The Jewish Perspective
Episodes
What does it mean, “to convert to Judaism”?
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
- Why is converting to Judaism much more difficult than being born Jewish? - Do we need to first fix ourselves, and then work on our surroundings? -...
Where Should the Torah Begin?
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Why do Jews insist on their own calendar? Discover how its unique structure reveals the foundation of our entire faith.Let’s find out in today’s e...
The Kabbalistic meaning of Laws of Tefillin
11 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The mystical significance of a Talmudic discussion regarding the details of laws. Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspectiv...
Can we understand G-d?
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Why can't we do only the Commandments of we understand? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Bel...
The Worlds Leaders Who Failed...
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A Torah lesson in leadership Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on You...
Is Keeping Kosher Healthy?
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The answer might surprise you... Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Yo...
What is Torah?
11 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What does the word 'Torah' mean? How is it different from other books of wisdom? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective p...
What is "Altruism"?
04 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Can people be expected to be altruistic? Can a selfish individual be a good person? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective po...
What is a Soul?
28 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We all feel that we have a soul... but what is it? Do animals have a soul? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast. ...
What is 'MItzvah'?
21 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
- Where does this word come from?- Is Mitzvah - a "good deed"?- Why would someone do Mitzvas? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Pe...
What is "conscience"?
14 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What should I do if the Torah law directs me to act in contradiction to my conscience? Who should I listen? Let’s find out in today’s episode of t...
Does the Torah believe in capital punishment?
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Would rabbis want there to be a death penalty in the US or in modern-day Israel? The answer might surprise you... Let’s find out in today’s episo...
Was Exodus an Unsuccessful Attempt at Liberation?
31 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After G-d frees Jews from Egypt and tells them that now they have to be His slaves. Sounds like a gangster who defeats a rival mafia group and tells t...
Observing Judaism in the USSR: an interview with Rabbi Belinsky.
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Growing up as a “typical” Soviet Jew, a young boy stumbled upon a hidden underground world of Jews who secretly observed Torah laws. In this inter...
Not‑So‑Bright Thoughts About the Rainbow
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why is a rainbow more than just a beautiful phenomenon, but a meaningful spiritual sign? And how does physics surprisingly support ancient Kabbalistic...
The Secret Story Behind the Chanukah Miracle
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode uncovers the deeper meaning behind the Chanukah miracle and reveals its surprising roots in the earliest stories of the Torah. Is the rea...
Are Drugs Kosher?
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From cocaine to alcohol to smoking, we examine how Jewish law looks at addictive substances. We will see how half a century ago, the Rebbe warned abou...
Concubines еxplained
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In biblical times, the concept of a concubine held a unique place in Jewish law and family life. What exactly was a concubine according to the Torah? ...
Does Heaven have a legal department?
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why is it possible to be a Jew without the Torah? How does the covenant with God differ from modern contracts? Which is stronger: the law of the Torah...
Why do rich get richer and poor poorer?
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Torah’s story of rich and poor farmers reveals a hidden truth about wealth, humility, and the soul. Why did the poor lose their baskets while th...
How (and Why) Do Rabbis Make Rules?
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From blessings to Shabbat laws, rabbinic decrees guide how Jews live and practice every day. What gives these rabbinic laws their power? And how can d...
More Than Rules: What Judaism Is Really About
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do we do Mitzvot out of fear of punishment? Which matters more—learning Torah or doing mitzvot? Do rules of "Language of Love" apply to G-d? Let’s...
When Time Counts
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When bowing down, does it matter for how long? What do laws of bowing reveal about the way we approach our emotions and spirituality? Let’s find out...
What Makes Us Truly Human?
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Talmud tells a strange story about wheat, barley, and the souls within us. Why does the Torah list wheat before barley if our animal soul comes fi...
Do Women Need to Study Torah?
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In Judaism, men and women approach Torah study from different perspectives, yet both find purpose in it. Do women have an equal obligation to learn To...
A Jewish awakening (literally!)
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jewish tradition teaches that the way we start the day shapes everything that follows. Why don't we begin our day with the word "I"? And what deeper m...
The Western Wall: A Lasting Symbol of Jewish History
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From the Mishkan in the desert to the Western Wall in Jerusalem, the Jewish story of sacred spaces spans centuries of resilience and faith. Why did th...
What does “tribe” mean in Hebrew?
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
- Why did Jews have to be divided into tribes? - Why are Jews compared to branches? - Can a severed branch have an advantage over an attached one? Let...
The women who made G‑d rewrite the law
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If G-d agreed to the complaint of the daughters of Tzlafchad, why didn't He set the law this way in the first place? And what deeper lesson does this ...
The Gifts You Can’t Refuse
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jewish inheritance law is very different from the modern American legal system. Who is considered the rightful heir in Jewish tradition? What does tha...
Intent vs. Outcome
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bilaam, a non-Jewish prophet, tried to curse the Jews but ended up blessing them instead. If he followed G-d’s instructions, why is he called “Wic...
Justice on Trial: How do we judge someone's actions?
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
- How does Jewish law differ from modern legal systems in judging intent and action? - Who bears greater responsibility — the person who pulls the t...
Happiness Is a Big Problem!
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are we predisposed to positive or negative thoughts? How do social media and the news affect our self-perception? Can we help ourselves feel happier?...
The Value Illusion
06 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why did the Jews start suspecting Moses of defrauding the Temple? Why didn’t God defend Moshe from the start? And how important is it to be sincere ...
Why Is the Ninth of Av a Sad Day for Jews?
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The ninth day of Av is the saddest day in Jewish History, both Holy Temples were set aflame, and many other bad things happened. But how can it be tra...
Spiritual Egotism
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A subtle design in the Temple menorah reveals a deep philosophical divide among rabbis. Are we here to perfect ourselves, or to transform the world ar...
Why Do Angels Have Wings?
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The prophets' visions in Jewish texts reveal deep spiritual truths behind mystical symbols like angels and their wings.Why do some angels have only on...
The Tradition Trap - What Makes a Custom Jewish?
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Some customs are timeless commandments, others are habits we never questioned. What’s the difference between tradition, custom, and meaningless repe...
When Breaking Rules Is The Right Thing
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In emergencies, does the Torah allow breaking its laws? What if to do a mitzvah, you need to violate another mitzvah? Torah law provides a framework...
One School, Two Different Education Experiences
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
"Rebbe, what exactly your job is?" - an unexpected question reveals a powerful metaphor for our lives. How can parents shape the value of Jewish learn...
Women's Role in a Circumcision Ritual
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode explores the deeper meaning behind the Jewish circumcision ceremony and the surprising role of women in it. Why is a woman involved in wh...
The Guarantor Paradox
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In Jewish law, obligation only arises through action or benefit—so how does a guarantor become responsible? What makes someone liable without receiv...
Emotion Engineered
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
The Matzah Mindset
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matzah teaches a powerful lesson about humility and building a true relationship with G-d. Why is eating tasteless matzah central to Passover? How doe...
Can We Disagree with G-d?
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Mou...
Don’t be like Moses!
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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? Shoul...
Freedom Redefined
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 f...
Can Money Really Help Your Soul?
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Jewish Obsession with Light
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 l...
The Red Sea Dilemma
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 situati...
What is True Freedom?
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 l...
Trusting in Tomorrow's Manna
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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—...
How the Jewish Calendar Was Born?
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
He argued with G-d and turned out to be right!
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
When did Levites have to join the battle?
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 f...
How to Deal Better with Difficult Times?
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 c...
Why Does Judaism Have Four Matriarchs?
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Where Are the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel? – Most Popular Replay of 2024
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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?...
Can Israel Give Up Land to Arabs?
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
According to Jewish religious law, selling land in Israel to non-Jews is generally prohibited. This prohibition is based on two main reasons: security...
Jewish Learning Institute - Lesson 1: The Jewish People and the Talmud
09 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Jewish Stockholm Syndrome
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 di...
Why Do Jews Wear Fringes on Their Garments?
29 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Why was Abraham chosen to be the first Jew instead of Noah?
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Three Types of Workers: A Spiritual Perspective
15 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The Power of Personal Action: What Can We Learn from the Story of Pinchas?
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 leader...
Who Were Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?
01 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast, we learn more about the three forefathers of the Jewish nation — Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Abrah...
Why Are There 8 Days Of Chanukah?
25 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 eig...
Can a Jew Own a Non-Kosher Restaurant?
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
The Final Mitzvah of the Torah
11 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 Per...
How to Be a Good Partner?
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 responsib...
Understanding Jewish Divorce: Laws and Challenges
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Jewish Learning Institute - Lesson 1: The Art of Empathy
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Kabbalah on Relationships. Jewish Wisdom for Building Deeper, Richer Connections in All Your Relationships.Join us for six lectures in English with Ra...
There are two types of apologies. Which one is right?
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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”...
What if Rosh Hashanah Could Inspire the Whole World to Change?
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Living with Purpose: The Philosophy of Viktor Frankl
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we delve into the philosophy of Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and renowned psychiatrist whose insights on meaning and purpose c...
Love and Respect in Jewish Relationships
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Jewish Perspective podcast, R. Velvel Belinsky will explain the difference between Love and Respect within Jewish teachings and...
Can we blame G-d for our problems?
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are we framed by G-d? Do we have a right to blame G-d for our problems and sins? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspective podca...
Sukkot - A Holiday of Unity!
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jewish unity is one of the central themes of Sukkot. It is a holiday of unity on two levels: on the level of Sukkah and on the level of Lulav. Let’s...
Sculpting Wisdom: The Story of Moses and the Ten Commandments
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When Moses goes up Mount Sinai, G-d tells him: “Chisel out for yourself”. What does it mean? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish P...
What do we celebrate on Rosh Hashanah?
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Rosh Hashanah is the New Year in Judaism. But what is the difference between Rosh Hashanah and January 1st? How does this holiday impact our personal ...
Why did G-d create illness?
25 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is sickness a punishment from G-d? Why is it important to pray for someone’s recovery?What can we do to stay healthy? Let’s find out in today’s ...
Does a prophet have to be 100% correct?
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A prophet is a spokesman for G-d. Does according to the Torah someone has to be Jewish to become a prophet? Are there true prophets in other religions...
The story of Joseph | How did he enslave Egypt?
11 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You probably heard many times that Jews are the ones who created socialism and communism. But did you know that it happened a long time ago in Egypt? ...
What does it mean to be a servant of G-d?
04 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are we children or servants of G-d? Is the bond between a servant and a master stronger than a bond between a parent and a child? Can we run away from...
The History of Jewish Temples in 3 minutes
28 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What is the history of our Jewish temples? How many times was the Jewish Temple destroyed? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Perspec...
Finding the Spiritual Meaning of Kosher Laws
21 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We all have heard about the main rules of kosher. But is there a spiritual meaning behind kosher? How can rules of kosher teach us to be “kosher Jew...
Are there lucky and unlucky months for Jews?
14 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Time can be helping us and time can be working against us. But why are there lucky and unlucky months for Jewish people? What activities should we pla...
What is the history behind the territory of Palestine?
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What was Palestine before 1948? Who lived on that territory and what is the origin of its name? Let’s find out in today’s episode of the Jewish Pe...
What is more important, our Jewish pride or our safety?
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There is a dilemma between our Jewish pride and our safety. What is more important? What is the difference between items of pride and items of Mitzvah...
The story of Esther: How did she save the Jewish nation with the help of G-d?
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast episode will tell us more about Queen Esther, wife of King Ahasuerus of Persia. She risked her life to stop the king's second-in-command ...
What makes Judaism different from other religions?
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What history event is setting Judaism apart from any other religion? How is Judaism different from other monotheistic religions? Let's find the answer...
Where Are the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel?
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For thousands of years, adventurers and explorers have been fascinated by legends of the lost tribes of Israel. Did they disappear? Did they assimilat...
Why do you need 10 men for a minyan?
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Why do we need a minyan? Why is minyan specifically ten people and why does it have to be specifically ten Jewish men? Let's find out in today's lectu...
The Birth of the Jewish Nation
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode you will learn about the origins of names "Hebrew" and "Jew", the story of Abraham and his connection to the birth of the Jewish na...
A Brief History of Jewish-Muslim Relations
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode you will learn more about the period of time, when Jews and Muslims lived in harmony. But what happened next? Watch Rabbi Belinsk...
How to work and earn money in the way G-d wants?
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode you will learn more about the Jewish perspective on money, business and career. Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube
Is pig more unkosher than other animals?
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube
Why does the Torah allow slavery?
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube
Light Over Darkness: Why does G-d bring hard times into our lives?
22 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube
Everything in life starts with the desire
15 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Watch Rabbi Belinsky's Video Blog on Youtube