2 Paleys on a Pod

We are now in the book of Exodus as we make our way through the Parshas. Much has happened in our story as well as in real life. Will we have a hostage deal this week? Was it a sign that Briyah unexpectedly ran into her only relative in Sydney? We discuss. Thank you for listening!

In this parsha, the last in the book of Genesis, we say goodbye to our patriarch, Jacob. He makes his son Joseph vow not to let him be buried in Egypt because he wants to return to his homeland of Canaan.

This week we have seen fires devastate homes and landmarks in California. The world feels like it's changing rapidly.

We hope you enjoy this episode, which Michael recorded from the airport in Tel Aviv. We've included some wisdom from Rabbi Aron Moss, as well.

Have an easy fast and a good shabbos.

This week's parsha, Vayigash (and he drew near), begins with a passionate exchange between two bothers, Joseph and Judah. Joseph reveals himself to his brothers after trying to forget his ancestral home. Briyah is currently in her ancestral home of Melbourne, Australia. It is a complex place for her and her time began with a rocky start, but she felt guided to return and face whatever comes her way, with the support of the Merkos Women's program, where she is spending time learning Torah and other Chassidus.

Briyah and Michael discuss the weekly parsha in this series of the Podcast. Thank you for listening!

What pit are you still trapped in? This Parsha is full of questions to reflect upon as we continue to follow Joseph on his journey. Now he's high up in Egypt as a result of his God-given ability to interpret dreams correctly. His own brothers don't even recognize him when they come to get food during the famine. If you listen until the end, you'll get a special Chanukah song from us! May your light shine brightly this holiday. Amen.

We are back with this week's Torah portion, Vayeshev. Joseph is having all sorts of dreams and his perceived arrogance along with their father's favoritism of him infuriates his siblings who sell him into slavery. We talk about the implications of sibling rivalry and what we can learn from and about this story.

This week we are talking about the parsha, Vayishlach, which means "he sent." There's more turmoil for Jacob as he returns to Canaan and has to face his twin brother Esau for the first time in 20 years. He is so scared of Esau that he sends messengers to find out what's going on over there. Then Jacob wrestles with an angel and is transformed by it. We hope you enjoy this episode and thanks for listening!

What an interesting parsha! Full of deceit, tests of loyalty, marrying the wrong daughter, stealing of idols, sister rivalry and a lot of biblical names that Briyah would like to see make a comeback. Zebulun, anyone? What else did we think? Tune in to find out.

In this week's Torah Portion, Toledot (Generations), Rebekah commits "relationship arson" when she tells her son Jacob to steal the first born blessing from his twin brother Esau. Jacob lies to his father Isaac by pretending to be Esau. He ends up being one of our great forefathers while we know little of Esau. What does all this mean? Was Rebekah acting on divine prophecy from God, or did she meddle and play favorites? It's Thanksgiving in the USA, but Briyah is in Auckland, New Zealand, and Michael is eating fish in some country called Malta. Maybe next year we will be reunited as a family, but if the Torah has taught us anything, well, only God knows. We also talk about the brilliant new documentary, Sabbath Queen, which Briyah was fortunate to see. If it’s playing near you, don’t miss it.

Enjoy your leftover turkey with a side of Toledot!

This week, Briyah and Michael discuss the Torah portion, Chayei Sarah, about the life of our matriarch who lived until age 127 and gave birth to her son Isaac at 90. So at 41, Briyah is still very much in the game! Michael is back in Budapest after a visit to Poland and Briyah is soon off to New Zealand (said with a Kiwi accent) and then Australia (pronounced 'Straya with an Aussie accent). Happy Thanksgiving to all!

We talk to our longtime friend, Jay Michaelson, who wears many hats as a writer, journalist, lawyer, professor and rabbi. He was Michael’s student at Columbia University in the late 80s and Briyah’s Hebrew School teacher in the late 90s. We hope you enjoy this riveting, fast paced conversation about the recent election, the rise of nationalism, and yes, psychedelics.

Jay will lead a Jewish meditation retreat December 23-27 at Isabella Freedman in the Berkshires. Check out his Substack, Both/And with Jay Michaelson.