YUTOPIA

Miketz 2021 – Hidden Ways

Josh November 29, 2021 What's the Point of the Midrash

In which Bereishit Rabbah 91:10 may provide an insight for how to respond to distressing situations

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Email | RSS | More

Podcast (whats-the-point-of-the-midrash): Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Email | RSS

Vayeshev 2021 – Speak from the Heart

Josh November 22, 2021 What's the Point of the Midrash

In which Genesis Rabbah 84:9 teaches the importance of speaking from the heart. Bonus: A disagreement with Rashi

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Email | RSS | More

Podcast (whats-the-point-of-the-midrash): Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Email | RSS

Vayishlach 2021 – Pick Your Battles

Josh November 15, 2021 Judaism

We take a look at Bereishit Rabbah 75:3 to consider the benefits of picking our battles.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Email | RSS | More

Podcast (whats-the-point-of-the-midrash): Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Email | RSS

Vayeitzei 2021 – Hey Jealousy

Josh November 7, 2021 What's the Point of the Midrash

In which we use Genesis Rabbah 71:6 (with a little help from The Simpsons) to learn about the nuances of jealousy.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Email | RSS | More

Podcast (whats-the-point-of-the-midrash): Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Email | RSS

Toledot 2021 – On Notice

Josh November 2, 2021 What's the Point of the Midrash

In Genesis Rabbah 65:4 we learn why simply noticing our surroundings can be so important

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Email | RSS | More

Podcast (whats-the-point-of-the-midrash): Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Email | RSS

Chayei Sarah 2021 – Blessed with Everything

Josh October 26, 2021 What's the Point of the Midrash

In which we compare opinions in Bereishit Rabbah 59:8 and Bava Batra 16b regarding what it means to be blessed with “everything”

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Email | RSS | More

Podcast (whats-the-point-of-the-midrash): Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Email | RSS

Rabbi Moshe Tendler – Memories from a Shtender Boy

Josh October 25, 2021 Judaism

Introduction

On September 28, 2021, over the holiday of Shemini Atzeret, my teacher R. Moses Tendler passed away. Due to shock and the timing of the Jewish holidays, it took some time for me to formulate coherent thoughts. I will leave it to others to discuss R. Tendler’s indelible legacy in the Jewish world and instead I would like to share some personal experiences.¹

[Continue Reading...]