Parsha Review Podcast · Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe

In this episode of the Parsha Review Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe discusses Parshas Chukas, focusing on the red heifer (Parah Adumah) and its designation as "Zos Chukas HaTorah" (the decree of the Torah), highlighting its mysterious, reasonless nature as a divine command. He explains that mitzvahs, like honoring parents, don’t require full understanding to be fulfilled, using the red heifer as an example of submitting to God’s will, as even King Solomon couldn’t grasp its purpose. Rabbi Wolbe emphasizes that Torah study and mitzvah observance deepen with each repetition, elevating one’s connection, as seen in practices like Shabbos candle lighting or kosher laws, encouraging listeners to invest in spiritual growth for eternal rewards in the world to come.The episode also addresses the Jewish people’s complaints in the desert despite miraculous provisions like manna and Miriam’s spring, illustrating how habit can numb appreciation for miracles. Rabbi Wolbe urges breaking this cycle of routine to maintain awe for daily blessings, like the body’s functions or modern technology, and to approach relationships and mitzvahs with renewed passion. He concludes by discussing the brief eulogies for Miriam, Aaron, and Moshe, noting that their concise mention as servants of God reflects their selflessness and the Torah’s focus on the eternal world, not temporary worldly achievements, reinforcing the need to prioritize spiritual investment over materialism._____________This episode (Ep 7.36) of the Parsha Review Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Chukas is dedicated 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 at TORCH Studios (C) to an online TORCHzoom.com audience on July 1, 2025, in Passaic, New Jersey.Released as Podcast on July 3, 2025_____________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!! 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 http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Numbers, #RedHeifer, #Laws ★ Support this podcast ★

In this Parsha Review Podcast episode on the double portion Chukas-Balak, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe focuses on the opening of Parshas Chukas and the enigmatic mitzvah of the Parah Aduma (Red Heifer). This completely red, unyoked cow whose ashes purify those contaminated by contact with the dead is presented as the quintessential “chok” — a divine decree whose reason is beyond human comprehension.Rabbi Wolbe explains that the Torah calls it “Zos Chukas HaTorah” (this is the decree of the Torah) to teach that the essence of Torah observance is fulfilling Hashem’s will, not only when we understand the reasons. He draws powerful parallels to the shofar on Rosh Hashanah (“Rachmana amar tik’u” — because the Merciful One said to blow it), the sages’ protective decrees (yichud, harchakos, not reading by candlelight on Shabbos), and the oral Torah’s necessity. Stories from the Talmud and historical examples illustrate the greatness of following rabbinic guidance even without full explanation, and the dangers of basing observance solely on logic or “reasons” (as seen in certain historical movements).The episode culminates in a call to observe all Mitzvos — even those we don’t fully understand, like avoiding Lashon Hara — purely because they are the divine will of Hashem, the ultimate Source._____________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 June 23, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on June 24, 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, #Numbers, #Bamidbar, #Chukas, #Balak, #ParahAduma, #Chok, #Decree, #RedHeifer, #Shofar, #LashonHara, #OralTorah, #RabbinicDecrees ★ Support this podcast ★

In this Parsha Review Podcast Episode of Parshas Korach, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the timeless difference between a disagreement for the sake of Heaven and a conflict driven by ego, jealousy, and personal ambition. Korach's rebellion against Moshe and Aaron was not merely a disagreement about leadership—it was a challenge to the very foundation of Divine authority. While Korach claimed that "the entire congregation is holy," his true motivation was personal power. Rabbi Wolbe explains that unlike the debates of Hillel and Shammai, which sought truth, Korach's dispute was rooted in self-interest. The clearest proof is that Moshe was not fighting for himself at all; he was willing to step aside if Hashem chose otherwise. A central theme of the episode is that not every argument is a fight. The Talmud is filled with disagreements, yet those debates were conducted with mutual respect and a shared pursuit of truth. Moshe demonstrates extraordinary humility by refusing to make the conflict personal. Rather than defending his honor, he places the matter entirely in Hashem's hands and even delays judgment in the hope that Korach and his followers might reconsider overnight. Rabbi Wolbe teaches that true leadership is not about protecting one's position, but about faithfully serving the mission Hashem assigns. The episode then broadens into a powerful lesson about strife in everyday life. Drawing from Pirkei Avos and the Pele Yoetz, Rabbi Wolbe explains that arguments, grudges, and personal battles often stem from an inflated sense of ownership and entitlement. When a person realizes that everything belongs to Hashem and that they are merely His servant, many conflicts simply disappear. Whether in marriage, business, friendships, or communal life, peace comes when people seek truth rather than victory and purpose rather than personal glory. The enduring message of Korach is that humility unites while ego divides, and that lasting peace begins when we stop fighting for ourselves and start serving Hashem. _____________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 June 16, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on June 17, 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, #Numbers, #Bamidbar, #Shlach, #Spies, #Israel, #PositiveMindset, #Perspective, #ThinkPositive, #LeadershipLessons, #SeeTheGood ★ Support this podcast ★

Can the company you keep determine your destiny? On this week's Parsha Review Podcast, we delve into the dramatic story of Korach, whose unchecked jealousy and rebellion against Moshe and Aaron led to a catastrophic end. We explore how Korach's negative influence ensnared those around him, while those aligned with Moshe and Aaron thrived in righteousness. Through the lens of this powerful Torah portion, we analyze the role of words and environment in shaping behavior, drawing poignant parallels to the impact of modern-day influencers.In the second part of our episode, we underscore the critical importance of choosing positive influences in our lives. Whether through distancing from those who spread slander and mockery or by seeking divine guidance in our prayers, we aim to cultivate a nurturing and virtuous environment. Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe joins us to share his invaluable insights on fostering positivity and integrity. Listen in for a compelling discussion that not only dissects the lessons from Korach but also offers practical advice on building a life anchored in righteousness. Have a wonderful Shabbos!_____________This episode (Ep 6.38) of the Parsha Review Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Korach is dedicated in Honor of Dovi & Adina on their upcoming wedding & 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 - Travel Studios (D) to a live audience on July 12, 2024, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on July 12, 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.tansistor.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 ★

This Parsha Review Podcast (Ep 4.1) by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Bamidbar offers a refreshing, clear and concise review as he does for each Parsha in the Torah.00:00 Introduction00:10 Parsha Summary07:58 Important LessonsDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingThis Parsha Review episode is dedicated in Honor of Ed Hoffman!*****To listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: https://linktr.ee/ariwolJewish 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/episodesPlease send your questions, comments and even your stories relating to this parsha to awolbe@torchweb.org.Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our Jewish outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area and please consider sponsoring a podcast by making a donation to help support our global outreach at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php.Thank you!For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.comRecorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B to a live audience on May 16, 2023, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on May 18, 2023 ★ Support this podcast ★