Best 3 Basic Men Podcasts (2025)

1
Shevuot 20: Why Women Making Kiddush Matter to Oaths in Vain 16:58

6h ago16:58

16:58

Starting chapter 3 with a Mishnah - and the new topic of uttering oaths. Plus, the question of taking oaths, and getting tripped up by them. Something that is obvious that it's impossible... maybe could have ben done better. Note: Oaths of utterance, oaths that are explicit in the verses, and the "before/after" factor.... If someone takes an oath n…

1
Shevuot 19: Two Paths Diverged (in a Wood) 21:31

1h ago21:31

21:31

Finishing chapter 2! If there are 2 paths, one with a known source of impurity and the other ostensibly pure, and you don't know which is which, and he walked both paths, he was definitely impure, but it's not known when he became impure. But what if he forgot where he walked? How does he track when he became impure? Also, what about a person who d…

1
Shevuot 18: Meriting Sons 19:27

9h ago19:27

19:27

The case of a couple who are engaged in sexual intercourse when she realizes she has begun menstruating -- which makes their intimacy a violation of niddah. The question, of course, is what are they to do? With extenuating factors in whether the man is a Torah scholar, for example. Also, some aggadata on the daf: the consequences - on a metaphysica…

1
Shevuot 17: Access Paths Out of the Temple 14:14

2d ago14:14

14:14

One who discovers that he is impure after entering the Beit HaMikdash needs to depart as quickly and/or directly as possible. But what if he used the shortest route, but took a long time to walk it (or a long route quickly)? Also, one who enters a home that is impure because of tzara'at, that same person stays pure - if he walks in differently from…

1
Shevuot 16: Everlasting Sanctity - Or Not? 18:56

3d ago18:56

18:56

More on adding to the city of Jerusalem or the Temple courtyard - where Rav Nachman says one of the factors listed in the mishnah is necessary (as compared to all of them). With the question of lasting sanctification or resanctification, in the time of Ezra and Nechemiah's return to Zion. Note differences between the First Temple and the Second Tem…

1
Shevuot 15: Expanding Jerusalem 20:12

3d ago20:12

20:12

Sourcing the process of adding to the city of Jerusalem and/or the Temple's courtyard -- in verses. With discussion of whether Moshe's sanctification of Temple vessels lasted for the generations or whether they needed new anointing... and what implications are there (if any) from the vessels to the area? Also, the song to accompany the expansion of…

1
Shevuot 14: Hidden Impurity 25:38

5d ago25:38

25:38

The end of chapter 1! Does the goat that is sent to "Azazel" atone for kohanim? Unclear, but they have other means of atonement. Plus, the dispute between Rabbi Yehudah and Rabbi Shimon on atonement. And, with the new chapter, a long mishnah, beginning with the case of a person who touches an impure thing and then enters the holy (or handles the ho…

1
Shevuot 13: Does Yom Kippur Atone for Violating Yom Kippur? 19:38

6d ago19:38

19:38

On Yom Kippur atoning for sin, regardless of a person's regret. With a dive into Rabbi Yehudah vs. Rebbe (Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi), as to the extent of the atonement and what happens with unrepented sins. And which view underlies or agrees with the mishnah? Also, the sacrifices atone - but only with repentance, so isn't that going to be the case with …

1
Shevuot 12: Dessert on the Altar 17:39

8d ago17:39

17:39

What can be done with an animal designated for offering that is no longer needed for whatever reason (that does not include a blemish to the animal)? For example, if the owner (the one who sinned) died...so he can't carry out the plan for atonement? Several possible solutions are considered. Also, going back to the atonement of Yom Kippur and all t…

1
Shevuot 11: The Red Heifer and Unconditional Sanctity 19:26

8d ago19:26

19:26

More on the animals that were consecrated for a year, yet not used within the year, and now what? The case of grain offerings is brought to determine what happens in the case of "t'vul yom," someone awaiting the end of the day for his dunking in a mikveh to take full effect. Also, physical sanctity of communal offerings can be conditional. As with …

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Episode 43 | Conspiracies in the Clouds: Welcome to Weather Warfare 1:25:56

7d ago1:25:56

1:25:56

In this bourbon-laced breakdown of blue skies and bold lies, the RBM crew takes to the clouds to unravel one of the most persistent (and poorly debunked) conspiracy theories of our time: chemtrails. Are we watching harmless condensation—or inhaling government-grade aerosol cocktails? Why does the sky look like a tic-tac-toe board drawn by a drunk w…

1
Shevuot 10: Even More Goats 19:03

9d ago19:03

19:03

Parsing the specific goats - Rosh Chodesh, festivals, Yom Kippur - where each atones for specific things, and is where each thing can't usurp the atonement property of the others, or be used for other things. The particulars of the offering of the goats also make the difference in how and for what they each atone (sin-offerings have different proce…

1
Shevuot 9: More Goats 18:34

11d ago18:34

18:34

Continuing on the question of atonement and how one way to atone doesn't necessarily atone for other needs for atonement. In this case, the he-goats of Yom Kippur vs. the goats of Rosh Chodesh. [What's What: Binyan Av] And where do the offerings of the holidays fit in with the Rosh Chodesh offerings and those of Yom Kippur? Plus, the linguistic com…

1
Shevuot 8: Atonement or Suspended Punishment on Yom Kippur? 18:00

12d ago18:00

18:00

Does the goat-offering atone for 3 different kinds of impurities? The verse indicates it won't atone for all kinds of impurities, only some of them. But what kind of impurities does it atone for? Perhaps for an idolater - but it's too egregious of a transgression. Perhaps for a woman after childbirth -- but what is her sin for which she brings a si…

1
Shevuot 7: Offerings and Atonement 23:05

12d ago23:05

23:05

An investigation into the verses that teach that the sliding scale sacrifice is offered to atone for bringing impurity into the Temple, or the consecrated foods. Also, a long baraita on these violations and the specific sliding-scale offering, including 3 specific kinds of impurity, and the question what the Yom Kippur se'ir (he-goat) atones for.…

1
Shevuot 6: White on White 23:39

14d ago23:39

23:39

On the shades of white of tzara'at, in terms of color and brightness, and how they were to be compared, and perhaps even mixed. With various analogies to help explain the relationships among the various colors and intensities. With a possible dig at the Roman empire, in the last analogy.

1
Shevuot 5: Pathways of Interpretation 21:18

15d ago21:18

21:18

Beginning on the previous daf - we have a deep dive into the halakhic approach, when it comes to interpreting the biblical text. Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi uses "ribui u-miyut" -- amplification and limitation (vs. "k'lal u-p'rat" -- generalization and specification). Both approaches infer meaning and practical applications from the wording of the biblica…

1
Shevuot 4: Mishnaic Authorship -- and Lashes 17:30

15d ago17:30

17:30

More on whose opinion is represented in the mishnah - Rabbi Yishmael vs. Rabbi Akiva, and why each would be the opinion represented. Plus, the underlying discussion about the lashes that would be applied to the person who has violated the halakhah in question in the mishnah.

1
Shevuot 3: Sacrifices on a Sliding Scale 18:05

17d ago18:05

18:05

The Gemara's introduction to Shevuot seems far afield - in its sidestepping to tzara'at blemishes and Shabbat details. So it explains the connection to lashes in the previous tractate. Plus, the sacrificial offerings that are brought on a sliding scale - dependent on one's economic status. Plus, the period of lapsed awareness of one's status as imp…

1
Shevuot 2: Two That Are Four 21:23

17d ago21:23

21:23

A new - and long - mishnah: Those who violate their oaths need to bring a sacrifice for not following through on their commitment (2 such cases). But is that only with regard to the future (with the past, another 2 are added)? Likewise, 2 that are 4 with regard to the oaths of the kohanim. Plus, 2 that are 4 in carrying from on domain to another (t…

1
God Uses Each of Us Uniquely 30:40

16d ago30:40

30:40

Sometimes we think we may have nothing to offer as sidewalk outreach volunteers. Or other times, we may feel we do not need the training or strategies offered by others since we have the Holy Spirit guiding us. In this podcast, we explore the truth that the Holy Spirt is indeed working, but guidelines for effective sidewalk outreach are valuable. W…

1
Makkot 24: The Promise of the Foxes 20:12

19d ago20:12

20:12

More on the 613 mitzvot - and ways of encapsulating the most essential mitzvot into many fewer. Plus, the way one prophet follows the next, supplanting the message of the previous one (in concern and petition to God, not competition). Also, two stories of how the sages mourned the prominence and hegemony of Rome having taken over the holy places --…

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Makkot 23: The Heavenly Court Supporting the People (Even King Solomon) 21:18

19d ago21:18

21:18

Details of the whip itself are derived or inferred from verses in the Torah -- specifically to focus on the process of flogging the sinner. Also, the last mishnah of Makkot: with the list of one who gets lashes to the exclusion of karet, thanks to the inherent humiliation in the lashes. Also, 3 practices were decided by the earthly courts and then …

1
Makkot 22: Not 40 Lashes, But 39 - And More Difficult Details 19:02

20d ago19:02

19:02

3 mishnayot, but first: more on plowing, in such a way that leads to lashes. Then: details of lashes -- how many, where on the body, in numbers divisible by 3. Also, when transgressors are covered by one set of lashes or get several in a row - with time to heal in between the sets. And lastly, a detailed description of the process of the lashes - i…

1
Makkot 21: The Tattoo Taboo 12:56

22d ago12:56

12:56

A daf with 2 mishnayot: 1. One who tattoos a tattoo is liable for lashes -- if the person both engraved in the skin and also added the ink. But maybe that's only if the tattooist wrote the Name of God. Or alternatively, the name of idolatry. Likewise, things that look like tattoos seems also to be at least taboo, even if they don't incur lashes. 2.…

1
Makkot 20: Real (Jewish) Men Don't Shave (in Mourning) 18:02

23d ago18:02

18:02

Finishing out ma'aser sheni - determining when one would be subject to lashes if the produce is eaten outside of Jerusalem. That measure is derived from the proximity of verses in the Torah that align lashes with the phenomenon of eating outside of Jerusalem. Plus, the tithing of one fig that wasn't tithed - how does that work? Note how designating…

1
Makkot 19: Why Ma'aser Sheni Needs the Temple 14:39

24d ago14:39

14:39

More on Bikkurim - first fruits: Rav Sheshet says that not placing the produce in the right place next to the altar will prevent it from counting as first fruits, but not reciting the verses from the Torah won't invalidate the first fruits. Which then leads to discussion of whose view he is citing. With comparisons to "bekhor" - first animals - and…

1
Makkot 18: When Offerings Are Invalid for Kohanim to Eat 14:03

25d ago14:03

14:03

A case of a kohen who eats from a korban olah before the throwing of the blood on the altar... but even kohanim aren't allowed to eat from an olah/burnt-offering. In any case, the inappropriate eating of sacrifices leads to reason for 6 sets of lashes (or maybe 5, which is part of the discussion). Also, more on bikkurim, the first fruits - and what…

1
Makkot 17: Everyone Should Have a Child Like Rabbi Shimon 12:27

26d ago12:27

12:27

A new mishnah! Bikkurim - first fruits - and other special offerings where one who eats incorrectly and gets lashes. NOTE CLARIFICATION TO THE AUDIO: The issue of lashes upon eating the Bikkurim is specifically in the case that a kohen ate the offerings before the person who brought them recited the verses (two separate people (which wasn't clear, …

1
Makkot 16: 8 Foodie Prohibitions 21:42

26d ago21:42

21:42

With regard to the mitzvah of sending away the mother bird when you come to take the eggs (or the fledgling birds), if one took the mother bird instead of sending her away - what happens? It's a machloket! Either the perpetrator here receives lashes, or he should just send away the mother bird now, and not get lashes. (it's an example of the positi…

1
Makkot 15: When a Positive Commandment Corrects a Violation 20:41

27d ago20:41

20:41

A difficult daf. When a combination of mitzvot (positive and negative) and the violation thereof lead to lashes vs. when the result is no lashes. Plus, Rabbi Yochanan changes his mind. Plus, the case of a man who rapes a woman, has to marry her, can't divorce her, and then does divorce her - what happens to him? Also, how the time factor to do a po…

1
Makkot 14: Generational Violations 19:51

29d ago19:51

19:51

Reviewing the opinions of Rabbi Akiva, Rabbi Yishmael, and Rabbi Yitzchak on lashes and more severe punishments from the previous daf, with some focus on Rabbi Yitzchak's opinion. Plus, Rabbi Yochanan's opinion that one who committed all of the illicit sexual relationships in one period of forgetting or lack of awareness would need to bring a sin-o…

1
Makkot 13: And Now... Lashes 20:26

29d ago20:26

20:26

The end of chapter 2, and the beginning of chapter 3. First, a killer who goes into exile must be upfront about why he's in exile. And in the event of people wanting to honor him, he would need to protest just the once. But not more. The chapter closes with a dispute. Also, the beginning of chapter 3, with its first mishnah -- namely, for when peop…

1
Makkot 12: Timing Matters 12:22

1M ago12:22

12:22

If the verdict comes from the court that an inadvertent killer has to go to the city of refuge to exile, but there is no kohen gadol at that time - the killer cannot every leave his exile. Plus, Yoav and the mistakes he made in trying to seek refuge. Plus, the angel of Rome. Plus, a new mishnah, with a person in need of exile who is in a tree, on t…

1
Makkot 11: The Mothers of the High Priests 22:48

1M ago22:48

22:48

The verses of the Torah suggest that Joshua wrote part of the Torah - which might just be the passages about the city of refuge (since he later implemented the plan for them, upon entering the land). Or did Joshua simply repeat it later in his own book? A worthy dispute. Also, a new mishnah: The role of the kohen gadol and his death with regard to …

1
Makkot 10: Not Too Big, Not Too Small 20:55

1M ago20:55

20:55

More on the cities of refuge -- what kinds of cities are suitable for this purpose? Medium-sized cities, with water available, and marketplaces, and a sizable enough population -- which should be replenished if those numbers drop. Also, if a student (of Torah, presumably) is exiled, his teacher is exiled with him -- as essential to his life. Which …

1
Makkot 9: Is Ignorance of the Law a Good Defense? 25:53

1M ago25:53

25:53

Are people responsible for doing the wrong thing when they thought it was permitted at the time that they did it, or to what extent is a person responsible for making sure he or she has knowledge of those permitted/prohibited actions? The example is a ger toshav - and the question of when punishing consequences kick in. That is, when does it seem c…

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Episode 42 | Sasquatch or Schizophrenia: Who’s in the Woods? 1:18:42

1M ago1:18:42

1:18:42

In this whiskey-fueled expedition into the unknown, we stomp into the thick woods of conspiracy to hunt for one of Earth’s most legendary—and controversial—cryptids: Bigfoot. Is he a lost primate species, an alien scout, or just a meth head in a ghillie suit? From blurry VHS sightings to interdimensional portals, the RBM boys take off the flannel, …

1
How to Carry the Glory of God - IPPC 2025 1:47:30

1M ago1:47:30

1:47:30

International Prayer and Prophetic Conference 2025 - Until the Spirit is Poured from On High

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Why Must the Spirit be Pour Over Territories - IPPC 2025 18:48

1M ago18:48

18:48

International Prayer and Prophetic Conference 2025 - Until the Spirit is Poured from On High

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In That Day - IPPC 2025 1:10:18

1M ago1:10:18

1:10:18

International Prayer and Prophetic Conference - Until the Spirit is Poured from On High

1
Makkot 8: The Eternal Torah, and the Time It Was Given 18:58

1M ago18:58

18:58

A new mishnah! But first - the written form of the Torah's verses, as compared to the read/pronounced form. Now, when one throws a stone into a public gathering - that person would go to exile in the city of refuge (among other cases, and with exclusions). Plus, cases between father and son, teacher and student, etc., where there might well be a mi…

1
Makkot 7: Murder and Degrees of Unintentional Killing 21:39

1M ago21:39

21:39

Last mishnah of the chapter: After the witnesses have testified, and the court has issued its verdict (a death sentence), and the defendant runs away... and he comes back, but is not judged again. Rather, witnesses testify to the previous judgement. Plus, the concern about a court being a "bloody court" for sentencing however many to death - and th…

1
Makkot 6: Basics of Witness Testimony (and some quirky cases) 20:51

1M ago20:51

20:51

A new mishnah - a long one, including discussion of verses that provide the key details about witness testimony (not conspiring witnesses, though). For example, how many witnesses may offer testimony to establish the case. Plus, the significance of warning, especially in capital cases. Also, another mishnah: where different groups of witnesses see …

1
Makkot 5: How Bad Conspiring Witnesses: Unto 100 Rounds 26:13

1M ago26:13

26:13

3 mishnayot! 1 - Conspiring witnesses who plot to impose monetary penalties on their victim. The witnesses can divide the payment that they are then required to pay, but each gets the full total of lashes (with a linguistic connection on the verses of the Torah - according to Abaye, vs. Rava's claim of imposing lashs on another). 2 - Conspiring wit…

1
Makkot 4: Well Water in the Sea 13:26

1M ago13:26

13:26

If a barrel of well water falls into the Mediterranean and a person comes to immerse where that water fell into the sea, that dunking is not effective - on the assumption that the water doesn't blend/disperse quickly. With some attention to other mixtures - such as wine in the Mediterranean, and more. Also, a new mishnah - back to the conspiring wi…