Podcasts about Torah

Elul is the 12th and final month of the Jewish calendar year. Elul Unbound is a Judaism Unbound initiative all about making Elul meaningful, through creative digital modalities. In this conversation, Lex Rofeberg and Wendie Bernstein Lash ask what the Torah portion Nitzavim (from Deuteronomy, meaning "standing") can teach us about what it means to gather en masse -- with other Jews on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, or as a broader community beyond just Jews. This Elul episode is the fourth and final conversation in a series of four episodes being released as part of Elul Unbound 2026.--------------------------------------Looking for an intro to Judaism course? The UnYeshiva's gotchya covered, via our course Judaism Inbound: An Introduction to Judaism for Everyone. Head to JudaismUnbound.com/2026-courses/p/inbound-9-26 to learn more! Financial aid is available for all who need it.To check out all our Elul bonus episodes from previous years, which can still be relevant to your experience of Elul this time around, click here. Join our bi-weekly journey through Elul Unbound 2026 by signing up at this link, and sign up for our Elul Unbound Shabbat gatherings here, where we will be forging our kavanot (intentions) for the new year in real time with fellow Unbounders.

Welcome to Daily Bread for Busy Moms, a daily Bible reading podcast from Israel. Each day, we journey through the Scriptures together by following the weekly Torah portion one section at a time, along with readings from the Prophets, Writings, and Apostolic Scriptures. In just one year, you'll read through the Bible while following the biblical calendar and feast cycle. As we approach the beginning of a new reading year on Simchat Torah, we're excited to announce that the brand-new Daily Bread Journal is now available! Every year, a completely new journal is created for the upcoming reading cycle, and this year's journal will guide us through the Scriptures beginning October 4. The Daily Bread podcast follows the journal's unique reading plan, making the journal the perfect companion for your daily Bible reading journey. If you've been listening along and would like a place to record prayers, take notes, and follow the readings throughout the year, now is the perfect time to reserve your copy.

These classes teach the day's section of the weekly Torah portion. The lesson is taught using the original Hebrew text with the indispensable commentary of Rashi—both translated and elucidated so that anyone can follow along.

Join Rabbi Joey Rosenfeld as he guides us through the world and major works of Kabbalah, Hasidic masters, and Jewish philosophy, shedding light on the inner life of the soul.Support Reb Joey's Torah: ⁠⁠⁠https://inwardtorah.org/support⁠⁠

These classes teach the day's section of the weekly Torah portion. The lesson is taught using the original Hebrew text with the indispensable commentary of Rashi—both translated and elucidated so that anyone can follow along.

Rashi's commentary is an indispensable part of a person's daily studies. His explanation of Chumash, the first five books of the Torah, clarifies the "simple" meaning of the text so that a bright child of five could understand it. At the same time, it is the crucial foundation of some of the most profound legal analysis and mystical discourses that came after it.

The Mishneh Torah was the Rambam's (Rabbi Moses ben Maimon) magnum opus, a work spanning hundreds of chapters and describing all of the laws mentioned in the Torah. To this day it is the only work that details all of Jewish observance, including those laws which are only applicable when the Holy Temple is in place. Participating in one of the annual study cycles of these laws (3 chapters/day, 1 chapter/day, or Sefer Hamitzvot) is a way we can play a small but essential part in rebuilding the final Temple.

The Mishneh Torah was the Rambam's (Rabbi Moses ben Maimon) magnum opus, a work spanning hundreds of chapters and describing all of the laws mentioned in the Torah. To this day it is the only work that details all of Jewish observance, including those laws which are only applicable when the Holy Temple is in place. Participating in one of the annual study cycles of these laws (3 chapters/day, 1 chapter/day, or Sefer Hamitzvot) is a way we can play a small but essential part in rebuilding the final Temple.

The Mishneh Torah was the Rambam's (Rabbi Moses ben Maimon) magnum opus, a work spanning hundreds of chapters and describing all of the laws mentioned in the Torah. To this day it is the only work that details all of Jewish observance, including those laws which are only applicable when the Holy Temple is in place. Participating in one of the annual study cycles of these laws (3 chapters/day, 1 chapter/day, or Sefer Hamitzvot) is a way we can play a small but essential part in rebuilding the final Temple.

Forgiveness is a unique concept in Judaism and Christianity, yet Jews and Christians approach forgiveness differently. Both offer profound teachings on mercy, repentance, and reconciliation—rooted in Torah, the Prophets, the Gospels, and centuries of interpretation. How do Jewish concepts like teshuvah and divine pardon relate to Christian ideas of grace and atonement? How do we approach forgiveness from our respective traditions on an individual basis, and in relation to God? Where do the traditions converge, and where do they diverge in theology and in practice? As we enter the High Holiday season, a cornerstone of which is about forgiveness, whether you bring personal insight, scholarly interest, or quiet curiosity, please a thoughtful conversation exploring Jewish and Christian perspectives on forgiveness. PLEASE DONATE TO THE GENESIS 123 FOUNDATION AT WWW.GENESIS123.CO For information about and how to register for Root & Branch, please go to www.RootandBranchIsrael.comConnect with the Genesis 123 Foundation at www.Genesis123.co and learn how you can host Shabbat in your community.FB - www.facebook.com/Genesis123Foundation Twitter - @Genesis123FIG - Genesis_123_FoundationFind out how you can be part of Run for Zion and bless Israel with every step at www.RunforZion.com

When was the last time you memorized something on purpose? Not a password, grocery list, or directions, but a piece of poetry, a prayer, a mantra, a sutra, or a verse that you carried with you in your mind. In this episode, I'm exploring why memorization was once the original way ancient wisdom was passed down, and why it still matters now. We'll look at how memorizing meaningful words can train your attention, support your nervous system, strengthen your brain, and help wisdom become something you can actually return to in real life. Inside this episode, I explore:

Welcome to Daily Bread for Busy Moms, a daily Bible reading podcast from Israel. Each day, we journey through the Scriptures together by following the weekly Torah portion one section at a time, along with readings from the Prophets, Writings, and Apostolic Scriptures. In just one year, you'll read through the Bible while following the biblical calendar and feast cycle. As we approach the beginning of a new reading year on Simchat Torah, we're excited to announce that the brand-new Daily Bread Journal is now available! Every year, a completely new journal is created for the upcoming reading cycle, and this year's journal will guide us through the Scriptures beginning October 4. The Daily Bread podcast follows the journal's unique reading plan, making the journal the perfect companion for your daily Bible reading journey. If you've been listening along and would like a place to record prayers, take notes, and follow the readings throughout the year, now is the perfect time to reserve your copy.

What if the bronze used to build Solomon's Temple came from the spoils of David's wars? In 1 Kings Chapter 7 (part 2), Ari Abramowitz and Jeremy Gimpel discover a powerful picture of how Israel's battles, sacrifices, and suffering can be transformed into something holy. As the twelve oxen carry the Temple's “Sea” and David's gathered treasures finally become part of the House of God, we are challenged to ask: What will we build with what the previous generation handed us? In this chapter we learn: -Explore the massive bronze Sea in Solomon's Temple and the significance of the twelve oxen facing in every direction. -Discover how the bronze used for the Temple vessels, pillars, and basin came from David's wars and the spoils of battle. -Reflect on the spiritual choice between allowing pain to harden us or allowing Hashem to transform suffering into something holy. -Consider what the Temple's outward-facing posture teaches us about Israel, the nations, and our calling in the world. -Learn from David and Solomon about redemption across generations—-David gathered what Solomon would build with. -Ask the powerful question: What are we going to build with what was handed to us?

These classes teach the day's section of the weekly Torah portion. The lesson is taught using the original Hebrew text with the indispensable commentary of Rashi—both translated and elucidated so that anyone can follow along.

Baruch Hashem We are back! After a long summer of traveling we have resumed our weekly classes. We jump in with both feet talking about our travels in Israel and beginning the deep process of introspective Yeshiva based on the teachings of the Tomer Devorah, Enjoy!

As we celebrate America at 250, many Jewish thought leaders are reflecting on Jewish life in America today. In this series of classes, Rabbi Bernstein leads discussions of articles from the latest Shalom Hartman Institute Journal. The classes explore the present and future of Jewish life in America. This class, the third in the series of three, was conducted in person at Kehillat Israel and via Zoom on September 1, 2026.

News and commentary for Tuesday, 1 September, 2026.

News and commentary for Wednesday, 2 September, 2026.

This week we are reading a double Torah portion. The reading portions are called Nitzavim and Vayelech, and together they cover Deuteronomy 29:10–31:30. They capture Moses's final charge to the assembled Israelites as his life nears its end. For the last time as their leader, Moses exhorts them to commit themselves to an enduring covenant with God. Moses transfers leadership to Joshua and arranges for the written law to be preserved alongside the Ark of the Covenant.Although much of God's covenant with his people was revolutionary, the literary framework in which Moses presented it was familiar to the Israelites. In fact, the covenant was arranged in a format that any nation in the ancient Near East would have recognized. This understanding, that the covenant is following a common format, is something relatively new to biblical historians. Only in the last century have we learned a great deal about bilateral covenant-making in the ancient Near East.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.

Rashi's commentary is an indispensable part of a person's daily studies. His explanation of Chumash, the first five books of the Torah, clarifies the "simple" meaning of the text so that a bright child of five could understand it. At the same time, it is the crucial foundation of some of the most profound legal analysis and mystical discourses that came after it.

Send us Fan MailSpecial Guest:Rabbi Caryn Broitman, Author of The Torah is an Open Book: Radical Readings for the Seeker and the Skeptic and rabbi of the Martha's Vineyard Hebrew Center Question of the Week:We've talked a lot on the podcast recently about Biblical literalism and Christian nationalism and how the Bible has been used to shame and exclude people. But those conversations have been rooted in a Christian perspective. Drawing from your own Jewish faith and tradition, how would you recommend we interpret and engage with Scripture?The Torah is an Open Book: Radical Readings for the Seeker and the SkepticFor Listening Guides, click here!Got a question for us? Send them to faithpodcast@pcusa.org! A Matter of Faith website

The Mishneh Torah was the Rambam's (Rabbi Moses ben Maimon) magnum opus, a work spanning hundreds of chapters and describing all of the laws mentioned in the Torah. To this day it is the only work that details all of Jewish observance, including those laws which are only applicable when the Holy Temple is in place. Participating in one of the annual study cycles of these laws (3 chapters/day, 1 chapter/day, or Sefer Hamitzvot) is a way we can play a small but essential part in rebuilding the final Temple.

The Mishneh Torah was the Rambam's (Rabbi Moses ben Maimon) magnum opus, a work spanning hundreds of chapters and describing all of the laws mentioned in the Torah. To this day it is the only work that details all of Jewish observance, including those laws which are only applicable when the Holy Temple is in place. Participating in one of the annual study cycles of these laws (3 chapters/day, 1 chapter/day, or Sefer Hamitzvot) is a way we can play a small but essential part in rebuilding the final Temple.

Rashi Class, a weekly exploration of Torah featuring a deep dive on the text and lively conversation focused on an 11th-century French commentary, conducted by Rabbi Adam Kligfeld at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, this week beginning with Shemot/Exodus 13:5. (Zoom/Facebook)

The Mishneh Torah was the Rambam's (Rabbi Moses ben Maimon) magnum opus, a work spanning hundreds of chapters and describing all of the laws mentioned in the Torah. To this day it is the only work that details all of Jewish observance, including those laws which are only applicable when the Holy Temple is in place. Participating in one of the annual study cycles of these laws (3 chapters/day, 1 chapter/day, or Sefer Hamitzvot) is a way we can play a small but essential part in rebuilding the final Temple.

What Happens to the Soul when It Departs from the Body? This is the second class in a series on the Maamar Yom Tov Shel Rosh Hashanah said by the Alter Rebbe for Rosh Hashanah 5571, September 29, 1810, which came out on Shabbos. This class was presented by Rabbi YY Jacobson on Wednesday, 20 Elul, 5786, Sep. 2, 2026, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY. The class delves deeper into the two states of consciousness, Igulim and Yosher. Where we are submerged in the source, like the photon in the sun, the stop in the ocean, and the fetus in the womb, to where we emerge as "something," and the source turns into "no-thing." We discuss why Moshe did not want to be a leader, and why so severe a penalty for expressing a halacha in front of your Rebbe. View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9988

Chapter 35.06: Revealing Divine Unity in the Diverse Universe​A journey into the deepest teachings of the Torah and their application to our personal, emotional and psychological lives.The Tanya Applied radio show is broadcast every Saturday night, 10–10:30PM ET onWSNR 620 AM – Metro NY areaWJPR 1640 AM — Highland Park and Edison, NJOnline: www.talklinenetwork.comBy phone: Listen Line: 641-741-0389Many of us may be familiar with some of the central ideas in Tanya – including the battle of the two souls; what defines man and makes us tick; how we can control our temptations; how we can become more loving; what we can do to curb and harness our vices, like anger, jealousy, and depression; the formula for growth; how we can develop a healthy relationship with G-d; and why we are here. In this 30-minute program, you will learn how these ideas can be applied to your life today. You will discover secrets to a successful life that will transform you and your relationships.Rabbi Simon Jacobson is the best-selling author of Toward a Meaningful Life, and he is the creator of the acclaimed and popular MyLife: Chassidus Applied series, which has empowered and transformed hundreds of thousands through Torah and Chassidus.Now, Rabbi Jacobson brings his vast scholarship and years of experience to Tanya. Please join Rabbi Simon Jacobson for this exhilarating journey into your psyche and soul. You will come away with life-changing practical guidance and direction, addressing all the issues and challenges you face in life.For more info: www.chassidusapplied.com/tanyaMusic by Zalman Goldstein • www.ChabadMusic.coms of the Torah and their application to our personal, emotional and psychological lives.A journey into the deepest teachings of the Torah and their application to our personal, emotional and psychological lives.

In this week's Jerusalem Lights podcast, Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman explore some of the profound themes of the Torah portions of Nitzavim-Vayelech, as the final Shabbat of the year leads us toward Rosh Hashanah. Moshe renews the covenant with Israel one last time, emphasizing personal and collective responsibility, the mystery of “the hidden things belong to Hashem,” the promise and accessibility of teshuvah, and the revolutionary declaration that “the Torah is not in Heaven.” Above all, these portions challenge us to recognize the gift of free choice: to stand honestly before Hashem, choose life, and then move forward into the New Year with courage, faith, and renewed purpose. Don't miss Rabbi Richman's shofar blowing!

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 2020, here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/nitzavim/how-to-renew-a-nation/ This week our FEATURED ARTICLE on Nitzavim-Vayelech (written by Rabbi Sacks in 2013) is available to read, print, and share, by visiting: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/nitzavim/to-renew-our-days/ The new FAMILY EDITION is now also available: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation-family-edition/nitzavim/to-renew-our-days/ 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. _________________________

Welcome to Daily Bread for Busy Moms, a daily Bible reading podcast from Israel. Each day, we journey through the Scriptures together by following the weekly Torah portion one section at a time, along with readings from the Prophets, Writings, and Apostolic Scriptures. In just one year, you'll read through the Bible while following the biblical calendar and feast cycle. As we approach the beginning of a new reading year on Simchat Torah, we're excited to announce that the brand-new Daily Bread Journal is now available! Every year, a completely new journal is created for the upcoming reading cycle, and this year's journal will guide us through the Scriptures beginning October 4. The Daily Bread podcast follows the journal's unique reading plan, making the journal the perfect companion for your daily Bible reading journey. If you've been listening along and would like a place to record prayers, take notes, and follow the readings throughout the year, now is the perfect time to reserve your copy.

Welcome to Daily Bread for Busy Moms, a daily Bible reading podcast from Israel. Each day, we journey through the Scriptures together by following the weekly Torah portion one section at a time, along with readings from the Prophets, Writings, and Apostolic Scriptures. In just one year, you'll read through the Bible while following the biblical calendar and feast cycle. As we approach the beginning of a new reading year on Simchat Torah, we're excited to announce that the brand-new Daily Bread Journal is now available! Every year, a completely new journal is created for the upcoming reading cycle, and this year's journal will guide us through the Scriptures beginning October 4. The Daily Bread podcast follows the journal's unique reading plan, making the journal the perfect companion for your daily Bible reading journey. If you've been listening along and would like a place to record prayers, take notes, and follow the readings throughout the year, now is the perfect time to reserve your copy.

Send us Fan MailFinding Meaning Through Viktor Frankl, Chabad Chassidus & TherapyIn this episode of From The Inside Out Podcast with Rivkah Krinsky and Eda Schottenstein, we interview Rabbi Daniel Schonbuch, a therapist and author of "Viktor Frankl and the Psychology of the Soul," about integrating CBT, marriage/family therapy, Viktor Frankl's logotherapy, and Chabad Chassidus. Schonbuch explains Frankl's core idea that humans are driven by meaning, not pleasure or power, and outlines three ways to find meaning: purposeful work, love/experience, and changing one's attitude when suffering can't be avoided. He describes creating TorahPsychology.org, holding Hakhel conferences inspired by the Rebbe's encouragement and a message sent to Frankl, and using a 30-day logotherapy workbook to reduce depression and anxiety. The conversation also covers shared meaning in marriage, rising divorce and estrangement, parenting tools (I=QR, connection/communication/reduced control), reflective listening, trauma and meaning, and incorporating Mitteler Rebbe  teachings and “Tracht gut vet zein gut.”EPISODE SPONSORSYakira BellaYakira Bella is a modest, beautiful clothing brand with dresses that look and feel like designer pieces — elegant, well-made, and made to move with you all night — without the designer price tag. Their pieces get noticed and get compliments every time, and they're proud to be a brand featured on our podcast. Check out the link in our show notes. 

In this shiur, Reb Joey explores the kav—the thin ray of Infinite Light that enters the chalal after the tzimtzum. The shiur develops the relationship between the reshimu and the kav, and the deeper idea of kivui: hope as the opening through which Divine light can penetrate even the experience of absence.Support Reb Joey's Torah: ⁠⁠⁠https://inwardtorah.org/support

Join Rabbi Joey Rosenfeld as he guides us through the world and major works of Kabbalah, Hasidic masters, and Jewish philosophy, shedding light on the inner life of the soul.Support Reb Joey's Torah: ⁠⁠⁠https://inwardtorah.org/support⁠⁠

What if the two massive bronze pillars at the entrance of Solomon's Temple were never meant to hold anything up, but were meant to tell everyone who entered something about God? In 1 Kings 7, Ari Abramowitz and Jeremy Gimpel discover the powerful meaning behind Yachin and Boaz, the remarkable craftsman who helped build the Temple, and the deeper connection between Israel, the nations, and the House of God. In this chapter we learn: -Solomon's 13-year palace and the striking contrast with the seven years spent building the House of God. -Hiram the craftsman, a man connected to both Israel and Tyre, and his connection to Betzalel and the construction of the Mishkan. -The biblical pattern of righteous people from the nations becoming part of Israel's story, including Rahav, Ruth, Yitro, and Hiram. -The significance of the enormous bronze pillars Yachin and Boaz at the entrance to the Temple. -Why Yachin means “He will establish” and Boaz means “In Him is strength.” -The deeper calling of Israel to be a testimony to the nations and a light pointing toward the prophetic future of Jerusalem.

These classes teach the day's section of the weekly Torah portion. The lesson is taught using the original Hebrew text with the indispensable commentary of Rashi—both translated and elucidated so that anyone can follow along.

In this very honest conversation, Danny looks like a regular Torah guy living a normal life. But underneath, he struggles with anger, harsh self-criticism, and a cycle of shame that leads him to pornography and sexually acting out in search of connection.Dr. Z helps Danny recognize that constantly fighting the darkness inside him may actually be keeping him stuck. Instead, he needs to understand what triggers the negativity, learn how to sit with it without letting it control him, and accept that struggling does not mean he is failing.Danny knows many of the right things to say, but knowing is not the same as doing the work. Dr. Z challenges him to put his ego aside, stop trying to fight this alone, and find someone he can truly open up to. Sometimes the hardest part of “manning up” is admitting you need help and allowing yourself to be vulnerable.To be a future guest (yes, we can distort your voice):Please visit LivingLchaim.com/podcasttherapyYou can explore the world of mental health with our other show "That's An Issue":https://plinkhq.com/i/1607752110/e/?to_pageReach out to Dr. Z here:Child and Adult Psychological Services, PLLCEmail: [Info@caapsgroup.com](mailto:Info@caapsgroup.com)Office: (718) 338-4477Website: https://caapsgroup.comLchaim.

News and commentary for Monday, 31 August, 2026.

It Will All Be Good

Rashi's commentary is an indispensable part of a person's daily studies. His explanation of Chumash, the first five books of the Torah, clarifies the "simple" meaning of the text so that a bright child of five could understand it. At the same time, it is the crucial foundation of some of the most profound legal analysis and mystical discourses that came after it.

What can the final words of Moses teach Christians about God, His Torah, covenant faithfulness, and following Yeshua? In Episode 15 of Christians Follow Torah Too? — Part 7 of our Deuteronomy series, Sabbath Lounge continues our verse-by-verse journey through Deuteronomy 32–34, the final chapters of Moses' life and the conclusion of the book of Deuteronomy. These chapters contain some of the most powerful and prophetic words in the Torah—including the Song of Moses, God's warnings about Israel's future, Moses' final blessing, the commissioning of Joshua, and the death of Moses. But there's an important question behind these chapters: If Moses' final instructions came from God, what do they mean for people who follow Yeshua today? Could Deuteronomy 32–34 help us better understand the relationship between Torah, covenant, obedience, faith, and Christianity? In this Bible study, we examine the text carefully and compare what we find in Deuteronomy with the teachings of Yeshua (Jesus) and the rest of Scripture.  

The Mishneh Torah was the Rambam's (Rabbi Moses ben Maimon) magnum opus, a work spanning hundreds of chapters and describing all of the laws mentioned in the Torah. To this day it is the only work that details all of Jewish observance, including those laws which are only applicable when the Holy Temple is in place. Participating in one of the annual study cycles of these laws (3 chapters/day, 1 chapter/day, or Sefer Hamitzvot) is a way we can play a small but essential part in rebuilding the final Temple.

The Mishneh Torah was the Rambam's (Rabbi Moses ben Maimon) magnum opus, a work spanning hundreds of chapters and describing all of the laws mentioned in the Torah. To this day it is the only work that details all of Jewish observance, including those laws which are only applicable when the Holy Temple is in place. Participating in one of the annual study cycles of these laws (3 chapters/day, 1 chapter/day, or Sefer Hamitzvot) is a way we can play a small but essential part in rebuilding the final Temple.

The Mishneh Torah was the Rambam's (Rabbi Moses ben Maimon) magnum opus, a work spanning hundreds of chapters and describing all of the laws mentioned in the Torah. To this day it is the only work that details all of Jewish observance, including those laws which are only applicable when the Holy Temple is in place. Participating in one of the annual study cycles of these laws (3 chapters/day, 1 chapter/day, or Sefer Hamitzvot) is a way we can play a small but essential part in rebuilding the final Temple.

The Jews would gather to hear the reading of the Torah and the babies were also included. Reasons to explain this unique mitzva and related lessons.

The Torah in Parashat Nisavim foresees the time when Beneh Yisrael would be banished into exile on account of their breach of their covenant with G-d, describing, "Va'yashlichem Be'eretz Aheret" – Hashem's casting the nation into a different land (29:27). Those who look carefully at the Torah scroll will notice that the letter Lamed in the word "Va'yashlichem" is written larger than the other letters of the Torah. Enlarged letters in the Torah function like bolded text, or capitalized letters, in modern-day writing, denoting emphasis. What might the Torah have sought to emphasize with the enlarged Lamed in this word? Perhaps we can answer this question by understanding the unique significance of this letter. Several great Rabbis taught that as the word "Lamed" means "learn," this letter is associated with Torah study. The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) explains on this basis the unique shape of the letter Lamed, which is drawn with a vertical line on top, followed by a horizontal line, and then another vertical line dropping down. This shape, the Ben Ish Hai writes, represents the process of Torah tradition. The top vertical line represents the transmission of Torah wisdom as it "descends" from the scholar to his disciple. The horizontal line represents the learning that takes place among peers, how the students – who are generally on the same level, like points on a horizontal line – learn and gain from another. The line descending from that horizonal line symbolizes the students' then transmitting their knowledge and wisdom down to their offspring and students. If, indeed, the letter Lamed represents Torah learning, then we can perhaps explain the significance of the enlarged letter Lamed in the word "Va'yachlichem." As mentioned, this word speaks of the Jews leaving into exile, where they would live amidst, and under the authority of, foreign nations. The Torah is alluding to us that when this happens, when we are driven to exile, the Lamed – Torah learning – must be our central point of focus. Living among foreign cultures, we face two potential challenges: persecution, and assimilation. In some exiles, the primary hardship involved the foreign governments' attempts to ban Jewish learning and practice, to pull us away from our faith and our traditions by force. But in other eras, such as in our current exile here in the United States, the challenge is assimilation. We are, thank G-d, free to practice our religion without any restrictions, but with all the freedoms we enjoy come the lures and pressures of our society. Its beliefs are not our beliefs, its values are not our values, and its lifestyle is not our lifestyle. As a small minority, we face the constant pressure to accept the beliefs, values and lifestyle of our surroundings. This is why the Lamed is enlarged. The most effective and most important weapon we have in our arsenal with which to defend ourselves against the unrelenting cultural pressure to which we are subject in exile is Torah learning. When we learn Torah, we submerge ourselves in our faith, in our values, in our traditions, in our laws and customs. Torah learning of course is and always was a vitally important part of Jewish life, for several reasons, but in exile – and especially in our current reality – it serves the function of anchoring us to our spiritual core, and fortifying us against the hostile spiritual influences of general society. Let us, then, redouble our commitment to Torah learning, so we will survive this exile both physically and spiritually, and be worthy of our final redemption, speedily and in our time, Amen.

Welcome to Daily Bread for Busy Moms, a daily Bible reading podcast from Israel. Each day, we journey through the Scriptures together by following the weekly Torah portion one section at a time, along with readings from the Prophets, Writings, and Apostolic Scriptures. In just one year, you'll read through the Bible while following the biblical calendar and feast cycle. As we approach the beginning of a new reading year on Simchat Torah, we're excited to announce that the brand-new Daily Bread Journal is now available! Every year, a completely new journal is created for the upcoming reading cycle, and this year's journal will guide us through the Scriptures beginning October 4. The Daily Bread podcast follows the journal's unique reading plan, making the journal the perfect companion for your daily Bible reading journey. If you've been listening along and would like a place to record prayers, take notes, and follow the readings throughout the year, now is the perfect time to reserve your copy.

Email your pictures to orlofsky59@gmail.comSponsored By: Jeffrey Bolduc:A message from the mixed (up) multitude: I have listened to every podcast you've given, including the QA and Parsha in 5. I am not a Jew. Just a goy who wants Torah to spread. I would like to sponsor 10 episodes. God bless you all.