Ever wondered how a non-observant Jewish kid from Melbourne becomes a leading rabbi and author? Rabbi Mordechai Becher's journey is nothing short of inspiring. In this Special Sunday Edition of the Jewish Inspiration Podcast, we chat with Rabbi Becher about his transformative experiences at the Yeshiva University outreach program, Counterpoint, and his educational adventures in Chabad Yeshiva High School and the Itri Yeshiva in Israel. Despite initial cultural challenges and an unconventional background, Rabbi Becher’s story is a testament to perseverance, parental support, and the power of faith.

Discover the impact of Rabbi Becher's influential book, "Gateway to Judaism," which has become a go-to guide for converts and learners, even within the US Armed Forces. We explore how the book ingeniously blends Jewish law and philosophy, inspired by Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch's "Chorev." Rabbi Becher also shares personal updates, including his family's accomplishments, such as his son's service in Gaza and his rabbinical work in Dallas, and his move to Passaic, New Jersey.

Get practical advice for embracing a more observant lifestyle, with tips on taking manageable steps and the significance of Torah study. Rabbi Becher reflects on the lessons from the Holocaust, the importance of Jewish unity, and the profound role of Shabbos in contemporary life. Plus, be inspired by the story of Eden Golan's composure during the Eurovision Song Contest and learn how to foster a vibrant Jewish community. Don't miss this enriching discussion filled with personal anecdotes, historical reflections, and valuable guidance for a meaningful Jewish journey.

Special thank you to Rabbi Danny Masri & Congregation Beth Rambam in Houston, Texas for bringing Rabbi Becher as Scholar in Residence to our community!

Rabbi Mordechai Becher, originally from Australia, is an instructor at Yeshiva University and alumni Rabbi of Neve Yerushalayim College. He received his ordination from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem and holds an MA in Medieval Jewish History from the Bernard Revel Graduate School. He taught at Ohr Somayach and Neve Yerushalayim in Jerusalem and served in the Israel Defense Forces. Rabbi Becher has answered thousands of questions on AsktheRabbi.org,  presents a Talmud class, Dimensions of the Daf, on cable TV with the Jewish Broadcasting Service and was senior lecture for Gateways for 20 years. Rabbi Becher’s latest book, Gateway to Judaism, published by Artscroll/Shaar Press, is in its tenth printing. He has taught in the USA, Canada, England, Israel, South Africa, Australia and Russia, and is a scholar in residence for Legacy Kosher Tours. He has led tours in Africa, Australia, Czech Republic, China, England, Hungary, India, Italy, Israel, Japan, Panama, Russia, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.

Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studios (B) in Houston, Texas on May 31, 2024.
Released as Podcast on June 9, 2024
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SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: 

• NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodes
• 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

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