2 Paleys on a Pod

This week is Parshat Shoftim, which contains instructions for establishing a just society, including laws for judges, law enforcement, kings, and warfare. It makes me think of the laws we currently have for our society and I wonder how practical they are. Where do we go from here? What should change and what should remain the same?

Thanks for being on this journey with us!

“See,” says Moses to the people of Israel, “I place before you today a blessing and a curse”—the blessing that will come when they fulfill G‑d’s commandments, and the curse if they abandon them.

We break it down for you this week! Enjoy and shabbat shalom from Edinburgh and Hull, MA.

Who could use a second chance?

This parsha follows Moses and he continues his closing address to the children of Israel, promising them that if they will fulfill the commandments of the Torah, they will prosper in the Land they are about to conquer and settle in keeping with Hashem's promise to their forefathers.

Shabbat shalom!

This Parsha includes a repetition of the Ten Commandments as well as the verses of the Shema. Va'etchanan means "I pleaded," and Moses is pleading with Hashem to be let into the Land of Israel.

This is also the holiday of Tu B'Av, where singles traditionally wear white and gather in the town square to look for their intended. It's a very romantic time and Briyah is feeling loved! Baruch hashem!

Follow @briyah for more updates

We're back with the start of a new book of Torah--Devarim, a series of Moses' final speeches to the Israelites before his death and their entry into the Promised Land, acting as a repetition of the law and a renewal of the covenant.

How does this relate to us today and are we doing what is asked of us?

We are deeply troubled by the mass shooting in NYC this week, which also directly impacted our Jewish community with the tragic loss of two Jewish women. May their memories be a blessing.

Briyah is in Edinburgh for the month for the annual Fringe Festival. Follow along on her adventures @briyah.

Well, it was a hard week. People are suffering on both sides of the conflict and it's certainly heart wrenching to see what is happening in Gaza. This parsha deals with themes of genocide. It's heavy, but it's appropriate for the time we are in.

Shabbat shalom

I can't tell about this Pinchas character. He seems shady to me.

What do you think of inheritance? Leadership? This parsha has it all, and then some, and then some I still don't understand...

Sorry for the abrupt ending, but we ran into technical difficulties. Have a good shabbos and see you next week!

It's Briyah's birthday!

This episode covers Parshat Balak, which has all sorts of craziness, like a talking donkey, and a king who wants to curse the Israelites. But God won't hear of it!

We hope you enjoy this video episode. Coming soon to YouTube!

It's parshat Chukat! A few important people die and we learn about purity. There's more, but just listen :)

Happy 4th of July, if that means something to you!

Shabbat shalom

If you'd like to attend Briyah's birthday show next Thursday in Queens, you can book your ticket here:

https://qedastoria.com/products/psych-ward-pajamas?srsltid=AfmBOopryY_BlsmoHhnPN34t2dZe9a5VCLv1-TjEp1XqasA2LmGunivW

Briyah is back from the Peruvian Jungle and Michael is back from Africa! This week we are discussing Parshat Korach and the consequences of rebellion and challenging divinely appointed leadership. It all ties perfectly into Briyah's recent ayahuasca experience. Listen to find out more.

Shabbat shalom and may you be blessed with good health, happiness and a loving, supportive family.