Podcast Episodes
Back to Search
Episode 223 - Parshat Chukat: The Life Affirming Work of Caring for the Dead
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, a…
Published on 2 months, 1 week ago
Episode 222 - Parshat Korach: How To Be A Successful Demagogue
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 weav…
Published on 2 months, 2 weeks ago
Episode 221 - Parshat Shelach: Wedding Realism with Gratitude
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 re…
Published on 2 months, 3 weeks ago
Seven Biblical Readings for a Post October 7th World (Episode 7): Contemporary Biblical Heroism
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 o…
Published on 2 months, 4 weeks ago
Episode 220 - Parshat Bhaalotcha: The Breaking Point
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 …
Published on 2 months, 4 weeks ago
Episode 219 - Parshat Naso: Leadership in the Wilderness Encampment
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…
Published on 3 months ago
Episode 218 - Shavuot Special: Foundations of Torah
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 ab…
Published on 3 months, 1 week ago
Seven Biblical Readings for a Post Oct. 7th World (Ep 6): Women in Combat with Rabbanit Malke Bina
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 th…
Published on 3 months, 1 week ago
Episode 217 - Parshat Bamidbar: Re-Creating Order
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…
Published on 3 months, 2 weeks ago
Seven Biblical Readings for a Post October 7th World (Ep 5): A New Covenant with Dr. Malka Simkovich
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 chi…
Published on 3 months, 2 weeks ago