In this episode of the Jewish Inspiration Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues his exploration of generosity, focusing on Day 96 from Orchos Tzaddikim (page 567, Treasure for Life edition). He emphasizes that generosity is a habit, a muscle strengthened through consistent giving, regardless of one’s financial means. Citing the Rambam, he explains that giving small amounts frequently, like a dollar a million times, builds this habit more effectively than a single large donation. Rabbi Wolbe shares personal anecdotes, such as a man who always donates to the synagogue’s charity box despite limited means, and his own efforts to give eagerly during the Torch campaign, highlighting the importance of giving with joy and humanity, not reluctance or kvetching, to instill a culture of generosity in future generations.

Rabbi Wolbe stresses the highest form of charity: giving anonymously, where neither the giver nor the recipient knows the other’s identity, as exemplified by organizations like Tomche Shabbos, which discreetly supports families in need. He recounts stories, including one where he fulfilled a friend’s request to feed a hungry person in Israel, underscoring the privilege of giving with kindness. Quoting scriptures and sages, he warns against giving with a sour expression or avoiding charity, equating such avoidance to idolatry, as it prioritizes money over God’s will. The episode concludes with a call to treat the poor with love, as they may be God testing one’s generosity, with rewards proportional to the kindness shown.

Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on March 10, 2025, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on July 8, 2025
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This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.
Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.
We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)

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• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired!

Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.
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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, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org

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Listen More
Other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe:

• NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodes
• Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes
• Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodes
• Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes
• Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes
• Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes
• Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes

For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org
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Keywords:
#Generosity, #Giving, #Rambam, #Empathy, #Kindness, #Charity

Have you ever wondered why a pagan prophet's words are featured so prominently in the Torah? Join us as we explore the enigmatic story of Parsha Balak, where King Balak's relentless efforts to curse the Jewish people through Balaam the prophet are thwarted by divine intervention. We unravel Balaam's complex character, revealed through his bizarre interaction with a talking donkey and his covetous nature. In particular, we scrutinize the poignant verse from Chapter 23, Verse 10, where Balaam paradoxically wishes to die as righteously as the patriarchs despite failing to live a life of righteousness. This episode powerfully illustrates the futility of seeking repentance at the eleventh hour and underscores the daily opportunities to connect with God through the 613 commandments.

We then delve into the spiritual treasure trove that is the Shema, drawing wisdom from the Zohar. We discuss how the Shema's 248 words correspond to the 248 limbs of the human body, emphasizing the power of its recitation in dispelling negative energies. Simple yet profound morning rituals like washing hands, wearing tzitzit, and putting on tefillin are highlighted, offering practical guidance on living a meaningful Jewish life. With an engaging analogy involving a chocolate bar, we reflect on how dedicating even a small portion of our day to these mitzvot can yield profound spiritual rewards. Wrapping up, we encourage listeners to maximize every moment by connecting with the Almighty through His commandments and Torah study, enriching our lives in service to Hashem. May we all be blessed to live this way. Amen.
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This episode (Ep 6.40) of the Parsha Review Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Balak is dedicated in Honor of Rabbi Yaakov & Dr. Sara Nagel & in honor of our Holy Soldiers in the Battlefield and our Torah Scholars in the Study Halls who are fighting for the safety of our nation!

• Download & Print the Parsha Review Notes:
  https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharing

Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on August 5, 2024, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on August 6, 2024
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DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!
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SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe:

• NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodes
• Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes
• Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.tansistor.fm/episodes
• Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes
• Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes
• Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes
• Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes

For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com

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EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org
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Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!