This week's portion literally means "laws," and it elaborates on the first laws given in the Ten Commandments. God tells Moses to establish several ordinances, including rules about slavery, about lending money, and about physical assault.
One of the most important principles is the idea that the law does not favor people due to status or popularity. "You shall not follow the majority for evil, and you shall not respond concerning a lawsuit to follow many to pervert [justice]. Neither shall you glorify a poor man in his lawsuit." (23:2-3)
This is contrary to the left-wing teaching that righteousness demands "social justice." As far as determining guilt or fault, only facts and the law matter.
Toward the end (30:13), the Torah describes the half-shekel contribution each person would make to the Temple, both as a census and a charitable donation.
The story is reflected in the additional reading from the Book of Kings (II 11:17 - 12:17, which describes the innovation of King Jehoash to remove fundraising from the priests and to use a plain collection box for donations instead, thereby removing the incentive for corruption and ensuring proper accountability.
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
