Orthodox Conundrum Learning Tanach Daily Through 929: Opportunities, Challenges, and Dangers, with Rabbi Benny Lau (261)
Sep 1, 2025
Rabbi Benny Lau, an influential Israeli rabbi and community leader, discusses the 929 initiative aimed at uniting Jewish communities through daily Tanakh study. He addresses the challenges of interpreting scripture responsibly, especially the risks of neglecting the Oral Tradition. Reflecting on his experiences, Rabbi Lau emphasizes the importance of connecting modern youth with their cultural roots. He also shares practical advice for newcomers and the emotional resilience gained through collective learning, showcasing Tanakh as a sustaining 'tree of life'.
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The Moment 929 Was Born
- A secular student told Rabbi Benny Lau, "Rabbi, it's not ours," when he showed a Tanakh in class.
- That moment propelled Lau to make Tanakh accessible to secular Israelis through 929.
Tanakh Connects You Directly To Divine Voice
- Learning Tanakh gives direct access to the voice of God in scripture compared with learning rabbinic texts.
- Rabbi Benny Lau argues this intimacy complements, not replaces, studying the sages.
Context Matters Across Books
- Understanding biblical history means reading prophets beside kings to see context and causes.
- Reading chapters in sequence without cross-referencing risks missing the Tanakh's full message.
