Get ready to shine a light on the rich teachings of the Talmud as we unpack the nuances of Chanukah and Mitzvahs. Unearth the importance of the menorah’s placement relative to the mezuzah and engage in vibrant discussions around the prohibition of using the menorah light for personal use. Prepare to understand the reverence accorded to all Mitzvahs through real-life examples and also, learn why it's crucial to be careful while lighting the menorah.

We venture further into the depths of Chanukah traditions, elucidating the need for a separate shamash candle and the role it plays in reigniting a candle that has extinguished. Hear our thoughts on how Mitzvahs, much like candles, illuminate the rewards for those who engage in good deeds. We also unravel a dispute between two sages about whether a wood chip or a menorah should be used to light a candle and how this impacts the perceived value of the Mitzvah.

We then turn our attention to the Eruv - a symbolic boundary enabling certain activities on the Sabbath. Hear about the challenges of maintaining a continuous eruv, and the unique occurrence in Houston where the design of electric wires aids the creation of an Eruv. We also share our experiences and the importance of rabbinical oversight in maintaining an Eruv. Finally, we delve into in incident in Upstate NY where the eruv was damaged just before Shabbat, prompting an exploration of Halachic laws surrounding the eruv. This episode is a treasure trove for all those eager to delve deeper into Jewish traditions and teachings.

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The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn Talmud because it is in ancient Aramaic or the concepts are too difficult. Well, no more excuses. In this podcast you will experience the refreshing and eye-opening teachings while gaining an amazing appreciation for the divine wisdom of the Torah and the depths of the Talmud.

This episode of the Thinking Talmudist Podcast (Ep. 39) is dedicated in honor of our dear friend, Marshall & Doreen Lerner who is always a source of great insight and joy in our Talmud Classes!

To listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: https://linktr.ee/ariwol

• Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes
• Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodes
• Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes
• Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes
• Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes
• Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes

Please send your questions, comments and even your stories to awolbe@torchweb.org

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For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com

Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B to a live audience on December 2, 2022, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on December 7, 2023