Parsha in Progress

Are second chances always second best? This week, Dov and Abby consider the aftermath of the broken tablets, and how humans can be partners in our own destinies.

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How do we understand biblical commands that seem cruel? This week, we discuss the Biblical response to physical ailments, focusing on the case of the "metzorah" who is diagnosed with a skin disease and then sent to live outside the community, isolated for seven days.

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In this episode, Dov and Abby discuss the death of two sons of Aaron the High Priest, killed by divine fire for offering an unrequested "strange fire" on the altar, and consider why the zealous worship of God can often lead to death of people.

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In this episode, Dov and Abby discuss the commandment to offer animal sacrifices, and consider the spiritual possibilities and detriments of sacrificial worship. 

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In this episode, Dov and Abby discuss the sin of the Golden Calf, and consider why the sin against God demanded such a harsh punishment.

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This episode discusses how it can be more difficult to connect with God in synagogue than, say, nature (which is how Dov feels), but also how the beauty and community of a synagogue makes it easier for some to be spiritually connected (how Abby feels). They also talk about the communal importance of the act of building a spiritual place, and why the process of a community coming together in a religious project can be just as meaningful as the end result.

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This week, we discuss the ten commandments and consider how this text became foundational to understanding the Jewish relationship to God.

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This week we delve into the Song of the Sea, the Biblical poem which celebrates the drowning of the Egyptians and the Israelite exodus from Egypt, and whose central message has been reinterpreted throughout centuries of Jewish history.

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This week we discuss leadership in action, looking at the early life of Moses and considering the challenges of cultivating fierce ideological commitment alongside a deep and personal concern for individuals. 

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Parshat Vayechi: Are humans the instruments of God, or are we responsible for our own actions? This week, we’re discussing the moment when Joseph acknowledges the evil his brothers did to him while assuring them that God used their actions for good. 

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