In this episode, Raymond Ashkenazie, Emma Dayan, and Henry Esses sit down with Rabbi Joseph Dweck for a thoughtful discussion on Parashat Toledot. Through a close reading of the text, Rabbi Dweck explains the meaning of Yitzchak’s blessings to Yaakov and Esav, how those blessings relate to the Land of Israel, and what the Torah reveals about Esav’s character that ultimately leads to the loss of both the birthright and the blessing.

Rabbi Joseph Dweck is the former Rosh Yeshivah of Barkai Yeshivah and has served for the past decade as the Senior Rabbi of the Spanish and Portuguese Jewish Community of the United Kingdom. He is currently in the process of making Aliyah.

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In this episode, Raymond Ashkenazie, Emma Dayan, and Henry Esses are joined by Rav Judah Dardik to explore the profound themes of loss and legacy in Parashat Haye Sarah. Through a thoughtful examination of the text, they discuss how Abraham's experiences offer timeless lessons on dealing with grief and the importance of passing on values to future generations.

Rabbi Judah Dardik is the Sgan Rosh Yeshiva and a Gemara R"am at Yeshivat Orayta, as well as Dean of the Orayta Center for Jewish Leadership and Engagement. Before making aliyah, he led Beth Jacob Congregation in Oakland, California, for thirteen years. Rabbi Dardik lives in Gush Etzion with his wife Naomi and their six children, and enjoys hiking, winemaking, and roller hockey.

In this episode, Raymond Ashkenazie, Emma Dayan, and Henry Esses are joined by Rabbi Ikey Tawil for a fresh interpretation of the famous story of the Akedah. Through a close reading of the text, Rabbi Tawil reveals how a deeper understanding of the peshat can resolve some of the story’s classic moral dilemmas.

Rabbi Ikey Tawil is the head Rabbi at Kol Israel Congregation, Mashgiach Ruchani at the Yeshivah of Flatbush Elementary School, and head of the SCA summer learning program.

In this episode, Raymond Ashkenazie, Emma Dayan and Henry Esses are joined by Rabbi Albert Setton to explore the enigmatic figure of Malkitzedek in Parashat Lekh Lekha. Together, they examine his mysterious identity, his role in Avram’s journey, and the deeper meaning behind his brief yet powerful appearance. Join us for an engaging and insightful discussion on faith, purpose, and spiritual identity.

Rabbi Albert Setton serves as Rabbi of Congregation Magen David of West Deal, heads The Midrash Women's Division, and is the Rav Yeshivah of Yeshivat Barkai.

In this episode, Raymond Ashkenazie, Emma Dayan and Henry Esses are joined by Rav Yitzchak Blau to delve into Parashat Noah. We explore the emotional and spiritual challenges faced by Noah post-flood, discussing themes of trauma, survival, and the transition to Avraham's narrative. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on the complexities of faith and humanity.

Rabbi Yitzchak Blau is a Rosh Yeshiva at Yeshivat Orayta and teaches at Midreshet Lindenbaum. He is an associate editor of Tradition and author of "Fresh Fruit and Vintage Wine: The Ethics and Wisdom of the Aggada." He resides in Alon Shevut with his family.

For the first episode of Season Two, Emma Dayan and Henry Esses sit down with Raymond Ashkenazie to explore Tzelem Elokim, the idea of being created in the image of God and its practical and religious implications.

Join us as we begin the journey of starting the Torah over again!

In this final episode of the season, Linda Cohen and Ronnie Hidary learn with Rabbi Ricky Hidary about how the tribe of Levi turned one of their character flaws into their greatest strength, which is hinted to in the parasha.

Ronnie Hidary and Linda Cohen interview Rabbi Ephraim Gabbai on a range of topics from the haftarah to Gedaliah which culminates in a message for the ages.

Rabbi Ralph Tawil (all the way from Israel!) shares with Linda Cohen and Ronnie Hidary the patterns and nuances in this week's parasha that emphasize the role and responsibility of the individual within the nation.

Ronnie Hidary interviews Ronald Benun on parallelism throughout the Torah as it relates to the Blessings and the Curses of this weeks parasha.