Meir Soloveichik

When It Displeases the Court: Truth, Testimony, and the Ninth Commandment What does it mean to speak “the whole truth, and nothing but the truth”? The Torah’s prohibition on false testimony is a deeper call to honor truth itself in all spheres of life. The Green-Eyed Monster: Envy and the End of the Decalogue Why does the Ten Commandments end with “Thou shalt not covet”? This surprising finale unlocks the purpose of the entire code—and shows how civilization depends on  them.

Family and the Seventh Commandment Adultery is not only a private failing—it strikes at the covenantal heart of marriage. This commandment shows how Jewish tradition links faith in family to faith in God. Life, Liberty, and Judaism: The Eighth Commandment and the Birth of Human Rights “Thou shalt not steal.” Just two words in Hebrew—but within them lies a revolutionary idea: that liberty and property are moral concepts, and that justice begins with respecting what belongs to others.

God, Father, and Mother: The Partnership That Defines the Jewish Family Why is honoring one’s parents listed alongside commandments about God? Judaism sees family as a sacred partnership in creation and as the foundation of faith itself. Human Life and the Divine Life: The Sixth Commandment “All humans are created in the image of God”—but what does that mean? The commandment not to murder offers a moral insight that shaped the West and needs to be recovered today.

Who Is God? The Third Commandment and the Name of the Lord What does it mean that the Creator has a personal and ineffable name? Rabbi Soloveichik explores how the sanctity of God’s name illuminates the biblical vision of divinity and reverence. The Most Misunderstood Day: Sabbath and the Fourth Commandment Shabbat introduced the idea of a day of rest to the world—but what is its real purpose? Discover how the Sabbath reshapes our understanding of work, holiness, and human dignity.

How Do We Know God? The First Commandment Judah Halevi pondered why the one true God revealed Himself not merely as Creator of the Universe, but as the God of Abraham Who took Israel out of Egypt. What does this tell us about Judaism’s view of God—and the link between the particular and the universal? Judaism vs. Idolatry: The Second Commandment Judaism’s confrontation with idolatry is far from ancient history. Here Rabbi Soloveichik reveals what paganism truly is and how its spirit is returning in modern forms.

Explore the connection between the Ten Commandments and American history, emphasizing resilience and collective growth. Discover how biblical narratives, especially the Exodus story, shaped the founding principles of the nation. Reflect on personal transformation through the lens of 'Groundhog Day' and the value of selflessness. Examine integration of repentance and redemption in America, critiquing modern interpretations. Lastly, contrast biblical heritage with the rise of wokeism, advocating for the revival of kindness and dignity in society.

The podcast dives into the heroic Israeli rescue mission at Entebbe, detailing Operation Thunderbolt and its boost to national pride. It examines the Hebrew roots of American liberty, spotlighting historical figures who influenced the values symbolized by the Liberty Bell. The discussion also weaves in the bell's biblical messages and its significance in the abolitionist movement, culminating in the powerful connection between themes of freedom during the 1976 rescue and America's ongoing quest for liberty.

The podcast dives deep into the ideological clash between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, exploring their distinct views on Jews and Judaism. It highlights how their personal beliefs shaped American values of liberty and equality. Jefferson's secular stance contrasts sharply with Adams' faith-based moral framework. The discussion uncovers Jefferson's biases against Judaism, while also revealing the surprising links to potential Jewish ancestry. The evolving relationship between the founding fathers and the Jewish community is examined, showcasing their significant role in early American politics.

Explore the fascinating bond between John and Abigail Adams amid the Revolutionary backdrop, revealing their unique blend of personal and biblical influences. Uncover how the creation narrative shapes American ideals of equality, contrasting them with French revolutionary thoughts. Delve into their reflections on faith and marriage, addressing the hypocrisy surrounding slavery. Discover the dynamics of loneliness and knowledge in Eden, alongside the moral legacies of the Adams family and their biblical parallels, teaching essential lessons on love and responsibility.

Discover the intriguing origins of America's first national Thanksgiving, established in 1789 as a celebration of gratitude for the Constitution. The conversation dives deep into early American governance and the biblical influences on this historic holiday. Listen to a lively debate from the first House of Representatives, where contrasting views emerge on divine authority and the tradition's significance. It's a fresh take on Thanksgiving that moves beyond the familiar Pilgrim narrative.