The Parasha with Rabbi Dweck

In this episode we look at the Kohen Gadol and explore the attributes of Aaron who served as the first and quintessential High Priest.

We recognise the uniqueness of his heart, and what Hillel the Elder meant when he charged us in Pirke Abot to be students of Aaron.

We discuss, Aaron's love and pursuit of peace, what peace for us is, and how we might find it.

In this episode we explore the concept of a Mishkan - a place in which God's presence resides within the people of Israel. Why this is historically unique and what it means in terms of the God-Israel covenant that has stood for 4 thousand years.

In this episode we consider the effects of the moral code that is presented in Mishpatim. We discuss the development of justice and morality as its result and ultimately its effects on the West through Christianity. We also discuss religious extremism and when religion goes wrong.

At the beginning of this Perasha, Moshe is reunited with his father in law, Yitro. Yitro observes how Moshe is sitting and judging the people from morning until evening with the people waiting to see him that entire time. He advises Moshe to stop it and get others to do it for him. Moshe agrees and does so.

In this episode we explore the implications of this decision and understand what the cost of it was and how it affects our lives today.

it is here where we meet the arch-enemy of the Israelites - Amalek. They are the cousins of the Israelites - grandchildren of our twin brother Esav. And they present Israel early on with a fundamental ideological issue. It is an issue that runs throughout Jewish history and is as pertinent today as it ever was. Indeed, it is an issue we must come to terms with as a people if we are ever to be at peace.

The Children of Israel are finally free, and no sooner does that happen that God gives them commandments (20 in this parasha!). One of the first is the commandment of Matza, imploring us to watch the matzot.

In this episode we consider the meaning behind this charge and how it connects to freedom, responsibility, and our own agency in life.

Moses mission of liberation is in full swing as he boldly stands before Pharaoh demanding that he free the Israelite slaves. His power grows and Pharaoh's wains. In this episode we look at how responsibility connects with the power that comes with freedom. We also look at a significant event in the news of this week that directly pertains to the issue.

Before Jacob dies he calls his sons to his death bed and speaks to them of his final thoughts about them and their future. King David does the same with Solomon in the haftara before he dies. The theme of legacy runs strong at the close of Genesis and we explore its elements and our modern responsibilities with it in this week's episode.

The Children of Israel finally come together in this parasha and on the surface it looks like rifts are reconciled between Yosef and his brothers. Yet, there are still unfinished differences between them. In this episode we look at the haftara in which the prophet Ezekiel proclaims that there will come a day when the core arguments within the nation of Israel will find resolution and the people will be unified upon their ancestral land. We explore this and consider its current and modern implications.

Yosef is set as Viceroy of Egypt. He is presented by Pharaoh as the very symbol of Egypt. All is going well for him when suddenly...his brothers show up. He must address historic rifts and unresolved conflicts and consider who he is in light of all that he finds around him.

This parasha is always read during Hanuka. In this episode we look at the complementary aspects of the Hanuka story with Joseph's and how it might apply to our lives.