Podcasts about matot masei

R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon on parshat Matot-Masei on July 10th, 2026 at Temple of Aaron Kabbalat Shabbat services.

R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon on parshat Matot-Masei on July 11th, 2026 at Temple of Aaron Shabbat morning services.

Parshat Matot/Masei:  The Sin At Peor  -  English and Spanish.  Why was the sin at Peor more than just idol worship?  Recorded July 11, 2026.

Parshas Matot-Masei: Follow God on the Journey of Life https://jewishprolifefoundation.org/pro-life-blog/parshas-matot-masei-follow-god-on-the-journey-of-life פרשת מטות מסעי: ללכת בעקבות האל במסע החיים https://jewishprolifefoundation.co.il/%d7%a4%d7%a8%d7%a9%d7%aa-%d7%9e%d7%98%d7%95%d7%aa-%d7%9e%d7%a1%d7%a2%d7%99-%d7%90%d7%9c-%d7%aa%d7%93%d7%90%d7%92%d7%95-%d7%94%d7%99%d7%95-%d7%a7%d7%93%d7%95%d7%a9%d7%99%d7%9d/ We learn in Genesis 9:6-7 that when we destroy 'man within man,' a baby, we destroy the image of God.  https://www.sefaria.org/Contemporary_Halakhic_Problems,_Vol_I,_Part_II,_CHAPTER_XV_Abortion_in_Halakhic_Literature.11?lang=bi The Baal Shem Tov https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjwJFC4wYPg the baby in the womb learns the entire Torah https://shulchanaruchharav.com/halacha/the-torah-learning-and-activity-of-a-fetus-in-its-mothers-womb/ At the Jewish Pro-Life Foundation, we're making the original pro-life religion pro-life again! News, education, enlightenment and spiritual renewal. Saving Jewish Lives & Healing Jewish Hearts by providing the Jewish community with Pro-Life Education, Pregnancy Care and Adoption Referrals, and Healing After Abortion.   To learn more visit https://jewishprolifefoundation.org/ Banned 3.18.26. No longer Follow us on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/JewishProLifeFoundation/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JewishProLife Follow us on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk8B3l4KxJX4T9l8F5l-wkQ Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jewishprolife Follow us on MeWe: https://mewe.com/i/cecilyroutman  Follow us on Gab: https://gab.com/JewishProLife  Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecily-routman-3085ab140/  Banned 3.18.26. No longer Follow us on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/cecilyroutman/  Follow us on Gettr: https://gettr.com/user/prolifececily 

As the Book of Numbers comes to a close in the double portion of Matot–Masei, in this week's Land of Israel Fellowship session Ari Abramowitz discovers a powerful message about faith (emunah) and trust (bitachon). Drawing from the enduring olive trees of Judea, this teaching explores what it means to trust God's promises even when His provision cannot yet be seen. From Israel's forty-two wilderness journeys to the modern-day restoration of the Land, this message reveals how God's faithfulness continues to unfold before our eyes. Join us as we explore the connection between Torah, redemption, and our calling to live with deep roots of faith, unwavering trust, and confidence in the God who always keeps His word.

When Even Generals Salute (Parshat Matot -Masei)The Story of Rabbi Tzvi Rotenberg and the Timeless Message of Matot–Masei: Standing Firm in Your Principles Wherever Life Takes You. 

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 71 - 5786 Matot Masei 07-09-26 by Shapell's Rabbeim

Parsha ‘Matot’ (Numbers 30:2 through chapter 32) is one of those that Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship thinks, because of the “not-politically-correct” and thus too often utterly neglected chapter 30, deserves much more attention that it gets, particularly for reasons he tries to make clear. The Erev Shabbat reading is certainly an introduction: https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/SSM-7-10-26-Matot-teaching-podcast-xxx.mp3 The Sabbath day midrash begins by making clear, at least in part, why Mark is not a fan of combining Numbers chapter 30 into a double-portion. BUT, at least there are certainly consistent threads that link them, and demonstrate WHY honoring our word is so vital. The ‘rest of the story’ is why civilization collapses without it. And we’re there. And Numbers chapter 30 is at the heart of most of it. “Matot [and Masei]: Real MEN MUST ALWAYS Be Bound By their Word” https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/WT-CooH-7-11-26-Matot-Only-Real-MEN-can-be-BOUND-by-their-Word-podcast-xxx.mp3 Service information: Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship worship services and teachings are broadcast live every Sabbath, via Paltalk. (www.paltalk.com has both the link, and the app.) The “room name” is “Walking Torah with Shabbat Shalom Mesa,” and can be found via the paltalk search, then bookmarked. Erev Shabbat services begin at 7:00 PM Mountain Time Friday evenings (9 PM Eastern, 8 PM Central) Live Sabbath teachings begin shortly after 11 AM Mountain time on Sabbath day (Saturday). email: mark@markniwot.com The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash:

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We spend a lot of time making different calculations. We think about what's going to bring us the greatest benefit, what's going to produce the best outcome, and what will help us accomplish the most. That's a good approach when it comes to our physical lives, but when it comes to avodat Hashem, there is a different rule. Our job is not to calculate what we think will accomplish the most. It is to do exactly what Hashem asks us to do and trust that His calculations are infinitely greater than ours. Rabbi Eliyahu Lopian brings out this lesson very clearly in the first of this week's two parashiyot. In Parashat Matot, Hashem tells Moshe Rabbeinu to go to war against Midyan, and immediately afterward he would leave this world. Rashi, quoting the Midrash, points out the greatness of Moshe Rabbeinu. Even though he knew that fulfilling this command would bring about his own death, he did not hesitate for a moment. He fulfilled Hashem's command with joy and without delay. Rabbi Lopian notes that we find what appears to be a different approach by Yehoshua bin Nun. Hashem also commanded Yehoshua to wage war and conquer Eretz Yisrael, and after that mission was complete, his life would come to an end. Chazal tell us that Yehoshua delayed the war, and as a result, he lost ten years of his life. Rabbi Lopian explains that Yehoshua had the best of intentions. He knew Moshe Rabbeinu's prophecy that after Moshe died, the Jewish people would eventually stray from the proper path. Yehoshua understood that as long as he remained alive, it was considered as if Moshe was still alive, because Chazal teach that as long as a student lives, it is as if his rebbe is still living. Indeed, the Jewish people remained loyal to Hashem throughout Yehoshua's lifetime, and only after he died did they begin serving avodah zarah. Yehoshua therefore made a calculation. If he delayed the war, he would live longer, and Klal Yisrael would remain on the proper path for a longer period of time. It seemed like a wonderful calculation. Moshe Rabbeinu could have made the very same calculation. He could have thought, "If I delay the war against Midyan and remain alive longer, I'll continue leading the Jewish people, and they too will remain on the proper path." But Moshe Rabbeinu did not make calculations. Hashem told him to do something, and he did it immediately. In the end, Yehoshua's calculation accomplished just the opposite of what he intended. Instead of gaining years, he lost ten years of his life, and consequently, the Jewish people strayed from the proper path earlier than they would have had he fulfilled Hashem's command immediately. Moshe Rabbeinu, on the other hand, only gained. Because he fulfilled Hashem's command without delay, the prophecy that the Jewish people would stray from the path was postponed until after Yehoshua's passing. Hashem fulfilled the prophetic words אחרי מותי כי השחת תשחיתון to mean not only after Moshe's death, but after the death of his faithful student as well. By trusting Hashem, Moshe accomplished far more than he ever could have by making his own calculations. Very often we also make calculations when it comes to Torah and mitzvot. We say, "I know I should give tzedakah, but first I want to become more financially secure." "I know I should spend more time learning Torah, but right now I need to build my career." "I know I should do this mitzvah, but maybe if I wait a little longer, it will work out better." Our job is not to calculate how Hashem's commands will produce the best results. Our job is to do what Hashem wants now. Hashem, Who sees the past, present, and future all at once, has already made every calculation. Living with emunah means recognizing that Hashem's calculations are infinitely greater than ours. If we do our job by fulfilling His will with joy and without delay, trusting that we only gain by listening to Him, then we will fulfill our mission in this world properly. Shabbat Shalom

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This week's Torah portion covers Numbers 30:2–36:13. The double reading portion of Matot-Masei brings the book of Numbers to its end. Positioned on the plains of Moab, the Israelites stand at the threshold of the Promised Land. This final section functions as a bridge between the wandering generation and the conquest generation. Through legal stipulations, historical recitations, and geographical boundaries, the text establishes a framework for an orderly, holy society.Support the showConsider donating (one-time or recurring) to www.TheJerusalemConnection.us so we can continue to bring valuable content via podcasts free to the public. Help us increase our audience reach and improve production quality. Your donation is 100% tax-deductible to our non-profit organization. Bible Fiber and The Red Alert Report are available via YouTube and all major podcast platforms. The Jerusalem Connection also engages in additional educational and advocacy programs. Check our "Projects" tab for all the endeavors we invite YOU to be part of.

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Parashat Matot, the first of this week's double Torah portions of Matot-Masei, (beginning in Numbers 30), opens with the subject of oaths and vows. Man's ability to speak is a true reflection of the Divine image in which he is created, and his words have the power to create-- as well as to destroy. If he uses his words wisely, he can truly emulate God and bring blessing to the world. This week's Jerusalem Lights podcast finds our hosts in deep reflection on man's unique power of speech, and his great responsibility to use it wisely. Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman share powerful Torah insights on these last two portions of the Book of Numbers._________Rabbi Chaim Richman Jerusalem Lights | Torah for Everyone Follow Rabbi Richman on Substack: https://substack.com/@chaimrichmanJoin our new WhatsApp channel! https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbDN...Rabbi Chaim Richman's 'Jerusalem Lights', a non-profit educational organization, shares the wisdom of Torah teachings with all sincere spiritual seekers, emphasizing the ennoblement of the human spirit, the brotherhood of mankind, and the nurturing and development of each individual's personal faith and relationship with the Creator. Torah for Everyone!If you enjoy these videos, please consider supporting the work of Jerusalem Lights, Inc., a USA recognized 501 ( c ) 3 non-profit organization to enable these productions to continue and grow: PayPal: infojerusalemlights@gmail.com or: https://paypal.me/JerusalemLights?loc...In the USA: Jerusalem Lights Inc. Post Office Box 16886Lubbock Texas 79490In Israel: Tel. 972 54 7000395 Mail: PO Box 23808, Jerusalem Israel For more information: https://www.jerusalemlights.org Subscribe to our YouTube channel:    / @jerusalemlights-rabbirichman  Follow us on Facebook:   / rabbichaimrichman    / 282440396475839  

Moshe's Hesped for Aharon teaches us an important lesson.

Welcome to Rabbi Sacks' commentary on the weekly Torah portion. Covenant & Conversation examines the ethics and wisdom we can derive from the Torah, week-by-week, parsha by parsha. Follow along with the full article, written and recorded by Rabbi Sacks in 2016, here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/masei/complexity-human-rights/ This week our FEATURED ARTICLE on Matot-Masei (written by Rabbi Sacks in 2013) is available to read, print, and share, by visiting: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/matot/the-danger-of-suspicion/ The new FAMILY EDITION is now also available: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation-family-edition/matot/the-danger-of-suspicion/ For additional articles, translations, videos, and other material from Rabbi Sacks, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org and follow @RabbiSacks. _________________________ With thanks to the Schimmel Family for their generous sponsorship of Covenant & Conversation, dedicated in loving memory of Harry (Chaim) Schimmel. _________________________

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From words that bind to the road to Freedom

What gives you strength ?

This week Rabbanit Shani Taragin and Rabbanit Dr. Adina Sternberg sit down to discuss the second Haftarah of Ruin from Yirmiyahu 2. After an attempt to chronologically place this prophecy, our hosts discuss what could have been done better during the period of Yoshiyahu's reform, why this was not enough in the eyes of the prophet Yirmiyahu, and how this relates to our current national challenges. This year the Matan Podcast is studying the weekly Haftarah.

Welcome back to The Total Torah Podcast!For those of you listening to one aliyah per day, here is where you should start:02:36 Second Aliyah04:05 Third Aliyah05:35 Fourth Aliyah07:18 Fifth Aliyah08:47 Sixth Aliyah11:01 Seventh Aliyah13:49 Masei15:09 Second Aliyah18:14 Third Aliyah21:05 Fourth Aliyah22:17 Fifth Aliyah23:28 Sixth Aliyah26:36 Seventh AliyahCheck out more of our content on Facebook,  Instagram, and Youtube.

Parshat Matot/Masei:  A Promise Is A Debt  -  Spanish and English. Any member of the covenant people, Israel, can also make vows of gratitude to devote themselves for a time to the service of the eternal one, or to give a special offering. Recorded  July 26, 2025. Parshat Matot/Masei:  Lo prometido es deuda  -  Español e inglés.  Cualquier integrante de el pueblo del pacto, Israel, también puede hacer votos de gratitud para consagrarse por un tiempo al servicio del eterno, o dar alguna ofrenda especial. Grabado  el 26 de julio de 2025.

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In Parashat Matot, Moshe Rabbeinu is commanded by Hashem to avenge the Midyanim for causing Bnei Yisrael to stumble in the most severe sins. Moshe responds by selecting one thousand tzaddikim from each shevet, totaling 12,000 men. He sent them off to war along with Pinchas, the Aron HaKodesh, and the special trumpets used in battle to invoke Hashem's favor and bring victory. The Torah then states: " וַיִּצְבְּאוּ עַל־מִדְיָן " – They encamped against Midyan. Ramban explains that this means the Jewish army surrounded Midyan on three sides, leaving one side open. This was a direct command from Hashem, meant to offer the enemy a chance to flee. Even in war, we are commanded to show mercy. And Ramban adds that this wasn't a one-time instruction—this principle of compassion applies to all future optional wars. Later, the Torah testifies that the Jewish army wiped out Midyan without losing even one soldier. It was openly miraculous. To confront such a large enemy with only 12,000 men and suffer no casualties was clearly the hand of Hashem. This pattern has repeated itself throughout Jewish history. We show compassion to our enemies—and we experience miraculous victories. In a recent conflict, the Israeli Air Force flew nearly 400 warplanes over Iran. Not a single jet malfunctioned. There were no mechanical failures, no planes struck by enemy fire, and not one pilot was injured or captured. Before the operation, Israeli defense officials estimated that between 400 and 800 civilians could be killed in Iranian missile assaults. Some projections feared that if Iran fired all of its 2,000+ ballistic missiles, the death toll could rise to 4,000. In the end, only 687 missiles were fired. Of those, 97% were intercepted. Iran also launched 1,200 drones—99% of which were downed by Israeli defensive systems. According to military experts, these numbers are almost statistically impossible. But when Hashem is protecting us, statistics do not apply. Although we did not merit a completely casualty-free outcome like the war against Midyan, we witnessed an unmistakable miracle. And it wasn't only us who saw it. Even non-Jewish journalists around the world began to acknowledge that something beyond nature is protecting the Jewish people. A British journalist by the last name Heath recently wrote an article exploring the world's irrational hatred for the Jews. He asked: Why does a nation this small inspire so much hostility? In his own words: A nation this small should not be this strong. Surrounded by enemies, condemned in the UN, targeted by terror, boycotted, slandered, and attacked—and yet, the Jewish people thrive in every area: military, medicine, technology, agriculture, security, intelligence, morality, and resilience. They turn desert into farmland. They make water from air. They intercept rockets midair. They rescue hostages from the heart of enemy territory. They survive wars they are supposed to lose—and they win. The world watches and can't explain it. So they grasp for explanations: American aid, high-tech trickery, some hidden secret—anything but the truth. Because the truth means admitting it's Hashem. By all logic, the Jewish people should have disappeared long ago. That's how the story of every exiled, enslaved, and persecuted minority ends. But the Jews didn't disappear. We are stronger than ever. There is no cheat code that can explain how a nation returns to its homeland after 2,000 years. There is no rational explanation for how a people go from gas chambers to global influence. There is no historical precedent for surviving the Babylonians, Romans, Crusaders, Inquisitions, Pogroms, and Holocaust—and still standing strong today. Israel doesn't make sense—unless you believe in something higher. And that's what drives the world crazy. Maybe history isn't random. Maybe evil doesn't have the last word. Maybe the Jewish people aren't just a nation—but a living proof that there is a G-d in the world. Once a person admits that Israel's survival is divine, his entire moral compass has to reset. Because then he is not watching the final chapter of a fallen people, but rather the unfolding of something eternal. So the world tries to deny it—but it is becoming more and more obvious. We are incredibly fortunate to be the Am Hashem. We must appreciate that privilege and honor it by living as true representatives of Hashem—through our Torah and our mitzvot.. Shabbat Shalom.

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In today's page of Talmud, Avodah Zarah 36, the sages continue their discussion on halachot pertaining to goods made by gentiles, and whether Jewish people can consume them. There's a larger discussion here, one about tradition and continuity. For further insight, we are including this week's episode of our sister podcast 'Sivan Says'. This week's double parsha, Matot-Masei, contains a list of 42 places the Israelites journey to on their route to the Promised Land. What can we learn from this long and detailed list? Listen and find out. 

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 36 | Matot-Masei, by Rav Eli Weber What is the meaning of living in Eretz Israel?

Sefer Bamidbar | Matot - Masei | 5785 | War of Midian, War of Vengeance, by Rav Ezra Bick What is the difference between the vengeance of Israel and the vengeance of God? What does it actually mean to avenge the Midianites? Why did the people go out to do this in the name of Moses?

Through the powerful image of a king carrying his ailing son away to heal, the Midrash brings fresh insight into God's boundless love for His people. Take three minutes to remember that we are always loved.

A curious parsing and a manuscript advisory warning. Follow along in Bemidbar 30:5, 30:12, 30:8, 31:6. Provide your feedback or join the WhatsApp group by sending an email to torahreadingpodcast@gmail.com.  

The war of Midian highlights a debate between the people and Moshe, and a most important trait in leadership.

Bringing Am Yisrael Together We read in Parashat Matot of the request made by the tribes of Reuven and Gad to permanently settle in the region east of the Jordan River. Beneh Yisrael had captured this territory from the kingdoms of Sihon and Og, and Reuven and Gad – who owned lots of livestock – saw that this land had vast amounts of pasture which was well-suited for their herds. They thus approached Moshe and asked permission to make this area their permanent home instead of crossing into the Eretz Yisrael. Moshe granted their request after receiving their promise that they would participate in the battles waged by the other tribes to conquer the Land of Israel. Surprisingly, the Torah tells that when Moshe distributed this territory, he apportioned shares not only to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, but also to part of the tribe of Menashe. This tribe is not mentioned at all previously in this story. From what we can tell, the people of Menashe did not come with Reuben and Gad to Moshe to ask for this land. Why, then, did part of the tribe of Menashe receive a portion in Eber Ha'Yarden (the region to the east of the Jordan River) together with Reuben and Gad? One answer can be suggested based on a mysterious comment by the Midrash, teaching us about the background to the division of the tribe of Menashe. Back in the Book of Bereshit, we read of how Yosef's brothers sold him as a slave to merchants who brought him to Egypt, where he ultimately rose to the position of vizier. When famine struck the Land of Israel, Yosef's brothers came to purchase grain from Yosef – not realizing that this was his brother. Before they made their way back to Eretz Yisrael, Yosef ordered his advisor – whom the Midrash identifies as his son, Menashe – to plant his goblet in the bag of the youngest brother, Binyamin, to frame him as a thief. Later, after the brothers left Egypt, Yosef told Menashe to run after them and charge them with theft. When the goblet was discovered in Binyamin's bag, the brothers tore their garments, as tragedy had now befallen the family. The Midrash comments that since Menashe had caused the brothers to tear their garments into two halves, the tribe that descended from him would similarly be "torn" into two pieces, with part of the tribe residing in Eretz Yisrael, and the other part residing east of the Jordan River. At first glance, the Midrash seems to be saying that Menashe was punished for causing his uncles anguish. But if we probe deeper, we will see that to the contrary, Menashe was actually given a great privilege to split into two halves. A number of commentators explain that Yosef's intention in framing Binyamin was to determine whether his brothers had fully repented for their sin of selling him as a slave – by putting them in a situation where another younger brother would be in trouble. Yosef framed Binyamin to see if the brothers would do everything they could to save him and bring him home – just the opposite of how they treated him, driving him out of the family. As we know, Yehuda stepped forward to offer himself as a slave in Binyamin's stead, showing that the brothers had indeed fully repented and changed. At that point, Yosef revealed himself to his brothers, and the family was reunited. Menashe made the brothers rend their garments – but in so doing, he brought the family back together. This process, unfortunately, entailed the pain of "tearing," but it had the effect of mending the rupture that had plagued the family for many years. With this in mind, we can return to the story of Reuben and Gad. Moshe feared that Reuben and Gad's settlement across the river would cause a rupture in the nation. The Jordan River was a natural border that could have divided the nation into two, resulting in Reuben and Gad's dissociation from the rest of the nation. Moshe therefore devised a plan – he would have half of one of the other tribes live together with Reuben and Gad across the river. Having half of a tribe on one side, and the second half on the other side, would help ensure that the river would not become a border separating between the two regions, that there would be ongoing contact and communication between the tribes in Eretz Yisrael and the tribes in Eber Ha'Yarden. For this crucial purpose, Moshe selected the tribe of Menashe – the tribe whose ancestor is credited with bringing the family together. Menashe had bequeathed this quality to his descendants, and so they were the best choice to ensure that Am Yisrael remains united despite the geographic separation between them. Just as Menashe had united the family by planting the goblet in Binyamin's bag, so would his descendants assure the unity of the Jewish Nation by living on both sides of the Jordan River and connecting all the tribes with each other.

Parshat Matot - Masei -2025 פרשת מטות מסעי

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks' commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio on Matot-Masei was recorded by Rabbi Sacks in 2014. Follow along here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/matot/conflict-resolution/ This week's featured essay on Matot-Masei is available here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/matot/the-prophetic-voice/ Read and download the written essay, and all translations. For intergenerational discussion on the weekly Parsha and Haftara, a new FAMILY EDITION is now also available: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation-family-edition/matot/the-prophetic-voice/ ___________________ For more articles, videos, and other material from Rabbi Sacks, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org and follow @RabbiSacks. The Rabbi Sacks Legacy continues to share weekly inspiration from Rabbi Sacks. With thanks to the Schimmel Family for their generous sponsorship of Covenant & Conversation, dedicated in loving memory of Harry (Chaim) Schimmel.

This time of year is always an odd one in Judaism. we are meant to feel something for Galut and the Bet Hamikdash but what? Believe it or not there is an underlying simcha to it all. We journey with the Jews in the Parsha through the 42 places in the Midbar to find a starting point for ourselves in making sense of these times. Also I admit I still like Lego.

This week's parsha opens with what looks like just a long list—42 places the Israelites traveled through on their way from Egypt to the Promised Land. But those stops aren't just historical footnotes. They're reminders that every leg of the journey matters. As Jews, we're always walking, always evolving. Mas'ei asks us to look back at our own paths and ask: What have I learned? What was the purpose of that detour, that delay, that disaster? Can the act of remembering become its own kind of movement? Tune in to find out.

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latesLatest episode of the podcast. Please consider sponsoring a class online in someones merit, memory or refuah shelemah. You can donate here in the app or send us an email at info@ejsny.org with the dedication you want to make. Thanks!

Matot Masei 2025

Matot-Masei 5785 - Torah and Information - In memory of Holocaust survivor Josef Guttman by Shifa & Tzvi Tafet

As two and a half tribes choose to settle outside the Promised Land, Moses asks: Will your siblings go to war while you stay here? This week's Torah portion raises timeless questions about what we owe each other as Jews—especially across distance, disagreement, and diaspora. Rabbi Micah Streiffer explores ancient texts, modern Israel-diaspora dynamics, and the Talmudic idea that all Israel are guarantors for one another. What does that really mean in 2025—and what happens when we stay silent? --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK: The Liberal Beit Midrash. For info on our weekly Zoom study groups and other learning opportunities go to https://laasok.org/. To support the production of this podcast, visit either laasok.org/support/ (for a tax-deductible one-time or monthly contribution) OR www.patreon.com/sevenminutetorah (for per-episode contribution. Comments or questions? Email info@laasok.org, or contact Rabbi Micah Streiffer directly at micah@laasok.org. 

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What defines Jewish belonging—land, Torah, or loyalty? In this episode, Parshat Matot-Masei sparks a rich conversation between Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash about the tribes of Reuven, Gad, and Menashe who ask to settle east of the Jordan River. They explore Moshe's sharp challenge to their request, the shifting language from “ahuzah” (holding) to “nachalah” (inheritance), and what it means to belong to the Jewish people. The discussion expands to contemporary dilemmas of collective responsibility—from Israel-Diaspora relations to the burden of reserve duty in today's IDF.

Welcome back to The Total Torah Podcast!For those of you listening to one aliyah per day, here is where you should start:02:36 Second Aliyah04:05 Third Aliyah05:35 Fourth Aliyah07:18 Fifth Aliyah08:47 Sixth Aliyah11:01 Seventh Aliyah13:49 Masei15:09 Second Aliyah18:14 Third Aliyah21:05 Fourth Aliyah22:17 Fifth Aliyah23:28 Sixth Aliyah26:36 Seventh AliyahCheck out more of our content on Facebook,  Instagram, and Youtube.

Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Brody wrote Ethics of Our Fighters: A Jewish View on War and Morality before the events of October 7th. Yet its publication shortly after the outbreak of the war in Gaza made the book especially timely—and deeply resonant. In it, R. Brody offers a “Jewish Multi-Value Framework” to navigate the often competing ethical considerations that arise in times of war—from the perspective of both those engaged in combat and those grappling with the moral questions. Drawing on emotionally charged moments from modern Israel's history and a candid exploration of the biblical texts related to warfare, R. Brody presents a thoughtful structure and vocabulary to approach some of the most difficult ethical dilemmas. In our conversation, we explore the book's central arguments and the diverse ways Jewish tradition has interpreted scriptural passages about war. These texts can often strike the modern reader as troubling, but as R. Brody points out, generations of sages and commentators have acknowledged these challenges and offered meaningful interpretive lenses through which to understand them. You can find R. Brody's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Ethics-Our-Fighters-Jewish-Morality/dp/159264676X This week's episode has been sponsored by Shuli Rockoff in observance of the Yahrzeit for her mother, Hudell Ruchama bat Avraham Shlomo and Etta Malka on the 25th of Tammuz.