Torah and Today: Recent Episodes
Rabbi Ken Brodkin
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.
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
Megillas Esther teaches us timeless lessons about the opportunities and limitations of interpreting the events of our lives.
The construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) raises questions about what it means to dedicate physical space to HaShem. As individuals, how do we bring God’s presence into our world?
In today’s episode, I share my journey with GTD (Getting Things Done) and how it led me to a deeper Jewish question: what is Shabbos?
It’s common in our times for people to self-identify as “spiritual but not religious.” This includes many people who firmly believe in the existence of God, though they are not affiliated with a religious group or organization. Many seek spirituality in places outside of religion.
What does it mean to be spiritual as a Jew? How do we connect the moving spiritual moments we experience, to a life of Mitzvot?
The example of Moshe teaches us to run after each member of HaShem’s flock, as we seek them out in the places that they are found.
Congregation Sons of Israel (in Manalapan NJ) updates our name to include the entire children of Israel, as we strive to create an eternal legacy.
What I learned from my real-life encounter with Michael & Summer Dawson PLUS: who is the suffering servant of Isaiah 53?
From the days of Yosef and Yehuda to the Maccabees to our own time, the legacy of the Jewish people is all about walking in the path of truth.
Our fathers and mothers received new names in watershed moments that helped define their life trajectory forward. How can you connect with your name in your struggles today?
Today, it’s possible to walk in the Biblical heart of Israel where our forefathers and mothers walked and lived. But what does Genesis teach us about the most difficult problems that face us in the land of Israel today?
Avraham’s prayer for the wicked city of Sedom depends on the presence of a “Minyan” of Tzaddikim (righteous people). A deeper look at this moment sheds light on the importance of community for our spiritual health.
Avraham left Charan and followed the word of HaShem without knowing his destination. How does Avraham’s path guide us to move forward in life, amid doubt and uncertainty?
The Hebrew Bible gave the world a radical idea: God, not flesh and blood, is the true king. When we reject cults of personality and center our lives around HaShem, we bring blessing into the world.
How can we bring this big idea of HaShem as our king into daily life?
A new Torah reading cycle is a time to consider a learning opportunity that is accessible for every Jew.
Sukkot is a time to consider the real struggle between Israel and the nations, and how that struggle plays out in our lives.
The first Sukkot celebration after the return of captives from Bavel to Jerusalem teaches us the power of our modest Sukkah.
Exploring the boundaries of apology and forgiveness in the Teshuva process. Is it ever appropriate to withhold forgiveness?
Understanding the Akeda (Binding of Isaac) is critical for our connection to the Days of Awe, and understanding Jewish morality.
Including people in the Jewish community is a lifesaving endeavor. Yet, it takes ingenuity, perseverance and creativity to make that happen.
The Jewish people have always longed for the land of Israel. What do we make of life of our life in exile?
We’re back at the Jewish Growth Podcast!
The word of HaShem is a source of life and comfort for the Jewish people. Yet, the Jewish people feared that they would perish when G-d spoke to the at Sinai. How do we resolve this paradox? If G-d is the source of life, why did the Jewish people fear death when they stood at Sinai?
My last Drasha at Kesser Israel—after 17 years—is a cause for reflection on the meaning of the weekly Drasha/Sermon in Shul. We consider how Moshe increased his own spirit prior to helping others connect with “the Ruach.” This podcast will be back intermittently over June and July and we plan to be back in full force in August.
Our rabbis teach us that “one Mitzvah causes another Mitzvah.” Yet, seemingly it is possible to perform one Mitzvah without it leading anywhere in particular. How do we realize a full life of walking in the Mitzvot?
As we count the days toward Shavuot, the counting of Sefira helps us to understand that power of positive habit in our Torah lives. How do we access our full potential through new habits?
As Jews, we experience a tension between our desire to be a “Kiddush HaShem” and the fact that, often, people we encounter do not look favorably upon our Torah practices. How do we thrive with this unresolved tension present in our lives? What does it mean to make a Kiddush HaShem in a non-Jewish world?
Our will to live is the most basic of human drives. But how do we define life? The Torah’s command to “live in Mitzvot” suggests a path that shapes the meaning of our lives.
Isaiah’s futuristic vision of the messianic era points to our innate ability to overcome our natural limitations.
In this episode, I share some reflections about my next steps in life, PLUS: when is change healthy for any individual? A deeper look at the pre-Pesach purification process sheds light on healthy change and development.
As we recommit to eradicating Amalek from our world, we contemplate how each and every one of us and our Mitzvot are great in the eyes of HaShem.
Study of Tanach in general, and the Megilla specifically, supports the need to clearly identity, and unequivocally denounce evil.
The Megilla and Chodesh Adar point us to a bigger picture understanding of our past and our future.
A Torah approach to the powerful human emotion of regret lead us to new opportunities, as we rethink our future us and relaunch our journey.
Exodus 20, 15 teaches us that the Jewish nation “saw the sounds” of revelation at Sinai. A deeper exploration of this verse sheds light on what it means to be a Jew as we strive to connect with the word of G-d.
Devorah, one of the most famous women in Tanach, declared after a pivotal battle that she arose “as a mother in Israel.” What is the meaning of this title? What lessons do Devorah and Jewish mothers impart to us? Join us for a story of faith.
In this episode, we explore the deeper meaning of Jewish identity, in the context of G-d’s direct relationship with the Jewish people.
Be a part of writing the future of our Jewish community. Visit us at SeferTorahPDX.com to make a dedication in our urgently needed new Sefer Torah.
The end of Genesis sheds light on the origins of our family and who we are as part of Bnei Yisrael.
The wisdom of our sages provides guidance in what might be one of the most consequential questions we face as Jews. How do we confront modernity?
The epic struggle of David against Goliath, sheds light on how we can find G-d in the history of our own personal life.
In this episode, we consider how to connect and grow through the deep, spiritual experience of Chanukah.
As we relaunch the podcast, we consider the meaning of our name “Yisrael”, plus: what to expect in the updated show.
Tune-in to this “last episode” of “The Torah Journey Podcast” so that you can hear updates about our upcoming improvements and changes to the podcast. Changes coming soon!
As we explore the contrast between Avraham and the world he lived in, we gain critical insight into how we help build the Jewish people.
The life and covenants of Avraham in Lech Lecha form a powerful teaching about Judaism’s optimistic view of mankind. Our Jewish view stands in stark contrast with various views that prevail in the broader society.
While modern science contradicts a simplistic approach to the Torah, the approach of our tradition to Torah learning is anything but simplistic. In this episode, we will set the stage for our exploration of Jewish wisdom. How do traditional Jews read the Torah? Should we seek to reconcile Torah with other disciplines?
When Avraham doubted his own future, G-d took him “outside” and suggested that he gaze upon the stars and count them. “So shall be your seed”, the Almighty told Avram. As we discover in today’s podcast, this conversation is a revelation about what it means to be Jewish.
As we look past the High Holidays, join us as we consider our next steps of growing with the Jewish people.
As we begin a new year, we consider the plight of the marginalized. How we can support people who may be on the margins of our Jewish society?
In a changing universe, the path of Avraham guides us to the place where we can hear the word of G-d guiding us to our destiny.
Gratitude and thanksgiving for our blessings are a major key to success in life. Learning to recognize the blessings can define our experiences during the New Year and beyond.
The book of Yona, which we read on the day of Yom Kippur, helps us navigate many of the inner contradictions that we face in our own lives.
The months of Elul and Tishrei place a demand of “doing more” upon us. But what if our time is already completely tapped? Can we really do more? This podcast explores a refreshing Torah insight into the spiritual makeup of a human being. This insight provides a foundation for Jewish success during the month of Elul and beyond.
In Parshat Re’eh, the Torah starts to present us with a stark choice between blessing and curse, life and death. The month of Elul is a time to ponder this choice as we prepare for renewed life.
The Torah’s idea of matrilineal descent sheds light on how we Jews can understand ourselves in a culture that often misconstrues us.
The Nine Days and Tisha B’Av are a time to reflect upon the Jewish meaning of freedom, and our deepest aspirations during the days of Chodesh Av.
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We are living through an age of change and transition, but what is the real truth of our lives? Are we irreplaceable as we may often feel? The paths of Moshe and Eliyahu sheds light on the meaning of our lives.
If we can't win the battle against antisemitism on social media, where can we triumph? The non-Jewish prophet Bilaam as well as the period of the Three Weeks offers insight into where the Jewish people can overcome their enemies.
If most of life entails struggle, doubts and challenges, how do we go through these moments? Our state of joy or lack thereof is a key sign of where we stand on one of life’s most critical issues.
How do we know who to follow in a complex and changing world? Join us as we consider a Torah perspective on conspiracy theory.
In this episode, we explore how we bring our Jewish beliefs into our tangible lives. What is it that enables some people to enter the promised land while others languish in the wilderness?
With the rise of anti-Semitism, we witness the power of words. In this moment, we strive to lift up our world with our words
Ruth was an unknown, destitute foreigner in her day. As we explore the lessons of her life, we find the path toward meaning in our own lives, on Shavuot and beyond.
In this episode we explore the Torah’s guidance in grappling with a tragic event that claimed innocent lives.
Lag B'Omer Episode.
This week's episode is dedicated to the merit of a completel recovery for those who were injured in Meron this Lag B'Omer. In addition, this is dedicated to the memory of the lives that have been lost.
Discover the great light that Rebbi Shimon Bar Yochai revealed in his life, and the essential connection that every Jew has to that light.
Discover the Jewish foundation of holiness, a principal that ties all the Mitzvot of the Torah together.
On Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) we reflect on the miracles of Israeli history and what it means for our lives, wherever we live on G-d’s globe.
Nisan and the end of Exodus reveal the Jewish power to overcome loneliness and isolation.
The sin of the Golden Calf as well as the sin of David & Batsheva teach us to embrace failure as we revive our Jewish life before Pesach.
A conversation between G-d and Moshe at the burning bush teaches us to triumph in times of travail.
The conclusion of Bereishit, as well as the year 2020, shed light on how we will thrive in the year ahead. #2021ready
The lives of Yosef & Yehuda suggest different ways we can guide our kids toward a Jewish destiny in a non-Jewish world.
How do we respond to the shortcomings of our forebears? A closer look at the story of Shechem.
Friendship and brotherhood are major themes of Sefer Bereishit. When is it appropriate to break up a friendship?
Change is a constant part of our lives; learn to thrive through times of change and transition.
Do you sometimes wonder if growth is really possible? Tune into the good news: wherever you are in your journey, you have a path forward!
Elul is a time when we become empowered to lead our lives toward our deepest spiritual goals. Discover the message of human accountability at the heart of this Jewish month.
Welcome to the first episode where Rabbi Ken Brodkin discusses the secret to overcome fear especially during challenging times.