This week's Torah reading explains the duties of the Levite families in the holy service of the Tabernacle; outlines the law of punishing adultery; and provides the laws of the Nazirite, a special category of ascetics, among other laws.
The additional reading, from Judges 13:2-25, is the story of Samson. He is a Nazirite for life, from birth, and has superhuman strength. His one weakness appears to be his desire for Philistine women -- not a carnal desire, as such, but a yearning that is deeper than mere physical pleasure. He is drawn to them.
He overcomes his desires through an act of self-destructive repentance -- which takes the Philistines with him. That is a story for another day, perhaps.
But it does point to the importance of the region of Gaza to the Biblical story -- and the fact that it has posed problems for the people of Israel since the days of the Bible until today. Perhaps there are insights for us in that ancient drama.
https://www.chabad.org/parshah/torahreading.asp?aid=2495720&jewish=Naso-Torah-Reading.htm&p=complete
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
