We Are All Abraham (Lech Lecha): Ep. 30

We Are All Abraham (Lech Lecha): Ep. 30

Author: Tablet Magazine November 4, 2019 Duration: 11:05
This week, Dov and Abby wonder what it would mean if we all had the potential to be an Abraham, and how the divine promise of Israel lives on in Israeli politics.

In a world where ancient scripture can feel distant, Parsha in Progress offers a grounded and engaging conversation that bridges millennia. Hosted by Rabbi Dov Linzer and author Abigail Pogrebin, this podcast from Tablet Magazine features an Orthodox rabbi and a Reform Jew in a unique dialogue. Every other week, they take on the designated weekly Torah portion, examining a specific Biblical narrative or ethical dilemma at its core. Their discussion isn't a scholarly lecture but a genuine exploration, unpacking the layers of the text with both deep respect and contemporary curiosity. You'll hear how these age-old stories resonate with-and sometimes complicate-modern life, from personal ethics to societal challenges. The hosts bring their distinct perspectives with warmth, occasional humor, and a shared love for the material, making the parsha feel immediate and alive. This isn't about providing easy answers but about thinking aloud, finding nuance, and appreciating the text's enduring power. Whether you're deeply familiar with the weekly readings or simply curious about the Bible's relevance, this podcast serves as a thoughtful companion, turning a ritual of reading into an ongoing, accessible conversation. It’s a chance to listen in as two insightful minds navigate the timeless human questions embedded in the Torah, finding progress within tradition itself.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 55

Parsha in Progress
Podcast Episodes
Why Torah is Like the Rain (Ha'azinu): Ep. 54 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:29
This week, we conclude the full cycle of parshas with a candid reflection on the end of the podcast, and a consideration of what makes poetry a powerful vehicle for divine messages.
Wayward Sons and Kidnapped Women (Ki Tetzei): Ep. 52 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:05
This week, we have a lot of questions and few answers as we read some of the Bible's more unsettling passages, and consider what we could learn from situations we hope never actually happen.
Is Compassion Extra Credit? (Re'eh): Ep. 51 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:38
This week, we debate what it means to "not shut your heart" against the needy, and why compassion is no substitute for justice when it comes to righting social wrongs.
Did God Break a Promise? Did We? (Maatot-Maasei): Ep. 49 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:51
This week, we discuss whether it was a betrayal to make the Exodus generation die in the desert, and debate whether their sin of doubting the goodness of the land earlier in the Bible is similar to Jews hesitant to move…
Is Democracy Always the Divine Plan? (Korach): Ep. 47 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:08
This week, we look at the rebellion of Korach, who tried to oust Moses as leader by claiming he was no holier than the rest of the Israelites, and consider Moses' unique reaction.
Who deserves to be cut off? (Beha'alotcha): Ep. 46 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:24
This week, we look at one of the Bible's most severe punishments, that of being "cut off" from the people, and consider what actions today might separate someone from the Jewish community.
The Daily Call of Mount Sinai (Shavuot): Ep. 45 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:02
This week, we return to Mount Sinai to celebrate the holiday of Shavuot, and debate what it means to say that every day, Jews must recommit to the contract.