The Ethics Podcast

Shiurim

• 48 Ways to Wisdom – #11: Friendly Critique (6:6:11)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  Humans are not perfect. Only God is. We are fallible. We are mistake-prone. Yet our mission and mandate is to discover truth. That is achieved, chiefly, via the study of Torah. The Almighty embedded truth and understanding of God in the Tor

• Truth and Peace (6.6.40)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  Truth and peace are often incompatible. A peaceful solution to a problem is often not truthful; unvarnished truth is rarely diplomatic. In way number 40 to acquire wisdom we learn how we must deploy truth and peace in the right manner, in t

• Finding Your Magic Bullet (2:13-14)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  Two thousand years ago the great Sage Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakkai instructed his five prime disciples to undertake a unique mission. This mission and their discoveries can still offer us life-changing wisdom. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

• Accepting Affliction (6.6.25)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  Life is full of nuisances. For many – maybe all – life inevitably contains some pain, suffering, and affliction. How we approach these situations is a central element of our religion and theology. Our Sages revealed to us that accepting aff

• Greedy When Others are Fearful (5:2-3)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  Ten generations elapsed both from Adam to Noah and from Noah to Abraham. The trend over those generations was away from God and into idolatry. At the end of each of these groups of ten generations came a great Tzadik. But Noah and Abraham w

• Sleep (6.6.19)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  We all need to sleep. All humans, irrespective of their intelligence, their physical prowess, their wealth, must lay down in a comatose state for several hours a day and sleep. Sleep is also enjoyable. There’s something seductively deliciou

• Generosity and Miserliness (5:13)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  In the question of generosity and miserliness, our Mishnah tells us that there are four kinds of people. Interestingly, a group that we would view quite innocuously is labeled as Sodom-like. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Spons

• How to Boost Your Intelligence (5:15-8)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  There are different types of people in the world. Just as our faces are not identical, our perspectives and abilities and innate qualities differ. Regarding a host of things, our Sages tell us that there are four distinct character types. I

• Living on a Supernatural Plane (3:6)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  What rules govern what happens in our lives? In this mishna we find that there are really three different realms, and that it is possible to upgrade the plane on which we operate. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Sponsorship: Ple

• Thanks a Million!

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  Of all the episodes that I have recorded over the years, this will be perhaps the most unique one. For one, it will be released simultaneously on all 6 channels that I am fortunate enough to host: The Parsha Podcast, The Jewish History Podc

• Sanctification or Vacuum (4:5)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  If our life’s mission would be distilled down to one idea it would be Kiddush Hashem (Sanctification of God’s Name). The opposite of Kiddush Hashem is Chilul Hashem (Desecration of God’s Name). Due to the gravity of these concepts, they are

• Precise Teaching (4:16)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  Accidents happen. Generally speaking, the Torah overlooks things that happen unintentionally. If someone accidentally sins, the Almighty forgives him. Yet the Mishnah teaches that an accident in Torah study is tantamount to a willful, negli

• Designing The Ideal Life (5:25)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  What does it take to live a great life? How would such a life be structured? This Mishnah is a masterclass in unpacking the subject. What you are about to enjoy is an exquisite array of insights and ideas on human development, pedagogy and

• Life, Afterlife, and Judgment (4:29)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  What happens after we die? That is a question that fascinates and terrifies us. The future is unknown. It is a mystery, shrouded in uncertainty and dread. Naturally, the human tendency is to try to avoid thinking about those questions too m

• Stairway to Heaven (3:15)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  Rabbi Elazar from Modi’in shares a list of five very different things that disqualify its doer from Olam Haba. What is the connection between these five things and why would one who does them be locked out of eternity? This Ethics Podcast w

• Concentric Realms of Holiness (5:7)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  For 800+ years our nation had a Temple in Jerusalem. The Temple was a special place. It contained the vessels described in Scripture, it was the site of annual, national pilgrimages, it is where the high priest did the Yom Kippur service ea

• Honor Thy Spiritual Father and Mother (6:3)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  Torah study is the greatest of pursuits. Consequently, you are eternally indebted to anyone who bestows upon you Torah. In this fascinating Mishnah, we learned about the supreme holiness of Torah and how is forever alters the one who studie

• Theodicy Today (4:19)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  The blissful existence of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous raise difficult questions for the believer: If God is in total control of all that transpires, why would He cause pain to those who obey His words and reward those who

• Lion’s Tail (4:20)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  The author of this Mishnah served as the rabbi of Rome. While all his colleagues were coalesced together in the great Torah centers of Israel, Rabbi Masya Ben Charash led the small community and academy in the epicenter of impurity. How he

• Judicial Restraint (4:9-10)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  Justice is one of the three things that perpetuate the world. But should one strive to be a judge? In this very interesting Mishnah, the brainchild of a fascinating Sage, we discover that a person ought to be highly reticent in avoiding ser

• Special: An Interview About My New Book, Upon A Ten-Stringed Harp

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  In conjunction with our annual fundraiser this week at giveTORCH.org (every donation is tripled), we are releasing a special interview conducted by the TORCH Board President, Dan Kullman, about my new book, Upon A Ten-Stringed Harp. Please

• Peasant to Prince (6:2)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  Studying Torah is the greatest Mitzvah. That is well-known. In this Mishnah, we learn about the perils of neglecting Torah study. Along the way we discover the polarity Jews since Sinai, we discover the secret of Jewish continuity, and we l

• Spiritual Cost-Benefit Analysis (2:1)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  In the first mishna of the second chapter of Pirkei Avos, the great Rabbi Judah the Prince offers indispensable life guidance. Who was this transformative Torah giant and what are his invaluable eternal lessons? – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

• Preconditions to Torah (3:21-22)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  Torah is unlike any other discipline. Every other discipline can be acquired without preconditions; Torah can only be unlocked by someone who has successfully primed himself for that lofty status. In this Mishnah, Rabbi Elazar Ben Azariah i

• Loving Rebuke (6.6.34)+ 2026 TORCH Fundraiser Pitch

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  The 2026 annual TORCH fundraiser is happening right now at giveTORCH.org . Every donation is doubled at giveTORCH.org . Every donation is matched at giveTORCH.org Please support TORCH and the Ethics Podcast with a generous contribution righ

• Answering the Heretics (2:19)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  Rabbi Elazar Ben Arach was the prized student of Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakkai, but he chose to chart his own path in life and not to join the rest of his colleagues in Yavneh. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Sponsorship: Please co

• We Have Been Blessed With a Baby Boy

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  With deep appreciation to the Almighty for all the goodness that He has bestowed upon us, I’m happy to share that my wife, Chaya, and I were blessed with a beautiful baby boy on Monday, March 14. Thank God, both Mom and baby are doing fabul

• The Ultimate Meritocracy (2:17)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  In a short, succinct Mishna, Rabbi Yose shares timeless lessons regarding the proper way to treat other people’s money, how Torah greatness is a meritocracy, and perhaps the most central insight of Jewish spirituality. – – – – – – – – – – –

• Hens, Goats, and Bears, Oh My! (3:11-13)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  Rabbi Chanina Ben Dosa was a legendary Sage who lived towards the end of the Second Temple, and the Talmud relates many miraculous and inspirational stories about him. In this podcast we share some of those amazing stories, and connect them

• Discover You (1:14)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  In the third teaching of Hillel the Elder, we discover timeless advice to maximizing life: If I am not for me, who will be for me; when I am for myself, what am I; and if not now, when? This Ethics Podcast was originally released on the Eth

• Benediction Malediction (4:24)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  Shmuel HaKattan was one of the legends of Jewish history. The Talmud testifies on him that had his generation been worthy, he would have been a full-fledged prophet. Notwithstanding his generation, Shmuel Hakattan did merit lower grade prop

• Joyous With Your Lot (6.6.27)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  There is an unequal distribution of talents, gifts, abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. Everyone is different. Everyone is their own world. This applies both in the spiritual domain and in the material/physical domain. A believer who unde

• Charity or Piracy (3:8)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  Why do we give charity? Is there a cap of 20% to how much we can give? In this mishna we learn about a striking rationale for charity, answer these questions, and contrast the two types of givers. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

• Torah Misappropriation (4:7)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  Our nation is blessed to be privy to the Almighty’s Torah. Those who immerse themselves in the Torah’s vast seas are the choicest and most admirable people of our nation. What benefits do they deserve? Is it OK for them to cash in on their

• Avoiding Bad Neighbors (1:7)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  In the previous mishna we are instructed how to choose positive influences, in this one we are warned of the perils of bad friends and bad neighbors. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Please consider sponsoring a podcast by making

• Nocturnal Opportunities (3:5)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  Rabbi Chananya ben Chakhinai says: One who stays awake at night, and one who wanders on a road alone, and turns his heart to idleness, behold he is liable with his life. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Sponsorship: Please consid

• Moderation (6:6:17)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  Our resources are finite. We must engage in trade-offs, deciding what pursuits to prioritize over others. This, of course, is all well known. But it’s more complicated: by design, we feel drawn to seek out and pursue goals that are potentia

• High and Mighty (5:23-4)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  What forces must we use to try to bring about our life mission? Our mandate is to fulfill the will of the Almighty. He expects great things of us and created us for that purpose. In this thrilling Mishnah, we learned about the various diffe

• Getting Rich Doing What You Love (4:11)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  Which is a greater inhibitor of Torah study, being rich or being poor? You would imagine that both conditions would distract someone from dedicating their time to Torah study. In this Mishnah we find an answer to this question and consequen

• Know Your Place (6.6.26)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  The greatest pedagogues of history – the Sages of the Mishnah – codified “knowing your place” as a means to acquire Torah, to acquire wisdom. What exactly is intended with knowing your place? In this Ethics Podcast we share three life-chang

• Loving Straightness (6.6.33) + 2026 TORCH Fundraiser

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  The 2026 annual TORCH fundraiser is happening right now at giveTORCH.org . Every donation is doubled at giveTORCH.org . Every donation is matched at giveTORCH.org Please support TORCH and the Parsha Podcast with a generous contribution righ

• Nuclear Football (5:1)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  How important are we? Do we even matter? What difference does it make if I live of die? What difference can one person make in the grand scope of existence? These are tough existential questions that thinking people grapple with. In this th

• Conversation (6:6:20)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  We are speaking beings. In fact, the central differentiation between humanity and animals is the capacity of verbal communication. The judgment that we face in Heaven is largely about how we deployed our superpower, our speech. The greatest

• Sense of Mission (6.6.29)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  We love Torah. Torah study is our national pastime and obsession. It is enjoyable; it is fun; it is interesting — but to acquire it – we have to now that it is imperative: It is as indispensable as water, oxygen and bread. – – – – – – – – –

• Studying with Intentionality (6.6.44-45)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  What are our intentions when we study? What are we trying to achieve? If we are studying the Almighty’s Torah simply as an exercise in theoretical, abstract learning, we are missing the essence of Torah. In these two ways to wisdom, we lear

• 48 Ways to Wisdom #13: Equilibrium (6:6:13)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  Humans are not monolithic. Each one of us is unique and have a unique take on every life situation. The truth is even more granular: even within a single person, there is not uniformity. We are all internally conflicted, sometimes thinking

• Designing The Ideal Life (5:25)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  What does it take to live a great life? How would such a life be structured? This Mishnah is a masterclass in unpacking the subject. What you are about to enjoy is an exquisite array of insights and ideas on human development, pedagogy and

• Judging Favorably (6.6.39)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  Not everyone is a saint. In fact, the verse testifies that there is no righteous person in the land who does only good and never sins. So everyone is a sinner, to one degree or another. How ought we relate to sinners? What do we do when we

• Levity (6.6.21)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  Life is serious. Pursuit of wisdom is the pursuit of truth. Pursuit of wisdom is the pursuit of understanding the Divine (to the best of our abilities). To access wisdom, we have to be very serious. But a little bit of levity – when done pr

• Divine Karma (2:7)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  In one of those life experiences we hope to never have, Hillel once encountered a skull floating on the water. His comment to that skull is enshrined in Pirkei Avos and serves as an invaluable lesson to us. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

• Pushing the Envelope (6:5)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  The Torah scholar plays a significant role in the world. We believe that the reason why the Almighty created the world was for Torah study. We also believe that absent Torah study, the world would cease to exist. The Torah scholar is truly

• Spiritual Persistence (1:13)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  In his second consecutive teaching, Hillel instructs us regarding the proper attitude to spiritual development and persistence, and the grave consequences of spiritual stagnation. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Please consider

• Individual Prophecy and Collective Punishment (5:10-12)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  In ancient times, our nation benefitted from the service of prophets. The primary responsibility of a prophet was to rebuke and admonish the people when they veered off course from the proper path that the Almighty has planned for them. But

• Trust Sages (6.6.24)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  Our primary responsibility as humans and as Jews is to develop and deepen our faith in the Creator. Can we have faith in man? Can we have faith in a mortal? In the 24th way to achieve and acquire wisdom, we learn about the concept of having

• Asking and Answering (6.6.42)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  Questions are arguably the most potent tool by which to open up a complex subject. Asking questions on a given matter; asking many, diverse questions, analyzing and probing the issue from all angles, helps open portals of understanding that

• Choose Your World (2:16) + Annual TORCH Fundraiser

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  Please support the Ethics Podcast by donating to our annual fundraiser at giveTORCH.org This is our only annual fundraiser. Every donation is DOUBLED! Support the Ethics Podcast by visiting giveTORCH.org right now and making a generous dona

• Bearing the Burden (6.6.38)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  Everyone is going through something. Everyone has difficulties in life. That is the human condition. It is also all by design. But we are instructed to empathize with others in whatever challenge they may be undergoing. We are supposed to h

• Defanged Demons (5:8)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  In the final installment of the series of Tens, our Mishnah reveals to us the ten things that were created at twilight of Friday during the week of Genesis. What is the deeper meaning of twilight? What is unique about these seemingly random

• An Invitation to The Afterlife (4:21-2)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  We all recognize that we will eventually die. Each of us know that there will come a point in time where our body and Soul separate and go their own way. The body will return to its origin, the dust, and the Soul will return to its Heavenly

• Sense of Mission (6.6.29)

  Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

  We love Torah. Torah study is our national pastime and obsession. It is enjoyable; it is fun; it is interesting — but to acquire it – we have to now that it is imperative: It is as indispensable as water, oxygen and bread. This Ethics Podca