Best Modern Jewish Identity Podcasts (2025)

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The Secret Jewish Wisdom Behind Lasting Love (Part 2) 10:36

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11h ago10:36

10:36

Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores what Jewish tradition calls brit — a covenantal partnership built on commitment, choice, and renewal in part 2 of a miniseries on family. Drawing on Torah and mindfulness practice, Josh reflects on how sacred relationships help us “hold and be held,” and offers a short meditation to experience that balance of choosing …

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Huntington’s Unlocked: Ethics, Exclusion Testing & New Gene Therapies. Demystifying Genetics with Sandra Peacock (Favourite Gene: HTT). 44:10

7d ago44:10

44:10

Genetic counsellors Matt and Sandra explore Huntington disease, prenatal and lab-based testing ethics, and how lab genetic counsellors act as gatekeepers. They discuss exclusion testing, the challenges of writing clear lab reports, and recent advances in gene therapy. The episode also covers the growing role of AI and automation in genetic labs, th…

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All in the Family: A Jewish Meditation on Identity (Part 1) 9:11

7d ago9:11

9:11

In the Season 5 premiere, Rabbi Josh Feigelson kicks off a new miniseries on family—how it shapes who we are and how we can engage with it more mindfully. Drawing on Torah stories from Genesis and insights from family-systems pioneer Salvador Minuchin, Josh explores how family is both something we inherit and something we create. Be in touch at jos…

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From Mistake to Mastery: A Genetic Counsellor’s Story. Demystifying Genetics with Rachel Vanneste (Favourite gene SHH) 48:03

14d ago48:03

48:03

Host Matt Burgess talks with Canadian genetic counsellor Rachel Vanneste about lessons learned from early-career mistakes, the unexpected charm of the sonic hedgehog gene (SHH), and how sales and business skills are shaping modern genetic counselling. They discuss counselling in a second language, career pivots across clinic, industry and labs, the…

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This Too Shall Pass: Jewish Wisdom for Hope and Healing 10:27

14d ago10:27

10:27

Rabbi Josh Feigelson reflects on the ancient Jewish phrase “Gam zeh ya’avor” – “This too shall pass.” Drawing wisdom from his friend Marvin, the festival of Sukkot, and the anniversary of October 7, Josh explores how Jewish mindfulness teaches us to live with impermanence while holding onto hope. Be in touch at [email protected]. This episode is …

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Telehealth, Mainstreaming & the Modern Counsellor. Demystifying Genetics with Dawn Allain. (Favourite gene - GNAS) 48:07

21d ago48:07

48:07

By Matt Burgess

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Sukkot: Finding Our Way Back Home (Re-release) 12:10

21d ago12:10

12:10

Have you ever thought about the definition of Spirituality? In this episode, Rabbi Josh Feigelson ponders the meaning of spirituality through the holiday of Sukkot. Whether you're sitting in a sukkah or simply taking a moment to breathe, this episode encourages you to reflect on your sense of belonging and the spiritual connections that make us fee…

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Reinventing Clinical Trials: How Sano Genetics Puts Patients First 49:47

28d ago49:47

49:47

Host Matt speaks with Dr. Patrick Short, scientist and CEO of Sano Genetics, about building a patient-centered genomics company, the challenges of designing and recruiting for clinical trials, and the evolving role of diagnostics in precision medicine. They discuss Short’s research into non-coding DNA, the practical and ethical questions around pre…

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All You Have to Do is Call (Re-release) 9:49

28d ago9:49

9:49

What if Yom Kippur wasn’t about deprivation, but about presence? In this re-release, Rabbi Josh Feigelson draws inspiration from Carole King’s timeless lyrics in You’ve Got a Friend to uncover a mindful practice for experiencing love, forgiveness, and renewal. Be in touch at [email protected]. This episode is sponsored by Jonathan and Kori Kalafe…

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Rabbi Shais Taub on Forgiveness from God, Others and Ourselves 1:09:52

1M ago1:09:52

1:09:52

In this very special episode with a very special Rabbi that I've come to call a friend, Rabbi Shais Taub tells us about God's forgiveness as we head into the holiest day of the Jewish year, Yom Kippur. Whether you're Jewish or not, I encourage you to listen to this episode in which Rabbi Shais Taub answers questions like: Does God get angry? Will G…

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Hidden Codes: Hereditary Melanoma, CDKN2A and the Families Behind the Genes 44:38

1M ago44:38

44:38

Dr. Aideen McInerney-Leo explores hereditary melanoma (CDKN2A), diagnostic disclosure in Turner syndrome, mainstreaming genomics, gene therapy, and the expanding role of genetic counsellors in research and patient care. Through clinical stories, family perspectives and practical takeaways on testing and screening, this episode highlights how resear…

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Living with Gratitude: The Tenth Commandment 11:52

1M ago11:52

11:52

In this closing episode of the Ten Commandments series, Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the final commandment: Do not covet. He reflects on envy, desire, and Ibn Ezra’s teaching that all mitzvot aim to straighten the heart—reminding us to live with gratitude, mindfulness, and compassion as we enter a new year. You can find a link to Nava Tehillah's s…

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Who Is a Genetic Counsellor? Redefining Identity in Genomics 57:12

1M ago57:12

57:12

Host Matt chats with American genetic counsellor Dr Lisa Schwartz about the evolving professional identity of genetic counsellors, the role of networking and qualitative research (including authors' positionality), and how clinical training translates into lab, policy and education roles. They also swap stories about travel, outdoor winery concerts…

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Truth Matters: The Ninth Commandment 10:49

1M ago10:49

10:49

Why does Judaism place so much weight on telling the truth? This week, Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores how Jewish wisdom links truth to the very foundations of society. The Ninth Commandment warns against bearing false witness, reminding us that justice and trust collapse when lies prevail. But the teaching goes further—beyond courtrooms to everyday …

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Jewish Ancestry & Genetics: Carrier Screening, Community and Choice 39:44

2M ago39:44

39:44

Host Matt Burgess interviews Gidon Schwartz from Jnetics, a UK charity offering pre-conception carrier screening and partnering with the NHS to increase access to BRCA and carrier testing for people with Jewish ancestry. They discuss why ancestry matters for certain recessive conditions, how testing and outreach have evolved, ethical and identity c…

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Confessions of a Childhood Shoplifter: The Eighth Commandment 8:23

2M ago8:23

8:23

Rabbi Josh Feigelson unpacks the 8th Commandment — “Don’t Steal.” At first glance, it seems simple: don’t take what isn’t yours. But the Torah and Talmud reveal a deeper wisdom, connecting theft not only to property but to kidnapping, jealousy, and unchecked desire. Be in touch at [email protected]. This episode is sponsored by Jonathan and Kori …

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From Clinic to TikTok: Dena DNA’s Journey Demystifying Genetics 58:43

2M ago58:43

58:43

Host Matt Burgess interviews genetic counsellor and content creator Dena Goldberg (Dena DNA) about her path from clinical genetics to social media, her work educating the public on Lynch syndrome and cancer genetics, and how storytelling makes complex science accessible. The episode also covers Dena’s personal experiences with infertility and an un…

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The Spiritual Power of Saying “No” and the Seventh Commandment 9:43

2M ago9:43

9:43

What does “Don’t commit adultery” really mean—and how can it shape our daily mindfulness? This week, Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the Seventh Commandment as more than just a rule about fidelity. From Don Draper’s complicated story in Mad Men to the Torah’s vision of holiness, Josh explains how saying “no” to certain impulses allows us to say a dee…

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Living with CMT: Finding Answers in the SORD Gene 28:21

2M ago28:21

28:21

In this episode Matt Burgess interviews Darryl Beitsch about his lifelong experience with Charcot‑Marie‑Tooth (CMT) and the late discovery that his neuropathy is caused by mutations in the SORD gene. They discuss diagnosis, nerve testing, genetic testing advances, family implications, volunteering with CMT Australia, and the importance of research,…

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Murder, Mercy, and Mindfulness: Wisdom from the Sixth Commandment 11:14

2M ago11:14

11:14

Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the Sixth Commandment—“Lo Tirtzach: Don’t Murder”—and why it’s far more than a prohibition against taking a life. Rabbi Feigelson reveals how the commandment extends beyond literal murder to include gossip, false testimony, harmful advice, or withholding life-saving information. Through mindfulness practice, he shows h…

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‘Powerhouse’ Lives: A Genetic Counselor’s Journey Through Mitochondrial Disease (GUK1) 1:03:44

2M ago1:03:44

1:03:44

Genetic counsellor Matt talks with Devin Shuman, a fellow genetic counsellor and rare-disease patient, about her family’s diagnosis of mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome, the long diagnostic odyssey from muscle biopsy to a candidate gene discovery, and the realities of genetic testing. Devin discusses the process of a disease causing variant in G…

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Lessons from the Fifth Commandment: A Modern Guide to Honoring Parents 10:10

2M ago10:10

10:10

What does it mean to honor parents in the 21st century — especially if the relationship is complex? This week, Rabbi Josh Feigelson dives into the Fifth Commandment and the idea that honoring parents is a core Jewish value with deep spiritual meaning. Listen for a simple, mindful practice you can do at home to connect with your family’s story and p…

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Unraveling Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT): A Journey Through Generations. Demystifying Genetics and CMT1A with Peter Critchley 25:57

3M ago25:57

25:57

Welcome to another enlightening episode of Demystifying Genetics, hosted by Matt Burgess. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) with Dr. Peter Critchley, who himself is affected by this genetic condition. The conversation uncovers the nuances of CMT, focusing on CMT1A - the specific gene in Peter's family…

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The Secret to Jewish Mindfulness: Shabbat and the Fourth Commandment (Part 2) 9:42

3M ago9:42

9:42

Is Shabbat just about Friday night dinner—or is it the most powerful spiritual technology in Jewish life? Rabbi Josh Feigelson dives into the Fourth Commandment—Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy—and reveals how Shabbat isn’t just a ritual, but a radical mindset shift that can bring you peace, presence, and purpose every day of the week. Feat…

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“I Swear to God”: The Power of Speech and the Fourth Commandment (Part 1) 9:25

3M ago9:25

9:25

Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the Fourth Commandment—“Do not take God’s name in vain”—and what it teaches us about speech, truth, and mindful living. From his days as a Boy Scout to Jewish mystical practices, Josh connects personal stories with ancient wisdom to help us speak with more clarity, compassion, and Divine purpose. You’ll also learn a un…

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Letting Go of Idols: A Lesson from the Third Commandment 10:12

3M ago10:12

10:12

Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the Third Commandment and how its warning against idolatry offers a profound lesson in mindfulness. From childhood posters to spiritual projections, we often cling to permanence in a world of constant change. Through a grounding meditation on breath, Josh helps us soften the grip on our inner idols and embrace the ever…

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Avoiding Distraction: Mindfulness and the Second Commandment 9:55

3M ago9:55

9:55

What do Instagram, your phone, and ancient idols have in common? This week, Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the Second Commandment—"You shall have no other gods"—as a deep call to mindful living. He shares how distraction can become a modern form of idolatry and guides listeners through a meditation practice rooted in the mystical verse Shiviti Hashe…

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61. Completing Tikkun HaMedinah with the Menorah’s Seventh Candle 38:35

3M ago38:35

38:35

In this final episode, Rav Shlomo Katz celebrates the completion of Rav Yitzchak Ginsburgh’s Tikkun HaMedinah. The menorah’s seventh candle, embodying Malchut’s humility, unifies all Sefirot, reflecting Torah, Am Yisrael, and Eretz Yisrael as one. Through aliyah, olim actualize this tikkun, transforming the Medinah into a divine monarchy for Mashia…

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60. The Menorah’s Order and the Rectified State 54:36

3M ago54:36

54:36

Rav Shlomo Katz explores Rav Yitzchak Ginsburgh’s teachings on the menorah’s order and placement in the Heichal, symbolizing Tikkun HaMedinah. The menorah’s seven branches, aligned with the Sefirot, channel divine light through chesed, tiferet, and yesod, illuminating love, balance, and Torah-madda unity. Aliyah empowers Am Yisrael to light these c…

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59. The Menorah as the Symbol of a Rectified State 47:55

3M ago47:55

47:55

Rav Shlomo Katz explores Rav Yitzchak Ginsburgh’s teachings on the menorah as the symbol of a rectified Jewish state. Its straight branches, per the Rambam, reflect Malchut’s tikkun, uniting Torah and tradition against secular distortions. Through aliyah and Messianic consciousness, Am Yisrael illuminates the world, fulfilling Tikkun HaMedinah for …

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58. Preparing for Mashiach’s Redemption 40:47

3M ago40:47

40:47

Rav Shlomo Katz explores Rav Yitzchak Ginsburgh’s teachings on Malchut, addressing whether Am Yisrael should leave redemption to Mashiach. Through Torah, mitzvot, and aliyah, Jews create refined vessels for Mashiach’s revelation, uniting joy and pain in Tikkun HaMedinah. Malchut transforms Israel into a global light, fulfilling the divine mission i…

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57. Malchut: The World with a Divine King 48:14

3M ago48:14

48:14

Rav Shlomo Katz introduces Rav Yitzchak Ginsburgh’s teachings on Malchut, envisioning a world where a divine king, Mashiach Ben David, unites all nations under Torah’s truth. Malchut completes Yesod’s unification of Torah and madda, reflecting divine light without concealment. Through aliyah and Messianic consciousness, Am Yisrael prepares for a gl…

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56. Completing the Foundation for Malchut 34:42

3M ago34:42

34:42

Rav Shlomo Katz concludes Rav Yitzchak Ginsburgh’s teachings on Yesod, unifying Torah and madda to reveal Hashem in all spheres. From Einstein’s potential to modern challenges, Yesod fosters a spiritual revolution, preparing Am Yisrael for Malchut’s divine monarchy. Through aliyah and new Torah-madda institutions, Jews can build a Torah-aligned sta…

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55. Einstein, God, and Unifying Torah with Science 55:39

3M ago55:39

55:39

Rav Shlomo Katz delves into Rav Yitzchak Ginsburgh’s teachings on Yesod, exploring Albert Einstein’s views on God and the potential for a Torah-aligned scientist to usher in Messianic energy. Yesod unifies Torah’s masculine (zachar) and science’s feminine (nekava) energies, revealing Hashem in all spheres. Through aliyah and new educational institu…

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54. Why Science Leans Left and Torah Right 39:25

3M ago39:25

39:25

Rav Shlomo Katz explores Rav Yitzchak Ginsburgh’s teachings on Yesod, addressing why science leans left and Torah right. Through a Kabbalistic lens, the Sefirot reveal science’s feminine (nekava) and Torah’s masculine (zachar) energies, requiring unification (zivug) to fulfill Am Yisrael’s dream of a divine dwelling place. By merging Torah and madd…

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53. Yesod: Unifying Worlds and Fulfilling Jewish Dreams 33:36

3M ago33:36

33:36

Rav Shlomo Katz delves into Rav Yitzchak Ginsburgh’s teachings on Yesod (foundation), the midda that unifies Torah and worldly wisdom—science, art, and more. Moving beyond fixing distortions, Yesod enables Am Yisrael to actualize divine potential in Eretz Yisrael, creating a dwelling place for Hashem. Through aliyah and a Torah-aligned state, this …

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52. Who Belongs in Eretz Yisrael? 45:29

3M ago45:29

45:29

Rav Shlomo Katz explores Rav Yitzchak Ginsburgh’s teachings on who belongs in Eretz Yisrael, emphasizing a Torah-conscious connection to holiness (kedusha). Through the midst of Hod and Yehoshua’s three letters, the episode highlights that only Jews aligned with Torah and righteous Gentiles accepting Jewish sovereignty belong. By rejecting foreign …

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51. The Immune System of Hod: Purifying Am Yisrael 44:20

3M ago44:20

44:20

Rav Shlomo Katz delves into Rav Yitzchak Ginsburgh’s teachings on the midda of Hod (eternity, splendor) as a spiritual immune system for Am Yisrael. Working in harmony with Netzach, Hod purifies the nation by rejecting harmful elements and fostering gratitude for Eretz Yisrael’s divine gift. Through aliyah, Hod strengthens the Jewish soul’s connect…

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50. Aliyah and Mashiach: Paving the Path to Redemption 52:04

3M ago52:04

52:04

Rav Shlomo Katz explores Rav Yitzchak Ginsburgh’s teachings on whether all Jews must make aliyah before Mashiach arrives. Drawing on the Rebbe’s insights, he frames aliyah as a spiritual act of paving the way for redemption, embodying Netzach (victory) and Hod (eternity) by connecting to Eretz Yisrael. While the final ingathering occurs post-Mashia…

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49. Messianic Aliyah: Returning to the Inner Chamber of the King 46:58

3M ago46:58

46:58

Rav Shlomo Katz explores Rav Yitzchak Ginsburgh’s vision of aliyah as a Messianic act, driven by a consciousness of entering the “inner chamber of the King.” Unlike mere migration, aliyah requires aligning with Torah values, overcoming a flawed judicial system, and embodying Netzach (victory) and Hod (eternity) under inspired leadership. Rav Katz c…

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48. Victory, Eternity, and Leadership: The Spiritual Power of Aliyah 40:38

3M ago40:38

40:38

Rav Shlomo Katz delves into Rav Yitzchak Ginsburgh’s teachings on aliyah as a spiritual return to Eretz Yisrael, embodying Netzach (victory) over obstacles, Hod (eternity) through connection to Jewish destiny, and the orchestration of inspired leadership. Aliyah is not mere migration but a triumphant, eternal act of aligning with Torah and the Land…

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47. Torah-Based Judicial Reform 40:52

3M ago40:52

40:52

Rav Shlomo Katz explores Rav Yitzchak Ginsburgh’s vision for judicial reform, emphasizing that Israel’s current system, rooted in foreign laws, lacks the Rachamim (compassion) of Torah law. A shallow view of Torah as harsh or irrelevant obscures its true beauty, rooted in Tiferet, which brings divine mercy to justice. Rav Katz calls for a deep, lov…

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46. Tiferet’s Harmony: Living Torah Values in Israel 52:51

3M ago52:51

52:51

Rav Shlomo Katz introduces Rav Yitzchak Ginsburgh’s teachings on Tiferet( beauty, harmony), the synthesis of Chesed (love) and Gevurah (strength), vital for a Torah-aligned Israel. Before Tiferet can manifest, the nation must settle the land, eliminate threats, and strengthen society through love-driven unity (Ahavat Yisrael). Rav Katz explores how…

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45. True Gevurah: Uprooting False Hopes for Israel’s Redemption 25:42

3M ago25:42

25:42

Rav Shlomo Katz concludes Rav Yitzchak Ginsburgh’s teachings on gevurah (strength), emphasizing that it must flow from chesed( love) and yirah (awe of Hashem) to be unblemished. True gevurah decisively eliminates false hopes, like the notion of a Palestinian entity, that fuel terrorism, as seen in the Oslo Accords’ failures. Rav Katz calls for a sp…

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44. Holy Revenge 50:31

3M ago50:31

50:31

Rav Shlomo Katz delves into Rav Yitzchak Ginsburgh’s teachings on nikamah(revenge) as a sacred act when guided by chesed (love) and yirah (awe of Hashem). Exploring the aftermath of tragedies like October 7th, Rav Katz explains how true nikamah—far from barbarism—sanctifies God’s name by decisively removing threats to Am Yisrael. Rooted in love for…

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43. Yirah Unleashed: True Gevurah for Israel’s Redemption 51:32

3M ago51:32

51:32

Rav Shlomo Katz explores Rav Yitzchak Ginsburgh’s teachings on yirah (holy fear) as the inner dimension of gevurah (strength) in rectifying the State of Israel. When yirah is fixed—rooted in awe of Hashem alone, born from love (chesed)—it empowers a clear-minded, unstoppable gevurah to eliminate threats and reclaim the Holy Land. Rav Katz connects …

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42. The Fourth Group: The Ideal Right-Wing Vision for Israel 48:35

3M ago48:35

48:35

In this episode, Rav Shlomo Katz explores Rav Yitzchak Ginsburgh’s vision of the ideal right-wing political party, embodied by the fourth group at Yam Suf, led by Nachshon ben Aminadav. Unlike the other groups—those who sought to return to Egypt, fight without purpose, or flee to the desert—this group advances with unyielding faith in Hashem and a …

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41. Four Groups at Yam Suf: Politics, Kabbalah, and Israel’s Path 52:54

3M ago52:54

52:54

Rav Shlomo Katz unpacks Rav Yitzchak Ginsburgh’s teachings on the four groups of Jews at Yam Suf, each with a distinct response to crisis: return to Egypt, fight, flee to the desert, or advance through faith. Discover how three of these approaches mirror modern Israeli political ideologies—leftist appeasement, right-wing activism, and religious esc…

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40. Chesed and Gevurah: Love as the Foundation of Israel’s Strength 41:13

3M ago41:13

41:13

Rav Shlomo Katz explores Rav Yitzchak Ginsburgh’s teachings on the interplay of chesed (loving-kindness) and gevurah (strength) in rectifying the State of Israel. Discover how love must precede strength, as exemplified by Nachshon ben Aminadav’s courageous leap into the Sea of Reeds, driven by devotion to God and Israel. Rav Katz unpacks how chesed…

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39. The Holy Pride of Jewish Labor (Avoda Ivrit) 39:53

3M ago39:53

39:53

Rav Shlomo Katz explores Rav Yitzchak Ginsburgh’s profound teachings on Avoda Ivrit (Jewish Labor), emphasizing the spiritual and practical importance of physical work in the Land of Israel. Discover how labor fosters an intimate connection between the Jewish people and their homeland, akin to a marriage, and why embracing honest work is a mitzvah …