Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast

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.

In this conversation with Matan Faculty member Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash, we discuss Professor Leon Kass' commentary on the book of Shemot published in 2021 ('Founding God's Nation'). With a lifelong academic background in bioethics and literature, in this confusing modern age Kass has become one of America's wisest voices of virtue.

This week's episode is dedicated in memory of Sara Litton z"l In this wonderful and whimsical conversation with world-reknowned Agnon scholar Rabbi Jeffrey Saks, he retells the Agnon short story Sign of Pisces (Mazal Dagim) and how it speaks to the fundamental spiritual struggle embodied by the Mishkan. If you would like to sponsor a podcast in honor or memory of a loved one write us at [email protected].

In this sweeping conversation with Tanya White, she speaks about seminal psychoanalyst Erich Fromm's take on the sin of the Golden Calf, and the meaningful import his concepts of 'having' and 'being' contain for our lives today. Tanya's Erich Fromm Book Recommendations 1) To Have and To Be https://www.amazon.com/Have-Be-Bloomsbury-Revelations/dp/178093680X/ref=pd_lpo_3?pd_rd_i=178093680X&psc=1 2) Psychoanalysis and Religion (a series of lectures) https://www.amazon.com/Psychoanalysis-Religion-Terry-Lectures-Erich/dp/0300000898/ref=sr_1_17?crid=2MXN3NNX1R5WG&keywords=erich+fromm&qid=1644089538&s=books&sprefix=erich+fromm%2Cstripbooks%2C257&sr=1-17 3) The Art of Loving https://www.amazon.com/Art-Loving-Erich-Fromm/dp/0061129739 4) The Art of Being https://www.amazon.com/Art-Being-Psychology-self-help/dp/0094720908/ref=pd_lpo_1?pd_rd_i=0094720908&psc=1 To read more from Tanya about E. Fromm's idea see her blog post. https://contemplatingtorah.wordpress.com/2014/02/13/to-have-and-to-be-ki-tisa-5774/

This conversation between Dr. Yosefa (Fogel) Wruble and Dr. Adina Sternberg-- Matan faculty member and Hilkhata student--focuses on a surprising comment of Rashi regarding the erection of the Mishkan and it's daunting theological ramifications.

In this candid conversation with Dr. Leore Sachs Shmuely--lecturer in Kabbalah and Hassidut at Bar-Ilan University--she discusses her personal journey into the world of the hidden and lofty. Leore then shares a kabbalistic commentary on the commandment to build a Tabernacle.

In this conversation with Rabbanit Shira Marili Mirvis, she passionately brings to life R. Chaim Ibn Attar, more famously known as Or ha-Chaim, who was a Rabbinic and kabbalistic luminary from Morocco.

This week Dr. Yosefa (Fogel) Wruble speaks with Rabbanit Yafit Clymer about Franz Rosenzweig's understanding of revelation as reflected in one of his greatest works, The Star of Redemption. Links Mentioned in the Show: The Star of Redemption in English: https://www.amazon.com/Star-Redemption-Franz-Rosenzweig/dp/0268017182/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+star+of+redemption&qid=1642425972&s=books&sprefix=the+star+of+redemption%2Cstripbooks%2C219&sr=1-1 In Hebrew: https://simania.co.il/bookdetails.php?item_id=23833

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 Rabbanit Rachelle Sprecher Fraenkel about the Torah's emphasis and the significance of experiencing the Exodus as a nation and as individuals, then and now.

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

Welcome to a new season of One on One! In the coming months, we will be releasing a 30-minute conversation on each week's parsha. Each week a new guest will converse with our host, Dr. Yosefa (Fogel) Wruble about a figure--ancient, pre-modern, contemporary--who has written an idea that sheds new light on our weekly portions. In this fascinating conversation between Dr. Yosefa (Fogel) Wruble and seasoned Matan tour guide Shulie Mishkin, they discuss some significant messages of the Exodus story only understandable in light of ancient Egyptian culture. R. Moshe David Cassuto is the figure showcased in the episode. Show Notes: Josh Berman's article on Mosaic, "Was There an Exodus?" https://mosaicmagazine.com/essay/history-ideas/2015/03/was-there-an-exodus/ On this page you can find a link to his book Ani Maámin and a link to a podcast episode in which he discusses this essay. For Amnon Bazak's Book on biblical academi and Torah (ad hayom hazeh): https://www.ybook.co.il/book/6141/%D7%A2%D7%93-%D7%94%D7%99%D7%95%D7%9D-%D7%94%D7%96%D7%94-

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.