<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:podcast="https://podcastindex.org/namespace/1.0" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" version="2.0"><channel><title>JOI to the World</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/joi-to-the-world--6283804</link><description><![CDATA[JOI to the World is a collection of podcasts by Rabbi Lehrfield of JOI that explore diverse aspects of Jewish life, learning, and culture. Each episode offers a unique perspective, drawing from the rich tapestry of Jewish thought and tradition. You can subscribe to this podcast to get weekly episodes or you can subscribe to the individual shows to receive the monthly episodes as they air.<ul><li><b>Zero Percent:</b> Discover the profound outsided impact of a people that make up less than 0.2% of the world.</li><li><b>Dear Rabbi: </b>Practical answers to questions about Judaism.</li><li><b>reConnect:</b> Bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and modern life, this series offers a deep dive into the relationships that matter most.</li><li><b>Yada Yada Yiddish:</b> A Jewish perspective on Seinfeld, using the show’s iconic moments as a springboard for exploring Jewish concepts and values.</li><li><b>Kids Say the Deepest Things:</b> Meaningful lessons from the funny and insightful things kids say, with reflections on life, parenting, and Jewish tradition.</li></ul>]]></description><atom:link href="https://www.spreaker.com/show/6283804/episodes/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><language>en</language><category>Judaism</category><copyright>Copyright Menachem Lehrfield</copyright><image><url>https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg</url><title>JOI to the World</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/joi-to-the-world--6283804</link></image><lastBuildDate>Wed, 29 Jul 2026 11:26:50 +0000</lastBuildDate><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:owner><itunes:name>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:name><itunes:email>joipodcasts@joidenver.com</itunes:email></itunes:owner><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:subtitle>JOI to the World is a collection of podcasts by Rabbi Lehrfield of JOI that explore diverse aspects of Jewish life, learning, and culture. Each episode offers a unique perspective, drawing from the rich tapestry of Jewish thought and tradition. You...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[JOI to the World is a collection of podcasts by Rabbi Lehrfield of JOI that explore diverse aspects of Jewish life, learning, and culture. Each episode offers a unique perspective, drawing from the rich tapestry of Jewish thought and tradition. You can subscribe to this podcast to get weekly episodes or you can subscribe to the individual shows to receive the monthly episodes as they air.<ul><li><b>Zero Percent:</b> Discover the profound outsided impact of a people that make up less than 0.2% of the world.</li><li><b>Dear Rabbi: </b>Practical answers to questions about Judaism.</li><li><b>reConnect:</b> Bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and modern life, this series offers a deep dive into the relationships that matter most.</li><li><b>Yada Yada Yiddish:</b> A Jewish perspective on Seinfeld, using the show’s iconic moments as a springboard for exploring Jewish concepts and values.</li><li><b>Kids Say the Deepest Things:</b> Meaningful lessons from the funny and insightful things kids say, with reflections on life, parenting, and Jewish tradition.</li></ul>]]></itunes:summary><itunes:category text="Religion &amp; Spirituality"><itunes:category text="Judaism"/></itunes:category><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><podcast:guid>44d8728b-db7b-55e5-ad2d-4150e41bca65</podcast:guid><itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type><item><title>Why Judaism Doesn’t Actively Seek Converts</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-judaism-doesn-t-actively-seek-converts--73233041</link><description><![CDATA[Welcome to Dear Rabbi, where we tackle your pressing questions about Judaism!<br /><br /> 🕍 In this episode, Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield addresses the intriguing topic of conversion in Judaism.<br /><br />🌟Discover why Judaism doesn't actively pursue converts, unlike some other major religions. Learn about the Jewish perspective on being a good person, the responsibilities that come with joining the Jewish people, and the importance of authentic motivation in conversion. Whether you're considering conversion or simply curious about Jewish attitudes towards newcomers, this episode offers valuable insights into the Jewish approach to faith and community.<br /><br />Watch Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/PoBTfwXv0Gs<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br />Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧<br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br /><br />Follow us for more: <br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73233041</guid><pubDate>Wed, 29 Jul 2026 11:25:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73233041/dear_rabbi_ep2_s2.mp3" length="4074411" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Welcome to Dear Rabbi, where we tackle your pressing questions about Judaism!

 🕍 In this episode, Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield addresses the intriguing topic of conversion in Judaism.

🌟Discover why Judaism doesn't actively pursue converts, unlike some...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Welcome to Dear Rabbi, where we tackle your pressing questions about Judaism!<br /><br /> 🕍 In this episode, Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield addresses the intriguing topic of conversion in Judaism.<br /><br />🌟Discover why Judaism doesn't actively pursue converts, unlike some other major religions. Learn about the Jewish perspective on being a good person, the responsibilities that come with joining the Jewish people, and the importance of authentic motivation in conversion. Whether you're considering conversion or simply curious about Jewish attitudes towards newcomers, this episode offers valuable insights into the Jewish approach to faith and community.<br /><br />Watch Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/PoBTfwXv0Gs<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br />Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧<br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br /><br />Follow us for more: <br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>170</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>converts,jewish,jewishconverts,jewishfamily,jewishlife,jewishwisdom,jews,judaism,torah</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>104</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Va'etchanan: Our Pledge of Allegiance</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-va-etchanan-our-pledge-of-allegiance--73127146</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Va'etchanan This Week: We recite the Shema daily, wear it in tefillin on our arms, and affix it to our mezuzot on our doorposts. It's the most well-known Jewish declaration, but here's what most people don't realize: it's not a prayer. Prayer involves requesting, praising, or thanking God. The Shema does none of those. So what is it? It's our 'shematra,' our pledge of allegiance. It's the declaration we make to the world and to ourselves about what matters most: There is one God. His sovereignty rules all. Our lives have meaning. There is reward and punishment. Consequences matter. We matter. It's not asking God for anything; it's affirming our belief and commitment. When you recite the Shema, you're not praying. You're pledging. You're declaring who you are and what you stand for.<br />Shabbat Shalom. 📜<br /><br /><b>CONNECT WITH US:</b><br /><b>🎧 Listen to all our podcasts: [www.joidenver.com/podcasts]</b><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more: </b><br />Website - https://www.joidenver.com<br />Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenver<br />Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver <br />YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver<br />Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy<br /><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73127146</guid><pubDate>Fri, 24 Jul 2026 11:00:03 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73127146/vaetchanan.mp3" length="1574920" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Va'etchanan This Week: We recite the Shema daily, wear it in tefillin on our arms, and affix it to our mezuzot on our doorposts. It's the most well-known Jewish declaration, but here's what most people don't realize: it's not a prayer....</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Va'etchanan This Week: We recite the Shema daily, wear it in tefillin on our arms, and affix it to our mezuzot on our doorposts. It's the most well-known Jewish declaration, but here's what most people don't realize: it's not a prayer. Prayer involves requesting, praising, or thanking God. The Shema does none of those. So what is it? It's our 'shematra,' our pledge of allegiance. It's the declaration we make to the world and to ourselves about what matters most: There is one God. His sovereignty rules all. Our lives have meaning. There is reward and punishment. Consequences matter. We matter. It's not asking God for anything; it's affirming our belief and commitment. When you recite the Shema, you're not praying. You're pledging. You're declaring who you are and what you stand for.<br />Shabbat Shalom. 📜<br /><br /><b>CONNECT WITH US:</b><br /><b>🎧 Listen to all our podcasts: [www.joidenver.com/podcasts]</b><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more: </b><br />Website - https://www.joidenver.com<br />Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenver<br />Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver <br />YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver<br />Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy<br /><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>66</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,commitment,declaration,inspirationalthoughts,jewishidentity,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,mezuzah,pledgeofallegiance,prayer,shema,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,tefillin,torahwisdom,va'etchanan,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>103</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>How Do I Start Being More Jewish?</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-do-i-start-being-more-jewish--73105249</link><description><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><b></b><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a question many people ask: What is the best way to get started in wanting to be more involved in Jewish life? The answer is refreshingly simple and accessible.<br /><br />Luckily, Judaism is not all or nothing. It's better to do something than to do nothing at all. While that might sound obvious, it's not the way many Jews approach Judaism. I hear people say all the time, "Rabbi, why should I light Shabbat candles?" I don't keep Shabbos." But here's the truth: the fact that you might go to the movies after lighting candles does not invalidate the mitzvah you've done by lighting those Shabbat candles. This applies to all of our mitzvot.<br /><br />My recommendation is to find those aspects of Judaism that speak to you personally. Find what's most meaningful, and if you're going to start somewhere, start there. But how do you know which aspects are most meaningful? The only way to really know is to begin learning more about Judaism. The more you study Torah, the more you discover what's out there and the different ways Judaism can enhance your life. Start studying, whether one-on-one with a rabbi or anyone who knows more Torah than you, or through resources like Aish.com, which has thousands of articles on every topic imaginable. <br /><br />Rabbi Akiva famously said in the Talmud that learning is most important because learning leads to action. You can't possibly do the mitzvot until you learn about them, what they are, how they work, and how they can enhance your life.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73105249</guid><pubDate>Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:05:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73105249/07wheretostart.mp3" length="3931779" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a question many people ask: What is the best way to get started in wanting to be more involved in Jewish life? The answer is refreshingly simple...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><b></b><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a question many people ask: What is the best way to get started in wanting to be more involved in Jewish life? The answer is refreshingly simple and accessible.<br /><br />Luckily, Judaism is not all or nothing. It's better to do something than to do nothing at all. While that might sound obvious, it's not the way many Jews approach Judaism. I hear people say all the time, "Rabbi, why should I light Shabbat candles?" I don't keep Shabbos." But here's the truth: the fact that you might go to the movies after lighting candles does not invalidate the mitzvah you've done by lighting those Shabbat candles. This applies to all of our mitzvot.<br /><br />My recommendation is to find those aspects of Judaism that speak to you personally. Find what's most meaningful, and if you're going to start somewhere, start there. But how do you know which aspects are most meaningful? The only way to really know is to begin learning more about Judaism. The more you study Torah, the more you discover what's out there and the different ways Judaism can enhance your life. Start studying, whether one-on-one with a rabbi or anyone who knows more Torah than you, or through resources like Aish.com, which has thousands of articles on every topic imaginable. <br /><br />Rabbi Akiva famously said in the Talmud that learning is most important because learning leads to action. You can't possibly do the mitzvot until you learn about them, what they are, how they work, and how they can enhance your life.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>164</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>chuppahceremony,customs,dearrabbi,groom,jewish,jewishbride,jewishmarriage,jewishmen,jewishwedding,judaism,judaismexplained,ketubahwedding,menachemlehrfield,orthodox,orthodoxjudaism,torah,traditional,traditions,wedding,weddingrings</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>102</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Devarim: Know Where You've Come From</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-devarim-know-where-you-ve-come-from--73024417</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Devarim This Week: 'You can't know where you're going unless you know where you've come from.' Before crossing into the Promised Land, Moshe takes the entire nation through their history in Egypt, the wilderness, the mistakes, and the victories. He's not dwelling on the past; he's reflecting on it. There's a crucial difference: rumination is going over and over the past in an unhealthy, unproductive loop. Reflection is examining the past to learn from it and guide your future. We don't live in the past; that's rumination. We live in the present always. But we reflect on the past. We learn from it. We extract wisdom from it. That's how you move forward wisely. Before you enter your next chapter, take time to reflect on where you've been. What did you learn? What will you do differently? Shabbat Shalom. 🔄<br /><br /><b>CONNECT WITH US:</b><br /><b>🎧 Listen to all our podcasts: [www.joidenver.com/podcasts]</b><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more: </b><br />Website - https://www.joidenver.com<br />Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenver<br />Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver <br />YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver<br />Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy<br /><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73024417</guid><pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2026 11:00:03 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73024417/devarim.mp3" length="964281" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Devarim This Week: 'You can't know where you're going unless you know where you've come from.' Before crossing into the Promised Land, Moshe takes the entire nation through their history in Egypt, the wilderness, the mistakes, and the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Devarim This Week: 'You can't know where you're going unless you know where you've come from.' Before crossing into the Promised Land, Moshe takes the entire nation through their history in Egypt, the wilderness, the mistakes, and the victories. He's not dwelling on the past; he's reflecting on it. There's a crucial difference: rumination is going over and over the past in an unhealthy, unproductive loop. Reflection is examining the past to learn from it and guide your future. We don't live in the past; that's rumination. We live in the present always. But we reflect on the past. We learn from it. We extract wisdom from it. That's how you move forward wisely. Before you enter your next chapter, take time to reflect on where you've been. What did you learn? What will you do differently? Shabbat Shalom. 🔄<br /><br /><b>CONNECT WITH US:</b><br /><b>🎧 Listen to all our podcasts: [www.joidenver.com/podcasts]</b><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more: </b><br />Website - https://www.joidenver.com<br />Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenver<br />Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver <br />YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver<br />Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy<br /><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>41</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,devarim,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,knowyourhistory,learning,mindfulness,movingforward,reflection,rumination,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha,wisdom</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>101</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Matot masei: The Importance of the Journey</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-matot-masei-the-importance-of-the-journey--72886308</link><description><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><b></b><br />📖 This Week’s Parsha: Parshat Masei The Torah enumerates all 42 stops the Jewish people made during their 40 years in the desert. Most are trivial, little more than pit stops, places where “nothing important happened. We read the names and think, Why does this matter? But don't you see when you look back on your own life? Those “filler” moments weren't filler moments at all. The waiting, the travel, and the stops that seemed to lead nowhere made you. They taught you something. They had prepared you for what was to come. The Torah has every single stop because every single stop was part of the story. You weren't wasting time in the desert; you were becoming. What you thought was just passing time was actually instrumental to who you are. Trust the process. Every stop matters.<br /><br />Shabbat Shalom. 🛣️<br /><br /><b>CONNECT WITH US:</b><br /><b>🎧 Listen to all our podcasts: [www.joidenver.com/podcasts]</b><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more: </b><br />Website - https://www.joidenver.com<br />Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenver<br />Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver <br />YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver<br />Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy<br /><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72886308</guid><pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:00:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72886308/matot_masei.mp3" length="867733" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts

📖 This Week’s Parsha: Parshat Masei The Torah enumerates all 42 stops the Jewish people made during their 40 years in the desert. Most are trivial, little more than pit stops, places...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><b></b><br />📖 This Week’s Parsha: Parshat Masei The Torah enumerates all 42 stops the Jewish people made during their 40 years in the desert. Most are trivial, little more than pit stops, places where “nothing important happened. We read the names and think, Why does this matter? But don't you see when you look back on your own life? Those “filler” moments weren't filler moments at all. The waiting, the travel, and the stops that seemed to lead nowhere made you. They taught you something. They had prepared you for what was to come. The Torah has every single stop because every single stop was part of the story. You weren't wasting time in the desert; you were becoming. What you thought was just passing time was actually instrumental to who you are. Trust the process. Every stop matters.<br /><br />Shabbat Shalom. 🛣️<br /><br /><b>CONNECT WITH US:</b><br /><b>🎧 Listen to all our podcasts: [www.joidenver.com/podcasts]</b><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more: </b><br />Website - https://www.joidenver.com<br />Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenver<br />Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver <br />YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver<br />Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy<br /><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>37</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,desert,everystopmatters,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,journey,masei,process,significance,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,transformation,trustthejourney,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>100</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why Don't Orthodox Jewish Men Wear Wedding Rings?</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-don-t-orthodox-jewish-men-wear-wedding-rings--72867620</link><description><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><b></b><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a question many people wonder about: Why don't Orthodox Jewish men wear wedding rings? While I do know some Orthodox men who do wear them, traditionally many Orthodox men do not, and there's actually a specific reason.<br /><br />In a traditional Jewish wedding, the man gives the woman something of value, typically a ring, as a gift. The key word here is "gift," not exchange. The entire foundation of a Jewish wedding is built on the concept of giving; the man gives to the woman to establish the marriage bond.<br /><br />If the man were to give the woman a ring and the woman were to give the man a different ring in return, that would be an exchange, not giving. An exchange is fundamentally different from giving and doesn't align with how a Jewish wedding is constructed. Therefore, a man's wedding ring was never really part of the traditional Jewish wedding ceremony.<br /><br />Additionally, there's a Torah prohibition against men wearing feminine clothing, which according to many opinions includes jewelry. Traditionally, Orthodox Jewish men don't wear jewelry at all, so a wedding band, which has no part in the Jewish wedding ceremony, was never included in the practice.<br /><br />Some Jewish men do wear wedding rings today, often as a practical sign that they're married (especially in the workplace to signal to others that they're taken). But this is a modern practice separate from traditional Jewish wedding customs.<br /><br /><b>CONNECT WITH US:</b><br /><b>🎧 Listen to all our podcasts: [www.joidenver.com/podcasts]</b><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more: </b><br />Website - https://www.joidenver.com<br />Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenver<br />Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver <br />YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver<br />Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy<br /><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72867620</guid><pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2026 11:50:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72867620/dear_rabbi_wedding_rings.mp3" length="4428612" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a question many people wonder about: Why don't Orthodox Jewish men wear wedding rings? While I do know some Orthodox men who do wear them,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><b></b><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a question many people wonder about: Why don't Orthodox Jewish men wear wedding rings? While I do know some Orthodox men who do wear them, traditionally many Orthodox men do not, and there's actually a specific reason.<br /><br />In a traditional Jewish wedding, the man gives the woman something of value, typically a ring, as a gift. The key word here is "gift," not exchange. The entire foundation of a Jewish wedding is built on the concept of giving; the man gives to the woman to establish the marriage bond.<br /><br />If the man were to give the woman a ring and the woman were to give the man a different ring in return, that would be an exchange, not giving. An exchange is fundamentally different from giving and doesn't align with how a Jewish wedding is constructed. Therefore, a man's wedding ring was never really part of the traditional Jewish wedding ceremony.<br /><br />Additionally, there's a Torah prohibition against men wearing feminine clothing, which according to many opinions includes jewelry. Traditionally, Orthodox Jewish men don't wear jewelry at all, so a wedding band, which has no part in the Jewish wedding ceremony, was never included in the practice.<br /><br />Some Jewish men do wear wedding rings today, often as a practical sign that they're married (especially in the workplace to signal to others that they're taken). But this is a modern practice separate from traditional Jewish wedding customs.<br /><br /><b>CONNECT WITH US:</b><br /><b>🎧 Listen to all our podcasts: [www.joidenver.com/podcasts]</b><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more: </b><br />Website - https://www.joidenver.com<br />Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenver<br />Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver <br />YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver<br />Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy<br /><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>139</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>chuppahceremony,customs,dearrabbi,groom,jewish,jewishbride,jewishmarriage,jewishmen,jewishwedding,judaism,judaismexplained,ketubahwedding,menachemlehrfield,orthodox,orthodoxjudaism,torah,traditional,traditions,wedding,weddingrings</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>99</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Pinchas: The Price of Decisive Action</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-pinchas-the-price-of-decisive-action--72789940</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Pinchas This Week: Zimri and Cozbi sin openly in front of the entire nation. The plague kills thousands. Moshe seems frozen. What's the right response? But Pinchas doesn't wait for permission. He acts decisively, takes a spear, and kills them both. The plague stops. God rewards him with peace and a covenant of priesthood. This is what separates leaders from followers: the ability to act decisively when it matters. Not recklessly. Decisively. In moments of crisis, we freeze. We hesitate. We wait to be told what to do. But real leadership isn't about waiting; it's about stepping up when no one else will, even when you're not sure. Pinchas didn't have a guarantee he'd be right. He just knew something had to be done. That's courage. That's leadership. Shabbat Shalom. ⚡<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72789940</guid><pubDate>Fri, 03 Jul 2026 11:00:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72789940/pinchas.mp3" length="1040141" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Pinchas This Week: Zimri and Cozbi sin openly in front of the entire nation. The plague kills thousands. Moshe seems frozen. What's the right response? But Pinchas doesn't wait for permission. He acts decisively, takes a spear, and kills...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Pinchas This Week: Zimri and Cozbi sin openly in front of the entire nation. The plague kills thousands. Moshe seems frozen. What's the right response? But Pinchas doesn't wait for permission. He acts decisively, takes a spear, and kills them both. The plague stops. God rewards him with peace and a covenant of priesthood. This is what separates leaders from followers: the ability to act decisively when it matters. Not recklessly. Decisively. In moments of crisis, we freeze. We hesitate. We wait to be told what to do. But real leadership isn't about waiting; it's about stepping up when no one else will, even when you're not sure. Pinchas didn't have a guarantee he'd be right. He just knew something had to be done. That's courage. That's leadership. Shabbat Shalom. ⚡<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>44</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>actnow,biblicalinsights,courage,covenant,decisiveaction,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,leadership,pinchas,realleadership,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,stepup,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha,zeal</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>98</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why Aren't Dinosaurs Mentioned in the Bible?</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-aren-t-dinosaurs-mentioned-in-the-bible--72769231</link><description><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><b></b><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle a fascinating question: Why don't we find any mention of dinosaurs in the creation story in the Bible? The answer reveals how we should read and interpret biblical texts.<br /><br />First, let me point out that we also don't find any mention of oranges in the creation story, yet no one doubts that oranges exist. The Bible simply doesn't mention every single thing that was created. It provides categories and highlights certain creations, but it's not an exhaustive inventory of all creations.<br /><br />However, there's an interesting possibility. In Genesis 1:21, the Bible describes the creation of animals and gives different categories. One category is "tannin." Gerald Schroeder, a brilliant MIT physicist, explains that in Exodus 3, the word "tannin" (singular of tannin) refers specifically to a snake. Since the general term for a snake or the category is "reptile," he translates "tannin" as "large reptiles," and the Greek word for a large reptile is "dinosaur." So Schroeder believes the "tannin" mentioned on day five of creation was actually a dinosaur.<br /><br />According to oral tradition and the Midrash, these large creatures (tannin golem) were long extinct before humans came onto the scene. This aligns with what we know about dinosaurs from fossil records.<br /><br />Dinosaurs do raise important questions about the age of the universe, which is a separate discussion. For deeper exploration of both topics, I recommend Gerald Schroeder's books, particularly "The Science of God" and his smaller work "What About the Dinosaurs?"<br /><b>CONNECT WITH US:</b><br /><b>🎧 Listen to all our podcasts: [www.joidenver.com/podcasts]</b><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more: </b><br />Website - https://www.joidenver.com<br />Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenver<br />Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver <br />YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver<br />Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy<br /><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and ex<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72769231</guid><pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:00:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72769231/dinosaurs_in_the_bible.mp3" length="4808955" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle a fascinating question: Why don't we find any mention of dinosaurs in the creation story in the Bible? The answer reveals how we should read and...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><b></b><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle a fascinating question: Why don't we find any mention of dinosaurs in the creation story in the Bible? The answer reveals how we should read and interpret biblical texts.<br /><br />First, let me point out that we also don't find any mention of oranges in the creation story, yet no one doubts that oranges exist. The Bible simply doesn't mention every single thing that was created. It provides categories and highlights certain creations, but it's not an exhaustive inventory of all creations.<br /><br />However, there's an interesting possibility. In Genesis 1:21, the Bible describes the creation of animals and gives different categories. One category is "tannin." Gerald Schroeder, a brilliant MIT physicist, explains that in Exodus 3, the word "tannin" (singular of tannin) refers specifically to a snake. Since the general term for a snake or the category is "reptile," he translates "tannin" as "large reptiles," and the Greek word for a large reptile is "dinosaur." So Schroeder believes the "tannin" mentioned on day five of creation was actually a dinosaur.<br /><br />According to oral tradition and the Midrash, these large creatures (tannin golem) were long extinct before humans came onto the scene. This aligns with what we know about dinosaurs from fossil records.<br /><br />Dinosaurs do raise important questions about the age of the universe, which is a separate discussion. For deeper exploration of both topics, I recommend Gerald Schroeder's books, particularly "The Science of God" and his smaller work "What About the Dinosaurs?"<br /><b>CONNECT WITH US:</b><br /><b>🎧 Listen to all our podcasts: [www.joidenver.com/podcasts]</b><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more: </b><br />Website - https://www.joidenver.com<br />Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenver<br />Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver <br />YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver<br />Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy<br /><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and ex<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>151</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>askarabbi,bible,creation,dearrabbi,dinosaurs,genesisdinosaurs,geraldschroeder,jewisheducation,jewishpodcast,jewishscience,jewishwisdom,judaism,judaismexplained,menachemlehrfield,science,story,tannindinosaur,torah</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>97</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Balak: Blessings Disguised as Curses</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-balak-blessings-disguised-as-curses--72700914</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Balak This Week: King Balak hires the prophet Bilam to curse the Jewish people. Bilam opens his mouth to curse, but God transforms every curse into a blessing. 'How goodly are your tents, O Jacob!' Instead of destruction, he pronounces protection. Instead of weakness, he proclaims strength. The curse becomes a blessing. How often do we live this backwards? We're going through something difficult, a job loss, a rejection, or a setback, and we think it's a curse. We can't see past the pain. But sometimes hidden deep inside that difficulty is a nugget of blessing. The lesson that forced growth. The relationship that deepened through struggle. The strength discovered through adversity. Your curses might be blessings in disguise. Look deeper.<br /><br />Shabbat Shalom. ✨<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72700914</guid><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 11:05:03 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72700914/balak.mp3" length="1129166" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Balak This Week: King Balak hires the prophet Bilam to curse the Jewish people. Bilam opens his mouth to curse, but God transforms every curse into a blessing. 'How goodly are your tents, O Jacob!' Instead of destruction, he pronounces...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Balak This Week: King Balak hires the prophet Bilam to curse the Jewish people. Bilam opens his mouth to curse, but God transforms every curse into a blessing. 'How goodly are your tents, O Jacob!' Instead of destruction, he pronounces protection. Instead of weakness, he proclaims strength. The curse becomes a blessing. How often do we live this backwards? We're going through something difficult, a job loss, a rejection, or a setback, and we think it's a curse. We can't see past the pain. But sometimes hidden deep inside that difficulty is a nugget of blessing. The lesson that forced growth. The relationship that deepened through struggle. The strength discovered through adversity. Your curses might be blessings in disguise. Look deeper.<br /><br />Shabbat Shalom. ✨<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>48</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adversity,balak,biblicalinsights,bilam,blessings,disguise,findtheblesing,growth,hiddengood,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,perspective,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,trust,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>97</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Korach: Is It About the Problem or About You?</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-korach-is-it-about-the-problem-or-about-you--72596977</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Korach This Week: If we see something wrong, we should fix it. That's our responsibility. But here's the hard question: Does the solution always point back to you? Does fixing the problem somehow benefit your ego, advance your career, or give you what you want? If yes, maybe it's not about the problem at all. Korach challenged Moshe's leadership. He claimed the system was wrong, that everyone should be equal. But really? He wanted to be in charge. We do this all the time. 'So-and-so isn't qualified for that job' really means 'I want that position.'' The leadership needs to change' really means 'I want that power.' Before you criticize someone else's leadership, ask yourself: Is there a bias here? Is something in it for me? Is this really about fixing the situation, or is it about my ego? That question changes everything. Shabbat Shalom. 🪞<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72596977</guid><pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2026 11:00:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72596977/korach_rml.mp3" length="1722877" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Korach This Week: If we see something wrong, we should fix it. That's our responsibility. But here's the hard question: Does the solution always point back to you? Does fixing the problem somehow benefit your ego, advance your career, or...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Korach This Week: If we see something wrong, we should fix it. That's our responsibility. But here's the hard question: Does the solution always point back to you? Does fixing the problem somehow benefit your ego, advance your career, or give you what you want? If yes, maybe it's not about the problem at all. Korach challenged Moshe's leadership. He claimed the system was wrong, that everyone should be equal. But really? He wanted to be in charge. We do this all the time. 'So-and-so isn't qualified for that job' really means 'I want that position.'' The leadership needs to change' really means 'I want that power.' Before you criticize someone else's leadership, ask yourself: Is there a bias here? Is something in it for me? Is this really about fixing the situation, or is it about my ego? That question changes everything. Shabbat Shalom. 🪞<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>72</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,checkyourself,ego,honestreflection,honesty,inspirationalthoughts,integrity,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,korach,leadership,motives,selfawareness,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>95</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Can Someone With a Tattoo Be Buried in a Jewish Cemetery?</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/can-someone-with-a-tattoo-be-buried-in-a-jewish-cemetery--72318938</link><description><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><b></b><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address a common misconception: Can a person with a tattoo be buried in a Jewish cemetery? The short answer is yes, someone with a tattoo can absolutely be buried in a Jewish cemetery.<br /><br />That's not to say tattoos are condoned by Judaism. The Torah makes it very clear that it is forbidden to get a tattoo. But why? I explain that we look at our bodies as holy receptacles for our souls. Just like you wouldn't borrow a Bentley from someone and put bumper stickers all over it, we believe our bodies are, so to speak, borrowed. They're here to fulfill a specific purpose, housing our souls and allowing us to connect spiritually through action in this world. Therefore, we don't want to permanently mark them up with those proverbial bumper stickers.<br /><br />However, having a tattoo doesn't disqualify someone from Jewish burial. This is just one of many misconceptions people have about Jewish law and burial practices. The reality is far more compassionate and nuanced than the myths suggest.<br /><br />Whether you have tattoos yourself, know someone who does, or are simply curious about Jewish burial customs and what actually disqualifies someone from Jewish cemetery burial, this episode clears up a widespread misunderstanding.<br /><br /><b>CONNECT WITH US:</b><br /><b>🎧 Listen to all our podcasts: [www.joidenver.com/podcasts]</b><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more: </b><br />Website - https://www.joidenver.com<br />Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenver<br />Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver <br />YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver<br />Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy<br /><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72318938</guid><pubDate>Wed, 17 Jun 2026 11:00:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72318938/tattoos.mp3" length="1475673" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address a common misconception: Can a person with a tattoo be buried in a Jewish cemetery? The short answer is yes, someone with a tattoo can...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><b></b><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address a common misconception: Can a person with a tattoo be buried in a Jewish cemetery? The short answer is yes, someone with a tattoo can absolutely be buried in a Jewish cemetery.<br /><br />That's not to say tattoos are condoned by Judaism. The Torah makes it very clear that it is forbidden to get a tattoo. But why? I explain that we look at our bodies as holy receptacles for our souls. Just like you wouldn't borrow a Bentley from someone and put bumper stickers all over it, we believe our bodies are, so to speak, borrowed. They're here to fulfill a specific purpose, housing our souls and allowing us to connect spiritually through action in this world. Therefore, we don't want to permanently mark them up with those proverbial bumper stickers.<br /><br />However, having a tattoo doesn't disqualify someone from Jewish burial. This is just one of many misconceptions people have about Jewish law and burial practices. The reality is far more compassionate and nuanced than the myths suggest.<br /><br />Whether you have tattoos yourself, know someone who does, or are simply curious about Jewish burial customs and what actually disqualifies someone from Jewish cemetery burial, this episode clears up a widespread misunderstanding.<br /><br /><b>CONNECT WITH US:</b><br /><b>🎧 Listen to all our podcasts: [www.joidenver.com/podcasts]</b><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more: </b><br />Website - https://www.joidenver.com<br />Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenver<br />Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver <br />YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver<br />Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy<br /><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>93</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>canjewshavetattoos,cemetery,dearrabbi,halakhatattoos,holiness,jewish,jewishbody,jewishburialcustoms,jewishcemetery,jewishfuneral,jewishlaw,jewishmisconceptions,jewishmyths,judaism,koshertattoos,menachemlehrfield,rules,tattoo,tattooburialjewish,torah</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>94</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Shelach: Belief Shapes Reality</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-shelach-belief-shapes-reality--72477851</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Shelach This Week: Ten spies and two enter the same land. They see the same giants, they see the same walls, they see the same challenges. But the ten say, "We cannot do it." Yehoshua and Kalev say, 'We can do it.' Same reality. Different conclusions. Who’s right? The actual story? They both are.” The people who think they’ll win and the people who think they’ll lose are both making prophecies that come true. Because belief makes reality. If you enter a challenge thinking you are going to fail, you have already lost. If you go in thinking you're going to win, you've already won. The mind is won or lost first on the battlefield. Your beliefs are not just mirrors of reality; they are creators of it. What world are you building with your beliefs? Shabbat Shalom. 🧠<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72477851</guid><pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:00:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72477851/rmll_esv2_50p_bg_10p_music_10p.mp3" length="1114323" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Shelach This Week: Ten spies and two enter the same land. They see the same giants, they see the same walls, they see the same challenges. But the ten say, "We cannot do it." Yehoshua and Kalev say, 'We can do it.' Same reality. Different...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Shelach This Week: Ten spies and two enter the same land. They see the same giants, they see the same walls, they see the same challenges. But the ten say, "We cannot do it." Yehoshua and Kalev say, 'We can do it.' Same reality. Different conclusions. Who’s right? The actual story? They both are.” The people who think they’ll win and the people who think they’ll lose are both making prophecies that come true. Because belief makes reality. If you enter a challenge thinking you are going to fail, you have already lost. If you go in thinking you're going to win, you've already won. The mind is won or lost first on the battlefield. Your beliefs are not just mirrors of reality; they are creators of it. What world are you building with your beliefs? Shabbat Shalom. 🧠<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>70</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>belief,biblicalinsights,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,mindset,perspective,powerofthought,realitycreation,selffulfillingprophecy,shelach,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha,yehoshuaandkalev</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>93</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why Don't Jews Mix Milk and Meat?</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-don-t-jews-mix-milk-and-meat--72318937</link><description><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><br /><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a fundamental question about Jewish dietary laws: Why don't Jews mix milk and meat? The short answer is simple: because God said so. But there's so much more to understand about this ancient practice.<br /><br />I explain that kashrut laws are essentially a spiritual diet for our souls. Just as certain foods clog our physical arteries, there are foods that clog our spiritual arteries. God shares this with us because if we want to get the most spiritually out of life and be open to spiritual realities, we must ensure our diet is in line with that goal.<br /><br />When we explore reasons for specific mitzvot, we need to understand that these reasons are layered, not definitive. The Hebrew word for reason is "tam" the same word as "taste." Just as God could have created bland food for survival but instead made magnificent foods with beautiful colors, tastes, and textures, the reasons for mitzvot enhance our intellectual and spiritual connection to them.<br /><br />There are multiple reasons given for not mixing milk and meat. On the practical side, pagan idolaters mixed milk and meat, so by avoiding this practice, Jews distinguish themselves from pagan worship. On the kabbalistic side, milk represents life (it's white, representing purity and sustenance), while meat represents death. By keeping them separate, we acknowledge the clear distinction between life and death two fundamental forces we must never intermingle.<br /><br /><b>CONNECT WITH US:</b><br /><b>🎧 Listen to all our podcasts: [www.joidenver.com/podcasts]</b><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more: </b><br />Website - https://www.joidenver.com<br />Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenver<br />Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver <br />YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver<br />Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72318937</guid><pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:00:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72318937/milkandmeat.mp3" length="6948906" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts


In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a fundamental question about Jewish dietary laws: Why don't Jews mix milk and meat? The short answer is simple: because God said so. But...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><br /><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a fundamental question about Jewish dietary laws: Why don't Jews mix milk and meat? The short answer is simple: because God said so. But there's so much more to understand about this ancient practice.<br /><br />I explain that kashrut laws are essentially a spiritual diet for our souls. Just as certain foods clog our physical arteries, there are foods that clog our spiritual arteries. God shares this with us because if we want to get the most spiritually out of life and be open to spiritual realities, we must ensure our diet is in line with that goal.<br /><br />When we explore reasons for specific mitzvot, we need to understand that these reasons are layered, not definitive. The Hebrew word for reason is "tam" the same word as "taste." Just as God could have created bland food for survival but instead made magnificent foods with beautiful colors, tastes, and textures, the reasons for mitzvot enhance our intellectual and spiritual connection to them.<br /><br />There are multiple reasons given for not mixing milk and meat. On the practical side, pagan idolaters mixed milk and meat, so by avoiding this practice, Jews distinguish themselves from pagan worship. On the kabbalistic side, milk represents life (it's white, representing purity and sustenance), while meat represents death. By keeping them separate, we acknowledge the clear distinction between life and death two fundamental forces we must never intermingle.<br /><br /><b>CONNECT WITH US:</b><br /><b>🎧 Listen to all our podcasts: [www.joidenver.com/podcasts]</b><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more: </b><br />Website - https://www.joidenver.com<br />Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenver<br />Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver <br />YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver<br />Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>218</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>dearrabbi,jewish,jewishdietary,jewishfoodlaws,judaism,kabbalistic,kashrut,kosherlaws,laws,lifeanddeath,meat,meatdairy,milk,milkandmeat,mitzvot,pagan,rules,spiritualdiet,torahdietary,worship</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>93</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Beha'alotcha: Enough is a Mindset</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-beha-alotcha-enough-is-a-mindset--72365263</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parsha Beha’alotcha This Week's: The Jewish people are eating manna, the perfect food. It tastes like whatever they want, is totally nutritious, and leaves no waste. But they whine. They want the meat. God sends the quails. Finally! They think, I will be happy! But they are still not happy. Why?' Happiness was never about the meat. It’s about our innate human desire to want what we don’t have. We go after the next promotion, the bigger house, the new car, thinking, 'I'll be happy when I get this.' Then we get it and we feel hollow. The actual story? Happiness isn’t an event. It’s a mentality. It’s understanding that everything you have been given is yours to finish your mission. “You don’t need what you don’t possess. That’s not compromise, that’s wisdom. Shabbat Shalom.🙏🏻<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72365263</guid><pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2026 11:00:03 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72365263/bet.mp3" length="2354552" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parsha Beha’alotcha This Week's: The Jewish people are eating manna, the perfect food. It tastes like whatever they want, is totally nutritious, and leaves no waste. But they whine. They want the meat. God sends the quails. Finally! They think, I...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parsha Beha’alotcha This Week's: The Jewish people are eating manna, the perfect food. It tastes like whatever they want, is totally nutritious, and leaves no waste. But they whine. They want the meat. God sends the quails. Finally! They think, I will be happy! But they are still not happy. Why?' Happiness was never about the meat. It’s about our innate human desire to want what we don’t have. We go after the next promotion, the bigger house, the new car, thinking, 'I'll be happy when I get this.' Then we get it and we feel hollow. The actual story? Happiness isn’t an event. It’s a mentality. It’s understanding that everything you have been given is yours to finish your mission. “You don’t need what you don’t possess. That’s not compromise, that’s wisdom. Shabbat Shalom.🙏🏻<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>98</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>beha'alotcha,biblicalinsights,contentment,enough,gratitude,happiness,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,manna,mindset,perspective,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,thehappinesstreadmill,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>92</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why Can Jews Charge Interest to Non-Jews?</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-can-jews-charge-interest-to-non-jews--72318939</link><description><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><b></b><br /><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address a question about Jewish lending practices: Why are Jews allowed to charge interest to non-Jews? The answer reveals deeper Jewish values about family, community, and morality.<br /><br />First, let me be clear: there's nothing immoral about charging interest. If I rent out a car, there's a price for that rental. If I rent out my money, there's a price for that too. Interest is simply the price for renting money; it's a fair economic transaction.<br /><br />The reason Jews don't charge other Jews interest is because we see the entire Jewish people as a family. While there's nothing wrong with charging someone interest in a business transaction, if your brother asks to borrow money and you charge them interest, it's not the nicest thing to do. The Torah sets a very high bar for us, demanding that we lend to our brothers and sisters without interest.<br /><br />We lend to them because it's the right thing to do and because we love them and care for them, not because of the interest we might gain. This practice reflects the Jewish principle of seeing our people as one family bound together by covenant and mutual responsibility.<br /><br /><b>CONNECT WITH US:</b><br /><b>🎧 Listen to all our podcasts: [www.joidenver.com/podcasts]</b><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more: </b><br />Website - https://www.joidenver.com<br />Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenver<br />Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver <br />YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver<br />Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72318939</guid><pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2026 11:35:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72318939/interest.mp3" length="3001700" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address a question about Jewish lending practices: Why are Jews allowed to charge interest to non-Jews? The answer reveals deeper Jewish values about...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><b></b><br /><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address a question about Jewish lending practices: Why are Jews allowed to charge interest to non-Jews? The answer reveals deeper Jewish values about family, community, and morality.<br /><br />First, let me be clear: there's nothing immoral about charging interest. If I rent out a car, there's a price for that rental. If I rent out my money, there's a price for that too. Interest is simply the price for renting money; it's a fair economic transaction.<br /><br />The reason Jews don't charge other Jews interest is because we see the entire Jewish people as a family. While there's nothing wrong with charging someone interest in a business transaction, if your brother asks to borrow money and you charge them interest, it's not the nicest thing to do. The Torah sets a very high bar for us, demanding that we lend to our brothers and sisters without interest.<br /><br />We lend to them because it's the right thing to do and because we love them and care for them, not because of the interest we might gain. This practice reflects the Jewish principle of seeing our people as one family bound together by covenant and mutual responsibility.<br /><br /><b>CONNECT WITH US:</b><br /><b>🎧 Listen to all our podcasts: [www.joidenver.com/podcasts]</b><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more: </b><br />Website - https://www.joidenver.com<br />Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenver<br />Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver <br />YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver<br />Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>94</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>askarabbi,dearrabbi,explained,halakha,interest,jewish,jewishcommunity,jewisheconomic,jewishlaw,jewishpodcast,jewishtradition,jewishwisdom,jews,judaism,law,lending,lendingtojews,menachemlehrfield,monetarylaw,torah</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>91</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parsha Nasso: When nobody owns it, everything fails</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parsha-nasso-when-nobody-owns-it-everything-fails--72207552</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Nasso This Week: This emphasizes the critical role of assigning specific roles to foster a sense of ownership, a cornerstone of effective leadership. When individuals are given clear responsibilities, it significantly boosts employee engagement and overall team motivation. This approach aligns with sound management principles, demonstrating how understanding motivation theory can lead to greater success in any endeavor.<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72207552</guid><pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2026 13:00:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72207552/nasso_esv2_50p_bg_10p_music_10p.mp3" length="626146" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Nasso This Week: This emphasizes the critical role of assigning specific roles to foster a sense of ownership, a cornerstone of effective leadership. When individuals are given clear responsibilities, it significantly boosts employee...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Nasso This Week: This emphasizes the critical role of assigning specific roles to foster a sense of ownership, a cornerstone of effective leadership. When individuals are given clear responsibilities, it significantly boosts employee engagement and overall team motivation. This approach aligns with sound management principles, demonstrating how understanding motivation theory can lead to greater success in any endeavor.<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>40</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>definition,development,employee,engagement,leadership,motivation,motivational,responsibility,simon,sinek,skills,theory,training,video</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>90</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Should Jews Buy German Cars?</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/should-jews-buy-german-cars--72186681</link><description><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle a sensitive question: Can or should Jews drive Volkswagens or other German-made vehicles? I like how you asked both "can" and "should" because honestly, that's the distinction. First, the legal answer: A Jew is absolutely allowed to buy a German car.<br /><br />There's nothing in halakha (Jewish law) that forbids it. But with that said, there's definitely a sensitivity about not supporting those who tried to exterminate every single Jewish person  man, woman, and child from the world. I explore the dark histories of German car manufacturers. Auto Union (Audi's parent company) recently admitted to using concentration camp inmates to produce cars.<br /><br />BMW used slave labor and supported the Nazi war effort by making aircraft and motorcycles. Volkswagen, Daimler, and Mercedes-Benz did the same. Ferdinand Porsche, the famous engineer, was a Nazi Party member who invented the Volkswagen Beetle specifically on Hitler's orders. But here's the important point: if we're going to boycott companies with dark antisemitic pasts, we need to be consistent. Henry Ford was one of the most vile antisemites ever - he bought a newspaper specifically to spread antisemitic propaganda across America. The founders of Adidas and Puma were brothers and both Nazi Party members.<br /><br />Hugo Boss made uniforms for the SS and Hitler Youth, yet many people wear his clothes without hesitation. IBM allegedly provided extensive support to Nazi Germany. The reality is that many companies have dark antisemitic histories. Beyond the past, there are current companies signed onto the BDS movement (boycott, divest, sanction Israel) that refuse to acknowledge Israel's right to exist. The list is quite large.<br /><br />Personally, I'm not comfortable driving a German car or Ford car. I'd choose Häagen-Dazs over Ben and Jerry's because of their stance on Israel. But this is a personal choice, not a religious requirement. I'm not making judgments about others, it's a sensitivity that people either have or don't.<br /><br /><b>CONNECT WITH US:</b><br /><b>🎧 Listen to all our podcasts: [www.joidenver.com/podcasts]</b><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more: </b><br />Website - https://www.joidenver.com<br />Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenver<br />Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver <br />YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver<br />Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72186681</guid><pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2026 14:50:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72186681/dear_rabbi_german_cars.mp3" length="10372828" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle a sensitive question: Can or should Jews drive Volkswagens or other German-made vehicles? I like how you asked both "can" and "should" because...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle a sensitive question: Can or should Jews drive Volkswagens or other German-made vehicles? I like how you asked both "can" and "should" because honestly, that's the distinction. First, the legal answer: A Jew is absolutely allowed to buy a German car.<br /><br />There's nothing in halakha (Jewish law) that forbids it. But with that said, there's definitely a sensitivity about not supporting those who tried to exterminate every single Jewish person  man, woman, and child from the world. I explore the dark histories of German car manufacturers. Auto Union (Audi's parent company) recently admitted to using concentration camp inmates to produce cars.<br /><br />BMW used slave labor and supported the Nazi war effort by making aircraft and motorcycles. Volkswagen, Daimler, and Mercedes-Benz did the same. Ferdinand Porsche, the famous engineer, was a Nazi Party member who invented the Volkswagen Beetle specifically on Hitler's orders. But here's the important point: if we're going to boycott companies with dark antisemitic pasts, we need to be consistent. Henry Ford was one of the most vile antisemites ever - he bought a newspaper specifically to spread antisemitic propaganda across America. The founders of Adidas and Puma were brothers and both Nazi Party members.<br /><br />Hugo Boss made uniforms for the SS and Hitler Youth, yet many people wear his clothes without hesitation. IBM allegedly provided extensive support to Nazi Germany. The reality is that many companies have dark antisemitic histories. Beyond the past, there are current companies signed onto the BDS movement (boycott, divest, sanction Israel) that refuse to acknowledge Israel's right to exist. The list is quite large.<br /><br />Personally, I'm not comfortable driving a German car or Ford car. I'd choose Häagen-Dazs over Ben and Jerry's because of their stance on Israel. But this is a personal choice, not a religious requirement. I'm not making judgments about others, it's a sensitivity that people either have or don't.<br /><br /><b>CONNECT WITH US:</b><br /><b>🎧 Listen to all our podcasts: [www.joidenver.com/podcasts]</b><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more: </b><br />Website - https://www.joidenver.com<br />Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenver<br />Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver <br />YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver<br />Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>325</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>antisemiticcompanies,bdsmovement,consciousconsumers,corporateresponsibility,dearrabbi,faithandprinciples,holocaustmemory,israelsupport,jewishboycott,jewishcommunity,jewishethics,jewishpodcast,jewishvalues,judaismexplained,menachemlehrfield,nazierabusiness,religiouseducation,religiousjewish,shouldjewsbuygermancars,vwhistorynazi</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>89</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>You Get More Than You Give : Reb Bernard Heitner</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/you-get-more-than-you-give-reb-bernard-heitner--72186216</link><description><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts.</b><br /><b></b><br />Why Real Entrepreneurs Go From Failure to Failure Real talk: entrepreneurship isn't about avoiding failure; it's about moving from one failure to the next until something works. The difference between those who make it and those who don't? How you treat failure when it happens. What you'll get from watching:<br /><ul><li>Why failure is part and parcel of being an entrepreneur</li><li>The mindset shift that separates successful business owners from everyone else</li><li>How giving back creates more fulfillment than any financial success</li><li>Why you get more than you give (and the proof behind it)</li><li>The small daily actions that define true generosity</li><li>How one person's example can transform an entire community</li></ul>If you're building a business, struggling with setbacks, or wondering what really matters when it's all said and done, this conversation will shift your perspective.<br /><br />👉 Hit subscribe if you want more real conversations about entrepreneurship, giving, and making a difference.<br /><br /><b>CONNECT WITH US:</b><br /><b>🎧 Listen to all our podcasts: [www.joidenver.com/podcasts]</b><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more: </b><br />Website - https://www.joidenver.com<br />Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenver<br />Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver <br />YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver<br />Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72186216</guid><pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2026 14:30:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72186216/with_bernard_long_form_3.mp3" length="55516648" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts.

Why Real Entrepreneurs Go From Failure to Failure Real talk: entrepreneurship isn't about avoiding failure; it's about moving from one failure to the next until something works. The...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts.</b><br /><b></b><br />Why Real Entrepreneurs Go From Failure to Failure Real talk: entrepreneurship isn't about avoiding failure; it's about moving from one failure to the next until something works. The difference between those who make it and those who don't? How you treat failure when it happens. What you'll get from watching:<br /><ul><li>Why failure is part and parcel of being an entrepreneur</li><li>The mindset shift that separates successful business owners from everyone else</li><li>How giving back creates more fulfillment than any financial success</li><li>Why you get more than you give (and the proof behind it)</li><li>The small daily actions that define true generosity</li><li>How one person's example can transform an entire community</li></ul>If you're building a business, struggling with setbacks, or wondering what really matters when it's all said and done, this conversation will shift your perspective.<br /><br />👉 Hit subscribe if you want more real conversations about entrepreneurship, giving, and making a difference.<br /><br /><b>CONNECT WITH US:</b><br /><b>🎧 Listen to all our podcasts: [www.joidenver.com/podcasts]</b><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more: </b><br />Website - https://www.joidenver.com<br />Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenver<br />Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver <br />YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver<br />Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2309</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>businessmindset,businessowner,communitygiving,entrepreneurship,failuretosuccess,generosity,givemore,givingback,impactovermoney,jewishphilanthropy,jewishvalues,legacy,makingadifference,mindsetmatters,onepersoncanchange,philanthropymatters,purposedriven,risktaker,smallactsmatter,torontocommunity</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>88</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Is Being Anti-Israel the Same as Being Antisemitic?</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/is-being-anti-israel-the-same-as-being-antisemitic--72082240</link><description><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle a great and very timely question: Is it antisemitic to be anti-Israel? This is a nuanced issue that requires careful understanding of the difference between legitimate criticism and hate.<br /><br />I lived in Israel for about nine years, and I can tell you that nobody is more critical of Israel than Israelis themselves. Well, maybe the UN, but aside from them, Israelis are Israel's harshest critics. There's nothing antisemitic about being against a specific aspect of the Israeli government or a particular policy they've implemented. Democracies invite and require criticism that's healthy and normal.<br /><br />But with that said, there is a very fine line. We're finding that so much antisemitic rhetoric and antisemitic tropes that have existed for thousands of years are being rebranded as anti-Zionism or anti-Israel sentiment, and that IS antisemitic, and it IS a problem.<br /><br />I point to concrete evidence: During the clash between Gaza and Israel in May 2021, antisemitic attacks around the world, including here in the United States, skyrocketed. There was a direct correlation between anti-Israel rhetoric and antisemitic violence. People were being beaten up on the streets of the United States who had no connection to Israel or anything specifically happening in the Middle East.<br /><br />The key question to ask yourself: Am I criticizing the policy of a democratic country (which is totally okay), or am I trying to delegitimize Israel's right to exist? The former is legitimate political discourse. The latter is another form of antisemitism that's becoming increasingly popular today in the United States. If you follow the trends, it's actually quite scary.<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72082240</guid><pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2026 11:20:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72082240/antiisrael.mp3" length="4523907" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle a great and very timely question: Is it antisemitic to be anti-Israel? This is a nuanced issue that requires careful understanding of the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle a great and very timely question: Is it antisemitic to be anti-Israel? This is a nuanced issue that requires careful understanding of the difference between legitimate criticism and hate.<br /><br />I lived in Israel for about nine years, and I can tell you that nobody is more critical of Israel than Israelis themselves. Well, maybe the UN, but aside from them, Israelis are Israel's harshest critics. There's nothing antisemitic about being against a specific aspect of the Israeli government or a particular policy they've implemented. Democracies invite and require criticism that's healthy and normal.<br /><br />But with that said, there is a very fine line. We're finding that so much antisemitic rhetoric and antisemitic tropes that have existed for thousands of years are being rebranded as anti-Zionism or anti-Israel sentiment, and that IS antisemitic, and it IS a problem.<br /><br />I point to concrete evidence: During the clash between Gaza and Israel in May 2021, antisemitic attacks around the world, including here in the United States, skyrocketed. There was a direct correlation between anti-Israel rhetoric and antisemitic violence. People were being beaten up on the streets of the United States who had no connection to Israel or anything specifically happening in the Middle East.<br /><br />The key question to ask yourself: Am I criticizing the policy of a democratic country (which is totally okay), or am I trying to delegitimize Israel's right to exist? The former is legitimate political discourse. The latter is another form of antisemitism that's becoming increasingly popular today in the United States. If you follow the trends, it's actually quite scary.<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>142</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>antiisrael,antisemitic,antisemitism,antisemitismtoday,antizionism,askarabbi,dearrabbi,delegitimizing,gaza,hate,israel,israelpolitics,israelright,jewishidentity,jewishpodcast,jewishsafety,jewishstate,judaismexplained,menachemlehrfield,zionismexplained</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>87</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Bamidbar: You Become Who You Camp With</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-bamidbar-you-become-who-you-camp-with--72013490</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Bamidbar This Week: The Torah dedicates significant space to detailing who camped next to whom in the desert, every tribe's exact position around the Mishkan. Why does this matter? Because proximity shapes identity. Who we are depends on the people we spend our time with. The tribes closest to the Mishkan absorbed more holiness. Those farther away had different influences. If you want to change who you are and who you'll become, change who you surround yourself with. Your friends, your community, your influences—they're not just decorative. They're formative. Choose your camp wisely. You're absorbing more than you realize. Shabbat Shalom. ⛺<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72013490</guid><pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2026 11:00:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72013490/rml_bamidbar.mp3" length="543424" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Bamidbar This Week: The Torah dedicates significant space to detailing who camped next to whom in the desert, every tribe's exact position around the Mishkan. Why does this matter? Because proximity shapes identity. Who we are depends on the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Bamidbar This Week: The Torah dedicates significant space to detailing who camped next to whom in the desert, every tribe's exact position around the Mishkan. Why does this matter? Because proximity shapes identity. Who we are depends on the people we spend our time with. The tribes closest to the Mishkan absorbed more holiness. Those farther away had different influences. If you want to change who you are and who you'll become, change who you surround yourself with. Your friends, your community, your influences—they're not just decorative. They're formative. Choose your camp wisely. You're absorbing more than you realize. Shabbat Shalom. ⛺<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>23</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>bamidbar,biblicalinsights,chooseyourcircle,community,formation,influence,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,proximitymatters,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,surroundyourself,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha,whoyoucampwith</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>86</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>My Dog Ate My Kippah - Does It Need Jewish Burial?</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/my-dog-ate-my-kippah-does-it-need-jewish-burial--71988474</link><description><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a beautifully rhymed question: "Michael ate my kippah." Does it need to go to genizah?" Let me first clarify the terms: a kippah is the head covering Jewish men traditionally wear, Michael is a dog, and genizah is the process and place where we bury holy items. Genizah (also known as "shaimos," literally "names") is required when a piece of parchment or paper has God's name on it; we're not allowed to destroy it or throw it away, so it gets buried the same way a human being would. <br /><br />The question is, does a destroyed kippah need Jewish burial, or can it just be thrown out? The simple answer is no, it does not need genizah. A kippah (yarmulke) has no spiritual significance whatsoever. It's nothing more than a convenient way to cover our heads. Jewish men cover their heads to constantly remind themselves that God is above that's actually where the term "yarmulke" comes from: "yirat Malka," meaning "fear of the King" or "awe of Heaven."<br /><br />But how I cover my head isn't mandated. I can use a turban, hood, baseball cap, or fedora—really, any head covering counts. The fact that I wear one type of covering versus another is insignificant. The yarmulke has absolutely no inherent spiritual value. I often see people drop their kippah, pick it up, and kiss it the same way we kiss a holy Jewish book or other sacred item that falls.<br /><br />This is totally unnecessary because, as I said, it doesn't have any spiritual or religious significance.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71988474</guid><pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 11:00:04 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/71988474/my_dog_ate_my_kippa.mp3" length="5141651" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a beautifully rhymed question: "Michael ate my kippah." Does it need to go to genizah?" Let me first clarify the terms: a kippah is the head covering Jewish men traditionally wear, Michael is a dog, and genizah...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a beautifully rhymed question: "Michael ate my kippah." Does it need to go to genizah?" Let me first clarify the terms: a kippah is the head covering Jewish men traditionally wear, Michael is a dog, and genizah is the process and place where we bury holy items. Genizah (also known as "shaimos," literally "names") is required when a piece of parchment or paper has God's name on it; we're not allowed to destroy it or throw it away, so it gets buried the same way a human being would. <br /><br />The question is, does a destroyed kippah need Jewish burial, or can it just be thrown out? The simple answer is no, it does not need genizah. A kippah (yarmulke) has no spiritual significance whatsoever. It's nothing more than a convenient way to cover our heads. Jewish men cover their heads to constantly remind themselves that God is above that's actually where the term "yarmulke" comes from: "yirat Malka," meaning "fear of the King" or "awe of Heaven."<br /><br />But how I cover my head isn't mandated. I can use a turban, hood, baseball cap, or fedora—really, any head covering counts. The fact that I wear one type of covering versus another is insignificant. The yarmulke has absolutely no inherent spiritual value. I often see people drop their kippah, pick it up, and kiss it the same way we kiss a holy Jewish book or other sacred item that falls.<br /><br />This is totally unnecessary because, as I said, it doesn't have any spiritual or religious significance.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>161</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>askarabbi,burial,dearrabbi,dogatekippah,genizah,holyitemsburial,jewishburialcustoms,jewishcovering,jewishcustoms,jewishlearning,jewishpodcast,jewishpractice,jewishwisdom,judaismexplained,kippah,kippahrules,menachemlehrfield,spiritual,yarmulke,yarmulkemeaning</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>85</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Behar: You Don't Really Own Anything</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-behar-you-don-t-really-own-anything--71921964</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Behar This Week: Imagine buying land, working it for decades, building your wealth, and then every 50 years, Yovel hits, and it goes back to the original owner. Wait, what? How is that even fair? But that's exactly the Torah's system. The message? You don't really own anything. Everything you have, your land, your wealth, your talents, and your life, is a gift from God. The Yovel is a radical reset, reminding us that nothing truly belongs to us. It's all on loan. This concept is incomprehensible to our Western ownership-obsessed minds, but it's liberating. When you realize you don't own anything, you stop clinging so tightly. You hold it all with open hands. Gratitude replaces entitlement. Shabbat Shalom. 🌾<br /><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71921964</guid><pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 12:06:37 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/71921964/0508_1.mp3" length="1742939" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Behar This Week: Imagine buying land, working it for decades, building your wealth, and then every 50 years, Yovel hits, and it goes back to the original owner. Wait, what? How is that even fair? But that's exactly the Torah's system. The...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Behar This Week: Imagine buying land, working it for decades, building your wealth, and then every 50 years, Yovel hits, and it goes back to the original owner. Wait, what? How is that even fair? But that's exactly the Torah's system. The message? You don't really own anything. Everything you have, your land, your wealth, your talents, and your life, is a gift from God. The Yovel is a radical reset, reminding us that nothing truly belongs to us. It's all on loan. This concept is incomprehensible to our Western ownership-obsessed minds, but it's liberating. When you realize you don't own anything, you stop clinging so tightly. You hold it all with open hands. Gratitude replaces entitlement. Shabbat Shalom. 🌾<br /><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>73</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>behar,biblicalinsights,gratitude,humility,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,letgo,nothingisyours,openhands,ownership,perspective,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha,yovel</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>84</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>If Torah Forbids Adding Laws, How Do Rabbinic Mitzvot Exist?</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/if-torah-forbids-adding-laws-how-do-rabbinic-mitzvot-exist--71885907</link><description><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><b></b><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle an excellent paradox: The Torah explicitly states that one is prohibited from adding or subtracting from the mitzvot. So how then do rabbinic mitzvot come to be? Isn't that adding to the Torah?<br /><br />You're correct that the Torah forbids us from adding or detracting from it, and both are equally problematic. Your question is so good that the Ramban (Nachmanides) himself asks it: How did the rabbis make fences for the Torah? Isn't that adding to it?<br /><br />I explain the crucial distinction between rabbinic mitzvot and adding to the Torah. Adding to the Torah would be claiming "this is what the Torah says" when the Torah doesn't actually say it. Rabbinic mitzvot are very different; the rabbis are doing exactly what the Torah commands them to do: putting up protective fences to prevent people from transgressing actual Torah law. <br /><br />The key is understanding the distinction between rabbinic law and Torah law. As long as we recognize these are safeguards protecting us from violating biblical Torah law, it's not only acceptable but actually required by the Torah itself. Think of guardrails on a highway or a fence on top of a high roof. If we take Torah seriously, we need those guardrails to keep us in line.<br /><br />History proves the wisdom of rabbinic laws. I've personally looked at some and thought, "Are you serious?" If X happens, then Y will happen? They seem totally disconnected!" But history shows that Jewish communities that abandoned rabbinic laws began abandoning Torah laws as well. The direct correlation validates the rabbis' foresight.<br /><br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71885907</guid><pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 11:00:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/71885907/adding_mitzvot.mp3" length="5855525" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle an excellent paradox: The Torah explicitly states that one is prohibited from adding or subtracting from the mitzvot. So how then do rabbinic...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><b></b><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle an excellent paradox: The Torah explicitly states that one is prohibited from adding or subtracting from the mitzvot. So how then do rabbinic mitzvot come to be? Isn't that adding to the Torah?<br /><br />You're correct that the Torah forbids us from adding or detracting from it, and both are equally problematic. Your question is so good that the Ramban (Nachmanides) himself asks it: How did the rabbis make fences for the Torah? Isn't that adding to it?<br /><br />I explain the crucial distinction between rabbinic mitzvot and adding to the Torah. Adding to the Torah would be claiming "this is what the Torah says" when the Torah doesn't actually say it. Rabbinic mitzvot are very different; the rabbis are doing exactly what the Torah commands them to do: putting up protective fences to prevent people from transgressing actual Torah law. <br /><br />The key is understanding the distinction between rabbinic law and Torah law. As long as we recognize these are safeguards protecting us from violating biblical Torah law, it's not only acceptable but actually required by the Torah itself. Think of guardrails on a highway or a fence on top of a high roof. If we take Torah seriously, we need those guardrails to keep us in line.<br /><br />History proves the wisdom of rabbinic laws. I've personally looked at some and thought, "Are you serious?" If X happens, then Y will happen? They seem totally disconnected!" But history shows that Jewish communities that abandoned rabbinic laws began abandoning Torah laws as well. The direct correlation validates the rabbis' foresight.<br /><br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>183</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>askarabbi,commandments,jewisheducation,jewishlaw,jewishlaws,jewishlearning,jewishpodcast,jewishtradition,jewishwisdom,judaism,judaismexplained,mitzvot,nachmanides,orallaw,rabbiniclaw,ramban,talmud,torah,torahstudy,writtenlaw</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>83</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Emor: Walking the Path of Elevation</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-emor-walking-the-path-of-elevation--71808404</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Emor This Week: Three times a year, the Jewish people made pilgrimage to the Temple, walking the same ancient stones, going uphill, literally 'oleh regel,' ascending for the festival. This week's parsha calls the holidays 'mikra'ei kodesh,' holy convocations. Why do they need to be 'called' or announced? Because unlike Shabbat, which becomes holy automatically, holidays require us to make them holy.<br /><br />We establish the calendar. We declare the new month. Even if we miscalculate, that becomes the official date. The message? You have agency in your spiritual life. Don't wait for holiness to happen to you; create it. Climb the mountain. Meet God halfway. Every day is an opportunity to elevate. The holidays just remind us three times a year. <br /><br />Shabbat Shalom. 🕯️<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71808404</guid><pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 10:00:03 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/71808404/emor_1.mp3" length="2576068" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Emor This Week: Three times a year, the Jewish people made pilgrimage to the Temple, walking the same ancient stones, going uphill, literally 'oleh regel,' ascending for the festival. This week's parsha calls the holidays 'mikra'ei kodesh,'...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Emor This Week: Three times a year, the Jewish people made pilgrimage to the Temple, walking the same ancient stones, going uphill, literally 'oleh regel,' ascending for the festival. This week's parsha calls the holidays 'mikra'ei kodesh,' holy convocations. Why do they need to be 'called' or announced? Because unlike Shabbat, which becomes holy automatically, holidays require us to make them holy.<br /><br />We establish the calendar. We declare the new month. Even if we miscalculate, that becomes the official date. The message? You have agency in your spiritual life. Don't wait for holiness to happen to you; create it. Climb the mountain. Meet God halfway. Every day is an opportunity to elevate. The holidays just remind us three times a year. <br /><br />Shabbat Shalom. 🕯️<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>107</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>activespirituality,biblicalinsights,climbthemount,elevation,emor,holidays,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,mikraeikodesh,olehregel,pilgrimage,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha,youmakeitholy</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>82</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>How Do I Start Being More Jewish?</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-do-i-start-being-more-jewish--71730507</link><description><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><b></b><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a question many people ask: What is the best way to get started in wanting to be more involved in Jewish life? The answer is refreshingly simple and accessible.<br /><br />Luckily, Judaism is not all or nothing. It's better to do something than to do nothing at all. While that might sound obvious, it's not the way many Jews approach Judaism. I hear people say all the time, "Rabbi, why should I light Shabbat candles? "I don't keep Shabbos." But here's the truth: the fact that you might go to the movies after lighting candles does not invalidate the mitzvah you've done by lighting those Shabbat candles. This applies to all of our mitzvot.<br /><br />My recommendation is to find those aspects of Judaism that speak to you personally. Find what's most meaningful, and if you're going to start somewhere, start there. But how do you know which aspects are most meaningful? The only way to really know is to begin learning more about Judaism. The more you study Torah, the more you discover what's out there and the different ways Judaism can enhance your life. Start studying, whether one-on-one with a rabbi or anyone who knows more Torah than you, or through resources like Aish.com, which has thousands of articles on every topic imaginable. <br /><br />Rabbi Akiva famously said in the Talmud that learning is most important because learning leads to action. You can't possibly do the mitzvot until you learn about them, what they are, how they work, and how they can enhance your life.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71730507</guid><pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:10:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/71730507/07wheretostart.mp3" length="3931779" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a question many people ask: What is the best way to get started in wanting to be more involved in Jewish life? The answer is refreshingly simple...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><b></b><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a question many people ask: What is the best way to get started in wanting to be more involved in Jewish life? The answer is refreshingly simple and accessible.<br /><br />Luckily, Judaism is not all or nothing. It's better to do something than to do nothing at all. While that might sound obvious, it's not the way many Jews approach Judaism. I hear people say all the time, "Rabbi, why should I light Shabbat candles? "I don't keep Shabbos." But here's the truth: the fact that you might go to the movies after lighting candles does not invalidate the mitzvah you've done by lighting those Shabbat candles. This applies to all of our mitzvot.<br /><br />My recommendation is to find those aspects of Judaism that speak to you personally. Find what's most meaningful, and if you're going to start somewhere, start there. But how do you know which aspects are most meaningful? The only way to really know is to begin learning more about Judaism. The more you study Torah, the more you discover what's out there and the different ways Judaism can enhance your life. Start studying, whether one-on-one with a rabbi or anyone who knows more Torah than you, or through resources like Aish.com, which has thousands of articles on every topic imaginable. <br /><br />Rabbi Akiva famously said in the Talmud that learning is most important because learning leads to action. You can't possibly do the mitzvot until you learn about them, what they are, how they work, and how they can enhance your life.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>164</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>jewishbeginner,jewisheducation,jewishobservance,jewishpodcast,jewishpractice,jewishwisdom,judaism,judaismexplained,learningtorah,mitzvotexplained,rabbiakiva,shabbatcandles,studytorah</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>81</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Achrei Mot: Mourning Lost Potential</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-achrei-mot-mourning-lost-potential--71610372</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Achrei Mot This Week: Orthodox Jewish men look scruffy right now; we're in the Omer mourning period for Rabbi Akiva's 24,000 students who died in a plague. Why mourn them for over a month when we don't mourn anyone else in Jewish history this way? This week's parsha about Aharon's sons offers insight. The Talmud says whoever properly mourns Aharon's sons is guaranteed forgiveness on Yom Kippur.<br /><br />Why them specifically? Both Aharon's sons and Rabbi Akiva's students died in their prime. We don't mourn death itself; we believe in reunion. We mourn lost potential. When someone dies young, the world is forever different because their gifts never reached fruition. The lesson? Don't waste your potential. Actualize it. Make the world better while you can.<br /><br />Shabbat Shalom. 🕯️<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71610372</guid><pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 11:00:04 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/71610372/achaire_mot.mp3" length="2857010" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Achrei Mot This Week: Orthodox Jewish men look scruffy right now; we're in the Omer mourning period for Rabbi Akiva's 24,000 students who died in a plague. Why mourn them for over a month when we don't mourn anyone else in Jewish history...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Achrei Mot This Week: Orthodox Jewish men look scruffy right now; we're in the Omer mourning period for Rabbi Akiva's 24,000 students who died in a plague. Why mourn them for over a month when we don't mourn anyone else in Jewish history this way? This week's parsha about Aharon's sons offers insight. The Talmud says whoever properly mourns Aharon's sons is guaranteed forgiveness on Yom Kippur.<br /><br />Why them specifically? Both Aharon's sons and Rabbi Akiva's students died in their prime. We don't mourn death itself; we believe in reunion. We mourn lost potential. When someone dies young, the world is forever different because their gifts never reached fruition. The lesson? Don't waste your potential. Actualize it. Make the world better while you can.<br /><br />Shabbat Shalom. 🕯️<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>120</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>achreimot,actualizeyourself,biblicalinsights,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,lostpotential,makeanimpact,mourning,omerperiod,potential,rabbiakiva,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>80</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why Do Jewish Women Cover Their Hair?</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-do-jewish-women-cover-their-hair--71551213</link><description><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><b></b><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, we answer a question about a distinctive Jewish practice: Why do some Jewish women cover their hair? For this episode, my wife Sarah Lehrfield shares her personal perspective as a Jewish woman who covers her hair. Sarah explains that hair covering marks a significant transition in a woman's life as she enters marriage. The unification of souls is an essential part of this transition, which for centuries and even today involves the first experiences with intimacy.<br /><br />This transformation makes a woman aware of what her body is capable of and the power her physical feminine presence holds. She discusses how a woman can sometimes get distracted by the gift of her own sensuality and begin to identify herself more as a body than as a person with a mind, thoughts, opinions, personality, gifts, creativity, and intellect. It's easy to forget her prime identity, her soul, her internal and most valuable self. Many women find joy and benefit in covering their hair for different reasons. <br /><br />For Sarah personally, covering her hair reminds her that her body is always secondary to her soul and that she wants to continue projecting to the world the parts of herself that matter most: her character, wisdom, and inner qualities rather than just her physical appearance. When a woman comes home and lets her hair down, she enhances the sacred, private, intimate connection with her spouse, the one person with whom there's no risk of being seen as anyone other than who she truly is. <br /><br />Sarah concludes with a beautiful parallel: A man covers his head to remind him of what is above him (God), and a woman covers her hair to remind her of what is within her (her soul).<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71551213</guid><pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:00:03 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/71551213/15hair.mp3" length="4117343" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, we answer a question about a distinctive Jewish practice: Why do some Jewish women cover their hair? For this episode, my wife Sarah Lehrfield shares her...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><b></b><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, we answer a question about a distinctive Jewish practice: Why do some Jewish women cover their hair? For this episode, my wife Sarah Lehrfield shares her personal perspective as a Jewish woman who covers her hair. Sarah explains that hair covering marks a significant transition in a woman's life as she enters marriage. The unification of souls is an essential part of this transition, which for centuries and even today involves the first experiences with intimacy.<br /><br />This transformation makes a woman aware of what her body is capable of and the power her physical feminine presence holds. She discusses how a woman can sometimes get distracted by the gift of her own sensuality and begin to identify herself more as a body than as a person with a mind, thoughts, opinions, personality, gifts, creativity, and intellect. It's easy to forget her prime identity, her soul, her internal and most valuable self. Many women find joy and benefit in covering their hair for different reasons. <br /><br />For Sarah personally, covering her hair reminds her that her body is always secondary to her soul and that she wants to continue projecting to the world the parts of herself that matter most: her character, wisdom, and inner qualities rather than just her physical appearance. When a woman comes home and lets her hair down, she enhances the sacred, private, intimate connection with her spouse, the one person with whom there's no risk of being seen as anyone other than who she truly is. <br /><br />Sarah concludes with a beautiful parallel: A man covers his head to remind him of what is above him (God), and a woman covers her hair to remind her of what is within her (her soul).<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>172</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>covering,dearrabbi,hair,jewish,jewishfemininity,jewishhair,jewishmarriage,jewishmodesty,jewishpodcast,jewishwoman,jewishwomen,judaism,menachemlehrfield,omen,orthodoxjewishwomen,sarahlehrfield,tichel,tznius,tzniut,womenhair</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>79</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why Does God Stay Hidden?</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-does-god-stay-hidden--71317456</link><description><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><b></b><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address a profound spiritual question: Why does God want some distance? Even when we draw close with broken hearts in prayer, why does God remain hidden? I explore this concept through the lens of Purim, where God is famously hidden throughout the entire story. In the Book of Esther, which we read on Purim, God's name is never mentioned explicitly. Yet our sages tell us the name is there, hidden. Every time the text says "HaMelech" (the King) by itself, it refers to God Himself - the ultimate King. When it says "Ahasuerus," it refers to the historical Persian king. I explain the mask analogy: When someone wears a mask, they're very close to you - if they were far away, the distance itself would hide their identity.<br /><br />You only need a mask when you're close. Similarly, God was very close during the Purim story, which is why He needed the "mask" to remain hidden. But why does God do this? The simple answer is: I don't know. Moses himself asked God to understand His ways - why bad things happen to good people and vice versa - and God answered that humans cannot comprehend this and live. However, I offer an analogy from parenting: when my kids are in ski school, I want to watch their progress, but I hide behind a tree because if they see me, they won't work as hard. When something's difficult and your parent is right there, the natural tendency is to give up and ask for help.<br /><br />Just as God told the Jewish people at the Red Sea, "Don't pray to me now - start walking, start doing, start acting," sometimes we need sink-or-swim moments. We need opportunities to rise to the occasion, and for that to happen, God needs to be hidden. It's uncomfortable and scary, but this is what eventually makes us become the people God knows we're capable of becoming.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71317456</guid><pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:00:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/71317456/god_hidden.mp3" length="6425622" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address a profound spiritual question: Why does God want some distance? Even when we draw close with broken hearts in prayer, why does God remain...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><b></b><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address a profound spiritual question: Why does God want some distance? Even when we draw close with broken hearts in prayer, why does God remain hidden? I explore this concept through the lens of Purim, where God is famously hidden throughout the entire story. In the Book of Esther, which we read on Purim, God's name is never mentioned explicitly. Yet our sages tell us the name is there, hidden. Every time the text says "HaMelech" (the King) by itself, it refers to God Himself - the ultimate King. When it says "Ahasuerus," it refers to the historical Persian king. I explain the mask analogy: When someone wears a mask, they're very close to you - if they were far away, the distance itself would hide their identity.<br /><br />You only need a mask when you're close. Similarly, God was very close during the Purim story, which is why He needed the "mask" to remain hidden. But why does God do this? The simple answer is: I don't know. Moses himself asked God to understand His ways - why bad things happen to good people and vice versa - and God answered that humans cannot comprehend this and live. However, I offer an analogy from parenting: when my kids are in ski school, I want to watch their progress, but I hide behind a tree because if they see me, they won't work as hard. When something's difficult and your parent is right there, the natural tendency is to give up and ask for help.<br /><br />Just as God told the Jewish people at the Red Sea, "Don't pray to me now - start walking, start doing, start acting," sometimes we need sink-or-swim moments. We need opportunities to rise to the occasion, and for that to happen, God needs to be hidden. It's uncomfortable and scary, but this is what eventually makes us become the people God knows we're capable of becoming.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>201</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>behindscenes,bookofesther,dearrabbi,divineconcealment,esther,faith,godconcealment,hidden,hiddenmiracles,jewishpodcast,judaism,menachemlehrfield,miracle,moses,prayeranswered,purim,redsea,spiritualdistance,unansweredprayer,whygodhidden</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>78</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Shemini: You Are What You Consume</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-shemini-you-are-what-you-consume--71242303</link><description><![CDATA[Parshat Shemini This Week: The Torah gives us kashrut, laws about what we can and cannot eat. But it’s not just about food.<br /><br />We are what we consume. What we surround ourselves with. The people we follow, the music we listen to, the movies we watch, and the social media we scroll—all of it is absorbed through osmosis into our personalities, our psyches, and our souls.<br /><br />Often, we don’t even realize the effect it’s having on us. Kashrut reminds us: what you imbibe affects who you become. Before you scroll, ask: Is this nourishing or toxic? Before you watch, before you listen, before you eat, pause. Consider what you’re letting in. You are what you consume. Choose wisely.<br /><br />Shabbat Shalom. 🍎<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71242303</guid><pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 21:53:55 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/71242303/0410_1.mp3" length="1226969" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Parshat Shemini This Week: The Torah gives us kashrut, laws about what we can and cannot eat. But it’s not just about food.

We are what we consume. What we surround ourselves with. The people we follow, the music we listen to, the movies we watch,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Parshat Shemini This Week: The Torah gives us kashrut, laws about what we can and cannot eat. But it’s not just about food.<br /><br />We are what we consume. What we surround ourselves with. The people we follow, the music we listen to, the movies we watch, and the social media we scroll—all of it is absorbed through osmosis into our personalities, our psyches, and our souls.<br /><br />Often, we don’t even realize the effect it’s having on us. Kashrut reminds us: what you imbibe affects who you become. Before you scroll, ask: Is this nourishing or toxic? Before you watch, before you listen, before you eat, pause. Consider what you’re letting in. You are what you consume. Choose wisely.<br /><br />Shabbat Shalom. 🍎<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>52</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,choosewisely,consumption,digitalkashrut,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,kashrut,mindfulconsumption,shemini,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha,whatyouletin,youarewhatyoueat</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>77</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Tzav: When It's Not Inspiring, Do It Anyway</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-tzav-when-it-s-not-inspiring-do-it-anyway--70920320</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Tzav This Week: Last week's Vayikra covered the big concepts behind sacrifices: the philosophy and the meaning. This week? Tzav gets unromantic. It's all the nitty-gritty details: how the kohen actually performs the service day in and day out. No drama. No inspiration. Just showing up.<br /><br />The Korban Tamid—the daily offering—is mentioned specifically because it represents consistency. Not the days you feel spiritually high. Not when it's easy. But the 'ugh, another day' moments. When you show up anyway. When you do it, even when you don't feel like it. That's when it's real. Inspiration comes and goes, but what truly matters is what you do every single day, consistently. Shabbat Shalom. 📅<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70920320</guid><pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2026 11:00:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70920320/tzav_rml_esv2_90p_bg_10p_music_10p.mp3" length="1152357" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Tzav This Week: Last week's Vayikra covered the big concepts behind sacrifices: the philosophy and the meaning. This week? Tzav gets unromantic. It's all the nitty-gritty details: how the kohen actually performs the service day in and day...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Tzav This Week: Last week's Vayikra covered the big concepts behind sacrifices: the philosophy and the meaning. This week? Tzav gets unromantic. It's all the nitty-gritty details: how the kohen actually performs the service day in and day out. No drama. No inspiration. Just showing up.<br /><br />The Korban Tamid—the daily offering—is mentioned specifically because it represents consistency. Not the days you feel spiritually high. Not when it's easy. But the 'ugh, another day' moments. When you show up anyway. When you do it, even when you don't feel like it. That's when it's real. Inspiration comes and goes, but what truly matters is what you do every single day, consistently. Shabbat Shalom. 📅<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>72</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,consistency,dailypractice,discipline,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,korbantamid,realcommitment,showupanyway,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,tzav,unglamorouswork,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>76</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>If Torah Says Don't Add to Mitzvot, How Do Rabbinic Laws Exist?</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/if-torah-says-don-t-add-to-mitzvot-how-do-rabbinic-laws-exist--70868494</link><description><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle an excellent paradox: The Torah explicitly states that one is prohibited from adding or subtracting from the mitzvot. So how then do rabbinic mitzvot come to be? Isn't that adding to the Torah? You're correct that the Torah forbids us from adding or detracting from it, and both adding and detracting are equally problematic. Your question is so good that the Rambam (Maimonides) himself asks it: How did the rabbis make fences for the Torah? Isn't that adding to it? I explain the crucial distinction between rabbinic mitzvot and adding to the Torah.<br /><br />Adding to the Torah would be claiming "this is what the Torah says" when the Torah doesn't actually say it. Rabbinic mitzvot, however, are very different. The rabbis are doing exactly what the Torah commands them to do—putting up protective fences to prevent people from transgressing actual Torah law. The key is that we understand the distinction between rabbinic law and Torah law. As long as we recognize these are safeguards put in place to protect us from violating biblical Torah law, it's not only acceptable but actually required by the Torah itself.<br /><br />Think of it like guardrails on a highway or a fence on top of a high roof - if we take Torah seriously and want to ensure we don't transgress biblical law, we need those guardrails to keep us in line. History proves the wisdom of rabbinic laws. I personally have looked at some rabbinic laws and thought, "Are you serious? You really think if X happens, then Y will happen?<br /><br />They seem totally disconnected!" But we have the benefit of history, and we can see that Jewish communities that abandoned rabbinic laws actually began abandoning Torah laws as well. The direct correlation between transgression of rabbinic law and the forgetting of Torah law is remarkable and validates the rabbis' foresight.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70868494</guid><pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:00:06 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70868494/adding_mitzvot.mp3" length="5855525" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle an excellent paradox: The Torah explicitly states that one is prohibited from adding or subtracting from the mitzvot. So how then do rabbinic...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle an excellent paradox: The Torah explicitly states that one is prohibited from adding or subtracting from the mitzvot. So how then do rabbinic mitzvot come to be? Isn't that adding to the Torah? You're correct that the Torah forbids us from adding or detracting from it, and both adding and detracting are equally problematic. Your question is so good that the Rambam (Maimonides) himself asks it: How did the rabbis make fences for the Torah? Isn't that adding to it? I explain the crucial distinction between rabbinic mitzvot and adding to the Torah.<br /><br />Adding to the Torah would be claiming "this is what the Torah says" when the Torah doesn't actually say it. Rabbinic mitzvot, however, are very different. The rabbis are doing exactly what the Torah commands them to do—putting up protective fences to prevent people from transgressing actual Torah law. The key is that we understand the distinction between rabbinic law and Torah law. As long as we recognize these are safeguards put in place to protect us from violating biblical Torah law, it's not only acceptable but actually required by the Torah itself.<br /><br />Think of it like guardrails on a highway or a fence on top of a high roof - if we take Torah seriously and want to ensure we don't transgress biblical law, we need those guardrails to keep us in line. History proves the wisdom of rabbinic laws. I personally have looked at some rabbinic laws and thought, "Are you serious? You really think if X happens, then Y will happen?<br /><br />They seem totally disconnected!" But we have the benefit of history, and we can see that Jewish communities that abandoned rabbinic laws actually began abandoning Torah laws as well. The direct correlation between transgression of rabbinic law and the forgetting of Torah law is remarkable and validates the rabbis' foresight.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>183</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>halakha,jewisheducation,jewishlawexplained,jewishlearning,jewishlegalsystem,jewishpodcast,jewishtradition,jewishwisdom,judaism,maimonides,mitzvot,orallaw,rabbiniclaw,rambam,talmud,torah,torahstudy,torahvsrabbinic</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>75</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Vayikra: Judaism is About What You Do</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-vayikra-judaism-is-about-what-you-do--70777022</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Vayikra This Week: At a YU commencement, Rachel Goldberg-Polin said, "Judaism is not about what you think. It isn't about what you learn. It isn't about what you say. Judaism is about what you do.' <br /><br />The sacrifices in this parsha seem archaic, but here's what we can connect to: when something was wrong, you didn't just feel bad; you brought an offering. You took action. You noted that something was out of alignment and needs to change. <br /><br />Today, when we're stuck, when we mess up, when we need to transition, thinking about it isn't enough. Saying it isn't enough. Action is what transforms. Don't just think things. Don't just say things. Do things. Shabbat Shalom. 💪<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70777022</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 11:05:01 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70777022/vayik_esv2_90p_bg_10p_music_10p.mp3" length="1122682" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Vayikra This Week: At a YU commencement, Rachel Goldberg-Polin said, "Judaism is not about what you think. It isn't about what you learn. It isn't about what you say. Judaism is about what you do.' 

The sacrifices in this parsha seem...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Vayikra This Week: At a YU commencement, Rachel Goldberg-Polin said, "Judaism is not about what you think. It isn't about what you learn. It isn't about what you say. Judaism is about what you do.' <br /><br />The sacrifices in this parsha seem archaic, but here's what we can connect to: when something was wrong, you didn't just feel bad; you brought an offering. You took action. You noted that something was out of alignment and needs to change. <br /><br />Today, when we're stuck, when we mess up, when we need to transition, thinking about it isn't enough. Saying it isn't enough. Action is what transforms. Don't just think things. Don't just say things. Do things. Shabbat Shalom. 💪<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>71</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>actionoriented,biblicalinsights,deedsmatter,dosomething,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,publicaccountability,rachelgoldbergpolin,sacrifices,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,takeaction,torahwisdom,vayikra,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>74</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Do Jews Believe in Reincarnation? Gilgul Neshamot Explained</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/do-jews-believe-in-reincarnation-gilgul-neshamot-explained--70714698</link><description><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a question that surprises many people: Do Jews believe in reincarnation? The short answer is yes. Judaism does believe in the concept of gilgul neshamot (reincarnation of souls), according to many of our sages.<br /><br />Practically all of us alive today are reincarnations of previous souls and lives. What this means is that if a person, for whatever reason, did not fulfill their purpose in this world during their lifetime, they get to try again. I know it sounds a lot like a video game: you do your best, try as hard as you can, and if you die without finishing your mission, you get to try again.<br /><br />I explain how the Zohar finds a biblical reference to this in the laws of levirate marriage (yibum). When a man dies childless, his widow is obligated to marry his brother, and the Torah states that the firstborn son "shall succeed in the name of his dead brother, that his name not be erased from the Jewish people." " The Zohar reveals this as the secret of reincarnation: the child born from this union is actually a reincarnation of the deceased brother.<br /><br />The earliest biblical reference may be from the Book of Job, chapter 33, verse 30: "Behold, God does all these things with man two or three times... to bring back his soul from the grave, to bask in the light of the living." So yes, Jews do believe in reincarnation, though it's not as widely known as other Jewish beliefs.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70714698</guid><pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 11:15:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70714698/reincarnation.mp3" length="4619202" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a question that surprises many people: Do Jews believe in reincarnation? The short answer is yes. Judaism does believe in the concept of gilgul...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a question that surprises many people: Do Jews believe in reincarnation? The short answer is yes. Judaism does believe in the concept of gilgul neshamot (reincarnation of souls), according to many of our sages.<br /><br />Practically all of us alive today are reincarnations of previous souls and lives. What this means is that if a person, for whatever reason, did not fulfill their purpose in this world during their lifetime, they get to try again. I know it sounds a lot like a video game: you do your best, try as hard as you can, and if you die without finishing your mission, you get to try again.<br /><br />I explain how the Zohar finds a biblical reference to this in the laws of levirate marriage (yibum). When a man dies childless, his widow is obligated to marry his brother, and the Torah states that the firstborn son "shall succeed in the name of his dead brother, that his name not be erased from the Jewish people." " The Zohar reveals this as the secret of reincarnation: the child born from this union is actually a reincarnation of the deceased brother.<br /><br />The earliest biblical reference may be from the Book of Job, chapter 33, verse 30: "Behold, God does all these things with man two or three times... to bring back his soul from the grave, to bask in the light of the living." So yes, Jews do believe in reincarnation, though it's not as widely known as other Jewish beliefs.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>145</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>afterlife,askarabbi,bookofjob,dearrabbi,dojewsbelievereincarnation,jewish,jewishbeliefs,jewishlearning,jewishmysticism,jewishpodcast,jewishreincarnation,jewishsouls,jewishwisdom,judaism,judaismexplained,kabbalah,reincarnation,torah</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>73</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Pekudei: When Inspiration Needs Accountability</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-pekudei-when-inspiration-needs-accountability--70620898</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Pekudei This Week: The Mishkan is complete. Donations poured in. Gold, silver, and precious materials. But then the Torah does something unexpected: it provides a detailed accounting of every single donation. Wait, why? Nobody was accusing Moshe of embezzlement. Because inspiration is intoxicating. When we're caught up in a mission that feels good, we can skip the details, assuming 'if it feels right, it must be right. ' The Torah says, "Pause." Slow down. Account for everything. Make sure nothing slipped through. Inspiration without accountability is dangerous. Feel inspired, yes, but stay rational. Check the details. Ensure integrity. Even the holiest projects need transparency. Especially the holiest projects. Shabbat Shalom. 📊<br /><b></b><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70620898</guid><pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 11:00:03 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70620898/222222_esv2_90p_bg_10p_music_10p.mp3" length="1121846" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Pekudei This Week: The Mishkan is complete. Donations poured in. Gold, silver, and precious materials. But then the Torah does something unexpected: it provides a detailed accounting of every single donation. Wait, why? Nobody was accusing...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Pekudei This Week: The Mishkan is complete. Donations poured in. Gold, silver, and precious materials. But then the Torah does something unexpected: it provides a detailed accounting of every single donation. Wait, why? Nobody was accusing Moshe of embezzlement. Because inspiration is intoxicating. When we're caught up in a mission that feels good, we can skip the details, assuming 'if it feels right, it must be right. ' The Torah says, "Pause." Slow down. Account for everything. Make sure nothing slipped through. Inspiration without accountability is dangerous. Feel inspired, yes, but stay rational. Check the details. Ensure integrity. Even the holiest projects need transparency. Especially the holiest projects. Shabbat Shalom. 📊<br /><b></b><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>71</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>accountability,biblicalinsights,checkthedetails,holywork,inspirationalthoughts,inspirationwithwisdom,integrity,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,pekudei,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,stayrational,torahwisdom,transparency,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>72</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>How Do I Start Being More Involved in Judaism?</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-do-i-start-being-more-involved-in-judaism--70589481</link><description><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a question many people ask: What is the best way to get started in wanting to be more involved in Jewish life? The answer might surprise you with how accessible and flexible it actually is.<br /><br />Luckily, Judaism is not all or nothing. It's better to do something than to do nothing at all. While that might sound obvious, it's not the way many Jews approach Judaism. I hear people say all the time, "Rabbi, why should I light Shabbat candles?" I don't keep Shabbos." But here's the truth: the fact that you might go to the movies after lighting candles does not invalidate the mitzvah you've done by lighting those candles. This applies to all of our mitzvot. <br /><br />My recommendation is to find those aspects of Judaism that speak to you personally. Find what's most meaningful to you, and if you're going to start somewhere, you might as well start there. But how do you know which aspects are most meaningful? The only way to really know is to begin learning more about Judaism. The more you study Torah, the more you discover what's out there and learn the different ways Judaism can enhance your life.<br /><br />So the only way to begin is to start studying, whether one-on-one with a rabbi or anyone who knows more Torah than you, or through resources like Aish.com, which has thousands of articles on every topic imaginable. Rabbi Akiva famously said in the Talmud that learning is most important because learning leads to action. You can't possibly do the mitzvot until you learn about them, what they are, how they work, and how they can enhance your life.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70589481</guid><pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 12:00:04 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70589481/07wheretostart.mp3" length="3931779" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a question many people ask: What is the best way to get started in wanting to be more involved in Jewish life? The answer might surprise you...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a question many people ask: What is the best way to get started in wanting to be more involved in Jewish life? The answer might surprise you with how accessible and flexible it actually is.<br /><br />Luckily, Judaism is not all or nothing. It's better to do something than to do nothing at all. While that might sound obvious, it's not the way many Jews approach Judaism. I hear people say all the time, "Rabbi, why should I light Shabbat candles?" I don't keep Shabbos." But here's the truth: the fact that you might go to the movies after lighting candles does not invalidate the mitzvah you've done by lighting those candles. This applies to all of our mitzvot. <br /><br />My recommendation is to find those aspects of Judaism that speak to you personally. Find what's most meaningful to you, and if you're going to start somewhere, you might as well start there. But how do you know which aspects are most meaningful? The only way to really know is to begin learning more about Judaism. The more you study Torah, the more you discover what's out there and learn the different ways Judaism can enhance your life.<br /><br />So the only way to begin is to start studying, whether one-on-one with a rabbi or anyone who knows more Torah than you, or through resources like Aish.com, which has thousands of articles on every topic imaginable. Rabbi Akiva famously said in the Talmud that learning is most important because learning leads to action. You can't possibly do the mitzvot until you learn about them, what they are, how they work, and how they can enhance your life.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>164</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>askarabbi,becomingobservant,howtobejewish,jewish,jewishbeginnerguide,jewisheducation,jewishlearningresources,jewishobservance,jewishpodcast,jewishwisdom,judaism,learningtorah,mitzvotexplained,rabbi,shabbat,studytorah</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>71</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Ki Tisa: From Mount Sinai to Golden Calf</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-ki-tisa-from-mount-sinai-to-golden-calf--70505635</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Ki Tisa This Week: Immediately after the highest spiritual moment in history, receiving the Torah directly from God at Mount Sinai, comes the Golden Calf, one of the lowest points in Jewish history. How does that happen? How do you fall so far, so fast? The lesson: inspiration is not permanent. That spiritual high, that moment of clarity, that burst of motivation it fades. Always. And if you're not ready for that, the fall can be steep. If the Jewish people at Mount Sinai could sink so quickly, we certainly can. So when inspiration strikes, act immediately. Do something concrete. Take a step. Put it into action before the feeling disappears. Capture the spark while it's still burning. Don't just feel it; build on it. Shabbat Shalom. 🔥<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70505635</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 12:20:36 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70505635/0306_2_esv2_90p_bg_10p_music_10p.mp3" length="1426538" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Ki Tisa This Week: Immediately after the highest spiritual moment in history, receiving the Torah directly from God at Mount Sinai, comes the Golden Calf, one of the lowest points in Jewish history. How does that happen? How do you fall so...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Ki Tisa This Week: Immediately after the highest spiritual moment in history, receiving the Torah directly from God at Mount Sinai, comes the Golden Calf, one of the lowest points in Jewish history. How does that happen? How do you fall so far, so fast? The lesson: inspiration is not permanent. That spiritual high, that moment of clarity, that burst of motivation it fades. Always. And if you're not ready for that, the fall can be steep. If the Jewish people at Mount Sinai could sink so quickly, we certainly can. So when inspiration strikes, act immediately. Do something concrete. Take a step. Put it into action before the feeling disappears. Capture the spark while it's still burning. Don't just feel it; build on it. Shabbat Shalom. 🔥<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>90</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>actnow,biblicalinsights,capturethespark,goldencalf,inspiration,inspirationalthoughts,inspirationfades,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,kitisa,momentum,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,takeaction,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>70</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Can Someone With a Tattoo Be Buried in a Jewish Cemetery?</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/can-someone-with-a-tattoo-be-buried-in-a-jewish-cemetery--70440099</link><description><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><b></b><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer one of the most common misconceptions about Jewish law: Can a person with a tattoo be buried in a Jewish cemetery? The short answer is yes - even someone with a tattoo can absolutely be buried in a Jewish cemetery.<br /><br />That's not to say tattoos are condoned by Judaism. The Torah (the Bible) makes it very clear that it is forbidden to get a tattoo. But why? I explain that we look at our bodies as holy receptacles for our souls. Just like you wouldn't borrow a Bentley from someone and put bumper stickers all over it, we believe our bodies are, so to speak, borrowed. They're here to fulfill a specific purpose - housing our souls and allowing us to connect spiritually through action in this physical world. Therefore, we don't want to permanently mark them up with those proverbial bumper stickers.<br /><br />However, having a tattoo doesn't disqualify someone from Jewish burial. This is just one of many misconceptions people have about Jewish law and burial practices. The reality is far more compassionate and understanding than the myths suggest.<br /><br />Whether you have tattoos yourself, know someone who does, or are simply curious about Jewish burial customs and what actually disqualifies someone from Jewish cemetery burial, this episode clears up a widespread misunderstanding about Jewish practice and law.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70440099</guid><pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:25:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70440099/tattoos.mp3" length="1475673" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer one of the most common misconceptions about Jewish law: Can a person with a tattoo be buried in a Jewish cemetery? The short answer is yes -...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><b></b><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer one of the most common misconceptions about Jewish law: Can a person with a tattoo be buried in a Jewish cemetery? The short answer is yes - even someone with a tattoo can absolutely be buried in a Jewish cemetery.<br /><br />That's not to say tattoos are condoned by Judaism. The Torah (the Bible) makes it very clear that it is forbidden to get a tattoo. But why? I explain that we look at our bodies as holy receptacles for our souls. Just like you wouldn't borrow a Bentley from someone and put bumper stickers all over it, we believe our bodies are, so to speak, borrowed. They're here to fulfill a specific purpose - housing our souls and allowing us to connect spiritually through action in this physical world. Therefore, we don't want to permanently mark them up with those proverbial bumper stickers.<br /><br />However, having a tattoo doesn't disqualify someone from Jewish burial. This is just one of many misconceptions people have about Jewish law and burial practices. The reality is far more compassionate and understanding than the myths suggest.<br /><br />Whether you have tattoos yourself, know someone who does, or are simply curious about Jewish burial customs and what actually disqualifies someone from Jewish cemetery burial, this episode clears up a widespread misunderstanding about Jewish practice and law.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>93</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>askarabbi,canjewshavetattoos,dearrabbi,jewish,jewishburialcustoms,jewishcemetery,jewishfuneral,jewishlearning,jewishmisconceptions,jewishmyths,jewishpodcast,jewishwisdom,judaism,judaismexplained,kosher,tattoo,tattoojewishlaw,torahontattoos</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>69</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Tetzaveh: Why Jews Dress Differently</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-tetzaveh-why-jews-dress-differently--70328554</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Tetzaveh This Week: Jews have long been in the 'schmatta business,' not just a Marvelous Mrs. Maisel stereotype but reality. Many Jewish fashion icons trace their roots to the garment industry. Why this connection? Look at this week's parsha: an entire Torah portion obsessed with what the Kohen Gadol wears, not what he does, but what he wears. The subtle point: before serving God, the kohen must feel the weight of responsibility. His clothing reminds him he represents something bigger than himself. Same for us. Jews have always dressed differently, not for fashion but as a uniform showing we're connected to something greater. We have a calling beyond our individual lives. The clothes really do make the man. They remind us of our mission. Shabbat Shalom. 👔<br /><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70328554</guid><pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 12:00:06 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70328554/rml_tetzevah_esv2_90p_bg_10p_music_10p.mp3" length="1573660" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Tetzaveh This Week: Jews have long been in the 'schmatta business,' not just a Marvelous Mrs. Maisel stereotype but reality. Many Jewish fashion icons trace their roots to the garment industry. Why this connection? Look at this week's...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Tetzaveh This Week: Jews have long been in the 'schmatta business,' not just a Marvelous Mrs. Maisel stereotype but reality. Many Jewish fashion icons trace their roots to the garment industry. Why this connection? Look at this week's parsha: an entire Torah portion obsessed with what the Kohen Gadol wears, not what he does, but what he wears. The subtle point: before serving God, the kohen must feel the weight of responsibility. His clothing reminds him he represents something bigger than himself. Same for us. Jews have always dressed differently, not for fashion but as a uniform showing we're connected to something greater. We have a calling beyond our individual lives. The clothes really do make the man. They remind us of our mission. Shabbat Shalom. 👔<br /><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>99</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,dresswithpurpose,elevation,holygarments,inspirationalthoughts,intention,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,kohengadol,mindset,sacredclothing,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,tetzaveh,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>68</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>From Vietnam to Philanthropy: The Life I Never Planned Stephen Rosedale</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/from-vietnam-to-philanthropy-the-life-i-never-planned-stephen-rosedale--70263601</link><description><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts.</b><br /><b></b><br />Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! 🌟Vietnam veteran and healthcare entrepreneur Stephen Rosedale built one of America's largest post-acute care systems, but his most defining moments happened long before that. In this episode, Stephen shares how a chance encounter in college led him to Israel, how combat in Vietnam forged an unbreakable promise to be his "brother's keeper," and how a single tap on the shoulder at a bar mitzvah changed his life at 47.<br /><br />Discover how Stephen's philosophy of "hearts touching hearts" became both the foundation of a 25,000-employee company and a blueprint for transforming Jewish life in Cincinnati from founding a kollel to building schools and synagogues and supporting Israeli communities rebuilding after October 7th.<br /><br />Whether you're thinking about what it means to give, how to pass philanthropic values to the next generation, or how near-death experiences shape a life of purpose, Stephen's story is a masterclass in turning personal trials into communal impact. This episode asks a simple but powerful question: when you feel that tap on the shoulder urging you to do good, will you stop and listen?<br /><br /><b>CONNECT WITH US:</b><br /><b>🎧 Listen to all our podcasts: [www.joidenver.com/podcasts]</b><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more: </b><br />Website - https://www.joidenver.com<br />Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenver<br />Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver <br />YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver<br />Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70263601</guid><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:15:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70263601/stephen_rosedale_long_form.mp3" length="58700072" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts.

Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! 🌟Vietnam veteran and healthcare entrepreneur Stephen Rosedale built one of America's...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts.</b><br /><b></b><br />Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! 🌟Vietnam veteran and healthcare entrepreneur Stephen Rosedale built one of America's largest post-acute care systems, but his most defining moments happened long before that. In this episode, Stephen shares how a chance encounter in college led him to Israel, how combat in Vietnam forged an unbreakable promise to be his "brother's keeper," and how a single tap on the shoulder at a bar mitzvah changed his life at 47.<br /><br />Discover how Stephen's philosophy of "hearts touching hearts" became both the foundation of a 25,000-employee company and a blueprint for transforming Jewish life in Cincinnati from founding a kollel to building schools and synagogues and supporting Israeli communities rebuilding after October 7th.<br /><br />Whether you're thinking about what it means to give, how to pass philanthropic values to the next generation, or how near-death experiences shape a life of purpose, Stephen's story is a masterclass in turning personal trials into communal impact. This episode asks a simple but powerful question: when you feel that tap on the shoulder urging you to do good, will you stop and listen?<br /><br /><b>CONNECT WITH US:</b><br /><b>🎧 Listen to all our podcasts: [www.joidenver.com/podcasts]</b><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more: </b><br />Website - https://www.joidenver.com<br />Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenver<br />Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver <br />YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver<br />Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2433</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>cincinnati,entrepreneur,healthcare,israelsupport,jewishbusinessman,jewishcommunity,jewishgiving,jewishidentity,jewishinspiration,jewishlegacy,jewishphilanthropy,jewishpodcast,jewishvalues,orthodoxjudaism,philanthropypodcast,ptsd,stephenrosedale,veterans,vietnamveteran</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>67</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Where Did the "All Jews Are Rich" Stereotype Come From</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/where-did-the-all-jews-are-rich-stereotype-come-from--70263283</link><description><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><b></b><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle a persistent stereotype: Where did the idea come from that all Jews are rich? I can assure you it's not true in my case, and we all know Jews who are wealthy and Jews who are struggling, just like all of society. But the origin of this stereotype reveals something profound about Jewish values. I share a fascinating insight from Mark Twain, who once wrote an article addressing the root causes of antisemitism.<br /><br />While many people are familiar with the end of that article, where he talks about how Jews seem to be immortal, surviving despite everything the world has thrown at them, he makes a remarkable observation in the middle of the article. Mark Twain noted that because Jews take care of each other, you never find a Jewish beggar. Perhaps that's where the stereotype originated. Non-Jewish neighbors assumed Jews were all rich because they never saw Jewish people begging or asking for money on the streets.<br /><br />The reason, of course, wasn't because poor Jews didn't exist; rather, the Jewish community took care of them quietly and effectively. While stereotypes are generally negative, understanding the root of this particular one is something we should take pride in. Jewish people have always taken care of one another. This important Jewish value—sharing what we have with others, taking care of our fellow brothers and sisters, and ensuring no Jew (or any human being) ever goes hungry has always been central to Jewish identity and community life.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70263283</guid><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:00:15 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70263283/06richjews.mp3" length="3631470" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle a persistent stereotype: Where did the idea come from that all Jews are rich? I can assure you it's not true in my case, and we all know Jews...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><b></b><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle a persistent stereotype: Where did the idea come from that all Jews are rich? I can assure you it's not true in my case, and we all know Jews who are wealthy and Jews who are struggling, just like all of society. But the origin of this stereotype reveals something profound about Jewish values. I share a fascinating insight from Mark Twain, who once wrote an article addressing the root causes of antisemitism.<br /><br />While many people are familiar with the end of that article, where he talks about how Jews seem to be immortal, surviving despite everything the world has thrown at them, he makes a remarkable observation in the middle of the article. Mark Twain noted that because Jews take care of each other, you never find a Jewish beggar. Perhaps that's where the stereotype originated. Non-Jewish neighbors assumed Jews were all rich because they never saw Jewish people begging or asking for money on the streets.<br /><br />The reason, of course, wasn't because poor Jews didn't exist; rather, the Jewish community took care of them quietly and effectively. While stereotypes are generally negative, understanding the root of this particular one is something we should take pride in. Jewish people have always taken care of one another. This important Jewish value—sharing what we have with others, taking care of our fellow brothers and sisters, and ensuring no Jew (or any human being) ever goes hungry has always been central to Jewish identity and community life.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>152</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>antisemitic,community,jewishcharity,jewishcommunity,jewishcommunitycharity,jewishculture,jewishlearning,jewishpodcast,jewishtraditions,jewishvalues,jewishwealth,jewishwisdom,jewsarerich,judaism,stereotype,tzedakah,whyjewsrich</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>66</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Terumah: God Doesn't Need a House, We Do</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-terumah-god-doesn-t-need-a-house-we-do--70149106</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Terumah This Week: God doesn't need a palace. He doesn't need gold, silver, or a physical home. So why command us to build the Mishkan? Because WE need it. We're physical beings living in a material world, constantly absorbed in the tangible. God is teaching us: you can elevate it all. Don't think you're 'too materialistic' or 'too physical' to be spiritual. Take those physical materials, gold, wood, and fabric, and make me a home. By doing so, you remind yourself that you're truly spiritual inside. Everything at your disposal can become holy. Your work, your home, and your relationships all can be sanctuaries. You're not too little. You're capable of making space for the Divine in your everyday life. Shabbat Shalom. 🏗️<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70149106</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 12:00:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70149106/rmlll_esv2_90p_bg_10p.mp3" length="1095097" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Terumah This Week: God doesn't need a palace. He doesn't need gold, silver, or a physical home. So why command us to build the Mishkan? Because WE need it. We're physical beings living in a material world, constantly absorbed in the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Terumah This Week: God doesn't need a palace. He doesn't need gold, silver, or a physical home. So why command us to build the Mishkan? Because WE need it. We're physical beings living in a material world, constantly absorbed in the tangible. God is teaching us: you can elevate it all. Don't think you're 'too materialistic' or 'too physical' to be spiritual. Take those physical materials, gold, wood, and fabric, and make me a home. By doing so, you remind yourself that you're truly spiritual inside. Everything at your disposal can become holy. Your work, your home, and your relationships all can be sanctuaries. You're not too little. You're capable of making space for the Divine in your everyday life. Shabbat Shalom. 🏗️<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>69</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,elevatethephysical,holyineveryday,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,makespaceforgod,materialism,mishkan,physicaltospiritual,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,terumah,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha,youarespiritual</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>66</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Can You Buy a Mezuzah Online? What You NEED to Know Before</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/can-you-buy-a-mezuzah-online-what-you-need-to-know-before--70139071</link><description><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a crucial question: Is there anything wrong with buying a mezuzah online or at a gift shop? The answer might surprise you and could save you from making an expensive mistake. <br /><br />First, let me clarify we're talking about the mezuzah scroll itself (the parchment inside), not the decorative case. A mezuzah case doesn't have any inherent holiness and can be purchased anywhere you'd like. But the scroll inside is a completely different matter. <br /><br />It's extremely important that mezuzah scrolls are purchased from reputable sources, either directly from a sofer (scribe) or from someone trustworthy who deals in mezuzahs. Here's why: Unlike a Torah scroll, a mezuzah must be written in specific order from beginning to end without corrections. If a scribe makes a mistake two lines from the end, an unscrupulous person might just scratch it out and correct it, but that makes the mezuzah non-kosher because it wasn't written in proper order. In a Torah scroll, mistakes can be fixed anywhere, but with a mezuzah, you cannot. There's no way to know by looking at it whether it was written properly; you must trust the source. <br /><br />I can tell you from personal experience: every time I go to someone's home to put up mezuzahs, 98% of the time they have at least one mezuzah that is not even remotely kosher, meaning it was never kosher to begin with. I've seen mezuzahs written on paper and photocopies, and people who bought mezuzahs at their synagogue gift shop where the scroll was made of paper, yet the staff told them it was kosher. If you're purchasing mezuzahs, buy them from a reputable person who knows the scribe and can verify they're written properly according to Jewish law. I also share information about My Mezuzah (mymezuzah.org), an organization that provides free mezuzahs for anyone who needs them.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70139071</guid><pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 23:05:05 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70139071/mezuzah.mp3" length="2973639" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a crucial question: Is there anything wrong with buying a mezuzah online or at a gift shop? The answer might surprise you and could save you...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a crucial question: Is there anything wrong with buying a mezuzah online or at a gift shop? The answer might surprise you and could save you from making an expensive mistake. <br /><br />First, let me clarify we're talking about the mezuzah scroll itself (the parchment inside), not the decorative case. A mezuzah case doesn't have any inherent holiness and can be purchased anywhere you'd like. But the scroll inside is a completely different matter. <br /><br />It's extremely important that mezuzah scrolls are purchased from reputable sources, either directly from a sofer (scribe) or from someone trustworthy who deals in mezuzahs. Here's why: Unlike a Torah scroll, a mezuzah must be written in specific order from beginning to end without corrections. If a scribe makes a mistake two lines from the end, an unscrupulous person might just scratch it out and correct it, but that makes the mezuzah non-kosher because it wasn't written in proper order. In a Torah scroll, mistakes can be fixed anywhere, but with a mezuzah, you cannot. There's no way to know by looking at it whether it was written properly; you must trust the source. <br /><br />I can tell you from personal experience: every time I go to someone's home to put up mezuzahs, 98% of the time they have at least one mezuzah that is not even remotely kosher, meaning it was never kosher to begin with. I've seen mezuzahs written on paper and photocopies, and people who bought mezuzahs at their synagogue gift shop where the scroll was made of paper, yet the staff told them it was kosher. If you're purchasing mezuzahs, buy them from a reputable person who knows the scribe and can verify they're written properly according to Jewish law. I also share information about My Mezuzah (mymezuzah.org), an organization that provides free mezuzahs for anyone who needs them.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>186</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>doorpost,halakha,home,jewish,law,laws,learning,mezuzah,mitzvah,order,organization,podcast,practice,reputable,scroll,seller</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>65</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Mishpatim: The Laws That Make Us Human</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-mishpatim-the-laws-that-make-us-human--70033985</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Mishpatim This Week: Right after the drama of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai, the Torah shifts to... civil law. Rules about damages, loans, workers' rights, and caring for the vulnerable. Why the sudden shift? Because the Torah is teaching us that spirituality isn't just prayer and study; it's how you treat your neighbor, your employee, the stranger. Being godly means not doing to others what you wouldn't want done to you. It means being kind, gentle, and caring. Judaism's foundation isn't mystical experiences; it's ethical living. You want to serve God? Pay your workers on time. Return lost property. Care for the widow and orphan. Real holiness is interpersonal. Shabbat Shalom. 🤝<br /><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70033985</guid><pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 12:00:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70033985/mishpatim_esv2_90p_bg_10p.mp3" length="624475" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Mishpatim This Week: Right after the drama of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai, the Torah shifts to... civil law. Rules about damages, loans, workers' rights, and caring for the vulnerable. Why the sudden shift? Because the Torah is...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Mishpatim This Week: Right after the drama of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai, the Torah shifts to... civil law. Rules about damages, loans, workers' rights, and caring for the vulnerable. Why the sudden shift? Because the Torah is teaching us that spirituality isn't just prayer and study; it's how you treat your neighbor, your employee, the stranger. Being godly means not doing to others what you wouldn't want done to you. It means being kind, gentle, and caring. Judaism's foundation isn't mystical experiences; it's ethical living. You want to serve God? Pay your workers on time. Return lost property. Care for the widow and orphan. Real holiness is interpersonal. Shabbat Shalom. 🤝<br /><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>39</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,compassion,ethicalliving,ethics,howyoutreatpeople,inspirationalthoughts,interpersonallaws,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,kindness,mishpatim,realholiness,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>64</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Where Did the "All Jews Are Rich" Stereotype Come From? The Surprising Truth</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/where-did-the-all-jews-are-rich-stereotype-come-from-the-surprising-truth--69970371</link><description><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><b></b><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle a persistent stereotype: Where did the idea come from that all Jews are rich? I can assure you it's not true in my case, and we all know Jews who are wealthy and Jews who are struggling, just like all of society. But the origin of this stereotype reveals something profound about Jewish values. I share a fascinating insight from Mark Twain, who once wrote an article addressing the root causes of antisemitism.<br /><br />While many people are familiar with the end of that article—where he talks about how Jews seem to be immortal, surviving despite everything the world has thrown at them—he makes a remarkable observation in the middle of the article. Mark Twain noted that because Jews take care of each other, you never find a Jewish beggar. Perhaps that's where the stereotype originated. Non-Jewish neighbors assumed Jews were all rich because they never saw Jewish people begging or asking for money on the streets.<br /><br />The reason, of course, wasn't because poor Jews didn't exist—rather, the Jewish community took care of them quietly and effectively. While stereotypes are generally negative, understanding the root of this particular one is something we should take pride in. Jewish people have always taken care of one another. This important Jewish value—sharing what we have with others, taking care of our fellow brothers and sisters, and ensuring no Jew (or any human being) ever goes hungry—has always been central to Jewish identity and community life.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69970371</guid><pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 12:00:06 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69970371/06richjews.mp3" length="3631470" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle a persistent stereotype: Where did the idea come from that all Jews are rich? I can assure you it's not true in my case, and we all know Jews...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><b></b><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle a persistent stereotype: Where did the idea come from that all Jews are rich? I can assure you it's not true in my case, and we all know Jews who are wealthy and Jews who are struggling, just like all of society. But the origin of this stereotype reveals something profound about Jewish values. I share a fascinating insight from Mark Twain, who once wrote an article addressing the root causes of antisemitism.<br /><br />While many people are familiar with the end of that article—where he talks about how Jews seem to be immortal, surviving despite everything the world has thrown at them—he makes a remarkable observation in the middle of the article. Mark Twain noted that because Jews take care of each other, you never find a Jewish beggar. Perhaps that's where the stereotype originated. Non-Jewish neighbors assumed Jews were all rich because they never saw Jewish people begging or asking for money on the streets.<br /><br />The reason, of course, wasn't because poor Jews didn't exist—rather, the Jewish community took care of them quietly and effectively. While stereotypes are generally negative, understanding the root of this particular one is something we should take pride in. Jewish people have always taken care of one another. This important Jewish value—sharing what we have with others, taking care of our fellow brothers and sisters, and ensuring no Jew (or any human being) ever goes hungry—has always been central to Jewish identity and community life.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>152</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>antisemitic,askarabbi,charity,community,dearrabbi,jewishcharity,jewishcommunity,jewishlearning,jewishpodcast,jewishstereotypes,jewishvalues,jewishwealth,jewsarerich,judaism,judaismexplained,stereotype,stereotypes,takingcare,tzedakah,whyjewsrich</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>63</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Yitro: How Good People Become Corrupt</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-yitro-how-good-people-become-corrupt--69842382</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Yitro This Week: When listing qualifications for judges, the Torah mentions capable, God-fearing, truthful, and last, 'hates gain' (integrity). Why last? Shouldn't integrity be first? The Torah teaches us that corruption rarely starts with bad people. It starts with good people making small compromises. Then another. Then another. Slowly, those compromises erode moral character until integrity is gone. We're all susceptible; you can be capable, well-intentioned, even truthful, and still become morally corrupt through incremental compromises. The warning is clear: stay vigilant. Guard your integrity fiercely. Don't rationalize 'just this once. 'The slippery slope is real, and good people slide down it every day. Don't let it happen to you. Shabbat Shalom. ⚖️<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69842382</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 12:00:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69842382/0206_esv2_90p_bg_10p.mp3" length="1210035" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Yitro This Week: When listing qualifications for judges, the Torah mentions capable, God-fearing, truthful, and last, 'hates gain' (integrity). Why last? Shouldn't integrity be first? The Torah teaches us that corruption rarely starts with...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Yitro This Week: When listing qualifications for judges, the Torah mentions capable, God-fearing, truthful, and last, 'hates gain' (integrity). Why last? Shouldn't integrity be first? The Torah teaches us that corruption rarely starts with bad people. It starts with good people making small compromises. Then another. Then another. Slowly, those compromises erode moral character until integrity is gone. We're all susceptible; you can be capable, well-intentioned, even truthful, and still become morally corrupt through incremental compromises. The warning is clear: stay vigilant. Guard your integrity fiercely. Don't rationalize 'just this once. 'The slippery slope is real, and good people slide down it every day. Don't let it happen to you. Shabbat Shalom. ⚖️<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>76</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,corruption,ethics,guardyourintegrity,inspirationalthoughts,integrity,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,moralcharacter,slipperyslope,smallcompromises,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,stayvigilant,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha,yitro</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>62</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Beshalach: Faith Requires the First Step</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-beshalach-faith-requires-the-first-step--69675556</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Beshalach This Week: Trapped between the Egyptian army and the sea, the people pray desperately. God's response? 'Move forward.' But the sea doesn't split until Nachshon ben Aminadav steps in. Water to his ankles. His knees. His waist. His shoulders. Only when it reaches his nostrils does the sea miraculously part. This is Jewish faith, not blind belief, but active trust. God waits for us to take the first step, to show we're invested, that we care enough to act. Then He meets us there. It's a partnership: we do our utmost, step into the water even when we can't see the path, then hand over the reins and say, "God, You're in control." 'What sea are you standing before? Take the step. Shabbat Shalom. 🌊<br /><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69675556</guid><pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 12:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69675556/0130_1_1_esv2_90p_bg_10p.mp3" length="1412746" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Beshalach This Week: Trapped between the Egyptian army and the sea, the people pray desperately. God's response? 'Move forward.' But the sea doesn't split until Nachshon ben Aminadav steps in. Water to his ankles. His knees. His waist. His...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Beshalach This Week: Trapped between the Egyptian army and the sea, the people pray desperately. God's response? 'Move forward.' But the sea doesn't split until Nachshon ben Aminadav steps in. Water to his ankles. His knees. His waist. His shoulders. Only when it reaches his nostrils does the sea miraculously part. This is Jewish faith, not blind belief, but active trust. God waits for us to take the first step, to show we're invested, that we care enough to act. Then He meets us there. It's a partnership: we do our utmost, step into the water even when we can't see the path, then hand over the reins and say, "God, You're in control." 'What sea are you standing before? Take the step. Shabbat Shalom. 🌊<br /><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>89</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>activefaith,beshalach,biblicalinsights,courage,faithfulness,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,leapoffaith,nachshon,partnership,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,takethefirststep,torahwisdom,trust,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>61</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Robin Chotin: Living Forever Through Legacy - A Lifetime of Jewish Giving</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/robin-chotin-living-forever-through-legacy-a-lifetime-of-jewish-giving--69675384</link><description><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts.</b><br /><br />Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! 🌟<br /><br />Join us as Robin Chotin shares her deeply moving journey of Jewish philanthropy alongside her late husband, Stephen, of blessed memory, whose impact on Denver's Jewish community remains unparalleled. Discover how Robin's parents quietly instilled a sense of responsibility through their actions rather than words, teaching her that "if you are blessed in this world, if you have the capacity to be able to help other people, then it's what you have to do."<br /><br />Hear Robin's transformative story about her missions to Israel with Federation, where walking into apartment buildings riddled with bullet holes from Gaza brought the struggles of the Jewish people directly to the forefront of her eyes. Learn how seeing something firsthand—not just reading about it—changed everything about her commitment to giving.<br /><br />Robin opens up about the challenges of passing on philanthropic values to the next generation, revealing how her children initially resented her constant community involvement yet ultimately embraced the same values, now taking their own children to volunteer at assisted living facilities. From her grandchildren's service work in New York to her daughter Whitney's community involvement in Denver, Robin's greatest accomplishment isn't measured in dollars but in the saplings that grew from her family tree.<br /><br />Whether you're navigating difficult times reminiscent of World War II and the Depression or seeking to create lasting impact through Federation, JFS, National Jewish Hospital, or your local community, Robin's wisdom reminds us why firsthand experience and persistent commitment matter more than the size of any single gift. This episode challenges us to recognize that we live comfortably in Denver while others face unimaginable struggles and asks what we will do with that blessing. Discover why Robin wants to "live forever" to witness the potential still ahead and what it truly means to leave a legacy that transcends generations.<br /><br /><b>CONNECT WITH US:</b><br /><b>🎧 Listen to all our podcasts: [www.joidenver.com/podcasts]</b><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more: </b><br />Website - https://www.joidenver.com<br />Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenver<br />Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver <br />YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver<br />Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69675384</guid><pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:50:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69675384/robin_chotin_long_form22.mp3" length="71880282" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts.

Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! 🌟

Join us as Robin Chotin shares her deeply moving journey of Jewish philanthropy...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts.</b><br /><br />Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! 🌟<br /><br />Join us as Robin Chotin shares her deeply moving journey of Jewish philanthropy alongside her late husband, Stephen, of blessed memory, whose impact on Denver's Jewish community remains unparalleled. Discover how Robin's parents quietly instilled a sense of responsibility through their actions rather than words, teaching her that "if you are blessed in this world, if you have the capacity to be able to help other people, then it's what you have to do."<br /><br />Hear Robin's transformative story about her missions to Israel with Federation, where walking into apartment buildings riddled with bullet holes from Gaza brought the struggles of the Jewish people directly to the forefront of her eyes. Learn how seeing something firsthand—not just reading about it—changed everything about her commitment to giving.<br /><br />Robin opens up about the challenges of passing on philanthropic values to the next generation, revealing how her children initially resented her constant community involvement yet ultimately embraced the same values, now taking their own children to volunteer at assisted living facilities. From her grandchildren's service work in New York to her daughter Whitney's community involvement in Denver, Robin's greatest accomplishment isn't measured in dollars but in the saplings that grew from her family tree.<br /><br />Whether you're navigating difficult times reminiscent of World War II and the Depression or seeking to create lasting impact through Federation, JFS, National Jewish Hospital, or your local community, Robin's wisdom reminds us why firsthand experience and persistent commitment matter more than the size of any single gift. This episode challenges us to recognize that we live comfortably in Denver while others face unimaginable struggles and asks what we will do with that blessing. Discover why Robin wants to "live forever" to witness the potential still ahead and what it truly means to leave a legacy that transcends generations.<br /><br /><b>CONNECT WITH US:</b><br /><b>🎧 Listen to all our podcasts: [www.joidenver.com/podcasts]</b><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more: </b><br />Website - https://www.joidenver.com<br />Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenver<br />Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver <br />YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver<br />Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2986</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>communityimpact,communityservice,denverjewishcommunity,federationmissions,generationalimpact,givingback,intergenerationalwealth,israelsupport,jewishdenver,jewishfamily,jewishgiving,jewishleadership,jewishphilanthropy,jewishvalues,legacygiving,philanthropypodcast,socialresponsibility,tikkunolam,tzedakah,volunteerwork</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>60</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why Does Hanukkah Change Dates Every Year? Jewish Calendar Explained</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-does-hanukkah-change-dates-every-year-jewish-calendar-explained--69530875</link><description><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a question many people wonder about: What's up with the Jewish calendar? Why was Hanukkah on December 2nd one year, late December another year, and even overlapped with Thanksgiving a few years ago? Why does this calendar seem so different from the regular calendar we use?<br /><br />I explain that here in America and most of the Western world, we use the Gregorian calendar, which is purely solar at 365.2524 days. Other cultures use lunar calendars, like Islam, which track cycles of the moon. In lunar calendars, years are arbitrary, which is why Muslim holidays like Ramadan can fall in winter one year and summer another - the season doesn't matter. The Jewish calendar is unique because it's neither purely solar nor purely lunar - it's a luni-solar calendar. Unlike lunar calendars, our holidays must fall in specific seasons because they're intimately connected to the time of year.<br /><br />The Torah explicitly commands that Passover take place in springtime - a season of rejuvenation where everything comes to life and is reborn, mirroring how the Jewish people left Egypt and became a nation during the Exodus. To accomplish this seasonal alignment while following lunar months, we add an extra month of Adar seven times in every 19-year cycle. This means seven times every 19 years, we have 13 months instead of 12. If you're born in the month of Adar, you get to celebrate two birthdays during those leap years!<br /><br />This is why the Jewish calendar doesn't align with the English calendar exactly - it only does so every 19 years. Every 19 years, your English birthday and Hebrew birthday will fall on the same day.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69530875</guid><pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 12:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69530875/08jewishcalendar.mp3" length="4615770" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a question many people wonder about: What's up with the Jewish calendar? Why was Hanukkah on December 2nd one year, late December another year,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a question many people wonder about: What's up with the Jewish calendar? Why was Hanukkah on December 2nd one year, late December another year, and even overlapped with Thanksgiving a few years ago? Why does this calendar seem so different from the regular calendar we use?<br /><br />I explain that here in America and most of the Western world, we use the Gregorian calendar, which is purely solar at 365.2524 days. Other cultures use lunar calendars, like Islam, which track cycles of the moon. In lunar calendars, years are arbitrary, which is why Muslim holidays like Ramadan can fall in winter one year and summer another - the season doesn't matter. The Jewish calendar is unique because it's neither purely solar nor purely lunar - it's a luni-solar calendar. Unlike lunar calendars, our holidays must fall in specific seasons because they're intimately connected to the time of year.<br /><br />The Torah explicitly commands that Passover take place in springtime - a season of rejuvenation where everything comes to life and is reborn, mirroring how the Jewish people left Egypt and became a nation during the Exodus. To accomplish this seasonal alignment while following lunar months, we add an extra month of Adar seven times in every 19-year cycle. This means seven times every 19 years, we have 13 months instead of 12. If you're born in the month of Adar, you get to celebrate two birthdays during those leap years!<br /><br />This is why the Jewish calendar doesn't align with the English calendar exactly - it only does so every 19 years. Every 19 years, your English birthday and Hebrew birthday will fall on the same day.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>193</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>calendarjudaism,dearrabbi,hanukkahdateschange,hebrewbirthday,hebrewcalendar,jewishcalendar,jewishcalendarexplained,jewishholidaysdates,jewishlearning,jewishpodcast,jewishtime,jewishwisdom,judaismexplained,leapmonthadar,lunarcalendar,lunisolarcalendar,menachemlehrfield,passoverinspring,whyhanukkahchangesdates,whyjewishholidaysmove</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>59</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Bo: Breaking False Loyalties</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-bo-breaking-false-loyalties--69545974</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Bo This Week: Before leaving Egypt, God commands the Israelites to take a lamb, Egypt's deity tie it to their bedposts, then slaughter it as the Korban Pesach. Why specifically a lamb? Because freedom requires letting go of competing allegiances. The Egyptians worshiped lambs. To become God's people, the Israelites had to publicly reject what Egypt held sacred, releasing the Egyptian mentality, culture, and false gods that once defined them. Only then could they embrace true freedom. We all carry 'lambs', old identities, toxic beliefs, relationships that no longer serve us. Real liberation isn't just escaping physical bondage; it's releasing the internal chains that keep us enslaved. What false gods are you still tied to? What do you need to let go of to be truly free? Shabbat Shalom. 🐑<br /><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69545974</guid><pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 12:00:12 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69545974/0122_esv2_90p_bg_10p.mp3" length="935018" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Bo This Week: Before leaving Egypt, God commands the Israelites to take a lamb, Egypt's deity tie it to their bedposts, then slaughter it as the Korban Pesach. Why specifically a lamb? Because freedom requires letting go of competing...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Bo This Week: Before leaving Egypt, God commands the Israelites to take a lamb, Egypt's deity tie it to their bedposts, then slaughter it as the Korban Pesach. Why specifically a lamb? Because freedom requires letting go of competing allegiances. The Egyptians worshiped lambs. To become God's people, the Israelites had to publicly reject what Egypt held sacred, releasing the Egyptian mentality, culture, and false gods that once defined them. Only then could they embrace true freedom. We all carry 'lambs', old identities, toxic beliefs, relationships that no longer serve us. Real liberation isn't just escaping physical bondage; it's releasing the internal chains that keep us enslaved. What false gods are you still tied to? What do you need to let go of to be truly free? Shabbat Shalom. 🐑<br /><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>59</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,bo,breakingchains,freedom,innerliberation,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,lettinggo,pesach,releasethepast,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,truefreedom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>58</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why Does the Jewish Day Start at Sundown? Biblical Wisdom Explained</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-does-the-jewish-day-start-at-sundown-biblical-wisdom-explained--69530876</link><description><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a fascinating question: Why does the Jewish concept of a day start at sundown instead of midnight or sunrise like most modern calendars? As Jews, we do tend to do things differently, and this includes how we mark time - but there's profound wisdom behind it.<br /><br />I explain that in the biblical narrative of creation, throughout every day of creation, the Torah states: "And it was evening, and it was morning - day one..,. and it was evening, and it was morning - a second day, a third day," etc. By consistently placing evening before morning, the Torah teaches us that the Jewish concept of time begins with night. This is why all Jewish holidays begin the evening before, and every Jewish day actually begins at sundown.<br /><br />But there's a deeper meaning here. Perhaps Jewish wisdom is teaching us that "all is good in the end, and if it's not good, it's not the end." Night symbolizes difficulty, darkness, and challenge - things we all face in life. Daytime represents clarity, when things are going well and proceeding the way we want them to. We praise God openly in the day when His presence is clear, while at night we trust and have faith even when we don't see His presence.<br /><br />By beginning our day at night, before the morning comes, Judaism teaches us that there is always light ahead, always a positive following the darkness. The day always comes after the night, reminding us that challenges are temporary and goodness prevails in the end.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69530876</guid><pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 12:35:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69530876/dear_rabbi_day_or_night.mp3" length="4428612" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a fascinating question: Why does the Jewish concept of a day start at sundown instead of midnight or sunrise like most modern calendars? As...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a fascinating question: Why does the Jewish concept of a day start at sundown instead of midnight or sunrise like most modern calendars? As Jews, we do tend to do things differently, and this includes how we mark time - but there's profound wisdom behind it.<br /><br />I explain that in the biblical narrative of creation, throughout every day of creation, the Torah states: "And it was evening, and it was morning - day one..,. and it was evening, and it was morning - a second day, a third day," etc. By consistently placing evening before morning, the Torah teaches us that the Jewish concept of time begins with night. This is why all Jewish holidays begin the evening before, and every Jewish day actually begins at sundown.<br /><br />But there's a deeper meaning here. Perhaps Jewish wisdom is teaching us that "all is good in the end, and if it's not good, it's not the end." Night symbolizes difficulty, darkness, and challenge - things we all face in life. Daytime represents clarity, when things are going well and proceeding the way we want them to. We praise God openly in the day when His presence is clear, while at night we trust and have faith even when we don't see His presence.<br /><br />By beginning our day at night, before the morning comes, Judaism teaches us that there is always light ahead, always a positive following the darkness. The day always comes after the night, reminding us that challenges are temporary and goodness prevails in the end.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>139</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalcreation,biblicalnarrative,creationstory,eveningandmorning,jewishcalendar,jewisheducation,jewishholidays,jewishlearning,jewishphilosophy,jewishpodcast,jewishteachings,jewishtimeconcept,jewishwisdom,judaism,judaismexplained,torahteachings</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>57</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Vaeira: When Ignoring Evil Becomes Evil</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-vaeira-when-ignoring-evil-becomes-evil--69468085</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Vaeira This Week: The plague of frogs was relentless, croaking everywhere, no escape from the noise. Why? Midah k'neged midah, measure for measure. For 210 years of slavery, Egyptians chose silence. They knew what was happening but kept their heads down, saying, 'not my problem.' So God sent a plague they couldn't ignore, constant, inescapable noise. We've seen this pattern repeat: Holocaust neighbors who 'didn't know' what was happening miles away. Today, people are ignoring oppression worldwide, Iranian protesters risking everything for freedom, while others stay silent. The Torah's message is clear: silence in the face of injustice isn't neutrality, it's complicity. When you witness oppression and say nothing, you become part of the problem. Speak up. Stand up. Silence is violence. Shabbat Shalom. 🐸<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69468085</guid><pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 14:58:30 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69468085/rmll.mp3" length="2534763" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Vaeira This Week: The plague of frogs was relentless, croaking everywhere, no escape from the noise. Why? Midah k'neged midah, measure for measure. For 210 years of slavery, Egyptians chose silence. They knew what was happening but kept...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Vaeira This Week: The plague of frogs was relentless, croaking everywhere, no escape from the noise. Why? Midah k'neged midah, measure for measure. For 210 years of slavery, Egyptians chose silence. They knew what was happening but kept their heads down, saying, 'not my problem.' So God sent a plague they couldn't ignore, constant, inescapable noise. We've seen this pattern repeat: Holocaust neighbors who 'didn't know' what was happening miles away. Today, people are ignoring oppression worldwide, Iranian protesters risking everything for freedom, while others stay silent. The Torah's message is clear: silence in the face of injustice isn't neutrality, it's complicity. When you witness oppression and say nothing, you become part of the problem. Speak up. Stand up. Silence is violence. Shabbat Shalom. 🐸<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>106</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>activism,biblicalinsights,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,justice,moralresponsibility,neveragain,silenceisviolence,soulfulliving,speakup,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,standagainstoppression,torahwisdom,vaeira,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>56</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Vayigash: The Ultimate Act of Forgiveness</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-vayigash-the-ultimate-act-of-forgiveness--69213564</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Vayigash This Week: 'I am Yosef, your brother.' Imagine the shock. The brothers stand before Egypt's viceroy, and suddenly realize it's the brother they sold into slavery years ago, assumed dead. This is Yosef's moment to unleash years of justified anger, to make them grovel, to remind them of their betrayal. But he doesn't. Instead, he says: 'Don't feel bad. This was all part of God's plan.' The self-restraint. The perspective. The spiritual maturity to see divine orchestration in his deepest trauma. Yosef teaches us: we can't always control what happens to us, but we can always control our response. Sometimes the greatest power isn't revenge, it's reframing your pain as part of a bigger story. What would change if you saw purpose in your struggles? Shabbat Shalom. 🙏<br /><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69213564</guid><pubDate>Fri, 26 Dec 2025 20:29:46 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69213564/1226_esv2_90p_bg_10p.mp3" length="1356739" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Vayigash This Week: 'I am Yosef, your brother.' Imagine the shock. The brothers stand before Egypt's viceroy, and suddenly realize it's the brother they sold into slavery years ago, assumed dead. This is Yosef's moment to unleash years of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Vayigash This Week: 'I am Yosef, your brother.' Imagine the shock. The brothers stand before Egypt's viceroy, and suddenly realize it's the brother they sold into slavery years ago, assumed dead. This is Yosef's moment to unleash years of justified anger, to make them grovel, to remind them of their betrayal. But he doesn't. Instead, he says: 'Don't feel bad. This was all part of God's plan.' The self-restraint. The perspective. The spiritual maturity to see divine orchestration in his deepest trauma. Yosef teaches us: we can't always control what happens to us, but we can always control our response. Sometimes the greatest power isn't revenge, it's reframing your pain as part of a bigger story. What would change if you saw purpose in your struggles? Shabbat Shalom. 🙏<br /><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>85</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,couragetochange,familyreunion,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,protectthevulnerable,redemption,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,standingup,teshuvah,torahwisdom,vayigash,weeklyparsha,yehudah,yosef</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>55</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>What's the Point of Prayer If God Already Knows What I Need?</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-s-the-point-of-prayer-if-god-already-knows-what-i-need--69193940</link><description><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><b></b><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle a fundamental question about prayer: What's the point if God already knows what I need? Are we trying to change God's mind? The answer reveals that worship is far more sophisticated than simply presenting God with an Amazon wish list.<br /><br />I explain that God already knows what we need, and if He's determined something isn't good for us, no amount of asking will change that - just like a parent won't give a three-year-old a knife no matter how much they beg, because it's dangerous. However, with a ten-year-old asking for a knife, the answer becomes "it depends" based on their intention and maturity.<br /><br />Through a humorous example about asking for a Lamborghini "to help old ladies," I demonstrate how prayer forces us to clarify what we truly want and why we want it. When we justify our requests, we often realize our real motivations - ego, status, selfish desires - versus genuine needs. This self-examination is one of prayer's primary purposes.<br /><br />Additionally, prayer reminds us that God is the only one who can truly provide what we need. Using a rabbi joke about asking for a burger at a library, I illustrate that asking someone for something implies believing they can give it to you. Prayer accomplishes two crucial things: clarifying what we want and why, and reminding ourselves that God is the ultimate source of everything we need.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69193940</guid><pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 12:00:09 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69193940/03prayer.mp3" length="5611340" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle a fundamental question about prayer: What's the point if God already knows what I need? Are we trying to change God's mind? The answer reveals...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><b></b><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle a fundamental question about prayer: What's the point if God already knows what I need? Are we trying to change God's mind? The answer reveals that worship is far more sophisticated than simply presenting God with an Amazon wish list.<br /><br />I explain that God already knows what we need, and if He's determined something isn't good for us, no amount of asking will change that - just like a parent won't give a three-year-old a knife no matter how much they beg, because it's dangerous. However, with a ten-year-old asking for a knife, the answer becomes "it depends" based on their intention and maturity.<br /><br />Through a humorous example about asking for a Lamborghini "to help old ladies," I demonstrate how prayer forces us to clarify what we truly want and why we want it. When we justify our requests, we often realize our real motivations - ego, status, selfish desires - versus genuine needs. This self-examination is one of prayer's primary purposes.<br /><br />Additionally, prayer reminds us that God is the only one who can truly provide what we need. Using a rabbi joke about asking for a burger at a library, I illustrate that asking someone for something implies believing they can give it to you. Prayer accomplishes two crucial things: clarifying what we want and why, and reminding ourselves that God is the ultimate source of everything we need.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>234</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>jewishlearning,jewishpodcast,jewishprayer,jewishspirituality,jewishteachings,jewishtheology,jewishwisdom,jewishworship,judaism,judaismexplained,prayerexplained,prayerjudaism,prayermeaningjudaism,prayerphilosophy,prayerpurpose,purposeofprayer,spiritualgrowth,tefillah,whyjewspray</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>54</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Mikeitz: Forget Before You Flourish</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-mikeitz-forget-before-you-flourish--69130978</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Mikeitz This Week: Yosef names his sons in revealing order. First, Menashe 'nashani Elokim', God made me forget the troubles of my past. Second, Efraim 'ki hifrani', God made me fruitful in this land. The order matters: forget first, flourish second. Yosef had every reason to stay bitter, betrayed by brothers, falsely imprisoned, and forgotten for years. But he chose to release the past before building his future. You can't construct a tower on a shaky foundation of resentment, trauma, and unprocessed pain. Sometimes moving forward requires letting go, not denying what happened, but refusing to let it define what's next. What past are you holding onto that's preventing your future? Healing isn't forgetting, it's freedom. Shabbat Shalom. 🌱<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69130978</guid><pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 12:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69130978/rml_esv2_90p_bg_10p_1.mp3" length="1321213" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Mikeitz This Week: Yosef names his sons in revealing order. First, Menashe 'nashani Elokim', God made me forget the troubles of my past. Second, Efraim 'ki hifrani', God made me fruitful in this land. The order matters: forget first,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Mikeitz This Week: Yosef names his sons in revealing order. First, Menashe 'nashani Elokim', God made me forget the troubles of my past. Second, Efraim 'ki hifrani', God made me fruitful in this land. The order matters: forget first, flourish second. Yosef had every reason to stay bitter, betrayed by brothers, falsely imprisoned, and forgotten for years. But he chose to release the past before building his future. You can't construct a tower on a shaky foundation of resentment, trauma, and unprocessed pain. Sometimes moving forward requires letting go, not denying what happened, but refusing to let it define what's next. What past are you holding onto that's preventing your future? Healing isn't forgetting, it's freedom. Shabbat Shalom. 🌱<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>83</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,emotionalfreedom,forgivetoflouris,healing,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,lettinggo,mikeitz,movingforward,personalgrowth,releasethepast,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha,yosef</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>53</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>POV Parsha - Parshat Miketz - Joseph and Hanukkah Part 2</title><link>http://joidenver.com/podcasts</link><description><![CDATA[In Part 1, we laid out questions: Why does the Midrash connect Greece to the "horn of an ox"? Why is Yosef described by Moshe using that imagery? Why does Yosef's rise to power in Egypt matter for understanding Chanukah?<br /><br />Now we return to put the pieces together.Chanukah always falls during the Torah portions that tell the story of Yosef, and that timing isn't coincidental. In this episode, we explore what Yosef's journey—his success in a foreign empire, his beauty, his ability to navigate power—teaches us about the Chanukah struggle with Greece. What does it mean to shine in a world that celebrates external achievement?<br />And where does true power come from?<br /><br />This is where the questions from Part 1 find their answers.<br /><br />This is from the POV Parsha podcast. To subscribe to that visit <a href="https://joidenver.com/podcasts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">joidenver.com/podcasts </a><br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69124846</guid><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 21:39:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69124846/miketz_part_2.mp3" length="23350403" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In Part 1, we laid out questions: Why does the Midrash connect Greece to the "horn of an ox"? Why is Yosef described by Moshe using that imagery? Why does Yosef's rise to power in Egypt matter for understanding Chanukah?

Now we return to put the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In Part 1, we laid out questions: Why does the Midrash connect Greece to the "horn of an ox"? Why is Yosef described by Moshe using that imagery? Why does Yosef's rise to power in Egypt matter for understanding Chanukah?<br /><br />Now we return to put the pieces together.Chanukah always falls during the Torah portions that tell the story of Yosef, and that timing isn't coincidental. In this episode, we explore what Yosef's journey—his success in a foreign empire, his beauty, his ability to navigate power—teaches us about the Chanukah struggle with Greece. What does it mean to shine in a world that celebrates external achievement?<br />And where does true power come from?<br /><br />This is where the questions from Part 1 find their answers.<br /><br />This is from the POV Parsha podcast. To subscribe to that visit <a href="https://joidenver.com/podcasts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">joidenver.com/podcasts </a><br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1460</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>chanukkah,hanukkah,joseph,parsha,torah</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>52</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parsha POV - Miketz - Joseph and Hanukkah Part 1</title><link>http://joidenver.com/podcasts</link><description><![CDATA[Chanukah always falls during the Torah portions that tell the story of Yosef, but the connection is rarely explored directly. In this episode, I do something simple: I ask questions.Why does the Midrash connect Greece to the “horn of an ox”? Why is Yosef described by Moshe using that imagery? Why does Yosef’s rise to power in Egypt matter for understanding Chanukah? And what is Chanukah really teaching about success, leadership, and where power comes from?This episode is intentionally open-ended. It lays out the questions and the sources without rushing to conclusions. In Part 2, we’ll return to these questions and put the ideas together, offering a clearer picture of how Yosef’s story shapes the deeper meaning of Chanukah.<br /><br />This comes from our Parsha POV podcast. You can subscribe and learn more at <a href="https://joidenver.com/podcasts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">joidenver.com/podcasts</a><br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69120335</guid><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 16:26:06 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69120335/miketz_joseph_and_hanukkah_part_1.mp3" length="28510109" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Chanukah always falls during the Torah portions that tell the story of Yosef, but the connection is rarely explored directly. In this episode, I do something simple: I ask questions.Why does the Midrash connect Greece to the “horn of an ox”? Why is...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Chanukah always falls during the Torah portions that tell the story of Yosef, but the connection is rarely explored directly. In this episode, I do something simple: I ask questions.Why does the Midrash connect Greece to the “horn of an ox”? Why is Yosef described by Moshe using that imagery? Why does Yosef’s rise to power in Egypt matter for understanding Chanukah? And what is Chanukah really teaching about success, leadership, and where power comes from?This episode is intentionally open-ended. It lays out the questions and the sources without rushing to conclusions. In Part 2, we’ll return to these questions and put the ideas together, offering a clearer picture of how Yosef’s story shapes the deeper meaning of Chanukah.<br /><br />This comes from our Parsha POV podcast. You can subscribe and learn more at <a href="https://joidenver.com/podcasts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">joidenver.com/podcasts</a><br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1782</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>chanukkah,hanukkah,jewish,judaism,parsha,parshapov,torah,yosef</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>51</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Shabbos vs Shabbat: Why Jews Pronounce Hebrew Differently</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/shabbos-vs-shabbat-why-jews-pronounce-hebrew-differently--69096302</link><description><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><b></b><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a fascinating question about Jewish pronunciation: Why do some people say "Shabbos" while others say "Shabbat"? Is Shabbos actually Yiddish? The answer reveals a deeper story about Jewish history, migration, and the diversity within the Jewish people.<br /><br />I explain that both "Shabbos" and "Shabbat" are equally Hebrew - the difference comes from where Jews historically lived. Ashkenazi Jews (from Eastern European descent - the word literally means Germany) tend to say "Shabbos," while Sephardi Jews (from Spain, North Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Europe) say "Shabbat." The Sephardi story includes the famous 1492 expulsion from Spain - the same year Columbus sailed - when Jews were kicked out and spread to North Africa and the Ottoman Empire.<br /><br />The pronunciation difference stems from how each community treats the Hebrew letter "tav." Ashkenazim differentiate between tav with a dot (pronounced like "T") and without a dot (pronounced like "S"), which is why they say "Shabbos." Sephardim pronounce tav as "T" regardless of the dot, resulting in "Shabbat." I explain why many Jews today use Sephardi pronunciation even if they're Ashkenazi: When Israel was established, and Hebrew became a spoken language again, most founders were Sephardi, so modern Hebrew adopted their pronunciation. It's also simpler with fewer rules to remember. <br /><b></b><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69096302</guid><pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 13:05:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69096302/04shabbatorshabbos.mp3" length="6892815" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a fascinating question about Jewish pronunciation: Why do some people say "Shabbos" while others say "Shabbat"? Is Shabbos actually Yiddish? The...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><b></b><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a fascinating question about Jewish pronunciation: Why do some people say "Shabbos" while others say "Shabbat"? Is Shabbos actually Yiddish? The answer reveals a deeper story about Jewish history, migration, and the diversity within the Jewish people.<br /><br />I explain that both "Shabbos" and "Shabbat" are equally Hebrew - the difference comes from where Jews historically lived. Ashkenazi Jews (from Eastern European descent - the word literally means Germany) tend to say "Shabbos," while Sephardi Jews (from Spain, North Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Europe) say "Shabbat." The Sephardi story includes the famous 1492 expulsion from Spain - the same year Columbus sailed - when Jews were kicked out and spread to North Africa and the Ottoman Empire.<br /><br />The pronunciation difference stems from how each community treats the Hebrew letter "tav." Ashkenazim differentiate between tav with a dot (pronounced like "T") and without a dot (pronounced like "S"), which is why they say "Shabbos." Sephardim pronounce tav as "T" regardless of the dot, resulting in "Shabbat." I explain why many Jews today use Sephardi pronunciation even if they're Ashkenazi: When Israel was established, and Hebrew became a spoken language again, most founders were Sephardi, so modern Hebrew adopted their pronunciation. It's also simpler with fewer rules to remember. <br /><b></b><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>288</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>ashkenazijews,askarabbi,dearrabbi,easterneuropeanjews,hebrewdialect,hebrewpronunciation,israelihebrew,jewishcustoms,jewishdiversity,jewishhistory,jewishlearning,jewishpronunciation,jewishtraditions,judaismexplained,modernhebrew,sephardijews,shabbatorshabbos,shabbosvsshabbat,spanishjews,whyjewspronouncedifferently</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>50</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Vayeishev: The Secret to Yosef's Success</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-vayeishev-the-secret-to-yosef-s-success--68988176</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Vayeishev This Week: Yosef's life is a rollercoaster, sold into slavery, rises in Potiphar's house, wrongly imprisoned, and becomes Egypt's viceroy. Through every high and low, one thing remains constant: success. What's his secret? The Torah repeatedly states, 'God was with Yosef,' but more importantly, Potiphar saw that God was with him. Yosef's success wasn't hidden faith; it was visible godliness. People encountered God through encountering Yosef. This is Kiddush Hashem, living so that others see the Divine radiating through you. It's not just what you believe privately; it's how your actions, integrity, and character reveal God's presence publicly. When people meet you, what do they see? That's the measure of true success. Shabbat Shalom. ✨<br /><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68988176</guid><pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 12:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/68988176/rml_1_esv2_90p_bg_10p.mp3" length="1238875" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Vayeishev This Week: Yosef's life is a rollercoaster, sold into slavery, rises in Potiphar's house, wrongly imprisoned, and becomes Egypt's viceroy. Through every high and low, one thing remains constant: success. What's his secret? The...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Vayeishev This Week: Yosef's life is a rollercoaster, sold into slavery, rises in Potiphar's house, wrongly imprisoned, and becomes Egypt's viceroy. Through every high and low, one thing remains constant: success. What's his secret? The Torah repeatedly states, 'God was with Yosef,' but more importantly, Potiphar saw that God was with him. Yosef's success wasn't hidden faith; it was visible godliness. People encountered God through encountering Yosef. This is Kiddush Hashem, living so that others see the Divine radiating through you. It's not just what you believe privately; it's how your actions, integrity, and character reveal God's presence publicly. When people meet you, what do they see? That's the measure of true success. Shabbat Shalom. ✨<br /><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>78</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,godspresence,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,kiddushhashem,livingwithintegrity,radiatinggodliness,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,success,torahwisdom,truesuccess,vayeishev,weeklyparsha,yosef</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>49</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parsha POV: Vayeshev - Joseph's Dreams and Second Chances</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parsha-pov-vayeshev-joseph-s-dreams-and-second-chances--68978712</link><description><![CDATA[In this week's Parshat POV, we explore Parshat Vayeshev, one of the Torah's most dramatic narratives. Just as Jacob thinks he can finally settle down and find peace, his life takes the most challenging turn yet. The portion follows Joseph's descent from favored son to enslaved prisoner, sold by his jealous brothers, falsely accused by Potiphar's wife, and thrown into an Egyptian dungeon. Woven into this drama is the mysterious story of Judah and Tamar, which seems out of place but reveals profound lessons about leadership and accountability. Through the parallel narratives of Joseph and Judah, we discover a powerful message about second chances: the Hebrew word "hakir na" (identify please) appears in both Joseph's coat and Tamar's plea, connecting their stories and showing how mistakes don't define us forever. We learn that true leadership requires taking responsibility, and that even our greatest failures can become pathways to redemption. This engaging Torah study combines textual analysis with timeless lessons about resilience, moral courage, and the transformative power of owning our mistakes.<br /><b></b><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68978712</guid><pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 17:15:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/68978712/parshat_pov_long_form_2.mp3" length="66689455" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In this week's Parshat POV, we explore Parshat Vayeshev, one of the Torah's most dramatic narratives. Just as Jacob thinks he can finally settle down and find peace, his life takes the most challenging turn yet. The portion follows Joseph's descent...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this week's Parshat POV, we explore Parshat Vayeshev, one of the Torah's most dramatic narratives. Just as Jacob thinks he can finally settle down and find peace, his life takes the most challenging turn yet. The portion follows Joseph's descent from favored son to enslaved prisoner, sold by his jealous brothers, falsely accused by Potiphar's wife, and thrown into an Egyptian dungeon. Woven into this drama is the mysterious story of Judah and Tamar, which seems out of place but reveals profound lessons about leadership and accountability. Through the parallel narratives of Joseph and Judah, we discover a powerful message about second chances: the Hebrew word "hakir na" (identify please) appears in both Joseph's coat and Tamar's plea, connecting their stories and showing how mistakes don't define us forever. We learn that true leadership requires taking responsibility, and that even our greatest failures can become pathways to redemption. This engaging Torah study combines textual analysis with timeless lessons about resilience, moral courage, and the transformative power of owning our mistakes.<br /><b></b><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2775</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalnarrative,genesisstudy,jewisheducation,jewishlearning,josephandhisbrothers,joseph'sdreams,judahandtamar,leadershiplessons,parshatpov,parshatvayeshev,redemption,secondchances,takingresponsibility,torahcommentary,torahstudy,weeklytorahportion</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>48</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>What's the Point of Prayer If God Already Knows What I Need?</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-s-the-point-of-prayer-if-god-already-knows-what-i-need--68974141</link><description><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><b></b><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle a fundamental question about prayer: What's the point if God already knows what I need? Are we trying to change God's mind? The answer reveals that prayer is far more sophisticated than simply presenting God with an Amazon wish list.<br /><br />I explain that God already knows what we need, and if He's determined something isn't good for us, no amount of asking will change that - just like a parent won't give a three-year-old a knife no matter how much they beg, because it's dangerous. However, prayer works differently with a ten-year-old asking for a knife - the answer becomes "it depends" based on their intention and maturity.<br /><br />Through a humorous example about asking for a Lamborghini "to help old ladies," I demonstrate how prayer forces us to clarify what we truly want and why we want it. When we have to justify our requests, we often realize our real motivations - ego, status, or selfish desires - versus genuine needs. This self-examination is one of prayer's primary purposes.<br /><br />Additionally, prayer reminds us that God is the only one who can truly provide what we need. Using a rabbi joke about asking for a burger at a library, I illustrate that asking someone for something implies believing they can give it to you. Prayer accomplishes two crucial things: clarifying what we want and why, and reminding ourselves that God is the ultimate source of everything we need.<br /><b></b><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68974141</guid><pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 12:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/68974141/03prayer.mp3" length="5611340" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle a fundamental question about prayer: What's the point if God already knows what I need? Are we trying to change God's mind? The answer reveals...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><b></b><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle a fundamental question about prayer: What's the point if God already knows what I need? Are we trying to change God's mind? The answer reveals that prayer is far more sophisticated than simply presenting God with an Amazon wish list.<br /><br />I explain that God already knows what we need, and if He's determined something isn't good for us, no amount of asking will change that - just like a parent won't give a three-year-old a knife no matter how much they beg, because it's dangerous. However, prayer works differently with a ten-year-old asking for a knife - the answer becomes "it depends" based on their intention and maturity.<br /><br />Through a humorous example about asking for a Lamborghini "to help old ladies," I demonstrate how prayer forces us to clarify what we truly want and why we want it. When we have to justify our requests, we often realize our real motivations - ego, status, or selfish desires - versus genuine needs. This self-examination is one of prayer's primary purposes.<br /><br />Additionally, prayer reminds us that God is the only one who can truly provide what we need. Using a rabbi joke about asking for a burger at a library, I illustrate that asking someone for something implies believing they can give it to you. Prayer accomplishes two crucial things: clarifying what we want and why, and reminding ourselves that God is the ultimate source of everything we need.<br /><b></b><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>234</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>doesprayerwork,jewishlearning,jewishpodcast,jewishprayer,jewishspirituality,jewishteachings,jewishtheology,jewishwisdom,jewishworship,judaism,judaismexplained,prayer,prayerexplained,prayermeanin,prayerphilosophy,prayerpurpose,purposeofprayer,spiritualgrowth,tefillah,whyjewspray</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>47</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parsha POV: Jacob's Return and the Story of Dinah</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parsha-pov-jacob-s-return-and-the-story-of-dinah--68903521</link><description><![CDATA[An engaging Torah study session exploring Parshat Vayishlach, where Jacob prepares to reunite with his brother Esau after years of separation. The discussion covers the concept of angels (malakhim) in Jewish tradition, Jacob's wrestling match with the angel and his resulting limp, the significance of name changes (Jacob to Israel), and the tragic story of Dinah. The session concludes with powerful lessons about Leah's selflessness and the principle that doing the right thing ultimately brings divine reward, even if not immediately. This interactive study combines textual analysis with practical life lessons, emphasizing themes of wholeness, identity, and moral courage. Perfect for anyone interested in Jewish learning, biblical interpretation, or exploring the deeper meanings within Torah narratives.<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68903521</guid><pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 18:45:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/68903521/parshat_long_version.mp3" length="84891749" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>An engaging Torah study session exploring Parshat Vayishlach, where Jacob prepares to reunite with his brother Esau after years of separation. The discussion covers the concept of angels (malakhim) in Jewish tradition, Jacob's wrestling match with the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[An engaging Torah study session exploring Parshat Vayishlach, where Jacob prepares to reunite with his brother Esau after years of separation. The discussion covers the concept of angels (malakhim) in Jewish tradition, Jacob's wrestling match with the angel and his resulting limp, the significance of name changes (Jacob to Israel), and the tragic story of Dinah. The session concludes with powerful lessons about Leah's selflessness and the principle that doing the right thing ultimately brings divine reward, even if not immediately. This interactive study combines textual analysis with practical life lessons, emphasizing themes of wholeness, identity, and moral courage. Perfect for anyone interested in Jewish learning, biblical interpretation, or exploring the deeper meanings within Torah narratives.<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>3537</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>angelsinjudaism,biblestudy,biblicalcommentary,genesisstudy,interactivelearning,jacobandesau,jewisheducation,jewishlearning,jewishphilosophy,jewishtextstudy,parshatvayishlach,storyofdinah,talmuddiscussion,torahstudy,weeklytorahportion</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>46</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Vayishlach: The Name That Defines Us</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-vayishlach-the-name-that-defines-us--68890689</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Vayishlach This Week: Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks asked: Why don't we know why bad things happen to good people? His answer: Because if we knew, we'd accept it as God's will and stop fighting to make things better. This week, Yaakov wrestles with an angel and earns a new name: Yisrael' ki sarita im Elohim' because you have struggled with God and prevailed. That's who we are. To be Jewish means being okay with wrestling with the Divine, questioning, arguing, demanding answers, refusing to accept injustice just because 'that's how it is.' We don't passively accept suffering; we challenge it, fight it, and work to fix it. There's nothing more Jewish than standing up for what's right, even if it means wrestling with God Himself. Shabbat Shalom. 💪<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68890689</guid><pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 12:00:09 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/68890689/rml_esv2_90p_bg_10p.mp3" length="1420269" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Vayishlach This Week: Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks asked: Why don't we know why bad things happen to good people? His answer: Because if we knew, we'd accept it as God's will and stop fighting to make things better. This week, Yaakov wrestles...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Vayishlach This Week: Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks asked: Why don't we know why bad things happen to good people? His answer: Because if we knew, we'd accept it as God's will and stop fighting to make things better. This week, Yaakov wrestles with an angel and earns a new name: Yisrael' ki sarita im Elohim' because you have struggled with God and prevailed. That's who we are. To be Jewish means being okay with wrestling with the Divine, questioning, arguing, demanding answers, refusing to accept injustice just because 'that's how it is.' We don't passively accept suffering; we challenge it, fight it, and work to fix it. There's nothing more Jewish than standing up for what's right, even if it means wrestling with God Himself. Shabbat Shalom. 💪<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>89</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,fightforjustice,inspirationalthoughts,jewishidentity,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,questioneverything,rabbisacks,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,vayishlach,weeklyparsha,wrestling,wrestlingwithgod,yisrael</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>45</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Vayeitzei: One Day at a Time</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-vayeitzei-one-day-at-a-time--68782470</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Vayeitzei This Week: Yaakov works 7 years of slave labor for Lavan just to marry Rachel. The Torah says those years felt 'k'yamim achadim', like a few days, because he loved her so much. Wait, shouldn't love make time drag? Every day should feel like eternity when you're waiting for what you want most. But here's the brilliance: 'yamim achadim' can also mean 'individual days.' Yaakov didn't stare at the mountain of 7 years thinking, 'I can't do this.' He broke it down: just get through today. Then tomorrow. Then the next day. When we face overwhelming challenges, we paralyze ourselves by looking at the whole mountain. Break it into steps. One day. One moment. Suddenly, the impossible becomes achievable. What mountain do you need to break into in days? Shabbat Shalom. 🏔️<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68782470</guid><pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 12:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/68782470/1128_esv2_90p_bg_10p.mp3" length="1380563" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Vayeitzei This Week: Yaakov works 7 years of slave labor for Lavan just to marry Rachel. The Torah says those years felt 'k'yamim achadim', like a few days, because he loved her so much. Wait, shouldn't love make time drag? Every day should...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Vayeitzei This Week: Yaakov works 7 years of slave labor for Lavan just to marry Rachel. The Torah says those years felt 'k'yamim achadim', like a few days, because he loved her so much. Wait, shouldn't love make time drag? Every day should feel like eternity when you're waiting for what you want most. But here's the brilliance: 'yamim achadim' can also mean 'individual days.' Yaakov didn't stare at the mountain of 7 years thinking, 'I can't do this.' He broke it down: just get through today. Then tomorrow. Then the next day. When we face overwhelming challenges, we paralyze ourselves by looking at the whole mountain. Break it into steps. One day. One moment. Suddenly, the impossible becomes achievable. What mountain do you need to break into in days? Shabbat Shalom. 🏔️<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>87</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,breakitdown,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,mindsetshift,onedayatatime,overcomingchallenges,perseverance,smallsteps,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,vayeitzei,weeklyparsha,yaakov</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>44</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Do Jews Believe in Soulmates?</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/do-jews-believe-in-soulmates--68753928</link><description><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><b></b><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explore whether Judaism believes in the concept of soulmates and explain the fascinating Jewish teaching of "bashert", the idea of a predestined partner. If you've ever wondered whether there's one perfect person out there for you, or how Jewish tradition views romantic destiny, this episode will provide profound insights that challenge modern assumptions about finding "the one."<br /><br />I explain that in Judaism, there is indeed a concept known as bashert, which means "predestined" or "meant to be." According to Jewish tradition, we're taught that before a child is even born - right after conception - a heavenly voice announces that this person is meant to be with that person. This suggests a divine plan for partnership that exists from the very beginning of our existence.<br /><br />But here's where Jewish wisdom adds a crucial twist to the popular soulmate narrative: Does the existence of a bashert mean you'll automatically find that soulmate? Not necessarily. And more importantly, Judaism places far more emphasis not on finding the soulmate, but on being the soulmate. This is a profound shift in perspective that transforms the entire approach to relationships and marriage.<br /><br />What does it mean to "be the soulmate" rather than just "find the soulmate"? It means we spend more effort on becoming the right partner and becoming the right person, instead of passively searching for the right person. This isn't a passive act of waiting for destiny to deliver your perfect match. It requires active self-improvement, character development, and preparation for partnership.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68753928</guid><pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 12:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/68753928/do_jews_believe_in_the_concept_of_a_soulmate.mp3" length="2803852" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explore whether Judaism believes in the concept of soulmates and explain the fascinating Jewish teaching of "bashert", the idea of a predestined...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b><br /><b></b><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explore whether Judaism believes in the concept of soulmates and explain the fascinating Jewish teaching of "bashert", the idea of a predestined partner. If you've ever wondered whether there's one perfect person out there for you, or how Jewish tradition views romantic destiny, this episode will provide profound insights that challenge modern assumptions about finding "the one."<br /><br />I explain that in Judaism, there is indeed a concept known as bashert, which means "predestined" or "meant to be." According to Jewish tradition, we're taught that before a child is even born - right after conception - a heavenly voice announces that this person is meant to be with that person. This suggests a divine plan for partnership that exists from the very beginning of our existence.<br /><br />But here's where Jewish wisdom adds a crucial twist to the popular soulmate narrative: Does the existence of a bashert mean you'll automatically find that soulmate? Not necessarily. And more importantly, Judaism places far more emphasis not on finding the soulmate, but on being the soulmate. This is a profound shift in perspective that transforms the entire approach to relationships and marriage.<br /><br />What does it mean to "be the soulmate" rather than just "find the soulmate"? It means we spend more effort on becoming the right partner and becoming the right person, instead of passively searching for the right person. This isn't a passive act of waiting for destiny to deliver your perfect match. It requires active self-improvement, character development, and preparation for partnership.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>116</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>jewishdating,jewishfamily,jewishlove,jewishmarriage,jewishmarriageadvice,jewishmatchmaking,jewishpartnership,jewishrelationships,jewishromance,jewishsoulmate,jewishspouse,jewishwedding,judaism,marriageinjudaism,partner,relationshipjudaism,soulconnection,soulmates,spiritualpartnership,torahonmarriage</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>43</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>From Corporate Executive to Philanthropist: David Jacques Farahi's Jewish Giving and Impact</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/from-corporate-executive-to-philanthropist-david-jacques-farahi-s-jewish-giving-and-impact--68753101</link><description><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts.</b><br /><br />Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! 🌟<br /><br />Join us as David Jacques Farahi, a former hospitality and gaming executive turned investor and philanthropist, shares his inspiring journey from corporate America to a life dedicated to meaningful giving. Discover how David's Iranian-Jewish parents modeled philanthropy even before financial success, teaching him that "we have a responsibility," a mantra that shaped his entire worldview.<br /><br />Hear David's powerful story about his work with Derech Eretz, a pre-military program transforming the lives of Israeli youth from underserved communities, and learn how finding the right cause changed his life as much as his giving changed others. From helping Russian Jews escape communism to supporting Israeli startups, David reveals the ripple effects of Jewish philanthropy and why agency, taking action rather than waiting, is central to Jewish values.<br /><br />Whether you're just starting your philanthropic journey or looking to deepen your impact, David's wisdom about time, talent, and treasure will inspire you to recognize that everyone can be a philanthropist. Discover why giving isn't just about writing checks, why hosting a Shabbat dinner can change someone's life, and how the Jewish concept of responsibility leads to ability.<br /><br />This episode challenges the notion that philanthropy is only for the wealthy, offering practical advice on finding causes that align with your passions, creating meaningful impact, and ensuring that the next generation inherits the same freedoms we enjoy today.<br /><br /><b>🔗 CONNECT WITH DAVID JACQUES FARAHI:  </b>https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-jacques-farahi-b542a8208?utm_source=share&amp;utm_campaign=share_via&amp;utm_content=profile&amp;utm_medium=ios_app<br /><br /><b>SUPPORT DERECH ERETZ</b>: <a href="https://derecheretz.org.il/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://derecheretz.org.il/en/</a><br /><br /><b>CONNECT WITH US:</b><br /><b>🎧 Listen to all our podcasts: [www.joidenver.com/podcasts]</b><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more: </b><br />Website - https://www.joidenver.com<br />Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenver<br />Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver <br />YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver<br />Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68753101</guid><pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 09:44:04 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/68753101/david_farahi_podcast_no_snippet.mp3" length="59291227" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts.

Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! 🌟

Join us as David Jacques Farahi, a former hospitality and gaming executive turned...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts.</b><br /><br />Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! 🌟<br /><br />Join us as David Jacques Farahi, a former hospitality and gaming executive turned investor and philanthropist, shares his inspiring journey from corporate America to a life dedicated to meaningful giving. Discover how David's Iranian-Jewish parents modeled philanthropy even before financial success, teaching him that "we have a responsibility," a mantra that shaped his entire worldview.<br /><br />Hear David's powerful story about his work with Derech Eretz, a pre-military program transforming the lives of Israeli youth from underserved communities, and learn how finding the right cause changed his life as much as his giving changed others. From helping Russian Jews escape communism to supporting Israeli startups, David reveals the ripple effects of Jewish philanthropy and why agency, taking action rather than waiting, is central to Jewish values.<br /><br />Whether you're just starting your philanthropic journey or looking to deepen your impact, David's wisdom about time, talent, and treasure will inspire you to recognize that everyone can be a philanthropist. Discover why giving isn't just about writing checks, why hosting a Shabbat dinner can change someone's life, and how the Jewish concept of responsibility leads to ability.<br /><br />This episode challenges the notion that philanthropy is only for the wealthy, offering practical advice on finding causes that align with your passions, creating meaningful impact, and ensuring that the next generation inherits the same freedoms we enjoy today.<br /><br /><b>🔗 CONNECT WITH DAVID JACQUES FARAHI:  </b>https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-jacques-farahi-b542a8208?utm_source=share&amp;utm_campaign=share_via&amp;utm_content=profile&amp;utm_medium=ios_app<br /><br /><b>SUPPORT DERECH ERETZ</b>: <a href="https://derecheretz.org.il/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://derecheretz.org.il/en/</a><br /><br /><b>CONNECT WITH US:</b><br /><b>🎧 Listen to all our podcasts: [www.joidenver.com/podcasts]</b><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more: </b><br />Website - https://www.joidenver.com<br />Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenver<br />Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver <br />YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver<br />Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2466</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>charitablegiving,denverjewishcommunity,impactinvesting,iranianjews,israelistartups,israelsupport,jewishagency,jewishcommunity,jewishidentity,jewishleadership,jewishnonprofit,jewishphilanthropy,jewishresponsibility,jewishtradition,jewishvalues,meaningfullife,philanthropyadvice,socialimpact,tikkunolam,tzedakah</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>42</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Toldot: Stay in the Fight</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-toldot-stay-in-the-fight--68673922</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Toldot This Week: When famine strikes, Yitzchak's instinct is to flee to Egypt like his father did. But God tells him, 'Stay put.' Fight it out right where you are. That year, despite the famine, his crops yielded 100 times what he had expected. Our knee-jerk reaction in challenging dynamics, difficult relationships, struggling businesses, and hard seasons is often to bail, to hit the eject button. And sometimes that's necessary. But sometimes success isn't in escaping; it's in staying present, fighting it out, not giving up when things get hard. The Torah doesn't promise we'll always see material abundance like Yitzchak did, but it reminds us that breakthroughs often come to those who stay in the fight. What would happen if you didn't run? What growth awaits on the other side of staying? Shabbat Shalom. 💪<br /><b></b><br /><b>Follow</b> us <b>for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68673922</guid><pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2025 12:00:09 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/68673922/1121_esv2_90p_bg_10p.mp3" length="1161970" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Toldot This Week: When famine strikes, Yitzchak's instinct is to flee to Egypt like his father did. But God tells him, 'Stay put.' Fight it out right where you are. That year, despite the famine, his crops yielded 100 times what he had...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Toldot This Week: When famine strikes, Yitzchak's instinct is to flee to Egypt like his father did. But God tells him, 'Stay put.' Fight it out right where you are. That year, despite the famine, his crops yielded 100 times what he had expected. Our knee-jerk reaction in challenging dynamics, difficult relationships, struggling businesses, and hard seasons is often to bail, to hit the eject button. And sometimes that's necessary. But sometimes success isn't in escaping; it's in staying present, fighting it out, not giving up when things get hard. The Torah doesn't promise we'll always see material abundance like Yitzchak did, but it reminds us that breakthroughs often come to those who stay in the fight. What would happen if you didn't run? What growth awaits on the other side of staying? Shabbat Shalom. 💪<br /><b></b><br /><b>Follow</b> us <b>for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>73</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,breakthroughs,dontgiveup,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,perseverance,resilience,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,stayinthefight,staypresent,toldot,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha,yitzchak</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>41</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>If God Knows Everything, Do I Really Have Free Will? The Rambam's Question Part 2</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/if-god-knows-everything-do-i-really-have-free-will-the-rambam-s-question-part-2--68639124</link><description><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts.</b><br /><b></b><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I continue from last week's discussion about free will and divine knowledge. Last week, I explained that just because God knows what you're going to choose doesn't stop you from making that choice - much like knowing someone's past actions doesn't negate the fact that they made those choices freely. But this week, I tackle the Rambam's (Maimonides') question, which sounds identical but is actually profoundly different and much deeper.<br /><br />The Rambam's answer is both humble and profound: "Know that the answer to this question is longer than the earth and broader than the sea." In other words, we cannot fully comprehend the answer to this question. But to understand why this question is so much deeper than last week's, I explain a critical point the Rambam makes elsewhere in the same chapter.<br /><br />This episode covers the Rambam's formulation of the free will paradox, the fundamental difference between divine and human knowledge, why God's knowledge becoming part of His essence creates a deeper problem, the concept of divine unity and simplicity, why this question is "longer than the earth and broader than the sea," and what it means to hold seemingly contradictory truths in Judaism.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68639124</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 13:10:37 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/68639124/audio_spreaker_1.mp3" length="4804743" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts.

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I continue from last week's discussion about free will and divine knowledge. Last week, I explained that just because God knows what you're going to...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts.</b><br /><b></b><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I continue from last week's discussion about free will and divine knowledge. Last week, I explained that just because God knows what you're going to choose doesn't stop you from making that choice - much like knowing someone's past actions doesn't negate the fact that they made those choices freely. But this week, I tackle the Rambam's (Maimonides') question, which sounds identical but is actually profoundly different and much deeper.<br /><br />The Rambam's answer is both humble and profound: "Know that the answer to this question is longer than the earth and broader than the sea." In other words, we cannot fully comprehend the answer to this question. But to understand why this question is so much deeper than last week's, I explain a critical point the Rambam makes elsewhere in the same chapter.<br /><br />This episode covers the Rambam's formulation of the free will paradox, the fundamental difference between divine and human knowledge, why God's knowledge becoming part of His essence creates a deeper problem, the concept of divine unity and simplicity, why this question is "longer than the earth and broader than the sea," and what it means to hold seemingly contradictory truths in Judaism.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>199</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>askarabbi,dearrabbi,divineknowledge,humanunderstanding,jewishlearning,jewishphilosophy,jewishpodcast,jewishquestions,jewishteachings,jewishtheology,jewishthought,jewishwisdom,judaism,judaismexplained,maimonides,orthodoxjudaism,rabbianswers,rambam,rambammaimonides,rambamphilosophy</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>40</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Chayei Sarah: The Camel's Lesson in Kindness</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-chayei-sarah-the-camel-s-lesson-in-kindness--68564837</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Chayei Sarah This Week: The real star of this parsha? The camel, mentioned 18 times! In a portion all about kindness (Rivkah watering Eliezer's camels), why focus on camels? Because they teach us something profound: camels can travel vast distances and help others cross deserts, but only after they fill themselves with water first. The Hebrew word 'gamal' (גמל) means both 'camel' AND 'to bestow/give to others.' True kindness doesn't mean becoming a shmata, a rag, letting people walk over you, or depleting yourself completely. You can't pour from an empty cup. Fill yourself first, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and then you'll have the capacity to help others truly. Self-care isn't selfish; it's preparation for sustainable kindness. Shabbat Shalom. 🐪<br /><br /><b>Follow</b> us <b>for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68564837</guid><pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 12:00:09 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/68564837/1114_1_esv2_90p_bg_10p.mp3" length="1327482" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Chayei Sarah This Week: The real star of this parsha? The camel, mentioned 18 times! In a portion all about kindness (Rivkah watering Eliezer's camels), why focus on camels? Because they teach us something profound: camels can travel vast...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Chayei Sarah This Week: The real star of this parsha? The camel, mentioned 18 times! In a portion all about kindness (Rivkah watering Eliezer's camels), why focus on camels? Because they teach us something profound: camels can travel vast distances and help others cross deserts, but only after they fill themselves with water first. The Hebrew word 'gamal' (גמל) means both 'camel' AND 'to bestow/give to others.' True kindness doesn't mean becoming a shmata, a rag, letting people walk over you, or depleting yourself completely. You can't pour from an empty cup. Fill yourself first, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and then you'll have the capacity to help others truly. Self-care isn't selfish; it's preparation for sustainable kindness. Shabbat Shalom. 🐪<br /><br /><b>Follow</b> us <b>for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>83</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,boundaries,chayeisarah,fillyourcup,healthygiving,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,kindness,selfcare,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,sustainablekindness,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>39</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>If God Knows Everything, Do I Really Have Free Will? Jewish Philosophy Explained Part 1</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/if-god-knows-everything-do-i-really-have-free-will-jewish-philosophy-explained-part-1--68536923</link><description><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts.</b><br /><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle one of the most profound philosophical questions in Judaism and theology: If God knows everything, including what choices I'm going to make, do I really have free will? After all, if God already knows what I'm going to choose, isn't my choice predetermined? This question has puzzled philosophers and theologians for centuries, but the answer may be simpler than you think.<br /><br />I start by explaining that just because God knows what you're going to choose doesn't stop you from making a free will choice. The key to understanding this lies in how God relates to time. From God's perspective, there is no time - God exists above time and beyond space. What was, what is, and what will be are all essentially the same to God, with no distinction between past, present, and future.<br /><br />To make this even clearer, I propose a thought experiment involving a time machine. Imagine you eat breakfast, and then I get into a time machine and go back ten minutes to watch you make your breakfast choices. I observe everything but don't interfere - I just watch. The fact that I know you chose Wheaties with a banana and orange juice doesn't mean you didn't have free will to make that decision. I just happen to know what you chose because in my timeline, it already happened. You're still making those choices yourself; I'm just observing from a different temporal perspective.<br /><br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68536923</guid><pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 14:15:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/68536923/audio_spreaker.mp3" length="4958721" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts.

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle one of the most profound philosophical questions in Judaism and theology: If God knows everything, including what choices I'm going to make, do...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts.</b><br /><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle one of the most profound philosophical questions in Judaism and theology: If God knows everything, including what choices I'm going to make, do I really have free will? After all, if God already knows what I'm going to choose, isn't my choice predetermined? This question has puzzled philosophers and theologians for centuries, but the answer may be simpler than you think.<br /><br />I start by explaining that just because God knows what you're going to choose doesn't stop you from making a free will choice. The key to understanding this lies in how God relates to time. From God's perspective, there is no time - God exists above time and beyond space. What was, what is, and what will be are all essentially the same to God, with no distinction between past, present, and future.<br /><br />To make this even clearer, I propose a thought experiment involving a time machine. Imagine you eat breakfast, and then I get into a time machine and go back ten minutes to watch you make your breakfast choices. I observe everything but don't interfere - I just watch. The fact that I know you chose Wheaties with a banana and orange juice doesn't mean you didn't have free will to make that decision. I just happen to know what you chose because in my timeline, it already happened. You're still making those choices yourself; I'm just observing from a different temporal perspective.<br /><br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>206</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>dearrabbi,determinismvsfreewill,divineknowledge,divineomniscience,doesgodknoweverything,freewill,freewilljudaism,humanchoice,jewishbeliefs,jewishlearning,jewishphilosophy,jewishtheology,jewishthought,judaismexplained,omniscience,predestinationvsfreewill,rambam,religiousphilosophy,religiousquestions,theologicalparadox</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>38</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Vayera: Hold Please, God</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-vayera-hold-please-god--68466043</link><description><![CDATA[Abraham literally put God on hold to welcome strangers. In Parshat Vayera, our forefather invents the original “call waiting” – pausing his conversation with the Divine to run and serve three travelers. The lesson? Imitating God’s kindness (chesed) matters more than even speaking with God. Being like God &gt; being with God. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/shabbatshalom?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVykZXZpkj80LnWg5eilMxDBm6HcVSUElinHmfyjIpfJNVcPbqW40Iq8-dTv30Zqokp27rn-BtJrXmt2lu5HbScc1J3Tfl8XazG_GkBZ5RQJETTe5XKx1EqZ8GynFLEJ2KGhuXBPvQkvOyyg1iPejXxUqKwBxmtPLU_0pOKaW3_uaRVBDH9MqiwXUi5cuHzjgt9SCG81R-XH02UzTosgLzZ&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">#shabbatshalom</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/shabbatshalom?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVykZXZpkj80LnWg5eilMxDBm6HcVSUElinHmfyjIpfJNVcPbqW40Iq8-dTv30Zqokp27rn-BtJrXmt2lu5HbScc1J3Tfl8XazG_GkBZ5RQJETTe5XKx1EqZ8GynFLEJ2KGhuXBPvQkvOyyg1iPejXxUqKwBxmtPLU_0pOKaW3_uaRVBDH9MqiwXUi5cuHzjgt9SCG81R-XH02UzTosgLzZ&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">#shabbatshalom</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/parsha?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVykZXZpkj80LnWg5eilMxDBm6HcVSUElinHmfyjIpfJNVcPbqW40Iq8-dTv30Zqokp27rn-BtJrXmt2lu5HbScc1J3Tfl8XazG_GkBZ5RQJETTe5XKx1EqZ8GynFLEJ2KGhuXBPvQkvOyyg1iPejXxUqKwBxmtPLU_0pOKaW3_uaRVBDH9MqiwXUi5cuHzjgt9SCG81R-XH02UzTosgLzZ&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">#parsha</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/spirituality?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVykZXZpkj80LnWg5eilMxDBm6HcVSUElinHmfyjIpfJNVcPbqW40Iq8-dTv30Zqokp27rn-BtJrXmt2lu5HbScc1J3Tfl8XazG_GkBZ5RQJETTe5XKx1EqZ8GynFLEJ2KGhuXBPvQkvOyyg1iPejXxUqKwBxmtPLU_0pOKaW3_uaRVBDH9MqiwXUi5cuHzjgt9SCG81R-XH02UzTosgLzZ&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">#spirituality</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/judaism?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVykZXZpkj80LnWg5eilMxDBm6HcVSUElinHmfyjIpfJNVcPbqW40Iq8-dTv30Zqokp27rn-BtJrXmt2lu5HbScc1J3Tfl8XazG_GkBZ5RQJETTe5XKx1EqZ8GynFLEJ2KGhuXBPvQkvOyyg1iPejXxUqKwBxmtPLU_0pOKaW3_uaRVBDH9MqiwXUi5cuHzjgt9SCG81R-XH02UzTosgLzZ&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">#judaism</a>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68466043</guid><pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2025 19:30:05 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/68466043/vayera.mp3" length="1187340" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Abraham literally put God on hold to welcome strangers. In Parshat Vayera, our forefather invents the original “call waiting” – pausing his conversation with the Divine to run and serve three travelers. The lesson? Imitating God’s kindness (chesed)...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Abraham literally put God on hold to welcome strangers. In Parshat Vayera, our forefather invents the original “call waiting” – pausing his conversation with the Divine to run and serve three travelers. The lesson? Imitating God’s kindness (chesed) matters more than even speaking with God. Being like God &gt; being with God. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/shabbatshalom?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVykZXZpkj80LnWg5eilMxDBm6HcVSUElinHmfyjIpfJNVcPbqW40Iq8-dTv30Zqokp27rn-BtJrXmt2lu5HbScc1J3Tfl8XazG_GkBZ5RQJETTe5XKx1EqZ8GynFLEJ2KGhuXBPvQkvOyyg1iPejXxUqKwBxmtPLU_0pOKaW3_uaRVBDH9MqiwXUi5cuHzjgt9SCG81R-XH02UzTosgLzZ&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">#shabbatshalom</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/shabbatshalom?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVykZXZpkj80LnWg5eilMxDBm6HcVSUElinHmfyjIpfJNVcPbqW40Iq8-dTv30Zqokp27rn-BtJrXmt2lu5HbScc1J3Tfl8XazG_GkBZ5RQJETTe5XKx1EqZ8GynFLEJ2KGhuXBPvQkvOyyg1iPejXxUqKwBxmtPLU_0pOKaW3_uaRVBDH9MqiwXUi5cuHzjgt9SCG81R-XH02UzTosgLzZ&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">#shabbatshalom</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/parsha?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVykZXZpkj80LnWg5eilMxDBm6HcVSUElinHmfyjIpfJNVcPbqW40Iq8-dTv30Zqokp27rn-BtJrXmt2lu5HbScc1J3Tfl8XazG_GkBZ5RQJETTe5XKx1EqZ8GynFLEJ2KGhuXBPvQkvOyyg1iPejXxUqKwBxmtPLU_0pOKaW3_uaRVBDH9MqiwXUi5cuHzjgt9SCG81R-XH02UzTosgLzZ&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">#parsha</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/spirituality?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVykZXZpkj80LnWg5eilMxDBm6HcVSUElinHmfyjIpfJNVcPbqW40Iq8-dTv30Zqokp27rn-BtJrXmt2lu5HbScc1J3Tfl8XazG_GkBZ5RQJETTe5XKx1EqZ8GynFLEJ2KGhuXBPvQkvOyyg1iPejXxUqKwBxmtPLU_0pOKaW3_uaRVBDH9MqiwXUi5cuHzjgt9SCG81R-XH02UzTosgLzZ&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">#spirituality</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/judaism?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVykZXZpkj80LnWg5eilMxDBm6HcVSUElinHmfyjIpfJNVcPbqW40Iq8-dTv30Zqokp27rn-BtJrXmt2lu5HbScc1J3Tfl8XazG_GkBZ5RQJETTe5XKx1EqZ8GynFLEJ2KGhuXBPvQkvOyyg1iPejXxUqKwBxmtPLU_0pOKaW3_uaRVBDH9MqiwXUi5cuHzjgt9SCG81R-XH02UzTosgLzZ&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">#judaism</a>]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>75</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>37</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Lech Lecha: The Journey Inward</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-lech-lecha-the-journey-inward--68362726</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Lech Lecha This Week: God tells Abraham, 'Lech Lecha' usually translated as 'Go forth,' but it literally means 'Go to yourself.' Before telling him the destination, God tells him to leave everything comfortable behind—his land, birthplace, and father's house. Why? Because often what's comfortable is what's holding us back from becoming who we're meant to be. The journey to your true self requires letting go of what no longer serves you. What are you clinging to that's preventing you from accessing your deepest potential? Avraham's journey led him to the Promised Land, to Israel, to Jerusalem, to the place where we can truly find ourselves. Sometimes the longest journey is the one inward. What are you waiting for? Shabbat Shalom. 🗺️<br /><br /><b>Follow</b> us <b>for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68362726</guid><pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2025 11:50:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/68362726/1031_esv2_90p_bg_10p.mp3" length="1194153" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Lech Lecha This Week: God tells Abraham, 'Lech Lecha' usually translated as 'Go forth,' but it literally means 'Go to yourself.' Before telling him the destination, God tells him to leave everything comfortable behind—his land, birthplace,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Lech Lecha This Week: God tells Abraham, 'Lech Lecha' usually translated as 'Go forth,' but it literally means 'Go to yourself.' Before telling him the destination, God tells him to leave everything comfortable behind—his land, birthplace, and father's house. Why? Because often what's comfortable is what's holding us back from becoming who we're meant to be. The journey to your true self requires letting go of what no longer serves you. What are you clinging to that's preventing you from accessing your deepest potential? Avraham's journey led him to the Promised Land, to Israel, to Jerusalem, to the place where we can truly find ourselves. Sometimes the longest journey is the one inward. What are you waiting for? Shabbat Shalom. 🗺️<br /><br /><b>Follow</b> us <b>for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>75</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>avraham,biblicalinsights,innerjourney,inspirationalthoughts,israel,jerusalem,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,lechlecha,personalgrowth,selfdiscovery,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>36</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Is Judaism a Religion, Ethnicity, or Race? The Answer May Surprise You</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/is-judaism-a-religion-ethnicity-or-race-the-answer-may-surprise-you--68331119</link><description><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts.</b><br /><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle one of the most frequently asked questions about Jewish identity: Is Judaism a religion, an ethnicity, or a race? This question became particularly relevant during the Whoopi Goldberg controversy and continues to confuse many people trying to understand what Judaism actually is. The answer is more complex and fascinating than you might think. I explain that Judaism predates all of these modern conceptions and categories. When we think about religion today, we're thinking about modern religious systems. But Judaism has been around for over a thousand years before the most recent of those religions emerged. <br /><br />The entire concept of categorizing something as purely a "religion," "ethnicity," or "race" is a relatively modern framework that we use to put things into neat boxes and make them fit our contemporary understanding - especially as Americans who like everything to make logical sense based on our own cultural conceptions. But here's the key insight: Judaism is older than all of those classification systems, and therefore it doesn't really fit neatly into any single one of those boxes. Judaism is actually all of the above and more. It's not just a religion, because even if a person doesn't believe in God, they're still considered Jewish. It's not just an ethnicity, because a person can be born into a completely different religion or no religion at all and choose to convert to Judaism, becoming fully Jewish. I explain that Judaism is more accurately described as a family, a tribe, or a covenant community - a group of people bound together by both genetics and sometimes by conscious choice.<br /><br />We have an entire podcast called "Zero Percent" where we spent a whole year exploring stories of Jews by choice - people who chose a Jewish way of life despite having no genetic Jewish ancestry. This is a completely valid Jewish experience, and some of the greatest Jews who ever lived were Jews by choice, including Ruth (King David's ancestor) and many prominent rabbis throughout history. This episode covers why modern categories don't fit Judaism, the difference between religion, ethnicity, and race, how someone can be Jewish without believing in God, the process and validity of conversion to Judaism, Jews by choice and their place in Jewish history, the concept of Judaism as a covenant community, and why Judaism defies simple categorization.<br /><br /><br />Whether you're curious about Jewish identity, confused about how Judaism works as both a religion and ethnicity, interested in conversion to Judaism, exploring your own Jewish identity, seeking to understand the Whoopi Goldberg controversy about Jews and race, or simply wondering what makes someone Jewish, this episode offers clarity on one of the most misunderstood aspects of Jewish life and identity.<br /><br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68331119</guid><pubDate>Wed, 29 Oct 2025 11:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/68331119/is_judaism_a_religion_or_a_race.mp3" length="3579988" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts.

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle one of the most frequently asked questions about Jewish identity: Is Judaism a religion, an ethnicity, or a race? This question became...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts.</b><br /><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle one of the most frequently asked questions about Jewish identity: Is Judaism a religion, an ethnicity, or a race? This question became particularly relevant during the Whoopi Goldberg controversy and continues to confuse many people trying to understand what Judaism actually is. The answer is more complex and fascinating than you might think. I explain that Judaism predates all of these modern conceptions and categories. When we think about religion today, we're thinking about modern religious systems. But Judaism has been around for over a thousand years before the most recent of those religions emerged. <br /><br />The entire concept of categorizing something as purely a "religion," "ethnicity," or "race" is a relatively modern framework that we use to put things into neat boxes and make them fit our contemporary understanding - especially as Americans who like everything to make logical sense based on our own cultural conceptions. But here's the key insight: Judaism is older than all of those classification systems, and therefore it doesn't really fit neatly into any single one of those boxes. Judaism is actually all of the above and more. It's not just a religion, because even if a person doesn't believe in God, they're still considered Jewish. It's not just an ethnicity, because a person can be born into a completely different religion or no religion at all and choose to convert to Judaism, becoming fully Jewish. I explain that Judaism is more accurately described as a family, a tribe, or a covenant community - a group of people bound together by both genetics and sometimes by conscious choice.<br /><br />We have an entire podcast called "Zero Percent" where we spent a whole year exploring stories of Jews by choice - people who chose a Jewish way of life despite having no genetic Jewish ancestry. This is a completely valid Jewish experience, and some of the greatest Jews who ever lived were Jews by choice, including Ruth (King David's ancestor) and many prominent rabbis throughout history. This episode covers why modern categories don't fit Judaism, the difference between religion, ethnicity, and race, how someone can be Jewish without believing in God, the process and validity of conversion to Judaism, Jews by choice and their place in Jewish history, the concept of Judaism as a covenant community, and why Judaism defies simple categorization.<br /><br /><br />Whether you're curious about Jewish identity, confused about how Judaism works as both a religion and ethnicity, interested in conversion to Judaism, exploring your own Jewish identity, seeking to understand the Whoopi Goldberg controversy about Jews and race, or simply wondering what makes someone Jewish, this episode offers clarity on one of the most misunderstood aspects of Jewish life and identity.<br /><br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI...]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>148</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>converttojudaism,culturaljew,ethnicjew,jewishconversion,jewishethnicity,jewishfamily,jewishidentity,jewishidentityexplained,jewishrace,jewishtribe,jewsandrace,jewsbychoice,judaismdefinition,judaismexplained,religionorethnicity,religiousjew,secularjew,whatisjudaism,whatmakessomeonejewish,whoisajew</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>35</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Fourteen and Searching: My Path to Judaism | Aliza Bulow</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/fourteen-and-searching-my-path-to-judaism-aliza-bulow--68329215</link><description><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts.</b><br /><br />Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores Jewish conversion stories and the spiritual transformation journeys that follow.<br /><br />At just 10 years old, Aliza Bulow knew Christianity wasn't her path. What followed was an extraordinary journey through atheism, Buddhist chanting, psychic healing workshops, and dozens of library books, all before she turned 14. When she finally discovered Judaism through a single book, "To Be a Jew" by Hayim Halevy Donin, she knew immediately that she was home. There was just one problem: she was 14, and nobody believed this was more than a teenage phase. In this deeply moving episode of Zero Percent, Aliza shares her remarkable conversion story and how it shaped her life's mission to empower Jewish educators worldwide.<br /><br /><b>🎯IN THIS EPISODE:</b><br />Why Aliza began her spiritual search at age 10 Exploring atheism, Buddhism, and New Age spirituality as a young teenager The moment she read "To Be a Jew" and knew she was Jewish, without knowing any Jews Attending psychic healing workshops and chakra sessions at 14 How her parents' divorce and grief shaped her independence Convincing a rabbi to let her convert at 16.<br />The Holocaust survivor who asked her the question that changed everything. From first-generation Jew to leading Jewish educator: The concept of "squeeze and receive" in Jewish transformation <br /><br /><b>👤 ABOUT ALIZA BULOW:</b> Aliza Bulow is a noted author, lecturer, educator, and Managing Director/CEO of CORE, an organization dedicated to teaching pastoral counseling, community support, and empowering Jewish educators. Her journey from a searching 10-year-old in Portland, Oregon, to a leading voice in Jewish education is a testament to the power of conviction, resilience, and purpose.<br /><br /><b>🔗 CONNECT WITH ALIZA BULOW</b>: AlizaBulow@gmail.com<br />She has hours of recorded classes available at www.abiteoftorah.org. <br />Want to know more about the organization (CORE), check here: www.coretorah.org <br /><br /><b>CONNECT WITH US:</b><br />🎧 Listen to all our podcasts: [www.joidenver.com/podcasts]<br />Follow us for more: Website - https://www.joidenver.com<br />Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenver<br />Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver <br />YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver<br />Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy<br /><br />RELATED TOPICS:<br />How to convert to Judaism | Jewish conversion process | Orthodox conversion to Judaism | Conservative conversion | Mikvah experience | Moving to Israel | Aliyah stories | Jewish educators | Jews by choice community | Conversion stories | Spiritual journey to Judaism | Finding Jewish identity | Jewish philosophy | Jewish continuity<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68329215</guid><pubDate>Wed, 29 Oct 2025 11:00:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/68329215/long_form_2.mp3" length="97895181" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts.

Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores Jewish conversion stories and the spiritual transformation journeys that follow.

At just 10 years old, Aliza Bulow knew...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <b>www.joidenver.com/podcasts.</b><br /><br />Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores Jewish conversion stories and the spiritual transformation journeys that follow.<br /><br />At just 10 years old, Aliza Bulow knew Christianity wasn't her path. What followed was an extraordinary journey through atheism, Buddhist chanting, psychic healing workshops, and dozens of library books, all before she turned 14. When she finally discovered Judaism through a single book, "To Be a Jew" by Hayim Halevy Donin, she knew immediately that she was home. There was just one problem: she was 14, and nobody believed this was more than a teenage phase. In this deeply moving episode of Zero Percent, Aliza shares her remarkable conversion story and how it shaped her life's mission to empower Jewish educators worldwide.<br /><br /><b>🎯IN THIS EPISODE:</b><br />Why Aliza began her spiritual search at age 10 Exploring atheism, Buddhism, and New Age spirituality as a young teenager The moment she read "To Be a Jew" and knew she was Jewish, without knowing any Jews Attending psychic healing workshops and chakra sessions at 14 How her parents' divorce and grief shaped her independence Convincing a rabbi to let her convert at 16.<br />The Holocaust survivor who asked her the question that changed everything. From first-generation Jew to leading Jewish educator: The concept of "squeeze and receive" in Jewish transformation <br /><br /><b>👤 ABOUT ALIZA BULOW:</b> Aliza Bulow is a noted author, lecturer, educator, and Managing Director/CEO of CORE, an organization dedicated to teaching pastoral counseling, community support, and empowering Jewish educators. Her journey from a searching 10-year-old in Portland, Oregon, to a leading voice in Jewish education is a testament to the power of conviction, resilience, and purpose.<br /><br /><b>🔗 CONNECT WITH ALIZA BULOW</b>: AlizaBulow@gmail.com<br />She has hours of recorded classes available at www.abiteoftorah.org. <br />Want to know more about the organization (CORE), check here: www.coretorah.org <br /><br /><b>CONNECT WITH US:</b><br />🎧 Listen to all our podcasts: [www.joidenver.com/podcasts]<br />Follow us for more: Website - https://www.joidenver.com<br />Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenver<br />Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver <br />YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver<br />Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy<br /><br />RELATED TOPICS:<br />How to convert to Judaism | Jewish conversion process | Orthodox conversion to Judaism | Conservative conversion | Mikvah experience | Moving to Israel | Aliyah stories | Jewish educators | Jews by choice community | Conversion stories | Spiritual journey to Judaism | Finding Jewish identity | Jewish philosophy | Jewish continuity<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>4063</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>alizabulow,buddhismtojudaism,converttojudaism,findingjudaism,jewbychoice,jewishcontinuity,jewishconversionstory,jewisheducator,jewishidentity,jewishpodcast,judaismconversion,mikvahexperience,orthodoxconversion,religiousconversion,religiousexploration,spiritualawakening,spiritualjourney,spiritualsearch,teenageconversion,zeropercent</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>34</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Noach: You Are Your Own Legacy</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-noach-you-are-your-own-legacy--68267559</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Noach This Week: The Torah says 'Eileh toldot Noach', these are the offspring of Noach, but then it doesn't mention his children until the next verse. Instead, it repeats: 'Noach.' The commentators teach that Noach's true legacy wasn't his children, it was who HE was. His actions, his choices, his character. We often measure our worth by where we come from (our family) or what we produce (our children), but the Torah reminds us: your real legacy is YOU. The choices you make. The person you become. Yes, family matters, but ultimately, what you leave behind is the reputation you build through your daily decisions. What legacy are you creating today? Shabbat Shalom. 🌟<br /><br /><br /><b>Follow</b> us <b>for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68267559</guid><pubDate>Fri, 24 Oct 2025 16:40:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/68267559/1024_1_esv2_90p_bg_10p.mp3" length="1387250" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Noach This Week: The Torah says 'Eileh toldot Noach', these are the offspring of Noach, but then it doesn't mention his children until the next verse. Instead, it repeats: 'Noach.' The commentators teach that Noach's true legacy wasn't his...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Noach This Week: The Torah says 'Eileh toldot Noach', these are the offspring of Noach, but then it doesn't mention his children until the next verse. Instead, it repeats: 'Noach.' The commentators teach that Noach's true legacy wasn't his children, it was who HE was. His actions, his choices, his character. We often measure our worth by where we come from (our family) or what we produce (our children), but the Torah reminds us: your real legacy is YOU. The choices you make. The person you become. Yes, family matters, but ultimately, what you leave behind is the reputation you build through your daily decisions. What legacy are you creating today? Shabbat Shalom. 🌟<br /><br /><br /><b>Follow</b> us <b>for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>87</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,charactermatters,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,legacy,noach,personalchoice,selfworth,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha,youractions</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>33</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Bereishit: God's Question of Compassion</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-bereishit-god-s-question-of-compassion--68181259</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Bereishit This Week: When Adam and Chava ate the forbidden fruit, God didn't berate them with 'How could you do this terrible thing?' Instead, He asked one simple question: 'Ayeka?' Where are you? God wasn't asking for their physical location. He knew exactly where they were. He was asking: Where are YOU? I know who you really are. This behavior doesn't match the person I created. Something must be going on. When we approach others' mistakes with curiosity instead of judgment, with 'I wonder what's happening' instead of shame, we empower growth. Shame makes people repeat mistakes; compassionate curiosity helps them become better. How are you asking 'ayeka' to those around you? Shabbat Shalom. 💭<br /><br /><br /><b>Follow</b> us <b>for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68181259</guid><pubDate>Fri, 17 Oct 2025 16:46:33 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/68181259/1017_1_1_esv2_90p_bg_10p.mp3" length="1141908" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Bereishit This Week: When Adam and Chava ate the forbidden fruit, God didn't berate them with 'How could you do this terrible thing?' Instead, He asked one simple question: 'Ayeka?' Where are you? God wasn't asking for their physical...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Bereishit This Week: When Adam and Chava ate the forbidden fruit, God didn't berate them with 'How could you do this terrible thing?' Instead, He asked one simple question: 'Ayeka?' Where are you? God wasn't asking for their physical location. He knew exactly where they were. He was asking: Where are YOU? I know who you really are. This behavior doesn't match the person I created. Something must be going on. When we approach others' mistakes with curiosity instead of judgment, with 'I wonder what's happening' instead of shame, we empower growth. Shame makes people repeat mistakes; compassionate curiosity helps them become better. How are you asking 'ayeka' to those around you? Shabbat Shalom. 💭<br /><br /><br /><b>Follow</b> us <b>for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>72</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>ayeka,biblicalinsights,compassion,curiousnotjudgmental,empatheticparenting,growthmindset,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,parenting,shamevscuriosity,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>32</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why Do Jews Tell So Many Jokes About Being Jewish? | Jewish Humor Explained</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-do-jews-tell-so-many-jokes-about-being-jewish-jewish-humor-explained--68052475</link><description><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explore one of the most recognizable aspects of Jewish culture: our love of humor and our tendency to tell jokes about being Jewish. If you've ever wondered why Jewish comedians dominate the comedy world or why Jews seem to have a joke for every situation, this episode reveals the profound survival mechanism behind Jewish humor.<br /><br />I explain that throughout millennia of persecution, Jews have experienced horrific acts of violence and oppression - literally anything you can imagine has been perpetrated against the Jewish people at some point in history. From ancient expulsions to medieval pogroms, from the Spanish Inquisition to the Holocaust, Jewish history is marked by tragedy and suffering. Yet the Jewish people have not only survived but thrived, and one of our strongest coping mechanisms has been humor.<br /><br />Jews have learned to laugh at ourselves, at our surroundings, and at our circumstances. This isn't just about being funny - it's a profound survival strategy that has kept us alive and united as a people for thousands of years. As Rabbi Layfer's grandfather would say, "We learned not to take ourselves too seriously." This ability to find humor even in dark times has been one of the most important tools for Jewish resilience and continuity. When Jews joke and kibbutz (Yiddish for playful teasing and banter), we're doing more than entertaining ourselves.<br /><br />We're reminding ourselves that ultimately everything is going to work out. Even when we're going through difficult situations, there's a bright light around the corner. This optimism, combined with self-awareness, creates a unique brand of humor that has influenced comedy worldwide. This episode covers the historical context of Jewish suffering and persecution, how humor became a survival mechanism for Jews, the concept of kibitzing in Jewish culture, why Jews don't take themselves too seriously, Jewish contributions to comedy and entertainment, the psychological benefits of humor in difficult times, and how Jewish humor reflects resilience and hope.<br /><br />Whether you're curious about Jewish culture, interested in the psychology of humor as a coping mechanism, wondering why so many famous comedians are Jewish, exploring Jewish history and resilience, or simply love Jewish humor and want to understand its deeper meaning, this episode offers insights into one of the most distinctive and powerful aspects of Jewish identity.<br /><br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68052475</guid><pubDate>Wed, 08 Oct 2025 11:00:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/68052475/jokes_about_being_jewish.mp3" length="2039308" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explore one of the most recognizable aspects of Jewish culture: our love of humor and our tendency to tell jokes about being Jewish. If you've ever wondered why Jewish comedians dominate the comedy world or why Jews...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explore one of the most recognizable aspects of Jewish culture: our love of humor and our tendency to tell jokes about being Jewish. If you've ever wondered why Jewish comedians dominate the comedy world or why Jews seem to have a joke for every situation, this episode reveals the profound survival mechanism behind Jewish humor.<br /><br />I explain that throughout millennia of persecution, Jews have experienced horrific acts of violence and oppression - literally anything you can imagine has been perpetrated against the Jewish people at some point in history. From ancient expulsions to medieval pogroms, from the Spanish Inquisition to the Holocaust, Jewish history is marked by tragedy and suffering. Yet the Jewish people have not only survived but thrived, and one of our strongest coping mechanisms has been humor.<br /><br />Jews have learned to laugh at ourselves, at our surroundings, and at our circumstances. This isn't just about being funny - it's a profound survival strategy that has kept us alive and united as a people for thousands of years. As Rabbi Layfer's grandfather would say, "We learned not to take ourselves too seriously." This ability to find humor even in dark times has been one of the most important tools for Jewish resilience and continuity. When Jews joke and kibbutz (Yiddish for playful teasing and banter), we're doing more than entertaining ourselves.<br /><br />We're reminding ourselves that ultimately everything is going to work out. Even when we're going through difficult situations, there's a bright light around the corner. This optimism, combined with self-awareness, creates a unique brand of humor that has influenced comedy worldwide. This episode covers the historical context of Jewish suffering and persecution, how humor became a survival mechanism for Jews, the concept of kibitzing in Jewish culture, why Jews don't take themselves too seriously, Jewish contributions to comedy and entertainment, the psychological benefits of humor in difficult times, and how Jewish humor reflects resilience and hope.<br /><br />Whether you're curious about Jewish culture, interested in the psychology of humor as a coping mechanism, wondering why so many famous comedians are Jewish, exploring Jewish history and resilience, or simply love Jewish humor and want to understand its deeper meaning, this episode offers insights into one of the most distinctive and powerful aspects of Jewish identity.<br /><br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>78</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>askarabbi,jewishanswers,jewishcomedians,jewishcomedy,jewishculture,jewisheducation,jewishhistory,jewishhumor,jewishidentity,jewishjokes,jewishlearning,jewishpeople,jewishpersecution,jewishresilience,jewishstrength,jewishsurvival,jewishunity,judaismexplained,rabbianswers,whyjewsarefunny</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>31</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Haazinu: Jewish Pride in Dark Times</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-haazinu-jewish-pride-in-dark-times--68017146</link><description><![CDATA[✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <a href="http://www.joidenver.com/podcast" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.joidenver.com/podcasts ✨</a><br /><br />📖 Parshat Haazinu This Week: Coming home after Yom Kippur to news of a terror attack on Jews praying in Manchester, our holiest day turned into another moment of tragedy. In his final song, Moses prophetically warned that difficult times would come. Our natural response? To shrink, to hide our Jewishness, to make ourselves less visible. But Moses reminds us: these are precisely the moments we must stand stronger, prouder, louder. We are an eternal people. History has tried to silence us countless times, yet we remain, still praying, still celebrating, still passing our traditions on to the next generation. Terror seeks to diminish us, but our response is to shine brighter. Am Yisrael Chai. Shabbat Shalom. 🕯️<br /><br /><b>Follow</b> us <b>for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68017146</guid><pubDate>Sun, 05 Oct 2025 04:24:33 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/68017146/1003_esv2_90p_bg_10p.mp3" length="1282342" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at http://www.joidenver.com/podcast

📖 Parshat Haazinu This Week: Coming home after Yom Kippur to news of a terror attack on Jews praying in Manchester, our holiest day turned into another moment of tragedy. In his...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at <a href="http://www.joidenver.com/podcast" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.joidenver.com/podcasts ✨</a><br /><br />📖 Parshat Haazinu This Week: Coming home after Yom Kippur to news of a terror attack on Jews praying in Manchester, our holiest day turned into another moment of tragedy. In his final song, Moses prophetically warned that difficult times would come. Our natural response? To shrink, to hide our Jewishness, to make ourselves less visible. But Moses reminds us: these are precisely the moments we must stand stronger, prouder, louder. We are an eternal people. History has tried to silence us countless times, yet we remain, still praying, still celebrating, still passing our traditions on to the next generation. Terror seeks to diminish us, but our response is to shine brighter. Am Yisrael Chai. Shabbat Shalom. 🕯️<br /><br /><b>Follow</b> us <b>for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>81</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>amyisraelchai,biblicalinsights,eternalpeople,inspirationalthoughts,jewishpride,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,neveragain,resilience,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,standstrong,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>30</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Christian to Jewish Conversion Story | From Bible Belt Pastor's Words to Orthodox Judaism: Mr Gus</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/christian-to-jewish-conversion-story-from-bible-belt-pastor-s-words-to-orthodox-judaism-mr-gus--67876542</link><description><![CDATA[✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts ✨<br /><br />Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast exploring Jewish conversion stories and spiritual transformation journeys! Discover Gus's incredible Christian to Jewish conversion story - from evangelical fundamentalist Christianity in Oklahoma's Bible Belt to Orthodox Judaism in Miami Beach. This religious conversion documentary reveals how one pastor's unexpected confession about Jews being God's chosen people sparked a life-changing spiritual awakening and faith transformation.<br /><br />Listen to this Jewish conversion testimony as Gus shares his journey from Christianity to Judaism, including years of biblical study, learning Hebrew language, analyzing messianic prophecies, and challenging Christian pastors who couldn't defend their theology. His interfaith dialogue experiences and religious questioning led to profound spiritual growth and religious identity. This conversion to Judaism story explores the cost of religious transformation, including divorce, family separation, and relocating from Oklahoma to Miami to join an Orthodox Jewish community.<br /><br />Gus's journey from Christian faith to Jewish faith demonstrates intellectual honesty in religious seeking and spiritual authenticity in faith exploration. From an evangelical Christian background to Orthodox Judaism practice, from biblical Hebrew study to Jewish law learning, from Christian theology debates to the rabbinical conversion process, this is an inspiring story of religious conversion, spiritual seeking, and finding an authentic faith community.<br /><br />Perfect for Listeners interested in: Jewish conversion process, Christianity to Judaism stories, interfaith dialogue, religious transformation testimonies, spiritual awakening experiences, biblical study methods, Hebrew language learning, Orthodox Judaism lifestyle, faith crisis resolution, and authentic spiritual seeking journeys.<br /><br />Catch <b>Zero Percent on all your go-to platforms!</b><br /><br />Keep the conversation going! If you have questions or ideas about Jewish success and impact.<br /><b>Please email us at Zeropercent@joidenver.com.🌟</b><br /><br />Help others discover Zero Percent! Please leave us a five-star review and share it with friends who might find this podcast enlightening.<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67876542</guid><pubDate>Wed, 24 Sep 2025 11:52:43 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67876542/zero_percent_with_gus.mp3" length="100186746" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts ✨

Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast exploring Jewish conversion stories and spiritual transformation journeys! Discover Gus's incredible Christian to Jewish conversion story - from...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts ✨<br /><br />Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast exploring Jewish conversion stories and spiritual transformation journeys! Discover Gus's incredible Christian to Jewish conversion story - from evangelical fundamentalist Christianity in Oklahoma's Bible Belt to Orthodox Judaism in Miami Beach. This religious conversion documentary reveals how one pastor's unexpected confession about Jews being God's chosen people sparked a life-changing spiritual awakening and faith transformation.<br /><br />Listen to this Jewish conversion testimony as Gus shares his journey from Christianity to Judaism, including years of biblical study, learning Hebrew language, analyzing messianic prophecies, and challenging Christian pastors who couldn't defend their theology. His interfaith dialogue experiences and religious questioning led to profound spiritual growth and religious identity. This conversion to Judaism story explores the cost of religious transformation, including divorce, family separation, and relocating from Oklahoma to Miami to join an Orthodox Jewish community.<br /><br />Gus's journey from Christian faith to Jewish faith demonstrates intellectual honesty in religious seeking and spiritual authenticity in faith exploration. From an evangelical Christian background to Orthodox Judaism practice, from biblical Hebrew study to Jewish law learning, from Christian theology debates to the rabbinical conversion process, this is an inspiring story of religious conversion, spiritual seeking, and finding an authentic faith community.<br /><br />Perfect for Listeners interested in: Jewish conversion process, Christianity to Judaism stories, interfaith dialogue, religious transformation testimonies, spiritual awakening experiences, biblical study methods, Hebrew language learning, Orthodox Judaism lifestyle, faith crisis resolution, and authentic spiritual seeking journeys.<br /><br />Catch <b>Zero Percent on all your go-to platforms!</b><br /><br />Keep the conversation going! If you have questions or ideas about Jewish success and impact.<br /><b>Please email us at Zeropercent@joidenver.com.🌟</b><br /><br />Help others discover Zero Percent! Please leave us a five-star review and share it with friends who might find this podcast enlightening.<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>4166</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>christianconvert,christianitytojudaism,conversionprocess,converttojudaism,divorceandfaith,faithjourney,faithtransformation,jewishcommunity,jewishconversion,jewishlife,jewishtradition,judaismconversionstory,orthodoxconversion,orthodoxjewish,orthodoxjudaism,personaltransformation,religiouschange,religiousconversion,spiritualdiscovery,spiritualgrowth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>28</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why Is Food the Centerpiece of Every Jewish Experience?</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-is-food-the-centerpiece-of-every-jewish-experience--67875755</link><description><![CDATA[✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts ✨<br /><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explore why food plays such a central role in Jewish life and religious experience. While many people notice that Jews have a strong affinity for food, there's actually a profound spiritual significance behind this focus. Judaism is unique among religions in that we don't view the physical world as something to overcome or avoid, but rather as something to elevate and make spiritual. Food represents one of the most basic, animalistic human activities - something we do multiple times every day. This makes it the perfect vehicle for spiritual elevation through blessings, mindful eating, and using the nourishment we receive to better ourselves and the world. I share a story about two people approaching the same apple tree with completely different intentions: one person sees the apple and makes a blessing to eat it, while a rabbi sees the apple and wants to make a blessing, so he eats it. Though they perform identical actions, their spiritual focus creates worlds of difference. When we make blessings before and after eating, and use the energy food provides to do good in the world, we transform the physical act of eating into something holy and spiritual. This approach reflects Judaism's core philosophy that we're here not to avoid the physical world, but to elevate it and make it divine.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67875755</guid><pubDate>Wed, 24 Sep 2025 11:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67875755/why_is_food_the_centre.mp3" length="3580857" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts ✨

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explore why food plays such a central role in Jewish life and religious experience. While many people notice that Jews have a strong affinity for...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts ✨<br /><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explore why food plays such a central role in Jewish life and religious experience. While many people notice that Jews have a strong affinity for food, there's actually a profound spiritual significance behind this focus. Judaism is unique among religions in that we don't view the physical world as something to overcome or avoid, but rather as something to elevate and make spiritual. Food represents one of the most basic, animalistic human activities - something we do multiple times every day. This makes it the perfect vehicle for spiritual elevation through blessings, mindful eating, and using the nourishment we receive to better ourselves and the world. I share a story about two people approaching the same apple tree with completely different intentions: one person sees the apple and makes a blessing to eat it, while a rabbi sees the apple and wants to make a blessing, so he eats it. Though they perform identical actions, their spiritual focus creates worlds of difference. When we make blessings before and after eating, and use the energy food provides to do good in the world, we transform the physical act of eating into something holy and spiritual. This approach reflects Judaism's core philosophy that we're here not to avoid the physical world, but to elevate it and make it divine.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>149</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>blessingsoverfood,elevatingphysical,foodandspirituality,foodinjudaism,foodtraditions,holyeating,jewishblessings,jewishculture,jewishfood,jewishlifestyle,jewishmeals,jewishphilosophy,jewishtradition,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,mindfuleating,physicalvsspiritual,religiousfood,sacredeating,spiritualeating</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>27</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Nitzavim: We're Already Guarantors</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-nitzavim-we-re-already-guarantors--67819801</link><description><![CDATA[✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts ✨<br /><br />📖 Parshat Nitzavim This Week: A stranger at an Israeli bank overheard Jack's mortgage struggle and offered to co-sign without hesitation. When asked why he'd risk it for someone he'd never met, he said: 'Anu k'var arevim we're already guarantors for each other. I'm just making it official.' This week, as the Jewish people renew their covenant with God before entering the Promised Land, they not only commit to the Torah but also to one another. 'Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh' all Israel are responsible for one another. 'Nitzavim' means 'standing', but we don't stand alone. We stand together, already connected, already responsible. Sometimes we need to make it official. Who are you a guarantor for? Shabbat Shalom. 🤝<br /><br /><br /><b>Follow</b> us <b>for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67819801</guid><pubDate>Fri, 19 Sep 2025 11:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67819801/0919_esv2_90p_bg_10p.mp3" length="2182626" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts ✨

📖 Parshat Nitzavim This Week: A stranger at an Israeli bank overheard Jack's mortgage struggle and offered to co-sign without hesitation. When asked why he'd risk it for someone...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts ✨<br /><br />📖 Parshat Nitzavim This Week: A stranger at an Israeli bank overheard Jack's mortgage struggle and offered to co-sign without hesitation. When asked why he'd risk it for someone he'd never met, he said: 'Anu k'var arevim we're already guarantors for each other. I'm just making it official.' This week, as the Jewish people renew their covenant with God before entering the Promised Land, they not only commit to the Torah but also to one another. 'Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh' all Israel are responsible for one another. 'Nitzavim' means 'standing', but we don't stand alone. We stand together, already connected, already responsible. Sometimes we need to make it official. Who are you a guarantor for? Shabbat Shalom. 🤝<br /><br /><br /><b>Follow</b> us <b>for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>137</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>areivut,biblicalinsights,communitysupport,inspirationalthoughts,jewishcommunity,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,kolyisraelretry,mutualresponsibility,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,standingtogether,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>26</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why Do Jews Celebrate New Year in September? Understanding Rosh Hashanah</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-do-jews-celebrate-new-year-in-september-understanding-rosh-hashanah--67796407</link><description><![CDATA[✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts ✨<br /><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explain why Jewish coworkers wish each other "Happy New Year" in September rather than January. The Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, falls at the beginning of the Jewish calendar year, which differs from the secular calendar we use in America. I clarify a common misconception: while many people think Rosh Hashanah celebrates the creation of the world, we're actually celebrating the creation of the first human being, Adam - the first person imbued with a divine soul. This marks the beginning of human history and our relationship with the divine. I explore how this timing connects to our spiritual renewal, as our souls return to our bodies for another year of godly work in this world. The celebration occurs on the first of Tishrei, exactly when tradition teaches Adam was created. I also note how Jewish schools get to use the same corny jokes about "seeing you next year" - just in September instead of December. For those interested in learning more about how the Jewish calendar works compared to the secular calendar, I reference our earlier episode that provides a deep dive into this fascinating topic.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67796407</guid><pubDate>Wed, 17 Sep 2025 16:40:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67796407/rosh_hashana.mp3" length="2829608" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts ✨

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explain why Jewish coworkers wish each other "Happy New Year" in September rather than January. The Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, falls at the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts ✨<br /><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explain why Jewish coworkers wish each other "Happy New Year" in September rather than January. The Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, falls at the beginning of the Jewish calendar year, which differs from the secular calendar we use in America. I clarify a common misconception: while many people think Rosh Hashanah celebrates the creation of the world, we're actually celebrating the creation of the first human being, Adam - the first person imbued with a divine soul. This marks the beginning of human history and our relationship with the divine. I explore how this timing connects to our spiritual renewal, as our souls return to our bodies for another year of godly work in this world. The celebration occurs on the first of Tishrei, exactly when tradition teaches Adam was created. I also note how Jewish schools get to use the same corny jokes about "seeing you next year" - just in September instead of December. For those interested in learning more about how the Jewish calendar works compared to the secular calendar, I reference our earlier episode that provides a deep dive into this fascinating topic.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>118</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adamcreation,beginningofhistory,creationofadam,divinerenewal,hebrewcalendar,highholidays,holydays,jewishcalendar,jewishcelebration,jewishculture,jewishholidays,jewishnewyear,jewishpractice,jewishtime,jewishtradition,religiouscalendar,roshhashanah,septembernewyear,spiritualrenewal,tishreifirst</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>25</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Ki Tavo: The Full Story of Gratitude</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-ki-tavo-the-full-story-of-gratitude--67720540</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Ki Tavo This Week: A.J. Jacobs spent a year thanking over 1,000 people involved in his morning coffee from the barista to the African farmers to the road pavers. When Jews brought their first fruits (bikurim) to the Temple, you'd expect them to thank God for the harvest. Instead, they recited their entire history: Abraham, Egypt, the journey to freedom. Why? Because true gratitude isn't just about the moment, it's about the whole story. That apple in your hand represents countless people, endless blessings, and generations of struggle and triumph. Real thankfulness zooms out to see the bigger picture. This is hakarat hatov recognizing all the good that brought you to this moment. What's the full story behind your blessings? Shabbat Shalom. 🍎<br /><br /><br /><b>Follow</b> us <b>for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67720540</guid><pubDate>Fri, 12 Sep 2025 11:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67720540/0911_esv2_90p_bg_10p.mp3" length="1592050" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Ki Tavo This Week: A.J. Jacobs spent a year thanking over 1,000 people involved in his morning coffee from the barista to the African farmers to the road pavers. When Jews brought their first fruits (bikurim) to the Temple, you'd expect them...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Ki Tavo This Week: A.J. Jacobs spent a year thanking over 1,000 people involved in his morning coffee from the barista to the African farmers to the road pavers. When Jews brought their first fruits (bikurim) to the Temple, you'd expect them to thank God for the harvest. Instead, they recited their entire history: Abraham, Egypt, the journey to freedom. Why? Because true gratitude isn't just about the moment, it's about the whole story. That apple in your hand represents countless people, endless blessings, and generations of struggle and triumph. Real thankfulness zooms out to see the bigger picture. This is hakarat hatov recognizing all the good that brought you to this moment. What's the full story behind your blessings? Shabbat Shalom. 🍎<br /><br /><br /><b>Follow</b> us <b>for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>100</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,bigpicture,bikurim,firstfruits,gratitude,hakarathatov,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,thankfulness,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>24</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Do Jews Believe in the Devil? Understanding Satan vs. The Devil</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/do-jews-believe-in-the-devil-understanding-satan-vs-the-devil--67673386</link><description><![CDATA[✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts ✨<br /><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address whether Jews believe in the devil, and the short answer is no. The Christian concept of the devil is antithetical to Jewish thought. While Judaism does believe in Satan (which is where the English word "Satan" comes from), this is fundamentally different from the Christian devil. Satan is not a counter-force to God or a force of evil, but rather an angel - a messenger and spiritual celestial being that fulfills God's will. I explain how Satan functions like a sparring partner, working alongside our yetzer hara (evil inclination) to create the conditions necessary for free will. Just as we need challenges to grow stronger physically through exercise or sparring partners, we need spiritual challenges to become better, stronger people. Satan provides us with obstacles and temptations that, when overcome, help us develop our character and spiritual strength. This concept is fundamentally different from the devil as an independent evil force opposing God, instead viewing spiritual challenges as part of God's design for human growth and development.<br /><br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67673386</guid><pubDate>Wed, 10 Sep 2025 11:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67673386/do_jews_believe_in_devil.mp3" length="2601314" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts ✨

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address whether Jews believe in the devil, and the short answer is no. The Christian concept of the devil is antithetical to Jewish thought. While...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts ✨<br /><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address whether Jews believe in the devil, and the short answer is no. The Christian concept of the devil is antithetical to Jewish thought. While Judaism does believe in Satan (which is where the English word "Satan" comes from), this is fundamentally different from the Christian devil. Satan is not a counter-force to God or a force of evil, but rather an angel - a messenger and spiritual celestial being that fulfills God's will. I explain how Satan functions like a sparring partner, working alongside our yetzer hara (evil inclination) to create the conditions necessary for free will. Just as we need challenges to grow stronger physically through exercise or sparring partners, we need spiritual challenges to become better, stronger people. Satan provides us with obstacles and temptations that, when overcome, help us develop our character and spiritual strength. This concept is fundamentally different from the devil as an independent evil force opposing God, instead viewing spiritual challenges as part of God's design for human growth and development.<br /><br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>109</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>angelofdeath,characterbuilding,evilinclination,freewill,godswill,jewishangels,jewishbeliefs,jewishdevil,jewishphilosophy,jewishtheology,jewishvschristian,messengerofgod,religiouscomparison,satanasangel,satanvsdevil,sparringpartner,spiritualchallenges,spiritualdevelopment,spiritualgrowth,yetzerhara</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>23</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Ki Teitzei: Help With You, Not For You</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-ki-teitzei-help-with-you-not-for-you--67643727</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Ki Teitzei This Week: When you see someone struggling with their fallen donkey, you must help them lift it, but the Torah uses a key word: 'imo' (עמו) WITH him. You can't just sit back and say, 'This is your mitzvah, you handle it.' But here's the deeper lesson: if YOU'RE the one struggling, you can't just complain that 'someone should fix this for me.' Whether it's your synagogue, community, or organization, change requires your participation. The Torah teaches partnership, not passivity. Yes, we should help each other, but we help WITH you, not FOR you. Want better programs? Get involved. See a community need? Step up. Real change happens when we work together, not when we wait for others to serve us. Shabbat Shalom. 🤝<br /><br /><br /><b>Follow</b> us <b>for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67643727</guid><pubDate>Fri, 05 Sep 2025 12:10:56 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67643727/0905_1_esv2_90p_bg_10p.mp3" length="1478365" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Ki Teitzei This Week: When you see someone struggling with their fallen donkey, you must help them lift it, but the Torah uses a key word: 'imo' (עמו) WITH him. You can't just sit back and say, 'This is your mitzvah, you handle it.' But...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Ki Teitzei This Week: When you see someone struggling with their fallen donkey, you must help them lift it, but the Torah uses a key word: 'imo' (עמו) WITH him. You can't just sit back and say, 'This is your mitzvah, you handle it.' But here's the deeper lesson: if YOU'RE the one struggling, you can't just complain that 'someone should fix this for me.' Whether it's your synagogue, community, or organization, change requires your participation. The Torah teaches partnership, not passivity. Yes, we should help each other, but we help WITH you, not FOR you. Want better programs? Get involved. See a community need? Step up. Real change happens when we work together, not when we wait for others to serve us. Shabbat Shalom. 🤝<br /><br /><br /><b>Follow</b> us <b>for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>93</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>activeparticipation,biblicalinsights,community,communitybuilding,getinvolved,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,partnership,personalresponsibility,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>22</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why Do Jews Only Marry Other Jews? Understanding Intermarriage and Jewish Continuity</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-do-jews-only-marry-other-jews-understanding-intermarriage-and-jewish-continuity--67613907</link><description><![CDATA[✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts ✨<br /><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address why Judaism traditionally encourages Jews to marry within the faith when choosing a life partner. I explain that when selecting someone to spend your entire life with, it's crucial to find someone who shares your fundamental values and worldview. Even if religion isn't important to someone today, it may become significant later in life, making shared religious identity important for long-term compatibility. I discuss how the Jewish people, despite being a small population, have maintained remarkable continuity throughout history, and marrying within the community helps preserve this continuity. I reference the Torah's warning against intermarriage, noting that one reason given is the concern that it may lead children away from Judaism. Given the tremendous losses the Jewish people have suffered through persecution and antisemitism throughout history, it's tough to see Jews lost to assimilation as well. Encouraging Jews to marry other Jews is one way to help prevent the loss of Jewish identity and ensure the continuation of Jewish traditions, values, and community for future generations.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67613907</guid><pubDate>Wed, 03 Sep 2025 11:16:00 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67613907/why_do_jews_only_marry_other_jews.mp3" length="1905558" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts ✨

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address why Judaism traditionally encourages Jews to marry within the faith when choosing a life partner. I explain that when selecting someone to...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts ✨<br /><br />In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address why Judaism traditionally encourages Jews to marry within the faith when choosing a life partner. I explain that when selecting someone to spend your entire life with, it's crucial to find someone who shares your fundamental values and worldview. Even if religion isn't important to someone today, it may become significant later in life, making shared religious identity important for long-term compatibility. I discuss how the Jewish people, despite being a small population, have maintained remarkable continuity throughout history, and marrying within the community helps preserve this continuity. I reference the Torah's warning against intermarriage, noting that one reason given is the concern that it may lead children away from Judaism. Given the tremendous losses the Jewish people have suffered through persecution and antisemitism throughout history, it's tough to see Jews lost to assimilation as well. Encouraging Jews to marry other Jews is one way to help prevent the loss of Jewish identity and ensure the continuation of Jewish traditions, values, and community for future generations.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>80</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>communitypreservation,culturalpreservation,faithbasedmarriage,jewishassimilation,jewishcommunity,jewishcontinuity,jewishfuture,jewishheritage,jewishidentity,jewishintermarriage,jewishsurvival,jewishtradition,jewishvalues,lifepartnership,marryingwithinfaith,religiouscompatibility,religiousidentity,religiousmarriage,sharedvalues,torahonintermarriage</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>21</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Shoftim: Justice in the Method, Not Just the Goal</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-shoftim-justice-in-the-method-not-just-the-goal--67555710</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Shoftim This Week: 'Tzedek tzedek tirdof' Justice, justice you shall pursue. This famous verse hung in Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Supreme Court office, but why repeat the word 'justice'? The Torah teaches us that it's not enough to pursue justice; it must be pursued justly. The goal AND the method must both be just. We can't rationalize cutting corners just because our intentions are good. You can't achieve justice through lies, build peace through violence, or create fairness through unfair means. The repetition reminds us: how you do something matters as much as what you do. When you're fighting for what's right, make sure you're fighting in the right way. Character is revealed in method, not just outcome. Shabbat Shalom. ⚖️<br /><br /><b></b><br /><b>Follow</b> us <b>for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67555710</guid><pubDate>Fri, 29 Aug 2025 17:31:29 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67555710/0829_1_esv2_90p_bg_10p.mp3" length="792494" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Shoftim This Week: 'Tzedek tzedek tirdof' Justice, justice you shall pursue. This famous verse hung in Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Supreme Court office, but why repeat the word 'justice'? The Torah teaches us that it's not enough to pursue...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Shoftim This Week: 'Tzedek tzedek tirdof' Justice, justice you shall pursue. This famous verse hung in Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Supreme Court office, but why repeat the word 'justice'? The Torah teaches us that it's not enough to pursue justice; it must be pursued justly. The goal AND the method must both be just. We can't rationalize cutting corners just because our intentions are good. You can't achieve justice through lies, build peace through violence, or create fairness through unfair means. The repetition reminds us: how you do something matters as much as what you do. When you're fighting for what's right, make sure you're fighting in the right way. Character is revealed in method, not just outcome. Shabbat Shalom. ⚖️<br /><br /><b></b><br /><b>Follow</b> us <b>for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>50</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,ethicalliving,ethics,inspirationalthoughts,integritymatters,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,justice,meansandends,moralleadership,rbg,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>20</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why I Never Connected with Christianity, My Journey to Orthodox Judaism: Mrs Rachel Rose</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-i-never-connected-with-christianity-my-journey-to-orthodox-judaism-mrs-rachel-rose--67528945</link><description><![CDATA[✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts ✨<br /><br />Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people and stories of Jewish conversion!<br /><br />Join us as Rachel Rose shares her extraordinary journey from growing up in a non-religious family that explored different faiths to discovering Orthodox Judaism and realizing that her soul had always been Jewish. Growing up in a heavily Christian community in Colorado, Rachel tried to connect with Christianity through Bible study classes. Still, the Old Testament (Torah) resonated with her while the New Testament never quite made sense. What happens when someone spends years trying to understand Jesus as the Messiah but keeps thinking, "he didn't bring world peace - look around"?<br /><br />From her first transformative Shabbat dinner in San Francisco that sent "a jolt through her body" to navigating not one, but two Orthodox conversion processes, Rachel's spiritual journey is filled with courage, faith struggles, setbacks, and ultimately profound religious fulfillment. Hear how she found her husband Michael through their shared path to Orthodox Judaism, discovered the life-changing power of Shabbat observance, learned Hebrew, kept kosher, and built the Jewish family she always dreamed of - including beautiful twins.<br /><br />This compelling conversion testimony covers her experience with Christian Bible study, discovering Torah wisdom, working with sponsoring rabbis, appearing before the Beit Din (Jewish court), going to the mikvah (ritual bath), and embracing Jewish law and traditions. Rachel also shares her transformative experience visiting Israel and feeling immediately at home in Jerusalem.<br /><br />Whether you're curious about Jewish conversion, seeking spiritual authenticity, questioning your current faith, interested in interfaith relationships, or drawn to stories of profound personal religious transformation, Rachel's candid account offers a unique window into choosing Judaism and finding your true spiritual home. Her story touches on modern Orthodox Judaism, Jewish community life, conversion challenges, family acceptance, and the deep meaning found in Jewish practice and belief.<br /><br />Catch <b>Zero Percent on all your go-to platforms!</b><br /><br />Keep the conversation going! If you have questions or ideas about Jewish success and impact.<br /><b>Please email us at Zeropercent@joidenver.com.🌟</b><br /><br />Help others discover Zero Percent! Please leave us a five-star review and share it with friends who might find this podcast enlightening.<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67528945</guid><pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2025 11:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67528945/long_form.mp3" length="102987959" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts ✨

Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people and stories of Jewish conversion!

Join us as Rachel Rose shares her extraordinary...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts ✨<br /><br />Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people and stories of Jewish conversion!<br /><br />Join us as Rachel Rose shares her extraordinary journey from growing up in a non-religious family that explored different faiths to discovering Orthodox Judaism and realizing that her soul had always been Jewish. Growing up in a heavily Christian community in Colorado, Rachel tried to connect with Christianity through Bible study classes. Still, the Old Testament (Torah) resonated with her while the New Testament never quite made sense. What happens when someone spends years trying to understand Jesus as the Messiah but keeps thinking, "he didn't bring world peace - look around"?<br /><br />From her first transformative Shabbat dinner in San Francisco that sent "a jolt through her body" to navigating not one, but two Orthodox conversion processes, Rachel's spiritual journey is filled with courage, faith struggles, setbacks, and ultimately profound religious fulfillment. Hear how she found her husband Michael through their shared path to Orthodox Judaism, discovered the life-changing power of Shabbat observance, learned Hebrew, kept kosher, and built the Jewish family she always dreamed of - including beautiful twins.<br /><br />This compelling conversion testimony covers her experience with Christian Bible study, discovering Torah wisdom, working with sponsoring rabbis, appearing before the Beit Din (Jewish court), going to the mikvah (ritual bath), and embracing Jewish law and traditions. Rachel also shares her transformative experience visiting Israel and feeling immediately at home in Jerusalem.<br /><br />Whether you're curious about Jewish conversion, seeking spiritual authenticity, questioning your current faith, interested in interfaith relationships, or drawn to stories of profound personal religious transformation, Rachel's candid account offers a unique window into choosing Judaism and finding your true spiritual home. Her story touches on modern Orthodox Judaism, Jewish community life, conversion challenges, family acceptance, and the deep meaning found in Jewish practice and belief.<br /><br />Catch <b>Zero Percent on all your go-to platforms!</b><br /><br />Keep the conversation going! If you have questions or ideas about Jewish success and impact.<br /><b>Please email us at Zeropercent@joidenver.com.🌟</b><br /><br />Help others discover Zero Percent! Please leave us a five-star review and share it with friends who might find this podcast enlightening.<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>4276</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>conversionstory,conversiontestimony,faith,faithjourney,jewishcommunity,jewishconversion,jewishidentity,jewishlife,jewishpodcast,judaism,modernorthodox,orthodox,orthodoxjudaism,religiousconversion,religioustransformation,shabbat,spiritualawakening,spiritualjourney,torah,transformation</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>19</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Re'eh: Everything is Communication</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-re-eh-everything-is-communication--67483023</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Re'eh This Week: People often ask me if Judaism believes in 'signs' from God. When Moses speaks about blessings and consequences, he begins with one powerful word: 'Re'eh' SEE. God is always communicating through the events in our lives and world, but the real question isn't whether the message exists; it's whether we'll see it. You can experience something and just move on, or you can pause and ask: 'What is this trying to teach me? How can this help me grow?' The same event can happen to two people; one sees a coincidence, another sees guidance. The choice to see meaning, to internalize the message, and to let it transform you is entirely yours. What are you choosing to see? Shabbat Shalom. 👀<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67483023</guid><pubDate>Fri, 22 Aug 2025 19:49:53 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67483023/0822_1_esv2_90p_bg_10p.mp3" length="1022372" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Re'eh This Week: People often ask me if Judaism believes in 'signs' from God. When Moses speaks about blessings and consequences, he begins with one powerful word: 'Re'eh' SEE. God is always communicating through the events in our lives and...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Re'eh This Week: People often ask me if Judaism believes in 'signs' from God. When Moses speaks about blessings and consequences, he begins with one powerful word: 'Re'eh' SEE. God is always communicating through the events in our lives and world, but the real question isn't whether the message exists; it's whether we'll see it. You can experience something and just move on, or you can pause and ask: 'What is this trying to teach me? How can this help me grow?' The same event can happen to two people; one sees a coincidence, another sees guidance. The choice to see meaning, to internalize the message, and to let it transform you is entirely yours. What are you choosing to see? Shabbat Shalom. 👀<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>64</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>awareness,biblicalinsights,choicetosee,consciousliving,divinemessages,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,personalgrowth,seeingmeaning,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>18</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>If Judaism Values Peace, Why Are Our Texts So Argumentative?</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/if-judaism-values-peace-why-are-our-texts-so-argumentative--67449657</link><description><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explore the apparent contradiction between Judaism's emphasis on peace and the argumentative nature of Jewish texts and culture. I explain that it's not just our texts that are argumentative, our people are too, as reflected in the saying "two Jews, three opinions" and the fact that Jews make excellent attorneys. I clarify that peace is not passivity but rather harmony of difference. You can argue vehemently with someone while still maintaining respect and peace between you. When people are genuinely searching for truth, disagreement isn't personal; it's an intellectual pursuit. I discuss how we need to disagree and see things from different perspectives to truly understand concepts and ideas. The problem arises when we confuse our identity with opinions we've simply absorbed from our environment, political ideologies, family teachings, or community beliefs that aren't our own. When we approach disagreement as a mutual search for understanding rather than a personal attack, we can maintain peace while disagreeing on almost everything. This Jewish approach to constructive argument serves the higher purpose of seeking truth together.<br /><br />✨ Listen to all our podcasts here: <a href="http://www.joidenver.com/podcasts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.joidenver.com/podcasts</a> ✨<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67449657</guid><pubDate>Wed, 20 Aug 2025 11:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67449657/ep_45.mp3" length="3332890" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explore the apparent contradiction between Judaism's emphasis on peace and the argumentative nature of Jewish texts and culture. I explain that it's not just our texts that are argumentative, our people are too, as...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explore the apparent contradiction between Judaism's emphasis on peace and the argumentative nature of Jewish texts and culture. I explain that it's not just our texts that are argumentative, our people are too, as reflected in the saying "two Jews, three opinions" and the fact that Jews make excellent attorneys. I clarify that peace is not passivity but rather harmony of difference. You can argue vehemently with someone while still maintaining respect and peace between you. When people are genuinely searching for truth, disagreement isn't personal; it's an intellectual pursuit. I discuss how we need to disagree and see things from different perspectives to truly understand concepts and ideas. The problem arises when we confuse our identity with opinions we've simply absorbed from our environment, political ideologies, family teachings, or community beliefs that aren't our own. When we approach disagreement as a mutual search for understanding rather than a personal attack, we can maintain peace while disagreeing on almost everything. This Jewish approach to constructive argument serves the higher purpose of seeking truth together.<br /><br />✨ Listen to all our podcasts here: <a href="http://www.joidenver.com/podcasts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.joidenver.com/podcasts</a> ✨<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>139</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>argumentativetexts,constructivedisagreement,culturalvalues,harmonyofdifference,identityvsopinions,intellectualhonesty,intellectualpursuit,jewishargument,jewishattorneys,jewishculture,jewishdebate,jewishdialogue,jewishtexts,mutualunderstanding,peacevspassivity,perspectivetaking,respectfulargument,searchfortruth,truthseeking,twojewsthreeopinions</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>17</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Rabbi Berel Wein</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/rabbi-berel-wein--67449500</link><description><![CDATA[Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! 🌟<br /><br />Join us for a special episode honoring Rabbi Berel Wein, who passed away this past Shabbos, a giant of our generation and one of the most influential Jewish educators and historians of our time. In this intimate interview, recorded just months before his passing in his Jerusalem apartment, Rabbi Wein shares his extraordinary journey from Chicago lawyer to world-renowned rabbi, historian, and community builder.<br /><br />Discover how a pivotal encounter with Rabbi Isaac Halevi Herzog, Israel's Chief Rabbi, changed the course of his life with a simple but profound challenge: "What are you going to do to build the Jewish people?" Follow Rabbi Wein's remarkable path from the courtrooms of Chicago to the pulpits of Miami Beach, from heading the Orthodox Union's kashrut division to founding Yeshiva Shaarei Torah in Monsey.<br /><br />As the author of over 25 books and creator of a groundbreaking audio lecture series, Rabbi Wein was truly the original Jewish podcaster, long before the term existed. His rare ability to make the depth of Jewish history accessible to everyone - from scholars to everyday people with humor, warmth, and crystal-clear explanations made him one of the most sought-after speakers in Jewish communities worldwide.<br /><br />This moving conversation offers a rare glimpse into the personal story of the man who told the story of the Jewish people, sharing family connections, pivotal life moments, and his vision for the Jewish future. Whether you're interested in Jewish history, leadership, or personal transformation, Rabbi Wein's legacy of bringing profound ideas to life will inspire and guide you.<br /><br />May his memory be a blessing, and may we honor his life by carrying forward the light, humor, and clarity he brought into the world.<br /><br />Catch <b>Zero Percent on all your go-to platforms!</b><br /><br />✨ Listen to all our podcasts here: <a href="http://www.joidenver.com/podcasts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.joidenver.com/podcasts</a> ✨<br /><br />Keep the conversation going! If you have questions or ideas about Jewish success and impact.<br /><b>Please email us at Zeropercent@joidenver.com.🌟</b><br /><br />Help others discover Zero Percent! Please leave us a five-star review and share it with friends who might find this podcast enlightening.<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67449500</guid><pubDate>Wed, 20 Aug 2025 11:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67449500/rabbi_berel_wein.mp3" length="56768453" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! 🌟

Join us for a special episode honoring Rabbi Berel Wein, who passed away this past Shabbos, a giant of our generation and one of the most influential...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! 🌟<br /><br />Join us for a special episode honoring Rabbi Berel Wein, who passed away this past Shabbos, a giant of our generation and one of the most influential Jewish educators and historians of our time. In this intimate interview, recorded just months before his passing in his Jerusalem apartment, Rabbi Wein shares his extraordinary journey from Chicago lawyer to world-renowned rabbi, historian, and community builder.<br /><br />Discover how a pivotal encounter with Rabbi Isaac Halevi Herzog, Israel's Chief Rabbi, changed the course of his life with a simple but profound challenge: "What are you going to do to build the Jewish people?" Follow Rabbi Wein's remarkable path from the courtrooms of Chicago to the pulpits of Miami Beach, from heading the Orthodox Union's kashrut division to founding Yeshiva Shaarei Torah in Monsey.<br /><br />As the author of over 25 books and creator of a groundbreaking audio lecture series, Rabbi Wein was truly the original Jewish podcaster, long before the term existed. His rare ability to make the depth of Jewish history accessible to everyone - from scholars to everyday people with humor, warmth, and crystal-clear explanations made him one of the most sought-after speakers in Jewish communities worldwide.<br /><br />This moving conversation offers a rare glimpse into the personal story of the man who told the story of the Jewish people, sharing family connections, pivotal life moments, and his vision for the Jewish future. Whether you're interested in Jewish history, leadership, or personal transformation, Rabbi Wein's legacy of bringing profound ideas to life will inspire and guide you.<br /><br />May his memory be a blessing, and may we honor his life by carrying forward the light, humor, and clarity he brought into the world.<br /><br />Catch <b>Zero Percent on all your go-to platforms!</b><br /><br />✨ Listen to all our podcasts here: <a href="http://www.joidenver.com/podcasts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.joidenver.com/podcasts</a> ✨<br /><br />Keep the conversation going! If you have questions or ideas about Jewish success and impact.<br /><b>Please email us at Zeropercent@joidenver.com.🌟</b><br /><br />Help others discover Zero Percent! Please leave us a five-star review and share it with friends who might find this podcast enlightening.<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2365</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>chiefrabbi,faith,holocaust,inspiration,israel,jerusalem,jewishbooks,jewishcommunity,jewisheducation,jewishhistory,jewishleadership,jewishlife,judaism,legacy,memorial,orthodoxjudaism,rabbiberelwein,spirituality,torah,zeropercentpodcast</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>16</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Eikev: Small Steps, Big Changes</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-eikev-small-steps-big-changes--67380285</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Eikev This Week: The Torah says God watches over Israel 'me-reishit hashana ad acharit shana' from the beginning of THE year to the end of... year. Notice the missing 'the'? We start January thinking 'this is going to be THE year!' Hashanah with the definitive article. But by December, it's just become 'another year' shana, no 'the.' Why do our grand resolutions fail? Because we aim for massive transformation instead of small, sustainable steps. Real change doesn't happen because we declare it's going to be 'THE year.' It happens through tiny daily choices, little habits, and incremental growth. Want to change your life? Think smaller, not bigger. Shabbat Shalom. 📈<br /><br /><br />✨ Listen to all our podcasts here: <a href="http://www.joidenver.com/podcasts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.joidenver.com/podcasts</a> ✨<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67380285</guid><pubDate>Fri, 15 Aug 2025 18:16:46 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67380285/0815_1_esv2_90p_bg_10p.mp3" length="1850767" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Eikev This Week: The Torah says God watches over Israel 'me-reishit hashana ad acharit shana' from the beginning of THE year to the end of... year. Notice the missing 'the'? We start January thinking 'this is going to be THE year!' Hashanah...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Eikev This Week: The Torah says God watches over Israel 'me-reishit hashana ad acharit shana' from the beginning of THE year to the end of... year. Notice the missing 'the'? We start January thinking 'this is going to be THE year!' Hashanah with the definitive article. But by December, it's just become 'another year' shana, no 'the.' Why do our grand resolutions fail? Because we aim for massive transformation instead of small, sustainable steps. Real change doesn't happen because we declare it's going to be 'THE year.' It happens through tiny daily choices, little habits, and incremental growth. Want to change your life? Think smaller, not bigger. Shabbat Shalom. 📈<br /><br /><br />✨ Listen to all our podcasts here: <a href="http://www.joidenver.com/podcasts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.joidenver.com/podcasts</a> ✨<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>116</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,habitbuilding,incrementalchange,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,personalgrowth,resolutions,smallsteps,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,sustainablegrowth,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>15</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why Do Jews Need Atonement Without Original Sin? Understanding Teshuvah</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-do-jews-need-atonement-without-original-sin-understanding-teshuvah--67353700</link><description><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address a question that highlights the difference between Jewish and Christian concepts of human nature and forgiveness. I explain that while Christianity teaches original sin - the idea that humanity is inherently flawed due to Adam's sin and needs salvation - Judaism teaches the opposite: every human being is a spark of the divine and is essentially good. I clarify why Jews still need the process of teshuvah (often translated as atonement or repentance) despite not believing in original sin. When we make mistakes, we create spiritual decay within ourselves and the world, requiring us to undergo teshuvah, which means "returning" - returning to our essential, good self. I explain that Judaism doesn't use the concept of "sin" but rather "chet," an archery term meaning "to miss the mark" - when we don't act in our best interest or in ways that make the world more holy. Like teaching children that a proper apology requires more than just saying sorry, teshuvah involves acknowledging wrongdoing, feeling genuine remorse, and taking action to repair whatever damage was caused.<br /><br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67353700</guid><pubDate>Wed, 13 Aug 2025 11:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67353700/todays_ss_dear.mp3" length="3983037" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address a question that highlights the difference between Jewish and Christian concepts of human nature and forgiveness. I explain that while Christianity teaches original sin - the idea that humanity is inherently...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address a question that highlights the difference between Jewish and Christian concepts of human nature and forgiveness. I explain that while Christianity teaches original sin - the idea that humanity is inherently flawed due to Adam's sin and needs salvation - Judaism teaches the opposite: every human being is a spark of the divine and is essentially good. I clarify why Jews still need the process of teshuvah (often translated as atonement or repentance) despite not believing in original sin. When we make mistakes, we create spiritual decay within ourselves and the world, requiring us to undergo teshuvah, which means "returning" - returning to our essential, good self. I explain that Judaism doesn't use the concept of "sin" but rather "chet," an archery term meaning "to miss the mark" - when we don't act in our best interest or in ways that make the world more holy. Like teaching children that a proper apology requires more than just saying sorry, teshuvah involves acknowledging wrongdoing, feeling genuine remorse, and taking action to repair whatever damage was caused.<br /><br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Please email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>166</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>chetvssin,essentialgoodness,forgiveness,humannature,jewishbeliefs,jewishphilosophy,jewishrepentance,jewishtheology,jewishvschristian,missingthemark,moralrepair,originalsin,religiouscomparison,religiousdifferences,returntogood,sparkofdivine,spiritualdecay,spiritualhealing,spiritualrepair,teshuvah</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>14</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Va'etchanan: The Power of Shema</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-va-etchanan-the-power-of-shema--67321487</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Va'etchanan This Week: After the Holocaust, Rabbi Leizer Silver had a brilliant way to identify hidden Jewish children in monasteries. He'd call out 'Shema Yisrael!' and watch for kids who instinctively whispered back 'Baruch Shem k'vod malchuto l'olam va'ed', the words that follow. These children, separated from everything Jewish, still carried the Shema deep in their souls. In times when being proudly Jewish feels scary or uncertain, the Shema remains our anchor, not just words, but the DNA of our identity. When the world gets loud with hatred or confusion, we have something that echoes deeper than fear: the mantra that has sustained us for millennia. Teach it. Say it. Live it. Shabbat Shalom. 🕯️<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67321487</guid><pubDate>Sun, 10 Aug 2025 15:58:28 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67321487/today_a_esv2_90p_bg_10p.mp3" length="1663103" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Va'etchanan This Week: After the Holocaust, Rabbi Leizer Silver had a brilliant way to identify hidden Jewish children in monasteries. He'd call out 'Shema Yisrael!' and watch for kids who instinctively whispered back 'Baruch Shem k'vod...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Va'etchanan This Week: After the Holocaust, Rabbi Leizer Silver had a brilliant way to identify hidden Jewish children in monasteries. He'd call out 'Shema Yisrael!' and watch for kids who instinctively whispered back 'Baruch Shem k'vod malchuto l'olam va'ed', the words that follow. These children, separated from everything Jewish, still carried the Shema deep in their souls. In times when being proudly Jewish feels scary or uncertain, the Shema remains our anchor, not just words, but the DNA of our identity. When the world gets loud with hatred or confusion, we have something that echoes deeper than fear: the mantra that has sustained us for millennia. Teach it. Say it. Live it. Shabbat Shalom. 🕯️<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>104</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,holocaust,inspirationalthoughts,jewishidentity,jewishpride,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,neverforget,resilience,shema,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,survival,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>13</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why Is There No Blessing Before Giving Charity? Protecting Human Dignity in Mitzvot</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-is-there-no-blessing-before-giving-charity-protecting-human-dignity-in-mitzvot--67268335</link><description><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address why Judaism doesn't require a blessing before giving charity, despite the general rule that we make blessings before performing mitzvot to thank God for the opportunity to partner with Him in making the world a more spiritual place. I explain that there's an important exception to this blessing rule: we don't make blessings before performing mitzvot that involve other people, because doing so would make the recipient feel inferior. I explore how creating a blessing right before giving charity would essentially announce to the person that they are a "charity case" who needs help, which could be deeply humiliating. This principle extends to other interpersonal mitzvot like visiting the sick or any commandment involving another person. I emphasize how Judaism teaches us to be sensitive to the dignity and feelings of others, ensuring that those in the position of giving never act superior to those receiving. This thoughtful approach to religious practice demonstrates how Jewish law balances spiritual obligations with human compassion and respect for every person's dignity.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67268335</guid><pubDate>Wed, 06 Aug 2025 11:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67268335/sequence_01.mp3" length="2145017" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address why Judaism doesn't require a blessing before giving charity, despite the general rule that we make blessings before performing mitzvot to thank God for the opportunity to partner with Him in making the world a...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address why Judaism doesn't require a blessing before giving charity, despite the general rule that we make blessings before performing mitzvot to thank God for the opportunity to partner with Him in making the world a more spiritual place. I explain that there's an important exception to this blessing rule: we don't make blessings before performing mitzvot that involve other people, because doing so would make the recipient feel inferior. I explore how creating a blessing right before giving charity would essentially announce to the person that they are a "charity case" who needs help, which could be deeply humiliating. This principle extends to other interpersonal mitzvot like visiting the sick or any commandment involving another person. I emphasize how Judaism teaches us to be sensitive to the dignity and feelings of others, ensuring that those in the position of giving never act superior to those receiving. This thoughtful approach to religious practice demonstrates how Jewish law balances spiritual obligations with human compassion and respect for every person's dignity.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>89</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>12</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Holocaust Kinna</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/holocaust-kinna--67240272</link><description><![CDATA[Rabbi Moshe Heyman shares powerful insights on the Holocaust Kinna, examining how modern tragedy is woven into ancient Tisha B'av traditions. Explore this profound kinah that connects the Shoah to Jewish mourning practices. A deeply moving episode on memory, loss, and Jewish continuity.<br /><br /><b>Watch the full video version on JOIdenver's YouTube Channel:</b> https://www.youtube.com/@Joidenver<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />#TishaBAv #Kinnot #Kinah #Holocaust #Shoah #RabbiHeyman #JewishMemory #ModernKinah #9thOfAv]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67240272</guid><pubDate>Sun, 03 Aug 2025 23:29:32 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67240272/holocaust.mp3" length="14390796" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Rabbi Moshe Heyman shares powerful insights on the Holocaust Kinna, examining how modern tragedy is woven into ancient Tisha B'av traditions. Explore this profound kinah that connects the Shoah to Jewish mourning practices. A deeply moving episode on...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Rabbi Moshe Heyman shares powerful insights on the Holocaust Kinna, examining how modern tragedy is woven into ancient Tisha B'av traditions. Explore this profound kinah that connects the Shoah to Jewish mourning practices. A deeply moving episode on memory, loss, and Jewish continuity.<br /><br /><b>Watch the full video version on JOIdenver's YouTube Channel:</b> https://www.youtube.com/@Joidenver<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />#TishaBAv #Kinnot #Kinah #Holocaust #Shoah #RabbiHeyman #JewishMemory #ModernKinah #9thOfAv]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>900</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/9516911328c6d774e58d7411f487d6f0.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>12</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>October 7th Kinna</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-7th-kinna--67240278</link><description><![CDATA[Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield shares meaningful insights on the October 7th Kinna, exploring themes of destruction and remembrance. Discover the deeper meaning behind this powerful Tisha B'av kinah and its connection to Jewish history and mourning. Essential listening for understanding Kinnot and spiritual growth through tragedy.<br /><br /><b>Watch the full video version on JOIdenver's YouTube Channel:</b> https://www.youtube.com/@Joidenver<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />#TishaBAv #Kinnot #Kinah #JewishMourning #RabbiLehrfield #9thOfAv #TishaBavTishaBAv Kinnot Kinah JewishMourning RabbiLehrfield 9thOfAv TishaBav]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67240278</guid><pubDate>Sun, 03 Aug 2025 23:29:14 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67240278/october_7.mp3" length="5626192" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield shares meaningful insights on the October 7th Kinna, exploring themes of destruction and remembrance. Discover the deeper meaning behind this powerful Tisha B'av kinah and its connection to Jewish history and mourning....</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield shares meaningful insights on the October 7th Kinna, exploring themes of destruction and remembrance. Discover the deeper meaning behind this powerful Tisha B'av kinah and its connection to Jewish history and mourning. Essential listening for understanding Kinnot and spiritual growth through tragedy.<br /><br /><b>Watch the full video version on JOIdenver's YouTube Channel:</b> https://www.youtube.com/@Joidenver<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />#TishaBAv #Kinnot #Kinah #JewishMourning #RabbiLehrfield #9thOfAv #TishaBavTishaBAv Kinnot Kinah JewishMourning RabbiLehrfield 9thOfAv TishaBav]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>352</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>7,9thofav,jewishmourning,kinah,kinnot,lehrfield,menachem,oct7,october,rabbilehrfield,tishabav</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/9516911328c6d774e58d7411f487d6f0.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>11</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Kinna #31 - Leaving Egypt vs leaving Jerusalem</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/kinna-31-leaving-egypt-vs-leaving-jerusalem--67240253</link><description><![CDATA[Rabbi Levi Lebovitz shares insights on Kinna #31, exploring the stark contrast between leaving Egypt and leaving Jerusalem. Discover the deeper meaning behind these powerful Tisha B'av kinnot and their place in Jewish liturgical tradition. Essential listening for a comprehensive Kinnot study.<br /><br /><b>Watch the full video version on JOIdenver's YouTube Channel:</b> https://www.youtube.com/@Joidenver<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />#TishaBAv #Kinnot #Kinah #RabbiLebovitz #JewishLiturgy #9thOfAv #TishaBav]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67240253</guid><pubDate>Sun, 03 Aug 2025 23:25:49 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67240253/31.mp3" length="4267407" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Rabbi Levi Lebovitz shares insights on Kinna #31, exploring the stark contrast between leaving Egypt and leaving Jerusalem. Discover the deeper meaning behind these powerful Tisha B'av kinnot and their place in Jewish liturgical tradition. Essential...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Rabbi Levi Lebovitz shares insights on Kinna #31, exploring the stark contrast between leaving Egypt and leaving Jerusalem. Discover the deeper meaning behind these powerful Tisha B'av kinnot and their place in Jewish liturgical tradition. Essential listening for a comprehensive Kinnot study.<br /><br /><b>Watch the full video version on JOIdenver's YouTube Channel:</b> https://www.youtube.com/@Joidenver<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />#TishaBAv #Kinnot #Kinah #RabbiLebovitz #JewishLiturgy #9thOfAv #TishaBav]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>267</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/9516911328c6d774e58d7411f487d6f0.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>10</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Kinna #22 - Agony &amp; pain</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/kinna-22-agony-pain--67240234</link><description><![CDATA[Rabbi Levi Lebovitz shares insights on Kinna #22, exploring unique themes and historical context. Discover the deeper meaning behind these powerful Tisha B'av kinnot and their place in Jewish liturgical tradition. Essential listening for a comprehensive Kinnot study.<br /><b></b><br /><b>Watch the full video version on JOIdenver's YouTube Channel:</b> https://www.youtube.com/@Joidenver<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />#TishaBAv #Kinnot #Kinah #RabbiLebovitz #JewishLiturgy #9thOfAv #TishaBav]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67240234</guid><pubDate>Sun, 03 Aug 2025 23:24:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67240234/22.mp3" length="6011133" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Rabbi Levi Lebovitz shares insights on Kinna #22, exploring unique themes and historical context. Discover the deeper meaning behind these powerful Tisha B'av kinnot and their place in Jewish liturgical tradition. Essential listening for a...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Rabbi Levi Lebovitz shares insights on Kinna #22, exploring unique themes and historical context. Discover the deeper meaning behind these powerful Tisha B'av kinnot and their place in Jewish liturgical tradition. Essential listening for a comprehensive Kinnot study.<br /><b></b><br /><b>Watch the full video version on JOIdenver's YouTube Channel:</b> https://www.youtube.com/@Joidenver<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />#TishaBAv #Kinnot #Kinah #RabbiLebovitz #JewishLiturgy #9thOfAv #TishaBav]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>376</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/9516911328c6d774e58d7411f487d6f0.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>9</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Kinna #21 - The 10 martyrs</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/kinna-21-the-10-martyrs--67240220</link><description><![CDATA[Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield shares insights on Kinna #21, focusing on Rabbi Akiva and the 10 Martyrs. Explore how ancient Tisha B'av kinah traditions connect to modern Jewish tragedy and resilience. A powerful episode bridging historical and contemporary Jewish mourning.<br /><b></b><br /><b>Watch the full video version on JOIdenver's YouTube Channel:</b> https://www.youtube.com/@Joidenver<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />#TishaBAv #Kinnot #Kinah #October7 #RabbiLehrfield #JewishTragedy #ModernKinah #9thOfAv]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67240220</guid><pubDate>Sun, 03 Aug 2025 23:22:01 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67240220/21.mp3" length="5239580" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield shares insights on Kinna #21, focusing on Rabbi Akiva and the 10 Martyrs. Explore how ancient Tisha B'av kinah traditions connect to modern Jewish tragedy and resilience. A powerful episode bridging historical and contemporary...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield shares insights on Kinna #21, focusing on Rabbi Akiva and the 10 Martyrs. Explore how ancient Tisha B'av kinah traditions connect to modern Jewish tragedy and resilience. A powerful episode bridging historical and contemporary Jewish mourning.<br /><b></b><br /><b>Watch the full video version on JOIdenver's YouTube Channel:</b> https://www.youtube.com/@Joidenver<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />#TishaBAv #Kinnot #Kinah #October7 #RabbiLehrfield #JewishTragedy #ModernKinah #9thOfAv]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>328</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>9thofav,akiva,jewishmourning,kinah,kinnot,rabbi,rabbiakiva,rabbilehrfield,rebbe,tishabav</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/9516911328c6d774e58d7411f487d6f0.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>8</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Kinna #19 - The recognition that we are to blame</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/kinna-19-the-recognition-that-we-are-to-blame--67240208</link><description><![CDATA[Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield shares insights on Kinna #19, exploring the complex emotions of mourning and faith. Discover how this powerful Tisha B'av kinah speaks to generations of Jewish suffering and spiritual strength. A compelling listen for those seeking deeper Kinnot meaning.<br /><br /><b>Watch the full video version on JOIdenver's YouTube Channel:</b> https://www.youtube.com/@Joidenver<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />#TishaBAv #Kinnot #Kinah #JewishFaith #RabbiLehrfield #SpiritualStrength #9thOfAv]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67240208</guid><pubDate>Sun, 03 Aug 2025 23:18:56 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67240208/19.mp3" length="3961461" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield shares insights on Kinna #19, exploring the complex emotions of mourning and faith. Discover how this powerful Tisha B'av kinah speaks to generations of Jewish suffering and spiritual strength. A compelling listen for those...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield shares insights on Kinna #19, exploring the complex emotions of mourning and faith. Discover how this powerful Tisha B'av kinah speaks to generations of Jewish suffering and spiritual strength. A compelling listen for those seeking deeper Kinnot meaning.<br /><br /><b>Watch the full video version on JOIdenver's YouTube Channel:</b> https://www.youtube.com/@Joidenver<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />#TishaBAv #Kinnot #Kinah #JewishFaith #RabbiLehrfield #SpiritualStrength #9thOfAv]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>248</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19,9av,kina19,kinna,kinna19,kinnah,kinnah19,kinnos,kinnot,lehrfield,menachem,tishabav</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/9516911328c6d774e58d7411f487d6f0.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>7</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Kinna #16 - The evil Titus</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/kinna-16-the-evil-titus--67240196</link><description><![CDATA[Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield shares insights on Kinna #16, examining the destruction of the Temple, the evil Titus, and the precious young children who chose to die rather than live under Roman depravity. Uncover the spiritual depth of this Tisha B'av kinah and its relevance to contemporary Jewish experience. Deepen your Kinnot understanding with expert Torah commentary. <br /><br />Watch the full video version on JOIdenver's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Joidenver<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />#TishaBAv #Kinnot #Kinah #JewishHope #RabbiLehrfield #TorahInsights #9thOfAv]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67240196</guid><pubDate>Sun, 03 Aug 2025 23:16:38 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67240196/16.mp3" length="6428256" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield shares insights on Kinna #16, examining the destruction of the Temple, the evil Titus, and the precious young children who chose to die rather than live under Roman depravity. Uncover the spiritual depth of this Tisha B'av...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield shares insights on Kinna #16, examining the destruction of the Temple, the evil Titus, and the precious young children who chose to die rather than live under Roman depravity. Uncover the spiritual depth of this Tisha B'av kinah and its relevance to contemporary Jewish experience. Deepen your Kinnot understanding with expert Torah commentary. <br /><br />Watch the full video version on JOIdenver's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Joidenver<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />#TishaBAv #Kinnot #Kinah #JewishHope #RabbiLehrfield #TorahInsights #9thOfAv]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>402</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>9thofav,jewishhope,kinah,kinnot,rabbilehrfield,tishabav,torahinsights</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/9516911328c6d774e58d7411f487d6f0.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>6</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Kinna #11 - The tragic death of King Josiah</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/kinna-11-the-tragic-death-of-king-josiah--67240185</link><description><![CDATA[Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield shares insights on Kinna #11, diving deep into the tragic murder of King Josiah (Yoshiyahu). Explore this moving Tisha B'av kinah and its timeless messages of Jewish resilience. Perfect for Tisha B'Av preparation and understanding the depth of Kinnot liturgy. <br /><br /><b>Watch the full video version on JOIdenver's YouTube Channel:</b> https://www.youtube.com/@Joidenver<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />#TishaBAv #Kinnot #Kinah #JewishExile #RabbiLehrfield #JewishResilience #9thOfAv]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67240185</guid><pubDate>Sun, 03 Aug 2025 23:14:31 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67240185/11.mp3" length="5932974" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield shares insights on Kinna #11, diving deep into the tragic murder of King Josiah (Yoshiyahu). Explore this moving Tisha B'av kinah and its timeless messages of Jewish resilience. Perfect for Tisha B'Av preparation and...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield shares insights on Kinna #11, diving deep into the tragic murder of King Josiah (Yoshiyahu). Explore this moving Tisha B'av kinah and its timeless messages of Jewish resilience. Perfect for Tisha B'Av preparation and understanding the depth of Kinnot liturgy. <br /><br /><b>Watch the full video version on JOIdenver's YouTube Channel:</b> https://www.youtube.com/@Joidenver<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />#TishaBAv #Kinnot #Kinah #JewishExile #RabbiLehrfield #JewishResilience #9thOfAv]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>371</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>9thofav,jewishexile,jewishresilience,kinah,kinnot,rabbilehrfield,tishabav</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/9516911328c6d774e58d7411f487d6f0.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>5</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Kinna #6 Everything came to a standstill</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/kinna-6-everything-came-to-a-standstill--67240175</link><description><![CDATA[Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield shares meaningful insights on Kinna #6, exploring themes of destruction and remembrance. Discover the deeper meaning behind this powerful Tisha B'av kinah and its connection to Jewish history and mourning. Essential listening for understanding Kinnot and spiritual growth through tragedy.<br /><br />Watch the full video version on JOIdenver's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Joidenver<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />#TishaBAv #Kinnot #Kinah #JewishMourning #RabbiLehrfield #9thOfAv #TishaBav]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67240175</guid><pubDate>Sun, 03 Aug 2025 23:11:46 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67240175/kinnah_6.mp3" length="3072462" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield shares meaningful insights on Kinna #6, exploring themes of destruction and remembrance. Discover the deeper meaning behind this powerful Tisha B'av kinah and its connection to Jewish history and mourning. Essential listening...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield shares meaningful insights on Kinna #6, exploring themes of destruction and remembrance. Discover the deeper meaning behind this powerful Tisha B'av kinah and its connection to Jewish history and mourning. Essential listening for understanding Kinnot and spiritual growth through tragedy.<br /><br />Watch the full video version on JOIdenver's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Joidenver<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />#TishaBAv #Kinnot #Kinah #JewishMourning #RabbiLehrfield #9thOfAv #TishaBav]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>192</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>9thofav,jewishmourning,kina6,kinah,kinah6,kinnot,rabbilehrfield,tishabav</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/9516911328c6d774e58d7411f487d6f0.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>4</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Introduction to Kinnos 2025</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/introduction-to-kinnos-2025--67240137</link><description><![CDATA[Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield introduces the ancient tradition of Kinnot on Tisha B'av, explaining their history and significance for Tisha B'av observance. Perfect for beginners and those seeking to deepen their understanding of Jewish mourning liturgy and the 9th of Av. Essential preparation for the Tisha Bav fast and Kinnot recitation.<br /><br />Watch the full video version on JOIdenver's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Joidenver<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67240137</guid><pubDate>Sun, 03 Aug 2025 23:09:31 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67240137/intro_to_kinnos.mp3" length="7172641" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield introduces the ancient tradition of Kinnot on Tisha B'av, explaining their history and significance for Tisha B'av observance. Perfect for beginners and those seeking to deepen their understanding of Jewish mourning liturgy...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield introduces the ancient tradition of Kinnot on Tisha B'av, explaining their history and significance for Tisha B'av observance. Perfect for beginners and those seeking to deepen their understanding of Jewish mourning liturgy and the 9th of Av. Essential preparation for the Tisha Bav fast and Kinnot recitation.<br /><br />Watch the full video version on JOIdenver's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Joidenver<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>449</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>9thofav,jewish,jewishmourning,kinah,kinnot,rabbilehrfield,tishabav</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/9516911328c6d774e58d7411f487d6f0.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>3</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Devarim: Tone Matters More Than Content</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-devarim-tone-matters-more-than-content--67214530</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Devarim This Week: When Moses recounts the story of the spies, he says God heard 'the sound of their words,' not just what they said, but how they said it. The spies' actual words weren't wrong; it was their tone that destroyed hope and changed history. This hits differently as we approach Tisha B'Av this Sunday, mourning the Temple's destruction caused by sinat chinam, baseless hatred. It's a reminder that our tone can build bridges or burn them down. The same question can sound curious or judgmental. The same feedback can feel supportive or crushing. Your children, spouse, and friends hear your tone louder than your words. What is the sound of your words saying about you? Shabbat Shalom. 🎵<br /><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67214530</guid><pubDate>Fri, 01 Aug 2025 11:20:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67214530/0801_1_esv2_90p_bg_10p.mp3" length="1696122" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Devarim This Week: When Moses recounts the story of the spies, he says God heard 'the sound of their words,' not just what they said, but how they said it. The spies' actual words weren't wrong; it was their tone that destroyed hope and...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Devarim This Week: When Moses recounts the story of the spies, he says God heard 'the sound of their words,' not just what they said, but how they said it. The spies' actual words weren't wrong; it was their tone that destroyed hope and changed history. This hits differently as we approach Tisha B'Av this Sunday, mourning the Temple's destruction caused by sinat chinam, baseless hatred. It's a reminder that our tone can build bridges or burn them down. The same question can sound curious or judgmental. The same feedback can feel supportive or crushing. Your children, spouse, and friends hear your tone louder than your words. What is the sound of your words saying about you? Shabbat Shalom. 🎵<br /><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>106</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,communication,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,mindfulspeech,relationshipwisdom,soulfulliving,soundofwords,spiesstory,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,tishabav,tonematters,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>2</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>I Left Christianity After 40 Years and Found My True Home - Mrs Batya</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/i-left-christianity-after-40-years-and-found-my-true-home-mrs-batya--67189084</link><description><![CDATA[Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people!<br /><br />🌟 Join us as Batya shares her remarkable journey from a non-religious upbringing in small-town Colorado to discovering her Jewish soul through unexpected encounters and deep spiritual questioning. Follow her transformation from a devoted Christian raising three children in the church to finding profound meaning in Jewish tradition, sparked by meeting an Orthodox Jewish classmate in graduate school.<br /><br />Despite leaving behind a lifetime of Christian faith and facing the challenges of divorce and starting anew, Batya's story reveals profound spiritual fulfillment, authentic connection with God, and the unexpected ways life leads us to our true purpose. Her journey from Sunday services to Shabbat candles illustrates how our deepest questions sometimes lead us to the most meaningful answers.<br /><br />Whether you're curious about conversion, seeking spiritual authenticity, or interested in personal transformation, Batya's story offers a poignant glimpse into the journey of choosing Judaism and finding your spiritual home.<br /><br />You can also connect with Mrs. Batya at: decele9397@<a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=comments&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmQxUjFiQjRuMXkxRllMazJuTXVGMnFac3ZxQXxBQ3Jtc0tteG5vMlNXN01hVlZ3Yy1mUVZfdEVzZGNfVjJMZFEtNDRUamJTajhhdEIxcTl6WEdRRjZQRTlHRVpKSUdJelpVMVk2d2RqQjUxU3libllTSVZPakwxay1TTUNhc2p3ZFRKQU0tc1U5YjBmSEJuU2VMSQ&amp;q=http%3A%2F%2Fgmail.com%2F&amp;stzid=Ugw0owTUNfHUiPPCmCJ4AaABAg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gmail.com</a>.<br /><br />✨ Listen to all our podcasts here: <a href="http://www.joidenver.com/podcasts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.joidenver.com/podcasts</a> ✨<br /><br /><b>Catch Zero Percent on all podcast platforms, available on your go-to platform!</b><br /><br />Keep the conversation going! If you have questions or ideas about Jewish success and impact, <b>please email us at Zeropercent@joidenver.com.🌟</b><br /><br />Help others discover Zero Percent! Please leave us a five-star review and share it with friends who might find this podcast enlightening.<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67189084</guid><pubDate>Wed, 30 Jul 2025 13:40:51 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67189084/corrected_audio.mp3" length="61188971" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people!

🌟 Join us as Batya shares her remarkable journey from a non-religious upbringing in small-town Colorado to discovering her Jewish soul through unexpected...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people!<br /><br />🌟 Join us as Batya shares her remarkable journey from a non-religious upbringing in small-town Colorado to discovering her Jewish soul through unexpected encounters and deep spiritual questioning. Follow her transformation from a devoted Christian raising three children in the church to finding profound meaning in Jewish tradition, sparked by meeting an Orthodox Jewish classmate in graduate school.<br /><br />Despite leaving behind a lifetime of Christian faith and facing the challenges of divorce and starting anew, Batya's story reveals profound spiritual fulfillment, authentic connection with God, and the unexpected ways life leads us to our true purpose. Her journey from Sunday services to Shabbat candles illustrates how our deepest questions sometimes lead us to the most meaningful answers.<br /><br />Whether you're curious about conversion, seeking spiritual authenticity, or interested in personal transformation, Batya's story offers a poignant glimpse into the journey of choosing Judaism and finding your spiritual home.<br /><br />You can also connect with Mrs. Batya at: decele9397@<a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=comments&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmQxUjFiQjRuMXkxRllMazJuTXVGMnFac3ZxQXxBQ3Jtc0tteG5vMlNXN01hVlZ3Yy1mUVZfdEVzZGNfVjJMZFEtNDRUamJTajhhdEIxcTl6WEdRRjZQRTlHRVpKSUdJelpVMVk2d2RqQjUxU3libllTSVZPakwxay1TTUNhc2p3ZFRKQU0tc1U5YjBmSEJuU2VMSQ&amp;q=http%3A%2F%2Fgmail.com%2F&amp;stzid=Ugw0owTUNfHUiPPCmCJ4AaABAg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gmail.com</a>.<br /><br />✨ Listen to all our podcasts here: <a href="http://www.joidenver.com/podcasts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.joidenver.com/podcasts</a> ✨<br /><br /><b>Catch Zero Percent on all podcast platforms, available on your go-to platform!</b><br /><br />Keep the conversation going! If you have questions or ideas about Jewish success and impact, <b>please email us at Zeropercent@joidenver.com.🌟</b><br /><br />Help others discover Zero Percent! Please leave us a five-star review and share it with friends who might find this podcast enlightening.<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2534</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>christianity,conversion,converttojudaism,divorce,faith,findingfaith,graduateschool,jewishcommunity,jewishconversion,jewishlife,judaism,orthodox,personaltransformation,religion,religiousjourney,shabbat,spiritualawakening,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,zeropercent</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>How Does Someone Become "Gadol Hador" (Greatest of the Generation)? Jewish Leadership</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-does-someone-become-gadol-hador-greatest-of-the-generation-jewish-leadership--67180630</link><description><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explore how Jewish religious leaders achieve the prestigious title of "Gadol Hador" (greatest of the generation) and explain why this process is fundamentally different from American political campaigns. I discuss how authentic Jewish leadership operates on the principle that the best leaders are often those who don't seek leadership positions but have leadership thrust upon them. Unlike political systems, where candidates campaign for office, Jewish religious authority develops organically when a knowledgeable sage attracts followers who respect and appreciate their wisdom. I explain how this process unfolds naturally: people seek advice from these learned individuals, keep returning for more guidance, and eventually those who recognize true greatness begin to acknowledge this person's exceptional status. The community gradually turns to them for halachic decisions and spiritual guidance until they become the de facto leader of the generation. This approach to leadership selection reflects Jewish values that prioritize reluctant but qualified leadership over ambitious self-promotion, ensuring that those who assume these roles do so out of responsibility rather than personal ambition.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67180630</guid><pubDate>Wed, 30 Jul 2025 11:00:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67180630/new_dear_rabbi_esv2_90p_bg_10p.mp3" length="902828" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explore how Jewish religious leaders achieve the prestigious title of "Gadol Hador" (greatest of the generation) and explain why this process is fundamentally different from American political campaigns. I discuss how...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explore how Jewish religious leaders achieve the prestigious title of "Gadol Hador" (greatest of the generation) and explain why this process is fundamentally different from American political campaigns. I discuss how authentic Jewish leadership operates on the principle that the best leaders are often those who don't seek leadership positions but have leadership thrust upon them. Unlike political systems, where candidates campaign for office, Jewish religious authority develops organically when a knowledgeable sage attracts followers who respect and appreciate their wisdom. I explain how this process unfolds naturally: people seek advice from these learned individuals, keep returning for more guidance, and eventually those who recognize true greatness begin to acknowledge this person's exceptional status. The community gradually turns to them for halachic decisions and spiritual guidance until they become the de facto leader of the generation. This approach to leadership selection reflects Jewish values that prioritize reluctant but qualified leadership over ambitious self-promotion, ensuring that those who assume these roles do so out of responsibility rather than personal ambition.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>113</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>authenticleadership,communityleadership,gadolhador,halachicauthority,jewishcommunity,jewishgovernance,jewishhierarchy,jewishleadership,jewishsages,jewishtradition,jewishvalues,leadershipprinciples,rabbinicauthority,religiousauthority,religiousguidance,religiouswisdom,reluctantleadership,spiritualleadership,torahleadership,torahscholarship</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>90</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Matot-Masei: The Power of Good Influences</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-matot-masei-the-power-of-good-influences--67111863</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Matot-Masei This Week: When the tribes of Gad and Reuben wanted to settle outside Israel for better pasture land, Moses was concerned. Being isolated from the main Jewish community would make them vulnerable to negative spiritual influences. His solution? He strategically placed half the tribe of Manasseh, known for their spiritual leadership, among them as positive influences. Moses understood a timeless truth: we become like the people we surround ourselves with. Your friends, your community, the voices you listen to, they're not just affecting your day, they're shaping who you're becoming. Choose your influences as carefully as you'd choose your children's. We rise or fall together. Shabbat Shalom. 🤝<br /><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67111863</guid><pubDate>Fri, 25 Jul 2025 14:20:44 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67111863/parshat_matsei_matso_esv2_90p_bg_10p.mp3" length="1486724" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Matot-Masei This Week: When the tribes of Gad and Reuben wanted to settle outside Israel for better pasture land, Moses was concerned. Being isolated from the main Jewish community would make them vulnerable to negative spiritual influences....</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Matot-Masei This Week: When the tribes of Gad and Reuben wanted to settle outside Israel for better pasture land, Moses was concerned. Being isolated from the main Jewish community would make them vulnerable to negative spiritual influences. His solution? He strategically placed half the tribe of Manasseh, known for their spiritual leadership, among them as positive influences. Moses understood a timeless truth: we become like the people we surround ourselves with. Your friends, your community, the voices you listen to, they're not just affecting your day, they're shaping who you're becoming. Choose your influences as carefully as you'd choose your children's. We rise or fall together. Shabbat Shalom. 🤝<br /><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>93</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,choosewisely,community,goodinfluences,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,peerinfluence,positiveenvironment,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,tribalwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>89</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Was Moses truly Humble? Understanding True Humility</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/was-moses-truly-humble-understanding-true-humility--67085494</link><description><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address a fascinating question about Moses and humility: if Moses was truly humble, how could he write about himself that he was the most humble person who ever lived? I explain that this question is based on a common misconception about what humility means in Jewish thought. True humility doesn't mean thinking less of yourself or diminishing your abilities - it means thinking of yourself less and focusing outward rather than inward. I explore how Judaism teaches that God gives each person tremendous skills and talents specifically to fulfill their unique mission in this world. Recognizing and using these God-given gifts doesn't contradict humility; rather, genuine humility means acknowledging that all our abilities come from God and using them as tools to make ourselves and the world better.<br /><br />The key is understanding that having specific talents doesn't make anyone a better person than others - what matters is how we use our gifts to serve a higher purpose and contribute positively to the world.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67085494</guid><pubDate>Wed, 23 Jul 2025 11:58:00 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67085494/season_4_ep1.mp3" length="2204165" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address a fascinating question about Moses and humility: if Moses was truly humble, how could he write about himself that he was the most humble person who ever lived? I explain that this question is based on a common...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address a fascinating question about Moses and humility: if Moses was truly humble, how could he write about himself that he was the most humble person who ever lived? I explain that this question is based on a common misconception about what humility means in Jewish thought. True humility doesn't mean thinking less of yourself or diminishing your abilities - it means thinking of yourself less and focusing outward rather than inward. I explore how Judaism teaches that God gives each person tremendous skills and talents specifically to fulfill their unique mission in this world. Recognizing and using these God-given gifts doesn't contradict humility; rather, genuine humility means acknowledging that all our abilities come from God and using them as tools to make ourselves and the world better.<br /><br />The key is understanding that having specific talents doesn't make anyone a better person than others - what matters is how we use our gifts to serve a higher purpose and contribute positively to the world.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>92</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalcharacter,biblicalwisdom,divinegifts,godgiventalents,jewishhumility,jewishphilosophy,jewishteaching,jewishvalues,mosescharacter,moseshumility,personaldevelopment,personalmission,purposeinlife,religiousguidance,religiouswisdom,selfawareness,selflessness,spiritualgrowth,spiritualhumility,truehumility</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>88</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Pinchas: The Power of Daily Practice</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-pinchas-the-power-of-daily-practice--67030026</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Pinchas This Week: What's the most important verse in the entire Torah? You might guess the Shema, or 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' But the Talmud surprisingly chooses the verse about the Korban Tamid, the daily offering brought every morning and evening in the Temple. The message? Grand gestures of love and faith are beautiful, but transformation happens through consistency. It's not the peak spiritual moments that change us; it's showing up daily, doing the small things repeatedly, and building habits that slowly reshape who we are. Whether it's prayer, kindness, learning, or any positive practice, the secret isn't intensity; it's consistency. What daily offering will you bring to your own life? Shabbat Shalom. 🌅<br /><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67030026</guid><pubDate>Fri, 18 Jul 2025 17:23:20 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67030026/0718_1.mp3" length="1622567" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Pinchas This Week: What's the most important verse in the entire Torah? You might guess the Shema, or 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' But the Talmud surprisingly chooses the verse about the Korban Tamid, the daily offering brought every...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Pinchas This Week: What's the most important verse in the entire Torah? You might guess the Shema, or 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' But the Talmud surprisingly chooses the verse about the Korban Tamid, the daily offering brought every morning and evening in the Temple. The message? Grand gestures of love and faith are beautiful, but transformation happens through consistency. It's not the peak spiritual moments that change us; it's showing up daily, doing the small things repeatedly, and building habits that slowly reshape who we are. Whether it's prayer, kindness, learning, or any positive practice, the secret isn't intensity; it's consistency. What daily offering will you bring to your own life? Shabbat Shalom. 🌅<br /><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>68</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,consistency,dailypractice,habitbuilding,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,korbantamid,smallsteps,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,transformativepractice,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>87</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Balak: The Donkey's Hidden Message</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-balak-the-donkey-s-hidden-message--66939011</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Balak This Week: When Bilam's donkey suddenly stopped walking, he immediately assumed it was defying him personally. But the donkey saw angels blocking the path that Bilam couldn't see. 'You know me,' the donkey said, 'do you think I'd do this to you on purpose?' How often do we assume someone's behavior is a personal attack when they're responding to something we can't see? That child acting out, that coworker being difficult—maybe they're not trying to hurt us. Perhaps they're conveying something they're experiencing that we're unaware of. Before we take it personally, let's get curious: What might they be seeing that I'm not? What are they trying to tell me? Shabbat Shalom. 👁️<br /><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66939011</guid><pubDate>Fri, 11 Jul 2025 11:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/66939011/0711_esv2_90p_bg_10p.mp3" length="1616710" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Balak This Week: When Bilam's donkey suddenly stopped walking, he immediately assumed it was defying him personally. But the donkey saw angels blocking the path that Bilam couldn't see. 'You know me,' the donkey said, 'do you think I'd do...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Balak This Week: When Bilam's donkey suddenly stopped walking, he immediately assumed it was defying him personally. But the donkey saw angels blocking the path that Bilam couldn't see. 'You know me,' the donkey said, 'do you think I'd do this to you on purpose?' How often do we assume someone's behavior is a personal attack when they're responding to something we can't see? That child acting out, that coworker being difficult—maybe they're not trying to hurt us. Perhaps they're conveying something they're experiencing that we're unaware of. Before we take it personally, let's get curious: What might they be seeing that I'm not? What are they trying to tell me? Shabbat Shalom. 👁️<br /><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>102</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,bilamsstory,communication,empathy,getcurious,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,misunderstandingothers,perspective,relationshipwisdom,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>86</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why Jews don't eat cheeseburger Part 7</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-jews-don-t-eat-cheeseburger-part-7--66836501</link><description><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I conclude the analysis of Ellen Gilad's interpretation of the meat and milk prohibition by demonstrating how clear biblical verses help us understand ambiguous ones. While acknowledging that the verses in Exodus might be unclear about whether they refer to cooking or ripening, I explain how the crystal-clear verse in Deuteronomy, which appears among dietary laws, definitively establishes that "bashel" means "to cook" rather than "to ripen." I use the principle that when faced with both clear and ambiguous biblical passages on the same topic, we should interpret the ambiguous ones through the lens of the clear ones. Even if we were to accept the alternative interpretation of the Exodus verses, the Deuteronomy verse alone would still prohibit mixing meat and milk. I conclude with a practical analogy about choosing the safer path when in doubt, emphasizing that those who genuinely care about following divine instruction would avoid questionable practices. This episode reinforces that the prohibition against mixing meat and milk is biblical law transmitted through an unbroken oral tradition, not merely rabbinic interpretation.<br /><br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66836501</guid><pubDate>Wed, 09 Jul 2025 11:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/66836501/ep_7.mp3" length="8224911" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I conclude the analysis of Ellen Gilad's interpretation of the meat and milk prohibition by demonstrating how clear biblical verses help us understand ambiguous ones. While acknowledging that the verses in Exodus might...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I conclude the analysis of Ellen Gilad's interpretation of the meat and milk prohibition by demonstrating how clear biblical verses help us understand ambiguous ones. While acknowledging that the verses in Exodus might be unclear about whether they refer to cooking or ripening, I explain how the crystal-clear verse in Deuteronomy, which appears among dietary laws, definitively establishes that "bashel" means "to cook" rather than "to ripen." I use the principle that when faced with both clear and ambiguous biblical passages on the same topic, we should interpret the ambiguous ones through the lens of the clear ones. Even if we were to accept the alternative interpretation of the Exodus verses, the Deuteronomy verse alone would still prohibit mixing meat and milk. I conclude with a practical analogy about choosing the safer path when in doubt, emphasizing that those who genuinely care about following divine instruction would avoid questionable practices. This episode reinforces that the prohibition against mixing meat and milk is biblical law transmitted through an unbroken oral tradition, not merely rabbinic interpretation.<br /><br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>341</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>bettersafethansorry,biblicalauthority,biblicalexegesis,biblicalinterpretation,biblicallaw,clearvsambiguousverses,deuteronomyversus,divineinstruction,halakhicprinciples,jewishlaw,jewishtradition,kashrutlaws,meatandmilkprohibition,oraltradition,religiousdoubt,religiousobservance,torahanalysis,torahcommentary,torahhermeneutics,torahtransmission</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>85</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Chukat: Miriam's Silent Greatness</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-chukat-miriam-s-silent-greatness--66863740</link><description><![CDATA[Parshat Chukat This Week: Like walking through a forest where all trees look the same until one falls and reveals its true enormity—that's how we discover greatness. When Miriam died in Kadesh, the very next verse tells us the water disappeared. For 40 years in the desert, one woman's faith and merit sustained an entire nation, and nobody fully realized it until she was gone. How many 'hidden giants' walk among us today? Your teacher, your neighbor, that quiet person in your community—they might be sustaining more than you know. And here's the beautiful truth: you might be someone's hidden giant, too. Don't underestimate your impact. One person really can change the world. Shabbat Shalom. 🌳<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66863740</guid><pubDate>Fri, 04 Jul 2025 22:19:29 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/66863740/0704.mp3" length="1261450" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Parshat Chukat This Week: Like walking through a forest where all trees look the same until one falls and reveals its true enormity—that's how we discover greatness. When Miriam died in Kadesh, the very next verse tells us the water disappeared. For...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Parshat Chukat This Week: Like walking through a forest where all trees look the same until one falls and reveals its true enormity—that's how we discover greatness. When Miriam died in Kadesh, the very next verse tells us the water disappeared. For 40 years in the desert, one woman's faith and merit sustained an entire nation, and nobody fully realized it until she was gone. How many 'hidden giants' walk among us today? Your teacher, your neighbor, that quiet person in your community—they might be sustaining more than you know. And here's the beautiful truth: you might be someone's hidden giant, too. Don't underestimate your impact. One person really can change the world. Shabbat Shalom. 🌳<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>79</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,hiddengreatness,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,miriamstribute,onepersonmatters,personalimpact,quietleadership,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,unrecognizedheroes,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>84</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why Jews don't eat cheeseburger Part 6</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-jews-don-t-eat-cheeseburger-part-6--66835591</link><description><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I examine Ellen Gilad's argument that the Hebrew word "bashel" (translated as "seethe") might mean "ripen" or "mature" rather than "cook," potentially changing our understanding of the biblical prohibition against mixing meat and milk. I acknowledge that this interpretation has precedent with fruits maturing and was even considered by the classical commentator Bechor Shor as an intellectual exercise. However, I explain why this alternative translation doesn't change Jewish law or practice. I delve into why the Torah repeats this commandment three times - "do not seethe a kid in its mother's milk" - showing how traditional Jewish interpretation understands this repetition as establishing three distinct prohibitions: cooking meat and milk together, eating them together, and benefiting from their mixture. I emphasize the crucial role of the Oral Torah in understanding the written text, explaining how the Jewish people received both the written and oral traditions simultaneously at Mount Sinai, making the prohibition against mixing meat and milk a divinely transmitted law rather than a rabbinic interpretation.<br /><br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66835591</guid><pubDate>Wed, 02 Jul 2025 15:11:47 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/66835591/ep_6.mp3" length="6454697" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I examine Ellen Gilad's argument that the Hebrew word "bashel" (translated as "seethe") might mean "ripen" or "mature" rather than "cook," potentially changing our understanding of the biblical prohibition against mixing...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I examine Ellen Gilad's argument that the Hebrew word "bashel" (translated as "seethe") might mean "ripen" or "mature" rather than "cook," potentially changing our understanding of the biblical prohibition against mixing meat and milk. I acknowledge that this interpretation has precedent with fruits maturing and was even considered by the classical commentator Bechor Shor as an intellectual exercise. However, I explain why this alternative translation doesn't change Jewish law or practice. I delve into why the Torah repeats this commandment three times - "do not seethe a kid in its mother's milk" - showing how traditional Jewish interpretation understands this repetition as establishing three distinct prohibitions: cooking meat and milk together, eating them together, and benefiting from their mixture. I emphasize the crucial role of the Oral Torah in understanding the written text, explaining how the Jewish people received both the written and oral traditions simultaneously at Mount Sinai, making the prohibition against mixing meat and milk a divinely transmitted law rather than a rabbinic interpretation.<br /><br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>268</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>basheltranslation,bechorshor,biblicalhebrew,biblicaltranslation,classicalcommentators,halakhah,hebrewwordmeaning,jewishlawinterpretation,jewishscripturalanalysis,jewishtradition,kashrutlaws,meatandmilklaws,oraltorah,religiouslaw,sinairevelation,threeprohibitions,torahcommentary,torahrepetition,torahtransmission,writtentorah</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>83</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Korach: The Art of Sacred Disagreement</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-korach-the-art-of-sacred-disagreement--66777892</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Korach This Week: 'Two Jews, three opinions'—we're famously argumentative people! But this week's story of Korach's rebellion seems to condemn disagreement. So which is it—are arguments good or bad? Jewish wisdom teaches us about 'machloket l'shem shamayim' (מחלוקת לשם שמים)—arguments for the sake of heaven. Korach's rebellion was driven by jealousy and ego, focused on tearing down rather than seeking truth. But when we argue with genuine curiosity, seeking to understand different perspectives and uncover deeper wisdom, our disagreements become sacred. The goal isn't to win—it's to grow beyond our limited viewpoint and discover truth together. Argue well. Shabbat Shalom. 🤝<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66777892</guid><pubDate>Fri, 27 Jun 2025 20:22:38 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/66777892/parshat_new.mp3" length="1168663" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Korach This Week: 'Two Jews, three opinions'—we're famously argumentative people! But this week's story of Korach's rebellion seems to condemn disagreement. So which is it—are arguments good or bad? Jewish wisdom teaches us about 'machloket...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Korach This Week: 'Two Jews, three opinions'—we're famously argumentative people! But this week's story of Korach's rebellion seems to condemn disagreement. So which is it—are arguments good or bad? Jewish wisdom teaches us about 'machloket l'shem shamayim' (מחלוקת לשם שמים)—arguments for the sake of heaven. Korach's rebellion was driven by jealousy and ego, focused on tearing down rather than seeking truth. But when we argue with genuine curiosity, seeking to understand different perspectives and uncover deeper wisdom, our disagreements become sacred. The goal isn't to win—it's to grow beyond our limited viewpoint and discover truth together. Argue well. Shabbat Shalom. 🤝<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>74</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,communitydialogue,constructiveconflict,healthydebate,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,korachsrebellion,sacredarguments,seekingtruth,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>82</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>From Paraguay to the Pulpit: A Rabbi's Journey of Adoption and Faith</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/from-paraguay-to-the-pulpit-a-rabbi-s-journey-of-adoption-and-faith--66735865</link><description><![CDATA[Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! <br /><br />🌟 Join us as Rabbi Moshe Nachbar shares his extraordinary journey from being adopted as a six-month-old baby in Paraguay to becoming an Orthodox rabbi in South Florida. Discover how his path from feeling like he just wanted to "fit in" transformed when he experienced Judaism coming alive during his gap year in Israel. Through his story of conversion, identity, and finding his calling, Rabbi Moshe reveals the miraculous nature of his journey and his powerful message about appreciating the "dignity of difference" in Jewish life. Whether you're curious about conversion, seeking spiritual meaning, or interested in how our origins shape our purpose, Rabbi Moshe's story offers a unique window into choosing Judaism and finding home.<br /><br /><b>📩 Reach out to Rabbi Moshe: Rabbinachbar@gmail.com</b><br /><br /><b></b><br /><b>Catch Zero Percent on all podcast platforms, available on your go-to platform!</b><br /><br />Keep the conversation going! If you have questions or ideas about Jewish success and impact, <b>Please email us at Zeropercent@joidenver.com.🌟</b><br /><br />Help others discover Zero Percent! Please leave us a five-star review and share it with friends who might find this podcast enlightening.<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66735865</guid><pubDate>Wed, 25 Jun 2025 11:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/66735865/long_form_video_moshe.mp3" length="65493201" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! 

🌟 Join us as Rabbi Moshe Nachbar shares his extraordinary journey from being adopted as a six-month-old baby in Paraguay to becoming an Orthodox rabbi in...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! <br /><br />🌟 Join us as Rabbi Moshe Nachbar shares his extraordinary journey from being adopted as a six-month-old baby in Paraguay to becoming an Orthodox rabbi in South Florida. Discover how his path from feeling like he just wanted to "fit in" transformed when he experienced Judaism coming alive during his gap year in Israel. Through his story of conversion, identity, and finding his calling, Rabbi Moshe reveals the miraculous nature of his journey and his powerful message about appreciating the "dignity of difference" in Jewish life. Whether you're curious about conversion, seeking spiritual meaning, or interested in how our origins shape our purpose, Rabbi Moshe's story offers a unique window into choosing Judaism and finding home.<br /><br /><b>📩 Reach out to Rabbi Moshe: Rabbinachbar@gmail.com</b><br /><br /><b></b><br /><b>Catch Zero Percent on all podcast platforms, available on your go-to platform!</b><br /><br />Keep the conversation going! If you have questions or ideas about Jewish success and impact, <b>Please email us at Zeropercent@joidenver.com.🌟</b><br /><br />Help others discover Zero Percent! Please leave us a five-star review and share it with friends who might find this podcast enlightening.<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2699</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adoption,adoptionstory,community,conversion,dignityofdifference,faith,israel,jewishconversion,jewisheducation,jewishidentity,judaism,orthodox,orthodoxjudaism,paraguay,rabbi,rabbilife,southflorida,spiritualjourney,zeropercent</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>81</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Shelach: The Danger of 'But'</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-shelach-the-danger-of-but--66649217</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Shelach This Week: The spies returned from the Promised Land with glowing reports, 'It's amazing!' but then came the word that changed Jewish history: 'BUT the people are giants and we can't conquer it.' The Hebrew word they used was 'efes' (אפס), which means 'zero', and that's exactly what it did to everything positive they'd just said. When we say 'but,' we erase all the good that came before it. 'You did great, BUT...' 'I love you, BUT...' Next time you want to give feedback or share concerns, try using 'and' instead. It honors both the positive and addresses the challenge without destroying hope. Words have the power to build nations or tear them down. Choose wisely. Shabbat Shalom. 💬<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66649217</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Jun 2025 11:00:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/66649217/parshat_shelach.mp3" length="1530616" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Shelach This Week: The spies returned from the Promised Land with glowing reports, 'It's amazing!' but then came the word that changed Jewish history: 'BUT the people are giants and we can't conquer it.' The Hebrew word they used was 'efes'...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Shelach This Week: The spies returned from the Promised Land with glowing reports, 'It's amazing!' but then came the word that changed Jewish history: 'BUT the people are giants and we can't conquer it.' The Hebrew word they used was 'efes' (אפס), which means 'zero', and that's exactly what it did to everything positive they'd just said. When we say 'but,' we erase all the good that came before it. 'You did great, BUT...' 'I love you, BUT...' Next time you want to give feedback or share concerns, try using 'and' instead. It honors both the positive and addresses the challenge without destroying hope. Words have the power to build nations or tear them down. Choose wisely. Shabbat Shalom. 💬<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>96</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,communication,constructivefeedback,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,mindfulspeech,positivelanguage,powerofwords,relationshipwisdom,soulfulliving,spiesstory,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>80</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why Jews don't eat cheeseburger Part 5</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-jews-don-t-eat-cheeseburger-part-5--66576171</link><description><![CDATA[In this episode of my ongoing response to Elon Gilad's viral video, I explain why Judaism requires both written and oral Torah components. I address the fundamental question of why the Torah wasn't simply written down completely, exploring how the Oral Torah serves as an essential living tradition that cannot be contained in text alone. Drawing on analogies from medical training and modern communication, I illustrate why Torah study necessitates real-world experience, teacher-student relationships, and authentic transmission. I also examine how the Oral Torah protects against manipulation and provides crucial context that prevents misinterpretation. Unlike historical groups like the Sadducees, who consistently rejected oral tradition (even sitting in darkness on Shabbat), I show how selective rejection of the Oral Torah is intellectually dishonest. Through examples such as Shabbat practices and the tradition of eating hot cholent, I illustrate how our unbroken chain of transmission from Mount Sinai ensures an authentic understanding of Torah commandments across all Jewish communities worldwide.<br /><br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66576171</guid><pubDate>Wed, 18 Jun 2025 11:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/66576171/new_episode.mp3" length="12156618" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In this episode of my ongoing response to Elon Gilad's viral video, I explain why Judaism requires both written and oral Torah components. I address the fundamental question of why the Torah wasn't simply written down completely, exploring how the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of my ongoing response to Elon Gilad's viral video, I explain why Judaism requires both written and oral Torah components. I address the fundamental question of why the Torah wasn't simply written down completely, exploring how the Oral Torah serves as an essential living tradition that cannot be contained in text alone. Drawing on analogies from medical training and modern communication, I illustrate why Torah study necessitates real-world experience, teacher-student relationships, and authentic transmission. I also examine how the Oral Torah protects against manipulation and provides crucial context that prevents misinterpretation. Unlike historical groups like the Sadducees, who consistently rejected oral tradition (even sitting in darkness on Shabbat), I show how selective rejection of the Oral Torah is intellectually dishonest. Through examples such as Shabbat practices and the tradition of eating hot cholent, I illustrate how our unbroken chain of transmission from Mount Sinai ensures an authentic understanding of Torah commandments across all Jewish communities worldwide.<br /><br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>504</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>authenticjudaism,biblicallaw,biblicaltransmission,cholent,jewishcommunity,jewishlaw,jewishpractices,jewishwisdom,karaites,mountsinai,orallaw,oraltorah,religioustradition,sadducees,shabbatobservance,teacherstudent,torahinterpretation,torahstudy,torahtransmission,writtentorah</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>79</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Beha'alotcha: When Leaders Need Leaders</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-beha-alotcha-when-leaders-need-leaders--66545577</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Beha'alotcha This Week: Even while eating miraculous manna from heaven, the Jewish people complained about missing the 'free' fish from Egypt—conveniently forgetting they were slaves at the time! Moses, overwhelmed by their constant grumbling, cried out to God: 'Did I give birth to these people? Why is this all my responsibility?' God's response wasn't 'tough it out'—instead, He appointed 70 elders to share the burden. Whether you're leading a community, raising children, or just navigating life's challenges, remember: you weren't meant to carry it all alone. Even Moses needed help. Asking for support isn't weakness—it's wisdom. Shabbat Shalom. 🙏<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66545577</guid><pubDate>Fri, 13 Jun 2025 11:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/66545577/0613_esv2_90p_bg_10p.mp3" length="1592050" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Beha'alotcha This Week: Even while eating miraculous manna from heaven, the Jewish people complained about missing the 'free' fish from Egypt—conveniently forgetting they were slaves at the time! Moses, overwhelmed by their constant...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Beha'alotcha This Week: Even while eating miraculous manna from heaven, the Jewish people complained about missing the 'free' fish from Egypt—conveniently forgetting they were slaves at the time! Moses, overwhelmed by their constant grumbling, cried out to God: 'Did I give birth to these people? Why is this all my responsibility?' God's response wasn't 'tough it out'—instead, He appointed 70 elders to share the burden. Whether you're leading a community, raising children, or just navigating life's challenges, remember: you weren't meant to carry it all alone. Even Moses needed help. Asking for support isn't weakness—it's wisdom. Shabbat Shalom. 🙏<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>100</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>askingforhelp,biblicalinsights,communitysupport,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,leadership,mosesstruggles,parentingwisdom,sharedresponsibility,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>78</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why Jews don't eat cheeseburger Part 4</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-jews-don-t-eat-cheeseburger-part-4--66505775</link><description><![CDATA[In this second episode of my series responding to Elan Gilad's viral video, I address his claim that Hebrew's lack of vowels creates uncertainty about the milk and meat prohibition. While acknowledging that Hebrew is indeed written without vowels, I explain how Judaism's Oral Torah tradition resolves this apparent ambiguity. I detail how the Oral Torah - distinct from rabbinic law - represents biblical teachings passed down in an unbroken chain from Moses at Mount Sinai. Using examples like tefillin, mezuzah, tzitzit, and ritual slaughter laws, I demonstrate how countless Torah commandments would be impossible to fulfill without this oral transmission. I explain how Jewish communities worldwide maintain identical Torah readings and practices precisely because of this preserved oral tradition, ensuring consistency across time and geography in understanding biblical texts.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66505775</guid><pubDate>Wed, 11 Jun 2025 11:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/66505775/ep4.mp3" length="9492771" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In this second episode of my series responding to Elan Gilad's viral video, I address his claim that Hebrew's lack of vowels creates uncertainty about the milk and meat prohibition. While acknowledging that Hebrew is indeed written without vowels, I...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this second episode of my series responding to Elan Gilad's viral video, I address his claim that Hebrew's lack of vowels creates uncertainty about the milk and meat prohibition. While acknowledging that Hebrew is indeed written without vowels, I explain how Judaism's Oral Torah tradition resolves this apparent ambiguity. I detail how the Oral Torah - distinct from rabbinic law - represents biblical teachings passed down in an unbroken chain from Moses at Mount Sinai. Using examples like tefillin, mezuzah, tzitzit, and ritual slaughter laws, I demonstrate how countless Torah commandments would be impossible to fulfill without this oral transmission. I explain how Jewish communities worldwide maintain identical Torah readings and practices precisely because of this preserved oral tradition, ensuring consistency across time and geography in understanding biblical texts.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>394</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicallaw,biblicaltransmission,hebrewvowels,jewishcommunity,jewishlaw,jewishpractices,mezuzah,milkandmeat,mountsinai,orallaw,oraltorah,religiouscontinuity,ritualslaughter,tefillin,torahconsistency,torahinterpretation,torahreading,tzitzit,writtentorah</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>77</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Nasso: Success with Purpose</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-nasso-success-with-purpose--66419330</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Nasso This Week: Every Friday night, we bless our children with the ancient words of the Birkat Kohanim' May God bless you and protect you' (יברכך ה' וישמרך). But here's the beautiful paradox: we ask for blessing (material success) and protection from that very blessing. True prosperity isn't about what we accumulate, but what we do with what we're given. When we use our blessings to elevate others and express our highest selves, we transform success from a potential trap into a tool for goodness. May we all be blessed—and protected from letting those blessings define us. Shabbat Shalom. 🙏<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66419330</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Jun 2025 12:32:21 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/66419330/0606_esv2_90p_bg_10p.mp3" length="1087573" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Nasso This Week: Every Friday night, we bless our children with the ancient words of the Birkat Kohanim' May God bless you and protect you' (יברכך ה' וישמרך). But here's the beautiful paradox: we ask for blessing (material success) and...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Nasso This Week: Every Friday night, we bless our children with the ancient words of the Birkat Kohanim' May God bless you and protect you' (יברכך ה' וישמרך). But here's the beautiful paradox: we ask for blessing (material success) and protection from that very blessing. True prosperity isn't about what we accumulate, but what we do with what we're given. When we use our blessings to elevate others and express our highest selves, we transform success from a potential trap into a tool for goodness. May we all be blessed—and protected from letting those blessings define us. Shabbat Shalom. 🙏<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>68</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,birkatkohanim,inspirationalthoughts,jewishblessings,jewishtradition,jewishvalues,materialsuccess,meaningfulliving,parentingwisdom,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,spiritualpurpose,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>76</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Bamidbar: The Value of Every Soul</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-bamidbar-the-value-of-every-soul--66405072</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Bamidbar This Week: When the Torah commands Moses to count the Jewish people, it doesn't use the word for 'counting', it says כִּי תִשָּׂא אֶת-רֹאשׁ, literally 'lift up their heads.' What a profound difference. The Nazis sought to dehumanize by reducing people to numbers, but the Torah does the opposite, it elevates each person's dignity. We're not meant to be counted like objects, but to be lifted up and recognized for our unique worth and irreplaceable contributions to our community. Every soul matters. Every person counts not just in number, but in value. Shabbat Shalom. ✨<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66405072</guid><pubDate>Thu, 05 Jun 2025 08:32:20 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/66405072/0605_esv2_90p_bg_10p.mp3" length="883191" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Bamidbar This Week: When the Torah commands Moses to count the Jewish people, it doesn't use the word for 'counting', it says כִּי תִשָּׂא אֶת-רֹאשׁ, literally 'lift up their heads.' What a profound difference. The Nazis sought to dehumanize...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Bamidbar This Week: When the Torah commands Moses to count the Jewish people, it doesn't use the word for 'counting', it says כִּי תִשָּׂא אֶת-רֹאשׁ, literally 'lift up their heads.' What a profound difference. The Nazis sought to dehumanize by reducing people to numbers, but the Torah does the opposite, it elevates each person's dignity. We're not meant to be counted like objects, but to be lifted up and recognized for our unique worth and irreplaceable contributions to our community. Every soul matters. Every person counts not just in number, but in value. Shabbat Shalom. ✨<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>56</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,communitymatters,humandignity,individualvalue,inspirationalthoughts,jewishidentity,jewishteachings,jewishvalues,personalworth,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>75</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why Don't Jews Mix Meat and Milk? Part 3</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-don-t-jews-mix-meat-and-milk-part-3--66311101</link><description><![CDATA[ In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I continue to examine the biblical prohibition against mixing meat and milk by analyzing the placement of this commandment in various biblical contexts. I address why the verse "do not seethe a kid in its mother's milk" appears alongside temple sacrifice laws in Exodus, rather than with other dietary laws as in Deuteronomy. Through the lens of classical Jewish commentators like Rashi, Rabbi Moshe David Cassuto, and Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, I explore various interpretations: that the Torah reminds us about this prohibition when we consume large amounts of meat during festivals, that it contrasts Jewish practice with non-Jewish customs, and that it represents the spiritual separation between life-giving elements (milk) and physical matter (meat). I emphasize how traditional Jewish scholarship approaches these textual questions with intellectual honesty, seeking deeper understanding rather than justification for changing religious practice. This episode demonstrates how the Torah's precise placement of verses teaches multiple lessons simultaneously.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66311101</guid><pubDate>Wed, 28 May 2025 11:21:15 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/66311101/ep3.mp3" length="12761087" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle> In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I continue to examine the biblical prohibition against mixing meat and milk by analyzing the placement of this commandment in various biblical contexts. I address why the verse "do not seethe a kid in its mother's milk"...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[ In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I continue to examine the biblical prohibition against mixing meat and milk by analyzing the placement of this commandment in various biblical contexts. I address why the verse "do not seethe a kid in its mother's milk" appears alongside temple sacrifice laws in Exodus, rather than with other dietary laws as in Deuteronomy. Through the lens of classical Jewish commentators like Rashi, Rabbi Moshe David Cassuto, and Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, I explore various interpretations: that the Torah reminds us about this prohibition when we consume large amounts of meat during festivals, that it contrasts Jewish practice with non-Jewish customs, and that it represents the spiritual separation between life-giving elements (milk) and physical matter (meat). I emphasize how traditional Jewish scholarship approaches these textual questions with intellectual honesty, seeking deeper understanding rather than justification for changing religious practice. This episode demonstrates how the Torah's precise placement of verses teaches multiple lessons simultaneously.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>529</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicaldietarylaws,biblicalinterpretation,bikurim,classicalcommentators,halakhah,jewishfoodlaws,jewishholidays,jewishlaw,jewishscripturalanalysis,jewishtextualstudy,kashrutlaws,meatandmilkprohibition,rashicommentary,religiousobservance,samsonraphaelhirsch,spiritualvsphysical,talmudstudy,templeofferings,torahcommentary,torahplacement</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>74</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Bechukotai: Judaism as a Way of Walking</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-bechukotai-judaism-as-a-way-of-walking--66226622</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Bechukotai This Week: Many of us compartmentalize Jewish identity—keeping it for synagogue, Hebrew school, or holiday celebrations. But this week's Torah portion challenges that limited view. When God says 'Im bechukotai teilechu'—'If you walk in My ways'—the language is deliberate. Not 'follow My rules' or 'obey My commands,' but 'walk in My ways.' Judaism isn't a destination; it's a journey we carry. This is why Jewish law is called 'Halacha,' literally meaning 'walking.' From morning blessings to evening gratitude, from how we treat strangers to how we conduct business, Jewish values aren't confined to sacred spaces—they're meant to be portable, accompanying us through every ordinary moment. Your Jewish identity isn't something you visit; it's something you wear, breathe, and live. Shabbat Shalom. 👣<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66226622</guid><pubDate>Fri, 23 May 2025 13:28:00 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/66226622/today_s_parshat_esv2_90p_bg_10p.mp3" length="1329990" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Bechukotai This Week: Many of us compartmentalize Jewish identity—keeping it for synagogue, Hebrew school, or holiday celebrations. But this week's Torah portion challenges that limited view. When God says 'Im bechukotai teilechu'—'If you...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Bechukotai This Week: Many of us compartmentalize Jewish identity—keeping it for synagogue, Hebrew school, or holiday celebrations. But this week's Torah portion challenges that limited view. When God says 'Im bechukotai teilechu'—'If you walk in My ways'—the language is deliberate. Not 'follow My rules' or 'obey My commands,' but 'walk in My ways.' Judaism isn't a destination; it's a journey we carry. This is why Jewish law is called 'Halacha,' literally meaning 'walking.' From morning blessings to evening gratitude, from how we treat strangers to how we conduct business, Jewish values aren't confined to sacred spaces—they're meant to be portable, accompanying us through every ordinary moment. Your Jewish identity isn't something you visit; it's something you wear, breathe, and live. Shabbat Shalom. 👣<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>84</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>authenticliving,biblicalinsights,everydayfaith,halacha,inspirationalthoughts,jewishidentity,jewishlife,jewishvalues,livingjudaism,portablespirit,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>73</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why Jews Don't Eat CheeseBurger Part 2</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-jews-don-t-eat-cheeseburger-part-2--66087996</link><description><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I continue our discussion about why Jews don't mix meat and milk, focusing specifically on the biblical sources behind this kosher practice. I respond to claims made by Elon Gilad, examining each argument in detail while explaining how the Torah works with both written and oral components. I clarify how the three repetitions of "do not cook a kid in its mother's milk" in the Torah establish three distinct prohibitions: not cooking meat and milk together, not eating them together, and not benefiting from such mixtures. Beyond addressing alternative interpretations of the Hebrew word "bishul" (cooking), I illustrate the importance of the oral tradition that has preserved accurate Torah reading for thousands of years across Jewish communities worldwide. This episode provides insights into how Jewish dietary laws are anchored in biblical sources, the relationship between written and oral Torah, and why intellectual honesty matters when interpreting Jewish texts.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66087996</guid><pubDate>Wed, 21 May 2025 11:00:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/66087996/ep_2.mp3" length="8052548" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I continue our discussion about why Jews don't mix meat and milk, focusing specifically on the biblical sources behind this kosher practice. I respond to claims made by Elon Gilad, examining each argument in detail while...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I continue our discussion about why Jews don't mix meat and milk, focusing specifically on the biblical sources behind this kosher practice. I respond to claims made by Elon Gilad, examining each argument in detail while explaining how the Torah works with both written and oral components. I clarify how the three repetitions of "do not cook a kid in its mother's milk" in the Torah establish three distinct prohibitions: not cooking meat and milk together, not eating them together, and not benefiting from such mixtures. Beyond addressing alternative interpretations of the Hebrew word "bishul" (cooking), I illustrate the importance of the oral tradition that has preserved accurate Torah reading for thousands of years across Jewish communities worldwide. This episode provides insights into how Jewish dietary laws are anchored in biblical sources, the relationship between written and oral Torah, and why intellectual honesty matters when interpreting Jewish texts.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>334</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalhebrew,biblicalsources,deuteronomyexodus,dontcookakidinitsmothersmilk,halacha,jewishcommentators,jewishdietarylaws,jewishdietaryrestrictions,jewishkashrut,jewishtradition,kashrutprinciples,kosherlaws,meatandmilk,oraltorah,rabbihirsch,talmudteachings,torahinterpretation,torahreading,traditionaljudaism,writtentorah</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>72</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Emor: Making Each Day Count</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-emor-making-each-day-count--66116290</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Emor This Week: We're currently in a rare moment when our Torah reading perfectly mirrors our calendar. As we count the Omer, the 49 days between Passover and Shavuot, we read about this very practice in Parshat Emor. Curiously, we name this period after the 'Omer' a barley offering brought at the beginning of this journey, rather than after receiving Torah at its conclusion. Why? Barley was animal fodder in biblical times, while at Shavuot, we bring wheat bread, human food. This progression symbolizes our spiritual evolution. The counting isn't merely marking time until a destination; it's about the transformation along the way. Life isn't about instant perfection but continuous progress, not about where we're heading, but how far we've come. As we count each day, let's make each day count, nurturing our potential step by step. Shabbat Shalom. 🌾→🍞<br /><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66116290</guid><pubDate>Fri, 16 May 2025 11:12:23 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/66116290/parshat_emor.mp3" length="1317875" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Emor This Week: We're currently in a rare moment when our Torah reading perfectly mirrors our calendar. As we count the Omer, the 49 days between Passover and Shavuot, we read about this very practice in Parshat Emor. Curiously, we name this...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Emor This Week: We're currently in a rare moment when our Torah reading perfectly mirrors our calendar. As we count the Omer, the 49 days between Passover and Shavuot, we read about this very practice in Parshat Emor. Curiously, we name this period after the 'Omer' a barley offering brought at the beginning of this journey, rather than after receiving Torah at its conclusion. Why? Barley was animal fodder in biblical times, while at Shavuot, we bring wheat bread, human food. This progression symbolizes our spiritual evolution. The counting isn't merely marking time until a destination; it's about the transformation along the way. Life isn't about instant perfection but continuous progress, not about where we're heading, but how far we've come. As we count each day, let's make each day count, nurturing our potential step by step. Shabbat Shalom. 🌾→🍞<br /><br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>83</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,countingtheomer,dailyprogress,growthmindset,inspirationalthoughts,jewishcalendar,jewishvalues,journeynotdestination,personaltransformation,potentialunfolding,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>71</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why Jews Don't Eat Cheeseburgers Part 1</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-jews-don-t-eat-cheeseburgers-part-1--66083303</link><description><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address a viral social media video by Elan Gilad claiming Jews can eat cheeseburgers due to a biblical "misunderstanding." I methodically debunk this claim, pointing out that Gilad incorrectly states the prohibition against cooking a kid in its mother's milk appears twice in Torah when it appears three times (Exodus 23:19, Exodus 34:26, and Deuteronomy 14:21). I explain how the Deuteronomy reference places this law among dietary restrictions, confirming its connection to kosher laws. Beyond factual corrections, I discuss the arrogance of dismissing thousands of years of rabbinic scholarship and interpretation. Using an analogy about Rashi, our classic Torah commentator, I emphasize the comprehensive knowledge traditional scholars brought to their interpretations. This episode is the first in a series where I'll continue analyzing Gilad's claims in depth, giving proper context to Jewish dietary laws.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66083303</guid><pubDate>Wed, 14 May 2025 11:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/66083303/ep_1.mp3" length="17643512" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address a viral social media video by Elan Gilad claiming Jews can eat cheeseburgers due to a biblical "misunderstanding." I methodically debunk this claim, pointing out that Gilad incorrectly states the prohibition...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address a viral social media video by Elan Gilad claiming Jews can eat cheeseburgers due to a biblical "misunderstanding." I methodically debunk this claim, pointing out that Gilad incorrectly states the prohibition against cooking a kid in its mother's milk appears twice in Torah when it appears three times (Exodus 23:19, Exodus 34:26, and Deuteronomy 14:21). I explain how the Deuteronomy reference places this law among dietary restrictions, confirming its connection to kosher laws. Beyond factual corrections, I discuss the arrogance of dismissing thousands of years of rabbinic scholarship and interpretation. Using an analogy about Rashi, our classic Torah commentator, I emphasize the comprehensive knowledge traditional scholars brought to their interpretations. This episode is the first in a series where I'll continue analyzing Gilad's claims in depth, giving proper context to Jewish dietary laws.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>733</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalanalysis,biblicalmisunderstandings,cheeseburgers,deuteronomy,exodusverses,jewishdietarylaws,jewishlaw,jewishscholarship,kosherlaws,kosherprohibition,milkandmeat,rabbinictradition,rashicommentary,religiouscontext,torahinterpretation,torahknowledge,viralmisinformation</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>70</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim: The Mirror of Leadership</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-acharei-mot-kedoshim-the-mirror-of-leadership--66013227</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim This Week: Parents often envision their children will become kind, compassionate individuals, making a difference. But how often do we turn inward and examine our contributions to that vision? Our Torah portion describes the High Priest's atonement ritual, notably instructing him to atone 'for himself and then for the people.' This profound ordering teaches us a timeless principle: true influence begins with personal example. Children mirror what they witness, not what they're told. If we want to raise compassionate souls, we must show compassion. If we desire respect from our children, we must respect them first. Our actions speak infinitely louder than our words. The greatest parenting tool isn't instruction—it's reflection. Shabbat Shalom. 🪞<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66013227</guid><pubDate>Fri, 09 May 2025 11:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/66013227/parshat_esv2_90p_bg_10p.mp3" length="1079214" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim This Week: Parents often envision their children will become kind, compassionate individuals, making a difference. But how often do we turn inward and examine our contributions to that vision? Our Torah portion describes...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim This Week: Parents often envision their children will become kind, compassionate individuals, making a difference. But how often do we turn inward and examine our contributions to that vision? Our Torah portion describes the High Priest's atonement ritual, notably instructing him to atone 'for himself and then for the people.' This profound ordering teaches us a timeless principle: true influence begins with personal example. Children mirror what they witness, not what they're told. If we want to raise compassionate souls, we must show compassion. If we desire respect from our children, we must respect them first. Our actions speak infinitely louder than our words. The greatest parenting tool isn't instruction—it's reflection. Shabbat Shalom. 🪞<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>68</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>authenticleadership,biblicalinsights,inspirationalparenting,jewishteachings,jewishvalues,leadbyexample,mindfulparenting,parentinginsights,personalaccountability,practicewhatyoupreach,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>69</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why Are Kosher Restaurants So Expensive?</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-are-kosher-restaurants-so-expensive--65968403</link><description><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address the common question about why kosher restaurants typically have higher prices than non-kosher establishments. I explain that rather than simple price gouging, there are legitimate fixed costs that contribute to higher prices in kosher dining. These include specialized meat preparation requirements, meticulous inspection of fruits and vegetables for insects (as Jewish law prohibits consuming bugs), and the salary of a mashgiach (kosher supervisor) who ensures all kosher laws are properly observed. These additional expenses necessary for maintaining kosher certification ultimately get passed on to consumers, making kosher restaurants and kosher food in general more expensive. This episode provides insight into the economic realities behind kosher food production while acknowledging the genuine concerns of kosher-observant consumers about dining costs.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65968403</guid><pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 11:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/65968403/episode_8.mp3" length="2165045" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address the common question about why kosher restaurants typically have higher prices than non-kosher establishments. I explain that rather than simple price gouging, there are legitimate fixed costs that contribute to...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address the common question about why kosher restaurants typically have higher prices than non-kosher establishments. I explain that rather than simple price gouging, there are legitimate fixed costs that contribute to higher prices in kosher dining. These include specialized meat preparation requirements, meticulous inspection of fruits and vegetables for insects (as Jewish law prohibits consuming bugs), and the salary of a mashgiach (kosher supervisor) who ensures all kosher laws are properly observed. These additional expenses necessary for maintaining kosher certification ultimately get passed on to consumers, making kosher restaurants and kosher food in general more expensive. This episode provides insight into the economic realities behind kosher food production while acknowledging the genuine concerns of kosher-observant consumers about dining costs.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>90</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>halakhicfoodrequirements,jewishdietarylaws,jewishdietaryobservance,jewisheatingout,jewishfoodcosts,jewishrestauranteconomics,kashrutstandards,koshercertificationexpenses,koshercertificationprocess,koshercompliance,kosherconsumercosts,kosherdiningcosts,kosherfoodpricing,koshermeatpreparation,kosheroodproduction,kosherproduceinspection,kosherrestaurants,koshersupervision,mashgiachrole,whyiskosherfoodexpensive</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>68</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Tazria-Metzora: The Power of Perspective</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-tazria-metzora-the-power-of-perspective--65840373</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Tazria-Metzora This Week: Have you noticed how two people can experience the same event yet walk away with completely different perspectives? In this week's double portion, the word 'nega' (נֶגַע) or 'affliction' appears repeatedly. Remarkably, these same Hebrew letters rearranged spell 'oneg' (עֹנֶג), 'delight' or 'pleasure.' The only difference? The placement of the letter 'ayin' (ע) means 'eye.' Where we choose to place our vision and perspective determines whether we experience life's challenges as afflictions or opportunities for joy. The world doesn't just happen to us; we actively interpret it. How will you position your 'ayin' this week? Shabbat Shalom. 👁️<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65840373</guid><pubDate>Fri, 02 May 2025 11:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/65840373/0502_1.mp3" length="1267720" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Tazria-Metzora This Week: Have you noticed how two people can experience the same event yet walk away with completely different perspectives? In this week's double portion, the word 'nega' (נֶגַע) or 'affliction' appears repeatedly....</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Tazria-Metzora This Week: Have you noticed how two people can experience the same event yet walk away with completely different perspectives? In this week's double portion, the word 'nega' (נֶגַע) or 'affliction' appears repeatedly. Remarkably, these same Hebrew letters rearranged spell 'oneg' (עֹנֶג), 'delight' or 'pleasure.' The only difference? The placement of the letter 'ayin' (ע) means 'eye.' Where we choose to place our vision and perspective determines whether we experience life's challenges as afflictions or opportunities for joy. The world doesn't just happen to us; we actively interpret it. How will you position your 'ayin' this week? Shabbat Shalom. 👁️<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>80</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,choosejoy,hebrewwisdom,inspirationalthoughts,jewishteachings,jewishvalues,lifeoutlook,personalgrowth,perspectiveshift,soulfulliving,spiritualjourney,spiritualperspective,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>67</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why Jews Have Wires Across Streets: The Mystery of the Eruv Explained</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-jews-have-wires-across-streets-the-mystery-of-the-eruv-explained--65805098</link><description><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I unravel the mystery behind those fishing wire-like strings that hang across streets in Jewish neighborhoods. These strings, an eruv, serve as a ritual boundary that transforms public areas into a unified domain for Sabbath observance. I explain how Jewish law prohibits carrying objects between public and private domains on Shabbat, and how the eruv creates a symbolic enclosure that allows observant Jews to carry essential items (like house keys or push strollers) on the Sabbath. Beyond its practical function, I discuss how the eruv historically helped build strong Jewish communities by encouraging Jews to live near one another. This traditional practice represents both religious observance and community cohesion, though I note how changing observance patterns have affected this community-building aspect in modern times.<br /><br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65805098</guid><pubDate>Wed, 30 Apr 2025 11:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/65805098/episode_7.mp3" length="8635723" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I unravel the mystery behind those fishing wire-like strings that hang across streets in Jewish neighborhoods. These strings, an eruv, serve as a ritual boundary that transforms public areas into a unified domain for...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I unravel the mystery behind those fishing wire-like strings that hang across streets in Jewish neighborhoods. These strings, an eruv, serve as a ritual boundary that transforms public areas into a unified domain for Sabbath observance. I explain how Jewish law prohibits carrying objects between public and private domains on Shabbat, and how the eruv creates a symbolic enclosure that allows observant Jews to carry essential items (like house keys or push strollers) on the Sabbath. Beyond its practical function, I discuss how the eruv historically helped build strong Jewish communities by encouraging Jews to live near one another. This traditional practice represents both religious observance and community cohesion, though I note how changing observance patterns have affected this community-building aspect in modern times.<br /><br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>358</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>carryingonshabbat,communitybuilding,halachicdoorways,jewishboundary,jewishcommunity,jewishcustoms,jewishlaw,jewishneighborhoods,jewishtraditions,privatedomain,publicdomain,religiousboundaries,religiouspractices,ritualenclosure,sabbathlaws,shabbatobservance</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>66</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Shmini: The Power of Silence</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-shmini-the-power-of-silence--65723695</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Shmini This Week: After the unimaginable loss of his sons, the Torah simply states 'vayidom Aharon' (וַיִּדֹּם אַהֲרֹן)—'and Aaron was silent.' Sometimes in our deepest pain, words cannot express what we feel. As we support loved ones through difficult times, remember that just being present—sitting beside someone in their silence—can be the most profound expression of love. Not every hurt needs immediate words; sometimes what's needed most is simply our quiet presence. Shabbat Shalom. 🤍<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65723695</guid><pubDate>Fri, 25 Apr 2025 11:23:22 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/65723695/parshat_shmini.mp3" length="1267720" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Shmini This Week: After the unimaginable loss of his sons, the Torah simply states 'vayidom Aharon' (וַיִּדֹּם אַהֲרֹן)—'and Aaron was silent.' Sometimes in our deepest pain, words cannot express what we feel. As we support loved ones...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Shmini This Week: After the unimaginable loss of his sons, the Torah simply states 'vayidom Aharon' (וַיִּדֹּם אַהֲרֹן)—'and Aaron was silent.' Sometimes in our deepest pain, words cannot express what we feel. As we support loved ones through difficult times, remember that just being present—sitting beside someone in their silence—can be the most profound expression of love. Not every hurt needs immediate words; sometimes what's needed most is simply our quiet presence. Shabbat Shalom. 🤍<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>80</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>aaronssilence,biblicalinsights,compassionatepresence,emotionalsupport,griefandloss,inspirationalthoughts,jewishwisdom,silentstrength,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>65</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Shabbos Kestenbaum: Fighting Antisemitism</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/shabbos-kestenbaum-fighting-antisemitism--65682638</link><description><![CDATA[<b>🗳️ IMPORTANT: </b>VOTE NOW for student representation at the World Zionist Congress: <a href="http://aish.com/vote/RabbiMenachemLehrfield" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">http://aish.com/vote/RabbiMenachemLehrfield</a><br /><br />Welcome to our channel, where we spotlight voices making a difference in the Jewish community. In this powerful talk, Harvard Divinity School graduate Shabbos Kestenbaum shares his journey as the sole remaining plaintiff in a landmark civil rights lawsuit against Harvard University over antisemitism on campus.<br /><br />Shabbos discusses:<br />• Why he refused to settle when other plaintiffs did<br />• The troubling rise of antisemitism on elite campuses<br />• His advice for Jewish high school students considering college<br />• The importance of Jewish education and youth empowerment🗳️ <b></b><br /><ul><li>Support Jewish student leaders by voting in the World Zionist Congress elections<b> (only happens once every 5 years!): </b>http://aish.com/vote/RabbiMenachemLehrfield <b></b></li></ul><br /><ul><li>Select Slate #10 (AISH)</li></ul><br /><b></b><br />Shabbos challenges us to reconsider what institutions truly deserve our support and argues that the Jewish community should focus on building stronger Jewish identities rather than fighting for acceptance at universities that have demonstrated hostility toward Jewish students.<br />This talk was recorded live at AISH CENTER in Boulder, Colorado, on April 23, 2025.<br /><br />Keep the conversation going! If you have questions or ideas about Jewish success and impact <br /><b></b><br /><b>Please email us at Zeropercent@joidenver.com.🌟</b><br /><br />Help others discover Zero Percent! Please leave us a five-star review and share it with friends who might find this podcast enlightening.<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65682638</guid><pubDate>Wed, 23 Apr 2025 16:52:15 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/65682638/harvard_long_form_2.mp3" length="59967833" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>🗳️ IMPORTANT: VOTE NOW for student representation at the World Zionist Congress: http://aish.com/vote/RabbiMenachemLehrfield

Welcome to our channel, where we spotlight voices making a difference in the Jewish community. In this powerful talk, Harvard...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[<b>🗳️ IMPORTANT: </b>VOTE NOW for student representation at the World Zionist Congress: <a href="http://aish.com/vote/RabbiMenachemLehrfield" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">http://aish.com/vote/RabbiMenachemLehrfield</a><br /><br />Welcome to our channel, where we spotlight voices making a difference in the Jewish community. In this powerful talk, Harvard Divinity School graduate Shabbos Kestenbaum shares his journey as the sole remaining plaintiff in a landmark civil rights lawsuit against Harvard University over antisemitism on campus.<br /><br />Shabbos discusses:<br />• Why he refused to settle when other plaintiffs did<br />• The troubling rise of antisemitism on elite campuses<br />• His advice for Jewish high school students considering college<br />• The importance of Jewish education and youth empowerment🗳️ <b></b><br /><ul><li>Support Jewish student leaders by voting in the World Zionist Congress elections<b> (only happens once every 5 years!): </b>http://aish.com/vote/RabbiMenachemLehrfield <b></b></li></ul><br /><ul><li>Select Slate #10 (AISH)</li></ul><br /><b></b><br />Shabbos challenges us to reconsider what institutions truly deserve our support and argues that the Jewish community should focus on building stronger Jewish identities rather than fighting for acceptance at universities that have demonstrated hostility toward Jewish students.<br />This talk was recorded live at AISH CENTER in Boulder, Colorado, on April 23, 2025.<br /><br />Keep the conversation going! If you have questions or ideas about Jewish success and impact <br /><b></b><br /><b>Please email us at Zeropercent@joidenver.com.🌟</b><br /><br />Help others discover Zero Percent! Please leave us a five-star review and share it with friends who might find this podcast enlightening.<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2498</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>aishslate10,antisemitism,campusantisemitism,civilrights,harvarddivinityschool,harvardlawsuit,israeladvocacy,ivyleague,jewishactivism,jewishcommunity,jewisheducation,jewishidentity,jewishleadership,jewishstudents,jewishvoices,october7,shabboskestenbaum,worldzionistcongress,youthempowerment,zionistcongress</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>64</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Shvi'i shel Pesach: Taking the First Step</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-shvi-i-shel-pesach-taking-the-first-step--65612304</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Shvi'i shel Pesach This Week: When trapped between the Egyptian army and the sea, God told the Israelites something unexpected: 'Don't pray, move forward!' The Midrash teaches us that the sea finally split only when Nachshon ben Aminadav waded into the water up to his nostrils. Faith isn't just about prayer; it's about taking that first brave step, even when the way forward seems impossible. God promises to be with us, but we must initiate the journey. Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach! 🌊<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65612304</guid><pubDate>Fri, 18 Apr 2025 11:00:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/65612304/0417.mp3" length="1371792" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Shvi'i shel Pesach This Week: When trapped between the Egyptian army and the sea, God told the Israelites something unexpected: 'Don't pray, move forward!' The Midrash teaches us that the sea finally split only when Nachshon ben Aminadav waded into...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Shvi'i shel Pesach This Week: When trapped between the Egyptian army and the sea, God told the Israelites something unexpected: 'Don't pray, move forward!' The Midrash teaches us that the sea finally split only when Nachshon ben Aminadav waded into the water up to his nostrils. Faith isn't just about prayer; it's about taking that first brave step, even when the way forward seems impossible. God promises to be with us, but we must initiate the journey. Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach! 🌊<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>86</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,courageoussteps,faithinaction,firststeps,inspirationalthoughts,jewishwisdom,nachshon,passoverteachings,pesach,seasplitting,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>63</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why Jews Don't Count People: Biblical Origins and Human Dignity</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-jews-don-t-count-people-biblical-origins-and-human-dignity--65592065</link><description><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I continue our exploration of why Jewish tradition avoids directly counting people. Tracing this practice back to biblical times, I explain how even during desert censuses, Jews were counted indirectly through coin contributions. I share the cautionary tale from the Book of Samuel where King David's census led to calamity, and draw on commentaries from Rambam and Rashi about the "evil eye." More profoundly, I suggest that assigning numbers to people diminishes their infinite value and human dignity a principle tragically illustrated by the Nazi practice of tattooing numbers on Holocaust victims. Unlike modern censuses that reduce people to statistics, Jewish tradition recognizes that each person counts without being reduced to a mere number. Through creative counting methods like using verses or counting shoes, Judaism upholds human dignity while still gathering necessary information.<br /><br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65592065</guid><pubDate>Wed, 16 Apr 2025 11:21:43 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/65592065/episode_6.mp3" length="3579620" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I continue our exploration of why Jewish tradition avoids directly counting people. Tracing this practice back to biblical times, I explain how even during desert censuses, Jews were counted indirectly through coin...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I continue our exploration of why Jewish tradition avoids directly counting people. Tracing this practice back to biblical times, I explain how even during desert censuses, Jews were counted indirectly through coin contributions. I share the cautionary tale from the Book of Samuel where King David's census led to calamity, and draw on commentaries from Rambam and Rashi about the "evil eye." More profoundly, I suggest that assigning numbers to people diminishes their infinite value and human dignity a principle tragically illustrated by the Nazi practice of tattooing numbers on Holocaust victims. Unlike modern censuses that reduce people to statistics, Jewish tradition recognizes that each person counts without being reduced to a mere number. Through creative counting methods like using verses or counting shoes, Judaism upholds human dignity while still gathering necessary information.<br /><br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>149</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalcensus,countingprohibition,evileye,holocaustconnection,humandignity,humanvalue,jewishcensus,jewishcounting,jewishtradition,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,kingdavid,minyancounting,nazinumbers,rambam,rashicommentary,samuel</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>62</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Tzav: The Fresh Start Effect</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-tzav-the-fresh-start-effect--65539752</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Tzav This Week: Before beginning each day's service, the Kohanim had first to remove yesterday's ashes from the altar. What a powerful metaphor! Like Professor Milkman's 'fresh start effect,' we don't need to wait for special occasions to begin anew. Every morning allows us to clear away yesterday's residue and approach life with renewed purpose. The key to transformation isn't finding the perfect moment, but recognizing that each day brings its sacred opportunity. Shabbat Shalom. 🔥<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65539752</guid><pubDate>Fri, 11 Apr 2025 14:52:09 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/65539752/0411_1_esv2_90p_bg_10p.mp3" length="1080468" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Tzav This Week: Before beginning each day's service, the Kohanim had first to remove yesterday's ashes from the altar. What a powerful metaphor! Like Professor Milkman's 'fresh start effect,' we don't need to wait for special occasions to...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Tzav This Week: Before beginning each day's service, the Kohanim had first to remove yesterday's ashes from the altar. What a powerful metaphor! Like Professor Milkman's 'fresh start effect,' we don't need to wait for special occasions to begin anew. Every morning allows us to clear away yesterday's residue and approach life with renewed purpose. The key to transformation isn't finding the perfect moment, but recognizing that each day brings its sacred opportunity. Shabbat Shalom. 🔥<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>68</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,dailyrenewal,freshstart,inspirationalthoughts,jewishwisdom,kohanimservice,mindsetshift,newbeginnings,personalgrowth,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>61</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why Jews Don't Count People</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-jews-don-t-count-people--65455724</link><description><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explore the curious ritual a viewer observed when their rabbi was pointing at congregants while saying seemingly random Hebrew words before a Kaddish service. I explain that this was likely the rabbi counting to ensure there was a minyan (ten adults) present for prayer, but doing so indirectly. Since Jewish tradition discourages counting people directly, rabbis often use verses with exactly ten words, assigning one word per person rather than numbers. I share that some rabbis use specific Hebrew verses, while I prefer using "to be or not to be, that is the question," which conveniently has ten words. I hint at the deeper reason behind this counting prohibition, teasing that we might explore this fascinating topic in a future episode.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65455724</guid><pubDate>Wed, 09 Apr 2025 11:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/65455724/episode_5.mp3" length="2531530" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explore the curious ritual a viewer observed when their rabbi was pointing at congregants while saying seemingly random Hebrew words before a Kaddish service. I explain that this was likely the rabbi counting to ensure...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explore the curious ritual a viewer observed when their rabbi was pointing at congregants while saying seemingly random Hebrew words before a Kaddish service. I explain that this was likely the rabbi counting to ensure there was a minyan (ten adults) present for prayer, but doing so indirectly. Since Jewish tradition discourages counting people directly, rabbis often use verses with exactly ten words, assigning one word per person rather than numbers. I share that some rabbis use specific Hebrew verses, while I prefer using "to be or not to be, that is the question," which conveniently has ten words. I hint at the deeper reason behind this counting prohibition, teasing that we might explore this fascinating topic in a future episode.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>105</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalcounting,countingpeople,hebrewverses,jewishcustoms,jewishlaw,jewishminyan,jewishprayer,jewishrituals,jewishtradition,kaddishservice,prayerrequirements,rabbipractices,religiouscounting,religiouspractices,synagoguecustoms,synagoguetraditions,tenpersonquorum</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>60</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Seinfeld’s "The Strike" – The Power of Gratitude</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/seinfeld-s-the-strike-the-power-of-gratitude--65455373</link><description><![CDATA[Ready to transform your mindset with the power of gratitude? Watch now to see how starting your day with thankfulness instead of phone scrolling can make you 25% happier, according to scientific studies!<br /><br />Welcome to Yada Yada Yiddish, where Seinfeld unexpectedly meets Jewish wisdom. In this episode, we explore "The Strike" (aka the Festivus episode) and contrast Frank Costanza's "airing of grievances" with Judaism's profound emphasis on gratitude. Just as Moses wouldn't strike the water that once saved him, we'll unpack how expressing specific gratitude transforms our relationships, reduces stress hormones by 23%, and makes us more generous. You'll discover the powerful Alpha State morning technique and why ancient Jewish wisdom places gratitude at the center of morning practice. We find deep spiritual lessons hiding in plain sight, from bagels to Festivus poles.<br /><br />Do you have ideas or want to be featured in a future episode?<br /><b>Contact me at <a href="https://lehrfield.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yada@lehrfield.com</a>. </b><br /><br />I’d love to hear your thoughts!<br /><br />Tune in, laugh, and learn how to balance humor with deep spiritual growth.<br /><br />🌟🌟 Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook Page URL -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> <br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65455373</guid><pubDate>Wed, 09 Apr 2025 11:00:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/65455373/long_form_1.mp3" length="43456630" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Ready to transform your mindset with the power of gratitude? Watch now to see how starting your day with thankfulness instead of phone scrolling can make you 25% happier, according to scientific studies!

Welcome to Yada Yada Yiddish, where Seinfeld...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Ready to transform your mindset with the power of gratitude? Watch now to see how starting your day with thankfulness instead of phone scrolling can make you 25% happier, according to scientific studies!<br /><br />Welcome to Yada Yada Yiddish, where Seinfeld unexpectedly meets Jewish wisdom. In this episode, we explore "The Strike" (aka the Festivus episode) and contrast Frank Costanza's "airing of grievances" with Judaism's profound emphasis on gratitude. Just as Moses wouldn't strike the water that once saved him, we'll unpack how expressing specific gratitude transforms our relationships, reduces stress hormones by 23%, and makes us more generous. You'll discover the powerful Alpha State morning technique and why ancient Jewish wisdom places gratitude at the center of morning practice. We find deep spiritual lessons hiding in plain sight, from bagels to Festivus poles.<br /><br />Do you have ideas or want to be featured in a future episode?<br /><b>Contact me at <a href="https://lehrfield.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yada@lehrfield.com</a>. </b><br /><br />I’d love to hear your thoughts!<br /><br />Tune in, laugh, and learn how to balance humor with deep spiritual growth.<br /><br />🌟🌟 Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook Page URL -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> <br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1798</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>attitudeofgratitude,bagelsandblessings,faithoverfrustration,festivusandfaith,gratitudeinjudaism,jewishgratitude,jewishidentity,jewishpodcast,jewishtraditions,modernmitzvahs,passoverperspectives,popcultureparsha,positivemindset,seinfeldwisdom,spiritualgrowth,talesfromtheseder,thankfulthinking,torahandtv,yadayadayiddish,yehudameansthanks</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>59</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Vayikra: Answering Life's Daily Call</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-vayikra-answering-life-s-daily-call--65346120</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Vayikra This Week: In the Torah scroll, the first word of Vayikra contains a small aleph (וַיִּקְרָא). Without it, the word becomes 'vayikar'—meaning God merely 'happened upon' Moses instead of purposefully 'calling' him. Our daily challenges aren't random occurrences; they're invitations to greatness. Will we see life's moments as mere happenstance, or recognize them as sacred callings that can transform us? The choice is ours. Shabbat Shalom. 📜<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65346120</guid><pubDate>Fri, 04 Apr 2025 11:00:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/65346120/0404_1_enhanced_v2.mp3" length="1171165" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Vayikra This Week: In the Torah scroll, the first word of Vayikra contains a small aleph (וַיִּקְרָא). Without it, the word becomes 'vayikar'—meaning God merely 'happened upon' Moses instead of purposefully 'calling' him. Our daily...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Vayikra This Week: In the Torah scroll, the first word of Vayikra contains a small aleph (וַיִּקְרָא). Without it, the word becomes 'vayikar'—meaning God merely 'happened upon' Moses instead of purposefully 'calling' him. Our daily challenges aren't random occurrences; they're invitations to greatness. Will we see life's moments as mere happenstance, or recognize them as sacred callings that can transform us? The choice is ours. Shabbat Shalom. 📜<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>74</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,divinecall,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,jewishwisdom,mindsetshift,personalgrowth,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,transformativejourney,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>58</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Pekudei: Accounting for Our Gifts</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-pekudei-accounting-for-our-gifts--65183169</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Pekudei This Week: Just as the Torah conducts a detailed audit of the Tabernacle's materials, we're invited to review our own resources and talents. How are we using our gifts? Are they serving only ourselves, or are they helping to make the world more meaningful? True accountability means asking: Am I using my strengths to create light beyond my own needs? Shabbat Shalom. 🌟<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65183169</guid><pubDate>Fri, 28 Mar 2025 11:00:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/65183169/parshat_pekudei_enhanced_v2.mp3" length="1132713" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Pekudei This Week: Just as the Torah conducts a detailed audit of the Tabernacle's materials, we're invited to review our own resources and talents. How are we using our gifts? Are they serving only ourselves, or are they helping to make the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Pekudei This Week: Just as the Torah conducts a detailed audit of the Tabernacle's materials, we're invited to review our own resources and talents. How are we using our gifts? Are they serving only ourselves, or are they helping to make the world more meaningful? True accountability means asking: Am I using my strengths to create light beyond my own needs? Shabbat Shalom. 🌟<br /><br /><b>Follow us for more:</b><br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>71</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>accountabilitymatters,biblicalinsights,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,meaningfulliving,personalgrowth,personalpotential,selfreflection,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>57</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>From Chinese TV Star to Orthodox Jew – Dr. Esther’s Astonishing Journey</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/from-chinese-tv-star-to-orthodox-jew-dr-esther-s-astonishing-journey--65131368</link><description><![CDATA[Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people!<br /><br />🌟 In this episode, we uncover the extraordinary journey of Dr. Esther, a former award-winning Chinese TV host, investigative journalist, and medical professional, who defied all odds to embrace Orthodox Judaism. Born into a family of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, Dr. Esther was on a fast track to media stardom, winning prestigious competitions and hosting popular television programs. Yet, a series of unexpected encounters and deep intellectual questioning led her on a path she never imagined, discovering her Jewish soul.<br /><br />Through sheer determination, faith, and an unwavering quest for truth, Dr. Esther navigated the complexities of converting to Judaism, overcoming cultural barriers, skepticism, and personal struggles. From finding hidden Jewish ancestry to immersing herself in Torah study and halachic observance, her journey is inspiring. Whether you're curious about Jewish conversion, spirituality, personal transformation, or the surprising ways people find their true purpose, this episode will captivate and inspire you. Listen as Dr. Esther shares her profound insights on faith, destiny, and the unexpected ways life unfolds when you pursue truth with an open heart. <br /><br />🔹 Listen now to Zero Percent and be inspired by Dr. Esther’s incredible journey! 🎙️<br /><br />Keep the conversation going! If you have questions or ideas about Jewish success and impact <br /><b></b><br /><b>Please email us at Zeropercent@joidenver.com.🌟</b><br /><br />Help others discover Zero Percent! Please leave us a five-star review and share it with friends who might find this podcast enlightening.<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65131368</guid><pubDate>Wed, 26 Mar 2025 11:00:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/65131368/long_form_esther_new_one.mp3" length="91572598" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people!

🌟 In this episode, we uncover the extraordinary journey of Dr. Esther, a former award-winning Chinese TV host, investigative journalist, and medical...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people!<br /><br />🌟 In this episode, we uncover the extraordinary journey of Dr. Esther, a former award-winning Chinese TV host, investigative journalist, and medical professional, who defied all odds to embrace Orthodox Judaism. Born into a family of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, Dr. Esther was on a fast track to media stardom, winning prestigious competitions and hosting popular television programs. Yet, a series of unexpected encounters and deep intellectual questioning led her on a path she never imagined, discovering her Jewish soul.<br /><br />Through sheer determination, faith, and an unwavering quest for truth, Dr. Esther navigated the complexities of converting to Judaism, overcoming cultural barriers, skepticism, and personal struggles. From finding hidden Jewish ancestry to immersing herself in Torah study and halachic observance, her journey is inspiring. Whether you're curious about Jewish conversion, spirituality, personal transformation, or the surprising ways people find their true purpose, this episode will captivate and inspire you. Listen as Dr. Esther shares her profound insights on faith, destiny, and the unexpected ways life unfolds when you pursue truth with an open heart. <br /><br />🔹 Listen now to Zero Percent and be inspired by Dr. Esther’s incredible journey! 🎙️<br /><br />Keep the conversation going! If you have questions or ideas about Jewish success and impact <br /><b></b><br /><b>Please email us at Zeropercent@joidenver.com.🌟</b><br /><br />Help others discover Zero Percent! Please leave us a five-star review and share it with friends who might find this podcast enlightening.<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>3811</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>chinatojudaism,converttojudaism,faith,findingfaith,inspiration,inspirationalstories,jewishcommunity,jewishconversion,jewishculture,jewishidentity,jewishlife,jewishstories,judaism,judaismpodcast,orthodoxjew,personaltransformation,religioustransformation,spiritualjourney,torahstudy,zeropercentpodcast</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>56</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why Do Jews Break a Glass at Weddings? The Profound Meaning Behind the Tradition</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-do-jews-break-a-glass-at-weddings-the-profound-meaning-behind-the-tradition--65104755</link><description><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explain the deep significance behind breaking a glass at the end of a Jewish wedding ceremony. While many might think it's just a festive moment signaling the end of the wedding, the tradition carries a profound spiritual meaning. I discuss how even in our most joyous moments, we remember the destruction of the Temple and the suffering of others. By breaking the glass, Jewish couples and their guests practice empathy, acknowledging that while they celebrate, there are others experiencing pain. This tradition reminds us to remain connected to our collective history and the broader human experience, even during personal milestones.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65104755</guid><pubDate>Wed, 26 Mar 2025 11:00:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/65104755/episode_4.mp3" length="2332946" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explain the deep significance behind breaking a glass at the end of a Jewish wedding ceremony. While many might think it's just a festive moment signaling the end of the wedding, the tradition carries a profound...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explain the deep significance behind breaking a glass at the end of a Jewish wedding ceremony. While many might think it's just a festive moment signaling the end of the wedding, the tradition carries a profound spiritual meaning. I discuss how even in our most joyous moments, we remember the destruction of the Temple and the suffering of others. By breaking the glass, Jewish couples and their guests practice empathy, acknowledging that while they celebrate, there are others experiencing pain. This tradition reminds us to remain connected to our collective history and the broader human experience, even during personal milestones.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>97</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>breakingglass,jewishceremony,jewishculture,jewishempathy,jewishheritage,jewishhistory,jewishtradition,jewishvalues,jewishwedding,mazeltov,religiouspractice,religioussymbolism,spiritualmeaning,templedestruction,weddingcustoms,weddingrituals,weddingtraditions</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>55</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Vayakhel: The Power of Coming Together</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-vayakhel-the-power-of-coming-together--64998848</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Vayakhel This Week: Before building the Mishkan, the first thing Moses did was gather the people 'vayakhel' (וַיַּקְהֵל). Community isn't just a nice addition to spirituality; it's the foundation. When we unite with purpose, bringing together our diverse strengths and perspectives, we create a dwelling place for the Divine in our world. True godliness begins with human connection. This is our mission as a people. Shabbat Shalom. 🤝<br /><br /><b>🌟 Follow us for more: </b><br /><b>Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> </b><br /><b>Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> </b><br /><b>Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> </b><br /><b></b><br />We'd love to hear from you and potentially feature your story in a future episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64998848</guid><pubDate>Fri, 21 Mar 2025 11:00:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/64998848/parsha_enhanced_v2.mp3" length="1190391" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Vayakhel This Week: Before building the Mishkan, the first thing Moses did was gather the people 'vayakhel' (וַיַּקְהֵל). Community isn't just a nice addition to spirituality; it's the foundation. When we unite with purpose, bringing...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Vayakhel This Week: Before building the Mishkan, the first thing Moses did was gather the people 'vayakhel' (וַיַּקְהֵל). Community isn't just a nice addition to spirituality; it's the foundation. When we unite with purpose, bringing together our diverse strengths and perspectives, we create a dwelling place for the Divine in our world. True godliness begins with human connection. This is our mission as a people. Shabbat Shalom. 🤝<br /><br /><b>🌟 Follow us for more: </b><br /><b>Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> </b><br /><b>Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> </b><br /><b>Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> </b><br /><b></b><br />We'd love to hear from you and potentially feature your story in a future episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>75</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,communalpurpose,communitybuilding,inspirationalthoughts,jewishcommunity,jewishidentity,jewishvalues,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,togetherness,torahwisdom,unitymatters,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>54</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Can You Be Buried in a Jewish Cemetery with Tattoos?</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/can-you-be-buried-in-a-jewish-cemetery-with-tattoos--64970933</link><description><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address the frequently asked question about tattoos and Jewish burial. While Leviticus 19:28 clearly prohibits Jews from getting tattoos, I explain that there is no halachic (Jewish law) basis preventing someone with tattoos from being buried in a Jewish cemetery. I clarify that the prohibition applies only to getting tattoos, not having them. Though some communities historically may have refused burial to those with tattoos as a deterrent, this practice is essentially non-existent today. So despite what your Jewish grandmother might think, you can indeed be buried in a Jewish cemetery with tattoos.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64970933</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Mar 2025 11:00:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/64970933/episode_3.mp3" length="2180283" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address the frequently asked question about tattoos and Jewish burial. While Leviticus 19:28 clearly prohibits Jews from getting tattoos, I explain that there is no halachic (Jewish law) basis preventing someone with...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address the frequently asked question about tattoos and Jewish burial. While Leviticus 19:28 clearly prohibits Jews from getting tattoos, I explain that there is no halachic (Jewish law) basis preventing someone with tattoos from being buried in a Jewish cemetery. I clarify that the prohibition applies only to getting tattoos, not having them. Though some communities historically may have refused burial to those with tattoos as a deterrent, this practice is essentially non-existent today. So despite what your Jewish grandmother might think, you can indeed be buried in a Jewish cemetery with tattoos.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>91</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>bodymodification,burialcustoms,halacha,jewishburial,jewishcemetery,jewishcommunity,jewishgrandmother,jewishlaw,jewishmyths,jewishprohibition,jewishquestions,jewishtraditions,leviticus,religiousinterpretation,religiousmisconceptions,religiouspractices,tattoos</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>53</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Ki Tisa: Essential Pieces of the Puzzle</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-ki-tisa-essential-pieces-of-the-puzzle--64864885</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Ki Tisa This Week: A census in Hebrew isn't just about counting; it's about 'raising heads' (כִּי תִשָּׂא אֶת-רֹאשׁ). Like a puzzle missing just one piece, our community is incomplete without each individual's unique contribution. We're not meant to get lost in the crowd but to understand how irreplaceable we are to the whole. You don't just count; you matter profoundly. Shabbat Shalom. 🧩<br /><br /><b>🌟 Follow us for more: </b><br /><b>Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> </b><br /><b>Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> </b><br /><b>Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> </b><br /><b></b><br />We'd love to hear from you and potentially feature your story in a future episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes.<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64864885</guid><pubDate>Fri, 14 Mar 2025 11:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/64864885/0313_2_enhanced_v2.mp3" length="1021118" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Ki Tisa This Week: A census in Hebrew isn't just about counting; it's about 'raising heads' (כִּי תִשָּׂא אֶת-רֹאשׁ). Like a puzzle missing just one piece, our community is incomplete without each individual's unique contribution. We're not...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Ki Tisa This Week: A census in Hebrew isn't just about counting; it's about 'raising heads' (כִּי תִשָּׂא אֶת-רֹאשׁ). Like a puzzle missing just one piece, our community is incomplete without each individual's unique contribution. We're not meant to get lost in the crowd but to understand how irreplaceable we are to the whole. You don't just count; you matter profoundly. Shabbat Shalom. 🧩<br /><br /><b>🌟 Follow us for more: </b><br /><b>Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> </b><br /><b>Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> </b><br /><b>Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> </b><br /><b></b><br />We'd love to hear from you and potentially feature your story in a future episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes.<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>64</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>belongingmatters,biblicalinsights,individuality,inspirationalthoughts,jewishcommunity,jewishidentity,jewishvalues,personalworth,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>52</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Seinfeld's "The Andrea Doria" - From "Why Me?" to Gratitude</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/seinfeld-s-the-andrea-doria-from-why-me-to-gratitude--64838173</link><description><![CDATA[Welcome to Yada Yada Yiddish, the podcast where Seinfeld unexpectedly meets Jewish wisdom. 🎙️<br /><br />In this special Purim episode, we explore Season 8's "The Andrea Doria," where George competes with a shipwreck survivor for an apartment, claiming his trivial hardships deserve more sympathy. This provides the perfect backdrop for my conversation with special guest Brad Licht, who shares his remarkable journey through serious health challenges from a cancer diagnosis to multiple surgeries and a lengthy recovery. Unlike George's victim mentality, Brad's story reveals how suffering can transform into gratitude, purpose, and spiritual growth.<br /><br />Join us as we discuss turning the question "Why me?" into an opportunity for thanksgiving, the importance of community support, and finding Jewish wisdom in unexpected places. Brad's powerful testimony of post-traumatic growth offers timely insights for Purim, a holiday that teaches us to recognize the hidden blessings in our own life stories.<br /><br /><b>Reach out to Brad: brad@lichtrealty.com</b><br /><br />Do you have ideas or want to be featured in a future episode?<br /><b>Contact me at <a href="https://lehrfield.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yada@lehrfield.com</a>. </b><br /><br />I’d love to hear your thoughts!<br /><br />Tune in, laugh, and learn how to balance humor with deep spiritual growth.<br /><br />🌟🌟 Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook Page URL -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> ]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64838173</guid><pubDate>Wed, 12 Mar 2025 13:56:44 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/64838173/yyy_with_brad.mp3" length="77259054" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Welcome to Yada Yada Yiddish, the podcast where Seinfeld unexpectedly meets Jewish wisdom. 🎙️

In this special Purim episode, we explore Season 8's "The Andrea Doria," where George competes with a shipwreck survivor for an apartment, claiming his...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Welcome to Yada Yada Yiddish, the podcast where Seinfeld unexpectedly meets Jewish wisdom. 🎙️<br /><br />In this special Purim episode, we explore Season 8's "The Andrea Doria," where George competes with a shipwreck survivor for an apartment, claiming his trivial hardships deserve more sympathy. This provides the perfect backdrop for my conversation with special guest Brad Licht, who shares his remarkable journey through serious health challenges from a cancer diagnosis to multiple surgeries and a lengthy recovery. Unlike George's victim mentality, Brad's story reveals how suffering can transform into gratitude, purpose, and spiritual growth.<br /><br />Join us as we discuss turning the question "Why me?" into an opportunity for thanksgiving, the importance of community support, and finding Jewish wisdom in unexpected places. Brad's powerful testimony of post-traumatic growth offers timely insights for Purim, a holiday that teaches us to recognize the hidden blessings in our own life stories.<br /><br /><b>Reach out to Brad: brad@lichtrealty.com</b><br /><br />Do you have ideas or want to be featured in a future episode?<br /><b>Contact me at <a href="https://lehrfield.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yada@lehrfield.com</a>. </b><br /><br />I’d love to hear your thoughts!<br /><br />Tune in, laugh, and learn how to balance humor with deep spiritual growth.<br /><br />🌟🌟 Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook Page URL -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> ]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>3217</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>communitysupport,gratitude,healing,jewishphilosophy,jewishwisdom,lifelessons,megillah,personaljourney,posttraumaticgrowth,purim,resilience,seinfeld,spiritualgrowth,suffering,transformation,whyme</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>51</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Do all Jews Speak Hebrew?</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/do-all-jews-speak-hebrew--64834980</link><description><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address the common question about whether all Jews speak Hebrew. While Hebrew has experienced a remarkable renaissance as Israel's national language, and most Jews today do live in Israel, not all Jews are Hebrew speakers. I explain how historically, Jews have primarily spoken the languages of their host countries while developing unique Jewish dialects that blend local languages with Hebrew and Aramaic elements. From Yiddish and Ladino to modern "Yeshivish" heard in Orthodox communities like Lakewood, New Jersey, Jewish linguistic traditions continue to evolve. Though Hebrew remains central to Jewish prayer and study regardless of fluency, the diversity of Jewish language practices reflects our global history and cultural adaptations.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64834980</guid><pubDate>Wed, 12 Mar 2025 11:09:12 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/64834980/do_all_jews_speak_hebrew.mp3" length="3459335" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address the common question about whether all Jews speak Hebrew. While Hebrew has experienced a remarkable renaissance as Israel's national language, and most Jews today do live in Israel, not all Jews are Hebrew...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address the common question about whether all Jews speak Hebrew. While Hebrew has experienced a remarkable renaissance as Israel's national language, and most Jews today do live in Israel, not all Jews are Hebrew speakers. I explain how historically, Jews have primarily spoken the languages of their host countries while developing unique Jewish dialects that blend local languages with Hebrew and Aramaic elements. From Yiddish and Ladino to modern "Yeshivish" heard in Orthodox communities like Lakewood, New Jersey, Jewish linguistic traditions continue to evolve. Though Hebrew remains central to Jewish prayer and study regardless of fluency, the diversity of Jewish language practices reflects our global history and cultural adaptations.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>144</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>culturalidentity,hebrewlanguage,israel,jewishcommunities,jewishculture,jewishdialects,jewisheducation,jewishhistory,jewishlanguages,jewishprayer,ladino,languagerevival,linguistictraditions,modernhebrew,religiouslanguage,yeshivish,yiddish</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>50</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Tetzaveh: Beauty from Life's Pressures</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-tetzaveh-beauty-from-life-s-pressures--64743646</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Tetzaveh This Week: 'Crushed for the light' is a powerful description of the olive oil used in the Temple menorah. Like olives that release their precious oil only when pressed, our most difficult moments often bring forth our inner light. We don't seek challenges, but when they find us, perhaps they're transforming us into something more refined, more illuminating. From life's crushing pressures comes our purest essence. Shabbat Shalom. 🕯️<br /><br /><b>🌟 Follow us for more: </b><br /><b>Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> </b><br /><b>Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> </b><br /><b>Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> </b><br /><b></b><br />We'd love to hear from you and potentially feature your story in a future episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes.<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64743646</guid><pubDate>Fri, 07 Mar 2025 12:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/64743646/0306_1_enhanced_v2.mp3" length="1654326" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Tetzaveh This Week: 'Crushed for the light' is a powerful description of the olive oil used in the Temple menorah. Like olives that release their precious oil only when pressed, our most difficult moments often bring forth our inner light....</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Tetzaveh This Week: 'Crushed for the light' is a powerful description of the olive oil used in the Temple menorah. Like olives that release their precious oil only when pressed, our most difficult moments often bring forth our inner light. We don't seek challenges, but when they find us, perhaps they're transforming us into something more refined, more illuminating. From life's crushing pressures comes our purest essence. Shabbat Shalom. 🕯️<br /><br /><b>🌟 Follow us for more: </b><br /><b>Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> </b><br /><b>Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> </b><br /><b>Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> </b><br /><b></b><br />We'd love to hear from you and potentially feature your story in a future episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes.<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>104</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,inspirationalthoughts,jewishteachings,jewishvalues,overcomingchallenges,personalgrowth,resilience,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,transformativepain,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>49</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Halal vs. Kosher: Are They the Same?</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/halal-vs-kosher-are-they-the-same--64708429</link><description><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I break down the similarities and differences between halal and kosher dietary laws. While both are religious food guidelines for Muslims and Jews, respectively, they are not identical. I explain that Kosher foods are generally acceptable for halal diets, but not vice versa. Drawing on the nuanced distinctions between these dietary practices, I provide insights into each tradition's overlaps and unique aspects. Whether you're curious about religious food regulations or seeking practical guidance, this episode explains these important cultural dietary practices.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64708429</guid><pubDate>Wed, 05 Mar 2025 12:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/64708429/is_halal_and_kosher_the_same_thing.mp3" length="2193806" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I break down the similarities and differences between halal and kosher dietary laws. While both are religious food guidelines for Muslims and Jews, respectively, they are not identical. I explain that Kosher foods are...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I break down the similarities and differences between halal and kosher dietary laws. While both are religious food guidelines for Muslims and Jews, respectively, they are not identical. I explain that Kosher foods are generally acceptable for halal diets, but not vice versa. Drawing on the nuanced distinctions between these dietary practices, I provide insights into each tradition's overlaps and unique aspects. Whether you're curious about religious food regulations or seeking practical guidance, this episode explains these important cultural dietary practices.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>91</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>comparativereligion,culinarypractices,culturalpractices,dietarylaws,dietaryrestrictions,foodguidelines,foodregulations,halal,islam,jewishdiet,judaism,kosher,muslimdiet,religiouscustoms,religiouseating,religiousfood,religioustraditions</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>48</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Terumah: Authentic Spirituality</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-terumah-authentic-spirituality--64614844</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Terumah This Week: Why gild the Ark with gold on the inside where no one would see? Because true spirituality isn't about appearances—it's about integrity. 'Tocho K'varo' teaches us that our inner spiritual life should match our outer actions. Our growth isn't for others' approval or admiration but a genuine expression of our soul's journey. Like the Ark holding the Torah, may our actions reflect our authentic inner light. Shabbat Shalom. ✨<br /><br /><br /><b>🌟 Follow us for more: </b><br /><b>Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> </b><br /><b>Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> </b><br /><b>Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> </b><br /><b></b><br />We'd love to hear from you and potentially feature your story in a future episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64614844</guid><pubDate>Fri, 28 Feb 2025 12:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/64614844/parshat_new_one.mp3" length="1457473" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Terumah This Week: Why gild the Ark with gold on the inside where no one would see? Because true spirituality isn't about appearances—it's about integrity. 'Tocho K'varo' teaches us that our inner spiritual life should match our outer...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Terumah This Week: Why gild the Ark with gold on the inside where no one would see? Because true spirituality isn't about appearances—it's about integrity. 'Tocho K'varo' teaches us that our inner spiritual life should match our outer actions. Our growth isn't for others' approval or admiration but a genuine expression of our soul's journey. Like the Ark holding the Torah, may our actions reflect our authentic inner light. Shabbat Shalom. ✨<br /><br /><br /><b>🌟 Follow us for more: </b><br /><b>Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> </b><br /><b>Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> </b><br /><b>Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> </b><br /><b></b><br />We'd love to hear from you and potentially feature your story in a future episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>92</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>authenticself,biblicalinsights,innertruth,inspirationalthoughts,jewishteachings,jewishvalues,personalgrowth,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,tabernacle,tochokvaro,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>47</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>When to Observe Yahrzeits in a Leap Year: Adar I or Adar II?</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/when-to-observe-yahrzeits-in-a-leap-year-adar-i-or-adar-ii--64583521</link><description><![CDATA[In this informative episode of Dear Rabbi, Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield answers a practical question about Jewish observance: when should one observe a yahrzeit (death anniversary) during a Jewish leap year with two months of Adar? After providing a concise explanation of the Jewish lunisolar calendar system and why leap months are necessary to keep holidays in their proper seasons, Rabbi Field discusses the differing customs between Sephardic and Ashkenazi traditions regarding yahrzeit observances. This episode offers clear guidance for those unsure about when to commemorate their loved ones' yahrzeits during Jewish leap years, with practical advice for respecting both major traditions.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64583521</guid><pubDate>Wed, 26 Feb 2025 13:13:34 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/64583521/yerzheit.mp3" length="5047192" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In this informative episode of Dear Rabbi, Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield answers a practical question about Jewish observance: when should one observe a yahrzeit (death anniversary) during a Jewish leap year with two months of Adar? After providing a...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this informative episode of Dear Rabbi, Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield answers a practical question about Jewish observance: when should one observe a yahrzeit (death anniversary) during a Jewish leap year with two months of Adar? After providing a concise explanation of the Jewish lunisolar calendar system and why leap months are necessary to keep holidays in their proper seasons, Rabbi Field discusses the differing customs between Sephardic and Ashkenazi traditions regarding yahrzeit observances. This episode offers clear guidance for those unsure about when to commemorate their loved ones' yahrzeits during Jewish leap years, with practical advice for respecting both major traditions.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a>]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>158</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adar,ashkenazicustoms,dearrabbi,hebrewcalendar,jewishcalendar,jewishleapyear,jewishlearning,jewishmourning,jewishobservance,jewishquestion,jewishtradition,judaism,lunisolarcalendar,religiouspractice,sephardiccustoms,yahrzeit</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>46</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>From Military Missions to Mitzvot: A Couple’s Journey to Judaism</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/from-military-missions-to-mitzvot-a-couple-s-journey-to-judaism--64583454</link><description><![CDATA[Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! 🌟<br /><br />Join us as Tehilla and Mikhail, a young couple who married as teenagers, share their remarkable journey from Christian backgrounds to Orthodox Judaism. Their transformation began during Mikhail's military deployment to Afghanistan when Tehilla started questioning the origins of Christian holidays. Hear how they navigated religious transitions while moving between Germany, South Carolina, and Florida, gradually finding their authentic spiritual path from messianic communities to full Jewish conversion.<br /><br />Despite resistance from family members who feared they were condemning themselves by abandoning their Christian beliefs, the couple remained steadfast in their search for spiritual authenticity. Their story reveals how sometimes our understanding of faith evolves across continents and life experiences, and how a powerful moment of pure connection to God in a synagogue can change everything. This moving conversation highlights the beauty of choosing a path focused on building a direct relationship with Hashem, without intermediaries, even when it means leaving familiar traditions behind.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>📩 Reach out to The Munoz:</b><br /><b>✉️ Mikhail:</b> mikhaelakiva@gmail.com<br /><b>✉️ Tehilla:</b> mclove95@yahoo.com<br />📺 <b>Their YouTube Page:</b> Life of Virtue<br />📸 <b>Tehilla's Instagram:</b> @TehillahMunoz<br /><br /><br /><b></b><br /><b>Catch Zero Percent on all podcast platforms, available on your go-to platform!</b><br /><br />Keep the conversation going! If you have questions or ideas about Jewish success and impact <b>Please email us at Zeropercent@joidenver.com.🌟</b><br /><br />Help others discover Zero Percent! Please leave us a five-star review and share it with friends who might find this podcast enlightening.<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64583454</guid><pubDate>Wed, 26 Feb 2025 13:11:34 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/64583454/the_munoz.mp3" length="93359548" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! 🌟

Join us as Tehilla and Mikhail, a young couple who married as teenagers, share their remarkable journey from Christian backgrounds to Orthodox Judaism....</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! 🌟<br /><br />Join us as Tehilla and Mikhail, a young couple who married as teenagers, share their remarkable journey from Christian backgrounds to Orthodox Judaism. Their transformation began during Mikhail's military deployment to Afghanistan when Tehilla started questioning the origins of Christian holidays. Hear how they navigated religious transitions while moving between Germany, South Carolina, and Florida, gradually finding their authentic spiritual path from messianic communities to full Jewish conversion.<br /><br />Despite resistance from family members who feared they were condemning themselves by abandoning their Christian beliefs, the couple remained steadfast in their search for spiritual authenticity. Their story reveals how sometimes our understanding of faith evolves across continents and life experiences, and how a powerful moment of pure connection to God in a synagogue can change everything. This moving conversation highlights the beauty of choosing a path focused on building a direct relationship with Hashem, without intermediaries, even when it means leaving familiar traditions behind.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>📩 Reach out to The Munoz:</b><br /><b>✉️ Mikhail:</b> mikhaelakiva@gmail.com<br /><b>✉️ Tehilla:</b> mclove95@yahoo.com<br />📺 <b>Their YouTube Page:</b> Life of Virtue<br />📸 <b>Tehilla's Instagram:</b> @TehillahMunoz<br /><br /><br /><b></b><br /><b>Catch Zero Percent on all podcast platforms, available on your go-to platform!</b><br /><br />Keep the conversation going! If you have questions or ideas about Jewish success and impact <b>Please email us at Zeropercent@joidenver.com.🌟</b><br /><br />Help others discover Zero Percent! Please leave us a five-star review and share it with friends who might find this podcast enlightening.<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>3885</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>conversionstory,converttojudaism,faithevolution,faithtransformation,findingfaith,jewishcommunity,jewishheritage,jewishidentity,jewishjourney,jewishtradition,jewsbychoice,judaismconversion,militaryfamily,religiousdiscovery,religiousjourney,religioustransformation,spiritualauthenticity,spiritualconnection,spiritualgrowth,torahlifestyle</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>45</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Mishpatim: The Courage of Independent Thought</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-mishpatim-the-courage-of-independent-thought--64489918</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Mishpatim This Week: In the great Sanhedrin, the highest judges spoke last to prevent their opinions from swaying others. Next time you discuss world events at your dinner table, try posing questions instead of stating opinions. Let your children form their own perspectives. True leadership isn't about influencing thoughts, it's about creating safe spaces where independent thinking can flourish. Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem. 💭<br /><br /><br /><b>🌟 Follow us for more: </b><br /><b>Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> </b><br /><b>Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> </b><br /><b>Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> </b><br /><b></b><br />We'd love to hear from you and potentially feature your story in a future episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes.<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64489918</guid><pubDate>Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/64489918/parshat_mishpaatim.mp3" length="1686097" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Mishpatim This Week: In the great Sanhedrin, the highest judges spoke last to prevent their opinions from swaying others. Next time you discuss world events at your dinner table, try posing questions instead of stating opinions. Let your...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Mishpatim This Week: In the great Sanhedrin, the highest judges spoke last to prevent their opinions from swaying others. Next time you discuss world events at your dinner table, try posing questions instead of stating opinions. Let your children form their own perspectives. True leadership isn't about influencing thoughts, it's about creating safe spaces where independent thinking can flourish. Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem. 💭<br /><br /><br /><b>🌟 Follow us for more: </b><br /><b>Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> </b><br /><b>Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> </b><br /><b>Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> </b><br /><b></b><br />We'd love to hear from you and potentially feature your story in a future episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes.<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>106</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,criticalthinking,independentthinking,inspirationalthoughts,jewishleadership,jewishvalues,parentingwisdom,personalgrowth,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,teachablemoments,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>44</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Understanding Divine Judgment During the Days of Awe</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/understanding-divine-judgment-during-the-days-of-awe--64447094</link><description><![CDATA[In this thought-provoking episode of Dear Rabbi, we address a fascinating question about mortality during the Days of Awe - the ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Rabbi Arkham explores how Judaism reconciles deaths that occur before the Book of Life is sealed, offering two traditional perspectives: that the previous year's judgment extends through these ten days, or that one's fate is determined on Rosh Hashanah but can be altered through repentance. This episode provides deep insight into Jewish concepts of divine judgment, free will, and the powerful opportunity for spiritual transformation during this sacred period.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64447094</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Feb 2025 12:00:09 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/64447094/10daysofteshuva_10_6_21_2_07_pm.mp3" length="4571555" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In this thought-provoking episode of Dear Rabbi, we address a fascinating question about mortality during the Days of Awe - the ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Rabbi Arkham explores how Judaism reconciles deaths that occur before the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this thought-provoking episode of Dear Rabbi, we address a fascinating question about mortality during the Days of Awe - the ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Rabbi Arkham explores how Judaism reconciles deaths that occur before the Book of Life is sealed, offering two traditional perspectives: that the previous year's judgment extends through these ten days, or that one's fate is determined on Rosh Hashanah but can be altered through repentance. This episode provides deep insight into Jewish concepts of divine judgment, free will, and the powerful opportunity for spiritual transformation during this sacred period.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>143</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>bookoflife,daysofawe,dearrabbi,jewishlearning,jewishpodcast,jewishspirtuality,jewishteachings,jewishthought,jewishwisdom,judaism,religiousstudies,roshhashanah,teshuvah,torah,yomkippur</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>43</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>The Art of Gratitude: Transforming Relationships Through Jewish Wisdom</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-art-of-gratitude-transforming-relationships-through-jewish-wisdom--64446546</link><description><![CDATA[Welcome to reConnect, where ancient Jewish wisdom meets modern relationship dynamics. Join husband-wife hosts Menachem and Sarah Lehrfield as they explore the deep Jewish perspective on gratitude (Hakarat Hatov). Through engaging discussions and heartwarming stories, they unpack how true gratitude goes beyond saying "thank you" to becoming a transformative force in our relationships.<br /><br />Learn why Judaism emphasizes morning gratitude, discover a three-step formula for meaningful appreciation in relationships, and understand how developing an "attitude of gratitude" can reshape your perspective on life. Whether you're looking to strengthen your marriage, deepen your relationship with God, or simply cultivate more meaningful connections, this episode offers practical wisdom for expressing authentic gratitude in all areas of life.<br /><br />Tune in to re-connect and all of our podcasts at: <a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><b>https://www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b></a><br /><br />Contact us at <b>reconnect@joidenver.com</b><br /><br /> 🌟 Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> <br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> <br />Facebook Page -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> <br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> <br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> <br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64446546</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Feb 2025 12:00:09 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/64446546/reconnect_gratitude_1.mp3" length="54549119" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Welcome to reConnect, where ancient Jewish wisdom meets modern relationship dynamics. Join husband-wife hosts Menachem and Sarah Lehrfield as they explore the deep Jewish perspective on gratitude (Hakarat Hatov). Through engaging discussions and...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Welcome to reConnect, where ancient Jewish wisdom meets modern relationship dynamics. Join husband-wife hosts Menachem and Sarah Lehrfield as they explore the deep Jewish perspective on gratitude (Hakarat Hatov). Through engaging discussions and heartwarming stories, they unpack how true gratitude goes beyond saying "thank you" to becoming a transformative force in our relationships.<br /><br />Learn why Judaism emphasizes morning gratitude, discover a three-step formula for meaningful appreciation in relationships, and understand how developing an "attitude of gratitude" can reshape your perspective on life. Whether you're looking to strengthen your marriage, deepen your relationship with God, or simply cultivate more meaningful connections, this episode offers practical wisdom for expressing authentic gratitude in all areas of life.<br /><br />Tune in to re-connect and all of our podcasts at: <a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><b>https://www.joidenver.com/podcasts</b></a><br /><br />Contact us at <b>reconnect@joidenver.com</b><br /><br /> 🌟 Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> <br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> <br />Facebook Page -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> <br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> <br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> <br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2271</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>appreciation,connection,familylife,gratitude,jewishteachings,jewishwisdom,marriage,mindfulness,mindsetshift,parenting,personalgrowth,relationshipadvice,relationships,selfdevelopment,spiritualgrowth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>42</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Yitro: The Power of Deep Listening</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-yitro-the-power-of-deep-listening--64374671</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Yitro This Week: In a world of endless scrolling, we often hear without truly listening. When Yitro 'heard' (וַיִּשְׁמַע) about God's miracles, he didn't just absorb information—he internalized it so deeply that it transformed his life. Like the Shema, true listening means letting wisdom penetrate our hearts and shape our actions. Instead of chasing more content this week, find one meaningful message and let it truly change you. Shabbat Shalom. 👂<br /><b></b><br /><b></b><br /><b>🌟 Follow us for more: </b><br /><b>Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> </b><br /><b>Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> </b><br /><b>Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> </b><br /><b></b><br />We'd love to hear from you and potentially feature your story in a future episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes.<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64374671</guid><pubDate>Fri, 14 Feb 2025 12:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/64374671/0214_enhanced_v2.mp3" length="1436151" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Yitro This Week: In a world of endless scrolling, we often hear without truly listening. When Yitro 'heard' (וַיִּשְׁמַע) about God's miracles, he didn't just absorb information—he internalized it so deeply that it transformed his life. Like...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Yitro This Week: In a world of endless scrolling, we often hear without truly listening. When Yitro 'heard' (וַיִּשְׁמַע) about God's miracles, he didn't just absorb information—he internalized it so deeply that it transformed his life. Like the Shema, true listening means letting wisdom penetrate our hearts and shape our actions. Instead of chasing more content this week, find one meaningful message and let it truly change you. Shabbat Shalom. 👂<br /><b></b><br /><b></b><br /><b>🌟 Follow us for more: </b><br /><b>Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> </b><br /><b>Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> </b><br /><b>Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> </b><br /><b></b><br />We'd love to hear from you and potentially feature your story in a future episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes.<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>90</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,deeplistening,inspirationalthoughts,jewishteachings,meaningfullife,mindfulliving,personalgrowth,shemawisdom,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>41</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Seinfeld's 'The Soup Nazi' - Beyond Rules: Finding Kindness and Perspective in Chaos</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/seinfeld-s-the-soup-nazi-beyond-rules-finding-kindness-and-perspective-in-chaos--64338092</link><description><![CDATA[Welcome to Yada Yada Yiddish, the podcast where Seinfeld meets Jewish wisdom in unexpected ways.🎙️<br /><br />In this fascinating episode, we dive into one of the most iconic Seinfeld episodes - "The Soup Nazi." Through a Jewish lens, we explore how arbitrary rules, misplaced priorities, and our perception of others reveal profound truths about human nature. From Jerry's soup-over-love dilemma to Kramer's unique ability to see the good in everyone, this episode unpacks how Torah Judaism views rules not as arbitrary restrictions, but as meaningful instructions for living. We examine how gossip (lashon hara) spreads throughout the episode, the value of self-control when facing temptation, and the true nature of kindness (chesed) regardless of the recipient.<br /><br />Join me as we discover how this comedy classic offers surprising insights into Jewish values - reminding us to align our actions with our true priorities and to look for common ground with those who seem different. Whether you're a Seinfeld fan or seeking spiritual wisdom, you'll find something delicious in this episode that's about much more than soup.<br /><br />Do you have ideas or want to be featured in a future episode?<br /><b>Contact me at <a href="https://lehrfield.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yada@lehrfield.com</a>. </b><br /><br />I’d love to hear your thoughts!<br /><br />Tune in, laugh, and learn how to balance humor with deep spiritual growth.<br /><br />🌟🌟 Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook Page URL -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> <br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64338092</guid><pubDate>Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/64338092/cheeseburger_final_4_8_25_3_25_pm.mp3" length="51455335" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Welcome to Yada Yada Yiddish, the podcast where Seinfeld meets Jewish wisdom in unexpected ways.🎙️

In this fascinating episode, we dive into one of the most iconic Seinfeld episodes - "The Soup Nazi." Through a Jewish lens, we explore how arbitrary...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Welcome to Yada Yada Yiddish, the podcast where Seinfeld meets Jewish wisdom in unexpected ways.🎙️<br /><br />In this fascinating episode, we dive into one of the most iconic Seinfeld episodes - "The Soup Nazi." Through a Jewish lens, we explore how arbitrary rules, misplaced priorities, and our perception of others reveal profound truths about human nature. From Jerry's soup-over-love dilemma to Kramer's unique ability to see the good in everyone, this episode unpacks how Torah Judaism views rules not as arbitrary restrictions, but as meaningful instructions for living. We examine how gossip (lashon hara) spreads throughout the episode, the value of self-control when facing temptation, and the true nature of kindness (chesed) regardless of the recipient.<br /><br />Join me as we discover how this comedy classic offers surprising insights into Jewish values - reminding us to align our actions with our true priorities and to look for common ground with those who seem different. Whether you're a Seinfeld fan or seeking spiritual wisdom, you'll find something delicious in this episode that's about much more than soup.<br /><br />Do you have ideas or want to be featured in a future episode?<br /><b>Contact me at <a href="https://lehrfield.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yada@lehrfield.com</a>. </b><br /><br />I’d love to hear your thoughts!<br /><br />Tune in, laugh, and learn how to balance humor with deep spiritual growth.<br /><br />🌟🌟 Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook Page URL -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> <br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>3216</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>chesed,gossip,jewishphilosophy,jewishteachings,jewishwisdom,kindness,perspective,popculturewisdom,priorities,rules,seinfeld,seinfelianalysis,selfcontrol,soupnazi,torah,yadayadayiddish</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>40</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why Do Jewish Days Begin at Sundown? The Hidden Wisdom of Nightfall</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-do-jewish-days-begin-at-sundown-the-hidden-wisdom-of-nightfall--64336547</link><description><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explain the unique Jewish concept of the day beginning at sundown. Tracing this tradition back to the biblical account of creation, I explore how the Torah's pattern of "evening and morning" established our distinctive approach to marking time. I share a deeper spiritual meaning behind this practice - how night represents life's challenges while day symbolizes clarity, suggesting that by beginning with darkness, Judaism teaches us that light always follows. This concept reminds us that all things are good in the end, and if it's not good, it's simply not the end. If you're enjoying these insights, don't forget to subscribe, share with friends, and check out our new podcast "0%" about Jewish historical contributions.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64336547</guid><pubDate>Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/64336547/dear_rabbi_day_or_night.mp3" length="4428612" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explain the unique Jewish concept of the day beginning at sundown. Tracing this tradition back to the biblical account of creation, I explore how the Torah's pattern of "evening and morning" established our distinctive...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explain the unique Jewish concept of the day beginning at sundown. Tracing this tradition back to the biblical account of creation, I explore how the Torah's pattern of "evening and morning" established our distinctive approach to marking time. I share a deeper spiritual meaning behind this practice - how night represents life's challenges while day symbolizes clarity, suggesting that by beginning with darkness, Judaism teaches us that light always follows. This concept reminds us that all things are good in the end, and if it's not good, it's simply not the end. If you're enjoying these insights, don't forget to subscribe, share with friends, and check out our new podcast "0%" about Jewish historical contributions.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>139</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalcreation,eveningandmorning,faithindarkness,jewishcalendar,jewishcustoms,jewishdaycycle,jewishholidays,jewishpractices,jewishtime,jewishwisdom,nightanddaysymbolism,religioustraditions,spiritualinsights,spiritualmeaning,sundowntradition,torahteachings,torahtime</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>39</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Beshalach: A Million Personal Miracles</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-beshalach-a-million-personal-miracles--64245141</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Beshalach This Week: At the splitting of the sea, millions sang 'This is my God' not our God. Even in shared miracles, each person's experience is uniquely their own. Like our ancestors at the sea, every spiritual journey is deeply personal, and every relationship with the Divine is distinctly individual. Your path is yours alone to walk. Shabbat Shalom. 🌊<br /><br /><b>🌟 Follow us for more: </b><br /><b>Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> </b><br /><b>Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> </b><br /><b>Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> </b><br /><b></b><br />We'd love to hear from you and potentially feature your story in a future episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes.<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64245141</guid><pubDate>Fri, 07 Feb 2025 12:00:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/64245141/0207.mp3" length="1456219" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Beshalach This Week: At the splitting of the sea, millions sang 'This is my God' not our God. Even in shared miracles, each person's experience is uniquely their own. Like our ancestors at the sea, every spiritual journey is deeply personal,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Beshalach This Week: At the splitting of the sea, millions sang 'This is my God' not our God. Even in shared miracles, each person's experience is uniquely their own. Like our ancestors at the sea, every spiritual journey is deeply personal, and every relationship with the Divine is distinctly individual. Your path is yours alone to walk. Shabbat Shalom. 🌊<br /><br /><b>🌟 Follow us for more: </b><br /><b>Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> </b><br /><b>Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> </b><br /><b>Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> </b><br /><b></b><br />We'd love to hear from you and potentially feature your story in a future episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes.<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>92</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,divinemiracles,faithjourney,individualpath,inspirationalthoughts,jewishteachings,personalfaith,personaljourney,songofthesea,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>38</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why Does God Hide When We Need Him Most? Understanding Divine Distance</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-does-god-hide-when-we-need-him-most-understanding-divine-distance--64202189</link><description><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explore the profound question of why God sometimes seems distant, even in our moments of deepest prayer. Through the lens of the Purim story and the Book of Esther, I explain how God's apparent absence is actually a form of hidden presence. I share a personal parenting analogy from teaching my kids to ski, illustrating how sometimes stepping back allows for growth. Drawing from biblical examples and everyday life, I discuss how these moments of perceived distance might actually be opportunities for personal development and spiritual growth. While acknowledging that we can't fully understand God's ways, I suggest that these challenges help us become who we're meant to be.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64202189</guid><pubDate>Wed, 05 Feb 2025 12:00:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/64202189/god_hidden.mp3" length="6425622" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explore the profound question of why God sometimes seems distant, even in our moments of deepest prayer. Through the lens of the Purim story and the Book of Esther, I explain how God's apparent absence is actually a...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explore the profound question of why God sometimes seems distant, even in our moments of deepest prayer. Through the lens of the Purim story and the Book of Esther, I explain how God's apparent absence is actually a form of hidden presence. I share a personal parenting analogy from teaching my kids to ski, illustrating how sometimes stepping back allows for growth. Drawing from biblical examples and everyday life, I discuss how these moments of perceived distance might actually be opportunities for personal development and spiritual growth. While acknowledging that we can't fully understand God's ways, I suggest that these challenges help us become who we're meant to be.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>201</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>bookofesther,divinedistance,divinepurpose,god'spresence,hiddenpresence,jewishphilosophy,jewishprayer,jewishteachings,jewishwisdom,parentingwisdom,personalgrowth,purimlessons,religiousfaith,religiousguidance,spiritualchallenges,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>36</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Bo: The Sacred Dance of Time</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-bo-the-sacred-dance-of-time--64060917</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Bo This Week:<br />Our first mitzvah as a free people wasn't about what to do—but about how to mark time itself. Like the moon's eternal cycle of renewal, we too have the power to reinvent ourselves. Each month brings a fresh canvas, a new opportunity to grow and transform. Freedom isn't just about where we go, but how we choose to use our most precious gift: time. Shabbat Shalom. 🌒<br /><br /><b>🌟 Follow us for more: </b><br /><b>Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> </b><br /><b>Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> </b><br /><b>Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> </b><br /><b></b><br />We'd love to hear from you and potentially feature your story in a future episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes.<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64060917</guid><pubDate>Fri, 31 Jan 2025 12:00:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/64060917/0131_enhanced_v2.mp3" length="1517653" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Bo This Week:
Our first mitzvah as a free people wasn't about what to do—but about how to mark time itself. Like the moon's eternal cycle of renewal, we too have the power to reinvent ourselves. Each month brings a fresh canvas, a new...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Bo This Week:<br />Our first mitzvah as a free people wasn't about what to do—but about how to mark time itself. Like the moon's eternal cycle of renewal, we too have the power to reinvent ourselves. Each month brings a fresh canvas, a new opportunity to grow and transform. Freedom isn't just about where we go, but how we choose to use our most precious gift: time. Shabbat Shalom. 🌒<br /><br /><b>🌟 Follow us for more: </b><br /><b>Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> </b><br /><b>Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> </b><br /><b>Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> </b><br /><b></b><br />We'd love to hear from you and potentially feature your story in a future episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes.<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>95</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,innerrenewal,inspirationalthoughts,jewishcalendar,jewishteachings,mooncycles,newbeginnings,personalgrowth,roshchodesh,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,timewisdom,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>35</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>From Soccer Star to Shabbat: A Mexican Athlete's Journey to Judaism</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/from-soccer-star-to-shabbat-a-mexican-athlete-s-journey-to-judaism--63990041</link><description><![CDATA[Welcome to 0%, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! 🌟<br /><br />Join us as Israel Janez Yisrael shares his remarkable journey from being a promising Mexican soccer player on the national team to discovering his Jewish soul. Follow his transformation from playing in World Cup tournaments to finding deeper meaning in Jewish tradition, sparked by a chance encounter with a Jewish family at a movie theater.<br /><br />Despite leaving behind a professional soccer career and facing the challenges of starting anew in a foreign country, Israel's story is profound spiritual fulfillment, family connection, and the unexpected ways life leads us to our true purpose. His journey from stadium lights to Shabbat candles reveals how sometimes our greatest dreams give way to even more meaningful ones.<br /><br /><b>Catch Zero Percent on all podcast platforms, available on your go-to platform!</b><br /><br />Whether you're Jewish, curious about Jewish culture, or interested in the secrets of success against all odds, this episode offers thought-provoking insights into the Jewish people's enduring impact on the world.<br /><br />Don't miss our upcoming episodes featuring inspiring stories of individuals who chose to join the Jewish faith. Tune in on the last Wednesday of each month for new episodes of 0%!<br /><br />Keep the conversation going! If you have questions or ideas about Jewish success and impact <b>Please email us at Zeropercent@joidenver.com.🌟</b><br /><br />Help others discover 0%! Please leave us a five-star review and share it with friends who might find this podcast enlightening.<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people truly extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63990041</guid><pubDate>Wed, 29 Jan 2025 12:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/63990041/audio_podcast_1.mp3" length="53334166" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Welcome to 0%, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! 🌟

Join us as Israel Janez Yisrael shares his remarkable journey from being a promising Mexican soccer player on the national team to discovering his Jewish soul....</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Welcome to 0%, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! 🌟<br /><br />Join us as Israel Janez Yisrael shares his remarkable journey from being a promising Mexican soccer player on the national team to discovering his Jewish soul. Follow his transformation from playing in World Cup tournaments to finding deeper meaning in Jewish tradition, sparked by a chance encounter with a Jewish family at a movie theater.<br /><br />Despite leaving behind a professional soccer career and facing the challenges of starting anew in a foreign country, Israel's story is profound spiritual fulfillment, family connection, and the unexpected ways life leads us to our true purpose. His journey from stadium lights to Shabbat candles reveals how sometimes our greatest dreams give way to even more meaningful ones.<br /><br /><b>Catch Zero Percent on all podcast platforms, available on your go-to platform!</b><br /><br />Whether you're Jewish, curious about Jewish culture, or interested in the secrets of success against all odds, this episode offers thought-provoking insights into the Jewish people's enduring impact on the world.<br /><br />Don't miss our upcoming episodes featuring inspiring stories of individuals who chose to join the Jewish faith. Tune in on the last Wednesday of each month for new episodes of 0%!<br /><br />Keep the conversation going! If you have questions or ideas about Jewish success and impact <b>Please email us at Zeropercent@joidenver.com.🌟</b><br /><br />Help others discover 0%! Please leave us a five-star review and share it with friends who might find this podcast enlightening.<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people truly extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2217</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>conversiontojudaism,culturaltransition,denverjewishcommunity,familytransformation,findingmeaning,jewishconversion,jewishfaith,jewishidentity,maranos,mexicanjewishstory,professionalsoccer,religiousdiscovery,shabbat,spiritualjourney,sportscareer</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>34</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>How to Solve the Trolley Problem: A Jewish Ethical Perspective</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-to-solve-the-trolley-problem-a-jewish-ethical-perspective--63990837</link><description><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle the famous philosophical trolley dilemma from a Jewish perspective. I analyze Jewish law and the Talmud and explain why Judaism's approach might surprise those who take a utilitarian view. I explore why sacrificing one life to save many - whether through pulling a lever or pushing someone off a bridge - goes against Jewish ethical teachings. Drawing from the Mishna and Jerusalem Talmud, I share how Judaism values each life equally and absolutely, regardless of the mathematical logic of saving more lives.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63990837</guid><pubDate>Wed, 29 Jan 2025 12:00:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/63990837/trolly_problem.mp3" length="8423467" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle the famous philosophical trolley dilemma from a Jewish perspective. I analyze Jewish law and the Talmud and explain why Judaism's approach might surprise those who take a utilitarian view. I explore why...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle the famous philosophical trolley dilemma from a Jewish perspective. I analyze Jewish law and the Talmud and explain why Judaism's approach might surprise those who take a utilitarian view. I explore why sacrificing one life to save many - whether through pulling a lever or pushing someone off a bridge - goes against Jewish ethical teachings. Drawing from the Mishna and Jerusalem Talmud, I share how Judaism values each life equally and absolutely, regardless of the mathematical logic of saving more lives.<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>264</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>ethicaldecisionmaking,ethicaldilemmas,jewishethics,jewishlaw,jewishteachings,jewishthought,judaismperspective,lifevalue,mishnateachings,moralchoices,moralphilosophy,philosophicalquestions,religiousethics,religiousphilosophy,talmudicwisdom,torahwisdom,trolleyproblem</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>35</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Va'era: Rewriting Our Inner Narrative</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-va-era-rewriting-our-inner-narrative--63870967</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Va'era This Week: The stories we tell ourselves can be our greatest limitation or our most powerful tool. Like Moses learning that the people's resistance wasn't about him, we're reminded that our assumptions often say more about our inner struggles than external realities. Pause, reflect, and choose compassion—for yourself and others. Shabbat Shalom. 💭<br /><br /><b>🌟 Follow us for more: </b><br /><b>Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> </b><br /><b>Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> </b><br /><b>Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> </b><br /><b></b><br />We'd love to hear from you and potentially feature your story in a future episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes.<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63870967</guid><pubDate>Fri, 24 Jan 2025 12:00:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/63870967/0124_enhanced_v2.mp3" length="1326646" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Va'era This Week: The stories we tell ourselves can be our greatest limitation or our most powerful tool. Like Moses learning that the people's resistance wasn't about him, we're reminded that our assumptions often say more about our inner...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Va'era This Week: The stories we tell ourselves can be our greatest limitation or our most powerful tool. Like Moses learning that the people's resistance wasn't about him, we're reminded that our assumptions often say more about our inner struggles than external realities. Pause, reflect, and choose compassion—for yourself and others. Shabbat Shalom. 💭<br /><br /><b>🌟 Follow us for more: </b><br /><b>Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> </b><br /><b>Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> </b><br /><b>Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> </b><br /><b></b><br />We'd love to hear from you and potentially feature your story in a future episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes.<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>83</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,compassionmatters,innerstrength,inspirationalthoughts,jewishteachings,mentalhealth,mindsetshift,personalgrowth,selfawareness,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>33</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>How to Understand God's Plan in Times of Suffering</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-to-understand-god-s-plan-in-times-of-suffering--63801201</link><description><![CDATA[In today's episode of Dear Rabbi, I'm answering a profound question about God's role in our suffering, especially during these challenging post-COVID times. I explain why we can't fully grasp God's ways by sharing two powerful stories – one about a hypothetical cousin from the jungle seeing a gym for the first time, and another about my personal experience with my son Ozzy during his medical procedure. Through these examples, I illustrate how our limited perspective, like looking at a painting with our nose against the canvas, prevents us from seeing the complete picture.<br /><br />As Jews, we believe in reincarnation and that our souls return to fix things unknown to us. While we may not understand everything now, I emphasize that if something doesn't seem good, it's simply because we haven't reached the end of the story yet. <br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63801201</guid><pubDate>Wed, 22 Jan 2025 12:00:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/63801201/24whenbadthingshappen_1.mp3" length="7383289" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In today's episode of Dear Rabbi, I'm answering a profound question about God's role in our suffering, especially during these challenging post-COVID times. I explain why we can't fully grasp God's ways by sharing two powerful stories – one about a...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In today's episode of Dear Rabbi, I'm answering a profound question about God's role in our suffering, especially during these challenging post-COVID times. I explain why we can't fully grasp God's ways by sharing two powerful stories – one about a hypothetical cousin from the jungle seeing a gym for the first time, and another about my personal experience with my son Ozzy during his medical procedure. Through these examples, I illustrate how our limited perspective, like looking at a painting with our nose against the canvas, prevents us from seeing the complete picture.<br /><br />As Jews, we believe in reincarnation and that our souls return to fix things unknown to us. While we may not understand everything now, I emphasize that if something doesn't seem good, it's simply because we haven't reached the end of the story yet. <br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>308</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>divinepurpose,faithinhardship,faithspirituality,godsplan,humanunderstanding,jewishteachings,jewishwisdom,judaismgodsrole,lifelessons,lifeperspective,meaningoflife,overcomingadversity,parentingstruggles,personalgrowth,postcovidworld,rabbiinsights,sufferinginlife,torahteachings</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>3</itunes:season><itunes:episode>32</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Understanding Your True Self and Building Authentic Confidence</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/understanding-your-true-self-and-building-authentic-confidence--63798840</link><description><![CDATA[Welcome to reConnect, where ancient Jewish wisdom meets modern relationship dynamics. Join husband-wife hosts Menachem and Sarah Lehrfield as they explore the profound question of human nature and inherent goodness. In this transformative episode, they unpack the Jewish perspective on identity, self-worth, and authentic confidence, challenging common misconceptions about human nature and shame.<br /><br />Through engaging discussion and practical insights, discover how recognizing your soul as your primary identity can revolutionize your relationships and self-perception. Learn the crucial difference between shame and growth, understand how to build genuine confidence in yourself and others, and explore why mistakes don't define your worth. From parenting strategies that nurture internal validation to practical approaches for maintaining self-worth during challenges, this episode offers a powerful framework for personal growth and deeper connections.<br /><br />Whether you're navigating parenthood, seeking to build authentic confidence, or working to strengthen your relationships, this conversation provides actionable wisdom for seeing the divine spark in yourself and others. Join Menachem and Sarah as they bridge ancient Jewish teachings with modern psychology to help you develop a more empowering relationship with yourself and those around you.<br /><br />Tune in to re-Connect and discover how the wisdom of the past can illuminate the path forward to harmonious relationships.<br />🎙️Discover a vibrant community at JOI Denver, where tradition meets today.<br /><br />Contact us at <b>reconnect@joidenver.com</b> and join us at <a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><b>https://www.joidenver.com</b></a><br /><br /> 🌟 Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> <br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> <br />Facebook Page -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> <br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> <br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> <br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63798840</guid><pubDate>Wed, 22 Jan 2025 12:00:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/63798840/reconnect_episode_5.mp3" length="58937329" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Welcome to reConnect, where ancient Jewish wisdom meets modern relationship dynamics. Join husband-wife hosts Menachem and Sarah Lehrfield as they explore the profound question of human nature and inherent goodness. In this transformative episode,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Welcome to reConnect, where ancient Jewish wisdom meets modern relationship dynamics. Join husband-wife hosts Menachem and Sarah Lehrfield as they explore the profound question of human nature and inherent goodness. In this transformative episode, they unpack the Jewish perspective on identity, self-worth, and authentic confidence, challenging common misconceptions about human nature and shame.<br /><br />Through engaging discussion and practical insights, discover how recognizing your soul as your primary identity can revolutionize your relationships and self-perception. Learn the crucial difference between shame and growth, understand how to build genuine confidence in yourself and others, and explore why mistakes don't define your worth. From parenting strategies that nurture internal validation to practical approaches for maintaining self-worth during challenges, this episode offers a powerful framework for personal growth and deeper connections.<br /><br />Whether you're navigating parenthood, seeking to build authentic confidence, or working to strengthen your relationships, this conversation provides actionable wisdom for seeing the divine spark in yourself and others. Join Menachem and Sarah as they bridge ancient Jewish teachings with modern psychology to help you develop a more empowering relationship with yourself and those around you.<br /><br />Tune in to re-Connect and discover how the wisdom of the past can illuminate the path forward to harmonious relationships.<br />🎙️Discover a vibrant community at JOI Denver, where tradition meets today.<br /><br />Contact us at <b>reconnect@joidenver.com</b> and join us at <a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><b>https://www.joidenver.com</b></a><br /><br /> 🌟 Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> <br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> <br />Facebook Page -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> <br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> <br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> <br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2451</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>authenticity,confidence,emotionalhealth,familylife,innerpeace,jewishwisdom,mentalhealth,mindfulness,parenting,parentingtips,personalgrowth,relationshipadvice,relationships,selfdevelopment,selfesteem,selfworth,soulwork,spiritualgrowth,spirituality,wellness</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>31</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Shemot: The Power of One Act</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-shemot-the-power-of-one-act--63723763</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Shemot This Week:<br /><br />Sometimes the most profound moments of courage come when we stretch beyond our comfort zones. Like Pharaoh's daughter extending her hand to save Moses, we all have the power to create ripples of change that extend far beyond our reach. One act of bravery, one moment of defying expectations, can alter the course of history. Shabbat Shalom. 🌊<br /><br /><b>🌟 Follow us for more: </b><br /><b>Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> </b><br /><b>Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> </b><br /><b>Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> </b><br /><b></b><br />We'd love to hear from you and potentially feature your story in a future episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes.<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63723763</guid><pubDate>Fri, 17 Jan 2025 12:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/63723763/0117_enhanced.mp3" length="1485053" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Shemot This Week:

Sometimes the most profound moments of courage come when we stretch beyond our comfort zones. Like Pharaoh's daughter extending her hand to save Moses, we all have the power to create ripples of change that extend far...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Shemot This Week:<br /><br />Sometimes the most profound moments of courage come when we stretch beyond our comfort zones. Like Pharaoh's daughter extending her hand to save Moses, we all have the power to create ripples of change that extend far beyond our reach. One act of bravery, one moment of defying expectations, can alter the course of history. Shabbat Shalom. 🌊<br /><br /><b>🌟 Follow us for more: </b><br /><b>Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> </b><br /><b>Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> </b><br /><b>Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> </b><br /><b></b><br />We'd love to hear from you and potentially feature your story in a future episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes.<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>93</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,braverymatters,courageousacts,divineprovidence,faithjourney,inspirationalthoughts,jewishvalues,legacyofkindness,makingchange,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>30</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>The Hostage Dilemma: Navigating Unity Amidst Tough Choices</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-hostage-dilemma-navigating-unity-amidst-tough-choices--63718431</link><description><![CDATA[Welcome to Dear Rabbi, where we tackle the pressing questions of our time! 🕍<br /><br />This week, Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield reflects on the current hostage deal in Israel and its complexities. 🤔<br /><br />Explore the debate over prioritizing safety versus making concessions, and discover why unity among the Jewish people is more critical now than ever. 🌍 Let’s stand together, even when faced with difficult choices, and hope for the safe return of all hostages.<br /><br />We Have A Common Enemy, and It's Not Each Other:<br />https://aish.com/we-have-a-common-enemy-and-its-not-each-other/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYUsuUvHokh83Pi8ViGRTKHrbzEjucR-NqWakPl93Jepk8EwdT4zRpG07Q_aem_alrVPkdAcHXEikGmOjkn-A<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63718431</guid><pubDate>Thu, 16 Jan 2025 22:14:15 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/63718431/0116_enhanced.mp3" length="2108648" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Welcome to Dear Rabbi, where we tackle the pressing questions of our time! 🕍

This week, Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield reflects on the current hostage deal in Israel and its complexities. 🤔

Explore the debate over prioritizing safety versus making...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Welcome to Dear Rabbi, where we tackle the pressing questions of our time! 🕍<br /><br />This week, Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield reflects on the current hostage deal in Israel and its complexities. 🤔<br /><br />Explore the debate over prioritizing safety versus making concessions, and discover why unity among the Jewish people is more critical now than ever. 🌍 Let’s stand together, even when faced with difficult choices, and hope for the safe return of all hostages.<br /><br />We Have A Common Enemy, and It's Not Each Other:<br />https://aish.com/we-have-a-common-enemy-and-its-not-each-other/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYUsuUvHokh83Pi8ViGRTKHrbzEjucR-NqWakPl93Jepk8EwdT4zRpG07Q_aem_alrVPkdAcHXEikGmOjkn-A<br /><br />Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,<br /><b>Email us at <a href="https://Joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com</a>📧</b><br /><br />Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>132</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>complexdecisions,currentevents,dearrabbi,hostagecrisis,israelhostages,israelnews,jewishcommunity,jewishidentity,jewishperspective,jewishpodcast,jewishunity,jewishwisdom,judaismexplained,learnwithrabbi,middleeastcrisis,rabbimenachemlehrfield,staycurious,thoughtfuldiscussions,tzedakahandjustice,unityindiversity</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>29</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Seinfeld's 'The Revenge' - Sweet or Sour: The True Cost of Getting Even</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/seinfeld-s-the-revenge-sweet-or-sour-the-true-cost-of-getting-even--63697438</link><description><![CDATA[Welcome to Yada Yada Yiddish, the podcast where Seinfeld meets Jewish wisdom in unexpected ways.<br /><br />🎙️ In this compelling episode, we explore Season 2's "The Revenge," where George's failed attempt to return to work and Jerry's missing laundromat money lead them both down paths of vengeance. But what starts as seemingly justified payback reveals deeper truths about human nature and personal growth.<br /><br />Through the lens of Jewish wisdom and modern psychology, we unpack why revenge often feels sweet but leaves a bitter aftertaste. Discover fascinating research from Harvard's Daniel Gilbert about why revenge never delivers the satisfaction we expect, and learn how Jewish teachings offer a more fulfilling alternative: living well as the best revenge. <br /><br />Join me as we blend pop culture, psychological research, and timeless Torah wisdom to understand why sometimes the best revenge isn't revenge. This episode speaks to anyone who's ever felt wronged and wondered how to respond.<br /><br />Do you have ideas or want to be featured in a future episode?<br /><b>Contact me at <a href="https://lehrfield.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yada@lehrfield.com</a>. </b><br /><br />I’d love to hear your thoughts!<br /><br />Tune in, laugh, and learn how to balance humor with deep spiritual growth.<br /><br />🌟🌟 Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook Page URL -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> <br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63697438</guid><pubDate>Wed, 15 Jan 2025 12:00:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/63697438/the_revenge.mp3" length="31650090" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Welcome to Yada Yada Yiddish, the podcast where Seinfeld meets Jewish wisdom in unexpected ways.

🎙️ In this compelling episode, we explore Season 2's "The Revenge," where George's failed attempt to return to work and Jerry's missing laundromat money...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Welcome to Yada Yada Yiddish, the podcast where Seinfeld meets Jewish wisdom in unexpected ways.<br /><br />🎙️ In this compelling episode, we explore Season 2's "The Revenge," where George's failed attempt to return to work and Jerry's missing laundromat money lead them both down paths of vengeance. But what starts as seemingly justified payback reveals deeper truths about human nature and personal growth.<br /><br />Through the lens of Jewish wisdom and modern psychology, we unpack why revenge often feels sweet but leaves a bitter aftertaste. Discover fascinating research from Harvard's Daniel Gilbert about why revenge never delivers the satisfaction we expect, and learn how Jewish teachings offer a more fulfilling alternative: living well as the best revenge. <br /><br />Join me as we blend pop culture, psychological research, and timeless Torah wisdom to understand why sometimes the best revenge isn't revenge. This episode speaks to anyone who's ever felt wronged and wondered how to respond.<br /><br />Do you have ideas or want to be featured in a future episode?<br /><b>Contact me at <a href="https://lehrfield.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yada@lehrfield.com</a>. </b><br /><br />I’d love to hear your thoughts!<br /><br />Tune in, laugh, and learn how to balance humor with deep spiritual growth.<br /><br />🌟🌟 Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook Page URL -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> <br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1317</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>conflictresolution,danielgilbert,emotionalhealing,forgiveness,georgecostanza,harvardresearch,jerryseinfeld,jewishphilosophy,jewishwisdom,lifelessons,mindfulness,movingforward,personalgrowth,psychology,resilience,revenge,seinfeld,selfimprovement,spiritualgrowth,torahteachings</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>28</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Vayechi: Building Our Own Legacy</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-vayechi-building-our-own-legacy--63635670</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Vayechi This Week: When we bless our children to be like Ephraim and Menashe, we're blessing them with the strength to thrive against the odds. These brothers, raised in Egypt yet steadfast in their values, teach us that greatness isn't inherited—it's chosen and earned through determination. True blessing lies not in who we're born as, but in who we choose to become. Shabbat Shalom. 🙏<br /><br /><b>🌟 Follow us for more: </b><br /><b>Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> </b><br /><b>Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> </b><br /><b>Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> </b><br /><b></b><br />We'd love to hear from you and potentially feature your story in a future episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes.<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63635670</guid><pubDate>Fri, 10 Jan 2025 12:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/63635670/tomorrow.mp3" length="1436993" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Vayechi This Week: When we bless our children to be like Ephraim and Menashe, we're blessing them with the strength to thrive against the odds. These brothers, raised in Egypt yet steadfast in their values, teach us that greatness isn't...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Vayechi This Week: When we bless our children to be like Ephraim and Menashe, we're blessing them with the strength to thrive against the odds. These brothers, raised in Egypt yet steadfast in their values, teach us that greatness isn't inherited—it's chosen and earned through determination. True blessing lies not in who we're born as, but in who we choose to become. Shabbat Shalom. 🙏<br /><br /><b>🌟 Follow us for more: </b><br /><b>Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> </b><br /><b>Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> </b><br /><b>Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> </b><br /><b></b><br />We'd love to hear from you and potentially feature your story in a future episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes.<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>90</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,choosegreatness,faithjourney,familytradition,inspirationalthoughts,jewishparenting,jewishvalues,parentingwisdom,shabbatblessings,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>27</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Beyond Excuses: Understanding Why People Hide Behind False Reasons</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/beyond-excuses-understanding-why-people-hide-behind-false-reasons--63607623</link><description><![CDATA[In a heartwarming conversation with my daughter Atara about her beloved stuffed animals, a simple bedtime negotiation transforms into a powerful exploration of truth, excuses, and the deeper roots of prejudice. Join me as Atara's candid response about her toy puppy illuminates profound insights about human nature.<br /><br />Visit <a href="http://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.joidenver.com</a> for transformative perspectives.<br /><br />You'll discover:<br /><ul><li>The endearing moment Atara exposes her father's bedtime stalling excuse</li><li>How a child's honest observation reveals the difference between reasons and excuses</li><li>The surprising connection between a stuffed animal and understanding societal biases</li><li>An intimate father-daughter exchange that opens the door to examining larger truths</li><li>A thoughtful analysis of historical patterns and their modern implications This blend of childhood wisdom and serious reflection challenges listeners to examine the excuses we accept versus the truths we need to face. Perfect for parents, critical thinkers, and anyone interested in understanding how simple moments can illuminate complex social issues.</li></ul>Do you have a memorable moment of childhood insight that changed your perspective?<br /><b>Reach out to us at:<a href="https://lehrfield.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kids@lehrfield.com</a></b><br />Directed by Rachel Lehrfield<br /><b></b><br /><b>🌟 Follow us for more: </b><br /><b>Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> </b><br /><b>Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> </b><br /><b>Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> </b><br /><b></b><br />We'd love to hear from you and potentially feature your story in a future episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes.<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63607623</guid><pubDate>Wed, 08 Jan 2025 12:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/63607623/atara_main_long_podcast.mp3" length="130150916" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In a heartwarming conversation with my daughter Atara about her beloved stuffed animals, a simple bedtime negotiation transforms into a powerful exploration of truth, excuses, and the deeper roots of prejudice. Join me as Atara's candid response about...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In a heartwarming conversation with my daughter Atara about her beloved stuffed animals, a simple bedtime negotiation transforms into a powerful exploration of truth, excuses, and the deeper roots of prejudice. Join me as Atara's candid response about her toy puppy illuminates profound insights about human nature.<br /><br />Visit <a href="http://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.joidenver.com</a> for transformative perspectives.<br /><br />You'll discover:<br /><ul><li>The endearing moment Atara exposes her father's bedtime stalling excuse</li><li>How a child's honest observation reveals the difference between reasons and excuses</li><li>The surprising connection between a stuffed animal and understanding societal biases</li><li>An intimate father-daughter exchange that opens the door to examining larger truths</li><li>A thoughtful analysis of historical patterns and their modern implications This blend of childhood wisdom and serious reflection challenges listeners to examine the excuses we accept versus the truths we need to face. Perfect for parents, critical thinkers, and anyone interested in understanding how simple moments can illuminate complex social issues.</li></ul>Do you have a memorable moment of childhood insight that changed your perspective?<br /><b>Reach out to us at:<a href="https://lehrfield.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kids@lehrfield.com</a></b><br />Directed by Rachel Lehrfield<br /><b></b><br /><b>🌟 Follow us for more: </b><br /><b>Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> </b><br /><b>Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> </b><br /><b>Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> </b><br /><b></b><br />We'd love to hear from you and potentially feature your story in a future episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes.<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>5423</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>authenticliving,childhoodinsights,criticalthinking,emotionalintelligence,familylessons,humanbehavior,lifelessons,mindsetgrowth,overcomingexcuses,parentingwisdom,personaldevelopment,personaltransformation,psychologicalinsights,selfawareness,truthseeking</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>26</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Vayigash: Divine Confidence</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-vayigash-divine-confidence--63556825</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Vayigash This Week: Even when facing life's most daunting challenges, remember—you carry an incredible secret weapon within. Like Judah standing before the Egyptian viceroy, true strength comes from knowing that God believes in us, even when we doubt ourselves. Remember when the world seems overwhelming,<b> 'God is in me.'</b> Shabbat Shalom. ✨<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63556825</guid><pubDate>Fri, 03 Jan 2025 12:00:09 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/63556825/0103_enhanced.mp3" length="1413999" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Vayigash This Week: Even when facing life's most daunting challenges, remember—you carry an incredible secret weapon within. Like Judah standing before the Egyptian viceroy, true strength comes from knowing that God believes in us, even when...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Vayigash This Week: Even when facing life's most daunting challenges, remember—you carry an incredible secret weapon within. Like Judah standing before the Egyptian viceroy, true strength comes from knowing that God believes in us, even when we doubt ourselves. Remember when the world seems overwhelming,<b> 'God is in me.'</b> Shabbat Shalom. ✨<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>89</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,divinefaith,faithjourney,innerpower,innerstrength,inspirationalthoughts,jewishteachings,judahslesson,selfbelief,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>25</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Miketz: Finding Light in Hidden Places</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-miketz-finding-light-in-hidden-places--63484643</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Miketz This Week:<br />Just as the Maccabees discovered one small jar of oil that would illuminate for eight nights, sometimes life's miracles hide in plain sight. Like Joseph's journey from darkness to light, Hanukkah reminds us that even in our darkest moments, the solution to our miracle might be right beside us, waiting to be discovered. When challenges feel insurmountable, remember: that the light of hope is always there. Shabbat Shalom &amp; Happy Hanukkah! 🕯️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63484643</guid><pubDate>Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:00:09 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/63484643/weekly_parshat_miketz.mp3" length="1367194" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Miketz This Week:
Just as the Maccabees discovered one small jar of oil that would illuminate for eight nights, sometimes life's miracles hide in plain sight. Like Joseph's journey from darkness to light, Hanukkah reminds us that even in our...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Miketz This Week:<br />Just as the Maccabees discovered one small jar of oil that would illuminate for eight nights, sometimes life's miracles hide in plain sight. Like Joseph's journey from darkness to light, Hanukkah reminds us that even in our darkest moments, the solution to our miracle might be right beside us, waiting to be discovered. When challenges feel insurmountable, remember: that the light of hope is always there. Shabbat Shalom &amp; Happy Hanukkah! 🕯️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>86</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>chanukkahlight,divinetiming,festivaloflights,hanukkah2024,inspirationalthoughts,jewishteachings,josephstory,lightindarkness,miracleseveryday,perseverance,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>24</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>From Teacher to Student: Finding Judaism in the Classroom</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/from-teacher-to-student-finding-judaism-in-the-classroom--63465322</link><description><![CDATA[Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! 🌟<br />Join us where we meet a former evangelical Christian who discovered her Jewish soul while teaching at Orthodox Jewish schools. She shares her journey of authentically embracing Judaism, from feeling disconnected despite a deeply religious upbringing, to finding profound meaning through her fourth-grade students' daily prayers. Through loss, clarity, and unwavering conviction even in the face of rising antisemitism - she reveals how choosing a Jewish life helped her discover her truest self. It is a moving story about having the courage to pursue meaning and live authentically, even when it means completely transforming your life. <br /><br /><b>Reach out to Jessica: Laine.tzipora@gmail.com</b><br /><br /><b>Catch Zero Percent on all podcast platforms, available on your go-to platform!</b><br /><br />Whether you're Jewish, curious about Jewish culture, or interested in the secrets of success against all odds, this episode offers thought-provoking insights into the Jewish people's enduring impact on the world.<br /><br />Don't miss our upcoming episodes featuring inspiring stories of individuals who chose to join the Jewish faith. Tune in on the last Wednesday of each month for new episodes of 0%!<br /><br />Keep the conversation going! If you have questions or ideas about Jewish success and impact <b>Please email us at Zeropercent@joidenver.com.🌟</b><br /><br />Help others discover 0%! Please leave us a five-star review and share it with friends who might find this podcast enlightening.<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people truly extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63465322</guid><pubDate>Wed, 25 Dec 2024 12:00:09 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/63465322/audio_podcast_school_removed.mp3" length="77858298" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! 🌟
Join us where we meet a former evangelical Christian who discovered her Jewish soul while teaching at Orthodox Jewish schools. She shares her journey of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! 🌟<br />Join us where we meet a former evangelical Christian who discovered her Jewish soul while teaching at Orthodox Jewish schools. She shares her journey of authentically embracing Judaism, from feeling disconnected despite a deeply religious upbringing, to finding profound meaning through her fourth-grade students' daily prayers. Through loss, clarity, and unwavering conviction even in the face of rising antisemitism - she reveals how choosing a Jewish life helped her discover her truest self. It is a moving story about having the courage to pursue meaning and live authentically, even when it means completely transforming your life. <br /><br /><b>Reach out to Jessica: Laine.tzipora@gmail.com</b><br /><br /><b>Catch Zero Percent on all podcast platforms, available on your go-to platform!</b><br /><br />Whether you're Jewish, curious about Jewish culture, or interested in the secrets of success against all odds, this episode offers thought-provoking insights into the Jewish people's enduring impact on the world.<br /><br />Don't miss our upcoming episodes featuring inspiring stories of individuals who chose to join the Jewish faith. Tune in on the last Wednesday of each month for new episodes of 0%!<br /><br />Keep the conversation going! If you have questions or ideas about Jewish success and impact <b>Please email us at Zeropercent@joidenver.com.🌟</b><br /><br />Help others discover 0%! Please leave us a five-star review and share it with friends who might find this podcast enlightening.<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people truly extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>3239</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>authenticliving,faithandfamily,faithtransformation,findingfaith,jewishcommunity,jewishconversion,jewisheducation,jewishidentity,jewishlife,meaningfullife,modernorthodox,orthodoxjudaism,personaltransformation,religiouseducation,specialeducation,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,teachersstory,teachinginspiration,teachingjourney</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>23</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Vayeshev: The Ripple Effect of Kindness</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-vayeshev-the-ripple-effect-of-kindness--63404659</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Vayeshev This Week:<br />Sometimes life's most profound moments come through seemingly random encounters. Just as a mysterious 'stranger' changed Joseph's destiny, we too encounter angels in human form who alter our life's path. Every interaction can potentially change someone's world—perhaps you're someone's angel today. Shabbat Shalom. 👼<br /><br /><br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63404659</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Dec 2024 12:00:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/63404659/friday_post_enhanced.mp3" length="1343364" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Vayeshev This Week:
Sometimes life's most profound moments come through seemingly random encounters. Just as a mysterious 'stranger' changed Joseph's destiny, we too encounter angels in human form who alter our life's path. Every interaction...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Vayeshev This Week:<br />Sometimes life's most profound moments come through seemingly random encounters. Just as a mysterious 'stranger' changed Joseph's destiny, we too encounter angels in human form who alter our life's path. Every interaction can potentially change someone's world—perhaps you're someone's angel today. Shabbat Shalom. 👼<br /><br /><br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>84</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,divineguidance,divinepurpose,faithjourney,inspirationalthoughts,jewishteachings,josephstory,kindnessmatters,lifechanging,meaningfulencounters,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualjourney,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>22</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Stop Judging: How to See the Good in Everyone</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/stop-judging-how-to-see-the-good-in-everyone--63352133</link><description><![CDATA[Welcome to reConnect, where ancient Jewish wisdom meets modern relationship dynamics. Join husband-wife hosts Menachem and Sarah Lehrfield as they unpack the transformative power of positive judgment and compassionate assumptions.<br /><br />This profound episode explores how snap judgments impact relationships, mental health, and personal growth. Learn practical strategies for rewiring your brain to see the best in others and yourself. From understanding the difference between survival and thriving to developing a more generous interpretation of human behavior, this conversation offers a revolutionary approach to connection.<br /><br />Discover how ancient Torah principles can help you break free from negative thought patterns, cultivate empathy, and build more meaningful relationships. Whether you're a parent, partner, or simply seeking personal development, this episode provides actionable insights to transform your perspective and create more compassionate interactions.<br /><br />Tune in to re-Connect and discover how the wisdom of the past can illuminate the path forward to harmonious relationships.<br />🎙️Discover a vibrant community at JOI Denver, where tradition meets today.<br /><br />Contact us at <b>reconnect@joidenver.com</b> and join us at <a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><b>https://www.joidenver.com</b></a><br /><br /> 🌟 Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> <br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> <br />Facebook Page -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> <br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> <br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> <br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63352133</guid><pubDate>Wed, 18 Dec 2024 12:00:09 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/63352133/reconnect_ep4_doubt_1.mp3" length="52926484" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Welcome to reConnect, where ancient Jewish wisdom meets modern relationship dynamics. Join husband-wife hosts Menachem and Sarah Lehrfield as they unpack the transformative power of positive judgment and compassionate assumptions.

This profound...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Welcome to reConnect, where ancient Jewish wisdom meets modern relationship dynamics. Join husband-wife hosts Menachem and Sarah Lehrfield as they unpack the transformative power of positive judgment and compassionate assumptions.<br /><br />This profound episode explores how snap judgments impact relationships, mental health, and personal growth. Learn practical strategies for rewiring your brain to see the best in others and yourself. From understanding the difference between survival and thriving to developing a more generous interpretation of human behavior, this conversation offers a revolutionary approach to connection.<br /><br />Discover how ancient Torah principles can help you break free from negative thought patterns, cultivate empathy, and build more meaningful relationships. Whether you're a parent, partner, or simply seeking personal development, this episode provides actionable insights to transform your perspective and create more compassionate interactions.<br /><br />Tune in to re-Connect and discover how the wisdom of the past can illuminate the path forward to harmonious relationships.<br />🎙️Discover a vibrant community at JOI Denver, where tradition meets today.<br /><br />Contact us at <b>reconnect@joidenver.com</b> and join us at <a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><b>https://www.joidenver.com</b></a><br /><br /> 🌟 Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> <br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> <br />Facebook Page -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> <br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> <br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> <br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2201</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>1,emotionalhealth,emotionalintelligence,lifelesons,mentalhealthtips,mentalwellness,mindsetcoaching,overcomejudgment,personaldevelopment,personalgrowth,personaltransformation,positiveattitude,positivemindset,relationshipadvice,selfawareness,selfimprovement</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>21</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Vayishlach: The Strength in Struggle</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-vayishlach-the-strength-in-struggle--63299553</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Vayishlach This Week:<br />Our victories do not define us, but by how we navigate our struggles. When Jacob becomes Israel, he teaches us that true strength lies not in winning, but in the courage, determination, and dignity we show during life's challenges. Our resilience shapes our identity. Shabbat Shalom. 💪<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63299553</guid><pubDate>Fri, 13 Dec 2024 12:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/63299553/today.mp3" length="1368030" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Vayishlach This Week:
Our victories do not define us, but by how we navigate our struggles. When Jacob becomes Israel, he teaches us that true strength lies not in winning, but in the courage, determination, and dignity we show during life's...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Vayishlach This Week:<br />Our victories do not define us, but by how we navigate our struggles. When Jacob becomes Israel, he teaches us that true strength lies not in winning, but in the courage, determination, and dignity we show during life's challenges. Our resilience shapes our identity. Shabbat Shalom. 💪<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>86</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,faithjourney,inspirationalthoughts,jacobtoisrael,jewishcourage,jewishidentity,overcomingchallenges,resilience,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,spiritualresilience,struggleandstrength,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>20</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Seinfeld's "The Pen" - The Art of Giving: Kindness, Dignity, and Intent</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/seinfeld-s-the-pen-the-art-of-giving-kindness-dignity-and-intent--63253027</link><description><![CDATA[Welcome to Yada Yada Yiddish, the podcast where Seinfeld meets Jewish wisdom in unexpected ways. 🎙️<br /><br />Join me as I dive deep into classic Seinfeld episodes, uncovering timeless Torah insights. In each episode, I blend the humor and absurdity of Seinfeld with profound lessons from Jewish tradition. This podcast combines pop culture and spirituality, offering thought-provoking reflections on life, personal growth, and relationships.<br /><br />In this week’s episode, we delve into “The Pen” from Season 3 of Seinfeld. Jerry’s acceptance of a gift—a simple pen—sparks hilarity and deeper questions about kindness and generosity. Join me as we explore the timeless Jewish perspective on giving. Is it better to give begrudgingly or not at all? What are the nuances of charity and the delicate balance of giving while preserving someone’s dignity? We’ll also dive into Rambam’s eight levels of giving and discover what it truly means to uplift others.<br /><br />Watch this Yada Yada Yiddish episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LOUcTHkKh54<br /><br />Do you have ideas or want to be featured in a future episode?<br /><b>Contact me at <a href="https://lehrfield.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yada@lehrfield.com</a>. </b><br /><br />I’d love to hear your thoughts!<br /><br />Tune in, laugh, and learn how to balance humor with deep spiritual growth.<br /><br />🌟🌟 Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook Page URL -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> <br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63253027</guid><pubDate>Wed, 11 Dec 2024 12:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/63253027/the_pen_long_form_podcast_audio_1.mp3" length="42212384" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Welcome to Yada Yada Yiddish, the podcast where Seinfeld meets Jewish wisdom in unexpected ways. 🎙️

Join me as I dive deep into classic Seinfeld episodes, uncovering timeless Torah insights. In each episode, I blend the humor and absurdity of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Welcome to Yada Yada Yiddish, the podcast where Seinfeld meets Jewish wisdom in unexpected ways. 🎙️<br /><br />Join me as I dive deep into classic Seinfeld episodes, uncovering timeless Torah insights. In each episode, I blend the humor and absurdity of Seinfeld with profound lessons from Jewish tradition. This podcast combines pop culture and spirituality, offering thought-provoking reflections on life, personal growth, and relationships.<br /><br />In this week’s episode, we delve into “The Pen” from Season 3 of Seinfeld. Jerry’s acceptance of a gift—a simple pen—sparks hilarity and deeper questions about kindness and generosity. Join me as we explore the timeless Jewish perspective on giving. Is it better to give begrudgingly or not at all? What are the nuances of charity and the delicate balance of giving while preserving someone’s dignity? We’ll also dive into Rambam’s eight levels of giving and discover what it truly means to uplift others.<br /><br />Watch this Yada Yada Yiddish episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LOUcTHkKh54<br /><br />Do you have ideas or want to be featured in a future episode?<br /><b>Contact me at <a href="https://lehrfield.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yada@lehrfield.com</a>. </b><br /><br />I’d love to hear your thoughts!<br /><br />Tune in, laugh, and learn how to balance humor with deep spiritual growth.<br /><br />🌟🌟 Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook Page URL -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> <br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1757</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>charityinsights,dignityingiving,givingwithdignity,humorandwisdom,jewishlessons,jewishwisdomandhumor,judaismpodcast,kindnessandgiving,lifelessonsfromseinfeld,podcastforlifelessons,popcultureandfaith,rambamcharitylevels,seinfeldandjewishteachings,seinfeldjewishwisdom,selfworthandkindness,thepenepisode,toraheteachings,tvshowinsights,yadapodcast</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>19</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Vayetzei: The Power of Daily Perseverance</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-vayetzei-the-power-of-daily-perseverance--63185739</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Vayetzei This Week: Life's greatest challenges become manageable when we break them down into bite-sized moments. Jacob's love for Rachel teaches us that we can endure almost anything by focusing on just one day at a time. Embrace each moment, one day at a time. Shabbat Shalom. 💖<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63185739</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Dec 2024 12:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/63185739/1205_1_2.mp3" length="1440755" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Vayetzei This Week: Life's greatest challenges become manageable when we break them down into bite-sized moments. Jacob's love for Rachel teaches us that we can endure almost anything by focusing on just one day at a time. Embrace each...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Vayetzei This Week: Life's greatest challenges become manageable when we break them down into bite-sized moments. Jacob's love for Rachel teaches us that we can endure almost anything by focusing on just one day at a time. Embrace each moment, one day at a time. Shabbat Shalom. 💖<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>91</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,dailymotivation,faithjourney,inspirationalthoughts,jacobandrachel,jewishteachings,lovestory,mindfulliving,oneday,perseverancemindset,resilience,soulfulliving,spiritualgrowth,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>18</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Never Settle: Why "Good" is the Real Barrier to Greatness KSTDT EP3</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/never-settle-why-good-is-the-real-barrier-to-greatness-kstdt-ep3--63140101</link><description><![CDATA[In a charming conversation with my three-year-old daughter Reeva, a simple discussion about potty training milestones unfolds into a profound exploration of human potential. Listen as Reeva's innocent question about driving reveals deep truths about growth, ambition, and never settling. Are you curious about life's unexpected wisdom?<br /><br />Visit <a href="http://www.lehrfield.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.joidenver.com</a> for transformative insights.<br /><br />You'll uncover:<br /><ul><li>The hilarious moment Reeva connects potty training to driving</li><li>A child's pure perspective on personal achievement</li><li>How seemingly small victories spark big dreams</li><li>The unexpected life lessons hidden in parent-child dialogues</li><li>Strategies to keep pushing beyond your current limits. This playful yet profound father-daughter exchange blends childhood innocence with philosophical depth, challenging listeners to reimagine personal growth. It is perfect for parents, personal development enthusiasts, and anyone who believes wisdom can come from the most unexpected sources.</li></ul>Do you have a memorable moment of childhood insight that changed your perspective?<br /><b>Reach out to us at:<a href="https://lehrfield.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kids@lehrfield.com</a></b><br />Directed by Rachel Lehrfield<br /><b></b><br /><b>🌟 Follow us for more: </b><br /><b>Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> </b><br /><b>Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> </b><br /><b>Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> </b><br /><b></b><br />We'd love to hear from you and potentially feature your story in a future episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes.<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63140101</guid><pubDate>Wed, 04 Dec 2024 12:00:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/63140101/reeva.mp3" length="16943168" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In a charming conversation with my three-year-old daughter Reeva, a simple discussion about potty training milestones unfolds into a profound exploration of human potential. Listen as Reeva's innocent question about driving reveals deep truths about...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In a charming conversation with my three-year-old daughter Reeva, a simple discussion about potty training milestones unfolds into a profound exploration of human potential. Listen as Reeva's innocent question about driving reveals deep truths about growth, ambition, and never settling. Are you curious about life's unexpected wisdom?<br /><br />Visit <a href="http://www.lehrfield.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.joidenver.com</a> for transformative insights.<br /><br />You'll uncover:<br /><ul><li>The hilarious moment Reeva connects potty training to driving</li><li>A child's pure perspective on personal achievement</li><li>How seemingly small victories spark big dreams</li><li>The unexpected life lessons hidden in parent-child dialogues</li><li>Strategies to keep pushing beyond your current limits. This playful yet profound father-daughter exchange blends childhood innocence with philosophical depth, challenging listeners to reimagine personal growth. It is perfect for parents, personal development enthusiasts, and anyone who believes wisdom can come from the most unexpected sources.</li></ul>Do you have a memorable moment of childhood insight that changed your perspective?<br /><b>Reach out to us at:<a href="https://lehrfield.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kids@lehrfield.com</a></b><br />Directed by Rachel Lehrfield<br /><b></b><br /><b>🌟 Follow us for more: </b><br /><b>Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> </b><br /><b>Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> </b><br /><b>Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> </b><br /><b></b><br />We'd love to hear from you and potentially feature your story in a future episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes.<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>699</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>continuouslearning,growthmindset,inspirational,lifelessons,lifeskills,mindsetmatters,motivation,neversettle,overcomingmediocrity,parenting,personaldevelopment,personalpotential,personaltransformation,selfgrowth,selfimprovement,successmindset,toddlerwisdom</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>17</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Toldot: The Unseen Depths of Parental Love</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-toldot-the-unseen-depths-of-parental-love--63062279</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Toldot: True love isn't conditional—it's about seeing the beauty within our children, accepting them exactly as they are. Rivka's love for Yaakov teaches us that unconditional love sees beyond faults, embracing each person's unique essence. 💖 <br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63062279</guid><pubDate>Fri, 29 Nov 2024 16:41:42 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/63062279/new_one.mp3" length="1160304" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Toldot: True love isn't conditional—it's about seeing the beauty within our children, accepting them exactly as they are. Rivka's love for Yaakov teaches us that unconditional love sees beyond faults, embracing each person's unique essence. 💖 </itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Toldot: True love isn't conditional—it's about seeing the beauty within our children, accepting them exactly as they are. Rivka's love for Yaakov teaches us that unconditional love sees beyond faults, embracing each person's unique essence. 💖 <br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>73</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>biblicalinsights,faithjourney,jewishlearning,jewishvalues,loveandacceptance,lovewithoutconditions,parentingjourney,rivkaandyaakov,soulfulparenting,spiritualgrowth,spiritualreflection,torahteachings,torahwisdom,unconditionallove,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>16</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Finding Faith and Connection: Tehilla's Journey to Judaism Zero Percent Ep3</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/finding-faith-and-connection-tehilla-s-journey-to-judaism-zero-percent-ep3--63028773</link><description><![CDATA[Welcome to 0%, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! 🌟<br /><br />Join us as Tehilla, a Polish-Catholic turned Orthodox Jew, shares her extraordinary journey of spiritual discovery, from feeling disconnected in church to finding profound meaning in Judaism. Hear how unexpected encounters, a transformative Purim party, and her journey of learning to elevate the physical world to something spiritual led her to embrace a life of purpose, community, and connection with God. Whether you're curious about conversion, seeking spiritual depth, or interested in personal transformation, Tehilla's story offers a unique window into choosing Judaism.<br /><br />Reach out to Tehilla<br /><b>Email: Tehillatalks@gmail.com</b><br /><b>Social only Instagram: @tehillatehillaa  </b><br /><br /><b>Catch Zero Percent on all podcast platforms, available on your go-to platform!</b><br /><br />Whether you're Jewish, curious about Jewish culture, or interested in the secrets of success against all odds, this episode offers thought-provoking insights into the Jewish people's enduring impact on the world.<br /><br />Don't miss our upcoming episodes featuring inspiring stories of individuals who chose to join the Jewish faith. Tune in on the last Wednesday of each month for new episodes of 0%!<br /><br />Keep the conversation going! If you have questions or ideas about Jewish success and impact <b>Please email us at Zeropercent@joidenver.com.🌟</b><br /><br />Help others discover 0%! Please leave us a five-star review and share it with friends who might find this podcast enlightening.<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our own backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people truly extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63028773</guid><pubDate>Wed, 27 Nov 2024 12:00:09 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/63028773/long_form_call_audio_spreaker.mp3" length="65760371" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Welcome to 0%, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! 🌟

Join us as Tehilla, a Polish-Catholic turned Orthodox Jew, shares her extraordinary journey of spiritual discovery, from feeling disconnected in church to finding...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Welcome to 0%, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! 🌟<br /><br />Join us as Tehilla, a Polish-Catholic turned Orthodox Jew, shares her extraordinary journey of spiritual discovery, from feeling disconnected in church to finding profound meaning in Judaism. Hear how unexpected encounters, a transformative Purim party, and her journey of learning to elevate the physical world to something spiritual led her to embrace a life of purpose, community, and connection with God. Whether you're curious about conversion, seeking spiritual depth, or interested in personal transformation, Tehilla's story offers a unique window into choosing Judaism.<br /><br />Reach out to Tehilla<br /><b>Email: Tehillatalks@gmail.com</b><br /><b>Social only Instagram: @tehillatehillaa  </b><br /><br /><b>Catch Zero Percent on all podcast platforms, available on your go-to platform!</b><br /><br />Whether you're Jewish, curious about Jewish culture, or interested in the secrets of success against all odds, this episode offers thought-provoking insights into the Jewish people's enduring impact on the world.<br /><br />Don't miss our upcoming episodes featuring inspiring stories of individuals who chose to join the Jewish faith. Tune in on the last Wednesday of each month for new episodes of 0%!<br /><br />Keep the conversation going! If you have questions or ideas about Jewish success and impact <b>Please email us at Zeropercent@joidenver.com.🌟</b><br /><br />Help others discover 0%! Please leave us a five-star review and share it with friends who might find this podcast enlightening.<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our own backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people truly extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2734</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>choosingfaith,embracingjudaism,faithdiscovery,findingjudaism,findingpurpose,jewishconversion,jewishjourney,jewishpodcast,leavingcatholicism,leavingreligion,life-changingdecisions,orthodoxjudaism,personalgrowth,religioustransformation,spiritualtransformation,tehillasstory</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>15</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Leaving Everything Behind for a New Faith - Leah’s Journey ZERO PERCENT EP2</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/leaving-everything-behind-for-a-new-faith-leah-s-journey-zero-percent-ep2--62531977</link><description><![CDATA[Welcome to 0%, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! 🌟<br /><br />Mrs. Leah Schiermeyer shares a raw, inspiring story of her transition from a Baptist upbringing to embracing Judaism, navigating through deep personal questions, community challenges, and profound transformations. Get a window into her journey, filled with courage, faith, and discovery, including what ultimately drew her to Judaism’s rich traditions, like Shabbat. Whether you’ve faced a crossroads in faith or are simply curious about paths that lead people to Judaism, Leah’s story will resonate deeply.<br /><br /><b>Catch Zero Percent on all podcast platforms, available on your go-to platform!</b><br /><br /><b>Explore more of Leah's story with her book, Simple Twist of Fate, available on all major book platforms.</b><br /><br />Whether you're Jewish, curious about Jewish culture, or interested in the secrets of success against all odds, this episode offers thought-provoking insights into the Jewish people's enduring impact on the world.<br /><br />Don't miss our upcoming episodes featuring inspiring stories of individuals who chose to join the Jewish faith. Tune in on the last Wednesday of each month for new episodes of 0%!<br /><br />Keep the conversation going! If you have questions or ideas about Jewish success and impact <b>Please email us at Zeropercent@joidenver.com.🌟</b><br /><br />Help others discover 0%! Please leave us a five-star review and share it with friends who might find this podcast enlightening.<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our own backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people truly extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62531977</guid><pubDate>Wed, 27 Nov 2024 11:34:19 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/62531977/zero_percent_ep2.mp3" length="68172957" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Welcome to 0%, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! 🌟

Mrs. Leah Schiermeyer shares a raw, inspiring story of her transition from a Baptist upbringing to embracing Judaism, navigating through deep personal questions,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Welcome to 0%, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! 🌟<br /><br />Mrs. Leah Schiermeyer shares a raw, inspiring story of her transition from a Baptist upbringing to embracing Judaism, navigating through deep personal questions, community challenges, and profound transformations. Get a window into her journey, filled with courage, faith, and discovery, including what ultimately drew her to Judaism’s rich traditions, like Shabbat. Whether you’ve faced a crossroads in faith or are simply curious about paths that lead people to Judaism, Leah’s story will resonate deeply.<br /><br /><b>Catch Zero Percent on all podcast platforms, available on your go-to platform!</b><br /><br /><b>Explore more of Leah's story with her book, Simple Twist of Fate, available on all major book platforms.</b><br /><br />Whether you're Jewish, curious about Jewish culture, or interested in the secrets of success against all odds, this episode offers thought-provoking insights into the Jewish people's enduring impact on the world.<br /><br />Don't miss our upcoming episodes featuring inspiring stories of individuals who chose to join the Jewish faith. Tune in on the last Wednesday of each month for new episodes of 0%!<br /><br />Keep the conversation going! If you have questions or ideas about Jewish success and impact <b>Please email us at Zeropercent@joidenver.com.🌟</b><br /><br />Help others discover 0%! Please leave us a five-star review and share it with friends who might find this podcast enlightening.<br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br />Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.<br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our own backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people truly extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2833</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>0percentpodcast,conversiontojudaism,embracingjudaism,faithjourney,findingspiritualbelonging,inspirationalfaithstories,jewishconversionstories,jewishstories,jewishwayoflife,judaisminsights,leavingchristianity,religiousidentity,spiritualtransformation,storiesoffaith,zeropercent</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>14</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Chayei sarah: The Quiet Battles of Faith</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-chayei-sarah-the-quiet-battles-of-faith--62965824</link><description><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Chayei Sarah: Sometimes life's greatest tests aren't the dramatic moments, but the quiet struggles that demand our patience and grace. Like Abraham's final test during his grief for Sarah - a powerful reminder that maintaining composure and kindness during everyday challenges truly reveals our character. The hardest battles aren't always the most visible ones. 🙏<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62965824</guid><pubDate>Fri, 22 Nov 2024 12:20:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/62965824/upload_enhanced.mp3" length="1287358" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>📖 Parshat Chayei Sarah: Sometimes life's greatest tests aren't the dramatic moments, but the quiet struggles that demand our patience and grace. Like Abraham's final test during his grief for Sarah - a powerful reminder that maintaining composure and...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[📖 Parshat Chayei Sarah: Sometimes life's greatest tests aren't the dramatic moments, but the quiet struggles that demand our patience and grace. Like Abraham's final test during his grief for Sarah - a powerful reminder that maintaining composure and kindness during everyday challenges truly reveals our character. The hardest battles aren't always the most visible ones. 🙏<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>81</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>chayeisarah,faithjourney,jewishlearning,jewishlife,parsha,shabbatshalom,shabbatthoughts,torahlessons,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>13</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Stop Fast-Forwarding Your Life: Why We’re Always Rushing to the Next Stage</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/stop-fast-forwarding-your-life-why-we-re-always-rushing-to-the-next-stage--64204596</link><description><![CDATA[In this heartwarming carpool conversation with my three-year-old daughter Reeva, a simple wish to reach higher sparks a profound reflection on cherishing every stage of life. Listen as Reeva’s innocent longing to be ‘four already’ unveils the universal struggle of always wanting to grow up—only to later wish we could go back. Are we missing the beauty of now? Visit <a href="http://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.joidenver.com</a> for transformative insights. You'll discover:<br /><ul><li>The adorable moment Reeva connects age with new abilities</li><li>A child’s perspective on what makes being little so special</li><li>The unexpected wisdom in slowing down and embracing each phase</li><li>How parenting teaches us to appreciate the fleeting moments</li><li>A fresh reminder to live in the present, before it becomes the past</li></ul>This playful yet thought-provoking exchange between father and daughter will resonate with parents, personal growth seekers, and anyone who has ever wished time could stand still.<br /><br />Do you have a memorable moment of childhood insight that changed your perspective?<br /><b>Reach out to us at:<a href="https://lehrfield.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kids@lehrfield.com</a></b><br /><br /><b>🌟 Follow us for more: </b><br /><b>Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> </b><br /><b>Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> </b><br /><b>Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> </b><br /><b></b><br />We'd love to hear from you and potentially feature your story in a future episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes.<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64204596</guid><pubDate>Thu, 21 Nov 2024 12:38:00 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/64204596/long_form_2.mp3" length="25344196" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In this heartwarming carpool conversation with my three-year-old daughter Reeva, a simple wish to reach higher sparks a profound reflection on cherishing every stage of life. Listen as Reeva’s innocent longing to be ‘four already’ unveils the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this heartwarming carpool conversation with my three-year-old daughter Reeva, a simple wish to reach higher sparks a profound reflection on cherishing every stage of life. Listen as Reeva’s innocent longing to be ‘four already’ unveils the universal struggle of always wanting to grow up—only to later wish we could go back. Are we missing the beauty of now? Visit <a href="http://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.joidenver.com</a> for transformative insights. You'll discover:<br /><ul><li>The adorable moment Reeva connects age with new abilities</li><li>A child’s perspective on what makes being little so special</li><li>The unexpected wisdom in slowing down and embracing each phase</li><li>How parenting teaches us to appreciate the fleeting moments</li><li>A fresh reminder to live in the present, before it becomes the past</li></ul>This playful yet thought-provoking exchange between father and daughter will resonate with parents, personal growth seekers, and anyone who has ever wished time could stand still.<br /><br />Do you have a memorable moment of childhood insight that changed your perspective?<br /><b>Reach out to us at:<a href="https://lehrfield.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kids@lehrfield.com</a></b><br /><br /><b>🌟 Follow us for more: </b><br /><b>Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> </b><br /><b>Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> </b><br /><b>Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> </b><br /><b></b><br />We'd love to hear from you and potentially feature your story in a future episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes.<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1036</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>appreciatinglife,childhoodmemories,childwisdom,embracingchange,fatherdaughtermoments,findinghappiness,growthmindset,lifelessons,livinginthepresent,mindfulnesspractice,parentinginsights,parentingstruggles,personaldevelopment,podcastforparents,worklifebalance</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>37</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>How to Become More Resilent (Re-connect EP3)</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-to-become-more-resilent-re-connect-ep3--62488432</link><description><![CDATA[Welcome to reConnect, where ancient Jewish wisdom meets modern relationship dynamics. Join husband-wife hosts Menachem and Sarah Lehrfield as they explore building resilient families through timeless principles. In this episode, we're diving into the power of family storytelling, why letting kids face challenges is crucial, and how to reframe failure as a stepping stone to success.<br /><br />You'll gain practical insights into fostering mental toughness in your children and creating a family narrative that strengthens bonds. From embracing discomfort to praising effort over ease, we share actionable strategies to help your family thrive in adversity. Whether you seek parenting, marriage, or personal growth guidance, reConnect offers a unique blend of ancient wisdom and contemporary insights. Tune in to discover how timeless Jewish teachings can illuminate the path to more harmonious relationships and resilient families.<br /><br />Tune in to re-Connect and discover how the wisdom of the past can illuminate the path forward to harmonious relationships.<br />🎙️Discover a vibrant community at JOI Denver, where tradition meets today.<br /><br />Contact us at <b>reconnect@joidenver.com</b> and join us at <a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><b>https://www.joidenver.com</b></a><br /><br /> 🌟 Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> <br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> <br />Facebook Page -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> <br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> <br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> <br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62488432</guid><pubDate>Wed, 20 Nov 2024 10:00:13 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/62488432/reconnect_episode_ep3.mp3" length="48079890" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Welcome to reConnect, where ancient Jewish wisdom meets modern relationship dynamics. Join husband-wife hosts Menachem and Sarah Lehrfield as they explore building resilient families through timeless principles. In this episode, we're diving into the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Welcome to reConnect, where ancient Jewish wisdom meets modern relationship dynamics. Join husband-wife hosts Menachem and Sarah Lehrfield as they explore building resilient families through timeless principles. In this episode, we're diving into the power of family storytelling, why letting kids face challenges is crucial, and how to reframe failure as a stepping stone to success.<br /><br />You'll gain practical insights into fostering mental toughness in your children and creating a family narrative that strengthens bonds. From embracing discomfort to praising effort over ease, we share actionable strategies to help your family thrive in adversity. Whether you seek parenting, marriage, or personal growth guidance, reConnect offers a unique blend of ancient wisdom and contemporary insights. Tune in to discover how timeless Jewish teachings can illuminate the path to more harmonious relationships and resilient families.<br /><br />Tune in to re-Connect and discover how the wisdom of the past can illuminate the path forward to harmonious relationships.<br />🎙️Discover a vibrant community at JOI Denver, where tradition meets today.<br /><br />Contact us at <b>reconnect@joidenver.com</b> and join us at <a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><b>https://www.joidenver.com</b></a><br /><br /> 🌟 Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> <br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> <br />Facebook Page -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> <br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> <br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> <br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2000</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>ancientwisdommodernparenting,buildingfamilybonds,embracingdiscomfortingrowth,familyresilience,familysuccessstrategies,jewishrelationshipadvice,jewishwisdomforparenting,marriageandparentingpodcast,mentaltoughnessinkids,overcomingfamilychallenges,parentingandfamilygrowth,raisingstrongchildren,reframingfailure,storytellinginfamilies,strengtheningrelationships</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>12</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Vayeira: How to Be God-Like: Lessons from Abraham’s Compassion</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-vayeira-how-to-be-god-like-lessons-from-abraham-s-compassion--62755429</link><description><![CDATA[In this week's Torah portion (Parashat Vayeira), we encounter a powerful lesson on compassion and humility:<br /><br />Abraham pauses in the middle of an intimate conversation with God to tend to a group of strangers in need. This act teaches us that sometimes, being like God—showing love, kindness, and compassion—can be even more meaningful than being in God's presence.<br /><br />How will you bring this lesson to life in your interactions this week? Shabbat Shalom. <br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62755429</guid><pubDate>Fri, 15 Nov 2024 15:54:05 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/62755429/vayeira_1.mp3" length="2023108" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In this week's Torah portion (Parashat Vayeira), we encounter a powerful lesson on compassion and humility:

Abraham pauses in the middle of an intimate conversation with God to tend to a group of strangers in need. This act teaches us that sometimes,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this week's Torah portion (Parashat Vayeira), we encounter a powerful lesson on compassion and humility:<br /><br />Abraham pauses in the middle of an intimate conversation with God to tend to a group of strangers in need. This act teaches us that sometimes, being like God—showing love, kindness, and compassion—can be even more meaningful than being in God's presence.<br /><br />How will you bring this lesson to life in your interactions this week? Shabbat Shalom. <br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>84</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>actsofkindness,belikeabraham,belikegod,compassioninaction,divineinspiration,faithandcompassion,godlyacts,kindnessmatters,lessonsfromabraham,livingwithpurpose,sacredmoments,shabbatthoughts,spiritualgrowth,torahlessons,torahwisdom,weeklytorah</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>11</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Lech Lecha - Beyond Appearances: The Gift of Seeing the Soul</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-lech-lecha-beyond-appearances-the-gift-of-seeing-the-soul--62755090</link><description><![CDATA[In this week's Torah portion, we learn a beautiful lesson about seeing beyond the surface. As Abraham and Sara journey to Egypt, Abraham sees Sara’s reflection for the first time—an experience that shifts his perspective. Until that moment, he’d always seen her soul first, not just her physical appearance.<br /><br />What if we approached our relationships the same way? Imagine the depth we’d unlock if we looked past appearances to truly connect with the essence of those around us. Shabbat Shalom. 🌸<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62755090</guid><pubDate>Fri, 15 Nov 2024 15:50:06 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/62755090/now.mp3" length="2010362" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In this week's Torah portion, we learn a beautiful lesson about seeing beyond the surface. As Abraham and Sara journey to Egypt, Abraham sees Sara’s reflection for the first time—an experience that shifts his perspective. Until that moment, he’d...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this week's Torah portion, we learn a beautiful lesson about seeing beyond the surface. As Abraham and Sara journey to Egypt, Abraham sees Sara’s reflection for the first time—an experience that shifts his perspective. Until that moment, he’d always seen her soul first, not just her physical appearance.<br /><br />What if we approached our relationships the same way? Imagine the depth we’d unlock if we looked past appearances to truly connect with the essence of those around us. Shabbat Shalom. 🌸<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>84</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>abrahamandsarah,deepconnections,heartandsoul,innerbeauty,jewishwisdom,relationshipsmatter,sacredconnections,seeingbeyondthesurface,shabbatshalom,soulconnections,spiritualawakening,spiritualwisdom,torahinspiration,torahlessons,weeklreflection</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>10</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Noah: Lessons from Noah on Leading Through Crisis</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-noah-lessons-from-noah-on-leading-through-crisis--62755089</link><description><![CDATA[In this week's Torah portion (Parashat Noah), we encounter a fascinating insight that feels eerily relevant to our times:<br /><br />After the flood waters receded, Noah waited in the ark. Waited for God's permission to emerge and start rebuilding.<br /><br />But here's what strikes me: A Rabbi once said that if he were there, he would've broken down those doors immediately.<br />Because when it comes to healing a broken world, sometimes the greatest leadership isn't in waiting – it's in taking that first brave step forward.<br /><br />Think about it: Our world faces its own kinds of floods today. Climate crisis. Social division. Economic uncertainty.<br /><br />The question isn't "When will someone fix this?"<br />The real question is: What are YOU going to do about it?<br />Our Torah isn't just ancient wisdom – it's a living guide for today's challenges. 🙏<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62755089</guid><pubDate>Fri, 15 Nov 2024 15:42:12 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/62755089/1101_1_enhanced.mp3" length="765327" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In this week's Torah portion (Parashat Noah), we encounter a fascinating insight that feels eerily relevant to our times:

After the flood waters receded, Noah waited in the ark. Waited for God's permission to emerge and start rebuilding.

But here's...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this week's Torah portion (Parashat Noah), we encounter a fascinating insight that feels eerily relevant to our times:<br /><br />After the flood waters receded, Noah waited in the ark. Waited for God's permission to emerge and start rebuilding.<br /><br />But here's what strikes me: A Rabbi once said that if he were there, he would've broken down those doors immediately.<br />Because when it comes to healing a broken world, sometimes the greatest leadership isn't in waiting – it's in taking that first brave step forward.<br /><br />Think about it: Our world faces its own kinds of floods today. Climate crisis. Social division. Economic uncertainty.<br /><br />The question isn't "When will someone fix this?"<br />The real question is: What are YOU going to do about it?<br />Our Torah isn't just ancient wisdom – it's a living guide for today's challenges. 🙏<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>48</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>growth,jewish,jewishwisdom,leadership,parsha,parshanoah,spiritualgrowth,torah,torahlesson,weeklyparsha</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>9</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Parshat Bereshit: The Power of Connection and Community</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/parshat-bereshit-the-power-of-connection-and-community--62755088</link><description><![CDATA[Exciting News! 🎉<br />We're launching a new series where we share a quick insight on the weekly Torah portion, every Friday (or sometimes earlier for holidays!).<br /><br />Our first topic dives into Parsha Beresheet – the story of creation, where we hear 'and it was good'... until it wasn't. The Torah's first 'not good' refers to loneliness, highlighting the importance of community and connection. Even when we're together, we’re reminded to retain our individuality.<br /><br />Join us as we explore these timeless messages for today!<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62755088</guid><pubDate>Fri, 15 Nov 2024 15:40:26 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/62755088/weekly_parshat_1_enhanced.mp3" length="1329154" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Exciting News! 🎉
We're launching a new series where we share a quick insight on the weekly Torah portion, every Friday (or sometimes earlier for holidays!).

Our first topic dives into Parsha Beresheet – the story of creation, where we hear 'and it...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Exciting News! 🎉<br />We're launching a new series where we share a quick insight on the weekly Torah portion, every Friday (or sometimes earlier for holidays!).<br /><br />Our first topic dives into Parsha Beresheet – the story of creation, where we hear 'and it was good'... until it wasn't. The Torah's first 'not good' refers to loneliness, highlighting the importance of community and connection. Even when we're together, we’re reminded to retain our individuality.<br /><br />Join us as we explore these timeless messages for today!<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>84</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>beresheet,communityandconnection,faithandwisdom,jewishcommunity,jewishlearning,jewishlife,parshainsights,parshainspo,shabbatshalom,torahlessons,torahstudy,torahthoughts,torahwisdom,weeklyparsha,weeklytorah</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>8</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>How to Break Free from Phone Addiction Using Seinfeld’s Hidden Wisdom</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-to-break-free-from-phone-addiction-using-seinfeld-s-hidden-wisdom--62717904</link><description><![CDATA[<b>Welcome to Yada Yada Yiddish, the podcast where Seinfeld meets Jewish wisdom in unexpected ways. 🎙️</b><br /><br />In honor of the Shabbos Project, join me as we take a deeper look at “The Parking Garage” episode from Season 3. Just as Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer wander, searching for their car, we often find ourselves navigating the twists and turns of life. Without a guide, it's easy to feel lost. But Shabbat offers us that needed pause, a time to reconnect and refocus on what truly matters.<br /><br />This episode is a special reflection on finding our way, with a meaningful connection to Shabbat waiting for you at the end. So listen in, and discover how this island in time can bring a sense of purpose and peace amid life’s hectic pace. Whether you're a Seinfeld fan or simply looking to bring more intention to your week, there’s something here for you.<br /><br />Join me as I dive deep into classic Seinfeld episodes, uncovering timeless Torah insights. In each episode, I blend the humor and absurdity of Seinfeld with profound lessons from Jewish tradition. This podcast brings together pop culture and spirituality, offering thought-provoking reflections on life, personal growth, and relationships.<br /><br />Watch Yada Yada Yiddish on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LOUcTHkKh54<br /><br />Do you have ideas or want to be featured in a future episode?<br /><b>Contact me at <a href="https://lehrfield.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yada@lehrfield.com</a>. </b><br /><br />I’d love to hear your thoughts!<br /><br />Tune in, laugh, and learn how to balance humor with deep spiritual growth.<br /><br />🌟🌟 Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook Page URL -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> <br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62717904</guid><pubDate>Wed, 13 Nov 2024 13:00:45 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/62717904/yyy_ep2_1.mp3" length="31877463" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Welcome to Yada Yada Yiddish, the podcast where Seinfeld meets Jewish wisdom in unexpected ways. 🎙️

In honor of the Shabbos Project, join me as we take a deeper look at “The Parking Garage” episode from Season 3. Just as Jerry, George, Elaine, and...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[<b>Welcome to Yada Yada Yiddish, the podcast where Seinfeld meets Jewish wisdom in unexpected ways. 🎙️</b><br /><br />In honor of the Shabbos Project, join me as we take a deeper look at “The Parking Garage” episode from Season 3. Just as Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer wander, searching for their car, we often find ourselves navigating the twists and turns of life. Without a guide, it's easy to feel lost. But Shabbat offers us that needed pause, a time to reconnect and refocus on what truly matters.<br /><br />This episode is a special reflection on finding our way, with a meaningful connection to Shabbat waiting for you at the end. So listen in, and discover how this island in time can bring a sense of purpose and peace amid life’s hectic pace. Whether you're a Seinfeld fan or simply looking to bring more intention to your week, there’s something here for you.<br /><br />Join me as I dive deep into classic Seinfeld episodes, uncovering timeless Torah insights. In each episode, I blend the humor and absurdity of Seinfeld with profound lessons from Jewish tradition. This podcast brings together pop culture and spirituality, offering thought-provoking reflections on life, personal growth, and relationships.<br /><br />Watch Yada Yada Yiddish on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LOUcTHkKh54<br /><br />Do you have ideas or want to be featured in a future episode?<br /><b>Contact me at <a href="https://lehrfield.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yada@lehrfield.com</a>. </b><br /><br />I’d love to hear your thoughts!<br /><br />Tune in, laugh, and learn how to balance humor with deep spiritual growth.<br /><br />🌟🌟 Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook Page URL -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> <br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1325</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>ancientwisdom,breakphoneaddiction,howtofindpurpose,jewishlessons,jewishpodcast,liveinthemoment,mindfulliving,personalgrowth,seinfeld,shabbat,shabbatlessons,shabbatproject,shabbatupgrade,shabbos,spiritualgrowthtips</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>7</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>The Hidden Danger of Rationalization—and How to Break Free (KSTDT EP2)</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-hidden-danger-of-rationalization-and-how-to-break-free-kstdt-ep2--62488700</link><description><![CDATA[A child's innocent question about an alarm clock unveils surprising truths about human nature and self-deception. Join Me and my son Aaron as we explore how we rationalize our choices and the hidden dangers of this mental habit.<br /><br />Curious about your blind spots? Visit<a href="http://www.kidsaythedeeepestthings.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> www.joidenver.com</a> for eye-opening self-assessment tools.<br /><br />You'll uncover:<br /><ul><li>The clever alarm clock "solution" that backfires</li><li>Ancient wisdom's take on determining good and bad</li><li>How cognitive dissonance shapes our beliefs</li><li>Real-life examples of rationalization at work</li><li>Practical ways to recognize and overcome self-deception</li></ul>This father-son conversation blends playful moments with profound insights, challenging listeners to examine their thought patterns. Perfect for anyone interested in psychology, personal growth, or understanding human behavior better. Got a story about unexpected wisdom from a child?<br /><br /><b>Reach out to us at:<a href="https://lehrfield.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kids@lehrfield.com</a></b><br />Directed by Rachel Lehrfield<br /><b></b><br /><b>🌟 Follow us for more: </b><br /><b>Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> </b><br /><b>Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> </b><br /><b>Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> </b><br /><b></b><br />We'd love to hear from you and potentially feature your story in a future episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes.<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62488700</guid><pubDate>Wed, 06 Nov 2024 11:00:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/62488700/kstdt_ep2.mp3" length="30432179" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>A child's innocent question about an alarm clock unveils surprising truths about human nature and self-deception. Join Me and my son Aaron as we explore how we rationalize our choices and the hidden dangers of this mental habit.

Curious about your...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[A child's innocent question about an alarm clock unveils surprising truths about human nature and self-deception. Join Me and my son Aaron as we explore how we rationalize our choices and the hidden dangers of this mental habit.<br /><br />Curious about your blind spots? Visit<a href="http://www.kidsaythedeeepestthings.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> www.joidenver.com</a> for eye-opening self-assessment tools.<br /><br />You'll uncover:<br /><ul><li>The clever alarm clock "solution" that backfires</li><li>Ancient wisdom's take on determining good and bad</li><li>How cognitive dissonance shapes our beliefs</li><li>Real-life examples of rationalization at work</li><li>Practical ways to recognize and overcome self-deception</li></ul>This father-son conversation blends playful moments with profound insights, challenging listeners to examine their thought patterns. Perfect for anyone interested in psychology, personal growth, or understanding human behavior better. Got a story about unexpected wisdom from a child?<br /><br /><b>Reach out to us at:<a href="https://lehrfield.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kids@lehrfield.com</a></b><br />Directed by Rachel Lehrfield<br /><b></b><br /><b>🌟 Follow us for more: </b><br /><b>Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> </b><br /><b>Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> </b><br /><b>Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> </b><br /><b></b><br />We'd love to hear from you and potentially feature your story in a future episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes.<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1256</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>ancientwisdommodernlife,cognitivedissonanceexplained,escapingrationalization,exploringhumannature,fatherandsonconversation,lifehacksfromchildren,overcomingselfdeception,personalgrowthandawareness,psychologyandhumannature,rationalizationandchoices,realexamplesofrationalization,selfassessmenttools,selfdeceptionandbehavior,surprisingtruthsaboutchoices,thoughtpatternsandgrowth,uncoveringblindspots</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>6</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Joining the Zero Percent People</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/joining-the-zero-percent-people--62475572</link><description><![CDATA[Welcome to 0%, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! 🌟<br />In this season's premiere, Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield delves into the paradox of Jewish influence despite making up just 0.2% of the world's population. 🌍<br /><br />Discover:<br /><ul><li>The profound insights of Mark Twain on Jewish contributions</li><li>A preview of Season 3's focus on "Jews by Choice"</li><li>Remarkable statistics on Jewish achievements in various fields</li><li>The concept of the "cut flower phenomenon" in Jewish identity</li></ul><br />Whether you're Jewish, curious about Jewish culture, or interested in the secrets of success against all odds, this episode offers thought-provoking insights into the Jewish people's enduring impact on the world.<br /><br />Don't miss our upcoming episodes featuring inspiring stories of individuals who chose to join the Jewish faith. Tune in on the last Wednesday of each month for new episodes of 0%!<br /><br />Keep the conversation going! If you have questions or ideas about Jewish success and impact<br /><b>Please email us at Zeropercent@joidenver.com.</b><br /><br />🌟 Help others discover 0%! Please leave us a five-star review and share it with friends who might find this podcast enlightening.<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br /><b>Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.</b><br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our own backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people truly extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62475572</guid><pubDate>Wed, 30 Oct 2024 11:00:03 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/62475572/season_3_1_zero_percent_copy_9_18_24_12_05_pm.mp3" length="37003516" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Welcome to 0%, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! 🌟
In this season's premiere, Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield delves into the paradox of Jewish influence despite making up just 0.2% of the world's population. 🌍

Discover:

-...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Welcome to 0%, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! 🌟<br />In this season's premiere, Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield delves into the paradox of Jewish influence despite making up just 0.2% of the world's population. 🌍<br /><br />Discover:<br /><ul><li>The profound insights of Mark Twain on Jewish contributions</li><li>A preview of Season 3's focus on "Jews by Choice"</li><li>Remarkable statistics on Jewish achievements in various fields</li><li>The concept of the "cut flower phenomenon" in Jewish identity</li></ul><br />Whether you're Jewish, curious about Jewish culture, or interested in the secrets of success against all odds, this episode offers thought-provoking insights into the Jewish people's enduring impact on the world.<br /><br />Don't miss our upcoming episodes featuring inspiring stories of individuals who chose to join the Jewish faith. Tune in on the last Wednesday of each month for new episodes of 0%!<br /><br />Keep the conversation going! If you have questions or ideas about Jewish success and impact<br /><b>Please email us at Zeropercent@joidenver.com.</b><br /><br />🌟 Help others discover 0%! Please leave us a five-star review and share it with friends who might find this podcast enlightening.<br /><br />Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a><br /><br /><b>Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.</b><br /><br />Join us as we uncover the treasures in our own backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people truly extraordinary! 🕎📚🎙️<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1157</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>jewish,jewishachievemnt,jewishhculture,jewishidentity,jewishimpact,jewishinnovation,jewishsuccess,jewsbychoice,torahwisdom,zeropercentpodcast,zeropodcast</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>5</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why Comparing Yourself is Holding You Back And How to Stop (Reconnect Ep. 2)</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-comparing-yourself-is-holding-you-back-and-how-to-stop-reconnect-ep-2--62475503</link><description><![CDATA[Welcome to reConnect, the podcast where ancient Jewish wisdom meets modern relationship dynamics. 🌟<br /><br />Join husband-wife hosts Menachem and Sarah Lehrfield as they explore a holistic approach to navigating life's most important connections. In each episode, Menachem and Sarah draw upon timeless Jewish wisdom to shed light on contemporary relationships, including marriage, parenting, friendships, and work dynamics. Through engaging discussions and insightful anecdotes, they offer practical advice and thought-provoking insights.<br /><br />Whether you're seeking guidance on strengthening your marriage, fostering deeper connections with your children, navigating workplace relationships, or nurturing friendships, reConnect provides a welcoming space to explore the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern life.<br /><br />Tune in to re-Connect and discover how the wisdom of the past can illuminate the path forward to harmonious relationships.<br />🎙️Discover a vibrant community at JOI Denver, where tradition meets today.<br /><br />Contact us at <b>reconnect@joidenver.com</b> and join us at <a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><b>https://www.joidenver.com</b></a><br /><br /> 🌟 Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> <br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> <br />Facebook Page -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> <br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> <br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> <br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62475503</guid><pubDate>Wed, 23 Oct 2024 16:04:09 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/62475503/reconnect_2_comparing_1.mp3" length="49190756" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Welcome to reConnect, the podcast where ancient Jewish wisdom meets modern relationship dynamics. 🌟

Join husband-wife hosts Menachem and Sarah Lehrfield as they explore a holistic approach to navigating life's most important connections. In each...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Welcome to reConnect, the podcast where ancient Jewish wisdom meets modern relationship dynamics. 🌟<br /><br />Join husband-wife hosts Menachem and Sarah Lehrfield as they explore a holistic approach to navigating life's most important connections. In each episode, Menachem and Sarah draw upon timeless Jewish wisdom to shed light on contemporary relationships, including marriage, parenting, friendships, and work dynamics. Through engaging discussions and insightful anecdotes, they offer practical advice and thought-provoking insights.<br /><br />Whether you're seeking guidance on strengthening your marriage, fostering deeper connections with your children, navigating workplace relationships, or nurturing friendships, reConnect provides a welcoming space to explore the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern life.<br /><br />Tune in to re-Connect and discover how the wisdom of the past can illuminate the path forward to harmonious relationships.<br />🎙️Discover a vibrant community at JOI Denver, where tradition meets today.<br /><br />Contact us at <b>reconnect@joidenver.com</b> and join us at <a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><b>https://www.joidenver.com</b></a><br /><br /> 🌟 Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> <br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> <br />Facebook Page -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> <br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> <br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> <br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2043</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>comparing,family,familygrowth,healthyadvice,howto,howtostopcomparing,jewishpodcast,jewishwisdom,personalgrowth,reconnect,relationship,relationshipadvice</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>4</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>The Ancient Wisdom for Thriving Relationships (Reconnect Ep. 1)</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-ancient-wisdom-for-thriving-relationships-reconnect-ep-1--61249945</link><description><![CDATA[Welcome to reConnect, the podcast where ancient Jewish wisdom meets modern relationship dynamics. 🌟<br /><br />Join husband-wife hosts Menachem and Sarah Lehrfield as they explore a holistic approach to navigating life's most important connections. In each episode, Menachem and Sarah draw upon timeless Jewish wisdom to shed light on contemporary relationships, including marriage, parenting, friendships, and work dynamics. Through engaging discussions and insightful anecdotes, they offer practical advice and thought-provoking insights.<br /><br />Whether you're seeking guidance on strengthening your marriage, fostering deeper connections with your children, navigating workplace relationships, or nurturing friendships, reConnect provides a welcoming space to explore the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern life.<br /><br />Tune in to reConnect and discover how the wisdom of the past can illuminate the path forward to harmonious relationships.<br />🎙️Discover a vibrant community at JOI Denver, where tradition meets today.<br /><br />Join us at<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> <br /><br />🌟 Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> <br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> <br />Facebook Page -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> <br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> <br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61249945</guid><pubDate>Wed, 18 Sep 2024 16:10:52 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/61249945/reconnect_episode_1_updated.mp3" length="31149613" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Welcome to reConnect, the podcast where ancient Jewish wisdom meets modern relationship dynamics. 🌟

Join husband-wife hosts Menachem and Sarah Lehrfield as they explore a holistic approach to navigating life's most important connections. In each...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Welcome to reConnect, the podcast where ancient Jewish wisdom meets modern relationship dynamics. 🌟<br /><br />Join husband-wife hosts Menachem and Sarah Lehrfield as they explore a holistic approach to navigating life's most important connections. In each episode, Menachem and Sarah draw upon timeless Jewish wisdom to shed light on contemporary relationships, including marriage, parenting, friendships, and work dynamics. Through engaging discussions and insightful anecdotes, they offer practical advice and thought-provoking insights.<br /><br />Whether you're seeking guidance on strengthening your marriage, fostering deeper connections with your children, navigating workplace relationships, or nurturing friendships, reConnect provides a welcoming space to explore the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern life.<br /><br />Tune in to reConnect and discover how the wisdom of the past can illuminate the path forward to harmonious relationships.<br />🎙️Discover a vibrant community at JOI Denver, where tradition meets today.<br /><br />Join us at<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> <br /><br />🌟 Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> <br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> <br />Facebook Page -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> <br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> <br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1947</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>ancientwisdom,deepconnections,personalgrowth,relationshipadvice,thrivingrelationships</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>3</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Yada Yada Yiddish: The Secret Jewish Wisdom Hidden in Seinfeld's "The Opposite" EP1</title><link>https://youtu.be/LOUcTHkKh54</link><description><![CDATA[Welcome to Yada Yada Yiddish, the podcast where Seinfeld meets Jewish wisdom in unexpected ways. 🎙️<br /><br />Join me as I dive deep into classic Seinfeld episodes, uncovering timeless Torah insights. In each episode, I blend the humor and absurdity of Seinfeld with profound lessons from Jewish tradition. This podcast brings together pop culture and spirituality, offering thought-provoking reflections on life, personal growth, and relationships.<br /><br />In the premiere episode, I explore “The Opposite,” where George Costanza’s decision to defy his instincts leads to unexpected success. I’ll connect this narrative to themes of introspection and transformation, especially relevant during the Jewish High Holidays. Whether you're a Seinfeld fan, a seeker of Jewish wisdom, or someone looking to navigate life's choices with more intention, this podcast has something for you.<br /><br />Watch Yada Yada Yiddish on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LOUcTHkKh54<br /><br />Do you have ideas or want to be featured in a future episode?<br /><b>Contact me at <a href="https://lehrfield.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yada@lehrfield.com</a>. </b><br /><br />I’d love to hear your thoughts!<br /><br />Tune in, laugh, and learn how to balance humor with deep spiritual growth.<br /><br />🌟🌟 Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook Page URL -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> <br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61381723</guid><pubDate>Thu, 12 Sep 2024 16:46:27 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/61381723/yyy_audio.mp3" length="32153509" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Welcome to Yada Yada Yiddish, the podcast where Seinfeld meets Jewish wisdom in unexpected ways. 🎙️

Join me as I dive deep into classic Seinfeld episodes, uncovering timeless Torah insights. In each episode, I blend the humor and absurdity of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Welcome to Yada Yada Yiddish, the podcast where Seinfeld meets Jewish wisdom in unexpected ways. 🎙️<br /><br />Join me as I dive deep into classic Seinfeld episodes, uncovering timeless Torah insights. In each episode, I blend the humor and absurdity of Seinfeld with profound lessons from Jewish tradition. This podcast brings together pop culture and spirituality, offering thought-provoking reflections on life, personal growth, and relationships.<br /><br />In the premiere episode, I explore “The Opposite,” where George Costanza’s decision to defy his instincts leads to unexpected success. I’ll connect this narrative to themes of introspection and transformation, especially relevant during the Jewish High Holidays. Whether you're a Seinfeld fan, a seeker of Jewish wisdom, or someone looking to navigate life's choices with more intention, this podcast has something for you.<br /><br />Watch Yada Yada Yiddish on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LOUcTHkKh54<br /><br />Do you have ideas or want to be featured in a future episode?<br /><b>Contact me at <a href="https://lehrfield.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yada@lehrfield.com</a>. </b><br /><br />I’d love to hear your thoughts!<br /><br />Tune in, laugh, and learn how to balance humor with deep spiritual growth.<br /><br />🌟🌟 Follow us for more:<br />Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a><br />Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a><br />Facebook Page URL -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a><br />YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a><br />Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> <br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1334</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>highholidays,jewishlessons,jewishtraditions,jews,lifelessons,seinfield,seinfieldfans,seinfieldpodcast,seinfieldreviews,torah,torahinsight,yadayadayiddish</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>2</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>The Cracker Epiphany: Kids Say the Deepest Things Episode 1</title><link>https://youtu.be/0Kd3H7C3Tig</link><description><![CDATA[Hey everyone! This video is part of our new podcast series "Kids Say the Deepest Things" where my daughter Atara and I explore the profound wisdom that often comes from children's innocent observations. In this episode, we dive into a memorable moment from when Atara was just 4 years old. Her simple question about crackers led to a fascinating discussion about wisdom, learning, and seeing the world through fresh eyes. We'll cover:<br /><ul><li>The surprising insight Atara had about crackers</li><li>How this connects to ancient Jewish wisdom</li><li>Why kids might understand some things better than adults</li><li>The importance of learning from everyone, regardless of age</li><li>How curiosity and humility are key to gaining true wisdom</li></ul>You'll hear some fun father-daughter banter and deep insights that might change how you view wisdom and learning. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or someone who loves learning, I think you'll find some real "a-ha!" moments here. Our goal with these videos is to remind adults to stay curious and open-minded and to value the unique perspectives that children bring to the world. So grab a snack (maybe some crackers?), and join us for this enlightening discussion!If you have a great story about something profound a child has said, or if you have any questions or comments,<br /><br /><b>Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0Kd3H7C3Tig</b><br /><b></b><br /><b>Reach out to us at :<a href="https://lehrfield.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kids@lehrfield.com</a></b><br /><b></b><br /><b>🌟 Follow us for more:Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> </b><br /><b>Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> </b><br /><b>Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> </b><br /><b></b><br />We'd love to hear from you and potentially feature your story in a future episode!Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61249861</guid><pubDate>Thu, 12 Sep 2024 14:58:44 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/61249861/kstdt_ep_1_audio.mp3" length="17335648" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Menachem Lehrfield</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Hey everyone! This video is part of our new podcast series "Kids Say the Deepest Things" where my daughter Atara and I explore the profound wisdom that often comes from children's innocent observations. In this episode, we dive into a memorable moment...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Hey everyone! This video is part of our new podcast series "Kids Say the Deepest Things" where my daughter Atara and I explore the profound wisdom that often comes from children's innocent observations. In this episode, we dive into a memorable moment from when Atara was just 4 years old. Her simple question about crackers led to a fascinating discussion about wisdom, learning, and seeing the world through fresh eyes. We'll cover:<br /><ul><li>The surprising insight Atara had about crackers</li><li>How this connects to ancient Jewish wisdom</li><li>Why kids might understand some things better than adults</li><li>The importance of learning from everyone, regardless of age</li><li>How curiosity and humility are key to gaining true wisdom</li></ul>You'll hear some fun father-daughter banter and deep insights that might change how you view wisdom and learning. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or someone who loves learning, I think you'll find some real "a-ha!" moments here. Our goal with these videos is to remind adults to stay curious and open-minded and to value the unique perspectives that children bring to the world. So grab a snack (maybe some crackers?), and join us for this enlightening discussion!If you have a great story about something profound a child has said, or if you have any questions or comments,<br /><br /><b>Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0Kd3H7C3Tig</b><br /><b></b><br /><b>Reach out to us at :<a href="https://lehrfield.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kids@lehrfield.com</a></b><br /><b></b><br /><b>🌟 Follow us for more:Website -<a href="https://www.joidenver.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.joidenver.com</a> </b><br /><b>Instagram -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joidenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/joidenver</a> </b><br /><b>Facebook -<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>YouTube -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver</a> </b><br /><b>Pinterest -<a href="http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy</a> </b><br /><b></b><br />We'd love to hear from you and potentially feature your story in a future episode!Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>717</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>childhoodinsights,deepest,jewishlearning,kids,parentingwisdom,say,the,things,torah</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0738a2f350b53125c9802abd1983a8ef.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item></channel></rss>
