S2 Ep. 2 Moshe and the Mekallel: A Tale of Two Outcasts

A Book Like No Other

#Jewish #Religion #Aleph Beta

17:27

Why do so many of us get nervous when public speaking? Communication expert Lawrence Bernstein says the key to dealing with the pressure is as simple as having a casual chat. He introduces the "coffee shop test" as a way to help you overcome nerves, connect with your audience and deliver a message that truly resonates. After the talk, Modupe explains a similar approach in academia called the "Grandma test," and how public speaking can be as simple as a conversation with grandma. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Become a TED Member today at ted.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

about a year ago 31:24

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A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.

33 episodes

A Book Like No Other

S2 Ep. 2 Moshe and the Mekallel: A Tale of Two Outcasts

A Book Like No Other

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published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

33 episodes

#Jewish #Religion #Aleph Beta

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A Book Like No Other

1
S4 Ep. 8 Can Envy Ever Be Healed? What Jacob and Esav Teach Us About the 10th Commandment 59:38

12 days ago59:38

59:38

PLEASE FILL OUT OUR SURVEY: https://bit.ly/BLNOlistenersurvey In the season finale, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu explore the final commandment— “Thou shalt not covet” —through the emotional reunion of Jacob and Esau. As they unpack the psychological wounds left by their father’s perceived favoritism, a deeper truth emerges: healing comes not from acquiring more, but from seeing the divine in one another. Through a close reading of the text, they reveal how these once-bitter rivals move beyond envy, offering a profound lesson on finding wholeness in our relationships. For more on Rabbi Fohrman's reading of the deception story, see this essay from his book Genesis: A Parsha Companion , as well as this video Why Did Rebecca Trick Her Husband Isaac . A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.…

A Book Like No Other

1
S4 Ep. 7 Theft, Testimony, and Broken Trust: Unpacking the 8th and 9th Commandments 44:07

14 days ago44:07

44:07

PLEASE FILL OUT OUR SURVEY: https://bit.ly/BLNOlistenersurvey What drives someone to steal? And why does the Bible warn so strongly against false testimony? In this episode, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu Shalev examine how the story of Jacob, Rachel, and Lavan provides surprising insight into the psychology behind the 8th and 9th commandments. From Rachel's theft of her father's idols to Lavan's self-righteous covenant at Gal'ed, this episode reveals how our deepest pains can lead to actions that ultimately cannot heal us, and how the Ten Commandments offer wisdom rather than mere prohibition. For more on Rabbi Fohrman's reading of the deception story, see this essay from his book Genesis: A Parsha Companion , as well as this video Why Did Rebecca Trick Her Husband Isaac . A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.…

A Book Like No Other

1
S4 Ep. 6 Esav’s Rage & Lavan’s Deceit: The Surprising Link Between Murder, Adultery and Fatherhood 50:03

19 days ago50:03

50:03

PLEASE FILL OUT OUR SURVEY: https://bit.ly/BLNOlistenersurvey Continuing their journey through the Ten Commandments, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu examine murder and adultery through the lens of the Genesis Deception story. They unpack why Esau—usually painted as the bad guy—holds back from killing Jacob even when he knows exactly where to find him, giving us a fresh take on "Do not murder." Then they explore how Laban's meddling in Jacob's marriage to Rachel offers a surprising spin on adultery—showing it's not just about infidelity, but about the damage caused when someone interferes in sacred relationships. Through their analysis, a profound message emerges: the commandments aren't simply rules, but wisdom about how our actions affect our deepest connections and desires. For more on Rabbi Fohrman's reading of the deception story, see this essay from his book Genesis: A Parsha Companion , as well as this video Why Did Rebecca Trick Her Husband Isaac . A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.…

A Book Like No Other

1
S4 Ep. 5 Rest & Honor: The Hidden Backstory of the Ten Commandments Continues 1:16:59

26 days ago1:16:59

1:16:59

PLEASE FILL OUT OUR SURVEY: https://bit.ly/BLNOlistenersurvey Continuing their analysis of the Ten Commandments through Genesis 27, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu focus on two pivotal commands: Shabbat and honoring one's parents. They begin by uncovering surprising connections between Rebecca's plea for Jacob's safety and the concept of divine rest. How does Jacob's exhausting fourteen-year labor under Lavan transform our understanding of Shabbat? And what can this teach us about finding true rest in our own lives? The discussion then turns to the command of Kibbud Av v'Em - honoring both father and mother. Through a close reading of Esav's response to his parents' values, even after feeling betrayed, they reveal how this command speaks to something far deeper than mere obedience. It points to the delicate art of maintaining wholeness in relationships, ultimately connecting to our relationship with the land itself. Join Rabbi Fohrman and Imu as they demonstrate how these two commands emerge not as arbitrary rules, but as profound wisdom about maintaining balance in our most fundamental relationships - with time, with family, and with the earth that sustains us. Intrigued by our discussion of land as our grandparents? Explore this idea further in our Shavuot episode of Into the Verse . For a deeper dive, we recommend Rabbi Fohrman's courses A Tale of Two Names: Elokim and YHVH and The Meaning of Life , as well as his analysis of the deception story in this essay from his book Genesis: A Parsha Companion , as well as this video Why Did Rebecca Trick Her Husband Isaac . A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.…

A Book Like No Other

1
S4 Ep. 4: Divine Love and the Ten Commandments 59:12

5 weeks ago59:12

59:12

PLEASE FILL OUT OUR SURVEY: https://bit.ly/BLNOlistenersurvey Picking up from last week's cliffhanger, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu tackle an uncomfortable and paradoxical question: How can a perfect being—God—choose vulnerability? This unsettling concept seems to be at the heart of the parallels they uncover between Genesis 27 and the Revelation narrative. By analyzing the blast of the shofar at Sinai alongside Esav’s anguished cry, they explore what it means for God, the perfect being, to open Himself to vulnerability. This paradox leads them to a deeper understanding of the Ten Commandments and their articulation. Through this reflection, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu reveal how God’s first commandments speak to profound truths about divine love, family dynamics, and the nature of idolatry. What does Jacob’s invocation of God’s name reveal about the third commandment? And how might Isaac’s relationship with his sons offer insights into our own connection with the divine? Join Rabbi Fohrman and Imu as they unpack these questions and show how the Torah’s most foundational laws emerge from one of its most complex family dramas. For more on Rabbi Fohrman's reading of the deception story, see this essay from his book Genesis: A Parsha Companion , as well as this video Why Did Rebecca Trick Her Husband Isaac . A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.…

A Book Like No Other

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A Message from Imu 4:24

5 weeks ago4:24

4:24

PLEASE FILL OUT OUR SURVEY: https://bit.ly/BLNOlistenersurvey We’re so grateful you’ve been listening to A Book Like No Other . Now, we’d love to hear from you ! Podcasts can feel one-sided — we talk, you listen. But your voice matters. Please take 3–5 minutes to fill out this quick listener survey and help shape the future of the show. 👉 Take the survey here : https://bit.ly/BLNOlistenersurvey Your feedback is invaluable and will help us grow this show and build our community together. Thank you! A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.…

A Book Like No Other

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S4 Ep. 3 Can We Really Know God? What Jacob’s Deception Reveals About Revelation 1:25:48

6 weeks ago1:25:48

1:25:48

What if the Torah provides its own commentary on its most pivotal moments? In this episode, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu continue uncovering a striking web of connections between Jacob’s deception in Genesis 27 and the Revelation at Sinai in Exodus 19. As they explore these interwoven parallels, they reveal a profound shift in roles—Father becoming Son, Son becoming Father—and examine how God’s choice to reveal Himself through cloud and sound echoes Jacob’s own veiled encounter with Isaac. But these parallels aren’t just literary—they hold deep theological stakes. If Jacob’s disguise at the moment of blessing teaches us something about hidden identities, what does that mean for how we perceive God at Sinai? And by embracing our own limitations, could we, like Yitzchak, learn to truly listen? Check out the scene from Close Encounters of the Third Kind that Rabbi Fohrman referenced in this episode: Watch here . For more on Rabbi Fohrman's reading of the deception story, see this essay from his book Genesis: A Parsha Companion , as well as this video Why Did Rebecca Trick Her Husband Isaac . A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.…

A Book Like No Other

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S4 Ep. 1 Reexamining Revelation: The Challenge of Chosenness 27:48

7 weeks ago27:48

27:48

At the heart of Judaism's chosenness lies an unexpected twist that few have noticed. Rabbi Fohrman stumbles upon a shocking connection between two of the Bible's most pivotal moments - one that completely transforms our understanding of what it means to be chosen. This discovery not only challenges centuries of religious interpretation but might just change how you see your own relationship with God. For more on Rabbi Fohrman's reading of the deception story, see this essay from his book Genesis: A Parsha Companion , as well as this video Why Did Rebecca Trick Her Husband Isaac . A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.…

A Book Like No Other

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S4 Ep. 2 Rethinking Chosenness: From Favoritism to Universal Blessing 37:41

7 weeks ago37:41

37:41

What if one of the Torah's most troubling stories - Jacob deceiving his father to get a blessing - is actually the key to understanding why God chose the Jewish people? In this episode, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu make a surprising discovery: the story of Mount Sinai mirrors Jacob's deception in unexpected ways. But rather than just repeating a tale of favoritism, God transforms it into something beautiful: a story about being chosen not for power, but to bring blessing to all nations. Ready to see the Torah in a whole new light? For more on Rabbi Fohrman's reading of the deception story, see this essay from his book Genesis: A Parsha Companion , as well as this video Why Did Rebecca Trick Her Husband Isaac . A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.…

A Book Like No Other

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S3 Ep. 5 Esther as the Redeemer of the Garden of Eden 59:01

13 weeks ago59:01

59:01

In this final episode of the season, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu explore how Esther's narrative offers a redeemed perspective on Adam and Eve's story. Delving into Esther's courageous moments before King Achashverosh, Rabbi Fohrman highlights her heroism while challenging the simplistic view of Esther as merely a master manipulator. Instead, Rabbi Fohrman suggests a deeper understanding of Esther's character—one that transcends conventional morality grounded in objectivity and power. As they reflect on these insights, the conversation prompts a profound question: Could our true moral compass be rooted in our most intimate impulse—the impulse to love? A Book Like No Other is an exclusive product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. If you loved this episode and are already a member of Aleph Beta, make sure you’re logged in to listen to upcoming episodes. We’ll even give you a private RSS feed so you can keep listening on your favorite podcasting app. Feel free to email info@alephbeta.org if you have any trouble. And if you’re not a member…what are you waiting for? Click here and become a member to access this new season of A Book Like No Other, as well as our full library of over 1,000 videos and podcasts. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.…

A Book Like No Other

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S3 Ep. 4 A Competing Cast of Characters in the Megillah 49:28

14 weeks ago49:28

49:28

Rabbi Fohrman shares a dizzying discovery: a competing Tree of Knowledge story in the Megillah. But instead of replacing the first cast of characters, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu analyze how this discovery adds another layer of meaning embedded in the Megillah. Esther, in particular, moves into the forefront, and Rabbi Fohrman and Imu discuss how her actions can be understood as a redemption of the Garden of Eden. A Book Like No Other is an exclusive product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. If you loved this episode and are already a member of Aleph Beta, make sure you’re logged in to listen to upcoming episodes. We’ll even give you a private RSS feed so you can keep listening on your favorite podcasting app. Feel free to email info@alephbeta.org if you have any trouble. And if you’re not a member…what are you waiting for? Click here and become a member to access this new season of A Book Like No Other, as well as our full library of over 1,000 videos and podcasts. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.…

A Book Like No Other

1
S3 Ep. 3 Haman’s Godly Ambitions 34:26

15 weeks ago34:26

34:26

Rabbi Fohrman and Imu discover that it’s not only Haman who has a counterpart in Eden. There’s a whole list of characters from Megillat Esther who are playing out a version of the Tree of Knowledge story. But what is the Megillah trying to tell us by taking this story from the beginning of Genesis and replaying it here at the end of Tanach? It’s not just about Haman’s being a supervillain. There’s something for all of us to learn here about what happens when humans try to play God. A Book Like No Other is an exclusive product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. If you loved this episode and are already a member of Aleph Beta, make sure you’re logged in to listen to upcoming episodes. We’ll even give you a private RSS feed so you can keep listening on your favorite podcasting app. Feel free to email info@alephbeta.org if you have any trouble. And if you’re not a member…what are you waiting for? Click here and become a member to access this new season of A Book Like No Other, as well as our full library of over 1,000 videos and podcasts. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.…

A Book Like No Other

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S3 Ep. 2 Finding Haman’s Character in the Garden of Eden 51:00

16 weeks ago51:00

51:00

Note for Premium Members: This episode is part of our free release of "A Book Like No Other." If you're a premium subscriber, you already have access to this content in your premium feed. Rabbi Fohrman and Imu explore parallels between Megillat Esther and the Garden of Eden, beginning from the hint in the Midrash that links Haman to the Tree of Knowledge. The familiar characters from these well-known stories suddenly appear in a new light, as Haman becomes even more villainous, and Adam’s defiance becomes even more shocking. A Book Like No Other is an exclusive product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. New to A Book Like No Other? Welcome! This is our first-ever free release of this premium series. If you enjoy this episode, become an Aleph Beta member to access our full library of over 1,000 videos and podcasts, including future episodes of this season. Visit alephbeta.org to join. Premium members: Already enjoying this series? Make sure you're logged in to access upcoming episodes through your private RSS feed. Need help? Email info@alephbeta.org . A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.…

A Book Like No Other

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S3 Ep. 1 The Hidden Angels in the Megillah 33:45

17 weeks ago33:45

33:45

Note for Premium Members: This episode is part of our free release of "A Book Like No Other." If you're a premium subscriber, you already have access to this content in your premium feed. The Book of Esther has no Divine instructions, no prophecies, no outright miracles. God doesn't even get mentioned. We all love hearing how Mordechai and Esther saved their people in a time of crisis – but does this story have any moral message for us? As we're listening to the Megillah on Purim, what can we learn about coming close to God in our everyday lives? Join Imu Shalev and Rabbi David Fohrman as they dive deeply into Megillat Esther to find an answer to this question. They start off with a very odd set of comments from our sages, claiming that there were angels at work in the Esther story. The Megillah doesn't say anything about angels, so what on earth made the rabbis think that? Rabbi Fohrman teases the possibility that these strange angel stories are all pointing to a link between Esther, a narrative from the end of Tanach, and another story all the way back in Genesis. If we explore that connection, we may eventually find the key to the Megillah's moral message. A Book Like No Other is an exclusive product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. New to A Book Like No Other? Welcome! This is our first-ever free release of this premium series. If you enjoy this episode, become an Aleph Beta member to access our full library of over 1,000 videos and podcasts, including future episodes of this season. Visit alephbeta.org to join. Premium members: Already enjoying this series? Make sure you're logged in to access upcoming episodes through your private RSS feed. Need help? Email info@alephbeta.org . A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.…

A Book Like No Other

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S2 Ep. 5 What About Moses? 45:14

1 year ago45:14

45:14

In the concluding episode of the season, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu delve deep into the perplexing issue of Moshe's legacy. In a thought-provoking discussion, they explore the paradox of Moshe – how could a leader uniquely equipped to empathize with those of mixed heritage, have no compassion for the Mekallel, a man who shared his challenging beginnings? The conversation traces back to Moshe's own experiences balancing justice and compassion as a young man, and explores how Moshe, as a leader, consistently displayed these qualities—until a pivotal moment when something changed. Join Rabbi Fohrman and Imu as they navigate the twists and turns of this intriguing narrative, shedding light on the complexities of Moshe's character and leaving listeners with a deeper understanding of the profound legacy he leaves behind. Don't miss the powerful conclusion to a series that challenges assumptions and invites reflection on the intricate nature of leadership and empathy. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.…

A Book Like No Other

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S2 Ep. 4 The Mekallel’s Return to Eden 38:22

1 year ago38:22

38:22

Is there any redemption for the mekallel? In this episode, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu head back to Leviticus to explore a fascinating connection between the mekallel, the utopian laws of the Jubilee year, and the Torah’s original utopia, Eden. This new thread of evidence shines a more uplifting light on our dark text – while unlocking unexpected insight into how we as a society may be able to offer disenfranchised individuals, like the mekallel, a more genuine and meaningful sense of belonging. To learn more about how meaningful service – avodah – is a path back to Eden, listen to this episode of Meaningful Judaism . A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.…

A Book Like No Other

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S2 Ep. 3 The Philosophy of Blasphemy and Micah’s Idol in the Book of Judges 58:16

1 year ago58:16

58:16

In this episode, Rabbi Forhman and Imu finally discuss two long-awaited topics. Firstly, what really is so wrong about blasphemy? After all, blasphemy is just words. How can words hurt God? And secondly, the much-promised epilogue to the story of the Mekallel, buried in the book of Shoftim (Judges). And as it turns out, the epilogue deals with the exact same theological issue: the human instinct to control God. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.…

A Book Like No Other

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S2 Ep. 2 Moshe and the Mekallel: A Tale of Two Outcasts 31:24

1 year ago31:24

31:24

Rabbi Fohrman and Imu continue to search for justice in the Mekallel’s harsh punishment. Does the answer lie in the strange connection they found last episode between the Mekallel and Moses? To find out, they dive into Moses' coming-of-age story in Exodus, and discover an even deeper bond between these two men who on the surface couldn’t be more different. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.…

A Book Like No Other

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S2 Ep. 1 The Blasphemer: Why Would Someone Curse God? [Full Season Now Available] 48:06

1 year ago48:06

48:06

Rabbi David Fohrman and Imu Shalev study the tale of the blasphemer, a dark and puzzling episode buried deep in Leviticus. The details of this story are scarce: an anonymous man provokes a fight in the Israelite camp, curses God, and ultimately is stoned to death as punishment. But a close read of these few short verses sends Rabbi Fohrman and Imu on a surprising journey, raising provocative moral questions about God’s judgment and uncovering an unlikely connection between the condemned blasphemer and one of the Bible’s greatest heroes. For more information about our upcoming course on Midrash click here. When registering for this course you automatically become a member of the Patrons Circle. Click here for more information on becoming a Patron and its perks. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.…

A Book Like No Other

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A Book Like No Other: Season 3 - Trailer 3:22

1 year ago3:22

3:22

A Book Like No Other is a chance to learn alongside Aleph Beta Founder and Lead Scholar, Rabbi David Fohrman, a master close reader of Torah, as he embarks on his most far-reaching and in-depth explorations. Each season is a stand-alone journey into a different Torah text. Our only goal: reading the Torah carefully, on its own terms, and following wherever that leads. Together, we'll unwrap remarkable patterns and surprising connections that lie just beneath the Torah's surface, revealing the beauty and insight that truly make the Torah a book like no other. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.…

A Book Like No Other

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Join Us for a Meaningful Tisha B'Av 2:15

2 years ago2:15

2:15

Support Book Like No Other today and gain access to tons of meaningful Tisha B'av content on the Aleph Beta website. Visit www.alephbeta.org and use the coupon code BOOK2023 . A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.…

A Book Like No Other

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What is “Meaningful Judaism”? (Introducing Aleph Beta’s brand-new podcast) 8:49

2 years ago8:49

8:49

Meaningful Judaism is Aleph Beta's latest podcast, dedicated to exploring why we do what we do in Jewish life, by diving deep into the Torah text. So many of our practices can feel like they’re just there; we go through the motions, but they don’t feel especially meaningful. In Meaningful Judaism , we search for that meaning. Each episode will take you on a journey, tackling questions such as “Why can’t we mix milk and meat?” and “What’s the meaning behind the laws of niddah?” Join our host, Imu Shalev, along with Rabbi David Fohrman and Aleph Beta’s other wonderful scholars, for this special journey. Meaningful Judaism is a project of Aleph Beta Labs . Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide. For our full library of over 1,000 videos and podcasts, please visit www.alephbeta.org . To support this podcast, subscribe to Aleph Beta . A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.…

A Book Like No Other

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S1 Epilogue: What the Tree of Life Teaches Us About Returning from Exile 1:02:02

2 years ago1:02:02

1:02:02

Join Rabbi Fohrman for a live Q&A on March 16 and ask all your burning questions on the season. Click here for more info. The exile from Eden might have been the first time humanity experienced being estranged from God’s word and presence, but it certainly wasn’t the last. How do we cope with feeling distant from God? What is a roadmap for a return to the closeness of Eden? Join Rabbi Fohrman and Imu in this bonus epilogue episode as they explore Parshat HaTeshuva, the Torah’s emotional roadmap for how any of us can come back. To learn more about how God bears witness to the Israelites’ trauma in Egyptian servitude, check out the course, The Three Great Lies of the Exodus , which Imu mentions in this episode. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.…

A Book Like No Other

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S1 Ep. 6: How to Grow a Garden 47:12

2 years ago47:12

47:12

In the sixth and final episode of this series, Rabbi Fohrman and Imu grapple with some of the big picture questions that emerge from their theory of the Tree and its connection to Torah – and consider what the Tree may ultimately be teaching us about how to connect to God’s words. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.…

A Book Like No Other

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S1 Ep. 5: The Second Half of the Story 44:59

2 years ago44:59

44:59

In this episode, Rabbi Fohrman reveals where we find the second half of the return of the Tree and, in the process, offers a powerful message about the impact of our actions in this world. Fascinated by the parallels Rabbi Fohrman points out in this episode? Check out these Aleph Beta courses mentioned in the podcast to learn even more: Moshe and Tzipporah at the Inn and Shavuot: Why do we celebrate “Law-Day” ? A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.…

A Book Like No Other

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S1 Ep. 4: Beyond the Garden Walls 52:15

2 years ago52:15

52:15

Last episode, Rabbi Fohrman promised that the Tree of Life isn’t left behind in Eden, never to be seen again once we’re exiled from the Garden. The tree actually returns! In this episode, we find out where and when – and begin to see how the tree’s return impacts the larger narrative of the entire Torah. To read more about An Exodus You Almost Passed Over, Rabbi’s Fohrman’s book mentioned in this episode, click here . And if you’re curious to learn more about the Aleph Beta course Rabbi Fohrman mentions, Moshe and Tzipporah at the Inn, click here . A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.…

A Book Like No Other

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S1 Ep. 3: Confronting the Theory Killer 55:51

2 years ago55:51

55:51

Last episode, Rabbi Fohrman introduced a provocative new theory that re-envisioned the Garden of Eden, and began resolving all the puzzles raised in Episode One. But this theory has a fatal flaw – it seems to flatly contradict one verse, Genesis 3:22. Can Rabbi Fohrman reconcile the evidence or are we back to square one? A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.…

A Book Like No Other

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S1 BONUS Epilogue to Episode 3 19:32

2 years ago19:32

19:32

Who wouldn’t want to eat from the Tree of Life and live eternally? Join Rabbi Fohrman and host, Imu Shalev, in this bonus episode as they explore the deep and meaningful implications of Rabbi Fohrman’s theory and consider what the tree — and Torah — might offer that's even better than eternal life. To learn more about the ideas Rabbi Fohrman and Imu discuss here, check out these Aleph Beta courses mentioned in this episode: Grappling with Loss and How to Merit Long Life: A Hidden Message about Honoring our Mothers . A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.…

A Book Like No Other

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S1 Ep. 2: The Paradigm Shift 50:17

2 years ago50:17

50:17

Last episode left us scratching our heads over those two strange trees in the Garden. In this episode, Rabbi Fohrman begins answering our questions on the beginning of the Torah through the help of a clue found all the way at the Torah’s very end – and in the process, develops a single, paradigm shifting theory that re-envisions the simple layout of the Garden itself. Want to learn more about what Rabbi Fohrman calls the two creation stories? Click here to check out his course, A Tale of Two Names, mentioned in this episode. A Book Like No Other is a product of Aleph Beta, and made possible through the generous support of Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide.…

A Book Like No Other

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S1 Ep. 1: The Elephant in the… Garden 26:11

2 years ago26:11