This week's portion includes one of the strangest episodes in the Bible: two sons of Aaron, Nadav and Avihu, are killed during a public sacrifice when, in their zeal, they bring their own fire to the Altar and are consumed by God's fire.
In the midst of what must have been extreme shock and anguish, Moses tells Aaron, essentially, that the show must go on. He also reframes the loss as an expression of love: God took Aaron's sons because they wanted to be near Him.
When we studied this example in religious school, we were also told that the severe punishment Aaron's suns suffered was part of the price of leadership: those in positions of power must be judged more harshly to set an example.
The portion also includes some more laws of kashrut, or the ritual purity of eating. The Torah presents a list of non-kosher birds. Tradition holds that each has some character trait that makes it unfit for human consumption.
The crane, or "chasidah," for example, is a kind bird; its very name in Hebrew derives from the word "chesed," or kindness. There is one problem: the crane is kind to other cranes, but it is not kind to anything else. Hence it is flawed.
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
