This episode reframes the Joseph narrative to highlight Judah: his role in saving Joseph, his moral awakening with Tamar, and the rabbinic midrash of Nachshon leaping into the sea.

Rabbis debate why Judah's tribe received kingship, pointing to leadership qualities shown in diplomacy, accountability, and the willingness to take courageous risks for the future.

Shabbat 12/13/25

Can fear awaken deep gratitude? Rabbi Rotenberg recounts a frightening Space Mountain ride with his young son. In the Torah portion about Jacob and Esau, we trace Jacob's response to fear: a heartfelt prayer of humility, a decision to give away part of his wealth, and a subsequent transformation after wrestling with an angel. The episode connects those moments to Jewish practices of repentance and charity, and reminds us that fear can be a catalyst for gratitude, generosity, and meaningful change.

Shabbat 12/06/25

The surprisingly interesting story about how Turkey became a kosher bird, and what it means to eat Turkey on Thanksgiving.

The Torah we learn from the animal world, and an update on Rabbi Rotenberg's personal experience with his new dog.

The release of the last living hostages from Gaza teach us true joy and what it means to hope.

A Sukkot lesson about communal responsibility.

What do we mean when we say on Rosh Hashanah that God is “king?” How can we make sense of this in the modern era.

A Lesson from a trip to Las Vegas: Teshuvah requires taking a risk.

Rabbi Rotenberg comes clean about a bad choice he made as a kid and explores different approaches to teshuvah, repentance.