Join us on a captivating journey as we traverse the profound significance of the 15th day of Av in the Jewish calendar. Promise yourself an enlightening experience as we unveil the day packed with paradoxical emotions of joy and grief, deeply ingrained in the Jewish heritage. We delve into the unique customs that unfold, like youngsters finding their life partners in the vineyards and the day's awe-inspiring link to Yom Kippur. Delve deeper into the narrative of the tribe of Binyamin and the powerful decree that once restricted intermarriage between diverse tribes.

Embark on this fascinating journey, uncovering how events from millennia ago continue to resonate even now. Discover the miracles associated with this day, offering us the opportunity for prayer and dismantling powerful barriers. As we transition from a phase of sorrow to joy, we prepare ourselves spiritually for the upliftment Yom Kippur brings. The boundless blessings of this day serve as a reminder of God's eternal love and mercy. Come along on this enlightening venture, and let the lessons and blessings of this day inspire and elevate you in your journey.

This episode (#211) of the Jewish Inspiration Podcast with Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe is dedicated in Honor of Rivka Wolbe on her first Birthday!

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• Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodes
• Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes
• Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes
• Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes
• Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes

Please send your questions, comments and even your stories to awolbe@torchweb.org

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For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com

Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio D to an online audience via TORCHzoom.com on August 1, 2023, in Passaic, NJ.
Released as Podcast on August 1, 2023

In this episode of the Jewish Inspiration Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe discusses the significance of Tisha B’Av, the ninth of Av, a day of mourning in the Jewish calendar commemorating the destruction of both Temples and other tragedies. He explains that during the month of Av, joy is minimized but not eliminated, as the obligation to remain joyful persists. The episode delves into the historical context of the spies’ negative report about the Land of Israel, which led to the Jewish people’s unwarranted crying, prompting God to decree future suffering on this date. Rabbi Wolbe emphasizes that Tisha B’Av is a time to feel the pain of the Almighty and the Jewish people, reflecting on the loss of the Temple as a means to connect with God, who resides within us, not merely in a physical structure.

Rabbi Wolbe connects historical tragedies to modern pain, such as the ongoing hostage crisis in Gaza and the loss of nearly 900 soldiers, urging listeners to empathize with others’ suffering and God’s “homelessness” due to the Temple’s absence. He cites the Talmud’s teaching that a generation without a rebuilt Temple is as if it destroyed it, calling for small, intentional steps to bring godliness into daily life—through mitzvahs, Torah study, or kindness—to rebuild the spiritual Temple. The episode concludes with a prayer that this Tisha B’Av be the last, hoping for a rebuilt Temple and a renewed connection to God for all Jews seeking their heritage.

Recorded at TORCH Studios (C) to an online TORCHzoom.com audience on July 18, 2025, in Passaic, New Jersey.
Released as Podcast on August 3, 2025
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Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.
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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, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org

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Other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe:

• NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodes
• Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes
• Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodes
• Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes
• Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes
• Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes
• Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes

For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org
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Keywords:
#TishaB'Av, #Joy, #Mourning, #Consequences, #Tragedies, #Fasting, #Reflection, #Connection, #Temple, #Empathy, #Sorrow, #Hope, #Prayer, #Community, #SacredTime

Why would a day of mourning also be considered a festival? Join us on the Jewish Inspiration Podcast as we explore the enigmatic nature of Tisha B'Av, a day deeply rooted in sorrow yet embraced as an opportunity for spiritual growth. We reflect on the significance of the Temple's destruction and the profound sense of loss it represents. Despite this absence, our prayers, especially those on Shabbat, continue to resonate with a yearning for closeness and clarity with the Almighty.

We also tackle the emotional aftermath of the tragic events on October 7th, drawing lessons from the mourning rituals of Tisha B'Av. Explore how sadness can be a powerful catalyst for transformation and a renewed commitment to Jewish observance. From Shabbat candles to the hope for the coming of Mashiach, we emphasize the importance of building an inner temple within ourselves, guiding us towards divine redemption. Join us for a thought-provoking and heartwarming episode that seeks to inspire and elevate our spiritual journey.
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Recorded from a live audience presentation in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studios (B) in Houston, Texas on August 4, 2024.
Released as Podcast on August 13, 2024
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DONATE to TORCH: 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. Thank you!
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SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe:
NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodes
Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes
Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodes
Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes
Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes
Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes
Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes
For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com
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EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org
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Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!