This week's Torah portion describes, in detail, the instruction for crafting the Ark of the Covenant and the Tabernacle in which to house it. Precious metals, jewels, thread, woodwork -- everything.
Similarly, the additional reading, or Haftarah (Kings I 5:26 - 6:13), recounts the process of building the Holy Temple under King Solomon, and the various ornaments that were added to it.
This is a rich description of beauty -- natural beauty as shaped by Divine design and human artifice. It's one of the most spectacular portions of the Torah. But why did it have to be so detailed?
The answer, I think, has to do with love. When a man loves a woman (or, I suppose, when anyone loves anyone), and has feelings of desire, he wants to explore every detail, every facet of her physical being.
In the same way, the physical manifestation of God's presence among the Israelites is to be detailed, so that the people can express their love through the minute, elaborate, and beautiful physicality of art.
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
