Podcasts about yaakov

Parshas Toldos: When Nations Stir This week's Parsha brings us into the very beginning of a struggle that started before Yaakov and Esav were even born. Rivkah feels something inside her that no one can explain, leading her to cry out in fear, a moment that opens one of the most meaningful revelations in the Torah. From this inner turmoil comes a story that shapes the destiny of our people: twins drawn to opposite worlds, blessings that determine the future, and a mother who sees the truth long before anyone else. With the Radak's clarity and the Lubavitcher Rebbe's deeper insight, we explore how Rivkah's fear became the first sign of a divine plan already unfolding. It's a Parsha about confusion that becomes clarity, struggle that reveals purpose, and the quiet beginning of a destiny still alive within us.

Two brothers step onto the world's stage and show us two kinds of power. Esau strides forward with muscle and heat, living for the rush of now. Jacob moves quieter but surer, holding fast to covenant and truth. When Isaac mutters, “the voice is Jacob's, but the hands are Esau's,” he leaves us a compass for every age: power that grabs close versus power that travels far. We follow that thread from the birthright and the blessing straight into daily life, where anxiety, headlines, and deadlines test our center.We explore how classic commentators reframe “the voice of Jacob” as more than tone or manners. It's the practice of prayer itself—speech that bridges distances and changes the one who prays. The Midrash argues that when we learn and pray aloud, adversaries lose their edge. That's not magical thinking; it's a way of ordering our world so courage beats panic and purpose outlasts pressure. We also name the modern Edoms that spark fear and ask how a spiritual tool can meet a public storm. The answer returns us to the voice: refine it, use it, and let it do the work hands can't.Then we get practical. Shacharis sets perspective. Maariv settles the night. Mincha—the hardest one to focus on—becomes the secret weapon. The Torah calls Isaac's afternoon prayer “sicha,” conversation, and that word unlocks a daily habit: pause at peak chaos and tell God exactly what's on your plate. We walk through when to insert your own words, how to think specifics inside the blessings, and how a short, honest pour-out can turn stress into strength. If you've struggled to care about Mincha, this simple shift may change your afternoons—and your week.If this resonated, share it with a friend, subscribe for more, and leave a review with one line on what you'll try at your next Mincha. Your voice might be the nudge someone else needs.Support the showJoin The Motivation Congregation WhatsApp community for daily motivational Torah content!------------------Check out our other Torah Podcasts and content! SUBSCRIBE to The Motivation Congregation Podcast for daily motivational Mussar! Listen on Spotify or 24six! Find all Torah talks and listen to featured episodes on our website, themotivationcongregation.org Questions or Comments? Please email me @ michaelbrooke97@gmail.com

The angels greeting Yaakov on his way back to Eretz Yisroel

Why did Yaakov make Eisav swear on the sale of the Bechoros? Would Eisav honor an oath more than he worried about other Aveiros? How could Eisav sell his Bechoros, can one sell something intangible, does it work halachically?  Why did Yaakov give Eisav bread when he only asked for lentils?Trying a type of Yeshivisha style this week that I haven't done before.Hope you enjoy.Have a Good Shabbos

The angels greeting Yaakov on his way back to Eretz Yisroel

Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Length of article: 4 pagesLength of audio: 16 minutes 8 secondsSynopsis: This is the audio version of the 4-page article I wrote and published on rabbischneeweiss.substack.com/ on 11/21/25 titled: Toldos: How Different Were Yaakov and Eisav? I was tempted to title this "When Teaching Rashi to Children Promotes Kefirah (Heresy)" but I decided that was too bold and relegated it to the subheading. Many thanks to Rabbi Pesach Sommer for providing me with the angle and structure of this article (and for granting me permission to quote his excellent Middle School dvar Torah).-----This week's Torah content is sponsored by Joey and Estee Lichter (and family) in honor of Dovid (their son and my talmid) officially making aliyah!-----If you've gained from what you've learned here, please consider contributing to my Patreon at www.patreon.com/rabbischneeweiss. Alternatively, if you would like to make a direct contribution to the "Rabbi Schneeweiss Torah Content Fund," my Venmo is @Matt-Schneeweiss, and my Zelle and PayPal are mattschneeweiss at gmail. Even a small contribution goes a long way to covering the costs of my podcasts, and will provide me with the financial freedom to produce even more Torah content for you.If you would like to sponsor a day's or a week's worth of content, or if you are interested in enlisting my services as a teacher or tutor, you can reach me at rabbischneeweiss at gmail. Thank you to my listeners for listening, thank you to my readers for reading, and thank you to my supporters for supporting my efforts to make Torah ideas available and accessible to everyone.-----Substack: rabbischneeweiss.substack.com/YU Torah: yutorah.org/teachers/Rabbi-Matt-SchneeweissPatreon: patreon.com/rabbischneeweissYouTube Channel: youtube.com/rabbischneeweissInstagram: instagram.com/rabbischneeweiss/"The Stoic Jew" Podcast: thestoicjew.buzzsprout.com"Machshavah Lab" Podcast: machshavahlab.buzzsprout.com"The Mishlei Podcast": mishlei.buzzsprout.com"Rambam Bekius" Podcast: rambambekius.buzzsprout.com"The Tefilah Podcast": tefilah.buzzsprout.comOld Blog: kolhaseridim.blogspot.com/WhatsApp Content Hub (where I post all my content and announce my public classes): https://chat.whatsapp.com/GEB1EPIAarsELfHWuI2k0HAmazon Wishlist: amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/Y72CSP86S24W?ref_=wl_sharel

Rabbi Feiner shiurim

La verdadera batalla entre Yaakov y Esav era más profunda de lo que pensamos. Veamos cómo ganar esa batalla.

Today, we discuss the attitude of Esav vs. the attitude of his brother (Yaakov) and parents (Yitzchak and Rivka). We talk about the importance of seeing each day as an opportunity to further and deepen our connection with the Master of the Universe. Check it out to discover a beautiful story about Rav Yisroel Salanter and the shoemaker who was up late at night.My book on Chanukah -- DOVE TALES (VAYISHALACH ES HAYONAH) -- is NOW AVAILABLE on Amazon: https://a.co/d/7BzCpaBSubscribe and hit the bell to see new videos!!!#Rabbi #LearnTorah #TorahStudy #Judaism #Jewish #Torah  #Chumash #Parasha #Parsha #Parashat #Gemara #Mussar #Tefilla #Prayer

Yet I Love Yaakov. And I Hated Esav | Toldot | 5786, by Rav Eli Weber Malachi 1:1-2:7. How should we worship God?

Rivkah found out that Esav was planning to kill Yaakov, so she sent him away. What did she hear and how? And what lesson does that contain for us?Gen. 27:41-42 with commentators, Guide 1:65, Pesachim 54b.

Was Yaakov a "tam" (naive/innocent) as the verses describe as his essential character, or a "rama'i" (trickster/cunning) as the stories of his life imply?

BHDon't be "superficial" like Eisav. Get "deep down" like Yaakov

Maharal Netzach Yisroel- Chapter 16 Part 1 (Why does Yaakov limp) by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky

In this episode of Judaism Demystified, Alan Niku—better known as The Dreamy Kalimi—shares what first pulled him into preserving and spotlighting Persian Jewish history through his Instagram and YouTube work. He gives a clear snapshot of what makes Iranian Jewry so distinct within the broader Jewish world. Alan highlights a core theme in his research: Persian Jewish heritage was never one-dimensional. It included rationalists, mystics, poets, philosophers, halakhists, and community leaders whose voices shaped their communities but were later forgotten or overlooked. He explains why that diversity faded from memory and what is lost when those voices disappear. The conversation then turns to two figures who capture this intellectual range—Rabbi Yehuda ben Elazar (the Riba) and Mollah Siman-Tov Melamed. Alan discusses why these hakhamim resonate with him and what their teachings reveal about the depth of Persian-Jewish thought. Before we wrap up, he gives us a look at the projects he's working on to revive, translate, and reintroduce these texts and ideas to a new generation. You don't want to miss this riveting discussion.---*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: Alan Niku is a filmmaker, writer, and scholar of Mizrahi culture from San Luis Obispo, California, based in Los Angeles. A native speaker of Persian, he spends his time learning related Jewish languages, deciphering Judeo-Persian manuscripts, and interviewing community members about their stories. He is also a musician and an amateur chef, teaches history and Jewish heritage at various levels, and seeks to educate the world about the underrepresented cultures of the Middle East through his writing and films. He is widely known online as “The Dreamy Kalimi,” where he shares and celebrates the richness of Persian Jewish heritage on his highly entertaining and informative Instagram and YouTube channels.---• Check out his channel: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@Dreamy-Kalimi⁩ and his Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_dreamy_kalimi/---• 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!

Maharal Netzach Yisroel Chapter 15 Part 2 (The battle of Yaakov vs. Eisav) by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky

Parshat Toldos is not just the story of two brothers. It's a blueprint of history, and a mirror of the times we're living through right now. The Torah tells us that even before Yaakov and Eisav were born, they were already struggling inside their mother. This was the very first expression of two completely different ways of looking at existence. In 1972, Rabbi Yaakov Asher Sinclair opened SARM Studios the first 24-track recording studio in Europe where Queen mixed "Bohemian Rhapsody". His music publishing company, Druidcrest Music published the music for The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1973) and as a record producer, he co-produced the quadruple-platinum debut album by American band "Foreigner" (1976). American Top ten singles from this album included, "Feels Like The First Time", "Cold as Ice" and "Long, Long Way from Home". Other production work included "The Enid – In the Region of the Summer Stars", "The Curves", and "Nutz" as well as singles based on The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy with Douglas Adams and Richard O'Brien. Other artists who used SARM included: ABC, Alison Moyet, Art of Noise, Brian May, The Buggles, The Clash, Dina Carroll, Dollar, Flintlock, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Grace Jones, It Bites, Malcolm McLaren, Nik Kershaw, Propaganda, Rush, Rik Mayall, Stephen Duffy, and Yes. In 1987, he settled in Jerusalem to immerse himself in the study of Torah. His two Torah books The Color of Heaven, on the weekly Torah portion, and Seasons of the Moon met with great critical acclaim. Seasons of the Moon, a unique fine-art black-and-white photography book combining poetry and Torah essays, has now sold out and is much sought as a collector's item fetching up to $250 for a mint copy. He is much in demand as an inspirational speaker both in Israel, Great Britain and the United States. He was Plenary Keynote Speaker at the Agudas Yisrael Convention, and Keynote Speaker at Project Inspire in 2018. Rabbi Sinclair lectures in Talmud and Jewish Philosophy at Ohr Somayach/Tannenbaum College of Judaic studies in Jerusalem and is a senior staff writer of the Torah internet publications Ohrnet and Torah Weekly. His articles have been published in The Jewish Observer, American Jewish Spirit, AJOP Newsletter, Zurich's Die Jüdische Zeitung, South African Jewish Report and many others. Rabbi Sinclair was born in London, and lives with his family in Jerusalem. He was educated at St. Anthony's Preparatory School in Hampstead, Clifton College, and Bristol University. A Project Of Ohr.Edu Questions? Comments? We'd Love To Hear From You At: Podcasts@Ohr.Edu https://podcasts.ohr.edu/

In this week's Parsha Rabbi Kohn looks at the story of Jacob stealing the blessings from Esav. How he listened to the plan thought of by his mother Rivka to "deceive" Yitzchak. What was Rivka thinking? What was her true intent? What is the message for us? He also gives over a powerful lesson on being careful with the feelings of others even when you are in the "right". Subscribe to The Practical Parsha Podcast. For questions or comments please email RabbiShlomoKohn@gmail.com. To listen to Rabbi Kohn's other podcast use this link- the-pirkei-avos-podcast.castos.com/  If you would like to support this podcast please use this secure link to donate: SUPPORT THE PODCAST Chapters (00:00:00) - Parshas Parshas(00:02:01) - The Parasha(00:06:23) - The Characteristics of Yaakov and Esav(00:10:38) - Stealing the Brachos from Esav(00:15:45) - Parsha 3, The Deception of Esav(00:18:33) - Parsha 5: Because Yaakov Stole the Blessings

Explore Parshas Toldos weekly Torah portion through Rav Pinkus's profound insights on character development, personal growth, and spiritual transformation for Torah learners.Why does the Torah define Esav by idleness rather than his eventual wickedness? Rav Pinkus in the Tiferes Shimshon reveals a startling answer: your deepest character isn't formed during mandatory obligations—it's forged in your free time. What you do with those unguarded 10 minutes between obligations isn't merely revealing who you are; it's actually creating who you're becoming.The episode contrasts Esav (ish sadeh—a man of the field, wasting time) with Yaakov (yoshev ohalim—dwelling in tents of learning). Through Torah commentary from multiple sources, including insights from Rav Kamenetsky, this shiur explores how two yeshiva students with identical abilities and identical sedarim developed completely different spiritual trajectories. The difference? Those 10-minute gaps between classes—where one pursued kedusha while the other chose idleness.Perfect for Orthodox Jews, Torah learners, and anyone balancing professional life with spiritual aspirations, this weekly Torah podcast offers practical wisdom for daily living. Your free time isn't insignificant—it's foundational. These episodes reveal how understanding your choices in unguarded moments transforms your entire trajectory, showing why what you do when no one's watching is what ultimately defines your destiny.

Toldot | The Gerar Conundrum, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom What happened during Yitzchak and Rivka's twenty years of childlessness?  In reading through the presentation of Yitzchak's life in Parashat Toldot, there seems to be a disconnect between the opening narratives of the birth and early years of Yaakov and Esav, and the subsequent narrative cycle of Yitzchak and Rivka in Gerar (chapter 26:1-33). We propose what at first seems to be a revolutionary explanation for the puzzles this sequencing raises - but, on further reflection, note that it is built upon an approach that is well-anchored in rabbinic sources. Source sheet >>

Harav Noach Shafran discusses why sometimes the Torah gives precedence to a bechor, yet in other places the acharon is the ikkar, and connects this to Yaakov buying the bechora.

TOLEDOT 5786- POR QUE YAAKOV TUVO QUE ENGAÑAR? by Rab Shlomo Benhamu

The special qualities of Yitzchak are inherited by every Jew, granting them the ability to be unintimidated by the world and to successfully integrate transcendent spirituality into time and space. This explains the deeper significance of Yitzchak going to Gan Eden before his wedding, demonstrating the necessity of spiritual integration through self-nullification. The custom for a groom to receive Rabbinic ordination before marriage reveals how the eternal foundation of a home must be based on absolute Torah law. The necessity of Yaakov taking the blessings through cunning. This class, taught by Rabbi Shais Taub, is based on Parshas Toldos in Likkutei Sichos Vol. 1. Happy Birthday for:Feiga Esther bas RivkahChaya Mushka bas Feiga Esther In honor of the yahrzeit of:Chaya Feiga bas Yitzchak Yaakov HaLevidedicated by her sister

We hope you enjoy this shiur. If you would like to sponsor or dedicate any of our shiurim or help with the running costs please do not hesitate to get in contact with us at office@rabbiroodyn.com or WhatsApp +447791221449 May Hashem heal the wounded, free the captives and lead our soldiers to a swift and painless victory. #jew #jewish #torah #torahfortoughtimes #rabbiroodyn #bringthemhome #rabbi #torahanytime #Judaism #Israel #shiur #responsetotragictimes #jewishunderstanding

Yaakov acquires claim to Israel through purchase, a sale subsequently resented by the seller. Sounds like Jewish History in Israel 1880-1948https://thechesedfund.com/rabbikatz/support-rabbi-katzz-podcast

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Rabbi Yaakov Shapiro is the author of five books, most recently The Empty Wagon: Zionism's Journey from Identity Crisis to Identity Theft, a 1381-page treatise on the opposition of Zionism to Judaism. He serves on the Board of Directors of International Council for Middle East Studies, and has spoken around the world. Sponsors: Omaha Steaks: Use code WOODS for $35 off your order! CrowdHealth Monetary Metals Guest's YouTube Channel: Yaakov Shapiro   Show notes for Ep. 2709   The Tom Woods Show is produced by Podsworth Media. Check out the Podsworth App: Use code WOODS50 for 50% off your first order at Podsworth.com to clean up your voice recordings, sound like a pro, and also support the Tom Woods Show! My full Podsworth ad read BEFORE & AFTER processing: https://youtu.be/tIlZWkm8Syk

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In this shiur we discuss: 1) Which direction to face when saying Boee Kallah Boee Kallah, 2) Wearing tzitzis at the grave of a woman and whether women can be gilgulim of men, 3) How to say tachanun in a minyan that has a different nusach 4) Is it ok to go ahead to say shir shel yom while the minyan is still saying uva letzion, 5) Halacha and hashkafa of using an ultra sound to see the sex of the baby, 6) Naming after someone who was killed in a terrorist attack r"l

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Born in post-communist Poland with no access to Jewish life, Yakov Vashovich's journey from isolation to inspiration is nothing short of miraculous. From a secret childhood identity to a self-chosen bris at 12 and Torah study in America, his story celebrates courage, faith, and maternal sacrifice. His story is a moving testament to how one man's determination and music keep the light of heritage burning.Yaakov W's email: Yaakov.W.Music@gmail.comHis song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2w-Zd3nconUHis music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/17cO7IzGVAlf74bMTR6Rrj✬ SPONSORS OF THE EPISODE ✬ ► Hiring4Less: The Smart Way To Grow Your BusinessHire a full-time remote employee for only $7 an hour. Get huge talent at a low cost with overseas employees and no lock in contracts.→ Call, Text or WhatsApp:  845-682-0990→ Visit:  https://hiring4less.com/→ Email: info@hiring4less.com► BitBean: Smart Custom Software Built for YouYaakov here. Just make the call. They can help you.Reach Out Here→ https://bitbean.link/MeEBlY► Wheels To Lease: #1 Car Company For over 35 years, Wheels To Lease has offered stress-free car buying with upfront pricing, no hidden fees, and door-to-door delivery. → CALL/TEXT: 718-871-8715 → EMAIL: inspire@wheelstolease.com → WEB: https://bit.ly/41lnzYU → WHATSAPP: https://wa.link/0w46ce ► Lchaim Legacy: Your Story For LifeRecord the stories of your life on video, giving future generations the chance to learn from your experiences and connect with their family history.Book here:→ https://bit.ly/3JPWMPy✬ IN MEMORY OF ✬ This episode is in memory of: • Miram Sarah bas Yaakov Moshe • Shimon Dovid ben Yaakov Shloima This episode is for the speedy recovery of: • Yosef Chaim ben Devorah Chaya Golda#iftn Lchaim. 

התוכן במזמור ע"ח שבתהילים מצינו דבר פלא לכאו': התחלת המזמור (שמורה על תכליתו) הוא "האזינה עמי תורתי", וכמ"ש בהמשך המזמור גודל ההכרח בלימוד התורה ובקיום המצוות "ויקם עדות ביעקב ותורה שם בישראל" וכו', אבל בהמשך המזמור מקשר כ"ז בסיפור באריכות ובפרטיות אודות "נפלאותיו אשר עשה" בארץ מצרים, והמכות וכו'! עד שכו"כ ענינים שאומרים בהגדה בליל הסדר לומדים מפסוקים אלו שבמזמור זה. ובזה מודגש אפי' בתושב"כ גודל הענין דסיפור נפלאות יצ"מ, ע"י אמירת מזמור תהלים זה, עד שזהו "יסוד ועמוד חזק בתורתנו ובאמונתנו", שבזה קשור כל ענין שבתורה – "ויקם עדות ביעקב וגו'", ועד שבזה תלוי' הגאולה האמיתית והשלימה! כמ"ש בהמשך המזמור. ומזה עידוד לקיום הוראת כ"ק מו"ח אדמו"ר בנוגע לאמירת תהילים בכלל, וגודל הענין דאמירת תהלים ע"י היהודים הפשוטים, ה"תהילים אידן", או ע"י כו"כ מנשי ישראל המצטיינות באמירת תהילים (ודוד המלך ביקש ופעל שאמירת תהילים תפעל אותו דבר מה שנפעל ע"י לימוד נגעים ואהלות).ב' חלקים משיחת אור לי"ג ניסן ה'תשל"ט ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=06-11-2025 Synopsis We find a seemingly wondrous thing in chapter 78 of Tehillim: The beginning of the chapter (which indicates its underlying theme and purpose) states, “Listen, my people, to my Torah,” and in that vein it goes on to discuss the importance of studying Torah and keeping mitzvos, “He established a testimony in Yaakov and He set down a Torah in Yisroel” etc. But then it ties this to a detailed account of “His wonders which He performed” in the land of Egypt, such that many passages in the Haggadah are derived from the verses in this chapter of Tehillim. Thus, even in the Written Torah we find an emphasis on the importance of telling the story of the wonders of the Exodus from Egypt, which is “a foundation and strong pillar in our Torah and of our faith,” which even the Redemption depends on, as it says later in the chapter. This also encourages us to fulfill the directive of my father-in-law, the Rebbe, about saying of Tehillim in general, and the significance of the Tehillim recited by the “Tehillim Yidden” and by Jewish women etc. (and Dovid HaMelech requested and brought about that saying Tehillim should have the same effect as studying even the deepest parts of Torah).2 excerpts from sichah of 13 Nissan 5739 For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=06-11-2025

Yaakov gives his funeral instructions not once but twice! Why does he repeat it?And how did Yoseph invest his children and the entire Jewish people with a faith in Redemption?----To support this podcast, please donate on Patreon or https://buymeacoffee.com/alexisrael. Thank you!

Learn the halachic, practical and hashkafic perspectives of this vital topic!

Ya'akov Katz is back in Israel following a two-week book promotion tour in the U.S. See the information below. It is a beautifully written, incisive analysis of what went wrong on October 6 and 7. A page turner.It was great to have him on the podcast to take a close look at what is going on in the Gaza Strip - and what is not happening. It is almost one month since the Trump Peace Plan was signed and hope was high. Less so in Israel, perhaps, where so many weak spots were apparent. But it was something. And the first phase ensured that all living hostages would be released within days of signing. That alone was so important to the majority of Israelis. Incredibly, they did come out on Monday, October 13, after two years in captivity. A miracle that many thought would never come to pass. But then the chicanery began. Hamas has been dragging out the return of bodies of the hostages murdered in captivity. Why? Each day buys them time; to re-arm and regroup. And that is exactly what they are doing. Hamas controls approximately 50% of the Gaza Strip now and has no intention of relinquishing power or surrendering arms. They never did. They are brutalizing the people under their control and also conducting ambushes of IDF soldiers in the area that is controlled by Israel. The situation is volatile and operations are somewhat stalled. Just who will disarm Hamas remains unclear. And this is what Ya'akov Katz and I discuss today. Whereto from here?Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivPodcast Notes:“Crisply written... draws on excellent sources within Israel's military and intelligence services.” —The Wall Street JournalA powerful indictment of the political and military decisions that led to October 7While Israel Slept tells the gripping inside story of how Hamas, Israel's weakest enemy, succeeded in launching a surprise attack on one of the world's most powerful militaries. Through a detailed examination of the events leading up to October 7, 2023, the book exposes the intelligence and strategic failures that enabled this devastating invasion. It takes readers back in time, showing how years of complacency, mistaken intelligence analysis, and a misguided policy of containment enabled Hamas to prepare for an assault that Israel did not believe was possible and that would change the Middle East.The book unveils the dramatic events of the night before the attack, highlighting the cracks in Israel's military and political leadership. It provides unprecedented details on how key warnings were missed, and how Israel ignored the growing threat from Hamas, believing that the group was weak and deterred. By exposing these failures, While Israel Slept offers a stark, sobering account of how overconfidence and complacency paved the way for disaster, while underscoring the critical lessons Israel must embrace to safeguard its future.Yaakov 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.State 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

Yaakov is sick. Yoseph takes his sons to visit.The Midrash says that Yaakov is the first person ever to get sick. What did they mean by this?And here we see a special blessing to Efrayim and Menashe. What can we learn from this scene?

Text Based

Text Based

One of our most frequently requested guests, Rabbi Chaim Eisen, returns for a wide-ranging conversation on the broader tradition of Ḥazal and the Rishonim, as illuminated through Maimonides' cosmological framework. While the Rambam's understanding of providence, revelation, and miracles was articulated through the science of his time, his goal was never to innovate a lone philosophy, but to express the timeless truths of the Torah's sages in the intellectual language of his era. Many assume that if the physics is outdated, the metaphysics must be too—but that assumption reflects a deep misunderstanding of how firmly Maimonides stood within the mainstream tradition. We explore how this unified worldview—shared by the overwhelming majority of the Rishonim—preserves the harmony between Torah, reason, and reality. The discussion also considers the role of Kabbalah as another mode of expression within that same continuum of truth, while recognizing how easily its metaphors can be distorted when read literally. The conversation culminates with some of the most challenging theological questions: Can God do the impossible? And if direct communion with God were entertained, would it open dilemmas that Maimonides and the sages of Israel worked so carefully to guard against?---*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 Chaim Eisen is the founder and dean of Yeshivath Sharashim – Zion Bible Studies, a Web-based educational venture to engage users worldwide in a deepening understanding of the Hebrew Bible and other religious classics, through live, recorded, and written content. An acclaimed speaker, he's been stimulating audiences throughout Israel, North America, and Europe for over 40 years. For nearly all his career, he's been involved in adult education, principally as a senior rabbinical lecturer at the Orthodox Union (OU) Jerusalem World Center, where he taught for more than 36 years. For over 20 years, he also taught Talmud and Midrash, Biblical commentary, and especially Jewish thought and philosophy at various yeshivot in Israel. In addition, he served as a Torah lecturer in the Israel Defense Forces Rabbinate Torah Lecture Corps (reserves), for over 16 years, and continued to volunteer there, after his retirement. Besides teaching, he was founding editor of the OU journal 'Jewish Thought: A Journal of Torah Scholarship' and has written and edited numerous essays in this field. He's been teaching, editing, and publishing Judaica for more than four decades. In particular, he feels passionately that, to pave the way for God's “great and awesome day” (Yoel 3:4 and Malachi 3:23), there's a burning urgency now to enunciate the Torah's message in the global marketplace of ideas, where, all too often, it's so sincerely sought — and so sorely missing. Tragically, nowadays, few who value the Torah's message appreciate the global marketplace of ideas — and vice versa. Most of all, he's committed to harnessing a lifetime of Torah study and teaching, to address and redress this absence, by the Torah's light. This is his mission — and the raison d'être of Yeshivath Sharashim – Zion Bible Studies.---• Check out his channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jewishphilosophymatters ---• 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!

Text Based

There are times when a person may feel that he is being treated, quote-unquote, "unfairly" by Hashem. He tries so hard to do good, but it seems like everything keeps getting thrown back in his face. The natural inclination in those moments is to want to turn away, to give up. But if he does, he will lose out on the greatest possible gain. When Hashem puts a person through these kinds of challenges, they are golden opportunities—doorways that can bring him to unimaginable heights. If instead of turning away, a person continues to serve Hashem with even more love and more passion, he earns merits beyond comprehension. Avraham Avinu spent his life teaching the world about Hashem. His deepest longing was to have a child who would take over that mission and continue spreading Hashem's light. But for decades, it seemed impossible. Avraham and Sarah could not have children. One night, Hashem lifted Avraham above the stars and told him: " הבט נא השמימה וספור הכוכבים… כה יהיה זרעך " ( בראשית ט״ו:ה ). Chazal explain that Hashem was showing him that the Jewish people are above the mazalot—beyond the dictates of nature. Even if something appears impossible, Hashem can change it in an instant. Hashem then promised Avraham that he would indeed have a child who would carry on his mission. Avraham waited patiently, nearly thirty years, for that promise to be fulfilled. Finally, he and Sarah were blessed with Yitzchak. They poured their lives into raising him, nurturing him to become the great tzaddik he was destined to be. And then one day, Hashem issued a command that defied all logic: " קח נא את בנך את יחידך אשר אהבת את יצחק והעלהו שם לעולה " ( בראשית כ״ב:ב )-to bring Yitzchak as a sacrifice. From a human perspective, Avraham could have cried out: "This was my life's mission! This was the child I was promised! Now it's all being taken away?" That would have been understandable. But Avraham took a different path. He rose very early the next morning, eager to fulfill Hashem's will. He even saddled his own donkey—though he had countless servants—because he wanted to show his zealous love for Hashem. He went with passion, not despair. And that single act created merits that still protect us thousands of years later. When the Jewish people were in the desert, Balak and Balaam plotted to destroy them. The Chatam Sofer says this was one of the most dangerous moments in our history. Balaam tried to use the power of zealousness to sway Hashem. He, too, arose early and saddled his donkey to curse the Jewish people. But Hashem replied: "You wicked man, My beloved Avraham has already preceded you! He rose early and saddled his donkey to serve Me out of love. In his merit, you will never harm his children." Avraham had no idea at the time how much he was accomplishing. By serving Hashem with joy even in the face of what seemed like betrayal, he laid down eternal protection for his descendants. We see this pattern again with Yosef HaTzaddik. He was living a holy life, learning Torah every day with his father, Yaakov. Suddenly, his life was turned upside down. He was sold into slavery, torn from his family, and thrust into the moral depravity of Egypt. And then, when he was at his lowest, Yosef faced one of the most difficult challenges in history—the test of Potiphar's wife. He could have said: "This is my reward for living so purely? Why should I keep trying?" But instead, Yosef resisted with all his might. Centuries later, when the Jewish people stood trapped at the Yam Suf with the Egyptians pursuing them, it was Yosef's bones that were carried to the water. In his merit of running away from sin, the sea split. Yosef had no idea that his private moment of self-control, when faced with so many difficulties, would one day save millions of lives. This is what is at stake when we feel tested, when life seems unfair. We cannot imagine what our Emunah and perseverance will bring. If instead of complaining or questioning, we rise to the challenge and serve Hashem with more love, we are not only helping ourselves—we are bringing blessing to our children, grandchildren, and all of Klal Yisrael.