The Greatest Parasha Podcast

Episod

• Naso: Rabbi Nathan Zaboulani on Shimshon and Nezirut 28.05.2026 21min

  In this week's episode, Rabbi Zaboulani joins to discuss the purpose of nezirut and how being a nazir was fundamental to Shimshon's style of leadership.
• Shavout & Naso: Why We Learn on Shavuot 20.05.2026 16min

  Thoughts based on a shiur given by Rabbi David Aaron. We explore why the chag has no physical mitzvah, what really happened at Sinai, and how Naso shows us how to live inside it. Sorry for the different episode format this week, back to normal next week!
• Bemidbar: Rav Binny Freedman on Counting in the Desert and Receiving Torah 15.05.2026 23min

  We are joined by Rav Binny Freedman, who discusses the insights of counting the Omer, the hidden significance of the desert, and the journey to achieve Torah.
• Behar Behukotai: Rabbi Richard Tobias on the Underlying Lessons of Shemita 06.05.2026 22min

  In this week's episode, Rabbi Tobias joins to discuss the deeper lessons behind shemita, and how those lessons relate to the larger themes of Sefer Vayikra as a whole.
• Emor: Emma Dayan on the Lechem HaPanim 01.05.2026 9min

  This week, we dive into the deeper purpose of the shulchan and the lechem hapanim.
• Aharei Mot-Kedoshim: Michael Franco on Our People and Our Purpose 24.04.2026 26min

  This week, Dr. Michael Franco joins us to explore the central themes of Aharei Mot-Kedoshim. Follow along using the charts below:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MrxTG_TfmwEX0C7yoe9DrlZAECJkJ-wT/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=115602880636174608461&rtpof=true&sd=trueTo hear more from Dr. Franco, check out his podcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/3v3NH9LEJZIJCuxfHYSHF1?si=64UxNzu_Q2GiiwdAz9J-Jw
• Tazria Tahor (Metzora): Rabbi Joseph Beyda on "Understanding" Tzaraat 16.04.2026 13min

  This week, we are joined by Rabbi Jospeh Beyda to try and derive meaning from a seriously technical parasha.
• Pesach: Yaakov Wolff on Freedom, Money, and Dignity 30.03.2026 22min

  We are joined by Yaakov Wolff, podcast host of Shtark Tank (https://open.spotify.com/show/34xll8GhTfu1BiRdhb8AyR?si=85ae84dadad2470f) to discuss Pesach and Yetziat Mitzrayim.Chag Sameach and Shabbat Shalom!
• Tzav: Rabbanit Sally Mayer on Understanding the Korban Todah 25.03.2026 20min

  This week, we are joined by Rabbanit Sally Mayer to delve into the deeper meaning behind the Korban Todah!
• Vaykira: Roundtable on the Purpose of Korbanot 17.03.2026 30min

  This week we switch things up with a roundtable format. Benny Attar, Nava Gelb, and Adin Halbfinger join to discuss the real purpose of korbanot, working through four classic positions: obedience to divine command, moral repentance and confronting mortality, the Rambam's cultural accommodation theory, and the kabbalistic view of spiritual repair.
• Vayekhel-Pekude: David Tawil on Materialism, Spirituality and Intention 11.03.2026 23min

  This week, we are joined by David Tawil to understand our contemporary understanding of materialism, purpose and spiritual connection. David offers deep insights into the symbolism of the Mishkan and the Egel, emphasizing how these lessons can inspire us to infuse daily life with higher purpose and intentionality.Please join us in continuing to pray and learn Torah for the strength and success of Medinat Yisrael.
• Ki Tisa: Rabbi Dani Ritholtz on Aharon's Leadership 05.03.2026 19min

  In this weeks episode, Rabbi Dani Ritholtz joins us to explore Aharon's role in the golden calf crisis, examining his motives and transformation into Kohen Gadol.
• Tesave: Rav Daniel Peled-Schwartz on Fullness and Faith 27.02.2026 20min

  In this week's episode, Rav Daniel Peled-Schwartz joins to discuss the meaning of fullness as it relates to the mishkan and our adovdat hashem.Rav Daniel Peled-Schwartz is the JLIC Rabbi at Columbia University.
• Terumah: Dr. Miriam Tawil on the Purpose of the Mishkan 20.02.2026 15min

  This week, Dr. Miriam Tawil joins to discuss the purpose of the mishkan and how we can continue to bring God into our midst today.Dr. Miriam Tawil is the founder and director of Midreshet Eshel in Jerusalem.
• Mishpatim: Rabbi Dr. Richard Hidary on Communal Responsibility 12.02.2026 19min

  In this week's episode, Rabbi Dr. Richard Hidary joins to unpack a variety of topics in the parasha, including eved ivri, berit haaganot, and shabbat shekalim. Rabbi Dr. Richard Hidary is an associate professor of Judaic Studies at Yeshiva University and a rabbi at Sephardic Synagogue.
• Yitro: Rabbi David Tawil on Crossing Spiritual Lines 04.02.2026 23min

  In this week's episode, Rabbi David Tawil joins to delve into the significance of boundaries at Har Sinai and their role in spiritual growth. Rabbi Tawil explains how the boundaries set during the revelation were crucial for the Jewish people's spiritual survival and how crossing them could lead to disaster. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding personal limits to avoid spiritual burnout and achieve sustainable growth.
• Beshalach: Yoetzet Halacha Yaffa Setton on Shirat HaYam 29.01.2026 20min

  In this week's episode, Yoetzet Halacha Yaffa Setton joins to explore the significance of song in our relationship with God and the natural leadership of Miriam.
• Bo: Rabbi Uri Pilichowski on Recognizing Modern Miracles 21.01.2026 14min

  In this week's episode, Rabbi Uri Pilichowski joins to explore the miracles around us. Rabbi Pilichowski shares insights on recognizing modern-day miracles and the importance of strengthening our relationship with God. Tune in to discover how ancient lessons can inspire us today.Rabbi Uri Pilichowski is a senior educator at Nefesh B’Nefesh’s Zionist Education Initiative, where he inspires thousands of visitors each year through dialogue on Zionism, Israel, and Jewish identity. He is an author, columnist for The Jewish Press and The Jerusalem Post, a sought after speaker, and lives in Mitzpe Yericho with his wife Aliza and their six children.
• Shemot: Rav Menachem Leibtag on the Purpose of Yetziat Mitzrayim 09.01.2026 18min

  In this week's episode, Rav Menachem Leibtag joins to help us better understand the purpose of yetziat mitzrayim, discussing why God needed Paroh to kick the Jews out of Egypt and how that collective memory shapes us as a people.Rav Menachem Leibtag is a teacher at Yeshivat Gush Etzion, Midreshet Lindenbaum, Shaalvim, and Matan. Read more of his essays on Parashat HaShavua on his website, tanach.org
• Vayechi: Rav Moish Kornblum on Yaakov's Blessings 01.01.2026 15min

  In this week’s episode, we are joined by Rabbi Moish Kornblum to delve into the complexities of parental blessings in the Torah, focusing on the blessings given by Yaakov Avinu to his sons. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the nature of blessings and their impact on personal growth.Rav Moish is the Assistant Dean at Yeshiva Orayta and former congregational rabbi in Cape Town.