Hebrew In Israel

Yoel explains the legal and emotional appeal of Yehudah, as well as evidence of semites in Egypt and more in this week’s Torah Portion, Vayigash (he approached). Torah Portion Vayigash: Genesis 44:18 – 47:27   Questions And Topics In This Discussion The Legal Context of Yehudah’s Approach Proper Use and Comparison of Biblical Text with ANE […]

“Son of man, take a stick and write on it, ‘For Judah…” If I’m not descendant of Israel, then what am I?   We answer this question and review the object lesson given to the prophet Yechezqel in this week’s haftarah Vayigash.   Haftarah Vayigash:  Ezekiel 37:15 – 28 Mentioned In This Podcast Is The Torah A Religion? Hebrew In […]

“Then Sh’mu’el took a flask of oil he had prepared and poured it on Sha’ul’s head.” We begin with talks about whether the prophets used astrology, and whether women should wear tzitzit, then we dive into 1 Samuel 10 where Shaul is anointed as leader and prophesies. Why was he anointed from a clay vessel […]

Joseph’s story gives us several nuggets worthy of examination in this week’s Torah Portion, Miqetz (at the end). Torah Portion Miqetz: Genesis 41:1 – 44:17 Questions And Topics In This Discussion Free Will or God’s Plan? Numerology and Gematria Are Dreams a Form of Prophecy? Are Birthday Celebrations Pagan? Did the Brothers Worship Joseph? The Oath […]

“All Isra’el heard of the decision the king had made and held the king in awe, for they saw that God’s wisdom was in him, enabling him to render justice properly.” The wisdom given by YHWH connects Yosef in our Torah portion with this week’s Haftarah Miqetz in the famous story of King Solomon.   […]

With a quick return to last week’s portion to address the tomb of Rachel, Yoel presents metaphors from Yosef’s life of exile and servitude, as well as technical elements in the story of Tamar and Yehuda in this week’s Torah Portion, Vayeshev (and He dwelt). Torah Portion Vayeshev: Genesis 37:1 – 40:23 Questions And Topics In […]

“Of all the families on earth, only you have I intimately known.  This is why I will punish you for all your crimes.” We discuss oppression–what it is and what it isn’t–as we approach Amos’ prophecy of wisdom, counsel and correction against Israel in this week’s haftarah Vayeshev.   Haftarah Vayeshev:  Amos 2:6 – 3:8   Hebrew In […]

Ya’aqov becomes Israel in this week’s Torah Portion, Vayishlakh (He sent), and it teaches us many profound lessons. Torah Portion Vayishlakh: Genesis 32:4(3) – 36:43 Questions And Topics In This Discussion Malachim (messengers/angels) Defining God The Struggle With the Enemy Are Minchagim (traditions) Adding to the Torah? Why Was the Entire City of Shechem Punished for […]

“When that Day comes,” says YHWH, won’t I destroy all the wise men of Edom and leave no discernment on Mount ‘Esav?” The prophet Ovadiah gives only one prophecy and it’s not to Israel.  We learn about the Edomites in this week’s haftarah Vayishlach.   Haftarah Vayishlakh:  Obadiah 1:1-21   Hebrew In Israel intro music: Çeçen Kizi […]

From inheritance issues to polygamy to bizarre genetic engineering, this week’s Torah Portion, Vayetse (He went out) tells us about the life of Ya’aqov. Torah Portion Vayetse: Genesis 28:10 – 32:3(2)   Questions And Topics In This Discussion Legal Problem with Ya’aqov Leaving the Household What we Learn About Multiple Places of Worship from Beth-El What […]