Best Omer Counting Podcasts (2025)

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20. How Did Rebbe Shimon Come into the World? 42:05

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3M ago42:05

42:05

Rebbe Shimon bar Yochai didn’t just appear—he arrived, against all odds, as a soul born of impossible tefillos and impossible beginnings. In this stirring Lag BaOmer teaching, Rav Shlomo Katz channels the fiery words of Rav Elimelech Biderman, uncovering how Rebbe Shimon’s birth was not just a moment in time but a statement from Heaven: Am Yisrael …

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19. Do You Want the Lollipop or the Crown? 25:00

3M ago25:00

25:00

Lag BaOmer marks a shift from the sweetness of redemption to the maturity of purpose. Rav Shlomo Katz brings Reb Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev to the center of the circle, showing how our journey from Egypt wasn’t about fireworks—it was about getting to Sinai. Are we still chasing the lollipop of past miracles, or ready to wear the crown of where we’r…

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18. As Rebbe Shimon Began Revealing the Secrets of the World 49:53

3M ago49:53

49:53

What filled the room the moment Rebbe Shimon bar Yochai began to ascend? In this luminous Lag BaOmer teaching, Rav Shlomo Katz brings us into Rashbi’s final hours where fire returned, the Shechinah hovered, and the secrets of creation began to flow. As tzaddikim from Gan Eden filled the space, only a few were allowed to stay. Why? Because being pre…

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17. Rebbe Shimon bar Yochai and I 43:05

3M ago43:05

43:05

Why do I, today, have any connection to Torah, to mitzvot, to Yiddishkeit at all? In this soul-stirring Lag BaOmer teaching, Rav Shlomo Katz reveals the secret behind Rebbe Shimon bar Yochai’s audacious promise: that Torah would never be forgotten. Through the words of Rebbe Nachman and the fire of Rashbi, we discover that our very longing to stay …

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16. Rebbe Akiva & The Hidden Heart of Lag Ba’Omer | 7 minutes of Halacha and Pnimiyut 7:01

3M ago7:01

7:01

Why does Rebbe Akiva, the great teacher of Rebbe Shimon bar Yochai, seem to vanish from Lag Ba’Omer? In this powerful reflection, Rav Shlomo Katz uncovers the silent, burning presence of Rebbe Akiva—the tzaddik who rebuilt from unimaginable loss. Beyond the bonfires and dancing lies a deeper flame: the strength to start again when all feels lost. R…

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15. Fire, First Haircuts, and the Flame of Kavod | 6 minutes of Halacha and Pnimiyut 6:42

3M ago6:42

6:42

Why do we light bonfires on Lag Ba’Omer? Why do children receive their first haircut at Rashbi’s kever? In this soul-stirring teaching, Rav Shlomo Katz unpacks the fiery legacy of Rebbe Shimon bar Yochai—whose final moments were surrounded by literal flames and eternal light. From the passion of Torah to the holiness of our first mitzvahs, this epi…

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14. The Cave, the Fire, and the Cost of Truth | 8 minutes of Halacha and Pnimiyut 8:43

3M ago8:43

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Why did Rebbe Shimon bar Yochai retreat to a cave, and what does that story demand of us today? In this 8-minute teaching, Rav Shlomo Katz unpacks the holy defiance of Rashbi: a man who refused to compromise, whose words scorched falsehood, and whose cave became a furnace of Torah. As Lag Ba’Omer approaches, we’re called to examine our own idols of…

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13. When a Soul Marries Heaven | 6 minutes of Halacha and Pnimiyut 6:03

3M ago6:03

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What makes Lag Ba’Omer a celebration, not a eulogy? In just six minutes, Rav Shlomo Katz uncovers the mystery of Rebbe Shimon bar Yochai’s final day—not as an end, but as a wedding. From the fire that surrounded his home to the secrets he revealed only on his last breath, we enter the deepest joy of closeness: רוחא ברוחא, soul to soul. It’s a day w…

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12. Preparing for Lag Ba’Omer’s Light | 7 minutes of Halacha and Pnimiyut 7:06

3M ago7:06

7:06

In just seven minutes, Rav Shlomo Katz weaves halacha and inner world—charting the shift from mourning to joy on Lag Ba’Omer. Why did the students of Rebbe Akiva stop dying? What changed on this day? With depth, warmth, and a nod to Rashbi’s eternal light, we explore the halachic roots and spiritual awakening that makes Lag Ba’Omer a gateway from g…

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11. Rebbe Shimon's & Rebbe Nachman's Responsibility 52:06

3M ago52:06

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What does it mean to take responsibility for the eternity of Torah? In this Lag Ba’Omer shiur, Rav Shlomo Katz brings us into the fiery soul-connection between Rebbe Shimon bar Yochai and Rebbe Nachman of Breslov. On the eve of Rashbi’s day, we uncover how these two giants bound by name, mission, and essence, shoulder the promise that Torah will ne…

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10. Lag Ba'omer: Holiday of the Humble Ones 37:54

3M ago37:54

37:54

In this soul-gentle teaching from the Chortkover Rebbe, Rav Shlomo Katz reveals the hidden healing of Lag Ba’Omer: a fire that humbles instead of burns. Through stories of tzaddikim and the senses they sanctified, what they saw, what they heard, we learn how Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai continues to refine us. This is the holiday of the quiet-hearted, t…

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9. Meron Meets Uman | Rebbe Shimon & Rebbe Nachman 43:18

3M ago43:18

43:18

What happens when Meron meets Uman? In this Lag Ba'Omer shiur, Rav Shlomo Katz journeys into Rebbe Nachman’s opening words in Likutei Moharan, where the soul of Rebbe Shimon bar Yochai is revealed as the secret guarantor of Torah’s eternal fire. Through niggun, story, and soul, we uncover how these two tzaddikim are forever bound—lighting our path …

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8. Preparing for Rebbe Shimon | Look Into My Eyes 43:17

3M ago43:17

43:17

How does one arrive ready for Lag Ba’Omer? Rav Shlomo Katz, honoring his grandmother’s yahrzeit, draws from Rav Elimelech Biderman’s text to guide us. Like Shabbos, preparation unlocks Rashbi’s light. This lesson urges vulnerability—look into a friend’s eyes, embrace love—to reveal Torah’s secrets, weaving Am Yisrael’s souls into a radiant, unified…

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6. Rebbe Shimon with Aharon Hakohen 47:52

3M ago47:52

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Based on the teachings of Reb Tzvi Meir Seilberberg, Rav Shlomo Katz stands humbled as Lag Ba’Omer nears, its vastness overwhelming yet holy. This lesson unveils a hidden Yom Kippur purification, linking Rashbi’s secrets to Aharon Hakohen’s hod—glory of love and unity. With niggunim, it whispers: one turn toward Hashem ignites your soul’s light, pr…

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7. Rebbe Shimon bar Yochai... Here We Come 16:36

3M ago16:36

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A 16-minute journey begins—Rav Shlomo Katz invites us into Lag Ba’Omer’s magic from Eretz Yisrael. As half a million souls gather in Meron, this lesson unveils a secret gate: connecting to Rashbi’s spirit through his teachings, with niggunim guiding us. It calls for consistency in seeking Torah’s depth, awakening Am Yisrael to the day’s radiant mys…

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5. How did Rebbe Shimon Leave this World? 34:48

3M ago34:48

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The Zohar whispers Rashbi’s luminous departure, a tale of secrets revealed as he left this world, preparing us for a deeper Lag Ba’Omer.By Rav Shlomo Katz

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4. Shouldn't Lag Ba'Omer Be More About Rebbe Akiva? 33:39

3M ago33:39

33:39

What is the nature of the simcha that dances on Lag Ba’Omer? Rav Shlomo Katz probes—shouldn’t Rebbe Akiva, whose students’ tragedy ends, shine brighter? Yet, Rashbi’s light ignites this joy.By Rav Shlomo Katz

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3. The Glow of Rebbe Shimon Bar Yochai 1:01:59

3M ago1:01:59

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The sefira of the 33rd night of the Omer is Hod Shebahod—let’s unravel why. Rav Shlomo Katz honors his Holocaust-survivor grandmother on her yahrzeit, her triumph echoing Rashbi’s radiant promise. With niggunim, this lesson builds vessels for love and commitment, revealing Lag Ba’Omer’s glow—where secrets of Torah, spoon-fed nightly, awaken Am Yisr…

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2. Rebbe Shimon, How Do I Continue Your Promise? | Learning on Har Meron 41:14

3M ago41:14

41:14

Rav Shlomo Katz stands humbled in Meron, where Rashbi’s spirit whispers an eternal promise: Torah will never fade from Am Yisrael. Drawing from Rebbe Nachman through Rav Yaakov Meir Shechter, this shiur from 9 Tevet 5778 reveals speech as our sacred lifeline—holy words that pierce through the silence of galut. With niggunim echoing through the hill…

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1. How Much Do We Like Each Other? 33:46

3M ago33:46

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Rav Shlomo Katz explores his personal connection to Lag Ba’Omer, overcoming intimidation of Rashbi and the Zohar. Based on Rav Erez Moshe Doron’s teachings, he delves into “anachnu b’chavivuta talya”—the power of liking each other—linking it to Rashbi’s legacy, the bonfires’ unity, and the sweetening of mourning. With niggunim, this episode ignites…

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June 27: S3E40 - Farewell to the MessianTics Podcast 59:34

4M ago59:34

59:34

Sadly, the MessianTics Podcast staff is seeing some significant changes, and as such this episode is our farewell episode to the show. It may make a return in a new iteration at some point in the future, but with Rabbi Toby leaving Congregation Mayim Chayim later this year and Jonathan having already resigned and moved on from Brit Ahm, we felt it …

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June 20: S3E39 - When biblical leaders faced correction 59:53

4M ago59:53

59:53

In this episode of the MessianTics Podcast our rabbis dive into a powerful discussion looking at when biblical leaders (such as Moses and David) faced correction and lessons we can learn from their humility and response. Give it a listen, share, and let us know what you think.

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June 14: S3E38 - Where does rabbinic Judaism fall short in MJ? 1:05:42

5M ago1:05:42

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In this episode we discuss the presence of rabbinic Judaism within Messianic Judaism, and where rabbinic Judaism falls short. Give it a listen, share, and let us know what you think.

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June 6: S3E37 - Continuation on Mutually Beneficial Relationships Convo 1:05:09

5M ago1:05:09

1:05:09

In this episode, our MessianTics rabbis continue the conversation from last week about the needs and possibilities for mutually beneficial relationships between MJ and the greater Church. As always, give it a listen, share it with others, and share your thoughts with us.

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May 30: S3E36 - Mutually Beneficial Relationships between MJ & Church 59:42

5M ago59:42

59:42

Sorry this episode is posting a little late today, we had issues with loading and scheduling this week. In this episode we dive into a conversation on the need for more mutually beneficial relationships between Messianic Judaism and the Church, and especially dialogue on what we each have to offer to and learn from each other. Give it a listen, sha…

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May 23: S3E35 - Arrogance in Sharing MJ with other Believers 47:25

5M ago47:25

47:25

In this episode our rabbis dive into an intriguing conversation about the often seen arrogance that some Gentiles new to MJ have toward other believers. This is a really interesting discussion because it is not at all something solely experienced within a MJ experience.

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May 16: S3E34 - MJ Congregation Planting pt 2 1:05:08

6M ago1:05:08

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In this episode we dive into the second episode of a two part series discussing MJ congregational planting. We will discuss opportunities, resources available, the benefit of being under an umbrella, our own experiences in planting congregations, and so much more. These are two episodes you will not want to miss. As always, give it a listen, share …

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May 9: S3E33 - MJ Congregation Planting pt 1 1:02:24

6M ago1:02:24

1:02:24

In this episode we dive into a two part series discussing MJ congregational planting. We will discuss opportunities, resources available, the benefit of being under an umbrella, our own experiences in planting congregations, and so much more. These are two episodes you will not want to miss. As always, give it a listen, share the show with others, …

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May 2: S3E32 - Tabernacle vs Temple 46:44

6M ago46:44

46:44

In this episode our MessianTics rabbis dive into an off the cuff conversation about the Tabernacle and the Temple. This conversation was spawned from a random discussion pre-recording about whether Israel messed up desiring a Temple to begin with... Listen to our rabbis dialogue on this, the various tangents the conversation brings up, and the prop…

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Apr 25: S3E31 - Omer Count Mishegos 33:32

6M ago33:32

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We are releasing this episode a little later in the day than normal, but it is a great one. Our MessianTics rabbis dive into the crazy discussions around the Counting of the Omer mishegos, and you won't want to miss it. Give it a listen, share it with others, and share your thoughts and questions with us.…

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Apr 11: S3E30 - What we'd like to see for our kids in the MJ future 35:35

7M ago35:35

35:35

In this episode our rabbis take a dive into a dialogue on what we'd like to see develop or improve in Messianic Judaism for our children/grandchildren, and the future of the MJ Movement as a whole. Give it a listen, share with your friends and family, and share your thoughts with us in the comments.

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Apr 4: S3E29 - Shabbat and the 39 Categories of Melachot 50:33

7M ago50:33

50:33

In this episode the MessianTics rabbis dive into a discussion on Shabbat observance, the 39 categories of Melachot prohibited on Shabbat within Judaism, how these came about, and how we can honor the Shabbat, Jewish tradition, and Messiah Yeshua faithfully. Give it a listen, share with others, and comment with your feedback and thoughts.…

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Mar 28: S3E28 - Discussion on Pesach 58:37

7M ago58:37

58:37

In this episode our MessianTics rabbis dive into a meaningful discussion about Pesach, which is just around the corner. Give it a listen, share it with folks you may know who may be blessed by it, and share your thoughts with us.

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Mar 21: S3E27: Discussion on Legacy We'd Like to Leave Behind 50:22

8M ago50:22

50:22

This episode of the MessianTics Podcast is a bit different than our normal discussions. Recently a few of us attended the memorial service for Rabbi Robert Solomon (Z"L ז׳׳לֹ), founder of Congregation Beth Hallel in Rosewell, GA. Listening to the memories and legacy left behind by this pioneer in the MJ Movement left us thinking about how we'd like…

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Mar 14: S3E26 - Problematic Theologies in MJ Movement 58:28

8M ago58:28

58:28

In this episode our rabbis dive into a conversation dealing with some theological positions that have developed in the Messianic Jewish movement that we find to be rather problematic. Some of these issues may be new to you, but maybe not... Either way, this is our take on these issues, give it a listen, share the podcast with others, and share your…

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Mar 7: S3E25 - Inclusions and Distinctions in MJ pt. 2 51:23

8M ago51:23

51:23

A few weeks ago we released an episode entitled "Inclusions and Distinctions in MJ pt. 1" in which we discussed the inclusion and distinctions of Jews and Gentiles within the MJ Movement and some of the antics we see in Messianic Judaism (get it? MessianTics) to this regard. However, we didn't just want to seem as though all we do is complain about…

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Feb 28: S3E24 - Opportunities for Unity in MJ Movement 45:41

8M ago45:41

45:41

As you guys have heard time and time again from us, unity in the MJ movement is a huge desire of our hearts and something for which we strive regularly and it is a goal of this podcast as a whole. In this episode we discuss some phenomenal resources and opportunities available within the Messianic Jewish Movement that can both foster greater unity …

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Feb 21: S3E23 - G-d Jr.? (The Deity of Yeshua) 48:43

8M ago48:43

48:43

Is Yeshua just G-d Jr.? A lot of people think of Him in that way, some folks will say He is the Messiah but He isn't G-d. In this episode your MessianTics rabbis tackle the conversation of the deity of Yeshua and the vital importance of the reality that He is in fact deity. You won't want to miss it, we hope you want to share it, and we look forwar…

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Feb 14: S3E22 - Inclusions and Distinctions in MJ pt. 1 1:00:23

9M ago1:00:23

1:00:23

Have we got an episode for you today, and you won't want to miss it... In this new episode, our rabbis dive into the ever present discussion of inclusion and distinctions within Messianic Judaism. Another way of wording it is what do we do with the Gentiles in our midst? The MessianTics rabbis dive head first into the conversation and they don't pu…

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Feb 7: S3E21 - Likes/Dislikes about MJ 48:01

9M ago48:01

48:01

This episode is definitely a little different... Our rabbis dig into a conversation discussing things about Messianic Judaism that we like and improvements we believe need to be experienced for longevity. If you've listened to the podcast for any length of time, you know we all absolutely love and are passionate about MJ, but we are also honest abo…

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Jan 31: S3E20 - What about deconstruction? 56:22

9M ago56:22

56:22

We've got a fresh episode for you this week and it focuses on something that has become a rather significant influence on the Body of Messiah for a while now. Listen to our MessianTics rabbis dig into a discussion on deconstruction of faith and wrestling with issues like is it just a fad? Is deconstruction, in some shape, more common than we honest…

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Jan 24: S3E19 - Do We Take Acts 15 Seriously? 55:31

9M ago55:31

55:31

In this new episode of the MessianTics Podcast our rabbis dive into a deep discussion on Acts 15. Does the Body of Messiah take the Jerusalem Council seriously? Do believers actually attempt to live by these standards? If not, should there even be a discussion on whether anything else in Torah should be followed? What was Acts 15 all about? And so …

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Jan 17: S3E18 - Are Pauline Epistles Really More Important Than the Others? 56:38

10M ago56:38

56:38

In this episode our MessianTics rabbis wrestle with an interesting conundrum that appears to be common (intentionally or not) in the Body of Messiah. Often Pauline Epistles are handled and taught with an attitude almost as though they are more important than any other part of the Brit Chadashah (New Testament). In fact, many believers are better ac…

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Jan 10: S3E17 - Suffering and Divine Love 43:32

10M ago43:32

43:32

Why is there suffering? How do we live through it and maintain our faith? How do we press into the Divine Love while being in the midst of suffering? These and many more questions linger in the mind of every single believer (whether we admit it or not) during some of our hardest times... Listen to the MessianTics rabbis dive into this conversation,…

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Jan 3: S3E16 - A Discussion on Ephesians 55:13

10M ago55:13

55:13

In this fresh episode of the MessianTics Podcast our rabbis dive into an enlightening discussion on Ephesians, and in particular draw our attention on the main and overarching context of this letter from Paul: UNITY. Give the episode a listen, share it with others, and share your thoughts with us. Ephesians: A Study in Unity by David Tokajer- https…

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Dec 20: S3E15 - A Discussion on Romans 52:43

11M ago52:43

52:43

Ever wonder whether there's more to Romans than is often discussed? Ever wonder why Paul seems to jump around from audience to audience in this letter? Listen to the MessianTics rabbis as they have a candid discussion about Romans and what we should take away from this powerful letter today. One New Man Revival by David Tokajer- https://a.co/d/946d…

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Dec 13: S3E14 - End-Time Prophecy and the Middle East 40:13

11M ago40:13

40:13

In this episode our MessianTic Rabbis dive into a timely and important discussion on the reality of all end-time prophecy hinging on Israel and the Middle East. This is such a great episode! Give it a listen and feel free to share your thoughts with us.

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Dec 6: S3E13 - How Jewish Should MJ Be? 48:35

11M ago48:35

48:35

We've got a fresh new episode coming your way this morning, and it's going to be a good one. Listen to the MessianTics Rabbis discuss the burning question: How Jewish should MJ be? And as usual, feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments or on our social media.

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Nov 22: S3E12 -Symbols and Knee Jerk Reactions 50:50

11M ago50:50

50:50

We've got a fresh episode for you this morning, and it's a killer. The MessianTics Rabbis dive into a discussion on symbols and how some in the MJ community (or peripheral) react to them... For instance, the Magen David (Star of David) and more. Give it a listen and share your thoughts with us.

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Nov 15: S3E11 - MessianTics Hot Take on Unrecognized Mediation/Dual Covenant Theology 46:42

12M ago46:42

46:42

It's Friday morning and that means a fresh episode of the MessianTics Podcast is dropping. In this episode your MessianTics rabbis dive into a discussion on the concept of Unrecognized Mediation/Dual Covenant Theology, spoiler alert: They don't hold back on their thoughts either... Dig in, give it a listen, and as always, share your thoughts with u…