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Untold Stories Of The Torah (Jewish History)
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Untold Stories Of The Torah (Jewish History)

Author: Rabbi Shmuel Aber

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Unpacking the Torah stories (and drama) behind the heroes of the Jewish bible. An inside scoop on little know details of the people inside Tanach (Torah, Neveim, and Kesuvim). Jewish History through the lens of Chabad Teachings.

These classes are based on the teachings of Navi as seen through the lens of Gemara, Mishnah, Midrash, and the Rabbinic Commentators.

Previously known as: The Heroes of the Torah.
48 Episodes
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In Rus the Moavite: Loyalty and Royalty (Part 4), Rus follows Noami’s guidance and quietly goes down to Boaz’s field at night. When Boaz awakens and discovers her presence, the tension gives way to dignity and restraint. Boaz blesses Rus for her purity of intent and loyalty, reassures her of his respect, and carefully outlines the proper path forward. Rus remains for the rest of the night without impropriety, preserving her honor and the integrity of the moment before returning to Noami with news that hope is within reach.The narrative then shifts to daylight and public justice. Boaz brings the matter before the high court and summons Tov, the closer redeemer, to resolve the legal right to the land and marriage. When Tov steps aside, Boaz lawfully acquires the fields and marries Rus. Their union soon produces a son, anchoring Noami’s restoration and completing Rus’s transformation from foreign outsider to the mother of Jewish royalty. 00:00 - Intro and Recap01:03 - Rus Goes Down to the Boaz's Field02:17 - Boaz Goes to Sleep and Rus Approaches06:06 - Boaz Awakens and Discovers Rus11:08 - Boaz Blesses Rus and Tells her his Plan19:57 - Rus Remains for Remainder of Night27:08 - Rus Returns to Noami31:07 - Boaz Summons Tov to the High Court44:54 - Boaz Acquires the Fields and Marries Rus49:24 - Rus has a Son52:31 - The Legacy of Rus
In Rus the Moavite: Loyalty and Royalty (Part 3), the story continues with Boaz showing exceptional kindness toward Rus. He not only offers her food but also instructs his workers to secretly leave extra stalks for her to collect, ensuring she gathers abundantly. Rus’s hard work and Boaz’s generosity pay off as she returns home with an impressive amount of grain. When she shares the day’s events with Noami, their conversation reveals the first sparks of hope, the realization that Boaz is a potential redeemer of their family.Over the next three months, Rus continues collecting in Boaz’s fields, supported by his protection and favor. As time passes, Noami begins to see divine providence unfolding and devises a bold plan to secure Rus’s future. The episode explores Noami’s wisdom, faith, and the deeper motivations behind her guidance to Rus, setting the stage for one of the most pivotal and heartfelt moments in the Book of Ruth, the night at the threshing floor.00:00 - Quick Summary01:19 - Boaz's kindness and food for Rus07:04 - Boaz instructing his men to help Rus12:59 - Rus's success in collecting14:24 - Rus and Noami Discuss Boaz22:54 - Rus collects for 3 months27:57 - Noami discusses her plan with Rus45:44 - Understanding motivation behind Noami's plan
In Rus the Moavite: Loyalty and Royalty (Part 2), the episode continues with Noami and Rus’s arrival in Beis Lechem at the start of the barley harvest. The podcast explains the significance of the Omer offering and how the agricultural cycle shaped daily life. We see the poverty of Noami and Rus as they return home with nothing, prompting Rus to step forward with a plan to gather leftover grain from the fields. The laws of Leket, Shichacha, and Peah are introduced, giving deeper context to Rus’s decision to collect what was left behind for the poor.The story then shifts to the field itself, where Rus’s humility and modest behavior stand out. Her quiet dignity quickly draws attention when Boaz, a respected leader in Beis Lechem, arrives and inquires about her. After investigating her background, Boaz is impressed by Rus’s loyalty and character. Their first conversation unfolds with kindness and generosity, culminating in Boaz inviting Rus to join him for a meal—an invitation that marks the beginning of a powerful bond and the next step in Rus’s path from poverty to royalty.00:00 - Intro and Recap01:11 - Noami and Rus Arriving in Beis Lechem01:36 - Understanding the Omer Harvesting and Sacrifice10:16 - Noami and Rus arrive to their house, penniless13:25 - Rus's plan for collecting in the field14:34 - Understanding Leket, Shichacha, and Peah17:13 - Rus and Collecting Leket20:52 - Rus's Modesty22:35 - Boaz Arrives at the Field25:30 - Boaz investigates Rus35:26 - Boaz Talks with Rus46:32 - Boaz Invites Rus to Eat
In this first episode of Rus the Moavite: Loyalty and Royalty, we begin the remarkable journey of Ruth, a Moabite woman whose unwavering devotion reshaped the future of the Jewish people. The podcast opens with an overview of the Book of Ruth, placing the story during the chaotic era of the Judges. We then explore Elimelech’s controversial decision to flee Israel during a famine and settle in Moav—a choice that brings dire consequences. His premature death is followed by the marriages of his sons, Machlon and Kilyon, to Moabite women, which eventually ends in further tragedy.The narrative shifts to Noami’s return to Israel after losing her husband and sons. In a deeply emotional moment, she urges her daughters-in-law to stay in Moav. Orpah ultimately turns back, and her path leads to an unexpected and dark legacy. Rus, on the other hand, clings to Noami with unparalleled loyalty, uttering the now-famous words of commitment. The episode concludes with Rus and Noami arriving in Israel, setting the stage for a story of redemption, faith, and the hidden roots of royalty.00:00 – Introduction to the Story of Ruth02:51 – When Did the Story Happen?04:49 – Elimelech Leaves Israel During Famine11:24 – Elimelech’s Punishment12:07 – Machlon and Kilyon Marry Moabite Women15:16 – Machlon and Kilyon Die18:01 – Noami Prepares to Return to Israel24:29 – Noami Urges Daughters-in-Law to Leave Her29:53 – Orpah Turns Back. Her Story Explained37:53 – Rus Clings to Noami41:39 – Rus and Noami Arrive in Israel
This episode continues the story of Ovadiah, beginning with the showdown on Har Karmel and Ovadiah’s rise to prophecy. It explores the powerful message within the Book of Ovadiah and follows his legacy after his death, focusing on his widow's desperate attempt to repay his debts. The episode concludes with Elisha’s miraculous intervention involving oil and a reflection on the fall of King Yehoram.00:00 - Intro00:56 - Eliyahu Competition on Har Karmel08:30 - Ovadiah Becomes a Prophet15:24 - The Book of Ovadiah24:46 - Ovadiah Passes Away26:38 - Ovadiah's Wife and the Remaining Debt29:27 - Elisha's Instrcutions for Ovadia's Wife37:21 - The Miracle of the Oil41:23 - The Fall of King Yehoram
This episode explores the life and background of Ovadiah Hanavi (Obadiah), beginning with his ancestry and early years in the shadow of the wicked Omri dynasty. It highlights Ovadiah’s quiet heroism, including hiding a hundred prophets during King Achav’s reign and borrowing money with interest to save them. The episode builds toward the dramatic moment when Ovadiah meets Eliyahu Hanavi during a time of famine and national crisis.00:00 - Intro00:58 - Ovadiah's Ancestry02:31 - Early Life of Ovadiah04:45 - The Dynasty of Omri09:39 - King Achav14:57 - Chiyel Rebuilds Yericho18:24 - Eliyahu Hanavi and the Famine23:00 - The Search for Eliyahu26:55 - Ovadiah is Promoted30:10 - Ovadiah Hides the Prophets34:28 - Ovadiah Borrows with Interest36:15 - Eliyahu is Forced to End the Famine39:10 - Ovadiah Meets EliyahuThis episode is dedicated in loving memory of Aharon Ben Avraham
Avigail, Part 2 continues to explore the life and legacy of one of the Torah's most fascinating women. This episode examines her connection to King Dovid, tracing key events in his timeline. It also delves into the story of Naval, his betrayal of Dovid, and the judgment that follows. The narrative highlights Avigail's wisdom and decisive actions during this critical moment in Biblical history.00:00 - Intro00:20 - Recap01:10 - Avigail Meets Dovid Hamelech14:26 - Dovid Hamelech's Gratitude to Avigail17:24 - Naval's Death28:37 - Dovid and Avigail Get Married30:50 - Avigail's Capture35:47 - Kilaev, Son of Avigail43:04 - Final Note
Avigail, Part 1 explores the life and legacy of one of the Torah's most fascinating women. This episode examines her connection to King Dovid, tracing key events in his timeline and the significance of his anointing. It also delves into the story of Naval, his betrayal of Dovid, and the judgment that follows. The narrative begins to highlight Avigail's wisdom and decisive actions during this critical moment in Biblical history. 00:00 - Intro 00:24 - Starting Questions on Avigail 01:09 - Timeline of Dovid Hamelech 01:55 - Family Tree of Yehudah 03:57 - Anointing of King Dovid 24:12 - The Secret of the Anointing 25:23 - The Passing of Shmuel Hanavi 29:36 - Who was Naval? 36:25 - Who was Avigail? 39:03 - Dovid Helps Naval 43:29 - Dovid Asks Naval for Help 48:35 - Naval's Response to Dovid 50:25 - Naval is Judged for Treason 55:16 - Avigail Finds Out
Part 2. Yoel Hanavi prophesized during one of the worst (famine and locust) disasters in Jewish History. He lived through the disaster himself and is also the author of the book of Yoel (in the Trei Asar, also known as the Minor Prophets). His book also contains some of the most fascinating prophecies about what the world will be like right before Moshiach comes. 00:00 - Intro and Recap 02:00 - Elisha Hanavi and the Assassin 05:04 - Elisha's Prophecy of the Famine's End 07:55 - The End of the Aram War 12:28 - 4 Lepers and an Empty Camp 24:34 - The End of Yoel's Famine 34:43 - Nochum, the Student of Yoel 35:45 - Yoel's Prophecies About Moshiach 40:03 - The Children of Yoel 41:11 - Yaakov Avinu and Yoel
Yoel Hanavi prophesized during one of the worst (famine and locust) disasters in Jewish History. He lived through the disaster himself and is also the author of the book of Yoel (in the Trei Asar, also known as the Minor Prophets). His book also contains some of the most fascinating prophecies about what the world will be like right before Moshiach comes. 00:00 - Intro 01:10 - Yaakov's Vision of Future Events 03:09 - A son of Shmuel Hanavi 07:56 - Yoel, the Judge after Shmuel Hanavi 16:40 - Yoel's Teshuvah 18:57 - Yoel's Warning of Locust 29:12 - Yoel's Call for Teshuvah 32:15 - The Start of the Locust 32:47 - Elisha Hanavi and the Famine 40:01 - King Yehoram's Reaction to the Famine
The final installment of the story of the life of Shimshon Hagibor, (Samson and Delilah). 00:00 - Intro 01:36 - Shimshon’s Rulership and End of Leadership 07:06 - Going Down to Azza 17:10 - Marrying Delilah and Understanding Delilah 26:20 - Plishti Officers Bribe Delilah 33:10 - Delilah Pressing for Shimshon’s Power 50:19 - Shimshon’s Blinding and Imprisonment 55:55 - Plishtim’s Celebration Followed by Shimshon’s Revenge 1:06:50 - Shimshon’s Burial and Legacy
Shimshon’s Wife BetrayalDiscussion of Shimshon’s wife is given to another man and the differing opinions on why Shimshon was angry, including betrayal and infidelity. The Wheat Harvest & Shimshon’s ReturnShimshon returns after a year, bringing a goat to reconcile with his wife, only to discover she’s been remarried. His anger builds, setting the stage for his revenge. Divine Providence and TimingExploration of how Shimshon’s timing coincides with divine providence during the wheat harvest, which amplifies the devastation he is about to unleash. Shimshon’s Emotional ConflictFurther analysis of Shimshon’s internal conflict, his desire to take his wife back despite her betrayal, and the complexities of his decisions as guided by Hashem. Shimshon’s Strategic RevengeShimshon’s calculated move to reignite conflict with the Plishtim without involving the Jewish people. The destruction of their crops is part of his wider strategy. Justification for Shimshon’s ActionsShimshon declares that his revenge against the Plishtim is just and that any mischief he causes is lawful due to their wrongdoings. The Marriage ControversyDiscussion on the legality of the marriage of Shimshon’s wife to another man and how it publicly justified his vengeance against the entire Plishtim community. Shimshon’s Foxes and FireShimshon’s revenge method: setting 300 foxes with torches loose in the Plishtim fields, burning their crops, and causing financial ruin during the wheat harvest. Plishtim’s Retaliation and Shimshon’s ResponseThe Plishtim investigate Shimshon’s actions, realize his power, and burn his wife and father-in-law alive to appease him. Shimshon, in response, promises greater vengeance. The Great Slaughter: Hip and ThighShimshon slaughters many Plishtim with a strange tactic, striking them “hip and thigh,” a phrase indicating a chaotic and brutal battle. Shimshon Hides from the PlishtimAfter the battle, Shimshon goes into hiding in a rock crevice, and the Plishtim gather their forces to confront him, aiming to capture him again. Shimshon Captured and FreedThe men of Yehuda hand Shimshon over to the Plishtim, binding him with ropes. However, divine intervention allows him to break free. Shimshon’s Victory with the Donkey JawboneUsing a moist donkey’s jawbone, Shimshon kills 1,000 Plishtim soldiers, emphasizing the miraculous nature of his victory. Shimshon’s Dehydration and Miraculous RevivalAfter the battle, Shimshon suffers severe dehydration and calls out to Hashem, who miraculously provides water, reviving him at the last moment. The Importance of Praising HashemThe story of Shimshon is connected to the lesson of praising Hashem in everyday life, drawing a parallel to a teaching of the Baal Shem Tov. Shimshon Judges Israel for 20 YearsAfter his miraculous victories, Shimshon judges Israel for 20 years, providing protection and leadership against the Plishtim during their oppression of the Jewish people. Dedicated Leilui nishmas: - Abba halevi ben zusha - Aryeh leib halevi ben yaakov - Nachum hirsh ben efrayim - Meir yitzchak ben avraham 00:00 - Introduction 00:29 - Shimshon’s Wife Betrayal 01:12 - The Wheat Harvest & Shimshon’s Return 02:25 - Divine Providence and Timing 03:39 - Shimshon’s Emotional Conflict 04:38 - Shimshon’s Strategic Revenge 08:56 - Justification for Shimshon’s Actions 09:57 - The Marriage Controversy 12:00 - Shimshon’s Foxes and Fire 16:26 - Plishtim’s Retaliation and Shimshon’s Response 19:43 - The Great Slaughter: Hip and Thigh 27:06 - Shimshon Hides from the Plishtim 32:02 - Shimshon Captured and Freed 37:22 - Shimshon’s Victory with the Donkey Jawbone 44:00 - Shimshon’s Dehydration and Miraculous Revival 47:14 - The Importance of Praising Hashem 58:32 - Shimshon Judges Israel for 20 Years
Rabbi Aber introduces Untold Stories of the Torah, continuing the story of Shimshon in part four. The focus is on Shimshon’s miraculous killing of a lion, and how this event, though kept secret from his parents, sets the stage for key moments in the wedding and riddle challenge. Recap of Shimshon’s Lion EncounterShimshon’s encounter with the lion and later discovery of honey in its carcass becomes a central theme. The Wedding Feast and CompanionsShimshon’s father arranges a wedding feast as was customary, and the Philistines assign Shimshon thirty companions due to his isolation. Debate Over Wedding Feast DurationThere is a debate about whether the wedding celebration lasted seven or fourteen days. Shimshon’s Riddle ChallengeShimshon challenges his thirty companions with the famous riddle: Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet. Companions Fail to Solve the RiddleFor three days, the companions are unable to solve the riddle. Desperate, they pressure Shimshon’s wife to extract the answer from him, threatening to burn her and her father’s household if she refuses. Shimshon’s Wife Betrays HimShimshon’s wife, fearing for her life, pleads with Shimshon to tell her the answer. After days of her nagging, Shimshon finally reveals the solution. She immediately betrays him by telling the companions the answer. The Companions Solve the RiddleOn the seventh day, just before sunset, the companions approach Shimshon with the solution: What is sweeter than honey? What is stronger than a lion? Realizing they cheated by coercing his wife, Shimshon angrily declares, Had you not plowed with my heifer, you would not have solved my riddle. Wedding Feasts and TimelineRabbi Aber discusses the various interpretations of how the wedding celebrations unfolded. Some believe the riddle was proposed during the seven pre-wedding days, while others argue it was posed after the wedding. The Threat to Shimshon’s WifeThe class explores the deeper implications of the threat made to Shimshon’s wife by the Philistine companions, who were willing to burn her and her father’s house to the ground if she didn’t provide the answer. Shimshon’s SuspicionsShimshon’s cryptic accusation—Had you not plowed with my heifer—hints at a deeper suspicion of betrayal, possibly even that his wife was unfaithful to him. The Aftermath of the RiddleAfter the riddle is solved and Shimshon kills the thirty men to pay off his companions, he leaves in anger. His wife’s father, assuming the marriage is over, gives her to another man, one of Shimshon’s companions. Shimshon’s Revenge BeginsLearning of his wife’s remarriage, Shimshon’s anger reignites, leading him to take violent revenge on the Philistines, setting the stage for his ongoing battle against them. This is one of the most famous episodes in Shimshon’s story, where his unpredictable and extreme tactics instill fear in his enemies. Divine Providence in Shimshon’s ActionsThe timing of Shimshon’s return and his violent actions align with divine providence, amplifying the devastation he unleashes on the Philistines. This becomes a recurring theme as Shimshon continues his mission to confront the Philistines. 41:30 – Shimshon’s Legacy and Ongoing ConflictThe class concludes by examining the legacy of Shimshon’s actions, which initiated a long and bloody conflict with the Philistines. 00:00 – Introduction 00:20 – Recap of Shimshon’s Lion Encounter 01:17 – The Wedding Feast and Companions 02:50 – Debate Over Wedding Feast Duration 05:25 – Shimshon’s Riddle Challenge 06:32 – Companions Fail to Solve the Riddle 07:04 – Shimshon’s Wife Betrays Him 07:40 – The Companions Solve the Riddle 11:45 – Wedding Feasts and Timeline 20:00 – The Threat to Shimshon’s Wife 21:34 – Shimshon’s Suspicions 25:00 – The Aftermath of the Riddle 34:28 – Shimshon’s Revenge Begins 36:00 – Divine Providence in Shimshon’s Actions 41:30 – Shimshon’s Legacy and Ongoing Conflict
Yaakov’s Prediction of Shimshon Shimshon and Moshiach Moshe’s prophecy of Shimshon Birth of Shimshon Meaning Behind the Name: Shimshon Shimshon’s Ruach Hashem What is Ruach HaKodesh? Shimshon Sees his Wife from Timnah And Shimshon went down… Shimshon’s Motive Did the Woman from Timnah convert before? Parents Objections to Shimshon’s Marriage The Fight with the Lion and Meeting His Wife Returning to the Lion’s Carcass
Manoach and the Malach, The Angel’s Revelation, Manoach bringing the Korban, The Malach bringing the fire, The Malach leaves, Manoach’s panic from the experience, and Tzalalphonis’s Response
Expanded Story of Shimshon Hagibor. Shamgar ben Anas, Plishti Rise in Power, Tzelalphonis and the First Visit of the Malach, Status of Nazirus of Shimshon, Tzelalphonis Telling Monoach the Message, Manoach’s Distress.
(3213) Fall of King Sancheirev of Ashur (3228) Delegation from Babylon visits King Chizkiyahu, at the behest of Berodach Baladan (3316) King Yoshiyahu. (3319) Rise of Nevuchnezzer and Babylonian Empire, conquered Ashur. (3320) Nevuchnezzer conquers Israel. (3321) Yirmiyahu gives the official prophecy. (3327) Golus Cheresh VeHamsger. Exile of King Yechonyah (and Mordechai). (3338) Destruction of the Beis Hamikdash by Nevuchnezzer. (3364) King Evil Merodach becomes King of Babylon. (3386) King Belshazzar becomes King of Babylon. (3389) Belshatzar, calculated 70 years (45 + 23 + 2) from the Rise of his grandfather Nevuchnezzer in the year (3319), makes a feast. End of Babylonian Empire. (3390) Daniel makes a calculation of 70 years, then recalculates. (3391) Koresh calculation of 70 years. Orders rebuilding of Beis Hamikdash. (3392) Achashverosh becomes King of the Persian Empire. (3395) Achashverosh’s party and his calculation of 70 years. (3408) 70 years from destruction. Rebuilding of Beis Hamikdash by Daryovesh II son of King Achashverosh and Queen Esther.
The War of Sisra, Who was Sisrah?, The Jews who joined the Battle, The War, Sisrah and Yael, History of Yael, Chever and the Keinim, Who was Yael?, Sisrah Seeking Hiding, Killing Sisrah, Sisrah’s Mother, Shiras Devorah, Devorah after the War
Story of Devorah Devorah was the 4th Judge of the Jewish People. 2654 - 2694. Chapter 4 and Chapter 5 of Shoftim. The Scene in Israel at the time. King Yavin’s Rise to Power. Devorah and Barack - Marriage and Gilgulim. Devorah the Judge. Devorah’s Teshuvah Movement. Preparing for War (Who was Barak?)
The Story of Machar Chodesh. Convincing Yehonasan of the Danger. Dovid’s plan to Test King Shauls Heart Yehonasan’s Plan to Reveal the Results to Dovid The Rosh Chodesh Feast Warning Dovid of the Danger Dovid’s escape to Nov (Without Food) The Final Meeting Between Dovid and Yehonasan The War of Gilboa
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