Podcasts about Shoftim

Yiftach makes a terrible mistake; Amon is defeated

Shoftim 11: Finding an Opening Yiftach is back from exile. The elders who expelled him now need him, and he knows it. Before the battle, he attempts diplomacy, dismantling the Ammonite king's historical revisionism with a careful, point-by-point legal argument rooted in the Exodus narrative. The king ignores him, not because the argument fails, but because he refuses to recognize Yiftach's authority. Then Yiftach makes his vow. This shiur examines the most contested moment in Sefer Shoftim: the neder of Yiftach and what happened to his daughter. We work through the machlokes Rishonim, including the Ramban and Ibn Ezra, on whether the vow demanded death or separation, and why the Gemara in Taanis condemns it in the sharpest terms. The deeper tragedy, however, is institutional. Pinchas could have annulled the vow. Yiftach could have gone to Pinchas. Neither moved. A girl died between their competing pride. The Bereishis Rabbah is unsparing. Includes a striking parallel to Iphigenia in Greek tragedy and the haftorah connection to Parshas Chukas. Part of the ongoing Judges in the Nach series.

After Yiftach's message falls on deaf ears, he initiates a wise military strategy

This shiur traces the theme of rejection and reversal across Shoftim chapters 10 and 11. We examine the enigmatic minor judges Tola and Yair, unpack the Rambam's radical interpretation of "vattiktzar nafsho" (Moreh Nevuchim I:41), and explore what genuine teshuva actually looks like when Hashem says no the first time. We also connect the miraculous retreat of the Ammonites to the pattern of Divine Providence operating through natural events, from D-Day to the battle of Katamon. Who gets called when things fall apart? And what do we make of a society that polices ancient lineage laws while abandoning Hashem entirely? Part of the ongoing Judges in the Nach series.

Yiftach asks if the King of Amon is superior to Balak

Yiftach mockingly tells Amon to get help from their god

Yiftach describes how Bnei Yisroel came on to the disputed land

Yiftach pushes back on the King of Amon's claims

This conversation with Rachel Sharansky Danziger explores the story of Yiftach's career read in this week's Haftarah, and the way his childhood story influences the dangerous choices he makes later on as leader. We also explore several 'daughter' stories in the book of Shoftim and what they reflect about that period of biblical history. This week's episode has been sponsored by the Feinblum family in memory of their husband and father, Selwyn Feinblum.

Yiftach and the King of Amon exchange messages

Yiftach has some words at Mitzpah

In this episode of Journey Through Nach, Rabbi Ya'akov Trump explores Shoftim chapter 9 and the rise of Avimelech, focusing on the danger of failed followership, selfish leadership, and communal collapse. Through the story of Shechem, Yotam's mashal of the trees, the betrayal of Avimelech, and the destruction that follows, this shiur examines how corrupt leadership often begins when responsible people step back and destructive voices fill the vacuum.

The elders accept Yiftach's counteroffer

Yiftach calls out their hypocrisy

The Gilead elders make an offer to Yiftach

Harav Yussie Zakutinsky Shlita

Yiftach attracts lowlife followers

Yiftach is banished by his family

Journey through Nach - Shoftim 8: The Pro-King by Timeless Torah in the 21st Century

Intro to Yiftach Hagiladi

As Amon retreats, the Gileadim look for a military leader

The Nation doubles down their efforts to repent and Hashem finally relents

Hashem refuses the teshuva of the Nation

Join us as we look at this week's Haftorah from the book of Shoftim: the story of the birth of Shimshon. In it we discover lessons regarding how to use momentous occasions in life while still remaining balanced.

Naso | Shimson the Nazirite... Indeed? by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom The annunciation of Shimshon's birth (Shoftim 13) carries several anomalies; indeed, his own life reflects an unusual form of Nezirut, one which is not bound by the most severe violation of Nezirut (contact with the dead) - while his parents are the ones bound to avoid drinking wine. An investigation into the various types of נזירים in Tanakh - both before and after Matan Torah - opens up an intriguing possibility which allows us to decipher this last of the Shoftim and his unusual religious strictures. Source sheet >>

Amon & Pelishtim oppress and demoralize the nation

The jews once again lapse into idol worship

Yair follows as the next Judge

Tola Ben Puah judges during a period of righteousness

This sicha explores the dual roles of divine command and human effort in fulfilling the mitzvah of Torah study. The Rebbe discusses the balance between divine assistance and personal involvement, emphasizing the importance of dedication while relying on divine guidance. https://www.torahrecordings.com/likutei-sichos/004/018

The Rebbe discusses the Torah's command to appoint judges and officers in every Jewish city. He emphasizes the importance of justice and law in maintaining a harmonious society. The discussion extends to applying these principles both in the Land of Israel and in the diaspora. https://www.torahrecordings.com/likutei-sichos/002/015_001

With Avimelech's death, Yosam's curse is fulfilled

A heavy millstone is thrown on Avimelech crushing his skull

The inhabitants of the Shechem Tower are burned

The city is razed to the ground and salted over

Gaal's defeat, expulsion, and the massacre of the rest of Shechem

Gaal realizes he is under attack; Zevul goads him to fight

Zevul advises Avimelech to launch a surprise attack

Harav Yussie Zakutinsky Shlita

Journey through Nach - Shoftim 7: Battle of the 300 by Timeless Torah in the 21st Century

Gaal argues his case for rebellion

Gaal Ben Eved shows up to lead the rebellion

Journey through Nach - Shoftim 6: Finding Gideon by Timeless Torah in the 21st Century

After 3 years of rule, Animosity develops between Avimelech and Shechem

The people of Shechem set up an ambush

Journey through Nach - Shoftim 5: Song of Devora by Timeless Torah in the 21st Century

Yosam's conclusion and departure

Journey through Nach - Shoftim 4: The Battle of Kishon Brook by Timeless Torah in the 21st Century