Jerusalem Lights

As the State of Israel observes Holocaust Memorial Day, the rising, global tide of anti-Semitism reveals an alliance of evil. There are those who control and fund university protests, leaders with political agendas, complicit media and useful idiots. It's time for the Jewish people to rise to their collective task of bringing the knowledge of G-d to the world...and time for all good people everywhere to get off the fence and take a stand.

Iranian Missiles, the Passover Experience, and Biblical Integrity

This Jerusalem Lights pre-Passover roundup, Rabbi Richman shares his perspective on Iran's unprecedented missile attack against Israel, as both Jim Long and Rabbi Richman discuss Hashem's miraculous intervention on the backdrop of a complex and unsavory political reality. Our hosts reflect on the Festival of Passover's theme of escaping false beliefs, and the purity of Hashem's Biblical commandment of the Passover offering. Jerusalem Lights wishes everyone a Chag Kasher V'Sameach, a joyous Festival of Passover! May we truly merit to leave the exile behind us and prepare to receive the light of the ultimate Redemption.

Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman welcome the month of Nisan, first month of the Biblical year and the time of past and future Redemption. Archeologist Hillel Richman joins our podcast and shares some unique insights into a fascinating and little-known chapter of Israelite pre-Exodus history involving the descendants of Joseph and the Land of Israel.

What is the purpose of the Torah's commandments, and what is accomplished by keeping them? Why should God be concerned with such details...what does He care? How does their observance improve our relationship with God? And: How do the offerings in the Temple help to refine a human being? In this week's Jerusalem Lights podcast episode #197, Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman discuss these questions, received from our viewers.

Who is Amalek, the ancient ancestor of the wicked Haman? Why are we commanded never to forget that we must blot out his memory? Why does G-d call this ‘His’ battle, and what is Torah’s intention in the mysterious words ‘there is a hand upon the throne?’ This week’s Jerusalem Lights podcast #196 reflects on this Shabbat’s special Torah reading of ‘Remembrance’, and shares some amazing insights from the Scroll of Esther that touch upon past and present variations of the Amalekite spirit. Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman help us prepare to receive the light of Purim, drawing contemporary parallels from the story of Purim that resound with a startling modern-day wakeup call. Blessings for a Happy Purim!

Recorded on Rosh Chodesh, this week's Jerusalem Lights podcast # 195 celebrates the new month of the 'second Adar,' and explores the secret of the great joy that is associated with this month, which comes to a crescendo on Purim. How do we relate to Purim joy during these dark and troubled times? Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman discover that the answer is 'concealed' in plain sight, in the Scroll of Esther! Our hosts also discuss Sabbath observance as it relates not only to Israel, but to all humanity.

In this week's Jerusalem Lights podcast, Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman are joined by long-time friend Mrs. Yocheved Woodward, who shares the inspiring story of her life-long devotion to G-d, which led to her departure from Christianity, through the stages that ultimately led to her Orthodox conversion to Judaism and aliya to Israel, where together with her dedicated husband, she makes her home in the Golan Heights and serves G-d every day with all her heart.

In this week’s Jerusalem Lights podcast, we are privileged to welcome Dr. Melanie, an amazing woman of remarkable faith, strength and love of Hashem. From her home in Alaska, Dr. Melanie shares the inspiring and personal story of her life’s spiritual journey.

Why does Torah spend so much time on the details that Moses received at Mount Sinai for the construction of the Tabernacle? In this week's Jerusalem Lights podcast, Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman take a deep dive into the amazing world of the Tabernacle and Holy Temple, exploring topics like the spiritual significance of the incense offering, and the enigmatic scientific research on the priestly DNA which is unique to the descendants of Aaron, the first High Priest of Israel.

Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman welcome this week's special guest, musical composer and recording artist David Schommer. In addition to being a student of Torah, David is an extraordinarily accomplished producer and musician...and an initiated 'Wisdom Holder', possessing the traditional knowledge of the healing power of plants, as taught by elders of a Peruvian tribe in the Amazon rainforest.