This week's portion deals with a variety of subjects, including the Nazirite vow (hence the additional reading, from the Book of Judges, tells the story of Samson, the most famous and tragic Nazirite ascetic in the Bible).
The portion also discusses the Sotah ceremony for determining if a woman has committed adultery. This is obviously problematic from a contemporary, feminist point of view, and is one of the deeper mysteries of the Torah.
I have just completed my first study of the Talmud's tractate on Sotah, and it includes many insights into both the ceremony and the ideas behind it. Though the woman is subject to the ritual, it only "works" if her husband is blameless.
In that sense it is a test of both the husband and the wife. The Talmud also explains that the reason for having such a difficult ordeal in cases of adultery is to emphasize the importance and depth of the marital relationship.
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.
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