Step into the new year with wisdom gleaned from the ancient traditions of Rosh Hashanah as we uncover the rich symbolisms behind the holy celebration. We promise a journey packed with insights that will not only deepen your understanding of the customs but also inspire you to apply these meaningful traditions to your everyday life. We unwrap the Talmudic origins of symbolic foods like apples dipped in honey, beets, and more, and how they carry a profound message of sweetness and sin eradication.

Beyond the symbolic foods, we explore the tradition of refraining from sleep during Rosh Hashanah and its potential influence on the year to come. The episode shines a light on how our behaviors and emotions on this day can reverberate through the forthcoming 365 days. We appreciate the wisdom of our sages, the need to avoid bitterness, and the importance of positive attributes. So, lend us your ears, and let us step together into a new year filled with kindness, positivity, and abundant blessings. Happy listening, and here's to an incredible Rosh Hashanah and an even better year ahead.

This episode (#232) of the Jewish Inspiration Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe is dedicated in Honor of Peter & Becky Botvin!

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To listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: https://linktr.ee/ariwol

• Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes
• Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodes
• Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes
• Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes
• Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes
• Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes

Please send your questions, comments and even your stories to awolbe@torchweb.org

Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our Jewish outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area and please consider sponsoring a podcast by making a donation to help support our global outreach at https://www.torchweb.org/donate.
Thank you!

For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com

Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B to a live audience on September 12, 2023, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on September 12, 2023

In this episode of the Jewish Inspiration Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe reflects on the tragic fatal shooting of conservative activist, and civil right icon, Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old husband and father, during a speaking event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025, describing it as a shocking manifestation of societal desensitization to violence and the silencing of opposing voices. Drawing from Genesis 4:2-10, he recounts Cain's murder of Abel due to jealousy over words, emphasizing that attempts to suppress differing opinions—whether through de-platforming or violence—fail, as God hears the "voice of blood from the ground." Rabbi Wolbe extends this to Genesis 37, where Joseph's brothers' hatred of his dreams leads to their plot against him, yet Judah advocates mercy over murder. He connects this to the current political climate, urging listeners to focus on commonalities rather than differences to foster love and unity, even amid disagreements. Acknowledging Kirk's non-Jewish but Shabbat-observing life and strong support for Israel, Rabbi Wolbe praises his inspiration for youth engagement and calls for public Jewish pride in Zionism and Shabbos observance. He warns against media desensitization to murder, stressing the need to protect one's neshama (soul) from such content, and concludes with a blessing for long lives of accomplishment, emphasizing the value of every moment, as no one is guaranteed eternity, and encourages maximizing good deeds without fame.

Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on September 12, 2025, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on September 14, 2025
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Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.
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About the Host:
Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org

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Listen More
Other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe:

• NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodes
• Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes
• Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodes
• Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes
• Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes
• Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes
• Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes

For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org
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Keywords:
#CharlieKirk, #CainandAbel, #Torah, #JewishIdentity, #Shabbos, #Zionism, #Conflict, #Violence, #Potential, #Accomplishment

Unlock the profound mysteries of Teshuvah, Judaism's unique process of repentance, and immerse yourself in a spiritual journey that reaches as high as the heavenly throne of the Almighty. We promise to share insights about Moses' sublime encounter with ministering angels, praising various aspects of Judaism, and explore why Teshuvah sat at the pinnacle of these praises. You'll comprehend how Teshuvah establishes a direct connection with Hashem, allowing us to return to our roots and recognize Hashem's universal reign.

Imagine the transformative power of honey and how it coleptelt changes the constitution of whatever stays in it for an extended period of time. That's the incredible influence Torah has on those who learn it. We discuss this transformation, paralleling the sweet changes with the potential of Teshuvah to elevate one's connection to Hashem. Hear a touching testimony of physical healing through immersion in Torah and the life-changing impact it can have on you.

The path to repentance might be arduous, but the rewards are immense. We are guided through the four steps of repentance, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging one's wrongdoing and seeking forgiveness from those affected. We learn from the narrative of Rebi Elazar Ben Durdia, a powerful illustration of veering off the path and the journey to restore a close relationship with God. We also discuss the consequences of speaking Lashon Hara about the land of Israel and how Teshuvah can restore broken connections. Prepare to discover how true repentance can enhance your relationships with Hashem and those around you, and the transformative power it can bring into your life.

This episode (#231) of the Jewish Inspiration Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe is dedicated in Honor of Dr. Leonard Goldberg!

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To listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: https://linktr.ee/ariwol

• Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes
• Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodes
• Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes
• Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes
• Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes
• Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes

Please send your questions, comments and even your stories to awolbe@torchweb.org

Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our Jewish outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area and please consider sponsoring a podcast by making a donation to help support our global outreach at https://www.torchweb.org/donate.
Thank you!

For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com

Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B to an online audience (Netiv) on September 10, 2023, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on September 12, 2023