https://members.alephbeta.org/content/balaam-prophet-balak-bible-story-why-god-was-mad Balaam, Prophet For Hire? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0006cc5f-1c89-4437-b760-61e98fb258ed/0e61faa1-7529-4f1b-8133-955c1d79d29e_balaam-main-thumbnail-1920.jpg In this week's video, Rabbi Fohrman explores a mysterious Mishnah, in which our Sages compare Abraham and his students, to Balaam, the prophet of this week's parsha, and his students. Where do they get this odd comparison, and what is the meaning we are meant to learn from it? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/qzlpfvmtto 802 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:21:30.220Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/laws-of-mishkan-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-7-habits-of-highly-intuitive-readers-of-the-bi The 7 Habits Of Highly Intuitive Readers Of The Bible: Class 2 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-00434eac-7555-4713-9f6c-482283274415/8a8b1fed-79c2-40dd-be57-a4ade7ead388_PC-Course-thumbnail-new-1920.jpg Watch this 8-part interactive course lead by Rabbi David Fohrman on how to read the Torah in its original Hebrew Aleph Beta style. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/cbkcei7t7w 5697 2023-12-28T22:15:00.000Z yes yes 2026-02-26T11:12:36.060Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/firstborn-plague-law-bechor-meaning The Flight Of The Firstborn Nation https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-004fd241-0c6b-49cd-87ee-051c5b6f600f/Z4z7bpbqstJ99mmo_DefiningIsrael'sRoleAsGod'sFirstborn001.png After the plague of the firstborn, Parshat Bo (Exodus 10:1–13:16) tells the story of how we're finally freed from years of slavery! Mazal Tov! But before we get to the triumphant splitting of the sea, we read a whole section of laws relating to firstborn children and animals. Wait, what?! Can’t this wait until we're across the Sea?? What's the deal with these bechor laws and what can they teach us about the true meaning of the Exodus? More importantly, how do these laws shape our definition of what it means to be God's firstborn? In this video, we explore the biblical connections between the Egyptian plague and the Israelites' laws of the firstborn. In doing so, we shape our understanding of what God meant when he declared that 'Israel is My firstborn,' and the significance behind the laws of dedicating and consecrating the firstborn as belonging to God. Watch Rabbi Fohrman’s Passover course on the concept of the firstborn: "What Does It Mean To Be God’s Chosen People?" https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/wqdbukz6pe 754 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T22:06:34.514Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/elisha-ben-abuyah-r-meir Rabbi Meir And Elisha Ben Abuyah: Part IV https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-007c6b72-31f9-418f-9487-77bc0b84463f/MGYwMDJjNGMtNzc2Mi00OTc1LTgwZjMtODBiNjdjZGZiZDVl_c1942f08-c7ce-4fcf-9ac3-e2fee3333510_acher-he-who-must-not-be-named-part-4-1280.jpg This is part IV of the audio series about Acher and R' Meir. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/9uzgull71u 1733 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/bechukotai-why-would-god-curse-his-people 2026-05-04T16:58:42.568Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/man-choosing-god-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-did-god-want-to-kill-moses-part-2 Why Did God Want to Kill Moses? - Part 2 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/members/1773570425451-a0ed04e1-When_God_Tried_to_Kill_Moses_thumbnail_new.png 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. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/51tmpu6gtb 652 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/introduction-to-kabbalat-shabbat-9 Introduction to Kabbalat Shabbat Ep.9 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-01039e2e-258e-42f0-86f9-1375416a6da6/Y2ZhZWM4NzctMTNjMi00MTJkLTgyNTEtMzgzZmY4MjA0ZGRj_f831fdeb-a8f9-4ae8-ade7-967688d24e43_thumbnail_other_kabbalat-shabbat-young-israel-class_draft-1.jpg Join Rabbi Fohrman for an in-depth discussion of Kabbalat Shabbat. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/1ootugb5v0 3460 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-book-of-vayikra-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/real-sin-of-sodom-gomorrah-printable 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/elokim-and-ykvk-week-8 A Tale of Two Names: Elokim and YHVH - Week 8 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-013ddb9a-d6d8-4a57-918c-1d50a42442a4/NTEyNTdlOTgtODc4NC00ZjkzLThhMjEtNTM3YWU3NTNmZGJj_njdjywi1ngitytbmni00zmyyltg3njutzgvinmi3m2fmnmm3_tale-of-two-names.jpg The Bible uses many names to refer to God, the two most well-known being Elokim and YHVH (an unpronounceable name composed of the Hebrew letters yud-hey-vav-hey). What do these names mean, and why do they appear when they do? This is one of the Bible's greatest mysteries. Perhaps even more mysterious is that we find the highly uncommon "YHVH Elokim" — a combination of these two names — in the Bible's opening pages: in the story of God's creation of the world. Join Rabbi Fohrman for an exploration of what these names mean on their own, what they mean in combination, and how understanding God's names can, perhaps, help us to lead more godly lives. An earlier version of some of these ideas can be found in the course What is the Meaning of Life? For more on A Tale of Two Names, be sure to listen to the following lecture series: A Tale of Two Names: Why Were There Days of Creation? and A Tale of Two Names: From The Garden To The Flood. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/97ft4itlls 4731 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/story-of-isaac-rebekah-esau-birthright How Could Rebecca Trick Her Husband Isaac? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-014de16a-9686-4751-a8ee-63e508e2a077/NjQwNjAzMWYtOWU5OC00ZGNjLWIxYzQtM2VhMGQ4YWYwOTdk_3ba62960-2427-494e-9bf4-61de0f223de4_isaac-and-rebecca-1280.jpg When reading about Jacob and Esau in the Bible, we understand how Jacob became the third of our three patriarchs. Isaac wanted to give his elder son Esau the blessings, he wanted him to inherit the mantle and take the rightful birthright. But, as the story of Rebecca goes, she preferred Jacob, and wanted him to get the blessings. So Rebecca hatched a plan, enlisted Jacob, and together they tricked Isaac. It was devious and sneaky – they took advantage of an old man with poor eyesight, and lied that Jacob was the eldest son. Jacob went on to become one of the three Jewish patriarchs – so the deceit had a significant outcome. Did the end justify the means? What is the meaning of the story of Isaac and Rebecca? Jacob stole Esau’s birthright – and his mother helped him. What does this summary tell us about Isaac, Rebecca and their family relationship? In this series, Rabbi Fohrman questions the meaning of the story of Isaac, Rebecca and Esau’s stolen birthright. Through a close reading of the text, Rabbi Fohrman shows that actually, this whole thing spiraled out of control. That was not what Rebecca and Jacob intended to do at all – instead, Rebecca intended to empower Jacob, to stand up for himself, to make a case that he, too, deserved blessings from his father. For more, see The Binding of Isaac... Where You Least Expect It For even more, see Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/vo6ebqvv6u 499 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/toldot-who-cares-about-isaacs-wells 2026-02-24T10:59:01.321Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/understanding-the-science-in-creation Understanding the Science in Creation https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-01583584-6c5f-4b83-b1a5-546a2a6cb56d/MGI3N2Y1N2MtY2U4NC00NmJmLTlhMjItMmY3M2E5MmE0ZGQ3_72ea233c-dbde-4584-9100-bbaf4ba04eab_what-we-lost-when-the-temple-was-destroyed-1920.jpg Now that we see how the three building blocks of creation create the very infrastructure of our existence, Rabbi Fohrman goes a bit deeper into the story of Creation to see what these building blocks teach us about the difference between God’s world and our world – a difference that will ultimately unlock the connection between Creation and the Mishkan. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/gf6fq8x627 534 2023-10-12T18:52:17.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hitting-the-rock-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/ark-of-the-covenant-and-noahs-ark 2026-04-21T05:34:36.832Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-final-clue-israel The Final Clue https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-017c6ca8-bc85-4b2a-b41f-6c435ce2f416/YzMzZjBjMmQtNTQ0YS00OTExLWEzMjctMGY5NjkyMDU5MmNm_99636003-85a0-4768-a352-85004c7b4876_shirhamaalotplantingwithtearsnew001.png 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… https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/mrqp28ozpa 805 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/goats-and-coats Goats and Coats https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-01871bd3-b36d-45ca-aa22-2f8904efb599/Z-8uMXdAxsiBwTb4_IfGodMandatedOurSlavery,WhyPraiseHim003.png Rabbi Fohrman explains that the prophecy of future slavery and injustice could have pertained to Jacob; Jacob’s story is really a microcosm for later events. Rabbi Fohrman further connects the narratives by taking a look back at two different stories involving Jacob from Genesis and shows the similarities within the text, which leads to the need to further examine the details of the Exodus story. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/29mr0xlnoq 665 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/book-club-with-rabbi-fohrman-5 Book Club with Rabbi Fohrman, Parshat Acharei Mot https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-018b10fc-b047-462b-83fb-f8779be9a9b3/M2E1NzE1M2UtYjM0Ni00OTcyLTgwNzAtNjQ3ZThmZGQ5ZDg4_bbe63291-7197-43b5-a19a-fdd4f0f0d8e8_thumbnail_pc_book-club_draft-1.jpg Enjoy this recording of Book Club for Parshat Acharei Mot. Book Club is an exclusive weekly event for Producers Circle members. Participants join Rabbi Fohrman to read and discuss the latest chapter of his newest manuscript. This is an incredible opportunity to be a part of Rabbi Fohrman's learning and writing process, to offer feedback, and genuinely impact what will make it into the next book. Not to mention a chance to hear the extra “bonus” material that doesn’t make it in.  Book club meets every Mondays, 12-1:30 pm ET. Sign up for Producers Circle to attend. Already a Producers Circle Member? Check your inbox -- Zoom link and new chapter are emailed out every Saturday night. You can find the chapter being discussed in this recording and all previous chapters here. "[Through Book Club we are] really seeing how a diverse group of people bring their unique insights and create a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. Thank you so much for including all of us in this process!" -- Miriam Goldie Huttler, Producers Circle Member https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/shmbr0xf00 6055 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/is-hope-irrational-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/spiritual-purification-metzora Joseph: The First Metzora? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-01cb8df7-8cdf-4439-a59e-421fa221b06f/ZhBMLxrFxhpPBV6S_The-Tzaraat-Purification-Ritual-What-Does-It-Mean-1920.jpg Rabbi Fohrman has connected the metzora to the korban pesach, and in the Haggadah course , Rabbi Fohrman also connects the korban pesach to the sale of Yosef. How does the metzora connect this triangle? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman argues that Yosef was actually the first metzora of the Bible. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ol7gmdh8zh 505 2023-10-13T12:28:37.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-else-is-meaningful-about-tzitzit-and-kashrut- 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/half-the-torah-is-a-chiasm Half the Torah is a Chiasm https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-01f1ee9a-d388-467f-8d09-7913284d66a5/MmIxYzdhZWEtMDdmYy00NjUxLWE2ZjUtMzI2MjdiN2NjNzY4_0aa715f8-9715-471f-9b37-e711dbbd5378_halfthetorahisachiasm004.png Enjoy this dynamic interview as Rabbi Fohrman talks with Rabbi David Schwartz on his recent discovery, Half the Torah is a Chiasm.” This event took place on Tuesday, October 26th, 2021. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/x0ib8uytzs 4886 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-02-23T17:07:12.143Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/who-is-haman-agagite-bible-study The Story of Haman In The Bible: Esther, Mordecai and Purim https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-02072ae0-0d2a-4869-84b9-c26de1b4fa3b/Z8ZPOxsAHJWomEpb_couldyoubecomehamannew005.png We read the Megillah a bit like a child’s story, starting with the arch villain, Haman the Agagite. We often think of him as a caricature, an evil incarnate twirling his mustache, squinting his eyes, and doing evil things just for fun. But is that really all there is to Haman? He’s just this flat, one-dimensional villain guy, evil through and through? Allow us to challenge that idea, just a little. Think about the great villains in Western literature and culture: Darth Vader. Lord Voldemort. Hannibal Lecter. Professor Moriarty. These characters are complex, multi-dimensional. They have struggles. They’re real. So… wouldn’t we at least expect that much when reading about Haman on Purim? When you read the Megillah with this lens, you open yourself up to an amazing story, one that is hiding just beneath the surface of the text. It’s the real story of Haman, of what motivated him, and what made him tick. And if you want to understand this book, this holiday, you’ve got to know its central villain. Join Rabbi Fohrman as he examines this question by looking at the Book of Esther (and its mysterious connections to the Garden of Eden!) – and never think about Purim the same way again! Check out other great purim videos at Aleph Beta, including The Meaning of Purim, The Queen You Thought You Knew and The Story of Mordechai. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ntzx0fjm0p 315 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-does-book-numbers-bamidbar-mean Is the “Book of Numbers” A Good Translation for “Bamidbar”? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0211e18c-2d44-4bfd-9a05-f2cb30ea98f1/YzBkNjM2NTAtYTQ0Mi00YjFlLWE4N2MtOTM0NGQzYjJiZTc2_mgy3zgi3mdutmzk3os00ntzmlwi0nzktnjiynta1mme0ymi1_what-does-book-number-bamidbar-mean.jpg Alright math enthusiasts, get your pencils sharpened! We’ve finally reached the Book of Numbers! Oh… wait… you mean Bamidbar isn’t actually a math book? It’s not all about numbers? Well what is it about then, and why is the Book of Numbers called by this misleading name? Ok, to be fair, the Hebrew word “ bamidbar ” doesn’t translate as “Numbers.” It literally means, “in the desert.” But the name “Numbers” is actually a pretty accurate translation of the name the Rabbis gave to this book – they called it Chumash Ha-Pekudim , which basically means “The Book of Counting.” But isn’t that a pretty lame name for a book? Sure, there are a few censuses that we hear about in this book, but there’s a whole lot more drama and excitement than that! Why not call it “The Epic Adventures of the Israelites in the Desert”? Isn’t that what this book is really about? In this podcast, Rabbi Fohrman is in conversation with a special one-time guest (it’s a surprise!) and he explores the dynamic of counting and being counted that pervades the book of Bamidbar. The idea that he develops here identifies Bamidbar – and the Book of Numbers – as a critical point in the evolution of the Torah’s overall narrative, starting from Bereshit and the beginnings of the mission of the nation of Israel. It seems that counting really may lie at the heart of what this book is about after all. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/mp2wu3c4sk 1450 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/naso-become-a-nazir-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-didnt-joseph-write-home-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tisha-bav-sinat-chinam-guide-for-kids-part-2 2026-04-20T17:03:39.298Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/jacob-blesses-son-jospeh-meaning The Meaning Behind Jacob's Mysterious Blessings https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-02d48d7e-a50c-45b9-a42d-ed6613bb2776/OTI4YmFiMDAtYzkyNy00OGQ3LTgwM2ItOWJhZjQxMjE1OWJh_5e34e7a1-6151-4c5c-a61e-078e1e8ebae6_the-meaning-behind-jacob27s-mysterious-blessings-1280.jpg Bereishit ends with a series of blessings that Jacob gives to each of his sons on his deathbed. But Jacob's blessings are so poetic and impenetrable – they're so difficult to understand! The Torah rarely takes the time to record the intimate events of a biblical character's deathbed experience, and yet a full chapter is devoted to Jacob's blessings to his twelve sons. What do they mean? What are we, thousands of years later, supposed to make of Jacob's mysterious blessings? This video aims to understand Jacob's blessing to Joseph, in particular, and answers another biblical mystery: Did Jacob ever find out what his sons did to Joseph? What was his reaction? All that and more! https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/yojd8zt4rk 805 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/moses-miracle-video Moses' Miracle https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-030551ce-e108-4ccf-8661-513fd44a1b83/Z-r2bHdAxsiBwJCq_fromEgypttoOctober7thver2001011.png Children torn from their homes, their kidnappers denying they took them in the first place. Our enemies deny their crimes while hoping to wipe us from the map. Unfortunately this is the reality we’re living in right now. But it was also the reality of the Israelite people over three thousand years ago in Egypt. How do we come to grips with the trauma we’ve endured? Will our pain ever be recognized? This video series is an attempt to draw strength from the tragedies and ultimate victories of our past. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/fka3kngvzi 832 2023-12-14T17:40:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shema-intensive-lecture-1 Shema Intensive Lecture 1 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-03104deb-6042-42ca-8e0c-fbb97238a5af/NGFhMjhlYmEtNWVkMi00ZGQwLWJkYWQtMzAyMjZmNWM5YmIx_eb0a8b7f-49af-4939-8666-484f27f5be20_event003shemaintensive.png The Shema prayer is known to be the Jewish people's declaration of faith. Yet, what makes these verses more significant than others parts of the Bible? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he explores the 3 chapters of the Shema, and take a closer look as what makes these chapters so significant. This ‘Shema Intensive’ mini series can inspire you and help transform your prayers right in time for the High Holidays. Please leave your comments below and join the discussion! https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/f0aytgxu1x 5185 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/meaning-of-shabbat-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/prayer-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/origins-of-the-firstborn-nation 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/mother-persia Mother Persia https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-03afea30-83b8-4eb6-9c8c-23c457a328f3/Z8ZjuxsAHJWomEs-_queenyouthoughtyouknew001.png In the second part of this six part series Rabbi Fohrman continues to question the interesting actions of Queen Esther and wonders why she chooses to say and act the way that she does. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/dbbdy5k3pm 805 2023-12-14T17:40:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/meaning-of-hanukkah 2026-04-20T21:47:32.279Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/purim-how-to-stand-before-the-king 2026-02-24T10:54:26.361Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/book-of-ruth-study-guide-extra 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/whats-meaningful-about-tzitzit-part-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-queen-you-thought-you-knew 2026-04-20T17:40:35.975Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tzaraat-jewish-biblical-purification-rites Living Within The Community https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-04870ca3-af57-4c08-acb0-363070006a02/ZhBMLxrFxhpPBV6S_The-Tzaraat-Purification-Ritual-What-Does-It-Mean-1920.jpg Last week, we had connected the laws relating to the purification rituals of a metzora to the laws of the korban Pesach. Why would that be? In this week's video, 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. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/3e9fijoy3g 582 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/july-26-2022-matot-masei-the-art-of-negotiation 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-arent-dinosaurs-in-the-bible-printable 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/nitzavim-blessings-and-curses-in-the-bible-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/josephs-undershirt Joseph's Undershirt https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-04adf2ce-4109-43bf-8c41-60c88a38bb93/YTM3MzMxOTMtNGQzMi00NmI3LWIzNDEtYjc5ZTIyMzZiNzU0_zmy0otc5mdmtnjniny00zjawlwfhzjmtyzrhnzdhn2zjytqz_169_jocoats15.png Joseph's Undershirt https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ggyuuaaxo3 315 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/israel-worships-golden-calf Shattered Tablets And The Calf Of Gold IV https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-04d45a2d-95a0-4ee8-8ba5-7b97b06ece6b/OGJlNDNmZWMtOTQyMi00MTkyLWE5OWItNDk3MzkwMDA5NThk_m2eymda4nzityzrjnc00mza1lwjmndetzwq4m2qwnzhkngnh_israel-worships-golden-calf.jpg Shattered Tablets and the Calf of Gold Part IV https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/x58vkar9n5 3076 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/4from-ai-to-shechem From Ai to Shechem https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-050c18f0-3e8e-4ced-9ef1-412de9f7e0b7/ZmE5NTAwYTMtNjZjMi00MDk3LTljZGEtY2QyMzUzMDFmZmQ5_ddd08cd0-ca83-43c4-a67d-c4803af30ef3_thumbnail_series_abrahams-journey_draft-1.jpg From Ai to Shechem Abraham's Journey 1 is the second of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The first set of lectures are found in the series titled: A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham . The following two lecture series are , Abraham's Journey 2 , and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/vetfd5tuuy 2200 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/whats-jonah-really-about The Meaning Of The Story Of Jonah In The Bible https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-052a38c6-a151-46cc-ada6-79526038ffbb/Z4z-1ZbqstJ99mm4_challenginggod0012025001.png In this video, the first of the course, Rabbi Fohrman presents a number of essential questions regarding the book of Jonah. As the questions build, it becomes clear that Jonah – and Yom Kippur itself, the day on which this book is read – is about even more than the classic theme of teshuvah (repentance). https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ne75guu3le 363 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/before-the-rain-and-after-the-flood Before the Rain and After the Flood https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0534c60b-45d1-41be-934d-d3260053f659/MDM5MGQ3MGQtNGI4NS00ZjE1LTgxN2ItNjhlZGY1ZDhmNzg0_ymjhnzq3ywitymnjzs00zty0lthizjqtmzdintrizjezmtk0_467_vineyard.png Let’s compare the story of Creation and the story of Noah – what is similar and what is different? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman draws out the themes to see what we can read into these confusing details. For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/3njyf1pkv4 636 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shmoneh-esrei-intro-to-the-bakashot Intro To The Intermediate Blessings https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-053b554e-b35d-491a-80da-7d090f9ac572/NGExMDljMDktNmZkZC00NTBkLWExNDgtZTI4ZjYyMTEwZjk2_23325ec0-9a2e-45b9-8706-7fa20d1de71a_shmoneh-esrei-part-1.jpg Listen to this episode as a podcast! For the full transcript, scroll down, it appears below the comments! The Shmoneh Esrei is the centerpiece of our daily prayers. A person who davens regularly will say these prayers tens of thousands of times in their lifetime (if not more!). But do we really know what these words mean? There are a lot of things we say in the Shmoneh Esrei that really aren't so obvious what they're doing here. Why are these the things the we pray for on a daily basis? Why did the Rabbis decide to lay out the brachot in the way they did, and in this particular order? Join Rabbi Fohrman and writer Ami Silver as they unpack the text of the Shmoneh Esrei and attempt to uncover what this prayer is all about. In this session, they begin with a general introduction to the Shmoneh Esrei and delve into the first of the bakashot (requests), the bracha of chonen ha-da'at. I think you'll see that there is much more here than meets the eye. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/cwu81dhgkk 3222 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/rabbi-meir-elisha-ben-abuyah-acher Rabbi Meir And Elisha Ben Abuyah: Part I https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-05696e92-5a6c-4e3a-9d4a-be3cb745f742/NDJhOTE5NTUtMDEzZC00ZjI4LWEwNGMtYjdkODE5MGI3NTJh_a62a9869-13e4-4a73-b537-1876dac81e30_acher-he-who-must-not-be-named-part-1-1280.jpg Can we ever do something so bad there’s no coming back from it? The Talmud tells us that Elisha ben Avuya, the famous apostate “Acher,” was unable to repent. What was it about this man that was so evil that his teshuvah could never be accepted? To complicate the matter even further, we’re told that Elisha’s former student, Rabbi Meir, one of the greatest sages of the Talmud, stayed fiercely loyal to his teacher — even after Elisha renounced Judaism. Why? In this series, Rabbi Fohrman unpacks this incredible episode from the Talmud to uncover what it may teach us about grappling with our shortcomings and the true nature of atonement. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/lqm36f1o1o 1516 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-palpable-presence A Palpable Presence https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0585c685-177f-45d4-a177-4542d14784b3/YTZkZWMxOTctYzJjMC00YTM0LWE2MTktMTM4ZWVmM2FiMWMx_ztrjzdrhmgitmgrjms00ngqwlwe3ntgtmzg3zge2mtg5n2nl_517_echos20of20the20future206.png Echos of the Future https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/hr2m5az0fz 404 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hidden-dimensions-of-sefirat-haomer-part-4 Hidden Dimensions of Sefirat HaOmer, Part 4 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-05db9953-8f37-42d4-a22a-682b0571e620/MzZmY2IxNTMtOGE1My00MDE4LTgwODItYTY4YTYyMmI3Y2M1_af9aba37-a5fd-492e-b1d9-6fdcd18fbe44_sefirat-haomer-woodmere-dimensions.jpg Hear Rabbi Fohrman's latest insights into the meaning of Sefirat Ha'Omer! This recording is from a live zoom series Rabbi Fohrman gave in partnership with the Five Towns-Far Rockaway Virtual Bais Medrash, April 27 - May 24, 2020. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/u5otsd6lbq 4418 2023-10-16T18:41:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/matot-masei-how-manasseh-prevented-a-family-feud 2026-02-24T10:46:14.973Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/jewish-firstborn-fast-taanit-bechorot-erev-pesach The Fast Of The Firstborn Before Passover https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-060a03a4-a141-43f5-a3ed-21abcc9b666d/ZhbjXzjCgu4jzvB4_the-fast-of-the-firstborn-2024-1920.jpg Are you fasting today? The rabbis declared that the day before Passover, Erev Pesach, would be an eternal fast day known as Ta’anit Bechorot, the Fast of the Firstborn. Taanit Bechorot commemorates the tenth and final plague in the Passover story – when God killed all of the firstborn Egyptians, but spared those of the Israelites. But... what’s interesting about Taanit Bechorot is that most firstborns don’t actually fast. There are lots of ways to “get around” the fast. Many people avail themselves of this command to be a part of another tradition, the seudat mitzvah, a special kind of religious meal, whose joy actually overrides the fast. Sure, the day before Pesach is busy and we’ve got to eat to keep up our strength, but… that still leaves us kind of confused. So, if no one's fasting before Passover, why are we even celebrating the Fast of the Firstborn? Is Ta’anit Bechorot supposed to mean something to us? Even if we’re not fasting, should we be observing it in some other way? What should we be thinking about on this day? Join us as we explore this unique question by reexamining the language used to describe God’s firstborn child, the Israelites – and never think of Taanit Bechorot the same way again. Watch Rabbi Fohrman's video: Passover: What Does It Mean To Be Chosen? Read Rabbi Fohrman's book: The Exodus You Almost Passed Over Discover other great passover videos at Aleph Beta, including ‘ Dayenu: Would It Have Been Enough? ’, ‘ Understanding Moses’ Miracles ’, and ‘ What Is Hallel? ’ https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/kltb5at83g 427 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:54:27.068Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/eikev-parshat-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/in-the-image-of-god-part-ii In the Image of God II https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-062305ea-0564-4e28-9e45-d1895fcd4747/NjAxZDg2ZTYtZTQ3OC00NzFlLWE3NDUtYWQwODNiYTNmNzZj_ywq4ndq4mjutzwi5os00ntc0lthmytetmzexmmu2yzu1mtc4_285_image_2.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman breaks down the various elements of the verse at hand, with paritcular focus on "man and female he created them," and suggests that the way in which mankind is in the image of God is in their mankind's (and obligation) to purposefully reproduce. For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/4jgh4phcs2 599 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/rosh-hashanah-should-we-be-afraid-of-judgment-day 2026-02-24T11:07:40.933Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/sacrifice-of-the-mother-bird Sacrifice of the Mother Bird https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0633a19d-d846-49f7-885e-9fcaf60293b8/MDc4YTk0MTUtZTZiZS00OWUxLThhYzAtZTRiYTNhMzdlOGU5_ndg4othjn2ytmwq2ms00odjjlthizdmtnjcwngy2m2i4zmi1_shiluach-hakan-halacha-guide.jpg How can Rebecca’s role in the story add to our understanding of the law of the mother bird? How can the sacrifices she made for the safety of her son shed a deeper, more significant light on the plight of the mother bird? Let’s explore the parallels together. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/kleuvfqcfb 869 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-pain-of-loss The Meaning of Shir HaMa'alot https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-064e9af8-66c0-4315-a531-f0de7629cf45/MWVhZDFhZTAtN2M5NS00ZGI0LTg0ZDEtMTY5NDRhZmMxNzk0_ac12c0d6-0365-439a-bdc3-49e5ad2c10ed_longing-and-redemption-1280.jpg Can mourning bring us closer to redemption? This series dives deep into Shir Hama'alot (Psalm 126) to uncover incredible insights into dealing with grief, and the pivotal role mourning may play in building a connection with God.  Discover other great Tisha Ba’v videos and resources at Aleph Beta, including ‘The Book of Lamentations”, “Kinot”, and “Tisha Ba'v Customs & Rituals” https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/e42pphj6dn 459 2023-10-12T18:54:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shabbat-why-do-we-rest 2026-04-20T17:40:27.079Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-does-god-rest-part-i Why Does God Rest? Part I https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0663fa72-0640-4718-b570-67281b2612c5/ZTAyNTBmMjEtNzRjMi00ODYzLTk0NjItYWY4MWJhZDYzZWQ1_accce81c-fd3e-44b2-b7b4-19abd4284c92_why-does-god-rest.jpg At the end of the story of creation, the Torah makes a big deal of telling us that God rested. Have you ever wondered why God needed to rest? Sure, creating the world in six days was a lot of work, but that’s not going to tire out an omnipotent God!! And it is not just God’s rest that is puzzling. The Torah commands us to celebrate Shabbat every week to commemorate God’s creation of the world. But how do we actually celebrate it? We rest, just as God did on the seventh day. Apparently, we are really commemorating not the creation, but God’s rest that followed it. Somehow, it seems, this rest was even more important than the creation itself. How is that possible? In this course Rabbi Fohrman uncovers what true rest really means and just why it is so important. He explains why God needed to rest and how we are meant to incorporate this kind of rest into our Sabbaths and into our lives. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/nk89o4kqpk 479 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/re-creation Re-Creation? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-067960e1-c480-427f-a5d1-b25f6acf1d56/MDZjZGU4YzMtODZjYy00ZjQzLTg1MzktMGUxOWMwZTFhMGVk_mzcyn2jlyjutyznims00zwmyltgzmmutzdcxmdy1njc4odbl_257_noah_3.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman suggests that the post-flood world of Noah was actually a "re-creation" of the world. He brings evidence that points to the idea that the earth itself was the target of the flood - not just humankind and the animal kingdom. For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/3g801yra7j 656 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shiny-new-things-ami 2026-02-13T22:04:44.878Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/praying-for-health 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/teshuvah-steps-to-repentance 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-does-amalek-story-mean-today Amalek Lecture XI https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-069936cd-1dac-4f19-a39e-438c6d9f03ef/65d520f43a605798c18bfc0e_The-Rise-of-Antisemitism-part-11-1920.jpg Amalek’s story involves brothers, tension and reconciliation – but Amalek, descendant of Esav, chooses not to remember reconciliation, he can only remember that he was wronged. But through the decedent of Benjamin, Esther is able to see the whole picture, to rise above the pain of the past and reunite the family. Again we see brothers, pain, tension, problems, but a very different approach to dealing with them – the very antidote to the Amalek problem. In this series, Rabbi Fohrman uses a set of Powerpoints to compare texts. Unfortunately, those Powerpoints have been lost to the ravages of time. We're very sorry about that, and we hope you still enjoy the series! https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/p5dkfwfucj 4654 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/adam-genesis-historical-setting Creativity And The Real Me https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-06e11102-e620-4d72-847d-4926596fe2c4/NThmODFiOGEtNmQ1My00MGNmLTg0MjctNzk3YTE0ZTAyMWYw_261f37d3-d9e9-4ad1-b6d3-38a3bc2704e5_adam-genesis-historical-setting.jpg Part VII in the audio series "A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham." A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham is the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1 , Abraham's Journey 2 , and Jacob: Man of Truth? For a more recent and condensed version of A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham , we recommend listening to Genesis Unveiled . https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/bwsocuiv1m 3733 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/golden-calf-lecture-11-powerpoint 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-quien-le-importan-las-genealogias ¿A quién le importan las genealogías? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0703163a-19cc-448c-8c69-6c92bfdf11f2/Mzg5MWFlMjItYzI4OS00MWYwLWE2ZjYtNmZmMjcwOTk3NmRk_3924cc93-2184-4651-b993-faed68b31429_bamidbar-5774-es.jpg For the English language version of this video, visit: https://www.alephbeta.org/playlist/teachers-and-genealogy-in-the-bible En la parashá Bamidbar, leemos sobre la genealogía de las familias de la nación de ISrael - pero, ¿acaso no es eso aburrido? En este video vamos a analizar algunos de los versículos que hablan de la familia de Aarón, y Rab Fohrman, nos dará un mensaje sobre lo que realmente es ser un maestro. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/l2v8m4cdc9 718 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-05-08T14:25:31.197Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/gilead-significance-in-the-bible 2026-04-20T17:41:49.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/sarahs-hidden-majesty Sarah’s Hidden Majesty https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-074aa431-84b9-4322-8291-9ec416dab84c/OGYxMWRmYWUtNGFhMy00ODVjLTg1OTQtNjczNDE1YjdiNjgx_5580c772-ee81-4a32-ac71-682afc83b47e_thequeenshipofsarahandesthermain.png What is the legacy of our first matriarch? And what in the world does she have to do with Esther? Parshat Chayei Sarah , literally ‘The Life of Sarah,’ opens with the story of her death. In this video, Rabbi Fohrman illustrates how a peculiar wording in the Torah’s description of Sarah’s death actually teaches us something amazing about how she lived her life. He even uncovers a fascinating connection between Sarah and Queen Esther, which reveals the hidden majesty of Sarah’s life. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/nazye5nyv6 695 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/into-the-verse-podcast 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/miketz-from-pit-to-palace-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/redemption-and-exile Redemption and Exile https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-078f591f-731a-42c9-a515-cbd0b5e4c32e/MzVkMzAwYjUtNDg2Zi00NjY3LTlkMDEtNGVhOWIzYTY2NGNj_99163fc0-db88-4e5d-af43-cfb714d467e4_shirhamaalotfinal.png How does Joseph relate at all to the redemption from exile? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/z6gpn5pgg2 765 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/planting-with-tears Planting With Tears https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-07914bf7-ce35-4652-820b-5071e3e95bb3/MWVhZDFhZTAtN2M5NS00ZGI0LTg0ZDEtMTY5NDRhZmMxNzk0_ac12c0d6-0365-439a-bdc3-49e5ad2c10ed_longing-and-redemption-1280.jpg This Tisha B'Av, join Rabbi Fohrman for Kinot Unlocked and discover new meaning in these beautiful texts. Learn More Jacob was crying, and he was searching for Joseph, without even knowing it. What are we searching for without knowing it? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ih6i2ykh9d 795 2023-10-12T18:54:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-hidden-story-of-brothers-borders-and-moses-bur The Hidden Story Of Brothers, Borders, And Moses’ Burial https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-07a79636-c421-4930-bf41-8d3279de6c07/Mjk3NTg4YTctOTliNC00NzZhLTk4ZDQtYjI1MDllMjJlZTY0_ntawnmqwm2mtmwfimy00ndhhltlln2utzjm5ztlhn2y1odgz_moses-death-burial.jpg Parshat Matot contains a conversation between Moses and the tribes of Reuven and Gad. These tribes tell Moses something surprising: that they don't actually want to settle in the land of Israel. Instead, they want to settle in the land just to the east of the Jordan River. Moses is understandably upset and a long back and forth ensues. On the surface, it seems like this is a negotiation about land, priorities, and loyalties. But when we dig deeper, there is so much more at play here. The conversation that Moses is having with these tribes is rich with references and allusions to a much earlier episode in the nation's history, another story of brotherly betrayal. And not only does this conversation reach back into the past , it stretches forward into the future — because the lands under discussion are going to have surprising and important implications for Moses' own fate – the place of Moses' burial site. There may indeed be a redemptive wrinkle for Moses that emerges from this difficult confrontation with these two tribes. Join Ami and Daniel in conversation in this Parsha Lab podcast to get the full picture. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/beman4b8nb 1738 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-original-internet The Original Internet https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-07ace331-47ce-4f36-9071-bb9883dd75c0/MTI1M2NkNTItN2EzOS00NGQ3LWFiZTUtZTdhZjFmZmIxODdm_zjyxzjhhmzqtymuwni00nwq4ltg1mwutzwm0mdqwzmzln2nk_160_jocoats6.png The Original Internet https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/h229cax6y8 690 2023-10-13T12:28:37.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/sinat-chinam-the-great-tisha-bav-crime Sinat Chinam & Baseless Hatred https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-07b5f53a-731e-4c3a-a8bd-6044592f3f98/ZrEErUaF0TcGIsWH_baslesshatred002.png When was the last time you hated someone for absolutely no reason? Sinat chinam, baseless hatred, is the reason the Talmud gives for the loss of the Second Temple. But, outside of comic book super villains, most of us don’t hate for the fun of it. Could it be we’ve been misunderstanding the true meaning of baseless hatred this whole time?  Join Rabbi Fohrman for a look at the story of Kamtza and Bar Kamtza, and discover what Tisha B’Av is really trying to teach us about the nature of hate and putting an end to sinat chinam. Discover other great Tisha Ba’v videos and resources at Aleph Beta, including ‘Rachel Weeping For Her Children”, “The Story of Hezekia”, and “Kinot for Tisha Ba'v”. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/13kxgyj0cd 171 2023-10-12T18:54:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/yom-teruah-shofar-sound-meaning-bible Rosh Hashanah: Day Of Judgment Or A Day Of Joy? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-07dc1a2a-c72e-4da0-901e-05959a2f71e6/Z4bUzZbqstJ99dsT_judgmentdaytitleontop001.png Rabbi Fohrman explores the concept of Rosh Hashanah in both the Mishnah and the Talmud and introduces Rosh Hashanah as a Day of Judgment. Focusing on the text of Nehemiah Chapter 8, he introduces the idea that a day of judgment could actually be celebrated instead of dreaded. Discover other great Rosh Hashanah videos at Aleph Beta, including ‘How To Do Teshuva”, “How Do I Get Closer To God”. and many other High Holiday Videos. Rosh Hashanah Judgment Day Materials https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/y22c7ngms7 750 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-do-the-details-matter-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/june-28-2022-korach-why-did-korach-rebel 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/deuteronomy-list-second-laws Is There Spiritual Guidance Within Our Legal System? Part I https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0818830e-2ac7-49b6-9152-e418c2ddbb67/MDBmOTdlNDgtMDMxYi00ZTQ3LWEwYjctNzQ1ZTIxNTY4MGI4_zdi2n2zjytetmwywzi00ntvjltg4ngetmdexnjdlndfjndqx_deuteronomy-list-second-laws.jpg If the entire book of Deuteronomy is supposed to be Moshe's rousing speech before the nation enters Israel, how can we understand the mundane text of Parshat Shoftim? Instead of inspiration, we hear law after law of seemingly trivial matters – witnesses, legalities, land boundaries. What is this long list of laws doing in the middle of this book, that is supposedly Moshe’s inspirational speech? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/m3fm47x5zb 788 2023-10-12T18:54:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/elijah-history-in-bible-study Lecture IV https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-083e44b2-1816-40e7-bfde-0b673d6aa7be/Zpb0Cx5LeNNTxN1I_what-is-a-defender-of-god-part-4-1920.jpg This video examines the second vignette and gives further insight into the story of Elijah. Rabbi Fohrman continues to explore literary parallels between Elijah and several Biblical stories, including Noah and Abraham. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/23z7ybhg73 3292 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/elijah-what-is-a-defender-of-god 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-three-lies-of-the-exodus-part-2 2026-02-24T11:15:55.032Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/beshalach-are-we-ungrateful-nation-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-is-the-end-of-bamidbar-so-anticlimactic Why Is The End Of Bamidbar So Anticlimactic? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0925cb19-d789-47fd-bc82-10e785bce2b0/aHzUQkMqNJQqIIFa_TheTorah’sFinalLooseEndMAIN004.png 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. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ky3seokqtk 762 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/where-have-i-heard-this-before-1 Where Have I Heard This Before? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-097406da-5f65-4c16-a6bf-14a344acf7a2/N2RlMTc4ZTAtZjlmNi00MmIwLTlmOWUtYTE2YmViMjNhMTAz_yjkyowm5odatnmu2my00mzbilwfkotitntnimjk0ndk3nty0_251_cain_1.png In this video Rabbi Forhman introduces the methodology of "Intertextuality," and - as an example - suggests intertextual parallels between the Adam and Eve story and the Cain and Abel story. For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/gadfimk8dc 335 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/rabbi-soloveitchiks-theory Rabbi Soloveitchik's Theory https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0983f9f5-ee29-478d-b5df-5dce557690cc/YzRkODM0MDctM2Q3ZS00MDVhLTliYmEtNDk2NWRmOGUxYmNl_nwniywrhnzgtywy5my00n2uylwfkmtetywvkmguwntg4odk0_168_jocoats14.png Rabbi Soloveitchik's Theory https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/zxh4jjeq4h 563 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/passover-book-chapter-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/story-of-haman-in-eden 2026-04-20T21:34:55.358Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/steps-to-know-god-incense-altar How Can I Take A Step Towards God? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0a029ace-f9e9-4f89-bef5-8afe8d813213/65df65569c42d04f7d96950c_how-can-I-take-a-step-towards-God-1920.jpg How can we attain an intimate relationship with God? We sometimes feel lost, not knowing which steps to take. But God gave us a clue – through the building of the Tabernacle. In Vayakhel (Exodus 35:1-38:20), we hear about the Mishkan’s construction - again! God just told Israel how to build the Mishkan, and now we’re given the exact details once more, as Israel actually builds it. But if you actually take a closer look at the text, you may find some subtle yet significant differences. Why would the Israelites build the Mishkan differently than the way God commanded them to? What can these differences teach us? In this video, Imu follows the clues, which appear to revolve around the Tabernacle’s altar of incense. What is the incense altar meant to represent? By answering this question, we can discover a hidden guide on how to take a step towards knowing God. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/sgm9t1b4v6 647 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T22:23:49.742Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/angels-in-the-tabernacle-2-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/moses-farewell-to-israel-part-2-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/motherhood-living-long-life-bible-study How To Merit Long Life https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0a57496b-4372-40e3-8cd5-90e8bd4c4099/OGUwMGYyNmYtYTNlYy00MDY3LTllZDUtM2VhMmQ4MmUzYzBm_4bb68da8-0b2b-4d32-a707-d47477586d7b_how-to-merit-long-life-1280.jpg The promise for long life only comes from two commandments: honoring your parents and sending away a mother bird before taking her young. What's the common denominator here? In this week's Torah portion, Rabbi Fohrman brings new light to this strange commandment and explains why its reward is long life. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ky29ucoi8v 660 2023-10-12T18:54:53.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/chayei-sarah-a-marriage-of-truth-and-kindness 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/english-source-notes-lecture-10 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/will-god-flood-earth-again The Failure Of Humanity https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0ac82dcc-6fd9-4f3e-871e-fa77ccf1e049/Z5U3eZbqstJ992TW_thefailureofhumanity2025001.png After the flood, God put a rainbow in the sky and made a covenant with Noah to never destroy the earth with water again. It sure sounds nice… but there’s actually something very strange about God's promise. God had brought the flood because humanity had become sinful beyond repair. So what if that ever happens again? What if we, Noah’s descendants, become just as sinful as our predecessors? Will God keep His promise not to flood the earth again? And if so, why? These are the questions that David and Imu tackle in this video. In their search for an answer, they uncover a series of stunning textual parallels between the story of the flood and another earlier account in the Torah. This video may well change the way that you understand how God relates to humankind, and how that has changed from Noah’s generation to ours. Dig Deeper: For more on Noach, click here . For more on Noah and the flood, click here . Want More? Help us grow and support what we do : You can join our growing community or follow us on Facebook and Twitter ! https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/g4kmzp5f3v 911 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/gods-new-name-epilogue God's New Name: Epilogue https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0adbceb9-6118-4d07-bbc4-d87a7231f150/Mjg0Y2ViYjgtNWM0YS00YzY4LWFlNDktMzA2MTNiMjA5ZGE5_ab504e28-5031-436b-8f3b-4f5ca2f17adb_gods-new-name-epilogue-1920.jpg Join Rabbi David Fohrman and scholar Beth Lesch in deeply inspiring discussion regarding God's hidden presence in our lives. Rabbi Fohrman extends the ideas developed by Beth and explores how Jacob, on his deathbed, came to an understanding of ways that God played a role throughout the tragedies of his life. Courses referenced in the conversation are Goats and Coats , a deep dive into the parallels between Jacob and Joseph. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/3fe3wpyry5 1776 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/elokim-and-ykvk-week-11 A Tale of Two Names: Elokim and YHVH - Week 11 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0b04f969-ad41-4543-9f4c-1e8b75d18b2b/NzRlODU3ZGMtZGRlNy00ZGNiLTliNDItNmE1Mzg3YjExZDNh_zwu0mgi2yzitztdjzi00mdjilwjiytetota3mjlmywqwmwix_tale-of-two-names.jpg The Bible uses many names to refer to God, the two most well-known being Elokim and YHVH (an unpronounceable name composed of the Hebrew letters yud-hey-vav-hey). What do these names mean, and why do they appear when they do? This is one of the Bible's greatest mysteries. Perhaps even more mysterious is that we find the highly uncommon "YHVH Elokim" — a combination of these two names — in the Bible's opening pages: in the story of God's creation of the world. Join Rabbi Fohrman for an exploration of what these names mean on their own, what they mean in combination, and how understanding God's names can, perhaps, help us to lead more godly lives. An earlier version of some of these ideas can be found in the course What is the Meaning of Life? For more on A Tale of Two Names, be sure to listen to the following lecture series: A Tale of Two Names: Why Were There Days of Creation? and A Tale of Two Names: From The Garden To The Flood. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ov8oa7em74 4354 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/01-in-the-towers-shadow 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/zealouts-in-bible-definition-meaning What Does It Mean To Be Zealous For God? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0b66f992-15cc-41b2-aefa-ed15dcad72dc/aG_D5EMqNJQqHwaf_WasPinchasaReligiousExtremistMAIN001.png 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? To learn about the original act of zealotry, watch the Ki Tisa course referenced in this video: Moshe's Benevolent Chutzpah . For premium members, Rabbi Fohrman dives deeper into this topic in his course Elijah: What Is A Defender Of God? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/bv1jxwzo7s 797 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-does-shavuot-celebrate 2026-04-20T22:21:06.630Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/7hagar-sarai-and-e Hagar, Sarai and Eden's Third World https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0b905c92-467b-4f76-82c3-e521b4016fa9/ZmE5NTAwYTMtNjZjMi00MDk3LTljZGEtY2QyMzUzMDFmZmQ5_ddd08cd0-ca83-43c4-a67d-c4803af30ef3_thumbnail_series_abrahams-journey_draft-1.jpg Hagar, Sarai and Eden's Third World Abraham's Journey 1 is the second of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The first set of lectures are found in the series titled: A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham . The following two lecture series are , Abraham's Journey 2 , and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ra0mk0izh6 3446 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/book-club-with-rabbi-fohrman-2 Book Club with Rabbi Fohrman, Parshat Shemini https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0bc9582e-7b79-484c-abb6-45269b509b14/M2E1NzE1M2UtYjM0Ni00OTcyLTgwNzAtNjQ3ZThmZGQ5ZDg4_bbe63291-7197-43b5-a19a-fdd4f0f0d8e8_thumbnail_pc_book-club_draft-1.jpg Enjoy this recording of Book Club for Parshat Shemini. Book Club is an exclusive weekly event for Producers Circle members. Participants join Rabbi Fohrman to read and discuss the latest chapter of his newest manuscript. This is an incredible opportunity to be a part of Rabbi Fohrman's learning and writing process, to offer feedback, and genuinely impact what will make it into the next book. Not to mention a chance to hear the extra “bonus” material that doesn’t make it in.  Book club meets every Mondays, 12-1:30 pm ET. Sign up for Producers Circle to attend. Already a Producers Circle Member? Check your inbox -- Zoom link and new chapter are emailed out every Saturday night. You can find the chapter being discussed in this recording and all previous chapters here. "[Through Book Club we are] really seeing how a diverse group of people bring their unique insights and create a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. Thank you so much for including all of us in this process!" -- Miriam Goldie Huttler, Producers Circle Member https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/0pls2x0phh 5121 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/video-2-judah-a-perplexing-character Kinds of Questions https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0c0b6a2b-2377-4fc0-90f4-cedfc16e42e7/YTgyZDc2ODMtMWRjZi00MTgxLTkxZmUtMGVhMTdiOTU3NmQ0_otllzmezzgqtmdezni00ngfilwiznzetzmm3zti2ntniotqx_video-2-judah-a-perplexing-character_1512145786043.jpg Judah: A Perplexing Character? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/dxm8d6fh2o 430 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/mankind-and-seeds Mankind and Seeds https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0c0df946-4003-4286-984d-90198452c360/NTMxMTBiNDUtOTQwZC00OTc2LWJlNWYtMWFkMDliMDM3MGEy_odmzyzlinzytmwjhzc00nte5ltkwotytzgfhzwrmnmvjmjc0_287_image_4.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman demonstrates the extent of man's creative ability, both in the technological realm and in the biological realm. For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/iju33gtgrl 647 2023-10-13T12:28:37.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/lecture-v Lecture V https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0c2fcaa4-4c70-41ca-8caf-2e3f529eb25f/YzNkMWQ4NTYtZjdjNy00N2QwLTkwMzMtYzc0NTVkYTZiZTM4_83e987cf-f213-41f8-b379-e349994a8250_thumbnail_series_abrahams-journey-2_draft-1.jpg Lecture V Abraham's Journey 2 is the third of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The first two set of lectures are found in the series titled: A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham and Abraham's Journey 1 . The following lecture series is Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/rvqw4vzd8l 2626 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/oral-law-vs-written-law-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/baseless-hatred-sinat-chinam 2026-04-20T17:01:48.329Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/purim-themes-questions-answers Purim: Whose Lottery Was It? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0c8869af-2040-4073-bb95-02511bd56883/d2340a06-afd9-458b-a416-6b4ba5987797_fate-chance-and-the-book-of-esther-1920.jpg Join Rabbi Fohrman in the third and final part of the series "Divine Lottery: Fate, Chance And The Book Of Esther." https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/52jx0sef5o 4449 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-final-clue The Final Clue https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0c9b376c-f8cb-4a27-9d5e-eb8ebccf1630/MzVkMzAwYjUtNDg2Zi00NjY3LTlkMDEtNGVhOWIzYTY2NGNj_99163fc0-db88-4e5d-af43-cfb714d467e4_shirhamaalotfinal.png Jacob was crying, and he was searching for Joseph, without even knowing it. What are we searching for without knowing it? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/3en25qvb6q 819 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/rosh-hashanah-judgment-day-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hanukkah-christmas-winter-solstice-holidays Hanukkah vs Christmas https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0ca6ba76-3df6-4bdd-8c0a-868998ed662b/M2FjNTJmZmUtNDdlMy00NzczLWIxYjItOTI0NTYwNjQwZTRh_a2127111-fbeb-4b14-828a-3abd15af01c4_hanukkah-vs-christmas-1280.jpg Does it make you feel uncomfortable when Hanukkah gets lumped together with all the other “winter holidays”? When people talk about Hanukkah almost as if it’s just the Jewish version of Christmas? Isn’t this kind of cultural melding exactly what the Maccabees were fighting against? Well, we have good news and bad news for you. The good news is that there’s no way that Hanukkah is based on Christmas. It was established a few hundred years before the very advent of Christianity, so no need to worry about a Hanukkah bush. But the picture is also a bit more complex. Because some historians want to claim that both of these winter holidays are actually rooted in a much earlier Pagan festival: the holiday of the winter solstice. And… are you ready for this?... The Rabbis of the Talmud seem to indicate that Hannukah indeed does have something to do with this earlier Pagan holiday! Join Rabbi Fohrman as he confronts these disquieting questions, and some puzzling Talmudic passages, to uncover the true identity of the beloved holiday of Hanukkah and its deeply-rooted significance. When you’re done here, check out other great Hanukkah content at Aleph Beta including What Is Hanukkah, Hanukkah Values & The True Meaning of Hanukkah. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/e4vl5a5m3k 594 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-can-i-get-the-most-out-of-aleph-beta 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/recalling-the-past-through-the-manna Recalling the Past Through the Manna https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0d1f3c4d-5ea9-41ac-975a-376b0a0a7099/aC4XYidWJ-7kSaMX_TheStrangeCelebrationof“LawDay”001.png Rabbi Fohrman delves into the Manna story and discovers deliberate echoes of a terrible episode experienced by the Israelites back in Egypt. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/y5oswprdux 459 2023-10-12T18:52:34.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/an-unscripted-research-session-on-understanding-th 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/relate-to-sacrifices-today-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-priestly-blessing 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-did-korach-rebel-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vayeitzei-a-ladder-angels-and-a-godly-mission 2026-02-24T10:58:39.428Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-deeper-connection-between-mother-and-child The Meaning of You Shall Not Boil a Kid In Its Mother's Milk https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0dd56f06-73a0-47d8-9b38-9e582b64dff1/ZmY0OGU5YjMtYjk0Yi00YTlhLWIwYmEtZWZiMzgyMDFlOTdm_f3b6ed36-78f5-436d-838a-d03568c7c5ce_moremilkandmeatfinal.png One of the places where the prohibition not to eat meat and milk together is found is in Parshat Mishpatim. It’s location is at the end of a lengthy list of laws like property damages and personal injuries. It's hard to relate to these dry, legal lists when they're put side by side with the Torah's most epic and memorable stories. But what if the laws aren't merely what they appear to be? What if these laws have something to tell us, a secret about one of the Torah's most familiar stories? And how can they teach us about not eating meat and milk together? Join Ami as he explores the stories hiding within these laws. Discover other videos about Kashrut at Aleph Beta, including ‘ Why Can't You Cook Milk & Meat Together ”, “ The Meaning of Kashrut ”. And “ Kosher Slaughter ” https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/uzzlvah0yr 806 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hidden-dimensions-of-sefirat-haomer-part-1 Hidden Dimensions of Sefirat HaOmer, Part 1 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0ddecf1b-c28d-49f6-b141-264b639d2b74/MzZmY2IxNTMtOGE1My00MDE4LTgwODItYTY4YTYyMmI3Y2M1_af9aba37-a5fd-492e-b1d9-6fdcd18fbe44_sefirat-haomer-woodmere-dimensions.jpg Hear Rabbi Fohrman's latest insights into the meaning of Sefirat Ha'Omer! This recording is from a live zoom series Rabbi Fohrman gave in partnership with the Five Towns-Far Rockaway Virtual Bais Medrash, April 27 - May 24, 2020. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/m0p56t85wk 3247 2023-10-16T18:41:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/kindness-and-broken-kindness Kindness and Broken Kindness https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0df0df18-8449-4fc0-9a1b-442eb7cad322/aC6SaydWJ-7kSa0y_ruthsnightwithboaz005.png Rabbi Fohrman delves into the narrative of Lot and his daughters, showing that the kindness of Abraham was distorted in the broken kindness of Lot, resulting in incest between Lot and his daughters and hinting at the connection to Ruth, a descendant of Lot and his daughters who acted against their backdrop. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/pvxqtvqpmc 776 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-does-god-speak-to-us 2026-04-20T21:46:47.959Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/israel-rejects-the-promised-land-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/challenging-god-why-did-jonah-run-book-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/whats-meaningful-about-not-mixing-milk-and-meat-kashrut 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/psalm-19 Psalm 19 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0e3fe0ca-8097-474e-ae62-ab14dc4bbae5/MTU3NTRkZjQtOGQwNy00NjcxLTlmNWMtMjhmMjVkNjU0ZDQ1_f029a4da-ea4a-46ce-a033-b663605a1575_meaning-of-psalm-19-new-640.jpg 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) , (Psalm 30), , Shir Hamaalot (Psalm 126) , and Al Naharot Bavel (Psalm 137) . https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/o9t824zfb2 2373 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/moses-miracle Moses' Miracle https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0e46658d-ecaf-4202-b64c-89fc19a1edb0/OWNhNTAyOTUtZjkwNC00MzgwLWIzY2QtMzI4ODVkOGU3YmFi_5febc7f0-8331-4b58-8def-28e81e146a17_the-three-great-lies-of-the-exodus-1920-new.jpg Rabbi Fohrman introduces the three signs that God gave to Moses to instill faith in God within the people and to prove His might to Pharaoh. Rabbi Fohrman, then, delves a bit more deeply into these three signs, questioning them and their effectiveness and looking to a connection between them and belief. Discover other great videos at Aleph Beta, including ‘ Did God Allow Slavery ’, ‘ The Ten Plagues Explained ’, and ‘ Why Did God Take Away Pharaoh's Free Will? ’ https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/swjk3x8v75 592 2023-10-12T18:52:34.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/brief-history-outline-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-failed-redemption The Failed Redemption https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0e809949-6fdd-4c42-a90b-47ac94210c2e/YzYzMTE0MTUtMjA4My00MDdjLTk3NDktNDQ3MmQyNmE3OTBm_3ac5fbe0-087a-44d9-b1bd-2cb35ee2ec33_tb-spies-1280.jpg After closely examining these Biblical stories, Rabbi Fohrman discovers an element that seems to be "missing." An element that is crucial to bringing about a future redemption. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/gsqk3xpe9f 909 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/moses-golden-calf-exodus-commentary Shattered Tablets And The Calf Of Gold XI https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0ef784c4-312a-486e-8430-1fc8ea5c24c9/YjVjNzhmMGEtOWUzOC00NjBmLTgxNGUtZjUwZDE5ZGVjNThh_m2fiztuyyzmtmtewmy00mgy3ltgxzjmtnthkoduxnjk3yjzj_moses-golden-calf-exodus-commentary.jpg Shattered Tablets and the Calf of Gold Part XI https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/qanwqsny10 4986 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/taking-stock-where-are-we-now Taking Stock: Where Are We Now? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0f010801-10bf-4466-bf14-919ab27ac18f/MTlkNjJhMDEtYzIwMi00MWJlLWIxNGEtNjc4YzM3ZjM3YWFm_zddiyjdkytmtzjg3ns00mdiwlwizmzetotrindaxyzewyzdi_274_noah_15.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman does a quick review of "where we are now," reminds us of the general flow of the unit, and restates our end goals. For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/7w2h4h7a5i 406 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-diseased-hand A Diseased Hand https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0f4ccd98-e0ba-4cc9-9bfc-1fc964543b0e/Z-r2bHdAxsiBwJCq_fromEgypttoOctober7thver2001011.png Rabbi Fohrman focuses on the second sign and its connection to the lies of Egypt. Rabbi Fohrman uses the text to connect leprosy to a stillborn baby, like the stillborn babies that the midwives were ordered to deliver to Israelite women as part of Pharaoh’s decree, showing, yet again, how the signs show God’s understanding and empathy toward to the Israelites and their struggles. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/4vk7qf5yf1 384 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/balak-talking-donkeys-invisible-angels-and-the-tree 2026-02-24T10:47:06.299Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/09-where-in-the-world-is-the-sabbath-hiding 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-the-bible-defines-humility-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/reindeer-and-latkes-arent-the-winter-holidays-suspiciously-similar-part-3 Encountering Darkness, Discovering Light https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0f92aeb0-5b89-4ac8-8503-0816fe936e1f/YjUyM2IyZDAtMGI4OS00ODI1LWIwZTEtMmZlNzMyZTA2YTRk_a2127111-fbeb-4b14-828a-3abd15af01c4_hanukkah-vs-christmas-1280.jpg Join Rabbi Fohrman as he continues to explore the relationship between the Rabbis description of Hanukkah and their telling of Adam’s first winter festival. While the similarities between these two holidays seem apparent, there is also a very telling difference between what each holiday celebrates. Looking at these holidays side by side will help us gain a clearer answer to our questions about the roots of Hanukkah, and the particular meaning of celebrating light in the darkness of winter. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/l6e3wkitx1 572 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-exodus-main-theme-about God Choosing Man, Man Choosing God https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0f97babe-5807-4534-a48e-dabb515df0ba/ZfIba0mNsf2sHkFq_God-Choosing-Man,-Man-Choosing-God-1920.jpg Parshat Pekudei (Exodus 38:21-40:38) is the conclusion of Exodus, which is the perfect time to ponder: what is the Book of Exodus really about? Exodus touches on many major themes – it is known for Israel’s escape from Egypt, the sea splitting, the Ten Commandments, the Golden Calf, and the Tabernacle. We read these stories year after year, but how often do we stop and consider – what do the main themes of Exodus really teach us? What is the main concept of the Book of Exodus? What makes it all hold together? After all, the Author of this book, God, wrote it as an integrated whole, and we are its intended audience. What meaning does He want us to get out it? In this video, we zoom out to look at the main themes that connect the stories, and how this affects the meaning of the Book of Exodus as a whole. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/4lrawl35qg 695 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:58:45.318Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/megillat-eicha-and-ayeka-meaning Megillat Eicha https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0fb2e240-9b94-4c54-9808-97f5384bc053/ZpEgMB5LeNNTxGgg_eicha-in-eden-1920.jpg What does Eicha have to do with the garden of Eden? At first glance, not much. But if we look closer, it turns out that the Megillah is actually echoing language first used in the beginning of Genesis. Could it be that the exile from Jerusalem is somehow connected to the exile from the Garden of Eden? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he explores the Garden of Eden story and its reverberations in Megillat Eicha -- and never think about Tisha B’Av the same way again. Discover other great Tisha B’Av videos at Aleph Beta, including ‘The Book of Lamentations”, “Sinat Chinam: What is Baseless Hatred ”. And “The Story of King Hezekiah” https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/2c5xp3ss3s 3429 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-to-be-a-good-person 2026-04-20T21:38:00.920Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-guilty-should-i-feel-part-1 High Holidays: Just How Guilty Should I Feel? (part 1) https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-0ff14bd9-d4bb-4f06-b9af-2d93e654fdc4/Z4bUX5bqstJ99dsC_shouldIfeelguilty0022025.png The High Holidays should be a time of introspection, but it often feels like we're so overwhelmed by our own guilt, by the idea of coming to terms with ourselves, that we don't know where to start. In this course, Rabbi Fohrman takes a deeper look at what are the 13 Attributes of Mercy and uncovers a path to finding true forgiveness during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Discover other great videos for the High Holidays at Aleph Beta, including ‘Unetaneh Tokef Interpretation & Meaning”, “What Is The Meaning and Purpose of Yom Kippur” and If Jonah Never Really Repented, Why Do We Read His Story On Yom Kippur? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/e1lou2jluk 874 2025-08-21T10:32:19.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-does-it-mean-to-have-faith-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/moses-farewell-to-israel-part-2-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/joseph-powerpoint-5 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/reversing-the-sale-of-joseph-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/premium-webinars 2026-02-17T16:18:59.065Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/friday-night-kiddush-prayer 2026-02-13T22:25:35.089Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/teshuva-how-to-do-teshuva 2026-04-21T05:58:29.341Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/brave-new-world Brave New World https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-10b2d8fb-1a57-4063-98d6-079f48e3a7bb/NjMzYzM5NjctOWRmZC00MmE5LWE5OTMtM2ZiOTg2NjU5MWI0_odnjotzkmwitnzkymy00njdhlwexogetyzjlyjq2njkxmdvh_260_noah_5.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman finds a parallel to the 6th day of creation in the post-flood story, and suggests the post-flood picture was one of an entirely new world with an entirely new focus. For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/3knr1pz48u 665 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/kohanim-jewish-priestly-roles 2026-04-20T21:24:05.129Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/arrival-a-movie-with-surprising-implications Arrival: A Movie With Surprising Implications https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-1144e7c1-0d37-4263-9c07-b0a613eb8e26/ZpEb1R5LeNNTxGZn_new-grappling-with-loss-other-KU-version-1920.jpg In this last episode of the series, Rabbi Fohrman uses clips from the movie Arrival to further illustrate how we can confront loss and find comfort in a world that contains both good and evil. A personal note from Rabbi Fohrman about this course: A word of caution -- although this is a video about loss, and how, to some extent, we might find peace in the face of it – this isn’t designed as something to be watched during shiva, or when one is wrestling with the searing pain of fresh grief. That pain, unfortunately, probably needs to be felt in an untrammelled way, I think, until we somehow re-emerge and feel ready to face the world again. This video, by contrast, is probably something to be watched after the passage of some time, when we are more at a distance from grief – but still confronting an aching sense of disquiet and unfinished business. For people who are there, I hope this video might provide a path to some peace or solace. So, please, bear that in mind, when choosing to watch this or engage with it. Loss, of course, is among the most personal of things any of us experience. I don’t know that my own reflections on it will resonate with your own – but I hope that in some way, they will. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/zoxefvi1cm 1510 2023-10-12T18:54:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/passover-seder-with-rabbi-fohrman--immanuel-shalev Passover Seder with Rabbi Fohrman & Immanuel Shalev https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-11543dec-7146-4c82-a083-812a32115d29/M2NkZTI4ODgtNDdhMi00ZWI5LThhMDQtYjhkY2NkMWU3Y2M3_7d47f06d-20f6-48d1-934f-6249b3bd27d9_insights-into-the-haggadah-640.jpg Sit alongside Rabbi Fohrman and our CEO Imu Shalev for a model seder as they explore wonderfully new and invigorating ideas on an age-old seder tradition. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/eq8gmodhmv 7184 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-04-21T05:37:29.283Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-does-land-have-to-rest Why Does Land Have To Rest? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-11646e0c-e773-409b-9aeb-20bc9824810f/ZkSz-yol0Zci9Kh3_Why-Does-Land-Have-To-Rest-1920.jpg We talked last week about seeing Shabbat in different worlds. But how do we understand, conceptually, what this means? The clues may lie in the laws of the Sabbath and Jubilee cycles of rest, which follow a pattern of seven years in the Bible. In this week's video, we look at Pesach, Shmita and Yovel and ask, where do we see Shabbat, and why does it matter? Rabbi Fohrman follows the clues to unearth the spiritual meaning of the Sabbatical and Jubilee years, one that applies to our own lives today. He discusses the concept of how when the land rests and slaves return to freedom, so do we, too. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/jn2k49su1v 643 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-05-01T19:53:05.070Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-filter-of-desire The Filter of Desire https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-116a6a51-2787-4ebc-8cd6-8fcc25b7405e/ZjQ5ZGQwMmQtZTVlNy00ZjQzLTk0M2EtMjg5OWYyZTY3NmE0_ntvmnzq3zgutntdjny00nzy2ltlmyzgtywi3njniyjhhyju5_248_garden_17.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman compares and contrasts God's command regarding the trees with Eve's retelling of it. With Eve's restatement, we are presented with a "road map" for the mind games of desire. For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/w84vkp53w7 661 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/seeing-the-future-video Seeing the Future https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-11a8d6d1-9a96-4934-905d-71c801c3aeb6/OWNhNTAyOTUtZjkwNC00MzgwLWIzY2QtMzI4ODVkOGU3YmFi_5febc7f0-8331-4b58-8def-28e81e146a17_the-three-great-lies-of-the-exodus-1920-new.jpg The splitting of the sea was the climax of the Exodus - and it's where the Israelites have full emunah, belief, in God. Rabbi Fohrman connects the two moments of emunah and shows us the emotional power of this culminating moment. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/3v3j50javf 765 2023-10-12T18:52:34.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/entering-gods-story-on-rosh-hashanah Entering God’s Story on Rosh Hashanah https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-11c15411-5bf4-4494-9b68-be021f7a5ae5/Z4bUzZbqstJ99dsT_judgmentdaytitleontop001.png The special prayers recited on Rosh Hashanah are divided into 3 sections: Malchuyot, verses that describe God’s kingship, Zichronot, verses that describe fond remembrances that God has of the people of Israel, and Shofrot, verses that reference the shofar. In this video, Rabbi Fohrman takes a closer look at the Zichronot and Shofrot prayers, in order to better understand how Rosh Hashanah came to be known as a day of judgement. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/2kavphl3pl 904 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/did-jacob-know Did Jacob Know? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-11d202c1-9f17-4e90-a8d5-0c216bace381/ZWYwMDQ0MDAtMmE1NS00Y2RhLWFjNDktZjA2YjRkNzhkNjk0_njhkntkyzjmtngizzs00ytu1ltk2mzitmmfjm2i5ndbhndnj_505_echos20of20the20future206.png Echos of the Future https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/8vckfmh4qb 318 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/bird-meaning-references-symbolism-bible Fowl Play? The Significance Of Birds In The Torah https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-11d3d6f0-bf4c-41a3-9f51-ed3bffde4d86/NDhmOWYxMDItZGU5NC00MmQ5LWIzOTctNTZiNWE2NzI0NTVj_zmnhnzdkn2mtmty1ns00yze2lwi1mzitmzjmotu3ytiymtc1_birds-symbolism-meaning-bible-references.jpg This week, Rabbi Fohrman tests Imu – where do birds appear in the Torah? How do they connect to each other? Is there some sort of theme that connects the birds together? And how does any of this relate to Parshat Yitro, the parsha in which God gives the Torah to the Israelite people at Sinai? Watch Rabbi Fohrmah's Shavuot course and Ten Commandments course . https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/bhdffla2w4 858 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-keruvim-in-the-garden The Keruvim In The Garden https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-11ded7b6-9497-42cb-a4be-1762f201304c/Y2FhZDZiZTMtYjIxYS00OTY2LWI4ZGMtMmExNzRkYmM4MDQz_9747a792-ebdc-4c83-802c-d6387da0f0c4_angelsinthetabernacle.jpg The keruvim , or cherubs, appear in the Tabernacle in three different places. In this two-part series, Rabbi Fohrman asks: what is the meaning of these keruvim? To answer, he brings us back to the original keruvim in the Torah, the angels who guarded the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve were expelled. By connecting these parallel references to angels, Rabbi Fohrman uncovers a hidden meaning in the design of the Tabernacle. Behind the Tabernacle's angels lies a blueprint on how to bring God back into this world and create a home for him in our lives. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/7z17egopnd 666 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/megillat-eicha-and-ayekah-in-eden 2026-04-21T19:01:19.766Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parshat-nitzavim-what-is-the-hidden-sin Parshat Nitzavim: What Is the 'Hidden Sin' In This Week's Parsha? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-1250d281-e5af-41d3-aeb7-972fc28487ca/MDQ5NTg0ZjgtYzU5OC00ZTVkLTgzNjctNDU0MDUxNmUxNjM5_0861ce81-935a-4c12-8322-132d3ed025d3_parsha-lab-wtp-course-nitzavim.jpg Parshat Nitzavim states, “The hidden things are for God but the revealed things are for us,” which suggests perhaps that only God can punish for sins done in private. Could the parsha be alluding to a specific hidden sin in our history? Join Beth Lesch and Ami Silver as they re-examine the text of Nitzavim and its references to the story of the Sale of Joseph, and never think about Parshat Nitzavim the same way again. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/d03dpl4ixy 2423 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/brief-history-powerpoint-9 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/kinds-of-questions Kinds of Questions https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-127202b7-9975-4d12-9e0f-b5a37919c16e/YTA0MmQxZGUtOGJmMy00NzJjLWIxZTItMzJmZDMyNDI4MmIy_njvjy2nlodutmtiyms00zjbilthiytutmda5mdc4nda5ndri_229_garden_2.png Here, Rabbi Forhman categorizes the various kinds of questions one can ask about any Biblical text and demonstrates which type is most instrumental in attempting to discover the true meaning of the text at hand. For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/00cltkawpx 445 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/lag-baomer-who-was-rabbi-shimon-bar-yochai 2026-02-24T11:14:05.955Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-line-between-murder-and-apathy-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-korban-sacrifice How Can I Confront Sacrifices? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-129555ea-8919-41cd-86d3-5c628a160ea1/Zf3x_McYqOFdyCfw_how-can-I-confront-sacrifices-1920.jpg How can modern day readers understand and relate to the concept of Korbanot, animal sacrifices? Are we meant to take away a spiritual meaning from the Biblical laws of Korbanot? Or are they just doomed to obscurity, to disuse, until we again have a Temple in which we can practice them? In a modern context, without the Temple, it is hard to know how to relate to these laws, which occupy large swathes of the biblical text that we read regularly in synagogue. Such is the case with the text of Parshat Tzav. When reading the text of this parsha, the sacrificial rituals feel antiquated and, at times, even barbaric. And yet, Korbanot (sacrifices) were a staple of Israel's service to God. How could it be possible that something in the Torah is rendered meaningless to people today? Or is there a deeper meaning in the concept of Korbanot that can be learned? Join us as we re-examine the Korbanot, and never read Tzav the same way again. For a deeper discussion, watch Rabbi Fohrman's video on Korbanot: How Can We Relate To Sacrifices Today? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/54bc9ta94j 689 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:53:19.283Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/chayei-sarah-a-princess-for-all-time 2026-02-24T10:59:26.051Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/who-is-amalek Amalek Lecture II https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-12b5a710-7c68-4db1-8dda-6eaad003af64/65d51fdf3a605798c18bfbff_The-Rise-of-Antisemitism-part-2-1920.jpg Explore Amalek’s lineage and the deep seeded issues behind their aggression towards Israel by beginning with the story of Esev and Jacob. Join us as we explore the complicated history of these two brothers and the many factors involved in producing the psyche of Amalek. We may come to understand why Amalek’s aggression towards Israel is not something that will go away, nor something we can do anything about, other than to remember, and not forget, so as to keep them at bay. In this series, Rabbi Fohrman uses a set of Powerpoints to compare texts. Unfortunately, those Powerpoints have been lost to the ravages of time. We're very sorry about that, and we hope you still enjoy the series! https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/qrf1si8hco 4159 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vayishlach-parsha-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shelach-meaningful-judaism-takeover 2026-02-24T10:47:48.969Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shiny-new-things-meeting-2-may-31-2021 Shiny New Things Meeting (May 31 2021) https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-130a9997-7de3-4e04-b3fc-e99236326bfb/YjczMmY3NmItYjU1Yi00YmFhLWE1YjEtNmFkZDE4ODIzMjUy_9eab63b7-61a0-453f-a99b-52503906c91f_event005shinynewthings.png Enjoy this recording of Shiny New Things with Rabbi Fohrman. Rabbi Fohrman delights in finding wonderful patterns or other ‘aha’ moments in Biblical text that are the beginning to a process of discovery. That process might culminate in an Aleph Beta animated video or audio series -- but it starts with that shiny new thing. And that's where you come in. When Rabbi Fohrman comes across 'shiny new things,' he wants to show them to interested folks, and get a chance to talk with them about it. Through learning with you, other dimensions of the pattern that were missed usually begin to emerge, and the meaning of the pattern often begins to come into focus. You are an integral part of Shiny New Things, and we hope you'll be able to join! Shiny New Things is an exclusive weekly event for Producers Circle members. This is an incredible opportunity to be a part of Rabbi Fohrman's learning and writing process, to offer feedback, and genuinely impact the direction of future ideas. Not to mention a chance to hear the extra “bonus” material that doesn’t make it into a book or video. Shiny New Things meets every Wednesday, 7-8:30 pm ET. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/2ooxz6p30a 3529 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-01-27T13:07:04.536Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/back-to-creation Back To Creation https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-13129ea1-99cd-4162-a192-303e3bf6ed71/ZpEb1R5LeNNTxGZn_new-grappling-with-loss-other-KU-version-1920.jpg In episode two, Rabbi Fohrman explored the prophet Isaiah’s mysterious reference to God as the maker of light and creator of dark. In this episode, Rabbi Fohrman goes back to the creation story in Genesis to see if a look at the actual creation of light and darkness can help us understand what Isaiah has in mind. Once here, however, it becomes clear that the first few verses of Genesis are full of esoteric mysteries that need to be understood in their own right. A personal note from Rabbi Fohrman about this course: A word of caution -- although this is a video about loss, and how, to some extent, we might find peace in the face of it – this isn’t designed as something to be watched during shiva, or when one is wrestling with the searing pain of fresh grief. That pain, unfortunately, probably needs to be felt in an untrammelled way, I think, until we somehow re-emerge and feel ready to face the world again. This video, by contrast, is probably something to be watched after the passage of some time, when we are more at a distance from grief – but still confronting an aching sense of disquiet and unfinished business. For people who are there, I hope this video might provide a path to some peace or solace. So, please, bear that in mind, when choosing to watch this or engage with it. Loss, of course, is among the most personal of things any of us experience. I don’t know that my own reflections on it will resonate with your own – but I hope that in some way, they will. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/5xlrbnj2vy 689 2023-10-12T18:54:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/chukat-why-do-we-need-a-red-heifer 2026-02-24T11:10:27.132Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-laban-tricks-jacob What To Do When You’re Not Dad’s Favorite https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-13563aff-8672-4deb-9972-676a74048a28/Z0ePeZbqstJ9719b_WhatToDoWhenYou’reNotDad’sFavorite001.png When we first met Jacob in the previous parsha , he was in a pretty unfair position. His father favored his brother Esav, and, by the end of the parsha, it seemed like he was ready to leave Jacob out of the family legacy. When Jacob learned about Isaac’s plans to pass blessings on to Esav , he was forced to make a difficult choice: Should he resign himself to his father’s decision, or should he do something about it? In the end, Jacob chose to deceive his father Isaac and take the blessings for himself. Which leaves us wondering, did Jacob make the wrong decision? On the one hand, he tricked his father and stole from his brother – that doesn’t seem right. On the other hand, what was he supposed to do? Sit back, accept that he was unloved and let himself become irrelevant? That doesn’t seem right either. So what’s the answer? A closer look at our parsha may tell us. Join Imu and David as they explore a number of fascinating links between the story of Jacob’s deceit of Isaac in the previous parsha, and his interactions with his uncle Lavan in this parsha. These links may suggest what Jacob should in fact have done – and reveal a key insight into Jacob’s evolving character. Click here for Jacob: Man of Truth https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/2rgez8vtte 866 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T22:08:32.701Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hello-from-the-other-side-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/mordechai-bible-story The Forbidden Fruit https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-1391481b-a7f5-4393-86a8-270e11dc78e2/ZWRhNmUzM2YtZDdiMC00ZTEyLWJkNTAtNTRlZjA4OTgxNTBj_m2qxmtazzwitnjuwmc00ndfjlwjiymqtzda4ywvim2fiywrk_mordecai-bible-story.jpg Rabbi Fohrman takes a deeper look at the king’s edict and Haman’s role of his issuing the edict, comparing the narrative to Joseph/Potiphar, once again, and also the Forbidden Fruit, showing how Haman wants the one thing that separates him from the king and clarifying why Mordechai doesn’t bow. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/mbrdvu4cbf 746 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/israel-at-war-5-the-lesson-of-i-dont-know-video NOVEMBER 12, 2023 - Israel at War #5: The Lesson of I don't know https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-13c7dfe9-9317-41af-ac2b-1ce9366053f6/ZGZkYjI0NGUtZGZjZC00NDA5LTg5Y2YtNjNkMTQzYWEyMTg2_828fa277-fa9d-4f26-8947-ff7691d5ecd7_into-the-verse-1920.jpg Rabbi Fohrman and Imu are back sharing more stories from Rabbi Fohrman's last week in Israel, plus a fascinating discussion about last week's haftorah, its shocking conclusion, and the spiritual value of embracing "I don't know." https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/okx4x3acep 2126 2023-12-14T17:40:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tisha-bav-5776-2016-2 Hezekiah's Folly & Achaz https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-13d9503d-1612-401c-a56e-211c11a9fc07/ZpEXvB5LeNNTxGWS_The-Messiah-That-Almost-Was-1920.jpg Rabbi Fohrman sets the context for the rise of Chizkiah, examining the rule of his father, Achaz, and exploring how this really can be both the best of times and the worst of times. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/704jh2hm7f 891 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shavuot-reveiving-laws-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/torah-mandated-conflict-resolution-2 The 4 Stages of Repentance https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-13e16011-c33a-4cfc-bf4b-f3c043578bde/ODlmNjNhZWUtZmMxMi00NTk1LTgzOGMtMDQ3ODc5ZmEyYWM1_65b9ad44-ecd2-4b95-8d1c-2645bf1e8775_how_to_do_teshuvah_final.png Rabbi Fohrman plays one of our favorite games at Aleph Beta - which of these things is not like the other?! And delves into the 4 stages of repentance and what we can learn from them. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/bp33sjib0l 460 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/brief-history-powerpoint-4c 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/yitro-what-was-really-written-on-the-tablets 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/judaism-hellenism-hanukkah-story-epilogue 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/purim-story-mishloach-manot-matanot-laevyonim Mishloach Manot & Matanot La’Evyonim: Epilogue https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-143bf620-866b-4fae-b680-4e2c1d9cf97f/Z8ZrHBsAHJWomEua_WhyMishloachManot2025008.png Learn more about the Mishloach Manot and their fascinating hidden story in the book of Esther with this webinar. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/h0dduc03zu 6244 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/prophet-elijah-meaning-bible-study Lecture III https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-14701420-4689-41bf-b0fa-7e8333afea2b/Zpbzwh5LeNNTxN1E_what-is-a-defender-of-god-part-3-1920.jpg Rabbi Fohrman analyzes the significance of Eliyahu’s roots, noting that he comes from Gilead, and explores the covenant that took place there many generations prior. The audio also highlights connections to the story of Noah, and illustrates how both of these events shed light on the Elijah story. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/32gg6bu5mj 2710 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shmoneh-esrei-into-the-garden-and-beyond Intermediate Blessings: Into the Garden and Beyond https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-147b5cff-d412-4449-920c-afd6100bc254/YTY1NTU3MjItYWVjYS00ZjJjLWI0ODUtZDUwNzAxNWJlM2Q5_646dbf54-556e-4781-8ce2-80d58dda65fd_shmoneh-esrei-2019-part-3.jpg Listen to this episode as a podcast! In this session, Ami and Rabbi Fohrman continue to develop their theory about the intermediate blessings, and search for the hidden story beneath the next two blessings. If the first request, "Ata Chonen", is in fact referring to the Tree of Knowledge story, is it possible that the next blessings pick up where that one left off? If so, what might it mean for us to approach prayer through these stories? Come see for yourself. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/x974rrehil 3107 2023-10-16T18:41:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/epilogue-good-person-playlist 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/jacobs-burial-and-the-exodus The Passover Exodus https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-14d805bb-4daa-45e1-87cc-6a5775f29247/Zghrnst2UUcvBSsX_the-exodus-story-that-could-have-been-2024-1920.jpg The Story of the Exodus from Egypt ends in carnage for the Egyptians, and in glorious salvation for the Israelite nation – but could this story have ended differently? Could the Egyptians have lived happily ever after? How should Pharoah have reacted to Moses's request to take the Israelites to honor God? We read in the story of Exodus that Pharaoh rejects Moses; having raised Moses as his own son, Pharaoh is against the idea of Moses visiting his other (Heavenly) Father. And so the 10 plagues are unleashed upon the Egyptians, and only until the final plague – the death of the firstborn – does Pharoah relent. Yet, still, rather than let the Israelites leave in peace, the Egyptians chase them down in chariots – only to drown in the Sea of the Reeds, and wash up dead upon its shores. Curiously, if we closely study these events in the Exodus story, we start to see uncanny resemblances to another biblical story – when Joseph asks Pharaoh to honor the death of his (earthly) Father Jacob. Only, in that story, the Egyptians and the Israelites go forward together in unity – the chariots accompany the Israelites, not chase them. Was this biblical story intended as a blueprint for Pharaoh, to show how the Egyptians could have been saved? In this video course, Rabbi Fohrman studies the Exodus from Egypt story to see what these curious biblical connections could mean. Jump into his commentary on the story of the Exodus – with a new perspective. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/5y4cxpmr43 781 2023-10-16T18:41:53.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/whats-at-stake What's At Stake? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-1535da73-eac1-4148-9a02-62ea9f7ef092/YzljZmZiNGMtMGZiYy00OWQyLThiZGEtZTkzODI4ZGVhMGY0_y2i3otaymjutnmvins00ztdllwewmdctmmmzmtdkztgxmwnl_whats-at-stake_1512147882735.jpg Judah: A Perplexing Character? Part 19 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/pdg7id9nyw 463 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hebrew-source-notes-lecture-2 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-does-aaron-teach-us-about-loss-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-moses-song Looking Towards The Future: Part I https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-162828cf-bc36-490d-9e64-6ca041bcb5a8/MTNlYjVlN2ItODMxZi00MDU5LWI2MzgtNGMyM2QwNmRkYjY1_4bc128a6-164b-41e1-b66d-fdef3f90675f_looking-towards-the-future-1280.jpg 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, which we explore further in the next video. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/g8dv497g8r 644 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/god-against-the-gods God Against the "Gods" https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-16622700-d411-4281-8f4e-21a66f6f0599/Z9HnXhsAHJWomdz8_Video5Thumbnail.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman explores the How and Why questions regarding God’s plan of revealing himself to all of humanity: How would God do It, and Why would God do it? We begin to discover the purpose of the ten plagues and re-examine the distinction between the hardening and strengthening of Pharaoh’s heart. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/m1jcx8dotq 725 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/moses-israelites-wilderness-challenges-story Is It The Beginning Of The End? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-1696796a-7788-48e5-a41f-619419e75373/YzczYzYzZjctOTIxOC00ZDhiLWFhYjMtYjU1NzBjNmRiMTRi_zjvlzdizodatymyzyy00otizlwe5ztutotrmzjq0zdg5n2ey_moses-israelites-wilderness-challenges-story.jpg In Parshat Beha’alotecha we complete the Mishkan story that started in the middle of Exodus and is completed all the way into this portion of Bamidbar. Finally, the children of Israel are ready to embark on their journey to the Holy Land with the Mishkan – God’s dwelling place – by their side. But their journey quickly takes a turn for the worse as the saga of the desert experience begins to fester with complaints, regrets, and slander. Is this the beginning of the end? What will become of the Israelite’s journey? Join Ami and Rivky as they study the shifting dynamics of the desert story — and never read Beha’alotecha the same way again. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/qw55l9cckh 2007 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/arguing-with-god-bible Is It Kosher To Argue With God? 1A https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-16d1d904-5d6e-4537-8f52-4c6506ab4eaa/YjdlNDdiOGYtYTI5NS00ZDUxLThlMTgtOTk5ZGU4NmQxNGRm_2ad2bf12-8442-4950-99e9-8945ac49ec8b_is-it-kosher-to-argue-with-god-thumbnail-part-1a.jpg Is it OK to argue with God? To be angry at God? It’s a tricky question. On the one hand, we’re taught that God is perfect, all-knowing, and we’re… flawed mortals. And while there’s some disagreement about to what extent God is involved in the tiny, mundane details of our everyday lives, we generally assume that things happen for a reason — a God-ordained reason — and are therefore “good,” and we should accept them, without putting up a fight. But that’s easier said than done… especially when you’re experiencing something difficult in your own life. Is there any room for pushing back against these kinds of things? For entering into an argument — or to choose a nicer word — a “discussion” with God? There is some precedent for this in our tradition. There are stories, throughout the Bible, of people who experienced some kind of tension between their will and the will of the Almighty, and they took it upon themselves to argue (or at least “discuss” it) with God. Apparently they thought that it was “kosher,” that it was OK to do. Was it? And if it was “kosher” for them to argue with God, is it also kosher for us? In this sweeping 10-part audio series, Rabbi Fohrman grapples with those questions by examining three different “case studies:” the story of Chana, from the Book of Samuel, who suffered with infertility and let God know how she really felt; the story of the Mekalel, the “Blasphemer,” from the Book of Leviticus, who had the audacity to “curse” God; and the story of the daughters of Tzelophchad from the Book of Numbers, who boldly petitioned God to change the laws of land inheritance — and were granted a win. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/mgzlm96w1e 2160 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/meaning-of-shabbat-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-origins-of-birth-in-the-bible The Origins of Birth in The Bible https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-17043340-cd19-4192-95ee-c6b3ba276d22/ZWU5YjEzNTgtMmI3MS00MzlhLWI3ZWYtY2U0NzVkOWFlNzE0_5aae836f-0e4b-4f26-b2ea-cf3b2834df79_impurebirth001.png So the Torah doesn’t exactly have a “Birth” section. We can’t just flip open to the “what to expect spiritually when you’re expecting” part of the Bible. And it’s true, there are plenty of babies born in the Torah, but the truth is: there is law directly associated with Birth. And it’s not one we pay too much attention to nowadays. Why? Well, the law relates to tummah and tahara, purity and impurity. And yet, I think if you’re interested in getting in touch with some of the religious and spiritual ideals behind birth, this law is actually pretty relevant. Rabbi Ami Silver explores this law in a video he created for parshat Tazria. But before you enjoy this exploration, here’s just a brief editor’s note: the following is presented purely through the lens of Tanach scholarship with humility and deference to those of you who actually experience birth. We hope you enjoy. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/qzhht1uyc4 1055 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parshat-toldot-what-is-true-strength 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shmot-does-god-really-love-us-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/gods-many-different-names-meaning God's New Name https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-174a1309-b701-489a-a9d4-61b1f8d22f51/MmFlZjg5Y2MtZjBlMC00Mzc1LTlmYzAtYTFkMmM2NjM2NmMw_586905ed-cc78-47d2-836d-130cd3ec42b5_gods-new-name-1920.jpg If God is “one” – and that seems to be a pretty fundamental precept of Judaism – then why does God have so many different names? The standard answer is: because God has different "aspects" of His being, and each name emphasizes a different aspect. Our Sages tell us (in Bereishit Rabbah 33:3) that YHVH ("Hashem") describes God's attribute of mercy, whereas Elokim describes God's attribute of strict justice. Those are the two most common names of God that we encounter in the Torah. But there are some other, less common names whose meaning seems more evasive. Like Kel Shakkai (literally translated as "El Shaddai," but the convention is to say and write "Kel Shakkai," out of respect for the holiness of God's name). The name Kel Shakkai only comes up a scant handful of times in the entire Torah. It is most mysterious indeed. And perhaps most mysterious of all, God opens up Parshat Va'era with the following comment to Moses: "I am YHVH. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as Kel Shakkai, but with my name YHVH, I wasn't made known to them" (Exodus 6:2-3). What is the meaning of this? What is the "essence" of the name Kel Shakkai? Why did God reveal that name to our forefathers? Why did He conceal from them the name YHVH? Watch Rabbi Fohrman's analysis of God's name Shakkai: '' Finding God In Science .'' Read Beth Lesch's blog for a deeper discussion of the meaning of "God is my Shepherd ." https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/75rcy2qvw8 786 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/still-responsible Still Responsible? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-175313b3-7eef-4d19-aad2-f445eb78bfbb/ZjMxZjAzNjAtOTlhMC00ZTQ1LWFhOWQtZDM0YTkyNTEyZmZh_n2q3zmm0mdetnjq2ns00odg4lwe3mjgtndcxotuyyjriytjh_292_joseph_responsible_11.png An Analysis of the Sale of Joseph https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/qb820t5s3w 515 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/life-purpose-what-bible-says What is the Meaning of Life? Part 4 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-176dc200-a9a9-4adb-bcb1-6741b8a62496/Z40BepbqstJ99mnG_themeaningoflife2025001.png What is the meaning of life? Watch part IV of this series. This podcast represents an earlier version of ideas that are further developed in the lecture series A Tale of Two Names: Elokim and YHVH . https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/de6perw152 2719 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/refaeinu-revisited Refa’einu Revisited https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-17907fc4-2e30-47f1-8607-2ea7a3ae6a79/aCayWSdWJ-7kSMCV_HealingThroughtheOmer001.png Join Rabbi Fohrman and Immanuel Shalev, as they dive deep into Refa’einu, our prayer for healing, and its unexpected connections to Sefirat HaOmer. Could understanding this strange connection somehow uncover the key to praying to God as our healer? Could it provide the spiritual guidance a world battling COVID-19 deeply needs? In this episode, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu conclude their exploration of Marah and its connection to Refa’einu. The piece of the puzzle lies in understanding the meaning of God’s very strange method for turning the bitter waters sweet: uprooting a tree and throwing it into the waters. What message is this symbol meant to teach us? And what does it have to do with healing? The answers Rabbi Fohrman and Imu discover lead to a revolutionary way of thinking about faith, and how we can respond to the crises in our lives--especially the current crisis caused by COVID-19. To subscribe to Refa’einu vis RSS, copy this link and add it to your favorite podcast app: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1066483.rss https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/gf0wta4ph5 2989 2023-10-16T18:41:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/qanda-session-with-rab Q&A with Rabbi Fohrman https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-179b1ebd-35f8-4b82-9b09-8cb66ad0099b/NWVjYWUxYTQtMzE4OC00MDcyLTkzZjctZjFkZTc3NWY3ZjU1_63f95bfb-5aba-4557-a132-c20249e0f15d_thumbnail_holiday_rosh-hashanah_q-and-a-with-rabbi-fohrman_final.jpg Join Rabbi Fohrman as he answers fans' questions about his approach to learning, his unique methodology and his response to some of today's most pressing challenges to faith. Topics covered include: The origins of Rabbi Fohrman's Tanach methodology and how others can apply this type of analysis in their own learning. Relying on sources Academic Biblical Criticism Responding to challenges of faith, especially when it comes to offering guidance to young people https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/utgiqqegwt 3783 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/ki-tetzei-question-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/kamtza-and-bar-kamtza Kamtza and Bar Kamtza https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-17d749d5-5977-4333-bf1f-9505762aff25/ZrEErUaF0TcGIsWH_baslesshatred002.png Rabbi Fohrman explains the narrative and implications of the story of Kamtza and Bar Kamtza, and shows that that examining what the four episodes have in common will lead to a deeper understanding of the role of sinat chinam in our lives. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/rrkj83ftl8 625 2023-10-12T18:54:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-missing-peace The Missing Peace https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-17e369f7-f27e-4115-80ea-6f60be256de3/YzYzMTE0MTUtMjA4My00MDdjLTk3NDktNDQ3MmQyNmE3OTBm_3ac5fbe0-087a-44d9-b1bd-2cb35ee2ec33_tb-spies-1280.jpg Rabbi Fohrman takes a closer look at the sin of the spies and how their actions relate to the destruction of the Temples. He explores the Talmudic Sages statement that the sin of the spies occurred on Tisha B'Av and uncovers how this story is still in need of redemption. He may even suggest what the antidote may be! https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/chub626qyh 1175 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/be-zealous-for-god-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/psalm-of-moses-meaning-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-brief-history-of-the-world-from-adam-to-abraham-sn 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/adding-godliness-to-our-lives-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/sefirat-haomer-five-towns-virtual-bais-medrash 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-unique-nation-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-does-yibbum-levirate-marriage-ruth-mean Book Of Ruth I https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-18c3f679-e25e-4e8b-8a69-516f831c22c2/aC9yeCdWJ-7kSdcF_scandalandredemption001-1-.png Book of Ruth - Part 1 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ejbdvcoajh 3320 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/rachels-hardships Rachel's Hardships https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-18ce4b21-2ec9-4dcc-a956-2e9a3042db07/d2dd375e-479e-4bcf-92f8-4ad465c89934_rachels-tears-new-thumbnail-other-new-1920.jpg Rabbi Fohrman focuses on the hardships of Rachel’s life, exploring the misfortunes that came her way and led to her feelings of jealousy towards her sister, The names that Rachel and Leah give their sons are examined as a window into their thinking. Rabbi Fohrman then introduces a midrash that seems contradictory to the messages of the text, which we will return to in a future video of this series. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/hkxppbybiy 654 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hallel-psalms-prayer What Is Hallel: Hallel Psalms https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-18d69c0f-35cc-4288-b2f3-615640fc5913/NDgzMjY3ZGItZjRjOC00NjQwLWE2Y2MtYjJkODIyMTQxYWJl_fcc1d9f2-11ea-46e8-9b08-923c07bf7dbd_hallel-our-story-1920.jpg This week, Rabbi Fohrman develops the question, what is the path laid out for us through the celebratory prayer of Hallel? He answers by bringing in clues from the life of Moses and the story of the Jewish people. The following sources will be helpful to follow this lecture: Hallel itself (Psalms 113–118) Job 1:21 Splitting of the sea (Exodus 14, 15) Moses hitting the rock (Exodus 17, Numbers 20) Golden Calf (Exodus 32–34) End of Moses' life (Deuteronomy 33, 34) Moses' final speech (1:11) Spies (Numbers 13, 14) Judges (Exodus 18) Discover other great Passover videos at Aleph Beta, including ‘ The Seder Meal Explained ’, ‘ Understanding Moses’ Miracles ’, and ‘ What Does Dayenu Mean? ’ https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/xbsmvwsfau 3359 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/planting-with-tears-understanding-shir-hamaalot Planting With Tears? Understanding Shir HaMaalot https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-18dc96cd-66dc-41ce-9898-bf3f2a591ca6/ZWU1ZjQyMjQtNmM1MS00ZjJhLWFhZDktN2M0OTNmYzRjNjc3_ytmxogiwnjqtzju0yy00mzfkltk2ogytzgiyntg3ytjjntqz_524_planting20with20tears20audio.png Planting With Tears? Understanding Shir HaMaalot https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/cyzkdfdgtc 3966 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-primal-serpent The Primal Serpent https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-18eead29-5eb4-4701-aa52-5002fb76104d/OTAyNGZhYzktMThmNC00NDYxLTlmNjQtYzI4OTc3NjA2ZTNk_m2rjzjlhzmutzjvlmy00odc1ltk2zwitnmexnge3ywzjntuz_234_garden_6.png In this video we learn about the strange, human-like characteristics of the snake. For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/uftua9zqel 414 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/purpose-life-according-bible What is the Meaning of Life? Part 3 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-1954d951-45f7-4ba3-bb40-65e49f5f9a0e/Z40BepbqstJ99mnG_themeaningoflife2025001.png What is the meaning of life? Watch part III of this series. This podcast represents an earlier version of ideas that are further developed in the lecture series A Tale of Two Names: Elokim and YHVH . https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/hual9na5fq 2912 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/uncovering-the-mysteries-of-the-megillah Uncovering the Mysteries of the Megillah https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-198748f9-cf1b-49eb-81da-bd7965d5a76a/Z8Zl6BsAHJWomEtc_TheSpeechThatSavedTheJewsNEWNEW005.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman takes a close look at the first of Queen Esther’s requests to the king, raising intriguing questions about the strangeness of her language that beg to be answered. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/0jfk0lijh3 323 2023-12-14T17:40:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hakhel-fearing-god 2026-04-20T17:42:16.341Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/07-hagar-sarai-and-edens-third-world-pdf 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/apr-18-2022-why-did-miriam-sing-her-own-song-transcript 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/meaning-of-the-name-shemot-exodus-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/ruths-story The Book of Ruth Explained https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-19ec5cc0-06e7-4118-abdf-0d234eb6f098/aDci3ydWJ-7kSpFc_whyisruthrelevant001-1-.png On the surface, the book of Ruth seems like an unusual choice to read on Shavuot. After all, Shavuot is the day the Jewish people recall standing at Mount Sinai and receiving the Torah from God. It’s an awesome occasion, commemorating our spiritual pinnacle as a people! What does a 'day in the life of Beit Lechem' have anything to do with that? Rabbi Fohrman takes a closer look at Megillat Ruth and begins to uncover the ways in which Ruth's story is much deeper than it appears. Discover other great Shavuot videos at Aleph Beta, including ‘ The Hidden Structure of the Ten Commandments ’, ‘ The Scandalous Backstory of Boaz & Ruth ’, and ‘ Why Do We Celebrate Shavuot Laws ’. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/cbef7jlnl6 645 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/subchapters Subchapters https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-1a0801ec-7cd8-416c-9283-48b99b596d15/NGU3NDcyMWQtNTJlYS00ODZhLWI4YTktYTM3YTg5NDVkZmE3_odizyju1njytzgzkmy00zdu5ltgzytqtngqwotuzzwflmtri_486_vineyard.png In this video, the last of Noah and the Vineyard, we explore the imperfect chiasm in the garden story, and we explore how the naming of woman brings together many disparate ideas. For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/avv4iwsv8j 310 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/goats-and-coats-replay Goats and Coats Replay https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-1a083709-200f-4794-b8d6-7b40d3391b56/Z-8uMXdAxsiBwTb4_IfGodMandatedOurSlavery,WhyPraiseHim003.png Rabbi Fohrman explores the true climax of the Exodus story: the laws surrounding the Passover offering and connecting the laws to the previous Joseph narratives. Rabbi Fohrman explains that the Exodus provides an opportunity for the Jews to redeem themselves from their previous wrongdoings by replaying the past but making it right this time. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/e5o1uiz405 679 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shmot-does-god-really-love-us-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/praying-for-health-refainu-and-the-exodus-part-1 Praying for Health: Refainu and the Exodus PART 1 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-1aadf813-c60b-4093-b5f7-545f8878ca02/OGJlNjhmODYtYTdiYi00ZTkwLWJhNjItOTAwNWM4YTBmZGM5_b990f5cb-772e-4b7e-adc0-203437144772_webinar-praying-for-health.jpg Praying for Health: Refainu and the Exodus https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/vk0g572sf1 4164 2023-10-16T18:41:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-zero-sum-blessing A Zero Sum Blessing https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-1ab0ac9e-a64e-48c6-a621-455b9c004c99/aCdiyCdWJ-7kSO3x_chosenbutforwhat004.png Now that we've established a clear link between Mount Sinai and Yaakov's deception, we need to take a hard look at the family history. Yaakov and Esav fought over their father's blessing, but did it have to be that way? Episode two examines how Yitzchak's parenting may have been the source of his sons' rivalry. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/owq3gyur09 793 2025-05-16T01:03:17.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/brotherly-love Brotherly Love https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-1b036654-aa77-4be8-98da-b9b666a3b6fd/aDci3ydWJ-7kSpFc_whyisruthrelevant001-1-.png Rabbi Fohrman connects the early stories in Genesis to Megillat Ruth and explains how Ruth's actions are a culmination of the dream that Abraham had so many years before. By delving deeper into the Megilla we are able to discern what the Jewish people's mission statement really is. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/nasawp0lw4 797 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/ki-tetzei-question-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/miriams-song-at-the-sea 2026-02-24T11:15:26.733Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/video-1-judah-a-perplexing-character Introduction to Yehudah and Tamar https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-1b4e13ff-c423-4513-8e31-246700049aaa/YmRmMWJlZDQtMDIxYS00YmIzLWE2ZmItYTk5MGE5ZjdjZjc3_mdkzywuzmjetnzc0oc00mjezltllyjctnzhmztk5n2jiyzi3_video-1-judah-a-perplexing-character_1512145006800.jpg Judah: A Perplexing Character? Part 1 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/t7bnx1x8ku 659 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/itv-s3-third-parsha-cycle 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/blood-money Blood Money https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-1b6ce993-ba35-46ea-8e8f-3329cb86d9e1/M2JlMjRkYzYtOGUzMy00ZThhLTg3MDItYmY4NWNiOWYyMTVk_nwvlzmrjowytyjzjni00m2m3lwfhmzetmzhlm2ewngmzngjk_504_echos20of20the20future206.png Echos of the Future https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/qhxfqe92ki 532 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-gods-face-looks-like Finding God in the Mishkan https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-1b73be05-368f-4014-bb0c-717f651ffa85/2e6f0057-02fb-4147-911c-46b700b9e449_Finding-God-in-the-Mishkan-002.jpg How are we supposed to find meaning in Parshat Terumah's detailed instructions for building the Mishkan (Tabernacle)? Where the Menorah stood, where each alter was placed... what difference does this this make in our ability to connect to God today? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman shares an incredible observation about the structure of the Mishkan: eerily enough, it seems to parallel a face. Was the Miskhan designed as a way to 'see' God's face in this world? What is this face meant to symbolize? What can it teach us about God, who, of course, does not actually have a face — and about ourselves, creators who do. Enjoyed this video? There's more to discover. Join Rabbi Fohrman as he continues to explore these ideas in this video for Parshat Tetzaveh. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/cewnhs6rxj 339 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/phantom-akeidah-lecture-4-powerpoint-number-2 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-shofars-meaning-we-missed-the-message-of-the-exodus 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/will-god-always-forgive-me-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/rejecting-israels-leader-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/behaalotecha-the-moment-when-everything-changed 2026-02-24T10:48:04.618Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/aleph-beta-reacts-pesach-5775 Aleph Beta Reacts Pesach 5775 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-1c4da559-f3da-49a5-9c94-e0920983ed53/ZWIxZDAyY2ItMzg3My00NjY0LTk0ODUtM2M5NzAxYWZkYjMw_mwmymwmzzgqtzgzkoc00nmm2lwfmmgutztzhmjzjzjyxmdk3_aleph-beta-reacts-pesach-5775.png Aleph Beta Reacts Pesach 5775 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/s0om5907h7 1065 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/terumah-parshat-guide-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-7-habits-of-highly-intuitive-readers-of-the-bi-zoom-6 The 7 Habits Of Highly Intuitive Readers Of The Bible: Class 8 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-1c9f9080-fe2f-4b3d-bb13-b58fc9e610d6/8a8b1fed-79c2-40dd-be57-a4ade7ead388_PC-Course-thumbnail-new-1920.jpg Watch this 8-part interactive course lead by Rabbi David Fohrman on how to read the Torah in its original Hebrew Aleph Beta style. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/3yonc8tkwi 7214 2023-12-28T22:29:19.000Z yes yes 2026-02-26T11:16:18.524Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/meaning-of-kosher-law-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-binding-of-samuel The Binding of Samuel https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-1d0c4fe7-41ee-41d4-a316-4e2131503063/ODdlN2UyMGUtYjNhZi00OWExLTkxNGMtYzFhYWFhMzBkNmM0_2aa18b80-d739-41bb-8ac3-41e571fad7dd_akedahindepth001.jpg In Part II of this series, Rabbi Fohrman looks at the story of the birth of the prophet Samuel, which is read on Rosh Hashanah as the haftorah to the reading of Akedat Yitzchak. By uncovering some fascinating parallels Rabbi Fohrman shows how the birth of Samuel helps us begin to understand Akedat Yitzchak and the nature of a sacrifice. Next Rabbi Fohrman discusses why Isaac, whose name means ‘laughter,’ is at the center of such a serious story. Finally, Rabbi Fohrman explains how we are meant to deal with the morality of God asking Abraham to sacrifice his son. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/azo7wg6pmf 3611 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/angels-in-the-tabernacle-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/lesson-from-king-balak-of-moab-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/deuteronomy-blessing-law-israelites How To Make Sense Of The Terrible Curses: Part II https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-1d422cb3-1d06-4030-b6cd-b2d4d4abfe00/ZjNhYWM5ODUtN2Y3OC00ODUzLWI1MmQtZTNjZTNjMjgyYTlh_a5388baa-5ae2-4155-bd7c-9d7dceafb1c5_deuteronomy-curses-law-israelites.jpg Last week, we found that to understand God's curses at the end of the Torah, we have to follow a trail all the way back, to Creation, and the Garden of Eden Watch more: " The Right Way To Find Happiness According To The Bible ." https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/s37blpsa74 1048 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/meaning-of-jacobs-blessing-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/main-purpose-tabernacle-instructions Is God Talking To Me Through The Laws Of The Mishkan? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-1d48db4f-ea94-40a7-85db-41e6950ad698/81c3eddf-926d-4fad-9bd1-4f4dbe8e1d0f_Is-God-Talking-To-Me-Through-The-Laws-Of-The-Mishkan-1920.jpg We're about to embark on a seven-chapter detailed journey through the instructions for building the Mishkan, the Tabernacle. Most people skip over these sections or read them very fast because they are tedious and completely unrelatable. How can we, as 21st century learners of the Torah, find meaning and purpose in the instructions that God gave to Moses to construct the Tabernacle? And how do the laws shed light on the epic devastation of the story that follows, the Golden Calf? Join us in Parshat Terumah (Exodus 25:1–27:19) as we uncover the beauty and depth of the Mishkan . Watch Rabbi Fohrman's video here: > Ever Wonder What God Looks Like? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/p8kx5u6wg4 725 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-21T05:36:32.196Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/edens-two-trees 2026-02-13T22:06:24.439Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-does-god-think-of-all-this What Does God Think of All This? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-1d717920-d66b-4dd9-9cf2-02385953224c/OTg3ZWRkMTMtNzk3MC00ZDFlLTg2ZDItODc2MjQ1ZjQ5Yzhk_zdbmmwvjztitngu0zi00mzgzlthhogitzdjhotdhzdmymmi3_281_joseph_responsible_7.png An Analysis of the Rashmbam's theory https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/x1oflyan5b 609 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/will-the-real-firstborn-please-stand-up Will the Real Firstborn Please Stand Up? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-1d93f1d7-9c33-4b6d-8ebc-deb7f0f7673d/ZWJkMGQ0ODAtOTM1MS00OWQ0LWJjYzctNjJkODRlNzJlZTc5_odq0ogm1ztutnmi5os00mdq3ltk2ztqtodk2y2i5mwq3nmu4_166_jocoats12.png Will the Real Firstborn Please Stand Up? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ajyapnc7wu 408 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/can-jewish-laws-be-meaningful-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-god-put-man-on-earth What Is Man's Place In The Universe? Part 4 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-1ddd8416-4369-42cd-b3c3-b93e29c7d512/YWNlMTk3YTItOGFjZC00NTY2LTg0ZDYtMzI3N2NkNjQ5MTRi_e67bc875-3898-471e-a345-23bd8f559ffc_why-god-put-man-on-earth.jpg Exploring more concepts of 'doing' vs. 'being' and how to integrate them together within the stories of Creation; and also within your life... https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/uf7hox4apa 4324 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/jacobs-ladder-part-v-noahs-ark-and-gods-ark Jacob's Ladder Part V: Noah's Ark and God's Ark https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-1ddde904-fe91-40b3-9408-453727ce3ee9/NzdlMjAzYzQtNjI4Yy00MWYyLTkzZWQtOWQ3Njk3NTQxNThi_ywu2ywfkowutm2ewys00owyxltgyztetodu2ndy4zdnlyjnl_jacobs-ladder-part-v-noahs-ark-and-gods-ark_1509991154523.png Rabbi Fohrman's live webinars. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/nswb9fqmwx 2216 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/moses-burning-bush-ten-commandments Seeing The Ten Commandments In The Burning Bush https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-1e07b4d0-d89b-48f6-ac19-d27eaa8185c8/a4680432-1232-4af3-b82a-4db9c4249812_seeing-the-ten-commandments-in-the-burning-bush-ver2-1920.jpg In Parshat Yitro , we read about Moses receiving the Ten Commandments . But there’s something very unique about the text in this section – it’s strikingly similar to an earlier story, namely, Moses and the Burning Bush. Is there a parallel that’s meant to be drawn between the stories of Moses, the Ten Commandments, and the Burning Bush? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he re-examines both texts and learns how the Burning Bush may actually serve as a template for the Ten Commandments. Through this comparison, we start to see a deeper spiritual meaning behind the story of the burning bush. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/vkp54zydhe 884 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-21T05:33:05.297Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/yibum-genesis-lot-and-daughters Lot And His Daughters https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-1e16343d-268b-4c77-966a-ca7d083b9aff/aC9yeCdWJ-7kSdcF_scandalandredemption001-1-.png This continues from the first part "Lest it Come to Scandal," exploring the genesis of Jewish kingship from Lot and his daughters to Judah and Tamar and the Book of Ruth. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ge5oms0jq2 3281 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-does-it-mean-to-have-faith-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/jacob-jacob Jacob, Jacob! https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-1e801990-7d03-4f0c-bae0-3d724e20067a/OGMwZjk0OWUtZDlmZi00YzA5LTgzZjUtMTEwYzZjNzYxOGMw_ymu2ogu4ngmtndiwni00ytrjltlinwutyzg0nzk4ntexnjbl_177_perspective1.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman begins to highlight intertextual parallels between the Binding of Isaac and the Divine communication with Jacob (on his way to Egypt). https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/vxpu50qovj 452 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-real-bitterness-of-the-bitter-waters The Real Bitterness of the Bitter Waters https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-1e9c0f0f-bfb4-4c39-aa73-80b314c5b2a8/aCayWSdWJ-7kSMCV_HealingThroughtheOmer001.png Join Rabbi Fohrman and Immanuel Shalev, as they dive deep into Refa’einu, our daily prayer for health, and its unexpected connections to Sefirat HaOmer. Could understanding this strange connection somehow uncover the key to relating to God as our healer? Could it provide the spiritual guidance a world battling COVID-19 deeply needs? In episode two, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu looked deeper into the Biblical sources found in Refa’einu--the story of the splitting of the sea, and the story of the bitter waters of Marah. They discovered that these stories point to a mysterious illness which God cures the Israelites of... but what is this illness exactly? In this episode, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu begin to answer this question. Their journey leads them back to Egypt, for an in-depth account of the trauma the Israelites experienced there. Could it be this trauma is the mysterious illness alluded to? And, if yes, what would it mean to heal from this type of illness, physically, emotionally, and spiritually? To subscribe to Refa’einu vis RSS, copy this link and add it to your favorite podcast app: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1066483.rss https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/pky4ou7f43 3313 2023-10-16T18:41:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shavuot-sinai-and-the-meaning-of-freedom Shavuot, Sinai and the Meaning of Freedom https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-1eaa8e81-4baf-42d6-8779-e0cb8152c791/aDdPeidWJ-7kSpkA_Shavuot,Sinai,-andtheMeaning-ofFreedomthumbnail2025.png Join Rabbi Fohrman in his pre-Shavuot learning event and get ready for the holiday. This live recording took place on June 1, 2022. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/n1u27of5iz 7692 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T17:40:10.305Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/eden-in-depth-part-18 Eden in Depth Part 18 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-1f3adf96-36e0-4d72-b0b2-51ff32a19569/YjE1M2M2YjYtOTNiMC00NDIwLTg4MTgtNGUzMzE1ODc1M2My_f230dd18-af62-4b4b-b7b0-43be7d9f5c6e_edenindepthmain-640.jpg Eden in Depth Part 18 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/w4tlujm0r0 1032 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hello-from-the-other-side-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/bat-paro-and-calev 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/music-and-torah 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tisha-bav-survival-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-power-of-rachels-tears-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/argue-with-god-micah-jethro Is It Kosher To Argue With God? 2B https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-20721280-8ab0-4706-be89-6a8a0fe18e14/ODRjM2E4Y2ItOGM2MS00N2FhLWFlNDMtNjA3MTMwYWMyOThm_1e787169-b225-4834-bb0d-cd547f4f1a7e_is-it-kosher-to-argue-with-god-thumbnail-part-2b.jpg This audio series was recorded in a live class given by Rabbi Fohrman. Enjoy, and as always, please leave thoughts and questions in the comments below. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ch6nvvrdax 1742 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/kinot-live-2020-with-rabbi-fohrman Kinot Live 2020 with Rabbi Fohrman https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-20a3a6ab-4f36-494b-9a1e-d6ea9542935f/NWUxODFkNWUtZmViYS00YTM3LTkzYzUtZTAwYzMzMjYyNDhl_19b338b6-b442-4f9f-9330-b6763ec5fc76_kinot-webinar-2020-1920.jpg Join Rabbi Fohrman and the Aleph Beta team for an in-depth reading and discussion of Kinot. These beautiful texts will take on whole new meanings and your Tisha B’Av will never be the same. This discussion took place live Tisha B’Av morning, July 30, 2020. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/3dj002tih1 11051 2023-10-12T18:54:34.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/crying-in-the-desert Crying in the Desert https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-20a7b8be-2c6d-4a77-bf0f-3a990037c505/MWVhZDFhZTAtN2M5NS00ZGI0LTg0ZDEtMTY5NDRhZmMxNzk0_ac12c0d6-0365-439a-bdc3-49e5ad2c10ed_longing-and-redemption-1280.jpg How does Joseph relate at all to the redemption from exile? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/tc7sxqbf2v 765 2023-10-12T18:54:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-good-person What Does It Mean To Be A Good Person? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-20b781ee-8cde-4fc1-97d8-0acfe639a4f1/NmMzMjQyYzQtYjE3Mi00NjI2LThkMTgtNDc5OTI2ZjU4YmEw_65c997d6-1e39-4145-97de-5fd32f1452f0_what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-good-person-1920.jpg How can we answer the question about what qualities make us 'good' human beings in the eyes of God? This video looks at the verses of two speeches in the Bible, by Moses and Micah, about what God specifically asks of us. In Parshat Eikev, we read that Moshe tells the nation exactly what God wants us to do in this life – but the prophet Micah makes a similar speech many generations later and exhorts the people very differently. Why? Rabbi Fohrman takes us into Micah's speech to see what the Bible says are the critical building blocks of being a good person. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/gxzpkrus5f 457 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-parent-trap-falling-prey-to-those-we-love The Parent Trap: Falling Prey To Those We Love https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-20e0b67b-699d-4076-b147-38ea927561db/YWMwZmZhZDQtZThhNC00ODA3LTgwMGQtNDk1YzQzYTMwZjc3_ndg4othjn2ytmwq2ms00odjjlthizdmtnjcwngy2m2i4zmi1_shiluach-hakan-halacha-guide.jpg What is the law of Shiluach Hakan, The Mother Bird? How does it make sense for us to have a commandment to send away a mother bird in order to take her eggs? It seems like an odd commandment. Rabbi Fohrman examines the perspectives of both Maimonides and Nahmanides on this law and then comes up with a brilliant analysis that synergizes the two beautifully. Watch the course mentioned in this video: " A Hidden Message About Honoring Our Mothers: How To Merit Long Life ." https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/g4ote1aufn 960 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/in-the-following-learning-session-rabbi-fohrman-compares Why do Bad Things Happen to Good People? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-20f791da-5b35-41a1-a627-ba4335f6332c/ZWUwNjkzNzgtMDVkZC00YmFlLTk3NmYtOTZiNjNlNjUxYTU2_a21658ed-0d7d-4c8c-84f2-761eb8022b06_whydobadthingshappentogoodpeople-640.jpg In the following learning session, Rabbi Fohrman compares 2 seemingly unrelated Biblical characters: Job (Iyov) and Abraham. Although they appear to live in totally different time periods, the Talmud seems to indicate that they really are deeply connected. The parallels that are explored here are striking, and offer deep new psychological insights into two of the most difficult stories in the entire Torah: the expulsion of Ishmael and the binding of Isaac. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/odqell2afk 3134 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-mans-place-in-universe What Is Man's Place In The Universe? Part 1 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-20fd8e35-c0e5-43b7-855e-af3c81b84edc/MmJmNGVmNmMtYjI2My00NThhLWEwZjUtYjFmNWYyM2I5MjY4_715bb374-e392-4c28-806e-4ca94f113eac_what-is-mans-place-universe.jpg What is our place in the universe? This webinar deals with some of the most fundamental questions we have as people – who are we? Why are we here? And how should that affect the choices we make in our lives? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/4lp8fylkug 2806 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-7-habits-of-highly-intuitive-readers-of-the-bi-zoom The 7 Habits Of Highly Intuitive Readers Of The Bible: Class 6 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-21242f59-9cba-4d75-a855-61f4edb63db5/8a8b1fed-79c2-40dd-be57-a4ade7ead388_PC-Course-thumbnail-new-1920.jpg Watch this 8-part interactive course lead by Rabbi David Fohrman on how to read the Torah in its original Hebrew Aleph Beta style. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/a37dq14q0a 7419 2023-12-28T22:15:00.000Z yes yes 2026-02-26T11:15:20.284Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shema-intensive-lecture-5 Shema Intensive Lecture 5 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-21c95e63-61be-43a8-8f8e-914686d7fbe9/NGFhMjhlYmEtNWVkMi00ZGQwLWJkYWQtMzAyMjZmNWM5YmIx_eb0a8b7f-49af-4939-8666-484f27f5be20_event003shemaintensive.png The Shema prayer is known to be the Jewish people's declaration of faith. Yet, what makes these verses more significant than others parts of the Bible? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he explores the 3 chapters of the Shema, and take a closer look as what makes these chapters so significant. This ‘Shema Intensive’ mini series can inspire you and help transform your prayers right in time for the High Holidays. Please leave your comments below and join the discussion! https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/b8ktnpr64s 5285 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/rabbi-meir-eliyahu-acher-torah Rabbi Meir And Elisha Ben Abuyah: Part III https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-21f59e60-bef4-48c8-940f-77430fe380f6/NGIwYjFhNTgtNDcyYS00MDRlLWI2MTYtYjA2OTkxOGIxZGE4_9592cd93-184f-4530-a32e-bea20e4995a1_acher-he-who-must-not-be-named-part-3-1280.jpg This is part III of the audio series about Acher and R' Meir. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/fo8owo3x87 1464 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/bonus-epilogue-to-episode-3 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/chiasms-more-than-just-a-pretty-face Chiasms: More Than Just a Pretty Face https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-223a33a3-ee58-44be-b48f-8b24c606c9b3/YmJmN2Y0YWQtMmJhOS00OGU3LTgwOWMtZjA1M2Q1OGJiYjk3_ytg1njg1zdatmwmyzc00ytzjlwfhyzetoge2mzqyzdq2ymi4_269_noah_12.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman explores the various ways in which chiasms can help us meaningfully understand a text. For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/gmt2xqoru7 447 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/eikev-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parshat-shoftim-what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-fair-judge Parshat Shoftim: What Does It Mean To Be A Fair Judge? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-225d8188-cb68-47ef-8c24-3c076e77862d/ZGVkZDdkOTYtNTE1NC00MzMwLWI3NjUtOWU0NWZlYzAyMTNk_d2639c6d-c750-4750-bc94-853d452e0c6b_parsha-lab-wtp-course-shoftim.jpg 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. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/utugb6jqjh 1682 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/adam-abraham-genesis-history Babel Tower https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-2298b76d-4b21-4d0b-aa83-cb3a25f678ac/OWMwZWEzYTItZDc5Ny00OGU2LTk2M2MtNDI3NzYwYTUzZWQ0_2853c243-9870-46a5-9e3b-315e7deb1f6a_adam-abraham-genesis-history.jpg Part IX in the audio series "A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham." A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham is the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1 , Abraham's Journey 2 , and Jacob: Man of Truth? For a more recent and condensed version of A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham , we recommend listening to Genesis Unveiled . https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/a0s74hl7xf 4451 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/yom-kippur-rituals-atone-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/lech-lecha-the-seeds-of-abrahams-legacy 2026-02-24T11:00:13.348Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vayakhel-parshat-guide-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/moving-up Moving Up https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-22f9a630-1cb2-4eee-aecb-942d7e82d6cf/MGZjMGY4YmEtYWI1MS00YWFmLTg4YTMtMGU1NmZjOWQ0YWY2_n2nmndfjotqtzmi2oc00mdaxlthmmjetowqymzbimtkwmdlk_512_echos20of20the20future206.png Echos of the Future https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/19tgh8pgoq 539 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/reading-without-the-end-in-mind Reading Without the End in Mind https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-230af8ef-b6cd-4c53-9676-58452651f2ca/N2FkMmZmMjUtMTZiYS00ZWU5LWI1YzQtYTVmYzYxOGE3YzVi_ytzjndbiotetntvjys00mzflltkxmgmtnwexmznkzjg1ndzm_reading-without-the-end-in-mind.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman explores parallels between Jacob's slavery in Laban's house and the Jewish slavery in Egypt,and suggests that the former was really a microcosm of the latter. This intertextuality, Rabbi Fohrman suggests, is the prelude to understanding the promises of land and children made to Abraham, and later to Jacob. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/5wlk4t0mdu 567 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/deepening-connection Deepening Connection https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-2319263e-b27a-4200-a709-050942de9d36/NDk4ZjA0MzQtOGE4NC00ZmVhLTlhMTItZGY1N2FkNzkyNTdk_nzbhzjg1njitntvmos00zgjmlwfingmtmge0yjhkodq1mtu3_deepening-connection.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman continues to highlight the particular words, phrases, and events (aside from the Set Repetition) in the Joseph story that will find their matches in another text in Genesis. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/zia9td3geo 377 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shechem-dinah-rape-bible-study Grappling With The Rape Of Dinah https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-232efe5b-e90e-45af-aaae-63da2dc1d795/N2ZjNWExOGUtODk5Yy00MGI2LThlNzgtMTU1NzBhYjhmZWM1_68ac9348-646c-40f8-b805-a3e34fe1b149_shechem-dinah-rape-bible-study.jpg The rape of Dinah is one of the most disturbing stories in the entire Torah. Dinah – Jacob’s only daughter – is forcibly taken by Shechem, and is raped and abused. In a creepy turn of events, Shechem falls in love with her and asks Jacob for her hand in marriage. But Dinah’s brothers, Shimon and Levi, have other plans. They engineer a shocking deception that ends in the bloody slaughter of Shechem and his people. Dinah's rape is a disturbing story, the kind that usually gets “skipped over” in school – but at Aleph Beta, we’re not much for “skipping over” even the toughest of stories. In this chilling video, David Block and Imu Shalev face the rape of Dinah head-on, asking tough questions and scouring the text for answers. In doing so, they uncover a “story within a story”: a trail of clues that gives us a brand-new insight into the larger family story that this episode was part of, and what this experience may have meant to Dinah, her brothers, and her father. For more on Shimon and Levi’s response to the rape of Dinah, see Rabbi Fohrman’s audio series, Abraham’s Journey . https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/fxqgusghdd 792 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-21T19:27:35.277Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/redeeming-the-lies-video Redeeming the Lies https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-234385b7-6f06-4eb2-9921-ca18f6767ccd/OWNhNTAyOTUtZjkwNC00MzgwLWIzY2QtMzI4ODVkOGU3YmFi_5febc7f0-8331-4b58-8def-28e81e146a17_the-three-great-lies-of-the-exodus-1920-new.jpg Once we understand the lies Egypt told about the Israelites, how could God begin to redeem those lies, and help the Israelites overcome their past? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman looks closely at how God redeemed the lies of the stillborn and dehumanization. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ijemknn9g5 565 2023-10-12T18:52:34.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-true-leadership-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/book-club-with-rabbi-fohrman-parshat-tetzaveh-10 Book Club with Rabbi Fohrman, The Red Calf https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-2374352b-3f1e-4155-834f-b814af5c2bfc/Y2JjYjk2ZTctYTk0Ni00ODY1LTk2ZDItODc4ZWUzNmY0M2I2_dbabbadf-5d9e-4046-a26f-959db3ee293c_thumbnail_pc_book-club_draft-1.jpg Enjoy this recording of Book Club for Parshat Vayakhel-Pekudei. Book Club is an exclusive weekly event for Producers Circle members. Participants join Rabbi Fohrman to read and discuss the latest chapter of his newest manuscript. This is an incredible opportunity to be a part of Rabbi Fohrman's learning and writing process, to offer feedback, and genuinely impact what will make it into the next book. Not to mention a chance to hear the extra “bonus” material that doesn’t make it in.  Book club meets every Monday, 12-1:30 pm ET. Sign up for Producers Circle to attend. Already a Producers Circle Member? Check your inbox -- Zoom link and new chapter are emailed out every Saturday night. You can find the chapter being discussed in this recording and all previous chapters here. "[Through Book Club we are] really seeing how a diverse group of people bring their unique insights and create a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. Thank you so much for including all of us in this process!" -- Miriam Goldie Huttler, Producers Circle Member https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ktbnmdkn6n 6664 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/isaac-blesses-jacob-instead-esau The Binding of Isaac... Where You Least Expect It https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-23d02e37-ca6b-4de0-b296-ad016ec3e11a/Z0D9Qa8jQArT1OYR_TheBindingofIsaac001.png At face value, Parshat Toldot focuses on a conversation between Isaac and his sons Esau and Jacob, in which Isaac blesses them and passes on the family heritage – and in which we have the famous story of Isaac blessing Jacob instead of Esau. But hidden within that conversation is a reference to another, earlier conversation – arguably the most painful, incomprehensible conversation in the entire Torah. What story is being echoed here in our parsha? And what is the Torah trying to teach us by linking us back to this most difficult of biblical stories? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/9j8jfv7fxx 549 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:38:25.866Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/embodying-compassion Embodying Compassion https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-23d67e3a-f8c9-4be6-bf3d-c7d133aa757f/MDFkOTQzM2MtZGY2MC00YTAzLWIzMGEtMjhhYzE0NDNjMWQ2_1faed613-50eb-477c-8e7e-f46701f68e5a_birkat_kohanim_final.png In Part 2 of this three-part series, Rabbi Fohrman continues his exploration of what might be the Torah's guide to parenting. He discusses crucial topics such as compassion, conditional and unconditional love, and boundaries. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/7k6h22p3b2 707 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/jacobs-fateful-choice Jacob’s Fateful Choice https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-23ed8192-44b4-42d9-b67c-108dd6d368c7/N2ZiOThhMjctMmRhMy00ODQzLWEyNTgtNThlOTc1YzdkNzMx_3ba62960-2427-494e-9bf4-61de0f223de4_isaac-and-rebecca-1280.jpg In this last video, Rabbi Fohrman breaks apart the climax of the story of the deception of Isaac, when Jacob stands in front of him, wearing Esau's clothes and holding Rebecca's food. This is where, tragically, it all falls apart, and where each member of the family - Isaac, Rebecca, Esau, and Jacob - is left trying to pick up the pieces. For more, see: Jacob: Man of Truth? Toldot: The Binding of Isaac... Where You Least Expect It https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/iec65ljyhd 394 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/music-and-torah-episode-1 Exploring the Harmony Between Sound and Sacred Texts Episode 1 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-23f02623-be71-4467-94cf-7ae1ad584558/Z4ssRpbqstJ99l4V_musicandtorah001part1.png In 5-part series of lightly edited conversations, Rabbi David Fohrman and musician/music teacher Moshe David Frankel explore the fascinating interplay between musical theory and Torah. These freewheeling discussions, sometimes joined by Rabbi Fohrman’s son Avichai, a budding composer, delve into themes like rhythm, melody, harmony, and their surprising connections to biblical stories and concepts. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/dvbufupmtc 2546 2025-01-04T13:18:24.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/confronting-the-theory-killer 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/jacob-deceiver-tricks-isaac-esau Consequences Of Jacob's Deceit https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-24672e03-d0ec-4aa9-b2ae-0e3b10f1b966/Z0eQH5bqstJ9719r_ConsequencesOfJacob'sDeceit001.png In Parshat Vayeitzei , Jacob runs away to his Uncle Lavan’s house after having deceived his father Isaac and stolen his brother Esau's blessing. He marries Rachel and Leah, has 12 kids, and becomes a prosperous shepherd. Things seem to be going very well for Jacob. But that leaves us to wonder: was it okay what Jacob did – impersonating Esau, tricking Isaac? It doesn’t seem that Jacob has to face any consequences for his deceit of Isaac and Esau. Or does he? In tiny hints, all over Parshat Vayeitzei, the biblical text continuously points us back to the story of the deception of Isaac – seeming to imply that Jacob can't escape the effects of his actions. Join Rabbi Fohrman as he discovers these hints, and find out what it all means. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/8pndhmmdgj 488 2023-10-12T18:54:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-21T05:33:24.463Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-bible-says-living-holy-life-before-god 2026-04-21T05:36:28.135Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/class-8-august-20-2024 Class 8 - August 20, 2024 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-249c4e03-31c1-462d-bf38-a26e83b024a7/ZnwLYpbWFbowe327_PC-course-thumbnail-1920.jpg Watch this 8-part interactive course led by Rabbi David Fohrman on how to read the Torah in its original Hebrew Aleph Beta style. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ucnnga9es8 5332 2024-08-22T02:38:40.000Z yes yes 2026-02-26T11:04:23.466Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/interesting-pesach-dvar-torah-exodus Exodus Through The Rearview Mirror https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-24da046a-ead7-4b21-a78c-0b68a7ebe0fd/YjI1ZjcwYWUtMTdiMS00NTZjLTgyMWEtMzI0N2FhM2I0OTRi_69897c0d-2458-4e16-9613-e97834c89596_origins-of-the-firstborn-nation-1920.jpg Explore moving forward through the Exodus story while simultaneously reviewing the Joseph story in reverse order! Take the wild ride and see the three signs at the burning bush from a completely different angle, fasten your seatbelts! https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/oryzacak42 4396 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/sparking-excitement-in-torah-learning Sparking Excitement in Torah Learning https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-24e960d8-ea91-4c27-bd77-26cc78e024f5/MDRmN2RmYTAtOGZkMS00ZTNkLTlkYTAtOGE1MmEzNjMyYTJk_ba4a8569-da6b-496a-97fa-6ca2738dc521_howtoteachtorah002.jpg Have you ever wondered how you can apply Aleph Beta's methodological tools in and out of the classroom? Or questioned what the best way is to teach Torah to children and young adults? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he iterates the many techniques he uses to spark excitement in youth, and offers a new way to approach teaching Torah text that challenges many current educational methods. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/dqq7c7aswm 2560 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/appreciating-our-creators-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/power-v-precision Power v. Precision https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-25594cbd-b3d8-490b-950f-9051ba064d48/Z9HmqBsAHJWomdzZ_Video3Thumbnail.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman examines the natures of Moses’ encounters with Pharaoh and, more specifically, highlights Pharaoh’s apparent obsession with Divine precision. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/e84qm7s9sn 526 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shiny-new-things-meeting-12-october-18-2021 Shiny New Things Meeting (October 18 2021) https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-256083cc-14fe-4fec-a0b5-00ce35ab9e20/YmEwMzBmMjYtNDAzOC00NDk1LTkxNzgtNmQ5NjRjOWE5MmZj_9eab63b7-61a0-453f-a99b-52503906c91f_event005shinynewthings.png Enjoy this recording of Shiny New Things with Rabbi Fohrman. Rabbi Fohrman delights in finding wonderful patterns or other ‘aha’ moments in Biblical text that are the beginning to a process of discovery. That process might culminate in an Aleph Beta animated video or audio series -- but it starts with that shiny new thing. And that's where you come in. When Rabbi Fohrman comes across 'shiny new things,' he wants to show them to interested folks, and get a chance to talk with them about it. Through learning with you, other dimensions of the pattern that were missed usually begin to emerge, and the meaning of the pattern often begins to come into focus. You are an integral part of Shiny New Things, and we hope you'll be able to join! Shiny New Things is an exclusive weekly event for Producers Circle members. This is an incredible opportunity to be a part of Rabbi Fohrman's learning and writing process, to offer feedback, and genuinely impact the direction of future ideas. Not to mention a chance to hear the extra “bonus” material that doesn’t make it into a book or video. Shiny New Things meets every Wednesday, 7-8:30 pm ET. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/vglpcrixoe 7319 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-01-27T13:02:57.001Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/thin-line-between-esther-and-haman 2026-04-20T22:11:17.089Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/story-of-jacob-esau-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/toldot-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-fast-asara-btevet Why Do We Fast On Asara B'Tevet? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-25b37fda-42be-49e0-b1cd-4a971500d317/Z3_-6JbqstJ99RWP_whydowefast0012025.png Why is the Fast of Asara B'Tevet significant today? The 17th of Tammuz, 10th of Av, and Tzom Gedaliah all commemorate conquest, destruction, exile, the downfall of a kingdom… they're horrible, and of course we mourn those days. But on the 10th of Tevet, we remember when the Babylonian armies surrounded the walls of Jerusalem… and then waited… for two and a half years. Why do we fast on this day? What happened on the day of Asara B'Tevet, that it's still so important thousands of years later? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/tnnfhju5n1 692 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:34:10.440Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tefillah 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/closer-look-at-kiddush-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/08a-the-i-of-the-beholder 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tale-of-two-names-from-the-garden-to-the-flood-2 A Tale of Two Names: From The Garden To The Flood - Week 2 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-26071da7-a013-4960-aa79-dd11c01c569b/ZGI4YTZmOWEtZWUzMS00ODVkLWEzMGItMzMxMDM0ZmQ2YzZk_31e41109-3a53-4825-a693-183a6cb28927_tale-of-two-names-final-p3-01.jpg In this lecture, Rabbi Fohrman looks into what went wrong in the Garden. How did the snake so easily convince Eve to eat from the Tree of Knowledge? What fundamental understanding was Eve missing that led her to believe his lies? And how, after the tragedy of this sin, can God allow us to come back into His world? The following lecture is based on an earlier lecture series given in 2001, The Tree of Life vs The Tree of Knowledge, which became the basis of Rabbi Fohrman's book, The Beast that Crouches at the Door. For a later, more expansive version of this course, be sure to listen to Genesis Unveiled. This lecture is part 3 of a 3 part series. For the first two lecture series on A Tale of Two Names, be sure to listen to A Tale of Two Names: Elokim and YHVH. and A Tale of Two Names: Why Were There Days of Creation? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/am4p538aq3 4947 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parshat-vayetze-was-jacob-punished 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/an-epic-understanding-of-the-jewish-holidays 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/is-there-a-rhyme-or-reason-for-ritual-slaughter 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-about-moses 2026-01-22T19:25:49.607Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-true-happiness-in-the-bible 2026-04-21T19:00:41.545Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/ki-teitzei-can-we-justify-the-commandment-to-annihilate 2026-02-24T10:44:05.898Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/ki-tavo-parshat-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/bereishit-unlocking-the-path-to-transcript 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-is-the-end-of-bamidbar-so-anticlimactic-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/jewish-assimilation-city-shechem-marriage-bible How Do We Manage The Influences Around Us? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-27582923-8bcd-44a8-aa86-d8945c118e76/ZTk0OTNkMDktYzg3Yy00MTk4LTg5MzQtNzQ2NjI4NTU0ZWM3_yzgxntq2zjytntcxns00ymm5lwjiogmtowvhothmyzviztu1_jewish-assimilation-city-shechem-marriage-bible.jpg In Parshat Va’etchanan, the Israelites are forbidden from intermarrying with the Canaanite nations when they enter the land of Israel. While the rationale for this commandment may seem straightforward, its language echoes another story of a foreign nation, namely the story of the brutal mistreatment of Dinah in Genesis. What do the Canaanites and Shechem have in common? Join Daniel Loewenstein and Beth Lesch as they re-examine these two narratives and explore the Torah’s understanding of Jewish assimilation and how to both work with and manage the values of the foreign nations around us today. Watch more: Grappling With The Rape Of Dinah https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/b4vcrefnob 1900 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-i-of-the-beholder The I of the Beholder https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-279e6cea-d73c-45f6-afa0-d1d92f3450bd/YjQyMGJkZjItMzk2YS00NGQ1LWE1MGQtNjE4NGNkZjczNDky_ngewzde4ngutngi3nc00yji4ltkzzmytngi0odg4nzfhy2i2_247_garden_16.png In this video, the last of Section D, Rabbi Fohrman drives home the difference between the Pre and Post-Tree Worlds (true/falsehood vs. good/evil). We are also given two analogies that demonstrate well the difference between desire being something that you are vs. something that you have. For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/45zsu0j43a 333 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/lecture-i Lecture I https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-27c2236b-6b6e-4e3b-8099-de723dbfb474/YTBmY2Q4NzQtYTA4MS00YzQ1LTgyYjEtN2JjZjk2YmQ2NDM3_83e987cf-f213-41f8-b379-e349994a8250_thumbnail_series_abrahams-journey-2_draft-1.jpg Lecture I Abraham's Journey 2 is the third of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The first two set of lectures are found in the series titled: A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham and Abraham's Journey 1 . The following lecture series is Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/lrz3yurt1l 3146 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/bible-comfort-loss-mourning-life-after-death-judaism Life After Death In Judaism https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-27e17dca-0c4b-4ec7-ae59-f5e62fe4c3ac/ZpEaah5LeNNTxGYQ_life-after-death-main-2024-1920.jpg 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. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/bdcri9c5ty 6755 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-21T05:36:56.369Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/spiritual-preparation-rosh-hashanah Why Do We Blow Shofar On Rosh Hashanah? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-27ed8e0d-f932-4dbe-8f61-72b7416748f4/Z4bPx5bqstJ99dpO_howtoprepareforroshhashanah0012025.png Knowing what we now know, why do we blow Shofar on Rosh Hashanah? What are we meant to be thinking about when we hear the sound of the Shofar? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/lgipjxujuo 278 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/moses-prayer-psalm-90 Moses' Farewell To Israel: Part I https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-286f3529-4930-4602-b713-c6e2b515eb41/Y2M2ZmVlNDgtODc0NS00NGVhLTk5ZGQtYjM4MjA3ODAwOTY4_1ddd3523-6f47-4107-9a1a-1a0826de8935_moses-farewell-to-israel-1280.jpg How did Moses feel when approaching the land of Israel, knowing he wouldn’t be entering the land with his people? This video is the first in a series of three, concluding the yearly Torah cycle, where we will attempt to get inside the head of Moses at the end of his journey as the leader of the Israelites. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/21i1wqyg2z 927 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-brief-history-of-the-world-from-adam-to-abraham-pp 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/rosh-hashanah-judgment-day-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-do-the-details-matter-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/lest-it-come-to-scandal-3 A Condensed Story https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-28bb3e9b-f4f9-4a6a-a5bb-b1d00529c0ce/YzMxYWNlNTAtMzA0ZC00NjAxLWExYjQtN2ZmZDY3MTljZTdl_nzyyztnlmdgtodg3os00njkyltg2ndktmjawyjrjmmm5zdrj_490_tower20of20babel.png In the tower of Babel, there seems to be one unnecessary verse,where the building materials for the tower are listed. Additionally, there seemto be two verses in the wrong order. What is going on with the text? For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/u5jg54t71q 373 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/escaping-god1 Escaping God https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-28bc4afc-c415-4f29-a976-0b90fb91342f/Z4z-1ZbqstJ99mm4_challenginggod0012025001.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman returns to the beginning of the story of Jonah to look anew at these events in light of what we’ve discovered about Jonah’s theological challenge of Divine justice. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/u3orcmg7xk 494 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/judah-saves-the-day Judah Saves the Day https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-28d95427-a18f-41ca-a96a-81bd7c1cfdf4/MjgyODU1ZGMtZWFlYi00NThmLWFkN2ItNGYxMjM3M2Q2OTM2_fe60adb8-fcb3-4448-a4dd-52608e2f5eed_beginning-of-the-end-640.jpg Rabbi Fohrman concludes his reading of the Joseph story – as seen through the lens of Kings – by examining Judah’s epic speech to Joseph and why these words convinced Joseph to share his true identity with his brothers. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/s7pt38mg2k 688 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-purpose-of-beauty A Deeper Beauty https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-28ff3b5c-50e1-4478-87a2-ad32d4d63626/MGVkOWRiZDAtMWFkNC00OThmLThiZDUtZDgyZGY5YjBmODhi_a2219e42-7811-4d58-8b20-cd2ecc72cdb2_what-might-have-been-1280.jpg In this last video of the course, Rabbi Fohrman offers us a way to integrate appreciate of beauty—the greatest value of Hellenism—into Judaism, and shows how beauty can even bring us closer to God. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/fg57laj9cc 759 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/phantom-akeidah-lecture-3-powerpoint 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-unity-of-the-torah-shown-through-chiasms The Unity of the Torah Shown Through Chiasms https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-290c5c1c-f557-4254-8f74-beaeceef9261/OTFhMzYyOWMtOTI3Yy00ZmVkLTliYTAtNDA0ZTRmOGNmN2Q2_1b01cfef-c541-4068-b836-ea604e90df3f_rabbi-fohrman-on-the-documentary-hypothesis.jpg The Documentary Hypothesis claims that the Torah is a compilation of many manuscripts with several authors. Aleph Beta Methodology is a rebuttal to this claim - intertextuality, chiasms that span through many different sections of the bible - these and much more are a natural way to disprove the Documentary Hypothesis. In this short audio clip, Rabbi Fohrman discusess at length how his work organically takes the offense against these false claims, and how he rebuts the Documentary Hypothesis. For more on this, take a look at A Tale of Two Names: Elokim and YHVH , a dynamic audio lectures series with Rabbi Fohrman that delves into Genesis 1 and Genesis 2 and demonstrates how these two texts are proof of how the Torah is a unified book with one author - God. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/7ti7bqt3ng 1914 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/8the-i-of-the-beh-2 The "I" of the Beholder https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-2915b15d-0e3c-4f1a-8d6b-b9ab313b3cf5/YTI0NWQ2YzYtZTNiYy00NjgzLThiYTktNzRiMTNjNjJiNTE0_ddd08cd0-ca83-43c4-a67d-c4803af30ef3_thumbnail_series_abrahams-journey_draft-1.jpg The "I" of the Beholder Abraham's Journey 1 is the second of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The first set of lectures are found in the series titled: A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham . The following two lecture series are , Abraham's Journey 2 , and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/rmu9vtzsm2 4404 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-did-moses-do-wrong-ii-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tisha-bav-5776-2016-5 Sancherev and the Sea https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-2962f0fa-a05b-486d-8494-b803319dcc96/ZpEXvB5LeNNTxGWS_The-Messiah-That-Almost-Was-1920.jpg Rabbi Fohrman explores the similarities between Chizkiah’s stand against Sancherev and the encounter between the Egyptians and Israel at the Sea of Reeds, exploring the similarities and also noting one major difference. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/198lp5fn6z 910 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/understand-sefer-vayikra-leviticus-commentary Is Sefer Vayikra More Than Just Laws About Korbanot? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-296bbf26-ac7e-4692-8758-003098b29011/NGVkZDU1YTUtMzVlMi00NzhmLWFkOTMtNzBjM2NjYzkwNjBm_c8cbd4f9-2eff-4ada-9fad-d50d84088f32_parsha-lab-wtp-course-vayikra.jpg We learn in Vayikra about the laws of the Korbanot — sacrifices to God. But there’s something very difficult about studying Vayikra. It can be incredibly boring. There’s no storyline, just a lot of very specific rules. So, how can we approach Vayikra in a more engaging way? Join Rabbi Fohrman and Imu as they reexamine the two narratives surrounding Vayikra — the story of God’s cloud directing the Israelites — and discover a new narrative, with insights about how to become closer to God. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/9zt04tghuu 1702 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-we-lost-when-the-temple-was-destroyed-free 2026-04-20T17:03:49.101Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-brothers-perspective The Brothers' Perspective https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-297cf48f-f3be-49cd-b99e-c11dff678488/YTQyZjU3NmMtZjYwMy00ZTE5LWI5ODItZWU3YzQ4ZDhlNmRl_mzawywvknwmtnddizi00odmylthkndmtotmxzwi5nwzhndk5_164_jocoats10.png The Brothers' Perspective https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/na0k5uu5cs 293 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-bible-says-give-first-fruits-god-explain How to Take Your Place In Jewish History https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-299d6552-6fe6-4a35-92a5-d39d48e26f59/ZDk4ZDcyZTItMWIzNS00OWRhLTk3MTEtNzBhODk0ZjllYmY3_a0aee07f-3f23-48ae-b3ea-6b0372ce4dea_what-bible-says-give-first-fruits-god-explain.jpg Parshat Ki Tavo introduces to the topic of bikkurim, the first fruits brought to the temple. In this video, Rabbi Fohrman brings up some oddities in the text and asks why the Torah would paint such a confusing picture, and what are these mysterious silences? Watch the next video to find out! https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ipbnl44u53 545 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/music-and-torah-episode-3 Exploring the Harmony Between Sound and Sacred Texts Episode 3 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-29cffeee-28fc-4123-a8a3-a2c66a5dfb6f/Z4ssnpbqstJ99l4X_musicandtorah001part3.png In 5-part series of lightly edited conversations, Rabbi David Fohrman and musician/music teacher Moshe David Frankel explore the fascinating interplay between musical theory and Torah. These freewheeling discussions, sometimes joined by Rabbi Fohrman’s son Avichai, a budding composer, delve into themes like rhythm, melody, harmony, and their surprising connections to biblical stories and concepts. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/r37qvn1d8b 2705 2025-01-05T12:00:58.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/yom-haatzmaut-divine-kindness-isnt-so-simple 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/arguing-with-god-judaism-torah Is It Kosher To Argue With God? 5B https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-2a4bb634-32d4-451d-aaa2-be79dfd36a58/NjVkNzY4Y2QtNzhiZS00YjI5LTljNWMtNzI3NzM0OWZjYzBl_c061ed05-7505-42de-8f27-9ce63a34cc52_is-it-kosher-to-argue-with-god-thumbnail-part-5b.jpg This audio series was recorded in a live class given by Rabbi Fohrman. Enjoy, and as always, please leave thoughts and questions in the comments below. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ei4n8ukqta 2116 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/brief-history-powerpoint-10b 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/august-09-2022-va-etchanan-why-repeat-stories 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/october-06-2022-sukkot-why-do-we-take-the-lulav-an 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/we-are-family-abrahamic-legacy-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/rabbi-fohrman-let-me-just-begin-with-a-bit-of-introduction How To Read The Book of Job https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-2b2d9716-ce1d-43a0-8e33-0fd48c20e19e/NDVlOGY5ZmEtYTI1Ni00ZmY4LTkzMTktOGFhMmYzYzQyYjgy_a29606d9-9199-48a0-9fd9-6cc18f5c0971_am-i-allowed-to-be-angry-at-god-640.jpg The following podcast is an introduction to the Book of Job. In the first podcast Rabbi Fohrman first discusses how to approach the book of Job before getting into the particulars of the story. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/kscodbiuyl 1061 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/exile Exile https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-2b39d10e-c363-4a08-bc26-28bc03dc2598/ZDJmYjhjOTMtNmFjYi00YWRmLTllYjMtMTZkOTY1MTM5NGM1_ztqxztfkodutmjy0yy00m2fhlwjizjityzm4zdqwzjcznzey_291_joseph_responsible_10.png An Analysis of the Rashbam's Theory https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/lqi6h81ivq 388 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/korban-pesach-meaning-today Rejoining The Community https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-2b8c63cd-23dd-4392-a72a-7aa7902df109/ZhBPTxrFxhpPBV7Z_Rejoining-The-Community-1920.jpg There are curious parallels in the BIble between the Passover sacrifice and the purification of the metzora. But how does the Passover sacrifical offering shape our understanding of purity? In this week's video, Rabbi Fohrman picks up on last year's Tazria and Metzora videos, which explained the connections between the metzora purification process and the korban pesach. Here, he argues that only through the two processes can we become fully alive and part of the community. See the prequel to this video: The Bizarre Purification Of The Metzora. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/70c8sb0acj 744 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:23:44.959Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/purim-haman-love The Power Of Love https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-2b99bf19-326c-4d4d-bac2-cb569a755e21/Z8ZPOxsAHJWomEpb_couldyoubecomehamannew005.png In the previous videos Rabbi Fohrman has demonstrated that the story of the Megillah can be seen as a kind of battle between two ways of replaying the Tree of Knowledge story. This is demonstrated through the dynamics between Esther and Achashveirosh. To understand the magnificence of what she does, we need to go back one last time to the failed Tree of Knowledge replay, to the story of Zeresh and Haman. In the contrast between the failure and the success we will find something surprising, we will find the key to the power of love. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/4nqvimdykl 469 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/when-three-are-one When Three Are One https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-2bc60575-e872-4975-bf64-b606f5a4e6a1/NDE3OWUxZmMtZThhZS00NWFmLWE5MzUtNDc0ODMyMzAwNDYw_ntzmyta1ngqtotbhzi00nti3ltgwmjmtzgnmmjg1mjjmztdj_165_jocoats11.png When Three Are One https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/eo5ub53r4x 463 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/02-lot-land-and-legacy-pdf 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/terumah-how-to-relate-to-the-mishkan Part 2: How Can I Relate To The Mishkan, Today? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-2c23a29c-44d9-49c9-a8b0-8f26e353cf15/NjZmYTZmMTItZTE4Yy00NTJkLWFkMDQtMGJlMzMxMTRjYWQx_ntcyywq0njitzgmznc00zde0lweyztitnzzjnjrkzgzlzdey_parsha-lab-ribbon.jpg The mishkan is incredibly cool – imagine a place where we can meet God, whenever we want! But we don't have that experience today. How can we relate to these themes and ideas, in the 21st century? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/2c3xozap3r 847 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/september-06-2022-ki-tetzei-sending-away-the-mothe 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/mount-gerizim-mount-ebal-bible-meaning What Are Blessings And Curses, Really? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-2c453ecf-01f2-4080-afaa-4530133d1321/NDExMDA5NWItOTU4NC00NDUxLWE1MjktYWFiNDcyM2NlZmIz_ymfmotdlzjutzdvlni00zdg4ltgxyzytyjuyzteyodm3mwez_mount-gerizim-ebal-bible-meaning-ki-tavo-curses.jpg In Parshat Ki Tavo, the Israelites are told that when they enter the land they must publicly bless those who keep the commandments, and curse those who violate them. And they have to proclaim these blessings and curses on two mountains – Mount Gerizim and Mount Eval. But why? What's so special about these mountains? And why must the blessings and curses be reviewed in such a public way? Join Daniel Loewenstein and Beth Lesch as they use the gematria, grammar and topography hidden in Ki Tavo to consider what blessings and curses are really about. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/8n4uhflwfx 1342 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/walking-with-god-teachers-worksheet 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/moses-and-mount-sinai-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-god-create-tree-good-evil Where Are You? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-2c8ce493-c9fc-486f-839a-3af0db60f100/YWE4N2E3M2QtZjQ0My00ZWM2LTkxMWMtYWIxMmViZTM1N2Yz_a75248e3-d969-4d30-972f-1357dc74e0c4_good-and-evil-in-the-garden-of-eden-1920.jpg Where Are You? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ayzi6ti0o4 4463 2023-10-13T12:28:37.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/beshalach-fruit-trees-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/who-was-evil-haman-story-purim Haman And The Tree Of Knowledge: EPILOGUE https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-2ca85615-f8d4-4515-9639-7d5ecef8d22a/Z8ZPOxsAHJWomEpb_couldyoubecomehamannew005.png In this epilogue to the series Purim: Redeeming The Sin Of Eden, Rabbi Fohrman finishes by going back to the Gemara originally discussed – the piece of Talmud that hints to the names of the protagonists in the Megillah within the Five Books of Moses – and looks for words that sound like the other people's names. We've been talking about Hamin Ha'etz – but what of the other characters of the Megillah? If we found great meaning in the allusion to Haman in the Torah, is there meaning to be found in the allusions to Esther or Mordechai? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he inspects what the Sages say about these people, and explores whether these three discussions of the Gemara are related to each other. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/thrswknhug 685 2023-10-12T18:54:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/nitzavim-blessings-and-curses-in-the-bible-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-we-count-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/pirkei-avot-pursuing-peace 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-book-of-vayikra-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/meaning-of-sabbath-prayers-week-3 Sabbath Afternoon: The Gift of Rest https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-2d4b1547-55c1-4b18-97b1-3d9b37ff5c7f/Z2HMF5bqstJ98nWq_themeaningofsabbathprayers002.png The Sabbath prayers include special additions for each of the three times of day - Friday night, Saturday morning, and Saturday afternoon. Each prayer includes a rabbinic text that either appears in tandem with a Biblical text about Shabbat, or stands alone to describe the Sabbath. Why did the rabbis choose to include these specific Biblical texts, at these times of the Sabbath? How can we make sense of the liturgical additions that accompany them? In this three part series, Rabbi Fohrman shows how each of these prayers are in fact offering a rabbinic interpretation on the Biblical text, and how each one reveals a deep secret about the nature of Sabbath itself. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/npu4krfrcm 3823 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/lech-lecha-parshat-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shelach-the-spies-and-echoes-from-the-past 2026-02-24T11:11:02.387Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/does-god-speak-to-us-part-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/positive-rest-1 Positive Rest https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-2e305294-4fa5-4d72-9454-099dd1a95c3b/MWM5YWM0NWUtMmVkMy00YjA3LTkwMzgtYzNkYTViNDhkNDcw_mjk5zgzkmzmtyzfhoc00n2ezltk1ymutmznhyjkyotdkytiz_279_noah_19.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman explores what really took place on Day 7 and introduces us to the concept of 'Positive Rest.' For a more in-depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining lecture series are Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/8kyfymaqfr 550 2023-10-13T12:28:37.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vayakhel-pekudei-study-guide-2 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/moses-exodus-miracles 2026-04-20T17:04:10.975Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shemini-what-does-aaron-teach-us-about-loss 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/adam-eve-tree-good-evil-eden Adam, Eve And A Naked Snake https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-2eddcc68-0c73-4992-ab33-405448f5547c/YmIyOWRkMTMtNjFiOS00N2JkLTk4MzYtODYxNzgxN2RmYTJk_a75248e3-d969-4d30-972f-1357dc74e0c4_good-and-evil-in-the-garden-of-eden-1920.jpg Adam, Eve and a Naked Snake https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/8j3s1t81wc 2716 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/miriam-meaning-bible-lesson Miriam And The Waters Of Strife II https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-2ee31db8-1cf5-4830-859b-4d984b3eb82b/ZohxsB5LeNNTw1TL_Miriam-And-The-Waters-Of-Strife-part-2-1920.jpg Miriam and the Waters of Strife Part II https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/7brtstom9e 1209 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/mishpatim-parshat-guide-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shema-intensive-lecture-4 Shema Intensive Lecture 4 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-2f3b8f6f-faa3-4315-9647-17765c0124fa/NGFhMjhlYmEtNWVkMi00ZGQwLWJkYWQtMzAyMjZmNWM5YmIx_eb0a8b7f-49af-4939-8666-484f27f5be20_event003shemaintensive.png The Shema prayer is known to be the Jewish people's declaration of faith. Yet, what makes these verses more significant than others parts of the Bible? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he explores the 3 chapters of the Shema, and take a closer look as what makes these chapters so significant. This ‘Shema Intensive’ mini series can inspire you and help transform your prayers right in time for the High Holidays. Please leave your comments below and join the discussion! https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/yhx8ivwosv 4416 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/poison-pill-rachel-and-the-tree-of-knowledge-06 Poison Pill: Rachel and the Tree of Knowledge VI https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-2f3f946e-185c-420e-a302-b87b89b6180a/NjVlNjA5YzMtMzE0Mi00ZDQ5LWIyZTMtMTY4OTZmN2QzYmQ0_10f19d6f-a5e2-42ab-b0fd-53cb1fd4d48f_jacobmanoftruth.jpg Jacob: Man of truth? is the fourth of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The proceeding lectures are found in the series titled: A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham , Abraham's Journey 1 , and Abraham's Journey 2 . https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/16eo93ai6p 3660 2023-10-12T18:54:17.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/masei-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/sarah-life-characteristics-bible-study Sarah: What Makes For An Extraordinary Life? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-2f824475-8e93-485c-9e29-f76b28ac14f3/Zzzmtq8jQArT1C6__SarahWhatMakesForAnExtraordinaryLifeNEW001.png In this week’s parsha, we are told of the death of Sarah at age 127. Yet the Torah describes her age in an unusual way – it tells us Sarah was 100 years, and 20 years, and seven years old. Rashi famously comments that this strange description of Sarah’s age is telling us something about her characteristics – that in some way when she was 100, it was like she was 20, and when she was 20, it was like she was seven. It sure sounds nice… but what does it mean?? How was Sarah like a 20-year-old, or a seven-year-old? And is there some lesson we can learn, some larger message we can take from this odd recounting of Sarah's life? Rabbi Fohrman thinks that there is a lesson hidden here, a profound insight about how to live a successful life. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ga8ac5atsw 305 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:21:12.525Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-it-means-to-be-a-nazarite-epilogue What It Really Means To Be A Nazarite - Epilogue https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-2f8d086f-f117-4e93-918d-8df70b0e9d9f/ZGQwZmYxMDQtMzk5Yy00ODdiLWI5N2QtNTdhNDZlMTI2Zjli_1fe067d2-431d-43ab-9cd4-392470153aab_why-become-a-nazir-epilogue-2-1920.jpg In this epilogue audio, Rabbi Fohrman joins Rivky in the studio, and they elaborate on the connections between the nazir and the priest. They discuss midrashic evidence and even further, complex, connections — and then muse about what it all might mean. Plus, special guest - Avichai Fohrman! See full text of Bamidbar Rabbah 10:15 here: כל ימי הזירו לה' וגו'": בא וראה, שכל מי שמקדש את עצמו מלמטה – מקדישין אותו מלמעלה. זה, לפי שמזיר את עצמו מן היין ונוהג צער בעצמו, שלא יגלח ראשו כדי לשמור עצמו מן העבירה, אמר הקב"ה: הרי הוא חשוב לפני ככהן גדול: מה כהן אסור ליטמא לכל המתים, אף נזיר אסור ליטמא לכל המתים. מה בכהן גדול כתיב: (ויקרא, כא', יב') "כי נזר שמן משחת א-להיו עליו", אף בנזיר הוא אומר: "כי נזר א-להיו על ראשו". מה בכהן כתיב: (ד"ה א', כג', יג') "ויבדל אהרן להקדישו קדש קדשים", אף נזיר נקרא קדוש שנא': "כל ימי נזרו קדוש הוא לה'". https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/nnj2xs9i59 3374 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/with-a-heavy-heart With a Heavy Heart https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-2fe0bc78-12b3-45f3-b9fb-521aba7ae57b/Z9HmXhsAHJWomdzR_Video2Thumbnail.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman begins to explore the oddities of the Exodus story itself and asks three important questions regarding the nature of the ten plagues and Pharaoh’s various reactions and decisions throughout the process. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/oq05zbgx99 534 2023-10-13T12:28:37.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/haazinu-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-7-habits-of-highly-intuitive-readers-of-the-bi-zoom-1 The 7 Habits Of Highly Intuitive Readers Of The Bible: Class 3 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-2ff1d791-6883-4299-bd03-4e1795dfe5d0/8a8b1fed-79c2-40dd-be57-a4ade7ead388_PC-Course-thumbnail-new-1920.jpg Watch this 8-part interactive course lead by Rabbi David Fohrman on how to read the Torah in its original Hebrew Aleph Beta style. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/gmfo9zow95 6331 2023-12-28T22:15:00.000Z yes yes 2026-02-26T11:13:19.167Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/expulsion Expulsion https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-30320209-84e4-472d-a635-f64a3b9395f6/ZWI3N2I5NGEtMTJmMy00MzA1LWEzOTctNzc3ODdiYjM1NzYz_mzqzmdczzgitmmi5my00nwrilthkyjatnwexowvinmfhnzq2_expulsion.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman outlines the various parallels between the Joseph narrative (Genesis 37) and the Expulsion of Ishmael story (Genesis 14). https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/hz3w14y0jq 752 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vaetchanan-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-omer-law-jewish-holiday-meaning The Omer Offering https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-307c1fc9-ad5a-4815-8d03-51afbb9cbe99/NTVkZTJiNWMtYTJkYy00NDY4LWE3ZmQtOTNkMTc0NmYwYmZm_mdbimzy4nmqtztuzys00yzkyltgwyjetzte1ndfhognlmda3_whats-omer-law-jewish-holiday-meaning.jpg In Parshat Emor, we read through the laws and details of the Biblical holidays. But this section also includes a few other laws - like the Omer offering, and agricultural laws like Pe’ah and Leket. Why are those laws included with the Jewish holidays? Join Rabbi Fohrman and Rivky as they re-examine the Emor text, and discover its subtle shared language with a few other texts of the Torah — and never about Parshat Emor the same way again. Watch Rabbi Fohrman's related course: Celebrating Shavuot: What's So Exciting About Laws? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ou8sgkygz7 1643 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/3egypt Egypt https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-30bdc26f-afa6-4d89-8d8b-8854c8020924/YTJiMTQ1NGYtOTE1Ni00NjBhLTkxMzEtNTZmZmQwZWVmOWMw_ddd08cd0-ca83-43c4-a67d-c4803af30ef3_thumbnail_series_abrahams-journey_draft-1.jpg Egypt Abraham's Journey 1 is the second of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The first set of lectures are found in the series titled: A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham . The following two lecture series are , Abraham's Journey 2 , and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ar0mtdq97m 3893 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/brief-history-powerpoint-7a 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/jacob-esau-reconcile-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shabbat-guide-part-3 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/chiasmus Chiasmus https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-30f9d171-80b5-4eee-ac8f-29f0e7729f83/MTZlM2E5ZTYtYTI2My00MGZmLWJjZTEtYjQ3YzVkZjJiYzhh_mznjmza4ngytytzhos00zdazlwi3mdutnjbmogi4ytyyyzbm_268_noah_11.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman introduces us to the literary methodology of "chiasmus." For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/7po2exeqm4 442 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/does-god-speak-to-us-part-2 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/king-davids-haunted-past-live-1 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/prophet-elijah-miracles-ravens-bible-story Lecture V https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-312ee9dd-fb99-4b2b-843f-b38c4764a247/Zpb0Xh5LeNNTxN1N_what-is-a-defender-of-god-part-5-1920.jpg Rabbi Fohrman notes the peculiarity of how Elijah's miracles were performed. This audio offers insight into why the miracles were performed that way and how Elijah managed to save and feed the “Isha Tzarfatit” and her son. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/y06y17z4r5 4066 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/rosh-hashanah-how-do-i-get-closer-to-god-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-7-habits-of-highly-intuitive-readers-of-the-bi-zoom-2 The 7 Habits Of Highly Intuitive Readers Of The Bible: Class 5 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-315c8f09-3cad-4e03-beaf-b905d828b2e7/8a8b1fed-79c2-40dd-be57-a4ade7ead388_PC-Course-thumbnail-new-1920.jpg Watch this 8-part interactive course lead by Rabbi David Fohrman on how to read the Torah in its original Hebrew Aleph Beta style. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/v8158nlczd 7533 2023-12-28T22:15:00.000Z yes yes 2026-02-26T11:14:53.958Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/priestly-role-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/esther-story-history-lessons Purim: Past, Present & Future https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-319f8d89-b4da-43d5-968f-1d2f9e4e2ae9/MGQ0YWVhNzUtOGIyMy00MmFjLWI3NGUtNzA2ODdjYWFlNmQ5_nzk4nzuxnjytnzfmnc00zgq0ltkwotgtzwy2ztjimwu3yzdh_esther-story-history-lessons.jpg In this video, the last of the course, Rabbi Fohrman discusses more generally the power of memory and explains the role of memory in the process of repentance and reconciliation. Finally, he accentuates the true lessons of Esther’s decisions regarding how we should relate and respond to our own memories. We should remember everything; it’s how we choose to remember that makes all the difference. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/eo4t6rh3h5 473 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/gods-two-names 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/who-is-mordechai-the-jew Like Mordechai, Like Joseph https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-31bf2ba3-efd7-4143-8a8b-11a0e3f4b693/YjY4MWUxOWQtMzBlZC00MzU0LWFhZDYtMWMwZTMwMWZhN2Y2_nmm2ztiznzitnjhhyy00zwe0lwjmzmutytc2nmnhntk2ymfh_zjbkzjixnjatymrjyy00mwy5ltk2yzetzwm3otkxnmm0ndcw_who-is-mordecai-the-jew.jpg Rabbi Fohrman looks at the midrash and commentaries in order to understand the connection between the narrative Megillah and that of Potiphar’s wife, continuing to examine the question of why Mordechai wouldn’t bow and examine the text for clues as to what exactly is happening in the story. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ro525wnodq 686 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-couldnt-moses-enter-promise-land Why Couldn't Moses Enter The Land? III https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-31f16405-359d-4f46-ae1b-b885b7653e31/be5acbcf-652e-4b39-a2be-21771048a8e5_why-couldnt-moses-enter-the-land-1920.jpg Why Couldn't Moses Enter The Land? Part III https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/qkaf4yan1u 3024 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/lesson-of-caleb-joshua-story 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/kinot-live-2023-with-rabbi-fohrman Kinot Live 2023 with Rabbi Fohrman https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-31ff7317-9d5c-47a4-8407-06f4301abaf7/NDYyNWFjMWUtOWY0Mi00ZTRhLWFkOGEtMGMwNzI5ZWZkZmRj_1d44fe75-2c47-4f8b-9519-3e01eb18b504_kinot-webinar-2023-192028129.jpg Join Rabbi Fohrman and the Aleph Beta team for an in-depth reading and discussion of Kinot. All the Kinot and discussions are new and unique to this year. These beautiful texts will take on whole new meanings and can allow you to experience a more connected Tisha B'Av. This discussion took place live Tisha B’Av morning, July 27th, 2023. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/5mcycfuy99 13292 2023-10-12T18:52:17.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/are-we-an-ungrateful-nation Are We An Ungrateful Nation? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-32059300-80e7-44ed-a5a9-796415109d09/MDhkNzgwNjctM2Y1MC00M2YyLWE4MmQtMGJkMTczODNjMWM2_yzazmjhinzqtodg4zs00ztnhlwi1zdutytfkotcxoweynguz_why-israelites-complained-so-much.jpg In Parshat Beshalach we're introduced to a nation of whiners and complainers. After years of slavery, the Israelites are finally a free nation! The next thing we should be reading is a love story between God and His people. But the honeymoon phase ends before it even begins. How could the Israelites complain so much in the wilderness after God just freed them from slavery? How did they lose faith in God so quickly? In this video, we explore what the Israelites really complained about, and how complaining impacted their relationship with God – but not in the way you think. Watch more in our course: "The Three Great Lies Of The Exodus." https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/adhcv36wk4 649 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-did-israelites-sin-against-god-wilderness Where It All Went Wrong https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-32135d64-9b22-480d-8bb9-f365cc802372/ZmwepJm069VX1wFy_Where-It-All-Went-Wrong-1920.jpg In this week's parsha, we reach the tipping point, where the nation of Israel begins their downfall, leading to 40 years wandering in the desert before being allowed into the land of Israel. What happened? How did everything fall apart? Rabbi Fohrman explores this question with the backdrop of the garden of Eden, explaining that this week isn't the first time God has given us food from Heaven, and we have rejected it. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/3qab01g2kb 851 2023-10-13T12:28:37.000Z yes yes 2026-05-08T14:25:56.377Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vayikra-the-how-to-guide-for-a-relationship-with-god 2026-02-24T10:53:21.114Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tzav-parshat-guide-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-god-punishes-israelites-golden-calf-worship Shattered Tablets And The Calf Of Gold V https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-322f67e7-cd06-48bf-b202-479819ec2d89/NGJmNDZmZTEtN2ViYy00ZDk1LWI5NzctMDI5NGJlNmM0OWNk_otdhmzm3ztmtntvlns00ngy5lwi5mtqtnzuyzty2ntg3mwzh_how-god-punishes-israelites-golden-calf-worship.jpg Shattered Tablets and the Calf of Gold Part V https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/5apshm314c 2987 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/golden-calf-lecture-12-powerpoint 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/psalm-of-moses-meaning-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/mishpatim-the-legal-debate-that-changed-jewish-history 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-hanukkah-that-might-have-been-epilogue-part-2 The Hanukkah That Might Have Been: Epilogue - Part 2 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-329cd57f-3ee3-4dc4-9028-a3293e85b068/MTY0YTM2ZWEtN2U3Yi00NTNiLWFmOTEtZDQxNDA5YjE5Y2Zm_588cfaf0-22e8-49b5-8eba-c8b75bd78ac0_thumbnail_hanukkah_hollywood-and-the-rabbis-epilogue_draft-2.jpg Hanukkah commemorates the clash between Judaism and Hellenism. Are these two cultures completely incompatible? Or is there a place for Hellenistic values in Judaism? In the video The Hanukkah That Might Have Been , Rabbi Fohrman suggests that beauty and aesthetics can add great meaning to our lives when they are approached as a means for deepening our relationship with God. In this special epilogue, Rabbi Fohrman puts this theory into practice, by sharing some of his favorite TV and movie scenes and the deeper lessons he's learned from them. Grab some popcorn, get comfortable, and join Rabbi Fohrman and Imu for: Hollywood and the Rabbis. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/be9k2jewgj 2380 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/masei-study-guide-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/mt-moriah-abraham-isaac-temple The Temple and the Binding of Isaac https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-32aff2dd-2f90-4866-aeeb-1560055e2295/MzYwMjkyMTItMjcwZi00YmJkLWFhYTQtNjBjMjAzOTUwZWJm_7464d014-fbc0-482b-83b5-137808f7619c_mt-moriah-abraham-isaac-temple.jpg We all know that back in Genesis, Abraham attempted to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice ... but do you know where Abraham did that? The specific location? God tells him to do it atop a mountain in eretz Moriah , the land of Moriah. And interestingly, that place "Moriah" comes up in one other place in the Torah* – and one place only: To refer to the mountain where the Beit HaMikdash , the Holy Temple, would be built. And that brings us to Parshat Re'eh, where we find a whole bunch of laws about that very mountain, about how that's the one place in the whole world where God wants us to bring our sacrifices, and how we can't build altars anywhere else. So... Abraham tried to offer his son as a sacrifice to God atop Mount Moriah, and then Abraham's descendants would be asked to offer their sacrifices to God atop the same mountain. Is it just a coincidence? In this special podcast conversation, Beth Lesch and Rabbi Fohrman explore the many more links between Parshat Re'eh and Abraham's story... and arrive at some pretty surprising conclusions. For another audio conversation on Parshat Re'eh that explores these connections and suggests different conclusions, click here . For a source sheet that illustrates these parallels in the text, see the resources section below . https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/3r6xj5yyi2 2933 2023-10-12T18:54:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-21T19:02:19.077Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/inside-the-kings-head Inside the King's Head https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-32c6c3fe-bb83-47f6-8686-6831700bed20/Z8ZjuxsAHJWomEs-_queenyouthoughtyouknew001.png In the third part of this six part series Rabbi Fohrman takes a closer look at King Achashverosh's actions and wonders why he chooses to say and act the way that he does. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/j08kggd9wx 648 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tisha-bav-origin-story 2026-04-21T19:27:20.172Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vaera-god-and-science-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parshat-miketz-a-phantom-blessing 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shalosh-regalim-why-does-the-torah-call-the-holidays 2026-02-23T18:39:17.261Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/gilead-story-bible-references Why Is The End Of Bamidbar So Anticlimactic? II https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-334128b7-ea9b-4de5-962d-c44cb169bf01/aHzUQkMqNJQqIIFa_TheTorah’sFinalLooseEndMAIN004.png In this video, we still ask, why does the Torah end the narrative sections with the story of Yair ben Menashe conquering some towns? In finding the answer, Rabbi Fohrman teaches us about true reconciliation: brothers taking care of brothers. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/bbjze00g7l 710 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/akeidah-heroism-or-murder-part-1 Akeidah: Heroism or Murder? I https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-334c0b59-7dea-4a6b-98cb-4466add6387c/Z4AKM5bqstJ99Rj8_AkeidahNEW004.png How can we understand the Binding of Isaac as an act of heroism and not intended murder? Abraham, the first advocate for the theology of monotheism, commits his life to fighting a battle against Molech, the sacrifice of children, which was the most prominent act of polytheism of the time. How is it possible that the most outspoken opponent of murder could then dismiss his own will and rise up to sacrifice his own son Isaac? How can we view Abraham's decision as an act of heroism, deemed acceptable by our tradition? What does it teach us about our own will and its relationship to God's will? Rabbi Fohrman grapples with the toughest of questions in this audio series on the Akeidah. By taking a close look at the story, he helps us understand if Abraham should be commended for his obedience to God – or condemned for nearly murdering his son? Discover other great Rosh Hashanah videos at Aleph Beta, including ‘ How To Prepare For Rosh Hashana ”, “ How To Do Teshuva ”. and “ The Two Trees In The Garden Of Eden ” https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/6v6ie3ipm3 2898 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/mishpatim-5779-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-do-your-videos-focus-on-tanach-isnt-there-more 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/sabbath-echoes Sabbath Echoes https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-338f0c03-7f1c-41b4-a312-a66a0cc87f76/ODVmYzAyODgtYjMyNy00NTdiLTkxYTctMDczODZlY2M5ZjEy_ywq5n2y4mzktmwzimi00mzc3lthhmtatmmm1njewztiyztri_264_noah_8.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman begins to introduce to us to language parallels between the Rainbow Narrative and the discussion of the Sabbath - not in Genesis 2, but in Exodus 31. For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/9dl4we3bm7 400 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/rabbi-shimon-bar-yochai-life-story Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-339079a4-ffaf-4c4e-8f04-02e4be5fcc5b/YzFhYTFjZGYtMjNkNy00ZGY0LWI3YzQtM2FlZGY0NDdlOTg5_28abe41c-8a79-4b69-96c3-dfadabbb3ad1_lag-baomer-640.jpg Lag baOmer. It’s the day when we put aside (or pause) the mourning of the Omer, switch the radio back over to FM, and get those long-overdue haircuts and shaves. But what happened on Lag baOmer that makes it such a special day? What exactly are we celebrating? One reason, according to tradition, is that we commemorate the anniversary of the death of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai: the great Talmudic sage from the second century, who famously spent all of his time studying Torah. Today, tens of thousands of people travel to his burial place in Meron, a small town in northern Israel, where they sing and dance around giant bonfires to celebrate his legacy. But who exactly was Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai? What about his legacy is so important that we celebrate it every year? Well, for one thing, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai was the man who, according to the Talmud, almost burnt the world to a crisp. Oh, you’ve never heard that story? Do you want to hear it? It’s a good one — and it just may hold the key to understanding Lag baOmer. If you’d like to get to know the man whose legacy is one of the driving forces behind this holiday, come and join us and study this important Talmudic story about his life. Spoiler alert: there are lasers (kinda)! Learn more about this holiday by visiting our page on Lag BaOmer. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/pt18cljygd 728 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/queen-esther-haman-story What Does The Law Of Yibum Have To Do With Haman? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-33c1ab5d-790d-438c-838b-b6d095c42026/Z3yJApbqstJ99GTN_HowThinIsTheLineBetweenEstherAndHaman2025001.png How do we come to grips with a command to utterly destroy Amalek? How thin is the line between the great heroism of Esther and the great evil of Haman? The two may not be as far apart as they might seem. Check it out – and please feel free to write back with feedback! Dive deeper into the meaning of Purim in Rabbi Fohrman's book: The Queen You Thought You Knew https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/10lzsopiv0 3925 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/introduction-to-kabbalat-shabbat-7 Introduction to Kabbalat Shabbat Ep.7 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-33d06645-fc5a-4298-8e1f-c170011a368d/Y2ZhZWM4NzctMTNjMi00MTJkLTgyNTEtMzgzZmY4MjA0ZGRj_f831fdeb-a8f9-4ae8-ade7-967688d24e43_thumbnail_other_kabbalat-shabbat-young-israel-class_draft-1.jpg Join Rabbi Fohrman for an in-depth discussion of Kabbalat Shabbat. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/fqd8cw2e17 4959 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/is-there-a-sabbath-in-noahs-world Is There a 'Sabbath' in Noah's World? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-33f6b450-7dc3-4adc-96b1-ee6eafa0b0e4/MmFiMjRhMjItOWVhNi00MTRhLWFkMDMtMDg2YjI0MWVjNTll_zmyxmtniotetnwqxns00odvjltkxnmetzme1m2e1odu1m2rh_263_noah_7.png In this video, the last of Section A, Rabbi Fohrman explores whether there might be a “Sabbath” parallel in the Post-Flood Noah story. If the six days of creation match up with Noah’s world, perhaps the Sabbath does as well. For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/htl63axdze 296 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/profit-motive Profit Motive https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-346e56e9-e3c6-4ed6-ae2a-5a47d023a6be/MjY3NDNiNjUtYWZlYS00ZDNhLTkxOWMtZTUwMDcwODE0YWNh_njbkndzlm2utmzm1ys00nmrkltgzyjityzuynzcym2rhm2m5_503_echos20of20the20future206.png Echos of the Future https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/qz8rw8ndwt 391 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/november-08-2022-vayera-can-sparing-the-wicked-be- 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/naso-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/esau-forgives-jacob-stole-blessing Esau Had The Means And Motive. Why Didn’t He Kill Jacob? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-34a52b71-1ed1-47ab-a6ab-73abbead6505/97b11ec1-bb79-4957-a6f6-4ccf5db9af2a_Why-didnt-Esau-kill-Jacob-1920.jpg Jacob takes Esau’s blessing. Esau threatens to kill him. Jacob flees and goes into hiding for 20 years, narrowly escaping with his life. That’s the story we all know. But here’s the kicker: it’s not entirely true . And the proof is in the verses of the Torah itself. Join Beth Lesch as she dives into Parshat Toldot and unearths an untold story about Jacob and Esau. Click here to read Beth’s blog post on the deeper story behind Esau's wives ! https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/4m8knr63qd 823 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/episode-v Episode V https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-34b7f504-e93c-466b-aa21-a403957a814d/NzEzNzk3NTgtMmQzYy00NjNjLThiMjMtMmVmODgwNTA4M2Q3_d97cbdc5-468e-45b2-884a-b908a5e68a4f_split-the-baby-thumbnail.jpg This is the fifth in an ongoing lecture series by Rabbi Fohrman on King Solomon's Test of Wisdom. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/e78udd3m78 5268 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-01-27T13:05:07.681Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/that-bizarre-moment-when-god-tried-to-kill-moses 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/bar-bat-mitzvah-audio-study Bar and Bat Mitzvah - Podcast Video https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3503cbd7-ad53-4857-a48a-35a5bd3f57e8/NTE1MDFlNWMtMzRjZS00NTE5LWE0NGItMmQwYjQ4NmFhYmE3_zdy3zmzkodmtyti2nc00mzixlwjln2etmgmwmddiztnlzjq2_bar-bat-mitzvah-audio-study.jpg Bar and Bat Mitzvah - Podcast Video https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/2xmig2fdv6 3793 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/mordecai-the-jew-story Mordechai The Jew Takes A Stand https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3535f04e-d955-4f63-a5d1-f0adf94dc6b5/OTZmNTFjN2EtODNiNC00ZTdmLWJhNjAtMmNmMzE3ZjU5Zjk2_zjvlmdljndytnmixmy00ytbklthknwetn2q3njezn2rimdhh_njuzmjzingitmzzkms00n2jhlwe4yjgtyzkwmzyxytlmyjey_mordecai-the-jew-story.jpg Rabbi Fohrman explores Mordechai’s actions and shows how he stood up for the Jews and protected them, showing true loyalty despite the consequences. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/gcyax5j84c 795 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/torah-chiasm 2026-02-26T20:51:50.392Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/premium-material 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/episode-3-one-god-two-names Class 3 - February 11, 2025 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3575b7c9-4c7b-4c9c-b1a0-21ece0d08c01/Z5o8ApbqstJ99_wO_newcoursever5thumbnailMAIN002.png Join Rabbi Fohrman for an unprecedented exploration into one of the Torah's most profound mysteries: The interplay between the divine names Elohim and Yud-Heh-Vav-Heh. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/drzod0fyhe 4391 2025-02-12T13:26:45.000Z yes yes 2026-01-27T14:01:44.306Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/pillars-iv Part IV https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-35fa2bcc-58da-44cc-a67b-bed69780f086/ODQ1MzA5OGQtZDg5OC00MTg3LWIyMjQtMDZhOTM0MDQ5Y2M1_abdcb7f6-4a50-4a41-b3ec-db0cd0595e0e_chrub27ssecretpart4.png NOTE: Rabbi Fohrman originally recorded this video on November 7, 2015 as the fourth in a series at the Young Israel of Woodmere about how to read the beginning of the story of creation and the first several chapters of Genesis. Due to video streaming issues, Rabbi Fohrman rerecorded this video on Sunday, November 15, 2015. This week, Rabbi Fohrman makes a subtle argument, that Genesis 1 is offering a conceptual, rather than a chronological, progression of creation. He goes through the three main separations of creation - chaos, darkness, and water, and argues that these terrestrial metaphors represent the basic infrastructure issues that God has solved for us in this world. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/fiwnecy5nh 4616 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/lest-it-come-to-scandal Lest It Come To Scandal https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3620664e-2d86-4c9b-b686-c3872ef94983/NzY5YjVjZWMtZDEzNC00ZDA2LTk3MTItNzM3ZTAyMGJmMGI1_ztjinzg5mtqtnzlini00zgm1ltg5mjqtzmqxymyzzwnmntdj_lest-it-come-to-scandal_1512147596457.jpg Judah: A Perplexing Character? Part 13 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/9skgx1tghp 525 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tower-power Tower Power https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3623ab4f-886b-423f-b444-61d94ee695ca/aDci3ydWJ-7kSpFc_whyisruthrelevant001-1-.png Through intertextual parallels, Rabbi Fohrman jumps backwards in time to Abraham and the Tower of Babel. By comparing these two stories that appear side-by-side in the Torah, we are able to begin to understand the deep complexity that comes from choosing a life lived for oneself alone, or a life lived for others. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/geaydaljz7 640 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/mishpatim-female-servitude-wait-what 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-isnt-our-version-of-shavuot-in-transcript 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shiny-new-things-meeting-june-21-2021 Shiny New Things Meeting 4 (June 21 2021) https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3648e821-ee7d-43bc-b77f-fe9bbb00f0ed/YjczMmY3NmItYjU1Yi00YmFhLWE1YjEtNmFkZDE4ODIzMjUy_9eab63b7-61a0-453f-a99b-52503906c91f_event005shinynewthings.png Enjoy this recording of Shiny New Things with Rabbi Fohrman. Rabbi Fohrman delights in finding wonderful patterns or other ‘aha’ moments in Biblical text that are the beginning to a process of discovery. That process might culminate in an Aleph Beta animated video or audio series -- but it starts with that shiny new thing. And that's where you come in. When Rabbi Fohrman comes across 'shiny new things,' he wants to show them to interested folks, and get a chance to talk with them about it. Through learning with you, other dimensions of the pattern that were missed usually begin to emerge, and the meaning of the pattern often begins to come into focus. You are an integral part of Shiny New Things, and we hope you'll be able to join! Shiny New Things is an exclusive weekly event for Producers Circle members. This is an incredible opportunity to be a part of Rabbi Fohrman's learning and writing process, to offer feedback, and genuinely impact the direction of future ideas. Not to mention a chance to hear the extra “bonus” material that doesn’t make it into a book or video. Shiny New Things meets every Wednesday, 7-8:30 pm ET. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/4b06w50fjq 3542 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-01-27T13:55:41.141Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/10-sabbaths-third-world 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/intimate-relationship-with-god-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/life-of-joseph-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/torah-mandated-conflict-resolution-4 Saying I’m Sorry https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-36c687ab-f263-44b8-84c3-f7df84f54948/ODlmNjNhZWUtZmMxMi00NTk1LTgzOGMtMDQ3ODc5ZmEyYWM1_65b9ad44-ecd2-4b95-8d1c-2645bf1e8775_how_to_do_teshuvah_final.png Rabbi Abraham Twerski used to say that the only three things you really need to know how to say in a marriage are: 'thank you', 'I'm sorry' and 'I admire you.' Watch Rabbi Fohrman explain how these three things are actually different facets of the same Hebrew word, hoda’ah, a central component of repentance. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/x7uayr5ni5 660 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/eden-in-depth-part-8 Eden in Depth Part 8 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-36de5eca-eefa-4524-a67d-40fe326c5e90/YjE1M2M2YjYtOTNiMC00NDIwLTg4MTgtNGUzMzE1ODc1M2My_f230dd18-af62-4b4b-b7b0-43be7d9f5c6e_edenindepthmain-640.jpg Eden in Depth Part 8 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/sry4uol8wr 640 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/milk-meat Why Can’t You Cook Milk and Meat Together? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-36ed2904-c93b-4f05-88cc-261f4d3cae8b/ZTFhNWE4YWItM2UyNi00MGNjLWJiNTEtNzc5ZGFkOTE3ZTdi_c5fbd641-79cb-4b38-9b16-2270d83387e7_milkandmeatfinal.png Mixing Dairy & Meat Have you ever wondered where in the Torah God commands not to eat meat and milk together? It must be written somewhere that cheeseburgers are not Kosher! Surprisingly, it’s not explicitly written in the Written Torah, but rather detailed in the Oral Torah. This video takes a deeper look at the different facets of the Written Torah and the Oral Torah and explains why both are needed in order to turn lofty ideals into daily actions. Discover other videos about Kashrut at Aleph Beta, including ‘Basar B'chalav”, “The Meaning of Kashrut”. And “Kosher Slaughter” https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/eal6bako3i 796 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-shema-prayer-is-known-to-be-the-jewish-peoples Shema Intensive Lecture 3 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-370784fc-be8f-4d66-add2-bdeab8c592fd/NGFhMjhlYmEtNWVkMi00ZGQwLWJkYWQtMzAyMjZmNWM5YmIx_eb0a8b7f-49af-4939-8666-484f27f5be20_event003shemaintensive.png The Shema prayer is known to be the Jewish people's declaration of faith. Yet, what makes these verses more significant than others parts of the Bible? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he explores the 3 chapters of the Shema, and take a closer look as what makes these chapters so significant. This ‘Shema Intensive’ mini series can inspire you and help transform your prayers right in time for the High Holidays. Please leave your comments below and join the discussion! https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/8g55g1wsz0 5430 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/yom-kippur-atonement-customs-explained The Day of Atonement https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-370ee6d0-55dd-4e35-b616-6c7b8d003b9f/NmZiMzc2MWQtMTY2Zi00NTkwLTk3NjgtYmM1ZmY2Yzk5NDZm_1cc08846-8a2d-4a19-81aa-1c0356983c8c_do-yom-kippur-rituals-atone-sin-thumbnail.jpg What comes to mind when you think of Yom Kippur rituals? Yom Kippur is all about seeking atonement, but nowadays, we accomplish that through prayer and sitting in synagogue all day. But back when the Temple still stood, Yom Kippur customs involved goats and lotteries and sacrifices and sprinkling blood and incense and clouds. How do those weird Yom Kippur rituals atone for our sins? It sounds magical… and irrational. What meaning hides behind these ancient traditions that we can apply to our holy Day of Atonement today? In this video, we explore these strange Yom Kippur customs to understand how we can atone for our sins. Through this inspection, we deepen our understanding of what the Day of Atonement really means. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/3g4dtj1n7a 887 2023-10-13T12:28:37.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T22:15:10.888Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/bo-should-we-stay-or-should-we-go 2026-02-24T10:55:56.397Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/epilogue-pre-rosh-hashanah-webinar Epilogue: Pre-Rosh Hashanah Webinar https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-37ac8a83-c380-4694-a7cd-ab069657bddb/Z4bPx5bqstJ99dpO_howtoprepareforroshhashanah0012025.png In this webinar, originally recorded as a Facebook Live video on Monday, September 18, 2017, Rabbi David Fohrman and Imu (and the audience!) discuss their emotions heading into Rosh Hashanah. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/37jabvnaqj 4249 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/asara-btevet-why-do-we-fast 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/angels-in-the-tabernacle-2-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/brief-history-powerpoint-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/nitzavim-vayeilech-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/beasts-of-the-field Beasts of the Field https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-380d9fb0-3560-4cc6-8b33-df0b7aa191c8/NzViNGJiYjEtZjk3Zi00NDRkLWI5M2UtMzgxOTBjMzUwZTdl_mzqzmwmxmtutnzrmzi00ymewlthkymytyjc1ntaxzwm3mzqz_241_garden_10.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman puts the final touches on the connection between the pre-Snake narrative to the Snake and Eve narrative. In so doing, we find a striking linguistic connection that sheds light on the story at hand. For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/7lpt8iub5h 620 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-so-meaningful-about-counting-the-omer 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/bamidbar-how-a-book-gets-its-title 2026-02-24T10:50:15.726Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/lecture-vi Lecture VI https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-38c4ece5-3969-4d8f-aa79-07b57c7e6d03/YTBmY2Q4NzQtYTA4MS00YzQ1LTgyYjEtN2JjZjk2YmQ2NDM3_83e987cf-f213-41f8-b379-e349994a8250_thumbnail_series_abrahams-journey-2_draft-1.jpg Lecture VI Abraham's Journey 2 is the third of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The first two set of lectures are found in the series titled: A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham and Abraham's Journey 1 . The following lecture series is Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/2tnylldvnr 4351 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/difficult-conversations-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/genesis-unveiled 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/chain-of-words Chain of Words https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3902e5b6-4a2d-41bd-aa48-6c80a1ac7ca0/Mjk4ZGE5N2MtMDVmNi00Nzc3LTg0NTMtNWM4MjliNzAyNDgx_otu0m2u1nwitzjgwny00ywrilwjknjqtmjnhmzk2odi5mzu1_175_jocoats21.png Chain of Words https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/eybiy6vqb5 458 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/rest-as-the-purpose-of-work Rest As the Purpose of Work? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-394c63c1-2ccc-4981-9a20-386a0681868f/NWQzMjgzMWItZTAzNS00ZGUxLThmMDItZDcyMGNlOWY1NWQ1_b334cfd2-9e70-47a9-b1bf-d9f07f3d9278_shabbat-rest-new-640.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman highlights the true nature of the Bible – in a sense, what is its genre? What is it meant to teach? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/8rcdvyq6nm 537 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/october-25-2022-noach-how-do-we-reconcile-science- 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/apr-10-2022-the-three-lies-of-the-exodus-part-2 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tu-bishvat-pop-up-uide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/miketz-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/elokim-and-ykvk-week-3 A Tale of Two Names: Elokim and YHVH - Week 3 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-39e482d6-fc04-4c87-a47c-3dc6918e8fe0/YTEzYWY5ODMtNTgzZS00NGIxLWE3ZDItY2VhZTQ1MDI2NGJi_yjy3nzfmotytzgm2ms00zwizltlkotqtzwvmmjliyme1odg1_tale-of-two-names-d7.jpg The Bible uses many names to refer to God, the two most well-known being Elokim and YHVH (an unpronounceable name composed of the Hebrew letters yud-hey-vav-hey). What do these names mean, and why do they appear when they do? This is one of the Bible's greatest mysteries. Perhaps even more mysterious is that we find the highly uncommon "YHVH Elokim" — a combination of these two names — in the Bible's opening pages: in the story of God's creation of the world. Join Rabbi Fohrman for an exploration of what these names mean on their own, what they mean in combination, and how understanding God's names can, perhaps, help us to lead more godly lives. An earlier version of some of these ideas can be found in the course What is the Meaning of Life? For more on A Tale of Two Names, be sure to listen to the following lecture series: A Tale of Two Names: Why Were There Days of Creation? and A Tale of Two Names: From The Garden To The Flood. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/30rebnxhwr 4533 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/you-have-the-choice-to-remain-silent You Have the Choice to Remain Silent https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3a42dc17-a21d-4e33-82d1-13163990db2d/Z8iJUxsAHJWomJxU_whyispurimnamedafterhamanslots002.png Rabbi Fohrman takes a closer look at the book of Numbers detailing the Laws of the Annulment of Vows, which seems to be a Biblical echo of Mordechai's speech to Esther. By understanding more deeply this Biblical passage and how it relates to Esther, one is better able to understand the important message Mordechai is trying to impart to Esther in his obscure speech. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/cekcob318u 577 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/bar-bat-mitzvah-welcome 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/reindeer-and-latkes-arent-the-winter-holidays-suspiciously-similar-part-2 Adam's First Winter https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3a821988-1879-4c5f-91b9-e1917f313722/M2FjNTJmZmUtNDdlMy00NzczLWIxYjItOTI0NTYwNjQwZTRh_a2127111-fbeb-4b14-828a-3abd15af01c4_hanukkah-vs-christmas-1280.jpg As we wade through the Rabbis’ discussion of Hanukkah, we notice that they seem to be hung up on a very peculiar definition of this holiday: Hanukkah is an eight day festival in which we may not fast or mourn. Huh? Come again? What does this have to do with latkes, lights or dreidels?  While this description doesn’t sound like the Hanukkah we know, it does seem to mirror an ancient festival that was initiated by none other than Adam - the first human to roam the earth - in response to his very first winter. Join Rabbi Fohrman as he takes us down this rabbit hole to try to understand why the Rabbis describe Hanukkah in the way that they do, and what it might mean in light of Adam’s primordial winter holiday. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/xbvtatn23k 661 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/nitzavim-vayelech-do-one-persons-actions-really-matter 2026-02-24T10:43:35.975Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/god-physical-being-form What If God Has A Physical Presence In This World? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3a900f09-e994-49d2-893e-5ed3eaa5a2fb/f0b48bb6-c245-4f21-9b69-eed557c5131d_God's-Place-In-Our-Lives-Today-001.jpg How can God exist as a being in our physical world yet also exist outside of space and time? Can we point to the place where God lives in our world? Is such a thing even possible? In this video, we explore the paradoxical language surrounding God’s relationship with the Tabernacle. Join Rabbi Fohrman as he examines the description of the Tabernacle and highlights the similarities between the human body and God. Through this comparison, we can understand the concept of God's physical form in this world, and how we can create a place for God in our lives. Want to get the most out of this video? Check out this video for Parshat Terumah, where Rabbi Fohrman first introduces the ideas he builds upon here. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/4gyevg3avj 541 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:46:36.101Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/apr-26-2022-what-s-so-meaningful-about-counting-th 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/prepare-for-rosh-hashanah 2026-04-21T05:36:04.326Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hagar-ishmael-abraham-sarah-bible-study Abram, Sarai, Hagar, Ishmael and...Exodus? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3aa30906-eb6b-431c-b15a-452878829023/MmRhMzUyMGEtNTQ3My00ODY1LTkxOGMtNmFkODgyYWVkNGZh_15fe278e-608f-4128-ba09-5e6bb37372d5_theembodimentofkindnessmain001.png One of the defining characteristics of Abraham and Sarah is their custom of doing extreme acts of kindness. Yet, upon closer inspection of the Biblical stories about them, they seem to do some very unkind things! Take the story of Hagar and her son Ishmael, for example. How can Abraham and Sarah kick them out of their home and send them into the desert? How should we understand this action, which seems so inconsistent with Abraham's and Sarah’s character? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he explores more deeply the actions of Abraham and Sarah. Surprisingly, his answers take us to another Biblical story, one that allows us to understand these actions and their repercussions generations later. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/pjyoiovr94 591 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-hidden-story-of-queen-esther 2026-04-20T17:41:38.575Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/understanding-omer-and-shavuot-animated What Is The Significance Of Counting The Omer? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3b01cf87-f49e-4a01-b070-31fbb3a3ae70/ZmIkF5m069VX1iCZ_Does-the-Omer-Help-Us-Understand-Shavuot-1920.jpg Why do we count the Omer? A common answer is that we're counting down the days until we get to Sinai. But the Omer doesn't count down- it counts up. We don't say '8 days left to Sinai' we say '42 days are gone since we offered the Omer offering'. So what is this count about anyway? In this series, Rabbi Fohrman traces the roots of the Omer offering, taking us into a journey that explores the meaning of brick-making and bread-making, and the significance of both of these to the newly freed Israelites. What emerges is a view of the Omer that makes this offering a touchstone for an understanding of freedom, the Sabbath, and of law itself in our society. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/kjvsuy23um 4537 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/beyond-the-garden-walls 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/part-1-1 Jacob: What Does It Mean To Be Children of Israel? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3b02a9ea-2245-4b22-8fcf-798e982b313e/OTZmNDRjYjItNjAxOS00NTEyLThmYjgtMGQ5MWJlZDc5YjRl_10f19d6f-a5e2-42ab-b0fd-53cb1fd4d48f_jacobmanoftruth.jpg Children of Israel Jacob: Man of truth? is the fourth of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The proceeding lectures are found in the series titled: A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham , Abraham's Journey 1 , and Abraham's Journey 2 . https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/2wee1n29cw 3836 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-three-lies-of-the-exodus-part-1 2026-02-24T11:16:10.597Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/breastplate-judgment What Do The Laws Of Choshen Mishpat Teach Us About Our Relationship To God? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3b5c90e7-1a31-4e5d-9676-75bc55b3dfaf/NjAwNGFjOGMtZGVmMi00MzgyLTk3YjUtNTY1ODBhZjA1N2M5_1b786d35-bf0b-4fef-9f21-cda0a053b3c5_parsha-lab-wtp-course-tetzaveh.jpg We learn in Parshat Tetzaveh about the specific laws relating to the Kohen Gadol’s Breastplate — the Choshen Mishpat, or Breastplate of Judgment. 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. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/nrla5ebiim 1444 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-can-we-relate-to-sacrifices-today 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/taharat-hametzora-purification-ceremony Taharat Hametzora https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3b9ab9ae-567e-4d3c-9f57-965af8e8ece1/ZhBMLxrFxhpPBV6S_The-Tzaraat-Purification-Ritual-What-Does-It-Mean-1920.jpg We already compared the laws of the korban pesach to the laws of the metzora, but did the Egyptians themselves also go through some sort of tzaraat? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman connects the metzora to a still born child and explains that the echoes of language and theme come together to paint an even richer picture than we had thought. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ze1scksw6w 581 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/all-eyes-and-ears All Eyes and Ears https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3b9d4c53-a9e8-4a93-b8fe-00c0af281a1a/OGM1ZDFjZjctMzdjOS00NGEwLTliZmQtMjg2NGYxNTQ1Y2Uz_owy0ymuwyjetn2vjni00ntrmltg3ytqtmtc5zdfhytewmzk2_497_what_s-in-a-name.png Sale of Joseph https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/4dimiijn5t 315 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/where-have-i-heard-this-before Where Have I Heard This Before? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3bc2b125-f2fb-4964-b3df-189e0c27f55d/ZTI1MjVjYmUtZWEzNS00NGNlLWEzMzctNjc5OTQ1NTVmMjhj_ntmyntg3zdytmte1ns00zwniltlimwitnwm5mtg3ndeyzjyy_163_jocoats9.png Where Have I Heard This Before? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/lmqjjncwhc 608 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/coats-dreams-and-jealousy 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/spiritual-leprosy-childbirth-bible-tamei What Does Childbirth Have In Common With Leprosy? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3bd221e9-dee6-4756-9fb5-218f12d62562/MDIyNGQ5YWEtZWViOC00YWIxLTljOWQtMzVlMTdmOTIyYWEx_owfjndq1otctzjy3yi00zwiwltk3mtatmmqxzdjhytc1zdi1_spiritual-leprosy-childbirth-bible-tamei.jpg In this double parsha podcast, Tazria-Metzora, we learn about two different ways that one can became “tamei,” spiritually impure: By giving birth to a child and by contracting leprosy. I bet you never expected to see those two things on a list together! How do these radically different ways of becoming "tamei" actually connect? Are we meant to believe that the miracle of childbirth is similar to a plague of deformity? What could childbirth possibly have to do with developing a rash? Join Rabbi Fohrman and Imu as they reexamine the text of these parshas, and find thematic connections to explain how these strange laws are actually connected. Once you explore the deeper meaning behind these ancient laws of impurity, you'll never think of "tamei" the same way again. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/dt8w7xvxe2 1425 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/jacobs-dream 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/secrets-walls-mishkan-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-a-test What Is a Test? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3becbabc-2b10-4521-9429-f3160c61418d/ODdlN2UyMGUtYjNhZi00OWExLTkxNGMtYzFhYWFhMzBkNmM0_2aa18b80-d739-41bb-8ac3-41e571fad7dd_akedahindepth001.jpg The story of Akedat Yitzchak starts out by telling us that God tested Abraham. Why does the omnipotent God need to put Abraham through such a painful test if He already knows that Abraham will pass? In Part III of this series Rabbi Fohrman continues his discussion on the nature of morality and what it means to believe in God, while answering one of the most important questions of the Akedah: What does it mean for God to test Abraham? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/6frgds24bw 3113 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/sotah-ritual-bitter-water-test-adultery What Are The Unique Laws Of Sotah Really About? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3c48d9d3-038e-4632-a681-bd3e7fc9a66e/MzgyNzZlNDctZDRlMC00YzNlLTlhOWYtNDUwNTZlYjVlMGQ2_ymzjyji3y2utmzc4yy00mzvmlwi2zmmtowy5ywq4yzflnthi_sotah-rituals-bitter-water-test-adultery.jpg 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 – a kind of bitter water test for adultery. 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 ritual of the Sotah 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. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/dhltqkjjou 2048 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/book-club-with-rabbi-fohrman-parshat-tazria-metzorah-13 Book Club with Rabbi Fohrman, Joseph and Jeremiah https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3c5a6cf6-0bee-460d-ac93-141c44e1551a/Y2E4MzE2ZjgtNWU0MS00YzIzLThkMGYtNGVmYmVlMjBlYTFh_dbabbadf-5d9e-4046-a26f-959db3ee293c_thumbnail_pc_book-club_draft-1.jpg Enjoy this recording of Book Club.. Book Club is an exclusive weekly event for Producers Circle members. Participants join Rabbi Fohrman to read and discuss the latest chapter of his newest manuscript. This is an incredible opportunity to be a part of Rabbi Fohrman's learning and writing process, to offer feedback, and genuinely impact what will make it into the next book. Not to mention a chance to hear the extra “bonus” material that doesn’t make it in.  Book club meets every Monday, 12-1:30 pm ET. Sign up for Producers Circle to attend. Already a Producers Circle Member? Check your inbox -- Zoom link and new chapter are emailed out every Saturday night. You can find the chapter being discussed in this recording and all previous chapters here. "[Through Book Club we are] really seeing how a diverse group of people bring their unique insights and create a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. Thank you so much for including all of us in this process!" -- Miriam Goldie Huttler, Producers Circle Member https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/8sfyx01y32 5390 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vayishlach-conflict-and-reconciliation 2026-02-24T10:58:18.353Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/introduction-to-kabbalat-shabbat-2 Introduction to Kabbalat Shabbat Ep.2 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3cc76692-c046-48b3-b942-ab9042b84916/Y2ZhZWM4NzctMTNjMi00MTJkLTgyNTEtMzgzZmY4MjA0ZGRj_f831fdeb-a8f9-4ae8-ade7-967688d24e43_thumbnail_other_kabbalat-shabbat-young-israel-class_draft-1.jpg Join Rabbi Fohrman for an in-depth discussion of Kabbalat Shabbat. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/n6m8bz8psd 3679 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/difficult-conversations-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shiny-new-things-meeting-11-october-11-2021 Shiny New Things Meeting (October 11 2021) https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3ce7b1fb-1f99-4d60-9127-e878ed812ebe/YmEwMzBmMjYtNDAzOC00NDk1LTkxNzgtNmQ5NjRjOWE5MmZj_9eab63b7-61a0-453f-a99b-52503906c91f_event005shinynewthings.png Enjoy this recording of Shiny New Things with Rabbi Fohrman. Rabbi Fohrman delights in finding wonderful patterns or other ‘aha’ moments in Biblical text that are the beginning to a process of discovery. That process might culminate in an Aleph Beta animated video or audio series -- but it starts with that shiny new thing. And that's where you come in. When Rabbi Fohrman comes across 'shiny new things,' he wants to show them to interested folks, and get a chance to talk with them about it. Through learning with you, other dimensions of the pattern that were missed usually begin to emerge, and the meaning of the pattern often begins to come into focus. You are an integral part of Shiny New Things, and we hope you'll be able to join! Shiny New Things is an exclusive weekly event for Producers Circle members. This is an incredible opportunity to be a part of Rabbi Fohrman's learning and writing process, to offer feedback, and genuinely impact the direction of future ideas. Not to mention a chance to hear the extra “bonus” material that doesn’t make it into a book or video. Shiny New Things meets every Wednesday, 7-8:30 pm ET. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/qgfyjr7tz0 6705 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-01-27T13:16:19.349Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-levirate-marriage-law-meaning Lest It Come To Scandal https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3cf83977-49ac-46e6-8a7e-7d5f6818b6fd/aC9yeCdWJ-7kSdcF_scandalandredemption001-1-.png What is the common theme in the seemingly disconnected stories of Lot and his daughters, Judah and Tamar, and Ruth? Rabbi Fohrman argues there is an important connection that hints at a generational saga of Chesed and redemption. Join him in part one of the series, starting with Lot and his daughters. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/nary8a2mjk 4156 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-competing-cast-of-characters-in-the-megillah 2026-02-19T19:50:43.122Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/appreciating-our-creators-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/israels-psychological-journey-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/pinchas-the-daughters-of-zelophehad 2026-02-24T11:09:54.302Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/amalek-and-antisemitism 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/nitzavim-vayeilech-study-guide-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-courage-to-remember The Courage to Remember https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3da0929f-26ca-44a0-b721-c9d5a4fded60/Z8Zl6BsAHJWomEtc_TheSpeechThatSavedTheJewsNEWNEW005.png In this video, the final one in the course, Rabbi Fohrman offers us a new way to think about Queen Esther and her heroism, one which is deeply tied to the notion of memories. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/7ofm4ol36b 524 2023-12-14T17:40:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/in-this-series-rabbi-fohrman-offers-a-novel-approach Mysteries in Isaiah https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3dceadf2-d8ed-4f04-87bf-a5e5c0845adf/ZpEb1R5LeNNTxGZn_new-grappling-with-loss-other-KU-version-1920.jpg In this series, Rabbi Fohrman offers a novel approach to the problem of theodicy based on a mysterious passage in the Book of Isaiah. In this episode, Rabbi Fohrman begins to unpack this passage. Isaiah tells us something odd: that God makes light and creates dark; God makes peace and creates evil. Rabbi Fohrman points out that the prophet uses a few different verbs in this verse, which begs the question: are these verbs clues to a deeper lesson about the very nature of evil? A personal note from Rabbi Fohrman about this course: A word of caution -- although this is a video about loss, and how, to some extent, we might find peace in the face of it – this isn’t designed as something to be watched during shiva, or when one is wrestling with the searing pain of fresh grief. That pain, unfortunately, probably needs to be felt in an untrammelled way, I think, until we somehow re-emerge and feel ready to face the world again. This video, by contrast, is probably something to be watched after the passage of some time, when we are more at a distance from grief – but still confronting an aching sense of disquiet and unfinished business. For people who are there, I hope this video might provide a path to some peace or solace. So, please, bear that in mind, when choosing to watch this or engage with it. Loss, of course, is among the most personal of things any of us experience. I don’t know that my own reflections on it will resonate with your own – but I hope that in some way, they will. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/vfhlbdvo4j 349 2023-10-12T18:54:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/sukkot-bible-study-significance Epilogue: Three Questions We Didn't Answer About Sukkot https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3dfaedc8-5df4-4128-8e32-bc83169139b4/YTRhNmRmZDEtN2U1Ni00NGZlLWI1OGItZDVmMGQ0MWNmMzE0_257a9736-a9ea-4ce5-8c1f-1c06512cb54b_epilogue-three-questions-1280.jpg In this premium webinar, Rabbi Fohrman goes into more detail about the fascinating Biblical language and themes surrounding the holiday of Sukkot. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/kj6yn5zqkm 4693 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-21T19:21:26.515Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-did-god-need-to-rest 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/phantom-akeidah-2 Phantom Akeidah: The Sacrifice of Ishmael II https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3e05330e-86b4-473e-8b1d-3bc485824bb9/YWYwMzg1YjMtNWUyMi00MDVjLWJhZjUtMmQ0NjMxNzNjZmRk_25ba7105-9f40-4a6e-bdfa-ab3174987067_phantomakeidahpart2.png Phantom Akeidah: The Sacrifice of Ishmael Part II https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/hgqw0d5px3 2536 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/rosh-hashanah-as-a-day-of-judgment Rosh Hashanah as a Day of Judgment https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3e2b374d-bc20-41f8-aa63-5f1e4949f7fc/Z4bUzZbqstJ99dsT_judgmentdaytitleontop001.png The special prayers recited on Rosh Hashanah are divided into 3 sections: Malchuyot, verses that describe God’s kingship, Zichronot, verses that describe fond remembrances that God has of the people of Israel, and Shofrot, verses that reference the shofar. In this video, Rabbi Fohrman takes a closer look at the Malchuyot prayers, in order to better understand how Rosh Hashanah came to be known as a day of judgement. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/2vmaaham0d 566 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/elokim-and-ykvk-week-7 A Tale of Two Names: Elokim and YHVH - Week 7 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3e4b6817-ae61-4876-9b4f-fa3d457d3eb7/NGNlZDE4ODgtMjFkOC00ZDE0LWFhNWUtODQ5NjM2MzNjNzhl_ymnhndjjodetzwfhny00ymy3lwizzditndzinwzimgiymzu2_tale-of-two-names-d7.jpg The Bible uses many names to refer to God, the two most well-known being Elokim and YHVH (an unpronounceable name composed of the Hebrew letters yud-hey-vav-hey). What do these names mean, and why do they appear when they do? This is one of the Bible's greatest mysteries. Perhaps even more mysterious is that we find the highly uncommon "YHVH Elokim" — a combination of these two names — in the Bible's opening pages: in the story of God's creation of the world. Join Rabbi Fohrman for an exploration of what these names mean on their own, what they mean in combination, and how understanding God's names can, perhaps, help us to lead more godly lives. An earlier version of some of these ideas can be found in the course What is the Meaning of Life? For more on A Tale of Two Names, be sure to listen to the following lecture series: A Tale of Two Names: Why Were There Days of Creation? and A Tale of Two Names: From The Garden To The Flood. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/w59ww3gl78 4589 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/seeing-layers-in-the-ten-commandments Seeing Layers In The Ten Commandments https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3e77d0f8-c180-4ae9-838a-d3816f9c9bab/YTFjMTFiYWItYzkzMi00YmMyLWIxYjQtMTJjZmQ5NTFmNGY0_zjfjntnhy2utmmfjmc00zgm1ltg4mjatztdmotizmmezodez_understand-heart-of-ten-commandments-apply-today.jpg How do the Ten Commandments still apply today? After all, most of them are not difficult to observe – “don’t steal… don’t kill” – these are not laws you need to think about daily. So do we actively apply the Ten Commandments in our lives – or is there a deeper theme that we're missing? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he re-examines and simplifies the Ten Commandments to uncover the main themes. The Ten Commandments have a breadth of meaning hidden in its words that indicate an enormous amount about the way we should live our lives today. By simplifying the layers, we can begin to uncover what is the central idea that lies at the heart of all the Ten Commandments – a theme that has an incredible influence on how we should manage all of our relationships. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/vdhvipa2ca 621 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shmoneh-esrei-research-doc-4 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/book-club-with-rabbi-fohrman-6 Book Club with Rabbi Fohrman, Parshat Kedoshim https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3ecf7b5b-28a3-406c-be70-d1c51c03cbfa/M2E1NzE1M2UtYjM0Ni00OTcyLTgwNzAtNjQ3ZThmZGQ5ZDg4_bbe63291-7197-43b5-a19a-fdd4f0f0d8e8_thumbnail_pc_book-club_draft-1.jpg Enjoy this recording of Book Club for Parshat Kedoshim. Book Club is an exclusive weekly event for Producers Circle members. Participants join Rabbi Fohrman to read and discuss the latest chapter of his newest manuscript. This is an incredible opportunity to be a part of Rabbi Fohrman's learning and writing process, to offer feedback, and genuinely impact what will make it into the next book. Not to mention a chance to hear the extra “bonus” material that doesn’t make it in.  Book club meets every Monday, 12-1:30 pm ET. Sign up for Producers Circle to attend. Already a Producers Circle Member? Check your inbox -- Zoom link and new chapter are emailed out every Saturday night. You can find the chapter being discussed in this recording and all previous chapters here. "[Through Book Club we are] really seeing how a diverse group of people bring their unique insights and create a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. Thank you so much for including all of us in this process!" -- Miriam Goldie Huttler, Producers Circle Member https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/wlrivw9mv6 4560 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/passover-text-study-moses Burning Bush And Moshe’s Signs https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3ed57c42-aa34-4e8b-873b-67395e3571ba/YmFhOGU5ZjgtMzA3MS00NThmLTk0Y2YtZDdlYzA4YjQ0ZTI5_69897c0d-2458-4e16-9613-e97834c89596_origins-of-the-firstborn-nation-1920.jpg How does Gd use both “din” and “rachamim”? What is the significance of the three signs given to Moses at the burning bush? Rabbi Fohrman explores these questions and their relevance to the Exodus, the plagues in Egypt, and to the relationship between God and the new nation of Israel. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/bi4nyuwjni 5364 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-marriage-of-god-and-israel The Marriage Of God And Israel https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3ed6b778-7eab-4ccd-a2f3-28fd452da118/Z5U25ZbqstJ992TS_marriageofisrael2025001.png The Bible talks about a "marriage" between God and Israel at Sinai, but what does that really mean? In Parshat Yitro , we read the most important piece in the narrative of the Jewish people, the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai , when the nation of Israel and God are 'married.' Curiously, before that story, we have two short stories about Yitro, Moses's father-in-law , first when he throws a feast to celebrate the salvation, and then when he advises Moses to set up a court system . How do these stories relate to both Moses's first meeting with Yitro and the marriage between the people and God? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman connects these stories to uncover a clue to understanding how we, too, can keep the marriage between God and Israel today. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/l1aqyh187c 547 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T22:03:57.513Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/devarim-what-does-it-mean-to-have-faith-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shabbat-as-an-anecdote-to-abuse Shabbat As An Antidote To Abuse https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3efb4d07-efe3-45e8-87be-da91f48a58ee/NmQ0YzhjZjItYjk5MS00MjJkLWIwMmMtYTY5OGMwYWNkZDA4_89766918-9470-4bac-a4e5-2b799228510b_howtobreakthecycleofabusenew640.jpg In Part II of their conversation, Rabbi Fohrman and Beth Lesch open up their books and re-tackle the original question: Why did God use miracles to free the Israelites from slavery?  Hint: Rabbi Fohrman thinks that a deeper understanding of Shabbat holds the key. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/iwjf132pnk 4234 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/when-god-and-humans-partner When God And Humans Partner https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3f2b24ed-f0b4-4a60-b5a5-57878da14b1d/Z8ZjuxsAHJWomEs-_queenyouthoughtyouknew001.png Rabbi Fohrman ends off the series with taking a look at God's role in the Megilla. He demonstrates that although God is "hidden," and His name is never explicitly mentioned, the power of His intervention is deeply felt; the power of mankind when it has partnered with God creates tremendous opportunities for growth and change. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/s4jat3oxwr 529 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/in-search-of-purims-meaning-how-much-does-esther In Search of Purim's Meaning: How Much Does Esther Matter? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3f5f2612-eb48-4b9c-9eb9-5fd55cf8ca00/Z8iJUxsAHJWomJxU_whyispurimnamedafterhamanslots002.png In this second video Rabbi Fohrman continues to explore the significance behind naming this important Jewish holiday "Purim." He takes a closer look at Mordechai's words to Esther before she is to confront the King and shows that these words are really an echo from an earlier story in the Bible - a story that sheds important light on what is really going on in the Purim story. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/v6uwxtf6pk 413 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-jewish-law-based-on Does Our History Become Torah Law? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-3f909430-dad1-49d4-bd8b-6bb74eb936b0/6e1d3603-d070-4fde-8887-279e21331672_Does-Our-History-Become-Torah-Law-MAIN-1920.jpg Where do our laws in the Torah really come from? When God says: "Don't do this, do this" – what is the basis? Is it random, arbitrary? Is it an invention of God's mind that we're not meant to understand? Or might Jewish laws have some other rational basis? Rabbi Fohrman has a revolutionary idea, that many of the Torah's 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. To check out the Epilogue, click here. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/zd8fnteg5g 676 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-torahs-commentary-on-rosh-hashanah The Torah's Commentary on Rosh Hashanah https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4043af73-0bf4-4f01-b7b3-8e103388eb37/Z4bUzZbqstJ99dsT_judgmentdaytitleontop001.png Rabbi Fohrman takes a closer look at the Mishna in Tractate Rosh Hashanah where the concept of Rosh Hashanah being a day of judgement is first expressed. In order to delve into the meaning behind the Sages’ words, Rabbi Fohrman looks into the Gemara and the Biblical texts in order to understand more deeply where the Sages are coming from.  https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/viro3hzmwx 888 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/colors-of-the-rainbow Colors of the Rainbow https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-406e4cbf-a293-4e48-bda8-451f2c9dc83c/YTc3MjdiYzktY2E5Ny00MTFhLTljNzctZWYxNzA3MTI1MjNl_yzu0nwyxzjqtoty1oc00zgzmlwiwnzetmtcynjjjytk1ztdl_270_noah_13.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman demonstrates the methodology of chiasmus by revealing its presence in the Rainbow narrative. For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/u1dzlq6lca 921 2023-10-13T12:28:37.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/abraham-s-journey-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/springing-out-of-control Springing Out of Control https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4096b575-e4a9-4f51-893b-1369839173d0/ZrEErUaF0TcGIsWH_baslesshatred002.png Rabbi Fohrman looks more closely at the first two episodes of the Kamtza and Bar Kamtza stories, delving into the way different characters may be feeling, how angry they are, and how those emotions translate into their actions, showing how anger can really turn into a chain reaction that spins out of control. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/a3xcpokshi 481 2023-10-12T18:54:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-triangle The Triangle https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-409f8afa-9eab-4eb9-8f9f-03707c3aeae6/MGFlNzJlMDItMGQ4Ny00ZWRlLTljYjMtZTY1YzA3NTg1MWY0_nmvmmji4mjktnjvims00y2qxltkxmzytnjdiotbhnjriogzm_213_pp3.png In this video, I share my view of how "Torah, Avodah and Gemilut Chasadim" relate to one another -- and what would be missing if we concentrated on any two out of the set and not the third. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ech0lxg5u9 369 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/kiddush-part-2 Kiddush Part 2 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-40b074f4-5576-4213-9adf-b8f2b29eff7f/MjU1OTVmYjgtZjlhYy00MjEwLWFjZmItODZhYTQ5NjAxYTU3_ffe94155-ef2a-46fc-9142-8ab5b30d0ec8_rf-on-kiddush-640.jpg In the second of this two-part playlist, a Kiddush Chiasm is revealed by Rabbi Fohrman in conversation with Sarah Penso, Editor at Aleph Beta. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/y4yifcoqxw 3820 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-02-20T15:41:23.018Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/torah-laws-historical-source 2026-04-21T05:34:13.792Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/november-22-2022-toldot-who-cares-about-isaac-s-we 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-power-of-rachels-tears-guide-including-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/becoming-jewish-bar-bat-mitzvah-preparation What is Judaism All About? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-40e23c35-effe-40d4-810e-bf5177d58798/c406689f-fafa-4f75-bb67-0c4fa26dc604_001-what-is-judaism-all-about-1920.jpg How would you summarize Judaism in one or two sentences? Is it about keeping laws and commandments? If so, is becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah - and becoming a full fledged Jewish adult - really just about obligations? What’s exciting about that? Want to get more out of this course? Click here for the full experience, including activities and guides to help you truly integrate this material into your Bar/Bat Mitzvah experience. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/z7gy9jtbdq 818 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/moses-golden-calf-statue Shattered Tablets And The Calf Of Gold VII https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-40ec3ccc-28e8-4026-b61c-9db7bb097d3d/MDNjMzc2OGEtYThjNy00ODczLTk1MzYtM2QwODYwNGFhYWI1_njuwnwq0mgqtythjyi00nmexlwi1nmmtn2q3nwuwywvmyzu5_moses-golden-calf-statue.jpg Shattered Tablets and the Calf of Gold Part VII https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/m8eph3cv8h 3435 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/nitzavim-parshat-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shemoneh-esrei-research-doc-03 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-can-i-achieve-true-love-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-celebrate-sukkot How And Why Do We Celebrate Sukkot? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-413eba5a-415b-4d94-b746-0e5913000ce0/ZWJiYTVjY2UtNDFmOS00ZDk4LTk4MmItNDkxODBhZWM3Njg1_7d61b5d0-334e-4446-a07f-d84c93449034_why-do-we-celebrate-sukkot-1280.jpg Why do we even celebrate Sukkot? Sukkot doesn’t seem to commemorate an important historical event, unlike other Jewish holidays. What should Sukkot mean to us – and why on earth do we celebrate by sleeping in huts? Compared to Passover and Shavuot, Sukkot celebrations seem to be missing a big event to commemorate. We know the Sukkot story about how the Israelites slept in the desert in small huts, or booths, after fleeing from Egypt. But we also see that Sukkot refers to the place where they first slept. Why call a place "Sukkot" – basically, the Hebrew equivalent of "shantytown”? Are these clues about the importance of Sukkot? The Torah tells us one more detail about the Sukkot food – unleavened dough – that they ate on their first night in these makeshift booths. But we also connect that matzah with Pesach, which commemorates the very same event. So how is the meaning of Sukkot different? There still seems to be a missing reason why we celebrate Sukkot. Rabbi Fohrman takes a deeper look at the Torah readings surrounding the story of Sukkot and explores the real meaning of celebrating this holiday, as well as the reason we build and sleep in sukkah huts. Discover other great Sukkot videos at Aleph Beta, including ‘ Understanding Jewish Holidays ”, “I s Hoshana Rabba the Key to Understanding Sukkot ” and more! https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/eqm6aq8ons 1807 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/bar-bat-mitzvah-adult-requirements-lesson The Meaning of Becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4147cdd1-d8d8-4058-967a-f1292b84b4b0/1d7c84db-2c9c-4417-b3aa-ce71daf0f4e7_006-the-meaning-of-becoming-a-bar-or-bat-mitzvah-1920.jpg What does it mean to become a Jewish adult? How does becoming Bar or Bat Mitzvah fit into that? Here’s where it all comes together. We’ll answer what this rite of passage is, and what it means for you. Want to get more out of this course? Click here for the full experience, including activities and guides to help you truly integrate this material into your Bar/Bat Mitzvah experience. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/qg73bhvo7r 1609 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/understand-genesis-hidden-message From Adam to Joseph: Understanding Genesis https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-414d3cb3-d5ef-403f-bffb-b896ddbd31ba/Z3-4RpbqstJ99OtN_FromAdamtoJosephUnderstandingGenesis001.png In Parshat Vayechi (Genesis 47:28-50:26) we close up the book of Genesis, so it's a good time to pause and ask: What is the central message of the Book of Genesis? How do we understand the core lessons that the Book of Genesis teaches? After all, we've spent weeks delving into the many different stories of deception and favoritism. How did the children of Israel come so far from the ideal nation set up by Abraham? What happened to the family that was supposed to model justice and kindness to the rest of the world? How can we, Am Israel, redeem ourselves by not repeating our ancestors' mistakes? In this video, we take a step back to look at the Book of Genesis as a whole in order to better understand the hidden messages that we are meant to take away. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ubj9sbq05e 654 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:52:43.697Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/abraham-s-journey-2 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parshat-yitro-course-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-does-god-rest-part-iii Why Does God Rest? Part III https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-41a46027-b333-40c5-a68c-917138056116/ZTAyNTBmMjEtNzRjMi00ODYzLTk0NjItYWY4MWJhZDYzZWQ1_accce81c-fd3e-44b2-b7b4-19abd4284c92_why-does-god-rest.jpg Why does God Rest? Part III https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/jbj74s0gqj 431 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-bible-says-law-enforcement-officers The Torah's Police Officers https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-41adf808-2384-4069-8c58-c4066b82b23a/NGUxMmEzYTQtM2MxNy00OTg4LWJiYmUtYjFlNjIwZjJlMDli_3074a62c-85a5-4e64-849a-fbf0750ee303_the-torahs-police-officers-1920.jpg Parshat Shoftim introduces us to the system of law enforcement that God envisioned for the Israelites: a police force, called the shotrim . Only...the Torah doesn't really tell us outright what these shotrim are supposed to do. In fact, the only thing we're told about them is in an obscure law about military service: when some people are exempt from service for one reason or another, the shotrim are the ones who send them home. Why is this law the only thing the Torah tells us about the shotrim ? And why would this job be assigned to police officers? Believe it or not, the answers just might lie in an older story in the Torah, a story about a nation with a very different kind of law enforcement system: Egypt. Come and see what the Torah's idea of police officers is all about. Watch the course mentioned in the video: Why Do We Celebrate “Law-Day”? We also explore the shotrim's role before battle in: The Bible's Curious Exemptions For Serving In The Military https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/b7qilqia4b 685 2023-10-12T18:56:07.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:55:16.515Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/reeh-what-do-the-laws-of-eating-meat-teach-us-about 2026-02-24T10:45:02.227Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/toldot-parshat-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/moshe-s-final-farewell Moshe’s Final Farewell https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-420a5dde-bbdf-4300-8e71-02ae1b68f703/NzE3YWFkZDktZTk5Yi00N2VmLWIxZWQtZTkyNThmNWNmZDcy_a14a526e-cb8e-40d5-b1d9-157c0adc400f_parsha-lab-wtp-course-vzot-habracha.jpg In the Torah’s final parsha, Moshe is preparing to take leave of the nation he has been so devoted all of these years. He gives them blessings before taking his final departure. He then ascends a mountain and is laid to rest in an unknown burial place. Or is it? A careful reading of Moshe’s blessings may give us clues as to where he was buried. The significance of this is not so much about identifying the geographical location of his grave, as it is about teaching us a profound lesson in loyalty, brotherhood and redeeming unfulfilled dreams. Join us for a deep look at the Torah’s bittersweet ending. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/abiogjx4r5 2144 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/where-is-god-in-a-physical-world-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/amalek-bible Amalek Lecture I https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-42151721-0d05-49f6-a6ba-ccec350a13b5/65d51f8e3a605798c18bfbf9_The-Rise-of-Antisemitism-part-1-1920.jpg What is the struggle with Amalek truly about? How can we understand the command to utterly destroy them? Join us as we explore the four confrontations between the Israelites and Amalek throughout history. Perhaps, through intense textual analysis we may come to understanding Amalek's internal struggles of self-loathing. In this series, Rabbi Fohrman uses a set of Powerpoints to compare texts. Unfortunately, those Powerpoints have been lost to the ravages of time. We're very sorry about that, and we hope you still enjoy the series! https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/azk3rckinu 4741 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-burning-bush-and-human-suffering-israel 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/moses-farewell-to-israel-part-2 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/of-soldiers-and-slaves-divine-justice-in-the-face-doc 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/two-hands-at-the-piano Two Hands at the Piano https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-42e513cb-c044-4bd4-817c-0693925c4fef/MzUxYWJiN2UtNTQ1NS00MGU3LThlYjQtYTVjM2M1YmNmNzc0_ntvlmtnhzdktnty4ny00ntfjltg1y2qtywi4owm3ndqwntez_475_vineyard.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman finalizes and breaks down the many questions we have accumulated about Noah’s vineyard, and begins to get into those answers. For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham , the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1 , Abraham's Journey 2 , and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/58wkjmgba9 499 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/eden-in-depth-part-5 Eden in Depth Part 5 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-42e77e86-6b4a-428a-83f7-a8f1a8892a3e/YjE1M2M2YjYtOTNiMC00NDIwLTg4MTgtNGUzMzE1ODc1M2My_f230dd18-af62-4b4b-b7b0-43be7d9f5c6e_edenindepthmain-640.jpg Eden in Depth Part 5 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/0k4fzcn90a 613 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/esther-bible-story-connections Esther, Judah And Benjamin https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-42fe2b80-e1d4-403b-929b-8d3b85c4bd94/MGI2Y2Y1MGYtNzNhMi00Y2VmLWJjMGQtZTgxNjNkNmZhNDk1_ntawyza0zjmtnzy1os00zwriltgwntutmje4owezngu1zgqy_esther-bible-story-connections.jpg In this video, Rabbi Fohrman suggests that Esther’s first plea was made with a heart full of memories of her ancestral past – and laden with a begrudging bitterness. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ve8he02mev 763 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tale-of-two-names-from-the-garden-to-the-flood-3 A Tale of Two Names: From The Garden To The Flood - Week 3 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-43186bfb-0590-4ca7-b22e-9961272aaf0d/ZGI4YTZmOWEtZWUzMS00ODVkLWEzMGItMzMxMDM0ZmQ2YzZk_31e41109-3a53-4825-a693-183a6cb28927_tale-of-two-names-final-p3-01.jpg In this lecture, Rabbi Fohrman looks at the relationship between love and power, and how these two values shaped Eve's decision to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, as well as Adam's seemingly odd response to God after they hid: Why were they afraid? The following lecture is based on an earlier lecture series given in 2001, The Tree of Life vs The Tree of Knowledge, which became the basis of Rabbi Fohrman's book, The Beast that Crouches at the Door. For a later, more expansive version of this course, be sure to listen to Genesis Unveiled. This lecture is part 3 of a 3 part series. For the first two lecture series on A Tale of Two Names, be sure to listen to A Tale of Two Names: Elokim and YHVH. and A Tale of Two Names: Why Were There Days of Creation? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/cjmrc2z2zb 4358 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/understanding-adon-olam Understanding Adon Olam https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4318c3da-f0d0-4737-8a07-138c0ac5003a/MjJmYTM4YTgtNGI0OS00MTAwLWI1ZWMtMjkyMDc1MDVlMDQ2_d7c85980-c365-4a7f-a092-41cd1580fc75_how-do-i-get-closer-to-god-thumbnail.jpg Rabbi Fohrman continues to explore Hannah’s great paradox that she demonstrates through her prayer. In order to deepen our understanding of both being close to God and being separate from Him, Rabbi Fohrman takes a look at the Adon Olam prayer, and uncovers great insights. Hannah poured her soul out to God, understanding that He is the source, understanding that there was nothing to hide, that she could bring all of her emotions, even the not pretty ones, into prayer. That is the definition of prayer. This Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, you are being called upon to pray. Be real, be close. The God of holiness can ask nothing more from you than that. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/llu2747o4h 758 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/matot-masei-the-art-of-negotiation 2026-02-24T11:09:38.437Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/god-final-last-plague-exodus God's Justice In Action https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-433991c4-e424-4e68-924d-c46811b09881/Z4z8bpbqstJ99mmr_God'sJusticeInAction001.png After God tells Moses about the last plague before the Exodus, He makes a series of odd statements before actually performing the plague of death on all the firstborns in Egypt. Why? What was different about the tenth plague? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman argues that before unleashing the final plague on Egypt, God was making a fundamental argument about the ultimate nature of justice. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/t51sugm9xg 618 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:24:20.303Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vayigash-was-joseph-the-golden-calf 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hanukkah-miracle-oil-light-bible Why Do Jews Celebrate Hanukkah https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-437a9255-c31c-4669-bd76-6fccc02a0034/Zjk0MzZjODQtYzRmOC00MWU2LTgzZTMtNGI1YzZlMmY0Yjk3_511f435b-9be9-4cb2-80ef-c98139e4a1d5_minor-miracle-1280.jpg Hanukkah is the annual celebration of a time long ago when one little jar of oil burned and shined its light for eight full days. For this reason, we have an eight-day holiday described as days of hallel ve-hoda'a, praise and thanksgiving. Now, it's a beautiful holiday, but if we stop and think about it, is the miracle of the oil such a big deal that it's worth creating a whole new holiday? Our other holidays celebrate major miracles like the Exodus from Egypt on Passover , or the entire nation being saved from annihilation on Purim . But on Hanukah, the miracle is that the lights burned for longer than we expected? Why is that something we give thanks and praise for all of these years later? Would history have turned out so differently if the Maccabees had to wait a few days before they could relight the Menorah? Why do we celebrate Hanukkah? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he addresses these questions head on. He leads us on a journey to another major event in our national history that seems to be a precursor of sorts to the Hanukah miracle. When we see how the seemingly minor miracle of the lights is part of a much larger story, we'll be able to understand the deeper, lasting meaning of this miracle and why it's something worth celebrating and giving thanks for all these years later. When you’re done here, check out other great Hanukkah content at Aleph Beta including What Is Hanukkah , Hanukkah Values & Hanukkah vs Christmas . https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/0661jhbk0y 1894 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:23:06.886Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/matot-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shavuot-reveiving-laws 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/rest-as-the-purpose-of-work-1 Rest as the Purpose of Work? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-43c733f0-1e8b-4ac1-82de-720c64acc7dc/ZGZjNzgxMDItMjAyOS00ZDU5LTk4YWQtYzRkYzI0NDEzZDQ0_njzjogfhmwutyjvhys00nme1lwjkndktmjllodkxotuxnjzi_278_noah_18.png In this second video in his series about the meaning of rest on Shabbat, Rabbi Fohrman highlights the true nature of the Bible - in a sense, what is its genre? What is it meant to teach? For a more in-depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/1ej5taj24z 666 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/intimacy-and-holiness-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vayishlach-from-jacob-to-israel 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shoftim-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/jacob-man-of-truth-epilogue-purim-part-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/purim-haman-bible Turning The Tree On Its Head https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-440e702d-1ada-424c-8af4-e7ac0b76621b/Z8ZPOxsAHJWomEpb_couldyoubecomehamannew005.png In this fourth video of six, Rabbi Fohrman continues to explore the struggle represented by the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. In the previous video, Rabbi Fohrman shows how both Haman and Zeresh are connected deeply to this Creation Story. In this video, Rabbi Fohrman demonstrates a second Tree of Knowledge story that is playing out in the Megillah - one that has Mordechai and Esther as its main characters! Watch the video to learn more. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/iofhi2lp7u 798 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/elokim-and-ykvk-week-5 A Tale of Two Names: Elokim and YHVH - Week 5 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-44392cac-57e0-4012-badc-0c65f5b0d407/ODkzNTM5OTgtNDM4OS00NGY3LWJiNDctNzAyOGYwNGQyOGI5_mgjizwyxnzityjzmmy00ztqxltljntctowfjztfjnzm1mdez_tale-of-two-names-d7.jpg The Bible uses many names to refer to God, the two most well-known being Elokim and YHVH (an unpronounceable name composed of the Hebrew letters yud-hey-vav-hey). What do these names mean, and why do they appear when they do? This is one of the Bible's greatest mysteries. Perhaps even more mysterious is that we find the highly uncommon "YHVH Elokim" — a combination of these two names — in the Bible's opening pages: in the story of God's creation of the world. Join Rabbi Fohrman for an exploration of what these names mean on their own, what they mean in combination, and how understanding God's names can, perhaps, help us to lead more godly lives. An earlier version of some of these ideas can be found in the course What is the Meaning of Life? For more on A Tale of Two Names, be sure to listen to the following lecture series: A Tale of Two Names: Why Were There Days of Creation? and A Tale of Two Names: From The Garden To The Flood. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/r14kgekudb 4505 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/golden-calf-lecture-2-powerpoint 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tisha-bav-sinat-chinam-guide-for-kids-part-2-animated Tisha B'Av Sinat Chinam Guide for Kids Part 2 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-444e1857-8b5b-4660-a4bc-dfd4ac0ecad8/ZrEErUaF0TcGIsWH_baslesshatred002.png Part 2 of Tisha B'Av Sinat Chinam Guide for Kids. See the full guide here. For more on how to spend Tisha B'Av with kids see here. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/mbvdim1754 365 2024-08-13T00:36:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/of-truth-mother-and-death Of Truth, Mother & Death https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-44504be1-ced9-42cb-be69-807fa345fb82/Zgq8Kct2UUcvBT2k_holiday-cycle-24-1920.jpg Rabbi Fohrman takes a deep exploration into 2 chiasms found in the Biblical text. Through this literary technique, Rabbi Fohrman demonstrates how Shabbat is both a rest from creation as well as destruction. For more on these topics, take a look at Finding God in the Mishkan , God in Space, God in Time and Pekudei: A Giant Chiasm In Sefer Shmot . https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/dxlbxjys04 3438 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/part-2-2 Jacob: What Does It Mean To Be Children of Israel? II https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-44775cab-244f-4cb3-a72b-5dd2b6bdd904/MWE1NDkzYzktMWYwNy00NGY0LWEwM2UtM2NmMWEwMjZiNzFh_10f19d6f-a5e2-42ab-b0fd-53cb1fd4d48f_jacobmanoftruth.jpg Children of Israel Jacob: Man of truth? is the fourth of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The proceeding lectures are found in the series titled: A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham , Abraham's Journey 1 , and Abraham's Journey 2 . https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/vfp205pbp8 5141 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/cain-and-ir-miklat Cain and Ir Miklat https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-44c8d033-b0df-48be-b608-05ba570472cc/NDgwNTIzYzktYWRjZC00MWZjLWFiNmItZmE4NDI1MDM4MWMy_eeb12e30-4c7f-4605-a314-2e03247858a5_cainandirmiklatmain-640.jpg 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. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/nos4sin33u 768 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/jacob-esau-reunite Jacob And Esau: What Kind Of Reunion Was This? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-44cb0092-d5a3-4644-8dd4-482642477faa/NzU2ZDYxMmYtZTM1Mi00NGQzLWIwNmItNWVjZDA1MmE2OGIx_d3c0a13b-675f-4cea-af58-e4aa02ce8c4f_jacob-and-esau-1280.jpg Jacob and Esau hadn’t seen each other for 20 years, ever since Jacob took their father’s blessings and Esau swore to kill him. Now they’re headed toward one another – Jacob with his family and his riches, and Esau with 400 of his henchmen. Jacob is faced with a decision: On the one hand, he can try to bribe Esau with gifts and flattery. After all, this wouldn’t be the first time Jacob managed to outwit Esau. But on the other hand, maybe this a chance to finally reconcile with Esau once and for all. What should Jacob do? Well, if we read the encounter between the brothers, it’s really not so clear which option Jacob chooses. Join Ami Silver as he delves into this ambiguity, and suggests that there’s a whole lot more to this story than meets the eye. Ami Silver takes this discussion one step further in his blog post on Parshat Vayishlach: The Journey From Yaakov to Yisrael Dig deeper: Click here to watch Jacob: Man of Truth Dive into the background story with our video collections for Toldot , Vayeitzei and Vayishlach . https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/qevddehrzl 750 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/mishpatim-does-justice-care-about-our-intentios 2026-02-24T10:55:06.313Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/now-i-know-that-you-fear-god Now I Know That You Fear God https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-450029fd-2b13-423d-8b71-1b0cafea3dbb/ODdlN2UyMGUtYjNhZi00OWExLTkxNGMtYzFhYWFhMzBkNmM0_2aa18b80-d739-41bb-8ac3-41e571fad7dd_akedahindepth001.jpg When the angel calls down from heaven to tell Abraham not to sacrifice Isaac, it says “now I know that you fear God.” What does it mean to fear God? Using the groundwork he laid in the first three lectures, together with an understanding of this verse, Rabbi Fohrman finally answers the question: What was this experience meant to teach Abraham? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/259lmqy3ag 3659 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/behar-bechukotai-walking-with-god 2026-05-04T16:53:23.507Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tazria-bible-impurity-laws-after-childbirth-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/naso-letting-our-children-go Letting Our Children Go https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-456e15fc-f67d-4282-8b11-b3f769e39716/Zkzh8Col0Zci9VIH_What-Does-The-Torah-Teach-About-Parenting-001-part-3-1920.jpg In Part 3 of this three-part series, Rabbi Fohrman continues his exploration of what might be the Torah's guide to parenting. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/zjx5fuv89l 778 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-moses-could-not-enter-promised-land Why Couldn't Moses Enter The Land? II https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4584a17c-f9f8-4dfe-9e48-194d23423e28/be5acbcf-652e-4b39-a2be-21771048a8e5_why-couldnt-moses-enter-the-land-1920.jpg Why Couldn't Moses Enter The Land? Part II https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/5t0t4n543f 3898 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/optimism-hope-vs-pessimism-hopelessness Optimism Vs. Pessimism https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4593f40a-c0e3-42f2-a62c-3f8074ce039e/ZnWYkZbWFbowexGb_Optimism-Vs-Pessimism-1920.jpg In this week's parsha video, we ask, are pessimists just rationalists, and is hope just naivete? Rabbi Fohrman points out an intriguing language parallel and argues that hope always exists, but we must direct it towards the future, not the past. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/d0c3lzjb2y 427 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:41:33.013Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/amalek-and-the-manna-presentation-2 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-to-transmit-gods-values-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shiny-new-things-meeting-15-november-22-2021 Shiny New Things Meeting (November 22 2021) https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-45a06de6-e5c0-45ee-adb6-c73ea053fcf8/YmEwMzBmMjYtNDAzOC00NDk1LTkxNzgtNmQ5NjRjOWE5MmZj_9eab63b7-61a0-453f-a99b-52503906c91f_event005shinynewthings.png Enjoy this recording of Shiny New Things with Rabbi Fohrman. Rabbi Fohrman delights in finding wonderful patterns or other ‘aha’ moments in Biblical text that are the beginning to a process of discovery. That process might culminate in an Aleph Beta animated video or audio series -- but it starts with that shiny new thing. And that's where you come in. When Rabbi Fohrman comes across 'shiny new things,' he wants to show them to interested folks, and get a chance to talk with them about it. Through learning with you, other dimensions of the pattern that were missed usually begin to emerge, and the meaning of the pattern often begins to come into focus. You are an integral part of Shiny New Things, and we hope you'll be able to join! Shiny New Things is an exclusive weekly event for Producers Circle members. This is an incredible opportunity to be a part of Rabbi Fohrman's learning and writing process, to offer feedback, and genuinely impact the direction of future ideas. Not to mention a chance to hear the extra “bonus” material that doesn’t make it into a book or video. Shiny New Things meets every Wednesday , 7-8:30 pm ET . https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/xwjh3b0m1g 4433 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-02-13T22:03:40.324Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-fathers-ambivalent-blessing A Father's Ambivalent Blessing https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-45e844cd-3142-4237-a104-401cf644af2c/MmE5ZWFiYTgtZDE2Mi00OWY5LThkMGItODVlNGEwZDI1ZWM3_nzm1nwjkmjatnzdkos00mgrmlwi1ytmtmwu5ogfiognmztdm_506_echos20of20the20future206.png Echos of the Future https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/sbeywr2hh9 540 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-beginning-of-the-end-epilogue-part-2 The Beginning of the End: Epilogue Part 2 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-46bd0c5d-005b-4ea4-94c6-f149dd2ff251/NDMzNDkzN2QtMmJlOS00Y2MzLTlmMWItYWE1MzExYjc4Yjc3_50615900-2965-43d4-a7d7-bb20ba7f41f1_beginning-of-the-end-epilogue-2-1280.jpg In this epilogue discussion, Rabbi Fohrman is joined by Adina Blaustein, Aleph Beta’s Content Production Manager, to discuss a pressing question: If you read Sefer Melachim, the text tells us that Solomon will lose his empire and the kingdom will split. And the reason given isn’t lack of service. It’s because Solomon’s foreign wives turn his heart astray and so God promises to tear the kingdom away from him. Why develop a whole course, going deep into textual connections – fascinating as they may be – to resolve a question that we have a simple answer to? Rabbi Fohrman’s answer adds a whole new dimension to the story of Solomon and the symbolism of the nearly split baby. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/1t8wasxq4h 5037 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/water-water-everywhere Water, Water Everywhere https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-46c22a99-24d5-45fc-b5eb-a9d502577cd6/MmZjYjNjNzAtNDliMy00Y2E2LTg5YzMtMDI4NmU5OWY0ODI1_mtzmnjdjnzetmmu0zc00mdmylwi0yzytoge1yzfjzmi4yzu2_254_noah_1.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman highlights the four main elements of the pre-creation picture, and suggests that the elements together would look like a flood - reminiscent of the flood in the Noah story. For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/il26fsejsq 596 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/passover-haggadah-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/reeh-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/epilogue-what-the-tree-of-life-teaches-us-about-returning 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-does-hanukkah-celebrate 2026-04-20T21:25:10.057Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/are-all-dilemmas-created-equal Are All Dilemmas Created Equal? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4763ecf4-974e-4cd8-9d92-c1a99c6f4613/NmExNzI4YzAtYzVlNy00OTI2LWI3NWYtZTAyYTlkNzIzODZi_m2eynmm2mjctyzqwmy00zme2lwjhngqtmjmxnmq1nmexmtky_245_garden_14.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman presents us with four different dilemmas and asks us to consider which of the four is not like the others. For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/khpc1qciqy 257 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-book-like-no-other-season-4-episode-2-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/brief-history-powerpoint-2 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/akeidah-heroism-or-murder-part-2 Akeidah: Heroism or Murder? II https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-47c4eeb3-0072-4cab-a9d7-9cc127abed3a/Z4AKM5bqstJ99Rj8_AkeidahNEW004.png Akeidah: Heroism or Murder? Part 2 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/zc6qif7qos 3611 2023-10-12T18:54:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/moshe-and-tziporah-chiasm-for-printing 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hints-of-saul-and-jonathan Hints of Saul and Jonathan https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-47e31f94-af64-4852-b23b-66a708566eb8/MGY4NjUzMTctZDQxZi00ZGM3LTliYzktYTFhNTJmYWU1ZWVh_fb79ff2b-9b63-44a9-9fe2-c37d25af6339_biblical-echoes-1280.jpg Rabbi Fohrman continues to explore the text of the Book of the Maccabees by connecting it to a second Biblical narrative, that of Saul and Jonathan and their war against the Philistines. He contrasts the two stories, highlighting the error Saul made in offering a sacrifice without Samuel, resulting in the end of his dynasty, and raises the question of how this connects to Matityahu and Judah. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/mb2w8x74rk 723 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/meaning-of-kosher-law-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/mordecai-story-meaning-epilogue Epilogue: Digging Deeper Into Mordechai's Story https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-47ed1e5a-cb8b-488a-9e0f-5c385ba3553c/Z8oKDBsAHJWomNEW_whydidmordechaireallyrefusetobowNEWNEW008.png In this epilogue, Rabbi Fohrman shares the extra material that was left on the cutting room floor. Join him as he digs deeper behind some of the themes and theories covered in the Purim course "The Viceroy: Mordechai's Hidden Story." https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/4iqqe1h73j 1177 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parsha-experiment-vayeira-worksheet 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-arent-dinosaurs-mentioned-bible Why Aren't Dinosaurs In The Torah? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4805d039-1ed7-489b-9ad4-2fc72267f28b/ZjA4MjY1NTMtMDFmOS00ZGJiLWE0ZWMtMzdhMmE3YzllMGI1_11328cdc-d1b6-48ae-b433-984762cfde71_whyarentdinosaursinthetorahmain640.jpg Or wooly mammoths? Or other prehistoric creatures? If we’re trusting the Torah to tell us the story of creation, how could it leave out such a large (pun intended) part of history? Does this mean Torah and science are at odds? Rabbi Fohrman argues that if we’re asking this question, it means we’re misunderstanding something fundamental about the nature of the Torah. Watch this video to learn what the Torah is – and what it isn’t. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/uzl1aq9suo 457 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/chayei-sarah-teachers-lesson-worksheet 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/jewish-view-married-women “When Man Acquires Woman…” Wait, What? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-484844d4-5c72-447a-a1c1-578057e07397/MDM5Y2NiMjQtNmJmYS00YWEwLWI1NDEtNDhhNjk1NDc1ZTFk_ae977176-5c5c-4e0e-a48a-cde14e97f270_when-man-acquires-woman-1280.jpg Let’s talk about the Jewish view of marriage. Did you know that when the Torah talks about marriage in Bereishit, it says that a man “acquires” his wife? What is with that? Can you get any less romantic? But more than that, to our modern ears, it seems so primitive and backwards. Does the Torah think that married women are just the property of their husbands? If this is the Jewish view of marriage, it’s positively cringe-worthy. But what if we’ve got it all wrong? What if “acquisition” isn’t about ownership at all? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he explores this idea through the Bible’s first marriage: between Adam and Eve. A deeper look at this story helps us see that the Biblical view of submission in marriage isn’t sexist – far from it. It also answers some of the most fundamental questions about love: Why do people get married? What are we looking for in our love relationships? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/2gji6nptr4 552 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-we-celebrate-rosh-hashanah Is Rosh Hashanah A Day Of Judgment, Or Not? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-487692c0-59ed-47a4-9136-e85f20a14e8f/Z4bPx5bqstJ99dpO_howtoprepareforroshhashanah0012025.png Now that we understand the relationship between Rosh Hashanah and Sinai, let’s put together the pieces: How does Kingship, Memories, Shofar, and Judgment Day relate to the Torah’s vision of this day? And how does our understanding of Rosh Hashanah change? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/edbfa8ipzh 232 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/who-was-king-hezekiah Who Was King Hezekiah https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-488f491d-5299-424c-b354-861313b5c1c5/ZpEXvB5LeNNTxGWS_The-Messiah-That-Almost-Was-1920.jpg Can one moment change all of history? Who was King Hezekiah? In this series, Rabbi Fohrman looks at the story of Hezekiah, zeroing in on one fateful moment at the end of his reign, a tipping point that could have sent history in a very different direction. A moment that could have ushered in the Messianic era. Understanding this important lesson from Hezekiah sheds light on something even more profound about the destruction of Jerusalem and the destiny the Jewish people are still meant to achieve. Discover other great Tisha B’Av videos at Aleph Beta, including ‘ Why Does God Let Us Suffer ”, “ Shabbat Nachamu ”, and “ Sinat Chinam: What is Baseless Hatred ”. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/6x4jm0x5ir 712 2023-10-12T18:54:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shiny-new-things-meeting-20-april-27-2022 Shiny New Things Meeting (April 27 2022) https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4895cc26-efbc-41d2-9a81-3a3794b4b3d0/YjczMmY3NmItYjU1Yi00YmFhLWE1YjEtNmFkZDE4ODIzMjUy_9eab63b7-61a0-453f-a99b-52503906c91f_event005shinynewthings.png Enjoy this recording of Shiny New Things with Rabbi Fohrman. Rabbi Fohrman delights in finding wonderful patterns or other ‘aha’ moments in Biblical text that are the beginning to a process of discovery. That process might culminate in an Aleph Beta animated video or audio series -- but it starts with that shiny new thing. And that's where you come in. When Rabbi Fohrman comes across 'shiny new things,' he wants to show them to interested folks, and get a chance to talk with them about it. Through learning with you, other dimensions of the pattern that were missed usually begin to emerge, and the meaning of the pattern often begins to come into focus. You are an integral part of Shiny New Things, and we hope you'll be able to join! Shiny New Things is an exclusive weekly event for Producers Circle members. This is an incredible opportunity to be a part of Rabbi Fohrman's learning and writing process, to offer feedback, and genuinely impact the direction of future ideas. Not to mention a chance to hear the extra “bonus” material that doesn’t make it into a book or video. Shiny New Things meets every Wednesday, 7-8:30 pm ET. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/plepqw9ueb 4684 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-01-27T13:14:21.935Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/october-7th-memorial-reader 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/megillat-esther-redeeming-the-sin-of-eden 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/chayei-sarah-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/bo-what-did-the-egyptians-get-out-of-the-exodus 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/to-worship-avodah-zarah Who Would Want to Worship Avodah Zarah? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-499d80e9-cb2d-4a0a-82a0-7bc012d945bd/MzU1YmIyY2EtMzk2NS00ODBiLTkxZTctNzFmNTM2ODhjMWRi_464e8b47-f258-483c-b800-123450a08be9_avodahzarah.jpg Who Would Want to Worship Avodah Zarah? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/xnep8r14hd 1329 2023-10-12T18:56:07.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tzaraat-biblical-purification-rituals 2026-04-20T21:59:48.307Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/kedoshim-social-justice-and-sacrifices 2026-02-24T11:14:34.697Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/ki-tisa-parshat-guide-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-secret-message-in-the-sound-of-the-shofar 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/end-of-bamidbar-so-anticlimactic-ii-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/elokim-and-ykvk-week-6 A Tale of Two Names: Elokim and YHVH - Week 6 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4a6657e1-e45a-482d-b68c-77bbee264a74/Y2I1ZmRkMWMtMzI2YS00MjNiLWI1MDItN2EzZTMwYmNhYjhk_mzazody5zwutzdayzs00ytc1ltg1mzmtnjbhmzhkmtkyzta3_tale-of-two-names-d7.jpg The Bible uses many names to refer to God, the two most well-known being Elokim and YHVH (an unpronounceable name composed of the Hebrew letters yud-hey-vav-hey). What do these names mean, and why do they appear when they do? This is one of the Bible's greatest mysteries. Perhaps even more mysterious is that we find the highly uncommon "YHVH Elokim" — a combination of these two names — in the Bible's opening pages: in the story of God's creation of the world. Join Rabbi Fohrman for an exploration of what these names mean on their own, what they mean in combination, and how understanding God's names can, perhaps, help us to lead more godly lives. An earlier version of some of these ideas can be found in the course What is the Meaning of Life? For more on A Tale of Two Names, be sure to listen to the following lecture series: A Tale of Two Names: Why Were There Days of Creation? and A Tale of Two Names: From The Garden To The Flood. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/j7zhlfjunh 4283 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parshat-bereishit-story-printable 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-purim-name-after-lots-means The Spiritual Meaning Of Purim https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4acc82f2-5baa-4703-a226-3e3f8be98cec/ZTBjYWU4YWEtOTJkYi00Nzc4LTkxYzktZjk4YjQ0NzhhNWY4_70429f7f-416a-4fb4-8c36-6e3d1c2ffcd5_image20210211193347.jpg Click here to buy Rabbi Fohrman's book about Purim! What Does The Hebrew Word Purim Refer To? Passover is named for an incredible miracle, when God passed over and saved us from Egyptian oppression. Sukkot is named for the miraculous huts that housed us in the wilderness. And Purim is named for... Haman’s ‘lots’?! Isn’t that kind of bizarre? Those lots were the device that our enemy used to try and annihilate us. They were a weapon of destruction. Why would we name the holiday after that? Wouldn’t it make a lot more sense to call it “Victory Day” or “Esther Day”? Why would we celebrate the holiday of Purim in honor of our enemy? In this series, Rabbi Fohrman flips the idea of Purim’s name on its head. (It’s a real ‘ve’nahafoch hu’!) He makes a surprising claim: that Purim isn’t named after Haman’s lots; it actually means something else. In doing so, he shows how this bizarre name for the holiday is actually a key to unlocking one of the Megillah’s most intriguing hidden messages. Learn more about Purim at Aleph Beta by checking out some of our other videos including Taanit Esther, The Queen You Thought You Knew, and Why Is Purim Important? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/he9rfgxofg 1747 2023-10-13T12:28:37.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-law-receiving-test A Law-Receiving Test https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4acec7b7-b774-491a-aba1-9dc2f8b4c765/aC4XYidWJ-7kSaMX_TheStrangeCelebrationof“LawDay”001.png Rabbi Fohrman looks closely at the manna's laws and shows how they helped to train the people of Israel for the laws of the Torah. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/5tb6e1ylql 804 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-seven-habits-of-highly-intuitive-readers-of-the-bible 2026-03-20T01:36:24.698Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shemoneh-esrei-amidah-shabbat-prayer Sabbath Morning: The House that God Built https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4ae17dd1-989e-4d2e-93c5-442aac20264e/Z2HMF5bqstJ98nWq_themeaningofsabbathprayers002.png The Sabbath prayers include special additions for each of the three times of day - Friday night, Saturday morning, and Saturday afternoon. Each prayer includes a rabbinic text that either appears in tandem with a Biblical text about Shabbat, or stands alone to describe the Sabbath. Why did the rabbis choose to include these specific Biblical texts, at these times of the Sabbath? How can we make sense of the liturgical additions that accompany them? In this three part series, Rabbi Fohrman shows how each of these prayers are in fact offering a rabbinic interpretation on the Biblical text, and how each one reveals a deep secret about the nature of Sabbath itself. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/obhjeubvg6 4638 2023-10-13T12:28:37.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/israel-restoring-growing-reviving-relationship-with-god A Turning Point In Israel's Relationship With God https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4b0d2285-d880-4380-89c9-66c79e355124/Zoga_x5LeNNTw07l_A-Turning-Point-In-Israel's-Relationship-With-God-1920.jpg This week, we get even more complaining from Israel – this time, about the lack of water. How can they continue to complain after everything God had done for them? Join us as we explore the baffling story of Israel’s complaints. Dig deeper: Was Hitting The Rock So Horrible? Why Did Moses Hit The Rock? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ck47z4unp8 777 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:35:03.106Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/ki-tavo-why-would-god-curse-us-for-not-being-happy 2026-02-24T10:43:51.857Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tale-of-two-names-days-of-creation 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/purim-haman-agagite-backstory Godly Knowledge https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4b34664b-4df5-436a-8b75-60e0c745f789/Z8ZPOxsAHJWomEpb_couldyoubecomehamannew005.png In the second video of this six-part series, Rabbi Fohrman takes a step back into the story of the Garden of Eden, a story when understood in its depth and breadth can help shed new light and understanding on Haman and the story of Megillat Esther. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/we1eda5uw0 721 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-unlived-legacy The Unlived Legacy https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4b3c7946-a7d9-4f30-8ff9-f081d2036b9c/aDci3ydWJ-7kSpFc_whyisruthrelevant001-1-.png Rabbi Fohrman explores the two journeys that we see Abraham making in Genesis. The first is the external journey to the Promised Land. The second is the internal journey that Abraham takes as he tries to fulfill his dream to carry on his brother's legacy. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/qn541p2jxz 504 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/elokim-and-ykvk-week-2 A Tale of Two Names: Elokim and YHVH - Week 2 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4b49aa07-d7c5-42be-9d57-aa45f83a108a/YTEzYWY5ODMtNTgzZS00NGIxLWE3ZDItY2VhZTQ1MDI2NGJi_yjy3nzfmotytzgm2ms00zwizltlkotqtzwvmmjliyme1odg1_tale-of-two-names-d7.jpg The Bible uses many names to refer to God, the two most well-known being Elokim and YHVH (an unpronounceable name composed of the Hebrew letters yud-hey-vav-hey). What do these names mean, and why do they appear when they do? This is one of the Bible's greatest mysteries. Perhaps even more mysterious is that we find the highly uncommon "YHVH Elokim" — a combination of these two names — in the Bible's opening pages: in the story of God's creation of the world. Join Rabbi Fohrman for an exploration of what these names mean on their own, what they mean in combination, and how understanding God's names can, perhaps, help us to lead more godly lives. An earlier version of some of these ideas can be found in the course What is the Meaning of Life? For more on A Tale of Two Names, be sure to listen to the following lecture series: A Tale of Two Names: Why Were There Days of Creation? and A Tale of Two Names: From The Garden To The Flood. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/o231fists5 4316 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-line-between-murder-and-apathy-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/from-the-garden-to-the-flood Why Were There Days of Creation? Week 1 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4b6d41e2-b192-493a-b84b-da2ad0497cbe/YzMyNmFjMzAtODU4NC00MGIyLWJjYjMtZmE5NDc2NzJlNzc4_68e5ed8e-1b43-4166-9c24-3e8a844c8d94_tale-of-two-names-p2-2019-v2.jpg Why were there six days of creation, at all? It seems like such a quaint notion, the universe being created in 6 days. But you didn't have to be a rocket scientist from the 21st century to realize that an Elenterprise like the universe might take a little more than the 6 days to construct. And you likewise don't have to be the world's most sophisticated scientist to realize that it's pretty hard to get days, in the traditional sense, without the sun and the solar system - which, inconveniently enough, only show up on day 4. So, what's with the days? Why does the Torah insist on them? In this course, we'll take a close look at the text of the Torah, with an eye toward solving these mysteries. For our latest, most expansive and refined material on this subject, be sure to watch our fully animate course Making Sense of Morning Prayers. This lecture is part 2 of a 3 part series. For the first series on A Tale of Two Names, be sure to listen to A Tale of Two Names: Elokim and YHVH. For the last in the lecture series, listen to A Tale of Two Names: From The Garden To The Flood. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/whj5f1weud 4908 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shmoneh-esrei-amidah-prayer 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/apr-6-2022---into-the-verse-trailer 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-doesnt-mordechai-bow-to-haman Why Did Mordecai Not Bow To Haman? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4b96a3f4-2ed3-4969-9111-922113729e7e/Z8oKDBsAHJWomNEW_whydidmordechaireallyrefusetobowNEWNEW008.png One of the big questions in Mordecai's story – the point when we lean forward in anticipation – is why Mordecai refused to bow to Haman? We read in the Megillah how the palace servants approached Mordecai with this very question – but he doesn’t reply. He keeps it a mystery. It’s easy to assume that Mordecai doesn’t bow to Haman, the viceroy who demands fealty, to avoid being idolatrous, or because Mordecai was a Jew. But the Megillah doesn’t actually confirm these details – and that raises the question: What is Mordecai’s side of the story really about? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman suggests that Mordecai’s actions had less to do with idolatry than objecting to Haman’s power grab in loyalty to the king. Rabbi Fohrman dispels common explanations by showing that bowing, itself, isn’t idolatrous, that the story of Haman’s wearing an idol is not actually in Biblical text, and connecting the narrative to that involving Potiphar’s wife. Follow his journey through the story of Mordecai as he uncovers the answers. Learn more about Purim at Aleph Beta by checking out some of our other videos including Taanit Esther , The Queen You Thought You Knew , and Matanot La'evyonim . https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/udoq3arlc9 3739 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/class-6-july-30-2024 Class 6 - July 30, 2024 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4bace77c-bbb1-4455-b483-847fa282fcac/ZnwLYpbWFbowe327_PC-course-thumbnail-1920.jpg Watch this 8-part interactive course led by Rabbi David Fohrman on how to read the Torah in its original Hebrew Aleph Beta style. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ieqvo8fwqh 7679 2024-08-01T04:13:10.000Z yes yes 2026-02-26T11:03:59.558Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vayera-can-sparing-the-wicked-be-justice 2026-02-24T10:59:49.565Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/itv-season-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vayishlach-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/perpetual-mourning Perpetual Mourning https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4c24e53f-d7cb-4dee-8a63-3abd1c470967/NGM4Yjk3NjgtNTQ4NS00NjMwLThkMDktZWUyOGVjYjRmNzJi_m2vmytu0ndmtoda1zc00ywy1lwewntqtmtq2mjfmywnmmwuw_perpetual-mourning_1512147179905.jpg Judah: A Perplexing Character? Part https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/jkcndzv6id 731 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-moses-disobedience-punished-by-god-severely Was Hitting The Rock So Horrible? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4c41c507-7ed9-488a-98c6-4f6a1dee9415/ZoayAh5LeNNTwzBe_was-hitting-the-rock-so-terrible-update-1920.jpg In this week's parsha, we are introduced to the strange episode of Moses hitting the rock. Because of this small infraction, we are told, Moses will not be entering the land with the people of Israel. Why? What was the small act of Moses talking to the rock meant to teach the people of Israel? Click to watch the course referenced in this video: Miriam And The Waters of Strife. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/dkyewox9y7 823 2023-10-12T18:54:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:21:36.744Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/mishpatim-5779-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parsha-experiment-toldot-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/episode-vi Episode VI https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4cbd99ce-1c9d-4de4-8aeb-3ec6d00d20d0/NjJkMjhlNGQtZWQ2NC00YjkxLWEyNTYtMjc4ODUzNmU2YTc2_d97cbdc5-468e-45b2-884a-b908a5e68a4f_split-the-baby-thumbnail.jpg This is the sixth in an ongoing lecture series by Rabbi Fohrman on King Solomon's Test of Wisdom. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/wztjn45pn1 5358 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-01-27T13:04:31.708Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-art-of-negotiation The Art Of Negotiation https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4ccd7091-ecbc-421e-8b8a-e4d808a04755/NWQyZjJlMzctNjJhNi00ZTE2LWJiMjEtZDE1NTUzNjU1NzQy_7a219437-9a2f-428f-86a6-e218147f870e_the-art-of-negotiation-1920.jpg In this week's Torah portion, Rabbi Fohrman discusses the interesting conversation between the children of Gad, the children of Reuben and Moses, as they are requesting to live on the other side of the Jordan – not in the land of Israel proper. Rabbi Fohrman analyzes their exchange to get to the core of true negotiation and communication – trust and respect. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/3w0sug6ofi 782 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vayikra-where-is-the-soul-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/behar-bechukotai-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/bar-bat-mitzvah-checklist 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/be-zealous-for-god-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/torah-is-not-in-heaven Torah Is Not In Heaven! https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4d33f0bc-06cd-40b5-b13c-86b5aa5b7ce2/aIzVgaTt2nPbZqMb_howthesagessavedthenationMAINnew004.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman introduces us to a second Talmudic account in which Yavneh plays a featured role, and suggests that this story and the previous story are actually “two sides of the same coin.” https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/9dsvbzidji 526 2023-10-12T18:54:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/god-dwells-in-us God's Dwelling: Literal Or Metaphorical? Part II https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4d42d149-b847-4170-b81b-660c4092fbab/MDdmZTQxZjMtMGQ1ZC00MzYxLTg3ZjgtY2NmYjIxNzY2OWFj_b8baf9a2-552a-48df-81cf-4daf2481642b_infinite-god-part-2-1920.jpg How are we meant to understand the paradox that an infinite God dwells in a finite place? Is it literal or metaphorical that God dwells in us, or among us? Join Rabbi Fohrman in part two of this series. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/fl4unjl6tq 582 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-we-celebrate-purim-today Why Do We Celebrate Purim? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4d43d80c-1773-47c2-8d72-838ce3479e5a/Z3_8UZbqstJ99RQF_puriminthe21stcentury2025001.png Why is celebrating Purim important in the 21st century – or even at all? Sure, Purim was marked as the “holiday that would never be forgotten,” and celebrates the salvation of the Jewish nation, but it is also the rare holiday where God doesn’t take center stage in the story. The Megillah pores over every twist and turn of Esther and Mordechai’s actions, yet only hints at God’s involvement once – with an ambiguous reference at that. Is the Megillah suggesting that a little bit of glory goes to the characters, as well? Is this a clue that Purim celebrates our own contribution, alongside God’s? Of course, we recognize that Purim celebrates the work of God’s helping hand “in the background.” We know that the string of “consequences” that ultimately saved the Jewish nation wasn’t by chance at all; God was there, pulling the strings – just as He always is, like today, even if we can’t see His presence. That certainly seems like a significant reason to celebrate Purim for all eternity. But isn’t it a valid question to acknowledge that we also put in some of the hard work for our achievements? After all, aren’t we partly responsible for our own promotion, carrying a baby for nine months, or finishing a university degree? How are we meant to embrace the theological message that God is responsible for absolutely everything in our lives? This Purim video sets out to resolve this paradox and uncover a meaningful purpose as to why Purim is perhaps even the most important celebration for our modern lives today. Watch more of our thought-provoking Purim videos . Learn more about Purim at Aleph Beta by checking out some of our other videos including Taanit Esther , The Queen You Thought You Knew , and Matanot La'evyonim . https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/yhzikpao0n 465 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-21T05:35:40.960Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-world-undone A World Undone https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4d46e71d-e355-4c94-a60b-fa4322092c07/Mjc1MmY4MjEtYTZlYy00ODkzLWI5ZjAtMjNkMTA1NGRlNDBj_a75248e3-d969-4d30-972f-1357dc74e0c4_good-and-evil-in-the-garden-of-eden-1920.jpg A World Undone https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/uvv89pw7p9 4822 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/esthers-advantageous-liabilities Esther’s Advantageous Liabilities https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4d4a8d8e-162c-441a-ace0-27901856c4d4/Z8ZjuxsAHJWomEs-_queenyouthoughtyouknew001.png In the fourth part of this six part series Rabbi Fohrman takes a closer look at how the second banquet unfolds, and questions why things played out the way that they did. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/uk0cndrpig 656 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shavuot-2016-5776-4 Understanding Yovel https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4d63a659-9799-46df-8c5b-727b40b68e7c/aC4QQidWJ-7kSaKj_TheBiblicalvsRabbinicShavuot005.png Rabbi Fohrman delves more deeply into the concept of Yovel, looking at its Biblical sources and also seeking to understand the deeper ramifications of the Jubilee Year. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ibf6i52c0i 882 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/becoming-gods-firstborn Becoming God's Firstborn https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4d75c1b5-28d7-4c45-892f-7bba2332b65f/Z-8uMXdAxsiBwTb4_IfGodMandatedOurSlavery,WhyPraiseHim003.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman revisits the question of why we use the text from Deuteronomy as the backbone of the Haggadah, suggesting that perhaps we are meant to take the farmer’s perspective of recognizing God’s fulfillment of His promise. Rabbi Fohrman explains how Passover was an opportunity for our ancestors, and is an opportunity for us today, to redeem ourselves by connecting with our brothers. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/xx2pyuoznq 454 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/from-deception-to-redemption From Deception to Redemption https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4d97e7b4-9658-4ed8-8b7c-d1852f269bfd/aCdiyCdWJ-7kSO3x_chosenbutforwhat004.png The sibling rivalry of Yaakov and Esav wen't horribly awry, but God has a habit of allowing for second chances. Maybe the revelation at Mount Sinai is the chance to rewrite history, and reunite Israel with the rest of the nations. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/avsmlyhnot 660 2025-05-16T01:03:16.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/abrahams-role-in-sodom Abraham’s Role in Sodom https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4de2c4f2-c1bd-4876-a42f-5505cad0a075/NWJiNzAzMTItMjFjYi00NjgzLWIwZGUtZjAzMGYxMmM0MWRj_1b5fcef4-dd44-4cc4-b154-1351ad61270a_abrahamsarguemtnwiithgodmain640.jpg In Parshat Vayera we learn about the destruction of the evil cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, and the angels who save Lot, Abraham’s nephew, along with his family. Before the story begins, God does something peculiar. God tells Abraham His plan and seemingly invites Abraham to argue in defence of the evil inhabitants of these cities, which he does. Abraham’s protest seems to fail, though, and God carries out His plan to destroy the cities. Why did God bother involving Abraham in this story at all? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/8x1prc7t0h 787 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/eden-in-depth-part-15 Eden in Depth Part 15 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4de8066b-6091-4cad-8514-bed9eacbf330/YjE1M2M2YjYtOTNiMC00NDIwLTg4MTgtNGUzMzE1ODc1M2My_f230dd18-af62-4b4b-b7b0-43be7d9f5c6e_edenindepthmain-640.jpg Eden in Depth Part 15 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/iuaiibhtol 811 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/lest-it-come-to-scandal-2 What’s Wrong With A Tower? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4e07bbbe-e2bd-4bc3-818d-d13160bd2073/ZDBkZWZkNTAtYWI5OC00ZDUzLWFkYzYtM2I0YTVlNmM0YmEz_zwzkyjyxmjmtzddmyi00ztm0ltlhndatndvhnjdhywrkyty1_488_tower20of20babel.png The puzzling story of Babel leads us to a serious question –what is actually wrong with building the tower? The answer, Rabbi Fohrman argues,will come from an overall better understanding of the story of Babel. For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/3slmggvtqj 477 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/call-of-abraham Was Abraham In It For The Reward? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4e1f27c4-03a3-493f-9412-c26b990096e1/ZWVkNzViY2MtZjQ0Ni00YTRkLTg1ODAtNmQwYmZiZTAwZDRm_c1ef236a-b837-42df-8d09-822694e9eb9b_call-of-abraham-gods-promises.jpg God called to Abraham, “Lech lecha, leave your home and go to the land that I will show you!” It’s such a familiar story that we never stop to ask – why did Abraham follow God’s call? Was it because he was so pious? Because he was the first monotheist who devoted his life to God? Or maybe, just maybe, it was because God promised him a reward of children and a great nation. It’s an uncomfortable thought to entertain, but it doesn’t seem so crazy when we read the text carefully. What was Abraham’s true motivation for following God’s command? Join Daniel Loewenstein as he compares this story with another time when God called Abraham, “Lech lecha – go!” It turns out that reading these two stories together can hold a key to understanding the defining moments in how Abraham responded to God's call. Check out Rabbi Fohrman’s course, " Akeidah: Was the Sacrifice of Isaac Heroism or Murder? " https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/8dhpy5mcyk 844 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-21T19:03:56.368Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/amalek-spirit-today Amalek Lecture VI https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4e2a005d-06ef-461e-93b4-3e757709c9f0/65d520693a605798c18bfc06_The-Rise-of-Antisemitism-part-6-1920.jpg Join us as we continue to explore the qualities of Jacob and Esav, showing Jacob’s focus on “tomorrow” (control), and Esau’s focus on “today” (concern). We come to understand that the way to balance them is trust and faith in God. Rabbi Fohrman delves into the story of the manna – the complaints and lack of faith – followed by Amalek’s attack. Is it possible that Amalek perceives this episodes as another story of God choosing Jacob over Esav? In this series, Rabbi Fohrman uses a set of Powerpoints to compare texts. Unfortunately, those Powerpoints have been lost to the ravages of time. We're very sorry about that, and we hope you still enjoy the series! https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/mmfhkl9xe9 3828 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/joseph-name-meaning-bible The Secret Meaning Behind Joseph's Name https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4e3d015e-5d89-4f26-a500-54a57bcd12dd/Z0eTOpbqstJ971_E_TheSecretMeaningBehindJoseph'sName001.png In Parshat Vayetze , Jacob sets off from home and begins to build his family, the future 12 Tribes of Israel. But while his wife Leah gives birth to child after child, his other wife Rachel remains barren for many years. Finally, Rachel gives birth to a son, whom she names Joseph, because, as she puts it, “ God has gathered in assaf , my shame.” And we all understand what she means. For so many years, she’s been watching from the sidelines as her sister has risen to become the matriarch of this great family. This must have been a painful and agonizing experience. It’s no wonder she would have felt shame. But what if this wasn’t what she was referring to in naming Joseph? What if the shame she experienced was actually from another event, a crisis that finally got resolved in this moment? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he uncovers a dizzying number of textual parallels that reveal a chiasm running through this entire parsha. The hidden structure behind these verses shows us a whole new way to understand the story of Jacob’s journey from his parents’ home to the house of Lavan, and helps us understand Rachel’s own difficult journey... Come see it for yourself! For a more in depth discussion of the ideas introduced in this video, be sure to listen to Jacob: Man of Truth? next! https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/zi49wfnsby 594 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-moses-couldnt-enter-promise-land Why Couldn't Moses Enter The Land? I https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4e5ebf78-727f-4d2d-8510-8eaf6c2da19a/be5acbcf-652e-4b39-a2be-21771048a8e5_why-couldnt-moses-enter-the-land-1920.jpg Why Couldn't Moses Enter The Land? Part I https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/p846yuhh3b 3315 2023-10-13T12:28:37.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/music-and-torah-episode-5 Exploring the Harmony Between Sound and Sacred Texts Episode 5 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4e8cf065-9af2-4849-b70c-a755a063e4e3/Z4ss6ZbqstJ99l4Z_musicandtorah001part5.png In 5-part series of lightly edited conversations, Rabbi David Fohrman and musician/music teacher Moshe David Frankel explore the fascinating interplay between musical theory and Torah. These freewheeling discussions, sometimes joined by Rabbi Fohrman’s son Avichai, a budding composer, delve into themes like rhythm, melody, harmony, and their surprising connections to biblical stories and concepts. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/t5yeimq1qi 1519 2025-01-05T12:08:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-guilty-should-i-feel-part-2 High Holidays: Just How Guilty Should I Feel? (part 2) https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4e8da718-3424-4562-a053-9547f751f5d1/Z4bUX5bqstJ99dsC_shouldIfeelguilty0022025.png The High Holidays should be a time of introspection, but it often feels like we're so overwhelmed by our own guilt, by the idea of coming to terms with ourselves, that we don't know where to start. In this course, Rabbi Fohrman takes a deeper look at what are the 13 Attributes of Mercy and uncovers a path to finding true forgiveness during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Discover other great videos for the High Holidays at Aleph Beta, including ‘Unetaneh Tokef Interpretation & Meaning”, “What Is The Meaning and Purpose of Yom Kippur” and If Jonah Never Really Repented, Why Do We Read His Story On Yom Kippur? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/qs4jdvi68z 1075 2025-08-21T10:48:06.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/toldot-teachers-lesson-worksheet 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-miriam-sang-the-song-of-the-sea-video 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/deuteronomy-laws-list-purpose-meaning Is There Spiritual Guidance Within Our Legal System? Part II https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4f10fe68-94ff-4eb3-9d83-48f4a657334e/MTc1OWYxMGEtNzVhNi00ZTVjLTg4MmMtMGE4MjJmYWYwZDNk_mjjmytlhm2ytyzc4ys00ywyxlwi2mtetntzlmdjjzwmxytuy_deuteronomy-laws-purpose-meaning.jpg In part one, we began to suggest that all of these random laws are somehow related to the 10 commandments! But what is the larger message that this list of laws in Deuteronomy is coming to teach us? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/4fxfqle5pa 931 2023-10-12T18:54:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/haazinu-parshat-guide-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/mizmor-shir-chanukat-habayit 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/ki-teitzei-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/stone-tablets-writing-meaning What's So Special About The Tablets? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4f91e9a7-b1ab-4dcf-a117-804fb42b5b66/ZmJhZWNjMzYtNTI2Mi00ZjE5LWFkNGUtNjBkZmU5OTlhNWI4_31b0fe84-79ff-4c47-b174-d5f357fae5c6_stone-tablets-writing-meaning.jpg We learn in Parshat Terumah that the tablets of the 10 Commandments have a central place in the mishkan, the Tabernacle. But why? A clue might come from the Torah's constant use of the word "edut," testimony, and "moed," a place of meeting. Come join Rabbi Fohrman and Imu as they puzzle it out. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/y09pxzuiqb 1473 2023-10-13T12:28:37.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/judah-and-tamar-iii 2026-04-22T17:55:25.083Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/eden-in-depth-part-7 Eden in Depth Part 7 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-4fbf1284-bf2f-4750-bd7b-1ddee1cd5f23/YjE1M2M2YjYtOTNiMC00NDIwLTg4MTgtNGUzMzE1ODc1M2My_f230dd18-af62-4b4b-b7b0-43be7d9f5c6e_edenindepthmain-640.jpg Eden in Depth Part 7 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/z3enp7xe64 637 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-the-passover-seder-holiday-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/golden-calf-lecture-8-powerpoint 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/epilogue-why-the-rainbow-covenant-is-a-two-way-street Epilogue: Why the Rainbow Covenant is a Two-Way Street (Premium) https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-50259c85-78bb-407b-8ac3-d46e5d1f28d1/OGIxMjg0NWUtMWYxMS00MWI3LWI3YzEtZTQ0MjdmNzMzYjAz_owyxztm4ndmtnzhjos00ywyxltljmzetnjvhotq4ogu0m2yw_epilogue-why-the-rainbow-covenant-is-a-two-way-street.png *Please note that epilogue videos are accessible for premium members only.*\r\n\r\nIn this video, Rabbi Fohrman addresses the seemingly unilateral nature of the Rainbow Covenant and explains mankind's side of the "deal." And through this, another thematic connection is revealed between the Rainbow narrative and the Creation narrative. For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/p5ri2q4nei 703 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/becoming-yehudim Becoming "Yehudim" https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-50ac4508-5e52-4c73-9634-3b0fb0cfac4a/ODgwZGFkODMtMGIxZC00NTBmLTk5Y2QtZmJiOTNhOGZlYzkx_51d93779-ef5b-4c76-aaf5-47425ddc8b34_epilogue-queen-you-thought-you-knew-1920.jpg The following podcast is the third installment in a series of lectures Rabbi Fohrman gave a few years ago that were the basis for his book The Queen You Thought You Knew . Rabbi Fohrman intended to write a sequel to The Queen based on this lecture, and references these ideas in his book. While you wait for the sequel, we invite you to listen in as Rabbi Fohrman takes a deep dive into some of the most barbarous and disturbing parts of our history that are the foundations upon which Esther stands at her own darkest and ultimately greatest moment. To purchase The Queen You Thought You Knew from our shop click here . To watch the animated course of The Queen You Thought You Knew, click here. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/xhec1s982y 5265 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/generations-of-what Generations of What? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-50bd04c3-a78d-40d2-9fa7-8faaa202e89c/MzRlNjRlYzgtZTRkOC00Nzg5LTg2NTktNDg1MzkwZmNlNTY2_nmezntjhy2utotu3os00zjfkltliytktzwzjzdhlnzy1nta4_469_vineyard.png Generations of heaven and earth…what does that even mean? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman explores this phrase and its comparison to the 4 generation sections – how are the creation and re-creation stories different? For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/tofud1h0qb 811 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/season-4-matan-torah 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/abraham-offers-isaac-story Abraham's Struggle with Loyalty https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-51205af3-9804-4349-95e6-e48d80e992ba/MWJjYTNlNWUtODA1OS00M2I0LTk0N2ItYmEwMjVmODFlNDcw_2073c738-b729-42cd-b03a-04b5b38b60d3_abrahams-struggles-with-loyalty-1280.jpg The Binding of Isaac (in Hebrew, the Akeidah ) is one of the most difficult stories in the entire Bible. Why does God ask Abraham to bind his son as an offering? How can Abraham even entertain the idea of killing Isaac? The Torah says that God is testing Abraham, but is this kind of blind loyalty really what God wants from us? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman picks apart a brief dialogue that takes place between Abraham and Isaac as they ascend the mountain. This deeper look into the words exchanged by father and son – and the silences between them – points us to the crux of Abraham’s test and how he withstands it. You may well have been misunderstanding the binding of Isaac all of this time: It's about far more than Abraham’s obedience to God. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/iqghvbzb2y 589 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/phantom-akeidah-lecture-2-powerpoint 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/man-vs-bear-who-has-dominion-for-real Man Vs. Bear: Who Has Dominion For Real? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-516aeb2a-0cec-4e71-8cf2-5db3590a448e/NmMyZTYzNjEtOWYxMS00M2I3LTkwMTAtZmIwZjJjYjNmNDIx_nmm1ngi5ztitm2zlyy00oty4lwjlowmtogzkmdkxnzmwnze0_286_image_3.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman demonstrates that our true "dominion" over animals is in our unique ability to be technologically creative. For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/lsuihibn3z 778 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/conflict-of-interest Conflict of Interest https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-516f11d2-7817-4332-8188-05bad91576ce/YjhhNjZlNTItOGU1OS00YWJjLWE1OTctNzA4ZjExZjI4ZjNk_mgezmzjky2ety2m1mc00zgqyltgynmmtogmxywfkmzu1yjbm_474_vineyard.png What is the difference between the world of God and the world of man? What do those things mean, and how do those play out in the story of Noah’s vineyard? For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/auofnbgqv4 652 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/unetaneh-tokef-high-holiday-prayer Unetaneh Tokef: Text, Interpretation & Meaning https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-51899351-e0ca-454c-b4cd-f37b77c25844/Z3yGPZbqstJ99GSt_UnetanehTokef2025002.png At the center of the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur prayer services is the passage "Unetaneh Tokef," literally, “let us speak of the awesomeness.” The powerful and dramatic prayer borrows imagery from the story of Elijah on Mt. Carmel. A closer look at this biblical story sheds light on God's relationship with His people, a relationship of justice and mercy. Join Rabbi Fohrman as he helps us understand the prayer of "Unetaneh Tokef" in a deeper way. Discover other great videos for the High Holidays at Aleph Beta, including ‘ How To Do Teshuva ”, “ What Is The Meaning and Purpose of Yom Kippur ” and The 13 Attributes of God .” https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/9qw0hcgpm0 4277 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:57:54.106Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/akeidah-sacrifice-of-isaac 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/exodus-why-israel-go-leave-egypt Exodus, Or Return Journey? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-51d2ef9d-e40e-4184-861d-2532fafe8059/ZjkzZGIxODktMjA4OS00MGYwLWE4M2EtNjNhOGUwNWUxZmUy_26c99285-e69b-416f-986e-cf2a34f1a5c1_exodus-or-return-journey-1920.jpg We all know the famous story of the unleavened bread – the Israelites had no time to let their dough rise as they ran out of Egypt, so they took their dough and let it bake on their backs as they fled. But why do we need to hear about this minute detail? As a matter of fact, there are a number of seemingly odd phrases in the verses describing Israel's exodus, and they all seem to lead us to one particular place in the Torah: Judah's plea to Jacob to let Benjamin go down to Egypt so that they could get grain. Join Rabbi Fohrman as he helps uncover the mystery between two seemingly separate stories, and see how we got there, and back again. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/7ymnjx2ykd 1044 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/fundamentals-of-parenting The Fundamentals of Parenting https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-51e1d5ff-d492-4452-8faf-8fe5e1aa0891/NmY3ZjVlOGUtNWMwNS00ZTQwLWFjODQtYzIyNThhM2Y0YTA4_00fc3d37-2dee-427e-9c81-8694c44147ca_the-fundamentals-of-parenting-1920.jpg Is there a parenting guide hidden in the Torah? In this video, Beth Lesch and Rabbi Fohrman share what may just be the closest thing. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/zintcvzafb 1646 2023-10-12T18:56:07.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/who-was-queen-esther Purim: Esther The Accountant https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-51f47901-1e4f-411c-836a-8c0cef164669/MmM4ZjExNWQtZjNjMS00YzFmLTg2NDYtMjk1MzI0MzI5ZTFh_zwm4zgqznjgtndkyys00zde3lwjiyzmtndg0odjkmje0nwqx_who-was-queen-esther.jpg In this video, Rabbi Fohrman presents the first “Megillah Mystery” by carefully examining the various aspects of Esther’s first attempt to save her people from the imminent fate of annihilation. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/t6p1y9pom5 434 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shelach-relating-to-a-vengeful-god-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/other-echoes Other Echoes https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5257449a-9ef8-4a72-83c7-ab21b685c4cc/M2EyZmY1MWUtNTJjZS00MDBmLWFkZDItOGQ3MmRmZDcwMDIy_nwi1y2rkzdetzddmmy00oge3lwexnjgtmtk1mmvmntdimzg0_other-echoes.png In this video, the first of Unit 3, Rabbi Fohrman introduces “Set Repetition,” a form of intertextuality, and begins to highlight the relevant words that will find their matches in another text in Genesis. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/61dmyvksnb 539 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/golden-calf-sermon-bible-study Shattered Tablets And The Calf Of Gold IX https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-527ad324-f761-4eec-a5ff-b4e91f840e60/MmY5ODRlYzctOTdhOC00NGNlLWEwNTQtOTQwZDNjYWQ3ZmUy_nze2ztk4mtetngm5zc00odgxlwjhyjyty2e1ogqxogy0ntuy_golden-calf-sermon-bible-study.jpg Shattered Tablets and the Calf of Gold Part IX https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/rf80o8swqe 4232 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/cain-and-abel Cain and Abel https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-527c576f-ea62-4633-bf2b-03ad41458f13/Njk5ZDE1ZmEtZDUzZC00YWFhLWJjYzQtOWRjZWZiMTA5YzI5_00f05cfe-8f53-4022-891d-73693cf08ddd_cainandabelmainthumbnail-640.jpg Why does the Torah present this sad story of Cain and Abel right after the tragedy of the Tree of Knowledge? In this video, David Block and Immanuel Shalev uncover a common thread that weaves its way through the different stories in the beginning of Genesis. In doing so, they offer a compelling explanation of what Adam and Eve’s original sin in the Garden of Eden was really about, how it connects to Cain’s murder of Abel, and how these stories serve as an prologue for the rest of the Torah. To dig deeper check out the course “A Brief History Of The World.” https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/fajli3vpxk 772 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/epilogue-iii-samuels-revelation Epilogue III: Samuel’s Revelation https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-528cde11-21a8-4519-ac2e-48ce5032e365/ODdlN2UyMGUtYjNhZi00OWExLTkxNGMtYzFhYWFhMzBkNmM0_2aa18b80-d739-41bb-8ac3-41e571fad7dd_akedahindepth001.jpg In this third and final epilogue Rabbi Fohrman uncoveres some fascinating stories between Akedat Yitzchak and the birth of Samuel. In the conclusion to this incredible series Rabbi Fohrman returns to Samuel, this time to a strange story that happens to Samuel as a young boy. Once again we find parallels to the story of Akedat Yitzchak which drive home some of the most important takeaways of this story. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/gwdgermhn7 2817 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/08-the-i-of-the-beholder 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/korach-parshat-guide-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parenting-101 Parenting 101 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5305c4a2-a77d-446e-b86a-65850073389f/NzhhZTNiZjAtZWFlYi00ZGQyLTlmYzctZWFkZDFmODFhOTE1_1faed613-50eb-477c-8e7e-f46701f68e5a_birkat_kohanim_final.png In Part 1 of this three-part series, Rabbi Fohrman reminds us about a short section we've heard many times, but intriguingly, explores the possibility that buried within these familiar words could be the Torah's guide to parenting. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/3ba1rv0l7x 578 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/pesach-text-study-dvar-torah Seeing, Hearing, Listening https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-532d7411-adb4-415b-b9e1-e73acb96f8c3/YjI1ZjcwYWUtMTdiMS00NTZjLTgyMWEtMzI0N2FhM2I0OTRi_69897c0d-2458-4e16-9613-e97834c89596_origins-of-the-firstborn-nation-1920.jpg How do seeing, hearing, and listening play through the Joseph story? How do these different ways of connecting affect relationships? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/y83j0o0uko 4377 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/water-into-blood-video Water Into Blood https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-533d61c7-bbb6-4f0b-83f4-6ce8e583eb97/OWNhNTAyOTUtZjkwNC00MzgwLWIzY2QtMzI4ODVkOGU3YmFi_5febc7f0-8331-4b58-8def-28e81e146a17_the-three-great-lies-of-the-exodus-1920-new.jpg Rabbi Fohrman delves more deeply into the three signs and their purpose, suggesting that they each have a tie to both the past and the future. Rabbi Fohrman begins by closely examining the third sign, turning water into blood, looking at its significance to the Israelites’ past and also what it alludes to in the future. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/eki0ey6mrl 740 2023-10-12T18:52:34.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-are-we-even-celebrating What Does Hanukkah Commemorate? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-53518283-058e-4b95-b6bb-08f687f805a9/44580a7e-19c7-468a-9a5e-1e1b4dc08514_why-light-candles-and-ignore-the-war-1920.jpg When the Maccabees first lit the menorah, we hadn’t yet experienced a true victory over the Greeks. Strikingly, we find ourselves in a similar situation in 2023. How can we truly celebrate and find meaning in Hanukkah this year when we are still waiting for our miracle? Watch this video to gain a deeper meaning of Hanukkah today. What Event Does Hanukkah Commemorate? In this first video of the series, Rabbi Fohrman introduces the idea of a hidden text within the Tanach that may shed some light on the significance of Hanukkah. Additionally, he raises the question of what exactly we are celebrating and commemorating through our Hanukkah celebrations and why we do so. When you’re done here, check out other great Hanukkah content at Aleph Beta including What Is Hanukkah, The Real Story of Hanukkah & Hanukkah in The Book of Maccabees . https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/wip8gf9adc 350 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/lest-it-come-to-scandal-1 Accumulating Questions https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-537a7d4e-355c-479d-a26b-83b6dfc55c0a/YWYxY2RlYjctZTg2Yi00MzI1LThhYTItMjFhMzYzMDliNDhm_owmyodbiogytyjbizc00ntgwltliogqtmwnlnguzywq4otqw_487_tower20of20babel.png The story of Babel, when seen with fresh eyes, is incredibly odd. In this video, Rabbi Fohrman introduces us to new questions we might have never considered when studying the story as children. For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/a0lnjbaccy 200 2023-10-13T12:28:37.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tazria-metzora-study-guide-2 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parshat-yitro-worksheet 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-god-destroy-world-earth Why Did God Destroy the World? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-53cff807-80e3-4fb7-a4bc-62634ce36ef7/Z5U4qZbqstJ992Tc_whydidgoddestroytheworld2025001.png Why did God destroy the world with a flood and wipe out humankind? Sure, we all know the story of the flood: People were up to no good, so God decided to destroy them all. But what about repentance ? What about making improvements? Why did God all of a sudden decide that this project called Creation was a lost cause and He had to start it all over again? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman finds an answer in – of all places – the naming of Noah. It turns out that in order to understand why the state of humanity was so problematic that God chose to bring the Flood, we need to understand the meaning of Noah’s name. When Noah is named, his father Lemech claims that this child will provide relief for humankind – and less than ten verses later, God regrets making humans and decides to destroy the world. By comparing textual parallels in the two events, Rabbi Fohrman helps us understand Lemech's mistake. Beneath the surface of this text lies a surprising story about how we deal with loss, and about the pitfalls of seeking easy comfort in the wrong ways. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/26vti9328d 650 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:40:54.162Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/chanukah-maccabees-teachers-worksheet 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/rachels-tears-a-timeless-cry Rachel’s Tears: A Timeless Cry https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-540f31e3-bef2-45a8-a919-6b712f1ff1c4/Zqd-7x5LeNNTxj_p_TBAfterOctober7thumbnail.png Rabbi David Fohrman returns to Jeremiah, examining more deeply Rachel’s cries for her children. This exploration brings us closer to answering a crucial question: What is God’s role in the dynamic between us and the voices of our past when we recite kinot? For an even deeper appreciation of Rabbi Fohrman's insights here, watch Aleph Beta’s profound 5-part “Rachel’s Tears” course. Discover what Rachel’s story can teach us about the power of mourning as a catalyst for growth — on Tisha B’Av and every day of the year. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/uegg0ou1cr 978 2024-07-29T18:22:06.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/losing-two-coats Losing Two Coats https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5435cc3c-5bc0-4b1b-8cec-0594db3bbc07/NjZiMmVmYzctN2Y1YS00N2I1LWIzMDMtZWJkNzQyNmFkOTA2_mwjkodgymgutn2jlmy00ytfhlwixytgtnjgzmtrhzdnimgm2_losing-two-coats.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman explores the meaning behind the parallels between the Joseph story and the Ishmael story, and suggests that the intertextuality to both the Binding of Isaac story and the Expulsion of Ishmael reflect two different perspectives on the same story. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/iy8q4ivrq3 772 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/purim-megillat-esther The Queen You Thought You Knew https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-545ee1a2-81f0-4fbd-a61c-2ee46c902e49/Z8ZjuxsAHJWomEs-_queenyouthoughtyouknew001.png The Book Of Esther Explained On Purim night, there you are in the synagogue, listening to the Megillah reading, a story you’ve known since childhood, and perhaps you’re kind of… bored? Reading the Megillah year after year feels a bit like being back in primary school. But that’s because the story we learn as a child shouldn’t be the story we understand as an adult. It’s a fair question – do you really only want the kid’s version of the Megillah? Aren’t you ready for the adult meaning? Sometimes our familiarity of the Book of Esther can work against us; we know so well how each character behaves that we don’t see what actions they could have taken. In fact, questions pervade the Megillah – obvious questions. Why did Esther wait so long to save the Jewish race? Why was Haman so intent on destroying the Jews? If we look at these questions as windows, crawling through them could led us to understand the adult meaning of the Megillah. Rabbi Fohrman asks us to clear our minds about what we know, and try to see the Megillah for the first time. He introduces the story we've known since childhood and suggests that perhaps, by reading the text through a different lens, it can take on a different meaning. In the following videos, we place ourselves in the shoes of three Purim characters from the Book of Esther. Join Rabbi Fohrman as he explores the choices of Esther, Haman, and King Achashverosh, suggesting that the key to understanding the Book of Esther and unlocking the Megillah's meaning is in understanding their behavior. To read the book in its entirety check out "The Queen You Thought You Knew" in our shop. Check out other great purim videos at Aleph Beta, including The Meaning of Purim, Purim Mitzvot and The Story of Haman. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/o04ps7fbdn 682 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/bible-character-who-argued-with-god Is It Kosher To Argue With God? 3B https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5484c241-7180-4ab8-8f05-7d454bf83272/NDJmMWNiNWUtMTc4NC00M2U0LWJiODAtNjA2ZTM2NWJkZGEy_10d2585e-f432-4046-8ca8-c3ed8e3ef662_is-it-kosher-to-argue-with-god-thumbnail-part-3b.jpg This audio series was recorded in a live class given by Rabbi Fohrman. Enjoy, and as always, please leave thoughts and questions in the comments below. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/8kbre50o15 1698 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/eden-in-depth-part-10 Eden in Depth Part 10 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5486a834-8444-4952-b97e-38cecd65ed04/YjE1M2M2YjYtOTNiMC00NDIwLTg4MTgtNGUzMzE1ODc1M2My_f230dd18-af62-4b4b-b7b0-43be7d9f5c6e_edenindepthmain-640.jpg Eden in Depth Part 10 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/p3l2bpz5n6 620 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/argue-with-god-tzelofchad-hannah Is It Kosher To Argue With God? 3A https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-54cf6687-d055-41e0-a2cd-975b3e59f895/NmVkMTcyM2QtNmZjMy00ZjA2LThlYzktNjI3ZWVmM2IyZGEx_cb722bc2-1f9e-40cf-9f73-5d8a1487526b_is-it-kosher-to-argue-with-god-thumbnail-part-3a.jpg This audio series was recorded in a live class given by Rabbi Fohrman. Enjoy, and as always, please leave thoughts and questions in the comments below. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/k9ioq6s7lu 2613 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/teshuva-how-to-do-teshuva-animated Can you do Teshuva incorrectly? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5556c291-b46a-41c8-88fb-f93d7096bcd6/ODlmNjNhZWUtZmMxMi00NTk1LTgzOGMtMDQ3ODc5ZmEyYWM1_65b9ad44-ecd2-4b95-8d1c-2645bf1e8775_how_to_do_teshuvah_final.png Teshuvah (repentance), is an emotional and deeply personal process. Yet, Judaism has numerous laws for exactly how we’re supposed to repent, including a specific process of confession. How does this make sense? Can there really be a “right” and “wrong” way to repent? The following presentation on the laws of Teshuvah or repentance, was originally recorded as a course for The High Holidays. However, it mostly discusses the laws of Teshuvah, which are relevant all year round. Rabbi Fohrman begins by discussing an obscure law relating to Vidui, or confession, which is part of the prayers of Yom Kippur. But the discussion quickly moves to a general treatment of Hilchot Teshuva, the laws of Repentance. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/09dippd4j4 532 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/where-is-reuven Where is Reuven? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-557bfc7d-5602-41e3-9592-ac0c095c2ef9/MjliYWZiMWItZDQ5NC00OTg2LTk2NzYtNmQ0ZWRkYjM5Mjli_ndy0nze1ymitnzeyns00zwriltljogqtzja5nmyyzdjkyjzi_259_joseph_responsible_2.png An Analysis of the Rashbam's Theory https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/hptk0wu65o 504 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/yitro-parshat-guide-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/double-entendre Double Entendre https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-559b3905-8a98-4ebd-8ac8-d68db1826c22/YzIzZjkxNWQtODZjNy00YmE4LWI5ZmMtOTEzZmFjMWEwOTI4_nmnhodayzmitm2rkmc00mmewltk4yjktmtq1ngzkyjq3nwex_172_jocoats18.png Double Entendre https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/cz3be81yqe 859 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hebrew-source-notes-lecture-3 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/apr-10-2022-the-three-lies-of-the-exodus-part-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/passover-2016-5776-5 Another Father (In Heaven) https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-55bd73b1-0317-4711-96c4-fa89ce7caf4e/Zghrnst2UUcvBSsX_the-exodus-story-that-could-have-been-2024-1920.jpg Every year at the Seder, there’s a temptation to focus on the small stories in the beginning of the Haggadah. But by the time you get to the Exodus story, everyone’s tired and wants to get to the meal. As a result, many of the key questions about the story are missed. Join Rabbi Fohrman as he explores some of these key questions in the Haggadah’s telling of the Exodus story, and never think of the Seder the same way again. In his fifth course, Rabbi Fohrman argues that the Burial of Jacob is the blueprint for the Exodus That Could Have Been, showing how the two narratives actually mirror each other in order to show the ideal role of God the Creator. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/bs0au00u7p 846 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/book-club-with-rabbi-fohrman-parshat-tetzaveh-9 Book Club with Rabbi Fohrman, Parshat Tetzaveh https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-55d9c8d1-a24f-46bc-aa63-6691d051e4ce/Y2JjYjk2ZTctYTk0Ni00ODY1LTk2ZDItODc4ZWUzNmY0M2I2_dbabbadf-5d9e-4046-a26f-959db3ee293c_thumbnail_pc_book-club_draft-1.jpg Enjoy this recording of Book Club for Parshat Tetzaveh. Book Club is an exclusive weekly event for Producers Circle members. Participants join Rabbi Fohrman to read and discuss the latest chapter of his newest manuscript. This is an incredible opportunity to be a part of Rabbi Fohrman's learning and writing process, to offer feedback, and genuinely impact what will make it into the next book. Not to mention a chance to hear the extra “bonus” material that doesn’t make it in.  Book club meets every Monday, 12-1:30 pm ET. Sign up for Producers Circle to attend. Already a Producers Circle Member? Check your inbox -- Zoom link and new chapter are emailed out every Saturday night. You can find the chapter being discussed in this recording and all previous chapters here. "[Through Book Club we are] really seeing how a diverse group of people bring their unique insights and create a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. Thank you so much for including all of us in this process!" -- Miriam Goldie Huttler, Producers Circle Member https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/schrec8zjx 6796 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/who-was-elijah-prophet-bible-study Lecture XI https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-55da85eb-886e-40b0-8923-cd84a898017c/Zpb1-B5LeNNTxN1v_what-is-a-defender-of-god-part-11-1920.jpg With a renewed understanding, Rabbi Fohrman reexamines the comparison of the Elijah story to the covenant of Gal-Ed. The audio also explores comparisons to the story of Joseph, and through all of these comparisons gives final insight into the broader story of Elijah, his war against Ahab and his mission of religious revival. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/haqowv47se 2948 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/sefer-shmot-meaning-nutshell A Closer Look At God's Presence https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-55db0359-51f0-4131-8cd6-01aa714298c4/ZfIf0kmNsf2sHkGf_A-Giant-Chiasm-In-Sefer-Shmot-1920.jpg In the first video on Sefer Shmot, Rabbi Fohrman examines the huge chiasm that encompasses the second half of the book of Exodus. In this continuing video, part II, we delve deeper into the edges to ask, what does it mean to communicate with God in our own home? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/on4fbhhw75 550 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-biblical-echo A Biblical Echo https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-560e0769-3d84-4a14-856a-94e9954f8a2f/MzVkMzAwYjUtNDg2Zi00NjY3LTlkMDEtNGVhOWIzYTY2NGNj_99163fc0-db88-4e5d-af43-cfb714d467e4_shirhamaalotfinal.png There are so many odd pieces of Psalm 126, the chapter that relates to future redemption. Do any of these pieces remind us of a different story in the Torah? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/baxefah53k 370 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-real-sin-of-sodom The Real Sin of Sodom https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5627101e-6c50-44e3-9a16-2cca02a20fa4/YzQ2YmJjYjktMzk1NS00NzAyLTg3MDMtOWNlMzIyYzNiNTcy_0b47b89d-44b6-4506-ba5d-3b63a81f0752_thesinofsodommain.jpg The Real Sin of Sodom https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/z9vg5z8x95 1011 2023-12-14T17:40:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/harlot-coats-goats-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/ways-god-speaks-to-us Dreams: Coded Messages From Heaven? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-56785e31-fd50-4225-a5a9-3149b3436c15/b7010276-ca4a-4796-819a-870772bab218_does-god-speak-to-us-today-thumbnail-1920.jpg In this week's video, the second of a series about Joseph and his interpretation of Pharaoh's dream, Rabbi Fohrman begins to explore the textual connections between the story of Pharaoh's dream and the story of 13 years earlier, as Joseph is sold into slavery. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/nim1uz3uvz 510 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/devarim-seeing-life-from-gods-perspective 2026-02-24T10:45:50.474Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/joseph-powerpoint-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-qualities-make-a-good-person-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-first-of-three-mysteries The First of Three Mysteries https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-57129895-aeee-45b3-86ce-007d23729d5e/MmQ0OTY4MTYtYWI1NS00YWMzLTk5NDktYWEyNWVhNWU3NWVj_y2mwnwq2zwitnza1os00zgeylthinmqtnjawmwi3zwfhytk5_255_joseph_responsible_thumb_1.png An Analysis of Rashbam's Theory https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/8fm81c0rpn 471 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shmot-if-midrash-is-real-why-isnt-it-peshat-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/october-02-2022-yom-kippur-it-s-not-all-about-forg 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/arguing-with-god-chana Is It Kosher To Argue With God? 4A https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-57715027-2a35-4e9c-9b26-e37808c14124/N2FiNjVkMGEtZjU2MS00ZGZmLTliOWItOTc4OTY5ZjVkNWQ3_e61e32c9-81dc-4c1c-8fd8-4d28e3ad9949_is-it-kosher-to-argue-with-god-thumbnail-part-4a.jpg This audio series was recorded in a live class given by Rabbi Fohrman. Enjoy, and as always, please leave thoughts and questions in the comments below. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/5m9mt1jmuc 1809 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/moshes-efficiency-crisis-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-book-like-no-other-season-4-episode-3-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parshat-vayeitzei-2015-5776-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/chukat-parshat-guide-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-would-god-curse-his-people-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/elokim-and-ykvk-week-13 Friday Night: The House That God Built https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-57fa3b0d-ac05-457e-bcea-61e90d638dbf/Z2HMF5bqstJ98nWq_themeaningofsabbathprayers002.png The Sabbath prayers include special additions for each of the three times of day - Friday night, Saturday morning, and Saturday afternoon. Each prayer includes a rabbinic text that either appears in tandem with a Biblical text about Shabbat, or stands alone to describe the Sabbath. Why did the rabbis choose to include these specific Biblical texts, at these times of the Sabbath? How can we make sense of the liturgical additions that accompany them? In this three part series, Rabbi Fohrman shows how each of these prayers are in fact offering a rabbinic interpretation on the Biblical text, and how each one reveals a deep secret about the nature of Sabbath itself. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/cyxcmw72fq 3963 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shalom-aleichem-and-the-meaning-of-keeping-shabbat-animated-1 What's The Meaning of Keeping Shabbat? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-57faac3b-1c06-466b-984e-0b395e82784e/Z1PbfJbqstJ98MTb_ShalomAleichemNEW00503.png In this animated video version of the Meaningful Judaism podcast episode , Rabbi Fohrman takes a fresh look at Shalom Aleichem to uncover its hidden depth. This familiar yet curious prayer leads him to a surprising insight about the profound meaning behind keeping Shabbat—and what resting on the seventh day is really all about. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/v7lgsfxpzk 1805 2024-12-07T05:34:39.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:51:33.205Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vengeful-god-israelites-desert-wilderness-40-years How Can We Relate To Such A Vengeful God? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-583e4e72-afdf-4b1b-b69c-295abf228a10/ZnWWpJbWFbowexFX_How-Can-We-Relate-To-Such-A-Vengeful-God-1920.jpg 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? To check out Rabbi Fohrman's past Exodus course which is referenced here, see: What Does It Mean To Be God's Chosen People https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/rfblztqly0 1087 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:47:58.273Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shiny-new-things-meeting-18-january-17-2022 Shiny New Things Meeting (January 17 2022) https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5871c837-9c4a-40db-8d75-b62b02d845f5/MzYwODAwYzEtMmUzZS00MDgwLTg5MGUtNzllMzJjZGFmZjcy_9eab63b7-61a0-453f-a99b-52503906c91f_event005shinynewthings.png Enjoy this recording of Shiny New Things with Rabbi Fohrman. Rabbi Fohrman delights in finding wonderful patterns or other ‘aha’ moments in Biblical text that are the beginning to a process of discovery. That process might culminate in an Aleph Beta animated video or audio series -- but it starts with that shiny new thing. And that's where you come in. When Rabbi Fohrman comes across 'shiny new things,' he wants to show them to interested folks, and get a chance to talk with them about it. Through learning with you, other dimensions of the pattern that were missed usually begin to emerge, and the meaning of the pattern often begins to come into focus. You are an integral part of Shiny New Things, and we hope you'll be able to join! Shiny New Things is an exclusive weekly event for Producers Circle members. This is an incredible opportunity to be a part of Rabbi Fohrman's learning and writing process, to offer feedback, and genuinely impact the direction of future ideas. Not to mention a chance to hear the extra “bonus” material that doesn’t make it into a book or video. Shiny New Things meets every Wednesday , 7-8:30 pm ET . https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/d6y9m4dq9q 4668 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-02-20T01:05:04.861Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/cherubs-2 Part II https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-58938fd0-528a-48da-bf02-937923d33a4a/MTA4MTIzYmItMDdlMS00OGQyLTg4YzQtMjZkYzM0ZjkxNDFh_e0dca98f-97b4-4a3b-9aee-2d1d9ff7d145_chrub27ssecretpart2.png This lecture, given on October 24, 2015, is the second in a series at the Young Israel of Woodmere about how to read the beginning of the story of creation and the first several chapters of Genesis. Last week, Rabbi Fohrman talks about the intersection of the two creation stories in the beginning of Genesis, and argues that the two stories are less about a literal read of Torah, and more about God giving a guidebook for us all through the words of the Bible. This week, Rabbi Fohrman elaborates on the second creation story, and then brings us back to the first creation, to understand a deeper view of Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik's brilliant theory of the dialectic of man. Finally, Rabbi Fohrman focuses on the question - is there any way we can read the Torah to actually understand the literal history of what happened in creation? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/r1hagfxg4n 4210 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/phantom-akeidah-3 Phantom Akeidah: The Sacrifice of Ishmael III https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-58988f76-c46b-4861-8a03-b776d000ed82/YTUwZjczYjgtMWRjMC00M2I5LWE1ZDQtMTRiYjJkMzBiYWQ1_7faf001a-9a28-46e8-82f5-1fddec81c708_phantomakeidahpart3.png Phantom Akeidah: The Sacrifice of Ishmael Part III https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/bm93mnyvuh 3146 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/psalm-of-moses-meaning 2026-04-21T05:34:54.996Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/priestly-role-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/when-life-throws-us-challenges-and-doesnt-go-the-w 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/dream-interpretation-israel Dream Interpretation https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-59742e23-a8f6-4a64-817c-d45a39ab9d1a/YzMzZjBjMmQtNTQ0YS00OTExLWEzMjctMGY5NjkyMDU5MmNm_99636003-85a0-4768-a352-85004c7b4876_shirhamaalotplantingwithtearsnew001.png 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… https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/tuwtnnl2lg 555 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/accidental-murder-in-the-bible 2026-04-21T19:21:48.975Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-the-drunk-walks-the-line Why the Drunk Walks the Line https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5981d108-3717-483d-b08a-fd43904cd5f1/ZTM4MDk5Y2QtZTBmOC00OGFkLWJjZTgtNGI4OTBhMDc2MGRj_yta0mmzlnjqtogu5ni00mjzmlwjhmtitzwe2zja5mjblzgi2_480_vineyard.png In this video, we explore the verse that lies at the center of the vineyard chiasm – Noah’s desire to procreate reminds of us the desire to create, like God created…does that sound familiar? For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/yzrq21wjih 834 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-thanksgiving-offering-bible What Does It Mean To Survive? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5983f210-a9a6-41a8-8979-616679767d42/Zf3yv8cYqOFdyCf4_What-Does-It-Mean-To-Survive-1920.jpg In this week's video, we explores the verses that teach about the Todah — the Thanksgiving sacrifice. Who is supposed to bring a sacrifice of Thanksgiving? According to the Talmud, there are four individuals who would bring a Todah. But when you look at this list, you may notice that they all seem to have something in common — except for one of them. Which one of these four doesn't belong? Rabbi Fohrman examines this questions, and his study helps to reveal a surprising insight about one of the people who is required to bring a Todah — a person who recovered from a life-threatening illness. These insights help us to gain a deeper level of empathy for those who are ill — and may even inspires us to offer thanks to God for the healing of our own bodies. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/dbb3oq8xjb 388 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:36:22.257Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/beshalach-are-we-ungrateful-nation-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/midrash-methodology-course 2026-03-20T01:36:24.698Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/mishpatim-laws-video The Family Drama Hiding In The Laws https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-59c72d5d-5227-4cdd-87fc-941e43e5a3f7/YWJjMzE1ZmEtYjk2ZS00OTBkLWIzYWItOTI1Y2U3YmE0ZDAz_665e2c81-86d9-43d5-9969-e7e5dcddd9c8_the-family-drama-hiding-in-the-laws-1920.jpg After the riveting stories of the Exodus and the revelation at Mount Sinai, parshat Mishpatim hits us like a ton of bricks. It's got law after law about nitty gritty things like property damages and personal injuries. It's hard to relate to these dry, legal lists when they're put side by side with the Torah's most epic and memorable stories. But what if the laws aren't merely what they appear to be? What if these laws have something to tell us, a secret about one of the Torah's most familiar stories? Join Ami as he explores the stories hiding within these laws. To check out the Epilogue, click here, and read Ami's deeper discussion in his blog: Stories Become Laws, But Why Now? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/caeauuf23u 840 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/rashi-and-ramban-on-who-sold-joseph Rashi and Ramban on 'Who Sold Joseph' https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-59f99501-0cf2-4d53-a6a9-bacc311a7e60/MzM0MWNkNTUtMWU1OC00OWIxLWEzNmUtOGJlZDU2YTljNTUx_ntm1yze2nwytyja2ny00y2i0lthjzjmtogi2ytk0mthimtqz_272_joseph_responsible_5.png An analysis of the Rashbam's theory https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/i3g0uxr1yk 366 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tumah-and-tahara-meaning 2026-04-20T21:46:19.946Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/beginning-of-the-end 2026-04-20T22:20:40.815Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parshat-toldot-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/sukkot-how-to-give-a-dvar-torah 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/understanding-pharaoh-s-dream 2026-04-22T15:48:14.655Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-queen-you-thought-you-knew-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tithing-in-the-bible-epilogue The Surprising Origins of Ma'aser - Epilogue https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5aa11b6e-d414-49f7-94b4-4be0ac80373e/NjJmMWMyYzctODMzZC00OGIxLWI2ZjgtMzA3MTJjYTdjNDBj_6844a4d4-6b85-4d27-868f-0cff2cc87f46_the-surprising-origins-of-maaser-epilogue-1920.jpg The Surprising Origins of Ma'aser - Epilogue https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/353psube76 1375 2023-10-12T18:54:34.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-to-grow-a-garden 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-moses-did-not-enter-promised-land Why Couldn't Moses Enter The Land? VI https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5acc43dc-c376-4ebf-8def-818599e63167/be5acbcf-652e-4b39-a2be-21771048a8e5_why-couldnt-moses-enter-the-land-1920.jpg Why Couldn't Moses Enter The Land? Part VI https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/i1ubtwme7i 3802 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hamas-in-parshat-noach-rabbi-fohrman-and-imu 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/eshet-proverbs-31-meaning-explained 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/moses-prayer-israel-meaning Moses' Farewell To Israel: Part II https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5ae80cd7-3ff5-4a48-8a37-f2074fd34043/OWMwOTUxZGItYzIyMi00NTAxLWJiOTMtMGZkOWJkZWI2NDgw_1ddd3523-6f47-4107-9a1a-1a0826de8935_moses-farewell-to-israel-1280.jpg In this video, the second of this three-part series about the end of the Torah, we continue to discuss the connections between Psalm 90 and stories of the Torah. This week, Rabbi Fohrman delves into the Psalm itself, connecting the beginning of the chapter to its end, and relating it to the building of the Tabernacle – the place that we humans built for God to dwell in. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/zx12n3t587 699 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/im-a-good-person-why-do-i-need-to-study-the-torah 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/book-club-with-rabbi-fohrman-1 Book Club with Rabbi Fohrman, Parshat Tzav https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5afd6614-8826-486b-8f7e-51e4ffd097c0/M2E1NzE1M2UtYjM0Ni00OTcyLTgwNzAtNjQ3ZThmZGQ5ZDg4_bbe63291-7197-43b5-a19a-fdd4f0f0d8e8_thumbnail_pc_book-club_draft-1.jpg Enjoy this recording of Book Club for Parshat Tzav. Book Club is an exclusive weekly event for Producers Circle members. Participants join Rabbi Fohrman to read and discuss the latest chapter of his newest manuscript. This is an incredible opportunity to be a part of Rabbi Fohrman's learning and writing process, to offer feedback, and genuinely impact what will make it into the next book. Not to mention a chance to hear the extra “bonus” material that doesn’t make it in. Book club meets every Mondays , 12-1:30 pm ET . Sign up for Producers Circle to attend. Already a Producers Circle Member? Check your inbox -- Zoom link and new chapter are emailed out every Saturday night. You can find the chapter being discussed in this recording and all previous chapters here . "[Through Book Club we are] really seeing how a diverse group of people bring their unique insights and create a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. Thank you so much for including all of us in this process!" -- Miriam Goldie Huttler, Producers Circle Member https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/lcb4hqljs3 5087 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/aleph-beta-reacts-shemini-5775 Aleph Beta Reacts Shemini 5775 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5b13ebf3-f970-40e3-951c-d3699465cb28/MTYxYzFiM2EtZjU0NC00NDkwLThhODEtYTY0MzAzODJiYzVk_zmnmytyzzjktyjixoc00ytvkltllyzktngjinge0zdixodm2_aleph-beta-reacts-shemini-5775.png Aleph Beta Reacts Shemini 5775 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/5t6jd0pkyo 484 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parsha-experiment-chayei-sarah-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/power-of-rachels-tears 2026-04-20T17:03:56.391Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shavuot-laws-theme-background-importance Why Is Shavuot Celebrated https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5b26598c-3f0f-4dfe-ad92-c9f24a3bba8f/aC4XYidWJ-7kSaMX_TheStrangeCelebrationof“LawDay”001.png "Shavuot! Laws!!! WOOHOO!!!"...said no one ever. So... why should we be excited about celebrating Shavuot? About the day when we honor the giving of the Torah? A super pious person might say: "We're rejoicing in the obligations that God placed upon us!", and while that sounds really nice and religious, let's get real: those laws are burdensome . So why are we pretending that they're so great? And when you think about when God imposed these mitzvot on us, you have to ask: Wasn't it pretty lousy timing? We received the Torah fewer than two months after leaving bondage in Egypt . It's like we just got done celebrating our freedom from one master , from Pharaoh, and all of a sudden, God swoops in and says, "It's nice being free, huh? BAM!! 613 laws. You answer to Me now. Say bye-bye to your freedom. How do you like that?" And... that's what we're celebrating on Shavuot??! Look, no one's suggesting that we defy God. He's... God. The laws are the laws. But do we really have to be excited about it? Watch this video and get excited about why we celebrate Shavuot. For real. Discover other great Shavuot videos at Aleph Beta, including ‘ The Origin of Shavuot ’, ‘ Our Guide To Celebrating Shavuot ’, and more Shavuot Divrei Torah & Videos ! https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/k2ywqywaix 808 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shir-hamaalot-you-choose-how-dreams-become-reality 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-did-god-reject-nadav-and-avihu-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/dayenu-passover-song-dvar-torah What Does Dayenu Mean? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5bfed702-066f-4154-8701-20ec8bab2638/ZgwmFMt2UUcvBVoF_Dayenu-Really-1920.jpg Many songs are sung during the Passover seder, including the song of Dayenu, literally meaning “it would have been enough.” With its catchy Hebrew chorus, everyone at the seder can heartily join in. But behind the fun lyrics lies a profound message of wisdom that shouldn’t be missed. Singing the 15 stanzas, the Dayenu takes us on a journey through the history of the Israelite nation, detailing the nation’s tragedies and God’s miracles that saved them. In this respect, Dayenu is an appropriate song for Passover, as one of the commandments is to personally experience the redemption from slavery to freedom. But after each event, the song reflects that if this was God’s only intervention to save the Israelites, “it would have been enough.” What does “enough” mean? What are we thankful for by singing Dayenu? In this video course, Rabbi Fohrman looks closely at the song’s structure to find a deeper meaning behind the lyrics. Entering through a rabbit-hole of questions, Rabbi Fohrman uncovers that Dayenu may be a path to understanding the events that led to the miracle of the Exodus. Discover other great Passover videos at Aleph Beta, including ‘ Did God Allow Slavery? ’, ‘ Understanding Moses’ Miracles ’, and ‘ What Does It Mean To Be God’s Chosen People ’ https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/1mbqvcqf9y 4848 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T22:07:37.922Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shavuot-2016-5776-3 Not Just At Sinai https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5c6f5c2d-560a-422c-8084-7036e153e3c4/aC4QQidWJ-7kSaKj_TheBiblicalvsRabbinicShavuot005.png Rabbi Fohrman turns his attention to the Battle of Jericho, noting how it, too, is a Yovel-like experience. But why do these connections exist, and what meaning we should make of them? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/kw27ofzugr 563 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/video-4-judah-a-perplexing-character A Tale of Two Digressions https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5c87154c-67f7-4fa4-9445-d465708ba048/ZTI1MGIwZDAtMDg0NS00ZmI5LWI4OWQtZDQzNmNlNDcyZDcz_oge5zde5mwutmtc2nc00njy0ltlhzdqtyjuyyjhjodzkywu1_video-4-judah-a-perplexing-character_1512147020073.jpg Judah: A Perplexing Character? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ytaf0r9v98 540 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/akedah-meaning 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/three-card-monte Three Card Monte https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5c99b031-275d-4ed4-b16b-023c4fbd35a1/MTU4NjJkZDMtZDZjYy00YjNkLTlmMWUtZmIwYmNiZGMwOGNm_ywi3yzg2nzktnwm5ys00yzm1ltg0mmutyjlmmgfizdi0odrm_261_joseph_responsible_3.png An Analysis of the Rashbam's Theory https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/wsbxzg9x2d 401 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-can-we-relate-to-such-a-vengeful-god-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-dollhouse-for-god A Dollhouse for God? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5cc2a08a-806f-4b59-819d-50e8047cf5a0/NWJmMGMyM2ItZTQ2YS00N2UyLThlNTAtNDA2YmVkMDdhNzZl_72ea233c-dbde-4584-9100-bbaf4ba04eab_what-we-lost-when-the-temple-was-destroyed-1920.jpg Why do we mourn the destruction of the Temple on Tisha B’Av? It seems strange to focus so much on losing a building, a thing. The loss of the Temple was devastating, to be sure. But wouldn’t it make more sense to focus on the exile from our land… and the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Jews? Yes, we say that the Temple is where God resides, but doesn’t He exist everywhere? What is so unique about the Temple that it warrants the perpetual mourning of Tisha B’Av? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/e0bkv6tsxe 518 2023-10-12T18:52:34.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/ruth-boaz-scandalous-backstory-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/high-holidays-just-how-guilty-should-i-feel 2026-02-24T10:39:56.070Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-trouble-with-life-is-that-it-doesnt-come-with-a-soundtrack The Trouble With Life is That it Doesn't Come with a Soundtrack https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5d4dd39f-a999-4c0d-bf2b-5d52a01f3b9b/ODM2YjJkZDItZjg4NS00MTYxLWI3YWQtYTVjOTVmMWZlZjdl_zgexythknzutzmm5ni00ymewlwe4nmetnzezmzk2ndk4njq4_498_what_s-in-a-name.png The Sale of Joseph https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/svk95lksus 807 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/real-sin-of-sodom-gomorrah-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/08a-the-i-of-the-beholder-pdf 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shmoneh-esrei-redemption-then-and-now Intermediate Blessings: Redemption Then and Now https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5d851e7e-2f8b-4412-ac17-7092e99117a5/MzZjZDViN2UtNzlmMy00MGJhLWJiZjUtZmNlMWIyYjZhMjQ4_8b489f24-b9a1-4c27-a87a-effa7406946d_shmoneh-esrei-2019-part-4.jpg Listen to this episode as a podcast! In this segment, Rabbi Fohrman and Ami continue to develop their theory about the middle section of the Shmoneh Esrei through the next blessing of Redemption. The phrases and words of this bracha have very strong resonances to another Biblical story. What is that story? Why is it showing up here? And what might it mean for us to pray using these particular words as a frame of reference? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/libuqf5m91 3314 2023-10-16T18:41:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/english-source-notes-lecture-4 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/november-15-2022-chayei-sarah-a-princess-for-all-t 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/judah-brother-of-joseph-bible-story Judah And Joseph: Transcending Sibling Rivalry https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5dc80e97-f654-4ee3-a88f-494d17d2db1b/Z2TpD5bqstJ98tvP_JudahAndJosephTranscendingSiblingRivalry001.png Judah once allowed a son of Rachel to be taken, but in this week's parsha, he offers to sacrifice himself instead of Benjamin, because Jacob's soul is bound up in the soul of Benjamin. Where do we see the same language used centuries later? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman explores a fascinating Biblical echo and helps us answer, what is heroism? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/cg3fgzu4gd 485 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T22:08:45.570Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/holding-onto-a-memory Holding Onto a Memory https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5de65e48-a2c0-43d0-9f7a-803556bb36af/aIzVgaTt2nPbZqMb_howthesagessavedthenationMAINnew004.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman demonstrates how the Oven of Achnai story sheds light on what at was really going on in the Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai narrative back in Jerusalem. As Rabbi Fohrman explains the meaning behind each of Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai’s three requests, we begin to see both what true mourning really is and how Jewish nationhood survived the events of Tisha B’av. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/efdj1o782a 1056 2023-10-12T18:54:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/did-god-take-pharaohs-free-will Did God Take Away Pharaoh's Free Will? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5dee8861-36f8-4c33-b3c4-2c51cb894f0f/YzI5NjhmNWMtMDY1NS00NTk0LWI5NjktYzIwZDEwNTY5ZDBh_71ab91a4-3833-43e9-ad1c-ace56d58af68_god-take-away-paraohs-free-will.jpg Why did God harden Pharaoh's heart? Wasn't that a violation of Pharaoh's free will? According to the simple meaning of the text, it seems like God took away Pharaoh's free will by influencing his mind. In this video, we explore the different words used by the Torah, kaved and chazek, to explain the thought process Pharaoh went through when God kept hardening his heart. Rabbi Fohrman argues that the precise language shows that God still allowed Pharaoh to pursue his vision – and keep his free will intact – even when the vision was in defiance of God. To explore the ideas in this video further, check out The Exodus from Egypt: What Does it Mean to be Chosen? It's the video Rabbi Fohrman references at 2:59. Plus, discover other great videos at Aleph Beta, including ‘ Did God Allow Slavery? ’, ‘ The Ten Plagues Explained ’, and ‘ The Spiritual Meaning of Crossing The Red Sea ’. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/igvxbskolp 478 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:39:33.598Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/friedrich-nietzsche-and-the-disc-jockey Friedrich Nietzsche and the Disc Jockey https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5e0a110d-2dc0-4dbe-a221-4811ac39b728/YTQwOTBiOGUtZGFlMS00Y2JkLTliYTktYmFjYWMzMjMxZjUx_mtcyy2i0njutmjizyy00owqwlwewmjitmtizntm5m2e4zgi4_249_garden_18.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman explores the nature of the Yetzer HaRa and how the Bible is its "remedy" - and in so doing, we explore the concept of human creativity and the dangers that can arise if that creativity goes uncontrolled. We explore why the four primary punishments might be quite fitting for the crime committed. For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/h21iqt4ayl 1032 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-mystery-of-edens-two-trees-lecture-3 Lecture 3 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5e214af0-acdc-4227-88e4-d440c12c7a3b/OGQ4MmMxZTctMTJkMS00Y2FiLTlmMTEtYWU4NzU1MmQ1OGFj_8c69ddfe-5b36-4576-9619-8d6ad7c71ce7_event002themysteryoftwotrees.png Join Rabbi Fohrman for a brand new 4-part lecture series that attempts to uncover the deep mystery of Eden's two trees: the tree of knowledge and the tree of life. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/bxjaxjbubn 4247 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-02-13T22:00:23.433Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/forgiveness-and-family-feuds 2026-04-22T17:50:18.012Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/lech-lecha-god-calls-abraham-printable 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/phantom-akeidah-1 Phantom Akeidah: Abraham's Sacrifice Of Ishmael? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5e918add-f95a-41a5-aeca-40d3fe1ba051/YzRmZjQ5NzgtM2I2NS00NGU4LTg3MjMtMzU4MjEwMDI5ZGM0_96e621c0-1c85-4702-80a5-1a1e219734c6_phantomakeidahpart1.png Phantom Akeidah: The Sacrifice of Ishmael Part I https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ays0akmtqa 2853 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/line-of-sight Line of Sight https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5e997a00-5b43-4d4c-bc76-c0fc64d76ab9/NGE4NGQwZTYtNDBiNy00OWYxLTgwZTItM2U2NWNkZWUzNjhi_nmm5mgjkmgutowqymy00mtizlthlmzktnzi2zjy4mda0nzmw_496_what_s-in-a-name.png Sale of Joseph https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/vj9xwt855z 337 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/eden-in-depth-part-13 Eden in Depth Part 13 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5eba9403-70c4-429c-9781-c4f5dcb43dc4/YjE1M2M2YjYtOTNiMC00NDIwLTg4MTgtNGUzMzE1ODc1M2My_f230dd18-af62-4b4b-b7b0-43be7d9f5c6e_edenindepthmain-640.jpg Eden in Depth Part 13 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/kr3g1wdyvt 987 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/will-god-always-forgive-me-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/reeh-abraham-the-akeidah 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/adam-noah-abraham-genealogy The Vineyard And The Tower https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5f041e71-93ac-426e-97a1-4dfdcf913322/YmFkMjI5ZWYtOTZhOS00NzkwLWExOGYtOTJhYjM5M2QxMTE1_1a25a7bd-0ca9-468f-b668-178c1e760fa6_adam-noah-abraham-genealogy.jpg Part V in the audio series "A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham." A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham is the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1 , Abraham's Journey 2 , and Jacob: Man of Truth? For a more recent and condensed version of A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham , we recommend listening to Genesis Unveiled . https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ltzwirk1dx 4487 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/ki-tetzei-sending-away-the-mother-bird 2026-02-24T11:07:55.621Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-did-god-want-to-kill-moses-part-3 Why Did God Want to Kill Moses? - Part 3 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/members/1773570425451-a0ed04e1-When_God_Tried_to_Kill_Moses_thumbnail_new.png 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. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/p0tg57xgfv 984 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-true-happiness-in-the-bible-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/aleph-beta-reacts 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/naso-become-a-nazir-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parallel-universes Parallel Universes https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5f832c52-7af8-4389-99a8-c45610e38fd3/ZjdiZDJhOGEtOTQ3NS00ZmY1LWIzOGEtMDg1M2RjMzUxNmQ4_oti4zmzhmzctmjmync00njfjltlln2etodqwyjvinwyzmdrh_256_noah_2.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman demonstrates that many elements of the creation story also seem to appear in the post-flood story - and, in fact, in the same order. For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/qbbaayxuc5 686 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parshat-naso-a-guide-for-parenting What Does The Torah Teach About Parenting? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5f9cf4a5-da65-453e-b510-9d519e2d3b5b/Zkzg2Col0Zci9VHQ_What-Does-The-Torah-Teach-About-Parenting-001-part-1-1920.jpg In Part 1 of this three-part series, Rabbi Fohrman reminds us about a short section we've heard many times, but intriguingly, explores the possibility that buried within these familiar words could be the Torah's guide to parenting. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/7dpdt5rd3y 584 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hollywood-and-the-rabbis Hollywood And The Rabbis https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5fa7a51d-dbbb-4f19-9efb-6e86f074fbbf/44580a7e-19c7-468a-9a5e-1e1b4dc08514_why-light-candles-and-ignore-the-war-1920.jpg In this Hanukkah video, Rabbi Fohrman explores two different video clips, focusing on the theme of God’s hidden presence and the ways that he makes that presence known to us, noting that in our lives, God loves us enough to make His presence known. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/9rgu6ioc0v 867 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-kashrut-kosher-meat-dietary-laws Is There Any Meaning Behind The Laws Of Kashrut? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-5fe2556f-7e1b-467f-8783-d89e5d507e1d/ZgcKf8t2UUcvBR76_Is-There-Any-Meaning-Behind-The-Laws-Of-Kashrut-1920.jpg In Parshat Shemini, the Torah talks about the laws of kosher meat. There we find carefully detailed lists of the kosher animals we are permitted and forbidden to eat: be they mammals (like cows, sheep, and goats), fowl (chicken, birds, etc.), fish and other seafood, and even reptiles and insects. For Jews who observe kosher law, it has a huge impact on daily life – shopping, food preparation, and whether you can eat at the office party. But have you ever stopped to consider why kosher law ("kashrut") restricts us from eating certain animals? When you get into the details of what makes meat kosher, it feels so technical, and even arbitrary! There are rules for each category of animal: mammals must have split hooves and chew their cud, certain fowl (birds) are kosher but not all, fish are kosher if they have fins and scales (but shellfish are not), and there is even one variety of insect that is considered kosher (though few people eat it because many kosher experts believe that we don't know exactly which kind of insect the text refers to). When you look at this whole body of kosher laws, it's hard to find meaning in the system beyond: "God said not to eat it, so we don't." And while it's certainly meaningful to show our allegiance to God, it doesn't explain why God developed such a technical and complicated system. But what if there's more to kosher law than that? How can we understand the meaning of kashrut beyond merely seeing it as an obligation? What if there was a way to think about kosher law that even strengthens our relationship with God? In this video, Imu and David focus in on the case of kosher meat — animals that have split hooves and chew their cud — and they ask why those features should make an animal kosher. They explore the Torah's text, science, and morality in search of an answer. Their theory may just change the way that you understand your own relationship to kosher food. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/g1lmfl8aa3 790 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/june-07-2022-naso-what-are-the-laws-of-sotah-reall 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hebrew-source-notes-lecture-4 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/covenant-and-noahs-ark-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-israels-national-mission-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vayigash-joseph-and-benjamin-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/class-5-july-23-2024 Class 5 - July 23, 2024 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-6097f516-6ec5-46eb-89da-2968dfde061d/ZnwLYpbWFbowe327_PC-course-thumbnail-1920.jpg Watch this 8-part interactive course led by Rabbi David Fohrman on how to read the Torah in its original Hebrew Aleph Beta style. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/sc4b278agf 7680 2024-07-25T11:24:04.000Z yes yes 2026-02-26T11:03:47.288Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/josephs-sun-moon-stars-dream 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/half-the-torah-is-a-chiasm-2 Half the Torah is a Chiasm - Part 2 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-60f66d32-613c-4c67-bcae-712c17ced68a/MmIxYzdhZWEtMDdmYy00NjUxLWE2ZjUtMzI2MjdiN2NjNzY4_0aa715f8-9715-471f-9b37-e711dbbd5378_halfthetorahisachiasm004.png Enjoy this dynamic interview as Rabbi Fohrman talks with Rabbi David Schwartz on his recent discovery, Half the Torah is a Chiasm.” This event took place on Tuesday, November 17th, 2021. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/gurv644mim 4986 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-02-17T19:48:23.738Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/remember-amalek-history Amalek Lecture IX https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-61047d1b-0a14-4c0f-b509-ec8a61f67d5b/65d520c93a605798c18bfc0b_The-Rise-of-Antisemitism-part-9-1920.jpg In this audio, we turn our attention to the major players in the wars against Amalek: Joshua, King Saul, Esther and Mordechai. Interestingly, they are all descendants of Ephraim and Benjamin – children of Rachel. What does this come to teach us and how can we understand their connections? In this series, Rabbi Fohrman uses a set of Powerpoints to compare texts. Unfortunately, those Powerpoints have been lost to the ravages of time. We're very sorry about that, and we hope you still enjoy the series! https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/hiwwhowa1u 4188 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-aleph-beta 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-main-themes-ideas-passover-commemorates Themes of Pesach https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-61801822-df3c-4d5e-bd8b-bbe23f17b870/Zhh2kTjCgu4jzxR0_the-real-theme-of-Pesach-1920.jpg If Pesach was really about freedom, then why didn’t God take the Israelites out of Egypt sooner? Why did He have to go through all of the trouble of making plagues? Join Imu as he explores this pivotal question by re-examining the Exodus text, and read the Pesach story differently this year. Discover other great pesach videos at Aleph Beta, including ‘ Did God Allow Slavery ’, ‘ Explaining the Miracle Performed By Moses ’, and ‘ Why Did God Take Away Pharaoh's Free Will? ’ https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/0ljzz2k3aj 416 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:40:27.665Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/does-rashi-answer-the-question Does Rashi Answer The Question? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-61960270-2397-4985-8f6b-83f9bf44f662/MDQ4MzdkNTQtZjNlMy00N2RiLWI4YTktZWExM2M0OTY0ZDdi_m2zmnmixmzytzme2os00ngvjltgxymmtzddiogu1ytvln2fj_does-rashi-answer-the-question_1512147054126.jpg Judah: A Perplexing Character? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ii37f3nc5z 280 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/passover-scripture-study-reuben Reuben’s Rearview Mirror https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-61a6b682-5d69-4831-b2a2-1836018d48ed/YmFhOGU5ZjgtMzA3MS00NThmLTk0Y2YtZDdlYzA4YjQ0ZTI5_69897c0d-2458-4e16-9613-e97834c89596_origins-of-the-firstborn-nation-1920.jpg “Through the Rearview Mirror” continues here as we journey once again through the Joseph story, but this time through brother Reuben’s eyes, as the events of the sale of Joseph are replayed and compared with the events the beginning of enslavement of the Israelites in Egypt. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/g1pl03ks3z 5332 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/book-of-ruth-bible-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/job-am-i-allowed-to-be-angry-at-god 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shema-intensive-three-paragraphs 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-covenant-of-circumcision The Covenant of Circumcision https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-61fcef0c-0435-4004-94d0-7fca431b2482/Y2RlYTI2NDMtNjU0Ni00OGQyLWEzYTktZDgyMDIxNzQwMWQ1_c4114040-b56e-4d23-b3eb-54f6542884e2_circumcisioncovenant008.jpg In this video on Parshat Lech Lecha, Rabbi Fohrman takes a close look at the covenant God made with Abraham. God commands Abraham to circumcise all the males in his household as an everlasting sign of this covenant. But as it turns out, the structure of the passage itself teaches us something much deeper about the covenant’s enduring meaning for Abraham’s descendants. Rabbi Fohrman gives us an up-close look at one of his favorite methods of reading Biblical text. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/bl9kigx6ed 595 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-did-god-forbid-adam-from-eating-the-fruit 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vayeilech-hakhel-fearing-god-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/reeh-mount-moriah-significance-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/phantom-akeidah-lecture-1-powerpoint 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/understand-what-leviticus-book-teachings-mean The Epic Conclusion To Leviticus https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-6234aad0-e84c-4fb8-9383-59bf17aed4cf/ZktGOyol0Zci9SJ0_the-epic-conclusions-to-leviticus-1920.jpg Here we are, finally, at the end of the Book of Leviticus. We've gotten through all those details about sacrifices and purity and holidays — which were not so easy to keep track of! — and that second-to-last chapter with all those curses — that was downright uncomfortable. But we've made it through, and now, we're ready for the inspiring conclusion. What did Leviticus teach us? Will we get a clue as to how to understand the overall meaning of Leviticus? Surprise! Turns out the epic conclusion is our free guide on how to be an appraiser!?? That’s right. The whole final chapter of Leviticus deals with the laws of eiruchin , appraisals – how much you owe if you pledge the worth of a man, or a cow, or a parcel of land to God. Not what you were expecting? Feel like maybe you missed the big punchline, the grand finale, of what the Book of Leviticus really means? Well, maybe it’s because you did: it’s actually in chapter 16, right in the middle of the book. Not sure how that works? Then you're going to want to watch this video, in which Imu and David explain the structure, and the deeper meaning, of the Book of Leviticus. Watch Rabbi Fohrman's Acharei Mot video mentioned in this parsha. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/njiaxru5wo 883 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-05-01T20:03:19.075Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/god-dwells-among-us The Paradox Of God Dwelling Among Us: Part I https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-6242ae07-3ac6-4fbe-8692-40edca42e1e1/ZWZkMDRlNDgtNjI0MS00NzY1LWI0OTctM2E2ZDMxMzZjNWYz_b31407dd-92cc-4c55-9a87-4ba62c93e725_infinite-god-part-1-1920.jpg How are we supposed to understand that God dwells among us? Are we meant to take it literally, or is it merely a metaphor? After all, God is an infinite being, so how can He exist in a finite world? In this three-part series, Rabbi Fohrman looks at God's original dwelling place among man – the Tabernacle. How does the Tabernacle help us understand how God dwells among us, even today without a Tabernacle? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/sioo495vpw 302 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-real-accusation The Real Accusation https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-62797c60-fc8d-4bf9-889b-75f8030b776f/Z8ZjuxsAHJWomEs-_queenyouthoughtyouknew001.png In the fifth part of this six part series Rabbi Fohrman takes a closer look at Haman's actions and wonders why he chooses to say and act the way that he does. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/cszf3fpem8 721 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/rachels-reward Rachel Crying For Her Children https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-629d9cc5-a6d6-4500-ba71-df9ddd45892d/d2dd375e-479e-4bcf-92f8-4ad465c89934_rachels-tears-new-thumbnail-other-new-1920.jpg Is there such a thing as purposeful mourning? How do we channel our pain and anguish productively, without allowing it to consume us or others? This video series, originally created for Tisha B’av, has a new, heartbreaking relevance in our post-October 7 world. Join Rabbi Fohrman as he explores these pivotal questions through the lens of Rachel, the mother of our people. Watch to discover what Rachel’s story can teach us about the power of mourning as a catalyst for growth — on Tisha B’Av and every day of the year. Discover other great Tisha B’Av videos at Aleph Beta, including ‘ Emunah ”, “ Sinat Chinam: What is Baseless Hatred ”. And “ What Is Megillat Eicha Really About? ” https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/hh0vxc1a3f 451 2023-10-12T18:54:53.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-does-god-speak-in-dreams Connecting To God In A Post-Biblical Age https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-62a96ce4-b9cc-4a61-af74-4c8f3e4ab019/b7010276-ca4a-4796-819a-870772bab218_does-god-speak-to-us-today-thumbnail-1920.jpg In this four-video series, Rabbi Fohrman tackles a very difficult and important question: does God speak with us today? He uses the lens of Joseph's story to understand what non-prophetic communication with God could look like today. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/8fgf2uxjm1 662 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/behar-bechukotai-are-gods-curses-just-a-scare-tactic 2026-02-24T10:50:39.162Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/isaac-son-child-abraham-bible-story The Child Of Isaac Is… Abraham?? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-62cafc1e-18d7-4aaf-8eb4-3aca227ac3af/6ceb79be-0e5e-445d-9b0b-b3d06cf349e9_The-Child-Of-Isaac-Is-Abraham-1920.jpg At the opening of Parshat Toldot, the Torah uses a bizarre turn of phrase: “And these are the offspring of Isaac, the son of Abraham: Abraham begot Isaac.” What?? That’s not the generations of Isaac! So what do we do when we encounter a verse in the Torah which seems to belie logic – and grammar to boot? Do we put our heads down and keep reading? Not at Aleph Beta. Join Rabbi Fohrman as he digs deep and searches throughout the Torah to uncover what this phrase “These are the offspring of” (in Hebrew: “Eleh toldot”) really means – and what it teaches us about the legacy of our forefather Isaac. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/9a7k0e8qei 522 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-elephant-in-the-garden 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shemot-how-one-family-saved-a-nation 2026-02-24T10:56:36.092Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/does-god-care-about-me Does God Care About ME? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-6356e836-bd7a-4826-a8e4-23d43d7d8545/60c20cf5-4bc5-47a8-99e9-f5d797eddbc1_does-god-care-about-me-1920.jpg It's perhaps easier to comprehend how God takes care of the big things, but does he also care about us when it comes to the little, personal things in our lives? The question we all ask is: Does he really care about me and the little things? In Parshat Yitro (Exodus 18:1–20:23), we just witnessed some majorly epic events: the ten plagues, the splitting of the sea and we're about to witness the ultimate epic event: God's revelation at Sinai. But smack in the middle of all of this awesomeness, we're introduced to Yitro, Moses' father-in-law. What is this doing here?! Join us as we explore the real meaning of revelation: maybe truly knowing God is not just a matter of a national relationship, but most importantly, a personal one. Through the lens of this story, we can see just how God cares for His people – and how His people might strengthen their faith in Him. Click to watch the '' The Hidden Structure Of The Ten Commandments .'' https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/29rj9lyb94 745 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T22:04:37.704Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shabbat-and-the-rainbow Shabbat & the Rainbow https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-63977202-0a62-472b-a58a-8267ea04ea56/Zgq8Kct2UUcvBT2k_holiday-cycle-24-1920.jpg Rabbi Fohrman continues with the theme of Shabbat as it permeates all areas of life. He also takes a closer look at how Shabbat parallels the six days of creation. For a more in depth understanding on the rainbow chiasm, mentioned in this lecture, please listen to lectures 35 & 35 of Genesis Unveiled. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/r9b0vaak6l 3070 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/behar-why-does-land-have-to-rest 2026-05-04T16:56:30.521Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/here-is-my-voice Here Is My Voice https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-63c1173d-35ff-49ae-8198-8237a76f1101/Z4bUzZbqstJ99dsT_judgmentdaytitleontop001.png With a deeper understanding of the Rosh Hashanah prayers, Rabbi Fohrman delves into the text of Nehemiah Chapter 8, and demonstrates that perhaps Rosh Hashanah as a day of judgement can also lead to celebration as well. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ig2mmfi9pd 1030 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/queen-esther-haman-purim How Thin Is The Line Between Esther And Haman? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-643fc348-3f24-4b4b-a498-b842e081faee/Z3yJApbqstJ99GTN_HowThinIsTheLineBetweenEstherAndHaman2025001.png How do we come to grips with a command to utterly destroy Amalek? How thin is the line between the great heroism of Esther and the great evil of Haman? The two may not be as far apart as they might seem. Check it out – and please feel free to write back with feedback! https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/s89tvnqqd6 4507 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/an-interview-with-rabbi-fohrman An Interview with Rabbi Fohrman https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-64500e92-8ff5-435a-93ef-e471758a2bf5/YmM0ZDBhMzItZmFhNi00N2Q4LWJhN2ItNTVlYmM2OWQ4ZWY1_1e53a9dc-eb6a-41de-9d62-ba0d2c0da847_conversationwithrabbifohrmanyoushouldknow640.jpg Curious about Rabbi Fohrman’s personal journey and the roots of his approach to the Bible? In this interview you’ll hear his stories about: Places where he grew up and people who influenced him Steps that led him to public speaking and the founding of Aleph Beta How his close reading of the Torah grows out of traditional Jewish interpretive tools What makes this style of commentary different from academic approaches to Bible study Why Aleph Beta videos speak so effectively to many kinds of viewers About this podcast: Jews You Should Know introduces the broader community to interesting and inspiring Jewish men and women making a difference in our world. Some are already famous, some not yet so. But each is a Jew You Should Know. The host, Rabbi Ari Koretzky, is Executive Director of MEOR Maryland, a premier Jewish outreach and educational organization. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/jhs7qwqlqr 3675 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/eden-in-depth-part-11 Eden in Depth Part 11 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-645ed73e-b106-48f5-b45a-d7f00ee7db5b/YjE1M2M2YjYtOTNiMC00NDIwLTg4MTgtNGUzMzE1ODc1M2My_f230dd18-af62-4b4b-b7b0-43be7d9f5c6e_edenindepthmain-640.jpg Eden in Depth Part 11 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/gu7h44kvev 626 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/bereishit-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/season-2 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/achrei-mot-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/lecture-ii Lecture II https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-64c26b4a-d1f0-47d0-8253-74da82b3205d/NjU4YjIxODMtZjIxZC00YjQ1LWE2NjgtMjYyMWZlODM4MWU5_83e987cf-f213-41f8-b379-e349994a8250_thumbnail_series_abrahams-journey-2_draft-1.jpg Lecture II Abraham's Journey 2 is the third of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The first two set of lectures are found in the series titled: A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham and Abraham's Journey 1 . The following lecture series is Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/vatraermm2 2626 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/whats-meaningful-about-tzitzit-part-2 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vayeira-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-would-anyone-worship-idols-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-chain-of-evil1 The Chain Of Evil https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-658fd3db-65a9-41f5-9fe9-376fe705c76e/Z4z-1ZbqstJ99mm4_challenginggod0012025001.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman explores the true purpose of the kikayon plant that plays such a pivotal role towards the end of the book of Jonah. This leads to Rabbi Fohrman tracing the use of the word “ רעה (ra’ah),” evil, throughout the book. By following this chain of evil we can begin to uncover what was truly troubling Jonah. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/20w1j2btdl 460 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/amalek-bible-descendants Amalek Lecture IV https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-65a04ae1-21bd-4ba2-9e80-79a5f4b5cc72/65d5203a3a605798c18bfc03_The-Rise-of-Antisemitism-part-4-1920.jpg Are we Jacob? O are we Esav? Rabbi Fohrman explores how we must understand the two different qualities depicted by both and decide who we are. Can we be both? We are that because the nation of Israel couldn’t merge these two different qualities into their being, Amalek was able to come in for the attack. In this series, Rabbi Fohrman uses a set of Powerpoints to compare texts. Unfortunately, those Powerpoints have been lost to the ravages of time. We're very sorry about that, and we hope you still enjoy the series! https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/7xz3rq8o93 4734 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-role-of-doubt-in-faith 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/book-club-with-rabbi-fohrman-7a Book Club with Rabbi Fohrman, Parshat Kedoshim 3 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-65c2f285-13b7-4633-b059-2956c4575068/ZWFmMTI2ZWEtMzIwYS00ZjRiLWI2M2EtY2Q4ODJmOTM0NTIz_dbabbadf-5d9e-4046-a26f-959db3ee293c_thumbnail_pc_book-club_draft-1.jpg Enjoy this recording of Book Club for Parshat Kedoshim. Book Club is an exclusive weekly event for Producers Circle members. Participants join Rabbi Fohrman to read and discuss the latest chapter of his newest manuscript. This is an incredible opportunity to be a part of Rabbi Fohrman's learning and writing process, to offer feedback, and genuinely impact what will make it into the next book. Not to mention a chance to hear the extra “bonus” material that doesn’t make it in.  Book club meets every Monday, 12-1:30 pm ET. Sign up for Producers Circle to attend. Already a Producers Circle Member? Check your inbox -- Zoom link and new chapter are emailed out every Saturday night. You can find the chapter being discussed in this recording and all previous chapters here. "[Through Book Club we are] really seeing how a diverse group of people bring their unique insights and create a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. Thank you so much for including all of us in this process!" -- Miriam Goldie Huttler, Producers Circle Member https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/rzvjiqo1nb 6369 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/taking-egypt-out-of-the-slaves Taking Egypt out of the Slaves https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-65c71015-f1be-48b4-8acc-afd45688696e/aC4XYidWJ-7kSaMX_TheStrangeCelebrationof“LawDay”001.png Rabbi Fohrman explores the psychological abuse the slaves endured under the reign of Pharaoh and its lasting impact. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/j1bmb6u33z 660 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/who-are-kohathites-bible-duties Where Did The Rebellion Start? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-65f444ea-4506-43e2-9acb-1b418964951f/NDhiN2YwNTQtNTk3Yi00M2UzLWJmNDMtNjVjYjI0YmIxMjNk_mdjjnzg1mwutogeyzi00yjcyltgxowqtymviotm5yzmxnwu5_who-are-kohathites-bible-duties.jpg In Parshat Korach, there’s a sudden rebellion against Moses and Aaron. Korach, the leader of the rebellion, argues that all Israelites are holy, not just Moses and Aaron. But where did his distrust of Israel’s leaders come from? Join Rabbi Fohrman and Ami Silver as they re-examine Korach’s family origin, which is recorded in the text, and see how his upbringing may have played a significant role in the rebellion. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/9rgh9uusxm 1938 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tisha-bav-sinat-chinam-guide-for-kids-part-1 2026-04-20T17:02:57.128Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/jewish-marriage-do-men-acquire-women-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-could-not-moses-enter-promise-land Why Couldn't Moses Enter The Land? IV https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-6617c943-cb73-46b5-b818-330fbcd006e4/be5acbcf-652e-4b39-a2be-21771048a8e5_why-couldnt-moses-enter-the-land-1920.jpg Why Couldn't Moses Enter The Land? Part IV https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/feqh1ot7ba 3108 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/understanding-holiday-cycle 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-do-we-celebrate-shavuot-laws 2026-04-20T22:07:11.886Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-to-read-haggadah 2026-04-20T22:17:24.954Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/golden-calf-lecture-5-powerpoint 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hidden-dimensions-of-the-book-of-ruth Hidden Dimensions of the Book of Ruth https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-66c7f97f-2a91-4721-8a1d-de59ead8cb48/aC9xCSdWJ-7kSdbv_TheMomentRuthChangedHistory001.png Rabbi Fohrman takes a closer look at the Book of Ruth, uncovering new ways in which Ruth's story is much deeper than it appears. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/z7jxwl9wpz 6015 2023-10-12T18:52:34.000Z yes no 2026-04-20T17:01:03.257Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-does-it-mean-to-be-chosen What Does It Mean to Be Chosen? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-66cec71d-adbd-46b7-83d2-082d07a9c73d/Z9HoMBsAHJWomd0W_Video8Thumbnail.png In this video, the last of the course, Rabbi Fohrman explores the tenth and final plague, and examines God’s new focus shift from Egyptians to the Jews. In so doing, Rabbi Fohrman explores what it means that Jews are the “firstborn” child of God and discusses the ultimate purpose of the Jewish people. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ujo2fzsyre 527 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/eden-in-depth-part-9 Eden in Depth Part 9 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-66cfbc3e-657a-4874-a47b-9e1c4cb6cda0/YjE1M2M2YjYtOTNiMC00NDIwLTg4MTgtNGUzMzE1ODc1M2My_f230dd18-af62-4b4b-b7b0-43be7d9f5c6e_edenindepthmain-640.jpg Eden in Depth Part 9 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/z19d4uqg26 790 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-true-happiness-in-the-bible-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/amalek-bible-meaning Amalek Lecture III https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-66f6f500-69b1-43c5-bb21-4594729fb24e/65d520213a605798c18bfc02_The-Rise-of-Antisemitism-part-3-1920.jpg How does memory play a hugely significant role in our history with Amalek? Is it possible that Amalek’s hatred stems from episodes that they may remember incorrectly? How does the prologue of the Torah, the story of the Tree of Knowledge and the Tree of Life, shed light on the fundamental nature of this relationship? In this series, Rabbi Fohrman uses a set of Powerpoints to compare texts. Unfortunately, those Powerpoints have been lost to the ravages of time. We're very sorry about that, and we hope you still enjoy the series! https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/jr6ibhk2ly 5536 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-to-get-closer-to-god-animated A Manual on Closeness with God https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-6700ad95-e565-4487-a6cf-fc1d73afb2ae/MTU0MmFlMjAtNDcyYi00OWM3LWE4NDUtZGExNTg5ZTgzYjhk_d7c85980-c365-4a7f-a092-41cd1580fc75_how-do-i-get-closer-to-god-thumbnail.jpg How can I attain closeness with a God who is so beyond my comprehension? Why would the Creator of the Universe care about my prayers? Is God even listening? Especially on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we deal with this seeming contradiction: is God our King, or our parent? One barrier we face in approaching prayer is the feeling that God is so holy that there are no grounds for connection between us. How could limited, flawed human beings possibly reach the infinite Creator through our prayers? The question becomes even more poignant when our prayers are dealing with our very human, messy life circumstances. How can we relate these experiences to God? The Biblical model for answering these questions is Hannah, mother of the prophet Samuel. Not only does God answer Hannah’s prayer for a son, but the Talmud looks to her as the paradigm for prayer. Rabbi Fohrman suggests that we may find guidance from Hannah’s Prayer. This video course, created for the High Holidays, takes a deep dive into Hannah’s prayer in the book of Samuel and explores the concepts of holiness, closeness with God, and the real possibility of prayer. You’ll soon discover that God’s loftiness is just the thing that makes a relationship with Him all the more attainable, and you’ll never doubt the power of prayer again. Take a look. Discover other great videos for the High Holidays at Aleph Beta, including ‘How To Do Teshuva”, “What Is The Meaning and Purpose of Yom Kippur”. and “Finding Forgiveness In God's Attributes”. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/9h4or5zw15 477 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-did-moses-hit-the-rock-teachers-guide-2 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-god-decided-flood-earth-second-creation Why a Flood, of All Things? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-67642319-6416-4af1-a063-43fc204f3bbf/YWMyNDY3MzktMjMwMy00ZDMzLThkMjUtYTM4MDg4YzQ2MDU4_41e6de85-57a4-4abc-a75b-5e603a778201_why-a-flood-of-all-1280.jpg This week’s parsha tells us about an epic event: the flood that God sends to destroy the earth. But we never stop to ask... why did God decide to send a flood, of all things? Interestingly, only last week, in the story of the creation of the world, we talked about all these same elements – deep waters, winds of God, and more. For some reason, the flood’s aftermath, the recreation of the world, mirrors the original creation in the Torah – but why? What is it we’re meant to learn from the flood?? The intriguing repetitions may change the entire way we think about the story of Noah and why God decided to flood the earth. Watch more: Genesis Unveiled https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/v5colku9ui 765 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T22:00:55.284Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/selling-daughter-female-servitude-slavery-torah-bible Female Servitude...Wait, What? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-67792017-96b8-4636-bf00-5b3379dea131/1d4b042b-afa8-4a3f-8a04-2407c429bfea_Female-Servitude-wait-what-1920.jpg In this week's parsha, we read about the laws of the female slave. Is the Bible actually condoning parents who sell their daughter into slavery?? How are we, as 21st-century students of the Torah, meant to understand this? More importantly, how are we meant to apply what the Bible teaches us about female slavery? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman shows us that the laws of female slavery may not be as they appear. Female servitude may actually help to address social and economic inequality. Far from barbaric, female servitude may be one of the Torah's means for creating a fairer society and a better world. Watch more on slavery in the Torah: The Strange Laws Of Jewish Slavery Why Did God Allow Israel To Be Enslaved? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/hqhs2h0hxo 527 2023-10-12T18:54:53.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/heal-a-broken-relationship Do You Rebuild a Broken Relationship https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-677b6ea4-7379-4ba6-9bce-d7c65108c960/ZjQxOWJhYjctNmIyOS00OTIxLWE2Y2ItNjYwZmRlMTIzOTk1_c6e5c85c-095c-4aa1-b64d-6b961d2bb1c7_how-to-heal-a-broken-relationship-1920.jpg When things go wrong with a friend, making things right again can seem impossible. But is it really so hopeless? Join Imu and Rabbi Fohrman as they revisit the bitter struggle between our foremothers, Rachel and Leah, and gain a new perspective on how to heal a broken relationship. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/lsjid6anel 3808 2023-10-12T18:56:07.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-the-meaning-of-life 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/seven-brothers Seven Brothers https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-67acf95a-9c4c-4c67-9bd6-4a4a4944d3d2/MTcwMTkzYjYtZmQyNy00ZDUxLTliNmItYjhjOTI2ZWVhM2E1_mzkymdzkndutzjlkni00mtk5lwewzgitywu1ndc3yzm2nju5_290_joseph_responsible_9.png An Analysis of the Rashbam's Theory https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/818ycmybkh 403 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/joshua-caleb-spies-bible-story The Real Heroism Of Caleb And Joshua https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-67b7a5ce-ca97-4f0f-8d52-3116cedf777f/MDNkMjRhYzgtMmE3NC00MWEzLWIwMTctZDBmNWQyNjZlZTMw_eac5b24c-86d6-45db-8942-8936a31be4ff_the-real-heroism-of-caleb-and-joshua-1920.jpg Do you know the story about the spies? Moses sends twelve men on a mission to spy out the land of Israel. They come back bearing a bad report. “Scary people live there! The land devours its inhabitants! We’ll never be able to conquer it.” The people overreact, and God decrees that they should wander in the desert for 40 years. Now, you may remember that not all of the spies were guilty. Two of them – Caleb and Joshua – tried to speak up. They tried to defend the land of Israel, to remind the people that it’s a beautiful land, a land promised to them by God, and that it was within their power to conquer it! It must have taken a lot of courage for them to speak up like that, and their little speech was no doubt stirring… but would you say that Caleb and Joshua were heroes ? Because – reality check – no one actually listened to them. As soon as they finished talking, the people tried to stone them to death! They didn’t change anybody’s minds. God still punished the people. Their act of courage didn’t have any effect at all. Or did it? It turns out that Caleb and Joshua did accomplish something on that day. No, they didn’t manage to change the people’s minds, they didn’t manage to forestall God’s punishment… but on that day, they reached back into Israelite history and corrected an egregious sin that hadn’t been spoken about about for hundreds of years. What was the sin? And how did they correct it? For Rabbi Fohrman's Pesach course which connects the sale of Joseph to the punishment of exile/slavery in Egypt: "How To Read The Haggadah" ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spoiler alert! For more videos that deal with the “redemption” of Judah and Joseph’s mistakes, see: Joseph's... Groundhog Day? The Far-Reaching Effects Of Judah’s Confrontation With Joseph Family Feud: The Ominous Background To Esther’s Story https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/en5zkoqgil 822 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/canaanites-vs-israelites-intermarriage-bible Foreign Entanglements https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-67cbfd5d-1cf9-43ff-a64b-a44317146e75/NDk1ZGVkNDYtOTQ4Ni00YjYxLWE0ZDAtZGZmOGQ3YmM2MThm_0852462f-0891-4978-896d-6c13fd3d83df_foreign-entanglements-1920.jpg Parshat Va'etchanan contains a law prohibiting making covenants with the idolatrous nations of the Land of Canaan. And it's a funny kind of law, if you think about it - what's so bad about making covenants? But there’s something intriguing about this law. It's actually part of a group of laws that seem to be linked to an earlier story, way back in Genesis. Perhaps that story in Genesis holds the key to understanding just where this law is coming from, and what it's trying to teach us. Learn all about it here. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/iqfh7ivqmr 819 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hunger-games Hunger Games https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-67fcc58b-659a-4656-92ce-b4d62ff538a0/YjM0YjY4NjctN2MwZC00MTJiLTg1MGMtMzI3N2M4NjQ2YzU4_ytbkytywzmqtzdg1ys00nzi0lwi5yzutnmvjywjlywzhmjvi_495_what_s-in-a-name.png Sale of Joseph https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/4fxrmfsn4o 467 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/moses-sends-out-twelve-spies-story What Did The Spies Do Wrong? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-68462c1d-5598-47e9-bf54-fd96755bf239/N2UwMjgzMGQtMzc5OS00ZDhkLWIyNjYtN2U1NDRlZDA2OWFl_y2u1mdc4mgytzjc4mc00mzlkltkxzjgtmgm4n2fjytc2nzk4_moses-sends-out-twelve-spies-story.jpg We know God wasn't pleased with the spies' report to Moses. Due to their actions, an entire generation would die in the desert, never entering the Promised Land. But what exactly did the spies do wrong? The spies told Moses that the land of Israel 'flows with milk and honey' and was inhabited by strong peoples – weren't they just telling the truth? Why was God blaming the spies for reporting their experience? Join Beth Lesch and Ami Silver as they explore Moses' retelling and of the spies and discover their real failure and their children's opportunity to redeem their sin. Watch More: The Promised Land: Good Or Bad? Eicha And Ayekah: Was There A Tisha B’Av In Eden? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/moqe2mcaqx 1905 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/sabbath-prayers-meaning 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-cham-did-it Why Cham Did It https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-685f6dde-8801-469f-aed0-04fe7e60e7a0/ZjE3OTMxMDgtNDkzYi00MWVmLWI1NzgtYzk5NzkyZTljZGFh_owvlnjm4nwytyzg2oc00nmm0lwjjotmtn2rlotjlmda5owu1_why-cham-did-it.png Why did Ham do what he did? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman goes through an explains a confusing midrash that is meant to explains Noah’s rage – he was hoping to have a fourth child, but Ham destroyed that possibility. For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/zk2hhfqt62 670 2023-10-13T12:28:37.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/chiasm-in-the-garden Chiasm in the Garden? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-686140e6-f4e7-432c-a123-46e985eccbfd/NjQ1NjVkMzctNzYyNC00ZTRiLThkYjMtOTMyNDQzYzY2YmYw_ote2mzjiyjetnzi5ms00mtc4ltljzgitm2u0mmzmogixyzhi_482_vineyard.png In this video (part 1 of 2), Rabbi Fohrman delves into the garden and explores the chiasm within. For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/y5hfjdkbxt 546 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/crossing-the-red-sea-spiritual-meaning 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/passover-how-do-family-dinners-echo-ancient-sacrifices 2026-02-24T10:52:44.964Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/israels-wilderness-journey-bible-story-lessons Israel's Psychological Journey https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-694bd75a-8b46-492c-a7ea-6c526d1603b0/NDQ5OTMzMGUtMmUyYi00YmIyLWFjNjEtZTI4NTZiOTkyNDJm_njjimmuzy2qtzdjmzi00nwvklwi5mtmtnzeyztkyzwzintg5_israels-wilderness-journey-bible-story-lessons.jpg Parshat Masei begins with a recap of everywhere Israel has been so far on their journey throughout the desert. And you have to ask: who cares? Why is this here? As we've discussed many times, the Torah is not just a list of laws and stories. Each piece is meant to teach us some sort of timeless lesson. How does this travel log do that? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/t1mbkrk9mp 992 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/chayei-sarah-teacher-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/oral-law-vs-written-law-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/keep-your-eye-on-the-midianites Keep Your Eye on the Midianites https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-697e7c6a-4bdc-45d9-95d5-5e854e380747/YWZlZDViNmMtODA0Zi00ZjYwLWJhYjgtOTY1YzkzMTkyZjU1_owjhnjy0nzetnzy2ms00ogqylwixowmtyjdknzk5ymfinwe4_267_joseph_responsible_4.png An Analysis of the Rashbam's Theory https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/1sqx4nxyr2 489 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shiny-new-things-meeting-3-june-07-2021 Shiny New Things Meeting (June 07 2021) https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-698031d9-0bd9-47ff-a73a-e18f2ebcb728/YjczMmY3NmItYjU1Yi00YmFhLWE1YjEtNmFkZDE4ODIzMjUy_9eab63b7-61a0-453f-a99b-52503906c91f_event005shinynewthings.png Enjoy this recording of Shiny New Things with Rabbi Fohrman. Rabbi Fohrman delights in finding wonderful patterns or other ‘aha’ moments in Biblical text that are the beginning to a process of discovery. That process might culminate in an Aleph Beta animated video or audio series -- but it starts with that shiny new thing. And that's where you come in. When Rabbi Fohrman comes across 'shiny new things,' he wants to show them to interested folks, and get a chance to talk with them about it. Through learning with you, other dimensions of the pattern that were missed usually begin to emerge, and the meaning of the pattern often begins to come into focus. You are an integral part of Shiny New Things, and we hope you'll be able to join! Shiny New Things is an exclusive weekly event for Producers Circle members. This is an incredible opportunity to be a part of Rabbi Fohrman's learning and writing process, to offer feedback, and genuinely impact the direction of future ideas. Not to mention a chance to hear the extra “bonus” material that doesn’t make it into a book or video. Shiny New Things meets every Wednesday , 7-8:30 pm ET . https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/gycgo95t4z 5805 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-02-13T22:03:16.759Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/joseph-powepoint-2 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/elokim-and-ykvk-zoom A Tale of Two Names: Elokim and YHVH https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-69856829-de50-413b-bc5f-33a55e8c6186/M2E3MDU3ZGEtY2JiMC00NTg0LThmZTEtMjBmOWE5MzdmMjA3_mzazody5zwutzdayzs00ytc1ltg1mzmtnjbhmzhkmtkyzta3_tale-of-two-names-d7.jpg The Bible uses many names to refer to God, the two most well-known being Elokim and YHVH (an unpronounceable name composed of the Hebrew letters yud-hey-vav-hey). What do these names mean, and why do they appear when they do? This is one of the Bible's greatest mysteries. Perhaps even more mysterious is that we find the highly uncommon "YHVH Elokim" — a combination of these two names — in the Bible's opening pages: in the story of God's creation of the world. Join Rabbi Fohrman for an exploration of what these names mean on their own, what they mean in combination, and how understanding God's names can, perhaps, help us to lead more godly lives. An earlier version of some of these ideas can be found in the course What is the Meaning of Life? For more on A Tale of Two Names, be sure to listen to the following lecture series: A Tale of Two Names: Why Were There Days of Creation? and A Tale of Two Names: From The Garden To The Flood. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/21j3barurt 4609 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/argue-with-god-blasphemer-moses Is It Kosher To Argue With God? 1B https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-69c39aae-fa52-4b68-a2ce-b47d1d9b66e7/YTBhN2NkMGQtYzUwNC00Mjc3LWFlOWYtZTkyYzhlODM0NjZi_77696a09-083d-498a-9713-046646ec11d9_is-it-kosher-to-argue-with-god-thumbnail-part-1b.jpg This audio series was recorded in a live class given by Rabbi Fohrman. Enjoy, and as always, please leave thoughts and questions in the comments below. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/hfvj43yr42 1755 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-enslavement-of-the-jewish-people-in-egypt-was-brutal. The Divine Response to Great Evil https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-69d506e6-16a5-4431-9390-acc98631cf4a/Z-8vWHdAxsiBwTcM_PesachAftertheHolocaust00402.png The enslavement of the Jewish people in Egypt was brutal. Many were murdered, including innocent children who were thrown into the Nile. And although God rescued the Jews in the end, one can't help wonder - was that enough? Was leaving Egypt enough of a restitution for the horrible suffering and evil that occurred? Perhaps there more to the story than what first meets the eye. Join Rabbi Fohrman as he takes a look at God's full response, that spans generations, to the great evil that occurred in Egypt, and sheds light on what divine justice really looks like. Rabbi Fohrman starts off the series taking a closer look at at text in the book of Deuteronomy that can help shed light on what was happening in Egypt before the Jews were redeemed. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/2lymbashoc 1202 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-to-be-good-servant-of-god-qualities Epilogue: What Does It Mean To Be A Good Person? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-69fab1c8-1384-403c-a0db-49eed045b588/NjJjNTVjYzUtMGQ1Ni00YTZlLTljZTktNjUyZjg2YzU2NzMy_68f86eca-1a09-4078-8352-f6ff366811eb_what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-good-person-epilogue-1920.jpg Are Micah and Moses arguing about what it means to be a good person? Find out in this epilogue to Parshat Eikev. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/15rs1uou1q 1401 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/bo-gods-justice-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/lessons-from-josephs-life Joseph's... Groundhog Day? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-6a2c26b7-a60b-40f0-a7f8-71e900b7aae0/MjBkN2YzMjAtMGYwZC00M2M3LWFlMjEtYzdlMTY1N2RkYzQz_f856f540-1ddd-42b1-8802-b80513e7ee0a_josephs-groundhog-day-1280.jpg Parshat Vayeishev tells us a story about Joseph. There’s this drama between him and the other members of his household. It all comes to a climax when Joseph is stripped of his clothes – and his coat is brought to the head of the house and presented as false evidence. Oh, and Joseph is thrown into a bor, a pit. What story are we describing? Easy, right? It’s the sale of Joseph… right? When the sons of Jacob gang up on poor Joseph and sell him into slavery. 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. And they’re all in Parshat Vayeishev . What are these mysterious three stories? And what does it all mean? Why does this pivotal event from Joseph’s life keep replaying? Why is Joseph living in a Groundhog’s Day universe? Watch more: " The ‘Scandalous’ Backstory of Boaz and Ruth ." https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/qfc9c912uf 966 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/gods-dwelling-place-with-man What It Means To Encounter God's Dwelling Place: Part III https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-6a620e48-e00c-4cd6-8ff0-16dbb7c92cdd/MWY1OWUwZTktOTc0NS00YTQ4LTg1ODMtNjFjM2U4MTQ5ZjBi_050bc650-cb81-49c3-81a4-6131e153954e_infinite-god-part-3-1920.jpg How do we encounter God's dwelling place among man? Join Rabbi Fohrman in the final video of this three-part series. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ikwfh3fjzk 375 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-meaning-and-purpose-of-yom-kippur 2026-04-22T19:42:34.044Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-does-rosh-hashanah-celebrate Should You Feel Guilty on Rosh Hashanah? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-6a96e322-a281-4750-98e8-b9db63988ce3/Z4bPx5bqstJ99dpO_howtoprepareforroshhashanah0012025.png We call Rosh Hashanah the Day of Judgment, but “Yom Hadin” doesn’t appear anywhere in the Torah. Did the Rabbis just make this stuff up? Have we been celebrating Rosh Hashanah all wrong? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/s8z8ggm304 276 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-moses-wasnt-allowed-in-the-land 2026-04-20T21:21:18.153Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shema-intensive 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-ruthlessness-of-war The Ruthlessness of War https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-6aee8a28-078a-4975-819a-0fff6c6568b8/ZDViNGI2ZmEtYmViNC00NGMxLTkwNmMtNzFkYzI4N2Y5Yjcz_ymvinti5mgutmge3yi00mtrllwjiy2ytmdk2mdu3zdk5n2vj_507_echos20of20the20future206.png Echos of the Future https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/sl2f3t9rez 763 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-moses-could-never-enter-promised-land Why Couldn't Moses Enter The Land? VII https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-6afec2fd-cf87-4775-ad5c-c8c8bd1a5d72/be5acbcf-652e-4b39-a2be-21771048a8e5_why-couldnt-moses-enter-the-land-1920.jpg Why Couldn't Moses Enter The Land? Part VII https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/nsanujlniv 3972 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/purim-101-what-is-purim 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-book-of-lamentations 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/arbaminim 2026-04-20T17:41:21.180Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-tale-of-two-trees The Tale of Two Trees https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-6b5ddb95-b412-47fd-9d6a-b945f4cca06f/ZjE3ZGQwZWYtY2ZmZi00NTg0LTlhMTItYzc5OGUxZjM4Njky_owjhmwi1owitmdnhmy00mti4ltgxnmutzjc1odu1nguwztrk_231_garden_4.png In this video, we are introduced to the less-talked-about tree, the Tree of Life, and look at its role, its potential effect on one who might eat from it, and whether mankind was actually meant to eat from it. We also discover another kind of "Tree of Life" that has remarkable similiarities to the first. For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/mw09k0kisj 646 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/aleph-beta-reacts-tzav-5775 Aleph Beta Reacts Tzav 5775 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-6b77da4b-9746-4ebe-bc1f-143774b6d445/MDg3ZDA2ZTItNGNhMS00ODIyLWE3Y2UtOTdlZGU3NzgyYzM5_y2m0zmrhztetntfjzc00ymnjltlhyzatyzhlztzjzjk2mdrk_aleph-beta-reacts-tzav-5775.png Aleph Beta Reacts Tzav 5775 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/o43pb2x9e6 419 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-closer-look-at-the-bitter-waters-of-marah A Closer Look at the Bitter Waters of Marah https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-6b81dfab-08e6-4de8-8f7e-e8ee6267b186/aCayWSdWJ-7kSMCV_HealingThroughtheOmer001.png Join Rabbi Fohrman and Immanuel Shalev, as they dive deep into Refa’einu, our daily prayer for health, and its unexpected connections to Sefirat HaOmer. Could understanding this strange connection somehow uncover the key to relating to God as our healer? Could it provide the spiritual guidance a world battling COVID-19 deeply needs? In episode one, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu discovered references in Refa’einu to two Biblical stories that appear at the very end of the redemption from Egypt: the story of the splitting of the sea, and the story that comes right after this: the bitter waters of marah. In this episode, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu dive even deeper into these two events, to discover why Chazal turned to them for guidance when writing Refa’einu. On the surface, neither event has very much to do with health or healing. However, if we take a much closer look--and carefully examine all the clues the text leaves for us--a very different picture emerges. To subscribe to Refa’einu vis RSS, copy this link and add it to your favorite podcast app: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1066483.rss https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/sut88wm0wr 2267 2023-10-16T18:41:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-emunah-faith-basis-pillars Emunah https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-6b9887be-fa12-40db-bfe3-c239434a8f8b/NjM2NGMwNGQtM2UyYy00MTgyLTk3N2ItY2NkZTRmOThhZGUz_mwy2y2yynjitoge0ny00otnmltljymitmzhkzmy1zdzhmwe4_what-is-emunah-faith-basis-pillars.jpg What Is Emunah? In this week's parsha, Moses accuses the nation of Israel of not having faith. What? The people know firsthand about all the miracles God has done for them, how could they struggle with their faith? Drawing on the Maharal's pillars of faith, Rabbi Fohrman gives us a novel approach to understanding emunah and the basis of faith, and challenges us to rise to this level of intimacy with God and with each other. Discover other great Tisha B’Av videos at Aleph Beta, including ‘ Rachel Crying For Her Children ”, “ Sinat Chinam: What is Baseless Hatred ”. And “ What Is Megillat Eicha Really About? ” https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/tfc6jfs0au 612 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-21T19:04:36.331Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/punished-by-snakes-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-meaning-of-the-dream The Meaning of the Dream https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-6bacfff8-8444-44bf-9456-5bc97e81cc50/MWVhZDFhZTAtN2M5NS00ZGI0LTg0ZDEtMTY5NDRhZmMxNzk0_ac12c0d6-0365-439a-bdc3-49e5ad2c10ed_longing-and-redemption-1280.jpg This Tisha B'Av, join Rabbi Fohrman for Kinot Unlocked and discover new meaning in these beautiful texts. Learn More. Once we can finally understand the connections between Joseph and Psalm 126, how does any of that relate to us? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/4m78yjlwlz 555 2023-10-12T18:54:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/moses-israelites-fiery-serpents-meaning Punished...By Snakes? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-6bdbe4c8-e3a1-46be-aec3-819e4123109a/NTEyYjY2NWQtOTJiNy00N2JhLWFiMzEtMTA5YmI2OWVmMTA0_b06119d2-2d8f-4ee4-be20-9c0aef2d012f_punished-by-snakes-1920.jpg We know that God is just, and when He punishes us, the punishment always fits the crime – what the Sages call מדה כנגד מדה, measure for measure. God’s actions are always proportionate and fair. Parshat Chukat really puts that belief to the test. The Israelites complain about the manna – and God sends poisonous snakes to attack them. Is that a fair and just response? That doesn't sound מדה כנגד מדה. But maybe that's because we're misunderstanding the real crime and the real punishment here. What if the people weren't really complaining about the manna? And what if God didn't really send snakes to attack the people? Join Daniel Loewenstein as he analyzes the story of the snakes in the wilderness, and suggests there's a different story hiding in the details – a story that has something important to teach us, today. And no, it’s not about how to react when our kids don’t like what’s for dinner – it’s actually about what it means to be independent. Click here to watch "Where It All Went Wrong." https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/0h9m1q60fk 887 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-past-isnt-gone The Past Isn't Gone https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-6c00f1ee-9641-4562-a078-ac65b0454dc0/Zqd-7x5LeNNTxj_p_TBAfterOctober7thumbnail.png In this second episode, Rabbi David Fohrman continues to explore the concept of transgenerational listening through the recitation of kinot. How can we genuinely listen to voices from the past? And once we do, what impact does this listening have on us as the listener? By re-examining the nature of the past and drawing on the inner child theory, Rabbi Fohrman invites us to consider an alternate way of viewing the practice of kinot— could it be that we are doing something more than lamenting? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/n3dgnv1lk2 626 2024-07-29T18:22:06.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-were-there-days-of-creation-week-2 Why Were There Days of Creation? Week 2 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-6c050700-8d87-49d3-a3a5-736c91e29f26/YzMyNmFjMzAtODU4NC00MGIyLWJjYjMtZmE5NDc2NzJlNzc4_68e5ed8e-1b43-4166-9c24-3e8a844c8d94_tale-of-two-names-p2-2019-v2.jpg In this week's lecture, Rabbi Fohrman goes through the opening verses of Creation, and helps us understand, just what these 'days' were anyway? The result is a beautiful revelation of God's graciousness and power, and brings a different meaning to the Shema we say every morning and every night. For our latest, most expansive and refined material on this subject, be sure to watch our fully animate course Making Sense of Morning Prayers. This lecture is part 2 of a 3 part series. For the first series on A Tale of Two Names , be sure to listen to A Tale of Two Names: Elokim and YHVH. For the last in the lecture series, listen to A Tale of Two Names: From The Garden To The Flood. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/0vfpbzk82h 5176 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/korach-why-did-korach-rebel-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-defense-of-rebecca A Defense of Rebecca https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-6c51d62e-2788-4683-9059-c067e046f6a2/ZGRiOTIxYjQtMGY2ZS00NWFhLWE2YTMtNTZlZTlmMGQxOTM0_3ba62960-2427-494e-9bf4-61de0f223de4_isaac-and-rebecca-1280.jpg In this video, Rabbi Fohrman encourages us to read the Torah without the end of the story in mind. He shows us three pieces of evidence that complicate our narrative, that Rebecca enlisted Jacob and schemed to steal the birthright from Esau. This evidence adds up to an astonishing new way of seeing the story of Jacob and Esau - all from Rebecca's perspective. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/dyx05llbfm 342 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-winter-moed The Winter Moed https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-6c6eae93-705f-4729-9f43-947dc8a2de8c/44580a7e-19c7-468a-9a5e-1e1b4dc08514_why-light-candles-and-ignore-the-war-1920.jpg In this video, Rabbi Fohrman continues to explore the question of why we celebrate the miracle of lights and commemorate Hanukkah through lighting the candles. Rabbi Fohrman shows that by looking at the negative space and examining both what is said and not said in the text about the holidays, one can see a subtle reference to the holiday of Hanukkah, showing the significance of the miracle of the oil in letting us know that we are not alone, and God is with us. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ahzi1rsrlj 695 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-can-i-achieve-true-love 2026-04-28T07:04:35.632Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/aleph-beta-reacts-vayikra-5775 Aleph Beta Reacts Vayikra 5775 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-6c9b385b-03af-41fb-9803-7f6afd4d9f06/YmM3YTFmZDMtM2IxOC00MjY0LTk0NDctZmJhZDA4Njg1NTUy_zdjkogfiowety2u1zi00ndq0lthlyzktywy3otyzotdjnzi5_aleph-beta-reacts-vayikra-5775.png Aleph Beta Reacts Vayikra 5775 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/c53o0vt4n2 535 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/episode-6-one-god-two-names Class 6 - March 4, 2025 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-6c9c5a04-9260-4cf0-ac6f-0b32580397b7/Z5o8ApbqstJ99_wO_newcoursever5thumbnailMAIN002.png Join Rabbi Fohrman for an unprecedented exploration into one of the Torah's most profound mysteries: The interplay between the divine names Elohim and Yud-Heh-Vav-Heh. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/9tmbfsnzh4 6058 2025-03-05T12:08:36.000Z yes yes 2026-02-13T03:13:20.664Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-the-bible-defines-humility-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/does-god-ever-change-his-mind-bible-examples Can We Change God’s Mind With Our Prayers? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-6cfad730-7e7e-441c-828c-dbd93d367b2d/Zn7Qzx5LeNNTwoam_Can-We-Change-Gods-Mind-With-Our-Prayers-1920.jpg Does God ever change His mind because of our prayers? This video explores two Midrashim that discuss humans attempting to counter the angel of death. Yes, you heard right – the Rabbis discussed whether or not we can outsmart death. Beneath the surface of these two stories are deep lessons about how we can change God’s mind through prayer. Can we listen to the sometimes implicit messages that God is sending us? Can we respond appropriately? These are just some of the elements that go into effective prayer. In this week's parsha video, Rabbi Forhman points out that these two fascinating stories seem to have contradictory lessons about the way we interact with God. These stories force us to ask a theological question: what influence, if any, can we have on God's mind with our prayers? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ssgo69m4ny 639 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/israels-relationship-with-god-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/rabbi-fohrmans-7-helpful-tools 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-keruvim-on-the-curtains The Keruvim On The Curtains https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-6d3e3ffa-6bd8-4d8f-ae55-16ff1be6096b/Y2FhZDZiZTMtYjIxYS00OTY2LWI4ZGMtMmExNzRkYmM4MDQz_9747a792-ebdc-4c83-802c-d6387da0f0c4_angelsinthetabernacle.jpg In this video, Rabbi Fohrman continues his exploration of the Mishkan, a human house built for God, and explains that the three partitions of the Mishkan are each a way of peeling back a layer of creation – so we can truly connect with God. For the Part 1 of this video, click here . https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ajdhy4opg0 914 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/english-source-notes-lecture-3 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/divine-justice-in-egypt Finding Divine Justice https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-6d63e6a6-58d4-452f-b992-d8e5355d91af/Z-8vWHdAxsiBwTcM_PesachAftertheHolocaust00402.png Rabbi Fohrman ends the video series by asking an important philosophical question regarding the Exodus story. Did God ever judge the Egyptians? Aside from taking the Jewish people out of Egypt, was there greater divine justice to be had? And if so, what does it look like? Based on the previous texts that were studied in depth, Rabbi Fohrman shows how divine justice isn't something you see immediately, but rather it can be something that is meted out centuries later. His response to the Exodus can be found in the most interesting of places - in Deuteronomy 20. Come take a look. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/p10r89683p 1070 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hidden-dimensions-of-sefirat-haomer-hebrew-source-sheet 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/golden-calf-lecture-9-powerpoint 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vaetchanan-parshat-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hanukkah-family-activity-booklet 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vayeilech-torah-ending-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-world-before-creation The World Before Creation https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-6e403153-507a-4b3d-ada1-cb6ff29eda33/MGI3N2Y1N2MtY2U4NC00NmJmLTlhMjItMmY3M2E5MmE0ZGQ3_72ea233c-dbde-4584-9100-bbaf4ba04eab_what-we-lost-when-the-temple-was-destroyed-1920.jpg Rabbi Fohrman takes a look at some puzzling details in the story of Creation. Then we return to the questions we asked about the Mishkan and begin to look at how these two “building” projects mirror each other. And this correspondence between the two may just be a key to answering all of our questions – about Creation, the Tabernacle, and Tisha B’Av. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ns0kx2xxxk 885 2023-10-12T18:52:17.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/amalek-the-rise-of-antisemitism-presentation 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/meaning-of-life-what-bible-says What is the Meaning of Life? Part 5 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-6e652d6b-ff28-4af7-bb42-bf8a696290f7/Z40BepbqstJ99mnG_themeaningoflife2025001.png What is the meaning of life? Watch part V of this series. This podcast represents an earlier version of ideas that are further developed in the lecture series A Tale of Two Names: Elokim and YHVH . https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/dd2fp663dy 3064 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-cant-you-cook-milk-and-meat-together 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/august-16-2022-eikev-what-does-god-want-from-us 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/moses-golden-calf-ten-commandments Shattered Tablets And The Calf Of Gold II https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-6e9733de-44dc-43da-8e29-973f03696e25/YmM3NTVmZDItYjI3ZC00ZDg1LTllNmQtMjQ4Yzg0NWNlZTdl_zji1mjkznzytytizzc00mwiwlwfimdgtzja2zddjnjdknmrm_moses-golden-calf-ten-commandments.jpg Shattered Tablets and the Calf of Gold Part II https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/2oe39jkmco 3778 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/can-we-change-gods-will 2026-04-20T22:10:45.689Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tabernacle-dedication-king-ahasuerus-feast-purim What Does The Induction Ceremony For The Priests Have To Do With... Purim? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-6f4b9f0b-c472-4659-88de-48d2ea824280/ZTU1NTA3ZGQtYzdlMi00MGY2LWExMGItYTc2Yzg2OWI0ZjUw_cb99e89c-59e4-4216-a27f-f97c3f2cd8f6_tabernacle-dedication-king-ahasuerus-feast-purim.jpg We learn in Shemini about the induction of Aaron and his sons into the priesthood as part of the Tabernacle's consecration. Interestingly, there are bunch of similarities – in language, and in theme – between this story, and the story of King Ahasuerus in Megillat Esther. But what does the induction of the Tabernacle's priests have to do with Esther?? Join Rabbi Fohrman and Rivky as they examine this puzzle – and never think about the priesthood, or Megillat Esther the same way again. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/rwahh8x4w6 2555 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/confusing-the-satan Yamim Noraim: Meaning & Significance https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-6f5634e1-5ced-454b-bef6-1edd4673ee00/Z4bYv5bqstJ99dt6_awevsfear0022025.png In this lecture, Rabbi Fohrman discusses the Days of Awe (“Yamim Noraim”), days during which many of us associate with guilt and fear. But is “awe” the same thing as “fear”? Can we give ourselves permission to break free of the painful emotions that often accompany these days, and experience this inspiring time of year in a brand new, uplifting way? Discover other great videos for the High Holidays at Aleph Beta, including “Understanding Unetaneh Tokef”, “How To Get Closer To God” and The 13 Attributes of God.” https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/u9d4iqne49 4709 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-21T19:04:55.258Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/korachs-fatal-mistake 2026-02-24T10:47:35.081Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-kiddush 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-connection-between-marriage-and-kingship The Connection Between Marriage and Kingship https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-6fa6886b-20b4-4591-b71f-8035a51c7bd4/YWE2MDJmMzEtNDgxZS00YmY5LWE5YzEtNzFlN2Y2YTViYWYx_4668f442-2b50-4f2a-8157-99084710514d_marriageandkingshipmain.png The marriage of Isaac and Rebecca. The crowning of King Saul. Two stories that seem to have nothing to do with each other. One about the joining of two individuals, the other about appointing a king over an entire nation. And yet, Rabbi Forhman notices that these two stories are packed with textual parallels. What could it mean? Rabbi Fohrman explores these connections to uncover something amazing about the nature of marriage and the nature of a monarchy. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/xdt1yvurbf 562 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tale-of-two-names-from-the-garden-to-the-flood-6 A Tale of Two Names: From The Garden To The Flood - Week 6 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-6fb445e7-3a0b-4b38-a7ea-90ea5c6201c9/ZGI4YTZmOWEtZWUzMS00ODVkLWEzMGItMzMxMDM0ZmQ2YzZk_31e41109-3a53-4825-a693-183a6cb28927_tale-of-two-names-final-p3-01.jpg As we are kicked out of the Garden of Eden, we have to wonder: what is our purpose in life? What are mankind's goals? Rabbi Fohrman has an answer to that, three actually, that we can find from the text of the story of Adam and Eve. Join him in this weeks lecture as we try to understand: what do we do now? The following lecture is based on an earlier lecture series given in 2001, The Tree of Life vs The Tree of Knowledge, which became the basis of Rabbi Fohrman's book, The Beast that Crouches at the Door. For a later, more expansive version of this course, be sure to listen to Genesis Unveiled. This lecture is part 3 of a 3 part series. For the first two lecture series on A Tale of Two Names, be sure to listen to A Tale of Two Names: Elokim and YHVH. and A Tale of Two Names: Why Were There Days of Creation? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/5lw32e3ol2 4355 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-second-half-of-the-story 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/al-naharot-bavel-by-the-waters-of-babylon Al Naharot Bavel: By the Waters of Babylon https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-6fc932c3-ec55-40eb-af53-a8f80b771156/ZjlhYmRiNDgtYTA2My00ZTRiLThiNzItOWZjZDk5Nzg4OWZi_57dab2bd-81fa-4392-8ac0-50bd0797207d_alnaharotbavelfinal.png 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. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/j0lk96kg97 10794 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-did-god-want-to-kill-moses-part-5 Why Did God Want to Kill Moses? - Part 5 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/members/1773570425451-a0ed04e1-When_God_Tried_to_Kill_Moses_thumbnail_new.png 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. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/8cvbnd8t63 911 2023-12-14T17:40:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-did-moses-do-wrong-1-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/blno-s2-epilogue-part-1 2026-01-22T19:27:56.810Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/in-this-video-rabbi-fohrman-is-joined-by-adam-mintz The Role of the Daughter of Pharaoh in the Story of Yetziat Mizraim https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7027c946-addc-4c25-90ae-81af5136a08e/MWMyNDZhOGEtOTc3MC00MDY4LTg3YWUtYzI0Zjk4MjVjNDhh_a6f47202-9b3d-4ce0-9d0b-655dd7248b49_929-event-daughter-pharaoh-d1.jpg In this video, Rabbi Fohrman is joined by Adam Mintz, Director of 929 English, for a discussion about the role of Pharaoh's Daughter in the story of Yetziat Mizraim. This discussion was recorded live on Zoom, June 25, 2020. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/npo1nz7p8l 4592 2023-10-12T18:56:07.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-biblical-echo-israel A Biblical Echo https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7058d80e-a49e-4a51-b9b0-d40fa10988e8/Y2FiOWMyMWEtMjdkMy00M2ZmLTk4OGQtMjA2MDViOTY5OGNj_99636003-85a0-4768-a352-85004c7b4876_shirhamaalotplantingwithtearsnew001.png 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… https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/0jhwuvl1eu 399 2023-12-14T17:40:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/symbolism-tabernacle-veil-curtain-colors Why Do The Details Matter? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-707d645f-d0eb-4623-b88e-91947ad4bb20/245a7067-0b0b-45b3-b4b8-3b08ffc9fad1_Why-Do-The-Details-Matter-1920.jpg There are some commandments that are easy to connect to. Nobody wonders why it's prohibited to murder or steal. People connect with the spiritual and historical significance of the festivals. And the command to build a Mishkan, a home for God in the midst of the Israelite camp, could be one – if it weren't for those inscrutable details. Ram skins. Acacia wood. Bells and pomegranates. And cubits – oh, the cubits. So many of us can't connect to these details, because they don't seem to mean anything. They don't have any obvious spiritual significance. If we dig a little deeper, though, maybe we could find some. Join Daniel Loewenstein as he digs into the meaning of one of the features of the Mishkan: the colors of the walls. But it doesn't end there; the Bible also seems to indicate that each color on its own has a unique meaning. For a deeper discussion, read Daniel's blog: A Deeper Dive Into The Symbolism Of The Tabernacle's Colors Click here to watch: Noach: Why A Flood, Of All Things? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/4wphwq7jtu 660 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-naked-paradox A Naked Paradox https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-708812e4-6334-4b13-ba9f-6ffc3edd72a5/ZWUwYTA5OWMtYzg5OC00MjZjLThiMjQtY2VhZTM3YjkyZmEx_ndu3ndmyngqtnguzzc00otfilwjlyzitzty0ntq2zmrkmjk3_238_garden_8.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman highlights and explores the prominent theme of "Nakedness" throughout the Adam and Eve story, and how the same hebrew word can be used for two seemingly opposite concepts. For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/pl160non8p 640 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/noach-how-do-we-reconcile-science-and-torah 2026-02-24T11:00:28.970Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/eliezer-rebekah-isaac-marriage Eliezer and Samuel's Surprising Connection https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-70918315-6436-4608-bbba-23d8eebf81c7/NzI0MTI1YmEtNWNhMC00YmFjLWFhZjQtOGQxMjQ2M2FiOTQ1_otnkmtuzntqtzge0ni00zmyxltk4otgtnje3yty5nzc4ngy5_eliezer-rebecca-isaac-marriage-story.jpg Parshat Chayei Sarah tells the tale of Abraham’s servant (presumably Eliezer) and his search for a wife for Isaac – but hidden within this account is a series of words and phrases whose echoes we find, almost word for word, elsewhere in the Torah. At face value, this 'other' story seems to have little to do with the story of Eliezer finding Rebekah by the well: It’s about the selection of one of Israel’s national leaders, not about finding a wife. But in this video, Rabbi Fohrman suggests that the two stories have quite a lot in common indeed – and that the Torah is showing us the common thread that links Isaac and Rebekah's marriage with the idea of kingship. This video pushes beyond the obvious answers and offers a novel idea about what makes nations rise and fall, and what makes marriages succeed or fail. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/beuxmg5w6e 541 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-21T19:14:53.327Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/moshe-s-efficiency-crisis Moshe's "Efficiency" Crisis https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-70927184-0b55-426e-a40a-eea4ccdcd46e/YzIxMTA5MzMtMDE4MC00MGZhLWExNTMtMjZkNmQzMzlkNjE4_49343655-4933-4685-9a33-04c0493f27e8_moshes-efficiency-crisis-1920.jpg Soon after Moshe and his father-in-law Yitro reunite, Yitro gets a chance to observe the way Moshe runs things in the Israelite camp. And he isn't impressed with the way Moshe handles the people's legal disputes. Moshe is the sole judge, spending all his time hearing claims and forcing hundreds of people to wait for hours for a chance to be heard. So Yitro offers alternative advice: appoint other judges as leaders, and have them handle the small stuff. Is this story in the Torah just to teach us about the importance of efficiency? Maybe. But if that's all it is, then why are there strange echoes to the story of the creation of Eve, all the way at the beginning of the Bible? Join Daniel Loewenstein as he explores the reason God decided man needed a partner, and how that relates to Yitro's leadership advice to Moshe – and to us. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/an0sx50zkb 913 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/bamidbar-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/golden-calf-story-summary Shattered Tablets And The Calf Of Gold X https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-70a4500c-f340-48f2-aa0a-a6f999c72500/NzJlZjZiMDYtM2YxZS00YmQ4LTkyNDktNTAwNGQ3MzNhNWRk_zdm1yjhkmtitywjlyi00yjg4lwi0ymmtymy2y2y4yja0ywm3_golden-calf-story-summary.jpg Shattered Tablets and the Calf of Gold Part X https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/z678nlj3iy 4613 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/mishpatim-law-epilogue Epilogue: Milk And Meat, And Fratricide? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7122ec33-1d43-49c4-a09a-c4bdc0447a42/NjhhYTBkY2ItY2FlNi00YTAyLWJlMDQtODViOTE1YWYwNTUz_66e9bf03-6f16-4ed3-9c13-4edc4860860e_epilogue-milk-and-meat-and-fratricide-1920.jpg In the previous video on Mishpatim law , we saw that the story of Joseph and his brothers is hiding in some of the legal verses in the parsha. But that is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many more surprising echoes to the Joseph story throughout the section of laws here. Join Ami as he uncovers these parallels, and be prepared to rethink the meaning behind some of the Torah's most well-known and familiar laws. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/tzrpxuaest 623 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-to-get-closer-to-god 2026-04-20T17:01:36.141Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/sukkot-meaning-why-we-celebrate-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vayeilech-torah-ending-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/phantom-akeidah-lectures 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/seeing-layers-in-the-ten-commandments-student-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-long-and-twisted-road The Long and Twisted Road https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-71d8c2f0-2dc7-451e-87b3-ac0f26027e62/Z-1uIXdAxsiBwPP9_makingsenseofmaggid003.png Rabbi Fohrman outlines the path we take to get to the real story within the Hagaddah, pointing out different verses that are included for no apparent reason, and hinting that they are windows into a deeper meaning. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ngpx16ddfv 812 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/life-of-elijah-bible-study Lecture VIII https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-71f34465-5c6e-40a3-9b51-f9fee02adeea/Zpb1Ix5LeNNTxN1c_what-is-a-defender-of-god-part-8-1920.jpg This audio takes a step back to examine the many layers and parallels of the Elijah story. Rabbi Fohrman explores various intertextual allusions between the Elijah story and those of Noah, Abraham and others. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/58ihizdge1 3446 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/prophet-for-hire-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/eden-in-depth-part-6 Eden in Depth Part 6 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-721739fb-9757-4387-aa8a-414dd7380244/YjE1M2M2YjYtOTNiMC00NDIwLTg4MTgtNGUzMzE1ODc1M2My_f230dd18-af62-4b4b-b7b0-43be7d9f5c6e_edenindepthmain-640.jpg Eden in Depth Part 6 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/7bcvq2soi5 414 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/recognition-and-respect Recognition and Respect https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-729a2b77-bf7f-485a-bb69-d33c653b300f/aC6SaydWJ-7kSa0y_ruthsnightwithboaz005.png Rabbi Fohrman shifts his focus to the narrative of Judah and Tamar, exploring the commentary of Rashi and how Judah's role in the sale of Joseph resulted in his descending, both physically and spiritually. Rabbi Fohrman emphasizes the value of recognition and respect, connecting the narrative to the book of Ruth. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/99qn2y74se 594 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parshat-vayera-lots-fake-kindness 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/recognition Recognition https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-729cc94e-0609-4503-a88c-5f1a2faf0d7f/N2FlZWY1OWYtY2Q5OC00MDE0LWI0NWQtYzE3Y2ZjMjYwMmQ4_ngqymmqwzditntcyzi00oge1ltlimtctodyyyjjmntezodgw_recognition_1512147970034.jpg Judah: A Perplexing Character? Part 21 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/yc58c0iqpl 656 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/who-cares-about-genealogy-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/reindeer-and-latkes-arent-the-winter-holidays-suspiciously-similar 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-ten-commandments-readers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/akeidah-heroism-or-murder-part-3 Akeidah: Heroism or Murder? III https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-735885d4-956d-4cb5-a219-c8c0ae48eb9f/Z4AKM5bqstJ99Rj8_AkeidahNEW004.png Akeidah: Heroism or Murder? Part 3 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/yed5252xnr 3113 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-phantom-boxer The Phantom Boxer https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-73a5b990-95d0-4851-bf6e-6a46ff468f39/M2ZlYTk4OGUtZDhiYy00MWY5LWFiZGItYzE2YTBkODY2NWZj_mte1ogy3otetymzlys00zgm2lwi4ymitnta1ytmzywixodkw_246_genesis_15.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman identifies the one dilemma that is unlike the others in that it does not have two competing values. In that one case, the only competing "value" is the person's own desires: the Phantom Boxer. For a more in depth version of Genesis Unveiled, we recommend listening to A Brief History Of The World: From Adam To Abraham, the first of four sets of lecture series that span the entire book of Genesis! Be sure to listen to it all! The remaining sets of lecture series are: Abraham's Journey 1, Abraham's Journey 2, and Jacob: Man of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/h07c748d8y 811 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/june-14-2022-beha-alotcha-what-started-the-israeli 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-bible-says-masters-slavery-strange-jewish-laws Slavery and Psychology https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-73d2bb74-46eb-4802-8166-1a75480f42c4/ZGYyOWMyMzktY2EyMS00OGU1LThjNWQtNjQzY2ZlMTk5Y2Uw_56303d9b-015d-4060-9de5-70a977915f92_slavery-and-psychology-1920.jpg In this week's parsha, we are given the commandments relating to a Jew having a Jewish slave. The Biblical slavery laws in Deuteronomy seem strange: we give gifts to our slaves? If they want to stay, we must pierce their ear? It can be difficult to relate to these kinds of ancient Hebrew slavery laws, which hardly seem relevant thousands of years later. How are we supposed to understand these weird Jewish laws of slavery in a modern context? Rabbi Fohrman goes through these oddities to show us that the Bible is reminding us of our own national slavery in Egypt. In doing so, he uncovers a modern guide on how we should also let go of those who work with us, with grace and empathy. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/3q8o86126m 675 2023-10-12T18:54:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T22:02:07.268Z weekly 0.7