The Jewish Experience

Daniel Wallach seeks guidance from Rabbi Wildes as he grapples with the challenges of his spiritual journey. Having recently returned from the spiritual heights of Israel, Daniel opens up about his struggle to maintain inspiration in a world dominated by materialism and monotony. In their conversation, Daniel seeks Rabbi Wildes' counsel on various pressing matters, such as staying motivated in times when God's presence feels less apparent, discovering the Torah teachings that resonate with his soul, finding a Jewish community that aligns with his values, and much more. Together, they delve into these profound questions, seeking clarity and guidance on the path ahead. An essential listen for fellow seekers on their spiritual journey. NOTE: Rabbi Wildes' audio is distorted for the first minute of the episode but clears up immediately afterward. This conversation was recorded on 2/27/2023 Timestamps: 1:20 - Staying Inspired Through the Monotony of Life 23:00 - Discovering the Torah that Speaks to You 31:00 Being A Jew in the Real World; Leaving the Bubble 39:00 - Finding Hashem in the Difficult Times 47:44 - A Poem From Rav Kook Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

In this thought-provoking episode, Rabbi Wildes is joined by Charlie Harary to delve into the power of Torah wisdom to help us unlock our best selves. Charlie shares his personal journey of discovering the Torah and how it has helped him initiate personal growth, find meaning, and discover his identity and purpose. We explore the spiritual and physical aspects of our selves and how they interact in our daily lives. Charlie shares insights on achieving lasting happiness by aligning our actions with our spiritual values and prioritizing our inner growth over external validation. We also discuss the rise of Artificial Intelligence and its potential impact on spirituality. Can AI genuinely threaten our spiritual growth and connection to a higher power? Or can it enhance our spiritual experience and connection? Tune in to this enlightening episode to gain a deeper understanding of how Torah wisdom can help unlock your best self and navigate the challenges of the modern world. Charles Harary is an American investor, strategic adviser, and professor who has gained fame as a motivational speaker, radio show host, and television personality. Follow Charlie: Become an Insider: http://Charlieharary.com/insiders Listen to Charlie's Podcast Unlocking Greatness: https://jewishpodcasts.fm/charlieharary Join Charlie's Whatsapp Chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BUnbPiDNkg3CrmHQlnn6eJ Follow Charlie on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/charlieharary?fbclid=PAAaas4eDdjiVUL3dMUtFZUBzOm58QvzjuCdm_DQBrbsT4s2o0UIoTLNTn2-k Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 02:30 - Charlie's Journey 14:00 - Happiness 26:40 - Identity & Self-Image 39:20 - Finding Joy Through Spirituality 46:30 - Spirituality vs. Physicality 50:50 - Artificial Intelligence Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

Rabbi Wildes recently rejoined the Orthodox Conundrum Podcast with Scott Kahn to discuss the complicated relationship Diaspora Jewry has with the State of Israel. In Scott's own words: With the terrible and heartbreaking news that came out of Israel over the course of Pesach – a mother and two children murdered by terrorists, a car ramming in Tel Aviv with an Italian tourist dead and others injured, plus rockets launched at Israel from Lebanon and Gaza – some have noted a disconnect between the attitudes of Jews who live in Israel, and those who live in the diaspora. The two groups sometimes seem to possess different mindsets – that is, very different ways of thinking about events like these. In particular, the heaviness that was widely experienced by Israeli Jews may have sometimes been lacking among some Jews outside of Israel. Is this assumption accurate or misplaced? Furthermore, is Israel viewed, emotionally if not intellectually, as just another Jewish community like any other? Is the proximity and ease of getting to Israel and communicating with people in Israel a double-edged sword, taking away some of the mystery and sense of holiness that people otherwise would have? Moreover, what is the place of diaspora Jewry? Is their only role to pack up and move to Israel, or is there a need for Jewish communities to thrive outside of Israel? How can we better inculcate a sense of solidarity with Jews in Israel, and with what’s happening in Israel? Is the emotional gap between Israelis and those outside of Israel destined to get larger or smaller? To discuss these and other questions, Scott (who lives in Ramat Beit Shemesh) spoke with Rabbi Mark Wildes (who lives in New York). Their conversation will give you food for thought, especially as they draw upon their own life experiences to discuss the relationship between diaspora Jews and Jews living in Israel. Please listen to and share this podcast, and let us know what you think on the Orthodox Conundrum Discussion Group on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/432020081498108). Thanks to all of our Patreon subscribers, who have access to bonus JCH podcasts, merch, and more – we appreciate your help, and hope you really enjoy the extras! Visit the JCH Patreon site at https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse. Visit https://www.jchpodcasts.com/ to learn all about creating your own podcast. Music: “Happy Rock” by bensound.com Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

How can we make sure our kids stay Jewish and uphold the values we have worked so hard to instill in them? Hint: it's not just about talking the talk, but walking the walk. Rabbi Wildes delves into the text of the Torah, revealing the power of leading by example and how displaying your love for the Torah and its Mitzvot can make all the difference. Get ready to take action and inspire the next generation to stay true to their roots. Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

"Veahavta lereacha kamocha" - Loving your neighbor as yourself is considered the fundamental golden rule of Torah. But is it really possible to do such a thing? Rabbi Wildes provides a practical solution to fulfill this mitzvah based on the wisdom of our greatest Sages. Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

Rabbi Wildes celebrates Yom Haatzmaut (Israel's 75th birthday) by sitting down with the fascinating Rabbi Jeremy Gimpel who is a teacher, a farmer, and a pioneering entrepreneur. He is also a retired decorated IDF soldier, an author, a musician, and one of Israel's premiere Jewish media personalities. He is the founder of the Land of Israel Network, with millions of views and downloads from over 120 countries, broadcasting Torah and sharing the beauty of Israel with the world. Rabbi Gimpel, along with his wife Tehila and their six children, founded the Arugot Farm and Educational Center at the edge of a Jewish settlement in Judea and Samaria. It has become a global destination for people looking to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Judean Mountains and encounter a living example of Ahavat Eretz Yisrael and Torat Yisrael. They discuss how the building of his farm in Judea and Samaria and interacting with his Arab neighbors inform his view on how Israel and the Palestinians can achieve peace, the current instability in Israel regarding judicial reform, how he'd stop the cycle of brainwashing that the Palestinian leadership perpetuates on their youth, the Biden administration's policy towards Israel, Israel's role to play in bringing the final redemption, and more. Timestamps: 2:00 - Building A Farm in Judea & Samaria 10:30 - Achieving World Peace 15:49 - Can A Two-State Solution Work? 24:17 - Deprogramming Palestinian Hatred 33:30 - Judicial Reform Protests 46:20 - Birthright 48:48 - Israel = Beginning of Mashiach 50:15 - Connecting to Israel in Exile Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

Rabbi Wildes celebrates Israel's 75th birthday by focusing on Judaism's focus on life in this world as opposed to what happens in the next world and displays how the modern State of Israel has incorporated the Torah's message of living in the here and now. Join MJE for Yom Haatzmaut as we commemorate fallen IDF soldiers for Yom Hazikaron with an inspirational program and musical prayers. Then celebrate Israel's independence (Yom Haatzmaut) with MJE's Shuk Party! Falafel and hummus bar, Israeli snacks and candies, photobooth, Israeli wine bar, Israel beer and more!! Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mje-yom-haatzmaut-israel-independence-program-celebrate-75-years-tickets-592619349427 Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

Rabbi Wildes interviews Holocaust survivor Manny Korman at MJE in front of a packed audience to commemorate Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day). The event concluded with some inspiring words from Israel's Minister of Aliyah and Integration and member of the Knesset Ofir Sofer and a stirring rendition of The Hatikvah. Manny Korman was born on December 21, 1931 in Hamburg Germany. Shortly before his 7th birthday, he and his family were taken from their home by the Nazis, and expelled into Poland where he and his older brother Gerd were eventually separated from their parents. After an incredible series of events (which you will hear in this episode) Manny and his brother found his way to England right as WW2 broke out in 1939. The brothers eventually found their way to Brooklyn, NY. Manny attended Queens College and started an illustrious career in education including being the principal of Adrien Block Junior High School in Flushing, NY. He currently mentors principals around the city in developing their own careers. Timestamps: Intro (0:00) Manny Korman's Story of Survival (7:30) Knesset Member Ofir Sofer and Hatikvah (1:06:00) Join us next week Tuesday April 25th at 7PM as we commemorate fallen IDF soldiers for Yom Hazikaron with an inspirational program and musical prayers. Then celebrate Israel's 75th year of independence (Yom Haatzmaut) with MJE's Shuk Party! Falafel and hummus bar, Israeli snacks and candies, photobooth, Israeli wine bar, Israel beer and more!! RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mje-yom-haatzmaut-israel-independence-program-celebrate-75-years-tickets-592619349427 If you would like to come to Israel with us this Summer for the trip of a lifetime, visit https://www.jewishexperience.org/israel Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

As we continue through the book of Vayikra which focuses on animal sacrifices to Hashem, Rabbi Wildes reveals the fascinating connection between these sacrifices and the virtuous quality of humility emulated by Moshe. Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

Rabbi Joey Rosenfeld is world-renowned for his incredible podcasts which intersect contemporary issues of trauma, anxiety, and addiction with the ancient texts of Torah, Kabbalah, and Chassidut. Rabbi Wildes speaks with Rabbi Rosenfeld about how those who enjoy yoga and meditation can find those experiences within the Jewish tradition, reframing the traumas in our lives as opportunities for elevation, the greater picture behind the postmodern moment of relativity and the denial of objective truth, what makes this generation's relationship with God different from previous generations, and more. Timestamps: 1:20 - Meditation 5:00 - Breath & Mindfulness 16:00 Is Positivity a Choice? 23:00 Accepting God as King 34:00 Trauma 48:00 Postmodernism 58:00 Finding the Light in the Darkness Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/