Podcasts about Sinai

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Deepika Chopra to talk about what real optimism actually means — and why it's so different from toxic positivity. We unpack the science behind resilience, curiosity, and staying open when life is hard, and we get practical about how to grow your “optimism muscle” in everyday moments. We talk about language shifts (like the power of “never” and “always”), parenting through low-capacity seasons, rituals that ground families, and why affirmations and manifestation don't always work the way we think they do.I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK! Order your copy of The Five Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans Here: https://bit.ly/3rMLMsLSubscribe to my free newsletter for parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox: https://dralizapressman.substack.com/Follow me on Instagram for more:@raisinggoodhumanspodcast Sponsors:Quince: Go to Quince.com/humans for free shipping on your order and 365-day returnExperian: Get started with the Experian App now!Little Spoon: Get 30% off your first online order at littlespoon.com/RGH with code RGHOneSkin: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code RGH at https://www.oneskin.co/RGH #oneskinpodMonarch: 50% off your first year at monarch.com with code HUMANSSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." This chapter gives us both the Nazirite vow, a special consecration marked by uncut hair and abstinence from wine, and the Aaronic Benediction, the most beautiful blessing in all of Scripture. In these verses, we see that holiness is both given by God and received in His name. The blessing that Aaron spoke is the same blessing Christ speaks over His Church today.  The Rev. Robert Smith, pastor emeritus in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Numbers 6.  The Book of Numbers is far more than an ancient census report. It is the story of a people learning to trust God in the wilderness, and failing, and finding grace anyway.  In this series, host Pastor Phil Booe and guest pastors walk through the Old Testament book of Numbers chapter by chapter. We follow Israel from Sinai toward the Promised Land, through grumbling and rebellion, fiery serpents and a talking donkey, faithless spies and faithful priests. The journey is hard, the failures are many, and God remains faithful to a faithless people.  These ancient accounts point us to Christ. The bronze serpent lifted on a pole points to the cross. The rock struck for water points to the one struck for us. The high priest whose death frees the manslayer points to the Great High Priest whose death sets us free forever. Join us as we discover that the wilderness has more to teach us than we ever expected.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Friday, February 13, 2026

"Command the people of Israel that they put out of the camp everyone who is leprous or has a discharge and everyone who is unclean through contact with the dead." Purity in the camp matters because the Holy God dwells in the midst of His people. This chapter addresses physical uncleanness, restitution for wrongs, and the difficult case of suspected adultery. In these laws, we see God's concern for both ceremonial purity and relational integrity. Sin must be dealt with, not hidden, for the health of the whole community.  The Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS, joins guest host DCE Andy Bates to study Numbers 5.  To learn more about Redeemer Lutheran, visit Redeemer-Lawrence.org. The Book of Numbers is far more than an ancient census report. It is the story of a people learning to trust God in the wilderness, and failing, and finding grace anyway.  In this series, host Pastor Phil Booe and guest pastors walk through the Old Testament book of Numbers chapter by chapter. We follow Israel from Sinai toward the Promised Land, through grumbling and rebellion, fiery serpents and a talking donkey, faithless spies and faithful priests. The journey is hard, the failures are many, and God remains faithful to a faithless people.  These ancient accounts point us to Christ. The bronze serpent lifted on a pole points to the cross. The rock struck for water points to the one struck for us. The high priest whose death frees the manslayer points to the Great High Priest whose death sets us free forever. Join us as we discover that the wilderness has more to teach us than we ever expected.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Belyssa is a pioneering figure in Australian belly dance who founded the Belyssa Academy of Danse Orientale and the Flames of Araby troupe, establishing a legacy of dramatic, classical artistry. Over the past 30 years, Belyssa has dedicated herself to documenting the raw, earthbound rhythms and movements of isolated Bedouin tribes in the Sinai and Western Desert, far removed from the theatrical polish of Cairo stages. This deep anthropological work defines her current teaching philosophy, "Just Dance," which focuses on transmitting authentic micro-mannerisms and a profound, respectful connection to community traditions rather than mere choreography. Today, she holds a massive, sensitive archive of cultural documentation and continues to mentor dancers globally, advocating for the ethical preservation of dance as a living memory of its people.In this episode you will learn about:- How dance lives in social contexts that most performers never witness- What she discovered about Bedouin celebrations, gender dynamics, and who actually dances — and when- The ethical dilemma of carrying stories that are not fully yours when sharing her research publicly- Her firsthand experience of Ramadan and how it shifted her perception of cultural moments- The difference between staged folklore and lived embodied practiceShow Notes to this episode:Find Belyssa on Facebook, and her Academy Page.Details the BDE shows and training programs are available at www.JoinBDE.comDetails the BDE shows and training programs are available at www.JoinBDE.comFollow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.Find information on how you can support Ukraine and Ukrainian belly dancers HERE.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Thursday, February 12, 2026

After Eden, the flood, Babel, Abraham, Sinai, kings, and exile… the story reaches its turning point. God didn't abandon His plan for a human family. He didn't surrender the nations to darkness. And He didn't scrap creation when rebellion kept repeating itself. Instead, He stepped in. In this episode, we trace the arc from Israel's failure to the Incarnation—why God chose to become a man, how the crucifixion blindsided the powers of darkness, and what Paul meant when he said that if the rulers of this age had understood what was happening, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. We also look at Pentecost through a different lens. Those 3,000 believers weren't just converts—they were God's first wave of reclaiming the nations. Scattered among the Gentile world, they became embedded witnesses in territory long held by other gods. The Great Commission wasn't a church program. It was a cosmic invasion. And it's still unfolding. The story isn't over—and neither is your part in it. Scriptures referenced include: Genesis 6; Deuteronomy 32:8–9; Psalm 82; Exodus 19; 1 Corinthians 2:8; Ephesians 2:7; Ephesians 3:10; Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 2. This series follows the broad theological framework popularized by Dr. Michael Heiser in What Does God Want? and Supernatural. For listeners who want to explore these themes more deeply, those books are an excellent place to start.

"But let them not go in to look on the holy things even for a moment, lest they die." The three Levitical clans receive their assignments for transporting the tabernacle. The Kohathites carry the most sacred objects but may not touch or even look upon them uncovered. The Gershonites handle the curtains and coverings, while the Merarites transport the frames and bases. In this chapter, we see that drawing near to holy things requires holy procedures. The God who invites us into His presence is still the consuming fire.  The Rev. Levi Willms, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sauk Rapids, MN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Numbers 4.  To learn more about Trinity in Sauk Rapids, visit trinitysr.org. The Book of Numbers is far more than an ancient census report. It is the story of a people learning to trust God in the wilderness, and failing, and finding grace anyway.  In this series, host Pastor Phil Booe and guest pastors walk through the Old Testament book of Numbers chapter by chapter. We follow Israel from Sinai toward the Promised Land, through grumbling and rebellion, fiery serpents and a talking donkey, faithless spies and faithful priests. The journey is hard, the failures are many, and God remains faithful to a faithless people.  These ancient accounts point us to Christ. The bronze serpent lifted on a pole points to the cross. The rock struck for water points to the one struck for us. The high priest whose death frees the manslayer points to the Great High Priest whose death sets us free forever. Join us as we discover that the wilderness has more to teach us than we ever expected.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

On the last 8 verses of the Torah - who wrote them? That is, how could Moshe have written them when the text itself recounts his death at the beginning of them? Plus, what does it take to "get the mitzvah" of getting the Torah at Sinai? (Spoiler: Any writing of any letter of a Torah scroll). [Who's Who: Rabbi Shimon Shezuri] Plus, the case of the shechitah of a pregnant animal - what if the fetus survives (depending on how many months it is). Plus, checking out the rulings of R. Shimon Shezuri.

The Serpent's Foundation in the Church | KIB 517 Kingdom Intelligence Briefing In Kingdom Intelligence Briefing Episode 517, Dr. Michael and Mary Lou Lake expose a sobering reality: many believers are trying to build spiritual life on compromised foundations, and when the foundation is defiled, the fruit will be defiled—especially in the prophetic and charismatic streams. Mary Lou shares what the Lord impressed on her this week about false havens Babylon offers—systems, groups, and "comfort structures" that create a counterfeit sense of security and dependency. She also shares a striking spiritual picture: a massive serpent beneath the charismatic church, contaminating the foundation and helping explain the confusion, deception, and counterfeit manifestations so many are encountering. Dr. Lake then takes us into Scripture to show how the enemy targets foundations through "night arrows" (Psalm 11), how infiltration has worked throughout biblical history, and why the answer is not more spectacle—but a return to Christ as the Cornerstone, with the apostles and prophets (biblically defined) as the foundation. This episode also includes an encouraging reminder: God has done undeniable miracles before—and will again—but the authentic move of the Holy Spirit will always exalt Jesus, align with the written Word, and produce Christlike character. ✅ In this briefing you'll learn: Why Babylon creates false havens to replace dependence on God How spiritual deception targets the foundation beneath movements The biblical pattern of infiltration from Sinai to the early church Why the Holy Spirit is not flashy and never contradicts Scripture How to discern counterfeit manifestations and return to truth Why the remnant must rebuild on Christ and Him crucified

"Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the people of Israel instead of every firstborn who opens the womb." After the golden calf disaster, the Levites stood with Moses against idolatry. Now God sets them apart as His own, a living substitution for the firstborn of every Israelite family. In this chapter, we see the principle of substitution at work: one standing in the place of many. This points forward to Christ, the firstborn from the dead, who gave Himself as a ransom for all.  The Rev. John Lukomski, pastor emeritus and co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Numbers 3.  The Book of Numbers is far more than an ancient census report. It is the story of a people learning to trust God in the wilderness, and failing, and finding grace anyway.  In this series, host Pastor Phil Booe and guest pastors walk through the Old Testament book of Numbers chapter by chapter. We follow Israel from Sinai toward the Promised Land, through grumbling and rebellion, fiery serpents and a talking donkey, faithless spies and faithful priests. The journey is hard, the failures are many, and God remains faithful to a faithless people.  These ancient accounts point us to Christ. The bronze serpent lifted on a pole points to the cross. The rock struck for water points to the one struck for us. The high priest whose death frees the manslayer points to the Great High Priest whose death sets us free forever. Join us as we discover that the wilderness has more to teach us than we ever expected.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

We read today in great detail of the arrival of the people of Israel at Mt. Sinai on “the third new moon” [Exod. 19 v.1].  For the great mass of people with their flocks and herds, it had been a testing journey from Egypt; there had been many faith testing experiences along the way.  Now they are “encamped before the mountain” [v.2] and the “LORD called to” Moses and tells him to remind them of all their experiences. “Thus you shall … tell the people of Israel:  You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself.” [v.3,4]And today, we have God's word, if we will regularly and diligently read it, to bring into our minds all that God has done in the past and promises to do in the future. We must read it – so that our awareness of God's past actions. words and promises become ‘heart felt' – and not just head knowledge.    Those who commit their lives to God, find their relationship with him keeps growing – we realize we are in a two-way relationship – as Israel had to realize.  The prophet Isaiah wrote, “In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.” [63 v.9]We also read today in Exodus 20 details of the giving of the 10 commandments: these were accompanied by “thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid and trembled” [v.18] “  Moses said to the people, “Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin.” [v.20] but “the people stood far off …” [v.21]  How close are we to God?  Do we feel inclined to stand “far off”? Perhaps not – but, are we finding getting really ‘close' not at all comfortable? If we read God's word diligently we will see many examples of this testing; our convictions of belief should be increasingly seen by the things we give priority to each day. When we spend much of our time and money mingling with the world, our God is “jealous.”  We must never forget we “were bought with a price” [1 Cor. 6 v.20; 7 v.23].There is a sense in which we no longer belong to ourselves!  We had been, in a sense, in slavery to the world, it surrounded us; physically it still does and it threatens to suffocate us!   How joyful were the Israelites – at first – in their deliverance, what a sense of freedom they must have felt; and surely we were joyful when we first accepted Christ as our deliverer from the world around us – the sense of purpose in our lives – the optimism for the future!  Have those feelings faded? How inspiring are the words in today's Psalm 73, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart … for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge” [v.26,28] Our reading and meditation of God's word is an essential part in maintaining that “strength” – then when events “test you” you have the strength to endure and find “refuge” – and – indeed, you then feel even stronger! 

The Menora in the Temple featured various decorative parts, including goblets, knobs, and flowers. The Gemara details the quantity of each and their specific placement on the Menora. Rav explained that the Menora's height was nine handbreadths from the point where the lowest branches met. The text describes the gold used for the Menora as "michlot zahav." Rabbi Ami interpreted this phrase to mean that all the refined gold from King Solomon's era was used for its construction. Rabbi Shmuel bar Nachmani explained that the Menora is called "tehora" (pure) because it was shown to Moshe as a heavenly image. The Gemara explores why this same explanation is not applied to the "shulchan hatehora" (the pure table) used for the showbread; in that case, the phrase indicates that the table could potentially become impure. There were other items as well that God had to show Moshe, as they were difficult for him to grasp. The Mishna explains that the two parshiot (sections) in the mezuza are essential. Initially, it is assumed this refers to the small tip of the letter yud (kotzo shel yud), but this is rejected as being obvious. Instead, the Gemara suggests it serves to disqualify a mezuza if its letters are touching one another. Various rabbis discuss different issues regarding the letters hey and yud and whether or not certain formations disqualify them. Rav Yehuda says in the name of Rav that when Moshe went to receive the Torah, he found God attaching crowns to the letters. When Moshe asked why, God showed him Rabbi Akiva, who was extrapolating heaps of laws from every crown. Moshe was taken aback, as he did not understand Rabbi Akiva's teachings. However, once he heard Rabbi Akiva answer a student that a certain law was "a halakha given to Moshe at Sinai," Moshe was relieved. Yet, when he asked God what the reward would be for such a great scholar, God showed him Rabbi Akiva's tragic death, and Moshe was once again disturbed. In both instances, God told Moshe, "Be silent, for this is My decree." Seven specific letters are adorned with three crowns. There were also special requirements for writing the letters yud and chet, with explanations provided for each. The rabbis discuss in which situations mistakes in a Sefer Torah can be corrected and in which situations they cannot.

"The people of Israel shall camp each by his own standard, with the banners of their fathers' houses. They shall camp facing the tent of meeting on every side." The twelve tribes are arranged in precise formation around the tabernacle, three on each side. Judah leads from the east, where the sun rises. In this chapter, we see that Israel's entire existence is oriented around the presence of God in their midst. The camp is not just military organization; it is a theological statement: the LORD is at the center of His people.  The Rev. Benjamin Meyer, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in Condit, OH, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Numbers 2.  To learn more about Hope Lutheran, visit hopelutheransunbury.org. The Book of Numbers is far more than an ancient census report. It is the story of a people learning to trust God in the wilderness, and failing, and finding grace anyway.  In this series, host Pastor Phil Booe and guest pastors walk through the Old Testament book of Numbers chapter by chapter. We follow Israel from Sinai toward the Promised Land, through grumbling and rebellion, fiery serpents and a talking donkey, faithless spies and faithful priests. The journey is hard, the failures are many, and God remains faithful to a faithless people.  These ancient accounts point us to Christ. The bronze serpent lifted on a pole points to the cross. The rock struck for water points to the one struck for us. The high priest whose death frees the manslayer points to the Great High Priest whose death sets us free forever. Join us as we discover that the wilderness has more to teach us than we ever expected.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Episode 580 When: Sunday, February 8, 8:00PM ETFor recording visit the archive page or your favorite podcast carrier.Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chof Beis Shevat How did this day impact the Rebbe and what do we learn from that? What is the significance of this day for each one of us? Can you share a short biography and some stories about the Rebbetzin?  What practical actions should we be doing in honor of this day? What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week's Torah parsha? Why weren't all Torah laws given at the same time? Why do rational laws (mishpatim) have to be built upon the foundation of Sinai, Anochi Hashem Elokecho? Why was the Torah given on Mt. Sinai and not on Mt. Moriah, the Temple Mount? Since the Patriarchs studied and kept the entire Torah, what was unique about Matan Torah? What is the significance of naaseh v'nishma? And what is the logic of committing to something before hearing what you are committing to? Is there a connection between the ten commandments (aseres hadibros) and the ten utterances (asorah maamoros) with which the world was created? Why was Yisro's acknowledgment necessary before the giving of the Torah? Why did Yisro have seven names? Why did the altar have a ramp and not steps? Can we “compel” G-d to learn Torah? How can we explain the paradox that Hashem is both infinitely inaccessible and infinitely accessible?  What's the difference between Shechina and Atzmus? Why did the Rebbe institute the daily learning of Rambam? What is the history behind it? How can I stop my husband from watching the Super Bowl? Should we root for any team? 

In October 1973, the poet and singer Leonard Cohen—thirty-nine years old, famous, unhappy, and at a creative dead end—traveled from his home on the Greek island of Hydra to the chaos and bloodshed of the Sinai desert when Egypt attacked Israel on the Jewish high holiday of Yom Kippur. Moving around the front with a guitar and a group of local musicians, Cohen met hundreds of young soldiers, men and women at the worst moment of their lives. Those who survived never forgot the experience. And the war transformed Cohen. He had announced that he was abandoning his music career, but he instead returned to Hydra and to his family, had a second child, and released one of the best albums of his career. In Who by Fire, journalist Matti Friedman gives us a riveting account of those weeks in the Sinai, drawing on Cohen's previously unpublished writing and original reporting to create a kaleidoscopic depiction of a harrowing, formative moment for both a young country at war and a singer at a crossroads. Matti Friedman is an award-winning journalist and author. Born in Toronto and based in Jerusalem, his work has appeared regularly in the New York Times, The Atlantic, Tablet, and elsewhere. Friedman's last book, Spies of No Country: Secret Lives at the Birth of Israel, won the 2019 Natan Prize and the Canadian Jewish Book Award for history. Pumpkinflowers: A Soldier's Story of a Forgotten War was chosen in 2016 as a New York Times Notable Book and one of Amazon's 10 best books of the year. His first book, The Aleppo Codex, won the 2014 Sami Rohr Prize and the ALA's Sophie Brody Medal. Matti Friedman on Twitter. Bradley Morgan is a media arts professional in Chicago and author of U2's The Joshua Tree: Planting Roots in Mythic America. He manages partnerships on behalf of CHIRP Radio 107.1 FM, serves as a co-chair of the associate board at the Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and volunteers in the music archive at the Old Town School of Folk Music. Bradley Morgan on Twitter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

What is the Torah, really? We spend so much time discussing it and studying it but can you explain what it is?Does Judaism require blind faith or is there actual evidence? We explore the mass revelation at Sinai, unique prophecies that defy explanation, fascinating mitzvot you've never thought about, and the impossible survival of the Jewish people across thousands of years.This isn't your typical Torah class—it's about the big questions and surprising answers.

In October 1973, the poet and singer Leonard Cohen—thirty-nine years old, famous, unhappy, and at a creative dead end—traveled from his home on the Greek island of Hydra to the chaos and bloodshed of the Sinai desert when Egypt attacked Israel on the Jewish high holiday of Yom Kippur. Moving around the front with a guitar and a group of local musicians, Cohen met hundreds of young soldiers, men and women at the worst moment of their lives. Those who survived never forgot the experience. And the war transformed Cohen. He had announced that he was abandoning his music career, but he instead returned to Hydra and to his family, had a second child, and released one of the best albums of his career. In Who by Fire, journalist Matti Friedman gives us a riveting account of those weeks in the Sinai, drawing on Cohen's previously unpublished writing and original reporting to create a kaleidoscopic depiction of a harrowing, formative moment for both a young country at war and a singer at a crossroads. Matti Friedman is an award-winning journalist and author. Born in Toronto and based in Jerusalem, his work has appeared regularly in the New York Times, The Atlantic, Tablet, and elsewhere. Friedman's last book, Spies of No Country: Secret Lives at the Birth of Israel, won the 2019 Natan Prize and the Canadian Jewish Book Award for history. Pumpkinflowers: A Soldier's Story of a Forgotten War was chosen in 2016 as a New York Times Notable Book and one of Amazon's 10 best books of the year. His first book, The Aleppo Codex, won the 2014 Sami Rohr Prize and the ALA's Sophie Brody Medal. Matti Friedman on Twitter. Bradley Morgan is a media arts professional in Chicago and author of U2's The Joshua Tree: Planting Roots in Mythic America. He manages partnerships on behalf of CHIRP Radio 107.1 FM, serves as a co-chair of the associate board at the Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and volunteers in the music archive at the Old Town School of Folk Music. Bradley Morgan on Twitter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/performing-arts

In October 1973, the poet and singer Leonard Cohen—thirty-nine years old, famous, unhappy, and at a creative dead end—traveled from his home on the Greek island of Hydra to the chaos and bloodshed of the Sinai desert when Egypt attacked Israel on the Jewish high holiday of Yom Kippur. Moving around the front with a guitar and a group of local musicians, Cohen met hundreds of young soldiers, men and women at the worst moment of their lives. Those who survived never forgot the experience. And the war transformed Cohen. He had announced that he was abandoning his music career, but he instead returned to Hydra and to his family, had a second child, and released one of the best albums of his career. In Who by Fire, journalist Matti Friedman gives us a riveting account of those weeks in the Sinai, drawing on Cohen's previously unpublished writing and original reporting to create a kaleidoscopic depiction of a harrowing, formative moment for both a young country at war and a singer at a crossroads. Matti Friedman is an award-winning journalist and author. Born in Toronto and based in Jerusalem, his work has appeared regularly in the New York Times, The Atlantic, Tablet, and elsewhere. Friedman's last book, Spies of No Country: Secret Lives at the Birth of Israel, won the 2019 Natan Prize and the Canadian Jewish Book Award for history. Pumpkinflowers: A Soldier's Story of a Forgotten War was chosen in 2016 as a New York Times Notable Book and one of Amazon's 10 best books of the year. His first book, The Aleppo Codex, won the 2014 Sami Rohr Prize and the ALA's Sophie Brody Medal. Matti Friedman on Twitter. Bradley Morgan is a media arts professional in Chicago and author of U2's The Joshua Tree: Planting Roots in Mythic America. He manages partnerships on behalf of CHIRP Radio 107.1 FM, serves as a co-chair of the associate board at the Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and volunteers in the music archive at the Old Town School of Folk Music. Bradley Morgan on Twitter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/biography

The Menora in the Temple featured various decorative parts, including goblets, knobs, and flowers. The Gemara details the quantity of each and their specific placement on the Menora. Rav explained that the Menora's height was nine handbreadths from the point where the lowest branches met. The text describes the gold used for the Menora as "michlot zahav." Rabbi Ami interpreted this phrase to mean that all the refined gold from King Solomon's era was used for its construction. Rabbi Shmuel bar Nachmani explained that the Menora is called "tehora" (pure) because it was shown to Moshe as a heavenly image. The Gemara explores why this same explanation is not applied to the "shulchan hatehora" (the pure table) used for the showbread; in that case, the phrase indicates that the table could potentially become impure. There were other items as well that God had to show Moshe, as they were difficult for him to grasp. The Mishna explains that the two parshiot (sections) in the mezuza are essential. Initially, it is assumed this refers to the small tip of the letter yud (kotzo shel yud), but this is rejected as being obvious. Instead, the Gemara suggests it serves to disqualify a mezuza if its letters are touching one another. Various rabbis discuss different issues regarding the letters hey and yud and whether or not certain formations disqualify them. Rav Yehuda says in the name of Rav that when Moshe went to receive the Torah, he found God attaching crowns to the letters. When Moshe asked why, God showed him Rabbi Akiva, who was extrapolating heaps of laws from every crown. Moshe was taken aback, as he did not understand Rabbi Akiva's teachings. However, once he heard Rabbi Akiva answer a student that a certain law was "a halakha given to Moshe at Sinai," Moshe was relieved. Yet, when he asked God what the reward would be for such a great scholar, God showed him Rabbi Akiva's tragic death, and Moshe was once again disturbed. In both instances, God told Moshe, "Be silent, for this is My decree." Seven specific letters are adorned with three crowns. There were also special requirements for writing the letters yud and chet, with explanations provided for each. The rabbis discuss in which situations mistakes in a Sefer Torah can be corrected and in which situations they cannot.

In October 1973, the poet and singer Leonard Cohen—thirty-nine years old, famous, unhappy, and at a creative dead end—traveled from his home on the Greek island of Hydra to the chaos and bloodshed of the Sinai desert when Egypt attacked Israel on the Jewish high holiday of Yom Kippur. Moving around the front with a guitar and a group of local musicians, Cohen met hundreds of young soldiers, men and women at the worst moment of their lives. Those who survived never forgot the experience. And the war transformed Cohen. He had announced that he was abandoning his music career, but he instead returned to Hydra and to his family, had a second child, and released one of the best albums of his career. In Who by Fire, journalist Matti Friedman gives us a riveting account of those weeks in the Sinai, drawing on Cohen's previously unpublished writing and original reporting to create a kaleidoscopic depiction of a harrowing, formative moment for both a young country at war and a singer at a crossroads. Matti Friedman is an award-winning journalist and author. Born in Toronto and based in Jerusalem, his work has appeared regularly in the New York Times, The Atlantic, Tablet, and elsewhere. Friedman's last book, Spies of No Country: Secret Lives at the Birth of Israel, won the 2019 Natan Prize and the Canadian Jewish Book Award for history. Pumpkinflowers: A Soldier's Story of a Forgotten War was chosen in 2016 as a New York Times Notable Book and one of Amazon's 10 best books of the year. His first book, The Aleppo Codex, won the 2014 Sami Rohr Prize and the ALA's Sophie Brody Medal. Matti Friedman on Twitter. Bradley Morgan is a media arts professional in Chicago and author of U2's The Joshua Tree: Planting Roots in Mythic America. He manages partnerships on behalf of CHIRP Radio 107.1 FM, serves as a co-chair of the associate board at the Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and volunteers in the music archive at the Old Town School of Folk Music. Bradley Morgan on Twitter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/israel-studies

Sunday, February 08, 2025 

Old Testament Sermons / Speaker:Berry Kercheville The Call and Message of Jeremiah Chapters 1-2  Introduction: Jeremiah is a unique prophet in many ways. God called him when he is young, at least in his early twenties. He is called to live a hard and difficult life. He is hated by his own people, and kings desired to kill him in spite of the fact that his message was intended to save them.  The heart of Jeremiah is what is most moving. In reading the book, it is not long before your heart becomes wedded to his and that every emotion he feels and every hurt he endures, becomes your emotion and your hurt. Soon you realize that what you are experiencing is not just Jeremiah's heart, but the heart of God himself reflected in his prophet.  Please participate in the readings this year. You will travel through great valleys, but in the end you will ascend to the mountain top with God. Overview of the last kings of Judah during Jeremiah's ministry Reigns of the final kings of Judah  Manasseh: 696–642 Amon: 642–640 Josiah: 640–609 (Jeremiah's ministry begins in the 13th year of Josiah: 627–586) Jehoahaz: 609 (3 months). Deported to Egypt by Pharaoh Necho Jehoiakim:  609–597  Put on the throne by Necho 605: Babylon defeated Egypt at the battle of Carchemish Jehoiakim served Nebuchadnezzar until 597 when he rebelled and is killed Jehoiachin 597 (3 months): taken and imprisoned in Babylon for 35 years until Evil-merodach mercifully freed him (2 Kings 25:27) Zedekiah 597–586: Puppet king to Nebuchadnezzar. Rebels in 588 and after an 18 month siege, Jerusalem and the temple are overthrown. Though the first half of Jeremiah's ministry is during Josiah's reforms, it is evident by Jeremiah's message that the heart of the people is unchanged. The message: External reforms did not achieve the change of heart God demands.  The last half of Jeremiah's ministry (chapters 21ff) are the worst for him since he is now dealing with the wicked sons of Josiah as kings. Jeremiah is treated as a traitor and accused of treason for urging Zedekiah to submit to Nebuchadnezzar according to the word of the Lord. But Zedekiah's advisors believe that Jerusalem cannot be conquered, and therefore their rebellion becomes the demise of the nation. Key Messages & Lessons: Chapter One 1:4 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…I consecrated you…” Do you believe that could be said of you? Has God formed you, knew you, and consecrated you before you were born?  “…even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.” (Ephesians 1:4-6) Go home and look in the mirror. Look deeply and carefully. You have a purpose. You were created for a purpose. Consider the amazing blessing God desired for you and planned for you. He specially appointed and chose you to be a part of an eternal plan and to exalt you above the angels.  You may look in the mirror and see someone you do not like, someone who you know has failed the purpose for which God created you. We've all been there. Now is the time to step up and meet that purpose. One day at a time, rebuild your life to please God.  The above is so easily said, but the effort needed is very difficult, especially in the beginning as you change old habits. Here is a “simple” daily schedule that must be followed if you are to succeed: Prayer! “Ask and you will receive…”  Read one chapter a day with a pencil, with notes of discoveries in a journal. Uncomfortable at first? Yes, if you've never done it. But this is absolutely necessary if God is going to renew your mind! 1:6-8 “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth…do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you.” God accepts no excuses! Jeremiah was young, very young—barely in his twenties. He had a lot of reasons why he shouldn't be the one who challenged kings. But that is the point! God never has looked for the “mighty” and the “talented.” God uses those who know that the power resides in God alone. We are nothing. But with God and the faith of the grain of mustard seed, mountains are moved. Do not look to yourself. That will only demoralize you and cause you to lose hope. Look to God. There is no failure with God. Never has been!  1:16 “And I will declare my judgments against them; for all their evil in forsaking me.” It is important that we always ask ourselves this question: Am I forsaking the Lord? There is a simple rule of thumb here—when our hearts are turned to other things, and the Lord is not our priority, we are forsaking him. The only outcome is our own failed idolatry. Key Messages & Lessons: Chapter Two 2:1-3 The violation of love and the marriage covenant This is a picture of love and the initial covenantal marriage of God with Israel. It is important to feel the Lord's heart and love as he looks back on the time in which he called the to follow him and be wedded to him. It is a heart-breaking scene. “Israel was holy…” This statement indicates the special purpose God had for Israel. They are set apart beyond all other nations. They are intended to display the holiness of God so that the nations would also turn to him. “…the firstfruits” changes the metaphor to picture why Israel was chosen. “Firstfruits” were a special offering to God of thanksgiving. “All who ate of it incurred guilt…”— thus Israel is God's and enemy nations would not be allowed to devour them. To be “Israel” was truly an unparalleled blessing.  “Firstfruits” also indicated a greater harvest to come. What could this greater harvest be? It is the nations—a picture of God's promise to Abraham that through his offspring all nations would be blessed. The failure of Israel should be a strong reminder to us of our calling and purpose. “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9) The failure of Israel should also remind us of the deep love God has for us and the extreme hurt we cause the Lord when our love for him wanes in favor of following earthly and worldly desires. To emphasize this God even required Hosea to endure the adulteries of his wife so that he could relate to Israel the deep hurt and anger God felt by Israel's adulteries. Summary of God's Message God remembers these early days in which he delivered them from bondage and made them is own at Sinai. Their hearts had trembled when he spoke to them and they made a promise to him that all he commanded they would do. But the contrast is seen in the rest of the chapter. They completely turned away, from kings, to priests, to prophets (2:8), “on every high hill and under every green tree you bowed down like a whore” (2:20). 2:11-13 It is unheard of that a nation would change gods. But Israel was unique among the nations, not only changing gods but rejecting the true God who done so much for them in favor of gods that cannot give them anything. They gave up the fountain of living waters and instead dug out cisterns that cannot hold water. Will we learn from this? How foolish to turn to the worldly, idolatrous desires that are based on the weakness and do not last and reject the God who has never failed us and brings us through every trial.  Question: Are you drinking from the fountain of living waters? Did you drink from that fountain each day last week? Or are you digging your own cistern and expecting your thirst to be quenched?  2:26-27 is a vivid illustration of this foolishness. God is our Creator. Should not that which is created turn to the One who formed him? 2:27-28 illustrates the day of need and calling to God for help. Ha! Turn to the idols you have served and see if they can save you! 2:34-35 The callousness of sin is illustrated by their claim of innocence in spite of their utter wickedness and murder. 2:23-25 A good illustration of the addictiveness of sin. Israel is like a restless camel, never content. She is like a wild donkey in heat sniffing the wind and eager to mate with any males that are willing—it will not be difficult to find her. Look at her! A holy nation turned to animal instincts!  When Israel is told to repent, her answer is that it is hopeless, she loves strangers and after them she will go. This is exactly what Satan does to us when we persist in sin! It doesn't have to be “a lot of sins.” Just one sin will do. Just one sin that eats at our minds and corrupts our hearts. Soon we look at ourselves and say, “It is hopeless. I am what I am and I cannot turn away!” Conclusion: Just as in Jeremiah's day, it is time to make a choice. Judgment is coming. In spite of Israel's many denials that the Babylonians would enter the city and massacre them, God's word held true. Will we ready ourselves for our coming Judgment? Or will we keep living in denial?  Berry Kercheville The post Jeremiah 1-2: The Call and Message of Jeremiah appeared first on Woodland Hills Church of Christ.

Shabbat Teaching with 2nd year Ziegler Rabbinic Student, Brian Blum, at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, February 7, 2026. (Youtube/Zoom)Special Guest: Brian Blum.

Hebrews 12:18-29 // In Jesus, God's final word moves us from the terror of Sinai to the grace of Zion, where forgiven sinners are welcomed into his kingdom and to refuse him is to face judgment.Anchor of the Soul // Michael Crosswhite

In this solo episode, I'm diving into 10 practical tips to help make listening and cooperation with your kids easier. I'll walk you through straightforward strategies for strengthening connection and communication, plus I'll share a quick mindfulness exercise to keep you feeling centered, even on the toughest days.I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK! Order your copy of The Five Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans Here: https://bit.ly/3rMLMsLSubscribe to my free newsletter for parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox: https://dralizapressman.substack.com/Follow me on Instagram for more:@raisinggoodhumanspodcast Sponsors:Quince: Go to Quince.com/humans for free shipping on your order and 365-day returnWayfair: Head to wayfair.comBrodo: Head to Brodo.com/HUMANS for20% off your first subscription order and use code HUMANS for an additional $10 offPique: Secure 20% off your order and begin your intentional wellness journey today at Piquelife.com/humansBetterHelp: Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/humansFora: Become a Fora Advisor today at Foratravel.com/HUMANSSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

By the end of our reading Moses will have spent 40 days on Mt. Sinai, and in that amount of time, the Israelites will have given up on Moses and on the Lord. Not long beforehand, the nation of Israel had promised that they would do all that the Lord had commanded, but in short order, they turn away from God. They instead turn to Aaron, who caves to the crowd's demands, making them a golden calf for them to worship. The Lord's anger burns against Israel, but Moses steps in as a redeemer for his people, interceding on their behalf. Before we get to that part of the narrative, we first return where we left off as God gives further instruction about worship in the tabernacle.Exodus 29 – 1:15 . Exodus 30 – 9:39 . Exodus 31 – 16:39 . Exodus 32 – 19:30 . Proverbs 6 – 27:52 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

"Take a census of all the congregation of the people of Israel." Before Israel can march toward the Promised Land, God commands Moses to count every man twenty years old and upward, able to go to war. This is no mere administrative task; it is preparation for holy battle. Each tribe is numbered, each family accounted for, because the LORD fights for His people and knows them by name. Yet this military registry also points forward to a greater census: the Lamb's book of life, where every believer is numbered among those for whom Christ has won the victory.  The Rev. Ross Shaver, Church Planter and Theological Educator LCMS OIM, Santiago, DR, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Numbers 1. The Book of Numbers is far more than an ancient census report. It is the story of a people learning to trust God in the wilderness, and failing, and finding grace anyway.  In this series, host Pastor Phil Booe and guest pastors walk through the Old Testament book of Numbers chapter by chapter. We follow Israel from Sinai toward the Promised Land, through grumbling and rebellion, fiery serpents and a talking donkey, faithless spies and faithful priests. The journey is hard, the failures are many, and God remains faithful to a faithless people.  These ancient accounts point us to Christ. The bronze serpent lifted on a pole points to the cross. The rock struck for water points to the one struck for us. The high priest whose death frees the manslayer points to the Great High Priest whose death sets us free forever. Join us as we discover that the wilderness has more to teach us than we ever expected.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Yitro | Reliving Sinai, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom In his farewell speech, Moshe continually refers to the day of Matan Torah as יום הקהל, and even recalls Hashem's command הקהל לי את העם - to gather all of the people. This historic experience and the obligation to always remember it and to transmit it to the next generation seems to be the impetus for the Mitzva of Hakhel - to gather everyone for a public reading of the Torah "that they will learn to fear Hashem..." (Devarim 31). But this practice, although modestly revived about 140 years ago, was not activated for hundreds of years - yet, it seems that there was a more local and regular practice which was, at least partially, formulated in order to maintain the memory of the Stand at Sinai. We explore the Eretz Yisrael tradition of completing the Torah over 3 and a half years - or twice in a seven-year span, and explore its relationship to Hakhel and, ultimately, to a weekly (at least) reexperiencing of Sinai.

Before thunder and lightning, before Anochi Hashem Elokecha, the Torah pauses for a quiet but crucial conversation. Why does a Midianite outsider notice what no one else does? And why does Sinai have to wait? Rabbi Dunner explores Yitro's unlikely role in shaping leadership, responsibility, and the conditions that make Torah possible.

This week we take a look at the amazing showing of God at Mt. Sinai and the amazing lack of faithfulness by God's people at Mt. Sinai.  This is week 1 of a several week series. Interested in learning more about this topic?  Read Exodus 19-32. Want to discuss this more? Shoot Jon an email at jon@christianoutdoors.org

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: 15th of Shevat Why do we celebrate the New Year for Trees? Why don't we celebrate it on the third day of creation, when trees and vegetation were created?  How do trees celebrate their new year? What is the basis of Shammai and Hillel's different opinions of when we celebrate the new year for trees? Can it serve as an analogy for stages in the revelation of Moshiach? Was this day celebrated in Biblical times? What is a 15th of Shevat Seder and how do we conduct one? What are some lessons we learn from trees? Is there a source that Shevat is the acronym of sheyihi besuros tovos? Why is Shevat considered a month of good news when sad events took place in it, such as the passing of the Frierdiker Rebbe and Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka? What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week's Torah parsha? How do the three major events in the book Shemos – Exodus, Matan Torah, building the mishkan – reflect three key stages in our personal, collective and cosmic journey? Why is Matan Torah in Parshas Yisro?How would you describe G-d? Is G-d aware of His own existence? Why did the giving of the Torah begin with the Ten Commandments? How did Matan Torah change the world? Why were they not allowed to approach Mt. Sinai, but today anyone can climb that mountain? Why are the Jewish people called a “kingdom of priests”? Is Mitzrayim compared to the meitzar ha'goron, the narrow neck?   Why was there a need for the parting of the sea, when their path to Israel did not require going through the Red Sea? Was the parting of the sea an actual event or a metaphor? What is the significance of the people singing the song of the sea after it was parted? What is the power of song? Shevat Yisro Beshalach What lessons do we learn from the car ramming into 770 on the night of Yud Shevat?  How do I know if I am doing the right thing in launching a new training program based on Chassidus? 

 - Tried for a home birth, midwives missed that my baby was breech, had an unplanned c-section- Incredible breastfeeding journey (SO thankful) that continues today, my daughter turned 2 - Realized when I was re-entering work and society that there was a major lack of nursing-access clothing that didn't *look* like nursingwear, I hated the chest zippers and extra flaps because I felt like they were obvious and distracting. - We prioritize natural fibers as a family, based on the research coming out of places like NIH and Mt. Sinai that connect synthetic fabrics with hormone disruption- Decided to build my own fashion brand that combined hormone-safe fabrics with nursing access dressesI'm the founder of Hone, hormone-safe apparel for postpartum moms in the nursing stage. FIND HER HERE:wearhone.comhttps://www.instagram.com/wear.hone/https://www.instagram.com/toni.toomey/PODCAST: https://www.instagram.com/thepostpartumstandard/

Moses and the people reach Sinai. God makes them an offer, they accept and the rest is history....

Moshe's father-in-law Jethro, Yitro in Hebrew, had been the world's foremost pagan priest and idolatrous practitioner...but then he turned his life around completely, declaring that the God of Israel is the One True God. How does such a turnabout happen? What was the price he paid for clinging to the truth, and what are the lessons learned for today's spiritual seekers? In this week's Jerusalem Lights podcast, Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman reflect on the life story of this true servant of God and brave iconoclast...for whom the Torah portion including the Giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai is named. Our hosts also discuss the relationship between the Ten Commandments and all the other commandments of Torah. What makes these ten stand out especially, and why were they uttered aloud at Sinai?_________Rabbi Chaim Richman Jerusalem Lights | Torah for Everyone Please support 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 IsraelWebsite: www.rabbirichman.comSubscribe to our YouTube channel:    / jerusalemlightsrabbichaimrichman  Follow us on Facebook:   / rabbichaimrichman    / 282440396475839  

Permit me to share a story from my own experience that helps explain why it took me so long to preach a sermon series on the book of Revelation. When I was twenty-eight, I had been ordained as a minister of the gospel only a short time earlier and was serving as an interim pastor at Calvary Baptist Church, a congregation of roughly three hundred people. The church was struggling. Years of poor leadership decisions and the dismissal of one of its senior pastors had left it in a fragile state. I was young, inexperienced, and keenly aware that I had far more to learn than to offer. When Calvary eventually called its next senior pastorwhom I will refer to as Bobhe inherited both me and another assistant pastor. Less than a year into his tenure, Bob called me into his office to discuss my future. He asked what I hoped for in ministry, and I told him I planned to finish seminary and learn as much as I could from him, given his decades of pastoral experience. Then, without warning, he asked me what I believed about the rapture. Caught off guard, I answered honestly: I believed Christ would return for His people, but I was not yet certain whether that would be before, during, or after the tribulation. Bob paused, looked at me, and said simply, Well, thats a problem. It was a problem because Calvarys doctrinal statement treated a pre-tribulation rapture not as a point of discussion, but as a nonnegotiable. One passage often cited in support of that view is 1 Thessalonians 5:9For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. Yet the wrath Paul describes there is not the suffering believers endure in this world, but the final judgment reserved for the condemned. That conversation marked me deeply. It revealed how quickly the book of Revelationand the questions surrounding itcan become a test of loyalty rather than a call to faithfulness. And it helps explain why I approached Revelation for so many years with caution, hesitation, and no small measure of pastoral concern. Suffering (Tribulation) is a Part of the Christian Life (v. 9) What troubled me about Pastor Bob and the doctrinal statement Calvary Baptist Church has since removed is that this view is difficult to reconcile with Jesus own teaching on what Christians should expect as His followers. Jesus said plainly, You will be hated by all for my names sake (Matt. 10:22). And again, In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world (John 16:33). The apostles echoed the same expectation. Paul warned new believers, Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God just after he was stoned and left for dead outside of the city of Lystra (Acts 14:22). Peter likewise urged Christians not to be shocked by suffering, but to see it as participation in Christs own path: Do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you rejoice insofar as you share Christs sufferings (1 Pet. 4:1213). The word tribulation simply means affliction. In Revelation, tribulation is never portrayed as some vague or theoretical idea, but as a real and immediate experience for faithful believers.1It is the context of Johns exile, the churches suffering, and the cry of the martyrs. Tribulation is the setting in which the church endures, bears witness, and waits for Christs victory. Let me press this one step further. In Matthew 24, Jesus warned His disciples, And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains (vv. 68). Then He said, They will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my names sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come (vv. 914). Jesus then went on to prophesy about events we know with certainty occurred in AD 70: So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be (vv. 1521). History records that everything Jesus warned would happen did, in fact, occur. Roman soldiers under Titus breached Jerusalem, entered the temple, slaughtered priests while sacrifices were being offered, piled bodies in the sanctuary, erected pagan images, and offered sacrifices to Roman gods, including sacrifices to the emperor himself. The temple was dismantled stone by stone, fulfilling Jesus words: Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down (Matt. 24:2). John lived through those events. More than twenty years later, he wrote to seven churches not as a distant observer but as a participant: I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. The question to consider until we reach Revelation 6 is: What tribulation is John participating in? The persecution of Christians didnt end in AD 70. What began as local opposition has become global. Some regions where the gospel once flourishedsuch as North Korea and Nigeriaare now among the most dangerous for Christians. A challenging reality of the Christian life is that faithfulness to Jesus often leads to suffering. John introduces himself not as an exception, but as a fellow participant in this tribulation. Whatever view of the tribulation you currently hold, know that John and the first-century church were convinced they were living in itnot as a fixed or future timetable, but as a present season of suffering that began with Christs ascension and will end only with His return. Jesus Will Not Abandon the Christian in Life (vv. 9-16) When John received his visions, it was on the Lords Day. Before anything was revealed about Gods plan for the world, it was a day set apart for worship. Many believe this is the earliest technical use of the Lords Day to refer to Sundaythe day of Christs resurrection and the dawn of the new creation. What is most significant is that John hears from the Lord while worshiping the Lord. While in a state of worship, John hears a loud voice behind him like a trumpet. This recalls Sinai, where we are told, there were thunders and lightnings and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled (Exod. 19:16). The trumpet-like voice commands John: Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches (v. 11). When John turns, he does not see a trumpet, but seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man (v. 12). Do not miss the significance: the lampstands represent the churches (v. 20), and Jesus stands in their midst. The Greek word mesos means among and in the middle. In other words, in the midst of tribulation and suffering, Jesus has not abandoned His people. This is the fulfillment of His promise: Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age (Matt. 28:20). The long golden sash Jesus wears is that of a priest (cf. Exod. 28:4; 29:5). His golden sash is not a fashion statement but a firm reminder that He is our great High Priest, who intercedes on our behalf as the One who advocates for all those He has redeemed through the shedding of His blood once and for all. As Hebrews 7 tells us, He holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them (vv. 2425). The hairs on Jesus head are white like the whitest wool, as Daniel describes the Ancient of Days: His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire (Dan. 7:9). Here Jesus is identified with eternal wisdom and divine purityequal with the Father, yet uniquely the Son. He is the Everlasting One, and His wisdom is infinite. Jesus eyes are like a flame of fire. This does not mean He has literal beams shooting from His eyes any more than the sharp two-edged sword from His mouth is a literal sword (v. 16). His eyes blaze like fire, revealing that nothing escapes His sightno motive hidden, no deed overlooked, and no wound His people suffer that will go unnoticed. His knowledge knows no bounds. Our Saviors feet are like burnished bronze. There is no tiptoeing with Him. Our great High Priest and awesome King embodies unshakable strength as the One who will judge the nations with perfect justice and holy resolve. He is omnipotentsolid, sure, and infinitely strong. The voice of our Savior matches His divine wisdom, all-encompassing knowledge, and unequalled strength as Yahweh. When He speaks, He does so with pervasive power: For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authoritiesall things were created through him and for him (Col. 1:16). His wordevery wordcarries divine weight. Why does this matter in light of what John and the churches suffered? Why does this matter for your brothers and sisters in North Korea or Nigeria? Why does this matter for us today? It matters because in the right hand of the Divine Sonwho is infinitely wise, who sees His bride perfectly and completely, and who stands with omnipotent strengththe seven angels of the seven churches are held. Whether these refer to messengers who shepherd the churches or to angels with a particular charge, the point is unmistakable: His servants belong to Him. They are His, and they serve under His protection. We are told that Jesus not only holds the seven stars and stands among His churches, but that from His mouth comes a sharp, two-edged sword (see Heb. 4:12). There are no dull edges on this sword, because it is the Word of Godliving and powerful, with the authority to judge, cut, cure, wound, and heal. And if that were not enough, His face shines like the sun in full strength. What John sees is Jesus in His gloryholy, majestic, and awesome, worthy of all our worship. This Jesus is not the one often presented as safe, domesticated, or passive. This is the glorified Lord, whose word creates, sustains, and brings all things to account. Richard Phillips wrote of these verses: This vision does not show us what Jesus looks like but rather what Jesus is like,symbolically depicting his person and work. Biblically trained Christians organize the work of Christ in his three offices of Prophet, Priest, and King.2 With Jesus, there is No Need to Fear in Life or in Death (vv. 17-20) It is no wonder, then, that when John sees this Jesus, he falls at His feet as though dead (v. 17). The beloved disciple, who once leaned against Jesus chest during His earthly ministry, is now an old manweathered, worn, and wiser. Confronted with the risen and exalted Christ, John collapses in reverent awe. Yet it is this Jesus, standing in the midst of His church, who places the same right hand that holds His servants upon John. Johns response is both right and appropriate. It echoes Isaiahs encounter with the Holy One, in which he saw the Lord seated on the throne and heard the seraphim cry, Holy, holy, holy (Isa. 6:3). Isaiah responded in terror, Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts! (Isa. 6:5). Johns response also mirrors Habakkuks reaction before a holy God: I hear, and my body trembles; my lips quiver at the sound; rottenness enters into my bones; my legs tremble beneath me. Yet I will quietly wait for the day of trouble (Hab. 3:16). Throughout Scripture, when sinful people encounter Gods holiness, fear is the natural response. But notice Jesus response to Johns terror: Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades (vv. 1718). Fear not. Why? Because unlike Caesar, the Roman Empire, or any power that seeks to silence Christs church, Johnand all who belong to the true churchbelong to Jesus. He is the One who died to save John from his sins, the One who rose again to secure his salvation and resurrection, and the One who now holds the keys of Death and Hades. This is why Jesus can promise all who belong to Him: My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand I and the Father are one (John 10:2730). With Jesus, there is no need to fearnot in life, and not in death. Conclusion Let me leave you with three points of application in light of all that we have seen in these verses: First: Dont be surprised by sufferingfaithful Christians have always faced tribulation. If tribulation is the normal setting of the Christian life, then suffering is not a sign that something has gone wrong; it is often a sign that something has gone right. John does not present himself as an exception but as a partner in tribulation, reminding us that faithfulness to Jesus does not remove us from affliction but places us squarely within it. So when hardship comespressure tocompromise, opposition at work, isolation for following Christ, or quiet endurance no one else seeswe are not abandoned; we are walking the same path marked out by the apostles, the early church, and believers around the world today. Second: Find your security in Christ, not in your circumstances. Revelation does not calm our fears by minimizing danger but by revealing Christ. John is not comforted by explanations or timelines but by the presence and power of Jesusthe eternal Son, our great High Priest, the all-seeing Judge, the omnipotent King, and the living Lord who has conquered death itself. Fear loosens its grip not when life becomes safe but when Jesus becomes central, because the size of our fear is always tied to how clearly we see Christ. Third: Do not fear deaththe One who died and rose again holds the keys of life and death. Because this Jesus holds the keys of Death and Hades, nothingnot persecution, loss, or even deathhas the final word over those who belong to Him. The same hand that holds the stars touches His servants, and the same voice that thunders like many waters speaks reassurance to fearful saints. So we need not fear what tomorrow brings or what awaits us at the end. With Jesus, there is no need to fearnot in life, nor in death. 1 Revelation consistently presents tribulation not as a distant, isolated future event, but as the lived experience of faithful believersexpressed through imprisonment, martyrdom, deception, and violent oppositionbeginning in the first century and continuing until the final vindication of Gods people (Rev. 1:9; 2:910; 6:911; 12:17; 13:7; 17:6; 20:4). 2 Richard D. Phillips, Revelation, ed. Richard D. Phillips, Philip Graham Ryken, and Daniel M. Doriani, Reformed Expository Commentary (Phillipsburg, NJ: PR Publishing, 2017), 64.

The arrival of Jethro, the preparation for Sinai, and the nature of the Sinai revelation – these are some of the subjects featured in our parsha. In this very special and atypically extemporaneous Parsha podcast, we offer four interesting ideas: one on the unique route that Jethro took to the truth; one on the particular […]

The arrival of Jethro, the preparation for Sinai, and the nature of the Sinai revelation - these are some of the subjects featured in our parsha. In this very special and atypically extemporaneous Parsha podcast, we offer four interesting ideas: one on the unique route that Jethro took to the truth; one on the particular form of pleasure that Torah bestows upon those who learn it; a supremely clever idea on the boundaries placed around Mount Sinai; and a fascinating observation on the splitting of the sea and the splitting of the heavens.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –DONATE: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –NEW TORCH Mailing Address POBox:TORCHPO BOX 310246HOUSTON, TX 77231-0246– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletterrabbiwolbe.com/newsletter– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe's PodcastsThe Parsha PodcastThe Jewish History PodcastThe Mitzvah Podcast This Jewish LifeThe Ethics PodcastTORAH 101 ★ Support this podcast ★

Fire, darkness, a trumpet blast that made people beg for silence—and then an unexpected turn toward warmth and welcome. We finish our walk through Hebrews chapter 12 to explore why Mount Sinai made even Moses tremble, and how Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, invites us into a city alive with promise. The law reveals our need but can't rescue us. Jesus does what The Law [Torah] could never do: He transforms, reconciles, and anchors us in a kingdom that cannot be shaken.We dig into the layered language of Mount Zion and the “city of the living God,” showing how Scripture holds both a present approach and a future arrival. You'll hear how Abel's blood cried out for justice while Jesus' blood speaks a better word—peace, forgiveness, and a clean conscience. Along the way, we wrestle with Hebrews' sober warning: if Sinai shook the earth, ignoring the Son shakes heaven and earth. That gravity isn't meant to paralyze you; it's meant to steady you. Gratitude becomes fuel for service. Reverence becomes the posture of true worship. Awe is not a mood—it's a way of life.We also get practical: how do we cultivate gratitude in a comfort-driven culture? What does it look like to serve with reverence and awe, not just warm a seat? Why does a right view of God—as love and as a consuming fire—restore our joy and our obedience? If you've felt the weight of trying to be “enough,” or the drift that comes from settling for rituals, this conversation calls you back to the better priest, better covenant, and better sacrifice.If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs courage, and leave a short review telling us what “unshakable” means to you today.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

The most significant event in all of human history is the Revelation at Sinai, which occurs in Parshas Yisro. Prior to that monumental experience and the conveyance of the Ten Commandments, Moshe's father in law, Jethro, arrived at the camp and makes an important suggestion for improving the efficiency of the judicial process. – – […]

What responsibility comes with being chosen? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Mike Feuer explore Parshat Yitro and the surprising choice to frame the revelation at Sinai through the presence of Yitro, an outsider. They examine how the Torah presents Jewish chosenness not as exclusivity, but as responsibility—calling Israel to become a mamlechet kohanim, a people devoted to serving God by serving the world. The conversation reflects on how particular covenant and universal mission are meant to work together.

Sunday, February 01, 2025 

The most significant event in all of human history is the Revelation at Sinai, which occurs in Parshas Yisro. Prior to that monumental experience and the conveyance of the Ten Commandments, Moshe's father in law, Jethro, arrived at the camp and makes an important suggestion for improving the efficiency of the judicial process.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –DONATE: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –NEW TORCH Mailing Address POBox:TORCHPO BOX 310246HOUSTON, TX 77231-0246– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletterrabbiwolbe.com/newsletter– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe's PodcastsThe Parsha PodcastThe Jewish History PodcastThe Mitzvah Podcast This Jewish LifeThe Ethics PodcastTORAH 101 ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, Helen Margellos-Anast, President of the Sinai Urban Health Institute at Sinai Chicago, shares how data-driven research and community partnerships are tackling health inequities in urban settings. She discusses initiatives supporting adolescent girls' mental health, integrating community health workers, and expanding access to clinical trials for underserved populations.

Act II of ‘the Exodus’ (parsha ‘Beshalach,” Exodus/Shemot 13:17 through chapter 17) begins immediately after the last of the plagues, when Pharoah has let the people go; actually – kicked them out, “shalach”, or expelled, is how the Hebrew puts it. And it certainly is the beginning of a whole new phase in the saga. But that central theme of how we are all to know that “ki ani YHVH” – or “I AM Yahuah” – not only continues, but is demonstrated: Graphically, undeniably, and miraculously. As the Erev Shabbat reading outlines: https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/SSM-1-30-26-Beshalach-teaching-podcast-xxx.mp3 In the Sabbath Day midrash, Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship observes that there are several specific places — and ALL of them PRIOR to the giving of the “Ten Commandments” at Mt. Sinai — where YHVH gives not only a “statute and an ordinance,” but detailed “instruction” (aka ‘torah’). Which is a problem for the “Whore Church” claim that it is only the ‘Ten Commandments’ that still matter — all those others were just for a limited time, or for ‘the jews’, or for any number of constructed excuses for not recognizing what He means when He said that He did not come to change so much as the tiniest bit of His Instruction, any of it, so long as heaven and earth still exist. If we claim to “love Him,” it matters. Beshalach: “And ALL of this is Before Sinai” https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/WT-CooH-1-31-26-Beshalach-ALL-Before-Sinai-podcast-xxx.mp3 The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash:

Consider the scene upon that Galilean hillside, dear reader. There ascends a Man—not with tablets of stone borne heavily in His hands, as once did Moses upon Sinai amid thunder and smoke—but with words that burn more fiercely than any fire, words destined to be written not upon rock but upon the living tablets of human hearts.In the old story, Moses climbed the mountain alone, veiled in cloud and terror, to receive the Law that would set a people apart. The Ten Words thundered forth, carving boundaries around conduct, marking what was holy from what was profane. They were good, those commandments; they were the very breath of God restraining the chaos of fallen man. Yet they stood external, like a fence around a garden we could not enter without stumbling.Now behold a greater ascent. Jesus of Nazareth goes up into the mountain, and the crowds follow, not in fear, but drawn by a strange authority that mingles majesty with meekness. He sits (as teachers do), yet speaks as One who needs no intermediary. Where Moses mediated between God and man, this Man is the mediation. Where Moses brought down stone inscribed by the finger of God, this Man brings down Himself – the living Word, the very finger of God made flesh.He does not abolish the ancient Law; no, He fulfills it to its utmost depth. “You have heard that it was said... but I say to you.” With each repetition, the old commandment is not merely repeated but plunged into the hidden springs of the soul. Murder becomes anger unchecked; adultery becomes lust entertained; oaths become the simple honesty of “yes” and “no.” The Law, once a boundary line drawn upon the ground, is now revealed as a mountain peak we are called to scale but this, it's not by our own strength, but by the power of the One who has already reached the summit and beckons us upward.And yet, who among us can hear these words without a secret shrinking? The Beatitudes pronounce blessing upon poverty of spirit, upon mourning, upon meekness; these qualities we possess only in fragments, if at all. The command to love enemies, to turn the other cheek, to be perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect strikes like a sledgehammer upon our self-sufficiency. We are not flattered; we are exposed. The mountain does not flatter the climber; it humbles him.So let no one suppose the Sermon on the Mount is a counsel of despair. It is, rather, the map of joy. It is the narrow path that leads to life. In Christ, the old commandments find their fulfillment, and the new commandment of love becomes not a burden but a liberation. Ascend, then, with Him; listen to His voice upon the mountain; and find that the Lawgiver has become the Law fulfilled, the Teacher the Truth incarnate, the Moses greater than Moses, leading us home. --- Help Spread the Good News --- Father Brian's homilies are shared freely thanks to generous listeners like you. If his words have blessed you, consider supporting this volunteer effort. Every gift helps us continue recording and sharing the hope of Jesus—one homily at a time. Give Here: https://frbriansoliven.org/give

In this solo episode, I talk directly to parents about how to show up for our kids when the world feels heavy and unsettling—without turning the conversation into politics. I share what research tells us about stress, co-regulation, and why our kids absorb our emotional state even when we think we're hiding it. I also offer practical guidance for talking to children at different ages, setting healthier boundaries around the news and doom scrolling, and staying grounded so we can provide safety, connection, and hope while raising compassionate, resilient humans.I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK! Order your copy of The Five Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans Here: https://bit.ly/3rMLMsLSubscribe to my free newsletter for parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox: https://dralizapressman.substack.com/Follow me on Instagram for more:@raisinggoodhumanspodcast Sponsors:Experian: Get started with the Experian App now!Bloom: Get Bloom's best offer by visiting bloomnu.com and using code HUMANS at checkoutKa'Chava: Go to kachava.com and use code HUMANS for 15% offOneSkin: 15% off when you use code RGH at oneskin.co/RGHSkims: Go to skims.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today's page, Menachot 17, we encounter the "spicy ones" of Pumbedita and a fascinating debate over two distinct models of intellectual excellence. The Gemara tells a story of three legendary sages who find themselves exhausted and frustrated by a brilliant but temperamental colleague whose sharp mind makes him nearly impossible to follow. It serves as a timeless reminder that while "uprooting mountains" is impressive, the stability of the "Sinai" model is what actually allows for a sustained, inclusive conversation. Is it possible to be too smart for the good of the community? Listen and find out.