Does Hashem ever reject sincere repentance? At the end of the long list of punitive curses in Vayikra 26, we are told that the people will finally have a change of heart and confess their sins.  Surprisingly however, this confession is not met with forgiveness but with redoubled punishment!  How is Hashem's reaction to be understood?  Why does repentance not bring atonement in its wake?  This Torahcast, brought to you by ALHATORAH.ORG, featuring Neima Novetsky, explores these questions and more.  For primary sources and analysis, see https://alhatorah.org/Repentance_Rejected.

The institution of Shemittah, the Sabbatical year, is perhaps one of the most difficult mitzvot to properly observe in the entire Torah, and its violation is singled out as the root cause of the nation's ultimate exile.  Why, though, is the commandment so central?  What is the goal of the various mitzvot associated with the year, the refraining from agricultural labor, relinquishing of the land's produce for all to share, and the cancellation of debts?  Are these laws about our relationship with Hashem or with our fellow man? This Torahcast, brought to you by ALHATORAH.ORG, featuring Neima Novetsky, explores these questions and more.  For primary sources and analysis, see https://alhatorah.org/Purpose_of_Shemittah.

One of the most heated debates between various sects within Judaism and assorted commentators concerns the dating of the bringing of the Omer offering and the meaning of the term "MiMachorat haShabbat", translated literally as "the morrow of the Sabbath".  To what day does this phrase refer?  What is the meaning of "Shabbat" in this context, and why does the Torah refer to the date of the bringing of the Omer in this manner specifically?  This Torahcast, brought to you by ALHATORAH.ORG, featuring Neima Novetsky, explores these questions and more.  For primary sources and analysis, see: https://alhatorah.org/MiMachorat_HaShabbat.

The Torah prohibits necromancy and other magical practices, but does it believe in their efficacy? What light might the story of Shaul and the Ba'alat Ha'Ov shed on this question? Did the sorceress really revive Shemuel or did she merely trick Shaul into thinking that she did? Finally, if magic does exist, what does this suggest about the line between Divine and human capabilities?  This Torahcast, brought to you by ALHATORAH.ORG, featuring Neima Novetsky, explores these questions and more.  For primary sources and analysis, see https://alhatorah.org/Did_Shemuel_Come_Back_to_Life.

Seder Preparation:  The Festival of Pesach was instituted to commemorate the Exodus from Egypt and thank Hashem for freeing us from bondage. But why, to begin with, did Hashem ordain that we be exiled and enslaved?  Was it perhaps a punishment for sin, or was it, alternatively, a means to inculcate values and instill faith?  Was there, in fact, a sin that was egregious enough to warrant such a punishment?  Or was there a lesson which could not have been learned without so much suffering?  This Torahcast, brought to you by ALHATORAH.ORG, featuring Neima Novetsky, explores these questions and more.  For primary sources and analysis, see: http://alhatorah.org/Purposes_of_the_Egyptian_Bondage.

Tzara'at is one of the more enigmatic afflictions mentioned in Tanakh.  Though it is discussed at length in Parshiyot Tazria and Metzora, the nature of the condition is unclear.  Is it a natural disease that anyone can contract, or is it a Divinely sent, supernatural phenomenon? How do tzara'at of the house, clothing, and body relate to each other?  Finally, what about the condition causes its accompanying impurity?  This Torahcast, brought to you by ALHATORAH.ORG, featuring Neima Novetsky, explores these questions and more.  For primary sources and analysis, see https://alhatorah.org/Tzara'at.

The story of Nadav and Avihu's deaths has captivated readers for centuries, as it omits almost as much as it reveals.  The Torah tells us that they died for having brought a "foreign fire which was not commanded".  What, though, was the nature of this fire and why was it problematic?  The text also appears to refer to them as "those who are close to God", suggesting that even in death they were holy and desired by Hashem. If so, why did they deserve capital punishment? This Torahcast, brought to you by ALHATORAH.ORG, featuring Neima Novetsky, explores these questions and more.  For primary sources and analysis, see https://alhatorah.org/Why_Were_Nadav_and_Avihu_Killed

Both Parashat Vayikra and Parashat Tzav speak at length about each of the five categories of sacrifices.  What is the relationship between these two sets of chapters?  Why are some laws included in one unit, others in the second, and yet others in both? Why is there a need for two distinct discussions at all; could not the Torah have combined all the laws into one unit? This Torahcast, brought to you by ALHATORAH.ORG, featuring Neima Novetsky, explores these questions and more.  For primary sources and analysis, see https://alhatorah.org/Relationship_Between_Vayikra_1-5_and_6-7.

Why Did Hashem choose sacrifices as His preferred mode of worship?  How does animal sacrifice help one connect to the Divine or attain forgiveness for sin?  Does this system have any advantages over that of prayer?  This Torahcast, brought to you by ALHATORAH.ORG, featuring Neima Novetsky, explores these questions and more.  For primary sources and analysis, see https://alhatorah.org/Purpose_of_the_Sacrifices.

When Esther reveals herself and Haman's plot to Achashverosh, he reacts with shock and fury, demanding to know who would dare conceive of such a plot.  But considering that the king had approved of Haman's plan just a few days earlier, why was he so surprised?  How could he be unaware of Haman's role?  What does this story reveal about Achashverosh's character?  Does it prove that he really was just a fickle fool, or might there be more than meets the eye?  This Torahcast, brought to you by ALHATORAH.ORG, featuring Neima Novetsky, explores these questions and more.  For primary sources and analysis, see http://alhatorah.org/Achashverosh%27s_Shock_and_Fury.