Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast

This week Rabbanit Shani Taragin and Rabbanit Dr. Adina Sternberg sit down to discuss the second Haftarah of Ruin from Yirmiyahu 2. After an attempt to chronologically place this prophecy, our hosts discuss what could have been done better during the period of Yoshiyahu's reform, why this was not enough in the eyes of the prophet Yirmiyahu, and how this relates to our current national challenges. This year the Matan Podcast is studying the weekly Haftarah.

This week, the Jewish world begins reading a special series of ten Haftarot: 3 prophecies of RUIN read before Tisha b'Av and 7 prophecies of COMFORT read afterward. All of these prophecies will be explored and featured on the podcast this summer with a wonderful lineup of guests. These episodes are available on Youtube with special high-quality video content filmed in the Matan Bet Midrash. This week, Dr. Ayelet Hoffman Libson discusses Yirmiyahu's prophecy of inauguration which both informs him of his prophetic destiny as well as predicting the Temple's future destruction and ultimate renewal. This episode has been sponsored by Carole Daman in memory of her father Isidor Goldberg, Simcha Yisroel ben Shmuel, whose yahrzeit is on the 16th of Tammuz. This year the Matan Podcast is studying the weekly Haftarah.

This week we explore the Haftarah from the book of Micah with R. Yaakov Beasly who authored a commentary on Micah in the Maggid Studies inTanakh Series. This conversation explores the time period in which Micah lived, the complexity and tragedy of the Assyrian invasions of the Northern and Southern Kingdoms, and what unique message Micah tried to offer the Southern Kingdom during a devastating biblical period. This week's episode has been sponsored by Rivki and Moshe Weinstein in celebration of eleven years of Aliyah. This year the Matan Podcast is exploring the weekly Haftarah.

This conversation with Rachel Sharansky Danziger explores the story of Yiftach's career read in this week's Haftarah, and the way his childhood story influences the dangerous choices he makes later on as leader. We also explore several 'daughter' stories in the book of Shoftim and what they reflect about that period of biblical history. This week's episode has been sponsored by the Feinblum family in memory of their husband and father, Selwyn Feinblum.

In this week's conversation with Tanakh scholar and master teacher R. Hayyim Angel, we discuss Shmuel's harsh rejection of kingship expressed in the Haftarah choice and why even God's approval of the people's request cannot convince him otherwise. This year the Matan Podcast is exploring the weekly Haftarah.

In this conversation with Rabbanit Karen Miller Jackson, we discuss the spy story in the book of Yehoshua, read as this week's Haftarah, and why Rachav is the inspiring 'other' archetype of Israelite society. This week's episode has been dedicated by Debby Sondheim in loving memory of her late husband Fred Distenfeld, Ephraim Uri ben Menachem Mani and Esther

This week's episode with Dr. Ayelet Hoffman Libson explores the parsha's depiction of the nation in transition--between the idyllic depiction in the first ten chapters of the book and the series of complaints that follow. Our guest offers a novel and moving interpretation of this narrative flow. This week we temporarily returned to parsha study, because the Haftarah is read from Zecharya 2-4 which we explored in episode 247 with R. Alex Israel because the same portion is read on Shabbat Channukah. https://www.matan.org.il/en/online/episode-247-parshat-miketz-rebuilding-with-spirit-and-might/ This week's episode has been dedicated by Michelle Feiglin in memory of her grandson Neriya Yosef Hoshea Ben Gidon & Avital in honor of his second yarzheit on the 8th of Sivan. This year The Matan Podcast is exploring the weekly Haftarah reading.

In this conversation with Yael Liebowitz we explore the motif of the 'barren woman' which features in this week's haftarah as well as what Shimshon's unusual character can teach us about our national destiny. This episode has been sponsored by Chava Mann. This year the Matan Podcast is studying the weekly Haftarah.

In this conversation with Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash, we explore the Haftarah read the day before Rosh Chodesh: the story of David's absence from Shaul's Rosh Chodesh meal and Yehonatan's confirmation that David must flee from Shaul in order to remain alive (I Shmuel 20). This moment of crisis becomes the surprising birthplace of David's next life chapter. This year The Matan Podcast is exploring the weekly Haftarah.

This week we sit down with Dr. Elana Stein Hain to explore the way Yirmiyahu elaborates upon and adds layers of theological nuance to the concept of divinely bestowed blessings and curses. We touch upon the idea of national and individual retribution and the way Yirmiyahu tried to fight the dominant beliefs of his time. This episode has been sponsored in memory of Notah David ben Yerachmiel on his 25th Yahrzeit. This year The Matan Podcast is exploring the weekly Haftarah.

This week we shift focus from the Haftorah to the parsha which mentions the mitzvah of counting the Omer and the holiday of Shavuot. Through the prism of these mitzvot and with the insights of Dr. Tanya White, we explore what has happened to our people during the recent war with Iran and where we might go from here. Links Mentioned in This Conversation: Movie with R. Medan and R. Granot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIbEhk7B3V8 Holocaust Survivor and Oct. 7th Survivors https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0UdHA_ffyQ For more of Tanya's writing on this topic: https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/on-the-omer-and-orchids/

In this conversation, Rabbanit Dr. Adina Sternberg helps us understand the role played by the concept of 'Kiddush Hashem' in both the Ashkenazic and Sephardic Haftarah selections. Both prophecies of rebuke remind the people that their reputation must be earned, but that redemption can come whether or not they are worthy. This week's episode has been sponsored by Talia K Sanford in celebration of a personal milestone. This year the Matan Podcast is exploring the weekly Haftarah.

The usual Haftarah read for this week's double parsha is from II Melachim, but it is replaced with the special reading for Shabbat Rosh Chodesh (Yeshayahu 66). Our host, Dr. Yosefa Fogel Wruble, opens up this episode with a short message regarding that reading after which follows a rebroadcast of a beautiful conversation with R. Alex Israel on this week's parsha and usual Haftorah reading from II Melachim 7. The conversation also touches upon the national days of remembrance soon to be upon us. Next week we return with new podcast episodes.

In this conversation, leading educator R. Yitzchak Etshalom delves into this week's Haftorah (II Shmuel 6), which chronicles King David's dramatic attempt to bring the Ark to Jerusalem. Together, we examine the tragic root of Uzza’s error, the nuances of David’s character throughout the journey, and the complex tension in his relationship with Michal. This episode is sponsored in memory of Deanna Radin Lubin in honor of her 10th yahrtzeit. This year the Matan Podcast is exploring the weekly Haftorah.

In honor of the Haftorah read on Shabbat parshat chol hamoed from Yechezkel 37, we are rebroadcasting episode 248 with Rabbanit Shani Taragin from earlier this year, which explored this prophecy as the Haftorah of Parshat Vayigash. Yechezkel 37 describes the grafting of two branches representing the Northern (Yosef) kingdom of Israel and the Southern (Judah) Kingdom. This prophecy of comfort still resounds deeply as the people of Israel are still trying to work out the relationship between the flesh and spirit of the revived nation.

This week's Haftorah from Malachi 3 has been chosen for its connection to Shabbat Hagadol and the upcoming Pesach holiday. In this episode with Dr. Chana Shacham Rosby, we discuss the unique features of the Haftorah and the role of Eliyahu in Malachi's prophecy and in Jewish tradition. Link to Dr. Shacham Rosby's article in Segula Magazinr: file:///C:/Users/yehod/Downloads/ShachamRosby2023Elijah%20in%20the%20Haggadah%20Segula%20ENG.pdf

In this conversation with Rabbanit Anne Gordon, we explore Yeshayahu's rebuke to the people for their unworthy sacrifices and unworthy behavior. We revisit themes such as redemption without repentance and discuss their unique formulation in this Haftorah in light of the current war with Iran. To order your copy of the Matan Az-Nashir Haggadah, visit the SHVILLI website: https://www.shvillicenter.org/product-page/az-nashir-%D7%90%D7%96-%D7%A0%D7%A9%D7%99%D7%A8 This episode has been sponsored by Jonathan and Eve Shiff in honor of Eve’s parents, Pat and Moshe Tzabari. This year the Matan Podcast is exploring the weekly Haftorah.

In this conversation with Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash we discuss the contradictions and changes in Yechezkel's futuristic Temple vision from the Torah's accounts of the Temple from this week's Haftorah. We explore the ways commentators throughout the generations have grappled with this issue. This episode has been sponsored in memory of David Shmuel ben Yitzchak. This year the Matan Podcast is exploring the weekly Haftorah.

In this conversation with Michal Porat, we explore the unique and moving concepts of comfort expressed in Yechezkel 36, the special haftorah chosen for Parshat Para. We discuss the relationship between this prophecy and the purification rite of the red heifer which is read as the maftir reading and we also explore the power and limits of repentance. This year the Matan Podcast is exploring the weekly Haftorah.

What if Megillat Esther is not the most hidden book in Tanakh, but the most brilliantly written one? Secrets of the Scroll--a series produced for this Purim and hosted by Rabbanit Shani Taragin--presents the book of Esther as a text written in code. A story where God is hidden, miracles are quiet, and redemption unfolds through courage, strategy, and deep biblical memory. This is not a surface level Purim series. It is a journey into the inner language of Tanakh and into the heart of what it means to survive, believe, and interpret. This was episode 13 of the 20-part series, wherein our podcast host, Dr. Yosefa Fogel Wruble, spoke with Rabbanit Shani Taragin about reluctant redeemers like Yonah and Esther who must be pushed into their role in history.

In this conversation with Rabbanit Mali Brofsky, we study the Haftorah of Shabbat Zachor which recounts Shaul's loss of the monarchy in I Shmuel 15 in the war against Amalek. We explore the significance of Shaul's error in this narrative alongside the ideal nature of Israelite monarchy. This year the Matan Podcast is exploring the weekly Haftorah.

In this conversation with Michael Rainsbury, head of Lifelong Learning at the London School of Jewish Studies (LSJS), we discuss King Shlomo's leadership style as expressed through the building of the Mikdash (Temple). Shlomo's reign, perhaps the pinnacle of the monarchical period, also underscores the interpersonal and spiritual challenges of national expansion and power. This year the Matan Podcast is exploring the weekly Haftorah.

In this episode with Rabbi Yaakov Beasly, we explore the fascinating text of this week's Haftorah describing the unusual childhood of the Judean king Yoash and his attempt to physically restore the Temple. The conversation highlights the tragedy of disillusionment with spiritual leadership and reminds us how challenging it is to change intergenerational patterns. This week's episode is dedicated in memory of Vera Perlman and Leeba bat Yitzchak Meyer. This year the Matan Podcast is exploring the weekly Haftorah.

In this conversation with Yael Leibowitz, we discuss Yeshayahu's theophany in the Haftorah within the broader context of prophecy and its function as an intermediary between God and the nation of Israel. We also discuss the geopolitical backdrop of the second half of the Ashkenazi Haftorah and how it relates to our modern reality. This parsha's podcast is dedicated to the recovery of Phyllis Hecht by her friends who love and admire her. This year the Matan Podcast is exploring the weekly Haftorah.

In this conversation with Tamar Weissman, we explore the narrative and prose renditions of Devorah's story in Shoftim 4-5, read as this week's Haftorah. We discuss the uniqueness of the enemy and the uniqueness of Devorah as the national leader during this critical period of history. This week's episode has been sponsored by Rabbi Michael and Jeri Laxmeter for the Refuah Shleimah of their granddaughter Avigayil Sara bat Shaina Ahrona. This episode has also been dedicated in memory of Yitzchak Chaim Hacohen ben Yaakov and Chaya by his grandchildren in honor of his yartzeit. This year the Matan Podcast is exploring the weekly Haftorah.

In this conversation with Professor Tova Ganzel, we discuss the differences between Yechezkel and Yirmiyahu's prophetic styles and how it can be observed in their prophecies of doom to the Egyptian empire which serves as this week's Haftorah. Professor Ganzel emphasizes the importance of understanding a prophecy's timing in order to properly understand its message. This week's episode has been sponsored by Rabbi Michael and Jeri Laxmeter for the Refuah Shleimah of their granddaughter Avigayil Sara bat Shaina Ahrona. This year the Matan Podcast is exploring the weekly Haftorah.

In this conversation with Dr. Yael Ziegler, we discuss the possible goals of prophecies directed at other nations, a common genre utilized by most of Israel's major prophets. This week's Haftorah is lifted from Yechezkel's prophecies against Egypt, predicting the downfall of the kingdom by Babylonian hands. This week's episode has been sponsored by Rabbi Michael and Jeri Laxmeter for the Refuah Shleimah of their granddaughter Avigayil Sara bat Shaina Ahrona. This year the Matan Podcast is exploring the weekly Haftorah.

In this conversation with Adina Blaustein, who has a forthcoming book on the weekly Haftorah, she walks us through how the Haftorah intertext highlights elements of the parsha in a different light and how we can read the parsha differently in light of the chosen Haftorah. We discuss the Sephardi and Ashkenazi Haftorah for Parshat Shemot. This week's episode has been sponsored by Rabbi Michael and Jeri Laxmeter for the Refuah Shleimah of their granddaughter Avigayil Sara bat Shaina Ahrona. This year The Matan Podcast is exploring the weekly Haftorah.

In this conversation with R. Zvi Grumet, we study the final requests of Yaakov in this week's parsha and those of King David in the Haftorah. David, seeking to ensure the security of Shlomo's monarchy, asks his son to complete three tasks of unfinished business for David. We explore the backstory of those requests and what they reflect about David's character. This week’s episode has been sponsored for the 10th yartzheit of Nathan Werdiger by his daughters Michelle Feiglin and Debbie Nossbaum. Chazak, Chazak, V'nitchazek! We continue our Haftorah study with the book of Shemot.

In this moving conversation with Rabbanit Shani Taragin, we study this week's Haftorah from Yechezkel 37 which describes the grafting of two branches representing the Northern (Yosef) and Southern (Judah) Kingdoms of Israel. This vision, part of Yechezkel's prophecies of comfort, becomes a chilling window into our current moment in which we are still figuring out how to work together and develop the spiritual tenor of the State of Israel. This week’s episode is sponsored by Toby and David Curwin in memory of David’s father, Dr. Richard Curwin z”l, in honor of his upcoming yahrzeit. This year The Matan Podcast is exploring the weekly Haftorah.

This conversation with R. Alex Israel studies the optimistic visions of Second Temple restoration in the book of Zecharia, read as a special Channukah Haftorah. Does redemption come through physical might or the spirit of God? How can the spoken word change reality? These are some deeper questions we consider as we reflect on the way these Second Temple visions still relate to our world today. This week's episode is dedicated in loving memory of Helene Bers, Chaya Ayala bat Eliezer, by her Cantor grandchildren. This year The Matan Podcast is exploring the weekly Haftorah.

In this conversation with R. Joe Wolfson, we explore Amos' rebuke of the opulent and socially corrupt N. Kingdom of Israel from this week's Haftorah. A.Y. Heschel, political theorist Michael Walzer, and Louis Brandeis all help connect Amos' criticisms with the ways a society can erase people's humanity and how we might mend this. For more info on R. Joe's community visit the JLIC Tel Aviv website: https://tlv.oujlic.org/ This week's episode is dedicated in memory of Daniel Shalom ben Refael Yaakov, by his children, on his third yahrzeit. This year The Matan Podcast is exploring the weekly Haftorah.

This week's haftorah reading is the one-chapter book of Ovadia- a short prophecy of doom predicting the downfall of Esav's descendants at the end of the First Temple period. In this probing conversation with Rabbbanit Nechama Goldman Barash, we explore the gap between Yaakov and Esav's relationship in Breishit with the retrospective depiction of it in later prophetic and midrashic works. This year The Matan Podcast is exploring the weekly Haftorah reading.

The parsha's Haftorah is taken from the book of Hoshea, a fourteen-chapter work that opens the collection of 'Trei Asar.' Jewish philosophy professor Sam Lebens walks us through significant theological questions regarding the human experience of God as violent and loving, examining the text of the Haftorah and illuminating it through both Talmudic perspectives and modern theologians. This week's episode has been sponsored in memory of Selwyn Feinblum, Shabtai Gedalia ben Yosef Tzvi, whose shloshim was this past week. This year the Matan Podcast is exploring the weekly Haftorah.

This conversation with Rabbanit Dr. Adina Sternberg explores the Haftorah from the book of Malachi, a short prophetic work from the early Second Temple period. The returnees have become jaded with a reality they perceive as lacking divine presence and the prophet rebukes their lackluster worship and subtly encourages them that while the presence of God may not have arrived in the expected guise, He still loves them. Malachi's messages are relevant now as ever. This week’ episode has been sponsored in memory of R. Yitzchak Chaim Moshe ben Harav Binyamin Yaakov by his family. This year the Matan Podcast is exploring the weekly Haftorah.

In this rich conversation with Torah scholar and Tanakh author Dr. Nechama Price, we explore the complex closing of David's life in this week's haftorah. How is his end both similar and different from Avraham's final chapter? How can we understand the motives of several secondary characters in this complex narrative? How does Divrei Ha-Yamim present these same events and how do we know which version is correct? A short conversation with Dr. Necham Price is always packed with insightful Torah-Enjoy! This episode is sponsored by Barbara and Joel Rich in commemoration of Barbara’s father’s 13th yahrtzeit. This year The Matan Podcast is exploring the weekly Haftorah, the prophetic portion read each week as a complement to the parsha.

In this beautiful conversation with Matan faculty member Rachel Sharansky Danziger, we discuss Elisha's encounter with two women in the Haftorah taken from II Melachim 4. We discuss the subtle theology laced throughout the two episodes as well as the different ways each woman responds to her distress. Both the impoverished woman and the woman from Shunem have what to teach us about the universal nature of struggle and how we can learn to help ourselves, with and without divine miracles. This week's episode has been sponsored in memory of Rose Lubin who was killed defending Jerusalem two years ago from her family in Israel who miss her very much. This year the Matan Podcast is exploring the weekly Haftorah.

This week's Haftorah returns to the beginning section of the second half of Yeshayahu with beloved Tanakh teacher and pedagogue R. Menachem Leibtag. Why do we find ourselves in Yeshayahu again and what does it have to do with Avraham's journey to Canaan? What is unique about the word 'eved' in Tanakh? R. Liebtag's favorite Haftora pasuk is from Yirmiyahu 31:19, 'ha-ben yakir li Ephraim' which speaks about God's love for His child Ephraim (the people of Israel) and who He has mercy on. We were moved by this version of the hallmark melody, recorded by the family of Binyamin Schreiber z"l who died on the 23rd of Nissan, 2025. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hXZwrw6TZE&list=RD6hXZwrw6TZE&start_radio=1

In this probing conversation with Dr. Elana Stein Hain about this week's Haftorah from Yeshayahu 54, we move from discussing the opening image of Jerusalem's surprising fertility to a deeply candid conversation about Yeshayahu's zero-sum theology. What does the post-flood covenant reveal about God's stewarding of the world? How do these sections in Yeshayahu inform the way we process the challenges and salvations we are currently experiencing? Dr. Elana's beloved song from Yeshayahu 14:3: Shuvu El Hashem (sung by the women's bet midrash Migdal Oz): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHplOvvzxhQ&list=RDOHplOvvzxhQ&start_radio=1

This year the Matan Podcast is focusing its study on the weekly Haftorah, the prophetic portion selected as a complement to each week's parsha reading. We are thrilled to embark on this new journey with you, exploring fresh biblical texts and themes that promise to deepen and enrich our Torah learning together. In this week’s conversation with Dr. Yael Ziegler, we uncover the mysterious origins of the Haftorah reading and delve into the prophetic words of Yeshayahu (42-43). Together we’ll consider the unique historical circumstances that shaped these chapters - both their tone and their profound message. This week’s episode is sponsored by Simchat Torah Challenge, a Jewish communal project inspiring tens of thousands of Jews to read the weekly parsha. To join - free - visit simchattorahchallenge.org

In this heartfelt conversation with R. Dr. J.J. Schacter, we explore the way the Halacha defines the commandment to feel joy on Sukkot and by extension on all holidays. How can the Torah command us to feel? What does joy look like in the current moment? Sources mentioned in the episode: R. Amital's essay: https://www.etzion.org.il/en/philosophy/great-thinkers/harav-yehuda-amital/commitment-vs-connecting-current-crisis-our-youth Option B by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant: https://www.amazon.com/Option-Adversity-Building-Resilience-Finding/dp/1524732680 This episode has been dedicated by Debbie Niderberg in memory of her father Barry Morris z"l.

This conversation with Rabbanit Dr. Jennie Rosenfeld movingly addresses the preparations for Moshe's death at the end of the parsha. While he initially resists God's punishment, Moshe ends up taking an active role in his death both by physically bringing himself to the place of departure as well as preparing the nation for his absence. This conversation weaves between the parsha, honest musings about life's toughest matters, and highlights where these themes show up in the High Holiday season. This episode has been sponsored in honor of Debbie Nossbaum's birthday by her wonderful children. May she celebrate many more! Ketiva v' Chatima tova!

This week's conversation with Rabbanit Rachel Weber Leshaw zooms in on the mitzvah of Hakhel and its unique educational philosophy. An exploration of biblical verses and their interpretation ends up creating candid conversation around the gifts and challenges of involving family in spiritual spaces.

In this conversation with Dr. Ayelet Hoffmann Libson, we speak about the significant appearance of Teshuva (repentance) in the parsha as well as the way the idea is molded, personalized, and internalized throughout generations of rabbinic interpretation. This episode offers a thoughtful exploration of the parsha, especially relevant and meaningful as Rosh Hashana approaches. Shana tova!

In this conversation with Rabbanit Dr. Adina Sternberg, we explore how the tithes mentioned in this week's parsha can refine our sense of gratitude. We explore the difference between a 'maaser' mindset and a 'reishit' mindset through an original Torah idea written by Adina. To read more of Adina's Torah, check out her Hebrew book on the holidays here. This week’s episode has been sponsored in honor of Rabbi Ed and Bobbie Winter's 60th wedding anniversary by their children and grandchildren. Mazal tov!

In this fascinating conversation with R. Yitzchak Blau, we discuss the prohibition to let a dead body remain exposed overnight, learned from this week's parsha. We debate the exegetical complexities of the prohibition's phrasing and then explore the way these verses expanded over time to form the most basic legal and ethical guidelines for posthumous care. Our Devarim series highlights important rabbinic principles derived from these parshiyot.

In this nuanced and probing conversation with Matan faculty member Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash, we discuss the breadth and limitations of rabbinic authority. This conversation is an outgrowth of the instruction in our parsha not to deviate from the rulings of judges in Devarim 17:10-11, understood by our sages in the midrash halacha as a prooftext for their authority of interpretation. After exploring this drasha, we assess how the preservation of 'human dignity' sometimes overrides rabbinic law. Our Devarim series highlights important rabbinic principles derived from these parshiyot.

We have gone on vacation! But while we are off hiking and breathing, we are bringing you several episodes of a wonderful series we put out in 2021 at the start of this Matan podcasting venture. In this third and final episode Dr. Yosefa Fogel Wruble sat down with Dr. Yael Ziegler to discuss a host of secondary biblical characters and their significance. They delve into the tool of ‘anonymity’ used with great meaning and intent in so many biblical narratives. We will be back with new content next week!

We have gone on vacation! But while we are off hiking and breathing, we are bringing you several episodes of a wonderful series we put out in 2021 at the start of this Matan podcasting venture. In this second episode of the series, Dr. Yosefa Fogel Wruble sat down with Dr. Yael Ziegler to discuss how to frame themes and messages surrounding a central character. Moshe, the greatest biblical leader of all time, is used as their test case. We will be back with new content for Parshat Shoftim!

We have gone on vacation! But while we are off hiking and breathing, we are bringing you several episodes of a wonderful series we put out in 2021 at the start of this Matan podcasting venture. In this first episode our host, Dr. Yosefa Fogel Wruble sat down with Dr. Yael Ziegler to discuss several tools of biblical characterization and why they are significant for meaningful Tanakh study.