Cities of Refuge

The most important Jewish find in recent history was the Cairo Geniza, a massive trove of hundreds of thousands of ancient documents and books that entirely rewrote medieval Jewish and Middle Eastern history. A fascinating discussion about the exciting find and some of the amazing things we learned from it. 

On Jewish festivals, we have a Mitzvah to recite 6 chapters of Psalms expressing our thanks to G-d for the miracles He has performed for us. Reciting these Chapters is called Hallel - praise. A Chanukah related discussion about the Mitzvah of reciting Hallel.  

Bet Shamai and Bet Hillel were two major Jewish schools in Jerusalem that lasted about 100 years from about 10 BCE to 70 CE. The schools were founded by two great Jewish leaders Hillel and Shamai. There were hundreds of debates of Jewish law between the two prominent schools. A fascinating discussion about Beit Shamai and Beit Hillel and their important contributions to Judaism and Jewish History. 

Jews have a tendency that whenever they speak, they regularly mention G-d or the common Hebrew word Hashem. Where does this come from? Why do we mention G-d so regularly and casually in our conversations?A fascinating conversation about the Jewish custom of regularly mentioning G-d.

In a cryptic story, the Torah tells us how Jacob found himself alone at night and found himself wrestling with a man who dislocated his thigh. Jacob refused to let the man go without a blessing and the man told him that his name will be changed from Jacob to Israel.Clearly this man was no ordinary man and the story has deeper meaning. Most commentaries assume this man was an angel. Who was this angel? Can a person really wrestle with an angel? What is the meaning of this fight and the dislocated thigh?A fascinating discussion about Jacob's wrestling with the angel and the lessons for us today.

The Roman Empire in its different forms lasted for 1,000 years and had a big impact on Jews in our long history. At times the Romans were tolerant and even supportive of Jews at other times they were ruthless including in destroying the second Temple and ending Jewish independence in the land of Israel.Jewish tradition traces Romans back to Jacob's brother Esau who attempted to kill him.A fascinating relationship between Rome and the Jews.

In one of the most perplexing stories in the Torah, Isaac wanted to bless his older son Esau before his death. However, his younger son Jacob tricked his father into believing that he was Esau and blessing him instead. How was Jacob allowed to trick his father? Was it ethical for him to take the blessings meant for his brother?A fascinating class about how Jacob was able to trick his father.

It is a jewish custom not to cut a boy's hair until their third birthday and then on their 3 year old birthday. cut their hair short leaving their peyot (sidelocks) visible. What is the reason for this custom and where does it come from?A fascinating discussion about the Upsherin, the 3-year-old haircutting. Other classes mentioned:Why Do Many Jewish Men Have Beards? https://open.spotify.com/episode/7xY7BYAGlLDyajzT2AveRv?si=pAMy3syjT5i6s9QI6gG0PAThe 13 Attributes of Mercy https://open.spotify.com/episode/2yTWzQqJattoOKsB9VfPV0?si=9XNkDhgwTy2O3PGfC52eSwParallel Universes https://open.spotify.com/episode/5wwVTpeGUOGtEmuuxraaCf?si=2R3YW30TQhq8oOHW6xeOtAThe Importance of Jewish Pride https://open.spotify.com/episode/0GCMjj8MruxNWKDWayMFv6?si=95GNTl9LS3CEwpeh-Cjmcw

Not only are we commanded to care for the sick and help them heal, it is an important Mitzvah for us to visit the sick and spend time with them. A fascinating discussion about the unique Mitzvah of visiting the sick. 

Lot, Abraham's nephew has a notable role in the story of Abraham, traveling with him to Canaan until they eventually separate. Abraham later risks his life to save Lot from captivity and G-d saves him from Sodom before it was destroyed.Who was Lot, why does he play such an important role in Abraham's story and what is his historical impact?