Shows
The Tanakh Podcast#84 | Shemot ch.33 - Arguing for MercyAfter the great sin of the Golden Calf. How are God and Israel to move on together?In this chapter we see:1. Israel expressing remorse2. Moses arguing with God to eek out a mechanism whereby God might coexist with a sinful nation.
2025-12-2215 minThe Tanakh Podcast#76 | Shemot ch.25 - Tent of MeetingWhy did God command Israel to build a sanctuary?If God cannot be contained by a physical structure, what do we mean by: "Make me a Sanctuary that I may dwell among them"(25:8)?What is the focal point of the Sanctuary?And
2025-12-1013 minThe Tanakh Podcast#69 | Shemot ch.18 - Yitro's FaithYitro is the priest of Midyan.And yet, in our chapter we find him proclaiming his faith in God, sacrificing to Him and creating a Justice system for the people of Israel.What is the religious faith of Yitro? What is his affinity to the God of Israel?
2025-12-0116 minThe Tanakh Podcast#68 | Shemot ch.17 - The War with Amalek"Amalek came and fought with Israel"Why does Amalek come at this point in time? And what might we learn from this episode?
2025-11-3015 minThe Tanakh Podcast#67 | Shemot ch.16 - Grumblings and GrowthIn chapter 15-17 we have the "grumblings" of the Israelites as they complain about the lack of food and water.Is Israel to blame?God never seems to get angry; in fact these complaints for basic foodstuffs are quite expected.So what is the purpose of these "grumbling" episodes? We shall suggest that they are part and parcel of Israel's education and growth.
2025-11-2917 minThe Tanakh Podcast#66 | Shemot ch.15 - The Song of the SeaThe Egyptians are dead; Israel erupt in joyous song and dance.But what does this song express?And how was it sung?
2025-11-2615 minThe Tanakh Podcast#37 | Genesis ch.36 - The Kingdom of EdomBefore we leave Esav we list his extensive progeny - children, military generals and kings. Esav would appear to have a kingdom that is fully formed, way before Israel become a nation. And that might be the point!I referenced this article in the podcast https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2019/12/12/vayishlach-insignificant-verses-really
2025-10-1810 minThe Tanakh PodcastChronicles 2 ch.13 - Civil War!King Avia (Yehuda) and King Yerovam (North - Israel) go to war.500,000 dead!Does Divrei Hayamim side with Avia or Yerovam? Why?And how about Hazal?
2025-07-2611 minThe Tanakh PodcastChronicles I ch.11 - King David's Coronation!Divrei Hayamim is a master of rewriting history, and ch.11-12 is a masterpiece. On the backdrop of David's coronation in Hevron, Divrei Hayamim gives us the perfect unity of Israel, all rallied around David, Jerusalem - and all designated by God. In practice, history was far more messy, but there is a difference between history and collective memory.
2025-06-1113 minThe Tanakh PodcastShir Hashirim ch.4 - The Land of Israel (personified)The depictions of the bride are rather strange, when her hair is compared to a flock of goats, her neck to a tower, and her stomach to a pile of wheat. Are we describing the anatomy of a woman, or possibly the geography and beauty of the land of Israel?Music. Mattisyahu. Basi LeGani
2025-02-1812 minThe Tanakh PodcastShir Hashirim ch.1 - Meet the CharactersWe begin ch.1 by seeing how the lovers - the young woman and the man - are depicted by Shir Hashirim. What might this express about God and Israel?
2025-02-1514 min
The Alex McFarland ShowThe Alex McFarland Show-Episode 131-Why Should America Stand with and Support Israel?We’ve officially hit one year since war broke out in Israel and we need to stand with them now more than ever! In this week’s episode of the Alex McFarland show, Alex talks about why we as Christian Americans should stand with and support Israel. Alex also shares five reasons on how we should vote and who we should vote for based on the candidate's view on Israel. Listen as he encourages all Christians to take a stand!5 Reasons Why America Should Stand with Israel:The Bible has instructions to f...
2024-10-1531 minThe Tanakh PodcastTehillim. Psalm 115 - God in Heaven and EarthThis Mizmor is a struggle with those who mock Israel for worshipping a God they cannot see. In return, the Mizmor mocks and belittles the idolaters who serve man-made ineffective gods.
In response for Israel's trust in the Divine, the poet promises that God will bless Israel.
2024-09-1611 minThe Tanakh PodcastTehillim. Psalm 114 - Sea Splitting; Hills Skipping!The Exodus is depicted not merely as an historical revolution; there is a revolution in nature - water turns to dry land; dry land turns to water!
This joyous Mizmor from Hallel expresses the overlap between the emergence of Israel and God's powerful presence in nature.
Music. Intro - Sinai Tor. End - Naftali Kempeh
2024-09-1510 minThe Tanakh PodcastTehillim. Psalms 111 - God's GiftsA beautiful alphabetical song of praise. The first half deals with God's creation - his universal covenant with mankind; the second half praises God for his particular covenant with Israel and the laws of the Torah.
2024-09-0912 minThe Tanakh PodcastTehillim. Psalm 106 - A Rebellious HistoryThis historical Psalm is written from a position of Exile. It speaks of Israel's constant waywardness and rebellion against God, from the days of the Wilderness, until the Land of Israel, frequently disloyal, and ungrateful to God's manifold gifts and wonders.
Why then is this a chapter of praise? Why is this chpater animated by an upbeat mood?
2024-09-0311 minThe Tanakh PodcastTehillim. Psalm 103 - God's love and forgivenessThis chapter celebrates God's capacity and proclivity to forgive his people.
Academics have studied the language of this chapter and identify it as a Second Temple Psalm. This gives extra meaning to this celebratory Mizmor as a song of thanks for God having renewed Israel, forgiving us, and giving us a new lease on life - a fresh start.
2024-08-2913 minThe Tanakh PodcastTehillim. Psalm 102 - Bird on a RoofThis Mizmor starts with a desperate call for help.
What is the problem? What's wrong?
Soon we can deduce that the poet is in exile, and yearns for the land, even the stones and dust of the Land of Israel.
This Psalm is about religious yearnings even in the depths of Exile.
2024-08-2711 minThe Tanakh PodcastTehillim. Psalm 83 - The Oldest HatredThey say, “Let us wipe them out as a nation;Israel’s name will be mentioned no more.” (v.5)
This is the oldest hatred. The attempt at a Final Solution. The genocidal ambitions of generations of enemies who we now call Anti-Semites.
The more things change, the more they seem to stay the same.
2024-07-3111 minThe Tanakh PodcastTehillim. Psalm 80 - Like a Ravaged VineThe Tribes of Ephraim Menashe and Binyamin are compared to a vine whose walls have been broken down and wild animals enter, eating the grapes, trampling the vine. This is the state of Israel after invasion and defeat by foreign forces.
All that is left is to cry to God.
In this class we contrast this chapter with another allegory of a vine in Isaiah ch.5 and we draw some conclusions about the role of prophecy vs. Tehillim - the human voice.
Closing music - MBD - Habeit
2024-07-2813 minThe Tanakh PodcastTehillim. Psalm 78 - History and PoliticsOur chapter is a historical review, expressing God's power kindness and forbearance, and Israel's waywardness and non-adherence to God's covenant.
But why do we tell history?
Is this merely about religious preaching?
We will speak about a political agenda woven into the start and end of the chapter.
2024-07-2413 minThe Tanakh PodcastTehillim. Psalm 77 - What Do You Remember?What do we remember? What do we forget?
The first half of this chapter is about Exile and God's abandonment of Israel.
The second half of the mizmor is about victory, redemption and Divine salvation.
Which is the dominant memory?
Music. Shotei Hanevua - Kol Galgal (see verse 19)
2024-07-2310 minThe Tanakh PodcastTehilllim. Psalm 44 - Protest!This chapter has three segments:
1. How God always fought the battles of the Jewish People, He was their strength, pride and protection.
2. But now God has abandoned us to defeat, dispersion, derision and slaughter.
3. But Israel has retained their loyalty to God. God! Why have you abandoned us?
2024-06-0810 minThe Tanakh PodcastTehillim. Psalm 20 - Times of TroubleTehillim ch.20 is part of our daily liturgy.
We also relate to this Midrash:
Another interpretation: "The Lord will answer you on a day of trouble." A father and son were traveling when the son became tired and asked his father, "Where is the country?" The father replied, "My son, if you see a cemetery in front of you, know that the country is close to you." So the Lord said to Israel, "If you see that troubles are covering you at that time, you will be redeemed," as it is said, "The Lord will...
2024-05-0510 minThe Tanakh PodcastTrei Assar: Zechariah ch.4 - Not by Might Nor by StrengthAn image of a golden Menorah with two olive trees.
This prophecy has become the basis of the national crest of the State of Israel.
But what does it all mean?
2024-03-1910 minThe Tanakh PodcastTrei Assar: Zechariah ch.3 - A Fresh BeginningZechariah sees a celestial hearing in which the High Priest stands before Satan. God rebukes Satan and says that he doesn't want to hear any accusations against the Jewish People who have endured so much!
Instead the High Priest is given fresh, clean clothing, symbolizing God's forgiveness of His people and his intent to offer Israel a fresh start, a new beginning.
2024-03-1811 minThe Tanakh PodcastTrei Assar: Zechariah ch.2 - A Wall of FireWe continue with Zechariah's visions which express the end of Israel's oppression and dispersion, and promises both God's and Israel's return to Jerusalem.
2024-03-1709 minThe Tanakh PodcastTrei Assar: Nahum ch.3 - Justice not VengeanceChapter 3 describes:
1. Nineveh as the City of Blood
2. Her promiscuity and witchcraft - possibly a reference to her idolatrous culture, or to he double-dealing in international relations (Radak)
3. The Assyrian conquest of Thebes, and that the same fate will befall Nineveh
4. The siege of Nineveh
5. The collapse of the leadership, the economy and the military
Interestingly, neither God or Israel are explicitly mentioned in this chapter.
2024-03-0312 minThe Tanakh PodcastTrei Assar: Nahum ch.2 - The Fall of NinevehOur chapter begins with the restoration of the fortunes of Judah and Israel.
It then proceeds to portend the fall of Nineveh.
2024-03-0211 minThe Tanakh PodcastTrei Assar: Yoel ch.4 - War and PeaceChapter 4 depicts and "End of Days" scenario: The restoration of Jerusalem, return of the Exiles, Judgement of the Nations, and the regeneration of the Land of Israel.
2024-01-2912 minThe Tanakh PodcastTrei Assar: Hosea ch.14 - "Return O Israel!"This is the Haftara for Shabbat Shuva, a beautiful to and from between God and Israel that is filled with love, repentance and blessing.
But where does it belong inn Sefer Hoshea?
2024-01-2311 minThe Tanakh PodcastTrei Assar: Hosea ch.12 - Re-reading JacobChapter 12 deals with Israel's unreliable and fraudulent ways. But what does Yaakov have to do with it? Is it true that Jacob "tricked his brother from the womb"?
2024-01-2210 minThe Tanakh PodcastTrei Assar: Hoshea ch.11 - Love!In this chapter, God expresses his love for Israel - like a parent to a beloved child - from Egypt, through Israel's idolatry, punishment, and then the return to the Land of Israel.
2024-01-2008 minThe Tanakh PodcastTrei Assar: Hosea ch.6 - "Hessed, not Sacrifices!"Chapter 6 finds the people expressing a desire to retunr to God.
But God rejects their overtures as being ephemeral, temporary. Instead he encourages them to repair their religious and political culture and return to the Covenant of Israel.
2024-01-1310 minThe Tanakh PodcastTrei Assar: Hosea ch.2 - Wilderness and RenewalHoshea ch.2 contains several of the Bible's most sublime expressions of love. But how does Hoshea love a promiscuous wife? How does God love his wayward people, Israel?
2024-01-0712 minThe Alex McFarland ShowThe Alex McFarland Show-Episode 91-Standing Against Anti-Semitism with guests Jenny Kaiser and Rabbi Eli Sneiderman Part 2Joining Alex on this week's episode of the Alex McFarland Show, are special guests, Jenny Kaiser and Rabbi Eli Sneiderman. In Part 2 of Standing Up Against Anti-Semitism, they discuss how the events of October 7th just illustrated how selective and politically correct many people are about whether they will or will not stand up against the terrorism against Israel and the right for Israel to exist. Practical calls to action are shared to help us all get involved in standing against anti-semitism and supporting Israel.Scriptures: Ps...
2024-01-0432 minThe Tanakh PodcastYechezkel ch.37 - Dry Bones!Today we study two beautiful prophecies:
1. The Valley of the Dry Bones
2. The Grafting of the Tree of Judah and the Tree of Efrayim.
This represents toe restoration of the people of Israel and ther national unity.
2023-12-1910 minThe Tanakh PodcastYechezkel ch.35 - Edom Bloody Edom!Why does Ezekiel return to speak of the demise of Edom?
How is the desolation of the Hills of Edom linked to the restoration of the Hills of Israel?
2023-12-1711 minThe Tanakh PodcastYechezkel ch.31 - Trees and RiversEgypt is compared to the beautiful but vain cedar tree of Assyria, sitting by the river, dominant, verdant and proud. But, God says, Egypt will fall just like the "tree" of Assyria was felled. The river will not help the tree.
This prophecy associates the riverlands of Egypt and Mesopotamia with Eden, but the great bounty offered by the rivers also engender a spirit of arrogance.
In this podcast we contrast the land of Israel, dependent as it is on rain, fragile and vulnerable; with the secure economies of Egypt and Sedom; whose cultures are...
2023-12-1211 minThe Tanakh PodcastYechezkel ch.29 - Egypt, the Great CrocodileChapter 29 predicts the demise of Egypt who is guilty of pride and betrayal of Israel.
Music. The Bangles - "Walk like an Egyptian"
2023-12-0907 minThe Tanakh PodcastYechezkel ch.15 - A Vine DramaYechezkel talks about a vine. He claims it has no use other than being used as firewood. Similarly Jerusalem should simply be consumed by fire; it is useless!
But isn't the vine one of the most lauded plants in the Bible?
We embark on a journey from Genesis to Judges, Isaiah 5, Jeremiah 2 and Psalms 80 in which we show how the vine is used as a metaphor for Israel, He sins are its "wild" or "sour grapes" and it can be abandoned but we pray for the restoration of the vine, and with it Israel's fortunes.
2023-11-2011 minThe Tanakh PodcastYechezkel ch.6 - Hills of IsraelYechezkel addresses the "Hills of Israel". What is the connection between the physical landscape and the nations sins?
2023-11-0611 minThe Tanakh PodcastJeremiah ch.50 - Scattered SheepChapter 50 is about the destruction of Babylon.
But we will focus on the promise that with the demise of Babylon, the Jewish people will return to their land, and their persecution will end.
In this context, chapter 50 compares Israel to a flock of sheep. Is this a complementary image or a portrait of vulnerability? What can we learn from it?
2023-10-2612 minThe Tanakh PodcastJeremiah ch.44 - Rejecting the CovenantThe Jews of Pathros in Egypt challenge the fundamental covenantal theology of Judaism, asserting that when Israel worshipped idols, their national fortunes improved; it is faith in God that has brought nation ruin.
2023-10-1710 minThe Tanakh PodcastJeremiah ch.43 - Down to EgyptThe surviving remnant, including Jeremiah leave the Land of Israel, and make their way to Egypt. in contravention of God's prophecy.
Why is the descent to Egypt worse than the exile in Babylon?
2023-10-1611 minThe Tanakh PodcastJeremiah ch.40 - GedaliahIn the initial segment of this chapter we read how Jeremiah is given the choice to go to Babylon as an ally and a guest of the Babylonians. He refuses. He wants to stay amongst the people.
In the second segment of the chapter we meet Gedalia the official who is appointed by the Babylonians as the governor of the land of Israel. Who is he? What is his agenda? And who are his opponents?
2023-10-1211 minThe Tanakh PodcastJeremiah ch.18 - Like Clay in the Potter's HandsJeremiah takes a visit to the local pottery and compares Israel to clay in the potter's hands.
We contrast the message of our chapter with the piyut recited on the night of Yom Kippur.
2023-09-1109 minThe Tanakh PodcastJeremiah ch.17 - God. Hope of Israel!God is the Hope - or Mikve - of Israel.
How did Rabbi Akiva take a line from this chapter and use it as a key concept of the closeness between God and Israel, in the dark aftermath of the Destruction of the Temple?
2023-09-1011 minThe Tanakh PodcastJeremiah ch.11 - Renewing the CovenantIn Chapter 11 Jeremiah calls the people to express alliegance with God's covenant. Many suggest that here he is expressing support in the religious revolution of King Josiah who returned to God after years of Judah following idolatry.
The chapter records how this return to and renewal of the ancient covenant of Israel was, tragically, extremely short-lived. The people returned to their idol worship.
2023-09-0213 minThe Tanakh PodcastJeremiah ch.10 - Mocking IdolatryThis chapter intersperses depictions of God's greatness with statements belittling and making a parody of the idols that the nations serve, encouraging Israel to remain true to their faith.
2023-08-3112 minThe Tanakh PodcastJeremiah ch.3 - Is Teshuva a Possibility?God opens the chapter proclaiming that that Israel has betrayed her fidelity to God and therefore cannot return to God.
And yet, with a play of words: "shuvu - return", and "shovav - rebel", God ultimately expresses his intent that of his "rebellious children" sincerely reform their behaviour, they will indeed be able to rebuild trust, and the relationship with God.
2023-08-2111 minThe Tanakh PodcastJeremiah ch.2 - Broken Cisterns"I remember the devotion of your youth, how as a bride you loved me, and followed me through the wilderness!"Jeremiah reminds the people of their former commitment to God and the great blessings that He bestowed upon the nation.
And then he expresses, in every way that he can, how Israel have broken their loyalty and commitment to God.
Music
Intro - Amir Dadon
Closing - Rosh Hashanna Liturgy (levandowsky)
2023-08-2112 minThe Tanakh PodcastIsaiah ch.66 - A Utopian Future?Is Isaiah's vision universal or parochial? Does it promise consolation or urge repentance? Does Isaiah offer salvation for all of Israel or a remenant. Today we discuss Isaiah's complex messaging. And yet, we leave with a clear sense that the long arc of history bends towards goodness, peace and redemption. In this regard, Isaiah offers the building blocks of our Messianic theology.
2023-08-1613 minThe Tanakh PodcastIsaiah ch.64 - Like Clay in the Potter's HandsThis chapter is a desperate accusation and protest - in the wake of the Temple destruction - at God's hidden face, and the deplorable national calamity that God brought upon Israel. It is also a plea for God to extend his mercy to the Jewish People.
2023-08-1410 minThe Tanakh PodcastIsaiah ch.61 - From Mourning to RejoicingMourning will be replaced by joy, destruction by rebuilding, and the world community will acclaim the Jews as global emissaries of God, doing all they can to assist Israel in that mission. This again is a romantic dreamscape of a messianic utopia.
2023-08-0910 minThe Tanakh PodcastIsaiah ch.59 - Redemption - With or Without Repentance?Will Israel be redeemed despite their sins? Or will redemption come only after we have repented?
2023-08-0711 minThe Tanakh PodcastIsaiah ch.56 - Yad Va-ShemOur chapter mentions the phrase "Yad Vashem" but what exactly does it mean? And why was this chosen as the name of Israel's Holocaust Museum?
2023-08-0311 minThe Tanakh PodcastIsaiah ch.54 - Shouting for Joy!This chapter promises and unbreakable future for the Jewish People.
Two models animate this chapter:
1. The infertile women who bears children, the forsaken wife who renews her marriage; and
2. The tortured slave who is released from his captivity and suffering.
We examine these two metaphors and what they say about the God-Israel connection.
2023-07-3113 minThe Tanakh PodcastIsaiah ch. 49 - God's ChildrenTanakh office two models of relationship between Israel and God. Are we God's children? Or is the relationship between Israel and God a relationship of husband and wife? In this podcast we evaluate the two models.
2023-07-2409 minThe Tanakh PodcastIsaiah ch.43 - God in ExileToday we demonstrate how our chapter incorporates many themes that we have studied in previous chapters:
1. Creation themes in the redemption - God as "creator" of Israel
2. "You are My witnesses" - The Jews as a Light Unto the Nations and a delegate of God
3. "Do not Fear"
4. Elements of Redemption: a. The Ingathering of the Exiles, b. The desolate wasteland is rejuvenated and hydrated, c. God's forgiveness of Israel's sins
5. "Do not Fear" - אל תירא
6. The Future Redemption will mirror teh Exodus
and lastly, 7. the notion...
2023-07-1711 minThe Tanakh PodcastIsaiah ch.42 - National Re-CreationIsiah uses Creation language and motifs from Genesis 1-3 to depict the redemption of Israel, expressing the idea that the restoration of the Jewish people gives new meaning and redemption to God's creation.
2023-07-1611 minThe Tanakh PodcastIsaiah ch.35 - Making the Desert BloomThis is a jubilant chapter of healing, redemption and joy: The desert blooms, illness and handicap are removed (possibly a spiritual metaphor), and God redeems and returns Israel from exile.
2023-07-0413 minThe Tanakh PodcastIsaiah ch.34 - The Destruction of EdomThe rivalry and antagonism between Israel (Judah) and Edom, takes us back to Yaakov and Esav. In this period violence seems to have flared between the kingdoms. The prophet's ire might be directed to Edom in particular because of the expectation that they should act in a brotherly way.
2023-07-0412 minThe Tanakh PodcastIsaiah ch.31 - Bittachon. Faith in GodIsaiah advises Hezekiah to remain independent, and God will protect Israel: "Like a lion roars over its prey... like birds fly free."
But can we simply rely on God and abandon human initiative? Is Isaiah's religious policy a reasonable one?
In this article I quote: https://www.etzion.org.il/en/philosophy/great-thinkers/harav-aharon-lichtenstein/bittachon-trust-god
2023-06-2912 minThe Tanakh PodcastIsaiah ch.23 - Tyre: The Demise of Wealth and FortuneCh.23 is the final of the Pronouncements against the Nations.
This one predicts the fall of Tyre, and bears a striking affinity to the fortunes of Israel and Jerusalem.
2023-06-1911 minThe Tanakh PodcastIsaiah ch.19 - The Egypt Pronouncement. Imagining Unity!Isaiah prophecies the chaotic demise of Egypt. But he also imagines that "Israel shall be a third partner with Egypt and Assyria as a blessing on earth." Isaiah seems to be proposing that from Egypt to Assyria, all nations will recognize God, thus fulfilling the Abrahamic promise: "Through you all nations will be blessed"
2023-06-1212 minThe Tanakh PodcastIsaiah ch.13 - Prophecies Against the Nations (Intro to ch.13-23)Ch.13-23 gives us a succession of prophecies that predict the demise of Israel's adversaries. This is a phenomenon found in other prophetic books. What is the nature of this genre of prophecy?
2023-06-0513 minThe Tanakh PodcastIsaiah ch.12 - A Song of PraiseThe victories against Ashur (or possibly the Messianic triumph) will mirror the Exodus from Egypt.
Just as after the miracle of the Red Sea, Israel will burst into praise to God.
2023-06-0410 minThe Tanakh PodcastIsaiah ch.11 - The Wolf and the LambSeen by many as the vision of Messianic times, chapter 11 imagines:
1. God's defeat of Assyria
2. The restoration of a monarchy of Justice and awareness of God,
3. Peace with our enemies,
4. Ingathering of the exiles,
5. Harmony between the two kingdoms of Israel - Ephraim and Judah.
2023-06-0112 minThe Tanakh PodcastMelakhim Bet ch.13 - Elisha's LegacyIn this chapter we witness Elisha's death. But not before Elisha has announced the demise of Aramean oppression.
What do we make of Elisha's role? Why did he resort to miracle making like no other prophet? What is the peculiar relationship between Elisha and the period of Aramean dominace over Israel?
2023-04-3006 minThe Tanakh PodcastMelakhim Bet ch.9 - Jehu's RevolutionElisha instigates yet another assassination in our chapter!
Elisha sends a disciple to annoint Jehu, a senior army officer. Jehu proceeds to assassinate the King of Israel, the King of Judah, and the evil Jezebel!
Who is this man?
2023-04-2409 minThe Tanakh PodcastMelakhim Bet ch.5 - Na'amanAram's army captain has leprosy. His cure will come from an unlikely source :- Elisha!
But what in particular makes Na'aman pledge to worship no deity other than the God of Israel?
2023-04-1911 minThe Tanakh PodcastMelakhim Bet ch.3 - War with MoavIsrael, Judah and Edom join forces to attack Moav. We shall speak about a critical historic artifact - the Mesha Stele - that gives us important context for this military campaign.
2023-04-1610 minThe Tanakh PodcastMelakhim Bet ch.1 - Whose Messengers? The King's or God's?King Ahaziyahu (Israel) has a domestic accident and is inured, bedridden and concerned for his life.
He sends messengers to the God of Ekron: "Will I live?"
Elijah is sent to intercept the King's delegates.
The critical narrative here is the question of who controls the delegates: Will the king's servants follow the king's instructions or Elijah's, in God's name?
2023-04-1308 minThe Tanakh PodcastMelakhim Aleph ch.9 - A Story of Twenty CitiesOur chapter speaks of twenty cities that Shlomo transfers to Hiram king of Tyre.
Why is Solomon giving away land in the Land of Israel?
Why was Hiram unsatisfied with the cities?
What might we learn about the state of the economy during the latter Solomonic years?
2023-03-2610 minThe Tanakh PodcastMelakhim Aleph ch.5 - An Imperial CapitalOur chapter describes the way that Solomon develops the Kingdom of Israel to an imperial capital. Solomon controls the region, has the most powerful army, and warm relations with neighboring leaders like Hiram of Lebanon. He also begins the construction of the temple. But above all, Solomon turns Jerusalem to a center of world wisdom and technology. What is the purpose of all these achievements? Why is this critical to Solomon's game plan?
2023-03-1910 minThe Tanakh PodcastMelakhim Aleph ch.3 - Wisdom and JusticeSolomon loves God. When God asks Solomon what his deepest wish might be, it is the ability to guide and judge the nation. "Tzedek and Mishpat" is possibly Judaism's core value, and the principle of justice is the highest virtue to which a king of Israel could aspire.
2023-03-1510 minThe Tanakh Podcast2 Samuel Ch.10 - Ammon Declare WarDavid sends a diplomatic delegation to console the ammonite king Hannun after the death of his father. However Hannun humiliates David's officials. This is in essence a declaration of war against Israel as Ammon rally an entire alliance of forces to fight David's army. Yoav and his brother Avishai show their phenomenal military prowess in their management of the battle.
2023-02-2008 minThe Tanakh Podcast1 Samuel ch.29 - Dual LoyaltiesThe Philistines are mobilizing to fight Israel. And David and his men are mobilizing with them!
Will David fight his own people? But if he doesn't fight, how will he retain his loyalty to Achish? Or will something else save David from this predicament?
2023-02-0406 minThe Tanakh Podcast1 Samuel ch.27 - Ziklag. David in Exile.David leaves the land of Israel and the jurisdiction of King Saul.
Now he is safe. But he still needs to play a double game - fighting the enemies of Israel on the one hand, and presenting himself as loyal to Achish, the Philistine king, on the other.
2023-01-3109 minThe Tanakh Podcast1 Samuel ch.20 - "Tomorrow is Rosh Chodesh!"David and Jonathan make one final attempt to see if Saul is determined to execute David.
It all centers around a Rosh Chodesh feast and a secret message by means of Jonathan doing some (arrow) shooting practice.
In this podcast we discuss 1. The centrality of Rosh Chodesh in ancient Israel 2. The love of David and Jonathan 3. Archery as a Benjaminite expertise.
2023-01-2212 minThe Tanakh Podcast1 Samuel ch.5 God vs. DagonThe Philistines perceive their defeat of Israel as a victory of their god Dagon, over the God of Israel.
But God knows how to retaliate.
The Ark of the Covenant unleashes a trail of havoc, destroying the Philistine's religious icons and causing death in their towns. The Philistines are petrified of the power of the Ark and decide to return it to Israel.
2023-01-0108 minThe Tanakh Podcast1 Samuel ch.4: Israel is Defeated! The Ark is Taken!Our chapter describes Israel's devastating defeat at the hands of the Philistines.
But worse than the military defeat and the 30,000 casualties is the capture of the Ark of the Covenant. Why was it taken to the battlefront? And why did God allow His Ark to be taken captive by the enemy?
2022-12-3110 minThe Tanakh PodcastShoftim ch.19. The Rape in GivahIn one of the most horrific episodes of the Tanakh, a rape, reminiscent of the Sedom story, transpires in Giv'ah. Israel has become like Sedom!
Music. The Jam - "A Town Called Malice"
2022-12-2110 minThe Tanakh PodcastShoftim ch.18. Dan on the MoveThe Tribe of Dan are in transit. They are looking for land. What happened to their tribal lands?
The chapter described how they fund an quiet unsuspecting region in the North of Israel and, clothing their actions in religious language, sieze the land (and lives) of innocents. But this is not the only violent action that they perform.
2022-12-2009 minThe Tanakh PodcastShoftim ch.15. Samson's Foxes, Fire, and PrayerSamson continues his lone guerilla actions against the Philistines, setting fields on fire, and killing one-thousand of the enemy armed with a mere donkey's jaw bone.
The chapter ends with the phrase: "And Samson judged Israel for twenty years" - but did he ever save Israel or shift the strategic power balance?
2022-12-1708 minThe Tanakh PodcastShoftim ch.14 The Lion, The Honey and the RiddleSamson wants to be more Philistine than the Philistines! And when he gets angry, don't get in his way. But for Samson it is all personal. When will he "begin to save Israel"?
2022-12-1512 minThe Tanakh PodcastShoftim ch.10 - A Deteriorating SituationIn Chapter 10, we witness an intensification in Israel's sinfulness. As the generation deteriorates, we will see a corresponding decline in the leaders of Israel.
2022-12-1010 minThe Tanakh PodcastShoftim ch.2. "The Cycle"Our chapter describes a repetitive historical pattern" Israel serve idolatry - they get invaded - they cry out to God - they get saved. This pattern is not random; it is Divine providence, as the nation are punished over and over for their sins. This is the reality for 300 years of history in the land of Israel.
Music. "Dead or Alive - You Spin me Round" ... round and round ...like "The Cycle"!
2022-11-2810 minThe Tanakh PodcastShoftim ch.1. The Failure of SettlementWe begin with a short introduction to the Book of Judges and then move to describe the opening chapter. Each tribe is listed by what they did NOT manage to conquer. The issue is that with Israel at times a minority in their own territorial portions, they are susceptible to the influence of idolatry. Chapter 2:1-5 warns that this idolatry will be their undoing.
For a longer introduction to Shoftim, see https://youtu.be/UifLwWJruVU
Sourcesheet https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NBsv5zkTmZRj79yfK51SdXdFADdYhE0J/view?usp=sharing
Music. The Niggun...
2022-11-2711 minThe Tanakh PodcastJoshua Ch.18. Get Up! Stand Up!Seven tribes have failed to transition to the Settlement stage. They remain in the camp of Gilgal.
Here, Joshua will compel them to move ahead and migrate to their tribal territories, to begin the work of populating the entire land of Israel.
But why does the story begin with Benjamin?
2022-11-1609 minThe Tanakh PodcastJoshua ch.17. Hard ChoicesThe Tribes of Joseph complain: "You haven't given us enough land"
Joshua tells them: This is your choice. Either clear the forests, or confront the enemy in the valley. The land is there; you have to make a decision which challenge that you will confront. There are no free lunches, no miracles. If you want to possess Israel, it is an uphill struggle. This is a chapter of tough choices.
2022-11-1505 minThe Tanakh PodcastJoshua Chapter 13. Is the Transjordan part of Israel?Chapter 13 lists the tribal portions of Reuven, Gad and Menashe on the east bank of the Jordan river.
But is this land part of the land of Israel? The text of Sefer Yehoshua is somewhat ambivalent about this region, a negativity with roots in the Torah.
2022-11-0909 minThe Tanakh PodcastJoshua Chapter 11. The Northern WarThis fourth campaign in Israel's military conquest is absolutely natural; no miracles at all. But why does God instruct Joshua to destroy the chariots and hamstring the horses of the enemy? What is God teaching the Israelites?
2022-11-0709 minThe Tanakh PodcastJoshua Chapter 8. From Ai to Sh'chemCan we learn from our mistakes? Yes we can! In this chapter Israel successfully conquer the city of Ai, learning the lessons of their earlier defeat.
The chapter ends with a covenantal ceremony at Sh'khem.
2022-11-0211 minThe Tanakh PodcastJoshua Chapter 7. Achan's Sin; Israel's Sin.If one individual sins, should everyone be culpable?
In this Chapter Achan takes from the spoils, and the entire nation suffer a military defeat!
Is there a connection between one person's action and the nation at large?
2022-11-0109 minThe Tanakh PodcastYehoshua Introduction. Why Joshua?Why was Joshua the man to succeed the great prophet Moses?
What skills made him the correct person to lead Israel into the Promised Land?
In this introductory class, we will examine Joshua's "resume" and discover what made him the perfect candidate for the job.
2022-10-2412 min
Desert Island TorahEp.14 with Rav Alex IsraelIn this episode, we speak to Rav Alex Israel, who shares his Desert Island Torah. Using a framework that connects Torah to everyday life and society, Rav Alex looks at pieces from Rambam's Hilkhot De'ot, connecting the teachings of Rav Joseph B. Soloveitchik and Rav Aharon Lichtenstein, Yeshayahu and Zekharia, and Devarim, connecting to the land of Israel.
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Rav Alex is an author, Tanakh teacher and international lecturer. He teaches at Yeshivat Eretz Hatzvi, Midreshet Lindenbaum, and is Director of the Community Education Program, Summer Program and online learning at the Pardes Institute.
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2022-09-2827 min
The Scrimba PodcastCommunication skills for developers with Dylan Israel from AmazonIf you want to become a successful developer in 2021, communication skills are more important than you might think. In this episode, Dylan Israel from Amazon talks about Agile software practices, teamwork, working with your manager, boundaries, and dealing with anxiety as someone on the shyer or introverted side.Timestamps00:00 Introduction01:40 What to expect when you join a new team03:39 What is Agile development all about?08:35 Beware companies masquerading as "Agile"12:18 Ask these questions in your interview (and avoid a death march)12:55 Why communication skills are more crucial than you might think15:10 Effective communication i...
2021-06-2237 min
Family RenewalAlex Newman – Truth in JournalismJournalist and author, Alex Newman, joins Israel Wayne to discuss the search for truth in media. Liberty Sentinel Media CEO Alex Newman has traveled America and beyond speaking on crucial subjects and has been interviewed on hundreds of local, state, national, and international radio and TV programs, including many of America’s top conservative talk shows.
Alex Newman: https://libertysentinel.org/alex
Israel Wayne: www.FamilyRenewal.org
The post Alex Newman – Truth in Journalism appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
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2020-12-1843 min