Torah From Boca

05/06/2026

The oldest physical evidence of the Torah? Not the Dead Sea Scrolls! An archaeologist tried to get rid of an annoying kid. The kid found a 2,600-year-old treasure. My sermon from last Shabbat - Naso and the story of the priestly blessing spanning from 7th BCE to the 23rd century, when a Jewish Vulcan named Spock introduced the world to a certain secret handshake that turned out to be a blessing - Want to learn more? Check out https://unpacked.media/jerusalems-hidden-scrolls-the-earliest-evidence-of/

12/05/2026

What does Parashat Emor have to say about smartphones, social media, antisemitism, and the pressure of representing the Jewish people in public?
In this episode of Torah From Boca, Rabbi David Baum explores the ancient Jewish concepts of Kiddush Hashem and Hillul Hashem through some of today’s most difficult realities: viral outrage, public scandals, Israel, and the uncomfortable truth that in the digital age, every Jew is seen as a representative of something larger than themselves. Drawing on Torah, the Talmud, and recent events, this sermon asks: Is it fair that the actions of one Jew can affect how the world sees all Jews? And if it isn’t fair… does that change our responsibility? From the butcher shop examples in Tractate Yoma to the endless audience created by social media, this message argues that we are all public figures now.
📍 Torah From Boca with Rabbi David Baum
📖 Parashat Emor
📍 Congregation Shaarei Kodesh | Boca Raton, Florida

03/05/2026

We Are All Public Figures Now. Now What?
Kiddush Hashem in the Age of Smartphones
What does Parashat Emor have to say about smartphones, social media, antisemitism, and the pressure of representing the Jewish people in public?
In this episode of Torah From Boca, Rabbi David Baum explores the ancient Jewish concepts of Kiddush Hashem and Hillul Hashem through some of today’s most difficult realities: viral outrage, public scandals, Israel, and the uncomfortable truth that in the digital age, every Jew is seen as a representative of something larger than themselves.
Drawing on Torah, the Talmud, and recent events, this sermon asks:
Is it fair that the actions of one Jew can affect how the world sees all Jews?
And if it isn’t fair… does that change our responsibility?
From the butcher shop examples in Tractate Yoma to the endless audience created by social media, this message argues that we are all public figures now.
📍 Torah From Boca with Rabbi David Baum
📖 Parashat Emor
📍 Congregation Shaarei Kodesh | Boca Raton, Florida

03/05/2026

The uncomfortable truth: we are all public figures. Every action is broadcast, seen by many, and shared instantly. What happens anywhere echoes everywhere. As Jews, we are woven together, a family that can't opt out. Our smallness means every action carries more weight. Think before you post, react, or respond—because someone is always watching.

31/03/2026

This Shabbat Hagadol message explores how embracing complexity and listening to different perspectives, even amidst disagreements, can strengthen communities and pave the way for deeper connection, just as the Seder encourages us to do.

15/03/2026

Torah from Boca with Rabbi David Baum
What makes a synagogue the “largest” in America? Is it the size of the building, the beauty of the architecture, or the number of people who belong to it?
In this episode of Torah from Boca, Rabbi David Baum explores that question through the lens of Parashat Vayakhel and the Torah’s description of the Mishkan, the portable sanctuary built by the Israelites in the wilderness.
At a time when synagogues around the world are facing threats and attacks, this teaching reminds us of a deeper truth in Jewish tradition: long before we had buildings, we were already a people.
The Mishkan was not only about gold, silver, and sacred design. It was about a community gathering together to create holy space.
Because in Judaism, the sanctuary truly lives when Jews gather together.
📖 Parashat Vayakhel
🎙 Torah from Boca with Rabbi David Baum
📍 Congregation Shaarei Kodesh – Boca Raton, Florida

03/03/2026

Purim's true meaning isn't just joy; it's courage amid fear. Tonight, we celebrate knowing soldiers are mobilized and families await news. Jewish joy acknowledges danger, trusting history is still unfolding. We pray for safety, wisdom, and a future free from sirens, filled with song.

01/03/2026

15/02/2026

In this episode of Torah from Boca, Rabbi David Baum reflects on an unexpected source of inspiration: the Super Bowl halftime show and the cultural conversation that followed. After a personal Facebook post about growing up Jewish in Miami reached far beyond his usual audience, Rabbi Baum turned the moment into a sermon exploring Parashat Mishpatim and the Torah’s repeated command to care for the stranger.

“What Does Home Sound Like? A Miami-Born Rabbi on Bad Bunny and the Torah of the Stranger” weaves together memories of a multilingual childhood, a powerful encounter with a stranger, and Jewish teachings about empathy, belonging, and American identity. This episode invites listeners to consider how music, culture, and Torah can expand our understanding of what it means to feel at home, even when the rhythm is unfamiliar.