Best Beit Midrash Podcasts (2024)

1
A Settlers View and Journey on Peace 59:32

2h ago59:32

59:32

Rav Gavriel Reiss was born and raised in Los Angeles but moved to Israel as a teenager. He served in elite IDF units before dedicating himself to Jewish education. In 2017, he embarked on a trailblazing initiative to break out of the security fence of Pnei Kedem in southern Judea to create a farm that would not only serve to help Jews learn to live…

1
R. Ethan Tucker: The Multivocality of Halakhah 1:10:58

8h ago1:10:58

1:10:58

Halakhic works are often a dizzying compendium of multiple perspectives on a given issue, often making it difficult to determine how to behave in a given situation. In this lecture, R. Ethan Tucker argues this is a feature rather than a bug. Critical values that are meant to guide our lives are rarely fully manifest in any given time, place, or sit…

1
Parshat Chukat: Observing What We Don't Yet Understand 9:36

3d ago9:36

9:36

Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowtiz (President & Dean of Valley Beit Midrash) Explores Social Justice in the Weekly Parsha (Torah Portion). Stay Connected with Valley Beit Midrash: • Website: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org • Donate: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/donate • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyBeitMidrash • YouTube: https://www.you…

1
R. David Kasher on Parashat Hukkat: Language Falling on Language 10:09

3d ago10:09

10:09

There is probably no more playful instance of wordplay in all the Torah than the nehash nehoshet, the copper snake described in Parashat Hukkat. With its string of repeated consonants, it sounds like it could be another of Dr Seuss’ whimsical creations, living in the same strange zoo with “the Cat in the Hat,” “Yertle the Turtle,” and “the Fox in S…

1
6 Knocks of Repentance- What Are the Critical Lessons Israeli Society Needs to Learn After October 7th? 55:49

5d ago55:49

55:49

A virtual event presentation by Rabbi Avidan Freedman About the Event: Maimonides writes that one who looks at past tragedies as mere happenstance is acting “cruelly”. Rather, the events of the past must goad us to introspection. Using the writing of Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik as a model, we will explore how to suggest directions of introspection th…

1
R. Dena Weiss: Serving God From Yuck to Yum 46:30

5d ago46:30

46:30

Rav Dena explores a Hassidic teaching from the Me'or Einayim which discusses a dimension of physicality that we rarely pay attention to: given that taste is not necessary to sustain us, why is food delicious? More perplexingly, why does some food taste good to some, but not to others? What is the relationship between what is physically nutritious a…

1
Putting Your Money Where Your Soul Is: Jewish Wisdom and Socially Responsible Investing 55:01

8d ago55:01

55:01

A virtual event presentation by Rabbi Jacob Siegel Temple Solel co-hosted the event About the event: “Business as usual” is leading us to rising economic suffering, societal division, and climate crisis. A new approach promises socially responsible investing by looking at “environmental, social, and governance (ESG)” concerns. Amid the new buzzword…

1
Parshat Korach: On Separating From Community 10:05

11d ago10:05

10:05

Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowtiz (President & Dean of Valley Beit Midrash) Explores Social Justice in the Weekly Parsha (Torah Portion). Stay Connected with Valley Beit Midrash: • Website: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org • Donate: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/donate • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyBeitMidrash • YouTube: https://www.you…

1
R. David Kasher on Parashat Korah: Hevel’s Revenge 9:56

12d ago9:56

9:56

From the very beginning of Parashat Korah, the Torah places unusually strong emphasis on his lineage. He is introduced not just with the standard patronym, but with three generations of ancestors, tracing him back to the tribal founder, Levi. A midrash in Bemidbar Rabbah picks up on this extended chain of forebears and suggests that it is there to …

1
R. David Kasher: Midrashic Moves 1:09:36

14d ago1:09:36

1:09:36

The genre of midrash has a reputation for taking creative license. In midrash, we come across the wildest stories our Rabbis ever told, and it sometimes feels like they can say anything. Yet the midrashic method was guided by precise rules of interpretation as well as general norms of discourse. But who keeps track of the rules and who monitors the…

1
Jewish Teachings and Climate Action 48:05

16d ago48:05

48:05

A hybrid event (in-person and virtual) by Rabbi Yonatan Neril About the Event: Rabbi Yonatan Neril will explore Jewish teachings that relate to ecology and why it’s so critical that Jewish communities mobilize to address the climate crisis. We are facing the greatest challenge we have ever faced and Jewish wisdom has a critical role in informing va…

1
What’s A Nice Jewish Girl Like You Doing In A Place Like This? Jews, Prison, and Spirituality 1:00:30

17d ago1:00:30

1:00:30

A virtual event presentation by Dr. Elaine Leeder The event was co-sponsored by Temple Emanuel About the event: For the last twenty-eight years Elaine Leeder has been working in prisons, first at Elmira Correctional Facility, then San Quentin, and now in prisons all over California. Her teaching, then running self-help groups and now doing Victim/O…

1
Parshat Shelach: On Redeeming Captives 12:27

18d ago12:27

12:27

Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowtiz (President & Dean of Valley Beit Midrash) Explores Social Justice in the Weekly Parsha (Torah Portion). Stay Connected with Valley Beit Midrash: • Website: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org • Donate: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/donate • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyBeitMidrash • YouTube: https://www.you…

1
R. David Kasher on Parashat Shelah: Uncovering the Spies 12:26

19d ago12:26

12:26

The big story in Parashat Shelah is the story of the spies. The people are nearing the Land of Canaan, and Moshe sends ahead men, one from each tribe, to cross the border, check things out, and then bring back a report. So they head out for 40 days, return safely—and, at first, all seems well. They confirm that the land, as promised, “flows with mi…

1
R. Dena Weiss: The Torah is in the Details 1:00:24

21d ago1:00:24

1:00:24

Traditionally, the fabric of Jewish observance is composed of 613 mitzvot and many many more granular instructions. To some of us, these small details are a core piece of what it means for us to serve God, while for others of us these details seem like both an abstraction and a distraction. Does God really care about ounces and inches?! Recorded as…

1
The 10 Greatest Jewish Ideas: Embracing the Full Diversity of Emotions 49:27

23d ago49:27

49:27

In this 10-part class series, Rabbi Shmuly will explore, what he proposes to be, the 10 most amazing Jewish insights that have transformed and beautified the world for millennia. Attended these classes live over Zoom by becoming a member for just $18 per month: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/become-a-member ------------------ Stay Connected with…

1
R. David Kasher on Parashat BeHa’alotkha: Prophecy—A Family Business 9:34

26d ago9:34

9:34

Moshe’s unique status as the greatest prophet of Israel is challenged twice in this week’s parashah—but in neither case does Moshe himself seem to care.By Hadar Institute

1
Parshat Behaalotecha: Virtues of Compromise 5:48

26d ago5:48

5:48

Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowtiz (President & Dean of Valley Beit Midrash) Explores Social Justice in the Weekly Parsha (Torah Portion). Stay Connected with Valley Beit Midrash: • Website: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org • Donate: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/donate • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyBeitMidrash • YouTube: https://www.you…

1
R. Shai Held: Love, Compassion, and the Future of Jewish Life 57:26

28d ago57:26

57:26

What is Judaism ultimately about? What vision of the good life does it offer us, and why might that vision be especially crucial during these dark times? This discussion of Rabbi Shai Held's new book, Judaism is About Love, was held at Congregation B'nai Jeshurun in New York City on March 26, 2024, with Rep. Jamie Raskin, facilitated by Sandee Braw…

1
R. David Kasher on Parashat Naso: Out of the Camp 15:05

1M ago15:05

15:05

Parashat Naso is thematically structured in the form of two “exterior” chapters and two “interior” chapters. A careful study of this design can provide insight into the larger significance of “מחנה ישראל - the Camp of Israel.”By Hadar Institute

1
Parshat Naso: On Enjoying the Pleasures of This World and the Blessing of Children 8:20

1M ago8:20

8:20

Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowtiz (President & Dean of Valley Beit Midrash) Explores Social Justice in the Weekly Parsha (Torah Portion). Stay Connected with Valley Beit Midrash: • Website: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org • Donate: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/donate • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyBeitMidrash • YouTube: https://www.you…

1
In the Beginnings: The Dual Foundations of Judaism 56:29

1M ago56:29

56:29

A virtual event presentation by Rabbi Dr. David Harbater Co-sponsored by Congregation Or Tzion & BMH-BJ About the Event: Throughout history, billions of people worldwide have studied the biblical account of creation without realizing that there is not one account but rather two separate and competing accounts. Through a careful reading of the text,…

1
Sovereignty, Violence, and Morality: Zionism and the Ethics of Judaism 40:02

1M ago40:02

40:02

A virtual event presentation by Rabbi Chaim Seidler-Feller Beth El Phoenix co-hosted the event About the Event: The current conflict that has seen a revival of the discussion regarding the Jewish right to establish a state in the Land of Israel has occasioned a renewed focus on the dynamics of sovereignty. Beyond a doubt, implementing Jewish sovere…

1
R. Avi Strausberg on Shavuot: Forgetting the Torah 7:14

1M ago7:14

7:14

While I love learning Torah, I have a very poor memory for it. More often than not, when I re-encounter a piece of Torah that I have surely learned before, it’s as if it’s for the first time. Given on the one hand, my love for Torah and a genuine desire to learn Talmud and Midrash, Hasidut and Musar, and on the other, the inevitability that I will …

1
The 10 Greatest Jewish Ideas: Mitzvot 44:13

1M ago44:13

44:13

In this 10-part class series, Rabbi Shmuly will explore, what he proposes to be, the 10 most amazing Jewish insights that have transformed and beautified the world for millennia. Attended these classes live over Zoom by becoming a member for just $18 per month: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/become-a-member ------------------ Stay Connected with…

1
Parshat Bamidbar: Opens the Books of Numbers 7:09

1M ago7:09

7:09

Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowtiz (President & Dean of Valley Beit Midrash) Explores Social Justice in the Weekly Parsha (Torah Portion). Stay Connected with Valley Beit Midrash: • Website: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org • Donate: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/donate • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyBeitMidrash • YouTube: https://www.you…

1
R. David Kasher on Parashat Bemidbar: Naked as the Desert 12:00

1M ago12:00

12:00

The five books of the Torah—like the 54 parshiyyot—are by tradition each named after their first significant word or phrase. In the case of the fourth book, the name is taken from half of a semikhut (construct) phrase: “בְּמִדְבַּר סִינַי - in the Sinai Desert” (bemidbar Sinai). The custom has developed to use just the first of the two words: bemid…

1
Embracing Impermanence for Mindful Living 48:53

1M ago48:53

48:53

A virtual event presentation by Melanie Gruenwald About the Event: Be fully present to what is present, and integrate past and future into this moment - Kabbalah Experience Awareness Practice Impermanence is a principle of harmony. When we don’t struggle against it we are in harmony with reality - Pema Chodron These constantly changing times can be…

1
R. Avi Strausberg on Pride Month 2024: Take This With You 5:52

1M ago5:52

5:52

I am blessed to have three kids, aged 9, 6, and 2—this means a lot of first days of daycare and school. These first days are always exciting for us and for them. We know that they will make new friends, have new experiences, grow and learn in unimaginable ways. Yet they are also days filled with trepidation; they set off for new and unknown experie…

1
Parshat Bechukotai 13:10

2M ago13:10

13:10

Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowtiz (President & Dean of Valley Beit Midrash) Explores Social Justice in the Weekly Parsha (Torah Portion). Stay Connected with Valley Beit Midrash: • Website: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org • Donate: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/donate • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyBeitMidrash • YouTube: https://www.you…

1
R. David Kasher on Parashat BeHukkotai : The Purloined Letter 10:58

2M ago10:58

10:58

One of Rashi’s comments in this week’s parashah highlights the rabbinic tradition of interpreting a feature of Hebrew script known as “אותיות חסירות ויתרות” (otiot haseirot v’yeteirot), “missing and extra letters.” The Hebrew alphabet has no vowel letters, and in most Hebrew writing, the vowel notations (nekudot) are not included; we know how to pr…

1
Our Relationship to Time Reflected in the Counting of the Omer 50:31

2M ago50:31

50:31

A virtual event presentation by Dr. David Sanders About the event: Have you been curious about your relationship with time? What makes today Wednesday, or 5 o’clock? While we acknowledge that time never stands still, what has made us feel time dragging on or moving quickly? The Counting of the Omer contains many insights about our relationship to a…

1
R. Avi Strausberg on Lag Ba'Omer: From Wave to Wave to Wave 9:10

2M ago9:10

9:10

When my dad died in my early 20s, I remember being wowed by the ways in which grief came in waves. One minute, I was crying and couldn’t imagine ever moving through my sadness and several hours later, I was surprised to find myself laughing—actually able to laugh—within the first days of my dad’s death. With confidence, I realized, this was the way…

1
The 10 Greatest Jewish Ideas: Life Affirmation 54:36

2M ago54:36

54:36

In this 10-part class series, Rabbi Shmuly will explore, what he proposes to be, the 10 most amazing Jewish insights that have transformed and beautified the world for millennia. Attended these classes live over Zoom by becoming a member for just $18 per month: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/become-a-member ------------------ Stay Connected with…

1
Beyond Cleaning Our Room: Responsibilities and Opportunities in Honoring Our Parents As They Age 56:38

2M ago56:38

56:38

A virtual event presentation by Rabbi Edward Bernstein The event was co-sponsored by BMH-BJ About the Event: The fifth of the Ten Commandments is “Honor your father and mother.” It is one of the few commandments in the Torah that attaches a reward for its successful performance: “that your days may be long.” We might think that if we follow the com…

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