Best Marriage Dynamics Institute Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 221 - Parshat Shelach: Wedding Realism with Gratitude 45:32

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3d ago45:32

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In this conversation with Rabbanit Rachelle Sprecher Fraenkel, we explore where the spies went wrong, the possibility that their sin was inevitable, and where this registers in the current Israeli reality. Rabbanit Rachelle is the director of Matan's Hilkhata program and is also co-founder of The Jerusalem Unity Prize and Unity Day. Our Bamidbar Se…

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Seven Biblical Readings for a Post October 7th World (Episode 7): Contemporary Biblical Heroism 46:21

8d ago46:21

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Over the last year and a half, many have reflected that these times feel 'biblical.' There is a sense that the ongoing war and the surrounding societal shifts feel more significant than ever. Some of this 'biblical' scale has to do with the struggle for land and legitimacy, and some of it seems to be rooted in the heroism and clarity of the soldier…

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Episode 220 - Parshat Bhaalotcha: The Breaking Point 39:25

9d ago39:25

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In this week's conversation with Rabbanit Dr. Adina Sternberg, we discuss the breakdown of leadership in the parsha as well as the fascinating correlation between Moshe's self-perception as a mother to the people with the laws of the 'rebellious son.'Our Bamidbar Series is exploring different forms of leadership in the book and in the Jewish world.…

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Episode 219 - Parshat Naso: Leadership in the Wilderness Encampment 33:36

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In this moving conversation with Rabbanit Shani Taragin, we explore the different forms of religious and lay leadership in the parsha that will continue to guide the people as they travel through the wilderness.Our Bamidbar Series is exploring different forms of leadership in the book and in the Jewish world.This week's episode has been sponsored b…

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Episode 218 - Shavuot Special: Foundations of Torah 52:03

20d ago52:03

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In this meaningful conversation with Dr. Elana Stein Hain, we probe our individual spiritual biographies in search of what drew us into Torah life and a love of learning. We also reflect candidly about our roles as educators at work and in our homes. Chag Sameach!By Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast

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Seven Biblical Readings for a Post Oct. 7th World (Ep 6): Women in Combat with Rabbanit Malke Bina 51:14

22d ago51:14

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In this episode with Matan president Rabbanit Malke Bina, we explore the Devorah narrative in Judges 4-5 and take a deeper look at her and Yael's roles in combat and as a religious leader. We then think about the changing role of women in combat and non-combat positions today. Rabbanit Malke Bina founded Matan in 1988 and served as Chancellor for 3…

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Episode 217 - Parshat Bamidbar: Re-Creating Order 34:01

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In this beautiful conversation with Gila Fine, we explore the textual complexities of the book of Bamidbar and uncover why it may be the most intricately organized book of the Torah. Moments of chaos and breakdown communicate the need for a new order, and this is exactly what the book of Bamidbar underscores.Our Bamidbar series will be focusing on …

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Seven Biblical Readings for a Post October 7th World (Ep 5): A New Covenant with Dr. Malka Simkovich 55:14

29d ago55:14

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Jeremiah 30-31 are chapters often quoted and sung because of their beautiful images of divine closeness, renewal, and the posthumous figure of Rachel crying in prayer for the return of her exiled children.Dr. Malka Simkovich, who spent more than a decade teaching in Christian settings, always overlooked these prophecies as significant for the Jewis…

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Episode 216 - Parshat Behar-Bechukotai: Broadening the Halakhic Lens 56:45

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This week's episode with Rabbanit Surale Rosen closes our series on the lived experience of Torah observance.The conversation begins with an idea rooted in our parsha regarding an ethic that may have preceded the official giving of Torah and continues on to explore some of the tensions between Halakhic life and secular sensibilities both in Israel …

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Seven Biblical Readings for a Post October 7th World (Ep 4): The Elongated Journey 1:06:21

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In this moving conversation, we explore the book of Numbers through the lens of a short journey to a promised land that suddenly went awry, in search of emotional guidance in the face of a war that has continued for longer than the Israeli public anticipated. What does the book of Bamidbar have to tell us about daily life in the face of fear? Why d…

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Episode 215 - Parshat Emor: Contemporary Challenges of Prohibited Priestly Marriages 46:02

1M ago46:02

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In this fascinating and sensitive conversation with Rabbanit Dr. Jennie Rosenfeld, we discuss her involvement in the world of Halakhic writing and guidance as well as the modern challenges that arise from observance of priestly marriage prohibitions. Our Vayikra series focuses on the lived experience of Torah observance and explores some of the har…

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Seven Biblical Readings for a Post October 7th World (Ep3): A Deafening Silence with Yael Leibowitz 54:35

1M ago54:35

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In this difficult but important conversation, we explore biblical texts that illustrate how violence against women correlates with a morally decaying society. This episode directly responds to the world's horrifying silence in the face of rape and mutilazation on October 7th and candidly explores why this is such a hard topic to face head on.Yael L…

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Episode 214 - Parshat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim: Jewish Sexual Values and Ethics in this Modern Moment 55:29

1M ago55:29

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This episode brings together the Matan Podcast with the hosts of Intimate Judaism, R. Scott Kahn and Talli Rosenbaum, to discuss the tensions between Jewish sexual ethics and modern sexual trends. What is a Jewish sexual ethic and how much is it related to what appears in the verses of the Torah? What are some of the biggest challenges facing the O…

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Seven Biblical Readings for a Post October 7th World (Episode 2): Journeying Through Grief with Dr. Tanya White 46:12

2M ago46:12

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This week Dr. Tanya White shares a novel reading of Terah's journey to Canaan through the lens of grief and how Abraham manages to pick up where his father left off. Dr. Tanya White is a senior lecturer at Matan and Bar-Ilan and the host of the acclaimed podcast series, Books and Beyond: The Rabbi Sacks Podcast. This is a special podcast miniseries…

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Episode 213 - Parshat Tazria-Metzora: Concentric Circles: Layers that Define, Separate, and Unite 51:34

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In this fascinating conversation with R. Alex Israel, we explore several perspectives on Tzaraat impurity and what this means for us today. We conclude with a study of the parsha's haftara reading about the four lepers (II Melachim 7) and how it relates to this week's national days of remembrance and gratitude. Our Vayikra series focuses on the liv…

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Seven Biblical Readings for a Post Oct. 7th World (Ep. 1): Noah,Jonah and the Search for Resilience 54:18

2M ago54:18

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This is a special podcast miniseries produced by Matan and hosted by Dr. Yosefa Fogel Wruble. The series will comprise seven episodes to be aired during the seven weeks of the Omer counting between the holidays of Pesach and Shavuot.Each week we will be re-reading iconic biblical texts in light of the changing Israeli, Jewish, and world realities.T…

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Episode 212 - Parshat Shmini: Kashrut, From Source to Practice 1:08:49

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In this fascinating conversation with Rabbanit Dena (Freundlich) Rock, we use the repeated verse, "Do not cook a kid in a mother's milk" to explore the relationship between Halakhic development and its divine source. Then we explore different rationales for Kashrut laws as well as the reasons why observant Jews wait different amounts of time betwee…

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39. What Every Husband Needs to Hear (Mark Daniel's Story) 30:49

2M ago30:49

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Marriage Dynamics and the Dynamic Marriage Uncovered Podcast is proud to introduce you to Mark Daniel. There’s no doubt, Mark Daniel loves God. Everything he has done and continues to do in his professional and personal life, points to a passionate and servant-like leadership unmatched by most. Even after losing his wife, he continues to share and …

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Episode 211: The Pesach Sacrifice: Meaning in the Details 46:31

2M ago46:31

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In this episode with R. Yitzchak Blau, we zoom in on the laws of the Pesach sacrifice in order to zoom out on its meaning within the Exodus experience. Taking the animal on the 10th of the month, spreading its blood on the doorpost and so many other details that seem far removed from our modern reality, become the keys to kernels of wisdom explored…

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Episode 210- Parshat Vayikra: The Debate Over Korbanot, Then and Now 37:47

3M ago37:47

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Our Vayikra series will be focusing on Mitzvah observance, but we wanted to make sure to include at least one broader conversation about sacrifices as a central form of worship.So this week we are re-broadcasting one of our most popular episodes about sacrifices with Dr. Tova Ganzel. Ganzel explores with us the ancient roots of sacrificial worship,…

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Episode 209 - Parshat Pekudei: Mishkan Shiloh, Then and Now 59:56

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In this episode, which closes our episodes on national formation, beloved tour guide Shulie Mishkin walks us through the biblical reality and significance of the Mishkan's long-standing home in Shiloh. Chazak, Chazak, V'nitchazek! Stay tuned for our Vayikra series which focuses on mitzvah observance and a Torah way of life. The series asked what ax…

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Episode 208 - Parshat Vayakel: The Wonders of Human Creation 1:00:52

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This week's conversation with R. David Fohrman, beloved Tanakh teacher and principal educator at Aleph Beta, was a joy. We begin by thinking about the connection between Betzalel and the world's creation. We ponder the wonders of AI and the relationship between the womb and God's contraction (tzimtzum), and then flesh out the fascinating textual an…

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Episode 207 - Parshat Ki Tisa: The Inevitability of Sin and the Gift of Forgiveness 1:10:05

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For this week’s episode, we had the unique opportunity to sit down with Professor Leon Kass, Dean of Faculty at Shalem College and the author of Shemot commentary, 'Founding God's Nation. Leon Kass is a lifelong enthusiast of liberal education and was trained in medicine and biochemistry before shifting from the practice of science to thinking abou…

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Episode 206: Parshat Tetzaveh - Clothing as a First Principle 1:00:20

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In this illuminating conversation with Rabbanit Shayna Goldberg, we begin by discussing the centrality of priestly clothing in this week's parsha and then broaden the conversation by exploring other biblical manifestations of clothing alongside its personal and societal functions.This is an episode worth sharing with your teenagers. It really steer…

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38. A Covenant Marriage (Andy and Laura Sink) 35:04

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Andy and Laura Sink have been married for thirty-two years and live in Birmingham, Alabama. They have three adult children and one grandson, and are active members of Redeemer Community Church where they are leaders in marriage ministry. They are extremely passionate about helping married couples, and together they have been been facilitators of th…

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Episode 205 - Parshat Truma: Joint National Projects and the Rationality of Tzimtzum 1:00:52

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In this whimsical chevrutah with Dr. Sam Lebens, we discuss the centrality of the Mishkan as a societal building project and why there really is no other rational way to understand God's dwelling among the people without the concept of 'contraction' (tzimtzum). To learn more about Sam and his work, check out his website: https://www.samlebens.com/T…

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Episode 204 - Parshat Mishpatim: Halakhic Applications, Then and Now 1:04:58

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In this fascinating conversation with Professor Chaim Saiman, we explore foundational understandings of how the rabbinic system of law developed and is enforced. The conversation then turns to the judiciary role of American rabbinical courts today and how this compares and contrasts with trends in Israel. Check out Prof. Saiman's Book Halakha here:…

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Episode 203: Parshat Yitro - Honoring One's Parents in Theory and Practice 52:51

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In this candid conversation with Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash, we explore the halakhic obligations and limits of the commandment to honor one's parents in an age where the parent-child relationship has undergone tremendous change. The series asks what axiomatic ideas sit at the root of Israel’s national formation, without which we wouldn’t be wh…

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Episode 202: Parshat Beshalach - A Mute God and Mud on Our Shoes 1:01:55

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In this episode with R. Joe Wolfson, we explore the nation's experience crossing the Red Sea through a series of midrashic readings that provide greater human depth and emotional contour to the written text. R. Wolfson reminds us how Chazal's dynamic interpretations often provide a bridge between the biblical account and our lived experiences. The …

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37. The Passion of Avon & Valorie 36:14

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Avon and Valorie Banks have devoted over thirty years to serving God's people, focusing on strengthening marriages and families. Both are U.S. Army veterans and became certified marriage facilitators in 2006. They founded a Marriage Ministry that utilizes Christ-centered teachings, coaching, and retreats to assist hundreds of couples in building he…

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Special Live Event In honor of reaching 200 episodes 1:02:21

5M ago1:02:21

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In honor of reaching 200 episodes, we held a special live event at Meshek 48 in Rosh Tzurim on motzei shabbat, Parshat Shemot.Our conversation focused on the women of Parshat Shemot: the midwives, Moshe's mother, Moshe's sister, and Bat Pharaoh. We spoke about their heroic roles in the parsha and about modern iterations of these women that we have …

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Episode 201: Parshat Bo - Storytelling as a First Principle 49:44

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In this deeply probing conversation with Matan lecturer Rachel Sharansky Danziger, we study Shemot 12 which focuses on the current exodus as well as its future retelling. Why is storytelling such a central tool at this point in our nation's early history? Is there an ethic of truth embedded in storytelling? How is storytelling relevant to our curre…

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Episode 200 - Parshat Vaera: Egalitarianism as a First Principle 53:17

5M ago53:17

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We continue our Shemot series titled, "First Principles of Nationhood," with R. Dr. Joshua Berman with whom we explore how the Torah revolutionized the role and responsibilities of the individual in a religious society. This episode relates to this week's parsha as well as so many later narratives and laws in Shemot and beyond. The series asks what…

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Episode 199 - Shemot: The Surprising Roots of a Torah Society 47:48

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This week we open our Shemot series titled, "First Principles of Nationhood." The series asks what axiomatic ideas sit at the root of Israel's national formation, without which we wouldn't be who we are? How might we adjust our current trends in the Jewish world to realign with these principles?For this opening episode, we sat down with Matan teach…

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Episode 198 - Parshat Vayechi: When Two Roads Diverge 37:30

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In this fascinating conversation with Dr. Elana Stein Hain we develop and challenge a creative and meaningful theory that compares Yosef's life trajectory to the figure of Kayin.Chazak, chazak, v'nitchazek!Our Shemot series titled, 'First Principles of Nationhood,' begins next week.If you live in Israel, come to our SPECIAL 200th episode EVENT in M…

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Episode 197 - Parshat Vayigash: Leading with the Heart 50:41

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In this conversation with Dr. Danielle Bloom that organically interweaves theories of psychology and biblical commentaries, we discuss the parallel life trajectories of Yehuda and Yosef, both of whom evolve before our eyes to become more empathetic leaders of family and nation.This week’s episode has been sponsored in prayer for the full recovery o…

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36. The Dynamic Couple - Rich and Patty Green! 34:58

6M ago34:58

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Marriage Dynamics is excited to host Master Facilitators, Rich and Patty Green. Rich is Campus Pastor of Compass Christian Church in Colleyville, Texas, and his wife Patty is Memory Care Director and a published author. The Green's leadership (in person) as well as online, continues to have exceptional influence on couples around the country. You'l…

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Episode 196 - Parshat Miketz: The Narratives that No Longer Serve Us 44:23

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This conversation with Dr. Ayelet Hoffmann Libson seeks to understand to what degree Yosef pursues the fulfillment of his childhood dreams, and how the tension between actively pursuing and letting go of the things we want is so complex.This episode has been sponsored by Barbara and Joel Rich in memory of the fifth yahrtzeit of Barbara’s brother Sh…

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Episode 195 - Parshay Vayeshev: Becoming a Representative of God 46:25

6M ago46:25

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In this conversation with beloved Matan teacher Dr. Tanya White, we delve into the character molding that transforms Yosef from a self-focused youth into a statesman and caretaker of his family. The turning point will surprise you.Look out for Tanya's new podcast on Rabbi Sack's Torah put out by the Rabbi Sacks Legacy:https://rabbisacks.org/books-a…

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Episode 194 - Parshat Vayishlach: The Struggles of Yaakov 49:27

6M ago49:27

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In this searching and candid conversation with Chaya Cowen, we explore the internal struggles of Yaakov through psychological insights as well as Chassidic ones. Our Breishit series titled, ‘These are Our Heroes’ explores the highs and lows of our greatest biblical figures.To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode, visit the Matan Website’s D…

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Episode 193 - Parshat Vayetze: Rachel and Leah as Paradigms 39:29

7M ago39:29

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In this episode with R. Alex Israel, we discuss the sister dynamic between Rachel and Leah, their relationships with Yaakov and how these dynamics impact future generations.Our Breishit series titled, ‘These are Our Heroes’ explores the highs and lows of our greatest biblical figures. This week's episode is sponsored in memory of Harav Yitzchak Cha…

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35. Facilitating With Integrity (Chris & Christine Patterson) 25:53

7M ago25:53

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This California couple met at a church gathering, with a heart full of passion to make their lives significant, not only to God and to each other - but eventually to help other couples. Meet Chris and Christine Patterson who have an ultimate desire to teach couples through integrity and to also facilitate MDI’s courses. They have seen and experienc…

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Episode 192 - Parshat Toldot: A Portrait of Yitzchak 51:47

7M ago51:47

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In this conversation with Rabbanit Debbie Zimmerman, she paints a sensitive and nuanced portrait of our most understated patriarch, Yitzchak. While some describe Yitzchak as passive and a dutiful follower of Avraham's theological revolution, in this episode we meet an attentive and serene depiction of Yitzchak's life stories.Our Breishit series tit…

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Episode 191- Parshat Chayei Sara: The Qualities of Rivka 33:25

7M ago33:25

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In this conversation with Rabbanit Rachel Weber Leshaw, we discuss Rivka's entry into the family and how her qualities make her a fitting life partner for Yitzchak.Our Breishit series titled, ‘These are Our Heroes’ explores the highs and lows of our greatest biblical figures.This week's episode has been sponsored by Barbara and Joel Rich to mark th…

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Episode 190- Parshat Vayera : A Portrait of Sara Imenu 50:54

7M ago50:54

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In this probing conversation with Michal Porath-Zibman, we discuss the highs and lows of Sara's life with particular focus on her absent, yet resounding, presence in the story of the binding of Yitzchak.Our Breishit series titled, ‘These are Our Heroes’ explores the highs and lows of our greatest biblical figures.This podcast has been dedicated by …

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34. Online Connection And In Line with God’s Purpose (Zackery & Emma Matovu) 31:15

8M ago31:15

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Zackery and Emma Matovu met online through a Facebook church page and this virtual connection was solidified early on with their aligned values of faith. Their story isn't perfect, but it's encouraging for all couples who come into a marriage after a divorce. This blended family has given God all the glory for their passion to not only build their …

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Episode 189 - Parshat Lech Lecha: Avraham at War 37:35

8M ago37:35

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In this conversation with Dr. Chana Tannenbaum, we discuss the often overlooked story about the war between the kings (Br. 14) and what broader religious paradigms it reflects. Our Breishit series titled, ‘These are Our Heroes’ explores the highs and lows of our greatest biblical figures.To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode visit the Mat…

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Episode 188 - Parshat Noach: On Feeling Flooded 36:57

8M ago36:57

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In this conversation with Dr. Mijal Bitton, we discuss Noach's emotional state after the flood and from where one can draw strength in hard times.Our Breishit series titled, 'These are Our Heroes' explores the highs and lows of our greatest biblical figures. To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode visit the Matan Website's DONATE page: http…

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Episode 187 - Parshat Breishit : The Three Calls to Mankind 52:13

8M ago52:13

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This week's conversation with Rachel Sharansky Danziger opens our Breishit Series titled, 'These are our Heroes,' which explores a central figure from each parsha, asking our guests what is meaningful, inspiring, powerful, challenging, and thought-provoking about their behaviors. This week, Rachel explores mankind's highs and lows in the parsha. Th…

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Episode 186 - Parshat V'zot Habracha: The Never-Ending Story 45:16

8M ago45:16

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In this conversation with Dr. Yael Ziegler we discuss the Torah of R. Mordechai Sabato on this week's parsha and the special role the land of Israel and Gan Eden play at the Torah's beginning and end. Chazak, chazak, v'nitchazek!This week's podcast is sponsored by Sara Averick and Jose Rosenfeld in memory of Sara's Aunt Rose.Stay tuned for the upco…