This week launches the third of the five books of the Torah, known in English as Leviticus. Typically, we associate this book with the arcane laws of the priesthood and holiness. But it has far greater practical relevance, even today.
The portion focuses on the substance and procedure of animal sacrifices on the Altar. But it also distinguishes between sins committed intentionally and those committed unintentionally, in terms of the kind of repentance required in each.
The problem of unintended consequences from unintended misdeeds is, Hannah Arendt wrote in The Human Condition, one of the major problems faced by civilization, and the Torah attempts to deal with it through ritual.
The portion also commands us not to forget what the evil nation of Amalek did to the Jewish people as they left Egypt, attacking the weak, young, and old from the rear. Amalek is associated with later Jewish enemies, including Haman, whose evil deeds are recounted next week in the Purim holiday, which involves publicly reading the Book of Esther (the Megillah). The additional reading tells the story of how King Saul wrongly spared the king of Amalek.
Today's episode is devoted to the second anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks. It was produced before the announcement of a ceasefire deal, yet remains current & relevant.
Please listen, and #bringthemhome.
SiriusXM Patriot 125, 7-10 p.m. ET (4-7 PT)
This week's portion is a beautiful poem, containing the Covenant between God and the people of Israel. But given the breaking news that Hamas may actually have agreed to release all of the Israeli hostages, I will devote my remarks to that.
One hopes it is true; if so, it makes this week's additional reading, from II Samuel 22, even more relevant: David's song of praise to the Lord for delivering him from the hand of his enemies.
"18 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
19 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the Lord was my support."
So much to focus on this week -- and much breaking news. A peace deal in the Middle East, perhaps? Eric Adams dropping out of the mayor's race? And a looming shutdown as Democrats push their demands beyond absurdity.
Special guests:
- Bradley Jaye - Breitbart News congressional correspondent, on the shutdown
- John Carney - Breitbart News financial editor, on the upcoming jobs report
- Jerome Hudson - Breitbart News entertainment editor, on the Kimmel fallout
- Frances Martel - Breitbart News foreign editor, on the UN and Gaza talks
- Matisyahu - award-winning reggae artist, on his new album, "Ancient Child"
Tune in: 7-10 p.m. ET, 4-7 p.m. PT
Call: 866-957-2874
