Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast

In this conversation with Rabbanit Shira Marili Mirvis, the Rabbanit of Shirat Hatamar in Efrat, we discuss the communal structure present in the parsha and its relationship with contemporary shul communities. Welcome to our Bamidbar Series titled Community: Between Order and Chaos, where we will be exploring the gap between the vision for community laid out in Bamidbar and the real life challenges to this order presented throughout the book. Israel as a country and Jewish communities around the world are facing challenges that haven’t been so pronounced for decades. Each community faces something different, both in scale and in terms of the way the communal structure is responding to those challenges. Each week, I will be partnering with a communal leader from around the world to explore these themes. We will hear about their different challenges and responses as well as our usual deep dive into these themes in the parsha.

In this conversation with Dr. Yael Ziegler, we explore the ways in which the blessings and curses underscore the kind of life and society the people of Israel should be creating. This episode has been sponsored in memory of Sarah Bat Esther by the Cohen and Weintraub families. Chazak, Chazak, v'nitchazek! Stay tuned for a new series and guest theme for the book of Bamidbar!

In this conversation with Rabbi Binyamin Zimmerman, a conversation about the Torah roots of Shemitta practice ends up becoming a broader reflection on the role of Halakha in religious life. R. Zimmerman's book, The Shemitta Sensation: https://www.amazon.com/Shemitta-Sensation-Deeper-Jewish-Sabbatical/dp/173776170X This episode is sponsored by Esther Naiberg, marking the 23rd yartzheit of her brother David ben Yerachmiel and Chava

In this conversation with Rabbanit Dr. Tamara Spitz, we explore the philosophical and halakhic roots of counting the Omer.

In this probing conversation with Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash, we discuss what it might mean to 'be holy' by looking at human relationships as the guiding image of spiritual exploration.

In this wise and candid conversation with Rabbanit Shayna Goldberg, we discuss philosophical and practical elements relating to the laws of Shemirat Negiah and Harchakot which both feature in this week's parsha. We reference our conversation from last year, also on biblical sexual ethics, so here is a link to that episode for those interested: https://www.matan.org.il/en/online/episode-104-parshat-tazria-metzora-making-sense-of-sexual-prohibitions/ This episode was sponsored in memory of Deanna Lubin z"l by her family. Linked below are two other podcast episodes with Shayna speaking about Shemirat Negiah: For parents: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1tq3lm5Cr5T4T4YHMhecXK?si=2K_HWVOPSROl3xprpVrSzw&nd=1&dlsi=1dc4879a372c449b For singles and couples: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3p8shSz3ybLjJyI5b83bfe?si=0lCy-r5_RdKivqRwo3_sAg&nd=1&dlsi=30b67a8860304cd4

In this conversation with Dr. Elana Stein Hain, we discuss rabbinic perspectives on legal loopholing, the subject of her recently published book, Circumventing the Law: Rabbinic Perspectives on Loopholes and Legal Integrity (Penn Press, 2024). Elana's perspectives highlight the way Halakha should be seen as both a love language with God as well as deeply anchored to the practicalities of this world. To purchase the book with a 30% discount (!) visit the Penn Press website and use the code PENN-ESHAIN30 at purchase. https://www.pennpress.org/9781512824407/circumventing-the-law/

In this conversation with Chinese acupuncturist and herbalist Batya Prebor, we discuss the manner in which Tzara'at may or may not reflect our internal spiritual state and then explore the related principles upon which alternative healing modalities are based.

In this vibrant and candid conversation with Rabbanit Leah Sarna, we speak about peshat and midrashic readings of the birthing woman in Tazria and contrast her with Rivka's challenging experience of infertility and pregnancy. For some similar ideas in written form, see Leah's article for the Lehrhaus: https://thelehrhaus.com/commentary/catastrophic-miracles-and-miraculous-catastrophes-the-torah-of-pregnancy-in-tazria-and-toldot/

This episode, like its title, is an adventure. Through his amazing collection of life stories, Dr. Ari Greenspan teaches us about the role of 'tradition' in determining what birds are permissible to eat. In this conversation, Ari reminds us that Halacha is not meant to be learned from a book, but rather lived in full color. This week’s episode has been sponsored in honor of the yartzeit of Yaakov ben Avraham and Minnie.

Episode 157 - Parshat Tzav: Remembering the Mikdash by Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast

In this candid and insightful conversation with Rabbi Alex Israel, we speak about the intimate religious language the korbanot (sacrifices) used to convey and the complexity of any future reinstalment of them.

In this moving conversation with R. Michael Hattin, we explore Betzalel's personality and uniqueness as a paradigm of human creator. Along the way we discuss the meaning of 'melacha' on Shabbat and the unique ability humans possess to harness the world's gifts for their use. This podcast has been sponsored by Eli,David and Judah Seidman in honor of their sister, Dr. Bryna Levy and in memory of Elisheva Yehudit bat Bryna Yocheved and Daniel Alexander. May her memory be a blessing.

In this conversation with Rabbanit Batya Hefter, we speak about the gifts Hassidic Torah has to offer the modern learner and the Mei Hashiloach's (R. Mordechai Yosef Leiner) teaching about the kind of perception we are meant to achieve in this world. Books mentioned in the episode: https://ktav.com/products/thinking-god https://www.amazon.com/All-Hands-Heaven-Teachings-Mordecai/dp/1593333374 https://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Heart-Teachings-Yaakov-Izbica-Radzyn/dp/0827608942

In this conversation with Dr. Michelle Levine, we discuss Aaron's role in the Golden Calf catastrophe through the interpretive lens of Ramban's commentary.

In this poignant conversation with Hassidism scholar Ora Wiskind, she brings us into the world of Rabbi Ya’akov of Izbica-Radzyn and his insightful comments on the relationship between the incense, the tabernacle lamps and the parts of ourselves we wish others couldn't see.

In this probing conversation with Rabbanit Yael Shimoni, we explore a central idea of the Sefat Emet regarding the function of Shabbat in the weekly schedule and how this concept can be translated into one's daily life.

In this conversation with Dr. Yoel Finkelman we speak about core issues and questions at the foundation of attempts to utilize Halakhic laws and principles to inform laws and legal systems in the State of Israel. Some sources mentioned in this conversation: https://www.sefaria.org.il/Derashot_HaRan?tab=contents https://thelehrhaus.com/commentary/blacklists-and-bureaucrats-resistance-and-the-rabbinate/

In this episode with Rabbanit Neima Novetsky, we discuss the different perspectives on Yitro's character and his role in Moshe's life and personal development. R. David Tzvi Hoffman's Torah commentary is showcased in this conversation as well as the contribution of Alhatorah.org to the study and teaching of Torah. Our Shemot series focuses on 19th-20th century Jewish thinkers and their perspective on the parsha.

In this fascinating conversation with Rabbi Dr. Joshua Berman, we discuss the significant parallels between Ancient Egyptian texts and the Song at the Sea and how this kind of study can be a portal into a deeper understanding of Torah. Here is the link to the Mosaic article referenced in the conversation. https://mosaicmagazine.com/essay/history-ideas/2015/03/was-there-an-exodus/ Our Shemot series focuses on 19th-20th century Jewish thinkers and their perspective on the parsha.