Podcast

Was Pinchas right to suppress Zimri’s exhibitionism by spearing him and his partner? In a repressive social media atmosphere, is intellectual courage today’s form of vigilantism? Are we meant to suppress or harness our urges? Rav Mike Feuer joins Rabbi Yishai to hash out the timely Torah portion of Pinchas.

The powerful wizard Bilam comes to King Balak in a conspiracy to curse Israel. He ends up blessing the Jewish people – except for the curse of the Moabite promiscuity. Rabbi Yishai blesses the dramatic Torah portion. Then, Malkah Fleisher on keeping the kids busy in the summer, making carrot cake, and on tweeting for the cause.

The Torah portion of Chukat has a conglomeration of wild stories and commandments. Join Rabbi Yishai for the ride. Then, Malkah Fleisher on the US Embassy celebrating July 4th in Jerusalem and Yishai’s birthday.

At Bahrain’s “Peace to Prosperity Workshop” world experts, including Jews and Arabs, gathered to talk about bettering the regional economy, especially between Israel and her neighbors. But the PA and progressive orgs boycotted the event because they believe they have a monopoly on hope. Rav Mike Feuer joins Rabbi Yishai to discuss the gathering and talk about the Torah portion of the anti-Moses rebellion of Korach. Then, Malkah Fleisher on neo-Nazi beer ban and Jewish Prayer in Bahrain.

“Oh no! We can’t defeat them! Our women and children are lost! Let’s go back to Egypt!” So said the spies who Moses sent to the land of Israel. Like Caleb and Joshua, Rabbi Mike Feuer joins Rabbi Yishai to undo the Sin of the Spies . Then, Dr. Baruch Sterman on finding the Tekhelet and bringing it back to life. And finally, Malkah Fleisher on adventures in renewing her passport at the US embassy Jerusalem!

Tally-ho!! Sound the silver trumpets and the Ark will lead the way to the Promised Land! So begins the epic Torah portion of Behaalotcha. But along the way, the people complain about the lack of meat – and in punishment, God feeds them too much quail. Rav Mike Feuer joins Rabbi Yishai to quell the quail. Then, Malkah Fleisher on If Not Now in the NYTimes on the AJC’s study on whether American Jews and Israeli Jews are brothers or cousins.

Join Rabbi Yishai for a FULL – beginning to end – study of the Book of Ruth with commentary on the beauty and drama that leads to the birth of King David.

The Book of Numbers starts with the Tribes of Israel arranged precisely around the Tabernacle – this mirrored how the sons of Jacob carried his coffin to the Land of Israel. Rav Mike Feuer joins Rabbi Yishai to discuss the Jewish people’s travels and travails – all the while keeping God in the middle. Then, Malkah Fleisher on El Al’s new flights to Tokyo and Germany standing against BDS.

Eurovision – on the one hand, great PR for a normal Israel, but on the other hand, a festival of Hedonism in the Holy Land. So which one is it? Rabbi Mike Feuer joins Rabbi Yishai to discuss if Israel is to influence or be influenced – or both. Then, Malkah Fleisher on Lag BaOmer and on the heat!

Why did one misfit curse the name of God? Why did one stickler give him a hard time for not fitting in? Rav Mike Feuer joins Rabbi Yishai to tackle the challenging story of the blasphemer. Then Malkah Fleisher on the Eurovision, Madonna’s arrival in Israel, and the advantage of Shoresh sandals!