Maduah Madah and Parsha Stories: Recent Episodes
Schechter Boston
Maduah Madah: The science behind different aspects of Judaism.
Parsha Stories: Keep up with the weekly Parsha over the summer with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! Each week of Sefer Bemidbar (the fourth book of the Torah) has engaging stories about B’nai Yisrael’s adventures in the wilderness. There is danger, intrigue and a lot of complaining!
Click here for the telling from last year!
Click here for the telling from three years ago!
Click here for the original telling of Nitzavim!
Click here for a deeper dive into Yehoshua!
Click here for last year's telling about the end of Moshe's life!
Click here for the original telling of Parshat Ki Tavo!
Click here for a special Talmudic story about Ki Tavo!
Click here for last year's story about Ki Tavo!
Click here for the fuller story about Kashrut!
Click here to learn about the tithing system described in this week's Parsha!
Click here for the original telling of Parshat Ekev!
Click here for a telling of a great story about Eliyahu connected to Ekev!
Click here for my conversation with Safam's Joel Sussman about "Nachamu"!
Click here for a recap of the first three Parsheyot of Sefer Devarim!
Click here for the Biblical and Rabbinic stories of Tisha B'Av!
Click here for a Hasidic story in the spirit of Tisha B'Av!
Click here to learn about the Haftarah for Parshat D'varim!
Click here for a mystical story about Matot!
Click here for a dramatic story about Masei!
Click here for an interesting story connected to Matot that ties to the Destruction of the Temple!
Click here for the telling from three years ago!
Click here for the original telling of Pinchas!
Click here for the story of the Haftarah for Parshat Pinchas! (The first of the special Haftarot around Tisha B'Av)
Click here for a Midrash connected to Parshat Pinchas!
Click here for the telling of the story of Caleb and Pinchas in Yericho!
Click here for the full story of Parshat Balak!
Click here for a Midrash about Bilaam and his donkey!
Click here to learn about the Haftarah of Balak (and Hukkat)!
Click here for the full telling of Parshat Hukkat!
Click here for a podcast about the Haftarah of Hukkah (and Balak)!
Click here for a story about the Sereph!
Click here for the telling of Parshat Korach!
Click here for the telling of the Haftarah of Korach!
Click here for a Midrash about Korach from last year!
Click here for the telling of the Haftarah for Shlach Lecha!
Click here for the story of the Torah reading!
Click here for last year's telling of the parsha!
Click here for the telling from two years ago!
Click here for last year's telling of Bemidbar!
Click here for the telling from two years ago!
Click here for the Shavuot Special from two years ago!
Click here for last year's telling of Behar!
Click here for last year's telling of Behukkotai!
Click here for the telling of the stories together!
Click here for last year's telling of Emor!
Click here for the telling from two years ago!
Click here for last year's telling of Kedoshim!
Click here for last year's telling of Acharei Mot!
Click here for the story from two years ago!
Click here to listen to last year's telling!
Click here for the telling from two years ago!
Click here for last year's telling of Parshat Vayikra!
Click here for the story from two years ago!
Click here for last year's telling of Pikudei!
Click here for the story from two years ago!
Having trouble linking previous versions but you can go back to look in the archives. Shabbat Shalom!
This week we are going off the Parsha track to tell one of the greatest (and definitely most timely) story of our tradition - Megilat Esther!
Click here for last year's telling of Ki Tisa!
Click here for the telling from two years ago!
Click here for last year's telling of the Parsha!
Click here for the telling from two years ago!
Click here for last year's telling of Parshat Mishpatim!
Click here for Parshat Mishpatim from two years ago!
Click here for last year's telling of Bo!
Click here for the telling from two years ago!
Click here to listen to last year's telling of Shemot!
Click here to listen to Shemot from two years ago!
Click here for last year's telling of Va'yeishev!
Click here for a full telling of Va'Yeishev - Bonus Edition!
Click here for last year's telling of Chayei Sarah!
Click here for two year's ago's telling of Chayei Sarah!
Click here to listen to last year's telling of Lech Lecha!
Click here to listen to two year's ago telling of Lech Lecha!
For important context for this week's Parsha, check out these previous recordings of Parshat Acharei Mot:
Acharei Mot 5784
Acharei Mot 5783
Parshat Acahrei Mot describes the command for the Kohen Gadol to perform a special ritual on Yom Kippur. The Avodah service that we read every year on Yom Kippur describes how this Biblical command was fulfilled during the time of the Beit Hamikdash (the Temple). These are their stories.
Moshe ends his long sermon and officially declares Yehoshua as the new leader. The scene is emotional for everyone including, according to Midrash, the angels who are watching. God shares some encouraging words to Moshe who gets ready for one final thought before the Torah ends.
Click here for last year's telling of the Parsha!
Moshe tells the people of a special formula they must recite when bringing first fruits to the Kohen. This formula reminds the people of their checkered past. Isaiah, on the other hand, assures the people of a brighter future!
Click here for last year's episode!
Click here for the episode from two years ago!
Trigger Warning: This week's Parsha has a controversial Mitzvah about how to manage a challenging child.
Click here for last year's telling of Parshat Shoftim!
Click here for the telling from two years ago!
The people are preparing to enter the land of Israel and they are riding an emotional high of all the successful battles they have waged. Moshe reminds them that God would much prefer peace over bloodshed.
This combined Parsha telling captures an opening theme of Sefer Devarim - Moshe's reminding the people how lucky they are to have the opportunity to enter the Land of Israel and the importance that they express their gratitude for this incredible privilege.
To hear a different section of the story of Parshat Masei, click here!
Moshe and God take a trip down memory lane, reflecting on all of the places that B'nai Yisrael have traveled along their journey through the Midbar. Some bring up happy memories for Moshe, while others are sadder. But it is a fitting beginning to the end of his life.
Listen to last year's telling of a Midrash connected to Matot!
Listen to the full story of Matot and Masei!
God calls on Moshe to perform his final task before he begins his farewell tour, which causes Moshe some internal angst.
Click here for the full telling of Parshat Pinchas!
Click here for the story of this week's Haftarah!
So much has happened to B'nai Yisrael since the previous census, Moshe and Elazar take another one to check in with the nation. They recount (literally) the story of Korach and realize that there is a discrepancy in their numbers. One of Korach's followers seems to have gotten away unharmed, and a very peculiar thing happens to Korach's sons.
To hear the full telling of Parshat Balak click here!
To hear about the Haftarah for Balak, click here!
Bilaam's encounter with his donkey is even more embarrASSing for him than originally thought. The Midrash describes a back and forth between Bilaam and his pet that really highlights God's power and Bilaam's lack of control.
Listen to the main highlights of Parshat Hukkat here!
Listen to the story of the Haftarah for Hukkat here!
After the stories of Miriam and Aaron come to an end, the Israelites have another complaint and God's reaction is more fatal than ever. By the end, the people are singing God's praises and FINALLY showing appreciation for God's gifts in the wilderness.
Click here to listen to two years ago's telling of Parshat Korach!
And click here to listen to last year's telling of the Haftarah!
Before Moshe and Korach battle for the right to lead B'nai Yisrael, Moshe tries to reason with his cousin. Korach shares his disappointment over having been snubbed, but the talks fall through when Korach loses his understanding of what leadership is about.
Click here to listen to last year's (and two years ago) telling of Parshat Sh'lach!
In this second anniversary of Parsha Stories, Yehoshua is no longer the scout, he is sending the scouts. He sends two meraglim to scout the City of Yericho but they are quickly discovered and their lives are endangered. Luckily, they meet a kind Canaanite woman named Rachav who tries to free them, but at a price.
Click here for last year's telling of Behaalotcha!
There are so many interesting stories in Parshat Behaalotcha! So much so that it was difficult for our sages to choose one Haftarah to be read that would connect to the different threads of the Torah portion. So instead of choosing one to learn about, let's learn all three!
Click here for last year's telling of Parshat Naso!
The people learn of a powerful blessing that not only resounds through the generations but that also has cosmic powers to fend off evil angels in heaven!
Click here to listen to last year's telling of Bemidbar!
The time has finally come for B'nai Yisrael to leave Har Sinai to begin their journey in the wilderness on the way to Eretz Yisrael. But they can't just run into the wilderness and hope for the best - they have to organize carefully and thoughtfull. Moshe and God make clear, they have a plan.
Yunkele the Farmer finds some daylight in his attempts to argue against the Torah as Moshe presents a "choice." The prophet Yirmiyahu explains to his people that there is more choice in life than Moshe even realized.
Click here for last year's telling of Behar (and Behukotai)!
Yunkaleh the Farmer is still struggling with the laws about the Promised Land because they are going to hamstring his attempts for total land domination. Moshe warns about what will happen if they people don't obey and then Yirmiyahu lives the experience during the time of Tzikiyahu HaMelech.
Click here for last year's telling of Parshat Emor!
Yunkala the Farmer has a lot to say about why he doesn't think he should have to celebrate the agricultural holidays. Moshe then encounters a very tragic character in the Torah whose life begins and ends with talking.
This week imagines what life was like in Ancient Egypt and the terrible unkindness and immorality that was rampant before the Torah was given.
Click here for last year's telling of Parshat Acharei Mot!
Yom Kippur has always been a big holiday for the Jewish people and their leadership. In different generations, the ritual has been modified and changed but it all starts with Aaron and his children.
Listen to last year's telling of Tazria/Metzora here!
Listen to last year's telling of Shabbat Ha'Gadol here!
We fast forward in time to when Miryam and Aaron complain about Moshe. Miryam is afflicted with skin disease as a punishment for her slander. Moshe finds himself having to decide whether to stand up for his insulting sister or let her live with her skin diease.
To hear last year's dramatic telling of Shmeni, click here!
King David has just conquered Jerusalem and is ready to start collecting pieces from the original Mishkan for his new capitol city. He leads a convoy to transport the Holy Ark but things quickly take a turn for the worse, in a way that reminds everyone of Nadav and Avihu in the Mishkan. Eventually, David realizes that religious life isn't meant to be feared, but approached with awe.
Listen to last year's version of Tzav!
Aaron is nervous about his new responsibility and tries to convince Moshe that he should be the one to be the Kohen Gadol. Moshe does step into the role of Kohen Gadol, but not in the way you might expect!
Click here for last year's episode of Vayikra!
In this new book of Vayikra, Moshe begins to explain to Aaron and his sons about the important work of connecting to God through sacrifices. The stakes are incredibly high and the details matter very much. Aaron has a lot of questions that point to the significance of every korban.
Moshe and Betzalel are putting on the final touches of the Mishkan by accounting for all of the donations that had poured in. Moshe becomes nervous because over 1,000 shekels are unaccounted for. But God helps Moshe and Betzalel get over the finish line so that God can dwell among the people.
Listen to last year's telling of Va'yakhel (and Pikudei) here!
B'nai Yisrael is ready to build the Mishkan under Moshe and Betzalel's guidance. First, they need to collect all of the valuable materials, which proves to be far easier than anyone expected - especially the Nesi'im. Next they need to do the hands on work of building the Mishkan but Betzalel reminds them that it's not just their hands that they need for this building project - it's their souls!
Click here to listen to last year's telling of Ki Tisa!
After the dramatic Golden Calf incident, Moshe finds himself playing defense attorney on behalf of the people of Israel. He plays to God's forgiving nature but he also brings up some interesting precedence to convince God to spare his stiff-necked people.
Listen to last year's telling of Tetzaveh here!
Aaron and his descendants are chosen to lead B'nai Yisrael's ritual life as the Kohanim. This comes with special clothing that will be used in religious ceremonies as well as magical clothing, worn by the Kohen Gadol, that brings God into daily decision making. Magical clothing can only be created with magical materials and worn by people who are so pure of heart, they are magical.
Listen to last year's telling of Parshat Trumah here!
Moshe is still up on Har Sinai receiving the Torah and he starts to learn about the construction of the Mishkan. Moshe is overwhelmed by the details and the craftmanship needed for such an expansive and important project. God offers Betzalel to help but Moshe is not sure whether he should take it.
Click here for last year's telling of Parshat Mishpatim!
Moshe ascends to the top of Har Sinai to receive the rest of the Torah to share with B'nai Yisrael. When he arrives at the top of the mountain he is met by the angels but his reception is not as warm as he anticipated. The angels express jealousy over the gift of the Torah but Moshe and God convince them that all is right with the world...well, actually, the opposite.
Listen to last year's Parshat Yitro here!
B'nai Yisrael receives the great gift of the Torah but, according to the Midrash, it's not just them who are offered these life laws. Other nations have a chance to share in the Glory of Torah but they pass it up because it would require them to rise above their current personalities. Even B'nai Yisrael has a moment of doubt but nothing that can't be fixed with a floating mountain.
Listen to last year's telling of B'Shalach here!
Just like Moshe and Miriam lead the people in song after a great miracle, Devorah and Barak lead the people after a great generational miracle themselves. Devorah inspires Barak to call up an army against a formidable foe but their enemies are no match for God, and a well placed tent peg to the temple.
Sorry for the wrong upload at first. It should be correct now!
To hear last year's telling of Parshat Bo, click here!
Before the final plague that will set the people free, Moshe commands the people to perform the inaugural Pesach Seder. An important message is taught at this first Seder that will be sent down through the generations from King David to Ben Zoma and beyond!
Click here for last year's telling of Va'era!
Through Moshe and Aaron, God brings the first seven plagues to Egypt. Each plague slowly wears down the Egyptian people who argue with their stubborn leader to end the madness. The magicians struggle to maintain their loyalty to the Pharaoh as his approval ratings plummet.
Click here for last year's telling of Parshat Shemot!
Moshe is famously raised in an Egyptian palace as a prince but he secretly is raised in the Israelite home of his biological parents. This teaches him the middot (Jewish values) to stand up for the oppressed - a skill that he uses over and over.
Enjoy the new theme song by Jonah Hassenfeld!
For last year's telling of Parshat Va'Yechi, click here.
As Yosef is about to die he calls his sons to him with a final command and final code words to pass along through the generations. The code words catapult the story ahead 200 years to the time of Moshe when an unexpected, familiar face, is prepared to decipher the code and help Moshe lead.
Check out last year's telling of this Parsha here!
When Yakov's sons find out that the Vice Pharaoh is their long lost brother, they worry about how to share this news to their father. Ever since Yosef's departure from the family, Yakov has been broken and even the slightest piece of dramatic news (even positive) could totally break him. So they look to an unexpected source to gently share the news!
To hear last year's telling of Miketz click here.
Yosef rises to Vice Pharaoh over Egypt and his brothers come cower before him, without realizing it's their long-lost brother. He decides to cleverly test them to see where their hearts lie. This motif is seen again in 1 Kings when Shlomo Ha'Melech uses his wisdom to put two mothers to the ultimate test.
Check out the full telling of Va'Yeshev from last year here
Check out an alternative telling of Va'Yeshev from last year here.
Yakov favors his son Yosef, which makes his brothers very angry. They throw him in a pit and eventually sell him to a caravan of Ishmalites on their way to Egypt. Yosef's story becomes even more dramatic landing him in jail. What we find out this week is that this dramatic unfolding of events is part of God's masterplan.
Check out last year's telling of Vayishlach.
Before Yakov re-encounters Esav he is confronted by a mysterious being that ends up having the divine power to bless him with a new name - Yisrael. A Midrash suggests that this encounter was an epic cosmic battle between the mortal Yakov and Esav's arch-angel that elevates Yakov to a super-natural being. Yes, this is Torah not Harry Potter.
Check out last year's telling of Va'Yetze here!
After a very successful 20 years in Haran, Yakov decides that it is time to leave his father-in-law/uncle's home. He departs in secret with his wives, children and his amassed wealth. Lavan is not thrilled with the idea but he is prepared to end things with Yakov on good terms as long as he returns one thing that Yakov, unknowingly, brought with him.
Click here for last year's telling of Toldot!
In between the dramatic encounters between Yakov and Esav, Yitzhak has his own dramatic moments with the locals of Canaan when a terrible famine the Holy Land. Yitzhak leans on his connection to God and his connection to his father to find success in unlikely places.
Click here for last year's podcast on Hayei Sarah!
Sarah and Avraham both die, leaving the next generation to carry on the legacy that they leave behind. The Haftarah from this week, captures the same theme as David Ha'Melech (King David) lays on his deathbed and is forced to choose a successor from among his sons. All of the people in David's life begin to jockey for power with a new king eventually emerging to power.
Click here for last year's episode of Vayera!
After Avraham is forced to send away his eldest son Yishmael, he tracks his son down to find him married to a woman that does not share his values. Avraham is deeply committed to the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim and he expects his sons and nephew to live up to his high standard. It isn't until Yishmael's second wife that he finally gets the picture!
Click here for last year's account of Lech Lecha!
In this Midrash we learn Avraham's origin story about how he becomes the chosen founder of monotheism. Even before God calls to a young Avram, he can tell that the polytheistic, idol worshipping lifestyle just does not make sense. But when he shines a light on the absurdity of this philosophy he makes enemies and needs God to save him for the first time.
God is displeased with the terrible choices that humans continuously make and decides that only one family is worthy of living on earth. He tells Noach to build an ark, offering plenty of time for Noach to save others as well - though Noach doesn't take the bait. After the flood, God seems to regret the choice and creates a rainbow as a symbol of peace and celebrating diversity.
Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld has been writing the theme songs for our podcasts for the past year and a half. He decided to write a whole new song with a new tone that perfectly captures the spirit of Simchat Torah and our commitment to re-starting a Torah learning. Enjoy his new song as a way to get into the spirit of a new Torah reading cycle!
For the first time ever, this episode tells a story that is a Rabbi Tilles original! Based on two midrashim about the four species (lulav, etrog, hadas and arava) the question is asked, what is so special about these four plants. The answer is their willingness to see the specialness inside of each other!
Moshe changes his tune...literally. He moves from a sermon to a song, speaking in metaphor about the Heavens and the Earth. At first the celestial beings are miffed that Moshe would lump them in with mortals, but we come to understand that he meant Heaven and Earth as a metaphor for body and soul. This song is the perfect lead up to the end of his life and to our Shabbat Shuvah.
The Haftarah for Rosh Hashanah tells the story of how we learned how to pray with words. Hannah is jealous of her sister wife, Penina, as she struggles to have a child. Sacrifices to God are not working and, in desperation, she taps into her deep emotions to pray from her heart. Spoiler alert...it worked!
Moshe tells the people that all of B'nai Yisrael, including the lowly wood-chopper and water-bearer will be a part of the Eternal Covenant with God. Yehoshua, Moshe's apprentice, takes note of this reference to the wood-chopper and water-bearer and uses it later when he is a leader of the people against the sneaky Givonim. Yehoshua learns to use his wit and the teachings of Moshe to enrich the Israelites in a dramatic turn of events.
Moshe describes a dramatic scene that was set to unfold once B'nai Yisrael enters the Land in which farmers would bring their Bikkurim, their first fruits, to the Temple and offer their food to God as a thank you. The Mishnah describes an even more elaborate and festive experience!
Moshe turns his attention to the ethics of war as he continues to prepare the people for their conquest of the Holy Land. Inserted in his list of laws about warfare, he includes a Mitzvah about sending away the mother bird if you take her eggs. The rabbis have a lot of questions about this Mitzvah and the Zohar offers an uplifting story about how it represents God's unending compassion for us!
Moshe reminds the people that he will not be in the Promised Land to help them adjudicate tough decisions in their ultimate pursuit of Justice. B'nai Yisrael is commanded to establish a judicial system that all leaders will respect, as described in a dramatic account found in the Talmud.
Moshe reinforces that abundance of food that is awaiting B'nai Yisrael when they enter the Land but reminds them the importance of sharing the wealth. A familiar complaint resurfaces and a crazy story about the Talmud's Dr. Doolittle (Reb Pinchas) helps us understand why the complaint is unfounded.
Moshe's words to the people remind them that IF they don't follow the Laws of the Torah that God will keep rain from falling on the luscious Promised Land. We learn later on that King Ahab ignored the Torah and that it still rained, which made Eliyahu Ha'Navi very upset. We learn that God works in mysterious ways.
The message of this week's Haftarah was popularized by the band Safam and one of their song composers, Joel Sussman. Joel joins the podcast to explain his inspiration and thoughts about the message from the book of Isaiah and how it ties to our feelings as we come out of Tisha B'Av.
Moshe begins to review the story of the Israelite journey through the Midbar with the people as a way to reenforce the message that God had been with them through all of their battles with neighboring nations. A reaffirmation of God's power seems to be compelling for the Israelites of Moshe's generation but less so for the Jews of Isaiah's generation who foresees the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.
According to a Midrash, God's command to maintain vows is transgressed by Tzidkiyahu Ha'Melekh drawing the ire of the Babylonian Emperor, Nebuchanezzar. With the Emporer betrayed, he takes his anger out on the Sanhedrin and the entire Jewish people by destroying Jerusalem and the Holy Temple. All of this, of course, had been prophesied by Yirmiyahu while he was still in his mother's womb.
The story of Pinchas is about one zealot who stands up to a straying Israelite nation. In this week's Haftarah, an infantile prophet, Yirmiyahu, is told that he will share troubling news with a straying Israelite nation as well.
The story of Balak is so memorable that it echoes through the generations from Shmuel to Yiftach to Micah.
Korach throws the leadership system into chaos with his failed rebellion. Many generations later, the Israelites have convinced God to abandon the Prophetic leadership structure in favor of a monarchy, leaving Shmuel very angry.
Join us in celebrating a full Torah reading cycle of our Parshat Podcast! This Parsha was our first Parsha Podcast and now we tell the story again! B'nai Yisrael is nervous about what life might be like in the Land of Israel. Moshe sends scouts to bring back reports of the Land and they return with mixed results!
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! This week, B’nai Yisrael starts their journeys off strong by organizing and fortifying their religious and military systems. But by the end, the “complaint department” is flooded with requests for meat and more significant food than the manna that the Israelites had been eating. God agrees to give them their meat but at a very steep cost.
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! The story of Shimshon (Samson) from the haftarah dominates the story of this week’s Parsha Podcast. Shimshon the Nazir is gifted with superhuman strength, making him a champion for B’nai Yisrael against their Philistine enemies. Shimshon’s affinity for Philistine women, particularly Delila, puts him and all of the Israelites at grave risk.
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! In this episode: Shabbat this week lines up with the second day of Shavuot, so we take a detour from our normal, weekly, parsha cycle. We all know the story of Revelation at Har Sinai (see Parshat Yitro) but what was B’nai Yisrael thinking the night before the Torah is given? What do they talk about while Moshe is gone? Find out in this week’s Shavuot Special!
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! In this episode: As B’nai Yisrael prepares to start their journey through the Midbar (the Wilderness), they need to assemble an army. God has Moshe take a census to conscribe the adult males of fighting age as well as to assign the Leviim as protectors of the Mishkan.
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! In this episode: B’nai Yisrael is finally ready to begin their journey to Eretz Yisrael from their stop at the foot of Har Sinai. Before they can begin their journey to the Holy Land, God and Moshe have some rules that they need to know before they can enter this magical land. Laws about shmita, yovel and loans are explained so that B’nai Yisrael can merit living in such a special place but one person hates the idea: Yunkele the Farmer.
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! In this episode, B’nai Yisrael is introduced to the most beautiful and joyous aspect of our tradition: the haggim (holidays)! But not everyone is so excited about the haggim because being a part of community means making sacrifices and not always prioritizing wealth. Everyone’s favorite (imaginary) complainer, Yunkele The Farmer, expresses concerns about “wasting time” celebrating holidays, but we all know better!
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Tilles! In this episode, after Aaron’s sons have died, Aaron learns about a new skill he must hone as the Kohen Gadol: the ability to ask forgiveness for the entire community. As an act of love, Aaron would sacrifice one goat to the Lord and send the other off to Azazel as a symbol of casting away transgressions. Aaron's theme of love continues as we learn that, unlike in Egypt, love is considered the holiest act that one can perform.
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! In this episode: As B’nai Yisrael is figuring out how to properly use the newly built Mishkan, we learn about the health attestation that has to be performed by the Kohanim to make sure that everyone who is bringing sacrifices is considered Tahor (ritually fit). It’s not just the physical body that has to be prepared, but we come to find out that bad behaviors can also lead to bad outcomes!
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! In this episode, Aaron and his sons have been studying the laws of the Korbanot (sacrifices) and are finally ready to consecrate the Mishkan and start using the Tabernacle as a functioning location. All of the Israelites gather to watch the first successful sacrifice, which is followed by a tragic accident. This sad event causes Moshe to remind the people to be diligent about animals they can and can't bring for sacrifices.
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! In this episode, Moshe continues to convey the laws of the Kohen, the Kohen Gadol and the korbanot (sacrifices) to his brother Aaron. Aaron asks important questions to more deeply understand the expectations of him and his children. Also this week, we review the story of Eliyahu Ha’Navi and how he awaits the opportunity to return to earth to usher in the coming of the Mashiach.
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles. In this episode: With the Mishkan finally built, it is time for B’nai Yisrael to start bringing korbanot to get closer to G-d. However, not just anyone can bring whatever sacrifices they want whenever they want, so Moshe has to convey the strict expectations to Aaron and his sons. Moshe and G-d convene in their new meeting place: the Ohel Moed. While there, G-d and Moshe make a plan for how to share this extremely important, and holy, information.
In this week’s double parsha, Moshe instructs the people how to build the Mishkan, the portable house where God will dwell. Thanks to the generous donations and hard work of B’nai Yisrael (for six days at a time), the Mishkan is completed after one year. Now the Divine Presence, the shechina, is able to dwell among the people and journey with them through their travels in the Midbar (wilderness).
Dr. David Reich, a Schechter parent and Harvard geneticist, joins Rabbi Ravid Tilles, Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld and Schechter 8th graders in a discussion of history, science and heritage.
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! In this episode, B’nai Yisrael’s impatience with Moshe’s being on top of Har Sinai finally reaches a boiling point and they gather to confront their deputized leader: Aaron. Seemingly in attempt to buy time while they waited for Moshe’s return, Aaron advises the people to build an idol as a replacement for Moshe. The Israelites end up worshipping this cow and, in the meantime, break the first and second of the Ten Commandments that they had just received. This all angers Moshe and God, though Moshe learns an important lesson about forgiveness and kindness through this story.
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! In this episode, God continues to share mitzvot about the Mishkan. We learn about more elements of the Mishkan and about the role that the Kohanim would play in the Mishkan including their special clothing. Once such special garb is the Hoshen Mishpat which seemingly offers the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) a chance to connect to God in magical, spiritual ways. There are multiple stories about the power of the Hoshen Mishpat in the story of the Israelites. All of these laws are given to Moshe while B'nai Yisrael is becoming increasingly impatient with Moshe's being on Har Sinai. Next week is when this impatience reaches a boiling point!
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! In this episode, Moshe is still up on Har Sinai receiving the rest of the Torah to share with B'nai Yisrael. The majority of the instructions enumerated in this week’s parsha are about the construction of God's home: the Mishkan, which is to be built out of precious materials (metals, stones and textiles). This week, we explore some Midrashim that give answers to the natural question that emerges in this Parsha: where do a bunch of slaves find precious materials?
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! Moshe ascends to the top of the mountain to begin the process of receiving the rest of the Torah now that all of B'nai Yisrael has heard the Aseret Hadibrot. These first laws given by God to Moshe on Har Sinai lay the foundation for a moral society that is based on laws and share understandings, including what to do when someone you hate needs your help.
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! Now that B’nai Yisrael is absolutely free from Egypt, Moshe’s father-in-law, Yitro, instructs him to delegate responsibility to other leaders, so that Moshe can live a more balanced life. In order for that to happen, the word of God must be written down and transmitted through the Torah. So God and Moshe gather the people at the base of Har Sinai and, in one of the most dramatic and intense moments described in the Torah, God reveals the Aseret Ha’Dibrot (the Ten Commandments) to all of B’nai Yisrael.
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! After the final plague, B’nai Yisrael is ready to start their journey to Eretz Yisrael but have one final hurdle to overcome. God commands Moshe to bring B’nai Yisrael “the long way,” which means that they are stopped by the massive Yam Suf (Sea of Reeds). Meanwhile, Pharaoh leads his entire army to chase the Israelites to recapture them, which brings about two extraordinary miracles including the splitting of the sea. By the end, B’nai Yisrael fully has the Egyptians in their rear-view mirror.
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! The final three plagues prove to be enough to break Pharaoh's stubborn spirit as the Israelites leave Egypt on their journey to freedom and redemption. Before they can be freed, the Israelites must show their faith in God by slaughtering a lamb and practicing the first ever Passover Seder. The parsha ends with the beginning of their journey out of Egypt but, as we will see, their adventure is far from over.
Listen to learn more about Parashat Bo.
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! The war between God and Pharaoh, with Moshe as the emissary, becomes more destructive with the first seven plagues. Moshe and B'nai Yisrael struggle to maintain faith, though they are awed by God's wonders and miracles. The promise of a much darker future for Egypt emerges.
Listen to learn more about Parashat Vaera.
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! This new book of the Torah (with a new theme song!) begins with a new pharaoh as king of Egypt. This new pharaoh enslaves B’nai Yisrael, embittering their lives. Thanks to the bravery of Shifra, Puah, Yochevet, Miriam and Bat-Pharaoh, Moshe is born and protected, so that he can grow up and free the people from their slavery. At the end of the parsha, God calls to Moshe at the (non)Burning Bush, and the stage is set for the eventual redemption.
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! In this episode, Sefer Bereishit ends with the deaths of Yakov and Yosef. But, before they die, they have final messages for their children and grandchildren. Yakov’s wishes to have his body returned to Canaan are realized with great fidelity, while Yosef’s bones remain in an Egyptian tomb—foreshadowing a diminishing relationship with Egypt. Hazak Hazak V’Nithazek.
Listen now to the episode:
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles!In this episode, Yehudah bravely approaches Yosef, acting as the Vice Pharaoh, to save Binyamin's life. Yosef is so deeply moved by Yehudah's speech that he can't help but reveal his true identity to his brothers. After some apprehension, the brothers are reunited and they return to Cana'an to retrieve Yakov and bring him to Egypt as well. On his way down to Egypt, Yakov worries about what might be in store for B'nai Yisrael in a foreign land but God promises Yakov that his children would one day return.
This is the full recording of the story of Miketz. Yosef rises through the power ranks of Egypt to become the Vice Pharaoh. His earlier dreams are realized when his brothers bow to him as they beg for food during the seven years of famine. Yosef is not ready to reveal himself to his brothers and sets them up to force Yakov to send Binyamin to Egypt as well. The drama continues!
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! In this episode, now that Yakov has settled back in the Land of Cana'an he finds himself with 12 sons, one daughter, and three mothers to his children. However, his heart is not full because his most beloved wife, Rachel, has died. In order to fill the void left by Rachel, Yakov dotes on her oldest son, Yosef, and shows extra favor to him. This causes resentment from the other brothers who throw him in a pit and sell him to slavery. But things are not so bad for Yosef in his servitude until he is thrown and jail where he meets two people who will end up putting Yosef on the map as a dream interpreter.
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! In this episode, the dramatic saga of Yosef and his brothers begins in this Parsha. (For the full story, check out our other podcast for this parsha.) This podcast focuses on how Reuven's choice to throw Yosef into a pit actually saves his life and how the prisoners in the Egyptian jail establish Yosef's reputation as a dream interpreter. Get out your Devash and study together!
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! In this episode, Yakov is ready to return home to Canaan but he has to confront his brother, Esav, first. While waiting for this tense reunion, Yakov meets an angel who blesses him with a new name (Yisrael) and the promise of safety. Yakov and Esav embrace and seem to overcome their previous animosity so that Yakov can return in safety. But when Yakov arrives back to Canaan, there is even more drama that awaits his family.
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! In this episode, Yakov runs away to Haran to start his new life hoping to free himself from drama. He finds that he can't escape trickery and sibling rivalry and eventually decides to return to Cana'an. But first he creates a LARGE family, earns money and prepares himself for a potential encounter with Esav.
Listen now to the episode on Parashat Va'Yetze.
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! We’re making our way through the first book of the Torah, Sefer Bereisheit!
Listen now to the episode on Parashat Toldot.
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! We’re making our way through the first book of the Torah, Sefer Bereisheit!
Listen now to the episode on Parashat Hayei Sarah.
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! We’re at the beginning of the Torah now—starting with creation!
Listen now to the episode on Parashat Va'Yera.
Note: Parent Discretion is advised (contains allusion to child sacrifice).
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! We’re at the beginning of the Torah now—starting with creation!
Listen now to the episode on Parashat Lech Lecha.
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! We’re at the beginning of the Torah now—starting with creation!
Listen now to the 18th episode on Parashat Noach.
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! We’re at the beginning of the Torah now—starting with creation!
Listen now to the 17th episode on Parashat Bereisheit.
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! We’ve reached the end of Sefer Devarim (the last book of the Torah) and its engaging stories about B’nai Yisrael’s adventures in the wilderness. There is danger, intrigue and a lot of complaining!
Listen now to the 16th episode on Parashat V’zot Habracha.
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! We’ve come to the end of Sefer Devarim (the last book of the Torah) and its engaging stories about B’nai Yisrael’s adventures in the wilderness. There is danger, intrigue and a lot of complaining!
Listen now to the 15th episode on Parshiot Va’yelech and Ha’azinu.
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! We’re making our way through Sefer Devarim (the last book of the Torah) and its engaging stories about B’nai Yisrael’s adventures in the wilderness. There is danger, intrigue and a lot of complaining!
Listen now to the 14th episode on Parshat Nitzavim.
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! We’re continuing our way through Sefer Devarim (the last book of the Torah) and its engaging stories about B’nai Yisrael’s adventures in the wilderness. There is danger, intrigue and a lot of complaining!
Listen now to the 13th episode on Parshat Ki Tavo.
Keep up with the weekly parsha with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! We’re continuing our way through Sefer Devarim (the last book of the Torah) and its engaging stories about B’nai Yisrael’s adventures in the wilderness. There is danger, intrigue and a lot of complaining!
Listen now to the 12th episode on Parshat Ki Tetzei:
Keep up with the weekly parsha over the summer with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! Each week of Sefer Devarim (the last book of the Torah) has engaging stories about B’nai Yisrael’s adventures in the wilderness. There is danger, intrigue and a lot of complaining!
Keep up with the weekly parsha over the summer with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! Each week of Sefer Devarim (the last book of the Torah) has engaging stories about B’nai Yisrael’s adventures in the wilderness. There is danger, intrigue and a lot of complaining!
Keep up with the weekly parsha over the summer with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! Each week of Sefer Devarim (the last book of the Torah) has engaging stories about B’nai Yisrael’s adventures in the wilderness. There is danger, intrigue and a lot of complaining!
Keep up with the weekly parsha over the summer with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! Each week of Sefer Devarim (the last book of the Torah) has engaging stories about B’nai Yisrael’s adventures in the wilderness. There is danger, intrigue and a lot of complaining!
Keep up with the weekly parsha over the summer with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! Each week of Sefer Bamidbar (the fourth book of the Torah) has engaging stories about B’nai Yisrael’s adventures in the wilderness. There is danger, intrigue and a lot of complaining!
Keep up with the weekly parsha over the summer with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! Each week of Sefer Bamidbar (the fourth book of the Torah) has engaging stories about B’nai Yisrael’s adventures in the wilderness. There is danger, intrigue and a lot of complaining!
Keep up with the weekly parsha over the summer with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! Each week of Sefer Bamidbar (the fourth book of the Torah) has engaging stories about B’nai Yisrael’s adventures in the wilderness. There is danger, intrigue and a lot of complaining!
Keep up with the weekly parsha over the summer with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! Each week of Sefer Bamidbar (the fourth book of the Torah) has engaging stories about B’nai Yisrael’s adventures in the wilderness. There is danger, intrigue and a lot of complaining!
Keep up with the weekly parsha over the summer with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! Each week of Sefer Bamidbar (the fourth book of the Torah) has engaging stories about B’nai Yisrael’s adventures in the wilderness. There is danger, intrigue and a lot of complaining!
Keep up with the weekly parsha over the summer with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld! Each week of Sefer Bamidbar (the fourth book of the Torah) has engaging stories about B’nai Yisrael’s adventures in the wilderness. There is danger, intrigue and a lot of complaining!
Listen now the second episode on Parshat Korach.
Keep up with the weekly Parsha over the summer with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! Each week of Sefer Bamidbar (the fourth book of the Torah) has engaging stories about B’nai Yisrael’s adventures in the wilderness. There is danger, intrigue and a lot of complaining!
It is the season (and maybe series) finale of Maduah Madah, and it is all about dairy! In honor of Shavuot, and the tradition to eat dairy during the holiday, Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Tim Morris talk about the science of milk and how cheese is made. Chag Sameach everyone!
Rabbi Tilles, Dr. Morris and, a returning guest, Galit Konstantine, discuss the science behind Passover foods. How does bread leaven? What exactly is corn syrup? And why will they never be able to make a delicious Passover cereal?!
The holiday of Purim is all about illusions and hidden messages. Rabbi Tilles and Dr. Morris discuss the science of optical illusions and general concepts about vision. But be careful, things are not always as they seem...though this is actually a podcast.
Rabbi Tilles, Dr. Morris and a special guest, Jewish Studies Curriculum Coordinator Amy Newman, discuss what it means to be human. What distinguishes us from other animal species and how do religion and science grapple with this existential question?
In celebration of Tu Bishvat, the New Year of the Trees, Rabbi Tilles and Dr. Morris discuss the lifecycle of a tree and its place in the ecosystem. You will learn all of the information that you need to know to appreciate the existence of trees and maybe even a little TMI (tree making information).
Rabbi Tilles, Dr. Morris and special guest Ferris Unni discuss the well-known miracle of the splitting of the Red Sea. The conversation delves into the big questions that center around the intersection between science and religion when thinking about thresholds for proof and what is "meaningful."
With the story of the 10 plagues coming up in our weekly Torah reading cycle, and with winter upon us in New England, it is a great time to talk about hail, sleet and snow!
Hanukkah has the best foods because they are made with oil and oil tastes so good! But why? Join Rabbi Ravid Tilles, Dr. Tim Morris and culinary expert Galit Konstantine to discuss the molecular properties and practical uses of oil in honor of Hanukkah!
Today is Rosh Hodesh Kislev—the first day of the month of Kislev! We can know that because of the new moon, whose lunar cycles and phases have dictated our calendar for millennia. Check out the latest episode of Maduah Madah, with Rabbi Tilles and Dr. Tim Morris as they discuss the science and religious relevance of the moon!
Do you know why the shofar sounds the way it does? Tune in for the science behind the shofar with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Science Teacher Mr. Morris.