Parsha Review Podcast · Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe

In this Parsha Review on Parshas Tzav (Leviticus 6–8), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe highlights the inauguration of the Kohanim (priests), where Moshe dresses Aaron and his sons in their sacred garments, anoints the Mishkan and altar with oil, and applies blood from the offerings to Aaron's right ear, thumb, and big toe (and similarly for his sons). Our sages explain this unusual ritual as a reminder to leaders: while the core (self and close family) is natural to protect, the "extremities" (distant people) are easily neglected. The ear, thumb, and big toe represent the farthest reaches of responsibility—those on the outskirts of one's influence or community—ensuring a true leader serves everyone, not just the inner circle.Rabbi Wolbe ties this to true greatness: a "Katan" (small person) lives for self ("me, me, me"); a "Gadol" (great person) expands beyond self, taking responsibility for others. This mirrors the Kohen's role as representative of all Klal Yisrael, not personal honor. He connects it to modern leadership (politicians forgetting constituents until election time) and practical life: in marriage, parenting, and community, actively reach the "extremities" with care, connection, and love. As we approach Pesach and count the Omer (48 steps from redemption to Torah), the message is to use this season for growth in responsibility and unity—becoming one nation with one soul._____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on March 24, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on March 26, 2026_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Leviticus, #Tzav, #ShabbosHaGadol, #Kohen, #Leadership, #Greatness, #Kedushah ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us as we explore the rich tapestry of spirituality and holiness found in Parsha Tzav, a cornerstone of Leviticus that guides the Jewish people toward a sanctified life. Listen in as we share insights into the multifaceted approach to Torah study, revealing layers of meaning from the simple to the mystical. We consider the spiritual significance of dietary laws and the concept of the soul's nourishment, an intriguing lesson on the purity necessary for connecting with the divine.This week's discussion also casts a light on the delicate art of preserving dignity and the potent power of forgiveness. We reflect on biblical stories, like Balaam's encounter with his donkey and Tamar's moment of discretion, to underscore the importance of handling sensitive situations with care and the consequences of public shaming. We also talk about the Talmud's wisdom on constructive criticism, emphasizing the right moment and approach to critique that fosters improvement without inflicting harm. As Shabbos approaches, we encourage a strengthening of interactions with compassion, ensuring that our words and deeds uplift rather than hurt.This episode (Ep 6.25) of the Parsha Review Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Tzav is dedicated in Honor of Binyomin & Penina Medetsky & in honor of our Holy Soldiers in the Battlefield and our Torah Scholars in the Study Halls who are fighting for the safety of our nation!Download & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B to a live audience on March 26, 2024, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on March 28, 2024_____________DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area! ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode launching Sefer Vayikra, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe contrasts the themes of the Torah books: Bereishit (family of Israel), Shemot (nation of Israel), Vayikra (holiness/spirituality of Israel), Bamidbar (travels of Israel), and Devarim (review). He highlights the small aleph in "Vayikra" as Moshe's humble choice to downplay his frequent divine calls (Vayikar = "it happened" vs. summoned), and Moshe's refusal to enter the Ohel Moed until explicitly called—teaching intentional Judaism: acts must be purposeful, not rote habit. Prayer, tefillin, and mitzvot lose depth when mechanical; they require Kavanah (focus/intention) and simplicity ("I'm doing this because Hashem commanded it").The Parsha's Korbanot (offerings) begin with voluntary ones, including the Olah (elevation/burnt offering) that atones for missed mitzvot—going beyond Teshuvah (repentance/apology) by repairing the relationship to an elevated state. Today, reciting the Korbanot in Tefillah substitutes for actual offerings, restoring closeness. Rabbi Wolbe stresses avoiding mundane habit in all areas (marriage, parenting, Avodah): invest freshness, intention, and growth (e.g., date your spouse, spotlight children's strengths). As Pesach approaches, prepare an intentional Seder—make it personally meaningful, not just childhood repetition. Chazak on completing Shemot; now enter the realm of kedushah with purpose._____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on March 17, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on March 20, 2026_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Exodus, #Shemos, #Vayakhel, #Pekudei, #Kiyor, #MirrorsOfTheLegions, #JewishWomen, #PotentialUnlock, #Mothers, #WashAwayDoubt, #ShabbosPrep, #JewishMothers, #UnlimitedPotential, #MussarLessons ★ Support this podcast ★