I am observant, though I would not describe myself as pious. In a similar way, I enjoy the study of Jewish texts, though I am not a Torah scholar. Here is what I do on a daily and weekly basis.
Every day, I read a page of the Talmud as part of the Daf Yom program. I began doing this in late 2018, after a chance encounter with a former classmate. At this pace, one finishes in seven years.
I use the Artscroll edition and read most of the text in the English translation. When I have time, I tune into an online class in the evenings. Most often, I read the page in the early morning.
As you know from reading this blog, I also review (quickly) the weekly Torah reading before every Sabbath, and try to draw lessons and connections between the portion and what is going on in the world.
Since my Hebrew birthday on Friday, I have added daily study -- in Hebrew -- of a single chapter of Maimonides' Mishneh Torah, a summary of Jewish doctrine. At this pace, one finishes in 3 years.
I should also mention that I work daily -- for about 10-15 minutes -- on a play I am writing that tells the story of David and Bathsheba from the Second Book of Samuel. I find it endlessly fascinating.
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
