In this week's portion, Moses gives the people specific instructions for what they are to do when they enter the Land of Israel. Though he will not be accompanying them, he uses the term "tavo," which literally "when you come," as if he is inviting them in, not sending them somewhere (e.g. "when you go" ).
The first priority upon entering the land -- once it is possessed and settled? Gratitude: "[Y]ou shall take of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you will bring from your land, which the Lord, your God, is giving you...". The fruit is to be brought to the priest, as a donation to the Temple, to give thanks.
Notably, the first fruits are usually not the best, plumpest, biggest fruits. But they are a sign of things to come. We are commanded to show gratitude at the first sign of potential, as the first hint of better things that are to come.
Gratitude is a powerful thing. I have been missing my grandmother, who passed away yesterday. At the same time, I am so grateful I had so much time with her -- especially recently, several months after she was given mere days to live.
On days when I feel sad, I try to remember the things for which I must be grateful -- not in comparison to someone else who is worse off than I am, but in an absolute sense. This life is a gift, and there is joy, if we know where to find it.
This week, we are tackling two major areas of contention between the Trump administration and Democrat governors: fighting crime, and redistricting. The president is sending the National Guard to blue cities -- and blue states are trying to stamp out Republican representation. Is this a civil war situation?
Special guests:
- Bradley Jaye -- Breitbart News congressional correspondent, on redistricting
- Tom Manza, California Business and Industrial Alliance, on Gavin Newsom
- Jon Fleischman, veteran California political expert, on the special election
- Dan Backer, veteran political lawyer and consultant, on corruption
- DJ Mark Anthony, on a recent visit to Rome and visiting Pope Leo XIV
Tune in: SiriusXM Patriot 125, 7-10 p.m. ET / 4-7 p.m. PT
Call: 866-957-2874
This week's portion is the last of the month of Av -- also known as Menachem (Comforter) Av -- which begins in mourning and ends in celebration and anticipation of the New Year and the process of repentance and renewal.
In a similar vein, the portion features Moses offering the Israelites a choice between a blessing and a curse. They are masters of their own fates: if they obey God's commandments, they receive the blessings -- and vice versa.
The key commandment is to reject idol worship. There is said to be something magnetic about the practice of worshiping idols in the new land, such that it would be constant moral battle, both individually and collectively, in the land.
Nowadays, according to Jewish tradition, humanity has lost the urge for idol worship (and the antidote, which is divine prophecy) -- but there are several near substitutes, such as lust or excessive appetites for worldly pleasures.
We are wired for compulsive behaviors, bad habits, and even addictions. These ...
We have so much to talk about this week -- Trump's efforts to negotiate peace through negotiation, and Gavin Newsom's efforts to divide Americans through gerrymandering. We'll also talk about Playboy leaving LA and California.
Special guests:
Frances Martel - Breitbart News foreign editor, on Russia & Ukraine
Bradley Jaye - Breitbart News congressional correspondent, on Newsom
Harmeet Dhillon - DOJ Civil Rights Division chief, on the fight against DEI
Jessica Vaugn - Playboy model on political commentator, on California
Tune in: SiriusXM Patriot 125, 7-10 p.m. ET, 4-7 PT
Call: 866-957-2874
