This Jewish Life - With Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

Rabbi Wolbe outlines the three reasons why Judaism is exceedingly important.

Three times in the Torah we are commanded to love someone or something. How is that reasonable?

Jewish Perspective: Puberty > Coming of age > Adolescence > Dating and Courtship > Marriage > Divorce > Parenting > Mid-life crisis > Dying like a Jew > Jewish Burial > תחית המתים (Resuscitation of the dead).

Learn about the Jewish perspective in time, and how we can tap into the same spiritual entities that existed in yesteryear. This fascinating idea joins another: the coexistence of a Lunar month and a solar year in the Jewish calendar. Lastly, learn the meaning of the various Jewish holidays and significant times in the calendar from Purim to Elul, and the practical application of the these principles.

Curious to know when Moshiach is coming? Can we – and should we – calculate his arrival? Think you’ve got what it takes to be Moshiach? Rabbi Wolbe answers these questions and outlines the qualifications needed for one to be crowned Moshiach and the accomplishments that Moshiach will achieve. Additionally, in this class we hear a history of false, failed and unrealized Moshiachs spanning from Bar Kochba in the first century of the Common Era to the ongoing schism tearing apart the Chabad Lubavitch Chassidic dynasty regarding the Messianic status of the previous Rebbe, since deceased. Lastly, tune in and learn what it all means for us and what can we do to expedite Moshiach’s arrival.

Tune in and listen to the definitive Jewish answer to life’s most compelling question: what really happens after you die. One of the few topics where it is hard to speak from experience, Rabbi Wolbe culls from various sources and Jewish traditions to paint a complete picture that clarifies the basis of the discussion: what happens after you die determines what, indeed, is meaningful in life.

Sheets with holes, shaved heads, arranges marriages and tattooed Jews excluded from Jewish cemeteries are but some of the misconceptions Jews have about Judaism. In this discussion, Rabbi Wolbe outlines and disproves the following four core and central misconceptions: Judaism is old, ancient, arcane, irrelevant and not contemporary to modern times. Mitzvas are ritualistic, repetitive and mechanical, and therefore are devoid of meaning, and cannot continually be real spiritual experiences. Judaism is full of restrictions and obligations that take the fun and pleasure out of life. Religion is the opiate of the masses. Accepting Judaism is a leap of faith.

“שמח תשמח רעים האהובים כשמחך יצירך בגן עדן מקדם” This statement, part of the Sheva Brachos (Seven Blessings), is recited under the Chuppah ( wedding canopy) of traditional Jewish marriages. Translated into English, we pray: “Gladden the loving couple, like you gladdened your creations (Adam and Eve) in the Garden of Eden years ago.” This raises the question: what was so special about the relationship of Adam and Eve that justifies it being presented as the paragon that all young couples should strive to achieve? Moreover, Adam and Eve’s stint in the Garden of Eden was not a rosy subliminal harmonious fantasy, rather a highly contentious period. If so, what is the lesson to be garnered from their relationship that is of such tantamount importance that we highlight it at the onset of every Jewish marriage?

Three fascinating and enlightening stories from the Talmud shed light on the two roadmaps to spiritual growth: the typical slow and steady grind, and the expedited way. Are you going to dip your toe in the pool or are you gonna take the plunge?

Learn about the responsibilities of children to honor and respect their parents.