Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast

Join Professor Leon Kass, Dean of Faculty at Shalem College and expert in the Hebrew Bible, as he dives into the intricate themes of Parashat Ki Tisa. They explore the relationship between national identity and divine covenant, discussing the complexities of sin, forgiveness, and the impact of leadership during trials. Kass shares insights on the transformative power of the Mishkan and how communal projects foster identity. This thought-provoking conversation illuminates how storytelling in the Torah shapes our faith and collective memory.

In this illuminating conversation with Rabbanit Shayna Goldberg, we begin by discussing the centrality of priestly clothing in this week's parsha and then broaden the conversation by exploring other biblical manifestations of clothing alongside its personal and societal functions. This is an episode worth sharing with your teenagers. It really steers the conversation in a refreshing direction, away from 'tzniut' (halakhic modesty) of dress to an ethic more inherent, intuitive, and holistic. The series asks what axiomatic ideas sit at the root of Israel’s national formation, without which we wouldn’t be who we are? How might we adjust our current trends in the Jewish world to realign with these principles? To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode, visit the Matan Website’s DONATE page: https://www.matan.org.il/en/donatenow/

Dr. Samuel Lebens, an associate professor of philosophy and Orthodox rabbi, joins the conversation to explore the significance of the Mishkan as a societal building project. He delves into the concept of tzimtzum, or divine contraction, and its vital role in understanding God’s presence among the Israelites. The discussion also touches on the Mishkan's deeper symbolism for Jewish identity, national unity, and contemporary challenges. Moreover, the importance of volunteerism and camaraderie in fostering community bonds is highlighted, linking spiritual insight with collective efforts.

In this fascinating conversation with Professor Chaim Saiman, we explore foundational understandings of how the rabbinic system of law developed and is enforced. The conversation then turns to the judiciary role of American rabbinical courts today and how this compares and contrasts with trends in Israel. Check out Prof. Saiman's Book Halakha here: https://www.amazon.com/Halakhah-Rabbinic-Library-Jewish-Ideas/dp/069115211X The series asks what axiomatic ideas sit at the root of Israel’s national formation, without which we wouldn’t be who we are? How might we adjust our current trends in the Jewish world to realign with these principles? To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode, visit the Matan Website’s DONATE page: https://www.matan.org.il/en/donatenow/

In this candid conversation with Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash, we explore the halakhic obligations and limits of the commandment to honor one's parents in an age where the parent-child relationship has undergone tremendous change. The series asks what axiomatic ideas sit at the root of Israel’s national formation, without which we wouldn’t be who we are? How might we adjust our current trends in the Jewish world to realign with these principles? To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode, visit the Matan Website’s DONATE page: https://www.matan.org.il/en/donatenow/

In this episode with R. Joe Wolfson, we explore the nation's experience crossing the Red Sea through a series of midrashic readings that provide greater human depth and emotional contour to the written text. R. Wolfson reminds us how Chazal's dynamic interpretations often provide a bridge between the biblical account and our lived experiences. The series asks what axiomatic ideas sit at the root of Israel’s national formation, without which we wouldn’t be who we are? How might we adjust our current trends in the Jewish world to realign with these principles? This week’s episode is dedicated in memory of Rabbi Desmond Maizels, a devoted community Rabbi in Cape Town, South Africa for over 40 years. To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode, visit the Matan Website’s DONATE page: https://www.matan.org.il/en/donatenow/

In honor of reaching 200 episodes, we held a special live event at Meshek 48 in Rosh Tzurim on motzei shabbat, Parshat Shemot. Our conversation focused on the women of Parshat Shemot: the midwives, Moshe's mother, Moshe's sister, and Bat Pharaoh. We spoke about their heroic roles in the parsha and about modern iterations of these women that we have observed around us in the past year and a half. We want to thank all of our listeners for being part of this virtual Torah community and thank those who have helped this project flourish with their generosity. To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode, visit the Matan Website’s DONATE page: https://www.matan.org.il/en/donatenow/

In this deeply probing conversation with Matan lecturer Rachel Sharansky Danziger, we study Shemot 12 which focuses on the current exodus as well as its future retelling. Why is storytelling such a central tool at this point in our nation's early history? Is there an ethic of truth embedded in storytelling? How is storytelling relevant to our current challenges right now? The series asks what axiomatic ideas sit at the root of Israel’s national formation, without which we wouldn’t be who we are? How might we adjust our current trends in the Jewish world to realign with these principles? This week's episode is dedicated in memory of Chana Feigal bat Bluma and Shlomo - Harriet Sasson. To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode, visit the Matan Website’s DONATE page: https://www.matan.org.il/en/donatenow/

We continue our Shemot series titled, "First Principles of Nationhood," with R. Dr. Joshua Berman with whom we explore how the Torah revolutionized the role and responsibilities of the individual in a religious society. This episode relates to this week's parsha as well as so many later narratives and laws in Shemot and beyond. The series asks what axiomatic ideas sit at the root of Israel's national formation, without which we wouldn't be who we are? How might we adjust our current trends in the Jewish world to realign with these principles? This week's episode has been sponsored by Michelle Feiglin and Debbie Nossbaum in memory of their father Nathan Werdiger. To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode, visit the Matan Website’s DONATE page: https://www.matan.org.il/en/donatenow/

This week we open our Shemot series titled, "First Principles of Nationhood." The series asks what axiomatic ideas sit at the root of Israel's national formation, without which we wouldn't be who we are? How might we adjust our current trends in the Jewish world to realign with these principles? For this opening episode, we sat down with Matan teacher, Yael Liebowitz, to discuss foundational Torah ethics reflected by the narratives in this week's parsha. This week’s episode is sponsored in commemoration of the 50th yahrtzeit of Pearl Fox Lind, Pesiah bat David and Leah If you live in Israel, come to our SPECIAL 200th episode EVENT in Meshek 48 on motzei shabbat, January 18 . Registration available on the Matan website. To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode, visit the Matan Website’s DONATE page: https://www.matan.org.il/en/donatenow/