This week, the Jewish holiday of Sukkot changes the traditional reading. Instead of the final portion of the Torah, Ve'Zot Ha'Brachah -- which we read a couple days later, on the holiday of Simchat Torah, before starting over with Genesis -- we read a special portion from Exodus for the Jewish holiday of Sukkot.
The portion revisits the reconciliation between God and the Jewish people, when Moses begs Him to forgive them for the sin of the Golden Calf.
As with many reconciliations, the end result is that the two sides are even closer than they were before. In addition to revealing his presence to Moses, God gives the Jewish people the three yearly pilgrimage festivals, including Sukkot.
I was reflecting this morning on how special this holiday is, as I performed my morning prayers outside, in my family's sukkah (temporary dwelling). On this holiday alone, we not only have special rituals; we create our own sacred space.
That's unique, in terms of Jewish practice. Normally one does not pray alone; it is preferable to pray with a quorum, or minyan, of ten men in a synagogue. In Biblical times, people were discouraged from having personal altars at home.
And yet, on Sukkot, while we still are supposed to pray with the community, we are also commanded to create our own little sacred space. It is temporary, and fragile, but it is also very real -- bringing holiness into our home, and vice versa.
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
