Best Rabbi Yosef Edelstein Podcasts (2024)

1
Our Journeys are Spiritual! 4:18

1y ago4:18

4:18

We go on lots of journeys in this world--small and big, to the mountains and to the beach...and sometime to far-off lands. But we learn from this week's Torah portion, Massei, which describes the Jewish people traveling and encamping in the Sinai desert--that the true purpose of all the journeys that Hashem leads us on in our lifetimes (and He IS l…

1
Focusing on the...NEGATIVE!? The (POSITIVE) Goal of the "Three Weeks!" 9:45

1y ago9:45

9:45

Today is a fast day, the 17th of Tammuz, and it ushers in a period of sadness in the Jewish calendar year, culminating in the Fast of the 9th of Av (Tisha b'Av)--the day on which both Temples were destroyed (not to mention other calamities). Is this about wallowing in the sufferings of the past? No, rather, we are truthfully acknowledging that the …

1
We are INTERCONNECTED: Lesson from the Canada Smoke! 5:19

1y ago5:19

5:19

There is much to learn from the disruptive effects of the Canadian wildfires on the lives of people (including me, Rabbi E) hundreds and thousands of miles away. One main lesson is that we are profoundly interconnected on a physical (and environmental) level. But Judaism teaches that we are SPIRITUALLY interconnected as well. Every good deed we do …

1
Shavuos: Celebrating THE PURPOSE OF LIFE!! 8:53

1+ y ago8:53

8:53

Is there a Jewish holiday that celebrates the very PURPOSE of existence? I'm glad you asked...The answer is YES. (And it begins in a few hours.) Shavuos, the time of the giving of the Torah. We Jewish people relive the awesome and utterly unique event of the Revelation at Mt. Sinai. Our entire nation was elevated to a level of prophecy, hearing the…

1
4 Days Until REVELATION! (Shavuos Prep, Part 2) 5:13

1+ y ago5:13

5:13

Shavuos is the most underappreciated Jewish holiday, for sure. It's even completely unknown to many Jewish people. TUNE IN to Rabbi E in 3, as we make the final countdown (or count up) to the festival of the giving of the Torah...the (national) Revelation at Mt. Sinai.By Rabbi Yosef Edelstein

1
10 Days and Counting!! (Shavuos Prep, Part 1) 1:02

1+ y ago1:02

1:02

Shalom, everybody. Are you READY to GET READY for what is arguably the most important Jewish (holi)day in the Jewish calendar? It's 10 days from now...that's right...and it's the Jewish holiday you might never have even heard of (I didn't as a kid), or perhaps only have some vague idea about....But it's the holiday that really defines who we are as…

1
Why So Many RULES on the Night of our FREEDOM?? (Happy Pesach!) 3:55

1+ y ago3:55

3:55

We have more rules on Seder night than any other night of the year. Is that "freedom?" Absolutely. Tune in as we discuss the deeper meaning of the freedom Hashem granted us when He took us out of Egypt more than 3300 years ago...and allowed us to become His servantsBy Rabbi Yosef Edelstein

1
A New Start, and a New Season! 3:46

1+ y ago3:46

3:46

I'm Rabbi E, and I have not put out a podcast episode for weeks and weeks. But today is a new day, the first of the month of Nisan in the Jewish calendar: a day infused with the energy and power of renewal like none other in the calendar year. SO HERE IS A NEW START. A new sound, a new approach, a new commitment to this podcast and its original vis…

1
Message from Poland! 4:03

1+ y ago4:03

4:03

Why a trip to Poland for a Jew is so important and meaningful, and INSPIRING! Recorded on my phone, live in Poland, while staffing a trip for Jewish students.By Rabbi Yosef Edelstein

1
Rabbi E Turns 60: Happy Birthday, WISE GUY! 8:12

2y ago8:12

8:12

Join old Rabbi E, as I share insights, reflections and blessings on reaching halfway till 120. The Rabbis tell us that the age of 60 brings "seniority," (older age, if you will), but MUCH more importantly, WISDOM! And the foundation of all wisdom, Judaism teaches, is realizing that we, and the world, have a Creator and that He gave us a life full o…

1
Won't You STAY A Little Bit Longer??? 6:55

2y ago6:55

6:55

Won't you stay just a little bit longer?? Tune in for this MUSICAL episode of Rabbi E in 3, as I melodically introduce you to the festival of Shemini Atzeres, the "8th Day of staying back," which takes place at the end of the Sukkot holiday (begins in an hour or two). APOLOGIES TO JACKSON BROWNE, but the very essence of this holiday is about stayin…

1
Holy Living: Thoughts to Begin Sukkot! 6:51

2y ago6:51

6:51

A few thoughts to start the week of Sukkot, recorded live from the Sukkah of Rabbi E!By Rabbi Yosef Edelstein

1
Yom Kippur: Day of DEEP CLEANING (all coffee stains gone)! 5:32

2y ago5:32

5:32

Yom Kippur is an aweome day of return: returning to healthy relationships with others, and returning to the real, pure spiritual essence of who we are. And what makes that possible is both the forgiveness that Hashem (and other people!) lovingly grants us,and the PURIFICATION that we experience. All the "stains" on our souls, so to speak (from the …

1
Between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur: DAYS OF RETURN! 11:42

2y ago11:42

11:42

We all know that Rosh Hashanah is a special time, and that Yom Kippur is a special time....but we may not be aware that the days BETWEEN Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are also a very special and elevated time! A time when the Jewish people have always tried to multiply their good deeds and mitzvot, their prayer and acts of charity...so that we may b…

1
Rosh Hashanah: CHOOSING LIFE! 10:59

2y ago10:59

10:59

Recorded on the last day of the Jewish year, 5782, hours before Rosh Hashnah, I discuss some of the beautiful ideas connected to this magnificent holiday of the new year...and the powerful 10 Days of Return (the first ten days of the year)--ZAMBONI DAYS, smooth and powerful "spiritual skating" days--that culminate in Yom Kippur. The focus is on OUR…

1
Hashem Took Us OUT of Slavery, Right? That's Shabbos! 4:54

2y ago4:54

4:54

We are NOT supposed to be slaves...that is why Hashem took us OUT of slavery. Yet, we all still suffer in 2022 (myself, Rabbi E, very much included!) under a cruel and harsh team of taskmasters. "Work," "Work Mentality," "Cell Phone," "Social Media,"....these are some of the "head honchos" of that group of modern slavedrivers that rob us of our out…

1
Tisha b'Av (9th of Av): A LONG Day of Mourning....and LONGING! 21:06

2y ago21:06

21:06

A long day of fasting and mourning is approaching (after Shabbos, August 6th-7th), the fast of the Ninth of Av (Tisha b'Av), commemorating the many, many tragedies that befell the Jewish people throughout the ages on this day. But this day of mourning is NOT about wallowing in our past suffering, but rather, about looking at (and FEELING) what we a…

1
LEADING with your WORDS! 8:42

2y ago8:42

8:42

The word for "word," in Hebrew (davar)is the same as the word for "thing" (with different vowels). Why? Because words have a real weight to them, they are not just so much air. That same word is a1so one of the words in Hebrew for, "leader!" Why? Because our leadership position as human beings in G-d's Creation is demonstrated and expressed largely…

1
Feeling VERY ALIVE in Israel...Land of the Living! 13:06

2y ago13:06

13:06

Rabbi Edelstein (Rabbi E), of MEOR DC here, and join me as I share my excitement at being in the amazing Land of Israel, after three uninterupted Covid-ravaged years outside! Come visit, whoever you are,--whatever your religion, beliefs or politics. You will be inspired, awakened, excited, stuffed (with amazing food), challenged....and exhausted! I…

1
Jealousy May...WILL...Destroy You! (Based on Parshas Korach) 22:11

2y ago22:11

22:11

Jealousy, rebellion, a misguided yearning for (spiritual) INDEPENDENCE....and ultimately, tragedy! Rabbi E. discusses some of the amazing lessons of this week's Torah portion, Korach (Book of Bamidbar/Numbers). Tune in, and may we all appreciate and celebrate our OWN portion--talents, gifts, mission--in this world, and not be SWALLOWED up by jealou…

1
Hashem is Leading Us: Embrace the Journey! 13:00

2y ago13:00

13:00

Join me as I discuss how and where we are going, as we are led through life...based loosely on this week's Torah portion, Beha'aloscha (Book of Numbers). And featuring a not-too-out of key introduction (?) taken from a song from the 70's, if my boomer memory serves me well. May we all work on seeing our lives as being LED by Hashem ("NOT WANDERING"…

1
Can Enjoying WINE [& Other Pleasures] Really Be HOLY??! 17:44

2y ago17:44

17:44

Join us for a short exploration of the Jewish attitude towards the (abundant) physical pleasures of this BEAUTIFUL world...including the lovely fruit of the vine, in fermented form.(Based partly on this week's Torah portin, Nasso, second in the Book of Bamidbar.) And the simple answer is, "Yes, it absolutely can!" Physical pleasures in general are …

1
Are You Ready to RECEIVE? (The Torah...on Shavuos!) 10:09

2y ago10:09

10:09

You may well NEVER have heard of the holy Jewish festival that is coming up this year immediately after Shabbos: "SHAVUOS." How can that be? It arguably should be the MOST acknowledged, celebrated and eagerly anticipated Jewish holiday of all. It's when the Jewish people RECEIVED the Torah, which is--after all--the source of all the other wisdom an…

1
Watch Your Words! (No Hurting Allowed) 14:05

2+ y ago14:05

14:05

With war and pandemic and economic crisis caving down on us, what can we do? Not sure about that, honestly....but at least we can start by not causing harm, pain, or anguish with the words we use each and every day, in each and every encounter, in each and every relationship. Tune in as I discuss the SEVERE AND ALL-IMPORTANT (not quaint!) Torah pro…

1
Don't Wait for "The PERFECT Time!" 6:03

2+ y ago6:03

6:03

Welcome to a most uncharacteristic episode of Rabbi E in 3! I recorded it, even though it was not "the perfect time" (whatsoever) to do it. Not at all! And that's exactly the lesson I want to convey, in fact, and it happens to be a HUGELY important one: We shouldn't wait for the "perfect time" to start to work on a self-improvement project, OR to d…

1
WE are leaving Egypt! (Pesach Prep: Part 2) 9:52

2+ y ago9:52

9:52

"In every generation, a person is OBLIGATED to see oneself as leaving Egypt." Those are the words of the Haggadah....What exactly do they mean? How do we achieve this? Clearly, the Passover Seder is meant to be something much more than just a commemoration of an ancient event, however heartfelt. It is also a deeply personal opportunity (and OBLIGAT…

1
Experiencing Freedom! (Pesach Prep: Part 1) 12:04

2+ y ago12:04

12:04

Passover is almost here, so I want to give you something to really think about. On Seder night, we have more rules and regulations--that is to say, we observe more mitzvot/commandments--than on any other single night of the Jewish year by far! ("Eat this, and drink this, and lean this way...," etc.) And notice that this festive meal of our holiday …

1
The Revelation at Mt. Sinai, and the 10 Commandments! 8:47

2+ y ago8:47

8:47

Every person, Jewish or not, should be aware of what's related in this week's Torah portion, Yisro (in The Book of Exodus). It describes the most important event in human history arguably: The Revelation at Mt. Sinai, and the uttering of the "10 Commandments" by G-d to the entire Jewish people. They were the gateway to, and microcosm of, the rest o…

1
Put That Pen in Your Mouth...and Start to SMILE! 4:54

2+ y ago4:54

4:54

Not feel like smiling? Yeah, I get it, things are kind of crazy in the world. Frowning seems more appropriate. But hold on: smiles are nice, and we all need to feel (and share) warmth and light as much as possible, in my grumpy opinion. Well, the good news is that sometimes all it takes to get the ball rolling--or the smile glowing--is simply putti…

1
Lots of Tests! 5:20

2+ y ago5:20

5:20

Talk about an episode of Rabbi E in 3 with lots of TESTS!! (Perfect start for 2022, eh?!) From the uncertain acoustic quality of recording in a new home "studio," to the annoyance of having a swab inserted in my nose to find out if I have Covid...to EVERYTHING else that you and I experience in our lives! All the way from the "big" issues and challe…

1
ILLUMINATING CHANUKAH: Day 8! ("Taking Our Chanukah Gifts With Us!") 5:13

2+ y ago5:13

5:13

Chanukah is ending, it's true...8 days infused with a special, inspirational "energy"of light, miracles and purity. But don't worry: there is PLENTY of opportunity to still experience light, miracles and purity in our daily lives beyond the holiday...even if we have to work a bit harder to uncover and enjoy them. Listen to this final epsiode of the…

1
ILLUMINATING CHANUKAH: Day 7! (Episode 6: "Jewish People, Yes...HOLY People, NO! 4:57

2+ y ago4:57

4:57

The Greeks were fine with having us be Jewish as an ethnicity (Jewish-Hellenist!) but not Jewish as a HOLY people, with a special mission from the One G-d and special laws (mitzvot) that elevate us--and this world--to a level above mere "nature!" That is why they took special aim at Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh (the new month--our unique Jewish calendar) …

1
ILLUMINATING CHANUKAH: Day 5! ("The Power of Self-Sacrifice!") 5:11

2+ y ago5:11

5:11

One of the central traits of the Jewish people throughout our history has been, "mesiras nefesh," or "self-sacrifice," meaning going to the very limits of our strength in order to Keep the Torah and serve G-d. The whole Chanukah story is founded on the incredible mesiras nefesh of the Maccabees, and the relatively small number of other Jews who joi…

1
ILLUMINATING CHANUKAH: Day 4! ("The Battle Within Our Own People...and Within Our Own Hearts!") 9:47

2+ y ago9:47

9:47

Part of the story of Chanukah is, of course, the battle between the Maccabees and the Syrian-Greek armies, or more broadly, between the Jews and a foreign civilization. But a huge part of the back story was the tension within Jewish society at that time itself, between those Jews more loyal to the Torah (and its commandments), and those Jews who we…

1
ILLUMINATING CHANUKAH: Day 3! ("Lots of Darkness Before the Lights") 5:01

2+ y ago5:01

5:01

Chanukah is the festival of lights, a time of great illumination--in both the physical sense (as embodied in the candles of the menorah we kindle at nightfall), and in the spiritual sense of (re)opening our eyes and hearts to appreciate the hand of G-d in Jewish history. But as we enjoy the glow of that steadily increasing light--and, indeed, as pa…

1
ILLUMINATING CHANUKAH: Day 2! ("Your Little Candles are a BIG Deal!") 4:58

2+ y ago4:58

4:58

The "small" act of kindling the candles of the Menorah is a very big deal. It's a declaration of individual dedication to the Jewish people (and its history); it's a dedication of one's home to Jewish ideals and to the mission of being a "holy people" and light to the nations...and it's a huge illumination for your OWN neshama (soul)--which is itse…

1
ILLUMINATING CHANUKAH: Day 1! ("It IS an Important Holiday, Actually!") 4:55

3y ago4:55

4:55

8 miraculous days of illumination...and 8 (miraculously?) consecutive episodes of Rabbi E in 3! Chanukah is truthfully a far more important and meaningful holiday than many suppose. If we get beyond the latkes and donuts (while enjoying them, of course) to think about it more deeply, we can find much to inspire us. The awesome power of self-sacrifi…

1
Birthday Blessings! 4:10

3y ago4:10

4:10

Welcome to my birthday edition of Rabbi E in 3! November 3rd is MY special day...the day, to paraphrase a great Sage, when (many years ago, won't say how many just now), G-d decided the world could not exist without me!! (Or this podcast?!) A birthday is an opportune time to realize how supremely important each and every one of us is, and to feel o…

1
Who is REALLY Strong? 6:01

3y ago6:01

6:01

The Jewish definition of strength has nothing to do with bench presses or push ups...though those might help someone get into shape, or at least develop some seriously bulging musculature! (Not that I, Rabbi E, would know...talk to me about treadmills, not barbells.) In Jewish ethical thought, "strength" is defined as the ability to control or chec…

1
The Day is Short, and the Job is Huge! ("But Don't Freak Out!") 6:23

3y ago6:23

6:23

A great Jewish Sage, Rabbi Tarfon, summarized the Jewish view of life in a famous and evocative aphorism: "The day is short, the job is huge, and the workers are lazy; the pay is great and the Master is pressing." We have a huge job to do--elevating and rectifying ourselves AND the world--and the instructions to get it done (our Torah and its comma…

1
#32: It's All About the HEART (LEV)! 5:01

3y ago5:01

5:01

In traditional Jewish wisdom, every letter of the Hebrew alphabet corresponds to a number. Many profound insights can be derived through connecting words and verses in the Torah that share the same numerical value--a method of textual interpretation known as "gematria." Well, when I happened to notice that this would be my 32nd episode since first …

1
Living with JOY: Lessons from the Sukkah! 5:47

3y ago5:47

5:47

The Jewish festival of Sukkot may be just about over...but its precious lessons on how to live our lives with joy (simcha) can stay with us--and guide us--throughout the whole year!By Rabbi Yosef Edelstein

1
Yom Kippur: A Short and Sweet Overview (of a Short and VERY Sweet Day)! 4:05

3y ago4:05

4:05

Yom Kippur is an unbelievable gift to the Jewish people, a day not to grumble about how hungry we may be (or think about how our stomachs are grumbling from the fast!)...but to rejoice at the opportunity to RETURN to our deepest selves and to REGAIN our inner purity and freedom. Not to mention the blessing of restoring love and harmony between ours…

1
Zamboni Days are Here! (Shana Tova) 8:18

3y ago8:18

8:18

The first 10 days of the Jewish year, from Rosh Hashanah through Yom Kippur, form a discrete unit in time, uniquely powerful in their potential for inspiration, transformation...RE-CREATION! They are known as 10 Days of Teshuva, or "return." The opportunity to reconnect more strongly with our deeper selves, and with our purest desires for a purpose…

1
Living up to Our NAME! (This podcast included) 3:58

3y ago3:58

3:58

Getting Back to our roots...and living up to our name! This applies to the present time in the Jewish calendar, with the new year fast approaching. The Jewish High Holidays summon us to the process of "teshuva," or "return," to return to our own personal roots, the deepest spiritual essence and mission that each one of us has. Rosh Hashanah itself …

1
It's My Podcast and I'll Cry if I Want To! 6:12

3y ago6:12

6:12

Let's all agree that negativity is NOT good....No? For some of us--myself very much included--it is not always easy to NOT be negative all the time! But honestly, that is NO way to live! In this episode of Rabbi E in 3, I share a bit of my (ongoing) struggle with negative thoughts and speech, which has diminished my own enjoyment and accomplishment…

1
Through the Wilderness...of Your Life! 8:26

3y ago8:26

8:26

"And you shall remember the entire way on which Hashem, your God, led you these forty years in the wilderness, in order to afflict you to test [elevate] you, to know what is in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not." Each one of us is journeying through the Wilderness of life, with many blessings and challenges. The purpose is …

1
NEVER Curb Your Enthusiasm!! 6:45

3y ago6:45

6:45

Mastering the trait of enthusiasm/alacrity (zerizus in Hebrew) is essential if we are to realize our great potential in this world! It is a fundamental pillar of Jewish ethics and self-development, exemplified in the actions of our holy and righteous ancestors in all generations. We must always strengthen ourselves to transcend our natural, physica…

1
The Three Weeks: A Time of Mourning and Longing! 10:26

3y ago10:26

10:26

Just in the thick of the summer, when most people are thinking about fun in the sun or on the water or on the deck (grilling ,with beer in hand), the Jewish calendar brings us to a more subdued frame of mind. We are now in the period known as "the three weeks," culminating in the saddest day of the Jewish year, Tisha b'Av (the 9th of Av), when both…

1
"REMEMBER": It's About the PRESENT...not the Past! 8:27

3y ago8:27

8:27

Why does the Torah mention, "remembering," so much? Are we supposed to be living in the past? Not at all: it is about THE PRESENT, and making the most out of every moment NOW. In this episode of Rabbi E in 3, I discuss our common misconception about the purpose and power of "remembering," which is really about the present and not the past. Do we wa…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Rabbi Yosef Edelstein Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide