Best Matan One On One Parsha Podcast Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 244 - Parshat Vayetzei: When God is Like a Lion and a Lover 44:22

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2h ago44:22

44:22

The parsha's Haftorah is taken from the book of Hoshea, a fourteen-chapter work that opens the collection of 'Trei Asar.' Jewish philosophy professor Sam Lebens walks us through significant theological questions regarding the human experience of God as violent and loving, examining the text of the Haftorah and illuminating it through both Talmudic …

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Episode 243- Parshat Toldot: Divine Love and Hate 41:27

2d ago41:27

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This conversation with Rabbanit Dr. Adina Sternberg explores the Haftorah from the book of Malachi, a short prophetic work from the early Second Temple period. The returnees have become jaded with a reality they perceive as lacking divine presence and the prophet rebukes their lackluster worship and subtly encourages them that while the presence of…

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Episode 242 - Parshat Chayei Sara: Between King David's Life and Legacy 44:24

16d ago44:24

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In this rich conversation with Torah scholar and Tanakh author Dr. Nechama Price, we explore the complex closing of David's life in this week's haftorah. How is his end both similar and different from Avraham's final chapter? How can we understand the motives of several secondary characters in this complex narrative? How does Divrei Ha-Yamim presen…

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Episode 241 - Parshat Vayera: Expanding our Vessels 34:30

4d ago34:30

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In this beautiful conversation with Matan faculty member Rachel Sharansky Danziger, we discuss Elisha's encounter with two women in the Haftorah taken from II Melachim 4. We discuss the subtle theology laced throughout the two episodes as well as the different ways each woman responds to her distress. Both the impoverished woman and the woman from …

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Episode 240 - Parshat Lech Lecha: The Seed of Avraham (Yeshayahu 40-41) 29:13

12d ago29:13

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This week's Haftorah returns to the beginning section of the second half of Yeshayahu with beloved Tanakh teacher and pedagogue R. Menachem Leibtag. Why do we find ourselves in Yeshayahu again and what does it have to do with Avraham's journey to Canaan? What is unique about the word 'eved' in Tanakh?R. Liebtag's favorite Haftora pasuk is from Yirm…

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Episode 239 - Parshat Noach: The Waters of Destruction and Renewal 41:23

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In this probing conversation with Dr. Elana Stein Hain about this week's Haftorah from Yeshayahu 54, we move from discussing the opening image of Jerusalem's surprising fertility to a deeply candid conversation about Yeshayahu's zero-sum theology. What does the post-flood covenant reveal about God's stewarding of the world? How do these sections in…

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Episode 238 - Parshat Breishit: Welcome to Haftorah Study! 38:57

1M ago38:57

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This year the Matan Podcast is focusing its study on the weekly Haftorah, the prophetic portion selected as a complement to each week's parsha reading. We are thrilled to embark on this new journey with you, exploring fresh biblical texts and themes that promise to deepen and enrich our Torah learning together. In this week’s conversation with Dr. …

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Episode 237 - Sukkot: The Mitzvah to be Joyful 38:51

2M ago38:51

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In this heartfelt conversation with R. Dr. J.J. Schacter, we explore the way the Halacha defines the commandment to feel joy on Sukkot and by extension on all holidays. How can the Torah command us to feel? What does joy look like in the current moment? Sources mentioned in the episode:R. Amital's essay: https://www.etzion.org.il/en/philosophy/grea…

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Episode 236 - Parshat Ha'azinu: Resistance and Acceptance in Moshe's Death 35:12

2M ago35:12

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This conversation with Rabbanit Dr. Jennie Rosenfeld movingly addresses the preparations for Moshe's death at the end of the parsha. While he initially resists God's punishment, Moshe ends up taking an active role in his death both by physically bringing himself to the place of departure as well as preparing the nation for his absence. This convers…

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Episode 235 - Parshat Vayelech: Hakhel and Family Education 36:53

2M ago36:53

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This week's conversation with Rabbanit Rachel Weber Leshaw zooms in on the mitzvah of Hakhel and its unique educational philosophy. An exploration of biblical verses and their interpretation ends up creating candid conversation around the gifts and challenges of involving family in spiritual spaces.By Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast

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Episode 234 - Parshat Nitzavim: National and Personal Teshuva 39:56

2M ago39:56

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In this conversation with Dr. Ayelet Hoffmann Libson, we speak about the significant appearance of Teshuva (repentance) in the parsha as well as the way the idea is molded, personalized, and internalized throughout generations of rabbinic interpretation. This episode offers a thoughtful exploration of the parsha, especially relevant and meaningful …

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Episode 233 - Parshat Ki Tavo: The Heart Spaces of Tithes 40:06

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In this conversation with Rabbanit Dr. Adina Sternberg, we explore how the tithes mentioned in this week's parsha can refine our sense of gratitude. We explore the difference between a 'maaser' mindset and a 'reishit' mindset through an original Torah idea written by Adina. To read more of Adina's Torah, check out her Hebrew book on the holidays he…

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Episode 232 - Parshat Ki Tezte: The Dignity of the Human Body 35:43

3M ago35:43

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In this fascinating conversation with R. Yitzchak Blau, we discuss the prohibition to let a dead body remain exposed overnight, learned from this week's parsha. We debate the exegetical complexities of the prohibition's phrasing and then explore the way these verses expanded over time to form the most basic legal and ethical guidelines for posthumo…

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Episode 231 - Parshat Shoftim: Rabbinic Right and Left 45:59

3M ago45:59

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In this nuanced and probing conversation with Matan faculty member Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash, we discuss the breadth and limitations of rabbinic authority. This conversation is an outgrowth of the instruction in our parsha not to deviate from the rulings of judges in Devarim 17:10-11, understood by our sages in the midrash halacha as a prooft…

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Episode 230 - Noticing the Small People: Secondary Characters (3/3) (Rebroadcast) 53:13

3M ago53:13

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We have gone on vacation!But while we are off hiking and breathing, we are bringing you several episodes of a wonderful series we put out in 2021 at the start of this Matan podcasting venture.In this third and final episode Dr. Yosefa Fogel Wruble sat down with Dr. Yael Ziegler to discuss a host of secondary biblical characters and their significan…

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Episode 229 - How to Character Sketch: Moshe as a Test Case (2/3) (Rebroadcast) 55:21

4M ago55:21

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We have gone on vacation!But while we are off hiking and breathing, we are bringing you several episodes of a wonderful series we put out in 2021 at the start of this Matan podcasting venture.In this second episode of the series, Dr. Yosefa Fogel Wruble sat down with Dr. Yael Ziegler to discuss how to frame themes and messages surrounding a central…

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Episode 228 - Biblical Characterization (1/3) with Dr. Yael Ziegler (Rebroadcast) 47:56

4M ago47:56

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We have gone on vacation!But while we are off hiking and breathing, we are bringing you several episodes of a wonderful series we put out in 2021 at the start of this Matan podcasting venture.In this first episode our host, Dr. Yosefa Fogel Wruble sat down with Dr. Yael Ziegler to discuss several tools of biblical characterization and why they are …

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Episode 227 - The 9 Days: Anticipating Redemption 46:15

4M ago46:15

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It is recounted in Talmud Bavli Shabbat 31a, that one of the questions asked of the deceased waiting for final judgement is whether they anticipated the redemption.In this meaningful conversation with Rabbanit Rachel Weinstein, we speak about what redemption might actually look like and what we are anticipating. We delve into a chassidic idea about…

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Episode 226 - Parshat Matot-Masei: Ethics of Warfare, Then and Now 49:20

4M ago49:20

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Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Brody wrote Ethics of Our Fighters: A Jewish View on War and Morality before the events of October 7th. Yet its publication shortly after the outbreak of the war in Gaza made the book especially timely—and deeply resonant. In it, R. Brody offers a “Jewish Multi-Value Framework” to navigate the often competing ethical considerations…

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Episode 225 - Parshat Pinchas: Humble Leadership, Dynamic Law 28:15

5M ago28:15

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In this conversation with Dr. Ayelet Hoffman Libson, we discuss the episode of the daughters of Tzelofechad who approach Moshe asking for the right to inherit their deceased father's land. Our conversation speaks about the strength of Moshe as a humble leader as well as the women's wisdom reflected in their request for legal latitude.Thank you to C…

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Episode 224 - Parshat Balak: When Seeing Shouldn't Be Believing 39:35

5M ago39:35

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In this conversation with Dr. Tanya White, we discuss the theological import of the parsha's unusual point of view, the parallels between Pharaoh and Balak's fear of Israel, and why coming to conclusions based on incomplete perceptions is a destructive behavior.This week's episode has been sponsored by Carole Damon in memory of her father Simcha Yi…

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Episode 223 - Parshat Chukat: The Life Affirming Work of Caring for the Dead 57:47

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Parshat Chukat opens with the ritual of the red heifer (para aduma) which purifies individuals from impurity caused by contact with a dead body. Leadership comes in all different shapes and sizes, and in this episode I had the privilege to sit down with a leader of Am Yisrael, one who leads behind the scenes in her life affirming work of caring for…

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Episode 222 - Parshat Korach: How To Be A Successful Demagogue 47:31

5M ago47:31

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In this conversation with Matan faculty member Simi Peters, we analyze Korach's tactics that made his rebellion an initial success and what ultimately caused it to fail. In her unique way, Simi weaves in midrashic traditions that underscore deeper points present in the narrative's foundation. These parsha conversations are being recorded in an ever…

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Episode 221 - Parshat Shelach: Wedding Realism with Gratitude 45:32

5M ago45:32

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In this conversation with Rabbanit Rachelle Sprecher Fraenkel, we explore where the spies went wrong, the possibility that their sin was inevitable, and where this registers in the current Israeli reality. Rabbanit Rachelle is the director of Matan's Hilkhata program and is also co-founder of The Jerusalem Unity Prize and Unity Day. Our Bamidbar Se…

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Seven Biblical Readings for a Post October 7th World (Episode 7): Contemporary Biblical Heroism 46:21

6M ago46:21

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Over the last year and a half, many have reflected that these times feel 'biblical.' There is a sense that the ongoing war and the surrounding societal shifts feel more significant than ever. Some of this 'biblical' scale has to do with the struggle for land and legitimacy, and some of it seems to be rooted in the heroism and clarity of the soldier…

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Episode 220 - Parshat Bhaalotcha: The Breaking Point 39:25

6M ago39:25

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In this week's conversation with Rabbanit Dr. Adina Sternberg, we discuss the breakdown of leadership in the parsha as well as the fascinating correlation between Moshe's self-perception as a mother to the people with the laws of the 'rebellious son.'Our Bamidbar Series is exploring different forms of leadership in the book and in the Jewish world.…

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Episode 219 - Parshat Naso: Leadership in the Wilderness Encampment 33:36

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In this moving conversation with Rabbanit Shani Taragin, we explore the different forms of religious and lay leadership in the parsha that will continue to guide the people as they travel through the wilderness.Our Bamidbar Series is exploring different forms of leadership in the book and in the Jewish world.This week's episode has been sponsored b…

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Episode 218 - Shavuot Special: Foundations of Torah 52:03

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In this meaningful conversation with Dr. Elana Stein Hain, we probe our individual spiritual biographies in search of what drew us into Torah life and a love of learning. We also reflect candidly about our roles as educators at work and in our homes. Chag Sameach!By Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast

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Seven Biblical Readings for a Post Oct. 7th World (Ep 6): Women in Combat with Rabbanit Malke Bina 51:14

6M ago51:14

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In this episode with Matan president Rabbanit Malke Bina, we explore the Devorah narrative in Judges 4-5 and take a deeper look at her and Yael's roles in combat and as a religious leader. We then think about the changing role of women in combat and non-combat positions today. Rabbanit Malke Bina founded Matan in 1988 and served as Chancellor for 3…

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Episode 217 - Parshat Bamidbar: Re-Creating Order 34:01

6M ago34:01

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In this beautiful conversation with Gila Fine, we explore the textual complexities of the book of Bamidbar and uncover why it may be the most intricately organized book of the Torah. Moments of chaos and breakdown communicate the need for a new order, and this is exactly what the book of Bamidbar underscores.Our Bamidbar series will be focusing on …

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Seven Biblical Readings for a Post October 7th World (Ep 5): A New Covenant with Dr. Malka Simkovich 55:14

6M ago55:14

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Jeremiah 30-31 are chapters often quoted and sung because of their beautiful images of divine closeness, renewal, and the posthumous figure of Rachel crying in prayer for the return of her exiled children.Dr. Malka Simkovich, who spent more than a decade teaching in Christian settings, always overlooked these prophecies as significant for the Jewis…

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Episode 216 - Parshat Behar-Bechukotai: Broadening the Halakhic Lens 56:45

6M ago56:45

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This week's episode with Rabbanit Surale Rosen closes our series on the lived experience of Torah observance.The conversation begins with an idea rooted in our parsha regarding an ethic that may have preceded the official giving of Torah and continues on to explore some of the tensions between Halakhic life and secular sensibilities both in Israel …

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Seven Biblical Readings for a Post October 7th World (Ep 4): The Elongated Journey 1:06:21

7M ago1:06:21

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In this moving conversation, we explore the book of Numbers through the lens of a short journey to a promised land that suddenly went awry, in search of emotional guidance in the face of a war that has continued for longer than the Israeli public anticipated. What does the book of Bamidbar have to tell us about daily life in the face of fear? Why d…

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Episode 215 - Parshat Emor: Contemporary Challenges of Prohibited Priestly Marriages 46:02

7M ago46:02

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In this fascinating and sensitive conversation with Rabbanit Dr. Jennie Rosenfeld, we discuss her involvement in the world of Halakhic writing and guidance as well as the modern challenges that arise from observance of priestly marriage prohibitions. Our Vayikra series focuses on the lived experience of Torah observance and explores some of the har…

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Seven Biblical Readings for a Post October 7th World (Ep3): A Deafening Silence with Yael Leibowitz 54:35

7M ago54:35

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In this difficult but important conversation, we explore biblical texts that illustrate how violence against women correlates with a morally decaying society. This episode directly responds to the world's horrifying silence in the face of rape and mutilazation on October 7th and candidly explores why this is such a hard topic to face head on.Yael L…

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Episode 214 - Parshat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim: Jewish Sexual Values and Ethics in this Modern Moment 55:29

7M ago55:29

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This episode brings together the Matan Podcast with the hosts of Intimate Judaism, R. Scott Kahn and Talli Rosenbaum, to discuss the tensions between Jewish sexual ethics and modern sexual trends. What is a Jewish sexual ethic and how much is it related to what appears in the verses of the Torah? What are some of the biggest challenges facing the O…

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Seven Biblical Readings for a Post October 7th World (Episode 2): Journeying Through Grief with Dr. Tanya White 46:12

7M ago46:12

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This week Dr. Tanya White shares a novel reading of Terah's journey to Canaan through the lens of grief and how Abraham manages to pick up where his father left off. Dr. Tanya White is a senior lecturer at Matan and Bar-Ilan and the host of the acclaimed podcast series, Books and Beyond: The Rabbi Sacks Podcast. This is a special podcast miniseries…

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Episode 213 - Parshat Tazria-Metzora: Concentric Circles: Layers that Define, Separate, and Unite 51:34

7M ago51:34

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In this fascinating conversation with R. Alex Israel, we explore several perspectives on Tzaraat impurity and what this means for us today. We conclude with a study of the parsha's haftara reading about the four lepers (II Melachim 7) and how it relates to this week's national days of remembrance and gratitude. Our Vayikra series focuses on the liv…

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Seven Biblical Readings for a Post Oct. 7th World (Ep. 1): Noah,Jonah and the Search for Resilience 54:18

7M ago54:18

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This is a special podcast miniseries produced by Matan and hosted by Dr. Yosefa Fogel Wruble. The series will comprise seven episodes to be aired during the seven weeks of the Omer counting between the holidays of Pesach and Shavuot.Each week we will be re-reading iconic biblical texts in light of the changing Israeli, Jewish, and world realities.T…

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Episode 212 - Parshat Shmini: Kashrut, From Source to Practice 1:08:49

7M ago1:08:49

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In this fascinating conversation with Rabbanit Dena (Freundlich) Rock, we use the repeated verse, "Do not cook a kid in a mother's milk" to explore the relationship between Halakhic development and its divine source. Then we explore different rationales for Kashrut laws as well as the reasons why observant Jews wait different amounts of time betwee…

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Episode 211: The Pesach Sacrifice: Meaning in the Details 46:31

8M ago46:31

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In this episode with R. Yitzchak Blau, we zoom in on the laws of the Pesach sacrifice in order to zoom out on its meaning within the Exodus experience. Taking the animal on the 10th of the month, spreading its blood on the doorpost and so many other details that seem far removed from our modern reality, become the keys to kernels of wisdom explored…

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Episode 210- Parshat Vayikra: The Debate Over Korbanot, Then and Now 37:47

8M ago37:47

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Our Vayikra series will be focusing on Mitzvah observance, but we wanted to make sure to include at least one broader conversation about sacrifices as a central form of worship.So this week we are re-broadcasting one of our most popular episodes about sacrifices with Dr. Tova Ganzel. Ganzel explores with us the ancient roots of sacrificial worship,…

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Episode 209 - Parshat Pekudei: Mishkan Shiloh, Then and Now 59:56

8M ago59:56

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In this episode, which closes our episodes on national formation, beloved tour guide Shulie Mishkin walks us through the biblical reality and significance of the Mishkan's long-standing home in Shiloh. Chazak, Chazak, V'nitchazek! Stay tuned for our Vayikra series which focuses on mitzvah observance and a Torah way of life. The series asked what ax…

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Episode 208 - Parshat Vayakel: The Wonders of Human Creation 1:00:52

8M ago1:00:52

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This week's conversation with R. David Fohrman, beloved Tanakh teacher and principal educator at Aleph Beta, was a joy. We begin by thinking about the connection between Betzalel and the world's creation. We ponder the wonders of AI and the relationship between the womb and God's contraction (tzimtzum), and then flesh out the fascinating textual an…

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Episode 207 - Parshat Ki Tisa: The Inevitability of Sin and the Gift of Forgiveness 1:10:05

9M ago1:10:05

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For this week’s episode, we had the unique opportunity to sit down with Professor Leon Kass, Dean of Faculty at Shalem College and the author of Shemot commentary, 'Founding God's Nation. Leon Kass is a lifelong enthusiast of liberal education and was trained in medicine and biochemistry before shifting from the practice of science to thinking abou…

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Episode 206: Parshat Tetzaveh - Clothing as a First Principle 1:00:20

9M ago1:00:20

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In this illuminating conversation with Rabbanit Shayna Goldberg, we begin by discussing the centrality of priestly clothing in this week's parsha and then broaden the conversation by exploring other biblical manifestations of clothing alongside its personal and societal functions.This is an episode worth sharing with your teenagers. It really steer…

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Episode 205 - Parshat Truma: Joint National Projects and the Rationality of Tzimtzum 1:00:52

9M ago1:00:52

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In this whimsical chevrutah with Dr. Sam Lebens, we discuss the centrality of the Mishkan as a societal building project and why there really is no other rational way to understand God's dwelling among the people without the concept of 'contraction' (tzimtzum). To learn more about Sam and his work, check out his website: https://www.samlebens.com/T…

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Episode 204 - Parshat Mishpatim: Halakhic Applications, Then and Now 1:04:58

9M ago1:04:58

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In this fascinating conversation with Professor Chaim Saiman, we explore foundational understandings of how the rabbinic system of law developed and is enforced. The conversation then turns to the judiciary role of American rabbinical courts today and how this compares and contrasts with trends in Israel. Check out Prof. Saiman's Book Halakha here:…

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Episode 203: Parshat Yitro - Honoring One's Parents in Theory and Practice 52:51

10M ago52:51

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In this candid conversation with Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash, we explore the halakhic obligations and limits of the commandment to honor one's parents in an age where the parent-child relationship has undergone tremendous change. The series asks what axiomatic ideas sit at the root of Israel’s national formation, without which we wouldn’t be wh…

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Episode 202: Parshat Beshalach - A Mute God and Mud on Our Shoes 1:01:55

10M ago1:01:55

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In this episode with R. Joe Wolfson, we explore the nation's experience crossing the Red Sea through a series of midrashic readings that provide greater human depth and emotional contour to the written text. R. Wolfson reminds us how Chazal's dynamic interpretations often provide a bridge between the biblical account and our lived experiences. The …