Best Velvele Podcasts (2025)

1
The Guarantor Paradox 6:22

2d ago6:22

6:22

In Jewish law, obligation only arises through action or benefit—so how does a guarantor become responsible? What makes someone liable without receiving anything tangible? Can emotional benefit alone create a binding commitment? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube…

1
Emotion Engineered 9:25

12d ago9:25

9:25

A technical discussion on bowing in the Temple opens a window into human emotion and spirituality. Can something as small as timing a bow show how we connect to G-d? Do most people truly feel spiritual when entering a synagogue—or only when leaving? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Bl…

1
The Matzah Mindset 11:37

19d ago11:37

11:37

Matzah teaches a powerful lesson about humility and building a true relationship with G-d. Why is eating tasteless matzah central to Passover? How does it reveal what a real relationship — with G-d or people — should look like? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube…

1
Ep. 63 // "Every Chossid is Different" w/ Rabbi Choni Friedman 2:01:37

20d ago2:01:37

2:01:37

Rabbi Choni Friedman grew up in Kansas City and lives today in Pittsburgh where he is the Rov of Bnai Emunoh Chabad, a growing shul and community in the Greenfield neighborhood of Pittsburgh. He is also the dean of a new Bais Medrash Zal, which opened this year with 30 bochurim and growing In this episode, we discuss what it means to be a chossid t…

1
Can We Disagree with G-d? 7:01

26d ago7:01

7:01

The joyous song "Dayenu" in the Passover Haggadah contains a puzzling idea about the giving of the Torah. Why would it have been "enough" to reach Mount Sinai without receiving the Torah? What deeper message does this reveal about our role in Jewish law? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Vid…

1
Ep. 62 // "Roots of Identity" w/ Rabbi Shlomo Elkan 1:42:44

26d ago1:42:44

1:42:44

Rabbi Shlomo Elkan grew up in Marietta, a suburb of Atlanta, in a reform and then conservative Jewish home, and is today the shliach at Oberlin College, a liberal arts school an hour outside of Cleveland.In this episode, we discuss his winding journey to becoming a Lubavitcher and then opening a Chabad House on campus with his wife who comes from a…

1
Don’t be like Moses! 10:00

1M ago10:00

10:00

Moses was one of the greatest leaders in Jewish history, but should we follow his way of parenting? Why didn’t Moses circumcise his sons? Should we teach our children faith from the start, or let them discover it on their own? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube…

1
Ep. 61 // "Finding the Treasure" w/ Rabbi Velvel Lipskier 2:18:52

1M ago2:18:52

2:18:52

Rabbi Velvel Lipskier grew up in Crown Heights and lives in North Miami Beach where he works in plumbing and construction. In this episode, we discuss how the "voice" of Chassidus can be translated in different cultures and how it can change depending on what we pay attention to. We also discuss some of Velvel's memories from the famous Tishrei of …

1
Freedom Redefined 4:46

1M ago4:46

4:46

Being free is about knowing why you do what you do. How can purpose change the way we see freedom? What does Judaism say about real freedom? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on YoutubeBy Rabbi V. Belinsky

1
Ep. 60 // "The Ability to Change" w/ Rabbi Chaim Shaul Bruk 2:07:56

1M ago2:07:56

2:07:56

Rabbi Chaim Shaul Bruk is the shliach in Bozeman, Montana where he and his wife Chavie are now marking 18 years.In this episode, he recalls his growing up in Crown Heights, both the wonderful childhood memories and the tense years of the early nineties.He also shares how a devastating infertility diagnosis in their first years of shlichus changed h…

1
Can Money Really Help Your Soul? 15:01

2M ago15:01

15:01

G-d commands a census of the Jewish people—by having each person give half a shekel. Why don’t we count people directly in Judaism? How can money, the most physical thing, connect to something as spiritual as the soul? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube…

1
Ep. 59 // "Talking to My Nefesh Habehamis" w/ Mayer Prager 1:34:33

2M ago1:34:33

1:34:33

Mayer Prager grew up in the Crown Heights of the 1960's, surrounded by the exodus of the non-Lubavitch Jewish community, the energy of the Lubavitch community that stayed, and of course, the Rebbe.In this episode, we discuss what it was like to grow up in that milieu, his special relationship with R' Yoel Kahan, and his perspective on the direction…

1
The Jewish Obsession with Light 5:53

2M ago5:53

5:53

Judaism is filled with symbolism around light, from Shabbat and holiday candles to the eternal flame of the menorah. But what deeper lesson does the light teach us? How does the flame represent the soul, while the wick symbolizes the body? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Yout…

1
Ep. 58 // "Learning in Lubavitch" w/ Mr. David Shabat 1:35:11

2M ago1:35:11

1:35:11

Mr. David Shabat lives today in Boynton Beach, Florida, but as a young boy from Washington, DC he was sent to study in the Lubavitch school of Bedford and Dean in Crown Heights, where he would go on to spend close to ten years in and about the Lubavitch community and the court of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.One of the listeners to the podcast is David's …

1
The Red Sea Dilemma 16:29

2M ago16:29

16:29

When the Jewish people left Egypt, they found themselves trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army. What did they do in this impossible situation? Did they decide to fight, pray, or just give up? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube…

1
What is True Freedom? 15:39

2M ago15:39

15:39

In this episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast, we explore what freedom really means in Judaism. While the Jews were freed from slavery when they left Egypt, were they truly free? Join us as we look at the lessons from the Exodus and what they can teach us about our personal freedom today. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube…

1
Ep. 57 // "Chassidim That Work" w/ Rabbi Rafi Tennenhaus 1:36:43

2M ago1:36:43

1:36:43

Rabbi Rafi Tennenhaus is a shliach in Hallandale Beach, Florida for more than four decades, where today he directs the activities of many Chabad Houses and an exploding local Lubavitch community.In this episode, we discuss his upbringing in Montreal and before that in a small Canadian town of Bathurst, New Brunswick, where his father, R' Dovid Tenn…

1
Trusting in Tomorrow's Manna 7:29

2M ago7:29

7:29

In this episode, we dive into the difference between faith and trust. We look at the story of Jews in the desert, where G-d gave them manna every day—just enough for one day at a time. What was the reason for this? How can we apply this lesson to our lives today? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Belin…

1
Ep. 56 // "How Teaching Has Changed" w/ Rabbi Yossi Rosenblum 1:30:22

3M ago1:30:22

1:30:22

Rabbi Yossi Rosenblum is an educator at Yeshiva Schools in Pittsburgh for several decades, where he began as a teacher and now serves as Head of School. In this conversation, we discuss how his priorities as a teacher has changed over time, how both the world around the school but also the world within the school makes new demands of teachers but a…

1
How the Jewish Calendar Was Born? 8:57

3M ago8:57

8:57

The first commandment given to the Jewish people as they were about to leave Egypt was the mitzvah of sanctifying the new moon. This mitzvah forms the foundation of the Jewish calendar, which is based on lunar months. Let’s find out more in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube…

1
Ep. 55 // "A New Intellectual Stage" w/ Rabbi Dr. Eli Leib Rubin 2:15:06

3M ago2:15:06

2:15:06

Rabbi Dr. Eli Leib Rubin, Phd is a scholar and author who grew up in Edgeware, a suburb of London, and lives today in Pittsburgh.In this conversation, we discuss his recently published book, "Kabbalah and the Rupture of Modernity: An Existential History of Chabad Hassidism," a magisterial effort of research and writing tracing the idea of Tzimtzum …

1
He argued with G-d and turned out to be right! 10:12

3M ago10:12

10:12

In today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast you will learn: What concerns did Moses have? Why did G-d perform exactly 3 miracles for Moses? What allowed Moses to lead the Jews out of Egypt? Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on YoutubeBy Rabbi V. Belinsky

1
When did Levites have to join the battle? 29:41

3M ago29:41

29:41

The Levites, one of the 12 tribes of Israel, were set apart for religious duties and had a unique position in Jewish society. But did this exemption from military service always hold, or were there moments when they were called to fight? When were Levites allowed to join the war? Let’s find out more in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podc…

1
How to Deal Better with Difficult Times? 12:04

3M ago12:04

12:04

Josef, Rambam, and the Maharam of Rothenburg all faced incredibly difficult lives. Yet, in times of hardship, they always had a choice: to let those challenges define them, or not. Whether we experience good or bad circumstances, it's up to us how we choose to define ourselves. We can decide whether to let the negative experiences shape us, or embr…

1
Why Does Judaism Have Four Matriarchs? 6:33

4M ago6:33

6:33

In this episode, we explore the story of Leah, a woman who was initially seen as less than ideal but transformed into a person of great character and strength. Join us as we reflect on her journey of growth, perseverance, and the lessons we can all learn from her path to becoming a truly good person. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube…

1
Where Are the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel? – Most Popular Replay of 2024 6:55

4M ago6:55

6:55

In this replay of our most popular episode of 2024, we explore the mystery of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel. Where did they go? What happened to them? Whether you're hearing it for the first time or want to revisit it, tune in to hear the theories and secrets behind this ancient mystery! Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube…

1
Can Israel Give Up Land to Arabs? 11:08

4M ago11:08

11:08

According to Jewish religious law, selling land in Israel to non-Jews is generally prohibited. This prohibition is based on two main reasons: security concerns and religious principles. Join us in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast as we explore these factors in more detail. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube…

1
Jewish Learning Institute - Lesson 1: The Jewish People and the Talmud 1:18:27

4M ago1:18:27

1:18:27

Why Jewish life orbits a book of law. Jewish law’s ultimate record is the Talmud, but what is Jewish law? Explore its nature, scope, and roots in the written Torah and Oral Law—and see learning’s central role in Jewish practice and culture.By Rabbi V. Belinsky

1
The Jewish Stockholm Syndrome 7:07

4M ago7:07

7:07

Was it a clear decision by the Jews to become slaves in Egypt? How did the Jews become more involved in Egyptian society and economy? What role did the Pharaoh play in the enslavement? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on YoutubeBy Rabbi V. Belinsky

1
Why Do Jews Wear Fringes on Their Garments? 4:06

5M ago4:06

4:06

Tzitzit are tassels that hang down from the four corners of a rectangular garment. What is the purpose of these fringes? What do they signify? How do tzitzit add up to 613? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on YoutubeBy Rabbi V. Belinsky

1
Why was Abraham chosen to be the first Jew instead of Noah? 7:19

5M ago7:19

7:19

When a Torah talks about someone for the first time, it usually introduces the person to us. However, there is no formal "introduction" of Abraham in the sense of a biography or detailed backstory. Instead, his calling by G-d is highlighted as the starting point of his significance. Let’s find out more in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective p…

1
Ep. 54 // "Where Even Is Home?" w/ Rabbi Shmully Metzger 1:53:06

5M ago1:53:06

1:53:06

Support this podcast at: https://www.hflpodcast.com/donate ____ Rabbi Shmuly Metzger is a shliach in Manhattan, where he runs Chabad Sutton in the Midtown district. A couple miles away is the famous Lubavitch neighborhood of Crown Heights, where Shmuly grew up in both its mythological and concrete past. In this episode, we discuss his childhood in …

1
Three Types of Workers: A Spiritual Perspective 11:02

5M ago11:02

11:02

There are three types of workers - a salary worker, an individual contractor and an agent. But what is the difference between them in terms of serving G-d? Let’s find out more in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube.By Rabbi V. Belinsky

1
Ep. 53 // "Writing the Messy Divine" w/ Poet Yehoshua November 1:48:03

5M ago1:48:03

1:48:03

Support this podcast at: https://www.hflpodcast.com/donate____Yehoshua November is a poet who lives in Teaneck, New Jersey.His poetry grapples with ideas of Chassidus and their application in real "messy life," including some very personal reflections. Three collections of his poetry have been published, and his work has found appeal with audiences…

1
The Power of Personal Action: What Can We Learn from the Story of Pinchas? 14:26

5M ago14:26

14:26

What is the role of a Cohen according to the Torah? Why was Pinchas chosen to become a Cohen? What does the story of Pinchas teach us about leadership in difficult times? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on YoutubeBy Rabbi V. Belinsky

1
Who Were Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? 15:58

6M ago15:58

15:58

In this episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast, we learn more about the three forefathers of the Jewish nation — Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Abraham, the father of kindness, taught us the power of compassion and hospitality. Isaac, known for his strictness, embodied the importance of discipline. Jacob, who balanced both qualities, became the foun…

1
Ep. 52 // "Cosmic or Homesick" w/ Rabbi Dovid Bashevkin 1:44:08

6M ago1:44:08

1:44:08

Support this podcast at: https://www.hflpodcast.com/donate ____ Rabbi Dovid Bashevkin PhD lives in Teaneck where he is an author, columnist and host of the 18Forty podcast. In this episode, we discuss the condition of homesickness across different parts of the religious Jewish community in the United States, the inherent problems but also the possi…

1
Why Are There 8 Days Of Chanukah? 9:25

6M ago9:25

9:25

G‑d created the world and its natural order in seven days. But why is Chanukah eight days long? What is the spiritual significance of the number eight? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on YoutubeBy Rabbi V. Belinsky

1
Ep. 51 // "The Spiritual Revival of Chabad" w/ Rabbi Elisha Pearl 2:05:49

6M ago2:05:49

2:05:49

Rabbi Elisha Pearl grew up in Flatbush and has spent the last few years studying in the Judean hills, which is where he wrote his groundbreaking book, "Make Peace," which explores the Rebbe's strategic vision for lasting peace in Israel. We were going to discuss the book, but ended up talking about how he found himself it writing it in the first pl…

1
Can a Jew Own a Non-Kosher Restaurant? 4:10

6M ago4:10

4:10

Obviously we are not allowed to eat pork, but can we visit a farm with pigs? Can we be on a crab boat or sell a non-kosher food? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on YoutubeBy Rabbi V. Belinsky

1
The Final Mitzvah of the Torah 15:12

6M ago15:12

15:12

What makes the "final mitzvah" of the Torah important? What can it teach us about inspiration? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on YoutubeBy Rabbi V. Belinsky

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Ep. 50 // The Blessing of Helping Others w/ Rabbi Mordechai Avtzon 2:21:31

6M ago2:21:31

2:21:31

Rabbi Mordechai Avtzon is my father and the first shliach in the Far East, which is where he and my mother founded Chabad of Hong Kong and China forty years ago.In this conversation, we discuss his upbringing in Detroit as a child of one of the only Lubavitch families in the city, and the different outlooks his immigrant parents had on their place …

1
How to Be a Good Partner? 10:57

6M ago10:57

10:57

In this episode of the Jewish Perspective Podcast, Rabbi Belinsky will talk about the concept of partnership with G-d. As partners, it's our responsibility to treat the world like it's our own business. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on how to be a good partner. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube…

1
Ep. 49 // “Shlichus Love Story” w/ Rabbi Nissen Goldman 1:47:58

6M ago1:47:58

1:47:58

Fifteen year ago, Nissen Goldman was a teenage son of a rabbi in Johannesburg, South Africa finding his own way. After leaving high school, Nissen ended up spending time in Cape Town where his sister and brother in law where on shlichus and ended up in a relationship with the daughter of their shul’s president. Fast forward fifteen years, and Nisse…

1
Understanding Jewish Divorce: Laws and Challenges 5:52

7M ago5:52

5:52

In this episode, we explore the laws of Jewish divorce, focusing on the important rules that guide this process. Rabbi Belinsky explains the role of the get (the official divorce document) and what both partners need to do to end a marriage according to Jewish law. We also look at the challenges related to the divorce process for both men and women…

1
Ep. 48 // "From Auschwitz to Lubavitch" w/ Rabbi Nissan Mangel 1:36:48

7M ago1:36:48

1:36:48

Rabbi Nissan Mangel was ten years old when he came face to face with Dr. Joseph Mengele at the gates of Auschwitz and was miraculously spared the fate of too many others.In this episode, Rabbi Mangel shares his journey from his small childhood town in Slovakia to Auschwitz and then England and Canada where he eventually met a number of fellow Lubav…

1
Jewish Learning Institute - Lesson 1: The Art of Empathy 54:00

7M ago54:00

54:00

Kabbalah on Relationships. Jewish Wisdom for Building Deeper, Richer Connections in All Your Relationships. Join us for six lectures in English with Rabbi V. Belinsky. The topics of the following lectures: Lesson 1: The Art of Empathy Lesson 2: The Art of Listening Lesson 3: The Art of Disagreeing Lesson 4: The Art of Positivity Lesson 5: The Art o…

1
There are two types of apologies. Which one is right? 19:47

7M ago19:47

19:47

If you come to somebody to say “I’m sorry”, do you need to specify what it is that you are apologizing for? Or coming and saying “I’m sorry” is just good enough? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on YoutubeBy Rabbi V. Belinsky

1
Ep. 47 // “Agree To Disagree” w/ Rabbi Yaakov Winner 1:48:58

7M ago1:48:58

1:48:58

Rabbi Yaakov Winner grew up in Brooklyn and has been the mashpia in Yeshiva Gedolah of Melbourne, Australia for thirty five years.In this conversation we discuss the mashpiim that most impacted Rabbi Winner as he was growing up, and how the role of a mashpia has developed over the years.We also discuss how the idea of hiskashrus and Lubavitch ident…

1
What if Rosh Hashanah Could Inspire the Whole World to Change? 8:03

7M ago8:03

8:03

Rosh Hashanah marks not only the beginning of a new year for Jews but also the anniversary of the creation of the world. In this episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast, we explore the Rosh Hashanah, as a day that invites everyone to reflect on the renewal of the world and their place in it. Rosh Hashanah serves as a powerful reminder that the cr…

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