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Recent episodes
Is Being Anti-Israel the Same as Being Antisemitic?
May 20, 2026
2m 22s
My Dog Ate My Kippah - Does It Need Jewish Burial?
May 13, 2026
2m 41s
If Torah Forbids Adding Laws, How Do Rabbinic Mitzvot Exist?
May 6, 2026
3m 03s
How Do I Start Being More Jewish?
Apr 29, 2026
2m 44s
Why Do Jewish Women Cover Their Hair?
Apr 22, 2026
2m 52s
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| Date | Episode | Description | Length | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/20/26 | ![]() Is Being Anti-Israel the Same as Being Antisemitic? | π§ Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcastsIn this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle a great and very timely question: Is it antisemitic to be anti-Israel? This is a nuanced issue that requires careful understanding of the difference between legitimate criticism and hate.I lived in Israel for about nine years, and I can tell you that nobody is more critical of Israel than Israelis themselves. Well, maybe the UN, but aside from them, Israelis are Israel's harshest critics. There's nothing antisemitic about being against a specific aspect of the Israeli government or a particular policy they've implemented. Democracies invite and require criticism that's healthy and normal.But with that said, there is a very fine line. We're finding that so much antisemitic rhetoric and antisemitic tropes that have existed for thousands of years are being rebranded as anti-Zionism or anti-Israel sentiment, and that IS antisemitic, and it IS a problem.I point to concrete evidence: During the clash between Gaza and Israel in May 2021, antisemitic attacks around the world, including here in the United States, skyrocketed. There was a direct correlation between anti-Israel rhetoric and antisemitic violence. People were being beaten up on the streets of the United States who had no connection to Israel or anything specifically happening in the Middle East.The key question to ask yourself: Am I criticizing the policy of a democratic country (which is totally okay), or am I trying to delegitimize Israel's right to exist? The former is legitimate political discourse. The latter is another form of antisemitism that's becoming increasingly popular today in the United States. If you follow the trends, it's actually quite scary. | 2m 22s | ||||||
| 5/13/26 | ![]() My Dog Ate My Kippah - Does It Need Jewish Burial? | In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a beautifully rhymed question: "Michael ate my kippah." Does it need to go to genizah?" Let me first clarify the terms: a kippah is the head covering Jewish men traditionally wear, Michael is a dog, and genizah is the process and place where we bury holy items. Genizah (also known as "shaimos," literally "names") is required when a piece of parchment or paper has God's name on it; we're not allowed to destroy it or throw it away, so it gets buried the same way a human being would. The question is, does a destroyed kippah need Jewish burial, or can it just be thrown out? The simple answer is no, it does not need genizah. A kippah (yarmulke) has no spiritual significance whatsoever. It's nothing more than a convenient way to cover our heads. Jewish men cover their heads to constantly remind themselves that God is above that's actually where the term "yarmulke" comes from: "yirat Malka," meaning "fear of the King" or "awe of Heaven."But how I cover my head isn't mandated. I can use a turban, hood, baseball cap, or fedoraβreally, any head covering counts. The fact that I wear one type of covering versus another is insignificant. The yarmulke has absolutely no inherent spiritual value. I often see people drop their kippah, pick it up, and kiss it the same way we kiss a holy Jewish book or other sacred item that falls.This is totally unnecessary because, as I said, it doesn't have any spiritual or religious significance.Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,Please email us at Dearrabbi@Joidenver.comπ§Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. ποΈπFollow us for more:Website - https://www.joidenver.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenverFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenverYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenverPinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiySubscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi. | 2m 41s | ||||||
| 5/6/26 | ![]() If Torah Forbids Adding Laws, How Do Rabbinic Mitzvot Exist? | π§ Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcastsIn this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle an excellent paradox: The Torah explicitly states that one is prohibited from adding or subtracting from the mitzvot. So how then do rabbinic mitzvot come to be? Isn't that adding to the Torah?You're correct that the Torah forbids us from adding or detracting from it, and both are equally problematic. Your question is so good that the Ramban (Nachmanides) himself asks it: How did the rabbis make fences for the Torah? Isn't that adding to it?I explain the crucial distinction between rabbinic mitzvot and adding to the Torah. Adding to the Torah would be claiming "this is what the Torah says" when the Torah doesn't actually say it. Rabbinic mitzvot are very different; the rabbis are doing exactly what the Torah commands them to do: putting up protective fences to prevent people from transgressing actual Torah law. The key is understanding the distinction between rabbinic law and Torah law. As long as we recognize these are safeguards protecting us from violating biblical Torah law, it's not only acceptable but actually required by the Torah itself. Think of guardrails on a highway or a fence on top of a high roof. If we take Torah seriously, we need those guardrails to keep us in line.History proves the wisdom of rabbinic laws. I've personally looked at some and thought, "Are you serious?" If X happens, then Y will happen? They seem totally disconnected!" But history shows that Jewish communities that abandoned rabbinic laws began abandoning Torah laws as well. The direct correlation validates the rabbis' foresight.Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,Please email us at Dearrabbi@Joidenver.comπ§Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. ποΈπFollow us for more:Website - https://www.joidenver.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenverFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenverYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenverPinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiySubscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi. | 3m 03s | ||||||
| 4/29/26 | ![]() How Do I Start Being More Jewish? | π§ Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcastsIn this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a question many people ask: What is the best way to get started in wanting to be more involved in Jewish life? The answer is refreshingly simple and accessible.Luckily, Judaism is not all or nothing. It's better to do something than to do nothing at all. While that might sound obvious, it's not the way many Jews approach Judaism. I hear people say all the time, "Rabbi, why should I light Shabbat candles?" I don't keep Shabbos." But here's the truth: the fact that you might go to the movies after lighting candles does not invalidate the mitzvah you've done by lighting those Shabbat candles. This applies to all of our mitzvot.My recommendation is to find those aspects of Judaism that speak to you personally. Find what's most meaningful, and if you're going to start somewhere, start there. But how do you know which aspects are most meaningful? The only way to really know is to begin learning more about Judaism. The more you study Torah, the more you discover what's out there and the different ways Judaism can enhance your life. Start studying, whether one-on-one with a rabbi or anyone who knows more Torah than you, or through resources like Aish.com, which has thousands of articles on every topic imaginable. Rabbi Akiva famously said in the Talmud that learning is most important because learning leads to action. You can't possibly do the mitzvot until you learn about them, what they are, how they work, and how they can enhance your life.Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,Please email us at Dearrabbi@Joidenver.comπ§Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. ποΈπFollow us for more:Website - https://www.joidenver.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenverFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenverYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenverPinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiySubscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi. | 2m 44s | ||||||
| 4/22/26 | ![]() Why Do Jewish Women Cover Their Hair? | π§ Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcastsIn this episode of Dear Rabbi, we answer a question about a distinctive Jewish practice: Why do some Jewish women cover their hair? For this episode, my wife Sarah Lehrfield shares her personal perspective as a Jewish woman who covers her hair. Sarah explains that hair covering marks a significant transition in a woman's life as she enters marriage. The unification of souls is an essential part of this transition, which for centuries and even today involves the first experiences with intimacy.This transformation makes a woman aware of what her body is capable of and the power her physical feminine presence holds. She discusses how a woman can sometimes get distracted by the gift of her own sensuality and begin to identify herself more as a body than as a person with a mind, thoughts, opinions, personality, gifts, creativity, and intellect. It's easy to forget her prime identity, her soul, her internal and most valuable self. Many women find joy and benefit in covering their hair for different reasons. For Sarah personally, covering her hair reminds her that her body is always secondary to her soul and that she wants to continue projecting to the world the parts of herself that matter most: her character, wisdom, and inner qualities rather than just her physical appearance. When a woman comes home and lets her hair down, she enhances the sacred, private, intimate connection with her spouse, the one person with whom there's no risk of being seen as anyone other than who she truly is. Sarah concludes with a beautiful parallel: A man covers his head to remind him of what is above him (God), and a woman covers her hair to remind her of what is within her (her soul).Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,Please email us at Dearrabbi@Joidenver.comπ§Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. ποΈπFollow us for more:Website - https://www.joidenver.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenverFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenverYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenverPinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiySubscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi. | 2m 52s | ||||||
| 4/15/26 | ![]() Why Does God Stay Hidden? | π§ Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcastsIn this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address a profound spiritual question: Why does God want some distance? Even when we draw close with broken hearts in prayer, why does God remain hidden? I explore this concept through the lens of Purim, where God is famously hidden throughout the entire story. In the Book of Esther, which we read on Purim, God's name is never mentioned explicitly. Yet our sages tell us the name is there, hidden. Every time the text says "HaMelech" (the King) by itself, it refers to God Himself - the ultimate King. When it says "Ahasuerus," it refers to the historical Persian king. I explain the mask analogy: When someone wears a mask, they're very close to you - if they were far away, the distance itself would hide their identity.You only need a mask when you're close. Similarly, God was very close during the Purim story, which is why He needed the "mask" to remain hidden. But why does God do this? The simple answer is: I don't know. Moses himself asked God to understand His ways - why bad things happen to good people and vice versa - and God answered that humans cannot comprehend this and live. However, I offer an analogy from parenting: when my kids are in ski school, I want to watch their progress, but I hide behind a tree because if they see me, they won't work as hard. When something's difficult and your parent is right there, the natural tendency is to give up and ask for help.Just as God told the Jewish people at the Red Sea, "Don't pray to me now - start walking, start doing, start acting," sometimes we need sink-or-swim moments. We need opportunities to rise to the occasion, and for that to happen, God needs to be hidden. It's uncomfortable and scary, but this is what eventually makes us become the people God knows we're capable of becoming.Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,Please email us at Dearrabbi@Joidenver.comπ§Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. ποΈπFollow us for more:Website - https://www.joidenver.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenverFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenverYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenverPinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiySubscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi. | 3m 21s | ||||||
| 3/25/26 | ![]() If Torah Says Don't Add to Mitzvot, How Do Rabbinic Laws Exist? | π§ Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcastsIn this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle an excellent paradox: The Torah explicitly states that one is prohibited from adding or subtracting from the mitzvot. So how then do rabbinic mitzvot come to be? Isn't that adding to the Torah? You're correct that the Torah forbids us from adding or detracting from it, and both adding and detracting are equally problematic. Your question is so good that the Rambam (Maimonides) himself asks it: How did the rabbis make fences for the Torah? Isn't that adding to it? I explain the crucial distinction between rabbinic mitzvot and adding to the Torah.Adding to the Torah would be claiming "this is what the Torah says" when the Torah doesn't actually say it. Rabbinic mitzvot, however, are very different. The rabbis are doing exactly what the Torah commands them to doβputting up protective fences to prevent people from transgressing actual Torah law. The key is that we understand the distinction between rabbinic law and Torah law. As long as we recognize these are safeguards put in place to protect us from violating biblical Torah law, it's not only acceptable but actually required by the Torah itself.Think of it like guardrails on a highway or a fence on top of a high roof - if we take Torah seriously and want to ensure we don't transgress biblical law, we need those guardrails to keep us in line. History proves the wisdom of rabbinic laws. I personally have looked at some rabbinic laws and thought, "Are you serious? You really think if X happens, then Y will happen?They seem totally disconnected!" But we have the benefit of history, and we can see that Jewish communities that abandoned rabbinic laws actually began abandoning Torah laws as well. The direct correlation between transgression of rabbinic law and the forgetting of Torah law is remarkable and validates the rabbis' foresight.Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,Please email us at Dearrabbi@Joidenver.comπ§Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. ποΈπFollow us for more:Website - https://www.joidenver.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenverFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenverYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenverPinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiySubscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! ππποΈ | 3m 03s | ||||||
| 3/18/26 | ![]() Do Jews Believe in Reincarnation? Gilgul Neshamot Explained | π§ Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcastsIn this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a question that surprises many people: Do Jews believe in reincarnation? The short answer is yes. Judaism does believe in the concept of gilgul neshamot (reincarnation of souls), according to many of our sages.Practically all of us alive today are reincarnations of previous souls and lives. What this means is that if a person, for whatever reason, did not fulfill their purpose in this world during their lifetime, they get to try again. I know it sounds a lot like a video game: you do your best, try as hard as you can, and if you die without finishing your mission, you get to try again.I explain how the Zohar finds a biblical reference to this in the laws of levirate marriage (yibum). When a man dies childless, his widow is obligated to marry his brother, and the Torah states that the firstborn son "shall succeed in the name of his dead brother, that his name not be erased from the Jewish people." " The Zohar reveals this as the secret of reincarnation: the child born from this union is actually a reincarnation of the deceased brother.The earliest biblical reference may be from the Book of Job, chapter 33, verse 30: "Behold, God does all these things with man two or three times... to bring back his soul from the grave, to bask in the light of the living." So yes, Jews do believe in reincarnation, though it's not as widely known as other Jewish beliefs.Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,Please email us at Dearrabbi@Joidenver.comπ§Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. ποΈπFollow us for more:Website - https://www.joidenver.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenverFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenverYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenverPinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiySubscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! ππποΈ | 2m 25s | ||||||
| 3/11/26 | ![]() How Do I Start Being More Involved in Judaism? | π§ Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcastsIn this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a question many people ask: What is the best way to get started in wanting to be more involved in Jewish life? The answer might surprise you with how accessible and flexible it actually is.Luckily, Judaism is not all or nothing. It's better to do something than to do nothing at all. While that might sound obvious, it's not the way many Jews approach Judaism. I hear people say all the time, "Rabbi, why should I light Shabbat candles?" I don't keep Shabbos." But here's the truth: the fact that you might go to the movies after lighting candles does not invalidate the mitzvah you've done by lighting those candles. This applies to all of our mitzvot. My recommendation is to find those aspects of Judaism that speak to you personally. Find what's most meaningful to you, and if you're going to start somewhere, you might as well start there. But how do you know which aspects are most meaningful? The only way to really know is to begin learning more about Judaism. The more you study Torah, the more you discover what's out there and learn the different ways Judaism can enhance your life.So the only way to begin is to start studying, whether one-on-one with a rabbi or anyone who knows more Torah than you, or through resources like Aish.com, which has thousands of articles on every topic imaginable. Rabbi Akiva famously said in the Talmud that learning is most important because learning leads to action. You can't possibly do the mitzvot until you learn about them, what they are, how they work, and how they can enhance your life.Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,Please email us at Dearrabbi@Joidenver.comπ§Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. ποΈπFollow us for more:Website - https://www.joidenver.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenverFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenverYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenverPinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiySubscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! ππποΈ | 2m 44s | ||||||
| 3/4/26 | ![]() Can Someone With a Tattoo Be Buried in a Jewish Cemetery? | π§ Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcastsIn this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer one of the most common misconceptions about Jewish law: Can a person with a tattoo be buried in a Jewish cemetery? The short answer is yes - even someone with a tattoo can absolutely be buried in a Jewish cemetery.That's not to say tattoos are condoned by Judaism. The Torah (the Bible) makes it very clear that it is forbidden to get a tattoo. But why? I explain that we look at our bodies as holy receptacles for our souls. Just like you wouldn't borrow a Bentley from someone and put bumper stickers all over it, we believe our bodies are, so to speak, borrowed. They're here to fulfill a specific purpose - housing our souls and allowing us to connect spiritually through action in this physical world. Therefore, we don't want to permanently mark them up with those proverbial bumper stickers.However, having a tattoo doesn't disqualify someone from Jewish burial. This is just one of many misconceptions people have about Jewish law and burial practices. The reality is far more compassionate and understanding than the myths suggest.Whether you have tattoos yourself, know someone who does, or are simply curious about Jewish burial customs and what actually disqualifies someone from Jewish cemetery burial, this episode clears up a widespread misunderstanding about Jewish practice and law.Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,Please email us at Dearrabbi@Joidenver.comπ§Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. ποΈπFollow us for more:Website - https://www.joidenver.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenverFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenverYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenverPinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiySubscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! ππποΈ | 1m 33s | ||||||
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| 2/25/26 | ![]() Where Did the "All Jews Are Rich" Stereotype Come From | π§ Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcastsIn this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle a persistent stereotype: Where did the idea come from that all Jews are rich? I can assure you it's not true in my case, and we all know Jews who are wealthy and Jews who are struggling, just like all of society. But the origin of this stereotype reveals something profound about Jewish values. I share a fascinating insight from Mark Twain, who once wrote an article addressing the root causes of antisemitism.While many people are familiar with the end of that article, where he talks about how Jews seem to be immortal, surviving despite everything the world has thrown at them, he makes a remarkable observation in the middle of the article. Mark Twain noted that because Jews take care of each other, you never find a Jewish beggar. Perhaps that's where the stereotype originated. Non-Jewish neighbors assumed Jews were all rich because they never saw Jewish people begging or asking for money on the streets.The reason, of course, wasn't because poor Jews didn't exist; rather, the Jewish community took care of them quietly and effectively. While stereotypes are generally negative, understanding the root of this particular one is something we should take pride in. Jewish people have always taken care of one another. This important Jewish valueβsharing what we have with others, taking care of our fellow brothers and sisters, and ensuring no Jew (or any human being) ever goes hungry has always been central to Jewish identity and community life.Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,Please email us at Dearrabbi@Joidenver.comπ§Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. ποΈπFollow us for more:Website - https://www.joidenver.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenverFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenverYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenverPinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiySubscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! ππποΈ | 2m 32s | ||||||
| 2/18/26 | ![]() Can You Buy a Mezuzah Online? What You NEED to Know Before | π§ Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcastsIn this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a crucial question: Is there anything wrong with buying a mezuzah online or at a gift shop? The answer might surprise you and could save you from making an expensive mistake. First, let me clarify we're talking about the mezuzah scroll itself (the parchment inside), not the decorative case. A mezuzah case doesn't have any inherent holiness and can be purchased anywhere you'd like. But the scroll inside is a completely different matter. It's extremely important that mezuzah scrolls are purchased from reputable sources, either directly from a sofer (scribe) or from someone trustworthy who deals in mezuzahs. Here's why: Unlike a Torah scroll, a mezuzah must be written in specific order from beginning to end without corrections. If a scribe makes a mistake two lines from the end, an unscrupulous person might just scratch it out and correct it, but that makes the mezuzah non-kosher because it wasn't written in proper order. In a Torah scroll, mistakes can be fixed anywhere, but with a mezuzah, you cannot. There's no way to know by looking at it whether it was written properly; you must trust the source. I can tell you from personal experience: every time I go to someone's home to put up mezuzahs, 98% of the time they have at least one mezuzah that is not even remotely kosher, meaning it was never kosher to begin with. I've seen mezuzahs written on paper and photocopies, and people who bought mezuzahs at their synagogue gift shop where the scroll was made of paper, yet the staff told them it was kosher. If you're purchasing mezuzahs, buy them from a reputable person who knows the scribe and can verify they're written properly according to Jewish law. I also share information about My Mezuzah (mymezuzah.org), an organization that provides free mezuzahs for anyone who needs them.Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,Please email us at Dearrabbi@Joidenver.comπ§Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. ποΈπFollow us for more:Website - https://www.joidenver.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenverFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenverYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenverPinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiySubscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! ππποΈ | 3m 06s | ||||||
| 2/11/26 | ![]() Where Did the "All Jews Are Rich" Stereotype Come From? The Surprising Truth | π§ Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcastsIn this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle a persistent stereotype: Where did the idea come from that all Jews are rich? I can assure you it's not true in my case, and we all know Jews who are wealthy and Jews who are struggling, just like all of society. But the origin of this stereotype reveals something profound about Jewish values. I share a fascinating insight from Mark Twain, who once wrote an article addressing the root causes of antisemitism.While many people are familiar with the end of that articleβwhere he talks about how Jews seem to be immortal, surviving despite everything the world has thrown at themβhe makes a remarkable observation in the middle of the article. Mark Twain noted that because Jews take care of each other, you never find a Jewish beggar. Perhaps that's where the stereotype originated. Non-Jewish neighbors assumed Jews were all rich because they never saw Jewish people begging or asking for money on the streets.The reason, of course, wasn't because poor Jews didn't existβrather, the Jewish community took care of them quietly and effectively. While stereotypes are generally negative, understanding the root of this particular one is something we should take pride in. Jewish people have always taken care of one another. This important Jewish valueβsharing what we have with others, taking care of our fellow brothers and sisters, and ensuring no Jew (or any human being) ever goes hungry - has always been central to Jewish identity and community life.Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,Please email us at Dearrabbi@Joidenver.comπ§Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. ποΈπFollow us for more:Website - https://www.joidenver.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenverFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenverYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenverPinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiySubscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! ππποΈ | 2m 32s | ||||||
| 1/28/26 | ![]() Why Does Hanukkah Change Dates Every Year? Jewish Calendar Explained | π§ Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcastsIn this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a question many people wonder about: What's up with the Jewish calendar? Why was Hanukkah on December 2nd one year, late December another year, and even overlapped with Thanksgiving a few years ago? Why does this calendar seem so different from the regular calendar we use?I explain that here in America and most of the Western world, we use the Gregorian calendar, which is purely solar at 365.2524 days. Other cultures use lunar calendars, like Islam, which track cycles of the moon. In lunar calendars, years are arbitrary, which is why Muslim holidays like Ramadan can fall in winter one year and summer another - the season doesn't matter. The Jewish calendar is unique because it's neither purely solar nor purely lunar - it's a luni-solar calendar. Unlike lunar calendars, our holidays must fall in specific seasons because they're intimately connected to the time of year.The Torah explicitly commands that Passover take place in springtime - a season of rejuvenation where everything comes to life and is reborn, mirroring how the Jewish people left Egypt and became a nation during the Exodus. To accomplish this seasonal alignment while following lunar months, we add an extra month of Adar seven times in every 19-year cycle. This means seven times every 19 years, we have 13 months instead of 12. If you're born in the month of Adar, you get to celebrate two birthdays during those leap years!This is why the Jewish calendar doesn't align with the English calendar exactly - it only does so every 19 years. Every 19 years, your English birthday and Hebrew birthday will fall on the same day.Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,Please email us at Dearrabbi@Joidenver.comπ§Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. ποΈπFollow us for more:Website - https://www.joidenver.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenverFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenverYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenverPinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiySubscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! ππποΈ | 3m 13s | ||||||
| 1/21/26 | ![]() Why Does the Jewish Day Start at Sundown? Biblical Wisdom Explained | π§ Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcastsIn this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a fascinating question: Why does the Jewish concept of a day start at sundown instead of midnight or sunrise like most modern calendars? As Jews, we do tend to do things differently, and this includes how we mark time - but there's profound wisdom behind it.I explain that in the biblical narrative of creation, throughout every day of creation, the Torah states: "And it was evening, and it was morning - day one..,. and it was evening, and it was morning - a second day, a third day," etc. By consistently placing evening before morning, the Torah teaches us that the Jewish concept of time begins with night. This is why all Jewish holidays begin the evening before, and every Jewish day actually begins at sundown.But there's a deeper meaning here. Perhaps Jewish wisdom is teaching us that "all is good in the end, and if it's not good, it's not the end." Night symbolizes difficulty, darkness, and challenge - things we all face in life. Daytime represents clarity, when things are going well and proceeding the way we want them to. We praise God openly in the day when His presence is clear, while at night we trust and have faith even when we don't see His presence.By beginning our day at night, before the morning comes, Judaism teaches us that there is always light ahead, always a positive following the darkness. The day always comes after the night, reminding us that challenges are temporary and goodness prevails in the end.Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,Please email us at Dearrabbi@Joidenver.comπ§Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. ποΈπFollow us for more:Website - https://www.joidenver.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenverFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenverYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenverPinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiySubscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! ππποΈ | 2m 19s | ||||||
| 12/24/25 | ![]() What's the Point of Prayer If God Already Knows What I Need? | π§ Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcastsIn this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle a fundamental question about prayer: What's the point if God already knows what I need? Are we trying to change God's mind? The answer reveals that worship is far more sophisticated than simply presenting God with an Amazon wish list.I explain that God already knows what we need, and if He's determined something isn't good for us, no amount of asking will change that - just like a parent won't give a three-year-old a knife no matter how much they beg, because it's dangerous. However, with a ten-year-old asking for a knife, the answer becomes "it depends" based on their intention and maturity.Through a humorous example about asking for a Lamborghini "to help old ladies," I demonstrate how prayer forces us to clarify what we truly want and why we want it. When we justify our requests, we often realize our real motivations - ego, status, selfish desires - versus genuine needs. This self-examination is one of prayer's primary purposes.Additionally, prayer reminds us that God is the only one who can truly provide what we need. Using a rabbi joke about asking for a burger at a library, I illustrate that asking someone for something implies believing they can give it to you. Prayer accomplishes two crucial things: clarifying what we want and why, and reminding ourselves that God is the ultimate source of everything we need.Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,Please email us at Dearrabbi@Joidenver.comπ§Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. ποΈπFollow us for more:Website - https://www.joidenver.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenverFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenverYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenverPinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiySubscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! ππποΈ | 3m 54s | ||||||
| 12/17/25 | ![]() Shabbos vs Shabbat: Why Jews Pronounce Hebrew Differently | π§ Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcastsIn this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a fascinating question about Jewish pronunciation: Why do some people say "Shabbos" while others say "Shabbat"? Is Shabbos actually Yiddish? The answer reveals a deeper story about Jewish history, migration, and the diversity within the Jewish people.I explain that both "Shabbos" and "Shabbat" are equally Hebrew - the difference comes from where Jews historically lived. Ashkenazi Jews (from Eastern European descent - the word literally means Germany) tend to say "Shabbos," while Sephardi Jews (from Spain, North Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Europe) say "Shabbat." The Sephardi story includes the famous 1492 expulsion from Spain - the same year Columbus sailed - when Jews were kicked out and spread to North Africa and the Ottoman Empire.The pronunciation difference stems from how each community treats the Hebrew letter "tav." Ashkenazim differentiate between tav with a dot (pronounced like "T") and without a dot (pronounced like "S"), which is why they say "Shabbos." Sephardim pronounce tav as "T" regardless of the dot, resulting in "Shabbat." I explain why many Jews today use Sephardi pronunciation even if they're Ashkenazi: When Israel was established, and Hebrew became a spoken language again, most founders were Sephardi, so modern Hebrew adopted their pronunciation. It's also simpler with fewer rules to remember. Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,Please email us at Dearrabbi@Joidenver.comπ§Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. ποΈπFollow us for more:Website - https://www.joidenver.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenverFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenverYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenverPinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiySubscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! ππποΈ | 4m 48s | ||||||
| 11/26/25 | ![]() Do Jews Believe in Soulmates? | π§ Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcastsIn this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explore whether Judaism believes in the concept of soulmates and explain the fascinating Jewish teaching of "bashert", the idea of a predestined partner. If you've ever wondered whether there's one perfect person out there for you, or how Jewish tradition views romantic destiny, this episode will provide profound insights that challenge modern assumptions about finding "the one."I explain that in Judaism, there is indeed a concept known as bashert, which means "predestined" or "meant to be." According to Jewish tradition, we're taught that before a child is even born - right after conception - a heavenly voice announces that this person is meant to be with that person. This suggests a divine plan for partnership that exists from the very beginning of our existence.But here's where Jewish wisdom adds a crucial twist to the popular soulmate narrative: Does the existence of a bashert mean you'll automatically find that soulmate? Not necessarily. And more importantly, Judaism places far more emphasis not on finding the soulmate, but on being the soulmate. This is a profound shift in perspective that transforms the entire approach to relationships and marriage.What does it mean to "be the soulmate" rather than just "find the soulmate"? It means we spend more effort on becoming the right partner and becoming the right person, instead of passively searching for the right person. This isn't a passive act of waiting for destiny to deliver your perfect match. It requires active self-improvement, character development, and preparation for partnership.Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,Please email us at Dearrabbi@Joidenver.comπ§Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. ποΈπFollow us for more:Website - https://www.joidenver.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenverFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenverYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenverPinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiySubscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! ππποΈ | 1m 56s | ||||||
| 11/19/25 | ![]() If God Knows Everything, Do I Really Have Free Will? The Rambam's Question Part 2 | π§ Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts.In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I continue from last week's discussion about free will and divine knowledge. Last week, I explained that just because God knows what you're going to choose doesn't stop you from making that choice - similar to how knowing someone's past actions doesn't negate that they made those choices freely. But this week, I tackle the Rambam's (Maimonides') question, which sounds identical but is actually profoundly different and much deeper.The Rambam's answer is both humble and profound: "Know that the answer to this question is longer than the earth and broader than the sea." In other words, we cannot fully comprehend the answer to this question. But to understand why this question is so much deeper than last week's, I explain a critical point the Rambam makes elsewhere in the same chapter.This episode covers the Rambam's formulation of the free will paradox, the fundamental difference between divine and human knowledge, why God's knowledge becoming part of His essence creates a deeper problem, the concept of divine unity and simplicity, why this question is "longer than the earth and broader than the sea," and what it means to hold seemingly contradictory truths in Judaism.Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,Please email us at Dearrabbi@Joidenver.comπ§Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. ποΈπFollow us for more:Website - https://www.joidenver.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenverFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenverYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenverPinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiySubscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! ππποΈ | 3m 19s | ||||||
| 11/12/25 | ![]() If God Knows Everything, Do I Really Have Free Will? Jewish Philosophy Explained Part 1 | π§ Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts.In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle one of the most profound philosophical questions in Judaism and theology: If God knows everything, including what choices I'm going to make, do I really have free will? After all, if God already knows what I'm going to choose, isn't my choice predetermined? This question has puzzled philosophers and theologians for centuries, but the answer may be simpler than you think.I start by explaining that just because God knows what you're going to choose doesn't stop you from making a free will choice. The key to understanding this lies in how God relates to time. From God's perspective, there is no time - God exists above time and beyond space. What was, what is, and what will be are all essentially the same to God, with no distinction between past, present, and future.To make this even clearer, I propose a thought experiment involving a time machine. Imagine you eat breakfast, and then I get into a time machine and go back ten minutes to watch you make your breakfast choices. I observe everything but don't interfere - I just watch. The fact that I know you chose Wheaties with a banana and orange juice doesn't mean you didn't have free will to make that decision. I just happen to know what you chose because in my timeline, it already happened. You're still making those choices yourself; I'm just observing from a different temporal perspective.Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,Please email us at Dearrabbi@Joidenver.comπ§Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. ποΈπFollow us for more:Website - https://www.joidenver.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenverFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenverYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenverPinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiySubscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! ππποΈ | 3m 26s | ||||||
| 10/29/25 | ![]() Is Judaism a Religion, Ethnicity, or Race? The Answer May Surprise You | π§ Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts.In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle one of the most frequently asked questions about Jewish identity: Is Judaism a religion, an ethnicity, or a race? This question became particularly relevant during the Whoopi Goldberg controversy and continues to confuse many people trying to understand what Judaism actually is. The answer is more complex and fascinating than you might think. I explain that Judaism predates all of these modern conceptions and categories. When we think about religion today, we're thinking about modern religious systems. But Judaism has been around for over a thousand years before the most recent of those religions emerged. The entire concept of categorizing something as purely a "religion," "ethnicity," or "race" is a relatively modern framework that we use to put things into neat boxes and make them fit our contemporary understanding - especially as Americans who like everything to make logical sense based on our own cultural conceptions. But here's the key insight: Judaism is older than all of those classification systems, and therefore it doesn't really fit neatly into any single one of those boxes. Judaism is actually all of the above and more. It's not just a religion, because even if a person doesn't believe in God, they're still considered Jewish. It's not just an ethnicity, because a person can be born into a completely different religion or no religion at all and choose to convert to Judaism, becoming fully Jewish. I explain that Judaism is more accurately described as a family, a tribe, or a covenant community - a group of people bound together by both genetics and sometimes by conscious choice.We have an entire podcast called "Zero Percent" where we spent a whole year exploring stories of Jews by choice - people who chose a Jewish way of life despite having no genetic Jewish ancestry. This is a completely valid Jewish experience, and some of the greatest Jews who ever lived were Jews by choice, including Ruth (King David's ancestor) and many prominent rabbis throughout history. This episode covers why modern categories don't fit Judaism, the difference between religion, ethnicity, and race, how someone can be Jewish without believing in God, the process and validity of conversion to Judaism, Jews by choice and their place in Jewish history, the concept of Judaism as a covenant community, and why Judaism defies simple categorization.Whether you're curious about Jewish identity, confused about how Judaism works as both a religion and ethnicity, interested in conversion to Judaism, exploring your own Jewish identity, seeking to understand the Whoopi Goldberg controversy about Jews and race, or simply wondering what makes someone Jewish, this episode offers clarity on one of the most misunderstood aspects of Jewish life and identity.Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,Please email us at Dearrabbi@Joidenver.comπ§Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. ποΈπFollow us for more:Website - https://www.joidenver.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenverFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenverYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenverPinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiySubscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! ππποΈ | 2m 28s | ||||||
| 10/8/25 | ![]() Why Do Jews Tell So Many Jokes About Being Jewish? | Jewish Humor Explained | In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explore one of the most recognizable aspects of Jewish culture: our love of humor and our tendency to tell jokes about being Jewish. If you've ever wondered why Jewish comedians dominate the comedy world or why Jews seem to have a joke for every situation, this episode reveals the profound survival mechanism behind Jewish humor.I explain that throughout millennia of persecution, Jews have experienced horrific acts of violence and oppression - literally anything you can imagine has been perpetrated against the Jewish people at some point in history. From ancient expulsions to medieval pogroms, from the Spanish Inquisition to the Holocaust, Jewish history is marked by tragedy and suffering. Yet the Jewish people have not only survived but thrived, and one of our strongest coping mechanisms has been humor.Jews have learned to laugh at ourselves, at our surroundings, and at our circumstances. This isn't just about being funny - it's a profound survival strategy that has kept us alive and united as a people for thousands of years. As Rabbi Layfer's grandfather would say, "We learned not to take ourselves too seriously." This ability to find humor even in dark times has been one of the most important tools for Jewish resilience and continuity. When Jews joke and kibbutz (Yiddish for playful teasing and banter), we're doing more than entertaining ourselves.We're reminding ourselves that ultimately everything is going to work out. Even when we're going through difficult situations, there's a bright light around the corner. This optimism, combined with self-awareness, creates a unique brand of humor that has influenced comedy worldwide. This episode covers the historical context of Jewish suffering and persecution, how humor became a survival mechanism for Jews, the concept of kibitzing in Jewish culture, why Jews don't take themselves too seriously, Jewish contributions to comedy and entertainment, the psychological benefits of humor in difficult times, and how Jewish humor reflects resilience and hope.Whether you're curious about Jewish culture, interested in the psychology of humor as a coping mechanism, wondering why so many famous comedians are Jewish, exploring Jewish history and resilience, or simply love Jewish humor and want to understand its deeper meaning, this episode offers insights into one of the most distinctive and powerful aspects of Jewish identity.Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,Please email us at Dearrabbi@Joidenver.comπ§Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. ποΈπFollow us for more:Website - https://www.joidenver.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenverFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenverYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenverPinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiySubscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! ππποΈ | 1m 18s | ||||||
| 9/24/25 | ![]() Why Is Food the Centerpiece of Every Jewish Experience? | β¨π§ Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts β¨In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explore why food plays such a central role in Jewish life and religious experience. While many people notice that Jews have a strong affinity for food, there's actually a profound spiritual significance behind this focus. Judaism is unique among religions in that we don't view the physical world as something to overcome or avoid, but rather as something to elevate and make spiritual. Food represents one of the most basic, animalistic human activities - something we do multiple times every day. This makes it the perfect vehicle for spiritual elevation through blessings, mindful eating, and using the nourishment we receive to better ourselves and the world. I share a story about two people approaching the same apple tree with completely different intentions: one person sees the apple and makes a blessing to eat it, while a rabbi sees the apple and wants to make a blessing, so he eats it. Though they perform identical actions, their spiritual focus creates worlds of difference. When we make blessings before and after eating, and use the energy food provides to do good in the world, we transform the physical act of eating into something holy and spiritual. This approach reflects Judaism's core philosophy that we're here not to avoid the physical world, but to elevate it and make it divine.Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,Please email us at Dearrabbi@Joidenver.comπ§Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. ποΈπFollow us for more:Website - https://www.joidenver.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenverFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenverYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenverPinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiySubscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! ππποΈ | 2m 28s | ||||||
| 9/17/25 | ![]() Why Do Jews Celebrate New Year in September? Understanding Rosh Hashanah | β¨π§ Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts β¨In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explain why Jewish coworkers wish each other "Happy New Year" in September rather than January. The Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, falls at the beginning of the Jewish calendar year, which differs from the secular calendar we use in America. I clarify a common misconception: while many people think Rosh Hashanah celebrates the creation of the world, we're actually celebrating the creation of the first human being, Adam - the first person imbued with a divine soul. This marks the beginning of human history and our relationship with the divine. I explore how this timing connects to our spiritual renewal, as our souls return to our bodies for another year of godly work in this world. The celebration occurs on the first of Tishrei, exactly when tradition teaches Adam was created. I also note how Jewish schools get to use the same corny jokes about "seeing you next year" - just in September instead of December. For those interested in learning more about how the Jewish calendar works compared to the secular calendar, I reference our earlier episode that provides a deep dive into this fascinating topic.Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,Please email us at Dearrabbi@Joidenver.comπ§Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. ποΈπFollow us for more:Website - https://www.joidenver.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenverFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenverYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenverPinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiySubscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.Join us as we uncover the treasures in our backyard and explore what makes the Jewish people extraordinary! ππποΈ | 1m 58s | ||||||
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