The Rabbi Claman Torah Podcast

Peace Through Strength: Are War and Peace Truly Opposites? (Pinchas)

If there were a Nobel Peace Prize in Tanach, Pinchas might have gotten it — but for the most jarring reason imaginable.
Can a man commit a violent act and be rewarded with a covenant of peace? In this shiur on Parshat Pinchas, we explore the deep tension between war and peace in the Torah’s value system.
Through the lens of Pinchas and Aharon, we uncover a duality within the concept of shalom — one that synthesizes seemingly opposite forces: zeal and compassion, truth and peace. We then trace this duality through the contrasting legacies of David, the warrior-king, and Shlomo, the builder of peace.
Are war and peace truly opposites — or can they be two parts of the same divine mission?

The Aish Kodesh and a Revolution Buried in the Rubble of Auschwitz

This episode is a recording of Part 3 in Rabbi Claman's "Great Jewish Books & Thinkers Series. 
Rabbi Claman uncovers the life and vision of Rav Kalonymus Kalman Shapira, the Piaseczno Rebbe—known to the world as the Aish Kodesh. In the ashes of the Warsaw Ghetto, he dreamed of a spiritual renaissance that was never allowed to blossom.
What did Rav Shapira hope to build after the war? What kind of inner world did he believe every Jew could access? And what can we still learn from a revolution that never happened?
For questions or comments please reach out to rabbiclaman@tbdj.org

The Danger of Defining Yourself by What You’re Not (Balak)

What do Balak, Korach, antisemitism and modern politics have in common? A failure to build identity from within. In this episode we explore the Torah’s warning against reactive identity — and the call to live with purpose, not just protest. For any questions or comments reach out to rabbiclaman@tbdj.org

The Kuzari and the Problem with Philosophy

This episode is a recording of Part 2 in Rabbi Claman's "Great Jewish Books & Thinkers" series.Rav Yehuda HaLevi was one of the greatest poets of the Jewish people — and one of its most daring thinkers. In this episode, we journey through his life, from the golden age of Spain to his fateful pilgrimage toward Jerusalem, exploring the personal longing that pulses through both his poetry and his philosophy. Through The Kuzari, HaLevi challenges the idea that truth can be found through reason alone, arguing instead for a Judaism rooted in lived experience, national destiny, and divine encounter. Why did he reject the philosophical trends of his time? What did he believe the soul was truly searching for? And how did his poems give voice to a yearning that still echoes today?

The Wisdom of Not Knowing (Chukas)

This episode explores the deep paradox at the heart of Judaism: a tradition obsessed with understanding — that also commands us to embrace the unknowable. In Parshas Chukat, the chok of the para aduma (red heifer) challenges our need for logic and control. We’ll talk about ta’amei hamitzvot, the Golden Calf, Rav Tzadok’s insight on spiritual panic, and how true faith begins where explanation ends.

The Iran War and the Power of Perspective (Shlach)

In a world torn by war and fear, this week’s parsha gives us more than a historical account — it gives us a blueprint for how to see. Yehoshua and Kalev weren’t just brave; they chose a different lens. While ten spies saw defeat, they saw destiny.
In this episode, we explore how the power of perspective shapes everything — from how we understand Parshat Shelach to how we respond to today’s war between Israel and Iran. Why do we cover our eyes during Shema? How do we remind ourselves that we are living through biblical times — maybe even writing the 25th book of Tanach?
Listen as we reflect on what it means to see with “God Glasses” — and why, especially now, our vision determines our future.
For questions, rabbiclaman@tbdj.org

The Credit You Didn’t Know You Earned (Baha’alotcha)

In this week's episode we discuss Parshat Baha’alotcha and how Aharon HaKohen feels left out of the inauguration of the Mishkan — until Hashem reveals that his role in lighting the Menorah holds a deeper and more enduring significance. According to the Ramban, this alludes to the future miracle of Chanukah, led by the Kohanim. In this episode, we explore how inspiring others to act can reflect back on us with spiritual credit — even generations later. Your influence matters more than you think.

Abarbanel and the Fragility of Jewish Success

This episode is a recording of Part 1 in Rabbi Claman's "Great Jewish Books & Thinkers" series.
From Portugal, Spain and Italy - the Abarbanel lived a life which is a reminder of the fragility of Jewish success in the diaspora. 
 
 

Shavuot: The Why of Judaism

In this episode we explore the deepest “why” of Judaism - the reason we began this journey in the first place.

Mark Twain, Nachmonides and the National Water Carrier (Bechukotai/Yom Yerushalayim)

In honour of upcoming Yom Yerushalayim I share two powerful divrei Torah on this week’s Parsha that are deeply connected to Yom Yerushalayim. The first touches in the deep connection the Jewish people have to the land of Israel. The second touches on the importance of unity within the Jewish people. Contact me at rabbiclaman@tbdj.org for any questions.