This week's portion is actually a double portion: the two are read separately in Hebrew leap years (in which there are 13 months, to align the lunar and solar calendars).
One of the most striking stories appears toward the end: the tale of the five daughters of Tzelafchad. Earlier, they brought a protest to Moses: since their father had passed away in the desert before entering the Land of Israel, they would not inherit any property there. Moses was stumped by their question, and turned to God for the solution.
The story is a striking one: women raised their voices; their grievance was taken up by male authority figures; the leader of the nation admitted he did not know the answer; and a solution was found.
Too often, "woke" readings of history or tradition presume that what came before the present moment was oppressive, or exclusionary, particularly to women or marginalized groups.
In fact, tradition often deliberately addresses complexity, and shows how people may find redress for grievances within the existing system -- without destroying it or changing it to meet their needs.
https://www.chabad.org/parshah/article_cdo/aid/398579/jewish/The-Daughters-of-Tzelafchad.htm
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
