Parsha in Progress

Latest Episodes:

Remembering the Individuals Among the Crowds (Bamidbar): Ep. 44 May 18, 2020

Show notes

This week, we look through the seemingly endless lists of names, numbers, and detailed descriptions of camp formations in the desert, and ask why the Bible felt this information was so important for us to know.

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When Productivity Got Cancelled Biblically (Behar): Ep 43 May 11, 2020

Show notes

This week, we consider the sacrifices that go alongside growth and renewal, and how the commandment to let the earth rest impacted Biblical society, with insights into how those same implications play out today.

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Should Jews be Holy, or Good? (Kedoshim): Ep. 42 Apr 20, 2020

Show notes

This week we argue about whether ethical acts are equal to ritual ones, and if it’s more admirable to act because God commanded it, or because it’s simply the right thing to do.

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When Biblical Demands Seem Cruel (Metzorah): Ep. 41 Apr 13, 2020

Show notes

This week we revisit the rituals of reentry, and how the metzorah (expelling the infected) feels cruel, but maybe—especially in light of today’s pandemic—it was prescient.

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The Miracle of Jewish Survival (Tzav): Ep. 40 Mar 30, 2020

Show notes

This week, we discuss the eternal flame lit in the Temple, and whether the miracle of Jewish endurance is a good reason to stay Jewish.

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When Your Heart Moves You (and When It Doesn't) (Vayahel Pekudei): Ep 39 Mar 16, 2020

Show notes

This week we discuss why the Israelites so freely donated their time and money to build the Tabernacle, and whether volunteer work is best focused on one's community or those outside it.

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Can Fashion Choices Be Holy? (Tetzaveh): Ep 38 Mar 02, 2020

Show notes

This week we discuss the Bible's detailed descriptions of the High Priest vestments, and why clothing is such a powerful site of identity for many people.

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Who Doesn't Love the Stranger? (Mishpatim): Ep. 37 Feb 17, 2020

Show notes

This week, we ask who really counts as the stranger and whether the answer upends the idea of compassion.

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When Children Die By God’s Command. (Bo): Ep. 36 Jan 27, 2020

Show notes

This week, we discuss the final plague of Egypt, and the impulse to provide bad answers to good questions.

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Is God a Show-Off? (Va'era): Ep. 35 Jan 20, 2020

Show notes

This week, we discuss the purpose of the Ten Plagues, and why God didn’t expedite the whole Exodus-from-Egypt thing.