Shows
Parsha StoriesTrumah - Giving Your AllListen to last year's telling of Parshat Trumah here!
Moshe is still up on Har Sinai receiving the Torah and he starts to learn about the construction of the Mishkan. Moshe is overwhelmed by the details and the craftmanship needed for such an expansive and important project. God offers Betzalel to help but Moshe is not sure whether he should take it.
2024-02-1410 minParsha StoriesMishpatim - Perfect Laws For The ImperfectClick here for last year's telling of Parshat Mishpatim!
Moshe ascends to the top of Har Sinai to receive the rest of the Torah to share with B'nai Yisrael. When he arrives at the top of the mountain he is met by the angels but his reception is not as warm as he anticipated. The angels express jealousy over the gift of the Torah but Moshe and God convince them that all is right with the world...well, actually, the opposite.
2024-02-0711 minParsha StoriesYitro - Na'asay What You Want To SayListen to last year's Parshat Yitro here!
B'nai Yisrael receives the great gift of the Torah but, according to the Midrash, it's not just them who are offered these life laws. Other nations have a chance to share in the Glory of Torah but they pass it up because it would require them to rise above their current personalities. Even B'nai Yisrael has a moment of doubt but nothing that can't be fixed with a floating mountain.
2024-01-3112 minParsha StoriesB'Shalach - Peg HeadListen to last year's telling of B'Shalach here!
Just like Moshe and Miriam lead the people in song after a great miracle, Devorah and Barak lead the people after a great generational miracle themselves. Devorah inspires Barak to call up an army against a formidable foe but their enemies are no match for God, and a well placed tent peg to the temple.
2024-01-2410 minParsha StoriesBo - Tale As Old As Time (For real this time)Sorry for the wrong upload at first. It should be correct now!
To hear last year's telling of Parshat Bo, click here!
Before the final plague that will set the people free, Moshe commands the people to perform the inaugural Pesach Seder. An important message is taught at this first Seder that will be sent down through the generations from King David to Ben Zoma and beyond!
2024-01-1912 minParsha StoriesVaera - A People En-plaguedClick here for last year's telling of Va'era!
Through Moshe and Aaron, God brings the first seven plagues to Egypt. Each plague slowly wears down the Egyptian people who argue with their stubborn leader to end the madness. The magicians struggle to maintain their loyalty to the Pharaoh as his approval ratings plummet.
2024-01-1112 minParsha StoriesShemot - Moshe Over and OverClick here for last year's telling of Parshat Shemot!
Moshe is famously raised in an Egyptian palace as a prince but he secretly is raised in the Israelite home of his biological parents. This teaches him the middot (Jewish values) to stand up for the oppressed - a skill that he uses over and over.
Enjoy the new theme song by Jonah Hassenfeld!
2024-01-0311 minParsha StoriesVayechi: The Yosef-inci CodeFor last year's telling of Parshat Va'Yechi, click here.
As Yosef is about to die he calls his sons to him with a final command and final code words to pass along through the generations. The code words catapult the story ahead 200 years to the time of Moshe when an unexpected, familiar face, is prepared to decipher the code and help Moshe lead.
2023-12-2710 minParsha StoriesVayigash - A Granddaughter's TouchCheck out last year's telling of this Parsha here!
When Yakov's sons find out that the Vice Pharaoh is their long lost brother, they worry about how to share this news to their father. Ever since Yosef's departure from the family, Yakov has been broken and even the slightest piece of dramatic news (even positive) could totally break him. So they look to an unexpected source to gently share the news!
2023-12-2011 minParsha StoriesMiketz - The Wise KingTo hear last year's telling of Miketz click here.
Yosef rises to Vice Pharaoh over Egypt and his brothers come cower before him, without realizing it's their long-lost brother. He decides to cleverly test them to see where their hearts lie. This motif is seen again in 1 Kings when Shlomo Ha'Melech uses his wisdom to put two mothers to the ultimate test.
2023-12-1310 minParsha StoriesVa'Yeshev - All Part of the PlanCheck out the full telling of Va'Yeshev from last year here
Check out an alternative telling of Va'Yeshev from last year here.
Yakov favors his son Yosef, which makes his brothers very angry. They throw him in a pit and eventually sell him to a caravan of Ishmalites on their way to Egypt. Yosef's story becomes even more dramatic landing him in jail. What we find out this week is that this dramatic unfolding of events is part of God's masterplan.
2023-12-1011 minParsha StoriesVaYishlach - Angels and DemonsCheck out last year's telling of Vayishlach.
Before Yakov re-encounters Esav he is confronted by a mysterious being that ends up having the divine power to bless him with a new name - Yisrael. A Midrash suggests that this encounter was an epic cosmic battle between the mortal Yakov and Esav's arch-angel that elevates Yakov to a super-natural being. Yes, this is Torah not Harry Potter.
2023-11-2912 minParsha StoriesVa'Yetze - Bye Bye ByeCheck out last year's telling of Va'Yetze here!
After a very successful 20 years in Haran, Yakov decides that it is time to leave his father-in-law/uncle's home. He departs in secret with his wives, children and his amassed wealth. Lavan is not thrilled with the idea but he is prepared to end things with Yakov on good terms as long as he returns one thing that Yakov, unknowingly, brought with him.
2023-11-2212 minParsha StoriesToldot - Can You Dig ItClick here for last year's telling of Toldot!
In between the dramatic encounters between Yakov and Esav, Yitzhak has his own dramatic moments with the locals of Canaan when a terrible famine the Holy Land. Yitzhak leans on his connection to God and his connection to his father to find success in unlikely places.
2023-11-1511 minParsha StoriesHayei Sarah - Game of ThronesClick here for last year's podcast on Hayei Sarah!
Sarah and Avraham both die, leaving the next generation to carry on the legacy that they leave behind. The Haftarah from this week, captures the same theme as David Ha'Melech (King David) lays on his deathbed and is forced to choose a successor from among his sons. All of the people in David's life begin to jockey for power with a new king eventually emerging to power.
2023-11-0912 minParsha StoriesVayera - Consider Yourself At TentClick here for last year's episode of Vayera!
After Avraham is forced to send away his eldest son Yishmael, he tracks his son down to find him married to a woman that does not share his values. Avraham is deeply committed to the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim and he expects his sons and nephew to live up to his high standard. It isn't until Yishmael's second wife that he finally gets the picture!
2023-11-0111 minParsha StoriesLech Lecha - Idol HandsClick here for last year's account of Lech Lecha!
In this Midrash we learn Avraham's origin story about how he becomes the chosen founder of monotheism. Even before God calls to a young Avram, he can tell that the polytheistic, idol worshipping lifestyle just does not make sense. But when he shines a light on the absurdity of this philosophy he makes enemies and needs God to save him for the first time.
2023-10-2513 minParsha StoriesLech Lecha - Idol HandsClick here for last year's account of Lech Lecha!
In this Midrash we learn Avraham's origin story about how he becomes the chosen founder of monotheism. Even before God calls to a young Avram, he can tell that the polytheistic, idol worshipping lifestyle just does not make sense. But when he shines a light on the absurdity of this philosophy he makes enemies and needs God to save him for the first time.
2023-10-2513 minParsha StoriesParshat Noach - Sit Down You're Rocking the Boat!God is displeased with the terrible choices that humans continuously make and decides that only one family is worthy of living on earth. He tells Noach to build an ark, offering plenty of time for Noach to save others as well - though Noach doesn't take the bait. After the flood, God seems to regret the choice and creates a rainbow as a symbol of peace and celebrating diversity.
2023-10-1811 minParsha StoriesShmeni Atzeret/Simchat Torah Special - Introducing a new hit (theme) song!Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld has been writing the theme songs for our podcasts for the past year and a half. He decided to write a whole new song with a new tone that perfectly captures the spirit of Simchat Torah and our commitment to re-starting a Torah learning. Enjoy his new song as a way to get into the spirit of a new Torah reading cycle!
2023-10-0311 minParsha StoriesSukkot - We're All In This TogetherFor the first time ever, this episode tells a story that is a Rabbi Tilles original! Based on two midrashim about the four species (lulav, etrog, hadas and arava) the question is asked, what is so special about these four plants. The answer is their willingness to see the specialness inside of each other!
2023-09-2710 minParsha StoriesHa'azinu - A Song of Heaven and EarthMoshe changes his tune...literally. He moves from a sermon to a song, speaking in metaphor about the Heavens and the Earth. At first the celestial beings are miffed that Moshe would lump them in with mortals, but we come to understand that he meant Heaven and Earth as a metaphor for body and soul. This song is the perfect lead up to the end of his life and to our Shabbat Shuvah.
2023-09-2012 minParsha StoriesRosh Hashanah - Hannah's PrayerThe Haftarah for Rosh Hashanah tells the story of how we learned how to pray with words. Hannah is jealous of her sister wife, Penina, as she struggles to have a child. Sacrifices to God are not working and, in desperation, she taps into her deep emotions to pray from her heart. Spoiler alert...it worked!
2023-09-1311 minParsha StoriesNitzavim/VaYelechMoshe tells the people that all of B'nai Yisrael, including the lowly wood-chopper and water-bearer will be a part of the Eternal Covenant with God. Yehoshua, Moshe's apprentice, takes note of this reference to the wood-chopper and water-bearer and uses it later when he is a leader of the people against the sneaky Givonim. Yehoshua learns to use his wit and the teachings of Moshe to enrich the Israelites in a dramatic turn of events.
2023-09-0610 minParsha StoriesKi Tavo - The Wandering FarmerMoshe describes a dramatic scene that was set to unfold once B'nai Yisrael enters the Land in which farmers would bring their Bikkurim, their first fruits, to the Temple and offer their food to God as a thank you. The Mishnah describes an even more elaborate and festive experience!
2023-08-3013 minParsha StoriesKi Tetzei - Letting Loose, Mother GooseMoshe turns his attention to the ethics of war as he continues to prepare the people for their conquest of the Holy Land. Inserted in his list of laws about warfare, he includes a Mitzvah about sending away the mother bird if you take her eggs. The rabbis have a lot of questions about this Mitzvah and the Zohar offers an uplifting story about how it represents God's unending compassion for us!
2023-08-2311 minParsha StoriesShoftim - Judge Me, Judge Me, Say That You'll Judge MeMoshe reminds the people that he will not be in the Promised Land to help them adjudicate tough decisions in their ultimate pursuit of Justice. B'nai Yisrael is commanded to establish a judicial system that all leaders will respect, as described in a dramatic account found in the Talmud.
2023-08-1511 minParsha StoriesParshat Re'ay - A Tithe to GiveMoshe reinforces that abundance of food that is awaiting B'nai Yisrael when they enter the Land but reminds them the importance of sharing the wealth. A familiar complaint resurfaces and a crazy story about the Talmud's Dr. Doolittle (Reb Pinchas) helps us understand why the complaint is unfounded.
2023-08-0811 minParsha StoriesEikev - Rain Rain Go AstrayMoshe's words to the people remind them that IF they don't follow the Laws of the Torah that God will keep rain from falling on the luscious Promised Land. We learn later on that King Ahab ignored the Torah and that it still rained, which made Eliyahu Ha'Navi very upset. We learn that God works in mysterious ways.
2023-08-0112 minParsha StoriesVa'Etchanan - Nahamu Ami: A Conversation with Joel Sussman from SafamThe message of this week's Haftarah was popularized by the band Safam and one of their song composers, Joel Sussman. Joel joins the podcast to explain his inspiration and thoughts about the message from the book of Isaiah and how it ties to our feelings as we come out of Tisha B'Av.
2023-07-2517 minParsha StoriesDevarim - Isaiah's VisionMoshe begins to review the story of the Israelite journey through the Midbar with the people as a way to reenforce the message that God had been with them through all of their battles with neighboring nations. A reaffirmation of God's power seems to be compelling for the Israelites of Moshe's generation but less so for the Jews of Isaiah's generation who foresees the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.
2023-07-1912 minParsha StoriesMatot/Masei - Oath KeepersAccording to a Midrash, God's command to maintain vows is transgressed by Tzidkiyahu Ha'Melekh drawing the ire of the Babylonian Emperor, Nebuchanezzar. With the Emporer betrayed, he takes his anger out on the Sanhedrin and the entire Jewish people by destroying Jerusalem and the Holy Temple. All of this, of course, had been prophesied by Yirmiyahu while he was still in his mother's womb.
2023-07-1113 minParsha StoriesPinchas - Haftarah RemixThe story of Pinchas is about one zealot who stands up to a straying Israelite nation. In this week's Haftarah, an infantile prophet, Yirmiyahu, is told that he will share troubling news with a straying Israelite nation as well.
2023-07-0411 minParsha StoriesHukkat/Balak - Haftarah RemixThe story of Balak is so memorable that it echoes through the generations from Shmuel to Yiftach to Micah.
2023-06-2712 minParsha StoriesKorach - Haftarah RemixKorach throws the leadership system into chaos with his failed rebellion. Many generations later, the Israelites have convinced God to abandon the Prophetic leadership structure in favor of a monarchy, leaving Shmuel very angry.
2023-06-2009 minParsha StoriesShelach Lecha (Remix)Join us in celebrating a full Torah reading cycle of our Parshat Podcast! This Parsha was our first Parsha Podcast and now we tell the story again! B'nai Yisrael is nervous about what life might be like in the Land of Israel. Moshe sends scouts to bring back reports of the Land and they return with mixed results!
2023-06-1315 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories Podcast (BeHaalotcha)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! This week, B’nai Yisrael starts their journeys off strong by organizing and fortifying their religious and military systems. But by the end, the “complaint department” is flooded with requests for meat and more significant food than the manna that the Israelites had been eating. God agrees to give them their meat but at a very steep cost.
2023-06-0611 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories Podcast (Naso)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! The story of Shimshon (Samson) from the haftarah dominates the story of this week’s Parsha Podcast. Shimshon the Nazir is gifted with superhuman strength, making him a champion for B’nai Yisrael against their Philistine enemies. Shimshon’s affinity for Philistine women, particularly Delila, puts him and all of the Israelites at grave risk.
2023-05-3014 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Shavuot Special)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! In this episode: Shabbat this week lines up with the second day of Shavuot, so we take a detour from our normal, weekly, parsha cycle. We all know the story of Revelation at Har Sinai (see Parshat Yitro) but what was B’nai Yisrael thinking the night before the Torah is given? What do they talk about while Moshe is gone? Find out in this week’s Shavuot Special!
2023-05-2411 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Bemidbar)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! In this episode: As B’nai Yisrael prepares to start their journey through the Midbar (the Wilderness), they need to assemble an army. God has Moshe take a census to conscribe the adult males of fighting age as well as to assign the Leviim as protectors of the Mishkan.
2023-05-1810 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Behar-Behukotai)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! In this episode: B’nai Yisrael is finally ready to begin their journey to Eretz Yisrael from their stop at the foot of Har Sinai. Before they can begin their journey to the Holy Land, God and Moshe have some rules that they need to know before they can enter this magical land. Laws about shmita, yovel and loans are explained so that B’nai Yisrael can merit living in such a special place but one person hates the idea: Yunkele the Farmer.
2023-05-1114 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Emor)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! In this episode, B’nai Yisrael is introduced to the most beautiful and joyous aspect of our tradition: the haggim (holidays)! But not everyone is so excited about the haggim because being a part of community means making sacrifices and not always prioritizing wealth. Everyone’s favorite (imaginary) complainer, Yunkele The Farmer, expresses concerns about “wasting time” celebrating holidays, but we all know better!
2023-05-0415 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Acharei Mot/Kedoshim)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! In this episode, after Aaron’s sons have died, Aaron learns about a new skill he must hone as the Kohen Gadol: the ability to ask forgiveness for the entire community. As an act of love, Aaron would sacrifice one goat to the Lord and send the other off to Azazel as a symbol of casting away transgressions. Aaron's theme of love continues as we learn that, unlike in Egypt, love is considered the holiest act that one can perform.
2023-04-2610 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Tazria/Metzorah)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! In this episode: As B’nai Yisrael is figuring out how to properly use the newly built Mishkan, we learn about the health attestation that has to be performed by the Kohanim to make sure that everyone who is bringing sacrifices is considered Tahor (ritually fit). It’s not just the physical body that has to be prepared, but we come to find out that bad behaviors can also lead to bad outcomes!
2023-04-1913 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Shmeni)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! In this episode, Aaron and his sons have been studying the laws of the Korbanot (sacrifices) and are finally ready to consecrate the Mishkan and start using the Tabernacle as a functioning location. All of the Israelites gather to watch the first successful sacrifice, which is followed by a tragic accident. This sad event causes Moshe to remind the people to be diligent about animals they can and can't bring for sacrifices.
2023-04-0913 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Tzav/Shabbat HaGadol)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! In this episode, Moshe continues to convey the laws of the Kohen, the Kohen Gadol and the korbanot (sacrifices) to his brother Aaron. Aaron asks important questions to more deeply understand the expectations of him and his children. Also this week, we review the story of Eliyahu Ha’Navi and how he awaits the opportunity to return to earth to usher in the coming of the Mashiach.
2023-03-3012 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Vayikra)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles. In this episode: With the Mishkan finally built, it is time for B’nai Yisrael to start bringing korbanot to get closer to G-d. However, not just anyone can bring whatever sacrifices they want whenever they want, so Moshe has to convey the strict expectations to Aaron and his sons. Moshe and G-d convene in their new meeting place: the Ohel Moed. While there, G-d and Moshe make a plan for how to share this extremely important, and holy, information.
2023-03-2210 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Va’Yakhel/Pikudei)In this week’s double parsha, Moshe instructs the people how to build the Mishkan, the portable house where God will dwell. Thanks to the generous donations and hard work of B’nai Yisrael (for six days at a time), the Mishkan is completed after one year. Now the Divine Presence, the shechina, is able to dwell among the people and journey with them through their travels in the Midbar (wilderness).
2023-03-1510 min
Parsha StoriesMaduah Madah: What 14th Century Jews of Erfurt Germany Can Teach Us TodayDr. David Reich, a Schechter parent and Harvard geneticist, joins Rabbi Ravid Tilles, Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld and Schechter 8th graders in a discussion of history, science and heritage.
2023-03-1427 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Shemot-Ki Tisa)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! In this episode, B’nai Yisrael’s impatience with Moshe’s being on top of Har Sinai finally reaches a boiling point and they gather to confront their deputized leader: Aaron. Seemingly in attempt to buy time while they waited for Moshe’s return, Aaron advises the people to build an idol as a replacement for Moshe. The Israelites end up worshipping this cow and, in the meantime, break the first and second of the Ten Commandments that they had just received. This all angers Moshe and God, though Moshe le...
2023-03-0824 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Shemot-Tetzaveh)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! In this episode, God continues to share mitzvot about the Mishkan. We learn about more elements of the Mishkan and about the role that the Kohanim would play in the Mishkan including their special clothing. Once such special garb is the Hoshen Mishpat which seemingly offers the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) a chance to connect to God in magical, spiritual ways. There are multiple stories about the power of the Hoshen Mishpat in the story of the Israelites. All of these laws are given to Moshe while B'nai Yisrael...
2023-03-0113 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Sefer Shemot-Trumah)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! In this episode, Moshe is still up on Har Sinai receiving the rest of the Torah to share with B'nai Yisrael. The majority of the instructions enumerated in this week’s parsha are about the construction of God's home: the Mishkan, which is to be built out of precious materials (metals, stones and textiles). This week, we explore some Midrashim that give answers to the natural question that emerges in this Parsha: where do a bunch of slaves find precious materials?
2023-02-2012 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Sefer Shemot-Mishpatim)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! Moshe ascends to the top of the mountain to begin the process of receiving the rest of the Torah now that all of B'nai Yisrael has heard the Aseret Hadibrot. These first laws given by God to Moshe on Har Sinai lay the foundation for a moral society that is based on laws and share understandings, including what to do when someone you hate needs your help.
2023-02-1410 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Sefer Shemot-Yitro)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! Now that B’nai Yisrael is absolutely free from Egypt, Moshe’s father-in-law, Yitro, instructs him to delegate responsibility to other leaders, so that Moshe can live a more balanced life. In order for that to happen, the word of God must be written down and transmitted through the Torah. So God and Moshe gather the people at the base of Har Sinai and, in one of the most dramatic and intense moments described in the Torah, God reveals the Aseret Ha’Dibrot (the Ten Commandments) to all of B’nai...
2023-02-0710 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Sefer Shemot-B’Shalach)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! After the final plague, B’nai Yisrael is ready to start their journey to Eretz Yisrael but have one final hurdle to overcome. God commands Moshe to bring B’nai Yisrael “the long way,” which means that they are stopped by the massive Yam Suf (Sea of Reeds). Meanwhile, Pharaoh leads his entire army to chase the Israelites to recapture them, which brings about two extraordinary miracles including the splitting of the sea. By the end, B’nai Yisrael fully has the Egyptians in their rear-view mirror.
2023-01-3112 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Sefer Shemot-Bo)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! The final three plagues prove to be enough to break Pharaoh's stubborn spirit as the Israelites leave Egypt on their journey to freedom and redemption. Before they can be freed, the Israelites must show their faith in God by slaughtering a lamb and practicing the first ever Passover Seder. The parsha ends with the beginning of their journey out of Egypt but, as we will see, their adventure is far from over.
Listen to learn more about Parashat Bo.
2023-01-2512 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Sefer Shemot-Vaera)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! The war between God and Pharaoh, with Moshe as the emissary, becomes more destructive with the first seven plagues. Moshe and B'nai Yisrael struggle to maintain faith, though they are awed by God's wonders and miracles. The promise of a much darker future for Egypt emerges.
Listen to learn more about Parashat Vaera.
2023-01-1713 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Sefer Shemot-Shemot)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! This new book of the Torah (with a new theme song!) begins with a new pharaoh as king of Egypt. This new pharaoh enslaves B’nai Yisrael, embittering their lives. Thanks to the bravery of Shifra, Puah, Yochevet, Miriam and Bat-Pharaoh, Moshe is born and protected, so that he can grow up and free the people from their slavery. At the end of the parsha, God calls to Moshe at the (non)Burning Bush, and the stage is set for the eventual redemption.
2023-01-1011 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Sefer Bereisheit-Va'Yehi)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! In this episode, Sefer Bereishit ends with the deaths of Yakov and Yosef. But, before they die, they have final messages for their children and grandchildren. Yakov’s wishes to have his body returned to Canaan are realized with great fidelity, while Yosef’s bones remain in an Egyptian tomb—foreshadowing a diminishing relationship with Egypt. Hazak Hazak V’Nithazek.
Listen now to the episode:
2023-01-0412 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Sefer Bereisheit-Va'Yigash)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! In this episode, Yehudah bravely approaches Yosef, acting as the Vice Pharaoh, to save Binyamin's life. Yosef is so deeply moved by Yehudah's speech that he can't help but reveal his true identity to his brothers. After some apprehension, the brothers are reunited and they return to Cana'an to retrieve Yakov and bring him to Egypt as well. On his way down to Egypt, Yakov worries about what might be in store for B'nai Yisrael in a foreign land but God promises Yakov that his children would one day...
2022-12-2712 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Sefer Bereisheit-Miketz)This is the full recording of the story of Miketz. Yosef rises through the power ranks of Egypt to become the Vice Pharaoh. His earlier dreams are realized when his brothers bow to him as they beg for food during the seven years of famine. Yosef is not ready to reveal himself to his brothers and sets them up to force Yakov to send Binyamin to Egypt as well. The drama continues!
2022-12-2219 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Sefer Bereisheit-Va'Yeshev-Full Bonus Edition)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! In this episode, now that Yakov has settled back in the Land of Cana'an he finds himself with 12 sons, one daughter, and three mothers to his children. However, his heart is not full because his most beloved wife, Rachel, has died. In order to fill the void left by Rachel, Yakov dotes on her oldest son, Yosef, and shows extra favor to him. This causes resentment from the other brothers who throw him in a pit and sell him to slavery. But things are not so bad for Yosef...
2022-12-1321 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Sefer Bereisheit-Va'Yeshev-Devash Edition)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! In this episode, the dramatic saga of Yosef and his brothers begins in this Parsha. (For the full story, check out our other podcast for this parsha.) This podcast focuses on how Reuven's choice to throw Yosef into a pit actually saves his life and how the prisoners in the Egyptian jail establish Yosef's reputation as a dream interpreter. Get out your Devash and study together!
2022-12-1310 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Sefer Bereisheit-Vayishlach)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! In this episode, Yakov is ready to return home to Canaan but he has to confront his brother, Esav, first. While waiting for this tense reunion, Yakov meets an angel who blesses him with a new name (Yisrael) and the promise of safety. Yakov and Esav embrace and seem to overcome their previous animosity so that Yakov can return in safety. But when Yakov arrives back to Canaan, there is even more drama that awaits his family.
2022-12-0609 min
Parsha StoriesParsha Stories (Sefer Bereisheit-Va'Yetze)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! In this episode, Yakov runs away to Haran to start his new life hoping to free himself from drama. He finds that he can't escape trickery and sibling rivalry and eventually decides to return to Cana'an. But first he creates a LARGE family, earns money and prepares himself for a potential encounter with Esav.
Listen now to the episode on Parashat Va'Yetze.
2022-12-0112 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Sefer Bereisheit-Toldot)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! We’re making our way through the first book of the Torah, Sefer Bereisheit!
Listen now to the episode on Parashat Toldot.
2022-11-2312 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Sefer Bereisheit-Hayei Sarah)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! We’re making our way through the first book of the Torah, Sefer Bereisheit!
Listen now to the episode on Parashat Hayei Sarah.
2022-11-1610 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Sefer Bereisheit-Va'Yera)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! We’re at the beginning of the Torah now—starting with creation!
Listen now to the episode on Parashat Va'Yera.
Note: Parent Discretion is advised (contains allusion to child sacrifice).
2022-11-0812 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Sefer Bereisheit-Lech Lecha)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! We’re at the beginning of the Torah now—starting with creation!
Listen now to the episode on Parashat Lech Lecha.
2022-11-0210 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Sefer Bereisheit-Noach)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! We’re at the beginning of the Torah now—starting with creation!
Listen now to the episode on Parashat Noach.
2022-10-2612 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Sefer Bereisheit-Bereisheit)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! We’re at the beginning of the Torah now—starting with creation! Listen now to the episode on Parashat Bereisheit.
2022-10-2015 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Sefer Devarim-V’zot Habracha)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! We’ve reached the end of Sefer Devarim (the last book of the Torah) and its engaging stories about B’nai Yisrael’s adventures in the wilderness. There is danger, intrigue and a lot of complaining!
Listen now to the 16th episode on Parashat V’zot Habracha.
2022-10-1309 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Sefer Devarim-Va’yelech and Ha’azinu)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! We’ve come to the end of Sefer Devarim (the last book of the Torah) and its engaging stories about B’nai Yisrael’s adventures in the wilderness. There is danger, intrigue and a lot of complaining!
Listen now to the 15th episode on Parshiot Va’yelech and Ha’azinu.
2022-10-0412 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Sefer Devarim-Nitzavim)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! We’re making our way through Sefer Devarim (the last book of the Torah) and its engaging stories about B’nai Yisrael’s adventures in the wilderness. There is danger, intrigue and a lot of complaining!
Listen now to the 14th episode on Parshat Nitzavim.
2022-09-2009 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Sefer Devarim-Ki Tavo)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! We’re continuing our way through Sefer Devarim (the last book of the Torah) and its engaging stories about B’nai Yisrael’s adventures in the wilderness. There is danger, intrigue and a lot of complaining!
Listen now to the 13th episode on Parshat Ki Tavo.
2022-09-1309 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Sefer Devarim-Ki Tetzei)Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! We’re continuing our way through Sefer Devarim (the last book of the Torah) and its engaging stories about B’nai Yisrael’s adventures in the wilderness. There is danger, intrigue and a lot of complaining!
Listen now to the 12th episode on Parshat Ki Tetzei:
2022-09-0709 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Sefer Devarim-Shoftim)Keep up with the weekly parsha over the summer with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! Each week of Sefer Devarim (the last book of the Torah) has engaging stories about B’nai Yisrael’s adventures in the wilderness. There is danger, intrigue and a lot of complaining!
2022-08-2910 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Sefer Devarim-Reieh)Keep up with the weekly parsha over the summer with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! Each week of Sefer Devarim (the last book of the Torah) has engaging stories about B’nai Yisrael’s adventures in the wilderness. There is danger, intrigue and a lot of complaining!
2022-08-2210 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Sefer Devarim-Ekev)Keep up with the weekly parsha over the summer with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! Each week of Sefer Devarim (the last book of the Torah) has engaging stories about B’nai Yisrael’s adventures in the wilderness. There is danger, intrigue and a lot of complaining!
2022-08-1610 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories (Sefer Devarim-V’etchanan)Keep up with the weekly parsha over the summer with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! Each week of Sefer Devarim (the last book of the Torah) has engaging stories about B’nai Yisrael’s adventures in the wilderness. There is danger, intrigue and a lot of complaining!
2022-08-0910 minParsha StoriesParsha Stories: Tisha B'Av Special EditionKeep up with the weekly parsha over the summer with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! Each week of Sefer Bamidbar (the fourth book of the Torah) has engaging stories about B’nai Yisrael’s adventures in the wilderness. There is danger, intrigue and a lot of complaining!
2022-08-0114 min
Parsha StoriesParsha Stories (Sefer Bamidbar-Matot-Masei)Keep up with the weekly parsha over the summer with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! Each week of Sefer Bamidbar (the fourth book of the Torah) has engaging stories about B’nai Yisrael’s adventures in the wilderness. There is danger, intrigue and a lot of complaining!
2022-07-2509 min
Parsha StoriesParsha Stories (Sefer Bamidbar-Pinhas)Keep up with the weekly parsha over the summer with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! Each week of Sefer Bamidbar (the fourth book of the Torah) has engaging stories about B’nai Yisrael’s adventures in the wilderness. There is danger, intrigue and a lot of complaining!
2022-07-1809 min
Parsha StoriesParsha Stories (Sefer Bamidbar-Balak)Keep up with the weekly parsha over the summer with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! Each week of Sefer Bamidbar (the fourth book of the Torah) has engaging stories about B’nai Yisrael’s adventures in the wilderness. There is danger, intrigue and a lot of complaining!
2022-07-1110 min
Parsha StoriesParsha Stories (Sefer Bamidbar-Hukat)Keep up with the weekly parsha over the summer with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! Each week of Sefer Bamidbar (the fourth book of the Torah) has engaging stories about B’nai Yisrael’s adventures in the wilderness. There is danger, intrigue and a lot of complaining!
2022-07-0410 min
Parsha StoriesParsha Stories (Sefer Bamidbar-Korach)Keep up with the weekly parsha over the summer with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! Each week of Sefer Bamidbar (the fourth book of the Torah) has engaging stories about B’nai Yisrael’s adventures in the wilderness. There is danger, intrigue and a lot of complaining!
Listen now the second episode on Parshat Korach.
2022-06-2810 min
Parsha StoriesParsha Stories (Sefer Bamidbar-Shelach)Keep up with the weekly Parsha over the summer with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! Each week of Sefer Bamidbar (the fourth book of the Torah) has engaging stories about B’nai Yisrael’s adventures in the wilderness. There is danger, intrigue and a lot of complaining!
2022-06-2211 min
Parsha StoriesMilking One Last EpisodeIt is the season (and maybe series) finale of Maduah Madah, and it is all about dairy! In honor of Shavuot, and the tradition to eat dairy during the holiday, Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Tim Morris talk about the science of milk and how cheese is made. Chag Sameach everyone!
2022-06-0220 min
Parsha StoriesRaising the Passover Food ProblemRabbi Tilles, Dr. Morris and, a returning guest, Galit Konstantine, discuss the science behind Passover foods. How does bread leaven? What exactly is corn syrup? And why will they never be able to make a delicious Passover cereal?!
2022-04-0721 min
Parsha StoriesMade Ya Look - A Purim PodcastThe holiday of Purim is all about illusions and hidden messages. Rabbi Tilles and Dr. Morris discuss the science of optical illusions and general concepts about vision. But be careful, things are not always as they seem...though this is actually a podcast.
2022-03-1522 min
Parsha StoriesOh The HumanityRabbi Tilles, Dr. Morris and a special guest, Jewish Studies Curriculum Coordinator Amy Newman, discuss what it means to be human. What distinguishes us from other animal species and how do religion and science grapple with this existential question?
2022-02-0825 min
Parsha StoriesThe Life of a Tree of LifeIn celebration of Tu Bishvat, the New Year of the Trees, Rabbi Tilles and Dr. Morris discuss the lifecycle of a tree and its place in the ecosystem. You will learn all of the information that you need to know to appreciate the existence of trees and maybe even a little TMI (tree making information).
2022-01-1722 min
Parsha StoriesScientific Meaning of MiraclesRabbi Tilles, Dr. Morris and special guest Ferris Unni discuss the well-known miracle of the splitting of the Red Sea. The conversation delves into the big questions that center around the intersection between science and religion when thinking about thresholds for proof and what is "meaningful."
2022-01-1021 min
Parsha StoriesIt's Raining Hail!With the story of the 10 plagues coming up in our weekly Torah reading cycle, and with winter upon us in New England, it is a great time to talk about hail, sleet and snow!
2021-12-2120 min
2021-12-0320 min
Parsha StoriesSpecial Uncut Hanukkah Edition: To Have A Little DriedelThe science behind everybody's favorite Hanukkah game!
2021-12-0318 min
Parsha StoriesDeep Fried Hanukkah SpecialHanukkah has the best foods because they are made with oil and oil tastes so good! But why? Join Rabbi Ravid Tilles, Dr. Tim Morris and culinary expert Galit Konstantine to discuss the molecular properties and practical uses of oil in honor of Hanukkah!
2021-11-1518 min
Parsha StoriesThe Bright Side of the MoonToday is Rosh Hodesh Kislev—the first day of the month of Kislev! We can know that because of the new moon, whose lunar cycles and phases have dictated our calendar for millennia. Check out the latest episode of Maduah Madah, with Rabbi Tilles and Dr. Tim Morris as they discuss the science and religious relevance of the moon!
2021-11-0417 min
Parsha StoriesDew You Know About Etrog?The science behind dew and their connection to the etrog (citron).
2021-09-2319 min
Parsha StoriesThe Science Behind the ShofarDo you know why the shofar sounds the way it does? Tune in for the science behind the shofar with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Science Teacher Mr. Morris.
2021-09-0116 min