This week's portion covers Jacob's return to the Land of Israel; his transformation into Israel; his reconciliation with Esau; the death of his wife, Rachel, in childbirth; and the rape of, revenge for, Dinah.
Briefly, I want to draw attention to the two most relevant stories.
Dinah is kidnapped by Canaanites and raped; in revenge, Simon and Levi kill every member of the city that kidnapped her. This might be a lesson for Israel in its war against Hamas. It is also a warning: Jacob admonishes his sons that their tactics have turned the whole land against him (though, in the end, he is both feared and respected).
Second -- Israel. An angel gives Jacob his name, which means "he who struggles with (or overcomes) God and man." This made sense to me for a long time as a metaphor for spiritual and moral struggles.
In recent days I have had cause to remember the "man" part -- that is, Jews seem to be destined to have to struggle for our physical existence, alongside the daily internal struggle to live a moral life.
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
