The Jewish Perspective

Growing up as a “typical” Soviet Jew, a young boy stumbled upon a hidden underground world of Jews who secretly observed Torah laws. In this interview, Rabbi Belinsky shares his remarkable journey from the shadows of the Soviet Union to becoming a rabbi. Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube Chapters (00:00:00) - Being a Jewish person in the Soviet Union(00:06:17) - Separation of Judaism and ethnicity in the Soviet Union(00:10:50) - Jewish people's experiences in Russia(00:14:46) - Were the Jewish institutions in the USSR still under state control?(00:22:51) - The underground Jewish life in Soviet Union(00:24:20) - When did you start learning Hebrew?(00:27:21) - What was the biggest obstacle in preserving your cultural identity during the Soviet(00:28:12) - The Jewish Community in the Soviet Union(00:32:07) - How I Learned To Be Jewish

Why is a rainbow more than just a beautiful phenomenon, but a meaningful spiritual sign? And how does physics surprisingly support ancient Kabbalistic ideas? Can the word be punished by flood again?  Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube Chapters (00:00:01) - The Nature of Rainbow(00:02:34) - What was different between the world before Noah and after the Flood?(00:09:50) - How Hasidism teaches about emotions

This episode uncovers the deeper meaning behind the Chanukah miracle and reveals its surprising roots in the earliest stories of the Torah. Is the real story behind Chanukah about the war, about oil, or is there something deeper? Sometimes, the most important victories aren’t the ones we expect. Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube Chapters (00:00:00) - The miracle of oil(00:04:31) - How did the oil last for seven days during Hanukkah(00:06:47) - A Soul vs A Flame(00:12:13) - The reason for the burning bush

From cocaine to alcohol to smoking, we examine how Jewish law looks at addictive substances. We will see how half a century ago, the Rebbe warned about today’s rise in drug use. Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube Chapters (00:00:00) - Can an observant Jew Use Hard Drugs?(00:01:58) - Is Cocaine Koskosher?(00:04:09) - Excessive Alcohol and Smoking

In biblical times, the concept of a concubine held a unique place in Jewish law and family life. What exactly was a concubine according to the Torah? And how did her role differ from that of a wife? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube Chapters (00:00:00) - What is a concubine in Jewish Law?

Why is it possible to be a Jew without the Torah? How does the covenant with God differ from modern contracts? Which is stronger: the law of the Torah or our soul? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube Chapters (00:00:00) - Crux of Covenants(00:06:38) - 3 ties to God in Judaism(00:13:16) - The Day of Judgment

The Torah’s story of rich and poor farmers reveals a hidden truth about wealth, humility, and the soul. Why did the poor lose their baskets while the rich got theirs back? What does this ancient ritual teach us about the relationship between body and soul? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube Chapters (00:00:00) - The Rich Get Richer and the Poor Get Poor(00:06:54) - Body as a soul vessel

From blessings to Shabbat laws, rabbinic decrees guide how Jews live and practice every day. What gives these rabbinic laws their power? And how can differences in rabbinic rulings shape entire communities? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast.Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube Chapters (00:00:00) - Rabbinic Legislation and Rabbinic Rulings(00:09:16) - Ashkenazic vs Sephardic rabbinic rulings on lung

Do we do Mitzvot out of fear of punishment? Which matters more—learning Torah or doing mitzvot? Do rules of "Language of Love" apply to G-d? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube Chapters (00:00:00) - Relationship with God and the Torah(00:06:03) - Jewish ethics of shopping for one's mother(00:08:10) - Jewish Law of Love and the Languages of Love(00:09:55) - Understanding your wife and doing mitzvahs

When bowing down, does it matter for how long? What do laws of bowing reveal about the way we approach our emotions and spirituality? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube Chapters (00:00:00) - The devil is in the details(00:00:40) - Bowing Down in the Temple(00:06:22) - How to Bother Thanking God