There is a Jewish tradition that natural-flowing waters, such as rivers and oceans, have the capacity to provide spiritual cleansing and renewals. The practice of ritual immersion, which is done by women after menstruation ends and done by men before Jewish holidays, is the origin of baptism in Christianity.
Normally, the ritual of immersion is performed in a mikveh, or ritual bath, which is typically indoors. Though initially filled with waters of natural origin, a mikveh typically remains enclosed. This allows it to be heated to comfortable temperatures, and also allows for privacy (since the immersion must be nude).
But outdoor immersion is still practiced, where possible. And the practice means that the entire landscape around us -- wherever there is natural water -- has little spiritual portals, places where the physical world and the spiritual world intersect, if you know the right way to immerse and the right blessing to say.
Being aware of this practice -- of the direct spiritual potential of the natural world around us -- means experiencing reality in a slightly altered fashion. It means that the landscape itself can feel invested with potential -- if the quiet, secret paths can be found, if you have the daring to take them where they lead.
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
