Podcasts about yaakov

We shall read chapter 29 as slowly exposing several of the challenges - personal and moral - that Yaakov will face in his sojourn in Haran - the challenges of Exile.

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Why does God appear to Yaakov at Beit-El? Why now?What is the meaning of the dream about the ladder? And why does Yaakov respond by setting up a stone pillar?

Why did Yaakov steal the blessings?Was he (and Rivka) correct?Can a blessing be stolen?

Yaakov and Esav commence their rivalry in the womb. The forces that drive them to conflict seem to operate beyond the rational.Reading the story, why does Isaac love Esav and Rivka love Yaakov?And why do we see Esav as evil. If anything, it is Yaakov who tricks his brother out of the birthright!

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This week's guest is Dr. Yaakov Stern, Florence Irving Professor of Neuropsychology at Columbia University Medical Center. Dr. Stern and Brent discuss the science and lived reality of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. They talk about what distinguishes normal cognitive aging from dementia, how biomarkers like amyloid and tau shape diagnosis, and why new drugs may slow the disease. Dr. Stern shares insights from decades of research on cognitive reserve, prevention, and lifestyle factors such as sleep, exercise, and social engagement that can delay onset or lessen severity. Hope you enjoy.

At the end of Parashat Nitzavim, the Torah tells us: " הַחַיִּים וְהַטּוֹב נָתַתִּי לְפָנֶיךָ… וּבָחַרְתָּ בַּחַיִּים " — Hashem places life and goodness before us, and it is our job to choose life. Choosing life means choosing to follow Hashem's will, which always leads to blessing and good. At times, it may feel very difficult to do what's right. Sometimes it even seems as if we are losing by following the Torah. But that is only the way the test looks on the surface. In truth, when a person does Hashem's will, he never loses. Rabbi Yaakov Galinsky z"l gave a beautiful insight regarding a famous episode in the Torah. Chazal teach us that our Imahot were prophetesses. When Leah became pregnant with her seventh child, she saw through Ruach HaKodesh that it would be a boy. That meant that Rachel would end up with fewer shevatim than even Bilhah and Zilpah. After Leah already had four sons, Rashi tells us she had cried out to Hashem for another because she yearned to have more shevatim — but now she realized what this meant for her sister. If she were to have seven sons, it would have been a tremendous zechut. But Leah thought: How can I take so much for myself while my sister has so little? So she prayed that the child within her be changed from a boy to a girl. She gave up the neshama of Yosef HaTzaddik — one of the greatest figures in our history, considered on the level of the Avot HaKedoshim themselves — so that Rachel could merit having him instead. And Hashem answered her prayer. Leah gave birth to Dinah, and Rachel merited to bear Yosef. Think about what Leah gave up. She saw in her Ruach HaKodesh the greatness of Yosef, and she longed for the zechut of bringing him into the world. Yet she willingly sacrificed that privilege so her sister would not suffer. Nobody else knew of her prayer — it was a private act between her and Hashem. But Leah knew that if she acted for the Ratzon Hashem, she would never lose. And indeed, what happened? Dinah later gave birth to Asenat, who became Yosef's wife. Together they had Menasheh and Ephraim. In the end, Leah and Rachel became mechutanim — Rachel as the mother of the chatan, Yosef, and Leah as the grandmother of the kallah, Asenat. From both of them came two additional shevatim, as the pasuk says: " אפרים ומנשה כראובן ושמעון יהיו לי " (Bereishit 48:5). Leah had wanted another shevet, and in the end she received two of them — along with the merit of her selflessness toward her sister. Who could have imagined that Dinah's daughter would marry Yosef? Yosef was in Egypt, Yaakov's family was in Eretz Kena'an, hundreds of miles away. How would Dinah's child ever arrive there? The only answer is the miracles of Hashem. The lesson is clear: no one ever loses from following Hashem's will. The Torah promises that obeying Hashem leads only to life and goodness. As we stand just days before Rosh Hashanah, we must commit ourselves to becoming better in our observance of the mitzvot, and to do them with excitement — knowing that by doing so, we are choosing life, and choosing Hashem's path for us.

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In this episode we sit down with Rabbi Shnayor Burton to explore Rambam's view of Mashiach and Redemption. On the surface, the final chapters of Mishneh Torah read like a simple account of the messianic age, but a closer look opens far deeper questions: what truly changes in redemption, how maaseh bereshit and maaseh merkava should be studied, whether kingship can be redeemed from its past failures, and what halakha ultimately trains us toward. Hovering in the background is a parable of Rabbi Akiva—one that never fully discloses its nimshal, yet holds the key to humility and daat Hashem. Drawing on this, Rabbi Burton leads us to a convincing and surprising conclusion about how Rambam understands Mashiach: not as a miracle-worker, but as the leader who creates the conditions for humanity to live wisely under God's kingship.---*This episode is dedicated to the refua shelema of Sarah Miriam bat Tamar, Binyamin ben Zilpa, and our dear friend Yaakov ben Haya Sarah Malakh---• Bio: Rabbi Shnayor Burton is a Torah scholar, teacher, and author. He lectures regularly on Rambam, Chumash, and Jewish thought. He is Senior Editor at ArtScroll Mesorah Publications, where he works on major projects including Kisvei HaRambam. Rabbi Burton has authored several books, most recently Ha'Aretz Asher Areka, on the mitzvah of living in Eretz Yisrael. He also publishes essays and lectures on Substack and other platforms, including his ongoing work Exodus, Exile and Redemption: Decoding the Enigma of Judaism's Shifting Forms.---• Check out the Rabbi's blog here: https://shnayor.substack.com/---• Welcome to JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED: A PODCAST FOR THE PERPLEXED | Co-hosted by Benjy & Benzi | Thank you to...Super Patron: Jordan Karmily, Platinum Patron: Craig Gordon, Rod Ilian, Gold Patrons: Dovidchai Abramchayev, Lazer Cohen, Travis Krueger, Vasili Volkoff, Vasya, Silver Patrons: Ellen Fleischer, Daniel M., Rabbi Pinny Rosenthal, Fred & Antonio, Jeffrey Wasserman, and Jacob Winston! Please SUBSCRIBE to this YouTube Channel and hit the BELL so you can get alerted whenever new clips get posted, thank you for your support!

Why does Hashem need to explicitly tell us to choose life over death and good over evil in Parshas Nitzavim? Isn't the right choice obvious? And why does the Midrash describe this divine instruction as 'lifnim mishuras hadin' - beyond the call of duty?This week's Torah podcast explores a profound distinction between 'keeping' mitzvos versus simply 'doing' them, based on insights from the son of Rav Zonnenfeld. Through analysis of the word 'lishmor' and its connection to Yaakov's response to Yosef's dream, we discover a fundamental principle about spiritual engagement that transforms how we approach our relationship with Hashem.Perfect timing for Rosh Hashanah preparation, this episode reveals how the concept of 'ba'asher hu sham' - being judged by what's truly in our hearts - connects to the mitzvah of teshuvah and our personal spiritual growth. Join us for insights that will reshape your understanding of conscious spiritual living and authentic Jewish practice.Keywords: Torah podcast, weekly parsha, Parshas Nitzavim, Jewish learning, Rosh Hashanah preparation, teshuvah, spiritual growth

B"H The Shema calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, and might, our whole selves. Yaakov vs. Esav reminds us: life isn't about “most,” it's about all-ness. As the High Holidays approach, teshuva isn't about piling on more. It's about loving fully with what's already in our hands. ✨ To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

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Here is part two of the MFA series. You can find the works mentioned in this pod at:https://michaelwest.com.au/author/wendybacon/But his profile is:https://michaelwest.com.au/author/yaakov-aharon/Enjoy!

Why is Jewish leadership failing the very people it claims to serve? In this unfiltered conversation, Adam Scott Bellos—founder, builder, unapologetic strategist—sits down with Jewish Demystified to torch the polite myths and diagnose the rot: the widening gap between institutions and everyday Jews, the addiction to gala dinners, and the influencer economy that treats advocacy like a clout market. We go head-on at the money—how treating “influence” as a commodity leaves Jews permanently outgunned by state-backed players like Qatar—and we ask what a post-glitz model of Jewish power actually looks like. Bellos makes the case for Hebraization (language, culture, sovereignty), community self-defense that doesn't hide behind PR, and leadership that builds, not brands. We talk practical playbooks for protecting our communities without retreating into fear, and why Israel—despite talent and tech—keeps losing the narrative war. Are legacy groups like the ADL helping, or are they just laundering failure? If you're done with performance and hungry for execution, this is the must-listen.---*This episode is dedicated to the refua shelema of Sarah Miriam bat Tamar, Binyamin ben Zilpa, and our dear friend Yaakov ben Haya Sarah Malakh---• Bio: Adam Scott Bellos is a revolutionary voice in Jewish innovation, identity, and culture. As Founder and CEO of The Israel Innovation Fund (TIIF), Adam is reshaping how the world connects to Israel—through wine, language, self-defense, and a cultural revival rooted in Hebraization. A media-savvy strategist and visionary builder, Adam has created bold platforms like Wine on the Vine and Shomrei Ha'Am that bridge Jewish heritage and modern activism. His upcoming book, Never Again Is Not Enough: Why Hebraization Is the Only Way to Save the Diaspora, lays out a sweeping ideological and strategic blueprint for Jewish renewal. With a background in politics, diplomacy, media, and business, Adam fuses storytelling with nation-building. He has advised Israeli leaders, appeared on international news networks, and led campaigns that blend Zionist philosophy with grassroots action. Adam isn't just building projects—he's building a movement. His work champions sovereignty, strength, and the centrality of Hebrew in Jewish life, forging a new model for cultural continuity and global Jewish resilience.---• Check our Adam's projects here: www.adamscottbellos.com---• Welcome to JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED: A PODCAST FOR THE PERPLEXED | Co-hosted by Benjy & Benzi | Thank you to...Super Patron: Jordan Karmily, Platinum Patron: Craig Gordon, Rod Ilian, Gold Patrons: Dovidchai Abramchayev, Lazer Cohen, Travis Krueger, Vasili Volkoff, Vasya, Silver Patrons: Ellen Fleischer, Daniel M., Rabbi Pinny Rosenthal, Fred & Antonio, Jeffrey Wasserman, and Jacob Winston! Please SUBSCRIBE to this YouTube Channel and hit the BELL so you can get alerted whenever new clips get posted, thank you for your support!

The different interpretations of the blessing of Yaakov to Yehuda that only his descendants will serve as the Kings of Israel

Ever wonder why the Torah needs to command happiness during the joyful mitzvah of Bikurim? Why does the pasuk emphasize rejoicing "with all the good" when bringing first fruits to Jerusalem? This week's Parshas Ki Savo episode uncovers a profound connection between the Bikurim celebration and the harsh tochacha warnings later in the parsha. Through the dialogue between Yaakov and Esav, and insights from Chazal about what triggers divine punishment, we explore a fundamental principle that determines true wealth versus spiritual poverty. Discover how a little girl's simple statement in an American store and one man's resilience through life's challenges illuminate an ancient Torah secret about perspective and gratitude. This teaching transforms how we view our daily blessings and prepares us for the approaching Yamim Noraim with a mindset shift that can revolutionize your spiritual life.Keywords: Torah podcast, weekly parsha, Parshas Ki Savo, Jewish learning, Bikurim, gratitude, Yamim Noraim, perspective, contentment

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Sponsored by Mark and Tammy Friedman and family in memory of the 1st yartzeit of their father Marshall Friedman, Mutyah Yechezkel ben Shimon.

In this episode I talk to writer Esther Kurtz about her journey through learning about Bitachon and how it transformed her life. We also talk about art and creativity and the need for those in Jewish life.Esther's podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LK5oAMeb5FZ5yElHy6qCQ?si=uZTDWxwsSrmw_9fm5hqerQMy Shaar Habitachon podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zQrc18261uZYieLlkARiY?si=BDCbPBX2S_SNdkQ-B9dhYAMy podcast with Yaakov: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6v8BbTI3lFm3VMB2cx4jHp?si=vflUvaLURDK_0koCiTG-vgDevora's Website: https://devorarhodescollection.com/Reach out: adeeperconversation@gmail.com

In this episode of DISINFORMATION WARS, host Ilan Berman speaks with journalist and author Yaakov Katz about the institutional dysfunctions plaguing Israel's conduct of public diplomacy - and the impact these deficiencies have had on the country's current conflict with Hamas. MATERIALS REFERENCED:-- Yaakov Katz and Amir Bohbot, While Israel Slept: How Hamas Surprised the Most Powerful Military in the Middle East (St. Martin's Press, 2025)BIO:Yaakov Katz is an Israeli-American author and journalist and a senior fellow at the Jewish People Policy Institute in Jerusalem. Between 2016 and 2023, Yaakov was editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Post, where he continues to write a popular weekly column. He is the author of three prior books - “Shadow Strike – Inside Israel's Secret Mission to Eliminate Syrian Nuclear Power”, “Weapon Wizards - How Israel Became a High-Tech Military Superpower” and “Israel vs. Iran: The Shadow War”. His new book, co-authored with Amir Bohbot, is “While Israel Slept: How Hamas Surprised the Most Powerful Military in the Middle East."

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Dvora Entin, LCSW, PMH-C is nationally recognized as a specialist in Perinatal and Reproductive Mental Health, including infertility, perinatal loss, post-hysterectomy support,  fetal anomaly terminations, and postpartum depression/anxiety. Her passion for helping women "find their footing" through the challenges of womanhood and motherhood drives her commitment to excellent, professional care. Dvora presents nationally on compassionate bereavement support, issues facing women post perinatal death and other women's health matters. She is an adjunct professor at Wurzweiler School of Social Work and a lead trainer for Postpartum Support International. Dvora maintains a private practice in Philadelphia and provides tele-mental health services by phone or online. Dvora is the clinical consultant for Yesh Tikva and K'nafayim. Shifra Rabinowitz, MHC is committed to providing quality mental health care and support for individuals and families navigating the challenges of fertility and family.  She has extensive experience in crisis response, managing a shelter for recovering addicts and trauma survivors and mentoring single mothers. She is a sleep consultant and passionate about empowering women throughout the lifespan.  Shifra has a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling, and has advanced training in Perinatal and Reproductive Mental Health. She is currently seeing clients through telehealth in NY, PA, and NJ. Dubby Rosner, LAC, PMH-C specializes in reproductive and perinatal mental health, treating individuals who are experiencing infertility, perinatal loss, traumatic birth, terminations, fetal anomaly diagnosis, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. She is incredibly passionate about connecting clients with supportive resources and spends many hours as a volunteer support group moderator for Yesh Tikva and Postpartum Support International. Dubby has advanced training in Perinatal care, Compassionate Bereavement, Birth Trauma, and Infertility from ASRM. She is seeing clients  through telehealth (PA, NJ) and in-person in Lakewood NJ area.  Chaya Kohn, LMHC holds a Masters in Mental Health counseling from Touro University and  advanced training in Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Grief Counseling, and Perinatal Mental Health from Postpartum Support International.  Through a trauma focused and holistic lens, Chaya supports individuals through grief, anxiety and depression, and perinatal and reproductive health challenges.  She is passionate about helping women thrive by helping to bridge the gap between the heart and the mind in a supportive and compassionate space. Chaya is accepting new telehealth clients in NY. Yaakov Rabinowitz is an ordained rabbi and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Yaakov attended New York University where his focus was in substance use disorders and completed CASAC (Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor ) training in addition to his Masters Degree in Social Work. Yaakov has experience working with teenagers and adults with substance use and mood disorders. He has advanced training in Perinatal Mood disorders, and experience working with men struggling with infertility, the stresses of parenthood, and dealing with postpartum depression and anxiety in themselves and their spouses. He has additional training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and is passionate about helping men navigate life's challenges from a biopsychosocial lens. Talia Hindin, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist who received her doctorate from Yeshiva University's Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology.  Talia has received additional training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, maternal mental health, infertility, grief and loss.  Talia is passionate about women's health and well-being and is grateful to have opportunities to support women and families during challenging times. In addition to treating clients privately, Talia presents to communities about the importance of building community sensitivity and compassion around fertility, coordinates Yesh Tikva's peer mentorship program to provide social-emotional support for couples facing infertility and facilitates support groups for women facing infertility. Talia provided telehealth services in NY and Israel. Gitty Sofer, LSW is a graduate of Wurzweiler School of Social work's Sarah Schnierer program and is passionate about providing quality mental health care to women who are navigating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and adjacent mental health challenges. Gitty respects the therapeutic relationship and works from a psychodynamic, strengths-based approach committed to empowering women in their role as parents so that they can learn to love and experience the joy in parenthood. Gitty has advanced training in perinatal loss from Postpartum Support International and reproductive mental health with ASRM and provides in-person therapy in Lakewood, NJ as well as telehealth in NY and NJ. Sarala is a licensed clinical social worker and Perinatal Mental Health Specialist. Sarala is dedicated to providing a warm and safe space for women across the lifespan. She has experience working with adult women of all ages to ensure they are given the support, validation and proper knowledge to meet their goals and quality of life they are aiming for.Sarala works with clients struggling with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, grief, loss, relationship struggles, caregiving, infertility, hormonal imbalances, and chronic illnesses. She uses a strength based approach to build upon clients' strengths and utilize that in their everyday lives. Sarala is trained in CBT and aims to help bring awareness and change to the many automatic negative thought patterns that can cause challenging mood disorders. Sury Weisz, LMSW specializes in supporting women through perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, reproductive mental health challenges, grief and trauma. With a unique blend of an attachment based and psychodynamic framework, Sury offers an individualized approach tailored to each client's specific needs and preferences. Her goal is to provide a safe and nurturing space for women to explore their emotional well-being and find healing and strength in their own narratives. Sury has advanced training in perinatal loss from postpartum Support International and reproductive mental health with and provides in person therapy in the Monsey area as well as telehealth in NY. Hannah Kraus, LMSW, brings a grounded, resource-oriented presence, integrating evidence-based tools into the therapeutic relationship. Hannah supports her clients where reproductive and perinatal journeys can feel the most isolating, through perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, fertility, and loss. In these spaces, Hannah holds deep respect for each client's lived experience, with a belief that no one should have to figure it out alone.Hannah's background in residential and inpatient settings informs her care across a wide range of emotional and psychiatric experiences. Hannah completed her MSW through the Wurzweiler School of Social Work. She has advanced training in perinatal care through PSI and in reproductive care through ASRM. Hannah is currently accepting new clients via telehealth in New York and Florida.  CONNECT WITH DVORA ENTIN: Website: https://www.dvoraentin.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dvoraentin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@misconceptionspodcast

Subscribe to Inside Call me Back: inside.arkmedia.orgGift a subscription of Inside Call me Back: inside.arkmedia.org/giftsSubscribe to Amit Segal's newsletter ‘It's Noon in Israel': arkmedia.org/amitsegal/Watch Call me Back on YouTube: youtube.com/@CallMeBackPodcastCheck out Ark Media's other podcasts: For Heaven's Sake: lnk.to/rfGlrA‘What's Your Number?': lnk.to/rbGlvMFor sponsorship inquiries, please contact: callmeback@arkmedia.orgTo contact us, sign up for updates, and access transcripts, visit: arkmedia.org/Ark Media on Instagram: instagram.com/arkmediaorgDan on X: x.com/dansenorDan on Instagram: instagram.com/dansenorTo order Dan Senor & Saul Singer's book, The Genius of Israel: tinyurl.com/bdeyjsdnToday's Episode: October 7, 2023 was Israel's biggest security failure since the country's founding. Over the past twenty-three months, we've discovered a lot about how Hamas terrorists managed to penetrate deep into Israel's borders. But there's still much the public does not yet know or understand. On today's episode we are joined by Israeli journalist Yaakov Katz to discuss how a nation known worldwide for its security capabilities failed so monumentally on October 7. Yaakov is the former editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post and founder of the Middle East American Dialogue, a conference that brings together American and Middle Eastern leaders.  While Israel Slept by Yaakov Katz & Amir Bohbot: https://a.co/d/6xUDPa6 TORN: The Israel-Palestine Poster War on NYC Streets: https://www.torn-film.com/ CREDITS:ILAN BENATAR - Producer & EditorADAAM JAMES LEVIN-AREDDY - Executive ProducerMARTIN HUERGO - Sound EditorMARIANGELES BURGOS - Additional EditingMAYA RACKOFF - Operations DirectorGABE SILVERSTEIN - ResearchYUVAL SEMO - Music Composer

Jacob Falach, writer and producer at The Daily Wire, joins us for a timely and candid conversation about what it means to be a committed Jew and Zionist in today's political and cultural climate. We start with his background—his connection to Torah, his role at The Daily Wire, and what it's like to operate as an observant Jew in a largely Christian and secular conservative media space. We revisit his 2023 article, “Four Pervasive Myths About Israel—and Why They're Wrong,” and ask how his thinking has evolved in light of the post-October 7 shift, where criticism of Israel has grown louder not just on the left, but from parts of the populist right. Falach reflects on the ideological contradictions among young Americans who champion human rights while supporting repressive regimes, and weighs in on the growing horseshoe convergence of anti-Israel sentiment. We also explore whether the traditional Hasbara model has failed—and what kind of messaging can actually reach Gen Z. Falach shares what gives him hope amid rising antisemitism and explains how Jewish tradition offers enduring moral clarity in a culture increasingly defined by confusion. This episode gets real about the challenges—and responsibilities—of being a Jew in today's world, and from media battles to moral clarity, from faith to public pressure, Jacob Falach offers insight that's sharp, grounded, and unapologetically honest.---*This episode is dedicated to the refua shelema of Sarah Miriam bat Tamar, Binyamin ben Zilpa, and our dear friend Yaakov ben Haya Sarah Malakh---• Bio: Jacob Falach is an activist in Conservative and Jewish values. He is a writer and producer for the Daily Wire, as well as an independent online political commentator.---• Follow Jacob on Instagram: www.instagram.com/jacobfalach---• Welcome to JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED: A PODCAST FOR THE PERPLEXED | Co-hosted by Benjy & Benzi | Thank you to...Super Patron: Jordan Karmily, Platinum Patron: Craig Gordon, Rod Ilian, Gold Patrons: Dovidchai Abramchayev, Lazer Cohen, Travis Krueger, Vasili Volkoff, Vasya, Silver Patrons: Ellen Fleischer, Daniel M., Rabbi Pinny Rosenthal, Fred & Antonio, Jeffrey Wasserman, and Jacob Winston! Please SUBSCRIBE to this YouTube Channel and hit the BELL so you can get alerted whenever new clips get posted, thank you for your support!

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Tuesday, July 26 I embedded with the IDF to see the newly built humanitarian aid distribution center being built on the outskirts of Rafah, abutting the border with Egypt. As the Netanyahu government prepares for a major IDF operation on Gaza City in the coming weeks it also anticipates that humanitarian distress will soar. Civilians will be displaced from the Gaza City area to the humanitarian zone in Al Muwasi, near Rafah. IDF International Spokesman, Nadav Shoshani, travelled with a small group of western journalists to see the facility and explain how it will implement the lessons learned from the war to date. The center will be close to civilians, operate 24/7 and it will only take ten minutes to walk there and retrieve food aid quickly. That's the plan. We show you footage of the total devastation of the Rafah area - taken from the armed convoy in which we travelled. A short interview with Lt Col Shoshani is followed by a discussion with State of Tel Aviv regular and friend, Ya'akov Katz, about the political and military issues complicating the Gaza op.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivYaakov Katz is an Israeli-American author and journalist. Between 2016 and 2023, Yaakov was editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Post where he continues to write a popular weekly column.He is the author of three books: “Shadow Strike – Inside Israel's Secret Mission to Eliminate Syrian Nuclear Power”, “Weapon Wizards—How Israel Became a High-Tech Military Superpower” and “Israel vs. Iran: The Shadow War.”Prior to taking up the role of editor-in-chief, Yaakov served for two years as a senior policy adviser to Naftali Bennett during his tenure as Israel's Minister of Economy and Minister of Diaspora Affairs.In 2013, Yaakov was one of 12 international fellows to spend a year at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University.Originally from Chicago, Yaakov has a law degree from Bar Ilan University. He lives in Jerusalem with his wife Chaya and their four children.Find Yaakov Katz on X @yaakovkatzState of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

Every good deed and every effort we make is recognized and cherished by Hashem. Sometimes He even shows us this so clearly that we cannot miss it. A story began over a year ago with two single girls who undertook to learn a sefer on emunah every night together as a zechut to get engaged. They finished the book, but nothing seemed to change. Instead of giving up, they began the next volume. This time, on the fortieth day of their reading, one of the girls started dating the boy who would eventually become her husband. On the very day they became engaged, the title of the lesson they were up to in the emunah book was "Yirmiyahu's Blessing." Amazingly, her c hatan's name was Yirmiyahu. They continued their nightly emunah learning even after the first girl was married. Recently, a year later, the second girl also got engaged. Incredibly, the night before her engagement, the lesson they learned mentioned a shul by name — "Yeshu'at Yaakov." The very next day she got engaged to a boy whose name was Yaakov Yeshu'a. Hashem made it so obvious to them that He valued their nightly learning. The salvation did not come immediately, but they persisted. Of course, the greatest gift they received was not only the engagement itself, but the emunah they gained through their dedication. Another story was told to me by a man named David. Last year, when it appeared that his father, Raymond, had only a few days to live, David wanted to bring him some joy. Since Raymond loved music, David arranged for a friend to bring an instrument to play for him. They could not find a singer, so the friend suggested playing recordings of Chazzan Moshe Dwek, whose voice matched beautifully with his instrument. Raymond enjoyed the music immensely. Sadly, he passed away a few days later. Afterward, someone pointed out an astonishing detail: years earlier, when Moshe Dwek himself was ill in the hospital, Raymond had been at his side, lifting his spirits and giving him c hizuk . Now, even after Moshe Dwek had passed away, Hashem arranged that his recordings would soothe Raymond in his final days — a beautiful circle of kindness repaid. There was also a man, Yehuda, who shared a remarkable story about someone in his community, whom we'll call Reuven. Reuven was in need of a yeshu'ah and was advised by a rabbi to make sure he always invited guests for Shabbat and Yom Tov meals. From that point on, he worked hard to ensure he always had guests. That year, just two days before Pesah, Yehuda received a call asking if he knew of anyone who could host new neighbors for the Seder. These neighbors were not religious and lived close by — if the host lived far, they might end up driving, which would be a tragedy on Yom Tov. Yehuda immediately thought of Reuven and called him. Reuven was thrilled — for the first time since he had started hosting, he had not been able to find guests. This was his chance. Even more remarkable, when Yehuda asked where he lived in relation to the new neighbors, Reuven answered that he was just two houses away. Hashem had arranged the perfect match: Reuven's desire to fulfill the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim was met by the need of the new neighbors. Every act, every mitzvah, every ounce of effort we put forth is treasured by Hashem. Sometimes He shows us directly just how much He values it — reminding us that nothing we do for Him ever goes unnoticed.

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Rabbi Yamin Levy returns for his second appearance on Judaism Demystified to delve into his new book, Jewish Mysticism: Essays on Maimonides' The Guide of the Perplexed. This wide-ranging conversation explores the Rambam's bold and often misunderstood ideas about God, Torah, and human purpose. We discuss the tension between halakha and the pursuit of higher consciousness, asking how Maimonides balances personal spiritual striving with the collective demands of Jewish law. Rabbi Levy also examines Maimonides' deeply personal reading of Sefer Iyov, showing how the Rambam's own suffering shaped his understanding of human resilience and his striking statement that, without Torah and philosophy, “I should have succumbed to my afflictions.” Finally, we unpack the Rambam's radical theology in the Shema — why he claims it is as absurd to say God is “one” as it is to say He is “many,” and how this idea of God's “radical oneness” challenges the very limits of human language and thought. This episode offers a rare window into the Rambam's inner world and invites listeners to rethink how we relate to God, law, and the search for meaning.---*This episode is dedicated to the refua shelema of Sarah Miriam bat Tamar, Binyamin ben Zilpa, and our dear friend Yaakov ben Haya Sarah Malakh---• Bio: Rabbi Yamin Levy is a practiced educator, rabbi, author, and academic administrator. Rabbi Levy has devoted his career to teaching and preserving Sephardic culture, law and philosophical worldview. He is the founder and director of the Maimonides Heritage Center based in Tiveria, Israel and New York. He authored five books the most recent of which is titled “Jewish Mysticism: Essays on Maimonides' The Guide of the Perplexed.” He edited two books and published numerous articles in Jewish Law, Biblical Exegesis and Sephardic Philosophy and Jewish Mysticism.---• Check out Rabbi Levy's blog here: https://maimonidesheritagecenter.substack.com/---• Get Rabbi Levy's book here: https://a.co/d/c3g32Rq---• Welcome to JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED: A PODCAST FOR THE PERPLEXED | Co-hosted by Benjy & Benzi | Thank you to...Super Patron: Jordan Karmily, Platinum Patron: Craig Gordon, Rod Ilian, Gold Patrons: Dovidchai Abramchayev, Lazer Cohen, Travis Krueger, Vasili Volkoff, Vasya, Silver Patrons: Ellen Fleischer, Daniel M., Rabbi Pinny Rosenthal, Fred & Antonio, Jeffrey Wasserman, and Jacob Winston! Please SUBSCRIBE to this YouTube Channel and hit the BELL so you can get alerted whenever new clips get posted, thank you for your support!

#387> Dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas my grandmother, Rachel bas Yaakov, Shelly Frisch A'H> To purchase HaDoresh VeHamevakesh: https://alehzayis.com/product/%d7%a1%d7%a4%d7%a8-%d7%94%d7%93%d7%95%d7%a8%d7%a9-%d7%95%d7%94%d7%9e%d7%91%d7%a7%d7%a9/> To join the SeforimChatter WhatsApp community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DZ3C2CjUeD9AGJvXeEODtK> To join the SeforimChatter WhatsApp status: https://wa.me/message/TI343XQHHMHPN1>  To support the podcast or to sponsor an episode follow this link: https://seforimchatter.com/support-seforimchatter/or email seforimchatter@gmail.com (Zelle/QP this email address)Support the show

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In this episode we continue our seven-part series on the Merkavah, the Divine Chariot, with Rabbi Gershon Meisel. Together we explore Yaakov Avinu, the Merkavah of Tiferes (harmony, beauty, and truth). Rabbi Meisel explains how Yaakov's life of struggle, resilience, and faith shaped him into the embodiment of balance and truth, and how his experiences mirror the challenges every Jew faces. We discuss the meaning of Tiferes, the role of truth (Emes) in contrast with falsehood, and how Yaakov's journey guides us in becoming a chariot for Hashem in our own lives.Join the Conversation! Be part of our growing community—join the Shema Podcast for the Perplexed WhatsApp group to share feedback,  discuss episodes, and suggest future topics. Click here to sign up.Want to keep going deeper? Explore Revealing the Hidden with Rabbi Gershon Meisel—uncovering the depth behind Torah, life, and the spiritual reality beneath it all.     

In this thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation, we sit down with Tanya White—educator, lecturer, and creator of the Books & Beyond podcast series—to discuss the enduring legacy of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks and how his ideas continue to shape Jewish thought today. Tanya shares the inspiration behind the podcast and the personal and intellectual journey that led her to focus on four of Rabbi Sacks's most influential books: To Heal a Fractured World, Future Tense, The Dignity of Difference, and Not in God's Name. She offers insight into her process selecting guests—leading thinkers, scholars, and educators who engage deeply with Rabbi Sacks's vision—and how these conversations helped her grow as both a scholar and a person of faith. As someone profoundly influenced by Rabbi Sacks and a fellow of the Sacks Scholars program, Tanya reflects on what it means to carry forward his mission in a world where his voice is sorely missed. We explore Rabbi Sacks's prophetic warnings about antisemitism, populism, and moral relativism—challenges that have only intensified since his passing—and ask what kind of moral clarity and leadership is needed today. Tanya shares what she believes Rabbi Sacks would be urging us to do now and what responsibilities we bear in his absence, not just as Jews but as members of a broader moral community. Finally, we delve into the power of dialogue across generations. Tanya discusses how Books & Beyond is designed to keep Rabbi Sacks's voice alive in the hearts and minds of young listeners, inviting them not only to learn from the past but to shape the future. For anyone seeking wisdom, depth, and a call to moral courage, this episode is a rich and inspiring listen.---*This episode is dedicated to the refua shelema of Sarah Miriam bat Tamar, Binyamin ben Zilpa, and our dear friend Yaakov ben Haya Sarah Malakh---• Bio: Tanya White writes, teaches and lectures on Tanach and Jewish Philosophy in Israel and abroad. She is a senior lecturer at the Matan Women's Institute for Torah Studies and LSJS and a lecturer in Jewish Philosophy at Bar Ilan University. The combination of an endearing personality, academic excellence and a love of Torah narrative makes Tanya's content unique, inspiring and intellectually stimulating for audiences of all genres and levels. Her lectures leave every attendee enthused and challenged to dig deeper and hear more. As the creative director, founder, and host of the groundbreaking podcast series Books & Beyond: The Rabbi Sacks Podcast, Tanya curates thoughtful dialogues that extend Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks's teachings into the twenty-first century, focusing on his most pivotal works and their relevance today. Across the series, she brings together an impressive array of guests, including Dr. Erica Brown, Sivan Rahav Meir, Natan Sharansky, Rabbi Dr. Meir Soloveichik, Dr. Mijal Bitton, Dara Horn, Michal Cotler-Wunsh, Rabbi Dr. Raphael Zarum, Gila and Alan Sacks, Daniel Lubetzky, Yoav Heller, Rabbi Dr. Samuel Lebens, Jonathan Haidt, and Dan Sacker—each offering their unique voice to illuminate Rabbi Sacks's moral, philosophical, and theological legacy.---• Tune in to her podcast here: https://rabbisacks.org/books-and-beyond-podcast/---• Welcome to JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED: A PODCAST FOR THE PERPLEXED | Co-hosted by Benjy & Benzi | Thank you to...Super Patron: Jordan Karmily, Platinum Patron: Craig Gordon, Rod Ilian, Gold Patrons: Dovidchai Abramchayev, Lazer Cohen, Travis Krueger, Vasili Volkoff, Vasya, Silver Patrons: Ellen Fleischer, Daniel M., Rabbi Pinny Rosenthal, Fred & Antonio, Jeffrey Wasserman, and Jacob Winston! Please SUBSCRIBE to this YouTube Channel and hit the BELL so you can get alerted whenever new clips get posted, thank you for your support!

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We sit down with Professor Berel Dov Lerner, finalist for the Rabbi Sacks Book Prize, to explore his phenomenal book Human–Divine Interactions in the Hebrew Scriptures: Covenants and Cross-Purposes. With a background in philosophy, Prof. Lerner examines how God's project—creating a worthy world—intersects with humanity's project of making life in this world more livable. How do divine and human interests become intertwined? How does God take human concerns into account? And how do we, in turn, project our own moral frameworks onto God, expecting to relate to Him on our terms? Our conversation ranges widely: from negative theology to the Ramḥal's vision of humanity's role in drawing divine abundance into the world through covenants and moral action. We ask whether God's plan would be acceptable if it belonged to a human being, and we explore how the Flood and Sodom narratives reveal God “tying His hands” with moral imperatives. Why does God honor His covenant with Avraham even when Sodom fails to uphold the Noahide baseline? And how does the Berit Ben HaBetarim (Covenant of the Pieces) differ from other, more reciprocal covenants? We tackle imitatio Dei (imitation of God) in the context of Korah's rebellion, and Rambam's provocative claim that we must emulate the God of nature—not the God of history—while still confronting the reality of destruction in the natural world. Prof. Lerner offers a close reading of the seemingly genocidal command to wipe out Amalek, revealing that it may not mean what it appears to. We turn to Jonah's inner conflict—his fear for Israel's future under Assyrian oppression—and consider whether God's use of the kikayon plant is a moment of divine sarcasm. Finally, we grapple with the Akeidah: Why does Avraham argue for Sodom but not for Yitzḥak? And what does his silence tell us about the real nature of this test? Tune in for Prof. Lerner's surprising take.---*This episode is dedicated to the refua shelema of Sarah Miriam bat Tamar, Binyamin ben Zilpa, and our dear friend Yaakov ben Haya Sarah Malakh---• Bio: Dr. Berel Dov Lerner is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Western Galilee College in Akko, Israel. He earned his BA in Social and Behavioral Sciences from Johns Hopkins University in 1980, his MA in Philosophy from the University of Chicago in 1982, and his PhD in Philosophy from Tel Aviv University in 1999. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., he has lived for decades in Kibbutz Shluhot in Israel's Beit She'an Valley. He is married to Batheva Yaffa Lerner and has five children and several grandchildren. His areas of expertise include philosophy of religion, Jewish thought, philosophy of social science, biblical studies, and Jewish studies.---• Get his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Human-Divine-Interactions-Hebrew-Scriptures-Interdisciplinary-ebook/dp/B0CCZCNJLK---• Welcome to JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED: A PODCAST FOR THE PERPLEXED | Co-hosted by Benjy & Benzi | Thank you to...Super Patron: Jordan Karmily, Platinum Patron: Craig Gordon, Rod Ilian, Gold Patrons: Dovidchai Abramchayev, Lazer Cohen, Travis Krueger, Vasili Volkoff, Vasya, Silver Patrons: Ellen Fleischer, Daniel M., Rabbi Pinny Rosenthal, Fred & Antonio, Jeffrey Wasserman, and Jacob Winston! Please SUBSCRIBE to this YouTube Channel and hit the BELL so you can get alerted whenever new clips get posted, thank you for your support!

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On Saturday evening a five minute video of Hamas hostage Evyatar David, a 24-year-old music lover kidnapped from the Nova Music Festival, was released for publication by his family. A second video of hostage Rom Braslavski was released soon after. These young men have been starved for 22 months. Held in dark, filthy, airless tunnels. Tortured. Humiliated. We know much from hostages who had been held with them and were released in the last hostage deal in the winter. In the ensuing months their condition has deteriorated alarmingly and medical assessments give them a few weeks, days, perhaps hours, to live. State of Tel Aviv regular guest, Ya'akov Katz, joined me today on short notice to try to understand the impact of this harrowing footage on the Israeli population and the urgency - on so many levels - for the war to end and the hostages brought home. Since we recorded this afternoon, we have learned that the Cabinet is, incomprehensibly, nearing a decision to ramp up the war on Gaza and occupy much of the Strip. At this point nothing is confirmed, the hostages are dying and the moral fiber and cohesiveness of Israel is being put to an extreme test. Our conversation today is tough but important. And I wanted those not living here to understand how tormented most Israelis are. Not just by the hostages plight but also by the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivState of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Podcast NotesYaakov Katz is an Israeli-American author and journalist. Between 2016 and 2023, Yaakov was editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Post where he continues to write a popular weekly column.He is the author of three books: “Shadow Strike – Inside Israel's Secret Mission to Eliminate Syrian Nuclear Power”, “Weapon Wizards—How Israel Became a High-Tech Military Superpower” and “Israel vs. Iran: The Shadow War.”Prior to taking up the role of editor-in-chief, Yaakov served for two years as a senior policy adviser to Naftali Bennett during his tenure as Israel's Minister of Economy and Minister of Diaspora Affairs.In 2013, Yaakov was one of 12 international fellows to spend a year at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University.Originally from Chicago, Yaakov has a law degree from Bar Ilan University. He lives in Jerusalem with his wife Chaya and their four children.Find Yaakov Katz on X Yaakov Katz This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

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