Turning the Gem

In our final episode, we discuss the tabernacle and the institution of the priesthood. Though these insstitutions are far from perfect, they still serve to bring the Israelites closer to their greater potential Relevant Scripture

In this episode we discuss Israel's arrival at Mount Sinai. We explore the interesting details of God's call to the Israelite's to come up the mountain, and the people's reluctance to comply.   Relevant Scripture

This episode, Daniel leads us in an exploration of the Isrealites time in the desert and the ways they are tested and led to be more like God's chosen people. Relevant Scripture Bema Podcast | 21: With All Your Soul and "Very" The Queen You Thought You Knew | Rabbi David Fohrman    

In this episode, Kristian and Daniel dive into the symbolism in the story of the Crossing of the Reed Sea. We discuss the biblical perspective on death and life and the way those themes are weaved through all of scripture. Relevant Scripture Exodus | A Parsha Companion Midrash: Reading the Bible with Question Marks

Today we discuss the millenias old tradition of Passover and the story that started it. Daniel takes us through the major parts of a Passover Seder and we explore the wisdom that fills it Relevant Scripture  

In this episode we discuss the famous plagues of Egypt. We discuss the difficult tension in the suffering brought about by the plagues, the hardened heart of pharoah, and why God chose to work this way. Relevant Scripture  

In today's episode Kristian and Daniel discuss the famous story of the "Burning Bush" encounter with Moses. What does the bush represent, what is God's name, and why is Moses God's chosen man for the job of rescuing His people? Relevant Scripture  

We are back with our first episode on the book of Exodus. We discuss Moses and his dramatic beginnings. Who is Moses and why is he the one God chooses to save his people?   Exodus | A Parsha Companion    

We are back after a long break to finally respond to our listener's questions! Obviously, we took longer than we probably should have so we had to split it into two parts.   Enjoy part 2! Our season on Exodus starts next week!

We are back after a long break to finally respond to our listener's questions! Obviously, we took longer than we probably should have so we had to split it into two parts.   Enjoy part 1! Our season on Exodus starts next week!

In today's episode we conclude our series on Genesis.  We discuss the final stories of Joseph and Jacob, and our personal take aways from this project Relevant Scripture   If you have any questions or comments, email us at [email protected]

Today's episode is about the final main character in Genesis: Joseph. We discuss his family dynamics, their betrayal, and his journey in Egypt. A culmination of his predecessors, Joseph brings abundance to the world and reconciles the tribe of Israel. Relevant Scripture Bema - Into the Pit Bema - Out of the Pit Rabbi David Fohrman - Genesis: A Parsha Companion   If you have any questions or comments, email us at [email protected]

In today's episode we discuss the middle portion of Jacob's story and the moment giving the tribe of Israel it's name. If you have questions or thoughts, email us at [email protected] Relevant Scripture Reading Genesis: A Parsha Companion   If you have any questions or comments, email us at [email protected]

In today's episode, we discuss the beginning of the story of the last patriarch in Genesis: Jacob. We investigate the clues placed in the story of Jacob's betrayal of his father and brother, while pursuing a better understanding of this family drama and pseudo-religious dynamic. Relevant Verses- Genesis 26-28 Genesis: A Parsha Companion - Rabbi David Fohrman   If you have any questions or comments, email us at [email protected]

In today's episode, we discuss the famous story of Abraham being asked to sacrifice his "only" son Isaac. While traditionally we ask "what does this story say about God?", we will look at what this story says about Abraham and Isaac. With this new facet, we hope to find new insight and wisdom. Bible Gateway - Genesis 22 (Podcast) Bema - Here I Am (Video) Bible Project - The Royal Priesthood (Podcast) Bible Project - God's Wrath in the Teaching of Jesus (Book) The White Ram by Mordicai Gerstein   If you have any questions or comments, email us at [email protected]

Content Warning: Discussion of sexual assault. In this episode, we discuss potentially the ugliest story in Genesis: the Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. We dive deeply into the details in search of overlooked wisdom in this challenging story. For our LGBTQIA+ friends, we would like you to know that our goal is to challenge the ways this story has been used to persecute and demean those of certain orientations. We in no way agree or endorse such interpretations. We hope that you feel safe during our discussion. We encourage you to care for yourself and feel free to skip this episode if you feel that is what is best for you. You are welcome here and you are loved. Relevant Scripture If you have any questions or comments, email us at [email protected]

In today's episode, we go even deeper into the story of Abram. We unpack the meaning of Covenants and how God builds his relationship with his chosen patriarch. Relevant Scripture (Video) Bible Project - Covenants (Podcast) Bema - Walking the Blood Path (Article) Bible Project - The Five Key Covenants God Makes with Humans in the Bible (Book) Genesis: A Parsha Companion   If you have any questions or comments, email us at [email protected]

In today's episode we discuss the famous story of the Tower of Babel, and the scattering of it's people. We also are introduce to the first great patriarch of scripture: Abram. Relevant Scripture Genesis: A Parsha Companion - Rabbi David Fohrman (Video) Bible Project - Learn Where Heaven and Earth Overlap (Video) Bible Project - Why the Temple is so Important in the Bible Bema - A Tale of a Tower   If you have any questions or comments, email us at [email protected]

In todays episode we discuss another of the famous stories in Genesis: The Flood. This story, a favorite of our children's books, is one of the most challenging stories when considering the amount of death described. We dive into the details of this challenging story to look for the beauty among the ugliness and ask the big question: how do we deal with suffering and evil? Relevant Scripture The Beast that Crouches at the Door - Rabbi David Fohrman Genesis: A Parsha Companion - Rabbi David Fohrman (Video) Bible Project - Day of the Lord (Video) Bible Project - Covenants (Podcast) Bema Project - His Bow in the Clouds (Podcast) Bible Project - God's Spirit in the Flood Narrative (Podcast) Bible Project - Dismantling the Tree   If you have any questions or comments, email us at [email protected]

This episode, we discuss the famous story of Cain and Abel. We use this story as a lens to look into the character of God and the shortcomings of humans. Relevant Scripture The Beast that Crouches at the Door - Rabbi David Fohrman Genesis: A Parsha Companion - Rabbi David Fohrman   If you have any questions or comments, email us at [email protected]

Today, we discuss one of the most significant stories in western storytelling: The Fall. We explore some of the strange details of the story and how we may be missing the real point of this story in our cultures imagination. Relevant Scripture The Beast that Crouches at the Door - Rabbi David Fohrman Spiritual Beings - Bible Project (Video) Bible Project - Exile (Video) Bible Project = The Test (Podcast) Text in Us - Genesis 3 (Podcast) Bible Project - The Tale of Two Trees (Podcast) Bible Project - Exile From the Cosmic Mountain   If you have any questions or comments, email us at [email protected]

In today's episode, we discuss the second creation story of the Bible. We contrast this more focused narrative with it's expansive predecessor and dive into the human, the man, and the woman.  Relevant Scripture The Beast That Crouches at the Door - Rabbi David Fohrman Genesis: A Parsha Companion - Rabbi David Fohrman The New Humanity - Bible Project Your 2 Basic Choices for Being Huuman - Bible Project Knowing When to Say "Enough" - Bema Text in Us - Genesis 2   If you have any questions or comments, email us at [email protected]

In today's episode we discuss the first creation story in scripture: Genesis 1. As we discuss the most famous creation myth in history, we dissect it's themes and what is says about what it means to be human, our relationship to God, and our duty to care for creation. External Resources: Relevant Scripture Creation Myths - Wikipedia Bible Project - God"s Spirit in Creation Bema - Trust the Story  Text in Us - Genesis 1 Rabbi David Fohrman - The Beast that Crouches at the Door If you have any questions or comments, email us at [email protected]

In today's episode, we give the breakdown of who we are and what this podcast is. We discuss the goals of this project and who it's for.    Here are resources we consistently reference: Bible Project - https://bibleproject.com/ Bema: https://www.bemadiscipleship.com/ Rabbi David Fohrman: https://shop.alephbeta.org/collections/books-by-rabbi-fohrman