Kol Ramah

Parsha Talk; with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Barry Chesler. Parashat Ki Tavo [Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8] features 3 of the passages mentioned in the first 2 mishnayot of Tractate Sotah Chapter 7. There the rabbis list passages which may be recited in any language, since understanding is of utmost importance, and those which must be recited in Hebrew, because the ritual performance is paramount. The vidui ma’aser [confession over the tithe (Deut. 26: 12-15] may be recited in any language, whereas miqra biqqurim [the declaration over first fruits (Deut. 26:1-11)] and the b’rakhot u-q’lalot [blessings and curses (Deut. 27:11-26)], must be recited in Hebrew, the holy language. Chapter 28, by far the largest section of the parashah, contains the tohekhah [the rebuke, a lengthy list of curses which will afflict the Israelites for failure to keep God’s commandments]. Following longstanding rabbinic precedent, we mention a phrase from the haftarah so as not to end on a down note. Criticisms, comments, and questions are welcome at [email protected]. Shabbat Shalom!

Parashat Ki Tetze [Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19] has more commandments than any other parashah, what Eliot refers to as the greatest mitzvah density. With well over 10% of the rabbinic count of 613 commandments, we could hardly do justice to all of them. We spend a good chunk of time on the first 3: the law of the captive wife [21:10-14], the law of inheritance for the children of 2 different wives [21:15-17], and the law of the stubborn and rebellious son [21:18-21], discussing the laws individually as well as trying to ascertain what they have in common. We also talk about the sending of the mother bird away from her nest of fledglings or eggs before taking them [22:6-7]. While other laws came up, I hope this is enough to whet your appetite! Shabbat Shalom! Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Barry Chesler

Soundtrack recorded live. Featuring Machon and Kayitz 2021 Hofa'a band

Originally by Igal Bashan. A tribute to Mitch Mernick and Yaniv Morozovsky.

Parashat Shoftim [Deuteronomy 16:9-21:9] with its miscellany of laws is a kind of prequel to Parashat Ki Tetze [Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19], which has the largest number of mitzvot [commandments] of any single parashah, well over 10% of the rabbinic total of 613. Shoftim, which means judges, focuses on the different kinds of leaders: judges, kings, clergy, and prophets. There are also rules for warfare, among other subjects. One feature which we did not address is the last occurrence in the Torah of the lex talion [the law of revenge, better known as ‘an eye for an eye’]. In these parashiyot in particular, there is much to talk about: what laws meant in their original context, what they mean today, what they mean to us as individuals. If I say I am uncertain what it all means, after you listen, you will understand this reference! Shabbat Shalom!!

Join us for Parasha Podcast - The Next Generation: Shoftim. This is the final episode of Kayitz 2021 podcast produced by Dr Alison Joseph's Yahadut class. This week's podcast features Maya, Bianca, Maya (a different Maya), Shira and Lotam. Take a listen to this interesting discussion of justice and leadership.

Our Machon boys are back with thoughts about Yom Sport and their latest debate. How do YOU eat Oreos?

Live soundtrack of Adat Habogrim performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Produced by Adat HaBogrim and Tzevet Hofa'a, featuring the CRB Hofa'a Band. Recorded at the new outdoor theater at Bet Am Bet by Amy Erlanger for Radio Kol Ramah.

The boys of Machon make us think about whether a hot dog is a sandwich. What do you think?

Weekly podcast by campers for campers. Dr Alison Joseph's Yahadut class features Annie and Emily discussing blessings and consequences and Tzvi with insights on Kashrut and Shmitah. Special visit with Camp Mashgiach Josh Bender. Shabbat Shalom!