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In this episode, Dr. Yael Ziegler shares her thoughtful and layered approach to the study of Tanakh. Known for her deep literary readings and her commitment to both peshat and the broader interpretive tradition, she explains how elements like structure, repetition, and intertextuality shape her analysis of the biblical text. We explore her perspective on Midrash—not as a rewriting of the narrative, but as a sophisticated form of interpretation. Hazal, she explains, were keen readers of both peshat and derash, and even midrashim that appear far from the plain meaning often reflect a deep sensitivity to language, themes, and textual echoes found elsewhere in Tanakh. These interpretive moves open up new layers of meaning while remaining anchored in the biblical text. Dr. Ziegler illustrates this approach through striking examples involving Rachel and Leah, Moshe, Eliyahu, and more. She also reflects on the role of classical commentators like Rashi, Ibn Ezra, Radak, and Ramban, pointing out that these thinkers were highly attuned literary readers—even without the benefit of the modern tools we rely on today. Their insights continue to offer profound guidance in how we read and engage with Tanakh. Toward the end of the episode, Dr. Ziegler briefly touches on her book Ruth: From Alienation to Monarchy, and how it exemplifies her broader methodology: combining rigorous textual analysis with a deep respect for tradition. This conversation offers a window into a kind of Tanakh study that is both intellectually grounded and deeply rooted in the interpretive legacy of our tradition.---*This episode is dedicated to the refua shelema of our dear friend Yaakov ben Haya Sarah Malakh and to the neshama of Meir ben Moshe a'h — Abdolrahim Ilian, the late father of our dear friend, Rod Ilian. ---• Bio: Dr. Yael Ziegler is the Rosh Batei Midrash and Academic Director of Matan and an Assistant Professor in Tanakh at Herzog College. She received her BA from Stern College and an MA and Ph.D. in Bible at Bar Ilan University. Dr. Ziegler has lectured widely on various Tanakh topics in Israel, the United States, Canada, South Africa, Australia, and Europe. Dr. Ziegler is the author of Promises to Keep: The Oath in Biblical Narrative and Ruth: From Alienation to Monarchy, which has been translated into Hebrew. Her book: Lamentations: Faith in a Turbulent World was released in June, 2021 and is currently being translated into Hebrew. She is now working on a book on Exodus.---Speaker's Resources• Get her books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001JOMV9O/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=ac94d9f2-8a22-4bf3-b6d2-c69c11e40020&ref_=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&ccs_id=c22bbbf3-ea51-4a71-84f2-c838544a8a2e---• 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 Maksumov, 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!
In this conversation with Dr. Yael Ziegler we discuss the Torah of R. Mordechai Sabato on this week's parsha and the special role the land of Israel and Gan Eden play at the Torah's beginning and end. Chazak, chazak, v'nitchazek! This week's podcast is sponsored by Sara Averick and Jose Rosenfeld in memory of Sara's Aunt Rose. Stay tuned for the upcoming Breishit series titled, "These Are Our Heroes" where we explore what moves, inspires, and challenges our guests about the wide array of epic figures in the book of Breishit.
In this archived episode, the second of a four-part series on biblical characterization, Dr. Yael Ziegler and Yosefa take a broad, sweeping look at Moshe's life arc, shedding light on the final moments of his career in Devarim. Next week, we will be back with new episodes. Stay tuned!
In this conversation with Dr. Yael Ziegler, we explore the ways in which the blessings and curses underscore the kind of life and society the people of Israel should be creating. This episode has been sponsored in memory of Sarah Bat Esther by the Cohen and Weintraub families. Chazak, Chazak, v'nitchazek! Stay tuned for a new series and guest theme for the book of Bamidbar!
For Chodesh Nissan, Karen talks Torah and wellbeing with Dr. Yael Ziegler, Rosh Beit Midrash and Academic Director of Matan. Based on the story of the birth of Moshe and the Jewish nation, they explore meaning and purpose in the story of the Exodus and draw resonance and hope for our time. Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪136 here.
In this conversation with Matan's Academic Director and Rashat Bet Midrash, Dr. Yael Ziegler speaks with us about the literary and theological role of Pharaoh in the exodus story. This week's episode has been dedicated by Sara Averick and Jose Rosenfeld in honor of their children. Our Shemot series focuses on 19th-20th century Jewish thinkers and their perspective on the parsha.
In this conversation with Dr. Yael Ziegler, we explore the catalysts for Moshe's leadership crisis and the role this episode plays in the nation's wilderness journey. Our series on Bamidbar is titled,Growing Pains: The Journey Towards Responsibility and each episode explores the manner in which the parsha's events reflect the maturation of the people and Moshe's leadership during the wilderness.
In honor of reaching our 100th episode, Dr. Yael Ziegler and podcast host Dr. Yosefa (Fogel) Wruble sat down in front of a live audience to speak about their love for Tanakh and the challenges they face teaching timeless texts in the modern classroom. Show Notes: The story behind the podcast 0:53 Teaching Tanakh Today 9:49 Audience question 1:03:58
In this conversation with Dr. Yael Ziegler, we explore the Egyptian legacies God wanted the nation to leave behind and the function of the plagues as punitive punishment and as a powerful educational tool. Our podcast series on Shemot focuses on Identity and Nationality Formation. We're going to try and address the big biblical themes of slavery, redemption, society building, and commitment to a binding code of law as well as explore together with our guests how we can anchor these big ideas in our modern lives.
In this probing conversation with Matan's Rosh Batei Midrash and Academic Director Dr. Yael Ziegler, we speak about the fraught relationship between the matriarchs Rachel and Leah and what the tumultuous beginnings of the twelve tribes has to teach us about human diversity.
In this episode, we speak to Dr. Yael Ziegler who shares her Desert Island Torah, taking us on a fascinating journey through TaNakH.
The inimitable Dr. Yael Ziegler joined us to start preparing for Tisha B'Av. We talked about Dr. Ziegler's new book Lamentations: Faith in a Turbulent World, messages we can take into Tisha B'Av, and lessons of hope we can take out. We spoke about how we can learn lessons from recent tragedies to not only grapple with the sadness of the day but also give us a sense of the original hurbanot ____________________________________________________________ Useful Links: Yesh Tikva - Free, professional psychological services and resources for those struggling with infertility. ATIME - Providing personal guidance and support to couples experiencing fertility. Bonei Olam - Providing means and resources to allow childless couples facing infertility the opportunity to pursue medical fertility treatment. Chana (UK) - THe leading UK fertility support organization for the Jewish community providing emotional, practical, halachic, and financial assistance to couples facing challenges of infertility, baby loss, miscarriage, and any reproductive issues. Puah (Israel) - Providing guidance, support, and resources to Jewish couples with their dreams of building a Jewish family. Small Wonders (Canada) - A not- for-profit charitable organization whose mission is to provide emotional support, education, and financial assistance to Jewish couples experiencing infertility. The Jeanie Schottenstein Center for Advanced Torah Study for Women at Nishmat Nishmat's Golda Koschitzky Center for Yoatzot Halacha Find a Yoetzet and other resources from the Yoatzot Halacha Nishmat Ha-Bayit | | Get 10% off your next order from www.korenpub.com with code PODCAST at checkout. If you would like to contact us you can reach us on social media @KorenPublishers or via email, at podcast@korenpub.com | | | The Koren Podcast was written and hosted by Aryeh Grossman and Alex Drucker and is edited and produced by Alex Drucker. Artwork by Tani Bayer. The Koren Podcast is part of the Koren Podcast Network, a division of Koren Publishers Jerusalem.
Talking About Eicha and More with Dr. Yael Ziegler, with Kol Deracheha host, Rachel Weber Leshaw. In this special Pre-Tish'a Be-Av episode we talk to Dr. Yael Ziegler about her new book "Lamentations: Faith in a Turbulent World" and her experience writing on such a seemingly sad topic. We also discuss her new appointment as Rosh Beit Midrash of Matan, and her career path until today. Buy the book here: https://korenpub.com/products/lamentations-faith-in-a-turbulent-world
#146With Dr. Yael Ziegler discussing Megillas Rus and her book, "Ruth: From Alienation to Monarchy"To purchase the book: https://korenpub.com/products/ruthhardcover
In this eye-opening conversation with Matan's Rosh Batei Midrash and Academic Director Dr. Yael Ziegler, we speak about the significance of the encampment order and how it creates meaningful bridges between brotherly and tribal dynamics.
This week Dr. Yosefa (Fogel) Wruble speaks with Dr. Yael Ziegler about the gems to be found in the Torah commentary of R. Moshe Shamah, Recalling the Covenant. R. Shamah is a long time rabbinic leader in the Sephardic community in Brooklyn who penned an erudite peshat commentary on the Torah. For more of R. Shamah's work see: www. judaic.org https://www.amazon.com/Recalling-Covenant-Contemporary-Commentary-Books/dp/1602801843
This week Dr. Yosefa (Fogel) Wruble speaks with Dr. Ayelet Hoffman Libson about the figure of Moshe, whose contribuition as our most treasured law-giver is known to all. Ayelet highlights Moses' autonomous decision-making, sometimes in contrast to God's declared will, and what message that offers us today. Sources mentioned in the Episode: R. Yitz Greenberg, Post Holocaust Theology https://www.rabbiirvinggreenberg.com/writing/scholarly-articles/ One on One Epsiode with Dr. Yael Ziegler on Moshe's Early Life https://pod.link/1493702879/episode/a310d5f914ae5fa85efe998e4cddebae
Dr. Yosefa (Fogel) Wruble and Dr. Yael Ziegler discuss a vast array of female characters found in biblical texts. Some are mothers, wives, wise women, communal leaders, anonymous women who make a difference, and so much more. Their roles are as varied as their stories.
In this episode, Dr. Yosefa (Fogel) Wruble and Dr. Yael Ziegler discuss a host of secondary biblical characters and their significance. They delve into the tool of 'anonymity' used with great meaning and intent in so many biblical narratives.
In this episode, Dr. Yosefa (Fogel) Wruble and Dr. Yael Ziegler discuss how to frame themes and messages surrounding a central character. Moshe, the greatest biblical leader of all time, is used as their test case.
In this first conversation of a four-part series, Dr. Yosefa (Fogel) Wruble and Dr. Yael Ziegler discuss some basic tools of biblical characterization and why they are significant for meaningful Tanakh study.
The Biblical book of Lamentations contains a whirlwind of emotional responses to tragedy and suffering—expressing anger, doubt, and confusion—and yet its central message is one of deep hope and trust in God's goodness. Join us as we speak with Dr. Yael Ziegler about her recently published commentary, Lamentations: Faith in a Turbulent World. We will also touch on her previous commentary, Ruth: From Alienation to Monarchy. Dr. Yael Ziegler is an assistant professor of Bible at Herzog Academic College, a senior lecturer at Matan Jerusalem. In addition to her two commentaries with Koren Publishers, she has also written Promises to Keep: The Oath in Biblical Narrative. Michael Morales is Professor of Biblical Studies at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and the author of The Tabernacle Pre-Figured: Cosmic Mountain Ideology in Genesis and Exodus (Peeters, 2012), Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord?: A Biblical Theology of Leviticus(IVP Academic, 2015), and Exodus Old and New: A Biblical Theology of Redemption(IVP Academic, 2020). He can be reached at mmorales@gpts.edu 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
The Biblical book of Lamentations contains a whirlwind of emotional responses to tragedy and suffering—expressing anger, doubt, and confusion—and yet its central message is one of deep hope and trust in God's goodness. Join us as we speak with Dr. Yael Ziegler about her recently published commentary, Lamentations: Faith in a Turbulent World. We will also touch on her previous commentary, Ruth: From Alienation to Monarchy. Dr. Yael Ziegler is an assistant professor of Bible at Herzog Academic College, a senior lecturer at Matan Jerusalem. In addition to her two commentaries with Koren Publishers, she has also written Promises to Keep: The Oath in Biblical Narrative. Michael Morales is Professor of Biblical Studies at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and the author of The Tabernacle Pre-Figured: Cosmic Mountain Ideology in Genesis and Exodus (Peeters, 2012), Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord?: A Biblical Theology of Leviticus(IVP Academic, 2015), and Exodus Old and New: A Biblical Theology of Redemption(IVP Academic, 2020). He can be reached at mmorales@gpts.edu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/religion
The Biblical book of Lamentations contains a whirlwind of emotional responses to tragedy and suffering—expressing anger, doubt, and confusion—and yet its central message is one of deep hope and trust in God's goodness. Join us as we speak with Dr. Yael Ziegler about her recently published commentary, Lamentations: Faith in a Turbulent World. We will also touch on her previous commentary, Ruth: From Alienation to Monarchy. Dr. Yael Ziegler is an assistant professor of Bible at Herzog Academic College, a senior lecturer at Matan Jerusalem. In addition to her two commentaries with Koren Publishers, she has also written Promises to Keep: The Oath in Biblical Narrative. Michael Morales is Professor of Biblical Studies at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and the author of The Tabernacle Pre-Figured: Cosmic Mountain Ideology in Genesis and Exodus (Peeters, 2012), Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord?: A Biblical Theology of Leviticus(IVP Academic, 2015), and Exodus Old and New: A Biblical Theology of Redemption(IVP Academic, 2020). He can be reached at mmorales@gpts.edu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/christian-studies
The Biblical book of Lamentations contains a whirlwind of emotional responses to tragedy and suffering—expressing anger, doubt, and confusion—and yet its central message is one of deep hope and trust in God's goodness. Join us as we speak with Dr. Yael Ziegler about her recently published commentary, Lamentations: Faith in a Turbulent World. We will also touch on her previous commentary, Ruth: From Alienation to Monarchy. Dr. Yael Ziegler is an assistant professor of Bible at Herzog Academic College, a senior lecturer at Matan Jerusalem. In addition to her two commentaries with Koren Publishers, she has also written Promises to Keep: The Oath in Biblical Narrative. Michael Morales is Professor of Biblical Studies at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and the author of The Tabernacle Pre-Figured: Cosmic Mountain Ideology in Genesis and Exodus (Peeters, 2012), Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord?: A Biblical Theology of Leviticus(IVP Academic, 2015), and Exodus Old and New: A Biblical Theology of Redemption(IVP Academic, 2020). He can be reached at mmorales@gpts.edu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/biblical-studies
The Biblical book of Lamentations contains a whirlwind of emotional responses to tragedy and suffering—expressing anger, doubt, and confusion—and yet its central message is one of deep hope and trust in God's goodness. Join us as we speak with Dr. Yael Ziegler about her recently published commentary, Lamentations: Faith in a Turbulent World. We will also touch on her previous commentary, Ruth: From Alienation to Monarchy. Dr. Yael Ziegler is an assistant professor of Bible at Herzog Academic College, a senior lecturer at Matan Jerusalem. In addition to her two commentaries with Koren Publishers, she has also written Promises to Keep: The Oath in Biblical Narrative. Michael Morales is Professor of Biblical Studies at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and the author of The Tabernacle Pre-Figured: Cosmic Mountain Ideology in Genesis and Exodus (Peeters, 2012), Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord?: A Biblical Theology of Leviticus(IVP Academic, 2015), and Exodus Old and New: A Biblical Theology of Redemption(IVP Academic, 2020). He can be reached at mmorales@gpts.edu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/jewish-studies
We were joined by the inimitable Dr. Yael Ziegler to start preparing for Tisha B'Av. We talked about Dr. Ziegler's new book Lamentations: Faith in a Turbulent World, messages we can take into Tisha B'Av, and lessons of hope we can take out. We spoke about how we can learn lessons from recent tragedies to not only grapple with the sadness of the day, but also give us a sense of the original hurbanot. You can get 10% off Dr. Yael Ziegler's new book, and all other titles at www.korenpub.com with code PODCAST at checkout.
#84.Are you looking for a way to learn Torah that will leave you feeling excited and inspired?Alephbeta.org is filled with stunning animated videos and slickly-produced audios on the parsha, holidays, prayers, and many other topics that present Torah ideas in an easy-to-consume way. Their goal is to help people closely read the Torah to discover its beauty, meaning and relevance. Their programs on Tisha B'Av will leave you moved, inspired and with a new understanding of the significance of this day. Listeners to SeforimChatter podcast can receive $18 off an annual subscription by using the following PROMO code: SEFORIMCHATTER. Check out alephbeta.org today. With Dr. Yael Ziegler discussing her new book on Megillas Eichah, "Lamentations: Faith in a Turbulent World".We discussed Eichah, Yirmiyahu, the structure of Eichah, the comparisons between Eicha and the Pirkei Nechama in Yeshayahu, and moreTo purchase the book: https://korenpub.com/products/lamentations-faith-in-a-turbulent-world
In this special Pre-Tish'a Be-Av episode we talk to Dr. Yael Ziegler about her new book "Lamentations: Faith in a Turbulent World" and her experience writing on such a seemingly sad topic. We also discuss her new appointment as Rosh Beit Midrash of Matan, and her career path until today. Buy the book here: https://korenpub.com/products/lamentations-faith-in-a-turbulent-world