The Tanakh Podcast

Today we speak about: 1. The multiple coverings of the Mishkan. Why is the Mishkan so rich inside and so plain on the outside? 2. We speak about the engaging language that depicts the coverings and boards of the Mishkan: sister to sister; brother to brother. What does it mean?

Why did God command Israel to build a sanctuary? If God cannot be contained by a physical structure, what do we mean by: "Make me a Sanctuary that I may dwell among them"(25:8)? What is the focal point of the Sanctuary? And

In this chapter the Jewish people make a covenant at Sinai. They proclaim "Naaseh VeNIshma - We will do and we will hear!" But what is the conent of this covenant? And when exactly did it happen?

This chapter offers an eclectic mix of topics; from judicial procedure, to Shabbat and Shemitta and the festivals, and it ends with a projection and a strategic plan of how the nation will enter the land of Canaan. We try to look under the surface of this chapter and the society is envisages.

Do not curse "Elohim"! Is that God or the Judiciary? Here we discuss the weighty role of government and the courts in leading society, the responsibility they bear and the need to protect the systems that govern our lives.

Up to this point, Shemot has been a flowing narrative. Now we take a sharp turn to a detailed legal text. What is the nature, structure and purpose of this text?

Today we try to say something about the structure, texture and tone of one of our most iconic and covenantal texts. Patreon https://www.patreon.com/u51407457 or https://buymeacoffee.com/alexisrael

Chapter 19 depicts the lead-up to revelation. God approaches the nation to gat their consent prior to giving the Torah. The Torah is not imposed. This is a covenant and it can only take place of both sides are willing. We also discuss the terms of revelation. How close will God be? Is this a moment of listening or a full sensory experience. And why do the people run away, fleeing from God's po...

Yitro is the priest of Midyan. And yet, in our chapter we find him proclaiming his faith in God, sacrificing to Him and creating a Justice system for the people of Israel. What is the religious faith of Yitro? What is his affinity to the God of Israel?

"Amalek came and fought with Israel" Why does Amalek come at this point in time? And what might we learn from this episode?

In chapter 15-17 we have the "grumblings" of the Israelites as they complain about the lack of food and water. Is Israel to blame? God never seems to get angry; in fact these complaints for basic foodstuffs are quite expected. So what is the purpose of these "grumbling" episodes? We shall suggest that they are part and parcel of Israel's education and growth.

The Egyptians are dead; Israel erupt in joyous song and dance. But what does this song express? And how was it sung?

"God didn't lead them the Way of the Philistines lest they see war" - but they did see war! They had a direct confrontation with the Egyptian military! Why did God orchestrate a head-on collision with Pharaoh and his chariots just days after they had freed themselves from Egypt?

Now that we are leaving Egypt, the Torah begins to craft how the memory of this critical moment will be remembered. Chapter 13 is filled by techniques that will help us understand the Exodus and its significance in our lives.

Today we discuss four elements that were instructed before we departed Egypt. These are four building blocks of Jewish Identity: 1. Jewish Time 2. Family and the Jewish Home 3. Choosing to be Jewish 4. Hippazon. The Speed of Redemption - Window of Opportunity.

Our chapter instructs the Israelites to borrow objects of silver and gold from their neighbours. These were items that they were not intending to return. Why does God issue this strange command? Is it honest?

Today we address: 1. The central role of children in the Exodus 2. The request for a religious furlough of 3 days. Why does Moses ask for a religious holiday; why not simply ask for freedom?

"And God hardened Pharaoh’s heart." Is that fair? Doesn’t thiscontravene the principle of free choice? How is Pharaoh culpable if God is hardening his heart?

Why did God need Ten Plagues? Couldn't he have released the Israelites with just one massive attack? In this class, we explain the unique structure - literary and theological - of the 10 plagues.

The 10 plagues do not merely bring the infrastructure of Egypt to its knees, but they are in fact a battle against the gods of Egypt.

Chapter 6 is a perplexing narrative. God says he has never been known by the name YHVH. Is that possible? And we see a family tree of Moses' origins! Why does this prosaic text appear at the most nail-biting juncture of the story?

Moses and Aharon approach Pharaoh but things worsen severely - Pharaoh stops providing straw for the bricks, the the workload is now more intense, the slaves are lashed and beaten. Pharaoh succeeds in turning the people against their new leader. And Moshe begins to protest to God!

Moses doubts whether the Israelites will believe him. God responds with 3 signs. We discuss the symbolism of these signs. Thanks to Rabbi Prof. Yonatan Grossman whose teachings were enormously useful in preparing this podcast.

Why does God appear to Moshe in a burning bush? What is the symbolism of that image?

In this chapter we meet Moses. What values does he exhibit? What are his influences?