In this conversation with Rabbanit Dr. Tamara Spitz, we explore the philosophical and halakhic roots of counting the Omer.Par Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast

In this probing conversation with Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash, we discuss what it might mean to 'be holy' by looking at human relationships as the guiding image of spiritual exploration.Par Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast

In this wise and candid conversation with Rabbanit Shayna Goldberg, we discuss philosophical and practical elements relating to the laws of Shemirat Negiah and Harchakot which both feature in this week's parsha.We reference our conversation from last year, also on biblical sexual ethics, so here is a link to that episode for those interested:https:…

In this conversation with Dr. Elana Stein Hain, we discuss rabbinic perspectives on legal loopholing, the subject of her recently published book, Circumventing the Law: Rabbinic Perspectives on Loopholes and Legal Integrity (Penn Press, 2024). Elana's perspectives highlight the way Halakha should be seen as both a love language with God as well as …

In this conversation with Chinese acupuncturist and herbalist Batya Prebor, we discuss the manner in which Tzara'at may or may not reflect our internal spiritual state and then explore the related principles upon which alternative healing modalities are based.Par Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast

In this vibrant and candid conversation with Rabbanit Leah Sarna, we speak about peshat and midrashic readings of the birthing woman in Tazria and contrast her with Rivka's challenging experience of infertility and pregnancy. For some similar ideas in written form, see Leah's article for the Lehrhaus: https://thelehrhaus.com/commentary/catastrophic…

This episode, like its title, is an adventure. Through his amazing collection of life stories, Dr. Ari Greenspan teaches us about the role of 'tradition' in determining what birds are permissible to eat. In this conversation, Ari reminds us that Halacha is not meant to be learned from a book, but rather lived in full color.This week’s episode has b…

Episode 157 - Parshat Tzav: Remembering the Mikdash by Matan: One on One Parsha PodcastPar Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast

In this candid and insightful conversation with Rabbi Alex Israel, we speak about the intimate religious language the korbanot (sacrifices) used to convey and the complexity of any future reinstalment of them.Par Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast

In this moving conversation with R. Michael Hattin, we explore Betzalel's personality and uniqueness as a paradigm of human creator. Along the way we discuss the meaning of 'melacha' on Shabbat and the unique ability humans possess to harness the world's gifts for their use. This podcast has been sponsored by Eli,David and Judah Seidman in honor of…

In this conversation with Rabbanit Batya Hefter, we speak about the gifts Hassidic Torah has to offer the modern learner and the Mei Hashiloach's (R. Mordechai Yosef Leiner) teaching about the kind of perception we are meant to achieve in this world. Books mentioned in the episode:https://ktav.com/products/thinking-godhttps://www.amazon.com/All-Han…

In this conversation with Dr. Michelle Levine, we discuss Aaron's role in the Golden Calf catastrophe through the interpretive lens of Ramban's commentary.Par Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast

In this poignant conversation with Hassidism scholar Ora Wiskind, she brings us into the world of Rabbi Ya’akov of Izbica-Radzyn and his insightful comments on the relationship between the incense, the tabernacle lamps and the parts of ourselves we wish others couldn't see.Par Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast

In this probing conversation with Rabbanit Yael Shimoni, we explore a central idea of the Sefat Emet regarding the function of Shabbat in the weekly schedule and how this concept can be translated into one's daily life.Par Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast

In this conversation with Dr. Yoel Finkelman we speak about core issues and questions at the foundation of attempts to utilize Halakhic laws and principles to inform laws and legal systems in the State of Israel. Some sources mentioned in this conversation:https://www.sefaria.org.il/Derashot_HaRan?tab=contentshttps://thelehrhaus.com/commentary/blac…

In this episode with Rabbanit Neima Novetsky, we discuss the different perspectives on Yitro's character and his role in Moshe's life and personal development. R. David Tzvi Hoffman's Torah commentary is showcased in this conversation as well as the contribution of Alhatorah.org to the study and teaching of Torah. Our Shemot series focuses on 19th-…

In this fascinating conversation with Rabbi Dr. Joshua Berman, we discuss the significant parallels between Ancient Egyptian texts and the Song at the Sea and how this kind of study can be a portal into a deeper understanding of Torah.Here is the link to the Mosaic article referenced in the conversation.https://mosaicmagazine.com/essay/history-idea…

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 t…

"As the reward for the righteous women who lived in that generation the Jewish people were redeemed from Egypt."In this conversation with psychologist and educator Dr. Michelle Sarna, we speak about the gifts and challenges of raising children on a liberal urban college campus, about women's leadership possibilities, and Jewish communal leadership …

In this conversation with Rabbanit Dr. Adina Sternberg we discuss Nechama Leibowitz's unique teaching style and contribution to Torah learning through her insights on the experience of enslavement. Our Shemot series focuses on 19th-20th century Jewish thinkers and their perspective on the parsha.Par Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast

In this two-pronged conversation with the 18Forty Podcast host David Bashevkin and R. Yitzchak Blau, we explore the world shifts that deeply impacted Jewish life and thought in the 19th and 20th centuries.This episode opens our series on Shemot which focuses on 19th-20th century Jewish thinkers and their perspectives on the parsha.…

In this conversation with Dr. Nechama Price, we discuss the moving ways in which the closing parsha of Bereshit concludes a series of plot elements left open throughout the book. This concludes our series on Bereshit focused on choseness and choices. Chazak, Chazak, V'nitchazek! Stay tuned for our conversation on Shemot!…

In this conversation with Chaya Bina-Katz, CEO of Matan, and Rabbanit Oshra Koren, Rosh Beit Midrash of Matan HaSharon, Devorah Levine Katz speaks with them about their connection to Matan, their dreams for the future and Matan's active involvement in war efforts on the homefront.Par Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast

This conversation with Adina Blaustein explores the climactic interaction between Yosef and Yehuda that opens this week's parsha, as well as the Haftora reading's commentary on their relationship.This episode has been sponsored in honor of Bobby Winter's birthday by her family.This episode is part of Matan’s Bereshit series titled Choseness and Cho…

In this fascinating conversation with Dr. Malka Simkovich, we analyze the figure of Yosef and his complex personality through the lens of the biblical story and Second Temple literature. This episode is part of Matan's Bereshit series titled Choseness and Choices. The book of Bereshit is propelled forward by God’s chosen representatives: Adam, Noac…

In this episode with Dr. Tanya White, we add another installment to our 2021 series on suffering in Jewish sources (episodes 28-31), with a conversation about the horrors of Oct. 7th through a theological and source-based lens.Par Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast

In this insightful conversation with Dr. Lisa Fredman, we discuss the different leadership styles of Reuven and Yehuda and the reasons why Yehuda, while not the firstborn, becomes a prominent leader despite difficult beginnings. This week’s episode has been dedicated in memory of Basha and Leible Guttman by their daughter Sarah Waldman. This Beresh…

This conversation with Rabbanit Sally Mayer explores Yaakov's adult life, uncovering the subtle ways the Torah frames his evolution and shift from a young man on the run to a mature patriarch determined to do things differently. This Bereshit series is titled Choseness and Choices. The book of Bereshit is propelled forward by God’s chosen represent…

Through the prism of Hanan Ben Ari's hit song "Dream like Yosef," Yosefa and Rabbanit Mali Brofsky explore his poignant portrayals of the heroes of Bereshit and how they relate to each and every one of us. This episode has been sponsored by the Shiff family in memory of teacher and IDF soldier Yinon Fleishman z”l.To hear Hanan Ben Ari's song:https:…

This conversation with educator and podcast host Rabbanit Anne Gordon, explores Yaakov's foundational motivations for stealing Esav's blessing and whether he even needed to at all. This Bereshit series is titled Choseness and Choices. The book of Bereshit is propelled forward by God’s chosen representatives: Adam, Kayin, Noach, Avraham, Yitzchak, Y…

Through a sensitive reading of Yitzchak and Rivka's betrothal and marriage, Rachel Sharansky Danziger paints a poignant portrait of the strengths and challenges inherent in their union. This Bereshit series is titled Choseness and Choices. The book of Bereshit is propelled forward by God’s chosen representatives: Adam, Kayin, Noach, Avraham, Yitzch…

In this conversation with Sari Kopitnikoff, creator of That Jewish Moment, we discuss her innovative and educational Jewish content and how it intersects with the current reality in Israel and abroad.Par Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast

In this conversation with Dr. Avital Levi, we explore the traits God tries to cultivate in his messenger Avraham and what it means to be a loyal servant of God.This episode is sponsored in memory of Olga Issenberg by her family. This Bereshit series is titled Choseness and Choices. The book of Bereshit is propelled forward by God’s chosen represent…

In this special episode brought to you by Matan and Tradition, Tradition's associate editor, R. Yitzchak Blau, interviews Dr. Yosefa (Fogel) Wruble about her recently published article on Psalms 139.To read the article on Tradition's website:https://traditiononline.org/%f0%9f%94%93sources-resources-psalm-139-when-gods-presence-both-overwhelms-and-e…

This conversation with R. Alan Haber explores the universal implications of Avraham and the Jewish people's role in the world. For more of R. Haber's ideas on this topic see his website and unique video series:https://rabbihaber.net/am-levadad/This week's episode has been sponsored by an anonymous member of our listening audience. This Bereshit ser…

This week's episode is a little different. Dr. Yosefa (Fogel) Wruble shares some thoughts on the relationship between Noah's leadership before and after the flood story and the current war in Israel.This week's episode has been dedicated In loving memory of Sara Benin z"l by her daughter Nomi whose 17th yartzeit is on Tishrei 29th.This Bereshit ser…

In this conversation with beloved Matan lecturer Dr. Tanya White, we discuss the fateful choices made by Adam and Kayin and how they differ. This Bereshit series is titled Choseness and Choices. The book of Bereshit is propelled forward by God’s chosen representatives: Adam, Kayin, Noah, Avraham, Yitzchak, Yaakov, but these messengers impact the wo…

In this panel conversation with Gabi Gellman, Annie Nagel, and Rachel Blumenthal, graduates of the Eshkolot Professional Development Fellowship, we look back at some of the most poignant and powerful moments of Sefer Devarim and discuss ways we can use them as motivation as we begin another cycle of reading the Torah.Our series on Devarim is titled…

In this special episode for Sukkot we speak with David Curwin, who recently published Kohelet: A Map to Eden, about some of the ideas he explores in his new book. Dr. Yosefa (Fogel) Wruble returns in one week as our weekly podcast host where she and her guests will explore the theme of Chosenness and Choices in the book of Breishit.…

In this conversation with Dr. Ariella Agatstein we examine Moshe's multifaceted role as leader and see his love for the Jewish people expressed through his poem in this beautiful chapter.Our series on Devarim is titled, Dor Hemshech: Messages for a lifetime. Each episode explores Moshe's educational message for the Jewish people as they prepare to …

In this conversation with Rabbanit Shani Taragin we explore Teshuva and its role for the nation and the individual.Our series on Devarim is titled, Dor Hemshech: Messages for a lifetime. Each episode explores Moshe's educational message for the Jewish people as they prepare to enter the land of Israel. Our week's guests are women who themselves hav…

In this conversation with Rabbanit Margot Botwinick we delve into the text and process of Bikurim and use them as a model for creating experiential educational moments.Our series on Devarim is titled, Dor Hemshech: Messages for a lifetime. Each episode explores Moshe's educational message for the Jewish people as they prepare to enter the land of I…

This episode is dedicated by Aviva Aspler Drazin in memory of her father, יוסף יהושע בן אברהם שלום ורבקה on his first yarzheit,In this conversation with Yael Leibowitz we give context and meaning to commandments that are challenging to a modern reader, through the discussion of ancient codes of shame and honor.Our series on Devarim is titled, Dor H…

In this conversation with Rabbanit Rachel Weinstein we delve into the commandment of Ir Miklat and look at Moshe's role as a leader who models rebuke.Our series on Devarim is titled, Dor Hemshech: Messages for a lifetime. Each episode explores Moshe's educational message for the Jewish people as they prepare to enter the land of Israel. Our week's …

In this conversation with Adina Ellis we explore the sense of sight and how seeing can be the key to unlocking blessing- if we choose to act on what we see.Our series on Devarim is titled, Dor Hemshech: Messages for a lifetime. Each episode explores Moshe's educational message for the Jewish people as they prepare to enter the land of Israel. Our w…

Episode 120- Parshat Ekev: The Experience of ReciprocityIn this conversation with Rabbanit Debbie Zimmerman we discuss lessons from the manna and how different translations of Biblical words can unlock new understandings of Moshe's message to the Jewish people.Our series on Devarim is titled, Dor Hemshech: Messages for a lifetime. Each episode expl…

In this conversation with Rabbanit Dr. Adina Sternberg we explore the prohibitions of adding to and subtracting from the Torah and how these commandments have far-reaching impact on our lives as Jews today.Our series on Devarim is titled, Dor Hemshech: Messages for a lifetime. Each episode explores Moshe's educational message for the Jewish people …

In this bonus episode for Tisha B'Av, we speak with Rabbi Dr. Joshua Berman about his newly released commentary on the book of Eicha (Lamentations). We discuss his perspective on the writing style of the book and the ideologies it responds to, both then and now.Par Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast

This conversation between Rivi Frankel and Dr. Yosefa (Fogel) Wruble explores the idiosyncrasies of the opening passages of Moshe's speech to the nation. This series on Devarim explores Moshe's educational message for the Jewish people as they prepare to enter the land of Israel. Each week's guest will be a Matan graduate herself now passing on the…

In this conversation with Channa Lockshin Bob, we explore the parsha's list of wilderness stops and the tense request of some of the tribes to remain in the Transjordan. This marks the closing of our series on Bamidbar titled,Growing Pains: The Journey Towards Responsibility. Each episode explored the manner in which the parsha’s events reflected t…