The holiest day of the year, Yom Kippur -- the Day of Atonement -- will be observed this Shabbat, beginning Friday night, October 11th. What makes this holy day, the happiest day of the year as well? This week's Jerusalem Lights podcast examines the answer, which lies in understanding the essence of sin, repentance and atonement -- the dynamic of l…

This week's double Torah reading of the portions of Nitzavim and Vayelech feature many themes that resonate with Rosh Hashana, the New Year and birthday of Adam, that will be observed next week. In this week's Jerusalem Lights podcast, Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman focus on what Rosh Hashana is really all about, and reflect on its universal spir…

This week's Torah portion of Ki Teitzei features 74 mitzvot, some of the most interesting and diverse, in all of Torah. Some of them are very easy to understand, and others are very difficult to understand, such as the captive woman, and the concept of sending away the mother bird… is there is an underlying major theme that connects many of these m…

In this week's Torah portion of Shoftim, we encounter the 'priest anointed for battle,' the exemptions from battle and the general Divinely-mandated rules of conduct for Israel at war. In this week's Jerusalem Lights podcast, Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman examine the profound implications of these teachings and their relevance to the existential…

During these weeks of the Torah readings in the book of Deuteronomy, the presence of Moshe Rabbeinu (Moses our teacher) is palpable, as he pours out his heart with love and concern for the future of Israel. In this week's Jerusalem Lights podcast, recorded on the ancient/modern Biblical festival of Tu B'av, Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman reflect …

This enigmatic month is called in Hebrew "Menachem Av,' which means 'The Consoling Father.' Ostensibly the name doesn't fit the reality of these days leading up to the fast day of Tisha B'Av, observed next week, which marks the destruction of the Holy Temple. Yet the vision of this month is the secret of the absolute Oneness of God, the vision of t…

Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman reflect on the paradoxical character of the heathen prophet Bilaam, who despite being a great philosopher and ostensibly very 'religious,' was actually evil incarnate. For Bilaam, the greatest religious experience was anger and negativity. NOTE: This podcast is being published late and out of sequence due to Rabbi R…

This week's Jerusalem Lights podcast ponders the paradox of the Torah portion of Chukat, featuring the proverbial 'para aduma,' the Red Heifer, Torah's greatest mystery. Moses was the only person who understood its secret...yet this very same Torah portion records Moses' greatest blunder, his striking of the rock to bring forth water....a mistake t…

The Living Hell of Ego, Aaron's Staff of Eternal Life, and The Call For Transformation This week's Torah portion introduces us to Korach, Moses' power-hungry cousin who led a dramatic rebellion against him, under the guise of campaigning for the rights of 'the little guy.' Korach was a man of renown and influence, but nothing was good enough for hi…

Who were the 'fallen angels' of Genesis and why did the 12 spies of the Book of Numbers, sent out by Moses on a mission of reconnaissance, just happen to bump into them in the Land of Canaan? Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman discuss this ancient episode of Israel's history, plugging it into today's reality with alarming, sobering relevance, and sha…

Standing Up For the Truth Jim Long is back in Israel and joins Rabbi Chaim Richman in Jerusalem to share perspective and both political and spiritual insights on Israel's war with Hamas and its global repercussions, drawing contemporary parallels and lessons from the Book of Numbers and the enigmatic Generation of the Desert that foretell and illum…

Finding Love As A Noahide, Two Conversion Attempts & Making Aliyah In this week's Jerusalem Lights podcast, Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman host Hillel Penrod, a righteous convert to Judaism who has traversed many worlds on his way to his home in the Land of Israel with his wife and children. Hillel shares their personal and inspiring story which …

If G-d is love, then why does He allow evil in the world? Does He create it? Why do bad things happen to good people? Does G-d need our praise? Responding to viewers' email questions, these are some of the issues that Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman consider in this week's Jerusalem Lights podcast, examining the sources of Torah and seeking answer…

This week Israel marks a muted, somberly reflective Independence Day, even as the Jewish state continues to fight for its very survival. When the prophets of old speak of the time leading up to the Redemption, they seem to be describing these very days. How do each of us understand our role in God's ultimate plan for the good of humanity? How do we…

As the State of Israel observes Holocaust Memorial Day, the rising, global tide of anti-Semitism reveals an alliance of evil. There are those who control and fund university protests, leaders with political agendas, complicit media and useful idiots. It's time for the Jewish people to rise to their collective task of bringing the knowledge of G-d t…

Iranian Missiles, the Passover Experience, and Biblical Integrity This Jerusalem Lights pre-Passover roundup, Rabbi Richman shares his perspective on Iran's unprecedented missile attack against Israel, as both Jim Long and Rabbi Richman discuss Hashem's miraculous intervention on the backdrop of a complex and unsavory political reality. Our hosts r…

Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman welcome the month of Nisan, first month of the Biblical year and the time of past and future Redemption. Archeologist Hillel Richman joins our podcast and shares some unique insights into a fascinating and little-known chapter of Israelite pre-Exodus history involving the descendants of Joseph and the Land of Israel…

What is the purpose of the Torah's commandments, and what is accomplished by keeping them? Why should God be concerned with such details...what does He care? How does their observance improve our relationship with God? And: How do the offerings in the Temple help to refine a human being? In this week's Jerusalem Lights podcast episode #197, Jim Lon…

Who is Amalek, the ancient ancestor of the wicked Haman? Why are we commanded never to forget that we must blot out his memory? Why does G-d call this ‘His’ battle, and what is Torah’s intention in the mysterious words ‘there is a hand upon the throne?’ This week’s Jerusalem Lights podcast #196 reflects on this Shabbat’s special Torah reading of ‘R…

Recorded on Rosh Chodesh, this week's Jerusalem Lights podcast # 195 celebrates the new month of the 'second Adar,' and explores the secret of the great joy that is associated with this month, which comes to a crescendo on Purim. How do we relate to Purim joy during these dark and troubled times? Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman discover that the a…

In this week's Jerusalem Lights podcast, Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman are joined by long-time friend Mrs. Yocheved Woodward, who shares the inspiring story of her life-long devotion to G-d, which led to her departure from Christianity, through the stages that ultimately led to her Orthodox conversion to Judaism and aliya to Israel, where togeth…

In this week’s Jerusalem Lights podcast, we are privileged to welcome Dr. Melanie, an amazing woman of remarkable faith, strength and love of Hashem. From her home in Alaska, Dr. Melanie shares the inspiring and personal story of her life’s spiritual journey. _________Rabbi Chaim Richman Jerusalem Lights | Torah for Everyone Please support the work…

Why does Torah spend so much time on the details that Moses received at Mount Sinai for the construction of the Tabernacle? In this week's Jerusalem Lights podcast, Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman take a deep dive into the amazing world of the Tabernacle and Holy Temple, exploring topics like the spiritual significance of the incense offering, and…

Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman welcome this week's special guest, musical composer and recording artist David Schommer. In addition to being a student of Torah, David is an extraordinarily accomplished producer and musician...and an initiated 'Wisdom Holder', possessing the traditional knowledge of the healing power of plants, as taught by elders…

This week's edition of the Jerusalem Lights podcast honors the ancient holiday of Tu B'Shevat, New Year of the Trees, a day that resonates with the themes of gratitude, renewal, and faith in G-d. Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman take these themes further, and explore inspiring life lessons from the enigmatic Book of Job that give new and bold insig…

Rabbi Chaim Richman welcomes a special guest, Mrs. Katy Holladay. Katy is a dedicated Noahide wife and mother, a true woman of valor who loves Hashem and Torah. Katy is also an accredited Energy Healing therapist, who practices a Torah-based approach to healing and healthy spiritual balance. Katy is passionate about her beliefs and goals, and share…

Our sages teach that on a spiritual level, the Egyptian exile is the root source of all Israel’s exile experience…and the miracles of the Exodus are a Divine template for the future, ultimate Redemption. The key to the final Redemption is in overcoming slave mentality with the faith to declare that G-d alone is king. In this week’s Jerusalem Lights…

In this week's edition of the Jerusalem Lights podcast, Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman welcome special guest Yochanan (John) Castellanos to the program. Yochanan, a Texas native, shares the story of his personal spiritual quest for truth which led him on a journey from childhood, to becoming a Christian pastor, and finally converting to Orthodox …

Joseph’s brief career at the pinnacle of power in Egypt was Divinely ordained, and it was he who provided sustenance during the years of famine, granting him the status of a hero. But as the book of Genesis begins to draw to a close and the family of Yaakov descends into Egypt, Yosef will soon be forgotten and the next chapter of the nation’s histo…

Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman welcome a special guest to the Jerusalem Lights studio for this week's podcast. Mitch Houston is the Director of Technology for Unity Warriors, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the Land of Israel and the people of Israel through life-saving security and safety, ecological, and social welfare project…

Jim Long is back in Israel this week and unites in Jerusalem with Rabbi Chaim Richman for an edition of the Jerusalem Lights podcast that focuses on the holiday of Chanukah. Jim is not on vacation…he’s here to lend a hand as a volunteer, and to help the people of Israel as the IDF's Swords of Iron war with Hamas terrorists continues. Why is Chanuka…

Our sages teach that much of the book of Genesis is symbolic of the future, as expressed in the teaching, 'that which the fathers experienced is a sign for their children.' This is especially true regarding the patriarch Yaakov, whose life and family are highlighted in the Torah portions of these weeks. If we are able to correctly interpret the eve…

This week's Jerusalem Lights podcast examines the connection between the amazing month of Kislev - a time of miracles and dreams, and yet also a time of courage and heroism - and Israel's war against terror, operation 'Swords of Iron.' This war is Israel's battle for truth, but as our current weekly Torah portions remind us, we live in a world domi…

The unlikely twins Yaakov and Esav are locked in a struggle that began while they were as yet in Rebecca’s womb. What is this struggle all about? What are they fighting over, and how does this effect us today? These children are not children at all, but as G-d informed Rebecca, ‘two nations are in your womb, two regimes from your insides shall be s…

It was a full month ago that 3,000 Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israeli communities and murdered 1400 of its citizens with a brutality and cruelty that is beyond human comprehension. This event plunged Israel into a war for its very survival, and nothing remains the same. All over the world Jewish people are under attack by those who celebrate the …

Israel’s war against the Hamas terrorists who hold Gaza in a stranglehold, now in its third week, is a war that Israel must win – because her very survival is at stake. With each passing day and the skyrocketing, virulent anti-Semitic incidents that are taking place all over the world, it is becoming increasingly clearer that the right of the Jewis…

Abraham, forefather of the Jewish people, was the real deal – a true spiritual seeker to whom God revealed himself. Abraham was an iconoclast who risked it all – separation from his family, ostracization and even attempts to kill him – in order to bravely declare and teach to all the world that God is One. How did he become this person, and what pr…

Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman, together in Jerusalem, recorded this week’s Jerusalem Lights podcast on the 12th day of Israel’s war against the Hamas terrorists that savagely butchered over 1300 people in one day, kidnapped hundreds of men, women and children of all ages to Gaza as hostages, and wounded thousands more. How are we to attempt to u…

A Special Jerusalem Lights Broadcast On Shabbat, Saturday October 7th 2023, during the Festival of Shimini Atzeret, Israel was attacked by Hamas terrorists who brutally murdered over 800 people, committed unspeakable, inhuman atrocities, and kidnapped an untold number of Israelis and foreign nationals, bringing them to the terrorist enclave of Gaza…

The experience of joyous 'dwelling' in the sukkah manifests a sublime level of faith that has significance for the renewal of prophecy, the messianic era and the ultimate redemption of humanity. Sukkot is a time of celebration -- and testing! -- for all the nations of the world. This week, Jim Long joins Rabbi Chaim Richman in Jerusalem for a Sukko…

Yom Kippur, the awesome Day of Atonement, begins this Sunday evening September 24. This week's Jerusalem Lights podcast looks at this amazing day of forgiveness and atonement…. but how does Torah define sin, and what constitutes true and sincere repentance? Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman begin to prepare for Yom Kippur with illuminating insights …

The holiday of Rosh HaShana ushers in a new year, bringing a Divine embrace of love, renewal, and a new light for the whole world. But what does it mean for each and every one of us? In this week’s Jerusalem Lights podcast, Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman prepare for Rosh HaShana, birthday of Adam and time of momentous judgement - and awakening to…

The beloved month of Elul is the last month of the year and during these special days, charged with a unique spiritual energy, we focus on preparation for the upcoming Days of Awe. These are days of special Divine mercy, designed for repentance and deep spiritual work. Elul stands for ‘I am to my beloved and my beloved is to me,’ and rapprochement …

This week's Jerusalem Lights podcast is in honor of the ancient, unsung Biblical holiday of Tu B'Av, the fifteenth day of the month of Menachem Av, called by our sages 'the happiest day of year.' What is the source of the great joy, and customs of matrimony, associated with this day? Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman share Torah wisdom and insights …

This week the house of Israel observes Tisha B’Av, the day of national mourning for the destruction of the Holy Temple and the tragic template of suffering throughout Jewish history. With so much upheaval in Israel and all over the world, Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman examine Tisha B’Av from a fresh perspective that emphasizes the Temple’s role …

This week’s Torah reading cycle begins the book of Deuteronomy, and Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman ponder the transition to this unique book of Torah in this week’s podcast. Our hosts discuss the essential and indispensable Oral Tradition, misunderstood by some as ‘traditions of men’ but in reality, G-d’s own authoritative, sacred wisdom as revea…

In this week’s rousing episode, hosts Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman focus on the trailblazing work of Biblical archaeologist and Torah scholar Vendyl Jones, Jim’s mentor of blessed memory. Vendyl brought many non-Jews to a recognition of the G-d of Israel and a love for Torah, and Jim reports his experiences after attending an inspiring conferen…

In this week’s Torah portion of Pinchas, we meet the High Priest Aaron’s grandson, for whom the portion is named. Pinchas suddenly emerges as a bold new leader for this new generation of the Children of Israel, and his unprecedented strike against the heinous immorality calculated by the wicked Bilaam and King Balak to destroy Israel, earned him a …

(Due to technical issues, this week's podcast is available in audio format only)The Torah portion of Balak introduces Bilaam, the infamous heathen prophet. In addition to being a sorcerer of darkness, he was also a great philosopher and humanitarian, and a glib spinmaster who fancied himself to be a close confident of G-d. This week’s Jerusalem Lig…