JOI to the World

✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts ✨Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast exploring Jewish conversion stories and spiritual transformation journeys! Discover Gus's incredible Christian to Jewish conversion story - from evangelical fundamentalist Christianity in Oklahoma's Bible Belt to Orthodox Judaism in Miami Beach. This religious conversion documentary reveals how one pastor's unexpected confession about Jews being God's chosen people sparked a life-changing spiritual awakening and faith transformation.Listen to this Jewish conversion testimony as Gus shares his journey from Christianity to Judaism, including years of biblical study, learning Hebrew language, analyzing messianic prophecies, and challenging Christian pastors who couldn't defend their theology. His interfaith dialogue experiences and religious questioning led to profound spiritual growth and religious identity. This conversion to Judaism story explores the cost of religious transformation, including divorce, family separation, and relocating from Oklahoma to Miami to join an Orthodox Jewish community.Gus's journey from Christian faith to Jewish faith demonstrates intellectual honesty in religious seeking and spiritual authenticity in faith exploration. From an evangelical Christian background to Orthodox Judaism practice, from biblical Hebrew study to Jewish law learning, from Christian theology debates to the rabbinical conversion process, this is an inspiring story of religious conversion, spiritual seeking, and finding an authentic faith community.Perfect for Listeners interested in: Jewish conversion process, Christianity to Judaism stories, interfaith dialogue, religious transformation testimonies, spiritual awakening experiences, biblical study methods, Hebrew language learning, Orthodox Judaism lifestyle, faith crisis resolution, and authentic spiritual seeking journeys.Catch Zero Percent on all your go-to platforms!Keep the conversation going! If you have questions or ideas about Jewish success and impact.Please email us at Zeropercent@joidenver.com.🌟Help others discover Zero Percent! Please leave us a five-star review and share it with friends who might find this podcast enlightening.Follow 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! 🕎📚🎙️

✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts ✨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.com📧Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟Follow 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! 🕎📚🎙️

✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts ✨📖 Parshat Nitzavim This Week: A stranger at an Israeli bank overheard Jack's mortgage struggle and offered to co-sign without hesitation. When asked why he'd risk it for someone he'd never met, he said: 'Anu k'var arevim we're already guarantors for each other. I'm just making it official.' This week, as the Jewish people renew their covenant with God before entering the Promised Land, they not only commit to the Torah but also to one another. 'Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh' all Israel are responsible for one another. 'Nitzavim' means 'standing', but we don't stand alone. We stand together, already connected, already responsible. Sometimes we need to make it official. Who are you a guarantor for? Shabbat Shalom. 🤝Follow 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! 🕎📚🎙️

✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts ✨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.com📧Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟Follow 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! 🕎📚🎙️

📖 Parshat Ki Tavo This Week: A.J. Jacobs spent a year thanking over 1,000 people involved in his morning coffee from the barista to the African farmers to the road pavers. When Jews brought their first fruits (bikurim) to the Temple, you'd expect them to thank God for the harvest. Instead, they recited their entire history: Abraham, Egypt, the journey to freedom. Why? Because true gratitude isn't just about the moment, it's about the whole story. That apple in your hand represents countless people, endless blessings, and generations of struggle and triumph. Real thankfulness zooms out to see the bigger picture. This is hakarat hatov recognizing all the good that brought you to this moment. What's the full story behind your blessings? Shabbat Shalom. 🍎Follow 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! 🕎📚🎙️

✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts ✨In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address whether Jews believe in the devil, and the short answer is no. The Christian concept of the devil is antithetical to Jewish thought. While Judaism does believe in Satan (which is where the English word "Satan" comes from), this is fundamentally different from the Christian devil. Satan is not a counter-force to God or a force of evil, but rather an angel - a messenger and spiritual celestial being that fulfills God's will. I explain how Satan functions like a sparring partner, working alongside our yetzer hara (evil inclination) to create the conditions necessary for free will. Just as we need challenges to grow stronger physically through exercise or sparring partners, we need spiritual challenges to become better, stronger people. Satan provides us with obstacles and temptations that, when overcome, help us develop our character and spiritual strength. This concept is fundamentally different from the devil as an independent evil force opposing God, instead viewing spiritual challenges as part of God's design for human growth and development.Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,Please email us at Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com📧Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟Follow 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! 🕎📚🎙️

📖 Parshat Ki Teitzei This Week: When you see someone struggling with their fallen donkey, you must help them lift it, but the Torah uses a key word: 'imo' (עמו) WITH him. You can't just sit back and say, 'This is your mitzvah, you handle it.' But here's the deeper lesson: if YOU'RE the one struggling, you can't just complain that 'someone should fix this for me.' Whether it's your synagogue, community, or organization, change requires your participation. The Torah teaches partnership, not passivity. Yes, we should help each other, but we help WITH you, not FOR you. Want better programs? Get involved. See a community need? Step up. Real change happens when we work together, not when we wait for others to serve us. Shabbat Shalom. 🤝Follow 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! 🕎📚🎙️

✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts ✨In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address why Judaism traditionally encourages Jews to marry within the faith when choosing a life partner. I explain that when selecting someone to spend your entire life with, it's crucial to find someone who shares your fundamental values and worldview. Even if religion isn't important to someone today, it may become significant later in life, making shared religious identity important for long-term compatibility. I discuss how the Jewish people, despite being a small population, have maintained remarkable continuity throughout history, and marrying within the community helps preserve this continuity. I reference the Torah's warning against intermarriage, noting that one reason given is the concern that it may lead children away from Judaism. Given the tremendous losses the Jewish people have suffered through persecution and antisemitism throughout history, it's tough to see Jews lost to assimilation as well. Encouraging Jews to marry other Jews is one way to help prevent the loss of Jewish identity and ensure the continuation of Jewish traditions, values, and community for future generations.Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,Please email us at Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com📧Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟Follow 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! 🕎📚🎙️

📖 Parshat Shoftim This Week: 'Tzedek tzedek tirdof' Justice, justice you shall pursue. This famous verse hung in Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Supreme Court office, but why repeat the word 'justice'? The Torah teaches us that it's not enough to pursue justice; it must be pursued justly. The goal AND the method must both be just. We can't rationalize cutting corners just because our intentions are good. You can't achieve justice through lies, build peace through violence, or create fairness through unfair means. The repetition reminds us: how you do something matters as much as what you do. When you're fighting for what's right, make sure you're fighting in the right way. Character is revealed in method, not just outcome. Shabbat Shalom. ⚖️Follow 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! 🕎📚🎙️

✨🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts ✨Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people and stories of Jewish conversion!Join us as Rachel Rose shares her extraordinary journey from growing up in a non-religious family that explored different faiths to discovering Orthodox Judaism and realizing that her soul had always been Jewish. Growing up in a heavily Christian community in Colorado, Rachel tried to connect with Christianity through Bible study classes. Still, the Old Testament (Torah) resonated with her while the New Testament never quite made sense. What happens when someone spends years trying to understand Jesus as the Messiah but keeps thinking, "he didn't bring world peace - look around"?From her first transformative Shabbat dinner in San Francisco that sent "a jolt through her body" to navigating not one, but two Orthodox conversion processes, Rachel's spiritual journey is filled with courage, faith struggles, setbacks, and ultimately profound religious fulfillment. Hear how she found her husband Michael through their shared path to Orthodox Judaism, discovered the life-changing power of Shabbat observance, learned Hebrew, kept kosher, and built the Jewish family she always dreamed of - including beautiful twins.This compelling conversion testimony covers her experience with Christian Bible study, discovering Torah wisdom, working with sponsoring rabbis, appearing before the Beit Din (Jewish court), going to the mikvah (ritual bath), and embracing Jewish law and traditions. Rachel also shares her transformative experience visiting Israel and feeling immediately at home in Jerusalem.Whether you're curious about Jewish conversion, seeking spiritual authenticity, questioning your current faith, interested in interfaith relationships, or drawn to stories of profound personal religious transformation, Rachel's candid account offers a unique window into choosing Judaism and finding your true spiritual home. Her story touches on modern Orthodox Judaism, Jewish community life, conversion challenges, family acceptance, and the deep meaning found in Jewish practice and belief.Catch Zero Percent on all your go-to platforms!Keep the conversation going! If you have questions or ideas about Jewish success and impact.Please email us at Zeropercent@joidenver.com.🌟Help others discover Zero Percent! Please leave us a five-star review and share it with friends who might find this podcast enlightening.Follow 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! 🕎📚🎙️

📖 Parshat Re'eh This Week: People often ask me if Judaism believes in 'signs' from God. When Moses speaks about blessings and consequences, he begins with one powerful word: 'Re'eh' SEE. God is always communicating through the events in our lives and world, but the real question isn't whether the message exists; it's whether we'll see it. You can experience something and just move on, or you can pause and ask: 'What is this trying to teach me? How can this help me grow?' The same event can happen to two people; one sees a coincidence, another sees guidance. The choice to see meaning, to internalize the message, and to let it transform you is entirely yours. What are you choosing to see? Shabbat Shalom. 👀Follow 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! 🕎📚🎙️

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explore the apparent contradiction between Judaism's emphasis on peace and the argumentative nature of Jewish texts and culture. I explain that it's not just our texts that are argumentative, our people are too, as reflected in the saying "two Jews, three opinions" and the fact that Jews make excellent attorneys. I clarify that peace is not passivity but rather harmony of difference. You can argue vehemently with someone while still maintaining respect and peace between you. When people are genuinely searching for truth, disagreement isn't personal; it's an intellectual pursuit. I discuss how we need to disagree and see things from different perspectives to truly understand concepts and ideas. The problem arises when we confuse our identity with opinions we've simply absorbed from our environment, political ideologies, family teachings, or community beliefs that aren't our own. When we approach disagreement as a mutual search for understanding rather than a personal attack, we can maintain peace while disagreeing on almost everything. This Jewish approach to constructive argument serves the higher purpose of seeking truth together.✨ Listen to all our podcasts here: www.joidenver.com/podcasts ✨Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,Please email us at Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com📧Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟Follow 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! 🕎📚🎙️

Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! 🌟Join us for a special episode honoring Rabbi Berel Wein, who passed away this past Shabbos, a giant of our generation and one of the most influential Jewish educators and historians of our time. In this intimate interview, recorded just months before his passing in his Jerusalem apartment, Rabbi Wein shares his extraordinary journey from Chicago lawyer to world-renowned rabbi, historian, and community builder.Discover how a pivotal encounter with Rabbi Isaac Halevi Herzog, Israel's Chief Rabbi, changed the course of his life with a simple but profound challenge: "What are you going to do to build the Jewish people?" Follow Rabbi Wein's remarkable path from the courtrooms of Chicago to the pulpits of Miami Beach, from heading the Orthodox Union's kashrut division to founding Yeshiva Shaarei Torah in Monsey.As the author of over 25 books and creator of a groundbreaking audio lecture series, Rabbi Wein was truly the original Jewish podcaster, long before the term existed. His rare ability to make the depth of Jewish history accessible to everyone - from scholars to everyday people with humor, warmth, and crystal-clear explanations made him one of the most sought-after speakers in Jewish communities worldwide.This moving conversation offers a rare glimpse into the personal story of the man who told the story of the Jewish people, sharing family connections, pivotal life moments, and his vision for the Jewish future. Whether you're interested in Jewish history, leadership, or personal transformation, Rabbi Wein's legacy of bringing profound ideas to life will inspire and guide you.May his memory be a blessing, and may we honor his life by carrying forward the light, humor, and clarity he brought into the world.Catch Zero Percent on all your go-to platforms!✨ Listen to all our podcasts here: www.joidenver.com/podcasts ✨Keep the conversation going! If you have questions or ideas about Jewish success and impact.Please email us at Zeropercent@joidenver.com.🌟Help others discover Zero Percent! Please leave us a five-star review and share it with friends who might find this podcast enlightening.Follow 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! 🕎📚🎙️

📖 Parshat Eikev This Week: The Torah says God watches over Israel 'me-reishit hashana ad acharit shana' from the beginning of THE year to the end of... year. Notice the missing 'the'? We start January thinking 'this is going to be THE year!' Hashanah with the definitive article. But by December, it's just become 'another year' shana, no 'the.' Why do our grand resolutions fail? Because we aim for massive transformation instead of small, sustainable steps. Real change doesn't happen because we declare it's going to be 'THE year.' It happens through tiny daily choices, little habits, and incremental growth. Want to change your life? Think smaller, not bigger. Shabbat Shalom. 📈✨ Listen to all our podcasts here: www.joidenver.com/podcasts ✨Follow 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! 🕎📚🎙️

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address a question that highlights the difference between Jewish and Christian concepts of human nature and forgiveness. I explain that while Christianity teaches original sin - the idea that humanity is inherently flawed due to Adam's sin and needs salvation - Judaism teaches the opposite: every human being is a spark of the divine and is essentially good. I clarify why Jews still need the process of teshuvah (often translated as atonement or repentance) despite not believing in original sin. When we make mistakes, we create spiritual decay within ourselves and the world, requiring us to undergo teshuvah, which means "returning" - returning to our essential, good self. I explain that Judaism doesn't use the concept of "sin" but rather "chet," an archery term meaning "to miss the mark" - when we don't act in our best interest or in ways that make the world more holy. Like teaching children that a proper apology requires more than just saying sorry, teshuvah involves acknowledging wrongdoing, feeling genuine remorse, and taking action to repair whatever damage was caused.Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,Please email us at Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com📧Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟Follow 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! 🕎📚🎙️