In this fascinating conversation with Professor Chaim Saiman, we explore foundational understandings of how the rabbinic system of law developed and is enforced. The conversation then turns to the judiciary role of American rabbinical courts today and how this compares and contrasts with trends in Israel. Check out Prof. Saiman's Book Halakha here:…

In this candid conversation with Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash, we explore the halakhic obligations and limits of the commandment to honor one's parents in an age where the parent-child relationship has undergone tremendous change. The series asks what axiomatic ideas sit at the root of Israel’s national formation, without which we wouldn’t be wh…

In this episode with R. Joe Wolfson, we explore the nation's experience crossing the Red Sea through a series of midrashic readings that provide greater human depth and emotional contour to the written text. R. Wolfson reminds us how Chazal's dynamic interpretations often provide a bridge between the biblical account and our lived experiences. The …

In honor of reaching 200 episodes, we held a special live event at Meshek 48 in Rosh Tzurim on motzei shabbat, Parshat Shemot.Our conversation focused on the women of Parshat Shemot: the midwives, Moshe's mother, Moshe's sister, and Bat Pharaoh. We spoke about their heroic roles in the parsha and about modern iterations of these women that we have …

In this deeply probing conversation with Matan lecturer Rachel Sharansky Danziger, we study Shemot 12 which focuses on the current exodus as well as its future retelling. Why is storytelling such a central tool at this point in our nation's early history? Is there an ethic of truth embedded in storytelling? How is storytelling relevant to our curre…

We continue our Shemot series titled, "First Principles of Nationhood," with R. Dr. Joshua Berman with whom we explore how the Torah revolutionized the role and responsibilities of the individual in a religious society. This episode relates to this week's parsha as well as so many later narratives and laws in Shemot and beyond. The series asks what…

This week we open our Shemot series titled, "First Principles of Nationhood." The series asks what axiomatic ideas sit at the root of Israel's national formation, without which we wouldn't be who we are? How might we adjust our current trends in the Jewish world to realign with these principles?For this opening episode, we sat down with Matan teach…

In this fascinating conversation with Dr. Elana Stein Hain we develop and challenge a creative and meaningful theory that compares Yosef's life trajectory to the figure of Kayin.Chazak, chazak, v'nitchazek!Our Shemot series titled, 'First Principles of Nationhood,' begins next week.If you live in Israel, come to our SPECIAL 200th episode EVENT in M…

In this conversation with Dr. Danielle Bloom that organically interweaves theories of psychology and biblical commentaries, we discuss the parallel life trajectories of Yehuda and Yosef, both of whom evolve before our eyes to become more empathetic leaders of family and nation.This week’s episode has been sponsored in prayer for the full recovery o…

This conversation with Dr. Ayelet Hoffmann Libson seeks to understand to what degree Yosef pursues the fulfillment of his childhood dreams, and how the tension between actively pursuing and letting go of the things we want is so complex.This episode has been sponsored by Barbara and Joel Rich in memory of the fifth yahrtzeit of Barbara’s brother Sh…

In this conversation with beloved Matan teacher Dr. Tanya White, we delve into the character molding that transforms Yosef from a self-focused youth into a statesman and caretaker of his family. The turning point will surprise you.Look out for Tanya's new podcast on Rabbi Sack's Torah put out by the Rabbi Sacks Legacy:https://rabbisacks.org/books-a…

In this searching and candid conversation with Chaya Cowen, we explore the internal struggles of Yaakov through psychological insights as well as Chassidic ones. Our Breishit series titled, ‘These are Our Heroes’ explores the highs and lows of our greatest biblical figures.To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode, visit the Matan Website’s D…

In this episode with R. Alex Israel, we discuss the sister dynamic between Rachel and Leah, their relationships with Yaakov and how these dynamics impact future generations.Our Breishit series titled, ‘These are Our Heroes’ explores the highs and lows of our greatest biblical figures. This week's episode is sponsored in memory of Harav Yitzchak Cha…

In this conversation with Rabbanit Debbie Zimmerman, she paints a sensitive and nuanced portrait of our most understated patriarch, Yitzchak. While some describe Yitzchak as passive and a dutiful follower of Avraham's theological revolution, in this episode we meet an attentive and serene depiction of Yitzchak's life stories.Our Breishit series tit…

In this conversation with Rabbanit Rachel Weber Leshaw, we discuss Rivka's entry into the family and how her qualities make her a fitting life partner for Yitzchak.Our Breishit series titled, ‘These are Our Heroes’ explores the highs and lows of our greatest biblical figures.This week's episode has been sponsored by Barbara and Joel Rich to mark th…

In this probing conversation with Michal Porath-Zibman, we discuss the highs and lows of Sara's life with particular focus on her absent, yet resounding, presence in the story of the binding of Yitzchak.Our Breishit series titled, ‘These are Our Heroes’ explores the highs and lows of our greatest biblical figures.This podcast has been dedicated by …

In this conversation with Dr. Chana Tannenbaum, we discuss the often overlooked story about the war between the kings (Br. 14) and what broader religious paradigms it reflects. Our Breishit series titled, ‘These are Our Heroes’ explores the highs and lows of our greatest biblical figures.To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode visit the Mat…

In this conversation with Dr. Mijal Bitton, we discuss Noach's emotional state after the flood and from where one can draw strength in hard times.Our Breishit series titled, 'These are Our Heroes' explores the highs and lows of our greatest biblical figures. To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode visit the Matan Website's DONATE page: http…

This week's conversation with Rachel Sharansky Danziger opens our Breishit Series titled, 'These are our Heroes,' which explores a central figure from each parsha, asking our guests what is meaningful, inspiring, powerful, challenging, and thought-provoking about their behaviors. This week, Rachel explores mankind's highs and lows in the parsha. Th…

In this conversation with Dr. Yael Ziegler we discuss the Torah of R. Mordechai Sabato on this week's parsha and the special role the land of Israel and Gan Eden play at the Torah's beginning and end. Chazak, chazak, v'nitchazek!This week's podcast is sponsored by Sara Averick and Jose Rosenfeld in memory of Sara's Aunt Rose.Stay tuned for the upco…

In this special episode, in conversation with Az Nashir's editors--Shira Lankin Sheps, Rachel Sharansky Danziger, and Anne Gordon--we discuss the impetus for this book's creation, its relationship with the Techinot genre of women's prayers, and how this remarkable anthology can be used by Jewish women and men now and in the future.…

In this episode with Rabbanit Dr. Adina Sternberg, we discuss her new book on the holidays, written in Matan's Kitvuni Program, and how some of its central themes intersect with the Ha'azinu poem. This episode has been sponsored by one of our listeners in gratitude for the weekly Torah thoughts and wisdom shared on this podcast.…

This week’s episode with Laurie Novick explores her Torah apprenticeship with R. Yehuda Henkin z"l , his exegetical approach through a commentary on this week’s parsha, the uniqueness of his halakhic writings about women, and his identity as a theologian. It’s a wonderful introduction to the life of a modern posek and what it can look like to be tr…

We're back with new weekly content!Through the prism of the mitzvah of Viduy Ma'asrot appearing in this week's parsha, this conversation with R. Jeff Saks movingly explores the nature of viduy and what this has to offer us during the Elul season. This week's episode is sponsored in honor of Rabbi Ed and Bobbie Winter's 59th wedding anniversary by t…

In this archived episode, the second of a four-part series on biblical characterization, Dr. Yael Ziegler and Yosefa take a broad, sweeping look at Moshe's life arc, shedding light on the final moments of his career in Devarim. Next week, we will be back with new episodes. Stay tuned!Af Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast

We're so happy for the chance to reload this episode with Matan faculty member, Simi Peters. In this conversation she shares her love for the Netziv (R. Naftali Zvi Yehuda Berlin) and what he has to say about innovation in the book of Devarim.Af Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast

Welcome to the Matan Podcast's summer 'vacation'!For the next three weeks we will be uploading a parsha episode from our archives with a new introduction by our host, Dr. Yosefa Fogel Wruble. In this enriching conversation with Matan’s favorite tour guide Shulie Mishkin, we explore the archeological background of Grizim and Eival and the reason the…

In this conversation, Dr. Tanya White speaks personally and broadly about the wisdom of Rabbi Sacks. She touches upon key points of his philosophy and highlights their interface with this week's parsha. This week's episode has been sponsored by Sari and Yair Givati in honor of their daughter Yakira's Bat Mitzvah.…

In this sweeping conversation with author and translator Ilana Kurshan, we explore Moshe's perspective on the nation's wilderness experience in text, midrash, and literary expansions. This episode has been sponsored in memory of Esther Yocheved bat Chaya Leah and Gershon whose yartzheit is on the 11th of Av.…

Welcome to our Devarim Series titled "Torah from our Teachers." Moshe is our greatest human teacher and the book of Devarim includes his monumental addresses to the nation. Each week our guests will share Torah learned from their most influential teachers.This week, Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash and I discuss some fundamental ideas related to the…

In this conversation with R. Dina Najman, we discuss the interconnected episodes of Tzelofchad's daughters in Parshat Pinchas and Parshat Masei and their significance for the nation's wilderness experience. Chazak, chazak, v'nitchazek!Our upcoming Devarim series is titled, 'Torah of our Teachers.' Each week our guests will share Torah learned from …

In this conversation with Rabbanit Myriam Ackermann Sommer, we discuss the moral complexity of Pinchas' behavior which saves the community from further collective punishment.This week’s episode has been sponsored by Carole Damon in memory of her father, Isidor Goldberg, Simcha Yisroel ben Shmuel z”l on his yahrzeit (16 Tammuz).…

In this illuminating conversation with Rabbi Yoni Rosensweig, we explore the gap between Moshe and Pinchas’ response to public apostasy in the parsha and how this relates to Rav Yoni’s innovative rabbinic work with the world of mental health.To learn more about the work of Maaglei Nefesh see their website: https://mnefesh.org/…

In this conversation with Dr. Erica Brown, we discuss the emotional undertones of the tragic Meriva episode, and how Moshe’s fatal misstep connects with broader trends of the wilderness experience.Af Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast

In this episode with Rabbi Yehuda Sarna, we explore Moshe’s reaction to Korach’s criticisms and how this parsha relates to the American campus protests and to the future of interfaith dialogue.Af Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast

In this candid conversation with Dr. Mijal Bitton about the reconnaissance mission and its failures, we explore what it takes to stand up to social pressure when the surrounding environment demonizes the things you hold dearest.Af Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast

In this conversation with Rabbanit Oshra Koren, Head of Matan Hasharon and Rabbanit of Kehillat Kinor David, we speak about the mitzvah of lighting the Menorah and its relevance to modern religious life and education.Af Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast

In this conversation with Rabbanit Chamutal Shoval, we discuss community-related elements sprinkled throughout Naso's diverse content. We end with some meaningful ideas for the upcoming holiday of Shavuot. Chag sameach!Af Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast

In this conversation with Rabbanit Shira Marili Mirvis, the Rabbanit of Shirat Hatamar in Efrat, we discuss the communal structure present in the parsha and its relationship with contemporary shul communities.Welcome to our Bamidbar Series titled Community: Between Order and Chaos, where we will be exploring the gap between the vision for community…

In this conversation with Dr. Yael Ziegler, we explore the ways in which the blessings and curses underscore the kind of life and society the people of Israel should be creating. This episode has been sponsored in memory of Sarah Bat Esther by the Cohen and Weintraub families.Chazak, Chazak, v'nitchazek! Stay tuned for a new series and guest theme …

In this conversation with Rabbi Binyamin Zimmerman, a conversation about the Torah roots of Shemitta practice ends up becoming a broader reflection on the role of Halakha in religious life. R. Zimmerman's book, The Shemitta Sensation: https://www.amazon.com/Shemitta-Sensation-Deeper-Jewish-Sabbatical/dp/173776170XThis episode is sponsored by Esther…

In this conversation with Rabbanit Dr. Tamara Spitz, we explore the philosophical and halakhic roots of counting the Omer.Af Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast

In this probing conversation with Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash, we discuss what it might mean to 'be holy' by looking at human relationships as the guiding image of spiritual exploration.Af Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast

In this wise and candid conversation with Rabbanit Shayna Goldberg, we discuss philosophical and practical elements relating to the laws of Shemirat Negiah and Harchakot which both feature in this week's parsha.We reference our conversation from last year, also on biblical sexual ethics, so here is a link to that episode for those interested:https:…

In this conversation with Dr. Elana Stein Hain, we discuss rabbinic perspectives on legal loopholing, the subject of her recently published book, Circumventing the Law: Rabbinic Perspectives on Loopholes and Legal Integrity (Penn Press, 2024). Elana's perspectives highlight the way Halakha should be seen as both a love language with God as well as …

In this conversation with Chinese acupuncturist and herbalist Batya Prebor, we discuss the manner in which Tzara'at may or may not reflect our internal spiritual state and then explore the related principles upon which alternative healing modalities are based.Af Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast

In this vibrant and candid conversation with Rabbanit Leah Sarna, we speak about peshat and midrashic readings of the birthing woman in Tazria and contrast her with Rivka's challenging experience of infertility and pregnancy. For some similar ideas in written form, see Leah's article for the Lehrhaus: https://thelehrhaus.com/commentary/catastrophic…

This episode, like its title, is an adventure. Through his amazing collection of life stories, Dr. Ari Greenspan teaches us about the role of 'tradition' in determining what birds are permissible to eat. In this conversation, Ari reminds us that Halacha is not meant to be learned from a book, but rather lived in full color.This week’s episode has b…

Episode 157 - Parshat Tzav: Remembering the Mikdash by Matan: One on One Parsha PodcastAf Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast

In this candid and insightful conversation with Rabbi Alex Israel, we speak about the intimate religious language the korbanot (sacrifices) used to convey and the complexity of any future reinstalment of them.Af Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast