This week, we conclude the full cycle of parshas with a candid reflection on the end of the podcast, and a consideration of what makes poetry a powerful vehicle for divine messages.

This week, we conclude the full cycle of parshas with a candid reflection on the end of the podcast, and a consideration of what makes poetry a powerful vehicle for divine messages.

Why Torah is Like the Rain (Ha'azinu): Ep. 54

This week, we discuss the poetic insistence of the Bible that every Jew should be able to feel ownership over the Torah's message.

This week, we discuss the poetic insistence of the Bible that every Jew should be able to feel ownership over the Torah's message.

In Your Mouth and in Your Heart (Nitzavim): Ep. 53

This week, we have a lot of questions and few answers as we read some of the Bible's more unsettling passages, and consider what we could learn from situations we hope never actually happen.

This week, we have a lot of questions and few answers as we read some of the Bible's more unsettling passages, and consider what we could learn from situations we hope never actually happen.

Wayward Sons and Kidnapped Women (Ki Tetzei): Ep. 52

This week, we debate what it means to "not shut your heart" against the needy, and why compassion is no substitute for justice when it comes to righting social wrongs.

This week, we debate what it means to "not shut your heart" against the needy, and why compassion is no substitute for justice when it comes to righting social wrongs.

Is Compassion Extra Credit? (Re'eh): Ep. 51

This week, we discuss the importance of Mount Sinai in collective Jewish memory, and why Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land, even though he led the people out of Egypt.

This week, we discuss the importance of Mount Sinai in collective Jewish memory, and why Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land, even though he led the people out of Egypt.

Why Did God Keep Moses From Entering Israel? (Vaetchanan): Ep. 50

This week, we discuss whether it was a betrayal to make the Exodus generation die in the desert, and debate whether their sin of doubting the goodness of the land earlier in the Bible is similar to Jews hesitant to move to Israel today.

This week, we discuss whether it was a betrayal to make the Exodus generation die in the desert, and debate whether their sin of doubting the goodness of the land earlier in the Bible is similar to Jews hesitant to move to Israel today.

Did God Break a Promise? Did We? (Maatot-Maasei): Ep. 49

This week, we consider whether one can ever take the law into their own hands, and the pitfalls of vigilante justice.

This week, we consider whether one can ever take the law into their own hands, and the pitfalls of vigilante justice.

What do we do when we see evil unpunished? (Balak), Ep: 48

This week, we look at the rebellion of Korach, who tried to oust Moses as leader by claiming he was no holier than the rest of the Israelites, and consider Moses' unique reaction.

This week, we look at the rebellion of Korach, who tried to oust Moses as leader by claiming he was no holier than the rest of the Israelites, and consider Moses' unique reaction.

Is Democracy Always the Divine Plan? (Korach): Ep. 47

This week, we look at one of the Bible's most severe punishments, that of being "cut off" from the people, and consider what actions today might separate someone from the Jewish community.

This week, we look at one of the Bible's most severe punishments, that of being "cut off" from the people, and consider what actions today might separate someone from the Jewish community.

Who deserves to be cut off? (Beha'alotcha): Ep. 46

This week, we return to Mount Sinai to celebrate the holiday of Shavuot, and debate what it means to say that every day, Jews must recommit to the contract.

This week, we return to Mount Sinai to celebrate the holiday of Shavuot, and debate what it means to say that every day, Jews must recommit to the contract.

The Daily Call of Mount Sinai (Shavuot): Ep. 45

Parsha in Progress is the latest podcast by Tablet Magazine. Perfect for anyone interested in the Bible, every other week hosts Rabbi Dov Linzer and author Abigail Pogrebin, an Orthodox rabbi and a Reform Jew, delve into a Biblical issue and story, and discuss how this ancient text takes on modern meaning and brings modern challenges. With humor, love, and insight, these focused discussions follow the schedule of the weekly parsha readings in synagogue.

These short but informative discussions are first-rate and a pleasure to hear.

An excellent podcast

Love the five and take between Abigail and the Rabbi!

Fantastic discussion of the Torah portion of the week!

Parsha in Progress

For this week’s Torah portion, Toldot, we encounter the story of Isaac and Rebecca whose prayers are finally answered when, after 20 years of trying to conceive, Rebecca becomes pregnant with twins. But the trouble starts right away as Jacob and Esau struggle in the womb and a simmering conflict ensues between the brothers and their parents. Listen as writer Abigail Pogrebin (author of My Jewish Year) and Rabbi Dov Linzer (head of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah) try to work out whether ‘pulling the wool over someone’s eyes’ can ever really be a moral act.

For this week’s Torah portion, Toldot, we encounter the story of Isaac and Rebecca whose prayers are finally answered when, after 20 years of trying to conceive, Rebecca becomes pregnant with twins. But the trouble starts right away as Jacob and Esau struggle in the womb and a simmering conflict ensues between the brothers and their parents. Listen as writer Abigail Pogrebin (author of My Jewish Year) and Rabbi Dov Linzer (head of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah) try to work out whether ‘pulling the wool over someone’s eyes’ can ever really be a moral act.

Jacob and Esau (Toldot): Ep 3.

This week, Dov and Abby discuss kindness, cruelty, camels, and the trait they think every marriage requires.

This week, Dov and Abby discuss kindness, cruelty, camels, and the trait they think every marriage requires.

Rebecca’s Well of Kindness (Chayei Sarah): Ep. 31

This week, Dov and Abby discuss the scapegoat who is sent to die for the sins of the people of Israel, and debate how the Torah can guide us in our own grappling with guilt and forgiveness.You can email us at parshainprogress@tabletmag.comFind out more at http://tabletmag.com/parshainprogress

This week, Dov and Abby discuss the scapegoat who is sent to die for the sins of the people of Israel, and debate how the Torah can guide us in our own grappling with guilt and forgiveness.You can email us at <a href="mailto:parshainprogress@tabletmag.com">parshainprogress@tabletmag.com</a>Find out more at <a href="http://tabletmag.com/parshainprogress" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://tabletmag.com/parshainprogress</a>

Offloading of Sins (Achrei Mot): Ep. 16

This week, Dov and Abby discuss why Noah is considered worthy enough to be the last man standing and the FIRST human to restart humanity. Why did God gave up on his own creation so fast, and how can Noah be called “righteous” when he didn’t protect anyone but himself? At a time in this country when there’s so much talk about meanness versus compassion, whether we are good or evil— born mean or taught—it’s an ideal moment to revisit Noah’s selfishness, God’s exasperation, and the massive do-over of creation. 

This week, Dov and Abby discuss why Noah is considered worthy enough to be the last man standing and the FIRST human to restart humanity. Why did God gave up on his own creation so fast, and how can Noah be called “righteous” when he didn’t protect anyone but himself?  At a time in this country when there’s so much talk about meanness versus compassion, whether we are good or evil— born mean or taught—it’s an ideal moment to revisit Noah’s selfishness, God’s exasperation, and the massive do-over of creation.

Wiping out Humanity — God’s Regret (Noach): Ep. 29

This week, Dov and Abby discuss sibling rivalry, the pain of infertility, and whether or not Genesis would pass the Bechdel test.

This week, Dov and Abby discuss sibling rivalry, the pain of infertility, and whether or not Genesis would pass the Bechdel test.

Loved and Unloved Wives (Vayetzei): Ep. 32

This week, Dov and Abby wonder what it would mean if we all had the potential to be an Abraham, and how the divine promise of Israel lives on in Israeli politics.

This week, Dov and Abby wonder what it would mean if we all had the potential to be an Abraham, and how the divine promise of Israel lives on in Israeli politics.

We Are All Abraham (Lech Lecha): Ep. 30

Parshat Vayechi: Are humans the instruments of God, or are we responsible for our own actions? This week, we’re discussing the moment when Joseph acknowledges the evil his brothers did to him while assuring them that God used their actions for good. 

Parshat Vayechi: Are humans the instruments of God, or are we responsible for our own actions? This week, we’re discussing the moment when Joseph acknowledges the evil his brothers did to him while assuring them that God used their actions for good.

Good, Evil, and the Riddle of Free Will (Vayechi): Ep 6

This week, we discuss Pharaoh's odd visions and why dream interpretation was such a hot Biblical qualification for leadership.

This week, we discuss Pharaoh's odd visions and why dream interpretation was such a hot Biblical qualification for leadership.

Do Dreams Tell Your Future? (Miketz): Ep. 33

This week, Dov and Abby look at the Bible’s practical guides for giving to those in need, and considers how different ways of giving manifest today.You can email us at parshainprogress@tabletmag.comFind out more at http://tabletmag.com/parshainprogress

This week, Dov and Abby look at the Bible’s practical guides for giving to those in need, and considers how different ways of giving manifest today.You can email us at <a href="mailto:parshainprogress@tabletmag.com">parshainprogress@tabletmag.com</a>Find out more at <a href="http://tabletmag.com/parshainprogress" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://tabletmag.com/parshainprogress</a>

What Does Charity Mean? (Emor): Ep. 17

Are second chances always second best? This week, Dov and Abby consider the aftermath of the broken tablets, and how humans can be partners in our own destinies.

Are second chances always second best? This week, Dov and Abby consider the aftermath of the broken tablets, and how humans can be partners in our own destinies.

Broken Tablets (Passover Reading): Ep. 15 

This week’s episode covering the parsha Vayishlach, opens a discussion into one of the most disturbing events in Genesis: the episode known as “the rape of Dinah.” Is this a straightforward example of sexual violence and the silencing of a female victim? Or, as some more modern commentators have suggested, is there a more complicated story of forbidden desire and individual agency lurking beneath the violent surface? Abby and Rabbi Dov discuss.

This week’s episode covering the parsha Vayishlach, opens a discussion into one of the most disturbing events in Genesis: the episode known as “the rape of Dinah.” Is this a straightforward example of sexual violence and the silencing of a female victim? Or, as some more modern commentators have suggested, is there a more complicated story of forbidden desire and individual agency lurking beneath the violent surface? Abby and Rabbi Dov discuss.

The Rape of Dinah (Vayishlach): Ep. 4

In this episode, Dov and Abby discuss the death of two sons of Aaron the High Priest, killed by divine fire for offering an unrequested "strange fire" on the altar, and consider why the zealous worship of God can often lead to death of people.

In this episode, Dov and Abby discuss the death of two sons of Aaron the High Priest, killed by divine fire for offering an unrequested "strange fire" on the altar, and consider why the zealous worship of God can often lead to death of people.

Nadav and Abihu (Shemini): Ep. 13 

This week, we discuss why Joseph is the one who cries the hardest.

This week, we discuss why Joseph is the one who cries the hardest.

When Should Leaders Cry? (Vayigash): Ep. 34

This week on Parsha in Progress: Parshat Vayeshev—Do Good Intentions Matter? Abby and Rabbi Dov discuss the story of Joseph and his brothers.  Their conversation explores how to assess the role of Reuven, who attempted to save Joseph from death by suggesting the brothers throw him in a pit, but ultimately could not keep him from being taken into slavery.

This week on Parsha in Progress: Parshat Vayeshev—Do Good Intentions Matter? Abby and Rabbi Dov discuss the story of Joseph and his brothers.  Their conversation explores how to assess the role of Reuven, who attempted to save Joseph from death by suggesting the brothers throw him in a pit, but ultimately could not keep him from being taken into slavery.

Do Good Intentions Matter? (Vayeshev): Ep 5

How do we understand biblical commands that seem cruel? This week, we discuss the Biblical response to physical ailments, focusing on the case of the "metzorah" who is diagnosed with a skin disease and then sent to live outside the community, isolated for seven days.

How do we understand biblical commands that seem cruel? This week, we discuss the Biblical response to physical ailments, focusing on the case of the "metzorah" who is diagnosed with a skin disease and then sent to live outside the community, isolated for seven days.

Banishing the Sick (Tazria): Ep. 14

This week we discuss leadership in action, looking at the early life of Moses and considering the challenges of cultivating fierce ideological commitment alongside a deep and personal concern for individuals. 

This week we discuss leadership in action, looking at the early life of Moses and considering the challenges of cultivating fierce ideological commitment alongside a deep and personal concern for individuals.

The Early Life of Moses (Shemot): Ep. 7

This week, Dov and Abby look at the list of punishments promised for violating God’s commandments, and question the value of religious activity motivated by fear

This week, Dov and Abby look at the list of punishments promised for violating God’s commandments, and question the value of religious activity motivated by fear

Can Punishment Be Holy? (Bechukotai): Ep. 18

In this episode, Dov and Abby discuss the commandment to offer animal sacrifices, and consider the spiritual possibilities and detriments of sacrificial worship. 

In this episode, Dov and Abby discuss the commandment to offer animal sacrifices, and consider the spiritual possibilities and detriments of sacrificial worship.

Animal Sacrifices (Vayikra): Ep. 12

This week, Dov and Abby reflect on the last parsha of the Torah, and the concluding message of Moses and the verses.

This week, Dov and Abby reflect on the last parsha of the Torah, and the concluding message of Moses and the verses.

 End of the Mountain (V'zot HaBracha): Ep. 28

This week, Dov and Abby consider whether reliance on divine miracles is risky or brave, by analyzing the different actions of the Israelite spies sent to investigate the land of Canaan.

This week, Dov and Abby consider whether reliance on divine miracles is risky or brave, by analyzing the different actions of the Israelite spies sent to investigate the land of Canaan.

Where There Be Giants (Shlach): Ep. 20

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