About this episode
Today’s Daf Yomi page, Shekalim 17, revolves around a fantastic story that brings to mind the best of Tolkien, about a king climbing to the top of the Temple to return its holy keys to God. Rabbi Raphael Zarum joins us to talk about what the ancient Hebrew king has in common with Frodo, the protagonist of The Lord of the Rings series, and why both tales offer urgently needed insight about humans overcoming their deepest, darkest desires. What secret Hebrew messages did Tolkien code into his popular books? Listen and find out. Like the show? Send us a note at takeone@tabletmag.com . Follow us on Twitter at @takeonedafyomi and join the conversation in the Take One Facebook group . Take One is hosted by Liel Leibovitz and produced by Josh Kross, Sara Fredman Aeder, and Robert Scaramuccia. Check out all of Tablet’s podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts .