Podcast

It’s pretty bad out there. Enslavement, taskmasters, pain, and no rest. The Jews in Egypt cry for help and God hears. But before the Delivered can be sent, he has to be built up. Malkah joins Yishai for the backstory of the great prophet Moses and the beginnings of redemption.

First, Noam Arnon joins Yishai Fleisher to discuss why Jacob, who is dying in Egypt, asks to be buried in Hebron in the Land of Israel. Then, Rabbi Dani Eisenstock on standing with the Jews of the Diaspora after a spate of antisemitic attacks. And finally, Malkah Fleisher on erasing evil with the killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani.

Hanukkah is the ultimate Israeli independence holiday. But does Hasmonean-style independence mean xenophobia? Rabbi Yishai ponders the challenge of assimilation in light of Joseph’s dreams. Then, Malkah Fleisher on the Festival of Lights from the deep Negev and on Astronaut Jessica Meir’s Hanukkah socks from space.

Yishai is at the King David Lounge at JFK dreaming about getting home and thinking about Joseph’s dreams that pushed him away from his brothers and led him to begin the Jewish Exile.

Let’s Get Ready To Rumble! It’s Jacob versus his alter ego Yisrael in a battle for identity and how the Jewish story will evolve. Rav Mike Feuer and Rabbi Yishai Fleisher wrestle with the prospect of a 3rd Israeli election and with the Torah portion of Vayishlach. Then, Malkah Fleisher on the heinous Jersey City attack and an eye-opening study on what Muslims and Jews find offensive in the UK.

Are you blessed if you trick your own father to get his blessings? Rav Mike Feuer joins Rabbi Yishai in an attempt to snatch a blessing from the Torah portion of Toldot and understand the root of the rivalry between Yaakov (Jacob) and Esav (Esau). Then, Malkah Fleisher on Shabbat in Hebron with 45K people and on eating Biblical burgers!

The first purchase of the Jewish people in the Land of Israel is celebrated by forty-thousand Jews gathering in Hebron for Shabbat Chayei Sarah – and coincides with Secretary Pompeo’s dramatic announcement! First, Rabbi Yishai studies Abraham’s negotiations. Then, Rav Mike Feuer quests for Isaac’s bride. And finally, Malkah Fleisher tweets at her enemies!

Why did Sarah laugh? Why did Abraham defend the Sodomites? And why did God ask for child sacrifice?? Rav Mike Feuer and Rabbi Yishai Fleisher discuss the moral dilemmas of Parshat VaYera. Then, Malkah Fleisher on Israel killing an ‘Islamic Jihad’ general and dealing with a Gazan rocket barrage.

It’s all happening in the Land of Israel as Abraham makes his way away from his original home to the Promised Land. Rabbi Yishai Fleisher is joined by his daughter Leah on the eve of her Bat Mitzvah (!!) to discuss Lech Lecha, the Matriarch Rachel, and becoming a proud Jewish woman.

Before there was Global Warming – there was the great flood that came because of mankind’s immorality. Rav Mike Feuer joins Rabbi Yishai Fleisher to discuss Noah’s scientific prowess, his building of the ark, and the attempt to create a new society in the wake of the world’s destruction. Then, Malkah Fleisher on eliminating ISIS founder Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi.