Downtown Drash

Join RK Mijal and special guest Gabe Slamovits to study Parashat Ki Tetze! In this episode we discuss the wayward and rebellious son and the commandment to erase Amalek - what can they teach us in this season of repentance?

In this episode, Rabbi Joe and RK Mijal discuss the Torah as a political document. They examine the institution of the monarchy in Shoftim and investigate lessons from Eglah Arufah, the ritual performed by the leadership of a city when an unresolved murder is discovered in its vicinity.

In this podcast we confront the contemporary challenges with mourning in Tisha B'av - how can we understand these and how can we overcome them? We end the podcast with reflections on Va'ethanan and what lies at the heart of Moshe's last speech to the people of Israel.

In this episode we explore the portion of land that the two and a half tribes request, across the Jordan river. Is this the creation of the diaspora? What does the parsha teach us about yearning and promised lands based on this narrative? We conclude the episode by reflecting on the book of numbers and the metaphor of the desert.

In this episode we explore the daughters of Tzelofhad's demand to inherit the holy land. What can we learn from them about leadership, activism and change-making? And how does this parsha offer a contrast between them and the zealotry of Pinchas?

In this episode we consider the episode of the waters of strife, specifically - why was Moshe told he couldn't enter the promised land? Was this a punishment for a misdeed or something else about the nature of Moshe's life and leadership? We conclude the episode with a discussion on Balak and Bila'am and ask what their understanding of the people of Israel reveals.

In this episode we explore Korach's rebellion: was it really so bad for him to advocate for radically egalitarian holiness? We also discuss how the rabbinic tradition distinguishes between legitimate or illegitimate arguments and debates. We end the episode with Mijal offering a reflection on the legacy and thought of her great-uncle, Hakham Jose Faur z'l.

In this parsha we try to understand the spies. How could such great people sabotage the Israelite journey to the promised land? We also examine the relationship between the punishment of the generation of the desert—not entering the land—and the laws given about mitzvot (commandments) to be fulfilled in the land of Israel.

In this episode, we explore a turning point in the book of Bamidbar, from harmony and optimism to chaos and murmurings. We take stock of the parsha in light of current events and ask what the parsha can teach us this month.

In this episode we discuss ideas related to Shavuot. What does the scroll of Ruth teach us about the journey from disaster towards redemption? We conclude by sharing the metaphors that guide us as we contemplate the significance and beauty of Torah learning.

Beginning the fourth book of the Torah as the Jewish people ready their camp to journey towards the holy land. We discuss the transition in generations that occurs throughout Bamidbar and explore the purpose and function of carrying out a census.

In this double-parsha of Behar-Bechukotai, we explored societal, economic, and theological questions. Do the agricultural commandments in Behar align with socialism or with capitalism? And how do we understand God's promises of bounty or curses based on our behavior?

In this episode, we discuss the time period of Sefirat haomer (counting of the omer): what are the many layers of history and meaning embedded in it? We also explore the idea of Kiddush Hashem, that the best way to glorify and honor God is to behave in a way that others find worthy.

Acharei Mot-Kedoshim: What does it mean to have holy space? Ideas relating to kedusha and to Yom Ha'atzmaut.

New perspectives on Niddah, some thoughts on Tzaraat and grappling with how to approach Yom Hashoah.

A conversation on plague, bondage, and privilege in the midst of coronavirus.

How do we express gratitude? Dive into Parshat Tzav with us for some guidance.

New perspectives on korbanot (sacrifices).