Parsha Podcast – A Weekly Analysis and Exploration of the Parsha;
TORAH 101 – An Intellectual’s Introduction to Torah
Podcast Links Android:
This Jewish Life – In-Depth Analysis into Critical Torah Topics;
The Jewish History Podcast – Telling the Remarkable story of the Jewish People;
The Parsha Podcast – A Weekly Analysis and Exploration of the Parsha;
TORAH 101 – An Intellectual’s Introduction to Torah

Dec 25, 2016 • 52min
Mikeitz – From Prisoner to Viceroy
Parshas Mikeitz tells the dramatic transformation of Joseph from lowly prisoner to exalted viceroy of Egypt, his oversight of Egyptian preparation for famine and how he related to his brothers who sought grain.
The topics discussed in this episode:
Joseph’s Ascension to grandeur – [0:00];
Joseph’s Suggestion: Seek a wise person – [10:08];
Joseph enshrined as viceroy, implements his plan and has a family– [19:55];
Joseph as Leader; Forced Circumcisions – [29:06];
Jacob Sends Sons to Procure Provisions; Brothers dont Recognize him; Joseph plays games with them – [33:13];
Joseph’s Ruses – [43:12];
– – – – – – – – – – – – –
Contact:
Website: RabbiWolbe.com;
Twitter: @RabbiWolbe;
Facebook: Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe;
Email: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com.
Podcasts Links iOS:
This Jewish Life – In-Depth Analysis into Critical Torah Topics;
The Jewish History Podcast – Telling the Remarkable story of the Jewish People;
The Parsha Podcast – A Weekly Analysis and Exploration of the Parsha;
TORAH 101 – An Intellectual’s Introduction to Torah
Podcast Links Android:
This Jewish Life – In-Depth Analysis into Critical Torah Topics;
The Jewish History Podcast – Telling the Remarkable story of the Jewish People;
The Parsha Podcast – A Weekly Analysis and Exploration of the Parsha;
TORAH 101 – An Intellectual’s Introduction to Torah

Dec 18, 2016 • 1h 6min
Vayeishev – Strange Paths to Redemption
Parshas Vayeishev marks the dramatic descent of Joseph, from Jacob’s favorite son to alleged attempted rapist languishing in an Egyptian prison. In retrospect, this Parsha tells the beginning of the founding of the Jewish nation and the back story to the nation’s most prestigious family.
The topics discussed in this episode:
Jacob’s Favoritism towards Joseph – [0:00];
Joseph’s Dreams of Grandeur and the Prophecy in Dreams – [6:09];
Jacob’s Response to Joseph’s dreams – [16:55];
The Brothers Betray Joseph – [18:52];
Reuben and Judah try to save Joseph – [27:20];
Joseph’s Descent into Egypt; Judah is Demoted; the Episode of Judah and Tamar – [31:00];
Joseph in Egypt; His Resistance to Sin – [49:42];
Joseph is Framed and Imprisoned – [55:33];
Joseph Relies on the Cupbearer – [1:01:22].
– – – – – – – – – – – – –
Contact:
Website: RabbiWolbe.com;
Twitter: @RabbiWolbe;
Facebook: Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe;
Email: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com.
Podcasts Links iOS:
This Jewish Life – In-Depth Analysis into Critical Torah Topics;
The Jewish History Podcast – Telling the Remarkable story of the Jewish People;
The Parsha Podcast – A Weekly Analysis and Exploration of the Parsha;
TORAH 101 – An Intellectual’s Introduction to Torah
Podcast Links Android:
This Jewish Life – In-Depth Analysis into Critical Torah Topics;
The Jewish History Podcast – Telling the Remarkable story of the Jewish People;
The Parsha Podcast – A Weekly Analysis and Exploration of the Parsha;
TORAH 101 – An Intellectual’s Introduction to Torah

Dec 11, 2016 • 1h 10min
Vayishlach – Twin Tussles
Telling the story of this week’s parsha while gleaning insights and lessons from it. The topics discussed in this episode:
Jacob’s Preparation for the Encounter with Esau – [0:00]
Jacob’s Fears: Of Loss of Merits, Of Esau and Of Esau’s “Brotherly Love” – [9:09]
The Bribe – [13:29]
Jacob Hid Dina to Shield her from Esau – [16:06]
Jacob’s night-long Struggle with the Angel, Dislocated his Hip and the Mitzvah of the Gid Hanasheh – [21:13]
Jacob is Renamed as Israel – [29:57]
The Encounter with Esau – [39:42]
The Episode of Dina – [49:04]
The Death of Rebecca – [59:24]
The Episode of Reuben and Bilhah – [1:02:24]
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If you enjoy this podcast please subscribe and check out my other podcasts: This Jewish Life – long form deep dives into critical Torah topics and The Jewish History Podcast – telling the remarkable story of the Jewish People.
Contact:
Website: RabbiWolbe.com
Twitter: @RabbiWolbe
Facebook: Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe
Email: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com


