Announcing the Launch of Untold Stories of the Torah

I’m excited to announce the launch of a new project of Jewish History, that has been years in the making, the “Untold Stories of the Torah” podcast. This new series is available on Spotify, YouTube Music, and Apple Podcasts. It is also available on Jewish platforms like 24/6 and Zing.

Written by Rabbi Shmuel Aber.

You can start listening today by visiting Spotify.

The Mission

The “Untold Stories of the Torah” podcast aims to educate the listeners on the rich history of the Jewish People, bringing to light the countless stories, insights, and teachings that have shaped our identity as a people. Through this podcast, I strive to bridge the gap between ancient texts and contemporary life. My goal is to make the timeless wisdom of the Torah accessible and relevant to everyone, regardless of their background or level of observance.

These audio classes are based on the live classes that are presented weekly at Machon Chana and Michlelet Chana.

Source Material and Methodology

In crafting the episodes of this podcast, I have drawn upon a great deal of sources and Torah commentaries. The explanations from these Rabbis have been at the foundation of my classes.

These sources include Targum Yonasan, Rashi, Mahari Kara, Radak, Tosafos Rid, Ralbag, Abarbanel, Alshich, Metzudos Dovid, Yonason Eibschitz, and the Chida. Additionally, I will sometimes quote more modern sources like the Malbim, Moam Loez, Ben Ish Chai, and Daas Sofrim.

In addition to these traditional commentaries, the classes delve into the depths of the Bavli and Yerushalmi Gemaras, Midrashim (with a special emphasis on Medrash Rabbah, Medrash Tanchuma, Seder Olam Rabbah, Yalkut Sheimoni, and Perkei D’Rebbi Eliezer) as well as Mefarshim on the Gemara and Medrash, and Targum.

Finally, the teachings of Chabad Chassidus play a central role in the narrative and insights shared in each episode. These sources are not just references; they are the soul of the discussion, bringing a unique light and perspective to the stories in the Torah.

Hashkafa of Teaching

In my approach to teaching Navi and crafting each podcast episode, I’ve tried my best to adhere to the guidance and hashkafa set forth by the Lubavitcher Rebbeim regarding Tanach.

For example, here’s an interesting and almost unknown letter¹ of the Lubavitcher Rebbe to Rabbi Zevin, in which many core guidance notes on learning Tanach can be drawn.

In addition to the stories and lessons shared in the podcast being inspirational guidance for Avodas Hashem and Middos Tovos, they are also firmly grounded in authoritative texts. I’ve made great effort to divest the class from my own personal interpretations as much as possible.

Almost every insight and lesson is sourced from a recognized, authoritative text. My notes on the classes together with the source sheet, will soon, God willing, be made available to the public.

Supporting the Journey

Creating and sustaining a project of this magnitude requires not just time and dedication, but also resources. To ensure the continued production and expansion of “Untold Stories of the Torah,” I invite our listeners and the broader community to contribute.

Your donations will directly support the creation of new episodes, the research required to ensure accuracy and depth, and the dissemination of this precious wisdom to as wide an audience as possible.

How to Contribute

Contributions can be made through a dedicated donation page. The link is in the description of each podcast episode and also on the main Spotify page. Every bit helps, and your support is invaluable in making Torah learning accessible to all.

Join Us on This Journey

As we embark on this exciting journey together, I invite you to join us in exploring the untold stories of our heritage. Whether you’re a longtime student of the Torah or newly curious about Jewish history, “Untold Stories of the Torah” offers something unique for everyone.

By weaving together the rich narratives of our past with the profound teachings of our sages, this podcast aims to inspire, educate, and connect us all more deeply to our roots. Each episode is not just a lesson but an invitation to engage with our tradition in a meaningful, transformative way.

Subscribe, Listen, and Share

“Untold Stories of the Torah” is more than just a podcast; it’s a community of learners and seekers. I encourage you to subscribe on Spotify, YouTube Music, or Apple Podcasts, to ensure you never miss an episode. Share this journey with friends and family, and let’s build a community of Torah learning and inspiration together.

Additionally, leaving a review will greatly help other listeners find the podcast.

In closing, I extend my deepest gratitude to you, our listeners, and our supporters. Thank you for joining me in this new chapter of Torah education. Together, let us uncover the untold stories that await us and draw closer to the wisdom of the Torah, which lights our path through life.

With blessings and anticipation,

Rabbi Shmuel Aber

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1. https://chabadlibrary.org/books/1200940044 ↩︎