Aleph Beta

Our Approach To Torah Study

Tools For Close Reading // Intertextuality

The Connection Between Noah And The Story Of Creation

Okay, God decided to destroy the world. But there are lots of ways to destroy a world: why a flood?

13 min

God's Ark And Noah's Ark

Uncover the extensive parallells between God's ark in the tabernacle and Noah's ark in the flood, and see how we can learn from their mysterious connections.

Part 1 of 2 • 13 min

What Was The Real Sin Of Sodom And Gomorrah?

All the great philosophers have offered their opinions about how to create the ideal society. What does the Torah say? Find out in this video, where Rabbi Fohrman reveals what the real sin of Sodom teaches us.

16 min

Reversing Tisha B’Av: How To Actually Rid Ourselves Of Sinat Chinam

We sit on the floor, we cry – but sometimes it feels like we’re just going through the motions. Rachel Imenu shows us a deeper way to mourn — that actually changes us, that banishes sinat chinam, baseless hatred, from our hearts.

Part 1 of 5 • 8 min

Why Did God Permit The Israelites To Become Slaves?

The Exodus story is gripping, emotional, and exciting. But...isn't it also deeply theologically troubling? God freed us from slavery, yes - but why did God allow the Israelites to become enslaved in the first place? Why not skip the whole slavery part, and go straight to the happy ending? Join Rabbi Fohrman on the search for answers, and a deeper understanding about how much we have to be thankful for.

Part 1 of 5 • 8 min

Jacob, Angels, And Connecting To God

We all know about Jacob’s vision of a ladder with angels going up and down - but what was the meaning of that mysterious dream? Could it have something to do with the very mission of Jacob’s family here on earth? Come see for yourself.

14 min

An illustration of Eliezer and Rebekah at the well. They are dressed in blue clothing with white head coverings and Rebecca is holding a large water jug. There is a camel drinking water from a trough in the background.

Eliezer And Rebecca At The Well: The Deeper Significance

The Torah seems to connect Isaac’s search for a wife and the selection of one of Israel’s first national leaders. Why? What do marriage and kingship have in common? This video offers a novel idea about what makes nations rise and fall, and what makes marriages succeed or fail.

9 min

The Sons Of Isaac Reconcile

Jacob reunites with Esav, and emerges without a scratch. How did this happen? Did Jacob once again escape the wrath of his brother with some clever maneuvers? Did he win Esav over with bribes and flattery? Watch this video to find out what really happened.

13 min

Why Do The Events In Joseph’s Life Keep Repeating?

Someone’s got a grudge against Joseph. Joseph ends up in a pit, stripped of his clothes. The perpetrator presents Joseph’s coat as false evidence. Sounds like the story of the sale of Joseph, right? Wrong. It’s the replay of the sale of Joseph story. Oh, you didn’t know that there was a replay? Actually, there are three. All in Parshat Vayeishev. What does it all mean?

16 min

Joseph forgives brothers story video

Does Joseph Ever Truly Forgive His Brothers?

When you hurt someone, it’s not enough to just improve your character. Real transformation means being able to repair the damaged relationship as well. In the story of Joseph and his brothers, does real reconciliation actually happen? Join us in Parshat Miketz as we tackle the complicated story of the Sale of Joseph and learn how to truly reconcile relationships with those we love.

12 min

Mending Relationships And Missing Ribs

In a final effort, Judah begs Joseph to let Benjamin go, using an interesting phrase: "The lad is unable to leave his father." Interestingly, that particular phrase comes up somewhere else in Genesis: in the Garden of Eden, following the union of Adam and Eve. But what could marriage possibly have to do with the drama of Joseph and his brothers in Egypt?

11 min

What Was Jacob's Final Blessing To Joseph Really About?

Bereishit ends with Jacob's blessings to his sons – but the blessings are so poetic that they are difficult to understand! The Torah rarely records intimate deathbed experiences, and yet a full chapter is devoted to Jacob's blessings. What is the meaning of them? This video looks at Joseph's blessing in particular, and aims to answer another mystery: Did Jacob ever find out that his sons sold Joseph?

13 min

Understanding Yetziat Mitzrayim

On Passover, we celebrate the miracles God performed for the Israelites by freeing them from slavery. But isn’t it strange that right after the Israelites left Egypt God enforced the laws of the Ten Commandments without warning? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he explores this pivotal question by comparing the Ten Commandments with the story of the Burning Bush.

31 min

The Real Lesson Of Yitro's Leadership Advice

It wasn't good for Moshe to judge alone. And it wasn't good for Adam to be alone in the Garden. Coincidence? Watch and find out the real lesson behind Jethro's (or Yitro) leadership advice to Moses.

15 min

The Surprising Source Of The Torah's Laws Of Murder

Rabbi Fohrman has a revolutionary idea, that many of the laws given to the Jewish nation were actually based off of the stories of our forefathers and foremothers. In this video, Rabbi Fohrman explores this through the laws of murder given in this week's Torah portion.

Part 1 of 2 • 11 min

Seeing Laws As Moral Principles Of Jewish Life

This week's parsha puts us in the midst of two of the most well known and epic stories in the entire Tanach: Revelation at Sinai and the Sin of the Golden Calf. The Israelites experience their highest high and their lowest low, all within the same few verses. However, smack in the middle of these two legendary episodes, we are forced to read law after law after law. How do these numerous Jewish laws add real meaning to our lives today?

13 min

What Do The Laws Of Choshen Mishpat Teach Us About Our Relationship To God?

We learn in Parshat Tetzaveh about the specific laws relating to the Kohen Gadol’s Breastplate — the Choshen Mishpat. But why should we care about these esoteric and seemingly inapplicable laws? Join Rabbi Fohrman and Imu as they take a look back at Parshat Mishpatim and find an intriguing relationship to the laws of the judges. You’ll never think of Choshen Mishpat the same way again.

24 min

The True Depth Of God's Love And Forgiveness

Is there ever a point of no return in my relationship with God? In Parshat Ki Tisa, Moses explores this exact question as he bargains with God on behalf of the nation after the Sin of the Golden Calf. How is it possible that this lawyering session could possibly change God's mind after such an atrocious sin? What could this mean for me and my relationship with God?

13 min

The Link Between Souls And Animal Sacrifice In The Bible

What is the soul? Where can it be found? Join Ami as he looks for answers in the most unexpected of places – the sacrifices in the Mishkan. Believe it or not, this parsha holds a key to understanding the nature of the soul that is relevant for us even today.

13 min

The Connection Between Kohanim, Community And Separation

Why does the Torah use the culminating moment for the priests to go through a long and bizarre induction ceremony? And what do its parallels to a certain other section of text teach us about the deeper role of the priests of the Temple?

Part 1 of 2 • 13 min

Making Sense Of Nadav And Avihu's Death

Did you know that the Torah tells us Nadav and Avihu's "backstory"? Learn about the life-changing experience that led the sons of Aaron to their deaths – and avoid making the same mistake.

16 min

Understanding The Real Sin Of Aaron's Two Sons

In this week's parsha, we see the sudden and disturbing death of two of Aaron's sons, Nadav and Avihu. In exploring the text more closely, what earlier Biblical story shows parallel themes and language to this story, and what is the meaning behind this connection?

11 min

The Tzaraat Purification Ritual: What Does It Mean?

In Part I of this series, we connected the laws relating to the purification of a metzora to the laws of the korban Pesach. Why would that be? In Part II, Rabbi Fohrman puts the pieces together and reminds us that both teach us about 'radical separateness' – and while each of us is an individual, we are also part of a larger unit.

Part 1 of 4 • 8 min

Can We Truly Walk Closely With God?

In Leviticus, the Torah suggests to us that if we follow God's will, we will be rewarded with walking with God – with the same language as the Garden of Eden. Rabbi Fohrman speaks this week about the loving, joyful moment of togetherness with God.

9 min

The Real Reason For God's Curses In The Bible

In this week's parsha, the Torah presents a stark choice: follow God and live, or abandon Him and die. Does this just reinforce God as a terrifying deity, or is there something more here? Through an analysis of language and a comparison to the Garden of Eden, Rabbi Fohrman shows us how we "choosing life" will show us the way to cling to God.

14 min

What It Really Means To Be A Nazarite

What is the meaning of the Nazir, and what is the right way to elevate ourselves to a true relationship with God?

Part 1 of 2 • 16 min

Discovering The Themes Linking Numbers And Leviticus

In Parshat Naso, we are introduced to what seems like a hodgepodge of miscellaneous laws. Why is the Torah bringing these up together? Join us as we explore something very subtle going on in this parsha.

15 min

Understanding Why The Israelites Complained About Manna

We've finally started traveling in the desert. . . and the people immediately complain? Did they suddenly forget that they had just been so close with God?? And how can we understand, and relate, to this seemingly ungrateful, chutzpadik nation?

13 min

The Lesson Behind Joshua And Caleb's Good Report

Ten spies brought back an evil report about the land. Two – Caleb and Joshua – courageously spoke up. Their little speech was no doubt stirring, but… would you say that Caleb and Joshua were heroes? Because – reality check – they didn’t accomplish anything. Nobody listened to them! So it seems. But it turns out that Caleb and Joshua accomplished something monumental on that day. Find out what it was…

Part 1 of 2 • 14 min

Why God Made The Israelites Wander The Desert For 40 Years

In this week's parsha, we see the ultimate undoing of the people of Israel - the sin of the spies. When spies are sent to the land of Israel to scout the land, they come back with a negative report, and the people despair, leading to God's wrath, and the death of the entire generation over the course of the next 40 years. What was so bad about the sin, and more importantly, how can we connect to such an angry, vengeful God?

18 min

What Was The Real Sin Of The Spies Of Canaan?

This week, we read about the tragic sin of the spies. It’s a very frustrating story. Every time we read it, just as the spies are about to give their report, we want to scream out, “NO - DON’T DO IT!” How could they have doubted God? How could they have sinned so egregiously?

14 min

What The Bible Tells Us About Korach's True Motive

Why did Korach and his followers get swallowed up by the earth? Did this bizarre punishment somehow fit their crime? The answer may surprise you.

13 min

What Really Led To Korach's Rebellion?

Korach’s rebellion is part of a series of mistakes by the Israelite people in this section of Numbers, Bamidbar. This week, Rabbi Fohrman asks us, in addition to our struggle over the actions of Korach, why does this story happen here? What does the context, and language clues, teach us about the larger meaning of the story of Korach’s rebellion.

14 min

The Lesson Behind Moses And The Fiery Serpents

Crime: Complaining about food. Punishment: Attacked by snakes. Sound extreme? Sound random? It's not. Find out how here.

15 min

Why Do We Need A Red Heifer?

In Parshat Chukat, we read the laws surrounding the Red Heifer — the rare cow whose ash is used to purify those who stood too close to a corpse. But what is the reason for this unique ritual? Why do we need the ash of a red cow to be purified? Join Rabbi Fohrman and Daniel Loewenstein as they re-examine the text of the Red Heifer and discover a striking reference to the Garden of Eden.

26 min

A Lesson Of Fact And Fiction From King Balak Of Moab

Are we rational? Do we use evidence and data to make decisions? See how Parshat Balak addresses that question, head-on.

15 min

Understanding Balaam's Greatest Error

Rabbi Fohrman explores a mysterious Mishnah, in which Abraham and his students are compared to Balaam, the prophet in Parashat Balak, and his students. Why do the Sages make this odd comparison, and what is the message they want us to uncover?

13 min

A Lesson From The Great Zealots In The Bible

The midrash tells us that Pinchas, the title character of this parsha, and Eliyahu, the prophet of Kings, are one and the same. In this week's parsha video, Rabbi Fohrman compares these two characters and asks, what does it mean to be zealous for God?

14 min

How Is Land Ownership Connected To The Pesach Sheni Offering?

In Parshat Pinchas, we read about the daughters of Tzelaphchad, who sought to inherit their father’s land. God granted their request, and even codified it into law. But there’s something unique about this story — it’s strikingly similar to the story of the Pesach Sheini offering. When a group of ritually impure people approached Moses and requested a way to make an offering, God codified a practice called Pesach Sheni, which acted as a “make-up” offering for the impure. But what does inheriting land and ritually impurity have to do with each other? Join Rabbi Fohrman and Daniel Loewenstein as they explore the meaning of nationhood and purity.

32 min

The Mystery Of The Half Tribe Of Manasseh

Remember when Moses let Reuven, Gad and Menashe settle outside of Israel... What? Menashe didn't ask to live there!? Why did Moses put them there?

13 min

The Deeper Significance Of Gilead In The Bible

The Torah is a book of great drama, why does the narrative ends with a seemingly-unnecessary story about a random conquest of some towns? In this week and next week, Rabbi Fohrman paints a picture of epic connections to the stories of Jacob, Joseph and Judah.

Part 1 of 2 • 13 min

The True Sin Of Israel Rejecting The Promised Land

Parshat Devarim recounts the sin of the spies. If you’ve ever wondered what was so bad about what the spies did, and why they merited such a harsh punishment, this is for you.

15 min

How Israel Is Meant To Relate To The Canaanite Nations

What do Canaanite treaties have to do with Jacob – and us? Turns out, plenty.

14 min

Is This Another Akeidah?

In Parshat Eikev, Moshe is gearing up the people to enter the land of Israel. He’s laying out conditions of what God will expect, and what they can expect in return. But strangely, peppered throughout Moshe's talk are echoes and references to Akeidat Yitzchak. What is Moshe communicating by comparing entering Israel to the story of Abraham and the sacrifice of Isaac? Join Ami Silver and Daniel Loewenstein as they re-examine Akeidat Yitzchak and learn the significance of Abraham's ultimate test, and its continued relevance to the Israelites.

31 min

Did God Play Mind Games With Our Egyptian Masters?

In Parshat Re'eh, we are given the commandments relating to a Jew having a Jewish slave. But the laws seem strange: we give gifts to our slaves, and if they want to stay, we must pierce their ear? It can be difficult to relate to these ancient Hebrew laws, which hardly seem relevant thousands of years later. How are we supposed to understand the Jewish laws of slavery in a modern context?

11 min

How Does God Really Feel About Child Sacrifice?

In the beginning of Parshat Re’eh, the Torah warns not to follow other gods that "we don’t know." Idolatry is prohibited, so why does it matter whether we "know” these other gods or not? Join Beth Lesch and Ami Silver as they re-examine the text and its parallels to Akeidat Yitzchak (Sacrifice of Isaac) and understand what it means to “know” God, and for God to “know” you.

33 min

Shotrim: A Biblical Model for Leading With Humanity

In Parshat Shoftim, we're commanded to appoint police officers, shotrim. But there are strange parallels between these officers and another set of shotrim: the abusive officers in Egypt. What are these parallels trying to tell us? Watch and find out.

11 min

Parshat Shoftim: What Does It Mean To Be A Fair Judge?

In Parshat Shoftim, we're given a detailed list of instructions as to how to establish a justice system. Yet there are seemingly random topics woven into these instructions, like idolatry, and how to properly offer an animal to God. Is there a reason for these odd interludes? Are they telling us something important about the justice system? Join Daniel Loewenstein and Beth Lesch as they consider what true justice in the Torah really is -- and never think of Parshat Shoftim the same.

28 min

The Strange Laws Of Firstborn Inheritance In The Bible

Parshat Ki Teitzei discusses the Torah's laws about a man with two wives, one who he loves, and one who he hates. Rabbi Fohrman suggests that this legal section of text is a hint to the story of Jacob and his wives.

11 min

The Surprising Relationship Between Blessing And Curses In The Bible

God only warns us about a Sodom-like punishment once in the Torah. But for what sin, and why? Watch and find out.

16 min

Tools For Close Reading // Chiasms

Chiasms in Shemot: How the Torah Encodes Meaning

We look at an incredible chiasm, one spanning over 15 chapters, and ask: What does it teach us about the Book of Exodus?

Part 1 of 2 • 11 min

The History Of Moses In The Bible

Every hero has an origin story. We are all familiar with Moshe’s origin story. But there is one episode in the story that actually seems quite unfamiliar.  On the road back to Egypt with his wife Tzipporah and their two sons, Moshe and his family stop at an inn when the strangest thing happens. God tries to kill Moses! Fortunately, level-headed Tzipporah saves the day by circumcising their second son and then the story suddenly ends. (Yes, this is a real story from the Chumash! Look it up! It’s Exodus 4:24-26.) What a strange story!  God was the One who sent Moses to Egypt. Moshe was doing what God told him to do! So why would God try to kill him?! Talk about shooting the messenger! In this newly remastered and reanimated video series, Rabbi Fohrman weaves an interpretation of this story into a larger, magnificent tapestry shedding new light on our origin story - The Exodus.

Part 1 of 6 • 14 min

God's Ark And Noah's Ark

Uncover the extensive parallells between God's ark in the tabernacle and Noah's ark in the flood, and see how we can learn from their mysterious connections.

Part 1 of 2 • 13 min

The Real Test Of The Binding Of Isaac

You think that the binding of Isaac was a test of Abraham’s obedience to God. But what if God was also testing something else? What was that something else — and did Abraham pass the test?

10 min

Joseph name Vayeitzei meaning commentary

Joseph's Name: Unraveling The Chiasm

When Rachel gives birth to Joseph, she explains the meaning of his name: “ God has gathered in (assaf) my shame.” And it seems like an obvious reference to her shame of being childless for so many years. But is it? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he uncovers a dizzying chiasm that points to a whole new way of understanding Joseph’s birth as a redemptive moment in Rachel’s life.

14 min

Friday Night Kiddush

In this two part playlist Rabbi Fohrman discusses the mitzvah of sanctifying Shabbat over the Friday night Kiddush and reveals to us a Kiddush Chiasm in all its glory.

Part 1 of 2 • 15 min

Genesis Unveiled

The stories in Genesis are familiar, but their meanings seem maddeningly elusive. Why would God deny us the knowledge of Good and Evil? Surely it is better to know right from wrong? Why did God destroy mankind – what happened to repentance? Revisit each story in Genesis through a new perspective, and discover their underlying powerful messages.

Part 1 of 76 • 9 min

How Does The Structure Of Leviticus Reveal Its Meaning?

Vayikra has been a pretty important, and surprisingly interesting, book. So what is our epic conclusion going to be? About communicating with God? Is it about how to see holiness in our fellow people? How to become better people in all of our relationships? What is it?

15 min

What The Sin Of Ba'al Pe'or Teaches Us About Relationships

We’ve seen the people sin over and over, but it looks like last week, the people finally began to trust in God. But now, suddenly, idolatry? What happened? How did the people fail so quickly? Join us as we explore the perplexing story of Ba’al Peor.

11 min

Tools For Close Reading // Outliers

Why Are The 10 Commandments Important Today?

In this video, Rabbi Fohrman analyzes the structure of the Ten Commandments, highlighting how the key categories reveal deeper meaning and relevance. 

36 min

Shoftim: The Significance Of Saving Private Ryan

In this week’s Torah portion we learn about four types of people who are exempt from going to battle. What makes these people so unique? Why is their individual safety more important than the communal need? How can we as a nation reconcile individuality and community?

14 min

The Meaning Behind The Thanksgiving Offering

In this week's video, we explores the verse and a section of Talmud that teaches about the four individuals who would bring a Thanksgiving sacrifice – but one of these four doesn't belong? Rabbi Fohrman examines this question, and helps us gain a deeper level of empathy for those who are ill.

6 min

The Hidden Reason Moses Was Not Allowed Into The Promised Land

This week is the second part of a series asking, really, why wasn't Moses really able to enter the land of Israel? Through a side-by-side comparison of two surprising stories – the sin of the spies, and Jethro's judges – we are shown an unexpected angle and come to a stronger understand of what Moses truly did wrong that didn't allow him to enter the land of Israel.

Part 1 of 2 • 12 min

How Can The Laws Of Mishpatim Help Correct Past Mistakes?

In this video, Ami Silver studies the surprising connection between a seemingly out-of-place law within the list of personal injury commandments. By analyzing this "outlier," he reveals how it hints at the story of Joseph, offering a deeper understanding of both the commandments and their underlying themes.

Part 1 of 2 • 14 min

The Real Meaning Of Chametz

In Parshat Tzav, amidst the detailed laws of sacrifices, we find an unexpected law about chametz. Why is leavened bread forbidden on the altar, year round? Rivky Stern explores this strange law to uncover a deeper connection between chametz and sacrifices, revealing how it offers surprising insights into the Mishkan.

15 min

What Do Sacrificial Laws Teach Us About Social Justice?

The Torah teaches us social justice laws – leave some crops for the poor, etc. – right next to some laws relating to animal sacrifices. What's the connection between the two? Rabbi Fohrman argues that in this section of text, the Torah is doubling down on important principles – which can be found just as clearly in sacrifice as in social justice.

11 min

How To Bring Holiness Into Our Lives

In Parshat Emor the Torah suddenly jumps from discussing laws for the Kohanim and Mishkan vessels to a list of holidays. Why are these festivals randomly inserted here? 

14 min

An Epic Understanding Of The Jewish Holidays

When it comes to the Jewish holidays, we tend to relate to each one on its own. But often, we miss the bigger picture. The Torah actually talks to us in epic, sweeping terms about the very idea of a “holiday,” about how to understand the holidays and find meaning in them. Come into the text and get ready to unravel the Torah's secret about the true meaning of Sukkot, Pesach, and Shavuot.

12 min

How Israel Is Meant To Relate To The Canaanite Nations

What do Canaanite treaties have to do with Jacob – and us? Turns out, plenty.

14 min

Moshe's Death: How Would You End The Torah?

After taking a journey through this book, learning about The Creator’s choice to teach us how we can come close to Him and achieve purpose in our lives, how will it end?

Part 1 of 2 • 15 min

Tools for Close Reading // Cast Of Characters

Exploring Texts With Midrash

How Does Midrash Work?

Is midrash meant to be taken literally? Looking at a midrash about Pharaoh's daughter and her magic arm, we explore how to read midrash.

6 min

How To Read Midrash

In this video, Rabbi Fohrman introduces us to a very strange midrash, which tells us that as the nation of Israel walked through to freedom, there were fruit trees surrounding them, and explains that a parallel story, early in Genesis, is a clue to understanding this midrash.

Part 1 of 2 • 9 min

The Meaning Of The Name "Shemot"

Have you ever wondered why The Book of Shemot is called 'Shemot' – meaning 'Names'? In English, we translate it to Exodus, which makse sense because there was an EXODUS from Egypt! So where do the names come in? Turns out that names play a larger role in the story of Shemot than you may have thought. Join Rabbi Fohrman in uncovering the unique meaning behind the name Shemot.

13 min

What Does It Mean To Be A Rebel For God?

The following podcast is a discussion between Rabbi Fohrman & his son Avichai. They sat down to learn some Talmud together and stumbled upon a mysterious discussion about Bat Paro, the daughter of Pharaoh. You know, the one who was bathing by the Nile when she saw baby Moses floating by in a box? Well, the Torah text doesn’t seem to tell us very much about Bat Paro, but the Talmud seem to know a lot more: they explain that, Bat Paro got married to Caleb (one of the spies from the story in Numbers 13-14). What did the Rabbis see in the Torah text that led them to this conclusion? The answer opens up a fascinating study about who Bat Paro really was, who Caleb really was, and why they were perfectly suited for one another.  The following podcast ends off hinting toward a future area of study surrounding the spies, which ultimately became a future hit Tisha B'Av course: Tisha B'Av & The Spies: An Origin Story. Click here to take a look!

26 min

What Does It Mean To Have Faith?

After crossing the Sea of Reeds, the nation of Israel sings a song of thanksgiving – but then Miriam leads the women in a second song. Why? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman uncovers a story about what it means to truly have faith.

14 min

A Hidden Story For Teachers In The Genealogy Of Moses And Aaron

In Parshat Bamidbar, we read a genealogy of the families of the nation of Israel - but isn't that kind of boring? In this video, we get a closer insight into some strange verses about Aaron's family, and Rabbi Fohrman gives us insight into what it truly means to be a teacher.

12 min

What The Bible Tells Us About Korach's True Motive

Why did Korach and his followers get swallowed up by the earth? Did this bizarre punishment somehow fit their crime? The answer may surprise you.

13 min

How Stories Become Our Law

The Surprising Source Of The Torah's Laws Of Murder

Rabbi Fohrman has a revolutionary idea, that many of the laws given to the Jewish nation were actually based off of the stories of our forefathers and foremothers. In this video, Rabbi Fohrman explores this through the laws of murder given in this week's Torah portion.

Part 1 of 2 • 11 min

How the Story of Cain and Abel Becomes Part of Our Laws

The story of Cain and Abel turns out to provide the context for the laws of the Cities of Refuge, the safe havens for one who kills accidentally. In this video, originally made for Parshat Shoftim, Rabbi Fohrman gives us a context to understand what lies beyond accidental murder, and how to become more sensitive individuals.

13 min

Where Does Tithing Come From In The Bible?

Ki Tavo describes for us the law of ma’aser, tithing, and the law of vidui ma’aser, the declaration of ma’aser. But why isn’t it enough to give ma’aser? Why the spectacle of the dramatic statement?

Part 1 of 2 • 14 min

Ki Teitzei: The Hated Wife

In this video, we discuss the Torah's laws about a man with two wives, one who he loves, and one who he hates. Rabbi Fohrman suggests that this legal section of text is a hint to the story of Jacob and his wives. Watch the next video to learn more!

Part 1 of 2 • 11 min

How Can The Laws Of Mishpatim Help Correct Past Mistakes?

At first glance, Mishpatim reads like a dry list of laws about cows, and donkeys, property damages and personal injuries. But what if there's more to these laws lurking beneath the surface? What if the laws themselves hold a key to understanding some of the most important stories in the Torah? Join Ami as he uncovers the hidden story within these laws.

Part 1 of 2 • 14 min

What Does The Passover Sacrifice Teach Us About The Metzora?

In this video, Rabbi Fohrman picks up from last year's Tazria and Metzora videos, which connected the metzora purification process with the korban pesach. Here, he argues that only through the two processes can we become fully alive and part of the community.

12 min

What Are The Unique Laws Of Sotah Really About?

Parshat Naso introduces us to one of the oddest laws in the Torah, the laws of the Sotah -- a woman suspected of adultery by her husband. If the woman chooses to defend her honor, she is able to partake in an ancient ritual where the Kohen makes her drink tampered water. If she’s telling the truth, nothing happens and she’s rewarded with children. But if she’s lying, she has a traumatic reaction to the water and she’s killed. What is the basis for this strange law and where did the procedure originate? Join Rabbi Fohrman and Rivky as they re-examine this practice and discover a unique relationship to the story of Noah earlier in the Torah — and never think about the laws of the Sotah the same way again.

34 min

The Origin Of The Accidental Murder Laws In The Bible

In Parshat Shoftim, we are introduced to cities of refuge, a safe haven for one who kills accidentally. Interestingly, we've heard many of the same circumstances before in the Torah, but why? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman gives us a context to understand what lies beyond accidental murder, and how to become more sensitive individuals.

Part 1 of 3 • 12 min

Reading Biblical Poetry and Song

The Heavens Declare The Glory Of God

Recited every Saturday morning as part of the Shabbat morning liturgy, Psalm 19 is full of vivid poetry: descriptions of the sun, the sky, a groom and the Torah. Imagery and words that come together as the heavens declare the glory of God. Join Rabbi Fohrman & Imu Shalev as they discuss possible meanings to this Psalm, and why the Psalmist chose to structure Psalm 19 in this unique way. For more courses that focus on Psalms, be sure to check out King David's Haunted Past (Psalm 30), Shir Hamaalot (Psalm 126), and Al Naharot Bavel (Psalm 137).

40 min

Shir Hamaalot: Planting with Tears

This video was originally created for Tisha b’Av, but it discusses the spiritual power of our tears. Do the tears that we cry actually matter? Can they make a difference? Or are they merely an expression of our suffering. Turns out, they matter a great deal…

Part 1 of 6 • 10 min

King David's Haunted Past

The Sale of Joseph doesn't affect only one or two generations – it goes all the way to King David, hundreds of years later. David inaugurates the Temple in Jerusalem with a special psalm – but nothing about the text seems to relate to the Temple at all! In this lecture, Rabbi Fohrman explains that in Psalm 30, David was hearkening back to his ancestor Judah to explain why Judah merited for his descendants to build the Temple.

1 hour, 20 min

Al Naharot Bavel: By The Waters Of Babylon

Al Naharot Bavel is part of the weekday benching, or grace after meals. It is a psalm, specifically, psalm 137, that we say before we begin the formal blessings. Our presentation is largely taken from a webinar Rabbi Fohrman held one year on Tisha B’Av as a sort of Epilogue to a course on Shir Hamaalot. If you haven’t seen that course yet, we strongly recommend you watch it before watching this epilogue that discusses Al Naharot Bavel. You can click here to access it now. Rabbi Fohrman explores the connection between laughter, crying and singing. He takes a closer look at Psalm 137 and how it connects to Psalm 126, the song of ascent that will be sung when the Jews return to Zion. He demonstrates how muscle memory holds onto trauma, and how Naomi Shemer, was able to unearth the passion and pain of the psalms and reignite the desire for a unified Jerusalem, perhaps changing the course of Jewish history.

3 hours

The Meaning of Hallel

We add the prayer service of Hallel on holidays, but what exactly are we saying? Is it just a collection of Psalms? In this course, Rabbi Fohrman argues that not only are we learning what it is to be a servant of God, but we are also discovering the origins of the nation of Israel.

Part 1 of 7 • 56 min

Mourning: What Death Teaches Us About What It Means to Live

How are we supposed to make sense of loss? In this deep dive Premium course, Rabbi Fohrman shares how he has come to understand mourning and loss in the larger context of life, death and living a purposeful life.

1 hour, 53 min

Shirat Ha'azinu: The Song Of Moses

In this video, the first of a three-part series, we ask about God's odd prophecy to Moses at the end of the Torah. As Moses is about to die, why does God tell him about how the Israelites will ruin everything? Rabbi Fohrman hints that Moses has the power to help us get out of a vicious cycle.

Part 1 of 3 • 11 min

Why Miriam Sang the Song of the Sea

After crossing the Sea of Reeds, the nation of Israel sings a song of thanksgiving – but then Miriam leads the women in a second song. Why? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman uncovers a story about what it means to truly have faith.

14 min