Parashat Toldot contains the iconic scene of Yaakov stealing the blessing from his brother Esav. This scene is emblematic of their family's dysfunction, and can be analyzed through many lenses. This week we center our study around the word ציד, or hunt, to help us understand the sources of Yitzchak's favoritism of Esav and what this favoritism can teach us about ourselves and our own relationships. 

Right before Avraham appoints Eliezer to go find a wife for Yitzchak the Torah tells us that God had blessed Avraham "bakol" - in everything. In this week's episode we study different interpretations of what it means to be blessed in life, and what we are supposed to do with these blessings.

Parashat Vayera opens with the iconic scene of Avraham waiting for guests at the entrance of his tent, in the heat of the day. This scene becomes the model for welcoming guests, which is a key value in Jewish life. In this episode we consider this story with a more critical lens, and discuss how we can take the lessons from it to adapt how we view hosting in a post-covid era.

Parashat Lech Lecha introduces us to Avraham, yet the Torah does not actually provide any clues as to who he was. In this week's episode we consider Avraham's mysterious identity, and why God chose to leave out any background information.

In parashat Noach God makes the radical decision to destroy the world because "the earth had been corrupted and was filled with lawlessness." In this week's episode we discuss the different interpretations of what was so egregious about humanity's actions, and study a fascinating midrash about human behavior.

On the surface, the story of Kayin and Hevel seems like a simple story of ruthless murder, and punishment. However, upon close examination of the language and rabbinic sources, the moral ambiguity of the story becomes clear. In this episode we touch on the points of moral complexity, and study a midrash that portrays Kayin not as the first murderer, but as the first person to do teshuva.

Moshe opens Parashat Vayeilech by reminding the nation that he will not be able to join them on the next step of their journey to the land of Israel. The mefarshim ask why the verse first says "vayeilech," or "Moshe walked," before he shares this message. In this week's episode we study three different interpretations of "vayeilech" and explore the different ways loved ones say goodbye. 

This episode is dedicated to the memory of the 2,996 victims of 9/11, in advance of the 20th anniversary this Shabbat.

When Moshe speaks about the covenant between God and the Jewish people he refers to it both as a brit and as an alah. In this week's episode we examine the word alah and its connection to Sotah, and discuss why Moshe chose to portray the covenant using this word. 

One of the blessings in Parashat Ki Tavo is that, if the Jewish people listen to God's commandments, we will be like the head (rosh) and not the zanav (tail). In this week's episode we study different rabbinic interpretations of this verse, and what it means for our second High Holiday season during the pandemic. 

Parashat Ki Teitze teaches laws about maintaining the dignity and sanctity of the camp when Israelite troops go to war. In this week's episode we study these verses in detail. We then discuss the Ramban's interpretation of these laws, and what they can teach us about the importance of maintaining respect and proper conduct within an army during a time of war.