Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism

Episode 87: Torah Wordplay

Playing word games are very popular these days. In this episode of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a creative commentary based on this week's Torah portion with some contemporary updates. The commentary is not quite Wordle but It's fun and instructive.

Episode 86: A Complete Census

This week's Torah portion of Ki Tissa begins with a census of some of the people of Israel in the wilderness. What lesson can we learn from this story? Rabbi Dobrusin considers this question in this week's episode.

Episode 85: Pikkuach Nefesh- Saving a Life

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin reminds us of one specific act that many can perform to fulfill the critical Jewish value of Pikkuach Nefesh: our responsibility to save the life of another individual.

Episode 84: Two Unusual Characters

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin finds meaning in one particular aspect of this week's Torah portion. What can we learn from the presence of one aspect of the Mishkan, the portable sanctuary of the journey in the wilderness? 

Episode 83: There’s Always Something Magic

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin pays tribute to a singer and to a songwriter whose words can inspire thoughts about Jewish life and the study of Torah. 

Episode 82: In the Aftermath of the Attack in Colleyville

Rabbi Dobrusin shares thoughts on yesterday's horrible anti-Semitic attack in Colleyville, Texas.

Episode 81: Glorifying God

A phrase in the Song of the Sea which we read in this week's Torah portion leads to the question: What does it mean to glorify God? In this week's episode of Wrestling and Dreaming, Rabbi Dobrusin shares two commentaries from the Talmud, one of which has implications for how we perform our Jewish rituals. 

Episode 80: Being Wise

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin tells an intriguing story from Jewish tradition with implications for how we make decisions. The story emphasizes how important it is to seriously consider our course of action in critical situations. 

Episode 79: Midrash: The Other Meaning

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin explores the use of the word Midrash, textual interpretation. Many are familiar with the use of Midrash to interpret Biblical Narrative. But there is another way that Midrash operates which is critical to understand. What is the other way that Midrash is used in Jewish tradition? 

Episode 78: A Question to Consider

The book of Exodus is known in Hebrew as Sh'mot, which means "names". As we begin the reading of the book of Sh'mot,  Rabbi Dobrusin poses an unusual question that deserves some serious consideration.