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Mijal sits down with Rabbi Alex Israel—beloved Tanakh educator, podcaster, and Israeli thought leader—for a sweeping conversation that bridges biblical history with today's geopolitical challenges. Together, Mijal and Rav Alex explore timeless prophetic insights, the dangers of political power, and the enduring call for moral leadership and national unity. If you've ever wondered how ancient Jewish texts might help us make sense of today's dizzying headlines, this episode is for you. Click here for Rav Alex Israel's website, where you can register for a weekly parasha newsletter. Here is a link to Rabbi Israel's Tanakh Podcast. And please follow Wondering Jews on Instagram! instagram.com/wonderingjews Get in touch at our new email address: WonderingJews@unpacked.media and call us, 1-833-WON-Jews. ------------ This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Unpacking Israeli History Soulful Jewish Living Stars of David with Elon Gold
In this candid and insightful conversation with Rabbi Alex Israel, we speak about the intimate religious language the korbanot (sacrifices) used to convey and the complexity of any future reinstalment of them.
Today we begin the Book of Kings aka Sefer Melachim. It's a hugely important work taking us from David to almost the end of Biblical history, from the construction of the Temple to its destruction. . Rav Alex has spent many years studying Melachim and has recently published his second work on the sefer. There's no work I'd recommend more than his to aid our study. Check it out www.korenpub.com/koren_en_usd/maggid/series/maggid-studies-in-tanakh/i-kings.html. Hebrew and English text for this chapter can be found here: https://www.sefaria.org/I_Kings.1
Rav Alex is one of the premier teachers of Tanakh today, author of two outstanding books on Sefer Melakhim which we will doubtless come to in a about 6 weeks time. Today he considers a fascinating analogy between David/Avigael and Esav/Yaakov. Text for this chapter can be found here: https://www.sefaria.org/I_Samuel.25
Rabbi Michael Hattin discusses Devarim with Rabbi Alex Israel, exploring the question of repetition in Deuteronomy. The Rabbis called Devarim “Mishneh Torah” – the Repetition of the Torah. How is the retelling different to the original? Is Moses manipulating the … Read the rest The post Parashat Devarim: Telling the Story Again. What's Different? first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Parashat Devarim: Telling the Story Again. What’s Different? at Elmad Online Learning.
In this conversation with beloved teacher and author, Rabbi Alex Israel, we discuss what kind of person might become a Nazirite and what that can teach us about human nature and ourselves.
Rabbi Israel discusses the distinctions between the Book of Kings and the Book of Chronicles, and what our approach should be towards understanding these seemingly contradictory accounts. Find out how these factors into the story of Rehoboam. In the opening chapter of Kings, he offers two approaches for understanding the Avishag story. Discover the perplexities in the opening narrative of Kings, the two approaches the Rabbi utilizes to make better sense of all the details and peculiarities of these chapters. Additionally, the initial positive assessment of King Solomon in chapters 3, 4, and 5 make it hard to process his eventual descent into sin in chapter 11. How are we to appraise his positive persona in the earlier chapters with the knowledge of his downward spiral into sin? The Sages argued about what the sin was — how do we read these Aggadot and Midrashim? Lastly, Elijah the Prophet has become a symbol in Jewish life. According to our tradition, he "visits" each and every circumcision ceremony, is felt at the Seder table, and heralds the coming of the Messiah. His biblical persona, however, is rather different. Elijah is a zealot — demanding, agitated, passionate, and impatient. In Rabbi Israel's book, he outlines the different approaches of how to understand his fiery persona. Is Elijah a mouthpiece for God or are his actions of his own accord — or dare we say, even in protest to God? Why does Elijah fall into despair after the successful display on Mount Carmel, and how are we to understand God's cryptic words to try lift Elijah back up? After Elijah fails to internalize God's call to change his ways, God effectively retires Elijah as a Prophet, but not before having him take on young Elisha as a protege. In his book, the Rav provides a brilliant POV regarding that first meeting between Elijah and Elisha. What are the nuances in that first encounter that clue us in to Elisha's character, and why did God want Elisha to assume Elijah's role? We explore Elijah's famous end scene when he goes up in a whirlwind, with the narrative coming full circle, and how the Elijah in TaNaKh evolved into the Elijah in the later traditions.
Parashat Vayikra 5782: Calling. Listening. Giving. Description: This week, Rabbi Alex Israel discusses some of Rashi’s opening remarks to Vayikra highlighting some critical spiritual messages for our fast-paced world. Please let us know your comments and thoughts about the podcast, … Read the rest The post Parashat Vayikra 5782: Calling. Listening. Giving. first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Parashat Vayikra 5782: Calling. Listening. Giving. at Elmad Online Learning.
Haye Sarah Part 2: Burial Negotiations (23:1-20)Sefer BereshitSponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"HThis part in Parashat Haye Sarah taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
The Book of Samuel I & II Bonus Episode with Rabbi Alex Israel and Rabbi Michael Hattin Episode 28: The Interview Podcast Overview: In this bonus episode, Rabbi Alex Israel, in conversation with Rabbi Michael Hattin, goes behind the scenes … Read the rest The post Crises & Kings Episode 28: The Interview with Rabbi Michael Hattin first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Crises & Kings Episode 28: The Interview with Rabbi Michael Hattin at Elmad Online Learning.
Greatest Hits: The High Holidays Episode 7: Yom Kippur: The Repentance of Nineveh Description: Sefer Yona, the book of Jonah, is read at the Mincha service of Yom Kippur day. In this podcast, Rabbi Alex Israel delves into repentance by … Read the rest The post Yom Kippur: The Repentance of Nineveh – Episode 7 first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Yom Kippur: The Repentance of Nineveh – Episode 7 at Elmad Online Learning.
Haye Sarah Part 6: Death of Avraham (25:1-18)Sefer BereshitSponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"HThis part in Parashat Haye Sarah taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
Haye Sarah Part 5: Yitzchak and Rivka (24:60-66)Sefer BereshitSponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"HThis part in Parashat Haye Sarah taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
Haye Sarah Part 4: It is From God (24:28-60)Sefer BereshitSponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"HThis part in Parashat Haye Sarah taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
Haye Sarah Part 3: Finding Rivkah (24:1-28)Sefer BereshitSponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"HThis part in Parashat Haye Sarah taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
Haye Sarah Part 1: Introduction - Ages of Yisshak and RivkahSefer BereshitSponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"HThis part in Parashat Haye Sarah taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
Vayera Part 6: The Akeda (22:1-24)Sefer BereshitSponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"HThis part in Parashat Vayera taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
Vayera Part 5: Expulsion of Yishmael (21:1-34)Sefer BereshitSponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"HThis part in Parashat Vayera taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
Vayera Part 4: Gerar (20:1-18)Sefer BereshitSponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"HThis part in Parashat Vayera taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
Vayera Part 3: Escape from Sedom (19:4-38)Sefer BereshitSponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"HThis part in Parashat Vayera taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
Vayera Part 2: Justice & Righteousness (18:16 - 19:4)Sefer BereshitSponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"HThis part in Parashat Vayera taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
Vayera Part 1: Hospitality (18:1-15)Sefer BereshitSponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"HThis part in Parashat Vayera taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
Lech Lecha Part 6: Berit Milah (17:1-27)Sefer BereshitSponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"HThis part in Parashat Lech Lecha taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
Lech Lecha Part 5: Sarai and Hagar (16:1-16)Sefer BereshitSponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"HThis part in Parashat Lech Lecha taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
Lech Lecha Part 4: Berit Ben Habetarim (15:1-21)Sefer BereshitSponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"HThis part in Parashat Lech Lecha taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
Lech Lecha Part 3: Battle of the Kings (14:1-24)Sefer BereshitSponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"HThis part in Parashat Lech Lecha taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
Lech Lecha Part 2: Challenges of Egypt (13:1-18)Sefer BereshitSponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"HThis part in Parashat Lech Lecha taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
Lech Lecha Part 1: Go Forth! (12:1-20)Sefer BereshitSponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"HThis part in Parashat Lech Lecha taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
Noah Part 6: From Shem to Avram (11:9-32)Sefer BereshitSponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"HThis part in Parashat Noah is taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
Noah Part 1: Before the Flood (6:9 - 7:5)Sefer BereshitIn Memory of Al GindinAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"HThis part in Parashat Noah taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
Noah Part 2: Decreation & Recreation (7:6 - 8:14)Sefer BereshitSponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"HThis part in Parashat Noah is taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
Noah Part 5: The Dispersion (10:1 - 11:9)Sefer BereshitSponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"HThis part in Parashat Noah is taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
This week's shiur, “After the Apocalypse: Lessons from Noah”, was delivered by Rabbi Alex Israel, Senior Lecturer at Midreshet Lindenbaum's Maria and Joel Finkle Overseas Program. Click here to download sources
Noah Part 4: Rainbow & a Drunken Noah (9:8-27)Sefer BereshitSponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"HThis part in Parashat Noah is taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
Noah Part 3: After the Flood (8:15 - 9:7)Sefer BereshitSponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"HThis part in Parashat Noah is taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
Bereshit Part 5: Aftermath of Cain's murder (4:17-36)Sefer BereshitIn Memory of Al GindinAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"HThis part in Parashat Bereshit taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
Bereshit Part 6: 10 Generations Until Noah (5:1 - 6:8)Sefer BereshitIn Memory of Al GindinAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"HThis part in Parashat Bereshit taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
Bereshit Part 4: Cain & Hevel (4:1-16)Sefer BereshitIn Memory of Al GindinAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"HThis part in Parashat Bereshit taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
Bereshit Part 3: Gan Eden (3:1-24)Sefer BereshitIn Memory of Al GindinAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"HThis part in Parashat Bereshit taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
Bereshit Part 1: Creation: Days 1-6 (1:1-31)Sefer BereshitIn Memory of Al GindinAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"HThis part in Parashat Bereshit taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
Bereshit Part 2: Day 7 + Creation of Adam (2:1-25)Sefer BereshitIn Memory of Al GindinAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"HThis part in Parashat Bereshit taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
R. Alex Israel - Ramban - Haazinu: "For Gods Name" Sefer DevarimClass Sponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"H This part in Parashat Haazinu is taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
R. Alex Israel - Ramban - Nitzavim-Vayelech: "Will we change when Mashiach comes?" Sefer DevarimClass Sponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"H This part in Parashat Nitzavim-Vayelech is taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
R. Alex Israel - Ramban - Ki Tavo: "Two models of exile and redemption" Sefer DevarimClass Sponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"H This part in Parashat Ki Tavo is taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
R. Alex Israel - Ramban - Ki Tetze: "Mother and Child" Sefer DevarimClass Sponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"H This part in Parashat Ki Tetze is taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
R. Alex Israel - Ramban - Shofetim: "The Morality of Conquest" Sefer DevarimClass Sponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"H This part in Parashat Shofetim is taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
R. Alex Israel - Ramban - Devarim: "Judges and Justice" Sefer DevarimClass Sponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"H This part in Parashat Devarim is taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
R. Alex Israel - Ramban - Matot-Masei: "The Spirituality of Eretz Yisrael"Sefer BemidbarClass Sponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"H This part in Parashat Matot-Masei is taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
R. Alex Israel - Ramban - Pinehas: "Leadership Lessons" Sefer BemidbarClass Sponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"H This part in Parashat Pinehas is taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
R. Alex Israel - Ramban - Hukat: "The Book of the Wars of the Lord" Sefer BemidbarClass Sponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"H This part in Parashat Hukat is taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
R. Alex Israel - Ramban - Korah: "What Triggered the Korach Rebellion?" Sefer BemidbarClass Sponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"H This part in Parashat Korah is taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
R. Alex Israel - Ramban - Shelah: "Losing Jewish Identity" Sefer BemidbarClass Sponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"H This part in Parashat Shelah is taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
R. Alex Israel - Ramban - Behaalotecha: "The Fish we ate for Free" Sefer BemidbarClass Sponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"H This part in Parashat Behaalotecha is taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
R. Alex Israel - Ramban - Naso: "Nazir - Is Self-denial a Path to Holiness?" Sefer BemidbarClass Sponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"H This part in Parashat Naso is taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
R. Alex Israel - Ramban - Bemidbar: "The National Census" Sefer BemidbarClass Sponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"H This part in Parashat Bemidbar is taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
R. Alex Israel - Ramban - Behar - Behukotai: "Miraculous Living" Sefer VayikraClass Sponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"H This part in Parashat Behar - Behukotai is taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
R. Alex Israel - Ramban - Emor: "Shabbaton" Sefer VayikraClass Sponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"H This part in Parashat Emor is taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
R. Alex Israel - Ramban - Aharei Mot - Kedoshim: "Kedoshim Tihyu" Sefer VayikraClass Sponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"H This part in Parashat Aharei Mot - Kedoshim is taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
R. Alex Israel - Ramban - Tazria - Metzora: "Overcoming Childbirth" Sefer VayikraClass Sponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"H This part in Parashat Tazria - Metzora is taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
Parshiot Acharei Mot-Kedoshim speak of a land intolerant of sin. But can a land, soils and stones, be holy? In this podcast, Rabbi Alex Israel reflects on the nature of the land of Israel’s holiness, and reflects on the holiday… Read the rest Continue reading 5780 — Acharei Mot, Kedoshim, Israel Independence Day: Homeland or Holy Land? at Elmad Online Learning.
R. Alex Israel - Ramban - Tzav: "The Blood is the Soul" Sefer ShemotClass Sponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"H This part in Parashat Tzav is taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
R. Alex Israel - Ramban - Vayikra: "The Meaning of Sacrifices" Sefer ShemotClass Sponsored in Memory of Al GindiAbraham Nissim ben Esther A"H This part in Parashat Vayikra is taught by Rabbi Alex Israel TanachStudy.com
Was there one Ark of the Covenant, or two? In this podcast, Rabbi Alex Israel discusses the debate of whether there were one or two arks, and what was in them. The shiur will also uncover some surprising contemporary insights … Read the rest The post 5779 — Ekev: One Ark, Two Arks! first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading 5779 — Ekev: One Ark, Two Arks! at Elmad Online Learning.
A longer episode than most, we discuss the Book of Kings with Rabbi Alex Israel, author of the recently published "Kings 2: Into the Whirlwind" by Maggid Press (2019) - the sequel to his commentary on Kings 1. During the discussion Rabbi Israel and I discuss the fascinating and sometimes overlooked characters and stories of the book of Kings, and its purpose in the framework of Tanach.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/tanachtalks)
In this podcast Rabbi Alex Israel discusses the historic drama in which God, estranged from Israel after the Golden Calf, returns to the center of the Israelite Camp. The opening line of the Parsha is “Mishkan Ha-Eidut – The Tabernacle … Read the rest The post 5779 – Pekudei: The Return of God first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading 5779 – Pekudei: The Return of God at Elmad Online Learning.
Parshat Vayelech describes Moses committing the “Torah” to writing. But what does the term “Torah” mean? And wasn’t the “Torah” given at Mount Sinai? And how did the Torah come to be written? Rabbi Alex Israel discusses these questions and more … Read the rest The post Vayelech: The First Sefer Torah first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Vayelech: The First Sefer Torah at Elmad Online Learning.
In this podcast, Rabbi Alex Israel explains the wonderful history of the half-shekel annual tax, from its origins as a method to take census in Moses’ time, to a strange coin discovered by Nachmanides when he arrived in Eretz Yisrael … Read the rest The post Mishpatim: Shabbat Shekalim — The Amazing History of the Half-Shekel first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Mishpatim: Shabbat Shekalim — The Amazing History of the Half-Shekel at Elmad Online Learning.
“And God Saw that it was Good” is a phrase that resonates rhythmically in the creation chapter. In this podcast, Rabbi Alex Israel traces the Hebrew word “Tov-Good” and its corollary “Ra-Evil” throughout the stories of our Torah reading, as … Read the rest The post Bereishit: A “Good” World? first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Bereishit: A “Good” World? at Elmad Online Learning.
In this week’s parsha podcast, Rabbi Alex Israel discusses the laws of returning lost objects (Det 22:1-4), and how the Torah seeks to turn enemies into friends. Please consider giving to our 24-hour fundraising campaign and help us raise $200,000. … Read the rest The post Ki Tetze: “I lost my friend” first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Ki Tetze: “I lost my friend” at Elmad Online Learning.
In this week’s Pardes from Jerusalem podcast, Rabbi Alex Israel looks at what the difference is between a blessing and a curse? Bilaam is praised as the man whose “eyes are open,” but he cannot see what his donkey sees! … Read the rest The post Balak: Vision and Perception first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Balak: Vision and Perception at Elmad Online Learning.
In this week’s Parsha Podcast, Rabbi Alex Israel discusses the question of what is more critical, Jewish peoplehood or Jewish law? The Wilderness census will send us to a discussion opened by Rav Soloveitchik regarding the two foundational pillars of … Read the rest The post Bamidbar: Fate and Destiny first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Bamidbar: Fate and Destiny at Elmad Online Learning.
We always see Hanukah is focused upon the Menorah in the Temple, but our liturgy speaks of “Hanukat Hamizbeach” – the dedication of the altar. In this week’s Pardes from Jerusalem, special podcast for Hannukah, Rabbi Alex Israel discusses what … Read the rest The post Hanukah of what? The Menorah or the Altar first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Hanukah of what? The Menorah or the Altar at Elmad Online Learning.
Rabbi Alex Israel of the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies (http://www.pardes.org.il/)presents his lecture "Government, Corruption, and Self-Delusion" before a lively, roundtable audience at the East Valley Jewish Community Center (www.evjcc.org/) in Chandler, AZ. LEARNING MATERIALS: http://bit.ly/2hFvHMt DONATE: bit.ly/1NmpbsP For more info, please visit: www.facebook.com/valleybeitmidrash/ www.facebook.com/evjcc/ twitter.com/VBMTorah www.facebook.com/RabbiShmulyYanklowitz/ Music: "Good Starts," a free-use public domain song by Jingle Punks, courtesy of YouTube's Audio Library.
Rabbi Alex Israel of the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies (www.pardes.org.il/)presents his lecture "Government, Corruption, and Self-Delusion" before a roundtable audience before a roundtable audience at Temple Solel (www.templesolel.org/) in Paradise Valley, AZ. DONATE: bit.ly/1NmpbsP LEARNING MATERIALS: http://bit.ly/2hmThOz For more info, please visit: www.facebook.com/valleybeitmidrash/ www.facebook.com/templesolelaz/ twitter.com/VBMPhx www.facebook.com/RabbiShmulyYanklowitz/ Music: "Good Starts," a free-use public domain song by Jingle Punks, courtesy of YouTube's Audio Library.