Episode 16: “Visioning What Others Don’t See”
True Jewish leadership is leadership with a vision. Leadership that sees beyond the here and now.
What is the important message that Rabbi Akiva teaches us about today? And how can each of us see what has not yet happened?
Episode 15: “Why the Rabbi Wrote on Shabbat”
Why did Rabbi Kalonymus insist on being buried outside of the Jewish cemetery – and without a tombstone?
How is his request related to the legend of a terrible attempted massacre on the Jews of the city, after the bloodstained body of a Christian child was found in synagogue on Shabbat?
From Discord and Tragedy to Unity and Strength “Our response to the deepening fissures in Israeli society must be to double down on building a stronger, more unified society with a sense of shared language and purpose,” declares Rabbi Shay
Episode 14: “Hiding in Plain Sight”
On the one hand, the Sages built the synagogue in the city so that it would not face Jerusalem to make it clear to the Romans that they had no national aspirations. But on the other hand, they planted secret clues to highlight Jerusalem.
Episode 13: “Survival Over Symbolism”
What is better: to fight to the death to be a free people in our country – or to surrender to a foreign conqueror in order to preserve the Torah and the spirit of Judaism?
Episode 12: “Unity or Destruction?”
As divisiveness in Israel elevates to alarming levels, what can we learn about harmony from the ancient inscription on an archaeological remnant in the Golan Heights city of Katzrin?
Episode 11: “Enduring Symbols of Faith”
After Elijah the Prophet himself came to complete a minyan for nine worshipers on Yom Kippur, they named the synagogue after him and await with great anticipation for his return.
A true story? Or a nice Jewish fable?
Episode 10: “Balancing Security with Morality”
What is more correct – to sacrifice morality for the sake of security, or to preserve our values at all cost?
This is the dilemma that was faced by King Chezkiyahu of Judah after Assyria destroyed the Kingdom of Israel. Chezkiyahu made a choice – and received harsh criticism for it from the prophet Isaiah.
Episode 9: “Late for an Important Date”
Why did the Temple contain more entrances than exits on its Southern Wall?
What contemporary message can we extrapolate for our synagogues from this engineering decision of the rabbis and the prophets?
Episode 8: “The Aguna’s Cry Emerges From the Stones”
Have you ever heard of the “Aguna’s Beit Midrash” in Jerusalem?
In recognition of International Aguna Day, which falls on Taanit Esther, watch this amazing story about hope and tragedy, building and destruction, and the decision to create something positive in the face of sadness.
Episode 7: “Which Comes First, Goodness or God?”
How does one building symbolize the essence of Judaism?
The “Zoharei Chama” building in Jerusalem’s Nachlaot area was established about a hundred years ago to serve as a center of goodness: new immigrants were invited to eat and sleep there for free, until they managed to get on their feet.
First of its Kind Mixed Religious-Secular Seminary for Girls to Open At a time when Israeli society is severely divided and polarized, a new institution is being established where, for the first time ever, religious and secular high school graduates
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