The Shema Podcast for the Perplexed

Jan 14 2025 163 ep. 45 mins 12
The Shema Podcast for the Perplexed artwork

A Baal Teshuva shares Torah insights, intertwined through personal stories and interviews with leading Torah Scholars to demonstrate the empowering qualities of Torah and mitzvot.

  Religion & Spirituality  Education
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Development of the Oral Law with Rabbi Ken Spiro

Jan 14 2025 80 mins  
In this episode, we delve into the fascinating journey of the Oral Torah with renowned scholar Rabbi Ken Spiro. Together, we trace the origins of the Oral Law at Mount Sinai, follow its transmission through generations, and explore its eventual codification in the Mishnah and Talmud. Discover the unbroken chain of tradition that keeps Jewish wisdom vibrant and enduring. This episod

Securing Our Legacy: The Vital Role of Jewish Day Schools in Shaping Future Generations with Rabbi Garfield

Jan 09 2025 39 mins  
Join us as we visit with Rabbi Garfield, head of Yeshiva Torah Emet, to explore the transformative power of raising children in a Jewish community and providing them with a Torah-based education. We delve into the challenges of modern parenting, the advantages of a supportive Jewish environment, and the unique role Jewish Day schools play in integrating Torah learning, character de

Investigative Reports from the Spiritual Realm with Rebbetzin Nomi Freeman

Jan 05 2025 90 mins  
In this profound episode, we explore the ultimate purpose of life through the lens of Torah wisdom and the extraordinary stories of near-death experiences. Joined by Rebbetzin Nomi Freeman, we delve into the transformative insights shared by individuals who glimpsed the spiritual realm, aligning their experiences with the timeless truths of Torah and mitzvos.Discover the deeper mea

The Power of Perspective

Dec 29 2024 11 mins  
In this episode we explore the transformative power of perspective. Sharing an inspiring story of a friend's 18-year journey to convert to Judaism, I reflect on how experiences, even challenging ones, can be internalized positively. My friend’s reaction to encountering anti-Semitism—embracing it as a badge of honor and joy—provides a profound lesson about choosing resilience

Crash Couse in Jewish Denominations with Rabbi Ken Spiro

Dec 26 2024 64 mins  
In this episode of The Shema Podcast, we explore the origins and evolution of Jewish denominations, delving into how movements like the Sadducees, Karaites, and Reform Judaism emerged and impacted Jewish history. Rabbi Ken Spiro joins us to discuss the critical role of Torah observance, the challenges of assimilation, and the timeless framework that sustains Jewish unity and identi

The Greek Army is Winning

Dec 23 2024 19 mins  
In this episode of The Shema Podcast, I reflect on Hanukkah’s deeper lessons and the modern-day battle for Jewish identity. While the Maccabees fought to preserve Torah and mitzvot, today’s “Greek army” has succeeded in pulling many Jews away from their heritage. I share my frustrations with how “fake rabbis” have diluted Judaism, replacing Torah study and observance wi

Mind Mapping Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

Dec 15 2024 71 mins  
In this episode of The Shema Podcast, I invited Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe to join the show to explore the secrets behind his remarkable productivity and success as a writer, teacher, podcaster, and Torah scholar. The conversation delves into how Rabbi Wolbe balances his professional responsibilities with family life, the importance of recognizing and utilizing one’s unique abilities to

Liberalism vs. Torah: A Jewish Reckoning with Daniel Greenfield

Dec 08 2024 52 mins  
In this episode, we delve into what may be the greatest existential threat to the Jewish people today—not external forces like anti-Semitism, but internal challenges stemming from assimilation and the adoption of secular ideologies. We are joined by Daniel Greenfield, a renowned author and thinker, to examine how liberalism has become a substitute religion for many Jews, eclipsin

Gaining Clarity of Purpose Through Antisemitism with Rabbi Raphael Shore

Dec 01 2024 51 mins  
In this episode, we are joined by Rabbi Raphael Shore to discuss his new book, Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Jew?. Together, we explore the lessons and clarity it provides about our purpose and responsibilities in the world as Jews by understanding the reasons behind the hatred directed toward us.Buy the Book: Learn more about Rabbi Raphael Shore’s groundbreaking work, Who’s Af

Embracing Depth, Meaning, and Connection with Dr. Michael Milgraum

Nov 24 2024 40 mins  
In this thought-provoking episode, we are joined by Dr. Michael Milgraum, a psychologist, poet, and child of a Holocaust survivor, to explore the profound depths of Jewish identity and spirituality. Dr. Milgraum shares his journey from secular upbringing to a life rich in Torah and observance, weaving together his professional expertise in psychology with the timeless lessons of Ju