Everyday Judaism · Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe

In this lively Ask Away session, Rabbi Wolbe clarified that the Talmudic category of “idolater” (akum) in kosher laws refers to any non-Jew who does not share our Torah values and meticulous concern for kashrut – today that includes Muslims, Christians, atheists, etc. – not just literal idol-worshippers; the laws were never about hating non-Jews but about protecting Jewish standards and limiting excessive social intimacy. He also explained that giving flowers to one’s wife (or girlfriend when seriously dating toward marriage) is not only permitted but strongly encouraged by the Rambam, Shulchan Aruch, Rav Moshe Feinstein, and virtually all contemporary Poskim – because it creates shalom bayit and expresses love; flowers are never placed on Jewish graves (we use stones to symbolize permanence of the soul), but for a living spouse they are a beautiful, halachically praised gift that says “I thought about you.”

On deeper topics, Rabbi Wolbe taught that true bitachon and saying “Gam zu l’tovah” do not cancel out tears or heartfelt prayer – tears are always welcome and open Heaven’s gates; bitachon simply means we reaffirm that even the pain is ultimately for our good. He addressed inter-movement rabbinic courts by explaining that authentic halachic authority requires (1) belief that the Torah is divine and (2) personal observance of that Torah – without those foundations, rulings lack legitimacy in traditional Judaism. Finally, he stressed that flying (or any long-distance travel) on Shabbat is prohibited due to multiple biblical and rabbinic violations, and Shabbat is meant for spiritual connection, not vacation-style activities like swimming or horseback riding.

Please submit your questions at askaway@torchweb.org

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The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way.
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This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen Lerner

This episode (Ep. #73) of the Everyday Judaism Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Marshall & Doreen Lerner! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!

Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on November 23, 2025, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on November 30, 2025
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About the Host:
Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org
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Keywords:
#AskAway, #Torah, #Halacha, #Q&A, #Jewish, #Traditions, #Law, #Diversity, #Spirituality, #Labels, #Faith, #Prayer, #PositiveAffirmations, #Anxiety, #Trust, #Tears, #Kindness, #Shabbat, #Israel, #Resilience, #Vibrancy, #Relationships, #Marriage