This week's portion is one of the most difficult in the entire Torah. It covers many of the laws of war, as well as family and civil law. It also has several admonitions about sexual morality. In short, it is quite a lot to digest at once.
One of the more interesting passages considers the law of the "wayward and rebellious son" in Deuteronomy 21:18-21. The Torah says that in the case of a son who simply will not listen, the entire community is to stone him to death.
That seems harsh -- even barbaric -- and yet I have wondered, as our society is confronted all too often by mass shootings, with so many of the perpetrators being incorrigible young men, whether the Torah understood something.
Namely: that there are always going to be a few young men who, for whatever reason -- family dysfunction, mental illness, evil inclination -- make themselves the enemies of their parents and of the whole of the society around them.
We cannot and should not replicate the Torah's prescribed remedy -- and, indeed, the Jewish Sages suggest it was barely used. But the idea that there might be a capital punishment for rebellion may have helped keep the peace.
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
