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Tisha B’Av is the saddest day in the Jewish calendar, commemorating the destruction of the Temple. What caused the downfall of Jerusalem? What caused all the internal friction that led to its demise? And is there a lesson we can perhaps take away for use in our own lives, because we are destined to repeat those […]The post Devarim/Tisha B’Av – Internal Hatred – Episode 37 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we examine the southern border of Eretz Yisrael. Is Eilat part of halachic Eretz Yisrael? What about the Sinai Peninsula? Do the refuge cities (arei miklat) play a role in the discussion? Find out now! Show Notes and Links Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t work, […]The post Matos Masei – South of the Border : Eilat – Episode 36 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we take a look at Semicha (ordination). How it began, what it was needed for, and when did it end. An exciting journey through history! Listen now! Show Notes and Links Click here for an article in Hebrew with the letters from the Geonim. Please take the survey to help me help you! […]The post Pinchas – Ending Ordination – Episode 35 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we take a look at who was Bilaam, where did he come from, and how does he do his stuff. Is he a prophet or a scumbag? Listen to find out! Show Notes and Links Click here for the full text of the inscription at Deir Alla. Please take the survey to help […]The post Balak – Bilaam’s Dark Past – Epsiode 34 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we take a look at the halachic debate about Kohanim visiting graves of various righteous people, including Kever Rachel, Mearas Hamachpela, and MIron. Listen for more info! Show Notes and Links Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t work, you can access it at torahdiscoveries.com/survey. Check out […]The post Chukas – Righteous Impurity – Episode 33 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we examine the itinerary the spies took on their journey of Eretz Yisrael. From where did they go, where did they stop, and where exactly were the group of those who rebelled going? Check it out! Show Notes and Links Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t […]The post Shelach – Travelling Israel in 40 Days – Episode 32 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we examine the episode of the slav (quail). What happened, how was this different than the other episodes of demanding food, and the kosher status of quail. Check it out. Show Notes and Links Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t work, you can access it at […]The post Behaaloscha – Quarrels and Quail – Episode 31 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we take a look at the custom of Akdamus. Lots of clasehs between cultures have taken place over this poem. We trace the history and origins of this holy hymn. Listen now! Show Notes and Links Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t work, you can access […]The post Shavuos – Clash of Cultures – Episode 30 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we trace the historical development of Shemittah observance throughout the ages, including the still hotly debated Heter Mechirah. A must listen! Show Notes and Links Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t work, you can access it at torahdiscoveries.com/survey. Check out my website at torahdiscoveries.com. Please rate, review, […]The post Behar-Bechukosai – Selling Shemittah – Episode 29 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we delve into the Lag Baomer celebration at Meron. Is it really Rashbi’s yahrtzeit or is there some other reason? Find out more! Show Notes and Links For more info about Lag Baomer and Rashbi’s yahrtzeit, look at this article from Seforim blog. Please take the survey to help me help you! If […]The post Emor/Lag Baomer – Rashbi’s Yahrtzeit – Episode 28 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we analyze the fire worship of Moloch, its’ purpose, and the methods used in this barbaric practice. Why did the people feel an attraction to this repulsive act? Listen for more info! Show Notes and Links Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t work, you can access […]The post Acharei Mos Kedoshim – Fiery Sacrifice – Episode 27 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we discuss the nature of tzaraas. Is it physical or spiritual? What about other people mentioned in the parsha such as the zav? Find out now! Show Notes and Links Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t work, you can access it at torahdiscoveries.com/survey. Check out my […]The post Tazria Metzorah – The Leper’s Spots – Episode 26 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we discuss the Seder, how it was formed, and what its’ purpose is. Learn more about the ritual we do every year! Show Notes and Links Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t work, you can access it at torahdiscoveries.com/survey. Check out my website at torahdiscoveries.com. Please rate, […]The post Pesach – The Seder Symposium – Episode 25 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we discuss the prohibition against eating blood, the reasons why the Jews would want to eat it, and the place that blood has found in cuisine in many cultures. Check it out! Show Notes and Links Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t work, you can access […]The post Tzav – Blood Cuisine – Episode 24 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we discuss the controversy regarding bringing korbanos today and its’ historical precedents. Did people actually bring korbanos after the destruction of the Temple or not? Listen to find out! Show Notes and Links Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t work, you can access it at torahdiscoveries.com/survey. […]The post Vayikra – Sacrificing Temple-less – Episode 23 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we take a look at the kiyor (washbasin) made from copper mirrors. How did these mirrors work and what were they used for? Check it out! Show Notes and Links Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t work, you can access it at torahdiscoveries.com/survey. Check out my […]The post Vayakhel Pekudei – The Mirrored Washbasin – Episode 22 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we examine why the Jews made a golden calf specifically, visit a “holy cow”, as well as a mention of Esther in this context. Listen for more info! Show Notes and Links Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t work, you can access it at torahdiscoveries.com/survey. Check […]The post Ki Sisa – The Golden Calf and the Holy Cow – Epsiode 21 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we explore the priestly vestments (bigdei kehuna). their function, and their relationship to the Purim story. A detailed background to the Purim story as well! A must listen! Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t work, you can access it at torahdiscoveries.com/survey. Check out my website at torahdiscoveries.com. […]The post Tetzaveh – Purim and Priestly Vestments – Episode 20 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we explore the famous golden Menorah. How was it made, what did it look like, and what happened to it. Is it still hiding in the recesses of the Vatican basement? Listen to find out more! Show Notes and Links For more information about the Yeshiva University (YU) project click here. For details […]The post Terumah – The Golden Menorah – Episode 19 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.

This week we discuss the importance of the judicial laws of the Torah. We examine the prophets’ exhortations to follow justice and redress wrongdoings, with two real life examples from ancient letters. Listen now! Show Notes and Links Please take the survey to help me help you! If the link doesn’t work, you can access […]The post Mishpatim – Justice Served – Episode 18 appeared first on Torah Discoveries.