This week's portion provides instructions for creating and assembling the holy Tabernacle. According to tradition, we also read an additional passage about the red heifer, a mysterious concept about a special kind of ritual purification.
What I like most about this portion is the character of Betzalel, the artisan to whom the craftsmanship of the Tabernacle is entrusted. Like Hiram of Tyre, later in the Bible, he is recognized for his unique talents and craftsmanship.
Imagine being so skilled at art that you are memorialized for all time by the Bible! It is a reminder that exceptional talents exist -- and we learn, through such people, that we each have our own gifts, humble though they may be.
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
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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
