The korban mincha in Chapter 2 of Vayikra follows the animal korban olah in Chapter 1, yet has some distinct differences. In this week's episode we examine the unique properties of korban mincha and what they can teach us about generosity and community building.

The aron served as the focal point of holiness in the tabernacle. On the kaporet, or cover, we were instructed to place winged keruvim made of gold. In this week's episode we will examine how rabbis over history have defined the keruvim, and what this teaches us about how we are supposed to feel when in the presence of God's holiness.

The sin of the golden calf is one the most egregious sins that the Israelites commit. And yet, the exact nature of the sin is unclear; Rashi claims that it was idolatrous, but the Ramban vigorously disagrees. In this week's episode we examine this debate in further detail and offer an additional interpretation of this famous story.

Parashat Tetzaveh provides the instructions for the Kohen Gadol's garments. In Chapter 28 verse 15 we are commanded to build the choshen mishpat (breastplate of judgment) and place the Urim v'Tumim inside of it. In this week's episode we explore different interpretations of what the Urim v'Tumim were, and what it means to live in exile without them. 

In the beginning of our parsha God explicitly commands that the people whose hearts move them to give should contribute materials to the construction of the mishkan. As the commentators note, the language of the verse is a bit strange. The literal translation is "they should take for me a gift" - ויקחו לי תרומה. In this episode we explore various explanations for this linguistic oddity, and what they can teach us about the nature of partner relationships.

Parashat Mishpatim contains a number of civil laws, including capital crimes. Exodus 22:17 teaches us that "we may not allow a sorceress to live," which is an unusual formulation for a Biblical capital crime. In this episode we examine four different understandings of this verse and what they teach us about the limits we place on society.

After the crossing of the sea, Moshe's father-in-law Yitro arrives to find Moshe judging the people's legal cases from morning until evening. He immediately recognizes that this system is unsustainable, and he advises Moshe to create a judicial system to help alleviate his burden. 

When Yitro expresses his concerns in Exodus 18:18 he tells Moshe that both he and the nation "navol tibol," an unusual phrase that commentators disagree over how to translate. In this episode we explore the various understandings of this phrase, and what it can teach us about maintaining and equal and just legal system.

Shemot Chapter 16 introduces us to the mahn, the mysterious edible substance that sustained the Israelites each morning on their journey through the desert. In this episode we will consider multiple commentators' understanding of the meaning of the mahn, and what these meanings can teach us about how we express suspicion, wonderment, and gratitude. 

The 8th plague of locusts represents a major shift in both the physical expression of the plague, and the greater meaning behind it. This week we will examine arbeh in greater detail and consider what it teaches us about Egyptian beliefs, Torah values, and the real tragedy of Pharaoh's leadership.

Our parsha opens with God's impassioned promise of redemption of the Israelites. However, when Moshe delivers the message to the Israelites they cannot hear it because of "shortness of spirit and hard labor." In this week's episode we explore a range of commentaries on this phrase, and consider what caused the breakdown in communication between the Redeemer and the redeemed.