Shows / Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
This podcast features thoughts on issues of Jewish tradition and faith by Rabbi Rob Dobrusin from Ann Arbor, Michigan. Presented in informal and conversational style, Rabbi Dobrusin shares his interpretations of traditional Jewish texts and concepts often illustrated with examples taken from contemporary life. The discussions are designed to be accessible and thought-provoking to all.
Episodes
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 238: The Four Children Part 3
Rabbi Dobrusin concludes his discussion of the Four Children section of the Pesach Haggadah detailing the tragic flaw in this otherwise insightful text.
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 237: The Four Children part 2
Rabbi Dobrusin continues the discussion about the section of the Seder known as the Four Children.
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 236: The Four Children: Part 1
Rabbi Dobrusin begins a 3 part series on one of the most distinctive texts in the Hagaddah: the section known as the Four Children. In this and next week's…
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 235: Reading and Interpreting
In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin discusses a contrast between the observance of the holiday of Purim and the observance of Pesach. How are the rituals of the…
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 234: A D'var Torah for Purim Part 2
In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin concludes the D'var Torah he began in the previous podcast episode.
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 233 A D'var Torah for Purim Part 1
Rabbi Dobrusin shares the first half of a d'var Torah relating to a text for the holiday of Purim. You can find the text that the d'var Torah is based on here…
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 232: Sh'ma Mina: Learn From This.
What can a rather odd text of the Talmud teach us about our lives today? Rabbi Dobrusin shares a lesson we can learn from an ancient text.
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 231: A Chosen Name
Some in our community are being threatened and we must stand up for them. In this edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a midrash which has deep…
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 230: Thunder and Lightning
In this edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a d'var Torah on this week's Torah portion, parashat Yitro. How do we relate to the story of the giving…
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 229: Two Wooden Sticks
Rabbi Dobrusin shares a d'var Torah on this week's parashah. The teaching includes more than a passing reference to one of his favorite pastimes, a subject…
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 228: Ba'avur Zeh. Because of This.
In this edition of Wrestling and Dreaming, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a d'var Torah on a critical verse in this week's Torah portion: Exodus 13:8
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 227: January 2025
In this edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin reflects on the return of 3 of the hostages from Gaza and the new Trump administration.
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 226: 29 years later
In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a sermon he delivered in 1996. The questions and concerned raised 29 years ago are still relevant today.
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 225: Thoughts for this Hanukkah
In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin revisits an idea that he spoke about previously in the podcast concerning one of our Hanukkah traditions. The discussion has…
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 224: Who is Joseph?
In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin uses an unusual source to point out how we can view the character of Joseph in completely different ways.
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 223: The Blacksmith
In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a family story and relates it to this week's Torah portion.
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 222: A Very Special Day
In this episode of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin explains why the day on which this podcast is posted is such an important date in terms of Jewish ritual.
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 221: Thanksgiving 2024
After a brief introduction, this edition of the podcasts features Rabbi Dobrusin's pre-Thanksgiving message of 2020 as we prepared for Thanksgiving during the…
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 220: Youth and Age
In this edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a d'var Torah on this week's parasha of Hayei Sarah. How did the Rabbis interpret a phrase at the…
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 219: Abraham's Plan
In this edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin presents a midrash which looks at part of a Torah story in a completely different light. It portrays Abraham as…
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 218: For You
What can we learn from the opening words of this week's Torah portion: Lech Lecha? Rabbi Dobrusin discusses a lesson which should be relevant to all of our…
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 217: Balancing
Rabbi Dobrusin shares one of his favorite traditional texts. The text reflects a completely different way of understanding a basic principle of Jewish theology.
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Special Edition: The 2024 Election
In this brief, special edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin speaks about the upcoming election.
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 216: Additions
In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin discusses a complex and difficult issue that Conservative Rabbis have wrestled with for decades.
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 215: Did I See It?
Rabbi Dobrusin shares the story of a recent experience and the lessons learned from what he saw- and didn't see.
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 214: Hayom Today
In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a pre Rosh Hashana sermon concerning the importance of "today".
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 213: Shana Tova
In the episode of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin shares some thoughts on the year that is ending and a hope for the year to come. This episode also includes an…
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 212: A Troubling Commentary by a Usually Reliable Source
In this week's podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a commentary on a text in the Talmud which is truly upsetting. That the commentary comes from an honored and…
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 211: Being Safe
In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin examines the traditions regarding a verse in this week's Torah portion. And, of course, it begins with some words about the…
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 210: Who Is The Person?
In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin shares some questions we might consider as we begin the process of Teshuvah: repentance.
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 209: Happiness on our Holy Days
Rabbi Dobrusin shares thoughts on the concept of teshuva: repentance, as we approach the High Holy Days. What should frame of mind should we be in as we engage…
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 208: Remembering
In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin discusses two different ways of remembering something or someone we have lost.
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 207: Doing the Right and the Good
In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin shares thoughts on a critical verse in this week's Torah portion.
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 206:Tisha B'av 2024
In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin considers a question concerning the observance of the fast day of Tisha B'av this year.
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 205: The Passage of Time
Rabbi Dobrusin gives a personal perspective on one of the most important of all human experiences.
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 204: An Additional Idea
Rabbi Dobrusin explains a liturgical tradition which is based upon a section of this week's Torah portion.
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
An Additional Thought for This Week
This brief podcast is an addendum to this week's edition of Wrestling and Dreaming.
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 203: Two Sticks
In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin offers a perspective on two Torah stories which have an unusual connection.
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 202: A Critical Moment
In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin considers the major issue in our nation with a thought about the Torah portion of the week.
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 201: The Commandments on the Wall
In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin discusses the recent decision by the State of Louisiana legislature regarding the placing of the 10 commandments in public…
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 200: God's Voice
In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin gives his answer to the question that he asked at the conclusion of last week's podcast. This is the 200th episode of the…
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 199: Voices
In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin introduces a commentary by Rashi which he finds particularly intriguing. The commentary has many implications, some of which…
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 198: The Order of the Festivals
In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin considers the place of Shavuot in the order of the festivals of the year.
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 197: Personal Prayers Part 2
In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin continues discussing the personal prayers of some of the Talmudic Rabbis. These prayers carry messages which are critical to us…
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 196: Personal Prayers
In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin shares some thoughts on beautiful personal prayers which are found in the Talmud.
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 195: A Special Tribute
This is a special edition of the podcast. This episode, as you will hear, particularly comes from the heart. After listening, please go to the website…
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 194: Protests
In this edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin shares some thoughts on the tense situation on college campuses today.
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 193: A Once In a Lifetime Experience
In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin shares his thoughts on witnessing the Solar Eclipse and considers its implications for our thinking about the upcoming holiday…
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 192: An Eternal Story
In this week's episode, Rabbi Dobrusin shares his thoughts on this year's observance of the Pesach Seder.
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 191: Rejoicing with Creation
In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin celebrates one of the most majestic of all creations.
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 190: Play Ball!
In this edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin celebrates this special day.
- Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism
Episode 189: Three Questions for Purim
In this edition of Wrestling and Dreaming, Rabbi Dobrusin asks questions that we should think about as we prepare to celebrate the holiday of Purim.