Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism

Episode 50: Lessons From a Spy Story

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin discusses two traditional rabbinic commentaries on a story in the book of Numbers. The commentaries show how this Torah story has relevance for our lives today. 

Episode 49: Two Critical Issues

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin shares his thoughts on two issues prominent in the minds of American Jews today: the rise of anti-Semitism and anti-Semitic actions in our country and our connection with the State of Israel. 

Episode 48: Looking Out Our Windows: A Second Look

In an earlier episode of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin discussed the symbolism of windows which remind us to be cognizant of changes in the world which we might miss if we lock ourselves into religious tradition. In this episode, he comments on the Jewish tradition that one should only play in a room which has windows. What can this mean for our houses of worship as we return to gathering as communities? 

Episode 47: Jerusalem

We read in Psalm 122: Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem. In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin addresses the subject of the city of Jerusalem and what the city has meant and what it could mean for the future. 

Episode 46:Z'man Matan Torataynu: The Time of the Giving of the Torah

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin continues the discussion on the holiday of Shavuot, identified by the Talmudic rabbis as the anniversary of the giving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai. Why do we need a second Torah holiday? And, how can one tradition of the game of baseball help us to understand a critical aspect of Torah study? 

Episode 45:Praying for Peace

A special edition of the podcast with prayers for peace and calm in Israel. 

Episode 44: Bringing the First Fruits

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin considers the origin of the holiday of Shavuot and discusses one of the traditional texts concerning the festival. This text which describes one part of the ancient ritual of the bringing the first fruits during the time of the Temple has implications for aspects of our lives today. 

Episode 43: "Black Lives Matter"

The reality of systemic racism in our country is an issue which must concern us deeply and motivate us to change. In this light, Rabbi Dobrusin answers a question he has often been asked about the statement "Black Lives Matter": Given our quest for true equality in this nation, does the statement itself conflict with a fundamental Jewish principle? 

Episode 42: Leviticus 19:18

Rabbi Dobrusin discusses one of the best known and most important verses in the Torah. How are we to understand: "Love your neighbor as yourself"? 

Episode 41: Sinners or Victims

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin discusses a difficult Torah story and shares an unusual interpretation which has ramifications for contemporary issues.