Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism

Episode 130: Drawing Near (Part 2)

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin offers his answer to the question he posed in last week's edition of the podcast. Why does Joseph choose this moment to reveal his identity to his brothers? 

Episode 129: Drawing Near (Part 1)

In the first of a two part episode of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin shares two traditional answers to a vital question from this week's Torah portion. He then explains why these two answers do not reflect a critical aspect of the story and therefore he considers them insufficient. He then leaves the listener with a challenge to consider until next week's podcast: is there a way to answer the question which does, in fact, reflect that critical aspect of the portion? 

Episode 128: The Importance of Lighting Our Hanukkah Lights

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a thought about the lighting of the Hanukkah menorah in light of another Jewish legal tradition. 

Episode 127: Asking Age-old Questions in Today’s World

The connection between today's news and an age-old Jewish legal discussion is raised in this week's episode of Wrestling and Dreaming. 

Episode 126: Counting to 10

In this edition of Wrestling and Dreaming, Rabbi Dobrusin discusses the concept of the "minyan"- the minimum number of adult Jews required in order to say some of the traditional prayers. 

Episode 125: Responding with a Blessing

What is the role of the bracha, the blessing in Jewish tradition? Rabbi Dobrusin shares some stories relating to this question and encourages us to think about the role the saying of a blessing can play in our lives. 

Episode 124: Thanksgiving 2022

Rabbi Dobrusin shares a thought for this Thanksgiving based upon one of our ritual traditions. 

Episode 123: The Servant’s Prayer

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin considers the prayer of Abraham's servant in Genesis 24 in light of a favorite comment his father would often make. He considers the question: What is the main purpose of prayer in Jewish tradition? 

Episode 122: Responsibility on the Street

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin teaches a brief section from the Talmud concerning responsibility in public areas. Is there a limitation to our responsibility for situations we are involved in? 

Episode 121: In Memory and in Hope

Rabbi Dobrusin shares thoughts as we observe the 27th anniversary of the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin in light of today's reality in Israel.