{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Everyday Judaism · Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe","title":"Ep. 67 - 🎤 Ask Away! #19: Politics, Homosexuality and Forgiveness [The Q&A Series]","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/5a69fab5\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2314,"description":"In Episode 19 of the Ask Away series on the Everyday Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe fields questions at the TORCH Centre in Houston, recorded pre-Yom Kippur (September 28, 2025). The session addresses teshuva, holiday practices, human imperfection, political voting, synagogue customs, and sensitive social issues, emphasizing Torah’s primacy.Teshuva and Yom Kippur: Yom Kippur’s Yimei Ratzon makes forgiveness more accessible, like a sale, but teshuva is always possible. The three-step process (leaving sin, regret, confession) is key, and missing Yom Kippur shouldn’t deter repentance (0:57–6:17).Rosh Hashanah Uniqueness: No Shabbos Mevorchim blessing precedes Rosh Hashanah, as its divine blessings encompass all needs. It’s a two-day holiday globally, with Shehecheyanu recited both days for new items, unlike other festivals (6:26–11:05).Shabbat Preparations: Husbands prepare Shabbat candles (pre-lighting and extinguishing), and homes are cleaned thoroughly to honor Shabbat. Havdalah extends to Tuesday night if missed, reflecting Shabbat’s lingering holiness (11:05–15:07).Human Imperfection: Per Ecclesiastes 7:20, everyone sins (even Moshe). Growth lies in rising after mistakes, like athletes overcoming slumps, emphasizing perseverance over perfection (15:29–17:26).Jewish Voting Patterns: Torah-observant Jews (98–99%) vote Republican for alignment with Torah values (e.g., abortion), unlike non-Orthodox Jews (60–75% Democrat) due to historical gratitude or cultural priorities. Torah-first identity ensures societal contributions while upholding dina d’malchuta dina. U.S. support for Israel brings blessings (18:07–26:33).Synagogue and Modesty: Mixed seating is avoided to maintain prayer focus, not due to biblical prohibition. Modesty extends to avoiding unnecessary male-female interactions, protecting relationships (27:09–31:10).Homosexuality and Leadership: Homosexuality is an “abomination” (Leviticus 18:22), but all are welcome to learn. Private matters stay...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/RoxNa7w_mp6Se9Ek7j1Nu96TRqCUOhWvTd_e15CtdRE/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9lNmJl/OGI4NDNiZTZhMzk5/YzBjNThhYjIxZmVj/MDU5MS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}