Knowledge, Not Faith—The Real Emunah (Parsha Pearls: Yisro) 5786 cover art

Knowledge, Not Faith—The Real Emunah (Parsha Pearls: Yisro) 5786

Knowledge, Not Faith—The Real Emunah (Parsha Pearls: Yisro) 5786

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

In this Parshas Yisro review, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe highlights the unique honor of an entire Torah portion named after Yisro—Moshe’s father-in-law and a former spiritual leader of Midian—despite no portion being named for Moshe, Aaron, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, or Joseph. Yisro heard of the Exodus miracles (plagues, splitting of the sea, manna) and immediately acted: he left everything to join the Jewish people, converting and bringing practical wisdom (organizing judges).The rabbi stresses practical application over storytelling: the Torah is a “manual for living.” Yisro’s response teaches that true emunah is knowledge—not blind faith. We know Hashem exists because “Anochi Hashem Elokecha asher hotzeticha me’eretz Mitzrayim” (I am Hashem your God who took you out of Egypt)—personal, witnessed miracles prove it.Key lessons:Don’t assimilate to gain favor — The Jews in Egypt kept their names, language, and dress distinct, yet found chen (favor) in Egyptian eyes because Hashem granted it. Pride in authentic Judaism draws divine favor, which then reflects in others’ eyes.Jealousy (lo tachmod) opposes knowledge of Hashem — The first commandment (Anochi Hashem) and last (don’t covet) connect: coveting others’ blessings denies Hashem’s perfect design for you. Compare only to your own potential.Live with awe — Miracles (body, nature, technology, Israel’s survival) must never become routine. Recognize daily yesh me’ayin (creation from nothing) and thank Hashem constantly.Grandparents & legacy — Seeing grandchildren/great-grandchildren is a privilege; influence positively without overstepping (e.g., no naming interference).The rabbi urges bold Jewish pride (yarmulke, tzitzit, tefillin in public) and relentless self-improvement—don’t let others define your limits._____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on February 3, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on February 5, 2026_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Exodus, #Shemos, #Yisro, #Anochi, #JewishPride, #NoCoveting, #EmunahKnowledge, #IntentionalJudaism ★ Support this podcast ★
No reviews yet