Unboxing Judaism · Rabbi Yaakov Nagel & Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe

About Unboxing Judaism · Rabbi Yaakov Nagel & Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe

The Unboxing Judaism Podcast is a lively dialogue and discussion between Rabbi Yaakov Nagel and Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe that helps unbox and demystify the most fundamental ideas in Judaism that are commonly misunderstood. This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Rabbi Yaakov & Dr. Sara Nagel

Publisher

TORCH

Category

education · religion & spirituality

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

5 Jan 2021

Latest episode

22 Apr 2026

Latest episodes

30 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   22 Apr 2026

   Ep. 16 - Celebrating Yom Ha'atzmaut

   In this Episode (#16) of the Unboxing Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Yaakov Nagel & Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe discuss the controversy surrounding the Yom Ha'atzmaut (Israel's Independence Day) and some refreshing perspectives on this national holiday. ***** Unboxing Judaism Podcast is a discussion on fundamental Jewish and modern cultural topics through the lens of our Torah and heritage with Rabbi Yaakov Nagel and Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe from TORCH, in Houston, Texas To have your questions featured in a future podcast, please submit your questions to unboxing@torchweb.org Rabbi Yaakov Nagel is the founding member of TORCH and has been active since 1998. Additionally, Rabbi Nagel serves as the Rabbi at The Heimish Shul in Houston, Texas and has been delivering the Daf Yomi (Daily Folio of Talmud) since 2003. Rabbi Nagel is the Head of the Court for Jewish Divorce and actively serves as a member of the Houston Beis Din. To listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Yaakov Nagel: https://linktr.ee/RabbiNagel (https://linktr.ee/RabbiNagel) Daf Yomi Podcast - https://linktr.ee/DafYomiPodcast (https://linktr.ee/DafYomiPodcast) Unboxing Judaism Podcast - https://linktr.ee/unboxingjudaism (https://linktr.ee/unboxingjudaism) Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe serves as the Executive Director of TORCH since 2005. To listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: https://linktr.ee/ariwol (https://linktr.ee/ariwol) Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes (https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes) Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodes (https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodes) Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes (https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes) Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes (https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes) Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes (https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes) Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes (https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes) Please visit www.torchweb.org (http://www.torchweb.org/) to see a full listing of our Jewish outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area and please consider sponsoring a podcast by making a donation to help support our global outreach at https://www.torchweb.org/donate (https://www.torchweb.org/donate). Thank you! For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com (https://www.torchpodcasts.com/) Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B  on April 27,  2023, in Houston, Texas. Released as Podcast on April 30,  2023 ★ Support this podcast ★ (donate.torchweb.org)

2. 

   30 Nov 2025

   Ep. 25 - Mamdani, Tucker and Jewish Pride

   The Jewish response to elections – whether the shocking victory of an openly anti-Semitic mayor in New York City or any political upheaval throughout history – must be twofold: before the vote, we exercise full hishtadlut (effort) by voting, cultivating goodwill with leaders, and supporting candidates who protect Jewish safety (as our Sages sent gifts to Caesar and Rabbi Akiva petitioned Rome); after the vote, we immediately pivot to total bitachon, recognizing that the final outcome is 100 % Hashem’s decree, often sent as a wake-up call that we have grown too comfortable in galut. History repeats itself: German Jews declared Berlin their Jerusalem, Polish Jews called Poland “Polin – here we shall dwell,” and today many American Jews act as if the United States is the final stop; every time we forget we are in exile, Hashem sends a jolt – sometimes from the left, sometimes from the right – to remind us that no political party, president, or democracy is our ultimate protector. The comforting truth is that these “potches” (divine smacks) are acts of love meant to push us back toward our mission: to be a light unto the nations wherever we are, and ultimately to yearn for and move toward Yerushalayim. When we respond correctly – by increasing Torah, tefillah, teshuvah, and authentic Jewish pride – the bitterness miraculously turns sweet, just as October 7th produced hundreds of thousands of newly observant Jews and countless stories of open miracles among the hostages. The message is clear: get comfortable being uncomfortable in galut, stop putting ultimate faith in any human leader or system, and remember that only the almighy (Hakadosh Baruch Hu) runs the world – and He is nudging us home. Engage with us by sharing your questions, and we look forward to addressing them in future episodes, fostering a more interactive experience for our audience by submitting your questions to unboxing@torchweb.org (mailto:unboxing@torchweb.org) _____________ This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by the Nagel Family. This Episode (#25) of the Unboxing Judaism Podcast is dedicated in honor of The Nagel Wedding Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) on November 12, 2025, in Houston, Texas. Released as Podcast on November 25, 2025 _____________ Unboxing Judaism Podcast is a discussion on fundamental Jewish and modern cultural topics through the lens of our Torah and heritage with Rabbi Yaakov Nagel and Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe from TORCH, in Houston, Texas ASK! To have your questions featured in a future podcast, please submit your questions to unboxing@torchweb.org (mailto:unboxing@torchweb.org) Rabbi Yaakov Nagel is the founding member of TORCH and has been active since 1998. Additionally, Rabbi Nagel serves as the Senior Rabbi at Heimish of Houston and has been delivering the Daf Yomi (Daily Folio of Talmud) for TORCH since 2003. Rabbi Nagel is the Head of the Court for Jewish Divorce and actively serves as a member of the Houston Beis Din. Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe serves as the Director of TORCH since 2005. _____________ DONATE to TORCH: (https://www.torchweb.org/support.php) 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 (https://www.torchweb.org/support.php). Thank you! _____________ SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Yaakov Nagel (https://linktr.ee/RabbiNagel): Daf Yomi Podcast - https://linktr.ee/DafYomiPodcast (https://linktr.ee/DafYomiPodcast) Unboxing Judaism Podcast - https://linktr.ee/unboxingjudaism (https://linktr.ee/unboxingjudaism) _____________ SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe (https://linktr.ee/ariwol): NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodes (https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodes) Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes (https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes) Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.tansistor.fm/episodes (https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodes) Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes (https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes) Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes (https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes) Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes (https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes) Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes (https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes) For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com (https://www.torchpodcasts.com/) _____________ EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org (mailto:awolbe@torchweb.org) _____________ Please visit www.torchweb.org (http://www.torchweb.org/) to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area! _____________ #RabbiNagel, #RabbiWolbe, #Jews, #Politics, #Unboxing, #Perspective, #Engagement, #Integration, #Safety, #Mobility, #FreeWill, #Effort, #Exile, #Divine ★ Support this podcast ★ (donate.torchweb.org)

3. 

   3 Feb 2025

   Ep. 24 - Jews & Politics: Balancing Torah Values and Political Participation

   Join us as we explore the intricate relationship between Jews and politics in America. In our conversation, we express gratitude towards the United States for the unprecedented freedoms and safety it offers to the Jewish community, contrasting this with historical persecution elsewhere. We also examine the spiritual tension between feeling at home in America and the deep-seated longing for Israel, discussing how these dual identities can sometimes create discomfort for those who see the U.S. as their homeland. Our discussion underscores the significance of Hakaras HaTov, or recognizing good, and the importance of appreciating the political landscape that allows Jewish life and Torah study to thrive. Listen in as we navigate the complexities of balancing Torah values with political participation. We emphasize the vital role of voting as a form of gratitude for democratic rights while recognizing the influence of a higher power in worldly affairs. This episode highlights the diversity of the political landscape and acknowledges that no single party perfectly aligns with Torah values. As such, we encourage thoughtful consideration of political choices, reminding listeners not to idolize any political entity but rather align decisions with core values. In this episode, we also feature a conversation with Rabbi Nagel, delving into the dynamics of rabbinic life in Houston and the balance rabbis must maintain when discussing politics. We stress the importance of rabbis presenting diverse perspectives, allowing individuals to make informed choices while prioritizing their dedication to teaching Torah. Stay informed about world events to connect spiritually and recognize divine influence in our lives. Engage with us by sharing your questions, and we look forward to addressing them in future episodes, fostering a more interactive experience for our audience by submitting your questions to unboxing@torchweb.org (mailto:unboxing@torchweb.org) _____________ This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by the Nagel Family. This Episode (#24) of the Unboxing Judaism Podcast is dedicated in honor of The Nagel Children Recorded in HPL Studios on January 29, 2025, in Houston, Texas. Released as Podcast on February 4, 2025 _____________ Unboxing Judaism Podcast is a discussion on fundamental Jewish and modern cultural topics through the lens of our Torah and heritage with Rabbi Yaakov Nagel and Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe from TORCH, in Houston, Texas ASK! To have your questions featured in a future podcast, please submit your questions to unboxing@torchweb.org (mailto:unboxing@torchweb.org) Rabbi Yaakov Nagel is the founding member of TORCH and has been active since 1998. Additionally, Rabbi Nagel serves as the Senior Rabbi at Heimish of Houston and has been delivering the Daf Yomi (Daily Folio of Talmud) for TORCH since 2003. Rabbi Nagel is the Head of the Court for Jewish Divorce and actively serves as a member of the Houston Beis Din. Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe serves as the Director of TORCH since 2005. _____________ DONATE to TORCH: (https://www.torchweb.org/support.php) 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 (https://www.torchweb.org/support.php). Thank you! _____________ SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Yaakov Nagel (https://linktr.ee/RabbiNagel): Daf Yomi Podcast - https://linktr.ee/DafYomiPodcast (https://linktr.ee/DafYomiPodcast) Unboxing Judaism Podcast - https://linktr.ee/unboxingjudaism (https://linktr.ee/unboxingjudaism) _____________ SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe (https://linktr.ee/ariwol): NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodes (https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodes) Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes (https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes) Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.tansistor.fm/episodes (https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodes) Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes (https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes) Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes (https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes) Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes (https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes) Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes (https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes) For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com (https://www.torchpodcasts.com/) _____________ EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org (mailto:awolbe@torchweb.org) _____________ Please visit www.torchweb.org (http://www.torchweb.org/) to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area! _____________ #RabbiNagel, #RabbiWolbe, #Jews, #Politics, #Gratitude, #SpiritualLonging, #Freedoms, #Safety, #UnitedStates, #HistoricalChallenges, #DualIdentities, #Israel, #PoliticalLandscape, #TorahValues, #PoliticalParticipation, #CivicDuty, #DivineInfluence, #PoliticalOutcomes, #TorahPrinciples, #PoliticalEntity, #Houston, #RabbinicLife, #CommunityEngagement, #TorahStudy, #WorldEvents, #God'sHand, #Interactive, #EnrichingExperience, #UnboxingJudaismPodcast ★ Support this podcast ★ (donate.torchweb.org)

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Apple Podcasts (US)

4.9 / 5

15 ratings

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