With the fast of the 10th of Teves approaching this week, I'm rebroadcasting episode 55 which contains such a powerful idea behind the spiritual power of this meaningful day. There are 6 public fast days on the Jewish calendar: Yom Kippur, Tisha B'Av (the 9th of Av), Tzom Gedalia (the 3rd of Tishrei), Asarah Biteves (the 10th of Teves), Taanis Esther (the 13th of Adar) and Shiva Asar Bi'Tammuz (the 17th of Tammuz).   And while Yom Kippur and the fast of Esther each have their own independent reason for fasting, the remaining four are much more interconnected. In this episode, you'll discover the historical connection between the fateful days of 10 Teves, 17 Tammus, 9 Av and 3 Tishrei, and how they're all part of one story of exile and destruction.  We'll see how the tenth of Teves (which is coming up next on December 14th, 2021) kickstarted this process and we'll then discover a deeper Kabbalistic understanding from the Chasam Sofer that sheds a whole new light on why the 10th of Teves plays such a uniquely important role in this process. Happy Listening! Rabbi Moshe To sponsor a podcast or make a tax-deductible donation to support this podcast and DATA of Richardson go to: https://thethinkingjew.com/support-us/ To contact me with any questions or feedback, please email thethinkingjewpodcast@gmail.com All the sources quoted in this podcast can be viewed on this source sheet: www.sefaria.org/sheets/367412

If you ask most people what the miracle of Chanuka was, they'll most likely respond with the story of a small jug of pure oil burning in the Temple for 8 nights.  After all, we light our menorahs for 8 nights to commemorate that miracle! But, was that really the greatest miracle?  Did a tiny small untrained Jewish army led by rabbis not defeat the mighty Greek Empire? So what is the REAL miracle of Chanuka?  What is our primary focus?  Join me as we look through Jewish sources to discover the answer to this question and walk away with a powerful lesson to carry with us into Chanuka! Happy Listening! Rabbi Moshe thethinkingjew.com To sponsor a podcast or make a tax-deductible donation to support this podcast and DATA of Richardson: https://thethinkingjew.com/support-us/ To contact me with questions, topic requests or speaking opportunities: thethinkingjewpodcast@gmail.com Source sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/453816?lang=bi

The Torah is broken up into many different sections and parts. The primary two being the written law (Torah She'bichsav) and the oral law (Torah She'ba'al Peh).   In today's episode I lay out the general structure of the Torah and show how all the sections are interconnected.   I also cover topics such as: 1) How could the oral law have been written down? 2) Was every prophecy received included in Prophets? 3) What's the difference between Torah, Prophets and Writings? 4) Why did God give both a written and oral Torah? Happy Listening! Rabbi Moshe thethinkingjew.com To sponsor a podcast or make a tax-deductible donation to support this podcast and DATA of Richardson: https://thethinkingjew.com/support-us/ To contact me with questions, topic requests or speaking opportunities: thethinkingjewpodcast@gmail.com Source sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/440902?lang=bi

This past week I asked close to 50 people to think of something that they want to improve at over this coming year. A whopping 100% (!!!) thought of something that they're really bad at and is extremely difficult for them.  This is often how we think.  We know what we're bad at and want to change it, but when we approach it head on, we often fail and remain in the exact same place. So, how do we create real change?  How do we become the best version of ourselves possible? Join me  as we look at the novel approach of Rav Kook to teshuva.  He presents a comfortable and practical method to real self-actualization! As always, feel free to reach out with any questions or topic requests. Happy Listening! Rabbi Moshe thethinkingjew.com To sponsor a podcast or make a tax-deductible donation to support this podcast and DATA of Richardson: https://thethinkingjew.com/support-us/ To contact me with questions, topic requests or speaking opportunities: thethinkingjewpodcast@gmail.com Source sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/431212?lang=bi

Do you find yourself approaching the High Holidays the same way every year?  Thinking about the same things you want to improve on that you said last year?  With so much busyness in life, how can we make a real change?  Join me as we look to our forefather Abraham, and his journey of finding God in a pagan culture, to help guide ourselves in 2022 and beyond! Happy Listening! Rabbi Moshe thethinkingjew.com To sponsor a podcast or make a tax-deductible donation to support this podcast and DATA of Richardson: https://thethinkingjew.com/support-us/ To contact me with questions, topic requests or speaking opportunities: thethinkingjewpodcast@gmail.com Source sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/429840?lang=bi

After being diagnosed with terminal cancer, Brittany Maynard moved to Oregon, then (2014) one of only four states with legalized physician assisted suicide.  She was a big activist for legalizing suicide for terminal patients, allowing them to "die on their own terms". In this class, we take a deep dive into the traditional sources on suicide and physician assisted suicide across many texts in the written and oral law, discussing such questions as: Is there any allowance for suicide in the Torah?  What is the Torah's perspective on pain and pain management?  Are we obligated to treat every disease or can we let it run its course?  What is the Torah's perspective on "quality of life" vs. life itself?   Happy Listening! Rabbi Moshe thethinkingjew.com To sponsor a podcast or make a tax-deductible donation to support this podcast and DATA of Richardson: https://thethinkingjew.com/support-us/ To contact me with questions, topic requests or for speaking engagements: thethinkingjewpodcast@gmail.com Original source sheet from class (Hebrew): https://tinyurl.com/pashalacha Online source sheet (Eng/Heb): https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/425238

Wouldn't life be simpler if we could just walk into a building and experience God? Would it not answer so many questions and doubts?  Would it not provide such clarity of purpose and mission? A long time ago, when the Temple stood in Jerusalem it provided just that.  Entering the temple was a transcendent experience - as if you were now experiencing life on a higher dimension.  So the question I explore in this episode is why did God remove that from us?  Why would God not want us to have a whole-body spiritually immersive experience to help us reconnect and refocus? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this as well, so feel free to reach out (thethinkingjewpodcast@gmail.com) Happy Listening! Rabbi Moshe thethinkingjew.com To sponsor a podcast or make a tax-deductible donation to support this podcast and DATA of Richardson: https://thethinkingjew.com/support-us/ To contact me with questions, topic requests or speaking opportunities: thethinkingjewpodcast@gmail.com Source sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/423016?lang=bi

The first words a Jew says when he or she wakes up is 𝘔𝘰𝘥𝘦𝘩 𝘈𝘯𝘪, a prayer expressing thanks to God for another day.  Jewish law desires one to say this prayer so immediately upon waking that the prayer doesn't contain the name of God in it, so one can say it even before they wash their hands (𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘢𝘥𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘮). What is so special about this prayer that our sages instituted it as the first words, and really the first thoughts, of the day?  What is the deeper meaning behind it? Join me as I go through the text, the history and the meaning behind this beautiful 12 word opening prayer. Happy Listening! Rabbi Moshe thethinkingjew.com To sponsor a podcast or make a tax-deductible donation to support this podcast and DATA of Richardson: https://thethinkingjew.com/support-us/ To contact me with questions, topic requests or speaking opportunities: thethinkingjewpodcast@gmail.com Source sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/421321?lang=bi

This coming weekend begins the saddest part of the Jewish calendar.  Occurring across a three week period, between the 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av, this time period has held the most terrible tragedies for the Jewish nation. What were those tragedies?  What's the history behind these ominous days?  What's the message for us nowadays?  What are the practical laws (halachahs) that apply during this time? In this episode, I provide a broad overview of this time period: beginning with the history, then the deeper meaning and concluding with the relevant laws. Happy Listening! Rabbi Moshe thethinkingjew.com To sponsor a podcast or make a tax-deductible donation to support this podcast and DATA of Richardson: https://thethinkingjew.com/support-us/ To contact me with questions or topic requests: thethinkingjewpodcast@gmail.com Complete source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/419326

In this episode we look into the concept of genetics in Torah law.  When are we developing the world and using the resources God gave us and when are we playing God?   Is it ethical to pick the gender of a child?  What about their height/eye color?  What if it impacts their health? Does that make it better? In addition to these general questions, we discuss the Rabbis approach to genetic diseases in the Jewish community (specifically Tay Sachs), the concept of determining Jewish/Kohein status based on genetic testing and many other thoughts connected to genetics as well. Happy listening! Rabbi Moshe As I move over the next few weeks, I will be posting episodes on fascinating topics in Jewish Bioethics from classes I gave to a group of Medical Doctors.  Once I'm settled, I intend on restarting the shorter 10-15 minute style I've used until now. To sponsor a podcast or make a tax-deductible donation to support this podcast and DATA of Richardson go to: https://thethinkingjew.com/support-us/ Full Hebrew Source sheets here For questions comments or topic requests, email: thethinkingjewpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode we take a look at the fascinating case of Cassandra C.  In September 2014, Cassandra C., then 17 years old, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. After lying to the courts and running away from chemo, she was placed under the custody of the Connecticut Dept. of Children and Families. She was then forced to complete treatments against her and her family’s wishes, ultimately resulting in her complete recovery. In this episode we discuss the Torah's perspective on the following ethical questions: Are there any limits to personal autonomy in Jewish law? Is one allowed to deny treatment of a curable disease? If one is making a bad medical decision, can we coerce them into taking the necessary treatment? As I move over the next few weeks, I will be posting episodes on fascinating topics in Jewish Bioethics from classes I gave to a group of Medical Doctors.  Once I'm settled, I intend on restarting the shorter 10-15 minute style I've used until now.  I'd love your feedback on which you like! Happy listening! Rabbi Moshe To sponsor a podcast or make a tax-deductible donation to support this podcast and DATA of Richardson go to: https://thethinkingjew.com/support-us/ Source sheets can be accessed at www.sefaria.org/sheets/415387 Full Hebrew Source sheets here Legal Documentation from the Supreme Court of Connecticut can be found here For questions comments or topic requests, email: thethinkingjewpodcast@gmail.com

Have you ever felt trapped in a certain behavior pattern and struggled to break out?  Often when we approach our behaviors head on, we lose badly.  How can the Torah guide us in this aspect? In Numbers chapter 6 the Torah discusses the Nazirite, one who accepts upon himself to separate from certain physical pleasures and focus on their spiritual growth.  And, the commentaries all struggle with understanding this section.  In one place, the Torah describes him as holy and even compares him to the high priest, but at the same time the Torah requires him to bring a sin offering, implying he's doing something wrong? Join me as we take a deeper look at the Nazir and try to understand exactly what he is attempting to accomplish.  Once we understand that, we can apply it to improving our own lives as well! All the sources quoted in this podcast can be viewed on this source sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/414076?lang=bi Happy Listening! Rabbi Moshe To sponsor a podcast or make a tax-deductible donation to support this podcast and DATA of Richardson go to: https://thethinkingjew.com/support-us/ For questions comments or topic requests, email: thethinkingjewpodcast@gmail.com

While traveling in the desert, God commands Moses to set up the Jews in very specific formation; three tribes in each direction and the tabernacle in the center.  The Torah also teaches that each encampment had its own flag, as well as each tribe had its own flag. What was the role of these flags and encampments?  Why not keep the people united as one whole group?  To strengthen the question, one of the great merits the Jews had when they received the Torah was their unity, so why would God seemingly want to alter that by dividing them? Join me as we take a deeper look into what flags represent as well as the Kabbalistic parallels between the tribes encampment around the Tabernacle and the angels' encampment around God's throne of glory.  Happy Listening! Rabbi Moshe To sponsor a podcast or make a tax-deductible donation to support this podcast and DATA of Richardson go to: https://thethinkingjew.com/support-us/ For questions comments or topic requests, email: thethinkingjewpodcast@gmail.com All the sources quoted in this podcast can be viewed on this source sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/410917

I heard earlier today that one of my greatest Rabbis passed away.  His name was Rabbi Eliyahu Margulies zt'l, and he was the first teacher I had that really opened my eyes to the deeper side of Torah.  Many of the ideas that I share on this podcast and throughout all of my teaching are sourced in what I learned from this great man. In his honor and in his memory, I decided to share a beautiful and deep idea that I heard from him 10 years ago (to the week), when I was studying in the great Mir Yeshiva in Jerusalem. He left behind a wife and seven children and a fund was set up to assist them going forward.  If you would like to participate in this great mitzvah, you can donate here: https://secure.cardknox.com/congregationramatshlomo In today's episode we discuss the two parts of the counting of the Omer: the first 32 days and the last 17.  The great Maharal explains that the first 32 days correspond to the concept of Kavod, honor, which has a numerical value (gematria) of 32, while the last 17 days reflect tov, goodness, which has a value of 17. In this class Rabbi Margulies zt'l explained each of these concepts individually and then explained how it connected back to the counting of the Omer and the upcoming holiday of Shavuos. May the neshama of HaRav Eliyahu Menachem ben Rav Eliezer Tzadok zt'l have an aliyah. Happy Listening! Rabbi Moshe To sponsor a podcast or make a tax-deductible donation to support this podcast and DATA of Richardson go to: https://thethinkingjew.com/support-us/ For questions comments or topic requests, email: thethinkingjewpodcast@gmail.com All the sources quoted in this podcast can be viewed on this source sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/408351?lang=bi

One of the most famous Jewish dictums is (Leviticus 19:18), "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."  But this verse seems quite difficult!  Is it really possible?  What does that mean?  Do I really have to do everything that I would do for myself for all my Jewish brethren as well?  Buy them their groceries?  Lease them a car?  Take out a mortgage for them?  It seems impossible! Join me as we analyze a fascinating debate between the Rambam (Maimonides) and the Ramban (Nachmanides) regarding the obligation of this famous verse.  We'll also discuss another fascinating verse from Leviticus (25:36) which seems to prioritize your life to the life of your brother and try to figure out how to resolve these apparently contradictory verses. Happy Listening! Rabbi Moshe To sponsor a podcast or make a tax-deductible donation to support this podcast and DATA of Richardson go to: https://thethinkingjew.com/support-us/ For questions comments or topic requests, email: thethinkingjewpodcast@gmail.com All the sources quoted in this podcast can be viewed on this source sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/404880?lang=bi

There is a biblical obligation to count 50 days from the Omer offering (Leviticus chapter 23), and then on the 50th day to bring an offering of two breads and celebrate a holiday (Shavuos).  Even in modern times, in which we no longer have a temple and can no longer perform these offerings, we still count the 50 day period from when the Omer should've been brought until Shavuos. What exactly is the purpose of the counting?  Why is the Omer offering brought in the middle of Passover?  What is the connection between Passover and Shavuos (the two bookends of this counting)?  Why does the Torah require the Omer offering to be from barley while the two bread offering must be from leavened wheat?  Why is Shavuos celebrated as the 50th day from the Omer and not based on a calendar date? Join me as we look into the deeper connection between Passover and Shavuos, and how the respective offerings brought on each holiday connects to the essence of what that holiday represents.  With that knowledge in place, we can unlock the deeper meaning of the counting of the Omer! Happy Listening! Rabbi Moshe To sponsor a podcast or make a tax-deductible donation to support this podcast and DATA of Richardson go to: https://thethinkingjew.com/support-us/ For questions comments or topic requests, email: thethinkingjewpodcast@gmail.com All the sources quoted in this podcast can be viewed on this source sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/403574?lang=bi

The Yahrtzeit is the Hebrew date of passing of a close family member.  There are many customs observed on the yahrtzeit as a merit for the departed soul, such as, lighting a 24 hour candle, learning Torah and saying the mourner's kaddish. In this episode, I take a deeper look at the significance of the yahrtzeit and its customs.  What exactly happens to the soul on the yahrtzeit?  Why is the Hebrew date of passing still significant in future years?  What can we practically do to carry on the legacy of our relative's that are no longer in this world? Big thank you to Sasha and Alyssa Sicular for sponsoring this episode with a gold level sponsorship in memory of Sasha's father, Roy Sicular ob'm, Yerachmiel ben Chaim Ha'Levy z'l. May the Torah learned here serve as a great merit for his soul. Happy Listening! Rabbi Moshe To sponsor a podcast or make a tax-deductible donation to support this podcast and DATA of Richardson go to: https://thethinkingjew.com/support-us/ For questions comments or topic requests, email: thethinkingjewpodcast@gmail.com All the sources quoted in this podcast can be viewed on this source sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/401908?lang=bi

What is the real definition of "freedom"? Is it doing whatever we want, however we want, whenever we want or is it something more internal?  How does the Torah define freedom?   Join me as we analyze a few unique stories of "freedom" to uncover this essential principle.  Additionally, we'll discuss many other fundamental ideas, such as free choice, the receiving of the Torah, and our general decision making process. This is an edited recording of a class I gave in 2018 on the topic of freedom and Passover. I hope you enjoy! Happy Listening! Rabbi Moshe As always, I'd love to hear from you! You can reach me at thethinkingjewpodcast@gmail.com To sponsor a podcast or make a tax-deductible donation to support this podcast and DATA of Richardson go to: https://thethinkingjew.com/support-us/ Source sheet for this episode: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/400821

This episode is the last one discussing the laws of Passover.  In episode 68, I discussed the laws (and philosophy) of removing chametz from your house in general.  In episode 69, I discussed how to kasher your year-round kitchen to allow you to use it for cooking Passover food.  In this episode, I discuss the laws of the Passover Seder. We'll go through each step of the seder and mention the relevant laws to that section.  Also, a final reminder to sell your chametz (as discussed in episode 68).  If you would like me to be your agent for that, please reach out. Happy Listening! Rabbi Moshe To sponsor a podcast or make a tax-deductible donation to support this podcast and DATA of Richardson go to: https://thethinkingjew.com/support-us/ For questions comments or topic requests, email: thethinkingjewpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, I discuss the laws of using your year-round kitchen for Passover foods.  Obviously, we want to avoid any chametz from getting into our Passover food, but in addition to actual physical chametz, the Torah prohibits chametz "flavor" from being cooked into our Passover food as well. The episode begins with the general rules of taste transfers in Jewish law and then goes through the classic sections and appliances in your kitchen, teaching you how to prepare each one for use on Passover. If you have any specific questions, you can always reach me at thethinkingjewpodcast@gmail.com Happy Listening! Rabbi Moshe To sponsor a podcast or make a tax-deductible donation to support this podcast and DATA of Richardson go to: https://thethinkingjew.com/support-us/ For questions comments or topic requests, you can reach me at thethinkingjewpodcast@gmail.com