Unboxing Judaism · Rabbi Yaakov Nagel & Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe

Feb 02 2025 28 ep. 35 mins 7
Unboxing Judaism · Rabbi Yaakov Nagel & Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast artwork

The Unboxing Judaism Podcast is a lively dialogue and discussion between Rabbi Yaakov Nagel and Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe that helps unbox and demystify the most fundamental ideas in Judaism that are commonly misunderstood. This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Rabbi Yaakov & Dr. Sara Nagel

  Religion & Spirituality  Education
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Ep. 24 - Jews & Politics: Balancing Torah Values and Political Participation

Feb 02 2025 29 mins  
Join us as we explore the intricate relationship between Jews and politics in America. In our conversation, we express gratitude towards the United States for the unprecedented freedoms and safety it offers to the Jewish community, contrasting this with historical persecution elsewhere. We also examine the spiritual tension between feeling at home in America and the deep-seated lon

Ep. 23 - Being the Chosen People: Understanding the Meaning and Responsibility

Jan 15 2025 35 mins  
Discover the profound meaning behind the concept of the "chosen people" in Jewish tradition and learn how this identity is more about commitment than superiority. Our recent Siyum HaShas celebration serves as a backdrop for this exploration, highlighting the Jewish community's unique relationship with the Torah (Listen to Episode 22: Click Here). We tackle the often-misunderstood n

Ep. 22 - The Unique Daf Yomi Journey of Houston, Texas

Jan 03 2025 19 mins  
Rabbi Yaakov Nagel shares his transformative journey into the world of Daf Yomi on the Unboxing Judaism Podcast. With over two decades of dedication to this daily Talmud study, Rabbi Nagel opens up about his initial uncertainty and the remarkable camaraderie formed through this global learning community. His insights into the unique challenges and methods of mastering the Talmud in

Ep. 21 - Balancing Justice and Mercy: A Jewish View on Rejoicing Over the Fall of Adversaries

May 23 2024 27 mins  
When we witness the fall of someone who has embodied evil, the tangle of emotions can be as complex as the Talmudic debates themselves. In this episode we embark on a riveting journey through the Jewish lens on justice, mercy, and the celebration—or lack thereof—of an adversary's demise. Our conversation was sparked by the global reactions to the death of the Iranian president,

Ep. 20 - Death, Mourning and Afterlife

Mar 24 2024 39 mins  
When the world seems to spin a little slower and the heart feels the heavy weight of loss, it's the shared stories that bring comfort and understanding. We extend a tender hand through the Unboxing Judaism Podcast, offering solace and wisdom in the wake of Rabbi Nagel’s mother's passing. Our conversation seeks to unfold the layered emotions and spiritual questions that surface du

Ep. 12 - Celebrating X-mas with a Chanukah Bush?

Dec 09 2023 30 mins  
In this Episode (#12) of the Unboxing Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Yaakov Nagel & Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe discuss the question of "Celebrating X-mas with a Chanukah Bush" and is there anything really wrong with intermarrying between Jews and non-Jews? Is it not ok for us to agree to just "raise them Jewish"?!*****Unboxing Judaism Podcast is a discussion on fundamental Jewish and modern cul

Ep. 19 - Why Don't the Religious Serve in the IDF?!

Dec 06 2023 28 mins  
Ever wondered why some religious Jews choose not to serve in the Israeli Defense Force (IDF)? You might be surprised to learn that many proudly enlist, paralleling their service with the historical narrative of Moses and the war with Amalek. This episode of Unboxing Judaism Podcast delves into the complex intersection of religious practice and military service - illustrating how To

Ep. 18 - Wigs & Shaitels: The Elegant Enigma - Delving into the Dynamics of Modesty and Jewish Tradition

Jul 27 2023 19 mins  
Prepare to embark on a captivating journey with Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe and Rabbi Yaakov Nagel, as they trace the intricate customs of hair covering for married Jewish women back to its roots in the Torah. Promise to be intrigued as they grapple with challenging questions - from the extra stringency of some women choosing to shave their heads to the ongoing halacha discussion about the m

Ep. 17 - Arranged Marriages

Jun 07 2023 26 mins  
In this Episode (#17) of the Unboxing Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Yaakov Nagel & Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe discuss the misunderstanding that people have about the setup, dating and marriage of men and women in Torah-observant world. Not it's not arranged. *****Unboxing Judaism Podcast is a discussion on fundamental Jewish and modern cultural topics through the lens of our Torah and heritage

Shavuos Roundtable (with TORCH Rabbis & Podcasters)

May 21 2023 65 mins  
In preparation for the upcoming festival of Shavuos, the TORCH Rabbis and Podcasters gathered together in the magnificent TORCH Centre to discuss the upcoming days of holiness and connection with our creator! Each of us shared an idea about Shavuos and how to make the most of this powerful holiday. If you want to experience a convivial, collegial, conversation about Pesach with the