The Portion

In this week's episode, we jump right in to the Book of Exodus with a wide-ranging discussion of the jam-packed Parshat Shmot. We discuss the enslavement of the Israelites, the heroism of anonymous women, the birth of Moses, the burning bush, and Moses' apparent failure to liberate his people at the end of the parsha (does that qualify as a cliffhanger?). We debate the sources of Pharaoh's antisemitism, probe Moses' qualities as a leader, and question why it seems things have to get worse before they get any better. Join us.

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Welcome to our discussion of Parshat VaYechi and the end of Genesis. In this episode we look at the way this book of the Torah concludes and talk about what's resolved and what issues are still open as we move onto the Book of Exodus. 

Welcome to our discussion of Parshat VaYigash, one of the most exciting portions in the Torah (though can you really say that one is more exciting than any other). In this episode we get into: 

• Joseph's endgame
• The culmination of Joseph & Judah's leadership
• Chanukah presents
• The invention of forgiveness 
• Joseph's love of puns
• The ways learning Torah deepens love and friendship
• The end of the Patriarchs in the land of Israel

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Welcome to our conversation about Parshat Miketz. This week, we discuss:

• Connections between the Joseph narrative and Chanukah.
• Joseph's job qualifications.
• Judah's road to leadership.
• Why does Joseph set his brothers up?
• What is the best parsha cliffhanger?

Also, Rabbi Bienenfeld apologizes for disparaging amateur theater and we consider different Chanukah greetings. 

Welcome to our discussion of Parshat VaYeshev, where selling your sibling into slavery is the nicest of three options. In the episode, we discuss Joseph and Judah as presenting two different types of leadership and the ways each of them have to grow into their leadership roles. We also discuss how Rabbi Bienenfeld might have advised Tamar not to get rid of any evidence. Also, we debate whether seeing a community theater production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat" in Merrick, Long Island counts as having seen the show at all. 

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We had a very nice write-up in the Jewish Community Voice of South Jersey. Check it out here: http://www.jewishvoicesnj.org/news/2018-12-05/Home/Young_Israels_Rabbi_Bienenfeld_and_his_slam_poet_b.html?fbclid=IwAR1gCV2hjUOuYGVasLPXNVrG79TLpucUYXiHx3pfgXzHK9y2d9M-GCky4_g

Welcome to our discussion about Parshat VaYishlach, where Jacob returns back to the land of Canaan and reunites with his brother Esau. In this episode, we discuss: 

• Why does Jacob even need to tell Jacob he's coming home?
• What's with all the angels?
• How do we relate the lives of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs to our own experiences?
• Has Rabbi Bienenfeld involved Aaron in a Ponzi scheme?

All this and more will be addressed on this week's episode.

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Welcome to our discussion about VaYetze, where Jacob flees to his Uncle Laban's house and does some vivid dreaming along the way. In this episode, Aaron and Rabbi Bienenfeld discuss: 

• How does Jacob's dream prepare him for life in exile?
• Do we believe in love at first sight?
• How sympathetic is Laban?
• How prepared was Jacob for encountering Laban?
• What is the deeper significance of Lavan's swapping Leah for Rachel?

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Welcome to Toldot and the lives of Isaac and Rebecca (Yitzchak and Rivka). In this episode, Aaron and Rabbi Bienenfeld discuss: 

• Why hasn't Hollywood produced a film version of Abraham's life?
• Is Isaac just going through the motions?
• Bechora vs. Bracha
• Does Esav get a bad rap?
• What's up with all the wells?

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Welcome to our talk about Chayei Sara. In this episode, Aaron and Rabbi Bienenfeld discuss: 

• Taking stock after the Pittsburgh shooting
• Is this the first Torah portion where women take center stage?
• Are women the subconscious of the Torah?
• Why does Abraham send Eliezer back to his hometown to find a wife for Isaac?
• Why does Rivka fall off her donkey?
• What is the significance of the last year of Abraham's life?

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Welcome to our talk about Parshat Vayera. In this episode, Aaron and Rabbi Bienenfeld talk about: 

• What is an angel?
• Why did the patriarchs and matriarchs struggle with infertility?
• Why does Lot's wife turn into a pillar of salt?
• What is the message of the binding of Isaac. 

It's pretty heady stuff this week as the conversation revolves around questions about G-d's justice and righteousness. If you want to join the conversation, please check out our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/The-Portion-1840699399318632/?modal=admin_todo_tour