In this Jewish Inspiration Podcast episode (Day 121), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe concludes the Gate of Falsehood (Sheker) from Orchos Tzaddikim, detailing the final categories of liars and emphasizing the Torah's command to distance oneself from all falsehood ("midvar sheker tirchak").

The rabbi reviews the nine types of falsehood:

• Obvious lies, subtle forgeries, sophisticated rationalizations.
• "White lies" (inconsequential exaggerations) that curry favor or lower guards.
• Lies to steal potential benefit (e.g., poaching clients).
• Distorting heard facts for no gain/damage.
• False promises/assurances (e.g., "I'll give you this" without intent).
• Leading someone to trust falsely, then breaking it (breaking a covenant-like bond).
• Taking praise for unpossessed qualities (even true praise can be misused).
• Lies about what was heard, changing facts to suit needs.

Key lessons: Falsehood distances one from Hashem (Emet/truth); even "harmless" lies train the tongue for worse deception. Rav’s story warns against teaching children to reverse words—even for "good" reasons—as it habituates falsehood. Punishment varies by severity, but all lies harm soul and others. The chapter ends urging vigilance: purge traits that rationalize lies to attain pure truth.

Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on July 15, 2025, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on February 3, 2026
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This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.
Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.
We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)

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Listen, Subscribe & Share:

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• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired!

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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Listen More
Other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe:

• NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodes
• 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:
#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #WhiteLies, #Truth, #Lies, #Rationalizations, #Sheker, #FalsePromises

Discover the profound connection between unity and individuality as we unravel the experiences of the Jewish people at Mount Sinai. Witness how the public revelation of the Torah distinguished Judaism from other faiths with its unparalleled communal experience, as every individual stood united—"like one man, with one heart". Reflect on the powerful declaration of "Naaseh V'Nishma" and consider how this timeless unity remains relevant in today's world, amidst current debates and challenges within the Jewish community.

Explore a moving narrative of transformation and love, as a rabbi's journey from extremism to embracing Ahavas Yisrael (love for every Jew) inspires us to prioritize compassion over conflict. Delve into the intricate dynamics of the yeshiva system, where choosing the right study partner is essential. Learn from Reb Chaim Shmulevitz about the delicate balance between personal Torah growth and sensitivity to others' feelings, illustrating the importance of nurturing harmonious relationships without compromising on individuality.

As we reflect on the lessons of Mount Sinai, consider how we can foster a spirit of inclusivity and respect within our communities. Embrace the responsibility of rabbinic leadership and community members to uphold dignity and unity, ensuring that every Jew feels a sense of belonging. This episode serves as a heartfelt reminder of our collective identity under Hashem and the enduring power of compassion and unity in shaping our interactions and strengthening our communal bonds.

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This episode (Ep 7.17) of the Parsha Review Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Yisro is dedicated in honor of our President & in honor of our Holy Soldiers in the Battlefield and our Torah Scholars in the Study Halls who are fighting for the safety of our nation!

• Download & Print the Parsha Review Notes:
  https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharing

Recorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on February 11, 2025, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on February 12, 2025
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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!
_____________
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.tansistor.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!
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#Torah, #Parsha, #Exodus, #Unity, #MountSinai, #Community

In this episode, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe shares a short & sweet idea of inspiration on the power of Tu B'Shevat, the day of reinvigorating our connections with our ancestors, our children and future generations and most of all our creator and His Torah!

This Jewish Inspiration Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH (Ep. #151) is dedicated my dearest friends, Peter Botvin and his incredible wife, Becky! May Hashem bless you and your beautiful family with good health, success and true Yiddish Nachas!!!

Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B to a live audience on February 2, 2023, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on February 5, 2023
_____________
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!
_____________
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!

★ Support this podcast ★