Category Archives: Shema Podcast

The Devil is in the Details with Rabbi Cohen – Part II

There is a concept in Torah that for many of us creates confusion, especially as we begin our exploration of Torah wisdom.  It is the subject of the Satan.  The reason for the confusion is that this is a similar term that we regularly hear used by the Christians.   However, while similar terms, definitionally they are totally opposing concepts.  The Christians believe that the Satan is a separate opposing power to Hashem, an idea that is idolatrous and heretical as G-d is the only power and source of existence.   The Torah teaches us that the Satan is a servant to Hashem, playing a vital role in His creation, to provide us with the free will opportunity to grow closer to our Creator.  The devil is in the details.  In this episode Rabbi Cohen provides enlightening clarity on this subject to the both the beginner and advanced student.

The Devil is in the Details with Rabbi Cohen – Part I

There is a concept in Torah that for many of us creates confusion, especially as we begin our exploration of Torah wisdom.  It is the subject of the Satan.  The reason for the confusion is that this is a similar term that we regularly hear used by the Christians.   However, while similar terms, definitionally they are totally opposing concepts.  The Christians believe that the Satan is a separate opposing power to Hashem, an idea that is idolatrous and heretical as G-d is the only power and source of existence.   The Torah teaches us that the Satan is a servant to Hashem, playing a vital role in His creation, to provide us with the free will opportunity to grow closer to our Creator.  The devil is in the details.  In this episode Rabbi Cohen provides enlightening clarity on this subject to the both the beginner and advanced student.

Living with Emunah with Rabbi Brody

Why do we study Torah, Halacha and perform mitzvot?  The answer is that that is the Almighty’s prescription for continually increasing our Emunah.  This is the very purpose of our time in this world and one that is necessary, now more than ever, to prepare us for the times of Moshiach.  With the global pandemic gripping so many in a state of fear, I thought it was timely to bring on Rabbi Brody, the Doctor of Emunah, to remind us all, that the pandemic was created by G-d for a reason.   And that reason is to give us the opportunity to receive the gift of Emunah in Him and Him alone.

Click here to check out Rabbi Brody’s Books.  Great reads for daily doses of Emunah.

Living in the Story of Creation

Our Sages teach us that the Torah is the Blueprint for Creation and that there are up to 6,000 years of creation before G-d’s revelation to the world.  Now is the year 5781 which means that we are living in the story of creation or in other words, we are living in the Torah.   In this episode we discuss the proofs, the psychological hurdles to overcome and the gravity of taking ownership to our personal narrative in the Torah.

The Fractal Nature of Masculinity and Femininity with Rabbi Bucsko

A core concept that permeates all of creation is the aspect of masculinity and femininity, as it is fractal in nature.  To understand masculinity (giving) and femininity (receiving) and the receiving through giving, brings much greater insights into how we can develop harmonious relationships with one another and with G-d.   In this amazing episode I am joined with Rabbi Buscko, aka “The Average Rabbi” and he shares with us, his deep insights into this fundamental aspect of creation.

Living Inspired with Nissim Black

A life centered around Torah is a life dedicated to perpetual transformation and with that comes struggles and challenges.  Nissim Black is American-Israeli rapper who has achieved international stardom through his beautiful and inspiring music.   His transformation to an Orthodox Jew and likewise the transformation of his music through this process is equally inspiring.   He is a Tzadik and a role model for the Jewish people.   In this episode, I talk with Nissim Black, and learn about how to grow through living inspired.

Running and Returning with Rabbi Wohlgelernter – Part II

I approached this interview, with Rabbi Wohlgelernter, with the following question; how does one fulfill the mitzvah of remaining joyful while learning how to be Torah observant? As for me, it has been a continual experience of thinking I have learned everything needed, only to then learn that I barely know anything.   In this episode, Rabbi Wohlgelernter explains that this process of growth should not be approached with the attitude of getting past these challenges, as the challenges are there intentionally by G-d’s design, but it is through the challenges that we become closer to Him.   So, if the challenges are inevitable for all of us then the real question is, how to embrace the challenges.   This extremely insightful and life changing conversation will be a three-part series, as the messaging is too important and too powerful to squeeze into one.

Running and Returning with Rabbi Wohlgelernter – Part I

I approached this interview, with Rabbi Wohlgelernter, with the following question;  how does one fulfill the mitzvah of remaining joyful, while learning how to be Torah observant? As for me, it has been a continual experience of thinking I have learned everything needed, only to then learn that I barely know anything.   In this episode, Rabbi Wohlgelernter explains that this process of growth should not be approached with the attitude of getting past these challenges, as the challenges are there intentionally by G-d’s design, but it is through the challenges that we become closer to Him.   So, if the challenges are inevitable for all of us then the real question is, how to embrace the challenges.   This extremely insightful and life changing conversation will be a three-part series, as the messaging is too important and too powerful to squeeze into one.

Torah is Technology with Rabbi Cohen

The United States is more divided than ever, with each side believing they are on the side of what is right and good.   This is not a new dilemma for the world, as this problem originated in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, confusing the distinction between the two.   The Almighty’s remedy to our affliction was the Torah, which is the technology to rectify the world and separate the evil from the good.  In this episode Rabbi Cohen enlightens us to how we use the technology of the Torah and the study and application of halacha (Jewish Law) to fix the world and bring about Tikkun Olam.  This is the purpose and mission of the Jewish People.   This is why He made us.

Living Jewish

As many of you know I recently moved with my family into a Jewish Community for the first time. I feel the way an immigrant from an impoverished country probably feels when they move to the USA where so much freedom and opportunity exists, that did not exist in their homeland. As someone who had no idea that this community existed prior to 6 years ago, I wanted to dedicate an episode to the topic, for those who have never been exposed to it either. In this episode I brought on my two spiritual brothers, Akiva and Yehoshua Wolbe to talk about living Jewish.