This week's portion covers the half-shekel donation that every Israelite, no matter how poor or rich, had to donate to the Tabernacle (as opposed to the earlier donations, which were to be as large as possible). The symbolism: ultimately, while we each have unique contributions to make, we are equal in the eyes of God.
Sadly, the portion continues with the story of the Golden Calf, when the Israelites grow impatient with Moses and turn away from God and back to the idolatry of Egypt. They sever their relationship with the Lord -- but when it is repaired again through repentance, it is closer than it has ever been before.
That is how many relationships heal after a break -- as long as the shared love and commitment still exist, underneath all of the difficulty that arises in daily life. We don't want to endure such fissures, but they are a fact of life. Repentance can therefore also become a fact of life, a glue that bonds human beings together.
Happy Star Wars day and all of that. Today's episode will consider the changing environment as we head into the next 100 days of the Trump presidency, with the stock market recovered and some hope in foreign affairs.
Will the tariff battle work out? Will Ukraine and Russia finally sit down for peace talks? Will the Trump administration's eagerness for a deal in Iran led to trouble? And will the "big, beautiful bill" Trump needs actually come together?
Special guests
John Carney -- financial editor, Breitbart News, on jobs, stocks, and tariffs
Mac Harman -- Christmas tree manufacturer, on the tariff threat to importers
Bradley Jaye -- congressional correspondent, Breitbart News, on the big bill
Frances Martel -- foreign editor, Breitbart News, on Trump's global efforts
Tune in: SiriusXM Patriot 125, 7-10 p.m. ET, 4-7 p.m. PT
Call: 866-957-2874
This week's Torah reading deals with the laws of tzara'at, which is loosely (though inaccurately) translated as "leprosy." It can happen to clothes and homes as well as people. The Torah describes how to deal with and purify it.
In addition, the Torah describes what to do about the ritual impurity that accompanies bodily emissions from sexual organs -- menstruation for women and ejaculation for men -- which are a normal part of everyday adult life.
The additional reading, from II Kings 7:3-20, tells the story of the lepers who helped conquer an Aramean army that had surrounded Samaria during the reign of King Jehoram -- the ultimate example of what even the meek can do.
Joel, what is your thoughts about South Africans currently seeking asylum in the USA? Do you think we ( they) have a realistic chance of receiving asylum? I have substantial amount of evidence of persecution, even a ANC letter stating “ they don’t condemn the violence by their comrades”. I saw your recent interviews and just starting to watch and read your posts on X. Would love to hear your thoughts on this. Thanks
