Episodes: Masonry

(118) Is the Name of G-d an Attribute of Mercy?

The thirteen attributes of divine mercy that appear in Exodus 34 begin with the name of G-d mentioned three times – the Tetragrammaton twice, and then the Hebrew word for “G-d.” Are these all counted among the thirteen, and if so, what do they mean? Listen to David and Scott duke it out in today’s...

More Info

(117) Formulaic Prayer: Magic Words or Something Deeper?

G-d informs Moses that whenever Israel recites the thirteen attributes of mercy, He will forgive them. Doesn’t this sound like a type of magic trick? Isn’t prayer supposed to be about building a relationship with G-d, rather than the mindless recitation of a formula? Join David and Scott as they tackle this difficult question and,...

More Info

(116) The Time G-d Taught Moses How to Pray

G-d recites the thirteen attributes of mercy before Moses… and Jewish tradition says that G-d metaphorically appeared as a prayer leader when He did so. What does this teach us about the reason that the Bible relates G-d’s praises?

More Info

(115) Interacting with our Teachers: The Greatest Education

Book learning is wonderful, but nothing compares to actually witnessing the actions of our great teachers. Join David and Scott as they discuss this idea, and how it relates to Moses’ breaking of the Tablets of the Law.

More Info

(114) Thanksgiving: Thanking G-d for America

David and Scott offer a history lesson about Thanksgiving, and explain why all people of faith should be grateful to G-d for the gift of America. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

More Info

(113) Chaos in Israel and the World… Leading to the Final Redemption?

New elections – again – in Israel, and a prime minister under threat of indictment. Impeachment hearings in the United States. Brexit throwing the United Kingdom into turmoil. The whole world feels enveloped in chaos. While every country is involved in its own problems, what is G-d’s plan?

More Info

(112) The Covenant Versus the Bank Account

On the one hand, Jewish tradition says that the merit of the forefathers was used up during the First Temple period; on the other hand, our ancestors are mentioned to this day in Jewish liturgy, and we see their merit hinted at in the Bible even after the First Temple’s destruction. Join David and Scott...

More Info

(111) Can the Merit of the Forefathers Run Out? It’s a Complicated Question

There is an ancient Jewish tradition that claims that the merit of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob can be used up – and, in fact, was used up many years ago. Yet Jewish liturgy constantly invokes the merit of the fathers, as well. What’s going on?

More Info

(110) Fire, Sword and Exile – and the Antidote

How exactly does the merit of the forefathers mitigate the divine punishments of fire, sword, and exile? Join David and Scott to learn about “zechut avot” – the merit of the fathers.

More Info

(109) The Spiritual Merit of Isaac

Each of the ancestors of the Jewish People contributed something unique to the Jewish story and the Israelite DNA. What was the specific merit that came from Isaac?

More Info

(108) The Spiritual DNA of the Jewish People

According to an ancient tradition, Abraham was thrown into a fiery furnace because of his faith – yet he survived. How did this moment forever affect the future of the People of Israel?

More Info

(107) The Merit of the Fathers Affects the World

Moses’ fourth argument after the sin of the golden calf is that G-d should remember the merit of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. What, exactly, is this merit, and whom does it affect? Plus: the importance of wearing seat belts, and the real-life reality of the rewind button.

More Info

Join Our Newsletter

Subscribe to receive info on our latest news and episodes