As the sun sets on a Friday evening, the warm glow of Shabbat candles ushers in a time of reflection and community. This is the backdrop to my riveting conversation with Rabbi Yitzchak Feldheim, affectionately called Yitzi. He shares his world with us, from his roots in Lakewood, New Jersey, to his vibrant role at a kosher hotel in Miami, where the diversity of the Shabbat crowd presents as much an opportunity as it does a challenge. Rabbi Feldheim captures our imaginations with tales of his invaluable work on college campuses, igniting a passion for Torah among students.

Have you ever considered the architecture of a spiritual space and its influence on your practice? The sacred design of synagogues, especially the balconies, has a story to tell about gender roles and spirituality in Judaism. Rabbi Feldheim and I delve into how these spaces create a sense of holiness and accountability. The discussion navigates through the misconceptions surrounding women's place in Judaism, underscoring their powerful and respected presence within our faith.

In the candid narrative that unfolds, we cannot overlook the shadows of the past. The weight of the Holocaust on our collective memory, the importance of preserving our heritage, and the role of education in confronting denial are just some of the profound elements we discuss. We also confront contemporary issues within the Jewish community - the impact of the internet on our children, the challenges in maintaining purpose amidst success, and the optimism that still burns brightly as we build a future for our faith. Join us on this journey of discovery and reflection, as Rabbi Yitzchak Feldheim helps us appreciate the resilience and richness of Jewish life and tradition.

This Jewish Inspiration Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH (Ep. #266) is dedicated to my dearest friend, Rabbi Moshe Trepp!!

Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B to a live audience on February 2, 2023, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on January 14, 2024
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DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!
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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

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

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EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org
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Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!