This week, we read the story of the twelve spies that were sent by Moses to scout out the Land of Israel. Ten of them brought back an evil report, saying that while the land was good, the Israelites would never manage to conquer it. Two brought back a good report, saying that while there were challenges, the Israelites would manage to prevail, with God fighting on their side. The majority prevailed; the Israelites lost heart, and spent 40 years wandering thereafter.
This weekend, my family and I are in Cape Town, South Africa, to observe the memorial for my mother-in-law, Rhoda Kadalie. She was many things -- a scholar in anthropology, a social development expert, and a political activist. She was best known, however, as a writer. In her columns, she spared no one -- always telling the truth. She was deeply critical of the government, but was also optimistic -- and in her "day job," was actually helping it achieve its goals.
Rhoda was like the two "good" spies, Joshua and Caleb. She would tell the truth, regardless of the consequences. And she believed that most problems could be overcome with the right leadership. She was never afraid to be in the minority. That is the lesson of this week's portion: that while the majority may seem like a safer option, it is the worst option when the majority is wrong. Rhoda's example continues to inspire me, and I am looking forward to sharing it with the world.
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:
Tune in: 7-10 p.m. ET, 4-7 p.m. PT
Call: 866-957-2874