This week's Torah portion focuses on the distinction between sacred and profane in various aspects of life. I believe it was Max Weber, or perhaps Emile Durkheim, who identified that distinction as the essence of religion itself.)
The text runs through various observances and sacrifices, and then comes to the basics of Jewish civil law -- the oft-misunderstood passage of "eye for eye, tooth for tooth," which is often seen as an example of Old Testament brutality.
The rabbis interpreted that passage to mean that the loss of an eye should be compensated for up to the equivalent value of an eye, a tooth for the monetary value of a tooth, and so on -- not that corporal punishment should take place.
Though the rabbinic Oral Law that forms the basis of many of Judaism's peculiar restrictions is often discounted by "progressive" branches of Judaism, this case shows why the rabbinate and its interpretations were absolutely necessary.
https://www.chabad.org/parshah/torahreading.asp?aid=2492749&jewish=Emor-Torah-Reading.htm&p=complete
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
