Matan Institute for Torah Studies

Jeremiah 30-31 are chapters often quoted and sung because of their beautiful images of divine closeness, renewal, and the posthumous figure of Rachel crying in prayer for the return of her exiled children. Dr. Malka Simkovich, who spent more than a decade teaching in Christian settings, always overlooked these prophecies as significant for the Jewish story, having long ago been adopted by the Christian world as the foreshadowing of their ‘new testament'  (Jer. 31:30-32). In this conversation, she highlights the importance of these chapters for the Jewish narrative in this challenging moment, and thinks out loud with us about what it means for the Jewish world to enter a new chapter of history, devoid of divine metaphors and full of embrace for one another. Dr. Malka Z. Simkovich is the Editor-in-Chief of the Jewish Publication Society and Visiting Professor at Yeshiva University's Revel Graduate School for Jewish Studies. She has written several award-winning books on Second Temple Judaism and hundreds of articles. Simkovich served as the Crown-Ryan Chair of Jewish Studies at Catholic Theological Union from 2014–2024, and speaks regularly to audiences across North America and beyond on topics related to the Hebrew Bible, Jewish history, and contemporary Jewish-Christian relations. This is a special podcast miniseries produced by Matan and hosted by Dr. Yosefa Fogel Wruble which will drop each week of the Omer counting between the holidays of Pesach and Shavuot. In each episode, a Bible scholar explores an iconic biblical text in light of the changing Israeli, Jewish, and world realities.

This week's episode with Rabbanit Surale Rosen closes our series on the lived experience of Torah observance.The conversation begins with an idea rooted in our parsha regarding an ethic that may have preceded the official giving of Torah and continues on to explore some of the tensions between Halakhic life and secular sensibilities both in Israel and abroad. When does applying a halakhic frame feel absurd? How might broadening the purview of halakha actually help make its observance more organic? This week's episode has been sponsored in memory of Vita Rachel bat Yaacov Bradfield z"l. Our upcoming Bamidbar series will focus on issues of leadership--Chazak, Chazak, V'nitchazek!

In this moving conversation, we explore the book of Numbers through the lens of a short journey to a promised land that suddenly went awry, in search of emotional guidance in the face of a war that has continued for longer than the Israeli public anticipated. What does the book of Bamidbar have to tell us about daily life in the face of fear? Why does living in proximity to God feel so scary sometimes? What was the greatest strength of the wilderness generation? This episode is dedicated in memory of Maj. (res.) Eliav Abitbol, a childhood neighbor of our guest who fell in Lebanon on Oct. 26th, 2024 and is survived by his wife, Tal, and their four children. Rachel Sharansky Danziger is a Jerusalem-based writer and educator, who lectures internationally about the intersections between Jewish texts, life in Israel, and the art of storytelling. In addition to teaching torah at Matan, Pardes and other, online, venues, Rachel is the co-editor of the recently published anthologies of prayers "Az Nashir: We Will Sing Again - Women's Prayers for Our Time of Need" and "Az Nashir: Between Silence & Song -- Women's Prayers for Our Days of Remembrance & Celebration" and is currently working on a book about family stories in the Book of Judges as a Sefaria fellow. This is a special podcast miniseries produced by Matan and hosted by Dr. Yosefa Fogel Wruble which will drop each week of the Omer counting between the holidays of Pesach and Shavuot. In each episode, a Bible scholar explores an iconic biblical text in light of the changing Israeli, Jewish, and world realities.

In this fascinating and sensitive conversation with Rabbanit Dr. Jennie Rosenfeld, we discuss her involvement in the world of Halakhic writing and guidance as well as the modern challenges that arise from observance of priestly marriage prohibitions. Our Vayikra series focuses on the lived experience of Torah observance and explores some of the harder issues within observant communities in accordance with the mitzvot taught in each weekly parsha.

In this difficult but important conversation, we explore biblical texts that illustrate how violence against women correlates with a morally decaying society. This episode directly responds to the world's horrifying silence in the face of rape and mutilazation on October 7th and candidly explores why this is such a hard topic to face head on. Yael Leibowitz is a senior lecturer at Matan and other Torah study institutions and has a forthcoming book with Koren Press on Ezra-Nehemiah called Retrograde Revolution. This is a special podcast miniseries produced by Matan and hosted by Dr. Yosefa Fogel Wruble which will drop each week of the Omer counting between the holidays of Pesach and Shavuot. In each episode, a Bible scholar explores an iconic biblical text in light of the changing Israeli, Jewish, and world realities.

This episode brings together the Matan Podcast with the hosts of Intimate Judaism, R. Scott Kahn and Talli Rosenbaum, to discuss the tensions between Jewish sexual ethics and modern sexual trends. What is a Jewish sexual ethic and how much is it related to what appears in the verses of the Torah? What are some of the biggest challenges facing the Orthodox world in the realm of sexuality and what central values would we like to preserve? These are some of the heavy questions we try to tackle with candor in this conversation. Our Vayikra series focuses on the lived experience of Torah observance and explores some of the harder issues within observant communities in accordance with the mitzvot taught in each weekly parsha. This week's episode has been sponsored by Jori Epstein in honor of Ilana Wernick's and Amanda Herman's marriages. Talli Rosenbaum has decades of experience in the field of sexual health, and is a certified sex therapist and an individual and couple therapist. She is an internationally regarded expert in this field and has published and lectured extensively. She is the co-author of I am for My Beloved: A Guide to Enhanced Intimacy for Married Couples Rabbi Scott Kahn, formerly the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Yesodei HaTorah, hosts multiple podcasts including the Orthodox Conundrum as well as Intimate Judaism with Talli and has a passion for addressing issues facing the Orthodox world. You can read Scott's writing on his substack, Orthodox Conundrum Commentary.

This week Dr. Tanya White shares a novel reading of Terah's journey to Canaan through the lens of grief and how Abraham manages to pick up where his father left off. Dr. Tanya White is a senior lecturer at Matan and Bar-Ilan and the host of the acclaimed podcast series, Books and Beyond: The Rabbi Sacks Podcast. This is a special podcast miniseries produced by Matan and hosted by Dr. Yosefa Fogel Wruble which will drop each week of the Omer counting between the holidays of Pesach and Shavuot. In each episode, a Bible scholar explores an iconic biblical text in light of the changing Israeli, Jewish, and world realities.

In this fascinating conversation with R. Alex Israel, we explore several perspectives on Tzaraat impurity and what this means for us today. We conclude with a study of the parsha's haftara reading about the four lepers (II Melachim 7) and how it relates to this week's national days of remembrance and gratitude. Our Vayikra series focuses on the lived experience of Torah observance and explores some of the harder issues within observant communities in accordance with the mitzvot taught in each weekly parsha.

This is a special podcast miniseries produced by Matan and hosted by Dr. Yosefa Fogel Wruble. The series will comprise seven episodes to be aired during the seven weeks of the Omer counting between the holidays of Pesach and Shavuot. Each week we will be re-reading iconic biblical texts in light of the changing Israeli, Jewish, and world realities. This first episode is a conversation with Judy Klitsner about the nature of successful and failed resilience in the stories of Noah and Jonah. Judy is a senior educator at Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies and the author of Subversive Sequels in the Bible: How Biblical Stories Mine and Undermine Each Other, which received a National Jewish book award.

In this fascinating conversation with Rabbanit Dena (Freundlich) Rock, we use the repeated verse, "Do not cook a kid in a mother's milk" to explore the relationship between Halakhic development and its divine source. Then we explore different rationales for Kashrut laws as well as the reasons why observant Jews wait different amounts of time between meat and milk. This week's episode has been sponsored in memory of Deanna Radin Lubin by her family on her 9th yahrtzeit. Our Vayikra series focuses on the lived experience of Torah observance and explores some of the harder issues within observant communities in accordance with the mitzvot taught in each weekly parsha.

In this episode with R. Yitzchak Blau, we zoom in on the laws of the Pesach sacrifice in order to zoom out on its meaning within the Exodus experience. Taking the animal on the 10th of the month, spreading its blood on the doorpost and so many other details that seem far removed from our modern reality, become the keys to kernels of wisdom explored in this wonderful conversation. Tucked between Torah insights, are some educational ideas for Pesach at home with kids.

Our Vayikra series will be focusing on Mitzvah observance, but we wanted to make sure to include at least one broader conversation about sacrifices as a central form of worship. So this week we are re-broadcasting one of our most popular episodes about sacrifices with Dr. Tova Ganzel. Ganzel explores with us the ancient roots of sacrificial worship, the debates about its inherent worth within the rabbinic tradition, what this actually looked like in Biblical times, and how this relates to our world today. Next week we will bring you special Pesach content. Stay tuned!

In this episode, which closes our episodes on national formation, beloved tour guide Shulie Mishkin walks us through the biblical reality and significance of the Mishkan's long-standing home in Shiloh. Chazak, Chazak, V'nitchazek! Stay tuned for our Vayikra series which focuses on mitzvah observance and a Torah way of life. The series asked what axiomatic ideas sit at the root of Israel's national formation, without which we wouldn't be who we are? How might we adjust our current trends in the Jewish world to realign with these principles? This week's episode is dedicated in memory of Roz Bramson. To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode, visit the Matan Website's DONATE page: https://www.matan.org.il/en/donatenow/

This week's conversation with R. David Fohrman, beloved Tanakh teacher and principal educator at Aleph Beta, was a joy. We begin by thinking about the connection between Betzalel and the world's creation. We ponder the wonders of AI and the relationship between the womb and God's contraction (tzimtzum), and then flesh out the fascinating textual and essential relationship between Betzalel and Yosef. Enjoy this magical Biblical tour with a true Tanakh giant. The series asks what axiomatic ideas sit at the root of Israel's national formation, without which we wouldn't be who we are? How might we adjust our current trends in the Jewish world to realign with these principles? This week's episode has been dedicated in memory of David Shmuel ben Yitzchak. To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode, visit the Matan Website's DONATE page: https://www.matan.org.il/en/donatenow/

For this week's episode, we had the unique opportunity to sit down with Professor Leon Kass, Dean of Faculty at Shalem College and the author of Shemot commentary, 'Founding God's Nation. Leon Kass is a lifelong enthusiast of liberal education and was trained in medicine and biochemistry before shifting from the practice of science to thinking about its human meaning. The series asks what axiomatic ideas sit at the root of Israel's national formation, without which we wouldn't be who we are? How might we adjust our current trends in the Jewish world to realign with these principles? This week's episode has been dedicated by the Millers in memory of their Bubbie Marcia. To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode, visit the Matan Website's DONATE page: https://www.matan.org.il/en/donatenow/

In this illuminating conversation with Rabbanit Shayna Goldberg, we begin by discussing the centrality of priestly clothing in this week's parsha and then broaden the conversation by exploring other biblical manifestations of clothing alongside its personal and societal functions. This is an episode worth sharing with your teenagers. It really steers the conversation in a refreshing direction, away from 'tzniut' (halakhic modesty) of dress to an ethic more inherent, intuitive, and holistic. The series asks what axiomatic ideas sit at the root of Israel's national formation, without which we wouldn't be who we are? How might we adjust our current trends in the Jewish world to realign with these principles? To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode, visit the Matan Website's DONATE page: https://www.matan.org.il/en/donatenow/

In this whimsical chevrutah with Dr. Sam Lebens, we discuss the centrality of the Mishkan as a societal building project and why there really is no other rational way to understand God's dwelling among the people without the concept of 'contraction' (tzimtzum). To learn more about Sam and his work, check out his website: https://www.samlebens.com/ This week's episode has been sponsored by Barbara and Joel Rich in commemoration of the 12th yahrzeit of Leba bat Yitzchak Meir. The series asks what axiomatic ideas sit at the root of Israel's national formation, without which we wouldn't be who we are? How might we adjust our current trends in the Jewish world to realign with these principles? To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode, visit the Matan Website's DONATE page: https://www.matan.org.il/en/donatenow/

In this fascinating conversation with Professor Chaim Saiman, we explore foundational understandings of how the rabbinic system of law developed and is enforced. The conversation then turns to the judiciary role of American rabbinical courts today and how this compares and contrasts with trends in Israel. Check out Prof. Saiman's Book Halakha here: https://www.amazon.com/Halakhah-Rabbinic-Library-Jewish-Ideas/dp/069115211X The series asks what axiomatic ideas sit at the root of Israel's national formation, without which we wouldn't be who we are? How might we adjust our current trends in the Jewish world to realign with these principles? To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode, visit the Matan Website's DONATE page: https://www.matan.org.il/en/donatenow/

In this candid conversation with Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash, we explore the halakhic obligations and limits of the commandment to honor one's parents in an age where the parent-child relationship has undergone tremendous change. The series asks what axiomatic ideas sit at the root of Israel's national formation, without which we wouldn't be who we are? How might we adjust our current trends in the Jewish world to realign with these principles? To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode, visit the Matan Website's DONATE page: https://www.matan.org.il/en/donatenow/

In this episode with R. Joe Wolfson, we explore the nation's experience crossing the Red Sea through a series of midrashic readings that provide greater human depth and emotional contour to the written text. R. Wolfson reminds us how Chazal's dynamic interpretations often provide a bridge between the biblical account and our lived experiences. The series asks what axiomatic ideas sit at the root of Israel's national formation, without which we wouldn't be who we are? How might we adjust our current trends in the Jewish world to realign with these principles? This week's episode is dedicated in memory of Rabbi Desmond Maizels, a devoted community Rabbi in Cape Town, South Africa for over 40 years. To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode, visit the Matan Website's DONATE page: https://www.matan.org.il/en/donatenow/

In honor of reaching 200 episodes, we held a special live event at Meshek 48 in Rosh Tzurim on motzei shabbat, Parshat Shemot. Our conversation focused on the women of Parshat Shemot: the midwives, Moshe's mother, Moshe's sister, and Bat Pharaoh. We spoke about their heroic roles in the parsha and about modern iterations of these women that we have observed around us in the past year and a half. We want to thank all of our listeners for being part of this virtual Torah community and thank those who have helped this project flourish with their generosity. To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode, visit the Matan Website's DONATE page: https://www.matan.org.il/en/donatenow/

In this deeply probing conversation with Matan lecturer Rachel Sharansky Danziger, we study Shemot 12 which focuses on the current exodus as well as its future retelling. Why is storytelling such a central tool at this point in our nation's early history? Is there an ethic of truth embedded in storytelling? How is storytelling relevant to our current challenges right now? The series asks what axiomatic ideas sit at the root of Israel's national formation, without which we wouldn't be who we are? How might we adjust our current trends in the Jewish world to realign with these principles? This week's episode is dedicated in memory of Chana Feigal bat Bluma and Shlomo - Harriet Sasson. To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode, visit the Matan Website's DONATE page: https://www.matan.org.il/en/donatenow/

We continue our Shemot series titled, "First Principles of Nationhood," with R. Dr. Joshua Berman with whom we explore how the Torah revolutionized the role and responsibilities of the individual in a religious society. This episode relates to this week's parsha as well as so many later narratives and laws in Shemot and beyond. The series asks what axiomatic ideas sit at the root of Israel's national formation, without which we wouldn't be who we are? How might we adjust our current trends in the Jewish world to realign with these principles? This week's episode has been sponsored by Michelle Feiglin and Debbie Nossbaum in memory of their father Nathan Werdiger. To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode, visit the Matan Website's DONATE page: https://www.matan.org.il/en/donatenow/

This week we open our Shemot series titled, "First Principles of Nationhood." The series asks what axiomatic ideas sit at the root of Israel's national formation, without which we wouldn't be who we are? How might we adjust our current trends in the Jewish world to realign with these principles? For this opening episode, we sat down with Matan teacher, Yael Liebowitz, to discuss foundational Torah ethics reflected by the narratives in this week's parsha. This week's episode is sponsored in commemoration of the 50th yahrtzeit of Pearl Fox Lind, Pesiah bat David and Leah If you live in Israel, come to our SPECIAL 200th episode EVENT in Meshek 48 on motzei shabbat, January 18 . Registration available on the Matan website. To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode, visit the Matan Website's DONATE page: https://www.matan.org.il/en/donatenow/

In this fascinating conversation with Dr. Elana Stein Hain we develop and challenge a creative and meaningful theory that compares Yosef's life trajectory to the figure of Kayin. Chazak, chazak, v'nitchazek! Our Shemot series titled, 'First Principles of Nationhood,' begins next week. If you live in Israel, come to our SPECIAL 200th episode EVENT in Meshek 48 on motzei shabbat, January 18 . Registration available on the Matan website. This week's episode has been sponsored in loving memory of Chaim Givati, Chaim ben Sarah V'Chai by his family on his first yahrzeit. To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode, visit the Matan Website's DONATE page: https://www.matan.org.il/en/donatenow/

In this conversation with Dr. Danielle Bloom that organically interweaves theories of psychology and biblical commentaries, we discuss the parallel life trajectories of Yehuda and Yosef, both of whom evolve before our eyes to become more empathetic leaders of family and nation. This week's episode has been sponsored in prayer for the full recovery of the injured soldier David Netanel ben Ayala Ahuva and in loving memory of Levi Yitzchak and Sheva Sheindel Finn. To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode, visit the Matan Website's DONATE page: https://www.matan.org.il/en/donatenow/

This conversation with Dr. Ayelet Hoffmann Libson seeks to understand to what degree Yosef pursues the fulfillment of his childhood dreams, and how the tension between actively pursuing and letting go of the things we want is so complex. This episode has been sponsored by Barbara and Joel Rich in memory of the fifth yahrtzeit of Barbara's brother Shmuel Yosef Ben Reuven. To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode, visit the Matan Website's DONATE page: https://www.matan.org.il/en/donatenow/

In this conversation with beloved Matan teacher Dr. Tanya White, we delve into the character molding that transforms Yosef from a self-focused youth into a statesman and caretaker of his family. The turning point will surprise you. Check out Tanya's new podcast on Rabbi Sack's Torah put out by the Rabbi Sacks Legacy: https://rabbisacks.org/books-and-beyond/ Our Breishit series titled, ‘These are Our Heroes' explores the highs and lows of our greatest biblical figures. To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode, visit the Matan Website's DONATE page: https://www.matan.org.il/en/donatenow/

In this searching and candid conversation with Chaya Cowen, we explore the internal struggles of Yaakov through psychological insights as well as Chassidic ones. Our Breishit series titled, ‘These are Our Heroes' explores the highs and lows of our greatest biblical figures. To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode, visit the Matan Website's DONATE page: https://www.matan.org.il/en/donatenow/

In this episode with R. Alex Israel, we discuss the sister dynamic between Rachel and Leah, their relationships with Yaakov and how these dynamics impact future generations. Our Breishit series titled, ‘These are Our Heroes' explores the highs and lows of our greatest biblical figures. This week's episode is sponsored in memory of Harav Yitzchak Chaim Moshe ben Binyamin Yaakov z"l by his family. To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode, visit the Matan Website's DONATE page: https://www.matan.org.il/en/donatenow/

In this conversation with Rabbanit Debbie Zimmerman, she paints a sensitive and nuanced portrait of our most understated patriarch, Yitzchak. While some describe Yitzchak as passive and a dutiful follower of Avraham's theological revolution, in this episode we meet an attentive and serene depiction of Yitzchak's life stories. Our Breishit series titled, ‘These are Our Heroes' explores the highs and lows of our greatest biblical figures. This week's episode is sponsored by Sarina Goldstand and family in memory of their father Yosef Ben Chaim z"l for his yartzheit on the 9th of Cheshvan. To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode, visit the Matan Website's DONATE page: https://www.matan.org.il/en/donatenow/

In this conversation with Rabbanit Rachel Weber Leshaw, we discuss Rivka's entry into the family and how her qualities make her a fitting life partner for Yitzchak. Our Breishit series titled, ‘These are Our Heroes' explores the highs and lows of our greatest biblical figures. This week's episode has been sponsored by Barbara and Joel Rich to mark the yahrzeit of Barbara's father Reuven ben Eliezer Yonatan z”l. To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode, visit the Matan Website's DONATE page: https://www.matan.org.il/en/donatenow/

In this probing conversation with Michal Porath-Zibman, we discuss the highs and lows of Sara's life with particular focus on her absent, yet resounding, presence in the story of the binding of Yitzchak. Our Breishit series titled, ‘These are Our Heroes' explores the highs and lows of our greatest biblical figures. This podcast is dedicated by the Yellin and Weingarten families in loving memory of the 30th yahrtzeit Judy Yellin. To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode, visit the Matan Website's DONATE page: https://www.matan.org.il/en/donatenow/

In this conversation with Dr. Chana Tannenbaum, we discuss the often overlooked story about the war between the kings (Br. 14) and what broader religious paradigms it reflects. Our Breishit series titled, ‘These are Our Heroes' explores the highs and lows of our greatest biblical figures. To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode visit the Matan Website's DONATE page: https://www.matan.org.il/en/donatenow/

In this conversation with Dr. Mijal Bitton, we discuss Noach's emotional state after the flood and from where one can draw strength in hard times. Our Breishit series titled, 'These are Our Heroes' explores the highs and lows of our greatest biblical figures. To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode visit the Matan Website's DONATE page: https://www.matan.org.il/en/donatenow/

This week's conversation with Rachel Sharansky Danziger opens our Breishit Series titled, 'These are our Heroes,' which explores a central figure from each parsha, asking our guests what is meaningful, inspiring, powerful, challenging, and thought-provoking about their behaviors. This week, Rachel explores mankind's highs and lows in the parsha. This week's episode has been sponsored by Dora Richter in memory of her mother, Chaya Rachel bat Shmuel Dov Hakohen, whose 50th yahrzeit is on the 3rd of Tishei.

In this conversation with Dr. Yael Ziegler we discuss the Torah of R. Mordechai Sabato on this week's parsha and the special role the land of Israel and Gan Eden play at the Torah's beginning and end. Chazak, chazak, v'nitchazek! This week's podcast is sponsored by Sara Averick and Jose Rosenfeld in memory of Sara's Aunt Rose. Stay tuned for the upcoming Breishit series titled, "These Are Our Heroes" where we explore what moves, inspires, and challenges our guests about the wide array of epic figures in the book of Breishit.

In this special episode, in conversation with Az Nashir's editors--Shira Lankin Sheps, Rachel Sharansky Danziger, and Anne Gordon--we discuss the impetus for this book's creation, its relationship with the Techinot genre of women's prayers, and how this remarkable anthology can be used by Jewish women and men now and in the future.

In this episode with Rabbanit Dr. Adina Sternberg, we discuss her new book on the holidays, written in Matan's Kitvuni Program, and how some of its central themes intersect with the Ha'azinu poem. This episode has been sponsored by one of our listeners in gratitude for the weekly Torah thoughts and wisdom shared on this podcast.

This week's episode with Laurie Novick explores her Torah apprenticeship with R. Yehuda Henkin z"l , his exegetical approach through a commentary on this week's parsha, the uniqueness of his halakhic writings about women, and his identity as a theologian. It's a wonderful introduction to the life of a modern posek and what it can look like to be trained by one. This week's episode has been sponsored by Aviva Drazin memory of her father Yosef Yehoshua Ben Avraham Shalom and Rivka on his 2nd yahrtzeit

We're back with new weekly content! Through the prism of the mitzvah of Viduy Ma'asrot appearing in this week's parsha, this conversation with R. Jeff Saks movingly explores the nature of viduy and what this has to offer us during the Elul season. This week's episode is sponsored in honor of Rabbi Ed and Bobbie Winter's 59th wedding anniversary by their children Lauren Shaham and Ariel and Ilana and Natan Winter.

In this archived episode, the second of a four-part series on biblical characterization, Dr. Yael Ziegler and Yosefa take a broad, sweeping look at Moshe's life arc, shedding light on the final moments of his career in Devarim. Next week, we will be back with new episodes. Stay tuned!

We're so happy for the chance to reload this episode with Matan faculty member, Simi Peters. In this conversation she shares her love for the Netziv (R. Naftali Zvi Yehuda Berlin) and what he has to say about innovation in the book of Devarim.

Welcome to the Matan Podcast's summer 'vacation'! For the next three weeks we will be uploading a parsha episode from our archives with a new introduction by our host, Dr. Yosefa Fogel Wruble. In this enriching conversation with Matan's favorite tour guide Shulie Mishkin, we explore the archeological background of Grizim and Eival and the reason the Torah insists that God be worshipped in a designated ‘place' (makom).

In this conversation, Dr. Tanya White speaks personally and broadly about the wisdom of Rabbi Sacks. She touches upon key points of his philosophy and highlights their interface with this week's parsha. This week's episode has been sponsored by Sari and Yair Givati in honor of their daughter Yakira's Bat Mitzvah.

In this sweeping conversation with author and translator Ilana Kurshan, we explore Moshe's perspective on the nation's wilderness experience in text, midrash, and literary expansions. This episode has been sponsored in memory of Esther Yocheved bat Chaya Leah and Gershon whose yartzheit is on the 11th of Av.

Welcome to our Devarim Series titled "Torah from our Teachers." Moshe is our greatest human teacher and the book of Devarim includes his monumental addresses to the nation. Each week our guests will share Torah learned from their most influential teachers. This week, Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash and I discuss some fundamental ideas related to the book of Devarim as well as meaningful memories of our most formative learning experiences.

In this conversation with R. Dina Najman, we discuss the interconnected episodes of Tzelofchad's daughters in Parshat Pinchas and Parshat Masei and their significance for the nation's wilderness experience. Chazak, chazak, v'nitchazek! Our upcoming Devarim series is titled, 'Torah of our Teachers.' Each week our guests will share Torah learned from their most influential teachers and role models.

In this conversation with Rabbanit Myriam Ackermann Sommer, we discuss the moral complexity of Pinchas' behavior which saves the community from further collective punishment.

In this illuminating conversation with Rabbi Yoni Rosensweig, we explore the gap between Moshe and Pinchas' response to public apostasy in the parsha and how this relates to Rav Yoni's innovative rabbinic work with the world of mental health. To learn more about the work of Maaglei Nefesh see their website: https://mnefesh.org/

In this conversation with Dr. Erica Brown, we discuss the emotional undertones of the tragic Meriva episode, and how Moshe's fatal misstep connects with broader trends of the wilderness experience.