The Tanakh Podcast

In this chapter the borders of Eretz Yisrael are transcribed. But this topic is confusing, because sometimes the borders of the land are small, are limited; at other times they are expansive! What are the borders of the land?

Ch.33 gives us the 42 stops in Israel's trek to the promised land. But why list each and every location?

Bnei Gad and Bnei Reuven request to remain in the Transjordan. Was their request illegitimate? Did Moses save the day or did he misunderstand their intention? That is a debate between Rashi and the Abarbanel. -- To support our work, please see my Patreon or my BuymeaCoffee account. Thank you!

Israel wage war against Midyan Most of the chapter relates to the ethics of the spoils of war. Why is this such a critical topic?

Our chapter speaks about promises or vows that invoke God's name. These verbal pronouncements must be kept. But why would a person vow? And why is this topic relevant at this point in Sefer Bamidbar? And how do we deal with the status of women in this chapter? --- Regarding bookings for Shabbat Scholar-in-residence, email alexisrael99@gmail.com or see https://www.alexisrael.org/scholar-in-resi...

Ch.29 completes the annual cycle of Jewish festivals, in listing the additional sacrifices for festive days. We talk today about some of the ideas and patterns that are revealed through the numbers contained in this detail laden chapter.

Chapter 28 and 29 are dedicated to the daily and "additional" sacrifices. What lessons can this chapter teach us?

Today we discuss leadership via the stories of the Daughters of Tzelophchad, and the appointment of Joshua bin Nun.

A new generation. A new census. But how does this second count of the nation differ in texture, context, and purpose than the first?

Chapter 25 gives us the worst sin of this generation - the seduction and idolatry at Baal Peor. But why were Israel not condemned as they were at the sin of the Golden Calf? Possibly because this was a deliberately planned attempt by the enemy (Midyan, Moav and Bilaam) to subvert and corrupt the Israelites.

Today we address three themes: 1. The theme of lions in Bilaam's prophecy, and the balance between peaceful and warlike images. 2. Bilaam as a source for the Messiah and the End of Days 3. The parallel between Bilaam and Avraham.

Balak takes Bilaam higher and higher on the mountains overlooking the camp of Israel. At each location he sets up 7 altars and brings elaborate sacrifices. The Pagan assumption is that increased vision (and altitude?) would facilitate a spell, a curse; and that sacrifices could force God's hand. But the story turns satirical as Bilaam defies all expectations and King Balak gets increasingly an...

Is Bilaam a saintly prophet or a greedy, pride-driven antisemite? That is the debate between Ramban and Rashi. What do we think from reading the text? And if God forbids Bilaam from making his way to Moab, then why does he reverse his pronouncement and allow him to go?

The Israelites are making their way to Arvot Moav in the Transjordan, the point at which they will launch their invasion of Eretz Yisrael. This chapter speaks of their journey there, a story filled with victories and songs, and a chapter that offers us a window into the character of this new generation.

Our chapter sees the death of Miriam and Aharon. It also sees Moses' famous sin that will deny him entry to the Land. As we shall suggest. all of this has much to do with the fact that we have just jumped 38 years and we are now in the final year of the Wilderness, and this is a new generation.

The Red Heifer is a purification ritual. Why is it in Bamidbar and not the book of Vayikra? And if it purifies, why does it induce impurity in all who come into contact with it?

Chapter 18 details the responsibilities and duties as well as the gifts and privileges of the Kohanim (priests) and the Leviim (Levites). We talk about 24 different "gifts" that must be given to the priests/Levites. In many cases, they are God's representatives, and the only way to fulfill our obligations to God is in fact to offer various items - foodstuffs or livestock - to the pri...

The Korach revolt will not die. God offers sign after sign, but the people remain disgruntled and oppositional. Is there any resolution to this challenge to the leadership, and the authority of God?

The Korach revolt takes an amalgam of different agendas and unites them into a full scale rebellion. Who's who in the opposition to Moshe and Aharon? What was the agenda(s) of the renegades?

Chapter 15 contains 5 mitzvot that seem entirely disconnected from the storyline of events in Bamidbar. We attempt to connect the dots into an integrated narrative.

Are the nation culpable for the sin of the Spies? They were manipulated and misled. Should the be punished for forty years for this inadvertent mistake?

If God told Moshe to send Spies, how did it go so wrong? In this podcast we discuss the spies' report, whether they were sent to be objective observers, or the opposite - to endear the covenantal land to the nation.

Miriam and Aharon speak disparagingly about Moses. God springs to his defence and reminds us why Moshe is in a league of his own. In this class we highlight three unique aspects of Moshe's persona and role.

In our chapter, the people complain and cry for meat, and Moses has a crisis. What is happening in the camp of Israel? How has order unraveled so rapidly?

Bamidbar 10 is a momentous chapter. After a year at Mount Sinai, the nation embark to realize Jewish history, the promises to the Patriarchs, the fulfillment of the Exodus - they begin the march to Eretz Yisrael!