Laymen Learn Torah

Yosef is turning heads wherever he goes! The captain of the guard puts him in charge of his whole household. He is young! He is strong! He is handsome! But he also catches the attention of the world's first cougar, Potiphar's wife. We explore the (not-so-hidden) hand of Hashem in the events of Yosef's life, all the way down into the dungeons.

Bonus content: How to tell your new friend he's going to die by hanging and have his body pecked by birds with a pun! Fun stuff.

RIP Sar Ha'Ofim.

We're back! In this episode, we discuss the merits of tattle-taling and we ponder Yaakov's controversial parenting style. We also try to solve the mystery of WHO actually sold Yosef into slavery?

Then, we dive into the story of Yehuda and Tamar, the first woman to use her sexuality to do right in the eyes of God.

Let us know what you think!

This week, Joy and Sylia try to reconcile the actions of Reuven against his father, and how Yaakob's reaction serves an example for fathers everywhere whose sons have slept with their concubines.

We also take a look at the deeper differences between Esav and Yaakob before closing up that chapter of Israel's history for good. Literally.

The stars have aligned to bring you this rare opportunity:

Our newest episode is ACTUALLY synced up with the parasha of the week, Vayishlach!

Yaakov and Eisav's dramatic reunion comes with a few surprises (hugs and kisses and tears, oh my!) Then, Shimon and Levi defend the honor of their sister by demolishing an entire town.

We want to know your thoughts!

In this episode, Joy and Sylia talk about the depths of Lavan the Arami's depravity, and how Yaakob finally escapes his iron fist (grip?). They also talk about how to assuage the bloodthirsty desire for revenge by your Neanderthal brother, and how grappling became the Jews' favorite verb.

This is a good one, people! You don't wanna miss it.

We had the pleasure of being joined by Rina Abadi-Sova this week! Our resident Hebrew-speaker gave us some insight into the meanings of some of the words we saw here, and really helped us understand just how clever Leah and Rachel are when naming their children with Ya'akov!

We also get a mini lesson on bioengineering and how much a man is worth in hallucinogenic drugs. Let us know what you think in the comments!

Welcome to this week's episode of...Laymen Learn Technology (thanks Mopo).

We had a mishap last week, and recorded 55 minutes of nothing. But worry not, dear listener! We give you the highlights here, and we urge you to pick up your own humash and read chapters 27+28 of Bereshit on your own and tell us what YOU think.

Until next time!

Sylia and Joy explore the birth of an iconic rivalry: Yaakov and Esav.

How much choice did the two brothers actually have in the matter? Were they destined to be enemies from the very beginning, or was there another way?

Also discussed, PDA in the Torah. Don't recall? NEITHER DID WE!

This episode is dedicated to the IDF, for fighting on behalf of Jews all around the world. We You are our heroes!

In this episode, we explore matchmaking back in the day, and we witness possibly the first ever meet-cute in world history!

Joy and Sylia ask some questions and kiiiiiiind of get answers, but we'd love to hear from our listeners! Let us know what you think about the topics we explore in the episode.

Abraham and Sarah finally have a son, but it's not happily ever after. There's sibling rivalry! (Almost) child sacrifice! The death of a matriarch! It's a wild one, so tuck in!