Parsha Stories

Keep up with the weekly Parsha over the summer with Rabbi Ravid Tilles! Each week of Sefer Bamidbar (the fourth book of the Torah) has engaging stories about B’nai Yisrael’s adventures in the wilderness. There is danger, intrigue and a lot of complaining!

It is the season (and maybe series) finale of Maduah Madah, and it is all about dairy! In honor of Shavuot, and the tradition to eat dairy during the holiday, Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Dr. Tim Morris talk about the science of milk and how cheese is made. Chag Sameach everyone!

Rabbi Tilles, Dr. Morris and, a returning guest, Galit Konstantine, discuss the science behind Passover foods. How does bread leaven? What exactly is corn syrup? And why will they never be able to make a delicious Passover cereal?!

The holiday of Purim is all about illusions and hidden messages. Rabbi Tilles and Dr. Morris discuss the science of optical illusions and general concepts about vision. But be careful, things are not always as they seem...though this is actually a podcast.

Rabbi Tilles, Dr. Morris and a special guest, Jewish Studies Curriculum Coordinator Amy Newman, discuss what it means to be human. What distinguishes us from other animal species and how do religion and science grapple with this existential question?

In celebration of Tu Bishvat, the New Year of the Trees, Rabbi Tilles and Dr. Morris discuss the lifecycle of a tree and its place in the ecosystem. You will learn all of the information that you need to know to appreciate the existence of trees and maybe even a little TMI (tree making information).

Rabbi Tilles, Dr. Morris and special guest Ferris Unni discuss the well-known miracle of the splitting of the Red Sea. The conversation delves into the big questions that center around the intersection between science and religion when thinking about thresholds for proof and what is "meaningful."

With the story of the 10 plagues coming up in our weekly Torah reading cycle, and with winter upon us in New England, it is a great time to talk about hail, sleet and snow!

The science of fire and how it relates to Hanukkah.

The science behind everybody's favorite Hanukkah game!

Hanukkah has the best foods because they are made with oil and oil tastes so good! But why? Join Rabbi Ravid Tilles, Dr. Tim Morris and culinary expert Galit Konstantine to discuss the molecular properties and practical uses of oil in honor of Hanukkah!

Today is Rosh Hodesh Kislev—the first day of the month of Kislev! We can know that because of the new moon, whose lunar cycles and phases have dictated our calendar for millennia. Check out the latest episode of Maduah Madah, with Rabbi Tilles and Dr. Tim Morris as they discuss the science and religious relevance of the moon!

The science behind dew and their connection to the etrog (citron).

Do you know why the shofar sounds the way it does? Tune in for the science behind the shofar with Rabbi Ravid Tilles and Science Teacher Mr. Morris.