Ep. 98 - 🎤 Ask Away! #35: Torah Scrolls, Surrogacy & Jewish Sovereignty [The Q&A Series]

In Ask Away #35, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe warmly engages with practical Purim-related and foundational questions. He clarifies customs around Megillah readings, candle lighting, the Machatzit Hashekel (The Half-Shekel) for charity, and proper times for private readings. He addresses sensitive modern topics like surrogacy and Jewish identity, as well as the sanctity and care of Torah scrolls, Tefillin (phylacteries), and Mezuzos — including risks from heat, water, or cold.Rabbi Wolbe offers compassionate halachic guidance for those with medical conditions like diabetes regarding fasting, and delivers inspiring teachings on recognizing Hashem’s hand in all events — from personal life to geopolitics and recent miracles in Israel’s conflicts. He emphasizes Jewish pride rooted in gratitude to Hashem, the importance of attributing success to divine providence rather than human strength, and the eternal Jewish connection to the Land of Israel and the Temple Mount. The episode blends halacha, encouragement, and a call to celebrate Purim joyfully while deepening awareness of Hashem’s constant presence.Please submit your questions at askaway@torchweb.org_____________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._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen LernerDownload & Print the Everyday Judaism Halacha Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5This episode 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 March 1, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on June 3, 2026_____________Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Everyday Judaism PodcastApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-judaism-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1600622789Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AXCNcyKSVsaOLsLQsCN1CShare your questions at askaway@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________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_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#AskAway, #Torah, #Halacha, #Q&a