Parsha in Progress

Why Torah is Like the Rain (Ha'azinu): Ep. 54

This week, we conclude the full cycle of parshas with a candid reflection on the end of the podcast, and a consideration of what makes poetry a powerful vehicle for divin

In Your Mouth and in Your Heart (Nitzavim): Ep. 53

This week, we discuss the poetic insistence of the Bible that every Jew should be able to feel ownership over the Torah's message. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

Wayward Sons and Kidnapped Women (Ki Tetzei): Ep. 52

This week, we have a lot of questions and few answers as we read some of the Bible's more unsettling passages, and consider what we could learn from situations we hope ne

Is Compassion Extra Credit? (Re'eh): Ep. 51

This week, we debate what it means to "not shut your heart" against the needy, and why compassion is no substitute for justice when it comes to righting social wrongs. Le

Why Did God Keep Moses From Entering Israel? (Vaetchanan): Ep. 50

This week, we discuss the importance of Mount Sinai in collective Jewish memory, and why Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land, even though he led the people o

Did God Break a Promise? Did We? (Maatot-Maasei): Ep. 49

This week, we discuss whether it was a betrayal to make the Exodus generation die in the desert, and debate whether their sin of doubting the goodness of the land earlier

What do we do when we see evil unpunished? (Balak), Ep: 48

This week, we consider whether one can ever take the law into their own hands, and the pitfalls of vigilante justice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm

Is Democracy Always the Divine Plan? (Korach): Ep. 47

This week, we look at the rebellion of Korach, who tried to oust Moses as leader by claiming he was no holier than the rest of the Israelites, and consider Moses' unique

Who deserves to be cut off? (Beha'alotcha): Ep. 46

This week, we look at one of the Bible's most severe punishments, that of being "cut off" from the people, and consider what actions today might separate someone from the

The Daily Call of Mount Sinai (Shavuot): Ep. 45

This week, we return to Mount Sinai to celebrate the holiday of Shavuot, and debate what it means to say that every day, Jews must recommit to the contract. Learn more ab

Remembering the Individuals Among the Crowds (Bamidbar): Ep. 44

This week, we look through the seemingly endless lists of names, numbers, and detailed descriptions of camp formations in the desert, and ask why the Bible felt this info

When Productivity Got Cancelled Biblically (Behar): Ep 43

This week, we consider the sacrifices that go alongside growth and renewal, and how the commandment to let the earth rest impacted Biblical society, with insights into ho

Should Jews be Holy, or Good? (Kedoshim): Ep. 42

This week we argue about whether ethical acts are equal to ritual ones, and if it’s more admirable to act because God commanded it, or because it’s simply the right thing

When Biblical Demands Seem Cruel (Metzorah): Ep. 41

This week we revisit the rituals of reentry, and how the metzorah (expelling the infected) feels cruel, but maybe—especially in light of today’s pandemic—it was prescient

The Miracle of Jewish Survival (Tzav): Ep. 40

This week, we discuss the eternal flame lit in the Temple, and whether the miracle of Jewish endurance is a good reason to stay Jewish. Learn more about your ad choices.

When Your Heart Moves You (and When It Doesn't) (Vayahel Pekudei): Ep 39

This week we discuss why the Israelites so freely donated their time and money to build the Tabernacle, and whether volunteer work is best focused on one's community or t

Can Fashion Choices Be Holy? (Tetzaveh): Ep 38

This week we discuss the Bible's detailed descriptions of the High Priest vestments, and why clothing is such a powerful site of identity for many people. Learn more abou

Who Doesn't Love the Stranger? (Mishpatim): Ep. 37

This week, we ask who really counts as the stranger and whether the answer upends the idea of compassion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Children Die By God’s Command. (Bo): Ep. 36

This week, we discuss the final plague of Egypt, and the impulse to provide bad answers to good questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is God a Show-Off? (Va'era): Ep. 35

This week, we discuss the purpose of the Ten Plagues, and why God didn’t expedite the whole Exodus-from-Egypt thing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/