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Welcome to Torah and Today with Rabbi Ken Brodkin.
On this podcast, you can expect weekly wisdom as we explore how the Torah guides our lives in modern times.
Tune in for insight on your Jewish journey. We'll draw from a mix of Torah sources as we grapple with issues we face as Jews in contemporary society.
This podcast is produced with the support of Congregation B'nai Israel in Manalapan NJ.
128 Episodes
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In recent months, antisemitism has moved from lurking in the shadows to being alarmingly out in the open. According to the ADL, over 10,000 antisemitic incidents were reported in the U.S. in the year following October 7. What drives this phenomenon? Is it a product of the right or the left? While Israel has numerous friends in the United States, antisemitism exists across the political spectrum. What do we make of this paradox? How do we understand antisemitism when it comes to us from opposi...
According to early Christianity, Jews not accepting Jesus stood in the way of global. Jesus eventually became a profoundly influential figure through the gospels. According to those gospels, Jesus claimed to be the king of Israel. What do we make of this claim? Did Jesus believe he was the fulfillment of the Hebrew prophetic vision of Messiah? To make sense of this, we explore that background of Jewish monarchy and more.
Chanukah is not only a time for celebrating with latkes and donuts, but it’s a gateway talking about our faith in HaShem. Meaningful conversation about our connection to God is vital in addressing mental health challenges and the “Meaning Crisis.”
When Yaakov was running and destitute, he dedicated a house of God with a flask of oil and a single stone. In so doing, he initiated our Jewish connection to the Har HaBayit (Temple Mount) in Jerusalem. As Jews, we continue along his path of dedicating holy space wherever our journey takes us. How do we find or consecrate holy space in our lives, especially when we find ourselves—like Yaakov—in a place of desperation?
The month of Kislev brings us Chanukah, one of the most powerful symbols of the Jewish people. And one of the most poignant symbols of Chanukah is the Driedel. What does this children’s toy teach us about being Jewish in or outside of the land of Israel?
It’s that time of when year end holidays are in the air. But this can be a challenging time for those struggling with loneliness, including people who want to be grandparents. Why are many young adults choosing to remain child-free, and what is Judaism’s message for them? Plus, Jewish Emunah (faith) and gratitude to God were an inspiration for the people who gave us the modern holiday of Thanksgiving.
It’s hard to think of a more influential person in human history than Avraham. The prophet Isaiah teaches us that this influential figure and founder of Israel was beloved to HaShem. But why did God love Avraham? The answer to this question—alluded to in Genesis 18, 19—is a key for understanding how we shine our light into today’s world.
The life of Ruth and the Chag of Shavuot helps us to connect with a path that can immediately change our lives for the better: gratitude.
The Jewish people face unprecedented challenges in our times. How do we prepare for the future in these days of great trials? 2,600 years ago, the prophet Jeremiah taught us a lesson in faith in a time when destruction was at the door—literally. His act of audacious hope is beckons us today.
The generation that returned from Bavel to Jerusalem reveled in their “rediscovery” of the Chag of Sukkos. Their modest celebration holds a lesson for our lives.
Israeli singer Ishay Ribo takes us into the soul of the Kohen Gadol through his “Seder HaAvoda,” a song with 10 million views on YouTube. Why is a song about Yom Kippur enthralling to people of all backgrounds? What can we learn from the Kohen’s journey in our lives today?
During the Hebrew month of Elul, we contemplate the palpable presence of the King. How do we utilize these weeks to prepare for the Days of Awe? What does it mean for us to desire a King?
What happens when your friend or loved one tries to sway you against your better judgment? How do you eschew the desires of loved ones, or the society around you? The Torah’s discussion of friends enticing us to worship idols is instructive for our times.
The prophets teach us that we have a hunger and a thirst for something beyond bread & water: we seek to absorb the word of God. What steps can we take to discover and connect with the spiritual roots we yearn for?
The Torah tells us that will shall diligently pursue justice. We also learn that God is perfect and just. Yet, for all the Torah’s focus on justice, there seems to be plenty of injustice in our world. How do we square the existence injustice with a Just God? How can we be emissaries of justice and truth in our imperfect world?
The life of Rebbi Akiva is a model for how we overcome challenges in life, as we grow closer to Torah. Join us as we reflect on how Shavuos can propel us forward in this path.
Mishlei teaches us that we “may not forsake the Torah of our mother.” According to our rabbis, “our mother” refers to the Jewish people. In this episode, we delve into the significance of this received tradition, that has defined Jewish life from generation to generation.
The Torah presents holiness as a common a comprehensive calling for the Jewish people. What does holiness, or sanctity, have to do with our happiness? What, according to Judaism, leads a person to happiness?
While speech and expression are vital parts of our lives, a Mishna sheds light on the power of silence.
Several months after Rosh HaShana, we begin Nisan which is called “the first of months.” This month of spring is a reminder that renewal and rejuvenation are possible even months into our year. Renewal is a powerful Jewish strength that comes to the fore at this auspicious time. Rebrand and Renewal - Jewish Link article
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