Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast

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!

We're so happy for the chance to reload this episode with Matan faculty member, Simi Peters. In this conversation she shares her love for the Netziv (R. Naftali Zvi Yehuda Berlin) and what he has to say about innovation in the book of Devarim.

Welcome to the Matan Podcast's summer 'vacation'! For the next three weeks we will be uploading a parsha episode from our archives with a new introduction by our host, Dr. Yosefa Fogel Wruble. In this enriching 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 conversation, Dr. Tanya White speaks personally and broadly about the wisdom of Rabbi Sacks. She touches upon key points of his philosophy and highlights their interface with this week's parsha. This week's episode has been sponsored by Sari and Yair Givati in honor of their daughter Yakira's Bat Mitzvah.

In this sweeping conversation with author and translator Ilana Kurshan, we explore Moshe's perspective on the nation's wilderness experience in text, midrash, and literary expansions. This episode has been sponsored in memory of Esther Yocheved bat Chaya Leah and Gershon whose yartzheit is on the 11th of Av.

Welcome to our Devarim Series titled "Torah from our Teachers." Moshe is our greatest human teacher and the book of Devarim includes his monumental addresses to the nation. Each week our guests will share Torah learned from their most influential teachers. This week, Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash and I discuss some fundamental ideas related to the book of Devarim as well as meaningful memories of our most formative learning experiences.

In this conversation with R. Dina Najman, we discuss the interconnected episodes of Tzelofchad's daughters in Parshat Pinchas and Parshat Masei and their significance for the nation's wilderness experience. Chazak, chazak, v'nitchazek! Our upcoming Devarim series is titled, 'Torah of our Teachers.' Each week our guests will share Torah learned from their most influential teachers and role models.

In this conversation with Rabbanit Myriam Ackermann Sommer, we discuss the moral complexity of Pinchas' behavior which saves the community from further collective punishment. This week’s episode has been sponsored by Carole Damon in memory of her father, Isidor Goldberg, Simcha Yisroel ben Shmuel z”l on his yahrzeit (16 Tammuz).

In this illuminating conversation with Rabbi Yoni Rosensweig, we explore the gap between Moshe and Pinchas’ response to public apostasy in the parsha and how this relates to Rav Yoni’s innovative rabbinic work with the world of mental health. To learn more about the work of Maaglei Nefesh see their website: https://mnefesh.org/

In this conversation with Dr. Erica Brown, we discuss the emotional undertones of the tragic Meriva episode, and how Moshe’s fatal misstep connects with broader trends of the wilderness experience.

In this episode with Rabbi Yehuda Sarna, we explore Moshe’s reaction to Korach’s criticisms and how this parsha relates to the American campus protests and to the future of interfaith dialogue.

In this candid conversation with Dr. Mijal Bitton about the reconnaissance mission and its failures, we explore what it takes to stand up to social pressure when the surrounding environment demonizes the things you hold dearest.

In this conversation with Rabbanit Oshra Koren, Head of Matan Hasharon and Rabbanit of Kehillat Kinor David, we speak about the mitzvah of lighting the Menorah and its relevance to modern religious life and education.

In this conversation with Rabbanit Chamutal Shoval, we discuss community-related elements sprinkled throughout Naso's diverse content. We end with some meaningful ideas for the upcoming holiday of Shavuot. Chag sameach!

In this conversation with Rabbanit Shira Marili Mirvis, the Rabbanit of Shirat Hatamar in Efrat, we discuss the communal structure present in the parsha and its relationship with contemporary shul communities. Welcome to our Bamidbar Series titled Community: Between Order and Chaos, where we will be exploring the gap between the vision for community laid out in Bamidbar and the real life challenges to this order presented throughout the book. Israel as a country and Jewish communities around the world are facing challenges that haven’t been so pronounced for decades. Each community faces something different, both in scale and in terms of the way the communal structure is responding to those challenges. Each week, I will be partnering with a communal leader from around the world to explore these themes. We will hear about their different challenges and responses as well as our usual deep dive into these themes in the parsha.

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!

In this conversation with Rabbi Binyamin Zimmerman, a conversation about the Torah roots of Shemitta practice ends up becoming a broader reflection on the role of Halakha in religious life. R. Zimmerman's book, The Shemitta Sensation: https://www.amazon.com/Shemitta-Sensation-Deeper-Jewish-Sabbatical/dp/173776170X This episode is sponsored by Esther Naiberg, marking the 23rd yartzheit of her brother David ben Yerachmiel and Chava

In this conversation with Rabbanit Dr. Tamara Spitz, we explore the philosophical and halakhic roots of counting the Omer.

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.

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://www.matan.org.il/en/online/episode-104-parshat-tazria-metzora-making-sense-of-sexual-prohibitions/ This episode was sponsored in memory of Deanna Lubin z"l by her family. Linked below are two other podcast episodes with Shayna speaking about Shemirat Negiah: For parents: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1tq3lm5Cr5T4T4YHMhecXK?si=2K_HWVOPSROl3xprpVrSzw&nd=1&dlsi=1dc4879a372c449b For singles and couples: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3p8shSz3ybLjJyI5b83bfe?si=0lCy-r5_RdKivqRwo3_sAg&nd=1&dlsi=30b67a8860304cd4

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 deeply anchored to the practicalities of this world. To purchase the book with a 30% discount (!) visit the Penn Press website and use the code PENN-ESHAIN30 at purchase. https://www.pennpress.org/9781512824407/circumventing-the-law/

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.

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-miracles-and-miraculous-catastrophes-the-torah-of-pregnancy-in-tazria-and-toldot/

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 been sponsored in honor of the yartzeit of Yaakov ben Avraham and Minnie.

Episode 157 - Parshat Tzav: Remembering the Mikdash by 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.

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 their sister, Dr. Bryna Levy and in memory of Elisheva Yehudit bat Bryna Yocheved and Daniel Alexander. May her memory be a blessing.

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-god https://www.amazon.com/All-Hands-Heaven-Teachings-Mordecai/dp/1593333374 https://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Heart-Teachings-Yaakov-Izbica-Radzyn/dp/0827608942

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.

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.

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.

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=contents https://thelehrhaus.com/commentary/blacklists-and-bureaucrats-resistance-and-the-rabbinate/

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-20th century Jewish thinkers and their perspective on the parsha.

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-ideas/2015/03/was-there-an-exodus/ Our Shemot series focuses on 19th-20th century Jewish thinkers and their perspective on the parsha.

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.

"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 abroad. This episode is another installment in the 'Eshet Chayil: Awesome Jewish Women' series. The first was a conversation with Sari Kopitnikoff (episode 134). Dr. Michelle Sarna is a licensed psychologist, in private practice and currently serves as a psychologist at SAR Academy and Camp Stone. Michelle co-founded and co-directs the Orthodox Leadership Project and has been living in the NYU vicinity for over 20 years where her husband Yehuda serves as Executive Director of the Bronfman Center for Jewish Student Life and as the campus Rabbi.

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.

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.

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 Choices. The book of Bereshit is propelled forward by God’s chosen representatives: Adam, Noach, Avraham, Yitzchak, Yaakov, but these messengers impact the world because of the choices they make. It is the nexus between being chosen and the human choices that actualize the divine will in the world that is explored in this series.

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, Noach, Avraham, Yitzchak, Yaakov, but these messengers impact the world because of the choices they make. It is the nexus between being chosen and the human choices that actualize the divine will in the world that is explored in this series.

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.

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 Bereshit series is titled Choseness and Choices. The book of Bereshit is propelled forward by God’s chosen representatives: Adam, Noach, Avraham, Yitzchak, Yaakov, but these messengers impact the world because of the choices they make. It is the nexus between being chosen and the human choices that actualize the divine will in the world that is explored in this series.

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 representatives: Adam, Noach, Avraham, Yitzchak, Yaakov, but these messengers impact the world because of the choices they make. It is the nexus between being chosen and the human choices that actualize the divine will in the world that is explored in this series.

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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-eM3jecbDU 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, Yaakov, but these messengers impact the world because of the choices they make. It is the nexus between being chosen and the human choices that actualize the divine will in the world that is explored in this series.

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, Yaakov, but these messengers impact the world because of the choices they make. It is the nexus between being chosen and the human choices that actualize the divine will in the world that is explored in this series.

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, Yitzchak, Yaakov, but these messengers impact the world because of the choices they make. It is the nexus between being chosen and the human choices that actualize the divine will in the world that is explored in this series.

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.

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 representatives: Adam, Kayin, Noach, Avraham, Yitzchak, Yaakov, but these messengers impact the world because of the choices they make. It is the nexus between being chosen and the human choices that actualize the divine will in the world that we will be exploring in this series.