Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast

In this conversation with Dr. Ayelet Hoffmann Libson, we speak about the significant appearance of Teshuva (repentance) in the parsha as well as the way the idea is molded, personalized, and internalized throughout generations of rabbinic interpretation. This episode offers a thoughtful exploration of the parsha, especially relevant and meaningful as Rosh Hashana approaches. Shana tova!

In this conversation with Rabbanit Dr. Adina Sternberg, we explore how the tithes mentioned in this week's parsha can refine our sense of gratitude. We explore the difference between a 'maaser' mindset and a 'reishit' mindset through an original Torah idea written by Adina. To read more of Adina's Torah, check out her Hebrew book on the holidays here. This week’s episode has been sponsored in honor of Rabbi Ed and Bobbie Winter's 60th wedding anniversary by their children and grandchildren. Mazal tov!

In this fascinating conversation with R. Yitzchak Blau, we discuss the prohibition to let a dead body remain exposed overnight, learned from this week's parsha. We debate the exegetical complexities of the prohibition's phrasing and then explore the way these verses expanded over time to form the most basic legal and ethical guidelines for posthumous care. Our Devarim series highlights important rabbinic principles derived from these parshiyot.

In this nuanced and probing conversation with Matan faculty member Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash, we discuss the breadth and limitations of rabbinic authority. This conversation is an outgrowth of the instruction in our parsha not to deviate from the rulings of judges in Devarim 17:10-11, understood by our sages in the midrash halacha as a prooftext for their authority of interpretation. After exploring this drasha, we assess how the preservation of 'human dignity' sometimes overrides rabbinic law. Our Devarim series highlights important rabbinic principles derived from these parshiyot.

We have gone on vacation! But while we are off hiking and breathing, we are bringing you several episodes of a wonderful series we put out in 2021 at the start of this Matan podcasting venture. In this third and final episode Dr. Yosefa Fogel Wruble sat down with Dr. Yael Ziegler to 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. We will be back with new content next week!

We have gone on vacation! But while we are off hiking and breathing, we are bringing you several episodes of a wonderful series we put out in 2021 at the start of this Matan podcasting venture. In this second episode of the series, Dr. Yosefa Fogel Wruble sat down with Dr. Yael Ziegler to discuss how to frame themes and messages surrounding a central character. Moshe, the greatest biblical leader of all time, is used as their test case. We will be back with new content for Parshat Shoftim!

Dr. Yael Ziegler, a lecturer at Matan and Herzog College, delves into the tools of biblical characterization in this insightful discussion. She emphasizes the significance of literary techniques in understanding Tanakh, encouraging listeners to analyze characters beyond surface actions. Topics include the complexities of deceit in narratives like Yaakov's, the flawed nature of biblical figures versus their saintly portrayal, and the vital stories of women in scripture that highlight emotional depth. Ziegler's insights foster a richer comprehension of these timeless texts.

It is recounted in Talmud Bavli Shabbat 31a, that one of the questions asked of the deceased waiting for final judgement is whether they anticipated the redemption. In this meaningful conversation with Rabbanit Rachel Weinstein, we speak about what redemption might actually look like and what we are anticipating. We delve into a chassidic idea about the month of Av and what it reflects about the possibilities awaiting us. This conversation is an example of the kinds of conversations the period of the three weeks invites us to conduct with one another and within our communities.  The Halakhic limitations of this period set the atmosphere, but it is up to us to candidly hope for, develop, and pursue a vision for the future. This week's episode has been sponsored by Ellen Horowitz in memory of her mother, Esther Yocheved bat Chaya Leah v' Gershon, in honor of her 10th yartzeit on the 11th of Av.

Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Brody wrote Ethics of Our Fighters: A Jewish View on War and Morality before the events of October 7th. Yet its publication shortly after the outbreak of the war in Gaza made the book especially timely—and deeply resonant. In it, R. Brody offers a “Jewish Multi-Value Framework” to navigate the often competing ethical considerations that arise in times of war—from the perspective of both those engaged in combat and those grappling with the moral questions. Drawing on emotionally charged moments from modern Israel’s history and a candid exploration of the biblical texts related to warfare, R. Brody presents a thoughtful structure and vocabulary to approach some of the most difficult ethical dilemmas. In our conversation, we explore the book’s central arguments and the diverse ways Jewish tradition has interpreted scriptural passages about war. These texts can often strike the modern reader as troubling, but as R. Brody points out, generations of sages and commentators have acknowledged these challenges and offered meaningful interpretive lenses through which to understand them. You can find R. Brody's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Ethics-Our-Fighters-Jewish-Morality/dp/159264676X This week's episode has been sponsored by Shuli Rockoff in observance of the Yahrzeit for her mother, Hudell Ruchama bat Avraham Shlomo and Etta Malka on the 25th of Tammuz.

In this conversation with Dr. Ayelet Hoffman Libson, we discuss the episode of the daughters of Tzelofechad who approach Moshe asking for the right to inherit their deceased father's land. Our conversation speaks about the strength of Moshe as a humble leader as well as the women's wisdom reflected in their request for legal latitude. Thank you to Chana Shefa, Adira Lautman Botwinick, and Sivan Krug who are celebrating one year of weekly parsha learning together, with a tefilla that their connection to one another and to Torah continues to grow and flourish. Our Bamidbar Series explores different forms of leadership in the book and in the Jewish world.