Episodes

June 3, 2022

Move Closer to Home (Bamidbar/Shavuos)

Besides for the price, there is a major difference between those who sit in the bleachers at a baseball game and those who sit closer to home plate. In this week's version of The Torah Sparks Podcast, the host discusses a powerful baseball parable and how it offers us an inspirational message for the upcoming holiday of Shavuos. Check out the Torah Sparks website at https://www.torahsparks.com/ for the latest podcasts and weekly blog posts. If you enjoy this content, please share with your fri...
May 26, 2022

Don't Yell at the Screen (Bechukosai)

Did you ever yell at the screen during a climactic part of a movie? Did you expect that the actors on the screen would listen to your concerns? Were you subsequently "shushed" by the entire audience? This week, in The Torah Sparks Podcast, we discuss the idea that what we - as humans - think, say, and do, actually influences and impacts the world around us. This is in great contrast to the fantasies of the "Western World." Check out the Torah Sparks website at https://www.torahsparks.com/ for t...
May 19, 2022

Humble Haughtiness (Behar)

In the latest episode of the Torah Sparks Podcast, we discusses the importance of being humble and "haughty" at the same time. How exactly does that work? Aren't they mutually exclusive? Tune in to find out more! This week, there is a video version of the podcast available on YouTube, check it out here: https://youtu.be/G4YMU-V2GIQ BH I am excited to announce the launch of my forthcoming book with Mosaica Press. The book "Ready. Set. Grow" is NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER, check it out here: htt...
May 12, 2022

30 Day Pet Food Challenge (Emor)

Did you hear about the lady who challenged herself to eat pet food for an entire month? In this week's Torah Sparks podcast, we discuss this crazy story and how the period of Sefiras Haomer teaches us a lesson in stark contrast to this eat-only-pet-food challenge. If you enjoy this content, please share with your friends, family, and neighbors. Be sure to leave a rating and write a review! Check out the Torah Sparks website at https://www.torahsparks.com/ for the latest podcasts and weekly blo...
May 5, 2022

Skeleton in the Back Seat and Holiness (Kedoshim)

In this week's Torah Sparks podcast, the host discusses the notion of projection, namely, that -as humans - we tend to see others how we see ourselves. As such, if we see ourselves as bad, we will likely see others as bad as well. On the flip side, if we see ourselves as good and holy, we will be able to see others in that light as well. The 24,000 students of Rebbe Akiva died for not according one another with honor. Does this, perhaps, reflect on how they viewed themselves? Listen now to the ...
April 27, 2022

Milk's Favorite Cookie (Acharei)

When Nabisco changed it's slogan for the famous Oreo cookie from America's Favorite Cookie to Milk's Favorite Cookie in 2004, no one thought this would be newsworthy enough to be featured in a Jewish podcast in 2022. Even more, no one thought it would have any relevance or meaning to make it onto an inspirational platform. Sure enough, in this week's Torah Sparks podcast, the host discusses this dramatic slogan change and develops an engaging connection between the addictive Oreo cookie and Tor...
April 14, 2022

Please Remove Your Yeezys (Pesach/Passover 2022)

In this week's Torah Sparks podcast, we talk about the importance of detoxifying from all the sprays used to clean for Passover as well as the importance of realizing what it is that truly makes the Jewish people special. So, as you continue to get ready for the Passover holiday that is fast-approaching, come along and give a listen. This is an episode you don't want to miss. If you enjoy this content, please share with your friends. I would also really appreciate if you could leave a rating an...
April 7, 2022

Dilation of the Pupil (Metzora/Shabbos Hagadol)

Did you know? The difference in size between your pupils, when they are most dilated vs. when they are least dilated, is 17 times! Tune in to this week's Torah Sparks podcast to hear an interesting perspective on the human eye and the importance of seeing the world (ourselves included) in a positive light. If you enjoy this content, please share with your friends. I would also really appreciate if you could leave a rating and a review. Check out my website at https://www.torahsparks.com/ for t...
March 31, 2022

230,000 Minutes of Gossip (Tazria)

Why do humans love to gossip? In this Torah Sparks episode, we discuss the psychology behind why it is people like to gossip and how the Torah remedies this approach. We also talk about the imperativeness of not speaking Lashon Harah about oneself. Check it out! If you enjoy this content, please share with your friends. I would also really appreciate if you could leave a rating and a review. Check out my website at https://www.torahsparks.com/ for the latest podcasts and weekly blog posts. Po...
March 24, 2022

Why Don't Humans Eat More Bugs? (Shemini)

In this episode of Torah Sparks, we discuss the global rise in consumption of edible insects, and why despite its various health benefits, G-d does not allow the Jewish people to eat them. Join me on this eye-opening, fun-filled, epic journey to discover the deeper meaning behind why it is we don't consume creepy crawlers. I think you'll like it. Powered by: TYA of Baltimore Interested in receiving my weekly short write-up on the Parshah? Sign up at www.torahsparks.com
March 16, 2022

Shaloch Manos Trackers (Purim/Tzav)

Afraid your Shaloch Manos is being given to someone else after you already gave it? Introducing the all new S.M.T.'s - Shaloch Manos Trackers. Tune in to this week's Torah Sparks podcast to find out more about these unique trackers, and to hear an insight into the contrast between the etiquette of the kings and the Jewish people. One of the messages we learn from Purim is that we can become great in a moment! Powered by: TYA of Baltimore
March 10, 2022

Redwood Trees (Vayikra/Zachor)

It's fascinating that you can be on a WhatsApp chat for months and no one will know until the day you leave. As humans, it is so much easier to focus on the negative rather than the positive. The Jewish people take pride in our unity and intertwined legacy, similar to the roots of the Redwood trees. Tune in to this week's podcast to hear more. Powered by: TYA of Baltimore
March 3, 2022

One Wordle Per Day (Pekudei)

The relatively new game, Wordle, has taken the world by storm. One of the most epic and unique things about the new Wordle craze is that you can only play it ONCE a day. In this week's Torah Sparks podcast, we talk about a positive lesson from this "once per day" mentality, and we discuss the deeper connection between "Eileh Pekudei Hamishkan" and the upcoming holiday of Purim. Powered by: TYA of Baltimore
Feb. 23, 2022

Special Guest: David C. Milke - Holy Dumpster Diving (Vayakhel)

In this week's Torah Sparks podcast, we interview a special guest - David Charles Milke, owner of DCM Custom Painting, LLC - who reveals to us an incredible story of Mesiras Nefesh to "do the right thing." If you want to hear a true account about a non-Jew who went dumpster diving to save a Mezuzah, then this week's episode is for you! Powered by: TYA of Baltimore
Feb. 17, 2022

Stubbed Toes (Ki Sisa)

I think we can all agree that no one ever planned on stubbing their toe. It kind of just happened, at a really annoying moment. Ouch! In this week's Torah Sparks podcast, we discuss a mysterious commentary from the Chizkuni (32:19) regarding Moshe Rabbeinu throwing the Luchos and smashing it to smithereens. What does this have to do with stubbed toes? Listen now on all of your favorite podcast players. Stay tuned for next week's podcast, we have an exciting guest! Powered by: TYA of Baltimore
Feb. 10, 2022

Don't Be the Guy Who Knows the Guy (Tetzaveh)

In this week's podcast, we talk about the importance of being yourself and realizing your unique role on this world. Go ahead, give it a listen. Powered by: TYA of Baltimore
Feb. 3, 2022

Olympic Rings and Kansas Trains (Terumah)

The circle is one of the easiest shapes to visualize yet one of the hardest shapes to draw. Did you ever wonder why Hashem designed made it that coins are circular shaped? Tune in to this week's Torah Sparks podcast to hear a fascinating insight about the circular coin and how it teaches us an inspirational lesson in our day-to-day lives. Powered by: TYA of Baltimore
Jan. 27, 2022

Heated Seats 24/7 (Mishpatim)

Imagine your car has heated seats, but you only found out about it halfway through the winter? I know how I would feel because it happened to me. There is a lesson here. We have a deep connection with Hashem, but how much of us sometimes simply forget this "little piece" of information. Tune in to this week's Torah Sparks to hear some inspiration on Parshas Mishpatim and the importance of realizing our connection with Hashem and His Torah is 24/7. Powered by: TYA of Baltimore
Jan. 19, 2022

Super Seder Campaign (Yisro)

There was a recent poll going around asking the following question: What pictures of your child do you love the best? In this podcast we reveal the results of this poll and discuss the great man Yisro who decided to turn his life around and become a full fledge Jew. Tune in to find out what all of this has to do with the annual Super Seder Campaign that exists in one of the popular Yeshivos in Eretz Yisroel. Powered by: TYA of Baltimore
Jan. 12, 2022

Number One Fan (B'shalach)

What is a true fan? Can there be more than one "number one fan"? How were all the Jews able to say "This is MY G-d", isn't that mutually exclusive? Tune in to this week's Torah Sparks podcast to find out the answer to these intriguing questions and more! Powered by: TYA of Baltimore
Jan. 6, 2022

Do I Look Like a Carrot? (Bo)

Strange title, I know. Aren't you curious what it's all about? Tune in to this week's Torah Sparks podcast to hear a fascinating story about a carrot and find out about the "claim-to-fame" of the Jewish people. Powered by: TYA of Baltimore For sponsorship opportunities, email oristrum@torahsparks.com
Dec. 30, 2021

Cup O Salvation (Va'eira)

In this week's Torah Sparks episode, we talk about how long people spend consuming coffee, how we can focus more on the what's of life instead of the why's of life, and the importance of realizing that in soon time we will be reinstated back to our proper post, with the building of the 3rd Temple, may it be soon!
Dec. 23, 2021

The Sick Chihuahua (Shemos)

Why did the guy get charged a fortune of money after taking his sick dog to the vet? What is the secret ingredient for any good flag? The words "And Yosef was in Mitrayim" belong in the Department of Redundancy Department. Why does the Torah write these words? Tune in to this week's Torah Sparks podcast for some insight into these seemingly unrelated questions. Powered by: TYA of Baltimore If you enjoy these podcasts, please take a moment to leave a rating and write a review.
Dec. 16, 2021

The Baby Mosquito (Vayechi)

Have you ever wondered what gave the baby mosquito the courage to keep on flying? That's exactly right, because all the people were clapping for it! Little did the mosquito know that the people were trying to end its life. In this week's Torah Sparks podcast, we discuss the importance of focusing on the positive aspects of life and reveal an amazing insight from Rav Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev on the imperativeness of focusing on the beauty of Judaism. Powered by: TYA of Baltimore