Jewish Inspiration Podcast · Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe

In the sixth episode of his 48 Ways series during the Omer, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe teaches Yirah — “with fear” (specifically fear of Heaven / Yirat Shamayim). He carefully distinguishes it from the previous way (“with awe” — Be-ayma). While awe lifts us with wonder and inspiration, fear provides a sobering perspective and accountability.

Rabbi Wolbe explains that fear (Yirah) shares the same root as “to see” (Re’iyah), meaning it helps us truly see reality: our relationship with Hashem, our responsibility, and the fact that all our deeds are recorded. It is not about hiding in terror, but about living with healthy accountability. The yarmulke reminds us of “Yarei Malka” — fear of the King. We are told to place Hashem before us always (“Shiviti Hashem L’negdi Tamid”), turning every prayer and action into a conscious conversation with the Creator.

Key themes include: fear connects us to our mortality and the ticking clock of life (he humorously suggests imagining a countdown timer from birth); it removes petty worries when we focus on the “big picture” (Hashem with me, I fear nothing else); it prevents senseless regrets and missed opportunities; and it motivates us to live for what we would die for — family, values, and serving Hashem. He quotes Rav Noah Weinberg: “If you don’t know what you’re ready to die for, you haven’t begun living.”

Additional insights: a powerful story of a great sage who wrote a masterpiece Talmud commentary after overhearing his parents plan to make him a shoemaker (and a heavenly dream where he was asked for the book he was meant to write); the perspective shift on Shabbat (Oneg vs. Nega — delight or plague, depending on how you view it); and how fear of missing our divine mission pushes us to maximize every day rather than taking the easier but lesser path.

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Recorded in TORCH Centre - Studio B on April 29,  2022, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on May 4, 2022

The 49 days we count between Pesach (Passover) and Shavuot are an exciting time for powerful and impactful change. The Mishna (Avot 6:6) teaches us 48 masterful tools and ways to maximize life and get the most out of each day.
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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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Keywords:
#JewishInspiration, #Omer, #Count, #48Ways, #SpiritualGrowth, #TorahWisdom, #PirkeiAvot, #Listening, #WisdomDaily