In The Beginning: Recent Episodes
Sacred Scrolls
Torah insights & secrets from the wisdom of the Hebrew letters. Shmuel is a Torah Scribe (Sofer STaM), Sacred Scrolls Educator, NGO Director, husband, dad (Aba), grandfather (Saba), loves the outdoors and the feel of a feather quill (kulmus) scratching away on parchment (klaf).
The classic teaching from Rabbi Hillel. We do a deep dive into the lessons for life. Balancing the inner self with the outer group. When to plan and when to act?
Here's the song Magnificence, performed by The Stadlin Twins.
What is the value of one's reputation. Actually, it can impact the next world! Crowns on Hebrew letters. Click here. For seminars, click here.
Hillel and Shammai - the famous Torah study partners - and their timeless teaching about Aaron (the Cohen HaGadol, High Priest)
Chapter 1:11 A post-wedding conversation that connects Shmuel's thoughts on turning 62 with the words of the ancient sages and the images of water
Yoav Netanel and Yonina are getting married this coming Monday (May 26th)!! Join in on our conversation about the spiritual preparation ahead of the big day.
At the very northern edge of Israel, the town of Maalot-Tarshiha sits overlooking the Galilee. The warmth of the people, the spectacular scenery, and the wisdom from Rabbi Weizman make Maalot a destination for Israelis and tourists.
Iris Haski owns and operates a guest house in Maalot. For more information or to book accommodations, click here: https://www.booking.com/Share-FNh9K1 or call (or WhatsApp) Iris at +972545826682 and mention that you heard about her guest house from Shmuel Bowman.
We celebrate the "new year" of Hassidut (a revolution in Jewish feeling), and do a deep dive into the idea of being a witness - in court and in life.
The wisdom from 2,000 years ago teach us how to judge others. And the guidance is surprising and welcoming.
"Appoint a rabbi (teacher) and acquire a friend." What does this 2,000 year old riddle actually mean?
Shmuel & Yoav explore the wisdom of our Sages (Pirkei Avot), in loving memory of our Dad and Zaida, Eric Bowman z"l.
https://www.sefaria.org/Pirkei_Avot.1.3?lang=bi
Sefaria https://www.sefaria.org/Pirkei_Avot.1.2?lang=bi
Rabbi Shimon (Simon) the Tzadik gives a recipe for the world to be a better place.
Shmuel & Yoav explore the wisdom of our Sages (Pirkei Avot), in loving memory of our Dad and Zaida, Eric Bowman z"l.
To follow on Sefaria: https://www.sefaria.org/Pirkei_Avot.1.1?lang=bi
The 8th day of Hanukkah was on Friday. But does this mean that the Festival is over for the year?
Season 5. And the world is a very different place... but evil has never been welcome here. For truthful news: https://t.me/OLIsraelNews
Hannah Steynen is Christian Canadian originally from the Netherlands. Her life story and message will inspire and amaze. Hannah talks about the Holocaust, Israel, faith and family in our free-flowing conversation. This Friday is Jerusalem Day - when the eternal capital of the Jewish People was restored as one city in Israel in 1967. Our conversation could not have been better-timed. Enjoy!
The secret of the eternal life of the Torah is found in the last and the first letters of the Scroll.
Special Guest: Leah Bean Bowman, Licensed Tour Guide (Israel) https://www.israelonlinetours.com/ (www.israelonlinetours.com)
The way to replace hate in the world, is by filling the world with love. And the secret to that is by helping another human being without any reward or benefit. Special guest Steve Bean served as a respected and veteran volunteer in one of Michigan's largest Level 1 hospitals. His insights and stories are inspiring.
3,300 years ago King Balak of Moab hired a professional hitman named Bilam to destroy the Nation of Israel. His words had incredible power, and we recall them every day.
This is the Torah Scribe's Holiday! The Festival of the Giving of the Torah. And the conclusion of the seven weeks of counting.
I Am A Holocaust Torah - The Story of the Saving of 1,564 Torahs Stolen by the Nazis. Author: Rabbi Alex J. Goldman. Gefen Publishing House
On Hanukkah, the UN General Assembly denies the Jewish connection to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.
Information that is critical to living on this planet can be found in the most humble and of sources.
Genesis and the Big Bang. Opposing ideas or compatible truths? The secret of Creation has something to do with the Hebrew letters.
Truth is often controversial. My sister Minda z"l shook-up a lot of people with her honesty.
An example of truthful reporting. Refreshing for us in a world of widespread false information
Two Torah Scrolls from Germany rescued from hiding and brought to Israel. Who cradled them before they were sent into hiding? What is their story?
2,000 years ago, Jews escaped Roman tyranny and fled to the desert. Guess which book they took with them?
The menorah (candelabra) in the Holy Temple was a symbol of intellect. This Jewish value is relevant today, too. Israel is a leader in technology and science, and shares her discoveries with the world.
Against conventional wisdom and common sense, we're commanded to move out of our homes and into flimsy huts for a week.
Psalm 27 is recited every day during the 7 week season of T'shuva (returning to our true purpose)we're now in. There's a message inside that Psalm that can unlock our prayers.
The first thing the Israelites were commanded to do when crossing the Jordan River in to the Land of Israel was to write a letter... well, actually 304,805 letters.
The New Month of Elul begins the countdown to the most important appointment of our lives.
The saddest day in the Jewish calendar is the 9th of Av (Tisha B'Av). Now that it's past us, what do we do to make sure it doesn't occur next year?
What traits in a person are pleasing to you? Are they role models? Here are two people who got it right.
Mapping our journey - physical, emotional, spiritual - is as important as the destination. Moses records every trail and campsite of the Exodus.
Graphic violence, vulgar pagan worship, and a very jealous man. This Torah teaching is something else!
One of my favourite stories in the Torah. An evil Moabite king, a pagan wizard mercenary, a donkey that talks. This is a great story!
The concept of counting anybody as a statistic is not a Torah idea. Every single life is precious & necessary.
Eating is serious business. And this week's teaching reveals a diet from the Highest authority.
Why should the study of the Levites and Priests in the Holy Temple be relevant to our lives today? Is there such a thing as coincidences?
Who was Betzalel, and why was he qualified to be the Master Artisan of the Mishkan (Tabernacle)? Good question.
Corona virus has changed our lives in the span of a few weeks. This past week was especially shocking, as the number of those inflicted rose sharply. The Torah calls out to us with practical and relevant guidance.
Aharon (Aaron) the Cohen (High Priest) is commanded by God to wear very specific, beautiful clothing with intricate details. Was this a Biblical fashion statement... or something else at work?
I'm bringing this broadcast for this week and next week, so it's bit longer than usual, but hopefully worth the listen. Question: how do you best learn? Or, Teach? Moshe (Moses) shows us three ways. And the classroom is Mount Sinai.
Following the splitting of the Red (Reed) Sea, the Israelites do something never attempted before... they sing. Why?
The Nation of Israel finally goes free from their slavery in Egypt. Now, an incredible obligation to tell the story of freedom from a personal perspective. But how to do this?
The letter "Vav" connects ideas together. The repeated use of this Hebrew letter is important as it links critical concepts and history and leads to a brand new revolutionary reality... freedom!
The Book of Exodus is much more than the story of a prison break from Egypt. The letter "Shin" teaches us why.
Insights and wisdom on the Hebrew letters and "parshat haShavua" (the weekly Torah teaching)
Insights and wisdom on the Hebrew letters and "parshat haShavua" (the weekly Torah teaching)