Tanach & Tea

Special Episode of Tanach & Tea with my students L'Kvod Rosh Chodesh Nisan. Leilui Nishmat Baruch ben Roza & Mirel Bat Chaim Yehoshua Halevi.Being a slave sounds like the worst possible thing. So why would the Torah need us to go through Egypt?In this episode, we explore a surprising idea: that what looked like the lowest point in Jewish history was actually a necessary step toward receiving the Torah. Sometimes what feels like suffering is really preparation.We unpack how the Jews only fully understood this after leaving Egypt—when they were finally able to sing, realizing that everything they thought was bad was actually part of something much greater.From there, we zoom out to a bigger question: what is freedom, really?Because today, we may not be slaves to Pharaoh—but we’re often slaves to something else. Our phones, our stress, our endless choices. Too much freedom can actually trap us.That’s where Shabbat comes in.Shabbat isn’t just a day of rest—it’s a kind of Hashem's rehab for us. A built-in “freedom from freedom.” A space where we step away from everything that controls us and reconnect with who we actually are. Not a deprivation—but the highest form of freedom.This episode reframes Pesach, Shabbat, and what it truly means to be free. Freedom from freedom b/c freedom can be slavin'https://linktr.ee/tanachandtea

For our special Purim episode, Tanach & Tea is joined by comedian Mikey Greenblatt (https://www.instagram.com/mikey_greenblatt/) to talk Megillat Esther, media, the connection between adultery & eggs, dinosaurs — and much more.We start with Tanach Barbershop Talk:If people in Tanach had podcasts, who would host — and whose shows today would they resemble?From Candace Owens to Tucker Carlson to Ben Shapiro, and more.Then we turn to the Megillah and unpack the backstory to the pasuk introducing Mordechai — and how it connects back to David HaMelech.We also discuss:• Esther’s beauty — and why it matters• Achashverosh: impulsive king or calculated politician? (And was he shomer negiah?)• Whether Esther initiated Mishloach Manot• Messaging, influence, and how narratives shape historyThis episode is sponsored by Aharon Shain, leili nishmat my grandmother who passed away on Rosh Chodesh Adar —Mirrel bat Chaim Yehoshua Halevi.🎥 Full video available on YouTube (and Spotify Video):https://www.youtube.com/@tanachandtea📱 Instagram Reels & clips:https://www.instagram.com/tanachandtea/🔗 Listen everywhere:https://linktr.ee/tanachandtea🎙 Guest: Mikey Greenblatt — https://www.instagram.com/mikey_greenblatt/📩 To sponsor an episode:tanachandtea@gmail.com

In this episode of Tanach & Tea, Leah Bahar — host of the Eve’s Gardeners podcast — returns for a deep dive into Adam & Eve - the moment the snake meets Chava, the conversation begins, and history tilts.But first…📺 Tanach Barbershop Talk:“8 women who ate.”Not “ate” like Gan Eden.Ate like slayed.We highlight eight women in Tanach who absolutely owned their moment — spiritually, strategically, and courageously — before pivoting to the most famous “eating” of all time… and why it’s usually misunderstood.🌿 Main Discussion (Bereishit 3:1–7):This isn’t just “the first sin.” It’s the Torah’s masterclass in how human beings think, justify, rationalize, and get pulled.We explore:• Why the snake targets Chava • Miseducation & misinformation in Judaism • Desire vs. wisdom — and what happens when desire gets behind the wisdom wheel and starts driving• Why Chava is so relatable: moral dilemmas, self-talk, pressure, and the world of gray (not everything is black-and-white)Seven verses. Infinite consequences.And maybe the most human story in the Torah.🎥 Full video available on YouTube (and Spotify Video):https://www.youtube.com/@tanachandtea📱 Instagram Reels, episode clips, and more:https://www.instagram.com/tanachandtea/🔗 Listen on your favorite podcast platform:https://linktr.ee/tanachandtea👤 Follow Leah (Eve’s Gardeners):https://www.instagram.com/evesgardeners/Spotify: Eve's Gardeners📩 Want to sponsor an episode?tanachandtea@gmail.com🎙 Also check out my wife’s new podcast, Causeway Confessions — now on Spotify:https://www.instagram.com/causewayconfessions_/Spotify: Causeway Confessions

Recorded live on January 6th, 2026, we continue Sefer Shmuel Bet and explore Perek 2, Pasuk כ״ג through Perek 3, Pasuk ו׳ — where one death reshapes the balance of power and the cracks in David’s kingdom begin to widen.Asahel refuses to stop chasing Avner — and Avner’s final warning goes unheeded. With the blunt end of a spear, Asahel falls. The battlefield freezes. But the story does not.From that moment forward, the war between the house of Shaul and the house of David intensifies. The text tells us plainly: David grows stronger, the house of Shaul grows weaker. Yet strength comes at a cost. David’s family expands — sons are born in Chevron — Amnon, Kileav, Avshalom… names that will later shake the kingdom from within.Meanwhile, Avner remains the real force behind Ish-Boshet’s throne. But even that alliance begins to fracture. Accusations, ego, loyalty, honor — the fragile coalition holding Israel together begins to unravel.This is not just the aftermath of a battlefield death. It is the beginning of long-term instability. Blood feuds linger. Political marriages multiply. Power consolidates. And the seeds of future rebellion are quietly planted inside David’s own house.This chapter forces us to confront a sobering truth: a leader can win a war and still lose control of the forces around him. David is rising — but so is the chaos that will define the next phase of his reign.🎥 Watch the video on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@tanachandtea🎧 Watch on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform:https://linktr.ee/tanachandtea📱 Follow me on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tanachandtea/📩 Want to sponsor an episode?Email: tanachandtea@gmail.com

Recorded live on December 23rd, 2025, we continue Sefer Shmuel Bet and explore Perek 2, Pesukim א–ל״ב — the uneasy and often tragic beginning of David’s kingship. David does not rush the throne. He asks, he waits, and he is anointed king in Chevron — but only over Yehudah. Meanwhile, Avner, the true power behind Shaul’s house, installs Ish-Boshet as king over the rest of Israel. What should have been a careful political transition fractures into rivalry, bloodshed, and a civil war no one truly wants. A “friendly” duel spirals out of control, a fatal pursuit seals a blood feud, and the cost of leadership becomes painfully clear. This chapter forces us to confront hard questions about legitimacy versus power, restraint versus ambition, and how personal choices shape national destiny long before the crown is secure.🎥 Watch the video on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@tanachandtea🎧 Watch on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform:https://linktr.ee/tanachandtea📱 Follow me on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tanachandtea/📩 Want to sponsor an episode?Email: tanachandtea@gmail.com

Recorded live on December 2nd, 2025, we continue Sefer Shmuel Bet and explore Perek 1, Pesukim 17-27 — in one of the most moving chapters in all of Tanach, David hears of the deaths of Shaul and Yonatan and breaks into a powerful eulogy — "How the mighty have fallen." This episode explores David's grief, the complexities of his relationship with Shaul, the depth of his bond with Yonatan, and the message this lament sends about leadership, loyalty, and love. 🎥 Video Version: A full video of this shiur is available now on the Tanach & Tea YouTube channel. 🔗 For details, updates, and everything Tanach & Tea: https://linktr.ee/tanachandtea

Tanach & Tea TSOD is officially back! This is the first session of the new season and the 19th episode in our ongoing series, The Story of David HaMelech. Recorded live on November 11, 2025, we open Sefer Shmuel Bet and explore Perek 1, Pesukim 1–16 — the dramatic moment when David learns of Shaul and Yonatan's deaths. In this episode, we cover: David's return to Tziklag after the war with Amalek The Amaleki messenger and his account of the battle The inconsistencies in his story The poetic justice of Amalek standing between David and Shaul — in life and now in death David's response and ethical clarity The crucial transition from the fall of Shaul's kingship to the rise of David 🎥 Video Version: A full video of this shiur is available now on the Tanach & Tea YouTube channel. 🔗 For details, updates, and everything Tanach & Tea: https://linktr.ee/tanachandtea

In this live Tanach & Tea recording, we conclude Sefer Shmuel Aleph with one of the most emotional and tragic moments in Tanach — the death of King Shaul and his son Yonatan on Har Gilboa. As the Philistines close in, Shaul faces his final test of faith and fear, bringing to an end a reign marked by courage, struggle, and heartbreak. Originally recorded in May 2024, this episode was the finale of last year's Story of David HaMelech series. We're releasing it now as a bridge into the start of this year's Tanach & Tea: The Story of David HaMelech — beginning Tuesday night at 8:00 PM at our new location: The Jewish Center in Hollywood, featuring sushi, cookies, and tea! Join us as we begin again with the opening chapters of Sefer Shmuel Bet, exploring the rise of David to David HaMelech and the timeless lessons of leadership, destiny, and faith. For details, updates, and the address, join the Tanach & Tea WhatsApp group: 👉 https://linktr.ee/tanachandtea This is the 18th episode of TSOD (The Story of David HaMelech).

🎙️ Bonus Live Shiur — Chesed Circle, Hallandale (Sept 18) In this special live recording, we dive deep into the Yamim Noraim with a fresh perspective: ✨ Why Rosh Hashana seems like the wrong time of year — and why the Torah places it here instead of in Nisan. ✨ Yom Kippur vs. Purim — how these two days mirror and elevate each other. ✨ The "Mermaid" within us — half animal, half angel, half man, half fish. ✨ Why Yom Kippur is truly Shabbat Shabbatot — the Shabbat of all Shabbatot. ✨ The secret of Teshuvah: why Hashem wanted it specifically at this time of year. ✨ A powerful lesson on money & pleasure — Hashem decrees our income on Rosh Hashana, but we decide how it will take shape. Recorded live at the Chesed Circle in Hallandale, this shiur blends Torah depth, creativity, and practical inspiration as we prepare for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. 🎥 Watch the video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tanachandtea 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/tanachandtea 📱 Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanachandtea/ 📩 Want to sponsor an episode? Email: tanachandtea@gmail.com

We're kicking off Season 2 of Tanach & Tea with a very special guest: Rav Eliyahu Pereira. Born and raised in Miami, Rav Eliyahu moved to Israel at 17 and eventually made his home in Tzfat. Always proud of being Jewish but not always religious, he shares how his journey led him into Torah, Chassidut, and guiding others toward a deeper connection with Hashem. From there we dive into themes that couldn't be more timely as we approach Rosh Hashana: 🔍 Highlights from this episode Democracy vs. the Kingdom of Hashem — and what that means for Mashiach and Gog U'Magog Should we ask Hashem for things on Rosh Hashana, or just crown Him as King? Hisbodedut: pouring out your heart until you completely nullify your will before Hashem Talking to Hashem like your best friend — and guaranteed answers even without words Teshuva: why Hashem loves the effort itself Why Rosh Hashana is in Tishrei and not in Nisan Covenant vs. relationship: keeping our contract with Hashem versus building closeness with Him Along the way, I also share about an inspiring new book: 📖 The Extraordinary Life of Rabbi Ronnie Greenwald 🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tanachandtea 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or anywhere you get your podcasts: https://linktr.ee/tanachandtea 👤 Connect with Rav Eliyahu: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eliyahupereira/ 📱 Follow Tanach & Tea on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanachandtea/ 📩 Want to sponsor an episode? Email tanachandtea@gmail.com

In this 15th episode of Tanach & Tea, we welcome our first-ever female guest — Leah Bahar, host of the Eve's Gardeners podcast.  Leah and I have known each other for a while, but right before Pesach, I had the privilege of being a guest on her podcast — my first-ever guest appearance on any podcast. Now, she's returning the favor and joining us for the first time as a guest herself. We've been waiting for this one. Her brand is Eve's Gardeners, and this episode is all about Gan Eden, Adam and Eve, and the creation of humanity — couldn't be more fitting. This episode also marks another first: we're now filming with a two-camera setup, so you'll finally see Debbie and Orr on screen too, bringing Tanach & Tea to a whole new level. 🔍 What's in this episode: 📺 Tanach Barbershop Talk: Which episodes of Tanach would make the best reality TV shows? 🌿 Main Discussion (Bereishit 2:8–25): What did Gan Eden actually look like? The deeper Torah view of Adam and Chava, and how their story shapes our understanding of: Gender roles Marriage and partnership The 7 Noachide Laws Creation, unity, and the spiritual power of relationships Why the Torah says, "It is not good for man to be alone" — and the spiritual and practical upside of being married. From Eden to everyday marriage advice, we explore the design of humanity, the harmony between male and female souls, and the Torah's timeless wisdom on love, identity, and purpose. 🎥 Now in full video! Catch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tanachandtea 📱 Instagram Reels, episode clips, and more: https://www.instagram.com/tanachandtea/ 🔗 Listen on your favorite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/tanachandtea 👤 Follow Leah: https://www.instagram.com/evesgardeners/ Spotify: Eve's Gardeners 📩 Want to sponsor an episode? Email: tanachandtea@gmail.com

In Episode 14 of Tanach & Tea, we are joined by guest Elad Shachar.  We explore the festival of Shavuot and its deeper spiritual connections, before diving into the mysteries of creation from Sefer Bereishit. In the first half, we unwrap Shavuot: Why is Megillat Ruth read, and what does it reveal about our relationship with Torah? What do the four names of Shavuot teach us about the holiday's essence? Discover the surprising link between King David and the Oral Torah, and why Hashem had to "force" us into our sacred marriage at Sinai. We also look at the symbolism of eating dairy, the spiritual significance of the letter Zayin and tribe of Zevulun for Sivan, and how the Torah serves as the "spice" for our evil inclination. Plus, a healthy and joyful path to Jewish growth, the deep connection between Pesach and Shavuot, and how Judaism uniquely blends individual identity with community life. In the second half, we go back to the beginning — Bereishit 2:7: What does the earth's many colors tell us about humanity? What made Adam so remarkable — and how does he compare to Shlomo HaMelech? We unpack the different types of souls, spiritual injuries, and how to keep our inner essence healthy (yes, even with a pair of fresh white J's as a metaphor). Whether you're looking to deepen your Shavuot experience or gain new insights into the creation of the human soul, this episode invites you to elevate the mundane, embrace your role, and find joy in the journey of Torah. Want to sponsor the next episode? Email Tanachandtea@gmail.com Also, we have video now! You can catch the full video episode on our Youtube and reels on our Instagram.  https://www.youtube.com/@tanachandtea https://www.instagram.com/tanachandtea/ Connect with Elad - https://www.instagram.com/elad_shac/ https://linktr.ee/tanachandtea

In Episode 13 of Tanach & Tea, we are joined by guest comedian & producer Dovi Neuburger.  Tanach Barbershop Talk - Who from Tanach would make up the best basketball team? After TBT, we talk about how Shabbat is really freedom from freedom because freedom can be slaving. We take a full deep dive into Shabbos & how it is the ulimate gift from Hashem & the center of Judaism.  Also discussed - Which tribes represent which months? Why did Hashem create rain & the secrets behind it. How the world is built on kindess. The 4 letter name of Hashem, the creation of mankind, how the Meam Loez says the world's birthday is Oct 7 and much more! Thank you Idel & Julia Saovici for sponsoring this episode! Sponsored as a thank you to Hashem for the complete recovery of Simcha Bracha bat Sara Levana Want to sponsor the next episode? Email Tanachandtea@gmail.com Also, we have video now! You can catch the full video episode on our Youtube and reels on our Instagram.  https://www.youtube.com/@tanachandtea https://www.instagram.com/tanachandtea/ Connect with Dovi - https://www.instagram.com/dovineuburger/ https://linktr.ee/tanachandtea בראשית פרק ב פסוק ד–ז

Bonus Recording of the Live Tanach & Tea: The Story of David Hamelech In this episode, we dive into Shmuel Alef Perek 28, starting from Pasuk 10, where King Shaul turns to the forbidden Witch of Ein Dor in a final, desperate attempt for guidance. As Hashem remains silent, Shaul seeks out the spirit of Shmuel — and the message he receives is chilling. We explore the emotional depth of Shaul's downfall, the eerie atmosphere of necromancy, and the deeper themes of leadership, fear, and divine distance in this powerful perek. This is the 17th Episode of TSOD (Check our Youtube Page for the first 10 Episodes of The Story of David Hamelech) Tanach & Tea: TSOD is every other Wednesday featuring Sushi, Cookies, & Tea. Join the whatsapp group for more details - https://linktr.ee/tanachandtea If you are looking for the Tanach & Tea podcast, look for Episodes with the opposite artwork on it (and not titled bonus)  

In Episode 12 of Tanach & Tea, we are joined by guest Zak Lenik. Zak sells real estate in Israel and has great thoughts on Torah too! (the link to his instagram is below) Tanach Barbershop Talk - Best orgin stories in Tanach you would like to see if you could After TBT, we explore the three blessings of Shabbat, everything Shabbat candles, creativity vs. rest, and the source for three meals on Shabbat. Plus, we take a full dive into Seudah Shlishit while enjoying the tea Zak brought from the shuk. Want to sponsor the next episode? Email Tanachandtea@gmail.com Also, we have video now! You can catch the full video episode on our Youtube and reels on our Instagram.  https://www.youtube.com/@tanachandtea https://www.instagram.com/tanachandtea/ https://www.instagram.com/zak_in_israel/ https://linktr.ee/tanachandtea  

Tanach & Tea is back! Tune in for a special Episode that will prepare you for Purim. Also, we have video now! You can catch the full Episode with video on our Youtube and reels on our Instagram.  https://www.youtube.com/@tanachandtea https://www.instagram.com/tanachandtea/ https://linktr.ee/tanachandtea This week, we dive into Purim's wild ride: Which holidays match the days of the week? Why does Purim stick around post-Mashiach when others don't? We unpack its history, face off Purim vs. Yom Kippur, and explore its atonement edge. Life's a mermaid war—relentless and chaotic—but Yom Kippur and Purim offer rest. Except - is Purim a fake rest day? Roadmap to a killer Purim: Skip work? Costumes, unity, Purim Meshulash—does joy take effort? Are Adar and Nissan linked? Open vs. closed miracles, Is Haman the true hero, and Purim as a New Year's Eve bash + much more!  Want to sponsor the next episode? Email Tanachandtea@gmail.com

Bonus Recording of the Live Tanach & Tea: The Story of David Hamelech We delve into the intense narrative of David's strategic escape to Philistine territory and King Shaul's desperate decline. We explore how David, fearing for his life, seeks refuge with the Philistine king Achish, cunningly navigating his dual identity to survive. David deceived Achish by reporting that his raids were against Judah and other southern areas of Israel, making him appear as a traitor to his own people in Achish's eyes. This deception was crucial to keep Achish believing that David was no longer a threat to Philistine interests. Meanwhile, Shaul, gripped by fear at the sight of the amassed Philistine army, resorts to the forbidden arts of necromancy in a desperate bid to connect with the divine when all other avenues fail. We also talk about Avner's role & how to talk to Hashem via dreams. This is the 16th Episode of TSOD (Check our Youtube Page for the first 10 Episodes of The Story of David Hamelech) Tanach & Tea: TSOD is every other Wednesday featuring Sushi, Cookies, & Tea. Join the whatsapp group for more details - https://linktr.ee/tanachandtea If you are looking for the Tanach & Tea podcast, look for Episodes with the opposite artwork on it (and not titled bonus) Recorded: 1/29/2025

In Episode 11 of Tanach & Tea, we discuss everything Shabbat. Is it really a day of rest? Does Hashem need rest? Tanach Barbershop Talk - Ranking the 7 days of Yom Tov Also discussed - Kiddush, The Testimony that is Shabbat, Is Shabbat really a day of rest from speech?, Talking in Shul, Why the world was created in 6 days and the prophecies hidden within that, Are we in the messianic era?, The Sfirot of the 7 days, Hashem lowkey worked on Shabbat?, How to properly prepare for Shabbat, How sins are like stains + more! This Episode is sponsored by my father, Rabbi Mark Rosenberg, as a thank you to Hashem for protection during a car accident.   https://linktr.ee/tanachandtea Want to sponsor the next Episode? Email: Tanachandtea@gmail.com בראשית פרק ב פסוק א–ב

Bonus Recording of the Live Tanach & Tea: The Story of David Hamelech (Episode 15) In Perek 26 of Shmuel Aleph, David faces a familiar foe: King Shaul. Despite having the perfect opportunity to take Shaul's life when he sneaks into Shaul's camp while everyone is fast asleep, David chooses mercy over vengeance. Meanwhile, Avner, Shaul's loyal commander, fails to protect his king, and David takes him to task for it. Join us as we explore this event where David's actions reveal the depth of his character and faith. This is the 15th Episode (Check our Youtube Page for the first 10 Episodes of The Story of David Hamelech from last year) & this is the 5th Epsiode of this years live Tanach & Tea Tanach & Tea: TSOD is every other Wednesday featuring Sushi, Cookies, & Tea. Join the whatsapp group for more details - https://linktr.ee/tanachandtea If you are looking for the Tanach & Tea podcast, look for Episodes with the opposite artwork on it (and not titled bonus) Recorded: 1/14/2025

In Episode 10 of Tanach & Tea, we discuss many aspects of the Yetzer Hara & the mysteries of heaven via Kabalah with guest Shlomo Simpser! Tanach Barbershop Talk - Top 7 Villains in Tanach Also discussed - 100 Brachot in a day, Shovavim, The exception in every day of creation, Why Friday is VERY good, Yetzer Hara vs Yetzer Tov, how the Evil Urge roots for us & we owe him an apology, Yosef vs Mrs. Potiphar,  The bath of hell, Why humans are not good, Shlomo Hamlech & his birds + much more! This Episode is sponsored by National Realty Brokerage: Call 954-347-6780 for all your real estate & mortgage needs in Florida. Tell them Tanach & Tea sent you!  https://linktr.ee/tanachandtea Want to sponsor the next Episode? Email: Tanachandtea@gmail.com בראשית פרק א פסוק כט–לא