You might think that picking up a Bible and flipping through its pages would easily reveal its messages—after all, it is the word of God intended for all people. However, while the Torah is indeed a divine text, its depths are layered and complex, making it more than just a simple read. But don’t lose hope! The beauty of the Torah is that it is accessible to everyone, at their own level. The key lies in developing your ability to engage with the text meaningfully. This process isn’t instinctive; it requires practice and guidance.
Led by our founder, Rabbi David Fohrman, Aleph Beta is dedicated to nurturing a deep and insightful approach to Torah learning. Our methodology is inspired by a spirit of reverent curiosity, meticulous attention to the text, and an unquenchable thirst for spiritual understanding. Much like mastering a craft—be it shoemaking, piano playing, or dancing—becoming an intuitive reader of the Bible, ‘Aleph Beta-style,’ involves starting with the basics. Through consistent practice, these foundational skills blend together, allowing for moments of profound insight and understanding.
Our Approach To Torah Study
Why Aren’t Dinosaurs Mentioned In The Torah?
How could the Torah leave out such a big part of history? Does it mean Torah and science are at odds? The answer lies in how we approach the Torah as a book, and by grasping that Torah is meant to be a guidebook for life.
Animated Video • 8 min
The 7 Habits of Highly Intuitive Readers of the Bible
In this interactive course, Rabbi Fohrman introduces seven essential tools to enhance your Torah study. Learn how to make insightful observations, recognize intertextual connections, and ask the right questions to deepen your understanding of the text.
Animated Video Series • Part 1 of 8 • 2 hours, 2 min
Is Aleph Beta Methodology "New?"
Rabbi Fohrman, joined in conversation by renowned Torah scholar Rabbi Menachem Leibtag, discusses how their approaches to Torah study build on the foundations laid by earlier Biblical commentators. Together, they share their methods for uncovering deeper insights and making Torah study meaningful for today.
Animated Video Series • 32 min
Q&A with Rabbi Fohrman: Insights into Torah Study and Aleph Beta
In this Q&A session, Rabbi Fohrman shares his unique approach to Torah study and discusses the creative process behind Aleph Beta, providing a behind-the-scenes look at how our content comes to life.
Animated Video Series • 1 hour, 3 min
Tools For Close Reading // Intertextuality
Intertextuality refers to the way different texts influence and relate to one another, often prompting us to ask ourselves, "Where have I heard these words before?" This can occur through shared language, themes, or characters. The Bible encodes multiple layers of meaning through these connections, and recognizing these layers enriches our understanding of the texts and uncovers hidden meanings.
The Connection Between Noah And The Story Of Creation
Okay, God decided to destroy the world. But there are lots of ways to destroy a world: why a flood?
Animated Video • 13 min
God's Ark And Noah's Ark
Uncover the extensive parallells between God's ark in the tabernacle and Noah's ark in the flood, and see how we can learn from their mysterious connections.
Animated Video Series • Part 1 of 2 • 13 min
What Was The Real Sin Of Sodom And Gomorrah?
All the great philosophers have offered their opinions about how to create the ideal society. What does the Torah say? Find out in this video, where Rabbi Fohrman reveals what the real sin of Sodom teaches us.
Animated Video • 16 min
Reversing Tisha B’Av: How To Actually Rid Ourselves Of Sinat Chinam
We sit on the floor, we cry – but sometimes it feels like we’re just going through the motions. Rachel Imenu shows us a deeper way to mourn — that actually changes us, that banishes sinat chinam, baseless hatred, from our hearts.
Animated Video Series • Part 1 of 5 • 8 min
If God Mandated Our Slavery, Why Praise Him for Our Freedom?
The seder is full of songs praising God for taking us out of Egypt – but He decreed to Abraham that we’d be slaves in Egypt centuries beforehand in the Brit Ben Habetarim. So did He save us or put us into slavery in the first place?
Animated Video Series • Part 1 of 5 • 8 min
Jacob, Angels, And Connecting To God
We all know about Jacob’s vision of a ladder with angels going up and down - but what was the meaning of that mysterious dream? Could it have something to do with the very mission of Jacob’s family here on earth? Come see for yourself.
Animated Video • 14 min
Eliezer And Rebecca At The Well: The Deeper Significance
The Torah seems to connect Isaac’s search for a wife and the selection of one of Israel’s first national leaders. Why? What do marriage and kingship have in common? This video offers a novel idea about what makes nations rise and fall, and what makes marriages succeed or fail.
Animated Video • 9 min
The Sons Of Isaac Reconcile
Jacob reunites with Esav, and emerges without a scratch. How did this happen? Did Jacob once again escape the wrath of his brother with some clever maneuvers? Did he win Esav over with bribes and flattery? Watch this video to find out what really happened.
Animated Video • 13 min
Why Do The Events In Joseph’s Life Keep Repeating?
Someone’s got a grudge against Joseph. Joseph ends up in a pit, stripped of his clothes. The perpetrator presents Joseph’s coat as false evidence. Sounds like the story of the sale of Joseph, right? Wrong. It’s the replay of the sale of Joseph story. Oh, you didn’t know that there was a replay? Actually, there are three. All in Parshat Vayeishev. What does it all mean?
Animated Video • 16 min
Does Joseph Ever Truly Forgive His Brothers?
When you hurt someone, it’s not enough to just improve your character. Real transformation means being able to repair the damaged relationship as well. In the story of Joseph and his brothers, does real reconciliation actually happen? Join us in Parshat Miketz as we tackle the complicated story of the Sale of Joseph and learn how to truly reconcile relationships with those we love.
Animated Video • 12 min
Mending Relationships And Missing Ribs
In a final effort, Judah begs Joseph to let Benjamin go, using an interesting phrase: "The lad is unable to leave his father." Interestingly, that particular phrase comes up somewhere else in Genesis: in the Garden of Eden, following the union of Adam and Eve. But what could marriage possibly have to do with the drama of Joseph and his brothers in Egypt?
Animated Video • 11 min
What Was Jacob's Final Blessing To Joseph Really About?
Bereishit ends with Jacob's blessings to his sons – but the blessings are so poetic that they are difficult to understand! The Torah rarely records intimate deathbed experiences, and yet a full chapter is devoted to Jacob's blessings. What is the meaning of them? This video looks at Joseph's blessing in particular, and aims to answer another mystery: Did Jacob ever find out that his sons sold Joseph?
Animated Video • 13 min
From Pesach to Shavuot: Did God Free Us Just to Make Us Serve Him?
Why did God begin the Ten Commandments by declaring, “I freed you from Egypt.” Is He buying our obedience? Or is there a deeper message to this first command… and what can it tell us about the exodus story?
Animated Video • 31 min
The Real Lesson Of Yitro's Leadership Advice
It wasn't good for Moshe to judge alone. And it wasn't good for Adam to be alone in the Garden. Coincidence? Watch and find out the real lesson behind Jethro's (or Yitro) leadership advice to Moses.
Animated Video • 15 min
The Surprising Source Of The Torah's Laws Of Murder
Rabbi Fohrman has a revolutionary idea, that many of the laws given to the Jewish nation were actually based off of the stories of our forefathers and foremothers. In this video, Rabbi Fohrman explores this through the laws of murder given in this week's Torah portion.
Animated Video Series • Part 1 of 2 • 11 min
Seeing Laws As Moral Principles Of Jewish Life
This week's parsha puts us in the midst of two of the most well known and epic stories in the entire Tanach: Revelation at Sinai and the Sin of the Golden Calf. The Israelites experience their highest high and their lowest low, all within the same few verses. However, smack in the middle of these two legendary episodes, we are forced to read law after law after law. How do these numerous Jewish laws add real meaning to our lives today?
Animated Video • 13 min
What Do The Laws Of Choshen Mishpat Teach Us About Our Relationship To God?
We learn in Parshat Tetzaveh about the specific laws relating to the Kohen Gadol’s Breastplate — the Choshen Mishpat. But why should we care about these esoteric and seemingly inapplicable laws? Join Rabbi Fohrman and Imu as they take a look back at Parshat Mishpatim and find an intriguing relationship to the laws of the judges. You’ll never think of Choshen Mishpat the same way again.
Recorded Lecture • 24 min
The True Depth Of God's Love And Forgiveness
Is there ever a point of no return in my relationship with God? In Parshat Ki Tisa, Moses explores this exact question as he bargains with God on behalf of the nation after the Sin of the Golden Calf. How is it possible that this lawyering session could possibly change God's mind after such an atrocious sin? What could this mean for me and my relationship with God?
Animated Video • 13 min
The Link Between Souls And Animal Sacrifice In The Bible
What is the soul? Where can it be found? Join Ami as he looks for answers in the most unexpected of places – the sacrifices in the Mishkan. Believe it or not, this parsha holds a key to understanding the nature of the soul that is relevant for us even today.
Animated Video • 13 min
The Connection Between Kohanim, Community And Separation
Why does the Torah use the culminating moment for the priests to go through a long and bizarre induction ceremony? And what do its parallels to a certain other section of text teach us about the deeper role of the priests of the Temple?
Animated Video Series • Part 1 of 2 • 13 min
Making Sense Of Nadav And Avihu's Death
Did you know that the Torah tells us Nadav and Avihu's "backstory"? Learn about the life-changing experience that led the sons of Aaron to their deaths – and avoid making the same mistake.
Animated Video • 16 min
Understanding The Real Sin Of Aaron's Two Sons
In this week's parsha, we see the sudden and disturbing death of two of Aaron's sons, Nadav and Avihu. In exploring the text more closely, what earlier Biblical story shows parallel themes and language to this story, and what is the meaning behind this connection?
Animated Video • 11 min
The Tzaraat Purification Ritual: What Does It Mean?
In Part I of this series, we connected the laws relating to the purification of a metzora to the laws of the korban Pesach. Why would that be? In Part II, Rabbi Fohrman puts the pieces together and reminds us that both teach us about 'radical separateness' – and while each of us is an individual, we are also part of a larger unit.
Animated Video Series • Part 1 of 4 • 8 min
Can We Truly Walk Closely With God?
In Leviticus, the Torah suggests to us that if we follow God's will, we will be rewarded with walking with God – with the same language as the Garden of Eden. Rabbi Fohrman speaks this week about the loving, joyful moment of togetherness with God.
Animated Video • 9 min
The Real Reason For God's Curses In The Bible
In this week's parsha, the Torah presents a stark choice: follow God and live, or abandon Him and die. Does this just reinforce God as a terrifying deity, or is there something more here? Through an analysis of language and a comparison to the Garden of Eden, Rabbi Fohrman shows us how we "choosing life" will show us the way to cling to God.
Animated Video • 14 min
What It Really Means To Be A Nazarite
What is the meaning of the Nazir, and what is the right way to elevate ourselves to a true relationship with God?
Animated Video Series • Part 1 of 2 • 16 min
Discovering The Themes Linking Numbers And Leviticus
In Parshat Naso, we are introduced to what seems like a hodgepodge of miscellaneous laws. Why is the Torah bringing these up together? Join us as we explore something very subtle going on in this parsha.
Animated Video • 15 min
Understanding Why The Israelites Complained About Manna
We've finally started traveling in the desert. . . and the people immediately complain? Did they suddenly forget that they had just been so close with God?? And how can we understand, and relate, to this seemingly ungrateful, chutzpadik nation?
Animated Video • 13 min
The Lesson Behind Joshua And Caleb's Good Report
Ten spies brought back an evil report about the land. Two – Caleb and Joshua – courageously spoke up. Their little speech was no doubt stirring, but… would you say that Caleb and Joshua were heroes? Because – reality check – they didn’t accomplish anything. Nobody listened to them! So it seems. But it turns out that Caleb and Joshua accomplished something monumental on that day. Find out what it was…
Animated Video Series • Part 1 of 2 • 14 min
Why God Made The Israelites Wander The Desert For 40 Years
In this week's parsha, we see the ultimate undoing of the people of Israel - the sin of the spies. When spies are sent to the land of Israel to scout the land, they come back with a negative report, and the people despair, leading to God's wrath, and the death of the entire generation over the course of the next 40 years. What was so bad about the sin, and more importantly, how can we connect to such an angry, vengeful God?
Animated Video • 18 min
What Was The Real Sin Of The Spies Of Canaan?
This week, we read about the tragic sin of the spies. It’s a very frustrating story. Every time we read it, just as the spies are about to give their report, we want to scream out, “NO - DON’T DO IT!” How could they have doubted God? How could they have sinned so egregiously?
Animated Video • 14 min
What The Bible Tells Us About Korach's True Motive
Why did Korach and his followers get swallowed up by the earth? Did this bizarre punishment somehow fit their crime? The answer may surprise you.
Animated Video • 13 min
What Really Led To Korach's Rebellion?
Korach’s rebellion is part of a series of mistakes by the Israelite people in this section of Numbers, Bamidbar. This week, Rabbi Fohrman asks us, in addition to our struggle over the actions of Korach, why does this story happen here? What does the context, and language clues, teach us about the larger meaning of the story of Korach’s rebellion.
Animated Video • 14 min
The Lesson Behind Moses And The Fiery Serpents
Crime: Complaining about food. Punishment: Attacked by snakes. Sound extreme? Sound random? It's not. Find out how here.
Animated Video • 15 min
Why Do We Need A Red Heifer?
In Parshat Chukat, we read the laws surrounding the Red Heifer — the rare cow whose ash is used to purify those who stood too close to a corpse. But what is the reason for this unique ritual? Why do we need the ash of a red cow to be purified? Join Rabbi Fohrman and Daniel Loewenstein as they re-examine the text of the Red Heifer and discover a striking reference to the Garden of Eden.
Recorded Lecture • 26 min
A Lesson Of Fact And Fiction From King Balak Of Moab
Are we rational? Do we use evidence and data to make decisions? See how Parshat Balak addresses that question, head-on.
Animated Video • 15 min
Understanding Balaam's Greatest Error
Rabbi Fohrman explores a mysterious Mishnah, in which Abraham and his students are compared to Balaam, the prophet in Parashat Balak, and his students. Why do the Sages make this odd comparison, and what is the message they want us to uncover?
Animated Video • 13 min
A Lesson From The Great Zealots In The Bible
The midrash tells us that Pinchas, the title character of this parsha, and Eliyahu, the prophet of Kings, are one and the same. In this week's parsha video, Rabbi Fohrman compares these two characters and asks, what does it mean to be zealous for God?
Animated Video • 14 min
How Is Land Ownership Connected To The Pesach Sheni Offering?
In Parshat Pinchas, we read about the daughters of Tzelaphchad, who sought to inherit their father’s land. God granted their request, and even codified it into law. But there’s something unique about this story — it’s strikingly similar to the story of the Pesach Sheini offering. When a group of ritually impure people approached Moses and requested a way to make an offering, God codified a practice called Pesach Sheni, which acted as a “make-up” offering for the impure. But what does inheriting land and ritually impurity have to do with each other? Join Rabbi Fohrman and Daniel Loewenstein as they explore the meaning of nationhood and purity.
Recorded Lecture • 32 min
The Mystery Of The Half Tribe Of Manasseh
Remember when Moses let Reuven, Gad and Menashe settle outside of Israel... What? Menashe didn't ask to live there!? Why did Moses put them there?
Animated Video • 13 min
The Deeper Significance Of Gilead In The Bible
The Torah is a book of great drama, why does the narrative ends with a seemingly-unnecessary story about a random conquest of some towns? In this week and next week, Rabbi Fohrman paints a picture of epic connections to the stories of Jacob, Joseph and Judah.
Animated Video Series • Part 1 of 2 • 13 min
The True Sin Of Israel Rejecting The Promised Land
Parshat Devarim recounts the sin of the spies. If you’ve ever wondered what was so bad about what the spies did, and why they merited such a harsh punishment, this is for you.
Animated Video • 15 min
How Israel Is Meant To Relate To The Canaanite Nations
What do Canaanite treaties have to do with Jacob – and us? Turns out, plenty.
Animated Video • 14 min
Is This Another Akeidah?
In Parshat Eikev, Moshe is gearing up the people to enter the land of Israel. He’s laying out conditions of what God will expect, and what they can expect in return. But strangely, peppered throughout Moshe's talk are echoes and references to Akeidat Yitzchak. What is Moshe communicating by comparing entering Israel to the story of Abraham and the sacrifice of Isaac? Join Ami Silver and Daniel Loewenstein as they re-examine Akeidat Yitzchak and learn the significance of Abraham's ultimate test, and its continued relevance to the Israelites.
Recorded Lecture • 31 min
Did God Play Mind Games With Our Egyptian Masters?
In Parshat Re'eh, we are given the commandments relating to a Jew having a Jewish slave. But the laws seem strange: we give gifts to our slaves, and if they want to stay, we must pierce their ear? It can be difficult to relate to these ancient Hebrew laws, which hardly seem relevant thousands of years later. How are we supposed to understand the Jewish laws of slavery in a modern context?
Animated Video • 11 min
How Does God Really Feel About Child Sacrifice?
In the beginning of Parshat Re’eh, the Torah warns not to follow other gods that "we don’t know." Idolatry is prohibited, so why does it matter whether we "know” these other gods or not? Join Beth Lesch and Ami Silver as they re-examine the text and its parallels to Akeidat Yitzchak (Sacrifice of Isaac) and understand what it means to “know” God, and for God to “know” you.
Recorded Lecture • 33 min
Shotrim: A Biblical Model for Leading With Humanity
In Parshat Shoftim, we're commanded to appoint police officers, shotrim. But there are strange parallels between these officers and another set of shotrim: the abusive officers in Egypt. What are these parallels trying to tell us? Watch and find out.
Animated Video • 11 min
Parshat Shoftim: What Does It Mean To Be A Fair Judge?
In Parshat Shoftim, we're given a detailed list of instructions as to how to establish a justice system. Yet there are seemingly random topics woven into these instructions, like idolatry, and how to properly offer an animal to God. Is there a reason for these odd interludes? Are they telling us something important about the justice system? Join Daniel Loewenstein and Beth Lesch as they consider what true justice in the Torah really is -- and never think of Parshat Shoftim the same.
Recorded Lecture • 28 min
The Strange Laws Of Firstborn Inheritance In The Bible
Parshat Ki Teitzei discusses the Torah's laws about a man with two wives, one who he loves, and one who he hates. Rabbi Fohrman suggests that this legal section of text is a hint to the story of Jacob and his wives.
Animated Video • 11 min
The Surprising Relationship Between Blessing And Curses In The Bible
God only warns us about a Sodom-like punishment once in the Torah. But for what sin, and why? Watch and find out.
Animated Video • 16 min
Tools For Close Reading // Chiasms
A chiasm, or chiastic structure, is a literary device in which ideas or words are mirrored in reverse order. Chiasms can be thematic and span larger texts, and they can also appear in shorter verses. For example, in Genesis 9:6, the Hebrew verse states: “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed.” This structure creates a clear “A-B-B-A” pattern, emphasizing the gravity of the message and the interconnectedness of the concepts. Studying chiasms reveals unexpected insights through these parallels, drawing our attention to key themes and central points within the text.
Chiasms in Shemot: How the Torah Encodes Meaning
We look at an incredible chiasm, one spanning over 15 chapters, and ask: What does it teach us about the Book of Exodus?
Animated Video Series • Part 1 of 2 • 11 min
That Bizarre Moment When God Tried to Kill Moses
Remember when God inexplicably tried to kill Moses and Tzipporah had to save him? This isn't a midrash —it's right there in the text. Why would God threaten the very messenger He just selected? Discover the hidden connection between this bizarre episode and the deeper meaning of the entire Exodus story.
Animated Video Series • Part 1 of 6 • 14 min
God's Ark And Noah's Ark
Uncover the extensive parallells between God's ark in the tabernacle and Noah's ark in the flood, and see how we can learn from their mysterious connections.
Animated Video Series • Part 1 of 2 • 13 min
The Real Test Of The Binding Of Isaac
You think that the binding of Isaac was a test of Abraham’s obedience to God. But what if God was also testing something else? What was that something else — and did Abraham pass the test?
Animated Video • 10 min
Joseph's Name: Unraveling The Chiasm
When Rachel gives birth to Joseph, she explains the meaning of his name: “ God has gathered in (assaf) my shame.” And it seems like an obvious reference to her shame of being childless for so many years. But is it? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he uncovers a dizzying chiasm that points to a whole new way of understanding Joseph’s birth as a redemptive moment in Rachel’s life.
Animated Video • 14 min
Friday Night Kiddush
In this two part playlist Rabbi Fohrman discusses the mitzvah of sanctifying Shabbat over the Friday night Kiddush and reveals to us a Kiddush Chiasm in all its glory.
Recorded Lecture • Part 1 of 2 • 15 min
Genesis Unveiled
The stories in Genesis are familiar, but their meanings seem maddeningly elusive. Why would God deny us the knowledge of Good and Evil? Surely it is better to know right from wrong? Why did God destroy mankind – what happened to repentance? Revisit each story in Genesis through a new perspective, and discover their underlying powerful messages.
Deep Dive Course • Part 1 of 76 • 9 min
How Does The Structure Of Leviticus Reveal Its Meaning?
Vayikra has been a pretty important, and surprisingly interesting, book. So what is our epic conclusion going to be? About communicating with God? Is it about how to see holiness in our fellow people? How to become better people in all of our relationships? What is it?
Animated Video • 15 min
What The Sin Of Ba'al Pe'or Teaches Us About Relationships
We’ve seen the people sin over and over, but it looks like last week, the people finally began to trust in God. But now, suddenly, idolatry? What happened? How did the people fail so quickly? Join us as we explore the perplexing story of Ba’al Peor.
Animated Video • 11 min
Tools For Close Reading // Outliers
Outliers refer to elements within a group that stand out due to their differences. Rabbi Fohrman often employs this tool by examining a collection of related texts or ideas and asking, "Which of these things is not like the others?" This playful approach encourages a deeper exploration of the group as a whole. Identifying and analyzing the outlier often reveals new insights about the entire collection, enhancing our understanding of its underlying themes, contradictions, and unique perspectives.
Shoftim: The Significance Of Saving Private Ryan
In this week’s Torah portion we learn about four types of people who are exempt from going to battle. What makes these people so unique? Why is their individual safety more important than the communal need? How can we as a nation reconcile individuality and community?
Animated Video • 14 min
The Meaning Behind The Thanksgiving Offering
In this week's video, we explores the verse and a section of Talmud that teaches about the four individuals who would bring a Thanksgiving sacrifice – but one of these four doesn't belong? Rabbi Fohrman examines this question, and helps us gain a deeper level of empathy for those who are ill.
Animated Video • 6 min
The Hidden Reason Moses Was Not Allowed Into The Promised Land
This week is the second part of a series asking, really, why wasn't Moses really able to enter the land of Israel? Through a side-by-side comparison of two surprising stories – the sin of the spies, and Jethro's judges – we are shown an unexpected angle and come to a stronger understand of what Moses truly did wrong that didn't allow him to enter the land of Israel.
Animated Video Series • Part 1 of 2 • 12 min
How Can The Laws Of Mishpatim Help Correct Past Mistakes?
In this video, Ami Silver studies the surprising connection between a seemingly out-of-place law within the list of personal injury commandments. By analyzing this "outlier," he reveals how it hints at the story of Joseph, offering a deeper understanding of both the commandments and their underlying themes.
Animated Video Series • Part 1 of 2 • 14 min
The Real Meaning Of Chametz
In Parshat Tzav, amidst the detailed laws of sacrifices, we find an unexpected law about chametz. Why is leavened bread forbidden on the altar, year round? Rivky Stern explores this strange law to uncover a deeper connection between chametz and sacrifices, revealing how it offers surprising insights into the Mishkan.
Animated Video • 15 min
What Do Sacrificial Laws Teach Us About Social Justice?
The Torah teaches us social justice laws – leave some crops for the poor, etc. – right next to some laws relating to animal sacrifices. What's the connection between the two? Rabbi Fohrman argues that in this section of text, the Torah is doubling down on important principles – which can be found just as clearly in sacrifice as in social justice.
Animated Video • 11 min
How To Bring Holiness Into Our Lives
In Parshat Emor the Torah suddenly jumps from discussing laws for the Kohanim and Mishkan vessels to a list of holidays. Why are these festivals randomly inserted here?
Animated Video • 14 min
How the Omer Ties the Holidays Together
If you love seeing big-picture connections in the Torah, then you’ll love the Omer. It’s one of the only times in the Jewish calendar that explicitly links two holidays together. But it does so in a very peculiar way. Here’s a bird’s eye view of the cycle of holidays of Passover, the Omer, Shavuot, and beyond.
Animated Video • 12 min
How Israel Is Meant To Relate To The Canaanite Nations
What do Canaanite treaties have to do with Jacob – and us? Turns out, plenty.
Animated Video • 14 min
Moshe's Death: How Would You End The Torah?
After taking a journey through this book, learning about The Creator’s choice to teach us how we can come close to Him and achieve purpose in our lives, how will it end?
Animated Video Series • Part 1 of 2 • 15 min
Tools for Close Reading // Cast Of Characters
This tool is an extension of intertextuality, focusing on the relationships between characters in two related biblical texts. Often, characters in these narratives mirror each other in unexpected ways, revealing deeper layers of meaning. By analyzing these parallel “casts” of characters, readers can gain fresh insights into their motivations and explore nuanced comparisons and contrasts.
The 7 Habits of Highly Intuitive Readers of the Bible
In part two of this interactive series of lectures, Rabbi Fohrman introduces “cast of characters” as a tool for biblical interpretation in the stories of Jacob.
Animated Video Series • Part 1 of 8 • 2 hours, 2 min
How Israel Split And The Road To Tisha B’Av
In this Tisha B'Av course, Rabbi Fohrman compares Solomon and Pharaoh, using a cast of characters to reveal lessons from Solomon’s dreams and Israel’s split.
Animated Video Series • Part 1 of 8 • 7 min
Shotrim: A Biblical Model for Leading With Humanity
Parshat Shoftim introduces us to the system of law enforcement that God envisioned for the Israelites: a police force, called the shotrim. Only...the Torah doesn't really tell us outright what these shotrim are supposed to do. The answer may just lie in comparing the characters in Parshat Shoftim to those in an older story in the Torah, a story about a nation with a very different kind of law enforcement system: Egypt.
Animated Video • 11 min
Exploring Texts With Midrash
Midrash refers to collections of rabbinic commentary on the Torah, compiled between the 2nd and 10th centuries CE. Some Midrashim appear within the Talmud in sections called aggadah, while others, like Bereishit Rabbah, exist as standalone works. The rabbis often communicated their insights through stories, metaphors, and even descriptions of miraculous events, revealing deeper layers of meaning that aren’t immediately obvious. At Aleph Beta, we study Midrash with the aim of engaging with the text as closely as the rabbis did. In doing so, we often find that the rabbis were remarkably keen readers of the text–even when their interpretations seem abstract or imaginative.
How Does Midrash Work?
Is midrash meant to be taken literally? Looking at a midrash about Pharaoh's daughter and her magic arm, we explore how to read midrash.
Animated Video • 6 min
Were there really fruit trees when the Sea split?
In this video, Rabbi Fohrman introduces us to a very strange midrash, which tells us that as the nation of Israel walked through to freedom, there were fruit trees surrounding them, and explains that a parallel story, early in Genesis, is a clue to understanding this midrash.
Animated Video Series • Part 1 of 2 • 9 min
The Meaning Of The Name "Shemot"
Have you ever wondered why The Book of Shemot is called 'Shemot' – meaning 'Names'? In English, we translate it to Exodus, which makse sense because there was an EXODUS from Egypt! So where do the names come in? Turns out that names play a larger role in the story of Shemot than you may have thought. Join Rabbi Fohrman in uncovering the unique meaning behind the name Shemot.
Animated Video Series • 13 min
What Does It Mean To Be A Rebel For God?
The following podcast is a discussion between Rabbi Fohrman & his son Avichai. They sat down to learn some Talmud together and stumbled upon a mysterious discussion about Bat Paro, the daughter of Pharaoh. You know, the one who was bathing by the Nile when she saw baby Moses floating by in a box? Well, the Torah text doesn’t seem to tell us very much about Bat Paro, but the Talmud seem to know a lot more: they explain that, Bat Paro got married to Caleb (one of the spies from the story in Numbers 13-14). What did the Rabbis see in the Torah text that led them to this conclusion? The answer opens up a fascinating study about who Bat Paro really was, who Caleb really was, and why they were perfectly suited for one another. The following podcast ends off hinting toward a future area of study surrounding the spies, which ultimately became a future hit Tisha B'Av course: Tisha B'Av & The Spies: An Origin Story. Click here to take a look!
Recorded Lecture • 26 min
What Does It Mean To Have Faith?
After crossing the Sea of Reeds, the nation of Israel sings a song of thanksgiving – but then Miriam leads the women in a second song. Why? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman uncovers a story about what it means to truly have faith.
Animated Video • 14 min
A Hidden Story For Teachers In The Genealogy Of Moses And Aaron
In Parshat Bamidbar, we read a genealogy of the families of the nation of Israel - but isn't that kind of boring? In this video, we get a closer insight into some strange verses about Aaron's family, and Rabbi Fohrman gives us insight into what it truly means to be a teacher.
Animated Video • 12 min
What The Bible Tells Us About Korach's True Motive
Why did Korach and his followers get swallowed up by the earth? Did this bizarre punishment somehow fit their crime? The answer may surprise you.
Animated Video • 13 min
How Stories Become Our Law
The Surprising Source Of The Torah's Laws Of Murder
Rabbi Fohrman has a revolutionary idea, that many of the laws given to the Jewish nation were actually based off of the stories of our forefathers and foremothers. In this video, Rabbi Fohrman explores this through the laws of murder given in this week's Torah portion.
Animated Video Series • Part 1 of 2 • 11 min
How the Story of Cain and Abel Becomes Part of Our Laws
The story of Cain and Abel turns out to provide the context for the laws of the Cities of Refuge, the safe havens for one who kills accidentally. In this video, originally made for Parshat Shoftim, Rabbi Fohrman gives us a context to understand what lies beyond accidental murder, and how to become more sensitive individuals.
Animated Video Series • 13 min
Where Does Tithing Come From In The Bible?
Ki Tavo describes for us the law of ma’aser, tithing, and the law of vidui ma’aser, the declaration of ma’aser. But why isn’t it enough to give ma’aser? Why the spectacle of the dramatic statement?
Animated Video Series • Part 1 of 2 • 14 min
Ki Teitzei: The Hated Wife
In this video, we discuss the Torah's laws about a man with two wives, one who he loves, and one who he hates. Rabbi Fohrman suggests that this legal section of text is a hint to the story of Jacob and his wives. Watch the next video to learn more!
Animated Video Series • Part 1 of 2 • 11 min
How Can The Laws Of Mishpatim Help Correct Past Mistakes?
At first glance, Mishpatim reads like a dry list of laws about cows, and donkeys, property damages and personal injuries. But what if there's more to these laws lurking beneath the surface? What if the laws themselves hold a key to understanding some of the most important stories in the Torah? Join Ami as he uncovers the hidden story within these laws.
Animated Video Series • Part 1 of 2 • 14 min
What Does The Passover Sacrifice Teach Us About The Metzora?
In this video, Rabbi Fohrman picks up from last year's Tazria and Metzora videos, which connected the metzora purification process with the korban pesach. Here, he argues that only through the two processes can we become fully alive and part of the community.
Animated Video • 12 min
What Are The Unique Laws Of Sotah Really About?
Parshat Naso introduces us to one of the oddest laws in the Torah, the laws of the Sotah -- a woman suspected of adultery by her husband. If the woman chooses to defend her honor, she is able to partake in an ancient ritual where the Kohen makes her drink tampered water. If she’s telling the truth, nothing happens and she’s rewarded with children. But if she’s lying, she has a traumatic reaction to the water and she’s killed. What is the basis for this strange law and where did the procedure originate? Join Rabbi Fohrman and Rivky as they re-examine this practice and discover a unique relationship to the story of Noah earlier in the Torah — and never think about the laws of the Sotah the same way again.
Recorded Lecture • 34 min
The Origin Of The Accidental Murder Laws In The Bible
In Parshat Shoftim, we are introduced to cities of refuge, a safe haven for one who kills accidentally. Interestingly, we've heard many of the same circumstances before in the Torah, but why? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman gives us a context to understand what lies beyond accidental murder, and how to become more sensitive individuals.
Animated Video Series • Part 1 of 3 • 12 min
Reading Biblical Poetry and Song
The Heavens Declare The Glory Of God
Recited every Saturday morning as part of the Shabbat morning liturgy, Psalm 19 is full of vivid poetry: descriptions of the sun, the sky, a groom and the Torah. Imagery and words that come together as the heavens declare the glory of God. Join Rabbi Fohrman & Imu Shalev as they discuss possible meanings to this Psalm, and why the Psalmist chose to structure Psalm 19 in this unique way. For more courses that focus on Psalms, be sure to check out King David's Haunted Past (Psalm 30), Shir Hamaalot (Psalm 126), and Al Naharot Bavel (Psalm 137).
Recorded Lecture • 40 min
Shir Hamaalot: Planting with Tears
This video was originally created for Tisha b’Av, but it discusses the spiritual power of our tears. Do the tears that we cry actually matter? Can they make a difference? Or are they merely an expression of our suffering. Turns out, they matter a great deal…
Animated Video Series • Part 1 of 6 • 10 min
King David's Haunted Past
The Sale of Joseph doesn't affect only one or two generations – it goes all the way to King David, hundreds of years later. David inaugurates the Temple in Jerusalem with a special psalm – but nothing about the text seems to relate to the Temple at all! In this lecture, Rabbi Fohrman explains that in Psalm 30, David was hearkening back to his ancestor Judah to explain why Judah merited for his descendants to build the Temple.
Recorded Lecture • 1 hour, 20 min
Al Naharot Bavel: By The Waters Of Babylon
Al Naharot Bavel is part of the weekday benching, or grace after meals. It is a psalm, specifically, psalm 137, that we say before we begin the formal blessings. Our presentation is largely taken from a webinar Rabbi Fohrman held one year on Tisha B’Av as a sort of Epilogue to a course on Shir Hamaalot. If you haven’t seen that course yet, we strongly recommend you watch it before watching this epilogue that discusses Al Naharot Bavel. You can click here to access it now. Rabbi Fohrman explores the connection between laughter, crying and singing. He takes a closer look at Psalm 137 and how it connects to Psalm 126, the song of ascent that will be sung when the Jews return to Zion. He demonstrates how muscle memory holds onto trauma, and how Naomi Shemer, was able to unearth the passion and pain of the psalms and reignite the desire for a unified Jerusalem, perhaps changing the course of Jewish history.
Recorded Lecture • 3 hours
The Meaning of Hallel
We add the prayer service of Hallel on holidays, but what exactly are we saying? Is it just a collection of Psalms? In this course, Rabbi Fohrman argues that not only are we learning what it is to be a servant of God, but we are also discovering the origins of the nation of Israel.
Recorded Lecture • Part 1 of 7 • 56 min
Mourning: What Death Teaches Us About What It Means to Live
How are we supposed to make sense of loss? In this deep dive Premium course, Rabbi Fohrman shares how he has come to understand mourning and loss in the larger context of life, death and living a purposeful life.
Animated Video Series • 1 hour, 53 min
Shirat Ha'azinu: The Song Of Moses
In this video, the first of a three-part series, we ask about God's odd prophecy to Moses at the end of the Torah. As Moses is about to die, why does God tell him about how the Israelites will ruin everything? Rabbi Fohrman hints that Moses has the power to help us get out of a vicious cycle.
Animated Video Series • Part 1 of 3 • 11 min
Why Miriam Sang the Song of the Sea
After crossing the Sea of Reeds, the nation of Israel sings a song of thanksgiving – but then Miriam leads the women in a second song. Why? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman uncovers a story about what it means to truly have faith.
Animated Video • 14 min
Exploring the Harmony Between Sound and Sacred Texts
In this series of lightly edited conversations, Rabbi David Fohrman and musician and music teacher Moshe David Frankel explore the fascinating interplay between musical theory and Torah. These freewheeling discussions, sometimes joined by Rabbi Fohrman’s son Avichai, a budding composer, delve into themes like rhythm, melody, harmony, and their surprising connections to biblical stories and concepts. Together, they uncover how the structure of music mirrors the structure of meaning in Torah, exploring questions like: What gives music its depth and resonance, and how does this parallel the way Torah conveys meaning? From the idea of musical notes "coming home" to their roots in a scale, and its connection to humanity's return to its moral and spiritual "home" in the story of Adam and Eve, to the contextual shifts that give stories like Noach and the Flood and the destruction of Sedom their full impact, they weave together insights from music and biblical narrative. Through these discussions, they show how understanding the context of a single note—or a single verse—can transform the way we experience both music and Torah.
Animated Video Series • Part 1 of 5 • 42 min