Episodes

  • Excessive Schmoozing with Women (1:5)

    Excessive Schmoozing with Women (1:5)
    Jan 10 2025
    In the fifth mishna we learn about the proper ways to interact with others, especially those less fortunate, in a pious and peril-free manner. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Nov 20, 2017 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]
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    27 mins
  • Godly Intellect (1:4)

    Godly Intellect (1:4)
    Jan 8 2025
    In the fourth mishna of Pirkei Avos, our sages offer three steps to accessing Torah. In our deconstruction of this teaching we learn about the nature of Torah and the unusual ways that we access it. This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Ethics Podcast on Nov 13, 2017 – – – – – – […]
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    38 mins
  • Fostering Lasting Relationships (1:3)

    Fostering Lasting Relationships (1:3)
    Jan 6 2025
    In following the previous mishna which distilled the life objectives to three tenets, Pirkei Avos proceeds to delve into each one individually. In perhaps the most difficult mishna of the book, Antigonus lays out how to fulfill “Avodah” properly. In this teaching we read a take on altruism and how to create deep, meaningful and […]
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    58 mins
  • Three-Pronged Purpose (1.2)

    Three-Pronged Purpose (1.2)
    Jan 3 2025
    The second Mishna in Pirkei Avos features a powerful teaching from one of the pivotal and legendary characters in Jewish History. Shimon HaTzadik (Simeon the Righteous), the Kohen Gadol who succeeded Ezra, enlightens us by teaching us that the world stands on three things, Torah, worship of God, and loving-kindness. What are these three things […]
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    51 mins
  • New 2025 Initiative: The Book of Ethics (1.1)

    New 2025 Initiative: The Book of Ethics (1.1)
    Jan 1 2025
    The first mishna of Pirkei Avos begins with attributing the first 900 years of the line of transmission of the Torah from Moshe at Sinai until the Men of the Great Assembly. The second sections is three teachings of those great men. What is the connection between these two parts and why was this chosen […]
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    31 mins
  • Ethics Podcast Conclusion Message

    Ethics Podcast Conclusion Message
    Oct 9 2024
    Speech at celebratory lunch at Genesis Steakhouse in Houston, TX to mark the completion of the Book Ethics and the Ethics Podcast. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation […]
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    17 mins
  • Purpose of Creation (6:11)

    Purpose of Creation (6:11)
    Oct 7 2024
    With endless praise to the Almighty for all goodness that he has done for us, we hereby present the final episode of the Ethics podcast. We began this project 7 years ago and now, thanks to the boundless help from the Almighty, we have finally finished this grand initiative May the Almighty continue to give […]
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    57 mins
  • God’s Cherished Possessions (6:10)

    God’s Cherished Possessions (6:10)
    Sep 28 2024
    God owns everything. He created everything and owns it all. But there are some things that God cherishes above others. Our Mishnah describes five cherished possessions of God. These five are uniquely beloved by Him. They are what He “acquired.” – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – […]
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    43 mins