Joel Pollak
Politics • Lifestyle • News • Travel • Writing
I will share my thoughts about American politics, as well as current events in Israel and elsewhere, based on my experiences in the U.S., South Africa, and the Middle East. I will also discuss books and popular culture from the perspective of a somewhat libertarian, religiously observant conservative living in California. I will also share art and ideas that I find useful and helpful, and link to my content at Breitbart News, Amazon, and elsewhere.
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Weekly Torah reading: Vayeishev (Genesis 37:1 - 40:23)

This week's portion begins what I consider the greatest story ever told by human beings: the journey of Joseph. It is the ultimate "prequel," the back story of the liberation of the Jewish people and the giving of the law. But it teaches us so much about faith, and dreams, and destiny, and basic human motivations.

Those familiar with Andrew Lloyd Webber's wonderful "Joseph" musical will recognize the story. But the Biblical text adds another layer of richness.

Toward the end of this week's portion, Joseph finds himself in prison, where he rises to a senior rank among inmates and is sought by others for his advice. He hears the dreams of Pharaoh's butler and baker, and interprets their fates.

When he predicts that the butler will be restored to his position, he asks that he remember Joseph once he is out of prison. The Jewish Sages suggest that Joseph erred by asking for a human favor, rather than trusting in God alone.

But I think Joseph's mistake -- for which, the Sages say, he spent another two years in prison -- had to do with the term he used to describe his prison: a "pit." This is not the only word in Hebrew to describe a jail; but it is is an uglier one.

Interestingly, the word "pit" also describes the place into which Joseph was put when his brothers assaulted him, and before they decided to sell him into slavery. In his own mind, Joseph negates the progress he has made since then.

He is so consumed by his present misfortunes that he forgets, for the moment, that he has grown through his travails -- or that he has the opportunity to do good for those around him. He fails to see the potential in his circumstances.

That is why he spends another two years in prison. It is only when he has the self-awareness and maturity to see the possibilities in every situation that he is ready to emerge -- and to help Pharaoh manage Egypt's coming famine.

https://www.chabad.org/parshah/torahreading.asp?aid=2492529&jewish=Vayeshev-Torah-Reading.htm&p=complete

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Time-lapse sunrise at Temescal Falls
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This is what is left of my special place in the forest

Burned, then covered in mudslides and rockslides. The river still flows through it. But we have lost so much. I have to believe the spirit still lives on.

00:00:16
The drive home 💔
00:00:46
Breitbart News Sunday; show rundown (October 5, 2025)

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)

Weekly Torah reading: Ha'azinu (Deuteronomy 32:1-52)

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."

https://www.chabad.org/parshah/torahreading.asp?aid=2495834&jewish=Haazinu-Torah-Reading.htm&p=complete

Breitbart News Sunday: September 28, 2028

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

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