Nearly seven years ago, when I began the Daf Yomi program, in which one studies one page of the Talmud daily, I was told by the owner of a Jewish bookstore that he could sell me all 72 volumes for a discount price of $1,800.
That's a major deal, roughly $1,000 off the price if you buy each individual volume (about $40). But I didn't have the cash -- and also, I was afraid that if I bought the entire set, it would somehow remove an incentive to finish.
Today, I bought the last three volumes. I now have the complete set, and I will finish the cycle -- ending up back where I started -- before the end of 2024. Anything is possible if you break it up into enough small pieces to do daily.
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:
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