Wrestling and Dreaming: Engaging Discussions on Judaism

Episode 261: Lessons From A Spy Story

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 05:53:48 -0400

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a previously recorded edition of the podcast from 2021 and urges us to consider whether these words resonate with us 5 years later.

Have You Seen?

Sun, 31 May 2026 06:42:02 -0400

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a d'var Torah on last week's Torah portion of Naso. It ends with a rather provocative statement made by a well known rabbinic figure.

Shavuot 2026

Thu, 14 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Rabbi Dobrusin shares a perspective on the upcoming holiday of Shavuot.

Episode 278: More Serious and Less Serious

Thu, 07 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin explains a critical concept relating to Jewish law. The discussion begins with an example from a rather unexpected place.

Episode 277: Thoughts From a Warm Summer Evening

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin shares thoughts on some phrases from a familiar source. The thoughts can teach us some lessons about Teshuvah, repentance, appropriate not only at the High Holy Day season but at all seasons.

Episode 276: An Ethical Question from the Talmud

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 05:54:00 -0400

Rabbi Dobrusin shares a question raised in the section of Talmud he has been studying with his Talmud study group this year. How do you "undo" a wrongful act?

Episode 275: An Introduction to Judaism

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin shares the introduction to Judaism that he gave recently to a very interested group of students.

Episode 274: The Line From Egypt

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 07:35:02 -0400

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a thought on one of the blessings said during the Pesach seder.

Episode 273: Plagues: Then and Now

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin looks back on the events of the past week and discusses an issue of importance regarding a section of the Seder.

Episode 272: How Did I Get Here?

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 05:29:57 -0400

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin suggests a way to make this year's Seder personally meaningful.

Episode 271: A Sermon and A Tribute

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a sermon on this week's parasha and a memorial tribute to his father.

Episode 270: What's In A Name?

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 06:04:00 -0500

In this edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin shares thoughts on the meaning of the name of the holiday of Purim and its meaning for today.

Episode 269: Uplifting Music

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 06:03:00 -0500

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin considers the power of music to lift us and honors two musical performers, one from the recent past and one from the present day.

Episode 268: Realizing How Right I Was

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 06:09:00 -0500

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a story about a d'var Torah he wrote more than 40 years ago and how his feelings about the words he wrote have changed over the years.

Episode 267: Signs of Spring

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 06:10:52 -0500

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin discusses the holiday of Tu B'shvat, the "New Year of the Trees", sand two different blessings said on the occasion of seeing beautiful trees.

Episode 266: Seeing

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 11:19:42 -0500

How do we respond to what we see? Rabbi Dobrusin considers this question in this week's podcast.

Episode 265: Packing for a Journey

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin asks us to consider the full meaning of two words that appear in the Torah. What does it mean when the Torah says: blichtecha baderech, when you go along the way, in the paragraph which is related to the saying of the Shema? What do we take along the way with us?

Episode 264: The One Frog

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 06:04:00 -0500

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin considers the varied implications of a brief passage in the Talmud relating to this week's Torah portion.

Episode 263: Alone and Together

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin gives his midrash, his interpretation, of one of his favorite movies in tribute to the late Rob Reiner.

Episode 262: December 31

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500

This week, Rabbi Dobrusin posts a repeat edition of the podcast, originally posted on December 31, 2020, marking this important date on the calendar. This episode features a discussion of the importance of the Jewish calendar in our lives.

Episode 261: Visiting Parents

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 06:35:00 -0500

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a personal story and relates it to a brief story told in this week's Torah portion.

Episode 260: A Week Which Has Shaken Us

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 06:15:00 -0500

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin looks back on the events of this past week, notably the horrific anti-Semitic terror attack in Sydney Australia.

Episode 259: Four Words

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin focuses on a short phrase recited during the rituals of Hanukkah which are particularly meaningful.

Episode 258: On the Road

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin onsiders what some might consider an issue facing our society today but which he feels reflects a serious crisis in our nation. He then offers a way to affect a small amount of change in this one particular area which might in some way have a greater ripple effect.

Episode 257: Saying and Doing

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 06:06:00 -0500

What impact should a statement of intention make? Rabbi Dobrusin shares a scenario presented in the Talmud and discusses the answer that the traditional texts give us.

Episode 256: Above Average

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Rabbi Dobrusin shares a d'var Torah which he delivered last week for Parashat Vayera. What can we learn from Abraham's "bargaining" with God regarding the city of Sodom?

Episode 255: Which Is More Important

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin teaches commentaries on this week's Torah portion which can lead us to a conclusion as to the relative importance of different aspects of Jewish tradition.

Episode 254: Abraham and the Idols

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0400

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin connects the story of Abraham in his father's Idol Shop with a situation taking place today in our nation.

Episode 253: For Love of Animals

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 05:58:03 -0400

Rabbi Dobrusin shares a thought on animals- appropriate for this week in which Parashat Noach, the story of Noah. This edition includes a tribute to a remarkable teacher.

Episode 252: One Human Being

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0400

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a traditional Jewish text connected to the Biblical Creation story. This text alway has great relevance but is particularly meaningful at this time.

Episode 251: The Symbolism of the Lulav and Etrog

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0400

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin considers one tradition regarding the lulav and etrog, symbols of the holiday of Sukkot, and relates that tradition to the reality within Jewish communities today.

Introduction to Episode 250

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 05:59:00 -0400

In this very brief introduction, Rabbi Dobrusin clarifies a point about the timing of the recording of Episode 250.

Episode 250: What Jonah Can Teach Us

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 06:02:00 -0400

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin considers the meaning behind the tradition of reading the book of Jonah on Yom Kippur. What can we learn from Jonah?

Episode 249: Where Are You

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400

In this edition, the final edition before the High Holy Days, Rabbi Dobrusin shares an additional thought relating to Teshuvah, returning to the proper path in life.

Episode 248: Confession

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin focuses on one of the critical traditions regarding teshuvah, repentance in Jewish tradition and relates it to an issue in our nation today.

Episode 247: Like the Old Days

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 05:55:47 -0400

Rabbi Dobrusin shares a thought based upon a verse in this week's Torah reading and a line from the daily prayers. These texts and a rabbinic interpretation reflect a critical thought for this time of year.

Episode 246: That Was Before

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin discusses an important issue facing clergy and all of us as we wrestle with issues or aspects our lives.

Episode 245: Comfort

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a fascinating traditional aggada (legend) concerning comfort.

Episode 244: Learning from the Observance of Tisha B'av

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin examines two unusual synagogue services and discusses their significance.

Episode 243: Nostalgia and Tisha B'av

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin shares another thought relating to Tisha B'av, the fast of the 9th of Av, and its connection with nostalgia.

Episode 242: Nostalgia: Importance and Limitations

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 05:59:21 -0400

This is part one of a two part episode relating to the upcoming observance of Tisha B'av. Rabbi Dobrusin tells a story which can shed light on the traditions of this fast day.

Episode 241: Satisfaction

Thu, 15 May 2025 06:00:00 -0400

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin shares an interpretation on a section from the Shabbat morning liturgy which reflects a need all of us have.

Episode 240: Telling the Story

Thu, 08 May 2025 06:00:00 -0400

The Talmud contains a fascinating discussion about whether the book of Esther should be included in the Biblical canon. In the course of the discussion, a provocative statement is made. In this edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin teaches this section of text and shares thoughts on the provocative statement.

Episode 239: Answers

Thu, 01 May 2025 06:00:00 -0400

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin teaches from a brief section of the Talmud which reflects an important principle in our lives. Before the teaching, the episode begins with a comment on a situation taking place in our nation today.

Episode 238: The Four Children Part 3

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Rabbi Dobrusin concludes his discussion of the Four Children section of the Pesach Haggadah detailing the tragic flaw in this otherwise insightful text.

Episode 237: The Four Children part 2

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Rabbi Dobrusin continues the discussion about the section of the Seder known as the Four Children.

Episode 236: The Four Children: Part 1

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0400

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 episodes, Rabbi Dobrusin will explore the text itself and in the third section share an extremely unfortunate error which the rabbis made in constructing this intriguing midrash.

Episode 235: Reading and Interpreting

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0400

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 two holidays different?

Episode 234: A D'var Torah for Purim Part 2

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0400

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin concludes the D'var Torah he began in the previous podcast episode.

Episode 233 A D'var Torah for Purim Part 1

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0500

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: https://www.hebrewsongs.com/?song=shoshanatyaakov

Episode 232: Sh'ma Mina: Learn From This.

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0500

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.

Episode 231: A Chosen Name

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 07:49:16 -0500

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 implications for those individuals- and for all of us- in our nation today.

Episode 230: Thunder and Lightning

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0500

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 of the Torah in the book of Exodus?

Episode 229: Two Wooden Sticks

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 16:04:42 -0500

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 which will warm our hearts during the cold month of February.

Episode 228: Ba'avur Zeh. Because of This.

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0500

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

Episode 227: January 2025

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 10:09:13 -0500

In this edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin reflects on the return of 3 of the hostages from Gaza and the new Trump administration.

Episode 226: 29 years later

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 13:47:37 -0500

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a sermon he delivered in 1996. The questions and concerned raised 29 years ago are still relevant today.

Episode 225: Thoughts for this Hanukkah

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0500

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 particular importance this Hanukkah.

Episode 224: Who is Joseph?

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 06:01:00 -0500

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin uses an unusual source to point out how we can view the character of Joseph in completely different ways.

Episode 223: The Blacksmith

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a family story and relates it to this week's Torah portion.

Episode 222: A Very Special Day

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 05:57:53 -0500

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.

Episode 221: Thanksgiving 2024

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 05:57:46 -0500

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 pandemic. How will we take advantage of the freedoms we have to celebrate more fully in 2024?

Episode 220: Youth and Age

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 05:52:50 -0500

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 beginning of the parasha and what is problematic about that explanation?

Episode 219: Abraham's Plan

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 05:58:44 -0500

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 taking a great risk, trusting in being correct in his conception of God.

Episode 218: For You

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0500

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 lives.

Episode 217: Balancing

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Rabbi Dobrusin shares one of his favorite traditional texts. The text reflects a completely different way of understanding a basic principle of Jewish theology.

Special Edition: The 2024 Election

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 05:52:04 -0400

In this brief, special edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin speaks about the upcoming election.

Episode 216: Additions

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0400

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin discusses a complex and difficult issue that Conservative Rabbis have wrestled with for decades.

Episode 215: Did I See It?

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Rabbi Dobrusin shares the story of a recent experience and the lessons learned from what he saw- and didn't see.

Episode 214: Hayom Today

Sun, 29 Sep 2024 05:59:47 -0400

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin shares a pre Rosh Hashana sermon concerning the importance of "today".

Episode 213: Shana Tova

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0400

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 idea which is a contemporary take on a medieval tradition.

Episode 212: A Troubling Commentary by a Usually Reliable Source

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0400

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 reliable source makes it even more upsetting. The subject is one which we should be considering seriously in this time of Teshuvah, repentance, before Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.

Episode 211: Being Safe

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0400

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 newest member of his household.

Episode 210: Who Is The Person?

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin shares some questions we might consider as we begin the process of Teshuvah: repentance.

Episode 209: Happiness on our Holy Days

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0400

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 in teshuva?

Episode 208: Remembering

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin discusses two different ways of remembering something or someone we have lost.

Episode 207: Doing the Right and the Good

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin shares thoughts on a critical verse in this week's Torah portion.

Episode 206:Tisha B'av 2024

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 05:28:50 -0400

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin considers a question concerning the observance of the fast day of Tisha B'av this year.

Episode 205: The Passage of Time

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 05:53:13 -0400

Rabbi Dobrusin gives a personal perspective on one of the most important of all human experiences.

Episode 204: An Additional Idea

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 05:32:29 -0400

Rabbi Dobrusin explains a liturgical tradition which is based upon a section of this week's Torah portion.

An Additional Thought for This Week

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 05:32:16 -0400

This brief podcast is an addendum to this week's edition of Wrestling and Dreaming.

Episode 203: Two Sticks

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin offers a perspective on two Torah stories which have an unusual connection.

Episode 202: A Critical Moment

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 06:01:00 -0400

In this edition, Rabbi Dobrusin considers the major issue in our nation with a thought about the Torah portion of the week.

Episode 201: The Commandments on the Wall

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 05:57:56 -0400

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin discusses the recent decision by the State of Louisiana legislature regarding the placing of the 10 commandments in public school classrooms.

Episode 200: God's Voice

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0400

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 podcast and Rabbi Dobrusin ends this week's edition with some thoughts on the podcast as a whole.

Episode 199: Voices

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 05:55:08 -0400

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin introduces a commentary by Rashi which he finds particularly intriguing. The commentary has many implications, some of which Rabbi Dobrusin will discuss next week in a special 200th episode of Wrestling and Dreaming.

Episode 198: The Order of the Festivals

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 05:58:05 -0400

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin considers the place of Shavuot in the order of the festivals of the year.

Episode 197: Personal Prayers Part 2

Thu, 23 May 2024 06:00:00 -0400

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 today.

Episode 196: Personal Prayers

Thu, 16 May 2024 04:32:19 -0400

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin shares some thoughts on beautiful personal prayers which are found in the Talmud.

Episode 195: A Special Tribute

Thu, 09 May 2024 06:19:13 -0400

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 robdobrusin.com for further thoughts.

Episode 194: Protests

Thu, 02 May 2024 06:00:00 -0400

In this edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin shares some thoughts on the tense situation on college campuses today.

Episode 193: A Once In a Lifetime Experience

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin shares his thoughts on witnessing the Solar Eclipse and considers its implications for our thinking about the upcoming holiday of Pesach.

Episode 192: An Eternal Story

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0400

In this week's episode, Rabbi Dobrusin shares his thoughts on this year's observance of the Pesach Seder.

Episode 191: Rejoicing with Creation

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin celebrates one of the most majestic of all creations.

Episode 190: Play Ball!

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0400

In this edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin celebrates this special day.

Episode 189: Three Questions for Purim

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0400

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.

Episode 188: Blessings Part 3: A Momentous Opportunity

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0400

In this edition of the podcast, Rabbi Dobrusin speaks about an upcoming event which is truly the occasion for the saying of a blessing despite traditions which argue to the contrary.

Episode 187: Blessings. Part 2

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In Jewish tradition, there are blessings to be said when experiencing many diverse aspects of our world. Rabbi Dobrusin introduces and discusses some of those blessings in the 2nd of a 3 part series.

Episode 186:A Most Important Blessing

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Rabbi Dobrusin discusses one of the most beautiful and meaningful blessings we say as Jews. What meaning does this blessing have for our lives?

Episode 185: Listening-To Everyone

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Rabbi Dobrusin shares thoughts on a commentary on a verse from this week's Torah portion which has had a great influence on him in his rabbinic work and has an important message for all.