Orla - Forbidden Fruit

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1. 

   24 May 2026 · 46 min

   What does "Amen" mean?

   The word "Amen" is used by Jews throughout our prayers and in daily life to respond to blessings. What does the word Amen mean? Where does it come from? When is it appropriate to respond Amen and when is it not? Are there other appropriate responses to a blessing? A fascinating discussion about the origins and meaning of "Amen".

2. 

   17 May 2026 · 40 min

   Staying Awake on Shavuot Night

   There is an old custom to stay awake and study Torah all night on the eve of Shavuot. Many recite the Tikkun, a collection of readings from the written and oral Torahs. Where did this custom originate, and what is the reason for it? A fascinating discussion about the custom of staying awake on Shavuot Night

3. 

   10 May 2026 · 50 min

   Pirkei Avot - The Jewish Ethical Code

   Pirkei Avot is one of the earliest classic Jewish works of ethics. Pirkei Avot is a collection of inspirational teachings and life-lessons from the sages of the Mishnah (0-200 CE). It was written as part of the Mishna over 1,800 years ago. There is a widespread custom to study Pirkei Avot on Shabbat afternoon of the weeks between Passover and Shavuot. A fascinating discussion about Pirkei Avot. why it was written and some of its important lessons.

4. 

   3 May 2026 · 43 min

   Zohar: Judaism's secret book

   The Zohar has been a difficult and elusive book throughout our history. A large tome, written in Western Aramaic and cryptic in its meaning the Zohar has mystified scholars and layman alike. The history of the Zohar, who wrote it and who studied it remain debated among scholars. A discussion about the Zohar's author Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and the book itself. (This class was originally taught in 2016)

5. 

   26 Apr 2026 · 42 min

   Does the Torah mean everything it says?

   Are the Torah's words meant to be taken at face value? If the Torah says something, should we accept it as written? It may come as a surprise to many that one of the central belief in Judaism is that the Torah was never meant to be taken at face value. Rather the Torah was written in code and we can only understand it if we know how to decipher the code. A fascinating discussion about the Torah, its meaning, and an exploration of examples where we believe the Torah meant something other than what is written.

6. 

   12 Apr 2026 · 58 min

   When Fulfilling One Commandment Violates Another

   Sometimes, fulfilling one Torah commandment requires violating another. For example, if a baby is born on Shabbat, then the eighth day will be the following Shabbat. Circumcising the child violates the prohibition against drawing blood on Shabbat. What should you do? A fascinating discussion about what the Halacha (Torah law) tells us to do when fulfilling one commandment violates another.

7. 

   5 Apr 2026 · 40 min

   The prohibition of Kitnoyot on Passover

   The Torah prohibits us from eating or even owning Chametz, leavened grain products on Passover. However Ashkenazic Jews are careful not to eat any beans or legumes on the holiday. How did this custom begin? What is the reason for it? Why do many Saphardic Jews not keep it? A discussion about the laws of Passover and the development of the Kitniyot prohibition. (Please note, this was recorded over Zoom so the sound quality is weaker than normal) Have a Happy Passover!

8. 

   29 Mar 2026 · 30 min

   Don't Slow Down - Keep Growing

   As people age, they tend to slow down. In today's culture, people work for decades towards retirement when they can stop working altogether and just relax. The Rebbe, took a very different approach. He believed that as long as we are alive and have the capacity to work, we must continue working, never retiring or even slowing down. A fascinating discussion about the Rebbe's views on retirement and continued growth.

9. 

   15 Mar 2026 · 46 min

   Salt in Judaism

   Salt is a crucial mineral for human health and for nature. Salt also plays a prominent role in Judaism. We salt meat with salt. Salt was widely used in sacrifices at the Temple in Jerusalem. We dip our bread in salt. And the priestly covenant with G-d is described as a covenant of salt. A fascinating discussion about salt and the unique role it plays in Judaism.

10. 

    9 Mar 2026 · 51 min

    Finding the 10 Lost Tribes

    Jewish traditions teach that 10 of the 12 tribes were exiled from the Land of Israel more than 2,500 years ago and many think that they have since disappeared. For much of Jewish history, Jews and non-Jews have searched for the 10 Lost Tribes in various places, making amazing discoveries that lead to a fascinating story about the search for the lost tribes. A fascinating discussion about the historic search for the 10 Lost Tribes and the discoveries they led to. We've previously discussed what actually happened to the 10 tribes. You can listen here on ⁠Spotify⁠ or on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ .