Al Pi Parsha Podcast

Paul and Aaron discuss the first few parshas of the Book of Number, including a chat about the mitzvah/commandment of Tzitzit. We've also decided to take a pause from podcasting at the moment. (This episode is from last year, that we didn't get to releasing) We've loved being on this Torah learning journey with you. Thanks for being along for the conversations over the years! May you keep returning to Torah and lifting up your own 'al pi' conversations, keeping the Torah on your mind on on your tongue (pi).

Paul and Aaron discuss Aaron's morning prayer practice, with mention of a techina/vernacular women's prayer. Paul reports on kasherut-related conversations from the Mandarin buffet and opens a conversation about how we know which fish are kosher and mysterious speculations on the source of Jewish dietary laws.

Paul and Aaron finish off the book of Exodus and begin the book of Leviticus. Aaron discusses what it is like being a Spiritual Leader in Toronto and the discussion continues with details of the building of Tabernacle and how Jewish tradition transforms and holds steady over time.

Paul and Aaron discuss the Torah portions of Yitro, Misphatim, Terumah and Tetzaveh and have a conversation about the story of revelation at Mount Sinai, the power of narrative and fiction, and the specificity of the details in the Torah, specifically getting into the placement of the Jasper stone in the High Priest's breastplate.

Paul and Aaron discuss the first four portions of the Book of Exodus detailing the central narrative of the Israelite exodus from Egypt. They get into a discussion about memory, identity formation Resources mentioned: Liturgical Six RemembrancesZakhor: Jewish History and Jewish Memory by Yosef Hayim YerushalmiOntario Jewish Archives Instagram

Demons, curses and blessings, oh me! Paul and Aaron discuss the story of Jacob wrestling with a mysterious figure and the Joseph saga, with an emphasis on Jacob's final blessings to his 12 sons (why not his daughter?) rounding out this year's go-around of the Book of Genesis. Themes of inter-generational trauma, demons, curses, patriarchy and the divine feminine all come up in this wide-ranging conversation.

Paul and Aaron discuss parshat Vayera, Chayei Sarah, Toldot and Vayetzei tracking the trends of the familial stories of Genesis, and chat about ancestors, prayer and listening.

Paul and Aaron begin the cycle again! This time we're taking bigger chunks for each episode. For this first one of the new Torah cycle we'll be exploring the first three Torah portions and explaining overarching themes of the Book of Gensis

Here's an unreleased episode from the summer. Take a listen, feel those warm summer vibes, and enjoy a conversation ranging from topics including the purpose of kosher food and how we might relate to powerful influences in society from a Jewish point of view. This is the last episode from our first Torah cycle. We're looking forward to exploring a new format in this next cycle, grouping together a few portions for each episode.

We're finishing up the Book of Numbers this week. Paul and Aaron get into the story of the daughters of Tzlofchad and the resulting gender and inheritance issues.