JOI to the World

📖 Parshat Bereishit This Week: When Adam and Chava ate the forbidden fruit, God didn't berate them with 'How could you do this terrible thing?' Instead, He asked one simple question: 'Ayeka?' Where are you? God wasn't asking for their physical location. He knew exactly where they were. He was asking: Where are YOU? I know who you really are. This behavior doesn't match the person I created. Something must be going on. When we approach others' mistakes with curiosity instead of judgment, with 'I wonder what's happening' instead of shame, we empower growth. Shame makes people repeat mistakes; com...

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explore one of the most recognizable aspects of Jewish culture: our love of humor and our tendency to tell jokes about being Jewish. If you've ever wondered why Jewish comedians dominate the comedy world or why Jews seem to have a joke for every situation, this episode reveals the profound survival mechanism behind Jewish humor.

I explain that throughout millennia of persecution, Jews have experienced horrific acts of violence and oppression - literally anything you can imagine has been perpetrated against the Jewish people at some point in history. From ancient...

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📖 Parshat Haazinu This Week: Coming home after Yom Kippur to news of a terror attack on Jews praying in Manchester, our holiest day turned into another moment of tragedy. In his final song, Moses prophetically warned that difficult times would come. Our natural response? To shrink, to hide our Jewishness, to make ourselves less visible. But Moses reminds us: these are precisely the moments we must stand stronger, prouder, louder. We are an eternal people. History has tried to silence us countless times, yet we remain, still praying, s...

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Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast exploring Jewish conversion stories and spiritual transformation journeys! Discover Gus's incredible Christian to Jewish conversion story - from evangelical fundamentalist Christianity in Oklahoma's Bible Belt to Orthodox Judaism in Miami Beach. This religious conversion documentary reveals how one pastor's unexpected confession about Jews being God's chosen people sparked a life-changing spiritual awakening and faith transformation.

Listen to this Jewish conversion testimony as Gus shares his journey from Christianity to Judaism, including years of biblical study, learning Hebrew language, analyzing messian...

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In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explore why food plays such a central role in Jewish life and religious experience. While many people notice that Jews have a strong affinity for food, there's actually a profound spiritual significance behind this focus. Judaism is unique among religions in that we don't view the physical world as something to overcome or avoid, but rather as something to elevate and make spiritual. Food represents one of the most basic, animalistic human activities - something we do multiple times every day. Th...

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📖 Parshat Nitzavim This Week: A stranger at an Israeli bank overheard Jack's mortgage struggle and offered to co-sign without hesitation. When asked why he'd risk it for someone he'd never met, he said: 'Anu k'var arevim we're already guarantors for each other. I'm just making it official.' This week, as the Jewish people renew their covenant with God before entering the Promised Land, they not only commit to the Torah but also to one another. 'Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh' all Israel are responsible for one another...

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In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explain why Jewish coworkers wish each other "Happy New Year" in September rather than January. The Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, falls at the beginning of the Jewish calendar year, which differs from the secular calendar we use in America. I clarify a common misconception: while many people think Rosh Hashanah celebrates the creation of the world, we're actually celebrating the creation of the first human being, Adam - the first person imbued with a divine soul. This marks the beginni...

📖 Parshat Ki Tavo This Week: A.J. Jacobs spent a year thanking over 1,000 people involved in his morning coffee from the barista to the African farmers to the road pavers. When Jews brought their first fruits (bikurim) to the Temple, you'd expect them to thank God for the harvest. Instead, they recited their entire history: Abraham, Egypt, the journey to freedom. Why? Because true gratitude isn't just about the moment, it's about the whole story. That apple in your hand represents countless people, endless blessings, and generations of struggle and triumph. Real thankfulness zooms out to see the bigger picture. Thi...

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In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address whether Jews believe in the devil, and the short answer is no. The Christian concept of the devil is antithetical to Jewish thought. While Judaism does believe in Satan (which is where the English word "Satan" comes from), this is fundamentally different from the Christian devil. Satan is not a counter-force to God or a force of evil, but rather an angel - a messenger and spiritual celestial being that fulfills God's will. I explain how Satan functions like a sparr...

📖 Parshat Ki Teitzei This Week: When you see someone struggling with their fallen donkey, you must help them lift it, but the Torah uses a key word: 'imo' (עמו) WITH him. You can't just sit back and say, 'This is your mitzvah, you handle it.' But here's the deeper lesson: if YOU'RE the one struggling, you can't just complain that 'someone should fix this for me.' Whether it's your synagogue, community, or organization, change requires your participation. The Torah teaches partnership, not passivity. Yes, we should help each other, but we help WITH you, not FOR you. Want better progra...

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In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address why Judaism traditionally encourages Jews to marry within the faith when choosing a life partner. I explain that when selecting someone to spend your entire life with, it's crucial to find someone who shares your fundamental values and worldview. Even if religion isn't important to someone today, it may become significant later in life, making shared religious identity important for long-term compatibility. I discuss how the Jewish people, despite being a small population, have maintained remarkable continuity throughout history, and mar...

📖 Parshat Shoftim This Week: 'Tzedek tzedek tirdof' Justice, justice you shall pursue. This famous verse hung in Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Supreme Court office, but why repeat the word 'justice'? The Torah teaches us that it's not enough to pursue justice; it must be pursued justly. The goal AND the method must both be just. We can't rationalize cutting corners just because our intentions are good. You can't achieve justice through lies, build peace through violence, or create fairness through unfair means. The repetition reminds us: how you do something matters as much as what you do. When you're fighting for wha...

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Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people and stories of Jewish conversion!

Join us as Rachel Rose shares her extraordinary journey from growing up in a non-religious family that explored different faiths to discovering Orthodox Judaism and realizing that her soul had always been Jewish. Growing up in a heavily Christian community in Colorado, Rachel tried to connect with Christianity through Bible study classes. Still, the Old Testament (Torah) resonated with her while the New Testament never quite m...

📖 Parshat Re'eh This Week: People often ask me if Judaism believes in 'signs' from God. When Moses speaks about blessings and consequences, he begins with one powerful word: 'Re'eh' SEE. God is always communicating through the events in our lives and world, but the real question isn't whether the message exists; it's whether we'll see it. You can experience something and just move on, or you can pause and ask: 'What is this trying to teach me? How can this help me grow?' The same event can happen to two people; one sees a coincidence, another sees guidance. The cho...

Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! 🌟

Join us for a special episode honoring Rabbi Berel Wein, who passed away this past Shabbos, a giant of our generation and one of the most influential Jewish educators and historians of our time. In this intimate interview, recorded just months before his passing in his Jerusalem apartment, Rabbi Wein shares his extraordinary journey from Chicago lawyer to world-renowned rabbi, historian, and community builder.

Discover how a pivotal encounter with Rabbi Isaac Halevi Herzog, Israel's Chief Rabbi, changed the course of his...

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explore the apparent contradiction between Judaism's emphasis on peace and the argumentative nature of Jewish texts and culture. I explain that it's not just our texts that are argumentative, our people are too, as reflected in the saying "two Jews, three opinions" and the fact that Jews make excellent attorneys. I clarify that peace is not passivity but rather harmony of difference. You can argue vehemently with someone while still maintaining respect and peace between you. When people are genuinely searching for truth, disagreement isn't personal; it's an intellectual pursuit. I discuss how...

📖 Parshat Eikev This Week: The Torah says God watches over Israel 'me-reishit hashana ad acharit shana' from the beginning of THE year to the end of... year. Notice the missing 'the'? We start January thinking 'this is going to be THE year!' Hashanah with the definitive article. But by December, it's just become 'another year' shana, no 'the.' Why do our grand resolutions fail? Because we aim for massive transformation instead of small, sustainable steps. Real change doesn't happen because we declare it's going to be 'THE year.' It happens through tiny daily choices, little habits, and inc...

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address a question that highlights the difference between Jewish and Christian concepts of human nature and forgiveness. I explain that while Christianity teaches original sin - the idea that humanity is inherently flawed due to Adam's sin and needs salvation - Judaism teaches the opposite: every human being is a spark of the divine and is essentially good. I clarify why Jews still need the process of teshuvah (often translated as atonement or repentance) despite not believing in original sin. When we make mistakes, we create spiritual decay within ourselves and the world...

📖 Parshat Va'etchanan This Week: After the Holocaust, Rabbi Leizer Silver had a brilliant way to identify hidden Jewish children in monasteries. He'd call out 'Shema Yisrael!' and watch for kids who instinctively whispered back 'Baruch Shem k'vod malchuto l'olam va'ed', the words that follow. These children, separated from everything Jewish, still carried the Shema deep in their souls. In times when being proudly Jewish feels scary or uncertain, the Shema remains our anchor, not just words, but the DNA of our identity. When the world gets loud with hatred or confusion, we have something that echoes deeper than fear: the...

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address why Judaism doesn't require a blessing before giving charity, despite the general rule that we make blessings before performing mitzvot to thank God for the opportunity to partner with Him in making the world a more spiritual place. I explain that there's an important exception to this blessing rule: we don't make blessings before performing mitzvot that involve other people, because doing so would make the recipient feel inferior. I explore how creating a blessing right before giving charity would essentially announce to the person that they are a "charity case" who...

Rabbi Moshe Heyman shares powerful insights on the Holocaust Kinna, examining how modern tragedy is woven into ancient Tisha B'av traditions. Explore this profound kinah that connects the Shoah to Jewish mourning practices. A deeply moving episode on memory, loss, and Jewish continuity.

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Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield shares meaningful insights on the October 7th Kinna, exploring themes of destruction and remembrance. Discover the deeper meaning behind this powerful Tisha B'av kinah and its connection to Jewish history and mourning. Essential listening for understanding Kinnot and spiritual growth through tragedy.

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Rabbi Levi Lebovitz shares insights on Kinna #31, exploring the stark contrast between leaving Egypt and leaving Jerusalem. Discover the deeper meaning behind these powerful Tisha B'av kinnot and their place in Jewish liturgical tradition. Essential listening for a comprehensive Kinnot study.

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Rabbi Levi Lebovitz shares insights on Kinna #22, exploring unique themes and historical context. Discover the deeper meaning behind these powerful Tisha B'av kinnot and their place in Jewish liturgical tradition. Essential listening for a comprehensive Kinnot study.

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Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield shares insights on Kinna #21, focusing on Rabbi Akiva and the 10 Martyrs. Explore how ancient Tisha B'av kinah traditions connect to modern Jewish tragedy and resilience. A powerful episode bridging historical and contemporary Jewish mourning.

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Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield shares insights on Kinna #19, exploring the complex emotions of mourning and faith. Discover how this powerful Tisha B'av kinah speaks to generations of Jewish suffering and spiritual strength. A compelling listen for those seeking deeper Kinnot meaning.

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Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield shares insights on Kinna #16, examining the destruction of the Temple, the evil Titus, and the precious young children who chose to die rather than live under Roman depravity. Uncover the spiritual depth of this Tisha B'av kinah and its relevance to contemporary Jewish experience. Deepen your Kinnot understanding with expert Torah commentary. 

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Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield shares insights on Kinna #11, diving deep into the tragic murder of King Josiah (Yoshiyahu). Explore this moving Tisha B'av kinah and its timeless messages of Jewish resilience. Perfect for Tisha B'Av preparation and understanding the depth of Kinnot liturgy. 

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Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield shares meaningful insights on Kinna #6, exploring themes of destruction and remembrance. Discover the deeper meaning behind this powerful Tisha B'av kinah and its connection to Jewish history and mourning. Essential listening for understanding Kinnot and spiritual growth through tragedy.

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Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield introduces the ancient tradition of Kinnot on Tisha B'av, explaining their history and significance for Tisha B'av observance. Perfect for beginners and those seeking to deepen their understanding of Jewish mourning liturgy and the 9th of Av. Essential preparation for the Tisha Bav fast and Kinnot recitation.

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📖 Parshat Devarim This Week: When Moses recounts the story of the spies, he says God heard 'the sound of their words,' not just what they said, but how they said it. The spies' actual words weren't wrong; it was their tone that destroyed hope and changed history. This hits differently as we approach Tisha B'Av this Sunday, mourning the Temple's destruction caused by sinat chinam, baseless hatred. It's a reminder that our tone can build bridges or burn them down. The same question can sound curious or judgmental. The same feedback can feel supportive or crushing. Your children, spouse, and...

Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people!

🌟 Join us as Pat shares her remarkable journey from a non-religious upbringing in small-town Colorado to discovering her Jewish soul through unexpected encounters and deep spiritual questioning. Follow her transformation from a devoted Christian raising three children in the church to finding profound meaning in Jewish tradition, sparked by meeting an Orthodox Jewish classmate in graduate school.

Despite leaving behind a lifetime of Christian faith and facing the challenges of divorce and starting anew, Pat's story reveals profound spiritual fulfillment, authentic con...

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explore how Jewish religious leaders achieve the prestigious title of "Gadol Hador" (greatest of the generation) and explain why this process is fundamentally different from American political campaigns. I discuss how authentic Jewish leadership operates on the principle that the best leaders are often those who don't seek leadership positions but have leadership thrust upon them. Unlike political systems, where candidates campaign for office, Jewish religious authority develops organically when a knowledgeable sage attracts followers who respect and appreciate their wisdom. I explain how this process unfolds naturally: people seek advice from these...

📖 Parshat Matot-Masei This Week: When the tribes of Gad and Reuben wanted to settle outside Israel for better pasture land, Moses was concerned. Being isolated from the main Jewish community would make them vulnerable to negative spiritual influences. His solution? He strategically placed half the tribe of Manasseh, known for their spiritual leadership, among them as positive influences. Moses understood a timeless truth: we become like the people we surround ourselves with. Your friends, your community, the voices you listen to, they're not just affecting your day, they're shaping who you're becoming. Choose your influences as carefully as you'd choose you...

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address a fascinating question about Moses and humility: if Moses was truly humble, how could he write about himself that he was the most humble person who ever lived? I explain that this question is based on a common misconception about what humility means in Jewish thought. True humility doesn't mean thinking less of yourself or diminishing your abilities - it means thinking of yourself less and focusing outward rather than inward. I explore how Judaism teaches that God gives each person tremendous skills and talents specifically to fulfill their unique mission in...

📖 Parshat Pinchas This Week: What's the most important verse in the entire Torah? You might guess the Shema, or 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' But the Talmud surprisingly chooses the verse about the Korban Tamid, the daily offering brought every morning and evening in the Temple. The message? Grand gestures of love and faith are beautiful, but transformation happens through consistency. It's not the peak spiritual moments that change us; it's showing up daily, doing the small things repeatedly, and building habits that slowly reshape who we are. Whether it's prayer, kindness, learning, or any positive practice, the secret isn...

📖 Parshat Balak This Week: When Bilam's donkey suddenly stopped walking, he immediately assumed it was defying him personally. But the donkey saw angels blocking the path that Bilam couldn't see. 'You know me,' the donkey said, 'do you think I'd do this to you on purpose?' How often do we assume someone's behavior is a personal attack when they're responding to something we can't see? That child acting out, that coworker being difficult—maybe they're not trying to hurt us. Perhaps they're conveying something they're experiencing that we're unaware of. Before we take it personally, let's get curious: What...

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I conclude the analysis of Ellen Gilad's interpretation of the meat and milk prohibition by demonstrating how clear biblical verses help us understand ambiguous ones. While acknowledging that the verses in Exodus might be unclear about whether they refer to cooking or ripening, I explain how the crystal-clear verse in Deuteronomy, which appears among dietary laws, definitively establishes that "bashel" means "to cook" rather than "to ripen." I use the principle that when faced with both clear and ambiguous biblical passages on the same topic, we should interpret the ambiguous ones through the lens...

Parshat Chukat This Week: Like walking through a forest where all trees look the same until one falls and reveals its true enormity—that's how we discover greatness. When Miriam died in Kadesh, the very next verse tells us the water disappeared. For 40 years in the desert, one woman's faith and merit sustained an entire nation, and nobody fully realized it until she was gone. How many 'hidden giants' walk among us today? Your teacher, your neighbor, that quiet person in your community—they might be sustaining more than you know. And here's the beautiful truth: you might be someone's hidd...

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I examine Ellen Gilad's argument that the Hebrew word "bashel" (translated as "seethe") might mean "ripen" or "mature" rather than "cook," potentially changing our understanding of the biblical prohibition against mixing meat and milk. I acknowledge that this interpretation has precedent with fruits maturing and was even considered by the classical commentator Bechor Shor as an intellectual exercise. However, I explain why this alternative translation doesn't change Jewish law or practice. I delve into why the Torah repeats this commandment three times - "do not seethe a kid in its mother's milk" - showing...