In this illuminating conversation with Matan Lecturer Rachel Sharansky Danziger, we discuss why Israel's crossing of the sea was in some ways more monumental for the nation than the exodus itself. This week's episode has been dedicated in memory of Cantor Jacob Rosenbaum-Yakov Tzvi Ben Dovid- by his granddaughter Dara Goldschmidt. He is remembered as being intentional about his grand parenting, instilling in his grandchildren a love for Israel as well as using his cantorial skills to teach them songs that continue to play in their mind and hearts. 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 conversation with Dr. Ayelet Hoffmann Libson, we speak about the parsha's fascinating oscillation between the nation's experience of the exodus from Egypt and the laws that institutionalized it for generations. 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. This week’s episode is dedicated in memory of Lili Weil, it was around Lili’s dining room table that Rabbanit Malka Bina first taught a Talmud shiur to women, and what provided the inspiration for Matan’s creation. Lili was a woman of grace and kindness, wisdom and good deeds.

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. This week’s episode has been dedicated by Sharon Hirsch and Ellan Levinson and their families in memory of their mother Joyce Frank, חיה רחל בת צבי ופסיה On the occasion of her second yartzeit on the 4th of shevat. She is missed by her children, grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.

In this fascinating conversation with Rav Mike Feuer, host of The Jewish Story Podcast, we dive deep into the intentionality required by the Torah to craft a version of the Exodus story that would guide us for eternity. 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 conversation with R. Alex Israel that weaves in and out of peshat and midrashic readings, we explore Yaakov's lasting legacies and the wisdom they teach us about how to better leave this earth. Thank you for listening to our series on interpersonal dynamics in the book of Bereishit. Stay tuned for our upcoming Shemot series on identity and nationality formation. This week’s episode has been dedicated by Michelle Feiglin and Debbie Nossbaum in honor of their father’s 7th yartzeit, Natan ben Shlomo Elimelech.

In this insightful conversation with Tanakh educator and family therapist Rabbanit Mali Brofsky, we discuss the bravery and personal evolution of Yehuda and Yosef as they each make efforts to heal the intergenerational trauma that has dominated their family history.

In this probing conversation with Matan faculty member Catriella Freedman, we discuss Yosef's personal development and the tension between Egypt and his home of origin.

In this candid conversation with Rabbanit Leah Sarna, we explore how the Yehuda and Tamar episode insightfully mirrors the broader Yosef narrative.

In this insightful conversation with Matan Lecturer Rachel Sharansky Danziger, we explore the immigrant mentality of Yaakov and his family as well as the interpersonal dynamics that lead up to and impact the story of Dinah's rape.

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 conversation with Rabbi Shmuel Klitsner, author of Wrestling Jacob: Deception, Identity, and Freudian Slips in Genesis, we unpack some of the underlying complexities inherent in Yaakov's relationship with his parents and the behavior patterns that develop after he steals Esav's blessing. This week’s episode is dedicated in honour of Rabbi Zev Lewis by his family on occasion of his 87th birthday. Mazal tov! Our episodes on the book of Breishit focus on family and interpersonal dynamics. These conversations are candid, insightful, and respectful. We aim not to psychoanalyze the biblical figures, but to learn from them as we stumble through our own beautifully messy lives.

In this episode with returning guest Shayna Goldberg (Episode 12), we discuss the different relationship dynamics displayed by the patriarchs and matriarchs in the book of Bereishit and their relevance to modern dynamics of emotional intimacy. Our episodes on the book of Breishit focus on family and interpersonal dynamics. These conversations are candid, insightful, and respectful. We aim not to psychoanalyze the biblical figures, but to learn from them as we stumble through our own beautifully messy lives.

In this deep and thought-provoking conversation with Matan lecturer Dr. Tanya White, we speak about the ethical, religious, and familial ramifications of Avraham's near sacrifice of his son. For more from Dr. Tanya White on this idea, see her TOI blog post: https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/the-akedah-the-sacrifice-of-conscience/ Our episodes on the book of Breishit focus on family and interpersonal dynamics. These conversations are candid, insightful, and respectful. We aim not to psychoanalyze the biblical figures, but to learn from them as we stumble through our own beautifully messy lives.

In this conversation with educator and spiritual coach Rabbi Johnny Solomon, we explore the often overlooked life circumstances of Lot and his complex relationship with the family members who raise him.

In this conversation with rabbi and philosophy professor Dr. Sam Lebens, we speak about how the parsha presents family as the basis of civilization through study of the Babel narrative in Bereshit 11. Our episodes on the book of Bereshit focus on family and interpersonal dynamics. These conversations are candid, insightful, and respectful. We aim not to psychoanalyze the biblical figures, but to learn from them as we stumble through our own beautifully messy lives.

In this first episode of a new season, podcast host Dr. Yosefa (Fogel) Wruble sits down with returning guest Rabbanit Rachel Weber Leshaw to speak about the Torah's suggested perspectives on couples and intimacy in the opening chapters of Breishit and how this serves as a guidepost throughout the entire book. Our episodes on the book of Bereshit focus on family and interpersonal dynamics. These conversations are candid, insightful, and respectful. We aim not to psychoanalyze the biblical figures, but to learn from them as we stumble through our own beautifully messy lives. This week's episode has been dedicated by Barbie Danon in honor of Sheva Weissman, her soulful and knowledgeable Torah teacher.

In this episode with Matan's founder and president Rabbanit Malka Bina, we discuss the Torah's eulogy for Moshe and the Sefat Emet's creative interpretation of the final words of Devarim. Chazak, Chazak, V'nitchazek!

In this enlightening conversation with Sara Tillinger Wolkenfeld, who serves as the Chief Learning Officer at Sefaria, we speak about the ways we absorb Torah and the strengths of oral Torah.

In this illuminating conversation, Jennifer Raskas illustrates how Moshe's final series of actions as leader integrate effective strategies of public activism. Show Notes: Professor Marshall Ganz's Article on Public Narrative https://changemakerspodcast.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Ganz-WhatIsPublicNarrative08.pdf

In this conversation with R. Betzalel Daniel--communal rabbi, Dayan in a rabbinical court, and teacher in Matan Hasharon-- we unpack different interpretations of the monumental phrase from Devarim 30:12 citing that the Torah is 'not in heaven.'

In this sweeping conversation, Matan faculty member and tour guide Rivi Frankel brings the personality of the late R. Dr. Avraham Twersky to life and his moving psychological insight into a puzzling idea in this week's parsha. This episode has been dedicated in memory of Dr. Dodi Tobin z"l, cherished teacher and director of the Matan Bellows Eshkolot Educators Institute for Tanakh at Matan.

In this candid conversation with Dr. Chana Shacham-Rosby, we speak about two commandments from this week's parsha surrounding the mouth, in its full glory and weakness.

In this conversation with the always personable and candid Matan Faculty member Simi Peters, she shares her love for the Netziv (R. Naftali Zvi Yehuda Berlin) and what he has to say about chiddush (innovation) in the book of Devarim. This episode was dedicated by Jordana and Kalman Schoor In honor of the marriage of Talya Agus and Gavi Weiss.

In this enriching and enjoyable conversation with Matan's favorite tour guide Shulie Mishkin, we explore the archeological background of Grizim and Eival and the reason the Torah insists that God be worshipped in a designated 'place' (makom).

In this wonderful conversation with returning guest and Matan faculty member Rabbanit Dr. Adina Sternberg, we speak about the repetitive nature of Devarim's early chapters and ways to find meaning in this style of writing.

In this searching conversation with Yoetztet Halacha Atara Eis, we speak about Rav S. R. Hirsch's bold commentary on the fourth chapter of Devarim and its relevance for observant lives today. This week's episode has been dedicated in memory of Esther Yocheved bat Chaya Leah and Gershon' z"l by her daughter, Elisheva Horowitz, to mark her 7th yahrzeit (11th of Av).

In this enlightening conversation with Rabbi Yitzchak Blau, we survey talmudic and Hassidic sources that speak about Devarim as the possible root of the Oral Law.

In this moving conversation with Matan faculty member and returning podcast guest Rabbanit Yafit Clymer, we explore the contributions made by the Ba'al Shem Tov to the world of Torah and his commentary on the parsha's opening list of desert encampments.

In this conversation with Rabbanit Surale Rosen, we discuss the role of Elazar the priest in the war against Midian and in the critical eyes of Hazal. Elazar becomes a rabbinic paradigm for the complex transition from student to teacher.

In this wonderful conversation with Yossi Ben Harush, a charismatic educator and scholar of modern Hasidic writing, we speak about a modern Hasidic interpretation of Pinchas' behavior and about the zealot within us all.

In this thought-provoking episode with Matan Graduate and faculty member Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash, we speak about midrashic perspectives on the role of the women of Midian in the sins of Peor. The conversation touches on the politics of adultery, social hierarchy and the Sages' concerns about interaction with the outside world.

In this moving conversation with Rachel Sharansky Danziger, we speak about the style, greatness, and limitations of Moshe's leadership and how they all manifest in this week's parsha.

In this conversation with the ever-moving Dr. Erica Brown, she discusses the significance of the land as the backdrop of Korah's rebellion and of the entire wilderness experience.

In this eye-opening conversation with Dr. Malka Z. Simkovich, we survey the role of Moshe in the spy story through the eyes of Philo, a 1st century Jewish commentator and philosopher who lived in Roman-controlled Alexandria.

In this conversation with returning guest and Matan Faculty member Tanya White, we speak about Rabbi Sacks' perspective on the parsha and what it really means to ask for help. Show Notes: A link to the R. Sacks' article discussed https://www.rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/behaalotcha/from-pain-to-humility/ R. Sacks' TED Talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-QFwhWmC3U

In this conversation with beloved teacher and author, Rabbi Alex Israel, we discuss what kind of person might become a Nazirite and what that can teach us about human nature and ourselves.

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.

In this conversation with longtime educator Ilana Goldstein Saks, we discuss the parsha through the prism of its Haftara (prophetic portion) in Jeremiah 16:19-17:14 and the role Shemita observance plays in the fate of Israel.

In this conversation with long-time educator Rabbi Alan Haber, we speak about one of his greatest Torah passions: Shemita (the sabbatical year) and its textual presentation in Parshat Behar. Show Notes: R. Haber's Website and a link to his Shemita Pamphlet https://rabbihaber.net/shemita/ R. Rimon's Shemita in English https://www.amazon.com/Shemita-Rabbi-Yosef-Tzvi-Rimon/dp/1592642578/ref=sr_1_5?adgrpid=1342504903883867&hvadid=83906795511263&hvbmt=bp&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=154617&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=p&hvtargid=kwd-83907363636340%3Aloc-210&hydadcr=29720_14584156&keywords=rav+rimon&qid=1649144566&sr=8-5

In this candid conversation with venture capitalist and author Michael Eisenberg, we speak about economic perspectives on the holiday cycle detailed in this week's parsha and why this perspective is important for Torah study and for the spiritual character of the modern State of Israel. Michael's Book Recommendations: The Lonely Man of Faith, R. Joseph Soloveitchik https://www.amazon.com/Lonely-Man-Faith-Joseph-Soloveitchik/dp/0385514085/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=lonely+man+of+faith&qid=1648110660&s=books&sprefix=lonely+man+of+%2Cstripbooks%2C283&sr=1-1 Halakhic Man, R. Joseph Soloveitchik https://www.amazon.com/Halakhic-Man-Rabbi-Joseph-Soloveitchik/dp/0827603975/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ML9YHGBV7DGC&keywords=halachik+man&qid=1648110690&s=books&sprefix=halachik+man%2Cstripbooks%2C324&sr=1-1 Range, by David Epstein https://www.amazon.com/Range-Generalists-Triumph-Specialized-World/dp/0735214484 Rational Optimist, by Matt Ridley https://www.rationaloptimist.com/

In this conversation with Morat Halakha and Matan Hasharon Faculty member Rabbanit Karen Miller Jackson, we explore Rabbi Akiva's perspective on love and Torah, inspired by the injunction to love one's fellow Jew in this week's parsha. Episode Notes: Karen's Website with her weekly writings: https://karenmillerjackson.com/

In this fascinating conversation Tamar Weissman, former Matan faculty member and Galilee tour guide, guides us through Josephus' writings and focuses on his characterization of Aaron the priest.

Enjoy this pre-Pesach episode on Shir Ha-Shirim with Dr. Yosefa (Fogel) Wruble. Chag Sameach!

In this conversation with Dr. Elana Stein Hain, Director of Faculty and a Senior Fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America, we discuss the Rambam's perspective on the function of Tzara'at in a person's life.

In this candid and fun conversation with Rabbanit Rachel Weber Leshaw, we discuss the enigmatic impurity contracted at childbirth by spotlighting Rabbi Yehuda Hertzl Henkin's zt"l commentary.

In this moving conversation with Matan Eshkolot graduate Rabbanit Margot Botwinick, we speak about the Tabernacle's climactic and traumatic inauguration from Aharon's perspective using Ramban's sensitive commentary as our guide. Books Mentioned in the Episode: Ilana Pardes, Countertraditions in the Bible https://www.amazon.com/Countertraditions-Bible-Feminist-Ilana-Pardes/dp/0674175425

In this conversation with Matan Lecturer Yael Leibowitz, we discuss two distinct purity systems reflected in the book of Vayikra and their meaning and import for our lives today. This episode has been dedicated to the full recovery of Yossef Haim Serge Ben Guezala Alice. Works Mentioned in the Episode: J. Klawans on Purity in Ancient Israel https://www.amazon.com/Impurity-Ancient-Judaism-Jonathan-Klawans/dp/0195177657 R. Menachem Froman, My Followers (tzaddikim) Will Laught From This https://kavvanah.blog/2016/08/17/rabbi-menachem-froman-my-followers-will-laugh-from-this/ Christine Hayes on Impurity and Intermariage https://www.amazon.com/Gentile-Impurities-Jewish-Identities-Intermarriage/dp/0195151208/ref=sr_1_4?crid=X2BIM3JVAND7&keywords=christine+hayes+bible&qid=1645958565&s=books&sprefix=christin+hayes+bible%2Cstripbooks%2C215&sr=1-4

In this spiritually intimate conversation with Matan graduate and faculty member Rabbanit Shani Taragin the concept of kedusha is explored based on its various manifestations throughout the book of Vayikra.