This week's portion is the opening of the book of Numbers. It describes the precise arrangement of the various tribes of Israel as they encamped, and the way in which they used to travel. It is about establishing order in a void.
Many military leaders have observed that the tiny rituals of a soldier or sailor's life -- folding clothes properly, making a bed, polishing boots, etc. -- may seem useless, but they instill a sense of discipline and coherence that later saves lives.
I am particularly fond of this portion because I read it on my bar mitzvah. The additional reading, from Hosea 2, includes two passages (21-22) that are recited every morning upon winding the tefillin straps around one's finger.
The verses talk about betrothal, and though they mean a betrothal of the Jewish people to God, I always think about my own connection to my wife, who enriched and renewed my faith, and bound me closer to it, through her.
This weekend (Saturday night through Monday at nightfall) also marks the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, or Pentecost, celebrating the anniversary of the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. We celebrate in many ways -- studying all night and reading the book of Ruth, which celebrates both faith and romance. And we also eat a lot of ice cream and other dairy products, remembering that the Israelites refrained from eating meat before Mount Sinai. A delightful treat!
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
