Explore every episode of the podcast Torah Jazz

Different approaches as to what went wrong at the rock. The role of water, clouds, and heavenly bread reflected in our three greatest teachers and how they ultimately affect our destiny.

The greatest political campaign of all time, the Kulanu Kedoshim campaign. A campaign so powerful it takes 2 miracles and a plague to end it. How our sages understood division in a breathtaking Mishna in Pirkei Avos.

A truly awesome Rashi, buttressed by the Ramban's retort, and embellished by an Alshich! All along trying to answer the age old question, "What's so great about lighting a Menorah?" Enlightening.

Reopening the case on Shmitta and Har Sinai. Does Rashi really answer the question? What do these two concepts have to do with one another? How is this meant to impact us with Shavuos fast approaching?

Delving deep into the Ramban and Rashi's definition of Kedoshim. Why are they arguing? And the bomb dropped by, you betcha', the Ksav V'HaKaballah himself. the holy R' Yaakov Zvi Meklemberg, and the question to which I have no answer. It's a doozy.

 We discuss a cryptic Ibn Ezra that parallels the events of purifying the Metzorah with the Pesach in Mitzrayim. You can also watch it here. And here are the sources.

"How does the ba'al Tzaraas get to be the bearer of good tidings for the Jewish people?" An awesome Rambam, a troubling Rashi, and a lip-smacking Chiddushei HaRim.

We explore the Gemmarah in Bava Kamma 60b with some commentary from the Rashba"sh and R' Moshe Feinstein. Chazal's insights into how we are meant to comport ourselves during a time of plague are inspiring and comforting. We also looked to the parsha and pirkei avos to address what a plague is and what causes it to come into the world.

The unique nature of the splitting of the sea – beyond the special effects. 2 awesome mamare chazal and one of the most misunderstood concepts in Judaism – emmunah.

Exploring our feminine side – why women always start the redemption. We'll also explore why midwives are such a big deal and what exactly a Puah is.

Compacting the theme of Shmos and the most breathtaking Gur Aryeh into the small audio space of one hour.

Yosef finally reveals his true identity to his brothers and his plan to bring everyone to Egypt. On the way he uses three clues that show there is a lot more to this scene than meets the eye.

The Yaakov/Esav dichotomy as seen in their actions and their names. The greatest play within a play ever staged (move over Hamlet) and understanding its significance. The themes in this session extend all the way back to Gan Eden!

Can words kill? We explore the one-liner that may have caused Sarah's death and explore its connection to the binding of Yitzchak. Warning: playing this track forwards will reveal satanic messages.

The role of the hidden Yitzchak, the significance of the 3 different "Bris"es, 99, 13, and 8 days, and why it's all so dang funny.

Getting current by getting ancient. Exploring the role of Hammurabi in Avraham's world and Avraham as a political figure.

We raise 5 questions on the very first verse of the parsha. In looking for one approach to answer them, we encounter deep insights into love, faith, and kindness.

We'll explore the types of things that make the world go round, Noach's big grill, and what gives plants the chutzpah to do whatever they feel like doing. It's an exploration of the tension between prophecy and knowledge and where we fit into it all.

The Noach/Avraham dichotomy. Comparing and contrasting these two paradigms. A little machshava, a little mussar, a lot of questions.

Making sense of the first three Rashis of the Chumash, and by extension, life, the universe, and everything.

Why are the offerings on this festival so unique? What actually happened on Shavuos and how is it reflected in our connection to the day? We'll exploring a truly astounding approach to Shavuos by the holy Mahara"l. Hold on to your Yetzer!