In Chapter 12 of Devarim Moshe provides a series of rules and regulations regarding sacrifices and meat consumption. In this week's episode we review these in detail, and discuss how they prepared the Israelites for a life of meat consumption in the Land of Israel. 

In Parashat Eikev Moshe continues to implore the Israelites to continue in God's path when they enter the land of Israel. He portrays the Israelites' future security and success as a system of meritocracy; if they listen to God's commandments, God will reward them and they will flourish. In this week's parsha we discuss the merits and harm of portraying the world as a meritocracy, and connect it to current events in America.

CW: sexual abuse

Parashat Vaetchanan opens with Moshe's plea to God to reverse the decree and allow him into the Land of Israel. We can feel Moshe's despair and sadness as he details God's angry refusal, and the compromise of Moshe being able to go up and see the land from afar. In this episode we study this scene and ask why Moshe shares this intimate moment with the nation.

Sefer Devarim is a series of Moshe's speeches to the Israelites before he dies and they enter the land of Israel without him. In this week's episode we introduce the book, and discuss two of the stories in the parsha - the spies, and the Edomites - to help understand the psychological tools Moshe uses to impart his messages onto his nation. 

The end of the book of BaMidbar is an epilogue to the story of Bnot Tzlofchad that is found in Parashat Pinchas. This epilogue serves as an important modifier of the original story. In this week's episode we study both components of the story in detail, and challenge ourselves to think about our own comfort (and discomfort) with social change.

Pinchas is the first קנאי, or zealot, featured in Tanach. Though Pinchas is rewarded for his behavior, the text is ambiguous about whether zealotry was a positive or negative. In this episode we explore that question further through a study of the word קנא in the Torah, and consider the common toxicities between jealousy and zealotry.

One of the mysteries of the story of Balak is why it is in the Torah at all; it does not involve any of the Israelites, nor does it have an impact on their lives, so its impact is unclear. In this week's episode we discuss the major themes of Balak and Bilaam's story, and its connections to Pharaoh and the failed strategy of trying to oppress outsiders into submission.

Our learning is dedicated to all of the victims of the building collapse in Miami. May they be found speedily, and safe.

The ritual of the parah adumah, or the red heifer, is one of the best examples of a chok, or a ritual law that we do not understand. In this week's episode we examine two opposing rabbinic approaches to the concept of chok, and discuss the human experience of grappling with the unknowable. 

The story of Korach is unequivocally a story of disaster. In this week's episode we examine this story in greater detail to ascertain exactly why the factions of rebels were complaining, why their punishment was so severe, and what this teaches us about how we treat each others in moments of crisis. 

In this week's episode we consider the Israelites' true fear of the Land of Israel and why the scouts' report struck such a strong chord with them. Recorded from Jerusalem!