https://members.alephbeta.org/content/yaakov-man-of-truth-5 Jacob Man of Truth? V / Poison Pill: Rachel & the Tree of Knowledge I https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-73f5af0a-8d3d-470d-a15f-d3da7fe535e1/MTc4OWI1ZmUtNTQzYS00NzFhLTk1NGQtZmZmZTk2YzZmNzZj_10f19d6f-a5e2-42ab-b0fd-53cb1fd4d48f_jacobmanoftruth.jpg Jacob Man of Truth? V / Poison Pill: Rachel & the Tree of Knowledge I 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/sfycdtl0d9 4048 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-can-we-transmit-god-s-values How Can We Transmit God's Values? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7402149a-f4dc-479b-9a3a-897750b1bd9d/Zkzfhyol0Zci9VGw_How-Can-We-Transmit-God's-Values-1920.jpg Welcome to the book of Bamidbar! We've finally closed the book on Leviticus. We're done with sacrifices, done with laws about priests, and done with the intricate details of the Tabernacle. We can finally get into the more interesting stories of the travels in the desert, like Moses hitting the rock, the spies exploring Israel, and the rebellion of Korach. But...that's not how the book starts. Instead, Bamidbar opens with a census of the entire nation of Israel. Then, we're told about the nation's traveling formation. And finally, the Torah focuses on the Levites, and their special work related to the mishkan. All of this seems like an odd introduction to Bamidbar. And the Levites' Tabernacle responsibilities seems particularly out of place, considering that we just finished Leviticus, much of which is about the Tabernacle service of the other special group from the tribe of Levi – the Kohanim. Why is this the introduction to Bamidbar? In this video, we dive into the new role of the Levites, and see how it gives us a window into understanding our own responsibility, and our destiny. For ''Bamidbar: Why We Count'', click here . https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/d891gxs5og 820 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T22:15:59.958Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/understanding-why-purim-is-called-purim Understanding Why Purim Is Called Purim https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7408a9ef-e753-4f18-8632-9f71c82def1a/Z8iJUxsAHJWomJxU_whyispurimnamedafterhamanslots002.png Rabbi Fohrman takes a closer look at the words in the Book of Numbers and shows how a change in the vowelization of the passage becomes almost a prophetic message to Esther, hundreds of years later. If she chooses not to remain silent, her actions have the opportunity to save the Jewish nation from mass-genocide. Rabbi Fohrman also further demonstrates that the holiday of Purim is named for Esther's actions and not for Haman's. Want to understand how? Watch the video to find out! https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/augvq2wgh2 479 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/we-are-family-abrahamic-legacy-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/bar-bat-mitzvah-preparation-lesson Uncovering the Torah’s Core Principles https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-744fe1b0-cca5-4b8e-8da3-c6c0794f17b1/755928e2-f7ec-43f4-b129-e4eb2259e72a_002-uncovering-the-torahs-core-principles-1920.jpg Are there deeper underlying values behind the Torah’s commandments? If so, what are they? Where would you even begin to look for them? 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/mefyjboqcb 1161 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/book-of-ruth-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/who-sold-joseph-to-slavery-video Who Really Sold Joseph? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-746c537f-7c52-453e-a43b-b35399d23433/53189276-e7d9-465a-a03a-ec680c6b4ed2_who-really-sold-joseph-thumbnail-1920.jpg Although we grow up learning that the brothers sold Joseph, a closer look at the text, and at the accompanying Rashbam, complicates that understanding. In this week's parsha course, we unravel the sale of Joseph and discuss the implications of such a theory: what is blame? Where does responsibility begin? And most importantly, how do I make moral decisions? Dig deeper with this in-depth course by Rabbi Fohrman: The Joseph Story https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/sll5e8osrh 631 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tisha-bav-5776-2016-3 Hezekiah Takes Action https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7496b698-3cef-4ef2-902f-3d20c4812756/ZpEXvB5LeNNTxGWS_The-Messiah-That-Almost-Was-1920.jpg Rabbi Fohrman explores the actions and steps Chizkiah takes consequent to becoming King, showing how they build upon each other, reaching further and further in their influence and impact. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/8juaaajmhd 1142 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/joseph-powerpoint-7 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-does-ark-covenant-represent God's Ark: A Place For God In Man's World https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-74fff7d4-f2f2-4e6f-95b4-81c3818388a9/ZjdkYTYzNWMtMDhhMi00YmZkLTk4YTItOTU4MjYxNGZhZDBm_68357009-2454-48fd-aa8b-86555f52f677_godsarkandnoahsark.jpg The Ark of the covenant and Noah's ark seem to be a mirror of each other. They have opposite appearances and identical functions. But what if there was more? What if there were more connections between these two arks? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he uncovers an incredible, overarching connection between these two arks that will help us understand the power of the Ark of the Covenant- one of the most mystical powers of all time. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ndfozx2zau 976 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/isael-generational-blessings-curses Fire and Brimstone... Again? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-750295fd-daf1-4ded-80f9-8c602e8fcee9/NzIyMWQyNGEtNTE1ZS00MDBiLTg5MDItM2YyMjhmM2U2ZmM2_fd218f05-a25f-46db-8d5b-0d3537b8ec51_fire-and-brimstone-thumbnail-1920.jpg In Parshat Nitzavim, the Torah describes a certain kind of sinner who seems to think that God just won't punish him. This sinner, we're told, most certainly will be punished – and in a pretty surprising way. The Torah tells us that his fate will mirror the fate of Sodom: fire, brimstone, the whole shebang. But why would this person's arrogant attitude warrant this particular reaction? Is there something about this sinner that's somehow connected to Sodom? As a matter of fact, the answer might just be "yes." There are other, subtle clues in Parshat Nitzavim that seem to be pointing us back to the story of Sodom – and to one specific part of it, in particular: Abraham's plea on the city's behalf . And when we start to examine these clues, we might just learn something critical about what it really means to be a part of God's nation. Click here for: What Is Israel’s Purpose In The World? Click here to read Daniel's blog: Making Sense of Mysterious Verses: A Case Study https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/7zebgdm0hl 994 2023-10-12T18:54:34.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/10-sabbaths-third-world-pdf 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/cains-tree-knowledge-good-evil-sermon Cain's World https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-75224887-85ed-46c2-bd60-5fbbe5aff018/Mjc1MmY4MjEtYTZlYy00ODkzLWI5ZjAtMjNkMTA1NGRlNDBj_a75248e3-d969-4d30-972f-1357dc74e0c4_good-and-evil-in-the-garden-of-eden-1920.jpg Cain's World https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/tw9m0hx939 3452 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/bible-study-aaron-eleazar-itamar-priests What Does Aaron Teach Us About Loss? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-753f1dd7-3f5a-438a-9229-6f4f6ab23ee2/ZgcSK8t2UUcvBR84_What-Does-Aaron-Teach-Us-About-Loss-1920.jpg What do we know about the inner emotional experience of Aaron the High Priest? Of Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's two younger sons, also Priests? In this week's video, Rabbi Fohrman tackles a very strange scene: after the sudden death of Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's two sons, Moses gets in a disagreement with Aaron's other two sons about a sacrifice they should have brought. What was this argument fundamentally about? This lesser known story of Aaron, Eleazar, and Ithamar gives us a peek into how the family dealt with their sudden loss. Was the sacrifice mix-up by Eleazar and Ithamar an intentional or accidental transgression? An even bigger question is: Why didn't they die for it, like their dearly departed brothers? By looking closer at the argument between Aaron and Moses, we get a rare glimpse at the human emotional side of Aaron, Eleazar, and Ithamar, behind their ritual obligations as Priests. By following the story of Aaron, Eleazar, and Ithamar, we find a poignant message about about overcoming loss. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/jqxi7u28fq 649 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/lecture-iv Lecture IV https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-75501aba-9739-4917-bbc5-ea747bee8824/YzNkMWQ4NTYtZjdjNy00N2QwLTkwMzMtYzc0NTVkYTZiZTM4_83e987cf-f213-41f8-b379-e349994a8250_thumbnail_series_abrahams-journey-2_draft-1.jpg Please note that this audio was recorded as an 'unplanned' lecture between Lecture III and Lecture V, addressing questions raised by thoughtful listeners. Enjoy! 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/kazapkvnpy 4179 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/epilogue-pre-hanukkah-webinar Epilogue: Pre Hanukkah Webinar https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-75585eb3-70ae-4de5-ac32-bb0a80666ec9/Z2RhNpbqstJ98sf6_hanukkahforgrownups0012024.png In this webinar, originally recorded as a Facebook Live video on Monday, December 18, 2017, Rabbi David Fohrman and Imu (and the audience!) discuss their emotions heading into Hanukkah. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/uxdy6s4y1t 4213 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/birkat-hamazon 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/spying-in-the-family Spying in the Family https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-75768cdb-6b04-420d-97c7-c545fbd5c143/YzYzMTE0MTUtMjA4My00MDdjLTk3NDktNDQ3MmQyNmE3OTBm_3ac5fbe0-087a-44d9-b1bd-2cb35ee2ec33_tb-spies-1280.jpg The story of the spies is echoed in a previous Biblical story. Both stories shed light on one another and help us understand each story in a deeper, more meaningful way. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/is5bkf9wdt 474 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-art-of-negotiation-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/jacobs-ladder-as-a-window-into-israels-mission Jacob's Ladder as a Window into Israel's Mission https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7592007d-c134-41a7-9efe-302f5d79a54c/MjUxZDU5ODAtNWRhMy00Njk4LWFmMDYtMjQ5MmE2OTcwNzY5_njg2nzvjodetymq5my00yziylwfkztgtzgnlmze4ndzkmdfi_jacobs-ladder-as-a-window-into-israels-mission.png Rabbi Fohrman's live webinars. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ptudwt01v7 3264 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/yaakov-man-of-truth-4 Jacob: Man of Truth? IV https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-75cd695d-ab3a-4390-a575-d2dc3369dc68/ZGNhNGEzNzAtNTlhYS00YTcyLTgzZGEtZWVmNjc2NTczMmYy_10f19d6f-a5e2-42ab-b0fd-53cb1fd4d48f_jacobmanoftruth.jpg Jacob: Man of Truth Part IV 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/67ocq8nzi0 3568 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/naso-the-torahs-guide-to-parental-love The Torah's Guide To Parental Love https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7664e77d-ca91-4d2c-943d-6d4e57bc2899/ZkzhgSol0Zci9VHo_What-Does-The-Torah-Teach-About-Parenting-001-part-2-1920.jpg In Part 2 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/4haj0niakd 730 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/conscience-morality-bible-judaism-god-voice What If You Could Hear God’s Voice? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-772da82a-f58a-46b2-9e94-aea56b43c5f4/Z4AJ2ZbqstJ99Rjk_repentance0012025.png The High Holiday season is a time of introspection. But let’s get real: The prospect of taking an honest look at our past deeds over the course of a year – it can feel every bit as appealing as a trip to the dentist. And that makes this a hard time of year. Indeed, for most of us, “guilt” is one of our least favorite emotions; we reflexively avoid it at almost any cost. How, then, are we to welcome a time of year that causes us so much angst? In this talk, Rabbi Fohrman finds answers to these questions as he leads us on an epic journey from the high holidays, to the search for chametz, to the life of Yehudah, scion of the Davidic dynasty. He suggests, through an analysis of these sources, that how we manage guilt depends entirely on how we choose to relate to our inner sense of conscience, the place from which regret springs. Through a careful analysis of Biblical and rabbinic texts, he argues that “the little voice inside us” that we associate with our conscience is a part of ourselves we need to make friends with. If we shun it, we weaken ourselves; if we embrace it, we will find it loves us back. In the end, he argues, regret – when embraced – is a powerful engine not just to change ourselves, but to win friends, influence people, and make positive change in the outside world. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/stymlcyxd0 5516 2023-10-12T18:54:34.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T17:39:33.501Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/yavneh-rabbinic-judaism-origin-second-temple-destruction EPILOGUE Yavneh: Creation Of Rabbinic Judaism https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-77663a34-951c-4a87-93a1-39be07a7197c/NjNkMjQwOWQtZmZjYS00ZGRmLThlOTgtZjVmMzNmODkwMGUw_ae8d369e-21ef-48b8-9ad4-1fb40f40cec4_how-did-we-survive-epilogue-1280.jpg Epilogue - Yavneh: Creation of Rabbinic Judaism https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/60lok53enm 2143 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-solomons-wisdom A Closer Look At Solomon’s Wisdom https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7784493d-adec-4ecd-a8a4-7da9f03ef734/MjgyODU1ZGMtZWFlYi00NThmLWFkN2ItNGYxMjM3M2Q2OTM2_fe60adb8-fcb3-4448-a4dd-52608e2f5eed_beginning-of-the-end-640.jpg In order to better understand Solomon’s wisdom, Rabbi Fohrman turns a critical eye on the story immediately following the dream encounter with God – the famous story of Solomon judging between two women who both claim to be the mother of the same baby. Solomon uncovers the real mother by threatening to cut the baby in two – but is this clever trick really such a feat of incredible wisdom?  https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/5pau55ffmt 425 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/jacob-esau-reconcile-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tzav-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/eden-in-depth-part-19 Eden in Depth Part 19 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-77c537c8-5937-45d1-91a7-bd8affef17a1/ZkZvuSol0Zci9OR4_edenindepthmain-640.jpg Eden in Depth Part 19 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/hvvn46nbhn 1018 2024-05-16T20:44:30.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/abraham-sarah-hagar-ishmael Epilogue: Abram, Sarai, Hagar, Ishmael And...Exodus? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-77ccf6eb-a187-41bf-a091-7bcd21010ce0/YWNlODMwYzktNmQ3MC00Mzc1LWI3N2YtNWVjMGMyMGUyMTRl_70e21c20-9e6f-4ad3-bfeb-9ce93166fbb5_theembodimentofkindnessepilogue002.png This is an epilogue to our Parshat Vayeira video, "Abram, Sarai, Hagar, Ishmael And...Exodus?" https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/xl51ciyakj 464 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/two-trees-garden-eden Good and Evil In The Garden Of Eden https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-780433bf-33ef-4619-8fc4-d414e083887b/Z4AIt5bqstJ99RiF_goodandevilinthegardenofeden0012025.png What does it mean for us to recognize God as our King, Master of the universe? In this series, Rabbi Fohrman examines the early chapters of Genesis to discover just what God's mastery is all about – and what it really means to recognize it. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/879qp4l99t 3195 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/nadab-abihu-death-story The Untold "Backstory" Of Nadav And Avihu https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7808da32-5857-481c-9442-100bdab79250/NDFkZjAzNmUtODI4Ni00MDNkLTlkNjYtMmVhODExNzBjODky_b3a62bdf-5c3c-4da1-b3ee-32a3c90f6763_theuntoldbackstory.jpg The death of Aaron’s sons, Nadav and Avihu, is one of the most tragic and mystifying stories in the entire Torah. They were bringing a fiery sacrifice to God – and God struck them dead. Most people who study this story tend to get stuck on the question: “What did they do wrong?? I thought sacrificing to God was a good thing!” But there’s one other question that gets much less attention — but is just as important: Why Nadav and Avihu? What motivated them to pick up their fire pans on that day and rush towards the Mishkan? You don’t see anyone else trying to do that. Does the Torah offer us an answer? Surprisingly, it does. To find it, you have to study Nadav and Avihu’s backstory . What, you didn’t know that they had a backstory? Few people realize that Parshat Shemini is not the first time that we meet Nadav and Avihu. We met them in the Book of Exodus, where they had a life-changing experience — an experience that, ultimately, led them to their deaths. Join Beth Lesch as she explores Nadav and Avihu’s backstory — and cautions us against repeating Nadav and Avihu’s fatal mistake. To watch the ''Why Did God Reject Nadab And Abihu?'' video course, click here . https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/8hitaqajob 950 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-21T05:35:34.698Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-hidden-hyperlinks The Hidden Hyperlinks https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-78170887-3f73-44fb-9674-1467fadaae67/M2M0MTRhYTUtNDFlNy00MDE2LWE4MDgtMzczNzBkYjI1Y2Q2_ztm3ntdiztgtmmqzmy00ymiwltlin2utnjbhymq4nzyxmtq0_161_jocoats7.png The Hidden Hyperlinks https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/1on7du36oh 329 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parshat-naso-a-guide-for-parenting-spanish ¿Qué enseña la Torá sobre la crianza de los hijos? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-785ee388-23fd-4784-92b6-b26e2d074dac/OTQyNTFlYWEtZTQ3OS00MjRiLTljYTEtNGJjNGVkNDY5NWFj_cd9d7eef-fa85-46ac-8c12-e104c1bb15f2_naso-5775-p1-es.jpg For the English language version of this video, visit: https://www.alephbeta.org/playlist/a-guide-to-parenting En este video, el rabino Fohrman nos recuerda una breve sección que hemos escuchado muchas veces, pero explora la posibilidad de que, enigmáticamente dentro de estas palabras familiares, podría encontrarse la guía de la Torá para la crianza de los hijos. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ckljzv4myk 583 2023-10-16T18:41:53.000Z yes yes 2026-05-08T14:35:36.657Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-did-god-want-to-kill-moses-part-4 Why Did God Want to Kill Moses? - Part 4 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/jvmuiq8kci 685 2023-12-14T17:40:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-did-god-create-me-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-hanukkah-that-might-have-been-epilogue-part-1 The Hanukkah That Might Have Been: Epilogue - Part 1 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-78a471ff-237b-4d83-a885-e303199fc4f4/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. When you’re done here, check out other great Hanukkah content at Aleph Beta including What Is Hanukkah , What Is The True Meaning of Hanukkah? & Is Hanukkah Like Christmas? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/zcq2cisbrk 2531 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/spiritual-biblical-purification-process The Bizarre Purification Of The Metzora https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-78a5d052-273a-4b37-8bf8-bf65f9abdac3/ZhBMLxrFxhpPBV6S_The-Tzaraat-Purification-Ritual-What-Does-It-Mean-1920.jpg In this week's parsha, we are introduced to a strange set of laws related to the metzora, one afflicted with the disease of tzara'at. In the following parsha, the Torah will explain, in great detail, how a person with this disease can become pure. But the purification ritual is bizarre; how can we relate to these bizarre Biblical purification rituals in a modern context? How should we understand what causes a metzora to lose his spiritual purity, and how purification rites help him gain it again? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman begins to assemble clues, including the midrashic cause of tzara'at, the connection between a corpse and tzara'at, and echoes of this purification process earlier in the Torah. By highlighting these connections, the Biblical purification rituals for Tzara'at take on a whole new meaning, one that is still relevant today. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/dg7qq23xs9 493 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/episode-4-one-god-two-names Class 4 - February 18, 2025 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-78af8b32-35f4-481c-8f96-12be555340cd/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/crmywlt40z 7111 2025-02-19T10:26:06.000Z yes yes 2026-01-27T14:01:14.348Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-guide-to-parenting-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/epic-conclusion-to-leviticus-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/episode-iv Episode IV https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-790171ab-fe0f-4248-bb13-586fe3293cd6/NzEzNzk3NTgtMmQzYy00NjNjLThiMjMtMmVmODgwNTA4M2Q3_d97cbdc5-468e-45b2-884a-b908a5e68a4f_split-the-baby-thumbnail.jpg This is the fourth in an ongoing lecture series by Rabbi Fohrman on King Solomon's Test of Wisdom. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/jdbm5s2e9k 5681 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-02-13T22:24:39.631Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/truly-ending-baseless-hatred Truly Ending Baseless Hatred https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7926ca1e-5710-4ce1-88ba-a827fcb34334/ZrEErUaF0TcGIsWH_baslesshatred002.png Rabbi Fohrman focusing on the third and fourth episodes of the Kamtza and Bar Kamtza story, showing how baseless hatred becomes a vicious cycle until someone stops it. We see that the only way to truly eliminate baseless hatred from our lives is to consciously consider our actions and reactions, always questioning our level of anger. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/opztnz44se 607 2023-10-12T18:54:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/august-23-2022-re-eh-why-does-judaism-need-the-wri 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-unique-nation-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/two-kinds-of-why Two Kinds of "Why" https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-79b26288-b09d-457b-bb03-bc8697737dd7/ZGFmMzJmYmQtOWEwYi00YzVkLTgzZGYtOTk2NTAwNGNiNjll_yzrjmjy5ztctzwi1my00mmrjlwfkytqtmwmxmdgzngm1zdfh_232_pp10.png Having arrived at a certain common denominator between "justice" and "peace",we dig a little deeper in this video, exploring the mechanisms by which we actually achieve "justice" and "peace" in real life. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/wy930hlty4 588 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/positive-rest Positive Rest https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-79be55a1-9957-437c-aa05-a62151eeb247/ZjFjOGYyMDQtZTk3MC00MGQxLWFlOWMtN2MxM2I3YmY1NjYy_b334cfd2-9e70-47a9-b1bf-d9f07f3d9278_shabbat-rest-new-640.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman explores what really took place on Day 7, and introduces us to the concept of "Positive Rest." https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/vfrxm6kcew 431 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-holiness-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/acharei-mot-kedoshim-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/rabbi-fohrman-explores-in-detail-two-complimentary Slavery in Bad Faith https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-79f6201e-ac6f-4055-8068-c2d81e49d699/Z-8vWHdAxsiBwTcM_PesachAftertheHolocaust00402.png Rabbi Fohrman explores in detail two complimentary Torah texts: the beginning chapters of Exodus and Deuteronomy Chapter 20. At first glance these passages seem to be totally related. However, based on the methodology presented in the previous video, Rabbi Fohrman is able to demonstrate clearly and methodically how interwoven these two texts really are by defining a similar 'cast of characters' in both texts. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/7is43bymb4 712 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/overcoming-envy-jacob-and-esavs-reconciliation 2026-03-02T17:59:46.994Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/joseph-and-his-brothers-a-split-baby-story Joseph and His Brothers: A Split Baby Story https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7a005559-8fd8-419e-98be-43f98230ab56/MjgyODU1ZGMtZWFlYi00NThmLWFkN2ItNGYxMjM3M2Q2OTM2_fe60adb8-fcb3-4448-a4dd-52608e2f5eed_beginning-of-the-end-640.jpg In this video, Rabbi Fohrman explores a second set of parallels between the story of King Solomon and the nearly split baby, and the story of Joseph’s reunion with his brothers. By using the split baby story as a lens, Rabbi Fohrman is able to shine light on Joseph’s motivations for framing Benjamin and nearly keeping him captive in Egypt. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/pnrfd8fzjb 637 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/merit-the-land-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-if-a-parent-never-lets-go-1 What If a Parent Never Lets Go? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7a47c3b6-8c21-4eef-871a-88ac96aae67e/NzllZGU3MWQtNDI5Yi00YWFiLWJmMmItMGRmM2ExZGY2YTE0_zdrjmzi5yzctmjgwny00mdc3ltllogetywy4mjg1nzq2yjiz_280_noah_20.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman highlights the distinction between avodah and melachah, and explains the importance of stopping to create in successful creation. 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/q69vf98xqa 652 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/kosher-slaughter-and-idol-worship Kosher Laws In The Torah (Bible) https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7a4823f2-0843-4127-b76f-faf2d91053e2/NTQ5NGFkMGQtNzRkMi00ZGNiLTk3MTUtNGQxOTQ4M2M0ZTBi_c355691e-8a6e-475e-a8eb-b175b8b09145_kosherslaughtermore.png Dietary Laws in Deuteronomy on Kosher Slaughter The laws around kashrut, including kosher slaughter appear more than once in the Torah. When they are first mentioned in Leviticus, they are primarily discussed in the context of purity and impurity. But in Deuteronomy, they strangely show up in the context of...avodah zarah, or idol worship. What do the laws about kosher animals have to do with idol worship? What do they teach us about idol worship, and conversely, what does idol worship teach us about the meaning behind eating kosher animals? We’ll explore all that in this video. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/uiclqt6lna 1485 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-do-jews-and-greeks-have-in-common What Do Jews and Greeks Have in Common? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7a69f1ea-8ba7-4ad8-ad76-dc3d58882468/MGVkOWRiZDAtMWFkNC00OThmLThiZDUtZDgyZGY5YjBmODhi_a2219e42-7811-4d58-8b20-cd2ecc72cdb2_what-might-have-been-1280.jpg On Hanukkah, more so than in any other holiday, 'beautifying' the mitzvah has become the standard way we celebrate. What does beauty have to do with Hanukkah? Can an appreciation for beauty become a meeting place for Jews and Greeks? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/rwh0d0mtdo 433 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-7-habits-of-highly-intuitive-readers-of-the-bi-zoom-3 The 7 Habits Of Highly Intuitive Readers Of The Bible: Class 4 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7acff595-673d-4f78-b067-79fb08da5bb7/8a8b1fed-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/whuquzvcyu 6688 2023-12-28T22:15:00.000Z yes yes 2026-02-26T11:14:28.991Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/prophet-elijah-bible-lessons Lecture X https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7ae0d1be-cf92-4dac-9c19-5e0088cd6a34/Zpb1sB5LeNNTxN1m_what-is-a-defender-of-god-part-10-1920.jpg After delving further into the significance of the parallels between the Elijah and Avraham stories, the audio examines Elijah's new parallels with Moses. Rabbi Fohrman ultimately addresses just what it means for Elijah to be miracle worker. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ujur585dms 3494 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/epilogue-i-gods-will-vs-our-own Epilogue I: God’s Will vs. Our Own https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7b33ad91-51fa-469e-927a-84323549e4b4/ODdlN2UyMGUtYjNhZi00OWExLTkxNGMtYzFhYWFhMzBkNmM0_2aa18b80-d739-41bb-8ac3-41e571fad7dd_akedahindepth001.jpg In this first of three epilogues, Rabbi Fohrman continues exploring the difference between love of God and fear of God, by tackling a confusing Mishnah from Pirkei Avot, said in the name of Rabban Gamaliel: ‘He used to say: Do His will as though it was yours, so that He will do your will as though it was His. Nullify your will for His, so that He may nullify the will of others for yours.’ https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/a5xq3csizz 2891 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-sixth-day The Sixth Day https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7b59b24d-d2ca-486f-abe4-d87b0b8ecd17/MTg1N2RkZmQtYzllMC00ZDE1LWJhNTUtNzM4YjhhMWVhMTFh_mwmyyjzmnzitmdexmi00nddilwizotmtmjaxyjdknza5y2yw_258_noah_4.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman more deeply explores the intertextuality between the post-flood story and the sixth day of creation. More specifically, he examines the parallels in God's speech to Adam (pre-flood) and God's speech to Noah (post-flood). 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/v4bopv9jnp 570 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/arbeh-locust-plague-blessing Arbeh The Plague… And Arbeh, The Blessing? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7b70ef5d-d429-41c7-ba24-341f0cb542cb/YWM3ZThmY2QtMjY3NS00NTVmLWE2NDUtNDU2ZGU1ZGYwZWVi_48ce4d50-be08-448b-b2e2-8b56729787d5_arbeh-locust-plague-blessing.jpg This week, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu do a deep dive into the eighth plague in the bible – arbeh, locusts – seen in Parshat Bo. They ask, why does the Torah use language “eye” and “seeing” here? Could it connect to the word “arbeh,” used back in Genesis, which connected to the blessing of Israel? Join their conversation as they search for the spiritual meaning behind the plague of locusts. Listen on our app: iTunes | Android https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/gbzchoh0um 1357 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/kinot-live-2021-with-rabbi-fohrman Kinot Live 2021 with Rabbi Fohrman https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7b8c7531-2bd5-4d76-ac86-c0d5779d8a4e/NDIwNTg2MDctOWU4Ny00MDg2LTliN2UtNmY2YjNlMTAxZGI5_731ce2e4-260d-4afd-8d7d-b56531d5060b_kinot-webinar-2021-1920.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 18, 2021. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/v7zq0ba5ea 12409 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/episode-2-one-god-two-names Class 2 - February 4, 2025 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7b97b4dd-172e-4e66-a6a1-cb5b0e011399/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/c5bzhd75hg 7077 2025-02-05T10:55:09.000Z yes yes 2026-02-17T17:38:16.466Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/kiddush-saturday-exodus-31-commentary A Closer Look At Kiddush https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7bc0d5b0-8c57-4350-bc8d-074ff77bdc45/65d8ad533a605798c18c2b62_A-Closer-Look-At-Kiddush-1920.jpg The Kiddush we recite on the Saturday morning of Shabbat, what we recognize as Parshat Ti Kisa (Exodus 31:13–17), is seemingly boring and repetitive – but is this a clue to a hidden meaning? Exodus 31 explains why we should observe Shabbat, about its holiness, and why we keep this eternal covenant between God and his people. But over and over again, from verses 13 to 17, we see the same commentary repeated. When we read it aloud, it almost sounds as if we are repeating ourselves. Why did God repeat His message? How does this influence what Kiddush should mean to us? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman takes a deeper inspection of the seemingly repetitious nature of Saturday Kiddush. By uncovering a chiastic structure in Exodus 31, he starts to connect the common themes. Watch this video to unlock a new meaning to the Shabbat morning Kiddush you thought you knew. Click here for more about chiasms. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ck79xalv0w 831 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T22:00:06.170Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/kinot-event-recordings 2026-03-20T01:36:24.698Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/ki-teitzei-erasing-amalek-today-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hidden-meaning Hidden Meaning https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7c1b49fa-2034-4b7e-a814-98d77635f3ea/MzVkMzAwYjUtNDg2Zi00NjY3LTlkMDEtNGVhOWIzYTY2NGNj_99163fc0-db88-4e5d-af43-cfb714d467e4_shirhamaalotfinal.png Can mourning bring us closer to redemption? This series dives deep into Shir Hamaalot (Psalm 126) to uncover incredible insights into dealing with grief, and the pivotal role mourning may play in building a connection with God. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/3a4bc5n4v0 102 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/elijah-miracles-bible-study Lecture VI https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7c5799e7-b384-41e1-a61e-0d3571a3443a/Zpb0oR5LeNNTxN1T_what-is-a-defender-of-god-part-6-1920.jpg This audio explores the third and final vignette of the Elijah story. Rabbi Fohrman addresses the parallels between this episode and the Noah story, and ties all three vignettes together. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ymmwja6e3y 2614 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-do-the-ten-commandments-mean What Do The Ten Commandments Mean? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7c7e51ad-38c4-49dd-a517-a1b4e4ffe8bd/aC4W5SdWJ-7kSaMM_EverythingIsContainedintheTablets002.png Why are the Ten Commandments important to Judaism? Do you ever wonder what’s so special about the Ten Commandments? Why were they singled out to be part of God’s momentous speech at Mount Sinai? Why do we make such a big deal about reading them on Shavuot, or putting them up in our shuls and on our courthouses? Why do we treat them as if they are somehow more special, or more fundamental, than all of the other parts of the Torah? The answer that’s often given is that they are more fundamental than the other parts of the Torah because they somehow represent the core ideas of the Torah. That every law in the Torah can be somehow reduced to one of these Ten Commandments. It’s as if these are the ten most essential concepts that God is trying to convey to us. So go with that theory for a second, and now ask yourself this: What if we told you that the Ten Commandments, these ten essential concepts, do express a fundamental Torah truth, but they aren’t actually ten ? That the “ten commandments” are actually one single idea – the idea, the big, central message that God wanted the Israelites to hear, the one message that the whole Torah boils down to? The most core truth at the heart of all of Judaism, as it were? Don't you want to know: What's the one big idea ?? Take a look at this course, in which Rabbi Fohrman approaches the Ten Commandments almost as an archaeologist, identifying multiple hidden layers that are baked into the text, peeling them back one by one, and revealing the single core truth that lies beneath them all. Discover other great Shavuot videos at Aleph Beta, including ‘ The Book of Ruth Explained ’, ‘ The Scandalous Backstory of Boaz & Ruth ’, and ‘ Why Do We Celebrate Shavuot Laws ’ https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/5g2s6u581u 2141 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-21T05:36:42.409Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-mekallels-return-to-eden 2026-01-22T19:25:43.334Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-did-god-send-ten-plagues-egypt Did God Really Need Ten Plagues? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7ca99774-6590-4352-8fa3-e877e6521d29/Z4z85pbqstJ99mmw_DidGodReallyNeedTenPlagues001.png Ten colorful and unique plagues... was that really so necessary? Or was there a deeper theological significance behind why God sent all ten plagues to Egypt? In this week's video, Rabbi Fohrman explores the final plagues and argues that God played off of Pharaoh's ego to show Pharaoh, the people of Egypt and the people of Israel that only God is all-powerful. Through this explanation, we uncover the significance and meaning of why God needed to send all ten plagues – and nothing less. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/7n98nzsztm 555 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vayigash-story-of-judah-and-benjamin 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/ki-tetzei-answer Ki Teitzei: The Hated Wife - Part 2/2 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7cd3e8e7-2e42-471e-a261-b9abb432da89/YTQ1NWVmNzgtNDdmYi00YzcyLThlOTUtYWE4M2UwOTQ2YWQ4_ytlim2vlzgmtyzkzmc00ndbklwjhmgutnjm2mjq0ngqynmjm_ki-tetzei-answer.jpg In this video, Rabbi Fohrman goes into detail about the man who hates one of his wives, and its parallels to Jacob, Leah, Rachel and their children, and suggests that the Torah is offering us a different path that can bring peace to our families and our homes. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/vajbpshul4 531 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z 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-7 A Tale of Two Names: From The Garden To The Flood - Week 7 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7ce53d42-a7c9-4469-9eb8-de2c281656f9/ZGI4YTZmOWEtZWUzMS00ODVkLWEzMGItMzMxMDM0ZmQ2YzZk_31e41109-3a53-4825-a693-183a6cb28927_tale-of-two-names-final-p3-01.jpg In this week's lecture, Rabbi Fohrman begins to discuss one of the ways we can begin to come back to God in our world. Rabbi Fohrman also starts moving out of the garden, into the generations after Adam and Eve to see how they were affected by Adam and Eve's sin, and how they interacted with YKVK and Elokim. 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/esrsev34jg 4889 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/reuven-and-gad-another-family-betrayal 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/itv-season-2 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/civil-war-and-slavery Civil War and Slavery https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7d44832b-8b74-4a1e-91a5-f2241fef09ec/ODUyY2EwZDktZTEzOS00MDVjLWJkZjYtYWY5NGFhMWEwMDY0_zdcxmwrmzjutyjg2my00zmzhltk3mgqtngjlymy1yzjhmdhh_500_what_s-in-a-name.png Sale of Joseph https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/yho0vgowcr 1178 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/sukkot-holiday-guide-2025 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/book-like-no-other 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/jewish-bible-sacrifices-offerings-today How Can We Relate To Sacrifices Today? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7db60be2-4d29-4bba-b382-a63f6a02a8f6/NTYwZmIyYTQtMWQ4Mi00OGQxLWFlZTEtYjkyNDYxZDUxM2Iy_815d72f5-2d7e-4d56-938d-c9e1ae2f6f5e_howcanwerelatetosacrificestoday.jpg Using sacrifices and offerings as a way to connect with God seems alien. How are we, in a modern-day context, supposed to connect with the myriad of details associated with animal sacrifice in the Bible? Why did God require animal sacrifice anyway? And what was the meaning behind the different types of offerings? If we understand that, perhaps we can find the relevant spiritual meaning of animal sacrifices today. Join Rabbi Fohrman as he explores these fundamental questions by reexamining the different types of sacrifice in the Bible, and discover how this ancient tradition creates a modern framework for how to connect with God today. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/oy2qyhu3n6 770 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/finding-true-happiness-in-bible The Right Way To Find Happiness According To The Bible: Part I https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7dc98e27-a400-4808-9420-9116250b75c2/YzIwMmRiZGQtYTFhYS00YjYzLWJkMGMtODEzZjlmMTEwMTc1_97dd0c93-ff54-4511-932d-431a3ce56b0c_finding-true-happiness-in-bible.jpg How does the Bible help us find personal happiness in our lives, and what is true happiness anyway? This week’s parsha can be broken into two main sections. The first section is about the declarations a farmer needs to make after he brings Bikkurim, the first fruit, and tithes to the Temple. The second section is all about the blessings and curses that will befall the nation of Israel depending on whether they keep their covenant with God. How do these sections fit together? Is there a common thread that unifies our parsha? Join us in this two-week series, spanning Ki Tavo and Nitzavim, where Rabbi Fohrman addresses the greater theme of what the Bible says about finding true happiness. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ryk5xk5cp8 698 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/genesis-bible-history-noah A Bow In The Clouds: Sabbath’s Mirror https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7dddb7fe-4747-4bec-9f57-7723310eeaa6/YjczNzYxODEtOGU2Ny00OWY5LWJkOWUtMDYzZTJkMGYxOThh_298bdd92-317c-469f-9ec5-fcc17c126609_genesis-bible-history-noah.jpg Part III 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/5msvy9fykw 3693 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-the-meaning-of-kashrut 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-would-god-not-want-us-to-eat-from-a-tree-of-knowledge Why Would God Not Want Us To Eat From a Tree of Knowledge of Good & Evil? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7e1ab15e-6975-4cce-81a3-6488978bdd16/MWEyNTkwZGMtYTMxMS00YmIyLThmOGEtZjJjMzhiNWMzMWVi_6339776f-5b94-4cbb-8838-fa6d59726ffa_the-three-of-knowledge-revisited.jpg The beginning of the book of Genesis is filled with stories that defy the imagination. A walking, talking snake. A mysterious tree of knowledge that can discern between Good and Evil. These stories are so unusual, and yet because we are so familiar with them from childhood we barely give pause to how unusual they really are. We don't think to stop and ask, wait, how can the snake be speaking, and does God really not want mankind to be able to distinguish between right and wrong? These questions and more are asked and answered in one of Rabbi Fohrman's earliest books, The Beast That Crouches at the Door . And like any good subject, the answers continue to evolve even after the book has been published. The following lecture is an epilogue to The Beast That Crouches at the Door. With further Torah study Rabbi Fohrman finds new answers to some of his original questions, and even finds the courage to ask new questions - and offer innovative answers, answers that redefine what it means for man to have a loving relationship with God. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/c92a8hg9r5 3838 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/02-lot-land-and-legacy 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tu-bshvat-tree-birthday-meaning-dvar-torah-video Why Do We Celebrate Tu BiShvat https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7e320022-34b0-442f-ab65-d72096038f28/Z4AAWJbqstJ99RYf_TuBiShvat0012025.png Every year, we celebrate the strange Jewish holiday of Tu BiShvat. According to the Talmud, Tu BiShvat is a "birthday" for all of the trees born in the previous year. And not just a birthday – it is really a “new year” for the trees. How odd is that? Many people celebrate it by gathering together for a Tu BiShvat seder with figs, dates, and other delicious Israeli fruits. That stuff is all fun – don't get us wrong – but what does it have to do with Judaism or God? It doesn't sound particularly spiritual... What sets Tu BiShvat apart from Arbor Day? If you want to know how to connect meaningfully to God on Tu BiShvat, watch this video and find out for yourself. In this video, Imu Shalev breaks down this strange holiday to uncover what Tu BiShvat really means to us today, and how it's about showing gratitude to our Creator for the fruits of the trees. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/eha999r1km 372 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/chayei-sarah-parshat-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/splitting-the-garden Splitting the Garden https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7e8406a0-64a7-441f-8ec1-a5c4f55e700f/MzA3ODIxYTItZWI5Ny00MGI2LWExODctYzhlYTFiOGQ4YzA0_mgvkywzhngqtngu2os00n2rilwi0zgytzdliogq0yza3zmy5_468_vineyard.png The generations of early genesis are all over the place –bracketing the story of Noah and the vineyard, and the tower of Babel. In this video, Rabbi Fohrman asks, why are there so many, and why laid out the way it is? 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/u58v4dybyi 559 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/06-egypt-redux-the-advent-of-hagar-pdf 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/rabbi-fohrman-on-his-parsha-companion-series-1 Rabbi Fohrman on His Parsha Companion Series https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7ee77b18-0ab2-4616-a4b4-d11685319d77/YWM5MTg0YTAtMzE0NS00OTViLWI1NDktOWViMjI2NmRhYjA0_b5c7bdfc-8c47-40fa-92d0-92733fd9e86d_seforim-chatter.png In this interview with Nachi Weinstein, Rabbi Fohrman digs deep into such topics as: Insights into how Midrash and Rashi approach Torah text The contrast between Torah and Talmud learning (and teaching) How we can read Tanakh to discern things that are meaningful in astonishing ways The power of asking obvious questions How cartoon videos open a path to the beauty of Torah https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/lz5pgxr75k 4705 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shelach-parshat-guide-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/patchwork-quilt Patchwork Quilt https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7f07d6cc-cbbc-40fd-8711-db8ac217efeb/N2FlZGJlMzEtOGU1Ni00NGQzLTk2YjgtY2JlYmZiYTFhOGQ1_mzfmzdk5mjctnzu2ni00mzq5ltk1yzetmwu3mjkxntc3ody2_patchwork-quilt_1512147512880.jpg Judah: A Perplexing Character? Part 11 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/nre9nwmbdc 521 2023-10-13T12:28:37.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-meaning-of-you-shall-not-boil-a-kid-in-its-mothers 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/1in-the-towers-sha In the Tower's Shadow https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7f6125c2-cf54-4c3b-8537-dcb0618059fb/ZmE5NTAwYTMtNjZjMi00MDk3LTljZGEtY2QyMzUzMDFmZmQ5_ddd08cd0-ca83-43c4-a67d-c4803af30ef3_thumbnail_series_abrahams-journey_draft-1.jpg All Shem and Yefet can do is safeguard the dignity of their father. They are powerless to Cham’s endangered legacy, or the plight of nephew Canaan, who has been cursed by Noach, in an act of questionable wisdom. 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/xu6wqhwwfm 2666 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/poison-pill-rachel-and-the-tree-of-knowledge-7 Poison Pill: Rachel and the Tree of Knowledge VII https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-7f9bd8d7-79d2-4d95-9e4b-6baa18226895/MTc4OWI1ZmUtNTQzYS00NzFhLTk1NGQtZmZmZTk2YzZmNzZj_10f19d6f-a5e2-42ab-b0fd-53cb1fd4d48f_jacobmanoftruth.jpg This is the series finale of the Poison Pill course (Audio Only). There is no video this week. Please note that we will be starting a new Premium course in two weeks! Stay tuned for more details. 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/x7ilw47qib 3559 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/golden-calf-lectures 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-guide-to-parenting 2026-05-08T14:24:03.254Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/lesson-of-caleb-joshua-story-epilogue Epilogue: The Real Heroism of Caleb and Joshua https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-8012f412-f2c9-432c-b001-d35587bc4b23/NWRlYzRkNzYtYmI3YS00MmZhLWI5NmQtMTMxZDA3NjU3MWI3_b20d738d-7fe5-4609-a971-47b90afec240_the-real-heroism-of-caleb-and-joshua-epilogue-1920.jpg What does it look like when we take the lessons learned from our analysis of Parshat Shelach and apply them to our own lives? Beth Lesch and Rivky Stern chat about how to learn to live with your spouse's flaws. For more videos that discuss redeeming the sins of Joseph and his brothers: Family Feud: The Ominous Background To Esther’s Story Joseph's... Groundhog Day? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/je5h2pksb8 839 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/friday-night-kiddush-a-chiasm-and-its-meaning 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/rejecting-israels-leader-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/build-intimate-relationship-god-moses-final-last-speech Building An Intimate Relationship With God https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-80432f3e-46ef-4bcb-9fe0-04574ff827be/NjhhODc5YzAtMGZiYS00NzY3LWFmODctMjMzMjkzNTU1NjFi_owrknguzmzkty2fkns00ntjhltg5m2itmgy0nzk1otzlntbh_build-intimate-relationship-god-moses-final-last-speech.jpg In this week's parsha, Moses speaks, a lot – but it all seems so boring, and disconnected. The Torah is a book and every sentence of that book fits together, like pieces in a puzzle. But how does that work, in this parsha? What is this parsha actually about? Here is the link to the Passover series that discusses the essence of monotheism: What Does It Mean To Be God’s Chosen People? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/did9nw1e94 971 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-21T19:26:39.838Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shacharit-morning-prayers 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-would-anyone-worship-idols-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/rabbi-meir-elisha-ben-avuyah Rabbi Meir And Elisha Ben Abuyah: Part II https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-80f25b46-1c48-4ec4-b4fe-295138da3882/NTNlNDY1MTUtOTY3Ny00ZmQyLWFmNDMtMTMwMmEwNTkyMzMx_3927a38a-2b10-4999-a016-c96b1fca3a54_acher-he-who-must-not-be-named-part-2-1280.jpg This is part II of the audio series about Acher and R' Meir. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/gseq9lxyu5 1779 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-riddle-of-the-bowing-moon The Riddle of the Bowing Moon https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-810c74d2-c8d2-4601-a305-d0438542a24c/ODFlMWRhMGYtZTBiNy00NDViLTlkM2YtMDNjOTUyNGExNmVm_mjk1yte4ywitndgyzc00ndixlwjimwmtywvjzjrhzdzlodmy_173_jocoats19.png The Riddle of the Bowing Moon https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/aj2g9y2o2e 758 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parshat-shoftim-epilogue-2 Epilogue 2 - Shoftim: The Line Between Murder And Apathy https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-817136fe-f547-4efc-9af4-772b31a6edec/NzVlOTcwZWUtMGE2ZS00NDY0LWI3NzItNzRkN2RlNTE2MDkz_mdy0zjy1ywqtngrkzi00odqxlwi0oditntuyntk4mmm4odcy_shoftim-5774-e2.jpg *Please note that epilogue videos are accessible for premium members only. Shoftim: Epilogue 2 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/hhev0vnb1p 529 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/who-was-miriam-in-the-bible-story Miriam And The Waters Of Strife I https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-817eaa21-033d-4c4c-9fb4-9a912f9b1bba/ZohxQh5LeNNTw1S-_Miriam-And-The-Waters-Of-Strife-part-1-1920.jpg Miriam and the Waters of Strife Part I https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/d3tl2g0bc1 1512 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/part-2-of-2-during-post-production-for-season-2-ra 2026-01-22T19:26:03.734Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/may-17-2022-lag-ba-omer-who-was-rabbi-shimon-bar-y 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parshat-reeh-oral-torah-law Re'eh: Why Does Judaism Need The Written Law And Oral Law? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-81e8758f-235e-4218-8ef9-e9ece45ca399/MmRmNjE5OTMtZmIxZi00M2Y1LWIxOTQtMzc5ZjVkMWRkZjQy_yjmyzdg1ztatntc5yi00yjrilwfjmdgtnjy3mje3nzcwyjqy_reeh-why-do-we-need-the-oral-law.png Rabbi Fohrman tackles a difficult and controversial question: Why do the oral laws from the rabbis end up looking so different than the written Biblical laws? And even more so – what does law have to do with God and spirituality? What is the point of the legalism inherent in our religion? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman argues that thought without action can wither away, and that law is about finding spirituality in the mundane. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/vtpw70xkpt 806 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/english-source-notes-lecture-5 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parshat-vayeira-teachers-worksheet 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/bar-bat-mitzvah-preparation 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shelach-relating-to-a-vengeful-god-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/chanukah-meaning-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/5-minute-dvar-torah-pesach-seder 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/epilogue-god-as-knower-of-good-and-evil Epilogue: God as Knower of Good and Evil (Premium) https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-82c5d215-1197-4503-b1f6-98c9cdb2b0f0/MmIyZWFkYTAtY2EzMS00ODJlLWI3OGEtNTI1OTBjZmJiZDRj_m2u5yty1mgmtzwuwmc00mjlmltlkodytmjqxm2ywy2q1y2jh_epilogue-god-as-knower-of-good-and-evil.png *Please note that epilogue videos are accessible for premium members only. In this video, the last of video of Unit 1, Rabbi Fohrman concludes the unit by readdressing the questions of why God is characterized as a "Know of Good and Evil" and how the Bible is meant to be a "replacement" Tree of Life. 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/ato1v9kd9q 1029 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/part-1-why-isnt-our-version-of-shavuot-in-the-torah 2026-02-24T11:13:30.558Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/step-towards-god-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parshat-ki-tavo-understanding-gods-curses Ki Tavo: How To Make Sense Of The Terrible Curses https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-82fc4f99-ddab-4479-a4db-f61ff4c48526/MTMzNDQ3YTMtNDdiZC00OWQyLWEzNjMtMDdkMDIzYjUzZjA3_odgwntc0ytmtzdjhms00ztbilwe4nzktndq0mjfjzjvjzjq3_ki-tavo-5776-2016.png God promises us dark, sadistic curses, if we don't live up to our responsibilities to Him. It's so difficult to read, how could He be so cruel to us? Join us as we grapple with the incredibly difficult curses of Ki Tavo. Dig Deeper: For more on Ki Tavo, click here. For more on Bereishit, click here. For more on the Garden of Eden, click here. Want More? Join our growing community https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ejfrwjmk5r 877 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/of-monsters-and-men Of Monsters and Men https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-830dfc38-9c5e-4157-b5f5-7c2a8981033b/ZrEErUaF0TcGIsWH_baslesshatred002.png Rabbi Fohrman asks whether the people in the Kamzta and Bar Kamtza stories are regular people or monsters, and subtly shows us how we may have similar tendencies, of which we are not even aware. He then describes two different mechanisms that we subconsciously employ to gauge our anger and appropriate response, differentiating untrammeled rage from righteous rage. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/t4x2mzeq5b 420 2023-10-12T18:54:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/four-possible-approaches Four Possible Approaches https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-8312fe96-d5ff-4ca9-b8f2-656d4083a2c6/Z4z-1ZbqstJ99mm4_challenginggod0012025001.png Why does Jonah run away from God, and why does he think this plan will work? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman presents four potential approaches to this question, but then demonstrates why each approach is inconsistent with the larger themes of the text. A fifth and final interpretation is needed. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/3dlr4kvzs5 455 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parshat-bereishit-story-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/passover-bible-study-moshe Moshe’s Rearview Mirror https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-834d0834-acb3-4195-943c-9ffb7b6de814/YmFhOGU5ZjgtMzA3MS00NThmLTk0Y2YtZDdlYzA4YjQ0ZTI5_69897c0d-2458-4e16-9613-e97834c89596_origins-of-the-firstborn-nation-1920.jpg We journey again back to the Joseph story, this time through Moses’ eyes. We will see how Moses, in hearing the cries of his enslaved brethren, is faced with the same challenges Reuven faced in wanting to save his brother Joseph. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/5glfg5q72y 4342 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/pinchas-grappling-with-mortality 2026-02-24T10:46:32.276Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shelach-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/looking-towards-the-future-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/chukat-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-did-god-allow-israel-to-be-enslaved-1 Why Did God Allow Slavery? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-843e1af3-e7d6-4a6e-9a73-63359b555eb5/Z-8uMXdAxsiBwTb4_IfGodMandatedOurSlavery,WhyPraiseHim003.png The Haggadah plays such a large part of the Seder, that sometimes we don't ask the big questions about why we celebrate Passover: Why do we read the Haggadah, when the backbone of the text is from Deuteronomy, rather than Exodus itself?  Or, why do we celebrate that God took us out of slavery, if He was the one who let us become slaves in the first place? Regarding the first question, in the Haggadah, the Sages point our focus to a personal telling of the Exodus in Deuteronomy, rather than the actual account of the Exodus story. Does this imply that we should also take a personal perspective when retelling the Exodus on Passover?  Regarding the first question, the Haggadah points to God's promise to Abraham that He would save his descendants – but first the Israel nation would become captive for four generations. Why did God allow the Israelites to become enslaved in the first place? Why not skip the whole slavery part, and go straight to the happy ending?  In this course, Rabbi Fohrman re-examines the Haggadah text in search for answers, finding a new perspective behind the Haggadah's meaning, and deeper understanding as to why we have so much to be thankful for during our Passover celebrations. Discover other great passover videos at Aleph Beta, including ‘The Hidden Structure of The Ten Commandments’, ‘Why Did God Harden Pharaoh's Heart?’, and ‘The Spiritual Meaning of Crossing The Red Sea’. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/dszj2zgydn 458 2023-10-16T18:41:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/book-club-with-rabbi-fohrman-parshat-emor-8 Book Club with Rabbi Fohrman, Parshat Emor https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-844b2396-9090-4f9b-bedf-bf55bc386a73/MTNkZGUxMjItMzE5Ny00NDgzLWI4ZmQtOGU2YzM4OWUxOGQ2_bbe63291-7197-43b5-a19a-fdd4f0f0d8e8_thumbnail_pc_book-club_draft-1.jpg Enjoy this recording of Book Club for Parshat Emor. 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/tg43amhmdz 3859 2023-10-12T18:54:17.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/secrets-walls-mishkan-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-to-read-the-biblical-creation-story 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/israels-golden-calf-symbolism Why Would Anyone Want To Make A Golden Calf? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-8462c820-d28e-47b2-9eab-caa42eb73f86/MDBhMjA4NGQtNzEzZS00YmQyLThjM2QtMDJhNTE2MDg2Nzg5_f44d04fd-292a-41e7-bdd2-94f5d3b4784a_parsha-lab-wtp-course-ki-tisa.jpg We learn in Parshat Ki Tisa about the infamous sin the Israelite’s committed by making the Golden Calf. But there’s something very unclear about this story — why would the Israelites' want to build a Golden Calf? It's not like people today want to build and pray to idols, so why would the Israelites? Join Rabbi Fohrman and Imu as they explore the text of the Golden Calf and debate the real reason the people wanted to make a new “godly” figure from a calf of gold. You’ll never think of the sin of the Golden Calf the same way again. For more information on the Israelites' sin, check out Rabbi Fohrman’s course on the Golden Calf . https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/hkrmybwe3d 2088 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/god-tests-us-abraham-israelites Is This Another Akeidah? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-846472df-71ca-4b41-8a03-08963320438e/MzQ0Y2ZhYTktNGMxYS00ZGQ3LWI5NzYtYmNiZDFmM2ZhMjc3_zgzlm2mxm2utyjrkny00ytk2lwe3mzetogzhmzdmntjmyzy1_god-tests-us-abraham-israelites.jpg Parshat Eikev opens with Moses telling the Israelites some conditions for when they enter the land of Israel. He says: “ Eikev tishme'un because you listen to God’s laws..." God will bless you, He will make you fruitful, He will make your crops grow, He will protect you against enemies, and more. When we listen closely to these words, they may start to sound familiar. They actually remind us of another time that God promised to dole out blessings – a promise that is also introduced with this unusual word eikev . It's the promise that God made to Abraham at the Akeidah, the binding of Isaac: Eikev asher shamata b'koli , "because you listened to My voice." And that raises a couple of questions. First, is Moses somehow trying to evoke the Akeidah ? And if so, why? And second, why is Moses saying that these blessings are conditional on the actions of the Israelites? That God is only going to bless them <em>if</em> they fulfill certain conditions? The Akeidah was a one-time, extreme act of devotion by their ancestor, and in response God promised Abraham that He would bless his descendants. But now it seems like the Israelites need to earn these blessings all over again! What happened? Isn’t a promise a promise? If God made a promise to Abraham, why isn't He keeping His word? How are we supposed to understand this? In this Parsha Lab episode, Ami Silver and Daniel Loewenstein explore these questions and more, in search of a new picture of what the legacy of the Akeidah really means for Abraham's descendants. Watch more: What Does It Mean To Make A Covenant With God? Abraham's Struggle With Loyalty Akeidah: Was The Sacrifice Of Isaac Heroism Or Murder? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/w5zgbns1i7 1860 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-relationship-of-creation The Relationship of Creation https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-84652a59-34e3-4f90-9f53-6aa0c38b998a/MDFkOTQzM2MtZGY2MC00YTAzLWIzMGEtMjhhYzE0NDNjMWQ2_1faed613-50eb-477c-8e7e-f46701f68e5a_birkat_kohanim_final.png In Part 3 of this three-part series, Rabbi Fohrman continues his exploration of what might be the Torah's guide to parenting and connects it to the story of Creation. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ro1k9t4cem 807 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/king-solomon-episode-ii Episode II https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-84686793-8118-4add-aed9-91a269a1c34d/NzEzNzk3NTgtMmQzYy00NjNjLThiMjMtMmVmODgwNTA4M2Q3_d97cbdc5-468e-45b2-884a-b908a5e68a4f_split-the-baby-thumbnail.jpg This is the second in an ongoing lecture series by Rabbi Fohrman on King Solomon's Test of Wisdom. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/8hsbf93hlb 5336 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-02-13T22:24:18.421Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shavuot-2016-5776-2 Remembering Revelation https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-846eb41a-3422-4591-9e2d-f8ea31623a16/aC4QQidWJ-7kSaKj_TheBiblicalvsRabbinicShavuot005.png Rabbi Fohrman looks closely at the connections between Shavuot and Yovel as well as Revelation at Sinai, comparing specific language and imagery, suggesting that perhaps Shavuot is like the Jubilee that occurs every year, and asking, why? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/fedd5ajasn 777 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tisha-bav-in-the-desert Tisha B'Av & The Spies: An Origin Story https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-846eb6a6-b5fd-4b3a-9c38-cba987b78224/YzYzMTE0MTUtMjA4My00MDdjLTk3NDktNDQ3MmQyNmE3OTBm_3ac5fbe0-087a-44d9-b1bd-2cb35ee2ec33_tb-spies-1280.jpg The Ninth of Av, the most tragic day in the Jewish calendar, is known as the day that the Temples were destroyed and many other National tragedies. The Talmudic Sages, however, point to a much earlier event in Jewish History as the first Tisha B'Av: the sin of the spies in the desert. What does that seemingly unrelated event have to do with the destruction of the Temples? And what powerful ramifications can it teach us today on how to bring about the longed-for redemption? Discover other great Tisha B’Aa’v videos and resources at Aleph Beta, including ‘ The Book of Lamentations ”, “ The Meaning of Sinat Chinam ”, and “ Tisha B’Ava'v Customs & Rituals ” https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/rs6in6hl95 565 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/english-source-notes-lecture-7 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/amalek-decendants-spirits-today Amalek Lecture V https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-84dbcaf4-6bd6-4bca-b6e7-fc31b8b57274/65d520503a605798c18bfc04_The-Rise-of-Antisemitism-part-5-1920.jpg In this video we explore how the story of Jacob and Esav, their children and their eventual transformation into a nation – from “Jacob’s children” to “Jacob’s nation” – is a chance of rebirth and the challenge to correct past mistakes. Rabbi Fohrman explains how Jacob’s nation oscillates back and forth from being too much like Esav to too much like Jacob, when a delicate balance of both is what’s needed – something we continue to struggle with today. 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/h3zgm018eb 4216 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parshat-vayeitzei-understan-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vayikra-parshat-guide-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/episode-1-one-god-two-names Class 1 - January 28, 2025 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-850fc719-1234-450a-93fe-9706346089a8/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/s0gh2nq8qs 5668 2025-01-29T14:24:25.000Z yes yes 2026-02-17T17:38:09.656Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/purim-bible-study-webinar 2026-04-20T21:29:11.818Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/kabbalat-shabbat 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/music-and-torah-episode-4 Exploring the Harmony Between Sound and Sacred Texts Episode 4 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-85524d29-9672-415f-adf5-c351fd92caf5/Z4ssw5bqstJ99l4Y_musicandtorah001part4.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/jpahbtg1ri 2467 2025-01-05T12:04:28.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/finding-hamans-character-in-the-garden-of-eden 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/lech-lecha-god-calls-abraham-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/lest-it-come-to-scandal-4 What Does It Mean To Collaborate? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-8567b922-e322-4909-9e09-5412cd730a68/NzE4ZWViYzAtOWRiMC00MTlkLWJmOTMtMmQzOWM0ZDdkOTk3_odvjndhhywmtnguzmy00zjblltg3ntaty2rjogy4mtdkywri_491_tower20of20babel.png Bricks are a major part of the story, both here in Babel and in Egyptian slavery. Is the Torah making a comparison here? Additionally, they seem to have started in a valley – why start a tower at a disadvantage? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman cites Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch and discusses the birth of technology. 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/6leg96af9m 423 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shavuot-giving-of-matan-torah-origin The Giving Of The Torah At Mount Sinai https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-859ce2cd-f98a-4cc8-b476-4af0b1244b92/aC4QQidWJ-7kSaKj_TheBiblicalvsRabbinicShavuot005.png If you were asked what we remember on Shavuot, what would you say? The giving of the Torah, right? But did you know that in the Biblical commandment to celebrate Shavuot, there is NO MENTION of the giving of the Torah?! The Torah describes the origin of Shavuot, it tells us that it's a harvest holiday, a day to remember that God took us out of Egypt, a day to be joyful with our families and workers – but absolutely nothing about receiving the Torah! So how did we get to Shavuot as we know it? Ah, we have the rabbis to thank for that. The rabbis come along, in the pages of the Talmud, and spin this story for us: about how Shavuot isn’t just a harvest festival, it’s the commemoration of when we stood at Mount Sinai!! So is this what Shavuot really celebrates? Now, the Torah tells us that we’re supposed to listen to the rabbis... but it’s times like these that make you wonder: “Where are they coming up with this stuff? And who do they think they are? Making a decree is one thing, but you can’t just decide that a holiday means something that it doesn’t. It’s God’s call, not theirs, right? Is there any appeals process here?" It’s true, the Torah’s description of Shavuot's origin says nothing about the giving of the Torah — but there are echoes to be found elsewhere in the Torah, echoes that do suggest this very link. In this video, Rabbi Fohrman embarks upon a sweeping journey, closing the mysterious gap between the Biblical Shavuot and the Shavuot as we know it — and most importantly — discovering the hidden depth in this all-important holiday. Discover other great Shavuot videos at Aleph Beta, including ‘The Hidden Structure of the Ten Commandments’, ‘The Book of Ruth’, and ‘Our Guide To Celebrating Shavuot’ https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/00cat0f7hh 376 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/numeric-centers-thematic-centers Numeric Centers; Thematic Centers https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-85cd708e-23eb-44de-aa11-dd8d5c5902ae/YzQ2OGVjZjctOTliYS00YzlkLWE4YmMtY2RhNmNiMTkzNGI2_ywnmodkynmetymixmi00yjfklwe2yjctmjjjodawyjhlmmu2_271_noah_14.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman demonstrates, aside from the linguistic chiasm revealed in the last video, a numeric chiasm in the Rainbow covenant 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/k1p4mg1xy4 559 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/moses-god-revelation-mount-sinai God's Surprising Last Words At Sinai https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-85ede276-49f2-4546-a12b-fdd2a53c4a25/NGFkM2QwZjUtOTNlMC00YzE2LWFiNzAtZmQ0MjhlNmJkMGU5_6ca3d2a2-7557-49e4-95ba-0931bfef553e_gods-surpirising-last-words-at-sinai-1920.jpg The very last words God tells to Moses as he's ready to leave Mount Sinai are about the Sabbath. Why? Moses has already heard about Shabbat – he's gotten and given those laws. And its not even like God is giving him a long detailed diatribe on the Sabbath either – there are six verses, and that's it. God has just spent the last forty days on Sinai talking about the tabernacle and THOSE laws... Why was it so important that the Sabbath be the last thing He spoke about to Moses? The rabbis pick up on this question, and give their explanation in the introduction to the Sabbath morning prayers. But looking at the rabbis' explanation, we are left with more questions! Join Rabbi Fohrman as he dives deep into this prayer, and understands the rabbis' answer to God's surprising last words to Moses on Mount Sinai. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/j89mc48u6g 1445 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vayeitzei-parshat-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tisha-bav-eicha-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/miriam-prophetess-bible-study Miriam And The Waters Of Strife IV https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-860c01f0-86a0-4714-bd74-eb55b587d76d/ZohyVh5LeNNTw1Tf_Miriam-And-The-Waters-Of-Strife-part-4-1920.jpg Miriam and the Waters of Strife Part IV https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/06dyiazhnq 1905 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/golden-calf-and-shattered-tablets 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/kosher-laws-in-the-torah-bible-transcript 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/torah-law-history-epilogue Does Our History Become Torah Law? Epilogue https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-8675af24-37c9-4c55-bc3b-ff7d968af935/c403c970-4594-47be-99ac-4bc8d5c5600c_Does-Our-History-Become-Torah-Law-Epilogue-MAIN-1920.jpg In the previous video, Rabbi Fohrman revealed the interesting connections between certain stories in the Bible and Torah law. Does this trend continue? Join Rabbi Fohrman in this epilogue video. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/d69wz7qnsg 485 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-does-aaron-teach-us-about-loss-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/manna-and-the-omer-notes-by-rdf-source-sheet 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/garden-of-eden-story 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-bible-says-teaches-about-moses-humility-meaning What Does Humility Really Mean? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-87456fc5-b12b-417f-9868-f1a0e2f072fb/MWZkNzJiMjYtODRlOS00N2M0LWFhYzctYzJmMjE0NDc0YmZj_753dd73b-ec69-4865-b7fe-f5f3f06f038d_what-does-humility-really-mean-1920.jpg What do you picture when you think of someone who's humble? Is it someone who stands up to bullies and hoodlums? Someone who faces off against evil tyrants? Someone who stands his moral ground - even, seemingly, against God Himself? Probably not. Someone like that is brave, heroic, and full of integrity. But humble? That's not the word I would use... And yet, the Torah tells us that Moses was more humble than anyone else on Earth. Moses, who stood up to Egyptian taskmasters, who took on Pharaoh, who argued with God to save the Israelite people. How exactly is that humble? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he tries to resolve this seeming contradiction by examining a story that seems to test Moses' humility. A deeper understanding of this story may just lead us to a deeper understanding of humility – and the true greatness of Moses. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/6rfxmvspsf 940 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes no 2026-05-08T14:37:23.181Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/give-me-yavneh-and-its-sages Give Me Yavneh and Its Sages https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-875a4923-d06b-4384-b946-a8123943b021/aIzVgaTt2nPbZqMb_howthesagessavedthenationMAINnew004.png How can we feel connected to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple when these tragedies happened thousands of years ago? The answer may lie in understanding what still links us to those past events and how, against all odds, exile didn’t put an end to the Jewish people. Join Rabbi Fohrman as he searches for the secret to Jewish continuity in the story of the fall of Jerusalem itself, in a place far from the Temple – in the sands of Yavneh. Discover other great Tisha Ba’v videos and resources at Aleph Beta, including ‘The Book of Lamentations”, “The Meaning of Sinat Chinam”, and “Tisha Ba'v Customs & Rituals” https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/033451kc3v 600 2023-10-12T18:54:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/prophet-for-hire-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-does-god-rest-part-iv Why Does God Rest? Part IV https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-87fdbc64-a16d-4c28-a29d-97a34b42120d/ZmMxOGYxYzMtZmE1YS00MDA1LWJlODktOWEzNjcwMjE5NWJl_accce81c-fd3e-44b2-b7b4-19abd4284c92_why-does-god-rest.jpg Why does God Rest https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/zynz05jx6h 746 2023-12-14T17:40:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/poison-pill-rachel-and-the-tree-of-knowledge-2 Poison Pill: Rachel and the Tree of Knowledge II https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-880796e8-a21c-4a60-966a-7d0c3a4a26c7/OTZmNDRjYjItNjAxOS00NTEyLThmYjgtMGQ5MWJlZDc5YjRl_10f19d6f-a5e2-42ab-b0fd-53cb1fd4d48f_jacobmanoftruth.jpg Poison Pill: Rachel and the Tree of Knowledge Part II 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/mqqrdv09sc 4339 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/one-god-two-names 2026-03-20T01:36:24.698Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-mishkan-and-creation The Mishkan and Creation https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-88322537-1f09-452a-9a39-d7b683ff9efc/MGI3N2Y1N2MtY2U4NC00NmJmLTlhMjItMmY3M2E5MmE0ZGQ3_72ea233c-dbde-4584-9100-bbaf4ba04eab_what-we-lost-when-the-temple-was-destroyed-1920.jpg Rabbi Fohrman uncovers a surprising connection between the story of Creation and the building of the Mishkan. We take a quick peek into God’s world before Creation. And we start getting to the root of some of our earlier questions about the Mishkan and its importance to us on Tisha B’Av. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/5y64rkkki6 636 2023-10-12T18:52:17.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/august-02-2022-tisha-b-av-reflecting-on-tisha-b-av 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/bar-bat-mitzvah-lesson-parents-kids The Hidden Structure of the Ten Commandments https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-887b6c88-a00d-4a39-aba3-bad8150a713a/b6c2b47c-fa7f-45a7-83d8-466e6011f3bd_003-the-hidden-structure-of-the-ten-commandments-1920.jpg The Ten Commandments is one of the most well known and revered documents in the world. But on the surface, it seems kind of bland and not too earth shattering. In this video, we’re going to dig beneath the surface of this text to uncover layers of meaning that you never imagined were there. 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/6l5yqti12c 879 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parsha-experiment-chayei-sarah-worksheet 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/infinite-god-physical-home 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/recognize-please Recognize, Please.. https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-88b635a0-e772-4acc-adba-0c3c62bd4278/M2IxODExMDQtZTdjMS00MTVjLWEwNWItNTVlYjk1MGY5NmUz_owu1yze3otmtmdazyi00ymy4lwi3yzctzwm3ndgwyta3ywqw_recognize-please_1512147635623.jpg Judah: A Perplexing Character? Part 14 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/voac9vipnl 517 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/good-and-evil-in-the-garden-of-eden 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/reeh-why-does-judaism-need-the-written-law-and-oral 2026-02-24T11:08:35.788Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-wisdom-solomon-really-needed The Wisdom Solomon Really Needed https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-890444fc-d79b-4701-a1f2-413d1ef51fab/MjgyODU1ZGMtZWFlYi00NThmLWFkN2ItNGYxMjM3M2Q2OTM2_fe60adb8-fcb3-4448-a4dd-52608e2f5eed_beginning-of-the-end-640.jpg We’ve seen how the Solomon story sheds light on the story of Joseph and his brothers, but what about the other way around? In this final video, Rabbi Fohrman returns to his opening question about the nature of Solomon’s wisdom. What was Solomon really supposed to learn from his encounter with the two women and the way that encounter resonated with his ancestral past? Was God trying to give Solomon the wisdom he needed, the wisdom to save the kingdom, after all? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/nl4w3gkd18 1389 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-significance-of-saving-private-ryan-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/joseph-and-pharah-father-baltimore-show 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/phantom-akeidah-english-source-notes-to-lectures 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/jacob-name-change-israel-meaning How Jacob Becomes Israel https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-89984c6c-95b5-4c01-b547-0fe26141213d/79f9e0df-92b0-4adb-8bab-0fc4abd3a50a_How-Jacob-Becomes-Israel-thumbnail-1920.jpg In Parshat Vayishlach , we read about the strange encounter between Jacob and the mysterious, unnamed “man” who wrestles with him. At the end of the encounter, the man declares that Jacob now possesses a new name – Yisrael, Israel – for he struggled with God and man, and prevailed. This moment is clearly meant to be profoundly significant. And yet it leaves us with so many unanswered questions. For instance, what is the man referring to when he says that Jacob “struggled with God and man and prevailed”? Is that a reference to their fight, or does it mean something else? Further, what did Jacob do to warrant a name change – did Jacob’s character undergo some sort of radical shift? If so, what was it? Lastly, how does this new name compare to his previous name, Jacob – is it just different, or is it somehow a kind of improvement? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he takes a close look at Jacob’s life, and discovers a pattern in the way Jacob interacts with everyone around him. This pattern may illuminate the cryptic words of the mysterious figure – and teach us how we can all be more honest and trusting people. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/821ags7592 596 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T22:22:27.489Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-would-god-curse-his-people-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-perplexing-temptation A Perplexing Temptation https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-89e5dafd-e5c8-469b-ba26-e02622d261a1/MmY4NTg4YzQtNTcyMC00NjQ5LTgwODMtZTZkOTlmYjQwZTBj_nti0otm0oditmte3zi00m2e3ltk4ymetzmiyyjvimwqxyzkw_236_garden_7.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman examines the Snake's mode of temptation. The text seems to be missing something, and the temptation is not entirely clear - nor does it seem to be too tempting. What was the Snake's approach? 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/66ny2n84lh 637 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/egypt-redux-the-advent-of-hagar Egypt Redux: The Advent of Hagar https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-8a2fa581-54d1-48fa-8699-a033ffd8eedb/YTI0NWQ2YzYtZTNiYy00NjgzLThiYTktNzRiMTNjNjJiNTE0_ddd08cd0-ca83-43c4-a67d-c4803af30ef3_thumbnail_series_abrahams-journey_draft-1.jpg Egypt Redux: The Advent of Hagar 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/qev1yufsvl 3740 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/social-justice-and-sacrifices 2026-04-24T20:34:38.634Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/5a-promise-intensif A Promise Intensified https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-8a84a7c6-9a03-4190-b8b0-f8294ed54add/ZmE5NTAwYTMtNjZjMi00MDk3LTljZGEtY2QyMzUzMDFmZmQ5_ddd08cd0-ca83-43c4-a67d-c4803af30ef3_thumbnail_series_abrahams-journey_draft-1.jpg A Promise Intensified 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/jegfp6gak2 3740 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/class-3-july-9-2024 Class 3 - July 9, 2024 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-8a9f69f3-6002-43e4-b1dd-145b20af348b/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/514w4b06aj 7916 2024-07-10T11:40:33.000Z yes yes 2026-02-26T11:02:50.944Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hebrew-source-notes-lecture-7 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/child-sacrifice-in-the-torah How to Approach the Akedah https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-8ad01ee6-b288-4a0d-b5de-ee595e30a462/ODdlN2UyMGUtYjNhZi00OWExLTkxNGMtYzFhYWFhMzBkNmM0_2aa18b80-d739-41bb-8ac3-41e571fad7dd_akedahindepth001.jpg What kind of God asks a father to sacrifice his son, and what kind of father listens? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he takes a deep dive into the story of the Binding of Isaac (Akedat Yitzchak) and uncovers answers to these challenging questions and more. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/2c3de1pvqd 2914 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/man-choosing-god-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/lest-it-come-to-scandal-5 The Birth of Technology https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-8b2c0af9-02fe-4374-bc9c-71a8b0ba04f1/OTNhMjVkOGQtNjBjNC00NjlhLWI2OGItZDdhZDdlZmQ0ZDUz_nweyodflztitnwvjzi00ntkylwfizjctymewmduzyjy0y2qy_492_tower20of20babel.png Rabbi Fohrman concludes this series with a discussion of creativity of any kind, especially technology – how do we deal with a technological society, and who is hurt by technology? We are brought back to Pharaoh and reminded that through technology, the Israelites were enslaved. Related ideas and themes are recorded in the series: "Does the Book of Ruth Matter?" 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? See also <a href="https://www.alephbeta.org/course/lecture/why-the-book-of-ruth" target="_blank">The Book Of Ruth</a> https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/4kbpcg6gw6 325 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/aaron-golden-calf Shattered Tablets And The Calf Of Gold III https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-8b4bbc1d-8508-4d0f-b455-55c35865d883/ZjYxODZhMGUtMTBkMS00NGQ0LWJhNDItYzhjYmMyMGI3YjNh_nzk4mgflntutmjhhmi00zgvklwe4yjitzty3ntmzmtiymzi2_aaron-golden-calf.jpg Shattered Tablets and the Calf of Gold Part III https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/qtmw0oajol 3640 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/yaakov-man-of-truth-3 Jacob: Man of Truth? III https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-8b7b4a1b-dc6d-49cc-96a2-daa994e91927/MTc4OWI1ZmUtNTQzYS00NzFhLTk1NGQtZmZmZTk2YzZmNzZj_10f19d6f-a5e2-42ab-b0fd-53cb1fd4d48f_jacobmanoftruth.jpg Jacob: Man of Truth? Part III 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/lvh74hsyiy 3975 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/elijah-bible-character-study Lecture II https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-8b91cee4-bc68-4171-9f25-a1b53c49aa6e/ZpbzYR5LeNNTxN1C_what-is-a-defender-of-god-part-2-1920.jpg Rabbi Fohrman delves into the first vignette of the Elijah story, and begins to explore the role of Elijah as a defender of God, like Phineas was. We raise the question: How much of Elijah's actions are unilateral and how much is coming from God? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/tf9lt2hylc 3737 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/backwards-akeidah Backwards Akeidah https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-8bb0940a-dbf2-4922-ab1f-7cccb76213be/Y2FkNzcxNDktNDVkNi00ZmE2LWEzZWItZTdhNDlkNWM2Nzdj_mmm2zjcynzytzjkyos00n2nlltljogetnmu0nge4yjewmjzh_178_perspective2.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman introduces "reverse" intertextuality, in which the literary parallels appear in reverse chronological order. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/yhvi3iff8b 248 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shemot-what-was-moses-real-mission 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/goel-hadam-accidental-murder-bible Epilogue: The Line Between Murder And Apathy https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-8cded4f7-4051-4cf3-aa4b-6febefd49017/N2JiNzRhMTYtNzY0Mi00N2E5LTgyYmMtY2QwNTA2ZmQ5NDU4_nmuxyti0nzitywe1mc00nty3ltk1mwitmzixnmfmntkym2vj_goel-hadam-accidental-murder-bible.jpg This is an epilogue to the video "The Line Between Murder And Apathy." https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/kufxvqa160 1022 2023-10-12T18:54:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/elokim-and-ykvk-week-4 A Tale of Two Names: Elokim and YHVH - Week 4 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-8cf41ec1-aa2f-4a95-866c-fd83ecd3b703/MmJmNmVlNzAtYWUzNy00MmE3LThjYWQtYmI5YjA0ODQzZjcw_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/47p4my28pf 4921 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-does-it-mean-to-survive-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/class-4-july-16-2024 Class 4 - July 16, 2024 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-8d24ba4f-9fc4-48d6-b49f-6bfea19a7b2f/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/bk3a0c2ezx 7138 2024-07-17T11:33:17.000Z yes yes 2026-02-26T11:03:25.505Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/bamidbar-parshat-guide-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-can-we-achieve-holiness 2026-04-22T19:41:06.608Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/gods-answer-to-rachels-cry God’s Answer to Rachel’s Cry https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-8da06a1e-8a5b-44cb-a1d3-535a5b7cf00d/Zqd-7x5LeNNTxj_p_TBAfterOctober7thumbnail.png In the final episode of this series, Rabbi David Fohrman explores God’s profound response to Rachel’s tears and fears – and how we might, finally, be able to find hope and comfort in this Divine response as well. On Tisha B'Av 2024, we held a live screening and discussion of this video. Click here to watch the recording. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/9scwq2wjwf 790 2024-07-29T18:22:06.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-tale-of-two-triangles A Tale of Two Triangles https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-8de480ac-d08c-482e-b46c-8d24ccca9d57/YmZlYTI2NjItOThiZi00ZDA4LTk3YTEtM2U5MWE0OGU5NzZi_mtaxmzbkowqtmgnkos00n2zjltg0njetngy1yjdkote5njcy_219_pp5.png Might the three qualities mentioned at the end of the chapter -- truth, justice and peace -- have a relationship that is similar to the relationship we described earlier between Torah, Avodah and Gemilut Chasadim? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/2cox497add 374 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vaera-parshat-guide-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tabernacle-angels-meaning 2026-04-20T21:56:21.239Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-does-it-mean-to-be-chosen-printable-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/birkat-hamazon-printable-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/lesson-of-caleb-joshua-story-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/introduction-to-kabbalat-shabbat-4 Introduction to Kabbalat Shabbat Ep.4 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-8e8e4bb7-9f4d-48d5-9624-986b1956d19e/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. Want to explore the ideas in this class even further? Check out Why Moses Couldn't Enter the Land . This 7 part series offers an expanded, but earlier version, of Rabbi's Fohrman's thoughts on why Moses wasn't allowed to enter the Land of Israel from the perspective of Sefer Bamidbar on the one hand, and Sefer Devarim on the other. This class also touched on ideas Rabbi Fohrman develops in Refa'einu , a podcast which explores the idea of God as our healer. Take a listen and let us know what you think. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/fmk6dq8pq4 5231 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/brief-history-powerpoint-4b 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/conclusion-two-ways-to-destoy-a-world Conclusion: Two Ways to Destroy a World https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-8ec40c2d-5eb8-415b-878f-c7632cdd8325/MzgwZTJjOWMtN2Q5NS00OWI4LThiMmQtYzI4MDk3YTNjNmY1_ywqwnjfizjutowq1zs00mtywltk4n2utnzeymzkynjrmywey_282_noah_21.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman turns brings us full circle and demonstrates the connection between the center of the Rainbow narrative's chiasm and the center of the Sabbath's chiasm. 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/1qzpof19h8 635 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/closer-look-at-kiddush-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-couldnt-moses-enter-the-land-powerpoints 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/jacobs-ladder-and-the-laws-of-maaser-webinar Jacob's Ladder and the Laws of Ma'aser https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-8f92df8a-0a06-4b5b-a4ce-e6e7f9f010ac/MjczMzliNTctNjQ4ZC00YmJlLTk2MWQtMzQ1OGFiY2M5ODI1_zmiymmrkzgmtnju1zi00zdfklwi1zmitnge3ntlinmrlodkx_jacobs-ladder-and-the-laws-of-maaser-webinar.png Rabbi Fohrman's live webinars. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/doza56hlkx 2575 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-parshat-tetzaveh-11 Book Club with Rabbi Fohrman, A series of Chiasms https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-8fb6f52f-8891-45fd-8628-57567f46e420/Y2JjYjk2ZTctYTk0Ni00ODY1LTk2ZDItODc4ZWUzNmY0M2I2_dbabbadf-5d9e-4046-a26f-959db3ee293c_thumbnail_pc_book-club_draft-1.jpg Enjoy this recording of Book Club for Parshat Vayikra. 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/75ljsf366b 3966 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/lecture-iii Lecture III https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-8fb8ed2b-5e67-4281-b030-245eb7d19ef3/YTBmY2Q4NzQtYTA4MS00YzQ1LTgyYjEtN2JjZjk2YmQ2NDM3_83e987cf-f213-41f8-b379-e349994a8250_thumbnail_series_abrahams-journey-2_draft-1.jpg Lecture III 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/1nfggkspxp 2827 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/english-source-notes-lecture-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/amalek-israel-history Amalek Lecture VIII https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-8ff6717e-8da0-41fd-a14d-0be5dc2a4bf2/65d520ac3a605798c18bfc0a_The-Rise-of-Antisemitism-part-8-1920.jpg In this video we explore the two episodes of Israel’s complaints about manna. It may be possible that the nation of Israel’s sins seem to reflect their resistance to direct contact with God. Rabbi Fohrman explores five distinct stories that occurred through our history to further prove the idea of the Israelites not properly dealing with their issues with God, and the pattern of incidences with Amalek. 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/p5jrrvlpwf 3435 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/aleph-beta-reacts-tazria-metzora-5775 Aleph Beta Reacts Tazria-Metzora 5775 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-8ff6e327-30f9-41e7-95bb-867868eec728/Mzc4NTY2YzQtY2VjZC00NmM2LWEwYWItODM0NDVlZThlMjky_ywi0n2q1zgitmti1mc00yjfjlwi3mdktnmq1yta5mjdkotc1_aleph-beta-reacts-tazria-metzora-5775.png Aleph Beta Reacts Tazria-Metzora 5775 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/vqp4mw02oe 635 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-10 A Tale of Two Names: Elokim and YHVH - Week 10 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-8ffa68c7-754e-41af-bee2-5b2239758888/MDVjY2U0ZGUtZTQzYy00NmZmLTk0NGYtN2ZmOGQ1OTQzMGEx_mgywnwzizdctotc4zs00n2fhlwiznmityjhkmdg4yzfhzwiz_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/2ayk4bbf00 4462 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/where-joy-happiness-comes-from-bible The Right Way To Find Happiness According To The Bible: Part II https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-90045377-48fe-4d3b-b428-b29a4832d2cb/N2NjNWQyYzQtOTEwZC00MWM2LThkODUtMzkxNDI1NzJiODM2_cc4714fa-8768-4a52-88e8-55cb1c4616e6_where-joy-happiness-comes-from-bible.jpg In last week's Ki Tavo video, Rabbi Fohrman introduced us to the farmer with first fruit, the individual with tithes stored in his house, and the person who might be cursed. In this video, Rabbi Fohrman makes the argument that perhaps these three people are actually one person, going through three stages of an ongoing story. As we go through the stages of this potential downfall of an individual, Rabbi Fohrman shows the importance of serving God with happiness. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/bf07oy3ll5 880 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/understanding-rachels-cry Understanding Rachel’s Cry https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9006a072-7d47-4bd9-bb82-6507efa753f6/Zqd-7x5LeNNTxj_p_TBAfterOctober7thumbnail.png Rabbi David Fohrman takes us deeper into the depths of Rachel's anguish, exploring the layered resonances of her tears throughout her life. By tracing back through key moments of her pain, from the betrayal and selling of her son Joseph to her struggle with infertility, Rabbi Fohrman reveals a profound message from God about the essence of Rachel's suffering and the fears that lie at the core of her anguish. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/wofxry9hro 612 2024-07-29T18:22:06.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-lullabye-effect The Lullabye Effect https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9016fe2a-dfef-4579-a751-6c6a25641adc/Z5U5TJbqstJ992Tg_genesisunveiled2025001.png We all know the story about the guy and the girl and the snake in the garden, right? Maybe we don't know it as well as we think we do. We've heard this story since childhood and we tend to gloss over some of the more glaring issues with this text. But if we approach it as adults we might find that there's something far deeper beneath the surface that's waiting to be explored. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/8b5oyunt7x 278 2025-10-15T08:57:37.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/jacobs-ladder-part-2 Jacob's Ladder Part 2 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-906d5d88-838a-4c73-abc3-af2a9d55c4c5/NjlkMzlkNjUtYTMyZi00ZDBlLWIzYzQtOTA0Y2YxYjQ4ZWRl_ngmwn2jhytetyzq3os00nzrkltlmzgetnmy2odg1zdnim2qx_jacobs-ladder-part-2.png Rabbi Fohrman's live webinars. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/hngq8g3zuq 2445 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/korachs-backstory-in-the-bible-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parshat-haazinu-5777-2016 Ha'azinu-V'Zot Habracha: The Inspiring Conclusion To The Torah (Part 2) https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-907a8323-2b13-4ad2-ace9-43bfd70300f8/MzJiNTNjZDQtMDk1YS00ZjJlLWI0MDEtOTViOGIzNWZhNjNh_otzizje5njitotrjzs00ngnmlwfjnmytztnizjuzzwyxyjkx_haazinuvzot-habrachablank-alt.jpg In this week's video, we close the entire Torah, and we ask ourselves, what lessons can we learn today? How can we be inspired by the Torah's messages, and fulfill our destiny as a people? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/fw3kmiklbe 1096 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shir-hamaalot-waking-up-from-the-dream 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-secret-to-understanding-jewish-holidays-teache 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/haman-purim-story Redeeming The Tree https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-911b0ee4-601c-4023-9e9c-8318907f60fe/Z8ZPOxsAHJWomEpb_couldyoubecomehamannew005.png In this video Rabbi Fohrman takes a closer look at Esther and the big challenge she seems to face. In order to somehow give this knowledge to the king in the right way, she's going to have to do it in a way that distinguishes between the two types of good, discussed in detail in the previous videos. When she does that, she will have finally redeemed the great Tree of Knowledge sin. How Esther does this forms the climax of the Megillah's narrative, a climax that we will understand ever more deeply when we keep the Tree of Knowledge in mind as we read it. Take a look! https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/nhnrf4dr76 667 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-hidden-link-between-refainu-and-the-exodus The Hidden Link Between Refa'einu and the Exodus https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-91275b6d-941b-4189-9e78-5e7cadb51212/aCayWSdWJ-7kSMCV_HealingThroughtheOmer001.png Refa’einu is a plea for health found in the Shemoneh Esrei prayer. As the world continues to battle COVID-19, what better text to turn to for spiritual guidance. But when you take a close look at this prayer, something remarkable emerges. Refa’einu has an unexpected connection to Sefirat HaOmer, the period on our calendar that marks the time between the Exodus from Egypt and the giving of the Torah. Could understanding the deeper meaning of the Omer somehow help us understand Refa’einu? Could this connection help us learn to relate to God as our healer? Join Rabbi Fohrman and Immanuel Shalev, as they take a deep dive into Refa’einu and its Torah references, to shed light on what it means to truly heal--emotionally and spiritually. In this first episode of the series, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu begin their journey by looking closely at the language of Refa’einu. It turns out, this prayer is hinting at an event from the Exodus story. But it’s not one of the obvious contenders, like the plagues, or the splitting of the sea. It’s the strange story of the bitter waters the Israelites came to shortly after entering the desert, and how God turned these waters sweet for them. What does this have to do with Refa’einu? Listen to find out. 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/n4z08jvsr8 1557 2023-10-16T18:41:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/keepsake-or-evidence Keepsake or Evidence? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-912b9031-3280-4d4b-8838-31644b8ac47e/OTllYTEzMDktNmNkMi00MTYyLWI5NGEtZDgwMTMyNGQ2OTIx_zjawngm1yzutmdaxzc00zgi2lwiyzwytymnkztc5ztrizdrh_keepsake-or-evidence_1512147762491.jpg Judah: A Perplexing Character? Part 16 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/1i2x6x4jnx 467 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/person-of-integrity-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/beshalach-what-is-belief-in-god 2026-02-24T10:55:40.862Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/behaalotecha-parshat-guide-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/reeh-parshat-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-moment-we-finally-understood-the-shofar 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-to-break-the-cycle-of-abuse-recorded-lecture How to Break the Cycle of Abuse https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-91d3909b-792f-4bb7-9865-77b2cde4b7e7/a47479c0-3d5e-4a88-9eb8-ced4749852ac_How+to+break+the+cycle+of+abuse+NEW+640.jpg Hidden in the Exodus story is a lesson on abusive relationships and how to break the traumatic cycle of abuse. In this intense podcast, join Rabbi David Fohrman & Beth Lesch as they tackle the difficult subject of abuse from all angles. They define what it means to be a victim, an abuser, and a savior, and how to break the vicious cycle of abuse. They also challenge the idea of "bystanders" in abusive situations. Drawing inspiration from the Exodus story and why God choose specifically to take the Jews out of Egypt in the way He did, Rabbi Fohrman demonstrates that God is not just taking the Jews out of Egypt, but showing an example of what it means to intervene in an abusive relationship. They also suggest that it was critical for God to not only remove the Jewish people from the abusive relationship, but also to show them how not be passive when faced with an abusive situation. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/9ea8wdyn6b 2280 2023-12-21T19:03:38.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-shema-prayer-is-known-to-be-the-jewish-peoples1 Shema Intensive Lecture 6 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-91ea98e8-0db2-4d15-9443-13e6025c6d69/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/qxb6dnm6ut 4956 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/may-3-2022-kedoshim-social-justice-and-sacrifices 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/mordechais-hidden-story-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/challah-whats-so-special-about-making-dough Challah: What’s So Special About Making Dough? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-924c4cd4-4b7b-49d9-8fea-ab1bc2f74efe/OTM3NjZlNzMtMmM1MC00ZGEzLWExNmQtZjA2YmQ3MzhkYzQ2_a4b3af28-01f4-4ba4-b315-5477c5f28bb8_challah-offer-640.jpg Every week, in many Jewish homes, families bake two warm, delicious loaves of challah bread for the Shabbat meal. The smell of freshly-baked challah is familiar and comforting – but how often do we contemplate the meaning behind the act of making challah? Is there any symbolism behind the ingredients — flour, water, often sugar, eggs, oil — of the challah dough? When we knead the challah dough, shape it, bake it… what are we supposed to be thinking about? Sure, challah is delicious, it enhances our celebration of Shabbat, but is there some deep spiritual lesson that we’re meant to take from the challah baking experience itself? If we follow the clues hidden in the Torah, paying special attention to the Hebrew word for challah, חַלָּה‎, we can start to see the deeper significance behind those braided loaves. We can see that baking challah is about something much grander, much more significant, than combining ingredients in a mere act of baking. In this video, Rabbi Fohrman explores the Torah sources for the idea of separating and baking ‘challah’ – and shows how we, thousands of years later, can find deep and lasting meaning in the challah bread that sits on our Shabbat tables. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/nqfg7fi2c6 498 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:30:56.268Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/questions-about-sarah-in-bible Sarah, Esther, and Rabbi Akiva’s Riddle https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-926b7bd1-e6b3-4ec7-ad33-cac1218a42af/Z35n8JbqstJ99Krh_thebondbetweensarahandesther2025001.png Parshat Chayei Sarah – which translates to “The Life Of Sarah” – tells us that Sarah lived to the age of 127. It seems like mere trivia, the kind of thing that you forget as quickly as you read it. But Rabbi Akiva, the great sage of the Talmud, noticed something curious… that this number, 127, pops up in one other place in the Bible: It’s the number of provinces in the Persian empire in the days of Achashverosh and Queen Esther. Clearly, it’s got to be a coincidence, right? What could Sarah’s age possibly have to do with Persian provinces? But Rabbi Akiva doesn’t think it’s mere coincidence – and after watching this video, you might not either. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/9lk81s9srq 677 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:54:47.405Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/chocolate-chip-cookies Chocolate Chip Cookies https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9293f524-6eba-468d-8f77-eddec4d93fb2/ZpEb1R5LeNNTxGZn_new-grappling-with-loss-other-KU-version-1920.jpg In episode 4, Rabbi Fohrman returns to Isaiah. Empowered by his new reading of Genesis, he begins to tackle the hidden message Isaiah is trying to give us about the true nature of tov and rah, good and evil, and how both contribute to the fullness of life. It turns out, the answer we’ve been searching for is a lot like a chocolate chip cookie -- but you need to watch to find out how! 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/632s1jttyw 1121 2023-10-12T18:54:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-isnt-torah-day-actually-in-the-torah-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-hidden-angel The Hidden Angel https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-92bd482a-62a4-479e-a7d9-fa02ef948630/ZDZhZWYzMjQtMDJiZS00MzMyLTg0OTMtYmIzZDNjMmRlMzA1_zjljytuzn2itmjyyyy00zmvmltk4odytmzhjymizmje4mtjh_174_jocoats20.png The Hidden Angel https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/z64f9is0yi 488 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/chiasm-chart 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tale-of-two-names-from-the-garden-to-the-flood 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/noahs-world Noah's World https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-93079367-faf0-4c5f-b314-f4b26cccff0e/OGFlMGQzZWQtYmMwMy00MmYwLTlkMzMtOWJmYTcxMjRlNmEw_ywrjywy2mjctn2q1nc00mgm4ltkwmjgtm2y3y2vkyjvjnzli_262_noah_6.png In this video, the last of Unit 2, Rabbi Fohrman present the theory that pre-flood world was God's World, and post-flood world was actually Noah's World - mankind's world. 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/owfyr6x3wf 815 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/step-towards-god-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/yitro-teachers-lesson-worksheet 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-does-god-allow-suffering 2026-04-20T21:41:10.803Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hallel-song-meaning-themes Hallel: How God Saves Us https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-93bea61f-29f9-4e57-b934-2206e8a6dc00/ZjRmNWZkYjktMTM0NS00MzI3LTliM2UtYzhjN2I3Y2FjYmUy_fcc1d9f2-11ea-46e8-9b08-923c07bf7dbd_hallel-our-story-1920.jpg In this audio, Rabbi Fohrman develops further connections between Samuel and Kings, the Song of the Sea, and Hallel – evoking an overarching theme of being saved by God. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/1nmtbh3k8t 3394 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/pesach-and-shavuot Pesach & Shavuot https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-93e4533e-bde0-46b7-b969-6bba605a48da/Zgq8Kct2UUcvBT2k_holiday-cycle-24-1920.jpg Rabbi Fohrman continues his exploration with a focus on Pesach and The Omer Offering. He demonstrates the connections between the concept of Shabbat as a rest from the act of creation in regards to Pesach and the Omer. In this lecture he shows how the Pesach is the Shabbat from agriculture, in particular the creative act of making bread. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/fljnp1pin2 3131 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/2lot-land-and-lega Lot, Land and Legacy https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-93e7d9a4-6d50-4160-963c-93f674b61518/ZmE5NTAwYTMtNjZjMi00MDk3LTljZGEtY2QyMzUzMDFmZmQ5_ddd08cd0-ca83-43c4-a67d-c4803af30ef3_thumbnail_series_abrahams-journey_draft-1.jpg Lot, land and legacy 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/q6h1zeitxe 2887 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/golden-calf-lecture-7-powerpoint 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/of-rivers-and-nations Of Rivers and Nations https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-93f0be2a-2b11-491a-836e-3c9f740d19d2/MmQwZDM5ODItMDc5Mi00ZjA1LTkzZTYtMTdmMDE5MTM4Y2Q5_ytm2mzfmnwetyjmzmi00nwuwlwexnmutotlimju2nmzjzguw_470_vineyard.png In the original creation, rivers too bring life – and what brings life in the creation of Noah? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman argues that rivers create physical boundaries and nations, in the creation of Noah, create the political boundaries. 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/g71rp49dlb 717 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/spies-in-the-bible Spies. Conspiracies. And The Two Men Caught In The Middle — Sound Familiar? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9419545b-c052-479a-b4ac-5d3b356e08a4/ODg3ODg1ZjYtZGQ2ZC00MDc0LThiNGUtNWQyNzRiNzhlZTAy_nwrmzwy0otitowuyos00mmnllwe0zgmtnzdimmzhogeyyjgx_spies-in-bible.jpg In Parshat Shelach, we read the story of the spies who ventured to the land of Israel and brought back a false report to the Israelites. But there’s something very strange about their report. Aside from being inaccurate, it’s strikingly similar to another story we’ve heard. A group of twelve men, ten of whom committed a terrible sin and two of whom were innocent — sound familiar? Join Rivky and Beth as they re-examine the text of the spy story — and never think about Parshat Shelach the same way again. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/nysrhsp6f7 2046 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shema-intensive-lecture-2 Shema Intensive Lecture 2 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9427de58-8521-472e-adce-7a3045d80998/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/yu97407zjv 4910 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vayechi-gods-hidden-hand 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/chanukah-celebration-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/whats-the-deal-with-the-maggid Reading The Haggadah https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9476ae29-6779-4f17-9a7e-7545d65a7e9a/Z-1uIXdAxsiBwPP9_makingsenseofmaggid003.png Reading the Haggadah is just one of many, many rituals at the Passover Seder – but it’s not easy to read. Sometimes in a rush to fit it all, we mumble our way through the Maggid text, without really considering what it means. But Haggadah is a text to be studied, not rushed, and it’s easy to miss the bigger picture – and one of the most important messages behind the Maggid. You might ask, where in the Haggadah is the actual Exodus story, the reason we hold Passover? Instead, the Haggadah shows us the story from a farmer’s perspective, written much later, as well as stories of God’s interaction with the Israelite nation – all the way back to Abraham. How does reading the Haggadah fulfill our commandment to retell the Exodus on Passover? Why not skip the introductory text, dive straight to the Exodus, and finish the Seder a bit earlier? The main part of the Haggadah, Maggid, literally means “retelling a story”. And “retelling” is the key word for reading the Haggadah – if we look closer at the text, we can find pointers on how we should also retell the story, even in a modern world. The Haggadah is the perspective of the Exodus story that the Rabbis wanted us to see – to find a meaningful story that we never imagined existed. But what is the crucial meaning that the Haggadah authors wanted us to see? Rabbi Fohrman argues that the Maggid is really a deep narrative that shows evidence of God’s ongoing promise to save His people. It grounds all the survival of the Israelite nation throughout the centuries, to show that God’s original promise to Abraham wasn’t a one-time thing, even if it was delayed by twists and turns that the people imposed upon themselves. Rabbi Fohrman urges you not to rush through the Maggid reading. In this video course, he looks at how the different stories hang together. Through these connections, discover how the Haggadah is still a message for Jews in exile today, that even if faced with oppression or dark times, the hope is real – God will bring us out of this, and the nation will never be https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/59npmpgulw 850 2023-10-16T18:41:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parsha-experiment-vayeira-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/understanding-omer-and-shavuot 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/eikev-a-revolutionary-way-of-serving-god 2026-02-24T10:45:37.241Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-israelites-people-worship-false-idols Why Would Anyone Want To Worship Idols? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9511e53b-742d-4e77-8547-9d2a232d41ad/ZThlOWI4Y2MtODc1NS00NzQ4LWFkNWItODQ1N2JmYjBjZGE0_m2njmzmyzwytowrims00ytdhltk4yjitmzmwnjdhntbmyjc5_why-israelites-people-worship-false-idols.jpg God doesn’t like foreign gods .... but does He have to remind us over and over? And the people, too, seemed to be obsessed with foreign gods. What made avodah zarah so attractive, and therefore so destructive, that God needs to devote law after law to its eradication? And what does any of this have to do with us, today? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/efspn0s4fu 1060 2023-10-12T18:54:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-21T19:03:50.417Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/understanding-shmot-through-chiasms 2026-04-20T22:06:11.929Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/echoes-of-our-ancestors Echoes of our Ancestors https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-957cf408-6b00-4513-b68c-b0ff9ab6704b/YzYzMTE0MTUtMjA4My00MDdjLTk3NDktNDQ3MmQyNmE3OTBm_3ac5fbe0-087a-44d9-b1bd-2cb35ee2ec33_tb-spies-1280.jpg After taking a closer look at the story of the spies in the desert, there seems to be echoes of an earlier story lurking in the Biblical text. Where have we heard the story of the spies before? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/861dzyxjm4 641 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/collateral-1 Collateral https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-959be6c1-621f-44a2-8a4e-47394b56c4ac/ZmJmN2UzN2MtNjYyZS00OTA2LTgwYjEtYzI2NGEwZDY2ODJi_yjg4y2yxzgitmdzhzi00zwywlwe5mmqtyti0nznimjhhnde2_509_echos20of20the20future206.png Echos of the Future https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/az23mgpkfu 276 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/lesson-of-caleb-joshua-story-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/phantom-akeidah-5 Phantom Akeidah: The Sacrifice of Ishmael Part V https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-95dc7883-fb04-4fe6-8335-8b34bd264329/N2QxMjUxYzUtNDI0Yy00OGE0LTgxMjMtYzEyZGZmOGU3MTc4_8ab006f3-2ea5-4d84-bb0d-2287ac85d437_phantomakeidahpart5.png Phantom Akeidah: The Sacrifice of Ishmael Part V\r\n\r\nNote: When you hit 12:58, and it seems to jump between topics, don't be confused! A small piece of this audio is missing. While we attempt to 'find' it, please enjoy the video as it is! https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/eu7et8s4au 2609 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/read-leviticus-themes-summary How To Read The Book Of Vayikra https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-96051bd3-713b-4d40-aba6-b11d3cd25f92/ZfXZVMmUzjad_Tcu_How-To-Read-The-Book-Of-Vayikra-1920.jpg Reading the book of Leviticus is tough – practically no narrative, really difficult topics and themes. For instance, holiness, purity, and sacrifice – how are we supposed to relate to those concepts in the 21st century? How are we meant to understand the meaning of Leviticus, and its myriad laws, today? In this week's video for Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1–5:26), we learn how to read the perplexing Book of Leviticus. By unlocking the central themes in Leviticus, we can start to learn what the Book of Leviticus is really about. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/pbmrbek6d6 695 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:33:37.006Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/goats-and-coats-1 Goats and Coats https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9623267e-e58d-4903-9712-683f80161c2d/Z-1uIXdAxsiBwPP9_makingsenseofmaggid003.png Rabbi Fohrman explores the connections between Jacob and his time with Lavan and the Israelites and their time in slavery, focusing on the catalyst for both, and beginning to answer the question of how we can be grateful to God for his taking us out of slavery when He put us there in the first place. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/js3x8ck54e 853 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/interpret-ten-commandments-mishpatim-commentary Mishpatim: The Ten Commandments… The Sequel? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9645b0cc-16d8-43d4-92c1-db307c1623fa/YjVmZTMzZjMtZTI3My00NjNiLWI2NmQtOGNjZWJiMGI4YTJh_32d8ce08-2fee-4e94-82db-941e846caf4e_commentary-ten-commandments-mishpatim-intrepret.jpg This week, Imu guides Rabbi Fohrman into the myriad of laws of Mishpatim. He points out some subtle connections – both in theme, and in language – between these laws and the Ten Commandments, which we just heard last week, and asks, why? Why is there a replay of the Ten Commandments? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/qh9tecbkzd 1359 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parshat-shoftim-the-significance-of-saving-private-ryan Shoftim: The Significance of Saving Private Ryan https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-965166e8-ff4c-4c65-bc48-7234df6b612a/ZjQ3OTkwZTUtZGRiYi00MTFlLTk4MjMtYTUxMDdkZDA5YmI2_zjm1zdhmn2etngywzc00mtlhlwewodutmwe3mwiwowm1otg5_shoftim-the-significance-of-saving-private-ryan.png In this week’s Torah portion we learn about four types of people who are exempt from going to battle. What makes these people so unique? Why is their individual safety more important than the communal need? How can we as a nation reconcile individuality and community? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/0werdvqzj9 814 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shabbat-gods-seventh-day-rest Why Is Rest on the Seventh Day So Important? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9673968b-6b32-4add-9eef-2cf7adc31475/NWQzMjgzMWItZTAzNS00ZGUxLThmMDItZDcyMGNlOWY1NWQ1_b334cfd2-9e70-47a9-b1bf-d9f07f3d9278_shabbat-rest-new-640.png One of the most sacred and well-known traditions in Judaism is our weekly celebration of Shabbat, our “day of rest,”  when we commemorate the way God “rested” after His six days of creation. But wait–why would an omnipotent God need to rest? Yes, He created the universe – but He’s infinitely powerful! And why would we celebrate Shabbat by emulating the day God rested, not the mind-blowing six days of creation before it? What did God do on His day of rest that was so incredible? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he seeks to understand why Shabbat, our day of rest, is so vital to who we are as a people. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/vzqqklq0vq 462 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-did-god-give-the-torah-to-only-one-nation 2026-04-20T17:01:59.869Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/epilogue-grappling-with-pain-on-tisha-bav EPILOGUE: Grappling With Pain On Tisha B'Av https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-969fc550-5919-4501-a8aa-cbd7fd22358f/ZpEfnR5LeNNTxGew_new-grappling-with-loss-other-epilogue-1920.jpg In this epilogue conversation, Rabbi Fohrman is joined by Daniel Loewenstein, where they discuss how to balance the pain and suffering of Tisha B'Av with Rabbi Fohrman's ideas of comfort and understanding the fullness of life. 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/pz7xtja7i5 1198 2023-10-12T18:54:34.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-three-great-lies-of-the-exodus 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-faith-in-god-means-miriam-example What Does It Mean To Have Faith? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-96e89f15-1c8d-4e3d-a942-d5a21979c283/ZTE4YTA4YzEtZTU2Yi00YTNiLTg0NWEtOTQ5NzkyNWE2ZmJk_9c0dea74-75b5-4b61-9e16-b7f7da5e93d2_what-does-it-mean-to-have-faith-1920.jpg After crossing the Sea of Reeds, the nation of Israel sings a song of thanksgiving – and then Miriam leads the women of the nation in a second song of triumph. Why did she sing her own "Song of the Sea"? Was Moses' song of praise not enough? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman explores a famous Midrash about the birth of Moses and unpacks Miriam's story, showing her to be a woman of great faith. Pointing to Miriam's example, he explains what it means to truly have faith in God. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/wfrand5qf6 823 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/devarim-finding-inspiration-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/english-source-notes-lecture-2 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/six-days-some-questions-about-prayer The Meaning of Shacharit https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-973c0bae-47bc-4335-9a86-945a75f91771/Mzc0YmM4MWUtYzU3Yy00ZjQzLWFlYWUtMDUxNWRjYjU1YTI1_e804893b-3d8e-4d0f-9fca-e166185de3bf_six-days-series-2020.jpg Can morning prayers be meaningful and routine? Repeating the same, ancient, esoteric words every morning with genuine feeling can be incredibly challenging. And yet, this seemingly impossible task is exactly what Judaism asks of us. Tell us to pray whenever we feel truly moved. Or demand we daven shacharit on the clock, regardless of how we feel. But how are we possibly supposed to meet both of these demands at once? Solving this problem may lie in understanding the inspiring effect morning specifically can have on our prayers. In this video, Rabbi Fohrman begins to explore the relationship between morning and prayer by taking a close look at one of the most pivotal, yet confusing, sections of shacharit: the shema and its blessings. This video is based on content that originated from part 2 of a 3 part lecture series on A Tale of God's Two Names . For a more in depth understanding of these materials, be sure to listen to A Tale of Two Names: Elokim and YHVH , 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/6hkh3rv259 644 2023-10-16T18:41:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/high-holiday-reader-2023 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/ki-tisa-the-golden-calf-how-did-we-get-here 2026-02-24T10:54:07.847Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shmoneh-esrei-giver-of-knowledge Intermediate Blessings: Giver of Knowledge https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-979f0a5c-9906-45d0-ad55-808d1fb777fa/ZmVmZjE5ZTgtNzlmZi00NzdhLWFlMDAtNmQ2MjVlNjE2Yzll_d084b0b8-db3d-4783-92b2-44c936413c3a_shmoneh-esrei-2019-part-2.jpg Listen to this episode as a podcast! In this session, Ami and Rabbi Fohrman continue exploring the bracha of Chonen HaDa'at ("Who Grants Knowledge"), and grapple with some of the big questions they raised in the previous segment: Did God plan on granting knowledge to Adam and Eve all along? If so, why weren't they allowed to just eat from the Tree of Knowledge to begin with? How do we understand the early stories of Adam and Eve's descendants through this lens? How do the words of this bracha inform our understanding of those stories, and vice-verse? You don't want to miss this. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/hmb8lnwstv 2874 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tumah-and-tamara-today-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/blno-s4-e1-reexamining-revelation 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/interwoven-ness Interwoven-ness https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-981564e3-a00c-4830-936f-9004e252fb96/ZWUxZTEyMjgtMTIzNS00ZWRkLThmZmEtODE1MGY2MzBjNzNl_m2fjmti4mzmtowq5oc00nda4ltgzntutmwiynjjintuxnzc5_interwoven-ness_1512148006273.jpg Judah: A Perplexing Character? Part 22 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/o5plx3gu9c 528 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/job-am-i-allowed-to-be-angry-at-god-animated-1 Job: Am I Allowed to Be Angry at God? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9898b84b-b081-447f-a56b-82facaab1caf/NjI1NzUxNzItNmRlYy00MzVmLTg3YTgtMjdiOTZlNWE1YzI1_a29606d9-9199-48a0-9fd9-6cc18f5c0971_am-i-allowed-to-be-angry-at-god-640.jpg Job: Am I Allowed to Be Angry at God? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/xy6cruoeib 3471 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/give-thanks-appreciate-god-for-everything Appreciating Our Creators https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-989c263b-c79d-4ad3-86a1-e9733dadbca8/M2QxYzgwNzEtZjQ5NC00MTZlLThhNzQtMGZjMzBkYmViMGI0_mgy5zjlkmjktmgy0oc00mju2lwe2zdmtzthkndfhnwe3mzkx_give-thanks-appreciate-god-for-everything.jpg God afflicted the nation of Israel through the past 40 years of the desert, withholding food and water from them...on purpose? How can we have a relationship with a God like that? Watch more: The Common Thread In Moses's Farewell Speeches https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/m2rjjimlgz 943 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/bereishit-parshat-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shir-hamaalot-where-do-a-fathers-tears-go 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/part-2-why-isnt-our-version-of-shavuot-in-the-torah 2026-02-24T11:13:14.085Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/deuteronomy-blessings-and-curses 2026-04-21T19:23:21.926Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/can-prayer-influence-gods-action Moshe's Benevolent Chutzpah https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-98f46a2a-de93-41a4-904c-3b7d67a8325c/65d8ab8f3a605798c18c2b35_Moshe's-Benevolent-Chutzpah-1920.jpg In this week's parsha, the Jewish people commit the worst sin possible – worshiping a false god – right after God gives them the Torah on Mt. Sinai. In this video, Rabbi Fohrman asks us about a bizarre question that Moshe asks God, "Why, God, should you be angry at your people?" Moshe’s negotiation with God in the aftermath of the Golden Calf is an extreme example of prayer changing God’s will. Moshe passionately argued with God over His decision to wipe out the Israelites, and shockingly, God listened. Where did Moshe get the chutzpah to tell God what to do – and why did God agree? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he shows what it was about this prayer that caused God to change His will, and reminds us that God and the nation of Israel are attached by destiny. Then, listen to the epilogue, where Rabbi Fohrman compares the text of the Golden Calf to the story of the flood and asks what it truly means to be a man of God. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/8zrsrqd2dg 714 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-meaning-of-the-second-coat The Meaning of the Second Coat https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9903bd21-e28a-41f7-8a32-76ffa384537d/MmMzOTI5OGEtOTc5MC00OTZlLTg3MWYtYzU0ZWJlMTE4YTFj_ytyxngu2mwetmdvmzc00y2q1lthhytutmwzjngnknjyxzjey_170_jocoats16.png The Meaning of the Second Coat https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/s499qd0c9r 368 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/korach-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-regret-might-sometimes-prevent-real-change How Regret Can Inhibit Real Change https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9975b87a-f843-49f3-8191-bb396521e6bc/aMr2lGGNHVfTPVed_Part2CanRegretUndermineTeshuvah001.png Part 2 of a Q&A webinar that occurred in Elul 2025. We see regret as one of the most fundamental parts of the teshuvah process. But what if we've misunderstood its role? Rabbi Fohrman makes a compelling argument that regret might be the "easy way out" when it comes to crying on Yom Kippur, but that doesn't mean it's the best strategy for real change. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/3rv9mzo65p 2096 2025-09-17T18:02:49.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/brief-history-powerpoint-7b 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/moses-pesach-dvar-torah Moshe’s Reluctance https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-99cf5bd6-5449-463a-a603-153ed6f8bdd4/YmFhOGU5ZjgtMzA3MS00NThmLTk0Y2YtZDdlYzA4YjQ0ZTI5_69897c0d-2458-4e16-9613-e97834c89596_origins-of-the-firstborn-nation-1920.jpg Why is Moses so hesitant about the mission God gives him? Rabbi Fohrman takes us through the minds of Moses and Reuven, as they share many of the same apprehensions from the past. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/wm9yhivtro 3741 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parshat-vayeitzei-2015-5776 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/holiness-in-space-and-time-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/understanding-the-book-of-job-sinai-presentation 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/laws-of-mishkan-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/understanding-the-four-species Understanding the Four Species https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9a9be967-e3f4-42bc-b9e6-ee44bcfb0d11/Yjg5NzgxNzEtMTdjYy00YjRkLWFlNTAtZGZiMGNhYzI1YTc1_e797e759-1f16-4273-98d9-fa2faf309f09_what-do-the-arba-minim-represent-1280.jpg The taking of the four species is such an odd mitzvah. We take a bundle of plants and shake them? Why these particular plants? Is it arbitrary, or is there hidden significance here? In this video, Ami and Imu dig a little deeper into the four species and discover a deeper meaning that connects them all. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/s4nrc41xyt 482 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-secret-sauce-rabbi-fohrman-on-his-research The Secret Sauce: Rabbi Fohrman on his Research and Presentation methodology https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9a9eb5bc-9240-456d-bafb-2ea197c8b84d/M2UzYWVmNDEtZjAwNS00YWNhLWI1MjMtNjRhMWFhZjk4ZDRm_1521c621-acab-440b-8ce5-f79fc9a78239_secret-sauce-rf-1280.jpg In this interactive presentation, Rabbi Fohrman shares his methodology for developing and delivering high-quality, meaningful Torah content. This class was recorded live, at Matan in Israel. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/fezyc1hzmi 7493 2023-10-12T18:54:34.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/dream-interpretation Dream Interpretation https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9aa06c26-7f21-4968-ad61-ccbe26d832b0/MzVkMzAwYjUtNDg2Zi00NjY3LTlkMDEtNGVhOWIzYTY2NGNj_99163fc0-db88-4e5d-af43-cfb714d467e4_shirhamaalotfinal.png 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/hyzjue5qkk 555 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tisha-bav-sinat-chinam-guide-for-kids-part-3-animated Tisha B'Av Sinat Chinam Guide for Kids Part 3 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9ab33432-933c-4d72-a83a-25081c4eb281/ZrEErUaF0TcGIsWH_baslesshatred002.png Part 3 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/rvwgvpf4iw 389 2024-08-13T00:36:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shiny-new-things-meeting-17-january-03-2022 Shiny New Things Meeting (January 03 2022) https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9ae550da-53b2-4089-baa5-68aadc4e9d04/Njg4ZDZkZDMtZDY5MS00Zjc4LWEwYTctNzQ0M2IwOTA4NDRl_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/1bfxkwg9n6 6382 2023-12-14T17:40:10.000Z yes yes 2026-02-20T15:12:00.215Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-do-we-know-when-god-speaks-to-us God's Little Taps On The Shoulder https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9af90a55-b300-4582-bc4d-b0aba97510ac/b7010276-ca4a-4796-819a-870772bab218_does-god-speak-to-us-today-thumbnail-1920.jpg In this video, Rabbi Fohrman brings it all home to us and asks, do we ever feel God's tap on our shoulder? He also warns us about over-interpreting before we have all the information, as Joseph and his brothers did with his early dream. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/as9ubbns16 754 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/finding-the-source-of-joy Finding the Source of Joy https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9afae0e5-22ca-4f8f-ac1b-8c8c69a0792d/Yjg5NzgxNzEtMTdjYy00YjRkLWFlNTAtZGZiMGNhYzI1YTc1_e797e759-1f16-4273-98d9-fa2faf309f09_what-do-the-arba-minim-represent-1280.jpg Now that we’ve uncovered the connection behind the four species, we’re still left to wonder - how does this joy relate to Sukkot, our harvesting festival? Join Ami and Imu in the final video of this series as they discuss what it means to find joy during this time. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/p7ad4onblz 710 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vayeira-2016-5777 Vayeira 2016 5777 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9b04d5d8-f5af-457d-a07a-2161e210a8e3/NTA2YWYxYWMtN2YzZS00ZTY1LWE2M2QtYjU0NGU2OWM1ZTQw_mzg4otrin2qtodk1ni00owfklwe5zdetmwq3zgi3ywmwotu5_vayeira-2016-5777.png In this week's parsha, Abraham is tested by God when God commands him to sacrifice his son. But if akeidah is a test of "yirah" of God - what does that mean, and what are the theological implications? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/vo3ui37a4r 774 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-21T05:37:22.562Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-did-balak-want-to-curse-israel-national-mission What Is Israel's National Mission? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9b1bc8b9-a9af-4957-9286-de897deb4b80/aGc7LHfc4bHWjCaV_ALessonfromTwoEvilMenMAIN001.png For the first time in a while, the main characters of this parsha are not the people of Israel. While the story of Balak and Bilaam is interesting, we wonder: the Torah isn’t an all-inclusive history book; why does the Torah tell us this story? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/9rjzyfrq5t 687 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:50:36.560Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/blno-s4-e3-reading-revelation-through-the-lens-of-genesis 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/pesach-dvar-torah-study Origins Of The Firstborn Nation https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9b3f3f90-6981-4e57-b41c-fa96c811869c/YjI1ZjcwYWUtMTdiMS00NTZjLTgyMWEtMzI0N2FhM2I0OTRi_69897c0d-2458-4e16-9613-e97834c89596_origins-of-the-firstborn-nation-1920.jpg How much do we know about the Passover sacrifice? The Passover seder revolves around the laws of this sacrifice, yet do we understand its message? Rabbi Fohrman explores the intricacies of what it meant for us in preparation for leaving Egypt, and the significance of those details in forming the nation we are today. For series referenced, go to What Does It Mean To Be God's Chosen People. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/w4yygv90lj 6743 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/matot-study-guide-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/purim-themes-megillat-esther What Is The Theme Of The Book of Esther? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9b775147-1156-4ebe-bcc0-7f1561a35052/d2340a06-afd9-458b-a416-6b4ba5987797_fate-chance-and-the-book-of-esther-1920.jpg How can we define the main themes of Purim that emerge from the Book of Esther? In this audio recording, Rabbi Fohrman starts by addressing the big questions in the Book of Esther, and attempts to answer them by dissecting the main themes of Purim. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/h7z2vhvvvg 3273 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hitting-the-rock-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/who-is-josephs-real-father-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/levirate-marriage-ruth-bible Book Of Ruth II https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9bff2fa7-0eff-439d-a124-72db54d46fd9/aC9yeCdWJ-7kSdcF_scandalandredemption001-1-.png Book of Ruth - Part 2 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/3ki1fwc5sa 2575 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/is-this-the-end-of-the-trail Is This the End of the Trail? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9c14bfba-9bf4-472c-82de-e3ea51577f5e/ZjIzZDFmMjItZGJjMy00YTAxLTk1ODgtYTVlMjYzOTM0ZGJk_yzq2mdrjntctzwfjzs00nddjltlkmdetnjuyyjvhowyxyzhi_is-this-the-end-of-the-trail.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman analyzes God's reaffirmation of His promise to Abraham following the Binding of Isaac story, and sets up the text for the intertextual parallels in the upcoming videos. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ad8c4n2tvw 638 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/becoming-a-doer Becoming A Doer https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9c36f191-2a26-4edc-8f3f-ff888546a6f2/NjQwNjAzMWYtOWU5OC00ZGNjLWIxYzQtM2VhMGQ4YWYwOTdk_3ba62960-2427-494e-9bf4-61de0f223de4_isaac-and-rebecca-1280.jpg In this video, Rabbi Fohrman brings us all the way back to the births of Isaac and Rebecca's twin boys, Jacob and Esau. He shows us that the Torah's story of their naming already gives us clues about their personalities, and shows us how that leads us all the way here, to the deception of Isaac. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/sftkzrk004 690 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/emor-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-art-of-negotiation-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/chanukah-maccabees-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tazria-metzora-rejoining-the-community-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/moses-and-mount-sinai-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shiny-new-things-meeting-6-july-26-2021 Shiny New Things Meeting (July 26 2021) https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9d69ae10-dcd7-4281-81db-a492e74187c4/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/cv1iawwjen 4578 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-01-27T13:01:13.661Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/significance-elijah-bible-study Lecture IX https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9d87575f-f154-4170-b200-e3e5d52ee7f8/Zpb1YB5LeNNTxN1e_what-is-a-defender-of-god-part-9-1920.jpg This audio continues to examine the many layers and parallels of the Elijah story and how the intertextual allusions all weave together. Rabbi Fohrman addresses the length and breadth of these parallels and their significance. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/xvaej6lst2 3057 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/nadab-abihu-sons-aaron-high-priest Why Did God Reject Nadav And Avihu? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9dac4137-acfa-4726-bc76-c5126f464252/ZgcPqMt2UUcvBR8h_Why-Did-God-Reject-Nadav-And-Avihu-1920.jpg How do we understand the sin of Aaron's two sons, Nadav and Avihu, and why they were killed for it? In this week's parsha, we see the sudden and disturbing death of Aaron's sons, Nadav and Avihu, right after being appointed the priests of the Tabernacle. Curiously, when we explore this text more closely, we can find hints — parallel themes, shared language — to an earlier Biblical story: the story of original sin in the Garden of Eden. Is the Bible hinting at some meaningful connection between that sin and the sin of Nadav and Avihu? And if so, what could it be? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he unearths the real story behind why Aaron's sons died, and how these Biblical parallels deepen our understanding of what was the real sin of Nadav and Avihu – one that we must also learn to avoid in our lives, even today. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ax2u38wu45 684 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T22:17:42.627Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/akeidah-heroism-or-murder-part-7 Akeidah: Heroism or Murder? VII https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9dd0d7d8-4fe8-4652-927e-42a2eca88efa/Z4AKM5bqstJ99Rj8_AkeidahNEW004.png Akeidah: Heroism or Murder? VII https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/e7n34ui0b3 2817 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/gods-new-name-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/book-club-with-rabbi-fohrman-parshat-tazria-metzorah-12-2 Book Club with Rabbi Fohrman, Parshat Tazria-Metzorah 2 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9e127234-258f-4039-bf55-2482081ece7b/Y2E4MzE2ZjgtNWU0MS00YzIzLThkMGYtNGVmYmVlMjBlYTFh_dbabbadf-5d9e-4046-a26f-959db3ee293c_thumbnail_pc_book-club_draft-1.jpg Enjoy this recording of Book Club for Parshat Tazria-Metzorah, Speech 2. 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/o7pm56ksbt 5614 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-book-of-numbers-theme-message-means Adding Godliness To Our Lives https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9e5028fc-2f48-4db1-b8be-f822a66fd465/ZmMdEZm069VX1jrD_Adding-Godliness-To-Our-Lives-1920.jpg In Parshat Naso, we are introduced to what seems like a hodgepodge of miscellaneous laws. Why is the Torah bringing these up together? Join us as we explore something very subtle going on in this parsha. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/5l7ezbppz7 906 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes no 2026-05-08T14:24:36.829Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/jewish-coming-of-age-lesson The Tree of Knowledge and Growing Up https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9e785aa6-d78a-47ff-bae4-4514d419af5f/7ec0b3ba-f1c7-4ebe-902b-0f185a643239_005-the-tree-of-knowledge-and-growing-up-1920.jpg Becoming Bar and Bat Mitzvah is supposed to be about entering adulthood. But what does that mean? In what way is a 12 or 13 year-old an adult? We’re going to look for answers in the Torah’s most ancient coming of age story. 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/wjsttlj9b1 833 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/ki-teitzei-erasing-amalek-today-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/book-of-esther-themes-purim Esther’s Choice https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9eada4ba-a232-40e0-bbcb-821a6c5e5798/d2340a06-afd9-458b-a416-6b4ba5987797_fate-chance-and-the-book-of-esther-1920.jpg This second video continues Rabbi Fohrman's three-part series "Divine Lottery: Fate, Chance And The Book of Esther." https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/fzaxuj904m 3297 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/past-focused-integrity-future-focused-integrity Past-Focused Integrity; Future-Focused Integrity https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9ee87fb5-e3c1-4892-a075-9c4009da5136/YjcxNWZlZWYtYjNkYi00MmI5LTk5MDYtODE4NDlmYjY1ZWZi_nmrmmdy0njytmti2ni00nzbjlwewngmtogzkntgxymrhmzy1_226_pp9.png In this video, we consider the idea that the real difference between justice and peace might have to do with whether we are looking backwards to the past, or forwards to the future... https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/xlmf30fta2 395 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-ruth-s-story-captures-shavuot-perfectly 2026-04-21T05:58:23.948Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/phantom-akeidah-lecture-4-powerpoint 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/meeting-moses-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tetzaveh-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-couldnt-moses-enter-the-land-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-were-there-days-of-creation-week-3 Why Were There Days of Creation? Week 3 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-9f84e8d3-94d3-49c2-b6e6-7a97aca02e9d/YzMyNmFjMzAtODU4NC00MGIyLWJjYjMtZmE5NDc2NzJlNzc4_68e5ed8e-1b43-4166-9c24-3e8a844c8d94_tale-of-two-names-p2-2019-v2.jpg This week's lecture, Rabbi Fohrman jumps into a what can be perceived as the holiest of prayers- literally 'Kedusha' or 'Holy'. What exactly is this prayer about? How are angels involved? And how can understanding this prayer help us understand our relationship with a God that it One in our world of dualities? 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/290hdz7kff 4901 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/terumah-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/intimacy-and-holiness-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/walking-with-god-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/book-club-with-rabbi-fohrman-parshat-tazria-metzorah-13a Book Club with Rabbi Fohrman, Joseph and Jeremiah 2 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a0584ff0-8bed-4800-b543-b03c6576079f/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/vp6phvvtmr 4815 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/judah-tamar-bible-study Harlots & Coats & Goats, Oh My! https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a08056a5-0605-492a-b2ac-fc211db2fea8/NmMzMTQwOGEtZjQyMy00ZjNjLTk4YjAtNDg4ZTMzMjdhM2Qz_9b12e9c8-6e87-4148-b468-5133a021ff8e_judah-tamar-story-bible-study.jpg Is this a chapter in Genesis or an episode of Game of Thrones?! In Parshat Vayeishev (Genesis 37:1–40:23) the story of Joseph's drama with his brothers is put on hold for us to learn about Judah and Tamar's seemingly scandalous rendezvous. Why are we hearing about this story now? What does it mean and what can it possibly add to our understanding of the Joseph story? For more on Judah and Tamar: The ‘Scandalous’ Backstory of Boaz and Ruth https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/p2ia4cl19p 659 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-21T19:21:41.134Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/phantom-akeidah-6 Phantom Akeidah: The Sacrifice of Ishmael VI https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a0b62b8a-8fb2-44be-bd2a-ddee49453254/YmZlNDc0M2YtNDdkOC00NjIwLWI1OTMtNTNlYzQ1OTE3MzE5_bac0b33c-e19e-4ab6-a5e1-de5b5708b1e6_phantomakeidahpart6.png Phantom Akeidah: The Sacrifice of Ishmael Part VI https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/x6806rib4j 3907 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/golden-calf-lecture-3-powerpoint 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tazria-metzora-rejoining-the-community-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/adding-godliness-to-our-lives-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-center-of-the-garden The Center of the Garden https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a1244f45-36ce-4408-b3a0-c181565a1d2e/MDU3NjU5MjQtYTI5Zi00ZDY5LTg1ZjktMTQ5ZThiZjA3YWE1_ytexzjq2yzgtmtblni00ymfmltllywutztbjowezowjmmzuy_484_vineyard.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman explores the center of the entire chiasm – conversations between snake, man, woman and God. 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/ih28z0wnr4 628 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/reuven Re'uven https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a12c4cd1-bb58-4ee9-92cf-7f08d73f0b37/N2VhZjEwNjItNmQzNC00MjBjLWI4NTYtNzIxNmMxZDllNzVm_nmvhmmfjztitote4ny00nmqylwe0zgityzyxyza2mtjizti3_493_what_s-in-a-name.png Sale of Joseph https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/k2aozxjgaf 289 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/esther-as-the-redeemer-of-the-garden-of-eden 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/devarim-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/who-was-bezalel-meaning What Do The Tabernacle And Creation Have In Common? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a13ff8a9-6f87-4548-a165-8ddb60424427/ZDE2NzIyM2MtOGYyNC00YjcyLWIwZjctMTRlYzVmMTE2NjZh_1550b6a7-d018-4965-af50-44534f0ee28e_parsha-lab-wtp-course-vayakhel.jpg We learn in Vayakhel-Pekudei about the appointment of Betzalel as the architect of the Tabernacle. But there’s something very striking about the language describing this appointment. It sounds eerily similar to the language in the Creation story. What do Betzalel’s appointment and creation have in common? Join Rabbi Fohrman and Imu as they explore the commonalities between God creating the world for man and man creating the Tabernacle for God, and never think about Betzalel’s appointment the same way again. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/pv4rx6ze96 1147 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/understanding-gods-curses-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/phantom-akeidah-4 Phantom Akeidah: The Sacrifice of Ishmael IV https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a166a0f5-3331-4299-88fc-3bdd3d854c09/ZDA3ZTZkMDEtNzNmYi00NjljLWFhMTEtNGIzYjNiMDdiOTMx_fea0704d-430f-4336-b03b-9de66191def7_phantomakeidahpart4.png Phantom Akeidah: The Sacrifice of Ishmael Part IV https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/71xcq5izi9 3044 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-obstacles-and-the-paths The Obstacles and the Paths https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a17b858c-beb9-44ee-8038-7825371fa3f5/NWJmMGMyM2ItZTQ2YS00N2UyLThlNTAtNDA2YmVkMDdhNzZl_72ea233c-dbde-4584-9100-bbaf4ba04eab_what-we-lost-when-the-temple-was-destroyed-1920.jpg Rabbi Fohrman lays out some mysterious questions about the Mishkan, the Tabernacle, which was the original, portable version of the Temple in Jerusalem. If we can understand some of the Mishkan’s mysteries, then we’ll be on our way to grasping why we mourn for the Temple. And we get a hint of where the Torah might be directing us to look for some clues. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/inwa2b5ojj 545 2023-10-12T18:52:34.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/teaser-1-take-it-apart New Course Preview: "Take It apart" https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a1d9f876-80be-4fb5-a09e-2e0c8713edd1/NTAzYjRhOTAtNzFkZi00NjE0LWI2ZWItYzNhN2NiZTVmMDM0_62b39c08-ea76-475a-bb08-da849451d0e3_rf-image-new-course-thumbnail-1920.jpg Click the link below to find out more about the course and sign up: https://www.alephbeta.org/course/how-to-read-the-bible Watch as Rabbi David Fohrman begins to reveal the underlying tools he uses to decipher the Torah text. In this course Rabbi Fohrman will teach you the methodologies he uses to transform the way you read a “two dimensional black and white document” into something rich and kaleidoscopic. Come along for a course of a lifetime! https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/stsxj5aepk 147 2023-10-12T18:52:17.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-tiring-was-it-to-create-a-world-1 How Tiring Was It To Create a World? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a1dea42d-6b45-462f-b79d-2659c48c7dc3/MGFiN2VkNWEtZjJlZi00MWM2LWFjOGMtZmNhZDI2ZDg4NTM4_zmnizwq1mtqtzdzmzi00zthlltkzmzetnguzztrhmgvimzy3_276_noah_17.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman asks the fundamental question of why God needed to "rest" following creation and what the Sabbath is really meant to commemorate. 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/6wneo60crq 613 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/bible-lesson-how-be-person-integrity Becoming A Person Of Integrity https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a28ac8b3-cd6b-41fd-b9be-533b86a25c3f/Z0eNWZbqstJ9718o_BecomingAPersonOfIntegrity001.png Our Sages seems to imply that Jacob was punished for taking his brother Esau’s blessings. Yet those very Sages refer to Jacob as a “man of truth,” one of our patriarchs, a righteous man. How are we meant to resolve these seemingly conflicting reports? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman notices a series of curious parallels between Jacob’s first encounter with Rachel at the well, and when he meets with his brother Esau. By comparing these two stories, Rabbi Fohrman uncovers an inspiring narrative about Jacob’s own growth and transformation that offers us a deep understanding into how Jacob regained his personal integrity to be called a “man of truth.” Dive deeper – Jacob: Man Of Truth? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/gt4y1uy1zv 503 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T22:08:00.809Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/recognizing-gods-role Recognizing God in Our Lives https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a29c16a1-573b-4911-97ab-310a83807aca/NmJjYzNhMWQtNGYwZC00ZmIyLWJiZmEtNWJhOTEyMzg0NmY3_fb79ff2b-9b63-44a9-9fe2-c37d25af6339_biblical-echoes-1280.jpg Rabbi Fohrman continues his exploration of the text of the Book of the Maccabees and the connections to the Egypt and Saul/Jonathan narratives in order to highlight the connections among the three texts. He shows how miracles played a role in the victories, emphasizing the need to recognize God’s role in both overt and covert miracles and their continuation today. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/5lkzwkyc3u 1017 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/rabbi-fohrman-begins-this-fascinating-series-on-the The Transcendence of Shabbat https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a29eda50-2118-45d8-a57d-4d42d81ef5cc/Zgq8Kct2UUcvBT2k_holiday-cycle-24-1920.jpg Rabbi Fohrman begins this fascinating series on the Shalosh Regalim , Three Pilgrimage Festivals: Passover, Sukkot and Shavuot, by first taking a look at where we are introduced to these holidays in the Bible. The chapter on the holidays (in Leviticus) seems to begin in an odd place and has many references to Shabbat, which seems to be out of place. What can the Shabbat have in common with these holidays? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he begins to paint a beautiful picture where fantastic patterns begin to emerge. Shabbat seems to be a much bigger element in our world than we’ve ever realized. Understanding this concept is crucial in understanding the holiday cycle. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/8jw0bm0e40 3251 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shiny-new-things-meeting-10-october-04-2021 Shiny New Things Meeting (October 04 2021) https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a2a03097-5db6-4ea9-adaa-c135d78d118c/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/ai46fdulh5 3883 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-02-13T22:03:35.848Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tisha-bav-5776-2016-6 Eicha and the Song of the Sea https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a2ecc896-7760-47d1-804d-da52fc18478b/ZpEXvB5LeNNTxGWS_The-Messiah-That-Almost-Was-1920.jpg Rabbi Fohrman delves deeper into the connections between the Exodus and Chizkiah, showing how Eicha connects to the Song of the Sea and exploring Chizkiah’s legacy as one of trying to connect man and God. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/mw7f4zh3bb 1062 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-7-habits-of-highly-intuitive-readers-of-the-bi-zoom-4 The 7 Habits Of Highly Intuitive Readers Of The Bible: Class 1 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a3153b94-21f2-4506-b41c-fdeaf70c380a/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/99d6ek65ks 7305 2023-12-28T22:15:00.000Z yes yes 2026-02-26T11:11:10.705Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/god-in-tragic-times God In Tragic Times https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a32ff820-7b76-4fd9-b564-36470b5e0ebd/44580a7e-19c7-468a-9a5e-1e1b4dc08514_why-light-candles-and-ignore-the-war-1920.jpg In this final video of this Hanukkah series, Rabbi Fohrman explores two pieces of text that focus on seemingly unnecessary miracles. In each case, Rabbi Fohrman shows how these small miracles are actually God’s way of showing us that he has never abandoned us. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/61ivezy4za 574 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/epilogue-extending-the-six-dawns-idea-to-other-prayers EPILOGUE: Extending the “Six Dawns” Idea to Other Prayers https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a33b88b7-4d3b-405d-ba45-17e2f4b56050/OGEyYTNlZDAtOTczMC00YjYwLWE3ZmQtYTczNDMyYzY0Nzhh_7ad4437e-3d92-4009-aa23-87591fb65cc5_six-days-series-2020-epilogue-2.jpg In <a href="https://www.alephbeta.org/playlist/shacharit-morning-prayers" target="_blank">Making Sense of: Morning Prayers</a>, Rabbi Fohrman explained the importance of including shema and its blessings in the morning service. He showed how this prayer draws our attention to the inspiring nature of dawn and reminds us of the very first dawn, the dawn of creation. But shema isn’t just said in the morning. It’s included in the evening prayers. It’s said before bed at night. It even shows up in the repetition of the shemoneh esrei. Can Rabbi Fohrman’s insights into why we say shema each morning help us make sense of why we say shema these other times as well? The answer to this question is a resounding: Yes. In this audio epilogue, Rabbi Fohrman extends the connection between shema and creation, first introduced in <a href="https://www.alephbeta.org/playlist/shacharit-morning-prayers" target="_blank">Making Sense of: Morning Prayers</a>, to the evening prayers and kedusha, elucidating some of the profound theological themes of these prayers along the way. The result is a comprehensive understanding of shema that brings meaning to the use of this prayer in any context. This video is based on content that originated from part 2 of a 3 part lecture series on A Tale of God's Two Names . For a more in depth understanding of these materials, be sure to listen to A Tale of Two Names: Elokim and YHVH , 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/1nu66fe0zu 2681 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/sign-of-abrahamic-covenant-meaning What Does It Mean To Make A “Covenant” With God? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a34b43a0-e24a-4faf-9dcb-de3cb22b3888/MWQ2MTFjYTctODU3Zi00ZjI3LTk0NGUtOTdiYjFkM2MxZDM3_dfcafd4c-3531-4edc-bfea-5d28d7ce8b31_sign-abrahamic-covenant-meaning.jpg We know what a brit milah is – it’s the circumcision ceremony that officially welcomes Jewish baby boys into the nation of Israel. But where did this whole thing begin? And what is its real significance today? In this parsha we encounter the conditions of the covenant that God made with Abraham, and the very first circumcision that Abraham performed on himself and all the male members of his household. Why was circumcision the sign of the covenant between God and Abraham? We can find some answers by taking a closer look at the story of the Abrahamic Covenant. In this video, Rabbi Fohrman finds clues in the language of the text to reveal the deeper meaning of God's covenant with Abraham. Exploring this covenant from the inside out reveals fascinating insights into what it means for us to be connected to God, and for God to be connected to us. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/u3f76nl66j 577 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/phantom-akeidah-7 Phantom Akeidah: The Sacrifice of Ishmael VII https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a35b939c-56dd-4af2-bb74-c5f3d90b85e3/NWUwNDlkZjktMGNmOS00Yjk5LWJkZmYtNTM5ZjRlNjNhM2Q0_15c35021-08af-4303-be37-340818cfccdf_phantomakeidahpart7.png Phantom Akeidah: The Sacrifice of Ishmael Part VII https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/an4c1koig6 2537 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/king-chizkiah-the-almost-messiah 2026-04-20T22:11:44.251Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parshat-toldot-teachers-worksheet 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/naso-what-are-the-laws-of-sotah-really-about 2026-02-24T11:12:58.325Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/november-01-2022-lech-lecha-the-seeds-of-abraham-s 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/megillat-eicha-and-ayeka-epilogue-webcast EPILOGUE: The Secret Of Divine Mourning – The Real Reason The Tree Of Knowledge Was In The Garden (Webinar) https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a461012d-3756-4fc4-a7d7-64c26a106aa4/ZpEgiB5LeNNTxGh5_eicha-epilogue-1920.jpg Join Rabbi Fohrman has he further expounds on the ideas discussed in “Eicha: Could the Key to Understanding Tisha B’Av Lie in Eden?” with a deep dive into the mysteries of the Garden of Eden and its echoes throughout Megillat Eicha. This webinar was originally broadcast on Facebook Live. Join the Aleph Beta premium group here. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/3965fb7yeh 5812 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-unexpected-element The Unexpected Element https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a4841cbc-4daa-41f8-b319-6fa3e4b343c4/ODUxMjM2YmUtNmE1Ny00ZmI2LWJkOGYtZTc3NGI3MTMwMjE5_yju2yze1ngitn2nkzc00zdlhltkwnwety2nhztg3mzc5yzlj_the-unexpected-element_1512147149988.jpg Judah: A Perplexing Character? Part https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/d6gl9h6a4o 575 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/takeaways-for-the-age-of-covid-19 Takeaways for the Age of COVID-19 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a491c85b-f527-412a-b52e-3a0a9f375d5e/aCayWSdWJ-7kSMCV_HealingThroughtheOmer001.png In this final episode to the series, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu link Sefirah back to Refa’einu, the blessing for healing, to tie together the many themes of this series into a single timely message of faith. This series traced the Israelites’ journey from Exodus to Sinai, through the story of marah and the manna, to show the incredible process God used to heal the Israelites from the trauma of slavery. Now, join Rabbi Fohrman and Imu for their final reflection on how these textual insights speak to the spiritual crises that COVID-19 has raised -- maintaining faith in a time of unknowns, recovering from trauma, persevering in the face of fear -- to offer empowering and inspiring guidance through these challenging times. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/b28j18xy82 4033 2023-10-16T18:41:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-were-they-thinking What Were They Thinking? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a49663da-da11-45d1-a78f-c103305671b5/MmZkYjQwYzYtZWUyYi00OTVjLWJlNjgtYzM5YjBiN2EyZDY0_n2y1n2y1ztytngi4ny00owviltk2nzctm2u0y2uyymu3mgzj_155_jocoats1.png What Were They Thinking? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/bbfo1v24aq 693 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/poison-pill-rachel-and-the-tree-of-knowledge-4 Poison Pill: Rachel and the Tree of Knowledge IV https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a4aadc7f-88bc-4e24-8245-cccbb2db0a31/OTZmNDRjYjItNjAxOS00NTEyLThmYjgtMGQ5MWJlZDc5YjRl_10f19d6f-a5e2-42ab-b0fd-53cb1fd4d48f_jacobmanoftruth.jpg Please note that there is a problem with the audio in the video from about 21:00 through 27:00 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/ij64gjhor0 4500 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/balak-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/enjoy-this-recording-of-shiny-new-things-with-rabbi Shiny New Things Meeting (August 02 2021) https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a4d81050-6aa3-49b3-880a-520bff0342bd/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/0m5o9rbpuf 5572 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-02-13T22:03:24.867Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-to-learn-torah-video How to Learn Torah https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a4e72938-31ac-4722-a08e-dbc460b4f143/NWQ4NmQ0NDQtNDllOS00MDQ2LWExOGEtNzUzMmYxY2RjM2Mw_a85a5ad3-d42a-44a1-b2fa-4876e48e7925_howtolearntorahfohrmanandleibtag.jpg Aleph Beta methodology seems so new and exciting, is it possible we've uncovered a new way of learning that was unknown to Biblical commentators in previous generations, or did they too utilize what we've coined "Aleph Beta methodology?" Join Rabbi Fohrman in conversation with Rabbi Menachem Leibtag, an internationally acclaimed bible scholar who shares Rabbi Fohrman’s passion and penchant for the “intertextual” study of the Bible, as they discuss their backgrounds and thoughts about how to learn and teach Torah. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/pj2bf2s7ks 1948 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/backstage-pass-tb-2021 Tisha B'Av & The Spies - Epilogue https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a5191a02-d346-4bf0-9c09-f3d7ff5d4c6a/NWNhMjdiZTItNWExMi00ZjFiLTg2ZTctOWYwODhlODUxNDE0_03d551d5-6c38-429d-8b86-1f0dad558357_tb-spies-epilogue-1280.jpg Join Rabbi Fohrman and Immanuel Shalev for an in-depth look at Tisha B'Av & The Spies: An Origin Story. Listen and discover the vast amount of material that didn't make the final video, and get the chance to go behind-the-scenes with the visionaries of Aleph Beta while enhancing your connection to Tisha B'Av. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/13xxlcb8rc 6054 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/bar-bar-mitzvah-rules-lesson The Whole Torah on One Foot https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a523580d-eddf-4989-a835-3638d4e75497/9747cc97-bd51-403f-84d4-87be0ede62d1_004-the-whole-torah-on-one-foot-1920.jpg We finally in a position to answer the million dollar question, “what is Judaism all about?” The answer will leave you surprised... and inspired. 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/mt48iru2y9 882 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/passover-2016-5776-2 Joseph’s Two Fathers https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a5477302-a68a-4558-a687-9d6e0f22d8c8/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 second course, Rabbi Fohrman examines the text describing the death and burial of Jacob, showing how both Jacob and Pharaoh are father figures to Joseph. Looking through this lens, Joseph’s act of burying his father in Canaan, instead of Egypt, appears to be an even more significant event. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/1r48bqg91c 758 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shabbat-why-do-we-rest-printable 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-you-know-might-hurt-you What You Know Might Hurt You https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a5538c78-5b13-4769-98a8-05743fe3ae12/YWYwNTdmYzMtZDgxYi00NDg0LWI5NTItNGFjNGI0YjljYzRi_ndmznziwodqtzjrlzc00ymvllwe0nzatn2q4ztc0mdk2yzmx_479_vineyard.png We now know the center of the Vineyard chiasm – but how do we understand it, and how does it relate to the center of the Garden story? And this comes with a bigger question – how do intertextuality and chiastic structure work together as tools for reading Bible? 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/95hbqq1gok 518 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-the-meaning-behind-the-laws-of-kashrut What Is The Meaning of Kashrut? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a5948d78-ca44-48bf-a65f-25ca26db017a/ZfnfZQ4qyfNhFy1m_kosher-animals-1920.jpg The Meaning of Kashrut & Why Keeping Kosher Is Important To Judaism On the surface, Kashrut seems like such an arbitrary bunch of laws. What makes animals that chew their cud and have split hooves fit for eating more than other animals? The Torah isn't thoughtlessly random. What if there were a way to think of kosher in a way that makes sense, and is even spiritually meaningful? Enjoy this discussion between David and Imu as they try to discern some of the deeper meanings behind keeping kosher. They even explain their methodology along the way. A real (kosher) treat! Discover other videos about Kashrut at Aleph Beta, including ‘ Why Can't You Cook Milk & Meat Together ”, “ Kosher Laws In The Torah ”. and “ Kosher Slaughter ” https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/omy1l83qmq 1392 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/divine-love-and-the-ten-commandments 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/biblical-law-meaning-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/haazinu-torah-ending-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parshat-vayeitzei-jacobs-deceit 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/season-6-the-shofar-s-cry 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/preparing-for-pesach-in-the-middle-of-a-global-health Pesach, Faith and COVID-19 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a65a4570-9499-4c40-9e00-fe890cf510ab/ZmVlOWNjY2YtNzEzMy00MzliLThlOTEtYmZlZmYyN2FhZDlj_bb91eb09-dd92-4589-9900-b9fa2e86f318_covid-19-podcast.jpg Preparing for Pesach in the middle of a global health crisis raises a lot of big questions. What message can we learn from the story of the Exodus that speaks to our current situation? What spiritual strength might we draw from the holiday to help us through this time? We don’t believe that these are answerable questions. The meaning of Pesach transcends any single interpretation or time, and the meaning of our current situation is, ultimately, beyond our grasps. But what we can do is reflect on the eternal truths that Pesach highlights and glean from these some guidance and, perhaps, some comfort. In this audio reflection, Daniel and Ami re-visit Rabbi Fohrman’s course “The Exodus and Its Miracles; the Exodus and Its Lies”, in which Rabbi Fohrman argues that the signs and miracles of the Exodus story don’t just demonstrate a powerful God, but an empathetic one. Building off this key point, Daniel and Ami share how this idea of faith speaks to them in light of the isolation, fear and uncertainty we’re all going through, and how this idea can help us prepare spiritually for Pesach--especially this year. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/z3ygerob4q 1428 2023-10-16T18:41:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-no-chametz-passover What Does The Mincha Offering Teach Us About Pesach? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a6b61eb6-05b2-4263-8ae3-e8c8fcef02bb/Z_FnRHdAxsiBwW9U_whyreallycantweeatchametzonpesach002.png We learn in Tzav that one is not allowed to mix Chametz with the sacrificial Mincha offering. But what does the Mincha offering have to do with Chametz? Or by extension, Pesach? Join Imu and Rivky as they re-examine the offering text and learn the deeper meaning behind Chametz — a symbol of over-processing and separation from the creator — and never think of the Mincha offering, and Chametz, the same way again. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ry6lurmec1 1657 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/in-order-for-meat-to-be-considered-kosher-it-not-only Is There a Rhyme Or Reason For Ritual Slaughter? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a6d04757-3efd-4609-8145-665d9f91dd68/MTMzNDE5NWQtZDVhZC00YjJkLTg4MmYtZjE5ZTg3MWRmNWQ3_0ac6cf0a-c4b3-40b6-abe0-f093adc8ba26_kosherslaughterfinal.png Is Kosher Slaughter (Shechita) Humane Did you know that there is more to kosher animals than chewing their cud and having split hooves? If a kosher animal is not slaughtered correctly, it is not considered kosher for consumption. This video will take a closer look at kosher slaughter, in particular the requirement of ‘kisui dam’ covering the blood of the killed animal. Along the way it will explore meaningful questions such as does vegetarianism have a source in the Torah, and what would the Torah say about our current method of consuming meat? Discover other videos about Kashrut at Aleph Beta, including ‘ Why Can't You Cook Milk & Meat Together ”, “ Kosher Laws In The Torah ”. and “ What Is The Meaning of Kashrut ” https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/mg0n62f08o 1096 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-did-god-flood-the-earth-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/memories-of-father Memories of Father https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a7273110-0aad-4bd9-89a0-346a2839b918/Nzg5ZDExOGEtYjgyMC00NWExLTliNGQtMmJhMTE5Y2UxMjk2_ztnimjk5zdetyti0mi00mmmyltkxymitnmzintvhnwu2yzg3_513_echos20of20the20future206.png Echos of the Future https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/fy99d2exdt 276 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/from-hatred-to-jealousy Coats, Dreams and Jealousy https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a731df0b-6834-40b0-877b-e0368f0fe3d9/MGVjMGUxMzMtMmUxZi00Y2QxLTg2ZjktMjNjYWY1YzhmMmNi_nza5owm3mwutodq2oc00ogqxlwjiztmtnzc3mzq2ngjizdbi_from-hatred-to-jealousy_1512264815130.png From Hatred to Jealousy https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/goyoev06ok 249 2023-10-13T12:28:37.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/sukkot-why-do-we-take-the-lulav-and-etrog-rebroadcast 2026-02-24T10:39:03.357Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/book-club-with-rabbi-fohrman-4 Book Club with Rabbi Fohrman, Parshat Vayikra 2 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a7893dad-7c79-4d7d-b6a5-e89c390d8b23/M2E1NzE1M2UtYjM0Ni00OTcyLTgwNzAtNjQ3ZThmZGQ5ZDg4_bbe63291-7197-43b5-a19a-fdd4f0f0d8e8_thumbnail_pc_book-club_draft-1.jpg Enjoy this recording of Book Club for Parshat Vayikra. 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/byisntgatd 4983 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-belief-in-god-meaning What Is Belief In God? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a78a1ac3-4750-468d-99b7-99b554192d2b/NzRhMmUyZjYtZTFjNC00NTJkLWFiZmYtOTlkMTczOGU1Mjk4_7c7e6cb2-688a-487e-bbf2-434b554ef9bc_what-is-belief-in-god-1920.jpg After the Exodus, we hear, "And the nation believed in God, and in Moses, His servant." They have complete faith in God! The relationship between the nation of Israel and God is really at a high point. It's beautiful, it's exciting. But then... things go downhill, and fast. Over the course of the parsha, the people become hungry and thirsty, and over and over again, they panic and scream about their unhappiness. The Israelites struggle with their belief in God every time something bad happens. So what kind of belief in God was that? Did they lose their belief in an instant? Join Rivky as she explores these stories and the difficult concept of what it means to truly believe in God. Rivky continues this discussion in her blog post , and answers the big question: Can we see God work in our daily lives? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/qobjxtp6j9 735 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T22:23:29.072Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/who-really-sold-joseph-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vayigash-joseph-and-benjamin-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/korach-swallowed-by-earth-judgement Korach's Hidden Backstory https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a7cdc8c6-ca4f-4540-97ea-4dcab6fcf252/MDM0ZmE2NTMtYzFiNy00Yjg0LTkyNWItY2I0NDBiMTY2MTFj_96e1d80f-caab-4426-848a-fa757b5e6b25_korachs-hidden-backstory-1920.jpg We all know Korach's story, right? Korach is a rabble rouser, a power-hungry leader who rallies people around him to fight against Moshe and Aaron. But when we actually read Korach's story, it feels like we're missing some important details. For starters, Korach seems to just come out of nowhere with all these followers and campaign slogans. As if one day Korach woke up and launched a political coup. But is this really possible? Revolutions don't happen overnight. There must be more to Korach's story that the Torah isn't telling us. What got him all worked up in the first place? Did something trigger his rebellion? And why was he angry at Moshe and Aaron? Did they do something to him? It seems like there has to be some kind of backstory here, but we're left in the dark about all of this. But what if the Torah actually does tell us the backstory, just not in Parshat Korach where we'd expect to find it? It turns out that there's an earlier section in the book of Numbers that, if we read it closely, seems to tell us a whole lot about the roots of Korach's rebellion. This text will help us answer fundamental questions about Korach's rebellion -- his motivation, his big beef with Moshe and Aaron, and it may even help us understand Korach's strange and unusual end, when he got swallowed up by the earth. Check it out for yourself. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/apx4mnx1ic 798 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/torah-mandated-conflict-resolution-3 The Dead Insect https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a7df4b3f-0180-4c2f-a80e-84b44e70b0be/ODlmNjNhZWUtZmMxMi00NTk1LTgzOGMtMDQ3ODc5ZmEyYWM1_65b9ad44-ecd2-4b95-8d1c-2645bf1e8775_how_to_do_teshuvah_final.png Rabbi Fohrman takes a closer look at the ‘Vidui’ (confession) part of repenting, demonstrating how it is central in the teshuva process. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/9ufo8xhxuo 319 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hallel-definition Hallel: Defining Justice https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a8243a45-d950-400a-aa18-351eee911712/ZjUwZWE5ZjAtNDE5Ny00ZWNiLTgwYTMtMTgxODM5M2RmMTY1_fcc1d9f2-11ea-46e8-9b08-923c07bf7dbd_hallel-our-story-1920.jpg This week, Rabbi Fohrman discusses themes found both in Hallel and in Samuel and Kings – namely, justice and righteousness, and asks, what is the proper balance between the two? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/avacm023e4 3549 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/through-pharaohs-eyes Through Pharaoh's Eyes https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a82719f7-2679-4c80-9e8b-681677d94f1b/Z9HnzBsAHJWomd0L_Video7Thumbnail.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman examines the progression of the first nine plagues with specific focus on the purpose of each plague, Pharaoh’s reaction to each plague, and the subsequent reformation of God’s plan and ultimate goal. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/qnzyau7r5p 895 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-to-prepare-rosh-hashanah How To Prepare For Rosh Hashanah https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a8307739-dac9-4176-84bb-c5689795f231/Z4bPx5bqstJ99dpO_howtoprepareforroshhashanah0012025.png With just 5 minutes a day, you'll be ready to show up on Rosh Hashanah feeling prepared. We’ll talk about prayer, how to understand davening, why we blow the shofar and what it means, how to leave behind all the guilt of Rosh Hashanah, and why it’s worth celebrating. Discover other great Rosh Hashanah videos at Aleph Beta, including ”How To Do Teshuva”, “Rosh Hashanah Judgment Day” and “High Holiday Videos” https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ado7firadu 161 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/behar-spiritual-economy-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/i-will-return-you I Will Return You https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a8a1cb42-8bef-42d7-a48b-1940e457bdc0/ZTFlNzFmMzUtMzllZC00ZmRhLWFlYTktMDkxZWU4YmMyMmU1_nzm2ymvkztmty2e0zc00yzm4lwjky2qtzjm0nmq1ztjim2i1_i-will-return-you.png Continuing to track the promise throughout the following years, Rabbi Fohrman suggests that Jacob's underlying understanding throughout the Joseph story was the fulfillment, through him, of that very promise. Jacob did not understand, however, that the promise was not to be fulfilled all at once. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/d40tef4d9j 502 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/jacobs-ladder-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/09-where-in-the-world-is-the-sabbath-hiding-pdf 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/jacobs-ladder-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/gods-new-name-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/elokim-and-ykvk-week-9 A Tale of Two Names: Elokim and YHVH - Week 9 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a962dc8e-f357-440b-bc59-2c0f0080ec6e/YjY2Y2U5MzYtNjBkZS00MzE0LTkxYzYtOTgxYTkzYWExNzk1_ywqwoda0otytmdlmnc00ndjklwjhotatzmmzndbinmzmnzmz_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/rvlf91jegv 4071 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/where-it-all-went-wrong-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-rosh-hashanah-about What is Rosh Hashanah About, According to the Torah? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a98d76b4-b6c7-428b-861c-0425fb3925c0/Z4bPx5bqstJ99dpO_howtoprepareforroshhashanah0012025.png What is Rosh Hashanah really about? The Torah uses two words to describe Rosh Hashanah: “Zichron Teruah.” Surely, “Judgment Day” or even “New Years” would’ve been a better choice than “Memory of Shofar Blasts Day.” What are we missing about this holiday and how might it make a difference in the way we celebrate it? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/e4nsdjsrui 509 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/exploring-a-dark-age-in-jewish-history-course-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/beshalach-fruit-trees-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/yom-kippur-its-not-all-about-forgiveness 2026-02-24T11:07:27.645Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-closer-look-at-aarons-methodology A Closer Look at Aaron's Methodology https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-a9c3d52a-29b1-4d34-b935-a84bf922c5b7/OWJmYTc3NmYtNDRjNS00ZDhhLThiNDktZTY4ZTZlNThkMzky_zgi5y2q5nmytzwe3yy00ztcxlwjjyjqtzmy1n2u1njm4mmm5_a-closer-look-at-aarons-methodology.png In this video, we try to start tying things together. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/a2bid82s7m 357 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hebrew-source-notes-lecture-10 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/mishpatim-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/phantom-akeidah-lecture-7-powerpoint 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-book-like-no-other-trailer 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/isaacs-wife-rebecca-love-story Q: What Made Rebecca the Right Match for Isaac? A: More Than Just Kindness https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-aa10aa01-1739-4512-aa8e-d88757ca4880/Yzk2Y2JmYzctZDdkNS00MDViLWE0NGMtNTNmMjY1ZjgwZTE3_n2yxnjc0y2etytjhyy00mgrmltg4mzuty2rizmrjodyyodg3_isaac-rebecca-wife-love-story.jpg You know how Abraham’s servant chose Rebecca as Isaac’s wife, right? He settled at the well and waited for a woman who would offer him and his camels water… and sure enough, Rebecca came along and did just that — plus she was from Abraham’s family! Perfect. But when we step back to look at the way that the Torah tells us the story of finding Isaac's wife, it’s actually pretty odd. We read about what Abraham’s servant did, how he found Rebecca, what he said to her… but then we read the story once again — practically word for word — when the servant recounts it to Rebecca’s family. Why are we told the story twice?? But the thing is… it’s not exactly word for word. There are some key differences, and if you pay close attention, you’ll find that those differences reveal a hidden story: a story about why Rebecca was chosen as Isaac’s wife, who she really was – and why she was fit to be the daughter-in-law of Abraham. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/naw8ysht68 716 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/behind-the-scenes-a-book-like-no-other 2026-03-20T01:36:24.698Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/ki-tavo-tithing-in-the-bible-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-israels-national-mission-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-could-kill-me-but-then-what What Could Kill Me--But Then What? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-aab0df43-11ea-429c-bad8-09db14dbdc6f/Y2VkNmQ3MDUtMzAzZC00ZWEyLTljNWMtOWE4NzMxMzgzYjMz_yjm2ndrindytodjizi00zjfmltgxzdctngu1y2i1yjnky2q4_516_echos20of20the20future206.png Echos of the Future https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/jtkktrykrg 684 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vayetzei-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-5 The 7 Habits Of Highly Intuitive Readers Of The Bible: Class 7 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-aae66111-b480-4a37-83db-1273b5203db9/8a8b1fed-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/d3tallkr34 6727 2023-12-28T22:15:00.000Z yes yes 2026-02-26T11:15:44.838Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-real-meaning-of-chametz-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/mishpatim-does-our-history 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/god-in-space-god-in-time-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/beauty-and-the-beast Beauty and the Beast https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-ab0ca864-aa28-46e6-af65-f3b0e1be8107/ZGU0ZjE0YjAtZTQwMi00YjVkLWI0MWEtODBmZmY4MDA4OTg4_ogjjmmq4yjutodzims00yzbjlwjhytutmdvmy2y4yzvmnddi_242_garden_11.png In this video, the final video of Unit C, Rabbi Fohrman brings together all the moving parts to uncover the theme of the Snake and Eve narrative: the difference between how each - humans and animals - relates to 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/7dj8vkhsoz 626 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/finding-happiness-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/birkat-hamazon-the-context-for-the-command-to-thank Birkat Hamazon: The Context for The Command to Thank God https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-ab418ddd-43c0-4e6f-948d-91832ce87d93/12ec5e85-7d6a-4fb9-b0e8-4f90185c8c96_Birkat-Hamazon-thumbnail-1920.jpg The daily text that is used for the Grace After Meals originates from a verse in Deuteronomy, - “v’achalta v’savata uverachta et Hashem Elokecha al ha’aretz hatovah asher natan lach.” You should eat, be full or satisfied, and bless God for the good land that He gave you . Read on its own, it seems pretty straightforward. We eat and then we give thanks. However, the command to thank God is just one line out of a larger speech Moses is giving in this chapter. And if you take a look at that speech, it’s seemingly pretty troubling. By taking a closer look at these words in context you can learn more deeply what it means to build a relationship with God, and how to truly give thanks. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/nyn2nsi9tc 994 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/bo-gods-justice-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-sadness-of-the-heart A Sadness of the Heart https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-ab9398a2-ee8d-470b-bb9f-fdb61fc4ba88/MGM5NDUyZTEtY2I3Yi00YmVjLWFkZjgtN2ZmMzE2YmFmMDFl_a75248e3-d969-4d30-972f-1357dc74e0c4_good-and-evil-in-the-garden-of-eden-1920.jpg A Sadness of the Heart https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/gc09mi40vg 5473 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/mj-s1-why-judaism-does-that 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-mysteries-of-imperfect-chiasms The Mysteries of Imperfect Chiasms https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-abc8e8e2-3134-4d32-9ff7-d3ba35c17fd1/OWEyMGQwY2QtMDk4NS00YjEyLTllY2QtYzZiNDljOWM2MTdk_mji5nmezmwytzdmwys00nwrilwe5nwqtnwq4yjcynji2mwfj_485_vineyard.png In chiasms, we can look at several things – pairings, the center, and outlining – as tools for understanding text. In this video, we look at what happens when the chiasm is in an imperfect one, not in a clear 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/kxswp7refh 448 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/nadab-abihu-death-story-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/are-we-explaining-one-sentence-or-a-whole-story Are We Explaining One Sentence or a Whole Story? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-ac38f890-74dd-403d-84eb-8e77735cc1ed/NjRjYjJjNjYtMzY1OS00ZTc2LWE3MzUtNzQ3MTljODczZGZj_mte4ztq1owmtotyyzc00mmnjlweyytmtmdmwytiyywjmzmqx_are-we-explaining-one-sentence-or-a-whole-story_1512147085090.jpg Judah: A Perplexing Character? Part 6 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/51uadfu26l 425 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/behar-spiritual-economy-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vaera-seeing-god-in-science-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-book-like-no-other-season-4-episode-1-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/become-nazir-vow-today-meaning Why Become A Nazir? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-acc3d0e7-260c-4e70-9bcd-eeb0d03705ef/MDRkMDVlZDItMjc3OS00ZjFkLWEzYWEtZGUwZTA5NzA1N2U4_036f9235-32bb-4298-b603-a476ee033906_why-become-a-nazir-1920.jpg Parshat Naso gives us the details of a Nazir, one who consecrates himself or herself to God. But the restrictions of the nazir are pretty strange. No haircuts? Stay away from dead bodies? No wine, or even grape products? If you wanted to be close to God, wouldn't you just meditate, or pray all day? Click to watch "Adding Godliness To Our Lives." https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/f9mtpc9sg3 960 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vayikra-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-high-holidays-just-how-guilty-should-i-feel-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-didnt-moses-enter-promised-land Why Couldn't Moses Enter The Land? V https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-ad0a45a2-1ae2-4de8-bb11-3545a66f147d/be5acbcf-652e-4b39-a2be-21771048a8e5_why-couldnt-moses-enter-the-land-1920.jpg Why Couldn't Moses Enter The Land? Part V https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/42pqf5qt49 3934 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/two-perspectives-of-genesis Cherubs' Secret: How to Read the Biblical Creation Story, Part 1 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-ad135a89-2e7b-4967-b897-482e8b4c2a5d/NDQwZWRhMDktZThhYi00ZTMxLThlZGQtYjM4NDQ0YTk0MTNk_4332728e-a2de-4398-b65b-314d4a044b18_chrub27ssecretpart1.png This lecture, given on October 17, 2015, is the first of 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. Note: the first few minutes of this lecture were not recorded. This video begins a few minutes in, and you should be able to follow perfectly. Enjoy! https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/8jgmbyiol7 4463 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/purpose-of-israel-judaism-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-the-purpose-of-life Tree of Life https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-ad5c6542-d8be-457d-b1e0-a1f325f3e0be/NzQ2MjkyODUtOTFjYS00OGRkLTlhNDUtMzcxOTE4MjdlYWE1_b503b7c2-75ba-41ff-90d1-a22a9e5f115a_tree-of-life-main.jpg What is the purpose of life? This is, admittedly, a pretty bold question. But if the Torah is meant to be a guidebook for life, shouldn't it provide the answer? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman argues that indeed it does provide an answer. And that answer comes from, of all places, the Tree of Life. For more on this topic, take a look at Rabbi Fohrman’s premium course: What Is the Meaning of Life? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/7d5gfap81u 715 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/exodus-israel-slavery-haggadah-questions Haggadah: Epilogue https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-ad6d9909-fe4f-420e-95ad-151ecbcc0d42/Z-2n_HdAxsiBwPrg_IfGodMandatedOurSlaveryWhyPraiseHimforOurFreedom002.png In this final video, Rabbi Fohrman reminds us that the name of the holiday, Pesach, is also strange. We are reminded of Joseph once again, and tells us that Pesach is God striping us as his firstborn. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/0aajd8fyjz 220 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/yaakov-jacob-bible-story A Story Of Becoming https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-ad741eed-0c9b-4f5c-8355-3afad4161821/Y2QwNjJhOWYtOWVmOC00NzUyLWI1NWItYzA4YTdiNDRhZGQ0_10f19d6f-a5e2-42ab-b0fd-53cb1fd4d48f_jacobmanoftruth.jpg Jacob is often called a man of truth. Someone who tricks his father, pretending to be his brother...even if we find justification, how could sort of deception be considered truthful? In this course, we will delve into more detail about the story of Yaakov and come away with a better understanding of what integrity is really about. 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/2e04saxu0k 3158 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-holiness-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-story-of-noahs-birth Humankind's Downfall https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-adc44cf6-f665-4459-947c-831f3b60b872/ZTAyNjA5ZmQtM2FjNS00NmFmLTkzOTQtNmQ4MjNjNGUwY2Y5_9f1035e3-c31a-4a68-bd33-26f90dea3802_humankindsdownfall002.jpg Human history doesn’t start out too great. In the first generation, Adam and Eve eat from the Tree of Knowledge. In the second generation, Cain kills his brother Abel. In both of these stories, God punishes the guilty parties, but He doesn’t kill them. Adam, Eve, and Cain all live on with the opportunity to be better people in the future. Then we get to the 10th generation of mankind, and instead of just punishing the evil people, God decides to wipe out civilization and start from scratch with Noah. Sure, the world is filled with evil and corruption, but isn’t that a little drastic? Was there really no way to fix the problems? In this video on Parshat Noach , Rabbi Fohrman explores why God had no choice but to press the reset button. It turns out that the secret to understanding the true failures of this generation is hidden in the Torah’s brief description of Noah’s birth. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/fz4yuhvi5p 668 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T22:13:02.628Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/expanding-on-the-tree-of-knowledge-of-good-and-evil Expanding on the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-adcb3710-a931-4000-a9b6-0784b0784217/ZjliYjUzZGQtM2ZhOC00ODM4LTlkNzItMjRhNGMyMGZmYTBk_8ca2f85a-00cc-433c-a478-b19331a9ee0c_the-three-of-knowledge-epilogue.jpg The following video is an even further expansion of the ideas presented in the first lecture of this series. Rabbi Fohrman takes the different questions that he has on the Tree of knowledge story and elaborates on them to a fuller degree, touching upon themes such as the role of a child and love. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/a2lfmrtefd 6903 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-did-god-want-to-kill-moses-part-6 Why Did God Want to Kill Moses? - Part 6 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/qguhdij5is 992 2023-12-14T17:40:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/god-chose-abraham-father-faith Why Did God Choose Abraham? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-ade55a4f-d1b0-4095-8c10-9975deff3181/Z43HxpbqstJ99noK_whygodchoseabraham2025001.png This parsha is full of little vignettes about Abraham’s life: he builds some altars, goes to Egypt, splits up with Lot because their shepherds can’t get along, gets involved in a big war, and has this crazy dream where God makes him a lot of promises . It feels like a bunch of random episodes of “a day in the life of Abraham.” But what are we supposed to learn from all of these stories? Is there some central theme here that can teach us about why God chose Abraham and not someone else? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman shows us that not only is there a common thread that weaves its way through all of these stories, but that together these stories make up the central, epic saga of how Abraham became the Father of Faith. In each of these life events, Abraham faces a single struggle and this struggle holds the key to understanding why God chose Abraham in the first place, what his mission was about, and how Abraham came to be chosen as the Father of Faith. Watch more: Ruth: A Story 30 Generations In The Making Abraham's Journey https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/s96f37g60v 839 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/aleph-beta-reacts-emor-5775 Aleph Beta Reacts Emor 5775 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-ae08c62d-3286-4455-9753-627d64d9a38f/NmRhNzVjN2EtODY2Zi00OTUxLWJhMDgtNDVkOGRjYjM4YzUz_mdcxmgflmdqtndi1zi00mjhklwezngytmmm5zwmxnjq4mgzi_aleph-beta-reacts-emor-5775.png Aleph Beta Reacts Emor 5775 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/t2amczu7xq 558 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/abraham-ishmael-phantom-sacrifice 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/noach-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/season-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parshat-ki-tetzei-question 2026-04-21T19:24:52.273Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/yom-kippur-avodah-service-meaning What Does Yom Kippur Have To Do With Megillat Esther? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-ae68c91c-57c1-4d32-9ece-741d21f7afdc/Y2NjMjUzMzctODVlZS00NmYxLTk0Y2UtMDZkM2MyNDZmNTA3_yjnmogu3zgetmzliys00ymvjlwe1ngitotyzodiymzm4y2i2_avodah-yom-kippur-service-meaning.jpg In Acharei Mot, we learn about the priest’s Yom Kippur service in the Tabernacle. But there’s something very interesting about the language used to describe this section — it’s strikingly similar to the story of Megillat Esther. What does Yom Kippur -- with its themes of repentance and closeness to God -- have to do with Esther? Join Rabbi Fohrman and Rivky as they re-examine these two texts, and never think Acharei Mot or Megillat Esther the same way again. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/3bibt6x84k 1322 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/but-chevron-isnt-in-a-valley But Chevron Isn't In a Valley... https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-ae8371d5-9004-450d-adb6-52bea38a00bc/NTBhZGFmOTctYzgxMS00MGUyLWE3NGQtOWQ3ZjJiZDM0NDRj_zjbkzwqwnmitntiyny00ywezlwjhnwmtndbizmixzwe3njnh_499_what_s-in-a-name.png Sale of Joseph https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/yvz1qcqp9q 354 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parshat-ki-tetzei-question-animated Ki Teitzei: The Hated Wife https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-ae90b433-0b30-482e-877d-609762c70bf5/NjlkZmMxZWUtNTgzOC00YTE5LTk4ZWYtNDYwNTM4YjM0NTc5_ngi0yty4zwytyzm3ny00otawltk4y2mtyjixogu2ymjiyjyx_ki-tetzei-question.jpg In this video, we discuss the Torah's laws about a man with two wives, one who he loves, and one who he hates. Rabbi Fohrman suggests that this legal section of text is a hint to the story of Jacob and his wives. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/fbgrz7fs6u 630 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/rabbi-fohrman-presents-a-beautiful-analogy-that-allows Finding the Corner Pieces https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-aeada12c-d3d8-405c-8575-5e9aa8f02bff/Z-8vWHdAxsiBwTcM_PesachAftertheHolocaust00402.png Rabbi Fohrman presents a beautiful analogy that allows one to visualize the depth and breadth of the Torah text. Each story builds upon one another allowing for a richer understanding overall of the Torah in its entirety. He goes into a lengthy discussion on how best to use Aleph Beta methodology to help discover the hidden beauty beneath the Torah's layers. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/6qcuim0l6t 905 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-does-land-have-to-rest-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/ki-tisa-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/who-cares-about-genealogy-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shemot-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/joseph-jacob-story-bible-study Why Didn't Joseph Write Home? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-afec96fd-542e-4693-b67a-f916028598d5/16ba242c-7b07-4564-aecd-a3f353793bd7_why-didn't-joseph-write-home-1920.jpg After Joseph was sold into slavery, why didn't he ever get in touch with his father Jacob? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman will help us attempt to look at the story through Joseph's eyes, and explore the possibility that Joseph assumed his father was in on the plot. This new perspective helps us understand Joseph, and also his unique relationship with Pharaoh, who becomes the father figure in Joseph's life. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/q6yea3bi4g 433 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/manna-as-a-true-gift Manna as a True Gift https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b01ff2c2-3833-4377-a83c-8b939d4c0a87/aC4XYidWJ-7kSaMX_TheStrangeCelebrationof“LawDay”001.png Rabbi Forhman discusses how the manna and its laws serve to undo the damage done by Pharaoh, preparing them to receive the Torah at Sinai. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/x09uh8pzzv 634 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-tahara-important-meaning How Tahara Brings Us Back To God https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b03dc97f-5a4c-4e08-8f08-6429be53ad52/ZgcS-Mt2UUcvBR9C_What-do-tumah-and-tahara-mean-today-1920.jpg We suggested in Part I that death is the thread that ties the cases of Tumah together. Now that we understand Tumah, how do we understand what is Tahara, purity? In Part II of this series, we'll dive a little deeper to find the meaning embedded in the strange rituals of becoming tahor, ritually pure. Here we attempt to find a deeper meaning of Tahara by looking closer at the different steps and types of water Taharah rituals. Through this inspection, we can find the spiritual importance of Taharah, even in a modern context. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/cosj5aw9nt 858 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/bo-parshat-guide-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/jacob-enslaved Jacob Enslaved https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b07a4bfe-0579-4a95-a7e0-329a781bf3dd/Z-1uIXdAxsiBwPP9_makingsenseofmaggid003.png Rabbi Fohrman explores the connection between Jacob’s experience in the home of Lavan and the Israelites’ experience in slavery, showing how the text of Brit bein HaBetarim could actually pertain to both. To watch the relevant series, click here . https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/0wjzjclecn 1012 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/poison-pill-rachel-and-the-tree-of-knowledge-5 Poison Pill: Rachel and the Tree of Knowledge V https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b0a7e2fb-8811-42c7-81ca-fd971b59351b/OTZmNDRjYjItNjAxOS00NTEyLThmYjgtMGQ5MWJlZDc5YjRl_10f19d6f-a5e2-42ab-b0fd-53cb1fd4d48f_jacobmanoftruth.jpg Poison Pill: Rachel and the Tree of Knowledge Part V https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/z5n5nc08fq 3641 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/finding-the-enemy-within Finding the Enemy Within https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b0a88c62-7c88-4738-a762-ffa721370f5a/Z-8vWHdAxsiBwTcM_PesachAftertheHolocaust00402.png Rabbi Fohrman expands on the previously mentioned 'cast of characters' and explores in depth the relationship between soldiers (mentioned in Deuteronomy) and slaves (mentioned in Exodus) and demonstrates how similar these two different types of people really are. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/6nph5hy13z 1379 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-does-it-mean-to-know What Does It Mean to Know? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b0ee7fb3-e96e-4988-9686-365f4be187d1/ZGJmNzE3YmMtYzIxMC00NGUzLWE0YzYtZmE0NmQ5MDE0MWJm_nmiyodawnzgtnjm3zc00nty1ltgzyzitotkymdc1yzyzndnk_243_garden_12.png In this video Rabbi Fohrman analyzes the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil by examining its name word by word and finding linguistic counterparts in other Biblical texts. What do the words "Knowledge" and "Good and Evil" really mean? 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/oe61xixd15 601 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/high-holidays-2025-topics-in-teshuvah 2026-04-20T17:02:28.791Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-fast-taanit-esther-video Taanit Esther https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b1117cb5-7917-4747-8214-95201877002e/NjA0NjkxMzgtM2M5ZC00NGNiLWEwZmQtOTE1ZTRlMDYwMDZi_a8fae6ee-8d98-4005-8ed3-127f3e5f33dd_why-do-we-fast-1920.jpg Here we are, on the brink of Purim , everyone's favorite holiday. Time to start the party! Plan your feast, make your costume, and… fast? It’s kind of a weird way to get in the mood for such a fun, festive day. So why do we observe Taanit Esther? To commemorate Esther’s fast that’s mentioned in the Megillah, right? But… do we really need to fast just because Esther did? We don’t reenact every little piece of this story. What is it about this particular part of the narrative that’s crucial to our Purim celebration experience? This video explores these questions to uncover a deeper meaning of Taanit Esther. It sheds a new light on how this fast day helps us prepare for the holiday of Purim. Take a look, and your Taanit Esther – and Purim – will never be the same. Watch more videos on Purim , or learn more in our Esther's Fast 101 Guide . https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/e43one1rjh 543 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:31:41.369Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/from-jacob-to-israel-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/joshuas-sun-moon-and-stars Joshua's Sun, Moon and Stars https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b14d4494-921f-4e55-97b4-6b071aa13b6e/YmVlNjBhMjgtY2Q0Ny00MjFhLWFiYTktYmMwNzMxNTRlODc5_nmu4ndiynzmtmzq3mc00njq1ltgwmjmtnja0mjjhmjzkzjg1_joshuas-sun-moon-and-stars_1514402183316.jpg How does Joseph's dream - of a sun, moon and stars - connect to Joshua? \n\n There's another moment involving Joseph and the sun and the moon and the stars. When else is there a moment in Tanach when it almost seems like the sun and the moon and the stars obey the word of man? It happens only once in the Book of Joshua. In a battle, the army of heaven takes their orders from a person. Isn't it interesting that Joshua comes from the tribe of Ephraim, from Joseph? Was that what Joseph was dreaming about? If so, it would seem that that moment begins to express the moral heroism, that somehow mimicked the acts of heroism of Joseph, but on the international stage. Let's look at that story in the Book of Joshua and see it in relationship to Joseph's and Jacob's dreams. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/bpxrioxfbc 4992 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/from-abstract-to-concrete From Abstract to Concrete https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b1569459-ae2b-4ffc-b010-c09591f85fec/YzUxOTllZDUtMGUzZi00YTAwLTg0ZTctODY3MTYyMjQ3NTRl_mdi4mjrmyzqtmjfjzc00zwe4ltlizmmtmgjjzdc1ytaymzu0_214_pp4.png In this video, we'll take a closer look at the "other" three pillars upon which the world stands -- the pillars mentioned at the end of Pirkei Avot, chapter 1 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/g2r3gju36k 274 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hidden-dimensions-of-sefirat-haomer-part-2 Hidden Dimensions of Sefirat HaOmer, Part 2 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b177931b-7ba2-4219-8941-aa704b45caeb/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/14u6sqhowf 3057 2023-10-16T18:41:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/god-knows-names-counts-stars What's In A Name? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b1dadef5-31de-465a-9b6b-b924675fdf65/MDk0OTAxYWMtMzEyOC00Yjk4LTlmNmQtMTZmZjE3NmE4MDY0_e6ce3349-9814-4257-ba68-a1ac4c993991_what27s-in-a-name-1280.jpg Have you ever wondered why The Book of Shemot is called 'Shemot' in Hebrew – meaning 'Names'? In English, we translate it to Exodus – and that seems to make sense! There was an EXODUS from Egypt! And the entire book revolves around that Exodus! We're told the story of the Israelites, their enslavement, how God redeemed them and brought them out with signs and wonders! ...So where do the names come in? Turns out that names play a larger role in the story of Shemot than you may have thought. Join Rabbi Fohrman in uncovering the meaning behind the name, and names of Shemot. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/l43p3uk1bo 796 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:33:42.455Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/first-cries First Cries https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b1e687fb-4bde-43e8-bdfc-fa0cfb33d7fc/NTc1ZWM2NjEtMmFhMC00ZDgwLWI1OGEtNWM4NmRjYWU2YTM3_ytg0odrlm2etm2zmys00n2e1ltllmjitmzlizdezy2rhndkz_514_echos20of20the20future206.png Echos of the Future https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/5mee1zrpu1 525 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/golden-calf-lecture-4-powerpoint 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/social-justice-and-sacrifices-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/closeness-is-separateness Closeness is Separateness? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b23373e8-af77-4b7c-aff3-adef93cdb4db/MjJmYTM4YTgtNGI0OS00MTAwLWI1ZWMtMjkyMDc1MDVlMDQ2_d7c85980-c365-4a7f-a092-41cd1580fc75_how-do-i-get-closer-to-god-thumbnail.jpg Rabbi Fohrman takes an in depth look at the story of Hannah in the book of Samuel. By understanding who Hannah was, and what she was going through, we are greater able to learn from her prayers, and the steps she takes to get closer to God. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/82sr19ltd0 491 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/reindeer-and-latkes-arent-the-winter-holidays-suspiciously-similar-part-4 Being God's Partners in History https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b24a8830-5cee-4f75-b151-a241d8fe3e3c/M2FjNTJmZmUtNDdlMy00NzczLWIxYjItOTI0NTYwNjQwZTRh_a2127111-fbeb-4b14-828a-3abd15af01c4_hanukkah-vs-christmas-1280.jpg After seeing the interaction between Hanukkah and the initial winter holiday of Adam, we’re now ready to gain a clearer picture of what this holiday is all about -- encounters with darkness in the cycle of seasons and throughout history itself; the possibility for salvation and light during these dark periods; and, most importantly, the role that each of us can play in this process. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/4efibvlzaq 637 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vayeilech-hakhel-fearing-god-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/can-jewish-laws-be-meaningful-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/can-i-be-vulnerable-with-god-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/where-it-all-went-wrong-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-hidden-angels-in-the-megillah 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/miriam-character-bible-study-exodus Miriam And The Waters Of Strife III https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b3059b24-03e3-47eb-b6eb-cd3f5ce9ede9/ZohyEh5LeNNTw1TX_Miriam-And-The-Waters-Of-Strife-part-3-1920.jpg Miriam and the Waters of Strife Part III https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/z621njjrsz 2056 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/abrahams-journey-two-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/bechor-a-tale-of-twos Bechor: A Tale of Twos https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b3a35035-3ee1-4008-8b3f-ccc64c59d03f/ODE3MjAxNGEtMTIwZi00YTUwLThiODktZGVjM2E2OTA2OTkx_yjy5zjhjnzetzwnhos00zme2ltk5nmytm2m0mzy4mmixytrh_167_jocoats13.png Bechor: A Tale of Twos https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/k7yt1c8emb 363 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shiny-new-things-meeting-8-august-16-2021 Shiny New Things Meeting (August 16 2021) https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b3b22369-504e-4506-be1b-9c8add403fb1/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/qrtvid64wr 3707 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-02-13T22:03:29.991Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-puzzle-of-aarons-methodology The Puzzle of Aaron's Methodology https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b410c357-1e36-436d-a114-f411cc2c9a97/OGM3NTc1ODMtNTJhMS00YTY0LThkYTEtNGRhYWI5OGYzOWM5_mtgzzdi4ztgtyzjkny00owm0ltg4mzmtmtu1ytzlymixmge0_221_pp7.png This video takes a closer look at Mishnah 12, and asks some hard questions about Aaron's "methodology" of pursuing peace. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/je1ibev3nf 364 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/sarah-bible-story-connections-printable 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/elijah-ahab-bible-story-study Lecture I https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b4332ae3-648b-46b8-bffd-987a41dee8d3/ZpbzEh5LeNNTxN1B_what-is-a-defender-of-god-part-1-1920.jpg This audio introduces the Elijah story by setting the stage and introducing the main characters. Rabbi Fohrman explores the significance of Ahab’s sins and his vendetta to eradicate the home of God. This ultimately leads to Elijah stepping into his role as defender of God and miracle worker. Watch more: What Does It Mean To Be Zealous For God? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/z563jgp4p2 2958 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tale-of-two-names-from-the-garden-to-the-flood-5 A Tale of Two Names: From The Garden To The Flood - Week 5 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b464d85e-7b50-42a0-abcd-05ba02609c32/ZGI4YTZmOWEtZWUzMS00ODVkLWEzMGItMzMxMDM0ZmQ2YzZk_31e41109-3a53-4825-a693-183a6cb28927_tale-of-two-names-final-p3-01.jpg As Adam and Eve left from the Garden, two Cherubs blocked their way back to the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, and between them; a flaming sword. These Cherubs were a representation of the destroyed relationship between Adam and Eve. In this lecture, Rabbi Fohrman give us some insight as to how we can mend that relationship, finding a surprising connection in unlikely place. 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/qka9ahd60n 4293 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/episode-7-one-god-two-names Class 7 - March 11, 2025 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b4696b0f-46d4-4b0f-ae79-22aedbf52e44/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/b766xd1rfs 7214 2025-03-12T14:28:47.000Z yes yes 2026-01-27T13:07:59.723Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/strange-laws-of-jewish-slavery-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/mishloach-manot-matanot-laevyonim 2026-04-20T21:51:08.265Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/high-holiday-reader-2022 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/questioning-whether-this-podcast-should-exist 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-god-was-angry-moses-sin What Did Moses Do Wrong? Part II https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b4f7537a-128f-49a3-ad1b-cdfa59bb24f8/Zf8m8ccYqOFdyDB__what-did-moses-do-wrong-1920.jpg This week is the second part of a series asking, really, why wasn't Moses allowed to enter the land of Israel? Through a side-by-side comparison of two surprising stories – the sin of the spies, and Jethro's judges – we are shown an unexpected angle and come to a stronger understand of what Moses truly did that didn't allow him to enter the land of Israel. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/uodq1ss8w9 899 2023-10-12T18:54:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-big-picture The Big Picture https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b52172f1-9512-4492-ad2e-2d8e141539f3/ZjIxNGQ5ZTUtZTk1Zi00NDI3LWE3ZDgtNWU2Mzk2NjlmNjFh_otvhmmiwmdmtmjnmni00mtc0lwfinjutmjkzmdiwn2nizgex_481_vineyard.png What really happened on the 6th day? What does it mean that man was created in God’s image? We’ve talked about creativity – both biological and technological – and God models what that means for us. How does man’ screativity relate to Noah and the 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/zn6ynzk5u9 704 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/bar-bat-mitzvah-preparation-printable 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/sarah-bible-story-connections-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hey-everybody-out-there-in-producers-circle-land. Einstein & Torah at Aleph Beta https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b53bcb66-7174-40b7-8fc9-4f1529bf3d04/NDhlNmRmODEtMDBmNi00YTBmLTk5Y2UtMmYyMzQ2MmVlYTc2_e582fc71-524f-4131-be49-7e08e0c0902e_einsteinsandtorah-640.png This month’s Producer’s Circle audio is unlike any other we’ve sent out in the past! This month Rabbi Fohrman has created for you a learning path. He took an idea that he’s been recently studying (Einstein & the Torah), and brought in different pieces — some fresh, some already existing on the website — and brought it all together, as a way of demonstrating how different materials build on and develop from one another, creating a magnificent web of learning. It’s almost as if Rabbi Fohrman is taking you on a tour of Aleph Beta himself, but with a twist! For the full lectures Rabbi Fohrman excerpts in his path, please click the following links - 1. Shiny New Things Time on October 4th (click on video 10)  2. Grappling With Loss 3. A Brief History of The World: Lecture #1 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/e1e7mx2yfi 3611 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/2023-methodology-course 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tisha-bav-sinat-chinam-guide-for-kids-part-4 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/book-genesis-bible-history Vengeance In The Vineyard https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b5c8b41f-c49c-463e-9928-0bbaf6ab3a55/NjhiYzMyZjAtZTdiZC00ZjcwLTliMjctNDg1OTYxMTJlNDEw_b0d28217-30fb-4942-9787-bf6cb0183dc8_book-genesis-bible-history.jpg Part VIII 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/1ur7p9t33o 3653 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shema-intensive-lecture-7 Shema Intensive Lecture 7 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b5ccccfe-73bf-416a-ab3a-f5b4d6a6201f/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/2j2djlbtgv 10785 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-confluence-of-echoes A Confluence of Echoes https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b5ce7d76-0acf-433d-8816-b3db795a63d4/OGJiOGJiYTgtMTg1NS00NmRjLWI3MWUtOTYxYjZhN2FkYzcw_oda2mdziotctzjq1yi00odk3lwe0yjqtymm1mwi3ogq1mty5_162_jocoats8.png A Confluence of Echoes https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/eo637lqy2k 297 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parshat-yitro-course-worksheet 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/generations-earlier-2 Generations Earlier https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b5df975c-6fd3-4315-989e-fb24c277d1c1/aDci3ydWJ-7kSpFc_whyisruthrelevant001-1-.png Ten generations before Abraham there is another intertextual parallel that Rabbi Fohrman brings to our attention. The story of Noach sounds very familiar. And ten generations before that, the story of Adam also sounds familiar. There seems to be a repeating story in the Torah that sheds light on the Jewish people's mission statement. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/umv6qkfinu 594 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parshat-ki-teitzei-remember-amalek-dont-forget Parshat Ki Teitzei: Remember Amalek; Don't Forget https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b5f3dd8a-3f03-4523-9204-556ae928b429/YjYxZWM1NDAtYjA5ZS00ZTQzLWFhNDMtZjQxMjg0NjM5ZGE0_d3b459e5-e88c-490e-abee-8fbc0186343b_parsha-lab-wtp-course-ki-teitzei.jpg This week’s parsha includes the commandment to wipe out the memory of Amalek, the nation who attacked the Israelites just weeks after the Exodus from Egypt. It’s the kind of mitzvah that makes our skin crawl in the 21st century. Why would God command wiping out an entire people? What did they do that was so evil that they deserve to be completely erased from history? And why does the Torah use this cryptic language of memory and forgetting to give this command? Our parsha holds a surprising key for solving the Amalek puzzle, through a completely different mitzvah that touches on themes of memory and erasing. Looking at these two mitzvot together will open up a whole new way of understanding the battle with Amalek, what it meant for the ancient Israelites, and what it may mean for us today. Listen to Ami Silver and Daniel Loewenstein’s exploration of these ideas, and be prepared to never view this story the same way again. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/d6jslivtg7 1423 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/epilogue-the-meaning-of-marriage Epilogue: The Meaning of Marriage https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b5fafc43-686d-4b47-b8a6-6279086c8626/NmM5ODRmOWYtYzU2Yy00ZTE0LTgzMTItZmZkNGNjMGMyYjI1_531dab4b-0043-40d8-999f-a6b38f3f1d29_the-meaning-of-marriage-640.jpg The Eshet Chayil (Woman of Valor) prayer, from Proverbs 31, is recited every Friday night in Jewish homes before the Kiddush blessing. In a previous Podcast, Eshet Chayil: What Does Feminine Valor Look Like? Rabbi Fohrman demonstrates how this proverb is really a personal commentary by King Solomon on the Book of Ruth, who was his great-great grandmother. Each verse in Eshet Chayil somehow mirrors or responds to a part of the Ruth story — and it all proceeds in a perfect chronology. Starting with the opening phrase " Eshet Chayil " - a woman of valor - it only comes up in one other place in the entire Tanakh - in the Book of Ruth, describing Ruth herself. This material has all kinds of fascinating implications, including an exciting idea Rabbi Fohrman brings to light in this podcast. He looks closely at two verses from the middle of Eshet Chayil (verses 21 and 22), and shows how they actually paint for us a beautiful and complex picture of the meaning of marriage. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/5yb6doy55e 4268 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T17:41:02.863Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tithing-in-the-bible 2026-04-20T21:53:51.892Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-shift-in-perspective A Shift in Perspective  https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b60e7230-fda1-40bf-b471-f24bc70b4e55/MGI3N2Y1N2MtY2U4NC00NmJmLTlhMjItMmY3M2E5MmE0ZGQ3_72ea233c-dbde-4584-9100-bbaf4ba04eab_what-we-lost-when-the-temple-was-destroyed-1920.jpg We look more closely at God’s world before Creation and discover that from a human perspective, it held three layers of chaos. In the Creation story, God makes three divisions – havdalot – that correspond to these three layers. And we discover how these divisions create the infrastructure that allows the entire universe as we know it, the universe that humans can live in, to exist. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/mw4y9fgjbh 1111 2023-10-12T18:52:17.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/reeh-mount-moriah-significance-outline-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/brief-history-powerpoint-11 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/book-club 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/israel-rejects-the-promised-land-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/an-epic-view-of-jewish-holidays-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-triangle-of-descent A Triangle of Descent https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b643fc54-8dea-4b54-875d-007e16593959/NGFjYzNmMGEtMGM4ZC00YWI0LTlhMDAtZjY3MGUzYzczNGVl_otllmmnkmzctzgvins00nwm5ltlkngytotm0nmfjotrmntu3_a-triangle-of-descent_1512147118144.jpg Judah: A Perplexing Character? Part 7 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/iall2jmftn 458 2023-10-13T12:28:37.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/eden-in-depth-part-17 Eden in Depth Part 17 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b6617b27-5231-41ba-93c9-0c61eceb297d/YjE1M2M2YjYtOTNiMC00NDIwLTg4MTgtNGUzMzE1ODc1M2My_f230dd18-af62-4b4b-b7b0-43be7d9f5c6e_edenindepthmain-640.jpg Eden in Depth Part 17 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/qhn96ed6ag 661 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shemoneh-esrei-research-doc-02 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tazria-parshat-guide-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parshat-yitro-teachers-worksheet 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/cities-of-refuge-first-murder-bible The Line Between Murder And Apathy https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b6e9b917-2b04-433d-85f3-89bd96f74885/NmJlNTFmYWItYzM1NS00NDZiLTljYzItZTAzMjA0YmNiZmVj_ymy4mmfkotqtyzc0mi00ytdklwiyzmitnda2ywuyntzlzjmx_cities-of-refuge-first-murder-bible.jpg In this week's parsha, we are introduced to cities of refuge, a safe haven for one who kills accidentally. Interestingly, we've heard many of the same circumstances before in the narrative section of the Torah, but why? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman gives us a context to understand what lies beyond accidental murder, and how to become more sensitive individuals. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/lobosbasoa 715 2023-10-12T18:54:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/to-get-to-the-bottom-of-the-shofars-secret-we-need 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-mishpatim-laws-correct-mistakes 2026-04-20T21:20:14.839Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/phantom-akeidah-lecture-6-powerpoint 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vayakhel-pekudei-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/06-egypt-redux-the-advent-of-hagar 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shiny-new-things-meeting-13-november-02-2021 Shiny New Things Meeting (November 02 2021) https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b7f3696c-d5dc-4056-87f5-cc975883d7d6/YmEwMzBmMjYtNDAzOC00NDk1LTkxNzgtNmQ5NjRjOWE5MmZj_9eab63b7-61a0-453f-a99b-52503906c91f_event005shinynewthings.png Enjoy this recording of Shiny New Things with Rabbi Ami Silver. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/mza9rjt1qa 3645 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-01-27T13:04:37.144Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/jew-israel-exile-return-to-zion EPILOGUE: From The Waters Of Babylon To 1967 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b81f69f3-a631-463d-8d1a-5e0ad0b89527/NWFmYTNiMmYtZTZkNi00NzBiLWFkMDktYzk0NWY2ZmY0Mjdk_21b5fe2a-9379-4d8a-aa5c-927ad8953af6_longing-and-redemption-epilogue-1280.jpg This Tisha B'Av, join Rabbi Fohrman for Kinot Unlocked and discover new meaning in these beautiful texts. Learn More. Do ancient Psalms forecast our modern experience? This webinar was originally broadcast on Facebook Live. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/y7qq6dbaeu 10746 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/judah-and-tamar-i 2026-04-22T16:00:46.350Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/six-days-the-road-to-a-resolution From Prayer to Creation https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b83ef62d-99d9-45ed-b541-b88fb2db69a1/YmQwNjIwMmEtYmZlMi00ZGE1LTk2OGMtNTQ5YmI1NjA4M2Q5_e804893b-3d8e-4d0f-9fca-e166185de3bf_six-days-series-2020.jpg The first blessing of the morning shema is a beautiful, poetic prayer about… light and creation. What do these themes have to do with shema or shacharit? And what might they be trying to tell us about prayer in general? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman digs deeper into the curious reference to creation in the first blessing of the morning shema. Following the hint back to its source, he offers a close reading of the biblical story of the Six Days of Creation. With morning on his mind, a surprising pattern emerges: Each day of creation is described using the same formula: “And it was evening, and it was morning...” What is the significance of this formula? And can unpacking the role of morning in the creation story help us understand the value of praying in the morning each and every day? This video is based on content that originated from part 2 of a 3 part lecture series on A Tale of God's Two Names . For a more in depth understanding of these materials, be sure to listen to A Tale of Two Names: Elokim and YHVH , 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/48fefh75c1 706 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/book-club-with-rabbi-fohrman-7 Book Club with Rabbi Fohrman, Parshat Kedoshim 2 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b86e6f42-0dad-4bc7-9a5b-ebadb4948974/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 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/6t4zqbnxfa 5751 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/arguing-with-god-in-the-bible Is It Kosher To Argue With God? 5A https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b87d1847-ee9c-416b-b402-8e4f94284c45/NjlmNzNkMmMtYjExNS00MzY4LWFjM2UtNzE0NzY0OTk5YjNi_1d3944f3-56c3-4898-b579-0d2364eb85b6_is-it-kosher-to-argue-with-god-thumbnail-part-4b.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/9pqgy0b0jf 2587 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-lion-and-the-lamb The Lion and the Lamb https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b8805aa3-46d3-4501-bfb4-dd7f6425b1ea/ZjE0ZWI1ZDAtNjVlMS00M2MxLWJkZjctOGEwNTBlZTgxYjFi_mza3y2rmzjytyja0nc00ntg0ltlhnmitoddknjm2nguyoddm_511_echos20of20the20future206.png Echos of the Future https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/5c199nl3uk 534 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-to-confront-sacrifices-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/biblical-law-meaning-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/challenging-god-why-did-jonah-run-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/adam-abraham-generations Of Rivers And Nations https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b8d4233c-0c9b-405c-863b-45ad7186bfea/NGU0NTYxNWEtMTdhYy00OTYwLWFjMTUtY2IzNmE5MzcwODRh_dff28441-dcfb-4cb8-a8bf-80dbfab5fd8e_adam-abraham-generations.jpg Part IV 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/mt09wz010j 3832 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/educating-pharaoh Educating Pharaoh https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b8d5daee-b4cb-4877-a2f3-b43103ca30f7/Z9HnoxsAHJWomd0E_Video6Thumbnail.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman revisits the progression of encounters between Moses and Pharaoh and suggests that, after attempting (to no avail) to explain to Pharaoh the truth about God, God and Moses resorted to educating Pharaoh in terms with which he was already familiar. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/l9wp46pogh 324 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/kinot-live-2022-with-rabbi-fohrman Kinot Live 2022 with Rabbi Fohrman https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b8e08be8-226c-4cc0-ab12-f8f6dcbb4b67/MzEwMzE0ODktN2QwNC00YWM0LWFmZTctYWRjNWZlNTEzYjQw_747c2bf3-8c33-40ed-8c8f-76461e3cba19_kinot-webinar-2022-1920.jpg Join Rabbi Fohrman and the Aleph Beta team for an in-depth reading and discussion of select 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 7, 2022. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/8q4ggiuv28 12257 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-did-god-want-to-kill-moses-part-1 Why Did God Want to Kill Moses? - Part 1 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. Discover other great passover content at Aleph Beta, including ‘ Why Did God Allow Slavery ’, ‘ What Is Passover? ’, and ‘ The Seder Meal ’. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/90hpe0wf62 842 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/eden-in-depth-part-2 Eden in Depth Part 2 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b911b2f5-3601-4365-9d8b-110d182b145b/YjE1M2M2YjYtOTNiMC00NDIwLTg4MTgtNGUzMzE1ODc1M2My_f230dd18-af62-4b4b-b7b0-43be7d9f5c6e_edenindepthmain-640.jpg Eden in Depth Part 2 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/nx3gwhohvs 445 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-3 Eden in Depth Part 3 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b91895ad-f7c9-41ec-9aaf-dcd66660e127/YjE1M2M2YjYtOTNiMC00NDIwLTg4MTgtNGUzMzE1ODc1M2My_f230dd18-af62-4b4b-b7b0-43be7d9f5c6e_edenindepthmain-640.jpg Eden in Depth Part 3 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ok2yuu8kv0 689 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-break-from-the-action A Break From the Action https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b93fc93b-003f-4041-b71c-6e971f5a5004/YWZiMGE0MzItYTFiNS00YTBiLTk3NGEtNWE4NjExMzBiNWFi_zmyxndnlowetmmflns00otq2lwi1ndatzwm5mgiyzwmxmdi3_159_jocoats5.png A Break From the Action https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/azfx1yosea 239 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/thank-god-for-not-being-a-jewish-woman-printable 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-shavuot 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-generations-of-heaven-and-earth The Generations of Heaven and Earth https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-b9e55c08-d356-4d82-8c44-17454b67f6d4/MzBjOTZhYjEtMWYwZi00YWYzLTlkMTItNzE3YjYxNDk3YzVi_ndhlzmmwytetywe4ys00mdu0ltk0ngqtnzq4zjiyy2u5zdex_the-generations-of-heaven-and-earth.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman introduces us to the first text after the Sabbath – the generations of heaven and earth. What events remind us of later events, after Noah’s rainbow? 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/ujvvsoyahs 424 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vaera-god-as-our-shepherd 2026-02-24T10:56:14.861Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/ki-teitzei-spiritual-guidance-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/naso-parshat-guide-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/praying-for-health-refainu-and-the-exodus-part-2 Praying for Health: Refainu and the Exodus PART 2 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-ba4cf6a6-5191-4ba2-b1b8-0b8174f93a65/OGJlNjhmODYtYTdiYi00ZTkwLWJhNjItOTAwNWM4YTBmZGM5_b990f5cb-772e-4b7e-adc0-203437144772_webinar-praying-for-health.jpg Praying for Health: Refainu and the Exodus https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/g7c87n4dod 5381 2023-10-16T18:41:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/and-they-walked-together And They Walked Together https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-ba52a371-5104-4166-a16d-a73f553193ea/NGI3ODUwMTAtYzk0MS00OGFmLWEwYmYtNjI3ZTBhNGVjYjUz_383c6a0f-7a42-4e44-80ea-5991df287289_andtheywalkedtogether001.png The story of Akeidat Yitzchak (the Binding of Isaac) is an incredibly stirring narrative. The climax of the action, when the angel stops Abraham just as he’s about to slaughter his son, is perhaps one of the most dramatic moments in the entire Bible. But what if this moment isn’t actually the climax of the story? What if there is another moment that is even more central? It turns out that the whole story of Akeidat Yitzchak follows a chiastic structure, and the center of that chiasm, the thematic climax of the story, comes before Abraham even arrives at Mt. Moriah. It is a simple conversation Abraham has with Isaac while they are on their journey. In this video, Rabbi Fohrman focuses on this key moment and reveals why it is, indeed, the most important moment of this whole story. You may just come to learn that Abraham’s heroism is even greater than you realized. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/zkzes10juz 606 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-we-here-on-earth-bible What Is Man's Place In The Universe? Part 3 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-ba6a7266-d457-49ad-813d-3291c9f56576/ZTBjNGY0NDAtMTkwZi00NGMzLWEwMzEtNjc5N2E4YjQwNDE3_e1b1aa1f-35b3-4c8f-aa75-3024877e6e24_why-we-here-on-earth-bible.jpg Exploring the concepts of 'doing' vs. 'being' as the focus of man's life – aka. "To be or not to be; is that really the question?" https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/iinrky4ayn 3381 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-guilty-should-i-feel-parts-1-and-2 2026-04-20T17:00:52.825Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/an-unwinding-akeidah An Unwinding Akeidah https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-bb5e8698-2d88-4b2a-a8b6-dee09e4d753d/YmNhOTZlM2YtMzI5Yy00YzU0LTg2MGUtODQ5ZWMwN2RjNDFj_mmy0mdeyyjmtntmwzi00zmfhlwe5mjctzjfhnzbhnwm0mzi5_an-unwinding-akeidah.png In addressing the question "What does the intertextuality mean?", Rabbi Fohrman continues to highlight the reverse parallels between the Binding of Isaac story and the Divine communication with Jacob, and demonstrates how the latter narrative seems to indicate an"unwinding" of that which was promised in the former. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/3dxkzixkul 510 2023-10-13T12:28:37.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/sukkot-holiday-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/jewish-laws-rules-to-live-by Can Laws Be Meaningful? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-bb759132-67f4-4c94-a3f1-00f4ef5f4a83/47cddbd2-30ed-45ad-b6c7-ce22c8c6ce33_can-laws-be-meaningful-1920.jpg In this week's Parsha (Exodus 21:1–24:18) we are in the midst of two of the most well known and epic stories in the entire Tanach: Revelation at Sinai and the Sin of the Golden Calf. The Israelites experience their highest high and their lowest low, all within the same few verses. However, smack in the middle of these two legendary episodes, we are forced to read law after law after law. How can we understand these moral laws as meaningful principles of Jewish life, and not just a long list of rules we must live by? Join us this week as we explore these biblical laws and find out how they add layers of complexity to the epic highs and lows of the Revelation story. In this video, we uncover how laws are not just moral principles to which we must adhere, but a hidden guide on how to infuse spirituality into our daily lives. Laws give us the actionable items through which we can spread the values of Judaism, just as God instructed Abraham thousands of years ago. Join Imu and Ramie as they demonstrate how these laws are an embodiment of the Jewish principles of life. Dig Deeper: Learn more about the Ten Commandments Explore more laws in Mishpatim and other Jewish Laws Join our growing community and support what we do https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ql5ios8xr2 783 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:32:58.781Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/book-club-with-rabbi-fohrman-7b Book Club with Rabbi Fohrman, Parshat Kedoshim 4 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-bb918c1e-bced-42fb-93f9-ddb936c0e496/ZTE4ZTMzNDEtOTQ3Yy00NzdiLTkyM2ItMGU1MzM0NTNmN2Ex_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/io0sudzj70 5635 2023-10-12T18:54:17.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/good-spy-vs-bad-spy Good Spy vs. Bad Spy https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-bbb72693-0531-4ff0-bcb3-c858eed3bd7c/YzYzMTE0MTUtMjA4My00MDdjLTk3NDktNDQ3MmQyNmE3OTBm_3ac5fbe0-087a-44d9-b1bd-2cb35ee2ec33_tb-spies-1280.jpg Is spying an action that is inherently negative, or is it neutral? Can spying be positive? Watch as Rabbi Fohrman continues to explore the narrative around spying, and how there is a redemption story waiting to happen. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/2wdr1n3oug 925 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/rabbi-meir-elisha-ben-abuyah-midrash-story Rabbi Meir And Elisha Ben Abuyah: Part V https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-bbbf644c-1f8d-4fca-8d6e-87ac85485a6b/YTI2ZDM1MDgtNWQ3Zi00OTQyLTllMDMtZGFlNDU2ODJjNDNm_eafa93cb-c4ef-4268-b2b7-a1b641fb3779_acher-he-who-must-not-be-named-part-5-1280.jpg This is part V of the audio series about Acher and R' Meir. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/8z9n1hjuqz 2334 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/sukkot-why-do-we-take-the-lulav-and-etrog 2026-02-24T11:06:35.581Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/joseph-pit-palace-lesson-sermon From Pit To Palace: The Meaning Of Joseph’s Groundhog Day https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-bc2cd80f-6bcc-4ea7-9d9c-f7145a0917e0/5cdf10fb-f3b3-4aa6-bb9c-ab434357069b_from-pit-to-palace-thumbnail-1920.jpg Parshat Miketz continues the epic Joseph saga. Joseph is released from prison and quickly becomes second in command to Pharaoh, making him one of the most powerful men in the world. The transition from prisoner to minister is jarring, a rags-to-riches story fit for the tabloids. The story makes you wonder: was this some great coincidence, a bizarre twist of fate? Or did Joseph do something to earn this great station and finally leave his woes behind for good? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he finds echoes of Joseph’s first misfortune in all his later trials, and uncovers an evolution in Joseph’s character that may explain his unfathomable rise to power, from pit to palace. Click here to watch the epic story leading up to this video: The ‘Scandalous’ Backstory of Boaz and Ruth https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/emuoi7k7mk 1042 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/moses-joshua-transition-leadership-lessons What Is True Leadership? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-bc389907-4bdb-4cd4-9f94-e1a574c974f9/aHQn70MqNJQqH0qE_WhoInheritsMosesMAIN004.png This week's Torah portion describes some very random stories – like another census of the nation, and the daughters of Zelophehad appealing to Moses for a portion of land. Then, suddenly, the stories culminate with God telling Moses about his pending death. Why does the Torah group all of these stories together, and does it have to do with God also telling Moses to appoint Joshua as the next leader of the nation of Israel? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/jqxnvizugw 793 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:59:25.200Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-god-of-life-jonah-and-yom-kippur The God of Life: Jonah and Yom Kippur  https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-bc58e6c8-2ab4-4f25-a2c5-3068e400e453/Z4z-1ZbqstJ99mm4_challenginggod0012025001.png In this live lecture, Rabbi Fohrman questions if Jonah's assumption that justice and compassion are a zero-sum game is correct. This epilogue to the animated course on Jonah explores the connection between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, and what divine compassion really means. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/44kc2vpc8e 3985 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/ki-teitzei-spiritual-guidance-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parsha-experiment-toldot-worksheet 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-god-tests-israel-wilderness Why Is God Testing The Israelites? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-bcce0ec9-8694-4b7e-a2b9-bf32695f7878/YjFlZWMwY2EtNGJjZC00ZGRlLWFkYjgtYThhNzY2ZGYyMGY5_c0097483-ea78-4b93-ae7e-c3037e58e385_why-god-tests-israel-wilderness.jpg When the people first enter the wilderness, God withholds water...to test the people? In fact, this idea of God "testing" the nation shows up in every single story of this parsha! What is God really testing, and why test the people? In this podcast, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu Shalev discuss this pattern, and try to get to the bottom of the subtle connection between these stories. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/3j8y2gfvak 1932 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/mordechais-hidden-story 2026-04-20T21:35:36.730Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/collateral Collateral https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-bd232e0f-1dd2-4bb0-acb7-d575c05d0b3b/YjZjOWNkY2QtNzA0OC00NjAwLTgyYmYtNzViMGE3ZDZiNzI0_m2ezzdflnzatnzkwnc00ntc5ltg0yjitnmnjmdeyyjqyzjq3_collateral_1512147812053.jpg Judah: A Perplexing Character? Part 17 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/50x8wuaxlx 475 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hallel-the-story-of-the-jewish-people 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/six-days-lets-play-a-game Experiencing the Six Dawns of Creation https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-bd38c84f-09f8-4ff7-b0b5-4f218312798e/YmQwNjIwMmEtYmZlMi00ZGE1LTk2OGMtNTQ5YmI1NjA4M2Q5_e804893b-3d8e-4d0f-9fca-e166185de3bf_six-days-series-2020.jpg In this final lecture of our series, Rabbi Fohrman continues to unpack the deeper meaning of the Six Days of Creation. He suggests that the key to understanding the Six Days of Creation may lie in recognizing we are not simply talking about Six Days… but Six Dawns. Seeing creation as a series of dawns revolutionizes not only how we think about creation, but how we think about dawn itself. And, Rabbi Fohrman suggests, the spiritual effects of this time of day on ourselves and on our prayers. This video is based on content that originated from part 2 of a 3 part lecture series on A Tale of God's Two Names . For a more in depth understanding of these materials, be sure to listen to A Tale of Two Names: Elokim and YHVH , 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/6cv1pnksy9 1386 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vayigash-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/purim-study-commentary Purim And The Redemption Of Dress-Up https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-bd75e88a-d38c-499b-8f29-5130af8e6aef/65d4dbeb3a605798c18bf74f_How-the-Bible-comes-full-circle-1920.jpg Part 2 of Rabbi Fohrman's Premium webinar before Purim of 2018. Come watch, and explore the connections between the story of Purim and the story of Rebecca and her sons. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/w4n3fh6305 3767 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/redeeming-the-sin-of-eden-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/9where-in-the-world Where In the World Is the Sabbath Hiding? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-bdc73d62-6679-4da7-9bd9-6445c481d70f/YTI0NWQ2YzYtZTNiYy00NjgzLThiYTktNzRiMTNjNjJiNTE0_ddd08cd0-ca83-43c4-a67d-c4803af30ef3_thumbnail_series_abrahams-journey_draft-1.jpg Where In the World Is the Sabbath Hiding? 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/lcgaarx9ic 3203 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-vineyard-introduced The Vineyard, Introduced https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-bdd0aaee-d36c-4bef-b039-99124a65c8ee/MzkwZDkwMGMtMTAyOC00MGM5LWFkZGEtNDI5Y2IwZTljYmRi_otbmzdrinzuty2zknc00odm3ltlhngmtytnhnthjzdljnzky_471_vineyard.png We’ve been going through parallels between creation(Genesis) and re-creation (post-Flood). In this video, Rabbi Fohrman asks, how does the story of Noah and the vineyard work into this comparison? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/d3np6huqr9 832 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/worship-golden-calf-meaning Shattered Tablets And The Calf Of Gold VI https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-bde8ef27-fd2d-4b3d-975d-8e12c4f55528/MWE3MzhmZjItMDNiNy00MDJlLWE0OTAtMGZiNjNiMTMxOGZi_zdvhn2vlmzctngjlmc00yjgyltk1zjityjzmnwrimzqyntvl_worship-golden-calf-meaning.jpg Shattered Tablets and the Calf of Gold Part VI https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/836h67i8wf 4148 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/understanding-a-psalm Understanding a Psalm https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-be1a60e0-85f3-4e33-ba4e-9377187f3bd1/MWVhZDFhZTAtN2M5NS00ZGI0LTg0ZDEtMTY5NDRhZmMxNzk0_ac12c0d6-0365-439a-bdc3-49e5ad2c10ed_longing-and-redemption-1280.jpg 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/abhoczy1s1 399 2023-10-12T18:54:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tazria-metzora-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/abraham-outcasts-hagar-story 2026-04-20T21:39:43.060Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tale-of-two-names-from-the-garden-to-the-flood-4 A Tale of Two Names: From The Garden To The Flood - Week 4 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-be3e515e-817d-442c-8ca8-08800cdc28db/ZGI4YTZmOWEtZWUzMS00ODVkLWEzMGItMzMxMDM0ZmQ2YzZk_31e41109-3a53-4825-a693-183a6cb28927_tale-of-two-names-final-p3-01.jpg What is the ultimate tragedy of the Sin of God? It’s probably not what you think. Join Rabbi Fohrman as we look into the very first verse of the Cain and Abel story and see how the seeds of the second tragedy of the Bible were planted. 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/4h6uqu9kwh 4468 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/deuteronomy-laws-meaning 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/golden-calf-exodus-bible Shattered Tablets And The Calf Of Gold VIII https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-be612b27-4b8a-46be-9cdb-f6b8ec8ef72e/NjNiMDdlODEtMmQ3MC00Y2FiLWIwNjItODJiZTIxMDZlZjQz_y2fmnje1mzctzwy0mi00zje0ltk4owytndfmngrmntk0nzhl_golden-calf-exodus-bible.jpg Shattered Tablets and the Calf of Gold Part VIII https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/jc3a29o5wx 3634 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/staff-into-snake-video Staff into Snake https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-be7f63c5-1d53-4d76-815f-750fafc4c192/OWNhNTAyOTUtZjkwNC00MzgwLWIzY2QtMzI4ODVkOGU3YmFi_5febc7f0-8331-4b58-8def-28e81e146a17_the-three-great-lies-of-the-exodus-1920-new.jpg Rabbi Fohrman focuses on the symbolism of the first sign, connecting it with Pharaoh’s dehumanization and attempted genocide of the Israelites. Through his exploration of the meaning of this sign, Rabbi Fohrman explains that God’s turning Moses’s staff into his snake was another way of acknowledging the suffering of the Israelites. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/0xrb0zxn2y 875 2023-10-12T18:52:34.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/pillars-of-the-world Pillars of the World https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-be8df3d4-bb70-486a-aff6-bb9db96177cf/NzI2NThhMGYtZGQyZC00OGU5LTljNmEtMTkwOTAxMWJkNjg2_oduyyjgwytgtotzizc00mwq5ltg0ytmtyjm1zjywzmm0ntu5_191_pp2.png In this video, we talk about how we need to keep an eye out for both structure and content when reading any text. This is especially true, I believe, for a text like Pirkei Avot. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/5cvioaz89k 227 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/exodus-and-babe-ruth-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-can-i-trust-god-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/in-this-fascinating-lecture-rabbi-fohrman-takes-a The Transcendent Nature of Love https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-bf574a1c-5c3e-4330-a618-6ab148e29e6d/YzY5Y2ZkNjEtOTMyNC00ODA0LWIxNGQtZDhmMGE0ZWMwMWM0_abc3098c-9d8d-4443-9665-62c0083ba539_love-languages-1920.jpg In this fascinating lecture, Rabbi Fohrman takes a look at the Shema prayer and the nature of the love it describes. Using Gary Chapman's popular theory of the 5 Love Languages, he explores the transcendent nature of love and how we humans can create a loving relationship with God. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/f9rh4qa9qp 5162 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/god-begins-noah-begins God Begins; Noah Begins https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-bf76e166-703e-4f5b-a5fe-cde0a592fe92/OWIxNjI4YTktMWNhMC00Y2I0LTg2MTUtODY1YjU2ODM3ZDk4_m2mzm2i1mdytnmziyy00owuzlwfkzditmtzimwi0ngm3ogfi_472_vineyard.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman continues the comparisons between Noah’s vineyard and Garden of Eden. 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/56v1r4ahjf 394 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-snake-in-the-garden A Snake in the Garden https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-bf95823c-aa77-496f-a3a0-ecf5c20f6e6d/MTJlYmYyMTItNDNlMC00MGJlLWJlNWQtNDE5ZDU2MDM3ZmEz_yzlkndlmnmitnjrizs00owywlthjyjutm2zjmdhhnwjhmjjl_239_garden_9.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman directs our attention to the often-ignored section of verses directly prior to the story of the Snake, and from there tries to draw the real motivation 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/adoisum3m1 790 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vaetchanan-why-repeat-stories 2026-02-24T11:09:02.144Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/brief-history-powerpoint-5 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/story-of-jacob-esau-printable 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/arguing-with-god-bible-chana Is It Kosher To Argue With God? 4B https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c07d7e20-902f-4af0-aa11-aca916ab89ff/OWYwNWEyMjUtNDYzMC00ODBiLWFjYzgtMTZmZmE1YjdkZWY5_1d3944f3-56c3-4898-b579-0d2364eb85b6_is-it-kosher-to-argue-with-god-thumbnail-part-4b.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/o8dct39i44 1817 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/10sabbaths-third-w Sabbath's Third World https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c07e4408-8159-4bad-9267-acf11ebe6a35/YTI0NWQ2YzYtZTNiYy00NjgzLThiYTktNzRiMTNjNjJiNTE0_ddd08cd0-ca83-43c4-a67d-c4803af30ef3_thumbnail_series_abrahams-journey_draft-1.jpg Sabbath'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/0t4ts0la76 5701 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/book-club-with-rabbi-fohrman-parshat-tazria-metzorah-12 Book Club with Rabbi Fohrman, Parshat Tazria-Metzorah https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c07f1611-a778-43f3-b5e9-168eb572560f/Y2E4MzE2ZjgtNWU0MS00YzIzLThkMGYtNGVmYmVlMjBlYTFh_dbabbadf-5d9e-4046-a26f-959db3ee293c_thumbnail_pc_book-club_draft-1.jpg Enjoy this recording of Book Club for Parshat Tazria-Metzorah. 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/5v8czy90rw 6156 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/bible-dream-prophecies Are Our Dreams Prophecy, Nonsense, Or Neither? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c0c4fa4c-0498-495e-bb99-4f06a649d7a5/OWE5MDE0ZjYtZmI4Zi00MWNmLWE1Y2MtMDBhMWU2MmE2OWY0_odc1mmizndmtytjjoc00mdm2lwi3mmutmzgzzjy3yzgwzwfm_are-our-dreams-prophecy-nonsense-or-neither-part-i.png Do our dreams have real meaning? How are we supposed to understand dreams in a modern contest? Are they prophetic, nonsense, or somewhere in between? In the Bible we can find several famous dreams with significant meaning, with some even interpreted as prophecies from God. Should we be paying closer attention to what our dreams mean, or is dream prophecy a thing of past? Here Rabbi Forhman explores these questions, through the lens of both Joseph's dreams and early chapters of Genesis. To get these videos sent to you each week, please follow this link to enter your email address here . https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/j8hah7k03a 5415 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/may-10-2022-emor-why-does-creativity-need-boundari 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shiny-new-things 2026-03-20T01:36:24.698Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-couldnt-moses-enter-the-land 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shabbat-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/moses-psalm-90-commentary-study Moses’ Farewell To Israel: Part III https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c10e77e2-3646-402b-96fe-9d50e5f1e099/OWMwOTUxZGItYzIyMi00NTAxLWJiOTMtMGZkOWJkZWI2NDgw_1ddd3523-6f47-4107-9a1a-1a0826de8935_moses-farewell-to-israel-1280.jpg In this week's parsha video, Rabbi Fohrman uses Psalm 90 to ask an incredibly difficult question: are we, through our prayers, able to convince God to change the course of history? To do this, we go through the verses of Psalm 90 and relate them to our own lives and human history. Rabbi Fohrman unpacks the hidden meaning of Moshe’s farewell speech to the Israelites. Tying together sections from the Psalms and the Song of the Sea, he shows that Moshe’s prayer after the sin of the Golden Calf accomplished much more than convincing God to spare the Israelites. He caused God to change the very course of history. Rather than building His own Temple, God would join forces with the Children of Israel and bring holiness to the world in partnership with them. This mind-blowing course will change the way you understand prayer, Moshe’s lasting legacy, and the depth of changing our partnership with God. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/vloe7a56yj 1037 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vayigash-jacobs-separation-anxiety 2026-02-24T10:57:44.923Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vayechi-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-bible-says-about-community-counting-census Why We Count https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c193400f-0bdb-4a9f-8083-da667ff2f7a2/aDnPbidWJ-7kSvn1_HowtoStandOut&FitIn001.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman points out a textual oddity - why does the Torah use two different words for "to count," and what do they each indicate? Through a deep analysis of the terms, we will come out with a stronger understanding of what it means to be an individual, but still part of a larger community. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/s7h5svyn97 662 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes no 2026-05-08T14:36:12.780Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/bible-impurity-laws-after-childbirth 2026-04-20T22:05:05.686Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/meaning-of-the-name-shemot-exodus-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/august-30-2022-shoftim-how-to-lead-a-life-worth-li 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/golden-calf-lecture-6-powerpoint 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/golden-calf-lecture-1-powerpoint 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vayikra-where-is-the-soul-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/king-balak-moab-bible-says-be-honest-yourself How To Be Honest With Ourselves https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c2515611-bede-4709-9fba-b47ecdb66031/aGfJaHfc4bHWjDoR_HowBeliefsDistortFactsMAIN001.png We all think of ourselves as rational people. When we make decisions about our opinions, we rely on evidence and data to arrive at those beliefs. And, if someone showed us evidence to the contrary - that we were looking at false data, or reading fake news - we'd backtrack, right? With all of the talk about fake news and alternate facts, this question has become surprisingly relevant and important today. And, wouldn’t you know it, the story of Balak, the king of Moab, deals with this question head-on, and gives us a deep insight about how we reckon with reality. Click here to watch What Is Israel's National Mission? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/b683xj1tty 924 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T22:14:10.626Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/beshalach-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/truth-and-absolute-truth Truth and Absolute Truth https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c337f13b-93d4-4e48-b637-cc12bdad4625/YmMwZTJiMzgtN2JhNi00NjUxLTk5ZDQtYzg3YjFjNTYxNTNi_d7c85980-c365-4a7f-a092-41cd1580fc75_how-do-i-get-closer-to-god-thumbnail.jpg In an attempt to understand the deeper paradox’s hidden within Hannah’s prayer, Rabbi Fohrman turns to the opening lines of Maimonides’ magnum opus the Yad Hachazaka, his great code of Jewish law. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/mwxoiu7bjf 565 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/adam-noah-abraham-genesis-summary Three’s A Crowd: Two Trios Of Inter-Connected Stories, A Global Summary Of Creation And Re-Creation https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c342bede-23ec-44bb-8007-02441c5c30cb/NzFkZGJhZTItZDM0OC00MWYwLWEwOWYtYjVmMmIzZTFkNGVi_408d3cc2-be38-45ee-98bb-da06dbfcd1ee_adam-noah-abraham-genesis-summary.jpg Part X 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/u3i3txb8ga 4821 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-name-a-holiday-after-the-enemy-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hallel-israel-prayer Hallel: Moses' Perspective Of Life https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c35bb5bd-0aca-4189-a326-b9962e627fb1/NDgzMjY3ZGItZjRjOC00NjQwLWE2Y2MtYjJkODIyMTQxYWJl_fcc1d9f2-11ea-46e8-9b08-923c07bf7dbd_hallel-our-story-1920.jpg This week, we ask, what is Moses arguing with God about after the Golden Calf , and how does that relate to the land of Israel, and the prayer of Hallel? Rabbi Fohrman argues that Moses and God are really discussing what it is to honor God. If you'd like to follow this lecture with sources, the following might be helpful: 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). https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/moi9yx2o8k 3503 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/eden-in-depth-part-4 Eden in Depth Part 4 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c368a70a-2807-472f-9835-567a4d63fda3/YjE1M2M2YjYtOTNiMC00NDIwLTg4MTgtNGUzMzE1ODc1M2My_f230dd18-af62-4b4b-b7b0-43be7d9f5c6e_edenindepthmain-640.jpg Eden in Depth Part 4 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/x83lzrm47f 646 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-we-count-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/unmasking-the-mysteries-of-purim-video Unmasking the mysteries of Purim https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c3841cdd-12e8-4cb5-8093-5a531dc4d9b2/Z35nN5bqstJ99KrN_UnmaskingthemysteriesofPurimEventthumbnail2025001.png Rabbi Fohrman explores the connection between the stories of Megillat Esther and Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. Could the very first story in the Torah have any connection to the very last story of the Torah? And if so...what does that mean for the way we understand the holiday of Purim today? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/s8wvi5s488 7589 2023-10-12T18:52:34.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/story-of-spies-trust-god-completely How Can I Trust God When I Don't See Him? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c393d9d0-7316-4dc3-ab3b-dd5af1e52374/ZnWVGpbWFbowexEd_How-Can-I-Trust-God-When-I-Don't-See-Him-1920.jpg This week, we read about the tragic sin of the spies. It’s a very frustrating story. Every time we read it, just as the spies are about to give their report, we want to scream out, “NO – DON’T DO IT!” How could they have doubted God? How could they have sinned so egregiously? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/tl109yki16 811 2023-10-12T18:54:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-21T05:34:09.543Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-we-lost-when-the-temple-was-destroyed 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/passover-2016-5776-3 Honoring Jacob https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c3b63a48-0869-49e8-b238-17450859c2c2/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 third course, Rabbi Fohrman examines the burial proceedings for Jacob, showing how Pharaoh and Egypt made special efforts to honor Jacob one last time. Rabbi Fohrman further argues that there were really two heroes in this story, Joseph and Pharaoh, which suggests a rational for Pharaoh's behavior later in the Exodus. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/3wdrnaokql 720 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/strengthen-walk-with-god-bible-study 2026-05-01T20:03:26.160Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-did-korah-rebel Why Did Korach Rebel? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c3ef4c56-9f01-45ad-9309-d2e7ed595d36/Zn7QKx5LeNNTwoaP_Why-Did-Korach-Rebel-1920.jpg Korach’s rebellion is part of a series of mistakes by the Israelite people in this section of Numbers, Bamidbar. This week, Rabbi Fohrman asks us, in addition to our struggle over the actions of Korach, why does this story happen here? What does the context, and language clues, teach us about the larger meaning of the story of Korach’s rebellion. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/gymvnp9ul9 825 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T22:10:11.574Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/moses-aaron-genealogy-good-teacher-bible Who Cares About Genealogy? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c40f2bd0-5b86-48d3-b655-daa8a8a119c2/ZGExMzY5NDktYTY5Ny00ZTc1LThhYzEtMWE1ZTMyYzNiZWYx_27ae2690-a3c0-4c5f-b0e6-b918fda7b33a_who-cares-about-genealogy-1920.jpg In Parshat Bamidbar, we read a genealogy of the families of the nation of Israel - but isn't that kind of boring? In this video, we get a closer insight into some strange verses about Aaron's family, and Rabbi Fohrman gives us insight into what it truly means to be a teacher. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/9drzpecq0l 709 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-05-08T14:38:35.145Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/epilogue-ii-on-this-mountain-god-will-be-seen Epilogue II: On This Mountain God Will be Seen https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c413296b-853e-4ce1-a07a-7df2883a1858/ODdlN2UyMGUtYjNhZi00OWExLTkxNGMtYzFhYWFhMzBkNmM0_2aa18b80-d739-41bb-8ac3-41e571fad7dd_akedahindepth001.jpg Mount Moriah, where Akedat Yitzchak takes place, is not just any mountain. It is the future permanent home of the temple. In this second epilogue Rabbi Fohrman breaks down the peculiar phrase Abraham uses when naming the location: “On this mountain God will be seen.” What does it mean to be seen, and what does this name have to do with the events—past, present and future—that happen at the holiest place on earth. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ntljpcyc09 3206 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/emor-is-the-omer-still-important 2026-02-24T10:50:59.662Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tzelem-elokim-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/epilogue-good-person-part-2 Epilogue: What Does It Mean to Be a Good Person (Part 2) https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c430bc4d-5b5a-4da4-9abe-d1d9109b54d6/aKbeZKTt2nPbakDB_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 part 2 of this epilogue. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/216li6ilpi 501 2025-08-21T10:02:11.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/rosh-hashanah-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/chanukah-meaning-teachers-worksheet 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/brief-history-powerpoint-10 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/joseph-buries-father-jacob Who Is Joseph's Real Father? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c45568a2-0119-455b-93a2-51df26f071ed/Z2rTe5bqstJ980Vo_WhoIsJoseph'sRealFather002.png When Joseph agrees to bury his father Jacob in Canaan, Jacob bows to him in relief – why? What was Jacob worried about? Was Jacob concerned that Joseph would feel a stronger commitment to Pharaoh, who had become a sort of father figure while Joseph was in Egypt? In this video, the last of the book of Genesis, Rabbi Fohrman explores Joseph's tension between his commitments to Jacob and Pharaoh – two father figures in his life – and the meaning of his choice to bury Jacob in Canaan. Click here to watch the Parshat Miketz video Rabbi Fohrman mentions in this video. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/igb4ns141p 498 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-21T19:05:00.938Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/introduction-to-kabbalat-shabbat-3 Introduction to Kabbalat Shabbat Ep.3 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c45fc75e-2902-418a-98a0-304808b9f608/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/osszf6nndb 4657 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tisha-bav-sinat-chinam-guide-for-kids-part-4-animated Tisha B'Av Sinat Chinam Guide for Kids Part 4 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c49f4186-0f7e-4e35-a11c-7f6a5f2c0416/ZrEErUaF0TcGIsWH_baslesshatred002.png Part 4 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/ft8r0am7ot 466 2024-08-13T00:36:56.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/conquering-the-parent-trap Conquering the Parent Trap https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c4ab7911-6646-43ae-ad11-1a95705e706c/OTNjYThjYTAtYjUwZi00NzVmLWIwZjEtMzc1OTg0Njc5MmEz_ndg4othjn2ytmwq2ms00odjjlthizdmtnjcwngy2m2i4zmi1_shiluach-hakan-halacha-guide.jpg Through our intensive study of the linguistic and thematic parallels in the two seemingly unrelated Biblical episodes, we can come to a profound understanding of the value and importance of honoring one’s parents. Through this unique exploration into the text, we are left with a beautifully complex narrative of the sacrifices parents make for their children, something children may never fully understand until they, themselves, become parents. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/e4v8vb1fn5 1238 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/to-redeem-an-ancestors-pledge To Redeem an Ancestor's Pledge https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c4c622ac-b709-4425-aefc-9a8930caaeb0/ZGY3NzQ0MzMtZTgxYS00MDJhLTllY2EtYTZlODIzYTE1NWU1_mjk5mwiwnjctngmzmc00mmy2ltkymtmtntixmtaynwnlyzk4_510_echos20of20the20future206.png Echos of the Future https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/m78rnxpi8h 572 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-guide-to-parenting-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/mystery-of-half-tribe-of-manasseh-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/into-the-verse-shemot-epilogue Into the Verse Shemot Epilogue https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c4f6aa77-fd2f-4fcb-9aea-7e9f24d9dbb0/YmQ3OThhMGEtYzQ0OS00NTZmLTkzMWQtOTdlOTIwZWIxYmUw_5cb9b318-0868-46b3-a3e8-f643b496fd95_itv-episode-37-epilogue-thumbnail-1280.jpg In Episode 37 of Into the Verse ( Shemot: How One Family Saved a Nation ), Ari Levisohn and Beth Lesch followed the lead of a mysterious midrash to examine Moses's relationship with his brother Aaron. In this web-exclusive epilogue, Ari and Beth return to the conversation to explore a new midrash, this one highlighting the relationship between Moses and his sister, Miriam. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/p92m5iif5q 801 2023-10-12T18:54:17.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tales-of-goats-and-coats Tales of Goats and Coats https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c50ded29-0df1-4197-b6db-92b4ad039a66/MjE3ODAzODctNjAzMi00OTI4LWJmZTYtZDc3ZjI5YmU1MGNk_ogm0yjbmzjktm2i2os00zdqzlwe1yjctmju4nwziowmyngyx_tales-of-goats-and-coats_1512147674380.jpg Judah: A Perplexing Character? Part 15 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/nob82dfr2n 291 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vayakhel-pekudei-gods-shabbat-and-our-shabbat 2026-02-24T10:53:48.951Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-did-moses-do-wrong-1-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/epilogue-refaeinu-directors-cut Epilogue: Refa’einu “Director’s Cut https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c55ea786-7ff4-4d65-8271-c4fd1cd7d704/ODY4MWU2OWYtOWM4NC00NGJmLWE3OGEtOTgwMzhkMmRkZmZi_e6f25235-8dd1-4696-a5e7-8d5d037f846d_refaeinu-epilogue.jpg The following epilogue is a compilation of excerpts that did not make it into the final podcasts. There were some beautiful exchanges of Torah between Rabbi Fohrman and Imu over the course of their many recording sessions, and we didn't want you to miss some real gems! We hope you enjoy this added peak into the Refa'einu series. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/hq8d1o590p 2447 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/meeting-moses-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/deceit-of-isaac 2026-04-20T22:25:43.405Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-mystery-of-edens-two-trees-lecture-1 Lecture 1 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c587bb58-b6a2-4082-ab41-058dcb22bde6/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/y3a4s914r4 4662 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-02-13T21:59:54.323Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/noach-parshat-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-bow-in-the-clouds A Bow In the Clouds https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c5942264-37ad-4835-9d37-be8fdbfd65c0/OGE5OTczYWUtMjQxMi00ZjVmLWI5YjMtNTI5ZWQyODc3ZjVh_ytuyzwnjzdgtodq2oc00mzu3lwfmodatzti0ywrhnzazytdi_266_noah_10.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman carefully explores what precisely is going on in the text of the Rainbow covenant itself, and points out that there seems to be much repetition throughout the small set of verses. 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/w4f3e706gi 461 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/who-was-noah Who Was Noah? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c59c06a5-dd62-4bdd-90f3-92e42fc69ee9/ZWNhZjlkYTEtNWY5NS00MGU2LWIyYzMtZTgxODY2OTNmYjA1_4639ed55-d5e7-44be-8778-699648a983c9_noah-untold-story-640.jpg We all know the story of Noah, with the animals living together harmoniously in the ark, the dove, the rainbow sign. But this is only half of the story. Underneath this fairytale version of the Noah story lies a dark, more disturbing wrinkle that finds its crescendo in Noah’s vineyard. And this part of the story is more relevant than anything else we might think about Noah and the flood. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/z4ebsf3101 3550 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-17th-of-tammuz-how-is-the-17th-of-tammuz-relevant 2026-02-24T11:10:10.845Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-significance-of-saving-private-ryan-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/moshes-benevolent-chutzpah-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/passover-model-seder-webinar-2023 Pesach Model Seder https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c5b4b281-3f3f-4f0f-9cd1-adb6bdb5f610/Zhh1lzjCgu4jzxRx_Pesach-Model-Seder-1920.jpg Rabbi Fohrman and CEO Imu Shalev sit together on Zoom to discuss fresh ideas for your Seder. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ehyo401fd5 4953 2023-10-12T18:52:34.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T17:01:15.222Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-mystery-of-the-pre-tree-world The Mystery of the Pre-Tree World https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c5d1f65a-e90f-4a7c-99d8-b23ea6919196/YjFlMzIyNGQtMjY1My00ZDE3LTliYTUtNjllNGY3NTRjYTQ4_nzflzgnlzdatnjuwyy00njcxlwe2mjytzdc0ymjlndjimwq5_230_garden_3.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman explores what it is that mankind stood to gain or lose by eating from the Tree of Knowledge. Using Maimonides, Rabbi Fohrman suggests that perhaps the Tree of Knowledge was never meant to give us something brand new, that we didn't have before, but was rather meant to somehow transform something we already had. 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/174up7hmus 689 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/naso-birkat-kohanim-and-a-story-of-brothers 2026-02-24T10:48:27.100Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-real-shavuot-guided-learning 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/genesis-historical-background-context The Roots Of All Evil https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c621f9b7-0cd4-4476-9a0c-ead56373e76e/NjE0NWUyNjgtM2NkNS00NThlLTg0N2ItNTJjYjI4MjRhMjg5_5e500396-afe0-419a-b46c-9edc3226f4b8_genesis-historical-background-context.jpg Part VI 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/zlftze84bt 4239 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/foreign-entanglements-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/phantom-akeidah-hebrew-source-notes-to-lectures 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/understanding-gods-curses-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/moses-and-the-mekallel-a-tale-of-two-outcasts 2026-01-22T19:25:33.849Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/moshe-and-tziporah-origin-story-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/emor-why-does-creativity-need-boundaries 2026-02-24T11:14:19.928Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/towering-questions Towering Questions https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c705799f-b58e-4e1d-964e-f982ff54f948/NTU0Y2QzOTItMjgxOS00ZjE4LTliYTItMDdhOGU1MGIzYjRi_mzkyzty0yzetmge4my00otdhltk1mmitowzmyzi1yjnmnmfk_489_tower20of20babel.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman explores the text and asks, what are the motivations of the builders of the tower, and how does the tower solves their problems? And most of all, why does God feel threatened by the tower? 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/y3qvv1sa69 401 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-did-god-allow-slavery 2026-04-20T17:02:10.312Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-did-moses-hit-the-rock-students-guide-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/judah-bible-story How Did Judah Change Joseph’s Mind? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c776dc5d-6a68-40f2-a73a-75559319dd50/Z2SoKpbqstJ98tF-_HowDidJudahChangeJoseph’sMind001.png In Parshat Vayigash (Genesis 44:18–47:27) we learn about the power of a truly epic speech. Judah's monologue to Joseph changes the course of history – instead of falling into a future of despair and misery for the house of Jacob, Judah's speech saves Benjamin and reunites the entire family. What was it about this speech that so drastically turned the tide of our history? Dig Deeper: For more about the resolution between Joseph and his brothers . Dive into the story of Joseph . Learn about the resonances of Judah's act throughout history . Want More? Join our growing community. Help us grow and support what we do . Follow us on Facebook and on Twitter . https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/81mnnbbr25 781 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:50:14.758Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/epilogue-good-person-part-1 Epilogue: What Does It Mean to Be a Good Person (Part 1) https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c78dad24-74a9-4144-b4a3-84356cb72fed/aKbeZKTt2nPbakDB_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 part 1 of this epilogue. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/dljthnhld0 900 2025-08-21T09:01:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/balak-parshat-guide-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/whats-meaningful-about-keeping-shabbat 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/speech-that-turns-the-tide-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/music-and-torah-episode-2 Exploring the Harmony Between Sound and Sacred Texts Episode 2 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c79d8a20-192f-4767-b9d5-aab37cc5cdfa/Z4sscpbqstJ99l4W_musicandtorah001part2.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/u90b1a6n1v 2460 2025-01-05T11:57:20.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/redemption-and-exile-israel Redemption and Exile https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c7ad69e1-26b8-42db-b438-88031d32d3af/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/1ss08k90ft 765 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/mishpatim-does-our-history-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/brief-history-powerpoint-4a 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/adam-eve-original-sin Is the Torah One Big Story? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c8194b82-37c1-4c72-b725-acc377719edf/NDE5NGMwODItNTc1Yy00MjcxLTg0OWMtYWJmMzc3YjQyYjk4_4668e75a-e48c-49da-b7f9-dcf39b5db2d4_bereishit-is-the-torah-one-big-story-1280.jpg So often, we read the Book of Genesis as a kind of “anthology” of isolated episodes: God creates the world, Adam and Eve sin, Cain kills his brother, God destroys the world with a flood, people try to build a tower to Heaven… sure, they’re great stories, but they seem to have nothing to do with each other. But what if all of these tales actually fit together to tell a larger story? What if these episodes are like chapters in a book that build on each other, spinning a single narrative? If that’s the case, what is that story? Are we reading the Torah all wrong? In this video David Block and Immanuel Shalev uncover a common thread that weaves its way through the different stories in Parshat Bereshit. In doing so, they offer a compelling explanation of what Adam and Eve’s sin in the Garden of Eden was really about and how it connects to Cain’s murder of Abel. Not only that, but their approach to reading the Torah may just change the way that you read this most famous book of all time. Dig Deeper: For more on Bereishit, click here and here. For more on the Garden of Eden, click here. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/3hldtx9cp2 911 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:32:13.413Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/amalek-today Amalek Lecture VII https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c8630dd7-403a-4b9e-8758-89dbebd7909a/65d520893a605798c18bfc07_The-Rise-of-Antisemitism-part-7-1920.jpg Join us as we delve into the stories of the manna, the conquering of Amalek through Moses’ raised hands and Mein Kampf to understand the true nature of antisemitism. What is the significance of bread and war and how does it further our understanding of hatred for the Israelite nation through history? 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/f52pgmwjjc 5125 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/teaser-2-which-one-is-not-like-the-other New Course Preview: "Which one is not like the other?" https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c8718616-80a8-4610-9f6b-73b1b296f319/NTAzYjRhOTAtNzFkZi00NjE0LWI2ZWItYzNhN2NiZTVmMDM0_62b39c08-ea76-475a-bb08-da849451d0e3_rf-image-new-course-thumbnail-1920.jpg Click the link below to find out more about the course and sign up: https://www.alephbeta.org/course/how-to-read-the-bible Watch as Rabbi David Fohrman begins to reveal the underlying tools he uses to decipher the Torah text. In this course Rabbi Fohrman will teach you the methodologies he uses to transform the way you read a “two dimensional black and white document” into something rich and kaleidoscopic. Come along for a course of a lifetime! https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/kmqam6dkg2 75 2023-10-12T18:52:17.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/refa-einu-healing-from-trauma 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vzot-habracha-parshat-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/introduction Introduction https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c8b6a390-ea28-4e30-a722-0add49ebf5cd/Y2YyMjdiNmEtZGJlNy00YjhlLThiM2UtZmZlZWNiNzIyZTk4_ntq4yjewzwmtzgmwzc00y2njlwi4ztqtzwe3zjc0mzcyoduy_176_pp1.png This video introduces the study of Pirkei Avot and the challenge any of us face when trying to live our lives by the recommendation of these Mishnayot. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/s4xli87eei 348 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/yom-kippur-rituals-atone-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/july-19-2022-pinchas-the-daughters-of-zelophehad 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/looking-towards-the-future-part-ii Looking Towards The Future: Part II https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c9618c3d-16ef-4225-b117-eccfb3ef7545/MTNlYjVlN2ItODMxZi00MDU5LWI2MzgtNGMyM2QwNmRkYjY1_4bc128a6-164b-41e1-b66d-fdef3f90675f_looking-towards-the-future-1280.jpg The poetry of Ha’azinu is hard to crack, but it conveys a crucial lesson about how to do teshuva (repentance) in an honest and meaningful way. In this video, the second of a three-part series, Rabbi Fohrman continues to show us how to read the song of Ha’azinu — and to find within instructions for how to take responsibility for our actions and return to God. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/lw8yapescc 982 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/passover-2016-5776-4 God, the Father of the Exodus https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c98872ae-e9b0-4247-9faa-f410a99b23b6/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 fourth course, Rabbi Fohrman delves deeper, examining God’s role as a Father and Creator of His people, and seeing how that relates to the father figures discussed in the Exodus. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ikdncryt2g 727 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/jacobs-ladder-a-tale-of-two-arks-and-a-seven-part-chiasm Jacob's Ladder: A Tale of Two Arks, and A Seven Part Chiasm https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c9ab3e55-dd7a-4f2d-823d-58b99509b972/ZjhhNDFhNzYtMmFmNC00YjE5LTk5ZWUtYjBhYWQ3MDc1YWYw_zdvlmmi1nwqtogexyi00ntzklwi3nzqtngvlzgq5njdkztzm_jacobs-ladder-a-tale-of-two-arks-and-a-seven-part-chiasm_1510161115798.jpg Rabbi Fohrman's live webinars. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/zm5vhlnzlj 2398 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/parshat-vayeshev-what-was-jacob-thinking 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-melachim-and-miketz-connection The Melachim and Miketz Connection https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c9df4e9c-cec0-4f56-b454-833b40e8603f/MjgyODU1ZGMtZWFlYi00NThmLWFkN2ItNGYxMjM3M2Q2OTM2_fe60adb8-fcb3-4448-a4dd-52608e2f5eed_beginning-of-the-end-640.jpg In this video, Rabbi Fohrman explores some intriguing and unexpected textual parallels between the split baby story and the story of Joseph’s rise to power in Egypt. What could these seemingly unrelated incidents have in common? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/uidomesiq1 766 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-mystery-of-edens-two-trees-lecture-2 Lecture 2 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-c9fbd7c6-5d1e-42eb-ac4a-5b5d35bb30fb/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/zg4azqeu2x 5366 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-01-27T13:05:47.748Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/phantom-akeidah-outlines 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/social-justice-and-sacrifices-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-is-the-end-of-bamidbar-so-anticlimactic-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/whats-in-a-name What's In a Name? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-ca678612-b933-4884-be32-f5aba8966c48/Z9HnLhsAHJWomdz5_Video4Thumbnail.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman explores various names of God and highlights the meaningful essence of each of the names used in the Exodus story. In doing so, we begin to discover the ultimate purpose of everything that happens during the Exodus. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/fljgmznbt4 496 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-bible-says-about-souls-animals Where Is The Soul? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-ca9be6e6-adc0-4498-9468-45293b421855/YTFjMmY3MmMtMDMwNy00YzZiLWI0MWItY2Q3NzYyMjhjOGYy_708ffa08-198b-4a83-8105-e1ae731a9884_where-is-the-soul-1920.jpg When we hear the word soul, we tend to think about angelic, spiritual kinds of images. And when we think about where the soul can be found, our minds wander to some lofty, Godly realm. But the Torah has its own ideas about the soul, and it’s quite different from what we'd expect. Most surprisingly of all, this concept of the soul even has something to do with the sacrifices that were brought in the Mishkan. Join Ami as he explores these questions and finds answers that have relevance for us, even today. Click here to watch: How Can We Relate To Sacrifices Today? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/dhmhjh64ki 762 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/emor-parshat-guide-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/moses-song-deuteronomy Looking Towards The Future: Part III https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-cac0053d-f548-40a5-8b15-4991e4e4cc37/ODEwODliZDAtM2IxZC00MjkwLWFmOTgtNTI2ZGJiYzkyZTk1_4bc128a6-164b-41e1-b66d-fdef3f90675f_looking-towards-the-future-1280.jpg With this week's video, Rabbi Fohrman finishes the series of parsha videos by giving us a look at the Torah's vision of what happens after the text of the Torah officially ends, and reminds us that we today are a critical part of the timeline in Jewish history. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/c0wzbvy00l 1390 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/relate-to-sacrifices-today-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/was-god-toying-with-solomon Was God Toying with Solomon? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-cb0d6a43-1638-46f5-a862-0c3dcf150768/MjgyODU1ZGMtZWFlYi00NThmLWFkN2ItNGYxMjM3M2Q2OTM2_fe60adb8-fcb3-4448-a4dd-52608e2f5eed_beginning-of-the-end-640.jpg The reign of King Solomon marks the golden age of the Kingdom of Israel. But just a generation later, everything goes downhill. As soon as Solomon’s son, Rechavam, takes the throne, civil dispute splits the Kingdom in two – ultimately leading to the Temple’s destruction and exile. Solomon was known for his great wisdom, wisdom that was actually a gift from God, granted to Solomon in a dream. But if God was willing to give Solomon great wisdom, why didn’t He give him wisdom he really needed… the wisdom to avert this disaster just around the corner? This is not just a textual question but a deeply personal one: If God wasn’t there for Solomon, how much personal guidance can any of us expect during the greatest trials of our own lives? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/d6zjmdtk60 440 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/in-search-of-the-missing-sabbath In Search of the Missing Sabbath https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-cb2457d5-4aca-4faa-8309-d27abfbc312a/Y2UzYWMyNjctNTAwMC00ZDE1LWFlYzQtNzY4OTYzMTNlOTYx_nwfmyjfmnmutzdqwms00owm3ltk2mtmtmtfhyzfkztq1ztrj_289_image_5.png In the video, the last of Unit 4, Rabbi Fohrman identifies the common Sabbath as a Sabbath from technological creativity, and suggests that the Circumcision Covenant represents a Sabbath from biological creativity. 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/ny3wozr9ir 671 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shiluach-hakan-parent-trap 2026-04-21T05:37:17.721Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/acharei-mot-parshat-guide-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/moshes-efficiency-crisis-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/back-to-egypt The Book Of Maccabees & Hanukkah https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-cbc4086f-8dfa-440d-9290-112c9b241b16/ODdlMTI5Y2YtZDE4Yi00NzI2LTllNDgtZGFjN2I2OTNlNDUy_fb79ff2b-9b63-44a9-9fe2-c37d25af6339_biblical-echoes-1280.jpg In the first video of the series, Rabbi Fohrman introduces the Book of the Maccabees as a primary text that can be useful for understanding the events surrounding Hanukkah. He explores how this text explains what The Book of  Maccabees is about, and how it can be understood in different ways depending on the translation used, showing a possible connection to the narrative of the enslavement in Egypt. When you’re done here, check out other great Hanukkah content at Aleph Beta including What Is Hanukkah, The Real Story of Hanukkah & What Does Hanukkah Commemorate. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/fcsbemfbe3 762 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-baal-peor-worship-means-video Intimacy And Holiness https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-cbcee8f0-a1d9-438c-9e25-75e856573b7d/aHQokEMqNJQqH0qO_Idolatry&PromiscuityMAIN002.png We’ve seen the people sin over and over, but it looks like last week, the people finally began to trust in God. But now, suddenly, idolatry? What happened? How did the people fail so quickly? Join us as we explore the perplexing story of Ba’al Peor. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/3ihovqiwjb 683 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:33:54.423Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-diseased-hand-video A Diseased Hand https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-cbd6e438-9d0f-474d-890d-e4fc8fd8facc/OWNhNTAyOTUtZjkwNC00MzgwLWIzY2QtMzI4ODVkOGU3YmFi_5febc7f0-8331-4b58-8def-28e81e146a17_the-three-great-lies-of-the-exodus-1920-new.jpg 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/jh1xxalb1p 384 2023-10-12T18:52:34.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/who-were-the-jews Who Were The Jews? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-cbe4e674-e2c3-4c28-87ce-94d56ebd13c2/Z8Zl6BsAHJWomEtc_TheSpeechThatSavedTheJewsNEWNEW005.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman considers how the history of Jews living in exile in ancient Persia, the backdrop of the Megillah’s drama, has critical implications for how we read the story. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/9s7aiqxo9o 624 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/building-tensions Building Tensions https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-cbfe590b-e6fd-4c80-b128-917fdb7a5b47/YzY3ZmUwZTctYjQ5Yy00NmZhLWEwMGMtYWI3ZDBkZjI3Y2Ey_ndm2mwe4mzetmwy2nc00n2qzltg0ndktymjhzjdmyzy5njbk_156_jocoats2.png Building Tensions https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ysyjj7xvoj 869 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/yom-kippur-jonah-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/epic-conclusion-to-leviticus-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-hidden-reason-god-chose-a-flood-to-destroy-the What’s So Special About a Flood? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-cc53fc5f-7833-4ecb-a82f-51dbed61a91f/NTEyNzU0NjMtNjA0Yy00ZDA4LTg3NDEtMDVkN2FhNzYyMzBk_e2853675-5fb3-4f1e-8a08-f59bb94c9969_why-a-flood-640.jpg There are so many questions we can ask about the story of the Flood. Why destroy humankind? What was Noah’s role? How did all the animals fit on one ark? But there is one question staring us right in the face, so obvious we probably forgot to ask it: Out of all the ways God could have destroyed the world, why did God choose a flood? The Torah makes no small deal of this flood either. It spends verse after verse painting such a vivid picture with so many details about the flood and its aftermath. In this video on Parshat Noach , Rabbi Fohrman uncovers some fascinating parallels between the story of the Flood and the story of Creation and reveals a brand new side to this story that was hidden right in front of our eyes. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/5d72o3pzlh 783 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/sodom-gomorrah-true-sin-bible-meaning Sodom, City Of… Justice? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-cc5b54ea-5a7d-47a3-b5f8-ad4164d86e6c/NWVmMmU5OTYtNGYyYy00NDFlLWE0NWMtNmQzMDQxMjFkZDM3_fda95e69-ad9c-4f4e-8216-dd68cc3c7661_sodom-city-of-justice-1280.jpg In Parshat Vayeira, Abraham’s nephew Lot is rescued by angels from the sinful city of Sodom, and after he and most of his family escape, the city is destroyed by heavenly fire. These seem to be the main plot points of the narrative. And yet, upon closer inspection, there actually seems to be a larger story being told, one that might make us question what we know about the real sin of Sodom. Woven into the account of the destruction of Sodom are a host of subtle references to a different story in the Bible – to, of all things, the Garden of Eden. What do these two stories have to do with each other? Is there some common theme or lesson that runs through them both? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman explores the links between the stories, and suggests that Sodom might not have been the lawless place we usually imagine. Instead, it had a different problem – and understanding it holds the secret to how one can truly follow the path of God in building an ideal society. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/3dhid648rf 943 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-21T05:37:02.569Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/harlot-coats-goats-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/can-leaders-make-mistakes-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tisha-bav-2024-webinar-with-rabbi-fohrman Tisha B'Av 2024 Webinar with Rabbi Fohrman https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-cc950f75-afb0-46b8-aaa6-c65c82412a6a/Zr412EaF0TcGI9_L_TBWebinar2024003-2-.png Join Rabbi David Fohrman, Imu Shalev, and Tikva Hecht for a discussion about the Tisha B'av 2024 course "Tisha B'av after October 7th." This discussion was preceded by a screening of the course, and it is recommended that you watch before viewing this discussion. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/9mhypkvf4c 9270 2024-08-15T20:37:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/ep-1-the-blasphemer-why-would-someone-curse-god 2026-01-22T19:25:27.093Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-sabbath-all-about 2026-04-24T15:43:48.865Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shir-hamaalot-planting-with-tears-israel 2026-04-20T17:01:09.338Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/redeeming-the-lies-iaw-playlist-video Redeeming the Lies https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-ccc30aad-feee-4e4d-aa0a-8195a3075db2/Z-r2bHdAxsiBwJCq_fromEgypttoOctober7thver2001011.png 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/r9nw8m7jtz 565 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-tumah-meaning Understanding The Meaning Of Tumah https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-ccd54b4d-5b87-41a4-8d70-68379e502090/ZgcS-Mt2UUcvBR9C_What-do-tumah-and-tahara-mean-today-1920.jpg In Parshat Tazria, we are introduced to the concepts of Tumah and Tahara. Some translate them as cleanliness and uncleanliness, some say ritual purity and impurity, but we never seem to get a clear and relevant meaning of what Tumah and Tahara actually are. Join us in Part I of this quest as we begin to tackle both what Tumah and Tahara mean, and how these new definitions can truly impact our lives today. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/jgvyxij8tn 673 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/jewish-high-priest-duties-today A Deeper Look At The Priestly Role https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-cce99f33-bc5b-43e4-99fa-61f5e78f459b/Zf8kF8cYqOFdyDBz_A-Deeper-Look-At-The-Priestly-Role-1920.jpg This week, a special guest lecturer, Rabbi David Block, asks: Why does the Torah use the culminating moment for the Kohanim – Jewish priests – to go through a long and bizarre induction ceremony? And what do its parallels to a certain other section of text teach us about the deeper role of the priests of the Temple? By digging into the priestly duties of the Kohanim, a meaningful narrative emerges that helps us to appreciate Jewish priests and leaders today, and to have empathy for their struggles. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/mu3zyylq96 781 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/kiddush-part-1 Kiddush Part 1 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-cd0081ad-a600-4f14-83a3-be3e55afc16b/MjU1OTVmYjgtZjlhYy00MjEwLWFjZmItODZhYTQ5NjAxYTU3_ffe94155-ef2a-46fc-9142-8ab5b30d0ec8_rf-on-kiddush-640.jpg In the first of this two-part playlist Rabbi Fohrman discusses the mitzvah of sanctifying Shabbat over the Friday night Kiddush, and takes a look at how to sanctify shabbat with " Shamor " and " Zachor. " https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/rzb800k3pv 894 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-02-20T15:41:22.586Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/season-3 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/ki-tavo-tithing-in-the-bible-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hagar-and-egypt Hagar and Egypt https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-cdc66835-aae7-43f5-8dcf-da192c2964ea/Y2Y4NWYyNTUtMzY3Ny00OTAxLWJiNDMtOGIxM2JjMjM3YzEx_9571ac34-1648-4320-83aa-aca15daae0f3_hagar-main-640.jpg In Parshat Vayera, we read the troubling story of Hagar and her son Ishmael, who are kicked out of the house by Abraham and Sarah and left to survive on their own in the desert. It seems so cruel of Abraham and Sarah! What should we think when we see such disturbing actions? There’s something else that’s puzzling here: Hagar’s story sounds eerily familiar. It reminds us of when the Israelites were oppressed in Egypt and then sent away into the desert. Is this a mere coincidence? Or is there more to these parallels? In this video and its Epilogue, Rabbi Fohrman suggests that there is a powerful connection between the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar and the story of the Exodus – and that there is a powerful lesson to be learned about how we treat others. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/xflij5ns6k 604 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-truth1 What Is Truth? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-cddfe188-faad-4f39-9063-b005829b0ab5/Z4z-1ZbqstJ99mm4_challenginggod0012025001.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman explores the meaning of “truth,” and asks us to imagine the essential difference between a world with Divine justice and one without it. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/eo6214klet 410 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/using-aleph-beta-in-the-classroom Using Aleph Beta in the Classroom https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-cde49a58-19c3-49a1-aa38-9adffd8ad6c7/MzAzNTFmNjItNmFlOS00Yzg3LTliOTQtZWY5NDhhNGVmZTE5_8ac0b571-b269-4e3f-8efb-7b40b0955e82_thumbnail_other_ab-classroom_final.jpg Come join Beth Lesch for a tour of Aleph Beta resources that can help bring the Torah to life in your classroom or homeschool setting, as well as ideas about how to turn these resources into engaging lessons or assignments. Click here to access the document that Beth shares in the video. Are you a teacher? Want to get the most out of Aleph Beta for yourself and your students? Consider signing up for an Educator account. Whether you are teaching from the classroom or the internet, an Aleph Beta Educator account can support your specific needs. Not only does an Educator account allow you to view absolutely all of our recorded materials, but it comes with additional perks to give you the support you need to serve your students! When you subscribe for your new tax-deductible Educator account, you'll receive: Unlimited streaming time in our library Access to exclusive premium content Printable lecture outlines & transcripts Teacher’s Guides designed to integrate Aleph Beta in the classroom Streaming audio lectures Free downloadable app for Apple & Android devices  An invite to our private Facebook community Access to live events with Rabbi Fohrman A license for public viewing, not available at any other membership level And our most important feature…… 10. The ability to create up to 30 student accounts for your students to use at home! Yes, you read that right. You can now add free member level student accounts to your plan. This feature is great if you want to assign videos for homework or for projects. Sign up today! https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ru550ax71q 3007 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/ki-teitzei-parshat-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/devarim-parshat-guide-part-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shmot-parsha-guide-year-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/seeing-layers-in-the-ten-commandments-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shiny-new-things-meeting-1-may-24-2021 Shiny New Things Meeting (May 24 2021) https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-ce23eeed-9eb3-430c-823f-7860aed918e7/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/xse4xww593 5049 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-01-27T13:07:55.540Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/prophet-elijah-baal-mt-carmel-bible-story-study Lecture VII https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-ce37bbe4-04a7-48e8-958b-0180ddd9878a/Zpb04x5LeNNTxN1Y_what-is-a-defender-of-god-part-7-1920.jpg Rabbi Fohrman examines the famous 'showdown' between Elijah and the prophets of Ba'al on Mount Carmel. This audio further delves into Elijah's character as a miracle worker, fighting for the honor of God. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/vo91ah0ljr 1987 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/is-apathy-the-ultimate-evil Is Apathy the Ultimate Evil? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-ce55d793-47ac-4754-9ce6-f181c9347663/Y2Q0ZjUwNDgtMDdkNi00YmQwLTgxYmUtZmYxYmE3NTEzZjE1_mgjmotzmywetzwuyyi00zjg0ltg3otgtyjiwnzc3mzk3yjcw_288_joseph_responsible_8.png An Analysis of the Sale of Joseph https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/9i4mpbr1ji 428 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/passover-exodus-ten-commandments The Exodus From Egypt In The Bible https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-ce6d16e9-82d2-469d-9a56-5eea5d8b5b83/Z_FnpXdAxsiBwW9W_FromPesachToShavuot002.png We don't generally connect the origins of the 10 Commandments to Passover. Instead, we usually celebrate the great miracles that God performed for the Israelites, namely, taking them out of Egypt. But isn’t it strange that right after the Israelites were freed, God enforced the laws of the Ten Commandments without warning? Sure, God took them out of slavery, but wouldn’t it have been nice to at least mention the laws before the Israelites left Egypt? What is the hidden connection between Pesach and the Ten Commandments? Rabbi Fohrman argues it's an important theme throughout the Exodus from Egypt that highlights our unique relationship with God. Join Rabbi Fohrman as he explores the roots of the Ten Commandments in the Burning Bush story – the original commandments story – and never read the Exodus from Egypt the same way again. Discover other great videos at Aleph Beta, including ‘ What Is Hallel? ’, ‘ How To Read The Haggadah ’, and ‘ The Fast of The Firstborn ’. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/fjbsfrpqcr 1846 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:27:43.574Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/seeing-the-future Seeing the Future https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-ce833497-3ddf-4d62-a728-d26f16ee033c/Z-r2bHdAxsiBwJCq_fromEgypttoOctober7thver2001011.png 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/m6hjz33hj2 765 2023-12-14T17:40:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/find-your-place-in-universe What Is Man's Place In The Universe? Part 5 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-cea66544-0fd4-44fd-94af-7a83cfbe3e80/OGQxNTJiMGEtM2Y5OC00MTBkLWI1OGItNDZjMzg2MjE2Mzhh_b600bbdc-d715-4926-a65c-a6f73a81b561_find-your-place-in-universe.jpg In this final webinar of this series, Rabbi Fohrman explores some surprising ways the opening verses of Genesis intersect with our daily lives. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/otrjk5b38g 1128 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/season-5-shir-hamaalot 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/eikev-what-does-god-want-from-us 2026-02-24T11:08:47.941Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/king-solomon-episode-i Episode I https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-cef6702a-7900-45d3-9692-46d9c34d090b/ZTc0YmM4ZGItYTJiMi00ODc1LTg4YTUtMTljMTgyODliNDM2_d97cbdc5-468e-45b2-884a-b908a5e68a4f_split-the-baby-thumbnail.jpg This is the first in an ongoing lecture series by Rabbi Fohrman on King Solomon's Test of Wisdom. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/gy27ikmg9l 4775 2023-12-14T17:40:10.000Z yes yes 2026-03-02T17:51:50.884Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-paradigm-shift 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/isaac-abraham-dig-wells-bible-story Isaac And The Wells – What's That About? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-cf81c5ae-d135-4fc4-9725-c5a5d1710ac4/Z0ECVa8jQArT1OZN_IsaacAndTheWells002.png This week’s parsha contains the only story in the Torah when the patriarch Isaac takes center stage. No, it’s not the Akeidah (that was mostly about Abraham), and it’s not the story about the blessing of the firstborn (that story is really about Jacob and Esav). It’s the time Isaac goes around digging wells! Three of them to be exact! Huh? This is the illustrious legacy of our great forefather Isaac? He dug a bunch of wells? Why does the Torah waste its time telling us about this story? We know so much about Abraham and Jacob , you’d think that Isaac has more to teach us than how to find underground water sources. But what if the story of the wells is actually teaching us something fundamental about Isaac’s legacy? Join Imu Shalev and David Block as they show us the deeper meaning behind the story of Isaac's wells. The challenges of wealth and success, and of living out God’s blessing are all wrapped up in this seemingly mundane character depiction of Isaac the well-digger. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/h29r7llzk5 883 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:43:05.399Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/08-the-i-of-the-beholder-pdf 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-to-merit-long-life-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/made-in-gods-image-melacha What Does It Mean To Be Created In The Image Of God? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-cfaaffb9-42eb-4392-85f3-b497a4b060b8/MGU4Zjg4YWEtNDQ2ZS00MjQ0LWE4ZDUtOGUzZGNmYTMzN2M0_1ddd9499-07df-4a5b-bea2-403e80eca5ae_what-does-it-mean-to-be-created-in-the-image-of-god-640.jpg What does it mean that we are created in the image of God, b'tzelem Elohim? Rabbi Fohrman argues that the answer lies in God's own process of creation, work – and most importantly, His rest on the Sabbath Day. What can we learn from these concepts to be more Godlike in our actions? In Vayakhel, the Tabernacle and Shabbat are juxtaposed, which leads our Sages to explore the idea of refraining from work – melacha – and the spiritual meaning of keeping Shabbat law. But what is the actual connection between the Tabernacle and Shabbat, and what does this teach us about tzelem Elohim? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he reexamines the creation story and the original Sabbath. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/kjnjqmfuy1 635 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-many-and-why How Many--and Why? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-cfd7b5bd-2479-490a-a57d-9a09298ebe01/YzE3OTY4ZTItNTE3NS00YmI1LTkyYzItNGM0MTNmM2Q0ZjNk_mzhknmzhogitmdvmnc00zjk5lwi4yzgtndqyyjk5ogi2mzux_how-many-and-why_1512147850284.jpg Judah: A Perplexing Character? Part 18 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/civy8potqz 593 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/humans-place-in-the-universe What Is Man's Place In The Universe? Part 2 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d0089858-c801-4c3d-8fef-af73eb983fbd/MDRkZDA2MzMtNTg0MC00ZDJiLTgzZWEtOTVkMjk5MThiMzg0_0c37a7d4-6dfb-42d9-9521-506bf10aefc3_humans-place-in-the-universe.jpg In this week's webinar, Rabbi Fohrman continues the topic from last week. As we explore the opening texts in the book of Torah, we ask, how does the story of Genesis help us understand our place in the universe? Please note that due to a/v glitches, while the content is a continuation from Part 1, this was audio recorded from a lecture, and not the live webinar. Enjoy! https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/8sbqac8naq 3200 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shir-hamaalot 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/example-good-leader-qualities-mistakes-bible Can Leaders Make Mistakes? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d03fdba5-2450-453a-ae46-f75eed164f08/e7079ba0-ee78-4e07-ba00-3d7d1b8dcdbb_do-leaders-makes-mistakes-001.jpg What does the Bible say about good leadership qualities? There were certainly leaders in the Bible who made mistakes, but this wasn't necessarily what defined them as good or bad leaders – it was how they reacted to their mistakes. In this video, we explore Rashi's puzzling comment that a nation is lucky if it has a leader who brings a sacrifice for an accidental sin. Rabbi Fohrman contrasts the Torah's perspective of power and justice to the philosophy of Richard Nixon's famous line – "When the president does it, it is not illegal." Join Rabbi Fohrman as he explores leadership in the Bible, and uncovers a message about the power of humility in leadership. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/6ztygjbbn6 362 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:29:20.633Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-cham-did What Cham Did https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d0453c66-8679-4168-a2d8-22cf21a6a869/MDExNTcwZWMtNWZhMy00MDE4LTljYzAtMzM1NTAyNjlmZjlj_yje2ytm0mgutzgriny00yjrmltkyotqtndawyzc0mthmmgy5_476_vineyard.png What did Ham do? Did he “see” or “do”? In this video, were solve that discrepancy, and begin to get into a larger conversation about there percussions of what Ham did or didn’t do. 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/4b9m6mawfl 690 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shiny-new-things-meeting-19-january-24-2022 Shiny New Things Meeting (January 24 2022) https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d04997a9-d6f6-48bb-a362-785f9cfccc3d/Njg4ZDZkZDMtZDY5MS00Zjc4LWEwYTctNzQ0M2IwOTA4NDRl_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/mp87yv87ed 5569 2023-12-14T17:40:10.000Z yes yes 2026-01-27T13:53:42.959Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-chametz Is Chametz About Passover...Or The Tabernacle? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d05c5321-0780-40c1-90dd-fc93878b3057/OTM3ZmVmNzctM2FmNS00MWMwLWE4YjItNzc1ZDM5MjFiYWE5_c961aa4a-c70a-4e51-a26c-639bd1b3b9fa_is-chametz-about-passover-or-the-tabernacle-1920.jpg The Torah tells us that on Passover we must refrain from owning or eating chametz. But for some reason, in Parshat Tzav, we're told an additional wrinkle about chametz. Tzav brings us deeper into offerings, the Tabernacle, the role of the priests... and we're given laws about chametz. Wait, what? For some reason, the Torah prohibits us from bringing chametz with offerings on the altar. And that’s bizarre. Isn't chametz about Passover? Apparently this isn't a law about Passover; chametz has always prohibited from being on the alter. What could chametz possibly have to do with offerings? Join Rivky for this video, as she dives deeper into the laws of chametz and sacrifices, and in doing so, helps us understand how we can possibly relate to the minutiae of Mishkan offerings today. For related videos, see: Tzav Parsha Lab podcast For more on sacrifices, click here . For Bikkurim, click here to see this video on Parshat Ki Tavo. For understanding milk and meat click here and to see this epilogue to Mishpatim click here . https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/4dymmq3xo5 891 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-we-celebrate-rosh-hashanah If You Only Watch One Video, This Is It https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d05dc0a3-c7d8-43f5-99aa-53c100df6f3c/Z4bPx5bqstJ99dpO_howtoprepareforroshhashanah0012025.png How do we show up to shul on Rosh Hashanah leaving behind the guilt? How do we show up inspired, excited for Judgment Day? Here is the link to the video about the only recorded Rosh Hashanah celebration in the Torah. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/z3o1qhbk3z 287 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/king-hezekiah-judah-messianic-era-hope-bible-study EPILOGUE The Story Of Hezekiah https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d06c5a02-2484-4a68-a22b-4ed2e5382d8d/ZpEXvB5LeNNTxGWS_The-Messiah-That-Almost-Was-1920.jpg In this audio epilogue, Rabbi Fohrman ties up some loose ends about Chizkiah and his story. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/qzrw0fnbi3 1440 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vayeira-parshat-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/like-moses-like-matityahu Like Moses, Like Matityahu https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d0b04df0-94f9-45eb-bfa0-6f1ec0949c7d/NzRmMDkxNTAtZGY0Mi00NzM3LTkxYWItYTExNGU0NjM3NjQ2_fb79ff2b-9b63-44a9-9fe2-c37d25af6339_biblical-echoes-1280.jpg Rabbi Fohrman delves into the text of The Books of the Maccabees, finding connections to the beginning text of Exodus, especially in connecting Matityahu to Moses. These two men have similar names and face similar struggles and decisions in their lives. He then raises the question of why these connections can be found in the text and what the author of the Book of the Maccabees was trying to convey. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/s8cqlp4l4z 703 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/childbirth-impurity-bible-definition-meaning Epilogue: What's Impure About Giving Birth?! https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d0b718bf-59ce-489c-994c-608b22019043/NzY5ZmFjMWMtZjRkYS00NjEwLTgyMGQtODRmODBiYjhkZjU3_82041cc0-f9bb-4044-9da6-d66eac92bc42_what27s-impure-about-giving-birth-epilogue-1920.jpg Join Ami Silver and Rivky Stern in conversation as they dive deeper into the themes that were developed in the video for parshat Tazria, " What's Impure About Giving Birth?! " Here, they discuss even more hidden connections between the Tree of Knowledge story and the laws of tumah and tahara. It turns out that the consequences of eating from the tree may indeed serve as a template for many of the laws of ritual purity we're seeing in Leviticus. What could that mean? How can these connections help us understand the deeper meaning of tumah and tahara? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/45tx0b6shl 1149 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/introduction-to-kabbalat-shabbat-ep-1 Introduction to Kabbalat Shabbat Ep.1 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d0c83509-130a-4d81-b751-63ed0b3fc8a9/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/yauouweap4 3255 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/mikvah-rituals-meaning-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/but-what-does-it-all-mean But What Does It All Mean? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d0f206d1-bad8-4f63-a29d-063dadb60205/NDhiOGZjN2MtN2Y5OC00ZTIyLWJmNWMtZmEyNTM1YTI0ZmI3_n2i3ztqxywitnju1mc00mty0lwewodatnjyxytdizjuwztqw_but-what-does-it-all-mean.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman continues to explore the reverse intertextual parallels between the Divine communication with Jacob and the Binding of Isaac, and concludes with a fundamental question: What do these parallels mean? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/6dgr91zht0 396 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-9-september-13-2021 Shiny New Things Meeting (September 13 2021) https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d13671ab-0b66-4dbc-a8a3-53cb62b3aefe/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/xe8lu6du8y 5144 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-01-27T13:08:42.529Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/adam-abraham-genesis From Adam To Abraham in Genesis https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d15452af-4477-44dc-bf36-d3cce1e57d16/ZTZkMDgxOWQtNzk5NC00ZGUzLTk3ZDYtZjg3OGIzZDVkYjAy_c9a64d45-8839-4ae1-a4e1-8965b0bcabb9_adam-abraham-genesis.jpg Over the course of this 11-part audio lecture, Rabbi Fohrman looks at the stories in the Torah from Adam to Abraham to see how they intertwine and what overarching message emerges when we put these stories side by side. 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/piag7noi91 3445 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/pesach-bible-study-pharaoh Pharaoh’s Hardened Heart https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d19087f6-e4fb-4bc1-92f6-1f366b211944/M2U3NmVkZjQtMWJiNS00MmFhLWJlMGUtZWUwYmRmOGUxZWZi_69897c0d-2458-4e16-9613-e97834c89596_origins-of-the-firstborn-nation-1920.jpg If Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, did he have “free will”? Rabbi Fohrman explores the text for these answers, as well as delving into the final three plagues in Egypt and their significance. He asks an astonishing question, are the last few plagues individual ones or possibly three parts to one whole? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/nyg0g3fk94 4129 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/spoiled-children Parenting Wisdom & Discipline in Judaism https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d1a24905-e6a4-4b9f-9806-469db554cb0c/YjI0YzM4ZDgtNDdlOS00YjY5LWI4NDEtYWEwNmUxMWVjMTQ5_f156144d-a623-428f-8733-a2bfff0f8b6c_how-not-to-raise-a-spoiled-child-1920.jpg Jewish Parenting If your child views his allowance as Mannah from heaven, then skip this video. But if you are like most parents, this discussion on raising kids is not to be missed! God afflicted the nation of Israel throughout their 40 years in the desert, withholding food and water from them...on purpose? Isn't God our Father in heaven? What kind of Father treats His kids like that? Join Imu as he explores this question and its implications for us mere mortal parents. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/0phi2ky7wf 1343 2023-10-12T18:56:07.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/finding-happiness-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-philosophy-of-blasphemy-and-micahs-idol-in-the 2026-01-22T19:23:50.473Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/brief-history-powerpoint-3 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-curious-dedication A Curious Dedication https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d21a42fe-6802-4979-aa19-da1d8a82a0dd/MzFjYjRmZTItNGU5My00ZGNiLWI1ZWItYmM0NjE2ZWM1M2Nm_n2myotjkzwetmzfhns00odk0lwixowytyjvlothhy2exmdc5_502_echos20of20the20future206.png Echos of the Future https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/8rx9ew5pxv 524 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/paradise-lost-from-eden-to-flood 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hope-is-real Hope is Real https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d28e7ba9-1738-4bc9-b8fe-1c39f3eed35f/Z-1uIXdAxsiBwPP9_makingsenseofmaggid003.png Rabbi Fohrman shows how the Brit bein HeBetarim is not a one-time promise, but is, rather, an ongoing promise, giving us hope even today. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/2zkfgx6tsu 785 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/finding-joy-in-sukkot Finding Joy in Sukkot https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d293303f-9fd2-48cb-af81-e6194a806c3f/Yjg5NzgxNzEtMTdjYy00YjRkLWFlNTAtZGZiMGNhYzI1YTc1_e797e759-1f16-4273-98d9-fa2faf309f09_what-do-the-arba-minim-represent-1280.jpg Sukkot is called the “Festival of Joy””, but what exactly is so joyful about it? The other major holidays are named after their very essences - Passover is the “Festival of Our Redemption,” Shavuot is the “Festival of the Giving of Our Torah.” What’s the deep connection between joy and Sukkot? The answer is something you might not expect. Join Ami Silver and Imu Shalev as they discover what it is.   https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/2sesxthsj7 652 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/behaalotcha-what-started-the-israelites-downward 2026-02-24T11:11:19.362Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/elokim-and-ykvk-week-12 A Tale of Two Names: Elokim and YHVH - Week 12 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d29e7d42-0862-4d1e-a280-e9f3988764dc/YjY2Y2U5MzYtNjBkZS00MzE0LTkxYzYtOTgxYTkzYWExNzk1_ywqwoda0otytmdlmnc00ndjklwjhotatzmmzndbinmzmnzmz_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/l21q2a09ru 4139 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/finding-meaning-after-loss Finding Meaning After Loss https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d2b45308-24fd-4226-8d4b-062c4ebe7f64/Z0d-GZbqstJ9713H_theLSpodcast003.png In this moving episode of The Letter S Podcast , Rabbi David Fohrman, internationally renowned lecturer, author, and founder of Aleph Beta, opens up about the profound impact of losing his father at a young age. He reflects on how this personal tragedy shaped his spiritual journey and inspired his life’s work—bringing Torah’s wisdom to millions worldwide. Together with the hosts, Rabbi Fohrman explores themes of divine guidance, finding Hashem’s presence during hardship, and discovering meaning in challenging times. This powerful conversation is not to be missed. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/7xpai1kml1 3195 2024-11-27T20:55:35.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/introduction-to-kabbalat-shabbat-8 Introduction to Kabbalat Shabbat Ep.8 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d2db99ef-c74b-44c4-9e51-205414c8709d/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/raishd82z4 6182 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/book-club-with-rabbi-fohrman-3 Book Club with Rabbi Fohrman, Parshat Vayikra https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d2e83e65-9c71-4db2-8da0-d372fe7fa23b/M2E1NzE1M2UtYjM0Ni00OTcyLTgwNzAtNjQ3ZThmZGQ5ZDg4_bbe63291-7197-43b5-a19a-fdd4f0f0d8e8_thumbnail_pc_book-club_draft-1.jpg Enjoy this recording of Book Club for Parshat Vayikra. 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/ct7gtoy18b 5759 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/yom-kippur-meaning-purpose-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/whats-meaningful-about-niddah-part-2 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-esthers-story-meaning The Story of Queen Esther In The Bible https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d361a0f0-2cd5-46c8-a1d5-e7fd8e3389b3/Z8Zl6BsAHJWomEtc_TheSpeechThatSavedTheJewsNEWNEW005.png The Story Of Esther Summary What is the great spiritual message of Purim? God always works behind the scenes. No matter how random things are, God’s guiding hand can be found. These are the ideas that typically come up in discussions about the meaning of the Megillah. But in this video, the first of the course, Rabbi Fohrman raises an exciting possibility: that there may be another meaning hidden in the Purim story, one which focuses not on how God acts in the world - but on how we act. Learn more about Purim at Aleph Beta by checking out some of our other purim pages including What Is Purim, Esther's Fast, and The Meaning of Mishloach Manot. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/k02oxsejya 134 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/class-9-august-27-2024 Class 9 - August 27, 2024 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d3638049-d235-4a60-a7c8-036489b610bb/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/9q6f7h0fbs 5669 2024-08-28T17:18:14.000Z yes yes 2026-02-26T11:04:34.318Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shmot-does-god-really-love-us-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/rosh-hashanah-lesson-plan What’s Your Story? Who Are You? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d37280a7-7339-44d1-9ceb-b07635baf2eb/Z4bPx5bqstJ99dpO_howtoprepareforroshhashanah0012025.png Take the opportunity to reflect on some of the ideas we’ve been speaking about. Try to write out your thoughts – both so you will be forced to concretize your ideas, and because you will be able to have something to come back to. Click for Aleph Beta's Rosh Hashanah Study Guide for this course. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/xkfz4ktb8r 35 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-was-jacob-thinking What Was Jacob Thinking? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d38130a2-e903-403a-a104-c2b757123dc6/ZWMzNzg4YTItMTQzZC00YTBmLWJhM2EtNTY0MmZhMGYxYzdl_m2zjmwi5ymutzjmyzi00mdc0ltljnzctzwrkyweznde3ytfh_158_jocoats4.png What Was Jacob Thinking? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/kwhpo1gf90 518 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-connection-between-bat-paro--caleb The Connection Between Bat Paro & Caleb https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d384a4f3-9180-46aa-8781-82876260375d/ZmViOWEwNmQtZGViYy00ZDQzLWJhNjktZTAwY2U5YTE4YTBm_67a45ea8-2908-4290-a75e-d3c62cc5d92c_rebel-for-god-640.jpg The Torah doesn’t seem to tell us very much about Bat Paro, the daughter of Pharaoh, but the Talmud seems to know a lot more: they explain that, Bat Paro got married to Caleb (one of the spies from the story in Numbers 13-14). What did the Rabbis see in the Torah text that led them to this conclusion? The answer opens up a fascinating study about who Bat Paro really was, who Caleb really was, and why they were perfectly suited for one another.  https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/l3rk19ux8x 1557 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/understanding-leah Understanding Leah https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d39c62a2-70cb-4f6a-b63d-043e22c694dc/d2dd375e-479e-4bcf-92f8-4ad465c89934_rachels-tears-new-thumbnail-other-new-1920.jpg Rabbi Fohrman delves into the story of Reuben giving his mother, Leah, some wildflowers, and Rachel asking Leah for some of the flowers. Through deeper examination of the text, Rabbi Fohrman shows that, in this scene, Rachel is able to empathize with Leah and understand the anger and frustrations Leah has been harboring all of these years. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/5elskdsdfx 767 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/phantom-akeidah-8 Phantom Akeidah: The Sacrifice of Ishmael VIII https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d3b618aa-6960-4f0b-a0ba-a2ec6b09b662/MWUyYTIzNjQtZjgzNi00MzU3LTlmNzktYzljZGVmMGRkODQy_20f1aa6a-332a-4002-b68f-a7aadeaefb61_phantomakeidahpart8.png Phantom Akeidah: The Sacrifice of Ishmael Part VIII https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/rvw4gm5ojr 4228 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-to-break-the-cycle-of-abuse 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/joseph-benjamin-help-family-brothers Joseph And Benjamin: The Way Back To The Family https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d3edbdb3-c0b1-444c-857b-e9b7d864ba6f/OTU1MWM3ZDYtYjQ0NS00ZDIzLTgwYmEtYzU4NDEwMDc0YmQ5_a87a1602-464d-4417-bdae-8504af020d26_joseph-and-benjamin-parsha.jpg Parshat Vayigash opens with a tense scene: Joseph, whose identity is still unknown to his brothers, has just declared his intention to take his brother Benjamin as a slave. The rest of his brothers know that leaving Benjamin behind will devastate their father, and is simply not an option. But they are also powerless to stop Joseph from doing as he pleases. In a last ditch effort, Judah makes an impassioned plea to Joseph , explaining the unique bond between his father and Benjamin. And he uses an interesting turn of phrase: "The lad is unable to leave his father." As it happens, that particular phrase about "leaving father" comes up somewhere else in the Book of Genesis: the Garden of Eden. That phrase is used following the union of Adam and Eve, of all things, stating that man leaves his father and mother to cling to his wife. But what could marriage possibly have to do with the drama of Joseph and his brothers in Egypt ? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he explores the mysterious connections between Eden and Egypt, Adam and Benjamin, and more. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/44033arr6z 670 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/praying-for-health-refainu-and-the-exodus-part-3 Praying for Health: Refainu and the Exodus PART 3 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d40b8987-67aa-4839-8839-8322af23f9fe/OGJlNjhmODYtYTdiYi00ZTkwLWJhNjItOTAwNWM4YTBmZGM5_b990f5cb-772e-4b7e-adc0-203437144772_webinar-praying-for-health.jpg Praying for Health: Refainu and the Exodus https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/5tucy2trk1 5383 2023-10-16T18:41:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/chiasm-in-sefer-shmot-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/meaning-of-gods-name-kel-shakkai 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/are-we-supposed-to-eat-animals 2026-04-22T19:54:52.519Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/story-of-korah-spirit-character-traits Rejecting Israel's Leaders https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d4b007c5-2002-4fd2-9655-5e4b626a1503/Zn7Oih5LeNNTwoZU_Rejecting-Israel's-Leaders-1920.jpg We’ve seen Israel complain over and over, but never before have they tried to undermine and dispose of their leaders. Join us as we make sense of the story of Korach’s shocking complaints, this week on the Parsha Experiment. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/wompvjrygn 866 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:24:41.936Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/pesach-sheni-second-passover-offering-sacrifice How Is Land Ownership Connected To The Pesach Sheni Offering? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d4bba4d2-6bad-4483-b26e-68353f8a04fa/YTg2NDA3MTYtMmRlZi00NmNiLTk1NjAtOWI3NzhmZTg1ZmMy_mjnmotm4ogytnda2yy00zjazlthim2ytnzuyyjm2mthlmtqw_pesach-sheni-second-passover-offering-sacrifice.jpg In Parshat Pinchas, we read about the daughters of Tzelaphchad, who sought to inherit their father’s land. God granted their request, and even codified it into law. But there’s something unique about this story — it’s strikingly similar to the story of the Pesach Sheini offering. When a group of ritually impure people approached Moses and requested a way to make an offering, God codified a practice called Pesach Sheni, which acted as a “make-up” offering for the impure. But what does inheriting land and ritually impurity have to do with each other? Join Rabbi Fohrman and Daniel Loewenstein as they explore the meaning of nationhood and purity. In this podcast, they explore the implications of the connection between Pesach Sheini and the daughters of Zelophehad, and develop ideas such as whether there might be a hidden structure to the Book of Numbers, and what it might mean to think like God. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ypl9nnpnld 1895 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/mikvah-rituals-meaning-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/loving-your-neighbor Loving Your Neighbor As Yourself https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d51a3e1c-cc21-46cd-84f0-cdc5c3791084/NWM5M2UwNjQtNjMxNC00MDA1LTg5OTktMmM2Nzk4NGEyMjBk_c1a00524-7550-43b3-9996-c1922d2fe1e8_loving-your-neighbor-as-yourself-1920.jpg " Ve'ahavta l're'echa kamocha" – "Love your neighbor as yourself" – that’s an easy mitzvah, right? Errrr, not so much. To love your neighbor as yourself… that sounds like a pretty tall order! How many of us can actually say: “Yep, I love my neighbors as much as I love myself”? And yet it’s a mitzvah in the Torah! So are we all just failing horribly at keeping the Torah? Could be. But maybe not. What if this mitzvah doesn’t quite mean what it sounds like it means? What if there’s a nuance to it that we’re missing? We hear this mitzvah quoted all the time as a standalone sound bite, but in the Torah, it is a part of a conversation , a flow of logical ideas. To truly understand " Ve'ahavta l're'echa kamocha ," we can't just examine it alone. We’d have to open up the Torah to Leviticus 19 and read this mitzvah in its context. When we do, perhaps we'll be able to see it in a whole new light. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ty3l7rxqql 811 2023-10-12T18:56:07.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/meaning-of-being-gods-chosen-people 2026-04-20T17:03:15.268Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/eden-in-depth-part-14 Eden in Depth Part 14 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d541a625-aeca-4813-bc76-c1eac00516ad/YjE1M2M2YjYtOTNiMC00NDIwLTg4MTgtNGUzMzE1ODc1M2My_f230dd18-af62-4b4b-b7b0-43be7d9f5c6e_edenindepthmain-640.jpg Eden in Depth Part 14 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/g2ugfxxyq1 257 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-isnt-torah-day-actually-in-the-torah 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/eden-in-depth-part-1 Eden in Depth Part 1 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d5754a59-e775-461e-8b37-6e6b98dfc4ed/Nzk4OTM4OWYtZTJkMC00MjhmLTgzMWMtYTY0N2E2Mjk4N2Y0_f230dd18-af62-4b4b-b7b0-43be7d9f5c6e_edenindepthmain-640.jpg In this deep-dive course, Rabbi Fohrman explores the story of the Garden of Eden, asking tough questions, uncovering subtle insights in the text, and ultimately bringing new light to this age-old story. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/jbu9up6ei1 584 2023-12-14T17:40:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/eden-in-depth-part-12 Eden in Depth Part 12 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d5768613-637c-4f07-86e3-ea1bc07b21df/YjE1M2M2YjYtOTNiMC00NDIwLTg4MTgtNGUzMzE1ODc1M2My_f230dd18-af62-4b4b-b7b0-43be7d9f5c6e_edenindepthmain-640.jpg Eden in Depth Part 12 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/9yrlmuo2un 601 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-16 Eden in Depth Part 16 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d599d293-649c-4306-8412-25e954a169c2/YjE1M2M2YjYtOTNiMC00NDIwLTg4MTgtNGUzMzE1ODc1M2My_f230dd18-af62-4b4b-b7b0-43be7d9f5c6e_edenindepthmain-640.jpg Eden in Depth Part 16 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/1rigyq42o5 333 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/brief-history-powerpoint-6 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/rainbows-have-seven-colors Rainbows Have Seven Colors https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d5b7c9d3-082d-4705-a9ae-7715e262ae65/ZTg5NTlkYTEtMDU5ZS00MmRhLTk0M2EtOTVjZTk4OGE0Njlh_ztdjotuyztety2y5zs00ntbilthkmtctymrhnmzhzmrhnjmw_265_noah_9.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman demonstrates echoes of the Rainbow Covenant in the Sabbath narrative 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/0g8a82n7m8 343 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/jubliee-law-shabbatot-year-cycles-definition Shemittah, Yovel and… Mount Sinai? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d5d5972e-9d59-46c0-a9d2-578131b05c36/ZjIxZmMyYzYtODkyMy00MjhmLTkwZjQtYTQ3N2M1MGVlZTg3_zdmxmdqxn2qtowezyi00nzlmltgwzmytnza4mdi4mzkwzdjh_jubliee-law-shabbatot-year-cycles-definition.jpg This week’s double parsha, Behar-Bechokotai, focuses on the agricultural cycles of Shemittah and Yovel. Strangely enough, the language here carries echoes of some of the themes of last week’s parsha, and even seems to take us all the way back to Mount Sinai. Are these ideas somehow connected? What could the revelation at Sinai have to do with agricultural laws in the land of Israel? Join Rivky Stern and first time co-host Ami Silver as they explore these fascinating connections and the implications for what it means to live together with God in this world. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/wt86b21eij 1976 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tisha-bav-after-october-seventh 2026-04-20T17:02:48.686Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/introduction-to-kabbalat-shabbat-5 Introduction to Kabbalat Shabbat Ep.5 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d5e08e16-2b8d-47cb-a35f-b55807c9f9a1/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/jkkvrk0br9 5035 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/pharaohs-daughter-arm-adopts-moses The "Magic" Arm of Pharaoh's Daughter https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d679b0a7-6858-4a93-a048-1163d933af2c/ZiKjQPPdc1huKpX0_The-Magic-Arm-of-Pharaoh's-Daughter-1920.jpg Welcome the book of Exodus ! In this video, we explore the strange midrash in which the arm of Pharaoh's daughter stretched through the river to save Moses. Why do the Sages tell us such an odd story? Rabbi Fohrman argues that we need to put ourselves into the eyes of Pharaoh's daughter, and help us see that when we want to achieve something, God will help us find a way to do it. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/kenw48wdqp 374 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T21:52:24.195Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/devarim-finding-inspiration-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/passover-exodus-story 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-fast-tzom-gedaliah-meaning-bible The Hidden Meaning Behind Tzom Gedaliah https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d6e5231b-c874-41fe-8395-fcc8a0cb70d0/MmNmZjk3YzQtNWQyNy00MDBiLWFlNDMtZDVjMGJhMDE4MzA4_4273694e-58b8-45c7-8f88-3a1643535eea_the-hidden-meaning-behind-tzom-gedaliah-1920.jpg Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are two of the most powerful holidays of the Jewish calendar. But smack between them, we’re hit with… Tzom Gedaliah? Wait, what? Who? Gedaliah? Who was he again? A leader who was killed? And we fast because... It’s the day he died? It just seems so random – why do we have this fast day right after Rosh Hashanah? And why does this guy, who most of us have never heard about, get his own fast? In this video, we’ll dive into the story and meaning of Gedaliah, and we’ll see that Tzom Gedaliah isn’t merely commemorating some tragedy that happened once upon a time. The story of Gedaliah represents a major turning point in our nation’s history. And, if we dig a bit deeper, we may discover another very well known story lurking just beneath the surface, that carries a critical and much needed message for our day and age. Check out the full Tzom Gedaliah Guide and discover other great videos at Aleph Beta, including ‘How To Do Teshuva” and “The Two Trees In The Garden Of Eden”. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/w5ym17qky6 1125 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tree-knowledge-good-evil-meaning Good And Evil https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d72bcfcc-0669-47c4-9619-ea0cf8bf5371/YmIyOWRkMTMtNjFiOS00N2JkLTk4MzYtODYxNzgxN2RmYTJk_a75248e3-d969-4d30-972f-1357dc74e0c4_good-and-evil-in-the-garden-of-eden-1920.jpg Good and Evil https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/5b1a2bo7pw 3243 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/gods-covenant-with-israel-promised-land Why Does The Nation Of Israel Merit The Land? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d74d6c71-fae1-4bd3-944c-09c6835ed241/NzE2YzRlNjUtMmYwNC00ZTc0LTg4NTctNDkzMDYyNmZiOWRh_yzblmjfjzdmtowvhyy00y2vkltlknjctnmyzy2ewmzzintk2_gods-covenant-with-israel-promised-land.jpg This week, Rabbi David Block asks an interesting question: why do the Israelites get to go into the land of Israel? Is it because of merit? Or because it was promised to our ancestors? Or, as the text suggests, because of the evil of the other nations? In this video, we analyze these reasons given in this week's parsha and suggest that they all work together to fulfill God's covenant with Israel – to be a model nation for the world. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/p69ka7a0h2 856 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-21T19:24:12.602Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/discussion-israel-under-attack-iaw-video Discussion: Israel Under Attack https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d76e6974-14dc-42c1-a212-514247a1ffbf/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/yo55qkc6ax 590 2023-12-14T17:40:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/is-ha-azinu-the-song-of-doom Is Ha’azinu The Song Of Doom? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d796c763-2de9-4647-a347-ca14400172bc/MGRmNTdhNzAtNDQ5MS00ZDllLWFjZmUtYzEyZDcxOTYxZDQw_e62664ec-178d-4406-8a9c-e8a3810bc321_parsha-lab-wtp-course-haazinu.jpg In Parshat Ha’azinu, the Israelites receive a frightening prophetic “song” about their future failure to follow God’s will, and the punishment they receive as a result. When Moshe introduces this prophecy, he states that he hopes his speech will fall “ke-se’irim alei desheh” -- like some sort of ‘rain upon grass.’ What does that mean? And why is it stated as an introduction to the song? Join Daniel Loewenstein and Ami Silver as they explore the hidden layers of meaning in Ha’azinu, and the crucial questions it raises for us today. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/stk2xpsk68 1842 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/israels-psychological-journey-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/bo-firstborn-nation 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/sukkot-meaning-why-we-celebrate-printable 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/israelites-conquer-edomites-canaanites-moabites-amorites Why Weren't The Plagues Enough? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d84b69fd-79af-43f3-8eb0-c74f0f55f1af/ODJhZGZmYjMtZDFlNS00ZTIwLTg4ODMtMDNlOTM4OTI0ODk2_mmfimmjjnjktytk0yi00n2i1lwjimdctzdc5zgjhymjjzdc0_israelites-conquer-edomites-canaanites-moabites-amorites.jpg As the Israelites made their way towards the Promised Land, they encountered many nations – Edomites, Canaanites, Amorites, Moabites – who greeted them with less than open arms. But after seeing what God did to the Egyptians, wouldn't it have been better to take them in and avoid God's wrath? Join Rabbi Fohrman and Beth Lesch as they re-examine the text of Numbers to understand how these nations thought about God and the Israelites – and never think about Parshat Balak the same way again. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/59wpfc3yuv 2028 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/superfluous-details Superfluous Details https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d859da69-7901-4f7e-869b-6295e256bdc5/NTUyYTFlZWQtNWZkZS00YzZhLTlkMWMtN2RlZmVhYTBkOTQ5_zgzly2fkyzutytiwyy00yjmxltkxmzitmje3mjyzogjhythi_superfluous-details_1512147559546.jpg Judah: A Perplexing Character? Part 12 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/c0eswhg20u 690 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-exodus-story-that-could-have-been 2026-04-21T05:35:50.254Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/pesach-dvar-torah-bible-study Moshe Redeeming Joseph https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d8ce3288-19e2-4f13-a1ae-386c3912fe27/YmFhOGU5ZjgtMzA3MS00NThmLTk0Y2YtZDdlYzA4YjQ0ZTI5_69897c0d-2458-4e16-9613-e97834c89596_origins-of-the-firstborn-nation-1920.jpg Moses begins to revisit the Joseph story, this time going forwards, and this time fixing things along the way. Rabbi Fohrman continues examining the parallels between the story of Moses by the burning bush, as compared with the Joseph story, offering new twists and turns. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/s9l1leaipv 4554 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/does-god-feel-emotions Does God Feel Emotions? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d9114e7f-e7e9-4223-9116-5eaf400e5238/Z3-3q5bqstJ99OrB_doesgodfeelemotions001.png We often talk about God's love for us, but does God really have emotions? In this week's parsha, Rabbi Fohrman explores an odd midrash about God's names – Eheyeh Asher Eheyeh. Why did God tell Moses that "I Will Be That Which I Will Be"? By exploring the story behind God's names, Rabbi Fohrman uncovers a message about how inscrutable God's emotions are, and the incredible love God has for us. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/w84cjkzpgq 666 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/bar-bat-mitzvah-exercises 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/jewish-marriage-do-men-acquire-women 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/pinchas-parshat-guide-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/in-conversation-integrating-the-idea-of-six-dawns IN CONVERSATION: Integrating the Idea of “Six Dawns” into Daily Life https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d9a4dfea-a19b-4f80-b6bc-d86a880bdf4b/ZGYwOWFhNmYtYzEyOC00Y2Q0LTg0ZTItODg2NmJhODYzNjE5_247f3b04-5c35-4413-89b9-441ef060d4fe_six-days-series-2020-reflections-2.jpg In Making Sense of: Morning Prayers, Rabbi Fohrman shared a powerful insight into why morning is such an important time for prayer. When we witness the dawning of a new day, it calls to mind the very first six dawns of creation and, so, morning is the perfect prompt to renew our awe in God and gratitude to HIm as our Creator. This is an inspiring idea, but what would it look like to truly integrate it into our everyday lives? Could an awareness of creation really alter our very experience of prayer? Is praying in the morning actually the key to gaining this awareness? And if morning is such a powerful reminder of creation, how come it’s so easy for many of us to miss this message in the first place? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he explores these questions in conversation with Immanuel Shalev, producer of Making Sense of: Morning Prayers. Together they reflect on the real life spiritual implications of this series, including the challenges and possible benefits of routine prayer; the link between prayer and nature; the importance of preparing emotionally for davening; and how working on this series has forever changed their own relationships with prayer. This video is based on content that originated from part 2 of a 3 part lecture series on A Tale of God's Two Names . For a more in depth understanding of these materials, be sure to listen to A Tale of Two Names: Elokim and YHVH , 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/wqkidm58np 2498 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-are-brachot-animated What Is A Bracha? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d9af061f-4e45-4f91-8b10-49fe21d87d48/a8fed48b-6f1b-4986-a8bd-5ce6db29c74f_a-series-on-prayer-001-why-do-we-pray-1920.jpg Brachot are everywhere in our everyday lives. We need to understand what bracha really means – not to see them as annoying burdens or religious dues we need to pay to God, but to recognize God in our world and our lives. Having them makes our lives more blessed. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/59d912fzur 531 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/pinchas-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/water-into-blood Water Into Blood https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-d9fcb9a3-a2cd-439b-8629-5eaff220c5b1/Z-r2bHdAxsiBwJCq_fromEgypttoOctober7thver2001011.png 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/bvctf2n50t 740 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/justice-and-compassion1 Justice And Compassion https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-da254b7a-f38f-419a-957a-65845c68320c/Z4z-1ZbqstJ99mm4_challenginggod0012025001.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman returns to the allegory of the kikayon plant and explains the conclusion of the Jonah story. With this final piece in place, it becomes clear why it is so fitting to read Jonah on Yom Kippur and how this fascinating and challenging story is meant to impact our own personal experiences of teshuvah. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/hoq0gsnlfn 728 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/purim-background-torah-midrash-study What Does The Megillah Have To Do With The Deception Of Isaac? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-da2bbd43-d03f-49ff-a35c-806937a68d03/65d4dbeb3a605798c18bf74f_How-the-Bible-comes-full-circle-1920.jpg Rabbi Fohrman taught this Premium webinar before Purim of 2018. Come watch, and explore the connections between the story of Purim and the story of Rebecca and her sons. Watch more – Mishloach Manot: A Purim Story Hiding in Plain Sight https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/f67p05vglu 3874 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hidden-dimensions-of-sefirat-haomer-part-3 Hidden Dimensions of Sefirat HaOmer, Part 3 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-da31f399-ace4-4c12-954c-dee6ddcd60b1/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/iy8j5ugixh 3150 2023-10-16T18:41:53.000Z 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-video A Tale of Two Names: From The Garden To The Flood - Week 1 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-da381dae-28ed-4a5b-a13d-c99a4a4d9260/ZGI4YTZmOWEtZWUzMS00ODVkLWEzMGItMzMxMDM0ZmQ2YzZk_31e41109-3a53-4825-a693-183a6cb28927_tale-of-two-names-final-p3-01.jpg In this webinar, Rabbi Fohrman looks back at his past theories on the Garden of Eden and the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. He shares the evolution of his thought process since he initially came up with those theories, and brings new questions and ideas to light. Why did God put the tree in the Garden in the first place? What was so bad about Adam and Eve wanting to gain knowledge of Good and Evil? 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/uv4sto3sdn 4991 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/find-true-meaning-life-bible What is the Meaning of Life? Part 2B https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-da46ec00-8cba-41c5-a84f-60bf69b413de/Z40BepbqstJ99mnG_themeaningoflife2025001.png What is the meaning of life? Watch part II (B) 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/i3d6u33vvc 2275 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/fast-of-tammuz-seventeen The 17th of Tammuz https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-da510cf3-b2ac-4654-94c9-66918eaff4e5/OThlY2JhYjItYjVhMS00NWMzLWE1Y2UtYzVkNWM2MDk2YzI5_d7fc3b77-aa0d-49a9-a09e-d7cb5d94a738_17-tammuz-1280.jpg The 17th of Tammuz is the tragic start to the Three Weeks, a period of intense mourning that culminates with Tisha B'av – the day the Temple was destroyed. And if that's not enough, the Mishna lists a couple more calamities that took place on the 17th of Tammuz. The first one was at Mount Sinai, when Moses shattered the tablets of the Ten Commandments upon seeing the Golden Calf. Then, during the Babylonian siege of the First Temple, it was the day the Kohanim ran out of animals to sacrifice for the daily offering. Generations later, on this very day, a Roman general named Apostamos publicly burned a Torah scroll. He then placed an idol in the most sacred room in the Temple. Is it just a coincidence that all these terrible moments happened on the same day? Is the 17th of Tammuz just the Israelites’ bad luck day, or is there a common theme that runs throughout the events of this day? Join us as we explore this tragic day in Jewish History – and never think of the 17 Tammuz the same way again. Watch Rabbi Fohrman's series on Sinat Chinam, Baseless Hatred, here. Learn more about the 17th of Tammuz, by checking out Shiva Asar B’Tammuz, The Three Weeks & Nine Days, and Tisha Bav! https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/1vt1o2fk52 790 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/ma-nishtana-holida-g 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/blno-s3-unedited 2026-02-19T16:47:53.898Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shabbat-nachamu 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/lecture-viii Lecture VIII https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-db333672-c7c9-4f20-b2ac-a4c407c2789c/YTBmY2Q4NzQtYTA4MS00YzQ1LTgyYjEtN2JjZjk2YmQ2NDM3_83e987cf-f213-41f8-b379-e349994a8250_thumbnail_series_abrahams-journey-2_draft-1.jpg Please note that this is the last lecture of Abraham's Journey II. We hope you enjoyed, and please comment and ask questions below! 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/ka8opfyi52 3651 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/god-exists-outside-time-space God In Space, God In Time https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-db473f01-5418-4ff2-84e1-8524d989773b/65df69839c42d04f7d969593_god-in-space-god-in-time-1920.jpg What is the real significance of the Sabbath Day? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman examines a description the Bible gives of the Sabbath and asks: What does it mean to bring God into this world through space and through time? How are we supposed to "make" Shabbat, as instructed in the Bible? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he examines the term "melacha" and explains that time and space are the two realms in which we explore our connection with God. Through this analysis, we learn how God exists outside of time and space, and why the Sabbath is significant - because it's the day we bring God into our world. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/gppl4maqt7 744 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T22:09:04.736Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shir-hamaalot-planting-with-tears 2026-04-20T22:04:22.084Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/judgements-of-peace Judgments of Peace https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-db5fa6a3-4d3e-47a6-aff0-c05c20cfe608/YTk3ODc2NGQtMTYwZS00MzgwLTkzMTAtYzAyZDViZDAzYzY3_mjmxnje0ntqtzjgwni00ndiyltljodytogjlowu3n2e3njg0_240_pp13.png This is the last video in the series. We hope you enjoy the conclusion! https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ucr88ols8w 676 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hebrew-source-notes-lecture-5 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/can-i-be-vulnerable-with-god-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/argue-with-god-bible-characters Is It Kosher To Argue With God? 2A https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-db9753e3-c22c-46de-b33d-f93e8ed34fdb/NGY1N2JmNmMtNTU5OC00ZjQyLTg3NWMtZmE5NGFjNWRiNzA0_545cb106-730c-4aac-81a5-6536eb56544e_is-it-kosher-to-argue-with-god-thumbnail-part-2a.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/8a3lhdgw6f 2295 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/akeidah-heroism-or-murder-part-6 Akeidah: Heroism or Murder? VI https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-dbb19363-b71b-4401-99cd-622656059c9b/Z4AKM5bqstJ99Rj8_AkeidahNEW004.png Akeidah: Heroism or Murder? Part 6 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/jyqefoizzp 3206 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/amalek-bible-history Amalek Lecture X https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-dc084176-4bdb-48aa-b718-eafedc420b85/65d520e03a605798c18bfc0d_The-Rise-of-Antisemitism-part-10-1920.jpg The battles between King Saul and Agag have parallels to the battle between Esther and Mordechai against Haman, and where Saul failed, Esther succeeds. Rabbi Fohrman shows how generations continue to correct the errors of the past – King Saul may have squandered the potential to fix the past, but Esther actualizes it. 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/u9cwomwqmg 4267 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/confronting-our-grief Confronting Our Grief https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-dc093ec2-f440-4a0a-af10-689d48253b35/Zqd-7x5LeNNTxj_p_TBAfterOctober7thumbnail.png As we approach the first Tisha B'Av after October 7th, many of us are grappling with difficult questions, questions about faith, searing loss, and our relationship with God. This course isn't an explicit attempt to process the events of that terrible day. Instead, it's a personal exploration of what Tisha B'Av might mean to us now in what feels like a changed world.  In this first video, Rabbi David Fohrman reflects on the daunting challenge Tisha B’Av presents to us, every year but especially this year: how do you relate to God from a place of pain and sorrow? He suggests we might find an answer to this question, and maybe even a framework for facing our present raw wounds, by turning our attention to Kinot and their call to mourn terrible tragedies from the ancient past. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/heve9cx0tg 839 2024-07-29T18:22:06.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/purim-story-mitzvot-meaning Matanot Levyonim https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-dc190f21-acf9-4700-bbfc-d408f0b3a66d/Z8ZrHBsAHJWomEua_WhyMishloachManot2025008.png Besides for reading the book of Esther, Purim is primarily celebrated through two mitzvot: Mishloach Manot and Matanot levyonim. Mishloach Manot is the practice of giving gifts to friends and family and Matanot levyonim is the act of giving gifts to the poor. But what makes Mishloach Manot and Matanot levyonim so unique to Purim? Sure these are great mitzvot to do – but why do them on Purim, specifically? Through a careful examination of the Purim story, Rabbi Fohrman explores the subtle whispers and foreshadows of these two mitzvot in the text. What emerges is a unique story of the discrete dialogue shared between Queen Esther and Mordechai during this period in the turbulent, Persian Empire. Join Rabbi Fohrman as he explores this fascinating backstory – and never give Mishloach Manot the same way again. 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 Did Mordecai Not Bow To Haman. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/oct1pmquu4 2779 2023-10-13T12:28:37.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/metzora-living-within-the-community-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/holiness-in-space-and-time-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shir-hamaalot-when-pharoah-reminded-us-about-god 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-real-meaning-of-chametz-outline-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vayeishev-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/teacher-guide-why-did-god-destroy-the-world 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vayishlach-were-we-wrong-about-esav 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shemini-why-did-god-reject-nadav-and-avihu 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/lech-lecha-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/forbidden-tree-knowledge-good-evil-symbolism Cain, Creativity And Spice Of Life https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-dd6c201a-8a44-4b7c-9314-5fdc868925e4/Mjc1MmY4MjEtYTZlYy00ODkzLWI5ZjAtMjNkMTA1NGRlNDBj_a75248e3-d969-4d30-972f-1357dc74e0c4_good-and-evil-in-the-garden-of-eden-1920.jpg Cain, Creativity and Spice of Life https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/3npoxveell 3503 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/blno-s4-e2-from-favoritism-to-universal-blessing 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-to-confront-sacrifices-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-did-god-create-me-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/yitro-the-view-from-the-eagles-wings 2026-02-24T10:55:24.853Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/high-holidays-2025-topics-in-teshuvah-part-1 Do I Need to Forgive Someone Who Refuses to Apologize? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-dde099fa-d11f-41e5-a6e5-42cb71832c59/aMrAyWGNHVfTPU-4_Part1ToxicApologies,WeaponizedForgiveness001.png Part 1 of a Q&A webinar that occurred in Elul 2025. Forgiveness can be a tricky thing. What happens if one person refuses to apologize? What if you're afraid your apology will be used against you? Rabbi Fohrman discusses these tricky topics with paradigm shifting results. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/2vpe8d9ckm 2247 2025-09-17T14:16:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/theft-testimony-and-broken-trust 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shoftim-law-enforcement-in-the-bible-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-pursuit-of-happiness-- 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/understanding-rachel Understanding Rachel https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-de1f178f-5c4d-466f-b797-71d76ee4124f/d2dd375e-479e-4bcf-92f8-4ad465c89934_rachels-tears-new-thumbnail-other-new-1920.jpg Rabbi Fohrman delves deeper into the narrative concerning Rachel by showing how the verses in Jeremiah walk us through, in reverse order, what we learn in Genesis. He demonstrates the connections between the two texts and leads us to the birth of Issachar as the puzzle yet to be solved. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/se43i2sajk 582 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-lion-and-the-cub The Lion and the Cub https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-de29ee8a-09dd-4457-b01f-5a2bc491394a/ZmQ1ODc4MTgtMjMwMy00MjJmLWE4MjgtOGJiODk5NjM5Y2Fm_zdm0m2vknwqtndbmos00mjvmlwjhogutndizmdljztu1ymqx_508_echos20of20the20future206.png Echos of the Future https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/r4xffof54j 393 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/ten-commandments-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-best-laid-plans-of-mice-and-men The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-de5064b2-4e9d-4bfe-bd78-0c171cd2f8ac/Njg5NjdjM2YtYzAzNC00NzlmLTllMWItNThhMTViNWNhMjg0_zji5ytfhytgtnzk4zs00ymyzlwjimjutowmyy2uxnjm2nwm1_277_joseph_responsible_6.png An Analysis of the Rashbam's Theory https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/a0l31cn4b7 346 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/mystery-of-half-tribe-of-manasseh-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/miriam-and-the-waters-of-strife 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/history-from-adam-to-abraham 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/eheyeh-asher-eheyeh-israel Eheyeh Asher Eheyeh https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-df262f45-0f56-468a-851f-18e8fb6fb86d/ZjIxMmY5ODktMThlNy00YzJhLTg1ODQtZmRlMmJiNGIyZjdm_4e30cbda-93b5-491f-876d-f4ec3d8b7418_theburningbushandhumansuffering002.png What would the burning bush have to do with what we’re going through in Israel now? Well, God’s original revelation to Moshe comes at another moment of great national tragedy and suffering: the exile in Egypt. And His message to Moshe is that there is something about God that makes Him God: His infinite capacity for empathy and to be with us in times of great pain. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/t4tpmqj7tz 934 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-did-god-choose-moses Why Did God Choose Moses? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-df28c33d-2139-4b40-9c0c-3363f1d24ad1/Z2SmlZbqstJ98tFw_WhyDidGodChooseMoses002.png Everyone loves a good origin story – how did Anakin Skywalker become Darth Vader? Who was Peter Parker before Spiderman? In this video for Parshat Shemot (Exodus 1:1–5:23), we focus on the heroic characteristics and qualities of Moses – who was Moses before be became a leader? What was so important about Moses that God chose him over everyone else? Join us as we dive into the most important character trait that made Moses a hero. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/pnmw6j0l8z 764 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-20T22:24:46.412Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/is-hope-irrational-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/is-there-a-shabbat-in-other-realms-teachers-guide 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/akeidah-heroism-or-murder-part-4 Akeidah: Heroism or Murder? IV https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-df997da9-b93d-40b0-a32c-e9130e2d6063/Z4AKM5bqstJ99Rj8_AkeidahNEW004.png Akeidah: Heroism or Murder? Part 4 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/5jgaop4xts 3659 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shiny-new-things-meeting-5-july-19-2021 Shiny New Things Meeting (July 19 2021) https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-df9b9b91-c894-418c-80ab-6b677a05ae7e/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/61ffxj3zs6 2769 2023-10-12T18:53:14.000Z yes yes 2026-01-27T13:18:38.378Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/golden-calf-story Shattered Tablets And The Calf Of Gold I https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-dfb08442-2620-4a76-8418-79a1885c7739/MDE3ZmNjYWItNDVlYy00NTVlLWJhOTItMWNhODEzNTYzOGQ1_mzzmntgwytutzwi5os00zjmxltk5ngutngu3othmmmnlodvl_golden-calf-story.jpg Forty days after the Israelites receive the Torah and pledge undying loyalty to God, they suddenly turn away and begin to worship a false idol, a golden calf. It’s bizarre – and stranger yet is Moshe’s response, to shatter the tablets God has given him. In this 12-part series, Rabbi Fohrman dives into a deep study of the Golden Calf story, and asks the questions we often forget to think about – why a calf, of all things? How could Israel possibly believe that the calf brought them out of Egypt? Only once we really understand the perspectives of Moshe, the Israelites, and God, can we finally understand the true story of the Shattered Tablets and the Calf of Gold. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/mfvog0rp08 3396 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/selichot-demystified-video Selichot: Demystified https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-dfdd6768-9712-4f90-9ee4-ca8936b77e47/MWM3NjM4NzgtOWQ0ZC00ZTdhLWJmMmItZTdjZjk1ZmNlN2M1_74234fa7-4839-45fd-ba83-ec87cc6bd0c0_thumbnail_holiday_rosh-hashanah_selichot-demystified-event_final.jpg Ever find Selichot inaccessible? Join Rabbi Fohrman and the Aleph Beta Scholars for this pre-Selichot discussion and enter Selichot truly prepared to connect. This video is a recording of a live event, held September 12, 2020. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/bepdkgm8k9 9484 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shavuot-2016-5776-6 The Real Shavuot https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e015ce45-0e83-4b57-9c60-89457653ba80/aC4QQidWJ-7kSaKj_TheBiblicalvsRabbinicShavuot005.png Rabbi Fohrman takes another look at Jericho, showing how the land is set aside to remind us that the land is not ours. Using this idea, he reconciles the Biblical Shavuot with rabbinic Shavuot, showing how the agricultural elements and commemoration of Sinai really connect to the same idea, that of our relationship with God, and concluding with a push to personally connect to the holiday through our own “fruits.” https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/vbyswqpgum 962 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/gods-chosen-people-passover-puzzles What It Means To Be Chosen By God https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e020240c-1daf-4fb1-8356-ce58aca68e59/Z9Hl8RsAHJWomdzF_Video1Thumbnail.png At what point in the Bible did God choose His people for all the world to see? And what does it mean to be God's chosen people today, thousands of years later? This is where Passover steps in -- It's the Jewish holiday that explores these big questions. If we look at the name of Passover, we generally relate its meaning to the final plague. On the night of the death of the firstborn child, the Israelites were "passed over" by marking their doors with blood. But why does the word Passover – Pesach – only direct our attention to one of the ten plagues? Further, the last plague was also the only one the Israelites had to be spared from, unlike the other plagues where they enjoyed a kind of diplomatic immunity. They were only saved if they respected God's requests through action. What was so different about the plague of the firstborn? Do these puzzling connections suggest a deeper significance behind Passover?  Join Rabbi Fohrman as he re-examine the biblical text to look for proof of the moment when Israel became God's chosen nation. Through a deep introspection, discover how Passover is not just about celebrating the Jews' salvation from death and slavery, but also about the birth of God's firstborn nation. Passover is the holiday to reflect on what it means to be chosen by God – and how we can reaffirm our promise to step-up to the responsibility of being God's chosen ones, thousands of years later.  In this video, the first of the course, Rabbi Fohrman asks a few fundamental questions about the holiday of Passover that lay the foundation for the rest of the course. Discover other great passover videos at Aleph Beta, including ‘Dayenu: Would It Have Been Enough?’, ‘Understanding Moses’ Miracles’, and ‘Why Did God Take Away Pharaoh's Free Will?’ https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/uxhlionyi7 379 2023-10-16T18:41:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/ruth-boaz-scandalous-backstory 2026-04-20T21:48:45.268Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/teshuvah-steps-to-repentance-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-is-passover-holiday-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/healing-from-the-trauma-of-slavery Healing from the Trauma of Slavery https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e05c7e0d-faa9-4786-a128-c0752f94169f/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 episode three, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu journeyed back to Egypt, for an in-depth account of the trauma the Israelites experienced there. In this episode, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu return to the story of Marah, to see if it reads any differently with this backstory in mind. What they discover is an incredible new meaning to God’s promise to be our Healer--a meaning that extends beyond individual healing to touch on the very essence of our national identity as caregivers to the world. Could it be that God’s promise to heal us is intimately bound up with our willingness to heal others? Listen to find out. 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/qcvj5lneub 1588 2023-10-16T18:41:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-did-god-create-me-animated-1 Bereshit: God, The Universe, And The Biggest Question You Could Ask https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e084cdfe-25e5-4b62-a72a-89bfc75bd48b/Z4z_spbqstJ99mnA_creationgodandtheuniverse2025002.png It’s one of life’s biggest questions. A surprising verse in Parshat Bereishit may hold the key to uncovering our true purpose. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/8rgu2lh5fw 698 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/can-we-influence-god-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/staff-into-snake Staff into Snake https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e1195ca3-8711-42af-a328-b22e61035890/Z-r2bHdAxsiBwJCq_fromEgypttoOctober7thver2001011.png Rabbi Fohrman focuses on the symbolism of the first sign, connecting it with Pharaoh’s dehumanization and attempted genocide of the Israelites. Through his exploration of the meaning of this sign, Rabbi Fohrman explains that God’s turning Moses’s staff into his snake was another way of acknowledging the suffering of the Israelites. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/th24sebwt5 875 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/rosh-hashanah-prayer What Will You Pray For On Rosh Hashanah? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e13625ef-ee59-4fe5-85d4-75bd76ce36e1/Z4bPx5bqstJ99dpO_howtoprepareforroshhashanah0012025.png Consider bringing what you wrote with you to shul on Rosh Hashanah. When we sound the shofar, how might you focus on matching your voice with God’s voice? How might you express your emotions before God on this day through the shofar? Check out Aleph Beta's study guide for this Rosh Hashanah course . https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/hd07dugw9p 35 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/exodus-and-babe-ruth-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/judaism-meaning-of-life What is the Meaning of Life? Part 2A https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e1737b4f-523c-40dc-b9b8-803ac9359a71/Z40BepbqstJ99mnG_themeaningoflife2025001.png What is the meaning of life? Watch part II (A) 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/8j2sia71ps 1623 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-wisdom-of-king-solomon 2026-02-17T20:58:27.440Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shabbat-guide-part-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/chiasm-article 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-all-these-references-to-shabbat Why All These References to Shabbat? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e1cdb865-adc7-42e3-8c69-927c2639731e/aCayWSdWJ-7kSMCV_HealingThroughtheOmer001.png In the last episode, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu discovered a connection between Sefirat HaOmer and the story of the manna. In this episode, they dive deep into the meaning of that connection and what the miracle of the manna can teach us about appreciating our relationship with, and dependence upon, God. But the conversation doesn’t stop there. Once we understand the lesson of the manna, a question still remains: what does this have to do with Sefirat HaOmer, the time on our calendar when we prepare for receiving the Torah on Shavuot? The answer may lie in understanding a further connection between Sefirah, manna and... Shabbat. Listen to find out how this new piece of the puzzle adds an even richer dimension to Sefirat HaOmer, how it helps us prepare for Shavuot, and, ultimately, even connects back to the blessing of Refa’einu. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/d6w2arcurc 1393 2023-10-16T18:41:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/beshalach-parshat-guide-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/episode-iii Episode III https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e1d8ada6-573e-42a5-9ce2-81b7e84a3a6d/NzEzNzk3NTgtMmQzYy00NjNjLThiMjMtMmVmODgwNTA4M2Q3_d97cbdc5-468e-45b2-884a-b908a5e68a4f_split-the-baby-thumbnail.jpg This is the third in an ongoing lecture series by Rabbi Fohrman on King Solomon's Test of Wisdom. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/9xp2kkho93 5830 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-02-13T22:24:26.996Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/haman-purim-fruit The Forbidden Fruit https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e1e5ea22-5faa-4ba2-b477-c1c5353c04ff/Z8ZPOxsAHJWomEpb_couldyoubecomehamannew005.png In the previous video, Rabbi Fohrman demonstrates how the two different types of "good" that appear in the Story of the Tree of Knowledge: desire, and that which is noble, right and true also seem be a struggle represented in Megillat Esther as well. In this video, Rabbi Fohrman will now return to the Story of Esther and focus once more on that strange comparison the Sages make between Adam and Haman. What might they mean by that? Watch the video and see! https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ft0otncr14 689 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/purim-meaning-definition-in-hebrew Purim Meaning & Definition In Hebrew https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e206cf59-b489-45b5-af40-f8b94e6b389d/Z8iJUxsAHJWomJxU_whyispurimnamedafterhamanslots002.png What Does The Word Purim Mean? 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. Click here to buy Rabbi Fohrman's book about Purim! For more incredible Purim content, check out Who is Haman? , Esther's Mysterious Past , and The Hidden Story of Mordechai. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/rtj4bt6iqi 352 2023-10-12T18:54:04.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/did-god-take-away-pharaohs-free-will-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/miketz-from-pit-to-palace-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/merit-the-land-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-moses-hit-water-from-rock Why Did Moses Hit The Rock? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e25f0a25-7eea-41d4-aa58-e191e3486659/aF6IVHfc4bHWiyK3_WhyCouldn’tMosesListen004.png In this week’s Torah portion is the famous story of Moses hitting the rock to get water and God subsequently barring him from leading the nation to the land of Israel. Why would Moses do that? What was his thinking? This week, we will explore this question in the context of water, Miriam, and the question of what it means to have faith. Click to watch the previous Chukat video referenced in this video: The Reason Moses Had To Speak To The Rock – Was Hitting The Rock So Horrible? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/3gs90s3g9i 903 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hanukkah-true-real-meaning-significance What Is The Meaning Of Hanukkah? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e269957a-67c5-4529-82f2-a8ab1ea21089/Z2RhNpbqstJ98sf6_hanukkahforgrownups0012024.png Everyone loves Hanukkah – latkes, gifts and dreidles – what’s not to love? But kids’ stuff aside, what is Hanukkah supposed to mean to us? Do all of these nice things about Hanukkah have any deeper spiritual meaning? And since we’re on the topic, why do we even celebrate this holiday now? Sure, the miracle of finding pure oil was great, but it pales in comparison with things like the Exodus from Egypt, and the Revelation at Sinai. Why does a flask of oil still get its own holiday, all these years later? In this video, Immanuel Shalev leads us on a journey to find answers to these questions. Based on Rabbi Fohrman’s teachings on Hanukkah and giving them a twist of his own, Imu presents us with the grown-up version of this holiday. As you’ll see, Hanukkah may in fact be the most relevant holiday for us as we make our way through life in the 21st century. Come find out why. 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/qvmfslr80o 3387 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-tour-of-the-tabernacle-through-the-lens-of-creation A Tour of the Tabernacle, Through the Lens of Creation https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e289371d-e44f-4f87-b12c-f6c3ec9eb505/MGI3N2Y1N2MtY2U4NC00NmJmLTlhMjItMmY3M2E5MmE0ZGQ3_72ea233c-dbde-4584-9100-bbaf4ba04eab_what-we-lost-when-the-temple-was-destroyed-1920.jpg In our final video, Rabbi Fohrman goes through the elements of the Mishkan, with the three havdalot of creation as a guide. These details reveal that the Mishkan is a mind-bending “undoing” of Creation, a tiny representation of God’s primordial world within our human world. And this allows us to understand why the destruction of the Temple, and in that the loss of the Mishkan, is something we have mourned for centuries. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/dio6c8cvsq 687 2023-10-12T18:52:17.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/a-world-of-broccoli-and-pizza A World of Broccoli and Pizza https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e2a05ef1-084e-4c52-a29f-23b10fb3c1d0/ZmE3NzY4OTctNzE2Mi00YTcwLWE1OTMtMTIwZjIxYzkzYzJh_ytu3njc4mdgtoty0mi00zmnjltk0zdqtmzc0mge0mte5nza1_244_garden_13.png In this video, we discover ther difference between "Right and Wrong" in the Pre-Tree World and "Right and Wrong" the Post-Tree World. "Right and Wrong" in the Pre-Tree World looked like objective "Truth and Falsehood," while in the Post-Tree world, it became the more subjective "Good and Bad." 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/asecbigd2x 987 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/07-hagar-sarai-and-edens-third-world 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/episode-1-midrash-methodology-course-with-rabbi-fohrman Class 1 - June 25, 2024 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e2d0c48a-4f63-4b68-ab96-85046f88da9d/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/n2znnyrdgh 5973 2024-06-26T12:40:31.000Z yes yes 2026-02-26T11:02:19.779Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hakhel-what-is-fear-of-god Hakhel: What Is Fear Of God? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e2d96355-4aef-4153-96b3-b3d90ec9f532/Z43GrZbqstJ99nn8_whatisfearofgod2025001.png Parshat Vayeilech is nearing the end of Moshe's life, and he seems to be preparing the nation for their future without him. He assures them, "don't fear! God will be with you!" But then, once his pep talk is over, he starts to talk about something that seems to come out of left field: the mitzvah of Hakhel. He tells them that once every seven years, the entire nation should all gather together and hear the Torah read to them. And he says that this is supposed to teach them to fear God. And this raises a whole lot of questions: Why is Moshe teaching this mitzvah now, right after he gives his rousing pep talk and is getting ready to take leave from the nation? And equally puzzling, what does Hakhel have to do with fear of God? I don't feel gripped with fear each time I hear the Torah read at shul – why would hearing it once every seven years make such a deep impression? A closer look into Hakhel may actually help us understand why this mitzvah is so crucial, and why the Israelites needed to hear it at this very moment in time. We'll see that Hakhel has important implications for the Israelites' future, in the generations after Moshe, and even for us today. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/5cmnenmn85 832 2023-10-12T18:54:34.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-does-the-book-of-psalms-have-to-do-with-the-joseph-story What Does the Book of Psalms Have to Do With the Joseph Story? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e2e39b04-ec9d-47ae-91e1-6d909ca7a6d8/YTljZmFmZTMtYmU1NS00MzM0LWIwMjAtNjY4YWVjMTcxZmZi_mmnmmtu0ytytn2flnc00zgfmlwi3mdatmtk4mmq3njnizwfi_501_echos20of20the20future206.png Echos of the Future https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/vpy0igevdh 389 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vzot-habracha-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/purification-childbirth-impurity-laws-leviticus What's Impure About Giving Birth?! https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e2fb87b5-4183-4670-ac28-9e3ae0892998/M2FmZWU1MDUtNGZhYi00ZTVhLTkwMGYtZmNkZGZhNDYwOWMy_005e8ca0-6484-4b8a-a75e-af6df87ec5be_what27s-impure-about-giving-birth-1920.jpg This parsha is chock-full of obscure laws about ritual impurity and purity (tumah and tahara in Hebrew). And as if ancient purity laws aren't confusing enough, the opening laws in this parsha are particularly confusing – and even kind of disturbing. They're about a mother's state of tumah caused by giving birth. What's impure about birth? Why would it cause tumah? In this video, Ami explores this difficult set of laws, and discovers a surprising story hiding within the text. Seeing these laws in light of that story will help us understand what they're about, and what they still mean for us today. Come take a look! Related courses: What Do Tumah And Tahara Mean Today? What Does Childbirth Have In Common With Leprosy? The Tzaraat Purification Ritual: What Does It Mean? The Torah's Guide To Parenting https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/4aa4a4xh62 995 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes no 2026-04-24T16:58:45.685Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-vineyard-and-the-garden The Vineyard and the Garden https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e2fd68a2-6fc6-41f8-8a54-cc99c309624a/NzdhZmRmMGUtOTE5ZC00MjgwLThkNDYtNTY1MmIyOWM0ZmJk_otqwmzhjmzytmjzlzc00nwzmlwixymqtywezmtlkmwvhotvh_473_vineyard.png Rabbi Fohrman delves into the comparisons here, specifically,about the Tree of Knowledge and a “forbidden fruit” of Noah’s world. 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/7ald250hjg 590 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/introduction-to-kabbalat-shabbat-6 Introduction to Kabbalat Shabbat Ep.6 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e3040d00-1e5e-4da5-8b74-5821f6a8a59e/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/y1gkeywtr7 5519 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/lecture-vi-1 Lecture VII https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e3423d27-b083-4271-8160-ffdb4d386de5/YTBmY2Q4NzQtYTA4MS00YzQ1LTgyYjEtN2JjZjk2YmQ2NDM3_83e987cf-f213-41f8-b379-e349994a8250_thumbnail_series_abrahams-journey-2_draft-1.jpg Lecture VII 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/r94yso31oi 2742 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/intimate-relationship-with-god-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tazria-bible-impurity-laws-after-childbirth-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/rest-and-honor-finding-sacred-balance-through-genesis 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vayeilech-the-inspiring-conclusion-to-the-torah-pa Vayeilech: The Inspiring Conclusion To The Torah (Part 1) https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e3aeea17-f456-4b22-bf9d-83f95e2eda3f/YmM2NGQ3MjQtYjkxZS00OTI5LWFjMTItNzQwN2YwZTcxZmFi_ztdhymi1odytnzgwmy00mtexltk1odutnze4odewmzm5nwqx_vayeilech-2016-5776.png This book about The Creator’s choice to teach us how we can come close to Him and achieve purpose in our lives, what will be its conclusion? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/pwf1sm4lgg 876 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/where-is-reuven-redux Where is Reuven - Redux https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e3cc5fc5-0167-407f-b621-9fd92bbcecde/Mzg4ZGFlNDgtYTRiOC00NjIyLWEwYTQtMzQxYThiYzQ3MjBh_zjm4njc3mdytzjnjni00zduzltlkodatmwuwn2uwmdhkoda0_273_joseph_responsible_5_teachers.png An Analysis of the Rashbam's Theory https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/okyuiw2glc 384 2023-10-13T12:28:57.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-couldnt-moses-enter-the-land-english-and-hebrew-source-sheets 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-do-we-pray-animated Why Should I Pray https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e3e536bf-1256-4663-81ae-1dea03f06e2e/ZjU0NzE3NWEtNDJlNC00Yjk2LWFmODUtYjFlYzNkMzZkNDBh_93fbeb02-5187-4b82-ac26-c472b7f6162d_why-do-we-pray-1920.jpg Frantically flipping pages and mumbling words — for many this experience is familiar in our daily prayers. Our days are busy, difficult, and tiring. As a result, our prayers lose priority and, slowly, meaning. But it doesn’t have to be this way. There’s another way to think about prayer in our modern lives that is rich with meaning and inspiration. Join us as we explore the themes and rituals of prayer in our holy texts and rabbinic teachings and discover how they relate to our lives today — and never think about your daily prayer the same way again. For more on prayer, see: https://members.alephbeta.org/jewish-prayer https://members.alephbeta.org/course/lecture/korach-can-we-influence-god https://members.alephbeta.org/course/lecture/ki-tisa-moshes-benevolent-chutzpah https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/vixp6qf2ix 790 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/korach-why-did-korach-rebel 2026-02-24T11:10:48.534Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/abraham-genesis-history Abraham https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e3f9476c-c1c7-402d-92e2-4c7f510c1417/ZTgzZjdlMGYtZDUyMC00ZWIyLWI3MzktNmYwZDJkNWM1MGE1_5a28aa98-ea13-4dfc-8d50-2ee30c354ff4_abraham-genesis-history.jpg 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/69ayy5wdpe 5189 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/josephs-bowing-star-dream Riddle of the Bowing Stars: Joseph's Mysterious Dream https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e4350092-6947-4f9d-bb63-bded53488235/ODdlODIwM2QtYzY3MS00ZmM5LWE3MGEtMWMwMTIzZjA3MjE2_yju2n2jhzwitmtkzoc00ywewlwi5ztktnte4njrlztzkztlh_riddle-of-the-bowing-stars-josephs-mysterious-dream_1513354680843.jpg Joseph has some bizarre dreams through the story of Genesis. One of the oddest is a dream that really upsets his brothers and father, a dream about a sun, moon and some bowing stars, but what a mysterious dream. How would a star – a ball of light – bow? Rabbi Fohrman points out that up to this point in the Torah, only two people have ever had dreams – Jacob and Joseph, father and son. Is that a coincidence? If not, is there a relationship between father's dreams and son's dreams? Could understanding the relationship between the dreams reveal what the dreams truly mean? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/c7lv4qtxe7 3441 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/phantom-akeidah-lecture-8-powerpoint-the-sale-of 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/heisenberg-and-the-uncertainty-principle Heisenberg and the Uncertainty Principle https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e529f96b-3103-47b9-91aa-0be6dc14a53e/NmVmMTc0M2YtNDk4MS00ZTg4LTliMzItOWRkY2MxMmM2MmUy_ztmzodc1ndgtmzhjos00zjhmlwi0mtetmmfmztyzytdkmtaw_233_garden_5.png In this final video of Section B, Rabbi Fohrman explores the question of whether man was created mortal or immortal. 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/ucasi7eqc7 613 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/convergence Convergence https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e52b8b7b-65a8-4612-9b2f-c87fa56b4233/YjMxYjM1ZTYtMGQ1MC00YjgyLTk0YzItNTE1YTM0OTQzNjI3_yzjkymuwyzitzgnhmi00otqwlwfmmtatodewodlmzmiynzvl_227_pp6.png In this video, we propose a theory as to how the two "ends" of Avot Chapter 1 influence the "middle" of the chapter. This video is closely related to the video that follows, so you might want to watch the two of these in fairly quick succession, if you can. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/zlp0eg46vg 614 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/metzora-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/sabbaths-center Sabbath's Center https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e5559c50-242e-4606-ad56-553f68fc9533/MWFiMDI2OGItMzg2OS00Y2ZiLWIyNzYtM2M1MzE4YzJlOTcz_mtvmzdljnjitntuwos00mzhkltgxy2utywrjmze3mzi2mgvk_275_noah_16.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman demonstrates the chiastic structure of the Sabbath narrative and highlights the chiasm's center. 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/3xbesanoug 432 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-does-purim-mean 2026-04-20T22:13:44.663Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/moses-farewell-to-israel-part-1 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shabbat-guide-part-2 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-now Why Now? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e5ee8529-f604-45e6-8ff0-27386f6e0b7e/ZmQwNzhhM2ItMzk1MC00MTZmLWEzYzMtZjRiYjI2NDc1NjVm_njzlyze0mdutmwmzmy00nzeylwi5mtktzjfhmjk4mgi2ywe0_why-now.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman poses two questions regarding the significance of the intertextuality that we have seen ---1) Why now? 2) What does it mean? --- and begins to address the first. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/2ai8egargh 518 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shavuot-2016-5776-5 The Great Reprieve https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e5fa4ca0-b41c-4b0b-b509-48b42efc2b04/aC4QQidWJ-7kSaKj_TheBiblicalvsRabbinicShavuot005.png Rabbi Fohrman continues to examine Yovel and how it connects to Sinai by connecting land to one’s parents. Just as Yovel allows one to return to his ancestral land and family, the Sinai experience brought Israel to its parent, the Creator. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/szhqbe4d19 982 2023-10-13T12:39:15.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/punished-by-snakes-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/jacobs-ladder-the-tenth-generation Jacob's Ladder - The Tenth Generation https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e61412cb-d7c2-43bf-961c-85c1c1d46ad6/MGNhMWUyZjUtNTU4Zi00OTUzLTgzMGYtYzU5MDk5M2EwYWIz_ztjimgi4yjitndyyns00ywriltlinjatnjizyzjkywi4zdk2_jacobs-ladder-the-tenth-generation.png Rabbi Fohrman's live webinars. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/jl9cwe6pa0 2682 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/jacob-man-of-truth-epilogue-purim-part-2 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/part-iii Part III https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e6504cda-22d6-4668-bd71-e0c40b55e92b/ZGJkZTUzMjktNGU3YS00ZDg1LTg3MzktMGI3MjE0MzM0ZGJj_99574ac2-197f-4afb-9c94-40540b267451_chrub27ssecretpart3.png This lecture, given on October 31, 2015, is the third 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 asked if we could separate out the human lens of Torah to find out what actually happened in creation. In this lecture, Rabbi Fohrman continues that thought, focusing on shabbat Rabbi Fohrman asks about the connections between God's shabbat, at the end of creation, and our shabbat, when we rest at the end of the week. What do the connections mean? Remember, the rabbis say that we extrapolate the laws of shabbat from the activities we engaged in when we built the Tabernacle - how does shabbat relate to the Tabernacle? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/p2ldcgkesc 4796 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/bizarre-purification-of-the-metzora-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/man-acquire-woman Why Does Man Acquire Woman? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e65f4055-c9fc-4d7f-a710-722e0353071d/NGE5ODViOTUtODllZS00OTkzLTg4ZjYtMDU1Y2Y4YjY4ZDFl_c5013a1d-adc4-4983-953e-b5e80c45877b_why-does-man-acquire-woman-1920.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 confronts the Bible's strange formulation of marriage through a look at the very first married couple: Adam and Eve -- and along the way explore some of the most fundamental questions there are about love, marriage, and why relationships play such a crucial role in our lives. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/xk5hj0jd2n 557 2023-10-12T18:56:07.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/the-death-of-moses 2026-04-21T19:03:30.684Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/man-of-truth-2 Jacob: Man of Truth? II https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e69fd28e-55be-4940-862c-fdef24455d97/MTc4OWI1ZmUtNTQzYS00NzFhLTk1NGQtZmZmZTk2YzZmNzZj_10f19d6f-a5e2-42ab-b0fd-53cb1fd4d48f_jacobmanoftruth.jpg Jacob: Man of Truth? Part II 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/5qir4nkpvc 3832 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/judah-and-tamar-ii 2026-04-22T17:53:27.187Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/covenant-and-noahs-ark-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/celebrating-jewish-values-on-hanukkah 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/finding-god-and-science-coexist Finding God In Science https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e728a2a9-f6bf-4b39-8224-ac86b8c02dab/Z40CNpbqstJ99mnO_findinggodinscience2025001.png Does science disprove or prove the existence of God? Can science and God coexist, or must it always be debated within the parameters of God versus science? In this week's video, Rabbi Fohrman adds to the great debate by asking about one of the interesting names of God and taking us on a whirlwind tour of modern cosmology. Can we truly find God in science? You decide. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/5dquf1eh0d 720 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/can-we-influence-god-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/daughters-zelophehads-prayer-bible-study-sermon How To Improve Our Prayers https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e74b46c4-f6c7-4c07-92dc-207e73072755/MmM0MDEwNTctNmQ0Mi00NmNmLWJjMmMtYmEyZTZlYWM2ODc3_7e2666cb-cd67-4a2c-9f78-fa877dfc9a43_how-to-improve-our-prayers-192028129.jpg Do you know the best way to ask God for what you want? The secret to successful supplication? Let us introduce you to some people who do. In Parshat Pinchas, the five daughters of Zelophehad ask God for a plot of land in Israel. And unlike so many other times in the Book of Numbers, God says yes – without any hint of anger or reservations. Why? What made their request so great? It turns out that if we read the story carefully, it points us to another time God gave a hearty and surprising yes – and when we put these two stories together, they give us a crucial insight into what requests of God are supposed to look like. Learn all about it here. Click here to go to our "Jewish Prayer" page . https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/k7bglzoqsz 916 2023-10-13T12:41:54.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/six-days-the-fishbowl Why Call the Stages of Creation “Days”? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e764804a-6d8f-4198-ab4b-024cb94e14b6/YmQwNjIwMmEtYmZlMi00ZGE1LTk2OGMtNTQ5YmI1NjA4M2Q5_e804893b-3d8e-4d0f-9fca-e166185de3bf_six-days-series-2020.jpg The Torah tells us that creation took six days to complete. Over the years, this little timeline has sparked a lot of debate! Not only is it scientifically problematic, but the text itself says the sun and moon weren’t created until day four. So what does a “day” in the Bible story really mean? More importantly, why would God choose to tell the creation story this way, when He knew it was bound to create so much confusion and controversy? Why not skip the poetics and just tell us the facts? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman suggests an answer to this question that goes beyond timelines to get at the deeper significance of the Six Days of Creation and why God uses metaphor to convey His most complex and meaningful ideas. This video is based on content that originated from part 2 of a 3 part lecture series on A Tale of God's Two Names . For a more in depth understanding of these materials, be sure to listen to A Tale of Two Names: Elokim and YHVH , 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/qtl4qrhy6c 884 2023-10-16T18:42:33.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/red-heifer-ash-law-offering-sacrifice-meaning Why Do We Need A Red Heifer? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e76fa175-cc8a-47e0-9a9f-f1f94977ef24/Yzg1NDc4MTctM2IyYy00YTkzLWIwZGYtZjdlYTBjMGQxYmJl_ztiwmjc0ntutzjezms00mjrjlwe5m2utm2mxowvjnjgzmza5_red-heifer-ash-law-offering-sacrifice-meaning.jpg Nothing cleanses like…ash from a red heifer? Parshat Chukat starts out with instructions for how to purify someone who became tamei met , "impure through contact with a corpse." And the instructions include taking a red heifer (female cow), burning it, mixing the ash with water and sprinkling the water on the impure person. The $64,000 question is: Why?? Why on earth would this kind of ceremony make someone pure? What about it undoes contact with the dead? In this unscripted podcast conversation, Rabbi Fohrman and Daniel Loewenstein offer some possible answers to the meaning of the red heifer sacrifice. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/skvd33mesi 1552 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/why-did-god-curse-adam-israelites-in-bible Why Would God Curse His People? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e7d7db6e-dab4-41bb-bdfe-b1aab56fa5e2/ZktHGCol0Zci9SKX_Why-Would-God-Curse-His-People-1920.jpg In this week's parsha, the Torah presents a stark choice: follow God and live, or abandon Him and die. Does this just reinforce God as a terrifying deity, or is there something more here? It reminds us of one of the most catastrophic moments in the Torah: man’s expulsion from the Garden of Eden. The simplicity of life, the plentiful fruit, the chance to be close to God – all taken away, just like that. If only there were some way to get that back, to have a chance at that blissful existence and that closeness with God, once more. Well, what if there was? In Parshat Bechukotai, the Torah seems to deliberately drop hints that hearken back to the Garden. Clue after clue points us to a path to recreate that idyllic experience – and it all seems to rest upon keeping one specific commandment. That was a clue, by the way. Through an analysis of language and a comparison to the Garden of Eden, Rabbi Fohrman shows us how "choosing life" will show us the way to cling to God. Watch this video and discover the path back to the Garden of Eden. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/2j6p59jfmm 840 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes no 2026-05-01T20:03:31.709Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/teshuvah-steps-to-repentance-teachers-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/what-does-hallel-mean Hallel: The Journey Towards Kingship https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e7f16ad7-d3d1-4b72-94dc-a643d62701cf/ZjRmNWZkYjktMTM0NS00MzI3LTliM2UtYzhjN2I3Y2FjYmUy_fcc1d9f2-11ea-46e8-9b08-923c07bf7dbd_hallel-our-story-1920.jpg In the last audio of this course, Rabbi Fohrman argues that Hallel is about the journey towards kingship – learning how to balance values while ruling – and what it means to be a firstborn nation, thereby deserving of God's presence and dwelling. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/jmcu3djb0v 3400 2023-10-13T12:37:26.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/four-links Four Links https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e8345f19-c073-4a08-8e9a-353f417f609f/NDMzYTNhM2UtMThkMi00NjAwLThjZWEtOWVjZWU1YjJmMDE1_yzqxotk1ztctzdm0zi00mdg5ltk0zjqtodu3mzm3odc5mzq4_171_jocoats17.png Four Links https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/m9fhfhm657 355 2023-10-13T12:28:37.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/life-of-joseph 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/failure-to-persuade Failure to Persuade https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e866b770-17b1-4163-8efd-c3254fde74e1/MjM4MDJiOGItNzQ1NC00ODVjLWJmZjYtNmZhMjE5NjE5OTcx_yzhhmjy4zwutzdjjzi00zdzklweynzytm2eyyjmyzwywnjdi_failure-to-persuade_1512147464312.jpg Judah: A Perplexing Character? Part 10 https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/l0ivh127qf 512 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/class-10-september-3-2024 Class 10 - September 3, 2024 https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e873a72f-0632-4a98-a8d7-fe62ee513722/ZnwLYpbWFbowe327_PC-course-thumbnail-1920.jpg Watch this 10-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/6c5gaper1c 6716 2024-09-04T16:57:45.000Z yes yes 2026-02-26T11:04:46.745Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/shelo-asani-ishah Thank You, God...For Not Making Me A Woman? https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e87b196c-7256-4bdf-9839-1a83f2b966f5/YzgzNTM1NzktNjRjYi00MzFhLWI2N2YtNTM5NjRkMTBhZTM3_mty0zwi2mdktndrlmc00yzyzltg0mtutzdg2otbinwjjytzk_bereishit-thank-you.jpg We live in a post-Frozen world. A world where women are not damsels in distress, helplessly waiting to be saved by men - they're quite capable of saving themselves, thank you very much. The old-world notion that women are somehow inferior to men is slowly becoming a thing of the past. But that leaves us with a problem - because one of the prayers that Jewish men say every morning reads, "Blessed are You, God... for not making me a woman" (“Baruch atah Hashem… shelo asani isha.”) What do we make of this blessing — and what does it imply about the role of women in Judaism? Is it a relic of a bygone era, something to leave behind? Is there a fundamental gender inequality in Judaism? Or is there a different way to understand the meaning behind the blessing of “shelo asani ishah”? https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/u8eddby2n7 667 2023-10-13T12:31:21.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/in-the-image-of-god-part-i In the Image of God Part I https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e8a25964-5379-4ddb-922b-ea23f31a1d51/YThmNTUwMDktMDgwYy00NDM5LWE5YjItZGJlMTM3ZjI1NThm_nzy5njywntitm2ezos00zdy3lthmy2itnmm5mje0zjy1yzuz_284_image_1.png In this video, Rabbi Fohrman introduces idea that, in the words of Genesis, mankind was created in the image of God, and begins to explore what that really means. 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/gog7x60j4j 363 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/one-of-four One of Four https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e8c812ca-8301-4ecb-ab30-d99696ff7dbe/Yjg5NzgxNzEtMTdjYy00YjRkLWFlNTAtZGZiMGNhYzI1YTc1_e797e759-1f16-4273-98d9-fa2faf309f09_what-do-the-arba-minim-represent-1280.jpg In this video, Ami and Imu take a deeper look into the origins of one of the four species, and find a mysterious connection. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/xhimd48fy3 620 2023-10-12T18:53:01.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tazria-metzora-tzaraat-sinai-and-the-transformative 2026-02-24T10:52:21.194Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/vaera-god-and-science-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/rosh-hashanah-how-do-i-get-closer-to-god-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/esavs-restraint-and-labans-transgression 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/boaz-ruth-bible-love-story-meaning The Story of Boaz and Ruth in the Bible https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e939a600-5098-43bd-b730-8bba91c2efbd/aC6SaydWJ-7kSa0y_ruthsnightwithboaz005.png How are we meant to understand the meaning of Ruth and Boaz's scandalous love story? The Book of Ruth is a charming tale, with its likeable protagonist and themes of devotion and kindness woven throughout — and who isn’t moved by that powerful scene, early in the book, when Ruth tells her mother-in-law: “Your people are my people, and your God is my God”? But then… you get to the part with the love story between Ruth and Boaz. Ruth and Boaz's story starts off nicely, slowly… but did you catch that whole weird scene in Chapter 3? During the climax of the story, per Naomi’s instruction, Ruth anoints herself in oils, gets all dressed up, and goes down to Boaz in the middle of the night after he's been drinking. What are we supposed to learn from that ? What did your kids think about that part? When you read the story of Ruth and Boaz in shul on Shavuot, did all of those ‘seduction’ themes enhance the spirituality of your Shavuot experience? This love story between Ruth and Boaz can seem peculiar at best and uncomfortable at worst. So why do we read it on Shavuot, and why is it in God’s Holy Bible? Did Ruth seduce Boaz? What's the Bible lesson behind that part of Ruth and Boaz's story? So it turns out that there’s a good reason that we read this story on Shavuot, there’s a good reason that Ruth and Boaz and their whole affair are included in the Bible — and no, we wouldn’t have been better off if the censors had clipped out Chapter 3 altogether (God forbid!). If they had, we’d have been much worse off, because we’d be completely missing one of the central lessons of the Book of Ruth - a lesson that can only be glimpsed when you read this story alongside the other stories of seduction in Ruth’s family. “Which stories of seduction?” you are wondering? You only knew about Chapter 3? In this course, originally created for Shavuot, Rabbi Fohrman revisits the incidences of scandal that have plagued Ruth’s family for generations — and what he finds are, in fact, deep lessons about human relationships, ab https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/41okdt0kdv 678 2023-10-13T12:30:44.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/hidden-meaning-israel Hidden Meaning https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e94e82ee-4f6c-49a9-9bc7-8d37fb7b9b8a/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/6hgk8szryd 609 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/midrash-red-sea-crossing-story Crossing the Red Sea: Lessons, Symbolism & Meaning https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e94ef96f-ecb3-4f01-9387-df129ce2adec/b68210cb-9bc3-49ce-88f0-a08b3e1c90d7_fruit-trees-in-the-sea-MAIN-002.jpg Rabbi Fohrman introduces us to a very strange Midrash about the crossing of the Red Sea, which tells us that as the nation of Israel walked through to freedom, there were fruit trees surrounding them. Are we meant to understand this literally? Clearly this idea is meant to deepen our understanding of the meaning of Moses splitting the sea but how? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman explains that a parallel story, early in Genesis, is a clue to understanding this Midrash. Through this analysis, he uncovers a deeper spiritual meaning behind the crossing of the Red Sea. Discover other great videos at Aleph Beta, including ‘ The Seder Meal Explained ’, ‘ The Fast Of The Firstborn ’, and ‘ What Does Dayenu Mean? ’ https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/rd1dyuglcu 528 2023-10-13T12:43:10.000Z yes yes 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/arguing-with-god 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.8 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/crossing-red-sea-midrash-epilogue Fruit Trees In The Sea? The Epilogue https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e9748349-aacc-4b05-afce-9001b8d17933/274f7ef3-1f09-430d-8b7d-4342a485b48e_fruit-trees-in-the-sea-epilogue-002.jpg In this epilogue, Rabbi Fohrman takes a deeper look at the midrash on crossing the red sea, specifically at how we are told that a mother reaches for an apple to satiate her crying child. What early story in Genesis does this remind you of? Through this analysis, Rabbi Fohrman finds curious parallels to the Garden of Eden – when Eve also reached for an apple – and uncovers how the crossing of the Red Sea could have been the ultimate redemption for the original sin, and how we, too, can please God in the same way today. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/fn2532fpdm 639 2023-10-13T12:35:53.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/tzav-what-does-god-have-against-chametz 2026-02-24T10:53:01.787Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/how-can-i-trust-god-outline 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/ki-tavo-study-guide 2026-04-24T16:58:43.027Z weekly 0.7 https://members.alephbeta.org/content/discussion-planting-with-tears-israel Discussion: Israel Under Attack https://d3v24lb7yqbgih.cloudfront.net/assets/images/cover_image/content-e9de4632-04af-40e3-bb4d-077beee83b6f/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/xad8ztgx7d 578 2023-12-14T17:39:13.000Z yes yes 2026-04-15T23:18:38.248Z weekly 0.7