Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism

Episode 137: The First Purim Costume

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin relates a rabbinic fable about the story of Esther. What can we learn from this story and a reference to it in a liturgical tradition related to Purim?

Episode 136: The Most Important Principle

In this edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin considers the importance and relevance of a value that is emphasized frequently and passionately in the Torah.

Episode 135: The Ax and the Tree

In this edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin teaches a section from the Mishna which considers the question of the extent of a person's responsibility for an unintentional act.  

Episode 134: A Sweet Story and Sweet Memory

In this edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin connects a charming aggadah (legend) told by an ancient rabbi about the crossing of the Sea with a memory from his youth. It is a beautiful memory which he shares with many people who grew up in Brookline, Massachusetts. After you listen to the podcast, please make sure to watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnzF2Rjtje8&t=43s

Episode 133: A Very Long Life

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a story told by the Talmudic Rabbis about a person whose name is mentioned briefly in the Torah. What can the story of Serach bat Asher teach us? 

Episode 132:Thoughts on a Difficult Question

Should Conservative Rabbis be permitted to officiate at a marriage ceremony when one of the partners is not Jewish? This question is currently being debated within the Conservative movement and in this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin shares his perspective on the issue. 

Episode 131: In Memoriam

Rabbi Dobrusin offers some thoughts in memory of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel  z"L whose 50th yahrzeit has been observed this week. 

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.