Claim OwnershipThe Tanakh Podcast
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© Alex Israel
Description
Study Tanakh with Rav Alex Israel.
10 mins a day.
One chapter a day.
929 schedule.
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To donate, see
https://buymeacoffee.com/alexisrael
https://patreon.com/u51407457
10 mins a day.
One chapter a day.
929 schedule.
---
To donate, see
https://buymeacoffee.com/alexisrael
https://patreon.com/u51407457
897 Episodes
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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 Days3. 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 angry.
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 priest.
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!
Why do we see the law of Pesach at this point in the book?Why should there be a second opportunity to do Pesach, when this doesn't apply to other laws?
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This is the way to go for chapter by chapter analysis of the Tanakh. Just the right length each episode for a single chapter.
Thank you so much. Really appreciate your time and effort. God bless
I am a full time missionary in South Africa, have always wanted to read the Tanakh but never got around to. I've downloaded the 1st episode and will begin listening shortly. Thank you so much for making these available. God bless you. Sincerely Ben