Episode Archives

(37) Is a Fetus a Human Being?

The New York Daily News reported last month of a 20-weeks old fetus found inside a bag on a Brooklyn street. It was given a name, Monica, and a proper funeral, where 6 NYPD officers acted as pallbearers at the service. Is a fetus is part of its mother, or an independent human being? This discussion depends upon the reading of a specific verse in Genesis. But if we determine that a fetus is a full human being, why would abortion ever be permitted, even in order to save the mother’s life? Join David and Scott for another timely discussion of abortion and Jewish thought.

Photo Credit: Theodore Parisienne/for New York Daily News

(36) A Person in a Person

Does Genesis 9:6 indicate that abortion is not only murder, but a capital crime – or is it speaking about something completely different? Join David and Scott for the continuation of their timely and important examination of the Jewish view on abortion.

(35) Abortion, Jewish Law, and the State of Israel

One of the most sensitive issues on the political landscape today is the issue of abortion. But what does Jewish law have to say about the topic? It’s complicated, and David and Scott disagree about how the broad and complex Jewish approach to abortion should be manifest in U.S. and Israeli law. Listen to today’s Morning Drive Bible for the beginnings of our discussion about this crucial topic.

(34) Illigitimate Sources of Prophetic Information

Using the Holy Spirit in order to uncover classified information – as is done with the Urim v’Tumim – is a wonderful thing. But when that information is not forthcoming, using illigitimate means to discover it is a terrible sin… as King Saul tragically discovered for himself.

(33) Wonder Woman, Simon Says, and the Urim V’Tumim

Maybe the producers of 1970s TV knew something about the Holy Spirit. What can David and Scott discover from the iconic show Wonder Woman about the nature of the High Priest’s breastplate? (Yes, we’re serious.)

(32) Why Isn’t This Forbidden Magic???

We already learned the the Urim v’Tumim and the Sotah Waters offered secret information by way of the Holy Spirit. David presents another example of the Holy Spirit providing classified information, this time regarding the scapegoat on the Day of Atonement. But this all leads to a bigger question: isn’t this a form of divination, and isn’t that explicitly forbidden by the Torah?

(31) Sotah-Water and Sexual Infidelity

Last time we learned that the Urim v’Tumim – which provides hidden and prophetic information – is the name of G-d written on parchment, and inserted into the High Priest’s breastplate. Today, David and Scott look at another Biblical instance of G-d’s name on parchment used to discover secrets. But this time, it’s secret adultery. Puzzled? Listen and learn.

(30) The Name of G-d on a Piece of Parchment

David reveals the secret of the Urim v’Tumim’s prophetic power: the name of G-d was written on a piece of parchment, and placed inside the High Priest’s breastplate. But which name of G-d? And how does this all work? You better listen up to start getting some answers.

(29) Versace’s Dream

The book of Exodus offers elaborate descriptions of the eight garments of the High Priest in the Temple… but is shockingly ambiguous about the “Urim VTummin” that is placed inside the Breastplate. What is it? What does it do? And how is it associated with the Holy Spirit? Join David and Scott for an episode of Morning Drive Bible that every fashionista will love.

(28) The Holy Spirit via the High Priest’s Breastplate

David is wearing a shirt with the Yale University logo, and he thinks it might help him become #MisterHolySpirit. Is he off his rocker or does it actually make a little bit of sense? (Only a little bit, of course. It’s still crazy.) Join David and Scott for an opening discussion of the clothes of the High Priest in the Temple, and their connection with the Holy Spirit.