The Tanakh Podcast

In this chapter we narrate Moses' final ascent, to Har Nebo, where he will see the land, restricted from entering it.In this podcast we discuss Moshe's poignant end, having achieved so much but yet not having fully achieved all that he desired. This is an end without an ending.-----------------To support our work:https://buymeacoffee.com/alexisraelhttps://patreon.com/u51407457

The poetry of Vezot Habracha is tough.Today we discuss the prologue and the epilogue to Moses' blessings to the tribes. The first depicts Matan Torah, the second depicts God defeating Israel's foes and settling them safely in their land. -----------To support the podcast, please donate at:⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/alexisrael⁠⁠https://patreon.com/u51407457

Today we visit several lessons from this song, this poem.One of our questions is whether there is a divine promise that the Jewish people will never be destroyed. And if so, why?

Wen was the Torah written down?Most people probably would suggest that it happened at Mount Sinai.We shall offer a different approach.---To support the podcast, please donate at:https://buymeacoffee.com/alexisraelhttps://patreon.com/u51407457

Our chapter is characterized by a sevenfold usage of the word Lashuv - to return. Indeed, it narrates a tale of national return, restoration and redemption. But what are the ingredients of that restoration?

Here we have yet another ceremony of covenantal commitment, but the emphasis here is on the way that the whole nation is interconnected, the notion of "klal yisrael" linking every Jew together throughout the generations.

This is possibly the most terrifying chapter of Torah, describing and predicting the horrific persecution that the Jewish people will endure if they abandon the covenant. And it has all come true! But we will salvage some hope from this chapter with the assistance of the Klausenberger Rebbe.

Moses is instructed to choreograph a covenantal ceremony that will be performed upon entry to the land of Canaan. This ceremony bears a striking resemblance to the events 40 years earlier at Sinai. We already have the Torah. Why perform a new commitment ceremony?

Is the Bikkurim Declaration about fruit? Why does it tell the short-version of Jewish history? Why do we use it as the basis of the Haggadah?

Today we discuss:1. the mitzva of ensuring that weights and measures are honest and accurate.2. The notion of Yibum and perpetuating the name of the dead.

Today we discuss a series of laws designed to protect the weak in society; forging a Jewish society of welfare and kindness.

How to treat other nations? - Curiously we are to detest our cousins - Amon and Moav - Lot's descendants; but to resist the temptation to hate the Egyptians - our taskmasters. How does this make sense?

Chapter 22 has a huge range, from tzitzit to fallen donkeys, from a bird's nest to defamation in a toxic marriage. How do the varied laws in this chapter link together?

Chapter 21 depicts an expiation ceremony after a homicide. The Talmud asks: Why are the leaders, the elders, responsible for a murder they did not commit? That is the question we shall discuss.

As Israel prepare to embark on a long military conquest of Canaan, chapter 20 gives us the instructions for waging war. Interestingly, each segment of these directives, balance war with peace, the war front with the home front, and destruction with life.

Today we discuss an innocuous law - the prohibition of shifting a boundary marker, or a border fence. It seems like a small detail but it respecting boundaries is a key to keeping the peace within society.

What is the role of the prophet?Why is wizardry, ghosts and spirits forbidden?Does the prophet know the future?

What are the four powers of Judaic leadership according to Sefer Devarim? What is unique about the way these powers are legislated?And does Judaism believe in Democracy?

The depiction of the three "regalim" - the "pilgrim festivals" - has a particular emphasis on sharing with individuals who are often vulnerable, at the fringes of society. Why is this so central to Sefer Devarim, and indeed to the unique Jewish culture of celebration?

Devarim turn to economics - the annulment of loans in the Shemitta year, the obligation to finance the poor, and the freeing of slaves with a start-up bonus. What is the human and societal vision behind these laws?

Sefer Devarim speaks of Israel as God's children. Today we dwell upon that analogy and discuss the alternative model of the God-Israel relationship - that of husband and wife. Why does Sefer Devarim prefer the parent-child motif?

Our chapter gives 3 instances in which there are malicious forces of persuasion withing society, threatening to spread the culture of idolatry. In each instance the Torah responds with a death sentence.

Our chapter discusses a ban on sacrificial worship outside a central location - "the place which God will choose" - which 400 years hence became Jerusalem!Why are local altars banned if they are dedicated to God?Are there advantages to altars in multiple locations?

Our chapter speaks about rain.Why is rain a central feature of connectivity between God and Israel? Why is Egypt a "House of Bondage" whereas Eretz Yisrael is a "Land that God seeks perpetually"?

Today, to mark Yom Hashoah - Holocaust Remembrance Day - we speak about the tradition that "the tablets and the fragments of the tablets were both deposited in the Ark” (Bava Batra 14b)In memory of the sacred six million who were murdered in the Shoah.

Moses addresses the possibility that Israel will see themselves as virtuous, self-righteous and conceited as a result of their entry to the land. He warns the people of their tendency to reject God's teachings and regulations and reminds them that the land of Israel is a challenge, not a perk.

Again, a chapter with famous verses, and with the source for Burkhat Hamazon, the archetype of all our blessings over food and other areas of personal sustenance and pleasure.The danger in this chapter is not idolatry. It is prosperity, comfort, wealth, and lifestyle, standard of living.The opposite of the wealth in the natural land of Israel, is the wilderness. It is the memory of the wilderness experinec which is to educate us to appreciate that everythimng we have is, in fact, a blessing.

What is the concept of the chosen people?It is mentioned by our chapter. Are we chosen because we are better? Or we called to act better?

Today we address three major topics:1. The first line of the Shema - What does it mean that God is "one"? What is the connection between "shema" and the "love" of God?2. The notion of "you shall teach your children" and the power of Talmud Torah as a major principle.3. Is there an ethic independent of Halakha? - "You shall do that which is just and good"

Did God speak to the people or did Moses act as an intermediary, due to the people's fear of God's fire?Are the Ten Commandments in Devarim the same as Shemot or different? If they are the same, why is the text different? If they are different why is this an accurate rendition of the law?

In this chapter Moshe advocates for adherence to the covenant and warns against idolatry. We evoke the central themes and ideas of the chapter which read like a list of the key faith principles of Judaism. And we discuss two diverse motives for idolatry.

Today we discuss the story - according to peshat (the biblical text) and derash (Jewish legend) and try to probe the intriguing persona of Og, King of the Bashan.

Today we begin with an Introduction to the structure of Sefer Devarim.We then proceed to an analysis of the first speech of Devarim, and its message.

A class for Erev Pesach and Devarim ch.1Devarim is called Mishneh Torah - the "review" of the Torah. But is Moshe repeating the stories and laws, or adapting them?

Here we see part 2 of the Daughters of Tzelophchad story.The Tribe of Menashe appeal God's decision regarding the daughters of Tzelophchad, claiming that it will hurt their tribal interests.We speak about situations in which a legal solution becomes a gateway for new problems.

Ch.35 describes the Levite cities.Why do Levites need special cities?And we also discuss the idea of Ir Miklat - cities of Refuge - and the law of the "blood avenger".

In this chapter the borders of Eretz Yisrael are transcribed.But this topic is confusing, because sometimes the borders of the land are small, are limited; at other times they are expansive! What are the borders of the land?

Ch.33 gives us the 42 stops in Israel's trek to the promised land.But why list each and every location?

Bnei Gad and Bnei Reuven request to remain in the Transjordan.Was their request illegitimate?Did Moses save the day or did he misunderstand their intention?That is a debate between Rashi and the Abarbanel.--To support our work, please see my Patreon or my BuymeaCoffee account.Thank you!

Israel wage war against MidyanMost of the chapter relates to the ethics of the spoils of war.Why is this such a critical topic?

Our chapter speaks about promises or vows that invoke God's name. These verbal pronouncements must be kept.But why would a person vow?And why is this topic relevant at this point in Sefer Bamidbar?And how do we deal with the status of women in this chapter?---Regarding bookings for Shabbat Scholar-in-residence, email alexisrael99@gmail.com or see https://www.alexisrael.org/scholar-in-residence

Ch.29 completes the annual cycle of Jewish festivals, in listing the additional sacrifices for festive days.We talk today about some of the ideas and patterns that are revealed through the numbers contained in this detail laden chapter.

Chapter 28 and 29 are dedicated to the daily and "additional" sacrifices. What lessons can this chapter teach us?

Today we discuss leadership via the stories of the Daughters of Tzelophchad, and the appointment of Joshua bin Nun.

A new generation. A new census.But how does this second count of the nation differ in texture, context, and purpose than the first?

Chapter 25 gives us the worst sin of this generation - the seduction and idolatry at Baal Peor. But why were Israel not condemned as they were at the sin of the Golden Calf? Possibly because this was a deliberately planned attempt by the enemy (Midyan, Moav and Bilaam) to subvert and corrupt the Israelites.

Today we address three themes:1. The theme of lions in Bilaam's prophecy, and the balance between peaceful and warlike images.2. Bilaam as a source for the Messiah and the End of Days3. The parallel between Bilaam and Avraham.

Balak takes Bilaam higher and higher on the mountains overlooking the camp of Israel. At each location he sets up 7 altars and brings elaborate sacrifices. The Pagan assumption is that increased vision (and altitude?) would facilitate a spell, a curse; and that sacrifices could force God's hand. But the story turns satirical as Bilaam defies all expectations and King Balak gets increasingly angry.

Is Bilaam a saintly prophet or a greedy, pride-driven antisemite?That is the debate between Ramban and Rashi.What do we think from reading the text?And if God forbids Bilaam from making his way to Moab, then why does he reverse his pronouncement and allow him to go?

The Israelites are making their way to Arvot Moav in the Transjordan, the point at which they will launch their invasion of Eretz Yisrael.This chapter speaks of their journey there, a story filled with victories and songs, and a chapter that offers us a window into the character of this new generation.

Our chapter sees the death of Miriam and Aharon.It also sees Moses' famous sin that will deny him entry to the Land.As we shall suggest. all of this has much to do with the fact that we have just jumped 38 years and we are now in the final year of the Wilderness, and this is a new generation.