Hebrew In Israel

In this week’s torah portion, Vaetchanan (and I pleaded), we examine the components of loyalty throughout this parashah. Torah Portion Vaetchanan: Deuteronomy 3:23 – 7:11 Questions and Topics in this Discussion Does God Actually Have a Form? The Point Where We Became a People Being in Covenant With Each Other, Not Just God How to […]

In this week’s torah portion, Devarim (words), Israel’s leader, Moshe, delivers his final speech before his death.  Yoel addresses some technical issues surrounding this ancient document, as well as the governing of Israel. Torah Portion Devarim: Deuteronomy 1:1 – 3:22 Questions and Topics in this Discussion Torah Cycles Dating of the Book of Deuteronomy The […]

What do you do if you caused someone’s death, but it was an accident?  The Torah provides cities of refuge for those who commit manslaughter.  Yoel explains the function of these places for the double torah portion, Matot/Masai (tribes/stages).  Torah Portion Matot/Masai: Numbers 30:2-36:13 Other Teachings Mentioned In This Podcast Weekly Group Bible Class and Hebrew Lessons Haftarah […]

In this week’s torah portion, Pinchas (Phinehas), Yoel addresses textual practices, priesthood, genealogy, and inheritance for women. Torah Portion Pinchas: Numbers 25:10-30:1 Questions and Topics in this Discussion: Scribal Practices:  The Broken Vav (ו) & Enlarged Nun (נ) in the text. Pinchas’ Eternal Priesthood Does Being Jewish Come From the Father’s Line or the Mother’s? Passing Authority […]

This week’s torah portion, Balaq (Balak) contains the very first occurrence of the word Satan in the bible.  Listen as Yoel explains the history of the word and the character. Torah Portion Balaq: Numbers 22:2-25:9 Questions and Topics in this Discussion: Dualism Is Bil’am a Prophet or Sorcerer? Usage of the Word Satan Zoroastrianism Qumran Community and the […]

This week’s torah portion, Chukat (regulation), gives us the strange command concerning the red heifer.  Listen as Yoel sheds some light from the ancient world on this regulation. Torah Portion Chuqat: Numbers 19:1 – 22:1 Questions and Topics in this Discussion: Midrashim About the Red Heifer What Does Chuqat Mean? What Disqualifies an Animal For This […]

In this week’s torah portion, Qorach (Korah), Yoel tackles a ramification of what happened in Korah’s rebellion . Torah Portion Qorach: Numbers 16:1 – 18:32 Questions and Topics in this Discussion: The Distortion of the Tithing System The Difference Between תְּרוּמָה – terumah (gift/offering) and מַעְשַׂר – Maaser (Tenth/Tithe) Modern Uses of Tithe Other Teachings […]

Our focus in this week’s torah portion, Shelach (send), is on the commands to set apart some of our bread dough for YHWH and to wear tzitzit, and the man who collected firewood on Shabbat. Torah Portion Shelach: Numbers 13:1 – 15:41 Questions and Topics in this Discussion: How Do We Keep the Challah Commandment Today? Tekhelet […]

“Arise, YHWH!  May your enemies be scattered!  Let those who hate you flee before you!” In this week’s torah portion, Beha’alotkha (when you set up) we discuss various aspects and uses of this intriguing passage. Tora Portion Beha’alotkha: Numbers 8:1 – 12:16 Questions and Topics in this Discussion: Reversed נ (nun) and Editorial Markings in Hebrew Manuscripts […]

In this week’s torah portion, Naso (take), we address points about the law of those sent out of the camp, the sotah (woman suspected of adultery), and the Nazirite vow. Tora Portion Naso: Numbers 4:21-7:89 Questions and Topics in this Discussion: Should we send people out of the “camp” today? Head covering for women Defining adultery in the bible […]