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Parashat Re’eh [Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17] is filled with interesting material, including the centralization of the cult in the Temple in Jerusalem, false prophets, dietary laws, the sabbatical year, and a holiday calendar. In our conversation this week we focused on simhah [joy], and how to understand the commandment to rejoice. We hope you are happy with it! Shabbat Shalom!!
Parashat Va-et’hanan [Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11] features the Ten Commandments and the 1st paragraph of the Shema, to which we customarily refer as the Shema and Ve-ahavta. There are also a number of p’suqim [verses] which made their way into the liturgy. And there is still more. For example, the discerning reader/listener will note that part of the reading will seem familiar, due to the fact that it is the Tisha B’Av morning reading. Off hand, I believe this is the only time a Shabbat Torah Reading includes a Torah Reading for a special occasion earlier in the week.Despite the richness of the parashah, we spent most of our time talking about Tisha B’Av, the Jewish national day of mourning, since we recorded Thursday afternoon. Near the end we worked in the parashah, discussing Moses’ final plea to God to be allowed to enter the Promised Land.With Tisha B’Av now behind us, we look forward to Shabbat Nahamu [haftarah from Isaiah 40:1-26, which has its own riches]. We have progressed another major step toward the High Holidays, little more than seven weeks away. Shabbat Shalom!Please note that we will not be recording next week. Our next scheduled Parashah Talk is for Re'eh, the week of August 8th. Stay tuned!
Josh Archibald (Gesher '26) interviews Winnie Sandler Grinspoon, president of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, in the studio of Radio Kol Ramah, Camp Ramah in the Berkshires.
This week is Shabbat Hazon, taking its name from the opening word of the Haftarah [Isaiah 1:1-27], the 3rd haftarah of admonition or rebuke before Tisha B’Av. The Torah reading is parashat D’varim [Deuteromonomy 1:1-3:22], the 1st parashah in Sefer Devarim [Book of Deuteronomy].As Jeffrey Tigay outlines Deuteronomy in his JPS Torah Commentary, the parashah consists of a Prologue [1:1-5] and the beginning of the 1st Discourse [Deuteronomy 1:6-4:43], which will conclude in next week’s parashah. It seems an odd way to begin the book, so we used most of our time to situate the book in the context of the Torah but also in the context of other great speeches [Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and King’s I Have a Dream Speech]. The conversation meandered perhaps more that usual, even for us; we hope you like it! Shabbat Shalom!!
Parashat Matot-Masei [Numbers 30:2-36:13] is the double portion that concludes our reading of the Sefer B’midbar [Book of Numbers]. As befits a double portion, the longest Torah reading of the year, it is filled with a variety of material, including the annulment of oaths and vows made by women at the beginning of Matot [Numbers 30:2-17] and the itinerary of wilderness journeys [Numbers 33:1-49] at the beginning of Masei, among other passages of great interes. A perhaps minor note about this wilderness itinerary is the associated command [33:2] to record them in writing. We spent almost our entire conversation on the phenomenon of writing in the ancient world and why this particular passage required a written record. We hope you enjoy it. Shabbat Shalom!
Parashat Pinchas [Numbers 25:10-30:1] has a lot of interesting material, such as the denoument to the Pinchas episode from last week [25”10-18], the daughters of Zelophechad receiving the inheritance from their father [27:1-11], and the holodiay readings [28:1-30:1], But since this Shabbat is July 4th, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we devoted the show to the religious significance of that event and how we might mark the day religiously. Occasionally we made connections to the parashah as well! Shabbat Shalom and Happy Birthday America!
The Rock, and it is to that story that we devoted most of our conversation.This morning Jeremy’s grandson, Eliyahu Aviv, was welcomed into the covenant of Abraham. Mazal Tov! Shabbat Shalom!!
Parashat Korach [Numbers 16-18] is described by Jacob Milgrom as “Encroachment on the Tabernacle”. We know it better as the multi-layered account of a series of rebellions, the best known of which is Korach’s rebellion. However, the discerning reader can identify relatively easily 2 or 3 more, each distinguished by a different rebel or set of rebels, and a different object. Korach himself is unhappy that Moses has received the leadership position and Aaron the priesthood; he makes the claim that all the people is holy. We discuss the character of Korach and how we best understand him: as a demagogue, as a person with a legitimate claim, or perhaps some mixture of the two.The good news this week, and the reason for the delay of our podcast, is the birth yesterday of Jeremy’s [and Amy’s] first grandchild, a boy. Mazal tov to both sets of grandparents [Ira and Sheri Balsam], and of course the parents, Didi and Ariel Kalmanofsky.
The main story in parashat Sh’lach [Numbers 13:1-15:41] is the tragedy of the spies. In some ways, this sin, the failure of the Israelites to recognize that their destiny is to conquer the land no matter what the odds, is their greatest sin. For the rabbis, there seems to be little question, for they associate the sin of the spies with Tisha B’Av, the worst day on the Jewish calendar, whereas the sin of the Golden Calf is associated with the 17th of Tammuz, a prelude to Tisha B’Av.The verb la-tur, “to seek out, spy out, explore”, which is repeated many times througout the narrative of the spies, is picked up in the final section of the parashah, which we know as the third paragraph of the Sh’ma. There, the tzitzit, the ritual fringes, are intended to prevent Israelites from being led astray by their hearts and eyes. In a sense, this paragraph comes to remind us that the very act of la-tur, seeking out, is fraught with danger. Whether the initial command comes from God or Mose, or even the people themselvies is, perhaps immaterial. It is the command to la-tur, to scout out, without the requisite controls suggested by the tzitzit, which dooms the spies. We are often led astray. God provides the means to withstand the temptation.Now that war seems to have resumed, our thoughts and prayers are with those defending the United States as part of the United States Armed Forces and those defending Israel as members of the Israel Defense Forces. May peace soon descend on the region and all other troubled areas on earth. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat B-ha’alotcha [Numbers 8:1-12:16] is a particularly rich parasha, with passages about, among other things, the menorah, the second Passover for those unable to make the Passover sacrifice in Nisan, the trumpets whose blasts would summon the people to act in certain prescribed ways, and various complaints by Moshe and the people whose resolution required divine intervention. Our conversation focused on the second Passover [9:1-14] and the trumpets [10:1-10]. Feel free to leave comments below. Shabbat Shalom!
Parashat Naso [Numbers 4:21-7:89] features, among other things, the law of the suspected adulteress [sotah in Hebrew], the nazir [the person who seeks more piety than is required by normative biblical law], and the gifts of the chieftains in chapter 7, at 89 verses the longest in the Torah. Between the laws of the nazir and the gifts of the tribal chieftains we find a passage of 6 verses which contain the priestly blessing [Numbers 6:22-27].This passage is perhaps the earliest liturgy in the Bible since its use as a liturgy is as it appears in the Torah. The Shma, in contrast, which is also a very old liturgy, was cobbled together from 3 texts which serve a different function in the Torah than it does in the prayerbook. There are perhaps other texts similar to the priestly blessing, such as the recitation voer the first fruits [Deuteronomy 26:5-11] and the vidui ma’aser [the confession over the tithes], but it is fair to say that the priestly blessing has been in continual liturgical use from the days of the Torah down to our own, long after the destruction of the Temple and the loss of sovereignty in the land.So while the 6 verse passage is far shorter than the other units in the parashah, its significance in Jewish life is all out of proportion to the word-count of the passage. We spent most of our conversation unpacking this passage. As always, we request that you send your responses to our show here, or in another platform that you prefer. Shabbat Shalom!
This Friday and Shabbat is the holiday of Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, also known as Hag Ha-biqqurim, the pilgrimage of first fruits and z’man matan torateinu, the season of the giving of the Torah. As Jeremy explained the midrash, the rabbis were sensitive to the notion of the giving of the Torah, developing the idea that the Torah was not received until the time of Esther and Mordecai. You will have to listen to the show to find out how we unpacked this! Suffice it to say, our focus was on Shavuot; even though the Ten Commandments figured in our discussion, that passage is read on Friday. We did not get to the Torah Reading for Shabbat, which we last heard on the last day of Pesah. Hag Same’ah and Shabbat Shalom!
Parashat B’midbar [Numbers 1:1-4:20] is the first parashah in Sefer B’midbar [Book of Numbers]. There are a lot of names and numbers, the opening chapters detailing the census of the Israelites in the second month of the second year of their journey in the wilderness. There are numbers provided for each of the tribes, for each camp [3 tribes for each direction (east, south, west, and north)], and the beginning of the levitical census. As Jacob Milgrom makes clear in his JPS Commentary on the Book of Numbers, much can be learned from these names and number.Our focus was on the redemption of the 273 first-born who had to be redeemed because they did not have a corresponding Levite. While originally the first-born became the priest, the new law provided for the tribe of Levites to be designated as priests, necessitating that the first-born now be redeemed for 5 shekels so they could be desanctified as it were. Shabbat Shalom!
Parashat B’har-B’hukotai [Leviticus 25-27] is the concluding parashah of Sefer Va-yiqra [Book of Leviticus]. The parashah may be divided into three parts: 25:1-26:2, which Baruch Levine entitles “The Principles of Land Tenure”, 26:3-46, the “Epilogue of the Holiness Code”, featuring the tokheha [26:14-45] often translated as reproof [Levine’s preferred term is “execration”], and chapter 27, “Funding the Sanctuary”. We spent a lot of time exploring the meaning of the sabbatical and jubilee years described in chapter 25. Shabbat Shalom!
Parashat Emor [Leviticus 21-24] contains laws about the כהנים [kohanim, priests] [chapters 21-22, the holidays [chapter 23], and a miscellanea of laws [chapter 24], which includes one of the few events in Leviticus, that of the blasphemer. We focused on the holidays, in part because chapter 23 is read on the 1st two days of Sukkot and the 2nd day of Passover, in addition to the weekly reading. Because the holidays are observed differently in Israel, which lacks a second day of יום טוב [yom tov, holiday], it is only read additionally on the 1st day of Sukkot. There is a lot to say about the holidays, so the time was filled quickly, despite a technical difficulty early on in the show. We ask your forgiveness. Shabbat Shalom!
Parashat Acharei Mot-Q’doshim [Leviticus 16-20] includes, according to Rabbi Aqiva, the great principle of the Torah [Lev. 19:18], “You shall love your neighbor as yourself”. This verse is actually the second half of the verse, which begins with the injunction to not take vengeance or bear a grudge against members of your people, which in turn is preceded by the command to not hate your kinsmen in your heart but to reprove them and not bear sin on their account. The syntax here is a little confusing, but the sense seems to be that the reproof will prevent you from committing the sins of vengeance or bearing a grudge.Since we recorded on the afternoon of Yom Ha’Atzma’ut, we spent a lot of time talking about Israel and our connection to the land and the people. Please let us know your thoughts! Shabbat Shalom!!
Parashat Tazri-Metzora [Leviticus 12-15] is well-described by this morning’s Bar Mitzvah student as yucky. There are four chapters which focus on the removal of impurity introduced by childbirth [chapter 12], skin diseases [chapters 13-14], and discharges from sexual organs [chapter 15]. As Baruch Levine explains in his JPS Commentary on Leviticus, purity and impurity in the Bible might be best understood as immune and susceptible. Certain bodily conditions render the person susceptible to danger; removal from the community provided protection to both the sufferer and the community. When the danger had passed, the condition disappeared or was treated, the person could be declared pure and rejoin the community.Recording on Wednesday, we took note of the observance of Yom HaShoah the day before and of Yom Ha-Zikkaron [Israel’s Memorial Day] and Yom Ha-Atzma’ut [Israel’s Independence Day] next Tuesday and Wednesday. We talked a little longer than usual, so I hope you enjoy the extra time with us!As the United States and Israel are still at war, we keep in our hearts and minds the members of the United States Military and the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. May peace soon descend on war zones everywhere. Chodesh Tov. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat Sh’mini [Leviticus 9-11] features the strange story of Nadav and Avihu, and the even stranger haftarah from 2 Samuel [6:1-7:17], as well as the levitical version of the dietary laws [there is a close parallel in Deuteronomy 14]. We found ourselves recording during Chol Ha-mo’ed Pesach, wondering whether we should talk about the parashah, or something else, since the last 2 days of yom tov are still in front of us. In addition to parashat Sh’mini, we also begin reading Pirkai Avot this Shabbat, and continue to do so for the remaining Shabbat afternoons before Shavuot. Some will continue reading Pirkai Avot until just before Rosh Hashanah.Pirkai Avot is a charming little book, unlike any other tractate in the Mishnah. We hope you enjoy our conversation! We would be curious to hear from you about your favorite mishnah in the tractate.In the meanwhile, both the United States and Israel continue to be at war with Iran. We keep close to our hearts the soldiers in the United States Armed Forces and the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. And, we keep in mind, too, the innocent civilians everywhere, may they soon find a true measure of peace.Mo’adim le-simchah. Chag Same’ach. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat Tzav [Levicus 6:1-8:36] presents the principal sacrifices discussed last week, but this time from the perspective of the priests. Beginning with chapter 8 is the inauguaration of priestly office, which will conclude in parashat Shmini, in two weeks.Because Passover begins next week and we will not be recording, we devoted our conversation to the Haggadah, discussing some of our favorite passages.Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the soldiers of the United States Armed Forces and the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way.With my best wishes for a Shabbat Shalom and a Hag Sa’me’ah. See you in two weeks.
We begin a new book this Shabbat, Va-yiqra [Leviticus], which is also the name of the parashah [Leviticus 1:1-5:26]. The rabbis call the book torat kohanim. In his JPS Commentary, Baruch Levine discusses the double meaning of the phrase: it is both the teaching for the priests and the teaching of or by the priests. The book is at once an instruction manual for priests and a distillation of priestly teaching. While many people find this book inaccessible, I love it! In particular, our parashah deals with the principal sacrifices brought by the individual: the olah [burnt offering], minhah [grain offering], zevah sh’lamim [sacred gift of greeting], hatta’t [sin offering], and asham [guilt offering]. The welter of details can be offputting, but they also remind us of the need for proper performance of rituals. There is a prescribed order; they do not happen by chance. And it is these rituals, I would argue, that make Judaism distinctive from other religions.Our thoughts and prayers are with the soldiers of the US Armed Forces and Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat Va-yaq'hel-P’qudai [35:1–40:38] concludes the Book of Exodus, echoing the parts of the three previous parashiyot which contain the instructions for the Tabernacle. This week, the parashah describes the building of the Tabernacle, concluding with the note that “when Moses had finished the work, the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the Presence of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting, because the cloud had settled upon it and the Presence of the Lord filled the Tabernacle.” [Ex. 40:33b-35].Most of our conversation expored the ramifications of verses 40:20-21, which describe the placement of the edut, translated as “Pact” in the NJPS and “testimony” in JPS, in the ark. We reserved some time at the end to talk about Exodus 12:1-21, the maftir for Shabbat Ha-Hodesh, the Shabbat coinciding with, or as with this year just before, Rosh Hodesh Nisan, observed next Thursday, March 19, 2026.Our thoughts and prayers are with the soldiers of the US Armed Forces and Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat Ki Tisa [Exodus 30:11-34:35] this year coincides with Shabbat Parah [maftir, Numbers 19:1-22; haftarah, Ezekiel 36:16-38], the third special Shabbat before Pesah. It comes the week before Shabbat Ha-Hodesh, which occurs on Shabbat Rosh Hodesh Nisan, or the Shabbat before, as is the case this year.There are some final details about the plans for the mishkan [Tabernacle] and a concluding chapter which Nahum Sarna entitles “Renewal of the Covenant”, but the main focus is the two chapters devoted to the Golden Calf [32:1-33:23]. It is this episode which was the subject of our conversation.Once again, soldiers in Israel’s Defense Forces are at war, together with soldiers in the United States’ Armed Forces. May they be removed from harm’s way; may a just peace descend upon the Middle East. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat Tetzaveh [Exodus 27:20-30:10] this year corresponds with Shabbat Zakhor, the 2nd of the 4 special parashiyot before Passover, marked on the Shabbat before Purim, celebrated Monday evening and Tuesday, March 2-3. Passover begins 4 weeks from Wednesday!The parashah continues last week’s parashah, with this week focusing on priestly clothing and the installation of the priests., and concluding with a short section on the incense altar. Our conversation focused on 2 verses, one from last week, 25:22, and one from this week, 29:43, linked by the verb ונועדתי [ve-no’ad’ti, I will meet, referring to God.]. With best wishes for a Shabbat Shalom and Simchat Purim, a peaceful Shabbat and a joyous Purim!
Parashat T’rumah [Exodus 25:1-27:19] begins the lengthy section describing the mishkan [tabernacle] and its construction, which will take us through to the end of Exodus. There are a few verses that stand out, such as the three-fold repetition of t’ruman [gift] in verses 25:1-2 and the plural verb cconstruction in verses 8 and 10, the former describing the making of the sanctuary [miqdash] and the latter the ark.I had planned to join from Vienna, where I currently am with my two older kids, but wi-fi problems precluded my participation. So here is the show with Eliot and Jeremy. I hope to be back next week, when I am back in the States, but give a listen this week, too. Shabbat Shalom!
Parashat Mishpatim [Exodus 21:1-24:18] is largely taken up by the Covenant Code. One way to look at the Covenant Code is to see it as the details for which the Ten Commandments, read last week, are, so to speak, the chapter headings. The end of the parashah is narrative, entitled by Sarna in his JPS Commentary on Exodus as “The Renewal of the Divine Promises” and “The Ratification of the Covenant”. It is perhaps fair to say that our conversation meanders between these two foci of law and narrative. Give a listen and let us know what you think. Shabbat Shalom!
Parashat Yitro [Exodus 18:1-20:23] features the organization of the judiciary, prompted by Yitro’s suggestion to Moshe on how he could reduce the burden on him, and the revelation at Mt. Sinai, where depending on one’s belief system, Moshe received the Torah, the Ten Commandments, or something else. It is hard not to get caught up in chapter 19, which is the description of the revelation itself, preceding the Ten Commandments in chapter 20. What is the purpose of revelation? why on a mountain? how do the various characters -- God, Moshe, the Israelites -- come off? Shabbat Shalom!
The Rock, reprised in Numbers 20:1-13], and the attack of Amalek, which will reverberate through biblical history and beyond. It is a partiuclarly rich parashah in a book that is known to have several. We hope our conversation lives up to the parashah!We take note of the return of the body of Ran Gvili to Israel for a well-deserved dignified burial. This is the first time since 2014 that there are no Israeli hostages in Gaza. It is a time of complex emotional responses, but surely thanksgiving is one of them. We continue to keep in mind the soldiers defending Israel as members of the Israel Defense Forces. Shabbat Shalom!
Parashat Bo [Exodus 10:1-13:16], which includes the final 3 plagues, also has one of my favorite chapters in the entire Torah. Chapter 12 is read twice a year for those who complete the Torah reading annually, for the first 20 verses are read on Shabbat Ha-Hodesh, the shabbat coinciding with Rosh Hodesh Nisan or just before it, and the final 31 verses are read on the 1st day of Passover. The chapter includes a description of Pesah mitzrayim, the Passover celebrated by our ancestors in Egypt, and Pesah le-dorot, the Passover celebrated in subsequent generations to commemorate that 1st Passover. And there is much else!We continue to keep in our hearts Ran Gvili, the remaining hostage yet to be returned to Israel for a proper, dignifiied burial. We also keep in mind the soldiers defending Israel as members of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat Va’era [Exodus 6:2-9:35] is the second parashah in the Book of Exodus, and a lot happens. Moses returns to Egypt and takes the mantle of leadership, appearing before Pharaoh with his brother, Aaron, his mouthpiece. In one place, God tells Moses, who is concerned about his public speaking deficiencies, that he will be like God, and Aaron his prophet. Very quickly, the text moves through the first 7 plagues, preparing for the denoument next week, with the last three plagues and the Exodus, the actual leaving of Egypt.There is so much to say about this parashah, but we focused on the roles of Moses and Aaron. We were missing Jeremy again this week, who is sitting shivah for his father, Michael Kaplan z”l, who died last Friday and was buried on Sunday. Our condolences to Jeremy and his family.We continue to keep in mind Ran Gvili, who remains the single hostage whose body has not been returned for its much deserved proper and dignified burial. We also keep in mind the soldiers defending Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat Sh’mot [Exodus 1:1-6:1] is the first parashah of Sefer Sh’mot [the Book of Exodus]. The book opens up with a quick summary of the end of Genesis, detailing that Jacob and his sons came to Egypt. Very quickly these b’nai Yisrael, the children and grandchildren of Israel, the patriarch Jacob, become b’nai yisrael, the people Israel. In just a few verses, a family three-generation family of 70 becomes a nation of perhaps 2 million and more, and troubles ensue. The parashah is chockful of interesting verses, commentaries, and longer sections. eAs is often the case, we meander through the parashah.We were missing our good friend and colleague, Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky, who is tending to family matters. We hope that you find our conversation sufficiently engaging, even though Jeremy is clearly missed.We continue to keep in mind Ran Gvili, the last remaining hostage in Gaza, and hope and pray his body will be soon returned to Israel for the dignified funeral he and his family deserve. We also have in mind the soldiers defending Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat Va-yehi [Genesis 47:28-50:26] is the last parashah in the Book of Genesis. It records the end of Jacob’s life and the end of Joseph’s life. In between we have the adoption of Menasheh and Ephraim, raising them to traibal status, and the elevation of Ephraim over Menashe, even though Menashe is the older. There is also the testament of Jacob [chapter 49], in which Jacob’s offers his final words to each of his sons. There is much more, but an abbreviated schedule meant we did not get to everything we might have, had cirucmstances been different. In the meanwhile, best wishes for a Happy New Year. May 2026 be a year of blessing and peace.We keep in mind Ran Gvili, who yet remains a hostage in Gaza, may he be returned to his family, immediately, for a proper, dignified burial. We also have in mind the soldiers defending Israel as members of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat Va-yiggash [Genesis 44:18-47:27] is the penultimate parashah in the Book of Genesis. It is hard to believe that it has been well over two months since we began our annual reading in the synagogue! This parashah provides the climax to the saga of Joseph and his brothers, with the big reveal, the reunion of the brothers, now each known to one another, and the reunion of Jacob with all of his sons. We sometimes lose sight of the idea that these stories in Genesis operate on two distinct levels: on one level, they are the stories of individuals in specific family relationships; on another level, they are stories about tribal dynamics, a way of explaining the national drama. We try to address both in our conversation this week. Please leave any comments below.Now well over 800 days into the war, Ran Gvili remains the single hostage who remains in captivity. We continue to pray for his speedy release to his family for a final, dignified burial. We also have in mind the soldiers who defend Israel as members of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat Mi-ketz [Genesis 41:1-44::17] is the second parashah in the extended Joseph saga, which stretches over 4 parashiyot, taking us to the end of Genesis in two weeks. This year, it coincides with Rosh Hodesh and Hanukkah, an occurrence which happens with some frequency. In 1991, this triple Torah header took place on the 50th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, and my senior sermon. It allowed me to begin by noting this was the Jewish version of Torah Torah Torah. I spoke then of the butler’s confession, et hatta’i ani mazkir ha-yom, My sins I mention today. The midrash pays attention to the plural, sins, noting that the butler sinned against Pharaoh, which caused him to be sent to jail, and he sinned against Joseph by letting him languish in jail after promising to mention him at the end of last week’s parashah. It occurred to me only recently that the butler had in mind his sin against Joseph does not make a great deal sense; what is the value of a public confession when the person sinned against is not even present. Rather, I now think, the butler recognized that his sins against Pharaoh were more numerous than he previously acknowledged. We often see ourselves as more sinned against than sinning, more deserving of being forgiven than forgiving those who have wronged us. In this reading, the butler is more worthy of praise because he is taking on more responsibility, rather than less.Our conversation focused on the character of Joseph, in someways the quintessential diaspora Jew, yearning to be at home and never quite fitting in. He is also one of the more fully drawn characters in the Bible, and his portrait is quite complex. We hope you enjoy it!We continue to keep in mind the one hostage whose body has yet to be returned, may he be returned speedily to his family. We also have in mind the soldiers defending Israel as members of the Israel Defense Forces.Shabbat Shalom. Hodesh Tov. Hag Urim Same’ah.
This recording is from the Radio Kol Ramah archives 2012. If you were curious which music our scholar-in-residence listens to, you will not want to miss this episode of Rabbi Eliezer Diamond’s weekly radio show on Kol Ramah 102.3 FM. Featuring music of Debbie Friedman, Doc Watson and the Band.
V Junior Singers and Teen Singers, Scott Stein, Piano.Special Guests: The Coral Torah Collective - Featuring the Music of Cantor josh Ehrlich
Parashat Va-yishlach [Genesis 32:4-36:43] features Jacob’s reunion with Esau, but not before his fateful encounter with the mystery combatant, sometimes identified as Esau’s guardian angel, sometimes with Jacob himself, and sometimes as some other figure. Jacob reunites with his father ever so briefly, ever so cryptically, at the end of chapter 35:27. There is also the horrific assault on Dinah, Jacob’s only daughter. There was a lot to talk about, including the various family relationships highlighted in this parashah and elsewhere in Genesis. We hope you enjoy it!We continue to keep in mind the two remaining hostages, may they be returned speedily to their families. We are also mindful of the men and women defending Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat Va-yetze [Genesis 28:10-32:2], my Bar Mitzvah (BC) portion, crams over 20 years of Jacob’s life into a single parashah. And what an eventful 20+ years. Jacob leaves Beer-sheva for his uncle Laban’s home, meets his cousin Rachel at the well, agrees to work for 7 years to marry her; agrees to work another 7 years to marry her after Leah was substituted for Rachel at the wedding, sires 11 of his 12 sons and his daughter Dinah, works another 6 years to acquire flocks of his own, and decides to return to Canaan. A half hour hardly seems to do justice to the richness of this parashah!We are mindful of the remaining hostages in Gaza, may they be speedily returned. We also keep in mind the soldiers defending Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. A belated Shabbat Shalom as this is posted after the parashah has already been read in the synagogue. My apologies.
Parashat Toldot [Genesis 25:19-28:9] features Isaac, the middle patriarch. The toldot [“generations” or “story} belong to Isaac; but the far more interesting character is Rebecca, so we devote most of our time to exploring her character. Perhaps the most famous story in the parashah is Jacob’s acquisition of the blessing, about which it might be said that Rebecca, alone of the four participants in the drama, gets what she wants. On the other hand, she loses everything, in a sense, including a death notice. Give a listen and let us know what you think!We continue to have in mind the remaining hostages, dead in Gaza, who should have been returned to Israel long ago. May they be speedily returned to their families. We are also mindful of the men and women defending Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Hodesh Tov. Shabbat Shalom. May the coming lights of Hanukkah illumine bring light to the world.
Parasashat Hayei Sarah [Genesis 23:1-25:18] begins with the death of Sarah and the acquisition of the Cave of Machpelah as a burial place for her. The cave will become the burial place for all the patriarchs and matriarchs save for Rachel, who is buried elsewhere. By far the longest chapter in Genesis, chapter 24 describes how Rebekah became rhe wife of Isaac. Chapter 25 provides the details of Abraham’s marriage to Keturah and their subsequent offspring; the death and burial of Abraham; and the genealogy and death of Ishmael. One way to look at this parashah is as the emergence of Isaac as the 2nd patriarch, for at the end of the parashah he is the only male left standing. Our conversation mostly focused on the always engaging chapter 24.With the return of another body to Israel, 3 hostages remain in Gaza. We continue to keep them in mind as we continue to pray for their speedy return to Israel. We also have in mind the men and women defending Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat Va-yera [Genesis 18-22] is one of the richest parashiyot in the Torah. Chapter 18 features the angels coming to announce the birth of Isaac, chapter 19 the conversation between God and Abraham about the fate of Sodom and Gemorrah, chapter 20 the second wife-sister story featuring Abraham and Sarah, this time with Avimelech, chapter 21 the banishment of Hagar and Ishmael, and chapter 22, the binding of Isaac.We took as a prompt verse 18:33 from the conversation [actually the verse just after the conversation concluded] and one from the binding of Isaac [22:19], which is the conclusion to that story. We discussed them in-depth as we tried to come to an understanding of the character of Abraham. As always, we are interested in what our listerners and viewers think of our ideas, so please feel free to respond below.This past Sunday, the body of my former student, Captain Omer Maxim Neutra z”l was returned to Israel, where he will be buried on Friday morning, Israel time. While this marks the end of this ordeal for his family and friends, we continue to keep in mind the remaining hostages who remain in Gaza, may they be speedily returned to their families. We are also mindful of the soldiers defending Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. We recorded on 11/04/25, the 30th anniversary of the murder of Yizhak Rabin, note of which must be taken. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat Lech L’cha [Genesis 12:1-17:27] is the third of the parashiyot in Sefer Bereshit [Book of Genesis]. It has long been recognized as the beginning of our Jewish journey, though Abram [who is renamed Abraham in the parashah] is never identified as a Jew. He is Abram the Ivri, the Hebrew, which might be understood as Abram, the descendant of Eber, or Abram, the one who stood over and against the world with his proclamation of monotheism in a world of pagan worship.Our conversation focused on the opening verses, with God’s charge to Abraham. What is the force of the phrase ve’h’yeh b’rakha, be a blessing [12:2]? What is Abraham’s mission? We also compared him with Sarah, about both of whom the Torah records that they laughed in response to the news about an impending pregnancy. What kind of laughter was it? What does it teach us about Sarah and Abraham, not only as individuals, but as marriage partners? This is a particularly rich parashah [which probably could be said about all the parashiyot in Genesis], but what distinguioshes this, perhaps, is the number of discrete scenes.We continue to keep in mind the hostages whose remains are still in Gaza. May they be returned swiftly to their families for a final, dignified, funeral. We are also mindful of the men and women defending Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat Noah [Genesis 6:9-11:32] is the second parashah in Sefer B’reshit [Book of Genesis]. It largely consists of the Flood story, which has been unwoven by modern Bible critics who convincingly show, to some, that the story is the weaving together of two discrete and sometimes contradictory accounts. Our focus was on the character of Noah, and what to make of him. At the end of last week’s parashah he is described as one who found favor with God. At the beginning of this week, he is described as a “righteous man; blameless in his age; [who] walked with God” [NJPS]. What do these terms mean? How does Noah compare with Adam and with Abraham? Before we knew it, our time was up!We continue to be mindful of the remaining hostages, no longer among the living, who yet remain in Gaza. May theY be returned to their families no! We also keep in mind the soldiers defending Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces, may the be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
After many summers at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires, we began Parashah Talk again the week after Covid shut down so much of the country in March 2020. In October, 2025, we begin our sixth year of the Torah Cycle. We spend some time talking about the epochal moment in which the remaining living hostages were returned home to Israel. We also discuss the importance of Parashat B’reshit [Genesis 1:1-6:8] and what that mean for our understanding of God and the God of Creation. Give a lesson and let us know what you think!Though the living hostages have been returbned, we continue to be mindful of those whose bodies have yet to be returned for a proper and dignified burial. May God protect those who defend Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces, and remove them from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat Nitzavim [Deuteronomy 29:9-30:20] is the last parashah of 5785, and consequently the last Parashah Talk of the year. We will be next recording after Rosh Hashanah [September 22-23, 2025]. There are only two weekly readings left in Sefer Devarim, the Book of Deuteronomy, with the last parashah reserved for Simchat Torah [October 15, 2025].In our conversation we explored the meaning of circumcision of the heart, comparing it with the physical circumcision of b’rit milah. As befitting our last episode of the Jewish year, we also discussed Rosh Hashanah and what blessings we would hope for.We continue to keep in mind the hostages, both the dead and the living, may they be returned to their families immediately. We are also mindful of the soldiers defending Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom and Shanah Tovah U’m’tukah. May the coming year be one of return, one of healing, and one of peace. If this comes to pass, our wish for a sweet new year will be achieved.
Parashat Ki Tavo [Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8] features, among other things, the lengthy curses [Deuteronomy 28:15-68] known as the tokhehah [Warning]for Israel’s failure to follow the terms of the covenant. There is a parallel text in Leviticus 26 as well. There are blessings, too, but these are much fewer, perhaps reflecting the human tendency to gloss over our good fortune but itemize our bad fortune. It is to redress this, perhaps, that Rabbi Meir says that one must recite 100 blessings every day, in order to truly appreciate God’s gifts to us. The parashah also has the famous passage Arami Oved Avi [My faterhs was a fugitive Aramean, Deuteronomy 26: 5-11]. In the Torah, this passage is associated with the holiday of Shavuot, the holiday of first-fruits, whereas the rabbis make it the heart of the Passover Haggadah. We take up this interplay between the rabbis and the Bible in our discussion. We also discuss the difference between comings and goings, and goings and comings.We have now passed the 700-day mark of the captivity of the hostages. We continue to be mindful of them, the living and the dead, and insist that they be speedily returned to their loved ones. We also keep in mind the soldiers defending Israel as members of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. This Saturday night marks the beginning of the recitation Selihot, penitential prayers, as we move closer and closer to the High Holy Days. May the coming year of 5786 be a year where dreams are fulfilled and peace is established. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat Ki Tetze [Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19] has more commandments than any other single parashah, 74 of the 613. While the laws do not all seem necessarily connected, perhaps they fit under the rubric of the title of one of Spike Lee’s movies, Do the Right Thing. We discussed some of these laws, some of which stand out because they do not correspond with our modern, though not necessarily less Jewish, morality; others because they seem designed to govern our morals and ethics, pushing us to more of the right thing given that we do not always start with the correct action. Before one knows it, the half hour or so is up, and we move on to the rest of our lives, which will include, God willing, Parashah Talk next week!As we near the 700-day mark, a number that staggers the imagination, we continue to keep in mind the hostages, both the dead and the living, and the imperative that they be returned immediately to their families. We are also mindful of those defending Israel as members of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat Shoftim [Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9. The parashah features a discussion of the 4 primary biblical leaders: jkidges., prophet, kings, levitical priests. Each has a claim to be a bearer of the divine word, though it is not clear that any of them recognize the claim as legitimate in the others. It raises the question: how do we compare our leaders in the Jewish community today with their ancient analogs. Give a listen, and let us know what you think!We continue to be mindful of the hostages, both the dead and the living, who have yet to be restored to their families. Let us not forget that there is no good cause that justifies such abominable behavior. We also have in mnd the soldiers defending Israel as members of the Israel Defense Forces. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat Re’eh [Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17] begins the lengthy section [11:31-26:15] which Jeffrey Tigay entitles “The Laws Given in Moab” in his JPS Torah Commentary: Deuteronomy. We were so taken by the first verse that we devoted our entire conversation to it. You will have to read on your own to find out about the rest of the parashah!We continue to be keep in mind the hostages, both the living and the dead, who remain in Gaza, may they be returned speedily to their families. We are also mindful of the soldiers defending Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat Ekev [Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25] features, among other things, the 2nd paragraph of the Shema [Deuteronomy 11:13-21] and the verse at the heart of the 2nd blessing of the Grace After Meals [Deuteronomy 8:10]. In his opening remarks Eliot suggested that this parashah is more about thinking than about doing, leading to a consideration of whether Jews think differently than other people. This was the point from which our conversation took off. Please let us know what you think, either here, as a comment, or through conventional e-mail at parshatalk@gmail.com.We continue to keep in mind the hostages, both the dead and the living, may they be speedily returned to their families. We also keep in mind the soldiers defending Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat Va-etchanan [Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11] is always read on Shabbat Nachamu, the Shabbat after Tisha B’Av, so named because nachamu is the first word of the haftarah [Isaiah 40:1-26]. It seems appropriate that the Shabbat we come out of our commemoration of the death and destruction associated with Tisha B’AV that our Torah reading includes both the first paragraph of the Shema [Deuteronomy 6:4-9] and the Ten Commandments [Deuteronomy 5:6-18]. It is not too much to say that these two texts are foundational to Judaism, and that we best mark the turn from Tisha B’Av towards consolation and the upcoming High Holy Days by recommitting ourselves to them.Our conversation focused on the metaphor of the כור ברזל [kur barzel, translated as iron blast furnace, in the NJPS translation] for the first twenty minutes or so. We then shifted to a consideration of comfort, the theme of the haftarah.We continue to keep in mind the hostages, dead and alive, may they be speedily returned to their families. We are also mindful of those defending Israel as members of the Israel Defense Forces. May all who are hungry find the necessary food for survival and nourishment. Shabbat Shalom.
Cantor Silverstone visits Rotem and Ta'am the studio and talks about the history of camp when he was a camper at CRB!
Parashat D’varim [Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22] is the opening parashah of the Book of Deuteronomy. Having reached the eastern border of the Promised Land, Moses addresses the people for the last time in a series of discourses, culminating in his death alone atop the mountain, to be buried by God in a place unknown to any human. We spent over half our conversation discussing Moses as prophet and leader at this particular time in his life, and what he had to say to his people as his life comes to its conclusion while the people ready themselves to begin their lives anew in Israel.In the remaining time we discussed the haftarah [Isaiah 1:1-27]. This Shabbat, the one preceding [and this year immediately preceding] Tisha B’av, observed Saturday night and Sunday, August 2-3, 2025, is called Shabbat Chazon, the Shabbat of Vision, after the first word in the Book of Isaiah. It is the third of the three haftarot of admonition, which will be followed by the 7 haftarot of consolation.We continue to keep in our hearts and minds the hostages, dead and alive, who remain in Gaza, may they be speedily returned to their families. And we hope and pray that the soldiers defending Israel as members of the Israel Defense Forces be removed from harm’s way. Finally, echoing the words of the Haggadah of Passover, may all who are hungry come and eat. Shabbat Shalom.
Bunk A17 Nitzanim stops by the Kol Ramah studio to visit Rotem and tell us all about life at camp!
Bunk A14 Tzeirim stops by the Kol Ramah studio to visit Rotem and tell us all about life at camp!
Bunk A10 Tzeirim stops by the Kol Ramah studio to visit Rotem and tell us all about life at camp!
Today we hosted the Camp Together program!Teens from Isreal are joining Camp Ramah and are here to tell us about themselves and their experiences.
Parashat Mattot-Massei [Numbers 30:2-36:13] is a double parashah which concludes the Book of Numbers. It is one of the longest readings of the year, even for those who use the triennial cycle. Our focus this week was the curious story about the tribes of Gad and Reuven, and the half-tribe of Menashe. As the Israelites’ forty-year journey is coming to an end, with the entrance into the Land of Israel imminent, these tribes, blessed with much cattle and flocks, decide they want to stay east of the Jordan. How to unpack this story? Give a listen!We continue to be mindful of the hostages being held in Gaza, both the living and the dead, may they be speedily returned to their families. We also keep in mind those defending Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom and Chodesh Tov [the month of Av, which marks the 11th yahrtzeit of my father, Mel Chesler z”l, is this Shabbat].
Join us for the nitzanim show! We invited our hofa'a staff for a visit, and they told us all about their work on the musicals at camp. Featuring: Arielle , Raviv , Naama Yael, Hazel and Annabel .And our staff: Rotem Shimony with Stacy Greenblatt, Jojo Adams and Mika Sayag.
Parsha Talk Pinchas - a Kayitz favorite!Parashat Pinchas [Numbers 25:10-30:1] is probably best known for the holiday calendar in chapters 28 and 29, from which the maftir is taken for the Yamim Noraim [the Days of Awe, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur], for the Shalosh Regalim [the three pilgrimage festivals, Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot], and Rosh Chodesh [the beginning of the Hebrew month]. In addition we have the conclusion to the story of the apostasy at Baal Peor, the Second Census in chapter 26, the first rendition of the daughters of Zelophehad, who successfully appeal to Moses to inherit from their father because he had no sons, and the succession of Moses by Joshua. There is a lot to talk about!We continue to keep in mind the hostages, dead and alive, who remain in Gaza, may the be returned to their families speedily. We also are mindful of the soldiers defending Israel as members of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Listen to our guests from bunk a10! A live recording from 7/17 with tzeirim campers telling us about themselves and choosing some fun music:) Featuring Adin, Micah, Jona, Noam, Wesley, Seymour, Louis, Liaml, Asher, Charlie, Nolan, Ben.
Parashat Balak [Numbers 22:2-25:9] primarily tells the tale of Balaam the seer, who is commissioned to curse the Israelites, of whom Balak is deathly afraid. Balak’s plan does not go as planned, as God has other plans for Balaam, one of which involves the famous talking donkey, a precursor to the perhaps more famous Mr. Ed. According to the rabbis, the mouth of the donkey was created on the eve of the first Shabbat, late in the 6th day of Creation, suggesting that already imbedded in Creation was this talking donkey in order to remove the donkey from the realm of the supernatural.Most of the parashah is taken up with Balaam’s four oracles about Israel, concluding with three oracles against the nations. Of particular interest to synagogue goers is Numbers 24:5, which has been incorprorated into the liturgy as the Mah Tovu, the first verse of a paragraph recited upon entering the synagogue for prayer. It is quite striking that this line is uttered for the first time by a non-Jew. The Parashah concludes with the first half of the story about the apostasy at Baal Pe’or. The Israelite men are seduced by Moabite women, which occasions a plague on the Israelite population, which is only stayed when Pinchas, the grandson of Aaron the High Priest, kills one such couple [the man is identified as a member of the tribe of Simeon and the woman as a Midianite] in flagrante delicto. This story will be concluded at the beginning of next week’s Parashah, which is Parashat Pinchas.We continue to be mindful of all the hostages who remain in Gaza, the dead and the living, may they be restored to their families immediately. We also keep in mind the soldiers defending Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Soundtrack of this year's fantastic Fourth of July extravaganza! Featuring Landon Braverman and the Tzevet Hofa'a Band!! Special thanks to Mike Schatzberg and Rotem Shimony for recording. Edited and mastered by Yaniv Morozovsky.
Shorashim bechira project - Tiyul ShorashimJoin us for a trip around camp with Edat Ha'Shorashim and hear what the campers have to tell!
Parashat Chukat [Numbers 19:1-22:1] is perhaps best known for the story about Moses & The Rock, for which Moses and Aaron were denied entrance into the Land of Israel. Aaron will die later in the parashah, and Moses’s death is recorded in the last chapter of the Torah [Deuteronomy 34], read on Simchat Torah morning. The other well-known chapter is Numbers 19, which is the maftir reading for Shabbat Parah, the third of the four special shabbatot leading up to the holiday of Pesach. This chapter describes the ritual of the red heifer, whose ashes are used to prepare the potion used for purification from corpse contamination. Water also features in the parashah, as it did in our conversation as well.We remain mindful of the hostages, dead and alive, who continue to remain in Gaza; may they be speedily returned to their families. We keep in mind the soldiers defending Israel as members of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat Korach [Numbers 16-18] primarily relates the story of Korach’s rebellion. Modern biblical criticism suggests that the text is perhaps an amalgam of as many as four different rebellions. Our conversation focused on the rebels and on what they were actually rebelling against. How should we characterize Korach, and Dathan and Aviram? Did they have legitimate complaints? Or are they best described as demagogues? How doe we evaluate Moshe as a leader? Give a listen and let us know what you think!We continue to be mindful of the hostages, dead and alive, who are still held in Gaza, may they be speedily returned to their families, and the soldiers defending Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces. In addition, even with the announced truce between Israel and Iran, we are mindful, too, of the Israeli civilians, under attack, may they be spared. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat B-ha’alot’kha [Numbers 8:1-12:16] has a number of different topics, including the story where Miriam and Aaron apparently malign Moses and Miriam is punished with tza’ra’at [commonly translated as leprosy] and Pesach Sheni, the provision for the observance of Passover a month later for those who were too far from Jerusalem or were ritually impure when the holiday was supposed to be observed in Nisan. Our focus was mostly on the little story between Hovav [Moses’ father-in-law apparently] and Moses [Numbers 10:29-34], which has a parallel in Exodus 18.We continue to have in our hearts and minds the hostages, dead and alive, who continue to be held in Gaza, may they speedily be returned to their families, and the soldiers defending Israel in the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat Naso [Numbers 4:21-7:89] contains, among other things, the longest chapter in the Torah, Numbers 7 which describes in detail the gifts of each of the tribal chieftains to the Tabernacle. Each chieftain gives the exact same gift, which is faithfully recorded, accounting for the length of the chapter. There are other things of note, including the rite of the suspected adulteress [sotah], and the Nazir, the one who takes upon himself additional restrictions for a prescribed period of time. Our entire conversation focused on the six verses [Numbers 6:22-27] which include the priestly blessing. We hope you enjoy it!Over 600 days after October 7, 2023, we continue to keep in mind the hostages remaining in Gaza, both the living and the dead, and pray that they be returned speedily to their families. We also keep in mind those soldiers defending Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat B’midbar [Numbers 1:1-4:20] is the first parashah of the Book of Numbers. As befitting a book called Numbers, the parashah is filled with numbers, in particular, the number of men of fighting age in each tribe. An additional feature of the parashah is the tribal names of each of the tribes, which can provide interesting information for those who enjoy studying such things. Censuses, for many, are mind-numbing. We spent the first half of our conversation talking about the social structure revealed by the organization of the Israelite camp. The second half of our conversation was devoted to Shavuot, which begins Sunday evening, June 1. We hope you find something worthwhile for your deeper understanding of the parashah, and for the holiday which the rabbis identify as the Time of the Giving of the Torah.As the hostage crisis passes 600 days, we continue to be mindful of those still in Gaza, both the living and the dead, and continue to pray fervently that they be speedily returned to their families. We also keep in mind those defending Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom and Hag Sa’me’ah.
Parashat B’har-B’hukotai [Leviticus 25-27], a double parashah, the third in four weeks for those keeping score, is the concluding reading from ספר ויקרא [the Book of Leviticus]. Leviticus is the shortest book in the Torah, only 27 chapters, and with all the double parashiyot this year, is finished in only seven weeks.In his JPS Torah Commentary, Baruch Levine divides the reading into 3 sections: Principles of Land Tenure [25:1-26:2], Epilogue to the Holiness Code [26:3-46], more commonly known as the Tokhekhah [The Rebuke, with a parallel version in Deuteronomy 28], and Funding the Sanctuary [chapter 27]. Our discussion mostly focused on chapter 25, in particular the laws of sh’mittah [sabbatical year] and yovel [jubilee year]. On one hand it is hard to figure out how they worked in practice; on the other, it is hard to figure out how utopian legislation fits into a legal code. Is law supposed to be practical or aspirational?This week we were shocked by the murders of Sarah Lynn Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, may their mourners be comforted together with all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. We continue to keep in mind the hostages who remain in Gaza, and pray fervently that they will be speedily returned to their families. We also keep in mind the soldiers defending Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat Emor [Leviticus 21:1-24:23] is perhaps best known for chapter 23, which describes the holidays and is the Torah reading on the 2nd day of Passover and the first 2 days of Sukkot. It is surrounded by laws related to the priesthood [including restrictions on contact with the dead and whom priests are permitted to marry] and a collection of laws which features one of the few narratives in Leviticus, the curious case of the blasphemer [24:10-22]. It is a spirited discussion; we hope you enjoy it!We are fortunate to take note of the release of Edan Alexander, and continue to pray and hope for the release of all the remaining captives in Gaza, both the dead and the living. We continue to keep in mind the soldiers defending Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat Acharei Mot-K’doshim [Leviticus 16-20] is another double parashah. Acharei Mot is mostly known because it is read on Yom Kippur, chapter 16 about Yom Kippur in the morning, and chapter 18, traditionally, about the forbidden sexual relationships in the afternoon. K’doshim is perhaps best known for what Rabbi Aqiva recognized as the great principle of the Torah, v-ahavta l-rei’akha kamocha, you should love your neighbor as yourself [Lev. 19:18]. We took note that this verse is paired with a later one [19:34], which commands love of the resident alien in our midst as well.It is hard to pass up the rich text of Leviticus 19, the beginning of the Holiness Code, and so we discussed some of the laws that spoke to us. We also discussed at some length the difference between Leviticus 19 and Exodus 20, which share many of the same laws but cast them in different lights. The Ten Commandments are addressed to the individual who belongs to a nation; chapter 19 is an exercise in community formation. While there is never enough time to discuss all that we want, there is always next week, and next year!We continue to keep in mind the hostages you remain in Gaza, and pray fervently that they will be speedily returned to their families. We also keep in mind the soldiers defending Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Tazria-Metzora [Leviticus 12-15] is the first in a series of doubled parashiyot in the Book of Leviticus. With its emphasis on afflictions of the body, some caused by disease and some caused by natural processes, it has been a test for those seeking to find homiletical material connected to the text. It has been well said that doubling up makes the task easier in that there is only one difficult week, rather than two.Nevertheless, the parashiyot do raise some fascinating questions for the modern mind. Can we envision a priestly Judaism in 2025? Should we place as much emphasis on the body as a tool for religious expresssion as our ancestors apparently did? What might we learn from the biblical example where the issue of tumah and taharah [impurity and purity] with respect to tzara’at [often translated, mistakenly, as leprosy] is decided by the priest rather than the disease itself? And finally, the bayit ha-menuga, the house afflicted by leprosy, is one of 3 cases [the other two being the stubborn and rebellious son (Deuteronomy 21:18-21) and the city given over to idol worship (Deuteronomy 13:13-19], where one sage said the case never happened and another said he had personal witness. What do we make of two thoroughly incompatible opinions on the same page of the Talmud?Since this is the week, too, of Yom Ha-zikkaron [Israel’s Memorial Day] and Yom Ha-atzma’ut [Israel’s Independence Day], we discussed these as well [we recorded Sunday night, 4/27/2025]. We feel even more keenly the plight of the hostages who remain in Gaza, and pray even more fervently for their speedy release and for the safety of all those who defend Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat Sh’mini [Levitcus 9-11] is the third parashah in Levitcus, and features the culminating ceremony for the inauguration of the mishkan, what Baruch Levine calls “The Initiation of Formal Worship” in his JPS Commentary on Leviticus. It culminates with the tragic deaths of Nadav and Avihu, which we discuss at some length. We also touch upon Yom HaSho’ah, Holocaust Remebrance Day, which is observed Wednesday evening, April 23, and Thursday, April 24.We are ever mindful of the hostages, dead and alive, and hope for the speedy return to their families. We pray that the soldiers defending Israel as part if its Defense Forces are removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
This shabbat is shabbat/yom tov sh’vi’i of Pesach, the shabbat that coincides with the 7th day of Pesach, which is a holiday. In Israel, where Eliot is for the birth of his 2nd granddaughter, it is the last day of Passover. In the Diaspora, Sunday [April 20th] is the 8th and concluding day of Passover.For the rabbis, the 7th day of Passover was the day when the Israelites crossed the Sea of Reeds [sometimes mistakenly referred to as the Red Sea], which culminated with the song, Az Yashir [Exodus 15:1-21]. Our conversation focused almost entirely on the passage itself through the Sea of Reeds, and some of the elements of the song, which appears in two versions, one led by Moses, and a shorter one led by Miriam.We continue to be mindful of the hostages still in Gaza, both the dead and the living, and the need for them to be returned to their families. In this season of redemption, we pray that redemption speedily comes to those held captive. We also keep in mind the soldiers defending Israel as part of Israel's Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom v’Chag Sa’me’each.
Parashat Tzav [Leviticus 6:1-8:36] picks up where Parashat Va-yiqra leaves off, with a presentation of the principal individual sacrifices, only this time from the priest’s point ot view. Chapter 8 begins the inauguration cermeony of the priests, with its tragic denouement next week, with the deaths of Nadav and Avihu. We decided to leave Tzav for a future year’s discussion and discuss Passover [beginning Saturday night, April 12, 2025], and in particular the Haggadah. What is the story we tell?As has been the case since 10/07/24, we are ever mindful of the hostages, dead and alive, who remain in Gaza and who need to be returned to their families. We also keep in mind the soldiers defending Israel as part of Israel’s Defense Forces, may they be removed from harms way. In this month of historic redemption may we witness the redemption of the captives. This, too, is a story that must be told this year, and perhaps every year thereafter. Shabbat Shalom v-chag same'ach.
Parashat Va-yiqra [Lev. 1:1-5:26] in a sense takes up where Exodus 40:38 left off. The last passage in Exodus informs us [Exod. 40:35] that “Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting, because the cloud had settled upon it and the Presence of the Lord filled the Tabernacle.” Leviticus begins, “The Lord called to Moses and spoke to him from the Tent of Meeting, . . . “ We discussed the features of Leviticus which spoke to us [it is my favorite book in the Torah] and what the sacrificial system outlined in the parashah could say to us in 5785/2025. We also considered the nature of the divine-human dialogue: how does it manifest itself? what is it for? and the like.As has been the case since 10/07/23, we are ever mindful of the hostages, dead and alive, who remain in Gaza and who need to be returned to their families. We also keep in mind the soldiers defending Israel as part of Israel’s Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm's way. In this month of historic redemption may we witness the redemption of the captives. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat P’qudai [Exodus 38:21-40:38] concludes the book of Exodus. It also coincides with Shabbat Ha-Hodesh, the fourth special shabbat preceding Passover [beginning this year, Saturday night, April 12]. We spent some time discussing the end of the Book of Exodus, with the erection of the mishkan, and what that might mean for our understanding of the book as a whole. We also discussed the maftir reading for Ha-Hodesh [Exodus 12:1-20], considering the significance of the calendar.We remain ever mindful of the hostages, dead and alive, who remain in Gaza. May they be restored immediately to their families. We also keep in mind the soldiers defending Israel as part of Israel’s Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
This week’s parashah is Va-yaqhel [Exodus 35:1-38:20]. It is also Shabbat Parah, the third special Shabbat before Passover. Shabbat Parah always falls the Shabbat before Shabbat Rosh Hodesh Nisan or, as this year, two shabbatot before Rosh Hodesh Nisan.The weekly parashah is often combined with next week’s parashah [Pequdai] to conclude the reading of Exodus with a flourish, the entire construction of the mishkan [Tabernacle]. This year they are read separately. It may seem familiar because the description of the construction closely follows the description of the plans for the mishkan which were featured three and two weeks ago, in parashat T’rumah and parashat T’tzavveh.Our discussion focused on the first verse of the first aliyah [the first verse of the parashah, Exodus 35:1] and the first verse of the second aliyah [Exodus 35:21]. We compared the construction of the mishkan with the making of the Golden Calf and discussed what motivates gift giving. How are we to understand why the Israelites gave so generously? As is often the case, other topics and ideas emerged, including a reference to the O. Henry story, The Gift of the Magi.We remain ever mindful of the hostages, dead and alive, who remain in Gaza over 530 days since the war began. May they be restored immediately to their families. We also keep in mind the soldiers defending Israel as part of Israel’s Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom
Parashat Ki Tissa [Exodus 30:11-34:35] is perhaps best known for the episode of the Golden Calf and the repairs entailed by that grievous sin. Our conversation focused on the לוחות, generally understood as the stone tablets on which were incised the Ten Commandments. We discussed the significance of the material, stone, as compared with papyrus in Egypt and parchment in Israel; the stone seems to reflect the Babylonian preference for clay tablets. What did these tablets look like? Did they, or how did they, function in ancient Israelite society?We also took some time to discuss an aspect of Megillat Esther, since Purim is Thursday night and Friday [March 13-14]. In particular, the last verse of chapter 8, where it is recorded “And many of the people of the land professed to be Jews, for the fear of the Jews had fallen upon them.” What does it mean to be מתיהדים, [mityahadim, in which one can see the root yehudi (Jew)], “to profess to be Jews”?We remain ever mindful of the remaining hostages, dead and alive, in Gaza, and the moral and spiritual imperative to bring them home to their families, as well as of the soldiers who defend Israel as members of the Israel Defense Forces.Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat T’tzavveh [Exodus 27:20-30:10] coincides with Shabbat Zakhor, the second of the four special shabbatot before Passover, each with its own maftir [Deuteronomy 25:17-19] and haftarah [1 Samuel 15:2-34]. The weekly Torah reading picks up where last week’s left off, continuing the discussion of the provisioning of the Tabernacle. In particular, we discussed the clothes of the high priest and what they might mean. In addition, we discussed the maftir, with its call to annihilate Amalek, together with the parallel text in Exodus 17:8-17, which describes the original battle [and is read on Purim morning]. How should we refer to our enemies, if at all. These are some of the topics which engaged.We are ever mindful of the hostages, both dead and alive, and the need for their return to their families now, and of the soldiers who defend Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way.Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat Mishpatim is called The Covenant Code by biblical scholars. It has, as Jeremy notes, over 50 commandments. The laws are both many and varied, regulating all spheres of human life. During this difficult week, we spent a lot of time in our conversation seeking out comfort. On the face of it, Mishpatim might seem an unlikely source of comfort, but we offer avenues wherein comfort might come. At the end, we discuss the two words נעשה ונשמע [na’aseh v-nishma, Exod. 24:6], often translated as “we will do, we will understand”, which seems to reverse the normal or usual way we act, with understanding preceding action.We remain ever mindful of the hostages still in captivity, may they be returned speedily to their families, and to the soldiers defending Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way.
As Eliot notes, Parashat T’rumah [Exodus 25:1-27:19] begins the 2nd half of the Book of Exodus and is concerned mostly with the planning for and construction of the mishkan, the portable tabernacle which accompanies the people in their wandering in the wilderness. The purpose of the mishkan and how it fits into the larger religious life of the people is the basis of part of our conversation. We also take up the plans for the ark and its symbolism. We consider the roles of Moses, who conveys the plans for the mishkan to the people, and B’tzalel and Oholiab who actually construct it.This Shabbat is Rosh Hodesh Adar [the second day of Rosh Hodesh but the 1st day of the Hebrew month of Adar]. It is also Shabbat Sh’qalim, the 1st of the 4 special shabbatot preceding Passover. It is the official beginning of the Passover season, with all that implies.In this difficult week for Israel and the worldwide Jewish community we are ever mindful of the hostages, both dead and alive, and the need for their return to their families now, and of the soldiers who defend Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way.Shabbat Shalom, Hodesh Tov. With the onset of Adar, the month in which the joyous holiday of Purim is celebrated, it is said that simchah, joy, should increase. May it be so.
Parashat Yitro [Exodus 18:1–20:23] features the 10 Commandments. Before we get to the Ten Commandments we spend some time discussing the character of Jethro, who makes his appearance in chapter 18. We actually recorded this when we recorded the episode on B’shallach, for last week, in order to accommodate Eliot’s travel to Israel for his daughter Naama’s wedding this week. Mazal Tov!We remain ever mindful of the hostages still in captivity, may they be returned speedily to their families, and to the soldiers defending Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat B’shallach [Exodus 13:16-17:16] includes the Song of the Sea [15:1-19], which has been incorporated in the daily morning liturgy. It concludes with the original battle with Amalek [Exodus 17:9-16], which will be read again on Purim [March 14, 2025]. Our conversation divided into two, the first part dedicated to a discussion about Joseph’s bones and the second to a conversation about the liturgical dimension of the Song of the Sea and what that might mean for the partipants in the singing.We remain ever mindful of the hostages still in captivity, may they be returned speedily to their families, and to the soldiers defending Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom
Parashat Bo [Exodus 10:1-13:16] is jam-packed with interesting passages. The eighth and ninth plagues take place as well as the announcement of the tenth and final plague [ch. 10-11]. This is followed by the long chapter 12 [51 verses] which we will meet again on Shabbat Ha-Hodesh, the shabbat before or coinciding with Rosh Hodesh Nisan [this year on March 29, 2025] when we will read the first twenty verses, and the first day of Pesah [April 13, 2025], when we will read the remainder of chapter 12. Nahum Sarna labels chapter 12 “The Last Act”, and the verses in chapter 13 [1-16] “Commemorative Rituals”, which includes two of the four passages found in tefillin [Exodus 13:1-10 and 11-16].The time frame and the action described in chapter 12 is somewhat confusing so we devoted most of our conversation to unpacking what we think happened. We spend sometime also discussing the vigil [leil shimurim]] mentioned in 12:42.While we are grateful for the release of the hostages last week, we remain mindful of all those, both the dead and the living, who remain in captivity in Gaza, may they be speedily returned to their families. May those who defend Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom
Parashat Sh’mot [Exodus 1:1-6:1] begins the Book of Exodus. In the opening verses the scene quickly shifts from the patriarchal families described in Genesis to the nation, the people Israel. The descent of Israel [the other name for the patriarch Jacob] into Egypt refers to the sons of Israel, twelve in number. By verse 10, this family has become am b’nai yisrael, the people known as b’nai yisrael, whom we will later learn number over 600,000 fighting men over the age of twenty, together with their wives and children.The beginning chapters are episodic. The Children of Israel are enslaved by a Pharaoh who does not know Joseph, the birth of Moses is described in a few verses in chapter 2, followed by the announcement that Moses goes out to see the suffering or toils of his brothers. Moses has 3 interactions with people which force him to flee to Midian, which sets the stage for the wondrous scene at the Burning Bush. It is this scene which takes up most of our conversation.With the news of a ceasefire/hostage release, we are ever hopeful that all the hostages will speedily be returned to their families. We continue to be mindful of the soldiers who defend Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat Va’era [Exodus 6:2-9:35] is filled with rich material, almost too much to enumerate. At the heart of the parashah is the description of the first 7 plagues, culminating with that of hail. Its position as the 7th in a list of 10 underscores its significance. Our conversation, as is perhaps typical, meandered through the parashah. We talked about the first two verses where God is identified by three different names, the verses in Exodus 6 [6-8], which provide the rabbis with their basis for the 4 cups of wine at the seder and the cup of Elijah, the plagues, and so much more. Almost before we knew it, we had gone over our usual time allotment! We hope you enjoy it.Words cannot capture the emotions unleashed by the return of the first hostages as they returned home. We continue to be mindful of those still in captivity, may they be speedily returned to their families, both the living and the dead, and the soldiers who defend Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat Va-yehi [Genesis 40:28–50:26] is the twelfth and concluding parashah of Sefer B’reshit [The Book of Genesis]. Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph’s two sons born in Egypt while Jacob was still in Canaan, are blessed by their grandfather, with Jacob reversing his hands so that the younger Ephraim receives the primary blessing. Jacob “blesses” his sons, though not all the sons will probably feel themselves blessed by the words Jacob addresses to them. Jacob dies and, at his request, he actually makes Joseph swear to it, he is buried in the ancestral resting place, the Cave of Machpelah; and, Joseph dies and is embalmed and placed in a coffin, but not before adjuring his brothers to take his bones up from Egypt when God takes notice of them.Most of our conversation explored the oath Jacob makes Joseph take to bury Jacob in Canaan. Joseph asks Pharaoh if he can go perform this act of filial piety, and Pharaoh allows him. We delve into the various details of this scene: why does Jacob insist that he not be buried in Egypt? why make Joseph take an oath? what does it tell us about Pharaoh? We also talk a bit about the difference with Joseph when no one will ask Pharaoh if Joseph’s remains can be taken up to Canaan and he is left with the promise for his bones to one day be returned to Canaan. Finally, what kind of book is Genesis? Does it end with bleakness or with hope? It is customary to conclude the Torah reading when we finish a book of the Torah in the synagogue with the words חזק חזק ונתחזק [hazak, hazak, ve-nit’hazek, be strong, be strong, and let us be strengthened].We continue to be mindful of the hostages, may they be returned speedily to their families, and the soldiers serving in the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat Va-yiggash [Genesis 44:17-47:27] provides the denouement to the Joseph story, which formally comes to a conclusion next week with parashat Va-yehi tidying up the loose ends and concluding the book of Genesis. This week opens with Judah’s appeal to Joseph and Joseph’s disclosure of his true identity to his brothers. The family makes its way to Egypt ostensibly to sit out the rest of the years of famine in closer proximity to the food supply. We, as long-time readers of the Torah, know that this relatively short period of time becomes an extended period of indeterminate length.Once again, we pay attention to the character of Joseph, this time in comparison and contrast with the other major characters: Judah, Jacob, and Pharaoh. We recorded on the last day of the secular year, 2024, coinciding with the 1st day of Rosh Hodesh Tevet and the 6th day of Hanukkah. May the New Year of 2025 become a year of peace.We continue to be mindful of the hostages, may they be returned speedily to their families, and the soldiers serving in the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat Va-yeshev [Genesis 37:1-40:23] begins the longest extended narrative in the Book of Genesis, the Joseph story. The parashah begins with a 17-year-old Joseph relating to his family two dreams he has had, which infuriate his brothers. When his father asks Joseph to go see how his brothers are doing pasturing the sheep, Joseph ends up being sold into slavrey. Chapter 38 is an interlude of sorts, the story of Judah and Tamar. It is perhaps intended to provide a comeuppance for Judah’s role in the sale of Joseph. Chapter 39 resumes the Joseph story. Joseph is now in Egypt. Everything he does works out well until he runs afoul of his master’s wife, who is intent on seducing him. He is sent to prison. There he interprets the dreams of Pharaoh’s butler and baker, who have been imprisoned. The parashah ends with the note that the butler, who had promised to mention Joseph to Pharaoh so he could be released from prison, did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.Most of our conversation focused on chapter 37 as we looked for a deeper understanding of Joseph. Is he a spoiled brat? Is he a bullied younger brother who only wants to hand out with the big boys and is rejected. We touched on some other parts of the parashah as well, so listen to find out!We continue to be mindful of the hostages, may they be returned speedily to their families, and the soldiers defending Israel as members of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat Mi-Qetz [Genesis 41:1-44:17] is the second of the four parashiyot that treat the Joseph story. At the end of last week’s parashah, Joseph has been left in prison because the recently released butler failed to mention him to Pharaoh, as he had promised to do. The parashah this week opens up with Pharaoh’s two dreams which defied interpretation by any one in Pharaoh’s court, the butler remembering Joseph, and Joseph being summoned to court to successfully interpret the dreams. The bulk of the parashah deals with the descent into Egypt by 10 of Joseph’s brothers and their encounters with him.Our conversation focused in part on the character of Joseph, sometimes in comparison with his brother Judah who once again has a leading role, in convincing Jacob to let Benjamin return with them to Egypt, and at the end stepping forward to address Joseph, which address will begin next week’s parashah. As Eliot notes, it is difficult to limit oneself to the parashah of the week when discussing the Joseph story, so we make reference to both what happened last week and what will happen in the next two weeks. We hope you enjoy it.We are ever mindful of the hostages, may they be speedily returned to their families, and to the soldiers defending Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. May the increasing light of the hanukkiyot [the first night of Hanukkah is Wednesday night, 12/25/24] bring increasing light to the Middle East, and may a measure of peace be restored to that region. Hag Urim Same’ach. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat Va-yishlach [Genesis 32:4–36:43] features the actions Jacob takes in preparation for his meeting with Esau after 20 years, the mysterious wrestling match with the מלאך [malakh, understood as a divine messenger or a human messenger], the actual meeting, the ravishing of Dinah [as Nahum Sarna entitles the episode], a theophany at Beth El, and the genealogy of Esau. It represents the concluding chapter for Isaac and Esau, as well as Deborah, the nurse of Rebecca, and Rachel, who dies shortly after giving birth to Benjamin, as he is renamed by his father.It was just Eliot and me this week. Jeremy is in Israel for the Rabbinical Assembly convention this week, but was under the weather, and thus unable to join us. We wish him a refu’ah sh’lemah, a speedy recovery, and look forward to next week when we hope that Jeremy is at full strength, as are we! Our conversation focused on the opening chapter of the parashah, as we sought out the meaning in Jacob’s preparation, and struggled to understand the significance of Jacob’s nocturnal encounter. We hope you enjoy it!We continue to be mindful of the hostages, may they be returned speedily to their families, and the soldiers defending Israel as members of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Toldot [Genesis 25:19-28:9] is the sixth of the 12 weekly Torah readings in the Book of Genesis. With the death of Abraham and Ishmael last week, the story this week concentrates on the family of Isaac and some of the key events in the life of Isaac: the birth of his twin sons, the wife-sister story in the 2nd generation, and the deceiving of Isaac by Jacob [and Rebecca] to acquire the blessing of the first-born for Jacob. Our conversation concentrated on the story not directly related to Isaac, which is the acquisition of the right of the first-born for Jacob by the sale of lentil soup. The word for blessing [ברכה, b’rakhah] and right of the first-born [בכורה, b’khorah] sound nearly the same, and certainly the stories are two be seen together. Whereas Jacob is the main actor in the sale of the birth-right, in the acquisition of the blessing, Jacob is portrayed as a passive character, first driven by his mother Rebecca, and then allowing his father to draw the wrong conclusions about his identity. It is sometimes surprising that just a few verses and commentary spark so much conversation!On the 418th day of the war, we continue to be mindful of the hostages, may they be returned speedily to their families, and the soldiers defending Israel as members of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. With the onset of the ceasefire in the north, we remain hopeful that peace may soon descend on the region. Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk, with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Va-yetze [Genesis 28:10-32:3] was my Bar Mitzvah parashah many, many years ago! It opens with Jacob leaving Be’ersheva for Haran, fleeing for his life or looking for a wife. It ends with Jacob on his way back to the land of his birth. A lot happens between those two events, including his marriage to the sisters Leah and Rachel, and the birth of his first 11 sons and his daughter.Our conversation focused mostly on the beginning scene and the scene at the well, though we touched upon some other matters as well as the well. Please let us know what you think.This week’s show is dedicated to the memory of Omer Neutra z”l, my former student, whose death on October 7, 2023 was announced earlier in the week. His body has been held hostage in Gaza since then. We continue to be mindful of the other hostages, may they be speedily returned to their families, and the soldiers serving in the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Chayyai Sarah [Genesis 23:1-25:18] begins with the death of Sarah and the acquisition of the Cave of Makhpelah from Efron the Hittite. This sale and consequent burial of Sarah establishes Abraham’s claim to the land, for he now is the legal owner of a plot of land. The largest section of the parashah is devoted to finding a wife for Isaac. Avraham sends his servant, whom the rabbis identify as Eliezer, back to his ancestral homeland to find a wife amongst his kin, with the proviso that the servant may bring the woman back to Canaan, but under no circumstances is he to take Isaac to the ancestral homeland. This story, and in particular the oath with which Avraham sends off his servant, provides the basis for our conversation this week. Chapter 25 narrates the subsequent marriage of Avraham to Keturah, whom the rabbis identify as Hagar, and the birth of 6 more sons. In turn, Avraham dies and is buried, and Ishmael dies as well, clearing the way for next week’s parashah which focuses on Isaac and his family.On the 411th day of the war, we continue to be mindful of the hostages, may they be returned speedily to their families, and the soldiers defending Israel as members of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Va-yera [Genesis 18:1-22:24] is filled with interesting material: the announcement of the birth of Isaac, Abraham’s conversation with God about the fate of Sodom & Gomorrah, the second wife-sister story, the banishment of Ishmael and Hagar, and the Binding of Isaac [these latter two which we read on Rosh Hashanah]. Our focus this week was on the opening scene and what we can discover about the relationship between Abraham and Sarah. We did not move far from this topic and hope you will find that we had interesting things to say!On the 404th day of the war, we continue to be mindful of the hostages, may they be returned speedily to their families, and the soldiers defending Israel as members of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat No’ach [Genesis 6:9-11:32], the second parashah in the Book of Genesis, primarily deals with the flood, the great cataclysm in which God destroys the world he had so carefully created in the opening chapters of The Torah. Noah, in whom God has found favor, is instructed to build an ark and to enter it with his wife, his three sons and their wives, and representatives of all the land animals and birds [there is some disagreement about the actual numbers]. The world is then destroyed by a massive rainstorm which inundates the earth. The ark finds a resting spot on Mt. Ararat. At some point Noah is instructed to leave the ark, after which he makes sacrifices to God. The last chapters of the book include the repopulation of the earth with the mention of the descendants of Shem, Ham, and Japhet; the story of the Tower of Babel, and the 10 generations from Noah to Avram, setting the stage for Avram’s dramatic entrance next week.We continue to be mindful of the hostages, may they be speedily returned to their families, and the soldiers defending Israel as members of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk Lekh Lekha with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky.For D'var Torah by Rabbi Barry Chesler visit https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100014806476351
Parsha Talk Bereishit - with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. After the holidays of Sh’mini Atzeret and Simhat Torah [Thursday and Friday, October 24 and 25], we begin the annual Torah reading cycle with parashat Bereshit [Genesis 1:1-6:8]. What kind of world has God created for us and what is our particular role in it as human beings. We spent a fair amount of time trying to unpack the Cain and Abel story, which I have long found one of the stranger stories in the Torah. What exactly is its Torah? What is it designed to teach us? Give a listen and let us know what you think!As the war continues we remain mindful of the hostages, may they be speedily returned to their families, and the soldiers defending Israel as part of the Israeli Defense Force, may they be removed from harm’s way. As we conclude the holiday of Sukkot, may the sukkah of peace descend upon all troubled parts of the globe. Hag Sa’me’ah and Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Tomorrow night [Wednesday, October 16, 2024] begins the holiday of Sukkot, known in Jewish tradition as z’man simchateinu, the time of our rejoicing. The concluding days, Thursday and Friday, October 24-25, are Sh’mini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. Every year, these latter days mark the end of the long holiday season, which may be said to have begun on the first day of the month of Elul, the month preceding Tishri, when the shofar is first blown in the morning service to announce the upcoming penitential season. This year, they also mark the date on the Hebrew calendar on which the October 7th War began.How does one find joy amidst such sorrow? We devoted our show this week to the holiday of Sukkot, discussing the question of how to celebrate in the wake of the war, as well as the symbolism of the sukkah and the 4 species [lulav, etrog, myrtle, and willow]. We will return to the weekly parashah next week, when the annual cycle begins with the opening parashah of B’reshit, the Book of Genesis.We continue to be mindful of the hostages, may they be speedily returned to their families, and the soldiers serving in the Israel Defense Force, may they be removed from harm’s way. May the sukkat shalom, the Tabernacle of Peace, descend upon us. Chag Same’ach and Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. On this Yom Kippur edition of Parashah Talk we spend our time talking about Yom Kippur, Kol Nidrei, and forgiveness, among other things. Our hearts weigh heavily as we continue to think about and pray for the hostages in what is now their second year of captivity. May they be speedily returned to their families. May the soldiers in the Israel Defense Force be removed from harm’s way. May peace and quiet descend on all troubled places in the world in which we live. G’mar Hatimah Tovah. May your seal for the new year be one of goodness.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. We are winding our way to the conclusion of our annual Torah Reading. This week’s parashah, Nitzavim-Va’yelekh [Deuteronomy 29:9-31:30] is the penultimate Shabbat reading. The following Shabbat, October 5, is Shabbat Shuvah, the Shabbat between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur; that weekly reading, Ha’azinu, concludes the Shabbat weekly readings on the annual cycle here in the Diaspora. The final parashah, V-zot Ha-b’rakhah [Deuteronomy 33-34] is read on Simhat Torah, this year celebrated on Friday, October 25, 2024. It is a bittersweet celebration this year, as it marks the anniversary of the War in Israel on the Jewish Calendar.Our conversation focused on a few pesukim [sentences] found primarily [or entirely] in parashat Nitzanim [Deuteronomy 29:9-30:20]. In particular, we discussed the theme of t’shuvah, repentance as it is generally translated, or return, which is both relevant to the Torah Reading and the season of the year.We continue to be mindful of the hostages, may they be speedily returned to their families, and the soldiers fighting in defense of Israel, may they be removed from harms way. This is our last recording for 5784. We will resume our show after Rosh Hashanah. With best wishes for a Shabbat Shalom and a Shanah Tovah.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Ki Tavo [Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8] features, among other things, the ritual of the first fruits and the description of a one-time event to take place in the Land of Israel where the Israelites will assemble 6 tribes each on 2 mountains [Ebal and Gerizim for those of you keeping score] for a ritual recitation of blessings and curses that will descend on the people and the land, depending on the behavior of the Israelites. The text of the first-fruits ritual whose earliest date was the holiday of Shavuot was incorporated by the rabbis as the heart of the Haggadah, the ritual recitation on Passover. We split our conversation between these two very different recitations as we sought to find meaning in them for today.We continue to be mindful of the hostages and the soldiers fighting in defense of the State of Israel. May the hostages be speedily returned to their families and the soldiers be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky . In the words of my friend and colleague Rabbi Eliot Malomet, Parashat Ki Tetze [Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19] is mitzvah dense, containing 74 out the 613 commandments the rabbis found in the Torah, well over 10%. In our conversations we tried to extract meaning from this welter of laws by thinking about the story or stories that might be embedded in them. Among the laws we actually discussed was the ben sorer u-moreh, the stubborn and rebellious son, and the command to erase Amalek from our memory. What would the Israelite listening to Moses make of all these laws? What are we to make of them today?As the war winds its way into its 12th month, we continue to keep in our hearts and minds the hostages who remain in Gaza, and the soldiers fighting in defense of the State of Israel. May the hostages be returned speedily to their families, and the soldiers removed from harm’s way. On this 24rd anniversary of 9/11, we also think of the many victims of that horrific day and their families, and those who continue to be affected all these years later. Shabbat Shalom
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Shoftim [Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9] ordinarily provides a lot of material for conversation and discussion. On his JPS Torah Commentary, Jeffrey Tigay divides the parashah into two: Civil and Religious Authorities [16:18-18:22] and Judicial and Miltary Matters [19:1-21:9]. Given the events of the past week, we turned to the haftarah [Isaiah 51:12-52:12] rather than the Torah reading for the framework of our conversation.We continue to be mindful of the remaining hostages and their families, and the men and women who defend Israel as soldiers in the Israel Defense Force. May the remaining hostages be speedily returned to their loved ones; may the soldiers defending Israel be removed from harm’s way. This sad week we dedicate our conversation to the memory of the six hostages murdered in captivity. May their families be comforted together with all those who mourn in Zion.Shabbat Shalom..
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Re’eh [Deuteronomy 11:26–16:17] is the fourth parashah in Deuteronomy. After a few introductory verses, the parashah begins the lengthy section Jeffrey Tigay entitles “The Laws Given in Moab”, which continues through the next few weeks to parashat Ki Tavo, read on September 21. Deuteronomy is perhaps best known for its commandment to centralize the cult in the Temple in Jerusalem, with the concomitant destruction of all the local sanctuaries. This centralization requires the reformulation of the holidays among other spheres of law. We spent some time discussing this, and the commandment to ושמחת, understood as to rejoice or to celebrate.This is the third of the third of the seven weeks of consolation following Tisha B’Av. Each of the haftarot for these seven shabbatot come from the book scholars call Second Isaiah. This week’s haftarah [Isaiah 54:11–55:5] includes the verse which is the basis for the midrash which concludes the first talmudic tractate, Berakhot. It is so popular that it concludes other tractates as well. We discuss both the verse and the midrash as well.We continue to be mindful of the hostages and their families, and the men and women who defend Israel as soldiers in the Israel Defense Force. May the hostages be speedily returned to their loved ones; may the soldiers defending Israel be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom..
Welcome to Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky.Parashat Eqev [Deuteronomy 7:12–11:25] is the third parashah in the Book of Deuteromony. Among its verses are the 7 species [8:8] which distinguish the Land of Israel, the verse [8:9] which is incorporated into the Grace after Meals and provides the halakhic [Jewish legal] basis for its recitation, and the 2nd paragraph of the Shema [11:13–21], with its theme of Reward and Punishment. Our conversation, as it often does, meanders from topic to topic. Among other things, we discussed the importance of the land and the differences between monotheism and paganism; we hope you enjoy it!We continue to be mindful of the hostages and their families, and the men and women who defend Israel as soldiers in the Israel Defense Force. May the hostages be speedily returned to their loved ones; may the soldiers defending Israel be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Va-etchanan [Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11] contains, among other passages, the second version of the 10 Commandments, as remembered by Moshe 40 years after they were given at Sinai [Exodus 20], and the first paragraph of the Shema, the great credal statement of Judaism, together with a pssage from next week [Deuteronomy 11:13-21, the 2nd paragraph], and a passage from Numbers [15:37-41, the 3rd paragraph]. In addition, there are a number of verses which have entered the Jewish liturgy, two in the Torah service, one in the special service of Simchat Torah, and one in the Aleinu, which for hundreds of years has been the concluding prayer of the 3 daily prayer services, and a passage which makes it into the 4 Questions of the Haggadah at the Passover Seder.Our conversation took up the pathos of Moshe, who is told in no uncertain terms he is to stop asking God to let him into the Promised Land. What is Moshe thinking about as he fashions and delivers this address? What is he trying to get across to the Jewish people, who, unlike him, will soon enter the land. Along the way, we discuss memory and reenactment, and the difference between an imaginaitve approach and an historical approach to religion, and in particular, Judaism.We continue to be mindful of the hostage and their families, and the men and women who defend Israel as soldiers in the Israel Defense Force. May the hostages be speedily returned to their loved ones; may the soldiers defending Israel be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Devarim [Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22] opens the Book of Deuteronomy. It is a longstanding tradition to read this parashah on the Shabbat preceding Tisha B'Av, the Fast of the Ninth of Av, the day on which Jews commemorate the tragic events which have befallen us as a people. Most notably, the 9th of Av is the traditional day for the destruction of both the First and Second Temples; it is also said to be the day the people received the decree that they would not enter the Promised Land in response to the report about the land from.thevspies [see Numbers 13-14]. Our conversation considered how to besr describe Deuteronomy, is it a book of rebuke or a book of lamentation, which led us to discuss how the war affects our observance of Tisha B'Av this year. We continue to be mindful of the hostages and their families, and the men and women who defend Israel as soldiers in the Israel Defense Force. May the hostages be speedily returned to their loved ones; may the soldiers defending Israel be removed from harms way. Shabbat Shalom.
The two teams of Yom Sport present songs, cheers, and their banners. Congratulations to the blue team!!!Recorded by Amy Erlanger
The kids of Cochavim compete during Yom Sport! It's Blue vs Green. Who's going to come out with the victory?
The kids of Camp Ramah in the Berkshires find out that Yom Sport is happening the next day, and that the theme is Monsters Inc.!
Jacki Honig and Alex Friedman put the Chug back in "Chugmash" One last time this summer with Parshat Matot Masei.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmanofsku and Barry Chesler. Parashat Mattot-Mas’ai [Numbers 30:2-36:13], the double parashah which concludes the Book of Numbers, is the longest parashah in the Torah by the number of sentences and word. Because it is a double parashah it has, perhaps, a larger number of themes than usual. We spent most of our time discussing the curious request of the tribes of Reuven, Gad and half Menashe, who ask Moshe if they can stake their claim on the east side of the River Jordan, rather than in the land to its west. What does this say about the Zionist enterprise, if already at the beginning, part of the people chose to stay in the Diaspora? Feel free to leave comments below or at parshatalk@gmail.com.The conclusion of another book of the Torah in the annual synagogue reading, reminds us that people have been held hostage since we began the annual reading last Simchat Torah, October 7th in Israel. May the hostages be speedily returned to their homes; may the soldiers in the Israel Defense Force be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Pinchas [Numbers 25:10–30:1] begins with the end of the story from the last nine verses of last week’s parashah. Pinchas is apparently rewarded by God with a b’rit shalom [covenant of peace]. because he stilled God’s kin‘ah [translated as zealousness or jealousy]. We spent most of our conversation trying to understand this enigmatic story, and how the story of Pinchas relates to other stories we know from the Bible. Because our conversation took place on Wednesday, the day after th Fast of the 17th of Tammuz, which begins the 3-week period of mourning culminating with Tisha B’av [the Fast of the 9th of Av, coinciding withAugust 13], we also discussed the special haftarah from the 1st chapter of Jeremiah [more precisely, Jeremiah 1:1–2:3]. Please leave comments or criticisms below, or e-mail us at parshatalk@gmail.com.We continue to be mindful of the hostage and their families, and the men and women who defend Israel as soldiers in the Israel Defense Force. May the hostages be speedily returned to their loved ones; may the soldiers defending Israel be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, BArry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Balak [Numbers 22:2–25:9] follows closely on the events of last week. Balak, king of Moab, feels threatened by the approaching Israelites, and seeks help from Balaam, a prophet who lives in the wider neighborhood. Long before Mr. Ed featured a talking horse on TV, the Bible had its own story about a talking donkey, who rebukes Balaam for beating him when his path is blocked by an angel. Balaam finally arrives in the vicinity of the Israelite encampment where he proceeds to bless the people Israel several times, rather than curse them as he had been commissioned to do. The parashah concludes with half the account of the curious incident at Baal Pe’or, where the Israelites become involved in questionable behavior with Midianite women. Please leave and comments or criticisms below, or e-mail us at parshatalk@gmail.com.We continue to be mindful of the hostage and their families, and the men and women who defend Israel as soldiers in the Israel Defense Force. May the hostages be speedily returned to their loved ones; may the soldiers defending Israel be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
With the assistance of Landon Braverman, the kids of Tzeirim wrote an original play about the importance of traditions and friendship.
The kids of Shorashim do sports commentary with Jamie Cosky. Amy Erlanger is educated on sports during this whole thing.
This week in Jacki and Alex's parsha talk they discuss parsha Chukat. They discuss everything from Moshe hitting a rock - all the way to Miriam and who she is.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Huqqat [Numbers 19:1-22:1] contains some of the great passages in the Book of Numbers. It begins with the ritual of the red heifer, whose ashes are instrumental in the ritual response to corpse contamination. In the next scene Moses and Aaron respond to the people’s complaint about lack of water with a miracle that goes awry. While the waters are produce, Aaron and Moses are denied entrance into the Promised Land. By the end of the parashah, Aaron is dead, replaced as high priest by his oldest surviving son, Elazar. As this comes up every year at camp, we have talked about this many times in the past, but neither tire of it nor cease to find something new to say. Let us know how you think we did in the comments below or at parshatalk@gmail.com.As we have entered the 10th month of the war in Gaza, we continue to be mindful of the hostage and their families, and the men and women who defend Israel as soldiers in the Israel Defense Force. May the hostages be speedily returned to their loved ones; may the soldiers defending Israel be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Jacki Honig and Alex Friedman return to give us their points of view on Parshat Korach.
Parsha talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmonofsky. Parashat Korach [Numbers 16-18] follows a similar pattern to Sh’lach L’kha last week. There are two chapters devoted to the main topic, in this case, the rebellions of Korach and others, followed by a chapter with a miscellany of laws. Parashat Tzitzit [Numbers 15:37–41], the paragraph about the ritual fringes which is the biblical source for the wearing of the tallit, the ritual shawl worn primarily during morning prayer services and became the third paragraph of the Sh’ma, the credal statement of rabbinic Judaism, is an appropriate conclusion to the story of the spies as well as an introduction to the rebellions of this week. We devoted most of our conversation this week to a discussion of the nature of the rebellion and how we might make sense of it today, with a little time left to chapter 18, which discusses, among other things, the proper perquisites of the priests and Levites. We hope you enjoy it!We are ever mindful of the hostages and their families, and the men and women who defend Israel as soldiers in the Israel Defense Force. May the hostages be speedily returned to their homes; may the soldiers be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Dean, Leah, Abby, Sydney, and Lilly Rae of Tzeirim interview our Video Specialist, Lola.
Amy Erlanger and Jamie Cosky get a visit from a very enthusiastic Tzrif. Kol Ramah love you, A2!
Jacki Honig and Alex Friedman put the "Chug" back in "Chugmash" with this new series. In this episode, they educate each other on their thoughts about this week's parsha, Shelach Lecha.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Sh’lakh, sometimes referred to as Sh’lakh L’kha [Numbers 13-15], is taken up mostly with the story of the Spies [Numbers 13-14], whose account to Moses and the people led to the adults of the generation of the Exodus dying in the wilderness. The only two adults who left Egypt and entered the land of Canaan are Joshua and Caleb, the two spies who saw the land for themselves and were prepared to conquer it. Even Moses and Aaron, both of whom survive into the fortieth year of wandering, die just short of entrance into the land. Each time one reads the story one finds it perplexing. What exactly did the spies do wrong? Was it really such a catastrophic sin? worse even than the Golden Calf? We spent our entire time discussing this enigmatic story, and still felt as if we had barely penetrated its surface.We are ever mindful of the hostages and their families, and the men and women who defend Israel as soldiers in the Israel Defense Force. May the hostages be speedily returned to their homes; may the soldiers be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Noah Sundel, Lia Davies, Mira Golomb, and Yael Katz talk with Amy Erlanger and Jamie Cosky about Taylor Swift, which leads to Amy realizing that she's getting old (just joking).
The first Kol Ramah show of the Kayitz. Amy Erlanger and Jamie Cosky sit down with the kids of Gan and Chaverim.
Amy Erlanger, of Radio Kol Ramah, waits with her fellow tzevet members in anticipation for the campers to arrive. She also interviews some kids she hasn't seen in years.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Maomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Special Guest Rabbi Eliezer Diamond sitting in for Rabbi Kalmanofsky who is travelling to Israel. Parashat B’ha’alot’kha [Numbers 8-11] is particularly rich, featuring, among other items: the menorah [8:1-4] and the trumpets [10:1-10]; the Second Passover [9:1-14], for those who were unable to observe the First Passover; the bracketed verses [10:35-36],which have become part of the Torah service in synagogue worship; various complaints of the people [chapter 11], and the complaints of Aaron and Miriam about Moses [12]. We focused on the bracketed verses, and chapter 12, in particular the prayer offered by Moses in v. 13.We were fortunate to have with us this week Rabbi Eliezer Diamond, the Rabbi Judah Nadich Professor of Talmud and Rabbinics at The Jewish Theological Seminary, who filled in for Rabbi Kalmanofsky, who is in Israel this week. It was a real treat for Eliot and me, who were students of Rabbi Diamond at the Seminary, and spent several summers with him at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. We hope you enjoy hearing a different voice!We are ever mindful of the hostages and their families, and the men and women who defend Israel as soldiers in the Israel Defense Force. May the hostages be speedily returned to their homes; may the soldiers be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Among the features in Parashat Naso [Numbers 4:21-89] are the passage about the wife suspected of adultery, the nazir [an individual who wishes to take upon himself additional restrictions, the priestly blessing, and the gifts the tribal chieftains bring for the mishkan. This series of gifts, which differ only in the name of the tribal chief, comprise the longest chapter of the Torah.Since Tuesday night begins the observance of Shavuot, which for the rabbis is the season of the giving of Torah, most of our conversation was about Revelation and Torah, though we did manage to quote and discuss the last verse of the parashah. As Eliot mentioned at the end, you are invited to send us metaphors that you find particularly meaningful.We are ever mindful of the hostages and their families, and grateful for the rescue of four of them by the IDF this past week, and the men and women who defend Israel as soldiers in the Israel Defense Force. May all the hostages be speedily returned to their homes; may the soldiers be removed from harm’s way. Chag Same’ach and Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat B’midbar [Numbers 1:1-4:20] is the first parashah in the Book of Numbers, which deals in episodic form with the 40-year wilderness wanderings. As Jacob Milgrom notes in his JPS Commentary to Numbers, the book’s treatment of this time frame is uneven. The first section [1:1-10:11] takes place over 19 days in the second month of the second year, while the third and final section [21:10-36:15] occurs “within five months of the fortieth year”, leaving the middle section to take place sometime during the intervening 38 years.As befits a book which we call in English Numbers, we spent most of our conversation talking about numbers and how we might make sense of them. We hope you enjoy it!We are ever mindful of the hostages and their families, and the men and women who defend Israel as soldiers in the Israel Defense Force. May the hostages be speedily returned to their homes; may the soldiers be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat B’chukotai is the tenth and last parashah of Sefer Va-yiqra [Book of Leviticus]. Its main section is the תוכחה [tokhekhah, “rebuke”; Baruch Levine labels it “The Execration” (26:14-45)]. Preceded by the blessings (26:3-13) that will come to Israel, both the people and the land provided the people observe the mitzvot [commandments], the far larger part is devoted to the details of the punishments which will ensue should the people not observe the commandments. It can be difficult in 2024, given the nature of the text itself as well as all that is going on in the world and the Jewish world today, to make sense of this passage, and it is to this task that we devote most of our conversation. We also discuss chapter 27, which Baruch Levine entitles “Funding the Sanctuary”.It is customary when we finish a Book of the Torah to conclude the reading in the synagogue with the words חזק חזק ונתחזק, chazak chazak v-nitchazek, let us be strong, let us be strong, let us be strengthened. May it be so for the community of Israel, whether they be in the Land or outside of it.We are ever mindful of the hostages and their families, and the men and women who defend Israel as soldiers in the Israel Defense Force. May the hostages be speedily returned to their homes; may the soldiers be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parashat B’har [Leviticus 25:1–26:2], at 57 verses, is one of the shortest in the Torah. In his JPS Torah Commentary, Baruch Levine entitles it “Principles of Land Tenure”. The first section deals with the sabbatical year and jubilee year, and the second section deals with laws regarding people in straitened circumstances. We more or less followed this order as well in our conversation. We hope you enjoy it!We are ever mindful of the hostages and their families, and the men and women who defend Israel as soldiers in the Israel Defense Force. May the hostages be speedily returned to their homes; may the soldiers be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Emor [Leviticus 21-24] is sometimes the penultimate parashah in Leviticus, except in years such as this one, 5784, which is a leap year. As a consequence, there are no double paashiyot. While Leviticus can be read in as few as 7 weeks, this year, with each parashah a separate week, it will take ten weeks.The parashah is best known for chapter 23, which in additional to the weekly reading, is also read on the 2nd day of Passover and the first two days of Sukkot, because of the festival calendar. There are also laws governing the priesthood, some of the perquisities for being a priest, some restrictions on marriage, and disqualifications from service for certain blemishes. The last aliyah, coinciding with chapter 24, includes the curious case of the m’kallel, the blasphemer, one of those rare cases that occur in the Torah where Moses must seek additional guidance from God to determine how to proceed.Since we recorded on Yom Ha’Atzma’ut, Israel’s Independence Day, Israel was never far from our minds. Most of our conversation focused on the subject of blemishes and priestly service then and now. We hope you enjoy it!We are ever mindful of the hostages and their families, and the men and women who defend Israel as soldiers in the Israel Defense Force. May the hostages be speedily returned to their homes; may the soldiers be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Kedoshim [Leviticus 19-20] is, according to the rabbis, the central portion of the Torah, falling in the middle of the 5 Books of Moses. Chapter 19 contains a miscellany of laws which are sometimes compared to the Ten Commandments. Our discussion focused on this comparison. We spent some time also talking about the upcoming holidays of Yom Ha-zikkaron and Yom Ha-Atzma’ut [Israel’s Memorial Day and Israel’s Day of Independence]. Let us know what you think either here, below, or at parshatalk@gmail.com.We are ever mindful of the hostages and their families, and the men and women who defend Israel as soldiers in the Israel Defense Force. May the hostages be speedily returned to their homes; may the soldiers be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Acharei Mot [Leviticus 16-18] consists of 3 chapters, each with its own theme: chapter 16 is devoted to Yom Kippur, with its emphasis on the purification of the sanctuary; chapter 17 treats proper forms of worship, to borrow a phrase from Baruch Levine’s JPS Commentary on Leviticus; and, chapter 18 deals primarily with the biblical incest taboo, which at its heart speaks to the definition of the family. With the end of Passover 5784 taking place yesterday, as I write, we enter a period of the Jewish calendar sometimes called the “yoms” [Hebrew for day], with the upcoming observances of Yom HaShoah [Commemoration of the Holocaust, Sunday night-Monday, May 5-6], Yom HaZikaron [Israel’s Memorial Day, Sunday night-Monday, May 12-13], Yom Ha-Atzma’ut [Israel’s Independence Day, Monday night-Tuesday, May 13-14], and Yom Y’rushalayim [marking the reunification of Jerusalem under Israeli sovereignty in the 6-Dat War [Tuesday night-Wednesday, June 4-5].In our conversation this week we mostly talked about Yom HaShoah. How do we, should we commemorate the Holocaust? Is there, and should there be, a liturgy for its observance? What does it mean in this year of war in Israel and Gaza? Give a listen and let us know what you think either here, below, or at parshatalk@gmail.com.As the war nears the end of its 7th month, we are ever mindful of the hostages and their families, and the men and women who defend Israel as soldiers in the Israel Defense Force. May the hostages be speedily returned to their homes; may the soldiers be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. This Shabbat is Chol Ha-Mo’ed Pesach, the Shabbat which falls during the week of Pesach [Passover]. The Torah Reading is from Parashat Ki Tissa [Exodus 33:12–34:26], which includes the 13 attributes of God as well as one of the earliest festival calendars; it is also read on Shabbat Chol Ha-Mo’ed Sukkot. The haftarah is from Ezekiel, and is the famous vision of the valley of the dry bones [Ezekiel 37:1-14]. Looking ahead to the concluding days of the holiday, the Torah Reading on the 7th day of Pesach [April 27] features Shirat Ha-Yam, the Song of the Sea [Exodus 15:1-19]. It is also customary to read The Song of Songs this Shabbat.Given the turbulence of recent times, our focus was on hope. Are there texts that are part of our liturgical calendar this week, and especially this Shabbat, which point to it? How do we understand the core texts such as the crossing of the Sea; do we see it as the end of a journey or the beginning of one? How do we see the crossing itself, from the point of view of an average Israelite? Does the allegorization of Song of Songs have anything to teach us about hope in the modern world? These are some of the questions we entertain. Let us know what you think of our answers either below or at parshatalk@gmail.com.Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the hostages, may they be returned to their homes safely, and the soldiers defending Israel, may they be removed from harm’s way. It is traditional to say during these intermediate days מועדים לשמחה, may it be a season of happiness, to which one responds, חגים וזמנים לששון, may these holidays and seasons be for joy. May it be so for all who have loved ones, here and in the Middle East, and throughout the world.
Parashat M’tzora [Leviticus 14-15] coincides with Shabbat Ha-Gadol, the Shabbat before Pesach which features a special haftarah [Malachi 3:4-24], but no special maftir [additional Torah reading]. The subject matter of Metzora is a continuation of the skin disease taken up in last week’s Torah reading [in particular Leviticus 13], which can also afflict a house, as well as various discharges which might happen to men and women, and their treatment. Although acknowledged as another amazing parashah, we focused our conversation on the upcoming Passover holiday, and in particular passages in the haggadah we find especially relevant in these days of war. Perhaps you will find some of what we say useful at your seder. Please let us know!Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the hostages, may they be returned to their homes safely, and the soldiers defending Israel, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Tazria [Leviticus 12-13] flies solo this year because it is a leap year in the Jewish calendar. Most years it is paired with Metzora [Leviticus 14-15], which will be the Torah Reading next week. The double portion is preferred by most people because it is not so easy to derive personal and spiritual meaning from a text devoted to childbirth and skin afflictions. The rabbis themselves identify the sin of lashon ha-ra [often translated as slander] as the responsible agent for the disease, which can be fruitful for discussion and derivation of meaning. We did the best we could with some of the features that captured our fancy, but also spent a good chunk of time on a consideration of some texts from the Haggadah as preparation for Passover. Please let us know what you think, either below or at parshatalk@gmail.com.With the war now in its seventh month, we are ever mindful of the hostages, may they be restored to their families speedily, and the soldiers in the IDF, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha alk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Sh’mini [Leviticus 9-11] coincides this year with Parashat Ha-chodesh [maftir: Exodus 12:1-20; haftarah: Ezekiel 45:16-46:18]. This is the last of the four special shabbatot before Pesach, which is now officially just over the horizon. Ha-chodesh is the first commandment given to the Israelite people, understood to mark Nisan as the first of the months; it takes place on the Shabbat before or coinciding with Rosh Chodesh Nisan, so that we are finally, or too soon, depending on your cleaning schedule, about to enter the month in which Passover is celebrated. For those of you keeping score at home, the first seder is Monday evening, April 22.The text from Leviticus, which is the weekly Torah reading, concludes the inauguration of the Tabernacle and priesthood with the tragedy of Nadav and Avihu, which was the focus for most of our conversation. Near the end, we took up Ha-chodesh and the upcoming Passover holiday, which we are likely to return to in the next week or two given the subject matter of the next two parashiyot! Give a listen, and let us know what you think!!As the war enters its six month, we are ever mindful of the hostages, may they be restored to their families speedily, and the soldiers in the IDF, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Tzav [Leviticus 6:1-8:36] coincides with Parashat Parah [maftir: Numbers 19:1-22; haftarah: Ezekiel 36:16-38], the third of the four special shabbatot before Passover. Tzav presents the priestly view of the sacrifices which were covered in last week’s parashah from the Israelite’s point of view. Our conversation touched upon a writing feature found in the second verse, the word moq’dah beginning with a small mem [equivalent to English m]. From there our conversation caught fire as it were! We hope you enjoy it!Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the hostages, may they be returned to their homes safely, and the soldiers defending Israel, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Va-yiqra [Leviticus 1:1–5:26] coincides this year with Shabbat Zakhor [maftir, Deuteronomy 25:17-19; haftarah 1 Samuel 15:2–34] in anticipation of the holiday of Purim, which begins Saturday night, upon the conclusion of Shabbat. Parashat Va-yiqra, the opening parashat of Sefer Va-yiqra [Book of Leviticus], introduces the principal sacrifices of the Israelite Temple cult. We ourselves made a sacrifice this week, by devoting our conversation to the Book of Esther, read as part of the Purim observance on Saturday night and Sunday morning. Many have noted that the story of Esther reads very differently this year, given the particular course of Jewish and Israeli history since the war began on October 7th.Our heartfelt wishes for a freiliche Purim [a joyous Purim], perhaps more important this year in a world where Israel is at war and hostages continue to be held captive. Sometimes we have to take what the calendar gives us, and make of it what we will. In that spirit, חג פורים שמח! [Hag Purim Same’ah, Happy Purim]!Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the hostages, may they be returned to their homes safely, and the soldiers defending Israel, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. With the reading of parashat P’qudai [Exodus 38:21–40:38] we conclude the reading of the Book of Exodus. We have already seen most of this material in parashat T’tzavveh three weeks ago. Our conversation focused on the last several verses [40:34–38], comprising the maftir aliyah. We discussed what the verses themselves mean as well as the arc of the Book of Exodus itself. We hope you enjoy it!It is customary to say חזק חזק ונתחזק [hazzaq, hazzaq, v-nit’hazzeq, let us be strong, let us be strong, let us be strengthened] upon the conclusion of each of the five books of the Torah. May we continue to find strength in Torah, and Torah study, as we navigate these difficult days.Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the hostages, may they be returned to their homes safely, and the soldiers defending Israel, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Va-yaqhel [Exodus 35:1-38:20] coincides with Shabbat Sheqalim [special maftir (Exosdus 30:11-16) and haftarah (I Kings 12:1-17)], the first of the four special shabbatot preceding Passover. Whereas the previous three parashiyot concern the plans for the mishkan [tabernacle], Va-yaqhel and P’qudai [next week] concern themselves with the execution. There seems to be a lot of repetition. Our conversation focused primarily on the opening passaged, the intriguing opening word, va-yaqkel [and he (Moshe) gathered], the specification of kol edah [the entire congregation], and the connection of the mishkan with Shabbat.Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the hostages, may they be returned to their homes safely, and the soldiers defending Israel, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Ki Tissa [Exodus 30:11-34:35] features the episode of the Golden Calf, one of the great sins of the Exodus generation. In the rabbinic imagination, it is paired with the sin of the spies, bracketing the 3-week period of mourning introduced by the 17th of Tammuz and culminating with the 9th of Av. The sin itself is not so easy to understand, in part because of the curious use of the word Elohim, here used to refer to pagan gods, with the plural verb; when Elohim refers to God, the verb is always in the singular. The sin sets in motion a number of events, including the removal of the Tent of Meeting to outside the camp and God’s revelation in private to Moses. The passage, including chapter 34, is so rich, we hardly had time to take note of the opening passage which we will read again as the maftir for Shabbat Sheqalim, the first of the 4 special shabbatot preceding Passover, next week. or the other details concerning the Tabernacle.Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the hostages, may they be returned to their homes safely, and the soldiers defending Israel, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat T’tzavveh [Exodus 27:20-30:10] deals mostly with the priestly vestments and the installation of the priests. It raises the question: do the clothes make the person or the person make the clothes? In our conversation we attempt to address this question, though you may find we skirt it more than you like and barely touch other aspects which you might think require more attention. Such is the style of our conversation this week!Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the hostages, may they be returned to their homes safely, and the soldiers defending Israel, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk - with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat T’rumah [Exodus 25:1-27:18] is the first of three successive parashiyot which take up the plans for building the Tabernacle and its furnishings. Given the details I think it fair to say that the content is an acquired taste and not everyone gets that far! There is the well-known verse [25:8] וְעָשׂוּ לִי מִקְדָּשׁ וְשָׁכַנְתִּי בְּתוֹכָם “And let them make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them”. In the JPS Torah Commentary on Exodus, Nahum Sarna draws attention to the unusual locution which suggests that the purpose of the sanctuary is to enable God to dwell among the people. In our conversation, we talk about this verse, and more generally about how we construct holy space and holy time, and how these bear on our religious experience. We hope you enjoy it!Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the hostages, may they be returned to their homes safely, and the soldiers defending Israel, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk - with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Mishpatim [Exodus 21–24] is the sixth parashah of Sefer Sh’mot. It is made up almost entirely of what Biblical scholars call the Covenant Code, the exact parameters of which scholars disagree. Suffice it to say, after the drama of the Revelation at Mount Sinai comes a litany of laws. What exactly is the relationship between the two? We discuss Rashi’s comment as well as offer our own interpretations of the exact connection between what one might call the poetry of revelation with the prose of legislation. Give a listen and let us know what you think is here, below, or at parshatalk@gmail.com.As the war is about to enter its fifth month, we are about to begin our 5th year of Parashah Talk. May the study of Torah sustain us during these difficult times. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the hostages, may they be returned to their homes safely, and the soldiers defending Israel, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Yitro [Exodus 18–20] is the fifth parashah in the Book of Exodus. It features the 10 commandments which was the topic of most of our conversation. How does the Sh’ma compare with the Ten Commandments? What meaning might these commandments have for us today? How do we evaluate them as a text? These are some of the questions we discuss. We’ll leave for another time chapters 18 [the arrival of Yitro and the establishment of the judiciary] and 19, the description of the event of revelation. There is always next year!Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the hostages, may they be returned to their homes safely, and the soldiers defending Israel, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat B’shallach [Exodus 13:17–17:16], the fourth parashah in Sefer Sh’mot [the Book of Exodus] features the Song of the Sea [Exodus 15:1–19], which has become part of the morning prayer service. In introducing the show, Eliot framed our discussion as Anatomy of a Scene. We examined the four main figures [God, Moshe, Pharaoh, B’nai Yisrael], seeking to understand their motivations, evaluating their words and actions. This is a rather different approach for us, so we want to know how you liked it! Feel free to leave comments below, or write us at parshatalk@gmail.com.Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the hostages, may they be returned to their homes safely, and the soldiers defending Israel, may they be removed from harm’s way.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Bo [Exodus 10:1–13:16] is the third parashah in Sefer Sh’mot [Book of Exodus]. It relates the last 3 plagues, describes the original Passover celebrated in Egypt and prescribes what should happen in subsequent generations, and concludes with the first 16 verses of chapter 13, which comprise the third and fourth passages in the tefillin, the ritual objects worn during the daily worship service by those who consider themselves so obligated. Chapter 12 in particular, at 51 verses one of the longest in the Torah, is particularly rich, and is one of my favorites. We will meet it later as the maftir [additional reading] on Shabbat Ha-Hodesh, the fourth of the four special parashiyot preceding Passover and the Torah reading for the first day of Passover.In our conversation we took up the enigmatic verse in which Pharaoh apparently asks Moshe and Aaron to bless him on their way out of Egypt [12:32] and considered whether or not Pharaoh shows any humanity. We considered the power of narrative [or, storytelling], and its connection to redemption. And we concluded with a few thoughts on the meaning of ritual. We hope you enjoy it!Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the hostages, may they be returned to their homes safely, and the soldiers defending Israel, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Va-era [Exodus 6:2–9:35] is the 2nd parashah of Exodus. Unlike many of the parashiyot, it takes its name from the first word of the 2nd sentence, in which God declares that He appeared to the patriarchs as El-Shaddai, but did not make known to them the 4-letter name, YHVH. In modern critical scholarship this verse looms large, but alas, that is the subject of another conversation. We focused our attention on the phrase sh’lakh et ammi v’-ya’avduni, a trope in this chapter in its manifold iterations. It translates as “send forth My people, they might worship Me”. We spent most of our conversation trying to unpack this enigmatic phrase. Near the end we took up Moses’ description of himself as aral-s’fata’im, of uncircumcised lips. What did Moses intend to say about himself in describing himself so?There is much we did not get to, including the 7 plagues and the verses of redemption [6:6–8], which are the foundation of the 4 cups of wine at the Pesach Seder. We hope you enjoy what we did talk about! Please let us know, here on Facebook or at parshatalk@gmail.comOur thoughts and prayers continue to be with the hostages, may they be returned to their homes safely, and the soldiers defending Israel, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Shemot [Exodus 1:1–6:1] opens the Book of Exodus [Shemot in Hebrew]. It summarizes the end of Genesis in a few verses wherein בני ישראל [b’nai Yisrael] the biological children of the patriarch Jacob who had been renamed Israel, becomes עם בני ישראל [am b’nai yisrael], the mighty nation of Israelites. Very quickly, the anxious ending of Genesis gives way to Pharaoh’s plan to oppress the people with hard work in order to suppress their population growth, instructions to the midwives to murder infant boys in the guise of stillbirth, culminating with genocide by having all Israelite boys thrown into the Nile. We then meet Moses, who will, in turn, meet God, the God of the ancestors, and who instructs him to liberate the Israelities from bondage. Moses is a reluctant leader, claiming to be of heavy mouth and tongue; God appoints Aaron to be his mouthpiece. There first venture into diplomacy ends with abject failure, for Pharaoh only increases the burden on the Israelites. The parashah ends with God telling Moses that now he will see what God will do to Pharaoh. So there is a moment of uplift at the end.So much for the story line. In our conversation we set the scene for the opening of the book, and among other things, discussed the character of Moses as revealed in the 3 events narrated in chapter two, where he slays an Egyptian, intervenes in a dispute between 2 Israelites, and rescues Midianite shepherdesses, leading to his marriage to one of them. What actually is the identity of Moses? We hope you enjoy it!Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the hostages, may they be returned to their homes safely, and the soldiers defending Israel, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Va-yehi [Genesis 47:28–50:26] is the twelfth and final parashah of Genesis. We address the overall theme/direction of the book, and how it fits into the Torah. We also discuss the burial of Jacob: why does he insist on being buried in the ancestral grave? As always [we hope] the conversation is spirited, and we hope you enjoy it!As daylight increases now that we have passed the winter solstice, may light again increase in the world as well. Again this week, our thoughts and prayers are with the hostages, may they be returned to their homes safely, the soldiers fighting in defense of Israel, may they be removed from harm’s way, and all those affected by this war, both near and far. May the One Who brings peace in the heavens, bestow it upon us on earth as well. Shabbat Shalom
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Va-yigash [Genesis 44:18–47:27] is the penultimate parashah of the Book of Genesis. It opens with Judah’s plea to Joseph to take him as captive instead of Benjamin. The events unfold quickly which lead to the reconciliation of the brothers, the descent of Jacob and his family into Egypt, a genealogy [interesting enough on its own, but which we leave for another time], the reunion of Jacob and Joseph, the meeting between Jacob and Pharaoh, and concluding with what Nahum Saran in his JPS Commentary, calls “Joseph’s Agrarian Policies”. We focused on what seems to us a few of the key verses of the parashah. As becomes abundantly clear, biblical stories are never quite how they appear to us even the last time we encountered them. We hope you enjoy our conversation!Again this week, our thoughts and prayers are with the hostages, may they be returned to their homes safely, the soldiers fighting in defense of Israel, may they be removed from harm’s way, and all those affected by this war, both near and far. May the One Who brings peace in the heavens, bestow it upon us on earth as well. Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barrry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. According to Eliot, Parashat Mikketz [Genesis 41:1–44:17] is the second-most amazing parashah in the entire Torah, coming a week after his Bar Mitzvah parashah. This parashah is the heart of the Joseph story: Joseph’s interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams and subsequent elevation to second-in-command to Pharaoh, and the scenes with his brothers who have come to Egypt to buy grain. Joseph, as is well-known, tests his brothers, to see if they have changed. Our conversation focused almost exclusively on Joseph’s character. Has Joseph changed since that fateful day he was sold into slavery? The Hebrew of one of the verses makes the illuminating connection between recognition and strangeness, and estrangement, all with the same three letter root: nun, kaf, resh. We hope you enjoy it!As always, our thoughts and prayers are with the hostages, may they be restored to their families speedily, and with the soldiers defending Israel, may they be removed from harm’s way. As Hanukkah draws to a close, may the lights we kindle continue to burn ever more brightly long after the conclusion of the holiday. Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk Vayeshev, with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chasler and jeremy Kalmanofsky. Hanukkah edition.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Va-yishlah [Genesis 32:4–36:43] features, among other things, Jacob’s wrestling match with an angel, the meeting with Esau after a twenty-year absence, the disconcerting story of Dinah, the genealogy of Esau, and a list of kings of Edom. We spent a fair amount of time on the story of Dinah, discussing it in a way that is unlike any previous conversations we have had on this story, at least if memory serves correctly! Comments and criticisms are welcome below or at parshatalk@gmail.com.As always our thoughts are with Israel, both עם [am, people] and מדינה [m’dinah, political entity or state]. May those held hostage be returned to their families, may the soldiers defending Israel be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Va-yetze [Genesis 28:10–32:3] is a personal favorite, in that it is my Bar Mitzvah portion. Coincidentally [or not] it is the Bat Mitzvah portion of my wife, Carol. And, my Hebrew name is יעקב [ya’aqov, Jacob], who is the main character. The parashah begins with Jacob heading northeast, to the land of his uncle Lavan, as he flees from his brother Esau. The parashah ends with Jacob on his way back to Canaan, with two wives and two handmaidens s, in tow, with 12 children [11 boys and a girl], and much flocks, preparing to meet his brother after 20 years.. The parashah begins with a divine encounter, the angels going up and down the ladder, and ends with one, after Jacob concludes his treaty with Lavan. This parashah seems particularly rich, though we say that almost every week. We confine our conversation to the scene at the well, and how that shapes our understanding of the characters involved and the events that subsequently unfold.Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the hostages, the soldiers who defend Israel, and the people Israel [both of the מדינה (m’dinah, state) and of the עם [am, nation or people we call Jews). May all who are separated from their families and homes be returned to them speedily and in peace. Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Toldot [Genesis 25:19–28:9] is the sixth of the weekly parashiyot in the Book of Genesis. The toldot, or generations, from which the parashah takes its name, belong to Isaac. Eilleh toldot yitzhaq ben avraham, avraham holid et yitzhaq: this is the story of Isaac, son of Abraham; Abraham begot Isaac. After a couple stories about Isaac, one of which concerns the birth of Jacob and Esau, the narrative frame shifts to Jacob and Esau. Part of our conversation is devoted to an evaluation of Isaac as patriarch. Does he have what it takes?We began outside the box, so to speak, taking note of the passing of three teachers at the Seminary when we were students: Dr. Sam Klagsbrun, Dr. Israel Francus, and Dr. Avraham Holtz. We shared some memories of each of them. We also reflected on the Rally for Israel on Tuesday. Each of us went, but we did not manage to see each other. Apparently it is not so easy to find people in a crowd of nearly 300,000 with spotty cell service!Finally, we got to the parashah! We hope you enjoy the conversation. Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Hayyai Sarah [23:1–25:18] is the fifth of the weekly parashiyot in Sefer B’reshit [the Book of Genesis]. It begins with the death notice of Sarah, and continues with the first acquisition of land by Avraham in Canaan. This is the basis of the subsequent Jewish claim to the Land. Canaan is the place where Avraham the Hebrew buried his dead. In fact, this burial is the first mention of burial in the Torah. Heretofore, the death notice was simply a death notice, often accompanied with a note on the years the deceased lived. But now, we find Avraham engaging in negotiations to acquire land to bury his dead. A piece of the land now belongs to him, and to his descendants.The story continues with Avraham now seeking to find a wife for his son Isaac. He sends his servant back east, to the ancestral homeland, to see if he might find a woman willing to come to Canaan. That woman is Rebecca, who we have had occasion to refer to as the Patriarch, so to speak, of the second generation. The parashah continues with the marriage of Avraham to K’turah [later to become the name of a kibbutz in the Negev], and the birth of six subsequent sons. The parashah ends with the death of Avraham, his burial at the Cave of Machpelah attended by both Isaac and Ishmael, and a genealogical line of Ishmael.In these difficult times we turn to Torah not only for learning and wisdom, but also for comfort. Jeremy spent several days in Israel as part of a mission under the auspices of the Masorti Movement, and he shared his impression of Israel a month after October 7th. We focused our discussion on נחמה [n’hamah, comfort] and ברכה [b’rakhah, blessing]. It has been said that it is not easy to be a Jew, and these days have made that clear yet again. We turn to the Torah, our people’s quest for the eternal, in the hope that in some way the eternal might conquer the temporary, that in the image of Psalm 126, what we sow in tears we might yet reap in joy. Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Va-yera [Genesis 18-22] is the 4th weekly parashah in the Book of Genesis. It primarily consists of a series of events in the life of Abraham: the visitation of the angels/messengers of God with the news that Sarah will give birth to a son, Avraham’s discussion with God over the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah, a second iteration of the wife-sister story, this time featuring Avimelekh instead of Pharaoh, and the binding of Isaac. There are also stories about the fate of Lot and his family who had been living in Sodom and Gomorrah, and the expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael, a story to which Avraham is only tangentially connected. Any one of these is worthy of an extended discussion; we chose to focus on the discussion between God and Avraham over the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah, going verse by verse until we ran out of time. The story resonates with the political situation today; while we do not necessarily look to the Torah for the solutions to today’s problems, we do use it to help us frame our discussion of modern issues. Please let us know what you think either here or at parshatalk@gmail.com. With continued prayers that all hostages are returned to their families and that soldiers are removed from harms’ way. Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk - with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Lekh L’kha [Genesis 12:1–17:27] is the third parashah in the Book of Genesis. It opens with God’s dramatic call to Avram, instructing him to leave “his land, his birthplace, his father’s house, to go to the land that I [God] will show you”. Because this is the opening verse of the new parashah, it is easy to forget that Avram has already left his land and his birthplace with his father Terah, his nephew Lot, and his wife Sarai for the land of Canaan, making it as far as Haran, just two verses ago. This call to Avram is the beginning of Jewish peoplehood [if we allow for anachronism]. What distinguishes the journey in chapter 12 from the one at the end of chapter 11 is the voice of God. Avram not only hears the voice of God, he follows it. He allows God to lead him. What follows in the parashah are a number of events both in and out of the land, events of moral complexity which lead Avram to Egypt, to a war in the neighborhood, a separation from his nephew Lot, and a covenant with the promise of an heir for the renamed Avraham and his heretofore barren wife. With such a rich parashah, we could not get to everything, but we did talk for quite a while! We hope you enjoy it. Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Noah [Genesis 6:10–11:32] is the second parashah in the Book of Genesis. The main story in the parashah is the flood that God brings in order to destroy God’s creation, to begin again with Noah, his wife, their three sons, and their wives. Our tone was more somber than usual, in the wake of the news in Israel since Sh’mini Atzeret/Simhat Torah. We call the Torah a tree of life to those who hold fast to it; when the events of the day threaten to restore the pre-Creation chaos, the tohu va-vohu of Genesis 1:2, we cling to what we can. For us as Jews, it is Torah, and for the three of us, it is our weekly conversation about the parashah. Our thoughts and prayers are with Israel: the Land, the State, the People. We say Shabbat Shalom about time; in the qaddish we express our wish for peace about space: עושה שלום במרומיו הוא יעשה שלום עלינו ועל כל ישראל ועל כל יושבי תבל – May God who makes peace from God’s heights, grant peace to us, to all Israel, and to all who dwell on earth. Amen.
Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. We start our annual Torah Reading again this week with the first parashah, B’reshit [Genesis 1:1-6:8]. Because of scheduling issues, we recorded this last week, before the war in Israel broke out. Our prayers and thoughts are with Israel: the land, the state, and the people. May comfort come to those who mourn, may loved ones, soldiers and civilians, be restored to their families. May the words of Torah provide a measure of comfort and healing in dark times. Shabbat Shalom.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Because Sh’mini Atzeret and Simchat Torah fall on Shabbat and Sunday, we have another special edition of Parashah Talk. The parashah for this Shabbat is Deuteronomy 14:22–16:17, from parashat Re’eh, which is also read on the last day of Passover and second day of Shavuot. It is Deuteronomy’s festival calendar. Ironically, this calendar does not mention Sh’mini Atzeret.Our conversation took up in turn, the holidays of Hoshanah Rabbah [Friday, October 6], Shmini Atzeret [Shabbat, October 7], and Simchat Torah [October 8]. Next week we return to the regular weekly parashah, as we start the Torah reading cycle over, with Bereshit [Genesis 1:1–6:8]. At this time of year, with the conclusion of the long holiday season in sight, I am reminded of President Ford’s comment when he assumed office in August, 1974: Our long national nightmare is over. Regularity and routine never looked so good! Shabbat Shalom & Chag Same’ach!!
Parsha Talk - with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. The parashah this week is a special Torah Reading for Sukkot. This may be familiar to those who remember the Torah reading from the second day of Passover, 6 months ago, and it will be repeated again on Sunday in communities observing two days of yom tov [holiday]. The Torah reading comprises the sacred calendar of Leviticus. Of special note is verse 23:40, from which the rabbis derive the commandment to gather the four species [etrog (citron), palm branch, myrtle, and willow] and 23:43, which gives the reason for building the sukkah, the temporary dwelling in which one lives during the holiday of sukkot. Our conversation focused primarily on the meaning of the holiday itself, and the symbolism of the sukkah. In hoping you enjoy it we are only underscoring a special commandment associated with Sukkot, v-samachta b-chagekha [Deuteronomy 16:14], to rejoice in the holiday. Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sa’me’ach!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. When either Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur falls on Shabbat, this week’s parashah, Ha’azinu [Deuteronomy 32] is also Shabbat Shuvah, with a special haftarah [Hosea 14:2-10, Joel 2:15-27, according to the Ashkenazic tradition recorded in the Etz Hayim]. Though the Shabbat takes its name from the first word in the Hosea text [as Shabbat Hazon, the Shabbat before Tisha B’Av, takes its name from the first word of its haftarah, Isaiah 1:1-27, and Shabbat Nahamu, the Shabbat following Tisha B’av, takes its name from the first word of its haftarah, Isaiah 40:1-26 , the Shabbat is sometimes called Shabbat T’shuvah, the Sabbath of Repentance, after the season. Our conversation this week also took its cue from the season, and we devoted it entirely to a discussion of Yom Kippur, observed Sunday evening and Monday, September 24-25. Wishing everyone a Shabbat Shalom and a meaningful fast!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. It is the week before Rosh Hashanah [which begins this Friday evening, September 15, 2023], so the weekly parashah is replaced by the special Torah readings for the holiday: on Saturday, Shabbat, we read Genesis 21; on Sunday, we read chapter 22. Rather than speak directly about the Torah reading this week, we spoke instead on the emotional highlights for us of Rosh Hashanah, and in particular, the prayers or texts that speak to us most directly. Unlike the other holidays, where we might prepare the house by removing hametz [leavened products] or prepare a temporary dwelling such as the sukkah [and even on Shavuot, we prepare cheesecake!], on the High Holidays we have the idea that we have to prepare ourselves. We hope our conversation helps you get ready in a meaningful way. לשנה טובה תכתבו ותחתמו! [L-shanah tovah tikatevu v-te’chatemu]. May you and yours be inscribed and sealed for a good year!!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. This week’s double parashah Nitzavim/Va-yelekh [Deut. 29:9–31:30] is relatively short yet contains memorable lines and ideas that have had a kind of an afterlife well beyond the Torah. The phrase lo bashamayim hee [Deut. 30:12], “it is not in heaven” figures prominently in one of the great talmudic stories, The Oven of Akhnai [b. Bava Metzia 59ab], and the command to choose life [u-vaharta ba-hayyim] is often cited in discussions governing moral choice. As the book of Deuteronomy winds to a close in the synagogue reading, the figure of Moses looms larger and larger, as does the seeming inability of the author, whoever that may be, to appropriately close the book. Deuteronomy seems to have a number of different endings, and we have yet to get to the concluding parashah. Thankfully, perhaps, our conversation did have an end. We hope you enjoy it! Shabbat Shalom!!
Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky present Parsha Talk. Parashat Ki Tavo [Deuteronomy 26:1–29:8] contains a lengthy section [Deut. 28] known as the תוכחה [tokhehah, or “rebuke”], which parallels the similar text found near the end of Leviticus [ ch. 26]. Before we got to it, we spent quite a lot of time discussing the passage about the first-fruits ritual [Deut. 26:1–11], and in particular the declaration made by the farmer [vv. 5–10]. Along the way we discussed the upcoming High Holidays and still had time to touch upon the beautiful haftarah [Isaiah 60:1–22]. Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Cheasler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Ki Tetze [Deuteronomy 21:10–25:19] is, to use one of Eliot’s favorite phrases, mitzvah-dense, with 74 of the 613 commandments according to Sefer ha-Hinukh, a medieval compilation and explanation of the laws of the Torah. With so much to choose from, we used a somewhat random method, rolling dice to determine a chapter and verse for our discussion. Please let us know if you like this approach. We certainly had fun! Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Shoftim [Deuteronomy 16:8–21:9], as described by Jeffrey Tigay in his JPS Torah Commentary on Deuteronomy, “deals with the responsibilities of public officials, . . . It introduces four main types of human authorities: judges, kings, priests, and prophets . . .” It is thus a political document, outlining the rules intended to check the powers of those in authority. It reminds us, in a way, of the US Constitution, predicated on an intricate web of checks and balances so that no one person or group may exercise ultimate, unchecked authority. As is often the case, it is particularly relevant in this summer of 2023, given the unfolding events both here in the US and in Israel. We hope you enjoy our conversation. Shabbat Shalom!
Fantastic soundtrack of "Alladin". A bogrim production. Take a listen to our live soundtrack recorded in Bet Am Bet by Radio Kol Ramah staff Omer and Ben. Yasher Coach Bogrim!
Sophia , Rebecca , Hannah , Talia , Jolie and Gaby talk on Radio Kol Ramah about their best and favourite moments of Kayitz 23
In our first episode of The Camp Ramah in The Berkshires Summer 2023 Walking Tour, our host Zoe Turnof (Shorashim) takes us to the Agam -the lake- to learn all about what happens at camp. She gets to sit down with Rosh Agam Robbie Kroll, who shares a little bit about what he does at camp, his deep connection to the waterfront and some of his favorite things about the lake.
This Kol Ramah podcast series was hosted by Zoe Turnoff and Jayden Weinberg. The Kol Ramah podcast team includes, Mitch Mernick, Omer Patito, Ben Conway, and Darone Ruskay. The music for this podcast was recorded live at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires by Rabbi Josh Warshawsky. You can listen to Kol Ramah anytime by visiting KolRamah.us
In our second episode of The Camp Ramah in The Berkshires Summer 2023 Walking Tour, our host Zoe Turnof (Shorashim) takes us on a long walk around camp on the way to the Ulam. We discuss things that she loves to do at camp, new Hebrew words that she has learned, the experience of having her have her sister join her as part of the Taam program, and that’s all before we get to the Ulam itself. Once there, we learn about the dance studios, the Ninja course, and all of the fun that happens at the Ulam. Zoe also gets to chat with dance instructors as they prepare for the Rekudia.
This Kol Ramah podcast series was hosted by Zoe Turnoff and Jayden Weinberg. The Kol Ramah podcast team includes Mitch Mernick, Omer Patito, Ben Conway, and Darone Ruskay. The music for this podcast was recorded live at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires by Rabbi Josh Warshawsky. You can listen to Kol Ramah anytime by visiting KolRamah.us
In this episode of The Camp Ramah in The Berkshires Summer 2023 Walking Tour, our host Jayden Weinberg (Tikva) and his counselor Rachel takes a walk around camp to go to Animal Care. Along the way he interviews campers, and counselors and specialist as he talks about all the things he likes about camp and sees on his way. Jayden then sits down to talk to his counselor Rachel Kimball.
This Kol Ramah podcast series was hosted by Zoe Turnoff and Jayden Weinberg. The Kol Ramah podcast team includes Mitch Mernick, Omer Patito, Ben Conway, and Darone Ruskay. The music for this podcast was recorded live at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires by Rabbi Josh Warshawsky. You can listen to Kol Ramah anytime by visiting KolRamah.us
In our final episode of The Camp Ramah in The Berkshires Summer 2023 Walking Tour, our host Zoe Turnof (Shorashim) takes us on short walk from the chadar ochel to where we have worked all week to create this podcast series. Zoe talks about what she sees in the studio, and then sits down to talk to the rest of the Kol Ramah podcast team, Omer, Ben and Darone.
This Kol Ramah podcast series was hosted by Zoe Turnoff and Jayden Weinberg. The Kol Ramah podcast team includes Mitch Mernick, Omer Patito, Ben Conway, and Darone Ruskay. The music for this podcast was recorded live at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires by Rabbi Josh Warshawsky. You can listen to Kol Ramah anytime by visiting KolRamah.us
Parsha Talk, with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Re’eh [Deuteronomy 11:26–16:17] is a family favorite because it was the parashah for both my daughters’ synagogue Bat Mitzvahs [albeit 11 years apart; they each also celebrated a camp Bat Mitzvah the year before]. Re’eh, like every other amazing parashah, is chock full of good conversation material. There is the opening scene, setting before the people a blessing and a curse, the beginning of the Deuteornomic core of laws, which goes through 26:15, including the discussion of the false prophet, the dietary laws, the sabbatical year, and the holidays, among other things. I am always surprised that the half hour passes so quickly when so much is left unsaid. But there is always next year! Shabbat Shalom!!
Leora Ladley, Aliza Melzer & Zoe Turnof made a great audio play of the famous book&movie Alice In Wonderland - Listen To it!
Dr. Alison Joseph of chinuch worked in small groups with Solellim and Bogrim. Reading Parashat Ekev they worked all week reading the parsha. Chanichim chose points or questions they thought interesting to explore and developed different segments for the podcast.
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Eqev [Deuteronomy 7:12–11:26] is perhaps best known for the 2nd paragraph of the Shema [Deuteronomy 11:13-21], but it also contains the scriptural basis for the Grace after Meals, the verse that is quoted in the second of the four blessings in that prayer [8:10], and two verses before that, the list of the 7 species by which the Land of Israel is known. This week, each of us chose a verse or verses to explicate, and to which the others responded. We hope you like the format. Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, BArry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. The shabbat when we read Parashat Va-etchanan [Deuteronomy 3:23–7:11] is known as Shabbat Nachamu, after the opening words of the special haftarah [prophetic portion, this week Isaiah 40:1–26] recited on the shabbat after Tisha B’Av [this year observed Wednesday night/Thursday, July 26–27]. Each haftarah for the 7 shabbatot following Tisha B’Av comes from the last 27 chapters of Isaiah, the section known to most biblical scholars as Second Isaiah, a 6th century B.C.E. prophet, which is distinguished from First Isaiah, an 8th century B.C.E. prophet whose prophecies appear in the first 39 chapters of the Book Isaiah. These haftarot of consolation will provide material for our conversation in the coming weeks. The Torah reading itself is one of the great highlights reels of the weekly Torah reading, containing the 2nd version of the 10 Commandments, the first paragraph of the Sh’ma, and a number of verses which have become part of the liturgy for prayer services during the week and on shabbat and holidays. So, there is a lot to talk about, though, as seems inevitable for us lately, we keep coming back to Moshe and his not being allowed to enter the Land of Israel. Listen to the end for a special bonus - 2009 Makhela rendition of Nachamu! Shabbat Shalom!
Tamar , Rafi , Joey , Libby , Sarah talk about their favourite moments from first session , what they got up to during intersession and what they are excited for in second session
Great day to welcome Rabbis Eliot Maloment, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky for Parsha Talk; recorfded live in the Bamat at Ramah Berkshires - where Parsha Talk was born!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. This week we conclude the Book of Numbers with a double portion, Mattot-Massei [Numbers 30:2-36:13], the longest portion of the year. As individual portions they fall somewhere in the middle of the number of verses in Numbers, but together they exceed them all. The parashah begins with a discussion of vows, in particular those made by a woman who is either in the domain of her father or of her husband. This is followed by what might be termed the Midianite Massacre, which we tried to avoid in our conversation but to which we somehow came back; the separation of the tribes of Reuven, Gad, and half of Menashe; the list of journeys which led the Israelites out of Egypt to their final resting place [the plains of Moab] before entering the Promised Land; andthe division of the land, including the boundaries of the Promised Land, the apportionment, , the Levitical cities, and the laws governing the unintentional manslayer. As with the Book of Leviticus, the ending of Numbers does not follow organically from what came before, but appears to be more of an appendix to the book, as it reprises the laws of inheritance concerning a situation where a man left only daughters as heirs. Whereas in chapter 27, the daughters were able to claim the ancestral land as their inheritance, here in chapter 36, in response to the argument of the other tribe members, the daughters must marry within the tribe in order to maintain the tribal allotment. So the daughters may not be disenfranchised, so to speak, but neither may the tribe. And with that we say חזק חזק ונתחזק [chazak, chazak, ve-nitchazzek, be strong, be strong, and we shall be strengthened], the words we say when we conclude the reading of a book of the Torah in the synagogue. We hope to be back at Camp Ramah for next week’s Parashah Talk. Shabbat Shalom!
The Shorashim Campers create an interesting podcast talking about their favorite foods at camp and also about animals and in particular their pets.
Judah , Oliver , Ella , Jackie , Noam , Leah , Cooper
The Shorashim Camper have a heated discussion about pop music and Rap music as well as a sing along to some of their favorite artists
Cooper , Oliver , Judah , Noemi , Noam , Jackie , Ella
The wonderful banot of tzrif A1 join Mitch in the studio and talk about the high ropes, agam, cantene, their ideal day at camp and much more. (Hint: listen to the podcast and see if Mitch goes on the high ropes!)
We welcome the Chaverim campers to radio and let them express their thoughts of the rainy day - Yom Geshem
The Shorashim Campers talk about the beauty of the rain in song.
Noam , Ella , Cooper , Jacqueline , Neomi , Oliver
Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky bring us Parsha Talk - broadcast directly from Ramah Berkshires in Wingdale!
Hofa'a bassist, 5th year Cantorial student and Ramah historian, Max Silverstone discusses his studies in Israel and recently uncoverred history of Ramah Nyack and Berkshires.
Live recording of Ramah Berkshires concert last night in the Ulam. Featuring the Ramah Berkshires Hofa'a band!
listen to the wonderful kids of Tzeirim interviewing the people at the farm of Came Ramah!
Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky - broadcasted directly from our studio in Ramah Berkshires! This week the double parashah Chukkat-Balak [Numbers 19:1-25:9] allows the Diaspora communities to catch up with Israel. Because the 2nd day of Shavuot was on Shabbat in the Diaspora, necessitating a special reading for the holiday while in Israel it was a normal Shabbat with a regular weekly reading, Israel has been a week ahead. This week is the first opportunity for a double portion in the book of Numbers, so we are reading Chukkat-Balak while in Israel they will be reading Balak. Among the many topics covered in this double portion, we ended up focusing on two: chapter 19 with the ritual of the red heifer for purification after corpse contamination and chapter 20:1-13 which is the famous story of Moses and the Rock, on account of which, at least in this week’s Torah reading, Moses and Aaron lose their ability to enter the Promised Land, because of their failure to sanctify God before the people at the Rock. While there is much more to the reading than this, we find ourselves year after year unable to stop talking about this story. I hope that at least each year we have something new to say! Shabbat Shalom!!
Take a listen as Omer and ben of Radio Kol Ramah get to speak to campers an staff as the buses pull up for the start of Kayitz 2023!
Parsha Talk; with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky Parashat Korach [Numbers 16-18] is one of the few parashiyot [weekly Torah readings] to take the name of a person. The Book of Numbers itself has two others, next week with half of Chukkat-Balak and the following week with Pinchas. Korach, a cousin of Moses and Aaron, leads a rebellion against their authority. Jaccob Milgrom, in his JPS Commentary on Numbers, identifies the strands of at least four separate rebellions which are fused together in the parashah this week. In our conversation we try to untangle Korach’s complaint. Is it in anyway justified? Give a listen and let us know what you think below in the comments or at parshatalk@gmail.com. Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Sh’lach L’kha [Numbers 13-15] neatly divides into two uneven sections: the story of the spies [13-14] and, as Jacob Milgrom describes it in his JPS Commentary on Numbers, a miscellany of laws. The end of the miscellany is the passage on tzitzit, which became well known as the 3rd paragraph of the Shema. There is a connection between the spies and the tzitzit passage; both contain variation of the Hebrew root “tur”, meaning “to scout” or “to follow”, and zanah, perhaps euphemistically, “to follow one’s lustful urge” or “to be led astray”. Our conversation focused mostly on the spies, which for the rabbis was one of the great catastrophes of biblical history. They imagine it as the first of a series events which took place on the 9th of Av [cf. Mishnah Ta’anit 4:6]. Like many another story in the Bible, it is endlessly fascinating. Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat B’ha’alot’kha [Numbers 8-12], the third parashah in Numbers, covers a lot of ground. To name just a few topics, there is the lighting of the menorah [Numbers 8:1-4]; the ritual purification of the Levites so they might perform their duties with the Tabernacle [Numbers 8:5-22]; the Second Passover [9:1-14], which allows those who are in a state of ritual impurity or too far from the Temple at the time of the First Passover to participate in this great national celebration; the guidance in the wilderness [Numbers 10:29-36] provided by Hobab, the name given here for the figure known elsewhere as Jethro (father-in-law of Moses), and the Ark, including the two verses separated by the inverted nuns [the 14th letter of the Hebrew alphabet], the complaints at Taberah [11:1-3] and Kibbroth-Hattaavah [4-35], which includes Moses complaining to God about his burden, God providing for 70 elders to assist Moses, and God providing a month’s worth of quail to satisfy the people’s demand for meat; and the passage about Aaron and Miriam challenging the authority of Moses [chapter 12]. Even though this list seems exhaustive, there are things left out! Our conversation is perhaps not so wide-ranging, but worth a listen nevertheless. Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Naso [Numbers 4:21–7:89] is the second parashah in the Book of Numbers. It contains the longest single chapter in the Torah [7, with 89 verses], and at 176 verses, is also the longest single parashah of the year. In fact, it has the most letters, the most words, and the most lines in the Torah scroll of any single parashah. For content, it contains the conclusion of the levitical census, detailing the count of Levites between 30 and 50, and the responbilities of each of these families when the Tabernacle must be taken down in order for the camp to move. It take up some matters related to the purification of the camp, the ritual for the woman suspected of adultery, the ritual of the Nazir [the man or woman who takes upon him or herself extra religious obligations], the priestly blessing, and, the lengthy description of the tribal gifts to the Tabernacle. Because this week Eliot’s family welcomed his first grandchild, a daughter born to his son and daughter-in-law, we talked about the significance of that event for Eliot, which led to a discussion of the priestly blessing and the meaning of ritual. We welcome your comments, either here or at parshatalk@gmail.com. Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk; with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. With the onset of Shavuot Thursday night it is another early edition of Parashah Talk. In the Diaspora [outside the Land of Israel], the 2nd day of Shavuot on Shabbat preempts the weekly Torah reading, so that Israel will be a week ahead for a number of weeks. Our show is devoted to an exploration of Shavuot, which comes with its own set of Torah readings, haftarot, customs such as eating dairy, and the all-night study session known as Tiqqun Lail Shavuot. We discuss Revelation and what it might mean to us and how one might best understand the holiday as a celebration of Revelation. Along the way we discuss some other aspects of the holiday as well. With best wishes for a Chag Same’ach and Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk - with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. It’s an early edition of Parashah Talk this week. It turns out we all have lives outside of Parashah Talk which affects the day we record. So we open up the Book of Numbers on a Monday, with Parashat Bemidbar [Numbers 1:1–4:20]. There is more to discuss than one might first realize; we hardly got much beyond the first few verses! Let us know what you think here or at parshatalk@gmail.com. Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk; with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat B’har-B’chukotai [Leviticus 25-27] concludes the Book of Leviticus. Leviticus is the shortest book in terms of chapters [27], and the fewest in parashiyot [10, tied with Numbers], but takes as few as 7 weeks to read when all of its potentially doubled parashiyot are in fact doubled, as is the case this year. B’har opens with a description of the sabbatical year and the jubilee year, which led to a discussion of time and how we mark it and find meaning in its passage. Our discussion, as is so often the case, meandered: we mentioned the Rebuke [Leviticus 26:14-45] and the double ending of the book, since the last verse in chapters 26 and 27 are virtually identical. Sinai looms large in the book and the parashah, as does, in at least one reading, the relationship between time and space. In the synagogue, when we conclude a book of the Torah, we say chazzak, chazzak, ve-nitchazzek. Let us be strong, let us be strong, and we shall be strengthened!
Parsha Talk: with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Emor [Leviticus 21-24] further develops the theme of holiness which is at the core of the Holiness Code [Leviticus 17-26]. The parashah begins with restrictions on kohanim [priests], on whom they marry, whom they mourn, what physical characteristics prevent them from serving. Chapter 23 is the Book of Leviticus’ sacred calendar, which is always worth studying, especially in comparison with the calendars in Exodus [23:14-19 & 34:18-26], Numbers [28-29], and Deuteronomy [16:1-17]. The parashah concludes with chapter 24, a miscellany of laws, including the incident of the blasphemer and the determination of what to do with him, and one of the three appearances in the Torah of the lex talion [law of revenge, better known perhaps as “eye for an eye”]. We opened the show with a tribute to Rabbi Harold Kushner, who went to his eternal home last week. We welcome comments below or at parshatalk@gmail.com. Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. This week is another double parashah, Aharai Mot-Q’doshim [Leviticus 16-20], which features a description of Yom Kippur, and in particular the ritual of the goat sent to Azazel, and the beginning of the Holiness Code [Leviticus 17-26]. The Holiness Code develops the idea of holiness as it pertains to the priests and the people Israel in general. What does it mean to be a holy people? How is it possible to become a nation of priests? What do we expect of the modern state of Israel, a pertinent question as we record on Yom Ha-atzma’ut, Israel’s Independence Day. Give a listen! Shabbat Shalom!!
Parsha Talk; with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. This Shabbat features not only the weekly parasha, Tazria-Metsora [Leviticus 12-15], but also a maftir [Numbers 28:9-15] and haftarah [Isaiah 66] for Rosh Chodesh, the beginning of the new month of Iyar whose first day is this Saturday. In addition, it is the Shabbat preceding Yom Ha-Zikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, and Yom Ha-atzma’ut, Israel’s Independence Day. The parashah describes the rituals for childbirth [ch. 12], the disease commonly referred to as leprosy in humans and its manifestation in clothing and in houses [chapter 13-14], and bodily discharges [chapter 15]. These are not the topics that normally provide rich conversation, so we devote the first half of the show to the meaning we might find in these chapters. In the second half, we discuss new rituals for Yom Ha-atzma’ut and how we might understand the religious signficance of the day. Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. The parashah this week is Sh’mini [Leviticus 8-11], but we recorded on the 5th day of Passover, the third of the four intermediate days before the concluding holiday resumes on Tuesday evening. So, Passover was still on our mind. We began our discussion by talking about Yizkor; recited on the last day of Passover [and also on the 2nd day of Shavuot, Sh’mini Atzeret, and Yom Kippur]. Our conversation meandered, taking in the story of the untimely deaths of Nadav and Avihu, the older two of Aaron’s four sons [Leviticus 10:1-7], the upcoming observances after Passover, beginning with Yom Ha’Shoah [Holocaust Commemoration Day] on Tuesday, the 18th, and continuing with Yom HaZikkaron [Israel’s Memorial Day] and Yom Ha’atzma’ut [Israel’s Independence Day] the following week, on the 26th and 27th. The Book of Job also entered our conversation. So the tone was perhaps more somber than we had anticipated when we first started to talk. We hope you find it meaningful! With best wishes for a Chag Same’ach and Shabbat Shalom, depending on when you find this post!!
Parsha Talk; with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. While the Torah reading this week, Tzav [Leviticus 6–8], continues with a description of the principal sacrifices from the priests’ point of view [chapters 6–7] and a description of the inauguration of the Tabernacle [chapter 8], we went in a different direction. In anticipation of the upcoming festival of Passover, we discussed the six haftarot that mark the holiday: the haftarah for Shabbat Hagadol this week [Malachi 3:4–24], followed in turn by the haftarah for the 1st day from Joshua [5:2–6:1, 6:27], the 2nd day from 2 Kings [23:1–9, ,21–25], Shabbat Chol Ha-mo’ed from Ezekiel [37:1–14], the 7th day from 2 Samuel [22:1–51], and the 8th day from Isaiah [10:32–12:6]. It was a lot of page turning and a lot of fun. We hope you enjoy! We will be taking a week off for Passover, and will return in two weeks for Parashat Sh’mini. Shabbat Shalom and Chag Same’ach!
Parsha Talk; with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Va-yiqra [Leviticus 1–5] begins the Book of Levitcus. However, it is quite possible, as we discuss, to read Leviticus as a seamless continuation of the end of Exodus. These first 5 chapters take up the description of the 5 principal sacrifices in ancient Israel. While sacrifice is quite foreign to most of us, and I suspect not many among us are eager to see the building of the Third Temple in our lifetime so we can reinstitute animal sacrifice, the chapters can still be read for profit in our own day. We spend sometime on the opening verses, and not just the first verse, and discuss the meaning of sacrifice both then and now. We hope you enjoy! Shabbat Shalom!!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Va-yaqhel-P’qudai [Exodus 35–40], a double portion, concludes the reading of the Book of Exodus in the synagogue. This year it coincides with Shabbat Ha-Hodesh, observed on Shabbat Rosh Hodesh Nisan, or on the Shabbat when the new month of Nisan is announced, as is the case this year. The month of Nisan officially begins on Wednesday night, March 22, so that Passover, and the first seder, begins two weeks later on April 5. Shabbat Ha-Hodesh has a special maftir [Exodus 12:1–20] and haftarah [Ezekiel 45:16–46:18].The Torah reading primarily concerns itself with the execution of the mishkan, or Tabernacle. Whereas T’rumah and T’tzavveh concern themselves with the description of how the mishkan will be built, this week’s parashiyot concern themselves with the actual building. Last week’s parashah, Ki Tissa, features the tragedy of the Golden Calf. In our conversation this week we seek to understand the precise nature of the tragedy, and what it might mean to be placed, quite deliberately, between the description of how to build the mishkan and its actual building. We also discuss the significance of the maftir, a description of Pesach mitzrayim, the observance on that fateful night in Egypt, as opposed to Pesach le-dorot, Pesach as it is supposed to be observed in subsequent years.As always, comments, critiques, and questions are welcome here and at parshatalk@gmail.com. Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Ki Tissa [Exodus 30:11–34:35] this year coincides with Shabbat Parah, the third special Shabbat before Passover, with a special maftir [Numbers 19] and haftarah [Ezekiel 36:16–38]. The parashah is perhaps best known for the episode of the Golden Calf, perhaps the greatest sin in the history of the Israelite people, and its aftermath. It is part of a larger them on the presence and absence of God, and how we live in a world where God’s presence is not guaranteed. We gave a shout-out to Purim, since that is when we recorded, and we may have touched on some other things as well. As always, comments and criticisms are welcome here and at parshatalk@gmail.com. Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk with rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat T’tzavveh [Exodus 27:20–30:10] coincides this year with Shabbat Zachor, the Shabbat before Purim [observed Monday night and Tuesday, March 6 & 7], which takes its name from the first word of the special maftir [Deuteronomy 25:17-19], with its call to remember what Amalek did to the Israelites when they left Egypt, and to blot them out once safely ensconced in the borders ot the Land of Israel. The parashah itself continues the description of the plans for the Ohel Mo’ed [Tent of Meeting]. We discussed some of the parashah and some relatively randomly chosen verses from the Book of Esther, in anticipation of Purim! We hope you enjoy. Shabbat Shalom and Hag Purim Same’ach!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat T’rumah [Exodus 25:1–27:19] begins the lengthy description of the plans for and building of the mishkan [tabernacle, or dwelling-place for God], which will take up most of the rest of the Book of Exodus. We focused on a few verses, in particular 25:8 [And let them make Me a sanctuary that I many dwell among them] and 25:22 [There I will meet with you, and I will impart to you—from above the cover, from between the two cherubim that are on the top of the Ark of the Pact—all that I will command you concerning the Israelite people], as well as discussing the purpose of the structure itself in the religious life of the people, then and now. As always, comments are welcome here or at parshatalk@gmail.com. Shabbat Shalom!
Welcome to Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. It is an early edition of Parashah Talk, since Eliot is flying to Israel today. Parashat Mishpatim [Exodus 21-24] features the Covenant Code, the first major law code embedded in the Torah. Its literary style, nearly all law, represents a major break from the previous 20 chapters, which have been largely narrative. This enabled us to discuss law in general as well as some specific laws. This week is also Parashat Sheqalim [Exodus 30:11–16], the first fo the 4 special shabbatot before Passover, each with its own maftir [additional reading] and haftarah [prophetic reading]. We did not have time to discuss it, but be forewarned, Passover will be here before you know it. Start cleaning! Shabbat Shalom!!
Parsha Talk, with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Yitro [Exodus 18-20] is the fifth weekly reading of the Book of Exodus. It features the dramatic revelation at Mt. Sinai and the text of the Ten Commandments. Chapter 18, however, has to do with the organization of the judiciary suggested by Yitro, priest of Midian, whom the chapter identifies no less than 13 times as the father-in-law of Moses. In fact, most of the people, whether individuals or nation, are identified in Chapter 18 in relation to Moses. This provides the beginning of our conversation, in which we discuss Yitro himself, and how we might understand his role in Israel’s history, and the Ten Commandments, always a fascinating text. Give a listen and let us know what you think! Shabbat Shalom!!
Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky with Parsha Talk. Parashat B’shallach [Exodus 13:17–17:16] features the Song of the Sea [15:1–19], the magnificent poem the Torah records as the Israselites’ response to their successful crossing of the Sea of Reeds, allowing them to put their Egyptian experience behind them once and for all. But, there is so much more in the parashah, including the actual splitting of the sea, given both a natural and miraculous explanation, the introduction of manna as the staple of the Israelites’ diet for the next forty years, various complaints, the 1st hitting of the Rock [17:1–7] and the attack of Amalek. 17:8–16]. While we do not cover everything, we hope we do the parashah justice, and that everyone finds something worth hearing. Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk-with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Bo [Exodus 10:1–13:16] is the third parashah in Sefer Sh’mot [the Book of Exodus]. In it is recounted the last 3 plagues and the preparations for and celebration of Pesach Mitzrayim, the observance of Passover in Egypt, which will differ from Pesach Le-dorot, the Passover commemorated by future generations. We have the long chapter 12, one of my favorites in the Torah, and the passage at the end [13:1–16], divided by the rabbis into two [13:1-10 and 11–16], which together with the 1st 2 paragraphs of the Sh’ma [Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13–21 will make up the texts of the t’fillin. We also have the prompts for two of the sons of the Passover Haggadah. It is particularly rich, as I hope you will find our conversation. Comments and criticisms are welcome! Shabbat Shalom!!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Va-era [Exodus 6:2–9:35] begins with verses [6{2–3] that feature prominently in modern biblical criticism. “Elohim spoke to Moshe, and He said to him, I am YHVH. And I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob by El Shaddai, and my name YHVH I did not make known to them”. At the very least, God did not appear to the patriarchs in the same way that He appeared to Moshe. For those critically minded, these verses indicate a change in worship. The verses are followed by 3 verses [6–8] which feature in the determination of cups of wine at the Seder. But the parashah is perhaps best known for the 1st seven plagues. Our conversation meandered, sometimes touching on verses, sometimes on comparisons between God and Pharaoh, Moshe and Pharaoh, Moshe and Aaron, sometimes on other topics. We hope you find it rewarding. Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Sh’mot [Exodus 1:1–6:1] begins a new Book of the Torah, the Book of Exodus. As Eliot mentions, we move very quickly, in just a few verses, from ish [man] to bayyit [house] to shevet [tribe], to am [nation]. In the opening verses, the family story that concluded the Book of Genesis becomes the national story that will lead, eventually, to the Jewish people. Since we were recording just after the 50th yahrtzeit [anniversary of death] of the late Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel this past Wednesday [18 Tevet, this year 1/11/23], our conversation is peppered with references to Heschel’s teachings. We hope some of you will share yours with us! Shabbat Shalom!!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Va-yechi [Genesis 47:28–50:26] concludes Book of Genesis. Among the other things that come to an end are the lives of Jacob and then of Joseph. It is, perhaps, a dark ending. A book that begins with the Creation of the world ends with Joseph embalmed and placed in an aron, a box, waiting until his descendants will take his bones up out of Egypt with them when they are redeemed by the mighty hand and outstretched arm of God. The parashah gives us the opportunity to evaluate the life of Joseph, and of Jacob. And, as is the case, it gives us the opportunity to say a few words about the Book of Genesis, and its context within the Torah. Comments and criticisms are welcome at parshatalk@gmail.com. Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Va-yiggash [Genesis 44:18-47:27] is the third installment of the Joseph saga. Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers and arrangments are made for the entire family to come to Egypt, to take up residence in the Land of Goshen, where they can live apart from the Egyptians but still benefit from Joseph’s position in that society. There are a number of odd comments made by both Jacob and Joseph about the other; we tend to forget that 22 years has elapsed, and neither side has made, apparently, any attempt to find out about the other. And there is the curious genealogy of Jacob’s family who went down to Egypt. This provided us with more than enough to talk about!This is our last Parashat Talk for 2022! We look forward to 2023 as another year of conversation about the weekly Torah Reading Shabbat Shalom!!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Miqqetz [Genesis 41:1-44:17] is the second of the four parashiyot which tell the story of Joseph. It begins in the court of Pharaoh, with the third set of 2 dreams. The butler now remembers Joseph and tells Pharaoh there is a Hebrew slave who can interpret his dreams. This sets in motion a chain of events which leads to Joseph’s release from prison, the correct interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams, and the appointment of Joseph as second in command to Pharaoh. In the meanwhile, Jacob’s family is in need of more food, so the sons get Jacob to acquiesce to sending Benjamin. As the story unfolds, Benjamin is accused of stealing Joseph’s goblet. They return to Joseph, where Judah makes an impassioned plea on behalf of Benjamin to return to Jacob, and for Joseph to take Judah in his stead. As the rabbis have programmed the cycle of Torah readings, we are meant to brood upon this sad state of events for the week. While on one hand, we, who have gone through the Torah reading cycle before, know the denouement, the rabbis intend that we mull it over as if we do not know, while we wait for next Shabbat to come to find out what happens. While you are mulling it over, you might listen to our conversation for our take! Shabbat Shalom!!
Earlier this month we lost a dear friend and unique talent, Pete Sokolow.Enjoy this 2011 Radio Klezkamp interview with Mitch Mernick. Recorded at the Hudson Valley Resort and Spa, Kerhokson NY.
Parsha Talk Vayeshev with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Va-yeshev [Genesis 37-40] is the beginning of the Joseph story, the longest extended narrative in the Book of Genesis. So even though, properly speaking, Joseph is not a patriarch, he is not a recipient of the covenant with its twofold promise of land and numerous descendants conveyed directly by God, he is the subject of the longest story in the Book. Chapter 37 introduces us to an adolescent or young adult Joseph, who at 17 is the favorite of his father, Jacob, the recipient of what has come to be known as the Coat of Many Colors, and a noted dreamer and interpreter of dreams, all of which will conspire, together with his brothers, to land him in Egypt as a slave. Chapter 38 is an interlude of sorts, the story of Judah and Tamar, whereby Tamar is widowed twice, by Judah’s two oldest sons, and then will become, through Judah, the ancestress of King David. Chapter 39 resumes the Joseph story, this time in Egypt, where he will serve in Potiphar’s house, land in prison, and there interpret the dreams of the butler and baker. Both before our recording and during the show, Eliot made a great case for the literary art in the Joseph story, which is, first and last, a great story. Give a listen, and send comments and criticisms to parshatalk@gmail.com. Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Va-yishlach [Genesis 32:4-36:43] is, as the French might say, an embarrassment of riches. There are Jacob’s plans for seeing his brother again after 20 years, the mysterious encounter with the malakh, often translated as angel, which will acquire for Jacob a new name and a physical disability which will everafter affect the way his descendants eat, the meeting with Esau, the rape of Dinah, the putting away of the idols at Beit El, and the detailed genealogy of Esau, inclusing the list of 12 successive kings, which exposes perhaps as well as any Torah text, the limitations of Mosaic authorship of the Torah. Along the way is the the death of Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, the birth of Benjamin and the death of Rachel [which occasions its own name change], and the death of Isaac. And even this list is incomplete!As befitting such a rich parashah, our conversation was free-wheeling, skipping from topic to topic, seamlessly we hope! Let us know your thoughts and reactions at parshatalk@gmail.com. Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Va-yetze [Genesis 28:10–32:3] has long been my (BC) favorite, since it was the one to which I was called up to the Torah as Bar Mitzvah many years ago. As it turns out, it is also the Bat Mitzvah parashah of my wife, Carol, though not quite so many years ago. In our discussion this week we did go much beyond the opening verses, the notice that Jacob left Beersheva and went to Haran, and the encounter at Beit El, formerly known as Luz. Perhaps we gained in depth what we sacrificed in breadth. In any event, it was a lot of fun to do! Shabbat Shalom!!
Parsha Talk; with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Toldot [Genesis 25:19-28:9] begins with a flurry of activity, with 60 years summarized in 8 verses: there is a birth notice of Isaac, the marriage of Isaac at 40, the barrenness of Rebekah for 20 years, the entreaty on her behalf by Isaac, the difficult pregnancy, the consulation with the oracle, and finally the birth of Esau and Jacob, complete with a physical description which will give each of the twins his name. And then the parashah slows down with a story about the selling of the birthright, a series of episodes in the life of Isaac, a notice about Esau’s two wives and then an extendeded narrative about the stealing of the blessing. At the end, Jacob will flee for his life to the ancestral homeland back east, and Esau will marry a descendant of Ishmael. All in all, it is quite packed with material to talk about, which, of course, is what we do! We hope you enjoy this early edition of Parashah Talk, made necessary by the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Happy Thanksgiving! Shabbat Shalom!!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Chayyai Sarah [Genesis 23:1-25:18] opens with a summary of the years of Sarah’s life: These were the lives of Sarah, a hundred years and twenty years and seven years, the years of the lives of Sarah. It is interesting that in Hebrew “life” is a plural noun, whereas in English it is singular. Perhaps related to this is that the Hebrew uses the singular “year” for 100 and 20, but the plural “years” for 7. So much for Hebrew style!Sarah’s death is now reported, in Kiryat Arba, which is Hebron, in the land of Canaan. The rest of the parashah unfolds as a response to Sarah’s death: Chapter 23 relates the negotiations which lead to the purchase of the Cave of Machpelah as a burial cave for Abraham’s family, chapter 24 [the longest chapter in Genesis at 67 verses] the process by which Rebecca is secured as a wife for Isaac, and chapter 25, Abraham’s remarriage, the births of six more sons, the dismissal of the children of the concubines, the death of Abraham, the genealogy of Ishmael, and his death. Next week the torch is passed to Isaac.Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk, with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. If it seems that we have just read parashat va-yera [Genesis 18-22] it is because, in a sense, we have. Chapters 21 and 22 were the Torah readings on the first and second day of Rosh Hashanah. In our conversation this week, we started at the end, with aqedat yitzchaq, the Binding of Isaac, and stayed there. Aside from an occasional reference to earlier parts of the parashah, we focused on the endlessly fascinating story of this last test of Avraham. Feel free to share your own thoughts on my Facebook page or at parshatalk@gmail.com. Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk, with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Lekh L’kha [Genesis 12-17], following on the heels of B’reishit and Noach these past two weeks, is the third in a sequence of winnowing or sifting. Taken together, they illustrate the rabbinic category of work known as bo’rer, which forbids the separation of something good from something bad on Shabbat. The first man, Adam, is created with high hopes. In the course of the next 9 generations, the quality of humankind will deteriorate so badly that God’s only solution is to destroy the world. The next week, the world is recreated anew, as it were, with No’ach. This time when the generations deteriorate, God does not destroy the world, but singles out one individual, Avram, soon to be renamed Avraham [17:5], to be the bearer of God’s word in the world. In the language of the beginning verses of the parashah, Avram’s destiny is to be a blessing, to bring God’s word into the world. We spent nearly the whole conversation on the meaning of these opening verses. When the material is so rich, we do not move very far! We hope you enjoy it. Comments and criticisms are welcome at parshatalk@gmail.com. Shabbat Shalom!
Pasha Talk: with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Noach [Genesis 6:9-11:32] concerns itself primarily with the Flood in which God destroyed nearly the entire world he had so carefully created in the opening chapters of Geneis. Noah is described as a righteous person in his generation, which led the rabbis to speculate how he would have fared in a different generation. This midrash provided the springboard for our discussion this week, which moved from a discussion of Noah in his generation to the experience of time to the odd little story [9:18-27] which concludes the Flood narrative. We concluded with a consideration of Chapter 10, sometimes described as the Family of Nations. Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat B’reshit [Genesis 1:1–6:8] begins the annual reading of the Torah once again. We spend some time discussing the phenomenon of reading and rereading the Torah, and how we might approach it with new eyes, with freshness, year after year. We discuss Creation, as it appears in chapter 1 and in chapter 2, we discuss Adam & Eve, Cain & Abel; we talk about Noah, who makes his appearance at the end of the parashah. There is no end to what we could talk about other than the one imposed by time!We welcome you to our new year of conversation about the Torah, and we look forward to hearing from you, by e-mail at parshatalk@gmail.com, facebook, or some other medium. Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. It is a special edition of Parashah Talk this week since there is no regular weekly Torah Reading because of Chol Hamo’ed Sukkot; the intermediate days of Sukkot have a special Torah Reading. On Shabbat we read from Exodus 33:12-34:26, from Parashat Ki Tissa. We read the same selection on Chol Hamo’ed Pesach. In addition to this special Torah Reading, we have a special haftarah, about the future war of Gog and Magog as prophesied by Ezekiel. And, we read from Megillah Kohelet, the Book of Ecclesiastes. We spent most our time on this Book, what it might mean to us today, how we might best understand it as a reading for Sukkot, and how it should have ended. We saved a few minutes for a consideration of Simchat Torah, which is observed on Tuesday, October 18th. When we return next week, we return to Bereshit, where, each year, it all begins anew. Moadim L’simchah! Shabbat Shalom! Chag Same’ach!
Parsha Talk - with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chseler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Ha’azinu [Deuteronomy 32:1-52] presented us with unusual difficulties, of a technological nature. Because of the way Yom Kippur fell out, we recorded during my school day, and space in my school is at a premium. Eliot askes for mechilah [forgiveness] in case I come in and out, I was reminded periodically that my internet connection was unstable, and I do as well.Ha’azinu presents other difficulties as well. The parashah is divided into a poem [verses 1–43] and a prose sections [44–52], which Professor Jeffrey Tigay entitles “Conclusion to the Poem”. The poem, as far as the Torah records, should have become more important than it actually became, perhaps because of some of the theological issues which we discuss. The parashah ends with God yet again telling Moses he will not enter the Promised Land, but can only view it from the mountain.We also took the opportunity to discuss some elements of the upcoming holiday of Sukkot, which begins this Sunday night. Shabbat Shalom & Hag Same’ach!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Va-yelekh [Deuteronomy 31:1–30] is the shortest parashah in terms of verses, but in terms of words and letters it is second to V-zot Ha-b’rakhah, which is read on Simhat Torah. When Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur falls on Shabbat, it is paired with Nitzavim [read last week] 29:9–30:30, which has forty verses. Our discussion this week is perhaps more freewheeling than most other weeks, and if memory serves correctly, we did not delve too deeply into the parashah. Eliot noted that this is the most musical season of the Jewish year, and from their our conversation meandered, taking in the significance of Moses’ death at 120 years and various connections to Psalm 27, occasioned by variations of the phrase hazak v-amatz, which appears 3 times this week, and in the last verse of Psalm 27, as well as in the first chapter of Joshua. As the Jewish calendar works out, this is our first Parashah Talk in 5783. We began this journey over 2 1/2 years ago and we have hardly missed a week. We our grateful to all of you who have listened, watched, commented, and sent e-mails to us at parshatalk@gmail.com. As with Neil Young’s car, Long May You Run! With best wishes for a g’mar hatimah tovah, a seal in the Book of Life for the New Year. Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk, with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Nitzavim [Deut. 29:9-30:20] is the last parashah of 5782, and the third from the end of the weekly readings [V-zot Ha-b’rakhah (Deut. 33:1-34:12), the last parashah, is read on the morning of Simchat Torah (this year, Tuesday, October 18, 2022)]. Nitzavim begins with the declaration that “You stand this day, all of you, before the Lord your God . . . to enter into the covenant of the Lord your God, which the Lord your God is concluding with you this day. . . “ (29:9-11 [NJPS]). The Torah goes on to elaborate, “I make this covenant . . . not with you alone, but both with those who are standing here with us this day before the Lord our God and with those who are not with us here this day (29:13-14). This led us to a discussion of which looms larger in our imagination, the Revelation at Sinai or the Coveant Renewal in the plains of Moab. We managed to mention, and discuss, the last verse of the parashah as well, which also serves as a coda to this section of Deuteronomy. Professor Jeffrey Tigay labels the remaining 4 chapters [Va-yelekh, Ha’azinu, and Ve-zot Ha-b’rakhah] as an Epilogue, describing Moses’ Last Days. With best wishes for a Shabbat Shalom and Shanah Tovah!
Parsha Talk, with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Ki Tavo [Deuteronomy 26:1–29:8] features some texts which appear in Mishnah Sotah 7, where there is a discussion about which texts may be recited in any language, meaning a language one understands, and which must be recited in Hebrew, presumably because the ritual itself is what is important, and not so much one’s understanding. In the latter group [actually mentioned first in the Mishnah] is the passage recited by the farmer who brings his first fruits [Deut. 26:5–11] and the blessings and curses [Deut. 27:12–26}, which is something of an anomaly because they were only recited once, when the Israelites crossed over the Jordan into the Promised Land [see Josh. 8] In the former group is the vidui ma’aser, the confession over the tithe [Deut. 26:12–16]. We spent most of our time discussing the ritual of the first fruits and the confession of the tithe, which more than filled up our time. Give a listen! Shabbat Shalom!!
Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky with Parsha Talk, . This week’s parashah, Ki Tetze [Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19], is the most mitzvah dense, with 74 commandments in 110 verses. A number of these commandments are problematic [in no particular order, the call to destroy Amalek (25:17-19), the stubborn and rebellious son (21:18-21), marriage with a woman captured in war (20:10-14); how the rabbis deal with them and how we might deal with them today was the focus of our conversation. But we also touched on some others, such as those which seem to be basic moral precepts: building a parapet (22:8), chasing away the mother bird when taking her young or eggs (22:6-7). We may have even considered some which seem morally neutral: the prohibition against sha’atnez [mixing wool and linen in clothing] and kilayim [mixing seeds of different species, even yoking two different kinds of animals for plowing (22:9-11). We hope you enjoy! Shabbat Shalom!!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Shoftim [Deuteronomy 16:18–21:9] is the fifth parashah in the Book of Deuteronomy. It has a mitzvah density of about 40%, according to Eliot, who found this statistic in the Koren Torah with Rashi. Mitzvah density is the ration of mitzvot [commandments] to the number of p’suqim [verses]. So there are a lot of mitzvot in this parashah. We spent most of our time focusing on the king, and in particular, his writing of a copy of the Torah [the exact meaning of which is subject to much rabbinic comment]. We barely had time to more than mention some of the many other interesting commandments, but did manage to link the beginning and end of the parashah, thereby providing a metaphorical covering ot the entire parashah. Comments, criticisms, and questions are welcome at parshatalk@gmail.com. Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk: with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Barry Chsler. Parashat Re’eh [Deuteronomy 11:26–16:17] is the beginning of the legislative core of Deuteronomy, which will extend over the next few weeks until the beginning of Parashat Ki Tavo [read this year on September 17]. One might look at it as the foundation of Israelite religious life, with laws calling for the centralization of cultic life “to the site that the Lord your God will choose” [12:5], the dietary laws [ch. 14], צדקה (charity) [ch. 15], and holidays [ch. 16]. We spent a lot of time talking about the centralization of the cult: what did it mean for our ancestors in ancient Israel, and in what ways it might be applicable or desirable today. This did not leave a lot of time to discuss other things, but there is always next year! Comments, questions, and criticisms may be directed to parshatalk@gmail.com. Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky discuss this week's parsha. Parashat Eqev [Deuteronomy 7:12–11:25], the third parashah of the book, has its share of quotables. The second paragraph of the Shema, recited by the faithful twice each day, is found here [Deuteronomy 11:13–21], as is the verse at the heart of the second blessing of Birkat Ha-mazon [Grace After Meals] [8:10], and the phrase [ha-el ha-gadol ha-gibbor v-ha-no’ra [10:17], by which God is addressed in the opening prayer of the Amidah, the prayer par excellence according to the rabbis. Other verses worthy of mention include “man does not live by bread alone” [8:3], the seven species which characterize the Land of Israel [8:8], and the variation of the question that Micah poses and answers about what God wants from us [Micah 6:6–8; cf. Deut. 10:12f]. We manage to at least touch on all of these! Shabbat Shalom!!
Amy Erlanger interviews people from Ramah Berkshires and Ramah Palmer (Ramah New England) before the opening ceremony. Following that, we have the ceremony.
Is it possible that Amy knows some of these Palmer people? Find out....
Parsha Talk- with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. This morning I (BC) got up from shivah [the initial 7-day mourning period after a funeral] for my brother, Bruce, z”l [zikhrono livrakhah, may his memory be for a blessing]. What better way to rejoin the world than to sit on Zoom with colleagues and friends, Rabbis Eliot Malomet and Jeremy Kalmanofsky and discuss the parashah? This week’s parashah, Parashat Va-etchanan [Deuteronomy 3:23–7:11] features the Shema/V-ahavta [6:4–9] and a version of the Ten Commandments [5:6–17; cf. Exodus 20:2-14], as well as some verses which were taken into the liturgy. We began our conversation with a discussion of the Mosaic moment: Moses finds himself rebuffed for the last time in his quest to enter the Promised Land. God does not want to hear any more of this matter, leaving Moses with a crucial question — what should he do now? We follow up on last week’s conversation about Moses as Moshe Rabbeinu, Moses our Teacher, and discuss more precisely how Moshe fulfills this role. We managed to discuss the Shema in the context of both the Ten Commandments and the other appearances of the root-word ahav [to love] in this week’s Torah Reading. As often seems the case, the time is up before we seemed to get anywhere! Give a listen, and let us know what you think! Shabbat Shalom!!
Join this fast-paced discussion with our very own Shorashim and hear about their brand-new musical and more.
Parsha Talk Devarim with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. We begin a new book of the Torah this week, Sefer Devarim, the Book of Deuteronomy, which always comes the Shabbat before Tisha B’Av, the 9th of Av. This year Shabbat is actually the 9th of Av, but we postpone the observance of the fast and the mourning rituals that accompany it until Sunday. A new book of the Torah often begins with great promise, but Rashi notes that the rabbis understand the opening words, “These are the words,” to actually be words of rebuke to B’nai Yisrael. This would make Parashat Devarim [Deuteronomy 1:1–3:22] fitting for the season of national mourning which commenced with the Fast of the 17th of Tammuz [observed this year on July 17th] and culminates with Tisha B’Av. We spend most of our conversation on situating the book in the context of the Torah as a whole and in the context of the life of Moses. The emphasis on mourning this year speaks to me on a personal level as I (BC) mourn the death of my brother, Bruce Evan Chesler, who departed this world for another early Sunday morning [July 31, 2022]. In order to accommodate the needs of a small but far-flung family, the funeral will take place on Friday, August 5, 2022. Speaking words of Torah with my good friends and colleagues provides comfort for my personal loss as well as for the national loss we remember at this time of year. Shabbat Shalom.
The 4 teams are: Yellow Cheerios, Green Apple Jacks, Blue Frosted Flakes, and the winning team, Orange Reese's Puffs.
These are their songs and cheers.
The kids of Chaverim talk to Kol Ramah about all kinds of things, including which movie is better: Zombies or Encanto?
Join host Benji and Gesher camper Harry Posner as they discuss the very latest in the world of sport.
Join our Gesher campers for their radio show, discussions ranging from favourite pizzas to sport.
Parsha Talk : with rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Beginning with the Fast of the 17th of Tammuz, this year marked on the 18th of Tammuz [July 17] because we do not do this type of fast on Shabbat, the Jewish community begins the the 3 Weeks of Punishment or Admonition, which culminate with the observance of the Fast of Tisha B’Av , this year observed on the 10th of Av [August 7], commemorating the destruction of the two temples, among other disasters which befell the Jewish community. Unlike most haftarot [the prophetic readings which follow the Shabbat and Holiday Torah Readings], the haftarot beginning with the Shabbat after the Fast of the 17th of Tammuz are anchored in a particular conception of Jewish history. The three weeks between the 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av feature haftarot from the first 2 chapters of Jeremiah and the first chapter of Isaiah. Shabbat Nachamu, the Sabbath of Comfort or Consolation, which is the first Shabbat after Tisha B’Av features a haftarah from what many scholars believe is Second Isaiah, a prophet perhaps with the name of Isaiah as well but who lived roughly two hundred years after the First Isaiah, in the generation or two after the Destruction of the First Temple. The six weeks that follow also have haftarot from Second Isaiah, to present the Jewish people with what Jeremy referred to as 2nd Isaiah’s greatest hits. Rather than talk about the parashah this week, the last two parashiyot of the Book of Numbers, we turned to the haftarot in order to discuss the phenomenon of prophecy and what it might have meant in the Bible and what it might mean to us, living in the 21st century. Next week we will return to our regularly scheduled program, a discussion of the opening chapters of Deuteronomy. Shabbat Shalom!
Amy Erlanger and Benji Goldstein of Kol Ramah talk with some Tzeirim girls about the new session beginning, and more.
When a disconcerting life-sized puppet from the Camp's production of 'Finding Nemo' comes alive, it is up to friends Matan Goldstein and Jonah Schwartz to save Camp Ramah from its destructive tendencies. With thanks to Ryan from Bogrim.
Join Rabbi Guy Austrian and his Sollelim class on Jews and Punk! Great discussion with Mazalit, Adam, Noah and Blake.
Produced by Amy of Radio Kol Ramah.
Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky present Parsha Talk. Parashat Pinchas [Numbers 25:10-30:1] is the parashah that is most read from during the year, since the maftir reading for Rosh Chodesh and the holidays comes from chapters 28-29. But there is a lot more here, including the end of the story which began at the end of Balak last week. There, the Israelites go astray at Baal Peor and Pinchas takes matters into his own hands by killing two people caught in fragrante delicto. Parashat Balak ends with the notice of 24,000 Israelites dying in the plague. This week the focus is on Pinchas and God’s response to his deed. We talked about this, but also about Moshe, commanded here to go up the mountain for a look at the Promised Land that he will not enter, and what that might mean to him. And, there is the appointment of Joshua as his successor. Still, there is much more we might have discussed. So listen now, and come back next year! Shabbat Shalom!!
Live soundtrack of the wonderful Sollelim Show Finding Nemo. Produced by Sollelim and Tzevet Hofa'a. Recorded by Radio Kol Ramah live in Bet Am Bet on July 18, 2022.
Mussar and Hockey with Rabbi Coach Keven Friedman. Hockey play by play with Andy and Shalev.
Rabbi Coach Keven Tzvi Friedman returns to Radio Kol Ramah and explores the reasoning of "Mussar and Hockey" Listen to a great Ramah Berkshires hocky play by play with Ariel Duffler.
Rabbi Coach Keven Tzvi Friedman's Mussar and Hokey participants from A22 provide a great Hockey Play by play. Note our special bonus at the 5 min 30 sec mark when Rabbi Friedman discusses the intersting work he is doing with US imigration services.
Rabbi Coach Keven Tzvi Friedman interviews campers who have experienced our very popular, albeit unique "Mussar and Hockey" program.
Dr Alison Joseph's yahadut class studied Balak and prepared and performed an original radio play based on their studies. This was recorded live in the B side pagoda. A special guest opens the podcast with a beautiful song.
Participants are in Machon, Solellim and Bogrim. They include (in no particular order): Mia, Jake, Vivian, Dasha, Gabby, August, Katriella, Francesca, Dalia, Annie, Maya, Shira and Eden.
We end the podcast with a song Mah Tovu from the CD Shirei Gan Shalom, by Melita Dvostan and Octopretzel
Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky bring us Parsha Talk! Parashat Balak [Numbers 22:2–25:9] is the second of the three parashiyot [portions] in Numbers named after a person. The Balak in question is the King of Moab, who sends away for a rent-a-prophet to come curse the Israelites. The prophet in question is Balaam first is forbidden by God to come, then receive permission. This sets the stage for one of the best known stories in biblical literature, the talking donkey [this was thousands of years before Mr. Ed, for those old enough to catch the reference!]. For the rabbis, this talking donkey was already prepared that first Friday afternoon of Creation. According to the Mishnah, Tractate Avot, this donkey is one of 10 things, all of a miraculous nature, created that first week, as if to suggest that if a miracle is part of nature, it is not quite the subversion of nature we often associate with miracles. This story of Balak and Balaam, which takes up most of the parashah, also takes up most of our coversation. Give a listen! In the words of the prophet, “Out of Zion goes forth Torah, the word of God from Jerusalem”. I (BC) write these words and participated in our recording from the holy city of Jerusalem, where I have had the privilege to participate in an amazing professional development conference sponsored by Legacy Heritage Teachers Institute. Shabbat Shalom!
A CRB tradition where each edah sings a Hebrew song. Soundtrack recorded live in the Ulam by Radio Kol Ramah.
Live soundtrack of the Gesher play Legally Blonde - The Musical. Directed by Hofa'ah staff. Recorded live in Bet Am Bet by radio Kol Ramah.
Eighteen years running, Kibitzing with Kurland has seen many guests. Come join Rabbi Paul Kurland and Mitch Mernick with special call in surprise guests,
Sollelim and Bogrim participants in Dr. Alison Joseph's class present their own poscast on this weeks parasha Chukkat. Listen for a special bonus; a discussion of what Torah class is like in camp and how it differs from the school year. These chanichim are truly "The Next Generation". With Aiden, Eliana, Allison, Margolit, Ruth, Eli, Noah, Charlie, Tamar, Jordan.
Hear a behind-the-scenes discussion with the creators of 'Apples for Breakfast'. Featuring fun, games and of course the wonderful Soleilim cast.
It's a normal Ramah breakfast... except the apples are talking! Listen in on lesser knows culinary politics, put together and performed by a group of enthusiastic Soleilim. With thanks to Jordan, Daniel, Hannah, Eli, Sam and Henry.
Think you've seen Breaking Bad? Think again. This heimeshe version of the hit show is set in 1970s Israel and features the likes of Jesse Pinkanberg, Tuco Salamancaberg and Saul Goodmanman. Performed by Aiden and Brandon.
Parsha Talk broadcast directly from Camp Ramah , with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy KalmanofskyI, It is an early edition of Parashah Talk since I am on my way to Israel tonight for a professional development conference in Jerusalem under the auspices of Legacy Heritage Fund. Our parashah [Chukkat, Numbers 19:1-22:1] is one that we discussed more than once in our summers at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires but still there are new things to say. We cover some of the ground we have previously covered but add, we hope, additional insights. Among the topics are the ritual of the red heifer, Moses & The Rock, and the death of Aaron. At 40+ minutes this is one of our longer episodes, yet it seems yet again, that we have barely scratched the surface. A Happy July 4th to those in or citizens of the United States; and Shabbat Shalom to one and all!
Over the last week a small group of dedicated Tzeirimers put together and performed an original piece of sketch comedy based on the popular show 'Bunked' and featuring the likes of Kevin Hart and Adam Sandler. Listen as they navigate through Camp and laugh along with us.
Amy Erlanger and Mitch Mernick talk to B3 about the 4th of July and their time at camp.
Complete soundtrack of the wonderful July 4 concert "The Miriam Hertzon Experience"!
Josh Ehrlich - Keyboard and Vocals Jeff Weisz - Guitar Max Silverstone - Bass Guitar Phil Kronenberg - Drums Adam Weingarten - Drums and A/V Landon Braverman - Vocals and a little bit of keyboard Lexi Wenger - Vocals Lexi Weakley - Vocals Leilah Rosen - Vocals Ava Lewis - Vocals Mac Liebowitz - Harmonica and vocals
Parsha Talk, with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanosfky. Parashat Korach [Numbers 16-18] is the fifth of the ten weekly readings in the Book of Numbers. One of its distinguishing features is that it is named after a person, which happens 3 times in Numbers, as many times as in the rest of the Torah. The Korach in question is a first cousin of Moses and Aaron, but his appearance in the parashah is for political, not merely familial reasons, though the two are related. Korach takes umbrage at the concentration of power in the family of Moses and Aaron, and wishes for it to be diffused more widely, at least to him and his family. He leads a rebellion against the leadership of Moses and Aaron, which in our version in the Torah is combined with at least 2 or 3 other separate rebellions. Suffice it to say, none of them end well for the instigators. For a slightly different approach than our usual thematically based conversation, we began with the first verse and then made our way through as many verses as time allowed. Give a listen! Shabbat Shalom!!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Sh’lach [Numbers 13-15] is primarily concerned with the episode of the so-called spies [Numbers 13-14]: Moshe, apparently at God’s bequest, sends 12 men, each a princes of his tribe, to scout out the land in anticipation of entrance and conquest by the Israelites, in fulfillment of God’s promise to the ancestors. They come back with a devastating report by 10 of the 12, which sets back the history of the people by 40 years, since God’s response is to declare that no one over the age of 20, with the exception of Caleb and Joshua [from the tribe of Judah and Ephraim, respectively], will enter the land. The generation of the spies is condemned to live their remaining days in the wilderness. Chapter 15, which itself is worthy of a show, contains legislation about sacrifices, the curious story about the wood-gatherer [15:32-36], and the best known passage, 15:37-41, which became the third paragraph of the Shema in Jewish liturgy. Our conversation focused mostly on the spies, and in particular, on the first verse [13:1]. We hope you enjoy. Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk, with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. We often refer to the Torah as the Chumash, a shortening of the Hebrew phrase for the 5 Books of Moses or 5 Books of the Torah. But there is a rabbinic tradition that there are actually 7 books, based on a scribal anomaly where the two verses 10:35-36 are bracketed by inverted nuns [the 14th letter of the Hebrew alphabet] in the Torah scroll.. Our book of Numbers would then comprise 3 books: 1:1-10:34, 10:35-36, and 11:1-12:16. There is no clear consensus why these verses are so bracketed, but the two verses in question are most familiar to us from the Torah service in the synagogue, where verse 10:35 begins the Torah service with the opening of the ark and 10:36 begins the last paragraph before we return the Torah and close the ark. We discuss the significance of these verses as part our conversation for Parashat B’ha’alo’tkha [Numbers 8-12]. There are a myriad of other topics this week, some of which capture our attention, including Pesach Sheni, the 2nd Passover [9:1-14]., and the incident of Miriam and Aaron apparently defaming Moses [12:1-16]. Give a listen! Shabbat Shalom!!
Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky: Parashat Naso [Numbers 4:21–7:89] is not just amazing, it is the longest single parashah in the Torah, with well over two thousand words, and contains the longest chapter, chapter 7, with 89 verses. Among the topics taken up is the completion of the levitical census, the trespass offering, the ritual for the woman suspected of adultery, the nazir, and the tribal chieftains’ gifts for the Tabernacle. It is perhaps appropriate for such a dense parashah that our conversation lasted nearly forty minutes, which may be our record. We hope you enjoy! Shabbat Shalom!!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Eliot Kalmanofsky. We begin a new book of the Torah this week, Sefer B’midbar [the Book of Numbers], with the opening parashah [Numbers 1:1–4:20] also named b’midbar [literally, “in the wilderness (of)”, which is the setting for the opening chapters]. This parashah is concerned with the tribal census of fighting men, which is what influenced the Greek, then Latin name for the book, which made its way into English as Numbers. Immediately upon the conclusion of Shabbat begins the holiday of Shavuot, the holiday of first-fruits, which the rabbis designate as z’man mattan torateinu, the season of the giving of the Torah. We devote our conversation this week to the holiday of Shavuot and the theme of revelation. We may pick up b’midbar when we return to our regular schedule next week with parashat Naso, which completes the levitical census, the enumeration of the 3 principal clans of the tribe of Levi and a detailing of their tabernacle responsibilities. In the meanwhile, Shabbat Shalom and Chag Same’ach!
Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat B’chukotai [Leviticus 26:3-27:34] concludes the reading from the Book of Leviticus. Chapter 26 contains the tochechah, the lengthy passage of rebuke for failure to live up to God’s commands, which finds an echo in parashat Ki Tavo, near the end of Deuteronomy. Chapter 27 discusses votive offerings to the tabernacle, where a person’s donation is determined by gender and age. This finds an echo in the Book of Numbers, which we begin reading next week, and the redemption of the first-born. This topic of valuations forms the basis of the mishnaic tractate of Arakhin, and provides a contrast between the monetary worth of a human being here with the infinite value of a human being embedded in the idea that each of us is created in the image of God. Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk; with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat B’har [Leviticus 25:1–26:2], at 57 verses, is one of the shortest of the weekly readings. It is concerned with the shmittah [sabbatical] year and yovel [jubilee] year, as well as other legislation designed to remediate poverty which leads to the selling of ancestral land. Of particular note for Americans [of the United States variety] is 25:10, which provides the Hebrew source for the inscription on the Liberty Bell, “you shall proclaim liberty throughout the land, unto all the inhabitants thereof”. We discussed a little bit what liberty or freedom might have meant in its biblical context, but spent most of our time discussing a rabbinic take on the trolley problem, which is found in the Talmud [Bava Metzia 62a], and quotes from our parashah as a proof-text [25:36] As always, comments and criticisms are welcome at parshatalk.com. Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky bring us Parsha Talk! The parashah this week is Emor [Leviticus 21-24], which features the Levitical calendar [chapter 23], last read in the synagogue on the 2nd day of Passover. This calendar is a culmination of the move to a fixed calendar, with nearly all the holidays now designated for a specific day and month, completing the shift from agricultural occasions in the earlier calendars [Exodus and Deuteronomy]. Chapter 21 is devoted to various priestly restrictions and limitations, to borrow the title given it by Baruch Levine in his JPS Torah Commentary, while Chapter 22 discusses various sacred donations which come to the priests as a result of their service. Chapter 24 contains one of the few events that takes place in Leviticus, an event which sparks the conclusion of our conversation. As always, comments and criticisms are welcome at parshatalk.com. Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmanofskt and Barry Chesler. This week we are back to the regular weekly reading, parashat Kedoshim [Leviticus 19-20]. For the rabbis, this is the central portion of Leviticus, with the famous verse, ve-ahavta l-re’akha ka-mokha [“you shall love your neighbor as yourself”], at the very center of the Torah. According to the Sage, Hillel, the rest [of the Torah] is commentary. We take up the theme of holiness in our discussion of chapter 19, though we make some references to chapter 20, a kind of reprise of chapter 18, read three weeks ago as part of parashat Acharai Mot. Since we recorded the show on the eve of Yom Ha-atzma’ut, Israel’s Independence Day, we spent some time discussing its significance. We hope you enjoy! Shabbat Shalom!!
Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Barrry Chesler. Parashat Acharai Mot [Leviticus 16-18] is familiar to many of us from Yom Kippur, when we reach chapter 16 in the morning and, traditionally, chapter 18, though in modern times congregations have chosen to read chapter 19 or parashat nitzavim for Deuteronomy. Chapter 16 describes the Yom Kippur ritual in the mishkan [tabernacle], and is prefaced by a note about the deaths of Nadav and Avihu, narrated in chapter 10. We spend the first part of our conversation discussing these deaths and what they might have meant in the life of the nation and in the lives of Moses and Aaron, national leaders but also brothers who suffered an enormous tragedy. The second part of the conversation took its cue from the calendar, the observance of Yom HaShoah [Holocaust Memorial Day] this past Wednesday evening and Thursday, and of Yom Ha-Zikkaron [Israel’s Memorial Day] and Yom Ha-Atzma’ut [Israel’s Independence Day]. Jeremy, who must returned from a trip to Israel for Pesach, shared his Yom HaShoah experience in Israel. Wishing one and all Shabbat Shalom!
Join Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky for Parsha Talk! Because the next two shabbatot are the first and last Yom Tov of Pesach, we offer this special Pesach edition of Parashah Talk, where the conversation focuses on the Haggadah, rather than the Torah portion. We hope this will carry you through until parashat Acharai Mot, read in synagogues on April 30, when we will return to our normal schedule! Until then, our best wishes for a zissen Pesach!!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Barry Chesler. This week’s parashah is M’tzora [Leviticus 14-15], which continues the Torah’s discussion of the skin affliction commonly, but mistakenly, identified with leprosy. In the latter part of chapter 14, this affliction plagues the houses of the Israelites. The Torah raises the curiosity of the Israelite summoning the priest to make the diagnosis but given time to remove the movables, lest they be condemned with the house. This raises the possibility that the affliction has a spiritual dimension which may be of greater importance than the physical one. The haftarah, special for the Shabbat before Passover, is from the last chapter of the last prophet, Malachi [generally dated to late 6th century, around the building of the 2nd Temple], who predicts the coming of Elijah to restore harmony between parents and their children. The generation gap, perhaps surprisingly, is much older than we often imagine, and may require a miraculous intervention to resolve its tension. As always, comments and criticisms are welcome at parshatalk@gmail.com. Below is the link for T-shirts. Should you purchase one, do let us know! Shabbat Shalom!!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Malomet, Kalmanofsky and Chesler. This week is the 4th of the special Shabbatot before Pesach, each with a special maftir [additional reading] and haftarah [prophetic reading]. Next week is also special; it is the Shabbat before Pesach and is called Shabbat Ha-gadol, for reasons which fall far short of unanimous agreement. While Shabbat Ha-gadol does have a special haftarah, there is no special maftir. Perhaps more on that next week! The weekly reading is Thazria [Leviticus 12-13], flying solo so to speak this year [in many years it is paired with M’tzorah, which this year we read next week]. The seventh aliyah, which is normally the end of the weekly reading, is from Numbers 28:9-15, in honor of Rosh Chodesh, the first day of the Hebrew month Nisan.. The maftir is from Exodus [12:1-20], and details the preparation for Pesach Mitzrayim, the Passover as celebrated in Egypt. While Thazria, which is primarily about the disease commonly, but mistakenly according to most scholars, called leprosy, and the elaborate priestly ritual for dealing with it, we discussed chapter 12 [at 8 verses, one of, if not the shortest, in the Torah], which has to do with the status of a woman who has given birth to a boy or a girl [each has a different status]. It also includes the law of circumcision, which was first mentioned in Genesis in the context of Abraham and the covenant. Most of our conversation this week focused on circumcision and the Passover ritual in Exodus. We hope you enjoy! Shabbat Shalom!! Chodesh Tov!!!
Join Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky for Parsha Talk! Parashat Sh’mini [Leviticus 9-11] coincides with Shabbat Parah this year, the third of the four special shabbatot before Passover, each with its own maftir [this week Numbers 19] and haftarah [Ezekiel 36:16-38]. The Torah reading features the culmination of the ordination ceremony for the priests and sacrifice with its unexpected ending in the deaths of Aaron’s two older sons, Nadav and Avihu, and the dietary laws. The special maftir describes the curious rite of the red heifer, and provides a different counterpoint to the story of Nadav and Avihu than the usual haftarah [2 Samuel 6:1-7:17]. As is often the case, I do not always remember what we discuss before we record and what we discuss on the program! You may send questions and comments to parshatalk@gmail.com. Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Tzav [Leviticus 6-8] divides, unevenly, into 2 sections. The first 2 chapters reprise the sacrifices discussed in last week’s parashah, but this time from the priest’s perspective. In this sense, it is a coda to last week. Chapter 8 is the first half of what Baruch Levine calls, in his JPS Torah Commentary on Leviticus, “The Initiation of Formal Worship”. Eliot has the timer when we record so I have no idea if our conversation so neatly mirrors the parashah’s division or has its own organizational scheme. We said what we wanted to say, though, and we hope you enjoy it! Shabbat Shalom, and for those listening before Thursday night, Purim Same’ach!!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Barry Chesler. This week, we begin a new book of the Torah, Va-yiqra [Leviticus] with the parashah [chapters 1-5] taking its name from the book. It provides a detailed description of the 5 major sacrifices an Israelite might offer, 3 voluntary [olah (burmt offering), minchah (grain offering), zevach sh’lamim (sacred gift of greeting)] and 2 required [chattat (sin-offering) and asham (penalty offering)], occasioned by certain sins and the desire to make amends.. In addition, it is Shabbat Zachor, the 2nd of the special shabbatot before Passover, which always falls on the Shabbat before Purim, observed this year Wednesday evening, March 16, and Thursday, March 17. We touch upon the maftir [Deuteronomy 25:17-19] but did not have time to discuss the fascinating haftarah [1 Samuel 15:2-34] in which Saul will lose his kingdom. Instead we concluded with a game to spark a discussion of the Book of Esther and the holiday of Purim. Let us know what you think at parshatalk@gmail.com! Shabbat Shalom! Purim Same’ach!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat P’qudai [Exodus 38:21-40:38] recounts the final details of the erection of the mishkan [Tabernacle] with the concluding verses noting that the cloud covered the ohel mo’ed [sacred tent] and the glory or presence of God filled the tabernacle, so much so that Moshe could not enter. When the cloud lifted, the Israelites set out on their journeys; but when it remained in place, so did the Israelites. The cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle during the day and the fire at night, in the presence of the entire house of Israel in all their journeys. The fire and cloud are two of the great symbols of God’s presence, since each has substance but no fixed form. We discuss the meaning of the tabernacle, the multiple beginnings of Exodus and how the end shapes our understanding of each beginning, and more. We hope you enjoy our conclusion of the Book of Exodus! Shabbat Shalom!!
Parsha Talk-with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Barry Chesler. Parashat Va-yaqhel [Exodus 35:1-38:20] is the penultimate parashah of Sefer Sh’mot [the Book of Exodus]. In non-leap years it is paired with the last parashah [P’qudai, more on that next week] to make one of the longest parashiyot of the year. These last two parashiyot take up the actual construction of the mishkan [tabernacle], after the planning was described in the three preceding parashiyot. We spent a fair amount of time talking about Shabbat, since one of the few specific prohibitions is found in the second verse. We also discussed the meaning of the word va-yaqkel, which is often translated as “convoke” or “gather”. For those who like to look ahead, this week is also Shabbat Sheqalim, the first of the 4 special shabbatot before Passover, each with a special maftir [additional reading] and haftarah [prophetic passage]. For Sheqalim, the maftir is from the beginning of last week’s parashah, Ki Tissa [Exodus 30:11-16]. For those keeping track, we have about seven weeks until Passover! Shabbat Shalom!
Join Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmonofsky for Parsha Talk. Parashat Ki Tissa [Exodus 30:11-34:25] features the episode of the Golden Calf, which provided the material for most of our discussion this week. How should we evaluate the performance of God? Moshe? B’nai Yisrael? What is the nature of the sin of idolatry? Does it have modern relevance? resonance? We came at these questions, and the story, each in his own way, making for a thoughtful discussion as we shared our ideas and responded to each others’. Comments and criticisms welcome at parshatalk@gmail.com. Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Tetzaveh [Exodus 27:20-30:10] follows closely on T’rumah with the plans for some of the furniture and objects of the Mishkan [Tabernacle] and the priestly vestments. On the face of it, it does not seem to provide material for an interesting discussion, but we persevered and perhaps even prevailed! As with last week, we talked more theology than the parashah as a whole might suggest at first blush. In particular, we talked about the priestly breastplate, with its four rows of precious jewels, and considered the meaning of the Exodus in a different light than usual, basing ourselves on the passage at the end of Chapter 29 [43-47]. As always, comments and criticisms are welcome at parshatalk@gmail.com. Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk - with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Barry Chesler. Parashat T’rumah [Exodus 25:1-27:18] begins the Torah’s lengthy disquisition on the building of the Tabernacle, whose plan and construction will take up most of the remaining chapters of Exodus. This week and next the Torah will describe in great detail how the Tabernacle should be constructed, including descriptions of the furniture and utensils, and then, separated by the episode of the Golden Calf, the Torah will describe the actual building of the Tabernacle. Our conversation this week is perhaps more theological than usual for us, and less tethered to the text. Perhaps we discuss one specific verse, but not much more! Still, the time went quickly. Before we knew it, we were wishing a Shabbat Shalom, which I shall echo here. Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk - with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Barry Chesler. Parashat Mishpatim [Exodus 21-24] contains the Covenant Code, one of the major pieces of legislation in the Torah. One way of looking at it is to think of it as the prose to the poetry of revelation in last week’s parashah. In Jewish terms it is the halachah [law] to last week’s aggadah [narrative, non-legal material]. Mishpatim is rich in legal detail, with laws covering a variety of situations, many of which must have been more common while others would have occurred more rarely. Our conversation began with the first verse and included the last chapter, a ritual that is, shall we say, distinctly non-modern. Along the way we discussed some of the specific laws one or more of us find interesting. Comments and criticisms are welcome at parshatalk@gmail.com. Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Barry Chesler. Parashat Yitro [Exodus 18:1-20:23, and in some versions enumerated as 20:26] features the Ten Commandments, which is half of a larger unit generally referred to as Revelation at Sinai. When I used to teach Exodus 19 and 20 in high school, I would entitle the unit, “Revelation: There is less than meets the eye”. For many people, most of what they know, or think they know, about Revelation comes from the rabbis and not from the Torah. The Torah’s account is rather spartan and difficult to follow. Give a listen to see what we make of it. As always, comments and criticisms are welcome at parshatalk@gmail.com. Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. This Shabbat is known as Shabbat Shirah, after the Song of the Sea [Exodus 15:1–18], which is featured in this week’s parashah, parashat B’shallah [Exodus 13:17–17:16]. For the haftarah [Judges 4:4–5:31], the rabbis chose another triumphant song, the Song of Deborah [Judges 5:2–31], celebrating another event in Israel’s salvation history. We spend some time talking about the Song of the Sea itself, as well as the event it celebrates. In the nearly two years we have been doing Parashah Talk on Zoom, I do not think Eliot has missed a week to describe this week’s parashah as amazing. We hope you find that our conversation measures up! Shabbat Shalom!!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Barry Chesler: Parashat Bo [Exodus 10:1-13:16] contains the first commandment to B’nai Yisrael, the commandment to mark what came to be known as the month of Nisan, the month in which Passover is observed, as the first month in the calendar. So important is this commandment that Rashi [1040-1104], the famous Bible [and Talmud] commentator raises the possibility in his comment on the first verse of the Torah [Genesis 1:1] that this commandment [Exodus 12:2] should be the actual beginning of the Torah. Exodus 12 is one of my favorite chapters in the Torah, and it provides the basis for much of our conversation. Give a listen! Shabbat Shalom!!
Parashat Va-era [Exodus 6:2-9:35] opens with a verse that has intrigued modern critical biblical scholars for generations: God tells Moses that He appeared to the patriarchs as El Shaddai, but did not make his name YHVH [the unpronounceable 4-letter name of God] known to them. How much does it matter by which name we call upon God? The parashah also features the first 7 plagues; the phenomenon of the plagues [are they best understood in the aggregate, or perhaps individually; is it phenomena or phenomenon?] which engenders quite a bit of discussion. Are the plagues to show the Egyptians something? or perhaps the Israelites? At the beginning the Egyptian magicians match in some measure the early plagues, but very quickly they move beyond their capabilities. Speaking of capabilities, we find an echo of the verse from last week in which God tells Moses that Aaron will play the prophet to Moses’ God, which suggests that perhaps it is the voice of the prophet who speaks for God, who is mostly silent, or unheard. We had an opportunity to respond in some fashion to questions submitted by e-mail, so please submit them at parshatalk.com. Shabbat Shalom and a Happy 2022!
Parsha Talk; with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. We began a new book, Sefer Shemot [the Book of Exodus], with parashat Shemot [Exodus 1:1-6:1] and our discussion did not get very far. It seemed that we were just touching on some of the items of interest in chapters 1 and 2 when time was called; we closed with each of us offering an explanation/interpretation of God’s curious name: ehyeh asher ehyeh, a phrase which defies a coherent English translation [see Exodus 3:14]. We could easily have talked for twice as long, so rich is the parashah. If you do not want to wait until next year, you can wait until next week, when we offer another edition of Parashah Talk! As always, comments and criticisms welcome at parshatalk@gmail.com. Shabbat Shalom!
Come join Rabbis Malomet, Chesler and Kalmanofsky for Parsha Talk. Any time one can reference “The Princess Bride” it is sure to bring a smile to one’s face, so we are pleased that Parashat Ve-yehi [Genesis 47:28-50:26] provided us with that opportunity. We spend our time talking about Jacob at the end of his life, there are a couple of deathbed scenes, and Joseph at the end of his life. Genesis began with such hope, the Creation of a perfectly ordered world, and ends practically in despair, with the death of Joseph who can only make his brothers and descendants promise that when the people leave Egypt they will take his bones with them for burial in the Promised Land, underscoring the different experience after the death of Jacob, when the brothers at least were able to bury their father’s remains at the Cave of Machpelah. We have successully concluded our journey through the book of Genesis which began 11 weeks ago with the first of the 12 parashiyot that make up the book. Even as we linger, we are looking forward to beginning the Book of Exodus. Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky with Parsha Tralk. As I (BC) mention early in the program, I found parashat va-yigash [Genesis 44:18-47:27] somewhere between unsettling and disturbing. Our conversation focuses on the character of and characters, Jacob, Joseph, and Pharaoh. The parashah is more than amazing, I understand that each week’s parashah qualifies on that score, it is particularly rich, recalling for us earlier stories in Genesis, going back to Creation, and pointing forward to Exodus, and even Joshua and beyond. As always, your comments and criticisms are welcome at parshatalk@gmail.com. Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Barry Chesler. Parashat Mi-qetz [Genesis 41:1-44:17] coincides this year with Rosh Chodesh Tevet [the first day] and, of course, Hanukkah. Thirty years ago on this Shabbat, I delivered my senior sermon in the Seminary Synagogue at The Jewish Theological Seminary of America. I shared the bimah with my wife, Carol, who led the davening as part of her senior Shabbat as a cantorial student. The date was December 7, 1991, the 50th anniversary of Pearl Harbor. Parashah Talk this week allowed me to revisit some of the themes of my sermon that year, as well as the line with which I began, noting that this was the Jewish version of tora-tora-tora! There was a lot to talk about, so we hope you enjoy! Shabbat Shalom! Chodesh Tov! Hag Urim Same’ach! A Shabbat of Peace, a Good Month, Happy Festival of Lights!
Join Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmonofsky for Parsha Talk - Thanksgiving Edition. Parashat Va-yeshev [Genesis 37-40] is the first of four parashiyot which feature Joseph and his brothers. This week, Joseph is given a technicolor dreamcoat, as it were, which sets in motion the dreams he perhaps carelessly reveals to his brothers, his going forth to see how his brothers are faring as shepherds in the area of Shechem, his sale into slavery and his interactions with Potiphar and his wife. At the end of the parashah, after successully interpreting the dreams of the butler and baker, he is left languishing in prison, forgotten by the butler who had promised to remember him to Pharaoh. In chapter 38 we have the curious interlude of Judah and Tamar. We discuss Joseph as a transition figure, in terms of his ancestors, the Patriarchs, and his brothers. We touch upon the story of Judah and Tamar, and we discuss the episode with Mrs. Potiphar, which will land Joseph in jail. The time went quickly, so we hope you enjoy it as much as we did! Shabbat Shalom, and a Happy Thanksgiving!!
Parsha Talk; with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmonofsky - Parashat Va-yishlach [Genesis 32:4-36:43] is the subject of this week’s Parashah Talk. We discuss Jacob’s encounter with the malakh, the messenger, which results in injury but acquires for Jacob a blessing and a new name. We talk about the disturbing story of Dinah, the only daughter of Jacob and Leah, and what befalls her from her encounter with one of the locals. And we point ahead to Va-yeshev next week , and Mi-ketz in two weeks. We conclude with the burial of Isaac and its significance. Shabbat Shalom!
Parashah Talk, with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky has gone international! Eliot recorded the show in Ottawa, Ontario, where he is visiting his mother, while Jeremy and I were in our customary places in New York City and Long Island. Parashat Va-yetze [Genesis 28:10-32:3] has long been one of, if not my very favorite parashah. Not only was it my Bar Mitzvah parashah [1968] but also my wife, Carol’s [1974]. And since my Hebrew name is Ya-aqov, Jacob has always been one of my most favorite biblical characters. Each week before we record we kick around ideas for about a half hour. Some of what we discuss in our initial conversation makes it into the recording in one form or another [I think every week one of us makes mention of our prior conversation]. And even though this happened again this week, I do not remember another recording that seemed so different from our initial conversation. We talked about the well, the character of Jacob and Lavan, the pathos of Leah, among other things. While we did not run out of things to talk about, we did run out of time. There is always next week! Shabbat Shalom!!
Come join us for Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky's Parsha Talk. Parashat Toldot [Genesis 25:19-28:9] lives up to its opening words וְאֵלֶּה תּוֹלְדֹת יִצְחָק בֶּן־אַבְרָהָם אַבְרָהָם הוֹלִיד אֶת־יִצְחָק, [ve-elleh toldot yitzhaq ben avraham, avraham ho’lid et yitzchak, “these are the generations of Isaac the son of Abraham, Avraham fathered Isaac], for it features the crucial events in Isaac’s life after the Binding of Isaac [ch. 22] and the securing of a wife for him [ch. 24]. Our conversation is spirited, focusing on the character of Isaac and the character of Esau, sometimes in comparison with Jacob. Give a listen and let us know what you think at parshatalk@gmail.com, where comments and criticisms are always welcome. Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Barry Chesler. The parashah this week, parashat Chayyei Sarah [Genesis 23:1-25:18) pretty much covers the life cycle: There are the deaths of Sarah, Abraham, and Ishmael; the marriage of Isaac and Rebecca; the births of Abraham’s last six sons. We spend a lot of time talking about Abraham, it is our last chance this Torah reading cycle, and some time talking about Rebecca. and of necessity, Isaac; according to Jeremy, the three patriarchs are Abraham, Rebecca, and Jacob. I have been assured this show is one of the best, so feel free to respond with your own thoughts at parshatalk@gmail.com. Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky - Parashat Va-yera [Genesis 18-22] begins with the arrival of the messengers of God to the tent of the recovering Abraham [he circumcised himself and all the males of his household at the end of last week’s parashah] to announce the upcoming birth of Isaac to the elderly Abraham and Sarah. It ends with Abraham sacrificing a ram in the place of his son Isaac on an altar the rabbis will later place on the Temple Mount. But the actual conclusion is a five-sentence coda announcing the birth of Rebecca, who will ultimately marry Isaac, in next week’s parashah. The Torah has a wonderful way of compressing time in the telling of its stories. The three of us, in our conversation, struggled valiantly to compress time so we could get in as much as possible in our allotted time. Please let us know if you think we succeeded! We receive e-mail at parshatalk@gmail.com. Shabbat Shalom!
With Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Parashat Lekh L’kha [Genesis 12-17] marks Avram’s entrance into the land that God would show him, identified as the land of Canaan [12:5]. He has left his father Terach in Haran, giving powerful punch to the command to Avram to depart “your land, your birthplace, and your father’s house”. Chizkuni, the medieval commentator, explains that the Torah mentions that Avram was 75 [12:4] in order to teach us that Terach was still alive [145, with 60 more years to live]. Avram, renamed Avraham later in the parashah [17:5], appears in a number of scenes, not all of which portray him as well as one might like or even expect. We had a lively conversation exploring the character of Avraham, and invite you to send us your votes for favorite patriarch or matriarch at parshatalk@gmail.com. Shabbat Shalom!
With Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky - It is parashat Noach [Genesis 6:9-11:32] on Parashah Talk, which always brings back a flood of memories. As we turn over the story of Noah we do not get much beyond his character and the question of how we should evaluate him. Is he the one-eyed man who sees far in the land of the blind but perhaps not even half as well as the one with two eyes, or is even greater than Avraham, who did not have to contend, at least in the Torah, with evil on the magnitude of Noah’s generation? We also talk about the genealogies of the 3 sons of Noah, and the more limited one from Shem to Avram, as he is known when we first meet him. Please let us know how you look at Noah, or anything else, at parshatalk@gmail.com. Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky - Parashah Talk is back for another season! After a couple of weeks to talk about the holidays, we are back to the weekly parashah. This week, the first Shabbat after Simchat Torah, we begin all over again with Parashat B’reshit [Genesis 1:1-6:8]. While the text remains the same, we are a year older, and hopefully wiser, so we look at the text from a slightly different, perhaps more elevated, perspective. We are grateful for the opportunity to talk Torah, and hope you enjoy listening and/or watching! Shabbat Shalom!!
Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky - The High Holy Day season, which began with Rosh Chodesh Elul, the 1st of the Hebrew month of Elul [this year, August 9, 2021], comes to a triumphant climax this week with Shabbat Chol Ha-Mo’ed Sukkot, whose Torah reading features the 13 attributes [which we discussed in the Yom Kippur edition] and the reading of Sefer Qohelet [the Book of Ecclesiastes], Hoshanah Rabbah on Monday, Sh’mini Atzeret on Tuesday, and Simchat Torah on Wednesday. We cover each of these in turn as we wind up the Torah Reading cycle this year and look forward to beginning again on Simchat Torah with the first Creation story, and next Shabbat with the opening Torah portion of 5782! The three of us have had our lives enriched by coming together now nearly every week for the last year-and-a-half. We hope we have enriched your lives as well with our discussion of Torah! מועדים לשמחה is the customary greeting for this time of year. A joyous holiday season and a Good Year.
Parsha Talk: With Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. We are back with a special edition of Parashah Talk devoted to Yom Kippur. We discuss a range of topics: the haunting music of Kol Nidre, the last shofar blast and the Jubilee Year, the 13 Middot of God [Exodus 34:6-7] which are at the heart of the s’lichot [penitential prayers], the confessions of sins, among others. We hope you enjoy it! May we all be sealed in the Book of Life for the New Year!!
We have a special edition of Parashah Talk for Rosh Hashanah, whose conversation focuses mostly on the shofar and what it means to us to blow it and to listen to it. Because of the way Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur fall this year we will be back with a Yom Kippur edition in about two weeks. With best wishes for a Shanah Tovah U-m’tukah, a good and sweet year. May we all be inscribed for a year of blessing and Torah study!
Parsha alk with Rabbis Eliot Malmet, Jeremy Kalmonofky and Barry Chesler. The last four parashiyot [Torah Readings] of Sefer D’varim [Book of Deuteronomy] comprise fewer than five chapters, whereas the five before this week [Nitzavim, Deuteronomy 29:9-30:20] span 22 chapters. We address this point this week, exploring what Eliot calls parshaology. We mostly discuss just a few verses, the opening ones, the closing ones, perhaps a few others, including lo bashamayim hi [30:12, ‘it is not in heaven’], though we do not delve into its rabbinic use in the famous talmudic story, The Oven of Akhnai. This morning in minyan [the first staff day for the new school year], the Associate Head of School asked me about the dots over the words in 29:8. I knew they signified something, but could not remember at the time. Jeremy has a fascinating explanation! In the meanwhile, as we get ready for Rosh Hashanah next Monday night, the three of us wish everyone a Shabbat Shalom!
Parsha Talk; with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Barry Chesler. Parashat Ki Tavo [Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8] features 3 of the passages mentioned in the first 2 mishnayot of Tractate Sotah Chapter 7. There the rabbis list passages which may be recited in any language, since understanding is of utmost importance, and those which must be recited in Hebrew, because the ritual performance is paramount. The vidui ma’aser [confession over the tithe (Deut. 26: 12-15] may be recited in any language, whereas miqra biqqurim [the declaration over first fruits (Deut. 26:1-11)] and the b’rakhot u-q’lalot [blessings and curses (Deut. 27:11-26)], must be recited in Hebrew, the holy language. Chapter 28, by far the largest section of the parashah, contains the tohekhah [the rebuke, a lengthy list of curses which will afflict the Israelites for failure to keep God’s commandments]. Following longstanding rabbinic precedent, we mention a phrase from the haftarah so as not to end on a down note. Criticisms, comments, and questions are welcome at parshatalk@gmail.com. Shabbat Shalom!
Parashat Ki Tetze [Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19] has more commandments than any other parashah, what Eliot refers to as the greatest mitzvah density. With well over 10% of the rabbinic count of 613 commandments, we could hardly do justice to all of them. We spend a good chunk of time on the first 3: the law of the captive wife [21:10-14], the law of inheritance for the children of 2 different wives [21:15-17], and the law of the stubborn and rebellious son [21:18-21], discussing the laws individually as well as trying to ascertain what they have in common. We also talk about the sending of the mother bird away from her nest of fledglings or eggs before taking them [22:6-7]. While other laws came up, I hope this is enough to whet your appetite! Shabbat Shalom! Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Barry Chesler
Parashat Shoftim [Deuteronomy 16:9-21:9] with its miscellany of laws is a kind of prequel to Parashat Ki Tetze [Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19], which has the largest number of mitzvot [commandments] of any single parashah, well over 10% of the rabbinic total of 613. Shoftim, which means judges, focuses on the different kinds of leaders: judges, kings, clergy, and prophets. There are also rules for warfare, among other subjects. One feature which we did not address is the last occurrence in the Torah of the lex talion [the law of revenge, better known as ‘an eye for an eye’]. In these parashiyot in particular, there is much to talk about: what laws meant in their original context, what they mean today, what they mean to us as individuals. If I say I am uncertain what it all means, after you listen, you will understand this reference! Shabbat Shalom!!
Join us for Parasha Podcast - The Next Generation: Shoftim. This is the final episode of Kayitz 2021 podcast produced by Dr Alison Joseph's Yahadut class. This week's podcast features Maya, Bianca, Maya (a different Maya), Shira and Lotam. Take a listen to this interesting discussion of justice and leadership.
Our Machon boys are back with thoughts about Yom Sport and their latest debate. How do YOU eat Oreos?
Live soundtrack of Adat Habogrim performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Produced by Adat HaBogrim and Tzevet Hofa'a, featuring the CRB Hofa'a Band. Recorded at the new outdoor theater at Bet Am Bet by Amy Erlanger for Radio Kol Ramah.
The boys of Machon make us think about whether a hot dog is a sandwich. What do you think?
Weekly podcast by campers for campers. Dr Alison Joseph's Yahadut class features Annie and Emily discussing blessings and consequences and Tzvi with insights on Kashrut and Shmitah. Special visit with Camp Mashgiach Josh Bender. Shabbat Shalom!
Parashat Re'eh [Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17] is a special one in my family (BC)because it was the parashah when both my girls became Bat Mitzvah in the synagogue, 11 years apart. It is special in the book of Deuteronomy because it is the beginning of the core of the book, according to modern scholars, which extends into Parashat Ki Tavo, in another 3 weeks. One of the tropes of Deuteronomy is the centralization of worship, where our conversation begins. It ends somewhere down the road a piece. Shabbat Shalom!
Jonah Seidenfeld (not pictured),Harris Cohen, Sam Feldman, and Rafi Rockman talk to Kol Ramah about skipping Bechirot and what goes on in Chug.
Parashat Eqev [Deuteronomy 7:12-11:28] features, among other things, the 2nd paragraph of the Shema [11:13-21], which we discuss in light of its last line and the general Deuteronomic theme of שכר ועונש [s’khar v-o’nesh, reward & punishment], the biblical source for ברכת המזון [birkat ha-mazon, grace after meals], which we discuss in the context of how punctuation informs meaning, and the rabbinic limit on praise of God in תפילה [t’fillah, prayer] (10:17), which we do not discuss at all! We do get to a few verses of the haftarah [prophetic portion, Isaiah 49:14-51:3]. It is a lively conversation! Comments and criticisms are welcome at parshatalk@gmail.com.
Join Dr. Alison Joseph's Yahadut class as they explore Ve'etchanan. Wonderful interviews of campers by campers touching on tefila, cities of refuge, life of Moshe and more! Featuring Eden, Anna, Talia, Adira, Adina, Razi and Jake.
I (BC)am posting this from Cleveland, to where I have come for the funeral of my dearest and best friend, David Graham Foster, affectionately known as Fuzz [at least in my circle] for nearly all the fifty years we were friends. תהי נשמתו צרורה בצרור החיים. May his soul be bound up in the bond of eternal life. יהי זכרו ברוך. May his memory be for a blessing. Parashat Va-etchanan [Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11] contains, among other things of note, both the first paragraph of the Sh’ma [6:4-9] and the retelling of the 10 Commandments [5:6-17]. As Eliot explains in his introduction, it is the kind of parashah where we could spend an hour on each verse. We give ourselves about a half hour, 35 minutes most weeks, so there is much we do not get to. One of the reasons I like Parashah Talk myself is because each week I learn something. I know that I will not be saying the Sh’ma again in quite the same way! Let us know what you think at parshatalk@gmail.com. Shabbat Shalom!
Campers from Sollelim, Bogrim and Machon explore Parashat Devarim with Alison Joseph, Tzevet Chinuch.
Tzeirim Campers wrote, produced and acted in this original production. This wonderful project was led by Landon Braverman,of tzevet Hofa'a as part of Make Your Own Musical. Listen carefully and see if you recognize a special guest cameo appearance
Parashat Devarim [Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22] always coincides with Shabbat Hazon [“Hazon” is the first word of the haftarah, Isaiah 1:1-27], the Shabbat before the commemoration of Tisha B’Av [the 9th of the Hebrew month Av], which commemorates the destruction of the two Temples, among other tragedies which have befallen the Jewish people, going back to the day the Israelites were punished for the negative report of the 10 spies [Numbers 13-14]. We spend about half of our time talking about the importance and place of Deuteronomy, and the other half talking about the haftarah and Tisha B’Av. As always, comments and criticisms are welcome at parshatalk@gmail.com. Shabbat Shalom!
Live soundtrack of the original cast, edited. Performed by Gesher 2021 produced with Tzevet Hofa'a and our own Ramah Berkshires Band.
For over fifteen months, Eliot, Jeremy, and I have been meeting on Zoom each week to discuss the parashah [the weekly Torah reading] and other items of interest, and to record a podcast known as Parashah Talk. It has become one of the highlights of my week, both the opportunity to meet in friendship and the opportunity to talk Torah, one of my great loves. Week in and week out we met, sometimes on a Wednesday, sometimes on a Thursday, sometimes on another day. Finally, our respective schedules caught up with us, and a week ago Sunday we recorded two shows. So, I do not quite remember what we talked about! Parashat Mattot-Massai [Numbers 30:2-36:13] is one of the longest readings of the year, and concludes the Book of Numbers. There is the cancellation of vows by a father or a husband for his daughter or wife, which often occasions comment in the modern world for the apparent bias/discrimination against women; there is the successful [and problematic] war against Midian after which Moshe will be gathered unto his people [the poetic image of death used often in the Bible]; there is the request by Reuven, Gad, and the half-tribe of Menashe for land on the east side of the Jordan; there is the litany of places the Israelites travelled in their 40 years of wandering; there is the division of land, both by lot and by size; there is the provision for levitical cities and the cities of asylum for the unintentional murderer; and there is the conclusion of the story about the daughters of Zelophehad. To add to this lengthy list of topics about which we might have talked, there is the seasonal as well. This Friday is the end of the month of Tammuz, and Shabbat is the beginning of the month of Av, whose beginning marks an intensification of national mourning leading up to Tisha B’Av [the 9th of Av], commemorating the destruction of the two Temples in Jerusalem, and other catastrophes which have befallen the Jewish people. This Shabbat is also the 7th yahrtzeit of my late father, Mel Chesler, of blessed memory. You will have to actually listen to find out what we talked about! Shabbat Shalom!!
Continue with Max on his journey as camp historian. Recorded at Camp Ramah Berkshire July 4, 2021 There is nothing new under the sun, from health scared (Polio 1949)through July 4th parties. Picture raising the flag, undated photo.
Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler, and Jeremy Kalmanofsky discuss Parshat Pinhas! Parashat Pinhas [Numbers 25:10-30:1] concludes the story with which last week’s parashah [Balaq (Num. 22:2-25:9)] ended, the apostasty at Baal Peor and the extra-judicial killing of Zimri and Cozbi by Pinhas. We discuss whether or not zeal can be a good thing, and how we should evaluate Pinhas’ actions. We spend some time on the census, noting some of the anomoalies this time around, on the appointment of Joshua as successor, and on the daughters of Zelophehad, whose query of Moshe about inheritance law leads to a change in how women who have no brothers inherit from their fathers. As always, there is much we leave out, such as the apportionment of the land and an extended discussion of the holidays. But, there is always next year! Shabbat Shalom!!
Excerpts from the 4th of July at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires: A special morning show with Amy Erlanger and Yaniv Morozovsky interviewing campers from all edot and giving shoutouts to their friends and family on this special day. Also, listen to the first Gan and Chaverim show, featuring Rosh T'filah, Rabbi Uri Allen.
Listen to old-time Israeli songs and hear Shabbat greetings from staff at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires.
An hour of Disney soundtracks, mostly in Hebrew with Israeli Mishlachat members, Shira Gross and Yaniv Morozovsky.
Listen to the interviews and the highlights of the Opening Day Show for Kayitz 2021 on Kol Ramah, including camp staff, campers, and guests.
Which sauce is better - Tomato or Pesto? That's only one of the major questions asked on the first full day of camp. Listen to the Solelim and Bogrim shows, and to interviews aired on July 1st 2021 on Kol Ramah.
Hosted by Amy Erlanger, Mitch Mernick and Yaniv Morozovsky
The first day of Kayitz (summer) 2021 was more exciting than ever! After a 1 year break, the campers were thrilled to come to Camp Ramah in the Berkshires, meet their friends (and new buddies) and enjoy their summer. As always, Kol Ramah aired the event on a special 4 hour show, including interviews with camp director, Rabbi Ethan Linden, camp staff, Israeli Mishlachat and of course - lots of happy campers! This year, Kol Ramah has a brand new mobile studio, and our own Amy Erlanger used it to capture the exciting first moments of the summer. Yaniv Morozovsky and Mitch Mernick were in the studio, talking to special guests from the Ramah family, calling in from all over the USA, and as always, playing the best Israeli music - new and old.
Parsashat Balaq [Numbers 22:2-25:9] is perhaps best-known for the story of Balaam and his donkey, one of the few animals in the Torah to be given a talking role. Balaq, the king of Moab, is eager to protect himself and his nation from the Israelites, and tries to hire Balaam to curse the Israelites. In short, that mission ends in failure for Balaq, since Balaam is compelled to bless the Israelies. One verse [Numbers 24:5] is well-known to synagogue-goers, recited on entering a synagogue, Mah tovu ohalekha ya’aqov, mish’knotekha yisrael [How goodly are your tents, Jacob, your dwelling-places, Israel]. The parashah ends with half of the story of the apostasy at Baal Peor [Numbers 25:1-9], which will conclude next week.
Staff week has begun at Camp Ramah Berkshires, where this show originated. A shoutout to all the staff, especially Mitch Mernick! Shabbat Shalom!!
Parashat Huqqat [Numbers 19:1-22:1] begins with the curious ritual of the red heifer, the cow which is completely burned so that its ashes might be sprinkled on all who come into contact with any part of a dead human being [corpse, bone, battle death, grave] in a ritual designed to restore to ritual purity those who have become impure by what is known as corpse contamination or corpse defilement, the highest degree of impurity. This ritual, also read on Shabbat Parah, the third of the four special shabbatot before Passover, is followed by the story of Moses & The Rock, which we have discussed before, but offer something new this year. We also consider the death of Aaron, compare it to the death of Miriam, which introduces the Moses & The Rock story, and Moses as diplomat, in his dealings with the locals whose land he wishes he and the people can traverse. It was a robust conversation, if I do say so myself, though as is often the case, we do not get to all that we thought we wanted to discuss. Please send comments and criticisms to parshatalk@gmail.com. Shabbat Shalom!
Parashat Korach [Numbers 16-18], featured on this week’s Parashah Talk, is primarily concerned with Korach’s rebellion. As Jacob Milgrom observes in his JPS Torah Commentary on Numbers, the Torah story combines elements of 4 discrete rebellions. I would like to say that we discussed these rebellions in full, but technical difficulties prevented me from participating as much as I would have liked. For stretches of the recording, my colleagues were frozen on my screen, and I was unable to hear them. Such is life in the 21st century! I hope my comments in this portion of the recording were to the point, but I am certain that Eliot and Jeremy had much to say even without me! Shabbat Shalom!! Image: The Punishment of Korah (detail from the fresco Punishment of the Rebels by Sandro Botticelli (1480–1482) in the Sistine Chapel) - Wikipedia
Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky invite you into the rabbi's study once again! The main focus of Parashah Sh’lach L’chah [Numbers 13-15] is the tragic episode of the spies, the tribal chieftains sent to scout out the land. Their negative report sets back Israelite history a generation, for those over 20 are condemned to die in the wilderness, leader and follower alike. For the rabbis, the day of their evil report, the 9th of Av, prefigures the destruction of both the First and Second Temples, among other bad things that befell the Jewish people, and some have associated any number of catastrophes since then with this date. Our conversation focuses likewise on the spies, exploring the psychological dimensions of the portrayal and comparing this sin with the sin of the Golden Calf [Exodus 32:1-33:23]. We conclude with a consideration of the mitzvah of tzitzit, the fringes traditionally worn on four-cornered garments. Shabbat Shalom!
We recorded Parashah Talk a day early and managed to run late. There was so much to talk about in B’ha’alot’khah [Numbers 8-12]: the second Passover, the silver trumpets, the complaining people and the summons to prophecy of the 70, and the concluding story about Miriam’s and Aaron’s complaint about Moses and his gift of prophecy. And even here, we left things out and did not go into the depth we might have wanted. There should be something for everyone, so take what you need and leave the rest . . . . Shabbat Shalom! Image thestudioinvenice.com
Parsha Talk Naso 5781with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Barry Chesler - Parashah Talk for Naso [Numbers 4:21-7:89] features conversation about the Nazir [Num. 6:1-21] and the haftarah from Judges 13:2-25, about the birth of Samson], the Sotah [the woman suspected of adultery [Num. 5:11-31], the Priestly Blessing [Num. 6:22-27], and the gifts to the mishkan [Tabernacle] from the chiefs of the tribes [Num 7:1-89]. It is the longest single weekly parashah, if our information is corrext, so we were pleased to cover most of it in our half hour or so. Shabbat Shalom!
Parashat B’midbar [Num. 1:1-4:20] opens Sefer B’midbar [Book of Numbers] with a census of the Israelite men aged 20 and over, suitable for military service. And if that were not dry enough, the census information is repeated, given as the 4 camps [one for each direction (east-south-west-north)]. Eliot could not quite bring himself to say it was an amazing parashah, but I think we did it, and ourselves, credit. We found meaning in the details of the census, discussed the exchange of Levites and first-born as religious functionaries, and discussed Shavuot, the two-day holiday celebrating the Giving of Torah which begins Sunday night. At the beginning and end we expressed our concern for the situation in Israel, and to her people and those who are there, which includes our children, extended family, and friends. May God grant our request for peace for Israel, her people, and all who dwell on earth. Shabbat Shalom! Chag Sameach! (Image by Cole Keister)
Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Barry Chesler. As with so many years, our reading of Leviticus this year comes to an end with a double portion, B’har-B’huqotai [Lev. 25-27]. We discuss the laws of the sabbatical year and the jubilee year, and Rashi’s famous comment on the first verse [you have to listen to the podcast for the pop-cultural reference with which it is connected]. There are rules for the poor, and the תוכחה [tokhehah, the lengthy passage of rebuke with the description of what will befall the people and their land for the failure to observe God’s commandments]. As is our wont, the conversation meanders, which is perhaps appropriate for a reading with a 7-year and a 50-year cycle. Shabbat Shalom!
Parashah Talk for Emor [Lev. 21-24) was recorded a day early this week, but as befits a parashah entitled Emor [“Say”], we had a lot about which to talk. We covered the material in the parashah: the curious wording of the 1st verse in the Hebrew (21:1), the requirements, restrictions, and limitations on the kohen [priest] (21-22), the notion of qiddush ha-shem [sanctification of God’s name] (22:31-33), the holidays (23), and the blasphemer (24). We took note of current events, the death of Bernie Madoff, and connected it with the Torah reading. Before you know it, we will be concluding the Book of Leviticus, with next week’s double portion, B’har-B’hukotai. Shabbat Shalom!
Join Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Barry Chesler for Parsha Talk! Parashat Acharai Mot-Kedoshim [Leviticus 16-20] is the subject of Parashah Talk this week. According to the rabbis, this is not only the center of Leviticus, but of the Torah as well. Leviticus 19:18, ואהבת לרעך כמוך, “love your neighbor as yourself”, is the basis for the Golden Rule. According to Rabbi Aqiva, it is the great principle of the Torah. We touch on this as well as the general theme of holiness [suggested by “Kedoshim”, the name of the 2nd parashah, meaning in context “be holy”] and the Yom Kippur ritual [Lev. 16], which is rather different in the Torah than it is in modern-day observance. There should be something here for everyone. Shabbat Shalom!
Come join us with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Barry Chesler. It is a double portion on Parashah Talk, Tazria-M'tzora [Lev. 12-15] and Yom Ha'atzma'ut, the observance of Israel's Independence Day [actual date-is April 17th, this year, which conflicts with Shabbat, necessitating the observance moving to Thursday]. It is, as my good buddy Ellot always notes, an amazing parashah. See if we connect all the dots, and let us know! Yom Ha-atzma'ut Same'ach! Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Barry Chesler once again invite us all in to the rabbis study tor a lively discussion of this week's parsha, Shemini. (Image - https://atravesdelasescrituras.com/) Parashah Talk for Sh'mini [Leviticus 9-11]: When I (BC) used to teach the story of Nadav and Avihu in 10th Grade Bible, I would refer to it as a "Tragedy in Three Verses" [Leviticus 10:1-3]. Each of these verses is subject to more than one interpretation, and how you put these interpretations together results in very different readings. Did Nadav and Avihu do anything wrong, and if so, what? What does it mean to die in the presence of God: is this spiritual or geographical? And are Moses' words in verse 3 meant to console Aaron or to rebuke him? There is a lot more in the Torah reading [each week, I've been told, we encounter another amazing reading], but we spent most of our time on this story. We hope you like it! Shabbat Shalom!!
Parashah Talk, the Pesach Edition: Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Barry Chester. This Shabbat is the 7th day of Passover, when we read the beginning of Parashat B'shallach [Exodus 13:17-15:27, last read on January 30], featuring the Song of the Sea [Exodus 15:1-21]. On Sunday, the Torah reading is the same as the 2nd day of Shavuot and Sh'mini Atzeret [Deuteronomy 15:19-16:17]. There is a longstanding tradition to read the Song of Songs on the Shabbat of Pesach [unless Shabbat is both 1st and 8th day, when it is read on the 8th day]. Our discussion focuses first on the Song of the Sea, and then on Song of Songs. Shabbat Shalom & Chag Sameach!
This week, the Shabbat before Pesach, is known as Shabbat Hagadol, for reasons that are not entirely clear. In European Jewish communities, it was one of two shabbatot [the other being Shabbat Shuvah, the Shabbat between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur] when the community rabbi would address his flock. Traditionally, the rabbi would speak about the laws of Pesach; one might think it a little late to do that when Pesach began on a Saturday night! In Parashat Talk this week, we divided our conversation between the weekly reading, Parashat Tsav [Leviticus 6:1-8:36], with the presentation of the sacrifices from the priests’ perspective [unlike last week, when they were presented from the offerer’s perspective], the fire kept going by the priests, and the ordination/investiture ceremony for the priests [which will conclude in parashat Sh’mini, in two weeks], and favorite passages from the Haggadah. A Shabbat Shalom and Zissen Pesach [Happy Passover] to one and all!
We begin a new book of the Torah this week, ספר ויקרא [Leviticus], which gives its name to the parashah [Leviticus 1:1-5:26] as well, va-yiqra. We spend some time discussing the nature of the book, quite unlike Genesis and Exodus, the layered meanings of the first verse, and the laying on of the hands [1:4] as it appears here, and elsewhere. And before you know it, with so much left to say, our time is up! Shabbat Shalom!!
This week, parashat va-yaqhel-p’qudei [Exodus 35:1-40:38], is where it all began. Parashah Talk in its current format has been produced each week for the last year. This is our response to the Covid 19 pandemic. It has given Eliot, Jeremy, and I a chance to deepen our friendship which was rooted in many summers together at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. While we hardly saw each other throughout the camp off-seasons, this year we have been together every week on Zoom. For you who have listened and viewed, we hope our conversation about Torah has deepened your own understanding and appreciation of Torah. For me it remains one of the highlights of each and every week for the past year. Shabbat Shalom! (Image chabad.org)
Meet the newest member of the Radio Kol Ramah staff: This is a rebroadcast of a 2019 interview with Mitch Mernick at Yiddish New York. You surely want to hear about Amy's experience with WFDU-FM, The radio station of Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Join Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Barry Chesler for Parsha Talk! Parashat Ki Tissa [Exodus 30:11-34:35] coincides with Shabbat Parah [Numbers 19:1-22], the third of the 4 special shabbatot [sabbaths] before the upcoming Pesach [Passover] holiday. One way of considering this conjuction is as the story of a bad cow [the Golden Calf (Exodus 32)] and a good cow [the so-called red heifer in Numbers whose ashes are required for the ritual of purification after corpse contamination]. We spend most of our time talking about the bad cow, but the good cow does get a shout-out, as does Shabbat, whose 2-verse feature in the parashah [Exodus 31:16-17] has become part of the Saturday morning amidah [central prayer of the morning worship service] and kiddush. We hope this puts you in the right “moo”d for Shabbat! (Image from Chabad.org)
Join Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Barry Chesler for Parsha Talk! Because Purim is observed Thursday night, and many of us will be davening ma’ariv [praying the evening service] and reading the megillah [the Scroll of Esther] at the time we normally record Parashah Talk, this week we recorded Wednesday evening. We have parashat T’tzaveh [Exodus 27:20-30:10], taken up mostly with a description of the special vestments of the High Priest, and a few minutes to explore the greatness of Purim. Give a listen! Let us know what you think at parshatalk@gmail.com. As we begin to gear up for Passover, just a month after Purim [March 27th, to be precise], we hope to devote some time to questions previously sent to us. New questions, comments, and criticisms are always welcome. Purim Same’ach [Happy Purim]! Shabbat Shalom!!
Join Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Barry Chesler for Parsha Talk! This week is the 2nd of the 4 special Shabbatot before Pesach. In addition to the regular Torah reading of T'ruman [Exodus 25:1-27:19], which begins the lengthy section on the description of and building of the mishkan ["tabernacle"], there is a special maftir (additional reading) [Deuteronomy 25:17-19] and haftarah (prophetic reading) [1 Samuel 15:2-34] concerning the war against Amalek. Our conversation is pretty much equally divided between T'rumah and Zakhor [the commandment to remember to destroy Amalek], from the point of view of time. Dare I say we have interesting observations and commentary in both halves! As always, questions, comments, and criticisms are welcome at parshatalk@gmail.com. We still plan on answering all questions by Passover, the liturgical time to ask and answer questions. Shabbat Shalom!
Parashat Mishpatim [Exodus 21:1-24:18] contains the Covenant Code, the first extended legal section of the Torah. The laws themselves defy easy categorization; the rabbis of the Mishnah used their own organizational system in Seder N'ziqin [Damages], the Mishnah's 4th Order, whose foundation is in the Covenant Code. Our conversation meanders through the parashah, with due time devoted to chapter 24, a return to narrative and the famous response of the Israelites: na'aseh v-nishma [you will have to listen to find out how we understand this engimatic phrase!]. As always, comments, criticisms, and suggestions are welcome at parshatalk@gmail.com. Do not despair, we do intend to get to questions previously asked [even as we look forward to new ones]. Sometimes we get carried away by our own conversation! Shabbat Shalom!!
Max Silverstone, music staff at Camp Ramah and 2nd year cantorial student at JTS, returns to Radio Kol Ramah with Mitch Mernick for an in-depth look at original research he is compiling on the history and music of the the site that we call Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. Of note, there has been an organized Jewish presence on the shores of Lake Ellis for over 100 years! Tracks: 1940 Bob Chester - Maybe (Dolores O'Neill, vocal) Riobamba – Leonard Bernstein 1935 Sid Peltyn - Lullaby Of Broadway (Dick Robertson, vocal) Frank Sinatra, Stubby Kaye, and Johnny Silver - Guys And Dolls from Guys And Dolls (1955) It Hurts to Say Goodbye Al Naharot Bavel Kanar Al Hagag. Let's Give a Cheer for Kee-Wah Wah Farewell Himnon Ramah
Produced by Max Silverstone Co-produced and edited by Mitch Mernick
Parashat Yitro [Exodus 18:1-20:22] is best known for the original narration of the 10 Commandments. They will appear again in Deuteronomy 5, when Moses is reviewing for the people their history and narrates them again. The episode in Exodus is known as מעמד הר סיני [ma'amad har sinai, "the standing at Sinai"], and is the central event in the Jewish people's self-understanding. Chapter 18 focuses on Yitro, Moshe's father-in-law, and has its own intereset, We spend time on both chapter 18 and chapters 19-20, we hope to your benefit! Comments, questions, and criticisms welcome at parshatalk@gmail.com. Shabbat Shalom!
Parashat B'shallach [Exodus 13:17-17:16] features the Song of the Sea, the triumphant poem of redemption sung by the Israelites when they have crossed the Sea of Reeds and turn around to see the Egyptians dead on the opposite shore. Rather than poetry, our conversation is more about prose: the character and leadership of Moses, the character of the Israelites as they cross over, ostensibly into freedom, the institution of Shabbat, and the battle with the Amalekites. Give a listen to Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmonofsky and Barry Chesler on Parsha Talk! Comments and criticisms are welcome at parshatalk@gmail.com. While we read the mail and intend to answer questions on the next show, we are not always successful. Do not despair! Send the question again! There is, for the forseeable future, always next week!
Join Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmonofsky and Barry Chesler for Parsha Talk. Parashat Bo [Exodus 10:1-13:16] covers the last three plagues [locusts, darkness, and the slaying of the first-born] and includes chapter 12 [one of my favorite chapters in the entire Torah] and the beginning section of chapter 13 [which is actually more than half the chapter going by the verse count]. This beginning section is perhaps better known to us from tefillin, worn at weekday morning services, which has four Torah passages in its boxes [the first and second paragraphs of the Sh'ma and Ex. 13:1-10 and 13:11-16]. Chapter 12 itself is read, in addition to this week, on Shabbat Hachodesh [verses 1-20, March 13 this year], the Shabbat just before or coinciding with Rosh Chodesh Nisan, and on the first day of Passover [verses 21-51, this year on March 28]. In addition, we have some of the questions associated with the 4 sons of the Passover Seder. So we will get another crack at some of this material! Comments and criticisms are welcome at parshatalk@gmail.com. Shabbat Shalom!
Join us on this MLK weekend as we celebrate and remember Dr. King, whose transformative message is tied to our early chapters of the book of Shemot.
Parashat Va-era [Exodus 6:2-9:35] opens with a theological bang, the declaration by God that He did not make Himself known to the patriarchs by the same name as He made Himself known to Moses [6:2-3]. A little later, Moses gives, as it were, his first sermon [in particular, 6:6-8], with the 4-5 words of redemption which are each represented by a cup of wine at the Passover Seder. The people do not listen, because of qotzer ru'ah [diminished spirit] and hard work; a modern idiom might say that Moses bombed! And then we get the first seven plagues. Our conversation meanders, as is our wont, but there should be something for everyone! As always, comments and criticisms are welcome at parshatalk@gmail.com. Shabbat Shalom!
Join Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmonofsky and Barry Chesler. Parashat Sh'mot [Exodus 1:1-6:1], which takes its name from the first key word, sh'mot [names], as does the book itself, is better described by the Latin/Greek name Exodus, since that is the, or at least a, great theme of the book. But the events that lead up to the Exodus and the Exodus itself take up less than the first half of the book. Within the first few verses, b'nai Yisrael, the children of the patriarch Jacob who had been renamed Israel, become b'nai Yisrael, the people Israel. Indeed, the Hebrew word עם [am, people], is used for the first time in connection with the people in verse 9, by Pharaoh, which is appropriate, since names are often how other people call us, not necessarily how we call ourselves. In a parashah which collapses the first 80 years of Moses' life into a few chapters, there is a lot going on. The central part of the reading for those on the annual cycle is the scene at the Burning Bush, which we discuss. But events in the US yesterday also attract our attention, as we puzzle out what the Torah might possibly have to say about our national situation. As always, the conversation is spirited, and we hope that you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording! Shabbat Shalom!!
The last edition of Parashah Talk 2020 is now available for the New Year with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmonofsky and Barry Chesler. Parashat Va-yehi [Genesis 47:28-50:26] concludes ספר בראשית [Book of Genesis]. With the conclusion of the book comes the blessing of Ephraim and Menashe, Jacob's last words to his sons, the death of Jacob and the return of his remains to Canaan, the last scene between Joseph and his brothers, and the death of Joseph, with the promise of returning his remains to Canaan one day. As always the conversation is spirited. Comments and criticisms welcome at parshatalk@gmail.com. Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Barry Chesler bring us Parsha Talk! It is the last Shabbat of 2020 but the penultimate parashah of Sefer Bereshit. Va-yiggash [Genesis 44:18-47:27] describes the reconciliation of Joseph and his brothers, the move to Egypt of Jacob and his entire family, and Jacob's meeting with Pharaoh. As if there were not enough in the parashah itself to talk about, we touch upon the ones for next week [the end of Genesis] and in two weeks [the beginning of Exodus]. I think you will find something to think about! Comments, criticisms, questions welcome at parshatalk@gmail.com.
Because the first day of Hanukkah was on Friday and we record Parashah Talk on Thursday, we have the 2nd Hanukkah edition of Parashah Talk for 5781. Parashat Miketz [Genesis 41:1-44:17] is the 2nd of the 3 parashiyot which focus on Joseph and his brothers. Joseph rises to 2nd in command to Pharaoh on the basis of his dream interpretation and suggested program for how to deal with the coming famine, he reencounters his brothers after 20+ years, and Benjamin is discovered to have the royal goblet. We focused on the character of Joseph, with some attention spent on the character of the butler, even comparing the butler to Haman (!). A discussion of the meaning of the names of Joseph's two sons suggests a comparison between Joseph and Moses. Along the way we talk about the possibilities and difficulties of Jews in Exile [or the Diaspora, as we like to say nowadays]. Comments welcome at parshatalk@gmail.com. A Happy Hanukkah to one and all on this last night of Hanukkah! Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmonofsky and Barry Chesler.
Presented by Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmonofsky and Barry Chesler. Our first Hanukkah edition of Parashah Talk! This week is parashat Va-yeshev [Genesis 37:1-40:23], the beginning of the Joseph story in earnest [we have been previously introduced to him], which will carry through to the end of the book in another 3 weeks. This week we have Joseph's dreams, his sale into slavery, his stay in Potiphar's house, and his imprisonment with the butler and baker. There is the curious story of Judah and Tamar, which, like Hanukkah, we did not have time for. At least with Hanukkah, we have another crack next week! With best wishes for a Shabbat Shalom and Hag Urim Same'ah [a peaceful Shabbat and a joyous Festival of Lights]!
Parsha Talk - Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmonofsky and Barry Chesler. This week, Va-yishlach [Genesis 32:4-36:43], the parashah covers a lot of ground; we perhaps not so much. We wrestle with the texts, particularly the wrestling match between Jacob and the angel, and the reconciliation between Esau and Jacob. Along the way we make connections to a number of other stories in the Torah, which often provides unexpected food for thought. Comments and criticisms welcome at parshatalk@gmail.com!
In recognition of our wonderful medical staff, Max shares medical stories from Wingdale, Lake Ellis and Camp Kee - Wah going back to the to the 1940s and 1950s. Did you know one year there was a milk shortage at camp?
Join our virtual L'Chaim Gala https://www.ramahberkshires.org/gala2020/, honoring our medical, nursing and Marp staff! December 5, 8:00 PM
Rabbi Barry Chesler writes: This week's parashah, Vayetze [Genesis 28:10-32:3], holds a special place in my heart. A mere 52 years ago I was called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah at South Suburban Beth Israel Synagogue, as it was then known, Park Forest, Illinois. Six years later, unbeknownst to me at the time, Carol became a Bat Mitzvah this same parashah, in University City, Missouri. The parashah begins and ends with a journey; in-between Jacob gets married twice, fathers 12 children with 4 women, and acquires large herds. There is much to discuss; as with all the parashiyot in Genesis, the central task is deciding what not to talk about. While there is much we could have talked about, we filled our time well. Send us a message at parshatalk@gmail.com to let us know if you agree!
Parsha Talk is brought to us by Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmonofsky and Barry Chesler!
Rabbis Eliot Malomet; Jeremy Kalomonofsky and Barry Chesler bring us Parsha Talk! Parashat Toldot [Genesis 25:19-28:10] takes us from the birth of the twins, Esau and Jacob, to the leaving of Jacob for Paddan Aram to find a wife from among his kin and the marriage of Esau to a daughter of Ishmael to please his parents. Perhaps the two key stories are the selling of the birthright [b'khorah] and the blessing [b'rakhah] of the twins by Isaac. There is much to discuss and we get into it! Now it is your turn!!
In 1910, Joseph D. Weil founded the College Camp and Pine Forest Colony, which later became Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. In 1939, shortly before his passing, he transferred ownership of the camp to his only child, Linton Weil. In 1942, Linton left Wingdale for New York City to open a nightclub in midtown called The Riobamba. Linton still owned camp, which Joseph's widow Rose operated in his absence. Linton funded the Riobamba, however, with $45,000 that he made from camp. Inflation adjusted for today, that's nearly three quarters of a million dollars! Its namesake being a city in Ecuador, the Riobamba's decorations had a Latin American theme to them. It was also inspired by a popular club of the time, the Copacabana. For Riobamba's opening night, Weil and his team brought in Jane Froman and the Chandra-Kaly dancers. Froman comissioned a theme song for the club, paying $50 to composer. Who was this composer? A not yet well-known Jew from Massachusetts named Leonard Bernstein! This song uses many different musical motifs as a window into meeting the different peoples and cultures who lived in Riobamba over thousands of years. The club became a huge success on day 1, partly thanks to this song being such an exciting opener. While this song itself is not well known today, Bernstein later used the material in his 1944 ballet Fancy Free. A few weeks after opening, Weil hosted a meeting in the Riobamba with other Broadway producers to plan out President Franklin D. Roosevelt's 61st birthday, happening at the Waldorft-Astoria hotel. The Riobamba also made history a few weeks after that, in March of 1943, when Frank Sinatra made his cabaret debut there. Linton Weil continued running the club for just under a year, until selling out his share in October of 1943. Another person associated with ownership of the club was infamous Kosher mobster Louis "Lepke" Buchalter. He was the head of the Murder Incorporated mafia contract killing organization and recieved the death penalty in 1944, the only American mobster to do so. Unforunately, the Riobamba was shut down by the authorities in December of 1943, a year after it opened, due to failure to pay taxes. Linton Weil went on to sell camp as well in 1945. Later in life, he at points owned the Wingdale Diner, and a Magnesium Quarry in Dover. He also worked as a stockbroker for Bache and Co. until his death in 1971.
Thank you to camp's pre-camp historian Max Silverstone for bringing this special tune and uniquely New York information to Radio Kol Ramah!
Parashat Chayyei Sarah [Genesis 23:1-25:18] begins with the death of Sarah at the age of 127 [and Rashi's curious comment about how she was as sinless at 100 as she was at 20, as sinless at 20 as she was at 7], and concludes with the death of Abraham, followed by the genealogy of Ishmael and Ishmael's death. The longest chapter of Genesis, 24 [67 verses], features the story of Avraham's servant securing Rebecca as a wife for Isaac. There is a lot to talk about! Questions and comments are welcome at parshatalk@gmail.com.
Max Silverstone, cantorial student at the H.L. Miller Cantorial School - JTS and member of the music staff Camp Ramah in the Berkshires, shares his research on the history of our camp in Wingdale, NY. He has unearthed wonderful musical recordings from the earliest years of Camp Ramah as well as its predecessor on the site, Camp Kee-Wah.
From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side two consists of the cheers of the girls’ junior camp (first 4 tracks) and camp wide Kee-Wah spirit songs (the last 5 tracks)
Max visited with Mitch Mernick for this special presentation of Kol Ramah BaBayit!
We have featured tracks from these two albums on this podcast. The complete albums can be found at https://kolramah.us/ and www.soundcloud.com/kolramahberkshires.
Featured tracks: An evening in Wingdale – 1965. Camp Ramah in the Berkshires Velvel Finkelstein, David Tilman, Aviva Kligfeld Recorded by Ken Tarlow
Asis Eskol Ride the Chariot Netsach Yisrael Chorale Hassidic Service
Kee-Wah Camps in the Berkshires Directors: Isidore L Mones, Adolph Geiger Alma Mater Recording Company, Riverdale 63, New York
Sioux Tribe Dash Wah Farewell Wah Alma Mater
The latest edition of Parashah Talk, for Parashat Va-yera [Genesis 18:1-22:24] is now available. We ignored chapters 21 [birth of Isaac and banishment of Ishmael] and 22 [binding of Isaac and birth of Rebeccah], most recently read on Rosh Hashanah, a mere 7 weeks ago, and focused on chapter 19, Abraham's famous conversation with God over the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah and the curious behavior of Lot, Abraham's nephew, who, shall we say, repeatedly takes the low road, when given a choice. Comments are welcome at parshatalk@gmail.com. Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmonofsky and Barry Chesler. Enjoy!
It came advertised as the best conversation on this week's parsha, and who am I to argue? Lekh L'khah [Genesis 12:1-17:27] covers a lot of ground: the call of Abraham [12:1-6], the Covenant of the Pieces [ch. 15], the Covenant of Circumcision [ch. 17], the War of the Kings [ch. 14], and the story of Hagar and birth of Ishmael [ch. 16]. Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmanofsky, and I, Rabbi Barry Chesler did not cover so much ground of the parsha, almost the entire conversation was on the opening verses. Still, we talked for a half hour and more, and had fun! We hope you will, too!
Parashat Noach [Genesis 6:9-11:32] always brings back a flood of memories! Rabbis Eliot Malomet and Jeremy Kalmanofsky, together with yours truly, Rabbi Barry Chesler, discuss the claims to Noah's greatness, the command to leave the Ark when the water subsides, and the disturbing incident of Noah's drunkenness. We find a little time to touch upon the Family of Nations [chapter 10] and the Tower of Babel [first part of chapter 11]. Our conversation has to end at some point, so we did not quite make it to the end of the parashah. Just as last week's parashah concludes with mention of Noah in preparation for this week, so too this week's parashah concludes with mention of Avram [later renamed Avraham] in preparation for next week's. Perhaps this is where we will begin next week. We now have an e-mail address, so feel free to send comments, questions, and criticisms [gentle, of course!] to: parshatalk@gmail.com.
We begin again on Parashah Talk as the annual cycle of weekly Torah readings starts over this Shabbat with Parashat Bereshit [Genesis 1:1-6:8]. What would a discussion about Genesis be without talking at least a little about Creation? We also talk about the Garden of Eden, Cain and Abel, and the arc of the entire reading [we saved the ark for next week!]. As always, I, Rabbi Barry Chesler am in conversation with Rabbis Eliot Malomet and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. What is new this week, in addition to the Torah reading, is a brand new e-mail address, to which you can send questions you would like us to consider, comments, and criticisms [though the technical term is gentle suggestions!]: parshatalk@gmail.com. Shabbat Shalom!
With the celebration of Simchat Torah this Sunday, the annual cycle of Torah Reading comes to an end with the concluding chapters of Deuteronomy [33 and 34] and immediately begins again with the opening chapter of Genesis [plus the first three verses of chapter 2]. So this week, my colleagues Rabbis Eliot Malomet and Jeremy Kalmanofsky and I rabbi Barry Chesler discuss the meaning of Simchat Torah as well as Sh'mini Atzeret, observed this Saturday. There is never enough time to get to everything on our agenda, but we cover enough, I trust, to keep it interesting! Shabbat Shalom, Chag Same'ach, and a great weekend to one and all!!
This week is a special edition of Parashah Talk, featuring discussion about the holiday of Sukkot, the symbolism of the sukkah and the arba'ah minim [the four species, based on Leviticus 23:40], and the significance of the Book of Ecclesiastes [Qohelet in Hebrew], for this time of year. As always great thanks to, Rabbis Eliot Malomet and Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Barry Chesler!
In 1965 at the very beginnings of Camp Ramah in the Berkshires, Musicologist Velvel Pasternak, David Tilman and Aviva Kligfeld (Rosenbloom) produced and recorded this vinyl at the brand new Camp Ramah in the Berksires. Tilman and Kligfeld went on to careers as cantors. Thanks to Max Silverstone JTS Cantorial School Class of 2024 for bringing this to Radio Kol Ramah!
In 1965 at the very beginnings of Camp Ramah in the Berkshires, Musicologist Velvel Pasternak, David Tilman and Aviva Kligfeld (Rosenbloom) produced and recorded this vinyl at the brand new Camp Ramah in the Berksires. Tilman and Kligfeld went on to careers as cantors. Thanks to Max Silverstone JTS Cantorial School Class of 2024 for bringing this to Radio Kol Ramah!
In 1965 at the very beginnings of Camp Ramah in the Berkshires, Musicologist Velvel Pasternak, David Tilman and Aviva Kligfeld (Rosenbloom) produced and recorded this vinyl at the brand new Camp Ramah in the Berksires. Tilman and Kligfeld went on to careers as cantors. Thanks to Max Silverstone JTS Cantorial School Class of 2024 for bringing this to Radio Kol Ramah!
In 1965 at the very beginnings of Camp Ramah in the Berkshires, Musicologist Velvel Pasternak, David Tilman and Aviva Kligfeld (Rosenbloom) produced and recorded this vinyl at the brand new Camp Ramah in the Berksires. Tilman and Kligfeld went on to careers as cantors. Thanks to Max Silverstone JTS Cantorial School Class of 2024 for bringing this to Radio Kol Ramah!
In 1965 at the very beginnings of Camp Ramah in the Berkshires, Musicologist Velvel Pasternak, David Tilman and Aviva Kligfeld (Rosenbloom) produced and recorded this vinyl at the brand new Camp Ramah in the Berksires. Tilman and Kligfeld went on to careers as cantors. Thanks to Max Silverstone JTS Cantorial School Class of 2024 for bringing this to Radio Kol Ramah!
In 1965 at the very beginnings of Camp Ramah in the Berkshires, Musicologist Velvel Pasternak, David Tilman and Aviva Kligfeld (Rosenbloom) produced and recorded this vinyl at the brand new Camp Ramah in the Berksires. Tilman and Kligfeld went on to careers as cantors. Thanks to Max Silverstone JTS Cantorial School Class of 2024 for bringing this to Radio Kol Ramah!
In 1965 at the very beginnings of Camp Ramah in the Berkshires, Musicologist Velvel Pasternak, David Tilman and Aviva Kligfeld (Rosenbloom) produced and recorded this vinyl at the brand new Camp Ramah in the Berksires. Tilman and Kligfeld went on to careers as cantors. Thanks to Max Silverstone JTS Cantorial School Class of 2024 for bringing this to Radio Kol Ramah!
In 1965 at the very beginnings of Camp Ramah in the Berkshires, Musicologist Velvel Pasternak, David Tilman and Aviva Kligfeld (Rosenbloom) produced and recorded this vinyl at the brand new Camp Ramah in the Berksires. Tilman and Kligfeld went on to careers as cantors. Thanks to Max Silverstone JTS Cantorial School Class of 2024 for bringing this to Radio Kol Ramah!
In 1965 at the very beginnings of Camp Ramah in the Berkshires, Musicologist Velvel Pasternak, David Tilman and Aviva Kligfeld (Rosenbloom) produced and recorded this vinyl at the brand new Camp Ramah in the Berksires. Tilman and Kligfeld went on to careers as cantors. Thanks to Max Silverstone JTS Cantorial School Class of 2024 for bringing this to Radio Kol Ramah!
In 1965 at the very beginnings of Camp Ramah in the Berkshires, Musicologist Velvel Pasternak, David Tilman and Aviva Kligfeld (Rosenbloom) produced and recorded this vinyl at the brand new Camp Ramah in the Berksires. Tilman and Kligfeld went on to careers as cantors. Thanks to Max Silverstone JTS Cantorial School Class of 2024 for bringing this to Radio Kol Ramah!
In 1965 at the very beginnings of Camp Ramah in the Berkshires, Musicologist Velvel Pasternak, David Tilman and Aviva Kligfeld (Rosenbloom) produced and recorded this vinyl at the brand new Camp Ramah in the Berksires. Tilman and Kligfeld went on to careers as cantors. Thanks to Max Silverstone JTS Cantorial School Class of 2024 for bringing this to Radio Kol Ramah!
The parashah is Ha'azinu, Deuteronomy 32. This Shabbat is also known as Shabbat Shuvah, the Shabbat of Return, after the 1st word of the haftarah, Hosea 14:2. The close connection between the word shuvah and t'shuvah [commonly translated as repentance] has been explored in biblical interpretation and Jewish theology for hundreds of years! We discuss some verses from the weekly Torah reading, some verses from the haftarah [Hosea 14:2-10, Micah 7:18-20, Joel 2:15-27] talk about Moses near the end of his life, and touch upon some other issues, all in a half an hour or so! With best wishes for a Shabbat Shalom and G'mar Chatimah Tovah, a good seal in the Book of Life on Yom Kippur!
As 5780 winds to a close and we begin to usher in 5781, I wanted to express my gratitude to my chaveirim, Rabbis Eliot Malomet and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. For the last 6 months we have met once a week on Zoom to reprise our camp radio show Parashah Talk. For me personally, the opportunity to connect to my good buddies in the non-camp season has been one of the decided pluses of covid19. While I often study Torah alone, Torah study is actually a team sport, and I am thankful that I am part of a team that continues to meet and talk Torah. I hope this augurs well for the coming year! To all who observe, please accept my wishes for a Shabbat Shalom and a Shanah Tovah U-m'tukah, a good and sweet year. To everyone else, a great weekend! Rabbi Barry Chesler
This week is a double parashah, Nitzavim/Va-yelekh [Deuteronomy 29:9-31:30], but we didn't quite make it into Va-yelekh! We spent a fair amount of time on the opening verses of Nitzavim [29:9-14], especially verse 14, in considering who the people who were not standing with the Israelites on the east side of the Jordan were. We touched upon the classic verse Lo bashamayim hee [30:12] with nary a mention of the famous story about the Oven of Akhnai, which may be a first for us, or for rabbis anywhere!. And, we concluded with remarks about Rabbi Eliot Malomet's favorite verse in the Torah [30:19], where the Israelites have set before them the blessing and the curse, and are instructed to choose life, Together with Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Rabbi Barry Chesler this is this week's Parashah Talk. Give a listen!
Parashah Talk for Ki Tavo [Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8], featuring Rabbis Eliot Malomet and Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Barry Chesler in conversation about the weekly Torah reading, is now available. Give a listen as they discuss the range of meaning in the ritual of the first fruits [26:1-11], connecting it with God's promise to the Israelites in Exodus 6:6-8 and the cups of wine at the seder. We explore the nexus between storytelling and redemption and provide commentary on some verses of particular importance to us. Finally, we touch upon the blessings and the curses, and compare them to their appearance in Leviticus [chapter 26], attempting to wrest meaning for modern day Jews.
Parashat Ki Tetze [Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19] is known for its mitzvah density. 74 of the 613 commandments the rabbis located in the Torah [12%, for the mathematically inclined] are found in these few chapters. There are laws for all occasions. Give a listen as Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmonofky and Barry Chesler discuss some of them. Among those discussed are the ben sorer u-moreh (the stubborn and rebellious son) [21:18-21], levirate marriage [25:5-10], and the command to destroy Amalek [25:17-19]. Shabbat Shalom!
Our great show! The audio edition. Lots going on in the Parasha Talk this week for Parashat Shoftim. Join Rabbi Eliot Malomet, Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky, and Rabbi Barry Chesler for an amazing talk. Dedicated to Yaakov Malomet and Gabi Wachs who are getting married this Sunday! Mazel Tov!
The latest edition of Parashah Talk, for Re'eh [Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17] is now available! Rabbis Eliot Malomet and Jeremy Kalmanofsky join Rabbi Barry Chesler in lively conversation about the choice between a blessing and a curse, the meaning of the metaphor of us as God's children. the Deuteronomic addition to the laws of the sabbatical year and how it might effect public policy, and the holiday calendar. Give a listen!
Here is Parasha Talk Ekev, with our good friends, Rabbi Eliot Malomet, Rabbi Barry Chesler and Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky. There's lots to talk about: the land of Israel, our relationship with God, and what does God really want from us. Enjoy and Shabbat Shalom!
A special edition of Parashah Talk on Tisha B'av, in which we discuss some aspects of Tisha B'Av, Parashat Va-etchanan, and Shabbat Nachamu. Give a listen!
The boys are back! Rabbis Eliot Malomet and Jeremy Kalmanofsky and and I Barry Chesler, have taken our show on the road, as it were. A longstanding highlight of the camp week, Parashah Talk, now is available on Facebook and on Kol Ramah, 102.3 FM on your FM dial [when camp is in session and you are in the vicinity of Wingdale, NY] and on the World Wide Web at Kolramah.us.
This week we begin reading the 5th and final book of the Torah, Sefer D'varim, the Book of Deuteronomy. We spend some time talking about the setting and significance of the book as well as discuss the upcoming fast day of Tisha B'Av [the 9th of the Hebrew month Av, observed Wednesday evening and Thursday, July 29-30], which has become a national day of mourning for the Jewish People.
The other name for Sefer Devarim in Hebrew is Mishneh Torah, often translated as 2nd Torah, since Deuteronomy recapitulates a number of laws and events from Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers, in addition to providing fresh material. When Rambam [Moses Maimonides, 1138-1204] wrote his distillation of the Oral Law, he called it Mishneh Torah, since the Oral Law was the 2nd Law revealed at Mt. Sinai, together with the Written Law, the 5 Books of Moses. We might understand Sefer Devarim as a kind of Oral Torah to the Written Torah of the first four books. This is but one reason why I think it is hard not to love the book! Happy viewing!
It's Shabbat, so it must be another edition of Parashah Talk. This week, Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmanofsky, and Barry Chesler discuss the concluding chapters of the Book of Numbers, the double portion of Mattot-Massei. We circle back to Pinchas, consider the power of words when making oaths, the cities of refuge, and more. At the end, each rabbi attempts to sum up the book so that we may properly begin Devarim [Deuteronomy] next week. Give a listen!
Please enjoy this special project of Radio Kol Ramah "Babayit" - Home edition, kayitz 2020. We may all be socially distant but that did not stop our radio class from taking a tour of our favorite places at home, culminating in a virtual visit to our radio station in Wingdale!
Featuring Lior Austrian –Jacobs Dave Waldman Jolie Weinberg Netanel Salzberg Eden
Produced by David Goodman with Mitch Mernick Edited by Yaniv Morozovsky
Song Playlist: אברהם טל - שבוע טוב סטטיק ובן אל תבורי - נמסטה ליאור נרקיס עומר אדם ומשה פרץ - שירו של שפשף שלומי שבת ואליעד - מורידים את הירח עדן בן-זקן ועומר אדם - קוקוריקו חנן בן ארי - אם תרצי ישי ריבו - הלב שלי מחנה רמה בבירקשירס - טוב לי במחנה רמה
This week's socially distanced edition of Parashah Talk is here! Come listen as Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Barry Chesler discuss Parashat Pinhas.
Enjoy a great Parsha Talk about the Red Heifer, the death of Miriam, the miraculous well, the perils and challenges of leadership, the death of Aaron, Balak the proto-anti-Semite, blessings and curses, looking at Israel as an outsider and so much more. We miss being with each other in person, but we are making up for it on Zoom with great Zoom-Torah. Once again great thanks to Rabbi Eliot Malomet for hosting a great conversation Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Rabbi Barry Chesler, both of whom managed to be elsewhere for this Shabbat. Shabbat Shalom!
Another edition of Parashah Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky. We concentrated on the figure of Korach; see if we said anything as revolutionary as Korach himself!
Things get really charged in the Parashah Talk this week - we debate whether the whole debacle of the spies was a failure of leadership or if Moses, Joshua, and Caleb were just doing the best that they could. We briefly cover the wood gatherer and the mitzvah of tzitzit. Give a watch or a listen. One of the bright spots of the whole covid-confinement is having a hevruta with our great friends, Rabbi Eliot Malomet, Rabbi Barry Chesler and Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky. Thanks Rabbis! Shabbat Shalom!.....And a special Mazel tov to Rabbi and Cantor Chesler on their wedding anniversary!!!
This week's edition of Parashah Talk on Parashat B'ha'alot'kha features Rabbis Eliot Malomet and Jeremy Kalmanofsky, together with yours truly, Rabbi Eliot Malomet, in conversation about the curious phenomenon of the inverted nuns bracketing two verses which appear in the Torah service [one when we take the Torah out and one when we return it to the Ark], and the character of Moses as a leader, among other topics. Dare I say it is one of our best; certainly one of the most fun to do!
The Matan Torah Edition of Parasha Talk. We go deep in this conversation, asking what revelation is, what is the experience of Torah study about, and what are our favorite things to study. Join me and my great friends, Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Rabbi Barry Chesler, and Hag Sameah!
We are dedicating our Parasha Talk this week to Camp Ramah in the Berkshires Gesher 2020. We are so brokenhearted for you this week, after the official announcement that Kayitz 2020 will not be happening. We hoped, but deep down we knew that this was what had to be. Only comfort to you and your families. This is a big loss. The three oldest rabbis who probably taught you more than once as you were coming up through the Edot, are sending you our love and blessings. Cherish your memories, nourish your hopes and dreams. You'll be back, and so will Ramah. Stronger than ever. So we take some time this week to discuss the themes of the midbar, the wilderness, the first Jewish camp, the camp of the Children of Israel in the desert, the Levites and so much more. Have a listen. Shabbat Shalom!
Another great installment of Parasha Talk. Listen to Rabbi Eliot Malomet with Rabbi Barry Chesler and Rabbi Jeremy Kalmonofsky discuss some of the great themes of this week's parasha: the sabbatical year, the cycles of time, the stages of poverty, exploitation, and our responsibilities in keeping the covenant. Learn the secret behind the sweetness of the cherry tomato! Some of the best Torah conversation you will find anywhere!! Take a listen.
It's finally time for makhelah - our staff/camper choir that sings every Friday night at Camp during Kabbalat Shabbat! We hope this fills your home with joy as you head into Shabbat.
Todah rabah (thank you) to everyone who participated in making this beautiful video, and to Miriam Hertzson (Rosh Hofa'ah - Performing Arts) for coordinating this project.
The best parasha discussion originally created in Dutchess County New York is back this week with a new edition on Parashat Emor. Take some time to listen to me, Rabbi Eliot Malomet, and my good friends Rabbis Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Barry Chesler. This awesome threesome of Ramah Rabbis, delve into the subjects of the holiness of the Kohen, disability, humane-ness with regard to animal slaughter, holiness as closeness to God, and blasphemy. What was that blasphemer so angry about? If you need some fresh Torah in your life, take a listen. Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmonofsky and Barry Chesler bring us Parsha Talk - Home edition. Kol Ramah's longest running continuous podcast!
Listen to a wonderful conversation about this period on the Jewish calendar, beginning with Yom Hashoa (Holocaust Remembrance Day), and culminating next week with Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha'atzmaut (Israel's Day of Remembrance and Israel Independence Day) what some people now refer to as ASERET YEMEI HODA'A - Ten Days of Gratitude. With our wonderful friends and Parasha Talk Hevruta partners Rabbi Eliot Malomet, Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Rabbi Barry Chesler.
David Goodman with some thoughts and music for Passover. The last day of Passover teaches us how freedom is not always a question of choice.
We all missed our תפילות this Passover. Doing it at our home is not like doing it with the community - and of course nothing like תפילה at camp.
Amirit Rosen (Farm 2019) leading us in the Prayer of Dew - תפילת הטל - from Passover Musaf. מועדים לשמחה
Would you like a refresher for the seder you are hosing on Zoom? Visit Kolramah.us and come hear Cantor Carol Chesler from Temple Beth Torah in Westbury! Download Cantor Chesler's musical seder companion at http://templebethtorahli.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/songs001.pdf
Our wonderful friend Cantor Carol Chesler presents Songs of Hope and Healing. This special program is complements of Temple Beth Torah and we appreciate the opportunity to share it with you on Radio Kol Ramah. The companion song sheet can be found at http://templebethtorahli.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/songsofhope.pdf
Thank you Cantor Chesler and Temple Beth Torah for this wonderful rendition of Mesheberach. We are all in need of healing and refuah shlemah now more than ever.
Thoughts about Passover in time of Corona. The role of the מצה (Matza) guide us to commemorate the state of poorness and dependency.
The מצה celebrates the unpreparedness of the Israelite - No one can be fully prepared for such a major change.
Kol Ramah's resident Rabbis, Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmonofsky, bring us a Kol Ramah first - a wonderful discussion of the Pesach seder. How will this seder be different than all other seders? Chag Sameach!
Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmonofskt bring us Parsha Talk - Direct from the "epicenter" (this mp3 is certified germ free 👌). Video can be found at https://zoom.us/rec/share/6u1XE737zV9JZonSxx_ZUZwaFLu9X6a8hnIeq_AJyE1FdMff4DPWqAynz3fZqy4j
No reason to be alone this Shabbat -Kol Ramah brings our favorite Rabbis, Elliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmonofsky right into your home; all without violation any health department regs!
Part 2 of our Dungeons & Dragons campaign with Shorashim campers, together with dungeon master Philip Kronenberg and radio host Ro'i Bandel.
"The Resistance fights to take back the city and save The Dreamlands from the demons, all the while an even greater threat is looming..."
Part 2 of our Dungeons & Dragons campaign with Shorashim campers, together with dungeon master Philip Kronenberg and radio host Ro'i Bandel.
"The Resistance fights to take back the city and save The Dreamlands from the demons, all the while an even greater threat is looming..."
Part 2 of our Dungeons & Dragons campaign with Shorashim campers, together with dungeon master Philip Kronenberg and radio host Ro'i Bandel.
"The Resistance fights to take back the city and save The Dreamlands from the demons, all the while an even greater threat is looming..."
Part 2 of our Dungeons & Dragons campaign with Shorashim campers, together with dungeon master Philip Kronenberg and radio host Ro'i Bandel.
"The Resistance fights to take back the city and save The Dreamlands from the demons, all the while an even greater threat is looming..."
On the final night of camp, the mishlachat came in for an ultimate nightly broadcast (airing when our family and friends in Israel are just waking up).
Featuring Omri, Sivan, Lior, Liron, Daniella, Vlada, Alice, Benaya, Yotam, Joey, Ron and of course Ro'i and David.
Join Arie and Ro'i for a show exploring the history and legacy of Kaveret (כוורת), one of the most iconic Israeli bands of all time.
Join Arie and Ro'i for a show exploring the history and legacy of Kaveret (כוורת), one of the most iconic Israeli bands of all time.
Eitan, Samson, Ro'i and Professor Isaac have a surprising discussion about camp etiquette and about various shocking conspiracies. Everything from salads to aliens is discussed in this episode of "The Salad Bar"
Voice for the Voiceless is a podcast produced campers from Bogrim (going to 9th grade). In the podcast, which take place as part of the Jewish studies in camp Ramah in the Berkshires, the campers learn and raise awareness for different 'Voiceless' groups and individuals. The story of the exodus, the redemption from slavery, is an essential story of the Jewish heritage. This is not only an historic story, but a commandment for us, as Jews, to open our eyes for those who suffer oppression. The different episodes of Voice for the Voiceless deals with issues from our surrounding and reach out for those who struggle to express the oppression they are going through.
The story of Jewish life in Africa is yet to be told. Here it camp Ramah in the Berkshires we have the honor and the opportunity to get to know people from those unique communities.
This episode tells the story of the Jewish Ethiopian community back in Ethiopia and today in the state of Israel. Yemmy tells the story of herself coming to Israel in age 5, and of her family and community.
David Goodman in an interview with Josh Erlich the Conductor of CRB Choir and the composer of some of the musical pieces.
עמרי שחר, רועי בנדל ודוד גודמן בהשמעת בכורה לאלבום 'שירי מרפסת' ברדיו קול רמה. הצמד רועי כפרי וטל טירנגל המוכרים כבר זמן רב, לאחר שנים רבות של מערכונים, פרסומות ומה לא - עכשיו יצא אלבום בכורה. באנו לתת לו כבוד.
Voice for the Voiceless is a podcast produced by campers from Bogrim (going to 9th grade). In the podcast, which take place as part of the Jewish studies in camp Ramah in the Berkshires, the campers learn and raise awareness for different 'Voiceless' groups and individuals. The story of the exodus, the redemption from slavery, is an essential story of the Jewish heritage. This is not only an historic story, but a commandment for us, as Jews, to open our eyes for those who suffer oppression. The different episodes of Voice for the Voiceless deals with issues from our surrounding and reach out for those who struggle to express the oppression they are going through.
Release date: 13 August 2019
The story of Jewish life in Africa is yet to be told. Here it camp Ramah in the Berkshires we have the honor and the opportunity to get to know people from those unique communities.
This episode tells the story of the Jewish community in Zimbabwe, the Ashcenazic, the Spharadic and the Lemba tribe. Simcha Butchart shares her own story of coming into Judaism and tells about her home land.
A major debate in the Bogrim Show between New York and New Jersey. Join Dani McGuire, Dani Abramovitz, Zack Atlas, Ro'i Bandel and David Goodman for a tale of two towns.
Rabbi David Goodman welcomes Rosh Chinuch Abby Ehrman to our podcast series on this kayitz theme- Building Community.
Voice for the Voiceless is a podcast produced campers from Bogrim (going to 9th grade). In the podcast, which take place as part of the Jewish studies in camp Ramah in the Berkshires, the campers learn and raise awareness for different 'Voiceless' groups and individuals. The story of the exodus, the redemption from slavery, is an essential story of the Jewish heritage. This is not only an historic story, but a commandment for us, as Jews, to open our eyes for those who suffer oppression. The different episodes of Voice for the Voiceless deals with issues from our surrounding and reach out for those who struggle to express the oppression they are going through.
Amirit Rosen and David Goodman speaking about Tisha Beav in Jerusalem. About the destruction and about the special environment to commemorate it.
The story of Jewish life in Africa is yet to be told. Here it camp Ramah in the Berkshires we have the honor and the opportunity to get to know people from those unique communities.
This episode will tell the story of the Igbo tribe in Nigeria. Moshe Hizkiyah from the Tikvat Israel community will guide us to this very special story.
Poetry, Gender, Torah. Sivan Rotholz Teitelman and David Goodman finding the hidden spots in the text.
Solelim special of Voice for the Voiceless. What is the value of responsibility and how its affect our jewish lives?
Voice for the Voiceless is a podcast produced campers from Bogrim (going to 9th grade). In the podcast, which take place as part of the Jewish studies in camp Ramah in the Berkshires, the campers learn and raise awareness for different 'Voiceless' groups and individuals. The story of the exodus, the redemption from slavery, is an essential story of the Jewish heritage. This is not only an historic story, but a commandment for us, as Jews, to open our eyes for those who suffer oppression. The different episodes of Voice for the Voiceless deals with issues from our surrounding and reach out for those who struggle to express the oppression they are going through.
The story of Jewish life in Africa is yet to be told. Here it camp Ramah in the Berkshires we have the honor and the opportunity to get to know people from those unique communities.
The first episode will focus on the abayudaya community in Uganda. Kigondre Samuel Matiya (Bucky) and Walema Elifazi Eria, both are member of the abayudaya community telling us their story.
A David Goodman production.
Here in the Berkshires it is the middle of the night, but our friends and family in Israel are just waking up. It is a good time to play some Israeli music and to tell the story of the evolution of Israeli music. And of course give lots of shoud-outs for the listeners in Israel.
You are welcome to join Arie Platnik, Ron Wax, Ro'i Bandel and David Goodman for an hour of contemporary Israeli Rock.
Produced and hosted by Rabbi Barry Chesler, Jessica Fisher and Gabe Cohen Join Rabbi Chesler for our weekly Torah round table discussion.
This episode tell the story of poverty in the USA and in the world.
Voice for the Voiceless is a podcast produced campers from Bogrim (going to 9th grade). In the podcast, which take place as part of the Jewish studies in camp Ramah in the Berkshires, the campers learn and raise awareness for different 'Voiceless' groups and individuals. The story of the exodus, the redemption from slavery, is an essential story of the Jewish heritage. This is not only an historic story, but a commandment for us, as Jews, to open our eyes for those who suffer oppression. The different episodes of Voice for the Voiceless deals with issues from our surrounding and reach out for those who struggle to express the oppression they are going through.
Here in the Berkshires it is the middle of the night, but our friends and family in Israel are just waking up. It is a good time to play some Israeli music and to tell the story of the evolution of Israeli music. And of course give lots of shoud-outs for the listeners in Israel.
You are welcome to join Arie Platnik and David Goodman for an hour of Israeli Rock from the 70's and 80's
A Dungeons & Dragons campaign with Shorashim campers, together with dungeon master Philip Kronenberg and radio host Ro'i Bandel.
"When a simple mission to recover a magical orb goes awry, a party of adventurers find themselves stuck in a world made of dreams, and in the middle of a plot to take away magic forever."
A Dungeons & Dragons campaign with Shorashim campers, together with dungeon master Philip Kronenberg and radio host Ro'i Bandel.
"When a simple mission to recover a magical orb goes awry, a party of adventurers find themselves stuck in a world made of dreams, and in the middle of a plot to take away magic forever."
A Dungeons & Dragons campaign with Shorashim campers, together with dungeon master Philip Kronenberg and radio host Ro'i Bandel.
"When a simple mission to recover a magical orb goes awry, a party of adventurers find themselves stuck in a world made of dreams, and in the middle of a plot to take away magic forever."
A Dungeons & Dragons campaign with Shorashim campers, together with dungeon master Philip Kronenberg and radio host Ro'i Bandel.
"When a simple mission to recover a magical orb goes awry, a party of adventurers find themselves stuck in a world made of dreams, and in the middle of a plot to take away magic forever."
A Dungeons & Dragons campaign with Shorashim campers, together with dungeon master Philip Kronenberg and radio host Ro'i Bandel.
"When a simple mission to recover a magical orb goes awry, a party of adventurers find themselves stuck in a world made of dreams, and in the middle of a plot to take away magic forever."
Rabbi Ariel Burger stops by Radio Kol Ramah to introduce us to his new book "Witness: Lessons from Elie Weisel's classroom".
David Goodman and Alexander Eisen in a program about the hidden treasure - our community. One can forget how special is the Kehillah that we are in, but this community is what make us better people.
Rabbi Barry Chesler invites Rabbi Rob Scheinberg and Hope Levav into our studio in the Beit Midrash to explore this week's parasha.
The Cochavim girls of Bunk A9 do a fun radio show with songs, laughs, friendly debates and a marriage between an octopus and a 100 year old dolphin.
Alicia Bagley and David Goodman speaking about the culture and the challenges of the black community in the U.S. Join us for an hour that combines together bitter and sweet, problems and music.
Here in the Berkshires it is the middle of the night, but our friends and family in Israel are just waking up. It is a good time to play some Israeli music and to tell the story of the evolution of Israeli music. And of course give lots of shoud-outs for the listeners in Israel.
You are welcome to join Arie Platnik and David Goodman for an hour of Israeli Metal music.
LIVE concert by Josh Warshawsky and friends at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires.
Josh Warshawsky inspires and engages Jews across generations through music and teaching. Josh spends his summers in residency teaching and sharing music and Tefillah at Ramah camps across the country including Ramah in Wisconsin, Ramah Nyack, Ramah in Northern California, Ramah California in Ojai, Ramah Poconos, and Ramah in the Berkshires.
Josh Warshawsky has released three albums. Visit his website at https://joshwarshawsky.com
Hosted and produced by Rabbi Barry Chesler, Jessica Fisher and Gabe Cohen from The Jewish Theological Seminary join in a wonderful round table discussion of Pinchas - one of the most popular of camp parshiot!
Alexandra, Layla, Maddy, Sasha and Holland from Solelim interviewing the musician Benji Marx and speaking about his song Joshua: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEhM4kVhPoM
Interview with the artist Merav Ezer about how the challenges of immigration and their expression in art - in Hebrew. ריאיון עם האמנית מרב עזר על האתגרים שבהגירה ועל הביטוי האמנותי של אתגרים אלו.
Rabbi Scott Bolton and Rabbi Esther Reed with David Goodman speaking about community in a special program with many guests. The program discuss the values of love, kindness, hospitality and gratitude.
Here in the Berkshires it is the middle of the night, but our friends and family in Israel are just waking up. It is a good time to play some Israeli music and to tell the story of the evolution of Israeli music. And of course give lots of shoud-outs for the listeners in Israel.
Please join the Israeli Mishlachat for an hour of good music and fun :)
Julius Zimbler came by to the Kol Ramah studio with his guitar to play a live acoustic performance of Bohemian Rhapsody (by Queen)
Please enjoy listening to our reflections about building a holy community! Over the course of the episodes Rabbi Scott Bolton and David Goodman have explored how individuals consciously connect, what cultural rituals and encounters help cement love and respect and what sources from Jewish tradition inspire. In our third episode we talked about a list of values that could focal points for refining our lives. The Torah's hope that we would love our neighbors like ourselves anchors the discussion, and a Hasidic take on the verse in which that teaching appears helps us understand more about human nature. Pure pleasure to have you שומעים קהילה!
Here in the Berkshires it is the middle of the night, but our friends and family in Israel are just waking up. It is a good time to play some Israeli music and to tell the story of the evolution of Israeli music. And of course give lots of shoud-outs for the listeners in Israel.
You are welcome to join Aryeh Platnik and David Goodman for an hour of very stupid Israeli Rock.
Parsha Talk originators Rabbis Barry Chesler, Eliot Malomet and Jeremy Kalmanofsky re-unite for a truly memorable Parsha Talk - This is one episode you will not want to miss!
Here in the Berkshires it is the middle of the night, but our friends and family in Israel are just waking up. It is a good time to play some Israeli music and to tell the story of the evolution of Israeli music. And of course give lots of shoud-outs for the listeners in Israel.
You are welcome to join Aryeh Platnik and David Goodman for an hour of Israeli Rock.
Here in the Berkshires it is the middle of the night, but our friends and family in Israel are just waking up. It is a good time to play some Israeli music and to tell the story of the evolution of Israeli music. And of course give lots of shoud-outs for the listeners in Israel.
Your host Rabbi Barry Chesler welcomes Parsha Talk veteran Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Rabbi Joel Levinson for an insightful and thought provoking round-table discussion of the weekly parsha!
Rabbi Mordecai Schwartz Director of the Beit Midrash and Assistant Professor of Talmud and Rabinics at JTS visits Radio Kol Ramah and tells Mitch Mernick about his newly published book "Rewriting the Talmud".
Former award winning Kol Ramah DJ Sammy Sandler joins with Milk (Jacob) Sandler for another episode of "Mitch the Man and the Legend". (Won't this ever end?)
The Shorashim 2019 musical production tells the story of old Shorashim campers reliving their camp memories decades down the line in Ramah Retirement Home.
ההפקה המוסיקלית של שורשים 2019 מספרת את הסיפור של חניכי שורשים שאחרי עשרות שנים נזכרים בזכרונות מחנה מתוקים מהקיץ שלהם בשורשים.
The Shorashim 2019 musical production tells the story of old Shorashim campers reliving their camp memories decades down the line in Ramah Retirement Home.
ההפקה המוסיקלית של שורשים 2019 מספרת את הסיפור של חניכי שורשים שאחרי עשרות שנים נזכרים בזכרונות מחנה מתוקים מהקיץ שלהם בשורשים.
The Shorashim 2019 musical production tells the story of old Shorashim campers reliving their camp memories decades down the line in Ramah Retirement Home.
ההפקה המוסיקלית של שורשים 2019 מספרת את הסיפור של חניכי שורשים שאחרי עשרות שנים נזכרים בזכרונות מחנה מתוקים מהקיץ שלהם בשורשים.
The Shorashim 2019 musical production tells the story of old Shorashim campers reliving their camp memories decades down the line in Ramah Retirement Home.
ההפקה המוסיקלית של שורשים 2019 מספרת את הסיפור של חניכי שורשים שאחרי עשרות שנים נזכרים בזכרונות מחנה מתוקים מהקיץ שלהם בשורשים.
The Shorashim 2019 musical production tells the story of old Shorashim campers reliving their camp memories decades down the line in Ramah Retirement Home.
ההפקה המוסיקלית של שורשים 2019 מספרת את הסיפור של חניכי שורשים שאחרי עשרות שנים נזכרים בזכרונות מחנה מתוקים מהקיץ שלהם בשורשים.
The Shorashim 2019 musical production tells the story of old Shorashim campers reliving their camp memories decades down the line in Ramah Retirement Home.
ההפקה המוסיקלית של שורשים 2019 מספרת את הסיפור של חניכי שורשים שאחרי עשרות שנים נזכרים בזכרונות מחנה מתוקים מהקיץ שלהם בשורשים.
The Shorashim 2019 musical production tells the story of old Shorashim campers reliving their camp memories decades down the line in Ramah Retirement Home.
ההפקה המוסיקלית של שורשים 2019 מספרת את הסיפור של חניכי שורשים שאחרי עשרות שנים נזכרים בזכרונות מחנה מתוקים מהקיץ שלהם בשורשים.
The Shorashim 2019 musical production tells the story of old Shorashim campers reliving their camp memories decades down the line in Ramah Retirement Home.
ההפקה המוסיקלית של שורשים 2019 מספרת את הסיפור של חניכי שורשים שאחרי עשרות שנים נזכרים בזכרונות מחנה מתוקים מהקיץ שלהם בשורשים.
The Shorashim 2019 musical production tells the story of old Shorashim campers reliving their camp memories decades down the line in Ramah Retirement Home.
ההפקה המוסיקלית של שורשים 2019 מספרת את הסיפור של חניכי שורשים שאחרי עשרות שנים נזכרים בזכרונות מחנה מתוקים מהקיץ שלהם בשורשים.
David Goodman, Rabbi Scott Bolton and Alexander Eisen discussing the idea of Kehilla (Community) in our Jewish life. Join us for a program of conversations, stories and prayers.
Alex Eisen speaks with Mitch Mernick in Radio Kol Ramah's studio and discusses his Jewish life in Sweden and his journey to Wingdale!
This week Rabbis Scott Bolton and Aaron Schoenbrun join your host Rabbi Barry Chesler to explore this week's parsha Korach.
Join Radio Kol Ramah for Camp Ramah's 2019 July 4th Concert. Hosted by Yaniv Morozovsky with Eli Fraiman and Mitch Mernick. Tzevet Hofa'a band Featuring Alicia Bagely, Milk (Jacob) Sandler, Ilan Marans, Josh Ehrlich, Matt Teitelman, Phillip Kronenberg, Mike Rodriguez, Gideon Weiss.
Full show tracklist:
1:22 - המאירה 5:32 - הנה מה טוב 9:27 - יה ריבון עולם 13:40 - מה גדלו 20:34 - הריני 24:10 - אדון עולם 27:41 - פתחו לי שערי צדק 31:54 - גשר צר מאוד 34:33 - שיר לאהבה 36:43 - סאלם 38:50 - השם מלך 40:50 - מהפכה של שמחה 43:45 - מזמור לילה 45:47 - זהב 47:53 - אז ירננו כל עצי יער 49:33 - בואש 51:48 - גלשן 53:33 - הנה בא השלום 54:50 - לעולם בעקבות השמש 57:00 - עניין של זמן 59:57 - נולדתי לשלום 1:02:11 - אבניבי 1:04:19 - עושה שלום 1:06:05 - עוד יהיה לי 1:08:56 - הריני 1:12:12 - טוב לי במחנה רמה 1:13:40 - רד היום
Camp Ramah in the Berkshires musical production of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang", with performances by Gesher 2019 youth.
הפקה מוסיקלית של מחנה רמה בברקשירס של "צ'יטי צ'יטי באנג באנג". מופיעים ושרים הנוער של גשר 2019.
Camp Ramah in the Berkshires musical production of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang", with performances by Gesher 2019 youth.
הפקה מוסיקלית של מחנה רמה בברקשירס של "צ'יטי צ'יטי באנג באנג". מופיעים ושרים הנוער של גשר 2019.
Camp Ramah in the Berkshires musical production of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang", with performances by Gesher 2019 youth.
הפקה מוסיקלית של מחנה רמה בברקשירס של "צ'יטי צ'יטי באנג באנג". מופיעים ושרים הנוער של גשר 2019.
Rabbi Paul Kurland celebrates his 50th year in Camp Ramah in the Berkshires, and brings back his radio show, with memories, friends, and of course: Mitch Mernick.
Camp Ramah in the Berkshires musical production of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang", with performances by Gesher 2019 youth.
הפקה מוסיקלית של מחנה רמה בברקשירס של "צ'יטי צ'יטי באנג באנג". מופיעים ושרים הנוער של גשר 2019.
Camp Ramah in the Berkshires musical production of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang", with performances by Gesher 2019 youth.
הפקה מוסיקלית של מחנה רמה בברקשירס של "צ'יטי צ'יטי באנג באנג". מופיעים ושרים הנוער של גשר 2019.
Camp Ramah in the Berkshires musical production of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang", with performances by Gesher 2019 youth.
הפקה מוסיקלית של מחנה רמה בברקשירס של "צ'יטי צ'יטי באנג באנג". מופיעים ושרים הנוער של גשר 2019.
A special music show with Camp Ramah in the Berkshire's music staff and campers! The group, held by the teachers Max Silverstone and Matt Teitelman, sang and played "Hotel California" and "Sweet Home Alabama".
Host & audio editor: Yaniv Morozovsky
Camp Ramah in the Berkshires musical production of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang", with performances by Gesher 2019 youth.
הפקה מוסיקלית של מחנה רמה בברקשירס של "צ'יטי צ'יטי באנג באנג". מופיעים ושרים הנוער של גשר 2019.
Camp Ramah in the Berkshires musical production of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang", with performances by Gesher 2019 youth.
הפקה מוסיקלית של מחנה רמה בברקשירס של "צ'יטי צ'יטי באנג באנג". מופיעים ושרים הנוער של גשר 2019.
Camp Ramah in the Berkshires musical production of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang", with performances by Gesher 2019 youth.
הפקה מוסיקלית של מחנה רמה בברקשירס של "צ'יטי צ'יטי באנג באנג". מופיעים ושרים הנוער של גשר 2019.
Join Lea Wohl־Segal and experience 'Sharkiyah' - The Winds of the Desert. Lea channels her mother's Moroccan roots, and explores Jewish identity.
לאה ווהל ־־סגל בסדרת הסכתים (פודקאסטים) על שירה מזרחית וזהות יהודית־־־-־מזרחית בישראל.
Join Lea Wohl־Segal and experience 'Sharkiyah' - The Winds of the Desert. Lea channels her mother's Moroccan roots, and explores Jewish identity.
לאה ווהל ־־סגל בסדרת הסכתים (פודקאסטים) על שירה מזרחית וזהות יהודית־־־-־מזרחית בישראל.
Join Lea Wohl־Segal and experience 'Sharkiyah' - The Winds of the Desert. Lea channels her mother's Moroccan roots, and explores Jewish identity.
לאה ווהל ־־סגל בסדרת הסכתים (פודקאסטים) על שירה מזרחית וזהות יהודית־־־-־מזרחית בישראל.
The best of today's shows on Kol Ramah: Listen to campers broadcasting, interviewing, giving sports updates and even dedicating one special song in the end.
Edited by Yaniv Morozovsky Photo by Eden Caplan
The cutest radio show of the week! Join Mitch Mernick, cantor Carol Chesler, and the youngest kids in camp, for music and happy moments before Shabbat.
The Rabbis and teachers of Camp Ramah in the Berkshires talk about Parashat Hashavua - hosted by Rabbi Barry Chesler.
The Israeli delegation with music, shout outs and tons of fun! hosted by Yaniv Morozovsky.
Camp Ramah in the Berkshires staff with greetings to the campers and classical Israeli music, just a few moments before Shabbat.
A weekly podcast about community, Judaism and education. David Goodman, a teacher and a radio host, with a 1 hour conversation with Rabbi-Scott Bolton before first Shabbat in Camp Ramah in the Berkshires.
The best of opening day shows! Including parts of the live show, recordings and interviews with staff and campers, and the first Prakim of the summer.
First day of Kayitz 2019 programming!
Listen to the campers, the staff and the best Israeli music of the summer - hosted by Yaniv Morozovsky, Roi Bandel, David Goodman and Mitch Mernick.
Bella Rosenblatt and Minna Bachman of Machon wrote this song; recorded and produced by CRB music staff member Benji Marx
Performance of 2018 Camp Ramah Berkshires Makhela; Josh M. Ehrlich director. Co produced by Josh M. Ehrlich, Radio Kol Ramah and Tzevet Hofa'ah. Recorded in the B'amat by Mitch Mernick, edited and mastered at Merrick Sound in New York City by Frans Mernick. Aired on Radio Kol Ramah August 2018.
Performance of 2018 Camp Ramah Berkshires Makhela; Josh M. Ehrlich director. Co produced by Josh M. Ehrlich, Radio Kol Ramah and Tzevet Hofa'ah. Recorded in the B'amat by Mitch Mernick, edited and mastered at Mernick Sound in New York City by Frans Mernick. Aired on Radio Kol Ramah August 2018.
Performance of 2018 Camp Ramah Berkshires Makhela; Josh M. Ehrlich director. Co produced by Josh M. Ehrlich, Radio Kol Ramah and Tzevet Hofa'ah. Recorded in the B'amat by Mitch Mernick, edited and mastered at Merrick Sound in New York City by Frans Mernick. Aired on Radio Kol Ramah August 2018.
Performance of 2018 Camp Ramah Berkshires Makhela; Josh M. Ehrlich director. Co produced by Josh M. Ehrlich, Radio Kol Ramah and Tzevet Hofa'ah. Recorded in the B'amat by Mitch Mernick, edited and mastered at Merrick Sound in New York City by Frans Mernick. Aired on Radio Kol Ramah August 2018.
Performance of 2018 Camp Ramah Berkshires Makhela; Josh M. Ehrlich director. Co produced by Josh M. Ehrlich, Radio Kol Ramah and Tzevet Hofa'ah. Recorded in the B'amat by Mitch Mernick, edited and mastered at Merrick Sound in New York City by Frans Mernick. Aired on Radio Kol Ramah August 2018.
Performance of 2018 Camp Ramah Berkshires Makhela; Josh M. Ehrlich director. Co produced by Josh M. Ehrlich, Radio Kol Ramah and Tzevet Hofa'ah. Recorded in the B'amat by Mitch Mernick, edited and mastered at Merrick Sound in New York City by Frans Mernick. Aired on Radio Kol Ramah August 2018.
Performance of 2018 Camp Ramah Berkshires Makhela; Josh M. Ehrlich director. Co produced by Josh M. Ehrlich, Radio Kol Ramah and Tzevet Hofa'ah. Recorded in the B'amat by Mitch Mernick, edited and mastered at Merrick Sound in New York City by Frans Mernick. Aired on Radio Kol Ramah August 2018.
Performance of 2018 Camp Ramah Berkshires Makhela; Josh M. Ehrlich director. Co produced by Josh M. Ehrlich, Radio Kol Ramah and Tzevet Hofa'ah. Recorded in the B'amat by Mitch Mernick, edited and mastered at Merrick Sound in New York City by Frans Mernick. Aired on Radio Kol Ramah August 2018.
Rabbi Bolton is embedded in Al Hagovah (outdoor activities). Hear how this special program enhances staff and camper experiences at camp! Rabbi Bolton is the Rabbi of Or Zaruah in NYC.
Hebrew Staff's amazing escape room project with the theme of Israel's 70 year celebration. Interview of a tour in the escape room with Lea Wohl-Segal and Avital Arami and Shay Ron Mizrachi
Radio Kol Ramah is proud to present Tzvet Hofa'as soundtrack The Play Chelm. Recorded by Jacob Varon.
Morning minyan with a Hip-hop beat.
Beat & Editing by Shai Ron Mizrachi and Jacob 'Milk" Sandler. Guitar sampled from Noah Aronson. Written by CRB musical prayer class. Vocals (in order): Milk (sung). Verse 1: Jeremy Finklestein, Jeremy Libchaber, Nate Savitz,Adam C. Berkowitz,Edat Bogrim Yais. Verse 2: Aaron Levav, Isaiah Sokolic and Josh Ungar, Grant Reiter, Josh Fersko
Hosted by Rabbi Barry Chesler, Parasha Talk original cast Rabbis Eliot Malomet and Jeremy Kalmonofsky return for our last scheduled podcsst of the 2018 season!
Professor Sommer of JTS visits Kol Ramah and discusses his work with campers and staff. Be sure to listen to a great poetry recitation as only Ben can give!
Learn about a fabulous opportunity for college students to study in Israel and become leaders of Jewish education.
Rabbi Paul Kurland and Mitch Mernick are back on the air despite the lack of popular demand. See who calls in!
Rabbi Barry Chesler returns with Rabbi Rob Scheinberg and Hope Levav for our favorite torah talk in an accessible and enjoyable format. This is truly a Kol Ramah exclusive.
Shabbat Shalom from Kol Ramah!
Rabbi Barry Chesler with Hope Levav and Rabbi Rob Scheinberg. Our popular weekly torah round table discussion - exclusively on Kol Ramah!
Round table discussion on the issues and recent developments surrounding the Abudaya community in Uganda by Rabbi Kevin Tzvi Friedman with Elifaz Wilema and Margo Hughes Robinson
Kochavim and Nitzanim expereince the thrill of sports broadcasting. Sammy is a sports broadcaster at SUNY Oswego!
One very special song a day to bring us to Tu B'av! Created and narrated by CRB Rosh Ivrit Lea Wohl-Segal. Produced by Kol Ramah's Shai Ron Mizrachi.
Exciting play by play with commentary by campers and sports staff, including Rabbi Friedman, Robbie Goldstein, Jonah Holden, Mina Bachman, Elie Westow and others. Special tanks to Eli Weiss and Seth Schlank.
Exciting play by play with commentary by campers and sports staff, including Rabbi Friedman, Robbie Goldstein, Jonah Holden, Mina Bachman, Elie Westow and others. Special tanks to Eli Weiss and Seth Schlank.
Coach Kevin gives live play by play on hockey tournament held at Berkshire Hills, along with post game analysis by goalie Jonah Tobias. Don't miss Jonah's song The Fork at the end of the podcast!
Performance by our makheka directed by Josh Erlich and reading of Eichah. Recorded in the Ulam.
Promo for our Radio Drama produced by the Bogrim Radio Intensive. Campers Eli Fraiman, Jonah Fraiman, Rami Maraoff and Oz Foger. Featurung Tzevet Rabbi Margo Hughes Robinson and Shai Ron Mizrachi.
Rabbi Barry Chesler hosts our popular weekly torah roundtable with Dr. Alison Joseph and Rabbi Esther Reed.
Exclusive recording brought to you by Tzevet Hofa'a and Radio Kol Ramah 102.3 FM! Almost as good as being in the Ulam!!
Hosted by Rabbi Barry Chesler with Rabbis Michael pont and Aaron Shoenbrun, our rabbis tackle Matot-Masai in a fun and informative round-table format - a Kol Ramah exclusive!
Rabbi Keven Tzvi Friedman, Asst. Rabbi Fair Lawn Jewish Center, coaches Hockey and teaches Mussar - a winning combination!
You won't want t miss this lively discussion on Parasha Pinchas; hosted by Rabbi Barry Chesler with Rabbi Joel Levenson and Dr. Alison Joseph
Hosted by Rabbi Barry Chesler with Rabbi Joel Levenson and Rabbi Aaron Schonbrun, this is our first Parashah Talk of the summer, 2018. And a tip of the hat to Rabbis Eliot Malomet and Jeremy Kalmanofsky, with whom I had the privilege and honor of doing Parashah Talk for the past several summers. Shabbat Shalom to one and all!!
Join us as cantor Chesler get us in the mood for shabbat. It is just like being at her family's table enjoying shabbos z'mirot!
Join the excitement of welcoming our new campers and staff on the first day of camp! We love having Rabbi Kurland join us on Radio Kol Ramah along with Jacob Varon and Shay Mizrachi.
השירים הישראלים שהכי אהבנו בשנת 2018, והשירים שחשוב שתכירו לקראת קיץ 2018 במחנה רמה בבירקשירס: יניב מורוזובסקי עורך ומגיש את המיטב של השנה, חלק מהפלייליסט השנתי המעודכן של רדיו קול רמה.
The best Israeli songs of 2018, and the A-List of Katiyz 2018 in Camp Ramah in the Berkshires! Yaniv Morozovsky with the songs that you have to hear before heading to camp.
רשימת שירים • TRACKLIST
גל מלכה, נדב גדג', נופר סלמאן וחברי להקות צבאיות - אין לך מה לדאוג חנן בן ארי - בשורות טובות נדב גדג' - אולי נדבר אליעד - סוף השבוע עברי לידר - מוגזם ישי ריבו - לשוב הביתה עידן יניב - מוצאי שבת משה פרץ - יש לי אותך בניה ברבי - מישהו איתי כאן דודי בר דוד - השיר שלך התקווה 6 - גדול עליי אגם בוחבוט - לוקה עידן רייכל - אם תבואי אלי הדג נחש - סע אגם בוחבוט ונועה קירל - אצל הדודה והדוד טליסמאן - ברברים עומר אדם - שני משוגעים משה פרץ - סוכר בקפה ליאור פרחי - סיון שרית חדד - אמן סאבלימינל - תן למוזיקה לדבר סטפן לגר ואיתי לוי - Maman סטטיק ובן־אל תבורי - נמסטה Enrique Iglesias ורותם כהן - Subeme La Radio רינת בר - חי גלי עטרי ועדן בן זקן - הללויה נטע ברזילי - Toy
Growing Pains (The Tree Song) was written by Jeff Weisz; for a more information regarding its creation and inspiration we invite you to listen to the interview from our previous podcast on Kol Ramah https://soundcloud.com/kolramahberkshires/growing-pains-jeff-weisz-featuring-jacob-sandler. This recording features Jacob "Milk" Sandler on back-up vocals, and Adam Weingarten on Darbuka (Israeli Hand Drum).
Little Piece of Mind was musically composed by Jeff Weisz and lyrically by Jeff along with Adam Weingarten who is featured on this track singing back-up vocals as well as on his trusted drum. The vocal harmonies were further arranged by Jacob Sandler (Milk), and he is featured singing back up along with Cinnamon Toast Brunch's keyboard player Josh Ehrlich. To be clear there are no keyboards on this recording. It's Jeff, Milk, Adam and Josh singing in harmony that create the Beatles and Crosby, Stills Nash and Young vibe.
"Red Delicious" - like the well known apple. Music and Lyrics are primarily attributed to Jeff Weisz, though this stands as the first true collaboration of Jeff, Jacob Sandler and Adam Weingarten pitching in on the lyrics as well. Jacob Sandler arranged the intense harmonies on the bridge and sings lead in that section "See what you've done" and the Low Bass-y "your song has now been sung." The rest is Jeff on lead vocals and guitar, Adam on back-up and darbuka, and Josh Erlich and I filling in the back up vocal harmonies as usual.
Red Delicious is a great admiration for the biblical imagery of the Garden of Eden and allusions to the Snake, the apple and Methusaleh who was the oldest living person recorded in the book of Genesis (969 years). Interesting point about that, scholars today believe that the years of early genesis were based on a fully lunar calendar, making the year a mark of the lunar cycle--meaning in actuality Methusaleh might have only lived 969 months (or 80 years). Still remarkable for that time, but much more believable in today's modern terms.
For those of us in "galut" from Wingdale, a bonus track. Hosted by Rabbi Eliot Malomet and featuring Rabbis Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmonofsky,
Our own Yaakov Malomet shares a wonderful podcast outlining the issues involved in the Kotel Crisis. Yaakov is an analyst with Machon Reut in Israel. Kol Ramah thanks the Reut Institute for allowing us to share this important podcast with our listeners.
B'reira is CRB's program providing support to campers and families. Learn about this wonderful inclusive program; part of Ramah Tikvah.
The last episode of Mishlachat show! As we getting closer to the end of camp, we're bringing you the final show with special guests, talking about the highlights of camp,
Hosted by: Ariel Lugassy and Liana Baranskiy.
Wonderful recording of the Makelah 2017. Led by Josh Ehrlich. Recorded live in the B'amat by Radio Kol Ramah.
- Bo’ee Kallah
- L’chah Dodi Medley
- Or Zarua
- Sanctify
- Ozi V’Zimrat Ya
Join Machon campers Carmel Ohring, Bennett Schwartz and Jeremy Steinman as they endeavor to discover the truth behind Camp Ramah in the Berkshires' greatest mystery: What IS Max Hirsch's job in camp? With help from Milk and The Kol Ramah Team, as well as many witnesses around camp, we were able to solve this mystery. **Intended to be a satirical and humorous podcast. Special Thanks to Max Hirsch for being such a good sport, and for all his hard work doing whatever it is he does ;)
Complete soundtrack of this wonderful presentation of Mary Poppins, recorded by Jacob Varon for Radio Kol Ramah.
"The boy's are back" and we are glad they are! Parsha Talk-Ekev Kayitz 2017. Host Rabbi Eliot Malomet, featuring Rabbi Barry Chesler and Rabbi Jeremy Kalmonofsky. Aired on August 11, 2017.
Wonderful concert on A site by Billy Jonas and The Billy Jonas Band, featuring our own chanichim. If oyu never heard Billy this podcast will be a real treat. Recorded by Jacob Varon for Radio Kol Ramah.
What is happening in Camp Ramah in the Berkshires without us knowing? Join us for Murder Mystery, a scripted story, recorded by Solelim and Bogrim kids.
Radio Kol Ramah brings you to Omanut; learn about out new "STEM+A" program. Ricki Gorman, Rosh Omanut describes our expanded arts program. Narrated by Liam Robbins, this podcasts features Shorashim campers Galit Chesler, Millie Ackerman and Adin Haas.
This original composition is the work product of a song writing and recording class taught by Benji Marx of Tzevet Hofa'a. Benji writes "This song was inspired by a fork that we left in the shirah office. We left the kids alone for 15 minutes to begin writing the lyrics to the song and they were so moved by the sight of a lone fork sitting on a table that they wrote an ode to it. They came up with the melody, Noah and I began adding chords and instruments. We soon had a hit!"
Hear what this innovative musician and educator has planned for the kids at Camp Ramah!
Come for a tour of the newest addition to camp - our new Escape Room / Heder B'reicha. Take a journey from Surinam to Israe/ - alll without leaving Wingdale! Lea Wohl-Segal Rosh Ivrit with Michal Redmond and Bar Etrogi.
Simcha celebration hosted by Gesher for their Rosh Edah and our camp Mashgiach! The Hofa'a band featuring Alicia Bageley.
Enjoy this Kabbalat Shabbat performance by campers and staff, presented by Tzvet Hofa'a.
Dana Levine, Sophie Kerman, Nathaniel Friedman, with Max Silverstone perform live in our "ulpan".
The "boys" prepare for this week's Parasha Talk [discussion of the weekly Torah reading]. Billed as Dutchess County's best Torah talk, available on Kol Ramah 102.3 FM, if you're within Camp Ramah Berkshires when camp is in session, or as a podcast on kolramah.us [there is also a link on the Camp website, ramahberkshires.org]. — with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky.
Ramah Berskshires proudly presents Finding Nemo. Recorded live in Bet Am Bet August 3, 2017
Bringing to you a special hour with winter songs, weather updates and more while a thunderstorm is happening outside,
Hosts: Liana Baranskiy and Elor Paz. With: Alden Ness. Aired on Kol Ramam on August 2nd.
The 4th episode of Mishlachat Show in Camp Ramah in the Berkshires! Brought to you by the Israeli delegation of Kayitz 2017!
With: Ariel Lugassy, Liana Baranskiy, Michal Redmard, Niv Cohen and Aviah Morag. Aired on Kol Ramah on July 28th, 2017.
Dr. Sinclair, formerly on staff of CRB and currently on the Faculty of JTS discusses his work in Modi'in, Israel and JTS. How best to approach Jweish education in America at a time of increased polarization in Israel.
Our weekly Torah series hosted by Rabbi Eliot Malomet, featuring Rabbis Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmonofsky.
My Ramah Israel Story is a project of Mishlachat 2017 in association with Radio Kol Ramah. Produced by Rabbi Barry Katz, Rosh Mishlachat, with Yaniv Morozovsky for Shavuah Israel - Israel week. Recorded and edited by Liana Baranskiy these promos are played through the day's programming on Radio Kol Ramah!
Cantor Carol Chesler visits Kol Ramah to help us get in the Shabbat Zone - We love her visits!!
Hosted by Rabbi Malomet, this highly acclaimed weekly torah discussion features Rabbis Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmonofsky of Tzevet Chinuch.
The third episode of the Mishlachat Show for kayitz 2017, featuring interviews, commentary and shoutouts from the Israeli delegation to Camp Ramah in the Berkshires.
Host: Ariel Lugassi. Aired on Kol Ramah on July 17th, 2017.
Only Radio Kol Ramah brings you a front row seat to Zimryah 2017! Special thanks to Woodruff Wytovich.
William is visiting camp for Shabbat. We appreciate that he took the time to tell his story exclusively on Kol Ramah. Special thanks to Rabbi Jeremy Kalmonofsky.
Dr. Adam Silk, veteran Ramahnik and Chiropractor with Macabee Tel Aviv gives us the inside scoop of where this historic team is going and shares the message he brings from Israel to Camp Ramah.
Soundtrack of the Shorashim and Tzeirim play 2017. Produced by Tzevet Hofa'a Recorded by Jacob Varon of Kol Ramah
Stop by for Rabbi Kalmonofsky's interesting perspective on Jewish life in Poland and the Jewish Festival in Karkow.
Wonderful Saturday night concert in the Ba'amat hosed by Gesher. Nigunal'e vising from Jezreel Valley, Israel!
Lively roundtable hosted by Rabbi Eliot Malomet, featuring Rabbis Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmonofsky
The yearly Gesher play, based on "The Beauty and the Beast", was held in Beit Am Bet on July 5th, 2017.
Kol Ramah was there to capture the sounds of the show. Here is the 60 minutes podcast for you.
A special project for Kayitz 2017: Four campers had the chance to study voice over acting, audio editing and jingle production.
In this 10 minutes podcast you can hear the results of 8 hour intensive class with Yaniv Morozovsky, a voice over artist in Israel and a worker in Radio Kol Ramah.
All the jingles, news shows and short stories, in Hebrew and in English, were narrated and edited by our campers.
A SPECIAL KOL RAMAH PRODUCTION: For the first time, representatives from all tzrifim joined our game with some Hebrew questions, and competed for a prize for their bunks!
This special show was held in Beitan Shapiro on the first Erev Shabbat of Kayitz 2017. How did the campers answer? Do you know the answers? and - Who are the winners? Tune in to the complete podcast.
Editor & Host: Yaniv Morozovsky Voice overs and engineering: Mitch Mernick Producer: Jacob Varon Studio engineering: Liana Baranskiy
Aired LIVE on Radio Kol Ramah 102.3FM on June 30th, 2017.
A SPECIAL KOL RAMAH PRODUCTION: For the first time, representatives from all tzrifim joined our game with some Hebrew questions, and competed for a prize for their bunks!
This special show was held in Beitan Shapiro on the first Erev Shabbat of Kayitz 2017. How did the campers answer? Do you know the answers? and - Who are the winners? Tune in to the complete podcast.
Editor & Host: Yaniv Morozovsky Voice overs and engineering: Mitch Mernick Producer: Jacob Varon Studio engineering: Liana Baranskiy
Aired LIVE on Radio Kol Ramah 102.3FM on June 30th, 2017.
One of Camp Ramah in the Berkshires favourite events of the summer! Brian Gelfand's special concert features some of the greatest American and Israeli loved hits around camp.
The concert was held in the basketball court ("Ulam") in front of all the happy campers and staff, and broadcasted LIVE on Kol Ramah 102.3FM.
The host was Yaniv Morozovsky, and In between the songs we heard some of the party people interviewd by Liana Baranskiy and Ariel Lugassi.
The news headlines of this hour, edited and narrated by our campers! A part from our Kol Ramah's voice over intensive, running this week.
A special and a very different show, featuring Eden and Gabby, Nitzanim campers, and Kol Ramah's Yaniv Morozovsky.
Fun interviews, fake weather, birthdays, important facts and great American music for 4th of July!
The second episode of the Mishlachat Show for kayitz 2017, featuring interviews, commentary and shoutouts from the Israeli delegation to Camp Ramah in the Berkshires.
Hosts: Ariel Lugassi and Liana Baranskiy Aired on Kol Ramah on July 3rd, 2017.
Highlights from today's shows, including an interview with Ethan Linden, commentary on today's news, sports and weather.
60 minutes of Israeli classics for a rainy Erev Shabbat. Edited and hosted by Yaniv Morozovsky.
TRACKLIST יעל לוי - תמונה רותי נבון - גשם בעיתו איציק אשל - אתה קדוש שלמה ארצי - תגידי גלי עטרי - אמצע ספטמבר שלום חנוך - ניגע אל החלום בני אמדורסקי - אני גיטרה הפרברים שרים עילי בוטנר - קול ממדרונות תומר יוסף ובן הנדלר - עברתי רק כדי לראות כוורת - שעור מולדת גידי גוב - יש אי שם להקת הנחל - שלווה מתי כספי - הנה הנה אריק סיני - ערב מול הגלעד שלומי שבת ויובל דיין - השבת כבר נכנסת
The stories, the jokes and the music choices of Mishlachat 2017 on the first Erev Shabbat, with thunderstorms and heavy rain outside.
Host: Liana Baranskyi
TRACKLIST סטטיק ובן אל תבורי - טודו בום גלי עטרי - נסיך החלומות (ולנטינו) שלומי שבת - חיה בתוכי הג'ירפות - צריך לסגור הכל אדיר גץ - ילד בשדות אמיר דדון - אור גדול אייל גולן - חלומות עילי בוטנר וילדי החוץ - קדימה הלאה
The soundtrack of every Shabbat in Camp Ramah in the Berkshires: A microphone, a guitar, and Cantor Carol Chesler. Enjoy the music and the big smile, with all the tunes that makes Shabbat in camp so awsome!
The rabbis of Camp Ramah in the Berkshires talk on this week's Parasha. Aired on July 30th, 2017, on Radio Kol Ramah.
Listen to today's highlights on Kol Ramah 102.3FM: The first Shorashim show featured interviews with The new camp director, the camp's assistant director and Rosh Mishlachat. On the Solelim show we had Matt Arons with us in the studio. Matt is a counselor in Solelim and he preformed a live acoustic cover of "Simple Twist of Fate" by Bob Dylan.
Listen to our WELCOME TO KAYITZ 2017 special show. Listen to the full show, with all the interviews and some great Israeli hits from all times.
Hosted by Yaniv Morozovsky, Liana Baranskiy and Jacob Varon.
Aired on Radio Kol Ramah on June 27th, 2017.
TRACKLIST: אליעד ורבע לאפריקה - התחלה חדשה ישי ריבו - מקשה אחת זהב טונה - י"א 2 אמיר דדון - כל יום כמו נס אגם בוחבוט - הקצב של העיר התקווה 6 - מגן דוד יזהר כהן - אבניבי סאבלימינל - יום גדול (עם חזי שקד) גיא מזיג - לבד במדבר 8th Day - Ya'Alili משה פרץ - קרמלה אביב גפן - עונות אמנים שונים - אריק איינשטיין עוף גוזל כוורת - יו - יה גד אלבז - השם מלך (דואט עם בני אלבז) שוהם וגבריאל & איזי - עד שהרמקול נופל - שיר המשלחת 2016 אחרית הימים - יש לי יום הולדת גידי גוב ומאור כהן - איזה אחלה עולם מוש בן ארי - משא ומתן סטטיק ובן אל תבורי - זהב הפרויקט של רביבו - משחק ילדים מארינה מקסימיליאן - הבלדה על חדווה ושלומיק ליאורה יצחק - מעלה מעלה ליאור פרחי - שומר החומות עילי בוטנר וילדי החוץ - היי היי פייב - יום מעונן שרית חדד - למה לי סקסטה - נולדתי לשלום חנן בן ארי - תודה שאת דודה - אלף כבאים אביאור מלסה - קיץ ליאור נרקיס ועומר אדם - מהפכה של שמחה הדורבנים - שוב הדיסקו כאן סטטיק ובן אל תבורי - סלסולים גאיה - עוד יבוא שלום עלינו אניה בוקשטיין ועופר ניסים - רוקדת ג'יין בורדו - וויסקי האולטראס - בא לי (עם מתן עגמי) אדיר גץ - בדיוק כמו שהיא אייל גולן? - מי שמאמין בועז שרעבי ומתי כספי - שלום עליכם מומי לוי וגלי עטרי - שמש אדומה מחנה רמה בבירקשירס - טוב לי במחנה רמה אגם בוחבוט - כמו בריו טליסמאן - כמו שאני שירי מימון - זכוכיות דיקלה - מסקרה שחורה תיסלם - כשאת בוכה את לא יפה עלמה זהר - גלגולים מורן גמליאל - דימיונית התקווה שש - הכי ישראלי רמי פורטיס - חלום כחול אילנה אביטל - שובי לים שי 360 - קבל עומר אדם - שדות של תירוצים
Listen to the highlights from our WELCOME TO KAYITZ 2017 special show. In this podcast you can hear all the interviews compiled without the music.
Hosted by Yaniv Morozovsky, Liana Baranskiy and Jacob Varon.
Aired on Radio Kol Ramah on June 27th, 2017.
Listen to the best Israeli songs that will heat up this summer at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires! Edited and hosted by Yaniv Morozovsky, produced by Liana Baranskiy.
TRACKLIST: סטטיק ובן אל תבורי - זהב התקווה 6 - הכל עוד לפניי האולטראס - גבר אוהב (עם עדן גבאי) טליסמאן - כמו שאני מועדון הקצב של פנחסוב - לא חסר לי כלום עילי בוטנר וילדי החוץ - היי נתן גושן - 26 אביאור מלסה - הכל שמעון בוסקילה ואליעד - לנשום ליאורה יצחק - מעלה מעלה ליאור נרקיס - צביקה דיקלה - מסקרה שחורה משה פרץ - כוס של יין אגם בוחבוט - עושה לי טוב לירון עמרם - חלום ישן אניה בוקשטיין ועופר ניסים - רוקדת הראל סקעת - אהבה מסובבת הכל אדיר גץ - בדיוק כמו שהיא חנן בן ארי - תודה שאת אמיר דדון - לבחור נכון עידן רייכל - אהבה כזו
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
A playlist of Israeli & jewish songs for CRB campers!
Thanks: Jeff Weisz Karen Segal Miriam Hertzson Cantor Carol Chesler Mitch Mernick Yaniv Morozovsky
Listen to our camp music all day long at http://KolRamah.US
Listen to the Debate on Tisha B’Av about the day’s continued importance.
Rabbi Eliot Malomet moderated a debate on Tisha B’Av on the relevance of the current style of commemoration, including fasting and other aspects of mourning.
The focus of the debate was on the following statement: “Be it resolved that after 2,000 years of continuous mourning for the destruction of Jerusalem and the two temples it is time to stop and declare that the days of our mourning have ended.”
Debate Participants:
In favor:
Ellie Geller Ari Schoenburg Yakov Malomet Rabbi David Wise (Coach) Opposed:
Avital Morris Mia Appelbaum Allen Lipson Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky (Coach)
Side B of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisrael. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah.
Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!
Side B of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisrael. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah.
Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!
Side B of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisrael. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah.
Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!
Side A of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisreal. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah.
Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!
Side A of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisreal. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah.
Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!
Side A of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisreal. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah.
Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!
Side A of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisreal. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah.
Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!
Side A of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisreal. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah.
Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!
Side A of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisreal. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah.
Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!
Side B of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisrael. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah.
Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!
Side B of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisrael. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah.
Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!
Side A of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisreal. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah.
Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!
Side A of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisreal. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah.
Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!
Side A of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisreal. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah.
Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!
Side B of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisrael. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah.
Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!
Side B of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisrael. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah.
Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!
Side A of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisreal. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah.
Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!
Side B of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisrael. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah.
Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!
Side B of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisrael. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah.
Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!
Side B of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisrael. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah.
Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!
From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side one consists of the cheers of the boys camp (first 5 tracks) and girls senior camp (last 6 tracks). Many of these songs would have been sung in color war between the campers.
From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side one consists of the cheers of the boys camp (first 5 tracks) and girls senior camp (last 6 tracks). Many of these songs would have been sung in color war between the campers.
From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side one consists of the cheers of the boys camp (first 5 tracks) and girls senior camp (last 6 tracks). Many of these songs would have been sung in color war between the campers.
From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side one consists of the cheers of the boys camp (first 5 tracks) and girls senior camp (last 6 tracks). Many of these songs would have been sung in color war between the campers.
From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side two consists of the cheers of the girls junior camp (first 4 tracks) and camp wide Kee-Wah spirit songs (the last 5 tracks)
From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side two consists of the cheers of the girls junior camp (first 4 tracks) and camp wide Kee-Wah spirit songs (the last 5 tracks)
From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side one consists of the cheers of the boys camp (first 5 tracks) and girls senior camp (last 6 tracks). Many of these songs would have been sung in color war between the campers.
From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side one consists of the cheers of the boys camp (first 5 tracks) and girls senior camp (last 6 tracks). Many of these songs would have been sung in color war between the campers.
From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side two consists of the cheers of the girls junior camp (first 4 tracks) and camp wide Kee-Wah spirit songs (the last 5 tracks)
From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side one consists of the cheers of the boys camp (first 5 tracks) and girls senior camp (last 6 tracks). Many of these songs would have been sung in color war between the campers.
From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side two consists of the cheers of the girls junior camp (first 4 tracks) and camp wide Kee-Wah spirit songs (the last 5 tracks)
From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side one consists of the cheers of the boys camp (first 5 tracks) and girls senior camp (last 6 tracks). Many of these songs would have been sung in color war between the campers.
From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side two consists of the cheers of the girls junior camp (first 4 tracks) and camp wide Kee-Wah spirit songs (the last 5 tracks)
From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side two consists of the cheers of the girls junior camp (first 4 tracks) and camp wide Kee-Wah spirit songs (the last 5 tracks)
From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side two consists of the cheers of the girls junior camp (first 4 tracks) and camp wide Kee-Wah spirit songs (the last 5 tracks)
From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side one consists of the cheers of the boys camp (first 5 tracks) and girls senior camp (last 6 tracks). Many of these songs would have been sung in color war between the campers.
From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side one consists of the cheers of the boys camp (first 5 tracks) and girls senior camp (last 6 tracks). Many of these songs would have been sung in color war between the campers.
From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side two consists of the cheers of the girls junior camp (first 4 tracks) and camp wide Kee-Wah spirit songs (the last 5 tracks)
From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side two consists of the cheers of the girls junior camp (first 4 tracks) and camp wide Kee-Wah spirit songs (the last 5 tracks)
From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side one consists of the cheers of the boys camp (first 5 tracks) and girls senior camp (last 6 tracks). Many of these songs would have been sung in color war between the campers.