It’s one of life’s biggest questions. A surprising verse in Parshat Bereishit may hold the key to uncovering our true purpose.

Is Jewish marriage sexist? Does the Bible really think that women are the property of their husbands? This video explores the Bible's very first marriage between Adam and Eve – and may change the way that you understand love and attraction in your own life.

Do the stories in the Torah have anything to do with each other or are they just random events? What do Cain and Abel have to do with the Tree of Knowledge? This video introduces the radical idea that the Torah really is telling one big, interconnected story. Come see for yourself.

An epilogue to Rabbi Fohrman's critically acclaimed book, The Beast That Crouches at the Door, the following lecture finds new answers to some of those burning questions asked around the story of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Rabbi Fohrman's innovative answers help redefine what it means for man to have a loving relationship with God.

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.

The most fundamental question we all want to answer is this one: What is the meaning or purpose of our lives? Rabbi Fohrman argues that the answer lies at the very beginning of the Bible, in Genesis.

Knowing Good and Evil What does it mean for us to recognize God as our King, Master of the universe? In this series, Rabbi Fohrman examines the early chapters of Genesis to discover just what God's mastery is all about – and what it really means to recognize it. Discover other great Rosh Hashanah videos at Aleph Beta, including ‘How To Prepare For Rosh Hashana”, “How To Do Teshuva”. and “Akeidah: The Story Of Abraham & Isaac”

A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham in Genesis

This series is recorded live at the Young Israel of Woodmere, in October of 2015.

The Bible uses many names to refer to God, the two most well-known being Elokim and YHVH (an unpronounceable name composed of the Hebrew letters <em>yud-hey-vav-hey</em>). What do these names mean, and why do they appear when they do? This is one of the Bible's greatest mysteries. Perhaps even more mysterious is that we find the highly uncommon "YHVH Elokim" — a combination of these two names — in the Bible's opening pages: in the story of God's creation of the world. Join Rabbi Fohrman for an exploration of what these names mean on their own, what they mean in combination, and how understanding God's names can, perhaps, help us to lead more godly lives.

One of the most sacred traditions in Judaism is our weekly celebration of Shabbat, our “day of rest,”  when we commemorate that God “rested” after His six days of creation. But wait–why would an omnipotent God need to rest? Yes, He created the universe – but He’s infinitely powerful! And why would we celebrate Shabbat by emulating the day God rested, not the mind-blowing six days of creation before it? What did God do on His day of rest that was so incredible?

Does it make you uncomfortable that every day, Jewish men thank God for not making them women? Watch this video to learn how the blessing may not mean what you think it does.

The Talmud makes a shocking claim: Haman's name appears in the Garden of Eden story. Coincidence? Not at all. Beneath Purim's costume parties lies an ancient pattern - Haman obsessing over "the one thing he can't have," just like Adam reaching for forbidden fruit. Uncover the eerie parallels that transform this villain from cartoon character to a mirror of our own darkest impulses.

What does Eicha have to do with the garden of Eden? At first glance, not much. But if we look closer, it turns out that the Megillah is actually echoing language first used in the beginning of Genesis. Uncovering the deeper meaning of this connection can shift the way you think about Tisha B’Av. 

What do the mysterious angels in the Torah have to do with Shabbat and the song Shalom Aleichem? In this animated video adapted from the Meaningful Judaism podcast, Rabbi David Fohrman and Imu Shalev analyze the Shalom Aleichem prayer and take us back to the Garden of Eden in Parshat Bereishit. Together, they examine the enigmatic kruvim—the angels stationed to guard the way to the Tree of Life—and imagine the experience of Adam and Eve as they were expelled from God’s home.

A printable parsha guide for our Bereshit video, “When Man Acquires Woman... Wait What?"

A printable parsha guide for our Bereshit video, "Thank You God...For Not Making Me A Woman?"

Okay, God decided to destroy the world. But there are lots of ways to destroy a world: why a flood?

We all know the story of Noah, with the animals living together harmoniously in the ark, the dove, the rainbow sign. But this is only half of the story. Underneath this fairytale version of the Noah story lies a dark, more disturbing wrinkle that finds its crescendo in Noah’s vineyard. And this part of the story is more relevant than anything else we might think about Noah and the flood.

We know the story: people sinned so God wiped them out with a flood. But whatever happened to repentance? Isn’t God is supposed to give us a second chance to fix our mistakes? Find the answers in this video.

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 read the Torah.

After the flood, God promised to never destroy the world again. But if we become just as sinful as Noah’s generation, why shouldn’t God bring another flood? Watch this video to find out.

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.

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.

A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham in Genesis

What is the Torah's take on eating animals? Is it a spiritual ideal? Or a concession to mankind's desire?

In this week’s parsha video, Rabbi Fohrman examines one of God’s names and reveals how the Rabbis suggest the Big Bang theory can coexist with belief in God as the Creator.

A printable parsha guide for our Noach video, “Why Did God Destroy The World?”

A printable parsha guide for our Noach video, “Why Aren't Dinosaurs In The Torah?"

Was Abraham a heroic follower of God, or was he in it for the reward God promised him? Watch this video to understand the deeper meaning of when God called Abraham, "Lech Lecha."

Why did God ask Abraham to circumcise himself? And how is this sign of the covenant between God and Abraham still relevant to us today?

Why did God choose Abraham? What was so special about him? Through the stories in this parsha we can discover the central mission – and struggle – that his life revolved around.

Travelling to Egypt. Hagar and Ishmael. Lot and the War of the Four and Five Kings. Is Parshat Lech Lecha just Abraham’s Greatest Hits? Or do these mini-stories they have anything to do with each other? Come find out.

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.

A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham in Genesis

What is the central theme that underlies all of the stories about Abraham's life? The Torah tells us how Abraham hears God’s call, ventures to Canaan, flees from famine, takes a second wife, gets involved in a war of kings, and more. This series explains the story of Abraham like never before.

Abraham's Journey 2

We all know the famous story of the binding of Isaac: God commands Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac atop a mountain. But did you remember that just a chapter before, God commands Abraham to disown his son Ishmael? You can’t understand the binding of Isaac without grappling with the story of the “phantom” Akeidah.

A printable parsha guide for our Lech Lecha video, "What Does It Mean To Make A “Covenant” With God?"

A printable parsha guide for our Lech Lecha video, "Why Did God Choose Abraham?"

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.

One of the defining characteristics of Abraham and Sarah is their custom of doing extreme acts of kindness. Yet, upon closer inspection of the Biblical stories about them, they seem to do some very unkind things! Take the story of Hagar and her son Ishmael, for example. How can Abraham and Sarah kick them out of their home and send them into the desert? How should we understand this action, which seems so inconsistent with Abraham's and Sarah’s character? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he explores more deeply the actions of Abraham and Sarah. Surprisingly, his answers take us to another Biblical story, one that allows us to understand these actions and their repercussions generations later.

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?

Abraham, our upstanding forefather, prayed on behalf of the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot, Abraham’s nephew, dwelled in Sodom. But God still destroyed the city. Why? Could it be that Abraham and Lot weren’t righteous enough to save Sodom?

On Rosh Hashanah, we read about the Akeidah, when Abraham was asked to offer Isaac up as a sacrifice. But how are we supposed to make sense of this story that seems to pit obedience to God against our most basic sense of morality?

We all know the famous story of the binding of Isaac: God commands Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac atop a mountain. But did you remember that just a chapter before, God commands Abraham to disown his son Ishmael? You can’t understand the binding of Isaac without grappling with the story of the “phantom” Akeidah.

What is the central theme that underlies all of the stories about Abraham's life? The Torah tells us how Abraham hears God’s call, ventures to Canaan, flees from famine, takes a second wife, gets involved in a war of kings, and more. This series explains the story of Abraham like never before.

A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham in Genesis

What is the theme that ties together the seemingly disconnected stories of Lot and his daughters, Judah and Tamar, and Ruth? The obscure Biblical law of yibum, or Levirite marriage, has a lot to do with it. Rabbi Fohrman argues there is an important connection that hints at a generational saga of redemption.

A printable parsha guide for our Vayeira video, "Abraham's Struggle With Loyalty."

A printable parsha guide for our Vayeira video, "Abram, Sarai, Hagar, Ishmael and...Exodus?"

The Torah tells us that Sarah died when she was 127. The Torah also tells us that there were 127 provinces in the Persian empire in the days of Achashverosh and Queen Esther. Coincidence? Rabbi Akiva doesn’t think so, and neither does Rabbi Fohrman. Watch this video to find out why.

You know those one or two elderly people you know who are so amazing, you think, “I want to be like that when I’m their age”? Sarah probably would have been one of them — and this parsha tells us how she got to be that way. This is a lesson that you’re going to want to hold on to.

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.

Have you heard how Rebecca is chosen as Isaac’s wife? Well, did you know that – oddly – the Torah tells us that story twice... in a row? What, was God’s editor busy that day? Find out why the story bears repeating, what it teaches us, and whether Rebecca was the right match for Isaac.

A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham in Genesis

A printable parsha guide for our Chayei Sarah video, "What Makes For An Extraordinary Life?"

A printable parsha guide for our Chayei Sarah video, " Eliezer And Samuel's Surprising Connection."

Jacob takes Esau’s blessing. Esau threatens to kill him. Jacob goes into hiding for twenty years. That’s the story we all know. But is it the full story? Far from it. Watch this video for a deeper look.

Hidden within Parshat Toldot are echoes of an earlier story: arguably the most incomprehensible story in the entire Torah. Why is it showing up here in our parsha? And what are we supposed to learn from it?

Parshat Toldot opens oddly: “These are the offspring of Isaac: Abraham begot Isaac.” What?? That’s not the generations of Isaac! Join Rabbi Fohrman as he uncovers what this phrase “These are the offspring of” really means – and what it teaches us about Isaac’s legacy.

Remember when Isaac dug a bunch of wells? It’s totally your favorite story in the Torah, right? No?? Well, you’ve been missing out! Here’s why...

So you think you know the story: Rebecca and Jacob hatch a plan, he pretends to be Esav, lies to his father, and makes off with his brother’s blessing. But what if we told you that neither Rebecca nor Jacob ever intended this deception? That it was all an unfortunate misunderstanding? No, this is not an exercise in apologetics. It’s an exercise in reading the Torah with fresh eyes. Don’t you want to see what it’s all about?

Jacob, our esteemed forefather, is looked to as a role model… our Sages even call him an ish emet, “a man of truth.” But what about that whole impersonating-his-brother-and-lying-to-his-father episode? Would a man of truth do that? It’s not easy to reconcile these things… but that is precisely what Rabbi Forhman manages to do in this provocative audio series.

See how Shiluach Hakan – the law of shooing away the mother bird before taking her eggs – is tied to a pivotal story from the Book of Genesis.

In this six-part webinar, Rabbi Fohrman explores the true meaning of Jacob's Dream. What did it really mean?

Antisemitism. Where did it all originate and can we trace it through the Tanahk? Rabbi Fohrman argues that it may have begun with the story of Amelek, which is widely known as one of the most mystifying and difficult episodes in the Torah.

A printable parsha guide for our Toldot video, "A Conversation For the Ages."

A printable parsha guide for our Toldot video, "What Is Isaac's Legacy?"

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.

Was Jacob wrong to deceive his father Isaac and steal his brother Esau's blessing? The text doesn’t seem to tell us… or does it? Watch this video to find out.

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.

Jacob deceived his father, Isaac; then he gets deceived by his uncle, Lavan. Coincidence? We think not. Watch this video to learn the important lesson Lavan teaches Jacob.

So you think you know the story: Rebecca and Jacob hatch a plan, he pretends to be Esav, lies to his father, and makes off with his brother’s blessing. But what if we told you that neither Rebecca nor Jacob ever intended this deception? That it was all an unfortunate misunderstanding? No, this is not an exercise in apologetics. It’s an exercise in reading the Torah with fresh eyes. Don’t you want to see what it’s all about?

Jacob, our esteemed forefather, is looked to as a role model… our Sages even call him an ish emet, “a man of truth.” But what about that whole impersonating-his-brother-and-lying-to-his-father episode? Would a man of truth do that? It’s not easy to reconcile these things… but that is precisely what Rabbi Forhman manages to do in this provocative audio series.

In this six-part webinar, Rabbi Fohrman explores the true meaning of Jacob's Dream. What did it really mean?

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.

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.

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.

A printable parsha guide for our Vayetze video, "Consequences of Jacob's Deceit."

A printable parsha guide for our Vayetze video, "Rachel's Shame & The Secret Meaning Behind Joseph's Name."

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.

In this video, Rabbi Fohrman notices a series of curious parallels between Jacob’s first encounter with Rachel at the well, and when he meets with his brother Esau. By comparing these two stories, Rabbi Fohrman uncovers an inspiring narrative about Jacob’s own growth and transformation that offers us a deep understanding into how Jacob regained his personal integrity to be called a “man of truth.”

Yisrael – Israel; the name of God’s chosen people. The name of the holy land. It might just be the most important name in the whole Torah. And it was given to Jacob... for winning a wrestling match? If you find yourself craving to understand the deeper significance of this name, this video is for you!

The rape of Dinah: it’s one of the most disturbing stories in the entire Torah, the kind that usually gets “skipped over” in school. But in this chilling video, we face Dinah’s rape head-on, asking the tough questions, and uncovering a shocking truth about Dinah, her brothers, and her father.

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.

Jacob, our esteemed forefather, is looked to as a role model… our Sages even call him an ish emet, “a man of truth.” But what about that whole impersonating-his-brother-and-lying-to-his-father episode? Would a man of truth do that? It’s not easy to reconcile these things… but that is precisely what Rabbi Forhman manages to do in this provocative audio series.

In this six-part webinar, Rabbi Fohrman explores the true meaning of Jacob's Dream. What did it really mean?

The story of Joseph and his brothers is one of the most well-known in the entire Bible. And yet, the story – for all its familiarity and simplicity – is darker than the one we might remember learning as a child. Indeed, a sober reading of the text reveals that this is no child's story at all. What are we to make of this story of near-fratricide? What enduring meaning does it hold out to us?

Joseph has some bizarre dreams through the story of Genesis. Rabbi Fohrman points out that up to this point in the Torah, only two people have ever had dreams – Jacob and Joseph, father and son. Is that a coincidence? If not, is there a relationship between father's dreams and son's dreams? Could understanding the relationship between the dreams reveal what the dreams truly mean?

We have so many dreamers in Genesis – Jacob, Joseph, Pharaoh, his servants – and they have significant meaning, with some even interpreted as prophecies from God. But what about our dreams, today? Do they have real meaning? Are they prophetic, nonsense, or somewhere in between? Should we be paying closer attention to what our dreams mean, or is dream prophecy a thing of 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.

A printable parsha guide for our Vayishlach video "Vayishlach - Becoming A Person Of Integrity."

A printable parsha guide for our Vayishlach video "Wrestling With The Angel, How Jacob Becomes Israel."

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?

Although we grow up learning that the brothers sold Joseph, a closer look at the text, and at the accompanying Rashbam, complicates that understanding. In this week's parsha course, we unravel the sale of Joseph and discuss the implications of such a theory: what is blame? Where does responsibility begin? And most importantly, how do I make moral decisions?

In the following four videos, Rabbi Fohrman will tackle a very difficult and important question: does God speak with us today? We will use the lens of Joseph's story to understand what non-prophetic communication with God could look like today.

Is this a chapter in Genesis or an episode of Game of Thrones?! In Parshat Vayeishev the story of Joseph's drama with his brothers is put on hold for us to learn about Judah and Tamar's seemingly scandalous rendezvous. Why are we hearing about this story now? What does it mean and what can it possibly add to our understanding of the Joseph story?

The story of Joseph and his brothers is one of the most well-known in the entire Bible. And yet, the story – for all its familiarity and simplicity – is darker than the one we might remember learning as a child. Indeed, a sober reading of the text reveals that this is no child's story at all. What are we to make of this story of near-fratricide? What enduring meaning does it hold out to us?

What is the theme that ties together the seemingly disconnected stories of Lot and his daughters, Judah and Tamar, and Ruth? The obscure Biblical law of yibum, or Levirite marriage, has a lot to do with it. Rabbi Fohrman argues there is an important connection that hints at a generational saga of redemption.

Joseph has some bizarre dreams through the story of Genesis. Rabbi Fohrman points out that up to this point in the Torah, only two people have ever had dreams – Jacob and Joseph, father and son. Is that a coincidence? If not, is there a relationship between father's dreams and son's dreams? Could understanding the relationship between the dreams reveal what the dreams truly mean?

We have so many dreamers in Genesis – Jacob, Joseph, Pharaoh, his servants – and they have significant meaning, with some even interpreted as prophecies from God. But what about our dreams, today? Do they have real meaning? Are they prophetic, nonsense, or somewhere in between? Should we be paying closer attention to what our dreams mean, or is dream prophecy a thing of 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.

We don’t often talk about how the story of Lot and his daughters is a little risqué for Biblical literature. But looking back at similar illicit stories, of Yehuda and Tamar and Boaz and Ruth, a transcendent lesson emerges. Instead of sly sensuality defining the story, Rabbi Fohrman finds a redemptive love and kindness within the text, shedding new light and understanding on the concepts of kindness and recognition.

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.

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?

A printable parsha guide for our Vayeshev video, "Who Really Sold Joseph?"

A printable parsha guide for our Vayeshev video, "Does God Speak To Us Today? Part 1."

Once Joseph is released from prison, he quickly becomes Pharaoh's second-in-command – and one of the most powerful men in the world. The story makes you wonder if this was some great coincidence? Or did Joseph do something to earn this great station? Rabbi Fohrman finds echoes of Joseph’s first misfortune in all his later trials, and uncovers an evolution in Joseph’s character that may explain his unfathomable rise to power.

After Joseph was sold into slavery, why didn't he ever get in touch with his father? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman will help us attempt to look at the story through Joseph's eyes, and explore the possibility that Joseph assumed his father was in on the plot. This new perspective helps us understand Joseph, and also his unique relationship with Pharaoh, who becomes the father figure in Joseph's life.

In the following four videos, Rabbi Fohrman will tackle a very difficult and important question: does God speak with us today? We will use the lens of Joseph's story to understand what non-prophetic communication with God could look like today.

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.

The story of Joseph and his brothers is one of the most well-known in the entire Bible. And yet, the story – for all its familiarity and simplicity – is darker than the one we might remember learning as a child. Indeed, a sober reading of the text reveals that this is no child's story at all. What are we to make of this story of near-fratricide? What enduring meaning does it hold out to us?

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?

Joseph has some bizarre dreams through the story of Genesis. Rabbi Fohrman points out that up to this point in the Torah, only two people have ever had dreams – Jacob and Joseph, father and son. Is that a coincidence? If not, is there a relationship between father's dreams and son's dreams? Could understanding the relationship between the dreams reveal what the dreams truly mean?

We have so many dreamers in Genesis – Jacob, Joseph, Pharaoh, his servants – and they have significant meaning, with some even interpreted as prophecies from God. But what about our dreams, today? Do they have real meaning? Are they prophetic, nonsense, or somewhere in between? Should we be paying closer attention to what our dreams mean, or is dream prophecy a thing of 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.

A printable parsha guide for our Miketz video, "Why Didn't Joseph Write Home?"

A printable parsha guide for our Miketz video, "Does God Speak To Us Today? Part 2."

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?

Judah once allowed a son of Rachel to be taken, but in this week's parsha, he offers to sacrifice himself instead of Benjamin, because Jacob's soul is bound up in the soul of Benjamin. Where do we see the same language used centuries later? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman explores a fascinating Biblical echo and helps us answer, what is heroism?

In the following four videos, Rabbi Fohrman will tackle a very difficult and important question: does God speak with us today? We will use the lens of Joseph's story to understand what non-prophetic communication with God could look like today.

In Parshat Vayigash we learn about the power of a truly epic speech. Judah's monologue to Joseph changes the course of history – instead of falling into a future of despair and misery for the house of Jacob, Judah's speech saves Benjamin and reunites the entire family. What was it about this speech that so drastically turned the tide of our history?

The story of Joseph and his brothers is one of the most well-known in the entire Bible. And yet, the story – for all its familiarity and simplicity – is darker than the one we might remember learning as a child. Indeed, a sober reading of the text reveals that this is no child's story at all. What are we to make of this story of near-fratricide? What enduring meaning does it hold out to us?

We have so many dreamers in Genesis – Jacob, Joseph, Pharaoh, his servants – and they have significant meaning, with some even interpreted as prophecies from God. But what about our dreams, today? Do they have real meaning? Are they prophetic, nonsense, or somewhere in between? Should we be paying closer attention to what our dreams mean, or is dream prophecy a thing of 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.

A printable parsha guide for our Vayigash video, "The Epic Confrontation Between Judah and Joseph"

A printable parsha guide for our Vayigash video, "Does God Speak To Us Today? Part 3."

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?

When Joseph agrees to bury Jacob in Canaan, Jacob is relieved – why? What was Jacob worried about? In this video, the last parsha of Genesis, Rabbi Fohrman explores Joseph's tension between his commitments to Jacob and Pharaoh, and the meaning of his decision to bury Jacob in Canaan.

In the following four videos, Rabbi Fohrman will tackle a very difficult and important question: does God speak with us today? We will use the lens of Joseph's story to understand what non-prophetic communication with God could look like today.

We finish the book of Genesis with Parshat Vayechi. After weeks of stories of deception and favoritism, we must ask ourselves – how did we stray so far from the ideal nation set up by Abraham? What happened to the family that was supposed to model justice and kindness? We step back to look at Genesis as a whole, in order to understand what is the overarching message we are meant to take away.

The story of Joseph and his brothers is one of the most well-known in the entire Bible. And yet, the story – for all its familiarity and simplicity – is darker than the one we might remember learning as a child. Indeed, a sober reading of the text reveals that this is no child's story at all. What are we to make of this story of near-fratricide? What enduring meaning does it hold out to us?

We have so many dreamers in Genesis – Jacob, Joseph, Pharaoh, his servants – and they have significant meaning, with some even interpreted as prophecies from God. But what about our dreams, today? Do they have real meaning? Are they prophetic, nonsense, or somewhere in between? Should we be paying closer attention to what our dreams mean, or is dream prophecy a thing of 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.

A printable parsha guide for our Vayechi video, "Who is Joseph's Real Father?"

A printable parsha guide for our Vayechi video, "Does God Speak To Us? Part 4."

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.

In Parshat Shemot, we read the story of the burning bush, where Moses was charged with a mission. We are often taught that Moses’ job was to take the Israelites out of Egypt, but a close read of the text suggests that there is actually something else Moses also had to do. Join Ari Levisohn and Evan Weiner as they dive into Moses' encounter with the burning bush and discover allusions to an earlier mission in the Bible, one which sheds light on Moses’ true mission and what it means for a nation under attack.  Check out Rabbi Fohrman’s video about the Korban Pesach (Passover offering) and the Sale of Joseph mentioned in this week’s episode. To learn more about Joseph’s mission to check on his brothers, watch this amazing video from Rabbi Fohrman and this earlier episode of Into the Verse. 

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!

In this video, we explore the strange midrash in which the arm of Pharaoh's daughter stretched through the river to fetch Moses. Why do the Sages tell us such an odd story? Rabbi Fohrman argues that we need to put ourselves into the eyes of Pharaoh's daughter, and help us see that when we want to achieve something, God will help us find a way to do it.

We often talk about God's love for us, but does God really have emotions? In this week's parsha, Rabbi Fohrman explores an odd midrash about God's names and explains how incredible and inscrutable God's love is.

Everyone loves a good origin story – how did Anakin Skywalker become Darth Vader? Who was Peter Parker before Spiderman? In this video for Parshat Shemot, we focus on Moses – what unique quality led him to be appointed by God? What character trait made Moses a hero?

The story of the Exodus reminds us of the experience of our ancestors, the Israelites, and their freedom from Egypt. And the climax, of the story, right before they're all taken out of Egypt, is when the Israelites bring the Korban Pesach, the Passover offering. Today, when we think of that story, we can't help but ask...what is the Passover offering all about? And, Rabbi Fohrman asks, how meaningful can the Exodus be to us today, if we don't understand the Passover offering at all?

Hidden in the Exodus story is a lesson on abusive relationships and how to break the traumatic cycle of abuse. In this intense podcast, join Rabbi David Fohrman & Beth Lesch as they tackle the difficult subject of abuse from all angles.

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.

The Exodus story ends in carnage for the Egyptians, and in glorious salvation for the Israelites – but could this story have ended differently? Could the Egyptians also have lived happily ever after? Rabbi Fohrman thinks we can find the answer by noticing some uncanny resemblances to another biblical story. Join us as we explore a new way of reading the Exodus story.

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?

If God wanted to free us from slavery, why not just take us out? Why the plagues, the blood on the doorposts, the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart—why all the extra steps? Rabbi Fohrman uncovers how these puzzling details reveal something much deeper: what it truly means to be God’s ‘firstborn.’

At the burning bush, God gave Moses three signs to show the People of Israel that He is in fact with them. Was there any significance to these 3 signs, or did God randomly select three signs? Also, were the signs even effective? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he takes a closer look at these three signs from God.

A printable parsha guide for our Shemot video, "How Does Midrash Work?"

A printable parsha guide for our Shemot video, "Does God Really "Love" Us?"

At first glance, it seems like God took away Pharaoh's free will when he hardened his heart – how could He do such a thing? In this video, we explore the different words used by the Torah – kaved and chazek. Rabbi Fohrman argues that this language shows that God did allow Pharaoh to pursue his free will, even if the vision was in defiance of God.

Hidden in the Exodus story is a lesson on abusive relationships and how to break the traumatic cycle of abuse. In this intense podcast, join Rabbi David Fohrman & Beth Lesch as they tackle the difficult subject of abuse from all angles.

God has a lot of names. YHKH means "mercy." Elokim means "justice." What about Kel Shakkai? Beth Lesch has a hunch – and she talked to an animal scientist to confirm it.

In this week’s parsha video, Rabbi Fohrman examines one of God’s names and reveals how the Rabbis suggest the Big Bang theory can coexist with belief in God as the Creator.

Epic speeches inspire us, but what if you're hearing the same epic speech over and over again? That's what we hear in God's conversations to Moses. Why was there so much repetitive conversation between God and Moses before the actual Exodus from Egypt? Join us as we explore what was the real message behind what God said to Moses.

This week, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu tackle Parshat Va'era and ask: are the plagues just arbitrary? Or do they mean something real, to the Israelites, the Egyptians, and to us, today?

The story of the Exodus reminds us of the experience of our ancestors, the Israelites, and their freedom from Egypt. And the climax, of the story, right before they're all taken out of Egypt, is when the Israelites bring the Korban Pesach, the Passover offering. Today, when we think of that story, we can't help but ask...what is the Passover offering all about? And, Rabbi Fohrman asks, how meaningful can the Exodus be to us today, if we don't understand the Passover offering at all?

The Exodus story ends in carnage for the Egyptians, and in glorious salvation for the Israelites – but could this story have ended differently? Could the Egyptians also have lived happily ever after? Rabbi Fohrman thinks we can find the answer by noticing some uncanny resemblances to another biblical story. Join us as we explore a new way of reading the Exodus story.

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?

If God wanted to free us from slavery, why not just take us out? Why the plagues, the blood on the doorposts, the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart—why all the extra steps? Rabbi Fohrman uncovers how these puzzling details reveal something much deeper: what it truly means to be God’s ‘firstborn.’

At the burning bush, God gave Moses three signs to show the People of Israel that He is in fact with them. Was there any significance to these 3 signs, or did God randomly select three signs? Also, were the signs even effective? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he takes a closer look at these three signs from God.

A printable parsha guide for our Va'era video, "Did God Take Away Pharaoh's Free Will?"

A printable parsha guide for our Va'era video, "Seeing God in Science."

We all know the famous story of the unleavened bread- the Israelites had no time to let their dough rise as they ran out of Egypt, so they took their dough and let it bake on their backs as they fled. But why do we need to hear about this minute detail? As a matter of fact, there are a number of seemingly odd phrases in the verses describing Israel's exodus, and they all seem to lead us to one particular place in the Torah: Judah's plea to Jacob to let Benjamin go down to Egypt so that they could get grain. Join Rabbi Fohrman as he helps uncover the mystery between two seemingly separate stories, and see how we got there, and back again.

Parshat Bo tells the story of the last three plagues. The 10th plague, the death of the firstborn, ultimately compels Pharaoh and the Egyptians to free the Israelites from slavery, but was that really the purpose of the plagues? Were they just meant to punish the Egyptians? Or were the Egyptians meant to get something else out of these destructive plagues?  Join Tikva Hecht and Beth Lesch as they challenge a classic answer to these questions on the 10 plagues and develop a new understanding of what it means to “know God.” Check out Rabbi Fohrman’s course “Why Did God Choose Israel As His Chosen People?” to explore these questions further.  To access the brand new season of Rabbi Fohrman’s podcast, A Book Like No Other, click here to subscribe to Aleph Beta. As a special gift for Into the Verse listeners, we’ll give you the first month FREE, when you sign up for an annual subscription. Just use the coupon code ITVFREE. Already a member? Enjoy A Book Like No Other here.

Hidden in the Exodus story is a lesson on abusive relationships and how to break the traumatic cycle of abuse. In this intense podcast, join Rabbi David Fohrman & Beth Lesch as they tackle the difficult subject of abuse from all angles.

Ten colorful and unique plagues... is that really so necessary? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman explores the plagues of Egypt – speficially the seventh, transitional plague – and argues that God played off of Pharaoh's ego to show the Pharaoh, the people of Egypt and the people of Israel, that only God is all-powerful.

After God tells Moses about the last plague, He makes a series of odd statements before actually performing the plague. Why? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman argues that God is making a fundamental argument about the ultimate nature of justice.

In Parshat Bo, we're finally freed from years of slavery! Mazal Tov! But before we get to the triumphant splitting of the sea, we read a whole section of laws relating to firstborn children and animals. Why can’t this wait until we're across the Sea? What's the deal with these laws and what can they teach us about our role as God's firstborn nation?

This week, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu do a deep dive into the plague of arbeh, locusts, in Parshat Bo. They as, why does the Torah use language “eye” and “seeing” here? Could it connect to the word “arbeh,” used back in Genesis, which connected to the blessing of Israel?

The story of the Exodus reminds us of the experience of our ancestors, the Israelites, and their freedom from Egypt. And the climax, of the story, right before they're all taken out of Egypt, is when the Israelites bring the Korban Pesach, the Passover offering. Today, when we think of that story, we can't help but ask...what is the Passover offering all about? And, Rabbi Fohrman asks, how meaningful can the Exodus be to us today, if we don't understand the Passover offering at all?

The Exodus story ends in carnage for the Egyptians, and in glorious salvation for the Israelites – but could this story have ended differently? Could the Egyptians also have lived happily ever after? Rabbi Fohrman thinks we can find the answer by noticing some uncanny resemblances to another biblical story. Join us as we explore a new way of reading the Exodus story.

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?

If God wanted to free us from slavery, why not just take us out? Why the plagues, the blood on the doorposts, the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart—why all the extra steps? Rabbi Fohrman uncovers how these puzzling details reveal something much deeper: what it truly means to be God’s ‘firstborn.’

At the burning bush, God gave Moses three signs to show the People of Israel that He is in fact with them. Was there any significance to these 3 signs, or did God randomly select three signs? Also, were the signs even effective? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he takes a closer look at these three signs from God.

A printable parsha guide for our Bo video, "Did God Really Need Ten Plagues?"

A printable parsha guide for our Bo video, "God's Justice In Action."

After the Exodus from Egypt, we hear that the nation believed in God, and in Moses, his servant. But suddenly, over and over, they panic and struggle with their faith in God. So what kind of belief in God was that? They lost their faith in an instant? Join Rivky as she explores these stories, and the difficult concept of what it means to truly believe in God.

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.

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.

In Parshat Beshalach, we're introduced to a nation of whiners and complainers. After years of slavery, the Israelites are finally a free nation! The next thing we should read is a love story between God and His people. But the honeymoon phase ends before it even begins. How can the Israelites complain so soon after God freed them from slavery? How did they lose faith in God so quickly?

When the people first enter the wilderness, God withholds water...to test the people? In fact, this idea of God "testing" the nation shows up in every single story of this parsha! What is God really testing, and why test the people? In this podcast, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu Shalev discuss this pattern, and try to get to the bottom of the subtle connection between these stories.

All over the Torah, we see a running theme – where water goes, Miriam soon follows. But what is the odd relationship between the life force of water, and Miriam the prophetess?

If God wanted to free us from slavery, why not just take us out? Why the plagues, the blood on the doorposts, the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart—why all the extra steps? Rabbi Fohrman uncovers how these puzzling details reveal something much deeper: what it truly means to be God’s ‘firstborn.’

The Exodus story ends in carnage for the Egyptians, and in glorious salvation for the Israelites – but could this story have ended differently? Could the Egyptians also have lived happily ever after? Rabbi Fohrman thinks we can find the answer by noticing some uncanny resemblances to another biblical story. Join us as we explore a new way of reading the Exodus story.

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?

Antisemitism. Where did it all originate and can we trace it through the Tanahk? Rabbi Fohrman argues that it may have begun with the story of Amelek, which is widely known as one of the most mystifying and difficult episodes in the Torah.

A printable parsha guide for our Beshalach video, "What Does It Mean To Have Faith?"

A printable parsha guide for our Beshalach video, "Fruit Trees In the Sea?"

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.

In Parshat Yitro, we read about the revelation at Sinai and the giving of the 10 Commandments. The image of the 10 Commandments is one of the most familiar images from the Torah, but when you read the Sages’ description of the tablets, not only will you be shocked to hear that we may have been depicting the image wrong all along, but we may also be missing an important part of what the 10 Commandments are all about. Join Ari Levisohn and Daniel Loewenstein as they explore the Sages’ words and discuss the powerful implications of a new way to see the 10 Commandments.  To hear Rabbi Fohrman's complete interview on the podcast excerpted in this week's episode, listen here.  To learn more about the suzerain-vassal treaties Ari discusses, check out this article.

Parshat Yitro contains the most important piece in the narrative of the Jewish people, the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai, when the nation of Israel and God are 'married.' Curiously, before that story, we have two short stories about Yitro, Moses's father-in-law, first when he throws a feast to celebrate the salvation, and then when he advises Moses to set up a court system. How do these stories help us understand the marriage between Israel and God today?

In Parshat Yitro, we read about Moses receiving the Ten Commandments. But there’s something very unique about the text in this section – it’s strikingly similar to an earlier text, namely, the story of Moses and the Burning Bush. Is there a parallel that’s meant to be drawn from the story of Moses, the Ten Commandments and the Burning Bush? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he re-examines both texts and learns how the Burning Bush may actually serve as a template for the Ten Commandments – and never think of these two events the same way again.

In Parshat Yitro, we just witnessed some majorly epic events: the ten plagues, the splitting of the sea and we're about to witness the ultimate epic event – God's revelation at Sinai. But smack in the middle of all of this awesomeness, we're introduced to Yitro, Moses' father-in-law. What is this doing here?! Join us as we explore the real meaning of revelation: maybe truly knowing God is not just a matter of a national relationship, but most importantly, a personal one.

This week, Rabbi Fohrman tests Imu – where do birds appear in the Torah? How do they connect to each other? Is there some sort of theme that connects the birds together? And how does any of this relate to Parshat Yitro, the parsha in which God gives the Torah to the Israelite people at Sinai?

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.

In this course, Rabbi David Fohrman examines the meaning of Ten Commandments, why they are important & explores the most fundamental principles of Judaism.

How do the Ten Commandments apply to our lives today? After all, most of them are not difficult to observe – “don’t steal… don’t kill” – these are not laws you need to think about daily. So what are we supposed to actually learn from the Ten Commandments? Rabbi Fohrman peels back the layers to uncover what lies at the heart of the Ten Commandments, a hidden theme that guides us to stronger relationships.

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?

A printable parsha guide for our Yitro video, "The Marriage Of God And Israel"

A printable parsha guide for our Yitro video, "The Template For The Ten Commandments"

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.

Parshat Mishpatim outlines the laws of indentured servants and maidservants, including servants going free in the seventh year, servants getting married while working, and a father making a deal for his daughter’s hand in marriage. This set of laws seems strikingly similar to an earlier story involving a worker and a father trying marrying off his daughters. Could these laws in Mishpatim actually be the Torah’s own commentary on the negotiations between Jacob and Laban back in Genesis? Join Rabbi David Fohrman and Ari Levisohn as they discuss these surprising parallels and explore the relationship between the Torah's laws and its stories. Into The Verse is taking a break for a little while. In the interim you can stay up-to-date on the parsha with last year’s episodes, which are available on https://www.alephbeta.org. And if you haven’t started the latest season of A Book Like No Other, you have to check it out. If you’re not a member…what are you waiting for? Go to alephbeta.org/subscribe and become a member to access the new season of A Book Like No Other, as well as our full library of over 1,000 videos and podcasts. Use coupon code BLNO2 for a 30 day free trial with a monthly membership OR $18 off an annual membership. Click here to subscribe.

Do these laws reflect outdated values? This video explores how the laws of female servitude may contain a message with lasting relevance.

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.

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?

This week, Imu guides Rabbi Fohrman into the myriad of laws of Mishpatim. He points out some subtle connections – both in theme, and in language, between these laws and the Ten Commandments, we just heard last week, and asks, why? Why is there a replay of the Ten Commandments?

Why do we count the Omer? A common answer is that we're counting down the days until we get to Sinai. But the Omer doesn't count down- it counts up. We don't say '8 days left to Sinai' we say '42 days are gone since we offered the Omer offering'. So what is this count about anyway? In this series, Rabbi Fohrman traces the roots of the Omer offering, taking us into a journey that explores the meaning of brick-making and bread-making, and the significance of both of these to the newly freed Israelites. What emerges is a view of the Omer that makes this offering a touchstone for an understanding of freedom, the Sabbath, and of law itself in our society.

When it comes to the Jewish holidays, we tend to relate to each one on its own. But often, we miss the bigger picture. The Torah actually talks to us in epic, sweeping terms about the very idea of a “holiday,” about how to understand the holidays and find meaning in them. Come into the text and get ready to unravel the Torah's secret about the true meaning of Sukkot, Pesach, and Shavuot.

Join Rabbi Fohrman for an in-depth discussion of Kabbalat Shabbat.

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?

Is there a reason Judaism has two sets of laws? Isn't that confusing? Join Rabbi Fohrman in this deep dive, with your guide, Imu Shalev.

In this course, Rabbi David Fohrman examines the meaning of Ten Commandments, why they are important & explores the most fundamental principles of Judaism.

A printable parsha guide for our Mishpatim video, "Female Servitude...Wait, What?"

A printable parsha guide for our Mishpatim video, "Does Our History Become Our Laws?"

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.

In Parshat Terumah, we are given explicit instruction about how to build the Mishkan, the Tabernacle that traveled with the nation of Israel through the desert. But maybe there’s more than meets the eye. Join Rabbi Fohrman as he explores what the mishkan represents. It may teach us something about God’s image, and even our own relationship to our physical bodies. Enjoyed this video? There's more to discover. Join Rabbi Fohrman as he continues to explore these ideas in this video for Parshat Tetzaveh.

The keruvim, or cherubs, appear in the Tabernacle in three different places. This week, Rabbi Fohrman asks, what is the meaning of the keruvim? To answer, he brings us back to the original keruvim, who guarded the Garden of Eden after we were expelled.

We're about to embark on a 7-chapter detailed journey through the instructions for building the Mishkan, the Tabernacle. Most people skip over these sections or read them very fast because they are tedious and completely unrelatable. How can we, as 21st century learners of the Torah, find meaning and relevance in the construction of the Mishkan? And how do the laws shed light on the epic devastation of the story that follows, the Golden Calf? Join us in Terumah (Exodus 25:1-27:19) as we uncover the beauty and depth of the Mishkan.

We learn in Parshat Terumah that the tablets of the 10 Commandments have a central place in the mishkan, the Tabernacle. But why? A clue might come from the Torah's constant use of the word "edut," testimony, and "moed," a place of meeting. Come join Rabbi Fohrman and Imu as they puzzle it out.

How does God, the infinite, exist in this world of finite? In this lecture series, we consider our perspective of God in this world based on the physical make-up of the Temple. Does God still dwell among us today?

A printable guide for our Terumah video, "Is TSpiritual Meaning to the Structure of the Mishkan?

A printable parsha guide for our Terumah video, "Angels In The Tabernacle? Part 1."

The keruvim, or cherubs, appear in the Tabernacle in three different places. This week, Rabbi Fohrman asks, what is the meaning of the keruvim? To answer, he brings us back to the original keruvim, who guarded the Garden of Eden after we were expelled.

How can God exist in our physical world yet also exist outside of space and time? Explore the paradoxical language surrounding God’s relationship with the Tabernacle. Join Rabbi Fohrman as he examines the description of the Tabernacle, and highlights the similarities between the human body and God. Want to get the most out of this video? Check out this video for Parshat Terumah, where Rabbi Fohrman first introduces the ideas he builds upon here.

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.

In Parshat Tetzaveh, God goes to great lengths to explain each specific detail for the Mishkan's structure and design. Obviously the details are more than just a means for beautification – there must be deep and meaningful significance for us all. What are the hidden secrets that God coded within the walls of the Mishkan and how can we rebuild that meaning in our every day lives?

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.

How does God, the infinite, exist in this world of finite? In this lecture series, we consider our perspective of God in this world based on the physical make-up of the Temple. Does God still dwell among us today?

A printable parsha guide for our Tetzaveh video, "What If God Has A Physical Presence In This World?"

A printable parsha guide for our Tetzaveh video, "Angels In The Tabernacle? Part 2."

The very last words God tells to Moses as he's ready to leave Sinai are about the Shabbat. Why? The rabbis give their explanation to this question in the introduction to the Sabbath morning prayers. But looking at the rabbis' explanation, we are left with more questions! Join Rabbi Fohrman as he dives deep into this prayer, and understands the rabbis' answer to God's surprising last words to Moses on Sinai.

Moshe’s negotiation with God in the aftermath of the Golden Calf is an extreme example of prayer changing God’s will. Moshe passionately argued with God over His decision to wipe out the Israelites, and shockingly, God listened. Where did Moshe get the chutzpah to tell God what to do – and why did God agree?

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?

How did Moses feel when approaching the land of Israel, knowing he wouldn’t be entering the land with his people? This video is the first in a series of three, concluding the yearly Torah cycle, where we will attempt to get inside the head of Moses at the end of his journey as the leader of the Israelites.

Singing Dayeinu: Would It Really Have Been Enough? What do the lyrics of Dayeinu song really mean?

In this course, Rabbi David Fohrman examines the meaning of Ten Commandments, why they are important & explores the most fundamental principles of Judaism.

We learn in Parshat Ki Tisa about the infamous sin the Israelite’s committed by creating the Golden Calf. But there’s something very unclear about this story — why would the Israelites want to build a Golden Calf? It's not like people today want to build and pray to idols, so why would the Israelites? Join Rabbi Fohrman and Imu as they explore the text of the Golden Calf and debate the real reason the people wanted to build a new “godly” figure. You’ll never think of the Golden Calf the same way again.

We're all familiar with the Golden Calf story, but there are some glaring questions we rarely address. For example, how could Israel possibly believe that the calf brought them out of Egypt, after seeing the spectacular ten plagues and splitting of the sea? In this 12-part series, Rabbi Fohrman studies the Golden Calf story in depth to search for answers.

A printable parsha guide for our Ki Tisa video, "Moshe's Benevolent Chutzpah."

A printable parsha guide for our Ki Tisa video, "A Closer Look At Kiddush."

Let's be honest – what really makes shabbat meaningful? Is it spending time in prayer and meditation, or is it spending time with friends and family, even, often, more so than God?

In Vayakhel, the Tabernacle and Shabbat are juxtaposed, which leads our Sages to explore the idea of refraining from work. But what is the actual connection between the Tabernacle and Shabbat? Rabbi Fohrman reexamines the creation story and the first day of rest in search of an answer.

This week, Rabbi Fohrman examines a description the Bible gives of Sabbath and asks, what does it mean to bring God into this world through space and through time? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman examines melacha and explains that time and space are the two realms in which we explore our connection with God.

In Vayakhel, we hear about the Mishkan’s construction, yet again! God just told Israel how to build the Mishkan, and yet we are given those details again as Israel builds it. But if you take a closer look at the text, there are subtle and significant differences. Why would the Israelites build the Mishkan differently than God commanded? What can these differences teach us?

We learn in Vayakhel-Pekudei about the appointment of Betzalel as the architect of the Tabernacle. But there’s something very striking about the language describing this appointment. It sounds eerily similar to the language in the Creation story. What do Betzalel’s appointment and creation have in common? Join Rabbi Fohrman and Imu as they explore the commonalities between God creating the world for man and man creating the Tabernacle for God, and never think about Betzalel’s appointment the same way again.

A printable parsha guide for our Vayakhel video, "What Does It Mean To Be Created In The Image Of God?"

A printable parsha guide for our Vayakhel video, "God In Space, God In Time."

Red, purple, white and blue – do they mean anything to you? Watch now to learn about the meaning of the colors in the Mishkan.

In this week's video, Rabbi Fohrman explores an incredible chiasm that encompasses more than 15 chapters, and asks, how do the pieces of this puzzle, especially the focal point at the center, come together to help us understand how the Torah builds together?

This week, Rabbi Fohrman examines a description the Bible gives of Sabbath and asks, what does it mean to bring God into this world through space and through time? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman examines melacha and explains that time and space are the two realms in which we explore our connection with God.

Parshat Pekudei is the conclusion of the book of Exodus. Exodus is known for Israel’s escape from Egypt, the sea splitting, the Ten Commandments, the Golden Calf, and the Tabernacle. We read these stories year after year, but do you ever stop and consider – what's their significance to you? The Author of this book, God, wrote it as an integrated whole, and you are its intended audience. What does He want you to get out of it?

We learn in Vayakhel-Pekudei about the appointment of Betzalel as the architect of the Tabernacle. But there’s something very striking about the language describing this appointment. It sounds eerily similar to the language in the Creation story. What do Betzalel’s appointment and creation have in common? Join Rabbi Fohrman and Imu as they explore the commonalities between God creating the world for man and man creating the Tabernacle for God, and never think about Betzalel’s appointment the same way again.

A printable parsha guide for our Pekudei video, "A Giant Chiasm In Sefer Shmot."

A printable parsha guide for our Vayakhel-Pekudei video, "God In Space, God In Time"

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.

In this video, we explore Rashi's puzzling comment, that a nation is lucky if it has a leader who brings a sacrifice for an accidental sin. Rabbi Fohrman contrasts the Torah's perspective of power and justice to the philosophy of Richard Nixon's famous line: "When the president does it, it is not illegal."

Using sacrifices as a way to connect with God seems alien. How are we supposed to connect with the myriad of details associated with animal sacrifice in the modern day? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he explores this fundamental question by reexamining the three categories of sacrifice, and discover how the ancient tradition creates a modern framework for how to connect with God.

The book of Leviticus is tough - no narrative, and really difficult topics - for instance, how do we relate to holiness, purity and sacrifice in the 21st century? In this week's video for Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1-5:26), we will learn how to read the perplexing book of Leviticus.

We learn in Vayikra about the laws of the Korbanot — sacrifices to God. But there’s something very difficult about studying Vayikra. It can be incredibly boring. There’s no storyline, just a lot of very specific rules. So, how can we approach Vayikra in a more engaging way? Join Rabbi Fohrman and Imu as they reexamine the two narratives surrounding Vayikra — the story of God’s cloud directing the Israelites — and discover a new narrative, with insights about how to become closer to God.

A printable parsha guide for our Vayikra video, "Can Leaders Make Mistakes?"

A self-study guide for: Vayikra - How Can We Relate To Sacrifices Today?

For some reason, the Torah prohibits us from bringing chametz with offerings on the altar. Isn't chametz about Passover? Why would it be prohibited on the altar?

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.

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?

How can modern day readers understand and relate to the concept of animal sacrifices? When reading the text of Tzav, the sacrificial rituals feel antiquated and, at times, even barbaric. And yet, sacrifices (or Korbanot) were a staple of Israel's service to God. Can it be possible that something in the Torah is rendered meaningless to people today? Or is there a deeper meaning in the concept of Korbanot that can be learned? Join us as we re-examine the Korbanot, and never read Tzav the same way again.

We all know that we eat matzah because we left Egypt quickly. But that doesn't explain why we must eliminate all chametz. Investigate the surprising connection between Egyptian bread technology and Passover's restrictions.

A printable parsha guide for our Tzav video, "What Does It Mean To Survive?"

A printable parsha guide for our Tzav video, "A Deeper Look At The Priestly Role"

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.

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?

In this week's video, Rabbi Fohrman tackles a very strange scene: after the sudden death of Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's two sons, Moses gets in a disagreement with Aaron's other two sons about a sacrifice they bring. What is this argument fundamentally about, and what are we meant to learn from it about overcoming loss?

In Shemini, the Torah talks about one of the most impactful laws on the general Jewish lifestyle – kosher animals. Have you ever considered why Jews are restricted from eating certain animals? And the specific laws – split hooves, chewing cud – seem totally arbitrary. But what if there was a way to think about kosher that makes sense, and can even strengthen our relationship with God?

We learn in Shemini about the induction of Aaron and his sons into the priesthood. Interestingly, there are bunch of similarities - in language, and in theme - between this story, and the story of Megillat Esther. But what does the induction of priests have to do with Esther?? Join Rabbi Fohrman and Rivky as they examine this puzzle - and never think about the priesthood, or Megillat Esther - the same way again.

A printable parsha guide for our Shemini video, "Why Did God Reject Nadav And Avihu?"

A self-study guide for: Shemini - What Does Aaron Teach Us About Loss?

Is there anything more pure than the birth of a new baby? Well, the Torah seems to think so. Because apparently, giving birth makes a mother ritually impure. Confused? Join Ami as he untangles this strange set of laws.

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.

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.

In Parshat Tazria, we are introduced to the concepts of Tumah and Tahara. Some translate them as cleanliness and uncleanliness, some say ritual purity and impurity, but we never seem to get a clear and relevant understanding of what they actually are. Join us in Part I of this quest as we begin to tackle both what Tumah and Tahara are, and how these new definitions can truly impact our lives today.

In Parshat Tazria-Metzora, we learn about the different ways that one can become “tamei,” spiritually impure – such as giving birth, to someone who has contracted leprosy. But how do these radically different ways of becoming tamei actually connect? Are we meant to believe that the miracle of birth is similar to a plague of deformity? Join Rabbi Fohrman and Imu as they reexamine the text and find thematic connections to explain how these strange laws are actually connected.

A printable parsha guide for our Tazria video, "The Bizarre Purification Of The Metzora"

A printable parsha guide for our Tazria video, "Rejoining the Community"

Why do we go to the mikvah? Why does dunking in the mikvah’s waters leave us feeling “pure”? Join us as we take a deeper look at the meaning of this ritual bath and breathe new life into this mysterious custom.

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.

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.

In Parshat Tazria, we are introduced to the concepts of Tumah and Tahara. Some translate them as cleanliness and uncleanliness, some say ritual purity and impurity, but we never seem to get a clear and relevant understanding of what they actually are. Join us in Part I of this quest as we begin to tackle both what Tumah and Tahara are, and how these new definitions can truly impact our lives today.

In Parshat Tazria-Metzora, we learn about the different ways that one can become “tamei,” spiritually impure – such as giving birth, to someone who has contracted leprosy. But how do these radically different ways of becoming tamei actually connect? Are we meant to believe that the miracle of birth is similar to a plague of deformity? Join Rabbi Fohrman and Imu as they reexamine the text and find thematic connections to explain how these strange laws are actually connected.

A printable parsha guide for our Metzora video, "Living Within the Community."

A printable parsha guide for our Tazria-Metzora video, "Rejoining The Community."

What is the Torah's take on eating animals? Is it a spiritual ideal? Or a concession to mankind's desire?

We’re used to thinking of Yom Kippur as a time of forgiveness, when God wipes our slates clean. But what if we’ve been misunderstanding the essence of the holiday?

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.

We associate Yom Kippur with prayer and sitting in synagogue all day. But back then, it involved goats and lotteries and sacrifices and sprinkling blood and incense and clouds. How do those weird rituals grant forgiveness for our sins? It sounds magical… and irrational. Let's study this to explore the essence of Yom Kippur.

Acharei Mot describes the priest’s Yom Kippur service in the Tabernacle, with strangely similar language to Megillat Esther. But what does Yom Kippur—with themes of repentance and closeness to God—have to do with Esther? Rabbi Fohrman and Rivky re-examine these two texts.

A Teacher’s lesson plan and worksheet for: The (Surprising) Meaning & Purpose Of Yom Kippur

A printable parsha guide for our Kedoshim video, "Social Justice... And Sacrifies?"

We all know the maxim, "Love your neighbor as yourself." But how do I do that? As it turns out, the Torah points a way. In this video, Rabbi Fohrman gives us the context for this directive, and helps us find the building blocks for true love.

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.

Many of the laws in Parshat Kedoshim are not what we might expect to hear when we think of holiness. What happened to prayer and meditation? Why are we talking about crossbreeding animals? Is there any rhyme or reason to this list? And if we do find a way to understand all of these laws as fitting together, what do they teach us about holiness and how to achieve it?

Acharei Mot describes the priest’s Yom Kippur service in the Tabernacle, with strangely similar language to Megillat Esther. But what does Yom Kippur—with themes of repentance and closeness to God—have to do with Esther? Rabbi Fohrman and Rivky re-examine these two texts.

A printable parsha guide for our Kedoshim video, "How Can I Achieve True Love?"

A printable parsha guide for our Kedoshim video, "Social Justice... And Sacrifies?"

In our Torah reading for holidays, we not only recite the laws of holidays, we include shabbat, and oddest of all, some laws about sacrificing animals. What do all these laws have to do with one another? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman makes a fascinating argument about how Shabbat works and shows that there are shabbatot in different realms.

When it comes to the Jewish holidays, we tend to relate to each one on its own. But often, we miss the bigger picture. The Torah actually talks to us in epic, sweeping terms about the very idea of a “holiday,” about how to understand the holidays and find meaning in them. Come into the text and get ready to unravel the Torah's secret about the true meaning of Sukkot, Pesach, and Shavuot.

In Emor, we read laws about the kohanim and about the vessels in the mishkan . . . wait, again? And, sandwiched between them, we hear a list of holidays like Shabbat, Yom Kippur, and Pesach. Why not finish talking about the mishkan and then move on to holidays? The answer to that will illuminate a deep secret about our relationship with God, with practical significance in our everyday lives.

In Parshat Emor, we read through the laws and details of the Biblical holidays. But this section also includes a few other laws – like the Omer offering, and agricultural laws like Pe’ah and Leket. Why are those laws included with the Jewish holidays? Join Rabbi Fohrman and Rivky as they re-examine the Emor text, and discover its subtle shared language with a few other texts of the Torah.

One of the most sacred traditions in Judaism is our weekly celebration of Shabbat, our “day of rest,”  when we commemorate that God “rested” after His six days of creation. But wait–why would an omnipotent God need to rest? Yes, He created the universe – but He’s infinitely powerful! And why would we celebrate Shabbat by emulating the day God rested, not the mind-blowing six days of creation before it? What did God do on His day of rest that was so incredible?

The Torah seems to speak of Shavuot as a harvest holiday, but the Rabbis conceive of it as the time to celebrate the Giving of the Torah. Which one is it? In this series, Rabbi Fohrman shows that the two actually complement each other to bring deeper, relevant meaning to Shavuot.

In Emor, we read about the Mekalel (the "Blasphemer"), the man who is punished for cursing God. Cursing God doesn't sound like a very religious thing to do, but it raises the question: Is it ever OK to speak against God? What about arguing with God? Find out in this audio series.

A printable parsha guide for our Emor video, "What is Sabbath All About?"

A printable parsha guide for our Emor video, "An Epic View Of Jewish Holidays"

We talked last week about seeing shabbat in different worlds. But how do we understand, conceptually, what this means? In this week's video, we look at Pesach, Shmita and Yovel and ask, where do we see Shabbat, and why does it matter?

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.

Behar is all about the seemingly strange laws of 2 different events: shemittah and yovel, the sabbatical year, and the year of the jubilee. What are they about? Are we supposed to learn anything from these laws? What do they mean to us today?

This week’s double parsha, Behar-Bechokotai, focuses on the agricultural cycles of Shemittah and Yovel. Strangely enough, the language here carries echoes of some of the themes of last week’s parsha, and even seems to take us all the way back to Mount Sinai. Are these ideas somehow connected? What could the revelation at Sinai have to do with agricultural laws in the land of Israel? Join Rivky Stern and first time co-host Ami Silver as they explore these fascinating connections and the implications for what it means to live together with God in this world.

The Torah seems to speak of Shavuot as a harvest holiday, but the Rabbis conceive of it as the time to celebrate the Giving of the Torah. Which one is it? In this series, Rabbi Fohrman shows that the two actually complement each other to bring deeper, relevant meaning to Shavuot.

A printable parsha guide for our Behar video, "Why Does Land Have To Rest?"

A printable parsha guide for our Behar video, "Behar - Walking With God."

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.

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.

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?

A printable parsha guide for our Bechukotai video, "Why Would God Curse His People?"

A printable parsha guide for our Behar-Bechukotai video, "Walking With God."

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.

In this video, Rabbi Fohrman points out a textual oddity - why does the Torah use two different words for "to count," and what do they each indicate? Through a deep analysis of the terms, we will come out with a stronger understanding of what it means to be an individual, but still part of a larger community.

Bamidbar should open with the stories of the desert, right? But instead, we are told of a census, the camp formation, and the Levites. Huh? Why is this the introduction to Bamidbar? In this week's video, we dive into the new role of the Levites, and see how it gives us a window into understanding our own responsibility, and our destiny.

Parshat Bamidbar is the first Parsha in the book of Bamidbar. Strangely enough, the names our Sages give to the Books of Torah often don’t line up with the Hebrew. Case in point, the Sages call Bamidbar “Sefer Hapikudim,” or the Book of Numbers. But what do numbers have to do with Bamidbar? Sure, the Israelites are counted in the beginning, but why is the whole book called Numbers? Is there actually a theme being presented in the title? And for that matter, are all of the Sages' titles actually presenting a bigger idea? Join Rabbi Fohrman and a special guest star (Arielle Fohrman!) as they explore these fascinating questions and their implications for the larger narrative of the Torah.

A printable parsha guide for our Bamidbar video, "Who Cares About Genealogy?"

A printable parsha guide for our Bamidbar video, "Why We Count."

What is the meaning of the Nazir, and what is the right way to elevate ourselves to a true relationship with God?

Rabbi Fohrman explores what might be the Torah's guide to parenting.

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.

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.

A printable parsha guide for our Naso video, "What Does The Torah Teach About Parenting?"

A printable parsha guide for our Naso video, "Letting Our Children Go."

The Torah describes Moses – he who stood up against God Himself – as the most humble man to walk to the earth. What? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he tries to understand Moses' humility and uncover his true greatness.

Rabbi Fohrman explores what might be the Torah's guide to parenting.

In this week's parsha, we reach the tipping point, where the nation of Israel begins their downfall, leading to 40 years wandering in the desert before being allowed into the land of Israel. What happened? How did everything fall apart? Rabbi Fohrman explores this question with the backdrop of the garden of Eden, explaining that this week isn't the first time God has given us food from Heaven, and we have rejected it.

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?

Parshat Beha’alotecha completes the Mishkan story that started in the middle of Exodus. Finally, the children of Israel are ready to embark on their journey to the Holy Land. But their journey quickly takes a turn for the worse as the saga of the desert experience begins to fester with complaints, regrets, and slander. Is this the beginning of the end? What will become of the Israelites’ journey? Join Ami and Rivky as they study the shifting dynamics of the desert story.

A printable parsha guide for our Beha'alotecha video, "Accepting Our Children"

A printable parsha guide for our Beha'alotecha video, "Where It All Went Wrong."

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…

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!

In this week's parsha video, we ask, are pessimists just rationalists, and is hope just naivete? Rabbi Fohrman points out an intriguing language parallel and argues that hope always exists, but we must direct it towards the future, not the past.

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?

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?

In Parshat Shelach, we read the story of the spies who ventured to the land of Israel and brought back a false report to the Israelites. But there’s something very strange about their report. Aside from being inaccurate, it’s strikingly similar to another story we’ve heard. A group of twelve men, ten of whom committed a terrible sin and two of whom were innocent — sound familiar? Join Rivky and Beth as they re-examine the text of the spy story — and never think about Parshat Shelach the same way again.

A printable parsha guide for our Shelach video, "Optimism vs. Pessimism."

A printable parsha guide for our Shelach video, "How Can We Relate To Such a Vengeful God?"

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.

This video explores two Midrashim that discuss humans attempting to counter the angel of death. Yes, you heard right – the Rabbis discussed whether or not we can outsmart death. Beneath the surface of these two stories are deep lessons about how we can change God’s mind through prayer. Can we listen to the sometimes implicit messages that God is sending us? Can we respond appropriately? These are just some of the elements that go into effective prayer.

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.

We’ve seen Israel complain over and over, but never before have they tried to undermine and dispose of their leaders. Join us as we make sense of Korach’s shocking complaints, this week on the Parsha Experiment.

In Parshat Korach, there’s a sudden rebellion against Moses and Aaron. Korach, the leader of the rebellion, argues that all Israelites are holy, not just Moses and Aaron. But where did his distrust of Israel’s leaders come from? Join Rabbi Fohrman and Ami Silver as they re-examine Korach’s family origin, which is recorded in the text, and see how his upbringing may have played a significant role in the rebellion.

A printable parsha guide for our Korach video, "Can We Change God’s Mind With Our Prayers?"

A printable parsha guide for our Korach video, "Why Did Korach Rebel."

Crime: Complaining about food. Punishment: Attacked by snakes. Sound extreme? Sound random? It's not. Find out how here.

In this week's parsha, we are introduced to the strange episode of Moses hitting the rock. Because of this small infraction, we are told, Moses will not be entering the land with the people of Israel. Why? What was the small act of Moses talking to the rock meant to teach the people of Israel?

In this week’s Torah portion is the famous story of Moses hitting the rock to get water and God subsequently barring him from leading the nation to the land of Israel. Why would Moses do that? What was his thinking? This week, we will explore this question in the context of water, Miriam, and the question of what it means to have faith.

In Parshat Chukat, we get even more complaining from Israel – this time, about the lack of water. How can they continue to complain after everything God had done for them? Join us as we explore the baffling story of Israel’s complaints – and how the next generation finally begin to restore their relationship with God.

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.

Moses was barred from entering the land because he struck the rock, right? Turns out it's not so simple. Understand why our greatest leader was deprived of the opportunity to step foot in the Promised Land.

All over the Torah, we see a running theme – where water goes, Miriam soon follows. But what is the odd relationship between the life force of water, and Miriam the prophetess?

A printable parsha guide for our Chukat video, "Was Hitting the Rock So Horrible?"

A printable parsha guide for our Chukat video, "Why Did Moses Hit The Rock?"

Are we rational? Do we use evidence and data to make decisions? See how Parshat Balak addresses that question, head-on.

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?

This week, we ask an incredibly broad question: what is the purpose of the nation of Israel in this world? To answer this, Rabbi Fohrman points out a fascinating connection between the three blessings Balaam (accidentally) gives the nation of Israel and the three blessings God gives to Abraham in Genesis. These links, Rabbi Fohrman argues, provide incredible insight into our purpose and our destiny, as a nation, and how we can bring God's blessings into the world.

For the first time in a while, the main characters of this parsha are not the people of Israel. While the story of Bilak and Bilaam is interesting, we wonder: the Torah isn’t an all-inclusive history book; why does the Torah tell us this story?

As the Israelites wandered to the Promised Land, they encountered many unwelcoming nations – Edomites, Canaanites, Amorites, Moabites. But after seeing what God did to the Egyptians, why didn't they embrace the Israelites and avoid God's wrath? Rabbi Fohrman and Beth Lesch re-examine the text of Numbers to understand how these nations perceived God and the Israelites.

A printable parsha guide for our Balak video, "Balaam, Prophet For Hire?"

A printable parsha guide for our Balak video, "What Is Israel's Purpose In The World?"

Do you know the best way to ask for something from God? The daughters of Zelophehad do. Click here to learn the secret of their success.

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?

Parshat Pinchas describes some very random stories – like another census of the nation, and the daughters of Zelophehad appealing to Moses for a portion of land. Then, suddenly, the stories culminate with God telling Moses about his pending death. Why does the Torah group all of these stories together, and does it have to do with God also telling Moses to appoint Joshua as the next leader of the nation of Israel?

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.

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.

In Emor, we read about the Mekalel (the "Blasphemer"), the man who is punished for cursing God. Cursing God doesn't sound like a very religious thing to do, but it raises the question: Is it ever OK to speak against God? What about arguing with God? Find out in this audio series.

Pinchas is famously described as acting zealously for God – and so is Elijah the prophet. The Sages see these two figures as connected, one statement even claiming they're the same person. Watch to learn more about the Bible's other zealot.

A printable parsha guide for our Bereishit video, "What Does It Mean To Be Zealous For God?"

A printable parsha guide for our Pinchas video, "What Is True Leadership?"

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?

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.

In this Matot-Masei parsha video, Rabbi Fohrman discusses the interesting conversation between the children of Gad, the children of Reuben and Moses, as they are requesting to live on the other side of the Jordan – not in the land of Israel proper. Rabbi Fohrman analyzes their exchange to get to the core of true communication – trust and respect.

In Parshat Matot-Masei, the Israelites are on the cusp of entering Israel. But before they do, the tribes of Reuven and Gad ask Moshe to stay by the border. At first furious, Moshe agrees provided they battle alongside their brethren as they enter Israel. But this exchange is strikingly similar to another negotiation between Joseph and his brothers, back in Genesis. What connects the tribes’ negotiations and Joseph’s brothers? And how does this all relate to the greater narrative of Moshe’s death outside of Israel? Join Ami Silver and Daniel Loewenstein as they explore these hidden narratives at the end of Bamidbar.

A printable parsha guide for our Matot video, "Why Is The End Of Bamidbar So Anticlimatic?"

A printable parsha guide for our Matot video, "The Art Of Effective Negotiation."

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?

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.

In this Matot-Masei parsha video, Rabbi Fohrman discusses the interesting conversation between the children of Gad, the children of Reuben and Moses, as they are requesting to live on the other side of the Jordan – not in the land of Israel proper. Rabbi Fohrman analyzes their exchange to get to the core of true communication – trust and respect.

In Parshat Matot-Masei, the Israelites are on the cusp of entering Israel. But before they do, the tribes of Reuven and Gad ask Moshe to stay by the border. At first furious, Moshe agrees provided they battle alongside their brethren as they enter Israel. But this exchange is strikingly similar to another negotiation between Joseph and his brothers, back in Genesis. What connects the tribes’ negotiations and Joseph’s brothers? And how does this all relate to the greater narrative of Moshe’s death outside of Israel? Join Ami Silver and Daniel Loewenstein as they explore these hidden narratives at the end of Bamidbar.

A printable parsha guide for our Masei video, "Why Is The End Of Bamidbar So Anticlimatic?"

A printable parsha guide for our Masei video, "The Art Of Effective Negotiation"

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.

In Parshat Devarim, Moses accuses the nation of Israel of not having faith. What? The people know firsthand about all the miracles God has done for them, how could they not have faith? Drawing on the Maharal, Rabbi Fohrman gives us a novel approach to faith, and challenges us to rise to this level of intimacy with God and with each other.

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.

In Devarim, Moses gives a grand speech that at first glance seems like a boring history lesson with the least inspiring stories! But underneath Moses' words is an unbelievable message that the nation of Israel needed to hear right before entering the land – and still applicable and inspiring to us, today. Join us as we try to tackle the mystery of Moses' final words.

We know God wasn't pleased with the spies. Due to their actions, an entire generation would die in the desert, never entering the Promised Land. But what exactly did the spies do wrong? They reported that the land of Israel 'flows with milk and honey' and was inhabited by strong peoples – weren't they just telling the truth? Why was God blaming the spies for reporting their experience? Join Beth Lesch and Ami Silver as they explore Moses' retelling and of the spies and discover their real failure and their children's opportunity to redeem their sin.

Moses was barred from entering the land because he struck the rock, right? Turns out it's not so simple. Understand why our greatest leader was deprived of the opportunity to step foot in the Promised Land.

A printable parsha guide for our Devarim video, "What Does It Mean To Have Faith?"

A printable parsha guide for our Devarim video, "What Did Moses Do Wrong? Part 1."

What do Canaanite treaties have to do with Jacob – and us? Turns out, plenty.

How do the Ten Commandments apply to our lives today? After all, most of them are not difficult to observe – “don’t steal… don’t kill” – these are not laws you need to think about daily. So what are we supposed to actually learn from the Ten Commandments? Rabbi Fohrman peels back the layers to uncover what lies at the heart of the Ten Commandments, a hidden theme that guides us to stronger relationships.

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.

In Parshat Va'etchanan, Moses speaks, a lot – but it all seems so boring, and disconnected. The Torah is a book – and every sentence of that book fits together, like pieces in a puzzle. But how does that work, in this parsha? What is this parsha actually about?

In Parshat Va’etchanan, the Israelites are forbidden from intermarrying with the Canaanite nations when they enter the land of Israel. While the rationale for this commandment may seem straightforward, its language echoes another story of a foreign nation, namely the story of the brutal mistreatment of Dina in Genesis. What do the Canaanites and Shechem have in common? Join Daniel Loewenstein and Beth Lesch as they re-examine these two narratives and explore the Torah’s understanding of how to both work with and manage the values of the foreign nations around us today.

In this course, Rabbi David Fohrman examines the meaning of Ten Commandments, why they are important & explores the most fundamental principles of Judaism.

A printable parsha guide for our Va'etchanan video, "Seeing Layers In The Ten Commandments"

A printable parsha guide for our Bereishit video, "What Did Moses Do Wrong? Part 2."

In Parshat Eikev, Moshe tells the nation exactly what God wants of us, but the prophet Micah makes a similar speech many generations later and exhorts the people very differently. Why? Rabbi Fohrman takes us into Micah's speech and explains the critical building blocks to being a good person.

Rabbi David Block asks an interesting question: why do the Israelites get to go into the land of Israel? Was it because of merit? Or because it was promised to our ancestors? Or, as the parsha suggests, because of the evil of the other nations? In this video, we analyze these reasons and suggest that they all work together to fulfill our covenant with God – to be a model nation for the world.

God afflicted the nation of Israel through the past 40 years of the desert, withholding food and water from them...on purpose? How can we have a relationship with a God like that? Why should we be thankful to God for everything He has done?

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.

A printable parsha guide for our Eikev video, "What Does It Mean To Be A Good Person."

A printable parsha guide for our Eikev video, "Why Does The Nation Of Israel Merit The Land?"

Har HaMoriah. Mount Moriah. Where have you heard that before? It's the mountain where the Beit HaMikdash was built. And it shows up one other time in the Torah: in the binding of Isaac. Coincidence? We think not.

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?

Rabbi Fohrman tackles a difficult and controversial question: Why do the oral laws from the rabbis end up looking so different than the written biblical laws? Plus, what is the point of the two types of legalism inherent in our religion? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman argues that thought without action can wither away, and that laws are about finding spirituality in the mundane.

God doesn’t like foreign gods... but does He have to remind us over and over? And the people, too, seemed to be obsessed with foreign gods. What made avodah zarah so attractive, and therefore so destructive, that God needed to devote law after law to its eradication? And what does any of this have to do with us, today?

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.

A printable parsha guide for our Re'eh video, "The Strange Laws Of Jewish Slavery."

A printable parsha guide for our Re'eh video, "Why Does Judaism Need The Written Law And Oral Law?"

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.

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?

Last parsha, we began to suggest that all of these random laws are somehow related to the 10 commandments! But what is the larger message that this list of laws is coming to teach us?

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.

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.

A printable parsha guide for our Shoftim video, "The Line Between Murder And Apathy."

A printable parsha guide for our Shoftim video, "The Significance of Saving Private Ryan."

The mitzvah to erase Amalek's memory is both troubling and confusing. But what if there's more to it than meets the eye? This video will give you a whole new understanding of what this mitzvah means.

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.

The promise for long life only comes from two commandments: honoring your parents and sending away a mother bird before taking her young. What's the connection? Rabbi Fohrman brings new light to this strange commandment and explains why its reward is long life.

Last parsha, we began to suggest that all of these random laws are somehow related to the 10 commandments! But what is the larger message that this list of laws is coming to teach us?

See how Shiluach Hakan – the law of shooing away the mother bird before taking her eggs – is tied to a pivotal story from the Book of Genesis.

Parshat Ki Teitzei includes the commandment to wipe out the memory of Amalek, the nation who attacked the Israelites after the Exodus. What did they do that was so evil that they deserve to be completely erased from history? Our parsha holds a surprising key to the Amalek puzzle, through another mitzvah that touches on themes of memory and erasing. Looking at these two mitzvot together opens up a new understanding of the battle with Amalek, what it meant for the Israelites, and what it means today.

Antisemitism. Where did it all originate and can we trace it through the Tanahk? Rabbi Fohrman argues that it may have begun with the story of Amelek, which is widely known as one of the most mystifying and difficult episodes in the Torah.

A printable parsha guide for our Ki'Teitzei video, "The Hated Wife."

A printable parsha guide for our Ki Teitzei video, "How To Merit Long Life."

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?

Parshat Ki Tavo introduces the topic of bikkurim, the offering of first fruits. But Rabbi Fohrman notes some oddities in the text and asks why the Torah would paint such a confusing picture, and what are these mysterious silences?

The first section of Parshat Ki Tavo tells us what a farmer must declare after offering Bikkurim, the first fruit. The second section lists the blessings and curses that will befall Israel depending on whether they keep their covenant with God. What is the common message that unifies this parsha? In this two part series, extending to Nitzavim, Rabbi Fohrman uncovers a hidden message of how to find true happiness.

God promises us dark, sadistic curses, if we don't live up to our responsibilities to Him. Parshat Ki Tavo is so difficult to read, how could God be so cruel to us? This video grapples with the incredibly difficult curses of Ki Tavo.

In Parshat Ki Tavo, the Israelites are told how they should publicly bless those who keep God's commandments, and curse those who violate them, making declaration from two specific mountains – Mount Gerizim and Mount Eval. But what's so special about these mountains, and why must it be so public? Daniel Loewenstein and Beth Lesch explore the gematria, grammar and topography hidden in Ki Tavo to understand what blessings and curses really mean.

A printable parsha guide for our Ki Tavo video, "How To Take Your Place In Jewish History."

A printable parsha guide for our Ki Tavo video, "The Pursuit Of Happiness, Part 1."

God only warns us about a Sodom-like punishment once in the Torah. But for what sin, and why? Watch and find out.

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.

The first section of Parshat Ki Tavo tells us what a farmer must declare after offering Bikkurim, the first fruit. The second section lists the blessings and curses that will befall Israel depending on whether they keep their covenant with God. What is the common message that unifies this parsha? In this two part series, extending to Nitzavim, Rabbi Fohrman uncovers a hidden message of how to find true happiness.

God promises us dark, sadistic curses, if we don't live up to our responsibilities to Him. Parshat Ki Tavo is so difficult to read, how could God be so cruel to us? This video grapples with the incredibly difficult curses of Ki Tavo.

Parshat Nitzavim states, “The hidden things are for God but the revealed things are for us,” which suggests perhaps that only God can punish for sins done in private. Could the parsha be alluding to a specific hidden sin in our history? Beth Lesch and Ami Silver re-examine the text of Nitzavim and its references to the story of the Sale of Joseph.

A printable parsha guide for our Nitzavim video, "The Pursuit of Happiness, Part 2."

A printable parsha guide for our Nitzavim video, "Where's the Happy Ending."

Why is Moshe teaching people about Hakhel right as he's preparing to die? What does it have to do with fear of God? And why is it so important?

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.

How did Moses feel when approaching the land of Israel, knowing he wouldn’t be entering the land with his people? This video is the first in a series of three, concluding the yearly Torah cycle, where we will attempt to get inside the head of Moses at the end of his journey as the leader of the Israelites.

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?

Parshat Vayeilech records Moses’ farewell speech on the last day of his life, where he reminds the people that he won’t be leading them into Israel and that Joshua will take over his position. But when you look closely at what Moses says about Joshua, you can’t help but ask, was Moses trying to sabotage Joshua's leadership, or warn the people about something? Beth Lesch and Daniel Loewenstein discover a hidden narrative in the Torah about the dangers of leadership.

A printable parsha guide for our Nitzavim-Vayeilech video, "Where's The Happy Ending?"

A printable parsha guide for our Vaeyilech video, "Moses' Farewell To Israel, Part 1."

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.

How did Moses feel when approaching the land of Israel, knowing he wouldn’t be entering the land with his people? This video is the first in a series of three, concluding the yearly Torah cycle, where we will attempt to get inside the head of Moses at the end of his journey as the leader of the Israelites.

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?

In Parshat Ha’azinu, the Israelites receive a frightening prophetic “song” about their future failure to follow God’s will, and the punishment they receive as a result. When Moshe introduces this prophecy, he states that he hopes his speech will fall “ke-se’irim alei desheh” -- like some sort of ‘rain upon grass.’ What does that mean? And why is it stated as an introduction to the song? Join Daniel Loewenstein and Ami Silver as they explore the hidden layers of meaning in Ha’azinu, and the crucial questions it raises for us today.

A printable parsha guide for our Ha'azinu video, "A Unique Nation."

A printable parsha guide for our Ha'azinu video, "Moses' Farewell To Israel, Part 2."

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.

How did Moses feel when approaching the land of Israel, knowing he wouldn’t be entering the land with his people? This video is the first in a series of three, concluding the yearly Torah cycle, where we will attempt to get inside the head of Moses at the end of his journey as the leader of the Israelites.

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?

In the Torah’s final parsha, Moshe is preparing to take leave of the nation he has been so devoted all of these years. He gives them blessings before taking his final departure. He then ascends a mountain and is laid to rest in an unknown burial place. Or is it? A careful reading of Moshe’s blessings may give us clues as to where he was buried. The significance of this is not so much about identifying the geographical location of his grave, as it is about teaching us a profound lesson in loyalty, brotherhood and redeeming unfulfilled dreams. Join us for a deep look at the Torah’s bittersweet ending.

Moses was barred from entering the land because he struck the rock, right? Turns out it's not so simple. Understand why our greatest leader was deprived of the opportunity to step foot in the Promised Land.

A printable parsha guide for our V'Zot Habracha video, "Looking Towards The Future."

A printable parsha guide for our V'Zot Habracha video, "Moses' Farewell To Israel, Part 3."