JOI to the World
JOI to the World is a collection of podcasts by Rabbi Lehrfield of JOI that explore diverse aspects of Jewish life, learning, and culture. Each episode offers a unique perspective, drawing from the rich tapestry of Jewish thought and tradition. You can subscribe to this podcast to get weekly episodes or you can subscribe to the individual shows to receive the monthly episodes as they air.Zero Percent: Discover the profound outsided impact of a people that make up less than 0.2% of the world.Dear Rabbi: Practical answers to questions about Judaism.reConnect: Bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and...
Parshat Korach: The Art of Sacred Disagreement
📖 Parshat Korach This Week: 'Two Jews, three opinions'—we're famously argumentative people! But this week's story of Korach's rebellion seems to condemn disagreement. So which is it—are arguments good or bad? Jewish wisdom teaches us about 'machloket l'shem shamayim' (מחלוקת לשם שמים)—arguments for the sake of heaven. Korach's rebellion was driven by jealousy and ego, focused on tearing down rather than seeking truth. But when we argue with genuine curiosity, seeking to understand different perspectives and uncover deeper wisdom, our disagreements become sacred. The goal isn't to win—it's to grow beyond our limited viewpoint and discover truth together. Argue well. Shabbat Shalom. 🤝
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From Paraguay to the Pulpit: A Rabbi's Journey of Adoption and Faith
Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people!
🌟 Join us as Rabbi Moshe Navarre shares his extraordinary journey from being adopted as a six-month-old baby in Paraguay to becoming an Orthodox rabbi in South Florida. Discover how his path from feeling like he just wanted to "fit in" transformed when he experienced Judaism coming alive during his gap year in Israel. Through his story of conversion, identity, and finding his calling, Rabbi Moshe reveals the miraculous nature of his journey and his powerful message about appreciating the "dignity of difference" in Jewi...
Parshat Shelach: The Danger of 'But'
📖 Parshat Shelach This Week: The spies returned from the Promised Land with glowing reports, 'It's amazing!' but then came the word that changed Jewish history: 'BUT the people are giants and we can't conquer it.' The Hebrew word they used was 'efes' (אפס), which means 'zero', and that's exactly what it did to everything positive they'd just said. When we say 'but,' we erase all the good that came before it. 'You did great, BUT...' 'I love you, BUT...' Next time you want to give feedback or share concerns, try using 'and' instead. It honors both the po...
Why Jews don't eat cheeseburger Part 5
In this episode of my ongoing response to Elon Gilad's viral video, I explain why Judaism requires both written and oral Torah components. I address the fundamental question of why the Torah wasn't simply written down completely, exploring how the Oral Torah serves as an essential living tradition that cannot be contained in text alone. Drawing on analogies from medical training and modern communication, I illustrate why Torah study necessitates real-world experience, teacher-student relationships, and authentic transmission. I also examine how the Oral Torah protects against manipulation and provides crucial context that prevents misinterpretation. Unlike historical groups like the Sadducees...
Parshat Beha'alotcha: When Leaders Need Leaders
📖 Parshat Beha'alotcha This Week: Even while eating miraculous manna from heaven, the Jewish people complained about missing the 'free' fish from Egypt—conveniently forgetting they were slaves at the time! Moses, overwhelmed by their constant grumbling, cried out to God: 'Did I give birth to these people? Why is this all my responsibility?' God's response wasn't 'tough it out'—instead, He appointed 70 elders to share the burden. Whether you're leading a community, raising children, or just navigating life's challenges, remember: you weren't meant to carry it all alone. Even Moses needed help. Asking for support isn't weakness—it's wisdom. Shabbat S...
Why Jews don't eat cheeseburger Part 4
In this second episode of my series responding to Elan Gilad's viral video, I address his claim that Hebrew's lack of vowels creates uncertainty about the milk and meat prohibition. While acknowledging that Hebrew is indeed written without vowels, I explain how Judaism's Oral Torah tradition resolves this apparent ambiguity. I detail how the Oral Torah - distinct from rabbinic law - represents biblical teachings passed down in an unbroken chain from Moses at Mount Sinai. Using examples like tefillin, mezuzah, tzitzit, and ritual slaughter laws, I demonstrate how countless Torah commandments would be impossible to fulfill without this oral...
Parshat Nasso: Success with Purpose
📖 Parshat Nasso This Week: Every Friday night, we bless our children with the ancient words of the Birkat Kohanim' May God bless you and protect you' (יברכך ה' וישמרך). But here's the beautiful paradox: we ask for blessing (material success) and protection from that very blessing. True prosperity isn't about what we accumulate, but what we do with what we're given. When we use our blessings to elevate others and express our highest selves, we transform success from a potential trap into a tool for goodness. May we all be blessed—and protected from letting those blessings define us. Shabbat Shalom. 🙏
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Parshat Bamidbar: The Value of Every Soul
📖 Parshat Bamidbar This Week: When the Torah commands Moses to count the Jewish people, it doesn't use the word for 'counting', it says כִּי תִשָּׂא אֶת-רֹאשׁ, literally 'lift up their heads.' What a profound difference. The Nazis sought to dehumanize by reducing people to numbers, but the Torah does the opposite, it elevates each person's dignity. We're not meant to be counted like objects, but to be lifted up and recognized for our unique worth and irreplaceable contributions to our community. Every soul matters. Every person counts not just in number, but in value. Shabbat Shalom. ✨
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Why Don't Jews Mix Meat and Milk? Part 3
In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I continue to examine the biblical prohibition against mixing meat and milk by analyzing the placement of this commandment in various biblical contexts. I address why the verse "do not seethe a kid in its mother's milk" appears alongside temple sacrifice laws in Exodus, rather than with other dietary laws as in Deuteronomy. Through the lens of classical Jewish commentators like Rashi, Rabbi Moshe David Cassuto, and Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, I explore various interpretations: that the Torah reminds us about this prohibition when we consume large amounts of meat during festivals, that it...
Parshat Bechukotai: Judaism as a Way of Walking
📖 Parshat Bechukotai This Week: Many of us compartmentalize Jewish identity—keeping it for synagogue, Hebrew school, or holiday celebrations. But this week's Torah portion challenges that limited view. When God says 'Im bechukotai teilechu'—'If you walk in My ways'—the language is deliberate. Not 'follow My rules' or 'obey My commands,' but 'walk in My ways.' Judaism isn't a destination; it's a journey we carry. This is why Jewish law is called 'Halacha,' literally meaning 'walking.' From morning blessings to evening gratitude, from how we treat strangers to how we conduct business, Jewish values aren't confined...
Why Jews Don't Eat CheeseBurger Part 2
In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I continue our discussion about why Jews don't mix meat and milk, focusing specifically on the biblical sources behind this kosher practice. I respond to claims made by Elon Gilad, examining each argument in detail while explaining how the Torah works with both written and oral components. I clarify how the three repetitions of "do not cook a kid in its mother's milk" in the Torah establish three distinct prohibitions: not cooking meat and milk together, not eating them together, and not benefiting from such mixtures. Beyond addressing alternative interpretations of the Hebrew word "...
Parshat Emor: Making Each Day Count
📖 Parshat Emor This Week: We're currently in a rare moment when our Torah reading perfectly mirrors our calendar. As we count the Omer, the 49 days between Passover and Shavuot, we read about this very practice in Parshat Emor. Curiously, we name this period after the 'Omer' a barley offering brought at the beginning of this journey, rather than after receiving Torah at its conclusion. Why? Barley was animal fodder in biblical times, while at Shavuot, we bring wheat bread, human food. This progression symbolizes our spiritual evolution. The counting isn't merely marking time until a destination; it's about the transformation alo...
Why Jews Don't Eat Cheeseburgers Part 1
In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address a viral social media video by Elan Gilad claiming Jews can eat cheeseburgers due to a biblical "misunderstanding." I methodically debunk this claim, pointing out that Gilad incorrectly states the prohibition against cooking a kid in its mother's milk appears twice in Torah when it appears three times (Exodus 23:19, Exodus 34:26, and Deuteronomy 14:21). I explain how the Deuteronomy reference places this law among dietary restrictions, confirming its connection to kosher laws. Beyond factual corrections, I discuss the arrogance of dismissing thousands of years of rabbinic scholarship and interpretation. Using an analogy about Rashi...
Parshat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim: The Mirror of Leadership
📖 Parshat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim This Week: Parents often envision their children will become kind, compassionate individuals, making a difference. But how often do we turn inward and examine our contributions to that vision? Our Torah portion describes the High Priest's atonement ritual, notably instructing him to atone 'for himself and then for the people.' This profound ordering teaches us a timeless principle: true influence begins with personal example. Children mirror what they witness, not what they're told. If we want to raise compassionate souls, we must show compassion. If we desire respect from our children, we must respect them first. Our...
Why Are Kosher Restaurants So Expensive?
In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address the common question about why kosher restaurants typically have higher prices than non-kosher establishments. I explain that rather than simple price gouging, there are legitimate fixed costs that contribute to higher prices in kosher dining. These include specialized meat preparation requirements, meticulous inspection of fruits and vegetables for insects (as Jewish law prohibits consuming bugs), and the salary of a mashgiach (kosher supervisor) who ensures all kosher laws are properly observed. These additional expenses necessary for maintaining kosher certification ultimately get passed on to consumers, making kosher restaurants and kosher food in...
Parshat Tazria-Metzora: The Power of Perspective
📖 Parshat Tazria-Metzora This Week: Have you noticed how two people can experience the same event yet walk away with completely different perspectives? In this week's double portion, the word 'nega' (נֶגַע) or 'affliction' appears repeatedly. Remarkably, these same Hebrew letters rearranged spell 'oneg' (עֹנֶג), 'delight' or 'pleasure.' The only difference? The placement of the letter 'ayin' (ע) means 'eye.' Where we choose to place our vision and perspective determines whether we experience life's challenges as afflictions or opportunities for joy. The world doesn't just happen to us; we actively interpret it. How will you position your 'ayin' this week? Shabbat Shalom. 👁️
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Why Jews Have Wires Across Streets: The Mystery of the Eruv Explained
In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I unravel the mystery behind those fishing wire-like strings that hang across streets in Jewish neighborhoods. These strings, an eruv, serve as a ritual boundary that transforms public areas into a unified domain for Sabbath observance. I explain how Jewish law prohibits carrying objects between public and private domains on Shabbat, and how the eruv creates a symbolic enclosure that allows observant Jews to carry essential items (like house keys or push strollers) on the Sabbath. Beyond its practical function, I discuss how the eruv historically helped build strong Jewish communities by encouraging Jews...
Parshat Shmini: The Power of Silence
📖 Parshat Shmini This Week: After the unimaginable loss of his sons, the Torah simply states 'vayidom Aharon' (וַיִּדֹּם אַהֲרֹן)—'and Aaron was silent.' Sometimes in our deepest pain, words cannot express what we feel. As we support loved ones through difficult times, remember that just being present—sitting beside someone in their silence—can be the most profound expression of love. Not every hurt needs immediate words; sometimes what's needed most is simply our quiet presence. Shabbat Shalom. 🤍
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Shabbos Kestenbaum: Fighting Antisemitism
🗳️ IMPORTANT: VOTE NOW for student representation at the World Zionist Congress: http://aish.com/vote/RabbiMenachemLehrfield
Welcome to our channel, where we spotlight voices making a difference in the Jewish community. In this powerful talk, Harvard Divinity School graduate Shabbos Kestenbaum shares his journey as the sole remaining plaintiff in a landmark civil rights lawsuit against Harvard University over antisemitism on campus.
Shabbos discusses:
• Why he refused to settle when other plaintiffs did
• The troubling rise of antisemitism on elite campuses
• His advice for Jewish high school students considering college
• The importanc...
Parshat Shvi'i shel Pesach: Taking the First Step
📖 Shvi'i shel Pesach This Week: When trapped between the Egyptian army and the sea, God told the Israelites something unexpected: 'Don't pray, move forward!' The Midrash teaches us that the sea finally split only when Nachshon ben Aminadav waded into the water up to his nostrils. Faith isn't just about prayer; it's about taking that first brave step, even when the way forward seems impossible. God promises to be with us, but we must initiate the journey. Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach! 🌊
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Why Jews Don't Count People: Biblical Origins and Human Dignity
In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I continue our exploration of why Jewish tradition avoids directly counting people. Tracing this practice back to biblical times, I explain how even during desert censuses, Jews were counted indirectly through coin contributions. I share the cautionary tale from the Book of Samuel where King David's census led to calamity, and draw on commentaries from Rambam and Rashi about the "evil eye." More profoundly, I suggest that assigning numbers to people diminishes their infinite value and human dignity a principle tragically illustrated by the Nazi practice of tattooing numbers on Holocaust victims. Unlike modern...
Parshat Tzav: The Fresh Start Effect
📖 Parshat Tzav This Week: Before beginning each day's service, the Kohanim had first to remove yesterday's ashes from the altar. What a powerful metaphor! Like Professor Milkman's 'fresh start effect,' we don't need to wait for special occasions to begin anew. Every morning allows us to clear away yesterday's residue and approach life with renewed purpose. The key to transformation isn't finding the perfect moment, but recognizing that each day brings its sacred opportunity. Shabbat Shalom. 🔥
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Why Jews Don't Count People
In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explore the curious ritual a viewer observed when their rabbi was pointing at congregants while saying seemingly random Hebrew words before a Kaddish service. I explain that this was likely the rabbi counting to ensure there was a minyan (ten adults) present for prayer, but doing so indirectly. Since Jewish tradition discourages counting people directly, rabbis often use verses with exactly ten words, assigning one word per person rather than numbers. I share that some rabbis use specific Hebrew verses, while I prefer using "to be or not to be, that is the...
Seinfeld’s "The Strike" – The Power of Gratitude
Ready to transform your mindset with the power of gratitude? Watch now to see how starting your day with thankfulness instead of phone scrolling can make you 25% happier, according to scientific studies!
Welcome to Yada Yada Yiddish, where Seinfeld unexpectedly meets Jewish wisdom. In this episode, we explore "The Strike" (aka the Festivus episode) and contrast Frank Costanza's "airing of grievances" with Judaism's profound emphasis on gratitude. Just as Moses wouldn't strike the water that once saved him, we'll unpack how expressing specific gratitude transforms our relationships, reduces stress hormones by 23%, and makes us more generous. You'll discover...
Parshat Vayikra: Answering Life's Daily Call
📖 Parshat Vayikra This Week: In the Torah scroll, the first word of Vayikra contains a small aleph (וַיִּקְרָא). Without it, the word becomes 'vayikar'—meaning God merely 'happened upon' Moses instead of purposefully 'calling' him. Our daily challenges aren't random occurrences; they're invitations to greatness. Will we see life's moments as mere happenstance, or recognize them as sacred callings that can transform us? The choice is ours. Shabbat Shalom. 📜
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Parshat Pekudei: Accounting for Our Gifts
📖 Parshat Pekudei This Week: Just as the Torah conducts a detailed audit of the Tabernacle's materials, we're invited to review our own resources and talents. How are we using our gifts? Are they serving only ourselves, or are they helping to make the world more meaningful? True accountability means asking: Am I using my strengths to create light beyond my own needs? Shabbat Shalom. 🌟
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From Chinese TV Star to Orthodox Jew – Dr. Esther’s Astonishing Journey
Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people!
🌟 In this episode, we uncover the extraordinary journey of Dr. Esther, a former award-winning Chinese TV host, investigative journalist, and medical professional, who defied all odds to embrace Orthodox Judaism. Born into a family of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, Dr. Esther was on a fast track to media stardom, winning prestigious competitions and hosting popular television programs. Yet, a series of unexpected encounters and deep intellectual questioning led her on a path she never imagined, discovering her Jewish soul.
Through sheer det...
Why Do Jews Break a Glass at Weddings? The Profound Meaning Behind the Tradition
In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I explain the deep significance behind breaking a glass at the end of a Jewish wedding ceremony. While many might think it's just a festive moment signaling the end of the wedding, the tradition carries a profound spiritual meaning. I discuss how even in our most joyous moments, we remember the destruction of the Temple and the suffering of others. By breaking the glass, Jewish couples and their guests practice empathy, acknowledging that while they celebrate, there are others experiencing pain. This tradition reminds us to remain connected to our collective history and the...
Parshat Vayakhel: The Power of Coming Together
📖 Parshat Vayakhel This Week: Before building the Mishkan, the first thing Moses did was gather the people 'vayakhel' (וַיַּקְהֵל). Community isn't just a nice addition to spirituality; it's the foundation. When we unite with purpose, bringing together our diverse strengths and perspectives, we create a dwelling place for the Divine in our world. True godliness begins with human connection. This is our mission as a people. Shabbat Shalom. 🤝
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Can You Be Buried in a Jewish Cemetery with Tattoos?
In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address the frequently asked question about tattoos and Jewish burial. While Leviticus 19:28 clearly prohibits Jews from getting tattoos, I explain that there is no halachic (Jewish law) basis preventing someone with tattoos from being buried in a Jewish cemetery. I clarify that the prohibition applies only to getting tattoos, not having them. Though some communities historically may have refused burial to those with tattoos as a deterrent, this practice is essentially non-existent today. So despite what your Jewish grandmother might think, you can indeed be buried in a Jewish cemetery with tattoos.
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Parshat Ki Tisa: Essential Pieces of the Puzzle
📖 Parshat Ki Tisa This Week: A census in Hebrew isn't just about counting; it's about 'raising heads' (כִּי תִשָּׂא אֶת-רֹאשׁ). Like a puzzle missing just one piece, our community is incomplete without each individual's unique contribution. We're not meant to get lost in the crowd but to understand how irreplaceable we are to the whole. You don't just count; you matter profoundly. Shabbat Shalom. 🧩
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Seinfeld's "The Andrea Doria" - From "Why Me?" to Gratitude
Welcome to Yada Yada Yiddish, the podcast where Seinfeld unexpectedly meets Jewish wisdom. 🎙️
In this special Purim episode, we explore Season 8's "The Andrea Doria," where George competes with a shipwreck survivor for an apartment, claiming his trivial hardships deserve more sympathy. This provides the perfect backdrop for my conversation with special guest Brad Licht, who shares his remarkable journey through serious health challenges from a cancer diagnosis to multiple surgeries and a lengthy recovery. Unlike George's victim mentality, Brad's story reveals how suffering can transform into gratitude, purpose, and spiritual growth.
Join us as we discu...
Do all Jews Speak Hebrew?
In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I address the common question about whether all Jews speak Hebrew. While Hebrew has experienced a remarkable renaissance as Israel's national language, and most Jews today do live in Israel, not all Jews are Hebrew speakers. I explain how historically, Jews have primarily spoken the languages of their host countries while developing unique Jewish dialects that blend local languages with Hebrew and Aramaic elements. From Yiddish and Ladino to modern "Yeshivish" heard in Orthodox communities like Lakewood, New Jersey, Jewish linguistic traditions continue to evolve. Though Hebrew remains central to Jewish prayer and study...
Parshat Tetzaveh: Beauty from Life's Pressures
📖 Parshat Tetzaveh This Week: 'Crushed for the light' is a powerful description of the olive oil used in the Temple menorah. Like olives that release their precious oil only when pressed, our most difficult moments often bring forth our inner light. We don't seek challenges, but when they find us, perhaps they're transforming us into something more refined, more illuminating. From life's crushing pressures comes our purest essence. Shabbat Shalom. 🕯️
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Halal vs. Kosher: Are They the Same?
In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I break down the similarities and differences between halal and kosher dietary laws. While both are religious food guidelines for Muslims and Jews, respectively, they are not identical. I explain that Kosher foods are generally acceptable for halal diets, but not vice versa. Drawing on the nuanced distinctions between these dietary practices, I provide insights into each tradition's overlaps and unique aspects. Whether you're curious about religious food regulations or seeking practical guidance, this episode explains these important cultural dietary practices.
Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about...
Parshat Terumah: Authentic Spirituality
📖 Parshat Terumah This Week: Why gild the Ark with gold on the inside where no one would see? Because true spirituality isn't about appearances—it's about integrity. 'Tocho K'varo' teaches us that our inner spiritual life should match our outer actions. Our growth isn't for others' approval or admiration but a genuine expression of our soul's journey. Like the Ark holding the Torah, may our actions reflect our authentic inner light. Shabbat Shalom. ✨
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When to Observe Yahrzeits in a Leap Year: Adar I or Adar II?
In this informative episode of Dear Rabbi, Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield answers a practical question about Jewish observance: when should one observe a yahrzeit (death anniversary) during a Jewish leap year with two months of Adar? After providing a concise explanation of the Jewish lunisolar calendar system and why leap months are necessary to keep holidays in their proper seasons, Rabbi Field discusses the differing customs between Sephardic and Ashkenazi traditions regarding yahrzeit observances. This episode offers clear guidance for those unsure about when to commemorate their loved ones' yahrzeits during Jewish leap years, with practical advice for respecting both major...
From Military Missions to Mitzvot: A Couple’s Journey to Judaism
Welcome to Zero Percent, the podcast that explores the outsized impact of the Jewish people! 🌟
Join us as Tehilla and Mikhail, a young couple who married as teenagers, share their remarkable journey from Christian backgrounds to Orthodox Judaism. Their transformation began during Mikhail's military deployment to Afghanistan when Tehilla started questioning the origins of Christian holidays. Hear how they navigated religious transitions while moving between Germany, South Carolina, and Florida, gradually finding their authentic spiritual path from messianic communities to full Jewish conversion.
Despite resistance from family members who feared they were condemning themselves by abandoning the...
Parshat Mishpatim: The Courage of Independent Thought
📖 Parshat Mishpatim This Week: In the great Sanhedrin, the highest judges spoke last to prevent their opinions from swaying others. Next time you discuss world events at your dinner table, try posing questions instead of stating opinions. Let your children form their own perspectives. True leadership isn't about influencing thoughts, it's about creating safe spaces where independent thinking can flourish. Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem. 💭
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Understanding Divine Judgment During the Days of Awe
In this thought-provoking episode of Dear Rabbi, we address a fascinating question about mortality during the Days of Awe - the ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Rabbi Arkham explores how Judaism reconciles deaths that occur before the Book of Life is sealed, offering two traditional perspectives: that the previous year's judgment extends through these ten days, or that one's fate is determined on Rosh Hashanah but can be altered through repentance. This episode provides deep insight into Jewish concepts of divine judgment, free will, and the powerful opportunity for spiritual transformation during this sacred period.
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