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What does a Rabbi know that Christians, Jews, Atheists, Agnostics, and anyone with curiosity, passion, and a sense of spirituality can learn? Welcome to Ask The Rabbi, I’m your host, Rabbi Leonid Feldman.
My journey to Judaism is unique, as I grew up in a society where it was illegal to believe in God. I knew nothing of Passover or a Bar Mitzvah, never heard of Jesus or Christmas. I actually received an A in college in the course Scientific Atheism. Fast-forward to today, I am the only Conservative Rabbi from Russia.
My curious route to my faith is what allows me to lecture, teach, and learn in a way that not only helps as a religious leader, but allows me to share in a way that helps me in being a better religious leader.
So listen in as we explore Judaism from a totally different perspective, and discover how the Hebrew Bible remains extremely relevant to our lives and this time. The questions we will explore, and the answers we will provide - this is a podcast that will open minds, deepen faith, and provide lessons that are applicable to all of our struggles, challenges, and dilemmas.
So join me on this journey to improve and even transform people’s lives, together. Follow the show now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.
My journey to Judaism is unique, as I grew up in a society where it was illegal to believe in God. I knew nothing of Passover or a Bar Mitzvah, never heard of Jesus or Christmas. I actually received an A in college in the course Scientific Atheism. Fast-forward to today, I am the only Conservative Rabbi from Russia.
My curious route to my faith is what allows me to lecture, teach, and learn in a way that not only helps as a religious leader, but allows me to share in a way that helps me in being a better religious leader.
So listen in as we explore Judaism from a totally different perspective, and discover how the Hebrew Bible remains extremely relevant to our lives and this time. The questions we will explore, and the answers we will provide - this is a podcast that will open minds, deepen faith, and provide lessons that are applicable to all of our struggles, challenges, and dilemmas.
So join me on this journey to improve and even transform people’s lives, together. Follow the show now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.
84 Episodes
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In this episode we see the growth and development of Joseph’s character as he is transformed from a self-centered teenager into a prototype of a righteous saint and a moral role model.
This Episode deals with the famous story about Judah and Tamar in chapter 38 of Genesis.
This episode analyzes the tragic story of Jacob’s only daughter.
This is an eye-witness report on the historical event that took place recently in the Middle East.
This Episode analyses one of the most famous stories in the Bible
The First Woman Rabbi Had a Tragic Life
This Episode deals with the power of the rituals to change people’s lives.
This episode deals with the topic of Adultery, but from unusual angles.
In this episode we explore ancient stories involving divorce which also include kindness and empathy.
This episode continues the topic we dealt with last time: what happens when a husband leaves his wife for extended periods of time in order to study Torah? While the story of Rabbi Akiva and Rachel is seen by many writers and commentators as beautiful and romantic, and even a model of commitment and loyalty of the spouses to each other, many other stories do not have happy ends…
The Jewish people all over the world are still deeply traumatized, and Israel is still fighting a brutal war on several different fronts. Nobody knows when and how it will end. This Episode makes a dramatic shift in the topics discussed on this Podcast. All of us need a break from the news, and learning holy texts has been found to be healing. I also hope that listeners will gain an insight into a facet of Talmud most people do not expect.
October 7, 2023 was the the worst year in the history of the State of Israel. More Jews were brutally murdered on that day than at any time since the Holocaust. A full year has passed since then, and Israel right now is fighting several wars simultaneously against its enemies who openly declare their goal of destroying the only Jewish state. This episode summarizes this very dark year and provides a perspective which, hopefully, helps seeing the light at the end of darkness.
Jews around the world have just observed the 9th of Av - the saddest day in the Jewish calendar. Fasting, and thinking about the destruction of both of our Holy Temples in Jerusalem, felt especially poignant this year. Numerous rabbis, articles and TV commentators reminded all of us that Rome was able to destroy our country because we hated each other. While the Jews were involved in a brutal civil war, it was easy for the Romans to conquer us and exile us from our land…After what happened on October 7th, the Israeli society became more cohesive and united than almost ever before. Unfortunately, there has been a dramatic change since then, and right now, we are experiencing a destructive, even existential schism that frightens many of us. This is why I decided to repeat Episode 53 which deals with this painful and dangerous phenomenon that is threatening the survival of the State of Israel.
According to the 2024 United Nations World Happiness Report, Israel is the 5th happiest country in the world, and in 2023 it was #4. Surrounded by enemies who want to destroy the only Jewish state, with the ever-present threat of terrorism, life in Israel is not easy or simple. And yet, the State of Israel is the only developed country with growing population, and it is the youngest of all the rich democracies. There are many other criteria in which Israel is an outlier. This episode answers the obvious question - why is Israel so different from most other countries in the world?
Poetry very often is the best way to express our emotions. Since the massacre of October 7th, extremely rich and deep new poetry has emerged on social media in Israel. This episode includes several poems in translation, together with additional explanations and commentary by Rabbi Feldman.
The festival of Shavuot is the least observed one of the major Jewish holidays. Many people don’t know what it is and what it celebrates. This is sad because Shavuot celebrates the birthday of the Jewish People. The reason that God liberated us from slavery in Egypt was for us to become His partners in changing the world by accepting the Torah.
I think that the Seders this year will be more meaningful and relevant to most Jews around the world. This episode provides some insights into this wildly observed Jewish celebration.
This Episode discusses the most contentious and emotional crisis in Israel-the refusal of the Ultra-Orthodox Jews to serve in the army.
In this episode Rabbi Feldman explains the deep and profound ideas that are somewhat hidden in the crazy, carnival-like celebration of Purim and between the lines of the extremely unconventional Biblical book of Esther.
While there IS a solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict, numerous profound changes must happen FIRST within the Palestinian society. This episode clarifies what these changes are.
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