Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast

In this candid conversation with Rabbanit Leah Sarna, we explore how the Yehuda and Tamar episode insightfully mirrors the broader Yosef narrative.

In this insightful conversation with Matan Lecturer Rachel Sharansky Danziger, we explore the immigrant mentality of Yaakov and his family as well as the interpersonal dynamics that lead up to and impact the story of Dinah's rape.

In this probing conversation with Matan's Rosh Batei Midrash and Academic Director Dr. Yael Ziegler, we speak about the fraught relationship between the matriarchs Rachel and Leah and what the tumultuous beginnings of the twelve tribes has to teach us about human diversity.

In this conversation with Rabbi Shmuel Klitsner, author of Wrestling Jacob: Deception, Identity, and Freudian Slips in Genesis, we unpack some of the underlying complexities inherent in Yaakov's relationship with his parents and the behavior patterns that develop after he steals Esav's blessing. This week’s episode is dedicated in honour of Rabbi Zev Lewis by his family on occasion of his 87th bir...

In this episode with returning guest Shayna Goldberg (Episode 12), we discuss the different relationship dynamics displayed by the patriarchs and matriarchs in the book of Bereishit and their relevance to modern dynamics of emotional intimacy. Our episodes on the book of Breishit focus on family and interpersonal dynamics. These conversations are candid, insightful, and respectful. We aim not to p...

In this deep and thought-provoking conversation with Matan lecturer Dr. Tanya White, we speak about the ethical, religious, and familial ramifications of Avraham's near sacrifice of his son. For more from Dr. Tanya White on this idea, see her TOI blog post: https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/the-akedah-the-sacrifice-of-conscience/ Our episodes on the book of Breishit focus on family and interpersonal...

In this conversation with educator and spiritual coach Rabbi Johnny Solomon, we explore the often overlooked life circumstances of Lot and his complex relationship with the family members who raise him.

In this conversation with rabbi and philosophy professor Dr. Sam Lebens, we speak about how the parsha presents family as the basis of civilization through study of the Babel narrative in Bereshit 11. Our episodes on the book of Bereshit focus on family and interpersonal dynamics. These conversations are candid, insightful, and respectful. We aim not to psychoanalyze the biblical figures, but to l...

In this first episode of a new season, podcast host Dr. Yosefa (Fogel) Wruble sits down with returning guest Rabbanit Rachel Weber Leshaw to speak about the Torah's suggested perspectives on couples and intimacy in the opening chapters of Breishit and how this serves as a guidepost throughout the entire book. Our episodes on the book of Bereshit focus on family and interpersonal dynamics. These co...

In this episode with Matan's founder and president Rabbanit Malka Bina, we discuss the Torah's eulogy for Moshe and the Sefat Emet's creative interpretation of the final words of Devarim. Chazak, Chazak, V'nitchazek!

In this enlightening conversation with Sara Tillinger Wolkenfeld, who serves as the Chief Learning Officer at Sefaria, we speak about the ways we absorb Torah and the strengths of oral Torah.

In this illuminating conversation, Jennifer Raskas illustrates how Moshe's final series of actions as leader integrate effective strategies of public activism. Show Notes: Professor Marshall Ganz's Article on Public Narrative https://changemakerspodcast.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Ganz-WhatIsPublicNarrative08.pdf

In this conversation with R. Betzalel Daniel--communal rabbi, Dayan in a rabbinical court, and teacher in Matan Hasharon-- we unpack different interpretations of the monumental phrase from Devarim 30:12 citing that the Torah is 'not in heaven.'

In this sweeping conversation, Matan faculty member and tour guide Rivi Frankel brings the personality of the late R. Dr. Avraham Twersky to life and his moving psychological insight into a puzzling idea in this week's parsha. This episode has been dedicated in memory of Dr. Dodi Tobin z"l, cherished teacher and director of the Matan Bellows Eshkolot Educators Institute for Tanakh at Matan.

In this candid conversation with Dr. Chana Shacham-Rosby, we speak about two commandments from this week's parsha surrounding the mouth, in its full glory and weakness.

In this conversation with the always personable and candid Matan Faculty member Simi Peters, she shares her love for the Netziv (R. Naftali Zvi Yehuda Berlin) and what he has to say about chiddush (innovation) in the book of Devarim. This episode was dedicated by Jordana and Kalman Schoor In honor of the marriage of Talya Agus and Gavi Weiss.

In this enriching and enjoyable conversation with Matan's favorite tour guide Shulie Mishkin, we explore the archeological background of Grizim and Eival and the reason the Torah insists that God be worshipped in a designated 'place' (makom).

In this wonderful conversation with returning guest and Matan faculty member Rabbanit Dr. Adina Sternberg, we speak about the repetitive nature of Devarim's early chapters and ways to find meaning in this style of writing.

In this searching conversation with Yoetztet Halacha Atara Eis, we speak about Rav S. R. Hirsch's bold commentary on the fourth chapter of Devarim and its relevance for observant lives today. This week's episode has been dedicated in memory of Esther Yocheved bat Chaya Leah and Gershon' z"l by her daughter, Elisheva Horowitz, to mark her 7th yahrzeit (11th of Av).

In this enlightening conversation with Rabbi Yitzchak Blau, we survey talmudic and Hassidic sources that speak about Devarim as the possible root of the Oral Law.

In this moving conversation with Matan faculty member and returning podcast guest Rabbanit Yafit Clymer, we explore the contributions made by the Ba'al Shem Tov to the world of Torah and his commentary on the parsha's opening list of desert encampments.

In this conversation with Rabbanit Surale Rosen, we discuss the role of Elazar the priest in the war against Midian and in the critical eyes of Hazal. Elazar becomes a rabbinic paradigm for the complex transition from student to teacher.

In this wonderful conversation with Yossi Ben Harush, a charismatic educator and scholar of modern Hasidic writing, we speak about a modern Hasidic interpretation of Pinchas' behavior and about the zealot within us all.

In this thought-provoking episode with Matan Graduate and faculty member Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash, we speak about midrashic perspectives on the role of the women of Midian in the sins of Peor. The conversation touches on the politics of adultery, social hierarchy and the Sages' concerns about interaction with the outside world.

In this moving conversation with Rachel Sharansky Danziger, we speak about the style, greatness, and limitations of Moshe's leadership and how they all manifest in this week's parsha.