The Rabbi's Husband

Mark is delighted to welcome his good friend, Rabbi Moshe Scheiner, to the podcast this week. Rabbi Scheiner was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and he holds a Masters degree of Talmudic studies and Jewish philosophy from the Rabbinical College of America. He has also lectured to communities in Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Singapore, Colombia, and other communities throughout South America and the United States. In 1994, he became the founding Rabbi of the Palm Beach Synagogue, and he and Mark met almost two years ago on a United Hatzalah Mission which was the beginning of their friendship around Torah that remains to this day. The passage Rabbi Scheiner has selected for today is Genesis 45:4.

After a brief discussion about Rabbi Scheiner’s practical and inspirational daily Torah reflections, the pair explore the context of today’s passage, and then embark on a remarkably insightful analysis of the text, drawing out its relevance to the present day offered from the passage and each other. They then look at the example of reframing or narrative therapy the passage offers, the impact that Joseph’s mindset has had upon future generations right up to today, and provide powerful examples both of Pope John XXlll’s reference to this text, and of being able to begin again regardless of the painful events one has endured. Rabbi Scheiner finishes by sharing the two profound lessons he has learned about mankind. As Mark states, his esteemed guest provides a ‘characteristically fascinating conversation about Torah and how it can inspire us and help us live more meaningful lives’, and you have the unique privilege today to share in this knowledge and wisdom.

Episode Highlights:

Rabbi Scheiner’s daily practical and inspirational Torah reflections The context of today’s passage The common life themes found in this passage including personal hurts and forgiveness, family feuds, betrayal, overcoming trauma from childhood, bonds which should never be severed, living in the present rather than the past, rebukes, and beginning again Reframing or narrative therapy The impact of Joseph’s mindset upon future generations The significance of the term ‘brother’ Pope John XXlll’s deeply meaningful reference to this passage A powerful example of choosing to begin again Two lessons Rabbi Scheiner has learned about mankind

Quotes:

“What others do to you, that is not the reason it is really happening…God is in control...find the purpose and the meaning in every experience in life.”

“Joseph, in this case…is really the first person to manifest the psychological principle we now know as ‘reframing’.”

“I think Joseph’s mindset has really infected every Jewish mind, and that’s the way we survive through millenniums of antisemitism and oppression.”

“By declaring himself to be their brother…in an existential sense, he is giving them the permission to change their relationship.”

“It’s as close as he can come to an apology for the history of his predecessor and predecessors…that the relationship between the Catholic Church and the Jewish people could begin to change.”

“Repentance or forgiveness is giving someone the space to become the type of person that would never have hurt you in the first place.”

“There’s just so much pregnant in every passage in the Torah.”

“You never know the depth of someone’s goodness.”

Genesis 45:4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come forward to me.” And when they came forward, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, he whom you sold into Egypt." https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.45.4?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en

Links:

The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: http://therabbishusband.com/

Mark’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en

Bill Kristol, one of the great public intellectuals of the past 40 years, is Mark’s distinguished guest today. Bill is a Harvard graduate who is currently the editor-at-large of ‘The Bulwark’, was a founder of ‘The Weekly Standard’, and is a regular guest on leading political commentary shows. From 1985 to 1993, he served as chief of staff to Education Secretary William Bennett in the Reagan Administration and as chief of staff to Vice President Dan Quayle in the George H. W. Bush administration. Bill has also taught politics at the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard University. The passage he has chosen for today is Deuteronomy 34:10.

In this episode, Bill shares his memories of growing up in an ‘intellectual household’, offers his reasons for selecting today’s passage, and collaborates with Mark for an in-depth analysis of it. The two continue by exploring the Torah’s theme of partnership, the significance of Moses’ greatest act, and the role that human interpretation plays in understanding the Torah. Bill finishes by relating the lessons he has learned about humanity during his lengthy and highly successful career. You are invited to bring your ‘broken self’ closer to these eternal truths through this spirited and inspiring conversation.

Episode Highlights:

Bill’s experience of growing up in a ‘New York City intellectual household’ His reasons for choosing today’s passage Bill and Mark’s analysis of the passage The Torah’s theme of partnership The significance of Moses’ greatest act Human interpretation of the Torah What Bill has learned about mankind

Quotes:

“A great Jewish story must end unfinished.”

“The Bible…does not want Moses treated as more than a man.”

“The Bible’s worried about the human tendency to want to believe prophecy whether it’s well founded or not.”

“You have to govern yourself.”

“Moses is praised for breaking the tablets.”

“The proof that…God was at least very deeply involved in the writing of the Torah is that it’s simply too good to have been written by man alone.”

“God loves the broken…come with the broken parts, and that’s what it means to be a Jew.”

“The Torah…requires human understanding, human interpretation, to understand what has been done, what God’s word really is, or what Moses’ own goal in this really was.”

Deuteronomy 34:10 Never again did there arise in Israel a prophet like Moses—whom the LORD singled out, face to face https://www.sefaria.org/Deuteronomy.34?lang=bi&aliyot=0

Links:

The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: http://therabbishusband.com/

Mark’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en

Joining Mark on today’s episode is his very close friend of almost 20 years, Yossi Klein Halevi. Truly one of the most thoughtful men in Israel, Yossi epitomizes what it means to live and chronicle the examined Jewish and Zionist life. He is the author of countless articles and 4 books focusing on growing up as a Jewish extremist, his spiritual quest to achieve peace with Muslim and Christians in Jerusalem, a history of the political journey of the paratroopers who liberated Jerusalem in 1967, and a collection of letters to his Palestinian neighbors. Yossi has chosen Genesis 37:18-36 to discuss with Mark today.

Their conversation begins with a look at Yossi’s years as a militant young Jew, and the factors that ultimately led to his break from right wing politics. He also shares his reasons for selecting today’s passage, the relevance he finds in the story, and his joint analysis of it with Mark. Yossi concludes by offering examples of faith which he witnesses today, and the lessons he has learned regarding humanity. Prepare yourself for a conversation which clearly demonstrates the warm friendship these two remarkable individuals share, and which offers a level of insight which only two great students of the Torah, humanity, and life in general can offer.

Episode Highlights:

Yossi’s years as a militant young Jew His break from right wing politics Yossi’s reasons for selecting today’s passage The relevance he finds in this story Yossi and Mark’s analysis of the passage The examples of faith which Yossi witnesses today Yossi’s two lessons he has about mankind

Quotes:

“It took me a very long time to understand that what I once thought of as my best qualities were actually the qualities that were my biggest impediments to spiritual growth.”

“I came to appreciate, as an outsider joining Israeli society, that left and right were each partially right, but also deeply wrong in assuming that all truth was on their side.”

“I don’t know of another figure, certainly in biblical literature, and maybe in all literature, that makes such a long and complicated and painful and, ultimately, triumphant spiritual journey.”

“I am seeking my brothers.”

“I carried the name of a Jew who was murdered in an act of betrayal by humanity with a father who had lived in the pit, and so this really became in some way my lens through which I experienced the continuity of 4000 years of Jewish history.”

“What a great blessing that is, to be able to look at the seemingly chaotic details of one’s life and see a pattern.”

“I know how much I love my children, can you imagine how much God loves me?”

Genesis 37:18-36 They saw him from afar, and before he came close to them they conspired to kill him. They said to one another, “Here comes that dreamer! Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits; and we can say, ‘A savage beast devoured him.’ We shall see what comes of his dreams!" https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.37.18-20?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en

Links:

The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: http://therabbishusband.com/

Mark’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en

Yossi's Amazon Book Page: https://www.amazon.com/Yossi-Klein-Halevi/e/B001IXOA04

Scott Shay, Co-founder and Chairman of Signature Bank and author of two important books about Jewish life in the United States, ‘In Good Faith: Questioning Religion and Atheism’ and ‘Getting Our Groove Back: How to Energize American Jewry’, is Mark’s very special guest today. Scott is a frequent speaker around the country in a variety of media, and for today’s episode he will be discussing Genesis 3:1 with Mark.

Scott begins the discussion with a very detailed analysis of the snake character in this passage, its motives, and just how it defeats God’s plan. What follows is a fascinating examination of the lessons surrounding resentment which are inherent to this passage, and which continue to resonate throughout our world today. Scott also shares the lessons he has learned about mankind over the years, and passionately describes the joy he experiences in introducing people across the country to the beauty and wisdom of the Bible. The Torah is filled with lessons for us all, and today’s episode brings to life one of the most important and fundamental of these.

Episode Highlights:

An analysis of the snake character and its motives in this passage How the snake defeats God’s plan The lessons we can take from resentment being a part of the Creation story The importance of identifying and conquering resentment The lessons Scott has learned about mankind Scott’s books and introducing people to the Bible

Quotes:

“In my view, the first 11 chapters of the Bible are really about important lessons that God wanted to convey to the Jewish people and to the world and humanity.”

“The best liars tell nothing but the truth.”

“We have fallen into this idea that…the two separate Creation narratives were stapled together. Well, in fact, they are integrated, they’re not stapled together.”

“The Torah is not a history book, it’s not a cookbook, it’s a guidebook to help us live our lives more fully, more meaningfully, and better everyday.”

“It’s a constant motif that runs through our politics, even in the modern world – resentment.”

“There’s really no limit to how far we can progress if we’re not looking to blame someone else.”

Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild beasts which the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, "Has God really said, 'You shall not eat of any tree of the garden?'" https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.3.1?ven=Jewish_English_Torah&lang=bi&aliyot=0

Links:

The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: http://therabbishusband.com/

Mark’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en

The Tower of Babel

Show Notes:

Joining Mark this week is Rabbi Simcha Mirvis, Director of the Tsfat Legacy Center and Vice President of Education for Nachal Novea. Rabbi Mirvis has devoted his life to engaging and inspiring a diverse range of people in Israel and abroad, and is dedicated to connecting people with the soulful wisdom of Tsfat. The scripture passage which he has chosen for today is Genesis 11:3.

In this episode, Mark and Rabbi Mirvis engage in a dynamic discussion which begins by looking at the Rabbi’s journey from his birthplace in Memphis to his current role at Tsfat, moves on to revealing the context of this scripture passage, and then explores the wide ranging implications and lessons to be learned from this rich text. Insights regarding technology, the relationship between the individual and society, diversity and uniformity, Abraham’s significance, and the very meaning of Babel itself abound during this fascinating and enlightening analysis. As you listen, you will discover that Mark and Rabbi Mirvis are, indeed, kindred spirits in their desire and ability to ‘unearth the practical and inspirational truth of the Torah’, and today’s episode provides a truly memorable example of this fact.

Episode Highlights:

Rabbi Mirvis’ journey from growing up in Memphis to his current role at Tsfat The context of Genesis 11:3 Insights from this passage regarding the ramifications of today’s technology, the relationship between the individual and society, diversity vs. uniformity, and Abraham’s significance in contrast to the tower The meaning of Babel and its significance Two important lessons that Rabbi Mirvis has learned

Quotes:

“Man is given the opportunity to destroy the world, create the world, do anything with the world.”

“Sometimes in our effort to survive and to protect ourselves, we’re actually inflicting damage on our own future.”

“Perhaps the first technological development in the history of mankind.”

“Abraham was born the year the tower was built.”

“In the confused heterogeneous tapestry of society, that’s where each fragment refracts a different truth of the Divine Light.”

“The focus on eternal values puts everything else in perspective.”

Genesis 11:3 They said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks and burn them hard.”—Brick served them as stone, and bitumen served them as mortar. https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.11.3?lang=bi&aliyot=0

Links:

The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: http://therabbishusband.com/

Mark’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en

The Tsfat Legacy Center homepage: https://www.tsfatlegacy.org/

Today, Mark’s great friend, David Fox, joins him for a discussion of II Samuel. David has become one of America’s premier transactional attorneys who, over his 35 years in the profession, has contributed his wisdom and expertise to deals totaling in the hundreds of billions of dollars. He was once touted as one of the top 45 lawyers under 45, and his father, Seymour Fox, was a Rabbi and renowned Jewish educator. All of these factors render him the ideal person to join Mark in today’s scripture analysis.

David begins by sharing the context and details of II Samuel and offers his perspective of Nathan’s tactic in it and the constant theme of David’s dishonesty and subterfuge in this and other areas of the Torah. He and Mark then try to determine why someone with David’s wisdom would make such a mistake, and then discuss the parallels between David and those who possess similar power in the present day. As always, the podcast finishes with our guest offering two lessons he has learned about mankind throughout his life and his storied career. The relevance of the Torah today is once again clearly demonstrated here as these two good friends explain how this remarkable text provides insight into the actions that have become all too familiar in the headlines of late.

Episode Highlights:

The context for today’s passage David’s perspective on Nathan’s tactic The constant theme of David’s dishonesty and subterfuge Why would such a smart guy like David make such a stupid mistake? How this story relates to those who have power today Two lessons that David has learned about mankind in all his years

Quotes:

“This is really one of the foundational stories of our nation.”

“All throughout the Torah, the value, in fact the indispensability, of rebuke is emphasized.”

“This is not a good story about David on any level.”

“He had the power, he had the temptation, and he didn’t have the character to withstand it.”

“People don’t believe when they are sitting at the top of the pyramid that people can see what’s really going on and what’s going on inside them.”

II Samuel The men of Judah came and there they anointed David king over the House of Judah. https://www.sefaria.org/II_Samuel.1.5?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en

Links:

The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: http://therabbishusband.com/

Mark’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en

Sarah Waxman, founder of At The Well, an organization whose mission is to connect women around the world through transformative practices inspired by ancient Jewish Wisdom, joins Mark for today’s episode. Sarah brings the same resiliency, persistence, and ability to create belonging and community that she demonstrated as a two time National Lacrosse Goaltender of the Year to her current work with At The Well and discusses this noble work with Mark today.

They begin by exploring At The Well and its mission and reach throughout the world. They also discuss the Mikvah experience, how it helps people with modern challenges, the important role that water plays in Torah and in Sarah’s life, and the lessons Sarah has learned about mankind in her years since founding At The Well. Sarah’s vision of Judaism becoming a tool to help people heal and transform is truly coming to fruition through her work, and you will undoubtedly find her conversation with Mark today about this work is as inspiring as it is educational.

Episode Highlights:

At The Well and its mission and reach throughout the world The Mikvah experience, its spiritual effects, and how it helps address modern challenges The importance of water in Torah and in Sarah’s life and how she became involved with the Mikvah What takes place in a Mikvah Two things that Sarah has learned about mankind in years with At The Well

Quotes:

“The core of our work is promoting the ritual of Rosh Chodesh, which means new moon.”

“Each Well Circle becomes its own community that’s a part of a larger community, almost a society.”

“You go in hoping to transform, and the Mikvah is there to move you from one place to the next.”

“Water is something that can give life and that can give rebirth.”

“This is a new time, and it’s important that we bring our traditions forward, too.”

“A Mikvah is one of the ten things that declares a community Jewish.”

“For me in my life, you know someone like many women and girls in this country who’ve suffered tremendously from body dysphoria…this invitation to connect my body and my soul together through water, and through ritualizing that connection, gave me a lot of hope.”

“The best book club of all time is how I think of Torah.”

The traditional Mikvah Blessing

Baruch ata adonai eloheinu melech ha-olam asher kid-shanu b’mitzvo-tav v’tzi-vanu al ha-tevilah. Blessed are You, Adonai, Ruler of the Universe, Who has sanctified us with mitzvot and commanded us concerning immersion.

Links:

The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: http://therabbishusband.com/

Mark’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en

At The Well homepage: https://www.atthewellproject.com/

Joining Mark on today’s episode is Sarah Hurwitz, a Harvard and Harvard Law School graduate who served as Michelle Obama’s Head Speechwriter from 2010-17, and who has been an advisor and writer for a number of other leading Democrat political leaders including Hilary Clinton, John Kerry, and Wesley Clark as well. Sarah is also the author of the magnificent book about Jewish life, ‘Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life – in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There)’, and has been named to The Forward’s ‘50 Most Influential Jewish Americans’ in 2016. The passage that Sarah has chosen to discuss with Mark on today’s episode is Exodus 3:2-3.

During their discussion, Sarah shares her reasons for writing her book, and engages with Mark in a detailed analysis of the selected passage. She also shares the many reasons behind her love for this passage, and together she and Mark explore the numerous ways that it is so very relevant for all of us today. Finally, Sarah offers two things that she has learned about mankind throughout her storied career. Today’s episode is a fascinating interview between two learned and highly articulate seekers of biblical truth whose words convey their shared appreciation of the Torah’s wisdom, instruction, revelation, and relevance in all of our lives.

Episode Highlights:

Sarah’s reasons for writing her book Her analysis of Exodus 3:2-3, why she loves it so much, and the ways in which it is relevant for us today Two things that Sarah has learned about mankind

Quotes:

“There was so much wisdom here for how to be a good person, how to lead a truly worthy and meaningful life, and how to find spiritual connection.”

“The corpus of Jewish learning is so interesting, so instructive, and so relevant.”

“That’s a thing that I love about Judaism is the human empowerment.”

“The entire project and process of Judaism is for us to continue hearing revelation in our own time.”

“When secular people say ‘special’ and religious people say ‘sacred’ they’re saying exactly the same thing.”

“God is everywhere you let Him in.”

Exodus 3:2-3 An angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire out of a bush. He gazed, and there was a bush all aflame, yet the bush was not consumed. Moses said, “I must turn aside to look at this marvelous sight; why doesn’t the bush burn up?” https://www.sefaria.org/Numbers.32.6?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en

Links:

The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: http://therabbishusband.com/

Mark’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en

Sarah’s homepage: https://sarahhurwitz.net/

Ambassador Michael Oren is Mark’s very special guest on today’s episode. In addition to serving as Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Michael has also served as a Member of Knesset and as Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office. He is the author of several of the most important works of history and diplomacy of our generation, has taught at many major universities, and has been named one of the ‘Ten Most Influential Jews in the World’ by The Jerusalem Post. Today, Michael and Mark will be discussing Numbers 32:6, the canonical biblical story of Israel-Diaspora relations.

Beginning with Michael’s analysis of the selected passage and the many layers and lessons within it, they then move on to look at the relevance this passage holds both politically and socially these days, as well as the importance of unity. Michael also shares some lessons he has learned about the Jewish people and mankind in general during his illustrious career. Clearly passionate about today’s topic, Michael and Mark bring this passage to life, explore its modern day equivalents, and demonstrate the truly timeless impact of the Torah.

Episode Highlights:

Michael’s analysis of the selected passage and the many lessons it offers The impact of this passage upon the political reality of the Middle East today Israeli discouragement with American Jews during The Iran Nuclear Deal The modern day equivalent of the compromise reached in Numbers 32 What Michael has learned about the Jewish people and mankind in general

Quotes:

“Chapter 32:6 becomes a primer on relations between Israel and the Diaspora, on the nature of Jewish peoplehood, of the later Talmudic notion of all of Israel is responsible for one another.”

“It’s also one of the first, I’d say, poignant examples of Jewish guilt.”

“Without Jewish unity, there’s a price to be paid.”

“There is an expectation…that the Diaspora will stand by us.”

“Moses wanted a strategic…depth to what would become the Jewish State.”

“We are this immeasurably creative, strong, unified people.”

Numbers 32:6 Moses replied to the Gadites and the Reubenites, “Are your brothers to go to war while you stay here? https://www.sefaria.org/Numbers.32.6?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en

Links:

The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: http://therabbishusband.com/

Mark’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en

The Night Archer: https://www.simonandschuster.ca/books/The-Night-Archer/Michael-Oren/9781642935783

In today’s episode, Mark welcomes Rabbi Mark Wildes, author of ‘Beyond the Instant: Jewish Wisdom for Lasting Happiness in a Fast-Paced, Social Media World’. Rabbi Wildes is also the founder of Manhattan Jewish Experience (MJE), an organization which brings Jews, primarily in their 20s and 30s, closer to the values, practices, texts and teachings of the Jewish faith, and for today’s show, he has chosen Exodus 2:12 to discuss with Mark.

During their discussion, they explore the work of MJE, provide an analysis of today’s selected passage, and discern the lessons that can be learned from it. Rabbi Wildes also shares two important lessons that he has learned through his many years with MJE, and he and Mark reflect upon the fact that faith is a difficult endeavor whose challenge is necessary and allows us to experience growth. In essence, today’s episode encourages us to learn from Moses’ example – look inside ourselves, understand who we are and what we value, and become the leader we are destined to be regardless of any challenges which may come our way.

Episode Highlights:

The work of MJE and the many marriages that have resulted from it Rabbi Wildes’ analysis of today’s passage and the lessons it offers Some lessons that he has learned over his 20+ years with MJE Faith as a difficult endeavor

Quotes:

“Serious relationships derive from serious Jewish engagement.”

“There’s always that moment where we’re forced to choose.”

“Once he actually kills, if you will, the Egyptian within him, he then goes on to do great things for the people of Israel.”

“If you really want to be a leader, you need to have a vision, you need to have a focus goal, and you need to know who you are.”

“You become a man when you decide what you want to fight for.”

“We need to be challenged intellectually, morally, and spiritually.”

“If you’re not extending yourself, you’re not growing.”

Exodus 2:12 He turned this way and that and, seeing no one about, he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. https://www.sefaria.org/Exodus.2.12?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en

Links:

The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: http://therabbishusband.com/

Mark’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en

Rabbi Wildes’ Podcast The Wildescast: https://the-wildescast.simplecast.com/

Manhattan Jewish Experience homepage: https://www.jewishexperience.org/