This week's Jerusalem Lights podcast focuses on our Torah portion of Va'yishlach, which continues the adventures of the patriarch Yaakov, and demonstrates the sages' principle of 'that which happened to the fathers, is a sign for the children.' Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman reflect upon the idea that Yaakov transcends his personal history, as the events of his life become templates, taking on the universal themes that will resound, from era to era, in the lives of his descendants, the nation of Israel.

Why did the patriarch Yaakov (Jacob) just happen to stop at 'the place', as he escaped from the wrath of his brother Esav, only to dream there of God speaking to him from the top of a ladder reaching into heaven? What is the significance of this 'ladder,' and how did this experience help to prepare him for his sojourn with the crafty Laban? Join Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman for this week's intriguing Jerusalem Lights podcast, as our hosts share the fascinating backstory of Yaakov's adventures…as the future of Israel, and all humanity, hangs in the balance. To order Jim Long's book 'Blood Brother – Israel's Ancient Enemy,' which is cited in this podcast, you can write to [email protected]

Midrash teaches us that Abraham and Sarah knew a secret about 'reversing the aging process'...the older they got, the more they seem to exude the evocative concept of eternal youth. Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman discover that there is no contradiction, as they share amazing Torah insights that open up new dimensions of understanding the lives and legacy of Abraham and Sarah, and what these great individuals teach us about the exquisite challenge of the human condition, and the journey of life.

Abraham's faith was tested ten times, and the 'Binding of Isaac' was the climax and most difficult of all these tests. The truth is that God tests all of us, through the difficult challenges we confront in life. But why does God test us? Doesn't He know in advance if we will pass or fail? So what does it prove? Tune in to this week's Jerusalem Lights podcast as Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman ponder this ancient question through the lens of fascinating Torah teachings and perspective.

Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman welcome special guest Rabbi Daniel Kohn. Rabbi Daniel is an acclaimed Torah scholar and spiritual mentor, author, musician and composer, whose original melodies are featured in the unique meditative techniques he teaches. Tune in for a fascinating broadcast featuring Rabbi Daniel's amazing Torah insights, music, and much more!

What was the spiritual knowledge and ancient wisdom of the early generations that was studied by men like Enoch and Methuselah? Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman discuss G-d's relationship with the early spiritual giants of Genesis, and the secret of staying connected to G-d through the covenant of the Seven Universal Commandments that the Creator bequeathed to all humanity through Adam and Noah…and all the way back to the Tree of Knowledge.

Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman invite you into their respective sukkot as they celebrate the joyous festival with Torah insights, and prepare for the upcoming annual reset of our weekly Torah readings, with a timely and fascinating discussion of the Torah portion of B'reishith. Chag Sameach, blessings for a joyous Sukkot to all!

Fresh from the exhilarating restart of Yom Kippur, the nation of Israel prepares to enter into a Divine hug of the temporary booth, the Sukkah, for seven days. What is the secret power of the Sukkah, that brings us to a pinnacle of joy, even as it reminds us that we are all only temporary dwellers on this earth? Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman prepare for the Festival of Sukkot and reflect on its prophetic significance not only for Israel, but for all the nations of the world.

The holiest day of the year, Yom Kippur -- the Day of Atonement -- will be observed this Shabbat, beginning Friday night, October 11th. What makes this holy day, the happiest day of the year as well? This week's Jerusalem Lights podcast examines the answer, which lies in understanding the essence of sin, repentance and atonement -- the dynamic of life itself. Yom Kippur is a day that manifests the most sublime Divine love for humanity; a day of transcendence from physicality and liberation from materialism...a day in which G-d responds to our sincere repentance by literally changing our personal history, as we reconnect with our true spiritual essence and get back on track to grow ever closer to Him, during the coming year. Jerusalem Lights wishes everyone a 'good sealing' in the Book of Life, may this coming year be one of great blessings! G'mar Chatima Tova and Shana Tova!

This week's double Torah reading of the portions of Nitzavim and Vayelech feature many themes that resonate with Rosh Hashana, the New Year and birthday of Adam, that will be observed next week. In this week's Jerusalem Lights podcast, Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman focus on what Rosh Hashana is really all about, and reflect on its universal spiritual lessons and challenges for Jew and Gentile alike, and the unique opportunity it provides us to truly declare the sovereignty of G-d and prepare to receive the coming New Year.  May this New Year bring great blessings and may you be signed and sealed for a Good and Sweet New Year! Shana Tova!