What do we do when we see evil unpunished? (Balak), Ep: 48

What do we do when we see evil unpunished? (Balak), Ep: 48

Author: Tablet Magazine June 29, 2020 Duration: 11:59
This week, we consider whether one can ever take the law into their own hands, and the pitfalls of vigilante justice.

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
When Productivity Got Cancelled Biblically (Behar): Ep 43 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:11
This week, we consider the sacrifices that go alongside growth and renewal, and how the commandment to let the earth rest impacted Biblical society, with insights into how those same implications play out today.
Should Jews be Holy, or Good? (Kedoshim): Ep. 42 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:23
This week we argue about whether ethical acts are equal to ritual ones, and if it’s more admirable to act because God commanded it, or because it’s simply the right thing to do.
When Biblical Demands Seem Cruel (Metzorah): Ep. 41 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:52
This week we revisit the rituals of reentry, and how the metzorah (expelling the infected) feels cruel, but maybe—especially in light of today’s pandemic—it was prescient.
The Miracle of Jewish Survival (Tzav): Ep. 40 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:25
This week, we discuss the eternal flame lit in the Temple, and whether the miracle of Jewish endurance is a good reason to stay Jewish.
Can Fashion Choices Be Holy? (Tetzaveh): Ep 38 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:39
This week we discuss the Bible's detailed descriptions of the High Priest vestments, and why clothing is such a powerful site of identity for many people.
Is God a Show-Off? (Va'era): Ep. 35 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:40
This week, we discuss the purpose of the Ten Plagues, and why God didn’t expedite the whole Exodus-from-Egypt thing.
Take One from Tablet Magazine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:00
Parsha in Progress is off this week, so instead we're introducing you to Take One, the new Daf Yomi podcast from Tablet Magazine hosted by Liel Leibovitz. As Jews around the world begin a new seven-and-a-half year cycle…