Jewish Matters

Modernity and the Enlightenment offered Jews in the 1700s the ability to leave the ghetto, to have rights and opportunities they had never had before, and to be safe from persecution. The American and French Revolutions transformed the world and the Jewish world. With those opportunities came changes and challenges, the challenge of assimilation, and changes to the Jewish community and to Judaism, which would set the course of Jewish history for the next 230 years until this very day. The visual part of the talk and the presentation can be found on our YouTube channel by this link: https://youtu.be/dlbuymIRnRk?si=Aa5hZU5bdHzMiuYR

Modernity and the Enlightenment offered Jews in the 1700s the ability to leave the ghetto, to have rights and opportunities they had never had before, and to be safe from persecution. The American and French Revolutions transformed the world and the Jewish world. With those opportunities came changes and challenges, the challenge of assimilation, and changes to the Jewish community and to Judaism, which would set the course of Jewish history for the next 230 years until this very day. The visual part of the talk and the presentation can be found on our YouTube channel by this link: https://youtu.be/dlbuymIRnRk?si=Aa5hZU5bdHzMiuYR

Modernity and the Enlightenment offered Jews in the 1700s the ability to leave the ghetto, to have rights and opportunities they had never had before, and to be safe from persecution. The American and French Revolutions transformed the world and the Jewish world. With those opportunities came changes and challenges, the challenge of assimilation, and changes to the Jewish community and to Judaism, which would set the course of Jewish history for the next 230 years until this very day. The visual part of the talk and the presentation can be found on our YouTube channel by this link: https://youtu.be/dlbuymIRnRk?si=Aa5hZU5bdHzMiuYR

With the expulsion of the Jewish people from Israel by the Romans, we are faced with new challenges. Stateless, Jews will be vulnerable and persecuted.  However, there will also be great moments of scholarly creativity in Torah and in our contribution to the general societies of the host countries.  We will trace the journeys of Sefardic Jewry in the Arab world, and Ashkenazic Jewry in Europe, and look at some of the great leading figures. The visual part of the talk and the presentation can be found on our YouTube channel by this link: https://youtu.be/dlbuymIRnRk?si=Aa5hZU5bdHzMiuYR

With the expulsion of the Jewish people from Israel by the Romans, we are faced with new challenges. Stateless, Jews will be vulnerable and persecuted.  However, there will also be great moments of scholarly creativity in Torah and in our contribution to the general societies of the host countries.  We will trace the journeys of Sefardic Jewry in the Arab world, and Ashkenazic Jewry in Europe, and look at some of the great leading figures. The visual part of the talk and the presentation can be found on our YouTube channel by this link: https://youtu.be/dlbuymIRnRk?si=Aa5hZU5bdHzMiuYR

With the expulsion of the Jewish people from Israel by the Romans, we are faced with new challenges. Stateless, Jews will be vulnerable and persecuted. However, there will also be great moments of scholarly creativity in Torah and in our contribution to the general societies of the host countries. We will trace the journeys of Sefardic Jewry in the Arab world, and Ashkenazic Jewry in Europe, and look at some of the great leading figures. The visual part of the talk and the presentation can be found on our YouTube channel by this link: https://youtu.be/dlbuymIRnRk?si=Aa5hZU5bdHzMiuYR

The Second Temple (520 BCE-70 CE) was a period of Jewish Rebellions, the Maccabees against the Syrian Greeks, the Dead Sea Scrolls authors against the Priestly Establishment, the early Christians against Judaism, and the Jewish Zealots against the Roman oppressive rule.  We will discuss the origins of the holiday of Chanukah, and the origins of the writing of the Talmud, and how the Rabbinic leadership prepared the people for exile from the land of Israel. The visual part of the talk and the presentation can be found on our YouTube channel by this link: https://youtu.be/dlbuymIRnRk?si=Aa5hZU5bdHzMiuYR

The Second Temple (520 BCE-70 CE) was a period of Jewish Rebellions, the Maccabees against the Syrian Greeks, the Dead Sea Scrolls authors against the Priestly Establishment, the early Christians against Judaism, and the Jewish Zealots against the Roman oppressive rule.  We will discuss the origins of the holiday of Chanukah, and the origins of the writing of the Talmud, and how the Rabbinic leadership prepared the people for exile from the land of Israel. The visual part of the talk and the presentation can be found on our YouTube channel by this link: https://youtu.be/dlbuymIRnRk?si=Aa5hZU5bdHzMiuYR

The Second Temple (520 BCE-70 CE) was a period of Jewish Rebellions, the Maccabees against the Syrian Greeks, the Dead Sea Scrolls authors against the Priestly Establishment, the early Christians against Judaism, and the Jewish Zealots against the Roman oppressive rule.  We will discuss the origins of the holiday of Chanukah, and the origins of the writing of the Talmud, and how the Rabbinic leadership prepared the people for exile from the land of Israel. The visual part of the talk and the presentation can be found on our YouTube channel by this link: https://youtu.be/dlbuymIRnRk?si=Aa5hZU5bdHzMiuYR

The Second Temple period will look at the Jewish rebellions, including the Maccabees against the Greeks, the Jews against the Romans, Bar Kochba's reconquest of Jerusalem, and the splintering of Jewish society into numerous Jewish sects.  We will discuss the significance of the development of the Talmud and the Dead Sea Scrolls.  Also considered will be Jesus' Jewish identity and the beginnings of Christianity emerging from Judaism. The visual part of the talk and the presentation can be found on our YouTube channel by this link: https://youtu.be/dlbuymIRnRk?si=Aa5hZU5bdHzMiuYR

The Second Temple period will look at the Jewish rebellions, including the Maccabees against the Greeks, the Jews against the Romans, Bar Kochba's reconquest of Jerusalem, and the splintering of Jewish society into numerous Jewish sects.  We will discuss the significance of the development of the Talmud and the Dead Sea Scrolls.  Also considered will be Jesus' Jewish identity and the beginnings of Christianity emerging from Judaism. The visual part of the talk and the presentation can be found on our YouTube channel by this link: https://youtu.be/dlbuymIRnRk?si=Aa5hZU5bdHzMiuYR

The Second Temple period will look at the Jewish rebellions, including the Maccabees against the Greeks, the Jews against the Romans, Bar Kochba's reconquest of Jerusalem, and the splintering of Jewish society into numerous Jewish sects.  We will discuss the significance of the development of the Talmud and the Dead Sea Scrolls.  Also considered will be Jesus' Jewish identity and the beginnings of Christianity emerging from Judaism. The visual part of the talk and the presentation can be found on our YouTube channel by this link: https://youtu.be/dlbuymIRnRk?si=Aa5hZU5bdHzMiuYR

We will explore the Genesis of Judaism with Abraham's journey to Israel and his revolution of human civilization and outlook. We will trace the descent of Jacob to Egypt, the growth of the Hebrews into a nation, and the Exodus from Egypt. Examining the historical record, we will investigate the evidence for the Exodus, the journey through the Sinai desert, and Joshua's conquest of the land of Israel. The visual part of the talk and the presentation can be found on our YouTube channel by this link: https://youtu.be/dlbuymIRnRk?si=Aa5hZU5bdHzMiuYR

We will explore the Genesis of Judaism with Abraham's journey to Israel and his revolution of human civilization and outlook. We will trace the descent of Jacob to Egypt, the growth of the Hebrews into a nation, and the Exodus from Egypt. Examining the historical record, we will investigate the evidence for the Exodus, the journey through the Sinai desert, and Joshua's conquest of the land of Israel. The visual part of the talk and presentation can be found on our YouTube channel by this link: https://youtu.be/Yb-c_LKmH3E?si=Vrr7A1V5FBhRdT3c

We will explore the Genesis of Judaism with Abraham's journey to Israel and his revolution of human civilization and outlook. We will trace the descent of Jacob to Egypt, the growth of the Hebrews into a nation, and the Exodus from Egypt. Examining the historical record, we will investigate the evidence for the Exodus, the journey through the Sinai desert, and Joshua's conquest of the land of Israel. The visual part of the talk and presentation can be found on our YouTube channel by this link: https://youtu.be/RaP1WVW0AKs?si=1113_gNZvnipRsIh

Leviticus # 1: Parshat Vayikra -Understanding The Book of Leviticus with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman PhD on the Jewish Matters Podcast   The Book of Leviticus brings us into a new area of Torah, the service in the Temple, sacrifices and holiness.  How do we understand animal sacrifices in a modern framework?  What does the service in the Temple tell us about our own service and connection to the Almighty?

Join Tribe Tel Aviv for Putting Your Life on the Line to Defend Israel:Jewish Ethics of War with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman Israeli soldiers enter the line of fire to defend their homeland. When are we allowed to put our lives in danger? What about to save another person such as the hostages? Is everyone capable of being a soldier? What is the code of ethics for the IDF? Source Sheet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1loqyWpwisoX3tUCjJQ_g3bFucYfaMf1w/view?usp=sharing

Tribe Tel Aviv's Sunset Series invites you to hear from Adele Raemer speaking about "A Survivor's Story from October 7th"  Adele Raemer is an American born Israeli who has lives in Kibbutz Nirim, one mile from the border with the Gaza Strip since 1975.  She founded and moderates an 8,000 member-strong Facebook group called Life on the Border with Gaza. As a blogger and spokesperson she has traveled throughout the world speaking on behalf of the Israeli Foreign Ministry, the Jewish National Fund , and addressed the UN Security Council in 2019.   Since Oct 7th, she has participated in two delegations sent abroad to speak with lawmakers in Washington DC and in Berlin, Germany and has been interviewed on CNN, Fox News, Wall Street Journal and CBS. 

Tribe Tel Aviv's Sunset Series presents "Stand With Israel Online: Know How to Answer" with Influencer Emily Schrader About the Talk: Schrader will share how you can respond to online hate and anti-Israel bias. She will explain which phrases to use and which to avoid, which messages are most important and how to most effectively use online platforms to dispel misinformation and hate. About Our Speaker: Emily Schrader is a journalist, lecturer, and award winning content creator. As an American-Israeli, her work focuses on sharing real stories from the Middle East, as well as fighting various forms of bigotry in the region.

Tribe Tel Aviv's Sunset Series with Corey Feldman: Report From Gaza: Serving in IDF Special Forces Corey speaks about his experience serving in the Gaza War for the past month, after coming from the US to serve in reserve duty. About Our Speaker: Cory served as a lone soldier in IDF speical forces and wrote " A Line in the Sand" about his experiences. He also runs The Lone Soldier Podcast. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Corey Feldman moved to Israel and enlisted in the IDF. Corey served for 3 years in the special forces, and has just completed his 10th year in the reserves, where he holds the rank of Master Sergeant. Corey has an Executive MBA from the Quantic School of Business and Technology, and a Masters in Healthcare Innovation from The University of Pennsylvania. Corey is a volunteer EMT with the Central Park Medical Unit, procudes the podcast, Healthcare Reimagined, which can be found on Spotify and Apple podcasts. Since leaving the military, Corey has spent his career scaling early stage healthcare companies as an investor and growth leader, and is currently fundraising for his healthcare startup Covered.

Tribe Tel Aviv presents Anti-Semitism: Why They Love to Hate Us with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman Source Sheet Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NZ0fjJhBt9RGbWgdk3A995oFJHe2SLeE/view?usp=drive_link The world is exploding with anti-Israel/anti-semitic outbreaks in academia, the media and demonstrations. Why is anti-semitism so biased, so virulent and so widespread throughout all periods of Jewish history?  

Tribe Tel Aviv's Sunset Series presents: Join the Battle: Fighting for Israel Online The world is blowing up with anti-Israel propaganda and hatred. Learn why the battle online for Israel can be as important as that of our soldiers. Find out why it is vital for you to be online for Irael and how you can truly can make a difference. Eytan Rund is an author, speaker and a tour guide. He's from Jerusalem but lives in Gush Etzion for the past few years. He holds a masters in Middle East studies and specializes in lectures about Islam, Israel and the middle east. HIs book, How isis Saved Israel is soon to be published.

Join Tribe Tel Aviv's Sunset Series for Ransoming Hostages: Jewish Ethics in War with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman  For the source sheet click here. Israel is facing one of it's greatest challenges.  Heartwrenching decisions are being made about how to free the hostages abducted on October 7. Should we negotiate with Hamas? What is the price that should be paid? Will buying their freedom encourage them to take more hostages? What about the anguish of the families?

Tribe Tel Aviv Hosts The Sunset Series:  Israel & The World After the Gaza War: A Geopolitical Analysis w/ Ido Aharoni Ido Aharoni Aronoff, a distinguished Israeli diplomat and public figure, boasts a 25-year career in Israel's Foreign Service. Born in Tel Aviv to a historic Israeli family, he is renowned for his expertise in public diplomacy, place positioning, and branding. Aharoni is the founder of the Brand Israel Program and has served as Israel's longest-serving Consul-General in New York (2010-2016). He is a trusted advisor to global companies, a public speaker, university lecturer, writer, investor, and the host of TAU Unbound, the official English language podcast of Tel Aviv University.

Tribe Tel Aviv hosts:  Jewish Ethics in War & Civilian Casualties with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman Link to the Source Sheet:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zXyBjam4iMxn2EabwVpq7b3xi1K21_l0/view?usp=drive_link Israel is facing one of it's greatest challenges.  A people who loves peace must now be at war.  How do we defend ourselves with strength and still live up to our Jewish values which cherishes human life? What do we do when civilians are in the battlefield and there will be civilian life lost?  We will turn to classical and modern Jewish sources to address these questions .  

Tribe Tel Aviv hosts the Sunset Series: Facing Hezbollah with Christian Maronite Shadi Khalloul: About Our Speaker: Capt. (Res.) Shadi Khalloul lives on the border with Lebanon.  He is an Israeli Aramaic Christian Maronite from Kfar Birem and served as a lieutenant in a paratrooper division in the IDF. He is Chairman of the Aramaic Christian Association.  Shadi is an entrepreneur and works to build bridges between Christians and Jews in Israel. He is also involved in activities to revive Aramaic-Syriac as a spoken language among Maronites and other Christians in Israel. 

Tribe Tel Aviv's Sunset Series hosts: The Simhat Torah War: One Week in -What is Next?  with Elliot Chodoff Elliot Chodoff is a political and military analyst specializing in the Middle East conflict and the global war on terrorists and Military Analyst at Hamartzim Educational Services. His writings on Combat Motivation and Effectiveness in Infantry Units has been on the recommended reading list at the US Army War College. His articles have appeared in the Washington Times, National Post of Canada, and numerous web journals. He is a lecturer at the University of Haifa and is writing a PhD dissertation in International Relations at Bar Ilan University on deterrence of terrorism. Elliot is a Major ® in the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) reserves and is a graduate of the Home Front Command Senior Commanders Course. He presently serves as the Population Officer in the Operations Branch of IDF Northern Command. Elliot moved to Israel in 1983 and is a founding member of Eshchar, a community village in the Galilee, where he resides.

Coming Home: Should All Jews Be Living in Israel?  Part I –The Spiritual Impact of Living in Israel with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman on Jewish Matters Podcast Would it be a good thing if all Jews were in Israel?  What does the Torah say about the importance of living in Israel, and does the Torah command us to do so?  

Jewish Wisdom for Life # 2 Ethics of the Fathers Ch 1 part II with Rabbi Jonthan Feldman on Jewish Matters Podcast  Tap into the wealth of Jewish wisdom taught over hundreds of years.  Way before the personal growth and self-help movement Jewish teachings understood that insight into life and ourselves can lead to us to more fulfilled and actualized lives.  For those on a spiritual path it is also the essential aspect of developing a relationship to the Almight  

Jewish Wisdom for Life: Ethics of the Fathers with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman on Jewish Matters Podcast  Tap into the wealth of Jewish wisdom taught over hundreds of years.  Way before the personal growth and self-help movement Jewish teachings understood that insight into life and ourselves can lead to us to more fulfilled and actualized lives.  For those on a spiritual path it is also the essential aspect in developing a relationship to the Almighty.

Holiday Series -Passover # 2. The Seder: More Than a Dinner Party. with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman on Jewish Matters Podcast. It’s easy to get discouraged by all the details, or to lose the forest in the trees.  We will focus on the major themes of the Seder and how they change a dinner party into a transformative experience.

Passover Podcast # 1 Why Matzo? with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman on Jewish Matters Podcast  The meaning behind the holiday, how to prepare, and the spiritual dimension to leaving bread and beer behind.

Exodus Unveiled # 10 The Center for Jewish Life in the Desert, overview & insights parshat Vayakel-Pekudei with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman on Jewish Matters Podcast  The Torah goes through the description of all the materials for the tabernacle-the portable synagogue for the desert- and the construction of it. Why is this description repeated when we had it earlier?  What was the special role of the women?  What as the meaning of the cloud that came over the tabernacle once it was built?

Exodus Unveiled # 8 The Undoing of Greatness, overview & insights parshat Ki Tisa with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman on Jewish Matters Podcast The Jewish people achieved the heights of greatness at Mt Sinai, only to rebell fourty days later.  Can Moshe save them, will G-d forgive them?  Can the broken tablets be fixed?

How to Revitalize the Economy Coming Out of Corona : A Conversation with Jonathan Javor, New Hope Knesset Candidate About the topic: How to Revitalize the Economy Coming Out Corona   Throughout this difficult period focus has been placed upon Corona Virus, and not enough attention has been paid to vital economic planning.  Furthermore 70 % of all unemployed are women who are being hit hardest.  What can we do to start planning now for when the economy will be able to fully function again? We cannot wait any more to address this vial need.    About our speaker. Born in London, Jonathan moved to Israel at the age of 12 with his parents, after his service in the IDF in tank corps Jonathan returned to London where he obtained a B.A. in War Studies and an M.A. in Intelligence and International Security both from the Department of War Studies at Kings College London. In 2008 Jonathan returned to Israel and began working in Government. Working for several members of the Knesset, Jonathan focused on legislative affairs and staff management using these skills to write and pass several high-profile bills during this time. Upon leaving the Knesset Jonathan focused on local government and worked to rebuild the Klitah Department for the Tel Aviv Municipality.  In addition to his professional side, Jonathan was a founding member of TLV Internationals, wrote the Yom Ha’aliyah bill, lobbied the government, built the strategy and managed the campaign to turn this concept into an official day of recognition. 

Holiday Series # 4 Purim: The Hidden Holiday with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman on Jewish Matters Podcast Purim is a strange holiday, we get dressed up, get drunk, and generally go crazy.  How does this relate to the Purim story? How does getting dressed up connect us to the depper meanings of the story, and how can we use drinking to access depper aspects of ourselves? 

Revealing the Hidden: Megilat Esther.  Overview & Insights on Jewish Matters Podcast with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman The Megilat Esther, set in ancient Persia is a story of court intrigue and heroes who risk their lives for the Jewish people. It is the only book of the Torah/Tanach that G-d’s name is not mentioned.  Yet as the story is woven we see that the confluence of event points to a deeper plot that is unfolding which will determine course of Jewish History.

The Next Generation of Social Entrepreneurship: A Conversation with MK Idan Roll on Jewish Matters Podcast  About the topic:  A Conversation with MK Idan Roll about the future of high tech, LGBTQ rights, social equality, and the situation of young professionals in Israel About our speaker. MK Idan Roll has served in Knesset since 2019 on the Yesh Atid list. In the outgoing Knesset, he was a member of the Economics Committee, the Labor, Welfare and Health Committee, and the Subcommittee on the Treatment and Assistance to Victims of PTSD. He also chaired the Innovation and High-Tech Lobby, the Cannabis Lobby for Medicine and Leisure, the Lobby for the LGBTQ Community, and the Lobby for Sports and Fitness.  He served in the IDF in a technology unit within the Intelligence Corps. Roll holds a bachelor's degree in law and a master's degree in public law from Tel Aviv University. He lives in Tel Aviv with his partner Harel, with their son.

Exodus Unveiled # 7 Raiders of The Lost Ark.  Overview & Insights on Parshat Terumah with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman on Jewish Matters PodcastWhat was the ark of the covenant and where is it today?  What did the original Menorah look like and how is different than the one we use on Chanukah?   After the giving of the Torah the Jewish people are directed to build a sanctuary, a portable center of worship, like a synagogue where the Jewish people would gather and bring offerings.  The directions for building this center of worship will span the five next parshiot, and today’s focuses on Menorah, the Ark and the implements. 

Experiences of an Oleh in Israeli Politics: Being an Address For the Anglo Community with Jeremy Saltan, Yamina Party List and Director of English Operationson Jewish Matters Podcast About the topic:  As Israel gears up for elections on March 23, Yamina is positioned to play a key pivotal role in which party will be able to form a government.  As an oleh, Jeremy Saltan is particularly well-placed to be an voice and an advocate for the olim community.  Join us as he speaks about life in Israeli Politics, the special interests of olim, and Yamina’s special positioning in the upcoming elections.About our speaker:   Jeremy Saltan is on Yamina’s list for the 24th Knesset and serves as Director of English Operations. Jeremy is a regular commentator for diplomatic and political panels on international networks. He serves as Acting Chairman of Mevasseret Tzion’s Immigration and Absorption Committee and as a member of the Harel Planning and Construction Committee. He made Aliyah from Skokie, Illinois, USA.

Exodus Unveiled # 6 Part II The Oral Law: What is the Talmud?  In-Depth Insights on the Parshat Mishpatim with Rabbi Jonathan FeldmanThe written Torah is arguably the most influential document in the history of mankind.  However in order to understand and apply the Torah there was an additional body of teachings called the Oral Law.  Why was the Torah structured this way, and how does the system work?  What is the Talmud and how is it related to the written law?   

Exodus Unveiled # 6 How Do You Create a Society Built on Jewish Values?  Overview & Insights on Parshat Mishpatim with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman on Jewish Matters PodcastAfter the giving of the Torah at Mt Sinai this week’s parsha presents a sampling of the laws, the mitzvoth of the Torah.  Most of them deal with societal laws, for since this is the moment of the formation of the Jewish people, they now need to know how to build a just society based on higher values. 

Exodus Unveiled # 5 Part II. Foundation of Morality: The Ten Commandments. In-depth Insights on Parshat Yitro with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman on Jewish Matters PodcastWhat is special about the Ten Commandments, why were these ten chosen to be highlighted?  What is the significance of their order, and are they all commandments?  Can one command belief in G-d?  Insights into one of the greatest documents in human history.

Exodus Unveiled # 5 Becoming A People. Overview & Insights on Parshat B’shalach with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman on Jewish Matters PodcastThis is a seminal parsha which presents the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, the event that concretized the covenant between G-d and the Jewish people.  We will try to understand the significance of the ten commandments, the concept of a chosen people, and the experience of Divine revelation. 

Trust in G-d & The Splitting of the Red Sea. Overview & Insights on the Parshat B’shalach with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman on Jewish Matters Podcast This parsha will chronicle the final chapter of the defeat of Pharoh and the Egyptians at the Red Sea.  The Jews’ trust in Moshe and G-d is internalized by the miracles they experience, and the reliance on G-d in the desert who will sweeten that water and provide them with manna, wonder bread.  It is a message that even if we do not experience miracles, the Almighty is providing for us and protecting us every day. 

Jewish Tree Huggers: Tu B’Shvat, & Environmentalism at the Sunset Series with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman on Jewish Matters Podcast.What is the significance of Tu B’Shvat, the New Year for Trees in Jewish tradition?  In modern times it has been identified as a ‘Jewish Arbor Day’, but has been expanded beyond that as a ‘Jewish Earth Day.  Was that its original intent?  Is there a Jewish ethics of ecology that emerges from the Torah, and does it align with our modern ecological sensitivities? 

Exodus Unveiled # 3 Part II.  How Do We Know the Exodus Happened?   In-depth Insights on the Parshat Bo with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman on Jewish Matters PodcastThe Exodus story is one of the most recognized stories of human history.  How do we know the Exodus happened?  Is there historical evidence beyond the Biblical account?  What does the Egyptian historical record tell us of that event?

Exodus Unveiled # 3.  The Breaking of Egypt.  Overview & Insights on the Parshat Bo with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman on Jewish Matters Podcast. The last three plagues finally break Pharoh and Egypt and the Jewish people are sent free.  Before they go they are told to have a feast of lamb and matza, and to put the blood on the door lintel.  Three times they are told that in the future they are to re-enact this night and have a seder, and tell their children the story.   

Exodus Unveiled # 2.  Taking on Pharoh.  Overview & Insights on the Parshat Va’era with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman on Jewish Matters PodcastMoshe’s first attempt to free the Jewish people in Egypt just made things worse.  In this week’s Parsha G-d begins by promising Moshe and the Jewish people that He will free them.  This will not happen immediately, because Pharoh’s heart will be hardened.  The first seven plagues are brought on Pharoh and we see him and his court beginning to falter. 

Beyond the Conflict: Getting to Know Palestinians with Noor A'wad in Sons of Abraham on Jewish Matters Podcast There is much discussion and debate on the Israel-Palestinian conflict, but very little about who the Palestinians are, and how they live.  What is the nature of Palestinian society beyond the conflict with Israel? How do they live, what is the nature of their family life, their customs, their religious beliefs and their society?  What is the evolution of Palestinian society, and how much is it formed and influenced by the political conflict?Noor A'wad is involved with Roots, (Sharashim), a unique grassroots network of local Palestinians and Israelis who have come to see each other as partners.  Its work is aimed at challenging the assumptions the two communities hold about each other, building trust and creating a new discourse around the conflict in their respective societies. He organizes joint Palestinian-Israeli activities and speaks to visiting groups about his personal experiences living through the conflict as a Palestinian.  Noor’s family moved from Amman, Jordan to Beit Sahour following the signing of the Oslo Accords.  In 2014, Noor was licensed by the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism. He resides in Bethlehem today, where he guides English-speakers on geopolitical tours of the region.

Exodus Unveiled # 1.  Beginnings of a Peoplehood.  Overview & Insights on the Parshat Shemot with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman on Jewish Matters PodcastThe Jewish people’s stay in Egypt brings growth and prosperity but then turns sour.  The new king of Egypt turns on the Jewish people and enslaves them.  Moshe is born, is brought up by Pharoh’s daughter but then re-identifies with his people.  He flees Egypt eventually to be called upon by G-d to go back to free the people. The parsha ends with the first effort making things worse for the Jewish people, but with G-d’s promise of redemption.