Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe Podcast Collection

TORCH

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The Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe Podcasts Collection gives you the opportunity to listen and enjoy to all the Torah & Insights from Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe in one feed. The The Parsha Podcast, Jewish History Podcast, The Mitzvah Podcast, This Jewish Life, TORAH 101 and The Ethics Podcast in one convenient place. Enjoy!

As heard by us

Based on 6 episodes we listened to · September 2026

Wolbe pairs close Torah commentary with practical and philosophical questions, making familiar portions newly demanding.

Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe turns each Torah portion into a close reading with a clear route through its narrative, commandments and interpretive problems.

Read our full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Pharaoh's heart hardens; Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe asks you what free will still means.

Press play if you want

  • a Torah portion followed past the plot into its moral questions
  • to catch what Rashi notices about how Moses addresses his audience
Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Talks about

Best episodes of Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe Podcast Collection

Short reviews from the PlayNext desk, based on the episodes we processed.

Faith Fundamentals

A brisk Torah lesson that casts the Exodus as a case for faith.

This episode treats the Exodus as a firm argument about what miracles are meant to prove. It moves steadily from Egypt's oppression to the plagues, the midnight death of the firstborn, and the splitting of the sea, then brings the case together with the Ramban's closing lesson.

Moshe's Surprising Successor

A brisk Torah lesson on dependence, leadership, and the pressure that shapes both.

After the sea crossing in B'shalach, the focus shifts to what comes next: bitter water, no water, then manna, each moment pressing the same point that dependence comes before comfort. The walk through Behaloscha keeps that line going.

Parsha: Beshalach - Horse and Rider

A lively Torah discussion that turns a comic opening into a focused textual payoff.

Rabbi Wolbe turns a textual puzzle into a brisk, funny run through Dathan and Aviram's odd place in the Exodus story. The episode finds its footing once the long opening apology and loose banter settle into the source discussion, where the argument sharpens and their role in the…

Parsha: Bo - Shots on Goal (5784)

A Torah lesson that links miracles and human potential to the risk of wasting a chance.

The episode begins with a personal rerun of a 2024 recording, revisited in 2026 and lightly trimmed to cut stale chatter while keeping the parts tied to the host's son's birth and that weekend.

Parshas Vaeira (Rebroadcast)

A brisk lesson on stubbornness, plagues, and delayed redemption.

This episode looks at Parshas Va'era through a hard question: why does redemption from Egypt start with pressure, delay, and a Pharaoh who only digs in deeper?

Parsha: Bo - Embers Only

A fast Bo shiur about blood, timing, and symbolism.

Parsha Bo threads its way through a tight set of images without slowing down. The discussion keeps returning to the same pressure point: Egypt's sheep deity, the blood on the houses, and the idea that the Exodus happens only when the moment is right.

Parsha: Vaeira - Swimming in Denileism

A direct Torah teaching on hardened hearts, stubborn resistance, and why signs alone do not move the unwilling.

The teaching centers on Pharaoh's hardened heart and on how signs and wonders can fall short when receptivity is absent. Moshe and Aaron are shown working in a clear chain of communication, and the argument keeps circling back to the same stubborn resistance until the larger…

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Episodes

  1. 1

    TORAH 101: The Power of Pre-Sin Adam + 2026 TORCH Campaign Pitch

    This episode promotes the 2026 Torch fundraiser while teasing a profound discussion on the power of pre-sin Adam from Torah teachings.

    ·57m
  2. 2

    Parshas Tzav (Rebroadcast) + Parsha Podcast Fundraiser Pitch

    This episode is a rebroadcast of Parshas Tzav combined with a fundraising pitch for the 2026 Torch campaign, urging listeners to donate through givetorch.org where contributions are matched.

    ·1h 7m
  3. 3

    Shema: Achieving Supremacy Over the Angels + TORCH 2026 Campaign Appeal

    This episode promotes the 2026 Torch fundraiser campaign while hinting at a discussion about achieving supremacy over angels.

    ·56m
  4. 4

    Parsha: Tetzaveh - On His Majesty's Service

    This episode discusses the weekly Torah portion Tetzaveh, explains a schedule change due to Purim, and announces an upcoming fundraiser for the podcast.

    ·57m
  5. 5

    Parshas Vayakhel & Pekudei (Rebroadcast)

    This episode explores the double Torah portions of Vayakhel and Pekudei, focusing on the implementation of the Mishkan's construction and the Torah's detailed repetition of instructions.

    ·1h 10m
  6. 6

    Parsha: Ki Sisa - Magic Thermos

    This episode discusses the outbreak of a war between the United States, Israel, and Iran, describing initial military successes including a decapitation strike against Iranian leadership.

    ·58m
  7. 7

    Parshas Ki Sisa (Rebroadcast)

    This episode explores Parshas Ki Sisa, focusing on the golden calf episode and the unique method of conducting a census through half-shekel donations for the Mishkan.

    ·1h 6m
  8. 8

    Parsha: Tetzaveh - The Golden Bovine (5784)

    This episode explores Parsha Tetzaveh, focusing on the selection of Aaron and his sons as Kohanim (priests), their special garments, and the inauguration rituals for the Tabernacle.

    ·56m
  9. 9

    Three Levels of Eradicating Evil (Purim is the Highest)

    This Purim podcast explains the historical triumph over Haman's genocidal plot against the Jews, the establishment of the Purim festival with its rituals, and draws parallels to contemporary threats from Persia.

    ·51m
  10. 10

    Parshas Mishpatim (Rebroadcast)

    This episode analyzes Parshas Mishpatim, highlighting its 53 commandments, three-part structure focusing on interpersonal and monetary laws, and its thematic connection to the Sinai narrative and the severity of theft.

    ·59m
  11. 11

    TORAH 101: Fifth Order of Mishnah (Sacrifices)

    This episode introduces the fifth order of Mishnah called Kachim, which covers laws of sacrifices and temple-related matters, addressing common questions about their relevance today.

    ·44m
  12. 12

    TORAH 101: : Fourth Order of Mishnah (Damages)

    This episode introduces the fourth order of the Mishnah, Nezikin (Damages), focusing on its structure, key books like Bava Kama, and the principle of liability for damages in Jewish law.

    ·58m
  13. 13

    Parsha: Tzav - Protocols of the Offerings of Zion + Parsha Podcast Appeal

    This Parsha podcast episode discusses the Torah portion Tzav while also appealing for donations to the Torch fundraiser, with the host reflecting on balancing religious content with fundraising efforts.

    ·1h 6m
  14. 14

    Parsha: Tzav - Runaway Brain (5784) + Parsha Podcast Appeal 2026

    The host shares a story about a listener who made an anonymous donation to support the Parasha podcast through GiveTorch.org, encouraging others to do the same.

    ·1h 4m
  15. 15

    Parsha: Ki Sisa - Augmenting Shabbos (5784)

    This episode explores a rarely discussed topic from the Parsha Ki Sisa, focusing on augmenting Shabbos while touching on key elements like the golden calf, half shekel census, and anointing oil.

    ·42m
  16. 16

    How to Conquer the Anger Impulse + TORCH Fundraiser 2026

    The Torch Center is conducting its 2026 annual fundraiser to support its religious outreach and activities, with donations being matched.

    ·46m
  17. 17

    TORAH 101: Mishnah Commentary, Heuristics, and Appendices + 2026 TORCH Fundraiser

    This episode discusses the Torch Center's risky decision to consolidate all annual fundraising into one campaign for 2026, emphasizing the importance of donations to support their Torah education and outreach work.

    ·55m
  18. 18

    Laver of Love + 2026 TORCH Fundraiser

    The Torch Center is conducting its 2026 annual fundraiser at GiveTorch.org, where all donations are matched, to support their religious outreach and activities.

    ·48m
  19. 19

    Parsha: Vayakhel Pekudei - Golden Talents

    This Parsha podcast episode discusses the Torah portions Vayakhel Pekudei, includes dedications for protection and success, hints at controversial content at the end, and announces an upcoming fundraising campaign with listener-suggested naming.

    ·59m
  20. 20

    Parsha: Vayakhel: The Third Path (5784)

    This episode explores the Torah portions Vayakhel and Pekudei, focusing on the construction of the tabernacle and why the text repeats detailed instructions from earlier sections.

    ·53m
  21. 21

    Parsha: Terumah - Out of the Woods

    This episode discusses the anxiety surrounding high school productions while dedicating the Parsha podcast to a bat mitzvah girl and exploring themes from the Torah portion Terumah.

    ·1h 11m
  22. 22

    TORAH 101: Sixth Order of Mishnah (Purity)

    This episode provides an overview of the sixth and final order of the Mishnah, Taharos, focusing on the laws of purity and impurity in Jewish tradition and their limited applicability today.

    ·46m
  23. 23

    Parshas Terumah (Rebroadcast)

    This episode analyzes Parshas Terumah, focusing on God's directive to build the Mishkan (tabernacle) and the detailed fundraising campaign for its materials as explained in the Torah.

    ·52m
  24. 24

    Parsha: Yisro - Beauty and the Priest

    This episode is a personal update from the host about schedule changes, travel plans, and a memorial dedication, with a brief mention of the Parsha Yisro topic focusing on beauty and the priest.

    ·1h 5m
  25. 25

    TORAH 101: : Fourth Order of Mishnah (Damages)

    This episode introduces the fourth order of the Mishnah, Nezikin (Damages), focusing on its structure, key books like Bava Kama, and the principle of liability for damages in Jewish law.

    ·58m
  26. 26

    Parsha: Vayikra - Push-Ups and Drawdowns + TORCH Fundraiser 2026 Pitch

    The host discusses the Torch Center's annual fundraiser, expressing initial doubt about reaching the goal but recalling past successes and making a persuasive appeal for donations.

    ·1h 7m
  27. 27

    TORAH 101: Created in the Image of God + 2026 TORCH Fundraiser

    The host discusses a listener's donation to the Torch fundraiser after hearing a plea on a Parsha podcast, reflecting on the term 'plea' and encouraging support for the organization.

    ·52m
  28. 28

    Parsha: Vayikra - Cainitis and Abelitis (5784) + TORCH Fundraiser 2026 Pitch

    The host discusses a listener's donation to the Torch fundraiser after hearing a plea in a Parsha podcast episode, explaining the importance of the fundraiser and encouraging support.

    ·48m
  29. 29

    Parshas Tetzaveh (Rebroadcast)

    This episode explores Parshas Tetzaveh, focusing on the priestly garments, the inauguration of the tabernacle, and the unusual absence of Moses' name in the text.

    ·56m
  30. 30

    Parshas Vayikra (Rebroadcast) + TORCH Fundraiser 2026

    This episode announces the 2026 annual fundraiser for the Torch Center, explaining their risky decision to consolidate all fundraising into one matched-donation campaign to support their religious outreach work.

    ·1h 2m
  31. 31

    Parsha: Terumah - Cherub-Picking (5784)

    This episode explores the Parsha Terumah, focusing on a fundraiser for the tabernacle (Mishkan) in the wilderness, connecting it to modern fundraising efforts at the Torch Center.

    ·57m
  32. 32

    TORAH 101: Post-Mishnaic Development of Oral Torah

    This episode explores the Mishnah's composition and the development of Oral Torah in the post-Mishnaic era through Rambam's commentary.

    ·48m
  33. 33

    Parsha: Mishpatim - Two Halves of One Soul

    This episode discusses the Parsha Mishpatim while sharing personal travel anecdotes about the Super Bowl and skiing, connecting them to spiritual themes.

    ·1h 10m
  34. 34

    Mishpatim - Blind Determination (5786)

    This episode explores two laws from the Torah portion Mishpatim, focusing on the commandment to help an enemy's donkey struggling under its burden.

    ·1h 1m
  35. 35

    Parsha: Beshalach - Horse and Rider

    Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe analyzes Parsha Beshalach, discussing themes like the Exodus, the splitting of the Red Sea, and the Israelites' journey through the wilderness.

    ·1h 7m·5 clips
  36. 36

    The Three-Day-Exodus: How a Productive Long Weekend Leads to a Lifetime of Freedom

    This episode explores the biblical Exodus, focusing on the initial plan for a three-day festival in the wilderness.

    ·46m·4 clips
  37. 37

    Moshe's Surprising Successor

    This episode analyzes Joshua's rise as Moshe's successor, highlighting his initial flaws in battles and judgments.

    ·37m·3 clips
  38. 38

    Parsha: Beshalach - Bones to Pick (5784)

    Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe explores Parshas Beshalach, focusing on the subplot of Moshe taking Joseph's bones during the Exodus.

    ·58m·5 clips
  39. 39

    Parsha: Shemos - Moshe's Treatment (5784)

    Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe explores the Parsha Shemos, focusing on Moshe's early life and spiritual sensitivities, including his refusal to nurse from Egyptian women as a baby.

    ·56m·5 clips
  40. 40

    Parshas Bo (Rebroadcast)

    Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe analyzes Parsha Bo, focusing on the Exodus from Egypt, the ten plagues, and Pharaoh's hardened heart.

    ·1h·5 clips
  41. 41

    Parshas Beshalach (Rebroadcast)

    Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe analyzes Parshas Beshalach, focusing on the Jews' Exodus from Egypt and their journey through the wilderness.

    ·1h 4m·5 clips
  42. 42

    Parshas Vaeira (Rebroadcast)

    Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe analyzes Parsha Vaeira, focusing on the first seven plagues in Egypt, God's criticism of Moses, and insights from commentators like Rashi and Ramban.

    ·1h 1m·5 clips
  43. 43

    Parsha: Bo - Shots on Goal (5784)

    Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe shares Torah insights connected to his son David's birth, exploring why miracles can't be repeated and how the Exodus required specific commandments.

    ·1h 7m·5 clips
  44. 44

    Parsha: Vaeira - Swimming in Denileism

    Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe discusses Parsha Vaeira, focusing on the Exodus story, Pharaoh's transformation through the plagues, and the five stages of redemption.

    ·1h 6m·5 clips
  45. 45

    Parsha: Shemos - Mission Implausible

    Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe discusses Parsha Shemos, starting with a humorous disavowal of a listener-created drinking game.

    ·56m·5 clips
  46. 46

    Parshas Yisro (Rebroadcast)

    Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe analyzes Parshat Yisro, focusing on Jethro's conversion and its placement before the Sinai revelation.

    ·1h 6m·5 clips
  47. 47

    Faith Fundamentals

    Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe discusses the foundational importance of the Exodus in Jewish faith, focusing on the Ramban's commentary about tefillin and how miracles dispel heresy.

    ·45m·4 clips
  48. 48

    Parsha: Yisro - Splitting the Heaven (5784)

    Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe explores Parsha Yisro through four segments, focusing on Jethro's journey to truth after worshiping every idol, Rashi's insights on the difficulty of beginnings, the role of the Yetzirah in obscuring Torah, and how unity enabled miracles like splitting the sea and heavens.

    ·55m·5 clips
  49. 49

    Parsha: Bo - Embers Only

    Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe analyzes Parsha Bo, focusing on the final plagues in Egypt and the Exodus.

    ·1h 11m·5 clips
  50. 50

    Parsha: Vaeira - Labor and Deliverance (5784)

    Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe reads Exodus 6:9 through the Ramban, who gives two reasons the Israelites ignored Moshe's message of redemption: fear of execution ('shortness of breath') and nonstop 'harsh labor.' He argues that Pharaoh's real aim was to deny the nation time to think, citing Pharaoh's order in chapter 5 to withhold straw and keep the brick quota so they would not 'pay attention to false words.' He quotes Ramchal's Mesillat Yesharim and Derech Etz Chaim, which recommend at least one uninterrupted hour a day of introspection as the strongest remedy against the Yetzirah.

    ·52m·2 clips
  51. 51

    Parshas Acharei & Kedoshim (Rebroadcast)

    Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe reads Acharei and Kedoshim through Yom Kippur, focusing on the Holy of Holies and atonement.

    Apr 19, 2026·1h 48m·2 clips
  52. 52

    Parsha: Tazria Metzora - Better Animals of our Nature

    Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe discusses the double Parsha Tazria and Metzora, marking the midpoint of the Parsha podcast's 10th year and teasing plans for year 11.

    Apr 16, 2026·56m
  53. 53

    Parsha: Tazria Metzora - Temporarily Embarrassed Millionaires (5784)

    Hidden gem

    Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe's Tazria-Metzora teaching connects the Torah's laws of tzaraat with spiritual flaws and the possibility of repentance.

    Apr 14, 2026·36m·2 clips
  54. 54

    The Pariah Messiah

    In “The Pariah Messiah,” Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe connects the Torah’s laws of tsaras with Talmudic accounts of Messiah as an outcast.

    Apr 13, 2026·47m·2 clips
  55. 55

    Parshas Tazria & Metzora (Rebroadcast)

    Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe discusses the double Parsha Tazria and Mitzorah, focusing on laws of purity and impurity from childbirth and skin maladies, with commentary from Rashi.

    Apr 12, 2026·1h 15m
  56. 56

    Parsha: Shemini - A Time For Boldness

    Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe discusses the weekly Torah portion (Parshas Shemini) and reflects on the end of Passover.

    Apr 10, 2026·49m
  57. 57

    Parsha: Shemini - Spiritual Cholesterol (5784)

    Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe discusses the Torah portion Parsha Shemini, covering the inauguration of the Tabernacle and the tragedy of Aaron's sons.

    Apr 7, 2026·52m
  58. 58

    Parshas Shemini (Rebroadcast)

    Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe discusses the eighth day of the tabernacle inauguration and the laws of kosher in Parsha Shemini.

    Apr 5, 2026·54m
  59. 59

    The Secret Passover Opportunity you Mustn't Pass-Over

    A rabbi discusses the significance of Passover and the Exodus from Egypt, with a fundraising appeal.

    Mar 30, 2026·58m