Ask The Rabbi
What does a Rabbi know that Christians, Jews, Atheists, Agnostics, and anyone with curiosity, passion, and a sense of spirituality can learn? Welcome to Ask The Rabbi, I’m your host, Rabbi Leonid Feldman. My journey to Judaism is unique, as I grew up in a society where it was illegal to believe in God. I knew nothing of Passover or a Bar Mitzvah, never heard of Jesus or Christmas. I actually received an A in college in the course Scientific Atheism. Fast-forward to today, I am the only Conservative Rabbi from Russia. My curious route to my faith is wh...
Fri, April 11, 2025
Ep. 77 - Men and Women in the Talmud #5 "Lust, Greed and the Mitzvot of the Torah”
This Episode deals with the power of the rituals to change people’s lives.
Tue, March 04, 2025
Ep. 76 - Men and Women in the Talmud #4 "The Husband Returned Home Unexpectedly"
This episode deals with the topic of Adultery, but from unusual angles.
Tue, February 04, 2025
Ep. 75 - Men and Women in the Talmud #3
In this episode we explore ancient stories involving divorce which also include kindness and empathy.
Mon, January 20, 2025
Ep. 74 - Men and Women in the Talmud #2
This episode continues the topic we dealt with last time: what happens when a husband leaves his wife for extended periods of time in order to study Torah? While the story of Rabbi Akiva and Rachel is seen by many writers and commentators as beautiful and romantic, and even a model of commitment and loyalty of the spouses to each other, many other stories do not have happy ends…
Tue, November 05, 2024
Ep. 73 - Men And Women in the Talmud #1
The Jewish people all over the world are still deeply traumatized, and Israel is still fighting a brutal war on several different fronts. Nobody knows when and how it will end. This Episode makes a dramatic shift in the topics discussed on this Podcast. All of us need a break from the news, and learning holy texts has been found to be healing. I also hope that listeners will gain an insight into a facet of Talmud most people do not expect.
Thu, October 10, 2024
Ep. 72 - After October 7th
October 7, 2023 was the the worst year in the history of the State of Israel. More Jews were brutally murdered on that day than at any time since the Holocaust. A full year has passed since then, and Israel right now is fighting several wars simultaneously against its enemies who openly declare their goal of destroying the only Jewish state. This episode summarizes this very dark year and provides a perspective which, hopefully, helps seeing the light at the end of darkness.
Tue, August 20, 2024
Ep. 71 - Will Israeli Society Survive This War? (REPEAT)
Jews around the world have just observed the 9th of Av - the saddest day in the Jewish calendar. Fasting, and thinking about the destruction of both of our Holy Temples in Jerusalem, felt especially poignant this year. Numerous rabbis, articles and TV commentators reminded all of us that Rome was able to destroy our country because we hated each other. While the Jews were involved in a brutal civil war, it was easy for the Romans to conquer us and exile us from our land…After what happened on October 7th, the Israeli society became more cohesive and united than almost ever before. Unfortunately, there has been a dramatic change since then, and right now, we are experiencing a destructive, even existential schism that frightens many of us. This is why I decided to repeat Episode 53 which deals with this painful and dangerous phenomenon that is threatening the survival of the State of Israel.
Tue, July 30, 2024
Ep. 70 - Why Are Israelis So Happy?
According to the 2024 United Nations World Happiness Report , Israel is the 5th happiest country in the world, and in 2023 it was #4. Surrounded by enemies who want to destroy the only Jewish state, with the ever-present threat of terrorism, life in Israel is not easy or simple. And yet, the State of Israel is the only developed country with growing population, and it is the youngest of all the rich democracies. There are many other criteria in which Israel is an outlier. This episode answers the obvious question - why is Israel so different from most other countries in the world?
Tue, July 09, 2024
Ep. 69 - New Israeli Poetry Since October 7
Poetry very often is the best way to express our emotions. Since the massacre of October 7th, extremely rich and deep new poetry has emerged on social media in Israel. This episode includes several poems in translation, together with additional explanations and commentary by Rabbi Feldman.
Tue, June 11, 2024
Ep. 68 - Happy Birthday to the Jewish People!
The festival of Shavuot is the least observed one of the major Jewish holidays. Many people don’t know what it is and what it celebrates. This is sad because Shavuot celebrates the birthday of the Jewish People. The reason that God liberated us from slavery in Egypt was for us to become His partners in changing the world by accepting the Torah.
Thu, April 18, 2024
Ep. 67 - Celebrating Passover After October 7th
I think that the Seders this year will be more meaningful and relevant to most Jews around the world. This episode provides some insights into this wildly observed Jewish celebration.
Thu, April 04, 2024
Ep. 66 - The Scandal of the Ultra-Orthodox
This Episode discusses the most contentious and emotional crisis in Israel-the refusal of the Ultra-Orthodox Jews to serve in the army.
Sun, March 17, 2024
Ep. 65 - Purim Is An X-Rated Holiday! (REPEAT)
In this episode Rabbi Feldman explains the deep and profound ideas that are somewhat hidden in the crazy, carnival-like celebration of Purim and between the lines of the extremely unconventional Biblical book of Esther.
Tue, February 27, 2024
Ep. 64 - The Day After Hamas
While there IS a solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict, numerous profound changes must happen FIRST within the Palestinian society. This episode clarifies what these changes are.
Mon, February 12, 2024
Ep. 63 - The Two-State Delusion
The sudden push for the “Two-State Solution” is extremely dangerous and is, in fact, a formula for never-ending bloodshed. It is time for everyone to stop being delusional about it…
Mon, January 29, 2024
Ep. 62 - I Could Never Have Imagined This Happening
Rabbi Feldman claims in this episode that this is not the same America he came to as an immigrant. Do you agree?
Wed, December 20, 2023
Ep. 61 - An Eyewitness Report From The Home Front
The latest on what's happening on the ground in Israel - examining the questions, finding some solutions, and keeping the faith.
Tue, November 28, 2023
Ep. 60 - How Did We Get Here?
What is Hamas? What is the Israel-Gaza conflict about? What is Zionism? What is meant by “The Two States Solution?” What is the West Bank? Why are there millions of Palestinian refugees and refugee camps?, and so on. This Episode is the basic introduction to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Mon, November 06, 2023
Ep. 59 - Rescuing The Hostages
In the middle of all-out war against a Nazi-like Jihadist terror group Hamas, Israel has an almost impossible challenge of rescuing over 240 hostages hidden in the tunnels underneath of Gaza. Can Judaism provide some helpful guidance in dealing with this complex problem?
Wed, October 04, 2023
Ep. 58 - The Second Generation of the Jewish People #2
Despite the total lack of communication between the spouses, Rebekah is able to change Isaac’s priorities and to secure the Jewish continuity into the next generation.
Mon, September 18, 2023
Ep. 57 - The Second Generation of the Jewish People #1
Having finished the study of the first Jewish family in history, we begin the story of the Second Generation - Isaac, Rebecca and their children.
Tue, August 29, 2023
Ep. 56 - The First Jewish Family in History #2
This is the conclusion of the story of the founders of Judaism and the Jewish People.
Tue, August 15, 2023
Ep. 55 - The First Jewish Family in History #1
This episode continues the study of the complex relationships in this foundational family which established Judaism and the Jewish people.
Tue, August 01, 2023
Ep. 54 - The First Jewish Family in History
Abraham and Sarah are the founders of Judaism and the Jewish People. What was their marriage like? Sarah was married to a guy who spoke with God (at least he thought he did!) Did she share his dreams and goals? What can we learn from that relationship for our marriages today?
Wed, July 12, 2023
Ep. 53 - The Saddest Day in the Jewish Calendar
The real reason why Jewish People became homeless for almost 2,000 years.
Tue, July 04, 2023
Ep. 52 - Pirkei Avot VI
Envy, Lust, Glory, and “ Do Not Trust the Government!” these are the topics discussed in this episode.
Tue, June 20, 2023
Ep. 51 - Pirkei Avot V
This episode first summaries the previous four episodes devoted to Pirkei Avot, and then deals with two complex topics : LOVE and ARGUMENTS.
Tue, June 13, 2023
Ep. 50 - Pirkei Avot IV
This episode deals with two topics: How to deal with ANGER and How to be more GENEROUS.
Tue, June 06, 2023
Ep. 49 - Pirkei Avot III
The secret of wisdom and more...
Tue, April 25, 2023
Ep. 48 - A Conversation With Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger
This is an interview with a very unusual and fascinating person. He is an Orthodox Rabbi who lives in one of the “settlements” on the West Bank and who strongly believes that this land belongs to the Jewish people. However, he also believes that this land belongs to the Palestinians. A passionate Zionist who is accepts their claim to our land...
Wed, April 19, 2023
Ep. 47 - Pirkei Avot II
In this episode Rabbi Feldman continues teaching the best-known text in Rabbinic Literature - a tractate of the Mishna called "Ethics of the Sages.” This paragraph deals with the elements of life which form the totality of human existence: what a person does with his mind, with his body, with his possessions, and how the individual interacts with society at large. What a person does with his mind, with his body, with his possessions, and how the individual interacts with society at large.
Tue, April 11, 2023
Ep. 46 - Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers)
In this episode Rabbi Feldman teaches one of the most famous and beloved texts in Rabbinic Literature which is part of the Talmud.
Tue, April 04, 2023
Ep. 45 - The “Occupied Territories”
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the world’s most enduring and seemingly insoluble problems. The terms “occupied territories” and “occupation” are used in almost every article and speech dealing with this complex issue. In this episode Rabbi Feldman provides an overview of the history of this conflict and points out the blatant disregard of the true facts in most discussions by the “experts” and commentators.
Fri, March 24, 2023
Ep. 44 - The Seder is NOT a Dinner! *re-release*
In this episode, Rabbi Feldman challenges the way most Jews celebrate Judaism's most observed ritual of Judaism - the Passover Seder. He explains that the real purpose of the 15 steps in the Haggadah is for our spiritual growth and emotional healing. He also illustrates why this unique "intellectual banquet" has the potential to lead us to healthier and happier lives.
Tue, March 21, 2023
Ep. 43 - “When Bad Things Happen to Good People”
In this Episode, Rabbi Feldman deals with the most serious challenge to anyone who believes in God. A whole field of philosophy is devoted to it called Theodicy. It asks, “If God is good and all-powerful, why does He allow bad things happen to good people?"
Tue, March 14, 2023
Ep. 42 - A Conversation With Rabbi Martin Levin
This is an interview with a Brooklyn-born Orthodox boy who became a Conservative Rabbi, and who later moved to the Reconstructionist movement. Finally, today, he considers himself a Humanistic Rabbi. Rabbi Levin served as a Chaplain during Vietnam War, and he shares some of his experiences during that painful time in American history.
Tue, March 07, 2023
Ep. 41 - “Never Again!” - Part 2
In this Episode Rabbi Feldman shares several additional lessons that humanity MUST learn from the Holocaust if we want to prevent future Genocides and Holocausts.
Tue, February 28, 2023
Ep. 40 - “Never Again!” - Do We Mean It?
In this Episode Rabbi Feldman touches upon one of the most sensitive topics for all human beings. Has humanity learned anything from the worst crime in history - the Holocaust? Will Genocides, Ethnic Cleansings, Mass Murders and other atrocities be ever stopped? What can and should be done to achieve this result?
Tue, February 21, 2023
Ep. 39 - What Happens After We Die?
In this Episode Rabbi Feldman clarifies some of the most complex and mystical issues connected to death. Does Judaism believe in Afterlife? What about Heaven and Hell? Resurrection? Reincarnation? Does the soul survive? These topics and the answers to these questions may be the hardest to deal with...
Tue, February 07, 2023
Ep. 38 - Listeners' Responses and Challenges
In this episode Rabbi Feldman shares some fascinating responses to his questions and alternative theories on the connection between Jews and money.
Tue, January 31, 2023
Ep. 37 - A Conversation With Rabbi Joseph Telushkin
In this episode Rabbi Feldman speaks with one of the most important Jewish authors of this generation. Rabbi Telushkin is the best-selling author of 18 fiction and non-fiction books, a movie maker and a playwright. His book “Jewish Literacy” is the most popular book used by Rabbis all over the world in their conversion courses.
Tue, January 24, 2023
Ep. 36 - A Conversation with International Super-Star Dudu Fisher
In this episode Rabbi Feldman explores the implausible journey of an Orthodox Yeshiva boy to becoming a major star on Broadway and London’s West End, as well as one of the best-known entertainers in Israel.
Tue, January 17, 2023
Ep. 35 - Madoff, Jews and Money
In this episode Rabbi Feldman examines a sensitive topic, which received attention as a reaction to the recent Netflix documentary “Madoff: The Monster of Wall Street.” He also discusses the well-documented phenomenon of disproportionate number of Jews who get involved in major financial crimes.
Tue, January 10, 2023
Ep. 34 - The Real Miracle of Hanukkah
In this episode Rabbi Feldman concludes his explanation of anti-Semitism and then provides a deeper understanding of the Festival of Hanukkah.
Wed, December 14, 2022
Ep. 33 - Why Do They Hate Us? Part 2
In this episode, Rabbi Feldman offers the theory on anti-Semitism which he believes is more appropriate than the ones popularly offered.
Tue, December 06, 2022
Ep. 32 - “Why Do They Hate Us?” (Part 1)
As the issue of anti-Semitism has recently taken center stage all over the world, Rabbi Feldman deals in the this episode with the question of WHY? He dismisses the popular explanations of "the longest hatred in history” before getting to the answer which makes the most sense to him.
Tue, November 29, 2022
Ep. 31 - Revolution in Israeli Politics?!
In this episode, Rabbi Feldman provides the background to and analyzes the unprecedented political situation created as a result of the latest elections.
Tue, November 22, 2022
Ep. 30 - Returning Home
This is the first episode recorded by Rabbi Feldman in Tel Aviv, Israel - his new home. He explains the reasons (emotional as well as rational) for this major change in his life. He also clarifies the main misunderstanding in the minds of many people of what Israel is.
Tue, September 06, 2022
Ep. 29 - The Tenth Commandment
In this episode, Rabbi Feldman makes it clear that the unusual verb “COVET” does NOT mean “envy” or “desire.” It is a much more ominous and threatening emotion, and very often it leads a person to breaking the rest of the commandments on the second Tablet.
Tue, August 23, 2022
Ep. 28 - A Conversation with Dennis Prager
"In this episode Rabbi Feldman interviews his close friend and teacher - radio personality, writer and prominent public intellectual – Dennis Prager. The focus of this interview is on Prager as a person, not a political commentator. ”
Thu, August 18, 2022
Ep. 27 - The Ninth Commandment
In this episode Rabbi Feldman demonstrates why a lie is much more than simply the absence of truth . He also reviews the different categories of deception that are rampant and pervasive in contemporary America.
Tue, August 09, 2022
Ep. 26 -The Eighth Commandment
In this episode Rabbi Feldman describes the numerous types of stealing and the relevance of this commandment for our time.
Tue, July 26, 2022
Ep. 25 - Why Are Jews Afraid Of Intermarriage?
In this episode Rabbi Feldman answers the question that most Jews instinctively understand but are unable to explain the reason for that fear.
Wed, July 20, 2022
Ep. 24 - The Seventh Commandment
In this episode Rabbi Feldman deals with the sensitive topic of Adultery and explains why this commandment is included in the most influential document in history.
Tue, July 12, 2022
Ep. 23 - The Sixth Commandment
In this episode Rabbi Feldman explains how a serious error in the translation of this commandment has resulted in the immoral philosophy of Pacifism and other dangerous consequences.
Thu, July 07, 2022
Ep. 22 - The Fifth Commandment: Honor Your Father and Your Mother
In this episode Rabbi Feldman first describes two emotional events happening right now in his life - his retirement after 34 years as a pulpit Rabbi and his emigration to Israel. He then analyzes the Fifth of the 10 Commandments, focusing on its numerous unusual aspects.
Tue, June 14, 2022
Ep. 21 - The Fourth Commandment
In this episode Rabbi Feldman argues why this commandment is desperately needed in today’s America.
Tue, June 07, 2022
Ep. 20 - Can We Trust Evangelical Christians?
In this episode, Rabbi Feldman explains why millions of Christians love Israel and Jewish People. He also responds to the suspicions and the reluctance of huge numbers of Jews to trust that love.
Tue, May 31, 2022
Ep. 19 - The Third Commandment
In this episode Rabbi Feldman offers a spiritual perspective on the massacre in Texas and explains the unique importance of the Third Commandment.
Tue, May 24, 2022
Ep. 18 - A Christian Leader Loves Israel and the Jewish People
In this episode, Rabbi Feldman has a fascinating conversation with a Christian Zionist who has just returned from a unique educational program in Israel.
Tue, May 17, 2022
Ep. 17 - The Second Commandment
In this episode, Rabbi Feldman responds to several reactions to his two latest episodes: “Putin: Who Created This Monster” and “A Week in a Life of a Rabbi.” In addition, he explains the vital relevance of the 2nd of the Ten Commandments for our times.
Tue, April 26, 2022
Ep. 16 - The Ten Commandments
In this episode, Rabbi Feldman introduces this crucial document in the history of Western civilization and explains the true meaning of the First Commandment.
Tue, April 19, 2022
Ep. 15 - Putin: Who Created This Monster?
In this episode, Rabbi Feldman provides a perspective on the war in Ukraine not heard from any of the analysts and experts. He strongly disagrees with those who say that Putin is “unhinged,” “Irrational” or “deranged.” This episode proves that Putin is absolutely logical, consistent, and evil.
Tue, April 19, 2022
Ep. 15 - Putin: Who Created This Monster?
In this episode, Rabbi Feldman provides a perspective on the war in Ukraine not heard from any of the analysts and experts. He strongly disagrees with those who say that Putin is “unhinged,” “Irrational” or “deranged.” This episode proves that Putin is absolutely logical, consistent, and evil.
Tue, April 12, 2022
Ep. 14 - A Week in a Life of a Rabbi
In this episode, Rabbi Feldman details the typical daily schedule of a Rabbi working in a synagogue. Since most American Jews see only parts of the Rabbi’s activities, this episode provides a unique insight into what Rabbi Feldman calls “an impossible job.”
Mon, April 04, 2022
Ep. 13 - The Seder is NOT a Dinner!
In this episode, Rabbi Feldman challenges the way most Jews celebrate Judaism's most observed ritual of Judaism - the Passover Seder. He explains that the real purpose of the 15 steps in the Haggadah is for our spiritual growth and emotional healing. He also illustrates why this unique "intellectual banquet" has the potential to lead us to healthier and happier lives.
Mon, March 28, 2022
Ep. 12 - “I Will NOT Be a Pulpit Rabbi!”
In this episode Rabbi Feldman explains how he decided to apply to the Rabbinical School of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America.
Mon, March 21, 2022
Ep. 11 - Purim Is An X-rated Holiday!
In this episode Rabbi Feldman explains the deep and profound ideas that are somewhat hidden in the crazy, carnival-like celebration of Purim and between the lines of the extremely unconventional Biblical book of Esther.
Mon, March 14, 2022
Ep. 10 - “Me? A Rabbi?!”
In this episode Rabbi Feldman describes an emotional experience that made him decide to study Judaism on a deeper level. However, he was still an atheist...
Mon, March 07, 2022
Ep. 9 - Discovering the Beauty of Judaism
In this episode Rabbi Feldman describes the second turning point in his life which was brought about, once again, by reading a book.
Wed, March 02, 2022
Ep. 8 - Can Anybody Understand Putin's Actions?
In this episode Rabbi Feldman explains Vladimir Putin's motivation for the war in Ukraine, and reviews the behavior of the Russian dictator since he took power in Russia over 20 years ago.
Mon, February 21, 2022
Ep. 7 - Israel - Italy - America
In this episode, Rabbi Feldman finally begins learning about Judaism (not in Jerusalem...in Italy, of all places!)
Mon, February 14, 2022
Ep. 6 - What Freedom Feels Like
In this episode, Rabbi Feldman answers several questions he had received and describes the moment he felt truly FREE.
Mon, February 07, 2022
Ep. 5 - The First Baby Steps
In this episode, Rabbi Feldman speaks about the eye-opening discoveries he made in his first few days in the Free World.
Tue, February 01, 2022
Ep. 4 - Walking on the Moon
In this episode Rabbi Feldman describes his time in a Soviet jail with 47 criminals, his release, and finally, his first day in the Free World.
Mon, January 24, 2022
Ep. 3 - Hunger Strike
In this episode Rabbi Feldman shares his struggle for freedom which led to his arrest and imprisonment.
Mon, January 17, 2022
Ep. 2 - Leaving The Paradise
In this episode Rabbi Feldman explains how he made the most important decision in his life - to leave his homeland forever. That decision began his transformation from a loyal Soviet citizen and a passionate atheist to a free man in the West and a spiritual leader.
Fri, December 24, 2021
Ep. 1 - Growing Up in the Evil Empire
In this episode Rabbi Feldman describes his childhood as a Jew in the Soviet Union. Listen in to get a sense of the oppression and abuse which are deep-rooted in the totalitarian Communist regime. Rabbi Feldman’s life demonstrates what childhood in a godless society is like.
Fri, December 24, 2021
Welcome to Ask The Rabbi
A sneak peek at what's ahead from Rabbi Leonid Feldman on Ask The Rabbi!
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