Parsha on a Pod: A Summary of the Weekly Torah Portion: Recent Episodes
Rabbi Yechiel Shaffer
In 15 minutes of less, Rabbi Shaffer of the Pikesville Jewish Congregation, shares a summary of, and insight into the Parsha.
A parsha that ties a lot of loose ends, as we begin to conclude the Israelite's journey through he desert.
Balak is a wonderful story - that includes a talking animal, it raises massive theological questions, and is the only parsha that offers us a perspective on how the rest of the world perceived the Israelites.
An introduction to mortality and the Torah's response to living a meaningful, finite life
A dramatic and challenging Parsha that raises massive questions about Jewish leadership and succession
“...a jam-packed parisha marking a major point of transition in the development of the Jewish people...”
The gifts of the Princes of Israel dominates this Parsha but the other features should not be overlooked including the Mitzvah of Nazir and others.
The end of Vayikra offers us insight into some of the foundations of Jewish society including the Shmitta/Yovel cycle and the perils of not following the Mitzvot
Jam packed with laws and some of the most famous verses in the whole Torah. Well worth a listen.
What to do when: A woman has a child A person has tzaraat A peice of clothing or home has tzaraat and more!
Aharon brings sacrifices as the High Priest, loses his two sons and we are taught the laws of Kashrut
We start a new book filled with details of the sacrifical service to learn how we should come closer to God
The half sheqel is collected - the Kiyyor is built - and the people worship an idol... no shortage of drama in this week's Torah portion
The Torah sets up a structure for civil society and raises for us big questions about the values that define our society.
Moshe's Father in law changes the structure of Jewish society - and the most significant event in the history of humanity change the mission of the world, and more!
A sea splits and a people struggle with their first moment free of their oppressive history
The last three plagues - a promise 400+ years in the making - the Israelites finally go free..
Lions, tigers and bears oh my! A Torah portion filled with drama, and Moshe's growth into his new leadership position
Both Yaakov and Yosef's lives come a conclusion - Vayechi captures their last messages, and breaths - leaving us to reflect on their insight into the destiny of the Jewish people
Yosef reveals his true identity, his dreams come true, and we learn of a major turning point in Jewish history
Yosef becomes the leader of the civilized world, and tries to bring his younger, beloved brother to his side.
Yosef transforms from a young, disruptive kid, into a like-able, and trustworthy employee while experiencing a few significant hiccups a long the way
Yaakov becomes Yisrael. This parsha is all about Yaakov's transformation from a timid, and passive character, to one of the Forefathers, who shapes history.
Yaakov flees for his life, builds his family and business, and begins to experience considerable success - all while he is dreaming of angels...
Yitzchak and Rivka find their voices, try to find a space to live, and look to find their future.
Sarah passes and Avraham negotiates for a gravesight. Eleizer seeks out a wife for Yitzchok (66 verse narrative!) and returns succesfully. Avrham remarries, dies as does Yishmael.
Rabbi Shaffer of PJC (pikesvillejewish.com) offers a brief summary of the Parsha, aliya by aliya, peppered with insights.
Rabbi Zev Goldberg is the Senior Rabbi of the Young Israel of Ft. Lee, in northern New Jersey, is the VP of the now famous RCBC, who set the tone for rabbinic response to the COVID crisis.
Rabbi Gershon Albert is the Senior Rabbi of Beth Jacob, in Oakland, California, beloved by his congregants and colleagues, and deeply insightfu
Perek on a Pod is a space for us, along with a guest scholar, to study together the teachings of Rabbinic wisdom, recorded in the book of Pirkei Avot, and to explore how the wisdom of Rabbis living two millennia ago continues to shape Jewish life and ideas until today..
Each week Rabbi Yechiel Shaffer, accompanied by a guest scholar, will be exploring the ancient lessons of Rabbinic Sages, taught through the Jewish text of Pirkei Avot. Though these Rabbis lived millennia ago, we will discover together that their teachings, and insights are profoundly relevant to today.