Daily Drop of Torah: Recent Episodes
Alex Scharg
Alex Scharg, a media producer and entrepreneur taking a sabbatical year in Israel, gives 1-2 minute daily audio bytes of Torah knowledge and stories from Aish HaTorah College in Jerusalem.
A miracle of curing Leukemia was due to an oath of observing Shabbat. As heard from Rabbi Zacharia Wallerstein.
In laws of Kosher, Why can’t Jews eat Predators? In Duties of the Heart, it gives an interesting answer.
Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach was adamant on giving his community sealed envelopes. After hearing the story, we can appreciate why.
Passover - there’s a lot of meaning behind the name. As heard from Rabbi Avi Kohn and Rabbi Shmuli Wolf.
Why is Passover mentioned as every generation? It should be every year! Torah from Rabbi Hunter and Maharal.
Can one speak about someone who does not know much Torah and is not following properly? The Chofetz Chaim explains.
There are 4 types of financial donors, as explained in Rabbi Dov Ber Cohen’s book Mastering Life.
A woman with 6 homes on over 4 continents faces a test to give. As read in Naftali Horowitz’s book ‘You Revealed.’
The word of ‘Davening’ is always thrown around, but there’s more behind it than you may think. As read from Rabbi Avrohom Chaim Feuer.
Someone offered me chocolate covered Matzah and I couldn’t resist. Is it ok to eat matzah before Passover?
How to balance love of fellow man and love of your creator. As heard from Rabbi Avigdor Miller and Chofetz Chaim.
Why is Chabad one of the only groups doing outreach? Are other Jews abandoning outreaching to other Jews? Torah from Rabbi Yitzhak Breitowitz and Rabbi JJ Twerski.
Purim Special 4 - A choice to live or die. Esther is faced with a choice that is an interesting contradiction. As told by Rabbi Eric Coopersmith.
How a theme of the Fast will give you the most joy during the Purim Day Meal. As heard from Rabbi Yitzhak a Berkovits.
Purim Special 2 - Going over the right way to drink. As heard from Rabbi MZ Dubov of Aish HaTorah and Rabbi Aryeh Leib Shapiro.
Purim Special 1 - The most joyful part involves people who are alone. Torah from Rambam.
If sounds of Torah are heard at night in a house, it won’t be destroyed. Is this true? Torah from Rabbi Avigdor Miller and the Brisker Rav.
Losing your smell from a cold or a virus is an opportunity. Torah from Rav Pinchus and Rebbe Nachman. As heard through Rabbi Moshe Chaim Eade of Aish HaTorah.
Rabbi Elimelech Biderman’s Story of a man versus a bear, as heard originally through the Baal Shemtov.
The secret behind the ד - finding what speaks to you. Torah from Rabbi Nachman as heard from Rabbi Moshe Chaim Eade of Aish HaTorah.
Did you know that as you pray, the creator of the world also prays? How does gd pray? Torah from Rabbi Chaim Stein of Telshe and Rabbi Avi Elbaz of Aish HaTorah.
Why is a custom important? Does one have to follow customs if they are not law? Torah from Rav Yitzhak Berkovits.
What is the concept behind a ‘Rebbe’ - Common in Chassidut? As heard from Rav Yitzhak Berkovits.
What is kindness? A misconception of kindness and mercy. As heard from Rabbi Dovid Rosman.
Will everyone be apart of the new era when the Messiah comes? Torah from Rabbi Avigdor Miller
Why is wine such a focus and used frequently in Jewish ritual? Torah from Rabbi Noam Gross and other Torah sources.
Why do some jews take Yom Kippur seriously yet don’t take Shabbat seriously? Torah from the Brisker Rav.
Why do we suffer? - Beshalach. Torah from Avidgor Miller and Torah based on the Or Chaim.
Negativity Among your People - speaking badly about others, as heard through laws of the Chofetz Chaim.
What is Tu B’Shevat and a symbolic relation to every person regardless of where you live.
Specifically in prayer, your lips are a gateway to a special power - as told by Rabbi Avrohom Chaim Feuer.
Who are the Rabbis and did they really understand the modern world when making laws? Learn about the Sanhedrin as heard from Rabbi Yitzhak Berkovits
How does one focus to the maximum extent? Rabbi Yehudah Lev Siegel had an encounter with Rabbi Pesach Krohns brother that will explain.
Other educational approaches to assimilation and modernization, specifically Chaim of Volozhin and Navardik approaches. As heard from Rabbi Yitzhak Berkovits.
What is ‘Kabalos Punim’ at Jewish Weddings? Torah from Rabbi Nachman of Breslov as heard through Rabbi Moshe Chaim Eade at Aish Yeshiva.
Why some Jews decide to be insular and why some jews choose a modernized approach. Torah heard from Rabbi Yitzhak Berkovitz
What is the ‘Mizrachi’ Movement regarding the State of Israel? Torah heard from Rabbi Zev Leff.
Why do some people take their shoes off in a synagogue? Torah from the Zohar and Chaim of Volozhin. As heard through Rabbi Avi Elbaz.
A Unique Teaching Method in a Russian School Teaches a Lesson. Torah from the Baal HaTanya.
When one does something wrong, how does one know if Gd forgives? Rabbi Nachman explains the source from King Soloman.
^^Counter Arguments to Torah Sources and Religious Views against the State of Israel. Sources from Rabbi Yitzhak Breitowitz and Rabbi Zev Leff.
A Visit I Received Today Displayed How Acts of Kindness Take One Out of Punishment. A story from the Baal Shemtov and the 5th Lubavitcher Rebbe.
Can one teach an old dog new tricks? A 48-year old came with a nagging pain to Rabbi Naftali Horowitz.
Whats greater - getting a Holy Rabbi’s Reward in the World to Come or Connecting to The Creator in this world at the Highest Level?
The Concert Crasher who attempted to punch Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, as told in the book Holy Brother
A kiss on the forehead from Rabbi Yitzhak Dovid Grossman inspired a Jew to change his life. As told through Rabbi Shmuel Zucker.
Some people mix water into Wine before Kiddush - why? As heard from Rabbi Nachum Chaimowitz.
How to properly treat a poor person or someone asking for money on the street. As heard from Rabbi Avraham Twerski.
What is the Star of David exactly? Where did it come from? As heard through Rabbi Avi Elbaz.
If you’re new to Judaism, does the Torah obligate you to follow your family customs from generations back?
How long do shabbat candles need to stay burning for? Interesting innovation from Rabbi Berkovits.
A Torah Thought Experiment that teaches us a valuable lesson in Pirket Avot. As told from Rabbi Dov Ber Cohen’s Book Mastering Life.
A Secret to Receiving What you Need on the Last Night of Chanukah. Heard from Rabbi Shmuel Irons.
A Miracle apart of Chanukah that we oftentimes forget. Torah Source from Rabbi Elimelech Biderman.
Even the Nazis couldn’t put out the Chanukah Light. A story from Auschwitz heard from Rabbi Yechiel Spero.
Quick hit Chanukah Tips and Laws to make your lighting ideal. Heard from Rabbi Avi Elbaz.
Chanukah today is celebrated opposite to the actual miracle. What was it and why do we do opposite?
Spinning of the dreidel reveals a hidden theme of Chanukah. Insight revealed by Rabbi Elimelech Biderman.
How does the Big Bang Theory fit within Torah? Torah sources from Ramban and Bereshis Rabah.
Why do Jewish Men wear Kippahs or Head Coverings? Do they have to wear it? Including an interesting Jewish ruling from Rabbi Moshe Feinstein.
^What is the proper conduct for working out your body according to the Torah? Torah source from Chaim Berlin
What makes a Jewish Leader? One story from Shlomo Carlebach and another from a student who was kicked out of school.
How stepping on a Torah and a scene from the show Fauda proves a Jewish Soul is different. Additional sources from Tanya.
Are you allowed to use a Jewish book without permission? As heard from Rabbi Avi Elbaz.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe once valued a Picasso painting compared to a photocopy. It speaks to the actions of every Jew!
Rabbis say in the Oral Torah to love your work - why? Torah sources from Rashi, Rabeinu Yona, and Chovos HaTalmidim.
Why was evil created before good? As heard from Rabbi Yitzhak Berkovits and Rabbi Moshe Chaim Eade.
A working person can get the same share in the world to come as a Torah learner - Parshat Toldos. As heard from Rabbi Yaakov Bar Shalom
Why don’t people use the word ‘G-d’ when referencing the creator of the world? Rabbi Daniel Belsky of Memphis has a story that illustrates why.
What is the secret to having children? Rabbi Nachman gives an answer in one word from the Torah. As heard from Rabbi Moshe Chaim Eade
Maimonides gives the differentiator between man and animal, and how that you find your life purpose. As heard from Rabbi Berkovits at Aish HaTorah.
What do you do if you can’t find Shabbat candles or matches? You can find the answer with something already in your house.
Inspecting fruit in the marketplace is a lesson on how to treat people. As read in the book Holy Brother.
What is going on when lighting Shabbat candles? The number of limbs in your body gives the answer.
Why is Cinnamon used for Havdallah? What else can be used in its place? Rabbi Moshe Feinstein gives a fundamental concept.
Can you lie when playing a board game? A Chassidsh story answers this question. Torah ruling from Rabbi Avi Elbaz.
Actions speak louder than words - Parshat Vayeira. The creator teaches a lesson in regard to visiting the sick in the very first verse.
A clever tactic on how to not embarrass a host if you don’t like the food. As read from the book Holy Brother.
A healthy way to approach Kabbalah - heard from Rabbi Berkovits of The Jerusalem Kollel and Aish HaTorah.
Why we say a thankfulness prayer along with the Chazzan - Torah heard from Rabbi Elbaz and Rabbi Rosman.
A lesson on marriage and children - from parshat Lech Lecha. Tying in Hagar and Corona Virus to judging others favorably.
^^A new ice cream store that opened in Jerusalem’s Old City might be a conflict in Jewish Law regarding Jewish Business Competition. Answered by Rabbi Avi Elbaz
A horrible smell can be a great opportunity - One Famous Rabbi took Advantage, as told in the book ‘Holy Brother.’
How Christianity and Islam shows Jews how to understand god more accurately Sourced from Rav Yitzchak Berkovits from Aish HaTorah.
One important kosher law that you probably didn’t realize exists, and it happens with foods we eat frequently. Learned from Rabbi Avi Elbaz of Aish HaTorah
What is the Mourners Kaddish all about and why is it said by one person? As heard from Rabbi Elbaz from Aish HaTorah.
All we need is a few good men. If Noah was such a Tzadik, why was it his fault for not going out of his way to save others?
What is the Torah view on dinosaurs? And what does one say to geologists that claim fossils are thousands of years old? Heard from Rabbi Bruckheimer at Aish HaTorah.
Your face is one of the most powerful and holy tools - here is why. Torah from Rashi, The Maharal, and Rabbi Elbaz of Aish HaTorah.
A simple way to receive 1000 times more benefit by following the Torah. Sources from Orchot Tzadikim and Rabbi Shalom Arush.
Who can be a Chazzan? Requirements for the prayer leader of a congregation. Torah from Rabbi Nachman and Rabbi Meltzer from Yeshivas Mir.
Creation has many theories but how does it match up to the Torahs explanation on creation? Heard from Rav Yitzchak Berkovits from Aish HaTorah.
^^When does shabbat exactly start - the answer is in parshat bereshit. Torah from Rashi and the Shifchei Chachamim.
Guide to understanding the ‘self’ in this crazy era of technology and distractions. Torah from Rabbi Nachmans Likutei Moharan as heard from Rabbi Moshe Chaim Eade from Aish HaTorah
Why do we have good and bad? The proof is in sunlight and in the beginning of creation. Torah from Rabbi Yaakov Asher Sinclair and Rashi commentary.
When you wake up in the morning, there’s a hint to understand who you really are. Taken from the Siddur!
Beginning the Torah from the start is a special time to push yourself to do the opposite of what you feel.
A famous Rabbi told his taxi Driver that he desires to be on his level - related to shabbat and the holidays. Heard from Rabbi Dovid Rosman.
Why do we bang willow tree plants on a table tomorrow morning? We look crazy! Heard from Rabbi Moshe Chaim Eade.
There is a word said throughout the holidays hundreds of times, but nobody knows what it means! Heard from Rabbi A Willig.
Is this point of a Sukkah for humility with sleeping on the ground or for indulging in good food and wine? Torah from Rabbi Nachman and Rabbi Avignon Miller and heard from Aish student Josh Newman.
^^Why we use 4 species of trees and shake them together - a kabalistic idea you may not have heard.
A big theme of Sukkot is leaving your trash behind you. Torah from the Sfas Emes and from Rabbi Kahane at Aish Hatorah.
How a bunch of Manhattan Diamond Dealers had a big life realization from a loving man. As told from the book Holy Brother - the life of Shlomo Carlebach.
After Yom Kippur ends, learn about an important next step to start the new you. Why Sukkot has its name and the meaning behind it.
The mindset for Yom Kippur - this drop is for the speedy recovery of Shmuel Yitzhak Ben Zlata.
^^Putting others before ourselves is the secret to unlocking the treasure chest - this weeks Torah portion Ha’azinu. Torah inserted from Rabbi Yaakov bar Shalom. This drop is for the speedy recovery of Rena bat Sara, grandmother of Yosef Ginzburg
What is the Jewish Confession? Why do it if the creator of the world already knows what we did? As heard from teachings of Rav Berkovitz from Aish Hatorah.
You only live once (YOLO) - true? The Torah’s view of regret in light of Yom Kippur and Elul.
Starting off the new year by making sure we don’t steal - shofar questions! As heard in a Money Halacha Video.
The best mindset going into Rosh Hashanah - as heard from Rabbi Yosef Hershman of Aish Hatorah.
How stepping through mud relates to your journey on Rosh Hashanah - as told by the Kotzker Rebbe
Why do we use horns from a ram to sound the shofar? Can we use a goat? Details to the shofar.
^^The new year is not about starting fresh from the past - secret is in the shofar! As heard from Rav Shmuel Zucker.
My decision to eat healthy food today led to divine intervention - must hear story related to Rosh Hashanah.
5 things you may do that are forbidden without realizing it - Rambams Torah for Rosh Hashanah.
Can you speak badly about a Jewish person under any circumstance? Heard from the Chofetz Chaim
The magic of dipping fingers in wine after Shabbat - Havdalah part 4, as heard from Rabbi Elbaz at Aish.
Background behind the spices and the candles done at the end of shabbat - Havdalah part 2 - as heard from Rabbi Elbaz of Aish Hatorah.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe and Chasam Sofer give a twist to the spiritual energies of this month. As heard from Rabbi Shmuel Zucker
Why Shlomo Carlebach went through freezing cold for one jew - Elul theme. Told in the book Holy Brother.
^^Each person has a choice to fight a war, even if the enemy attacks first - this weeks Torah portion Ki Teitzei. Torah from the Chassidic sages.
How a wealthy yacht party persuaded a man to speak the truth - heard in the name of Rabbi Waxman from Monsey.
Understanding the difference between the Jewish calendar and Gregorian calendar - does it make sense?
The secrets to receiving all of your needs and wishes this Hebrew month before Rosh Hashanah.
Why is the “head of the year” in the 7th month on the Jewish calendar? What is the purpose of Rosh Hashanah?
^^Why do people take a nap during prayer? And why there is an exception to a rule in Jerusalem regarding prayer^^
A short story on why the well-known Jewish singer Shlomo Katz had an awakening in connecting to the land of Israel
^You never know when the last day is - a connection to the truth of Torah. A story heard from Rabbi Moshe Weinberger.
Sights in the land of Israel that prove the truth of the Torah. A personal insight I had on a trip to northern Israel.
A yarmulke or head covering is like a wedding ring. As heard from a teacher at Aish Hatorah.
How Esther and the Purim miracle is an example of how nothing in life is finalized and unchangeable.
Alex Scharg gives interesting, inspiring and compelling 1-2 minute Torah knowledge and stories from Aish HaTorah in Jerusalem. This story was heard from Rabbi Yoel Gold.