This week, Moses continued reviewing the drama of the Exodus and the journey across the desert, focusing on the Ten Commandments and the agreement made by the people of Israel to obey all the laws of the Lord -- the Covenant.
One section of the portion, Deuteronomy 6:4-9, contains the Shema prayer -- a prayer that summarizes the Ten Commandments, and which Jewish people today still recite upon rising in the morning and in going to sleep at night.
Moses explains the reason that the people have been chosen to receive the commandments, and to inherit the Promised Land: because the Lord loves them, and because He is faithful to the promises he made to their ancestors.
The additional reading, from Isaiah, (40:1-26), is one of the portions of comfort that follow the fast of Tisha B'Av and last through the New Year, lifting us from mourning to hope and joy. It begins: "Be comforted, be comforted, my people."
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