This week is a double portion. The first portion, Chukat, instructs Moses and Aaron on the use of a special red cow, or heifer, for purification rituals. It also contains the story of Moses striking the rock -- disobeying the Lord and incurring the terrible punishment of being unable to enter the Land of Israel with the Jewish people.
The second portion, Barak, tells the story of one of the kings that Israel confronted in the Transjordan during their circuitous route to the land. The key figure is actually the prophet Balaam, a gentile who had a unique relationship with the Lord. He, too, had the gift of prophecy, but he lacked the strong moral character to guide it.
We see, then, two leaders in contrast: One who commits a grave sin but is otherwise good; another who is occasionally, even accidentally, good but has an otherwise evil character. The Torah suggests to us that human beings are complex, and it is impossible to write off anyone -- just as it is impossible that any of us should be perfect.
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
