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What Makes this Podcast Different from the Others in This Feed? I am very proud to announce here that I've started a video series exploring 'Pirkei Avot' ('The Chapters of the Fathers'). You can find the videos HERE. But for those of you who, like me, prefer audio-only I will be releasing the episodes in this feed as well. This podcast episode includes the audio from the first three videos strung together one after the other. Production Notes Thanks to the positive feedback I've received for including my production notes with podcast episodes I'm going to make that a regular feature. Here you go. Enjoy! Chapter 1, Mishnah 1 The tradition handed down, Judaism based on tradition, not 'mystery.' 'Be Measured in Judgment': RAMBAM take your time making decisions until you can really understand them deeply. 'Keep many students': meaning obvious 'Make a fence for the Torah': RAMBAM the rulings and laws that will keep a person far from transgression, as it says in the Torah 'and you shall guard my guarding' (u'shmartem mishmarti). Chapter 1, Mishnah 2 "Shimon the Righteous was from the remnants of the Great Assembly. He would say, 'On three things the world stands: on the Torah, on the [divine] service and on acts of lovingkindness.'"   Shimon Hatzadik was the last survivor of the first temple period, lived into the period of the Second Temple. 'World stands on Torah': RAMBAM this is wisdom 'Avodah': RAMBAM The sacrifices in the Temple which fix the world and maintain it's existence 'Acts of loving kindness': RAMBAM good character traits Chapter 1, Mishnah 3  https://www.sefaria.org/Pirkei_Avot.1.3?lang=bi   "Antigonos, man of Sokho, received from Shimon the Righteous. He would say, 'Do not be as servants who are serving the master in order to receive a reward, rather be as servants who are serving the master not in order to receive a reward; and may the fear of Heaven be upon you.'" Antigonus is a Greek name, shows us we have entered the Greek period. EITAN NOTE: As opposed to Greek way of seeing gods as functional. Put in a coin, get a result. RAMBAM: do it in the way of kindness, in the way a father may ask a small child or his wife, etc., to do him a favor and he gives him a few coins. He gets a reward, but he did the act out of love. BUT don't forget awe/fear entirely, thus the last line, because this is also necessary as the Torah commands it specifically "the lord your G-d you shall 'fear/hold in awe.'" Out of love we will do what requested, but only awe/fear will prevent us from performing a transgression/sin.

Why Can't We Talk to Each Other? America is in an ongoing crisis. Right now it's expressing itself concerning families trying to immigrate to the US and the way they're being treated by the authorities. And on this, as on many other issues, it seems that people can't even talk to each other. They can't possibly understand how a person with any serious morality, with good intentions, and with access to accurate information could possibly be on the other side. Here's how. I walk through my understanding of the chain of events, and then break down the competing moral frameworks functioning on both sides of the issue. Moral Foundations Theory My approach here depends primarily on the theories presented by Jonathan Haidt in his book "The Righteous Mind.", which I highly recommend reading! But if you don't have time for the whole book, here is the 'TED Talk', TLDR version of this theory. Please Leave the Nazis Out of This The episode ends with a plea to stop comparing current events to the Nazis, an explanation of why the comparison is both false and not useful, and some alternate historical analogies that hit closer to the mark. Rabbi Eitan's Show Notes The following were my notes for the show, which lay out broadly what I spoke about in the podcast. Feel free to follow along here if you like, or use it as notes to help pull things together. Scroll to the bottom for credits. For more from and about me, your host, go to www.rabbieitan.com. NOTES: -What's Happening and Why -Under Obama they were aggressively arresting illegal immigrants in 2014-15. The 9th circut court of appeals ruled that they could not keep children in jail more than 20 days, so they had to be removed from their parents. -After these separations started to happen on a large scale and get reported, Obama switched to a 'catch and release' policy, where they selectively chose not to prosecute families with children crossing the border, thus allowing them to enter the country freely. -Trump decided to aggressively enforce the border, prosecuting every illegal immigrant. This is the 'discretion' involved. Once the parents are arrested and being prosecuted, after 20 days the government is REQUIRED to remove the children. -It seems some of Trumps people see this issue with the children as a deterrent and some see it as an unfortunate by-product of enforcing border security. -over 90 percent of the American people, in both parties, agree that the children should stay with their parents. But while conservatives insist that this must be solved while continuing the arrests and prosecutions (thus solved by passing a law enabling them to stay together in custody), liberals want to go back to catch and release (an admittedly quicker fix). So even though almost everybody thinks the current situation sucks, they can't agree on what to do about it. Why?   -How can anyone see it differently? -Jonathan Haidt's book, "the righteous mind" outlines 5 basic categories of moral intuitions held across societies. Care, Fairness/proportionality, (in-group) Loyalty, Respect for (legitimate) Authority, Sanctity/Purity. -Liberals and Conservatives have different moral palettes. While liberals care a lot about Care and Fairness, they care very little for Loyalty, Authority or Sanctity, seeing those as illegitimate sources for moral reasoning if not downright immoral in and of themselves. Conservatives use all 5 of these areas, and the most conservative members of all the many societies surveyed by Haidt and his team gave each of the 5 'foundations' similar weight. -Let's apply this to the current situation. If I'm very liberal, I look at what's going on and I see that something unfair is happening. These people just want a better life, something I also want, and I have no right (FAIRNESS) to deny it to them. That would be UNFAIR. And I have a duty to CARE for them and their children and take care of them. -It may surprise some liberals to know that conservatives have those same intuitions. But they also value LOYALTY to an INGROUP over outgroup members, thus I do HAVE A RIGHT to treat people who are not US citizens differently from US citizens, and do not have an equal responsibility toward them as I do to others. And they also value respect for authority, seeing only anarchy and great suffering as the result if we all challenge and disobey authority according to our own moral intuitions. Thus their preference for working out this issue through passing a new law instead of selectively not-enforcing it. -In short, when a liberal person sees these people suffering, it seems that it is happening for NO GOOD REASON. Because the moral arguments for strict border enforcement only make sense in a conservative moral matrix. Thus there is NO EXCUSE for these bad outcomes. Conservatives see the border enforcement as MORALLY NECESSARY, and therefore they see the bad outcome of family separation as a negative side-effect of a good policy (strict enforcement). Thus they want to ameliorate the worst consequences but refuse to go back to 'catch and release.' They see crossing the border illegally as not only illegal but IMMORAL. They have disrespected our group and our laws, and at the very least they should not be allowed in. Liberals feel that we OWE THEM MORE for the sake of FAIRNESS, and therefore what right do we have to refuse to help them if they ask for it? -I hope that clarifies things a bit.   ONE LAST THING: Nazis. -Many pundits have been quick to jump to the comparison between what is happening now and the Nazis. As my wife says, "until they are tearing babies from their mothers' arms and throwing them alive into a pit full of burning bodies, don't talk to me about Nazis." Not all bad things are the same, and the comparison with Nazis just makes you sound detached from reality. Don't stop because it bothers me. Stop because it doesn't work and it makes you sound stupid and ignorant. -Of course, it could be that the main reason everybody jumps to 'Nazi' as their basis for comparison is because that may be the only great historical evil they are aware of. Allow me to offer some different, and still imperfect but at least closer-to-the-mark comparisons. These are a few I thought of off the top of my head: -Native American children taken to boarding schools and forced to speak English in the 1800s. -The 'Rabbit proof fence' which 'caged in' Australian aboriginal children. -The internment of Japanese Americans in WWII (different because families went together AND because they were American citizens, but there are some similarities too). Credits The rendition of Israel’s national anthem, Hatikvah, which serves as the shows theme music was created by Andrés Rodríguez (“androz” on Fiverr.com).    Most importantly, many thanks to the Creator of the Universe, for bringing about all these wonders, without which, I would have nothing to talk about.

If you only get news about Israel from CNN you may think that headline must be either satirical or written by a moral monster. Think again, and have a listen. Find Out More About me, Rabbi Eitan Levy, at www.rabbieitan.com.   If you’d like to support the podcast please go to our patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/rabbieitan.   To find all past episodes and show notes or to subscribe go to http://jewishgeographypodcast.com. Credits The rendition of Israel’s national anthem, Hatikvah, which serves as the shows theme music was created by Andrés Rodríguez (“androz” on Fiverr.com).    Most importantly, many thanks to the Creator of the Universe, for bringing about all these wonders, without which, I would have nothing to talk about.

On the 5th of Iyar 5708 (May 15, 1948), the two thousand year dream of an exiled people to return home was fulfilled. Three years after the Holocaust, the Jewish state took up arms, with the help of G-d, to chart our own destiny. And we have the audio!!! Fire up the grill and have a listen to prepare for Thursday's festivities! Find Out More About me, Rabbi Eitan Levy, at www.rabbieitan.com.   If you’d like to support the podcast please go to our patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/rabbieitan.   To find all past episodes and show notes or to subscribe go to http://jewishgeographypodcast.com. Credits The rendition of Israel’s national anthem, Hatikvah, which serves as the shows theme music was created by Andrés Rodríguez (“androz” on Fiverr.com). The text of the Proclamation of Independence used in this episode is taken from HERE. The audio of the announcement itself is from the Israel Broadcast Authority, the national radio broadcaster at the time.   Most importantly, many thanks to the Creator of the Universe, for bringing about all these wonders, without which, I would have nothing to talk about.

Over seventy years after the Holocaust, what's left to say about it? That's the question Thane Rosenbaum addresses in a recent article. We take up that question, discuss his answer, and also ask whether the Holocaust is really so different, where it stands in Jewish history, and what does it demand of us? This is the first episode where I am also releasing a video version, which you can SEE HERE. I want to thank my new subscribers on Patreon, Laura, Galina and Charles, as well as all of my ongoing supporters. Your hard earned money is very much appreciated!  Find Out More About me, Rabbi Eitan Levy, at www.rabbieitan.com.   If you’d like to support the podcast please go to our patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/rabbieitan.   To find all past episodes and show notes or to subscribe go to http://jewishgeographypodcast.com. Credits The rendition of Israel’s national anthem, Hatikvah, which serves as the shows theme music was created by Andrés Rodríguez (“androz” on Fiverr.com).   Most importantly, many thanks to the Creator of the Universe, for bringing about all these wonders, without which, I would have nothing to talk about.

What is more spiritual; prayer from the heart, or an animal sacrifice? In honor of the book of Leviticus (Vayikra) which we started reading this week, we discuss our underlying prejudice against animal sacrifice and try to re-evaluate the hierarchy of thoughts and feelings verses actions. Find Out More About me, Rabbi Eitan Levy, at www.rabbieitan.com.   If you’d like to support the podcast please go to our patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/rabbieitan.   To find all past episodes and show notes or to subscribe go to http://jewishgeographypodcast.com. Credits The rendition of Israel’s national anthem, Hatikvah, which serves as the shows theme music was created by Andrés Rodríguez (“androz” on Fiverr.com).   Most importantly, many thanks to the Creator of the Universe, for bringing about all these wonders, without which, I would have nothing to talk about.

In this week's episode we go through the scroll of Esther, discuss all the relevant commandments (the one you know the best is the least important!), and talk about how the holiday is observed. If you're looking for a half our to get you ready for the holiday this is for you! Find Out More About me, Rabbi Eitan Levy, at www.rabbieitan.com.   If you’d like to support the podcast please go to our patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/rabbieitan.   To find all past episodes and show notes or to subscribe go to http://jewishgeographypodcast.com. Credits The rendition of Israel’s national anthem, Hatikvah, which serves as the shows theme music was created by Andrés Rodríguez (“androz” on Fiverr.com).   Most importantly, many thanks to the Creator of the Universe, for bringing about all these wonders, without which, I would have nothing to talk about.

Tu Bishvat is often referred to as the 'Jewish arbor day,' but it's a bit more complicated than that. We discuss the history of this day, and how it's meaning has developed through time. Then we discuss looking at the world through a positive lens and the Jewish imperative to give others the benefit of the doubt.   Notes Read more about Tu Bishvat here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tu_BiShvat The Mishna I read in the first part of today's podcast is here and quoted below: https://www.sefaria.org.il/Rosh_Hashanah.2a?lang=en "MISHNA: They are four days in the year that serve as the New Year, each for a different purpose: On the first of Nisan is the New Year for kings; it is from this date that the years of a king’s rule are counted. And the first of Nisan is also the New Year for the order of the Festivals, as it determines which is considered the first Festival of the year and which the last. On the first of Elul is the New Year for animal tithes; all the animals born prior to that date belong to the previous tithe year and are tithed as a single unit, whereas those born after that date belong to the next tithe year. Rabbi Elazar and Rabbi Shimon say: The New Year for animal tithes is on the first of Tishrei. On the first of Tishrei is the New Year for counting years, as will be explained in the Gemara; for calculating Sabbatical Years and Jubilee Years, i.e., from the first of Tishrei there is a biblical prohibition to work the land during these years; for planting, for determining the years of orla, the three-year period from when a tree has been planted during which time its fruit is forbidden; and for tithing vegetables, as vegetables picked prior to that date cannot be tithed together with vegetables picked after that date. On the first of Shevat is the New Year for the tree; the fruit of a tree that was formed prior to that date belong to the previous tithe year and cannot be tithed together with fruit that was formed after that date; this ruling is in accordance with the statement of Beit Shammai. But Beit Hillel say: The New Year for trees is on the fifteenth of Shevat. Here is the song about Tu BiShvat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSWstqDijUU Translation (without repetitions): "The almond tree is blooming, blazing sun is shining, birds on all roofs singing, welcoming the coming holiday. Tu BiShvat has arrived, a holiday for the trees!" Finding the good in people. My quotation from a facebook post: "Today I witnessed a secular (looking?) soldier carry a haredi bag lady's cart up a massive flight of stairs for her without a word of request or thanks exchanged, an Arab driver in Silwan stopped patiently and let me cross the street NOT at the crosswalk with a group of 30 tourists in tow without showing any impatience as the cars behind him honked, and a haredi Yemenite 'beggar' gave me an extended Torah lesson and many blessings in return for a few shekels. The young 'dati' guy with a kipa and a pony tail at the coffee shop gave me a free pastry with my free (for the tour guide) coffee just cuz, and wished me a 'yom nifla' (amazing day). Rebbe Nachman's teachings train his followers to search for the good point in themselves no matter how far they've fallen, and to see the good in every person. May we all be blessed with eyes to see the good in ourselves, in every individual, and in every group of people with which we merit to come in contact." My loose translation of Rav A.Y. Kook's response to Brenner's public critique: "The man who said of me that my soul is torn spoke well. It's impossible picture a man without a torn soul. Only the inanimate is complete. But man has opposing aspirations, and an an internal battle is always raging within him. And the entire purpose of man is to unify what is torn in his soul by an all encompassing idea, that through it's soaring greatness everything is included in a universal harmony." This is the full song performed by Yonatan Razel based on the words of Rav Kook quoted above. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmxdLGCS3_k   Find Out More About me, Rabbi Eitan Levy, at www.rabbieitan.com.   If you’d like to support the podcast please go to our patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/rabbieitan.   To find all past episodes and show notes or to subscribe go to http://jewishgeographypodcast.com. Credits The rendition of Israel’s national anthem, Hatikvah, which serves as the shows theme music was created by Andrés Rodríguez (“androz” on Fiverr.com). This episode also includes a snippet of 'Harmonia' by Yonatan Razel HERE, and one of "Hashkedia Porachat" by Dafna Armoni HERE.   Most importantly, many thanks to the Creator of the Universe, for bringing about all these wonders, without which, I would have nothing to talk about.

Why do so many people fail to recognize the driving anti-semitism of the Nazis? How did the word 'Nazi' become a generic term for evil, and how does this take away from the very specific horror of their deeds? How are anti-semites using this confusion to attack the Jewish people today? And finally, how does this week's parshah, Beshalach, inspire us to live lives of deep meaning, followed by a couple of tips on how to define that meaning for yourself. Find Out More About me, Rabbi Eitan Levy, at www.rabbieitan.com. If you’d like to support the podcast please go to our patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/rabbieitan. To find all past episodes and show notes or to subscribe go to http://jewishgeographypodcast.com. Credits The rendition of Israel’s national anthem, Hatikvah, which serves as the shows theme music was created by Andrés Rodríguez (“androz” on Fiverr.com). Most importantly, many thanks to the Creator of the Universe, for bringing about all these wonders, without which, I would have nothing to talk about.

Are hero's born or made? Is it a choice one can make? How can Judaism help us develop our most heroic selves? In this week's episode we discuss  how one 'makes a hero,' relating to the most recent episode of 'Radiolab,' how practicing Judaism helps a person develop a virtuous character, and why that is so important. For the paragraph in the 'Laws of Repentence' quoted in the episode, see HERE and scroll down to paragraph 5. To find out more about me, Rabbi Eitan Levy, go to www.rabbieitan.com. If you’d like to support the podcast please go to our patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/rabbieitan. To find all past episodes and show notes or to subscribe go to http://jewishgeographypodcast.com. Credits The rendition of Israel’s national anthem, Hatikvah, which serves as the shows theme music was created by Andrés Rodríguez (“androz” on Fiverr.com). Most importantly, many thanks to the Creator of the Universe, for bringing about all these wonders, without which, I would have nothing to talk about.

In this week's mini episode I discuss the announcement of the US recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital (duh?), the meaning of Hanukkah, and why the menorah has been such a powerful and enduring symbol for thousands of years. We also get to hear my family, including me, singing the first verse of Maoz Tzur, the traditional song for after candle lighting. Featuring Daniella, Eitan, Hallel (age 8), Raviv (7) and Roiel (5) Levy on vocals.  If you’d like to support the podcast please go to our patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/rabbieitan. To find all past episodes and show notes or to subscribe go to http://www.rabbieitan.com/podcast/. Credits The rendition of Israel’s national anthem, Hatikvah, which serves as the shows theme music was created by Andrés Rodríguez (“androz” on Fiverr.com). Most importantly, many thanks to the Creator of the Universe, for bringing about all these wonders, without which, I would have nothing to talk about.

In this episode of the Jewish Geography Podcast I discuss the root meaning of the word, "Jew," and the connection it has to thankfulness. Then we study the opening lines of Moshe Chaim Luzzato's famous work of Jewish ethics, 'Mesillat Yesharim' (The Straight Path, or Path of the Just), and discuss how keeping our own highest ideals in site can have very important and very practical consequences, and we relate this to the ongoing revelations of sexual offences by various powerful men in the US. The following is text from the introduction to "Mesillat Yesharim,' from sefaria.org, which I go over in this episode. You can see the entire text HERE. "1. The writer says: I have composed this work not to teach people what they do not know but to remind them of what they already know and which is very familiar to them. For you will find in most of my words only things which most people already know and do not have any doubt about. 2. But according to their familiarity and to the extent that their truth is evident to all, so too is their neglect very prevalent and forgetfulness of them very great. Therefore, the benefit to be gleaned from this book is not from a single reading, for it is possible that the reader will learn little that he did not already know. Rather the benefit derived [from this book] comes from review and diligent study. For [then] he will be reminded of these things which, by nature, people tend to forget and he will put to heart his duties which he hides from. 3. If you reflect on the current state of affairs in most of the world, you will see most people of quick intelligence and sharp mentality devote most of their thought and interest in the subtleties of wisdom and the depths of analysis; every man according to his intellectual tendency and natural desire. 4. There are those who toil greatly in studying the creation and nature. Others devote all their study to astronomy and mathematics, or to the arts. There are others which enter closer towards the sacred, namely, the study of the holy Torah. Among those, some occupy themselves with Halachic analyses, others with Midrash, others with law decisions. 5. But few are those which devote thought and study to the matter of perfection of [divine] service: on love, fear, clinging, and the other branches of piety. This is not because they do not consider these things as fundamental. For if you ask them, each one will answer you that this is of utmost importance and that it is unimaginable for one to be considered truly wise if he has not fully comprehended these matters. 6. Rather their lack of devoting more attention to it stems from its being so familiar and so evident to them that they see no need for spending much time on it. 7. [Consequently] this study and the reading of books of this sort is left to people of not so keen, almost dull intelligence. 8. These types of people you will find diligent in all this, not budging from it, until the situation has reached the point that if one sees a person engaging in piety, he cannot help but suspecting him of belonging to those of dull intelligence." If you’d like to support the podcast please go to our patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/rabbieitan. To find all past episodes and show notes or to subscribe go to http://www.rabbieitan.com/podcast/. To see everything from Rabbi Eitan, visit www.rabbieitan.com. Credits The rendition of Israel’s national anthem, Hatikvah, which serves as the shows theme music was created by Andrés Rodríguez (“androz” on Fiverr.com). A tune titled, 'A New Beginning,' from bensound.com was used as the transition from the first to the second section of the podcast. Most importantly, many thanks to the Creator of the Universe, for bringing about all these wonders, without which, I would have nothing to talk about.

Why does Abraham insist on buying a cave in Hebron to bury Sarah, what does it mean, and what is the relevance of the burial site for us today? Find out on this week's mini-episode of the Jewish Geography podcast. If you'd like to support the podcast please go to our patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/rabbieitan. To find all past episodes and show notes or to subscribe go to http://www.rabbieitan.com/podcast/.  Credits The rendition of Israel’s national anthem, Hatikvah, which serves as the shows theme music was created by Andrés Rodríguez (“androz” on Fiverr.com).  Most importantly, many thanks to the Creator of the Universe, for bringing about all these wonders, without which, I would have nothing to talk about.

What do Hatikvah, psalm 126, a rabbinic dictum about "the doings of the fathers are a sign for the sons", the parshah, and the six day war have in common? In this week's episode of the Jewish Geography podcast we introduce the shows new theme music, discuss fathers and sons, and follow how the actions of the patriarchs reverberate and play out through the parshah and through history, up to and including the 6 day war. Listen to find out how! You can find the full text of Psalm 126, Shir Hamaalot at Sefaria.org, as well as an excellent article on the history of Hatikva as the Israeli national anthem HERE. Here is a photo I took of Rav Goren's siddur and shofar, on display at the Davidson Center in Jerusalem. And the iconic picture of the Rav blowing the shofar at the Western Wall. Read the text of the parshah, Vaeira on Sefaria.org. In the podcast I discuss a particular scene in the battle for Jerusalem in 1967. If you're interested in understanding a bit more about the context for that battle I found this great history video that lays it all out with archival footage and maps. Credits The rendition of Israel's national anthem, Hatikvah, which serves as the shows theme music was created by Andrés Rodríguez ("androz" on Fiverr.com). The audio from the Six Day War is from the archival audio of the Israel Broadcasting Authority. I used a clip from "Oh Freedom!" by The Golden Gospel Singers. Also a clip from Bensound.com which he has generously shared to use freely. Finally and most importantly, many thanks to the Creator of the Universe, for bringing about all these wonders, without which, I would have nothing to talk about.

In this episode of the Jewish Geography Podcast we interview Daniella, author of the newly released novel, "By Light of Hidden Candles,' a historical novel which follows the story of two families through five hundred years of turmoil, faith and romance from inquisition era Spain until the present. Then we talk about the parsha, Lech Lecha, and how our difficulties are part of God's self improvement program for our souls. The podcast finishes with a virtual tour, recorded live at Jerusalem's Jaffa Gate, the main entrance to the Old City. All past episodes and show notes (and machine transcripts of this and following episodes) can be found at www.rabbieitan.com/podcast. If you’re interested in supporting the show please follow this link to Patreon (www.patreon.com/rabbieitan) and donate. Even $1 a month helps! Credits Thank you to bensound.com for providing the music playing in the background during parts of the podcast as well as tristan-lohengrin for his, ‘jingle-02’, plasterbrain for his, ‘podcast-jingle,’ and mansardian for his, ‘news jingle,’ all shared freely on freesound.org.

In this week's episode of the Jewish Geography podcast I discuss some of the difficulties I had around Yom Kippur this year, talk about what purpose sacrificing comfort can serve in our relationship with God and, ultimately, how we can take those lessons and serve God with joy during Sukkot. The title is a reference to a line in Psalms (126:5), "They who sow in tears shall reap with songs of joy." If you’re interested in supporting the show please follow this link to Patreon and donate. Even $1 a month helps! Credits Thank you to bensound.com for providing the music playing in the background during parts of the podcast as well as tristan-lohengrin for his, ‘jingle-02’, plasterbrain for his, ‘podcast-jingle,’ and mansardian for his, ‘news jingle,’ all shared freely on freesound.org. This episode also included a short cut from Leonard Cohen's "Born in Chains." CLICK HERE to hear the whole song.

In this special pre-holiday bonus episode Daniella reads a chapter on the upcoming holidays from her book "Letters to Josep," and tells us how we can crown G-d king and get our souls nice and shiny for the new year. See more by Daniella including links to her blogs and books at her website. If you're interested in supporting the show please follow this link to Patreon and donate. Even $1 a month helps! Chag sameach! A happy and sweet new year to all our listeners!

In this episode of the Jewish Geography Podcast I talk about worldview called 'Moralistic Therapeutic Deism,' using social media without going insane, and delve into the weekly Parsha.  If you'd like to donate to keep the show going please do so on my Patreon page.

An intro to this weeks Torah portion of 'Ki Tavo,' the mitzvah of bikurim, and the practice of gratefulness. See the text discussed at Sefaria. If you would like to donate to keeping this podcast going please do so on my Patreon page.

This episode of the Jewish Geography podcast is a, uhh, encore performance (AKA a rerun) of one of my favorite pieces we've done. It's Daniella reading a post from her amazing blog, Letters to Josep. FOLLOW THIS LINK to read the original or listen to the original podcast in which it aired. This catches the essence of it for me: "The light was the essence of the Jewish people, which has survived a hundred times as long as it should have, which has refused to be extinguished despite the sound and fury of hundreds of cultures that swept the world, only to fade over time. But our light never faded. It burned, and burned, and burned. And in the midst of it all, the Torah is the “candle for our feet, the light to our path” (to slightly paraphrase Psalms  119:105), whispering in our ears the truth that God spoke to us at Mount Sinai. The Torah is the pillar of fire that continues to lead us through the desert to the Promised Land. And as more and more Jews see no reason to hold on to the faith of their ancestors, and their children and grandchildren lose all connection to that past, it is more important than ever to emphasize this message of Chanukah. There is something special about you and the people you come from. Something that God gave you, making you who you are and giving you the unique mission only you can complete. That is your light. Own it." Credits Thank you to bensound.com for providing the music playing in the background during parts of the podcast as well as tristan-lohengrin for his, ‘jingle-02’, plasterbrain for his, ‘podcast-jingle,’ and mansardian for his, ‘news jingle,’ all shared freely on freesound.org. Also thank you to Dan Foster for sharing his version of ‘Hatikva – The Hope’.