Growing up in a non-religious, Reform Jewish household in New Rochelle, New York, Rabbi Ken Spiro never imagined he'd find himself living a deeply Jewish life in Israel. Yet, a transformative experience witnessing the bravery of young Russian Jews practicing their faith in the Soviet era ignited his own spiritual journey. Rabbi Spiro shares the pivotal moments that led him to Aish HaTorah Yeshiva in Jerusalem, originally intended as a short visit but evolving into a lifelong commitment. With anecdotes of family expectations and the serendipitous role of Dennis Prager, Rabbi Spiro's story is a testament to the power of personal growth and rediscovering one's roots.

This episode delves into themes of personal development, the delicate balance between religious obligations and personal life, and the joy found in aligning one's inner beliefs with outward actions. Rabbi Spiro reflects on the rewards and challenges faced within the yeshiva setting and discusses the ongoing tensions surrounding military service in Israel. Through exploring the integration of diverse communities in the IDF and the sacrifices made by the religious nationalist community, we highlight the resilience, unity, and productivity of the Jewish people. Join us for an enlightening discussion on Jewish identity, the value of traditional values, and finding peace in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Recorded in TORCH Meyerland - Studio A in Houston, Texas on November 18, 2024.
Released as Podcast on November 24, 2024
_____________
DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!
_____________
SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe:

• NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodes
• Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes
• Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodes
• Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes
• Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes
• Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes
• Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes

For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com

_____________
EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org
_____________

Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!

In this episode, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe shares a short & sweet idea of inspiration on the power of the month of Cheshvan and how to maximize the days of this month to the fullest.

This Jewish Inspiration Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH (Ep. #142) is dedicated my dearest friends, Peter Botvin and his incredible wife, Becky! May Hashem bless you and your beautiful family with good health, success and true Yiddish Nachas!!!

*****

To listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: https://linktr.ee/ariwol

• Jewish Inspiration Podcast - https://linktr.ee/jewishinspiration
• Unboxing Judaism Podcast - https://linktr.ee/unboxingjudaism
• Parsha Review Podcast - https://linktr.ee/parshareview
• Living Jewishly Podcast - https://linktr.ee/jewishly
• Thinking Talmudist Podcast - https://linktr.ee/talmudist

Please send your questions, comments and even your stories to awolbe@torchweb.org

Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our Jewish outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area and please consider sponsoring a podcast by making a donation to help support our global outreach at https://www.torchweb.org/donate.
Thank you!

For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com

Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B to a live audience on November 25, 2022, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on January 12, 2023 (after a mistaken deletion of the November 25, 2022 released file)

Ever wondered about the deeper significance of celebrating Sukkot and its unique connection to Yom Kippur? Ever pondered on the joy and gratitude deeply embedded in Jewish holidays and how to create healthier patterns in our lives through them? If so, this episode is your soul food. Join us under the Sukkah with Rabbi Yakov Nagel, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe, Rabbi Chaim Bucsko, and Dan Kullman, all hosts of enriching Jewish podcasts, as we embark on an enlightening journey discussing our personal experiences with TORCH, our stories of faith, and the challenges of being normalized in a religious context.

In this gathering, we not only delve into the intricacies of Sukkot but also touch upon the transformative power of repentance and the spiritual elevation it offers. Unravel the layers of repentance, and grasp the power of creating an illusion that can be tested by God to reveal our true source of sustenance.

Engage in a conversation about Sukkot as a recharging station for our spiritual power, helping us to refocus and re-center ourselves. Explore the three layers of the soul and their correspondence to the festivals. Listen to this episode and ignite your curiosity to learn more about our faith, traditions, and beliefs. Ultimately, we hope this episode will encourage you to delve deeper into your own spiritual journey and understanding of Jewish festivals and traditions.

This episode (#124) of the Jewish Inspiration Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe is dedicated in Honor of Peter & Becky Botvin! May Hashem continue to bless you with great health and success in all your endeavors.

****

To listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: https://linktr.ee/ariwol

• Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes
• Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodes
• Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes
• Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes
• Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes
• Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes

Please send your questions, comments and even your stories to awolbe@torchweb.org

Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our Jewish outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area and please consider sponsoring a podcast by making a donation to help support our global outreach at https://www.torchweb.org/donate.
Thank you!

For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com

Recorded in a Private Sukkah on October 12, 2022, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on October 13, 2023