This episode is concerning Parsha Shmot, the first parsha in the book of the same name. Specifically, I wanted to look at how Moshe discounts his own abilities and doesn't believe in his ability to lead the Israelite people, and requests the Lord to send a person who would "usually be sent" for this type of job.We all have unique talents that make us great in our own way; we just need to discover and cultivate those talents to be the best versions of ourselves that we can. One is not born great, but one become great by choosing to be rising to each challenge in the moment it happens. There is a saying that courage is not the absence of fear, but recognizing the fear and still choosing to take action. Additionally, by aligning with others whose gifts compliment our own, we can achieve greater success than trying to accomplish everything on our own, and that greatness is nothing if it cannot be shared with others around you.

Wandering the Desert

Shmot - Send Whom You Would Usually Send

In the first recording regarding Parsha Vayechi, we look at the circumstances surrounding Jacob blessing Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph's two sons. Jacob has Manasseh on his right and Ephraim on his left, but he crosses his arms during the blessing instead of keeping them straight forward. Joseph raises concern as this action, but Jacob confirms his intentions and offers his reasoning.We look at three possible interpretations. The first is from the Rashi and other rabbinical commentary, the second is from point made by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, and the third is what I had been able to piece together from my own. Let me know what you think!

Vayechi Part 1 - Yaakov's Blessing

My personal thoughts on the recent spate of attacks against Orthodox Jews in the New York area at the end of 2019. My heart goes out to all those who have been affected by these tragedies. However, we should not allow ourselves to feel like persecuted, weak, helpless victims perpetually at the mercy of our attackers, and it seems that the American Jewish community likes to push this narrative. This podcast is meant to counter-act the narrative of Jewish weakness that is being broadcast worldwide, and help to establish a sense of pride and honor in one's Jewish ancestry, whether they are devout or not, by relating some of my own experiences and how I have grown from them.This podcast also makes brief mention about the similarities between the Black American and the American Jewish experience, about how American Jews allow the Hasidim to control the definition of "orthodox Jew", and about how the reclusive nature of the Hasidic community allows for non-Jewish communities to define what Judaism actually is.

Thoughts on 2019 Anti-Semitic Attacks

Part 4 of the discussion regarding Vayigash. This part discusses Joseph introducing his family to Pharoah, and how the Israelites prospered in the land of Egypt. We talk about the significance of bread as a foundational element to Judaism and to life, the way in which Jews succeed and prosper in foreign lands, and how personal and business success can lead to resentment from those who are affected by the business dealings.

Vayigash Part 4 - The Cost of Business

Part 3 of the discussion around Parsha Vayigash. We discuss Jacob hearing the news that Joseph is still alive, and the meeting between the two as father and son. Some points covered include leadership, certainty, faith, and others.

Vayigash Part 3 - Seeing is Believing

Part 2 of the discussion regarding Parsha Vayigash. This episode talks about the possible  significance behind the number of descendents from each of Yaakov's four wives as they enter Egypt. Around the 3:30 mark, in talking about the number 8, I accidentally referred to its form as a Roman number with symmetry, when I had meant to say its form as an Arabic number. I apologize for any confusion this may have caused.

Vayigash Part 2 - Yaakov's Retinue and Numerology

The first part of my commentary on Parsha Vayishlach, particularly from Joseph's and Judah's arguments about what will happen with Benjamin, and Joseph revealing himself to the rest of his brothers. This is also the first ever podcast episode, so some of the terminology and pacing is a little off! I hope you all enjoy, and please provide feedback in whatever way you can!

Vayigash Part 1 - Family and Perseverence

Musings and remarks about Judaism, Chassidus, philosophy, and modern life from Benjamin Walters, a self-proclaimed "non-denominational Jew" living in the Great Basin desert in the High Sierras. Although not well-versed in the Talmudic texts or in rabbinical wisdom, Benjamin attempts to provide a unique and perspective and blend of American, Orthodox, Secular, and worldly beliefs to his view and interpretation of the Torah, and to help others in the journey and understand of their lives as Benjamin learns and navigates through his own.

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Wandering the Desert

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