This week's portion includes the commandment of the red heifer -- one of the classic "irrational" commandments whose fulfillment is an expression of faith. It also includes the regrettable episode in which Moses strikes the rock.
I referred to this story in a wedding speech last night. Why was Moses punished for striking the rock in Numbers, when he struck the rock without incident in Exodus -- both for the purpose of providing water to the people?
The answer is that in the interim, the Jewish people had received the Torah, which is like the marriage contract between the people of Israel and God. In a marriage, you do not resolve things by breaking boundaries, but through love.
The additional reading, from Judges Chapter 11, is the story of Jephthah (Yiftach), a man whom the leaders spurn, but to whom they must turn to save the nation. The parallels to our present political circumstances are striking.
Shabbat Shalom and Happy Fourth of July!
President Donald Trump is on his way to the Middle East for a triumphant reception in Israel after concluding a hostage deal many thought impossible. We'll discuss the deal and some of the potential pitfalls still ahead.
And, of course, the government shutdown grinds on. Who would have thought? (I did -- I predicted, and still believe, that it won't end until the first week of November, after the off-year elections, because that's what this is about.)
We'll also talk about cultural issues, and America's sudden apparent turn to religion. It's a good thing, right? Yes, with a few caveats. Charles Murray, never one to shy away from controversy, will join us to share his thoughts on faith.
Special guests:
Bradley Jaye - Breitbart News congressional correspondent, on the shutdown
Jacki Alexander - CEO of HonestReporting, on Israel and war coverage
Charles Murray - author of "Taking Religion Seriously," on Americans' faith.
Tune in: SiriusXM Patriot 125, 7-10 p.m. ET, 4-7 p.m. PT
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This week's Torah reading is a special one for the Sabbath that occurs in the middle of the holiday of Sukkot. The intermediate days of the holiday are not as holy as the first and last, but the Sabbath has its own special splendor.
This week's reading is about the reconciliation of God and the Jewish people after the sin of the Golden Calf. Moses intercedes on the Israelites' behalf, and God rewards him with a new set of tablets -- and a renewed connection.
In the same way, the ceasefire deal that went into effect Friday, October 10 -- ending the war and heralding the return of the remaining Israeli hostages -- marks a renewal of the relationship between the Jewish people and God.
The October 7, 2023, terror attack took place on the last day of Sukkot -- which was also a Sabbath that year, and which is celebrated in Israel as Simchat Torah, typically one of the happiest days on the Jewish calendar.
The terror attack turned happiness to shock and despair. But the subsequent victory, won by...
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)
