Torah Discoveries

Tisha B’Av is the saddest day in the Jewish calendar, commemorating the destruction of the Temple. What caused the downfall of Jerusalem? What caused all the internal friction that led to its demise? And is there a lesson we can perhaps take away for use in our own lives, because we are destined to repeat those […] The post Devarim/Tisha B’Av – Internal Hatred – Episode 37 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we examine the southern border of Eretz Yisrael. Is Eilat part of halachic Eretz Yisrael? What about the Sinai Peninsula? Do the refuge cities (arei miklat) play a role in the discussion? Find out now! Show Notes and Links Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t work, […] The post Matos Masei – South of the Border : Eilat – Episode 36 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we take a look at Semicha (ordination). How it began, what it was needed for, and when did it end. An exciting journey through history! Listen now! Show Notes and Links Click here for an article in Hebrew with the letters from the Geonim. Please take the survey to help me help you! […] The post Pinchas – Ending Ordination – Episode 35 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we take a look at who was Bilaam, where did he come from, and how does he do his stuff. Is he a prophet or a scumbag? Listen to find out! Show Notes and Links Click here for the full text of the inscription at Deir Alla. Please take the survey to help […] The post Balak – Bilaam’s Dark Past – Epsiode 34 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we take a look at the halachic debate about Kohanim visiting graves of various righteous people, including Kever Rachel, Mearas Hamachpela, and MIron. Listen for more info! Show Notes and Links Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t work, you can access it at torahdiscoveries.com/survey. Check out […] The post Chukas – Righteous Impurity – Episode 33 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we examine the itinerary the spies took on their journey of Eretz Yisrael. From where did they go, where did they stop, and where exactly were the group of those who rebelled going? Check it out! Show Notes and Links Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t […] The post Shelach – Travelling Israel in 40 Days – Episode 32 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we examine the episode of the slav (quail). What happened, how was this different than the other episodes of demanding food, and the kosher status of quail. Check it out. Show Notes and Links Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t work, you can access it at […] The post Behaaloscha – Quarrels and Quail – Episode 31 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we take a look at the custom of Akdamus. Lots of clasehs between cultures have taken place over this poem. We trace the history and origins of this holy hymn. Listen now! Show Notes and Links Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t work, you can access […] The post Shavuos – Clash of Cultures – Episode 30 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we trace the historical development of Shemittah observance throughout the ages, including the still hotly debated Heter Mechirah. A must listen! Show Notes and Links Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t work, you can access it at torahdiscoveries.com/survey. Check out my website at torahdiscoveries.com. Please rate, review, […] The post Behar-Bechukosai – Selling Shemittah – Episode 29 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we delve into the Lag Baomer celebration at Meron. Is it really Rashbi’s yahrtzeit or is there some other reason? Find out more! Show Notes and Links For more info about Lag Baomer and Rashbi’s yahrtzeit, look at this article from Seforim blog. Please take the survey to help me help you! If […] The post Emor/Lag Baomer – Rashbi’s Yahrtzeit – Episode 28 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we analyze the fire worship of Moloch, its’ purpose, and the methods used in this barbaric practice. Why did the people feel an attraction to this repulsive act? Listen for more info! Show Notes and Links Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t work, you can access […] The post Acharei Mos Kedoshim – Fiery Sacrifice – Episode 27 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we discuss the nature of tzaraas. Is it physical or spiritual? What about other people mentioned in the parsha such as the zav? Find out now! Show Notes and Links Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t work, you can access it at torahdiscoveries.com/survey. Check out my […] The post Tazria Metzorah – The Leper’s Spots – Episode 26 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we discuss the Seder, how it was formed, and what its’ purpose is. Learn more about the ritual we do every year! Show Notes and Links Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t work, you can access it at torahdiscoveries.com/survey. Check out my website at torahdiscoveries.com. Please rate, […] The post Pesach – The Seder Symposium – Episode 25 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we discuss the prohibition against eating blood, the reasons why the Jews would want to eat it, and the place that blood has found in cuisine in many cultures. Check it out! Show Notes and Links Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t work, you can access […] The post Tzav – Blood Cuisine – Episode 24 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we discuss the controversy regarding bringing korbanos today and its’ historical precedents. Did people actually bring korbanos after the destruction of the Temple or not? Listen to find out! Show Notes and Links Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t work, you can access it at torahdiscoveries.com/survey. […] The post Vayikra – Sacrificing Temple-less – Episode 23 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we take a look at the kiyor (washbasin) made from copper mirrors. How did these mirrors work and what were they used for? Check it out! Show Notes and Links Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t work, you can access it at torahdiscoveries.com/survey. Check out my […] The post Vayakhel Pekudei – The Mirrored Washbasin – Episode 22 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we examine why the Jews made a golden calf specifically, visit a “holy cow”, as well as a mention of Esther in this context. Listen for more info! Show Notes and Links Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t work, you can access it at torahdiscoveries.com/survey. Check […] The post Ki Sisa – The Golden Calf and the Holy Cow – Epsiode 21 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we explore the priestly vestments (bigdei kehuna). their function, and their relationship to the Purim story. A detailed background to the Purim story as well! A must listen! Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t work, you can access it at torahdiscoveries.com/survey. Check out my website at torahdiscoveries.com. […] The post Tetzaveh – Purim and Priestly Vestments – Episode 20 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we explore the famous golden Menorah. How was it made, what did it look like, and what happened to it. Is it still hiding in the recesses of the Vatican basement? Listen to find out more! Show Notes and Links For more information about the Yeshiva University (YU) project click here. For details […] The post Terumah – The Golden Menorah – Episode 19 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we discuss the importance of the judicial laws of the Torah. We examine the prophets’ exhortations to follow justice and redress wrongdoings, with two real life examples from ancient letters. Listen now! Show Notes and Links Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t work, you can access […] The post Mishpatim – Justice Served – Episode 18 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we explore the various possibilities for the location of Har Sinai (Mt. Sinai). A must listen! Show Notes and Links Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t work, you can access it at torahdiscoveries.com/survey. Check out my website at torahdiscoveries.com. Please rate, review, and subscribe! The post Yisro – Har Sinai’s Location – Episode 17 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we explore the various possibilities for the location of the Red Sea crossing, as well as explain the route of the crossing. A few words on some interesting theories that are circulating around. A must listen! Show Notes and Links Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t […] The post Beshalach – Red Sea Crossing – Episode 16 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we analyze how the locust could have blocked out the Egyptian sun, eaten all the food, and what happened to them after it was all over. Listen to find out more! Show Notes and Links Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t work, you can access it […] The post Bo – Ravenous Locust – Episode 15 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we discuss how the Egyptians tried to copy Moshe and Aharon’s signs and the ten plagues. Was it supernatural or just an illusion? Listen to find out more! Show Notes and Links Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t work, you can access it at torahdiscoveries.com/survey. You […] The post Vaera – Egyptian Magic – Episode 14 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we discuss how Pharaoh managed to enslave an entire nation, and the brick-making process they were forced to do. Find out how by listening now! Show Notes and Links Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t work, you can access it at torahdiscoveries.com/survey. Check out my website […] The post Shemos – Slavery and Bricks – Episode 13 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This episode goes into details about how mummies were produced, and was Yaakov really mummified like that or not. Be sure to listen to find out! Show Notes and Links Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t work, you can access it at torahdiscoveries.com/survey. Check out my website at torahdiscoveries.com. […] The post Vayechi – Mummies – Episode 12 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we explore the love/hate relationship the Egyptians had with sheep and shepherds. Highlights include shepherd food and sacred animals. Listen now! Show Notes and Links Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t work, you can access it at torahdiscoveries.com/survey. Check out my website at torahdiscoveries.com. Please rate, review, […] The post Vayigash – Abonimable Shepherds – Episode 11 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we look at the various symbolisms Pharaoh places on Yosef as he climbs to power. Discussions include chariots, horses, necklaces, and clothing. Check it out! Show Notes and Links Check out this article on various necklaces worn in Ancient Egypt. Check out my website at torahdiscoveries.com. Please rate, review, and subscribe! Questions? Comments? Send […] The post Mikeitz – Yosef’s Rise to Power – Episode 10 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we discover who is Potiphar, why does his name change, and his career trajectory. Check out my website at torahdiscoveries.com. Please rate, review, and subscribe! Questions? Comments? Send me an email at zvi@torahdiscoveries.com. The post Vayeishev – Potiphar – Episode 9 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

In this podcast we explore the story of Shechem and Dinah, the relationship of Shechem to the surrounding cities, and Yaakov’s reaction to Shimon and Levi’s deeds.   Check out my website at torahdiscoveries.com. Please rate, review, and subscribe! Questions? Comments? Send me an email at zvi@torahdiscoveries.com. The post Vayishlach – Shechem and its’ cities – Episode 8 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

In this podcast we explore how Yaakov changed sheep colors. Lots of faniscating fun facts along the way! Show Notes Click here for the article eplaining Yaakov manipulating sheep genetics through selective breeding. Click here for the Time magazine article about epigenetics. For the website about Yaakov’s sheep using epigenetics click here. Check out my website […] The post Vayetzei – Yaakov’s Sheep – Episode 7 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

In this weeek’s episode we explore the connection between Eisav (Esau) and Rome! Are the Romans Edomites or does it mean something else? Check out my website at torahdiscoveries.com. Please rate, review, and subscribe! Questions? Comments? Send me an email at zvi@torahdiscoveries.com. The post Toldos – Edom and Rome – Episode 6 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

In this weeek’s episode we trace the history of Mearas Hamachpela (the Cave of the Patriarchs) from the Torah down to the present day. Highlights include a daring escapade down into the bowels of the cave in 1981! Check out my website at torahdiscoveries.com. Please rate, review, and subscribe! Questions? Comments? Send me an email […] The post Chayei Sarah – Mearas Hamachpela (Cave of the Patriarchs) – Episode 5 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

In this week’s episode we compare and contrast Sarah’s abduction by Pharaoh and by Avimelech. Life and death are in the power of the tongue! Check out my website at torahdiscoveries.com. Please rate, review, and subscribe! Question? Send me an email at zvi@torahdiscoveries.com. The post Vayera – Hieroglyphic Homonyms – Episode 4 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

In this episode we trace Avraham’s (Abraham) route through the Land of Canaan and use clues from the Torah to discover what was going on at the time which matches the picture given from archaeological sources as well. Check out my website at torahdiscoveries.com. Please rate, review, and subscribe! Question? Send me an email at […] The post Lech Lecha – In Avraham’s Footsteps (Episode 3) appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

In this week’s episode we get into the details discussing how historians and archaeologists date their findings. For more information, please visit torahdiscoveries.com. Thank you for listening. Please subscribe on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast player. The post Episode 2: Noach – Digging in the Dirt appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

In this episode we explore the River that flows from Eden, its’ four offshoots, and the lands that they surround. Mankind has always been, and still is, searching for lost things and lost places. Explorers always head to the frontier and venture beyond, in search of discovery and glory. Most fail, but a few succeed. […] The post Episode 1: Bereishis – The Search for Eden’s Rivers and the Lands Around them appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

Short little talk explaining my goals for the podcast, what I plan to cover, and when I publish. Check out the website torahdiscoveries.com for more information. The post Torah Discoveries Podcast Introduction – The What, Why, and When appeared first on Torah Discoveries.